Histologic Evaluation of Palmar Digital Nerves after Perineural Injection of 2% Ammonium Chloride in Miniature Horses.

Neurolytic compounds are widely used by equine practitioners for the management of lameness, mostly related to the foot. The present study aimed to evaluate the neurotoxicity of 2% ammonium chloride (2% AC) applied adjacent to the palmar digital nerves in six miniature horses. The 2% AC and 0.9% saline solution were randomly injected into three and one palmar digital nerve of each horse, respectively. Nerve samples were collected by neurectomy performed under general anesthesia at 5, 12, 19, 35, 47, and 62 days after treatment, with one horse per day of surgery. The inflammatory reaction to perineural injection was evaluated by an increase of pastern superficial skin temperature through thermography 24 hours after treatments. Histological lesions were classified as absent, mild, moderate, and severe Wallerian degeneration. An increase of 2.43 ± 0.79°C and 1.69 ± 0.55°C was observed in the 2% AC and control groups, respectively (P > .05). Moreover, histologic lesions were observed after perineural injection of 2% AC (severe, n = 5/18; moderate, n = 4/18; mild, n = 5/18; and absent, n = 4/18) and saline solution (moderate, n = 3/6; mild, n = 1/6; and absent, n = 2/6) (P = .46). The 2% AC demonstrated to be as safe as 0.9% saline solution, producing mild to severe Wallerian degeneration for up to 62 days after injection with no interference in further neurectomy.

Evaluation of Three Methods of Platelet-Rich Plasma for Treatment of Equine Distal Limb Skin Wounds.

Wounds localized on the distal limbs in horses are difficulty healing. No studies have been conducted to evaluate homologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in horses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect upon applying autologous PRP, homologous PRP, and autologous PRP gel on the wound healing process of wounds on the distal limb of horses. To study a possible correlation between the platelet count and wound healing time, four skin wounds of 4 cm2 were surgically created on the dorsolateral aspect of the third metacarpus in eight healthy adult horses. Each skin wound was randomly treated according to the established treatment groups (G): GI, treated with autologous PRP injection on the wound edges; GII treated topically with autologous PRP gel; and GIII homologous PRP injection on the wound edges and control group treated with saline solution injected on the wound edges. The animals were monitored every fifteen days throughout the wound healing process. The wound size was determined using a tape measure. Skin biopsies were obtained on the 15th and 30th day after the first PRP treatment. Autologous PRP gel treatment reduced the healing time in 15 days compared to the wounds of the control group. Histologically, GII presented a higher frequency of mild inflammation and mild to moderate neovascularization of biopsies 1 and 2. Platelet-rich plasma in gel form showed the best result on wound healing of the distal limb of horses in both clinical and histopathological evaluations. The homologous PRP is recommended for the recovery of animals with compromised hemodynamic conditions.

Cooling and Cryopreservation of Equine Platelet-Rich Plasma With Dimethyl Sulfoxide and Trehalose.

Equine platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been used in horses to repair bone, articular and tendinous lesions, laminitis, and even endometritis. However, platelets have a very limited lifespan, which makes it difficult to prepare and use PRP, except in loco. With the aim to produce PRP with higher platelet viability for clinical purposes, the effects of the cryoprotectants dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and trehalose were evaluated on cooled (4°C) and cryopreserved (-196°C) equine PRP. The protocols of cooling and cryopreservation were performed independently, comparing the following treatments: fresh PRP, PRP + 6% DMSO, PRP + 300 mM of trehalose, and PRP only. The PRP samples were prepared by double centrifugation of the blood of six ponies, further divided into four aliquots. The cooled or cryopreserved aliquots were stored for 14 days. All samples were evaluated for the platelet count, the mean platelet volume, and the release of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-ß1). The number of platelets in the fresh PRP and cooled samples was similar; however, platelet count was higher in the fresh PRP than in cryopreserved samples. The release of TGF-ß1 was higher in the fresh PRP (105891 ± 52398 pg/mL), but the stored samples still released significant amounts of this growth factor (27291 ± 9625 pg/mL).

