A prospective, randomised, controlled, double blinded, cross-over study on the effect of a single session of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy on signs of hip osteoarthritis in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Canine coxofemoral joint osteoarthritis is a common, painful and debilitating condition. The objective of this study was to evaluate if any measurable changes in pain or lameness occurred in this patient group immediately after a single treatment with pulsed electromagnetic field therapy. Eight dogs with coxofemoral joint osteoarthritis presenting with signs of pain and lameness were prospectively recruited to this randomised, controlled, double blinded, cross-over study. Subjects attended the research facility on two occasions for one active and one placebo treatment with pulsed electromagnetic field therapy. The immediate effect of one pulsed electromagnetic field therapy treatment on pain and lameness was measured subjectively with the Helsinki Chronic Pain Index and Visual Analogue Scale and objectively using a pressure sensitive walkway. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference (P = 0.03) for change in stride length in the affected limb was recorded for subjects between the active and placebo treatments with pulsed electromagnetic field therapy. Within the active treatment results, there was a statistically significant change in the measurement for reach (P = 0.04) and stride length (P = 0.047) which got shorter in the affected limb post treatment. For the subjective outcome measures, there was no statistically significant difference between the active and placebo treatments for the evening of the treatment day or the next morning from pre-treatment values. Within the placebo treatment results a statistically significant change (improvement) was detected in Visual Analogue Score (P = 0.03) between pre-treatment and the next morning values. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study do not show demonstrable improvement in owner assessed pain levels or temporospatial performance in dogs with coxofemoral joint osteoarthritis immediately after a single application of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy.

Treatment of Naturally Occurring Tendon Disease with Allogeneic Multipotent Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: A Randomized, Controlled, Triple-Blinded Pilot Study in Horses.

The treatment of tendinopathies with multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) is a promising option in equine and human medicine. However, conclusive clinical evidence is lacking. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into clinical treatment efficacy and to identify suitable outcome measures for larger clinical studies. Fifteen horses with early naturally occurring tendon disease were assigned to intralesional treatment with allogeneic adipose-derived MSCs suspended in serum or with serum alone through block randomization (dosage adapted to lesion size). Clinicians and horse owners remained blinded to the treatment during 12 months (seven horses per group) and 18 months (seven MSC-group and five control-group horses) of follow-up including clinical examinations and diagnostic imaging. Clinical inflammation, lameness, and ultrasonography scores improved more over time in the MSC group. The lameness score difference significantly improved in the MSC group compared with the control group after 6 months. In the MSC group, five out of the seven horses were free of re-injuries and back to training until 12 and 18 months. In the control group, three out of the seven horses were free of re-injuries until 12 months. These results suggest that MSCs are effective for the treatment of early-phase tendon disease and provide a basis for a larger controlled study.

Electrohydraulic Shockwave for Treatment of Forelimb Superficial Digital Flexor Tendinitis and Proximal Suspensory Desmitis in Horses.

Superficial digital flexor tendinitis (SDFT) and proximal suspensory desmitis (PSD) are common causes of lameness in horses. Current treatment options include rest, controlled exercise, administration of anti-inflammatories, intralesional injections, surgery, and electrohydraulic shock wave therapy (ESWT). ESWT is safe, noninvasive, and is used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal abnormalities. Medical records between 2010 and 2021 were reviewed. Horses were separated into two categories: (group 1: ≥ 3 ESWT treatments; group 2: < 3 ESWT treatments). Our objective was to examine the effect of the number of ESWT treatments in the management of SDFT and PSD injuries and to compare short- and long-term outcomes for the two groups. For group 1, lameness scores between the first and third treatments were significantly reduced in both PSD (P < .0001) and SDFT (P = .016) horses. However, neither the PSD (P = .062) nor SDFT's (P = .125) ultrasound findings were significantly different at the end of the third treatment. Horses with PSD showed a significant improvement in forelimb lameness between the first and third treatments compared to hindlimb (P = .033). In the multivariable ordered logistic regression model, only time (months of follow-up) was significantly associated with a positive outcome (P = .001) and there was no difference in short and long-term outcome between groups 1 and 2. Also, chronicity of injury was negatively associated with improvement of lameness (P = .028).

