Osseous Sequestration in the Horse A Review of 68 Cases

Sixty-eight cases of cortical bone sequestration in 67 equine patients were reviewed with regard to the clinical presentation, method of treatment, and outcome. All lesions were located in skeletal areas with minimal soft tissue coverage, with 53% of them in the metatarsal and metacarpal bones. At the time of admission, 60% of the patients with limb lesions were lame; the majority improved with therapy. After sequestrectomy, there was a trend for surgical wounds which could be managed by primary closure to heal more rapidly (3.8 weeks) than wounds which required second intention healing (6.4 weeks). The appearance of healed wounds, as evaluated by owners, was acceptable in 45 cases. Dissatisfaction with the appearance of the healed wounds in 22 cases suggested a need to address the issue of cosmetic results.     

Holding Power of Orthopedic Screws Comparison of Self-tapped and Pre-tapped Screws in Foal Bone

Comparison was made of the holding power of orthopedic screws inserted self-tapped or after pre-tapping in foal bone. Third metacarpal and metatarsal bones were used. Comparative trials were made between screws inserted at the same site in the corresponding bones from the contralateral limbs of the same foal. A MTS servohydraulic tensile testing machine was used to perform screw pullouts at a displacement rate of 19 mm/sec. The 5.5 mm cortical screws had significantly greater holding power than 6.5 mm cancellous screws when both were inserted self-tapped (p = 0.0056). Pre-tapped insertion of 5.5 mm screws produced a significantly greater holding power than self-tapped insertion of 5.5 mm screws (p = 0.018). Pre-tapped insertion of 6.5 mm screws produced a significantly greater holding power than self-tapped insertion of 6.5 mm screws (p = 0.0000). In internal fixation of fractures in foals, insertion of 5.5 mm and 6.5 mm screws pre-tapped in metaphyseal bone is recommended because it produces greater holding power than self-tapped insertion.     

The Immediate Effect of Colposuspension on Resting and Stressed Urethral Pressure Profiles in Anaesthetized Incontinent Bitches

The aim of this study was to document what changes in the resting and stressed urethral pressure profile occur in the incontinent bitch with urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (SMI) immediately after colposuspension. Resting and stressed subtracted simultaneous urethral pressure profilometry was performed immediately pre- and postcolposuspension in 26 bitches diagnosed with SMI. All of the urethral pressure profiles were measured in anaesthetized bitches using a standard technique and two orientations of the catheter transducers (dorsal and left). Readable pre- and postoperative urethral pressure profiles were obtained in 20 of the 26 bitches. Subjective and objective evaluation of the profiles showed significant differences in the profiles pre- and postcolposuspension. Immediately postoperatively there were significant ( P < .05) increases in functional profile length, maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP), and distance between the bladder neck and the first negative respiratory peak and stressed spike. There was a significant ( P < .001) decrease in the percentage of negative spikes extending below the resting intravesical pressure on the subtracted profile. The pressure transmission profiles were significantly ( P < .001) altered by surgery. The findings presented support the hypothesis that colposuspension may restore continence by increasing pressure transmission to the proximal urethra and bladder neck. The results also suggest that immediately after surgery functional urethral length and urethral resistance are increased.     

Interstitial pH and Pressure in the Dependent Biceps Femoris Muscle of Laterally Recumbent Anesthetized Horses

Interstitial pressure and pH in the dependent biceps femoris muscle were measured in anesthetized, laterally recumbent horses. The mean (+/- standard deviation) interstitial pressure in 10 horses was 19.70 +/- 0.15 mmHg in the 30 to 180 minute interval after induction of anesthesia. Pressures of this order have been associated with reduction in muscle perfusion. Mean (+/- standard deviation) interstitial pH in six horses decreased from 7.07 +/- 0.30 to 6.73 +/- 0.21 between 45 and 150 minutes of anesthesia. These results indicated the presence of circulatory compromise to intracompartmental structures.