Fungal pneumonia in a captive black rhinoceros

A captive black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) with a hoof abscess was treated with long-term antibiotic therapy. After 9 months of treatment, there was rapid deterioration, marked weight loss and reluctance to stand. Profuse, bilateral epistaxis developed accompanied by collapse and the animal was euthanased. Necropsy revealed pulmonary aspergillosis with concurrent Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. Though a well-recognized disease of black rhinoceros, fungal pneumonia has not been reported in this species in Australia. The cost and efficacy of treatment have been questioned, however, prophylactic antifungal drug administration will be considered in any further cases of chronic, debilitating illness in black rhinoceros at Western Plains Zoo.     

Hoof injuries

Major surgery for wounds of the foot, compared with other parts of the body, requires a more detailed preparation and a more persistent aftercare. To approach severe hoof wounds with a routine applicable to drainage of a subsolar abscess is doomed to failure! Yet, in dealing with referral cases of hoof wounds, particularly those that have become chronic, the author has observed that the principles have been ignored and/or the routines inadequate. The hoof has a suitable capacity to heal, with complete reformation of hoof structures, if a healing environment is maintained for a long enough period of time. For severe wounds, such time must be measured in months. A lack of attentiveness to the principles of hoof wound care and impatience during convalescence are the reasons for persistent lameness or for the formation of chronic hoof defects. The amount of hoof loss or the presence of distal phalangeal and/or deep digital flexor tendon exposure are not limiting factors to a successful outcome. Also, the initial assessment of the wound may not present an accurate picture of the eventual outcome. Both the veterinarian and the client may need to be committed to the horse's care for weeks or months before the final result is apparent; however, experience and faithful commitment help to avoid misjudgments in the selection of cases for follow-through. After healing, the resultant hoof frequently has far less functional or cosmetic impairment than might seem apparent at the outset. Most hoof wounds respond to proper therapy and recover without a hoof wall defect. The time lapse between injury and definitive care is critical. The amount of hoof loss and the exposure of deep foot structures are less critical. Such cases should be handled as a high priority, if not on an emergency basis. Prolonged delay is to be feared; contamination becomes infection, which extends, over time, to deeper, vital structures of the foot, with an unfavorable impact on the prognosis. Deep, penetrating wounds that invade the podotrochlea require early, even emergency, attention in order to avoid permanent debility, mortality, or euthanasia.     

COMMINUTED FRACTURE OF THE DISTAL SESAMOID BONE AND DISTAL RUPTURE OF THE DEEP DIGITAL FLEXOR TENDON

A 10-year-old show jumper was evaluated for an acute severe lameness (grade 4 of 5) of the right foreleg. During weight bearing, the toe of the affected limb rotated dorsally suggesting rupture of the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT). Upon radiographic examination of the hoof, a severe erosion at the flexor surface and a parasagittal fracture of the distal sesamoid bone were found. Ultrasonographic examination confirmed rupture of the DDFT. These findings were confirmed on post-mortem examination. Prior to the acute lameness, the horse was treated with corticosteroid injections into the podotrochlear bursa. Repeated intra-bursal injections of corticosteroids as a possible cause for DDFT rupture are discussed as well as the possible association between a degenerative distal sesamoid bone, a distal sesamoid bone fracture and a DDFT rupture.     

ULTRASONOGRAPHIC DIAGNOSIS OF A DEEP MUSCLE ABSCESS IN A HORSE

A deep muscle abscess was diagnosed in a horse with a clinical history of a painful swelling in the left gluteal region. The thick walled hypoechoic structure seen on presentation and the multiloculated hyperechoic mass seen on reevaluation are common Ultrasonographic appearances of abscesses. Ultrasonographic evaluation allowed characterization of a chronic mass with subsequent successful surgery and treatment.     

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.     

Diagnosis and treatment of a fractured third phalanx in a Masai giraffe (Giraffe camelopardalis tippelskirchi).

A 10-yr-old male Masai giraffe (Giraffe camelopardalis tippelskirchi) presented with acute right forelimb lameness. Radiographs revealed a fracture of the medial claw of the distal phalanx penetrating into the distal interphalangeal joint. The giraffe was sedated while it was standing in a chute, and a wooden "hoof block" was applied to the lateral claw of the same limb. The animal was no longer lame 3 days after the procedure. Subsequent treatments included vitamin E, phenylbutazone, and glycosaminoglycans. For 7 wk it was maintained in a small holding yard on packed sand during the day and on deep sand during the night. The hoof block slowly wore down, and at 7 wk, it was placed back on concrete in the evening. At 8 wk, the block had completely worn off and the animal was no longer lame, but radiographs indicated minimal fracture healing. Radiographs performed at 7 mo indicated that there was still a radiolucent zone at the fracture line but calcification was evident at the margins of the fracture.     

