Evidence Of Lameness Research Articles

Tui-na Therapy for Shoulder Pain in a Young Great Dane

A 9-month-old male Great Dane developed acute non-weight bearing lameness of the right front leg after he slipped and fell while playing. A tentative diagnosis of soft tissue injury of the shoulder was made. The recommended conventional medical treatment of oral analgesics was declined by the owner who instead opted for traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM) therapy. The TCVM treatment included dry needle acupuncture (DNAP), Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) and Tui-na with improvement noted after the first TCVM session. In addition to Tui-na used during the TCVM sessions, simple techniques were taught to the owner to administer at home to support improvement and mobility recovery. The dog began using the leg again on the day after the first treatment, without the use of analgesics. After 2 weeks of TCVM therapy, the young dog was able to walk and run without evidence of lameness in the right front leg. This case highlights the benefit of augmenting TCVM therapy with Tui-na, particularly to manage acute soft tissue musculoskeletal injuries in dogs.

Treatment of cranial cruciate ligament insufficiency and medial patellar luxation in a small‐breed dog with a true spherical osteotomy

AbstractA 9‐year‐old, neutered, male, Cairn Terrier dog presented with a 3‐year history of progressive pain and lameness of the right hindlimb. After an acute episode of severe pain and non‐weight‐bearing lameness, the dog was referred to our clinic for evaluation. The physical examination was unremarkable; the orthopaedic examination revealed a positive cranial drawer sign and medial patellar luxation grade 3/4. Orthogonal radiographs were taken. Chronic degenerative changes consistent with cranial cruciate ligament insufficiency and medial patellar luxation were noted. Preoperative planning was performed using veterinary preoperative planning software. A spherical osteotomy was performed to level the tibial plateau, correct the medial patellar luxation and improve a valgus deformity. The osteotomy was stabilised using a polyaxial 2.0 tibial plateau levelling osteotomy plate. At the 8‐week postoperative follow‐up examination, the dog had normal weight‐bearing ability without evidence of lameness or pain.

Standing biceps brachii tenectomy to treat chronic bicipital tendinopathy associated with bursal fibrosis and humeral adhesions in a Quarter Horse gelding

SummaryChronic biceps brachii (BB) tendinopathy is a rare cause of lameness in horses that can be challenging to diagnose and treat successfully. This pathology is typically insidious in onset and unresponsive to conservative treatment. A 12‐year‐old Quarter Horse gelding presented for chronic severe lameness of the left forelimb that was localised to the left shoulder area. The horse was unresponsive to conservative management and surgical exploration revealed a grossly enlarged proximal BB tendon, a thickened fibrotic bicipital bursa and adhesions between the tendon, humerus and bursa. With standing sedation and local anaesthesia, the adhesions were debrided and 10 cm of the affected tendon was excised. Immediately post‐operatively, the left forelimb lameness dramatically decreased. The horse recovered well and after rehabilitation returned to the previous level of athletic performance without evidence of lameness or gait abnormality. In this case, tenectomy of the chronic unresponsive BB tendinopathy, with associated bursal fibrosis and humeral adhesions, was successful and resulted in a return to previous athletic performance without complications. Standing excision of the BB tendon may be a viable treatment option for chronic BB tendinopathy and associated conditions when there is significant compromise to the integrity of the BB tendon.

Transference of reference intervals for variables of instrumented gait analysis in walking dogs.

To use the small data approach of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) to evaluate the transferability of reference intervals (RIs) for kinetic variables obtained with instrumented gait analysis (IGA) in dogs from an RI-originator laboratory to another laboratory that used the same data acquisition and analytic techniques for IGA in walking dogs. 27 adult client-owned dogs without evidence of lameness. Dogs were individually walked at their preferred velocity on a pressure-sensing walkway for IGA at the Colorado State University Animal Gait Laboratory (CSU-AGL), and 6 valid trials were analyzed for each dog. The small data approach of the CLSI was then used to evaluate transferability of RIs previously established at the Purdue University Animal Gait Laboratory (PU-AGL). A linear model was used to establish weight-dependent RIs for peak vertical force (PVF). Results indicated that RIs of dynamic weight distribution (DWD), DWD symmetry index, DWD coefficient of variation, PVF symmetry index, and PVF coefficient of variation were transferable from PU-AGL to CSU-AGL, whereas the weight-dependent RIs for PVF were not. Regression slopes for PVF versus body weight were greater for all limbs in dogs tested at the CSU-AGL, compared with historic results for dogs tested at the PU-AGL. Use of the small data approach method of the CLSI to validate transference of RIs for IGA kinetic variables in walking dogs was simple and efficient to perform and may help facilitate clinical and research collaborations on gait analysis.

