An encounter between a pelagic shark and giant cephalopod

An oceanic whitetip shark (Carcharhinus longimanus) was observed off the coast of Kona, Hawaii, with scars caused by the tentacles of a large cephalopod. While the exact species could not be confirmed, candidate species include the giant squid (Architeuthis dux) or species from the genera Thysanoteuthis (flying squids) and Megalocranchia (glass squids). Telemetry shows C. longimanus will dive within the mesopelagic zone and may interact with or even forage for large cephalopods.

Dynamics of oliveros virus infection in rodents in central Argentina

Oliveros virus (OLV) is an arenavirus hosted by the sigmodontine rodent, Necromys benefactus, in central Argentina. We report a 3-year longitudinal field study of the dynamics of OLV infection in host populations from 15 localities in two provinces on the central Argentine pampa. There was an overall 3-year period immunofluorescent antibody prevalence of 25% in the host population, and infected hosts were found throughout the study area. Spill-over infection into common sympatric species was rare. Infection dynamics exhibited many of the patterns seen for other rodent-borne arenaviruses and hantaviruses, but had some unique characteristics. Host population density was highest in autumn and lowest in spring, while antibody prevalence was highest in spring and lowest in autumn. Virus transmission was horizontal: infection was strongly associated with age, reaching 45% prevalence in the oldest individuals, and prevalence of infection was equal among male and female hosts. Infection may have been associated with scars, which were also approximately equally distributed among male and female Necromys.

Factors affecting outcome of extensor tendon lacerations in the distal limb of horses. A retrospective study of 156 cases (1994-2003)

Distal limb lacerations are common injuries in horses, with a better prognosis reported for extensor tendons lacerations compared to flexor tendons lacerations. The objective of the present study was to determine the influence of type and location of injury, modalities of treatment and post surgical complications on the outcome of extensor tendon lacerations. The medical records of 156 horses surgically treated for extensor tendon lacerations over a 10-year period were analysed retrospectively. Information was obtained for 124 horses with a minimum of 18 months follow-up. Statistical analysis was performed on 129 horses (five horses were euthanatized during hospitalization) in order to determine factors affecting outcome. Seventy-four percent of the horses returned to soundness, 17% had moderate gait impairment and 9% remained lame. Approximately 60% of the sports horses returned to an equal or higher level of performance, and 17.5% returned to a lower level. In the multivariate statistical analysis, the only significant factor that favourably influenced outcome was complete suture of the wound. A significant association could not be detected between outcome and absence of a functional extensor tendon, The most important post-surgical complication was extensive scarring of the wound. The present results report outcome of extensor tendon lacerations in a large number of horses and outline the importance of primary wound healing in order to avoid major scarring with potential functional consequences.

Chronic ocular lesions in tawny owls (Strix aluco ) injured by road traffic

The chronic ocular lesions suffered by 50 tawny owls (Strix aluco) injured by road traffic were investigated. They included non-healing corneal erosions, cataracts and retinal scarring, and periretinal membrane formation. The intraocular pressure was significantly lower in the eyes with intraocular inflammatory pathology and higher in the eyes with irido- or cyclodialysis than in ophthalmically normal eyes. Cicatritial retinal lesions were not associated with high titres of antibodies to Toxoplasma species. The findings correlate with those observed in human beings with eye injuries due to high-speed blunt trauma.

Endothelial cell hypertrophy is associated with microvascular occlusion in horse wounds

Wound repair in horse limbs is often complicated by excessive fibroplasia and scarring. Occlusion of the microvessels populating the granulation tissue appears to be involved in the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix during the repair of limb wounds. This study aimed to determine whether endothelial cell hypertrophy or hyperplasia, or both, contribute to microvascular occlusion and whether the pericyte is involved in this anomaly. We created 5 wounds, each 2.5 x 2.5 cm, on both forelimbs and on the body of 6 horses. One limb was bandaged to stimulate excessive wound fibroplasia. Weekly biopsy specimens were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy to measure microvessel luminal diameters and the surface area of endothelial cells and to count endothelial cells and pericytes. Microvessels were occluded significantly more often in limb wounds than in body wounds. The surface area of endothelial cells lining occluded microvessels (mean +/- standard error, 28.4013 +/- 1.5154 microm2) was significantly greater (P = 0.05) than that of cells lining patent microvessels (26.2220 +/- 1.5268 microm2). Conversely, neither the number of endothelial cells nor the number of pericytes differed between patent and occluded microvessels or between limb and body wounds. Furthermore, the wound location and the status of the microvessels (patent or occluded) did not alter the ratio of endothelial cells to pericytes. These data suggest that endothelial cell hypertrophy might play a role in the microvascular occlusion present in granulation tissue of limb wounds in horses, but the contribution of the pericyte remains obscure.

