Outcome following emergency laparotomy in 33 UK donkeys: A retrospective multicentre study.

BACKGROUND: Emergency laparotomies in donkeys are infrequently performed and there is limited literature on the subject. OBJECTIVES: To determine findings and associated outcomes of exploratory laparotomies in donkeys. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive retrospective study. METHODS: Donkeys undergoing emergency exploratory laparotomy for investigation and treatment of colic at seven UK referral hospitals between 2005-2017 were included. Data were retrieved from available hospital records. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistical analysis of outcomes of interest was performed in three steps. RESULTS: Thirty-three cases fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Clinical signs on presentation were available for 32 donkeys, of which 53.1% (17/32) presented for investigation of colic while in 46.9% (15/32) the presenting complaint was non-specific. Primary lesion location included small intestine (42.4%, 14/33), large colon (39.3%, 13/33), caecum (6.1%, 2/33), stomach (6.1%, 2/33) and 6.1% (2/33) had multiple abnormal findings without a clear primary lesion. Overall survival to discharge was 54.5% (18/33). Five donkeys (15.2%, 5/33) were euthanased at surgery and of those recovering from general anaesthesia a further 35.7% (10/28) were euthanased or died prior to discharge. Six donkeys (21.4%, 6/28) required a second laparotomy of which 4 (66.7%, 4/6) survived. Post-operative complications occurred in 82.1% (23/28) of cases and included hyperlipaemia (42.9%, 12/28), incisional complications (21.4%, 6/28), ileus (21.4%, 6/28) and persistent colic (17.9%, 5/28). When adjusted for other complications, donkeys with primary gastric lesions were less likely to have presented with severe colic compared with those with primary small intestinal lesions (OR: 0.07, 95% CI 0.01-0.95, p = 0.05). Only age was positively associated with death prior to discharge (OR: 1.18, 95% CI 1.03-1.36, p = 0.02). MAIN LIMITATIONS: Small sample size and retrospective design. CONCLUSION: Donkeys with abdominal lesions may present with a range of signs often not including colic. Surgical findings were diverse and survival to discharge appears to be lower than in horses.

A novel orchiectomy surgical procedure in donkeys ( Equus asinus africanus) with parascrotal access.

Donkeys are a public health concern in the Northeast region of Brazil, with thousands of stray animals. Orchiectomy is an important population control measure; however, the long postoperative period with daily treatment of open wounds in the scrotum makes it difficult to perform a large number of castrations in sheltering centers. We evaluate a novel surgical procedure for orchiectomy in donkeys using parascrotal access. Twelve donkeys were used, divided into two groups: I - submitted to orchiectomy through parascrotal surgical access (novel procedure), and II - submitted to orchiectomy through scrotal access (conventional). Postoperative evaluations consisted of a macroscopic evaluation of the surgical wound (bleeding and intensity of edema), hematological parameters, and peritoneal fluid, which occurred in both groups at the moments (M): M0 - before the surgical procedure. The others moments occurred after surgery: M12 (twelve hours); M24 (twenty-four hours); M48 (forty-eight hours); M72 (seventy-two hours); M8D (eight days); and M16D (sixteen days). The surgical techniques did not generate an important systemic inflammatory response to the point detected by the leukogram, fibrinogen dosage, and peritoneal fluid. The parascrotal technique required long surgery but promoted less bleeding, less edema, and faster healing. The techniques used did not promote sufficient systemic inflammation to alter the number of leukocytes and the fibrinogen concentration; however, evaluation of the peritoneal fluid proved to be important for evaluating inflammatory processes involving the scrotum and inguinal canal. We describe a novel surgical procedure for orchiectomy in Donkeys using a parascrotal access that promoted less risk of bleeding, shorter period of edema, and healing time, but required longer surgery time.

Surgical castration versus chemical castration in donkeys: response of stress, lipid profile and redox potential biomarkers.