Surgical management of a lateral luxation of the tendon of the superficial digital flexor muscle using an autologous fascia lata graft

SUMMARYAn 18‐month‐old, 23‐kg, neutered male Staffordshire bull terrier was presented with acute left pelvic limb lameness. There was marked swelling at the level of the tuber calcanei, and lateral luxation of the tendon of the superficial digital flexor muscle (TSDFM) was palpable. Surgical correction included replacement of the TSDFM before apposition of the retinacular tissues. An autologous fascia lata graft was harvested from the ipsilateral limb and sutured over the primary suture line as augmentation. A modified Robert‐Jones bandage with caudally positioned splint was placed for 12 days, and 5‐minute lead exercise was started after 6 weeks. At 10 and 14 weeks postoperatively, the dog was exercising without evidence of lameness or clinical signs. Subjective grading by the attending veterinary surgeon (European College of Veterinary Surgeons boarded surgeon) revealed no lameness at either time point (Visual Analogue Scale score of 0/10). A clinical metrology questionnaire revealed normal mobility (Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs Questionnaire score of 3).

Correction of Carpal Valgus and Flexural Deformity with z-Tenotomy and Anastomosis Procedure in a Dog

AbstractThis study aimed to describe a staged bilateral z-tenotomy and anastomosis procedure of flexor carpi ulnaris and superficial digital flexor tendons for the correction of carpal valgus and flexural deformity in a 1-year-old male-neutered Akita dog. Bilateral carpal valgus and flexural deformity were observed with palpably taut flexor carpi ulnaris tendons. The dog had a mild, weight-bearing bilateral forelimb lameness with the left forelimb more severely affected. Both forelimbs were treated with staged z-tenotomy and anastomosis procedure of both flexor carpi ulnaris and superficial digital flexor tendons. Successful tendon lengthening and correction of carpal valgus were achieved via z-tenotomy and anastomosis of affected tendons. No complications were observed. An 18-month follow-up revealed no evidence of lameness or carpal valgus. Though tendon injuries commonly occur in small animal patients, there is a shortage of reported cases, especially involving musculotendinous contractures. There are even fewer reports of successful tenotomy procedures. This case report supports successful outcome of the z-tenotomy procedure in a canine patient.

Uso de fixador externo e tratamento de ferida por segunda intenção em fratura aberta com extensa perda de tecido cutâneo e muscular em membro torácico de um cão – relato de caso

This paper describes the case of a dog with an open radial and ulnar fracture associated with radiocarpal subluxation and great loss of adjacent tissues. Radial and ulnar osteosynthesis, as well as arthrodesis, were performed with modified type I external fixator. The traumatic wound was treated daily with a mixture of crystal sugar and nitrofurazone, for second intention healing. The wound epithelialization occurred within 60 postoperative days along with fracture healing which led to the removal of the external fixator. The patient returned 7 months after surgery showing good locomotion, with no clinical evidence of lameness. The techniques used in this case presented good results with good healing, good fracture stabilization and adequate immobilization of the radiocarpal joint.

Pressure Mat Analysis of Walk and Trot Gait Characteristics in 66 Normal Small, Medium, Large, and Giant Breed Dogs.

