Effect of Intestinal Resection on Two Juvenile Horses With Granulomatous Enteritis

Two horses were presented with lethargy, weight loss, anorexia, and swelling of the limbs and ventral body wall. One horse, a 12-month-old American Paso Fino colt, also had acute abdominal pain. The other horse, a seven-month-old Tennessee Walking Horse (TWH) filly passed diarrheic stools during the initial examination. Each horse had low serum protein, neutropenia, and a normal packed cell volume (3.2 g/dl, 1300 cells/ul, and 38%, respectively, for the colt, and 2.4 g/dl, 696 cells/ul, and 44%, respectively for the filly). After intravenously administering plasma, the colt's PCV dropped to 23%, and the filly's dropped to 30%. During exploratory surgery, 3.5 and 2.0 meters of thickened terminal small intestine were removed from the colt and filly respectively, and a jejunocecostomy performed. The results of histologic examination of resected intestine were consistent with a diagnosis of equine granulomatous enteritis (EGE). Both horses showed clinical improvement within two days after surgery. The colt developed a neutrophilia (20,500 cells/ul) within 24 hours of surgery. Serum protein concentrations remained stable and gradually elevated to normal or near normal values of 7.0 g/dl (colt) and 5.8 g/dl (filly) by two weeks. The colt was killed four months after surgery because of signs of abdominal pain. Postmortem examination revealed a small intestinal volvulus associated with an adhesion. The TWH filly remains clinically normal 13 months after surgery.     

The use of computed tomography in the diagnosis of an ectopic ureter in a Quarter Horse filly

This report describes a 4‐month‐old Quarter Horse filly with an ectopic ureter. The filly presented with signs of urinary incontinence, which had been present since birth. Computed tomography (CT) examination and cystoscopy confirmed a diagnosis of a unilateral ectopic ureter. A nephrectomy of the left kidney was performed and renal function was closely monitored post operatively. The filly was treated for abdominal chylous effusion as a post operative complication. The filly survived to discharge from the hospital, and maintained normal urinary function at 12 months post operatively.     

Congenital Osteoma of the Frontal Bone in an Arabian Filly

Congenital frontal osteoma has not been previously described in horses. This report records—for the first time—a congenital osteoma of the frontal bone in a 4-month-old Arabian filly. The filly had a frontal hard mass that was present at birth and then showed a slow and continuous growth. This mass appeared as a solitary, painless, oval dense tumor of compact bone, about 2 cm in diameter and 3 cm in length. The tumor was asymptomatic, and the skin over the mass was normal. Radiography revealed a well-defined oval, radio-dense mass projecting from the surface of the right frontal bone with no local invasion. The tumor had a broad-based attachment to frontal bone with normal frontal sinus. The mass caused disfigurement; therefore, it was removed at the owner’s request. The mass was diagnosed histopathologically as osteoma. The surgical excision of the osteoma was successful without any complications, and the filly adapted remarkably well after surgery. No recurrence was reported 20 months after the surgery. In conclusion, osteoma should be listed during the differential diagnosis of the congenital craniofacial masses in horses. Early diagnosis of the frontal osteoma guarantees a successful surgical treatment and consequently prevents the future complications.     

Bicavitary eosinophilic effusion in a dog with coccidioidomycosis

This is a case of coccidioidomycosis in a dog, examined for vomiting and labored breathing. Physical examination and thoracic and abdominal imaging revealed pleural and peritoneal effusions, both of which exhibited neutrophilic inflammation with a substantial eosinophilic component. The dog had positive IgM and IgG coccidioidomycosis titers at initial evaluation. The eosinophilic component of the inflammation was attributed to coccidioidomycosis. The dog underwent approximately 6 months of fluconazole treatment, with both effusions and clinical signs improving after 6 weeks. Three months after cessation of antifungal treatment, the dog developed a mid-diaphyseal lytic and proliferative lesion in the left radius caused by Coccidioides spp. This case illustrates the importance of consideration of coccidioidomycosis when an eosinophilic cavitary effusion is present in dogs that live in or have traveled to endemic regions.     

