Preservation of Skin by Refrigeration for Autogenous Grafting in the Horse

Eighteen stored split thickness meshed skin grafts were applied to surgically created lesions on the metacarpal and metatarsal regions of six horses. Donor skin was harvested from the sternal region, meshed and stored at 4 degrees C in a cell culture medium containing 10% serum. Stored grafts were applied to the wounds at 1, 2, and 3 week intervals. Acceptance of the grafts stored for 1 week was generally poor (1 of 6 grafts), whereas that of the 2 and 3 week old grafts was generally excellent (10 of 12 grafts). Poor acceptance of the 1 week old grafts was attributed to streptococcal infection of the recipient wounds. Using the storage medium and grafting technique described, excellent acceptance can be expected after graft storage of up to 3 weeks.     

A Surgical Approach to the Ramus of the Mandible in Cattle and Horses Case Reports of a Bull and a Horse

A surgical approach to the ramus of the mandible was developed. Subperiosteal elevation of the masseter muscle from the ramus allowed reduction and plate fixation of ramus fractures in a bull and a horse. Results of follow-up examinations, 2 years after surgery, showed excellent functional and cosmetic results.     

Autogenous Cancellous Bone Grafts From the Sternum in Horses Comparison With Other Donor Sites and Results of Use in Orthopedic Surgery

Cancellous bone was collected from the fourth or fifth sternebra of six horses aged 12 to 36 months, and compared quantitatively and qualitatively with cancellous bone collected from the tuber coxa, proximal tibia, and rib at the time of necropsy, 28 to 49 days after surgery. Cancellous bone collected from the sternum was equivalent in amount and in microscopic appearance to that collected from the other three sites.
Cancellous bone also was collected from the sternum for use during clinical orthopedic surgery in 18 horses. Wound dehiscence occurring in two horses healed uneventfully by second intention. In each horse, an adequate amount of cancellous bone was obtained from one sternebra, with the exception of one horse where cancellous bone from two sternebra was used. Major complications with the donor sites were not encountered.     

Preliminary Notes on Equine Tissue Transglutaminase Serology and A Case of Equine Gluten-Sensitive Enteropathy and Dermatitis in an 11-Year-Old Dutch Warmblood Horse

It has been suggested that gluten may play a role in equine inflammatory small bowel disease (ISBD). Previous work showed an association between equine gluten-sensitive enteropathy and IgA antibodies to tissue transglutaminase (TGA) in serum. The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence of IgA antibodies to TGA in a group of healthy non–gluten-free sport ponies and to present a case of tentative gluten-sensitive enteropathy and dermatitis in a horse. Blood samples were obtained from 40 healthy jumping ponies. The ponies comprised 12 mares, 8 stallions, and 20 geldings with an average age of 9.0 ± 3.8 years (±SD; range 3–19 years). Sera were tested for IgA antibodies against human recombinant TGA. Significance (P < .05) of the correlation between TGA titer and age in these ponies was assessed using Pearson test (two tailed). In addition, to further illustrate tentative equine gluten-sensitive enteropathy and dermatitis, the clinical course in an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood sport horse gelding has been described. The average TGA titer was 21.4 ± 13.6 AU/mL (range 2–65 AU/mL). There was a significant (P = .013) correlation (r = 0.389) between age and TGA titer in ponies. One of the 40 ponies (2.5%) showed an elevated TGA titer. An elevated TGA titer decreased after a gluten-free ration for 3 months in an 11-year-old Warmblood gelding with a tentative diagnosis of ISBD associated with full remission of the generalized skin reaction. To our best knowledge, this is the first study assessing TGA antibodies in sera from healthy non–gluten-free ponies and showing a correlation with age. The presented case could be the first one of a horse with a tentative diagnosis of gluten-sensitive enteropathy combined with dermatitis. Given the reported findings, this study warrants further investigations into gluten-sensitive enteropathy and dermatitis in individual horses affected with ISBD.     

