sharon spier | University of California, Davis (original) (raw)
Papers by sharon spier
Genome Announcements, Feb 25, 2016
Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis is the etiological agent of a caseous lymphadenitis disease. H... more Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis is the etiological agent of a caseous lymphadenitis disease. Herein, we present the first complete genome sequencing of C. pseudotuberculosis strain 226, isolated from an abscess of the sub-iliac lymph node of a goat from California (USA). The genome contains 2,138 coding sequences (CDSs), 12 rRNAs, 49 tRNAs, and 72 pseudogenes.
PubMed, May 1, 1993
Ouabain, a cardiac glycoside, binds to the Na(+)-K(+)-adenosine triphosphatase (Na+ pump) and pre... more Ouabain, a cardiac glycoside, binds to the Na(+)-K(+)-adenosine triphosphatase (Na+ pump) and prevents active transport of Na+ and K+ across cell membranes. We used [3H]ouabain to quantify the number and affinity of Na+ pumps in skeletal muscle from Quarter Horses with the muscular disorder hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP). [3H]Ouabain-binding properties of gluteal muscle from clinically normal and affected horses were used to determine whether altered Na+ pump number or affinity could contribute to the pathologic features of muscle in affected horses. Foals and adult horses with HYPP were compared with age-matched clinically normal horses. The number of [3H]ouabain-binding sites in adult gluteal muscle was not different between the 2 types of horses (85.7 +/- 8.9 pmol of [3H]ouabain-binding sites/g [wet muscle weight] in horses with HYPP vs 100.2 +/- 8.8 pmol/g in clinically normal adult horses). Gluteal muscles in HYPP-affected and clinically normal foals also contained a similar number of [3H]ouabain-binding sites (222.3 +/- 21.0 pmol/g vs 225.3 +/- 24.2 pmol/g, respectively). The affinity of these binding sites for ouabain was not different, between adults or foals, in clinically normal or affected horses. Our results indicate that membrane events underlying the periodic episodes of paralysis in horses with HYPP are not attributable to quantitative changes in Na+ pump number or affinity. Our data cannot exclude the possibility that the specific activity of the Na+ pump is altered in muscle from HYPP-affected horses.
PubMed, Mar 15, 1993
Four Quarter Horses (1 stallion, 3 mares) with hyperkalemic periodic paralysis were mated to unaf... more Four Quarter Horses (1 stallion, 3 mares) with hyperkalemic periodic paralysis were mated to unaffected horses to determine the genetic basis of the disease. The affected stallion was bred to 11 unaffected mares (4 Quarter Horses, 1 Arabian, 2 Standardbreds, and 4 Thoroughbreds). The 3 affected mares were bred to an unaffected Quarter Horse stallion. Of the 15 offspring obtained from these matings, 9 were affected with hyperkalemic periodic paralysis, and 6 were unaffected, consistent with an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. Diagnosis was established by results of oral administration of potassium chloride and demonstration of characteristic clinical signs accompanied by hyperkalemia. Oral administration of potassium chloride resulted in marked increases in plasma potassium concentrations in affected and unaffected foals, although hyperkalemia was associated with clinical signs of hyperkalemic periodic paralysis in the affected foals. Evaluation of blood samples from affected and unaffected offspring revealed no linkage with erythrocyte and serum markers at 24 loci.
Equine Veterinary Education, Jan 5, 2010
PubMed, Dec 1, 1990
Immunoglobulin reactions to Salmonella dublin in serum and milk from 4 groups of lactating cows w... more Immunoglobulin reactions to Salmonella dublin in serum and milk from 4 groups of lactating cows were measured by an indirect ELISA. The groups consisted of (1) cows that were natural carriers of S dublin in the mammary gland, (2) experimentally infected cows that did not become carriers, (3) cows inoculated with a commercial S dublin bacterin, and (4) cows used as S dublin-negative controls. Milk and serum samples were obtained at monthly intervals. Models for predicting carrier status were developed by use of stepwise logistic regression. Independent variables consisted of serum and milk IgG and IgM titers to S dublin lipopolysaccharide and a ratio of IgG to IgM. The utility of a single sample vs multiple samples obtained at 1-month or 2-month intervals was tested by comparison of goodness-of-fit chi 2 P values for 8 models predicting carrier status. Immunoglobulin reactions specific to S dublin were a significant predictor of carrier status (P less than 0.001). Serum IgG titers specific for S dublin were the most important variable for predicting carrier status. Two serum IgG titers to S dublin obtained 2 months apart was a better predictor of carrier status than measurement of the IgG:IgM ratio from a single serum sample. Immunoglobulin recognizing S dublin epitopes also were detected in milk samples. In milk, performing 2 ELISA 60 days apart to determine IgG and IgM reactions to S dublin appeared to be useful for the prediction of carrier status, but was not as accurate as models for serum immunoglobulin reactions.
