Traumatic injury to the parotid salivary gland or duct and the subsequent development of ipsilateral severe peripheral dental caries in two horses

This report describes two cases of unilateral traumatic injury to the parotid salivary gland or duct and the subsequent development of severe ipsilateral peripheral dental caries. Ultrasonographic examination of the parotid salivary gland and duct was indicative of parotid glandular atrophy in one case and demonstrated parotid duct obstruction in the second case. To the authors’ knowledge, the effects of the loss of function of the parotid salivary gland on the horse's dentition has not been documented and should be considered as a potential side effect of surgical ablation of the parotid salivary gland.     

Partial ligation of the transposed parotid duct at the level of the parotid gland for excessive salivary secretions

Objective To determine the outcome and effect of a partial ligation of the transposed parotid duct at the level of the parotid gland in four dogs with excessive salivation and ocular irritation. Methods Four dogs were previously diagnosed with absolute keratoconjunctivitis sicca. After a parotid duct transposition (PDT) surgery, these dogs experienced excessive saliva production and abundant salivary precipitates, which resulted in epiphora, moist dermatitis, blepharospasm, and keratitis. In an effort to decrease saliva production, a partial ligation of the transposed duct at the level of the parotid gland was performed. Two or three accessory branches to the primary parotid duct were ligated at the level of the salivary gland. Results The four cases were three Yorkshire terriers and a Chihuahua. The average age of the four patients was 2.5 years. Partial ligation of accessory branches of the parotid duct at the level of the parotid gland after a PDT in this study demonstrated improved ocular comfort, decreased salivary precipitates, and adequate Schirmer tear test results without marked epiphora in three of the four animals. The male Yorkshire had epiphora after the initial partial ligations of two accessory branches were placed at the level of the parotid gland. To correct the excessive salivary flow, two additional ligatures were placed at a later date, which resolved the epiphora. Conclusion Partial ligation of the parotid duct at the level of the parotid gland proved to be an effective technique in moderating the salivation in these four patients with excessive salivary secretions after PDT.     

Intravenous formalin for treatment of haemorrhage in horses

There is limited information in the literature regarding the clinical use of formalin for the treatment of haemorrhage in horses. This uncontrolled retrospective study summarises 11 cases that were treated with intravenous formalin at the Veterinary Health Center at Kansas State University from 2009 to 2019. The objective of this study was to describe signalment, clinical and laboratory findings, treatment and outcome of horses treated with intravenous formalin for potentially life-threatening haemorrhagic conditions. This study does not attempt to prove efficacy of intravenous formalin, but rather to report its clinical use and the associated details of those cases. Horses ranged in age from 2 to 23 years old. There were nine Quarter Horses, one Thoroughbred and one Appaloosa. Treated conditions included haemoabdomen (4/11), uterine haemorrhage (1/11), epistaxis (3/11), haemorrhage secondary to a mandibular laceration (2/11) and haemothorax (1/11). The most utilised dose was 0.476% formalin (50 mL 10% neutral buffered formalin diluted in 1 L of isotonic fluid). Some horses were also treated with aminocaproic acid, Yunnan Baiyao, whole blood transfusions and surgery. Ten out of the 11 horses survived to discharge with one horse reported by the owner to have died 2 weeks later of an unknown cause.     

Histo-ontogenetic study of the parotid salivary gland of Indian buffalo

The present study was aimed at elucidating the histogenesis of parotid gland of buffalo. The study was carried out on buffalo foetuses (n = 36), during different stages of prenatal life. The foetuses were categorised into three groups based on their curved crown rump length (CVRL). The primordial anlage of parotid salivary gland was evident at 40th day of development whereas the primary ducts, in the form of cords, were first observed at 81st day of prenatal life. The capsule formation as well as the lobulation of the gland was initiated at 127th day. At 141st day, the duct system of gland was completed. The terminal tubules attained the structure of acini at 167th day. The myoepithelial cells first appeared as flattened basal cells initially around the developing acinar cells at 167th day. The typical compound tubulo-acinar nature of the gland was first observed at 185th day. Purely serous acinar cells were seen from 185th day onwards. The micrometrical studies revealed that the mean diameter of acinar cells, intercalated ducts, striated ducts and large ducts increased with the advancement of age. The serous acinar cells were devoid of acidic as well as neutral mucopolysaccharides in prenatal age groups; however, large ducts with goblet cells exhibited positive reaction. Combined PAS-AB method revealed mixed reaction in acinar cells as well as in large ducts. Fine lipid droplets were observed in intralobular as well as interlobular connective tissue; however, phospholipids were observed in the cell membrane of secretory cells and ducts.     

