Postoperative Examination of the Biceps Femoris Muscle Sling Used in Excision of the Femoral Head and Neck in Dogs

Twenty-four dogs underwent unilateral excision of the femoral head and neck. An adjunctive biceps femoris muscle sling procedure was done in 16 dogs. In eight dogs (controls), the flap was dissected and returned to its original position. Four dogs with muscle slings were euthanatized on days 2, 5, 30, and 60, respectively. Four control dogs were euthanatized on day 2 and four dogs on day 5. Limb function did not differ consistently between dogs with muscle slings and control dogs. There was marked swelling and edema of the affected limb in half the dogs with muscle slings but not in the controls. Postoperative temperature elevations were significantly higher in dogs with muscle slings on days 1 and 2 (p less than 0.05). Infection was documented in four dogs with muscle slings. Flaps from control dogs had only minor gross and histologic abnormalities. On days 2 and 5, flaps from dogs with muscle slings appeared congested and swollen beneath and distal to the ostectomy site, with infarction involving 50 to 90% of the muscle mass. On days 30 and 60, the muscle slings were atrophic and fibrous, and by day 60 a synovial membrane covered the surfaces of all slings within the pseudarthrosis. Muscle fiber loss was attributed to infarction, necrosis, and disuse atrophy.     

Excision arthroplasty of the femoral head and neck

An abnormality of the coxofemoral joint is recognized when the articular cartilage sliding interface between the femoral head and the acetabulum is interrupted. The article considers the pathologic conditions that may affect the normal coxofemoral articulation and are responsive to excision arthroplasty. Techniques of excision arthroplasty and the biceps femoris muscle sling technique are described.     

新疆巴什拜羊肌肉生长抑制素基因DNA甲基化与mRNA表达量分析

为了探究肌肉生长抑制素（myostatin,MSTN）基因在肌肉和脂肪中的DNA甲基化模式及mRNA表达水平,试验以5月龄巴什拜羊羔羊为研究对象,采用亚硫酸氢盐测序法（bisulfite sequencing PCR,BSP）检测MSTN基因启动子区和第1外显子甲基化模式,并通过实时荧光定量PCR检测MSTN基因在巴什拜羊股二头肌、股三头肌、半腱肌、半膜肌、背最长肌和尾脂中的mRNA表达水平。结果显示,肌肉组织甲基化概率高于脂肪组织,其中,股二头肌、股三头肌、半腱肌、半膜肌、背最长肌和尾脂的甲基化概率分别为74.2%、74.2%、83.2%、83.7%、82.1%和25.3%,MSTN基因在股二头肌、股三头肌、半腱肌、半膜肌、背最长肌中的表达水平显著低于尾脂（P < 0.05）,股二头肌、股三头肌、半腱肌、半膜肌和背最长肌之间差异不显著（P > 0.05）,巴什拜羊肌肉和脂肪MSTN基因DNA甲基化水平与MSTN基因表达量呈显著负相关（r=－0.886,P < 0.05）。     

Analysis of DNA Methylation and mRNA Expression Level of MSTN Gene in Xinjiang Bashiby Sheep

In order to investigate DNA methylation and expression levels of myostatin (MSTN) gene in mscule and fat, 5 months of age of Bashiby sheep were selected, the promoter region and exon 1 methylation levels of MSTN gene was analyzed using bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP). Real-time PCR was used to detect the expression level of MSTN gene in biceps femoris, femoral triceps, semitendinosus, semimembranosus, longissimus dorsi muscle and tail fat of Bashiby sheep. The results showed that the methylation probability of muscle was higher than fat, the methylation probability of biceps femoris, femoral triceps, semitendinosus, semimembranosus, longissimus dorsi muscle and tail fat were 74.2%, 74.2%, 83.2%, 83.7%, 82.1% and 25.3%, respectively. The expression levels of MSTN gene in biceps femoris, femoral triceps, semitendinosus, semimembranosus, longissimus dorsi muscle were significantly lower than tail fat in Bashiby sheep (P < 0.05), but there were no significant difference among biceps femoris, femoral triceps, semitendinosus, semimembranosus and longissimus dorsi muscle (P > 0.05).The DNA methylation was negatively correlated with the expression levels in muscle and fat of Bashiby sheep (r=-0.886, P < 0.05).     

