Differences in stride between healthy ostriches (Struthio camelus) and those affected by tibiotarsal rotation

Twenty healthy ostriches (ten cocks and ten hens), and twenty birds with tibiotarsal rotation (nine cocks and 11 hens) (14 months old) were isolated, hooded and weighed. A run (50 m x 2.5 m) was divided into sections marked 5 m, 10 m, 15 m and 20 m. Time taken for each bird to pass these points was recorded and speed computed. The degree of tibiotarsal rotation in the right foot was mean +/- SEM, 156 +/- 2.69 degrees. Comparisons between left and right foot length in healthy birds showed no significant differences. Foot length was significantly lower in tibiotarsal rotation (P = 0.03). The right foot in tibiotarsal rotation was significantly shorter than the left foot. The number of strides per each 5 m division were significantly (P < 0.05) greater in tibiotarsal rotation by comparison with healthy birds. At 20 m, healthy cocks had more strides than hens. The stride length in hens was significantly (P < 0.05) greater than cocks at 5, 10 and 15 m, respectively, but lower throughout in tibiotarsal rotation (P = 0.001). The speed of hens was significantly (P < 0.05) greater than cocks. Tibiotarsal rotation resulted in significantly (P < 0.05) reduced speeds. Hens may be able to escape danger faster than cocks. The occurrence of tibiotarsal rotation necessitates consideration of genetics, management, sex, nutrition and growth rates.     

Tibiotarsal arthroscopy. Applications and long-term outcome in dogs.

The objective of this retrospective article was to describe the use of, and to determine long-term outcome of, tibiotarsal arthroscopy in dogs. The medical records of 20 client-owned dogs with tibiotarsal joint disease with arthroscopic treatment were reviewed. Long-term follow-up evaluation of lameness, force plate gait analysis, and radiographs to assess progression of degenerative joint disease (DJD) were performed. Arthroscopy was utilized in the diagnosis of talar osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), collateral ligament injury, septic arthritis, immune mediated arthritis, and a distal talar fragment. Sixteen joints with OCD treated resulted in 10/14 dogs with lameness after exercise only, progression of DJD in most cases, and chronic lameness when comparing operated to unoperated limbs with force plate evaluation at a mean follow-up of 35 months. Following treatment, three dogs with collateral ligament injury had reduced weight bearing on the operated limb, radiographic progression of DJD, and minimal lameness at a mean follow-up of 27 months. Tibiotarsal arthroscopy can be successfully used to help diagnose, and often to treat: OCD, collateral ligament injury, fractures, septic and non-septic arthritis in the dog. The minimally invasive nature of arthroscopy preserved joint stability while allowing complete examination of the articular cartilage. In most cases long term tibiotarsal DJD advancement was the rule.     

Osteomyelitis of the medial trochlear ridge of the talus in a horse

A 12‐year‐old Quarter Horse gelding was evaluated for chronic recurrent right hindlimb cellulitis and severe lameness. Chronic tibiotarsal joint sepsis and osteomyelitis of the medial trochlear ridge were diagnosed and confirmed cytologically, arthroscopically and histologically. Trauma and secondary cellulitis and chronic septic arthritis were suspected aetiological factors.     

Results of conservative treatment of osteochondrosis of the tibiotarsal joint in the horse

The present study relates to 146 horses (Warmbloods and Standardbreds) exhibiting tibiotarsal joint distension and radiographic signs of OCD. Conservative treatment included normal box rest or a less intense training program together with a low energy diet. Follow-up time ranged from 6 months to 5 years and was acquired from a question-naire addressed to the owners. Localization of the lesion in the joint did not seem to play an important part in the clinical symptoms. A final evaluation was achieved in 96 horses. Sixty percent of the Warmbloods and 18% of the Standardbreds performed normally. Eighteen percent of the Standardbreds performed beyond level as opposed to 10% of the Warmbloods. Forty-one percent of the Standardbreds and 7% of the Warmbloods (66% with additional femoral ridge involvement) performed badly. Finally, 23% of the Standardbreds and 23% of the Warmbloods could not perform because problems (not related to the OCD of the tibiotarsal joint) developed during the follow-up period. If the performance problems which were not related to OCD of the tibiotarsal joint were excluded, good results were obtained in 80% of the Warmbloods, compared to only 23% of the Standardbreds. Therefore, systemic arthroscopic treatment of tarsal OCD is questionable in Warmbloods, in contrast with Standardbreds.     

