Oral fractures in dogs of Brazil--a retrospective study

A retrospective study was performed in 100 dogs with 121 mandibular and 21 maxillary fractures. Dog fight (43.0%) and automobile (12.0%) trauma were the most common etiologies for fracture. The cause of fracture was unknown in 23.0% of the cases, while pathologic fractures occurred in 13.0% of cases. Young dogs (< 1-year-old) and dogs > 8-years of age were most affected. Mandibular fractures occurred in 90 dogs (90.0%), with two dogs (2.2%) having concurrent maxillary fractures. Maxillary fractures only were diagnosed in 10 dogs (10.0%). The molar region (47.1%) was the most commonly affected location for mandibular fracture, followed by fractures of the symphysis and parasymphysis (30.6%), premolar region (17.4%), angular process (4.1%) and vertical ramus (0.8%). In fractures of the mandibular region, the mandibular first molar tooth was often (85.9%) involved while the canine teeth were involved in 67.5% of symphyseal and parasymphyseal fractures. The most common fracture of the maxilla was the maxillary bone (52.4%), followed by the incisive (33.3%), palatine (9.5%), and nasal (4.8%) bones.     

Feline high-rise syndrome: 119 cases (1998-2001)

High-rise syndrome was diagnosed in 119 cats over a 4-year period. 59.6% of cats were younger than one year, and the average height of the fall was four stories. High-rise syndrome was more frequent during the warmer period of the year. 96.5% of the presented cats, survived after the fall. 46.2% of cats had fractured limbs; 38.5% of fractures were of the forelimb, 61.5% of the hindlimb. The tibia was fractured most often (36.4%), followed by the femur (23.6%). 78.6% of femoral fractures were distal. The mean age of patients with femoral fractures was 9.1 months, and with tibial fractures 29.2 months. Thoracic trauma was diagnosed in 33.6% of cats. Pneumothorax was diagnosed in 20% of cats, and pulmonary contusions in 13.4%. Falls from the seventh or higher stories, are associated with more severe injuries and with a higher incidence of thoracic trauma.     

Mandibular Fractures in the Cat A Retrospective Study

A retrospective study was made of 75 mandibular fractures in 62 cats. Mandibular fractures comprised 14.5% of all fractures seen in 517 cats. Automobile trauma was the cause of injury in more than 50% of the cases. The mean age of patients was 29.5 months. Symphyseal fractures were most common (73.3%), followed by fractures of the body (16%), condyle (6.7%), and coronoid process (4%). Sixty-seven percent of the fractures were stabilized. Cerclage and interfragmentary wiring were the most common forms of fixation. Antibiotics were administered to 73.6% of the patients. Complications were reported in 24.5% of the cats. Malocclusion and soft tissue infections were the most frequent complications. Complications developed more commonly in cats with multiple or open fractures. Clinical union occurred by an average of 6 weeks (range, 3-12 weeks) for symphyseal fractures, 10 weeks (range, 8-16 weeks) for body fractures, 6 weeks for coronoid fractures, and 6 weeks (range, 4-8 weeks) for condylar fractures.     

Assessment of vital pulp therapy for nine complicated crown fractures and fifty-four crown reductions in dogs and cats

Subjective owner assessment of the success of vital pulp therapy was performed for complicated crown fracture (n = 9) and crown reduction (n = 54) of canine teeth in dogs and cats. Our results documented that owners are not able to accurately determine the outcome of vital pulp therapy. Objective assessment of vital pulp therapy for teeth receiving crown reduction indicated maintenance of vitality in 28 of 28 (100%) teeth. Subjective and objective assessments of vital pulp therapy performed > 7-days following complicated crown fracture indicated 9 of 9 (100%) teeth were non-vital. A poor prognosis for maintenance of tooth vitality is warranted for vital pulp therapy of complicated crown fractures with prolonged pulp exposure regardless of the age of the patient. Whereas, an excellent prognosis can be provided for vital pulp therapy following crown reduction. Semiannual, postoperative oral and radiographic examinations are recommended for a minimum of 2-years to assess vitality in all teeth receiving vital pulp therapy.     

