Successful outcome of a Standardbred filly after conservative treatment for a Salter–Harris type III fracture of the distal femoral condyle

A 10-day-old Standardbred filly sustained a complex Salter–Harris type III fracture of the right, lateral, distal femoral condyle. The lateral condyle was fractured in transverse, sagittal and frontal planes. The filly was treated by restricting it and its dam to a small, level paddock until lameness was no longer apparent. The filly, when weaned at 7 months of age, was turned out to pasture with three other weanlings. The filly entered race training as a 2-year-old, qualified to race as a trotter, was placed second in its first start and won its third race. Conservative treatment should be considered as an option for a young horse with a minimally displaced, Salter–Harris type III fracture of the distal lateral femoral condyle.     

Surgical treatment of equine colic - a retrospective study of 297 surgeries in Norway 2005–2011

Background

Colic, defined as pain originating from the abdomen, is a common condition in horses. Most of the cases resolve spontaneously or after medical treatment, but a few require surgical treatment. Surgical treatment of colic in horses is resource-demanding and expensive, and information on prognosis is therefore important for both owners and surgeons. In the present study, surgical cases in two equine hospitals in Norway between 2005 and 2011 were reviewed. The aim of the study was to describe associations between prognostic indicators, diagnoses and short term survival by use of random effects logistic regression.

Results

In the present study, 162 out of 297 (54.5%) surgeries resulted in the horse being discharged from the hospital. Excluding cases euthanized during surgery, the overall short-term survival was 74.0% (162 out of 219 surgeries). Seventy-eight (26.3%) of the horses were euthanized during surgery, due to grave or poor prognosis. In univariable analyses, duration of colic signs, heart rate, capillary refill time, mucosal membrane appearance, intestinal sounds, affected gastrointestinal segment, hematocrit, intestinal resection, hospital and surgeon board-certification had P-value <0.20 and were assessed in multivariable analyses. Respiration rate, rectal temperature and lactate in blood also had univariable P <0.20, but were left out from multivariable analyses due to too high levels of missing values. A random effect of primary surgeon was included and breed, sex and age were tested in multivariable analyses as possible confounders; and hospital was included to control for hospital routine differences. In the final multivariable model the variables mucosal membrane appearance, affected gastrointestinal segment and surgeon board-certification significantly influenced survival. The random surgeon effect was not significant.

Conclusions

The present study showed that prognostic parameters and diagnoses of surgical treatment of horses with colic in Norway are in accordance with reports from other parts of the world. The significant effect of board-certification of surgeon is not reported in previous studies. The general short-term survival rate was somewhat lower than reported in other studies, partly due to more horses being euthanized intraoperatively in the present study. This might be because of economical or animal welfare reasons.     

What is your diagnosis? Biopsy impression smear of a hepatic mass in a yearling Thoroughbred filly

A 1-year-old Thoroughbred filly was presented to the Cornell University Hospital for Animals with a 10-day history of fever, diarrhea, inappetance, and hypodipsia. Clinical pathology abnormalities found by the referring veterinarian included erythrocytosis, hyperproteinemia, and increased serum gamma-glutamyltransferase and lactate dehydrogenase activities. At Cornell University, the laboratory abnormalities were confirmed and also included thrombocytosis and hypoglycemia. Erythrocytosis persisted despite vigorous fluid therapy. Ultrasound examination revealed an extremely enlarged liver with abnormal echogenicity and a 21 x 25-cm hepatic mass with varied echogenicity. Imprints of an ultrasound-guided biopsy of the mass revealed a neoplastic epithelial population of uncertain origin, although the cells did not resemble hepatocytes. Together with the presenting signs, signalment, ultrasonographic findings, and persistent erythrocytosis, the cytologic findings were considered to be most consistent with hepatoblastoma. Histopathologic examination of the mass at necropsy confirmed the diagnosis and findings also included bone marrow erythroid hyperplasia. Serum erythropoietin concentration was 28.0 mU/mL (reference interval 1.0-11.8 mU/mL), supporting erythropoietin production by the tumor and secondary inappropriate erythrocytosis. To our knowledge, this report is the first to document secondary erythrocytosis with increased erythropoietin concentration in a horse with hepatoblastoma, and also the first to describe the cytopathologic features of this rare tumor.     

Which anatomical region determines a positive flexion test of the distal aspect of a forelimb in a nonlame horse?

