Evaluation of race performance after tendon injuries in race horses with special respect to lesion related parameters

The study aimed to assess the race performance after injury of the palmar metacarpal tendon region in Thoroughbred and Arabian racehorses. A special scoring system was established to evaluate the performance of the horses for each race after the injury, objectively in this study. Thus, individual total race earnings, the rates of ranking among the top four in at least two and three races and the number of participated races after injury were also analysed. The performance scores after injury were found to be lower in tendinitis cases compared to peritendinitis cases (P=0.0004). It was found that the success rate was lower in cases with tendon lesions than in cases without lesions in terms of race performance after injury (P=0.006). Injuries causing tendon thickening and also tendon echogenicity alterations had negative effects on race performances after injury (P=0.01 and P=0.04, respectively). Also individual total race earnings were lower in cases with tendon thickening compared to those without thickening (P=0.02). According to the results of this study, it is recommended to take prophylactic measures for tendinitis in cases with tendon thickening and echogenicity changes detected by ultrasound in the early stages of tendinitis to be able to display a good race performance after injury.

Pleuroperitoneal true diaphragmatic hernia of the liver in a cat

A 2-year old female domestic shorthair cat was referred with intermittent vomiting. Laboratory analyses revealed only an elevated alanine aminotransferase activity. Plain thoracic radiographs showed a right-sided transdiaphragm protrusion of a liver lobe into the thoracic cavity. On abdominal ultrasound the diaphragm and liver parenchyma also presented a bulge towards the thoracic cavity. By cranial median laparotomy herniation of the quadrate liver lobe through the right aspect of the diaphragm into the thoracic cavity was confirmed. The protruding quadrate liver lobe was covered by intact parietal peritoneum. Following relocation of the liver lobe the defect was closed. Postoperatively the intermittent vomiting stopped. The purpose of this case report was to present plain radiography and abdominal ultrasonography as effective tools in the diagnosis of this rare and usually asymptomatic true herniation case along with its operative treatment.

Comparison of Insall-Salvati Index and Its Modification in Normal Dogs from Four Different Body Weight Groups

OBJECTIVE

 The objectives of this study were to record the values of Insall-Salvati (IS) index and its modification in dogs classified into four different body weight groups and to determine whether these index values were influenced by sex.

STUDY DESIGN

 Bilateral mediolateral radiographs of 86 dogs were obtained. The dogs were classified into four different body weight groups: small, medium, large and giant. The patellar length (PL), caudal and cranial patellar ligament lengths (LLca and LLcr), stifle angle and superimposition of the femoral condyles were measured on the radiographs. The IS index and its modification (LLcr:PL) were calculated by dividing LLca or LLcr by the PL respectively. Spearman's correlation test and analysis of variance were used for statistical analyses.

RESULTS

 The sex of the dog and the presence of enthesophytes at the apex of the patella were two influential factors for the IS and LLcr:PL values. The mean IS values were 1.60 ± 0.28 in small dogs, 1.73 ± 0.27 in medium dogs, 1.82 ± 0.21 in large dogs and 1.97 ± 0.13 in giant dogs. The mean LLcr:PL for the same groups were 2.05 ± 0.23, 2.13 ± 0.19, 2.23 ± 0.21 and 2.27 ± 0.16 respectively.

CONCLUSION

 The reference intervals for the IS index were 1.04 to 2.16 in the small dogs, 1.19 to 2.27 in the medium dogs, 1.40 to 2.24 in the large dogs and 1.71 to 2.23 in the giant dogs. The reference intervals for the LLcr:PL index were 1.59 to 2.51 in the small dogs, 1.75 to 2.51 in the medium dogs, 1.81 to 2.65 in the large dogs and 1.95 to 2.59 in the giant dogs. Dogs with values exceeding these reference intervals have patella alta and those with values below these intervals have patella baja.

Relation between intravascular electrolyte level and course of parturition in dairy cows

Objective: To determine the intravascular electrolyte status in dairy cows with respect to age and different courses of parturition to clarify etiological factors influencing peri- or intrapartal imbalances of electrolyte homeostasis. Material and methods: A total of 64 cows at birth were evaluated (primiparous n = 34, pluriparous n = 30). Thirty-three cows showed normal delivery, while 31 cows had a complicated birth. Blood samples were collected intra partum (i. p.) and 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 24 h post partum (p. p.) as well as [2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10 days p. p. and levels of total calcium (Catotal), ionized calcium (Caion), inorganic phosphate (Pa), Mg, Na, K, Cl were determined. Results: The results revealed that electrolytes show great fluctuation during and immediately p. p. in relation to age. Already during parturition pluriparous cows had a lower Catotal and Pa concentration compared to primiparous animals. Cows with dystocia exhibited a more intensive and longer lasting decrease of Ca compared to cows with normal birth. In relation to age and severity of birth Pa concentration showed a differing but basically typical course for this electrolyte. Mg, Na, K and Cl concentrations were higher during and immediately after birth compared to p. p. values. Until day 10 p. p. these electrolyte concentrations declined more in older cows with dystocia compared to younger animals. However, the influence of dystocia on concentration of these electrolytes was milder in contrast to Ca and Pa. Conclusions: In summary, primarily older cows are predisposed to imbalances of electrolyte homeostasis intra partum and at the beginning of the lactation. These changes are potentiated in case of complications during parturition. Intravascular Catotal, Caion as well as Pa are most severely affected. Clinical relevance: These results may constitute the basis for a comprehensive metaphylaxis during the peripartal period, especially in cows after dystocia, to positively influence the early convalescence phase.

