Comparison between barbed and conventional sutures for longitudinal thelotomy closure in an ex-vivo bovine model

Objective To determine differences in suture time and bursting strength on a longitudinal thelotomy closure using innovative barbed versus conventional smooth suture materials.Sample population Twenty-four teats from 6 udders of culled beef cows.Study design Experimental ex-vivo surgical study.Methods Thelotomies (length: 2 cm) were performed on every teat and randomly allocated to closure with either a 3-0 bidirectional barbed suture for both mucosa and connective layers or a conventional 3-layer suture, using 3-0 smooth polydioxanone. For both groups, skin was closed with 2-0 polypropylene monofilament suture. Duration of suturing time for inner layers and bursting strength of the repair were recorded and compared.Results Suturing was faster with barbed versus conventional sutures (527.7 ± 64.5 versus 727.1 ± 60.7 s, respectively; P < 0.0001). However, bursting strength was not significantly different between the 2 types of sutures.Conclusion Using the barbed suture significantly reduced the time required to suture the mucosa and conjunctiva layers, with no significant difference between sutures in their bursting strength.Clinical significance Bidirectional barbed suture material is suitable for closure of thelotomies in cattle.     

Climate change record in subsurface temperatures: A global perspective

Analyses of underground temperature measurements from 358 boreholes in eastern North America, central Europe, southern Africa, and Australia indicate that, in the 20th century, the average surface temperature of Earth has increased by about 0.5 degreesC and that the 20th century has been the warmest of the past five centuries. The subsurface temperatures also indicate that Earth's mean surface temperature has increased by about 1.0 degreesC over the past five centuries. The geothermal data offer an independent confirmation of the unusual character of 20th-century climate that has emerged from recent multiproxy studies.     

Ultrasonographic diagnosis of porcupine quill foreign bodies in the plantar flexor tendon sheath region in a heifer

A 17-month-old Holstein heifer was presented for persistent enlargement above the right hind fetlock of 1-month's duration. Diffuse plantar soft tissue swelling was present on the radiographs and ultrasonography revealed the presence of multiple porcupine quill extremities embedded in the subcutaneous tissue within the flexor tendon sheath wall. Surgical removal was performed.     

Ventral laparoscopic abomasopexy in 18 cattle with displaced abomasum

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and outcome of a technique for laparoscopic abomasopexy in cattle with displaced abomasum (DA). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Dairy cattle (n=18). METHODS: Retrieved data included signalment, clinical findings, treatments, and outcome. Laparoscopic abomasopexy was performed with the sedated cow in dorsal recumbency. The pexy site was determined after identification of the antrum and the greater curvature of the abomasum. Three or 4 absorbable sutures were passed through the body wall and abomasal wall for abomasal fixation. Wound complications, DA recurrence, food consumption, owner satisfaction, and long-term survival were assessed. RESULTS: Left DA was diagnosed in 17 cows and right DA in 1 cow. Abomasal decompression was performed in 12 cows and abomasopexy was achieved in all cows. Surgical wounds healed without complication, except in 4 cows that had mild periportal swelling. Postoperative return to normal appetite occurred quickly except for 2 cows with concurrent diseases. Owner satisfaction varied from good to excellent. DA did not recur. CONCLUSION: Ventral laparoscopic abomasopexy was successfully performed in 18 cows with DA. Abomasal decompression was necessary for adequate abomasal manipulation and identification of landmarks for pexy. An adequate return to food consumption and no recurrence of DA occurred (mean follow-up, 15.5 months). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ventral laparoscopic abomasopexy is technically feasible and an effective method for surgical treatment of DA.     

Procedures and surgeries of the teat.

Injuries to the end of the teat are frequent and frustrating to treat. Treatment of these injuries evolved from being aggressive using teat knives to a more conservative approach employing rest nonreactive teat inserts. The process of milking seems simple, but it involves fine-tuned mechanics. Teat fibrosis, even when small, has a disastrous effect on the production life of an animal. There is no place for error; any surgical intervention should be precise and aim for perfection. Medical imaging techniques and minimally invasive surgery help the surgeon to make the best decision. Finally, more investigation is needed to treat varicose veins to understand the origin and develop better treatment. Teat injuries have drawn more attention more recently. Surgical interventions are better planned, and blind treatment with unsuitable teat knives is avoided. Treatment of superficial of full-thickness teat lacerations does not require a high level of anatomic or surgical knowledge, although basic surgical principles should be applied. Hemostasis, delicate débridgement and tissue handling, and appropriate suture materials and patterns are key to success. Appropriate sedation, anesthesia, and analgesia are essential to achieve this goal and should never be neglected.     

Unilateral nephrectomy in 10 cattle

Objective: To describe clinical and imaging findings, treatment, and long‐term outcome of cattle undergoing unilateral nephrectomy. Study Design: Case series. Animals: Cattle (n=10). Methods: Medical records (January 1991–August 2008) of cattle that had unilateral nephrectomy were reviewed. Follow‐up data were obtained by owner telephone interview. Results: Nephrectomy was performed without surgical complications. Transient increases in blood urea nitrogen and creatinine concentrations occurred after surgery and then returned to, or below, presurgical values in 9 cattle. Nine cows were discharged and 7 rejoined their respective herd as productive animals without long‐term complications. Conclusions: Ultrasonography was the most useful imaging tool for presurgical diagnosis. Based on our follow‐up data, unilateral nephrectomy resulted in few serious short‐term or long‐term complications, and cattle undergoing this procedure are capable of satisfactory growth, reproduction, and milk production after surgery.