Effect of shoeing horses with eggbar shoes and shoes with wedge pads on blood flow parameters in the lateral digital artery in the Doppler ultrasound.

A sound knowledge of horseshoe impact on blood flow parameters is required for making shoeing decisions and selecting the most appropriate types of shoes. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of horse shoeing with egg bar shoes and shoes with wedge pads on blood flow parameters in the lateral palmar digital artery measured by Doppler ultrasound. The study was conducted on 16 horses divided into two groups. Horses from group 1 were shod with egg bar shoes. Horses from group 2 were shod with shoes with wedge pads. Doppler ultrasound parameters of the lateral palmar digital artery at the level of the metacarpophalangeal joint were evaluated. Doppler tests were performed before and after shoeing within a monthly interval. The results of the study indicate that egg bar shoes have a greater impact on blood circulation in the distal part of the equine limb than shoes with wedge pads. However, the only parameters to have changed substantially after shoeing with egg bar shoes were end-diastolic velocity (EDV) and mean velocity (Vmn) in the lateral palmar digital artery. A low-resistance blood flow pattern was noted before shoeing. After shoeing in group 1, it remained unchanged in 5 horses, whereas a high-resistance pattern was observed in 3 animals. A low-resistance blood flow pattern was noted in all group 2 horses after shoeing. The difference between the analyzed shoeing techniques could be attributed to increased pressure in the heel bulb area in horses shod with egg bar shoes. Wedge pads shift the load away from the heel bulbs, which might reduce the pressure on the palmar digital vessels and exert a smaller influence on the parameters measured in the Doppler ultrasound test.

Desmopathy of the collateral ligaments of the equine distal interphalangeal joint - a prevalence in Poland between 2016-2019.

Desmopathy of the collateral ligaments of the equine interphalangeal joint is caused by a combination of factors, including hoof shape, excessive loading and ground surface. This complex problem poses a diagnostic challenge due to the non-specificity of perineural analgesia and the limitations associated with the most popular imaging methods such as radiography and ultrasonography. The aim of this study was to retrospectively determine the prevalence of desmopathy of the collateral ligaments of the equine distal interphalangeal joint in Poland between 2016 and 2019, and to establish the frequency and type of the associated pathologies. Desmopathy of the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint was diagnosed in 14% of 152 horses examined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In 64% of the cases, other changes were observed in the equine digit, and in 36% of the cases, desmopathy was the only diagnosed problem. Desmopathy of the collateral ligaments is not a frequently reported pathology in the distal part of the equine limb. The diagnostic difficulties described in this article suggest that considerable caution should be exercised when formulating the final diagnosis, prognosis and treatment options.

Pathological findings in low-field magnetic resonance imaging of the canine spine - a study of 112 patients.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a method of choice in diagnosing nervous system disorders. This paper presents the results of a study where selected segments of the canine spine were examined by low-field MRI in 112 patients. Images of pathological changes were obtained in spin echo (SE), fast spin echo (FSE) and hybrid contrast enhancement (3D HYCE) sequences. The cervical region of the spinal cord (C1-C5) was examined in 32 patients, the cervicothoracic region (C6-Th2)- in 14 patients, the thoracolumbar region (Th3-L3) - in 23 patients, and the lumbosacral region (L4-S3) - in 43 patients. The results were used to determine the incidence of pathological changes in different sections of the canine spine, such as intervertebral disc disease (IDD), disc desiccation, syringomyelia and changes characterized by higher uptake of the contrast medium. Intervertebral disc disease was diagnosed in 52.7% of patients and it was the most common abnormality. Disc dehydratation without protrusion or extrusion was noted in 23.2% of animals. Pathological changes with increased uptake of the contrast medium and indicative of neoplastic growth were observed in 13.4% of patients and syringomyelia was diagnosed in 9.82% of the examined animals. The proposed sequences revealed the presence of above abnormalities.

Comparison of Feline Brain Anatomy in 0.25 and 3 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Images.

