Surgical Treatment of Gastroduodenal Obstructions in Foals

Thirteen foals that ranged in age from 4 days to 4 months were presented for treatment of gastroduodenal obstruction. The site of obstruction was determined from examination of standing right lateral contrast radiographs of the caudal part of the thorax and abdomen. Depending on the site, the obstruction was bypassed by esophagogastrostomy, gastroduodenostomy, partial gastrectomy with gastroduodenostomy, duodenojejunostomy, or gastrojejunostomy followed by jejunojejunostomy. Six of the 13 foals (46%) survived. All foals with pyloric stenosis survived. Seven of eight foals with duodenal stenosis died. Deaths were due to complications unrelated to the primary gastroduodenal obstruction.     

牛肠阻塞的手术治疗

肠阻塞又称肠便秘、便秘疝,是家畜因肠机能紊乱,粪便积滞不能运转,而使肠腔发生完全或部分阻塞的一种急性腹痛症.本病主要发生在马骡,牛羊较少见.但在我省肠阻塞也是黄牛的常见病之一,一般情况多与日常饲养管理、使役及气候等因素有关.根据相关资料显示,肠便秘在家畜胃肠腹痛症中约占50%～60%,其中以小结肠阻塞、胃状膨大部阻塞、骨盆曲阻塞多见.笔者采用手术治疗,效果明显,现介绍如下供参考.     

Surgical Correction of Bilateral Ectopic Ureters in Two Foals

Case reports of ectopic ureters in a 2 1/2-month-old colt and a 4 1/2-month-old filly are presented. Diagnosis was made by retrograde cystography and excretory urography. The ureters were surgically transposed into the bladder. A functional urinary system was reestablished in both foals, but they died of postoperative complications.     

Surgical Treatment of Sand Colic Results in 40 Horses

A retrospective study of 40 horses that underwent surgical treatment for sand colic was performed. Three horses were euthanatized and one died during surgery. Of the 36 horses that recovered from anesthesia, five died before discharge from the hospital and seven died after discharge. Twenty-four horses survived at least 12 months. Sand impaction of the right dorsal colon was present in 26 horses. In addition to sand impaction, 10 horses also had colonic displacement or volvulus.     

Right Ventricular Outflow Obstruction Caused by Primary Cardiac Neoplasia

Obstruction to pulmonary blood flow as a result of neoplasia in the right ventricular outflow tract is described in two dogs. Whereas one dog had exertional syncope and a systolic ejection murmur, the other had signs of congestive failure and hypoxia. In both animals the mass was detected in the right ventricle with two-dimensional echocardiography and confirmed angiographically. Although rare, primary right ventricular neoplasia represents a potentially treatable form of cardiac disease and should be considered as a cause of acquired outflow tract obstruction.     

Idiopathic Hypocalcemia in Foals

Five thoroughbred foals (4 fillies and 1 colt), all in good to excellent body condition, ranging in age from 4 days to 5 weeks at the time of onset of signs, were presented to 2 Kentucky equine hospitals from 1992 through 1996. All 5 foals presented with tachycardia, hyperhidrosis, diarrhea or a recent history of diarrhea, and muscle rigidity or stiff gait. Four of the 5 foals presented for recumbency, seizure-like activity with opisthotonos, or pronounced extensor muscle rigidity. All 5 foals were hypocalcemic. All foals either died or had euthanasia performed. None responded to oral calcium supplementation. The cause of the hypocalcemia was unknown. Different idiopathic hypocalcemia syndromes may exist in foals.     

Mucosal mRNA Cytokines’ Profile of Gastric Wall in Neonatal Foals: Comparison with Endoscopy and Histology

Gastritis and gastric ulcerations occur frequently in neonatal foals. The relationship between cytokines expressed by gastric mucosa and gastric histopathology in healthy or sick foals has never been investigated. The aim of this study was to compare the histological diagnosis and endoscopic view with cytokine expression (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-8, IL-13, and IFN-γ) of gastric mucosa. Twenty-two foals were definitively enrolled in the study: 19 were critically ill, and 3 were healthy foals. Gastric biopsy specimens were collected for histological examination and for cytokine mRNA qualitative real-time PCR analysis. This study shows that there is a substantial agreement between histology and endoscopy and that foals with evidence of gastritis and gastric ulcerations have higher probability of expressing TNF-α. Moreover, the overall profile of cytokines expression, with a low percentage of IFN-γ, a high percentage of IL-4, and the absence of IL-13, suggests a down-regulation of the Th1 cell-mediated immune response and an impaired Th2 response in the gastric wall in the neonatal period.     

