Effect of eltenac in horses with induced endotoxaemia.

Ten horses were used in a crossover study to evaluate the effectiveness of eltenac against endotoxaemia. Eltenac (0.5 mg/kg bwt) or saline control was given i.v. then 15 min later, intravenous infusion of endotoxin was begun and continued for 120 min (total dose 100 ng/kg bwt). Horses were monitored for heart and respiratory rates, pulmonary and carotid arterial pressure and core body temperature. Blood was sampled at intervals for measurement of haematological variables and plasma concentrations of lactate, prostanoid metabolites, tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and stress hormones. In comparison with saline-treatment, use of eltenac significantly protected against endotoxin-induced changes in respiratory rate, core temperature, systemic arterial blood pressure (SAP), pulmonary arterial pressure, PCV, and plasma protein, 6-keto prostaglandin F1 alpha, thromboxane B2, epinephrine, and cortisol concentrations. Despite statistical effect of eltenac on SAP, values in both treatment groups remained well above baseline throughout the evaluation period. Significant protective effect of eltenac was not found for heart rate, white blood cell count, plasma lactate concentration or TNF activity. On the basis of these results, it is expected that use of eltenac will provide clinical benefit in horses with naturally occurring endotoxaemia.

Complete biceps brachii tenotomy to facilitate internal fixation of supraglenoid tubercle fractures in three horses.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a method for internal fixation of supraglenoid tubercle fractures in conjunction with complete tenotomy of the biceps brachii tendon. ANIMALS: Three horses, ranging in age from 8 months to 2 years and weighing from 300 to 400 kg. METHODS: Fractures were repaired by open reduction-internal fixation using bone screws placed in lag fashion and complete tenotomy of the biceps brachii tendon. OUTCOME: All three horses were sound for their intended use with a good cosmetic result 6 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Complete transection of the biceps brachii tendon facilitates supraglenoid tubercle fracture repair by reducing tensile forces exerted on the supraglenoid tubercle. Complete tenotomy does not appear to preclude return to a successful athletic career.

Laparoscopic adhesiolysis in a horse.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this report was to describe the use of laparoscopy as a method of treatment for abdominal adhesions in the horse. CLINICAL REPORT: Unilateral ovariectomy for removal of a granulosa cell tumor was performed through a diagonal paramedian approach in a 14-year-old Arabian mare. Progressive incisional swelling and hemorrhage culminated in acute incisional dehiscence with herniation of ileum on the sixth postoperative day. Septic peritonitis that responded to parenteral antibiotic therapy was identified 7 days after hernia repair. Seven days later, the mare had signs of abdominal pain, and adhesions of small intestine to the paramedian incision were identified on rectal palpation. Transrectally assisted laparoscopic adhesiolysis was performed. No further complications occurred. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Laparoscopic adhesiolysis may provide better observation of adhesions and reduced postoperative morbidity compared with laparotomy.

Evaluation of a biofragmentable anastomosis ring for small intestinal anastomosis in ponies.

Six ponies divided into two groups of three were used in a double crossover study design. Group 1 ponies had a small intestinal resection and anastomosis performed using a biofragmentable anastomosis ring (BAR); group 2 ponies had a hand-sewn small intestinal resection and anastomosis using a Gambee suture pattern. Approximately 30 days later, all ponies had a second celiotomy and anastomosed segments were removed. Group 1 ponies had a hand-sewn anastomosis performed and group 2 had a BAR. The anastomotic sites were collected at necropsy approximately 30 days later. Anastomosed intestinal segments were evaluated with ultrasound to determine lumen diameter, area, circumference, and wall thickness. Gross descriptions of adhesions were recorded and sections of the anastomotic site were taken for histological evaluation. Time to perform the BAR anastomosis was significantly less (P = .0004) than for the hand-sewn Gambee anastomosis. Ponies with handsewn anastomoses had no signs of colic, whereas five of six ponies with BAR anastomoses had several episodes of abdominal discomfort, between day 16 to 18, corresponding to the time of BAR disintegration as determined by abdominal radiographs. Hand-sewn anastomoses had a tendency to have more adhesion formation than BAR anastomoses, but all anastomoses, except one BAR anastomosis, were graded as having a low obstructive potential. BAR anastomoses had a significantly larger mean index of stenosis for intraluminal diameter (76% +/- 13.6), area (93.7% +/- 6.01) and circumference (75.8% +/- 14.0) than the hand-sewn anastomoses (26.6% +/- 11.9; 44.6% +/- 19.5; 26.8% +/- 12.7). The BAR anastomoses also had a significantly smaller mean intraluminal diameter (0.96 cm +/- 0.49), area (0.838 cm2 +/- 0.65) and circumference (3.28 cm +/- 1.63) than the hand sewn anastomoses (3.11 cm +/- 0.73; 7.99 cm2 +/- 3.9; 10.3 cm +/- 2.47). In addition, the BAR anastomoses had a significantly larger (P = .0069) bowel wall thickness at the anastomoses and a significantly larger (P = .047) wall thickness proximal to the anastomosis than the hand-sewn anastomoses, indicating some degree of hypertrophy because of chronic obstruction. No significant difference was found in the diameter, area, or circumference between bowel proximal and distal to the anastomosis for either the BAR or Gambee techniques, or between the BAR and Gambee anastomosis as a measure of chronic obstruction. There was a significantly higher (P = .0043) histological score (worse healing) for mucosal healing and continuity for the BAR, as well as a tendency to score higher for inflammation, anastomotic alignment, and anastomotic fibrosis. The BAR technique had a significantly higher (P = .0043) total histological score than the Gambee technique. Although the BAR was advantageous in many respects, results of this study suggest that it should not be used for equine small intestinal anastomosis because of the potential for stricture formation.