The intention of the comparison of both low and high field was to examine which anatomical brain structures of cats were visible on low field images, as in clinical veterinary practice, 3 Tesla (T) magnets were of limited availability. The research was performed on 20 European short-haired male and female cats, aged 1-3 years, with body weight of 2-4 kg. 0.25 T magnetic resonance images of neurocranium were acquired in all using T2-weighted fast spin echo sequences with repetition time (TR) of 4010 ms and echo time (TE) of 90 ms in dorsal and transverse plane, and T2-weighted fast spine echo sequences with TR of 4290 ms and TE of 120 ms in sagittal plane. Based on a detailed catalogue of feline brain structures visible at 3 T in previously published studies, it was examined which structures were visible on low field images. Anatomic structures were identified and compared to assess the reliability of diagnoses made based on low-field magnetic resonance imaging. In low-field scans, 92 structures were identified. Elements of auditory, visual, motor pathways, hippocampus and cerebral ventricular system were distinguished. Low-field as well as high-field magnetic resonance imaging support the identification of local tissue lesions, metastasis, focal ischaemia and haemorrhage, disorders associated with ventricular system dilation and hydrocephalus. It also produced accurate images of the hippocampus, which contributes to reliable diagnoses of various forms of epilepsy in cats. Due to technical limitations, a low-field scanner is unlikely to visualize microtraumas, local inflammations, small haematomas or metastatic tumours.

Effect of 24 hour application of three hemostatic dressings to porcine thigh muscles.

The effectiveness of three types of hemostatic dressings, QuikClot Gauze, ChitoGauze PRO and Celox Gauze, was evaluated in nine pigs. The results indicated a strong influence of all examined dressings on porcine femoral muscle tissue evaluated 24 hours after direct contact. A histopathological analysis revealed pathological changes in muscle tissue specimens collected from all the animals.

The use of magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosing equine deep digital flexor tendinopathies--own experience.

Deep digital flexor tendinopathy is a common problem in horses of different athletic disciplines. Nowadays, the use of magnetic resonance imaging is considered to be a noninvasive and superior choice for recognizing bone and soft tissue pathologies especially related to difficult to access structures within the hoof capsule.

Comparison of high resolution gradient echo, XBONE T1, XBONE T2, Spin Echo T1 and 3D SST1 magnetic resonance imaging sequences for imagining the canine elbow.

Twenty canine elbows were examined by low-field MRI. The objective of this study was to compare five magnetic resonance sequences: High Resolution Gradient Echo in the sagittal plane, XBONE T2 in the sagittal plane, Spin Echo T1 in the sagittal plane, Spin Echo T1 in the dorsal plane and 3D SST1 and XBONE T1 in the transverse plane, and to determine which sequences have the highest diagnostic value in imagining the canine elbow. High Resolution Gradient Echo, XBONE T2 and Spin Echo T1 sequences in the sagittal plane proved to be very useful in evaluations of osseous structures such as the medial coronoid process, the anconeal process of the ulna and joint surfaces. The above sequences facilitate evaluations of radial extensor muscle of the wrist, biceps brachii muscle, triceps brachii muscle and the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle. 3D SST1 and XBONE T1 sequences in the transverse plane produce high-quality images of the medial humeral condyle and surfaces of the elbow joint. Those sequences are also useful for evaluating the surrounding muscles: extensor digitorum communis muscle, extensor carpi radialis muscle, deltoid muscle, biceps brachii muscle, pronator teres muscle and flexor carpi ulnaris muscle. The Spin Echo T1 sequence in the dorsal plane facilitates assessments of joint surfaces, medial humeral condyle, superficial digital flexor muscle, deep digital flexor muscle, triceps brachii muscle and extensor digitorum lateralis muscle. The Spin Echo T1 sequence in the sagittal plane has a short scan time, but it produces images of lower quality than High Resolution Gradient Echo and XBONE T2 sequences in the sagittal plane.

Response of the coagulation system after application of hemostatic dressings in an animal model.

The objective of this study was to determine the response of hemostatic dressings. Coagulation and fibrinolytic systems, red blood cell parameters, platelet and leukocyte counts were evaluated after the application of hemostatic dressings: QuikClot, Chitoauze and Celox gauze. The experiment was performed on ten pigs.

Magnetic resonance imaging assisted with fine needle aspiration biopsy in the diagnosis of fibrosarcomas of the skull in dogs.

Five canine patients were directed to low-field magnetic resonance imaging due to different neurological defects. In each case there were heterogeneous extraaxial masses covering left or right dorsal parietal and occipital lobes that were isointense to the brain on T1-weighted Spin Echo images, isointense to hypointense to the brain on T2-weighted Fast Spin Echo sequences and hypointense to the brain on Flair sequence. After MRI study fine needle aspiration biopsy of the tumors was performed. On the basis of the cytological examination fibrosarcomas with of moderate malignancy were diagnosed.

Most commonly used sequences and clinical protocols for brain and spine magnetic resonance imaging allowing better identification of pathological changes in dogs.