Equine podotrochlear apparatus - histologic characterization

Background: The navicular syndrome may be associated with alterations in other podotrochlear apparatus components,such as the deep digital flexor tendon, collareral sesamoid and distal sesamoid ligaments, podotrochlear bursa and distalsesamoid bone. However, the clinical significance and nature of these changes are not well understood, many of descriptive reports about distal sesamoid bone lesions are rarely accompanied by a complete and comprehensive comparisonwith animals of the control group. The aim of this study was to described histologically findings of the podrotrochlearapparatus components, allowing the understanding of the inserts and their microscopic appearance, thus providing thefuture recognize of their alterations.Materials, Methods & Results: Fourteen samples of the podotrochlear apparatus were taken out of 44 equine thoracic limbsspecimens, separated at the radiocarpal joint of Crioulo and Thoroughbred horses, with an average age of 6.0-year-old,coming from a private clinic in southern Brazil. The thoracic limbs specimens were refrigerated at 4ºC at the clinic and thenthey were sent to the University Federal of Santa Maria (UFSM). Once at the University laboratory, the specimens weredissected to isolate the podotrochlear apparatus from each one. Subsequently, transversal and longitudinal samples fromthe distal sesamoid bone, deep digital flexor tendo, distal sesamoid ligament, colateral sesamoid ligament, were collectedand podotrochlear bursa which were processed at the Veterinary Pathology Laboratory of the UFSM and University Federalof Santa Catarina (UFSC). The tissues samples were fixed in a 10% formaldehyde solution for 14 days and routinely processed for histology. The samples were sectioned at 3 µm and stained using the hematoxylin-eosin (H-E) routine method.The bone samples, after fixation, underwent a decalcified process in a formic acid-sodium citrate aqueous...(AU)

Equine podotrochlear apparatus - histologic characterization

Background: The navicular syndrome may be associated with alterations in other podotrochlear apparatus components,such as the deep digital flexor tendon, collareral sesamoid and distal sesamoid ligaments, podotrochlear bursa and distalsesamoid bone. However, the clinical significance and nature of these changes are not well understood, many of descriptive reports about distal sesamoid bone lesions are rarely accompanied by a complete and comprehensive comparisonwith animals of the control group. The aim of this study was to described histologically findings of the podrotrochlearapparatus components, allowing the understanding of the inserts and their microscopic appearance, thus providing thefuture recognize of their alterations.Materials, Methods & Results: Fourteen samples of the podotrochlear apparatus were taken out of 44 equine thoracic limbsspecimens, separated at the radiocarpal joint of Crioulo and Thoroughbred horses, with an average age of 6.0-year-old,coming from a private clinic in southern Brazil. The thoracic limbs specimens were refrigerated at 4ºC at the clinic and thenthey were sent to the University Federal of Santa Maria (UFSM). Once at the University laboratory, the specimens weredissected to isolate the podotrochlear apparatus from each one. Subsequently, transversal and longitudinal samples fromthe distal sesamoid bone, deep digital flexor tendo, distal sesamoid ligament, colateral sesamoid ligament, were collectedand podotrochlear bursa which were processed at the Veterinary Pathology Laboratory of the UFSM and University Federalof Santa Catarina (UFSC). The tissues samples were fixed in a 10% formaldehyde solution for 14 days and routinely processed for histology. The samples were sectioned at 3 µm and stained using the hematoxylin-eosin (H-E) routine method.The bone samples, after fixation, underwent a decalcified process in a formic acid-sodium citrate aqueous...

Zinc sulphate turbidity as a screening test of passive transfer of immunity in newborn foals

Background: Passive immunity acquired by colostrum ingestion is essential to prevent neonatal infections. Failure ofpassive transfer (FPT) of maternal immunity occurs in foals that fail to absorb enough immunoglobulins within 24 h afterbirth. Foals with FPT are at increased risk of infections and death. Serum samples from neonatal foals might be examinedfor FPT using the zinc sulphate turbidity (ZST) test. The aim of this study was to investigate the accuracy of the ZST test,performed at two different times after first suckling (12 and 18 h), to detect FPT in newborn foals. The effect of temperatureon the turbidity intensity resulting from the ZST reaction was also investigated.Materials, Methods & Results: Blood samples were collected from 112 newborn foals at 12 h after the first colostrumintake. In 36 foals, additional serum samples were collected at 18 h after first colostrum intake. The serum samples weretested with the ZST test and, later, in the laboratory setting, the ZST test was repeated. The IgG levels were measured bysingle radial immunodiffusion (SRID), which was used as the reference method. The standard solution used for the interpretation of results had a turbidity corresponding to approximately 800 mg/dL of immunoglobulins (IgG). The mean IgG concentration measured at 12 and 18 h after the first colostrum intake was analyzed using the t-test for paired samples.Values of absorbance of ZST test under different temperatures were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance, andmeans were compared using the Tukey test. The relationship between the temperature of the solution and absorbance wasdetermined using the Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Based on SRID results, 12 foals (10.7%) had serum IgG concentration 0.05) between 12 h (943.9 ± 508.6 mg/dL) and 18 h (975.9 ± 525.6 mg/dL)...

