A three-dimensional pelvimetric assessment on pelvic cavity of gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa) by computed tomography

The gazelles (Gazella subgutturosa), which are at the risk of extinction and are legally protected, have a cultural and aesthetic value in Turkey. It becomes incredibly important to increase their numbers in order to ensure their survival. In this context, it is required to examine thoroughly the pelvic cavity which contains reproductive organs and is used as the birth canal, as well. This study was conducted to determine the pelvimetric data of the gazelles by scanning their pelvic cavity via a multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and preparing three-dimensional models of the pelvic cavity. Twelve adult (6 females, 6 males) gazelle carcasses were used in the study. After the pelvic cavity was scanned using the MDCT device with 64 detectors at 80 kV, 200 mA, 639 mGY and 0.625 mm cross-section thickness, the MDCT images were obtained. The three-dimensional models of the images obtained using MIMICS 20.1 (The Materialise Group, Leuven, Belgium) program were prepared. Pelvimetric measurements of the pelvic cavity were taken using these models. It was determined based on the pelvimetric examinations that there was a significant difference between the female and male gazelles in terms of conjugate diameter, vertical diameter, intermediate traversal diameter, and cranial and medial transverse diameter data at p < .05. Also, there was a significant difference in their data related to caudal transverse diameter and ischial arch at p < .01. Consequently, it is thought that the use of pelvimetric values belonging to the pelvic cavity of gazelles would reveal the sexual dimorphism of the species and its differences with other species and would contribute to clinical sciences.     

VALIDATION OF DELAYED GADOLINIUM‐ENHANCED MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OF CARTILAGE AND T2 MAPPING FOR QUANTIFYING DISTAL METACARPUS/METATARSUS CARTILAGE THICKNESS IN THOROUGHBRED RACEHORSES

The purpose of this study was to determine whether delayed gadolinium‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of cartilage (dGEMRIC) and T2 mapping are accurate techniques for measuring cartilage thickness in the metacarpus3/metatarsus3 (Mc3/Mt3) of Thoroughbred racehorses. Twenty‐four Mc3/Mt3 cadaver specimens were acquired from six healthy racehorses. Cartilage thickness was measured from postintra‐articular Gd‐DTPA^2? images acquired using short tau inversion recovery (STIR), and proton density weighted (PDw) sequences, and compared with cartilage thickness measured from corresponding histologic images. Two observers performed each histologic measurement twice at three different sites, with measurement times spaced at least 5 days apart. Histologic cartilage thickness was measured at each of the three sites from the articular surface to the bone–cartilage interface, and from the articular surface to the mineralized cartilage interface (tidemark ) . Intra‐observer repeatability was good to moderate for dGEMRIC where Mc3/Mt3 cartilage was not in contact with the proximal phalanx. Where the Mc3/Mt3 cartilage was in contact with the proximal phalanx cartilage, dGEMRIC STIR and T2 mapping PDw cartilage thicknesses of Mc3/Mt3 could not be measured reliably. When measured from the articular surface to the bone–cartilage interface, histologic cartilage thickness did not differ from STIR or PDw cartilage thickness at the site where the Mc3/Mt3 cartilage surface was separated from the proximal phalanx cartilage (P > 0.05). Findings indicated that dGEMRIC STIR and T2 mapping PDw are accurate techniques for measuring Mc3/Mt3 cartilage thickness at locations where the cartilage is not in direct contact with the proximal phalanx cartilage.     

Metacarpal and metatarsal fractures in dogs

Metacarpal fractures were more common than metatarsal fractures in this retrospective study of 37 dogs. Fractures of one metacarpal or metatarsal bone occurred In 24 per cent of the dogs, two metacarpal bones in 16 per cent, three metacarpal or metatarsal bones in 19 per cent, and four metacarpal or metatarsal bones in 41 per cent. Eighty-seven per cent of the dogs with fractures of four bones had fracture displacement or malalignment of at least one digit. Progressive fracture healing usually occurred Irrespective of stabilisation method. For malaligned fractures, however, external coaptation did not consistently improve alignment. Fracture alignment was consistently Improved by open reduction and internal fixation of acute fractures with bone plates. Fractures of four bones occurred most often In the distal metacarpus as opposed to the proximal metatarsus. Therefore, open reduction and internal fixation may be more commonly indicated for severe metacarpal fractures, because fracture displacement or axial1 malalignment was significantly associated with fractures of the mid or distal regions of the metacarpus or metatarsus (P=0.052).     

