Effect of odontoplasty on intake, nutrient digestibility, and intake time of tifton hay in ponies.

We aimed to evaluate the effects of dental correction on voluntary nutrient intake, time of intake, apparent digestibility and fecal particle size in Brazilian ponies. Twelve mares, with no history of previous dental treatments, housed in individual pens and fed a diet based on tifton 85 were used. The study comprised two consecutive experimental phases, pre and post dental treatment. Each phase consisted of 15 days for adaptation to the pen and treatment and 5 days for data collection, totaling 20 days. To calculate nutrient intake and digestibility coefficients, samples of diets, leftovers, and feces were analyzed for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), crude fat (CF), mineral matter (MM), organic matter (OM), and non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC). Food intake time was recorded using a digital video recorder. Fecal particles were analyzed by wet sieving. Dental correction did not influence the intake of DM, CP, NDF, CF, and OM by the animals. However, there was an increase in NFC intake from 0.12 kg to 0.14 kg and in food intake time from 654.50 ± 138.98 to 774.95 ± 167.14. There was a decrease in the digestibility of CP from 0.08 kg to 0.04 kg and an increase in the digestibility of NDF from 0.65 kg to 0.82 kg. Although odontoplasty increased the time of hay intake and the digestibility of the fibrous fractions of the feed of ponies, it did not influence the intake of nutrients and the size of the fecal particles.

Effects of a Single Intra-Articular Injection of 2% Lidocaine or 0.5% Bupivacaine on Synovial Fluid Acute Phase Protein Concentrations in Healthy Horses.

The purpose of this study was to compare the extent of inflammation response in the middle carpal joints of healthy horses following intra-articular injection of 2% lidocaine, 0.5% bupivacaine, or 0.9% saline solution. The right middle carpal joint of 20 horses was injected with 5 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine (GB, n = 10) or 5 mL of 2% lidocaine (GL, n = 10). The left middle carpal joint of horses was used as a control (5 mL 0.9% saline). Serum and synovial fluid (SF) were aseptically collected before and at predetermined times after each injection. Serum and synovial fluid protein, albumin, transferrin, haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, α1-antitripsin, and α1-acid glycoprotein concentrations were measured by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and compared among treatments. The results were submitted to analysis of variance using the SAS statistical program, and means were compared by the Student-Newman-Keuls test (P < .05). Both lidocaine and bupivacaine induced serum and SF changes indicative of inflammation, but the magnitude of those changes was more pronounced for lidocaine. Administration of 0.9% saline also induced an inflammatory reaction, but the magnitude of these changes was less pronounced than those caused by GB and GL. The results suggested that bupivacaine is safer than lidocaine for intra-articular injection in horses. Saline solution should not be used as an adjunct to intra-articular injections in horses.

Clinical and Antinociceptive Effects of Distal Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block in Ponies With Tramadol 5% or Lidocaine 2.

This study aimed to compare the antinociceptive effects of tramadol 5% and lidocaine 2% on mental nerve block in horses of the Brazilian Pony breed. Eight adult non-pregnant mares were used in this study. The ponies were tranquilized with acepromazine (5 µg kg-1, IV), and the infiltration of the mental foramen was performed in Treatment 1- tramadol 5% (T, 150 mg) or Treatment 2- lidocaine 2% (L, 60 mg), both at a total dose of 3 ml in each foramen. Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), systolic arterial pressure (SAP), diastolic arterial pressure (DAP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), rectal temperature (RT), and formation of skin lesions (SL) were evaluated. Evaluation of nociception of the outer lip (OL), inner lip (IL), and gingiva (GG) were performed using an electronic von Frey device with the evaluation of the ponies' reactions to each stimulus. From these reactions, we determined latency time (LT) and duration of antinociception (DAN). Analysis of variance with 16 observations was performed for HR, RR, SAP, DAP, MAP, LT and DAN. Data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation and the means were compared by the SNK and Student's t-test (P< 0.05). Changes in HR, RR, SAP, DAP, and MAP between evaluation times were associated with the effects of acepromazine (P>0.05). No formation of skin lesions was observed. Latency time did not differ between treatments (P>0.05). Both lidocaine 2% and tramadol 5% produced an antinociceptive effect. We conclude that the duration of the antinociceptive effect of tramadol 5% is longer than that of lidocaine 2%.

Effects of Flunixin Meglumine, Firocoxib, and Meloxicam in Equines After Castration.

