Collateral desmitis of the distal interphalangeal joint in conjunction with concurrent ossification of the cartilages of the foot in nine horses

The purpose of this study was to describe the frequency of occurrence of severe ossification of the collateral cartilages (sidebone) coexistent with collateral desmitis of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) in lame horses. Sidebone was diagnosed and graded on standard radiographs and soft tissue injuries of the foot were diagnosed using standing low‐field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Of 15 horses with forelimb lameness and severe sidebone, 9 had evidence of concurrent collateral desmitis of the DIPJ. All 15 horses had damage to other structures (including the deep digital flexor tendon, distal sesamoidean impar ligament, collateral sesamoidean ligament, navicular bone and distal phalanx) within the affected feet as identified on MRI. The clinical and pathophysiological significance of concurrent collateral desmitis of the DIPJ and sidebone is currently uncertain. However, this study shows that injuries to multiple structures within the foot are common and that collateral desmitis of the distal interphalangeal joint is frequently seen in lame horses in conjunction with severe ossification of the collateral cartilages.     

Use of a multifenestrated indwelling lavage system for treatment of septic digital teno-synovitis in cattle

Septic tenosynovitis was diagnosed in seven cattle on the basis of history, physical examination, radiographs, cytological examination of tendon sheath fluids, and microbial culture. A commercially available indwelling multifenestrated silicone rubber drain was used to perform frequent lavage of the flexor tendon sheaths. The sepsis resolved in all cattle. Five of six cattle for which long-term (> 1 year) follow-up information was available were clinically sound on the affected limb and had remained productive members of the herd.     

Unipodal stance influences radiographic evaluation of foot balance in horses

Lifting the contralateral forelimb (unipodal stance) is often used as a method of restraint in horses. This experimental one group pretest, posttest study was conducted to evaluate the effects of unipodal stance on quantitative radiographic parameters in equine forefeet. Seven nonlame horses were randomly selected. Lateromedial (LM) and dorsopalmar (DP) projections were acquired for both forefeet, squarely placed on blocks, using two X‐ray generators. Radiographs of each foot were acquired first in a bipodal stance, immediately followed by the same radiographic projections obtained in a unipodal stance. The following measurements were recorded for each stance: distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) space width on both projections; mediolateral joint balance as the difference between lateral and medial DIPJ space widths on DP projections; extensor process‐to‐middle phalangeal condyle distance; and deep digital flexor tendon angle on LM projections. A matched pairs design and Student's t‐test with a 95% confidence level were used to test for statistical significance. Compared to a bipodal stance, lateral DIPJ space width was significantly reduced on unipodal DP views, whereas mediolateral joint imbalance and to a lesser extent medial DIPJ space width were significantly increased. On unipodal LM views, there was a significant higher degree of DIPJ flexion. These findings suggest that stance should be carefully taken into consideration when measuring radiographic parameters in equine forefeet, especially if assessing foot balance and conformation, as unipodal stance significantly affects the mediolateral balance of the DIPJ on DP radiographs and significantly alters the phalangeal axis on LM radiographs.     

Penetrating injuries of the foot

Penetrating injuries to the foot are potentially serious injuries in the horse. Diagnosis is usually straightforward and a combination of radiography (including positive contrast studies) and synoviocentesis usually is necessary to determine which structures within the foot are involved. Superficial punctures usually carry a good prognosis but involvement of deep structures such as the distal phalanx or deep digital flexor tendon and navicular bursa adversely influence this. Knowledge of wound healing in the foot and a rational approach to antimicrobial selection and surgical intervention are all necessary for successful case management.     

Ultrasonographic diagnosis of septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint in cattle

Diagnosis of septic arthritis in the distal interphalangeal joint (SADIJ) is often difficult, particularly when arthrocentesis or probing of the joint space are inconclusive. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the usefulness of ultrasonography in reinforcing a tentative clinical diagnosis of SADIJ in 60 Holstein–Friesian cows with septic arthritis in one distal interphalangeal joint (DIJ). The diagnosis of septic arthritis was based on the results of clinical examination and radiographic images, as well as surgical findings. The DIJ of the partner claw of the same foot and the normal DIJs of 18 healthy Holstein–Friesian cows were used as controls. Visualisation, echogenicity and flow phenomena of the synovial fluid were assessed ultrasonographically. The size of the dorsal pouch of the distal interphalangeal joint (DPDIJ) was determined by measuring two defined distances.The DPDIJ could be imaged in all cows with SADIJ, although the quality of the image varied from good (63%) or moderate (30%) to poor (7%). The echogenicity of the synovial fluid in joints with SADIJ did not differ from those of the partner claws. Flow phenomena were seen in only 30% of the DPDIJs with septic arthritis and in none of the DPDIJs of the partner claws. The DPDIJ was larger in DIJs with septic arthritis than in those of the partner claws and controls (P < 0.05). The dorsopalmar/plantar distance of the DPDIJ indicated a suitable sensitivity (0.97) and specificity (1.0) for the diagnosis of septic arthritis when a threshold value of 6 mm was used. Ultrasonographic examination of the DIJ appeared to be a reliable method for confirming a tentative clinical diagnosis of septic arthritis in cattle.     

