Scapulohumeral subluxation and luxation in five alpacas

INTRODUCTION

The patient histories, findings from clinical examinations, diagnostic imaging techniques, the surgical procedures, complications, necropsy findings and the outcomes from five male or castrated male alpacas with scapulohumeral sub-/luxation are presented. These alpacas each had a history of severe forelimb lameness for one week (n: 1), four weeks (n: 2) and for two-to-three months (n: 2). Two of the five alpacas were euthanized due to severe osteoarthritic changes that developed during the two-to-three months of scapulohumeral luxation. Three alpacas were treated with open reduction and internal stabilisation by placing tension band sutures between one 4,5 mm cortical screw anchored in the scapular neck and two 4,5 mm cortical screws anchored in the greater humeral tubercle, all of them provided with washers. Post-surgery a carpal flexion sling was applied to avoid postoperative weight-bearing. An exercise programme was started after removal of the carpal sling and continued for 12 weeks. In one of the three alpacas an additional non-displaced fracture of the acromion occurred two weeks after surgery. In conclusion, all three treated alpacas had good-to-excellent long-term outcomes and are still alive 123, 15 and 12 months after surgical repair of the scapulohumeral sub-/luxation. As four weeks, or even up to three months elapsed in four of these five alpacas until a definitive diagnosis was made, more education should be provided to alpaca owners that severely lame animals should be presented to a veterinarian with adequate diagnostic possibilities and expertise as soon as possible in order not to compromise treatment success.

Hind feet position score: A novel trait to genetically reduce lameness incidence

Lameness is an important health and welfare issue that causes considerable economic losses in dairy herds. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the hind feet position score (HFPS) can be used as an auxiliary trait for genetic evaluation of lameness. The HFPS is evaluated by visual scoring of the position of both the hind-digits to the mid-line of the cow's body. The higher the heel height of the lateral claw, the higher is the HFPS, and the higher is the risk for development of lameness. In total, 3,478 records from 1,064 Fleckvieh cows from 35 farms were obtained between September 1, 2021, and March 5, 2022. Data collection was carried out by the regional milk recording organizations. Hind feet position was scored visually by trained personnel during routine milk performance testing in the milking parlor using a 3-class scoring system: score 1 = 0° to <17° indicating a balanced heel height of both the medial and the lateral claw; score 2 = angle of 17° to 24°; score 3 = angle of >24°. After all cows had been milked, locomotion scoring was performed for each animal using a 5-class scoring system with locomotion scores ranging between 1 (normal) and 5 (severely lame). Using HFPS, sensitivity and specificity were 69.5% and 66.8%, respectively, for detecting lameness defined by locomotion score ≥2. For genetic analyses, a bivariate linear animal model was fitted with fixed effects of herd, parity, lactation stage, and classifier, and random effects of animal and permanent environment. Heritabilities for HFPS and locomotion score were 0.07 and 0.10, respectively, and the genetic correlation between the 2 traits studied was 0.80. These results suggest that the HFPS could be used for genetic evaluations to reduce lameness incidence in dairy cattle.

Nivolumab for locally advanced and metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (NIVOSQUACS study)-Phase II data covering impact of concomitant haematological malignancies

BACKGROUND

Monoclonal antibodies, such as cemiplimab and pembrolizumab, against the programmed death receptor (PD)-1 have become the current standard of care and first-line treatment of advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), proving remarkable clinical benefit and acceptable safety.

OBJECTIVES

To assess efficacy and safety of the anti-PD-1 antibody nivolumab in patients with locally advanced and metastatic cSCC.

METHODS

Patients received open-label nivolumab 240 mg intravenously every 2 weeks for up to 24 months. Patients with concomitant haematological malignancies (CHMs), either non-progressing or stable under active therapy, were eligible for inclusion.

RESULTS

Of 31 patients with a median age of 80 years, 22.6% of patients achieved an investigator assessed complete response, resulting in an objective response rate (ORR) of 61.3% and a disease control rate (DCR) of 64.5%. Progression-free survival (PFS) was 11.1 months, and the median overall survival (OS) was not reached after 24 weeks of therapy. Median follow-up was 23.82 months. Subgroup analysis of the CHM cohort (n = 11; 35%) revealed an ORR of 45.5%, a DCR of 54.5%, a median PFS of 10.9 months, and median OS of 20.7 months. Treatment related adverse events were reported in 58.1% of all patients (19.4% grade 3, the remaining grade 1 or 2). PD-L1 expression and CD-8+ T-cell infiltration did not significantly correlate with clinical response, although a trend towards a shorter PFS of 5.6 months was observed with PD-L1 negativity and low CD8+ intratumoral infiltration.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated robust clinical efficacy of nivolumab in patients with locally advanced and metastatic cSCCs and a tolerability comparable to data of other anti-PD-1 antibodies. Favourable outcomes were obtained despite involving the oldest hitherto reported study cohort for anti-PD-1 antibodies and a significant proportion of CHM patients prone to high risk tumours and an aggressive course otherwise typically excluded from clinical trials.