ULTRASONOGRAPHY OF THE EQUINE TARSUS

Ultrasonography was used to delineate the sonographic anatomy of the equine tarsus with emphasis on the flexor tendons and plantar ligament at the plantar surface of the tarsus, the medial collateral ligaments and the dorsomedial joint capsule of the tibiotarsal joint. The cross-sectional gross anatomy of these tendons and ligaments was evaluated in 6 cadaver limbs. Using a 5.5 MHz mechanical sector scanner, the examined tendons and ligaments were easily identified as hyperechoic structures in 10 limbs of normal live horses. The normal ultrasonographic appearance of the dorsomedial tibiotarsal joint capsule was studied in 8 cadaver limbs. The inner surface of the tibiotarsal joint capsule was covered with villi; short and pointed in the mid region, resembling a small nodular mass proximally and a straggly beard distally. In 4 lame horses diagnostic ultrasound aided the diagnosis of plantar swellings, medial collateral joint ligamentous injury and hypertrophic synovitis.     

Giant right atrial diverticulum in a foal.

A 5-month-old male Thoroughbred foal with a history of chronic septic arthritis of the tibiotarsal joint and recent respiratory distress was euthanized and a postmortem examination performed. A giant diverticulum communicating with the lateral aspect of the right atrial cavity of the heart was observed. Histologically, the wall was comprised of myocardial tissue containing cavernous vascular spaces. There was gross and histologic evidence of right-sided heart failure. Congenital right atrial diverticula are rare anomalies in humans and have not previously been reported in foals.     

Tibiotarsal arthrodesis in a Moufflon sheep

Restraint of a mature Moufflon sheep resulted in severe fracture and luxation of a previously osteoarthritic tibiotarsal joint. Arthrodesis was accomplished by means of internal pin fixation and an external fiberglass cast. After 3 months of hospitalization, the ram was returned to the original flock. Competition for dominance within the flock resulted in physical trauma to the ram. Seven months after surgery, the ram sustained a fractured ulna and died from exposure.     

Mycoplasma alkalescens-induced arthritis in dairy calves

Mycoplasma alkalescens was isolated from 6 of 7 synovial fluid samples taken by arthrocentesis from 3-week- to 4-month-old Holstein-Friesian calves with severe arthritis (tibiotarsal or carpal joints). Approximately 30 of 215 calves in the herd were affected. In one 6-week-old calf, M alkalescens was isolated from the liver, right tibiotarsal joint, right and left popliteal lymph nodes, and an exposed umbilical artery. Intraarticular inoculations of broth cultures of M alkalescens initially induced a febrile response and then severe fibrinopurulent arthritis. Intravenous inoculation of M alkalescens induced only a febrile response. The natural disease may have been a complication of umbilical exposure to M alkalescens, causing omphaloarteritis and subsequent arthritis. Before and during the arthritis problem, the umbilicus of newborn calves was dipped in an organic iodine product with 10% glycerin, marketed as a postmilking teat dip. After the cause of the arthritis was determined, the umbilicus of each newborn calf was treated with 7% tincture of iodine and no new cases of arthritis occurred.     

Kinematic analysis of the pelvic limbs of healthy dogs during stair and decline slope walking

Objectives : To evaluate range of motion (ROM) of the pelvic limb in healthy dogs descending stairs compared with decline slope walking. Methods : Reflective spheres were placed on the skin over the joints of the right pelvic limb of seven adult, hound-type dogs with no clinical signs of orthopaedic or neurologic disease. Five trials of stair and ramp descent of each dog were recorded using four 60 Hz digital infrared cameras. Two-dimensional kinematic data were collected as dogs walked down stairs and on a continuous decline of equivalent slope. Maximum and minimum joint angles and ROM were calculated for the coxofemoral, femorotibial and tibiotarsal joints. Results : Stair descent resulted in significantly greater femorotibial flexion and tibiotarsal flexion and extension compared with continuous slope descent. Significantly greater ROM was achieved in the coxofemoral, femorotibial and tibiotarsal joints during stair descent. Clinical Significance : Compared with a continuous slope, stair descent achieves greater ROM in the pelvic limbs of dogs. Stair descent may be a useful therapeutic exercise to improve ROM in dogs with musculoskeletal disease of the pelvic limb, and ramp descent may be easier for dogs with limited motion of pelvic limb joints.     

