Reconstruction of the parotid duct in a horse using an interposition polytetrafluoroethylene tube graft

A Thoroughbred gelding was referred for treatment of a parotid duct fistula. This had developed after the referring veterinarian had excised a portion of the duct, and ligated the proximal end, as a means of treating a recurring sialocoele. This report describes the successful surgical reconstruction of the excised 15 cm portion of the parotid duct using an interposition polytetrafluoroethylene tube graft.     

The efficacy of a controlled-release albendazole capsule in suppressing nematode burdens in sheep

An experiment was undertaken between July and November 1985 in East Gippsland, Victoria, to determine the efficacy of an intra-ruminal controlled-release albendazole capsule against naturally acquired worm burdens and larval challenge in Merino hoggets. Two groups of 20 sheep, one group untreated, the other dosed with a capsule were grazed together; 5 sheep from each group were slaughtered for total worm counts 30 and 101 d after capsules were administered. Serum anthelmintic concentrations, faecal egg counts and body weights were monitored. Most capsules were exhausted within 91 d of administration. During the estimated 80 d for which they remained active the capsules were highly effective against the benzimidazole-susceptible worm populations. Faecal egg counts were reduced to zero and total worm populations were reduced by over 97% 30 d after administration. By 101 d egg counts were increasing and worm counts indicated that sheep were becoming reinfected. Sheep treated with the capsules grew faster than those not treated.     

An evaluation of calf castration by intra-testicular injection of a lactic acid solution

This experiment evaluated intra-testicular injection of a sclerosing drug, lactic acid, for castration of bulls. Its use was compared in 58 Brahman cross calves (50 to 128kg) with the general practice of open surgical castration. Chemical castration appeared to be more painful than surgical castration, though post-operative swelling and pain appeared similar for both methods. Chemical castration took 3 times longer than surgical castration (58 sec v 20 sec; P less than 0.01). Scrotal necrosis occurred in 25% of chemically-castrated calves and appeared due to drug leakage from the testes under the high pressure of injection. Healing time for chemical castrates was approximately twice that for surgical castrates. Five chemically-castrated calves (18%) retained one testis. Though all 5 were rendered sterile, each maintained androgenesis. This led to secondary male behaviour which caused management problems. Castration method did not influence post-operative growth. It is concluded that lactic acid administration is not a suitable alternative to the open surgical technique for castration of Brahman cross calves.     

Management of equine skull fractures using fixation with polydioxanone sutures

Ten horses presented with severe distortion of the facial contour, crepitus on palpation and mild to moderate epistaxis. Individual horses also showed ocular damage, ptosis, severe dyspnoea and movement of the facial bones concurrent with respiration. The fracture fragments were exposed using a large curvilinear incision and elevated using a retractor, periosteal elevator, chisel or Steinmann pin. The fracture fragments were unstable following reduction and fixation was necessary. Stabilisation was achieved with polydioxanone sutures placed through holes drilled in opposing sides of the fracture lines. Polydioxanone sutures provided good stability and had better handling properties than wire. There was good apposition of fracture edges and minimal complications. Use of polydioxanone sutures can also avoid the expense and complexity of plate fixation in selected cases, and should be considered as an alternative to fixation with stainless steel wire in any facial fracture that adjoins stable bone.