Extraction of fractured cheek teeth under oral endoscopic guidance in standing horses

Objective: To evaluate a technique for oral extraction of fractured cheek teeth (CT) under oral endoscopic guidance. Study Design: Case series. Animals: Horses (n=30) with fractured CT. Methods: Medical records (April 2007–August 2010) of horses that had standing oral extraction of fractured CT under endoscopic guidance were reviewed. Results: Thirty horses (median age, 11.5 years; range, 5–23 years) had 31 fractured CT (21 maxillary, 10 mandibular) removed. Midline sagittal fractures of maxillary teeth (n=13; 42%) were the most common type, followed by buccal or palatal (10; 32%), and transverse or multiple (5; 16%) fractures. Extraction under endoscopic guidance was successful for 27 (87%) teeth. Median age of the surgical failure group was 7 years (range, 5–8 years), significantly lower than that of the surgical success group (P=.0135, Mann–Whitney U‐test). Conclusions: Endoscopic viewing facilitates instrument use and removal of fractured CT in standing horses.     

Equine idiopathic cheek teeth fractures: part 3: a hospital-based survey of 68 referred horses (1999-2005)

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: There is limited information available on the more serious sequellae of idiopathic cheek teeth (CT) fractures. OBJECTIVES: To obtain information on clinical and ancillary diagnostic findings in referred horses with idiopathic CT fractures. METHODS: Details of all horses suffering from idiopathic CT fractures referred to the Equine Hospital at the University of Edinburgh 1999-2005 were examined, and information concerning fracture patterns, clinical and ancillary diagnostic findings, treatments and long-term response to treatments were obtained and analysed. RESULTS: A total of 60 maxillary and 17 mandibular idiopathic CT fractures were diagnosed in 68 horses. Fracture patterns included maxillary CT lateral slab fractures (45%), maxillary CT midline sagittal fractures (16%) and various other patterns of maxillary CT fractures (17%). In the mandibular CT, lateral slab fractures were found (12%) and various other CT fracture patterns were present in 10%. The more centrally positioned CT (maxillary and mandibular Triadan 08s and 09) were preferentially fractured. Clinical signs included quidding in 47% of cases; bitting and behavioural problems (28%); signs of apical infection, including bony swellings and nasal discharge (21%); anorexia/weight loss (15%); halitosis (13%); and buccal food impaction (12%). The treatment of all cases was conservative whenever possible and included corrective rasping of the remaining tooth (46% of cases); oral extraction of the smaller and loose dental fragment (32%) and extraction of the entire fractured tooth by oral extraction (28%) or by repulsion (13%). Prophylactic treatment of adjacent, nonfractured CT with carious infundibula was possibly of value in preventing further midline sagittal maxillary CT fractures. CONCLUSIONS: Horses referred with idiopathic CT fractures frequently have clinical signs of apical infection of the fractured CT and these teeth require extraction, orally if possible. More conservative treatment of idiopathic CT fractures without signs of gross apical infection can resolve clinical signs in most cases. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: In the absence of apical infection, extraction of only the loose dental fragments of CT with idiopathic fractures is usually successful.     

Equine idiopathic cheek teeth fractures: part 2: a practice-based survey of 147 affected horses in Britain and Ireland

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: There is limited information on the prevalence of idiopathic cheek teeth (CT) fractures in the general equine population and on which CT are most commonly affected. OBJECTIVES: To obtain information on the prevalence of fracture patterns and clinical details of idiopathic CT fractures. METHODS: Details of cases with idiopathic CT fractures encountered were obtained via a questionnaire sent to suitably experienced veterinary practitioners and equine dental technicians (EDTs). RESULTS: Details of 147 horses that suffered a total of 182 idiopathic CT fractures; and median 0.4% (range 0.07-5.9%) of horses examined were diagnosed with such fractures; 133 maxillary CT and 49 mandibular CT fractures were found; maxillary Triadan 09s and 10s were preferentially fractured (46% of all fractured CT); fracture patterns included maxillary CT slab fractures (through 1st and 2nd pulp chambers) in 87 teeth (48% of all fractured CT), maxillary CT midline sagittal fractures (through the infundibula) in 31 CT; and various other types of maxillary CT fractures in 15 CT. In the mandibular CT, lateral slab fractures (through the 4th and 5th pulp chambers) were found in 28 CT and a variety of other fracture patterns in the other 21 mandibular CT. Clinical signs included quidding in 33% of cases, bitting and behavioural problems (29%) and halitosis (12%), however 39% of horses with idiopathic CT fractures were asymptomatic. Treatments included oral extraction of the smaller dental fragment in 37% of cases, extraction of the entire fractured tooth (9%); removal of sharp edges on the remaining part of fractured tooth (14%); reduction of height of the opposite tooth (4%); other surgical or endodontic treatments, or referral of case for further investigation and treatment (10%); or no specific treatment (39%). Following treatment, 81% of cases were reported to be asymptomatic, 6% had ongoing clinical problems and the outcome was unclear in 13% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Idiopathic CT fractures are present in approximately 0.4% of horses and may variably cause none to severe clinical signs. Most idiopathic CT fractures respond well to treatment. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Understanding of the prevalence, clinical findings and treatment of idiopathic CT fractures will improve management of these disorders.     

