Radial carpal bone fractures in 15 dogs

Between 1977 and 1992, 15 adult dogs were presented to the Universities of Bristol, Glasgow, Liverpool and London with fractures of the radial carpal bone which had occurred without a known episode of violent trauma. Eleven of the dogs were boxers and the other breeds affected were a Pharaoh hound, rottweiler, springer spaniel and a greyhound. The condition was bilateral in three cases. Eleven dogs were treated surgically by cast immobilisation (four cases), fragment removal (one case), lag screw fixation (three cases), pan-carpal arthrodesis (one case) and lag screw reduction followed by pan-carpal arthrodesis (two cases). The remaining four dogs were treated conservatively with rest and tactical use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Follow-up periods ranged from two months to 11 years. Varying degrees of lameness, which tended to be exacerbated by exercise, persisted in all cases. The radial carpal bone appears to have at least three separate centres of ossification which eventually fuse; their planes of fusion correspond approximately to the two main fracture lines. These areas of fusion could be weak points within the radial carpal bone.     

An evaluation of an oral glucose-glycine-electrolyte solution for the treatment of experimentally induced dehydration in the horse

Five standardbred geldings were given 1 mg/kg bodyweight of frusemide by intramuscular injection to induce mild dehydration. After food and water deprivation overnight, the mean weight loss was 24.4 +/- 1.8 kg (5.5 per cent of bodyweight). The horses were then given an equivalent volume of an oral glucose-glycine-electrolyte solution by stomach tube. No more than 10 litres was given every 30 minutes until the calculated bodyweight loss had been replaced. Measurements made before, during and after the fluid administration included bodyweight, arterial blood haematocrit, PCO2, pH, standard bicarbonate, base excess and plasma concentrations of sodium, potassium, chloride, total protein, glucose, urea and creatinine. The final measurement was taken eight hours after the last dose of fluid and no food or water was offered to the horses during this time. Administration of the solution caused a rapid correction of the frusemide-induced dehydration and metabolic alkalosis. Absorption of the fluid from the gastrointestinal tract appeared to be very rapid because by 30 minutes after the last dose of the solution, plasma protein values were not significantly different from those before administration of frusemide. Plasma glucose concentrations became significantly increased for up to three hours after the fluid was given and an increase in creatinine and urea concentrations, which was observed after the administration of frusemide, was still evident at eight hours. The glucose-glycine-electrolyte solution was well retained, there being a mean bodyweight loss of 2.8 kg at three hours and 6.2 kg at eight hours after the last dose of fluid.     

Comparison of four methods for early detection of experimental Trichinella spiralis infections in pigs

Four methods employed in the diagnosis of experimental porcine trichinellosis (trichinoscopy, digestion method, immunofluorescence and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)) were compared by eleven laboratories in the countries of the European Economic Community and Sweden. The aim of this study was to test the reliability of ELISA during the onset of T. spiralis infection. Material from conventionally raised pigs infected with 1500 or 10000 larvae was compared to uninfected controls at Day 17 and Day 21 post infection.The serological techniques gave higher percentages of positive results than the direct techniques. Specific antobodies could be demonstrated with ELISA at an earlier stage and at higher percentages than with the other methods. ELISA micro-assay was the most sensitive procedure.     

Treatment and outcome of chronic septic tenosynovitis in three horses

Three horses were presented for treatment of chronic infections of the digital flexor tendon sheath. Clinical signs included severe lameness, and heat, pain and swelling of the digital flexor tendon sheath. The horses were treated with surgical lavage of the tendon sheath, systemic and local antibiotics, and analgesics. In each case, resolution of the lameness occurred over weeks to months. Only one horse returned to athletic activity, while the other two became comfortable at pasture. Response to treatment in cases of chronic tenosynovitis may not be as rapid or complete as that reported for acute tendon sheath infections.