OBJECTIVE:To compare bacterial colonization after diluted iodine tincture or povidone iodine solution for presurgical disinfection of the equine peripodal region.STUDY DESIGN:Complete block design.ANIMALS:Five horses.METHODS:Disinfection protocols using iodine tincture or povidone iodine solutions were tested on 5 pairs (n = 10) equine front feet. Iodine tincture was applied to the left feet and povidone iodine to the right feet. Fixed surfaces of the sole, frog, hoof wall, and peripodal skin were swabbed pre-preparation (T0), after a standard pre-disinfection step (T1), after short disinfection with a 4-minute application of 0.5% iodine tincture or povidone iodine (T2), and after long disinfection with 12-hour soaking in 0.25% iodine tincture or povidone iodine (T3). Quantitative bacteriology was performed on each swab.RESULTS:The frog and sole were the most contaminated sites compared to hoof wall and skin at T0. Bacterial counts were significantly decreased at T2 for both solutions. Bacterial counts did not change significantly with iodine tincture at T3 but increased with povidone iodine compared to T2. Skin abrasions were detected on almost all feet but were subjectively more severe on iodine tincture-treated feet.CONCLUSION:Soaking for 12 hours with either iodine tincture or povidone iodine is not recommended as these solutions damaged the skin and bacterial recolonization was noted with povidone iodine. Four-minute disinfection using either iodine tincture or povidone iodine (0.5% available iodine) is appropriate for presurgical preparation of the equine peripodal region.

This retrospective study evaluated the efficacy and side effects of palatal sclerotherapy in standardbred racehorses suspected to have intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate (IDDSP). Fifty-one horses were treated with multiple endoscopically guided injections of 3% sodium tetradecyl sulfate in the soft palate. Two groups were identified: those that had respiratory noises during exercise (n = 27) and those that did not (n = 24). Treatment was well-tolerated. Furthermore, horses significantly reduced their racing times for the last 400 m compared with their times before treatment and even when their times were compared to the mean times for horses in the same race. In conclusion, palatal sclerotherapy appears to be a suitable alternative therapeutic option for horses suspected to have IDDSP.

ObjectivesTo report use of a shielded hook bistoury developed for correction of epiglottic fold entrapment in standing sedated horses.Study DesignProspective clinical study.AnimalsStandardbreds (n=8), 3-19 years of age.MethodsEpiglottic fold entrapment was corrected during standing sedation using a shielded hook bistoury passed nasally into the pharynx. Owners, trainers, and referring veterinarians were contacted by telephone to establish outcome.ResultsAxial division of the entrapping epiglottic fold was successful in all horses. No short- or long-term complications occurred. Axial transection of the entrapping fold was performed rapidly (mean, 83 seconds between advancing the bistoury into the pharynx and transection of the entrapping fold).ConclusionTransnasal axial division of the aryepiglottic fold can be accomplished safely using the shielded hook bistoury. The shield mechanism minimizes the risk of injury from the cutting blade to adjacent structures.

OBJECTIVE:To report a tenoscopic technique using monopolar electrosurgery to transect the accessory ligament of superficial digital flexor muscle (AL-SDFM) and outcome in 33 horses.STUDY DESIGN:Case series.ANIMALS:Horses (n=33).METHODS:Medical files and surgery video recordings of horses that had AL-SDFM desmotomy performed by tenoscopy with monopolar electrosurgical electrodes were reviewed.RESULTS:Of 33 horses, 24 were Standardbred racehorses with surgery performed bilaterally for superficial digital flexor tendonitis and 9 horses had flexural deformity. Severe (n=6) and mild (6) intrathecal hemorrhage was the most common intraoperative complication. Large intrathecal vessels including the nutrient artery were successfully electrocoagulated and AL-SDFM transection was completed. Clear/serosanguinous drainage from skin incisions was observed for 4.3±3.3 days (mean, SD). Protracted wound drainage for >4 days occurred in 10 horses, principally in the group treated for flexural deformities (P=.01).CONCLUSIONS:Sixty-four AL-SDFM were transected under tenoscopic observation using monopolar electrodes. Electrocoagulation of large intrathecal vessels, including the nutrient artery, was possible in all cases and allowed completion of desmotomy. Postoperative wound care was similar to routine tenoscopy in most (70%) horses. Aseptic protracted wound drainage was observed in 30% of horses (principally those with flexural deformity), and led to a prolonged hospitalization.