Magnetic resonance imaging is the best imaging modality for the brain and spine. Quality of the received images depends on many technical factors. The most significant factors are: positioning the patient, proper coil selection, selection of appropriate sequences and image planes. The present contrast between different tissues provides an opportunity to diagnose various lesions. In many clinics magnetic resonance imaging has replaced myelography because of its noninvasive modality and because it provides excellent anatomic detail. There are many different combinations of sequences possible for spinal and brain MR imaging. Most frequently used are: T2-weighted fast spin echo (FSE), T1- and T2-weighted turbo spin echo, Fluid Attenuation Inversion Recovery (FLAIR), T1-weighted gradient echo (GE) and spin echo (SE), high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) sequences, fat-suppressing short tau inversion recovery (STIR) and half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin echo (HASTE). Magnetic resonance imaging reveals neurologic lesions which were previously hard to diagnose antemortem.

Magnetic resonance protocols in equine lameness examination, used sequences, and interpretation.

Magnetic resonance is a great diagnostic tool in equine lameness examination. Its value is most significantly visible in evaluating distal extremities. Problems with podotrochlear apparatus, laminitis or distal interphalangeal joint osteoarthritis are the most common disorders diagnosed in equine patients. Without using magnetic resonance it was impossible to clearly assess which structures are involved in each of these diseases. One of the most important things in MRI is the choice of sequence. Most commonly used are T1 GE, T2 FSE, STIR and T2* GE, in sagittal, transverse and dorsal planes. To make a reliable diagnosis it is important to compare findings in all these sequences.

Treatment of tibial shaft fractures in sheep using interlocking nails, Schanz screws and type I external fixators.

This paper presents the results of a study of the treatment of transverse tibial shaft fractures in six sheep with the use of interlocking nails and type I extemal fixators. During surgery, tibial osteotomy was performed to induce an experimental fracture which was stabilized using a type I extemal fixator. Osteosynthesis was monitored for nine weeks by performing clinical tests, observing the degree of lameness and subjecting the patients to weekly radiological examinations. After nine weeks, the animals were euthanized, and samples of bone callus were sampled for histopathological analyses. Weight bearing on the fractured limb began on day 2 to 4 after treatment. Limb function was fully restored around five weeks after surgery. Radiograms taken during the observation period revealed gradual hyperplasia and progressing mineralization of bone callus at different stages of healing. The histopathological picture of the bone callus was characteristic of the phase of bone turnover and remodeling.

Treatment of comminuted tibial shaft fractures in four dogs with the use of interlocking nail connected with type I external fixator.

The treatment of comminuted tibial shaft fractures in canine patients is burdened by significant risk which involves bone healing complications, such as delayed bone union. Complications may result from iatrogenic damage to blood vessels during fracture stabilization. To minimize this risk, treatment methods increasingly often rely on the concept of biological osteosynthesis. One of such methods involves the treatment of fractures with the use of new hybrid fixator consisted of an interlocking nail connected with type I external fixator. Connection of the nail with external fixator has been recently developed to maximize treatment efficiency. This manner of stabilization increases bone-fixator construct strength on forces acting in the place of fracture. It also enables fracture fixation with minimal damage of the blood supply of bone fragments. This article describes surgical procedure of stabilization of comminuted tibial bone fractures in four dogs by the use of interlocking nail connected with external fixator type I, discusses and evaluates the results of clinical treatment with the involvement of the said fixator. To control bone consolidation process the radiograms were taken in 6 and 8 week of healing. In all cases, the reviewed methods of clinical treatment were successful in producing bone union after eight week of healing. During the whole period of observations no complication was observed. In all cases the intramedullary nail were left in the medullary canal after the healing process was finished. The fixator supported quick restoration of limb function after treatment.

A comparison of magnetic resonance imaging sequences in evaluating pathological changes in the canine spinal cord.

This paper discusses 28 canine patients subjected to low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spinal cord for neurological indications. The authors describe and compare the used MRI sequences with an indication of the most effective sequences in MRI examinations that require short scanning time. The most effective sequences supporting a quick diagnosis of spinal diseases in dogs were SE (spin echo), FSE (fast spin echo) and 3D HYCE (hybrid contrast enhancement).

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) in animals.

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is a modern technique of performing surgical procedures developed worldwide. In the last few years, series of NOTES operations were performed in animals and humans. This article describes some surgical procedures performed in animals with use of this new technique.

Laparoscopic procedures in dogs and cats.

Laparoscopic procedures are gaining wider application in veterinary medicine. The following article contains description of indispensable equipment for performing surgical procedures with use of laparoscopic technique and reviews some laparoscopic procedures which found application in veterinary medicine.