Local wound management: A review of modern techniques and products.

Management of wounds is a commonly performed and essential aspect of small animal veterinary medicine. Appropriate wound management is a difficult art to master, due to the inherent complexity of the clinical scenario, as well as the ever-evolving nature of the field with the constant addition of new products and techniques. This article reviews key concepts that may help the practitioner better understand the natural process of wound healing, factors that delay healing and strategies to help improve the local wound environment to make it more conducive to healing during open wound management. The concept of wound bed preparation is defined before common local wound management strategies, such as wound lavage and debridement, are discussed in more detail. Key aspects of the management of biofilms and appropriate use of antimicrobial agents are also reviewed. Finally, the concept of moist wound healing and its impact in modern wound management is explained before a broad variety of types of wound dressings are reviewed, with a particular focus on active dressings.

La prise en charge des plaies est un aspect courant et essentiel de la médecine vétérinaire pour petits animaux. La gestion appropriée des plaies est un art difficile à maîtriser, en raison de la complexité inhérente du scénario clinique, ainsi que de la nature en constante évolution du domaine avec l'ajout constant de nouveaux produits et techniques. Cet article passe en revue les concepts clés qui peuvent aider le praticien à mieux comprendre le processus naturel de cicatrisation des plaies, les facteurs qui retardent la cicatrisation et les stratégies pour aider à améliorer l'environnement local de la plaie afin de le rendre plus propice à la cicatrisation lors de la gestion des plaies ouvertes. Le concept de préparation du lit de la plaie est défini avant que les stratégies locales courantes de gestion des plaies, telles que le lavage et le débridement de la plaie, ne soient discutées plus en détail. Les principaux aspects de la gestion des biofilms et de l'utilisation appropriée des agents antimicrobiens sont également passés en revue. Enfin, le concept de cicatrisation humide et son impact dans la prise en charge moderne des plaies sont expliqués avant de passer en revue une grande variété de types de pansements, avec un accent particulier sur les pansements actifs.

El manejo de heridas es un aspecto esencial y comúnmente realizado de la medicina veterinaria de pequeños animales. El manejo adecuado de heridas es un arte difícil de dominar, debido a la complejidad inherente del escenario clínico, así como a la naturaleza en constante evolución de este campo con la adición constante de nuevos productos y técnicas. Este artículo revisa los conceptos clave que pueden ayudar al médico a comprender mejor el proceso natural de cicatrización de heridas, los factores que retrasan la cicatrización y las estrategias para ayudar a mejorar el entorno local de la herida para que sea más propicio para la cicatrización durante el tratamiento de heridas abiertas. El concepto de preparación del lecho de la herida se define antes de que se analicen con más detalle las estrategias comunes de tratamiento local de la herida, como el lavado y el debridamiento de la herida. También se revisan aspectos clave del manejo de biopelículas y el uso adecuado de agentes antimicrobianos. Finalmente, se explica el concepto de cicatrización húmeda de heridas y su impacto en el tratamiento moderno de heridas antes de revisar una amplia variedad de tipos de apósitos para heridas, con un enfoque particular en los apósitos activos.

Manejo de feridas é um procedimento essencial comumente realizado na medicina veterinária de pequenos animais. Um manejo de feridas adequado é uma arte difícil de se aperfeiçoar, devido à sua complexidade inerente ao cenário clínico, bem como à natureza em constante evolução da área com a adição contínua de novas técnicas e produtos. Este artigo revisa os conceitos mais importantes que podem ajudar o clínico a compreender melhor o processo natural de cicatrização de feridas, fatores que atrasam e estratégias que melhoram o ambiente local da ferida para torná-la mais predisposta à cicatrização durante o manejo de feridas abertas. O conceito de preparação do leito da ferida deve ser definido antes da discussão mais detalhada das estratégias de manejo mais comuns, como lavagem e debridamento. Aspectos chave do manejo de biofilmes e uso apropriado de antimicrobianos também foram revisados. Finalmente, o conceito de cicatrização úmida de feridas e o seu impacto no manejo de feridas moderno é explicado antes da revisão de diversos tipos de curativos oclusivos, com um foco particular nos curativos ativos.

Hemorrhagic shock and hemostatic resuscitation in canine trauma.