Biomechanical analysis of the canine hind limb: calculation of forces during three-legged stance

This paper presents a three-dimensional biomechanical model of the canine hind limb, and describes the process of determining the muscle forces and joint reaction forces and moments occurring in the hind limb during three-legged stance. The model was based on anatomical and morphometric data presented in a previous paper. Equations of equilibrium were formulated for the different components of the hind limb. Since the number of unknowns exceeded the number of equations, the problem was statically indeterminate.Two optimization techniques were applied to solve this statically indeterminate problem. The resultant hip-joint reaction force (acting on the acetabulum) predicted by these optimization methods ranged between 0.73 and 1.04 times body weight, and was directed dorsally, medially and caudally. The resultant knee-joint reaction force (acting on the femur) ranged between 1.05 and 1.08 times body weight, and was directed dorsally, laterally and cranially. The largest muscle forces predicted by the minimization of maximal muscle stress (MMMS) criterion were in the biceps femoris (0.24 times body weight), rectus femoris (0.15 times body weight), medial gluteal (0.18 times body weight), semi-membranosus (0.09 times body weight), the lateral and intermediate vastus (0.18 times body weight) and the medial vastus (0.17 times body weight). The largest muscle forces predicted by the minimization of the sum of muscle forces (MSMF) criterion were in the biceps femoris (0.29 times body weight), lateral and intermediate vastus (0.45 times body weight)), and the deep gluteal (0.16 times body weight).The magnitudes and directions of the forces in the joints of the canine hind limb, as well as in the muscles that surround these joints, provide a database needed for future biomechanical analyses of the physiology and pathophysiology of the canine hind limb.     

Effect of Two Muscle Sling Techniques on Early Morbidity after Femoral Head and Neck Excision in Dogs

Femoral head and neck excision was performed on the left coxofemoral joint of 18 dogs. The osteotomy site was padded with a partial-thickness biceps femoris muscle sling in one group of six dogs, and with a deep gluteal muscle flap in another group of six dogs. In a third group of six dogs, a partial-thickness biceps flap was created and sutured back in its original location. The dogs were monitored daily for 3 weeks for degree of lameness, range of motion, fever, and postoperative complications. Dogs with intra-articular muscle pads were less lame and had a greater range of motion in the treated hip than dogs without intra-articular muscle pads. Dogs with biceps slings showed more improvement in limb function and range of motion than did dogs with deep gluteal flaps. There were no significant differences in mean temperature elevations and no clinically significant postoperative complications. Use of a partial-thickness biceps muscle sling or a deep gluteal muscle flap decreased the chances of early postoperative morbidity and provided an earlier return to function. The partial-thickness biceps sling appeared to be more beneficial than the deep gluteal flap.     

Postmortem proteolysis and calpain/calpastatin activity in callipyge and normal lamb biceps femoris during extended postmortem storage.

The present experiment was conducted to determine whether calpastatin inhibits only the rate, or both the rate and extent, of calpain-induced postmortem proteolysis. Biceps femoris from normal (n = 6) and callipyge (n = 6) lamb was stored for 56 d at 4 degrees C. Calpastatin activity was higher (P < .05) in the callipyge muscle at 0 and 14 d postmortem, but not at 56 d postmortem. The activity of mu-calpain did not differ between normal and callipyge biceps femoris at 0 and 56 d postmortem (P > .05), but was higher at 14 d postmortem in the callipyge muscle (P < 0.05). The activity of m-calpain was higher in the callipyge muscle (P < 0.05). Western blot analyses of titin, nebulin, dystrophin, myosin heavy chain, vinculin, alpha-actinin, desmin, and troponin-T indicated that postmortem proteolysis was less extensive in callipyge than in normal biceps femoris at all postmortem times. The results of this experiment indicate that calpastatin inhibits both the rate and extent of postmortem proteolysis.     

