Duration Of Lameness Research Articles

Hoof wall masses removal in 30 standing sedated horses: Surgical technique, postoperative complications and long-term outcome.

To describe the surgical technique for removal of hoof wall masses in horses under standing sedation (SS) and local anesthesia (LA), and to report complications and long-term outcome following surgery. Observational retrospective study. Client-owned horses (n = 30). Horses undergoing keratoma removal under SS and LA in a single equine hospital between August 2016 and July 2023 were included in the study. Signalment, affected foot, history of lameness and/or foot abscesses, degree of lameness on admission, imaging findings (radiography and magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] when available), location of the mass, surgical technique, remedial farriery, postoperative care, complications and outcome were recorded. Long-term follow-up information was obtained by telephone questionnaire. A total of 30 horses met the inclusion criteria. Duration of lameness ranged from 1 to 289 days (mean 90 days). The degree of lameness varied from absent to grade 4/5 (AAEP) (mean grade 3/5). All horses underwent preoperative radiographic examination and 14/30 underwent MRI. All horses underwent partial hoof wall resection. The surgery was performed safely in all cases. Postoperative complications included marked lameness in the early postoperative period in 3/30 horses and exuberant granulation tissue formation in 2/30 horses. Long-term (>6 months) follow-up information was available for 28 horses, and 26/28 horses returned to previous levels of exercise. Recurrence was suspected in 1/30 horses. The complication rate was lower than previously reported for keratoma removal under general anesthesia (GA). Removal of hoof wall masses under SS and LA can be considered as an alternative to removal under GA.

Using Object-Oriented Simulation to Assess the Impact of the Frequency and Accuracy of Mobility Scoring on the Estimation of Epidemiological Parameters for Lameness in Dairy Herds.

Mobility scoring data can be used to estimate the prevalence, incidence, and duration of lameness in dairy herds. Mobility scoring is often performed infrequently with variable sensitivity, but how this impacts the estimation of lameness parameters is largely unknown. We developed a simulation model to investigate the impact of the frequency and accuracy of mobility scoring on the estimation of lameness parameters for different herd scenarios. Herds with a varying prevalence (10, 30, or 50%) and duration (distributed around median days 18, 36, 54, 72, or 108) of lameness were simulated at daily time steps for five years. The lameness parameters investigated were prevalence, duration, new case rate, time to first lameness, and probability of remaining sound in the first year. True parameters were calculated from daily data and compared to those calculated when replicating different frequencies (weekly, two-weekly, monthly, quarterly), sensitivities (60-100%), and specificities (95-100%) of mobility scoring. Our results showed that over-estimation of incidence and under-estimation of duration can occur when the sensitivity and specificity of mobility scoring are <100%. This effect increases with more frequent scoring. Lameness prevalence was the only parameter that could be estimated with reasonable accuracy when simulating quarterly mobility scoring. These findings can help inform mobility scoring practices and the interpretation of mobility scoring data.

Retrospective evaluation and review of approaches for nonspecific lameness in dogs presented to an emergency service (2013-2014): 134 cases.

This retrospective study aimed to characterize and evaluate the emergency approach, diagnosis, management, treatment, and follow-up of nonspecific canine lameness cases. Retrospective case series from September 25, 2013 to September 25, 2014. The study was conducted at an urban university teaching hospital. A consecutive sample of dogs presenting to the emergency service with nonspecific lameness in the designated timeframe was used to identify 134 cases. Owners were contacted to participate in the follow-up survey; dogs that died prior to data collection were excluded from the survey. Medical records were reviewed for lameness localization, etiology of lameness, diagnostics obtained, medications prescribed, and owner recommendations. Based on review of the medical records, the lameness localization, presumptive source of lameness (joint, soft tissue, neurological, or bone), diagnostics obtained, medications prescribed, and owner recommendations were recorded. Survey data included duration of lameness, perceived response to treatment, and activity level. Definitive diagnoses were not assigned in 88.8% of lameness cases. A presumptive diagnosis of soft tissue injury was assigned in 45.3% of cases. Single limb lameness was more prevalent than multiple limb lameness. Owners whose dogs were treated with medication were significantly more likely to report that the lameness resolved (P=0.049). Dogs with injury localized to ≥1 of the joints were significantly less likely to have resolution of lameness (P=0.037). Treatment recommendations were predominantly pain control and activity restriction. Nonspecific lameness represents approximately 4% of canine urban emergency cases. Highlighting the points of clinical care considerations in understanding the etiology of lameness in dogs represents an opportunity for improved patient care and growth in emergency referral and follow-up.

