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Background Dental disease is a troublesome health concern in alpacas. Specifically, the occurrence of tooth root abscesses has been described in veterinary literature. Nevertheless, no objective prevalence data are available for dental disorders in alpacas. Hypothesis/objectives To determine the prevalence of dental disorders in alpaca herds in Belgium and the Netherlands. To study the associations between the different dental disorders encountered in alpacas. Animals A total of 228 alpacas (Vicugna pacos) originating from 25 farms. Methods This is a cross-sectional study. Dental disorders were diagnosed by dental examination of sedated animals using a dental mirror or a portable rigid oroscope. Results At the animal level, 82% (n = 187) had dental disorders of which 74.6, 41.7, and 3.9% were cheek teeth, incisor disorders, and canine disorders, respectively. At the level of the cheek teeth, diastemata (43.1%) were most common, followed by wear abnormalities (WA; 39.6%) and periodontal disease (PD; 33.3%). A significant association was detected between the presence of diastemata and PD (odds ratio [OR], 13.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.6-27.7; P < .001). Pulp exposure was significantly associated with the presence of diastemata (OR, 11.8; 95% CI, 3.8-51.5; P < .001), PD (OR, 8.2; 95% CI, 3.1-25.3; P < .001) and WA (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.2-7.4; P = .002). Conclusion and Clinical Importance Dental disorders are highly prevalent in alpacas in Belgium and the Netherlands. Several dental disorders in alpacas had significant associations. To prevent the development of advanced stages of dental disease, routine dental examinations are advised to allow early detection and prompt treatment.

Background Dental disorders, of which tooth root abscesses are best documented, are highly prevalent in alpacas. Identification of risk factors can be valuable for prevention of dental disorders in this species. Hypothesis/Objectives To identify risk factors associated with wear abnormalities, malpositioning, diastemata, periodontal disease (PD), and occlusal pulp exposure at the level of the cheek teeth. Animals Two hundred twenty-eight alpacas (Vicugna pacos) from 25 farms. Methods Cross-sectional study. Dental examinations were performed on sedated animals. Risk factors were determined by clinical examination and interview. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for wear abnormalities, malpositioned teeth, diastemata, PD, and occlusal pulp exposure. Results Mandibular swelling was significantly associated with PD (odds ratio [OR], 11.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.27-48.81; P < .001). Nearly 73% of included animals with mandibular swelling concurrently had PD. For every increase in herd size of 1 animal, the risk for PD increased by 2% (95% CI, 1-4%; P = .01). The association between severe stages of PD and body condition score (BCS) indicates a painful situation, impairing animal welfare (P < .001). For each 1-day increase in interval between pasture cleanings, the odds of finding pulp exposure for a single animal was estimated to increase by 1% (95% CI, 0-2%; P = .05). Conclusion and Clinical Importance Simple management tools such as measuring BCS, palpating the mandible for bony swellings, removing feces from pasture on a regular basis and decreasing herd size might help identify animals at risk for dental disorders or prevent their development.

In deel 1 en 2 van deze reeks over tandheelkunde bij het paard, die respectievelijk in nummer 4 van 2015 en 2016 verschenen zijn, werden de meest voorkomende problemen van het paardengebit en hun diagnose toegelicht. In dit derde en laatste deel wordt er dieper ingegaan op mogelijke behandelingsopties en de gevallen waarin ze kunnen worden toegepast. Samen met de groeiende belangstelling voor het paardengebit en de toenemende kennis hiervan zijn de behandelingsopties en het beschikbare instrumentarium in de loop der jaren sterk geëvolueerd. Dit geeft zowel de praktijkdierenarts als de meer gespecialiseerde dierenarts de mogelijkheid om zeer uiteenlopende gebitsproblemen afdoende te behandelen.

Two horses were presented with problems during ridden exercise due to a firm, sensitive swelling at the level of the cheek adjacent to an upper Triadan 06. Oral, radiographic and computed tomographic examinations (n=1) identified the presence of a palatal supernumerary tooth being the causing factor of a buccally displaced 06. In both cases, the supernumerary tooth was extracted on the standing sedated horse. A couple of months following extraction, the buccally displaced tooth had spontaneously moved into a more physiological position due to orthodontic forces of the cheek and masticatory forces. Both horses uneventfully returned to ridden work without further problems.

