Clinical, sonographic and anatomopathological aspects of ovarian teratoma in a heifer / Aspectos clínicos, ultrassonográficos e anatomopatológicos do teratoma ovariano em uma novilha

Teratomas rarely occur in domestic species, especially in cattle. These tumors originate in fetal life and are characterized by rapid growth, which justifies their frequent detection in young animals. This study reported a case of ovarian teratoma in a heifer. On physical examination, the main signs identified were apathy, abdominal distention and tension, empty rumen, and mushy diarrhea. During rectal palpation, a mass was identified in the pelvic region, which was suggestive of cysts on ultrasound examination. The animal underwent laparotomy, followed by euthanasia due to a poor prognosis. At necropsy, a 54 x 43 x 52 cm (length x width x thickness) tumor was observed in the right ovary with multiple cystic areas, in addition to masses associated with multiple adhesions of the intestinal loops and peritonitis. On histopathology, muscle, cartilage, bone, nervous and epithelial tissue, glands, hair with follicles, were identified in the affected ovary. There was mixed inflammation and foci of necrosis observed with a complete absence of ovarian architecture in both the ovaries. Infiltrations were identified in the lymph nodes and mesenteric vessels. Glandular ducts were seen from the serosa to the intestinal mucosa. A locally infiltrative and expansile ovarian teratoma was diagnosed accordingly. It is considered that this kind of tumor can induce abdominal distension and absence of estrus in previously healthy, non-pregnant heifers.

Os teratomas são tumores raros nas espécies domésticas, sobretudo em bovinos. Esses tumores são caracterizados por crescimento rápido e origem durante a vida fetal, o que justifica seu diagnóstico frequente em animais jovens. O presente trabalho relata um caso de teratoma ovariano em uma novilha. No exame físico, os principais sinais identificados foram apatia, distensão e tensão abdominal, rúmen vazio e diarreia pastosa. Durante a palpação retal, uma massa foi identificada na região pélvica. Ao exame ultrassonográfico, a massa era sugestiva de cistos. O animal foi submetido a laparotomia, seguido de eutanásia devido ao mau prognóstico. Na necropsia foi observado um tumor de 54 x 43 x 52 cm (comprimento x largura x espessura) no ovário direito com múltiplas áreas císticas, além de massas associadas à múltiplas aderências das alças intestinais e peritonite. Na histopatologia foram identificados no ovário acometido a presença de tecidos muscular, cartilaginoso, ósseo, nervoso e epitelial, com glândulas, pelos e folículos. Havia inflamação mista e focos de necrose com ausência completa de arquitetura ovariana em ambos os ovários. Infiltrações foram identificadas em linfonodos e vasos mesentéricos. Ductos glandulares foram vistos desde a serosa até mucosa intestinal. Diagnosticou-se um teratoma ovariano localmente infiltrativo e expansivo. Considera-se que este tumor pode induzir distensão abdominal e ausência de estro em novilhas previamente sadias e não gestantes.

Subclinical ultrasonographic abnormalities of the suspensory ligament branch of the athletic horse: A survey of 60 Thoroughbred racehorses.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Ultrasonographic (US) abnormalities of the suspensory ligament branch (SLB) have been poorly investigated but can have considerable impact on market value and career path when encountered in athletic horses. There is a need for determination of the prevalence and relationship to clinical injury of these US abnormalities in the Thoroughbred (TB) racehorse. OBJECTIVES: To establish the prevalence of, and the repeatability of an US grading system for, subclinical US abnormalities of the forelimb SLB in a population of UK TB flat racehorses. METHODS: Ultrasonographic assessment of the forelimb SLBs of 60 TB racehorses free from history and clinical indication of SLB desmopathy in a single UK training yard was performed. Images were viewed independently by 2 blinded observers and graded for US abnormality. Interobserver agreement was assessed using Cohen's kappa statistic with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). RESULTS: Prevalence of horses with subclinical US abnormality of the forelimb SLB of moderate severity was 6.7%. Medial branches were overrepresented. Inter observer agreement was substantial for US grade (kappa = 0.743; 95% CI 0.652-0.834) and almost perfect for appearance of sesamoid bone at ligament insertion (kappa = 0.817; 95% CI 0.66-0.98). CONCLUSIONS: The study reveals that a proportion of TB racehorses in flat training free from history or clinical signs of SLB injury have US abnormalities that could negatively impact on market value and career path. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Clinicians should be aware that US abnormalities of the SLB may not always be related to clinical desmopathy. Further longitudinal studies are required to determine whether such findings are predictive for future injury.