Fibrotic myopathy and contracture of the caudal thigh musculature: a prospective study of 41 dogs (2019-2022).

To determine the presentation, diagnosis, progression, and family risk of fibrotic myopathy, a disease with marked breed predisposition in the German Shepherd Dog (GSD). 41 dogs prospectively recruited to the University of Wisconsin-Madison Comparative Genetics and Orthopedic Laboratory between November 2019 to August 2022. Medical records of dogs diagnosed with fibrotic myopathy were reviewed upon referral. The following data were recorded: sex, age, weight, regio interscapularis (withers) height, date of neutering, coat color and length, and age at fibrotic myopathy diagnosis. A pedigree was also obtained. In the study population, breeds included 37 GSDs, a Belgian Malinois, a Belgian Malinois cross, and 2 dogs with a GSD phenotype and no pedigree. Mean age at fibrotic myopathy diagnosis was 5.9 ± 2.0 years, and duration of lameness before diagnosis was 5.6 months and ranged from 0.75 to 18 months. Males were overrepresented at 61% of the study population. Inherited familial risk for fibrotic myopathy in the GSD was supported by pedigree analysis. This was the largest case series of fibrotic myopathy to date, providing a more comprehensive look at presentation and progression of the disease. The longer duration of lameness in bilaterally affected dogs likely represents disease progression rather than a more severe phenotype. Family history data support a genetic contribution to fibrotic myopathy, suggesting that further genetic investigation is warranted.

Collagen Fibril Morphological Study of Medial Patellar Ligament of Stifle Joint Affected with Patellar Luxation in Cattle

Background: Upward fixation of patella is common clinical malady in cattle due to extensive movement of stifle joint during the locomotory activity because of unknown etiology. However, at certain peak point (overstretching of ligament) or due to occupational trauma (wear and tear), ligament become flaccid and weak leading to patellar displacement and lameness. Patellar ligaments play crucial role in stifle joint movement and any functional or structural alterations in the ligaments can lead to acute to chronic lameness in cattle. The present study was carried out to evaluate the structural changes in collagen fibril material in medial patellar ligament in cattle suffering with patellar luxation. Methods: Tissue specimens of medial patellar ligament of normal (control animal) and affected cattle (luxation of patella) were harvested and preserved for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) study as per standard procedure at RUSKA Laboratories, College of Veterinary Science, PVNRTVU, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, India. Result: The incidence of medial patellar luxation was higher in females as compared to male cattle and the duration of lameness was between 3-12 months (7.35±0.56 months) characterized by dragging of toe, outward jerky movement of affected limb, extension of limb and change in appearance of gait during walk and flexion of fetlock. Scanning electron study of normal ligament showed dense, uniformly and compact arrangement of collagen fiber bundles with morphometric thickness was 3.66±0.58 µm. whereas in luxated patella cases, medial ligament showed derangement in collagen fiber bundles. The collagen fibers were arranged irregular and wavy with morphometric thickness of collagen was 2.58±0.03 µm. Electron microscopy of the normal ligament showed presence of thick collagen fiber bundles packed in dense and compact arrangement. Electron microscopy of affected ligament had degenerative changes of the fibers characterized by thin collagen fiber bundles which were loosely and disorganized arranged fibrils. The present study concludes that, luxation of patella was common locomotory disorders in cattle due to derangement in collagen fiber bundles with drastic reduction in thickness of collagen fibers, increased gap between two collagen fibers, broken and overlapping fiber bundles and surface of collagen fibers appeared irregular rough via scanning and electron microscopy analysis.