Idiopathic sino-nasal obstruction resulting in retention of large amounts of liquid in the paranasal sinus compartments was diagnosed in seven young (2. 2 ± 0.7 years) miniature-breed horses based on clinical, endoscopic, radiographic, and CT scan examinations. The most prevalent clinical signs included decreased or no airflow from the nostril(s) (7/7) and nasal discharge (6/7). The problem presented bilaterally in six of seven cases. An alternative sino-nasal communication was created through bone flap osteotomy surgery and perforation of the ventromedial floor of the dorsal conchae in all cases, followed by fixation of silicone irrigation tubes/Foley catheters in six of seven cases to keep the newly created ostium patent. This resulted in long-term resolution of the problem with good cosmetic appearance in all animals following a median period of 19 months. Premature loss of fixed tubes was reported in three cases.

Background Despite dental disease being a common health concern in alpacas, important dental pathology including apical infection, remains poorly understood. Treatment options are limited compared to veterinary dentistry techniques in other species. The primary goal of this study was to increase understanding of the external and internal anatomy of mandibular cheek teeth to enable the development of tooth sparing techniques in this species. Also, an objective evaluation of the sub-occlusal dentinal thickness in normal mandibular cheek teeth is warranted to understand the risks associated with reduction of overgrown teeth. Results Overall pulp anatomy was variably characterized by the presence of a common pulp chamber in younger teeth, and segmentation of pulp cavities into multiple separate pulp entities within the same tooth with increasing age. A common pulp chamber was identified in 55.3% (26/47) of teeth with a mean dental age of 1 year and 11 months (± 1 year and 8 months). Columnar segmentation was recorded in the remaining teeth with a mean dental age of 6 years and 5 months (± 3 years and 11 months). Age of segmentation of the common pulp chamber into multiple separate pulp entities shows wide variation and is dependent of the specific Triadan position. The present study illustrates the presence of disto-mesial root contacts between adjacent tooth roots, often leading to morphological adaptations, most frequently observed between Triadan 09–10s (80%) and 10–11s (67%). The measured sub-occlusal dentinal thickness was as low as 1.11 mm over some pulp horns. The sub-occlusal dentinal thickness was lower than 2, 3, and 4 mm in 13.1, 38.1 and 61.4% of performed measurements, respectively. Conclusion This study provides detailed information on age-dependent mandibular cheek teeth anatomy in alpacas, which may support the use and development of advanced dental treatments in this species such as endodontics and tooth sectioning techniques. Apical morphological adaptations caused by disto-mesial root contact between adjacent mandibular cheek teeth are clearly illustrated. The limited amount of sub-occlusal secondary dentin warrants a cautious approach with regards to dental floating in alpacas.

Alfaxalone is a synthetic neurosteroid anesthetic agent widely used in veterinary medicine, with a wide margin of safety and good quality of anesthesia. Also, alfaxalone has rapid biotransformation and a low tendency to accumulate in the tissues after repeated doses, which favors its intravenous use as a constant rate infusion. The aim of the study was to assess the isoflurane-sparing property and the clinical effects on the cardiorespiratory system of alfaxalone used as constant rate infusion in goats. Three healthy female goats were included in the study. Each goat was anesthetized twice (interval fifteen days) and received the following treatments in a random order during maintenance of anesthesia: 1. alfaxalone administered as a constant rate infusion at 0.05 mg/kg/min (treatment A); 2. NaCl 0.9% solution at an identical infusion rate (treatment B). Isoflurane vaporizer settings were adjusted according to a flow-chart. The SpO2 was significantly lower during treatment B than during treatment A. Although no significant differences were demonstrated for the other variables (heart rate, etc.), a clinical effect was noticed, including a modest decrease in the expired isoflurane concentration with treatment A. In conclusion, the co-administration of alfaxalone in isoflurane-anesthetized goats seems to result in only minimal side effects on cardiorespiratory parameters and may reduce the isoflurane requirements, but further studies are needed to confirm these results.

