Traumatic injuries involving tendons of the distal limbs in horses: a retrospective study of 55 cases.

Fifty-five horses were presented to Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital between 1st of January 1980 and 31st of December 1989 for treatment of distal limb lacerations involving flexor tendons (n = 35) or extensor tendons (n = 20). Of the 35 flexor tendon lacerations, 11 horses were killed without treatment and 24 horses were treated. Twenty-two horses were included in determining outcome. Four (18 per cent) returned to their original level of use, nine (41 per cent) returned to limited riding, seven (32 per cent) returned to breeding or pasture soundness and two (9 per cent) were killed. Eighteen of the 20 horses with extensor tendon lacerations underwent treatment and 15 had sufficient follow-up to determine outcome. Seven (47 per cent) returned to their original or intended use, five (33 per cent) returned to limited use, one (7 per cent) was used for breeding and two (13 per cent) were killed. Results for horses with extensor tendon lacerations support previous reports that these injuries can be treated successfully. Results for horses having flexor tendon lacerations were better than in previous reports.     

First results on the mandatory notification of dog bite injuries in Switzerland: a questionnaire survey among physicians and veterinarians

In order to expedite targeted interventions, mandatory notification of treated dog bite injuries for Swiss physicians and veterinarians was implemented in 2006. Since the number of notified cases was much lower than expected, the validity of the annually produced statistics with respect to the real situation in Switzerland was discussed controversially. In this study a questionnaire survey among physicians and veterinarians was carried out to evaluate the amount of and reasons for non-compliance with the mandatory notification. 81 % of the physicians and 97 % of the veterinarians reported the treatment of dog bite injuries in the year 2009. Among those, 60 % of the physicians and 41 % of the veterinarians indicated notification of less than 50 % of the treated cases. Our results indicate that the most relevant cases for targeted interventions seem to be notified, but that the statistical analyses have to be interpreted carefully.     

Esophageal obstruction in horses: a retrospective study of 34 cases

The major purpose of this investigation was to describe the causes, possible complications, and prognoses of horses with esophageal obstruction. Of 34 cases presenting with esophageal obstruction, 28 cases were due to impaction of ingesta. Obstruction due to pre-existing esophageal disease occurred in 4 horses with megaesophagus, in 1 horse with stricture in the upper third of the esophagus, and in 1 horse with esophageal diverticulum. There was no significant difference in the contamination of the trachea between horses that subsequently developed aspiration pneumonia and those that did not. The duration of esophageal obstruction prior to admission was significantly longer in horses that developed aspiration pneumonia (median 18, range 2-48 h) than in those horses that did not (median 4, range 0.5-48 h). Although the obstruction was relieved in all 34 horses, 4 were euthanized because of recurring obstruction due to megaesophagus (n = 2), esophageal diverticulum (n = 1), and esophageal stricture (n = 1).     

Oropharyngeal penetrating injuries in 50 dogs: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVES: To summarize the presenting complaints and clinical signs associated with traumatic penetrating injuries to the canine oropharynx. To determine how the site of injury, causative agent, and duration of disease affect the presentation and clinical outcome of treatment. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. SAMPLE POPULATION: 50 client-owned dogs. METHODS: The medical records of 50 dogs with oropharyngeal penetrating injuries referred to Glasgow University Veterinary Hospital (GUVH) between 1979-1999 were reviewed. Data regarding signalment, owners' presenting complaint, history, physical examination, radiographic and endoscopic findings, surgical findings, and outcome were recorded and compared with the GUVH population. Estimates of individual breed-specific odds ratios were calculated. Outcome was evaluated by reexamination 6 weeks after surgery with recurrence of disease recorded as failure. RESULTS: Oropharyngeal injuries occurred most often in medium to large breed dogs. The majority of dogs presented with chronic disease (82%). The common findings on clinical examination were discharging sinus (72%) and swelling (70%). Acute cases typically presented with dysphagia and oral pain. The original site of injury was evident in only 34% of dogs, with the sublingual area the most frequently traumatized. The apparent cause of injury to the oropharynx was most commonly a piece of wood (72%). Other causes were metallic foreign bodies (3 dogs) and bones (2 dogs). In the remaining 9 dogs, the cause was not determined. The clinical signs resolved in all dogs that presented acutely compared with only 62% in dogs with chronic signs. CONCLUSION: Medium to large breed dogs appear to be prone to oropharyngeal injuries caused mainly by wooden foreign bodies. This may be attributable to stick chewing or retrieving behavior in these animals. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: History of trauma, stick retrieval, submandibular/cervical swelling, and discharging sinus are commonly encountered in the presentation of this condition. The sublingual area was the most frequent portal of entry recorded, although in chronic cases the initial site of injury was often unclear. Radiography and endoscopy, while offering definitive diagnosis with positive findings, often provide false negative findings. Aggressive surgical debridement of all sinus tracts is essential in obtaining a successful result, but recovery of a foreign body is not necessarily a determinant of success.     

