Vertical pelvic movement asymmetry and lameness location in ipsilateral combined forelimb and hindlimb lameness cases.

BACKGROUND: Compensatory vertical head and pelvis movement asymmetry may occur in trotting horses with a primary cause of lameness in one end of the body due to the weight shifting between limbs, leading to apparent combined forelimb and hindlimb lameness (CFHL). Little is known about CFHL patterns observed with body-mounted inertial sensors (BMIS) and regardless of their underlying mechanisms, compensatory and secondary lameness may complicate the definitive identification of the primary causes of lameness. OBJECTIVE: Determine associations between vertical pelvic movement asymmetry and location of primary lameness in ipsilateral CFHL cases where hindlimb lameness is solely impact or push-off type. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. METHODS: From a body-mounted inertial sensor (BMIS) evaluated equine lameness database, we identified cases with a consistent, low-variability ipsilateral impact (IpI) or ipsilateral pushoff (IpP) hindlimb lameness in a straight-line trot and that had definitive diagnoses. Cases were categorised by lameness location to the limb(s), diagnosis, and ratio of the amplitude of forelimb to hindlimb lameness (Forea/Hinda). Differences in the numbers of IpI and IpP cases in these categories were analysed with chi-square tests, effect sizes, and odds ratios. RESULTS: Among the 2375 total lameness cases screened, 49 IpI and 36 IpP cases met the criteria for consistency, low variability, and definitive diagnosis. IpI cases were more likely than IpP cases to have forelimb-only lameness causes when Forea/Hinda >1 (OR = 43, 95% CI = 2.3-798). IpP cases were more likely than IpI cases to have hindlimb-only causes at both Forea/Hinda >1.0 (OR = 20, 95% CI = 2.2-200) and <1.0 (OR = 14, 95% CI = 2.9-66.7). Compared with IpI, IpP cases were more frequently diagnosed with tendon, suspensory ligament, or high-motion joint disorders in hindlimbs (OR = 3.6, 95% CI = 1.1-12.3) and less with unknown causes (OR = 13.2, 95% CI = 3.2-75.2). In IpI cases, positive forelimb regional anaesthesia often reduced hindlimb lameness, whereas in IpP cases, positive hindlimb regional anaesthesia typically lessened forelimb lameness. MAIN LIMITATIONS: Most cases were Quarter Horses. The likelihood of location and cause of lameness may be different for other breeds. CONCLUSIONS: The type of pelvic movement asymmetry observed in IpI and IpP cases is linked to the location and underlying cause of the primary lameness.

Case report: Scapulohumeral arthrodesis in a reindeer.

This case report describes the anesthetic, surgical, and postoperative management of scapulohumeral arthrodesis in a juvenile reindeer with severe lameness due to a chronic proximal humeral fracture and scapulohumeral luxation. The reindeer was managed with prolonged stall confinement and physical therapy and 9 months postoperatively was walking and bearing weight equally when standing. This case demonstrates that comparative techniques from other veterinary species coupled with considerations for reindeer anesthesia can be successful in restoring functional soundness after scapulohumeral arthrodesis.

Prevalence and clinical significance of increasing head height asymmetry as a measure of forelimb lameness in horses when trotting in a straight line after palmar digital nerve block.