PubMed, Jul 1, 1989
Thirty-two horses with clinicopathologic evidence of endotoxic shock were randomly selected for a... more Thirty-two horses with clinicopathologic evidence of endotoxic shock were randomly selected for a double-blind trial of hyperimmune lipopolysaccharide (LPS) core antigen plasma. Horses were suffering from acute toxic enteritis (n = 15), 360 degrees volvulus of the large colon (n = 9), proximal jejunitis/duodenitis (n = 6), or strangulating obstruction of the small intestine (n = 2). Plasma was harvested from suitable equine plasma donors (preimmune plasma) and horses were immunized with a whole-cell bacterin of an Rc mutant E. coli (J5). Plasma was again harvested from these horses when IgG ELISA titers recognizing LPS core antigen were greater than 1:32,000. All horses included in the trial received either preimmune or hyperimmune plasma in addition to traditional therapy (fluids, antimicrobials, antiinflammatory agents, etc.) as dictated by the attending clinician. The mortality rate in the group of horses receiving hyperimmune plasma was 13%; in the control group receiving preimmune plasma, the mortality rate was 47% (P = .045). Horses receiving J5 hyperimmune plasma had a significantly improved clinical appearance 48 hours after plasma administration (P less than .05) and a shorter period to recovery than control horses (P = .069).
Equine Veterinary Education, 2008
Journal of Bacteriology, Jul 1, 2012
PubMed, Oct 15, 1987
Sixteen calves (3 to 8 months old) affected with oak toxicosis were studied. Clinical, laboratory... more Sixteen calves (3 to 8 months old) affected with oak toxicosis were studied. Clinical, laboratory, and pathologic findings during the peracute through chronic stages were documented. Of the calves studied, 1 died, and 9 others were euthanatized because death was imminent. To evaluate chronic effects, the 6 remaining cattle were euthanatized after 2 months. One calf with acute toxicosis was treated successfully with diuretics and fluid volume replacements containing sodium chloride and calcium. Clinical and laboratory data were compared between survivors and nonsurvivors. A statistically significant (P less than 0.02) difference was found only in serum creatinine concentration at the time of initial reexamination. A decrease in BUN and creatinine values during the next 7 days and the lack of anorexia after the acute phase were the best prognostic indicators for survival.
PubMed, Aug 15, 1996
Objective: To describe clinical manifestations of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection in... more Objective: To describe clinical manifestations of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection in horses and to evaluate diagnostic methods for identification of this disease. Design: Retrospective case series. Animals: 538 horses with a diagnosis of C pseudotuberculosis infection. Results: Median age of horses with external abscesses was similar to that in horses with internal abscesses. Breed and sex did not appear to be associated with infection. Cases were detected during all 12 months; however, the disease was most common in the fall and early winter, with the highest incidence in September, October, and November in every year. Most horses (492/538, 91.4%) had a single episode of infection, without recurrence in subsequent years. Of 538 horses, 308 had pectoral abscesses, although infection was documented in many other anatomic locations. Forty-two horses had internal abscesses involving the abdomen or thoracic cavity. Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection was readily identified by bacterial culture of aspirate samples from abscesses. The synergistic hemolysis inhibition test was useful for diagnosis of internal abscesses; however, it was unreliable for the diagnosis of external abscesses. Horses with external abscesses responded well to conventional treatment, in contrast to those with internal abscesses. The overall case fatality was low (3.9%), and was considerably lower for horses with external abscesses (0.8%) than for horses with internal abscesses (40.5%). Clinical implications: Serology (synergistic hemolysis inhibition titers > or = 512) is useful for diagnosis of internal abscesses, but not reliable for diagnosis in horses with external abscesses. Prognosis for horses with internal abscesses is considerably poorer than for those with external abscesses.
