Postoperative evaluation of the surgical treatment of accessory teat and gland cistern complexes in dairy cows.

The purpose of this study was the long-term evaluation of a method of surgically repairing the abnormal condition of accessory teat and gland cistern complexes in dairy cattle. A prospective evaluation of three cows that had undergone the procedure was done. These cows were evaluated from four months to one year, postoperatively. A thorough history, physical examination, contrast radiography, and ultrasonic examination were done on each cow. A retrospective evaluation of an additional 13 cows that had also undergone the procedure was obtained four months to three years following the surgery, via owner communication. The prospective portion of this study demonstrated patency of the communication between main and accessory teat cisterns. Postoperative complications included initial slow milking and mild swelling of the involved teat. These problems resolved in all cows one to two months postoperatively. None of the 16 cows that had undergone the surgery either developed or was treated for mastitis. Likewise, none of these cows was sold or slaughtered as a result of postoperative teat problems or unsatisfactory milk production. Our study demonstrated that this particular method of surgical correction of accessory teat and gland cistern complexes is effective, is esthetically acceptable, produces minimal associated complications, and preserves the milk production capacity of the gland.

Factors affecting incisional complication rates associated with colic surgery in horses: 78 cases (1983-1985).

From May 1, 1983 to April 1, 1985, 142 operations were performed on horses with signs of acute abdominal pain (colic), using a ventral midline incision. Seventy-eight horses lived for at least 15 days after surgery or had acute dehiscence and were included in the study. Seventy horses had surgery once, and 8 horses had surgery 2 or more times. Six-month follow-up evaluation was obtained for 66 horses that had 1 surgery and for 6 horses that had multiple surgeries. Incisional complications included drainage (including infection), acute dehiscence, hernia, and suture sinus formation. The effects of preoperative peritoneal fluid presence, enterotomy or resection, suture material and pattern used in the linea alba, type of skin closure and use of a sutured-on stent bandage on the incidence of incisional complications were investigated. The complication of incisional infection rate associated with a near-far-far-near suture pattern vs simple interrupted pattern in the linea alba was the only statistically significant (P less than 0.05) difference observed.

Colonic atresia in cattle: A prospective study of 43 cases.

This prospective study was initiated to document the success rate obtained in the treatment of colonic atresia in calves, identify factors that influence survival rate, and to report the histopathological appearance of the proximal blind end of the ascending colon. Forty-three calves with intestinal obstruction due to colonic atresia were admitted to the Ontario Veterinary College between September 1982 and May 1986. Parameters recorded prospectively in this study included age, breed, sex, history, vital signs, acid-base and electrolyte status, location of intestinal atresia, medical and surgical management, and outcome. The typical history and clinical signs included failure to pass meconium or feces, decreased appetite, and progressive depression and abdominal distension. The most common site of colonic atresia was the midportion of the spiral loop of the ascending colon (n = 25). Of the 43 calves, three (7%) were euthanized at surgery, 21 (49%) died in the hospital, and 19 (44%) survived and were discharged from the hospital. Four of the surviving calves died subsequent to discharge giving an overall long-term (mean 15.9 months) survival rate of 35%. No significant risk factors were identified, although experienced surgeons showed a trend towards increased survival rate.

Noninvasive Inguinal Approach for Cryptorchidectomy in Thirty-eight Stallions.

We describe the results of the noninvasive inguinal approach in 38 cases of cryptorchidism. Whether the retained testis was intra-abdominal or in the inguinal canal, this technique was found to be an easy, reliable method of locating abdominal and inguinal testes through a normal body opening. No postoperative complications were recorded in this series of cases and the postoperative rest period was minimal.

Equine Colic: Seventy-six Cases Resulting from Incarceration of the Large Colon by the Suspensory Ligament of the Spleen.

Incarceration of the large colon by the suspensory ligament of the spleen was diagnosed and surgically corrected on exploratory celiotomy in 76 horses exhibiting abdominal pain. The condition was diagnosed most frequently during the winter months in mature males of mean age 4.7 years. Clinical signs progressed slowly and included mild to moderate abdominal pain and distension with moderate tachycardia. The mean duration of colic prior to surgical intervention was 20.7 hours. The mild nature of the colic, the findings on palpation per rectum, and the continued passage of feces in 40% of horses, frequently led to the diagnosis and treatment of colonic impaction prior to admission. The condition was correctly diagnosed prior to exploratory celiotomy, by palpation per rectum, in only 18% of cases. Two types of displacement were identified. Sixty-six (86.8%) animals survived and were discharged from the hospital; the longterm survival rate was 78.9%.

Invasive teat surgery in dairy cattle: part I - surgical procedures and classification of lesions.

A prospective study was performed to identify the nature and management of teat abnormalities in cows presented to a referral teaching hospital during a three year period. All cattle (n = 60) admitted to the Ontario Veterinary College for teat problems were evaluated by physical examination; in 53 teats, contrast radiography or xeroradiography were obtained. Surgery was performed on 52 teats from 51 cows and a prosthesis was implanted in 27 teats. Short term (under two weeks) complications included intraoperative bleeding (n = 6), milk leakage through the incision (n = 4), and failure to milk by machine in 26 cases. Histopathological diagnosis of sections taken from obstructive lesions included fibrous tissue (n = 8), normal mammary tissue (n = 3), fibropapilloma, mammary polyps, and inflamed mucosa (one each). The lesion could be classified into five types: 1) focal teat cistern obstruction, 2) diffuse teat cistern obstruction, 3) membranous obstruction, 4) diffuse teat and gland cistern obstruction, or 5) leakage of milk through an abnormal route (i.e. teat fistula, webbed teat, or lacerations).