Objective: To describe the anatomy of the entry to the equine esophagus (vestibulum esophagi) and to assess the risk of penetrating its adventitia and/or lumen during laryngoplasty. Study design: Ex vivo cadaveric study. Sample population: Five isolated equine larynges and 39 equine head and neck specimens. Methods: The anatomy of the vestibulum esophagi was studied by dissection of 5 cadaver specimens. Then, a bilateral laryngoplasty was performed, including 5 suture placements through the muscular processes, caudal, rostral, and sagittal, with straight and curved needles. Two of the 3 surgeons performing the implantations were unaware of the goals of the study. Suture positions and iatrogenic trauma to the lumen and/or adventitia of the vestibulum esophagi were identified during dissection of the specimens. Risk factors for penetrating the adventitia were evaluated with a multivariate regression model. Results: The vestibulum esophagi spans between both wings of the thyroid cartilage over the entire width of the larynx, covering the rostral spine (arcuate crest) of the arytenoid cartilages. It is covered by the thyropharyngeus and cricopharyngeus muscles. Masked surgeons were associated with a significantly higher number of adventitia penetrations (72%) compared to the nonmasked surgeon (9%). The lumen of the vestibulum esophagi was penetrated in 4.6% of suture placements and only by the 2 masked surgeons. Conclusion: Penetration of the adventitia was more common when surgeons were unaware of the anatomical extent of the vestibulum esophagi. Clinical significance: Anatomical knowledge of the extent of the vestibulum esophagi reduces the risk of penetrating its lumen or adventitia during suture placement on the muscular process of the arytenoid cartilage.

Background: Necrotic laryngitis, caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum, frequently requires surgical intervention (laryngostomy) in the chronic stage. Hypothesis/Objectives: To determine survival until slaughter of cattle surgically treated for necrotic laryngitis and to identify predictors of mortality. Animals: A total of 221 cattle diagnosed with necrotic laryngitis by laryngoscopy and surgically treated Methods: Retrospective cohort study. Clinical records were matched with the national cattle identification, registration, and movement database. Information on possible predictors including clinical examination, biochemistry, and surgery was collected. A multivariable Cox proportional hazard model was used to identify predictors of mortality. Results: The overall survival rate was 65.2% and 58.6% of the animals with a completed life cycle could be slaughtered. Animals

Background: Fissures of the occlusal surface of equine cheek teeth are commonly encountered during oral examination but their aetiology is unknown. Objectives: To examine the prevalence and characteristics of occlusal fissures in cadaver teeth. It is hypothesised that their prevalence is influenced by masticatory forces. Consequently, their possible association with wear disorders and occlusal angles were examined. Study design: Cross-sectional survey. Methods: The dental abnormalities and occlusal fissure findings in the cheek teeth of 143 cadaver heads were recorded. The cheek teeth occlusal angles were measured using the stiff-hinge technique. Multiple regression analyses were performed to establish possible relationships between age, sex, dental wear, occlusal angle and fissure prevalence. Results: Occlusal fissures were found in 103/143 (72%) heads. Sex and age were determining factors in the prevalence of fissures. A similar prevalence was found in mandibular (54.1%) and maxillary teeth (45.9%, OR = 1.10; 95% CI = 0.95-1.29, P = 0.2). Mandibular fissures were more commonly located on the buccal aspect (OR = 1.42; 95% CI = 1.16-1.65, P < 0.001), whereas for maxillary fissures there was no difference in prevalence between palatal and buccal aspects (OR = 1.19; 95% CI = 0.97-1.46, P = 0.1). Two main fissure types were identified. Type 1a fissures were the most prevalent type (39.5%). No significant correlation was found between the presence of wear abnormalities or the occlusal angle of cheek teeth, and the prevalence of fissures. Main limitations: No dental histories were available. Conclusion: Equine cheek teeth show a high prevalence of occlusal fissures. Despite some evidence of predilection sites on the tooth surface that might indicate a mechanical aetiology for these lesions, no associations were found with wear abnormalities or occlusal angles of affected cheek teeth. Further histological and ultrastructural studies are warranted to elucidate their aetiology and possible role in other dental diseases.

The association between bovine papillomavirus (BPV) and equine sarcoids is well established, but it is unclear how the virus spreads. Although evidence in support of viral spread through direct animal contact exists, this does not explain sarcoid development in isolated equids. BPV DNA has been detected in flies, which could indicate that these insects serve as a vector. This study aimed to investigate whether BPV-negative stable flies (Stomoxys calcitrans) become positive for BPV DNA after exposure to equine sarcoid or bovine papilloma tissue under experimental conditions and, if so, for how long. A total of 420 stable flies were caught alive and exposed to BPV positive equine sarcoid or bovine papilloma tissue. During the following week, dead flies were collected daily and BPV loads were determined by quantitative PCR. There was a significant rise in BPV load after tissue exposure both in sarcoid and papilloma exposed flies, but the viral load was higher and remained high for a longer time after exposure to papilloma tissue compared to sarcoid tissue. Within days, viral loads decreased again and became indifferent from loads before exposure. The results of these experiments indicate that BPV transmission by S. calcitrans seems possible and is more likely to occur after contact with bovine papillomas than with equine sarcoids. Transmission seems only possible shortly after tissue exposure. Further research could include experimental induction of sarcoids with BPV positive stable flies, or a repeat of the experiment with micro-dissection prior to PCR.