Classification of the vascular patterns of the pelvic limb muscles of cats

The vascular patterns of the pelvic limb muscles were studied in 20 limbs of 10 cats. Gross dissection and radiography were used to identify the vascular pedicles. It is proposed that the tensor fascia lata, the rectus femoris, the superficial gluteal, the biceps femoris, the sartorius, the gracilis and the lateral digital extensor muscles are suitable for making muscular and musculocutaneous flaps in cat.     

Ultrasound‐guided approach for axillary brachial plexus,femoral nerve,and sciatic nerve blocks in dogs

Objective To describe an ultrasound‐guided technique and the anatomical basis for three clinically useful nerve blocks in dogs. Study design Prospective experimental trial. Animals Four hound‐cross dogs aged 2 ± 0 years (mean ± SD) weighing 30 ± 5 kg and four Beagles aged 2 ± 0 years and weighing 8.5 ± 0.5 kg. Methods Axillary brachial plexus, femoral, and sciatic combined ultrasound/electrolocation‐guided nerve blocks were performed sequentially and bilaterally using a lidocaine solution mixed with methylene blue. Sciatic nerve blocks were not performed in the hounds. After the blocks, the dogs were euthanatized and each relevant site dissected. Results Axillary brachial plexus block Landmark blood vessels and the roots of the brachial plexus were identified by ultrasound in all eight dogs. Anatomical examination confirmed the relationship between the four ventral nerve roots (C6, C7, C8, and T1) and the axillary vessels. Three roots (C7, C8, and T1) were adequately stained bilaterally in all dogs. Femoral nerve block Landmark blood vessels (femoral artery and femoral vein), the femoral and saphenous nerves and the medial portion of the rectus femoris muscle were identified by ultrasound in all dogs. Anatomical examination confirmed the relationship between the femoral vessels, femoral nerve, and the rectus femoris muscle. The femoral nerves were adequately stained bilaterally in all dogs. Sciatic nerve block. Ultrasound landmarks (semimembranosus muscle, the fascia of the biceps femoris muscle and the sciatic nerve) could be identified in all of the dogs. In the four Beagles, anatomical examination confirmed the relationship between the biceps femoris muscle, the semimembranosus muscle, and the sciatic nerve. In the Beagles, all but one of the sciatic nerves were stained adequately. Conclusions and clinical relevance Ultrasound‐guided needle insertion is an accurate method for depositing local anesthetic for axillary brachial plexus, femoral, and sciatic nerve blocks.     

Isoelectric focusing under dissociating conditions for analysis of muscle protein from clinically normal dogs and Labrador retrievers with hereditary myopathy

Protein profiles of whole homogenates of anconeus (slow twitch) and biceps femoris (fast twitch) muscles of clinically normal dogs and of Labrador Retrievers with hereditary myopathy (HM) were resolved on flat bed polyacrylamide isoelectric-focusing gels. Three methods of sample solubilization were performed. The solubilization buffer, with high concentrations of urea, precipitated the zwitterionic detergent, but use of the buffer containing 3% NP-40, 9.2M urea, and 0.1M arginine resulted in better resolution and stability of pH gradient. Gels of anconeus muscle from clinically normal dogs contained 2 protein bands specific to anconeus muscle, whereas gels of biceps femoris muscle from clinically normal dogs contained 3 protein bands amplified in biceps femoris muscle that were barely detectable in anconeus muscle. The staining intensity of protein bands in biceps femoris muscles from Labrador Retrievers with HM was decreased, relative to controls. The quantitative analysis of peak height ratios of biceps femoris muscle revealed significant (P less than 0.05) differences between profiles of clinically normal dogs and Labrador Retrievers with HM.     