Objectives: To document temporospatial variables and gait symmetry measured by the GAITRite® system for normal, healthy dogs at the walk and trot with the leash side recorded.Study Design: Observational, prospective, cohort study.Sample Population: 66 healthy dogs of various common breeds with no evidence of lameness that were small (< 10 kg), medium (10- < 25 kg), large (25- < 40 kg), or giant (≥40 kg).Methods: Dogs walked and trotted at their preferred velocity on a pressure sensing walkway system. Video observation confirmed inclusion criteria were met for three valid trials at each gait for each dog. Coefficients of variance were used to summarize the data for analysis. Fore and hindlimb ratios were compared. Gait symmetry was assessed with the leash on the left and right side.Results: Coefficients of variation for gait parameters ranged from 20 to 28% for all except velocity and hind reach. There was no statistically significant difference in differences in fore and hindlimb ratios for stance %, GLS, TPI, or step:stride ratio, across weight categories or between walk and trot. Less than 8% of normal dogs had a GLS score < 90 (indicating lameness). Leash side did influence gait symmetry, since GLS, TPI, and step:stride all had statistically significant differences in means between leash side, irrelevant of the weight category or gait.Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: This system allowed simple, reliable gait assessment and values reported may be considered normal reference ranges for temporospatial variables collected with this system within the weight ranges and gaits reported. Controlling leash side and patient size is recommended for therapeutic intervention studies.

Determination of reference intervals for fluid analysis and cytologic evaluation variables in synovial fluid samples obtained from carpal and tarsal joints in commercial nonlame growing swine.

OBJECTIVE To determine reference intervals for total nucleated cell count, total protein concentration, pH, RBC count, and percentages of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and large mononuclear cells in synovial fluid samples (SFSs) obtained from the carpal and tarsal joints of healthy swine. ANIMALS 54 healthy commercial finisher pigs that had no evidence of lameness or gross joint swelling. PROCEDURES Each pig was anesthetized, and SFSs were collected from 1 carpal and 1 tarsal joint for fluid analysis, cytologic evaluation, bacterial culture, and PCR analyses for common swine joint pathogens. Each pig was euthanized after SFS collection, and synovial tissue samples were collected for histologic assessment. If necessary, postmortem SFSs were collected. RESULTS Overall, 37 of 50 tarsal and 46 of 53 carpal SFSs met inclusion criteria of sufficient volume, no gross blood contamination, and negative results of bacterial culture and PCR analyses, and were from joints with histologically normal synovial tissues. For the carpal and tarsal joints, upper reference limits were as follows: total nucleated cell count, 3,281 cells/μL and 2,368 cells/μL, respectively; total protein concentration, 3.6 g/dL and 3.6 g/dL, respectively; pH, 7.2 and 7.0, respectively; RBC count, 0.8 × 106 cells/μL and 0.1 × 106 cells/μL, respectively; and percentage of neutrophils, 46.5% and 33.7%, respectively; percentage of lymphocytes, 40.6% and 56.3%, respectively; and percentage of large mononuclear cells, 92.0% and 95.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results have provided reference intervals for selected variables in SFSs obtained from the carpal and the tarsal joints of healthy swine, which should be useful in diagnostic investigations of swine lameness and arthritis.

Osteochondrosis prevalence and severity at 12 and 24 weeks of age in commercial pigs with and without organic-complexed trace mineral supplementation.