Reasons for performing study: The flexion test is used routinely as part of lameness and prepurchase examinations. However, little is known about the mechanisms that cause a positive response to a flexion test. Objective: To determine which anatomical regions play a role in a positive outcome of a flexion test of the distal aspect of a forelimb in a nonlame horse. Methods: Eight clinically sound Dutch Warmblood horses were subjected to a standardised flexion test (force 250 N, time 60 s) inducing a consistent lameness. To discriminate between different areas of the distal aspect of a forelimb, effects of various nerve blocks on the outcome of the flexion test were investigated. Low palmar digital, palmar at the abaxial aspects of the base of the proximal sesamoids, high palmar, ulnar and low 4‐point nerve blocks were performed. Flexion test induced lameness was scored before and after each nerve block in separate sessions. Results: The low palmar digital nerve blocks and nerve blocks of the palmar nerves at the abaxial aspect of the base of the proximal sesamoid bones had no significant effect on the flexion test induced lameness score. The ulnar, high palmar and, most dramatically, the low 4‐point nerve blocks all caused a significant (P<0.05) reduction in the flexion test induced lameness score. Conclusions: Anatomical structures (soft tissue nor synovial structures) located distal to the metacarpophalangeal joint appear to contribute only minimally to the outcome of a positive flexion test of the distal aspect of a forelimb in a clinically nonlame horse. The structures in the region of, and including, the metacarpophalangeal joint appear to contribute most to a positive flexion test of the distal aspect of a forelimb in a nonlame horse. Potential relevance: The flexion test of the distal aspect of a forelimb may be sensitive for investigating the metacarpophalangeal joint region in horses free from lameness, but may be less relevant for structures distal to this region.     

Wound Healing in Rainbow Trout following Surgical Site Preparation with a Povidone–Iodine Antiseptic

Abstract

We investigated the effects of preparing surgical incision sites with a topical antiseptic on wound healing and hematological response in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. A povidone–iodine solution was applied both pre- and postsurgery to the incision sites on treated fish. Three-centimeter incisions in both treated (N = 9) and control (nontreated, N = 9) fish were closed with four nonabsorbable sutures sewn in a simple interrupted pattern. During the 42-d period of wound healing, there were no statistically significant changes in total erythrocyte counts (1.28 × 10⁶/mm³ ± 0.05 SE), in percentage of dividing erythrocytes (0.76% ± 0.07 SE), or in differential leukocyte counts. Postmortem, pathogenic bacterial infections in the kidney or spleen were not detected in any of the fish. There was no histological difference between control and treated incisions to show either beneficial or adverse tissue reactions to the topical antiseptic treatments. Blinded histological analysis revealed both treated and untreated incision sites healed within 42 d at the same rate. Therefore, preparation of the incision sites with a povidone–iodine antiseptic did not improve wound healing nor alter healing rate in rainbow trout under the conditions of this study.     

Effects of breed type and age at first calving on length of productive life in a cow–calf system in Southeastern Mexico

The effect of age at first calving (AFC) and breed type (BG) on cow length of productive life in the herd (LPL) and cumulative kilograms of calves weaned per cow (KWC) was studied. Data on 313 Brahman, 183 Nellore, and 269 crossbred cows (undefined crosses of European × Zebu cattle) born from 1986 to 2002 were used. Three hundred and ninety-one out of the 765 cows had non-censored data. LPL curves by BG and AFC (<2.5, 2.5 to <3, 3 to <3.5, and ≥3.5 years of age) were obtained using life table procedures. The magnitude of the effect of AFC and BG on LPL was determined using Cox proportional hazard regression procedures. KWC data (n = 359) were analyzed by a linear model that included the effects of period of birth of the cow (in years), BG, and AFC. There was no difference in the survival curves between BG (p > 0.05), but there was for the hazard ratio of culling (p < 0.05). Brahman and Nellore cows produced more kilograms of calves (p < 0.05) than crossbred cows. AFC influenced LPL (p = 0.014) and KWC (p = 0.012). Cows with AFC <3 years of age stayed longer in the herd and weaned more KWC than those with a higher AFC (p < 0.05).     

