Chronic Laminitis Research Articles

The Detection of Thoracolumbar Spine Injuries in Horses with Chronic Laminitis Using a Novel Clinical-Assessment Protocol and Ultrasonographic Examination.

Postural adaptation is a prominent feature in horses affected by laminitis. Laminitis induces intense pain, especially in the forelimbs, prompting affected horses to assume a caudally displaced trunk posture, resulting in the hyperflexion of the thoracolumbar spine. This study assessed the nature and prevalence of thoracolumbar injuries in horses with chronic laminitis compared to horses without it. Sixty horses were used (thirty laminitic and thirty non-laminitic) of different athletic purposes and ages (2-20 years). The experimental protocol entailed a single assessment of horses' thoracolumbar spines, utilizing physical examination by MACCTORE, a scoring system developed specifically for this study. Additional evaluations included the Grimace Equine Pain Scale (HGS) and ultrasound exams. Statistical tests were used to compare values (Mann-Whitney or t-test) and lesions prevalences (Fisher) between groups (p < 0.05). The results showed a higher pain manifestation (HGS and heart rate, p < 0.0001) and thoracolumbar-spine-injury levels in chronic laminitis horses, both in MACCTORE clinical examinations (11.7 ± 4.8 vs. 4.2 ± 3.3, p < 0.0001) and general ultrasonographic indices (39.6 ± 12.0 vs. 20.7 ± 7.1, p < 0.0001), including specific examination approaches for various spinal elements. Horses with laminitis presented with a 14-fold higher prevalence of ultrasound-relevant lesions in the thoracolumbar spine (CI: 4.4 to 50.6, p < 0.0001) compared to controls. These findings constitute new evidence of an association between chronic laminitis and the presence of thoracolumbar spine injuries in horses, which may be confirmed by more sophisticated study designs.

Metabolic and Endocrine Insights in Donkeys.

Donkey medicine is gaining attention due to their increased use as companion animals, in shows, asinotherapy, etc. The increasing demand and unique aspects call for specialized care, requiring new information (physiology, infectious disorders, pharmacology, etc.). Since obesity is common in this species, hyperlipemia, metabolic syndrome and insulin dysregulation (ID) are common disorders in donkeys, in some cases with high mortality, either directly (multiorgan dysfunction) or indirectly due to poor quality of life (chronic laminitis). Donkeys have long-life expectancy and are often afflicted with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), a neurodegenerative and endocrine disease. Hyperlipemia is diagnosed based on high plasma triglyceride concentration in association with clinical findings and laboratory abnormalities from affected tissues (liver, kidney and pancreas). The measurement of resting serum insulin and plasma ACTH concentrations is the first step in ID and PPID diagnosis. In donkeys with clinical signs of ID (obesity or recurrent laminitis) or PPID (hypertrichosis, regional adiposity, laminitis and weight loss), where these hormones are in the normal or non-diagnostic range (donkey-specific cut-off values and reference ranges need to be established), dynamic tests are recommended (oral sugar test or thyrotropin-releasing hormone, respectively). Equine treatment protocols apply to donkeys, although pharmacological studies for most drugs, except pergolide, are lacking.

A role of therapeutic shoe in management of chronic laminitis &amp; navicular disease: A review of 37 cases

A role of therapeutic shoe in management of chronic laminitis &amp; navicular disease: A review of 37 cases

Obesity and obesity-associated metabolic disease conditions in Connemara ponies in Ireland.

