Search

Objective To report surgical management bilateral lateral patellar luxation in a mature alpaca using a combination of trochlear wedge recession (TWR), tibial tuberosity transposition (TTT), and joint capsule imbrication. Study Design Clinical case report. Animals 9-year-old castrated male Alpaca. Methods Bilateral, grade III/IV, lateral patellar luxation was identified by palpation, lameness examination and confirmed with radiography and ultrasonography. Surgical procedures were staged, with the left stifle treated first. Bilateral TWR, TTT, and joint capsule imbrication were performed. Outcome was assessed by radiography and follow up lameness examinations. Results An immediate improvement in weight bearing occurred after surgery of the left hind limb. Five months after initial surgery, right hind limb patella luxation was corrected. After surgery on the 2nd limb, the alpaca had progressive improvement in weight bearing during hospitalization. At 12 months, there were no signs of lameness and the alpaca had resumed normal activities. Conclusions For bilateral lateral patellar luxation, a combination of TWR, TTT, and joint capsule imbrication resulted in excellent long-term outcome.

SummaryThe clinical signs, radiographic findings, surgical treatment, and outcome of three horses with luxation of the distal tarsal joints are reported. Two patients showed luxations of the tarsometatarsal joint whereas luxation of the proximal intertarsal joint was found in one case. Open reduction, followed by internal fixation was performed in two horses and closed reduction with a transfixation pin cast was performed in the third. The treatment in all three cases resulted in a satisfactory clinical outcome.

Objective: To report outcome of horses after standing pararectal cystotomy for removal of uroliths. Study Design: Case series. Animals: Horses (n=9) with cystic calculi. Methods: Medical records (December 1998–May 2007) of horses with cystic calculi that had standing pararectal cystotomy were reviewed. Signalment; urolith number, size, and type; surgical technique; sedation and analgesia protocols; intra- and postoperative complications and outcome were analyzed. Results: Uroliths (mean diameter, 6.37 cm; median, 6 cm; range, 3–10 cm) were removed intact without need for fragmentation. Eight (89%) horses had no complications and 1 horse (11%) developed persistent drainage from the perineal incision and incisional healing was prolonged. The complications resolved after wound revision, and although cystoscopy showed absence of uroliths, the clinical signs associated with cystitis recurred. Conclusions: Cystic calculi can be removed safely in standing horses using a pararectal approach. The procedure was well tolerated and no serious complications were encountered. Clinical Relevance: Pararectal cystotomy allows removal of cystic calculi in standing sedated horses. The technique may offer an economic advantage over approaches that require general anesthesia.

Summary This study was undertaken to describe the technique, complications and outcome of the use of a chain ecraseur for transpalpebral enucleation in horses under general anaesthesia. We report its use in 53 horses, reviewing the subject details, reasons for enucleation, surgical technique, intra- and post operative complications, and long-term outcome. Intraoperative complications included mild to moderate bleeding in 4 horses. Post operative complications included mild periorbital post operative swelling in one horse, transient head tilt in one horse and severe enterocolitis, which resulted in euthanasia in one horse; another 2 horses were subjected to euthanasia after long bone fractures that occurred during recovery from general anaesthesia and 2 horses had the prosthesis removed as a result of inflammatory reaction or infection. Long-term outcome was available for 38 horses, 25 of which returned to their previous activities and 13 were retired. Twelve horses were lost for follow-up. Transpalpebral enucleation using a chain ecraseur is a feasible alternative to traditional enucleation techniques that can provide adequate haemostasis during transection of the optic pedicle when used properly.