Intravenous Injection of Equine Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Dogs with Articular Pain and Lameness: A Feasibility Study.

Osteoarthritis is a frequently occurring joint disorder in veterinary practice. Current treatments are focused on pain and inflammation; however, these are not able to reverse the pathological condition. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) could provide an interesting alternative because of their immunomodulatory properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of a single intravenous (IV) injection of xenogeneic equine peripheral blood-derived MSCs (epbMSCs) as treatment for articular pain and lameness. Patients with chronic articular pain were injected intravenously with epbMSCs. They were evaluated at three time points (baseline and two follow-ups) by a veterinarian based on an orthopedic joint assessment and an owner canine brief pain inventory scoring. Thirty-five dogs were included in the safety and efficacy evaluation of the study. Results showed that the epbMSC therapy was well tolerated, with no treatment-related adverse events and no increase in articular heat or pain. A significant improvement in lameness, range of motion, joint effusion, pain severity, and interference scores was found 6 weeks post-treatment compared with baseline. This study demonstrates that future research on IV administration of epbMSCs is warranted to further explore its possible beneficial effects in dogs with chronic articular pain and lameness. Clinical Trial gov ID: EC_2018_002.

Rib fractures in adult horses as a cause of poor performance; diagnosis, treatment and outcome in 73 horses.

BACKGROUND: Rib fractures in adult horses are poorly documented. OBJECTIVES: To describe the presenting signs, diagnosis, treatment and outcome of horses diagnosed with rib fracture. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHOD: The clinical records and diagnostic images of all adult horses diagnosed with a rib fracture at three referral centres over a 15-year period were reviewed. RESULTS: Seventy-three horses met the inclusion criteria. Horses presented due to either resistance to ridden work and poor performance (n = 41), lameness (n = 21) or trauma (n = 7). In four horses, the presenting complaint was not recorded. Clinical assessment and palpation localised the site of injury in 18/47 cases where recorded. Nuclear scintigraphic examination identified all fracture sites in which it was performed (59/59). In 10/24 horses, radiographic examination confirmed rib fracture. Ultrasonographic examination confirmed rib fracture in 58/59 horses (98%; 95% CI 92-100). Six horses underwent surgery due to ongoing clinical signs and non-healing fracture; all other horses were managed conservatively. Fifty-five horses were available for long-term follow up (>1 year), of which 28 (51%; 95% CI 38-64) returned to their previous level of exercise. Twelve horses did not return to their previous level of exercise due to lameness unrelated to the rib fracture and seven horses were subjected to euthanasia, of which three were as a result of the rib fracture. Eight horses did not return to their previous level of exercise for other reasons. MAIN LIMITATIONS: Incomplete data set due to retrospective case series. CONCLUSIONS: Although uncommon, rib fractures should be considered in cases of reduced performance or resistance during ridden exercise. Palpation may be unrewarding. Scintigraphy and ultrasonography are useful in identifying the fracture site. Rib fractures in horses carry a fair prognosis and can be managed conservatively in most cases.

Hyperbaric gaseous cryotherapy for postoperative rehabilitation enhances functional recovery of canine stifle joint: a report on a short-term study.

BACKGROUND: Hyperbaric gaseous cryotherapy (HGC) is a type of cryotherapy used in human medicine for rehabilitation after orthopedic surgeries. Because HGC is known to reduce acute or chronic pain, research is needed to prove its effectiveness in veterinary medicine. OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of HGC between the HGC treatment group and the nontreatment (NT) group on postoperative swelling, range of motion, lameness score, postoperative pain, and kinetic measurements after stifle joint surgery in dogs. METHODS: Dogs were randomized in an HGC group or NT groups. In the HGC group, HGC was applied once a day for a total of 2 days after surgery. All parameters were measured postoperatively and at 1, 2, 10, and 28 days after surgery. RESULTS: Twenty dogs were enrolled: 10 in the HGC group and 10 in the NT group. Soft tissue swelling was not significantly different between groups at any time point. In the HGC group, pain scores decreased significantly 24 h after surgery and 48 h after surgery. Dogs in the HGC group showed a significantly decreased lameness and improvement for all kinetic measurements beginning 48 h after surgery. In addition, the HGC group indicated a significant increase in range of motion as compared with the NT group at 28 days after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: HGC plays a powerful role in decreasing initial postoperative pain. Furthermore, the improvement in pain affects the use of the operated limb, and the continued use of the limb eventually assists in the quick recovery of normal function.