Targeting the post-synaptic proteome has therapeutic potential for psychosis in Alzheimer Disease

Individuals with Alzheimer Disease who develop psychotic symptoms (AD + P) experience more rapid cognitive decline and have reduced indices of synaptic integrity relative to those without psychosis (AD-P). We sought to determine whether the postsynaptic density (PSD) proteome is altered in AD + P relative to AD-P, analyzing PSDs from dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of AD + P, AD-P, and a reference group of cognitively normal elderly subjects. The PSD proteome of AD + P showed a global shift towards lower levels of all proteins relative to AD-P, enriched for kinases, proteins regulating Rho GTPases, and other regulators of the actin cytoskeleton. We computationally identified potential novel therapies predicted to reverse the PSD protein signature of AD + P. Five days of administration of one of these drugs, the C-C Motif Chemokine Receptor 5 inhibitor, maraviroc, led to a net reversal of the PSD protein signature in adult mice, nominating it as a novel potential treatment for AD + P.

[Impact of lameness on fertility traits in Austrian Fleckvieh cows - results from the Efficient-Cow-project]

INTRODUCTION

The impact of lameness on fertility in dairy cows has already been investigated, however predominantely in Holstein cows. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of lameness during the dry period, between calving and first service and between calving and conception (days open) on selected fertility traits in Austrian Fleckvieh cows. Locomotion scoring of dairy cows was performed during the course of routine performance testing in 2014 and 2015. Using the observed maximum locomotion score (MLSC) during pre- and postcalving periods, the cows were classified into three groups: cows never lame (MLSC 1), cows that showed MLSC 2, and cows with MLSC ≥3 during these defined periods. Data sets of 3,998 lactations of 3,058 Austrian Fleckvieh cows from 97 dairy herds could be evaluated. In several statistical models the fixed effects of MLSC (1, 2, ≥ 3), farm, year and season of calving, parity*age class at calving, and early fertility disorders were considered for analysis of the traits days from calving to first insemination, interval from first to last insemination, days from calving to conception and calving interval (CI), as well as the non-return-rate90 (NRR90). Mean lameness prevalence during the dry period was 19,43 %, and reached 27,70 % in the period between calving and conception. Lameness (MLSC ≥ 3) during the dry period significantly (P = 0,030) prolonged the period between calving and conception, and lameness (MLSC ≥ 3) during the period from calving to first service had a significantly detrimental effect on the periods calving to first insemination, days open and CI (P < 0,001). Further, highly significant associations (P < 0,001) in cows showing MLSC ≥ 2 during the period between calving and conception on all fertility traits were determined. Apart from lameness, farm, year and season of calving, parity*-age class at calving, early fertility disorders and, partly, the interaction of the latter two effects significantly (P.

[Impact of lameness on milk yield in dairy cows in Austria - results from the Efficient-Cow-project]

INTRODUCTION

Introduction The impact of lameness on milk yield in dairy cows has been investigated already in many countries by several authors, taking into consideration almost exclusively locomotion scores ≥ 3. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of lameness and of the various lameness scores (2-5) on milk yield and milk solids in cows of the three most important dairy cattle breeds (Fleckvieh, Braunvieh, Holstein-Friesian) in Austria within one lactation period. Material and methods Locomotion scoring of dairy cows was performed by trained personnel every 30-40 days in 2014 during the course of routine performance testing. From the recorded locomotion scores (1-5) and the number of lameness episodes, the cows were classified into five lactation-locomotion-score-groups (LLS-G1-5). In total, data sets of 4005 cows from 144 dairy farms across Austria could be evaluated. Using two statistical models the fixed effects on LLS group, breed (evaluation across all breeds in model 1), farm, year and season of calving, parity and the «continuous effect» number of milking days were included in the analyses of milk, fat and protein yield. Results The mean, cumulative lameness prevalence during the observation period was 51.0%, and 8.1% were cows from the LLS-G5 group showing repeated and severe locomotion scores. During the first 100 days in milk 34.7% of all cows were lame. In model 1, all effects considered had a significant impact (P .

