bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrasonographic examination of the femorotibial articulation in horses: imaging of the cranial and caudal aspects
Authors: CAUVIN E. R. J. , MUNROE G. A. , BOYD J. S. , PATERSON C. 
Published: April 2010

SummaryThe aim of this study was to determine the normal ultrasonographic features of the cranial and caudal aspects of the femorotibial articulation and, in particular, to establish a method of examining the menisci, cruciate and meniscal ligaments ultrasonographically. Twenty hindlimbs isolated post mortem from 10 horses were used to study the normal ultrasonographic and gross anatomy of the femorotibial joint. Five stifles from 3 normal, live horses were also examined with B‐mode, real‐time ultrasound imaging. The results of the anatomical study are presented. The joint surfaces, menisci, cruciate and meniscal ligaments could be imaged adequately in all the specimens. No obvious variations in shape or echotexture, that might impair visualisation of potential lesions, were observed. The authors suggest that ultrasonography is a potential, noninvasive means of diagnosing soft tissue lesions in the femorotibial joint.
Ultrasonography of the equine triceps muscle before and after general anaesthesia and in post anaesthetic myopathy
Authors: SMITH R. K. W. , DYSON SUE J. , HEAD M. J. , BUTSON R. J. 
Published: April 2010

SummaryThe ultrasonographic appearance of the equine triceps muscle of clinically normal horses, before and after general anaesthesia, was investigated and compared with 5 cases of post anaesthetic myopathy. The triceps muscle areas were examined bilaterally using a 7.5 MHz linear array probe in 2 different planes, with each limb both weightbearing and nonweightbearing. The triceps muscles of 4 unanaesthetised horses were scanned twice, 24 h apart. Six horses underwent general anaesthesia and were scanned pre‐anaesthesia and at 1 and 24 h intervals after recovery. Blood samples were obtained in the unanaesthetised group at each scan time and, in the anaesthetised group, pre‐anaesthesia and at 10 min, 5 and 24 h after recovery. Creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) concentrations were measured. Anaesthetic details and recovery were related to the ultrasonographic and muscle enzyme findings. Five horses with post anaesthetic myopathy were scanned at intervals after the onset of clinical signs.In normal horses, the triceps muscle appeared ultrasonographically as echoic striations separated by anechoic areas. The fascia dividing muscle bellies was visible as an echoic line. Ultrasonographs obtained with the limb nonweightbearing had no change or a slight overall increase in echogenicity. The scans of control unanaesthetised horses were unchanged on successive days. All anaesthetised horses had uncomplicated anaesthesia and recoveries and did not exhibit any clinical signs of post anaesthetic myopathy. Elevated CK and AST values were found up to 342 and 195%, respectively, of the pre‐anaesthetic values but no significant alterations in the ultrasonographic appearance of the muscles were detected.Clinical cases of post anaesthetic myopathy had disruption of the normal ultrasonographic pattern. There was an overall increase in echogenicity with a loss of the normal striated pattern. In 3 cases, there was localised increased echogenicity within the muscle. One of these horses was humanely destroyed for other reasons and histological examination of the affected muscle revealed a necrotic area correlating with the hyperechoic region. Two horses had bilateral involvement of the triceps musculature. Four horses recovered clinically from the myopathy and the ultrasonographic appearance returned to normal except in 1 horse where focal hyperechoic regions remained 10 weeks after the onset of the clinical signs.
Character and duration of pharmacological effects of intravenous isoxsuprine
Authors: HARKINS J. D. , MUNDY G. D. , STANLEY S. , WOODS W. E. , SAMS R. A. , RICHARDSON D. R. , TOBIN T. 
Published: April 2010