Maternal and progeny diets supplemented with 2 sources of trace mineral (TM) were evaluated for effects on the size and severity of osteochondrosis (OC) lesions in progeny produced by 64 Landrace × Large White sows. At breeding, sows were randomly assigned to maternal diets (gestation and lactation) consisting 1 of 2 TM treatments. One treatment consisted of inorganic TM (ITM) with ZnO, MnSO, and CuSO at concentrations to provide 150, 50, and 16.5 mg/kg diet of Zn, Mn, and Cu, respectively. The other treatment consisted of the same ITM concentrations plus an additional 50, 20, and 10 mg/kg diet of Zn, Mn, and Cu, respectively, supplied by a blend of AA-complexed TM (CTM) using Availa Sow. Within maternal dietary treatment groups, selected progeny ( = 280) were fed either ITM- or CTM-supplemented diets. The humerus and femur (1 each) from progeny euthanized at 12 ( = 80) or 24 wk ( = 200) were collected for microscopic (12 wk) or gross (24 wk) assessment of OC lesions. Microscopic OC lesions were present in all pigs at 12 wk. Dietary treatments had limited effects on OC prevalence or severity. A maternal × progeny diet interaction ( = 0.044) revealed femoral OC latens lesions that were approximately twice the size in progeny fed CTM that were produced by sows fed CTM compared with those found in pigs in the other 3 dietary treatment groups. At 24 wk, the sum of gross OC scores at predilection sites of the thoracic (elbow joint) and pelvic (stifle and hock joints) limbs remained similar among treatments, despite greater ( = 0.004) gross OC scores of the medial femoral condyle in progeny from sows fed CTM diets than in progeny from sows fed ITM diets, regardless of progeny diet. Progeny produced by sows fed CTM vs. ITM had increased ADG (0.71 vs. 0.68 ± 0.01 kg/d), regardless of the diet fed to progeny during the growth phases. Covariant analysis using ADG did not alter inferences about maternal or progeny diet effects on OC responses. Although 100% of progeny at 12 wk had histologically apparent OC lesions, only 3 of the 200 pigs examined at 24 wk had gross lesions of sufficient severity to potentially result in clinically apparent disease. Therefore, although some results imply that maternal and progeny CTM diets increased the size (12 wk) and severity (24 wk) of OC in 1 site (the femur), on the whole animal level, no evidence of lameness was noted.

Concurrent cranial and caudal sartorius muscle flaps for reconstruction of an abdominal wall defect after resection of a high-grade rhabdomyosarcoma in a dog

A five-year-old male neutered border collie presented with a soft tissue sarcoma in his right flank. CT revealed that the mass originated from the right rectus abdominis muscle. The mass...

Effect of floor type on hoof lesions, dirt scores, immune response and production of beef bulls

The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of old and new concrete slats (CS) with or without rubber mats (RM) on animal performance, hoof health, dirt scores and health status of finishing bulls. Continental crossbred beef bulls (n=72; mean initial live weight=441 (s.d. 45.1) kg) were blocked by breed and live weight and randomly assigned by block to one of four treatments; (1) Old CS (2) New CS, (3) Old CS covered with RM, (4) New CS covered with RM. Each treatment had 3 pens of 6 bulls at a space allowance of 2.9m2 per animal. Bulls were fed a total mixed ration (TMR) of silage and rolled barley on a 54:46 dry matter (DM) basis for 148 days. Feed was weighed into each pen daily and refusals were weighed twice weekly. Bulls were weighed every three weeks to coincide with dirt scoring. Total leucocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte, eosinophil, monocyte, basophil and red blood cell number and haemoglobin concentrations were measured on day 0 and day 148. Bull's hooves were inspected for the presence of lesions at the start of the study and again at slaughter. After slaughter, carcass weight, carcass gain, conformation and fat score, kidney and channel fat and hide weight were recorded. Bulls on RM had a greater average daily gain (ADG) (0.16kg/day) (P<0.01), kidney and channel fat weight (KCF) (P<0.05), hide weight (P<0.01) and a better feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P<0.05) than those on CS. Floor type had no effect on dry matter intake (DMI), slaughter weight, carcass weight, kill out percentage, conformation score or fat score. Bulls on RM had 44% more hoof lesions (P<0.01) than those on CS. There were slat×time (P<0.05) and mat×time (P<0.01) interactions for dirt scores. Bulls on slats were dirtier than those on mats on days 63, 84 and 126 (P<0.01) while bulls on new slats were dirtier than those on old slats on days 21 (P<0.01) and 42 (P<0.05). Floor type had no effect (P>0.05) on any of the haematological variables measured which suggests that the immunological status of the bulls was not affected by treatment. While there was no evidence of lameness in bulls on RM, the increased number of hoof lesions suggests that hoof health may be compromised in bulls housed on RM.

Bacteremia in the pedal circulation following regional intravenous perfusion of a 2% lidocaine solution in cattle with deep digital sepsis.

