Effectiveness of a paraverterbral nerve block versus local portal blocks for laparoscopic closure of the nephrosplenic space: A pilot study.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of a paravertebral nerve block vs local portal blocks for laparoscopic closure of the nephrosplenic space in standing sedated research horses.

Study Design: Randomized clinical trial.

Animals: Twelve horses were randomly allocated to two groups (n = 6 per group), paravertebral block of nerves T , L , and L or local blocks of the three laparoscopic portals.

Comparison of 3 blind brachial plexus block techniques during maintenance of anesthesia and postoperative pain scores in dogs undergoing surgical procedures of the thoracic limb.

The degree of analgesia provided by blind techniques for brachial plexus blocks (BPBs) has not been compared in clinical cases undergoing surgery of the thoracic limb. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anesthetic conditions and postoperative analgesia resulting from 3 different BPB local anesthetic techniques in canine patients undergoing such surgery. Twenty-four client-owned dogs received a standardized premedication/induction protocol (hydromorphone and acepromazine/propofol), maintained with isoflurane in oxygen using mechanical ventilation, in a prospective, randomized, blinded clinical trial.

The magnitude of muscular activation of four canine forelimb muscles in dogs performing two agility-specific tasks.

Background: The purpose of this study was to measure the muscular activation in four forelimb muscles while dogs performed agility tasks (i.e., jumping and A-frame) and to provide insight into potential relationships between level of muscular activation and risk of injury.

Survey-based analysis of risk factors for injury among dogs participating in agility training and competition events.

Objective: To identify potential risk factors for agility-related injuries among dogs.

Design: Internet-based, retrospective, cross-sectional survey.

Animals: 3,801 privately owned dogs participating in agility training or trials.

Internet-based survey of the nature and perceived causes of injury to dogs participating in agility training and competition events.

Objective: To characterize injuries (on the basis of type and severity of injury and affected region of the body) among dogs participating in agility training and competition events and examine associations between injury characteristics and perceived causes of injury.

Design: Internet-based, retrospective, cross-sectional survey.

Animals: 3,801 privately owned dogs participating in agility training or trials.

Changes in growth of the hoof wall and hoof morphology in response to regular periods of trotting exercise in Standardbreds.

Objective: To quantitate changes in hoof wall growth and hoof morphology induced by mild exercise in Standardbreds.

Animals: 18 Standardbreds.

Procedures: Horses were exercised at approximately 6 m/s (4,200 to 5,600 m/d) on 4 d/wk for 17 weeks.

Calibration of estimated biting forces in domestic canids: comparison of post-mortem and in vivo measurements.

Estimates of biting forces are widely used in paleontological and comparative studies of feeding mechanics and performance, and are usually derived from lever models based on measurements made on the skull that are relevant to the mechanics of the masticatory system. Owing to assumptions and unmeasurable errors in their estimation, such values are used comparatively rather than as absolute estimates. The purpose of this paper was to provide calibration of post-mortem calculated bite force estimates by comparing them to in vivo forces derived from a sample of 20 domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) during muscle stimulation under general anaesthesia.

Biomechanical and mechanical investigations of the hoof-track interface in racing horses.

The aim of this article is to review current knowledge of kinetic variables of the hoof-track interaction and track properties relevant to the objective of minimizing injuries to horses at racing tracks. In each phase of the stance--primary impact, secondary impact, support, and breakover, the hoof experiences different combinations of force and acceleration. The role of each combination, and of measured track properties, in causing catastrophic and chronic injuries to the limbs of racing horses is unknown.

Mechanical behavior and quantitative morphology of the equine laminar junction.

The horse's hoof is structurally modified for its mechanical functions, but studying the functional design of internal structures is hampered by the external keratinous capsule. Finite-element analysis offers one method for evaluating mechanical function of components within the capsule, such as the laminar junction. This is the epidermodermal connection that binds the hoof wall strongly to the distal phalanx.