Long‐Term Outcome after Arthroscopic Debridement of Distal Phalanx Extensor Process Fragmentation in 13 Horses

Objective— To report long-term outcome after arthroscopic removal of fragmentation of the extensor process of the distal phalanx in horses.
Study Design— Case series.
Animals— Adult horses (n=13).
Methods— Medical records (2003–2004) of horses that had arthroscopic debridement of fragmentation of the extensor process of the distal phalanx were reviewed. Inclusion criteria included: lameness localized to the foot, fragmentation of the extensor process of the distal phalanx debrided arthroscopically, and a follow-up period of ≥4 years.
Results— Of the 13 horses, lameness was resolved in 11 (85%) initially but distal interphalangeal joint pain recurred in 2 (15%) within 1 year of surgery. Three (23%) other horses were retired because of lameness at other sites during the follow-up period resulting in 46% (6/13) being not lame and in full work after 4 years. Substantial changes were identified at surgery in the contralateral joint of 7 horses, even when fragments were only present unilaterally.
Conclusions— Arthroscopic debridement of fragmentation of the extensor process of the forelimb distal phalanx has a good short-term prognosis for resolution of lameness and return to work but a more guarded prognosis for long-term soundness.
Clinical Relevance— These results allow for more accurate prognostication preoperatively and may support early debridement of fragmentation of the extensor process of the distal phalanx.     

In Vitro Biomechanical Evaluation and Comparison of FiberWire,FiberTape, OrthoFiber,and Nylon Leader Line for Potential Use During Extraarticular Stabilization Of Canine Cruciate Deficient Stifles

Objective— To compare biomechanical properties of 3 new generation polyethylene sutures (FiberTape [FT], FiberWire [FW], and OrthoFiber [OF]) with nylon leader line (NL) for use during extraarticular fixation of cranial cruciate deficient stifles. Study Design— In vitro biomechanical testing of suture loops under monotonic tensile and cyclical loading until failure. Sample Population— Constructs of FT, FW, OF, and NL. Methods— Twenty loops of each of 12 combinations of fixation and suture had monotonic tensile and cyclical loading. Two knotting techniques (square knot [SQ], slip knot [SL]) and a crimp clamp (CR) system were evaluated. Elongation, stiffness, and strength of constructs was tested. The main effects of group, loop material, and their interaction were evaluated. Results— Knotted FT, FW, and OF had less elongation than knotted NL under monotonic tensile and cyclical loading. Under monotonic tensile loading, knotted FT and OF were stiffer than knotted NL. CR FT, CR FW, and CR OF were stiffer than CR NL and CR FT, CR FW, and CR OF were stiffer than knotted FT, FW, and OF. FW and OF knotted loops were weaker than knotted NL. CR FT was stronger than CR NL. CR FT and CR OF were weaker than knotted FT and OF. Conclusions— Polyethylene sutures are stronger, stiffer and elongate less than nylon leader. Crimping suture alters the biomechanical properties of the loop. Clinical Relevance— FW, FT, and OF may perform better in reconstructive procedures, where increased strength and stiffness are considered to be beneficial.     

Carbon Dioxide Laser Keratectomy as a Treatment Option for Equine Corneal Stromal Abscessation: A Comparison to Lamellar Keratectomy and Penetrating Keratoplasty

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) laser keratectomy was compared to lamellar keratectomy (LK) and penetrating keratoplasty (PK) as a potential treatment option for equine corneal stromal abscessation. The medical records of 35 client owned horses undergoing surgical management of stromal abscessation were reviewed. Among those 17 underwent LK, 3 PK and 15 CO₂ laser keratectomy. Healing of the stromal abscess was achieved in all treated eyes. Those horses undergoing CO₂ laser keratectomy demonstrated few complications, and the time to healing and cosmetic outcome was comparable to those horses undergoing LK and PK.     