A 24-Year Retrospective Study of Equine Abortion in Normandy (France)

The main causes of abortion in mares in France were studied from 1,822 cases submitted for necropsy. The cause of abortion was established in 74.9% of cases (n = 1,365). Fetoplacental infections (n = 869) represented 63.7% of diagnosed abortions. A noninfectious cause was found in 27.2% of cases (n = 496). Of the infectious causes of abortion, the vast majority were caused by bacteria (n = 695; 79.9%), followed by viruses (15.1%), and then fungi (1.8%). In 27 cases (3.1%), no specific pathogenic agent could be identified despite the presence of lesions. Of the noninfectious causes of abortion, umbilical cord abnormalities were the most frequent (n = 300; 60.5%). Placental villous hypoplasia represented the second most frequent cause (17.3%). This was followed by lethal congenital malformations (6.9%). The causes of placental insufficiency other than placental villous hypoplasia—twins, placental edema, placental premature separation, and body pregnancy—were less frequent. The diagnosis of equine abortion cases examined in Normandy seemed to be somewhat in agreement with the findings reported in Kentucky and the United Kingdom. In this study, about 60% of the cases were associated with a condition involving the allantochorion or the umbilical cord. Thus, to enhance diagnostic success, it is of prime importance to submit the fetal membranes along with the fetus for necropsy.     

The use of oral endoscopy for detection of cheek teeth abnormalities in 300 horses

The main objective of this study was to evaluate an endoscopic examination protocol for routine dental examination in horses. The oral cavities of 300 standing, sedated horses were examined under field and hospital conditions with a rigid endoscope using a standardised technique that included examination of the occlusal, lingual (palatal) and buccal surfaces of all cheek teeth rows. The most common cheek teeth abnormalities detected were sharp enamel edges (present in 96.3% of horses), focal overgrowths (64.3%), fissure fractures (54.3%), diastemata (24.3%) and infundibular hypoplasia/caries (48.3%). Rigid endoscopy of the equine oral cavity was found to be a safe non-invasive diagnostic technique that appeared to be superior to clinical oral examination for detecting subtle cheek teeth changes.     

Fungi associated with bovine abortion in the northern plains states (USA).

Mycotic infection was diagnosed in 6.8% of 6,858 cases of bovine abortion and stillbirth examined during a 9-year period. Aspergilli were associated with approximately 5% of all abortion cases and 71% of 446 cases that were cultured for fungi and diagnosed as mycotic abortion. Aspergillus fumigatus was the most frequent isolate (62%), followed by A. terreus (6.7%), Emericella (Aspergillus) nidulans (3.0%), A. flavus (2.9%), and E. rugulosus (less than 1.0%). Zygomycetes (Absidia, Mortierella, Rhizomucor, Rhizopus) accounted for 21% of the cases. Pseudallescheria boydii and yeasts (Candida, Torulopsis) were each identified in 2% of the cases. Fungi that uncommonly cause infection accounted for 2% of the cases and included Curvularia geniculata, Exophilia jeanselmei, Hendersonula toruloidea, Lecythosphora hoffmannii, Talaromyces flavus var. flavus (Penicillium vermiculatus), T. (Penicillium) thermophilus, and Wangiella dermatitidis. About 10% of the mycotic cases were mixed fungal infections involving A. fumigatus (87%), A. flavus (12.5%), or E. nidulans (12.5%) coexisting with Absidia corymbifera (72%), Rhizomucor pusillus (4.3%), or Rhizopus arrhizus (4.3%). In each mixed infection, both septate and nonseptate hyphae were observed in placental tissues. Twelve percent of the mycotic abortion cases were diagnosed by histologic examination alone because isolation attempts were negative or only formalin-preserved tissues were available.     

Mandibular Fractures in the Dog A Retrospective Study of 157 Cases

One hundred fifty-seven mandibular fractures in 105 dogs occurred most frequently in male dogs less than 1 year of age. Automobile trauma was the most common cause. Fractures in the premolar region were significantly more frequent than fractures in other regions, and 113 fractures (72%) were open. One hundred forty-two fractures were stabilized, with tape muzzles being the most common method. Postoperative complications, the most common being dental malocclusion, occurred in 53 fractures (34%). Acceptable cosmetic and functional results were achieved in 89 dogs (85%). Fractures in the rostral portion of the mandible had shorter average time to clinical union than other mandibular fractures. Average time to clinical union for fractures in the caudal portions of the mandible was longer than that currently reported.     

