Septic inflammation of the bicipital bursa: clinical, imaging, and surgical findings in nine horses.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the etiologies, clinicopathologic findings, diagnostic modalities employed, treatments, and outcome associated with cases of septic bicipital bursitis. ANIMALS: 9 horses. CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND PROCEDURES: Medical records of horses diagnosed with septic bicipital bursitis between 2000 and 2021 were reviewed. Horses were included if synoviocentesis of the bicipital bursa revealed a total nucleated cell count of ≥ 20,000 cells/µL with a neutrophil proportion of ≥ 80%, a total protein concentration of ≥ 4.0 g/dL, and/or the presence of bacteria on cytology, or positive culture of the synovial fluid. Information retrieved from medical records included signalment, history, clinicopathologic variables, diagnostic imaging findings, treatment, and outcome. RESULTS: Trauma was the most common inciting cause (n = 6). Synoviocentesis using ultrasonographic guidance was performed in all cases and showed alterations consistent with septic synovitis. Radiography identified pathology in 5 horses, whereas ultrasonography identified pathology in all horses. Treatment consisted of bursoscopy (n = 6) of the bicipital bursa of which 1 was performed under standing sedation, through-and-through needle lavage (3), bursotomy (2), or medical management alone (2). Five (55.6%) horses survived to discharge. Long-term follow-up was available for 3 horses and all were serviceably sound, with 2 in training as pleasure horses and 1 case continuing retirement. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ultrasonography was the most informative imaging modality and paramount in obtaining synovial fluid samples for definitive diagnosis of septic bicipital bursitis. Bursoscopy performed under standing sedation is a feasible treatment option. Horses treated for bicipital septic bursitis have a fair prognosis for survival and may return to some level of athletic performance.

Anatomy of the congenital calcaneal bursae in the bovine.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the anatomical relationship of the congenital calcaneal bursae in the bovine, and describe the computed tomography (CT), endoscopic and gross anatomy of these bursae. STUDY DESIGN: Ex vivo experimental. SAMPLE POPULATION: Eighteen clinically normal cadaver bovine hindlimbs. METHODS: Intrasynovial injection of iodinated contrast and methylene blue into the intertendinous calcaneal bursa (ICB) (n = 16) or gastrocnemius calcaneal bursa (GCB) (n = 2). Limbs were imaged post-contrast injection using multidetector CT. Endoscopic examination of the ICB was performed on two randomly selected limbs. All limbs underwent gross anatomical dissection. RESULTS: The anatomy of the congenital calcaneal bursae was consistent between CT imaging, endoscopic examination and gross dissection. The ICB and GCB were two separate synovial structures with no communication in all limbs. The distal and proximal extent of the ICB, defined as the distance from the point of tuber calcanei to the distal/proximal aspect of the ICB, was (median [IQR]) 7.4 (7.4 to 7.8) cm distally and 5.4 (4.7 to 6.0) cm proximally. CONCLUSION: Positive contrast CT and gross anatomical dissection revealed no communication between the congenital calcaneal bursae in any limb. Routine bursoscopy allowed complete endoscopic examination of the ICB. The proximal extent of the ICB is shorter than the distal extent. The use of a collective term for these bursae should be avoided in the bovine, as the ICB and the GCB are two separate synovial structures with no communication. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Knowledge of distinct anatomy and relationship between the congenital calcaneal bursae in the bovine may facilitate diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the region of tuber calcanei, including septic bursitis and osteomyelitis.

Use of a novel helical fan beam imaging system for computed tomography of the head and neck in sedated standing horses: 120 cases (2019-2020).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic capabilities of a novel helical fan beam CT system used for imaging of horses with clinical problems of the head and neck. ANIMALS: 120 horses. PROCEDURES: Medical records were reviewed of horses presented for CT of the head or neck at 2 university hospitals. The following data were recorded: age, sex, breed, presenting complaint, sedation used for imaging, scanning time, procedure time, other diagnostic imaging methods performed, imaging diagnosis, clinical diagnosis, and complications during imaging. RESULTS: Quarter Horses and Warmbloods were the most common breeds, and the most common complaint was nasal discharge. The head (101/120 [84%] horses) was scanned most frequently, and the most common diagnoses were primary dental disease and a space-occupying lesion of the paranasal sinuses. Nuchal bursitis was the most common imaging diagnosis in the neck region. Procedure time ranged from 20 to 45 minutes with a scanning time of 30 to 40 seconds. No complications with horse sedation occurred, and horses tolerated scanning well. An imaging diagnosis was more frequently achieved with CT (109/120 [91%] horses) than with planar digital radiography (23/61 [38%] horses). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The helical fan beam CT system had fast scanning times and could be used safely for routine imaging of the teeth and sinuses in horses. The caudal extent of scanning in the neck region was limited by the shape of the horse's neck and thorax.