Perosomus elumbis in a Holstein calf infected with bovine viral diarrhea virus

The detection of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in a female Holstein calf presented with perosomus elumbis, a congenital anomaly, is reported here. A cow with dystocia was evaluated and an abnormal dead calf was detected during vaginal examination. The calf was retrieved via caesarean section and exhibited abnormalities characteristic of PE, such as vertebral and pelvic malformations. These abnormalities were further confirmed using radiographic and necropsy examinations. At necropsy cerebellar hypoplasia was an additional finding, which is a typical lesion associated with bovine virus diarrhea (BVD). Several tissue samples from the calf were tested for the presence of antigens of BVDV and bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1) by ELISA. In addition, sera samples from the dam and calf were tested for the presence of antibodies against BVDV, BHV-1, and bluetongue disease virus (BTV) using a virus neutralization assay. Results indicated that the calf was congenitally infected with BVDV, whereas there was no evidence for the presence of BHV-1 and BTV. In the dam’s serum no antibodies against BVDV, BHV-1, and BTV were detected. Even though the etiology of perosomus elumbis is unknown, BVDV, which causes fetal anomalies at early gestation in cows, may have been a contributing factor in this case.

Relation between intravascular electrolyte level and course of parturition in dairy cows

OBJECTIVE

To determine the intravascular electrolyte status in dairy cows with respect to age and different courses of parturition to clarify etiological factors influencing peri- or intrapartal imbalances of electrolyte homeostasis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 64 cows at birth were evaluated (primiparous n = 34, pluriparous n = 30). Thirty-three cows showed normal delivery, while 31 cows had a complicated birth. Blood samples were collected intra partum (i. p.) and 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 24 h post partum (p. p.) as well as [2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10 days p. p. and levels of total calcium (Catotal), ionized calcium (Caion), inorganic phosphate (Pa), Mg, Na, K, Cl were determined.

RESULTS

The results revealed that electrolytes show great fluctuation during and immediately p. p. in relation to age. Already during parturition pluriparous cows had a lower Catotal and Pa concentration compared to primiparous animals. Cows with dystocia exhibited a more intensive and longer lasting decrease of Ca compared to cows with normal birth. In relation to age and severity of birth Pa concentration showed a differing but basically typical course for this electrolyte. Mg, Na, K and Cl concentrations were higher during and immediately after birth compared to p. p. values. Until day 10 p. p. these electrolyte concentrations declined more in older cows with dystocia compared to younger animals. However, the influence of dystocia on concentration of these electrolytes was milder in contrast to Ca and Pa.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, primarily older cows are predisposed to imbalances of electrolyte homeostasis intra partum and at the beginning of the lactation. These changes are potentiated in case of complications during parturition. Intravascular Catotal, Caion as well as Pa are most severely affected.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

These results may constitute the basis for a comprehensive metaphylaxis during the peripartal period, especially in cows after dystocia, to positively influence the early convalescence phase.

Perosomus elumbis in a Holstein calf infected with bovine viral diarrhea virus

The detection of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in a female Holstein calf presented with perosomus elumbis, a congenital anomaly, is reported here. A cow with dystocia was evaluated and an abnormal dead calf was detected during vaginal examination. The calf was retrieved via caesarean section and exhibited abnormalities characteristic of PE, such as vertebral and pelvic malformations. These abnormalities were further confirmed using radiographic and necropsy examinations. At necropsy cerebellar hypoplasia was an additional finding, which is a typical lesion associated with bovine virus diarrhea (BVD). Several tissue samples from the calf were tested for the presence of antigens of BVDV and bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1) by ELISA. In addition, sera samples from the dam and calf were tested for the presence of antibodies against BVDV, BHV-1, and bluetongue disease virus (BTV) using a virus neutralization assay. Results indicated that the calf was congenitally infected with BVDV, whereas there was no evidence for the presence of BHV-1 and BTV. In the dam's serum no antibodies against BVDV, BHV-1, and BTV were detected. Even though the etiology of perosomus elumbis is unknown, BVDV, which causes fetal anomalies at early gestation in cows, may have been a contributing factor in this case.

Modified colostomy technique for colonic atresia in calves

OBJECTIVE

To report a modified colostomy technique for permanent fecal diversion in calves with colonic atresia.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective study.