PubMed, Oct 15, 1990
Eleven horses (3 mares, 7 stallions, 1 gelding) with clinical and biochemical evidence of hyperka... more Eleven horses (3 mares, 7 stallions, 1 gelding) with clinical and biochemical evidence of hyperkalemic periodic paralysis were studied. Each horse had history of episodic weakness, muscular tremors, or collapse, which lasted for periods of a few minutes to hours. Diagnosis was based on hyperkalemia in association with a spontaneous episode of paralysis or by precipitation of an episode by oral administration of potassium chloride. Clinical and biochemical events were documented during spontaneous and induced episodes of muscular weakness. During episodes, electrocardiographic findings were consistent with hyperkalemia. Electromyography performed between episodes revealed fibrillation potentials and positive sharp waves, complex repetitive discharges, and myotonic discharges. Histologic changes in muscle biopsy specimens varied from no overt changes in some horses to vacuolation in type-2B fibers with mild degenerative changes in other horses. Electron microscopy of myofibers revealed dilatations of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Analysis of blood samples taken serially during induced attacks in 5 horses revealed marked hyperkalemia (5.5 to 9.0 mEq/L), with normal acid-base status, hemoconcentration, and modest changes in muscle-derived enzymes. Close correlation (r2 = 0.882) between total plasma protein and plasma potassium concentrations was observed and indicated a shift of fluid out of the extracellular fluid compartment. Treatment of either spontaneous or induced episodes by IV administration of calcium, glucose, or bicarbonate resulted in rapid recovery. Dietary management or daily administration of acetazolamide effectively controlled episodes. An affected mare was bred to an affected stallion, and 3 affected offspring were produced by embryo transfer. Blood samples from another extended family of affected horses were analyzed for identification of a genetic marker.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Animal Genetics, Apr 24, 2009
SummaryThe pedigree origin of a base pair substitution in the horse muscle sodium channel gene th... more SummaryThe pedigree origin of a base pair substitution in the horse muscle sodium channel gene that confers susceptibility to the muscle disease hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP) was investigated with a set of 978 Quarter Horses. The horses were chosen at random, based on a collection of blood samples taken between 1989 and 1991 to meet parentage testing requirements, primarily but not exclusively from breeding stallions. The frequency of Quarter Horses positive for the base pair substitution, all heterozygotes, was 4‐4%, which corresponds to an allelic frequency of 0.02. All horses positive for the gene traced to a single previously identified stallion as first, second or third generation descendants. A higher frequency of the HYPP susceptibility trait than expected by random occurrence was found among his descendants in this study.
Equine Veterinary Education, May 19, 2016
Veterinary Clinics of North America-equine Practice, Aug 1, 1989
Rational perioperative management improves the success rate of abdominal surgery. Important aspec... more Rational perioperative management improves the success rate of abdominal surgery. Important aspects of management are discussed, including principles of fluid therapy, nutrition, intravenous catheterization, antimicrobial prophylaxis, and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Current advances in the area of immunotherapy are mentioned.