Zinc sulphate turbidity as a screening test of passive transfer of immunity in newborn foals

Background: Passive immunity acquired by colostrum ingestion is essential to prevent neonatal infections. Failure ofpassive transfer (FPT) of maternal immunity occurs in foals that fail to absorb enough immunoglobulins within 24 h afterbirth. Foals with FPT are at increased risk of infections and death. Serum samples from neonatal foals might be examinedfor FPT using the zinc sulphate turbidity (ZST) test. The aim of this study was to investigate the accuracy of the ZST test,performed at two different times after first suckling (12 and 18 h), to detect FPT in newborn foals. The effect of temperatureon the turbidity intensity resulting from the ZST reaction was also investigated.Materials, Methods & Results: Blood samples were collected from 112 newborn foals at 12 h after the first colostrumintake. In 36 foals, additional serum samples were collected at 18 h after first colostrum intake. The serum samples weretested with the ZST test and, later, in the laboratory setting, the ZST test was repeated. The IgG levels were measured bysingle radial immunodiffusion (SRID), which was used as the reference method. The standard solution used for the interpretation of results had a turbidity corresponding to approximately 800 mg/dL of immunoglobulins (IgG). The mean IgG concentration measured at 12 and 18 h after the first colostrum intake was analyzed using the t-test for paired samples.Values of absorbance of ZST test under different temperatures were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance, andmeans were compared using the Tukey test. The relationship between the temperature of the solution and absorbance wasdetermined using the Pearsons correlation coefficient. Based on SRID results, 12 foals (10.7%) had serum IgG concentration < 400 mg and 26 foals (23.2%) had IgG levels between 400 and 800 mg/dL. Serum levels of IgG determined bySRID in 36 foals were similar (P > 0.05) between 12 h (943.9 ± 508.6 mg/dL) and 18 h (975.9 ± 525.6 mg/dL)...(AU)

Acute myonecrosis in horse caused by Clostridium novyi type A.

The objective of this study was to describe the first report involving a case of equine acute myonecrosis caused by C. novyi type A with an emphasis on clinical signs, the pathological and bacteriological analysis, and molecular identification of the microorganisms as the key of the definitive diagnosis.

Histochemistry of equine damaged tendons, ligaments and articular cartilage

Background: The injury repair process in tendons and ligaments includes different phases such as inflammation, neovascularization, fibroblast proliferation and fibrosis. Collagen type and tissue characteristics of tendon and ligament repair are described such as type collagen differentiation and properties of the scars tissue. The degeneration of articular cartilage when, characterized by loss of the articular layers associated of the decreased of proteoglycans. The aim of this study is to describe by histochemistry techniques the characteristics of tissue scar, collagen type in the repair process of tendons and ligaments, as well as articular cartilage degeneration.Materials, Methods & Results: Tissue samples of equine tendons, ligaments and articular cartilage of the metacarpophalangeal joint region were evaluated by ultrasonography, macroscopically and prepared for routine histopathology (H&E staining). The inclusion criterion of the samples in this study was based on the presence of lesions characterized in H&E stain as fibroplasia, neovascularization, collagenolysis, chondroid metaplasia in tendons and ligaments and fibrillation and cartilaginous eburnation lesions in the articular cartilage samples. The Massons trichrome, Picrosirius red and Alcian blue staining techniques were also performed in addition to H&E. Pathologic findings in the tendons and ligaments included fibroplasia, collagenolysis, chondroid metaplasia and lymphohistioplasmacytic inflammation. Tendons and ligaments scars were composed of type III collagen but there was also some type I collagen. Fiber alignment of tendons and ligaments in the reorganization tissue was not flawless and the fiber appearance was characterized by a lack of the fiber crimp and parallelism. The fibroplasia was characterized by endotendinous tickening areas associated with the presence of loose connective tissue.[...](AU)