Medial collateral ligament desmitis of the distal interphalangeal joint in the hindlimb of a horse: treatment with cast immobilisation

A 12‐year‐old show‐jumping mare was presented for investigation of a chronic hindlimb lameness of 16 weeks duration. Perineural anaesthesia and ultrasonography localised the lesion to the medial collateral ligament of the distal interphalangeal joint of the left hindlimb. Treatment consisted of a heavily padded distal limb cast for 6 weeks, strict box rest and a strictly regulated hand walking program. Serial ultrasonographic examinations were performed throughout the rehabilitation period. Collateral ligament desmitis of the distal interphalangeal joint is a commonly diagnosed condition of the forelimb; however, hindlimb collateral ligament desmitis has been rarely reported. Ultrasonographic examination in this case was an invaluable diagnostic and follow‐up tool. Immobilisation of the foot by means of a heavily padded distal limb cast allowed excellent healing of the ligament and is presented as a novel treatment for collateral ligament desmitis. At the time of writing the mare had returned to her previous level of exercise and was showing no signs of lameness.     

Ultrasonographic examination of the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint in horses. Part B: Abnormal findings and lesions

Ultrasonography is an easy and rewarding technique for the assessment of collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint (CL‐DIPJ) desmopathies and enthesopathies. Comparison between ligaments of both feet and oblique incidence improve sensitivity and specificity of the ultrasonographic diagnosis. The main limitation of the procedure is imaging the distal part of the CL‐DIPJ and corresponding fossa of the distal phalanx. Alone, or in combination with other imaging procedures, ultrasonography is valuable in the diagnosis of the injured structures, which may help to determine the corrective shoeing and the rehabilitation programme of the horse.     

A review of how magnetic resonance imaging can aid in case management of common pathological conditions of the equine foot

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become a valuable tool for the diagnosis of a multitude of conditions previously grouped into the vague diagnosis of palmar heel pain based on the response to palmar digital nerve diagnostic analgesia. The use of MRI not only determines a specific pathological diagnosis of the numerous structures within the foot but also the findings of the MRI help direct treatment and rehabilitation protocols, as well as providing prognostic information. Common injuries include damage to the navicular apparatus, deep digital flexor tendon, arthropathy of the distal interphalangeal joint and desmopathy of the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint. This article reviews common MRI abnormalities in the equine foot and how treatment can be directed by the findings. Medical and surgical treatment options, as well as shoeing and rehabilitation protocols, are also discussed in relation to MRI findings. Using MRI can help create a more individually tailored and case‐specific treatment regimen, which can, in turn, promote a more positive outcome in equine cases.     

Influence of the position of the foot on MRI signal in the deep digital flexor tendon and collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint in the standing horse

Reasons for performing study: Hyperintense signal is sometimes observed in ligaments and tendons of the equine foot on standing magnetic resonance examination without associated changes in size and shape. In such cases, the presence of a true lesion or an artifact should be considered. A change in position of a ligament or tendon relative to the magnetic field can induce increased signal intensity due to the magic angle effect. Objectives: To assess if positional rotation of the foot in the solar plane could be responsible for artifactual changes in signal intensity in the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint and in the deep digital flexor tendon. Methods: Six isolated equine feet were imaged with a standing equine magnetic resonance system in 9 different positions with different degrees of rotation in the solar plane. Results: Rotation of the limb induced a linear hyperintense signal on all feet at the palmar aspect of one of the lobes of the deep digital flexor tendon and at the dorsal aspect of the other lobe. Changes in signal intensity in the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint occurred with rotation of the limb only in those feet where mediolateral hoof imbalance was present. Conclusions: The position and conformation of the foot influence the signal intensity in the deep digital flexor tendon and in the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint. Potential relevance: The significance of increased signal intensity in the deep digital flexor tendon and in the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint should be interpreted with regard to the position and the conformation of the foot.     

