Mineralisation of the longitudinal odontoid ligament in three horses identified on computed tomographic examination

Three horses that were presented for computed tomography (CT) examination of the head and cranial cervical spine in which marked mineralisation of the longitudinal odontoid ligament of the dens was identified on CT examination are described. There are currently no reports of mineralisation of the longitudinal odontoid ligament in horses in the literature. Although the significance of this finding to the presenting clinical problems in the cases described remains speculative, an association between mineralisation of the longitudinal odontoid ligament and compatible clinical signs merits further investigation. The purpose of this case report is to describe three cases with mineralisation of the longitudinal odontoid ligament as identified on CT examination.     

Primary culture of fibroblasts and cementoblasts of the equine periodontium

Fibroblasts and cementoblasts in the periodontal ligament (PDL) of equine cheek teeth were harvested, and monocultures were obtained by means of a "selective detachment" procedure. Cells were characterized by morphological criteria and by immunostaining for vimentin, FVIII, pan-cytokeratin, smooth muscle actin, and pro-collagen. Cementogenic potential of the cells was determined by immunostaining for osteopontin and by histochemical detection of alkaline phosphatase. Equine periodontal fibroblasts (EPF) were spindle-shaped and polygonal. Equine dental cementoblasts (EDC) grew in cobblestone-like clusters. Both EPF and EDC stained positive for vimentin. Only EPF contained smooth muscle actin, pro-collagen, and alkaline phosphatase. Few EDC stained positive for osteopontin. The phenotypes of EPF and EDC and their specific expression of proteins corresponded to PDL fibroblasts and dental cementoblasts of other species. These results indicate the potential use of EPF and EDC in an adequate in vitro model of equine cementogenesis and equine periodontal remodeling.     

基于CT技术评估髌骨内脱犬骨骼畸形

本研究旨在通过计算机断层扫描(computed tomography, CT)检查探究不同症状髌骨内脱(medial patellar luxation, MPL)犬的解剖结构差异,同时对比CT和X线技术的一致性和优缺点。选用患有髌骨内脱和健康的小型犬后肢共34条,根据症状分为正常组(n=9)、MPL无症状组(n=9)、MPL有症状组(n=16),进行CT检查,通过CT图像测量滑车沟深度/髌骨厚度、髌韧带长度/髌骨长度、解剖性股骨远端解剖轴外侧角(anatomic latero-distal femoral angle, aLDFA)、股骨远端机械轴外侧角(mechanical latero-distal femoral angle, mLDFA)、股骨近端解剖轴外侧角(anatomic latero-proximal femoral angle, aLPFA)、股骨近端机械轴外侧角(mechanical latero-proximal femoral angle, mLPFA)及股骨颈干角(femoral inclination angle, FIA),并分析各组之间的差异。此外通过...     

猪腹股沟深淋巴结的形态学观察

观察测量屠宰猪４４２头，对其中４４０头进行了腹股沟深淋巴结的形态学观察；２头为管道注射，观察引流区。结果：１．猪有腹股沟深淋巴结，在统计４４０头服体中有４４头存在，约占１０％。腹股沟深淋巴结均位于股深动脉附近，平均重０．８８±０．３８ｇ，平均大小为２．８２±０．７０×１．６４±０．３６×０．４７±０．１３ｃｍ。汇集股部内侧和下腹部的淋巴液，注入髂内侧淋巴结。２．髂内侧淋巴结位于旋髂深动脉附近，髂外动脉内外侧缘至股深动脉前缘。平均重１．８６±０．７１ｇ，平均大小为３．１９±０．８０×１．３８±０．４２×０．０５±０．１８ｃｍ。汇集后躯和部分盆胫内的淋巴液。管辖范围广，位置恒定，淋巴结较大、浅在腹胫脏面、易找到、不破坏商品、不影响商品外观，是屠体后躯被检的主要淋巴结。     

Quadrilateral suspensory and straight sesamoidean ligament calcifying desmopathy in an Arabian mare

A 5‐year‐old Arabian mare was referred for the investigation of recent behavioural change, generalised stiffness, and owner‐reported polyuria and polydipsia. Clinical examination revealed severe pain associated with palpation along the entire length of the suspensory ligament (SL) and palmar soft tissues of the pastern regions of both forelimbs. Radiographs of the distal forelimbs demonstrated marked radiopaque striations within the straight sesamoidean ligaments (SSLs), and less severe but similar changes in the regions of the SL branches. Ultrasonography of both distal forelimbs revealed multifocal, hyperechoic lesions within the SSLs. The SL bodies and branches were enlarged and had mixed echogenicity on ultrasound scan. The horse was subjected to euthanasia at the owner's request and submitted for post‐mortem examination. Relevant gross findings were restricted to the SLs and SSLs of all four limbs, all of which contained severe mineralisation and irregularly arranged fibres. Histological examination revealed severe, multifocal to coalescing, dystrophic mineralisation with cartilaginous and osseous metaplasia, which suggested a primary calcifying desmopathy affecting all four SLs and SSLs. Clinical findings in the case reported here were similar to that of degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis previously reported by many authors, but diagnostic imaging and histopathological findings were significantly different.     