Helcococcus ovis associated with septic arthritis and bursitis in calves - a case report.

BACKGROUND: Septic arthritis often occurs in young calves when the passive transfer of maternal immunoglobulins has failed, which results in hypogammaglobulinaemia in the calf. Another important cause is suboptimal herd health management which often leads to general health impairment and, subsequently, to septic arthritis. CASE PRESENTATION: A dairy farmer consulted the Herd Health Service of the University Clinic reporting general herd health impairment, a high incidence of respiratory diseases, unsatisfactory weight gain and arthritis in calves, as well as mastitis and high milk cell counts. Clinical examinations were performed, and diagnostic measures were taken. A transtracheal lavage (TTL) was performed, and synovial swab samples were taken from the carpal joint and the subcutaneous tarsal bursae of two calves. Microbiological examinations of synovial swabs revealed co-infections of Trueperella pyogenes and Helcococcus ovis in one calf and Helcococcus ovis in pure culture in the other. The TTLs confirmed the presence of Mycoplasma spp. associated with respiratory diseases. CONCLUSIONS: Helcococcus ovis is currently regarded as a co-infective bacterial agent. However, it seems to play a significant role as the primary pathogen in this case.

Diagnostic Imaging and Cytological Analysis Aid the Clinical Investigation of Long Digital Extensor Tendon Subtendinous Bursitis in a Horse.

The fetlock joint is a high mobility structure that accommodates enormous loading during locomotion. An injury of the superficial constituent such as subtendinous bursitis may occur due to repeated trauma. An 8-year old school riding horse was presented with dorsomedial distension in the left hindlimb fetlock region. The lesion was noted following routine exercise. The horse demonstrated no lameness and a negative response to the fetlock flexion test. Radiographic findings revealed a smooth surface cortical thickening on the medial aspect of the distal third metatarsal bone. Furthermore, the ultrasonography showed synovial thickening and proliferation, fibrous thickening with an irregular border in the inner synovial lining, and local protuberance of the fibrous layer within the bursa beneath the long digital extensor tendon. Cytological examination of the fluid from the distended lesion discovered multiple nucleated cells, including synoviocytes, nondegenerate neutrophils, lymphocytes, and macrophages. Eventually, the horse suffered subtendinous bursitis of long digital extensor tendon in the left hindlimb fetlock region. Intrabursa administration of 10 mg triamcinolone acetate alongside 25 mg hyaluronan (HA) and subsequent pressure bandaging were performed in the affected fetlock area. The distension was substantially reduced after the 4-week recovery period post medical administration. In summary, the horse was diagnosed with long digital extensor subtendinous bursitis that can occur accidentally. The diagnostic imaging and cytological analysis of accumulated fluid benefited a critical evaluation and facilitated the selection of the appropriate therapeutic plan for this defect.

Superficial swellings in camels (Camelus dromedarius): Clinical and ultrasonographic findings.

This study describes the clinical and ultrasonographic features of superficial swellings in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) and evaluates the role of ultrasonography (US) in diagnosing and surgical planning or making treatment decisions for such swellings. One hundred and twenty-three camels of both sexes were included in this study based on the clinical and US evidence of superficial swellings varying in type, stage, content, and site. Clinical and US evaluation of these superficial swellings resulted in diagnoses of abscess (30.08%), hernia (26.83%), cyst (16.26%), tumor (13.01%), hematoma (6.50%), bursitis (3.25%), aneurysm (2.44%), and grade III muscle strain (1.63%). US yielded a higher sensitivity (91-100%) and specificity (97-100%) than clinical examination (75-91%) in differentiating the superficial swellings. The highest specificity value for US in evaluating the swellings was 100% for hernias, cysts, and tumors, while the lowest specificity values were recorded for hematomas (97%), followed by aneurysms (98%). In conclusion, US is a reliable and accurate tool providing rapid differential diagnosis, thus enabling treatment options for different superficial swellings in camels when clinical examinations are inconclusive.