Surgical repair and reconstruction of a nasal fistula following intra-lesional formalin injection

A 6-year-old Cleveland Bay mare was referred to the University of Liverpool Equine Hospital for repair of an iatrogenic nasocutaneous fistula. The fistula had developed following attempted ablation of an epidermal inclusion cyst located in the right nasal diverticulum with intra-lesional formalin 6 weeks previously. Subsequent tissue necrosis resulted in the formation of a full-thickness defect in the overlying tissues and the creation of a 5 × 5 cm nasocutaneous fistula. Surgical management consisted of initial debridement of the fistula and use of a commercial dermal regeneration mesh to bridge the defect, acting as a tissue scaffold. The levator labii superioris muscle was utilised to cover the scaffold by transecting it close to its proximal origin and reflecting it rostrally. Finally, a transposition skin flap was created adjacent to the site and was rotated to cover the defect. The mare made an excellent recovery, and follow-up confirmed complete healing of the surgical site with an excellent cosmetic outcome.     

Successful outcome after surgical correction of large colon atresia in a colt foal

This report describes successful surgical correction and long-term survival of a case of large colon atresia in a 24-h-old Warmblood colt, referred with signs of unrelenting abdominal pain and a suspicion of meconium impaction. Radiographic and ultrasonographic examination was indicative of large colon meconium impaction with secondary ileus. Due to deterioration of the foal, surgery was recommended. An atretic segment was found between the left ventral and dorsal large (ascending) colon. A band of fibrous tissue with no identifiable lumen connected the segments. Surgical correction was done by performing a stapled side-to-side anastomosis. Twelve days after surgery, the foal was discharged. Twenty-two months after discharge, the owner reported the foal developing as expected compared with its peers, but had a mild, self-limiting episode of colic at 20 months of age.     

Extraction of cheek teeth using a lateral buccotomy approach in 114 horses (1999-2009)

Reason for performing the study: There are few published data regarding the success rates of cheek tooth (CT) removal by lateral buccotomy in the horse. Objectives: A retrospective study of 114 horses admitted to 2 private equine referral hospitals over a 10 year period (1999–2009), which underwent CT removal via a lateral buccotomy. Methods: Hospital records were analysed and details including case details, presenting complaint and results of all diagnostic tests and surgical reports were documented. Information obtained during post operative reassessment was also available for analysis. Long‐term follow‐up information (>2 months) was obtained for 112 horses. Results: Short‐term complications (<2 months) occurred in 24/77 horses (31%) undergoing exodontia of the maxillary CT and 10/37 horses (27%) involving mandibular CT, with the majority arising from partial wound dehiscence and infection following 16 extractions (47%). All healed well by second intention. Other complications included both temporary (n = 6) and permanent (n = 3) facial nerve paralysis, myositis (n = 4) and the inadvertent establishment of an oroantral fistula (n = 4). One myositis case was subjected to euthanasia 24 h post operatively. Five horses had persistent sinusitis following surgery due to dental remnants (n = 2) and excessive packing material (n = 1) found in the sinuses. No inciting cause could be found in the remaining 2 horses. One further horse suffered a fatal cardiac arrest at induction of anaesthesia. Of all horses, 92% operated on had returned to their previous level of work after >2 months with no complications. Conclusion: Horses with CT removal by a lateral buccotomy have a reasonable prognosis for long‐term outcome. Potential relevance: Performing a lateral buccotomy is a justified treatment alternative for the surgical removal of equine CT following unsuccessful attempts by standing oral extraction, offering advantages over alternatives such as retropulsion, endodontic therapy and periapical curettage.     

Surgical treatment of a large congenital cavernous haemangioma on the thorax of a foal

A 3‐day‐old male foal was presented with a fluctuant 25 × 15 cm mass on the thorax. The mass had increased in size since birth. The mass did not respond to conservative treatment consisting of aspiration of serohaemorrhagic contents and compression bandages, and it was therefore surgically removed when the foal was approximately 2½ weeks. A histopathological diagnosis of cavernous haemangioma was made. Healing progressed without complications despite a large surgical wound left to heal by second intention. Recurrence was not observed during the 1.5‐year follow‐up period.