Diagnosing desmitis of the origin of the suspensory ligament

Desmitis of the origin of the suspensory ligament is a common injury of sport horses; however, it remains a diagnostic challenge. The anatomy of the region can lead to difficulties localising the lameness. Diagnostic imaging may be complicated by overlying structures and the limitations of the imaging modalities readily available. A logical approach to clinical examination, diagnostic analgesia and multimodal imaging can help to overcome these difficulties.     

前十字韧带断裂犬胫骨平台角的X线和CT测量

为探究胫骨平台角（tibial plateau angle,TPA）在犬前十字韧带断裂（cranial cruciate ligament rupture,CCLR）中的临床意义及为犬CCLR的整体发病规律与风险、诊断和治疗方案提供参考,本研究选用2018年6月至2019年1月在中国农业大学动物医院确诊为CCLR的共15只患犬的30个膝关节,使用X线和CT测量TPA （R-TPA和CT-TPA）并比较X线和CT测量TPA的一致性及优缺点。结果显示,R-TPA大小与年龄、体重、胖瘦、性别及绝育/去势与否均无关（P>0.05）,前十字韧带是否断裂亦与TPA大小无关（P>0.05）。经CT测量所得30个CT-TPA的平均值为26.93°（范围：19.03°~32.67°）;左侧膝关节的CT-TPA的平均值为26.82°,右侧为27.04°。R-TPA与CT-TPA值具高度相关性（r>0.75,P>0.05）;21个膝关节（70%）可在CT图像中观察到骨赘生成,其CT图像比X线图像能更清楚地辨识出骨赘与骨皮质的分界。结果表明,TPA与CCLR患犬的临床病理因素无关,X线与CT在测量犬TPA方面具有一致性,CT测量在测量图像的采集上较X线拍摄更方便、快捷与全面,并在骨关节炎病例中的测量精度更高。     

Postamputation Orthopedic Surgery in Canine Amputees: Owner Satisfaction and Outcome

Surgical management of postamputation orthopedic disease (PAOD) in canine amputees has rarely been documented, and no reports describing outcome of stifle surgery in canine amputees are available. The objective of this multisite retrospective case series was to describe cases and evaluate satisfaction with and outcome of postamputation orthopedic surgery in canine amputees. Data was obtained through medical records and owner survey responses; data included signalment, amputation cause, diagnosis, surgical treatment, timeframes, and outcome assessment. Outcome was categorized as acceptable or unacceptable, and complications were classified as catastrophic, major, or minor. Eleven thoracic limb amputees and 6 pelvic limb amputees with surgically treated PAOD were identified. Surgically treated PAOD was reported at a median of 9.7 months (range 0.5-110 months) after amputation. All 17 amputees were treated for pelvic limb disease, predominantly for cranial cruciate ligament disease that occurred in 11 of 17 dogs. Major complications following orthopedic surgeries performed in 3 thoracic limb amputees consisted of infection (n?=?2) and uncontrolled pain (n?=?1). No major complications were reported following orthopedic surgeries performed in pelvic limb amputees. Acceptable mid-to-long-term outcome was achieved in 16 of the 17 canine amputees. Surgical treatment of pelvic limb disease did not appear to be associated with a high number of major complications in this case series. These findings suggest that orthopedic surgery, specifically stifle surgery, in canine amputees might be considered a feasible treatment option. Although there are inherent methodological limitations of retrospective studies and owner surveys, our case series provides new information that might help guide surgical treatment decisions in canine amputees suffering from orthopedic disease. Prospective studies using objective outcome measures evaluating surgical management of PAOD are necessary to confirm the provided information.     

Gastric Torsion from an Intestinal Hernia Through a Rent in the Gastrosplenic Ligament in a Horse

The present report describes an 8-year-old gelding presenting with signs of severe abdominal pain. After performing a thorough physical examination, including rectal palpation and additional diagnostic tests, an exploratory laparotomy was recommended. The jejunum was found herniated through the gastrosplenic ligament, and the stomach was severely distended with gas. Given a poor prognosis, the horse was euthanized on the table. At necropsy, the stomach appeared dilated, with an 180° horizontal gastric torsion, from left (lateral) to right (medial), dividing the organ into dorsal and ventral compartments. We believe that the chronic traction exerted by an incarcerated and distended loop of jejunum, in the dorsal aspect of the gastrosplenic ligament, associated with trauma during episodes of intense rolling, enlarged the rent until it ruptured. Because of this rupture, the lateral dorsal aspect of the stomach became unattached, predisposing it to the torsion.