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, May 15, 2018
Background: Imported horses that have undergone recent long distance transport might represent a ... more Background: Imported horses that have undergone recent long distance transport might represent a serious risk for spreading infectious respiratory pathogens into populations of horses. Objective: To investigate the frequency of shedding of respiratory pathogens in recently imported horses. Animals: All imported horses with signed owner consent (n 5 167) entering a USDA quarantine for contagious equine metritis from October 2014 to June 2016 were enrolled in the study. Methods: Prospective observational study. Enrolled horses had a physical examination performed and nasal secretions collected at the time of entry and subsequently if any horse developed signs of respiratory disease during quarantine. Samples were assayed for equine influenza virus (EIV), equine herpesvirus type-1, 22, 24, and 25 (EHV-1, 22, 24, 25), equine rhinitis virus A (ERAV), and B (ERBV) and Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (S. equi) using quantitative PCR (qPCR). Results: Equine herpesviruses were detected by qPCR in 52% of the study horses including EHV-2 (28.7%), EHV-5 (40.7%), EHV-1 (1.2%), and EHV-4 (3.0%). Clinical signs were not correlated with being qPCR-positive for EHV-4, EHV-2, or EHV-5. None of the samples were qPCR-positive for EIV, ERAV, ERBV, and S. equi. The qPCR assay failed quality control for RNA viruses in 25% (46/ 167) of samples. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Clinical signs of respiratory disease were poorly correlated with qPCR positive status for EHV-2, 24, and 25. The importance of g-herpesviruses (EHV-2 and 5) in respiratory disease is poorly understood. Equine herpesvirus type-1 or 4 (EHV-1 or EHV-4) were detected in 4.2% of horses, which could have serious consequences if shedding animals entered a population of susceptible horses. Biosecurity measures are important when introducing recently imported horses into resident US populations of horses.
American Journal of Physiology-cell Physiology, May 1, 1991
A recently described disorder in certain registered Quarter horses bears many clinical similariti... more A recently described disorder in certain registered Quarter horses bears many clinical similarities to the muscle disease identified as hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HPP) in humans. Pathological changes in membrane permeability or Na(+)-K+ pump activity have been proposed to produce the muscle depolarization and inexcitability that characterize the condition in humans. Biopsies of external intercostal muscle from normal and affected horses were used to determine whether alterations in either permeability and/or pump activity could be linked to the pathology in horses. Affected horse muscle is approximately 16 mV more depolarized than normal muscle at rest, and the muscle membrane potential of HPP horses is less responsive to changes in extracellular K+. Calculation of the relative membrane permeabilities of Na+ and K+ (PNa/PK) indicates that this ratio is significantly increased in HPP muscle. The increase is probably due to an increase in PNa rather than to a decrease in PK, since addition of 10(-6) M tetrodotoxin produces an approximately 14-mV membrane hyperpolarization in HPP fibers but is without effect in normal fibers. The clinical similarities between HPP in horses and humans suggest a common genetic defect in the two species.
Equine Veterinary Education, Oct 13, 2015
Summary Hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia (HERDA) results from a genetic mutation which ... more Summary Hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia (HERDA) results from a genetic mutation which affects the skin and other tissues of Quarter Horses and horses with Quarter Horse lineage. The disease HERDA has an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance and has become a significant concern in the Quarter Horse industry due to the high frequency of heterozygote carriers. Affected homozygous horses appear normal at birth; however, within the first 2 years of life they usually acquire loose, hyperextensible skin and wounds which result in disfiguring scars either spontaneously or from minor trauma. Some severely affected horses also develop haematomas and seromas. Consequently, most affected horses are subjected to euthanasia at an early age. No treatment options other than palliative therapy currently exist. As part of a five panel test (http://www.aqha.com/News/News-Articles/2013/April/04292013-Genetic-Testing.aspx) the American Quarter Horse Association presently requires DNA testing for HERDA on all breeding stallions. There are currently no restrictions on registration of horses heterozygous or homozygous for the HERDA mutation. Due to the autosomal recessive nature of the disease, Quarter Horse mares and horses of all breeds from HERDA-associated bloodlines should also be tested.
PubMed, Jun 15, 1985
In 6 horses with urinary bladder neoplasms, common clinical findings included a palpable mass in ... more In 6 horses with urinary bladder neoplasms, common clinical findings included a palpable mass in the bladder, anemia, hematuria, and/or proteinuria. Squamous cell carcinoma was found in 4 horses and appears to be the most common bladder tumor in the horse. Single cases of transitional cell carcinoma and fibromatous polyp also were identified. All horses except one were over 10 years of age. In one mare, treatment with 5-fluorouracil intracystically resulted in decreased bleeding from the bladder mass and apparent stabilization of the mass size. The mare ultimately died because of abdominal metastasis. Although rare, neoplasia of the urinary bladder should be considered when evaluating horses with hematuria.
