Comparison of differential protein expression of the marginal transitional zone in neonatal and weanling-aged foals.

The marginal transitional zone (MTZ) is peripherally located within the diarthrodial joint, and represents the junction of synovium, fibrous joint capsule, articular cartilage, periosteum, and bone. The purpose of this study is to characterize age-related differences in protein expression of matrix and molecular regulators in the marginal transitional zone of neonatal and weanling foals. Several families of proteins with known roles in cartilage and bone development are investigated, including matrix molecules, members of the Wnt signaling family, apoptotic factors and paracrine cell signaling molecules.

Differential Protein Expression of the Marginal Transitional Zone in Foals with Osteochondrosis.

The marginal transitional zone is peripherally located within the diarthrodial joint, and represents the interface of articular cartilage, periosteum, and the fibrous joint capsule. The purpose of this study is to characterize the protein expression of matrix and molecular regulators in the marginal transitional zone of foals having osteochondrosis (OC) compared to normal foals. Several families of proteins with known roles in cartilage and bone development are investigated, including matrix molecules, Wnt signaling, apoptotic factors and paracrine cell signaling molecules.

Outcome of bilateral equid laparoscopic ovariectomies.

Objective: To assess outcomes and behavior changes associated with bilateral laparoscopic ovariectomies.

Study Design: Retrospective study.

Sample Population: Fifty-one equids.

Muscle tears as a primary cause of lameness in horses: 14 cases (2009-2016).

This study describes clinical and ultrasonographic findings and outcomes of horses with lameness associated with muscle tears. Records of horses diagnosed with muscle tears were retrospectively evaluated. Horses in which one or more muscle tears were confirmed ultrasonographically and lameness was associated with the tear were included in the study ( = 14).

Expression of pro-apoptotic markers is increased along the osteochondral junction in naturally occurring osteochondrosis.

Osteochondrosis (OC) is a naturally occurring disease of the articular-epiphyseal cartilage and subchondral bone layers, leading to pain and decreased mobility. The objective of this study was to characterize gene and protein expression of apoptotic markers in chondrocytes surrounding cartilage canals and along the osteochondral junction of osteochondrosis (OC)-affected and normal cartilage, using naturally occurring disease in horses. Paraffin-embedded osteochondral samples (6 OC, 8 normal controls) and cDNA from chondrocytes captured with laser capture microdissection (4 OC, 6 normal controls) were obtained from the lateral trochlear ridge of femoropatellar joints in 14 immature horses (1-6 months of age).

Osteochondritis Dissecans Development.

This article reviews current knowledge of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) development in horses, including normal cartilage development, early osteochondrosis pathogenesis, and factors that result in healing or advancement to OCD fragments. Discussion includes current theories, detection, and therapeutic options.

Evaluation of two platelet-rich plasma processing methods and two platelet-activation techniques for use in llamas and alpacas.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate 2 processing methods (commercial kit vs conical tube centrifugation) for preparing platelet rich plasma (PRP) for use in llamas and alpacas. SAMPLES Blood samples (30 mL each) aseptically collected from 6 healthy llamas and 6 healthy alpacas. PROCEDURES PRP was prepared from blood samples by use of a commercial kit and by double-step conical tube centrifugation.

Goniometrie evaluation of standing extension and maximum flexion joint angles of llamas and alpacas.

OBJECTIVE To determine and compare mean standing extension and maximum flexion angles of various joints in healthy adult alpacas and llamas, and determine the reliability of goniometric data within and between 2 observers for each joint of interest. SAMPLE 6 healthy adult llamas and 6 healthy adult alpacas. PROCEDURES The shoulder joint, elbow joint, carpal, and metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints of the forelimbs and the hip joint, stifle joint, tarsal, and metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints of the hind limbs were investigated.

Wnt/β-catenin signaling of cartilage canal and osteochondral junction chondrocytes and full thickness cartilage in early equine osteochondrosis.

