The distal sesamoidean impar ligament: Comparison between its appearance on magnetic resonance imaging and histology of the axial third of the ligament

Reasons for performing study: There is limited knowledge about the interpretation of alterations in the distal sesamoidean impar ligament (DSIL) detected using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and their correlation with histopathology. Hypotheses: There would be: 1) a correlation between histopathology and MRI findings; and 2) a relationship between MR abnormalities at the origin and the insertion of the DSIL, between insertion and body; and origin and body. Methods: Fifty limbs from 28 horses were examined using high‐field MRI and histopathology. MR abnormalities of the DSIL, its origin on the navicular bone and its insertion on the distal phalanx were graded. Sections of the axial third of the DSIL were examined histologically and graded according to fibre orientation, integrity of fibroblasts, collagen architecture and vascularity. Associations between MRI and histology findings were tested by Spearman rank correlation and Chi‐squared tests. Results: There were significant correlations between the presence of a cystic structure in the distal third of the navicular bone, or a distal border fragment, or increased signal intensity in fat suppressed images at the insertion of the DSIL on the distal phalanx and the histological grade of the body of the DSIL. There were significant associations between a cystic structure in the distal third of the navicular bone and the presence of either a distal border fragment or entheseous new bone at the insertion of the DSIL, swelling of the DSIL and increased signal intensity in the DSIL in fat suppressed images; between distal elongation of the flexor border of the navicular bone and the presence of one or more distal border fragments and between swelling of the body of the DSIL and irregularity of its palmar border or increased signal intensity in fat suppressed images in the DSIL. Conclusions and clinical relevance: The presence of a cystic structure in the distal third of the navicular bone detected using MRI, a distal border fragment or increased signal intensity at the insertion of the DSIL are suggestive of significant alterations in the infrastructure of the DSIL.     

MAGNETIC RESONANCE ANATOMY OF THE CARPUS OF THE HORSE DESCRIBED FROM IMAGES ACQUIRED FROM LOW‐FIELD AND HIGH‐FIELD MAGNETS

Cadaver carpi of 30 mature horses with no history of carpal or proximal metacarpal pain were examined using low‐field (0.27 T) and high‐field (1.5 T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Normal MRI anatomy in transverse, sagittal, and dorsal plane images was determined by comparison with anatomical specimens and standard texts. Subchondral bone and cortical bone thickness measurements were obtained from standardised sites. There was variable subchondral bone thickness in the radius and carpal bones; subchondral bone thickness was consistently larger at dorsal compared with palmar sites in the proximal row of carpal bones. The endosteal surface of the subchondral bone was smooth. The shape of the ulnar carpal bone was variable and one or more small osseous fragments were identified palmar to the bone in 5/30 limbs. There was no evidence to suggest that these were pathological fractures or avulsions of the lateral palmar intercarpal ligament. The amount of muscle tissue in the superficial and deep digital flexor tendons in the proximal aspect of the carpus varied, but none was present at the level of the middle carpal joint and distally. Several structures could be evaluated that cannot be imaged using radiography, ultrasonography, or arthroscopy, including the transverse intercarpal ligaments, the radiocarpal ligament, the short palmar carpal ligaments, and the carpometacarpal ligaments. Anatomical variations not previously described were identified, including the layers of the medial aspect of the carpal fascia. Knowledge of the variation in MRI appearance of the carpus of nonlame horses is helpful for interpretation of MR images of lame horses.     

CLINICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING FINDINGS IN HORSES WITH SUBCHONDRAL BONE TRAUMA OF THE SAGITTAL GROOVE OF THE PROXIMAL PHALANX

Eight sports horses with unilateral (4) or bilateral (3) forelimb or unilateral hindlimb (1) lameness had subtle radiologic abnormalities of the subchondral bone of the sagittal groove of the proximal phalanx associated with moderate or intense increased radiopharmaceutical uptake. High‐field or low‐field magnetic resonance (MR) imaging confirmed the presence of a fissure fracture or subchondral and trabecular bone trauma. Seven of eight lesions were located approximately midway between the dorsal and palmar cortices of the proximal phalanx; the eighth was sited more dorsally. Two horses underwent follow‐up MR imaging and abnormal signal intensity persisted, with little change.     

