A pioneer of veterinary radiology, she was a born teacher and a role model.

A pioneer of veterinary radiology, she was a born teacher and a role model.

Investigating how those responsible for the care of nonhuman animals understand the concept of animal welfare is important for animal welfare improvement. In-depth interviews with 31 equine stakeholders were used to explore their perceptions and understanding of welfare. The results showed the stakeholders understood the concept of welfare in 4 ways. Firstly, welfare was understood in terms of the provision of resources-for example, food. Secondly, a "horse-centered" understanding of welfare was articulated; this understanding included the horses' mental state and was linked to natural behavior. Thirdly, the word welfare had negative connotations, and for some, good welfare was achieved through avoidance of negative states. Finally, interviewees discussed incidents that occurred in their own familiar contexts but suggested that these were not welfare problems. Evidence indicated that the ways in which equine stakeholders understood the concept of welfare might have been acting as a barrier to the alleviation of some equine welfare problems. There is a need for strategies aimed at improving equine welfare to consider stakeholder constructs of welfare and the ways in which these constructs are generated and acted upon.

The equine industry in Great Britain has not been subject to the same pressures as the farming industry to engage with welfare assessment, but this may change as concern about equine welfare increases. Stakeholder attitudes toward welfare assessment may impact the implementation of welfare assessment practices. Focus-group discussions regarding welfare assessment were conducted with 6 equine stakeholder groups: leisure horse owners (caregivers; n = 4), grooms (n = 5), veterinary surgeons (n = 3), welfare scientists (n = 4), welfare charity workers (n = 5), and professional riders (n = 4). Three themes emerged from the discussions: (a) Participants predominantly interpreted welfare assessment as a means of identifying and correcting poor welfare in an immediate way; (b) participants believed that horse welfare varied over time; and (c) attributes of the assessor were viewed as an important consideration for equine welfare assessment. The views of equine industry members give insight into the value welfare assessments may have to the industry and how equine welfare assessment approaches can achieve credibility within the industry and increase the positive impact of welfare assessments on equine welfare.

BACKGROUND:Suspensory ligament branch (SLB) desmopathy is a common cause of lameness and an important cause of lost training in the Thoroughbred racing industry. Studies have assessed the impact of insertional injuries of the SLB on the careers of flat racehorses and established the prevalence of subclinical ultrasonographic SLB abnormalities in this population, but little work has investigated SLB injury in National Hunt (NH) racehorses.OBJECTIVES:To investigate the prevalence of subclinical ultrasonographic SLB abnormalities in NH racehorses with no clinical signs or history of SLB injury and to establish the cross-sectional area (CSA) of SLBs in this population.STUDY DESIGN:Cross-sectional study using data collected from horses on an NH yard.METHODS:Ultrasonographic examination of forelimb SLBs in 62 horses on a single NH yard was performed. Images were graded according to a previously reported system. CSA measurements were obtained from transverse images.RESULTS:Nineteen of 62 horses had at least one SLB with grade 2 ultrasonographic abnormalities. Grade 2 ultrasonographic abnormalities occurred more frequently in the medial than the lateral SLB (P = 0.05). The medial SLB insertional CSA was significantly larger (P<0.001) than that of the lateral SLB.MAIN LIMITATIONS:Length of time on the yard (and therefore available veterinary history) is variable in this population.CONCLUSIONS:One in three NH racehorses without history or clinical signs of SLB injury had at least one SLB with a grade 2 ultrasonographic abnormality. The medial branch was over-represented. The medial SLB insertional CSA is larger than the lateral and thus comparison with the corresponding branch in the contralateral limb is recommended to avoid misdiagnosis of medial SLB enlargement.

To build on an active veterinary career, and to sidestep the risk of succumbing to a bout of what he calls ‘past‐presidentitis’ – failing to let go – Alistair Barr became a student again and did a law degree, before being called to the bar in 2012