The equine head is a complex structure prone to traumatic injuries. To determine the value and limitations of radiography and (CT) for the diagnosis of skull fracture, the differences between the two modalities were described. Two observers retrospectively reviewed the radiographic and CT images of 18 horses with a skull fracture. To allow direct comparison between the two modalities, a simplified fracture classification system was used. In 3/18 cases the evaluation of the radiographic examination concluded no injuries visible. In 2/15 cases soft tissue involvement was not detected and in 7/15 cases the extension of the fracture was underestimated with radiography. Radiography classified 4/10 multiple fractures incorrectly as single fracture and 5/15 comminuted fractures on CT were diagnosed as simple fracture with radiography. The number of fragments was underestimated with radiography in 14/15 cases. In conclusion, radiography is able to diagnose a skull fracture in most cases. Skull fractures however are not similarly classified after radiographic and CT evaluation, which causes a difference in interpretation and perception of the fractures. Therefore, CT should be the modality of choice for surgical planning and prognosis.

Summary Cystic lesions are not very common in the horse. When occurring in the equine skull, they are mainly located in the paranasal sinuses, but occasionally lesions in the maxillary bone and mandible have been reported. The expansive character of these cystic lesions necessitates surgical treatment. The conventional surgical treatment of cystic lesions usually involves drainage, surgical excision and curettage of the cystic wall and all abnormal tissue. This case report describes the diagnosis and treatment of maxillary bone cysts in two cases. Due to the anatomical location of the bone cysts in the presented cases, excision and extensive curettage would have caused considerable collateral damage to important structures. For this reason, the surgical treatment was performed minimally invasively, including intralesional injection with 10% formalin solution, after which the lesions were flushed with saline solution.

Made available in DSpace on 2019-10-06T15:37:52Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2019-05-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Objective: To determine the required rate of a detomidine infusion (loading dose 5 μg kg −1 ; initial rate 12.5 μg kg −1 hour −1 ) added to a constant infusion of methadone (0.2 mg kg −1 ; 0.05 mg kg −1 hour −1 ) for sedation in standing horses and ponies undergoing elective surgeries with appropriate local anaesthetic techniques. Study design: Prospective, clinical study. Animals: Adult, healthy, client-owned, non-food-producing horses or ponies sedated for elective standing surgeries longer than 45 minutes. Methods: At baseline (in the stables before administration of sedative agents), at 10 minutes after sedation and every 5 minutes thereafter, ataxia, sedation and surgical condition were evaluated; each scored 0–3. These scores were used to adjust the detomidine administration rate using the Ghent Sedation Algorithm. A 10 cm visual analogue scale (VAS) was used by the main surgeon at the end of the procedure to evaluate the surgical conditions. Heart rate, systolic arterial pressure and respiratory frequency were also recorded at each time point. For statistical analysis, ANOVA for normal, Kruskal–Wallis H-test for non-normal variables, and Mann–Whitney U test for VAS were used. Results: From the 42 horses/ponies included in this study, 28 underwent dental procedures and 14 other types of procedures. Overall, dental procedures required higher mean detomidine rates compared with other types of surgeries (16.9 ± 4.5 versus 9.0 ± 1.9 μg kg −1 hour −1 ) (p < 0.001). Dental procedures were assigned similar VAS scores, median (range), of 7.8 (5.8–10) with other procedures, 8.7 (2.8–10). Cardiovascular changes were not clinically significant. No signs or behavioural changes of abdominal pain were observed postoperatively. Conclusions and clinical relevance: Satisfactory surgical conditions were achieved using a combination of detomidine and methadone infusions with locoregional anaesthesia, with no adverse effects. Dental procedures required higher detomidine dose rates compared with other surgeries. The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute University of Edinburgh School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science São Paulo State University (UNESP) Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Ghent University School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science São Paulo State University (UNESP) FAPESP: 2014/00474-5 FAPESP: 2017/01425-6