OBJECTIVE:To validate the use of the LigaSure™ Vessel Sealing System (LVSS) to perform thoracoscopic lung tissue biopsies in heaves-affected horses.STUDY DESIGN:Prospective clinical study.ANIMALS:Heaves-affected horses (n=12).METHODS:Lung biopsies (n=34) were collected with the LVSS (2-4 biopsies/horse) in horses with and without clinical signs of heaves. Thoracoscope (13th intercostal space [ICS]) and 2 instruments (between the 12-15th ICS) portals were used. Selected clinical and arterial blood gas variables were monitored. Postoperative pneumothorax was evaluated. Depth of thermal injury to the surrounding tissue and representativeness of the biopsies were determined.RESULTS:Mean surgical time was 22.9±8.0 minutes. The complication rate was 5.6%, and primarily related to a focal inadequate sealing of the biopsy margin. Five horses in exacerbation required intraoperative intranasal O(2) . Mean PaO(2) was significantly lower in heaves-affected horses with clinical signs compared with those without clinical signs. Postoperative pneumothorax was detected radiographically after 20 of the 34 procedures. One horse with clinical signs of heaves developed a fatal tension pneumothorax 5 days postoperatively despite close radiographic monitoring.CONCLUSION:Thoracoscopic lung biopsy using LVSS is a rapid and effective technique to harvest peripheral lung tissues from heaves-affected horses. Although the complication rate was tolerable, tension pneumothorax was a potential life-threatening complication because of incomplete lung sealing.CLINICAL RELEVANCE:LVSS can be used with relative safety to perform thoracoscopic lung biopsy, but close postoperative monitoring is necessary to avoid tension pneumothorax.

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate use of pre-tied ligating loop to perform thoracoscopic, large lung biopsy in normal and heaves-affected horses.STUDY DESIGN:Prospective clinical study.ANIMALS:Normal (n=5) and heaves-affected (n=6) horses.METHODS:Lung biopsies, 1 from each hemithorax, were collected thoracoscopically using a pre-tied ligating loop. Horses were either normal (C) or heaves-affected with the latter being in remission (Ha) for the initial biopsy and in exacerbation (Hs) for the 2nd biopsy. Clinical variables, PaO(2), and PaCO(2) were used to determine the effect of surgical biopsy. Postoperative pneumothorax was monitored by serial thoracic radiographic examinations.RESULTS:Thoracoscopic lung biopsy (n=29, 22 procedures) was well tolerated by all horses. Complication rate was 31%, including 8 ligature slippage and 1 pulmonary hemorrhage. Intranasal oxygen was administered intraoperatively to 6 horses (2 C, 1 Ha, 3 Hs) with severe hypoxemia or labored breathing. There was a significant decrease in PaO(2) during surgery in horses not supplemented with oxygen. Postoperative pneumothorax (21/22 procedures) detected radiographically resolved within 3 weeks.CONCLUSION:Thoracoscopic lung biopsy using pre-tied ligating loops was minimally invasive, relatively inexpensive, and fairly efficient. Heaves-affected horses tolerated the surgery well, even when in exacerbation; however, the technique was associated with non life-threatening complications in 31% of the biopsies, most of which required correction with additional ligating loops or more sophisticated instrumentation.CLINICAL RELEVANCE:Using laparoscopic pre-tied ligating loop for thoracoscopically-assisted lung biopsy can be considered in horses with normal and impaired lung function but alternative instrumentation and access to intranasal oxygen must be available to the surgeon in case of complications.

