Effects of cryotherapy on the palmar and plantar digital nerves in the horse

The duration of anesthetic effect and the histopathologic changes resulting from a controlled freeze of the palmar and plantar digital nerves in the horse were evaluated. Two techniques were compared: (i) nerves were frozen by direct application of the cryoprobe after surgical exposure and (ii) nerves were frozen by percutaneous application of the cryoprobe to the overlying skin. Return of skin sensation and ability to detect a stimulus were used to determine return of nerve function. The duration of anesthetic effect was significantly (P less than 0.005) longer for nerves frozen after surgical exposure than for those frozen by the percutaneous technique (mean 156 days vs 47.5 days). At the termination of the study, horses were euthanatized and all nerves were examined histologically. Neuromas-in-continuity were observed in 10 of 28 frozen nerves. Classification was based on the involvement of the supporting fibrous connective tissues of the nerve, endoneurium, perineurium, and epineurium. The direct technique of freezing the nerve after surgical exposure was repeatable and could be used to provide temporary neurectomy in the horse. The percutaneous technique caused a temporary loss of pain perception, but could not be relied on to interrupt nerve function for longer than a few weeks.     

An epidemiologic study of canine multiple primary neoplasma involving the female and male reproductive systems

The significance of canine multiple primary neoplasms involving the reproductive system and one or more additional anatomic sites was evaluated using data from the Alameda and Contra Costa County Animal Tumor Registry. Among the registry's data base of 35 015 histologically confirmed tumors, both sequential and simultaneous occurrences of histologically distinct benign and malignant tumors were identified. Retrospective analysis demostrated that there was a decreasing risk gradient for multiple tumors of the reproductive systems. The intact female had the highest risk followed in order by the spayed female and all male dogs. The incidence-based analyses also indicated a strong predilection for development of multiple tumors within both the female and the male reproductive systems. A four- to five-fold increase in observed numbers of mammary tumors and other histologically distinct reproductive tumors was found. Benign and malignant mammary tumors were strongly associated in their occurrence, and dogs with benign mammary neoplasms had a three-fold increased risk for subsequent development of histologically different malignant mammary tumors. These quantitative results were consistent with observations in man for malignancies and provide additional evidence that multiple primary malignant and benign neoplasms of the female and male reproductive systems are biologically associated.     

Ileal impaction in the horse

Twelve cases of ileal impaction in the horse were reviewed. Clinical features of the disease included evidence of mild abdominal pain, reduced or absent intestinal sounds, rectally palpable distended small intestine, gastric reflux, and in the early stages, normal peritoneal fluid. Surgical correction of the impaction was accomplished in 10 horses. Of 8 horses discharged from the hospital, 7 returned to full function. It was concluded that the shorter the duration of colic before surgical intervention, the better the prognosis.