Lag screw fixation of avulsion fractures of the second phalanx in the horse.

Avulsion fractures of the posteromedial eminence of the 2nd phalanx were repaired, using an ASIF cortex screw in 3 reining Quarter Horses. Within 9 and 11 months, respectively, 2 horses were sound and back in competition as reining horses. The other horse was sound for pleasure class showing at 7 months after surgery.     

Nutrient cycling within a 27-year-old Eucalyptus grandis plantation in New South Wales

A 27-year-old stand of flooded gum (Eucalyptus grandis Hill ex Maiden) in the North Coast Region of N.S.W. was assessed in relation to aboveground distribution and turnover of organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and potassium. Of the 453 t ha^?1 of aboveground organic matter present, 394 t was in the tree, 42 t in the understorey and 28 t in the forest floor. The total nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and potassium contents of the stand were 739, 44, 1254 and 658 kg ha^?1, respectively, and the understorey contained 35%, 35%, 16%, 24% and 49% of the above-ground distribution of these nutrients respectively. Although the developing rainforest understorey comprised a relatively small portion (9.3%) of the total aboveground biomass, it played a disproportionate role in nutrient accumulation and uptake, and had an annual net accumulation of 14%, 55%, 59%, 30%, 44% and 69% of the aboveground organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and potassium respectively. The net annual removal from the soil was 30, 1, 38, 5 and 31 kg ha^?1 year^?1 for nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and potassium, respectively. Flooded gum had very high accumulations of calcium in the bark and the effect of this in nutrient cycling is discussed. An idealised management system, to exploit and optimise the nutrient cycle of flooded gum, has been hypothesided.     

Replacement of the hip joint in the dog

Hundreds of total hip replacements in dogs have been performed at the Ohio State University of Veterinary Medicine since August 1976. Dogs with disabling diseases or conditions of the hip are candidates for the THR. The technique provides the dog with a pain free, mechanically sound ball and socket joint. The most commonly encountered complication is dislocation, while the most disastrous complication is infection. Complications can be minimized through adherence to detail during the procedure. By following strict aseptic principles, surgical technique and postoperative care, successful hip function has been achieved in 94.7% of the cases.     

Changes in landscape patterns in Georgia,USA

The objectives of this study were to determine how landscape patterns in Georgia, USA have changed through time and whether the spatial patterns varied by physiographic region. Historical aerial photography was used to analyze spatial patterns of land use from the 1930's to the 1980's. Land use patterns were quantified by: (1) mean number and size of patches; (2) fractal dimension of patches; (3) amount of edge between land uses; and (4) indices of diversity, dominance, and contagion. Forest cover increased in aerial extent and in mean patch size. The mean size of agricultural patches increased in the coastal plain and decreased in the mountains and piedmont. Edges between land uses decreased through time, indicating less dissection of the landscape. Fractal dimensions also decreased, indicating simpler patch shapes. Indices of diversity and dominance differed through time but not among regions; the contagion index differed among regions but not through time. A geographic trend of decreasing diversity and increasing dominance and contagion was observed from the mountains to the lower coastal plain. Landscape patterns exhibited the greatest changes in the piedmont region. Overall, the Georgia landscape has become less fragmented and more connected during the past 50 years. Changing patterns in the landscape may have implications for many ecological processes and resources.     

Injuries to the cranial cruciate ligament and associated structures: summary of clinical, radiographic, arthroscopic and pathological findings from 10 horses

The clinical, radiographic, arthroscopic and pathological findings of 10 horses with injury to the cranial cruciate ligament are presented. The most consistent clinical signs included moderate to severe distension of the femoropatellar joint and a Grade III to a Grade V out of V lameness. Craniocaudal instability could be elicited in five horses under general anaesthesia and in one conscious horse. Radiographic evaluation of the stifles revealed that avulsion fracture of the medial intercondylar eminence was the most common finding in six out of 10 horses. Arthroscopic examination of the affected femorotibial joints were performed in five horses. This confirmed the presumptive diagnosis of cranial cruciate ligament injury or rupture. Post mortem examinations were performed on two horses which documented partial tears of the cranial cruciate ligament.     

Comparative reproductive biology of North American feral horses

Recent studies have suggested that various aspects of reproductive biology are strikingly different among the many herds of feral horses and ponies (E. caballus) in North America. The greatest differences include (1) sharply seasonal versus year-round mating and foaling patterns, (2) mare behavior at the time of parturition, (3) forced copulation and incest, (4) exclusive breeding by a single harem stallion vs breeding by two or more stallions, and (5) fecundity. The causes for these differences are discussed in terms of genetic origins of the various herds, the length of time each herd has been in a free-roaming state and subject to the forces of natural selection, the ecology of the ranges inhabited by these horses, population density, and sex ratios.