Complete avulsion of the hoof capsule and subsequent testicular degeneration in a criollo stallion

Background: Complete avulsion of the hoof in horses, also known as exungulation, is not a commonly reported injury and usually leads to euthanasia due to the great amount of tissue loss, intense pain, secondary complications, expensive and lengthy treatment. It can involve deep structures and cause different complications leading to chronic lameness. In stallions affected by such injury, the reproductive tract and performance may also be affected. The aim of this study was to report a case of complete avulsion of the right front hoof in a Criollo stallion and subsequent bilateral testicular degeneration. Case: A 10-year-old Criollo stallion was referred to the Veterinary Clinical Hospital of the Federal University of Pelotas (HCV- UFPel) with a complete avulsion of the left front hoof. At admission, the stallion had clinical parameters compatible with intense pain and blood loss. Evaluation of the wound demonstrated that the distal end of the third phalanx (P3) was exposed but no fracture was detected on radiological evaluation. No other structure was apparently affected. Initially, anti-inflammatory (phenylbutazone) and opioid (morphine) was given for pain control and supportive fluid therapy was started to restore hydration. Antibiotic (Sulfamethoxazole with trimethoprim) was administered for 10 days. Continued therapy with phenylbutazone, pentoxifylline, omeprazole and supplementation with methionine, biotin and zinc was also given. Local treatment was carried out by cleaning the wound, applying an antimicrobial ointment and dressing it with a bandage. Wound management was adapted according to the evolution and healing process. The stallion was kept in stall rest during its hospitalization time. In the second month after the injury, accumulation of liquid in the scrotum was observed. Clinical and ultrasound evaluation lead to a presumptive diagnosis of testicular degeneration. The stallion was discharged after three months when the wound was almost healed and the hoof had started to grow. Six month later, a follow up by the referring vet showed that the hoof was almost completely grown and the x-ray assessment demonstrated a dorsal rotation and resorption of the distal end of the third phalanx. Discussion: The stallion of this report had a complete avulsion of the hoof capsule caused by trauma. Conservative treatment was established including wound cleaning and dressing to avoid contamination, control of pain and inflammation, antimicrobial care and supplementation to support hoof growth. Time period for wound healing and hoof growth was in agreement with other cases described previously. Bone sequestrum of the distal end of the third phalanx, and detachment of a fragment were observed in this case, followed by bone resorption. The stallion was closely monitored to prevent laminitis in the contralateral limb and no alterations were detected during the treatment period. Testicular degeneration was observed, probably caused as a consequence of hoof avulsion and due to a long period of stall rest. Degenerative alterations in testicles interfere with thermoregulation and spermatogenesis, affecting semen quality and reproductive performance. Rotation of the third phalanx was also observed six months later caused by the hoof loss. In conclusion, the patient of this report had a complete regrowth of the hoof capsule although a long intensive treatment was necessary to achieve this result. As a consequence, testicles degeneration may happen impairing its function as a stallion.(AU)

Outcome of a ceratohyiodectomy in a criollo mare with temporohyoid osteoarthropathy

Background: Temporohyoid osteoarthropathy (THO) is a progressive disease that causes acute onset of peripheral vestibular signs with or without facial paralysis. Ankylosis of temporhyoid joint occurs which predispose to fractures of theinvolved bones and consequently causes the commonly neurological signs observed. Clinical signs vary depending on thestage of the disease and the nerves affected. Surgical treatment is advised to improve survival rates in which the ceratohyoidectomy is currently known as the most advantageous. The aim of the present study is to report a case and outcome ofa ceratohyoidectomy procedure in a Criollo mare presenting THO of the right temporohyoid joint.Case: A 17-year-old Criollo mare was referred to the Equine Clinical Hospital of the Federal University of Pelotas witha 5-day history of facial paralysis on the right side, head tilt and difficulty to chew and swallow. Auricular, palpebraland labial ptosis along with deviation of the lip and nostril to the left were observed. A corneal ulcer was also identifiedin the right eye. Complementary imaging exams (endoscopy of the guttural pouches and radiography of the head) wereperformed and showed thickening of the right stylohyoid bone confirming a diagnosis of THO. Anti-inflammatory andantibiotic therapy were administered and the corneal ulcer was treated with topical antibiotics and autologous serum. Dueto rapid deterioration of clinical signs, the mare was referred to surgery. A ceratohyoidectomty procedure was performedunder general anesthesia. In this procedure, the ceratohyoid bone was disarticulated from the ceratohyoid-basihyoid jointand removed. During the procedure, a branch of the linguofacial vein was accidentally incised causing hemorrhage, thebranch was identified and successfully ligated. Recovery was uneventful. Supportive treatment with anti-inflammatory andantibiotics was continued after surgery and ...