Ultrasonographic examination of the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint in horses: Part A: Technique and normal images

The collateral ligaments (CL) of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) are important structures for DIPJ stability. Collateral ligament injuries must be considered in the differential diagnosis of foot pain. An accurate examination of the CL‐DIPJ can be performed with an adequate ultrasonographic technique and equipment. This paper describes the technique and normal ultrasonographic images as reference data for the diagnosis and documentation of CL‐DIPJ desmopathies and enthesopathies.     

Comparison of conventional and alternative arthroscopic approaches to the palmar/plantar pouch of the equine distal interphalangeal joint

Reasons for performing the study: The conventional arthroscopic approach to the palmar/plantar aspect of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) may result in the inadvertent penetration of the digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS) and the navicular bursa (NB). This iatrogenic communication would be undesirable subsequent to arthroscopic lavage of a septic DIPJ. Hypothesis: A lateral/medial approach to the palmar/plantar aspect of the DIPJ will result in a significantly lower rate of inadvertent penetration of the DFTS and NB, whilst still providing adequate intra‐articular evaluation. Methods: The conventional palmar/plantar approach or a novel lateral/medial approach to the DIPJ was performed on cadaver fore‐ and hindlimbs (30 limbs/approach). Subsequently, India ink was injected into the dorsal pouch of the DIPJ, and the DFTS (n = 60) and NB (n = 20) were examined for the presence/absence of ink. In addition, observations of the number of attempts made to access the joint, evidence of iatrogenic intra‐articular trauma and occurrence of incomplete visualisation of the palmar/plantar pouch were recorded. Results: With the conventional approach, DFTS penetration was noted in 18/30 (60%) of the limbs, compared to 1/30 (3.3%) with the lateral/medial approach (P≤0.001). NB penetration was seen in 5/10 limbs with the palmar/plantar approach compared to 0/10 with the lateral/medial approach (P = 0.01). No significant differences were found between the approaches in the number of attempts made to access the joint, the incidence of iatrogenic intra‐articular trauma, or the occurrence of incomplete visibility of the palmar/plantar pouch. Conclusions: The novel lateral/medial approach to the DIPJ significantly decreases the risk of inadvertent penetration of the DFTS and NB. Potential relevance: The novel lateral/medial approach to the DIPJ is an effective technique to gain access to the palmar/plantar pouches, and is particularly advantageous for arthroscopic lavage of a septic DIPJ.     

Prevalence of vesivirus in a laboratory-based set of serum samples obtained from dairy and beef cattle

OBJECTIVE: To examine sera obtained from dairy and beef cattle to detect antibodies against vesivirus and compare seroprevalence among cattle within the sample population. SAMPLE POPULATION: Cattle sera from 8 western states and Maryland submitted to the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory during 1999 and 2000. PROCEDURE: Sera were analyzed for vesivirus-specific antibodies by use of a recombinant vesivirus-San Miguel sea lion virus serotype 5-capsid peptide antigen in an indirect ELISA. RESULTS: Overall, 693 sera were tested and 105 (15.2%) had positive results. Seropositive cattle were from 7 states (all cattle from Montana and Maryland 10 and 4, respectively were seronegative). Overall seroprevalence for antivesivirus antibody in herds ranged between 0% and 80% (median, 14%). Higher antibody prevalence was significantly associated with older age, dairy rather than beef cattle, and reasons for submission. Logistic regression of factors (abortion, respiratory tract disease, and all other reasons for sample submission) revealed that older age and other reasons were independently associated with higher seroprevalence. Higher seropositive optical density values for the ELISA were observed among older cattle and cattle that aborted, compared with values for cattle with respiratory tract disease or other reasons for submission. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This laboratory-based surveillance sample provided a point estimate of seroprevalence against vesivirus among cattle in 9 US states. This suggests that vesivirus infection is widespread with high prevalence in some herds. Risk factors associated with vesivirus seroprevalence in beef and dairy cattle should be confirmed in population-based studies.     

Fracture toughness of bovine claw horn from cattle with and without vertical fissures

The study was undertaken to determine whether the claw horn from cows suffering from vertical fissures (sandcracks) is weaker with regard to fracture formation than claw horn from cows without vertical fissures. Fracture toughness was determined using a composite testing procedure previously developed for use in equine hoof horn. Twenty cows with vertical fissures of the lateral front claw were compared with 20 case controls. Due to the calibration technique needed as part of the testing method results were obtained for only five animals in each group; cows with and without vertical fissures had median J-integrals of 8182J/m(2) and 8483J/m(2), respectively, but the difference was not statistically significant. Although the numbers are small it is suggested that since no difference existed in the fracture toughness of the claw horn from the two groups of cattle, vertical fissure formation is not directly dependent on the biomechanical property of the horn itself.     