Feasibility of Implant Driven Micturition in Paraplegic Dogs

Objective — This study evaluates the feasibility of using existing technology for implant driven micturition in paralyzed dogs (part I) and also examines a less invasive technique for implant driven micturition (part II). Study Design — Part I. Sacral nerve root dimensions and bladder and urethral pressure responses to intradural and extradural sacral nerve root stimulation were measured to determine the optimal location and size for sacral nerve root electrodes. Part II. Sacral nerve roots were stimulated via wire electrodes introduced into the S2 foramina. Animals or Sample Population — Ten dogs (five dogs in part I and five dogs in part II). Methods — Part I. Microtip pressure transducers were used to monitor bladder and urethral pressure responses to sacral nerve root stimulation with tripolar hook electrodes. After euthanasia, sacral nerve root, and spinal canal dimensions were measured. Part II. Bipolar electrical stimulation of the sacral nerve roots was performed by introducing wire electrodes into the S2 foramina. Bladder and urethral pressures were recorded as in part I. Results — Part I. Stimulation of S1 produced an increase in urethral, but not bladder, pressure. Stimulation of S2 or S3 produced increases in bladder pressure and decreases in urethral pressure. Intradural and extradural nerve roots were not significantly different with respect to nerve dimensions or effects on nerve stimulation. Part II. High bladder pressures were achieved, but effective voiding could not be produced, primarily because of urethral resistance. Conclusions — Part I. Extradural implantation was determined to be the most appropriate site based on ease of dissection, nerve root dimensions, and decreased risk of iatrogenic trauma. Enough space is available to implant two to four tripolar spiral nerve cuffs. Part II. Transforaminal sacral nerve root stimulation did not effectively empty the bladder. Clinical Relevance — Clinical trials in paraplegic dogs are necessary to evaluate the number of sacral nerve cuff electrodes necessary to produce effective bladder emptying.     

Extracorporeal Bypass of the Right Ventricle and Pulmonary Trunk Using Autogenous Lungs for Oxygenation in the Dog

A technique for right heart bypass using autogenous lungs for oxygenation was evaluated. Venous blood was collected by a catheter placed in the right atrium and caudal vena cava. The blood then passed through the extracorporeal unit and was pumped into the pulmonary circulation. This technique allowed direct surgical exposure of the conus arteriosus, pulmonary valve, and pulmonary trunk. The surgical procedure, plasma hemoglobin levels, platelet and leukocyte counts, arterial blood gas, serum proteins, electrocardiogram, and postmortem findings were evaluated. Although there were significant alterations in many of these parameters, seven of eight dogs were successfully perfused and recovered rapidly from the surgery. One dog died of complications arising from inadequate venous return before bypass was established. On the first postoperative day, the survivors were ambulatory, eating, and having normal bowel function. Right heart bypass may be an effective method to approach lesions involving the conus arteriosus, pulmonary valve, and pulmonary trunk.     

Generalized osteomyelitis in a dog: a case report

Osteomyelitis of the cervical and thoracic vertebrae and ribs was diagnosed in a mature German Shepherd dog. Klebsiella pneumoniae and Clostridium sp. were isolated from a rib biopsy. Treatment with an extended course of chloramphenicol resulted in recovery, both clinically and radiographically.     

Evaluation of Effects of Dietary n-6 to n-3 Fatty Acid Ratios on Leukotriene B Synthesis in Dog Skin and Neutrophils