Heterotopic Transfer of Fresh and Cryopreserved Autogenous Articular Cartilage in the Horse

Two 10 mm thick osteochondral grafts were harvested from the lateral aspect of the lateral trochlear ridge of the left talus in each of 10 anesthetized horses. The grafts were frozen in a 7.5% DMSO solution and stored in liquid nitrogen. The horses were anesthetized again on day 14 and the thawed grafts were press-fitted into drill holes in the trochlear ridges of the right stifle. A fresh graft was transferred from the right hock to the left stifle. To control for the effects of surgery, another fresh graft was transferred from the right stifle to the left stifle. The result was two grafts in each femoropatellar joint. Fresh and frozen osteoarticular autografts appeared to maintain a durable weight-bearing surface for 3 months; however, the fresh grafts were clearly superior. Frozen grafts had fewer living chondrocytes, decreased safranin-O staining, and decreased SO435 uptake. Graft stability and articular surface congruency were determining factors in the outcome of all grafts. Since the availability of osteochondral autografts is limited, further work on the use of preserved allogeneic osteochondral tissue is warranted.     

Evaluation of the Tibia as a Source of Autogenous Cancellous Bone in the Horse

A 1 cm defect was created in the proximal medial cortex of 12 tibiae, cancellous bone was removed from the site, and the bones were fractured by loading in torsion. The fractures did not occur through the donor sites and the fracture patterns and loads to fracture were similar for the treated tibiae and their untreated mates. Cancellous bone was harvested from the proximal medial aspect of both tibiae in nine adult horses. The soft tissue wounds were monitored for more than 10 days in seven horses and healing of the osseous defects was evaluated radiographically at regular intervals to month 6 in two horses. The site provided convenient access with the horses in lateral or dorsal recumbency, the anatomic landmarks were reliable, and the surgical procedure was simple and short. Complications occurred in only three incisions.     

蒙古马胎儿成纤维细胞永生化细胞体系建立的研究

【目的】试验旨在建立永生化蒙古马胎儿成纤维细胞(equine fetal fibroblasts, EFFs)系,为马繁殖与发育生物学研究提供参考。【方法】采用1 mg/mL胶原酶Ⅳ消化分离原代EFFs,利用表达人端粒酶逆转录亚基(hTERT)和潮霉素B抗性的pLV-hTERT-IRES-hygro慢病毒感染EFFs,经潮霉素B筛选得到阳性细胞hTERT-EFFs,以第3代EFFs为对照,采用实时荧光定量PCR检测hTERT mRNA的表达水平,CCK-8法绘制生长曲线检测细胞增殖能力,流式细胞仪检测细胞凋亡情况,β-半乳糖苷酶染色检测细胞衰老情况。使用DNAMAN软件比对分析人、马、小鼠、牛、绵羊、猪多物种TERT核苷酸、蛋白和端粒酶RNA组分(TERC)序列相似性。【结果】原代EFFs在实验室培养体系下可传至17代,但第17代细胞发生了衰老。hTERT基因可成功转入EFFs,并至少稳定表达20代。然而hTERT-EFFs增殖能力显著低于EFFs(P<0.05),hTERT-EFFs凋亡早期细胞率显著高于EFFs(P<0.05)。细胞衰老检测结果表明,hTERT-EFFs...     

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome in a Quarter Horse Gelding: A Case Report of PPIB-Independent Hereditary Equine Regional Dermal Asthenia

A Quarter Horse gelding presented with pathology consistent with hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia (HERDA) but without the familial association typically present with this disease. Grossly, lesions exhibited either a firm, scar-like appearance or a potential space between the superficial and deep dermis. Both lesioned and non-lesioned skin showed evidence of edema and collagen fragmentation, whereas lesions were also characterized by hemorrhage and inflammation. Genetic testing was performed by three independent laboratories, each using different methods to detect the mutation described in the PPIB gene, previously shown to be associated with HERDA. No mutations in the PPIB gene were revealed by genetic testing, either at the known location of the point mutation or at any other location in the coding sequence. These findings are suggestive of a diagnosis of HERDA or hyperelastosis cutis in the absence of the well-described, putatively causative mutation in the PPIB gene. We propose that, whereas HERDA refers specifically to a familial disease caused by a mutation in the PPIB gene, similar symptoms may in fact be caused by a syndrome resulting from either inherited or spontaneous mutations in any of a number of collagen-processing genes. We conclude that Ehlers-Danlos syndrome be diagnosed in horses of any breed with HERDA-like pathology without the causative mutation.     