A Comparison of Owner-Assessed Long-Term Outcome of Arthroscopic Intervention versus Conservative Managemento f Dogs with Medial Coronoid Process Disease.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare the long-term outcome of dogs with medial coronoid process disease (MCPD) treated with arthroscopic intervention versus conservative management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of dogs with MCPD treated by arthroscopic intervention or conservative management over an 8-year period were retrospectively reviewed. Long-term outcome (>12 months) was assessed via owner questionnaire including Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD) scores and Canine Brief Pain Inventory scores. RESULTS: Data from 67 clinically affected elbow joints (67 dogs) diagnosed with MCPD on computed tomography were included. Forty-four dogs underwent arthroscopic intervention and 23 dogs were treated with conservative management. The median LOAD and Pain Severity Score (PSS) for dogs in the arthroscopic intervention group compared with the conservatively managed group were not significantly different (p = 0.066 and p = 0.10, respectively). The median Pain Interference Score (PIS) was significantly higher in the arthroscopic intervention group versus the conservative management group (p = 0.028). There was no significant difference after controlling for age. For LOAD, PSS and PIS, older age at diagnosis was all significantly associated with higher scores (p = 0.048, p = 0.026 and p = 0.046, respectively) and older age at time of questionnaire completion showed a stronger association with the scores (p ≤0.001 for all). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Arthroscopic intervention showed no long-term benefit over conservative management for dogs with MCPD.

Allogeneic Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (Horse Allo 20) for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis-Associated Lameness in Horses: Characterization, Safety, and Efficacy of Intra-Articular Treatment.

Osteoarthritis commonly causes lameness in the horse and has a great impact in performance animals. Due to the limitations of current medical therapies, allogenic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may become an alternative method to control inflammation, reduce tissue damage and pain, and therefore improve lameness. We present the results of a regulatory clinical trial testing adipose-derived MSCs (Horse Allo 20) in veterinary (Agencia Española del Medicamento y Productos Sanitarios, Spanish Medicines Agency, Reference number 325/ECV) involving a total number of 80 participants and with 90 days of follow-up period. The manufacturing process of Horse Allo 20 was robust with no influence of the adipose tissue donor (gender, age, or breed), sample origin (intraperitoneal or subcutaneous), or storage conditions (fresh vs. frozen product presentations) on the quality, safety, and efficacy of the drug product. An in vivo safety study showed that local and systemic tolerance was safe even after repeated intra-articular administration (three injections). An in vivo efficacy study demonstrated the efficacy of the treatment after one or two injections by a reduction in lameness (P < 0.05) for an extended period of time (90 days), decreasing the need for prolonged local and/or systemic anti-inflammatory therapies and their well-known deleterious effects and toxicities.

[Bone sequestration in alpacas in Germany - A practice report with 12 cases]. / Knochensequester beim Alpaka in Deutschland.

Bone sequestration is relatively unknown in New-world camelids in Germany and is frequently wrongly addressed as neoplasia by veterinary practitioners. This clinical case report describes diagnosis and treatment for bone sequestration in alpacas based on 12 cases. The main symptom of the presented alpacas was moderate to severe lameness in one limb. Some of the patients had been treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs by the referring veterinarian. In eight alpacas, palpation of the swelling in the affected leg was painful and in five animals, exudation was observed. Radiographic imaging led to a correct diagnosis in all of the cases. Following surgical removal of the bone sequestrum, the lameness was already noticeably improved by the third postoperative day. In all patients, healing was achieved without any complications. These results show that bone sequestration in alpacas can be treated successfully by timely surgery. This is the first case report on this topic in alpacas in Germany.