Local peritonitis and omental bursitis as sequelae of abomasal ulceration in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis): clinical findings and outcome of treatment.

Abomasal ulcers are difficult to diagnose clinically with limited therapeutic approach to combat the disease. Omental bursitis (OB) and local peritonitis (LP) are known sequelae of abomasal ulcer in cows. In this study, differentiation between OB and LP in regard to clinical symptoms, biochemical analyses and the response to treatment in Buffaloes was done. Twenty buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) were admitted with a history of intermittent appetite, wasting and mild abdominal distension during the period between March 2016 and August 2018. All cases were female (12 recently calved, 2 pregnant, 6 non-pregnant) aging from 3 to 9 years and weighing 350-600 kg. For comparison, 10 apparently healthy non-pregnant female buffaloes were used as controls. Abdominal ultrasonography confirmed the presence of 11 OB and 9 LP in admitted cases. Laboratory analysis revealed hyperproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia in OB. Hypokalemia and hypochloremia were detected in both OB and LP. Ultrasonography showed hypo-anechoic content with echoic stippling surrounded by echogenic wall in OB, whereas echogenic strands interspersed with anechoic fluid was reported in LP. Intra-lesional lavage by normal saline was applied several times under ultrasongraphic guidance followed by gentamicin 10% intramuscular and H2 antagonist intravenous for 5 days as well as parenteral and enteral fluid therapy. Seven cases of OB clinically improved, whereas no improvements were found in LP cases. OB secondary to abomasal ulcer has a good prognosis in contrast to LP. Ultrasonography provides a useful diagnostic tool and therapeutic guidance for such diseases.

Type-5 abomasal ulcer and omental bursitis in 14 cows.

BACKGROUND: Type-5 abomasal ulcer (U5) is a perforated ulcer that causes peritonitis limited to the omental bursa. This retrospective study describes the clinical and laboratory findings in 14 cattle with omental bursitis due to U5. The medical records of 14 cows aged 2.5 to 14.6 years (5.4 ± 3.1 years) with U5 were scrutinised. RESULTS: The most common clinical findings were partial or complete anorexia (100%), abdominal guarding (100%), obtunded demeanour (93%), congested scleral vessels (79%), tachypnoea (71%), rumen atony (64%), diminished faecal output (64%), reduced skin surface temperature (64%) and fever (46%). Four (29%) cows had between one and four concomitant diseases. The most common abnormal laboratory findings were hypokalemia (71%), haemoconcentration (57%), metabolic acidosis (57%) and azotaemia (43%). All cows were euthanased; five immediately after the initial examination, one after exploratory laparotomy and eight after unsuccessful treatment. A diagnosis of U5 was made in all cows during postmortem examination. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for improvement of the antemortem diagnosis of U5 because reliable differentiation of this disease from other conditions with a similar clinical presentation is currently not feasible.

Ultrasonographic and computed tomographic features of rice bodies in an Arabian horse with atlantal bursitis.

A 19-year-old castrated Arabian male horse presented for evaluation of a firm mass at the dorsal cervical region. Ultrasonography and computed tomography revealed multiple well defined fusiform structures within the atlantal bursa. Multiple glossy smooth, white to yellowish, flattened fusiform structures were removed surgically. These structures were composed of dense fibrin with some leukocytes and red blood cells. The imaging and histopathological features of these structures were similar to chronic 'rice bodies' reported in humans with bursitis or tenosynovitis. This is the first veterinary report describing the imaging features of 'rice bodies' in a horse with atlantal bursitis.

Surgical treatment of septic subtendinous calcaneal bursitis in 2 cows.

