Sarcoplasmic masses in equine skeletal muscle.

Sarcoplasmic masses in humans have been associated with various myopathies, although the significance remains elusive. Similar structures have also been observed in equine muscle. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of such structures in normal and abnormal equine muscle, and to characterize these structures using histological, histochemical, immunohistochemical, ultrastructural, and morphometric analyses. The histological and histochemical appearance was similar to that of human sarcoplasmic masses with a central or subsarcolemmal distribution. Of interest was a predilection for the gluteus medius muscle in younger horses and type 2B fibers. Ultrastructurally they contained disorganized myofibrils and other cellular components that were not membrane bound and were present in both normal and abnormal equine muscle without a specific disease association, suggesting they are a non-pathological degenerative structure. The relatively frequent occurrence of sarcoplasmic masses in horses may make this species a good model for studying the pathogenesis of these structures.

Evaluation of complications and feasibility of indwelling epidural catheter use for post-operative pain control in dogs in the home environment.

AIMS: The objective of this study was to describe the use of indwelling epidural catheters post-operatively in dogs in a home environment, and to report associated complications. METHODS: Dogs undergoing surgical procedures of the hind limb (n=83) were included in the study and were administered 0.05 or 0.10 mg/kg epidural morphine via an indwelling epidural catheter every 6 hours. Data compiled relating to catheter placement included time of placement, ease of placement and problems encountered, number of attempts of placement, and individual placing the catheter. A client questionnaire was provided to evaluate side effects, complications, pain, and ease of use of the epidural catheter system after discharge from the hospital and catheter removal at home. Side effects were compared between the dogs receiving 0.05 or 0.1 mg/kg epidural morphine. RESULTS: The most common patient complication was abnormal urination patterns (32/82, 39%); specifically dribbling urine where laying, emptying the entire bladder where laying, not urinating for extended periods of time, and taking a longer time to pass urine were reported. There were no significant differences in the number or types of side effects reported in either dosing group. The most common technical issues reported by owners were difficulty getting the needle into the injection port (10/81, 12%) and removing the adhesive covering keeping the epidural catheter system in place (19/78, 24%). There were no reports of inflammation or discharge at the catheter site in any of the dogs. Of the respondents surveyed, 76/79 (97%) found the epidural catheter system easy to use at home in the post-operative period. CONCLUSIONS: Indwelling epidural catheters are a feasible method of administration of post-operative analgesia in the immediate post-operative period in the home environment and were associated with only a few minor complications in this population.