Equine obesity combined with insulin dysregulation (ID) is a major risk factor associated with laminitis. Some pony breeds appear to be at increased risk. However, little is known regarding the prevalence of obesity or hyperinsulinaemia as evidence of ID in Irish ponies. To investigate the prevalence of obesity and associated endocrine/metabolic disease conditions in Connemara ponies and to determine if hyperinsulinaemia in these ponies could be predicted by morphometric or metabolic markers. Cross-sectional study. The study population included registered Connemara ponies recruited through public and veterinary social media posts. Ponies underwent a physical examination and information on their management and clinical history was obtained via owner questionnaire. The body condition score (BCS) was measured using the Henneke system; cresty neck score (CNS) and regionalised adiposity were also assessed. Hyperinsulinaemia was confirmed by measuring serum basal insulin concentration (BIC) or insulin concentration after an oral sugar test (OST). Blood glucose and triglyceride concentrations were measured. Characteristics of hyperinsulinaemic and insulin-sensitive ponies were compared by logistic regression. Two hundred ponies were included; 59 ponies (29.5%) had a BCS ≥7, 58 (29.0%) had a CNS ≥2.5 and 135 (67.5%) had regionalised adiposity; 137 (68.5%) ponies had at least one of these abnormalities. Owner-reported history or clinical evidence of chronic laminitis was found in 92 ponies (46.0%). Hyperinsulinaemia was confirmed in 32 ponies (16.0%), including 23 of 91 (25.3%) detected by OST and 9 of 109 (8.3%) by BIC. Hypertriglyceridaemia was observed in 12 of 198 ponies (6.1%) ponies and hyperglycaemia in 11 of 197 ponies (5.6%) ponies. The odds of hyperinsulinaemia increased by a factor of 6.53 (95% confidence interval: 2.95, 15.21) when BCS was ≥7. The OST was not performed in all ponies. Increased adiposity, laminitis and metabolic derangements are prevalent in this native Irish pony breed.

LAMINITIS IN A MANGALARGA MACHADOR MARE ATTENDED IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF GUIMARÂNIA - MG: case report

Laminitis is inflammation of the laminae of the hoof due to reduced blood perfusion leading to loss of connection between the hoof and the dermal lamina. It can be caused by several factors such as septicemia, dietary changes, conditions in the intestinal tract and metabolic changes. This research aimed to report a case of a horse with chronic equine laminitis and review the literature regarding the disease, highlighting its etiology, symptoms and treatment and ways of preventing the disease. Through the anamnesis, it was presented by the owner that the horse manifested pain in the right forelimb, lameness, reluctance to walk and remained in lateral decubitus. During the general clinical examination, it was noted that the animal had hoof hyperthermia, an increase in the palmar digital pulse and the animal's reluctance to move. The diagnosis was defined by radiography, which revealed chronic laminitis in the right forelimb, rotation of the third phalanx and sinking of the hoof's corneal casing. The treatment was based on corrective trimming, the use of orthopedic boots made of synthetic plaster and silicone, phenylbultazone, amitriptyline, omeprazole, firocoxib, gabapentin associated with a diet of only roughage grass, which leads to a favorable prognosis. The use of phenylbutazone associated with gabentin and amitriptyline were efficient in controlling chronic pain, enabling the animal's rapid recovery. The therapeutic association with a diet with a higher roughage content, regular trimming and the use of heart-shaped horseshoes provided greater comfort and stability for the animal, allowing the horse to return to sporting activities in a short period of time.

Management of the older horse

The increasing age of horses presented for veterinary care has been recognised over several decades. The increase in the percentage of horses older than 20 years of age has been attributed to improved nutrition, early recognition and management of conditions seen more frequently in the geriatric horse, and the increased willingness of owners to pursue veterinary care to maintain the comfort of their senior horses. Geriatric medicine is devoted to the management of conditions that have increasing age as a risk factor for their development. Conditions that are seen more frequently in older horses include pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, chronic weight loss, obesity, osteoarthritis, laminitis, neoplasia and cardiovascular dysfunction. In addition, routine wellness care is essential for early recognition of age-related changes and prompt institution of appropriate care to maintain the comfort of the horse.

