A wireless endoscopy capsule suitable for imaging of the equine stomach and small intestine.

BACKGROUND: Capsule endoscopy offers a new method for visualization of the gastrointestinal mucosa in horses where other imaging technologies have diagnostic limitations. OBJECTIVES: To (1) test the feasibility of using this novel endoscopy capsule to visualize intestinal mucosa in horses, including an objective assessment of image quality, (2) assess how changes in preadministration preparation affect the transit time and the amount of gastrointestinal mucosa visualized, and (3) describe intestinal mucosa lesions in healthy horses. ANIMALS: Five healthy adult horses. METHODS: Three protocols were used in a crossover study design. Protocols varied in time fasted, amount of oral fluid administered, and exercise. Manure was radiographically inspected for capsule recovery. Percentage of visible gastrointestinal mucosa was objectively assessed. RESULTS: Detailed images of the gastrointestinal mucosa were recorded with all 3 protocols, including images of the pylorus, major duodenal papilla, individual villi, and ileocecal junction. Visualization of large intestinal mucosa was poor. Interobserver agreement on image quality was excellent. Capsule administration after feed withholding for 24 hours provided the greatest percentage of visible mucosa in the stomach and small intestine. Total transit time to capsule excretion was 6.5 (3-8.75) days. Of 15 capsules administered, 3 were not recovered. Lesions visualized included mucosal erosion, ulceration and hemorrhage, areas of thickened mucosa, and evidence of parasitism. CONCLUSIONS: This novel endoscopic capsule appears safe, practical, and noninvasive in horses; however, variability in capsule excretion time must be taken into account for clinical application.

An outbreak of congenital goiter and chondrodystrophy among calves born to spring-calving beef cows.

An outbreak of congenital diffuse hyperplastic goiter and chondrodystrophy occurred among springborn calves at an Angus-based cow-calf operation in southern Alberta. Although these diseases are observed globally in multiple species, reports of their occurrence concurrently are exceptionally rare. A nutritional cause is highly suspected as previous matings between the same sires and dams resulted in apparently normal calves. However, it is unclear if multiple mineral deficiencies manifested as goiter and chondrodystrophy independently or if a primary hypothyroidism inhibited normal fetal growth and skeletal development. This is apparently the first large-scale outbreak of concurrent congenital goiter and chondrodystrophy reported in calves.

Épidémie de goitre congénital et de chondrodystrophie chez des veaux nés de vaches de boucherie mettant bas au printemps. Une épidémie de cas de goitre hyperplastique diffus et de chondrodystrophie est survenue chez des veaux de l'année dans un établissement de vaches-veaux Angus dans le sud de l'Alberta. Bien que ces conditions soient observées globalement chez une multitude d'espèces, la description de leur présence de manière concomitante est exceptionnellement rare. Une cause nutritionnelle est hautement soupçonnée étant donné que des accouplements antérieurs entre les mêmes taureaux et vaches ont produit des veaux apparemment normaux. Toutefois, il n'est pas clair si des déficiences minérales multiples se sont manifestées par du goitre et de la chondrodystrophie de manière indépendante ou si un hypothyroïdisme primaire a inhibé la croissance foetale normale et le développement squelettique. Le cas présent serait apparemment la première épidémie d'envergure concomitante de goitre congénital et de chondrodystrophie rapportée chez des veaux.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).