BACKGROUND: Some horses increase in forelimb lameness, measured as vertical head height asymmetry, or differences in maximums and minimums of head heights (HDmax, HDmin), after a palmar digital nerve (PDN) block. The prevalence of this finding, or what it means clinically, has not been reported in peer-reviewed literature. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of increasing head height asymmetry after a PDN block and determine if this is associated with cause of forelimb lameness. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: Head height asymmetry, normalised to expected vertical head displacement, from inertial-sensor data collections of all horses evaluated for forelimb lameness while trotting in a straight line at two different clinics were screened for cases that had an initial PDN block and then another more proximal block in the same limb during the same lameness evaluation. Medical records of the screened cases (n = 213) were evaluated to determine the cause of lameness. Prevalence of increasing head height asymmetry was calculated. Differences in lameness amplitude between groups of cases that remained unchanged (Group 1), that increased (Group 2), and that decreased (Group 3) in head height asymmetry before and after the initial PDN block were compared (Kruskal-Wallis). Determination of the location of the cause of lameness and final diagnoses of cases were compared between Group 1 and Group 2 (chi-squared tests of independence). RESULTS: The PDN block increased head height asymmetry at a prevalence of 32.5% (95% CI = 24.5%-41.5%) and 13.8% (95% CI = 7.3%-22.9%), in clinic 1 and 2, respectively. Increasing head height asymmetry after an initial PDN block did not predict localization of the cause of forelimb lameness or specific diagnosis (p = 0.1), other than indicating that it is unlikely to be in the foot (p = 0.02). MAIN LIMITATIONS: Study samples consisted primarily of Warmbloods (clinic 1) and Quarter Horses (clinic 2). Analysis of blocking induced changes was limited to straight line trot only. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing head height asymmetry after PDN block is common during forelimb lameness evaluations. Other than indicating that the cause of lameness is more proximal in the blocked forelimb, this does not help determine the final diagnosis.

Medical management of an osseous sequestrum in an alpaca cria.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 2-month-old 12.0-kg (26.4-lb) sexually intact male alpaca was evaluated for a 1-week history of progressive forelimb lameness with no known history of trauma. CLINICAL FINDINGS: The cria had toe-touching lameness in the right forelimb with a firm swelling at the distal dorsomedial metacarpal region. Signs of pain were elicited on palpation of the swollen region. There was no associated wound or draining tract. Radiographic examination revealed soft tissue swelling and osteomyelitis of the distal portion of the third metacarpal bone with a possible medial cortical sequestrum. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: The cria was hospitalized and treated with meloxicam (1 mg/kg [0.45 mg/lb], PO, q 72 h) and ceftiofur sodium administered SC (2.2 mg/kg [1 mg/lb], q 12 h for 8 days) and by means of regional limb perfusion (1.25 mg/kg [0.57 mg/lb], IV, q 48 h for 8 days). Lameness and swelling improved, and the cria was discharged from the hospital with meloxicam (1 mg/kg, PO, q 72 h for 2 weeks) and ceftiofur crystalline free acid (1.5 mg/kg [0.68 mg/kg], SC, q 5 d for 2 weeks). At a recheck examination 17 days later, there was radiographic evidence of a well-defined 3.4 × 0.3-cm osseous sequestrum in the distal aspect of the affected third metacarpal bone. The owner declined further treatment and elected to monitor the cria at home. One year later, radiographic examination revealed nearly complete resolution of the sequestrum. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results for this patient suggested that osseous sequestra in some camelids may resolve following medical treatment without surgical intervention.

Comparison of results for body-mounted inertial sensor assessment with final lameness determination in 1,224 equids.

OBJECTIVE: To compare results for initial body-mounted inertial sensor (BMIS) measurement of lameness in equids trotting in a straight line with definitive findings after full lameness evaluation. ANIMALS: 1,224 equids. PROCEDURES: Lameness measured with BMIS equipment while trotting in a straight line was classified into categories of none, forelimb only, hind limb only, and 8 patterns of combined forelimb and hind limb lameness (CFHL). Definitive findings after full lameness evaluation were established in most horses and classified into types (no lameness, forelimb- or hind limb-only lameness, CFHL, or lameness not localized to the limbs). Observed proportions of lameness type in equids with definitive findings for each initial BMIS-assessed category were compared with hypothetical expected proportions through χ2 goodness-of-fit analysis. RESULTS: The most common initial BMIS-assessed lameness category was CFHL (693/1,224 [56.6%]), but this was the least common definitive finding (94/ 862 [10.9%]). The observed frequency of no lameness after full lameness evaluation was greater than expected only when initial BMIS measurements indicated no lameness. The observed frequency of forelimb-only lameness was greater than expected when initially measured as forelimb-only lameness and for CFHL categories consistent with the diagonal movement principle of compensatory lameness. Observed frequency of hind limb-only lameness was greater than expected when initially measured as hind limb-only lameness and for CFHL categories consistent with the sagittal movement principle of compensatory lameness. Equids initially assessed as having no lameness had the highest (103/112 [92%]) and those assessed as CFHL pattern 7 (forelimb with contralateral hind limb impact-only lameness) had the lowest (36/66 [55%]) rates of definitive findings. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In equids, results of initial straight-line trotting evaluations with a BMIS system did not necessarily match definitive findings but may be useful in planning the remaining lameness evaluation.