This study is "aimed" to evaluate and compare the efficacy of flunixin meglumine (FM), firocoxib (FX), and meloxicam (MX) after castration of horses. Thirty horses were submitted to open castration and divided into three groups (n = 10) depending on the anti-inflammatory drug administered: group I (GI) (FM, 1.1 mg kg1, IV, once a day [SID], 5 days); group II (GII) (FX, 0.1 mg kg1, IV, SID, 5 days), and group III (GIII) (MX, 0.6 mg kg1, IV, SID, 5 days). Clinical, behavioral, and hematological parameters and the peritoneal fluid (PF) were evaluated before (day [D] 0) and 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 days afterward. In the postoperative, scores of limb rigidity and prepuce edema of animals of GII and GIII were greater than those of GI. Tachycardia was observed in the horses of GII and GIII and hyperthermia in GIII. An increase in the number of leukocytes, neutrophils, and monocytes without exceeding the reference values and hyperfibrinogenemia was observed in the animals of GI (D7), GII (D1-D7), and GIII (D7). There was reduction in serum protein after castration, together with an increase of this in the PF of the animals of the three groups. The PF on D0 was straw yellow and limpid, became reddish and cloudy on D1, and then gradually moved toward its normal color on the ensuing days, but without returning to normal on D7 in any of the groups. The results showed that castration triggers significant clinical and laboratory changes and that FM, FX, and MX are equally effective in controlling pain and inflammation in horses after castration; however, FM was more advantageous.

Influence of Exercise, Age, Body weight, and Growth on the Development of Tarsal Osteoarthritis in Young Mangalarga Marchador Horses.

In this study, the effect of early exercise, age, body weight (BW), and growth on the articular cartilage and subchondral bones of the tarsocrural joints was evaluated in 40 young Mangalarga Marchador horses allowed free choice exercise in pasture. Twenty of the horses had additional controlled exercise 3 days per week from a mean age of 30 ± 20 days until 36 months. The training program consisted of an increasing number of 15-minute gallop sprints in an oval paddock with a concrete floor covered by a thick layer of sand. BW, withers height (WH), and neck circumference were measured and body condition scores, cresty neck scores, and obesity index were rated. For each tarsus and foal, 5 standard radiographic projections were evaluated. All evaluations were performed at time point 1 (18 months of age) and time point 2 (36 months of age). Radiographic changes suggestive of tarsal osteoarthritis were observed in two male foals of the trained group at time point 2 (10% of 20). No horses from the untrained group developed OA. Training of the foals did not result in alterations of the morphometric parameters evaluated. However, significant differences were found between time point 1 and 2 in trained and untrained animals. At time point 2, the animals presented greater weights and WHs than at time point 1. We conclude that specific levels of physical activity during initial development do not increase the prevalence of osteoarthritic injury in Mangalarga Marchador foals.

Effect of Dental Correction on Fecal Fiber Length in Horses.

The aim of the study was to determine if dental correction changes fecal fiber length (FFL) in horses that had never been subjected to dental treatments. Thirty adult horses with mild to moderate dental abnormalities were selected. Dental disorders noted included sharp enamel points, focal overgrowths, shear mouth, step mouth, wave mouth, accentuated transverse ridges, and diastema. The horses were confined to individual stalls and fed Tifton hay (Cynodon spp.) 1.5% bwt/d, divided equally between two feedings. Fecal samples were taken for FFL analysis before (Day 0) and after (Day 15) dental correction. Mean FFL, determined by laboratory analysis, was recorded for each horse and time. The results were submitted to analysis of variance using the SAS statistical program, and means were compared by T-test (P < .05). Dental treatment resulted in significant (P < .05) reductions in FFL, with mean ± standard deviation of 3.27 ± 2.27 mm before dental correction and 2.15 ± 1.29 mm after correction. The results suggest that dental treatment improved the mastication efficiency and that FFL can be used to assess the dental health of equines.

Determinação sérica de haptoglobina, ceruloplasmina, α1-glicoproteína ácida, transferrina e α1-antitripsina, em equinos com cólica / Determination of serum haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, α1-acid glycoprotein, transferrin and α1-antitrypsin in colic horses

Foram examinados 46 equinos adultos, 6 hígidos (G1) e 40 com cólica, submetidos à laparotomia. Vinte apresentavam lesões no intestino grosso (G2) e 20 no intestino delgado (G3). Avaliaram-se os teores séricos das proteínas de fase aguda: haptoglobina, ceruloplasmina, antitripsina, transferrina e glicoproteína ácida, antes e até sete dias após a laparotomia. Após centrifugação e fracionamento das amostras, as proteínas de fase aguda foram separadas por eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida contendo SDS-PAGE, e suas concentrações determinadas por densitometria computadorizada. Constatou-se elevação dos valores das proteínas de fase aguda nos animais com cólica, antes e após laparotomia, porém com valores mais elevados, precoces e persistentes nos animais do G3. Os resultados deveram-se ao processo inflamatório intestinal, desencadeado pela lesão entérica e indicam que o proteinograma sérico pode auxiliar na identificação do segmento intestinal obstruído e, consequentemente, na elaboração do prognóstico de equinos com cólica.