Autologous osteochondral grafting (mosaic arthroplasty) for treatment of subchondral cystic lesions in the equine stifle and fetlock joints

OBJECTIVE: To describe treatment of equine subchondral bone cysts (SBCs) by reconstruction of the articular surface with osteochondral grafts. STUDY DESIGN: Case series of horses with SBCs unresponsive to conservative therapy. ANIMALS: Eleven horses (1-12 years). METHODS: SBCs were identified in 4 locations: medial femoral condyle (5 horses), lateral femoral condyle (1), distal epiphysis of the metacarpus (4), or metatarsus (1). Osteochondral autograft transplantation (mosaic arthroplasty) was performed, taking grafts from the abaxial border of the medial femoral trochlea of the unaffected limb. Graft implantation was achieved through a small arthrotomy or by arthroscopy depending on SBC location. RESULTS: All horses improved postoperatively; 10 horses had successful outcomes with radiographic evidence of successful graft incorporation and 7 returned to a previous or higher activity level. On follow-up arthroscopy (5 horses) there was successful reconstitution of a functional gliding surface. One horse had delayed incorporation of a graft because of a technical error but became sound. One horse had recurrence after 4 years of work and soundness. One stallion was used for breeding and light riding because of medial meniscal injuries on the same limb. CONCLUSIONS: Implantation of osteochondral grafts should be considered for SBC when conservative management has not improved lameness and there is a risk of further joint injury and degeneration. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Mosaic arthroplasty should be considered for treatment of subchondral bone cysts of the femoral condyle and distal articular surface of the metacarpus/tarsus in horses that are refractory to non-surgical management.     

Mild exercise early in life produces changes in bone size and strength but not density in proximal phalangeal, third metacarpal and third carpal bones of foals

Exercise or lack of it in early life affects chondro-osseous development. Two groups of horses were used to investigate the effects of age and exercise regimen on bone parameters of diaphyseal, metaphyseal, epiphyseal and cuboidal bones of the distal limb of Thoroughbreds. One group had exercised only spontaneously from an early age at pasture (PASTEX group), while the other group of horses were exposed to a 30% greater workload through additional defined exercise (CONDEX). Longitudinal data from peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) were obtained from eight scan sites of the left forelimb (proximal phalangeal (P_p; 1 site), third metacarpal (Mc3; six sites) and third carpal (C₃; one site) bones) of 32 Thoroughbred foals scanned five times from ∼3 weeks to 17 months of age. The primary outcome measures were bone mineral content (BMC), bone area (BA), and periosteal circumference (Peri C) in diaphyseal bone, with cortical thickness (CortTh), volumetric bone mineral density (BMD_v) and a bone strength index (SSI) also being analysed.At the P_p site within the model there was a significant effect (P = 0.00–0.025) of conditioning exercise increasing bone parameters, except endosteal circumference (Endo C) and BMD_v. The BMC, BA, and SSI of P_p were significantly greater in the CONDEX than PASTEX groups at 12 and 17 months (P = 0.015–0.042) and CortTh at 17 months (P = 0.033). At the M55 site of Mc3 BMC, BA and SSI (P = 0.02–0.04), and at the M33 site, SSI (P = 0.05) were higher in the CONDEX than PASTEX group. The adaptive responses, consistent with diaphyseal strengthening, were more marked in the diaphysis of P_p than Mc3. In the Mc3, metaphysis, trabecular BMD_v was less in the CONDEX than PASTEX group, associated with greater bone mineral accretion in the outer cortical-sub-cortical bone in the CONDEX group. There were no significant between-group differences in any epiphyseal or cuboidal bone parameter. Although the early imposed exercise regimen was not intensive, it had significant effects on diaphyseal bone strength, through change in size but not bone density.     

Surgical correction of metacarpophalangeal valgus deformity in an alpaca

A 1-month-old alpaca cria presented with a 13 degree valgus deformity of the left metacarpophalangeal joint. The angular limb deformity was centered on the distal metacarpal physes. Transphyseal bridging of the physes was recommended. Two 2.7 mm cortical bone screws were placed either side of the distal metacarpal physes and a figure of eight wire was placed medially around the screw heads. The screws extended through the medial metacarpus into the axial cortex of the lateral metacarpus. Seven weeks after surgery the limb was straight and the screws and wire were removed. Transphyseal bridging of the distal metacarpal physes can be effectively used for the treatment of metacarpophalangeal valgus in crias with open physes.     