The Diagnosis and Surgical Correction of Congenital Portosystemic Vascular Anomalies in Two Calves and Two Foals

Two calves and two foals presented with episodic clinical signs of diffuse central nervous system disease. Portosystemic anomalies were tentatively diagnosed based on the history, clinical signs, and increased serum concentrations of blood ammonia and total serum bile acids with normal concentrations of liver derived enzymes. One calf died before intraoperative contrast portography, whereas the other calf and both foals had marked clinical improvement after intensive medical therapy. Surgical correction was attempted in these three animals and was successful in one foal. A right paracostal celiotomy was superior to a ventral median approach for exposure to the portal vascular system and shunt access.     

Uveal Inflammation in Septic Newborn Foals

Background: Septicemia in humans is described as a leading cause of uveitis, which eventually can induce blindness. Hypothesis/Objectives: Uveal inflammatory findings could be related to sepsis severity in newborn foals and might be used as an indirect indicator for survival. Animals: Seventy‐four septic foals, 54 nonseptic foals, and 42 healthy foals. Methods: Prospective observational clinical study. A detailed blinded, ophthalmic examination was performed by boarded ophthalmologists on all admitted newborn foals. Foals were grouped as septic (when blood culture resulted positive or the sepsis score was ≥14), nonseptic, and controls. Based on blood culture results, the septic group was subdivided into bacteremic and nonbacteremic foals. Results: Blood culture was performed in 62/74 septic foals, from which 35 (56%) were bacteremic and 27 (44%) were nonbacteremic. Anterior uveitis was diagnosed in a significantly (P < .005) higher number of septic/bacteremic foals (14/35, 40%) than in septic/nonbacteremic foals (5/27, 19%), nonseptic foals (4/54, 7%), and control foals (0%). Anterior chamber fibrin was only observed in 4/14 (29%) septic/bacteremic foals with anterior uveitis. Anterior uveitis was also associated with posterior uveitis in 6/35 (19%) septic/bacteremic foals. The diagnosis of uveitis was related to nonsurvival (P= .001, odds ratio = 6.2, 95% confidence interval = 2.1–18.2). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Anterior uveitis is highly prevalent in septic newborn foals, especially in those with a positive blood culture, and it should be considered as a survival prognostic factor.     

Persistent Frenulum of the Epiglottis in Four Foals

OBJECTIVE: To report the clinical signs and management of 4 foals with persistent frenulum of the epiglottis. STUDY DESIGN: Case report. ANIMALS: Four newborn foals. METHODS: Foals were admitted with a complaint of oronasal reflux after nursing. Variable systemic signs of aspiration pneumonia were evident. Nasal endoscopy confirmed persistent dorsal displacement of the soft palate. Persistent frenulum of the epiglottis, confirmed by oral endoscopic examination, was transected. RESULTS: After surgery, all foals had the epiglottis positioned normally, dorsal to the soft palate. Clinical signs of oronasal reflux resolved by the second nursing attempt in 3 foals, whereas this was difficult to assess in one foal that was nursed intermittently because of the mares behavior. This foal died 2 days later. The other 3 foals have had normal epiglottic function for 2-4 years. CONCLUSIONS: Persistent frenulum of the epiglottis should be considered in foals with oronasal reflux from birth. With appropriate medical and surgical management the prognosis for resolution should be good.     

牛食道阻塞防治

牛食道阻塞又被称为食道梗塞,是因为食道中被大块食物堵塞,难以下咽所引发的一种急性食道疾病。按照阻塞程度的不同划分为完全阻塞和不完全阻塞2种。按照阻塞部位的不同可以划分为颈部食道阻塞、胸部食道阻塞和腹部食道阻塞3种。因阻塞性质和阻塞程度不同,会继发不同程度的瘤胃臌气。牛食道阻塞具有发病急、发病突然、发病过程快、致死率高的特点,发生后如果不能立即采取措施抢救,患病牛在短时间内会死亡。为提高食道阻塞救治成功率,该文主要探讨牛食道阻塞的诊断和防治过程。     