An evaluation of early intervention protocols based on camera-based autonomous mobility score trends

Lameness is a major animal welfare issue in the dairy indus­try and its measurement is a component of both industry- and processor-led animal welfare audits. Although lameness is highly prevalent on dairy farms, farm personnel have difficul­ties identifying mild cases of lameness. Reasons for this diffi­culty include the time, human resources and training required to detect lameness, along with the lack of belief that early inter­vention works. Automatizing the process of lameness detection through the implementation of autonomous camera-based deep learning will provide dairy farms with an effective and easy-to-implement tool to reduce lameness duration. Combining early and accurate lameness detection with appropriate treatment protocols will result in lower levels of lameness. The objective of this project was to determine if changes in camera-based au­tonomous mobility scores could be used to reduce the duration of lameness.

Management of Digital Dermatitis in Dairy Herds: Optimization and Time Allocation

The objective of this study is to determine the most effective time allocation for digital dermatitis management and to quantify the marginal economic gain from extra time devoted to digital dermatitis management. The model simulating foot disease occurrence and the associated management was Dairy Health Simulator©. Then, an econometric model was applied to identify the relationship between the dairy workshop’s gross margin and time for lameness management as well as the hourly marginal gain curve associated with lameness management. The gross margin was optimized under two constraints, i.e., the overall time spent for lameness management and the mean lameness duration (mimicking cow welfare). The results show that allocating less time to lameness detection and more to footbath application can contribute as follows: (i) reduces time spent for lameness management, (ii) maintains the best welfare level, and (iii) obtains the highest gross margin. The optimal time to devote to footbath application ranged from 17.8 to 22.3 h/month. A hiring strategy was investigated, and the break-even point ranged from 16.1 to 19.8 h/month. The recommended time to spend on footbath application is relatively important; therefore, stakeholders should consider the importance of lameness to the dairy industry and should devote enough time for footbath applications.

Cost of lameness in dairy herds: An integrated bioeconomic modeling approach

Foot disorders are costly health disorders in dairy farms, and their prevalence is related to several factors such as breed, nutrition, and farmer's management strategy. Very few modeling approaches have considered the dynamics of foot disorders and their interaction with farm management strategies within a holistic farm simulation model. The aim of this study was to estimate the cost of foot disorders in dairy herds by simulating strategies for managing lameness. A dynamic and stochastic simulation model (DairyHealthSim) was used to simulate the herd dynamics, reproduction management, and health events. A specific module was built for lameness and related herd-level management strategies. Foot disorder occurrences were simulated with a base risk for each etiology [digital dermatitis (DD), interdigital dermatitis, interdigital phlegmon, sole ulcer (SU), white line disease (WLD)]. Two state machines were implemented in the model: the first was related to the disease-induced lameness score (from 1 to 5), and the second concerned DD-state transitions. A total of 880 simulations were run to represent the combination of the following 5 scenarios: (1) housing (concrete vs. textured), (2) hygiene (2 different scraping frequencies), (3) the existence of preventive trimming, (4) different thresholds of DD prevalence detected and from which a collective footbath is applied to treat DD, and (5) farmer's ability to detect lameness (detection rate). Housing, hygiene, and trimming scenarios were associated with risk factors applied for each foot disorder etiologies. The footbath and lameness detection scenarios both determined the treatment setup and the policy of herd observance. The economic evaluation outcome was the gross margin per year. A linear regression model was run to estimate the cost per lame cow (lameness score ≥3), per case of DD and per week of a cow's medium lameness duration. The bioeconomic model reproduced a lameness prevalence varying from 26 to 98% depending on the management scenario, demonstrating a high capacity of the model to represent the diversity of the field situations. Digital dermatitis represented half of the total lameness cases, followed by interdigital dermatitis (28%), SU (19%), WLD (13%), and interdigital phlegmon (4%). The housing scenarios dramatically influenced the prevalence of SU and WLD, whereas scraping frequency and threshold for footbath application mainly determined the presence of DD. Interestingly, the results showed that preventive trimming allowed a better reduction in lameness prevalence than spending time on early detection. Scraping frequency was highly associated with DD occurrence, especially with a textured floor. The regression showed that costs were homogeneous (i.e., did not change with lameness prevalence; marginal cost equals average cost). A lame cow and a DD-affected cow cost €307.50 ± 8.40 (SD) and €391.80 ± 10.0 per year on average, respectively. The results also showed a cost of €12.10 ± 0.36 per week-cow lameness. The present estimation is the first to account for interactions between etiologies and for the complex DD dynamics with all the M-stage transitions, bringing a high level of accuracy to the results.