Seeing beyond gait: A case study identifying chronic laminitis in 3 goats

Identification of goat lameness on farm is typically recognised as either an overt gait abnormality or non-weight bearing limbs. Subclinical and chronic laminitis in goats tends to present as a mild, uneven gait with abnormally shaped claws; it is possible that animals with these symptoms are experiencing pain, however due to our reliance on overt gait changes, they will not be identified to receive appropriate management, potentially leaving them in a chronic state of suffering. This case study identified the pathological changes associated with laminitis, with a hypothesis that mild lameness does not always correlate with severity of disease process. Three Saanen does, part of a research herd but originally sourced from a commercial milking herd in New Zealand, were suspected to have chronic laminitis. Following photographs, radiographs and infrared thermography, goats were euthanised and claw longitudinal sections were taken; tissue was submitted for histology. Two goats stood and walked normally, and one also stood normally but walked with a slight uneven gait; all goats presented various hoof conformation issues. Radiographs showed distal phalanx remodelling and rotation in all three cases. Post-mortem hoof longitudinal sections and histology presented multiple abnormalities, including but not limited to: irregular cortex of the distal phalanx, distended blood vessels in the dermis and laminae, laminae necrosis, development of abnormal fibrous tissue, and distorted laminae epidermal cells. Histology from two of the goats confirmed the presence of dermal inflammation, and this was seen visually in one goat using infrared thermography. Our case study approach allowed for detailed physical and histological examination of the changes caused by laminitis in ex-commercial dairy goats. This work suggests that chronic laminitis can result in dramatic pathological changes, and that lameness score alone is not a good indication of the severity of these changes. Better interpretation of external abnormalities, such as clubbed and distorted claws, as well as the use of radiographs and infrared thermography, should be more commonly considered for identifying at risk animals in order to initiate appropriate management or end-of-life decisions.

The PTP1B inhibitor MSI-1436 ameliorates liver insulin sensitivity by modulating autophagy, ER stress and systemic inflammation in Equine metabolic syndrome affected horses.

Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) is a multifactorial pathology gathering insulin resistance, low-grade inflammation and past or chronic laminitis. Among the several molecular mechanisms underlying EMS pathogenesis, increased negative insulin signalling regulation mediated by protein tyrosine phosphatase 1 B (PTP1B) has emerged as a critical axis in the development of liver insulin resistance and general metabolic distress associated to increased ER stress, inflammation and disrupted autophagy. Thus, the use of PTP1B selective inhibitors such as MSI-1436 might be considered as a golden therapeutic tool for the proper management of EMS and associated conditions. Therefore, the present investigation aimed at verifying the clinical efficacy of MSI-1436 systemic administration on liver metabolic balance, insulin sensitivity and inflammatory status in EMS affected horses. Moreover, the impact of MSI-1436 treatment on liver autophagy machinery and associated ER stress in liver tissue has been analysed. Liver explants isolated from healthy and EMS horses have been treated with MSI-1436 prior to gene and protein expression analysis of main markers mediating ER stress, mitophagy and autophagy. Furthermore, EMS horses have been intravenously treated with a single dose of MSI-1436, and evaluated for their metabolic and inflammatory status. Clinical application of MSI-1436 to EMS horses restored proper adiponectin levels and attenuated the typical hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia. Moreover, administration of MSI-1436 further reduced the circulating levels of key pro-inflammatory mediators including IL-1β, TNF-α and TGF-β and triggered the Tregs cells activation. At the molecular level, PTP1B inhibition resulted in a noticeable mitigation of liver ER stress, improvement of mitochondrial dynamics and consequently, a regulation of autophagic response. Similarly, short-term ex vivo treatment of EMS liver explants with trodusquemine (MSI-1436) substantially enhanced autophagy by upregulating the levels of HSC70 and Beclin-1 at both mRNA and protein level. Moreover, the PTP1B inhibitor potentiated mitophagy and associated expression of MFN2 and PINK1. Interestingly, inhibition of PTP1B resulted in potent attenuation of ER stress key mediators' expression namely, CHOP, ATF6, HSPA5 and XBP1. Presented findings shed for the first time promising new insights in the development of an MSI-1436-based therapy for proper equine metabolic syndrome intervention and may additionally find potential translational application to human metabolic syndrome treatment.

