Septic arthritis of the first and second cervical vertebral articulations with vertebral osteomyelitis in a foal caused by Salmonella

A case of infectious arthritis of a cervical vertebral articulation and vertebral osteomyelitis in a foal caused by Salmonella is described. Ultrasound images of the cervical facet joints were suggestive of septic arthritis and ultrasound facilitated needle placement for arthrocentesis and joint lavage. Due to the uncommon location of the infection, diagnosis of septic arthritis was not immediate and, despite aggressive intra‐articular lavage and instillation of appropriate intra‐articular antibiotics after hospitalisation, we were unable to resolve the infection in this foal. Radiographs did not show evidence of osseous involvement until later in the course of the infection. Septic arthritis should be suspected in cases with similar clinical and laboratory findings and radiographic changes may not be present early in the course of infection. Ultrasound imaging provided the most useful diagnostic information regarding infection of the cervical joints, facilitating both diagnosis and treatment.     

Chronic laminitis in a 10‐month‐old Arabian filly

The case report presented here describes in detail the treatment and clinical progression of a case of severe chronic laminitis in a 10‐month‐old Arabian filly. Starting from the acute onset of clinical signs through the severe, debilitating progression of the disease, the report describes the medical, surgical and farriery treatment over a period of 8 months. The combination of deep digital flexor tendon tenotomy, hoof wall resection, corrective trimming and shoeing was successful in halting progression of the disease. The successful treatment resulted in new healthy hoof wall growth, re‐establishment of normal third phalanx‐hoof wall alignment and reversal of the degenerative modelling changes that occurred in the third phalanx. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study describing treatment of severe chronic laminitis in such a young filly.     

Surgical repair of a mandibular degloving injury in a 5‐month‐old colt

A 5‐month‐old colt sustained a mandibular degloving injury and penetrating cheek wound after catching his cheek on a metal hook. Avulsion of the lower left lip and cheek exposed parts of the underlying labial surface, interalveolar margin and body of the mandible. The injury prevented the colt from closing his mouth completely and food accumulated between the degloved mandible and avulsed soft tissues. Surgical repair included 7 stented, transmandibular mattress sutures placed over the length of the interalveolar margin, closing the dead space and repositioning the avulsed soft tissues. The horse recovered without complications and functional as well as cosmetic outcome were excellent.     

Use of multi‐detector computed tomographic angiography in the diagnosis of a parapharyngeal aneurysm in a 6‐week‐old foal

Multidetector‐row computed tomographic contrast angiography (MDCTA) is routinely employed to investigate vascular masses in human patients but, to date, the use of this technique to investigate an aneurysmal mass has not been reported in an equine case. The potential of MDCTA to investigate a right‐sided parapharyngeal mass in a 6‐week‐old Thoroughbred foal was therefore investigated. A 4‐slice helical computed tomography scanner was used on a superficial, firm, ovoid mass yielding arterial blood on fine needle aspiration. MDCTA enabled identification of the vessels involved thus assisting in forming a diagnosis based on the morphology of the lesion and aided surgical planning. Histology confirmed the presence of mural thrombus and calcification within the smooth muscle wall consistent with a true aneurysm. MDCTA provided additional information to conventional imaging in this case of vascular masses of the head and neck. The technique therefore has the potential to improve diagnosis and assist in the management of such lesions.     

Mesh repair of a large traumatic lateral abdominal wall hernia in an 8‐day‐old foal

An 8‐day‐old French trotter colt was admitted with a traumatic lateral abdominal wall hernia with reducible intestinal content. A 15 cm long full thickness tear was identified in both the internal abdominal oblique and transverse abdominal muscles. This case report describes the surgical repair of the hernia using a polypropylene mesh.     

Localized cowpox infection in a 5‐month‐old Rottweiler

Cowpox virus (CPXV) infections are a sporadic cause of localized or disseminated skin disease in domestic animals and humans in Europe. Rodents are considered the primary reservoir host for CPXV. Cats can become infected by close contact with rodents and are the most important source of human infections. Recently, public awareness has also been drawn to CPXV infections by an outbreak of rat to human infections in central Europe. In dogs, CPXV infections are rare. Here we report a case of a 5‐month‐old Rottweiler with a focal nodule on the muzzle. The lesion was fully excised, and recovery was uneventful. The preliminary diagnosis of a CPXV infection was established by the characteristic inclusion bodies on histopathological examination. The diagnosis was confirmed by electron microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Sequencing of the PCR product led to a 231 bp sequence of the orthopoxvirus HA gene that was identical to a CPXV strain previously isolated from a cat. This is the third documented case of a canine CPXV infection.     