Repair of shoulder luxation in a horse

Shoulder luxation in a 3-year-old Thoroughbred filly was treated by closed reduction, using a calf jack to provide traction on the limb. Arthroscopic examination of the shoulder allowed removal of soft tissue and bony debris. After surgery, the filly was confined to a box stall for 6 months. Eight months after surgery, the filly was doing light work and was not lame. Muscular atrophy present before surgery had resolved. Use of a calf jack may allow reduction of shoulder luxation under field conditions.     

Congenital oesophageal stricture in an Arabian filly treated by balloon dilation

Congenital oesophageal stricture was diagnosed via endoscopy in a 3‐day‐old Arabian filly suffering from nasal milk regurgitation. Vascular ring anomaly or other extramural, intramural or intraluminal causes were not identified on radiographs or on a computed tomography scan; thus a functional abnormality was suspected. The filly was treated with antibiotics for aspiration pneumonia and was fed milk through an indwelling nasoesophageal tube. Two sessions of balloon bougienage at the stenotic site, under sedation, resulted in marked clinical improvement and thereafter the filly was gradually reintroduced to suckling from the mare. The filly was discharged from the hospital after 17 days and on follow‐up there were no reports of food regurgitation even after the introduction of solid food. The filly was still doing well in the latest follow‐up at age 11 months.     

Treatment of Mycotic Rhinitis With Itraconazole in Three Horses

Itraconazole, a third-generation azole, was evaluated for treatment of resistant nasal mycotic infections in horses. Two horses with Aspergillus spp nasal granulomas and 1 horse with Conidiobolus coronatus nasal infection were treated with itraconazole (3 mg/kg PO bid). One of the horses with nasal aspergillosis was also treated by surgical resection of the nasal septum. The treatment time for the horses ranged from 3 to 4.5 months. No adverse effects were noted in any of the horses during the treatment period. Peak and trough serum itraconazole concentrations were < 0.5 μg/mL in all 3 horses. Itraconazole (3 mg/kg PO bid) appears to be effective in the treatment of nasal Aspergillus spp infections in horses because the fungal infection was eliminated in both horses. One horse still had excessive nasal sounds during exercise and was retired from training, whereas the other horse returned to normal. The nasal C. coronatus infection appeared resistant to itraconazole treatment in the affected horse because the granulomas were still present after 4.5 months of treatment.     

Hepatocellular carcinoma associated with erythrocytosis and hypoglycemia in a yearling filly

A yearling Arabian-type filly with a history of poor growth, erythrocytosis, hypoglycemia, and high liver enzyme activities was admitted to the hospital for evaluation. Three days after admission, the filly collapsed, deteriorated rapidly despite treatment, and was euthanatized. A metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma with capsular rupture and hemoperitoneum were found at necropsy. Primary liver tumors are rare in horses, and hepatocellular carcinoma has been reported in only 1 other horse. The systemic manifestations of the tumor in this filly included weakness, weight loss, inappetence, erythrocytosis with tumor production of erythropoietin, persistent hypoglycemia with normal serum insulin concentrations, serum alpha-fetoprotein (normally present only during fetal life), and terminal massive hemoperitoneum, all features of the syndrome in man.     

Mandibular condylectomy and meniscectomy for the treatment of septic temporomandibular joint arthritis in a horse

OBJECTIVE: To report use of mandibular condylectomy for treatment of advanced degenerative joint disease of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) caused by sepsis. DESIGN: Clinical case report. ANIMALS: Two-year-old Noriker filly. METHODS: Computed tomography (CT) was used to confirm advanced degenerative joint disease of the left TMJ and for follow-up after mandibular condylectomy and removal of necrotic meniscus. RESULTS: Painful swelling (3 weeks duration) with drainage located just caudal to the left lateral canthus of the eye was associated with atrophy of the left masseter muscle, masticatory problems, and inappetence. There was incisor malocclusion with a 1.4 cm resting lateral mandibular deviation to the right and inability to open the mouth more than a few centimeters. Left mandibular condylectomy combined with meniscectomy and thorough debridement of the septic left TMJ resulted in resolution of clinical signs and complete return of function. Streptococcus zooepidemicus, intermediately resistant to penicillin and subsequently to enrofloxacin, was isolated from the wound. Regeneration of a mandibular "pseudocondyle" was evident on CT at 4 months. At 4 months and 1 year the filly had maximal mouth opening >10 cm and no malocclusion. CONCLUSION: Mandibular condylectomy can be used to facilitate management of septic TMJ arthritis. There was no radiologic or clinical evidence of TMJ ankylosis >1 year after meniscal removal. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Mandibular condylectomy, including meniscectomy, is an acceptable treatment option for advanced TMJ septic arthritis and allowed return of normal masticatory function.     