Tratamento da superdosagem de acepromazina em equino com laminite – relato de caso

Acepromazine is a tranquilizer commonly used in the equine species, producing a sedative effect without hypnosis, in addition, it also acts as a vasodilator, improving laminar perfusion, being used in cases of subacute, acute and chronic laminitis. The objective of this study is to report a case of overdose of acepromazine in a mare, the use of 0.2% acepromazine was indicated, but the owner did not pay attention and administered the 2% concentration, leading the animal to extreme drowsiness and recumbency. Subsequently, after veterinary medical care and specific therapy for the case, the mare recovered from the intoxication and after a few days her laminitis improved.

Disfunção da pars intermedia da hipófise em equinos associado a adenoma pituitário

ABSTRACT: The clinical syndrome of the pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) is the most common endocrinopathy of older horses. This syndrome is characterized by several clinical and pathological changes, which are usually associated with adenomas of the pars intermedia (PI) of the pituitary gland. The aim of this work is to describe five cases of pituitary adenoma of the PI associated with PPID in horses, addressing its clinical and pathological aspects. The horses had a mean of 22 years of age. The main clinical signs were hirsutism and paresis of hind limbs, and at post mortem examination all horses had hirsutism, and a nodule in the pituitary gland, which was histologically characterized as an adenoma of PI (5/5). Furthermore, two horses had gross lesions suggestive of chronic laminitis. Moreover, there was intense parasitism of Sarcocystis neurona (2/5), Strongylus vulgaris (1/5), Parascaris equorum (1/5), Draschia megastoma (1/5), and Klossiella equi (1/5).

Deep digital flexor tenotomy and Distal Phalanx realignment for the treatment of Chronic Laminitis in horses: a literature review

Laminitis is the second most common cause of death from disease in horses and causes great suffering in the animal and economic and emotional losses for the people involved. Several therapeutic modalities are used in the treatment of this disease, but their results are not consistently described in the literature. In this scenario, deep digital flexor (DDF) tenotomy is a therapeutic modality that can be used for the treatment of chronic laminitis, releasing the traction force that the DDF tendon exerts on the distal phalanx, which helps with realignment of the latter. The objective of this study was to address the important factors of DDF tenotomy and distal phalanx realignment for the treatment of horses with chronic laminitis. The results of the above analysis suggest that DDF tenotomy and realignment of the distal phalanx is a therapeutic option that should be learned by veterinarians and that it can produce benefits to horses with chronic laminitis.

The influence of equine hoof conformation on the initiation and progression of laminitis.

The health and performance of horses are significantly affected by diseases associated with the hoof. Laminitis is a critical hoof disease that causes pain and, potentially, severe hoof and bone pathology. To generate an equine hoof finite element (FE) model to investigate the impact of normal and toe-in hoof conformations on the degeneration (decrease in elastic modulus) of the laminar junction (LJ), as occurs in chronic laminitis. Computer software modelling. A hoof FE model was generated to investigate the biomechanics of hoof laminitis. A 3D model, consisting of nine components, was constructed from computed tomography scans of an equine left forelimb hoof. The model was loaded with 100 cycles of trotting. Two different centres of pressure (COP) paths representing normal and toe-in conformations were assigned to the model. LJ injury was modelled by degenerating the tissue's elastic modulus in the presence of excessive maximum principal stresses. FE models successfully showed findings similar to clinical observations, confirming third phalanx (P3) dorsal rotation, a symmetric distal displacement of the P3 (2 mm at the lateral and medial sides) in the normal model, and an asymmetric distal displacement of the P3 (4 mm at the lateral and 1.5 mm at the medial side) in the toe-in model. The proximal distance between P3 and the ground after LJ degeneration in the current model was significantly different from experimental measurements from healthy hooves (P< 0.01). The inability to account for variations in population geometry and approximation of boundary conditions and system relations were the limitations of the current study. The distribution of LJ tissue degeneration was symmetric at the quarters in the normal hoof and in comparison, there was a lateral concentration of degeneration in the toe-in model.

Prevalence of radiographic changes in forelimb digits and metacarpophalangeal joints of South African endurance racehorses.