Histochemistry of equine damaged tendons, ligaments and articular cartilage

Background: The injury repair process in tendons and ligaments includes different phases such as inflammation, neovascularization, fibroblast proliferation and fibrosis. Collagen type and tissue characteristics of tendon and ligament repair are described such as type collagen differentiation and properties of the scars tissue. The degeneration of articular cartilage when, characterized by loss of the articular layers associated of the decreased of proteoglycans. The aim of this study is to describe by histochemistry techniques the characteristics of tissue scar, collagen type in the repair process of tendons and ligaments, as well as articular cartilage degeneration.Materials, Methods & Results: Tissue samples of equine tendons, ligaments and articular cartilage of the metacarpophalangeal joint region were evaluated by ultrasonography, macroscopically and prepared for routine histopathology (H&E staining). The inclusion criterion of the samples in this study was based on the presence of lesions characterized in H&E stain as fibroplasia, neovascularization, collagenolysis, chondroid metaplasia in tendons and ligaments and fibrillation and cartilaginous eburnation lesions in the articular cartilage samples. The Masson’s trichrome, Picrosirius red and Alcian blue staining techniques were also performed in addition to H&E. Pathologic findings in the tendons and ligaments included fibroplasia, collagenolysis, chondroid metaplasia and lymphohistioplasmacytic inflammation. Tendons and ligaments scars were composed of type III collagen but there was also some type I collagen. Fiber alignment of tendons and ligaments in the reorganization tissue was not flawless and the fiber appearance was characterized by a lack of the fiber crimp and parallelism. The fibroplasia was characterized by endotendinous tickening areas associated with the presence of loose connective tissue.[...]

Cryopreservation protocol for equine platelet-rich plasma / Protocolo de criopreservação para plasma rico em plaquetas de equinos

In this preliminary study, a new equine platelet-rich plasma (PRP) cryopreservation protocol was evaluated. PRP was obtained by a double centrifugation technique of whole blood collected from 8 adult healthy ponies. A fresh sample of PRP was analyzed for total platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet morphology. Upon morphological evaluation, 200 platelets were counted using a differential interference contrast microscope with a 40x phase objective and classified as activated (with pseudopodia), inactivated (normal discoid shape), or uncertain state (spherical shape, without pseudopodia). Two other PRP samples, one containing DMSO as a cryoprotectant and the other without DMSO, were stored in a mechanical freezer at 80ºC. After 14 days, the frozen samples were thawed and submitted to the same analysis as described above. The fresh PRP showed a platelet count of 830 (±95.3) x103 uL-1, an MPV of 5.2 (±0.07) fL, and composed of 4% activated platelets. There was no significant difference in platelet count, MPV, and activated platelets between fresh and 6% DMSO frozen PRP samples (617.9±65.5x103uL-1; 5.3±0.06fL; 9.5%) (p > 0.05). On the other hand, samples frozen without DMSO showed a significantly lower platelet count (519.6±66.1x103uL-1), higher MPV (5.7±0.08fL), and more activated platelets (13.9%) than the other groups (p 0.05). The 6% DMSO was able to...

Neste estudo preliminar, um novo protocolo de criopreservação de plasma rico em plaquetas (PRP) de equinos foi avaliado. O PRP foi obtido através de dupla centrifugação do sangue total coletado de oito pôneis clinicamente saudáveis. Uma amostra de PRP fresco foi analisada quanto ao número total de plaquetas, volume plaquetário médio (VPM) e morfologia plaquetária. Na avaliação morfológica 200 plaquetas foram contadas utilizando um microscópio com contraste de fase com objetiva de 40x e classificadas como ativadas (com pseudópodes), inativas (forma discóide normal) ou estado incerto (forma esférica, mas sem peseudópodes). Duas outras amostras de PRP foram armazenadas em um freezer mecânico a 80oC, uma contendo dimetil sulfóxido (DMSO) como crioprotetor e outra sem DMSO. Após 14 dias as amostras congeladas foram descongeladas e submetidas às mesmas avaliações das amostras frescas. O PRP fresco apresentou contagem plaquetária de 830 (±95,3) x103 ?L 1, VPM 5,2 (±0,07) fL e 4% de plaquetas ativadas. Não houve diferença na contagem plaquetária, VPM e plaquetas ativadas entre as amostras de PRP frescas e congeladas com 6% de DMSO (617,9±65,5x103 uL-1; 5,3±0,06fL; 9,5%) (p > 0,05). Por outro lado, as amostras congeladas sem DMSO apresentaram uma contagem de plaquetas significativamente menor (519,6±66,1x103 u-1), maior VPM (5,7±0,08fL) e mais plaquetas ativadas (13,9%) do que os...