Surgical correction of ear curling caused by scar tissue formation in a horse

An 18-month-old Belgian Warmblood mare was evaluated because it had injured the outer convex aspect of the left auricle. Second intention healing of the wound area caused tissue contracture, which resulted in the tip of the ear curling backward. By use of a technique involving undermining of the skin and a flap of granulation tissue on the medial aspect of the wound area and multiple incisions of the auricular cartilage, the curling was relieved and the ear regained a more normal shape. A skin graft was applied to cover the existing wound defect in an attempt to accelerate wound healing; thermoplastic material was contoured to fit the inner concave surface of the ear for immobilization and fixation of the ear in its final shape after surgery. Thirty days after surgery, the graft had healed completely and the ear had a normal conformation. The successful outcome of this treatment suggests that correction of an ear deformity secondary to scar tissue formation by use of an adapted surgical technique and appropriate materials can be achieved with good cosmetic results in horses.

Surgical management of cicatricial ectropion following scarring dermatopathies in two dogs

Two dogs were presented with severe dermatopathies leading to cicatricial ectropion and severe surface ocular pathology. In one case, idiopathic sterile pyogranuloma was diagnosed on histopathology and managed with systemic immunosuppressive therapy. In the second case, demodicosis was diagnosed on skin scrapings and successfully treated with acaricidal medication. Following control of the underlying dermatopathies, both cases developed cicatricial ectropion as a result of scarring and contracture of eyelid tissue. Wharton-Jones (V-Y) blepharoplasties were performed on the affected eyelids and resulted in improved eyelid function and reduced corneal exposure in both cases.

Evaluation of Carolina Rinse solution as a treatment for ischaemia reperfusion of the equine jejunum

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY

Ileus and peritoneal adhesions are the most common complications following surgery for small intestinal obstruction. Carolina Rinse (CR) has been shown to decrease reperfusion injury in intestine and other organs.

HYPOTHESIS

CR decreases intestinal inflammation and subsequent scarring associated with reperfusion injury.

METHODS

CR was infused intra-arterially and applied topically just prior to reperfusion in jejunum exposed to experimental ischemia. Vascular permeability, neutrophil accumulation and serosal scarring were compared in treated and untreated intestine.

RESULTS

CR maintained a normal osmotic reflection coefficient and decreased migration of neutrophils into the serosa during reperfusion. After 10 days, treated intestine was normal in appearance with a trend toward less serosal scarring and fibroblast proliferation. There was a significant decrease in fibroplasia at biopsy sites in treated intestine.

CONCLUSIONS

Arterial perfusion combined with topical application of CR during jejunal ischaemia decreases immediate reperfusion injury and limits post operative scarring.

POTENTIAL RELEVANCE

CR should be used as a local perfusate rather than a systemic treatment; it may best be applied topically and intraluminally to avoid damaging mesenteric arteries. CR should be considered an adjunct treatment as part of overall surgical management and post operative care.

Spatial and Temporal Expression of Types I and II Receptors for Transforming Growth Factor beta in Normal Equine Skin and Dermal Wounds

OBJECTIVE

To describe immunolocalization of TGF-beta receptors (RI and RII) in normal equine skin and in thoracic or limb wounds, healing normally or with exuberant granulation tissue (EGT).

STUDY DESIGN

Group A: six wounds on one metacarpus and one midthoracic area. Group B: six wounds on both metacarpi, one of which was bandaged to stimulate EGT. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect RI and RII expression in wound margins.

ANIMALS

Eight horses, randomly assigned to one of two study groups.

METHODS

Neutralizing polyclonal anti-rabbit RI and RII antibodies were used to detect spatial expression of RI and RII in biopsies obtained before wounding, at 12 and 24 hours, and 5, 10 and 14 days after wounding.