Outcome of a ceratohyiodectomy in a criollo mare with temporohyoid osteoarthropathy

Background: Temporohyoid osteoarthropathy (THO) is a progressive disease that causes acute onset of peripheral vestibular signs with or without facial paralysis. Ankylosis of temporhyoid joint occurs which predispose to fractures of theinvolved bones and consequently causes the commonly neurological signs observed. Clinical signs vary depending on thestage of the disease and the nerves affected. Surgical treatment is advised to improve survival rates in which the ceratohyoidectomy is currently known as the most advantageous. The aim of the present study is to report a case and outcome ofa ceratohyoidectomy procedure in a Criollo mare presenting THO of the right temporohyoid joint.Case: A 17-year-old Criollo mare was referred to the Equine Clinical Hospital of the Federal University of Pelotas witha 5-day history of facial paralysis on the right side, head tilt and difficulty to chew and swallow. Auricular, palpebraland labial ptosis along with deviation of the lip and nostril to the left were observed. A corneal ulcer was also identifiedin the right eye. Complementary imaging exams (endoscopy of the guttural pouches and radiography of the head) wereperformed and showed thickening of the right stylohyoid bone confirming a diagnosis of THO. Anti-inflammatory andantibiotic therapy were administered and the corneal ulcer was treated with topical antibiotics and autologous serum. Dueto rapid deterioration of clinical signs, the mare was referred to surgery. A ceratohyoidectomty procedure was performedunder general anesthesia. In this procedure, the ceratohyoid bone was disarticulated from the ceratohyoid-basihyoid jointand removed. During the procedure, a branch of the linguofacial vein was accidentally incised causing hemorrhage, thebranch was identified and successfully ligated. Recovery was uneventful. Supportive treatment with anti-inflammatory andantibiotics was continued after surgery and ...(AU)

Foals developmental orthopedic disease associated with metabolic and biometric characterization of pregnant overweight crioulo mares

Background: Musculoskeletal changes in growing foals can be linked to metabolic disorders which affect the cartilage metabolism associated of obesity during the late gestation of the mares, negatively affecting the athletic performance of the otherwise prospective foals. High basal insulin levels can be associated with increased weight and obesity of the mares, altering the supply of the glucose to the fetus and the production of IGF-1, which plays an important role in the endochondral cartilage metabolism. The present study aims to describe the association of metabolic and biometric alterations in overweight Criollo mares with IGF-1 levels and the presence of articular and physeal lesions in their foals. Materials, Methods & Results: A prospective and observational cohort study was conducted using the foals and the overweight mares at field conditions. Twenty-eight foals and their overweight mothers were utilized. The foals’ biometric and metabolic features as weight and height; glucose, total cholesterol, cholesterol HDL, triglycerides, basal insulin, leptin, glucose, total T4 and IGF-1 were analyzed, from the birth until the weaning period around sixth month of life of it. All the foals, at the weaning period, were submitted to the radiograph examination of the tarsal joints and the metacarpal-phalangeal joints to evaluate signs of lesions and the possible distal metacarpal physeal changes, respectively. The mares’ biometric and metabolic features as weight, height and fat tail-head deposition; basal insulin, leptin, glucose, total cholesterol, cholesterol HDL and triglycerides were analyzed at the final period of gestation. The basal insulin levels of the foals at the second, fourth and sixth month of life were 9.87 ± 1.82 µUI/mL, 9.13 ± 1.94 µUI/mL, 9.39 ± 2.54 µUI/mL. The IGF-1 levels of the foals at the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth...

Small intestine strangulating obstruction by mesenteric pedunculated lipoma in a criollo mare

Background: The abdominal lipomas are benign tumors of hyperplastic growth that originate from mesenteric adiposetissue, most commonly in the small intestine. Pedunculated lipoma strangulation occurs when the pedicle wraps aroundan intestinal loop and its mesentery, obstructing the intestinal lumen and blood supply of the affected segment. The aim ofthe present study is to report a case of a Criollo mare presenting a strangulating obstruction of the jejunum and ileum bya pedunculated lipoma, focusing the discussion in the causes and epidemiology of this alteration.Case: A 24-year-old Criollo mare with a body condition score 8 out of 9 was referred to the Veterinary Clinical Hospitalof the Federal University of Pelotas (HCV-UFPel) presenting acute abdominal pain. At the hospital, the mare was presenting mild signs of abdominal discomfort. At the initial clinical exam, the mare had an increased heart and respiratory rates,normal body temperature, hyperemic mucous membranes, capillary refil time of 3 s and absent gut sounds in all fourquadrants during auscultation. Mild dehydration was present, increased fibrinogen and serum lactate. Rectal palpationrevealed distention of the small intestine by gas, during abdominal ultrassonography the small intestinal wall thicknesswas increased Peritoneal lactate was 11 mmol/L and protein was 6 mg/dL. Due to the clinical findings during the exam, anexploratory celiotomy was performed. Necrosis of the final third of jejunum and the entire extension of ileum was found.Examining the compromised intestinal portion, it was observed a linear structure strangulating two segments of the smallintestine. Taking into account the extensive area of irreversible necrosis and the advanced age of the patient, euthanasiawas performed. The mare was then referred for necropsy and findings confirmed...

