Purdue Veterinary Medicine Equine Specialist Researches Better Treatments for Sepsis in Horses Using Innovative, Multimodal Approach

Dr. Sandra Taylor, associate professor of large animal internal medicine in the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, with a newborn foal.
A foal undergoes treatment for sepsis at the Purdue University Large Animal Hospital.

Sepsis is a common cause of illness and death in both humans and animals worldwide, and occurs when infection leads to overwhelming, whole-body inflammation. In the majority of cases, infections resolve quickly by the use of antimicrobial drugs such as antibiotics, but widespread inflammation can lead to shock, organ failure, and death. Developing new therapies that stem the harmful cascade of inflammatory events is vital to improving survival in septic patients.

Dr. Sandra Taylor, associate professor of large animal internal medicine in the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, is conducting research aimed at improving treatments for sepsis in horses. Newborn foals and other large animal species are particularly susceptible to sepsis when colostrum (the mother’s first milk) is not ingested within a few hours of birth. Colostrum contains protective antibodies that are critical in preventing ingested bacteria from entering the blood stream and causing sepsis.  Adult horses also suffer from sepsis, which can occur in cases of severe pneumonia, colitis, or uterine infection.

Dr. Taylor’s love for animals, particularly horses, led her to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. “While investigating an equine model of HIV during graduate school, I developed a passion for research,” Dr. Taylor said. “I am especially interested in research that can be applied to both animals and humans.” Equine studies can be good examples of that kind of comparative research, according to Dr. Taylor.

A foal undergoes treatment for sepsis at the Purdue University Large Animal Hospital.

Dr. Sandra Taylor, associate professor of large animal internal medicine in the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, with a newborn foal.

Specifically, Dr. Taylor has studied the anti-inflammatory effects of ketorolac tromethamine (KT) in the horse, and has found that this non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) decreased inflammation in equine blood that had been stimulated with gram negative bacteria. She is currently investigating the analgesic properties of KT, phenylbutazone (Bute), and flunixin meglumine (Banamine®) in the horse. She hopes that KT will be a superior NSAID in treating both sepsis and pain in horses.

Dr. Taylor is also investigating the safety and efficacy of using stem cells to treat sepsis. Stem cells have been shown in her laboratory to elicit anti-inflammatory effects in bacteria-stimulated equine white blood cells, and in rodent models (mice and rats). Dr. Taylor has isolated and grown stem cells from horse blood, and is currently in the process of characterizing the cells prior to confirming the safety of intravenous administration. The next step will be to test the ability of stem cells to improve survival in septic horses.

Writer(s): Aparna Desai | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Recent Stories

Third Antimicrobial Resistance Conference Brings Interdisciplinary Scholars Together at Purdue

Attendance figures for Purdue University’s third Antimicrobial Resistance Conference demonstrate increasing interest in the event’s interdisciplinary approach to the topic that the World Health Organization (WHO) identifies as one of the top global public health and development threats. The conference last month at Purdue’s Stewart Center featured distinguished keynote speakers and Purdue scholars from a variety of disciplines who shared the latest research findings and insights regarding the challenges posed by antibiotic resistance.

“Paws Up” – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

Today we congratulate Dr. George Munguia, a resident in Emergency and Critical Care for being appreciated by his trainees.

Purdue Alumnus and Longtime Industry Veterinarian Joins College of Veterinary Medicine

A Purdue Veterinary Medicine graduate with extensive work experience in the animal health industry is returning to his alma mater to focus on strategic industry partnerships. Dr. Tony Rumschlag (PU DVM ’85) accepted the position of executive director of corporate relations for the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, effective March 31.

2024-2025 Sports Season Cast Spotlight on Purdue Comparative Oncology Program

The Boilermakers’ Sweet 16 contest tonight in the NCAA tournament provides a great opportunity to reflect on a basketball season that included a special focus on the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Comparative Oncology Program. During the football and basketball season, a BIG Impact Research video spotlighting Purdue canine cancer research and treatment aired during Purdue games on the Big Ten Network.