Ultrasonographic diagnosis of closed pedal bone fractures in bovine claws: An ex-vivo study in slaughterhouse specimens

Pedal bone fractures are one of the most common fracture locations in adult cattle and can be diagnosed by radiographs in two planes. Most bovine practitioners do not have access to such X-ray machines, but many use ultrasound units on a daily basis, primarily for reproductive medicine. For this reason, in this double-masked, randomized controlled study, we aimed to investigate the suitability of ultrasonographic examination using a 5 MHz linear transducer for diagnosing closed fractures of the pedal bone in cattle. A total of 54 hindlimb claws from slaughtered cattle were prepared and approximately 50% of the claws were artificially fractured. All claws were ultrasonographically examined twice by two examiners to determine the presence or absence of fractures and their locations. Ultrasound results were confirmed using radiographs of the claws as the reference standard method. All fracture locations as determined by ultrasonography were situated within ±2 mm of the radiographically-determined fracture zone. Ultrasound examination yielded a calculated sensitivity of 93%, a specificity of 91% and an inter-rater reliability of 0.77. The intra-rater reliability for the examiners were 0.96 and 0.88. Examiner experience with ultrasound examination and using ultrasound images for diagnosis could have influenced diagnostic accuracy. We conclude that artificially-created pedal bone fractures in ex-vivo bovine claws can be diagnosed using ultrasonography; similar results are expected in live animals. These results should encourage veterinarians to use ultrasonography for diagnosing pedal bone fractures in cattle.

Polyarthritis caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae in three Austrian sheep flocks - diagnosis, treatment and management measures

INTRODUCTION

Polyarthritis caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a well-known disease in pigs, and ovine erysipelas infection also commonly affects two-to-six month-old lambs. This report describes case histories of three sheep flocks where lambs exhibited swollen joints and lameness. Special emphasis was given to clinical and diagnostic imaging findings, synovia sampling and the treatment regime. Lambs with only mild lameness, liquid serofibrinous joint effusion and lambs showing no bone involvement, as revealed by ultrasonography or radiography, were treated with systemically administered antibiotics selected from results of antimicrobial susceptibility testing of E. rhusiopathiae isolated from synovial samples, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Lambs with severe lameness and severely swollen joints were euthanized, and routine necropsy was undertaken with a focus on the joints. Further, a herd-specific autogenous vaccine was produced by a specialized laboratory. In conclusion, E. rhusiopathiae infection should be considered as a differential diagnosis in herds associated with lameness and polyarthritis in lambs aged between two up to 17 months.

[Congenital flexural deformity in 93 calves - appearance, treatment techniques and results of pedigree analysis]

INTRODUCTION

Contracture of the flexor tendons (CFT) is very common in calves and it is usually diagnosed within the first few days after birth (congenital flexural deformity). However, CFT can appear even in older calves caused by chronic pain. The aetiology of CFT is still unknown. In this study, the distribution of sex, age, breed, the severity of flexural deformity, concurrent presence of other diseases, applied treatment methods for flexural deformity, and the outcome of calves with CFT, which were examined at the University Clinic for Ruminants in Vienna from 2001 to 2016, were evaluated retrospectively. 93 calves were admitted with CFT in the observation period. 70 (75.3%) calves were male and 78 (83.9%) of the affected animals were Simmental calves. The age of calves with CFT varied from one day to 41 days. Twenty-six calves suffered exclusively from CFT, and CFT was diagnosed as an additional finding in 67 calves. 91 animals (97.8%) showed CFT on the front limbs, 79 of them (84.9%) on both front limbs. The distribution of the severity scores was as follows: 69 calves (74.2%) had score 1, 17 calves (18.3%) had score 2, three calves (3.2%) had score 3. Three additional calves (3.2%) had a score 1 CFT on one front limb and a score 2 CFT on the other front limb, and one additional calf showed all three scores on both front limbs and one hind limb. 69 patients (74.2%) could be discharged with a significant improvement in CFT after treatment and 24 calves (25.8%) had to be euthanized due to other severe diseases. The results of the applied pedigree analysis do not show that a single gene mutation is the cause for the development of CFT, but rather a complex hereditary pattern has to be assumed. Depending on the severity of CFT and the presence of other concurrent diseases, an early and consistent therapy has to be carried out to achieve the highest possible success. Since animals with CFT are usually restricted in their movement, sufficient colostrum intake must be ensured within the first hours of life.

Surgical management of septic metacarpal physitis and concurrent serofibrinous fetlock arthritis: 2 cases

INTRODUCTION

The clinical, ultrasonographic, radiographic, cytologic and bacteriologic findings, diagnosis and surgical treatment of two heifers with septic metacarpal physitis (type-1 osteomyelitis) and concurrent serofibrinous arthritis of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint are described. Osteomyelitis likely occurred by haematogenous spread following bronchopneumonia in one heifer and developed post-traumatically in the other. In both patients, ultrasonographic examination using the 7.5 MHz linear probe showed moderate effusion of the palmar and dorsal MCP joint pouches and highly irre-gular bone contours with depression and periosteal new bone formation at the metacarpal growth plate. Radiographs showed an extensive radiolucent area with poorly defined margins at the level of the metacarpal growth plate. Surgical treatment was carried out under sedation and regional intravenous anesthesia and involved meticulous debridement of the osteomyelitic lesion of the meta-carpal growth plate combined with arthrotomy of the MCP joint and repeated lavage of the bone cavity and joint. Successful outcomes were achieved by combined use of systemic and locoregional antibiotics, NSAIDs, temporary external coaptation and adequate housing.