Penile and preputial squamous cell carcinoma in the horse: a retrospective study of treatment of 77 affected horses

Reasons for performing study: The most common penile and preputial neoplasm in the horse is the squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), but no large surveys of treatment and effects of the grade of the tumour, based on the degree of differentiation, on outcome of affected horses are available. Objectives: Analysis of treatment of male horses affected with SCC of the external genitalia and long‐term results of treatment. Methods: Seventy‐seven cases of SCC were evaluated. Data recorded included treatment, outcome, post operative histopathology and retrospective tumour grading. Results: Treatments included: cryosurgery, excision, partial phallectomy, partial phallectomy and sheath ablation, and en bloc penile and preputial resection with penile retroversion and removal of inguinal lymph nodes. The incidence of recurrence after partial phallectomy was 25.6% (10/39) and following incomplete removal was 17.9% (7/39). The incidence of recurrence after en bloc resection with retroversion was 12.5% (1/8). In horses with confirmed inguinal lymph node metastasis, the incidence of recurrence was 25.0% (1/4). Poorly differentiated SCCs were more likely to metastasise than well differentiated SCCs, and there was a greater chance that the treatment would be unsuccessful. The success of treatment, complete removal and in preventing recurrence of the tumour, of male horses with SCC of the external genitalia was 55.7%. Conclusions: Horses that receive only partial phallectomy for treatment for SCC of the external genitalia have a high incidence of recurrence in contrast to horses that receive an en bloc resection. Tumour grading of SCC can help predict prognosis and guide selection of treatment.     

Osteochondritis dessicans and subchondral cystic lesions in draft horses: a retrospective study.

The clinical features, radiographic findings, treatment, and outcome in 51 draft horses with osteochondritis dessicans (OCD) or subchondral cystic lesions (SC) are reported. Clydesdale and Percheron were the most commonly affected breeds, and affected animals represented only 5% of the hospital population of draft horses. Horses were most frequently affected in the tibiotarsal joints and 73% (24 of 33 cases) of the horses with tibiotarsal effusion were affected bilaterally. Osteochondritis dessicans of the distal intermediate ridge was the most common lesion found in the tibiotarsal joint. The stifle was also frequently affected; 87% (13 of 15 cases) of horses with femoropatellar OCD only were lame, and lesions were most commonly located on the lateral trochlear ridge. Sixteen cases were managed conservatively, 30 received surgery, and 5 were euthanized. Lameness, effusion, or both clinical signs resolved in more than 50% of surgically treated cases, but clinical signs improved in 30% of conservatively-managed cases.     

Penile and preputial tumours in the horse: a retrospective study of 114 affected horses

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Preputial and penile tumours are more common in horses than in other domestic animals, but no large surveys of male horses with tumours of the external genitalia are available. OBJECTIVE: To present a retrospective analysis of male horses with neoplasms of the external genitalia. METHODS: The penile and preputial tumours of 114 horses were evaluated. Data recorded included age, gelding or stallion and breed; type and site of lesion; involvement of regional lymph nodes; histopathology (including grading of squamous cell carcinoma); and results of radiographic examination of the thorax. RESULTS: Mean age of horses was 19.5 years with no apparent breed predilection. Common presenting clinical signs were irregularities (e.g. the presence of a mass and/or ulceration) on the integument of the penis and prepuce, and purulent or sanguineous discharge from preputial orifice. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was the most prevalent neoplasm followed by papillomas and melanomas. A basal cell carcinoma, neurofibrosarcoma, adenocarcinoma or fibrosarcoma were each found on single horses. Squamous cell carcinomas with poor differentiation had a higher tendency to metastasise than did more differentiated tumours. CONCLUSIONS: Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common urogenital tumour of the male horse and occurs primarily in old horses. Horses with poorly differentiated SCCs tend to have a higher incidence of regional metastases. Pathology of lymph nodes, even when not palpably enlarged, is a valuable diagnostic exercise. Radiology of the thorax to detect lung metastases is of little value.     

Changing horses in mid-stream: job and life satisfactions for veterinarians

The differential nature of job activities related to four areas of veterinary work, club or private practice, industry or commerce, Animal Health and Meat Divisions of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, were investigated using a ten factor rating scale. The same scale was used to measure these veterinarians; non-job activities. Significant differences were found in average levels of job satisfaction. Meat Division veterinarians, for example, rated their jobs as offering little discretion or control over what, when and how they do things, lacking variety in activities, requiring less mental effort and giving them little control over the speed at which they work. These veterinarians also had the lowest level of job satisfaction. Non-job activities are seen to compensate for non-satisfactory aspects of a job, and levels of life satisfaction among veterinarians was not related to being in a specific area of practice. Certain job and non-job activities, however, are related to the degree of mental well-being in a veterinarian.     