SummaryIsoxsuprine is a therapeutic medication used to treat navicular disease and other lower limb problems in horses and is one of the more frequently detected therapeutic agents in racing horses. In a crossover study, horses were administered isoxsuprine i.v. to determine the character and duration of its pharmacological effects. Isoxsuprine significantly increased heart rate 5–150 min following injection. Unrestrained activity following isoxsuprine treatment was significantly greater than control activity for 105 min after treatment. There was an apparent, although statistically nonsignificant, increased cutaneous blood flow resulting in visible water vapour and sweat production 5–60 min after administration. Initially, there was no difference in skin temperature between control and isoxsuprine treatment values; however, skin temperature decreased below control values 45–120 min after injection. Concurrently, there was a significant decrease in rectal temperature reflecting a decrease in body core temperature. Using infrared thermography, a significant decrease in superficial skin temperature of the front legs occurred 30–240 min after treatment. Isoxsuprine also reduced smooth muscle tone, which was apparent by decreased tone of the internal anal sphincter 10–180 min after treatment. It was concluded that the measurable pharmacological effects of i.v. isoxsuprine are short lived, since none of the above responses were apparent 4 h or more after i.v. administration.
Use of a virulence‐associated protein based enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay forRhodococcus equiserology in horses
Authors: PRESCOTT J. F. , FERNANDEZ A. S. , NICHOLSON V. M. , PATTERSON M. C. , YAGER J. A. , VIEL L. , PERKINS G. 
Published: April 2010

SummaryAn enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed againstRhodococcus equiusing Triton X‐114 detergent extracted whole cell material, in which the virulence associated protein (VapA) predominated. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay titres corresponded to antibody reacting with VapA on Western blots. There was considerable variation in antibody titres of nonimmunised mares and in the time when the colostrally derived antibody of their foals had declined to low or undetectable titres. In general, antibodies in foals declined to their lowest levels at age 4–8 weeks. Seroconversion occurred in foals age 8–10 weeks, but the precise time depended on maternal titre and the month in which the foal was born. Foals reaching age 8 weeks in late summer showed more marked seroconversion than foals born earlier. The ELISA was used to follow the response to immunisation with the same Triton X‐114 extracted material. Six mares immunised before parturition with the antigen in aluminium hydroxide adjuvant developed high titres, up to >102,400 and transferred them to their foals through colostrum. Their foals responded to immunisation with 0.5‐1.0 mg antigen 3, 5, 7 and 9 weeks after birth. Antibody titres following immunisation with similar dosage reached up to >102,400 in a separate group of foals of nonimmunised mares. Nonvaccinated control foals seroconverted at age 6–8 weeks. The VapA based ELISA is useful to follow the course of natural infection withR. equior immunisation with VapA based antigen.
Palmaroproximal approach for arthrocentesis of the proximal interphalangeal joint in horses
Authors: MILLER S. M. , STOVER SUSAN M. , TAYLOR K. T. , ZARUCCO LAURA A. 
Published: April 2010

SummaryA technique was developed for arthrocentesis of the palmaroproximal pouch of the pastern joint. The landmark for percutaneous puncture is a ‘V’ shaped depression formed by the palmar aspect of the proximal phalanx (P1) dorsally, an eminence associated with the attachment of the collateral ligaments to P1 and the middle phalanx distally and the insertion of the lateral branch of the superficial digital flexor tendon palmarodistally. Comparison of arthrocentesis between the palmaroproximal approach and the traditional dorsal approach in 8 cadavers and 8 horses demonstrated that the palmaroproximal approach was associated with less needle manipulation, greater injection volume (horses) and frequent synovial fluid flow.
Prerace venous blood acid‐base values in Standardbred horses
Authors: SOMA L. R. , UBOH C. E. , NANN L. , GERBER AMY L. 
Published: April 2010

SummaryThe administration of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) or ‘milk shakes’ to Standardbred horses before racing is widespread. This study analysed nonrace day (CTL) and prerace venous acid‐base values from Standardbred horses racing in Pennsylvania (PA) and New Jersey (NJ). Mean ± s.d. CTL bicarbonate (HCO3−) and base excess (BE) values, for a group of horses stabled during the 1993 racing season at Pocono Downs, Pennsylvania, were 28.6 ± 1.9 and 2.6 ± 1.7 mmol/1, respectively. In the same population of horses, mean ± s.d. values for prerace HCO3−and BE values were 33.1 ± 2.8 and 7.0 ± 23 mmol/1, respectively, for horses administered frusemide (F) 4 h before race time and 31.5 ± 2.4 and 5.5 ± 2.0 mmol/1 for the horses not administered frusemide (NF). There were differences (P<0.05) in pHv, PvCO2, HCO3−and BE values between the CTL and prerace samples. The venous acid‐base values of the CTL horses were normally distributed. The prerace acid‐base values measured during 1993 were not normally distributed, indicating changes due either to the administration of alkalising substances or other manipulations of the horses on race day. Changes in all acid‐base values were observed during the subsequent 1994 racing season with further changes observed when horses were placed in a secured stable 8 h before the race.The criteria used in some racing jurisdictions for disqualifying a horse were the elevations in HCO3−, Na+and pH. The correlation coefficients (r2) for the least squares regression for HCO3−vs. pH and HCO3−vs. Na+in prerace venous blood samples were 0.31 and 0.21, respectively, indicating a poor relationship between the 3 acid‐base values.To discourage the administration of NaHCO3to horses before a race, the use of a BE value of ≥10 mmol/1 for NF and ≥12 mmol/1 for F was adopted as a single index for the disqualification of horses from a race. The results of this study indicate that the use of a single index and, in this case BE, has curtailed the prerace administration of NaHCO3to horses.
Influence of chronic degenerative endometritis (endometrosis) on placental development in the mare
Authors: BRACHER VERENA , MATHIAS SUSANNA , ALLEN W. R. 
Published: April 2010