Randomized controlled trial comparison of analgesic drugs for control of pain associated with induced lameness in lactating dairy cattle

Both the economic loss and welfare implications of lameness affect the dairy industry. Currently no analgesic drugs are approved to alleviate lameness-associated pain in lactating dairy cattle in the United States. In this randomized controlled trial, 48 lactating Holsteins were enrolled to evaluate the effect of oral meloxicam and i.v. flunixin meglumine on induced lameness. Cows were allocated to 1 of 4 treatment groups (n = 12 per group): lameness and flunixin meglumine (LAME + FLU); lameness and meloxicam (LAME + MEL); lameness and placebo (LAME + PLBO); or sham induction and placebo (SHAM + PLBO). Six hours before treatment, arthritis-synovitis was induced in the distal interphalangeal joint with 20 mg of amphotericin B, whereas SHAM cows were given an intra-articular injection of an equal volume (4 mL) of isotonic saline. Cows in LAME + FLU received 2.2 mg/kg flunixin meglumine i.v. and whey protein placebo orally; LAME + MEL were administered 1 mg/kg meloxicam orally and 2 mL/45 kg sterile saline placebo i.v.; LAME + PLBO were administered 2 mL/45 kg sterile saline placebo i.v. and whey protein placebo orally; and SHAM + PLBO received 2 mL/45 kg sterile saline placebo i.v. and whey protein placebo orally. The initial treatment of MEL, FLU, or PLBO was identified as time 0 h and followed by a second dose 24 h later with data collection for 120 h. The methods used to assess analgesic efficacy were electronic pressure mat, visual lameness assessment, visual analog score, plasma cortisol concentration, plasma substance P concentration, mechanical nociception threshold, and infrared thermography imaging. Linear mixed effect modeling was the primary method of statistical analysis. Visual lameness scoring indicated a lower proportion of the FLU + LAME group was lame at the T2 h and T8 h time points in comparison to the positive controls, whereas MEL therapy resulted in a lower proportion of lame cows at the T8 h time point. Cortisol area under the effect curve was lower following FLU therapy compared with LAME + PBLO for the 0-2 h (LSM difference = 35.1 ng·h/mL, 95% CI: 6.8, 63.3 ng·h/mL), 2-8 h (LSM difference = 120.6 ng·h/mL, 95% CI: 77.2, 164.0 ng·h/mL), and 0-24 h (LSM difference = 226.0 ng·h/mL, 95% CI: 103.3, 348.8 ng·h/mL) time intervals. Following MEL therapy, cortisol area under the effect curve was lower than LAME + PLBO for both the 2 to 8 h (LSM difference = 93.6 ng·h/mL, 95% CI: 50.2, 137.0 ng·h/mL) and 0 to 24 h time intervals (LSM difference = 187.6 ng·h/mL, 95% CI: 64.9, 310.4 ng·h/mL). Analysis of data from other assessment modalities failed to discern biologically relevant differences between treatment groups. We conclude that meaningful differences were evident for visual lameness assessment and cortisol from MEL and FLU treatment versus the positive control. Further clinical research is needed toward development of a model that will create reproducible events that are more pronounced in severity and duration of lameness which can be validated as a substitute for naturally occurring lameness cases.

Effect of claw disorders on haemato-biochemical parameters and acute phase protein levels in crossbred cattle

To evaluate the effect of lameness associated with claw disorders on haemato-biochemical and acute phase protein levels, 34 crossbred dairy cattle were selected from 11 dairy farms. Lame animals were categorized based on locomotion score, hoof lesions and severity of disease. Significant (p LESS THAN 0.05) decrease in Hb, PCV, TEC and lymphocyte count with significant increase in neutrophil count was recorded among animals suffering from various claw disorders. Similar trend was observed in animals showing varying locomotion score, lesions and duration of lameness. Biochemical analysis revealed significant (p LESS THAN 0.05) increase in AST, ALT, TPP and globulin among lame animals. Overall average values of haptoglobin, CRP and fibrinogen among the lame animals were 924.59± 59.13µg/ml, 65.00± 1.98µg/ml and 8.75± 0.51mg/dl compared with 607.02± 49.13µg/ml, 13.79± 0.80µg/ml and 2.78± 0.17mg/dl among healthy animals, respectively. Study concluded that lameness due to claw disorders is associated with a systemic acute phase response as significant (p less than 0.05) increase in levels of fibrinogen, Hp, and CRP was observed.