BACKGROUND: Castration is a husbandry practice raising important questions on the welfare and physiological status of farm animals. Searching for effective castration methods that minimally compromise the body physiology is worthy of attention. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the differential response of biological systems in donkeys to surgical castration versus the chemical one by CaCl2 with special emphasis on stress, lipid profile, and oxidative stress biomarkers. Donkeys were divided randomly and equally into two groups; the chemical (Ch) and surgical (S) groups (n = 6). The Ch group was chemically castrated by intratesticular injection of 20% CaCl2 dissolved in absolute ethanol. Blood samples were collected prior to castration and at 15, 30, 45, and 60 days after the beginning of experiment. RESULTS: Surprisingly, the Ch group at the end of the experiment was characterized by significantly higher cortisol level compared to the S group. TC and LDL-C levels in the S group significantly decreased at day 45, while TG levels significantly increased at days 45 and 60 in comparison with day 0. HDL-C levels at days 30 and 60 in the Ch group significantly increased in comparison with day 0. At day 30 post-castration, HDL-C was significantly higher and LDL-C was significantly lower in the Ch group than the S group. A significant elevation in TC and LDL-C was observed at day 45 and in HDL-C at the end of experimental duration in the Ch group when compared with the S group. TPX level was significantly lower and TAC was significantly higher in the Ch group at day 45 than the S group. CONCLUSION: Surgical castration evoked less stress and minor changes in lipid profile and oxidant/antioxidant balance relative to chemical castration by intratesticular 20% CaCl2 dissolved in absolute ethanol.

Evaluation of xylazine-alfaxalone anesthesia for field castration in donkey foals.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the anesthetic and cardiopulmonary effects of xylazine-alfaxalone anesthesia in donkey foals undergoing field castration. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: A group of seven standard donkeys aged [median (range)] 12 (10-26) weeks, weighing 47.3 (37.3-68.2) kg. METHODS: Donkeys were anesthetized with xylazine (1 mg kg-1) intravenously (IV) followed 3 minutes later by alfaxalone (1 mg kg-1) IV. Additional doses of xylazine (0.5 mg kg-1) and alfaxalone (0.5 mg kg-1) IV were administered as needed to maintain surgical anesthesia. Intranasal oxygen was supplemented at 3 L minute-1. Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (fR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) by oscillometry were recorded before drug administration and every 5 minutes after induction of anesthesia. Peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) was recorded every 5 minutes after induction. Time to recumbency after alfaxalone administration, time to anesthetic re-dose, time to first movement, sternal and standing after last anesthetic dose and surgery time were recorded. Induction and recovery quality were scored (1, very poor; 5, excellent). RESULTS: Median (range) induction score was 5 (1-5), and recovery score 4 (1-5). Overall, two donkeys were assigned a score of 1 (excitement) during induction or recovery. HR and MAP during the procedure did not differ from baseline. fR was decreased at 5 and 10 minutes but was not considered clinically significant. SpO2 was <90% at one time point in two animals. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Xylazine-alfaxalone anesthesia resulted in adequate conditions for castration in 12 week old donkeys. While the majority of inductions and recoveries were good to excellent, significant excitement occurred in two animals and may limit the utility of this protocol for larger donkeys. Hypoxemia occurred despite intranasal oxygen supplementation.

Hérnia inguinal não encarcerada de ceco em mula - relato de caso / Non-strangulated inguinal hernia of the cecum in a mule - case report

Uma mula hígida, de cinco anos de idade, foi atendida portando um aumento de volume na região abdominal lateral direita, estendendo-se da região inguinal até 25cm cranial à prega pré-crural, de 60 dias de evolução, após trauma com um touro. O volume era redutível e sem dor à palpação, com presença de intestino grosso envolvido por área circular hiperecogênica na imagem ultrasonográfica. O diagnóstico foi hérnia inguinal, e a paciente foi submetida à anestesia geral inalatória para abordagem cirúrgica pela região inguinal, onde se visualizou o ceco emergindo pelo anel inguinal externo, cujo diâmetro era de aproximadamente 10cm. O ceco apresentava coloração e conteúdo normais e parte do corpo e o ápice projetavam-se cranialmente para uma bolsa de tecido subcutâneo, que foi aberta para facilitar o reposicionamento do órgão ao abdômen, bem como para ampliar o anel inguinal externo. A paciente teve alta 18 dias após o internamento. Com base neste relato, é possível concluir que a hérnia inguinal indireta não encarcerada pode se desenvolver em fêmeas equídeas após trauma. De acordo com a literatura consultada, o presente estudo é a primeira descrição desse tipo de hérnia em uma fêmea equídea e a primeira envolvendo o ceco.(AU)