Cervical vertebral canal endoscopy in a horse with cervical vertebral stenotic myelopathy

A 3-year-old Thoroughbred gelding presented with a history of neurological signs, including incoordination in his hindlimbs, of about 7 months' duration. On initial examination, the horse exhibited ataxia and paresis in all limbs with more severe deficits in the hindlimbs. Cervical radiographs displayed severe osteoarthritis of the articular processes between C5 and C6. On subsequent cervical myelography the dorsal contrast column was reduced by 90% at the level of the intervertebral space between C5 and C6. Cervical vertebral canal endoscopy, including epidural (epiduroscopy) and subarachnoid endoscopy (myeloscopy), was performed under general anaesthesia. A substantial narrowing of the subarachnoid space at the level between C6 and C7 was seen during myeloscopy, while no compression was apparent between C5 and C6. Epiduroscopy showed no abnormalities. After completion of the procedure, the horse was subjected to euthanasia and the cervical spinal cord submitted for histopathological examination. Severe myelin and axon degeneration of the white matter was diagnosed at the level of the intervertebral space between C6 and C7, with Wallerian degeneration cranially and caudally, indicating chronic spinal cord compression at this site. Myeloscopy was successfully used to identify the site of spinal cord compression in a horse with cervical vertebral stenotic myelopathy, while myelography results were misleading.     

Caecal duplication in a 13‐year‐old Thoroughbred

A 13‐year‐old Thoroughbred gelding was presented for evaluation of recurrent colic of 4 weeks duration. These colic episodes were mild and responsive to medical therapy. Episodes of colic became more frequent and more painful. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a large intestine duplication with a cystic structure located at the caecocolic junction that was unable to be exteriorized and therefore not amenable to surgical correction. Thirty‐six hours following surgery, the horse became acutely painful, sweaty, and febrile suggesting gastrointestinal rupture. Post mortem examination showed a 0.6 × 1 m duplication and a 0.5 × 0.6 m cystic dilation that was probably associated with the caecum. There was a 10 × 30 cm area of rupture located within the duplication. Histological evaluation confirmed the presence of a true duplication.     

Cervical vertebral fracture in a Thoroughbred filly with minimal neurological dysfunction

Vertebral fractures in horses are relatively common and often occur due to trauma. Clinical signs may range from neck pain and mild neurological dysfunction to tetraplegia and death. Severity of signs and prognosis depends on extent of damage to the spinal cord. In this Case Report, serial radiographs, which track the bony changes associated with fracture healing, were performed over one year. Although surgical techniques have been described to repair fractures to the vertebrae, patients with minimal neurological deficit may have a favourable outcome with conservative medical management, as in this case.     

Cerebellar abiotrophy in a 6‐year‐old Arabian mare

Cerebellar abiotrophy (CA) is an uncommon neurological disease that most commonly affects Arabian horses. Affected horses are typically identified within the first 6 months of life. Intention tremor, wide based stance and ataxia are common clinical signs observed in affected individuals. No treatment is available for resolution of clinical signs. Definitive diagnosis is based on histopathological examination of cerebellar tissue, which is characterised by loss of Purkinje cell layer. This report describes a case of cerebellar abiotrophy that had a delayed diagnosis until 6 years of age.     