Enhanced North American carbon uptake associated with El Niño

Long-term atmospheric CO₂ mole fraction and δ¹³CO₂ observations over North America document persistent responses to the El Niño-Southern Oscillation. We estimate these responses corresponded to 0.61 (0.45 to 0.79) PgC year^-1 more North American carbon uptake during El Niño than during La Niña between 2007 and 2015, partially offsetting increases of net tropical biosphere-to-atmosphere carbon flux around El Niño. Anomalies in derived North American net ecosystem exchange (NEE) display strong but opposite correlations with surface air temperature between seasons, while their correlation with water availability was more constant throughout the year, such that water availability is the dominant control on annual NEE variability over North America. These results suggest that increased water availability and favorable temperature conditions (warmer spring and cooler summer) caused enhanced carbon uptake over North America near and during El Niño.

Severe acute inflammatory reaction (SAIR) of the fetlock joint after intraarticular hyaluronate injection in a horse

Hyaluronate (HA) was administered by intra-articular injection to a 13-year-old Haflinger mare for treatment of metacarpophalangeal osteoarthritis. Ten hours after the injection, a severe inflammatory reaction developed in the treated joint. While awaiting results of synovial fluid analysis, treatment for iatrogenic infectious arthritis was initiated, but the analysis did not confirm sepsis. Clinical signs improved significantly following systemic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication and the horse was discharged three days later. Following an intravenous hyaluronate injection, four days after discharge, the synovitis recurred. Synovial fluid analysis did not show any abnormalities, but the clinical signs were severe. The severe acute inflammatory reaction required systemic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and intra-articular corticosteroid treatment in order to resolve the problem.

Infektiöse Interdigitalnekrose (infektiöse Interdigitalphlegmone) bei 66 Rindern

Gegenstand und Ziel: Evaluierung der Therapiemethoden und des Krankheitsverlaufs bei Rinderpatienten mit infektiöser Interdigitalnekrose. Material und Methode: In Teil 2 der retrospektiven Studie (1996–2004) an 66 Rindern mit infektiöser Interdigitalnekrose werden die Ergebnisse der chirurgischen, parenteralen sowie lokalen antibiotischen Behandlung sowie das weitere Schicksal der Patienten vorgestellt. Ergebnisse: Kein Rind erhielt eine ausschließliche medikamentöse Therapie. Die bei 55 Rindern (83,3%) durchgeführte chirurgische Behandlung war bei 52 Tieren erfolgreich. Bei 39 Patienten (59,1%) erfolgte eine chirurgische Exzision der Interdigitalnekrose, bei vier davon zusätzlich eine Arthrotomie des miterkrankten Klauengelenks von axial mit wiederholter Gelenkspülung. Bei insgesamt 13 Rindern (19,7%) wurde eine Zehenamputation bzw. Exartikulation mit Erfolg durchgeführt. Eine parenterale Antibiose erhielten alle Rinder mit Amputation bzw. Arthrotomie des Klauengelenks sowie 25 Tiere nach chirurgischer Exzision der infektiösen Interdigitalnekrose. Fünf Rindern wurde nur eine einmalige regionale intravenöse Stauungsanti-biose verabreicht und bei sechs Tieren mit oberflächlicher infektiöser Interdigitalnekrose fand postoperativ nur eine lokale antibiotische Behandlung statt. 11 Rinder (16,7%) mit Komplikationen der infektiösen Interdigitalnekrose bzw. anderen zusätzlichen Erkrankungen wurden aufgrund der schlechten Prognose gleich nach der Diagnosestellung abgeschafft. Schlussfolgerung und klinische Relevanz: Bei Vorliegen einer oberflächlichen, aber auch einer tief reichenden infektiösen Interdigitalnekrose oder auch bei frischen Gelenkinfektionen besteht in der Regel eine günstige Prognose, wenn eine gründliche chirurgische Exzision des infizierten Gewebes erfolgt.

Langzeitkontrolle der Klauengesundheit von Milchkühen in 15 Herden mithilfe des Klauenmanagers und digitaler Kennzahlen