Cryopreservation protocol for equine platelet-rich plasma / Protocolo de criopreservação para plasma rico em plaquetas de equinos

In this preliminary study, a new equine platelet-rich plasma (PRP) cryopreservation protocol was evaluated. PRP was obtained by a double centrifugation technique of whole blood collected from 8 adult healthy ponies. A fresh sample of PRP was analyzed for total platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet morphology. Upon morphological evaluation, 200 platelets were counted using a differential interference contrast microscope with a 40x phase objective and classified as activated (with pseudopodia), inactivated (normal discoid shape), or uncertain state (spherical shape, without pseudopodia). Two other PRP samples, one containing DMSO as a cryoprotectant and the other without DMSO, were stored in a mechanical freezer at 80ºC. After 14 days, the frozen samples were thawed and submitted to the same analysis as described above. The fresh PRP showed a platelet count of 830 (±95.3) x103 uL-1, an MPV of 5.2 (±0.07) fL, and composed of 4% activated platelets. There was no significant difference in platelet count, MPV, and activated platelets between fresh and 6% DMSO frozen PRP samples (617.9±65.5x103uL-1; 5.3±0.06fL; 9.5%) (p > 0.05). On the other hand, samples frozen without DMSO showed a significantly lower platelet count (519.6±66.1x103uL-1), higher MPV (5.7±0.08fL), and more activated platelets (13.9%) than the other groups (p 0.05). The 6% DMSO was able to...(AU)

Neste estudo preliminar, um novo protocolo de criopreservação de plasma rico em plaquetas (PRP) de equinos foi avaliado. O PRP foi obtido através de dupla centrifugação do sangue total coletado de oito pôneis clinicamente saudáveis. Uma amostra de PRP fresco foi analisada quanto ao número total de plaquetas, volume plaquetário médio (VPM) e morfologia plaquetária. Na avaliação morfológica 200 plaquetas foram contadas utilizando um microscópio com contraste de fase com objetiva de 40x e classificadas como ativadas (com pseudópodes), inativas (forma discóide normal) ou estado incerto (forma esférica, mas sem peseudópodes). Duas outras amostras de PRP foram armazenadas em um freezer mecânico a 80oC, uma contendo dimetil sulfóxido (DMSO) como crioprotetor e outra sem DMSO. Após 14 dias as amostras congeladas foram descongeladas e submetidas às mesmas avaliações das amostras frescas. O PRP fresco apresentou contagem plaquetária de 830 (±95,3) x103 ?L 1, VPM 5,2 (±0,07) fL e 4% de plaquetas ativadas. Não houve diferença na contagem plaquetária, VPM e plaquetas ativadas entre as amostras de PRP frescas e congeladas com 6% de DMSO (617,9±65,5x103 uL-1; 5,3±0,06fL; 9,5%) (p > 0,05). Por outro lado, as amostras congeladas sem DMSO apresentaram uma contagem de plaquetas significativamente menor (519,6±66,1x103 u-1), maior VPM (5,7±0,08fL) e mais plaquetas ativadas (13,9%) do que os...(AU)

Pregnancy rates in criollo breed mares after ultrasound-guided follicular aspiration

There are few studies about transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicle aspiration in equine medicine regarding potential complications to future fertility of aspirated mares. In order to evaluate the effect of follicular aspiration on subsequent fertility in mares, two experiments were conducted. In Experiment I, fifteen Criollo mares were allocated to one of three groups according to the diameter of the aspirated follicle during estrus: 25-29mm (n=4; Group 1); 30-34mm (n=6; Group 2); > 35mm (n=5; Group 3) and control group (n=15; Group 4). In Experiment II, the follicular aspiration was attempted in twenty-five mares during diestrous, when at least four follicles (> 5mm) were seen in the transrectal ultrasonography of both ovaries. All visible follicles, between 4 and 8 mm, were aspirated. Thirty-one mares served as control. In Experiments I and II, the pregnancy rates in the following cycle after aspiration were 75.0% (Group 1), 83.3% (Group 2), 60.0% (Group 3), and 73.3% (Group 4 - Control); and 76.0% in the aspirated diestrous group and 77.4% in the control group (non aspirated), respectively. On both experiments, pregnancy rates were similar (P>0.05) in treated and control mares. The results of this study show that the conception rates of the first estrus period following follicular aspiration are not affected by the procedure.