Temporal expression of transforming growth factor-beta2 and myostatin mRNA during embryonic myogenesis in Indian broilers

TGF-beta2 and myostatin, the members of TGF family, act through both autocrine and paracrine mechanisms to regulate the growth and differentiation at various developmental stages in chicken. The kinetics and expression profile of these two growth factors were investigated by semi-quantitative RT-PCR, during the myogenesis of Indian broiler chickens. Total RNA was isolated from whole embryos on each of embryonic days (E) 0-6 (n=3 per day) and from the biceps femoris muscle at E7-E18 (n=3 per day). The expression of TGF-beta2 was noticed on E2 that remained at the same level until E6. In biceps femoris muscle, higher level of TGF-beta2 expression was observed during E7-E12, which decreased gradually thereafter. These findings suggested that TGF-beta2 might be a regulatory factor participating in the myogenesis of chicken embryos. Initial myostatin expression was noticed on E1, even before the myogenic lineage is established in embryo. This finding suggested an additional role of myostatin in early chicken embryo development, other than myogenesis. Furthermore, myostatin expression was significantly higher on E3 as compared to earlier studies, where initial higher level was observed at E2, suggesting the differential expression of myostatin among breeds. Higher and almost static myostatin expression was noticed in biceps femoris muscle during the entire period of myogenesis (E7-E18). In the present study, the ontogeny of myostatin expression coincided with myogenesis of chicken. Therefore, it may be hypothesized that myostatin is not only a major determinant of muscle mass, but also involved in early embryogenesis in chickens.     

大白猪不同部位肌肉肌纤维表达特点

取3头本地大白猪4个不同部位的肌肉组织,运用免疫组化方法,测定快肌纤维和慢肌纤维的表达情况。免疫组化结果表明在猪的不同部位肌肉组织中,快肌纤维与慢肌纤维含量之间存在极显著差异(P<0.01)。快肌纤维的表达在股二头肌中最多,其次为背最长肌和内脊肌,头半棘肌最少。慢肌纤维的表达在头半棘肌中最多,其次为内脊肌和股二头肌,在背最长肌中表达最少。通过对猪4种骨骼肌中快肌纤维和慢肌纤维的免疫组化分析显示,二者的表达在猪不同部位的肌肉存在显著差异。     

Bursitis with severe tendon and muscle necrosis on the lateral stifle area in cattle

In 21 animals, chronic swelling on the lateral aspect of the stifle also known as ?perigonitis?, ?stable-syndrome? or ?bursitis bicipitalis femoris? were evaluated. Ultrasonography showed increased fluid in the distal subtendinous bursa of the biceps femoris muscle and structural changes in the tendons, muscles, subcutis and fasciae. Soft tissue swelling and an irregular contour of the lateral tibial condyle were typical signs on radiographs. Macroscopic changes were found at the insertion of the biceps femoris muscle, the distal subtendinous bursa of the biceps femoris muscle, the lateral collateral ligament of the stifle, the origin of muscles on the lateral femoral condyle and the lateral tibial condyle. They mainly consisted of tendon and muscle tissue necrosis with granulation tissue. Histology revealed areas of coagulation necrosis in tendons and ligaments, in which occasionally Onchocerca spp. were seen. The severity of lesions correlated well with the clinical signs, which were associated with a poor prognosis in advanced cases.     

A Comparison of Standard Femoral Head and Neck Excision and Femoral Head and Neck Excision Using a Biceps Femoris Muscle Flap in the Dog

Sixteen normal 20 to 30 kg dogs had standard femoral head and neck excision (8 dogs) or femoral head and neck excision with interposition of a biceps muscle flap (8 dogs). Lameness lessened at week 6, and did not differ between groups; neither group returned to a completely normal gait. Weightbearing decreased on the operated pelvic limb compared to controls (forceplate analysis). Weightbearing force of the muscle flap dogs was significantly less at weeks 6 and 16 than that of the standard femoral head and neck excision dogs. The operated limb of both groups was shortened; shortening was significantly greater for the muscle flap group. Hip extension was limited in both groups. Both groups had decreased (more acute) hip, stifle, and hock angles measured in standing position. Thigh muscle atrophy was more pronounced in the muscle flap group at week 6. More soft tissue was interposed in the muscle flap group at necropsy compared to the group with standard femoral head and neck excision, but the difference was not statistically significant. Skeletal muscle fibers were present in the interposed fibrous connective tissue of the muscle flap group, and the healed surfaces were smoother than those of the standard femoral head and neck excision group.     

