Diagnostic imaging of the equine fetlock region using radiography and ultrasonography. Part 2: the bony disorders

The metacarpophangeal/metatarsophalangeal (fetlock) joint in the horse is commonly associated with equine lameness and diagnostic imaging is routinely used to investigate disorders of the joint and its surrounding tissues. This review describes the osseous disorders of the fetlock as well as the technical aspects of taking radiographic and ultrasonographic images of the different lesions. In current clinical practice, a combination of radiography and ultrasonography is still the most frequently used approach to arrive at a diagnosis.     

Diagnostic imaging of the equine tarsal region using radiography and ultrasonography. Part 1: the soft tissues

The equine tarsus is the most commonly affected hindlimb region associated with lameness. Diagnostic imaging is routinely applied but because of its complexity, being composed of 10 multifaceted bones and different joints, multiple ligaments, tendons and bursae, imaging this region can be a challenge. This is the first part of a two-part review of the structures and disorders of the equine tarsus. It describes the principal disorders affecting the soft tissues of the tarsal region and addresses some of the technical aspects in taking radiographic, ultrasonographic and scintigraphic images of the different soft tissue lesions. Where applicable, comments on the diagnostic use of contrast radiography, arthroscopy and tenoscopy are made. In current clinical practice a combination of radiography and ultrasonography is still most frequently used to arrive at a diagnosis.     

Cardiac troponin I and C-reactive protein concentrations in dogs with severe pulmonic stenosis before and after balloon valvuloplasty

Objective

To report cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations in dogs with severe pulmonic stenosis (PS) before and after balloon valvuloplasty (BV).

Background

Increased morbidity and mortality have been reported with severe PS and histopathologic evidence of myocardial damage is demonstrated with BV. Severity of myocardial injury and inflammation associated with severe PS and BV, as assessed by cTnI and CRP, is unknown.

Animals, materials and methods

Serum cTnI and CRP concentrations were measured in dogs with severe PS (n = 23) and following BV (n = 16).

Results

Baseline cTnI and CRP were elevated in 7/23 (30.4%) and 8/23 (34.8%) dogs. Median cTnI at baseline and post-BV were 0.20 ng/mL (range, 0.20-1.29 ng/mL) and 2.85 ng/mL (range, 0.21-55.40 ng/mL), respectively. Median CRP at baseline and post-BV were 3.40 μg/mL (range, 0-14.70 μg/mL) and 11.70 μg/mL (range, 4.20-120 μg/mL), respectively. Post-BV concentrations were significantly increased compared to baseline for cTnI (p < 0.001) and CRP (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Serum cTnI and CRP are increased in dogs with severe PS and following BV. Future studies should evaluate whether biomarkers correlate with severity and prognosis of PS or can be used to guide therapy.     

Mortality of salmonids cultured at low temperature in sea water

Brook trout, rainbow trout, and Atlantic salmon were acclimated to sea water (30‰ S) and placed during autumn in floating cages in a concrete tide pool. The salmon (mean length ca 26 cm in mid-October) grew about 2 cm before they stopped feeding in December. The brook trout (19 cm) and rainbow trout (21 cm) grew little, if any, during December. Feeding by the rainbow trout and salmon continued until temperature fell below 1°C. The brook trout fed little, if any, during December while temperature fell from 4 to 1°C. Brook trout, particularly the mature individuals, had high mortality rates from the time they were put into sea water. Blood plasma osmolalities indicated that brook trout, but not the other species, were under severe osmotic stress in sea water. Most of the fish (all three species) died in a 4-day period during early January when the water cooled to ?0.7 to ?0.8°C. A temperature of ?0.7°C is a reasonable approximation of the lower lethal temperature for these salmonids at 30‰ salinity. Based on our observations, it is not practicable to hold the above species in sea water which is likely to get colder than 1°C because of poor growth and the risk of mortality.     

Effects of an oil-based substrate (The Water Cleanser™) and bacterial additives on nitrogen and phosphorous dynamics in freshwater crayfish (Cherax cainii,Austin and Ryan 2002) aquaculture

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of an oil-based substrate, The Water Cleanser? (TWC). The first experiment studied the effects two substrates of different oil composition (TWC, TWC?+), and a commercial bacterial additive (Bio-Aid) on concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorous in indoor aquaria. The second experiment studied the effects of TWC, a bacterial additive, and a combination (TWC?+?B) on concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorous, phytoplankton abundance and diversity in outdoor freshwater crayfish (Cherax cainii, Austin and Ryan, Invertebr Syst 16:357–367, 2002) tanks. In the first experiment, the concentration of TAN decreased more rapidly with Bio-Aid, whilst the maximum concentrations of NO₂-N and NO₃-N were reduced with the substrates. The concentration of orthophosphate was reduced in aquaria with TWC?+?. In the second experiment, concentrations of TAN, NO₂-N, NO₃-N and total phosphate were not significantly affected by TWC. After addition of TWC?+?B, there was a significant decrease in the concentrations of nitrate and total phosphate, and a higher abundance of phytoplankton was maintained than with other treatments. Additionally, a population Bacillus sp. was found on the substrate surface. TWC had no adverse effects on phytoplankton abundance or diversity, or C. cainii physiology, weight gain or survival. TWC and TWC?+?were effective bioremediators of eutrophic water, whilst a combination of TWC?+?B was effective in short term bioremediation and in promoting phytoplankton abundance in C. cainii tank culture.