A five-year-old healthy mule was referred with enlarged volume in the ventral right side of the abdomen, with 25cm in length from the inguinal region to precrural fold, developed 60 days previously due to a traumatic confrontation with a bull. The mass had no pain and was reductible on palpation and the ultrasonographic examination revealed large intestine surrounded by a hyperecoic ring. Based on these findings, the diagnosis was non incarcerated inguinal hernia. Under general anesthesia, the patient was submitted to surgery by direct approach on the inguinal region, when the cecum was seen emerging from a 10cm overture of the external inguinal ring and projecting to a subcutaneous fold cranially to the ring. This fold and the external inguinal ring were opened to facilitate the reposition of the cecum back to the abdomen. Eighteen days after the surgery the patient was discharged with a satisfactory recovery. Based on this report, it is possible to conclude that females can develop indirect non incarcerated inguinal hernias with the involvement of the cecum with good prognosis. Based on the consulted literature, this is the first report of this type of hernia in a female equine.(AU)

Bloqueio do plexo braquial em jumento - relato de caso / Brachial plexus block in donkey - case report

A anestesia locorregional reduz o requerimento de agentes inalatórios e diminui as respostas autonômicas a estímulos cirúrgicos nocivos. Objetiva-se descrever um bloqueio anestésico do plexo braquial guiado por neuroestimulador em jumento, submetido à amputação do membro anterior direito. Foi realizada medicação pré-anestésica com detomidina 0,01mg.kg-1, indução com diazepam 0,05mg.kg-1 e cetamina 2mg.kg-1, todos pela via intravenosa (IV), e a manutenção da anestesia com isoflurano. O plexo braquial foi bloqueado por acesso subescapular, sendo usado neuroestimulador. Utilizou-se 1mg.kg-1 de bupivacaína 0,5% sem vasoconstritor, associada a 1mg.kg-1 de lidocaína 2% sem vasoconstrictor. Os valores de FC e ƒ durante o procedimento cirúrgico variaram de 62 a 78bpm e de 24 a 32rpm, respectivamente. Foram coletadas quatro amostras de sangue para dosagem de cortisol. Este, antes da aplicação da medicação pré-anestésica, foi de 6,4µg/dL e, 30 minutos após a MPA, foi de 2,8µg/dL. A recuperação anestésica foi rápida e sem complicações. O bloqueio do plexo braquial guiado por neuroestimulador mostrou-se eficaz em jumentos, fornecendo analgesia e anestesia satisfatória.(AU)

Locoregional anesthesia reduces the requirement for inhaled agents and reduces the autonomic responses to noxious surgical stimuli. The aim of this study was to describe an anesthetic block of the brachial plexus guided by a neurostimulator in a donkey submitted to right limb amputation. Preanesthetic medication was performed with detomidine 0.01mg.kg-1 induction with diazepam 0.05mg.kg-1 and ketamine 2mg.kg-1 all intravenously, and maintenance of anesthesia with isoflurane. The brachial plexus was blocked by subscapular access, using a neurostimulator. For this purpose, 1mg.kg -1 of bupivacaine 0.5%, without vasoconstrictor, and 1mg.kg- 1 of lidocaine 2%, without vasoconstrictor were used. The values of HR and ƒ during the surgical procedure ranged from 62 to 78bpm, and 24 to 32bpm, respectively. Four blood samples were collected for cortisol dosing. This, prior to the application of the pre-anesthetic medication was 6.4µg/dL and 30 minutes was 2.8µg/dL. Anesthesia recovery was rapid and uncomplicated. Neurostimulator-guided brachial plexus blockade proved to be effective in donkeys, providing satisfactory analgesia and anesthesia.(AU)