If the number of events alone is considered, endurance riding is the fastest growing and the second-most popular Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) discipline. Lameness is the most common cause of elimination from endurance races worldwide. To the authors' knowledge, no studies have been published investigating the prevalence of radiographic changes in the forelimb digits and metacarpophalangeal joints (MCP) of endurance racehorses in South Africa. Investigate the prevalence of radiographic changes in the forelimb digits and MCP joints of South African endurance racehorses. One hundred endurance racehorses registered with ERASA were volunteered by their owners to partake in the current study. Radiographs were obtained from horses competing in endurance races during the 2018-2019 endurance racing season. Radiographs included seven standard views of each distal forelimb. Radiographic images were independently evaluated by three observers, point prevalence and inter-rater reliability (IRR) was calculated. Data analysis of the forelimb digits revealed a large proportion of horses with bilateral signs of dorsopalmar hoof imbalance (95%); a diversion from a straight digital axis (91%), with an extended (broken back) proximal interphalangeal joint (67%) being the most common abnormality. Osteoarthritis of the proximal (16%) and distal (7%) interphalangeal joints was only observed in a low percentage of horses. Interestingly, the hoof-distal-phalanx-ratio of the majority (86%) of horses was more than 25% but none of these horses showed any other signs of chronic laminitis, indicating that hoof-distal-phalanx-ratio might not be a reliable indicator of chronic laminitis in this population of horses. Ossification of the ungular cartilages was observed in the majority (69%) of horses, either affecting one or both distal phalanges. Descriptive data analysis of the MCP joints showed that a large proportion of horses displayed radiological signs of MCP joint osteoarthritis (28%), with 10% being bilateral. The current study provides insight into radiographic changes and their prevalence in the distal front limbs of South African endurance racehorses. Knowledge about the prevalence of specific radiographic changes would enable equine practitioners to better evaluate and manage horses that are affected. Although no correlations were made with age, speed or number of competitive kilometres competed, the current study may serve as a basis for future research.

Fecal microbiota of horses with colitis and its association with laminitis and survival during hospitalization.

The association of microbiota with clinical outcomes and the taxa associated with colitis in horses remains generally unknown. Describe the fecal microbiota of horses with colitis and investigate the association of the fecal microbiota with the development of laminitis and survival. Thirty-six healthy and 55 colitis horses subdivided into laminitis (n=15) and non-laminitis (n=39, 1 horse with chronic laminitis was removed from this comparison) and survivors (n=27) and nonsurvivors (n=28). Unmatched case-control study. The Illumina MiSeq platform targeting the V4 region of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene was used to assess the microbiota. The community membership (Jaccard index) and structure (Yue and Clayton index) were different (analysis of molecular variance [AMOVA]; P < .001) between healthy and colitis horses. The linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe; linear discriminant analysis [LDA] >3; P < .05) and random forest analyses found Enterobacteriaceae, Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, and Enterococcus enriched in colitis horses, whereas Treponema, Faecalibacterium, Ruminococcaceae, and Lachnospiraceae were enriched in healthy horses. The community membership and structure of colitis horses with or without laminitis was (AMOVA; P > .05). Enterobacteriaceae, Streptococcus, and Lactobacillus were enriched in horses with laminitis (LDA > 3; P < .05). The community membership (AMOVA; P=.008) of surviving and nonsurviving horses was different. Nonsurviving horses had an enrichment of Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas, Streptococcus, and Enterococcus (LDA >3; P < .05). Differences in the microbiota of horses with colitis that survive or do not survive are minor and, similarly, the microbiota differences in horses with colitis that do or do not develop laminitis are minor.

Ceramide metabolism associated with chronic dietary nutrient surplus and diminished insulin sensitivity in the liver, muscle, and adipose tissue of cattle.