FEASIBILITY FOR MAPPING CARTILAGE T1 RELAXATION TIMES IN THE DISTAL METACARPUS3/METATARSUS3 OF THOROUGHBRED RACEHORSES USING DELAYED GADOLINIUM‐ENHANCED MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OF CARTILAGE (dGEMRIC): NORMAL CADAVER STUDY

Osteoarthritis of the metacarpo/metatarsophalangeal joints is one of the major causes of poor performance in horses. Delayed gadolinium‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of cartilage (dGEMRIC) may be a useful technique for noninvasively quantifying articular cartilage damage in horses. The purpose of this study was to describe dGEMRIC characteristics of the distal metacarpus3/metatarsus3 (Mc3/Mt3) articular cartilage in 20 cadaver specimens collected from normal Thoroughbred horses. For each specimen, T1 relaxation time was measured from scans acquired precontrast and at 30, 60, 120, and 180 min post intraarticular injection of Gd‐DTPA^2‐ (dGEMRIC series). For each scan, T1 relaxation times were calculated using five regions of interest (sites 1–5) in the cartilage. For all sites, a significant decrease in T1 relaxation times occurred between precontrast scans and 30, 60, 120, and 180 min scans of the dGEMRIC series (P < 0.0001). A significant increase in T1 relaxation times occurred between 60 and 180 min and between 120 and 180 min post Gd injection for all sites. For sites 1–4, a significant increase in T1 relaxation time occurred between 30 and 180 min postinjection (P < 0.05). Sites 1–5 differed significantly among one another for all times (P < 0.0001). Findings from this cadaver study indicated that dGEMRIC using intraarticular Gd‐DTPA^2‐ is a feasible technique for measuring and mapping changes in T1 relaxation times in equine metacarpo/metatarsophalangeal joint cartilage. Optimal times for postcontrast scans were 60–120 min. Future studies are needed to determine whether these findings are reproducible in live horses.     

Induction of reproductive activity and egg production by gonadotropin-releasing hormone in non-laying hens

The current study was conducted to evaluate the effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue (Receptal) injection on reproductive traits of fully mature layers hens (32 weeks) suffered from inactive ovaries. Ninety-six non-laying hens (TETRA-SL brown egg layers), selected from a commercial flock, with similar body weight, were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 24). Hens in the 1st group served as a control. Hens of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th groups were individually intramuscularly injected every 4 days with 50, 100 and 150 µl of Receptal solution, respectively, for two times. The results stated that the injection of Receptal induced the non-laying hens to produce eggs, but control birds did not produce eggs during the experimental period. The distance between pelvic bones and between the pelvic bone and keel bone of hens was significantly improved (p < .001) in groups received different GnRH levels compared with the control group. The best results were observed in the group injected with 100 µl Receptal. Levels of LH, FSH, oestrogen and progesterone hormones were significantly (p < .05) higher in Receptal-treated groups than in the control group. Hens injected with Receptal had an increase in ovary%, yellow follicles number, oviduct% and oviduct length (p < .001) compared with the control. It was concluded that treating inactive ovaries in non-laying hens with GnRH injections for two times, 4-day intervals, is an effective procedure for inducing egg production and useful in cost reduction in layer farms, and the group treated with 100 µl Receptal had the best results.     

Partial carpal arthrodesis in a calf with chronic infectious arthritis of the carpus and osteomyelitis of the carpal and metacarpal bones.

A calf was treated for chronic infectious arthritis and osteomyelitis of the carpus and metacarpus by carpal bone excision, debridement, and cancellous bone graft placement in the metacarpal medullary cavity. Following 6 weeks of limb immobilization, carpal-metacarpal arthrodesis was achieved. The heifer is pain free, and has produced 3 calves.     