Surgical treatment of a sloughed hoof by skin grafting in a young bull

A sloughed hoof in a young bull as a sequela of foot and mouth disease was treated by skin grafting. Skin blocks obtained from the craniolateral thoracic area of the same animal were placed in slit-like pockets created on the coronary band. New hoof formation was completed within 20 weeks.     

Stabilization of coxo-femoral luxation using tenodesis of the deep gluteal muscle. Technique description and reluxation rate in 65 dogs and cats (1995-2008)

This retrospective study documents deep gluteal tenodesis (DGT) used to stabilize coxo- femoral luxation (CFL) in dogs and cats, and to report reluxation rate and clinical outcome after DGT. Medical records (1995-2008) of 65 dogs and cats with traumatic CFL treated by capsulorrhaphy and DGT were reviewed. Animals with radiographic evidence of pre-existing hip dysplasia or articular fractures had been excluded. Reluxation rate and outcome were assessed by clinical examination, performed two and ten weeks postoperatively. Surgical treatment was performed between one and 20 days after the initiating event. No perioperative complications occurred. All hip joints were correctly reduced and stabilized immediately after DGT completion. Except for five patients, placement of the screw was considered correct. In two of these patients, the screws were too long and were protruding into the pelvic canal. In two dogs, the screws were not tightened adequately, and in one dog the screw was too short. Twenty-six dogs and eight cats were re-examined between eight and 13 weeks postoperatively. Re- luxation did not occur in any of them. Outcomes were good in two cases and excellent in 32 cases; all but two had a normal range-of-motion of the reconstructed hip, and were free of lameness and did not show any signs of pain. Traumatic CFL can be stabilized safely and effectively by DGT in dogs and cats. This technique should be considered among other capsular reinforcement techniques in the presence of an intact deep gluteal muscle.     

Clinical and pathological findings in a goat with cerebral gliomatosis

This report describes a buck with cerebral gliomatosis. The animal was severely apathetic to somnolent. Neurological examination revealed generalised ataxia and hyper-metria of the fore limbs. There was bilateral mydriasis and severely decreased menace and pupillary light reflexes. Sensitivity to pricking with a needle was markedly reduced over the entire body. There was a delayed response to adduction, abduction and crossing of the limbs and rocking of the animal. Examination of cerebrospinal fluid indicated mild mixed-cell inflammation. Based on all of the findings, an abscess or tumour of the central nervous system with localisation in the cerebrum was suspected. Because of the grave prognosis, the goat was euthanased and a post mortem examination performed. No macroscopic abnormalities were seen in any of the organs including the brain. Histologically, there was extensive diffuse glial cell hyperplasia in the white matter of the cerebral hemispheres and in the brain stem.     

Accuracy of open magnetic resonance imaging for guiding injection of the equine deep digital flexor tendon within the hoof

Lesions of the distal deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) are frequently diagnosed using MRI in horses with foot pain. Intralesional injection of biologic therapeutics shows promise in tendon healing; however, accurate injection of distal deep digital flexor tendon lesions within the hoof is difficult. The aim of this experimental study was to evaluate accuracy of a technique for injection of the deep digital flexor tendon within the hoof using MRI‐guidance, which could be performed in standing patients. We hypothesized that injection of the distal deep digital flexor tendon within the hoof could be accurately guided using open low‐field MRI to target either the lateral or medial lobe at a specific location. Ten cadaver limbs were positioned in an open, low‐field MRI unit. Each distal deep digital flexor tendon lobe was assigned to have a proximal (adjacent to the proximal aspect of the navicular bursa) or distal (adjacent to the navicular bone) injection. A titanium needle was inserted into each tendon lobe, guided by T1‐weighted transverse images acquired simultaneously during injection. Colored dye was injected as a marker and postinjection MRI and gross sections were assessed. The success of injection as evaluated on gross section was 85% (70% proximal, 100% distal). The success of injection as evaluated by MRI was 65% (60% proximal, 70% distal). There was no significant difference between the success of injecting the medial versus lateral lobe. The major limitation of this study was the use of cadaver limbs with normal tendons. The authors conclude that injection of the distal deep digital flexor tendon within the hoof is possible using MRI guidance.     