RESULTS

RI and RII were co-localized in both unwounded and wounded skin. There were no differences in cell types staining positively between tissues obtained from the limb and the thorax, or from normally healing limb wounds and limb wounds with EGT, at any time. Because of increased cellularity within EGT, staining intensity of limb wounds with 'proud flesh' was greater than limb wounds healing normally, and thoracic wounds, during the proliferative phase of repair.

CONCLUSIONS

Strong expression of RI and RII, particularly in limb wounds with EGT, suggested that signalling for stimulation of matrix proteins is in place to contribute to scarring.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This information may help determine the appropriate time for using receptor antagonists to prevent scarring of limb wounds of horses.

Chronic hyperplastic and neoplastic cutaneous lesions (Marjolin's ulcer) in hot-brand sites in adult beef cattle

Linear exophytic cutaneous lesions (brand keratomas) are a chronic sequel to hot-iron branding in a small proportion of beef cattle in the western United States. Rarely, brand keratomas progress to form large ulcerated masses. Samples of chronically thickened skin were collected from 8 adult cattle with hot-brand lesions and from 2 cattle with ulcerated masses at brand sites. Cutaneous thickening was attributable to abrupt transition from normal haired skin to regular epidermal hyperplasia with marked orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, hypopigmentation, and loss of adnexae. Epithelial atypia was absent. Normal dermal collagen was replaced by mature granulation tissue containing islands of dense hyalinized collagen. Two cows, aged 5 and 13 years, developed large, slow-growing squamous cell carcinomas at brand sites. Malignancy in branded skin is a rare complication of hot-iron branding in cattle and may arise because of malignant transformation of brand keratomas.

Effects of epidural injections and transvaginal aspiration of ovarian follicles in heifers used repeatedly for ultrasound-guided retrieval of ova and embryo production

Postmortem examinations of 13 Simmental heifers that had received between 16 and 28 injections to induce caudal epidural anaesthesia, the last not less than seven months before they were slaughtered, showed that none of them had any evidence of infection or inflammation at the injection site or in adjacent bone and soft tissues. Seven of them had minor damage to intercoccygeal discs, consisting of discospondylosis with neovascularisation and chondroid metaplasia, consistent with injuries caused by needles. The severity of the damage was not related to the number of epidural injections received, suggesting that the damage was probably caused by a discrete suboptimal injection procedure. In a second study, the ovaries from 22 Simmental heifers that had undergone between 13 and 16 transvaginal follicular aspirations were examined postmortem. Approximately one-third of them had a natural texture with little or no evidence of scar tissue, and less than one in five had extensive scarring and a toughened texture. There was no evidence of compromised ovarian function, as determined by the number and normality of corpora lutea and large follicles, in any of the animals.

Prevalence and public health significance of blemishes in cuts of Irish beef

Between February 1999 and February 2000 more than 45,000 quarters of Irish beef cattle were examined for the presence of blemishes as they were cut into primal and subprimal cuts. A total of 2,379 blemishes, either scars or cysts, were found. Eight of the scars and one cyst tested positive for residues of inhibiting substances.

The effect of animal health products on the formation of injection site lesions in subprimals of experimentally injected beef calves

Two hundred and twenty beef calves were used in an experimental study to determine the occurrence of injection site lesions at slaughter (15 to 18 months of age) following subcutaneous and intramuscular injection of various products into the top hip (top butt), thigh (round), and neck or rib of calves at birth, branding, or weaning. Products tested were: 2 different preparations of selenium; a 2-way, a 7-way, and an 8-way clostridial bacterin; 2 combination 7-way clostridial and Haemophilus somnus bacterins; 2 H. somnus bacterins; 2 different 4-way modified-live viral respiratory vaccines; a 4-way killed viral and H. somnus vaccine; and penicillin, florfenicol, ceftiofur, trimethoprim-sulfa, and tilmicosin. The occurrence of lesions, number of steaks affected with lesions, the trim weight of lesions, the histological class of lesions, and the estimated economic losses are described. Generally, products administered subcutaneously in the neck produced minimal tissue damage and economic losses.