OBJECTIVE To evaluate outcomes following treatment of sarcoids in equids and to identify risk factors for treatment failure in these patients. DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 230 equids with 614 sarcoids. PROCEDURES Records were searched to identify equids treated for ≥ 1 sarcoid between 2008 and 2013. A standardized protocol was used to determine treatment choice (electrosurgery, electrosurgery with intralesional placement of cisplatin-containing beads, topical administration of imiquimod or acyclovir, cryosurgery, bacillus Calmette-Guerin vaccine injection, or intralesional injection of platinum-containing drugs). Data regarding animal, tumor, treatment, and outcome variables were collected. Complete tumor regression without recurrence for ≥ 6 months was considered a successful outcome. Success rates were calculated; binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for treatment failure and to compare effects of the 2 topical treatments. A χ2 test was used to compare effects of the number of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin vaccine or cisplatin-containing drug injections on outcome. RESULTS The overall success rate was 460 of 614 (74.9%). Electrosurgical excision resulted in the highest treatment success rate (277/319 [86.8%]); odds of treatment failure were significantly greater for intralesional injection of platinum-containing drugs, cryosurgery, and topical acyclovir treatment. Odds of treatment failure were also significantly greater for sarcoids on equids with multiple tumors than for solitary lesions, and significantly lower for sarcoids on equids that received concurrent immunostimulating treatment for another sarcoid than for those on patients that did not receive such treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Selection bias for treatments was inherent to the study design; however, results may assist clinicians in selecting treatments and in determining prognosis for equids with sarcoids treated according to the described methods.

Objective To report the long term clinical outcome of calves treated surgically or managed conservatively for bovine spastic paresis of the gastrocnemius (BSP-G), quadriceps femoris muscle (BSP-Q), or mixed muscle involvement (BSP-M). Study Design Retrospective case study. Animals Calves (n = 79) with bovine spastic paresis. Methods Medical records of calves treated by partial tibial neurectomy or managed conservatively for bovine spastic paresis were analyzed for sex, breed, lineage history, and the onset, duration, and severity of clinical signs. Cases were classified as unilateral or bilateral BSP-G, BSP-Q, or BSP-M. Long term follow-up information was obtained by telephone questionnaire. Results The study group included 26 BSP-G (33%), 16 BSP-Q (20%), and 37 BSP-M (47%) calves. BSP-M and BSP-Q calves were significantly more bilaterally affected compared to BSP-G calves. Twenty-five of 26 BSP-G calves were treated surgically; 86% had complete resolution of clinical signs. Twenty-nine of 37 BSP-M calves were treated surgically; 81.5% improved, but none completely recovered. In all of the conservatively managed BSP-M calves, clinical signs gradually worsened. None of the BSP-Q calves were treated surgically; in 66.7%, clinical signs gradually worsened and 33.3% of calves spontaneously improved. Conclusion Partial tibial neurectomy is advocated for the treatment of BSP-G and in selected cases of BSP-M. However, only partial resolution of clinical signs should be expected for BSP-M. No surgical treatment exists for BSP-Q calves, although spontaneous improvement is possible.

Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy offers a promising technological platform for continuous glucose monitoring in the human body. Moreover, these measurements could be performed in vivo with an implantable single-chip based optical sensor. However, a thin tissue layer may grow in the optical path of the sensor. As most biological tissues are highly scattering, they only allow a small fraction of the collimated light to pass, significantly reducing the light throughput. To quantify the effect of a thin tissue layer in the optical path, the bulk optical properties of serum and tissue samples grown on implanted dummy sensors were characterized using double integrating sphere and unscattered transmittance measurements. The estimated bulk optical properties were then used to calculate the light attenuation through a thin tissue layer. The combination band of glucose was found to be the better option, relative to the first overtone band, as the absorptivity of glucose molecules is higher, while the reduction in unscattered transmittance due to tissue growth is less. Additionally, as the wound tissue was found to be highly scattering, the unscattered transmittance of the tissue layer is expected to be very low. Therefore, a sensor configuration which measures the diffuse transmittance and/or reflectance instead was recommended. (a) Dummy sensor; (b) explanted dummy sensor in tissue lump; (c) removal of dummy sensor from tissue lump; and (d) 900 µm slices of tissue lump.

A partial maxillectomy was performed in a four-year-old, 12-kg lactating female red-necked wallaby or Bennett’s wallaby ( Macropus rufogriseus ) with a diagnosis of oral necrobacillosis or ‘lumpy jaw disease’. After intramuscular administration of dexmedetomidine and ketamine, anaesthesia was maintained with isoflurane in a mixture of oxygen and medical air. A maxillary nerve block was performed through the infraorbital canal with bupivacaine 0.5 per cent (0.2 ml/kg) to provide perioperative analgesia. Inhalant anaesthesia requirements gradually decreased during maintenance of anaesthesia. Oral tramadol was administered for postoperative pain management. During the following days, no behavioural or other signs of pain or discomfort were recorded. Physiological parameters stayed within reference values.