Surgical Correction of Uterine Torsion and Mare–Foal Survival in Advance Pregnant Equine Patients

This article describes the surgical management of uterine torsion by midline celiotomy and cesarean section on 12 mares presented with signs of colic to a teaching veterinary hospital. The mares were either in full term of gestation (n = 7) or in advanced stage of pregnancy (n = 5). Six mares were in first parity. Uterine torsion was diagnosed by per rectal and per vaginal examinations. For surgical intervention, mares were anesthetized using a combination of xylazine (1.1 mg/kg) and ketamine (2.2 mg/kg), intravenously. After intubation, the animals were maintained on halothane (n = 4) or isoflurane (n = 8) inhalation anesthesia. Midline celiotomy was performed, and foals were delivered by cesarean section. In 11 mares, before closing the abdominal wound, the uterus was detorted manually and confirmed for its normal position. Both anesthetic protocols using halothane and isoflurane were found satisfactory for surgical correction of uterine torsion. After long-term follow-up, the study reported 75.0% (9/12) survival rate for mares. One mare was euthanized because of devitalized, necrosed, and adhered uterus to the abdominal wall. Of the nine surviving mares, seven were successfully bred. Three foals were born alive, and only one could survive on long-term basis. Of the nine dead foals, two had umbilical cord torsion.     

Surgical osteochondral defect repair in the horse—a matter of form or function?

Focal cartilaginous and osteochondral lesions can have traumatic or chondropathic degenerative origin. The fibrocartilaginous repair tissue that forms naturally, eventually undergoes fibrillation and degeneration leading to further disruption of joint homeostasis. Both types of lesion will therefore eventually lead to activity-related pain, swelling and decreased mobility and will frequently progress to osteoarthritis. Most attempts at realising cartilage regeneration have so far resulted in cartilage repair (and not regeneration). The aim of this article was to review experimental research on surgical cartilage restoration techniques performed so far in equine models. Currently available surgical options for treatment of osteochondral lesions in the horse are summarised. The experimental validity of equine experimental models is addressed and finally possible avenues for further research are discussed.     

A field study of kick injuries to the radius and tibia in 51 horses (2000–2010)

The objective of this study was to examine all kick injuries to the radius and tibia seen in an ambulatory setting over an 11-year period in order to determine factors affecting outcome. Medical records of 51 horses seen for a kick injury to the radius or tibia were reviewed. Signalment, physical examination findings, type of management, and outcome were evaluated. There was a significant association between the presence of bony crepitus and a lameness score of ≥ 4/5 and a poor outcome. There was no relationship between signalment and outcome, but significantly more Thoroughbred/Thoroughbred cross horses were affected than any other breed. There was no detected relationship between the type of management and outcome; however, most (81%) horses were managed on stall rest. Horses with bony crepitus or with a lameness score of ≥ 4/5 were at an increased risk for euthanasia.     

Astrovirus as a possible cause of congenital tremor type AII in piglets?

Background

Congenital tremor is associated with demyelination of the brain and spinal cord and is clinically noted as outbreaks of trembling and shaking in newborn piglets during a limited time-period. Six forms of the disease have been described, where form AII may be caused by an, as yet, unidentified viral infection. This study aimed to investigate the presence of astrovirus and circovirus by sequencing and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis and by relating the findings to the occurrence of disease and lesions in the brain, in 4–6 days-old piglets obtained from a clinical outbreak of congenital tremor.

Results

In piglets with congenital tremor, there were mild to moderate vacuolar changes of the white matter in the cerebrum, brain stem and cerebellum. In healthy piglets, less conspicuous vacuolar changes were detected. One healthy and one diseased piglet were positive for porcine circovirus type 2. The nested pan-PCR showed the presence of astrovirus in at least one brain region in all piglets and by sequencing, two different porcine astrovirus lineages were identified.

Conclusions

The results do not support previous studies identifying porcine circovirus type 2 as the cause of congenital tremor. The demonstration of astrovirus in the brain of piglets suffering from congenital tremor is interesting. However, astrovirus was demonstrated in both healthy and diseased individuals and therefore, further studies are warranted to determine the possible involvement of astrovirus in the pathogenesis of congenital tremor in pigs.     

Information Spread in a Region of Human–Mountain Lion Coexistence

The media has a significant role in spreading information about human–wildlife conflict, yet it is not the only information source available. The extent to which the public receives information about conflict from various sources, especially in areas where it is occurring, has not been well established. A questionnaire survey and media content analysis are used to uncover how the public receives information about mountain lion (Puma concolor) issues in Santa Cruz County, California. In the region, individuals had substantial experience with mountain lions. Residents also discussed mountain lion issues with friends and neighbors nearly as often as they read about them. In newspaper articles, citizens were cited more than any other group, including government agencies, scientists, and nongovernmental organizations. Understanding the high levels of public experience and information sharing can lend managers insight into attitudes, risk perception, and knowledge, while revealing opportunities for outreach beyond increasing media presence.     