Long-term outcome after stifle arthroscopy in 82 Western performance horses (2003-2010).

To report the outcome of horses engaged in Western performance disciplines after stifle arthroscopy and identify prognostic factors for return to performance. Retrospective case series. Eighty-two Western performance horses undergoing stifle arthroscopy. Medical records were reviewed for horses involved in athletic performance/training for various Western performance disciplines and undergoing arthroscopy for lameness localized to the stifle. Follow-up was obtained ≥2 years postoperatively by telephone interviews with the owners. Preoperative and intraoperative findings as well as postoperative treatment were analyzed for their association with return to athletic performance as the primary outcome of interest. The most common disciplines represented were cutting (n = 38), Western pleasure (n = 13), and reining (n = 13). Approximately 40% (32/82) of horses returned to intended use after surgery. Increased age, higher degree of lameness, longer duration of lameness, and the presence of partial-thickness cartilage lesions decreased the odds of returning to athletic performance. Postoperative therapies (intra-articular: stem cells, corticosteroids, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein, hyaluronic acid/polysulfated glycosaminoglycans; systemic: nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs, hyaluronic acid/polysulfated glycosaminoglycans, oral joint supplements) did not affect the odds of returning to intended use. Less than half of the Western performance horses that underwent stifle arthroscopy returned to intended use. Older age, longer duration of lameness, and presence of partial-thickness cartilage lesions affected the odds of a horse returning to intended use. Postoperative therapies did not affect the outcome in this population. The prognosis of Western performance horses undergoing stifle arthroscopy is as guarded as that previously reported in horses of other disciplines.

Use of bisphosphonates in horses - a review

Systemic administration of tiludronate or clodronate decreases lameness in some horses suffering from navicular syndrome within 2-6 months of treatment. In horses that fail to respond to the first treatment, a follow-up treatment may still improve the lameness. Horses with a lameness duration of less than 6 months have better odds of experiencing improvement in lameness. Bisphosphonate (BP) treatment can result in renal damage, and it is recommended to assess renal function prior to and after treatment. Horses with pre-existing renal compromise should not be treated with BP, as this may promote deterioration of their renal status. Furthermore, BP should not be administered concurrently with non-steroidal antiinflammatory medications or other nephrotoxic drugs. One of the most common side effects of BP treatment in the horse is development of colic signs, which usually resolves with hand walking. In cases where medical treatment is warranted, N-butylscopolamine, xylazine, detomidine or butorphanol should be administered alone or in combination. The treatment with non-steroidal antiinflammatory medications is not recommended. In horses with muscle fasciculations, plasma electrolyte concentrations should be determined. The route of administration for BP should follow manufacturer recommendations, as local applications such as intraarticular injections or administration via regional limb perfusion may not be safe and are thus currently not recommended.

Correlation of a lameness scoring system and claw lesion

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between lameness scoring and clinical findings. The lameness scoring and a gait assessment took place during drying off, the first week after calving and two months after calving in 29 lame and 27 free of lameness cows. In between the farmer scored the lamness. Most of the lameness occurred in the hind limbs and were most frequently caused by dermatitis digitalis, Mortellaro, Limax, and Rusterholz sole ulcer. The mean duration of lameness after treatment was 26 days (median 16 days) and was significantly longer in case of horn lesions than in skin lesions (including interdigital dermatitis). Lameness- free control animals were often affected by heel horn erosion and digital dermatitis. It was shown that the sensitivity of lameness (lameness is caused by a certain aetiology) for a certain cause of lameness (dermatitis interdigitalis, doble sole, purulent hollow wall, Limax, digital dermatitis, Rusterholz sole ulcer and sole contusion) increases along with the threshold (degree of lameness) but that the specificity (no lameness is not related to a certain aetiology) remained constant at the same time. The highest sensitivity was achieved in injuries, followed by interdigital hyperplasia. The receiver operating curve (ROC) showed that lameness was the best selecting symptom in white line lesions followed by claw injury. The positive predictive values varied between 38.8% in white line lesions and 0% in Rusterholz's sole ulcer. The negative predictive values varied between 99.1% in interdigital dermatitis and 82.3% in interdigital dermatitis. The ROC analysis shows which lameness is more related to a certain claw disease. The results demonstrate, that a lameness score cannot be linked to a certain claw disease.

