Ulnar Subluxation Following Repair of a Fractured Radius in a Foal

Compression plating of a transverse mid-diaphyseal radial fracture in a 4-month-old Arabian filly resulted in subluxation of the ulna. Two screws transfixed the radius to the ulna and resulted in synostoses. This was followed by uncoordinated growth of the radius and ulna, and subluxation of the ulna. Progressive remodeling of the ulna subsequently reestablished articular congruity between the humerus and ulna.     

Partial Ulnar Osteotomy With Free Autogenous Fat Grafting for Treatment of Radius Curvus in the Dog

The efficacy of free autogenous fat grafts in inhibiting healing of partial ulnar ostectomies was investigated. Fat grafts did impede or prevent bone union in the treated ulnar ostectomies. Protection from forced weight bearing on the operated limb by splinting minimized varus deformity of the radius and ulna, and enhanced the survival of the fat graft and the formation of an ulnar nonunion. The procedure was then applied to treatment of radius curvus resulting from surgically induced premature distal ulnar physeal closure. Partial ulnar ostectomy with free autogenous fat grafting released the ulnar restraint on radial growth and allowed partial correction of the degree of radial curve associated with premature distal ulnar physeal closure.     

Periosteum and the Healing of Partial Ulnar Osteotomy in Radius Curvus of Dogs

A 2 cm partial ulnectomy was performed in twelve 4-month-old mongrel dogs with experimentally induced radius curvus. In four dogs, the periosteum was left intact; in four dogs, all of the periosteum was excised from the ulnectomy site; and in the remaining four dogs, the periosteum was sewn over the ends of the ostectomized bone. The unoperated limbs of all 12 dogs served as controls. Progress was determined monthly from radiographs until the dogs were 9 months of age. The ulnectomies performed when the periosteum was left in situ at the ulnectomy site healed quickly, resulting in progressive deformity of the foreleg. When the periosteum was excised or sewn over the ends of the bone, the ulnectomy sites did not heal and correction of the radius curvus resulted. Histopathologic examination confirmed the absence of bony healing.     

Bilateral Dorsal Subluxation of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint of the Hind Limb in a Mare: Case Report

Subluxation of the proximal interphalangeal joint is a rare and little studied condition in horses. We describe the case of a 12-year-old mare with bilateral dorsal subluxation of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the hind feet. Tenectomy of the medial digital flexor was performed in both limbs, and the patient showed signs of recovery within 14 days. Goniometry of the proximal interphalangeal joints 10 months after surgery showed diminution of 5° for the proximal interphalangeal axis of the left hind limb. However, no change was found for the joint angle of the right limb. Even so, the patient's gait and radiographic results were normal, and clinical abnormalities such as joint clicking and swelling were no longer observed.     

Distal Humeral Salter Harris (Type II) Fracture Repair by an Ulnar Osteotomy Approach in a Horse

Objectives: To report repair of a comminuted distal humeral type II Salter–Harris fracture using an ulnar osteotomy approach and locking compression plates (LCP). Study Design: Case report. Animal: A 3‐month‐old Standardbred filly with a type II Salter–Harris fracture of the distal humerus. Methods: Radiographic and computed tomography examinations were performed to assist surgical planning. The distal humeral fracture was approached by an ulnar osteotomy and repaired using a 7‐hole broad LCP and screws inserted in lag fashion. The osteotomy was subsequently repaired using a 7‐hole narrow LCP. Results: The distal humeral fracture was successfully approached and stabilized by an ulnar osteotomy approach. At 6‐month follow‐up, the filly was ambulating comfortably with a normal cosmetic appearance. Conclusions: An ulnar osteotomy approach was readily performed and allowed for repair of a type II Salter–Harris fracture of the distal humerus. Clinical Relevance: The equine distal humerus can be accessed readily using an ulnar osteotomy approach. LCPs allow for repair of complicated fractures that have previously been associated with a grave prognosis.     

Primary Hypoparathyroidism in the Dog: Report of 15 Cases and Review of 13 Previously Reported Cases

Fifteen dogs with primary hypoparathyroidism diagnosed at the University of California Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital were compared with 13 previously reported cases. Age, sex, breed, and historical and physical findings were similar in both groups of dogs. Middle-aged females were affected primarily. A history of neurologic or neuromuscular disease was present in all 28 dogs, with 18 dogs having seizures. Posterior lenticular cataract formation secondary to hypocalcemia was suspected in six dogs. The most characteristic biochemical finding in all dogs was profound hypocalcemia (less than 6.5 mg/dl) and mild hyperphosphatemia. Serum magnesium concentrations were decreased in two dogs. Serum parathyroid hormone concentrations were consistent with the diagnosis of primary hypoparathyroidism in eight of nine dogs. Lymphocytic parathyroiditis was diagnosed in the 12 dogs from which tissue was submitted for histopathology. Successful management of the patient depended on frequent monitoring of the serum calcium concentration during initial and maintenance therapy.     