Resection of the incisive bone and rostral maxillae for removal of an ossifying fibroma in an 18‐year‐old Warmblood gelding

A 510 kg, 18‐year‐old Warmblood gelding used for high level dressage was presented with a 6 week history of a growing mass at the rostral aspect of the incisive bone. Radiographic examination of the maxillae showed an osteolytic lesion between the left maxillary central and intermediate teeth spreading caudally into the hard palate. Biopsy of the mass was consistent with an aggressive oral fibrosarcoma. Diagnostic work‐up ruled out metastatic lesions. An amputation of the incisive bone and part of the rostral maxillae was performed with the intent of removing the mass in healthy margins. However, the neoplastic tissue extended to the rostral aspect of the ventral nasal conchae and a resection in healthy margins was not performed to avoid surgical complications due to communication with the nasal conchae. After surgery, the horse's appetite and food uptake were not impaired and cosmetic appearance was excellent. Active drains were used in order to prevent any submucosal collection of fluids. Histopathological examination of the surgical margins of the removed maxillae confirmed the presence of tumoural tissue. Even though excision of the tumour was not complete, no macroscopic local recurrence was reported post operatively at 36 months' follow‐up. Based on histological re‐evaluation of the removed tissue and the absence of recurrence a definitive diagnosis of ossifying fibroma was made.     

Bone biomarkers and risk of fracture in two‐ and three‐year‐old Thoroughbreds

The aim of this study was to determine whether bone biomarkers (osteocalcin, PICP, ICTP and CTX‐I) could be used to identify 2‐ and 3‐year‐olds at increased risk of fracture in the subsequent flat racing season. It was concluded that these bone biomarkers cannot be used to identify 2‐ and 3‐year‐olds that sustain a fracture. Whether bone biomarkers have better predictive value in older horses or when measured serially in the same animal remains to be determined.     

Lawsonia intracellularis proliferative enteropathy in a 3.5‐year‐old miniature horse

A 3.5‐year‐old miniature horse gelding was evaluated for signs of colic and decreased faecal production. Initial clinical pathology showed severe hypoproteinaemia with an albumin concentration <10 g/l. Abdominal ultrasound identified multiple loops of small intestine with significantly increased wall thickness. Diagnosis of equine proliferative enteropathy was based on clinical and laboratory findings, as well as a positive faecal polymerase chain reaction and positive antibody titre (>1:240) to Lawsonia intracellularis. Treatment with intravenous oxytetracylcine and additional supportive care gradually resolved the clinical and laboratory abnormalities.     

Surgical treatment of a rostral mandibular complex odontoma in a 3‐year‐old horse

Complex odontomas are rare odontogenic tumours in horses comprised of a combination of mesenchymal and epithelial tissues. Examination, radiographic and histopathological findings in this patient all represent the typical behaviour of a complex odontoma. Oral tumours in horses may have treatment limitations due to tumour size and location. Similar to treatment in other species, surgical enucleation was curative for this type of tumour.     

Cutaneous habronemiasis in a 9‐year‐old Arab gelding in the United Kingdom

Cutaneous habronemiasis causes ulcerative granulating lesions in the skin of equids. Dramatic exuberant tissue may be seen, which becomes traumatised by the horse. To the authors' knowledge, cutaneous habronemiasis has not previously been documented on the distal limb of horses in the UK. Cutaneous habronemiasis should be considered as a potential differential diagnosis for ulcerative granulating skin lesions on the distal limb of the horse.     

Mandibular squamous cell carcinoma in a 5‐year‐old Tennessee Walking Horse

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common neoplasm reported in the horse, but occurs rarely in the oral cavity. Clinical signs may be insidious in onset and mimic other non‐neoplastic processes, thus delaying appropriate treatment. Timely evaluation and advanced diagnostic imaging may offer the opportunity to initiate definitive treatment. This report describes a young gelding with mandibular SCC that was evaluated for mandibular swelling failing to respond to symptomatic therapy.     

Duodenal volvulus as a cause of gastric rupture in a 15‐year‐old Warmblood gelding

Duodenal volvulus is an unreported cause of colic in the horse. This case report describes a 15‐year‐old Warmblood gelding evaluated for acute abdominal discomfort. Exploratory celiotomy revealed duodenal volvulus and gastric rupture resulting in severe, acute, septic peritonitis. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of a volvulus of the equine duodenum.     

Haemoabdomen and colitis following a colon displacement in a 9‐year‐old Thoroughbred mare

This report describes acute haemoabdomen following phenylephrine administration in a case treated for left dorsal displacement of the large colon. The horse also subsequently developed a severe colitis which was treated with aggressive medical therapy.