Reasons for performing the studyLameness is prevalent in working donkeys and has major welfare implications; however, a detailed study of the associated clinical signs is lacking.ObjectivesTo describe the range and prevalence of clinical signs and conformation associated with lameness in working draught donkeys.Study designProspective, cross-sectional, observational study.MethodsData were collected from 102 working draught donkeys in Pakistan. A lameness assessment adapted for working donkeys was used to record clinical signs of lameness, gait, limb conformation and pain responses in the feet, limbs and spine using observation, palpation and manipulation. Lameness at the walk was scored from 0 to 10 (sound to nonweightbearing).ResultsEvery donkey examined had gait abnormalities, with 5% having a nonweightbearing limb. Lameness was significantly more severe with older age, lower body condition score and forward-at-the-knee conformation. More severe lameness was also associated with pain responses in the hoof walls, palpation of limb joints and spinal flexion. Joint, tendon and foot pathology was highly prevalent, as well as pain responses to joint flexion and spinal manipulation. Conformational abnormalities showed lateral asymmetries.ConclusionsOver 98% of the world's 42.2 million donkeys are in low-income countries, most being used for work. The high prevalence of lameness, pain and multiple limb and spinal abnormalities in working donkeys is of great welfare concern and highlights the complexity of addressing this problem. This standardised lameness assessment can be used when implementing and monitoring interventions to reduce lameness prevalence in working donkeys.

Equine Veterinary EducationVolume 26, Issue 5 p. 259-261 Clinical Commentary Aspects of coxofemoral luxations in the horse A. R. S. Barr, Corresponding Author A. R. S. Barr School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, UKCorresponding author email: alistair.barr@bristol.ac.ukSearch for more papers by this authorA. J. Fairburn, A. J. Fairburn School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, UKSearch for more papers by this author A. R. S. Barr, Corresponding Author A. R. S. Barr School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, UKCorresponding author email: alistair.barr@bristol.ac.ukSearch for more papers by this authorA. J. Fairburn, A. J. Fairburn School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, UKSearch for more papers by this author First published: 07 April 2014 https://doi.org/10.1111/eve.12171Citations: 1Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article.Citing Literature Volume26, Issue5May 2014Pages 259-261 RelatedInformation

See also article by Bumbacher et al.

The marginal transitional zone is peripherally located within the diarthrodial joint, and represents the interface of articular cartilage, periosteum, and the fibrous joint capsule. The purpose of this study is to characterize the protein expression of matrix and molecular regulators in the marginal transitional zone of foals having osteochondrosis (OC) compared to normal foals. Several families of proteins with known roles in cartilage and bone development are investigated, including matrix molecules, Wnt signaling, apoptotic factors and paracrine cell signaling molecules. Our results demonstrate differential protein expression in the marginal transitional zone from the lateral femoral trochlear ridge of foals affected by osteochondrosis. Alterations in protein expression of OC-affected foals mainly involve components of extracellular matrix homeostasis and canonical Wnt signaling. Matrix expression of collagen type IIB and lubricin are decreased and matrix metalloproteinase-3 expression is increased in OC-affected marginal transitional zone samples. Canonical Wnt signaling is inhibited in OC-affected marginal transitional zone samples, based on increased Dickkopf-1 and decreased β-catenin protein expression. Most apoptotic and paracrine signaling proteins are not altered in OC-affected marginal transitional zone samples.

Equine Veterinary JournalVolume 44, Issue 6 p. 627-628 EDITORIAL Where does it hurt? A. R. S. Barr, A. R. S. Barr School of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, UKSearch for more papers by this author A. R. S. Barr, A. R. S. Barr School of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, UKSearch for more papers by this author First published: 29 October 2012 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2012.00661.xCitations: 1Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article.Citing Literature Volume44, Issue6November 2012Pages 627-628 RelatedInformation

Veterinary RecordVolume 171, Issue 21 p. 525-526 Research Treatment of equine synovial pain: developing an evidence base Alistair Barr MA, VetMB, LLB, PhD, DVR, DEO, DipECVS, CertSAO, MRCVS, Corresponding Author Alistair Barr MA, VetMB, LLB, PhD, DVR, DEO, DipECVS, CertSAO, MRCVS alistair.barr@bris.ac.uk School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol, BS40 5DU UKe-mail: alistair.barr@bris.ac.ukSearch for more papers by this author Alistair Barr MA, VetMB, LLB, PhD, DVR, DEO, DipECVS, CertSAO, MRCVS, Corresponding Author Alistair Barr MA, VetMB, LLB, PhD, DVR, DEO, DipECVS, CertSAO, MRCVS alistair.barr@bris.ac.uk School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol, BS40 5DU UKe-mail: alistair.barr@bris.ac.ukSearch for more papers by this author First published: 24 November 2012 https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.e7924Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume171, Issue21November 2012Pages 525-526 RelatedInformation