Résumé— Les effets d'alimentations supplémentées avec des ratios croissants decides gras polyinsaturés n — 6/n — 3 sur la synthèse de leucotriènes B dans la peau du chien et les neutrophiles sont présentés. Trente chien Beagles ont reçu pendant 2 mois avec une alimentation ayant un ratio n —6/n —3 de 28:1. Des aliments expérimentaux contenant des ratios de 5:1, 10:1, 25:1, 50:1 et 100:1 (six chiens par groupe) ont été administrés ensuite pendant 12 semaines. A la fin des deux mois d'alimentation témoin et au bout de 6 et 12 semaines d'alimentation expérimentale, les concentrations de LTB4 et LTB5 dans la peau et les neutrophiles ont été déterminées. Les neutrophiles de chiens ayant mangé des aliments de ratio 5:1 et 10:1 ont synthétisé 30–33 pourcent moins de LTB4 (P <0,05) et 370–500 pourcent plus de LTB5 (P <0,05) à 6 et 12 semaines, mais le relargage d'anions superoxide était inchangé. La peau des chiens stimulée par un lipopolysaccharide a synthétisé 48 à 62 pourcent moins de LTB4 (P < 0,05) et 48 à 79 pourcent moins de LTB5 (P <0,05) à 12 semaines. [Vaughan, D. M., Reinhart, G. A., Swaim, S. F., Lauten, S. D., Garner, C. A., Boudreaux, M. K., Spano, J. S., Hoffman, C. E., Conner, B. Evaluation of effects of dietary n —6 to n — 3 fatty acid ratios on leukotriéne B synthesis in dog skin and neutrophils. (Evaluation de l'effet du ratio d'acides gras n — 6/n — 3 dans l'alimentation sur la synthèse de leucotriènes B dans la peau du chien et les neutrophiles). Resumen— Evaluamos los efectos producidos por el aumento en la proportion de ácidos grasos poli-insatu-rados n-6 a n-3 en la dieta sobre la sintesis de leucotrienos B en la piel del perro y en los neutrófilos. Se administró durante dos meses una dieta con una proporión 28:1 de ácidos grasos n-6 a n-3 a un grupo de treinta Beagles. Se administraron dietas experimentales con proporciones de 5:1, 10:1, 25:1, 50:1 y 100:1 durante 12 semanas (seis perros por grupo). Se cuantificaron los niveles de leucotrienos B₄ y B₅ en la piel y en los neutrófilos al final de los dos meses de dieta control y a las 6 y 12 semanas de la dieta-tratamiento. Los neutrófilos de perros con dietas 5:1 y 10:1 sintetizaron 30 a 33% menos leucotrieno B₄ (P < 0.05) y 370 a 500% más leucotrieno B₅ (P <0.05) a las 6 y 12 semanas pero no alteraron la liberación de aniones superóxido durante la espiracion. La piel de perro estimulada con lipopolisacáridos sintetizó de 48 a 62% menos leucotrieno B₄ (P < 0.05) y 48 a 79% más leucotrieno B₅ (P < 0.05) a las 12 semanas. [Evaluation of effects of dietary n-6 to n-3 fatty acid ratios on leukotriene B synthesis in dog skin and neutrophils (Effecto de la proporción de ácidos grasos n-6 a n-3 en la dieta sobre la sintesis de leucotrienos B en la piel del perro y en los neutrófilos). Abstract— The effects of diets supplemented with increasing ratios of n-6 to n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on leukotriene B synthesis in dog skin and neutrophils were evaluated. Thirty Beagles were conditioned for 2 months on a diet with an n-6 to n-3 fatty acid ratio of 28:1. Experimental diets, containing n-6 to n-3 ratios of 5:1, 10:1, 25:1, 50:1 and 100:1 (six dogs/group), were fed for 12 weeks. At the end of the 2 month control diet period, and again at 6 and 12 weeks of treatment feeding, leukotriene B₄ and leukotriene B₅ were quantitated in skin and neutrophils. Neutrophils from dogs fed the 5:1 and 10:1 diets synthesized 30–33 per cent less leukotriene B₄ (P < 0.05) and 370–500 per cent greater leukotriene B₅ (P < 0.05) at 6 and 12 weeks, but had no change in the release of superoxide anions during respiratory burst. Lipopolysaccharide-stimu-lated dog skin synthesized 48–62 per cent less leukotriene B₄ (P < 0.05) and 48–79 per cent more leukotriene B₅ (P <0.05) at 12 weeks.     

Differential Appearance of Interferon-γ and Colony Stimulating Activity in Afferent Versus Efferent Lymph following Orf Virus Infection of Sheep