Single transphyseal screws for the correction of moderate to severe angular limb deformities in 28 Thoroughbred foals

This study reports on the effective use of a single transphyseal screw for the treatment of moderate to severe angular limb deformities (ALDs) of the fetlocks and carpi of 28 young Thoroughbred foals. The objective was to evaluate the surgical management of foals with moderate to severe ALDs treated with single transphyseal screws. Evaluation of medical records of 28 Thoroughbred foals treated with single transphyseal screws placed across the distal radial, metacarpal and metatarsal physes was undertaken. The angle of joint deviation was measured prior to implantation and at removal of the implants, and the degree of improvement was calculated. A total of 39 screws were placed: 24 in the distal metacarpus or metatarsus and 15 in the distal radial physis. Varus or valgus deformities in the fetlock improved by 4–5° over a period of 15–30 days. Varus or valgus deformities in the carpi improved by 8–11° in 11–56 days. One case failed to improve adequately due to implant infection. Single transphyseal screws were effective in treating moderate to severe varus and valgus ALD of the fetlocks and carpi in young Thoroughbred foals. Further investigation into their use in the distal radius in young foals is needed. While single transphyseal screws are almost exclusively used by some clinics in the distal metatarsal and metacarpal physes, many clinicians do not use them in the distal radial physis of young foals due to fear of over‐correction, physitis and metaphyseal collapse. This was not observed in any of our cases.     

Influence of mastitis metritis agalactia (MMA) on bone and fat metabolism

Mastitis metritis agalactia (MMA) is a common disease in post-partum sows and has a negative effect on sows’ longevity as well as on sows’ and piglets’ health. MMA leads to an inflammatory state. The aim was to investigate the impact of MMA on bone and fat metabolism. The hypothesis was that it is possible to predict MMA by measuring ketone bodies and bone markers. Blood samples from 175 sows were taken within 72 hr after farrowing. Serum was analysed for 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-(OH)-D), serum crosslaps (CTX-I), osteocalcin (OC), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), parathyroid hormone (PTH), triglycerides (TG), beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHB), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and haptoglobin. Spontaneous urine was collected, and pH value was measured in addition to Ca and P. A proximate analysis of the sows’ diets was performed. Age, litter size, body condition score (BCS) and clinical signs of MMA were recorded for each sow. A multivariable logistic regression was undertaken with disease status (MMA or healthy) as the dependent variable. Significance was accepted at p < .05. MMA sows had a poorer BCS (p < .001) in relation to healthy sows. Age and number of piglets did not differ. MMA sows showed increased serum CTX-I (p = .004) and decreased serum OC (p < .001). Concentrations of P (p = .007), activity of ALP (p = .002) and BHB (p = .019) as well as TNF-α (p < .001) and haptoglobin (p = .048) concentrations were increased in MMA sows. No difference in urinary pH value between MMA and healthy sows was found. Our results are in accordance with the known fact that sows are in an extreme catabolic state peripartum. Bone metabolism in MMA sows is much more negatively affected than in healthy sows post-partum, due to inflammatory processes shown by higher concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines.     

Three-dimensional computed tomographic examination of pelvic cavity in Van Cats and its morphometric investigation

This study was carried out to determine the morphometric values of the pelvic cavity, the cranial and caudal pelvic aperture by three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of the images obtained by computed tomography in adult Van Cats and to show the differences between these indicators in both genders. A total of 16 adult Van Cats, eight male and eight female, were used in the study. Animals were anesthetized with ketamine–xylazine combination and were scanned by computerized tomography. Images of the pelvic cavity were obtained. Three-dimensional reconstruction of the pelvis was performed with three-dimensional modelling program. Measurements of the diameters of the pelvic cavity, the cranial and caudal pelvic aperture were calculated from these images, and statistical analyzes were performed. Three-dimensional modelling of the pelvic cavity of Van Cats were examined between males and females. The results showed that there were significant (p < .05) differences between measurement of the pelvic inclination, the medial transverse diameter, the caudal transverse diameter and the angle between ischiatic arch. In addition, the correlations between age and weight were found statistically significant (p < .05) with the dorsal transverse diameter, the intermediate transverse diameter and the caudal transverse diameter in males. On the other hand, the correlations of age were statistically significant (p < .01) with the cranial pelvic aperture and the caudal pelvic aperture in females. In conclusion, some biometric values of pelvic cavity were observed to be statistically different in Van Cats.     

