Equine Veterinary Education最新文献

A 15-year-old Warmblood gelding was presented with recurrence of a histologically confirmed osteosarcoma of the left second and third metacarpal bones 3 years after initial diagnosis and treatment. Initially, surgical excision was performed, followed by local injection of carboplatin 11 weeks later. The horse was sound after surgery and was used for low-level dressage and jumping. Three years later, the horse developed an acute onset of lameness in the left forelimb and a painful soft tissue swelling at the proximomedial metacarpal region. Radiographs showed a spiculated periosteal reaction on the medial aspect of the third metacarpal bone, indicating re-activation of the lesion. Stereotactic radiation therapy was performed with a protocol consisting of three fractions under general anaesthesia (Mo-We-Fr schedule), and a total dose of 30 Gy. The technique used was volumetric-modulated arc therapy guided by cone beam computed tomography for daily positioning. Following the radiation therapy, the horse became sound at walk, and 1 month later, it became sound at trot. Follow-up by veterinary examination 18 months after final treatment revealed no lameness at walk and trot, and a stable radiographic appearance.

This paper describes the clinical and histopathological features of a 16-year-old Cob mare who sustained a haemorrhagic cerebrovascular accident or stroke. The mare presented with an acute onset of neurological signs, with a neuroanatomical localisation to the midbrain and thalamus regions. The mare was reported to have suffered from ataxia on all four limbs which started 7 days prior to referral and was also showing several signs of left-sided cranial nerve deficits. On initial examination, the mare presented with quadrilateral ataxia, left-sided facial paralysis, weak tongue tone and a left-sided nose tilt as well as a hemineglect syndrome characterised by an inability to eat food presented on the right side of her mouth. Complete blood count and biochemistry analyses did not reveal any abnormalities, and a standing head CT revealed the presence of a hyperdense lesion localised in the left ventral cortex and thalamus region, which could be consistent with a vascular lesion, cholesterol granuloma or a mass. The mare was monitored, and as her condition slightly improved, was discharged from the hospital. Four weeks later, the clinical signs recurred and as the ataxia presented a danger for the mare and anyone handling her, the decision was made to euthanise the mare. A post-mortem CT scan of the head revealed an enlargement of the previous lesion, and the histopathological examination confirmed the presence of a haemorrhage within the brain, associated with neoplastic emboli. Haemorrhagic stroke has not previously been well described in horses therefore presents a challenge in diagnosis. Treatment in small animals is mainly conservative.

This case report describes a novel fixation technique of scapular neck fracture in a 2-week-old Arabian foal using two 3.5 mm tibial-plateau-levelling-osteotomy (TPLO) locking plates originally designed for small animal orthopaedic surgery. The foal presented with a traumatic short oblique scapular neck fracture. Fracture fixation was performed under general anaesthesia using two anatomically pre-shaped 3.5 mm TPLO locking plates; one on each side of the spine of the scapula. Fracture fixation was successful using two TPLO locking plates. Minimal soft tissue manipulation and identification of the suprascapular nerve allowed for relatively atraumatic application of the implants. The implants were left in place. Follow-up evaluation 2 years after surgical intervention confirmed the horse to be sound with no clinical or gait abnormalities. Stabilisation of a short oblique scapular neck fracture in a 2-week-old foal with an anatomically pre-shaped implant led to a good outcome in this case report. No complications were encountered during the recovery period. The use of an anatomically pre-shaped locking plate intended for use on dogs, which is widely available in the veterinary industry, has proven to be a viable alternative for a scapular neck fracture fixation in this foal.

Complications associated with nasogastric tube placement are infrequent and usually not severe. This article details a case of a pharyngo-oesophageal fistula in a 6-year-old Arabian racing gelding initially presenting with recurrent oesophageal obstruction and dysphagia 5 months after recovering from a medically treated colic. Initially, a suspected diverticulum was diagnosed using a combination of endoscopic examinations and barium-contrast radiography. Its occurrence was believed to be secondary to a pharyngeal abscess occurring as a consequence of repeated or long-term nasogastric tube placement during the previous treatment for colic. Continuing, and unresolvable, oesophageal obstruction and dysphagia resulted in the gelding being euthanised. Post-mortem examination revealed the presence of a pharyngo-oesophageal fistula.