Veterinary Clinical Digest

Latest Issue: Issue 6 continued

1. 
2. Difference in incisional complications following exploratory celiotomies using antibacterial-coated suture material for subcutaneous closure: Prospective randomised study in 100 horses.
3. Bischofberger, A.S., Brauer, T., Gugelchuk, G. and Klohnen, A. (2010)
4. Equine Veterinary Journal. 42, 304-309.

5. Show Summary

   Incisional complications are a major post operative challenge following ventral midline exploratory celiotomy for abdominal pain in horses leading to discomfort, prolonged hospitalisation, longer recovery times and increased cost; therefore, investigation of preventative procedures is warranted.
   
   This study was performed to determine the clinical effect of antibacterial (triclosan) coated 2-0 polyglactin 910 suture material on the likelihood of incisional infections when used for closure of subcutaneous tissue following ventral midline celiotomies in horses.
   
   One hundred horses undergoing exploratory celiotomy were assigned at random to one of 2 groups. In the control group coated 2-0 polyglactin 910 (Vicryl) was used for apposition of the subcutaneous tissue in a simple continuous pattern and, in the study group, antibacterial (triclosan) coated 2-0 polyglactin 910 suture material (Vicryl Plus) was used. An elastic adhesive abdominal bandage was applied post operatively, changed and the incision inspected by a clinician blinded to the study protocol at 24–36 h and 6–9 days post operatively. Outcomes of interest were evidence of incisional pain, incisional oedema, sheath/udder oedema, incisional drainage, hernia formation and dehiscence.
   
   The results of the study showed that antibacterial- coated suture material did not decrease the likelihood of incisional complications in 100 horses and concluded that a beneficial effect on ventral midline incisions in the horse studied was not evident by using antibacterial-coated suture material. Lack of effectiveness of antibacterial-coated suture material in equine ventral midline closure after exploratory celiotomy and observed potential adverse affects suggest that further clinical investigations are needed before using such material routinely on horses.

6. View Full Text (Free)

1. 
2. Concurrent or sequential development of medial meniscal and subchondral cystic lesions within the medial femorotibial joint in horses (1996–2006)
3. Hendrix, S.M., Baxter, G.M., McIlwraith, C.W., Hendrickson, D., Goodrich, L.R., Frisbie, D.D. and Trotter, G.W. (2010)
4. Equine Veterinary Journal. 42, 5-9.

5. Show Summary

   Medial meniscal injuries and subchondral cystic lesions (SCL) are known to occur independently within the medial femorotibial (MFT) joint in horses with no previous reports of a potential clinical relationship between these 2 types of lesions. The study aimed to document the concurrent presence or sequential development of medial meniscal injuries and SCL of the medial femoral condyle within the MFT joint and determine the prognosis with both types of lesions.
   
   Retrospective case series of horses with both a medial meniscal injury and SCL of the medial femoral condyle identified concurrently or sequentially by radiography, arthroscopy or post mortem examination were reviewed. Case records, radiographs and a telephone survey of referring veterinarians, owners and trainers were used.
   
   Twenty-one horses (9.1% of all horses undergoing MFT joint arthroscopy) were identified to have a medial meniscal injury and SCL of the medial femoral condyle. Thirteen horses had both abnormalities identified concurrently, 6 developed a meniscal lesion subsequent to SCL debridement and 2 developed a SCL subsequent to a medial meniscal injury. Only 4/19 horses were classified as successful and returned to their intended use. The severity of meniscal injury was significantly associated with the severity of lameness but not with outcome.
   
   The conclusions of the study were that a low percentage of horses may develop both a meniscal injury and SCL of the medial femoral condyle within the MFT joint and have a poor prognosis. Trauma to the MFT joint may lead to both meniscal and subchondral bone damage of the medial femoral condyle that may be recognised concurrently or sequentially.

6. View Full Text (Free)

1. 
2. Standing magnetic resonance imaging detection of bone marrow oedema-type signal pattern associated with subcarpal pain in 8 racehorses: A prospective study
3. Powell, S.E., Ramzan, P.H.L., Head, M.J., Shepherd, M.C., Baldwin, G.I. and Steven, W.N. (2010)
4. Equine Veterinary Journal. 42, 10-17.

5. Show Summary

   The proximal metacarpal region is a common site of origin of lameness in the performance horse. A number of disease entities are recognised as causes of proximal metacarpal lameness but a definitive diagnosis is often elusive. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is hypothesised to offer advantages over traditional imaging modalities in the investigation of proximal metacarpal pain. This study aimed to describe clinical and imaging features of cases of lameness in racehorses arising from the proximal metacarpal region in which standing MRI identified 'bone marrow oedema-type' (BMO-type) signal patterns.
   
   The records of all horses undergoing standing MRI of the proximal metacarpus/distal carpus from September 2006 to December 2008 were reviewed. Cases underwent a standardised protocol for diagnostic analgesia, radiography and ultrasonography of the proximal metacarpus and distal carpus. Cases with proximal metacarpal lameness displaying a characteristic BMO-type signal pattern on MRI were identified and outcomes analysed.
   
   Eight cases were identified with characteristic MRI findings of extensive hyperintensity on T2* gradient echo and short tau inversion fast spin echo sequences and corresponding hypointensity on T1 gradient echo images within the palmaroproximal aspect of the third metacarpal bone. Follow-up information was available for all cases; at the time of writing 7/8 had returned to full work and were free from lameness.
   
   It was concluded that the BMO-type signal patterns visible on MR images in these cases may signal the existence of a previously under-diagnosed pathological process associated with proximal metacarpal lameness in racehorses. This finding is postulated to be associated with a stress reaction and possible prodromal stress fracture of the palmaroproximal metacarpus not appreciable radiographically or ultrasonographically. MRI of the proximal metacarpal region permits detection of pathological processes which may elude conventional imaging and has important therapeutic and prognostic implications in these cases.

6. View Full Text (Free)