Mineral composition and microstructure of the abaxial hoof wall in dairy heifers after biotin supplementation

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of daily biotin supplementation on the mineral composition and microstructure of the abaxial hoof wall in dairy heifers. The heifers were housed on a concrete floor and fed for weight gain more than 800 g per day, which is a challenging environment for the hoof. Twelve crossbred dairy heifers (Jersey × Holstein) were divided into two treatment groups. Animals in the control group (n = 6) received a diet without supplemental biotin, while the heifers in the biotin-supplemented feed group (n = 6) each received 20 mg of biotin daily for 120 days. Samples of the abaxial hoof wall were collected from the outer claw of the fore and hind limb, before and after supplementation. The samples were evaluated by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, computed microtomography, atomic force microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Biotin supplementation increased the sulphur content and decreased the calcium and potassium content in the abaxial hoof wall. Biotin treatment also increased the percentage of horn tubules with smaller diameter marrow (17–51 µm). However, biotin did not influence the surface relief of the hoof wall, suggesting that its action is limited to the inner layers of the stratum corneum. Daily supplementation with 20 mg of biotin promoted changes in the mineral composition and microstructure of abaxial hoof wall of crossbred dairy heifers. These findings suggest biotin supplementation improves hoof quality and may help to understand the function of biotin in the stratum corneum.     

Physical examination of swine.

Swine may be examined to evaluate a disease state or a lowered economic performance or as a herd health consultation. As much of the examination as possible should be performed without handling the animal. A thorough history, evaluation of herd records, environmental examination, and herd examination should be performed prior to the evaluation of an individual animal. All necessary equipment should be available when starting the individual examination. The animals is then restrained and examined, and necessary samples are taken. Post-mortem examinations or slaughter house evaluations are a very frequent part of a health examination on swine. All samples taken should be in accordance with the standards of the laboratory that you use. You should work closely with the laboratory to obtain the best results. Physical examination of swine can be rewarding for the veterinarian as well as the producer. The most important aspect to remember is to have enough information and the proper equipment available to handle the animals for the minimal amount of time to gain the maximum benefits. Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs are similar to domestic swine in terms of their diseases and health but are dissimilar in management; pot-bellied pigs are frequently brought to the veterinarian for individual examinations. History is the most valuable part of the examination, followed by observation. Pot-bellied pigs prefer to be held securely with a hand under the chin and rump. The examination is conducted similarly to the examination of any companion animal. Chemical restraint often is necessary for sampling or minor surgical procedures. Owners should be consulted prior to the use of any restraint. This will help win their approval and confidence when working on their pets. While performing the physical examination, look at the pig's overall health as well as specific breed characteristics. Try to stay abreast of swine vaccination recommendations; you may be consulted in this regard. Most importantly, never forget even though they are pigs, pot-bellied pigs are companion animals and should be handled as such.     

亚洲象趾甲沟炎的诊治

2018年9月10日,杭州动物园1头亚洲象,左蹄第三趾上部出现5 cm×4 cm的脓肿,后出现趾甲开裂,并不断出现脓性分泌物。在训练保定状态下,经5个月左右的清创、抗菌、修蹄后,亚洲象蹄部恢复正常。本文以杭州动物园亚洲象趾甲沟炎实际治疗过程和经验为线索,进而对亚洲象趾甲沟炎产生原因、诊断及治疗方案进行讨论,以期为同行提供借鉴和指导。     

Membrane-coating granules and the intercellular cementing substance (membrane-coating material) in the epidermis in different regions of the equine hoof

This study aimed to carry out a comprehensive morphological examination of the structure and ultrastructure of the membrane-coating granules (MCG) and membrane-coating material (MCM) common to all hoof segments as well as segment-specific features in the MCG and MCM regarding their synthesis, structure and biochemical composition. Tissue samples from the hooves of the left front and right hind limb of 20 adult riding horses were used. Samples were preserved and embedded for histological routine methods as well as for histochemical techniques and tracer techniques for light and electron microscopy. The MCM shows a segment-specific structure, biochemical composition and function, which were demonstrated for the different parts of the hoof. The MCM and its properties are related to the segment-specific horn quality. Besides intercellular structural factors the MCM is of major importance for the structural integrity and the biomechanical properties of the hoof horn. The physiological structure and composition of MCM provides explanation for the existence of clinically well-known sites of predilection for hoof disorders such as the White Line Disease. Alterations of the MCM play a role in dysfunction and diseases of the hoof epidermis; they are particularly involved in the pathogenesis of infectious diseases of the hoof.     

Severe lameness caused by metastatic renal adenocarcinoma of the third phalanx in a Warmblood mare

Malignant osseous neoplasia has been extremely rarely reported in the horse and, therefore, it is not commonly considered as a differential diagnosis for acute lameness. In the present report, a 19‐year‐old Warmblood mare in poor body condition and with a history of chronic haematuria, presumably attributable to renal neoplasia, was referred with acute, progressive, unilateral right forelimb lameness with marked unilateral digital pulsation and metacarpal oedema. No hoof abscess was found. Radiographic examination revealed a well defined osteolytic area in the dorsomedial half of the third phalanx. Dermal laminae at the dorsomedial aspect of the hoof showed a dark red appearance with poor vascularisation. Thoracic radiographs revealed pulmonary nodules. As osseous metastasis of the third phalanx was suspected, the mare was subjected to euthanasia. Post mortem histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of primary renal adenocarcinoma with metastasis to the lungs, myocardium, along the perirenal lymphatic tract and to the third phalanx, with extensive osteolysis in the latter location. Post mortem computed tomography of the hoof provided excellent visualisation of the osseous metastasis. The rare possibility of osseous metastatic neoplasia should be included in the differential diagnosis of severe lameness, especially in aged horses with a history of chronic renal disease.     