Efficacy of a commercial glutaraldehyde footbath product for the control of bovine digital dermatitis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relative efficacy of a novel, commercially available disinfecting agent containing ≥ 15 to < 20 % glutaraldehyde in a hydro-colloid matrix ("EIMÜ Klauen Sprint®"; Eimermacher, Nordwalde, Germany, Biozid-Desinfektionsmittel, BAuA Nr. N-57213) as a walkthrough footbath in order to treat digital dermatitis of dairy cattle. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted in a dairy farm located in northern Germany from June 1st, 2015 to September 5th, 2015. Eighty-eight cows were enrolled in this study. In both trials of the study, a walkthrough footbath was applied on five consecutive milking times per week. Trial 1 was a blinded, randomised and controlled intervention study. The therapy group (n = 40) received the novel glutaraldehyde product in a 2 % solution while the control group (n = 40) was led through a footbath containing pure water. Trial 2 was a longitudinal study to investigate the development of claw health over a longer time period regarding the use of the new footbath solution. In trial 2 the disinfecting footbath was applied to all trial cows (therapy and control group) of trial 1. The development of claw health and lameness was systematically monitored in the two groups on days 0, 9, 17, 29, 35 (trial 1) and days 42, 68, 94 (trial 2), respectively. The adjusted odds of digital dermatitis lesions (DDL) throughout the study were analysed by mixed logistic regression models. RESULTS: The odds of DDL were 0.15 for the glutaraldehyde foot-bath group compared to the control group. Hence, the disinfecting footbath significantly reduced the DDL prevalence and increased the cure rate of DDL. However, no preventive effect on new digital dermatitis (DD) cases could be identified. CONCLUSION: The efficacy of the novel glutaraldehyde footbath was evaluated and it was concluded that "EIMÜ Klauen Sprint®" was well tolerated over a longer period of time and might therefore be an effective tool to control DD. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In future, "EIMÜ Klauen Sprint®" could be used within a Mortellaro sanitation concept and thereby might help to solve a major problem of dairy cattle farms.

Clinical Perspectives of Digital Dermatitis in Dairy and Beef Cattle.

Digital dermatitis is a polybacterial disease process of dairy and beef cattle. Lesions are most commonly identified on the plantar aspect of the interdigital cleft of the hind limbs. Treponema spp are routinely present in large numbers of active lesions. Lesions are painful to the touch and can result in clinical lameness. The infectious nature generally results in endemic infection of cattle herds and management requires a comprehensive and integrated multipronged approach. This article provides current perspectives regarding management and treatment of digital dermatitis on dairy and beef cattle operations and provides a review for clinicians dealing with a clinical outbreak.

Semitendinosus myopathy and treatment with adipose-derived stem cells in working German shepherd police dogs.

Semitendinosus myopathy has been treated with numerous surgical and non-surgical therapies resulting in recurrence of lameness within 2 to 9 months. Eleven cases of semitendinosus myopathy diagnosed in 8 working police dogs that were treated with adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells were retrospectively evaluated. At short-term follow-up < 6 mo, ultrasound and gait evaluations revealed a mean reduction in the overall intramuscular lesion size of 54.82% (SD +/- 18.02; range: 30.5% to 82.7%) and reduction in the Visual Assessment Score (VAS) of 1 to 3 points. At long-term follow-up > 1 y, in 8 cases the dogs had a normal gait and in 3 cases the dogs had an improved gait compared with initial examination, and all 8 dogs returned to active police work. Fisher's exact test resulted in P = 0.000008 when comparing published historical reports and these 11 cases for resolution of lameness and return to active duty.