Canine elbow dysplasia and primary lesions in German shepherd dogs in France

Five hundred and twenty German shepherd dogs were screened for elbow dysplasia. The following primary lesions were analysed: joint incongruity (JI), fragmented medial coronoid process (FCP), osteochondrosis or osteochondritis of the medial humeral condyle and ununited anconeal process (UAP). Three radiographic views were used for each joint to achieve a definitive diagnosis. The prevalence of elbow dysplasia was 19.4 per cent. The most frequent lesion was JI (16.3 per cent), followed by FCP (11.3 per cent). UAP was diagnosed rarely (1.1 per cent). Combinations of lesions were very frequent (42.2 per cent of the dysplastic elbows). Although these results may be biased due to prescreening of dogs with UAP, it should be highlighted that JI and FCP occur frequently in German shepherd dogs and are probably the most common primary lesions of elbow dysplasia, although they have been under-reported until now.     

Equine idiopathic cheek teeth fractures. Part 1: Pathological studies on 35 fractured cheek teeth

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: There is little published information on the pathology of idiopathic fractures of cheek teeth (CT). OBJECTIVES: To perform pathological examinations on equine CT with idiopathic fractures in order to establish fracture patterns and to gain information on their aetiopathogenesis. HYPOTHESIS: Gross and histological examination of CT with idiopathic fractures, including measurements of dentinal thickness, will provide information on fracture patterns, and on the duration and aetiopathogenesis of these fractures. METHODS: Of 35 CT with idiopathic fractures that were examined to determine their fracture patterns, 20 underwent gross, histological and ultrastructural examinations, including dentinal thickness measurements, with the latter compared to dentinal measurements of dental age and Triadan position matched control CT, to help determine the duration of any pre-existing endodontic disease. RESULTS: The fracture planes involved the pulp chambers in 30 out of 35 CT examined, and ran through coalesced, carious infundibula in the other 5 (maxillary) CT. The maxillary CT, particularly the Triadan 09 position were preferentially affected. The most common fracture plane, which was termed a maxillary buccal slab fracture, occurred through the 2 lateral (1st and 2nd) pulp chambers of maxillary CT and usually involved only the clinical crown. Buccal slab fractures of mandibular CT (through 4th and 5th pulp chambers) and midline sagittal fractures through the infundibula (of maxillary CT) were the next most common fracture patterns. Reduced dentinal thickness (probably indicating prior pathological changes in the fractured CT) was present in 25% of fractured CT. CONCLUSIONS: Most idiopathic equine CT fractures involve the pulp chambers, especially those on the buccal aspect of both upper and lower CT. No predisposition to fracture was found in the majority of affected CT that appeared to have a normal endodontic appearance prior to development of fractures through their pulp chambers. The remaining idiopathic CT fractures were caused by advanced infundibular caries. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: All CT with idiopathic fractures are all at risk of pulpar or even apical infection.     

Occurrence and pattern of long bone fractures in growing dogs with normal and osteopenic bones

A retrospective study was undertaken to record the occurrence and pattern of long bone fractures, and the efficacy of Intramedullary (IM) Steinmann pin fixing in growing dogs. All the records of growing dogs during a 10-year-period were screened to record the cause of trauma, the age and sex of the animal, the bone involved, the type and location of the fracture, the status of fixation, alignment, maintenance of fixation and fracture healing. The results were analysed and comparisons were made between growing dogs with normal and osteopenic bones. Among the 310 cases of fractures recorded, the bones were osteopenic in 91 cases (29%). Minor trauma was the principal cause of fracture in dogs with osteopenia (25%), and indigenous breeds were most commonly affected (38%). Fractures in dogs with osteopenic bones were most commonly recorded in the age group of 2-4 months (53%), whereas fractures in normal dogs were almost equally distributed between 2 and 8 months of age. Male dogs were affected significantly more often in both groups. In osteopenic bones, most fractures were recorded in the femur (56%), and they were distributed equally along the length of the bone. Whereas in normal bones, fractures were almost equally distributed in radius/ulna, femur and tibia, and were more often recorded at the middle and distal third of long bones. Oblique fractures were most common in both groups; however, comminuted fractures were more frequent in normal bones, whereas incomplete fractures were more common in osteopenic bones. Ninety-nine fracture cases treated with IM pinning (66 normal, 33 osteopenic) were evaluated for the status of fracture reduction and healing. In a majority of the cases (61%) with osteopenic bones, the diameter of the pin was relatively smaller than the diameter of the medullary cavity (<70-75%), whereas in 68% of the cases in normal bones the pin diameter was optimum. The status of fracture fixing was satisfactory to good in significantly more osteonormal (59%) than osteopenic dogs (42%). Fracture healing, however, was satisfactory in significantly more cases with osteopenic than normal bones. The appearance of callus was relatively early and the amount of bridging callus was relatively large in greater number of osteopenic bone fractures. Mal-union and non-union were recorded more often in osteopenic cases than in normal cases. However, the incidence of bone shortening and osteomyelitis was significantly higher in normal bones than in osteopenic bones.     

