Evaluation of the diagnostic value of transcranial electrical stimulation (TES) to assess neuronal functional integrity in horses.

Unlabelled: Medical imaging allows for the visualization of spinal cord compression sites; however, it is impossible to assess the impact of visible stenotic sites on neuronal functioning, which is crucial information to formulate a correct prognosis and install targeted therapy. It is hypothesized that with the transcranial electrical stimulation (TES) technique, neurological impairment can be reliably diagnosed.

Objective: To evaluate the ability of the TES technique to assess neuronal functional integrity in ataxic horses by recording TES-induced muscular evoked potentials (MEPs) in three different muscles and to structurally involve multiple ancillary diagnostic techniques, such as clinical neurological examination, plain radiography (RX) with ratio assessment, contrast myelography, and post-mortem gross and histopathological examination.

Post-mortem feasibility of dual-energy computed tomography in the detection of bone edema-like lesions in the equine foot: a proof of concept.

Introduction: In this proof-of-concept study, the post-mortem feasibility of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) in the detection of bone edema-like lesions in the equine foot is described in agreement with the gold standard imaging technique, which is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods: A total of five equine cadaver feet were studied, of which two were pathological and three were within normal limits and served as references. A low-field MRI of each foot was performed, followed by a DECT acquisition.

Diagnostic accuracy of plain radiography to identify synovial penetration in horses with traumatic limb wounds.

Background: The diagnostic value of plain radiography for diagnosing synovial penetration in limb wounds near synovial structures has not been determined.

Objectives: To assess diagnostic accuracy of plain radiography to identify synovial penetration in horses with traumatic limb wounds.

Study Design: Retrospective case study.

Single energy metal artifact reduction performs better than virtual monoenergetic dual-energy reconstruction in CT of the equine proximal phalanx.

Metal artifacts in CT negatively impact the evaluation of surgical implants and the surrounding tissues. The aim of this prospective experimental study was to evaluate the ability of a single energy metal artifact reduction (SEMAR™, Canon) algorithm and virtual monoenergetic (VM) dual-energy CT (DECT) scanning techniques to reduce metal artifacts from stainless steel screws surgically inserted into the equine proximal phalanx. Seven acquisitions of 18 cadaver limbs were performed on a Canon Aquilion One Vision CT scanner (Helical +SEMAR, Volume +SEMAR, Standard Helical, Standard Volume and VM DECT at 135, 120, and 105 keV) and reconstructed in a bone kernel.

Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Idiopathic Primary Sino-Nasal Obstruction in Miniature Horse Breeds: Long-Term Follow-Up of Seven Cases.

Idiopathic sino-nasal obstruction resulting in retention of large amounts of liquid in the paranasal sinus compartments was diagnosed in seven young (2. 2 ± 0.7 years) miniature-breed horses based on clinical, endoscopic, radiographic, and CT scan examinations.

Cadaveric comparison of the accuracy of ultrasound-guided versus 'blind' perineural injection of the tibial nerve in horses.

During diagnostic evaluation of hindlimb lameness in horses the tibial nerve block is traditionally performed based on anatomical reference points, but it can be difficult to achieve effective local anaesthesia using this blind technique. Ultrasound (US)-guided injection could increase the accuracy of injection. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of both techniques.

Accuracy of transcranial magnetic stimulation and a Bayesian latent class model for diagnosis of spinal cord dysfunction in horses.

Background: Spinal cord dysfunction/compression and ataxia are common in horses. Presumptive diagnosis is most commonly based on neurological examination and cervical radiography, but the interest into the diagnostic value of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) with recording of magnetic motor evoked potentials has increased. The problem for the evaluation of diagnostic tests for spinal cord dysfunction is the absence of a gold standard in the living animal.

Determination of magnetic motor evoked potential latency time cutoff values for detection of spinal cord dysfunction in horses.

Background: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and recording of magnetic motor evoked potentials (MMEP) can detect neurological dysfunction in horses but cutoff values based on confirmed spinal cord dysfunction are lacking.

Objectives: To determine latency time cutoff for neurological dysfunction.

Animals: Five control horses and 17 horses with proprioceptive ataxia.

Comparison of cross-sectional anatomy and computed tomography of the tarsus in horses.

Objective: To compare computed tomography (CT) images of equine tarsi with cross-sectional anatomic slices and evaluate the potential of CT for imaging pathological tarsal changes in horses.

Sample: 6 anatomically normal equine cadaveric hind limbs and 4 tarsi with pathological changes.

Procedures: Precontrast CT was performed on 3 equine tarsi; sagittal and dorsal reconstructions were made.

Computed tomographic anatomy of the equine stifle joint.

Objective: To provide a detailed computed tomography (CT) reference of the anatomically normal equine stifle joint. Sample-16 hind limbs from 8 equine cadavers; no horses had evidence of orthopedic disease of the stifle joints.

Procedures: CT of the stifle joint was performed on 8 hind limbs.

Ultrasonographic findings in 100 horses with tarsal region disorders.

Ultrasonographic findings from 100 horses (103 joints) diagnosed with tarsal region pathology are described. Results of standard orthopaedic, radiographic and ultrasonographic examination of the tarsal region were analysed retrospectively. Periarticular swelling and/or synovial effusion was present in 100% of the joints, a wound was observed in 14.

Diagnostic imaging of the equine tarsal region using radiography and ultrasonography. Part 2: bony disorders.

This is the second part of a two-part review of the structures and disorders of the equine tarsus. In this part the bones of the tarsal region are considered and the technical aspects of taking radiographic, ultrasonographic and scintigraphic images of the different lesions are addressed. The diagnostic use of arthroscopy, computed tomography and magnetic resonance are discussed.

Diagnostic imaging of the equine tarsal region using radiography and ultrasonography. Part 1: the soft tissues.

The equine tarsus is the most commonly affected hindlimb region associated with lameness. Diagnostic imaging is routinely applied but because of its complexity, being composed of 10 multifaceted bones and different joints, multiple ligaments, tendons and bursae, imaging this region can be a challenge. This is the first part of a two-part review of the structures and disorders of the equine tarsus.

Quality of life and health status in adults with congenital heart disease: a direct comparison with healthy counterparts.

Introduction: Despite having increased life expectancy, patients with congenital heart disease are sometimes presumed to have a diminished quality of life. This study therefore assessed the quality of life and perceived health of adults with congenital heart disease and compared these two measures with those reported by healthy control subjects.

Methods: Using a comparative study design, we examined quality of life and perceived health in 404 patients who were matched for age, sex, educational level, and employment status with 404 healthy counterparts.

Individual quality of life in adults with congenital heart disease: a paradigm shift.

Aims: During the last decade, a paradigm shift has emerged in the measurement of quality of life, from the use of standard questionnaires towards a more individualized approach. Therefore, this study examined individual quality of life in adults with congenital heart disease and explored potential differences with those reported by matched, healthy control subjects.

Methods And Results: We examined 579 adults with congenital heart disease.