Gegenstand und Ziel: Monitoring der Klauengesundheit über einen definierten Zeitraum mit dem Dokumentations- und Analyseprogramm Klauenmanager. Material und Methoden: Mittels Klauenmanager erfolgte eine Evaluierung der Klauendaten von 679 Kühen, die bei zwei bzw. drei Klauenpflegebesuchen in 15 Herden dokumentiert worden waren. Die Daten wurden anhand der Parameter Prävalenz der Klauenerkrankungen, ihrer Schweregrade, der Lahmheiten sowie Kuh-Klauen-Score (CCS), Farm-Klauen-Score (FCS) und Farm-Zonen-Score (FZS) analysiert und ihre zeitliche Entwicklung dargestellt. Ergebnisse: Im Mittel waren bei Besuch 1 71,9% (max. 95,0%, min. 21,1%), bei Besuch 2 72,9% (max. 100,0%, min. 12,6%) aller Kühe lahmheitsfrei. Bei den mittleren Prävalenzen der Klauenläsionen aller Betriebe standen Ballenhornfäule (BF) mit 61,8%, Weiße-Linie-Defekte (WLD) mit 37,2%, Sohlenblutungen (SB) mit 27,5%, Dermatitis digitalis (DD) mit 19,7% und chronische Reheklauen mit 10,9% im Vordergrund. In den einzelnen Herden fanden sich BF (n = 15), WLD (n = 11), SB (n = 10), akute DD (n = 4) und chronische Reheklauen (n = 3) jeweils unter den drei häufigsten Erkrankungen. Statistisch zeigte sich eine signifikante Verbesserung der Schweregrade der Klauenläsionen aller Kühe aller Herden von Besuch 1 auf Besuch 2. Der kleinste CCS (CCSmin) lag bei 0, der höchste (CCSmax) bei 276, der kleinste FCS war 6, der höchste 72. Die Längen des oberen Quartils und der oberen Antenne in der Boxplot-Graphik der CCS-Werte der Herden differierten an den jeweiligen Besuchen deutlich. In 10 Herden war die Verbesserung der CCS-Werte vom 1. zum 2. Besuch statistisch signifikant. Die Korrelationen zwischen den Locomotion-Scores und CCS-Werten erwiesen sich bei 28 (von 33) Besuchen als signifikant. Schlussfolgerung: Die Parameter FCS, Länge des oberen Quartils, Länge der oberen Antenne und FZSmax erwiesen sich neben der Prävalenz der Lahmheiten, Klauenläsionen und ihrer Schweregrade als informative Kennzahlen zum detaillierten Vergleich der Klauendaten einer Herde zu verschiedenen Zeitpunkten.

Sonographische Untersuchung des Bewegungsapparats beim Rind

Für die Diagnostik von Erkrankungen des Bewegungsapparats des Rindes werden 7,5– bzw. 5-MHz-Linearschallköpfe verwendet; in proximalen Gliedmaßenregionen können auch 3,5-MHz-Konvexschallköpfe nötig sein. Als wichtigste Indikationen für die Sonographie am Bewegungsapparat des Rindes gelten Gelenk-, Sehnenscheiden- und Schleimbeutelentzündungen, Abszesse, Hämatome, Muskel- und Sehnenläsionen sowie generell Umfangsvermehrungen überall am Körper, die klinisch nicht eindeutig differenziert werden können. Nach einer orientierenden Übersichtsuntersuchung der erkrankten Region, die auf der Identifizierung anatomischer Leitstrukturen basiert, startet die eigentliche Untersuchung der Region von allen Seiten in transversalen und longitudinalen Schnittebenen, am besten unter Einhaltung eines standardisierten, systematischen Vorgehens. Infolge der geringen physiologischen Menge an Synovialflüssigkeit beim Rind ist die sonographische Darstellbarkeit gesunder Synovialräume äußerst eingeschränkt. Dies stellt eine optimale Voraussetzung zur sicheren Erkennung pathologischer Ergüsse in Synovialhöhlen dar. Die Sonographie ermöglicht eine genaue anatomische Lokalisierung von erkrankten Weichteilstrukturen, eine Aussage über die Fließfähigkeit des Inhalts von erweiterten Hohlräumen sowie eine exakte Distanzmessung dieser pathologisch veränderten Strukturen zur Hautoberfläche. Dies erlaubt anschließend eine zielgerichtete Punktion sowie generell eine bessere Planung eines nachfolgenden chirurgischen Eingriffs.

Sonographische Untersuchung von 42 Rindern mit Erkrankungen der Karpalregion – Arthritis, Tendovaginitis, Bursitis praecarpalis und periartikuläre Abszesse

