Background: Although antibiotic resistance is a well-known issue in veterinary medicine, studies proposing real-time therapeutic monitoring (TDM) are lacking. The objective of the present study was to develop a simple and rapid protocol for the real-time therapeutic monitoring of antibiotics in horses and dogs. Methods: A reliable TDM protocol should encompass guidelines for the definition of plasma/serum collection time points, sample management by the clinical staff, transportation to the laboratory, and the availability of robust and swift analytical technologies. Ampicillin and sulbactam were quantified using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in the plasma or serum of animals treated with ampicillin alone or combined with sulbactam. Results: The method was successfully applied to samples collected from animals hospitalized in our veterinary hospital and proved helpful in understanding the pharmacokinetics of this antibiotic in critically ill patients. Conclusions: Combined with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) data, this approach enables PK/PD evaluations to support the development of personalized therapeutic strategies and optimized dosing regimens for animals.

A 17-year-old mare presenting with acute fever, weakness and bladder dysfunction was diagnosed with equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM). The mare become transiently recumbent, underwent parenteral fluid therapy, plasma infusion, steroidal/nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (SAID/NSAIDs) and bladder catheterization. After 10 days the mare was hospitalized. Neurological evaluation revealed ataxia and proprioceptive deficits mainly in the hind limbs. The mare was able to stand but unable to rise from recumbency or walk. Secondary complications included Escherichia coli cystitis, corneal ulcers and pressure sores. A full-body support sling was used for 21 days. Medical treatment included systemic antimicrobials, NSAIDs, gradual discontinuation of SAIDs, parenteral fluid therapy and bladder lavage. The mare tested positive for Varicellovirus equidalpha 1 (EHV-1) DNA in nasal swab and blood samples on day 13 and in urine samples on days 13 and 25 after the onset of fever. Neurological signs improved over a period of 34 days and the mare was discharged with mild hind limb weakness/ataxia. Secondary complications resolved within 2 weeks. At the eight-month follow-up, marked improvement in locomotory function had been achieved.

A 3-year-old Quarter Horse stallion was referred for headshaking (HS) syndrome of one month duration. The horse underwent complete HS workup. Physical examination revealed up-and-down head movements associated with nose snorting during lunging and riding, in the absence of other abnormalities at rest or in motion. Lameness, neurologic and behavioural evaluations were unremarkable. Endoscopic examination of the upper respiratory tract showed bilateral guttural pouches (GPs) inflammation. The mucosal surface was altered by the presence of areas of microbullous appearance coalescing into some bullae of larger diameter. A bacterial culture obtained by flushing, brushing and biopsy of the GP mucosa was positive for Serratia marcescens. Computed tomographic evaluation was indicative of: moderate bilateral GP inflammation, bilateral otitis media, and nuchal ligament enthesopathy, with uncertain significance. The horse was treated with antimicrobials according to the sensitivity test, systemic NSAIDs and rest. At the one-month follow-up, HS condition was improved and the endoscopic examination showed a limited number of bullous lesions remaining. Bacterial culture re-obtained from the GPs lavages was positive for Streptococcus equi zooepidemicus. Based on the residual evidence of GP infection, the horse was re-treated with antimicrobials according to the sensitivity test, systemic NSAIDs and rest. At the two-month follow-up, HS condition was considered resolved based on clinical evaluation, the horse resumed gradually training with satisfactory results. Endoscopy and bacteriology showed resolution of GP infection. At one-year follow-up no relapses were reported.

Background: Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) may improve the assessment of myocardial function in neonatal foals. Objectives: To document the feasibility of left ventricular pulsed wave (PW) TDI, inter‐ and intra‐observer variability and wave pattern over the first 5 days of life. Study Design: Prospective observational study. Methods: Transthoracic echocardiography was performed in 25 healthy Standardbred foals within the first 24 h after birth (T1), between 60–84 h (T2), and 108–132 h (T3) after birth using right parasternal short‐axis (R‐LV SAX) and subcostal long‐axis views at the mitral annulus, both at the interventricular septum (SC‐MV IVS) and free wall (SC‐MV FW). Systolic (S ₁ , S _m ) and diastolic (E ₁ , E _m , A _m ) peak velocities were measured at each site. Intra‐ and inter‐observer variability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Longitudinal changes were analysed using Friedman's test with Sidak‐adjusted pairwise comparisons. E _m and A _m were compared using the paired Wilcoxon test. Results: Pulsed wave tissue Doppler imaging was feasible in all foals. S ₁ and E ₁ were frequently indistinguishable. ICCs showed excellent agreement for most variables; measurement variability was low. S _m (R‐LV SAX: T1 = 9.3 [8.2–11.0] cm/s; T3 = 12 [11.1–12.7] cm/s; p < 0.01), E _m (R‐LV SAX: T1 = 15.8 [14.1–20.1] cm/s; T3 = 22.1 [20.2–25.5] cm/s; p = 0.003; SC‐MV FW: T1 = 16.9 [15.2–20.6] cm/s; T3 = 21.0 [18.1–22.3] cm/s; p = 0.019) and R‐LV SAX E _m /A _m (T1 = 1.5 [1.3–1.9] cm/s; T3 = 1.9 [1.7–2.6] cm/s; p = 0.003) increased over time. E _m was higher than A _m in the R‐LV SAX view at all time points. Main Limitation: Effective sample size varied across analyses. Conclusions: Pulsed wave tissue Doppler imaging was feasible. S _m and E _m increased over time, while A _m remained stable, indicating early ventricular adaptation to extra‐uterine life. PW TDI may be a useful tool in myocardial function monitoring of neonatal foals.

Smartphone-based electrocardiography (ECG) is increasingly explored as a practical tool for cardiac assessment in veterinary species. The aim of this prospective observational study was to investigate the usability and reliability of a new smartphone-based ECG system (Eko DUO) in healthy foals. A total of 39 foals, aged 1 to 59 days, were enrolled. ECGs were recorded using the smartphone device in all animals, while a subgroup of 10 foals also underwent simultaneous recording with a conventional base-apex ECG (rECG) to enable direct comparison. All tracings were reviewed blindly by a single evaluator to assess interpretability, rhythm, and ECG parameters. Statistical analysis was performed. The smartphone ECG (sECG) provided readable tracings in all foals without requiring clipping or sedation. Sinus rhythm was identified in every subject, and heart rate classification (normal, bradycardia, or tachycardia) showed complete concordance with the rECG, supporting its clinical applicability for rapid cardiac assessment. No significant discrepancies were detected for heart rate, PR interval, or QT interval measurements, although P wave duration was shorter and QRS complex slightly longer in sECG recordings. The polarity of QRS complexes matched across systems, while P wave polarity varied. A moderate agreement concerning ECG quality and artifact was found. The smartphone ECG system showed good performance in field conditions, enabling rapid acquisition of clinically interpretable tracings and accurate heart rate evaluation, though variations in wave morphology should be acknowledged during clinical use.