Repeated occurrence of jejuno-jejunal intussusception in a calf

This paper reports the clinical findings, diagnostic imaging, surgical management, and necropsy of an unusual case of jejuno-jejunal intussusception in a calf that was diagnosed with the use of ultrasonography, and treated surgically by resection and end-to-end anastomosis. The calf fatally relapsed 8 d after laparotomy. Necropsy and histology revealed enteritis and myenteric ganglionitis.     

Tenoscopy of the navicular bursa: a new therapeutic approach for horses affected by “palmar pain syndrome.” Endoscopic technique review and personal experiences

Tenoscopy of the navicular bursa has been recently introduced as a diagnostic and therapeutic treatment in cases of palmar foot pain syndrome. A deep digital flexor tendon transthecal approach was suggested in 1999, and the endoscopic technique has been reviewed. Smith and coworkers have recently reported good and promising results. An anatomic cadaver limb study was performed, and the endoscopic technique was evaluated. Subsequently, a 14-year-old Argentine mare, affected by palmar foot pain syndrome, was treated. Clinical data, MRI and endoscopic findings, and a 6-month follow-up evaluation are reported.

     

A singular case of traumatic total hoof capsule avulsion

Total, full thickness hoof wall avulsion is rare in horses. Sometimes complications such as fracture of the distal phalanx, osteomyelitis, septic arthritis and degenerative joint disease have been reported. Limiting motion at the affected site and hoof stabilisation are essential to obtain a good hoof regeneration. This case report reviews the clinical features including diagnostic techniques (radiographic examination and venography) of a Quarter Horse filly presented with a complete and full‐thickness traumatic hoof capsule avulsion complicated by an open fracture of the third phalanx. A transfixation casting technique was performed followed after one month by 2 short limb casts applied for 2 months each. Twenty‐four months after trauma the foot had completely regrown. The dorsal aspect of the hoof wall appears to be remarkably shorter compared to the heels. From a radiographic viewpoint, the lateral aspect of the left hind foot shows diffuse bone remodelling and a deformed distal phalanx.     

Topographic comparative study of paranasal sinuses in adult horses by computed tomography,sinuscopy, and sectional anatomy

Clinical and radiographic investigations of paranasal sinuses in horses are difficult due to the complex anatomy of these regions, the lack of patognomonic symptoms, and the low sensitivity of conventional diagnostic techniques. The aim of this study was to produce an anatomical atlas to support computed tomography (CT) and sinuscopy of the paranasal sinuses of the adult horse. Transverse, sagittal, and dorsal CT images were acquired, and sinuscopy with both rigid and flexible endoscopes was performed. The heads were frozen and sectioned using a band saw, with the cuts aligned as close as possible with the CT transverse slices. Each CT image was compared with its corresponding anatomical section and sinuscopy image to assist in the accurate identification of specific structures.     

Sensory nerve conduction and nociception in the equine lower forelimb during perineural bupivacaine infusion along the palmar nerves

The purpose of this investigation was to study lateral palmar nerve (LPN) and medial palmar nerve (MPN) morphology and determine nociception and sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV) following placement of continuous peripheral nerve block (CPNB) catheters along LPN and MPN with subsequent bupivacaine (BUP) infusion. Myelinated nerve fiber distribution in LPN and MPN was examined after harvesting nerve specimens in 3 anesthetized horses and processing them for morphometric analysis. In 5 sedated horses, CPNB catheters were placed along each PN in both forelimbs. Horses then received in one forelimb 3 mL 0.125% BUP containing epinephrine 1:200 000 and 0.04% NaHCO(3) per catheter site followed by 2 mL/h infusion over a 6-day period, while in the other forelimb equal amounts of saline (SAL) solution were administered. The hoof withdrawal response (HWR) threshold during pressure loading of the area above the dorsal coronary band was determined daily in both forelimbs. On day 6 SNCV was measured under general anesthesia of horses in each limb's LPN and MPN to detect nerve injury, followed by CPNB catheter removal. The SNCV was also recorded in 2 anesthetized non-instrumented horses (sham controls). In both LPN and MPN myelinated fiber distributions were bimodal. The fraction of large fibers (>7 μm) was greater in the MPN than LPN (P < 0.05). Presence of CPNB catheters and SAL administration did neither affect measured HWR thresholds nor SNCVs, whereas BUP infusion suppressed HWRs. In conclusion, CPNB with 0.125% BUP provides pronounced analgesia by inhibiting sensory nerve conduction in the distal equine forelimb.     

Fertilization-induced changes in membrane fluidity of sea urchin eggs

By use of a spin label fatty acid, 5-doxylstearate, an increase in bulk membrane fluidity was observed after fertilization of two species of sea urchin eggs. Eggs partially activated by ammonia showed a similar effect. The data suggest that a structural change involving membrane lipids accompanies activation.     

Development of a technique for continuous perineural blockade of the palmar nerves in the distal equine thoracic limb

Objective To develop a technique for placing continuous peripheral nerve block (CPNB) catheters adjacent to palmar nerves in horses and to evaluate the effect of low‐volume local anesthetic (LA) infusion on nociception in the distal equine thoracic limb. Study design In vitro and in vivo laboratory investigation. Study material and animals Forty‐two thoracic limbs from 22 equine cadavers and five horses. Methods Thoracic limb specimens were dissected to find landmarks for catheter insertion adjacent to medial and lateral palmar nerves. Based on the anatomy of the proximal metacarpus, a technique for placing palmar CPNB catheters was developed and the potential for catheter dislodgement studied in vitro by fluoroscopic visualization during passive carpal flexion and dye injection following simulated limb motion. The feasibility of CPNB catheter instrumentation in standing, sedated horses was tested in five animals, with ultrasound control. Electrical and mechanical stimulation thresholds and response latencies for hoof withdrawal responses (HWR) were determined following saline or LA infusion. Results Medial and lateral CPNB catheters were inserted percutaneously 2 and 4–5 cm, respectively, distal to the accessory carpal bone and advanced for ～7 and 10 cm, respectively, to place the tip just proximal to the communicating branch of the nerves. Catheters were placed correctly in 88% and 85% of cadaver limbs. In the standing horses, LA infusion not only increased HWR thresholds and latencies to noxious mechanical or electrical stimulation but also caused vasodilation and limb swelling over time. Conclusion The technique, developed in vitro, for placing and maintaining palmar CPNB catheters in the equine thoracic limb was successfully applied in vivo. Catheters were well tolerated but LA infusion may cause limb swelling, suggesting a need for further exploration of drug and infusion regimens. Clinical relevance Continuous perineural LA infusion along palmar nerves may develop into an effective analgesic technique in horses suffering from lower limb pain.     

Cutaneous blastomycosis in a horse

This report describes the case of a horse presented with cutaneous lesions caused by Blastomyces dermatitidis in the absence of signs of other organ involvement. Diagnosis was achieved through cytology, histopathology and culture. Surgical debulking associated with systemic therapy with oral fluconazole resulted in significant remission; however, recurrence occurred following presumed early cessation of treatment.