Palatal sclerotherapy using sodium tetradecyl sulfate has been suggested as a treatment for dorsal displacement of the soft palate in young Standardbred horses. The present study evaluated histological and biomechanical changes in the equine soft palate following trans-endoscopic treatment with a low dose of this compound. Two horses were euthanased and examined at 2 weeks and at 1, 2, 4 and 6 months post-sclerotherapy, while two further horses served as untreated controls. The technique was easily performed in all cases without major complications. On histological examination there was no evidence of palatal necrosis, inflammation or fibrosis in any of the treated or control animals. There was no variation in the density of palatal connective tissue between individuals, and on biomechanical assessment no significant difference in the stiffness of the palatal tissue was found between treated and control horses at any time. The lower dose of sodium tetradecyl sulfate used in this study relative to previous reports, might explain the absence of tissue alterations. This method of sclerotherapy did not alter the morphology or biomechanical properties of normal equine soft palates.

This study was aimed at evaluating the tolerability and the efficacy of palatal sclerotherapy in juvenile standardbred racehorses with easily audible "snoring-like" respiratory noises suspected to be the result of intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate. The palate of 8 horses was injected with sodium tetradecyl sulfate under videoendoscopic guidance. Palatal sclerotherapy resulted in resolution of the respiratory noise in 7 horses, improvement of performance in 6 horses, and mild side effects in only 3 horses. This preliminary study suggests that palatal sclerotherapy is a safe, repeatable, inexpensive, and promising technique that should be considered as an alternative to existing treatments of intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate.

OBJECTIVE To assess a laparoscopic technique for equine intestinal biopsy. STUDY DESIGN Experimental study. ANIMALS Seven adult horses. METHODS Food but not water was withheld for 36 hours before laparoscopy. In 3 horses (group A) standing, right laparoscopic access to different small intestinal segments was compared with ventral median celiotomy access. Inaccessible segments were identified at necropsy. In 4 horses (group B), the feasibility of obtaining full-thickness duodenal and cecal biopsies and any associated morbidity were evaluated. Biopsy specimens were collected during standing right laparoscopy using a 2-step procedure and intracorporeal suturing technique, and abdominal lavage was performed. Horses were monitored clinically and by abdominal fluid cytology and microbial culture, and repeat laparoscopy was performed on day 6. RESULTS Standing right flank laparoscopy provided good observation of small intestinal segments and enabled manipulation of all but 15-20 cm of the duodenum and approximately 40 cm more ileum compared with ventral median celiotomy. Group B horses had no complications, no adhesions, and no bacterial growth from peritoneal fluid samples. None of the horses had signs of abdominal pain. CONCLUSION A 2-stage intestinal biopsy technique performed during standing, right flank laparoscopy may be a safe alternative to exploratory celiotomy and biopsy in normal horses. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Right flank laparoscopy allows biopsy of intestinal segments including duodenum and 50% more of the ileum than is accessible by ventral median celiotomy. This technique should be evaluated in clinical patients.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY:Transrectal ultrasonography is a reliable technique to identify intra-abdominal testes, but can be hazardous or impractical in fractious, juvenile or small equids. The transabdominal approach therefore requires validation.OBJECTIVES:To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of transabdominal ultrasonography to localise cryptorchid testes.METHODS:Thirty-eight horses admitted for cryptorchidism underwent transabdominal ultrasonography to locate errant testes. Location of the testes was confirmed during surgery (n = 37) or necropsy (n = 1).RESULTS:Horses weighed 175-760 kg. Twenty-two testes were located within the abdomen, 19 in the inguinal space and 3 in a subcutaneous location. In 2 horses, a thick winter coat prevented adequate contact between the probe and the skin, and visualisation of their inguinal testis and one abdominal testis was missed during transabdominal ultrasonography. Excluding the 2 horses with excessive hair, the sensitivity of transabdominal ultrasonography to locate errant testes was 97.6% (93.2% when all horses were included), and its specificity 100%.CONCLUSIONS:Transabdominal ultrasonography is a reliable, safe and immediate technique to diagnose cryptorchidism precisely in horses of all ages, sizes and temperaments.POTENTIAL RELEVANCE:Transabdominal ultrasonography provides an immediate definitive diagnosis of adominal cryptorchidism and should enhance selection of an appropriate surgical approach for their removal.