SummaryPlacentation between 80 and 220 days of gestation was studied by measurement of fetal dimensions and gross, light and transmission and scanning electron microscopic examinations of the allantochorion and endometrium from 4 fertile mares with no, or very mild, endometrial histopathology and 6 subfertile Thoroughbred mares suffering varying degrees of age‐related chronic degenerative endometritis (endometrosis). Spontaneously occurring twin gestation was observed in 3 animals. Several of the subfertile mares had endometrial cysts which showed 2 distinct features during pregnancy: those located near the lumenal surface of the endometrium showed no sign of microcotyledon development in both the endometrium and the opposed, flat and smooth allantochorion, whereas endometrial cysts located deeper in the stroma were covered by apparently normal glands and microcotyledons. Fetal dimensions were lower in the subfertile mares, but still within the reference range. Microcotyledon development appeared to be delayed and the chorionic macro‐ and microvilli looked shorter and blunter between 80 and 120 days in the 2 subfertile mares compared to the 2 fertile mares at the same gestational ages. At 120 days, the subfertile mare had significantly less microvilli per surface area than her fertile counterpart and her fetus weighed only half that from her counterpart, despite a similar crown‐rump length. However, between 160 and 220 days the difference in microcotyledon development between the young fertile and old subfertile mares was much less marked, despite the continued existence of considerable numbers of distended 'gland nests' in the endometrium of the latter group.
Ultrasonographic assessment of fetal well‐being during late gestation: development of an equine biophysical profile
Authors: REEF VIRGINIA B. , VAALA WENDY E. , WORTH LEILA T. , SERTICH PATRICIA L. , SPENCER PAMELA A. 
Published: April 2010

SummaryMares with complicated pregnancies (illness, problems at parturition or delivery of an abnormal foal, n = 30) were scanned transabdominally from 298 days gestation to term in order to measure fetal size, evaluate fetal well‐being and characterise the intrauterine environment. The results of the last scan obtained prior to parturition were compared to normal data obtained from fetuses of comparable gestational age to develop a biophysical profile specific for the equine fetus. Twelve mares produced a normal foal (positive outcome) and 18 mares delivered 19 abnormal foals (negative outcome). Both fetuses that were inactive throughout the entire scan and 4 of 5 fetuses with heart rate abnormalities were abnormal at birth. Three of 4 fetuses surrounded by decreased allantoic fluid quantities had a negative outcome. All mares with large anechoic spaces between the uterus and placenta (n = 3) and/or thickened uteroplacental units (n = 5) delivered abnormal foals. There was a significant correlation between fetal aortic diameter and neonatal foal weight in these complicated pregnancies (P<0.0001, r = 0.85). Fetal aortic diameters were predicted from maternal weight and 6 fetuses had smaller than predicted aortic diameters, all with negative outcomes.A biophysical profile of the equine fetus from 298 days gestational age to term was developed that included 6 factors related to pregnancy outcome: fetal heart rate, fetal aortic diameter, maximal fetal fluid depths, uteroplacental contact, uteroplacental thickness and fetal activity. The profile proved informative about fetal well‐being, perinatal morbidity and perinatal mortality. A low score was a definite indication of an impending negative outcome; however, a high score was not assurance of a positive outcome. The utility of such a biophysical profile and future directions for research are discussed.
Penetrating wounds of the thorax in 15 horses
Authors: LAVERTY SHEILA , LAVOIE J.‐P. , PASCOE J. R. , DUCHARME N. 
Published: April 2010