Hemorrhage is a significant cause of death among military working dogs and in civilian canine trauma. While research specifically aimed at canine trauma is limited, many principles from human trauma resuscitation apply. Trauma with significant hemorrhage results in shock and inadequate oxygen delivery to tissues. This leads to aberrations in cellular metabolism, including anaerobic metabolism, decreased energy production, acidosis, cell swelling, and eventual cell death. Considering blood and endothelium as a single organ system, blood failure is a syndrome of endotheliopathy, coagulopathy, and platelet dysfunction. In severe cases following injury, blood failure develops and is induced by inadequate oxygen delivery in the presence of hemorrhage, tissue injury, and acute stress from trauma. Severe hemorrhagic shock is best treated with hemostatic resuscitation, wherein blood products are used to restore effective circulating volume and increase oxygen delivery to tissues without exacerbating blood failure. The principles of hemostatic resuscitation have been demonstrated in severely injured people and the authors propose an algorithm for applying this to canine patients. The use of plasma and whole blood to resuscitate severely injured canines while minimizing the use of crystalloids and colloids could prove instrumental in improving both mortality and morbidity. More work is needed to understand the canine patient that would benefit from hemostatic resuscitation, as well as to determine the optimal resuscitation strategy for these patients.

Steller Sea Lion (Eumetopias jubatus) at Tuleny Island, Russia in 2018: Abundance, Composition, and Entanglement.

The Steller sea lion (SSL, Eumetopias jubatus) inhabits the North Pacific Ocean off both the North American and Asian coasts. The abundance of the species in Asia declined by more than half in the second part of the 20th century. Decline recurred in the second decade of the 21th century after a short period of restoration. In contrast with the total dynamics of SSL in Asia, the reproductive aggregation on Tuleny I. (Sea of Okhotsk) has been growing almost continuously since the beginning of its formation in the late 1980s. Long-term monitoring of SSL at Tuleny I. always covered only summer reproductive seasons. We surveyed Tuleny I. in October 2018, and counted 1058 non-pup sea lions and 396 pups. The majority of tagged animals encountered at the rookery were of local origin. About one-third of the summer non-pup sea lions' number could remain at the rookery until the middle of October, which coincides with the seasonal appearance of sea lions off the coast of Japan. The sex-age structure was characterized by total absence of adult males and reduced proportion of subadult males and juveniles. It contrasts with autumn behavior of SSLs in the rookery of the northern Sea of Okhotsk. We observed that 0.7% of the inspected sea lions were entangled in marine debris. The proportion of entangled animals is lower in comparison with that of the whole population of Tuleny I. due to reduction in the ratios of males and juveniles, which entangle in foreign objects more often than adult females.

Treatment of two Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) with severe injuries and their subsequent release into the wild: a case report.

BACKGROUND: The rehabilitation of injured wildlife and their subsequent release into the wild is a humane act as well as important in wildlife conservation. However, little is known about the animals' fate after release. Therefore, to address these uncertainties, it is essential to adequately describe how the injured animals were treated and managed before releasing into the wild; moreover, post-release monitoring should also be performed. Herein, we document for the first time the process of rescue, surgery, and rehabilitation of severely injured Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus; endangered species in South Korea) and their fate after returning to the wild. CASE PRESENTATION: A six-year-old female (bear-01) and a three-year-old male (bear-02) bears were injured by an illegal snare and collision with a bus, respectively. Bear-01 had broad muscle necrosis and ruptures from the snared ankle on the right thoracic limb, with myiasis, and elbow disarticulation was performed. In bear-02, a non-reducible comminuted fracture of the left humerus was confirmed radiologically, and the operation was performed by using dual plate fixation with hydroxyapatite and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2. The bear-01 and -02 were completely healed approximately 30 and 60 days after surgery, respectively. After that, they underwent rehabilitation for 8 and 25 days, respectively, in an outdoor enclosure similar to their natural habitat. Bear-01 and -02 were released into the wild after 45 and 99 days after surgery, respectively, and their mean daily movement distance during the first 30 days after releasing was 2.9 ± 2.1 and 1.3 ± 1.6 km, respectively. The annual mean 95% Kernel home-range size of bear-01 and bear-02 was 265.8 and 486.9 km2, respectively. They hibernated every winter, gained weight, gave birth to cubs (bear-01), were not found to have any abnormalities in the veterinary tests, and were not involved in any conflicts with humans after returning to the wild. CONCLUSIONS: Bears without one leg or those with dual plates could adapt well in their natural habitat, which shows that our surgical and post-operative treatments were effective. Additionally, minimizing human contact and observing/evaluating behavior during the rehabilitation is essential in reducing human-bear conflicts after release.

