Standing flank laparotomy for the treatment of small colon impactions in 15 ponies and one horse

Impactions are the most common problem affecting the small colon in horses and are much more prevalent in ponies and miniature horses. Ventral midline laparotomy under general anaesthesia is the standard of care for this condition when medical management fails to resolve the impaction or when the impaction causes complete intraluminal obstruction and tympany. This case series reports the use of standing flank laparotomy (SFL) in 15 ponies with focal small colon impactions and one large breed horse with an elongated small colon impaction. All cases presented with signs of colic of 1–4 days' duration. The horses were initially vigorously treated with both enteral and parental fluids but failed to pass faeces, with no resolution of abdominal distention or pain. In all cases, a definitive diagnosis was made during SFL and the small colon appeared to be viable. The impaction was resolved by extraluminal massage. In the horse and in one pony, in addition to extraluminal massage, high enema was administered during surgery. Routine perioperative treatment with fluids, analgesics, antimicrobials and wound care was provided. All animals survived to discharge. The time from surgical resolution of the impaction to passing faeces was less than 2 h in all but one case. Median duration of hospitalisation was 2 days and all animals returned to their original use by 2 months. The encouraging results of this case series suggest that SFL is a viable alternative to ventral laparotomy for ponies and horses with either focal SCI or extensive SCI.     

Length of gestation periods of horses and ponies belonging to different breedsDurée de gestation des juments de différentes races de chevaux et de poneysTragezeiten von stuten verschiedener pferde- und ponyrassen

The mean gestation periods of mares belonging to different horse and pony breeds common in The Netherlands have been calculated using data from the birth registers of five stud-book societies. The following mean values have been determined: Fjord pony: 342.2; Haflinger pony: 341.3; Draught horse: 343.3; Shetland pony: 337.2; and Frisian horse: 337.7 days. The variation in the mean gestation period is greater in horses than in cows, sheep or pigs. Colts are carried a little longer than fillies. Differences between years are not significant, but differences between the various breeds have been determined. Shetland foals born before 1 June are carried longer than those born after 1 June. The gestation period for mares of this breed mated at 2 years, is significantly longer than for those mated at more than 2 years.The length of the gestation period in horses is possibly affected by physiological factors other than those influencing the gestation period in some other farm animals.     

A Novel Approach to the Treatment and Prevention of Laminitis: Botulinum Toxin Type A for the Treatment of Laminitis

Laminitis is an inflammation of the lamina of hoofed animals. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), laminitis impacts approximately 2% of the horse population each year. Because of the severity of the inflammation and chronic pain, it is frequently necessary to euthanize these horses. Surviving horses may be left useless, with resultant economic and social impact on the industry. Current interventions for laminitis are based on supportive care and alteration of biomechanical forces on the digit. The transition from laminitis to laminar failure (founder) is believed to be caused by the “weight of the horse and the forces of locomotion driving the bone down into the hoof capsule.” We hypothesize that an important factor is the torsional forces placed on the distal phalanx (coffin bone) by the deep digital flexor muscle and tendon. The paralyzing effect of botulinum toxin will result in a decrease of these torsional forces and therefore will aid in the prevention or treatment of the sequelae of laminitis. Seven horses with varying degrees of laminitis were evaluated. Each underwent pretreatment and posttreatment radiographs as well as pretreatment and posttreatment Obel grading. Each horse received botulinum toxin type A injected into the belly of the deep digital flexor muscle. In all cases there was radiographic stabilization of pedal displacement from the dorsal hoof wall. Obel scores showed improvement of 1 to 2 grades during the time monitored.     

德保矮马与哈萨克马 KIT 基因多态性分析

 马毛色是品种鉴定和个体识别的重要依据。马 KIT 基因位于3号染色体,KIT 基因突变影响马毛色及毛色的分布。对德保矮马和哈萨克马69个个体的 KIT 基因21个外显子及部分内含子直接测序,共发现了5个SNPs,其中1个位于5'-UTR区（g.91214T>G）,1个位于内含子20 （g.171356C>G）,另外3个分别位于外显子15、20和21(g.164297C>T;g.170189C>T;g.171471G>A,p.Ala960Thr)。用PCR-RFLP方法对69个个体进行分型,发现外显子15有3种基因型TT、CT、CC;外显子20有3种基因型TT、CT、CC;外显子21有2种基因型GG与GA,且均为野生型占优势。德保矮马 KIT 基因多态性比哈萨克马更丰富。     