SummaryClinical features, treatment and outcome of 15 horses with penetrating thoracic wounds are described. The most common cause of trauma was collision with an object (10 horses). Concurrent clinical findings included subcutaneous emphysema (12 horses), pneumothorax (12 horses), haemothorax (5 horses) and pneumomediastinum (6 horses). Axillary wounds were present in 5 horses. Foreign bodies were identified and removed from 2 horses. Wounds were sutured (6 horses) or packed (7 horses). Air was evacuated from the pleural cavities of 11 horses. Eleven horses (73%) were discharged from the hospital. All horses subjected to euthanasia had severe trauma to structures outside the thoracic cavity including perforation of the colon (2 horses), renal trauma (1 horse) and a luxated thoracolumbar vertebra (1 horse). From this study, it can be concluded that 1) the prognosis for horses with penetrating thoracic wounds, without extrathoracic injury, is favourable; 2) a thorough evaluation including the abdominal cavity should be performed and 3) horses with axillary wounds should be monitored closely for respiratory distress until the wound has completely healed.
Development of subchondral cystic lesions after articular cartilage and subchondral bone damage in young horses
Authors: RAY C. S. , BAXTER G. M. , McILWRAITH C. W. , TROTTER GAYLE W. , POWERS BARBARA E. , PARK R. D. , STEYN P. F. 
Published: April 2010

SummaryThe objective of this study was to determine if damage to the articular cartilage alone or articular cartilage plus subchondral bone of the distal medial femoral condyle of young, exercised horses resulted in the formation of subchondral cystic lesions. Twelve Quarter Horses (age 1–2 years), free of clinical and radiographic signs of osteochondrosis and lameness were used. In 6 horses(Group 1), a 15 times 1 mm linear full thickness defect in the articular cartilage was made arthroscopically on the weightbearing surface of the distal aspect of the medial femoral condyle. In the other 6 horses(Group 2), a 15 times 3 mm full thickness elliptical cartilage defect was made, followed by burring a 5 mm diameter, 4 mm deep hole into the subchondral bone. Three weeks after surgery, all horses were hand walked and trotted for 2 weeks and then exercised for 6 min daily, 5 days a week for the next 14 weeks on a treadmill. They were then turned onto a small paddock for 6 weeks (6 months total). The development of subchondral cystic lesions was determined using radiography. Bone activity in the femoral condyle was monitored with nuclear scintigraphy. All horses that developed subchondral cystic lesions radiographically were subjected to euthanasia for gross and histological examination of the lesions.No subchondral cystic lesions and no clinical abnormalities were detected in the horses inGroup 1.Subchondral cystic lesions developed radiographically in 5 of 6 horses in(Group 2).Scintigraphic findings of horses with subchondral cystic lesions were inconsistent. Histological examination of lesions revealed variable quantities of fibrous connective tissue, fibrocartilage and bone, with evidence of bone remodelling adjacent to the subchondral cystic lesion. The results suggest that damage to articular cartilage plus subchondral bone, but not articular cartilage alone, of the distal medial femoral condyle may lead to the development of subchondral cystic lesions. These findings indicate that all subchondral cystic lesions in horses may not be osteochondrosis‐type lesions and that trauma to weightbearing articular surfaces of young horses may be a predisposing factor.
Cardiorespiratory responses to exercise in horses with different grades of idiopathic laryngeal hemiplegia
Authors: CHRISTLEY R. M. , HODGSON D. R. , EVANS D. L. , ROSE R. J. 
Published: April 2010

SummaryThe relationship between different grades of laryngeal function, as assessed by endoscopy at rest, and the measurements of indices of gas exchange and exercise capacity was assessed during a standardised treadmill exercise test in 149 horses. Horses with abnormalities other than idiopathic laryngeal hemiplegia (ILH) were excluded from the study and laryngeal function was graded according to an established system. There were no significant differences in age, weight, maximum oxygen uptake, maximum carbon dioxide production, maximum respiratory exchange ratio, maximum oxygen pulse and run time between the grades. Blood lactate concentration at 10 m/s was greater (P<0.01) in horses withgrade5 laryngeal function than other grades. Minimum PaO2(P<0.001) and SaO2(P<0.01) were lower and maximum PaCO2(P<0.001), higher in horses withgrades 4and5laryngeal function than other grades. Horses withgrade 4function had a lower minimum CaO2(P<0.01) than horses with other grades. Minimum PAO2decreased fromgrades 1and2togrades 4and5(P<0.05). The minimum alveolar ventilation was lower (P<0.05) in horses withgrades 4and 5 laryngeal function compared to other grades.The results of this study indicate that endoscopic assessment of laryngeal function at rest, using a simple grading system, provides an indication of dynamic changes in ventilation and the effects on blood gases during exercise. From the data, we suggest that horses that have some movement of the left arytenoid cartilage but are unable to achieve full abduction have similar ventilatory effects and blood gas responses during maximal exercise to those with complete paralysis. Some horses withgrade 3laryngeal function had blood gas results similar to those of horses withgrades 4and5laryngeal function, indicating that discrepancies may occur between the resting assessment and laryngeal function during strenuous exercise.
Radiation hazards from horses undergoing scintigraphy using technetium−99m
Authors: WHITELOCK R. G. 
Published: April 2010