Progressive resistance‐loaded voluntary wheel running increases hypertrophy and differentially affects muscle protein synthesis,ribosome biogenesis,and proteolytic markers in rat muscle

We examined if 6 weeks of progressive resistance‐loaded voluntary wheel running in rats induced plantaris, soleus, and/or gastrocnemius hypertrophy and/or affected markers of translational efficiency, ribosome biogenesis, and markers of proteolysis. For 6 weeks, 8 male Sprague‐Dawley rats (~9–10 weeks of age, ~300–325 g) rats were assigned to the progressive resistance‐loaded voluntary wheel running model (EX), and ten rats were not trained (SED). For EX rats, the wheel‐loading paradigm was as follows – days 1–7: free‐wheel resistance, days 8–15: wheel resistance set to 20%–25% body mass, days 16–24: 40% body mass, days 25–32: 60% body mass, days 33–42: 40% body mass. Following the intervention, muscles were analysed for markers of translational efficiency, ribosome biogenesis, and muscle proteolysis. Raw gastrocnemius mass (+13%, p < .01), relative (body mass‐corrected) gastrocnemius mass (+16%, p < .001), raw plantaris mass (+13%, p < .05), and relative plantaris mass (+15%, p < .01) were greater in EX vs. SED rats. In spite of gastrocnemius hypertrophy, EX animals presented a 54% decrease in basal muscle protein synthesis levels (p < .01), a 125% increase in pan 4EBP1 levels (p < .001) and a 31% decrease in pan eIF4E levels (p < .05). However, in relation to SED animals, EX animals presented a 70% increase in gastrocnemius c‐Myc protein levels (p < .05). Most markers of translational efficiency and ribosome biogenesis were not altered in the plantaris or soleus muscles of EX vs. SED animals. Gastrocnemius F‐box protein 32 and poly‐ubiquinated protein levels were approximately 150% and 200% greater in SED vs. EX rats (p < .001). These data suggest that the employed resistance training model increases hind limb muscle hypertrophy, and this may be mainly facilitated through reductions in skeletal muscle proteolysis, rather than alterations in ribosome biogenesis or translational efficiency.     

Necrosis and sloughing of skin associated with limb cellulitis in four cows and a calf: predisposing causes, treatment and prognosis

Four cows and a calf with non-suppurative limb cellulitis were observed subsequently to suffer skin necrosis and sloughing in the affected limbs, either on or distal to the metacarpus or metatarsus. In comparison with six cows with suppurative Corynebacterium pyogenes limb cellulitis, topical therapy or the cases with skin necrosis and sloughing was adequate and the prognosis was good, when compared with the rigorous systemic therapy applied to the cows with suppurative cellulitis, some of which died. The skin necrosis and sloughing resulting from limb cellulitis seemed to be encouraged by the paucity of tissue between the skin and the bone, by the poor vascularity of the area, and by the causative bacteria.     

Physiological and health‐related response of broiler chickens fed diets containing raw,full‐fat soya bean meal supplemented with microbial protease

A 2 × 3 factorial study (protease: 0 or 1,5000 PROT/kg and raw full‐fat soya bean meal [RSBM] replacing the commercial SBM at 0, 45 and 75 g/kg of diet) was conducted to examine the performance of broilers. Phytase (2000 FYT/kg) was uniformly added to each diet, each also replicated six times, with eight birds per replicate. Birds were raised in climate‐controlled rooms using sawdust as the bedding material and offered starter, grower and finisher diets. Feed intake (FI) and body weight gain (BWG) were reduced (p < .05) due to increasing levels of RSBM, but feed conversion ratio (FCR; 0–35 days) was unaffected. Over the first 24 days, neither RSBM nor protease supplementation affected (p > .05) mortality, footpad dermatitis or intestinal lesions in birds. At day 24, the weight, length, width and strength of tibia bone were reduced in chickens that received an elevated level of RSBM (75 g/kg of diet), but this was not significant at day 35. At day 24 (p < .05) and 35 (p < .01), Ca concentration in the litter was reduced when the RSBM level was increased in the diet, but P content was not affected. On days 24 (p < .05) and 35 (p < .01), the N content in litter was also increased with increase in dietary RSBM. Protease supplementation increased (p < .05) the uric acid concentration in the litter (at day 35), but the reverse was the case for ammonia concentration. Overall, the results of this study indicate that there are no major health‐related risks, associated with the replacement of commercial SBM with RSBM (≤25%) in broiler diets.     