Forty six equines were examined, 6 were healthy (G1) and 40 with colic, submitted to laparotomy. Twenty were showing lesions on the large intestine (G2) and 20 lesions on the small intestine (G3). The serum concentrations of acute phase proteins: haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, antitrypsin, transferrin, and - acid glycoprotein before and until 7 days after laparotomy. After centrifugation and fractioning of the samples, the acute phase proteins were individualized by electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gel containing SDS-PAGE, and the concentrations were determined by computerized densitometry. The increase was verified on the levels of acute phase proteins from animals with colic, before and after laparotomy, however with higher levels, premature and persistent on animals from G3. The results were due to the process of intestinal inflammation, caused by enteric injury and indicate that the serum protein profile can assist the identifying of the obstructed bowel segment and consequently the elaboration of the prognosis of horses with colic.

Hemogasometria de eqüinos submetidos à obstrução experimental do duodeno, íleo e cólon maior / Blood gas analysis of horses submitted to experimental obstruction of duodenum, ileum and large colon

Visando estudar os parâmetros do equilíbrio ácido-base de eqüinos submetidos a um modelo experimental de obstrução intestinal, 24 animais foram distribuídos em quatro grupos, controle instrumentado (GI), obstrução do duodeno (GII), íleo (GIII) e cólon maior (GIV). As amostras de sangue venoso foram coletadas antes das cirurgias (T0), durante as obstruções (T30ob-T180ob) e após as desobstruções (T60des-T180des). Os eqüinos do GIV, no T30ob, e os eqüinos do GII, nos T60ob, T90ob e T120ob, apresentaram aumento do pH(v), da cHCO-3(vP) e da cBase(v) que, acrescidos do aumento da pCO2(v) e da ctCO2(v), caracterizou a alcalose metabólica com compensação respiratória. Nos T90ob e T120ob, nos animais do GII, e no T180ob, nos animais do GIII, a pO2(v) e a sO2(v) tiveram comportamento semelhante. Os valores baixos apresentados pelos animais do GII foram associados à hipercapnia ou à hipoventilação, desencadeadas para a correção da alcalose metabólica. Entretanto, a hipoxemia apresentada pelos animais do GIII foi associada à hipovolemia presente neste período. As alterações ácido-base observadas constituem-se de alterações leves e temporárias, as quais não são capazes de predizer o diagnóstico das obstruções intestinais específicas em eqüinos com cólica. Entretanto, por relacionarem-se diretamente com a precocidade do distúrbio gastrintestinal, elas auxiliam o pesquisador no prognóstico.

This study aimed to evaluate parameters of acid-base balance in horses submitted to an experimental model of intestinal obstruction. Twenty-four animals were divided in four groups: instrumented control (GI), duodenum obstruction (GII), ileum obstruction (GIII) and large colon obstruction (GIV). Venous blood samples were collected before surgery (T0), during the obstruction (T30ob-T180ob) and after unblocking procedures (T60des-T180des). Animals from GIV, at T30ob and animals from GII, at T60ob, T90ob and T120ob, presented higher values for pH(v), cHCO-3(vP) and cBase(v) which, added to the increase of pCO2(v) and ctCO2(v), characterized the metabolic alkalosis with respiratory compensation. At T90ob and T120ob, in GII animals, and at T180ob, in GIII animals the pO2(v) and sO2(v) had similar response. Low values presented by GII animals were associated to hypercapnia or hypoventilation triggered for metabolic alkalosis correction. However, a hypoxemia presented by GIII animals was associated to hypovolemia at that period. There were light and temporary acid-base alterations that are not capable to predict specific intestinal obstruction diagnosis in equines with colic. However they help in prognosis since both have a direct relation with the precociousness of gastrointestinal disturbance.

Implante de tubo de silicone com e sem colágeno na regeneração de nervos em eqüinos / Implant of silicone tube with or without collagen in nerve regeneration of horses

