A PHOSPHATE SORPTION INDEX FOR SOILS

Phosphate sorption isotherms covering a wide concentration range (10^?6 to 5 × 10^?3m phosphate) were determined for 42 soil samples at 20 °C by a standardized technique. The slope of a plot of the sorption, x, against the logarithm of the equilibrium solution phosphate concentration, log c, measured at c= 10^?4M, proved a suitable reference index to characterize the phosphate sorbing properties of the soils. Several single-point methods were tested by statistical correlation against this reference index. Of these, the sorption, x, from one addition of 150 mg P/100 g soil gave r= 0.951, but r= 0.974 when the equilibrium concentration was also taken into account in the quotient x/log c. This quotient is therefore suggested as a simple yet adequate way of indicating a fundamental soil property, its phosphate sorption isotherm.     

Caudal compression of the infraorbital nerve: A novel surgical technique for treatment of idiopathic headshaking and assessment of its efficacy in 24 horses

Reasons for designing and reporting technique: Idiopathic headshaking has remarkable similarities to human neuropathic facial pain syndromes associated with post herpetic and trigeminal neuralgia. These derive from abnormal sensory function within the peripheral or central pathways of the trigeminal nerve (TgN). Limiting input from the TgN can be helpful in controlling the perception of pain. Rhizotomy of the infraorbital branch of the TgN as it emerges from the infraorbital canal has been reported but has a poor efficacy. A novel technique involves compression of the nerve at a more caudal location within the infraorbital canal and the technique requires validation. Hypothesis: Caudal compression of the infraorbital nerve with platinum coils, performed in horses diagnosed with idiopathic headshaking, results in a decrease in clinical signs. Methods: Caudal compression of the infraorbital nerve, using platinum embolisation coils, was performed under fluoroscopic guidance. Clinical records of 24 idiopathic headshakers that had undergone this procedure were reviewed. Follow‐up information was obtained by telephone questionnaire with the owner or referring veterinary surgeon. Results: All 24 horses had at least one surgical procedure. Median follow‐up time was 6 months. There were 2 horses which had surgery 2 weeks before follow‐up and these were excluded from the analysis of outcome. Following one surgery, 13/22 horses (59.0%) had a successful outcome. Of the 9 horses that did not improve, surgery was repeated in 6 cases. Two of these horses had a successful outcome. Overall, a successful outcome was obtained in 16/19 horses (84.2%). Conclusions: This surgical technique is likely to prevent input from the TgN at a more caudal location then the previously described infraorbital neurectomy. The technique requires refinement.     

Use of a multifenestrated indwelling lavage system for treatment of septic digital teno-synovitis in cattle

Septic tenosynovitis was diagnosed in seven cattle on the basis of history, physical examination, radiographs, cytological examination of tendon sheath fluids, and microbial culture. A commercially available indwelling multifenestrated silicone rubber drain was used to perform frequent lavage of the flexor tendon sheaths. The sepsis resolved in all cattle. Five of six cattle for which long-term (> 1 year) follow-up information was available were clinically sound on the affected limb and had remained productive members of the herd.