Myopathie du muscle semi-tendineux et traitement à l'aide de cellules souches adipeuses chez des chiens policiers Bergers allemands. La myopathie du muscle semi-tendineux a été traitée à l'aide de nombreuses thérapies chirurgicales et non chirurgicales qui ont produit une récurrence de la boiterie dans un délai de 2 à 9 mois. Onze cas de myopathie du muscle semi-tendineux diagnostiqués chez 8 chiens policiers qui avaient été traités à l'aide de cellules souches mésenchymateuses adipeuses ont été évalués rétrospectivement. Au suivi à court terme de < 6 mois, les évaluations de l'échographie et de la démarche ont révélé une réduction moyenne de la taille de la lésion intramusculaire totale de 54,82 % (SD +/− 18,02; écart : de 30,5 % à 82,7 %) et une réduction de la note d'évaluation visuelle (NÉV) de 1 à 3 points. Au suivi à long terme de > 1 an, 8 cas avaient une démarche normale et 3 avaient une démarche améliorée comparativement à l'examen initial et les 8 chiens sont retournés au travail policier actif. La méthode exacte de Fisher s'est traduite par un résultat de P = 0,000008 lors de la comparaison avec des rapports historiques publiés et ces 11 cas de résolution de boiterie et de retour au service actif.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Owner assessment of chronic pain intensity and results of gait analysis of dogs with hip dysplasia treated with acupuncture.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate pain intensity and kinetic variables in dogs with hip dysplasia (HD) treated with acupuncture, carprofen, or a placebo. DESIGN Randomized, controlled clinical study. ANIMALS 54 HD-affected dogs and 16 healthy dogs. PROCEDURES Seven HD-affected dogs were removed from the study. Dogs with HD were treated in a blinded manner for 30 days with acupuncture (once weekly for 5 sessions; n = 15), carprofen (4.4 mg/kg [2.0 mg/lb], PO, q 24 h; n = 16), or placebo capsules containing lactose (1 mg/kg [0.45 mg/lb], PO, q 24 h; n = 16). Dogs were evaluated 2 weeks and immediately before (baseline) and 2, 4, and 6 weeks after the onset of treatment. Owners evaluated the dogs' pain intensity with 2 validated questionnaires and a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain and evaluated degree of lameness with a VAS for locomotion. Kinetics of the hind limbs were also evaluated. Sixteen HD-free dogs were used to assess the evaluation protocol. RESULTS Owners' assessments revealed that outcomes of the 3 treatments did not differ significantly. The Canine Brief Pain Inventory and VAS pain intensity assessments were decreased from baseline at weeks 4 and 6, respectively, but only in acupuncture-treated dogs. The locomotion VAS values were decreased at week 4 in acupuncture-treated and carprofen-treated dogs. Kinetic evaluation findings did not differ among the groups or over time. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Neither acupuncture nor carprofen was significantly different from placebo. Acupuncture and carprofen reduced the degree of subjectively evaluated lameness, and acupuncture was associated with a decrease in validated chronic pain scores.

Evaluation of a Single Intra-Articular Injection of Autologous Protein Solution for Treatment of Osteoarthritis in a Canine Population.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of an intra-articular injection of autologous protein solution (APS) for treatment of canine osteoarthritis (OA). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled pilot clinical trial. ANIMALS: Client-owned dogs with single limb lameness because of OA in a stifle or elbow joint (n=21). METHODS: Lame dogs, confirmed with OA by physical and lameness examination and imaging, were randomly assigned to control or treatment groups. Owners, blinded to treatment, scored pain (University of Pennsylvania Canine Brief Pain Inventory) and lameness severity (Hudson Visual Analogue Scale [HVAS]). Weight-bearing was assessed by kinetic gait analysis. Dogs were injected intra-articularly with APS (treatment group) or saline solution (control group). Evaluations were performed before injection, and 2 and 12 weeks post-injection. RESULTS: Compared to pretreatment values, APS treatment data showed a significant improvement in week 12 pain scores (improved 25.6% over baseline), lameness scores (improved 15% over baseline) and peak vertical force (PVF; N/kg; increased 14.9% of baseline), as well as vertical impulse (Ns/kg) and PVF normalized to stance time (N/kg/s). Control group dogs improved at week 2 in owner assigned indices, but not force plate values and had no significant improvement in scores or force plate values from pretreatment values at 12 weeks. CONCLUSION: APS injection reduced pain and lameness scores and increased weight-bearing associated with the OA-affected joint in dogs at 12 weeks providing preliminary evidence that APS therapy may be beneficial in the treatment of OA in dogs and supporting pursuit of additional studies.