Effect of induced hindlimb length difference on body-mounted inertial sensor measures used to evaluate hindlimb lameness in horses.

This study has investigated the immediate effect of induced hindlimb length difference on hindlimb lameness measured as differences in minimum (Pmin) and maximum (Pmax) pelvic heights in 16 horses trotting in a straight line and lungeing on both hard and soft surfaces with body-mounted inertial sensors. Hindlimb length differences were induced by applying an Easyboot Glue-on shoe to one hindlimb. Changes in Pmin and Pmax with induced hindlimb length difference were assessed with a two-way repeated-measures ANOVA with trial (straight, lunge with inside limb elevation, lunge with outside limb elevation) and surface (hard, soft) as within-subject factors. Change in Pmin, indicating an impact-type lameness, in the hind limb with the elevation, was significant in both the straight line and while lunging on both hard and soft surfaces. Change in Pmax, indicating pushoff-type lameness, in the opposite, non-elevated hind limb, was significant when trotting in a straight line but not while lunging.

An attempt to detect lameness in galloping horses by use of body-mounted inertial sensors.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate head, pelvic, and limb movement to detect lameness in galloping horses. ANIMALS 12 Thoroughbreds. PROCEDURES Movement data were collected with inertial sensors mounted on the head, pelvis, and limbs of horses trotting and galloping in a straight line before and after induction of forelimb and hind limb lameness by use of sole pressure. Successful induction of lameness was determined by measurement of asymmetric vertical head and pelvic movement during trotting. Differences in gallop strides before and after induction of lameness were evaluated with paired-sample statistical analysis and neural network training and testing. Variables included maximum, minimum, range, and time indices of vertical head and pelvic acceleration, head rotation in the sagittal plane, pelvic rotation in the frontal plane, limb contact intervals, stride durations, and limb lead preference. Difference between median standardized gallop strides for each limb lead before and after induction of lameness was calculated as the sum of squared differences at each time index and assessed with a 2-way ANOVA. RESULTS Head and pelvic acceleration and rotation, limb timing, stride duration measurements, and limb lead preference during galloping were not significantly different before and after induction of lameness in the forelimb or hind limb. Differences between limb leads before induction of lameness were similar to or greater than differences within limb leads before and after lameness induction. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Galloping horses maintained asymmetry of head, pelvic, and limb motion between limb leads that was unrelated to lameness.

Associations of force plate and body-mounted inertial sensor measurements for identification of hind limb lameness in horses.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate associations between inertial sensor and stationary force plate measurements of hind limb lameness in horses. ANIMALS: 21 adult horses with no lameness or with mild hind limb lameness. PROCEDURES: Horses were instrumented with inertial sensors and evaluated for lameness with a stationary force plate while trotting in a straight line. Inertial sensor-derived measurements of maximum and minimum pelvic height differences between right and left halves of the stride were compared with vertical and horizontal ground reaction forces (GRFs). Stepwise linear regression was performed to investigate the strength of association between inertial sensor measurements of hind limb lameness and amplitude, impulse, and time indices of important events in the vertical and horizontal GRF patterns. RESULTS: Difference in minimum pelvic position was moderately (Ra(2) = 0.60) associated with the difference in peak vertical GRF but had little association with any horizontal GRF measurements. Difference in maximum pelvic position was strongly (Ra(2) = 0.77) associated with a transfer of vertical to horizontal ground reaction impulse in the second half of the stance but was not associated with difference in peak vertical GRF. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Inertial sensor-derived measurements of asymmetric pelvic fall (difference in minimum pelvic position) indicated a decrease in vertical GRF, but similar measurements of asymmetric pelvis rise (difference in maximum pelvic position) indicated a transfer of vertical to horizontal force impulse in the second half of the stance. Evaluation of both pelvic rise and fall may be important when assessing hind limb lameness in horses.