Two cows were referred to our clinic with moderate to severe hindlimb lameness due to infected wounds over the lateral and caudal aspect of tuber calcanei (TC) with regional swelling, consistent with septic subtendinous calcaneal bursitis. Ultrasonography (7.5 MHz linear probe) revealed fibrinous/fibrino-purulent inflammatory bursal effusions in both cows, complete rupture of the superficial digital flexor tendon and a small, circumscribed, irregular and rough bone contour of the TC in case 2. Radiography revealed physiological findings in case 1, whereas there were osteomyelitis and later bone sequestration in case 2. Treatment consisted of thorough wound debridement, establishing access to the bursa, removal of all exudate and fibrin, creation of additional drainage portals and meticulous lavage using sterile 0.9 % saline solution containing 0.1 % povidone-iodine performed under sedation and intravenous regional anesthesia. In case 2, the infected bone area of the TC was removed using a curette. However, a small bone sequestration developed from the TC 15 days later, which was associated with osteomyelitis. This was removed during a second surgical intervention. Systemic antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory medications were administered peri- and post-surgically and the bursae flushed repeatedly. The affected tarsi were covered with a modified Robert-Jones bandage or a fiberglass cast. Cows 1 and 2 were discharged from the clinic 25 and 27 days after initial surgery, respectively, displaying mild lameness. Both cows were alive, not lame and were in advanced stages of pregnancy at the time of manuscript submission 8 and 12 months later, respectively. This report describes in detail 2 severe cases of septic fibrino-purulent subtendinous calcaneal bursitis in cows that were successfully treated by surgical debridement and lavage under a practical anesthetic protocol, followed by proper wound management in the post-surgical period. These effective surgical procedures can be performed under field conditions given the availability of adequate equipment.

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.

Superficial swellings in sheep (Ovis aries) and goats (Capra hircus): Clinical and ultrasonographic findings.

This study describes the clinical presentation of superficial swellings and evaluates the utility of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of such swellings in sheep and goats. Ninety-three sheep and 73 goats were included in this study on the basis of presence of superficial swellings on the head (n=56), neck (n=16), chest wall (n=3), abdominal wall (n=40), umbilicus (n=14), scrotum (n=16), testes (n=1), udder (n=7), limbs (n=2), gluteal region (n=5), tail (n=1), and penile urethra (n=5). Ultrasonographic evaluation of these superficial swellings allowed the diagnosis of abscesses (n=54; 32.52%), cysts (n=12; 7.23%), hernias (n=57; 34.33%), hematomas (n=14; 8.44%), tumors (n=24; 14.45%), and urethral diverticula (n=5; 3.03%). Each lesion type could be precisely discriminated (sensitivity, 88-100%; specificity, 80-100%; and P=0.001). Ultrasonography was found to have a specificity of 100% for the diagnosis of hernias, urethral diverticula, and tumors, and a lower specificity of 80% for hematomas and 93% for abscesses when used for evaluation of superficial swellings in sheep and goats. In conclusion, ultrasonography is a unique, non-invasive diagnostic imaging tool that allows the diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and subsequent surgical treatment of different types of superficial swellings in sheep and goats.

Health, behaviour and growth performance of Charolais and Limousin bulls fattened on different types of flooring.

Intensive fattening of late-maturing breeds on concrete or rubberized slatted floors is the prevalent beef production system in mainland Europe. The rationale behind this study is that specific beef breeds with different slaughter weights might have a diverse response to different flooring systems. The study aimed at assessing whether growth performance, health, behaviour and claw condition of two beef breeds, Charolais (CH) and Limousine (LIM), would be affected by their housing on concrete (CS) or rubber-covered (RCS) fully slatted floor. A total of 228 CH (116 on CS; 112 on RCS) and 115 LIM (57 on CS; 58 on RCS) were housed in four and two commercial farms, respectively, in groups of 9.0 ± 2.1 animals/pen with an average space allowance of 3.1 ± 0.2 m2. Draining gaps of CS and RCS pens were 16.9 ± 1.7% and 11.6 ± 1.2% of the total surface, respectively. Bulls of both breeds had similar initial body weight (429.4 ± 31.5 kg for CH; 369.6 ± 31.7 kg for LIM), and they were slaughtered when they reached suitable finishing. Charolais had a higher final body weight (BW) than LIM (750.8 ± 8.6 v. 613.7 ± 10.9 kg; P < 0.01), and bulls of both breeds on RCS had higher average daily gain than on CS (1.47 ± 0.02 v. 1.39 ± 0.02 kg/day; P < 0.05). The percentage of bulls early culled or treated for locomotor disorders were reduced by RCS only for LIM, while RCS tended to prevent the occurrence of bursitis for both breeds. During two 8-h behavioural observations, bulls on RCS performed more head butt/displacements and chases than on CS, and they reduced the frequency of abnormal lying down events. The use of RCS increased mounts' frequency only in LIM, while its reduced drainage capacity impaired only the cleanliness of CH. Postmortem hoof inspection showed longer claw dorsal wall and diagonal lengths, and sharper toe angles for CH on RCS than LIM on both floors. Results of this study point out that fully slatted floors, regardless of being rubberized or not, are not suitable for bulls finished at a final BW above 700 kg due to their detrimental effects on health and welfare. The use of RCS could be recommended as an alternative to CS only if bulls are slaughtered at a lower final BW (around 600 kg), like in the case of LIM breed.