Ziel: Darstellung der sonographischen Befunde bei unterschiedlichen Erkrankungen der Karpal- und distalen Unterarmregion des Rindes. Material und Methoden: Die klinischorthopädischen, radiologischen, auf Videobändern dokumentierten sonographischen Befunde sowie die Befunde der Punktion von 42 Rindern mit Erkrankungen in der Karpalregion (Arthritis, Tendovaginitis, Bursitis praecarpalis, Abszess) wurden retrospektiv ausgewertet. Die sonographische Untersuchung erfolgte mit einem 7,5-MHz-Linear- bzw. 3,5-MHz- Konvexschallkopf unter Berücksichtigung folgender Kriterien: Lage, Echogenität, Echomuster, Größe, Form und Abgrenzung der Gelenkrezessus, Sehnenscheidenlumina und anderer Raumforderungen, Nachweis von Schallverstärkung, Schallschatten, Strömungsphänomenen und Miterkrankung benachbarter Strukturen. Zur Objektivierung der sonographischen Befunde wurden diese mit den klinischen, radiologischen, Punktionsbefunden bzw. intraoperativen oder Sektionsbefunden verglichen. Ergebnisse: Bei 22 Rindern wurde jeweils nur eine einzige Erkrankung am Karpus festgestellt, bei acht Tieren lag diese beidseits vor. Bei 20 von 42 Rindern wurden jeweils mehrere Erkrankungen pro Karpus diagnostiziert. Die entzündeten Synovialräume, die Bursitis praecarpalis und die Abszesse waren bei allen Rindern infolge des vorliegenden Exsudates eindeutig sonographisch differenzierbar. Die Gelenkrezessus und Sehnenscheiden stellten sich als geringbis hochgradig erweiterte Räume dar und waren mit flüssigem Inhalt bzw. semisoliden Massen unterschiedlicher Echogenität gefüllt. Dies ließ sich bereits im Frühstadium der Erkrankung feststellen. Je nach Echogenität des Ergusses waren die Raumforderungen deutlich bzw. eher schwer vom umgebenden Weichteilgewebe abgrenzbar. Strömungsphänomene konnten bei Vorliegen eines fließfähigen Inhaltes immer nachgewiesen werden. Die sonographischen Messungen ergaben Werte von bis zu 32 mm für die größte Weite des dorsalen Rezessus des Antebrachiokarpalgelenks und von bis zu 21,2 mm für die größte Weite des Sehnenscheidenlumens des M. extensor digitalis communis. Klinische Relevanz: Bei allen Rindern mit Erkrankungen der Karpalregion konnte aufgrund der sonographischen Differenzierung der erkrankten Weichteilstrukturen rasch eine umfassende Diagnose gestellt werden, die für die Therapieentscheidung und Prognosestellung wichtig ist.

Surgical treatment of scapulohumeral subluxation in an alpaca (Vicugna pacos) using osteotomy of the acromion, open reduction and extracapsular tension sutures

CASE HISTORY AND CLINICAL FINDINGS

A 3.3-year-old male alpaca, weighing 60 kg was referred for investigation of a severe left forelimb lameness of 4 weeks duration. A scapulohumeral subluxation had been diagnosed radiographically by the referring veterinarian.

CLINICAL FINDINGS AND DIAGNOSIS

Based on clinical, ultrasonographic and radiographic findings the diagnosis of cranio-lateral subluxation of the left humeral head was confirmed. In addition, a full thickness lesion (approximately 1×1 cm) of the articular cartilage on the caudomedial aspect of the humeral head was diagnosed by arthroscopy.

TREATMENT AND OUTCOME

Treatment included open reduction with internal fixation. Severe muscle contraction and local tissue fibrosis around the scapulohumeral joint (SHJ) required osteotomy of the acromion 3 cm proximal to the distal acromial edge, to allow adequate access. Internal stabilisation was achieved by placing tension band sutures between one cortical screw in the scapular neck and two cortical screws, with washers, craniolaterally on the greater tubercle of the humerus. Post-surgery, a carpal flexion sling was applied with the carpus maintained in 70° flexion for 4 weeks to avoid postoperative weight-bearing. An exercise programme was started 8 days after surgery and continued for 12 weeks. The alpaca had an uneventful postsurgical recovery and showed no lameness after 8 weeks. The long-term outcome was excellent; 21 months after surgery the alpaca was sound and the range of movement of the left SHJ was equal to the right SHJ.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Even in this chronic case of subluxation of the SHJ of 4 weeks duration, surgical treatment using osteotomy of the acromion, open reduction and internal fixation with extracapsular scapulohumeral tension sutures resulted in an excellent long-term outcome in this alpaca, despite the presence of a cartilage lesion.

Mobile Laboratory Observations of Methane Emissions in the Barnett Shale Region

Results of mobile ground-based atmospheric measurements conducted during the Barnett Shale Coordinated Campaign in spring and fall of 2013 are presented. Methane and ethane are continuously measured downwind of facilities such as natural gas processing plants, compressor stations, and production well pads. Gaussian dispersion simulations of these methane plumes, using an iterative forward plume dispersion algorithm, are used to estimate both the source location and the emission magnitude. The distribution of emitters is peaked in the 0-5 kg/h range, with a significant tail. The ethane/methane molar enhancement ratio for this same distribution is investigated, showing a peak at ∼1.5% and a broad distribution between ∼4% and ∼17%. The regional distributions of source emissions and ethane/methane enhancement ratios are examined: the largest methane emissions appear between Fort Worth and Dallas, while the highest ethane/methane enhancement ratios occur for plumes observed in the northwestern potion of the region. Individual facilities, focusing on large emitters, are further analyzed by constraining the source location.

