Effects of wheatfield soil on inocula of gaeumannomyces graminis (Sacc.) Arx & Olivier var. tritici J. Walker in relation to take-all decline

Organic debris extracted from wheatfield soils was found to be significantly more infective following 2–3 yr continuous wheat than after the fifth successive crop. Plots with added nitrogen yielded more infective debris than those without. Short periods of contact with decline soil or its suspension, reduced infection of wheat roots by Gaeumannomyces when they were subsequently grown in non-decline soil. Hyphae emerging from previously infected root pieces or culture inocula showed a positive growth response to wheat roots or their exudates. This response was negatively correlated to the distance between root and inoculum. In the presence of decline soil, hyphal response was significantly reduced. This reduction can be related to the decreased infectivity of decline soil and may help to explain take-all decline.     

Closing wedge ostectomy and medial distal tibia plate application for treatment of severe bilateral angular limb deformities in the hindlimbs of an 8-month-old foal

This case report describes the evaluation, surgical approach and outcome of an 8-month-old foal with severe angular limb deformities of both metatarsophalangeal joints (MTPJ). Radiography and computed tomography (CT) were used to diagnose a windswept deformity of the hindlimbs with associated bilateral physitis. The orthopaedic surgery was planned and rehearsed using three-dimensional (3D) bone models. A bilateral closing wedge ostectomy was performed on the distal MtIII, and 3.5 mm LCP^® medial distal tibia plates were used bilaterally for osteosynthesis. Even though convalescence was prolonged and complicated by partial unilateral implant failure and osteoarthritis (OA), reduction of the deformities was successful and resulted in a sound foal.     

Closed reduction and surgical fixation of elbow joint luxation in an adult mare and in a 3-month-old foal using knotless bone anchors and FiberTape

This report describes the successful surgical stabilisation of elbow joint luxation using knotless bone anchors and FiberTape to repair the medial collateral ligament in an 11-year-old mare (Case 1) and both medial and lateral collateral ligaments in a 3-month-old foal (Case 2). Radiography (both cases) and computed tomography (Case 2) were used to diagnose subluxation (Case 1) and complete luxation (Case 2) with suspected rupture of both collateral ligaments. Case 1 was supported in a rescue sling for 7 weeks postoperatively to prevent recumbency. Recovery was good, and the mare was sound at the walk at the time of discharge 8 weeks after surgery and 1 year later at the follow-up visit. Case 2 was discharged 3 weeks after surgery and was sound at the trot when re-evaluated 2 and 6 months postoperatively. Although elbow luxation accompanied by torn collateral ligaments is rare in horses, successful outcomes have been described. In the present case report, joint stabilisation and a successful outcome were achieved, for the first time, with closed reduction and an open approach for placement of knotless bone anchors and FiberTape. Limitations of our study included inability to directly assess the integrity of the implants during healing and relying mainly on clinical signs to assess healing.