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.     

Internal fixation of a transverse scapular neck fracture in a filly

A 3-week-old Standardbred filly had a non-weightbearing forelimb lameness caused by scapular neck fracture. The fracture was repaired with 2 dynamic compression plates placed 90 degrees to each other. A 10-hole 4.5-mm narrow dynamic compression plate was placed on the cranial aspect of the scapular spine, and a 10-hole 3.5-mm dynamic compression plate was placed caudal to the scapular spine. One year after surgery, the filly was not lame when exercising in the pasture, and muscle atrophy was not evident on the affected limb. Eighteen months after surgery, the filly was in race training with no apparent problems caused by fracture repair.     

Sand-induced diarrhea in a foal

A diagnosis of sand enteropathy was made in a 3 1/2-month-old Quarter Horse filly. Clinical signs included diarrhea and weight loss of 2 1/2 months' duration. Abdominal radiographs were useful in diagnosis of the condition and in evaluating response to therapy. The filly responded to treatment with psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid although full recovery took 2 months. Diagnosis and treatment of sand enteropathy is discussed.     

Locking Compression Plates for Pancarpal Arthrodesis in a Thoroughbred Filly

Objective— To report treatment of a comminuted ulnar carpal (UC) bone fracture associated with carpal instability by pancarpal arthrodesis using 2 locking compression plates (LCP).
Study Design— Case report.
Animals— A 2-year-old Thoroughbred filly.
Methods— An UC fracture and luxation of the proximal row of carpal bones was diagnosed radiographically. Pancarpal arthrodesis was performed with 2 LCP positioned dorsolaterally and dorsomedially and centered over the carpus through a single skin incision. The filly was maintained in a full limb cast for 15 days, followed by a tube cast for 14 days, and subsequently a full limb bandage with caudal splint for 21 days.
Results— Two LCP provided appropriate carpal stability resulting in a pasture sound horse 6 months after surgery. The filly was discharged from the hospital 63 days after surgery, walking well with only a slight mechanical lameness.
Conclusion— Use of 2 LCP applied on the dorsomedial and dorsolateral aspect of the carpus can provide carpal stability for pancarpal arthrodesis.
Clinical Relevance— Excellent stability of the carpal joints can be achieved with 2 LCP.     

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.     

Fibro‐osseous tumour of the second metacarpal bone in a Thoroughbred filly

A 7‐month‐old Thoroughbred filly was evaluated because of an enlarging mass present on the proximomedial aspect of the left metacarpus. The mass was first noticed at age 2 months and had continued to increase in size. The mass was firm, nonpainful to palpation, covered with normal haired skin and had never been associated with lameness. Radiographs obtained at ages 2 and 7 months revealed an enlarging and partially mineralised mass associated with the second metacarpal bone. Based on the clinical and radiographic progression, as well as the location of the mass, a poor prognosis for future athletic soundness was given and the filly was subjected to euthanasia. The mass had histological features of both an ossifying fibroma and osteoma.     