The proximal aspect of the suspensory ligament in the horse: How precise are ultrasonographic measurements?

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: To evaluate intra- and interobserver variability in ultrasonographic measurements of the proximal aspect of the suspensory ligament (PSL) in the horse. HYPOTHESIS: A minimum difference of ≥20% is required to differentiate reliably between physiological and pathological alterations related to dimensions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two operators examined the PSL in all 4 limbs of 14 horses twice using different techniques and different probes with and without standoff pads. Measurements were taken from the longitudinal and transverse images. Inter- and intraoperator variability was evaluated using agreement indices (AI) and the 95% limits of agreement (LOA). RESULTS: On the longitudinal scan the mean inter- and intraoperator AIs for dorsopalmar/-plantar thickness were both ≥0.89 and the 95% LOA were within target values for almost all intra- and interoperator comparisons. Similar mean AIs and 95% LOA were calculated for the dorsopalmar/-plantar thickness on the transverse image. For lateromedial width, cross-sectional area and circumference on the transverse scan, the mean inter- and intraoperator AIs ranged between 0.81 and 0.95 and the 95% LOA were higher than target values regardless of the imaging technique used. In general, better values for AIs and 95% LOA were achieved in the fore- compared with the hindlimb. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Acceptable precision was identified within and between operators only for the dorsopalmar/-plantar thickness in longitudinal and in transverse scanning directions. For the lateromedial width, cross-sectional area and circumference, a relatively large variability was identified. This aspect has to be considered if these parameters are to be used for objective measurement of the PSL from the transverse ultrasound image.

Alterações morfométricas no plexo mioentérico do cólon menor equino distendido experimentalmente / Morphometrical alterations in myoenteric plexus of experimentally distended equine small colon

O cólon menor dos equinos é frequentemente acometido por afecções obstrutivas, sendo a disfunção da motilidade uma complicação comum após o tratamento cirúrgico. Este transtorno pode estar relacionado com lesões no plexo mioentérico ocorridas durante a distensão intestinal, contudo pouco se sabe sobre sua fisiopatologia. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as alterações morfológicas na inervação mioentérica em segmentos de cólon menor de eqüinos submetidos à distensão intraluminal com pressão suficiente para promover redução da perfusão microvascular (isquemia parcial) da parede intestinal. Nove eqüinos foram submetidos à distensão do cólon menor por 4h. Fragmentos da parede intestinal foram colhidos antes e ao final da distensão, após 1,5 e 12 horas de reperfusão no segmento experimental e ao final do procedimento em segmento distante. As amostras foram fixadas e processadas rotineiramente e secções histológicas foram coradas com cresil violeta para a morfometria. Por meio de um software de análise de imagens, obtiveram-se a área, o perímetro e os diâmetros mínimo e máximo do corpo neuronal, do núcleo e do nucléolo dos neurônios e as áreas do citoplasma e do nucleoplasma. Verificou-se redução significativa (P<0,05) das áreas do corpo neuronal e do citoplasma ao final da distensão, retornando aos valores equivalentes aos iniciais durante a reperfusão. Conclui-se que a distensão intraluminal alterou morfologicamente os neurônios do plexo mioentérico. Essas modificações morfológicas podem estar associadas e contribuir para explicar a disfunção da motilidade freqüentemente observada em casos clínicos.