Abstract— Following dermal infection of previously sensitized sheep with orf virus, differences in cell phenotype and kinetics are observed in afferent lymph flowing into the local lymph node compared to efferent lymph exiting the node. Afferent lymphocytes in five out of six sheep synthesized IFN-γ (an indicator of T-cell activation) 10–30 h. after challenge, whereas none was synthesised by efferent lymphocytes until 4–11 days after infection when production was intermittent and variable. Both afferent (five out of six) and efferent (six out of seven) lymph plasmas contained IFN-γ at 10–30 h. but none was found in efferent lymph after 30 h. Colony stimulating activity (an indicator of immunoinflammatory responses) in both lymph compartments was biphasic peaking at 10–30 h. with a later peak which coincided with a lymphoblast response. The results are consistent with an early memory T-cell response in the dermis and afferent lymph followed by recruitment of antigen-specific lymphocytes from the blood, and activation within the node. Résumé— Après infection dermique de noutons préalablement sensibilisés ail virus de l'ecthyma contagieux, des differences de phénotype cellulaire et de cinétique ont été observés entre le flux lymphotique afférent au ganglion local et la lymphe quittant le ganglion. Les lymphocytes afférents chez cinq des six moutons synthétisaient de l'IFNγà 10–30 h mais aucun n'a été retrouvé dans la lymphe efférente à 30 h. L'activité de stimulation de colonie (un indicateur des réponses immunoinflammatoires) dans les deux compartiments lymphatiques suivait deux pics à 10 et 30 h avec un dernier pic qui coïncidait avec la réponse lymphoblastique. Les résultats sont compatibles avec une réponse précoce de cellules T mémoire dans le derme et les lymphatiques afférents suivie par le recrutement de lymphocytes spécifiques de l'antigène dans le sang, et leur activation dans les ganglions. Zusammenfassung— Nach einer dermalen Infektion von vorber sensibilisierten Schafen mit Orf Virus konnten Unterschiede im Zell Phänotyp und in der Kinetik der afferenten Lymphe (in den örtlichen Lymphknoten fließend) gegenüber der efferenten Lymphe (aus dem Lymphknoten abfließend) gemessen werden. Die afferenten Lymphozyten synthetisierten bei 5 von 6 Schafen IFN-y (ein Indikator der T-Zell Aktivierung) 10 bis 30 Stunden nach der Infektion, während keines von der efferenten Lymphozyten synthetisiert wurde; erst 4 bis 11 Tage nach der Infektion zeigte sich eine intermittierende und variable Produktion. Sowohl bie 5 von 6 afferenten wie bei 6 von 7 efferenten Proben enthielt das Lymphplasma IFN-y nach 10 bis 30 Studen, aber keines in den efferenten Proben nach 30 Studen. Die “Kolonie-stimulierende Akrivität” als ein Indikator für Immuminflammatorische Reaktionen zeigte in beiden Lympharten einen zweiphasigen Peak nach 10 bis 30 Stunden, wobei der spätere Peak mit der Lymphoblastenreaktion zusdammen fiel. Diese Ergebnisse sprechen für eine frühe Reaktion der Memory-T-Zellen in der Dermis und der afferenten Lymphe mit anschließender Rekrutierung Antigen-spezifischer Lymphozyten aus dem Blut und Aktivierung innerhalb des Lymphknotens. Resumen Después de la infección dérmica de ovejas previamente sensibilizadas con el virus Orf, se obsevaron las diferencias en el fenotipo y quinética celular de de los nódolus aferentes que desembocaban en los nódulos locales, comparados con los de tipo eferente. Los linfocitos aferentes de 5/6 ovejas sintetizaron IFN-y, (un indicador de la activación de los linfocitos T), después de 10–30 horas, pero no se encontró alguno en los linfocitos eferentes hasta los días 4–11 después de la infección, cuando la producción era intermitente y variable. Ambos plasmas linfocíticos, aferente (5/6) y eferente (6/7), contenían IFN-y a las 10–30 horas, pero no se encontró alguno en los eferentes hasta después de las 30 horas. En ambos compartimentos linfáticos la actividad estimulante de la colonia, (un indicador de respuesta inmunoinflamatoria), presentó un máximo de tipo bifásico a las 10–30 horas con otro máximo tardío, que coincidió con la respuesta de tipo linfoblástico. Los resultados corresponden con una respuesta de los linfocitos T de memora temprana en la dermis y los nódulos linfáticos aferentes, seguidos por un flujo de linfocitos antígeno-específicos procedentes de la sangre y activación dentro del nódulo linfático.     

Kinking of the intrathoracic caudal vena cava in five dogs

Five dogs with kinking of the intrathoracic caudal vena cava (CVC) were studied. One dog had neither clinical nor laboratory abnormalities associated with the kinked CVC, and the cause was unknown. The other four dogs had evidence of post-sinusoidal obstruction of venous flow characterized by high protein ascites (modified transudate). Causes of the kinked CVC were automobile trauma (two dogs), cardiomegaly with ascites, and a large neoplastic lung mass. Surgical removal of the kinked caval segment was successful in the two dogs injured by automobiles. Medical therapy with a diuretic was associated with a decrease in ascites, straightening of the CVC, and improvement in clinical condition of the dog with cardiomegaly and ascites. Surgical removal of the neoplastic lung mass in one dog resulted in straightening of the CVC, but it later died of respiratory failure associated with pulmonary neoplasia.