Surgical management of foreign body obstruction of the small and large colons in 29 equids (2004–2016)

The objectives of the study were to describe the clinical presentation, surgical findings, complications and outcome of a case series of small and large colon obstruction by foreign bodies (FBs) in horses. The study is a retrospective case series which included 29 equids (28 horses and one donkey). Medical records of cases diagnosed with FB obstruction of the large or small colon between the years 2004 and 2016 that underwent surgery were reviewed. Data regarding signalment, clinical signs, surgical findings and post-operative variables were recorded. Short- (survival to hospital discharge) and long- (1 year after surgery) term survival rates were obtained. Cases had a mean age of 4.2 years, with both females and Arabian horses being overrepresented. Abdominal distention was the most common observation on presentation and the FB could be palpated in 20% of the cases during rectal examination. The most common reason to go into surgery was severe pain with abdominal distention. Significantly more FBs were found in the small colon during surgery (P<0.0001) and most were removed by small colon enterotomy. Complications rate post-operatively was relatively high (41%) with fever and diarrhoea being most common. Twenty-three cases (79%) were released from the hospital and all cases that were available for long-term follow-up were alive and returned to previous activity. No correlation between the chosen method of surgical removal of the FB and survival or complications post-operatively was noted. These data reflect favourable prognosis for surgical removal of colonic FBs. Few techniques are available to improve the safety of removal and the preferred method depends on the FB location, appearance and mobility. As FB obstruction resembles ‘noncomplicated’ colonic impaction, it is essential to try and recognise FB cases since deterioration can be rapid and surgery is the only sufficient treatment.     

Virology: The efficacy of a new single post‐exposure treatment of rabies in mice without vaccination

Summary

Local application of rabies immune serum and isoprinosine, an immunomodulator with antiviral activity was effective in mice infected with a sylvatic rabies virus. In this way, a single medical or veterinary treatment is only required, which is particularly important for developing but also for developed countries.

The importance of using a post‐exposure potency test to monitor rabies vaccines is emphasized. The same principle could be applied to other emerging viral infections of humans (for example, human immunodeficiency virus infection) and animals, for which no effective vaccines are available at this moment.     

Pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic modelling of the antinociceptive effect of a romifidine infusion in standing horses

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of a romifidine infusion on antinociception and sedation, and to investigate its relationship with plasma concentration.Study designProspective, experimental, nonrandomized trial.AnimalsA total of 10 healthy adult warmblood horses.MethodsRomifidine (loading dose: 0.08 mg kg^–1, infusion: 0.03 mg kg^–1 hour^–1) was administered intravenously over 120 minutes. Romifidine plasma concentrations were determined by capillary electrophoresis. Sedation quality and nociceptive thresholds were evaluated at regular time points before, during and after romifidine administration. The nociceptive withdrawal reflex was elicited by electrical stimulation at the thoracic limb using a dedicated threshold tracking algorithm and recorded by electromyography at the deltoid muscle. A pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic model was established and correlation between romifidine plasma concentration and main output variables tested.ResultsA two compartmental model best described the romifidine pharmacokinetic profile. The nociceptive thresholds increased compared with baseline in all horses from 10 to 146 minutes after romifidine administration (p < 0.001). Peak effect reached 5.7 ± 2.3 times the baseline threshold (mean ± standard deviation). The effect/concentration relationship followed a counter-clockwise hysteresis loop. The mean plasma concentration was weakly correlated to nociceptive thresholds (p < 0.0071, r = 0.392). The sedative effects were significant until 160 minutes but variable, not correlated to plasma concentration (p = 0.067), and weakly correlated to nociceptive thresholds (p < 0.0001, r = 0.33).Conclusions and clinical relevanceRomifidine elicited a marked antinociceptive effect. Romifidine-induced antinociception appeared with a delayed onset and lasted longer than sedation after discontinuing its administration.     

Development of a sedation protocol using orally administered tiletamine–zolazepam–acepromazine in free-roaming dogs

Objective

To investigate the sedative effects in dogs of tiletamine–zolazepam–acepromazine (TZA) or ketamine–flunitrazepam (KF) administered orally and to evaluate the effectiveness of encapsulated TZA for capturing free-roaming dogs.