Equine Veterinary EducationVolume 18, Issue 5 p. 231-234 Salpingoscopy for the treatment of recurrent guttural pouch tympany in a filly M. A. Schambourg, Corresponding Author M. A. Schambourg Département de Sciences Cliniques, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, C.P. 5000, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, C1A 4P3, Prince Edward Island, Canada.*Département de Sciences Cliniques, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, C.P. 5000, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, CanadaSearch for more papers by this authorM. Marcoux, M. Marcoux Département de Sciences Cliniques, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, C.P. 5000, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, CanadaSearch for more papers by this authorC. Céleste, C. Céleste Département de Sciences Cliniques, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, C.P. 5000, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, CanadaSearch for more papers by this author M. A. Schambourg, Corresponding Author M. A. Schambourg Département de Sciences Cliniques, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, C.P. 5000, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, C1A 4P3, Prince Edward Island, Canada.*Département de Sciences Cliniques, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, C.P. 5000, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, CanadaSearch for more papers by this authorM. Marcoux, M. Marcoux Département de Sciences Cliniques, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, C.P. 5000, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, CanadaSearch for more papers by this authorC. Céleste, C. Céleste Département de Sciences Cliniques, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, C.P. 5000, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, CanadaSearch for more papers by this author First published: 05 January 2010 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3292.2006.tb00453.xCitations: 7 AboutPDF 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 onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume18, Issue5October 2006Pages 231-234 RelatedInformation

Objectives—To describe the outcome after arthroscopic electrosurgical excision of axial osteochondral (OC) fragments of the proximal plantar aspect of the 1st phalanx (P1) in horses.Study Design—Retrospective study.Population—Twenty‐three Standardbred racehorses.Methods—Medical records of Standardbred racehorses that had arthroscopic dissection of axial OC fragments of the proximal plantar aspect of P1 with electrocautery probes were reviewed. Horses were positioned in dorsal recumbency; a 1.5% glycine solution was used to maintain joint distension. The arthroscope portal was in the proximal plantar joint pouch and OC fragments were approached using either an ipsilateral or a contralateral triangulation technique. Dissection of the fibrous attachments was performed using loop and hook electrocautery probes. Follow‐up was obtained by telephone questionnaire of owners or trainers and examination of race summary records.Results—Thirty‐three axial OC fragments were removed from 28 metatarsophalangeal joints (left, 14; right, 14). No major operative or postoperative complications occurred. Seven of 8 (79%) of horses that raced before surgery raced after surgery. Thirty‐six percent (n=4) of horses that had not raced before surgery raced after surgery.Conclusion—Intra‐articular electrosurgery is a safe, easy alternative to conventional excision of axial OC fragments of the proximal plantar aspect of P1.Clinical Relevance—Arthroscopic excision using electrocautery probes is a valid alternate method for removal of axial OC fragments of the proximal plantar aspect of P1. In addition, the dorsal recumbency position facilitates removal of several fragments and multiple joint surgery.

Le but de cette etude etait d'evaluer la tolerance du tiludronate chez le cheval et son effet sur le metabolisme osseux. Cinq chevaux ont recu 1 mg/kg de tiludronate en perfusion lente. Un suivi clinique et biochimique a ete effectue avant traitement et au cours des 24 h qui ont suivi. Deux parametres de la formation osseuse ont ete evalues: l'osteocalcine et l'isoenzyme osseuse de la phosphatase alcaline. Deux marqueurs de la resorption osseuse: CTX-MMP (Carboxy-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen generated by matrix metalloproteases) et le CTX-I (Carboxy-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen) ont ete mesures. Une legere augmentation non significative de la frequence cardiaque a ete notee a +30 min et a +2h. Une legere hypocalcemie etait presente a +30 min. A +6h, tous les parametres etaient revenus aux valeurs initiales. Aucune modification des parametres renaux et hepatiques n'a ete observee. Aucune variation des marqueurs de la formation osseuse, ni du CTX-MMP n'a ete observee. A +24 h, la concentration en CTX-I a diminue fortement, 72,4 % en moyenne (p = 0,0313). Le tiludronate en perfusion lente est bien tolere chez le cheval sans reaction clinique secondaire significative. II entraine une diminution marquee de la concentration en CTX-I, indiquant un effet inhibiteur de la resorption osseuse.