玉树马和德保矮马SLC36A1基因多态性研究

 控制马香槟毛色的CH（Champagne gene）基因家族包含4个候选基因（SLC36A1、SLC36A2、SLC36A3、SPARC）,研究发现SLC36A1基因外显子2的突变是造成马香槟毛色的关键位点。为揭示中国马SLC36A1基因遗传多态性,本研究以玉树马和德保矮马共74个样本为研究对象,以马DNA池为模板扩增SLC36A1基因的10个外显子及部分内含子序列并进行测序分析。共发现马SLC36A1基因5个SNPs,分别位于内含子3（g.26699953 A>G, g.26699851 G>C, g.26699850 G>C）,外显子4（g.26699562 G>A）及外显子6（g.26697018 C>T）。利用PCR RFLP方法对74个家马样本进行基因分型,发现外显子6的SNP有基因型CC、CT;外显子4的SNP有基因型GG、GA;内含子3的g.26699850 G>C突变有基因型GG、GC;内含子3的另外2个SNPs（g.26699953 A>G, g.26699851 G>C）通过测序,发现有AA、AG、GG与GG、GC、CC基因型。所有5个马SNPs均为野生型占主要优势。由此界定了马SLC36A1基因有9种单倍型（H1 H9）,其中H5是最主要的单倍型。德保矮马遗传多样度为0.4190,比玉树马（0.2228）高,表明德保矮马香槟毛色遗传多态性比玉树马更丰富。玉树马与德保矮马的平均单倍型多样度为0.3160,表明其香槟毛色遗传多态性相对较低。     

Hypertrophic osteopathy in three horses and a pony.

Hypertrophic osteopathy was diagnosed in 3 horses and in a pony, ranging in age from 8 to 21 years. There were 2 females, 1 sexually intact male, and 1 gelding. In 3 animals, hypertrophic osteopathy was associated with pulmonary abscesses, bronchogenic squamous cell carcinoma, and ovarian granulosa-cell tumor, respectively, and resulted in death or euthanasia. Duration of the condition ranged from 1 to 4 months. In 1 horse, hypertrophic osteopathy was believed to be secondary to pregnancy, and resolved following uncomplicated delivery of a live foal.     

Outcome of conservative and surgical treatment for luxations of the equine superficial digital flexor tendon from the calcaneal tuber

The objective of this study was to report the outcome of horses treated either conservatively or surgically for luxation of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) from the calcaneal tuber. Medical records of horses with diagnosed SDFT luxations from the calcaneal tuber were reviewed (1993–2015) and long-term follow-up examinations and owner questionnaires performed. Survival to hospital discharge, complications, final SDFT position, soundness and return to intended use were compared between conservatively or surgically treated horses. Following conservative treatment all horses (n = 8) survived to hospital discharge. At long-term follow-up 71.4% (5/7) had returned to intended use. The SDFT was unstable in all of them resulting in a mild mechanical lameness. Nine horses underwent surgical treatment. The SDFT was reduced and maintained in position with a synthetic mesh and sutures (n = 2), with a synthetic mesh, sutures and suture screws (n = 6) or with sutures and suture screws (n = 1). Only 66.7% (6/9) of the horses survived to hospital discharge. Fatal complications including support limb laminitis (1/9), implant infection (1/9), and support limb laminitis plus infection (1/9) occurred. All horses available for long-term follow-up (n = 5) were clinically sound and 80% (4/5) had returned to intended use. Following conservative treatment, a mild mechanical lameness will persist but will not prevent the horses from returning to their intended use. Surgical repair can result in a stable fixation of the SDFT with long-term soundness and return to intended use; however, fatal complications (support limb laminitis, infection) can occur leading to the euthanasia of the horse in the immediate post-operative period.     

