Infection of the metacarpal interosseus ligament within the metacarpal interosseus space as a complication of open fracture of the fourth metacarpal bone in 5 horses

Open splint bone fractures are at increased risk of osteomyelitis and/or sequestrum formation. Infection is not always restricted to bony structures but may also affect the surrounding ligamentous structures including the interosseous ligament. This case series describes 5 horses with infection of the metacarpal interosseus space, including the metacarpal interosseus ligament, as a complication of an open fracture of the fourth metacarpal bone. All described horses had been presented to the equine department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, between July 2017 and October 2021 and fulfilled the following criteria: radiographic diagnosis of an acute fracture of second metacarpal (MCII)/metatarsal bone (MTII) or the fourth metacarpal (MCIV)/metatarsal bone (MTIV); the fracture was classified as open because of a wound in the affected metacarpal/metatarsal region; the presence of radiographic signs of osteomyelitis in the interosseus metacarpal/ metatarsal space. Five horses fulfilled the inclusion criteria, and all had an open fracture of MCIV. Lameness at the walk varied from mild to severe. Wound secretion was present in 3 of the 5 horses. Radiography was done in all 5 cases and computed tomography was also used in 4 cases. Three different surgical treatments combined with antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were used: bone curettage, partial ostectomy and segmental ostectomy. All 5 cases made a complete recovery and returned to their intended use within 2.5 months to 2 years after surgery. In horses with persistent lameness and/or persistent wound secretion as a consequence of an open splint bone fracture, the adjacent metacarpal interosseus space should be assessed. Computed tomography appears superior to radiography for the presurgical staging of osteomyelitis because of its higher spatial and contrast resolution. The prognosis after extensive surgical and medical treatment appears to be good

Computed tomography of the abdomen in Saanen goats: II. liver, spleen, abomasum, and intestine

This study describes the results of computed tomography (CT) of the liver, spleen, abomasum, small intestine and large intestine in 30 healthy Saanen goats. CT examination and anatomical slice preparation postmortem were performed as described in the first communication. After subjective evaluation of the CT images, various variables including the length/size, volume and density of the liver, spleen and gallbladder, the wall thickness of the abomasum, small intestine and large intestine and the diameter of the intestine were measured. The liver, spleen, abomasum, small intestine and large intestine could be accurately visualised using CT

Differences of morphological attributes between 62 proximal and distal subchondral cystic lesions of the proximal phalanx as determined by radiography and computed tomography

OBJECTIVE: To determine morphological characteristics of subchondral cystic lesions (SCLs) in the proximal phalanx (PP) of adult horses. SAMPLE: Radiographs and/or CT scans of PP from 46 horses. PROCEDURES: There were horses with a SCL in PP, which was diagnosed by radiography and/or computed tomography, included. Additional data (signalment, history, orthopedic examination) were collected retrospectively for each case. RESULTS: Forty-six horses met the required inclusion criteria, with a total of 62 SCLs. Forty-three SCLs (70.5%) were located in the proximal PP (group A). Forty-four percent of these were associated with short, incomplete fractures, while 30 of the proximal PP SCLs (69.7%) were found mid sagittal. Proximal SCLs mostly showed a blurred, irregular shape (62.8%) and long, as well as wide, but shallow shapes in CT. Eighteen SCLs (29.5%) were found in the distal PP, near the proximal interphalangeal joint (group B). In contrast to the described proximal SCLs, the distal SCLs were of circular or oval shape, well delineated (77.8%), and distinctly larger. Horses of group A were significantly older (mean age, 11.47 years) than horses of group B (mean age, 6.72 years). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The distribution and morphological attributes of proximal PP SCLs as well as their association to subchondral bone lesions and short, incomplete proximal fractures indicate more recently developed lesions due to chronic stress factors, such as repetitive trauma to the cartilage and subchondral bone. In contrast, morphology and distribution of distal SCLs showed high accordance with developmental bone cysts originating from a failure of endochondral ossification

Correlation of Pretreatment Polarographically Measured Oxygen Pressures with Quantified Contrast-Enhanced Power Doppler Ultrasonography in Spontaneous Canine Tumors and their Impact on Outcome After Radiation Therapy

Purpose: : To evaluate the use of noninvasive quantified contrast-enhanced power Doppler ultrasonography as a surrogate in the estimation of tumor hypoxia measured by invasive pO2 histography in canine tumors. Material and Methods: : Data of pretreatment tumor oxygenation status, tumor vascularity and blood volume, and tumor response after radiation therapy was collected in 48 spontaneous malignant oral tumors (Table 1). Tumor oxygenation status was correlated to vascularity and blood volume, and influences on outcome after treatment were analyzed. Results: : Although vascularity and blood volume correlated moderately with median pO2 (r = 0.51 and 0.61; p = 0.001 and < 0.0001) and percentage of pO2 readings ≤ 2.5, 5, and 10 mmHg (r = -0.37 to -0.42; p < 0.01-0.03) for all tumors, they did not correlate within the different histology groups (p = 0.06-0.9). For all tumors, pretreatment oxygenation status, vascularity and blood volume were not found to be of prognostic value (Tables 2 and 3). Conclusion: : These analyses show that quantified contrast-enhanced power Doppler ultrasonography does not represent a noninvasive indirect method to assess tumor hypoxia measured by invasive pO2 histography. Both technologies were nonprognostic indicators in spontaneous malignant canine oral tumor

Influence of Pretreatment Polarographically Measured Oxygenation Levels in Spontaneous Canine Tumors Treated with Radiation Therapy

Background and Purpose:: The level of hypoxia in primary tumors has been described to influence response to treatment. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of pretreatment oxygen level measurements in spontaneous canine tumors on treatment outcome. Materials and Methods:: Data of pretreatment tumor oxygenation status and local tumor response after primary radiation therapy in a group of spontaneously occurring tumors in dogs (n = 52) was collected. Radiation therapy was given with curative (14-17 × 3-3.5 Gy) or palliative intent (3 × 8 Gy or 4-5 × 6 Gy). Progression-free interval and overall survival were correlated to polarographically measured tumor oxygenation status. Results:: In the curatively irradiated group, tumors with median pO2 values ≤ 10 mmHg tended to have shorter median progression- free interval compared to better oxygenated tumors (246 vs. 739 days). The same trend could be shown for overall survival (330 vs. 745 days), indicating a cutoff value in this region. In the group treated with lower doses of radiation, the level of oxygen was no longer found to be of prognostic value; however, in this group hemoglobin had a significant impact on outcome. Conclusion:: In curatively irradiated spontaneous canine tumors, tumor hypoxia was found to be a prognostic indicator, independent of tumor histologies and volum

Non-surgical external jugular vein catheterization using an ear vein access in piglets

The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of external jugular vein catheterization through an ear vein in piglets. Forty-six sevoflurane-midazolam anaesthetized piglets were included. External jugular vein catheterization was conducted through the ear vein using the Seldinger technique. Part 1 (n = 27): optimal puncture site was based on the deltoid tuberosity as a landmark to reach the external jugular vein. The final position of the catheter was verified in 25 piglets using computer tomography. Catheterization time was recorded and patency of the catheter assessed by repeated blood sampling for up to 4 h. Part 2 (n = 19): ear vein catheterization was without taking into account any landmarks. Functionality for blood sampling was evaluated as described in part 1. Catheter advancement was possible in 25/27 and 18/19 piglets in parts 1 and 2, respectively. Median (range) time required for successful catheterization was 1.95 (1–10) min (n = 38). The deltoid tuberosity was a good landmark to reach the external jugular vein. But blood sampling was also possible through catheters ending slightly cranial to the external jugular vein. Despite successful catheter advancement, blood sampling was not possible from one catheter in each part of the study (total: two piglets). One of these catheters presented luminal damage, while the other one presented as normal after being removed from the animal. Summarizing, central vein catheterization through the ear vein was feasible in 93.5% and repeated blood sampling was possible in 89.1% of the piglets (n = 46)

Computed tomographic findings in incisors and canine teeth with equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis: a retrospective study in 115 Warmblood horses

Computed tomography (CT) has become a routine method to examine the equine skull. Its clinical use for the diagnosis of diseases of the incisors and canine teeth has not been reported so far. The goal of this study was to study the prevalence and relationship of single CT features and equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis (EOTRH) in equine incisors and canine teeth. In this descriptive retrospective study, helical CT studies of 115 warmblood horses of the age of 5 years or older examined between 2007 and 2020 for reasons unrelated to the incisors and canine teeth were included. Resorption in the crown or root, hypercementosis, widening of the periodontal space, clubbing of the root, lysis of the lamina dura, an abnormal pulp cavity and fracture of the root were recorded in all incisors and canine teeth. The length of the pulp cavity and the labial and lingual/palatal length of the enamel and root was measured in each incisor and canine tooth. Additionally, the angulation was assessed in each incisor. The variable EOTRH was defined based on the presence of resorptive lesions, hypercementosis and clubbing. In result median age of the included horses was 12 years (range, 5-29 years). With regard to the investigated population of horses, 44.3% of all horses had normal incisors whereas 55.7% of the horses had mild EOTRH changes in one incisor at least. Regarding the canine teeth, 54.7% of the horses had normal canine teeth whereas 43.3% horses had mild EOTRH in one canine tooth at least. With regard to all investigated teeth, 868 teeth (53.0%) were classified as normal, whereas 769 incisors and canine teeth (47.0%) showed at least one abnormal CT criterion. Clubbing of the root and hypercementosis were most common (37.1% and 22.7%, respectively) and EOTRH was present in 27.1% of all teeth. Mild changes were more common than moderate or severe abnormalities. In the lower jaw, hypercementosis and widening of the periodontal space at the anatomical root and apex of the root was significantly more frequent (p = 0.004 and 0.02), whereas clubbing of the root was more common in the upper jaw (p = 0.009). In canine teeth, resorption in the anatomical crown and anatomical root, widening of the periodontal space, clubbing and lysis of the lamina dura were significantly more common whereas hypercementosis was more common in incisors (p < 0.001). Frequency of certain CT changes significantly increased from central to middle and corner incisors. Severity of all single CT criteria as well as prevalence and severity of EOTRH significantly increased with age (r = 0.08-0.56). Linear forward and backward multivariate regression analysis confirmed a significant association between prevalence and severity of EOTRH and age, changes of the pulp cavity, widening of the periodontal space at the anatomical root and incisor group (central, middle, corner) (p = 0.01 - < 0.001). In conclusion computed tomographic changes of the incisors and canine teeth are common and age-related in warmblood horses. Therefore, treatment of EOTRH should not be based on diagnostic imaging alone, but always in combination with a thorough clinical examination

Extraskeletal osteosarcoma of the thorax in a goat: case report

BACKGROUND: This report describes the results of clinical, ultrasonographic and computed tomographic examination of a 16-year-old goat with extraskeletal osteosarcoma of the thorax. CASE PRESENTATION: The lead clinical signs were abnormal condition and demeanour, fever, tachycardia, tachypnoea, dyspnoea and dilated jugular veins. Ultrasonographic examination of the thorax revealed a precardial mass, measuring 16.4 by 11.4 by 14.2 cm. Computed tomographic examination showed dorsocaudal displacement of the trachea, heart and lungs to the right. A tentative diagnosis of mediastinal or pleural neoplasia was made, and the goat was euthanased and necropsied. A definitive diagnosis was based on histological examination of the mass. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this case report is the first description of extraskeletal osteosarcoma of the thorax in goats and serves to broaden the diagnostic spectrum of thoracic diseases in this species. Extraskeletal osteosarcoma should be part of the differential diagnosis in goats with thoracic tumours

Evidence for seasonal shift in the reproduction of Aldabra giant tortoises (Aldabrachelys gigantea) in managed care in the Northern hemisphere compared to the natural habitat in the Southern hemisphere

Ex situ breeding constitutes an important tool for species conservation; however, many reptile species are not managed sustainably under human care due to poor fecundity in ex situ settings. In this study, we tested whether the translocation of a seasonally reproducing species to a different environment results in decoupling of extrinsic signals and intrinsic conditions. The endocrinological patterns of plasma steroid sex hormones, follicular development, and mating behaviour of two female and two male sexually mature Aldabra tortoises (Aldabrachelys gigantea) in a zoological institution in the Northern hemisphere was aligned with enclosure climate data (mean monthly daylight duration, temperature, and precipitation) and compared with respective hormone patterns of wild individuals and climate conditions in the native habitat on the Aldabra Atoll in the Southern hemisphere. Whereas occurrence of mating behaviour was not considered a limiting factor, lack of ovulation and subsequent follicular atresia was the main reason for the lack of reproductive output. While it was impossible to elucidate the triggering factors of ovulation and the multifactorial complexity of reproduction was not fully addressed, this study indicates suboptimal temperature conditions and relative temporal shifts of interacting external triggers (temperature and photoperiod) in the zoo setting

Findings and interobserver agreement in radiography and ultrasonography of the vertebral column of a large population of normally performing horses

Diagnostic imaging is a mainstay in the investigation of equine neck and back pain, but interpretation of radiographic and ultrasonographic findings in the spinal column of horses is not straightforward for a variety of reasons including individual anatomical variations, progressive degenerative nature of most pathologies and superimposition as well as technical limits. These issues are even more relevant in the context of examinations of apparently sound horses with absent, mild or unclear complaints, like it is often the case in pre-purchase examinations or cases of failure to meet expected performance. The first aim was to report on the spectrum, degree and location of first-line imaging findings in the spine of a large population of normally performing horses. Limited data is available about agreement of interpretation of equine vertebral column imaging by radiologists. The second aim of this prospective study was to determine interobserver agreement on radiographic and ultrasonographic diagnostic imaging findings in the vertebral column of the same population between multiple observers with longstanding experience in equine diagnostic imaging at two different institutions. Seventy-one horses randomly selected from a larger population of 250 normally performing horses participating in a swiss project on equine back health were examined at one referral center. Radiographic and ultrasonographic examinations were performed in a standardized fashion and images graded separately by two experienced radiologists at two different institutions. Focus was placed on osteoarthrosis of the synovial intervertebral articulations (SIVAs), impinging and overriding of the spinous processes (SPs) and spondylosis. Cohen’s weighted kappa was calculated for each pathology, location and segment in each modality. Interobserver agreement was calculated for findings at specific locations, single pathologies and single grades. Most horses showed no changes and were allocated grades 0 at most locations. Few abnormalities were found throughout the vertebral column, with clusters of abnormalities of the SIVAs in the caudal cervical segment and cranial lumbar segment as well as a cumulation of changes at the dorsal spinous processes in the caudal thoracic segment. These coincide with previously reported predilection sites of imaging findings in symptomatic populations. Overall mean value of agreement for imaging findings was moderate (k= 0.7). Agreement was moderate for imaging findings regarding the synovial intervertebral articulations of the thoracolumbar spine in radiography (k=0.66) but weak in ultrasonography (k=0.58). There was moderate agreement in the imaging findings of the cervical spine in ultrasonography (k=0.61) as well as radiography (k=0.62). Strong agreement was found in the radiographic assessment of changes of the thoracolumbar spinous processes (k=0.80). Almost perfect agreement was found in the radiographic assessment of thoracolumbar spondylosis (k=0.95). Agreement between radiologists in detection and grading of pathologies of the equine vertebral column is weak to almost perfect depending on pathology and location. Our results confirm findings about distribution of specific pathologies found in other studies and support the importance of interpreting imaging findings along with clinical findings for definitive case management and decision making. Additional studies are needed for determination of the correlation of imaging findings among different modalities and correlation of diagnostic imaging with clinical findings