Femoral Head Osteotomy in Horses and Cattle

Femoral head ostectomy was performed in six horses, three ponies, and four cattle for treatment of fractures of the femoral capital physis, coxofemoral luxation, fractured acetabulum, or severe degenerative joint disease. The procedures were performed via a cranial approach that did not involve osteotomy of the greater trochanter. A dorsal approach for femoral head ostectomy via osteotomy of the greater trochanter was evaluated in three healthy adult ponies. Three animals (2 ponies, 1 calf) were euthanatized within a month and one horse was euthanatized at year 2 due to postoperative complications. Nine animals were discharged to owners and six of them fulfilled their intended functions of breeding, milking, and being kept as companions. One horse was lost to follow-up and two horses died of causes unrelated to the surgery. All surviving animals had a residual lameness that was described by owners as mild to moderate. None of the horses were used as riding animals. The mean age and weight of 10 animals that regained weight-bearing locomotion was 3.1 months and 84 kg; for three unsuccessful cases it was 34 months and 174 kg. We concluded that femoral head ostectomy was a viable salvage procedure for large animals with capital femoral physeal fracture, chronic coxofemoral luxation, or acetabular fracture. Surgical prognosis appeared to be favorable in young cattle and fair in young horses or ponies weighing less than 100 kg. Osteotomy of the greater trochanter resulted in superior exposure of the intact coxofemoral joint and allowed easier, less traumatic surgical luxation of the joint to facilitate femoral head ostectomy.     

DLK1和MSTN基因在绵羊妊娠中后期胎儿中的表达分析

本研究以2个骨骼肌表型差异明显的特克塞尔和乌珠穆沁绵羊为试验对象,研究DLK1和MSTN基因在不同妊娠阶段胎儿不同部位骨骼肌中表达的调控机制及早期肌肉发育规律。在绵羊妊娠第85、100、120和135天时,对胎儿的半腱肌、半膜肌、背最长肌、股四头肌和股二头肌肌肉质量进行方差分析以及对DLK1和MSTN基因在5种骨骼肌中的表达量进行研究。结果表明,妊娠85天时特克塞尔羊的半膜肌、背最长肌、股四头肌和股二头肌质量显著或极显著(P<0.05或P<0.01)高于乌珠穆沁羊;妊娠100天时,5种骨骼肌组织生长发育在品种间的差异达到最大(P<0.05或P<0.01)。实时荧光定量分析表明,随着胎儿日龄的增加,DLK1基因在半腱肌、半膜肌、背最长肌、股四头肌和股二头肌骨骼肌中的表达量有增加的趋势,同时在特克塞尔羊中的表达量高于乌珠穆沁绵羊。在妊娠120天的半腱肌和半膜肌、妊娠100和135天的背最长肌、妊娠85天股四头肌和妊娠135天的股二头肌中DLK1表达量在2个品种间差异显著(P<0.05)。MSTN的表达量在特克塞尔羊中高于乌珠穆沁羊,但整体较低。妊娠135天时背最长肌和股四头肌中MSTN基因的表达量在2个品种间差异显著(P<0.05)。结果显示,DLK1和MSTN基因在不同日龄不同肌肉组织中的差异表达可能与肌肉早期发育有关。     

The Expression Comparison Analysis of FST and FMOD Genes in Sheep Fetus during Mid and Late Pregnancy

In order to investigate skeletal muscle development mechanism,the expression of follistatin (FST) and fibromodulin (FMOD) gene were comparatively analyzed in fetus different skeletal muscles and different stages between Ujumqin sheep and Texel sheep during early stage.Two gene expression were analyzed including longissimusdorsi,semimembranosus,semitendinosus quadricepsfemoris and biceps femoris muscle were compared by variance analysis methods of four stages (85,100,120 and 135 d).The results of quantitative Real-time PCR showed that the expression of FST gene showed a tendency to increase with the addition of stage,and the expression of FST gene in Texel sheep was higher than that in Ujumqin sheep in semitendinosus (100,120 d),semimembranosus (120 d),and biceps femoris (120 d) (P<0.05).The expression of FST gene in Texel sheep was extremly higher than that of Ujumqin sheep in semitendinosus (100,135 d),longissimusdorsi (85 d),quadricepsfemoris (100 d) and biceps femoris (100 d) (P<0.01).As a whole,the expression of FMOD gene was the highest in quadriceps femoris,and was lower in other four muscles,it's expression in Ujumqin sheep was higher than that in Texel sheep.It was inferred that FST and FMOD genes might be related to muscle development during early stage.     