Comparison of three methods for arthrodesis of the distal intertarsal and tarsometatarsal joints in horses

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of diode laser surgery (LS), surgical drilling (SD), and intraarticular sodium monoiodoacetate (MIA) as methods for fusing the distal intertarsal (DIT) and tarsometatarsal (TMT) joints in horses. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. ANIMALS: Adult horses (15) without radiographic signs of osteoarthritis (OA) of the DIT and TMT joints. METHODS: Group 1 (n=3) had LS performed bilaterally on DIT and TMT joints; 1 horse was evaluated for 1 week and 2 horses were evaluated for 2 weeks. Group 2 (n=6) had LS on DIT and TMT joints of 1 tarsus and MIA administration into the contralateral DIT and TMT joints and were evaluated for 6 months. Group 3 (n=6) had LS performed on DIT and TMT joints of 1 tarsus and SD of the contralateral DIT and TMT joints and were evaluated for 12 months. Postoperative comfort, lameness, radiography, microradiography, and histology scores were compared using repeated measures ANOVA, and paired or 2 sample t-tests; significance was set at P<.05. RESULTS: LS caused the least postoperative morbidity. In group 2, horses were less lame in 4 LS-treated limbs and 2 MIA-treated limbs at 6 months when compared with the contralateral limb. In group 3, horses were less lame in 5 LS-treated limbs and 1 SD-treated limb at 6 and 12 months compared with the contralateral limb. On microradiography, 11 MIA joints and 2 LS joints had bone bridging the joint at 6 months whereas 8 SD joints and 5 LS joints had bone bridging at 12 months. Significantly more joint space was bridged by bone in MIA- (51.4%) and SD (46.2%)-treated joints compared with LS joints at 6 (30.6%) and 12 (28.5%) months, respectively (P<.05). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: SD and MIA resulted in more bone bridging of the distal 2 tarsal joints, than LS. However, LS seemingly caused less pain and discomfort to horses in the immediate postoperative period; horses were generally less lame in the LS limb. More laser energy may need to be applied to these joints to promote fusion; however, it may also have beneficial effects beyond fusion. Further research on horses with OA of the distal 2 tarsal joints is needed to determine whether LS can cause soundness without facilitating bony fusion.     

Antimicrobial susceptibility of bacteria isolated from neonatal foal samples submitted to a New Zealand veterinary pathology laboratory (2004 to 2013)

AIMS: To describe antimicrobial susceptibility, and identify antimicrobial resistance (AMR), in bacteria isolated from New Zealand foals.

METHODS: A database search was performed of submissions to a veterinary pathology laboratory between April 2004 and December 2013 for bacterial culture of samples from foals <3 weeks of age. Culture and susceptibility results were compiled with demographic information. Susceptibility results were as defined for the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion susceptibility test based on Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Multi-drug resistance (MDR) was defined as non-susceptibility to ≥3 of a panel of antimicrobials (ceftiofur, enrofloxaxin, gentamicin, penicillin, tetracycline, trimethoprim-sulfonamide); penicillin susceptibility was not included for Gram-negative isolates.

RESULTS: Submissions from 102 foals were examined, and 127 bacterial isolates were cultured from 64 (63%) foals. Of the 127 isolates, 32 (25%) were Streptococcus spp., 30 (24%) were Staphylococcus spp., 12 (10%) were Enterococcus spp. and 26 (21%) were Escherichia coli. Of 83 Gram-positive isolates, 57 (69%) were susceptible to penicillin. Over all isolates, 92/126 (73%) were susceptible to gentamicin and 117/126 (93%) to enrofloxacin; 62/82 (76%) of Gram-positive, and 22/42 (52%) of Gram-negative bacteria were susceptible to ceftiofur; 53/81 (65%) of Gram-positive, and 23/44 (52%) of Gram-negative bacteria were susceptible to tetracycline; 59/82 (72%) of Gram-positive, and 23/44 (43%) of Gram-negative bacteria were susceptible to trimethoprim-sulfonamide. Of 126 isolates, 33 (26%) had MDR; >1 isolate with MDR was cultured from 24/64 (38%) foals, and ≥2 isolates with MDR were recovered from 8/64 (13%) foals.

CONCLUSIONS: Multi-drug resistance, including resistance to commonly used antimicrobials, was found in bacterial isolates from foals in New Zealand.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results of this study are of concern from a treatment perspective as they indicate a potential for antimicrobial treatment failure. For future surveillance of AMR and the creation of national guidelines, it is important to record more data on samples submitted for bacterial culture.     