To evaluate whether pedal bacteremia develops following regional IV perfusion (RIVP) of a 2% lidocaine hydrochloride solution in cattle with deep digital sepsis (DDS) and to determine which bacterial pathogens are most commonly isolated from the pedal circulation. Prospective observational cohort study. 9 adult cattle with DDS in 10 limbs and 10 healthy adult cattle with no evidence of lameness or digital infection. Blood samples were obtained aseptically from the dorsal common digital vein immediately following tourniquet application and 30 to 60 minutes after aseptic RIVP with a 2% lidocaine solution. Aerobic and anaerobic bacterial cultures were performed on all samples collected. For cattle with DDS, clinical examination with or without debridement of digital lesions was performed after RIVP. Bacteria were isolated from pedal blood prior to RIVP in 1 cow with DDS and after RIVP and examination with or without debridement in that cow and 4 additional cattle with DDS. Bacteria were not isolated from any blood sample obtained from the healthy cattle. Of the 8 bacterial isolates identified, 5 were gram-positive facultative anaerobes. Cattle with DDS were significantly more likely to develop bacteremia in the pedal circulation than were healthy cattle following RIVP. Results indicated that bacteremia may be present in the pedal circulation before and following RIVP and examination with or without debridement in cattle with DDS. Thus, systemic or local antimicrobial treatment might be warranted prior to or concurrently with RIVP in cattle with DDS.

Traumatic Triceps Tendon Avulsion in a Dog: Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Surgical Management Evaluation

ABSTRACTWe report here the clinical presentation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and successful surgical management associated with triceps tendon avulsion in a dog. A definitive diagnosis of triceps tendon avulsion was made based on MRI with evidence of displacement of the triceps tendon. Surgical correction of triceps tendon avulsion was performed with two horizontal mattress sutures using polyester and two tunnels drilled in the olecranon to reattach the tendon to the proximal olecranon. At 9 months, there was no evidence of lameness on the left thoracic limb. This is the first case report to describe MRI evaluation for the diagnosis of the triceps tendon avulsion.

Metaphylactic gamithromycin treatment for the management of lameness in ewes putatively caused by Bacteroides melaninogenicus

SUBCUTANEOUS injection of 6 mg/kg gamithromycin, while not licensed for use in sheep, was clinically shown to be effective for metaphylactic treatment of footrot-like lesions, putatively caused by Bacteroides melaninogenicus...

Comparison of temporospatial and kinetic variables of walking in small and large dogs on a pressure-sensing walkway

To compare temporospatial variables (TSVs) and kinetic variables (KVs) for fore-limbs and hind limbs of small and large dogs of various breeds during walking and to determine associations among body weight (BW), TSVs, and KVs in these groups. 12 adult dogs with no evidence of lameness. Dogs (grouped according to BW as small [< 10 kg; n = 6] or large [> 25 kg; 6]) were walked in a straight line at their preferred velocity on a wooden platform with an embedded pressure-sensing walkway. Five valid trials were analyzed for each dog; mean TSVs and KVs were determined for each group. The TSVs and KVs for forelimbs and hind limbs were compared between groups, and correlations among BW, TSVs, and KVs were determined. Small dogs had significantly smaller TSVs and KVs than did large dogs. Temporal variables of small dogs and absolute vertical force variables of small and large dogs increased as BW increased. However, normalized peak vertical force and weight distribution values among the 4 limbs were similar between groups. Substantial similarities and differences were detected in gait characteristics between small and large dogs. Results indicated TSVs and KVs can be used for comparison of the walking gait between dogs or for comparison of variables between limbs in an individual dog. Use of the pressure-sensing walkway is a simple method for acquisition of TSVs and KVs for large and small dogs.

Toggle-Pin Technique for Management of Coxofemoral Luxation in an Alpaca

To report repair of a coxofemoral joint luxation in an Alpaca using a toggle-pin technique. Case report. An 11-month intact male Alpaca with luxation of the right coxofemoral joint. The Alpaca was anesthetized and an open repair and reduction of the luxation was performed using a toggle-pin technique. The luxation was successfully reduced. An Ehmer sling was used for the initial 3 days after surgery and the Alpaca was discharged 7 days postoperatively without complications. Follow-up examinations confirmed maintained reduction of the coxofemoral joint, as well as no evidence of lameness or muscle atrophy. Coxofemoral joint luxations in Alpacas can be successfully repaired using a toggle-pin technique alone, without the need for other techniques such as capsular reconstruction or greater trochanter transposition. Use of an Ehmer sling for the immediate postoperative period provided additional protection to the repair and was tolerated well.