FST和FMOD基因在绵羊胎儿妊娠中后期的表达特征比较

本研究以骨骼肌表型差异明显的两个绵羊品种特克塞尔羊和乌珠穆沁羊为试验对象,通过对两个与生长发育相关的基因卵泡抑素(follistatin,FST)与纤维蛋白聚糖基因(fibromodulin,FMOD)在不同日龄、不同骨骼肌部位表达的比较分析,探讨绵羊骨骼肌早期发育规律;同时对绵羊胎儿的85、100、120和135日龄4个阶段,在背最长肌、半腱肌、股四头肌、半膜肌和股二头肌5个部位肌肉FST和FMOD基因的表达量进行了比较研究。实时荧光定量PCR结果表明,随着胎儿日龄的增加,FST基因在半腱肌、股四头肌中表达量有增加的趋势,同时在特克塞尔绵羊中的表达量高于乌珠穆沁羊。在100和120日龄半腱肌、120日龄半膜肌、120日龄股二头肌中FST基因表达量在两个品种间差异显著(P<0.05),在100和135日龄半膜肌、85日龄背最长肌、100日龄股四头肌、100日龄股二头肌中FST基因表达量在两个品种间差异极显著(P<0.01)。FMOD基因在股四头肌中表达量较高,而在其他4种肌肉组织中相对表达量较低,且在乌珠穆沁羊中的表达量高于特克塞尔羊中的表达量。FST和FMOD基因在绵羊早期骨骼肌发育中起着重要作用。     

Coxofemoral luxation in pet rabbits: nine cases

Of the pet rabbits presented at one private practice between August 2011 and August 2016 (n=1369), 5·6% presented with a traumatic orthopaedic injury. Of these, 7·8% (n=6) presented with traumatic coxofemoral luxation, the most frequently observed type of luxation. Three cases of non‐traumatic coxofemoral luxation in pet rabbits are also discussed. Eight rabbits presented with craniodorsal luxation and one with caudoventral luxation. Five rabbits were initially treated using closed reduction and an Ehmer sling under sedation. Two rabbits responded satisfactorily to closed reduction; their bandages remained in place for 10 and 14 days, and movement was cage‐limited for 1 month after bandage placement. The bandage did not prevent re‐luxation in three cases. Therefore, two rabbits received iliofemoral nylon sutures, and three rabbits received a femoral neck and head ostectomy. One rabbit was treated directly using open reduction and an iliofemoral nylon suture due to fractures in the same limb. One rabbit was presented in shock, coxofemoral luxation was noticed as an incidental finding and euthanasia was elected by the owner. In conclusion, of the three rabbits treated via femoral neck and head ostectomy one rabbit had an unsatisfactory outcome and two rabbits have non‐assessable outcomes. The three rabbits treated with iliofemoral sutures showed satisfactory long‐term outcomes and the two rabbits treated with closed reduction and an Ehmer sling showed satisfactory medium and long‐term outcomes.     

Total hip replacement in two dogs with unsuccessful femoral head ostectomy

An English setter (case 1) and a Tibetan mastiff (case 2) presented with intermittent weight-bearing lameness on the right hind limb when trotting. The dogs had a history of femoral head and neck ostectomy (FHNO). Orthopedic examination revealed pain and crepitus on the right hip joint. The dogs underwent total hip replacement (THR). At the 2-year (case 1) and 1-year (case 2) follow-up, both dogs had resumed normal activity without lameness. The muscle mass and range of motion were significantly improved in the affected hind limb. In conclusion, FHNO with poor functional outcomes can be successfully ameliorated with THR.