Association of herpesvirus with fibropapillomatosis of the green turtle Chelonia mydas and the loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta in Florida

Sea turtle fibropapillomatosis (FP) is a disease marked by proliferation of benign but debilitating cutaneous fibropapillomas and occasional visceral fibromas. Transmission experiments have implicated a chloroform-sensitive transforming agent present in filtered cell-free tumor homogenates in the etiology of FP. In this study, consensus primer PCR methodology was used to test the association of a chelonian herpesvirus with fibropapillomatosis. Fibropapilloma and skin samples were obtained from 17 green and 2 loggerhead turtles affected with FP stranded along the Florida coastline. Ninety-three cutaneous and visceral tumors from the 19 turtles, and 33 skin samples from 16 of the turtles, were tested. All turtles affected with FP had herpesvirus associated with their tumors as detected by PCR. Ninety-six percent (89/93) of the tumors, but only 9% (3/33) of the skin samples, from affected turtles contained detectable herpesvirus. The skin samples that contained herpesvirus were all within 2 cm of a fibropapilloma. Also, 1 of 11 scar tissue samples from sites where fibropapillomas had been removed 2 to 51 wk earlier from 5 green turtles contained detectable herpesvirus. None of 18 normal skin samples from 2 green and 2 loggerhead turtles stranded without FP contained herpesvirus. The data indicated that herpesvirus was detectable only within or close to tumors. To determine if the same virus infected both turtle species, partial nucleotide sequences of the herpesvirus DNA polymerase gene were determined from 6 loggerhead and 2 green turtle samples. The sequences predicted that herpesvirus of loggerhead turtles differed from those of green turtles by only 1 of 60 amino acids in the sequence examined, indicating that a chelonian herpesvirus exhibiting minor intratypic variation was the only herpesvirus present in tumors of both green and loggerhead turtles. The FP-associated herpesvirus resisted cultivation on chelonian cell lines which support the replication of other chelonian herpesviruses. These results lead to the conclusion that a chelonian herpesvirus is regularly associated with fibropapillomatosis and is not merely an incidental finding in affected turtles.

Reconstruction of a facial defect using the ear pinna as a composite flap

A four-month-old, female pit bull was evaluated for multiple, resolving, second- and third-degree burn wounds. The convex surface of the left pinna was severely burned and distorted. Contraction of a large (6 cm by 4 cm), facial cutaneous defect had resulted in contracture of surrounding normal skin and dorsal displacement of both upper eyelids. Decreased ability to blink predisposed the puppy to exposure keratitis. The cutaneous facial defect was repaired using the left pinna as a composite skin flap. Surgery resulted in a successful repair of the defect and immediate return of normal eyelid function.

Clinical appearances, healing patterns, risk factors, and outcomes of horses with fungal keratitis: 53 cases (1978-1996)

OBJECTIVE

To compare initial clinical appearances, healing mechanisms, risk factors, and outcomes of horses with fungal keratitis.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis.

ANIMALS

52 horses (53 eyes) with fungal keratitis.

PROCEDURE

Medical records and clinical photographs of eyes were reviewed. Keratomycoses were categorized on the basis of clinical appearance at initial examination and pattern of healing.

RESULTS

Five distinct forms of mycotic keratitis were recognized. Of 53 affected eyes, 34 (64%) retained sight and had varying degrees of corneal scarring after treatment, 6 (11%) had a cosmetic appearance but were blind, and 13 (25%) were enucleated. Bacterial-like ulcers were the most frequent type and the most difficult for predicting outcome. Eyes affected by superficial fungal keratitis were likely to be chronically infected and to require debridement and extended treatment but usually healed with minimal scarring. Keratomycosis with a surrounding furrow resulted in a grave prognosis. Aspergillus organisms were isolated from 9 of 10 such eyes. Cake-frosting material was a positive prognostic sign. Fungal corneal stromal abscesses tended to be caused by yeast.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

This information will aid practitioners in recognizing various forms of fungal keratitis and guide them when making therapeutic decisions and prognoses for affected horses.

Surgical reconstruction of severe cicatricial ectropion in a puppy

A three-month-old chow chow mixed-breed puppy was presented with severe cicatricial ectropion of the upper eyelids after being burned maliciously. The burn wounds healed by second intention with contracture, causing eversion, elevation, and immobilization of the upper eyelids. The puppy was unable to blink or close the upper eyelids due to cicatrix (i.e., scar) formation. Surgical repair using tissue-relaxing procedures was successful in reducing corneal exposure and improving the puppy's appearance.