Brucella-associated cervical bursitis in cattle.

Bovine brucellosis poses a risk to human health and causes serious economic losses for the animal industry. This report describes the use of different diagnostic methods for the diagnosis of brucellosis in cattle affected by cervical bursitis from a slaughterhouse located in São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil. Serum samples from a total of 47 cattle with bursitis were collected and submitted to the Rose Bengal Test (RBT), and RBT-positive samples were further confirmed by the 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME) assay. RBT indicated 85.1% (40/47) of positive samples, from which 78.7% (37/47) were confirmed by 2-ME. Immunohistochemistry detected Brucella spp. in 34.0% (16/47) of tissues with bursitis. PCR and/or bacterial isolation demonstrated that 63.8% (30/47) of samples were positive and morphologically compatible with Brucella sp. All colonies suggestive of Brucella sp. were confirmed by PCR. Isolates were further characterized by PCR Multiplex AMOS-ENHANCED, which indicated that the isolates corresponded to biovar 1, 2, 4 (43.33%). This study evidences an association between cervical bursitis and Brucella spp. infection in cattle, and that different biovars of Brucella circulate in bovine herds in Maranhão.

[Technopathies of the limbs in finishing pigs: risk factors, origin and impact on animal welfare - Study phase 1]. / Technopathien der Gliedmaßen bei Mastschweinen: Ursachen, Entstehung, Tierschutzrelevanz.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the first part of the present study was to specify risk factors for the development of adventitious bursae on the limbs of weaning and finishing pigs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In total, 192 pigs were examined weekly, recording the following parameters: general condition, number, size and localization of adventitious bursae on the limbs and sternum, gait and claws. RESULTS: Adventitious bursae can occur at 13 positions on the limbs or sternum. These adventitious bursae were already evident when pigs were moved to the nursery. The prevalence of adventitious bursae increased constantly from weaning to slaughter. At the age of 24 weeks, 97.8 % of all investigated pigs displayed adventitious bursae (aged 4 weeks: 25.5 %; aged 12 weeks: 67.6 %). Heavier pigs had significantly more and larger adventitious bursae than lighter pigs of the same age. Furthermore, heavier pigs retrieved feed from the automatic feeder less frequently but ate larger amounts each time. In addition, pigs with poorer gait displayed significantly more adventitious bursae. In 95.6 % of all investigated pigs, claw lesions were evident at slaughter. The general condition was unaffected by adventitious bursae. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Referring to the results of the present study and the general function of bursae protecting underlying structure against pressure, there is no indication that adventitious bursae affect the animal welfare in terms of the sensation of pain. Influenced by various factors, adventitious bursae develop with high prevalence and number per animal over the course of the life of pigs and can be described as a technopathy. Because of the exposure of adventitious bursae, there is a risk to become an ulcerated bursa of degree three in relation to injuries.

Outcome of horses undergoing navicular bursotomy for the treatment of contaminated or septic navicular bursitis: 19 cases (2002-2016).