Evaluation of a Permanent Synthetic Osteochondral Implant in the Equine Medial Femoral Condyle.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate bone ingrowth, integration, and tolerance of a synthetic osteochondral implant in the medial femoral condyle (MFC) of normal horses. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. ANIMALS: Adult horses (n = 6). METHODS: Horses were anesthetized and bilateral femorotibial arthrotomies were performed for placement of 1 implant consisting of polycarbonate urethane with a titanium base in 1 MFC. The contralateral MFC served as a sham-operated control without reaming of cartilage or subchondral bone. Lameness evaluations and radiographs were performed pre-operatively with subsequent monthly lameness exams and radiographs at 6 months. Synovial fluid was collected for analysis from the adjacent femoropatellar joints pre-operatively and at several intervals post-operatively. Horses were euthanatized 6 months post-operatively. Stifles were harvested for gross and histologic evaluations. RESULTS: Two horses were never lame, 2 were mildly lame, and 1 exhibited moderate lameness. Synovial fluid inflammatory parameters of the adjacent femoropatellar joints were not significantly different. No significant changes occurred radiographically over time in either stifle. Histologic assessment of synovium from the medial femorotibial joint revealed no differences in inflammatory changes between implant and sham stifles. Integration and osteoconductivity of the implant were graded as good in 4 and 3 of 5 specimens, respectively. Complications included joint sepsis resulting in euthanasia (1 horse), persistent lameness (1 horse), incisional seromas (4 horses), and incisional dehiscence (2 horses). CONCLUSION: Results of this pilot study indicate that the implant was compatible with placement in the MFC of normal horses. Implant design allowed bone ingrowth within the titanium base and provision of a synthetic articular surface.

Comparison of a body-mounted inertial sensor system-based method with subjective evaluation for detection of lameness in horses.

OBJECTIVE: To compare data obtained with an inertial sensor system with results of subjective lameness examinations performed by 3 experienced equine veterinarians for evaluation of lameness in horses. ANIMALS: 106 horses. PROCEDURES: Horses were evaluated for lameness with a body-mounted inertial sensor system during trotting in a straight line and via subjective evaluation by 3 experienced equine practitioners who performed complete lameness examinations including lunging in a circle and limb flexion tests. Agreement among evaluators regarding results of subjective evaluations and correlations and agreements between various inertial sensor measures and results of subjective lameness evaluations were determined via calculation of Fleiss' κ statistic, regression analysis, and calculation of 95% prediction intervals. RESULTS: Evaluators agreed on classification of horses into 3 mutually exclusive lameness categories (right limb lameness severity greater than left limb lameness severity, left limb lameness severity greater than right limb lameness severity, or equal right and left limb lameness severity) for 58.8% (κ = 0.37) and 54.7% (κ = 0.31) of horses for forelimb and hind limb lameness, respectively. All inertial sensor measures for forelimb and hind limb lameness were positively and significantly correlated with results of subjective evaluations. Agreement between inertial sensors measures and results of subjective evaluations was fair to moderate for forelimb lameness and slight to fair for hind limb lameness. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results of lameness evaluation of horses with an inertial sensor system and via subjective lameness examinations were significantly correlated but did not have strong agreement. Inertial sensor-based evaluation may augment but not replace subjective lameness examination of horses.

Evaluation of serum trace mineral, vitamin D, and sex steroid hormone concentration, and survey data in llamas and alpacas with metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal hyperextension.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize serum trace mineral, sex steroid hormone, and vitamin D concentrations and identify factors associated with metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal hyperextension in llamas and alpacas. SAMPLES: Serum samples from 79 llamas and 15 alpacas and owner survey data for 573 llamas and 399 alpacas. PROCEDURES: Serum samples were stored at -20°C until analysis and were evaluated for trace mineral, vitamin D, estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone concentrations. Information regarding age of onset, number of affected animals in herd, feed and supplements given, type of housing, and management practices was obtained in an owner survey. RESULTS: Higher serum zinc and iron concentrations were associated with metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal hyperextension in camelids, compared with controls. In summer and fall months, vitamin D concentrations were significantly higher in affected camelids than controls. Overall prevalence was 13.3% in llamas, compared with 0.7% in alpacas. No management factors were found to be predictive of this condition. No other factors examined were associated with metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal hyperextension. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Despite similar supplementation practices and environmental conditions between affected and unaffected animals, an association of high serum zinc, iron, and vitamin D concentrations in affected camelids, compared with controls, may indicate differences of intake or absorption of dietary supplements.