A simple surgical treatment for bovine digital dermatitis-associated white line lesions and sole ulcers

Non-healing white line disease (nhWLD) and sole ulcers (nhSU) are seen increasingly in herds endemically affected with bovine digital dermatitis (BDD). In 35 cows with 42 nhWLD or nhSU lesions, the healing process was monitored for up to 28 or 38 days following extensive debridement of loose horn and infected corium under regional anaesthesia, and topical application of tetracycline spray with bandaging. By 28 days, 27/42 (64%) nhWLD and nhSU were completely covered by a new horn layer and this increased to 30/42 (71%) that had healed by 38 days. Lesion sizes on day 0 correlated with clinical healing within the study period. In view of this satisfying therapeutic result, the terms nhWLD and nhSU are proposed for BDD-associated white line disease (BDD-WLD) and BDD-associated sole ulcers (BDD-SU), respectively.

Demonstration of an ethane spectrometer for methane source identification

Methane is an important greenhouse gas and tropospheric ozone precursor. Simultaneous observation of ethane with methane can help identify specific methane source types. Aerodyne Ethane-Mini spectrometers, employing recently available mid-infrared distributed feedback tunable diode lasers (DFB-TDL), provide 1 s ethane measurements with sub-ppb precision. In this work, an Ethane-Mini spectrometer has been integrated into two mobile sampling platforms, a ground vehicle and a small airplane, and used to measure ethane/methane enhancement ratios downwind of methane sources. Methane emissions with precisely known sources are shown to have ethane/methane enhancement ratios that differ greatly depending on the source type. Large differences between biogenic and thermogenic sources are observed. Variation within thermogenic sources are detected and tabulated. Methane emitters are classified by their expected ethane content. Categories include the following: biogenic (<0.2%), dry gas (1-6%), wet gas (>6%), pipeline grade natural gas (<15%), and processed natural gas liquids (>30%). Regional scale observations in the Dallas/Fort Worth area of Texas show two distinct ethane/methane enhancement ratios bridged by a transitional region. These results demonstrate the usefulness of continuous and fast ethane measurements in experimental studies of methane emissions, particularly in the oil and natural gas sector.

Resektion einer Karpalknochenreihe bei einer Pustertaler Sprinze mit chronischer eitriger Arthritis des Karpalgelenks und Osteomyelitis

Der Fallbericht beschreibt klinische und radiologische Befunde sowie die chirurgische Therapie einer serofibrinösen Arthritis des Antebrachiokarpalgelenks und einer eitrigen Arthritis des Inter- und Karpometakarpalgelenks mit Osteomyelitis der distalen Karpalknochen und subchondraler Osteomyelitis des proximalen Anteils des Metakarpus bei einer Pustertaler-Sprinzen-Kuh. Beide Gelenkabteilungen wurden arthrotomiert und die distale Karpalknochenreihe wurde reseziert. Nach 70-tägiger Immobilisierung mittels Cast zeigte die operierte Gliedmaße bereits deutliche radiologische Zeichen der Ankylose des Karpalgelenks und nur noch eine geringe Lahmheit. Die Kuh war 6 Jahre später noch immer in der Herde und hatte sechs Kälber geboren.

[Resection of a carpal bone row in a Pustertaler Sprinze cow with chronic purulent arthritis of the carpal joint and osteomyelitis]

This case report describes the clinical and radiographic findings and the surgical treatment of a serofibrinous arthritis of the antebrachiocarpal joint and of a chronic purulent arthritis of the intercarpal and carpometacarpal joints with osteomyelitis of the distal carpal bones and subchondral osteomyelitis of the proximal metacarpal bones in a cow of the breed "Pustertaler Sprinze". The therapy comprised an arthrotomy of both joint spaces and the resection of the distal row of the carpal bones. The right forelimb had been immobilised for 70 days by a full limb cast. After this period, radiographs revealed an ob- vious ankylosis of the carpal joint, and the cow showed only a slight lameness. Six years postoperatively this cow was still in the herd and had produced six calves.

[Monitoring of dairy cow claw health status in 15 herds using the computerised documentation program Claw Manager and digital parameters]

OBJECTIVE

Monitoring of claw health over a defined period using the digital documentation and analysis program Claw Manager.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Data from 679 cows were documented with the Claw Manager during routine functional claw trimming on 15 dairy farms that were visited two or three times. The data of these 33 visits were analysed for the following parameters: prevalence of claw lesions, of their severity scores and of lameness as well as the Cow Claw Score (CCS), the Farm Claw Score (FCS) and the Farm Zone Score (FZS). Their chronological progression was shown using boxplot graphs.