Defence reaction in dental pulp after pulp capping and partial pulpectomy in dogs

The dental pulp was capped indirectly or directly, or partial vital pulpectomy was performed on the 12 functionally most important teeth of 24 beagle dogs. For pulp capping, calcium hydroxide was used, followed by zinc phosphate as a lining, and the preparation was restored with amalgam or composite material. Histological sections were prepared and examined for degree and type of pulp inflammation (hyperaemia, pulpitis, necrosis or gangrene). Degenerative changes of dental pulp (vacuolation, calcification, amyloid or hyaline changes) were also determined. For indirect pulp capping the width of predentine in crown and root dental pulp was measured, and for direct pulp capping and partial pulpectomy (vital pulpotomy) the width and quality of the dentinal bridge were graded. The radical method of partial vital pulpectomy of the coronal part of the dental pulp in dogs produced better quality and continuity of the dentinal bridge than the less radical method of direct pulp capping. This was particularly obvious in small single root teeth such as incisors.     

Fractures secondary to nutritional bone disease in dogs: a review of 38 cases

The pattern of bone fractures secondary to nutritional bone disease in 38 dogs was analysed using a radiographic survey. The majority of fractures were either caused by a fall (28.95%) or showed no history of direct trauma (31.58%). Mongrels were more commonly affected by pathological fractures, followed by Dobermanns and German Shepherds. Significantly more (P < 0.05) fractures were found in dogs aged less than 6 months (64.71%). The incidence of such fractures was significantly higher in males than in females (M:F = 2.70:1.00). General radiological signs included a generalized decrease in cortical density, thinning of cortices and widening of metaphyses/epiphyses in most of the animals. Fractures were found significantly more frequently (P < 0.01) in the femur (81.58%) than in any other bone. Of the different types of fracture, complete oblique and incomplete fractures were most common.     

Emergency-culling and mortality in growing/fattening pigs in a large Hungarian "farrow-to-finish" production unit

The trial was carried out in a large Hungarian 2000 sow "farrow-to-finish" production unit. Out of a total number of 15,841 evaluated growing/finishing pigs, 1319 pigs died or were emergency-culled and were post-mortem routinely examined. For the purpose of this study the emergency-culling and mortality were recorded into the same category. The average annual emergency-culling/mortality rate was unusual high (8.62%). Five body condition related categories were registered. The majority of the mortality comprised animals of body condition "below average", representing 891 pigs (67.56%) and "average" (407 pigs = 30.85%). The rest of the examined animals comprised 17 pigs (1.29%) "emitted", 2 pigs "kachexia" (stunted pig) or "fat" (0.15% each). The overall study showed that gastrointestinal tract disorders (395 animals = 29.95%) were the most frequently recorded cause of emergency-culling or mortality. Both inflammatory disorders (7.66%) and rectal stricture (7.51%) were in this category the most frequent diagnosis followed by rectal prolapse (5.92%). Gastric ulcers comprised 4.55% of the necropsied animals. Torsion of abdominal organs and miscellaneous cases represented slightly more than 2% of the post-mortem examined pigs. Lesions which involved the respiratory system, comprised 14.85% of the necropsied pigs. Bronchopneumonia due to Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae occurred in 5.61%, embolic suppurative or necrotic pneumonia in 4.78% and pleuropneumonia due to Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae in 3.1% of the cases. Diseases involving the urinary system were diagnosed in 21 cases (1.59%). Five cases of skin disorders were registered (0.38%). Cardiovascular disorders were represented by congestive heart failure (31 pigs = 2.35%), pericarditis (22 animals = 1.66%) or endocarditis (21 pigs = 1.60%). Cardiomyopathy was found in 15 (1.2%) animals. Lesions involved the locomotor system ranked second of all cases (15.92%). Claw lesions accounted 13.72%, arthritis 2.13% of the animals and luxation or fracture was diagnosed only in one case (0.07%). Systemic infections were reported in 96 cases (7.28%) including polyserositis (4.09%), erysipelas, edema disease or miscellaneous causes (each category slightly more than 1%). Genetic problems were involved in 8.19% of the fatal cases and social stress or cannibalism related culling or mortality comprised 37 animals (2.81%). In 161 cases (12.20%) of the mortality the causes of death were not established. Two or more lesions related to culling or mortality were found in 320 pigs (24.26%, p < 0.001). The most common diagnosed pathologic changes in association with other lesions were Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae caused bronchopneumonia (4.09%), embolic suppurative or necrotic pneumonia (4.55%), followed by inflammatory gastrointestinal problems (3.10%), gastric ulcer (2.35%), claw lesions (2.19%) and arthritis (1.14%). It appears from the presented study that a routine post-mortem examination of all emergency-culled or dead pigs over a long period of time gives a clear picture of causes of mortality enabling the management to plan management strategies as vaccination programs, genetic improvements and optimising environmental conditions.     