Microtomographic Parameters and Nanoindentation of the Hoof of Girolando Cattle

The aim of this study was to describe the microstructure of the pigmented and depigmented hoof capsule of Girolando cattle by bi‐ and tridimensional microtomography and nanoindentation, analysing the possible relation between these findings and the susceptibility of such animals to podal diseases. To carry out the microtomography and the nanoindentation, duplicated samples were collected from the dorsal wall, abaxial wall and pre‐bulbar sole of the hoof capsule. Material collection was performed in 40 medial digits of thoracic limbs and 40 lateral digits of pelvic limbs. The bidimensional microtomography showed that the dorsal wall of the thoracic and pelvic limbs presented higher density, followed by the abaxial wall, and finally by the sole, with the lowest density. Moreover, the hoof capsule of cows of Girolando breed is a compact, non‐porous material, and constituted by extratubular and intratubular keratin. By the tridimensional microtomography, it was possible to measure the angles of the corneal tubules in relation to the periople and the claws in the different regions of the hoof capsule, which were 90° for the dorsal wall, 55° for the abaxial wall and 70° for the sole. The tridimensional microtomography also showed corneal tubules of different diameters: 17, 51, 85, 119 and 153 μm. The nanoindentation test, when performed in different regions of the hoof capsule, did not reveal significant difference of Vickers hardness in the evaluated areas. However, we verified a larger elastic module of these regions on the transversal cut of the corneal tubules compared to the longitudinal cut.     

放牧家畜模拟践踏器研究

放牧家畜践踏在草地退化和健康维护中起主导作用而具有重要的研究意义。结合放牧家畜放牧行为和踏压作用力分析,采用气泵与践踏器直接连接的设计,研制了"手持式气动放牧家畜模拟践踏器"。"手持式气动放牧家畜模拟践踏器"是一种精确模拟放牧家畜的践踏作业的手提便携式专业工具。通过压缩气体进入汽缸,推动活塞上下运动,模拟放牧家畜的践踏作用,模具平台前装有活动关节可同时模拟放牧家畜践踏的"摩擦削切作用",由于汽缸工作压力大小可调节,践踏次数可计数,从而实现对牛、马、羊等放牧家畜的践踏可调节、可计量的目的。该机设计结构紧凑、体积小、重量轻、机动性强、手提便携、性价比高,特别适用于小尺度研究各种放牧家畜践踏对任意类型草地的作用。     

Severe Streptococcus infection in spotted hyenas in the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

In a population of spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) monitored between 1996 and 2005 in the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania, 16 individuals from five of eight social groups displayed clinical signs of an infection, including severe unilateral swelling of the head followed by abscess formation at the mandibular angle, respiratory distress, mild ataxia, and lethargy. Two (12.5%) of these 16 individuals died within days of developing signs. Clinical signs in hyenas were first noted in 2001, and most cases occurred between September 2002 and February 2003, suggesting an outbreak of infection during this period. Histopathological examination of internal organs from one hyena that died with signs revealed morphological changes consistent with severe bacterial infection. Phenotypic examination and phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene of the causative agent of infection revealed a Lancefield group C Streptococcus with a high level of homology to S. equi subsp. ruminatorum, a subspecies of S. equi recently described in domestic sheep (Ovis aries) and goats (Capra hircus) with mastitis in Spain. Strains similar to this bacterium were also isolated from two hyenas without obvious clinical signs, suggesting that hyenas may be 'carriers' of this bacterium, and from a sympatric Burchell's zebra (Equus burchelli), a herbivore species often consumed by hyenas. To our knowledge this is the first report of a Streptococcus infection in these two wildlife species. The high genetic similarity between the hyena and zebra isolates indicates that inter-specific transmission may occur, possibly when hyenas consume infected zebra carcasses.     

Clinical Updates I—Laminitis

Managing laminitis entails a multifaceted approach and includes nutritional management in all cases. Using advanced imaging techniques, as part of the diagnostic workup, provides guidance in the treatment options and includes computed tomography, computer modeling, digital radiography and venography. The therapeutic procedures are trimming, shoeing, deep flexor tenotomy and hoof wall resection as possible considerations and is dependent on the clinical findings. When applicable, preventive measures such as cryotherapy and techniques to prevent support limb laminitis can be implemented.