Iontophoresis of dexamethosone-phosphate into the equine tibiotarsal joint

In human rehabilitation medicine, dexamethasone-phosphate is theoretically iontophoresed to localized subcutaneous tissue where conversion to dexamethasone occurs. This delivery system has recently been introduced into veterinary medicine for the same purpose. However, the pharmacokinetic justification for parenteral delivery of this prodrug remains undocumented. Utilizing iontophoretic methods that are relevant to both human and veterinary clinical practice, the present investigation compared injection and iontophoresis of dexamethasone-phosphate into the equine tibiotarsal joint, also known as the tarsocrual joint. The tibiotarsal joints of seven horses were injected with 4 mL of 6 mg/mL dexamethasone-phosphate. With a similar drug concentration and over the same application site, six different horses underwent simultaneous cathodic iontophoresis (4 mA, 40 min) or passive application (0 mA, 40 min) on contralateral limbs. Following all applications, tibiotarsal joint synovium was collected. Local venous blood samples were also collected from the iontophoretic and passive application sites for analysis of plasma drug concentrations. Because of the potential for conversion of dexamethasone-phosphate to dexamethasone, an extraction and analysis protocol was developed for both chemicals. The technique demonstrated a linear range of detection (0.39-12 microg/mL) and a capability for measuring both chemicals in plasma and synovium. Conversion of dexamethasone-phosphate to dexamethasone occurred during synovial incubation (37 degrees C) and following freeze-thaw cycles. In contrast to the measurable synovial concentrations of dexamethasone-phosphate (2.3 +/- 0.96 mg/mL) and dexamethasone (0.27 +/- 0.07 mg/mL) following injection, neither drug was detected in the synovium or the local venous blood following iontophoretic or passive applications. In conclusion, these results do not confirm iontophoretic or passive delivery of measurable dexamethasone-phosphate into the tibiotarsal joint using current clinical methods.     

Kinematic gait analysis of the hind limb after tibial plateau levelling osteotomy and cranial tibial wedge osteotomy in ten dogs

This study identifies and compares the kinematic gait changes occurring in tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) and cranial tibial wedge osteotomy (CTWO) limbs after transection of the cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL). Ten, healthy, adult beagle dogs were assigned to TPLO (five dogs) and CTWO (five dogs) groups. Hind limb kinematics were assessed, while dogs were trotted at speeds ranging from 2.0 to 2.3 m/s. The animals were evaluated preoperatively (prior to TPLO and CTWO surgery) and at both 8 and 12 weeks after surgery. Two-dimensional evaluation was synchronized to obtain the three-dimensional coordinates using the APAS motion analysis software. Gait patterns were assessed by measuring stifle, tibiotarsal joint angles and stifle joints angular velocity. Stifle and tibiotarsal joint functions were not affected by TPLO surgery, but stifle and tibiotarsal joint angles were changed, following CTWO surgery, compared with their preoperative values. The angular velocity patterns of CTWO were characterized by increased stifle joint extension velocity from the middle to end swing phase and decrease in the peak velocities (flexion) during swing phase. None of these changes was observed in the stance phase after the CTWO surgery. These kinematic results showed that dogs that underwent a CTWO procedure were more likely to have significantly hyperextended gait patterns of the swing phase postoperatively than the dogs that had a TPLO procedure for repair of a ruptured CrCL.     

Scoliosis and tibiotarsal deformities in broiler chickens

The incidence and degree of scoliosis were investigated in broiler chickens with and without intertarsal deformities associated with slipped gastrocnemius tendons. In both groups, the incidence of scoliosis was similar and there was a significant tendency for scoliosis to be convex on the right side. However, scoliosis was significantly greater in birds with intertarsal deformities, and in a significant proportion of these the joint with a slipped tendon was on the convex side of scoliosis. In birds with deformities, inequalities between right and left tibiotarsi were significantly greater, and tibiotarsi with greater length, narrower condyles and trochleae, and shallower trochlear grooves were significantly more often on the convex side of scoliosis. Significant positive correlations were found between scoliosis and rotational and bending deformities of the distal tibiotarsus on the convex side of scoliosis. These findings suggest a cause-and-effect relationship between scoliosis and tibiotarsal deformities associated with slipped tendons.     