Complications associated with closed castration using the Henderson equine castration instrument in 300 standing equids.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a closed castration technique in standing equids, report associated complications, and identify potential risk factors. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study of 300 standing equids that were castrated with the Henderson Equine Castrating Instrument. METHODS: Thirteen participating veterinarians recorded intraoperative difficulties and postoperative complications. Descriptive statistics, univariate analyses with Fisher's exact tests, and logistic regressions were used to evaluate intraoperative difficulties and postoperative complications and to assess risk factors for postoperative complications. RESULTS: Data were collected on 300 equids (269 horses, 23 ponies, and 8 donkeys). Intraoperative difficulties were experienced in 39 of 300 (13%) procedures. Postoperative complications were reported in 69 of 300 (23%) equids, including excessive swelling (29, 9.67%), surgical site infection (SSI; 27, 9%), severe hemorrhage (3, 1%), and prolapse of the omentum (2, 0.64%). Donkeys were at increased risk of severe hemorrhage (2/8, 25%, P = .0019). Equids that were castrated in a hospital setting (83/300, 27.66%) more frequently developed excessive swelling (P = .0034, odds ratio [OR] = 3.20) and SSI (P = .0047, OR = 3.18) compared with equids that were castrated in a field setting (217/300, 72.33%). Prolonging antimicrobial prophylaxis or age of the equid at the time of castration had no effect on the prevalence of excessive swelling or SSI. CONCLUSION: The method of castration evaluated here resulted in a similar prevalence of postoperative complications to that previously reported for castrations in standing horses but fewer SSI. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The described method provides a viable option for castrating horses and ponies, but is not recommended in donkeys.

Moffett's muted mules: the science of laryngology in the art of war.

BACKGROUND: Mules and other equine species have been used in warfare for thousands of years to transport goods and supplies. Mules are known for 'braying', which is disadvantageous in warfare operations. This article explores the fascinating development of surgical techniques to stop military mules from braying, with particular emphasis on the key role played by the otolaryngologist Arthur James Moffett in devoicing the mules of the second Chindit expedition of World War II. METHOD: The PubMed database (1900-2017) and Google search engine were used to identify articles related to devoicing mules in the medical and veterinary literature, along with information and images on the Chindit expedition. RESULTS: This paper reviews the surgical techniques aimed at treating braying in mules, ranging from ventriculectomy and arytenoidectomy to Moffett's approach of vocal cordectomy. CONCLUSION: Moffett's technique of vocal cordectomy provided a quick, reproducible and safe solution for devoicing mules. It proved to be advantageous on the battlefield and demonstrated his achievements outside the field of medicine.

Guaiphenesin-ketamine-xylazine infusion to maintain anesthesia in mules undergoing field castration.

BACKGROUND: In order to determine whether a combination of guaiphenesin, ketamine and xylazine can induce safe and satisfactory anaesthesia in mules undergoing field castration, eight healthy adult intact male mules were employed. They were premedicated with intravenous (IV) xylazine (1.3 mg/kg); an additional dose of xylazine (0.3 mg/kg IV) was administered in case of inadequate depth of sedation. Anaesthesia was induced with IV thiopental (6 mg/kg). The quality of sedation and induction was recorded. Anaesthesia was maintained with an infusion of guaiphenesin (50 mg/mL), ketamine (2 mg/mL) and xylazine (1 mg/mL) (GKX). The spermatic cord of each testis was infiltrated with 5 mL of 2% lidocaine. During anaesthesia heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), rectal temperature (RT) and haemoglobin oxygen saturation (SpO2) were measured every 5 min. The data were analysed with simple one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Time of anesthesia, time of surgery and time of recovery were recorded. RESULTS: Only one mule required an additional dose of xylazine to achieve a satisfactory depth of sedation. Thiopental at the dose of 6 mg/kg IV resulted in smooth induction and lateral recumbency in all animals. GKX provided adequate anaesthesia to perform castration in all mules. Muscle relaxation was deemed adequate and physiological variables remained stable and within references values during the anaesthesia and did not change in response to surgical stimulation. Time (mean ± standard deviation) from the end of the infusion to sternal recumbency and time from sternal recumbency to standing were 27.7 ± 4.6 and 30.1 ± 7.7 min, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of xylazine, thiopental and GKX provides satisfactory short-term anaesthesia in mules undergoing field castration.

