Arthrodesis of the equine proximal interphalangeal joint: a biomechanical comparison of three 4.5-mm and two 5.5-mm cortical screws

OBJECTIVE--To compare the biomechanical characteristics and mode of failure of 2 parallel-screw techniques for proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis in horses. STUDY DESIGN--Randomized block design, blocking for horse (1-5), method of screw fixation (three 4.5-mm vs two 5.5-mm), side (left limb vs right limb), and end (front limb vs hind limb). Constructs were loaded to failure in 3-point bending in a dorsal-to-palmar (plantar) direction. SAMPLE POPULATION--Twenty limbs (10 limb pairs) from 5 equine cadavers. METHODS--A combined aiming device was used to facilitate consistent screw placement. Three parallel 4.5-mm cortical screws were placed in lag fashion in 1 limb of a pair, and 2 parallel 5.5-mm cortical screws were placed in lag fashion in the contralateral limb. Arthrodesis constructs were tested in 3-point bending in a dorsal-to-palmar (plantar) direction using a materials-testing machine. Loading rate was 19 mm/s. Maximal bending moment at failure and composite stiffness were obtained from bending moment-angular deformation curves. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and chi(2) analysis. RESULTS--There were no significant differences in bending moment (P >.05, power = 0.8 @ delta = 19%) or composite stiffness (P >.05, power = 0.8 @ delta = 19%) between the 2 fixation techniques. Higher maximal bending moment was found in front limbs than hind limbs, and front limbs with two 5.5-mm screws than hind limbs with two 5.5-mm screws. In all cases, constructs completely failed. A greater number of 4.5-mm cortical screws failed than 5.5-mm cortical screws. CONCLUSIONS-In pastern arthrodesis constructs loaded in 3-point bending, end (front limb vs hind limb) affected maximal bending moment at failure of constructs. There was no significant effect of horse, treatment, or side on maximal bending moment or stiffness. Two 5.5-mm cortical screws should provide a surgically simpler pastern arthrodesis than three 4.5-mm cortical screws while maintaining similar biomechanical characteristics. CLINICAL RELEVANCE--Three 4.5-mm screws or two 5.5-mm screws will provide similar biomechanical characteristics in bending when performing equine pastern arthrodesis.     

Prevalence of caseous lymphadenitis and usage of caseous lymphadenitis vaccines in sheep flocks

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of caseous lymphadenitis (CLA), determine the current usage of vaccines against CLA and to measure the effectiveness of these vaccines on sheep farms. DESIGN AND POPULATION: A survey was undertaken on 223 sheep flocks in New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia. METHOD: The prevalence of CLA was measured by conventional inspection techniques at abattoirs in lines of sheep that could be traced back to a farm. Managers of the flocks were sent a questionnaire about their vaccine practices, management practices and knowledge of CLA. RESULTS: The average prevalence of CLA in adult sheep in these flocks was 26% and varied from 20% in Western Australia to 29% in New South Wales. About 43% of sheep producers used CLA vaccines; only 12% used them as recommended. Awareness of CLA was highest in Western Australia. More producers would use CLA vaccine if they knew the prevalence of CLA in their flock and producers obtained most information about CLA from vaccine resellers. CONCLUSIONS: Only 10 to 15% of producers are currently achieving effective CLA control through the use of recommended CLA vaccination programs. In Western Australian flocks more than 25% of effectively vaccinated ewes will be sent to abattoirs in the 2 to 3 years after this study. However, large decreases in the prevalence of CLA can be achieved by about 70% of producers by either making adjustments to their vaccination programs or buying a vaccine with a CLA component. Two or three key facts on effective CLA vaccination could be made available at the point of sale of vaccines and from abattoirs that reported the prevalence of CLA to farmers.     

THE EFFECT OF HISTAMINE ON SILAGE DRY-MATTER INTAKE

The oral introduction of 0·5 g histamine as the diphosphate into the rumen of sheep produced no effect on the physiological condition of the animals. The feeding of histamine, as the dihydrochloride, in levels up to 1 g/day to sheep on silage diets did not affect the dry-matter intake.