Background Necrotic laryngitis, caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum, frequently requires surgical intervention (laryngostomy) in the chronic stage. Hypothesis/Objectives To determine survival until slaughter of cattle surgically treated for necrotic laryngitis and to identify predictors of mortality. Animals A total of 221 cattle diagnosed with necrotic laryngitis by laryngoscopy and surgically treated Methods Retrospective cohort study. Clinical records were matched with the national cattle identification, registration, and movement database. Information on possible predictors including clinical examination, biochemistry, and surgery was collected. A multivariable Cox proportional hazard model was used to identify predictors of mortality. Results The overall survival rate was 65.2% and 58.6% of the animals with a completed life cycle could be slaughtered. Animals

To describe the anatomy of the entry to the equine esophagus (vestibulum esophagi) and to assess the risk of penetrating its adventitia and/or lumen during laryngoplasty.Ex vivo cadaveric study.Five isolated equine larynges and 39 equine head and neck specimens.The anatomy of the vestibulum esophagi was studied by dissection of 5 cadaver specimens. Then, a bilateral laryngoplasty was performed, including 5 suture placements through the muscular processes, caudal, rostral, and sagittal, with straight and curved needles. Two of the 3 surgeons performing the implantations were unaware of the goals of the study. Suture positions and iatrogenic trauma to the lumen and/or adventitia of the vestibulum esophagi were identified during dissection of the specimens. Risk factors for penetrating the adventitia were evaluated with a multivariate regression model.The vestibulum esophagi spans between both wings of the thyroid cartilage over the entire width of the larynx, covering the rostral spine (arcuate crest) of the arytenoid cartilages. It is covered by the thyropharyngeus and cricopharyngeus muscles. Masked surgeons were associated with a significantly higher number of adventitia penetrations (72%) compared to the nonmasked surgeon (9%). The lumen of the vestibulum esophagi was penetrated in 4.6% of suture placements and only by the 2 masked surgeons.Penetration of the adventitia was more common when surgeons were unaware of the anatomical extent of the vestibulum esophagi.Anatomical knowledge of the extent of the vestibulum esophagi reduces the risk of penetrating its lumen or adventitia during suture placement on the muscular process of the arytenoid cartilage.

Fissures on the occlusal surface of equine cheek teeth are commonly encountered during oral examination. Generally, their presence is considered abnormal but their aetiopathogenesis and clinical impact on pulp disease is still undetermined. The aims of this research were to study the extent of occlusal cheek teeth fissures using high-resolution X-ray computed tomography (μCT) imaging and their histological characteristics. Twenty-seven teeth (of 15 horses) were scanned using μCT imaging to analyse fissure extent. Histological examination of a subset of teeth (n = 7) was performed. Forty-three type 1 fissures (35 type 1a, eight type 1b) were identified. The mean length of the fissure of type 1a and type 1b on the occlusal surface was 3.47 +/− 1.60 mm and 13.64 +/− 7.40 mm, respectively. Their mean depth was 13.22 +/− 10.76 mm and 7.42 +/− 6.42 mm, respectively. Potential risk factors associated with fissure depth were identified using a multivariable mixed model The location of the fissure and Triadan number were significantly associated with fissure depth. Fissures could be identified on histological sections with the presence of organic material inside the fissure, microorganisms in the continuation of the fissure extending into the dentinal tubules and the presence of reactionary dentine. This study suggests that fissures can provide a pathway for microorganisms to enter the dentinal tubules, potentially resulting in local pulpal inflammation. It appears that in healthy teeth, vital odontoblasts react by producing reactionary (tertiary) dentin, which lacks patent tubules and thus provides a proper seal.

The aetiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of bovine spastic paresis of the gastrocnemius muscle (BSP-G) have been investigated for several decades, but much remains to be elucidated. In some breeds, the proportion of atypical presentations of BSP involving the quadriceps muscle (BSP-Q) and/or several other muscles (mixed presentation, BSP-M) appears to be increasing. Differentiation between BSP-G, -Q and -M is challenging and existing surgical treatments are usually ineffective in cattle affected by one of the atypical forms of the disease. This paper reviews the current knowledge on BSP and addresses several areas where understanding of the disease is incomplete.