The relationship between personality, season, and wounding receipt in zoo-housed Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata): A multi-institutional study.

It is important to those managing Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) in captive settings to understand predictors of wounding. While studies have demonstrated that season (breeding or nonbreeding) and sex predict rates of wounding received by zoo-housed Japanese macaques, we investigated whether individual differences in personality ratings also might explain some of the observed interindividual variance in wounding. Such patterns were previously observed in rhesus macaques (M. mulatta), such that individuals rated higher on Anxiety and Confidence received greater wounding. Here, we collected wounding data over 24 months on 48 Japanese macaques from eight AZA-accredited zoos. Each macaque was also rated by keepers using a 26-item personality questionnaire. Principle components analysis of these ratings revealed four personality components: Openness, Friendliness, Dominance, and Anxiety/Reactivity. The model with the best fit revealed an interaction effect between season (breeding vs. nonbreeding) and the personality component Friendliness, such that individuals rated higher on Friendliness incurred fewer wounds in the nonbreeding season. The second-best model revealed both a main effect of the season as well as an interaction effect between season and Openness, such that macaques rated higher in Openness received more wounds in the nonbreeding season than those rated lower in Openness. Thus, as with rhesus macaques, personality mediated wounding receipt rate in Japanese macaques, although different personality components explained interindividual variance in wounding for these two species. These differences likely reflect species differences in behavior and personality structure, as well as the influence of differing management practices, highlighting the importance of species-specific approaches for captive primate care and welfare. This study provides further support for understanding primate personality to create individualized strategies for their care.

Acute Central Nervous System Trauma in the Field.

Acute central nervous system (CNS) trauma in the field is best approached by a systematic and thorough physical and neurologic examination that allows the practitioner to localize the brain or spinal cord injury. The skull and vertebral canal are complex 3-dimensional structures, and orthogonal radiographic views are necessary for an accurate diagnosis. Therapeutics aimed at decreasing pain, inflammation, and edema or increased intracranial pressure in the case of traumatic brain injury should be administered. Survival and return to athleticism can be achieved even in moderate-to-severe traumatic CNS injury with appropriate medical management.

Managing Reproduction Emergencies in the Field: Part 1: Injuries in Stallions; Injury of the External Portion of the Reproductive Tract and Gestational Conditions in the Mare.

Selected emergency conditions of male and female reproductive tracts in horses are described, including injuries affecting the external genitalia of male horses and emergent conditions arising during gestation in mares. Conditions affecting male horses are discussed in the context of breeding stallions, but kicks or other mechanisms of trauma in the groin can also affect geldings. Priapism, paraphimosis, trauma to the scrotum and testicles, and penile injury are discussed. In mares, traumatic vestibular injury, placentitis, hydropsic conditions, prepubic tendon and abdominal wall compromise, and uterine torsion are included. Clinical recognition of the problem, diagnostic procedures, and treatments are summarized.

WOUND MANAGEMENT WITH AND WITHOUT MODIFIED CHOUKROUN'S PLATELET-RICH FIBRIN IN RESCUED FORMOSAN PANGOLINS (MANIS PENTADACTYLA PENTADACTYLA).

Trauma is a key threat to wild Formosan pangolins (Manis pentadactyla pentadactyla) and the most frequent reason for presentation to the rescue center of the Taipei Zoo from 2008 to 2017. Of the 105 cases received during this time, 72% presented for trauma. Among these 76 cases, 72% survived and were returned to the wild. Traditional wound management resulted in healing times from 45 to 410 d. Improvements in the success and duration of wound healing could increase the success rate of pangolin release back to the wild. This case series describes wound management in five cases using either traditional wound management practices (two cases) or modified Choukroun's platelet-rich fibrin (MC-PRF) in an attempt to accelerate the wound-healing process (three cases). MC-PRF is relatively easily obtainable and widely used to promote tissue healing in other species. MC-PRF was applied to the wounds of three pangolins every 1 to 2 wk with satisfactory results. The healing time with MC-PRF were 21, 45, and 51 d, shorter than the 60-98 d seen in the cases of traditional wound management in this series. Given the scarcity of literature on pangolins, these cases evaluating both traditional and MC-PRF wound management practices can serve as examples for other pangolin rescue centers in their treatment of traumatic wounds.

