Summary Reasons for performing study: Thoracic trauma occurs in newborn foals and may cause associated clinical signs; this condition remains poorly documented. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to describe the pathological features of thoracic trauma in newborn foals presented for necropsy examination between 1990 and 2000. Methods: Necropsy reports of foals with thoracic trauma from 1990–2000 were reviewed. Subject details, clinical signs, thoracic and abdominal lesions were noted and analysed statistically. Results: Sixty‐seven (9%) of 760 necropsied foals had thoracic trauma. In 19 foals, fractured ribs were considered to be the cause of death (Group A). The remaining foals had fractured ribs (Group B, n = 20) or rib contusions (Group C, n = 28) that were incidental findings. Ribs 3 to 8 accounted for 86% of the traumatised bones. The most common site of injury was the costochondral junction and an area immediately above it (94%). In Group A, all but 2 foals died within the first 8 days post partum. Haemothorax and subsequent pulmonary collapse was cited most commonly as the cause of death (53%). Diaphragmatic rupture and hernia (n = 2) also occurred. Conclusions: The focal site, consistent location and presence of lesions during the first week post partum, all suggest that thoracic trauma in newborn foals probably occurs during parturition. Potential relevance: The description of lesions and site of occurrence of thoracic trauma in foals will increase awareness and improve the diagnosis and treatment of this life threatening condition.

Summary Reasons for performing study: Transrectal ultrasonography is a reliable technique to identify intra‐abdominal testes, but can be hazardous or impractical in fractious, juvenile or small equids. The transabdominal approach therefore requires validation. Objectives: To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of transabdominal ultrasonography to localise cryptorchid testes. Methods: Thirty‐eight horses admitted for cryptorchidism underwent transabdominal ultrasonography to locate errant testes. Location of the testes was confirmed during surgery (n = 37) or necropsy (n = 1). Results: Horses weighed 175–760 kg. Twenty‐two testes were located within the abdomen, 19 in the inguinal space and 3 in a subcutaneous location. In 2 horses, a thick winter coat prevented adequate contact between the probe and the skin, and visualisation of their inguinal testis and one abdominal testis was missed during transabdominal ultrasonography. Excluding the 2 horses with excessive hair, the sensitivity of transabdominal ultrasonography to locate errant testes was 97.6% (93.2% when all horses were included), and its specificity 100%. Conclusions: Transabdominal ultrasonography is a reliable, safe and immediate technique to diagnose cryptorchidism precisely in horses of all ages, sizes and temperaments. Potential relevance: Transabdominal ultrasonography provides an immediate definitive diagnosis of adominal cryptorchidism and sh ould enhance selection of an appropriate surgical approach for their removal.

BackgroundAlteration of limb sensitivity is forbidden in equine sports but difficult to enforce. We aimed to develop an objective field method to assess mechanical nociceptive threshold (MNT) in endurance horses.MethodsA remotely controlled pneumatic actuator (1 mm tip) was used to measure forelimb pastern MNT in 108 endurance horses.ResultsMedian (IQR) MNT at rest was 1.9 N (0.9–3.5). Icing had no significant effect on limb sensitivity. MNT measured at weekly intervals increased from week 1 (1.2 N (0.6–1.8)) to week 3 (1.9 N (1.2–2.8)) (P<0.05). In 17 horses without impaired sensitivity, MNT increased from 1.2 N (0.6–2.3) before to 2.4 N (1.2–5.2) after racing (P=0.0017). In desensitised horses, MNT after racing was higher (8 limbs—23.1 N (21.4 to >25)) than in horses without impaired sensitivity (42 limbs—2.2 N (1.2–4.3)) (P<0.0001). Desensitisation with mepivacaine increased MNT to above the safety cut-off (25 N) at 10 minutes; sensitivity return to baseline varied between individuals but was restored by 330 minutes. None of the horses became averse to the technique.ConclusionMNT was practical, non-traumatic, repeatable and well tolerated under field conditions in endurance horses. The technique differentiated postracing MNT in horses with normal sensitivity from those with impaired sensitivity.

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