Milomir Kovac

By Milomir Kovac, Ruslan Aliev, Sergey Pozyabin, Nevena Drakul and Albert Rizvanov

Equine paralytic (postoperative) ileus generally refers to an acute condition of impaired gastrointestinal motility. Paralytic ileus is most frequently seen following abdominal surgery on the small intestine in horses. Three main mechanisms are involved separately or simultaneously in its causation, namely neurogenic-endocrinic, inflammatory-endotoxic and pharmacological mechanisms. Regardless of the cause, equine paralytic ileus can be fatal, if not properly diagnosed and treated. Over the past 22 years (1997–2019), we have diagnosed and treated more than 180 horses with postoperative ileus using differing methods. Based on our results and experience, and that of others, we have developed a multimodal strategy to reduce the incidence of postoperative ileus. This has resulted in effective treatment of ileus-diagnosed patients in 94% of cases, a significant improvement in survival rates over the last 20 years. In this review, we described pre-, intra-, and postoperative multiple supplementary preventative and treatment procedures that cure this condition. These methods are dependent on individual cases but include the control of endotoxemia and inflammation, as well as using the least traumatic surgical techniques, carrying out the pelvic flexure colotomy, improved anesthesia techniques, treating with continuous postoperative peritoneal lavage, the use of fluid, antibiotic and NSAIDs therapy, according to a scheme the use of different prokinetic agents (including metoclopramide, neostigmine methylsulfate and domperidone), nasogastric decompression, management to minimize the surgical and postoperative stress reaction and judicious timing of postoperative feeding of horses.

Part of the book: Equine Science

By Anne Skivington, Milomir Kovac, Elena Zakirova, Albert A. Rizvanov and Catrin Sian Rutland

Proximal suspensory desmopathy/desmitis (PSD) of the hindlimb is a well understood condition with widely accepted treatment protocols; however, there is little research demonstrating understanding or potential correlation between hindlimb PSD and sacroiliac disease (SID). Several studies have examined the co-existence of hindlimb PSD and SID each investigating unique predisposing factors. This has led to little direct correlation of cause and effect with no definitive conclusions drawn. The need to be objective is highlighted by the limited number of studies and that two studies used anecdotal evidence to support their hypothesis and thus creating the question does hindlimb proximal suspensory desmopathy predispose horses to sacroiliac disease? This review looks at the two conditions and compares the literature for each, including the incidence, biomechanics, anatomy, and treatment. The review further discusses whether one disorder predisposes horses/equids to the other.

Part of the book: Equine Science

By Elena Zakirova, Kovac Milomir, Margarita Zhuravleva, Catrin Sian Rutland and Albert Rizvanov

Tendon and ligament injuries have always been complex to treat, with recovery often taking many months, if successful at all. This chapter looks at recent work undertaken using regenerative medicine, specifically gene therapy and the advances that have been made in equine therapy. It looks at the process from plasmid construction, in vitro testing through to trialing the equine-specific plasmid construct in horses with superficial digital flexor tendon (tendinitis) and suspensory ligament branch injuries. It also looks at the rationale for utilizing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF164) and a basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2) for these trials and the cellular effects and potential mechanisms of actions.

Part of the book: Equine Science

By Milomir Kovac, Tatiana Vladimirovna Ippolitova, Sergey Pozyabin, Ruslan Aliev, Viktoria Lobanova, Nevena Drakul and Catrin S. Rutland

This review presents new aspects to understanding the neuroendocrine regulation of equine stress responses, and their influences on the physiological, pathophysiological, and behavioral processes. Horse management, in essence, is more frequently confirmed by external and internal stress factors, than in other domestic animals. Regardless of the nature of the stimulus, the equine stress response is an effective and highly conservative set of interconnected relationships designed to maintain physiological integrity even in the most challenging circumstances (e.g., orthopedic injuries, abdominal pain, transport, competitions, weaning, surgery, and inflammation). The equine stress response is commonly a complementary homeostatic mechanism that provides protection (not an adaptation) when the body is disturbed or threatened. It activates numerous neural and hormonal networks to optimize metabolic, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and immunological functions. This review looks into the various mechanisms involved in stress responses, stress-related diseases, and assessment, prevention or control, and management of these diseases and stress. Stress-related diseases can not only be identified and assessed better, given the latest research and techniques but also prevented or controlled.

Part of the book: Updates on Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology