Multifocal osteomyelitis and abdominal abscessation in a warmblood foal

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report, in which a simultaneous occurrence of Salmonella-associated multifocal osteomyelitis and intra-abdominal abscessation in a foal presenting with weight loss, diarrhea and fever is described. No evidence of failure of passive immune transfer had been present at birth. Radiographic examination revealed multifocal type P osteomyelitis. Bacterial culture of synovial fluid revealed a Salmonella spp. Antibiotic treatment was adjusted based on the sensitivity results; however without clinical improvement. The foal developed abscess formations within the left femoral region, and finally a Salter Harris type I fracture of the left femur. Euthanasia was elected based on this finding. Post-mortem computed tomography revealed a large mass within the caudal abdomen that extended into the left pelvic and hind limb region, as well as multifocal osteomyelitis. Pathological examination identified the mass as a large abscess with multiple fistula tracts. Salmonella spp. was additionally cultured postmortem

Successful surgical repair of a temporal and parietal bone fracture with associated traumatic brain injury in a fourteen-day-old foal = Succesvolle chirurgische behandeling van een os temporale en parietale fractuur met bijhorende hersenschade bij een twee weken oud veulen

A fourteen-day-old warmblood colt presented with severe neurological signs of unknown origin. The foal was recumbent and comatose, and showed spastic motion of the head. Computed tomography (CT) examination revealed multiple impression fractures to the left parietal and temporal bones, as well as traumatic brain injury. Three fragments of the temporal bone were dislocated into the cranial vault. The foal was surgically treated within 24 hours of presentation: the fragments were elevated and the largest fragment was fixated with an L-shaped titanium Matrix Midface 0.8 mm reconstruction plate. The brain injury resolved with medical treatment and supportive care. Apart from a localized wound abscess that was drained, postoperative healing was uneventful and the foal regained the ability to ambulate 18 days after surgery. Follow-up CT imaging documented good fracture healing and a favorable development of the soft tissue injuries. Seven months after surgery, the foal was fully recovered and showed no neurological signs

Post-mortem feasibility of dual-energy computed tomography in the detection of bone edema-like lesions in the equine foot: a proof of concept

IntroductionIn this proof-of-concept study, the post-mortem feasibility of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) in the detection of bone edema-like lesions in the equine foot is described in agreement with the gold standard imaging technique, which is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).MethodsA total of five equine cadaver feet were studied, of which two were pathological and three were within normal limits and served as references. A low-field MRI of each foot was performed, followed by a DECT acquisition. Multiplanar reformations of DECT virtual non-calcium images were compared with MRI for the detection of bone edema-like lesions. A gross post-mortem was performed, and histopathologic samples were obtained of the navicular and/or distal phalanx of the two feet selected based on pathology and one reference foot.ResultsOn DECT virtual non-calcium imaging, the two pathological feet showed diffuse increased attenuation corresponding with bone edema-like lesions, whereas the three reference feet were considered normal. These findings were in agreement with the findings on the MRI. Histopathology of the two pathologic feet showed abnormalities in line with bone edema-like lesions. Histopathology of the reference foot was normal.ConclusionDECT virtual non-calcium imaging can be a valuable diagnostic tool in the diagnosis of bone edema-like lesions in the equine foot. Further examination of DECT in equine diagnostic imaging is warranted in a larger cohort, different locations, and alive animals