Small intestinal biopsy and resection in standing sedated horses

Diagnostic laparotomy and laparoscopy are surgical techniques commonly used for the investigation of chronic abdominal disease and weight loss. They can both be usefully carried out in the standing sedated horse, allowing a thorough examination of the dorsal abdominal cavity and biopsies to be harvested. Small intestinal disease is an important cause of weight loss and recurrent colic. Inflammatory or neoplastic bowel disease may not always be apparent grossly and histopathological assessment of full thickness biopsies may be required to provide a definitive diagnosis. Details of cases of 15 horses that underwent small intestinal biopsy or enterectomy while sedated and standing are presented. Three incisional infections occurred causing delayed wound healing. Three horses were subjected to euthanasia before hospital discharge: two had persistent gastric reflux and one had colitis. A further six were subjected to euthanasia in the first 4 months due to their underlying inflammatory bowel condition. One horse was subjected to euthanasia for severe laminitis that was presumed to be caused by treatment with a corticosteroid 4 years later, and one died of acute colic 2.3 years after successful resection and anastomosis. Five horses were alive at the time of review, median 2.7, range 1.2–4.3 years. Overall therefore, 3 (20%) horses died during hospitalisation and 5 (33%) were still alive at the end of the study. Results from this series suggest that minimising the number of intestinal biopsies may reduce morbidity, but the underlying pathological process appears to be the most important prognostic factor for survival. Resection and anastomosis in the standing sedated horse proved feasible.     

岔口驿马产业发展的调查与思考

我们通过对天祝县的特有马种——岔口驿马的产业发展调查进行分析,我们发现岔口驿马产业的发展所面临的巨大问题并进行深入探讨分析,并且在此基础上提出岔口驿马产业发展以及种质资源保护方面的对策,诣在为岔口驿马品种资源进行保护与利用、同时为畜牧业的健康可持续发展、进而为人类社会可持续发展提供思路。     

Primary ocular sarcomas in the cat

Primary ocular sarcomas were diagnosed following enucleation (12) or necropsy (one) in 13 cats over an eight year period. Twelve of the 13 cats were males; ages of affected animals were seven to 15 years, with a mean of 12. Five of the cats had a history of previous trauma and six others had a history of chronic uveitis. Morphologically the neoplasm was comprised of undifferentiated spindle cells and appeared to arise in the anterior uvea. The cancer was quite aggressive, with extension into adjacent tissues and/or distant metastases commonly encountered. Seven of 12 cats experienced confirmed tumour related deaths within months following enucleation and one was humanely destroyed at the time of original presentation.     

Clinical Outcome of 14 Obese,Laminitic Horses Managed with the Same Rehabilitation Protocol

A specific method of rehabilitation was used to manage obese horses with laminitis, and clinical outcome was evaluated after 5 to 20 months. Clinical data from 14 similar laminitis cases were statistically analyzed to evaluate response to rehabilitation. Data were analyzed using repeated measures or logistic regression methodologies. Each horse presented as obese and laminitic with no history of a systemic inflammatory disease. The rehabilitation method emphasized a mineral-balanced, low nonstructural carbohydrate diet; daily exercise; hoof trimming that minimized hoof wall loading; and sole protection in the form of rubber hoof boots and/or hoof casts. Distal phalanx alignment within the hoof capsule was significantly improved, and hoof wall thickness was significantly decreased (P < .0001) following treatment. Solar depth was significantly increased (P < .0015). Reduction of palmar angle measurements was detected in acutely and chronically affected horses. This treatment effect was statistically greater for horses with chronic laminitis than for horses with acute laminitis (P interaction < .0001). Horses were 5.5 times more likely to be sound post-treatment than before treatment. Daily exercise, dietary modification, and removal of ground reaction force from the hoof wall were foci of the rehabilitation program. Hoof care and husbandry as applied to these horses may be an effective method of rehabilitation of horses from obesity-associated laminitis.     

Severe eosinophilic cholangiohepatitis due to fluke infestation in a pony in Scotland