A survey of injection site lesions in fed cattle in Canada

During November 1996 to January 1997, a survey was conducted at 5 Canadian purveyors to measure the prevalence of injection site lesions in the top butt, boneless blade, outside round, inside round, and eye of the round. As trimmers were cutting these subprimals into steaks, technicians monitored each steak for grossly obvious scars. These scars were trimmed, weighed, and scored as either a "clear scar," "woody callus," or "cyst." All scars were subsequently examined histologically and classified as a "clear scar," "woody callus," "scar with nodules," "mineralized scar," or "cyst." Pieces were observed for broken needles while being processed and none were found. The estimated prevalence of injection site lesions was 18.8% (95% CI, 16.4% to 21.2%) in top butts, 22.2% (95% CI, 18.8% to 25.7%) in boneless blades, 4.9% (95% CI, 3.6% to 6.3%) in the eye of round, 1.8% (95% CI, 1.1% to 2.9%) in the inside round, and 7.6% (95% CI, 5.6% to 9.8%) in the outside round. Some top butts originated from American fed cattle; the estimated prevalence of lesions was 9.0% (95% CI, 5.9% to 12.9%) in American top butts and 22.3% (95% CI, 19.4% to 25.3%) in Canadian top butts. The median weight of the lesions varied among subprimals and ranged from 64 g to 117 g. Histologically, 13% of the scars were clear scars, 47% were woody calluses, 5% were mineralized scars, 34% were scars with nodules, 0.2% were cysts, and 0.9% were normal fat infiltrations. An economic analysis estimated an average loss of $8.95 per fed animal processed or $19 million dollars annually to the Canadian beef industry from injection scars.

Squamous cell carcinoma originating from a cutaneous scar in a llama

A nonhealing wound associated with a laceration in a 12-year-old llama was evaluated. Initial attempts at closure were unsuccessful and biopsy revealed scar tissue. Subsequent biopsies, 18 mo later, revealed squamous cell carcinoma with regional metastasis. This report describes squamous cell carcinoma, secondary to a traumatic wound in a llama.

Sonography of the musculoskeletal system in dogs and cats

Sonography of the musculoskeletal system in dogs and cats was undertaken to evaluate the application of this imaging procedure in orthopedics. In most of the patients a 7.5 MHz linear transducer was used because of its flat application surface and its resolving power. The evaluation of bone by sonography is limited, but sonography can provide addition information regarding the bone surface and surrounding soft tissue. Ultrasound is valuable for assessing joint disease. Joint effusion, thickening of the joint capsule and cartilage defects can be identified sonographically. It is also possible to detect bone destruction. Instabilities are often identified with the help of a dynamic examination. Soft tissue abnormalities of the musculoskeletal system lend themselves to sonographic evaluation. Partial or complete muscles or tendon tears are able to be differentiated and the healing process can be monitored. Most of the diseases that are in the area of the biceps or the achilles tendon, such as dislocation of the tendon, old injuries with scarification, free dissecates in the tendonsheath, tendinitis and/or tendosynovitis can be differentiated by sonography. In addition, with clinical and laboratory findings, it is often possible to make a correct diagnosis with ultrasound in patients with abscesses, foreign bodies, hematomas, soft tissue tumors and lipomas.

Utilization of the serosal scarification model of postoperative intestinal adhesion formation to investigate potential adhesion-preventing substances in the rabbit

A rabbit serosal scarification model was utilized to compare the ability of four drugs, previously administered peri-operatively to horses undergoing exploratory celiotomy, to prevent the development of postoperative intestinal adhesions. The substances compared were 32% Dextran 70 (7 mL/kg), 1% sodium carboxymethylcellulose (7 mL/kg), trimethoprim-sulfadiazine (30 mg/kg), and flunixin meglumine (1 mg/kg). The first two were administered intra-abdominally following surgery, while the latter two were administered systemically in the peri-operative period. Fibrous adhesions were evident in all animals in the untreated serosal scarification group. No significant difference in the number of animals with adhesions was found between the untreated control group and any treatment group, nor among the treatment groups. Microscopic examination of adhesions collected at postmortem examination revealed fibers consistent with cotton, surrounded by a giant-cell reaction and ongoing acute inflammation. The source of the fibers was likely the cotton laparotomy sponges used to scarify the intestinal surface, since the pattern in the granuloma and sponge fibers appeared similar under polarized light. Though consistent intestinal adhesion formation was produced in the rabbit, the presence of foreign body granulomas may prevent consideration of this model for future research. The drugs tested were ineffective in preventing the formation of postoperative small intestinal adhesions in this model.