Genome Announcements, Feb 25, 2016
Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis is the etiological agent of a caseous lymphadenitis disease. H... more Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis is the etiological agent of a caseous lymphadenitis disease. Herein, we present the first complete genome sequencing of C. pseudotuberculosis strain 226, isolated from an abscess of the sub-iliac lymph node of a goat from California (USA). The genome contains 2,138 coding sequences (CDSs), 12 rRNAs, 49 tRNAs, and 72 pseudogenes.
PubMed, May 1, 1993
Ouabain, a cardiac glycoside, binds to the Na(+)-K(+)-adenosine triphosphatase (Na+ pump) and pre... more Ouabain, a cardiac glycoside, binds to the Na(+)-K(+)-adenosine triphosphatase (Na+ pump) and prevents active transport of Na+ and K+ across cell membranes. We used [3H]ouabain to quantify the number and affinity of Na+ pumps in skeletal muscle from Quarter Horses with the muscular disorder hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP). [3H]Ouabain-binding properties of gluteal muscle from clinically normal and affected horses were used to determine whether altered Na+ pump number or affinity could contribute to the pathologic features of muscle in affected horses. Foals and adult horses with HYPP were compared with age-matched clinically normal horses. The number of [3H]ouabain-binding sites in adult gluteal muscle was not different between the 2 types of horses (85.7 +/- 8.9 pmol of [3H]ouabain-binding sites/g [wet muscle weight] in horses with HYPP vs 100.2 +/- 8.8 pmol/g in clinically normal adult horses). Gluteal muscles in HYPP-affected and clinically normal foals also contained a similar number of [3H]ouabain-binding sites (222.3 +/- 21.0 pmol/g vs 225.3 +/- 24.2 pmol/g, respectively). The affinity of these binding sites for ouabain was not different, between adults or foals, in clinically normal or affected horses. Our results indicate that membrane events underlying the periodic episodes of paralysis in horses with HYPP are not attributable to quantitative changes in Na+ pump number or affinity. Our data cannot exclude the possibility that the specific activity of the Na+ pump is altered in muscle from HYPP-affected horses.
PubMed, Mar 15, 1993
Four Quarter Horses (1 stallion, 3 mares) with hyperkalemic periodic paralysis were mated to unaf... more Four Quarter Horses (1 stallion, 3 mares) with hyperkalemic periodic paralysis were mated to unaffected horses to determine the genetic basis of the disease. The affected stallion was bred to 11 unaffected mares (4 Quarter Horses, 1 Arabian, 2 Standardbreds, and 4 Thoroughbreds). The 3 affected mares were bred to an unaffected Quarter Horse stallion. Of the 15 offspring obtained from these matings, 9 were affected with hyperkalemic periodic paralysis, and 6 were unaffected, consistent with an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. Diagnosis was established by results of oral administration of potassium chloride and demonstration of characteristic clinical signs accompanied by hyperkalemia. Oral administration of potassium chloride resulted in marked increases in plasma potassium concentrations in affected and unaffected foals, although hyperkalemia was associated with clinical signs of hyperkalemic periodic paralysis in the affected foals. Evaluation of blood samples from affected and unaffected offspring revealed no linkage with erythrocyte and serum markers at 24 loci.
Equine Veterinary Education, Jan 5, 2010
PubMed, Dec 1, 1990
Immunoglobulin reactions to Salmonella dublin in serum and milk from 4 groups of lactating cows w... more Immunoglobulin reactions to Salmonella dublin in serum and milk from 4 groups of lactating cows were measured by an indirect ELISA. The groups consisted of (1) cows that were natural carriers of S dublin in the mammary gland, (2) experimentally infected cows that did not become carriers, (3) cows inoculated with a commercial S dublin bacterin, and (4) cows used as S dublin-negative controls. Milk and serum samples were obtained at monthly intervals. Models for predicting carrier status were developed by use of stepwise logistic regression. Independent variables consisted of serum and milk IgG and IgM titers to S dublin lipopolysaccharide and a ratio of IgG to IgM. The utility of a single sample vs multiple samples obtained at 1-month or 2-month intervals was tested by comparison of goodness-of-fit chi 2 P values for 8 models predicting carrier status. Immunoglobulin reactions specific to S dublin were a significant predictor of carrier status (P less than 0.001). Serum IgG titers specific for S dublin were the most important variable for predicting carrier status. Two serum IgG titers to S dublin obtained 2 months apart was a better predictor of carrier status than measurement of the IgG:IgM ratio from a single serum sample. Immunoglobulin recognizing S dublin epitopes also were detected in milk samples. In milk, performing 2 ELISA 60 days apart to determine IgG and IgM reactions to S dublin appeared to be useful for the prediction of carrier status, but was not as accurate as models for serum immunoglobulin reactions.