Evaluation of chemical castration with calcium chloride versus surgical castration in donkeys: testosterone as an endpoint marker.

BACKGROUND: For the last few years, researchers have been interested in developing a method for chemical sterilization which may be a better alternative to surgical castration. An ideal chemical sterilant would be one that effectively arrests spermatogenesis and androgenesis as well as libido with absence of toxic or other side effects. Calcium chloride in various solutions and concentrations has been tested in many animal species, but few studies have been evaluated it in equines as a chemical sterilant. So, the objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of chemical castration with 20% calcium chloride dissolved in absolute ethanol in comparison with surgical castration in donkeys based on the changes in the serum testosterone level and the histopathological changes in treated testes. METHODS: Twelve clinically healthy adult male donkeys were used in this study. Donkeys were divided randomly and equally into two groups: a surgical (S) group (n = 6) and a chemical (C) group (n = 6). Animals in the (S) group were subjected to surgical castration while those in the (C) group received a single bilateral intratesticular injection of 20% calcium chloride dissolved in absolute ethanol (20 ml/testis). Animals were kept under clinical observation for 60 days. Changes in animals' behavior and gross changes in external genitalia were monitored daily. Serum concentrations of testosterone were measured prior to treatment and at 15, 30, 45 and 60 days post-treatment. Testicles in the (C) group were examined histopathologically at the end of the experiment. RESULTS: Chemical castration with intratesticular calcium chloride vs. surgical castration failed to reduce serum concentrations of testosterone throughout the whole duration of the study; however it induced orchitis that was evident by focal necrotic areas in seminiferous tubules, cellular infiltration of neutrophils, proliferative intertubular fibrosis with a compensatory proliferation of Leydig cells. Donkeys tolerated the intratesticular injection of calcium chloride. There were no detectable changes in the general health status of the animals with the exception of swelling in external genitalia, scrotal ulcerations and fistulas. Food and water consumption and the gait of animals remained unaffected. CONCLUSION: Intratesticular calcium chloride can't be considered an effective method for chemical castration in donkeys.

ADAPT(tm) trocar use for laparoscopic procedures in equidea / Utilização do trocater AdaptTM para procedimentos laparoscópicos em equídeos

O objetivo deste trabalho é descrever o uso do trocater modelo Adapt(tm) no acesso laparoscópico em animais da família dos equídeos. O procedimento cirúrgico foi realizado em 15 equídeos (quatro jumentas, seis cavalos e cinco éguas), com peso médio de 320kg (290kg e 450kg, pesos máximo e mínimo, respectivamente). Os pacientes foram mantidos em posição quadrupedal, sob sedação e bloqueio local. Primeiramente, realizou-se o preparo asséptico, e o acesso foi feito pelo flanco direito ou pelo esquerdo, dependendo da estrutura a ser visualizada. Em todos os procedimentos, foi utilizado o trocater modelo Seal AdaptTM Ports (Teleflex Medical Introduces TautTM, USA), com diâmetro de 12mm. Inicialmente se fez uma incisão de pele de aproximadamente 15mm para inserção da ponta do trocater. Este foi inserido na ferida cirúrgica, realizando-se movimentos de 180º em sentido horário e anti-horário, até atingir a cavidade abdominal. Após esta etapa, o obturador do trocater foi retirado, e a ótica inserida para confirmar o acesso à cavidade abdominal. A síntese das camadas superficiais da muscular foi realizada com fio nylon nº 0, em um padrão Sultan, e posteriormente a dermorrafia, também com nylon nº 0, no padrão de Wolf. O equipamento apresentou eficiência nos procedimentos de dissecação das camadas subcutânea, musculares e peritônio, não ocorrendo significativa hemorragia nessas camadas. Em um paciente muar, ocorreu afastamento do peritônio parietal, e em alguns casos (40%) ocorreu pequeno enfisema subcutâneo no pós-cirúrgico. Todos os pacientes apresentaram boa cicatrização da ferida cirúrgica. O trocater modelo AdaptTM mostrou-se eficiente na abordagem laparoscópica em equinos, apresentando segurança em se estabelecer o acesso e versatilidade no emprego de diversos instrumentais.(AU)

Cheek Tooth Extraction Via a Minimally Invasive Transbuccal Approach and Intradental Screw Placement in 54 Equids.

