Hand-assisted laparoscopic ovariectomy and colpotomy in standing mares.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility of hand-assisted laparoscopic ovariectomy via colpotomy for bilateral ovariectomy in standing mares. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: Mares (n = 21) aged 2-21 years, weighing 312-582 kg. METHODS: After a pilot study in 6 mares, the technique was used in 15 mares. Ovaries were identified and manipulated using 2 laparoscopic portals in the left paralumbar fossa. Transection and hemostasis of the ovarian pedicle was achieved using a LigaSure Atlas™ or chain écraseur. Ovaries were removed through a colpotomy by an assistant. RESULTS: In 19 mares, both ovaries were successfully identified from the left portals whereas in 2 mares, laparoscopic portals in the right flank were needed to access the right ovary because the working length of the equipment was insufficient to reach the right side from the left portals. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral laparoscopic ovariectomy by means of 2 same-sided portals in combination with hand assistance via colpotomy is a technically feasible, safe, and effective technique in small- to average-sized mares.

Comparison of flat-panel digital to conventional film-screen radiography in detection of experimentally created lesions of the equine third metacarpal bone.

Radiographic diagnosis of equine bone disease using digital radiography is prevalent in veterinary practice. However, the diagnostic quality of digital vs. conventional radiography has not been compared systematically. We hypothesized that digital radiography would be superior to film-screen radiography for detection of subtle lesions of the equine third metacarpal bone. Twenty-four third metacarpal bones were collected from horses euthanized for reasons other than orthopedic disease. Bones were dissected free of soft tissue and computed tomography was performed to ensure that no osseous abnormalities were present. Subtle osseous lesions were produced in the dorsal cortex of the third metacarpal bones, and the bones were radiographed in a soft tissue phantom using indirect digital and conventional radiography at standard exposures. Digital radiographs were printed onto film. Three Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Radiology evaluated the radiographs for the presence or absence of a lesion. Receiver operator characteristic curves were constructed, and the area under these curves were compared to assess the ability of the digital and film-screen radiographic systems to detect lesions. The area under the ROC curves for film-screen and digital radiography were 0.87 and 0.90, respectively (P = 0.59). We concluded that the digital radiographic system was comparable to the film-screen system for detection of subtle lesions of the equine third metacarpal bone.

Gait abnormalities caused by selective anesthesia of the suprascapular nerve in horses.

OBJECTIVE: To assess gait abnormalities associated with selective anesthesia of the suprascapular nerve (SSN) achieved by use of perineural catheterization and thereby determine the function of that nerve as it relates to gait in horses. ANIMALS: 3 adult horses with no preexisting clinically apparent lameness at a walk. PROCEDURE: Each horse was anesthetized; the right SSN was exposed surgically for placement of a perineural catheter to permit delivery of 1 mL of 2% mepivacaine hydrochloride. Six hours after recovery from anesthesia, each horse was videotaped while walking (50-step data acquisition period) before and after administration of mepivacaine. Videotapes were reviewed and the proportion of abnormal steps before and after selective SSN anesthesia was assessed. A step was considered abnormal if a marked amount of scapulohumeral joint instability (ie, lateral luxation of the proximal portion of the humerus) was observed during the weight-bearing phase of the stride. RESULTS: Clinically apparent gait dysfunction was detected in all 3 horses following perineural administration of the local anesthetic agent. Anesthesia of the SSN resulted in scapulohumeral joint instability as evidenced by consistent lateral excursion of the shoulder region during the weight-bearing phase of gait at a walk. The proportion of abnormal steps before and after SSN anesthesia was significantly different in all 3 horses. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These data support the role of the SSN in shoulder joint stability in horses and define SSN dysfunction as 1 mechanism by which the syndrome and gait dysfunction clinically referred to as sweeny may develop.

Fracture, luxation, and chronic septic arthritis of the temporomandibular joint in a juvenile horse.

This case report describes chronic sepsis of the right temporomandibular joint in a juvenile horse. Diagnostic work-up included physical examination, radiography, and computed tomography. Humane euthanasia was indicated due to the chronicity of the condition, prognosis, and financial constraints.