A reconstituição cirúrgica de nervos em humanos, em cães e em diversos animais de laboratório é bastante utilizada e tem indicações clínicas e experimentais importantes. No entanto, em eqüinos há poucas informações sobre esta prática. Há relatos sobre a excessiva proliferação de tecido conjuntivo e a formação de neuromas à neurorrafia experimental, mesmo quando se utilizam tubos de silicone para condução do crescimento axonal. O presente estudo teve o objetivo de acrescentar informações sobre o processo de reparação de nervos periféricos em eqüinos por meio de implante de tubo de silicone preenchido ou não com colágeno. Para tanto, foram utilizados oito eqüinos, alocados em dois grupos: GI-13 semanas e GII-26 semanas de observação. Foi realizada secção dos nervos ulnares (NUs) e dos ramos cutâneos laterais dos 17º nervos torácicos (NTs), bilateralmente, seguindo tubulização, realizada em cada animal, alternando-se tubos de silicone vazios (TS), em um dos antímeros, ou preenchidos com solução de colágeno (TSC), no contralateral, deixando-se um espaço de 5mm entre os cotos. Nenhuma alteração foi encontrada ao exame do aparelho locomotor e as primeiras reações positivas ao teste de sensibilidade cutânea nos NUs e NTs com TS e TSC foram observadas a partir da 9ª semana, em ambos os grupos. Ao final do período de observação, verificou-se, macroscopicamente, que os nervos encontravam-se envolvidos por tecido conjuntivo e o interior da câmara estava preenchido por tecido de coloração esbranquiçada, de forma cilíndrica, interligando os cotos proximal e distal. Microscopicamente, constatou-se a presença de axônios mielinizados interligando os cotos, as células de Schwann e o processo de remielinização do coto distal, principalmente no TSC. Em ambos os grupos, não houve formação de neuromas e o processo inflamatório limitou-se às áreas perineurais. Concluiu-se que o implante de tubo de silicone conduz à regeneração de NUs e NTs de eqüinos...

Surgical nerve repair in humans, dogs and laboratory animals is widely utilized for important clinical and experimental purposes. However, in horses there is scarce information. Neuroma and excessive conjunctive proliferation are reported. The aim of the present study was to add information about the repair process utilizing implant of silicone tubes with or without collagen in nerve regeneration of horses. Eight horses were allocated in two groups: GI-13 weeks and GII-26 weeks of observation. A complete section of the ulnar nerves (UNs) and of the lateral cutaneous branch of the 17th thoracic nerves (TNs), bilaterally, was followed by repair with silicone tubes alternately filled with (STC) or without collagen (ST), with a 5mm gap between stumps. Clinical evaluation was performed weekly, by cutaneous sensitivity testing of the region innervated by the respective operated nerves and physical examination of the thoracic limbs. No alterations were found in the locomotor apparatus. The first positive reactions to the cutaneous test occurred at the 9th week post-surgery. At the end of the observation period it was verified, grossly, that the nerves were involved by conjunctive tissue and the lumen of the tube was filled by a whitish tissue, in a cylindrical shape. The ends nerves were interconnected. Microscopically, myelinated axons and Schwann cells were present in the gap between the stumps. In the GII the number of myelinated fibers was greater. The distal nerve showed remyelination process. There was no presence of neuroma and the inflammatory process was limited to the perineural areas. It was concluded that the implant of silicone tubes results in regeneration of UNs and TNs of horses without formation of neuromas and that de addition of collagen promotes an increase in the number of myelinated fibers.

Equilíbrio ácido-base e hidroeletrolítico em eqüinos com cólica / Acid-base and hidroelectrolytic balance in colic horses

Foram utilizados setenta eqüinos distribuídos em três grupos experimentais, G1 (vinte eqüinos hígidos), G2 (vinte e cinco eqüinos com cólica, os quais passaram por tratamento clínico ou cirúrgico e sobreviveram) e G3 (vinte e cinco eqüinos com cólica, os quais passaram por tratamento clínico ou cirúrgico e foram a óbito ou foram sacrificados). Amostras de sangue foram obtidas em dez diferentes momentos, mediante punção da jugular, para estudo do equilíbrio ácido-base e hidroeletrolítico. Os eqüinos com cólica apresentaram diminuição (P<0,05) nos valores do pH(v), principalmente os animais do G3, a qual, associada com a diminuição da pCO2(v), cBase(v) e cHCO-3(vP), confirmou a acidose metabólica, que teve como origem a produção aumentada de lactato durante a glicólise anaeróbica decorrente da hipovolemia. Adicionalmente apresentaram hiponatremia, hipocalemia e hipercloremia. A presença e a magnitude dos desequilíbrios contribuíram substancialmente com o prognóstico dos animais com cólica.

Seventy horses were distributed into three experimental groups ad follows: G1, twenty healthy animals; G2, twenty-five colic horses that survived after clinical or surgical treatment; and G3, twenty-five colic horses that were sacrificed or died after clinical or surgical treatment. Blood samples were taken from the jugular vein to assess acid-base balance and water-electrolyte balance. Colic horses had lower pH(v) (P<0.05), mainly G3 animals. Acidosis was confirmed by the lower pH(v) associated with decreased pCO2(v), cBase(v) and cHCO-3(vP), which was probably due to an increased production of lactate during anaerobic glycolysis as a result from hypovolemia. Furthermore, hyponatremia, hypokalemia and hyperchloremia were detected. The presence and the extent of the imbalances contributed substantially to the prognosis of colic horses.