OBJECTIVE: To describe (1) preoperative findings and surgical technique, (2) intraoperative difficulties, and (3) postoperative complications and long-term outcome of equine cheek tooth extraction using a minimally invasive transbuccal screw extraction (MITSE) technique. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: Fifty-four equids; 50 horses, 3 ponies, and 1 mule. METHODS: Fifty-eight MITSE procedures were performed to extract cheek teeth in 54 equids. Peri- and intraoperative difficulties, as well as short- (<1 month) and long-term (>6 months) postoperative complications were recorded. Followup information was obtained through telephone interviews, making specific inquiries about nasal discharge, facial asymmetry, and findings consistent with surgical site infection. RESULTS: Preoperative findings that prompted exodontia included 50 cheek teeth with apical infections, 48 fractures, 4 neoplasia, 2 displacements, and 1 supernumerary tooth. Previous oral extraction was attempted but had failed in 55/58 (95%) animals because of cheek tooth fracture in 28, or insufficient clinical crown for extraction with forceps in 27. MITSE was successful in removing the entire targeted dental structure in 47/58 (81%) procedures. However, MITSE failed to remove the entire targeted dental structure in 11/58 (19%) procedures and was followed by repulsion in 10/11 (91%). Short-term postoperative complications included bleeding (4/58 procedures, 7%) and transient facial nerve paralysis (4/58 procedures, 7%). Owners were satisfied with the functional and cosmetic outcome for 40/41 (98%) animals with followup. CONCLUSION: MITSE offers an alternate for cheek tooth extraction in equids, where conventional oral extraction is not possible or has failed. Overall, there was low morbidity, which compares favorably with invasive buccotomy or repulsion techniques.

Spontaneous electroencephalographic changes in a castration model as an indicator of nociception: a comparison between donkeys and ponies.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Donkeys are believed to be less demonstrative of pain than ponies. Research into comparative sensory processing between these species is required to elucidate these behavioural differences. OBJECTIVES: To compare changes in the electroencephalogram (EEG) recorded during castration between donkeys and ponies. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. METHODS: Six ponies and 6 donkeys were castrated under halothane anaesthesia after acepromazine premedication and thiopental anaesthetic induction. Markers were inserted into the EEG recording at the time of skin incision (skin) and emasculation (emasc) for both testicles (T1 and T2) during a closed castration. Raw EEG data were analysed and the EEG variables median frequency (F50 ), total power (Ptot ) and spectral edge frequency (F95 ) derived using standard techniques. Baseline values of F50 , Ptot and F95 for each animal were used to calculate the percentage change from baseline at T1skin, T2skin, T1emasc and T2emasc. RESULTS: Decreased F50 values relative to baseline were observed in 4 ponies and 2 donkeys across all castration time points. In the remaining animals, the F50 value increased compared with baseline. Both donkey and pony groups showed an overall decrease in Ptot values compared with baseline at T1skin, but the magnitude of the decrease was significantly less (P = 0.004) in ponies than in donkeys. Donkeys demonstrated an overall greater increase (P = 0.05) in F95 values at T1skin relative to baseline compared with ponies. CONCLUSIONS: Electroencephalographic responses to the noxious stimulus of castration were noted in both donkeys and ponies. Donkeys demonstrated a greater change in Ptot in response to castration than ponies; thus, donkeys appear to demonstrate a cerebral cortical response to a noxious stimulus that is similar to or greater than that in ponies, suggesting that their subtle behavioural expression of pain is not due to a difference in cortical processing of noxious sensory stimuli.