Small intestine strangulating obstruction by mesenteric pedunculated lipoma in a criollo mare

Background: The abdominal lipomas are benign tumors of hyperplastic growth that originate from mesenteric adiposetissue, most commonly in the small intestine. Pedunculated lipoma strangulation occurs when the pedicle wraps aroundan intestinal loop and its mesentery, obstructing the intestinal lumen and blood supply of the affected segment. The aim ofthe present study is to report a case of a Criollo mare presenting a strangulating obstruction of the jejunum and ileum bya pedunculated lipoma, focusing the discussion in the causes and epidemiology of this alteration.Case: A 24-year-old Criollo mare with a body condition score 8 out of 9 was referred to the Veterinary Clinical Hospitalof the Federal University of Pelotas (HCV-UFPel) presenting acute abdominal pain. At the hospital, the mare was presenting mild signs of abdominal discomfort. At the initial clinical exam, the mare had an increased heart and respiratory rates,normal body temperature, hyperemic mucous membranes, capillary refil time of 3 s and absent gut sounds in all fourquadrants during auscultation. Mild dehydration was present, increased fibrinogen and serum lactate. Rectal palpationrevealed distention of the small intestine by gas, during abdominal ultrassonography the small intestinal wall thicknesswas increased Peritoneal lactate was 11 mmol/L and protein was 6 mg/dL. Due to the clinical findings during the exam, anexploratory celiotomy was performed. Necrosis of the final third of jejunum and the entire extension of ileum was found.Examining the compromised intestinal portion, it was observed a linear structure strangulating two segments of the smallintestine. Taking into account the extensive area of irreversible necrosis and the advanced age of the patient, euthanasiawas performed. The mare was then referred for necropsy and findings confirmed...(AU)

Gestation in a mare with facial deviation (Wry Nose) / Gestação em uma égua com desvio facial (Wry Nose)

Background: Wry nose is a congenital deformity that causes respiratory obstruction and decreased oxygenation rate.Gestation in a wry nose mare may be considered a risk to the neonate since it depends on the maternal environment fordevelopment. Compromised oxygenation during pregnancy can lead to fetal distress and cause consequences on fetaldevelopment. However, depending on the degree of the impairment, the fetus may still be able to adapt. The aim of thepresent study was to report the gestation in a mare with facial deviation until term and to assess blood gases in the mareand neonate, and to evaluate the histomorphometry of the placenta.Case: A Criollo breed mare presenting facial deviation (Wry Nose) was donated to Equine Medicine Research Group(ClinEq) of the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel) due to the presence of the physical deformity. When the mare wasfive years old, it was inseminated and had a pregnancy confirmed. At the fifth month of gestation, evaluation of fetalaorta diameter, fetal orbital diameter and combined thickness of the uterus and placenta (CTUP) started to be performedmonthly to assess gestation health. The assessment of the fetal orbit and aorta diameter revealed a linear increase of bothvariables with the progress of gestation indicating a normal fetal development. CTUP remained in the normal referencerange, presenting no alterations during the gestational length. The mare foaled at 324 days of gestation a coat showing nocongenital deformities. The foaling was monitored until the complete passage of fetal membranes. A complete clinical andhematological evaluation of the foal was carried out after birth. The foal showed normal adaptive behavior, clinical andhematological parameters during the first hours of life, although presenting physical signs of immaturity. Venous bloodsamples were collected from the mare at 315 days of gestation, immediately after foaling and...

Gestation in a mare with facial deviation (Wry Nose) / Gestação em uma égua com desvio facial (Wry Nose)

Background: Wry nose is a congenital deformity that causes respiratory obstruction and decreased oxygenation rate.Gestation in a wry nose mare may be considered a risk to the neonate since it depends on the maternal environment fordevelopment. Compromised oxygenation during pregnancy can lead to fetal distress and cause consequences on fetaldevelopment. However, depending on the degree of the impairment, the fetus may still be able to adapt. The aim of thepresent study was to report the gestation in a mare with facial deviation until term and to assess blood gases in the mareand neonate, and to evaluate the histomorphometry of the placenta.Case: A Criollo breed mare presenting facial deviation (Wry Nose) was donated to Equine Medicine Research Group(ClinEq) of the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel) due to the presence of the physical deformity. When the mare wasfive years old, it was inseminated and had a pregnancy confirmed. At the fifth month of gestation, evaluation of fetalaorta diameter, fetal orbital diameter and combined thickness of the uterus and placenta (CTUP) started to be performedmonthly to assess gestation health. The assessment of the fetal orbit and aorta diameter revealed a linear increase of bothvariables with the progress of gestation indicating a normal fetal development. CTUP remained in the normal referencerange, presenting no alterations during the gestational length. The mare foaled at 324 days of gestation a coat showing nocongenital deformities. The foaling was monitored until the complete passage of fetal membranes. A complete clinical andhematological evaluation of the foal was carried out after birth. The foal showed normal adaptive behavior, clinical andhematological parameters during the first hours of life, although presenting physical signs of immaturity. Venous bloodsamples were collected from the mare at 315 days of gestation, immediately after foaling and...(AU)