Há poucos estudos sobre aspiração folicular transvaginal guiada por ultrassom na medicina equina abordando complicações futuras na fertilidade das éguas aspiradas. Com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito da aspiração folicular na fertilidade das éguas, foram conduzidos dois experimentos. No experimento I, 15 éguas da raça Crioula foram distribuídas em três grupos de acordo com o diâmetro do folículo aspirado durante o estro: 25-29mm (n=4; grupo 1); 30-34mm (n=6; grupo 2); > 35mm (n=5; grupo 3) e grupo controle (n=15; grupo 4). No experimento II, a aspiração folicular foi realizada em 25 éguas durante o diestro quando pelo menos 4 folículos (>5mm) foram observados na ultrassonografia transretal em ambos os ovários. Foram aspirados todos os folículos visíveis, entre 4 e 8 mm. Trinta e uma éguas serviram como controle. No experimento I, a taxa de prenhez no ciclo seguinte a aspiração foi de 75% (grupo 1), 83,3% (grupo 2), 60% (grupo 3), e 73,3% (grupo 4). No experimento II foi de 76% no grupo aspirado e 77,4% no grupo controle (não aspirado). Em ambos os experimentos, as taxas de prenhez foram similares (P>0,05). Os resultados mostram que a taxa de concepção no primeiro ciclo após a aspiração folicular não é afetada pelo procedimento.

Acute myonecrosis in horse caused by Clostridium novyi type A

The objective of this study was to describe the first report involving a case of equine acute myonecrosis caused by C. novyi type A with an emphasis on clinical signs, the pathological and bacteriological analysis, and molecular identification of the microorganisms as the key of the definitive diagnosis.(AU)

Acute myonecrosis in horse caused by Clostridium novyi type A

The objective of this study was to describe the first report involving a case of equine acute myonecrosis caused by C. novyi type A with an emphasis on clinical signs, the pathological and bacteriological analysis, and molecular identification of the microorganisms as the key of the definitive diagnosis.

Claudicação em cavalos Crioulos atletas / Lameness in athletic Criollo horses

O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar as principais causas de claudicação em cavalos Crioulos em treinamento para a prova do Freio de Ouro e competições de rédeas. Foram avaliados os registros clínicos de 201 cavalos Crioulos, 5,6 2,1 anos de idade, submetidos a exame físico devido à presença de claudicação ou histórico de baixo rendimento atlético entre os anos de 2002 a 2009. A claudicação foi localizada nos membros torácicos e pélvicos em 47,1 por cento (n=105) e 52,9 por cento (n=118), respectivamente. Nos machos, houve uma predominância de claudicação nos membros pélvicos (60,0 por cento) e nas fêmeas nos membros torácicos (57,1 por cento). Nos membros torácicos, 17,1 por cento (18/105) das alterações foram diagnosticadas proximais à articulação metacarpofalangeana, 14,3 por cento (15/105) na articulação metacarpofalangeana e 68,6 por cento (72/105) estavam localizadas distais à articulação metacarpofalangeana. Nos membros pélvicos, 78,8 por cento (93/118) apresentaram a origem da dor na região do tarso, 17,8 por cento (21/118) proximal ao tarso e 3,4 por cento (4/118) distal ao tarso. As articulações interfalangeanas distais e intertarsiana distal/tarsometatarsiana são importantes fontes de dor e inflamação e estiveram mais frequentemente envolvidas em claudicações de membro torácico e pélvico, respectivamente. Os cavalos Crioulos apresentam problemas de claudicação semelhantes aos descritos em outras raças que participam de provas de rodeio.