Arthroscopy of the Coxofemoral Joint of Foals

An arthroscopic procedure for examination of the coxofemoral joint was developed in nine foals (four cadavers, five anesthetized) to determine if access was sufficient for evaluation and surgical treatment of intra-articular lesions. The joint was distended and the arthroscope inserted through the notch (incisura trochanterica) between the cranial and caudal parts of the greater trochanter. This portal allowed examination of the cranial, lateral, and caudal aspects of the joint. Mechanical distraction of the joint through an instrument portal located 2 to 4 cm cranial and 1 to 2 cm ventral to the arthroscope portal allowed examination of the ligament of the head of the femur, the femoral head, and articular and nonarticular surfaces of the acetabulum. Adduction and rotation of the limb improved visualization of the craniomedial and caudomedial portions of the femoral head. Traction applied to the distal limb allowed visualization of the same structures that were observed when mechanical distraction was used. Traction also created space for placement of surgical instruments into the joint through the instrument portal. Access to most regions of the joint was adequate, but access to the caudal and medial aspects of the joint was limited. Three foals were killed while they were anesthetized, and their coxofemoral joints were dissected. Two foals were allowed to recover from anesthesia and were observed for 30 days after surgery. One foal was mildly lame for 2 days after surgery. The other foal was not lame after surgery. The incisions healed, and the coxofemoral joints were radiographically normal by postoperative day 30.     

Hyperplastic Goitre in Newborn Foals in Western Canada

Hyperplastic goitre was observed in seven newborn foals. Several were weak at birth and died in the first 48 hours of life. Only one foal had myxedema and only three of the seven had obvious enlargement of the thyroid at necropsy. It is suggested that the goitre observed was caused by a dietary deficiency of iodine.     

蓝狐肠梗阻的诊断与治疗报告

2008年5月,黑龙江省杜尔伯特蒙古族自治县某野生动物养殖场饲养从芬兰引进的蓝狐雄性、3岁,因频繁呕吐而就诊。经体格检查、X线射影检查,确诊为肠梗阻。经临床保守治疗,患病蓝狐痊愈。     

棕熊肠梗阻的诊断与治疗

棕熊在人工饲养条件下,受环境、食物以及与人群密切接触等诸多因素的影响,使机体的抗病能力下降,患病几率增加.主要对一例人工饲养棕熊肠梗阻的发病情况、临床症状、诊断方法和治疗措施作一介绍,以期为临床有效治疗棕熊肠梗阻提供参考.     

Association of Blood Lactate Concentration and Outcome in Foals

Background: Lactate concentration in blood or plasma ([LAC]) and change in [LAC] are associated with survival in sick foals. Hypothesis: [LAC] and change in [LAC] over time are associated with survival at 96 hours and discharge in neonatal foals. Furthermore [LAC] and change in [LAC] over time correlate with blood culture results and blood pressure at admission. Animals: Two hundred and twenty‐five foals consecutively admitted to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Methods: Retrospective case review. Foals ≤30 days of age with [LAC] from arterial (190) or umbilical (35) blood gas analysis ([LAC]_BG) at admission, 24, and 48 hours. [LAC]_BG, blood pressure, blood culture status, and outcome (survival versus nonsurvival at 96 hours and discharge) were recorded. Change in [LAC]_BG over time ([LAC]_BGΔT) was calculated. Results: [LAC]_BG was lower in survivors (96 hours and discharge) at all times. [LAC]_BGΔT was larger for survivors (96 hours). Odds of survival (96 hours and discharge) decreased 18, 39, 53 and 22, 38, and 47%, respectively, at each sample time for every 1 mmol/L increment in [LAC]_BG and increased 156% for each 1.0/day increment in [LAC]_BGΔT from admission to 24 hours at 96 hours. Blood pressure and [LAC]_BG were not correlated (P= .196) until removal of selected foals (mean arterial pressure <60 mmHg, admission [LAC]_BG <5.5 mmol/L) (P < .001). Bacteremia was not associated with [LAC]_BG. Proposed admission [LAC]_BG cut‐points for future studies were 6.5 mmol/L (96 hours) and 5.5 mmol/L (discharge). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Prospective studies evaluating [LAC], [LAC]_BGΔT, and cut‐points in sick foals are warranted.