Influence of skin wounds on the intestinal inflammatory response and barrier function: Protective role of dietary Shewanella putrefaciens SpPdp11 administration to gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.).

The effects of skin wounds on the intestinal barrier function and the beneficial effects of the dietary administration of Shewanella putrefaciens (known as SpPdp11) in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.) were studied. Two replicates of fish were fed a commercial diet (control, CON) or CON diet enriched with 109 cfu g-1 SpPdp11 (SP diet) for 30 days. After this time, half of the fish were sampled, while the others were injured below the lateral line (wounded fish, W) and fed the same diets for an extra week before sampling (CON + W and SP + W groups). The intestinal histology and gene expression of different genes relevant for the intestinal barrier function were studied. The results showed that injured fish had a disordered enterocyte nucleus disposition, a more intense infiltration of mixed leucocytes and a thicker lamina propria in the intestine compared to the control fish. However, the fish in the SP + W group did not present these pathological symptoms in the intestine. No significant variations in the number of goblet cells were detected among the different experimental groups. Pro-inflammatory cytokines (colony-stimulating factor receptor 1, CSF1R, myeloperoxidase, MPO and interleukin-1ß, IL-1ß), mucins (intestinal mucin, IMUC and mucin 2, MUC2), and immunoglobulin T heavy chain (IGHT) were up-regulated, while tight junction protein occludin was down-regulated in the intestine from fish of the CON + W group. Similarly, the dietary administration of SpPdp11 markedly depressed the gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, MUC2 and IGHT, but increased the gene expression of anti-inflammatory cytokine transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) and the tight junction proteins tricellulin and occluding after wounding. In brief, the skin wounds provoked an intestinal inflammatory response that included changes in the mucus layer and tight junction disruptions. Besides this, preventive administration of SpPdp11 alleviated the intestinal dysfunctions caused by skin wounds in gilthead seabream.

A case study of monofilament line entanglement in a common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus): entanglement, disentanglement, and subsequent death.

BACKGROUND: Free-ranging common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) can become entangled in fishing line and other marine debris. Infrequently, dolphins can be successfully disentangled, released back into the wild, and later examined postmortem to better understand the pathology and long-term effects of these entanglements. CASE PRESENTATION: An entangled common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) calf was observed in the Indian River Lagoon, Florida, USA, with monofilament fishing line wrapped tightly around its maxilla. A multi-agency team successfully disentangled the dolphin for immediate release back into its natural habitat. A year after disentanglement, photos and observations indicated that the now independent calf showed a decline in body condition, characterized by grossly visible ribs and a prominent post-nuchal depression. More than 2 years post-disentanglement, the freshly dead carcass of this juvenile dolphin was recovered with extensive predation wounds. Despite the forestomach being ~ 50% full of ingesta (fish), the dolphin was emaciated. During postmortem examination, we collected and evaluated photographs and measurements of the maxillary damage resulting from the entanglement. CONCLUSION: The monofilament entanglement caused permanent, bilateral deformation of the maxillary dental arcade, including a 4.0-4.2 cm long, 0.5 cm deep linear groove where the entanglement eroded the lateral edges of the maxilla. There was no evidence of maxillary fracture and the dolphin survived for more than 2 years after disentanglement. External evidence of propeller scars and a fishing hook discovered embedded in the laryngeal mucosa at necropsy indicated repeated human interactions.

A participatory surveillance of marsh deer (Blastocerus dichotomus) morbidity and mortality in Argentina: first results.