PubMed, Jul 1, 1989
Thirty-two horses with clinicopathologic evidence of endotoxic shock were randomly selected for a... more Thirty-two horses with clinicopathologic evidence of endotoxic shock were randomly selected for a double-blind trial of hyperimmune lipopolysaccharide (LPS) core antigen plasma. Horses were suffering from acute toxic enteritis (n = 15), 360 degrees volvulus of the large colon (n = 9), proximal jejunitis/duodenitis (n = 6), or strangulating obstruction of the small intestine (n = 2). Plasma was harvested from suitable equine plasma donors (preimmune plasma) and horses were immunized with a whole-cell bacterin of an Rc mutant E. coli (J5). Plasma was again harvested from these horses when IgG ELISA titers recognizing LPS core antigen were greater than 1:32,000. All horses included in the trial received either preimmune or hyperimmune plasma in addition to traditional therapy (fluids, antimicrobials, antiinflammatory agents, etc.) as dictated by the attending clinician. The mortality rate in the group of horses receiving hyperimmune plasma was 13%; in the control group receiving preimmune plasma, the mortality rate was 47% (P = .045). Horses receiving J5 hyperimmune plasma had a significantly improved clinical appearance 48 hours after plasma administration (P less than .05) and a shorter period to recovery than control horses (P = .069).
Equine Veterinary Education, 2008
Journal of Bacteriology, Jul 1, 2012
PubMed, Oct 15, 1987
Sixteen calves (3 to 8 months old) affected with oak toxicosis were studied. Clinical, laboratory... more Sixteen calves (3 to 8 months old) affected with oak toxicosis were studied. Clinical, laboratory, and pathologic findings during the peracute through chronic stages were documented. Of the calves studied, 1 died, and 9 others were euthanatized because death was imminent. To evaluate chronic effects, the 6 remaining cattle were euthanatized after 2 months. One calf with acute toxicosis was treated successfully with diuretics and fluid volume replacements containing sodium chloride and calcium. Clinical and laboratory data were compared between survivors and nonsurvivors. A statistically significant (P less than 0.02) difference was found only in serum creatinine concentration at the time of initial reexamination. A decrease in BUN and creatinine values during the next 7 days and the lack of anorexia after the acute phase were the best prognostic indicators for survival.
PubMed, Aug 15, 1996
Objective: To describe clinical manifestations of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection in... more Objective: To describe clinical manifestations of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection in horses and to evaluate diagnostic methods for identification of this disease. Design: Retrospective case series. Animals: 538 horses with a diagnosis of C pseudotuberculosis infection. Results: Median age of horses with external abscesses was similar to that in horses with internal abscesses. Breed and sex did not appear to be associated with infection. Cases were detected during all 12 months; however, the disease was most common in the fall and early winter, with the highest incidence in September, October, and November in every year. Most horses (492/538, 91.4%) had a single episode of infection, without recurrence in subsequent years. Of 538 horses, 308 had pectoral abscesses, although infection was documented in many other anatomic locations. Forty-two horses had internal abscesses involving the abdomen or thoracic cavity. Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection was readily identified by bacterial culture of aspirate samples from abscesses. The synergistic hemolysis inhibition test was useful for diagnosis of internal abscesses; however, it was unreliable for the diagnosis of external abscesses. Horses with external abscesses responded well to conventional treatment, in contrast to those with internal abscesses. The overall case fatality was low (3.9%), and was considerably lower for horses with external abscesses (0.8%) than for horses with internal abscesses (40.5%). Clinical implications: Serology (synergistic hemolysis inhibition titers > or = 512) is useful for diagnosis of internal abscesses, but not reliable for diagnosis in horses with external abscesses. Prognosis for horses with internal abscesses is considerably poorer than for those with external abscesses.