Metastatic Osteolytic Angioleiomyosarcoma Induced by a Foreign Body in a Kangaroo (Macropus giganteus)

An adult female Eastern Grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus) was examined for lameness due to a mass located at the right tibiotarsal joint. Radiographs revealed a metal arrowhead‐shaped foreign body within the mass alongside a pathologic fracture. Grossly, at necropsy, there was a multilobulated and haemorrhagic mass with intralesional metal fragments, associated osteolysis of the tibiotarsus and pulmonary metastatic nodules. Histologically the neoplasm was composed of plump elongated and fusiform cells that often formed concentrically around small vessels. The pulmonary nodules were composed of similar neoplastic cells, necrosis and haemorrhage. Neoplastic cells were positive immunohistochemically for vimentin and smooth muscle actin. The histological features, immunohistochemical profiles and behaviour of this tumour support a diagnosis of a primary angioleiomyosarcoma with lung metastasis associated with a metal foreign body.     

SPA活体测定蛋鸡胫骨骨矿含量方法及其重复性、准确度的探讨

单光子吸收法 (SPA)是活体测定人或动物骨矿含量的非侵入性方法之一。用SPA活体测定蛋鸡胫骨骨矿含量 ,探讨其测定方法的可行性、重复性及准确度。结果表明 ,以胫跖关节内侧隆起作为定位标志 ,并以距此标志 3cm处作为胫骨骨矿含量的测试部位较为理想 ,其重复性 (CV)为 7 90 % ,准确度为 2 633% (r=0 992 6,P <0 0 1 )。本试验所建立的方法 ,为研究禽类骨骼代谢疾病 (如笼养蛋鸡骨质疏松症 )奠定了基础。     

An outbreak of suppurative osteoarthritis of the tibiotarsal joint in rabbits caused by; Pasteurella multocida

An outbreak of suppurative osteoarthritis of the tibiotarsal joint in 25 rabbits in a colony of 50 animals is described. Pasteurella multocida was isolated in pure culture from the affected joints.     

Osteochondritis dessicans and subchondral cystic lesions in draft horses: a retrospective study.

The clinical features, radiographic findings, treatment, and outcome in 51 draft horses with osteochondritis dessicans (OCD) or subchondral cystic lesions (SC) are reported. Clydesdale and Percheron were the most commonly affected breeds, and affected animals represented only 5% of the hospital population of draft horses. Horses were most frequently affected in the tibiotarsal joints and 73% (24 of 33 cases) of the horses with tibiotarsal effusion were affected bilaterally. Osteochondritis dessicans of the distal intermediate ridge was the most common lesion found in the tibiotarsal joint. The stifle was also frequently affected; 87% (13 of 15 cases) of horses with femoropatellar OCD only were lame, and lesions were most commonly located on the lateral trochlear ridge. Sixteen cases were managed conservatively, 30 received surgery, and 5 were euthanized. Lameness, effusion, or both clinical signs resolved in more than 50% of surgically treated cases, but clinical signs improved in 30% of conservatively-managed cases.     

Comparison of intraosseous or intravenous infusion for delivery of amikacin sulfate to the tibiotarsal joint of horses