Use of cecal bypass via side-to-side ileocolic anastomosis without ileal transection for treatment of ileocecal intussusception in a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig (Sus scrofa).

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 5-year-old castrated male Vietnamese pot-bellied pig (Sus scrofa) was evaluated because of anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Hypermotile gastrointestinal sounds were noted on abdominal auscultation. An inflammatory leukogram, dehydration, prerenal azotemia, hyponatremia, hypochloremia, hyperproteinemia, hyperglobulinemia, hypomagnesemia, and high γ-glutamyl transpeptidase activity were identified. Transabdominal ultrasonography revealed distended loops of small intestine. TREATMENT: IV fluid therapy and analgesic treatment were unsuccessful in the resolution of clinical signs. Exploratory laparotomy revealed an ileocecal intussusception involving the distal portion of the ileum. Distal ileal and cecal bypass were achieved via side-to-side anastomosis of the proximal portion of the ileum and spiral colon with a gastrointestinal anastomosis stapler. Ileal transection or occlusion was not performed. Postoperative complications were minimal, and the pig was clinically normal 15 months after surgery and required no special care or diet. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Distal ileal and cecal bypass without ileal transection have not been described previously in Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs. Anastomosis of the proximal portion of the ileum to the spiral colon without major complications represents a novel, technically simple approach to bypass of the distal portion of the ileum and cecum.

Assessment of repeatability of a wireless, inertial sensor-based lameness evaluation system for horses.

OBJECTIVE: To determine repeatability of a wireless, inertial sensor-based lameness evaluation system in horses. ANIMALS: 236 horses. PROCEDURES: Horses were from 2 to 29 years of age and of various breeds and lameness disposition. All horses were instrumented with a wireless, inertial sensor-based motion analysis system on the head (accelerometer), pelvis (midline croup region [accelerometer]), and right forelimb (gyroscope) before evaluation in 2 consecutive trials, approximately 5 minutes apart, as the horse was trotted in a straight line. Signal-processing algorithms generated overall trial asymmetry measures for vertical head and pelvic movement and stride-by-stride differences in head and pelvic maximum and minimum positions between right and left sides of each stride. Repeatability was determined, and trial difference was determined for groups of horses with various numbers of strides for which data were collected per trial. RESULTS: Inertial sensor-based measures of torso movement asymmetry were repeatable. Repeatability for measures of torso asymmetry for determination of hind limb lameness was slightly greater than that for forelimb lameness. Collecting large numbers of strides degraded stride-to-stride repeatability but did not degrade intertrial repeatability. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The inertial sensor system used to measure asymmetry of head and pelvic movement as an aid in the detection and evaluation of lameness in horses trotting in a straight line was sufficiently repeatable to investigate for clinical use.

Molecular, histologic, and trace mineral characterization of metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joint hyperextension in juvenile llamas.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate molecular and histologic characteristics of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT), deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT), and suspensory ligament (SL) and assess trace-mineral concentrations in serum, liver, and hair of juvenile llamas with metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joint hyperextension. ANIMALS: 12 juvenile llamas (6 with bilateral hyperextension of metacarpophalangeal joints, metatarsophalangeal joints, or both and 6 clinically normal control llamas). PROCEDURES: Radiography and ultrasonography of metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal regions were performed. Llamas were euthanized, and SDFT, DDFT, and SL samples were collected for histologic evaluation of collagen and elastin content and orientation, proteoglycan content, and collagen type III immunohistochemistry. Total RNA was isolated from SL tissue, and gene expression of collagen types I and III, lysyl oxidase, and matrix metalloproteinase-13 was evaluated via real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR assay. Liver, serum, and hair samples were evaluated for trace mineral content. RESULTS: Collagen type III gene expression and proteoglycan content were significantly increased in SL samples of affected juvenile llamas, compared with those of control llamas. No difference was detected in collagen and elastin content and orientation or in gene expression of collagen type I, lysyl oxidase, or matrix metalloproteinase-13 between groups. Affected llamas had significantly increased serum molybdenum and decreased liver cobalt concentrations, compared with values for control llamas. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Increased collagen type III gene expression and proteoglycan content in SL samples of affected juvenile llamas provided evidence of ongoing SL matrix repair. Trace mineral differences may have been attributable to dietary imbalances in affected llamas.