PubMed, Oct 15, 1990
Eleven horses (3 mares, 7 stallions, 1 gelding) with clinical and biochemical evidence of hyperka... more Eleven horses (3 mares, 7 stallions, 1 gelding) with clinical and biochemical evidence of hyperkalemic periodic paralysis were studied. Each horse had history of episodic weakness, muscular tremors, or collapse, which lasted for periods of a few minutes to hours. Diagnosis was based on hyperkalemia in association with a spontaneous episode of paralysis or by precipitation of an episode by oral administration of potassium chloride. Clinical and biochemical events were documented during spontaneous and induced episodes of muscular weakness. During episodes, electrocardiographic findings were consistent with hyperkalemia. Electromyography performed between episodes revealed fibrillation potentials and positive sharp waves, complex repetitive discharges, and myotonic discharges. Histologic changes in muscle biopsy specimens varied from no overt changes in some horses to vacuolation in type-2B fibers with mild degenerative changes in other horses. Electron microscopy of myofibers revealed dilatations of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Analysis of blood samples taken serially during induced attacks in 5 horses revealed marked hyperkalemia (5.5 to 9.0 mEq/L), with normal acid-base status, hemoconcentration, and modest changes in muscle-derived enzymes. Close correlation (r2 = 0.882) between total plasma protein and plasma potassium concentrations was observed and indicated a shift of fluid out of the extracellular fluid compartment. Treatment of either spontaneous or induced episodes by IV administration of calcium, glucose, or bicarbonate resulted in rapid recovery. Dietary management or daily administration of acetazolamide effectively controlled episodes. An affected mare was bred to an affected stallion, and 3 affected offspring were produced by embryo transfer. Blood samples from another extended family of affected horses were analyzed for identification of a genetic marker.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Animal Genetics, Apr 24, 2009
SummaryThe pedigree origin of a base pair substitution in the horse muscle sodium channel gene th... more SummaryThe pedigree origin of a base pair substitution in the horse muscle sodium channel gene that confers susceptibility to the muscle disease hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP) was investigated with a set of 978 Quarter Horses. The horses were chosen at random, based on a collection of blood samples taken between 1989 and 1991 to meet parentage testing requirements, primarily but not exclusively from breeding stallions. The frequency of Quarter Horses positive for the base pair substitution, all heterozygotes, was 4‐4%, which corresponds to an allelic frequency of 0.02. All horses positive for the gene traced to a single previously identified stallion as first, second or third generation descendants. A higher frequency of the HYPP susceptibility trait than expected by random occurrence was found among his descendants in this study.
Equine Veterinary Education, May 19, 2016
Veterinary Clinics of North America-equine Practice, Aug 1, 1989
Rational perioperative management improves the success rate of abdominal surgery. Important aspec... more Rational perioperative management improves the success rate of abdominal surgery. Important aspects of management are discussed, including principles of fluid therapy, nutrition, intravenous catheterization, antimicrobial prophylaxis, and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Current advances in the area of immunotherapy are mentioned.