High dietary energy and protein supply is common practice in livestock nutrition, aiming to maximize growth and production performance. However, a chronic nutritional surplus induces obesity, promotes insulin insensitivity, and triggers low-grade inflammation. Thirty Holstein bulls were randomly assigned to two groups, low energy and protein (LEP), and high energy and protein (HEP) intake, provided from the 13th to the 20th month of life. Body weight, carcass composition, laminitis score, and circulating insulin and glucose concentrations were assessed. The expression and extent of phosphorylation of insulin signaling proteins were measured in the liver, muscle, and adipose tissue. The sphingolipid metabolome was quantified by a targeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry based metabolomics approach. The HEP bulls were obese, had hyperinsulinemia with euglycemia, and expressed clinical signs of chronic laminitis. In the liver, protein kinase B (PKB) phosphorylation was decreased and this was associated with a higher tissue concentration of ceramide 16:0, a sphingolipid that diminishes insulin action by dephosphorylating PKB. In the adipose tissue, insulin receptor expression was lower in HEP bulls, associated with higher concentration of hexosylceramide, which reduces the abundance of functional insulin receptors. Our findings confirm that diet-induced metabolic inflammation triggers ceramide accumulation and disturbs insulin signaling. As insulin insensitivity exacerbates metabolic inflammation, this self-reinforcing cycle could explain the deterioration of metabolic health apparent as chronic laminitis. By demonstrating molecular relationships between insulin signaling and sphingolipid metabolism in three major tissues, our data extend our mechanistic understanding of the role of ceramides in diet-induced metabolic inflammation.

The effect of housing systems on hoof diseases/disorders and percentage of culling in Holstein dairy cows

The objectives of this research were to investigate the effect of the housing system (tie-stall and free-stall barns) on the prevalence of hoof diseases/disorders, as well as on the percentage of culling in 6,348 Holstein dairy cows from 5 farms. During the three months of research the hoof care service on all farms collected records of causes of lameness, diagnoses and treatments. Functional and corrective hoof trimming was conducted by a professional farm trimmer. When all the registered diseases/disorders were observed as a percentage (all diseases = 100%), it was noticed that both housing systems were similarly affected by the same diseases/disorders. In this regard, White Line Disease occurred in both systems in prevalence of 0.5% - 1%, Toe Ulcer and Necrosis in 3% - 6%, Rusterholz Ulcer / Sole Ulcer in 20% - 23%, Digital Dermatitis in 18% - 20%, Interdigital Hyperplasia / Tyloma in 10% - 12%, Panaritium / Interdigital Phlegmon in 0.7% - 0.77%, while the prevalence of Mechanical Injury was negligible and in similar amounts - 0.2% - 0.5%. Cows in the free-stall barns were much more burdened with Dermatitis Interdigitalis / Heel Erosion Disease (39.11%) compared to cows in the bound housing system (20.40%). In contrast, diagnosed acute, chronic and haemorrhagic Laminitis was significantly more pronounced in the tie-stall barns (18.61%) than in the free-stall barns (0.88%). In the statistical analysis conducted, statistically significantly more diseases/disorders were registered in the tie-stall system than in the free housing system (P&lt;0.01). During the three months of the study, the average percentage of culling in the free system was 5.4%, while in the tie-stall system it was 4.9%. This difference was not statistically significant (P&gt;0.05).

Food Therapy and Tui-na to Treat Liver Qi Stagnation in A Wood Constitution Horse with Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) and Arthritis

A 30-year-old Wood constitution mare developed Liver Qi Stagnation following dose increases of conventional medications being used to treat chronic arthritis, pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) and chronic laminitis. Presenting clinical signs were generalized weakness and pain along the lumbosacral area and hips, which elicited angry behavior when acupoints were scanned. Acupuncture treatment became dangerous, and the mare also rejected Chinese herbal medicine. Wood constitution horses with chronic disease and lifelong daily drug regimens are at risk of developing Liver Qi Stagnation. Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) is not limited to acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, but also provides other treatment modalities such as Tui-na and food therapy, which may be more easily accepted by some animals. In this mare, TCVM treatment with Tui-na and food therapy allowed complete discontinuation of conventional drugs and their detrimental side effects, while maintaining good quality of life. Effective control of PPID with food therapy was monitored by blood concentration of adrenocorticotropic hormone relative to the reference standard for the season.