He-Ne laser therapy by fibroendoscopy in the mucosa of the equine upper airway

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

A study was made of the effects of low-level laser irradiation on the cicatrization of superficial wounds in the pharyngeal mucosa of the horse.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS

Duplicate pharyngeal mucosal ulcers were induced in 12 Spanish horses with submucosal injection of sulfuric acid. A fibroendoscope and an He-Ne laser were used to treat one of the ulcers and the second ulcer in each animal was left untreated, serving as a control. Biopsy samples for the histological study were taken after the seventh laser therapy session from the two animals.

RESULTS

Irradiated lesions cicatrized at 10.5 days and nonirradiated lesions cicatrized at 18.0 days. Statistical analysis revealed highly significant differences (P < 0.0001) between the irradiated and control groups. Histological study of the control samples showed epithelial coagulation necrosis, edema, and microthrombi. However, in samples from the irradiated lesions no inflammatory edema, numerous active fibroblasts, connective tissue, and intensive epithelial regeneration were observed.

CONCLUSION

Macroscopic and microscopic results indicated that laser treatment accelerated the cicatrization. Irradiated lesions cicatrized faster than control. These results suggest beneficial effects of low-level laser irradiation therapy on equine pharyngeal ulcerative lesions.

Transnasal incision of restrictive nasopharyngeal cicatrix in three horses

Three horses were found to have an extensive nasopharyngeal cicatrix that was responsible for respiratory impairment. The cicatrization was diagnosed by use of endoscopy during evaluations of the horses for inspiratory stridor. All 3 horses were treated by endoscope-guided transnasal incision of the cicatrix and were able to resume their previous activities.

Healing characteristics of free and pedicle fat grafts after dorsal laminectomy and durotomy in dogs

Dorsal laminectomy and durotomy were performed at thoracic vertebrae 12 and 13 (T12-T13) and lumbar vertebrae 1 and 2 (L1-L2) in 12 normal dogs. A free fat graft harvested from subcutaneous tissue adjacent to the incision was placed over the T12-T13 laminectomy site. A 75 X 25 X 5 mm pedicle fat graft harvested from a similar location was placed over the L1-L2 laminectomy site. Three dogs each were euthanatized at weeks 2, 4, 8, and 16. With both types of fat grafts, an initial inflammatory stage reduced the size of the graft approximately 50%. Axonal degeneration and demyelination of the spinal cord resolved by week 16. At week 16, the durotomy sites had healed, but the dura mater was adhered to the spinal cord. No difference between the grafts could be demonstrated by antemortem myelography and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. There was no demonstrable advantage to the use of pedicle fat grafts.

Squamous cell carcinoma originating from an epithelial scar in a horse

A Quarter Horse stallion developed an abscess over the left gluteal region after an IM injection of antihistamine. The wound healed with considerable fibrous scarring and some persistent granulation tissue. The lesion was static for 2 years before the granulation tissue went through a 6-month period of progressive enlargement. At that time, histopathologic diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma was made from excisional biopsy. Six months after diagnosis, the horse had lost body weight and the lesional diameter had further increased, so the horse was euthanatized.

Delayed wound closure and scar revision

Delayed closure is an underutilized technique that can produce a good cosmetic result in lower leg wounds and can significantly shorten the healing time. To be successful, the surgeon should be able to utilize tension-relieving techniques and manage dead space. Scar revision should be limited to simple elliptical excision or modifications thereof until experience is developed. Sliding skin flaps, Z-plasties, and W-plasties are used infrequently and require adequate preoperative planning.

The use of skin expansion to repair cosmetic defects in animals

Skin expansion was used in three horses, one heifer, and one dog to aid in the repair of cosmetic defects. Skin expansion was produced by inserting an expandable silicone device subcutaneously and gradually inflating the device with saline. Skin expansion allowed skin to be mobilized and sutured over cosmetic defects without excessive tension. A successful outcome was achieved in four of the five cases reported here. In one animal, two attempts to create a pocket for a silicone prosthesis failed because the expanders ruptured. Complications included implant failure, wound dehiscence, and exposure of an expander. Skin expansion can be used to enable closure of skin defects in areas where skin tension usually precludes repair by local transposition.