Invasive Teat Surgery in Dairy Cattle: II - Long-term Follow-up and complications.

A prospective study was performed on 52 teats that were operated upon at the Ontario Veterinary College over a three year period for various problems. Long-term postsurgical follow-ups were obtained to assess milking ability. Sixty-three percent of all the cows that had surgery were classified by the Canadian Holstein Association as "good" or better. The implantation of a prosthesis was required in 32 teats and was found to be associated with: a higher prevalence of chronic mastitis, a lower long-term milking success rate, and an increased prevalence of abnormal milking times. Of the five types of teat lesions encountered, Type I (<30% of teat cistern involved) and Type V (lacerations, webbed teats, fistulae) had the best short and long-term prognosis for lactation. Overall, 60% of the operated teats were milking one month after surgery, and 41% at the end of the lactation.

Arthrodesis of the scapulohumeral joint in a miniature horse.

Scapulohumeral arthrodesis was performed successfully as treatment for severe degenerative arthritis in a 62-kg miniature horse. Using an approach similar to that used for a dog, this horse's scapulohumeral joint was opened, the cartilage was removed, and the site was stabilized, using an 11-hole narrow dynamic compression plate. Fusion was uncomplicated. The stallion became a successful pasture-breeding animal.

Extension large colon resection in 12 horses.

Extensive resection (50-75%) of the large colon was performed in 12 horses. Indications for resection were: loss of viability due to large colon volvulus (seven), thromboembolic episode (three), impairment of flow of ingesta due to adhesions (one), or congenital abnormalities (one). The time required to correct the primary cause of abdominal pain and complete the resection ranged from 2.5 to 4.75 hours. Three horses had severe musculoskeletal problems postoperatively and were euthanized in the recovery stall. Four other horses were euthanized early in the postoperative period because of: further large colon infarction (two), ileus (one), or small intestinal problems (one). Five horses survived with no apparent nutritional or metabolic problems during two to three weeks of hospitalization. Clinical data were obtained from these horses from nine months to eighteen months postoperatively and revealed no clinical or clinicopathological abnormalities in four of them; the fifth horse exhibited diarrhea and weight loss four months postoperatively but responded to diet change.

In vivo intestinal uptake of immunoreactive bovine albumin in piglet enteritis.

We examined the uptake of bovine serum albumin (BSA) from the intestine into the circulation of 3-week-old piglets infected with transmissible gastroenteritis virus. Transfer of immunoreactive bovine serum albumin (iBSA) from the intestinal lumen into the circulation was enhanced during both the early invasive phase of this viral enteritis (12-h postinoculation) and the diarrheal phase (84-h postinoculation). In some animals, enhanced uptake persisted into the recovery phase, 324 h after inoculation. Gel filtration studies suggested that iBSA had the molecular size characteristic of native BSA; no immunoreactive fragments of BSA were detected. Based on studies of two animals, the half-life of iBSA approximated that of porcine albumin. Further study is required to determine the immunological consequences of the enhanced uptake of protein occurring during viral infection of the intestine.

Histology of the normal and retained equine testis.

Abdominal, inguinal and scrotal testes of horses were examined grossly and by light microscopy. An average of 1.5, 2.3 and 4.6 layers of spermatogenic cells, and mean seminiferous tubule diameters of approximately 66.2, 83.6 and 146.6 micron in the abdominal, inguinal and scrotal testes, respectively, were recorded. The interstitial spaces and the number of interstitial cells (of Leydig) seemed to be increased while spermatogenesis appeared to be arrested in the retained testes. Early spermatocytes were the most mature stages of the spermatogenic cells in the retained testes. An extensive vacuolation of spermatogenic cells was evident in these testes. The changes may result due to a high temperature of the abdominal environment in concert with the altered production of androgens.

Extensive large colon resection in the pony. I. Surgical procedures and clinical results.

The effect of resection of 75% (length measurement) of the large colon in ponies was studied. Ten ponies in good physical condition were divided into two groups: group I consisted of the six experimental ponies and group II of four control ponies. Preoperatively and postoperatively for five months, ten clinicopathological parameters were determined: body weight, venous blood pH, plasma bicarbonate, total plasma protein concentration, serum electrolyte values (sodium, potassium, chloride), and fecal osmolarity. Subjective assessment of attitude and appetite revealed no difference between the groups or within groups at any time. Resection of a major portion of the large colon did not significantly influence the clinicopathological parameters evaluated. The hematocrit of the ponies in group I did decrease during the first postoperative month and this was attributed to whole blood loss associated with the resection procedures. The results of this investigation indicated that resection of 75% of the large colon in ponies is compatible with life.

Extensive large colon resection in the pony. II. Digestibility studies and postmortem findings.

The nutritional implications and adaptive processes resulting from resection of 75% of the length of the large colon in ponies were investigated. Ten ponies in good physical condition were divided into two groups: six in the experimental group and four in the control group. During the sixth postoperative month, two digestibility studies were conducted, and phosphate fractional renal excretion and serum biochemical profiles were determined in both groups. The ponies (N = 10) were euthanized six months postoperatively, and gross and histopathological examinations were performed. Results of the serum biochemical profiles, phosphate fractional renal extraction and digestibility studies showed no statistically significant difference between groups except for the serum phosphate concentration. However, large colon resection was associated with hypophosphatemia in three of the six ponies and produced an overall significantly lower phosphate concentration in the experimental ponies. This hypophosphatemia suggests that some dietary modifications may be needed postoperatively in ponies or horses undergoing this surgical procedure. Postmortem examination and histopathological examination failed to demonstrate differences between groups. Adaptive mechanisms, specifically mucosal hypertrophy or hyperplasia, were not observed.