Federal regulation of local and sustainable food claims in Canada: a case study of Local Food Plus

Interest in purchasing local food from suppliers who follow sustainable practices is growing in Canada. Such suppliers wish to have their products recognized in the market so that price premiums might be received, and new markets developed. In response, the organization Local Food Plus (LFP) developed standards and a certification process to authenticate local and sustainable claims. LFP provides certification seals, and labeling provisions for qualifying producers and processors. However, given pre-existing national food labeling rules, it is not evident that existing regulations permit such claims. Using LFP as a case, this study examined whether current federal labeling rules might impede the marketing of local and sustainable claims. Key findings include that the use of the terms natural, sustainable, and local in panel language and on shelf-talkers could be contested; and that the absence of specific regulation of numerous pertinent terms means they can only be assessed against general fraud prevention regulations, resulting in case-by-case determinations of compliance. Sustainability food label approvals in Canada, based on these general provisions, have not always been favorable to sustainable producers and firms. Existing regulation of these potentially contested terms appears to be out of step with other policy-related developments at the federal level and / or conceptual developments in the field. Proposals are made for amending existing rules to better support local and sustainable claims.     

The prevalence of albuminuria in dogs and cats in an ICU or recovering from anesthesia

Objective – To evaluate the prevalence of albuminuria in dogs and cats admitted to the ICU or recovering from an anesthetic event. Design – Prospective clinical study over a 10‐week period in 2003. Setting – Veterinary teaching hospital. Animals – One hundred and five dogs and 22 cats. Interventions – Urine was collected from dogs and cats admitted to the ICU or recovering from an anesthetic event. When possible, a second urine sample was collected approximately 48 hours later from those animals that had albuminuria during the initial screening. Measurements and Main Results – All dog samples and most cat samples were screened for albumin using a commercial point‐of‐care immunoassay. Aliquots of samples that tested positive were stored at –20°C until subsequent albumin quantification via antigen capture ELISA. Albuminuria was detected in 63 of 105 (60.0%) dogs and in 14 of 22 (63.6%) cats; the prevalence was higher in animals admitted to ICU than in those recovering from anesthesia. In subsequent samples from 26 dogs, urine albumin decreased in 20 (76.9%) when compared with the first sample; urine albumin was undetectable in 5 (19.2%). In subsequent samples from 6 cats, 4 (66.7%) had decreases in urine albumin when compared with the first sample; 1 (16.7%) was negative for urine albumin. Eleven of 12 dogs (91.7%) and 3 of 4 cats (75%) that died within 3 days of admission to the ICU had abnormal urine albumin; whereas 52 of 93 (55.9%) and 11 of 18 (61.1%) dogs and cats, respectively, who survived more than 3 days had abnormal urine albumin. Dogs with albuminuria were at increased risk of death. Conclusions – The prevalence of albuminuria in animals admitted to the ICU or recovering from anesthesia is higher than reported previously and transient in some patients. The presence of albuminuria may be a negative prognostic indicator in this population.     

Green spruce aphid infestations cause larger growth reductions to Sitka spruce under shade

Light availability and infestation by the green spruce aphid (Elatobium abietinum) are key factors affecting the growth of Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) seedlings under a mature tree canopy, but their combined effect on seedling growth has not previously been quantified. A controlled outdoor experiment in which light levels (high light (HL): 100%, intermediate light (IL): 24%) and aphid infestation (absence/presence) were manipulated was conducted over 2 years to look at the effects on seedling growth and biomass distribution patterns. Aphid population assessments showed a significantly increased population density under IL, with three to four times higher cumulative aphid densities than that under HL. Defoliation rates of infested seedlings were directly related to aphid density. Total seedling biomass was strongly reduced in IL, and aphid infestation caused additional reductions in the biomass of particular components of the seedlings. Dry weight (DW) of older (≥1-year-old) needles in infested trees was significantly decreased in both years. Total root DW at the end of the second year was significantly affected by aphid infestation, and the reduction (14-18%) was similar in IL and HL treatments despite large differences in aphid density. Biomass distribution patterns in infested trees were similar to that of uninfested trees within each light treatment, indicating that the relative decreases in root biomass were accompanied by similar reductions in distribution to the above-ground parts of the seedlings. Leader extension growth of infested seedlings was reduced by 15-17% compared with uninfested seedlings under IL, whereas only a 2-3% reduction in leader extension of infested seedlings under HL was observed. The results showed that the response of seedlings to E. abietinum were primarily dependent on the light environment. The significant reduction caused by aphids on the total DW of older needles and roots, and on leader extension growth, does suggest the potential for effects to accumulate over time.