Ultrasonography of the distal limbs in Nellore and Girolando calves 8 to 12 months of age

Ultrasonographic description of tendons and ligaments at the palmar (plantar) aspect of the distal limb in the one humped camel (Camelus dromedarius)

OBJECTIVE

To provide complete anatomical and ultrasonographic description of tendons and ligaments at the palmar (plantar) aspect of the cannon and phalangeal regions of the one-humped camel.

DESIGN

Forty-two (21 fore and 21 hind) clinically normal camel cadavers' limbs disarticulated at the carpal and tarsal joints and three clinically normal mature camels were included in the study. Six cadaver limbs (three fore and three hind) were dissected, and another six limbs specimens (three fore and three hind) were frozen at -20° for 1 week then sectioned transversely with an electric band saw at different distances distal to the carpometacarpal and tarsometatarsal joints. The ultrasonographic study was carried out on the live camels and 30 cadaveric limbs. The shape, echogenicity and measurements (thickness, width and cross-sectional area) of superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT), deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT), suspensory ligament (SL), and sesamoidean ligaments were recorded and the differences in values between live animals and cadaveric specimens were statistically analysed.

RESULTS

The shape and echogenicity of SDFT, DDFT, and SL, varied between proximal, middle, and distal thirds of the cannon bone and the phalangeal region. There was no significant difference between live animal and cadaveric specimens.

CONCLUSION

This study provided complete description of tendons and ligaments at the palmar (plantar) aspect of the cannon and phalangeal region of the one humped camel. The data obtained serves as a reference guide for practicing veterinarians and for future studies on injury to ligaments and tendons of camel's distal extremity.

Ultrasonographic anatomy of the distal flexor structures of the thoracic members of rodeo bulls

The veterinarian is responsible for monitoring and inspecting rodeos, thus ensuring the welfare of the animals. Clinical follow-up is of great importance in animal athletes, and ultrasound has become an important, widely used complementary diagnostic method in the evaluation of these animals. In equine medicine and dairy cattle, there are several studies that describe tendon injuries through ultrasonography. However, in athlete bulls, there are still no studies using this tool as a diagnostic aid for these injuries. The first objective of the present study is to describe the ultrasound anatomy of the distal flexor structures of the thoracic limbs of healthy rodeo bulls and their measurements. The second objective is to report sonographic findings referring to changes found in the studied region of these animals. Forty-two bulls from a farm specialized in breeding and training high-performance animals were evaluated. Physical evaluation and measurements of external parameters were performed to verify possible correlations. For the ultrasound examination, a 10 MHz linear probe was used. Measurements were taken of the tendons of the flexor digit muscles, branch of the interosseous muscle for the tendon of the superficial digital flexor muscle and interosseous muscle. 42 animals were evaluated, but two were excluded from the statistical analysis because they had a history of lameness or excessive effort in the preceding six months, and their cases are described in this study. Based on knowledge of ultrasound and anatomy, greater reliability is obtained in the diagnosis and prognosis of these animals.

Comparison of distal forelimb conformations between Japanese Black and Holstein-Friesian newborn calves

Flexural and hyperextension deformities are congenital problems in calves. We, therefore, aimed to investigate the distal limb conformation in 1 day- and 28-day-old female Holstein-Friesian (HF) calves (n=21), male Japanese Black (JB) calves (n=15), and female JB calves (n=15). The claw angle of the forelimb dorsal claw wall in a standing position and recorded other parameters, including body weight, withers height, circumference of forelimbs, and flexor tendon thickness in the forelimbs, were measured and compared these between the three groups. At 1 day old, the mean claw angles were 51.1° in female HF calves, 47.0° in male JB calves, and 41.8° in female JB calves; the 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the claw angles showed large distributions in all three groups. One female HF and one male JB calves showed mild flexural deformity, whereas four JB calves showed hyperextension deformity. At 28 days old, the mean claw angles were 51.7° in female HF calves, 51.2° in male JB calves, and 48.4° in female JB calves; the 95% CIs of the claw angles showed smaller distributions than those at 1 day old in all groups. For all groups, the limb deformities had improved without treatment at 28 days old. As a feature of the breed, female JB calves were apt to show hyperextended deformities inversely proportional to the body weight. These limb deformities healed spontaneously and were thought to be physiological.

Clinical findings, treatment, and outcome in 11 dairy heifers with breakdown injury due to interosseous medius muscle rupture

OBJECTIVE

To describe the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of fetlock breakdown due to interosseus medius muscle rupture in cattle.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective clinical study.

ANIMALS

Dairy heifers with unilateral or bilateral interosseus medius muscle rupture (n = 11).

METHODS

Breakdown injury due to rupture of the interosseus medius muscle was documented clinically, radiographically, and ultrasonographically. Breakdown was bilateral in 4 heifers (3 in forelimbs, 1 in hind limbs) and unilateral in 7 (all hind limbs). One heifer with severe bilateral hind limb breakdown was slaughtered and the remaining 10 were treated by transfixation pin cast (1 heifer), box rest (n = 2), and/or a cast and splint (7).

RESULTS

Hyperextension of the fetlock and hyperflexion of the proximal interphalangeal joints during weight bearing were characteristic for interosseus muscle breakdown. Ultrasonographically, the origin and body of the interosseus muscle and the branches to the sesamoid bones were primarily affected by the rupture. Conservative treatment was successful (used for their intended purpose) in 8 of 9 heifers with a median lifespan of 32 months after discharge from the clinic (range 6-83).

CONCLUSION

Rupture of the interosseus medius muscle in young cattle may be more common than previously suggested in the literature. Imaging with ultrasound allowed more detailed localization of lesions of the musculo-tendinous structure. Interosseus medius muscle rupture had a favorable prognosis when treated conservatively in these heifers.