Measurement of clinical crown length of incisor and premolar teeth in clinically healthy rabbits

The clinical crown length of rabbit teeth has not been well documented. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical crown length of incisor and cheek teeth, and the periodontal probing depth in young healthy rabbits without clinical signs of dental disease. Two groups of 20 male rabbits were measured, the first in 2007 and the second in 2008/2009. The measurements were taken with rabbits under general anesthesia using a periodontal probe. The average crown length (mm) of the mandibular third and fourth premolar, and maxillary second premolar teeth was 3.1 +/- 0.4, 2.6 +/- 0.4, and 1.5 +/- 0.4, respectively. The periodontal probing depth for the cheek teeth in the maxilla and the mandible was very similar (0.5 - 1.0-mm). There was a minor difference in the average crown length (mm) of the mandibular (6.4 +/- 0.6) and maxillary (6.1 +/- 0.9) incisor teeth. The periodontal probing depth (mm) was different when comparing maxillary (2.2 +/- 0.4) and mandibular (5.1 +/- 0.8) incisor teeth. The divergence in tooth length in individual rabbits and between the two groups was minimal. Measuring the crown length of the rostral cheek and incisor teeth with a periodontalprobe is easy to do in the rabbit and should be integrated into the clinical examination. The measurement results of this study can be used as a reference when trimming teeth.     

A retrospective study of the diagnoses and survival of elk admitted to a large animal referral clinic

Information for veterinarians regarding diseases of farmed elk remains scarce despite an increase in the size of the industry. This retrospective study examines all (n=245) elk cases admitted to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine over an 11-year period (1991 to 2001). Age, gender, date of admission, diagnosis, and outcome were examined. Diarrhea, fractures, and other musculoskeletal problems were most common. Most (76%) cases involved elk under 1 y of age; these were more commonly diagnosed with fractures or diarrheal disease. Elk older than 1 y of age tended to be diagnosed with fractures or noninfectious diseases. Overall, the most common diagnosis was fractures, which were seen mostly as traumatic catastrophic long bone fractures. Fractures and other musculoskeletal problems occurred towards the end of summer and into the fall, while diarrhea and other infectious diseases were diagnosed in young elk in the spring and summer. The in-hospital case fatality rate was 33.5%.     

Pathological studies of cheek teeth apical infections in the horse: 4. Aetiopathological findings in 41 apically infected mandibular cheek teeth

Examination of 41 extracted, apically infected mandibular cheek teeth (CT) without obvious causes of infection included radiography, computerised axial tomography and decalcified and undecalcified histology. In CT with recent infections, some pulps remained viable, with proliferative soft and calcified tissue changes confined to the apex. With more advanced CT infections, occlusal pulpar exposure was sometimes present (in 34% of the 41 CT), some infected pulp chambers were filled with necrotic pulp or food, and extensive destructive or proliferative changes were present in the calcified apical tissues.No physical route of infection to the apex was found in 24 CT (59%) that consequently were believed to have anachoretic infections. Fractures involving pulps, including fissure fractures between the clinical crown and infected pulps, were found in eight (20%) CT. Some CT had vertical, full length periodontal destruction between the infected apex and the gingival margin that were believed to be the route of infection in four (19%) CT and dysplastic changes were believed to have caused one (2%) infections.