Ovariectomy in Jenny using subarachnoid propofol administration.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of subarachnoid propofol administration (SPA) on analgesia, sedation, ataxia, cardiopulmonary, blood gas variables, and its application in ovariectomy in Jennies. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, clinical trial. ANIMALS: Adult Jennies (n = 20; 100-120 kg; 5-7 years old). METHODS: In study 1, 5 Jennies had SPA (n = 5; group 1) through Tuohy catheter, and another 5 control Jennies had normal saline subarachnoid administration (n = 5; group 2). In study 2, 10 Jennies had SPA and ovariectomy (n = 10; group 3). In groups 1 and 3 analgesia, sedation and ataxia scores, cardiopulmonary and blood gas variables were recorded at different intervals before and after PSA. In group 2, only cardiopulmonary and blood gas variables were recorded. RESULTS: SPA produced pronounced analgesia, mild sedation and minimal ataxia. Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), pulse rate (PR), rectal temperature (RT), arterial blood pH, PaO2 , and PaCO2 were not significantly different from base line values after subarachnoid administration of either propofol or normal saline. CONCLUSION: SPA was found to be useful, efficient and feasible procedure for ovariectomy through standing flank laparotomy in Jennies.

Percutaneous approach for sialolith removal in a donkey.

Salivary duct lithiasis is a condition characterized by the partial or total obstruction ofa salivary gland or its excretory duct due to the formation of sialoliths. A 9-year-old female donkey, belonging to the unique and endangered indigenous breed of donkey in Portugal, was diagnosed with a sialolith in the rostral portion of the right parotid duct based on clinical, oral, dental, and radiographic examination results. Surgical removal of the sialolith was done through a percutaneous approach.

Haptoglobin baseline value in jennies and the effect of ovariectomy on its serum concentration.

The study was conducted to determine the baseline concentration of serum haptoglobin (Hp) in jennies during the breeding and nonbreeding season and to evaluate the effects of ovariectomy on serum Hp concentrations in jennies. Eighteen adult jennies were divided in three groups: nine jennies (OVA) were ovariectomized using laparoscopic surgery, six jennies (LAP) were exploratory examined by laparoscopic surgery, and three jennies were used as a control group. Blood samples were collected from the animals at Day -6, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 5, 8, 15, 22, 29 and 36 of surgery. Serum samples were analyzed by an ELISA specifically developed for determining equine Hp. The mean weekly Hp concentration ranged between 149.76 ± 7.55 and 178.94 ± 6.67 mg/L. The Hp concentrations of clinically healthy jennies revealed no significant variation among time, and there was no effect of reproductive season on Hp concentrations in jennies. Serum Hp concentration was elevated at the first day after operations in the OVA and LAP group. Five days after the operation, the Hp concentration reached the maximum in the LAP and OVA group (278.84 ± 34.22 and 359.88 ± 35.45 mg/L, respectively) and decreased at Day 8 after the operations. On Day 22, 29 and 32 after the operations, the concentration of Hp in LAP and OVA animals was close to its concentration in the control group. In conclusion, Hp is not related to reproductive status of jennies and it can be used as an indicator for cell and tissue damage after surgical operations.

Use of a pinless external fixator for unilateral mandibular fracture repair in nine equids.

OBJECTIVE: To report use of a pinless external fixator (PEF) for unilateral mandibular fractures in 9 equids. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: Equids (n=9) with unilateral mandibular fractures. METHODS: All fractures were stabilized with the AO/ASIF PEF using a minimum of 4 clamps, under general anesthesia. Fracture configuration, complications, outcome, and owner satisfaction were evaluated. RESULTS: All fractures were stabilized; 2 equids were euthanatized; 1 because of an inability to stand after surgery and 1 because of owner decision after PEF dislodgement. Seven repairs healed with good outcome and owner satisfaction. Complications included dislodgement of the PEF (3), bone sequestration (3), and weight loss (1). Drainage associated with repair resolved after removal of sequestra and clamps. CONCLUSIONS: Stabilization of unilateral mandibular fractures with the PEF in horses was minimally invasive with minimal risk of tooth root interference; however, after care is time consuming. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: PEF is an alternative technique for stabilizing unilateral mandibular fractures in equids.