RESULTS

Mean prevalence of all lame free cows was 71.9% at visit 1 (max. 95.0%, min. 21.1%) and 72.9% at visit 2 (max. 100.0%, min. 12.6%). The mean prevalence of claw lesions in all 15 herds was 61.8% for heel horn erosion (HHE), followed by white line lesions (WLL, 37.2%), sole haemorrhages (SH, 27.5%), acute and chronic stages of digital dermatitis (DD, 19.7%) and chronic laminitic claws (10.9%). In individual herds HHE (n = 15), WLL (n = 11), SH (n = 10), acute DD (n = 4) and chronic laminitic claws (n = 3) were consistently among the three most frequently observed lesions. A statistically significant improvement was found for the severity scores of the claw lesions of all cows from visit 1 to visit 2. The CCS ranged from 0 (CCS min) to 276 (CCS max), the FCS ranged from 6 to 72. The length of the upper quartiles and the length of the upper whiskers in the boxplot graphs of the CCS values of the herds at the various visits varied widely. The CCS of the cows of ten herds improved significantly from visit 1 to visit 2. Locomotion scores and CCS were significantly correlated on 30 of 33 visits.

CONCLUSION

The parameters FCS (median of all CCS values of a herd), length of the upper quartiles, length of the upper whiskers in the boxplot graphs FZS max, the prevalence of lameness and of claw lesions, and their severity scores proved to be very informative for a detailed comparison of claw data of herds over subsequent visits.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of the coxofemoral joint region in young foals

The purpose of this study was to map the coxofemoral region in foals to obtain ultrasonographic reference values for the interpretation of potentially pathological findings in hip joints. Using a 7.5 MHz linear transducer, 38 examinations were carried out: 10 (20 joints) on cadavers and 28 (55 joints) on live healthy foals up to 8 weeks of age. The chosen plane of examination was caudolateral-craniomedial oblique on an imaginary line connecting the greater trochanter and the cranial edge of the tuber sacrale. The relatively thin muscular layer covering the coxofemoral joint allowed good image quality. The evaluated structures included the bone surface of the ilium and acetabulum, the subchondral bone on the femoral head and greater trochanter, the joint cartilage on the femoral head, the fibrocartilaginous acetabular labrum, the femoral capital physis, the cartilaginous layer covering the greater trochanter, the joint capsule and the presence of visible synovial fluid and the gluteal muscles. A bilateral anatomical frozen section in the plane of examination was made in one cadaver. A good correlation was found between ultrasonographic and corresponding anatomical measurements on the frozen section. This study indicated that ultrasound is a valuable diagnostic tool which can provide good image quality in neonates.

[Ultrasonographic examination of the musculoskeletal system in cattle]

Ultrasound machines with 7.5 to 5.0MHz linear transducers are well suited for rapid and straightforward differentiation of soft tissue swelling in the musculoskeletal system of cattle; in proximal limb regions 3.5MHz convex scanners allow better imaging. The main indications for ultrasonography of the musculoskeletal system in cattle are suspected arthritis, tenosynovitis, bursitis, abscesses, haematomas, diagnosis of muscle and tendon lesions, and generally the evaluation of soft tissue swellings everywhere that cannot be diagnosed based on clinical examination. The examiner starts by obtaining a general overview of the affected region for orientation purposes. This is achieved by locating and identifying anatomical landmarks, thereafter one can search for pathological changes by examination of the region of interest in longitudinal and transverse planes from all sides. The ultrasonographic investigation should follow a standardised systematic protocol. Normal synovial cavities in cattle are difficult or impossible to visualize via ultrasonography because of the very small physiological amount of synovial fluid. Thus, effusion that is easily visualized usually indicates a pathological process like arthritis, tenosynovitis or bursitis. Ultrasonography provides accurate information about the location and size of lesions or fluid-filled cavities, the nature of the content and an exact measurement of the distance from pathologically altered structures to the skin surface. Targeted centesis of synovial or other cavities can be carried out after a preliminary ultrasonographic inspection. Characterization of the lesions and a thorough preoperative inspection of affected regions are of enormous benefit for planning surgery and treatment.

MRI and CT diagnosis of acute desmopathy of the lateral collateral sesmoidean (navicular) ligament and long-term outcome in a horse

Clinical, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) findings of acute desmopathy of the lateral collateral sesmoidean (navicular) ligament (CSL) in a 13-year-old Hanoverian mare are presented. On admission to the clinic the horse showed a grade 5/6 left front-limb lameness at the walk, pain on coffin joint manipulation, and coffin joint effusion. Despite a positive palmar digital nerve block, radiographs and ultrasonography did not indicate reasons for the severe clinical signs. However, MRI revealed damage to the CSL and bone marrow oedema of the navicular bone (NB), whereas a focal bone defect of the NB at the CSL insertion zone was demonstrated best by CT. The horse was managed with complete box rest and a fibreglass cast for four weeks followed by a controlled exercise program. Follow-up examination revealed no lameness at the trot three months later and the patient had fully recovered within six months.