Ultrasonography of the normal donkey tarsus (equus asinus).

Tarsal joint illness is a frequent source of hind limb lameness due to the complex anatomy of the region and the presence of numerous bony and soft tissue structures. Proper lameness diagnosis aims to discover the structure provoking lameness. Ultrasonography documents valuable information of soft tissues and characterizes soft tissue injuries that have heretofore been difficult to obtain either noninvasively or via radiography. The objectives of the current study were to develop and describe a standardized ultrasonographic protocol for investigation of the tarsal region in donkeys. The donkey tarsal anatomy was investigated in 5 cadavers and the tarsi of 11 healthy lameness free adult donkeys were echographically investigated. The dorsal, plantar, lateral and medial aspects of the tarsal region were substantially evaluated at four anatomical landmarks in both the longitudinal and horizontal planes using a multi-frequency 5-12 MHz linear transducer. Sonoanatomy of the extensor and flexor tarsal tendons, collateral and plantar ligaments, and synovial pouches was delineated and described. Systematic echography of the tarsal region allowed accurate localization and thorough exploration of various soft tissues of clinical interest in the donkey tarsus. Sonograms provided in this study should serve as a reference database for tarsal ultrasonography in clinical circumstances.

Innovative approach: utilizing silver nanoparticles sheet for improved rabbit cecal anastomosis healing.

Introduction: Anastomotic leakage is a severe complication associated with gastrointestinal surgery. The process of intestinal wound healing is crucial for the successful outcome of digestive tract surgical repair procedures. This research aimed to determine the impact of silver nanoparticles sheet (Acticoat) on the anastomotic healing of the cecum in rabbits. Methods: A total of 48 New Zealand male rabbits in good health were used for cecum transection and anastomosis. The animals were randomized into the control group (C) and the silver nanoparticles group (AgNPs). In the C group, the transected cecum was end-to-end anastomosed with a single layer of simple continuous suture pattern using 3-0 polyglyconate. In contrast, a silver nanoparticle sheet (Acticoat) was covered around the sutured anastomotic line in the AgNPs group. Postoperatively, abdominal ultrasound imaging and the Bristol Rabbit Pain Score (BRPS) were measured on days 7, 15, and 30. Eight rabbits from each group were euthanized at each time point to assess macroscopic findings, bursting pressure tests, tensile strength tests, histopathological examinations, and immunohistochemical analyses. Results: The AgNPs group demonstrated a significant increase in the cecal lumen diameter wall (p ≤ 0.001), burst pressure measurement (p ≤ 0.02), and tensile strength (p ≤ 0.01). Conversely, the AgNPs group had significantly lower BRPS scores (p ≤ 0.01). In addition, histopathological examinations revealed that AgNPs significantly reduced inflammatory cell infiltration (neutrophils and macrophages) and enhanced collagen deposition. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed a significant increase (p ≤ 0.01) of α-SMA and a reduction of CD31 in the anastomotic tissue of the AgNPs group. Discussion: The results of the present study indicate that the utilization of the AgNPs sheet (Acticoat®) effectively enhanced the strength of cecum anastomosis, resulting in a reduction in anastomosis leakages, pain scores, and abdominal adhesions. Additionally, the bursting pressure values in the rabbit model were significantly increased.

Ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the dromedary camel distal limbs.

BACKGROUND: Lameness associated with the distal limb region in dromedary camels is quiet prevalent. The diagnosis of lameness relies on a comprehensive orthopedic examination conjugated with an appropriate imaging modality to achieve a decisive diagnosis. Using of modern imaging tools provoked a significant breakthrough in the diagnosis of lameness. Ultrasonography (US) is widely established in dromedaries, whereas computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are gaining popularity. CT provides a considerably higher bone detail than any other imaging modality. US and MRI continue to be the best options for soft tissue imaging. A truthful assessment of the clinical US, CT and MRI images dictates a comprehensive familiarity with the standard US, CT and MRI tissue deviations. Accordingly, our purposes were to present a full MRI protocol for investigating the dromedary camel distal limbs as well as comparing and illustrating the merits of using MRI, CT and US for evaluation of the front and hind distal limbs in 10 healthy lameness free dromedary camel cadavers. The limbs were scanned via a high-field 1.5 Tesla MRI magnet and a multi-detector CT scanner then subjected to a systematic US examination in both longitudinal and transverse planes. The obtained MRI, CT and US images were evaluated, correlated and compared. RESULTS: CT and MRI eliminated the structural superimposition in the dromedary camel distal limbs and afforded assessment of minute ligamentous and tendentious structures that were inaccessible by US including the axial collateral ligaments, ligaments supporting the proximal sesamoid bones and the palmar/plantar aspects of the inter-phalangeal joints. US and MRI were appreciated for the assessment of the articular cartilage that was not visible on the plain CT images. CONCLUSIONS: CT and MRI accurately identified and characterized bones and soft tissues constituting the dromedary camel distal limbs. US was appreciated for assessment of soft tissues, articular cartilage and bone contours. CT and MRI may be considered when US results are inconclusive or to evaluate the unreachable parts of the camel distal limbs. Images presented in this study could be used as a reference standard for evaluating dromedary camel distal limb diseases.

3T Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography of the bovine carpus.

BACKGROUND: Lameness in cattle is a major health problem and causes great economic losses. Carpal injury is a common cause of forelimb lameness in cattle. Radiography and/or ultrasonography of the carpus is a challenge due to complex anatomy of the joint. Additional imaging using computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be indispensable for reaching a decisive diagnosis. Precise evaluation of the clinical CT and MRI images necessitates an in-depth knowledge of the normal CT and MRI tissue variants. Therefore, our purpose was to provide a detailed description of the normal CT and MRI appearance of the osseous and soft tissue structures of twelve cadaveric bovine carpi using CT and 3 Tesla MRI. Carpi were frozen, transected in sagittal, dorsal and transverse planes then adjoined to their corresponding CT and MRI images. RESULTS: The clinically significant articular and peri-articular structures of the bovine carpus were identified and characterized on the CT and MRI images. CT images provided a remarkable delineation of the cortical, subchondral, and cancellous bone. The high-field 3 Tesla MRI offered high definition and distinction of the delicate soft tissues of the bovine carpus. CONCLUSIONS: 3 Tesla high-field MRI offers new opportunities in soft tissue tomography but cannot be compared with CT in terms of bone imaging. Clinicians have to determine whether CT, MRI or both imaging techniques are required in clinical situations.