2. Persistence of Equine Herpesviruses in Experimentally Infected Horses and the Experimental Induction of Abortion

An 8-month-old filly (No. 2) developed an acute vulvo-vaginitis and respiratory disease following inoculation of equine herpesvirus (EH virus) type 1 (EH 39 virus; equine rhinopneumonitis virus) into the vestibule of the vagina. The same virus produced acute respiratory disease but not balanoposthitis following intranasal, intravenous and intrapreputial inoculation of a 12-month-old colt (No. 3). A second 8-month-old filly (No. 1) developed a mild respiratory disease but not vulvo-vaginitis following intravestibular inoculation of EH 39 virus. EH viruses that were slowly cytopathic for equine foetal kidney cell cultures and serologically unrelated to the inoculated EH 39 virus were isolated from the buffy coat cells at 3 days and from the nasal cavity at 6 days after inoculation of horse No. 1. EH virus that was slowly cytopathic and serologically unrelated to EH 39 virus was isolated at 16 days from the vagina of the filly (No. 2) that developed acute vulvovaginitis and was frequently isolated from the nasal cavities of 2 of the 3 horses for 83 days and from the nasal cavity of the third horse for 57 days under conditions that precluded reinfection from other equidae except from each other. EH viruses were recovered from the 3 horses for a further 58 days under conditions where contact with other equidae may, although was not known to, have occurred between 83 and 141 days postinoculation. It was concluded that these viruses represented a single virus type that was present in the nasal cavity (designated EH 1–6 virus) perhaps also the blood stream of filly No. 1 at the time the 3 horses were purchased and that this virus was subsequently transmitted to the vagina of 1 and the nasal cavities of the other 2 horses. Accordingly a carrier state for EH 39 virus was not shown to occur. These findings are discussed in relation to the natural history of EH virus infections. Attempts to reactivate the EH viruses to cause clinical respiratory disease, by a series of injections of adrenalin and cortisone, were inconclusive. The 3 horses showed no clinical evidence of respiratory disease when they were reinfected intranasally with EH 39 virus 360 days (1 horse) and 412 days (2 horses) after the initial infection with this virus. Abortion was produced when EH 39 virus was inoculated directly into the allantoic or amniotic cavity of a pregnant mare although naturally occurring EH virus abortion remains unrecognised in Australia.     

The Intercarpal Ligaments of the Equine Midcarpal Joint, Part 3: Clinical Observations in 32 Racing Horses With Midcarpal Joint Disease

Objective— To characterize the clinical features of intercarpal ligament pathology and to determine the relationship among palmar intercarpal ligament tearing, dorsomedial intercarpal ligament (DMICL) hypertrophy, and other intraarticular lesions.
Study Design— Prospective clinical observations.
Animals or Sample Population— Twenty-eight thoroughbred and four standardbred race horses.
Methods— Clinical, radiographic, and arthroscopic examination of 53 midcarpal joints of 32 horses.
Results— Palmar intercarpal ligament tearing was observed in 30 joints of 22 horses. Some tearing of the medial palmar intercarpal ligament (MPICL) was present in 27 joints of 20 horses, and tearing of the lateral palmar intercarpal ligament in 9 joints of 7 horses. There was no correlation between the severity of clinical signs recorded and the degree of MPICL tearing. Joints with grade 2–4 MPICL tearing had significantly less cartilage and bone damage than joints with grade 1 or no ligament damage ( P <.05). There was a significant inverse relationship between the number and size of intra-articular fractures, as assessed radiographically, and ligament damage ( R = -.31). The DMICL was identified in all joints, and in 18 joints the ligament was enlarged. There was a significant correlation between MPICL damage and hypertrophy of the DMICL ( R =.35). There was no correlation between DMICL hypertrophy and articular cartilage damage or subchondral bone damage.
Conclusions— Severe subchondral bone and MPICL damage rarely occur in the same joint and DMICL hypertrophy may be associated with, rather than a cause of, joint disease.
Clinical Relevance— There are no clinical or radiographic findings that will differentiate intercarpal ligament injury from other carpal injuries. Diagnosis is only possible by arthroscopic examination of the midcarpal joint.     