Effects of lameness at the time of drying off on the lactation and fertility performance of the following lactation

The aim of the study was to clarify how lameness and its severity in dairy cows at the time of drying off will affect the milk performance and fertility in the following lactation when treated appropriately at the time of drying off. The lameness scoring and a gait assessment took place during drying off, in the 1st week after calving, as well as 2 months after calving. Each lame cow was compared with a non-lame control cow from the same farm. The milk and fertility data of the following lactation were compared with those of the previous lactation. Most of the lameness occurred in the hind limbs and was most frequently due to digital dermatitis (Mortellaro), limax, and Rusterholz sole ulcer. The mean lameness duration after treatment was 26 days (median 16 days) and was significantly longer in case of horn lesions than in skin lesions. Recurrences most often occured in the interdigital cleft region. Lameness- free control animals were often affected by heel horn erosion and digital dermatitis. In the present study, a lameness treated at the time of dry off did not have a negative effect on fertility, but on milk yield and milk fat. Treatment could not eliminate these negative effects. However, it can be hypothesized that the negative effects on these and other parameters would have been even greater than without adequate treatment.

Risk factors associated with septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint in beef cattle

Lameness is a condition associated with important economic losses in beef cattle operations. Infection of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIJ) usually results in severe lameness and is an animal welfare concern; however, diagnosis of digital infection in beef cattle in the field is difficult and challenging for veterinarians. Identification of risk factors associated with septic arthritis of the DIJ in beef cattle could lead to early treatment and improve prognosis for future productive life. The objective of this study was to determine if factors such as duration of lameness, number of antibiotic treatments, severity of lameness, and the presence of asymmetric swelling at the coronary band of the affected foot are associated with septic arthritis of the DIJ in beef cattle.

Prospective Evaluation of Intra-Articular Dextrose Prolotherapy for Treatment of Osteoarthritis in Dogs.

The objective of this study was to evaluate intra-articular dextrose prolotherapy for osteoarthritis of the elbow or stifle in dogs in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, prospective pilot study. Seventeen dogs were evaluated with 10 meeting inclusion criteria for this study. Evaluations included orthopedic exam, visual lameness scoring, Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI), goniometry, kinetic gait analysis, and radiography. Initial lameness score, age, body weight, duration of lameness, and CBPI scores did not differ between groups. Change in CBPI pain severity score in the prolotherapy group from wk 6-12 was significantly less improved than in the placebo group, with no other significant differences in pain severity or pain interference scores between groups. Range of motion and radiographic scores did not differ between groups at any time. Mean kinetic forces improved in prolotherapy dogs but were not significantly different between treatment groups at any time. Although easily performed and well-tolerated, there were no statistically significant benefits of dextrose prolotherapy for treatment of osteoarthritis of the elbow and stifle in dogs. Post hoc power analysis of these sample means and standard deviations found that 29-106 animals per group would be necessary to demonstrate significant differences in kinetic forces, providing useful guidance for future studies.

Evaluation of surface blood flow in intact and ruptured canine cruciate ligaments using laser Doppler flowmetry.