SummaryThis paper quantifies the extent of the radiation hazard to personnel from horses undergoing scintigraphy using technetium99mmethylene diphosphonate (99Tcm‐MDP). From the data produced it is possible to derive safe working protocols which are comfortably within the legislated limits for whole body doses as set out in the Ionising Radiations Regulations 1985. Measurements were made of the surface and environmental activities which result from individuals undergoing scintigraphic evaluation and also from urine contaminated bedding. The use of both high and low activities in the assessment of the radiation hazard to personnel and owners is considered.
Nitric oxide production by equine articular cellsin vitro
Authors: FREAN S. P. , BRYANT CLARE E. , FRÖLING INGA‐LILL , ELLIOTT J. , LEES P. 
Published: April 2010

SummaryRecent research in several species has suggested nitric oxide (NO) as a mediator of articular cartilage damage and an inhibitor of cartilage matrix neosynthesis. This study investigated NO production by cultured equine articular chondrocytes in response to 2 arthritogenic molecules, namely lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), and compared NO production by cultured equine synoviocytes stimulated with LPS. Synoviocytes exhibited a low basal level of NO synthesis (measured as nitrite, a NO metabolite) that was neither significantly increased nor decreased by exposure to LPS. Basal NO synthesis by synoviocytes was not significantly reduced by competitive inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). In contrast, chondrocytes treated with LPS or IL‐1β synthesised nitrite in a dose‐related manner. Inhibitors of NOS suppressed nitrite production to below the basal levels of release of unstimulated cells. Dexamethasone, an inhibitor of induction of the inducible isoform of NOS (iNOS), reduced nitrite synthesis by LPS‐stimulated chondrocytes. Western blot analysis revealed expression, in response to LPS, of protein in the same molecular weight range as iNOS identified in other species. This work demonstrates that equine chondrocytes have the capacity to synthesise NO, although its exact roles in cartilage metabolism have yet to be determined.
Inflammatory markers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of Standardbred racehorses with inflammatory airway disease: response to interferon‐alpha
Authors: MOORE B. R. , KRAKOWKA S. , MCVEY D. S. , CUMMINS J. M. , ROBERTSON J. T. 
Published: April 2010

SummaryProtein and eicosanoid concentrations and procoagulant activity were determined in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from 32 Standardbred racehorses with inflammatory airway disease (IAD) and 6 control horses. Total protein, albumin and immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations were high (P<0.05) in the BALF from horses with IAD, a finding consistent with exudation of plasma protein into the airway. Immunoglobulin A (IgA) concentrations also were increased (P<0.05) which may signify local immunoglobulin production. Difference was not detected in prostaglandin E2and 6‐ketoprostaglandin F1αconcentrations in BALF of IAD‐affected and control horses. Procoagulant activity was identified in the majority (66%) of BALF samples from IAD‐affected horses and was not detected in control horses. Natural human interferon‐alpha (nHuIFNα) (placebo, 50, 150, or 450 units) was administered orally for 5 days to IAD‐affected horses in a double‐blind, randomised block design. Total protein, IgG, and IgA concentrations in BALF were reduced (P<0.05) 8 days after administration of 50 u and 150 u nHuIFNα, and 15 days after administration of 50 u nHuIFNα. Procoagulant activity and albumin concentrations in BALF were lower 8 days after administration of 50 u nHuIFNα. Oral administration of low‐dose nHuIFNα appeared to ameliorate these parameters of lower respiratory tract inflammation in Standardbred racehorses with IAD.