Evaluation of 10-minute versus 30-minute tourniquet time for intravenous regional limb perfusion with amikacin sulfate in standing sedated horses.

The objective of the article is to determine the synovial fluid concentrations of amikacin sulfate (AS) after performing an intravenous regional limb perfusion (IVRLP) with the tourniquet in place for 10 minutes and compare this with 30 minutes. This is a randomised crossover experimental design. Animals were seven healthy adult horses. Horses underwent two IVRLP procedures in a randomised, crossover design. The horses received IVRLP with 2 g AS diluted to 60 ml using 0.9% saline in the cephalic vein of alternate limbs with the tourniquet in place for either 10 or 30 minutes, with a washout period between procedures. Movement of the horses was recorded. Synovial fluid was collected from the radiocarpal and metacarpophalangeal joints at five minutes and 24 hours after IVRLP, and amikacin concentration was compared between groups. Amikacin was quantified by a fluorescence polarisation immunoassay. There was no significant difference between the synovial amikacin concentrations noted between 10 minute and 30 minute IVRLP. Horses in the 30 minute tourniquet application group demonstrated more movement than the 10 minute tourniquet group. There was a significant difference between groups with regard to the systemic venous blood concentration of amikacin one minute after tourniquet release with mean systemic venous blood concentrations of AS being higher (P=0.001) in the 10 minute group. Ten minute application of a wide elastic tourniquet may be sufficient when performing IVRLP in standing sedated horses.

Septic sialoadenitis in equids: a retrospective study of 18 cases (1998-2010).

REASON FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Septic sialoadenitis, although uncommonly reported in equids, is a significant cause of pain, inappetence, dysphagia and discomfort. There are currently few reported cases possibly as a result of its infrequent occurrence. OBJECTIVES: To review cases presenting with sialoadenitis and describe the presenting complaints, results of diagnostic tests, treatment and outcome. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: Records were reviewed for equids presenting to the UC Davis William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital between 1998 and 2010 for salivary gland swelling. Equids were included if a diagnosis of septic sialoadenitis was made based on a combination of oral examination and/or ultrasonographic findings and/or microbial culture. Data collected included age, breed, presenting complaints, diagnostic results, treatment and outcome. RESULTS: Eighteen equids were diagnosed with septic sialoadenitis affecting the parotid gland (11) or the mandibular salivary gland (7). Ultrasound was useful to differentiate whether the mandibular or parotid salivary gland was involved. Affected equids ranged in age from 4 to 30 years (mean 17.7 years). Fourteen of 15 (93.3%) equids that underwent a complete oral examination had dental or other oral abnormalities. Six of 18 cases had evidence of sialolithiasis. Culture of the infected salivary gland or secretions was performed in 9 equids and all yielded growth of Fusobacterium sp. along with other aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Infection resolved in 15/18 cases (83.3%) and 2/18 (11.1%) were subjected to euthanasia. CONCLUSIONS: Dental disease and sialolith formation may play important roles in the development of septic sialoadenitis in equids. Anaerobic infection should be assumed in all cases and affected horses should be treated for this until culture and sensitivity results are available. Prognosis is favourable (83.3%) with appropriate treatment.