OBJECTIVE: To establish the route of infusion (IV or intraosseous) that results in the highest concentration of amikacin in the synovial fluid of the tibiotarsal joint and determine the duration of peak concentrations. ANIMALS: 21 horses. PROCEDURE: Regional perfusion of a limb on 15 horses was performed. Amikacin sulfate was infused into the saphenous vein or via intraosseous infusion into the distal portion of the tibia (1 g in 56 ml of lactated Ringer's solution) or proximal portion of the metatarsus (1 g of amikacin in 26 ml of lactated Ringer's solution). Amikacin concentrations were measured in sequential samples from tibiotarsal joint synovial fluid and serum. Samples were obtained immediately prior to release of the tourniquet and 0.5, 1, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours after the tourniquet was released. Radiographic contrast material was infused into the same locations as the antibiotic perfusate to evaluate distribution in 6 other horses. RESULTS: Infusion into the saphenous vein produced the highest concentration of amikacin in the tibiotarsal joint, compared with the distal portion of the tibia (mean +/- SE, 701.8 +/- 366.8 vs 203.8 +/- 64.5 microg/ml, respectively). Use of a lower volume of diluent in the proximal portion of the metatarsus produced a peak value of 72.2 +/- 23.4 microg/ml. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: For regional perfusion of the tarsus, IV infusion is preferred to intraosseous infusion, because higher concentrations are achieved in the synovial fluid, and the procedure is easier to perform.     

Comparative evaluation of therapeutic efficacy of sulfadiazine-trimethoprim,oxytetracycline, enrofloxacin and florfenicol on Staphylococcus aureus–induced arthritis in broilers

1. Staphylococcus aureus is an important human and veterinary pathogen that causes economic loss in the poultry industry. This study aimed to compare therapeutic efficacy of 4 commonly used antibiotics in poultry on S. aureus–induced arthritis in broilers.

2. Sixty broilers, 8 weeks of age, were assigned at random into 7 groups as follows: (1) negative control (n = 5); (2) vehicle control (n = 5); (3) sulfadiazine-trimethoprim, 250 ml/1000 l drinking water (n = 10); (4) oxytetracycline 20%, 1 mg/l drinking water (n = 10); (5) florfenicol 10%, 1/1000 v/v in drinking water (n = 10); (6) enrofloxacin 10%, 1/1000 v/v in drinking water (n = 10) and (7) positive control (n = 10).

3. Birds in group 2 were injected with 1 ml of sterile TSB medium into the right tibiotarsal joint on d 0 while other birds (except group 1) were challenged with 1 ml of 1.2 × 10¹⁰ CFU/ml suspension of S. aureus bacteria.

4. Antibiotic therapy was started from d 4 post challenge and continued for 5 d. At the end, birds were weighed and clinical severity of arthritis was determined. After blood collection, birds were slaughtered and tibiotarsal and hip joints were evaluated grossly. The content of inflammatory exudates of tibiotarsal joint and the degree of femoral head necrosis were recorded. Mucin clot test and histopathological evaluation were performed on right tibiotarsal joint. Serum interleukin 6 was also assayed.

5. Sulfadiazine-trimethoprim had higher therapeutic efficiency with regard to most of the assayed criteria, whereas none of the antibiotics significantly affected femoral head necrosis and body weight. These data will help clinicians to have better antibiotic choice in field conditions.

     

Osteochondritis dissecans in the tibio-tarsal joint. Results by surgical treatment

Osteochondrosis is a rapidly growing problem in the horse population and reports are frequent. Osteochondritis dissecans can in most cases be treated surgically, but reports on results are lacking. This paper reports the results of surgery of the tibiotarsal joint in 43 cases.     

Single-dose pharmacokinetics of cefazolin in bovine synovial fluid after intravenous regional injection

Gagnon, H., Ferguson, J.G., Papich, M.G., Bailey, J.V. Single-dose pharmacokinetics of cefazolin in bovine synovial fluid after intravenous regional injection. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 17, 31–37.
The pharmacokinetic properties of cefazolin in the synovial fluid of the tibiotarsal joint were determined in 10 healthy mature cattle after intravenous regional injection of 2 50 mg cefazolin. A pneumatic tourniquet was positioned proximal to the tibiotarsal joint and the intravenous injection was performed distal to the tourniquet. Synovial fluid concentrations of cefazolin increased in the first 30 mm and fluctuated between 54.7 ± 11.0 g/ml (mean ± SEM) and 73.2 ± 13.2 g/ml in the following 90 min while the tourniquet remained inflated. After tourniquet removal, synovial fluid concentration-time curves followed first-order one-compartment model decay in most of the animals with an elimination half-life of 0.82 h (harmonic mean). Therapeutic concentrations of cefazolin in the synovial fluid of normal joints were reached and this injection technique could be used as an alternative to systemic administration of antibiotics to provide adequate concentrations in a localized area.