The transrectal ultrasonographic appearance of the lumbosacral joint was assessed in 43 horses with no history or clinical evidence of back pain or hindlimb lameness. In the majority of horses (34/43, 79.1%) the lumbosacral disc had uniform or mildly heterogeneous echogenicity. However, variation in the ultrasonographic appearance of the lumbosacral joint was also identified, including hyperechogenic regions within the lumbosacral disc with or without an acoustic shadow, and mild or moderate irregularity of the opposing surfaces of the last lumbar and the first sacral vertebral bodies. Marked irregularity of the bony surfaces or marked disruption of the lumbosacral disc was not seen in any horse. The mean distance between the ventral aspects of the last lumbar and first sacral vertebrae was 14.2 mm (range: 7.1-26.5 mm, median: 14.4 mm). The degree of protrusion of the ventral aspect of the lumbosacral disc ranged from 0 to 5 mm (mean: 1.32 mm, median: 1.2 mm). The mean angle between the ventral surfaces of the last lumbar and first sacral vertebrae was 147 degrees (range: 118-165 degrees, median: 150 degrees). There was no significant effect of age, breed, gender, or the size of the horses on either subjective findings in the lumbosacral joint or objective measurements.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY:Evidence-based information is limited on distribution of local anaesthetic solution following perineural analgesia of the palmar (Pa) and palmar metacarpal (PaM) nerves in the distal aspect of the metacarpal (Mc) region ('low 4-point nerve block').OBJECTIVES:To demonstrate the potential distribution of local anaesthetic solution after a low 4-point nerve block using a radiographic contrast model.METHODS:A radiodense contrast medium was injected subcutaneously over the medial or the lateral Pa nerve at the junction of the proximal three-quarters and distal quarter of the Mc region (Pa injection) and over the ipsilateral PaM nerve immediately distal to the distal aspect of the second or fourth Mc bones (PaM injection) in both forelimbs of 10 mature horses free from lameness. Radiographs were obtained 0, 10 and 20 min after injection and analysed subjectively and objectively. Methylene blue and a radiodense contrast medium were injected in 20 cadaver limbs using the same techniques. Radiographs were obtained and the limbs dissected.RESULTS:After 31/40 (77.5%) Pa injections, the pattern of the contrast medium suggested distribution in the neurovascular bundle. There was significant proximal diffusion with time, but the main contrast medium patch never progressed proximal to the mid-Mc region. The radiological appearance of 2 limbs suggested that contrast medium was present in the digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS). After PaM injections, the contrast medium was distributed diffusely around the injection site in the majority of the limbs. In cadaver limbs, after Pa injections, the contrast medium and the dye were distributed in the neurovascular bundle in 8/20 (40%) limbs and in the DFTS in 6/20 (30%) of limbs. After PaM injections, the contrast and dye were distributed diffusely around the injection site in 9/20 (45%) limbs and showed diffuse and tubular distribution in 11/20 (55%) limbs.CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE:Proximal diffusion of local anaesthetic solution after a low 4-point nerve block is unlikely to be responsible for decreasing lameness caused by pain in the proximal Mc region. The DFTS may be penetrated inadvertently when performing a low 4-point nerve block.

Data from 107 cases of pasture-associated laminitis were obtained from first opinion practices to study factors associated with severity, survival and return to ridden exercise. There were 43 mares and 64 geldings, with a median age of 11 years. Of the 107 animals, 33 were small ponies, 45 were large ponies/cobs, 17 were small horses and 12 were large horses. Ninety-seven animals were categorised as having laminitis as defined by Cripps and Eustace 1999): 76 had mild (Obel grade 1 or 2) laminitis and 31 had severe (Obel grade 3 or 4) laminitis. Forty-three animals had previously had laminitis, and were significantly less likely (P=0.02) to have severe laminitis than those that had not. Eighty-nine animals were overweight, and there was a trend (P=0.09) towards severe laminitis cases having a higher body mass index. Eight weeks after disease onset, 102 animals were alive. Lower bodyweight, optimal body condition, mild laminitis and category of acute/chronic founder as defined by Cripps and Eustace (1999) were significantly associated with survival. There was a trend (P=0.06) towards treatment with acepromazine being associated with survival. Of the 81 animals that were used for riding, 48 were being ridden again; this was 2.6 times more likely in animals without previous laminitis. The clinical outcome was judged by a panel of three veterinarians as ‘good’ in 77 of 107 of cases. Clinical outcome was significantly associated (P=0.03) with horse type: the outcome was ‘bad’ in none of the small horses, compared with 15 of 45 large ponies/cobs, 11 of 33 small ponies and three of 12 large horses.