This study aimed to identify the source of lameness in Criollo horses that are competing in the most important discipline for this breed in Southern Brazil and also in reining competitions. Clinical records of adult Criollo horses (n=201), 5.6 2.1 years of age, that underwent lameness examination due to history of poor performance or lameness between 2002/2009 were analyzed. Lameness was diagnosed in the front limbs in 47.1 percent (n=105) and in the hind limbs 52.9 percent of the cases (n=118). In males 60.0 percent of the lameness cases were located in the hind limbs. In females 57.1 percent of the lameness cases were located in the front limbs. In the front limbs (47.1 percent, n=105/201), problems proximal to the fetlock were diagnosed in 17.1 percent (18/105). Fetlock problems were diagnosed in 14.3 percent (15/105) and lesions located distal to the fetlock level were seen in 68.6 percent (72/105) of the lameness cases diagnosed in the front limbs. In the hind limbs, problems located proximal to the tarsus were seen in 17.8 percent (21/118), 78.8 percent (93/118) in the tarsus and 3.4 percent (4/118) of the cases were seen distal to the tarsus. The distal interfalangeal joint in the front limbs and the distal tarsal joints in the hind limbs were the two most important sources of lameness. Criollo horses presented similar lameness problems as described in other show horses (reining, cutting and roping). This is the first lameness study done in Criollo horses and it will help to better understand the musculoskeletal diseases affecting this breed.

Cortisol, resposta glicêmica e secreção de insulina em equinos clinicamente sadios submetidos a sessões de hipóxia normobárica / Serum cortisol, glycemic response and insulin secretion in healthy horses exposed to normobaric hypoxia sessions

Os níveis séricos de cortisol, resposta glicêmica e secreção de insulina foram avaliados em equinos não exercitados submetidos a sessões de hipóxia normobárica. Cavalos adultos sadios (n=8) foram selecionados após exame físico e submetidos ao teste de tolerância à glicose intravenosa (0,5g kg-1) (TTGIV). Amostras de sangue (n=11) foram coletadas entre 0 e 180 minutos após a administração de glicose para avaliar a resposta glicêmica e a secreção de insulina. Os animais foram então expostos a sessões de uma hora de hipóxia duas vezes ao dia, totalizando 43 sessões, com concentração decrescente de O2 de 17 a 12 por cento. A frequência cardíaca e as amostras sanguíneas para a determinação do cortisol sérico foram coletadas antes e a cada 15 minutos durante as sessões 1, 4, 6, 8, 10, 14, 22 e 43. A TTGIV foi repetida ao final do estudo. Os níveis de cortisol sérico foram maiores na sessão 1 (S1) (17 por cento O2) quando comparados aos níveis da S10 (13 por cento O2) e da S43 (12 por cento O2)(P<0,05). A curva glicêmica de equinos clinicamente sadios não submetidos a exercício não é alterada pela exposição a 43 sessões de hipóxia normobárica. O aumento na secreção de insulina, acompanhada de diminuição da frequência cardíaca e cortisol sérico sugerem uma adaptação dos cavalos ao modelo de hipóxia utilizado.

The cortisol levels, glycemic response and insulin secretion were evaluated in non-exercised horses submitted to sessions of normobaric hypoxia. Healthy adult horses (n=8) were selected after physical examination and underwent an intravenous glucose tolerance test (0.5g kg-1) (IVGTT). Blood samples (n=11) were collected between 0 and 180 minutes after glucose administration to evaluate glycemic response and insulin secretion. Then, they were exposed to 1-hour hypoxia sessions twice a day, reaching a total of 43 hypoxia sessions, with [O2] decreasing from 17 to 12 percent. Heart rate and serum samples to measure cortisol were collected before and every 15 minutes during the sessions 1, 4, 6, 8, 10, 14, 22 and 43. The IVGTT was repeated at the end of the study. The serum cortisol levels were higher in session 1 (S1) (17 percent O2) when compared to the levels of S10 (13 percent O2) and S43 (12 percent O2) (P<0.05). The glycemic curve in resting healthy horses is not altered by exposure to 43 normobaric hypoxia sessions. The increase in insulin secretion, followed by decreased heart rate and serum cortisol suggest an adaptation of the horses to the hypoxia model used.

Osteocondrose de articulação fêmoro-tíbio-patelar em potro da raça Crioula / Stifle joint osteochondrosis in a Criollo foal

Um potro da raça crioula, com dois anos de idade, foi encaminhado ao Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM) apresentando aumento de volume na região da patela esquerda e claudicação manifestada ao trote. Os exames físico e radiográfico identificaram a presença de uma lesão envolvendo o osso subcondral na tróclea lateral do fêmur, característica de uma osteocondrose. Trata-se do primeiro relato de osteocondrose em um potro da raça Crioula.