Fasciola hepatica infestation is reported as a cause of severe eosinophilic cholangiohepatitis in a 28‐year‐old Warmblood cross pony gelding. The gelding presented initially for investigation of acute laminitis found to be secondary to pars pituitary intermedia dysfunction (PPID). Six weeks of treatment including administration of pergolide achieved good control of the laminitis but there was a marked general clinical deterioration over this period with notable weight loss, tachycardia, anorexia and ventral oedema. Hepatobiliary enzymes were increased significantly and there was mild elevation of plasma bile acid concentration. An eosinophilia in both blood and peritoneal fluid specimens and histopathological confirmation of an eosinophilic cholangiohepatitis on examination of liver biopsies supported a primary parasitic aetiology. The pony was treated for Fasciola hepatica with triclabendazole 12 mg/kg bwt but clinical signs continued to progress. Due to poor clinical response the pony was subjected to euthanasia and post mortem examination revealed an overwhelming infestation of the biliary tracts with Fasciola hepatica and a secondary chronic and severe cholangiohepatitis with marked fibrosis. To the authors' knowledge this is the first equine report demonstrating the relationship between the clinical disease syndrome, eosinophilic cholangiohepatitis and hepatic fluke infestation. Depending on geographical location, fasciolosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis for equine hepatopathies and can result in severe disease.     

Factors involved in the prognosis of equine laminitis in the UK.

The significance of clinical and radiological parameters as prognostic indicators for laminitis, 'founder' and 'sinking syndrome' was studied using case records of 216 horses and ponies. Five animals were destroyed without treatment and were not included in the results of the study. One hundred and sixty-two (77%) animals returned to athletic soundness; 7 animals (3%) did not regain full athletic function, 42 animals (20%) died or were destroyed. Cases were assigned to 4 groups on the basis of initial clinical examination alone. These groups were laminitis, acute founder, 'sinker' and chronic founder. This grouping was found in itself to be the most important prognostic parameter which was studied. Stepwise regression analysis of the data from animals by group indicated that the radiological measurement of founder distance, was the most significant radiological prognostic measurement for acute founder cases. Less significant prognostic parameters were the severity of lameness, rotation angles, the presence of solar prolapse, and the number of feet affected. The height of the animal at the withers was not significantly related to outcome. The prognosis for horses was not significantly different from that for ponies.     

Role of transcranial magnetic stimulation in differentiating motor nervous tract disorders from other causes of recumbency in four horses and one donkey

Transcranial magnetic stimulation and measurement of the magnetic motor-evoked potentials (MMEPs) in the thoracic and pelvic limbs of four recumbent horses and one recumbent donkey were used to assess the integrity of the descending motor pathways, in order to confirm or exclude a descending motor tract lesion as the cause of the recumbency. In two of the animals abnormal MMEPs were recorded; in one of the horses a lesion along the cervical spinal cord due to a fracture of the fifth cervical vertebra was diagnosed and confirmed by radiography and postmortem examination; in another horse, damage to the peripheral nerves of the left forelimb was diagnosed and confirmed postmortem when a large abscess was found to have been compressing the peripheral nerves at the level of the last cervical vertebra. In the three other animals, normal MMEPs were recorded, and laminitis, rhabdomyolysis and physitis were diagnosed as the causes of the recumbency.     

Lymphocyte stimulation response in horses against phytohaemagglutinin and M protein of Streptococcus equi using whole blood.

Lymphocyte stimulation was observed in whole equine blood in the presence of phytohaemagglutinin and M protein extracted from a typical strain of Streptococcus equi. Blood samples were collected from several healthy horses and horse and pony foals and cultured in vitro with varying concentrations of phytohaemagglutinin and M protein for several days. Phytohaemagglutinin was found to induce lymphocyte stimulation in these animals. Highest mean stimulation indices in horse foals (49.3 +/- 24.4) and pony foals (54.7 +/- 32.0) were observed with 0.625 and 1.25 micrograms/mL phytohaemagglutinin, respectively, at either 72 or 96 hours of incubation. Significantly higher radioactive counts per minute in horse and pony foals were recorded in blood cultures incubated with 0.625 and 1.25 micrograms/mL phytohaemagglutinin. M protein induced a dose related stimulation response in adult horses. Maximum stimulation indices were observed against 125 micrograms/mL M protein at 96 hours. These stimulation indices were higher in adult horses (40.0 +/- 2.2) than observed in pony foals (14.4 +/- 15.7). Higher stimulation levels in adult horses indicated either nonspecific stimulation against M protein or previous exposure of these animals to S. equi.     