ANIMALS

Calves (n=19) with colonic atresia.

METHODS

Clinical findings, white blood cell counts, radiologic, ultrasonographic, and intraoperative findings were recorded. Calves were randomly divided into 2 groups: group 1 (n=9) had conventional colostomy and group 2 (n=10) had a modified colostomy. Technique efficacy was evaluated by postoperative observation, owner satisfaction, and calf survival.

RESULTS

Fifteen (79%) calves were discharged from the hospital; 4 (21%) group 1 calves died within 24 hours after surgery. Two (40%) group 1 calves died 18 and 30 days after surgery and 5 (50%) group 2 calves died 2-60 days after surgery. Eight calves reached slaughter weight (120+/-10 kg); 5 group 2 calves grew normally but the 3 group 1 calves had lower weight gain. Owners of the calves with conventional colostomy reported that the evacuation of feces was continuous whereas owners of calves with the modified colostomy reported that feces were released through the stoma in intervals.

CONCLUSION

Modification of conventional colostomy by forming an hourglass shaped stoma lessens fecal incontinence but there was no difference in survival rate.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Modified colostomy was considered advantageous because of intermittent fecal discharge from the stoma compared with continuous fecal release in conventional colostomy. The modified technique seemingly has a beneficial effect on growth of the calf.

Accuracy of ultrasonography in detecting fragmentation of the medial coronoid process in dogs

OBJECTIVE

To determine the accuracy of ultrasonography in detecting fragmentation of the medial coronoid process (FMCP) in dogs.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

ANIMALS

102 dogs (112 elbow joints) suspected to have FMCP.

PROCEDURES

Elbows were examined ultrasonographically prior to surgery for evidence of fragmentation, fissuring, or deformation of the medial coronoid process; thickening of the joint capsule; joint effusion; and secondary new bone formation. Results were compared with intraoperative findings.

RESULTS

At surgery, 51 (46%) joints had free fragments, 55 (49%) had nondisplaced fragments, and 6 (5%) did not have any fragments or fissures. Fragments were not seen ultrasonographically in 23 of the 51 (45%) joints in which a free fragment was found during surgery or in 50 of the 55 (91%) joints in which a nondisplaced fragment was found during surgery. Accuracy of using ultrasonographic evidence of any medial coronoid process abnormality (ie, a medial coronoid process fragment, deformation of the medial coronoid process, or both) for diagnosis of medial coronoid process fragmentation was 77%. The kappa coefficient for the level of agreement between ultrasonographic (ie, any medial coronoid process abnormality) and surgical findings was -0.014, indicating that there was no agreement.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Results suggested that ultrasonography was of limited diagnostic value in detecting FMCP in dogs.

Severe abdominal dog bite wounds in a pregnant cat

Bite wounds are one of the most common reasons for admission of cats to veterinary clinics. Appropriate wound management seems to be more important in the successful outcome of bite wound injuries than antibiotic therapy alone. This report describes a heavily pregnant cat that suffered severe abdominal bite wounds necessitating treatment with extensive surgery. A necrotic herniated kidney, abdominal wall hernias, internal peritoneal ruptures and fracture of the thirteenth rib, gravid cornu rupture, an extrauterine dead foetus and its free kidney were all observed at laparotomy. At surgery the extrauterine dead foetus was removed, and two live foetuses were retrieved by en bloc ovariohysterectomy. A right nephrectomy and partial costectomy were also performed. Two weeks postoperatively, the cat had fully recovered without a problem. Bite wounds encountered in cats, though severe and invasive, can be tolerated and extensive surgical management can result in successful outcomes even under suboptimal conditions.

Comparison of clinical, ultrasonographic, and postoperative macroscopic findings in cows with bursitis

Clinical, ultrasonographic, and macroscopic findings of bursitis in cows were compared to assess the contribution of diagnosis and therapy planning. Sixteen dairy cows with swelling at the carpal (n = 12) or tarsal (n = 4) region were examined clinically and ultrasonographically and the findings were compared. In 10 patients the bursae were removed in toto. According to the duration of the disease (history) and clinical findings nine and seven patients had acute and chronic bursitis, respectively. Six had fluctuation and in 10 the bursa was firm. Contents were serous (n = 3), serofibrinous (n = 4), serohemorrhagic (n = 2), or purulent (n = 1). Sonographically there was fluid in all bursa except one. Capsule echogenicity varied between hypoechoic and hyperechoic and mean capsule thickness was 9.2 +/- 4.1 mm. Fourteen of the bursae contained free-floating particles. The hyperechoic capsules represented fibrous tissue, and the echogenic/hyperechoic free-floating particles were erythrocytes, purulent exudate, or fibrin masses. Capsule thickness and large free-floating particles could not be detected by clinical examination/centesis alone. However, capsule thickness, bursa contents, and the extent of inflammation could be determined ultrasonographically and this made the decision for different invasive/ operative procedures easier.