The equine small colon is frequently affected by obstruction, and intestinal motility dysfunction is a common complication after its surgical treatment. This fact may be related to myoenteric plexus lesion caused by distention; however, little is known about the pathophysiology of this condition. The objective of this study was to evaluate the morphological alterations in the myoenteric inervation of segments of small colon of horses subjected to intraluminal distension with reduction of the microvascular perfusion (partial ischemia) of the intestinal wall. Nine horses were used to promote distension of on segment of small colon for 4 hours. Samples of intestinal wall were collected before and at the end of the distension, after 1.5 and 12 hours of reperfusion in the experimental segment and at the end of the procedure in a different distant segment. Samples were processed and histological sections were stained with cresyl violet for the morphometric studies. An image analyzer software was used to measure perimeter, diameter, and area of the neuronal body, nucleus and nucleolus of the neurons and the areas of the cytoplasm and nucleoplasm. Significant reductions (P<0.05) in the areas of the neuronal body and cytoplasm were detected at the end of intestinal distension, returning to the basal values during the reperfusion. In conclusion, intraluminal distension promoted changes in the morphology of the neurons of myoenteric plexus. These morphological modifications may be associated to the motility dysfunction frequently observed in clinical cases.

[The syndrome of external ligament sprain in the horse]. / Le syndrome de l'entorse externe de la cheville.

The treatment of acute complete (grade III) tears of the lateral ligaments of the ankle has generated much controversy in the medical literature. Functional treatment has become the standard treatment as it has been shown that there is no significant difference in long term results whatever the treatment (operative repair and cast, cast alone, or early controlled mobilization). Functional treatment includes only a short period of protection by tape bandage or brace and allows early weight-bearing. Major trauma with avulsion of bone and severe ligamentous damage on both medial and lateral sides of the ankle is however an indication for surgical treatment in the acute phase. Secondary operative reconstruction can be performed in case of persistent instability and laxity of the ankle. Secondary anatomic repair as proposed by Brodström, Duquennoy et al. and Karlsson et al. has a high rate of success and avoids the potential morbidity of harvesting partially or totally the peroneus brevis or other tendon grafts. Evaluation of the injured ankle has improved and in selected patients ultrasonography, arthrography, magnetic resonance imaging or bone scintigraphy may be useful for further evaluation of the injury. The frequency of associated injuries has probably been underestimated. Although ankle sprain is often thought of as an injury involving only the lateral ankle ligaments, there are varied and multiple components to the common sprained ankle. This condition would perhaps more appropriately be designated as the sprained ankle syndrome.

Exercise affects the mechanical properties and histological appearance of equine articular cartilage.

Dorsal carpal osteochondral injury is a major cause of reduced performance in horses undergoing high-intensity training. It was hypothesised that the mechanical behaviour and histology of cartilage are influenced by the intensity of exercise and by location within a joint. Relationships between histology and mechanical behaviour were identified in 2-year-old horses undergoing 19 weeks of high-intensity treadmill training or low-intensity exercise and then compared between groups. Dorsal and palmar test sites were identified on radial, intermediate, and third carpal articular surfaces after euthanasia. The mechanical properties of cartilage were determined with an automated creep indentation apparatus as previously described for equine cartilage. Cartilage morphology was assessed with use of sections stained with haematoxylin and eosin and toluidine blue. Dorsal cartilage was less permeable, thinner, and had a loss of chondrocyte alignment compared with palmar cartilage. Cartilage from strenuously trained horses showed more fibrillation and chondrocyte clusters than did cartilage from gently exercised animals. Dorsal radial carpal cartilage and third carpal cartilage of strenuously trained animals were significantly less stiff than that from gently exercised animals, and the former had reduced superficial toluidine blue staining compared with that from the gently exercised group. These results indicate that topographical and exercise-related differences exist in the morphology and mechanical properties of carpal cartilage and suggest that strenuous training may lead to deterioration of cartilage at sites with a high clinical incidence of lesions.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of the canine shoulder.

The aim of this study was to determine the normal ultrasonographic anatomy of the canine shoulder. Fourteen shoulders from 7 clinically normal mid-sized dogs were radiographed and imaged using high frequency ultrasound. Each shoulder was isolated postmortem, and the ultrasonographic and gross anatomy was studied during dissection. The ultrasonographic appearance of the shoulder specimens was similar to that found in the live dogs. Twenty-four shoulders isolated postmortem from 12 variably sized dogs were also used to characterize the normal ultrasound anatomy over a range of sizes. Important anatomic structures that could be consistently evaluated were the biceps tendon and bursa, the bicipital groove surface, the supraspinatous tendon, the infraspinatous tendon, the teres minor tendon, and the caudal aspect of the humeral head. Results of ultrasonographic examination of 4 dogs with shoulder lameness are described to illustrate some applications of canine shoulder ultrasonography in the evaluation of the canine shoulder. In these dogs, ultrasound was a valuable tool to evaluate effusion and synovial proliferation within the bicipital bursa, supraspinatous and biceps tendinitis, biceps tendon strain, and dystrophic calcification.