Castration of horses under total intravenous anaesthesia: analgesic effects of lidocaine.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of local anaesthesia with lidocaine for castration of horses under intravenous anaesthesia. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, blinded clinical trial. ANIMALS: Fifteen equidae, scheduled to undergo castration under total intravenous anaesthesia, were randomly distributed in two groups. One group received lidocaine injections (group L: two ponies, four horses, two donkeys) and the other received saline (group S: two ponies, three horses, two donkeys). METHODS: Behaviour, heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate (f(R)) were evaluated prior to anaesthesia. Body mass was measured using an electronic scale and testicular volumes were estimated. The animals were anaesthetized with acepromazine intramuscularly and romifidine intravenously followed 10 minutes later by ketamine. Following romifidine administration lidocaine or saline was administered subcutaneously along the incision line and by intratesticular and intrafunicular injection. Based on clinical observations (movement, f(R), and cranial nerve reflexes) incremental intravenous doses of ketamine and romifidine were administered. HR, f(R), oscillometric mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), duration of surgery, movement and additional doses were recorded. Surgical conditions were assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and a simple descriptive scale (SDS). Recovery was assessed by two assistants, unaware of treatment, acting separately using a VAS and a SDS. Group means were compared using Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests and the Kruskal-Wallis signed rank test for matched pairs used to compare groups at different points (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The number (median, range) of incremental doses (4 [1-5] compared to 1.5 [1-4]) and movements (1 [1-5] compared to 0 [0-1]) were higher (p = 0.01 for both) in the control group than in the lidocaine group. Groups were similar for other recorded variables. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These results show the effectiveness of lidocaine used as a local anaesthetic adjunct to intravenous anaesthesia in horses undergoing castration.

Fraturas odontomaxilares e mandibulares em eqüídeos tratados por diferentes técnicas de osteossíntese / Odontomaxillares and mandibularies fractures in equides treated with different osteosynthesis techniques

Oito eqüinos e um muar com fraturas odontomaxilares e mandibulares foram tratados com diferentes técnicas de osteossíntese modificadas, consistindo de cerclagens associadas ou não a bandas de tensão, placa de neutralização e pino intraosseo, sendo este aplicado com metodologia não encontrada na literatura consultada. Os procedimentos cirúrgicos nos eqüideos foram realizados com os animais em estação mediante contenção física, em brete, e química, com sedação ou neuroleptoanalgesia associada a bloqueios anestésicos regionais. Os animais apresentaram capacidade de mastigação e ingestão voluntária no pós-operatório imediato e recuperação óssea adequada.

Eight equines and one mule with odontomaxillaries and mandibularies fractures were treated with different osteosynthesis modified techniques, consisting of cerclages with or without tension bands, neutralization plates, and intraosseous pin applied by a methodology which was not found in the literature. The surgery procedures in equides were performed with the animals in stand position under physical contention, sedation, or neuroleptoanalgesy and regional nerve block. All animals were able to eat voluntarily in the immediate post-operatory time and had good bone recuperation.

Indications for and short- and long-term outcome of permanent tracheostomy performed in standing horses: 82 cases (1995-2005).

OBJECTIVE: To identify indications for and short- and long-term outcome of permanent tracheostomy performed in standing horses. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 82 horses undergoing permanent tracheostomy. PROCEDURES: Data obtained from medical records included signalment, diagnosis, surgical technique, complications, use of the horse before and after surgery, and owner satisfaction. Follow-up information was obtained through a telephone questionnaire administered to owners. RESULTS: Indications for permanent tracheostomy included nasopharyngeal cicatrix (n = 59), arytenoid chondropathy (55), and laryngeal hemiplegia (20); 54 horses had multiple indications for tracheostomy. Complications identified prior to discharge included partial dehiscence (n = 8), transient fever (10), and excessive swelling (13). Complications identified after discharge included partial dehiscence (n = 3), inversion of skin (2), and stenosis of the tracheostomy requiring repair (1). Long-term follow-up information was available for 64 horses. Fifty-seven of the 64 (89%) horses returned to their previous use, and owners of 63 (98%) horses reported being very satisfied with the results. The owner of 1 (2%) horse was unsatisfied with the results. The 1-year survival rate was 97% (95% confidence interval, 95% to 100%). Mean estimated truncated survival time (ie, failure-free period) was 9.7 years (95% confidence interval, 9.3 to 10.1 years). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that permanent tracheostomy can be safely performed in standing horses and was a viable treatment for horses with obstructive disease of the upper respiratory tract that was unresponsive to medical treatment or other surgical treatments.