Summary A yearling Belgian Draught horse filly was presented with a history of bilateral, progressive, painful swelling of the mandible, fever and anorexia. Radiographs and computed tomographic images showed an expansile lesion with a coalescing, well-defined cystic pattern at the level of the horizontal ramii of the mandible. The histopathological findings confirmed the diagnoses of bilateral, multiple ossifying fibroma. This report indicates that ossifying fibroma should be included in a differential diagnosis if multiple expansile lesions of the jaw are present.

Summary In this article, development of a fluctuating swelling in the middle of the frontal region is reported in 3 horses. Clinical and radiological examinations showed them to be palpably soft, nonpainful, well circumscribed and homogeneous. The diagnosis of a cyst-like lesion is based on centesis and histology. This report describes the clinical features, surgical treatment, outcome and histological findings in all 3 cases.

An epidural catheter was used to provide perioperative analgesia as part of a multimodal balanced anaesthesia and analgesia in a mare undergoing a bilateral mastectomy. Despite development of severe hypoxaemia during anaesthesia, recovery from anaesthesia was uneventful. Oral administration of a NSAID combined with administration of xylazine and morphine by an epidural catheter resulted in adequate postoperative pain relief, based on assessment of physiological parameters and behaviour. Neither complications nor side effects were observed during hospitalisation.

Pluronic® F127 is a biocompatible, injectable, and thermoresponsive polymer with promising biomedical applications. In this study, a chemically modified form, i.e., Pluronic ALA-L with tailored degradation rate, was tested as an encapsulation vehicle for osteoblastic cells. UV cross-linking of the modified polymer results in a stable hydrogel with a slower degradation rate. Toxicological screening showed no adverse effects of the modified Pluronic ALA-L on the cell viability. Moreover, high viability of embedded cells in the cross-linked Pluronic ALA-L was observed with life/death fluorescent staining during a 7-day-culture period. Cells were also cultured on macroporous, cross-linked gelatin microbeads, called CultiSpher-S® carriers, and encapsulated into the modified cross-linked hydrogel. Also, in this situation, good cell proliferation and migration could be observed in vitro. Preliminary in vivo tests have shown the formation of new bone starting from the injected pre-loaded CultiSpher-S® carriers.

Objective: To assess risk factors for celiotomy incisional infection in horses, especially the use of staples for skin closure. Study Design: Case series. Animals: Horses (n=356) that had 1 exploratory celiotomy for colic and survived >2 weeks after surgery between March 1, 2004 and December 31, 2007. Methods: Incisions were classified as “normal” (no complication, only edema, serous drainage lasting

In situ forming bone substitute materials are attractive candidates for filling irregularly shaped defects. In this study, a chemically modified form of the Pluronic F127 hydrogel was used. Similar to the parent form, this derivative underwent a sol-gel transition in the body and additional radical curing resulted in a stable three-dimensional network gel with a controllable degradation rate. An extra cell source of autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells was mixed with the hydrogel to increase the ossification process, when implanted in noncritical size unicortical tibia defects. These cells were cultured and predifferentiated on two types of cell carrier systems, that is, gelatin CultiSpher-S microcarriers and hydroxyapatite tubular carriers. Radiographic and histological evaluation revealed that bone regeneration was comparable in the defects with the bone substitute compositions and the untreated control defects at 2 and 4 weeks postimplantation and that newly formed bone originated from the cells on the CultiSpher-S carriers. This resulted, 6 and 8 weeks postimplantation, in faster bone repair in the defects filled with the hydrogel plus CultiSpher-S carriers in comparison to the control defects. Surprisingly, there was no formation of new bone originating from the hydroxyapatite carriers. The hydrogel by itself seemed to stimulate the natural repair process.