Successful cardiopulmonary cerebral resuscitation incorporating defibrillation in a filly with neonatal maladjustment syndrome following a routine anaesthetic procedure

A 10-h-old 56-kg Thoroughbred filly was presented for treatment of partial failure of passive transfer of immunity and presumed neonatal maladjustment syndrome (NMS). The filly was hospitalised, and supportive care initiated. On Day 5 of hospitalisation, seizures were observed and were controlled with IV administration of diazepam. Due to progression of clinical signs of NMS, magnetic resonance imaging of the filly's brain was performed. During the early anaesthetic recovery period, the filly exhibited cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) at which point cardiopulmonary cerebral resuscitation (CPCR) was performed for a total of 48 min. During this time, ventricular fibrillation (VF) was observed on ECG and the filly was defibrillated three times at 1–2-min intervals using 2–4 J/kg of monophasic electrical defibrillation. The filly successfully recovered from CPCR, was discharged 5 days later and was reported healthy 12 months post-discharge.     

Bilateral ureterocystostomy to correct left ureteral atresia and right ureteral ectopia in an 8-month-old standardbred filly

OBJECTIVES: To report the diagnosis and outcome after surgical correction of bilateral distal ureteral anomalies in a Standardbred filly. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical case report. ANIMAL: An 8-month-old, 310 kg Standardbred filly with left ureteral atresia and right ureteral ectopia. METHODS: The filly was admitted for evaluation of incontinence since birth and severe urine scalding of the hindquarters. Diagnosis was made by both direct (cystoscopy and vaginoscopy) and indirect (intravenous pyelography, ultrasonography, and scintigraphy) evaluation of the ureters and bladder. The filly had left ureteral atresia, hydronephrosis, and decreased left-sided renal function and right ureteral ectopia before surgery. Surgical correction was performed on the left by an end-to-side stapled anastomosis technique and on the right by a side-to-side hand-sewn anastomosis technique. RESULTS: Surgical correction was successful. The filly had no postoperative complications and remained continent 18 months after surgery. Left renal function improved. CONCLUSION: Ureteral anomalies can be successfully repaired in larger (>300 kg) foals and some renal function may be restored after surgical correction. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Scintigraphy should be considered in diagnosis of ureteral anomalies, assessing renal function, and determining prognosis for horses with hydronephrosis caused by ureteral ectopia and atresia.     

The treatment of transection of the extensor carpi radialis muscle as a result of a lacerating wound in a horse

A 16 month old filly was presented with the complaint of a severe laceration to the right foreleg with resultant transection of the extensor carpi radialis. Normal principles of wound treatment were followed and a bandage and splint were used for support and immobilization. The return to partial function of the damaged extensor carpi radialis was evidenced by resolution of the wound and an improvement in the patient's gait four months after the time of injury.     

Successful surgical management of a medial humeral epicondyle fracture in a Thoroughbred foal

A 2-week-old 75 kg Thoroughbred filly was presented for the investigation of an acute forelimb lameness. Radiographs revealed a fracture of the medial epicondylar physis of the left humerus (Salter–Harris type II fracture). The fragment was removed via arthrotomy under general anaesthesia. Two months post-operatively, the foal was sound and at 2 years had resumed normal turn out. This case report describes a previously unreported surgical treatment for a fracture of the medial epicondylar physis in a foal.     

Diagnosis and treatment of blastomycosis affecting the nose and nasopharynx of a dog

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 2-year-old 38.9-kg (85.58-lb) sexually intact male German Shepherd Dog was examined because of a 4-month history of severe nasal swelling and nasal mucosa congestion. The signs were slowly progressive. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Physical examination revealed that the dorsal aspect of the dog's nose was swollen and hard. Mucous membranes in both nostrils were hyperemic and edematous. Diagnostic investigation revealed severe nasal osteolysis and pyogranulomatous rhinitis and nasopharyngitis attributable to blastomycosis. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Oral administration of itraconazole was initiated (5 mg/kg [2.27 mg/lb], q 12 h for 5 days and then q 24 h). After a treatment period of 3 months, the nose had regained its normal appearance. After 5 months of treatment, the Blastomyces infection was eliminated as confirmed by results of rhinoscopy and biopsy specimen examination. No relapse was evident within 1 year after discontinuation of treatment. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In dogs, nasal and nasopharyngeal blastomycosis can result in severe osteolysis of the nasal bone. Resolution of disease can be achieved with oral administration of itraconazole for a period of at least 5 months.