BACKGROUND: In an era of unprecedented socio-ecological changes, managing wildlife health demands high-quality data collection and the engagement of local communities. Blastocerus dichotomus, the largest South American deer, is Vulnerable to extinction mainly due to habitat loss. Diseases have been recognised as a potential threat, and winter mortality has been historically described in marsh deer populations from Argentina. Field difficulties have, however, prevented in-depth studies of their health status. RESULTS: Between May 2014 and April 2017, we investigated marsh deer morbidity and mortality in the two largest populations in Argentina. We collected data by means of a passive surveillance system that involved a network of researchers, field partners (veterinarians, park rangers, and local community), and decision makers. We sampled marsh deer during as well as outside mortality events. A total of 44 marsh deer with different body condition scores were evaluated. We obtained haematology and biochemistry values from animals with good body condition score. Marsh deer with poor body condition had a high burden of the ticks Amblyomma triste and Rhipicephalus microplus. Vector-borne agents such as Theileria cervi, Trypanosoma theileri, Trypanosoma evansi, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Anaplasma platys, Anaplasma odocoilei, Anaplasma marginale, and Candidatus Anaplasma boleense were also found. Haemonchus spp., Ostertagia spp., and Trichostrongylus spp. were the most frequent gastrointestinal parasites in deer with poor body condition. A Multiple Correspondence Analysis reinforced a possible association of winter period with lower body score condition, high tick loads, infection with E. chaffeensis, and presence of harmful gastrointestinal parasites. CONCLUSIONS: Our approach allowed the establishment of a participatory surveillance network of marsh deer morbidity and mortality in Argentina. We report and analyse the first data obtained opportunistically within the framework of this network, providing information on the infectious and parasitic agents in marsh deer populations. The occurrence of Fasciola hepatica and Leptospira interrogans serovar pyrogenes is reported for the first time in wild marsh deer from Argentina. Our data will be useful to improve the interpretation of future mortality events. The field implementation of a surveillance network is key to a holistic approach to wildlife diseases.

Prognostic indicators and outcome in dogs undergoing temporary tarsorrhaphy following traumatic proptosis.

PURPOSE: Retrospectively evaluate prognostic indicators and outcome in dogs undergoing temporary tarsorrhaphy following traumatic proptosis. METHODS: Medical records (2004-2017) were reviewed for signalment, cause and duration of proptosis, and clinical findings on admission. The operating faculty member, post-operative medications, and ophthalmic findings at last recheck were recorded. Owners of dogs with blinded eyes were surveyed regarding final outcome and satisfaction. Data were analyzed using Fisher's exact, Likelihood ratio, and Mann-Whitney tests. RESULTS: At last recheck, 17.5 ± 7.3 (mean ± SD) days post-operatively, vision was present in 12/43 eyes (28%). Vision at last recheck was not correlated with breed, cause or duration of proptosis, or post-operative medications (P > .05), but was correlated with presence of direct and indirect pupillary light reflexes (PLRs) on admission (P = .001 and .02, respectively), and with assessment and surgery performed by veterinary ophthalmologists rather than surgery or emergency personnel (P = .015). Mean satisfaction scores (graded 0-10) of 22 owners contacted 59.6 ± 48.2 months after last recheck were 7.8 ± 2.6 (n = 6), 5.7 ± 4.9 (n = 3), and 8.8 ± 1.3 (n = 13) for dogs with phthisical eyes, eyes requiring long-term medications, and blind but otherwise normal eyes, respectively (P = .284). CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to previous studies, breed, and cause and duration of proptosis, did not significantly affect outcome. Testing of direct and indirect PLR is a simple and significant prognostic indicator. Patients assessed and operated by a veterinary ophthalmologist have better prognosis.

Prevalence and characterisation of wounds in sheep attributed to attacks by kea (Nestor notabilis) on high country farms in New Zealand.

Aims: To characterise and classify wounds in sheep suspected to have been caused by attacks by kea (Nestor notabilis) (kea strike), and to report the prevalence of these wounds on five high country farms in the South Island of New Zealand.Methods: Data were collected from farms between 28 August 2012 and 20 September 2013. Sheep were examined opportunistically immediately after shearing for signs of wounds caused by kea. The age and sex of sheep were also recorded. Wounds were measured and characterised as recent, healing, or healed, and the estimated true prevalence was calculated for each farm.Results: Injuries consistent with kea strike wounds were identified in 70/13,978 (0.5%) sheep examined. The estimated true prevalence varied between farms, from 0 (95% CI = 0-0.16) to 1.25 (95% CI = 0.97-1.61)%. Of the 76 wounds identified, 61 (80%) were located in the lumbar region, and 74 (97%) consisted of full-thickness ulceration of the skin, one showed evidence of injury to muscle and one to bone. The median length of the 63 wounds measured was 6 (min 1, max 23.5) cm, and 10/63 (13%) were categorised as recently healed, 47/63 (62%) as healing, and 17/63 (22%) as recent wounds.Conclusions: The results of this study show that kea strike on sheep was occurring at a low prevalence on the high country farms surveyed. The wounds identified were survivable, but the welfare impact of kea strike on sheep should be considered in balance with the conservation status of kea. There was clear variation in the prevalence of wounds attributed to kea strike between the farms but we were not able to identify the risk factors contributing to these differences. Future studies of kea strike should examine variables such as altitude, local kea density and distribution, and differences in kea strike management and husbandry practices, and should include high country farms without a history of kea strike.

