A biomechanical comparison of a novel two-loop suture technique and two sutures for laryngoplasty in the horse.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of the strength of the novel suture technique by comparison with a 2-interrupted suture technique. SAMPLE: 40 equine larynges. PROCEDURES: 40 larynges were used; 16 laryngoplasties were performed using the currently accepted 2-suture technique and 16 using the novel suture technique. These specimens were subjected to a single cycle to failure. Eight specimens were used to compare the rima glottidis area achieved with 2 different techniques. RESULTS: The mean force to failure, as well as the rima glottidis area of both constructs, were not significantly different. The cricoid width did not have a significant effect on the force to failure. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our results suggest that both constructs are equally strong and can achieve a similar cross-sectional area of the rima glottidis. Laryngoplasty ("tie-back") is currently the treatment of choice for horses with exercise intolerance due to recurrent laryngeal neuropathy. Failure to maintain the expected degree of arytenoid abduction post-surgery occurs in some horses. We believe this novel 2-loop pulley load-sharing suture technique can help achieve and, more importantly, maintain the desired degree of abduction during surgery.

Clinical findings and management of six horses with subtendinous bursitis of the long digital extensor tendon in the hind limb fetlock.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the history, clinical signs, and management of six horses in which subtendinous bursitis of the long digital extensor tendon (LDET) in the hind limb fetlock had been diagnosed. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SAMPLE POPULATION: Six privately owned horses. METHODS: The medical records of horses presented at the hospital with similar sypmtoms were evaluated and collected. Finally 6 horses met the inclusion criteria and the relevant data were compiled and analysed. In three of the six cases a surgical treatment was carried out. RESULTS: All horses had similar clinical signs, mainly distention beneath the long digital extensor tendon (LDET) at the level of the hind limb fetlock without associated lameness; the major issues were the presence of cosmetic defects and concern about their functional use in the future. Three of the six horses were treated surgically with bursoscopic debridement. The cosmetic results were excellent in two of these three horses. One horse that underwent an operation experienced a recurrence. None of the horses with bursitis treated medically experienced resolution of the problem. CONCLUSION: Bursoscopy is a technique to consider for the management of bursitis of the LDET at the level of the fetlock combined with prolonged bandage application when medical treatment has failed to manage the condition. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: To the best of our knowledge, subtendinous bursitis of the LDET in the hind limb is not a commonly diagnosed condition. This small case series provides some insight into methods for the clinical management of this issue.

Treatment of subchondral lucencies in the medial proximal radius with a bone screw in 8 horses.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the results of screw placement through subchondral lucencies (SCL) of the proximal radius in 8 horses. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. ANIMALS: Horses with cubital SCL causing lameness (n=8). METHODS: Medical record review and clinical follow-up. RESULTS: Eight horses with SCL in the proximal radius causing lameness were treated with a screw placed across the lucency. The horses range in age from 1 to 20 years. In 4 of 8 horses, the lameness had been intermittently severe (apparent at the walk). Lameness was isolated to the cubital joint by intra-articular anesthesia in 5 horses and diagnosed radiographically in all 8. All horses had a 4.5 mm cortical bone screw placed from medial to lateral (6 lag, 2 neutral) across the SCL using fluoroscopic or radiographic control. Postoperative care included stall confinement with hand walking for 30-60 days, followed by an additional 30-60 days of pasture turnout. Radiographic SCL healing (reduction in SCL size) was demonstrated at 3-4 months after surgery in all horses, and 7/8 horses (87.5%) were used as intended (4 performance, 3 pasture turn-out) within 6 months. Lameness in the remaining horse improved initially (dressage) but returned. CONCLUSIONS: A screw placed through the SCL of the proximal-medial radius was effective in reducing or resolving lameness associated with the elbow joint in 7/8 horses (88%). Screw placement in the proximal radius should be considered for horses with lameness caused by an SCL when a quick return to exercise is desired or conservative therapy is ineffective.

Mandibular condylectomy in a cow with a chronic luxation of the temporomandibular joint.

A cow, presented after being struck by a motor vehicle, continued to have difficulty eating after mandibular fracture repair. Imaging showed a temporomandibular luxation and a mandibular condylectomy was performed. Mastication improved greatly but the cow was euthanized due to infection. This is the first report of mandibular condylectomy in cattle.

Condylectomie mandibulaire chez une vache avec une luxation chronique de l'articulation temporomandibulaire. Une vache présentée après avoir été heurtée par un véhicule automobile, continuait d'éprouver de la difficulté à manger après la réparation d'une fracture mandibulaire. L'imagerie a indiqué une luxation temporo-mandibulaire et une condylectomie mandibulaire a été réalisée. La mastication s'est améliorée considérablement mais la vache a été euthanasiée en raison d'une infection. Il s'agit du premier rapport d'une condylectomie mandibulaire chez les bovins.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).