Ventral Bulla Osteotomy for Treatment of Otitis Media in a Rabbit

This article describes the management of otitis media in a domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) that presented with a history of chronic upper respiratory disease. Deep nasal culture yielded a pure growth of Bordetella bronchiseptica susceptible to chloramphenicol. To further evaluate recurring clinical signs after treatment with chloramphenicol, skull radiographs were obtained and showed an increased density in the right tympanic bulla. A ventral bulla osteotomy was performed, and the success of treatment was determined by the resolution of respiratory signs and the absence of increased radiographic density in the right tympanic bulla 5 months postoperatively.     

Nonsurgical Management of Ulnar Fractures in the Horse: A Retrospective Study of 43 Cases

Forty-three cases of nonsurgically managed ulnar fractures in the horse were reviewed. Twenty-three per cent of the horses were euthanized, 44% survived but were unsound, and 33% of the horses were sound when surveyed 6 months to 11 years following fracture. Best results were obtained when treating distal semilunar notch fractures (70% sound). Prognosis was poorest for horses with fractures of the olecranon affecting the semilunar notch (0% sound).     

Tetanus in Equids: A Review of 76 Cases

Data on the clinical examination and treatment of 76 tetanus cases in equids was reviewed, aiming to verify factors that may assist veterinarians in establishing a prognosis for this disease. Overall mortality was 76.3%. Treatment was provided to 61 animals. Of those, 18 (29.5%) survived. Data analysis led to identification of the following indicators for fair to good prognosis: greater than 5 days' timespan between onset of signs of the disease and initial assistance (7 of 13 animals survived, 53.9%) and greater than 7 days of hospitalization (all of 17 animals survived, 100%). Conversely, indicators of poor prognosis included presence of dysphagia or aphagia at first examination (52 of 60 animals died, 86.7%), decubitus (all of 20 animals died, 100%), and hoof sole perforating lesions by nails (all of 8 animals died, 100%). Based on the high mortality rate of this disease, the importance of prophylaxis is reinforced.     

Equine Large Intestinal Volvulus A Review of 124 Cases

The average age of 122 horses with ascending colon volvulus was 6.6 +/- 0.4 years. Gastric reflux was a presenting sign in 35% of the cases. Peritoneal fluid protein levels had a mean of 2.54 +/- 0.14 g/dl and 20 horses had grossly normal peritoneal fluid at the time of presentation. Ascending colon volvulus was most commonly found at the level of the cecocolic fold with the initial ventral colon movement in a dorsomedial direction about the ascending mesocolic axis. The overall survival rate was 34.7% with a recurrence rate of only 4.9%.     

Surgical Treatment of a Palmar Midsagittal Fracture of the Proximal Second Phalanx in a Horse

Second phalangeal fractures have been classified as either simple or multiple and have been managed in a variety of ways. The removal of small osteochondral fragments originating from the palmar midsagittal aspect of the proximal second phalanx is reported. This lesion has been described as a coincidental finding unrelated to lameness. Based on our clinical finding of lameness in this case and the response to an intraarticular injection of anesthetic, excision of the fragment was elected. However, the importance of confirming the significance of a radiographic lesion with local anesthesia prior to surgical intervention must be stressed.     

Osseous Sequestration in the Horse A Review of 68 Cases

Sixty-eight cases of cortical bone sequestration in 67 equine patients were reviewed with regard to the clinical presentation, method of treatment, and outcome. All lesions were located in skeletal areas with minimal soft tissue coverage, with 53% of them in the metatarsal and metacarpal bones. At the time of admission, 60% of the patients with limb lesions were lame; the majority improved with therapy. After sequestrectomy, there was a trend for surgical wounds which could be managed by primary closure to heal more rapidly (3.8 weeks) than wounds which required second intention healing (6.4 weeks). The appearance of healed wounds, as evaluated by owners, was acceptable in 45 cases. Dissatisfaction with the appearance of the healed wounds in 22 cases suggested a need to address the issue of cosmetic results.     

Laryngeal Hemiplegia in Draft Horses A Review of 27 Cases

Case records of 27 draft horses with laryngeal hemiplegia were reviewed. Twenty-one horses were treated by ventriculectomy with or without prosthetic laryngoplasty, and 17 owners were contacted to determine the results. Fifteen horses improved after surgery and were able to perform to the owners' expectations. Performance improved significantly and hospitalization was shorter after ventriculectomy alone. Results of this study indicate that the clinical signs of exercise intolerance and excessive inspiratory noise associated with left laryngeal hemiplegia in draft horses can be treated successfully by ventriculectomy without prosthetic laryngoplasty.