Sex and season predict wounds in zoo-housed Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata): A multi-institutional study.

Japanese macaque societies are characterized by frequent intragroup conflict both in free-ranging and zoo-housed conditions. In zoos, understanding the factors that contribute to wounding is of interest because this knowledge can aid in proactive husbandry and management planning that can minimize the negative impacts wounding can have on individual welfare. This study sought to determine whether the variables sex, season and age predicted wounding rates. Data were collected for 24 months on 119 Japanese macaques living in 10 zoos, and we analyzed the contribution of variables using generalized linear mixed models. A total of 1,007 wounds were reported, and the best model included the interaction between sex and season. Follow-up analyses revealed that females incurred more wounds than males, and this sex difference was more pronounced during the breeding compared to the nonbreeding season. On average, individuals received 4.67 (±SEM: 0.55) wounds per year and 77.31% of the population incurred at least one wound in the study period. The majority of wounds were superficial and did not require veterinary intervention. Wound locations were not randomly distributed across body regions and were most often reported on the face. Finally, macaques living in larger social groups experienced more wounds, on average. This study represents the first quantification of wounding in this species and may provide insight to help inform husbandry and management strategies in zoos.

TRAUMA FOUND TO BE A SIGNIFICANT CAUSE OF DEATH IN A PATHOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF BENT-WINGED BATS ( MINIOPTERUS ORIANAE ).

Determining the causes of mortality in endangered species is essential to understanding the possible reasons behind their decline and to facilitating the implementation of mitigating steps. The southern bent-winged bat (Miniopterus orianae bassanii) is a critically endangered Australian bat whose population numbers have decreased over the past 50 years. As part of a larger investigation to determine if disease could be a contributing factor to the decline, 27 southern bent-winged bats and one closely related eastern bent-winged bat (Miniopterus orianae oceanensis) that died during the study were necropsied and examined histologically. Trauma was the most common cause of death in the southern bent-winged bats, which mostly occurred at one site where fencing and other infrastructure was positioned around a key breeding cave. In response to these findings, management actions have been implemented to reduce this infrastructure-associated mortality of southern bent-winged bats. The single eastern bent-winged bat examined had a severe dermatitis caused by the mite Notoedres muris.

A Comparison of Respiratory Variables in a Wild Population of Ventilated and Nonventilated Black Kites (Milvus migrans govinda).

Black kites (Milvus migrans govinda) often become injured due to kite-string injuries obtained during the International Kite Flying Festival that takes place during the celebration of Uttarayan, in Ahmedabad, India. The purpose of this study was to compare respiratory variables in ventilated and nonventilated black kites, to facilitate an evidence-based decision on whether to ventilate injured birds. A total of 56 juvenile and adult black kites of unknown sex were anesthetized and divided into a ventilated group (VG) and a nonventilated group (NVG). The variables recorded were end tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2), peripheral capillary oxygen saturation, heart rate, respiratory rate, and maintenance percentage of isoflurane (%ISO). The ETCO2 values were higher in the NVG compared to the VG (72.9 ± 19.8 mm Hg compared to 16.0 ± 5.6 mm Hg, P < .01). The %ISO required to maintain adequate depth of anesthesia was higher in NVG compared to VG (3.5% ± 0.5% compared to 2.2% ± 0.4%, P < .001). Peripheral capillary oxygen saturation was not statistically different between groups (NVG 96.3% ± 3.5% compared to the VG 96.0% ± 5.1%, P = .867). Ventilation under anesthesia appears to lower the ETCO2 and the %ISO flow rate used to maintain a surgical plane of anesthesia. These findings should provide information that will be helpful in the anesthetic management of black kites and may apply to other avian species as well.