Strategic shoeing adjustment is imperative in solving complicated hoof problems while managing distal phalanx rotation in a laminitic horse with sheared heels

AbstractA 22‐year‐old gelding pony, diagnosed with bilateral chronic laminitis and sheared heels, underwent strategic shoeing management to solve the complicated hoof problems in both front legs. The left hoof was shod with a conventional bar shoe with an unsupported toe, while a modified Z‐bar shoe with an unsupported toe was applied on the right front hoof. The severity of lameness declined following the application of the two different shoeing styles, although the sheared heel condition was improved only in the right forelimb. Accidental nailing into the compromised medial hoof wall occurred, causing lameness in the right front hoof. Orthopaedic casting tape and the conventional bar shoe with the unsupported toe were applied, decreasing the lameness severity in the affected hoof. Strategic shoeing adjustments are essential in solving complicated hoof problems while managing distal phalanx rotation in a laminitic horse with sheared heels.

Ocorrência de afecções podais em bovinos atendidos pela Clínica de Bovinos de Garanhuns: aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos, terapêuticos e econômicos

Abstract The objective was to study the occurrence of foot disorders in cattle treated at the Clínica de Bovinos de Garanhuns, campus of the Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco from 1999 to 2021. A retrospective study of the medical records was carried out, with a total of 334 cases, in which 613 lesions were diagnosed. A frequency distribution, with simple mean and standard deviation was performed to evaluate the data. Interdigital dermatitis was more frequent in 12.4% (76/613), double sole in 9.79% (60/613), chronic laminitis in 8.81% (54/613), sole ulcer in 7.83% (48 /613), and interdigital hyperplasia in 7.24% (45/613). Laminitis and its consequences accounted for 45% of the total injuries identified, followed by 36% of injuries of secondary or uncertain cause, and 19% from infectious diseases. The distribution of lesions between the limbs was 68% in the pelvic and 32% in the thoracic limbs. Females, raised in a semi-intensive system, Holstein, with a body score of III, and large size were more affected. Lameness was present in 78% (260/334), while 10% (33/334) did not present lameness. The case fatality and recovery rates were 9% (31/334) and 73% (243/334), respectively. In total, 51% of cases occurred in the rainy season and 49% in the dry season. The main cities of origin were Bom Conselho 22.75% (76/334), Garanhuns 18.86% (63/334), and Brejão 12.57% (42/334). The estimated cost of treatment was US$ 150.13/case. Diseases are probably directly linked to management failure on the property due to the nature of the diagnosed diseases, in addition to the significant cost of the treatment of these animals, with the need for prophylactic measures in order to avoid the economic losses associated with foot diseases.

Changes in the levels of MMP-9, MMP-2, and their inhibitors in the serum of dairy cows with laminitis

Laminitis is regarded as an important underlying cause of lameness disorders, yet its specific pathogenesis remains unclear. Consistent histological changes in cows with laminitis consist in the degradation of the basement membrane (BM). The breakdown of BM is accomplished by numerous proteases, especially MMP-9 and MMP-2. This study recruited 45 cows according to veterinary diagnostic criteria and divided them into three groups: subclinical laminitis cows (SCL, n = 15), chronic laminitis cows (CL, n = 15), and healthy cows (CON, n = 15). After blood samples were collected from the jugular vein, the serum was separated and frozen at –80°C. The serum samples were analyzed by gelatin zymography and reverse zymography to evaluate the activities of MMP-9, MMP-2, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2. In the SCL group, the activity of MMP-9 significantly increased (P &lt;0.01) and the activity of TIMP-1 significantly decreased (P &lt;0.05), compared with those in the CON group, while the activities of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 were not significantly different. In the CL group, the activities of MMP-9 (P &lt;0.001) and MMP-2 (P &lt;0.05) significantly increased, and the activities of TIMP-1 (P &lt;0.01) and TIMP-2 (P &lt;0.05) significantly decreased compared with those in the CON group. This is the first study to report changes in the content of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and their inhibitors, TIMP-2 and TIMP-1, in the serum of dairy cows with laminitis. These results indicate that inadequate regulation of the activities of MMPs and TIMPs in serum may play a role in the development of laminitis in dairy cows.