Dorsal radiocarpal ligament sprain causing intermittent carpal lameness in high activity dogs.

Five dogs were presented with mild to moderate unilateral thoracic limb lameness attributable to second and third degree sprains of the dorsal radiocarpal ligament. Three were active working dogs and two were racing greyhounds. In four cases the lameness was long-standing and unresponsive to rest; the remaining case was seen as an acute injury. Treatment was by exploratory surgery with postoperative support or by external support alone. All the dogs made a complete recovery with no recurrence of injury.

Degenerative joint disease in poultry--differences in composition and morphology of articular cartilage are associated with strain susceptibility.

The morphology and basic biochemical composition of articular cartilage from two strains of fowl were examined. Broiler breeder fowl are considered susceptible to degenerative joint disease (DJD); histological examination of one-year-old broiler breeders showed in some samples, articular cartilage thinning, fibrillation and chondrocyte cluster formation, features considered typical of DJD. Examination of similar samples from laying strain fowl showed only minor age-related changes such as some slight cartilage thinning and very mild fibrillation. The articular cartilage from the broiler breeder birds was significantly more hydrated with a higher uronic acid content than that of the laying strain birds. In addition, unloaded articular surfaces such as the proximal humerus had significantly higher amounts of uronic acid than the loaded cartilage surfaces of the proximal tarsometatarsus and the distal tibiotarsus; this suggested that the joint loading may have a role in any biochemical differences found between joints and between strains of fowl. These findings concur with other reports in mammals that showed increased hydration and uronic acid in association with early DJD and in models of osteoarthritis (OA). Thus, despite some differences between avian and mammalian articular cartilage, studies on avian DJD may give insights into mammalian disease.

Collateral ligament injury and stifle luxation.

Isolated collateral ligament injury is uncommon in dogs and cats and often occurs concurrently with injuries to other stifle ligaments. These injuries are either treated with primary reconstruction of the individual ligaments or with transarticular pin or splint stabilization of the joint until adequate periatricular fibrosis is achieved. Prognosis is generally good if adequate joint stability has been achieved.

In vitro comparison of Thoroughbred and Standardbred racehorses with regard to local fatigue failure of the third metacarpal bone.

In vitro local fatigue testing of the third metacarpal bone from Thoroughbred and Standardbred racehorses was performed, using fully reversed cyclic bending. Strain number of cycle data were accumulated and indicated that significant difference did not exist between the 2 breeds. It was concluded that the marked difference in the incidence of fatigue failure in the third metacarpal bone (bucked shins, dorsal metacarpal disease) seen in Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds was not related to any differences between the 2 breeds in mechanical properties of the bone.

Partial carpal arthrodesis for third degree carpal sprains. A review of 45 carpi.

The efficacy of partial carpal arthrodesis was evaluated retrospectively in 39 dogs (45 carpi) with severe sprains of the middle carpal joints, the carpometacarpal joints, or both. The carpometacarpal joint was the most frequently injured joint. Jumping or falling from heights was the cause of injury in 49% of these animals. Of the 25 owners who responded to a mailed questionnaire (mean follow-up, 32 months), all stated their animal had improved or greatly improved after partial carpal arthrodesis and all were pleased or very pleased with the final surgical result. Hyperextension persisted in 11% of the cases and degenerative joint disease of the antebrachiocarpal joint was present in 15.5% of the cases. No dogs with partial carpal arthrodesis required panarthrodesis at a later date.

Treatment of sprained tendons in horses with carbon fibre implants.

A technique for implanting carbon fibre into sprained flexor tendons in horses is described. Insertion of the fibres through paravertebral needles which passed through the affected region of the tendon was considered to be preferable to direct implantation into the surgically opened tendon. The results of the eight cases treated to date are dealt with briefly, together with a discussion as to how this form of treatment could be further evaluated.