Cartilage Degeneration of the Metacarpal Condyle and Enthesopaties of The Collateral Ligaments of Equine Metacarpophalangeal Joint.

Articular degeneration can be characterized by fibrillation and eburnation of the articular layers of the metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint. Structural changes within the articular joint predispose the development of osteophytes, enthesophytes and, in many cases is associated with changes the collateral ligaments of the MP joint. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between degenerative processes of the articular cartilage and the enthesopathies of collateral ligaments (superficial or deep portion) of the equine MP joint, using radiographic, ultrasonographic and anatomopathological exam, as well as establishing their sensitivity.

Evaluation of oral sugar test response for detection of equine metabolic syndrome in obese Crioulo horses.

Owing to the high prevalence of obesity in Crioulo horses, information allowing early diagnosis of equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) and prevention of the associated laminitis is of great value. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of EMS and the response to an oral sugar test (OST) in obese Crioulo horses. Twenty-two Crioulo horses were allocated into 3 groups according to their body condition score (BCS out of 9) and presence or absence of laminitis as follows: CON (6/22), BCS < 7; OB (8/22), BCS ≥ 7; and LAM (8/22), BCS ≥7 with clinical and/or radiographic signs of laminitis.

High calcitonin levels in unconscious polytrauma patients.

We measured levels of calcitonin and other markers of calcium and phosphorus metabolism in both unconscious and conscious patients after multiple trauma. We found dramatic increases in calcitonin levels in unconscious patients, and smaller increases in conscious patients. In two cases, very high levels, more than 100 x normal, appeared to be related to more rapid healing of bone.

Psychologic, vascular, and physiologic aspects of lower limb lengthening in achondroplastics.

Achondroplastic patients having lengthening surgery of the lower limbs were preoperatively evaluated from psychologic, functional, vascular, and endocrinometabolic points of view. Long-term research is required to determine effects of surgical correction of achondroplasia from both psychologic and various physical points of view.

Lengthening in the congenital short femur.

The fundamental concepts underlying lengthening surgery for the congenital short femur were gained from experience in treating 35 cases by means of chondrodiatasis and callotasis.