Molecular and histologic evaluation of idiopathic hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints in adult llamas.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the molecular and histologic characteristics of hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints in adult llamas. ANIMALS: 12 adult llamas (6 with bilateral hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal or metatarsophalangeal joints [affected] and 6 age- and sex-matched clinically normal control llamas). PROCEDURES: Llamas were euthanized, and specimens of superficial digital flexor tendon, deep digital flexor tendon, and suspensory ligament were obtained from 4 areas and snap frozen in liquid nitrogen or suspended in neutral-buffered 10% formalin. Histologic evaluation of collagen fiber orientation, elastin content, and proteoglycan content was performed by use of Masson trichrome, picrosirius red, Verhoeff, and Alcian blue stains. Total RNA was isolated from frozen suspensory ligament specimens. Gene expression of collagen types I and III, lysyl oxidase, and matrix metalloproteinase-13 was evaluated with a real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR assay. RESULTS: Gene expression of collagen types I and III, lysyl oxidase, and matrix metalloproteinase-13 in suspensory ligaments was similar between affected and control llamas. Collagen orientation and elastin content of the flexor tendons and suspensory ligaments were also similar between the groups. Proteoglycan content was low in most specimens but was focally increased in discrete lesions of suspensory ligaments in 2 affected and 2 control llamas. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal or metatarsophalangeal joints in llamas did not appear to be caused by degeneration or inflammation of the suspensory ligament. Although focal proteoglycan accumulation existed in the suspensory ligaments of 2 affected llamas, widespread abnormal connective tissue proteoglycan accumulation was not found.

Collection and analysis of peritoneal fluid from healthy llamas and alpacas.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a technique for abdominocentesis in camelids and report peritoneal fluid biochemical and cytologic findings from healthy llamas and alpacas. DESIGN: Prospective study. Animals-17 adult llamas and 5 adult alpacas. PROCEDURES: Right paracostal abdominocentesis was performed. Peritoneal fluid was collected by gravity flow into tubes containing potassium-EDTA for cell count and cytologic evaluation and lithium heparin for biochemical analysis. Blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture into heparinized tubes at the same time. Cytologic components were quantified. Fluid pH and concentrations of total carbon dioxide, sodium, potassium, chloride, lactate, and glucose were compared between peritoneal fluid and venous blood. RESULTS: All but 3 camelids had peritoneal fluid cell counts of < 3,000 nucleated cells/microL, with < 2,000 neutrophils/microL and < 1,040 large mononuclear cells/microL. All but 1 had peritoneal fluid protein concentrations of > or = 2.5 g/dL. Peritoneal fluid of camelids generally contained slightly less glucose, lactate, and sodium and roughly equal concentrations of potassium and chloride as venous blood. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Peritoneal fluid was collected safely from healthy camelids. Compared with blood, peritoneal fluid usually had a low cell count and protein concentration, but some individuals had higher values. Electrolyte concentrations resembled those found in blood. High cell counts and protein concentrations found in peritoneal fluid of some healthy camelids may overlap with values found in diseased camelids, complicating interpretation of peritoneal fluid values.