In vivo the effects of intra-articular (IA) corticosteroids on articular cartilage remain controversial. This study was designed to examine this issue using synovial fluid (SF) markers of cartilage metabolism. Paired radiocarpal joints, without clinical or radiographic signs of joint disease, were studied in 10 adult horses. Aseptic arthrocentesis was performed weekly for 13 weeks. IA injections of methylprednisolone acetate (MPA) into the treatment joint and the vehicle into the control joint were performed at weeks 3, 5 and 7. We used radioimmunoassays on SF samples which measure a keratan sulfate epitope (KS) and the 846 epitope on cartilage aggrecan (PG) and the C-propeptide (CPII) of cartilage type II procollagen which is released following synthesis of this molecule. Gel chromatography was performed on selected SF samples to evaluate the sizes of SF PG molecules. The total joint KS and the 846 epitopes were both present on a heterogeneous population of mainly molecules which, from chromotographic analysis, appeared to be mainly fragments of the articular cartilage aggrecan. They were significantly elevated in MPA joints whereas CPII was significantly reduced compared to the control during the treatment period. These results indicate that the repeated use of IA MPA leads to a potentially harmful inhibition of procollagen II synthesis and an increased release of degradation products of the PG aggrecan from articular cartilage.

The etiology and pathophysiology of osteochondrosis remain poorly understood because it is difficult to obtain material from lesions in the early stage of this disease and because there is no satisfactory experimental animal model. We wished to determine whether there are changes in articular cartilage turnover in equine osteochondrosis, which closely resembles the human disease, by assaying cartilage matrix molecules in synovial fluids. We used immunoassays that measure a keratan sulfate epitope and the epitope 846 on the cartilage proteoglycan aggrecan and the C‐propeptide of cartilage type‐II procollagen, which is released following the synthesis of this molecule, to analyse synovial fluids from equine tarsocrural joints with and without osteochondrosis. In young horses with osteochondrosis, there was a significant increase of C‐propeptide of type‐II procollagen accompanied by a decrease in the 846 and keratan sulfate epitopes. The results identify differential alterations in aggrecan and type‐II collagen turnover in the cartilage matrix in young animals with osteochondrosis that may contribute to the pathological degeneration of articular cartilage in this disease.

OBJECTIVE:To develop a technique for arthroscopic excision of apical sesamoid fracture fragments using electrocautery probes.ANIMALS OR SAMPLE POPULATION:A total of 18 Standardbred horses.METHODS:Arthroscopic removal of apical sesamoid fracture fragments using both hook and loop electrocautery probes was performed on 18 Standardbred horses. The fracture fragments were approached using either an ipsilateral (3) or contralateral (15) arthroscopic triangulation technique. Distension of the metacarpo- (metatarso)-phalangeal joints was achieved using a 1.5% glycine solution. Under arthroscopic guidance, both the suspensory and intersesamoidean ligament attachments to the abaxial and the axial margins of the apical fragment were transected using a hook electrocautery probe. Subsequently, the palmar (plantar) soft tissue attachments to the apical fragment were transected with a loop electrocautery probe. Once freed of soft tissue attachments, the apical fragment was removed with Ferris-Smith intervertebral disc rongeur. The arthroscopic portals were closed in a routine manner.RESULTS:Horse ages ranged from 2 to 8 years (median, 2.5 years). Eighteen apical sesamoid fracture fragments were removed from the left (8) and right (8) hind limbs and the left (1) and right (1) forelimbs. Apical fragments occured in 15 lateral and 3 medial proximal sesamoid bones. No major complications occurred during or after surgery. The electrocautery probes permitted an easy and precise dissection of all soft tissue attachments to the apical sesamoid fracture fragments in all horses. Follow-up time was 7 to 44 months (median, 26 months); 10 of 14 horses returned to racing. Seven of nine horses that raced before surgery raced again and three of five that had not raced before surgery, raced afterwards.CONCLUSION:Arthroscopic excision of apical sesamoid fracture fragments can be accomplished arthroscopically using electrocautery probes.CLINICAL RELEVANCE:Arthroscopic electrosurgery is an efficient and safe alternative for intra-articular dissection in horses.