Early detection and treatment of lame cows. Effect on duration and prevalence of lesion-specific lameness.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of specific hoof lesions on the locomotion score (LS) as well as the effect of early detection and treatment on duration and prevalence of lesion-specific lameness. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a dairy herd in Lower Saxony, Germany, with 144 lactating cows, claw trimming was performed by a professional claw trimmer at the beginning and the end of a 41-week trial period. Weekly a veterinarian assessed the LS according to Sprecher et al. (1997) in 99 cows. The front and hind claws of cows with an LS > 1 were examined and treated within 5 days. For individual diagnoses, the duration of lameness was calculated as the number of weeks from first treatment until recovery (LS = 1). RESULTS: In total, 580 examinations and treatments were performed on 94 cows. There were 189 new lameness cases with a total of 290 diagnoses. At the first treatment, 81.0% of the cows displayed an LS of 2. Cows with digital dermatitis (DD), heel horn erosion and white line disease (WLD) more often had an LS > 2 compared to cows with Rusterholz' sole ulcer, interdigital hyperplasia or inadequate claw length/posture (p < 0.05). Cows with only one affected leg, more often had an LS > 2 than cows with several affected legs (p < 0.1). Lameness caused by WLD and arthritis/periarthritis remained for the longest time period. The prevalence of sole haemorrhages and/or double soles, WLD, interdigital dermatitis and interdigital hyperplasia decreased significantly during the test period. Prevalence of sole ulcer (sole ulcer and Rusterholz' sole ulcer) and DD remained unaffected. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Locomotion score was affected by the type of claw/limb disorder and the number of diseased limbs. Regular locomotion scoring and continuous treatment of cows with an LS > 1 is associated with a decrease in the prevalence of several claw lesions. Therefore, prevalence of severe claw lesions like WLD, which was associated with a long duration of lameness, can be reduced. In contrast, for decreasing prevalence of digital dermatitis more than weekly treatment of every cow with LS > 1 is required. Preventive measures like footbaths or improved hygiene should accompany the individual animal treatment.

Intraspinal Transplantation of Autologous Neurogenically-Induced Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Treatment of Paraplegic Dogs without Deep Pain Perception Secondary to Intervertebral Disk Disease.

AIM: To investigate the effects of neurogenically-induced autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (NIBM-MSCs) in paraplegic dogs without deep pain perception (DPP) secondary to intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seven dogs which could not be improved neurologically with conventional treatment modalities were included in the study. All dogs were diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging and surgically treated. Each dog received two times a suspension of autologous 5.0x106 NIBM-MSCs, which were positive to CNPase and MAP-2, as well as to GFAP and beta III tubulin into the spinal cord through the hemilaminectomy defect percutaneously, with a 21-day interval. RESULTS: Two months after cell transplantation, there were no changes except for 1 gait score improvement for 1 of the cases. At the 4th month, gait score had improved 1 score in 5 cases, and one score progress was recorded in proprioception and nociception in 1 case. In eight months-followed up 4 cases were evaluated by the same parameter; gait score had improved in 3 cases, and propriception improved in 2 cases, and nociception improved in 3 cases. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that utility of autologous NIBM-MSCs for cases with poor prognosis after IVDD can be a promising approach.

[Therapeutic procedure of a complicated septic epiphyseal osteomyelitis in a heifer. A case report]. / Therapeutisches Vorgehen bei einer fortgeschrittenen septischen Osteomyelitis der Epiphysenfuge beim Rind. Ein Fallbericht.