Multifocal discrete osteolysis in a horse with silicate associated osteoporosis

Silicate associated osteoporosis (SAO) was diagnosed post-mortem in an adult horse with the shortest documented exposure to cytotoxic silicates of 2 years. The horse was evaluated for a 6-month history of progressive back tenderness and acute onset of lameness. The horse had a marked (4/5) (American Association of Equine Practitioners scale) left forelimb lameness, moderate (2/5) hindlimb ataxia and weakness, and cervical pain upon palpation. Physical examination did not reveal clinical skeletal deformities or respiratory compromise. Radiographs revealed widespread, discrete, sharply delineated, osteolytic lesions in the skull, vertebral column, ribs, scapulae and middle phalanx (P2) of the left forelimb and a diffuse bronchointerstitial lung pattern. The presumptive clinical diagnosis was widespread, metastatic osteolytic neoplasia. Due to the poor quality of life and grave prognosis, the horse was humanely euthanised. Post-mortem examination revealed pulmonary silicosis in the lungs and hilar lymph nodes and osteolytic lesions with numerous, large osteoclasts and disorganised bone remodelling both consistent with SAO. SAO should be included as a differential diagnosis for horses with widespread, multifocal, discrete osteolysis and history of exposure to endemic regions with possible cytotoxic silicate inhalation. Exposure time of 2 years is potentially sufficient to develop SAO.     

The prevalence of endocrinopathic laminitis among horses presented for laminitis at a first-opinion/referral equine hospital

Endocrinopathic causes of laminitis may be a common underlying causative pathogenesis in first-opinion or field cases presenting with laminitis, as opposed to laminitis produced in inflammatory research models. This study aimed to determine whether evidence of an underlying endocrinopathy was present in horses presented for laminitis to a first-opinion/referral veterinary teaching hospital. A second aim was to compare the signalment of horses and ponies with laminitis with the equine hospital population during the same period. All horses presenting for laminitis at Helsinki University Equine Teaching Hospital, Finland, over a 16-month period were examined for an underlying endocrinopathy. Horses presenting for laminitis were compared with the hospitalized population over the same period. There were 36 horses presented for laminitis, and evidence of endocrinopathy was present in 89%. Of the horses showing an underlying endocrinopathy, one-third had a diagnosis of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, and two-thirds showed basal hyperinsulinemia indicative of insulin resistance, without evidence of hirsutism. Phenotypic indicators of obesity were present in 95% of horses with basal hyperinsulinemia without hirsutism. Compared with the hospital population during the same period, horses with laminitis associated with an underlying endocrinopathy were significantly older and more likely to be pony breeds. Our data support that endocrine testing should be performed on all cases of laminitis that do not have a clear inflammatory or gastrointestinal origin.     

Small intestinal adenomatous polyps resulting in chronic obstruction in a 3-year-old Quarter Horse gelding

A 3-year-old, Quarter Horse gelding was admitted to Kansas State University Veterinary Health Center with a primary complaint of colic. The horse had a 3-month history of recurrent colic and progressive weight loss. On physical examination, the horse was quiet, alert and responsive. The horse's mucous membranes were pink and capillary refill time was 2 s. His rectal temperature was 37.6°C (99.6°F), heart rate was 56 beats/min and respiration rate was 16 breaths/min. Rectal palpation revealed an approximately 5 cm dilated, firm, tubular, mass traversing from left caudal abdomen to mid abdomen. Nasogastric intubation obtained 6 L net reflux. A 5 cm diameter small intestinal intraluminal mass was detected by abdominal ultrasound. Complete blood count, serum chemistry and peritoneal fluid analysis were performed and all results were unremarkable. The horse was humanely euthanised due to pain and financial constraints. Post-mortem examination and histopathology revealed a 15 × 5 × 5 cm polyp with multiple smaller satellite polyps that obstructed the distal duodenum. Colic was considered secondary to small intestinal obstruction and luminal distension caused by the adenomatous polyps. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report to include ultrasound images of a small intestine adenomatous polyp that caused small intestinal obstruction and colic in a 3-year-old horse.     

Fractures of the distal phalanx in horses

Summary. Nineteen cases of fracture of the distal phalanx in horses are reviewed. This represented 1.1% of the total number of horses seen at Murdoch University Veterinary Hospital (MUVH) over a 32-month period. All horses were managed conservatively. Eight horses made a complete recovery. Three are being trained again and are not lame. Four horses made a limited recovery. Two horses are still resting and one horse was killed humanely when it still showed lameness after 2 years. One horse was killed humanely after the fracture was first diagnosed.