To evaluate the usefulness of laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) to measure surface blood flow in canine cruciate ligaments, compare measurements in different sites of intact and partially ruptured canine cranial cruciate ligaments (CrCL) and intact caudal cruciate ligaments (CaCL), and investigate any association between surface blood flow in partially ruptured CrCL and synovitis or duration of clinical signs. Case-controlled clinical study. Sixteen dogs with partially ruptured CrCL and five dogs with intact CrCL. Blood cell flux (BCF) readings during three measurement cycles using LDF at two sites in each ligament (mid-substance and the distal portion of the CrCL, and mid-substance and the proximal portion of the CaCL) were recorded. Synovial changes were graded grossly and histologically using the Osteoarthritis Research Society International histopathology scoring system. The within-run coefficients of variation (CV) for a single BCF measurement cycle were 12.2% and 12.7% in the ruptured and intact CrCL groups, respectively. The between-run CV for three measurement cycles was 20.8% and 14.8%, respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC, absolute agreement) was 0.66 for a single measurement cycle and 0.86 for the average of three cycles. No difference in average BCF readings was found between any two sites in either group, but BCF readings in both CrCL sites were significantly higher in the ruptured CrCL group than the intact CrCL group. No associations between BCF and synovial grades or duration of lameness were identified. Laser Doppler flowmetry can be used to assess surface blood flow in intact and partially ruptured canine cruciate ligaments with acceptable precision. Using this method, surface blood flow appears greater in partially ruptured canine CrCL than intact CrCL. Further studies are required to determine if this is a sequela of trauma or synovitis.

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis in 17 Maine Coon cats.

Objectives From May 2009 to January 2015, 208 Maine Coon cats presented to the Tierklinik Hollabrunn - a small animal referral and first-opinion centre - and 17 (8.17%) cats were diagnosed with a slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). Over the same time period, 29 (0.67%) of 4348 cats (all breeds) were diagnosed with SCFE. Methods Clinical and orthopaedic examinations and diagnostic imaging were performed on all affected Maine Coons. Age at first presentation, sex, body weight, body condition score (BCS), unilateral or bilateral manifestation of the disease, activity level and duration of lameness, age at neutering and known family history of disease were recorded. Sixteen of 17 Maine Coons were surgically treated. Surgically removed femoral tissue samples were histologically examined in 13 cases. Results The mean age at first presentation was 21.47 months; male to female ratio was 16:1; mean body weight was 7.5 kg (range 5.3-9.3 kg); and mean BCS was 5.06/9.0. Seven cats were bilaterally affected; the median duration of decreased activity level and lameness was 2 weeks; mean age at neutering was 7.7 months (range 3.0-12.0 months); and four cats were littermates. Fourteen femoral head and neck ostectomies, eight total hip replacements and one primary fixation were performed. All 13 histologically available samples confirmed the diagnosis of SCFE. Conclusions and relevance To date, SCFE has been reported only occasionally in Maine Coon cats. However, the results of this study showed that Maine Coons were approximately 12-fold more likely to develop SCFE than the overall population of cats presenting to the Tierklinik Hollabrunn over the same time period. Male sex, neutering, delayed physeal closure and breed-specific high body weight may play an important role in the pathogenesis of SCFE in Maine Coon cats.

Clinical and low field magnetic resonance imaging features of osseous cyst‐like lesions of the proximal sesamoid bones in seven horses

SummaryOsseous cyst‐like lesions of the proximal sesamoid bones (PSBs) were diagnosed in 7 horses. The diagnosis was achieved radiographically prior to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in only one horse, and in the other 6 horses the diagnosis was made using low field MRI (retrospective evaluation of the radiographs after the MRI revealed ill‐defined radiolucencies of the PSBs in 4 of these horses). The horses ranged in age from 3 to 12 years, and the affected limbs included 3 forelimbs and 4 hindlimbs. The onset of lameness was reported to be sudden in 6 horses and insidious in one, and the duration of lameness at the time of MRI ranged from 0.3 to 11 months. The degree of lameness in the 6 horses with sudden‐onset lameness was moderate to severe. Pain on flexion of the affected metacarpo(tarso)phalangeal (fetlock) joint or exacerbation of the degree of lameness following fetlock flexion was recorded in 4 of the 7 horses. The MRI findings in all cases included a focal high signal intensity lesion (all magnetic resonance sequences) at various locations in one PSB. Both septic and nonseptic aetiologies were identified. Four of the 7 horses were subjected to euthanasia due to persistent lameness, one remained chronically lame and only 2 were able to return to their previous level of exercise.

Recovery of chronically lame dairy cows following treatment for claw horn lesions: a randomised controlled trial

A positively controlled, randomised controlled trial (RCT) was undertaken to test recovery of cows with claw horn lesions resulting in lameness of greater than two weeks duration. Cows on seven...