Effects of tendon injury on uninjured regional tendons in the distal limb: An in-vivo study using an ovine tendinopathy model.

Following injury to a tendon little is known about potential for pathology to develop in other regional tendons from overloading or altered function. The aim of this study was to investigate the gene expression and histopathological changes that occur 1) within the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) after injury to the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) and 2) within the flexor tendons (SDFT and DDFT) after injury to the extensor tendons. Merino wethers [Ovis aries] (n = 18) were divided into three equal groups and underwent either partial transection of the SDFT, complete transection of the extensor tendons or were left as non-operated controls.

Focal experimental injury leads to widespread gene expression and histologic changes in equine flexor tendons.

It is not known how extensively a localised flexor tendon injury affects the entire tendon. This study examined the extent of and relationship between histopathologic and gene expression changes in equine superficial digital flexor tendon after a surgical injury. One forelimb tendon was hemi-transected in six horses, and in three other horses, one tendon underwent a sham operation.

Treatment of experimentally induced osteoarthritis in horses using an intravenous combination of sodium pentosan polysulfate, N-acetyl glucosamine, and sodium hyaluronan.

Objective: To assess the effects of sodium pentosan polysulfate (PPS), N-acetyl glucosamine (NAG), and sodium hyaluronan (HA) in horses with induced osteoarthritis (OA).

Study Design: Experimental.

Animals: Adult Standard bred horses (n = 16).

Problems and pointers in osteochondrosis: Twenty years on.

Twenty years ago a supplement of Equine Veterinary Journal was devoted to equine osteochondrosis (OC) and recognised the importance of this developmental disease to the equine industry. In the accompanying editorial several controversial issues were identified and a number of areas for further research were highlighted. Today, equine OC is still a major clinical problem, but the on-going research has resulted in much improved knowledge and understanding of this highly complicated disease.

Effect of age and prostheses location on rima glottidis area in equine cadaveric larynges.

Objective: To determine the effect of horse age and laryngeal prosthesis location on rima glottidis area in cadaveric larynges.

Study Design: Experimental study.

Animals: Cadaveric equine larynges (n = 40).

Optimal tension, position, and number of prostheses required for maximum rima glottidis area after laryngoplasty.

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of 3 laryngeal prostheses alone or in combination on rima glottidis area in horses.

Study Design: Experimental randomized design.

Sample Population: Cadaveric equine larynges (n = 22).

Altered gene expression in early osteochondrosis lesions.

Osteochondrosis is a condition involving defective endochondral ossification and retention of cartilage in subchondral bone. The pathophysiology of this condition is poorly characterized, but it has been proposed that the fundamental defect is failure of chondrocyte hypertrophy. The aim of the current study was to characterize phenotypic changes in chondrocytes associated with the initiation of osteochondrosis.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of the supraspinous ligament in a series of ridden and unridden horses and horses with unrelated back pathology.

Background: Injury to the supraspinous ligament (SSL) is reported to cause back pain in the horse. The diagnosis is based on clinical examination and confirmed by ultrasonographic examination. The ultrasonographic appearance of the supraspinous ligament has been well described, but there are few studies that correlate ultrasonographic findings with clinical pain and/or pathology.

The effect of equine recombinant growth hormone on second intention wound healing in horses.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of intramuscular administration of recombinant equine growth hormone on healing of full thickness skin wounds on equine limbs.

Study Design: Experimental.

Animals: Nine Standardbred horses.

Effects of 25% propylene glycol hydrogel (Solugel) on second intention wound healing in horses.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of a commercially available 25% propylene glycol hydrogel preparation (Solugel; Johnson and Johnson Medical, North Ryde, Australia) on healing of full-thickness skin wounds on the distal aspect of the limb in horses.

Study Design: Experimental.

Animals: Eight Standardbred horses.