Nasopharyngeal cicatrices in horses: 47 cases (1972-1985)

Nasopharyngeal cicatrices were observed endoscopically in 47 horses examined because of abnormal respiratory noises and/or exercise intolerance. A review of these cases revealed a correlation between cicatrization and age, sex, and the presence of other upper airway abnormalities. The age of affected horses ranged from 6 to 21 years, with a mean age of 12.7 +/- 7.8 (+/- 2 SD) years. Females were affected 2.7 times more frequently than males. Abnormalities commonly observed with a nasopharyngeal cicatrix included chondritis of the arytenoid cartilage, epiglottic deformity, and deformity of the guttural pouch openings. The nasopharyngeal cicatrix was responsible for respiratory obstruction in only 3 horses. Treatment for the cicatrix was not performed on any horse in this series. Generalized nasopharyngeal and laryngeal inflammation were postulated as causes of the cicatrices and associated abnormalities.

Surgical repair of an esophageal stricture in a horse

An esophageal stricture was diagnosed in a 9-month-old quarterhorse by esophagoscopy and positive pressure contrast esophagography. Medical management and two attempts at surgical intervention were unsuccessful. The initial surgical technique used was a linear esophagotomy, mucosal resection and anastomosis, and closure of the muscular tunic, which resulted in a more severe stricture. The second surgical procedure was interruption of the stricture cicatrix by a single linear esophagotomy and primary closure of only the esophageal muscular tunic. This technique resulted in an increased lumen diameter, but failed to adequately resolve the stricture. Successful resolution of the stricture with return to a normal diet was achieved by a two stage repair using formation of an esophagostomy to stabilize the esophagus, followed by fenestration of the mucosal-submucosal cicatrix. Six months postoperatively, the horse was asymptomatic on a normal diet.

Effect of environmental change on injuries of udder and legs in dairy cows

Injuries of udder and legs of dairy cows in a changed production environment were studied in two herds. The frequency of injuries of udder and teat skin decreased in the renovated tying stall. The stall length and also the cubicle length was too short for large cows in old cowsheds which caused lesions on the skin of udder and legs. The new concrete on floors was rough and kept the wearing of hooves moderate. The yoke tying and the low level of manger worsened the fore leg conditions in the renovated tying stall. In the new loose house the incidence of injuries did not change markedly.

Cell morphology and collagen types in equine tendon scar

The histological appearance of cells and tissues in the reparative scar tissue which forms in the equine superficial flexor tendon following partial rupture was compared to that of normal tendon. The repair fibroblasts were found to be larger and more basophilic than the tenocytes of normal tendon, to have large vesicular nuclei and to resemble the 'myofibroblasts' described in scar tissue elsewhere. The cell to matrix ratio in scarred zones of tendon was found to be increased and the concentration of collagen in these areas was less than in normal tendon. However, the scar tissue collagen was more readily extractable and contained a different pattern of collagen types. Normal equine tendon was found to be composed almost exclusively of type I collagen whereas the scarred tendon had substantial quantities (20 to 30 per cent) of type III collagen in addition to type I. The presence of type III collagen in the scarred tendon was confirmed by indirect immunofluorescence using antibodies to purified type III collagen. These observations suggest that tendon scar tissue is not derived from proliferating tenocytes but from mesenchymal cells resting in peritendinous connective tissue or blood vessels. As a result of the presence of type III collagen, the scarred tendon is also likely to have less tensile strength than normal tendon.

Morphologic evidence of poxvirus in "tattoo" lesions from captive bottlenosed dolphins

Skin lesions known as "tattoos", were observed in several captive Atlantic bottlenosed dolphins (tursiops truncatus) maintained at the Naval Ocean Systems Center, San Diego, California. Biopsy of typical lesions and subsequent ultrastructural examination revealed intracytoplasmic particles with poxvirus morphology.

Autologous, split skin transplantation on the lower limbs of horses

The skin grafting experiments were carried out on the cannon regions of horses to throw light on four matters relating to split skin transplantation. They were: The thickness of donor split skin that would provide good wound cover and still leave adequate tissue to permit uneventful healing at the donor site; whether split skin grafts were more readily accepted on fresh than on granulating wounds; the size of wounds that would benefit from grafting; and the maximum size of graft that would be readily accepted. The findings were: Split skin grafts 0.76 mm thickness gave the best results although grafts 0.63 mm thickness were satisfactory; split skin grafts were accepted more readily on fresh wounds than on granulating tissue; wounds which exceeded 1/10th of the skin area on the cannon region justified grafting; the upper limit in size was not established as the largest grafts used were more readily accepted than smaller grafts.