A 19-month-old Holstein-Friesian heifer displayed a circular swelling at the distal metacarpal area of the left forelimb with a compact, partially slightly fluctuating consistency. The animal exhibited no weight bearing of the affected limb. Radiological examinations of the fetlock area revealed a physeal osteomyelitis of the metacarpus. Surgical treatment involved a complete resection of the epiphyseal plate using a trephine. After immobilisation using a cast and repeated debridement of the wound cavities, the heifer was discharged with a slight lameness after 10 weeks. Half a year after surgical intervention no lameness was visible.

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy for shoulder lameness in dogs.

The purpose of this article was to describe the outcome of dogs with instability, calcifying, and inflammatory conditions of the shoulder treated with extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT). Medical records for 15 dogs with lameness attributable to the shoulder that failed previous conservative management were retrospectively reviewed. ESWT was delivered to those dogs q 3-4 wk for a total of three treatments. Short-term, in-hospital subjective lameness evaluation revealed resolution of lameness in three of nine dogs and improved lameness in six of nine dogs available for evaluation 3-4 wk following the final treatment. Long-term lameness score via telephone interview was either improved or normal in 7 of 11 dogs (64%). ESWT may result in improved function based on subjective patient evaluation and did not have any negative side effects in dogs with lameness attributable to instability, calcifying, and inflammatory conditions of the shoulder.

Clinical follow-up of horses treated with allogeneic equine mesenchymal stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood for different tendon and ligament disorders.

BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) offer promise as therapeutic aids in the repair of tendon and ligament disorders in sport horses. Equine allogeneic MSCs derived from umbilical cord blood (eUCB-MSCs) can be obtained in a minimally invasive fashion with successful propagation of MSCs. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the applicability and therapeutic effect of eUCB-MSCs on tendinitis of the superficial digital flexor tendon, desmitis of the suspensory ligament, tendinitis of the deep digital flexor tendon, and desmitis of the inferior check ligament in clinical cases. METHODS: A retrospective clinical study was performed. At two equine clinics, 52 warmblood horses were treated with cultured eUCB-MSCs between 2009 and 2012. About 2-10 × 10(6) cells per lesion were administered. When a lesion was treated twice, the total amount could run up to 20 × 10(6) cells. Pearson's chi-squared test was used to compare the effect of the injured structure on the success rate, as well as the effect of the age of the horse. RESULTS: Based on repeated examinations, 40 horses (77%) returned to work on the same or a higher level based on information provided by the owner. Neither the injured structure nor the age of the horse had a statistically significant influence on the result. CONCLUSION: Overall, the results of treatment of some tendon and ligament injuries with eUCB-MSCs in clinical cases are promising.

Clinical outcome after intra-articular administration of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells in 33 horses with stifle injury.

OBJECTIVE: To report outcome of horses with femorotibial lesions (meniscal, cartilage or ligamentous) treated with surgery and intra-articular administration of autologous bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective case series. ANIMALS: Horses (n = 33). METHODS: Inclusion criteria included horses that had lameness localized to the stifle by diagnostic anesthesia, exploratory stifle arthroscopy and subsequent intra-articular administration of autologous BMSCs. Case details and follow-up were gathered from medical records, owner, trainer or veterinarian. Outcome was defined as returned to previous level of work, returned to work, or failed to return to work. RESULTS: Follow-up (mean, 24 months) was obtained; 43% of horses returned to previous level of work, 33% returned to work, and 24% failed to return to work. In horses with meniscal damage (n = 24) a higher percentage in the current study (75%) returned to some level of work compared to those in previous reports (60-63%) that were treated with arthroscopy alone, which resulted in a statistically significant difference between studies (P = .038). Joint flare post injection was reported in 3 horses (9.0%); however, no long-term effects were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Intra-articular administration of BMSC postoperatively for stifle lesions appeared to be safe, with morbidity being similar to that of other biologic agents. Improvement in ability to return to work may be realized with BMSC treatment compared to surgery alone in horses with stifle injury.