BACKGROUND: Contaminated or septic navicular bursitis has been reported to have a guarded prognosis after surgical treatment with navicular bursotomy only. In our experience, the use of navicular bursotomy for the treatment of this disease in combination with systemic and local delivery of antimicrobials can provide a good prognosis, even in horses with chronic disease. OBJECTIVE: To report the outcome of horses undergoing navicular bursotomy for the treatment of contaminated or septic navicular bursitis. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive case series. METHODS: Navicular bursotomy was performed in combination with systemic and local antimicrobial therapies. Medical records (2002-2016) were reviewed. Follow-up information was obtained from owners or referring veterinarians. Horse outcome was divided into two groups. A successful outcome (Group 1) was assigned to horses that were able to return to the same level of use or performance as before contamination/infection. A satisfactory outcome (Group 2) was assigned to horses that survived but did not return to their previous function or level of performance. RESULTS: All horses survived to hospital discharge. Follow-up was obtained from 4 months to 12.75 years after surgery. Sixteen horses were able to return to their previous level of use (84.2%) and three horses were able to return to a lower level of performance or were pasture sound (15.8%). All 19 owners were satisfied with the outcome. MAIN LIMITATIONS: Small sample size and retrospective nature of the study. Follow-up was limited to telephone contact with owners and referring veterinarians, and there is potential for recall bias. CONCLUSIONS: Navicular bursotomy in combination with systemic and local antimicrobial therapies is an effective treatment for contaminated or septic navicular bursitis. The success rate in this population makes navicular bursotomy worthy of consideration in cases of contaminated or septic navicular bursitis, especially with chronicity and/or where equipment or expertise for bursoscopy is unavailable.

Diagnosis, treatment and outcome of cranial nuchal bursitis in 30 horses.

BACKGROUND: No large retrospective case series describing the treatment and outcomes following diagnosis of cranial nuchal bursitis have been published. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic techniques, treatment and outcome of horses suffering from cranial nuchal bursitis and to determine their outcome after medical or surgical treatment. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: Medical records (1990-2014) of two referral centres were reviewed for signalment, diagnostic features, method of treatment (medical, surgical or both) and outcome. RESULTS: The median age of horses was 13 years (range 5-22 years) and follow-up time ranged from 12 to 108 months. Fourteen horses were treated medically and 20 horses were treated surgically. Of those horses treated medically, four horses had recurrence of clinical signs requiring subsequent surgical treatment. Overall, 41.7% of horses had recurrence of clinical signs following treatment and 66.7% of horses were able to return to their previous level of exercise. Five horses underwent more than one surgical procedure due to recurrence of clinical signs. Of those horses treated solely surgically, 28.6% of the horses had recurrence of clinical signs and 78.6% returned to their previous level of exercise. Of those horses treated solely medically, 33.3% had recurrence of clinical signs and 66.7% returned to their previous level of exercise. Of those horses treated surgically following failed medical management, 100% had recurrence of clinical signs and 25% returned to their previous level of exercise. MAIN LIMITATIONS: Retrospective design with small sample number. CONCLUSIONS: Nuchal bursitis can be successfully managed with either medical or surgical treatment. Prognosis for return to work tends to be worse in horses requiring surgical intervention following failed medical management.

Utility of ultrasonography for diagnosis of superficial swellings in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).

We studied 72 buffalo with superficial swellings in the head (n=4), neck (n=5), chest wall (n=4), abdominal wall (n=28), limbs (n=16), gluteal region (n=8), perineal region (n=6) and udder (n=1). Ultrasonographically, the swellings varied according to type, duration, content and location. The clinical use of ultrasound to assess these superficial swellings allowed diagnosis of abscesses (n=21), hematomas (n=11), hernias (n=17), bursitis (n=13), urethral diverticula (n=6) and tumors (n=4). Ultrasonography could precisely discriminate each lesion type (sensitivity, 71-100%; specificity, 75-100%; odds ratio, 1.0-8.4; Confidence Interval, 74.2-20; and P value 0.001). The specificity for ultrasonographic evaluation of superficial swellings was 100% for hernias, urethral diverticula and tumors, whilst the lowest specificity was recorded for hematomas (75%) and abscesses (92%). In conclusion, ultrasonography provides a precise, non-invasive and fast technique for the evaluation, classification and subsequent treatment of a variety of superficial swellings in buffalo.