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U ulcer: irritation in the lining of the horse’s stomach or intestine.
ultrasound: 1) a technique which uses ultrasonic waves to image internal
structures such as soft tissues (tendons or ligaments). untried: 1) not raced or tested for speed. 2) a stallion that has not been
bred. unwind: gradually withdraw a horse from intensive training. Let down.
upward fixation of the patella: locking of the hind limb in an extended,
stretched-out position due to the medial patellar ligament (which holds the kneecap in place) getting hung on a notch at the end of the thigh bone (femur). In affected horses, the locking occurs suddenly and without warning. Intial treatment may include anti-inflammatory medication on the assumption that the ligament and/or adjacent tissues are inflamed and swollen. Muscle-building exercise such as hill work is often recommended to improve strength, and dietary adjustment is used if necessary to improve body condition. If these measures fail, stifle injections can be considered or surgery. uveitis: inflammation and/or infection of the uvea, the colored iris of
the horse's eye. Signs may include constricted pupil, watery eye, squinting and rubbing. If allowed to progress, uveitis can lead to breakdown of the eye's internal structures, detachment of the retina and blindness. Treatment includes frequent application of pupil-dilating ophthalmic medications as well as anti-inflammatory preparations such as dexamethasone or prednisone on the eye and/or systemically, systemic administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications and detection and treatment of the underlying problem, if possible. |
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American Association of Equine Practitioners |