Ultrasonography and Surgical Treatment of an Unusual Case of Urethral Calculus in an Arabian Horse

This case report records an obstructive urolithiasis due to a large calcium carbonate urethral stone in an 11-year-old Arabian stallion. The stallion had colicky pain, anuria, and reduction in food and water intakes. Palpation of the penis revealed rhythmic contractions of the urethra, a hard mass in the penile urethra at the level of the ischial arch, and a dilated urethra proximal to the mass. Rectal examination revealed a distended and turgid urinary bladder. Passing a urethral catheter revealed a complete urethral obstruction at the level of the ischial arch. Ultrasonography revealed a calculus that appeared as an irregular, hyperechoic arch-like thick line with acoustic shadowing. Subischial urethrotomy was conducted under epidural anesthesia. Uneventful recovery was seen with no recurrence or complications for 12 months of available follow-up. In conclusion, clinical, rectal, and ultrasound examinations are valuable for definite diagnosis of urethral calculi in horses and the subischial urethrotomy appears to be successful in correcting this condition in horses.     

Autogenous Fat Grafts to Prevent Recurrence following Surgical Correction of Growth Deformities of the Radius and Ulna in the Dog

The use of autogenous fat grafts as interpositional material to prevent the regrowth of bone is discussed. Four cases from a series of ten are presented to illustrate the use of autogenous fat grafts as an aid in preventing recurrence following surgical correction of growth deformities of the radius and ulna. Surgery consisted of removing a segment of ulna and filling the defect with an autogenous fat graft to prevent the ulna from reuniting. Partial ulnar ostectomy was combined with radial osteotomy when indicated.     

Long-Term and Immediate Effects of Whole Body Vibration on Chronic Lameness in the Horse: A Pilot Study

The effects of whole body vibration (WBV) in horses with chronic lameness were evaluated in an experimental, single subject, repeated measure design. To assess the long-term effect of WBV, eight horses not previously exposed to WBV were subject to WBV, 30 minutes twice daily, five days a week, for 60 days in addition to their regular exercise routine. Lameness was assessed subjectively and objectively 30 days before the start, at the start and 30 and 60 days after the start of the treatment (WBV). The immediate effect of WBV was assessed in four horses accustomed to WBV, by comparing lameness before and within 30 minutes of a single 30-minute WBV session at four different time intervals. Change in lameness was sought using paired t tests on the kinematic data. A P-value of <.05 was considered statistically significant. Intraindividual change was sought using a subjective and objective scoring system. No statistically significant change in lameness was seen after 30 or 60 days of WBV, respectively, in the chronically lame horses not previously exposed to WBV. However, a trend toward improvement was observed after the first 30 days of WBV, but this improvement appeared to be lost during the second 30 days of WBV. Although a statistically significant worsening of front limb lameness was seen immediately after a single 30-minute WBV session in the chronically lame horses accustomed to WBV, this result was largely attributed to a very significant worsening of the front limb lameness in one horse within that group.     

马脑震荡的诊断与治疗

脑震荡及脑挫伤,是由于钝性暴力物作用于颅骨或头部受大力撞击引起的脑神经全面损伤的一种急性疾病,军马多发。随着社会生产力水平的不断进步,马的功能属性由役用转变为休闲骑乘,现阶段马脑震荡的病例并不多见。本文介绍了一例调教训练操作不慎,撞击引起的马脑震荡的诊断和中西医结合治疗,为该病的预防和治疗提供一定参考。