A two-year-old Criollo foal was referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the UFSM presenting joint effusion on the left stifle joint. Physical and radiographic examination revealed the presence of osteochondreal fragmentation located at the lateral throclea ridge of the femur characterizing osteochondrosis in the stifle joint.

Fechamento das placas epifisárias do metacarpiano principal, do rádio e da tíbia em potros Crioulos / Closure time of the epiphyseal plates in the third metacarpus, radius and tibia in Criollo foals

Com o objetivo de determinar a idade do fechamento das placas de crescimento dos ossos longos, foram usados 92 potros da raça crioula com idades entre 6 a 29 meses, machos e fêmeas, provenientes de cinco criatórios diferentes. Foram radiografadas as placas epifisárias distais do terceiro metacarpiano, do rádio e da tíbia. A imagem radiográfica foi classificada quanto ao fechamento em: visível, parcialmente visível ou não visível. Foram avaliados a influência do sexo, da propriedade e do regime nutricional sobre o fechamento da placa epifisária. Observou-se que, aos sete meses de idade, a placa epifisária do metacarpiano principal já não era visível. A placa epifisária distal da tíbia não foi possível de ser identificada aos 23 meses. Na porção distal do rádio, a placa epifisária esteve visível até os 25 meses de idade. Os resultados deste estudo comprovam que o período de fechamento da placa epifisária dos ossos metacarpiano principal, rádio e tíbia de potros crioulos se assemelha ao descrito em outras raças.

Aiming at documenting the closure of the physeal plates of the long bones, 92 Criollo foals, males and females, between 6 and 29 months of age, were used in this study. Dorsopalmar radiographs were taken from the distal portion of the radius, 3rd metacarpal bone and tibia. The radiographic image of the growth plate was classified as visible, partially visible or not visible. At 7 months of age the growth plate of the 3rd metacarpal bone was no longer visible. In the distal physis of the tibia the growth plate was no longer visible at 23 months and at 25 months of age in the radius. The results of this study show that period of closure of the physeal plates of the main metacaopal bone, the radius and tibia is similar to the some described in other breeds.

Exame clínico e radiológico do terceiro metacarpeano em potros Puro Sangue de Corrida em treinamento / Clinical and radiographic evaluation of the third metacarpal bone in 2-year-old thoroughbred horses in raining

A avaliação clínica e radiológica do terceiro metacarpeano (McIII) de 42 potros Puro Sangue de Corrida de dois anos de idade, em treinamento, realizou-se a cada 15 dias. Vinte e cinco potros foram acompanhados durante dois meses e 17 durante os quatro meses anteriores a sua participação na primeira corrida. Nas radiografias (projeção lateromedial), foram avaliadas o córtex dorsal (CD) do McIII e a espessura do CD, do córtex palmar e da zona medular para determinação do índice radiológico (IR). Não foram observadas alterações radiológicas no CD do McIII nos potros que manifestaram periostite metacarpeana dorsal (PM) aguda. O aumento tanto do CD, como do IR, entre as avaliações foi significativo (P<0,05). Porém, apenas a diferença de espessura do CD entre os McIII sem alterações e os que manifestaram PM foi significativa (P<0,05). O aumento mais acentuado do CD foi observado sempre na avaliação anterior àquela em que foram detectados os sinais clínicos de PM. Portanto, especialmente a mensuração do CD pode ser utilizada como um método diagnóstico precoce de PM, permitindo a sua prevenção.

The third metacarpal bones (McIII) of 42 2-year-old thoroughbreds in training were evaluated clinically and radiologically every 15 days. The evaluation was performed during 2 and 4 month, prior to the first race of 25 and17 horses, respectively. X-rays were taken using latero-medial projection. Dorsal cortex (DC) was evaluated on the X-rays and DC, palmar cortex and medular zone were measured in order to determine the radiologic index (RI). No radiographic changes were observed on the DC of the McIII of horses clinically affected by dorsal metacarpal disease (DMD). There was a significant increase (P<0.05) in DC thickness and RI between evaluations of both, healthy and DMD affected McIII. DC thickness also showed a significant increase between affected and not affected McIII. A larger increase in DC thickness was observed at evaluation before the one in which DMD was diagnosed. In conclusion, the increase in DC thickness could be used as a diagnostic tool for early recognition of DMD allowing adoption of preventive measures.