Effectiveness of administration of phenylbutazone alone or concurrent administration of phenylbutazone and flunixin meglumine to alleviate lameness in horses.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of administering multiple doses of phenylbutazone alone or a combination of phenylbutazone and flunixin meglumine to alleviate lameness in horses. ANIMALS: 29 adult horses with naturally occurring forelimb and hind limb lameness. PROCEDURES: Lameness evaluations were performed by use of kinematic evaluation while horses were trotting on a treadmill. Lameness evaluations were performed before and 12 hours after administration of 2 nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) treatment regimens. Phenylbutazone paste was administered at approximately 2.2 mg/kg, PO, every 12 hours for 5 days, or phenylbutazone paste was administered at approximately 2.2 mg/kg, PO, every 12 hours for 5 days in combination with flunixin meglumine administered at 1.1 mg/kg, IV, every 12 hours for 5 days. RESULTS: Alleviation of lameness was greater after administration of the combination of NSAIDs than after oral administration of phenylbutazone alone. Improvement in horses after a combination of NSAIDs did not completely mask lameness. Five horses did not improve after either NSAID treatment regimen. All posttreatment plasma concentrations of NSAIDs were less than those currently allowed by the United States Equestrian Federation Inc for a single NSAID. One horse administered the combination NSAID regimen died of acute necrotizing colitis during the study. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Administration of a combination of NSAIDs at the dosages and intervals used in the study reported here alleviated the lameness condition more effectively than did oral administration of phenylbutazone alone. This may attract use of combinations of NSAIDs to increase performance despite potential toxic adverse effects.

Complications after orthopedic surgery in alpacas and llamas: 24 cases (2000-2006).

OBJECTIVE: To report complications associated with orthopedic surgery in alpacas and llamas. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Alpacas (n=18) and llamas (n=6) that orthopedic surgery using internal or external fixation. METHODS: Medical records (January 2000-December 2006) and radiographs were reviewed and owners contacted for follow-up information for alpacas and llamas that had orthopedic surgery involving internal or external fixation. Fourteen camelids had internal fixation, 7 had external fixation, and 3 had a combination of internal and external fixation. RESULTS: Twenty-two animals (92%) were discharged after surgery (mean hospitalization, 15 days). Of 20 animals with >or=1 year follow-up information, 18 were alive (82%). Postoperative complications related to fracture healing, infection, soft tissue structures, or joints occurred in 21 camelids (87%). Thirteen animals returned to their intended use, 4 animals returned to breeding but not their intended use, 4 were euthanatized, and 3 were only able to be used as pets. CONCLUSIONS: Fixation type (internal, external) did not have any significant effect on complications involving fracture healing, infection, soft tissue structures, or chronic lameness. Camelids with open fractures were more likely to have complications associated with fracture healing, repair, and infection than closed fractures. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Complications after orthopedic surgery in alpacas and llamas are more common than previously reported and may result in chronic lameness or prevent return to their intended use.

Morphologic and biochemical characterization of hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints in llamas.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the morphologic and biochemical characteristics of hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints in llamas. ANIMALS: 12 adult llamas (6 with bilateral hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal or metatarsophalangeal joints and 6 age- and sex-matched control llamas). PROCEDURES: Llamas were evaluated by use of lameness examination, ultrasonography, and radiography. A CBC, serum biochemical analysis, and determination of concentrations of trace minerals in serum and liver samples were performed. Llamas were euthanized, and samples of the superficial digital flexor tendon, deep digital flexor tendon, and suspensory ligament were obtained from 4 areas and snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen or suspended in neutral-buffered 10% formalin. Immunohistochemical evaluation of collagen types I and III and assays for measurement of lysyl oxidase activity were performed. RESULTS: 2 affected llamas had a visible gait deficit associated with metacarpophalangeal joint hyperextension. Radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis was detected in 1 severely affected llama, and ultrasonographic changes of soft tissue mineralization and suspensory desmitis were observed in 2 llamas. Liver concentrations of copper were lower and serum concentrations of zinc higher in affected llamas, compared with values in control llamas. Lysyl oxidase activity and collagen distribution did not differ significantly between groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal or metatarsophalangeal joints in llamas does not appear to be the result of injury or degeneration of the suspensory ligament or flexor tendons. Lower copper concentrations coupled with higher zinc concentrations in affected llamas may be indicative of secondary copper deficiency.