Partial mandibular condylectomy and temporal bone resection for chronic,destructive, septic arthritis of the temporomandibular joint in a horse

Sepsis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of the horse is rare. This case report describes the use of radiography, ultrasonography and computed tomography to diagnose sepsis of the TMJ in a 2‐year‐old Thoroughbred filly. The mandibular condyle and temporal bone were partially resected to successfully remove necrotic tissue within and surrounding the TMJ. Sepsis resolved and the horse returned to race training. Follow‐up computed tomography examination showed generation of a mandibular ‘pseudocondyle’ at 8 months post operatively.     

肉牛口蹄疫灭活苗不同免疫程序免疫效果的比较

为了解肃南地区肉牛口蹄疫免疫动态,达到为本地区肉牛养殖制定科学口蹄疫免疫程序的最终目的.本文与2019年3月份采用随机抽样方法选取120头肉牛,分成了3组,分别采取不同免疫程序,根据免疫抗体检测水平的变化,选择免疫效果最佳的免疫程序.试验结果表明,第3组的口蹄疫A型、O型抗体水平最高.因此,本试验推荐肉牛场每年免疫3～...     

酵母培养物对肉牛生长性能、营养物质表观消化率及瘤胃发酵参数的影响

试验研究日粮中添加酵母培养物对西门塔尔杂交牛生长性能、营养物质表观消化率、瘤胃发酵参数及抗氧化功能的影响.选取体重相近、健康的西门塔尔杂交肉牛80头,随机分为5组,每组8个重复,每个重复2头肉牛.对照组肉牛饲喂基础日粮,试验组(A、B、C、D)依次在基础日粮中添加50、100、150、200 g/(头·d)的酵母培养物...     

Isolation and characterization of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 from beef,pork and cattle fecal samples in Changchun,China

Meat samples and fecal specimens from adult cattle were collected in Changchun, China and were examined for presence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) serogroup O157. STEC O157 strains were isolated from 2 (5%) of 40 beef, 1 (3.3%) of 30 pork, and 3 (1.7%) of 176 adult cattle fecal samples. The strains belonged to phage types (PT) 4, 8, or 47. Two beef strains and a strain previously isolated from a patient in Shandong, China, were PT-4 and showed a similar PFGE pattern, suggesting the possibility of food-borne transmission. It is suggested that cattle are a reservoir of STEC O157:H7 and meat products are contaminated by this pathogen in Changchun, China as well as in other countries.     

Dynamics of verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli isolated from German beef cattle between birth and slaughter

A total of 85 cattle from three German beef farms were followed between birth and slaughter during a period of 2 years and monthly faecal samples were submitted for bacterial culture. Verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (EC) were detected using a standard diagnostic cascade. Potentially pathogenic VTEC (_pVTEC) were defined as: positive for (1) verotoxin 1 (vt1) and eae, (2) positive for verotoxin 2 (vt2) and eae, (3) positive for both verotoxins 1 and 2 and eae, while verotoxinogenic EC (EC_vt1,2) were defined as: (1) positive for vt1, (2) positive for vt2 or (3) positive for both vt1 and vt2. There were 1587 observations (1462 valid) available for the statistical analysis including 6 (0.4%) samples from 6 (7.1%) different animals positive for VTEC O157, 78 (5.3%) pVTEC isolates and 389 (26.6%) EC_vt1,2 isolates. The median day of the study at first detection was 280 days for EC_vt1,2 and 315 days for pVTEC. The median age at first detection was: 121 days for EC_vt1,2 and 215 days for pVTEC. Time series analysis, survival analysis, and stochastic SI models were used to find differences in the population dynamics of EC_vt1,2 and pVTEC.

There was a strong farm and age effect for the first detection of EC_vt1,2 and for pVTEC while the seasonal effect was significant for the first EC_vt1,2 detections only.

With increasing age at first and all consecutive detections, EC_vt1,2 and pVTEC were detected less frequently. The serotype O157 was found more frequently together with detection of other serotypes of pVTEC in the same sample. The EC_vt1,2 were found more often together with pVTEC. The first EC_vt1,2 were on average found before the first pVTEC's and positive cross-correlations existed between EC_vt1,2 and pVTEC.

The critical duration for the shedding period above which the VTEC could propagate themselves on the farms by f.e. transmission between animals was found to be between 8 and 18 sampling intervals of 28 days (224–504 days) for EC_vt1,2, and between 5 and 6 sampling periods of 28 days each (140–168 days) for the pVTEC which is smaller than all critical shedding periods for EC_vt1,2. The reasons for EC_vt1,2 being isolated from faeces earlier than pVTEC are discussed.