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, May 15, 2018
Background: Imported horses that have undergone recent long distance transport might represent a ... more Background: Imported horses that have undergone recent long distance transport might represent a serious risk for spreading infectious respiratory pathogens into populations of horses. Objective: To investigate the frequency of shedding of respiratory pathogens in recently imported horses. Animals: All imported horses with signed owner consent (n 5 167) entering a USDA quarantine for contagious equine metritis from October 2014 to June 2016 were enrolled in the study. Methods: Prospective observational study. Enrolled horses had a physical examination performed and nasal secretions collected at the time of entry and subsequently if any horse developed signs of respiratory disease during quarantine. Samples were assayed for equine influenza virus (EIV), equine herpesvirus type-1, 22, 24, and 25 (EHV-1, 22, 24, 25), equine rhinitis virus A (ERAV), and B (ERBV) and Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (S. equi) using quantitative PCR (qPCR). Results: Equine herpesviruses were detected by qPCR in 52% of the study horses including EHV-2 (28.7%), EHV-5 (40.7%), EHV-1 (1.2%), and EHV-4 (3.0%). Clinical signs were not correlated with being qPCR-positive for EHV-4, EHV-2, or EHV-5. None of the samples were qPCR-positive for EIV, ERAV, ERBV, and S. equi. The qPCR assay failed quality control for RNA viruses in 25% (46/ 167) of samples. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Clinical signs of respiratory disease were poorly correlated with qPCR positive status for EHV-2, 24, and 25. The importance of g-herpesviruses (EHV-2 and 5) in respiratory disease is poorly understood. Equine herpesvirus type-1 or 4 (EHV-1 or EHV-4) were detected in 4.2% of horses, which could have serious consequences if shedding animals entered a population of susceptible horses. Biosecurity measures are important when introducing recently imported horses into resident US populations of horses.
American Journal of Physiology-cell Physiology, May 1, 1991
A recently described disorder in certain registered Quarter horses bears many clinical similariti... more A recently described disorder in certain registered Quarter horses bears many clinical similarities to the muscle disease identified as hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HPP) in humans. Pathological changes in membrane permeability or Na(+)-K+ pump activity have been proposed to produce the muscle depolarization and inexcitability that characterize the condition in humans. Biopsies of external intercostal muscle from normal and affected horses were used to determine whether alterations in either permeability and/or pump activity could be linked to the pathology in horses. Affected horse muscle is approximately 16 mV more depolarized than normal muscle at rest, and the muscle membrane potential of HPP horses is less responsive to changes in extracellular K+. Calculation of the relative membrane permeabilities of Na+ and K+ (PNa/PK) indicates that this ratio is significantly increased in HPP muscle. The increase is probably due to an increase in PNa rather than to a decrease in PK, since addition of 10(-6) M tetrodotoxin produces an approximately 14-mV membrane hyperpolarization in HPP fibers but is without effect in normal fibers. The clinical similarities between HPP in horses and humans suggest a common genetic defect in the two species.
Equine Veterinary Education, Oct 13, 2015
Summary Hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia (HERDA) results from a genetic mutation which ... more Summary Hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia (HERDA) results from a genetic mutation which affects the skin and other tissues of Quarter Horses and horses with Quarter Horse lineage. The disease HERDA has an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance and has become a significant concern in the Quarter Horse industry due to the high frequency of heterozygote carriers. Affected homozygous horses appear normal at birth; however, within the first 2 years of life they usually acquire loose, hyperextensible skin and wounds which result in disfiguring scars either spontaneously or from minor trauma. Some severely affected horses also develop haematomas and seromas. Consequently, most affected horses are subjected to euthanasia at an early age. No treatment options other than palliative therapy currently exist. As part of a five panel test (http://www.aqha.com/News/News-Articles/2013/April/04292013-Genetic-Testing.aspx) the American Quarter Horse Association presently requires DNA testing for HERDA on all breeding stallions. There are currently no restrictions on registration of horses heterozygous or homozygous for the HERDA mutation. Due to the autosomal recessive nature of the disease, Quarter Horse mares and horses of all breeds from HERDA-associated bloodlines should also be tested.
PubMed, Jun 15, 1985
In 6 horses with urinary bladder neoplasms, common clinical findings included a palpable mass in ... more In 6 horses with urinary bladder neoplasms, common clinical findings included a palpable mass in the bladder, anemia, hematuria, and/or proteinuria. Squamous cell carcinoma was found in 4 horses and appears to be the most common bladder tumor in the horse. Single cases of transitional cell carcinoma and fibromatous polyp also were identified. All horses except one were over 10 years of age. In one mare, treatment with 5-fluorouracil intracystically resulted in decreased bleeding from the bladder mass and apparent stabilization of the mass size. The mare ultimately died because of abdominal metastasis. Although rare, neoplasia of the urinary bladder should be considered when evaluating horses with hematuria.