Prognostic Indicators of Avian Survival.

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether blood glucose, packed cell volume, and total protein are effective diagnostic tests to predict short-term (48 h following admittance to a veterinary hospital) prognosis for wild birds with traumatic injuries. The cohort study conducted for this investigation took place at the Jivdaya Charitable Trust in Ahmedabad, India, over a 7-d period, at the time of the International Kite Flying Festival of Uttarayan. A small blood sample was collected from every avian patient prior to surgical treatment and immediately analyzed. Patient outcome was reviewed and recorded at the end of a 48-h period following admittance to the veterinary hospital. Statistical analysis revealed no significant correlations between blood glucose levels (P = .24), packed cell volume (P = .80), or total protein levels (P = .47) outside the reference intervals and short-term outcome of the patients. There is a lack of evidence regarding the use of these diagnostic tests to ascertain short-term prognosis in avian species. While research has been conducted on avian wound healing, studies fail to identify any correlation between duration of injury and patient outcome. Despite a lack of statistically significant results from this study, the findings should not be dismissed and could be used as a basis for future studies on this subject.

Feasibility of a disposable canister-free negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) device for treating open wounds in horses.

BACKGROUND: Wounds are among the most common medical conditions affecting horses and have a major economic impact on the horse industry. Wound healing in horses is distinct to that documented in other species, and often results in delayed healing and extensive scarring, with compromised functional and aesthetic outcomes. To date, there is no conventional method objectively proven to accelerate healing or to successfully prevent complications associated with second intention healing. Several effects of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) may be particularly useful to the management of wounds in horses. However, cumbersome designs of classic NPWT devices render them unsuitable for equine practice. A new lightweight, portable and disposable unit of NPWT (PICO®), should facilitate the use of this modality by equine practitioners. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using this canister-free system to treat experimental open wounds in horses. RESULTS: No difficulties were encountered with the application or maintenance of the PICO® system during the ex vivo experiment or during the preliminary in vivo experiment conducted on intact skin. All horses readily tolerated the PICO® but difficulties with adhesion and seal prevented the completion of the experimental wound study despite the use of many adjunctive adhesives. CONCLUSION: The current PICO® dressing design is not suitable to be used as a dressing for open wounds in horses though the device is well tolerated by equine patients. A dressing with a wider adhesive edge, a superior adhesive and a more flexible pad would likely be better adapted to enable its future use in equine practice.

Revisiting predictive biomarkers of musculoskeletal injury in thoroughbred racehorses: longitudinal study in polish population.

BACKGROUND: High prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in racehorses and its impact on horse welfare and racing economics call for improved measures of injury diagnosis and prevention. Serum biomarkers of bone and cartilage metabolism have previously shown promise in prediction of musculoskeletal injuries in horses. This study aimed to re-evaluate usability of the predictive serum biomarkers identified in North American Thoroughbred racehorses in a geographically distinct group of Polish Thoroughbreds. RESULTS: Serum concentrations of bone and cartilage biomarkers: osteocalcin, c-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen, total glycosaminoglycans (GAG), chondroitin sulfate epitope and c-propeptide of type II procollagen (CPII) were evaluated in the beginning and the next 3 months of one racing season in a cohort of twenty-six 2-year-old Polish racehorses. Exit criteria were diagnosis of musculoskeletal injury, leading to > 5 days off training (n = 8), or completion of 3 study months with no training interruptions (n = 18). Normalized results and matching archival data from 35 2-year-old North American racehorses was used for logistic regression analysis to identify universal predictors of injury. Mean GAG and CPII levels were lower in injured group comparing to control, which is consistent with previous findings in racehorses. These biomarkers were also identified as predictors of injury in the mixed population model. Population origin had no significant effect on predictive value of evaluated biomarkers (Wald test p = 0.137). Decreased osteocalcin and increased c-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen levels in injured horses comparing to controls were specific for Polish population and signalized disruption in bone turnover homeostasis. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in serum GAG and CPII in racehorses at risk of injury appear to be similar across distinct populations while dynamics of serum bone marker is more population-specific.