Use of magnetic resonance imaging identify suspensory desmitis and adhesions between exostoses of the second metacarpal bone and the suspensory ligament in four horses

Four horses were examined because of chronic forelimb lameness. In all horses, the cause of the lameness was localized to the metacarpus by means of physical examination and diagnostic anesthesia, and radiography of the affected limb revealed a small exostosis of the second metacarpal bone. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed suspensory desmitis in the region of this exostosis in all 4 horses. In addition, an abnormal area of low signal intensity, suggestive of an adhesion, was seen between the exostosis and the suspensory ligament. In all horses, an adhesion between the suspensory ligament and the exostosis on the second metacarpal bone was identified and transected at surgery, and the exostosis and distal portion of the second metacarpal bone were removed. All horses were able to return to their previous athletic use following a 6-month rest and rehabilitation program for treatment of the suspensory desmitis. Findings in these horses suggest that adhesions between the suspensory ligament and an exostosis of the second metacarpal bone may be a cause of chronic or recurrent forelimb lameness in horses.     

Transport stress induces pig jejunum tissue oxidative damage and results in autophagy/mitophagy activation

Pig transportation is associated with intestinal oxidative stress and results in destruction of intestinal integrity. Autophagy has been contributed to maintain cell homeostasis under stresses. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of transport stress on morphology, intestinal mucosal barrier and autophagy/mitophagy levels in pig jejunum. A total of 16 finishing pigs were randomly divided into two groups. The control group was directly transported to the slaughterhouse and rested for 24 hr. The experimental groups were transported for 5 hr and slaughtered immediately. The results showed that transportation induced obvious stress responses with morphological and histological damage in jejunum accompanying with an elevated level of malondialdehyde (MDA; p < .05), endotoxin (LPS; p < .05), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH; p < .05) and a decreased level of serum superoxide dismutase (SOD; p < .05). Also, hemeoxy genase 1 (HO‐1; p < .01) as well as tight junction protein (claudin‐1 [p < .001], occludin [p < .05] and zonula occludens 1 [ZO‐1; p < 0.05]) levels were attenuated in jejunum tissue, and NADPH oxidase 1 (NOX1; p < .01) mRNA expression was up‐regulated. Further research indicated that transport stress could induce autophagy through increasing microtubule‐associated protein light chain 3 (LC3; p < .05) and autophagy‐related gene 5 (ATG5; p < .01) levels and suppressing p62 expression. Additionally, transport stress increased the protein levels of PTEN‐induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1; p < .05) and Parkin (p < .05) which was associated with mitophagy. In conclusions, transport stress could induce the destruction of intestinal integrity and involve in the intestinal mucosal barrier oxidative damage, and also contribute to activation of autophagy/mitophagy.     

Advanced imaging of an incomplete fracture and exostosis of the third metacarpal bone in a young Warmblood horse

A 5-year-old Hanoverian gelding with acute moderate right forelimb lameness underwent nuclear scintigraphy, which identified marked increase in radiopharmaceutical uptake of the proximomedial aspect of the right metacarpus. Ultrasonography and radiography identified sclerosis and exostosis of the proximomedial aspect of the metacarpal bone III in-between the suspensory ligament and the second metacarpal bone, and presence of a suspected fracture. The owner requested euthanasia of the gelding, and post-mortem computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging identified marked bone sclerosis and thickening of the palmar cortex of the metacarpal III (McIII), presence of an incomplete fracture in the palmar cortex of McIII and expansive exostosis from McIII extending in a palmar direction between the suspensory ligament and the second metacarpal bone. Histopathological examination confirmed the imaging findings of sclerosis and led to final diagnosis of a fracture of the palmar cortex of the McIII associated with an exostosis encroaching the medial aspect of the suspensory ligament. No abnormalities were present in the suspensory ligament or metacarpal bone II (McII).     

Blood flow distribution in hind limb bones and joint cartilage from young growing pigs.

Blood flow distribution was studied in hind limb bones and joint cartilage from four ten week old and four 20 week old pigs using 141Ce-microspheres. In general, blood flow rate was greater in the epiphyseal and metaphyseal cancellous bone than in the cortical bone and joint cartilage. In the epiphyseal cancellous bone, blood flow rate was three to tenfold greater (P less than 0.01) in the surface 2 mm layer than in the remaining deeper bone in all femoral and tibial samples examined. In the joint cartilage, blood flow rate in the femoral condyle was greater (P less than 0.05) than in the proximal femur, patella, central tarsus and metatarsus in ten week old pigs, and was greater (P less than 0.05) in the femoral condyle than in the patella and metatarsus in 20 week old pigs. A significant (P less than 0.05) age-associated decrease in the rate of blood flow was observed in the femoral, patellar and metatarsal cartilage. Within the femoral condyle, no differences in blood flow were found between areas associated with relatively high versus relatively low incidences of osteochondrosis.