A retrospective study of nineteen ataxic horses

A retrospective study of 19 ataxic horses admitted to the College of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Montreal during the period of January 1985 to December 1988 is presented. There were 11 cases of cervical vertebral malformation, four of equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy, two of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis, one each of vertebral osteomyelitis and intervertebral disc protrusion. The clinical diagnosis of ataxia in horses requires neurological, radiographic, myelographic, and laboratory examinations.     

Surgical management of sand colic impactions in horses: a retrospective study of 41 cases

OBJECTIVE: A retrospective review of the medical records of 41 horses requiring abdominal surgery for sand colic. RESULTS: The diagnosis of sand colic was made when sand was found to be the cause of impaction of the gastrointestinal tract during surgical exploration. The most common clinical signs at presentation were abdominal pain, abdominal distension and diarrhoea. A statistically significant association was found between the respiratory rate on arrival and short-term survival. Sand impaction at multiple locations was detected in one-third of the horses. Concurrent pathology was detected in half of the horses. Four horses were euthanased during surgery; of those that recovered from surgery, 35/37 (95%) were discharged from hospital. Short- and long-term complications were similar to those previously reported. Long-term (1 year) survival of the horses discharged was 100%. CONCLUSION: The good prognosis for horses undergoing surgery for the treatment of sand impaction supports early surgical intervention in cases where large amounts of sand are suspected.     

A retrospective study of 100 pelvic fractures in horses

The records of 100 horses with clinical or radiographic diagnosis of a pelvic fracture were reviewed to determine prognostic indicators associated with clinical signs or radiographic fracture characteristics. Degree of lameness, soft tissue swelling, crepitis, muscle atrophy, skeletal external assymetry and palpable assymetry on rectal examination were evaluated. There was no significant relationship between the aforementioned clinical signs and the long-term cause outcome. Fracture sites or presence of an acetabular fracture were not related to prognosis. The positive outcome of 77 per cent of horses that were allowed to survive and were available for follow-up in this study warrants the effort of salvage of valuable individuals.     

A retrospective study of head fractures in 21 horses

The clinical features of 21 horses which sustained head fractures are reviewed. There was a higher incidence of fractures in males and Standardbred horses. Surgical treatment was practical and successful in most cases when the fractures involved the bones of the jaws and the face. Fractures which involved the cranial cavity or the cranial nerves were difficult to treat and usually held a poor prognosis.     

Haemoperitoneum in horses: a retrospective review of 54 cases

This retrospective study was conducted in the UK and identifies the most frequent causes, diagnoses, treatment and prognoses for short- and long-term survival in 54 cases of horses with haemoperitoneum. Clinical signs of haemorrhagic shock and colic were common, and abdominal ultrasound was very useful for the identification of haemoperitoneum. Causes of haemoperitoneum included uterine injury (22 per cent), involvement of specific blood vessels (20 per cent), splenic injury (19 per cent), neoplasia (13 per cent) and other (4 per cent). No source was identified in 22 per cent of cases. Fifty-seven per cent of cases underwent exploratory laparotomy. Of the surgical cases, a diagnosis was made in 65 per cent, with 42 per cent surviving to discharge. It was felt that exploratory laparotomy had both diagnostic and therapeutic implications. Twenty-eight per cent of cases died, and 33 per cent were euthanased, whereas 39 per cent survived to be discharged from the hospital, with 35 per cent of these surviving in the long term. Idiopathic haemoperitoneum was associated with the best outcome for long-term survival.     

The fetlock tunnel syndrome in horses: literature review and retrospective study.]

The annular ligament constriction is characterized by a disproportion between the available space and the contents within the fetlock tunnel. The main symptoms are a persisting lameness, distention of the tendon sheath, a typical "notch" when the fetlock is viewed from the side and a hyperflexion pain in the fetlock. The surgical treatment consists of the transection of the fetlock annular ligament. The conservative management can be considered as a independent therapy or as a preparation for a subsequent desmotomy. The medical records of 75 horses suffering from fetlock tunnel syndrome presented at the Veterinary Surgery Clinic of the University of Zurich were studied. 39 horses with 41 affected limbs were reexamined clinically and ultrasonographically. 70% of the surgical cases and 82% of the conservatively treated cases were judged to be sound. Altogether it can be said that the surgical case group had a success rate of 62% while the conservatively treated group showed a success rate of 58%.