Quality defects in market beef and dairy cows and bulls sold through livestock auction markets in the Western United States: II. Relative effects on selling price1

Relative effects of Beef Quality Assurance (BQA)-related defects in market beef and dairy cows and bulls on selling price at auction was evaluated during 2008. The presence and severity of 23 BQA-related traits were determined during sales in Idaho, California, and Utah. Overall, 18,949 unique lots consisting of 23,479 animals were assessed during 125 dairy sales and 79 beef sales. Mean sale price ± SD (per 45.5 kg) for market beef cows, beef bulls, dairy cows, and dairy bulls was $45.15 ± 9.42, $56.30 ± 9.21, $42.23 ± 12.26, and $55.10 ± 9.07, respectively. When combined, all recorded traits explained 36% of the variation in selling price in beef cows, 35% in beef bulls, 61% in dairy cows, and 56% in dairy bulls. Premiums and discounts were determined in comparison with a "par" or "base" animal. Compared with a base BCS 5 beef cow (on a 9-point beef scale), BCS 1 to 4 cows were discounted (P < 0.0001), whereas premiums (P < 0.05) were estimated for BCS 6 to 8. Compared with a base BCS 3.0 dairy cow (on a 5-point dairy scale), more body condition resulted in a premium (P ≤ 0.001), whereas a less-than-desirable BCS of 2.0 or 2.5 was discounted (P < 0.0001). Emaciated or near-emaciated cows (beef BCS 1 or 2; dairy BCS 1.0 or 1.5) were discounted (P < 0.0001). Compared with base cows weighing 545 to 635 kg, lighter BW beef cows were discounted (P < 0.0001), whereas heavier beef cows received (P < 0.05) a premium. Compared with a base dairy cow weighing 636 to 727 kg, lighter BW cows were discounted (P < 0.0001), whereas heavier cows (727 to 909 kg) received a premium (P < 0.01). Beef and dairy cows with any evidence of lameness were discounted (P < 0.0001). Presence of ocular neoplasia in the precancerous stage discounted (P = 0.05) beef cows and discounted (P < 0.01) dairy cows, whereas at the cancerous stage, it discounted (P < 0.0001) all cows. Hide color influenced (P < 0.0001) selling price in beef cattle but had no effect (P = 0.17) in dairy cows. Animals that were visibly sick were discounted (P < 0.0001). Results suggest that improving BCS and BW, which producers can do at the farm or ranch level, positively affects sale price. Furthermore, animals that are visibly sick or have a defect associated with a possible antibiotic risk will be discounted. Ultimately, animals with minor quality defects should be sold in a timely manner before the defect advances and the discount increases.

Computed Tomographic, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and Cross-Sectional Anatomic Features of the Manus in a Normal American Black Bear (Ursus americanus)

The purpose of this study was to provide a detailed description of cross-sectional anatomic structures of the manus of a black bear cadaver and correlate anatomic findings with corresponding features in computed tomographic (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) images. CT, MR imaging, and transverse sectioning were performed on the thoracic limb of a cadaver female black bear which had no evidence of lameness or thoracic limb abnormality prior to death. Features in CT and MR images corresponding to clinically important anatomic structures in anatomic sections were identified. Most of the structures identified in transverse anatomic sections were also identified using CT and MR imaging. Bones, muscles and tendons were generally easily identified with both imaging modalities, although divisions between adjacent muscles were rarely visible with CT and only visible sometimes with MR imaging. Vascular structures could not be identified with either imaging modality.

Omentalisation as adjunctive treatment of an infected femoral nonunion fracture: a case report.

A three-year-old male working border collie with an infected femoral nonunion fracture was managed in a two-stage procedure involving debridement and omentalisation, followed by stabilisation with a bone plate and an autogenous cancellous bone graft. Osseous union was documented radiographically 16 weeks after surgery. Telephone follow-up one year later revealed the dog had returned to full working function without evidence of lameness. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first clinical case described in the veterinary literature using omentalisation as an adjunct to the management of an infected, biologically inactive nonunion fracture.