THE EFFECTS OF INTRA-ARTICULAR ANESTHESIA ON SOFT TISSUE-AND BONE-PHASE SCINTIGRAPHY IN THE HORSE

Soft tissue- and bone-phase scintigrams were acquired from 4 normal horses before and over a 14-day period after metacarpophalangeal, antebrachiocarpal, tarsocrural and tarsometatarsal joint blocks. Images were evaluated subjectively and quantitatively for increased activity in these regions. The antebrachiocarpal block resulted in obvious focal accumulation of activity on soft tissue-phase scintigrams. This increased activity was greatest 2 to 4 days postanesthesia and persisted up to 14 days postanesthesia. On quantitative analysis of soft tissue-phase images, similar trends were noted after the metacarpophalangeal and tarsocrural blocks, but these increases were relatively mild and were not evident on subjective evaluation of the images. Abnormal soft tissue-phase activity was not associated with the tarsometatarsal block. On bone-phase scintigrams, increased activity was not present following any of these joint blocks.     

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Dogs with Confirmed Shoulder Pathology

Objective— To evaluate the diagnostic potential of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compared with a reference standard, arthroscopic and/or open surgery, in dogs with soft tissue shoulder pathology. Study Design— Retrospective study. Animals— Dogs (n=21). Methods— Magnetic resonance (MR) images were retrospectively evaluated in 21 dogs that had surgically identified soft tissue shoulder pathology. The musculotendinous units of the biceps, infraspinatus, teres minor, supraspinatus, subscapularis, and the medial and lateral glenohumeral ligaments (MGHL and LGHL) were graded as either normal or abnormal. Abnormal structures were further classified as being either inflamed, partially torn, or fully torn. Impingement of the biceps tendon was also evaluated. Results were reported in terms of agreement and concordance between MRI findings and surgical findings. Agreement was defined as the percentage of times MRI findings concurred with surgical findings with respect to a structure being either normal or abnormal. Concordance was defined as the percentage of times MRI concurred with the exact surgically assessed pathology when abnormality was identified. Results— The findings were biceps tendon: 90% agreement with 100% concordance; subscapularis: 95% agreement with 62% concordance; MGHL: 84% agreement with 83% concordance; LGHL: 88% agreement with 100% concordance; infraspinatus: 100% both agreement and concordance; biceps tendon impingement: 90% agreement with 100% concordance. Conclusions— Soft tissue abnormalities of the canine shoulder were readily identified on preoperative MR images. Clinical Relevance— MRI shows great potential as a diagnostic tool in the evaluation of canine shoulder disease.     

Mechanical Properties of Four Suture Patterns for Transected Equine Tendon Repair

Thirty-six superficial digital flexor tendons from nine fresh equine cadavers were transected and sutured with size 2 monofilament nylon. Nine tendons were repaired with each of four suture patterns: single-locking loop, double-locking loop, triple-locking loop, or three-loop pulley. The times required for application, tensile strengths, resistance to distraction (gap), and modes of failure were analyzed. The mean times required were: single-locking loop, 3 mins, 15 secs; double-locking loop, 4 mins, 15 secs; triple-locking loop, 10 mins, 50 secs; and three-loop pulley, 4 mins. The double-locking loop, triple-locking loop, and three-loop pulley suture patterns were stronger than the single-locking loop. The triple-locking loop and three-loop pulley patterns were close in strength and only the triple-locking loop was stronger than the double-locking loop. The three-loop pulley had the greatest resistance to gap formation and its mode of failure was different from the others. The three-locking loop suture patterns failed by suture breakage but the three-loop pulley failed first by suture pull-out and then by suture breakage.     

THE USE OF A BARIUM MEAL TO EVALUATE TOTAL GASTRIC EMPTYING TIME IN THE DOG

Total gastric emptying time was determined in nine mongrel dogs using a barium meal contrast procedure. Within the group, total gastric emptying time ranged from 7.0–15.0 hours. Comparison of the population mean showed a statistical difference (p − 0.01) from previously published values. Individual dogs showed consistent total gastric emptying time over three trials. The technique can be used to test the effect of a procedure on total gastric emptying time when a normal value has been established for the dog. Due to the wide range of normal values observed, evaluation of clinical patients could be difficult unless there is a gross abnormality in function.     

COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY OF THE LLAMA HEAD: TECHNIQUE AND NORMAL ANATOMY

Computed tomography was performed on the head of 6 normal adult llamas. The animals were under general anesthesia and positioned in dorsal recumbency on the scanning table. The area scanned was from the external occipital protuberance to the rostral portion of the nasal passage, and the images are presented in both a bone window and a soft tissue window to allow evaluation and identification of the anatomy of the head. Computed tomography of the llama head can be accomplished by most computed tomography scanners utilizing a technique similar to that used in small animals with minor modification of the scanning table.     

How to make models of equine feet for accurate measurement and long-term study

The shape of equine hooves is difficult to measure and quantify. Scientific research on the effects of hoof conformation on normal and abnormal locomotion often requires precise characterization of hoof conformation. This technique produces accurate, life-size, permanent models of the hoof quickly and inexpensively from dental plastic powder and dental plaster.     

URETERAL FIBROEPITHELIAL POLYPS IN FOUR DOGS

Four dogs with ureteral fibroepithelial polyps, ranging from 9-12 years of age, are presented in this report. The patients presented with urinary incontinence, urinary tract infection, and/or polydypsia and pollakiuria. All dogs were intact at the time of diagnosis or for the majority of their lives and three were male. Various diagnostic procedures were performed including ultrasonography, contrast radiography, and nuclear scintigraphy. Not all procedures were performed in all patients. Findings included ureteral dilation proximal to the level of an intraluminal mass and ipsilateral hydronephrosis. Unilateral ureteronephrectomy was performed in three dogs with masses in the proximal ureter; ureteral resection and anastamosis was performed in the remaining patient with a mass located in the distal ureter. The same pathologist (RAP) reviewed all four lesions. The lesions appeared polypoid and were attached to the ureteral wall by a thin stalk. Histopathologically, they contained a superficial layer of well-differentiated transitional epithelial cells overlying a prominent fibrovascular stroma with a mild (three dogs) or marked (one dog) degree of lymphoplasmacytic inflammation. This disease may represent a benign neoplasm or a chronic inflammatory reaction and has a good prognosis with surgical removal. Its histopathological characteristics, higher incidence in males, and location more commonly within the upper third of the ureter is remarkably similar to the disease in humans.