Objective To compare cardiac output ( Q ˙ t ) measurements using lithium dilution (LiDCO) and pulse contour analysis (PulseCO) techniques in isoflurane‐anaesthetized ponies before and during the administration of different inotropic/vasoactive drugs. Study design Prospective randomized experimental cross‐over trial. Animals Six ponies aged 5.0 ± 1.6 (4–6.5) years and weighing 286 ± 53 (212–368) kg. Methods After sedation (romifidine) and induction (midazolam + ketamine), anaesthesia was maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. After 90 minutes (= T0), one of four treatments was administered: saline 0.1 mL kg−1 (S), enoximone 0.5 mg kg−1 IV (E), enoximone followed by dobutamine (0.5 μg kg−1 minute−1 for 120 minutes) (ED) or enoximone followed by a calcium chloride infusion (0.5 mg kg−1 minute−1 for 10 minutes) (EC). Data were recorded for 120 minutes after T0. The PulseCO (recorded from carotid artery) was calibrated before T0, no further recalibrations were performed. Q ˙ t was determined with LiDCO ( Q ˙ t LiDCO) and PulseCO ( Q ˙ t PulseCO) simultaneously at T5, T10, T20, T40, T60, T80, T100 and T120. Systemic vascular resistances (SVRLiDCO and SVRPulseCO) were calculated. Results In the saline group, Q ˙ t PulseCO was 4.9 ± 12.3% lower than LiDCO (p < 0.01), whereas SVRPulseCO was 6.9 ± 14.4% higher than SVRLiDCO (p < 0.01). These differences increased over time (mean ± SEM), Q ˙ t by 0.06 ± 0.03% minute−1 (p = 0.042) and SVR by 0.08 ± 0.03% minute−1 (p = 0.018). Q ˙ t PulseCO was higher than Q ˙ t LiDCO in the EC group (1.8 ± 23.3%), but lower than Q ˙ t LiDCO in groups E (−11.7 ± 20.4%) and ED (−10.0 ± 25.9%) (significant difference between treatments, p Conclusions and clinical relevance Pulse contour analysis values deviated significantly from LiDCO measurements in isoflurane‐anaesthetized ponies. This difference was influenced by inotropic/vasoactive drugs.

Obejctive To investigate the influence of calcium chloride (CaCl 2 ) on the cardio–respiratory effects of enoximone in isoflurane anaesthetized ponies. Study design Prospective consecutive experimental trial. Animals Six healthy ponies, weighing 287 ± 55 kg were included in this study. Methods After sedation (romifidine, 80 μg kg −1 ), anaesthesia was induced with midazolam (0.06 mg kg −1 ) and ketamine (2.2 mg kg −1 ) and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. The ponies’ lungs were ventilated to maintain normocapnia. After 90 minutes, a bolus of enoximone (0.5 mg kg −1 ) was administered, followed by a CaCl 2 infusion (0.5 mg kg −1 minute −1 over 10 minutes) (treatment EC). Sodium, potassium, ionized and total calcium concentrations, cardiovascular variables and blood–gases were measured in the 120 minutes after treatment. Using a mixed model anova , the results were compared to those of a previous report [ Vet Anaesth Analg , 34 (2007) 416], evaluating the effects of 0.5 mg kg −1 enoximone in the same ponies and under identical circumstances (treatment E). Both an overall comparison and comparisons at specific time points after treatment were performed (α = 0.05). Results Although ionized and total calcium concentrations were higher during treatment EC, the cardio–respiratory effects of enoximone were comparable for both treatments. A small but significant difference in packed cell volume was detected. Conclusions and clinical relevance Calcium chloride did not enhance the effects of enoximone in normocalcaemic anaesthetized ponies.

Micro-CT is a non-destructive technique for 3D tomographic investigation of an object. A 3D representation of the internal structure is calculated based on a series of X-ray radiographs taken from different angles. The spatial resolution of current laboratory-used micro-CT systems has come down over the last years from a few tens of microns to a few microns. This opens the possibility to perform histological investigations in 3D on a virtual representation of a sample, referred to as virtual 3D histology. The advantage of micro-CT based virtual histology is the immediate and automated 3D visualization of the sample without prior slicing, sample preparation like decalcification, photographing and aligning. This not only permits a drastic reduction in preparation time but also offers the possibility to easily investigate objects that are difficult to slice. This article presents results that were obtained on punch biopsies of horse skin, (dental) alveolus of ponies and chondro-osseous samples from the tarsus of foals studied with the new high resolution micro-CT set-up (HRXCT) at the Ghent University (Belgium) (http://www.ugct.ugent.be). This state-of-the-art set-up provides a 1 micron resolution and is therefore ideally suited for a direct comparison with standard light microscopy-based histology.

Summary Goats are frequently used as a suitable animal model for tissue engineering. Immunohistochemistry can be helpful in improving the understanding and evaluation of the in vivo tissue responses at a molecular level. Several commercially available antibodies (KI67, vimentin, CD31, core-binding factor alpha-1, osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase, MAC387, CD3, CD20, CD20cy, CD79 and CD45) were evaluated on Technovit 9100 New© embedded goat tissues. Only vimentin, osteocalcin, MAC387 and CD3 revealed positive staining. These antibodies can be routinely used to evaluate goat tissues at molecular level. The use and development of alternative antibodies might further supplement and complete the possibilities for immunohistochemical analysis of goat tissue samples.