The objective of this study was to elucidate gene and protein expression of Wnt signaling molecules in chondrocytes of foals having early osteochondrosis (OC) versus normal controls. The hypothesis was that increased expression of components of Wnt signaling pathway in osteochondral junction (OCJ) and cartilage canal (CC) chondrocytes would be found in early OC when compared to controls. Paraffin-embedded osteochondral samples (7 OC, 8 normal) and cDNA from whole cartilage (7 OC, 10 normal) and chondrocytes surrounding cartilage canals and osteochondral junctions captured with laser capture microdissection (4 OC, 6 normal) were obtained from femoropatellar joints of 17 immature horses.

Carpal valgus in llamas and alpacas: Retrospective evaluation of patient characteristics, radiographic features and outcomes following surgical treatment.

This study evaluated outcomes of surgical treatment for carpal valgus in New World camelids and correlated successful outcome (absence of carpal valgus determined by a veterinarian) with patient characteristics and radiographic features. Univariable and multivariable analyses of retrospective case data in 19 camelids (33 limbs) treated for carpal valgus between 1987 and 2010 revealed that procedures incorporating a distal radial transphyseal bridge were more likely (P = 0.03) to result in success after a single surgical procedure.

Septic flexor tendonitis and suspensory desmitis in an alpaca.

Case Description: A 2-year-old male Suri alpaca was referred for evaluation of severe right forelimb lameness of 2 weeks' duration following a traumatic episode.

Clinical Findings: Examination of the distal aspect of the metacarpus revealed 4 wounds exuding purulent material. On weight bearing, the metacarpophalangeal joint was severely hyperextended with the palmar surface touching the ground.

Evaluation of serum trace mineral, vitamin D, and sex steroid hormone concentration, and survey data in llamas and alpacas with metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal hyperextension.

Objective: To characterize serum trace mineral, sex steroid hormone, and vitamin D concentrations and identify factors associated with metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal hyperextension in llamas and alpacas.

Samples: Serum samples from 79 llamas and 15 alpacas and owner survey data for 573 llamas and 399 alpacas.

Procedures: Serum samples were stored at -20°C until analysis and were evaluated for trace mineral, vitamin D, estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone concentrations.

Gene and protein expression of cartilage canal and osteochondral junction chondrocytes and full-thickness cartilage in early equine osteochondrosis.

The objective of this study was to investigate the expression of several regulatory factors associated with cartilage maturation in horses with early osteochondrosis (OC) compared to normal controls. The hypothesis was that expression levels of Indian hedgehog (Ihh), parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTH-rP), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet-derived growth factor-A (PDGF-A), and matrix metalloproteinase-13 and -3 (MMP-13, -3) would be increased in OC. Articular cartilage and osteochondral samples were collected from the femoropatellar joints from seven OC and eight normal young (1-6 months) horses after euthanasia and snap frozen or suspended in 4% paraformaldehyde.

Molecular, histologic, and trace mineral characterization of metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joint hyperextension in juvenile llamas.

Objective: To evaluate molecular and histologic characteristics of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT), deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT), and suspensory ligament (SL) and assess trace-mineral concentrations in serum, liver, and hair of juvenile llamas with metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joint hyperextension.

Animals: 12 juvenile llamas (6 with bilateral hyperextension of metacarpophalangeal joints, metatarsophalangeal joints, or both and 6 clinically normal control llamas).

Procedures: Radiography and ultrasonography of metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal regions were performed.

Molecular and histologic evaluation of idiopathic hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints in adult llamas.

Objective: To determine the molecular and histologic characteristics of hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints in adult llamas.

Animals: 12 adult llamas (6 with bilateral hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal or metatarsophalangeal joints [affected] and 6 age- and sex-matched clinically normal control llamas).

Procedures: Llamas were euthanized, and specimens of superficial digital flexor tendon, deep digital flexor tendon, and suspensory ligament were obtained from 4 areas and snap frozen in liquid nitrogen or suspended in neutral-buffered 10% formalin.

Complications after orthopedic surgery in alpacas and llamas: 24 cases (2000-2006).

Objective: To report complications associated with orthopedic surgery in alpacas and llamas.

Study Design: Retrospective study.

Animals: Alpacas (n=18) and llamas (n=6) that orthopedic surgery using internal or external fixation.

Morphologic and biochemical characterization of hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints in llamas.

Objective: To determine the morphologic and biochemical characteristics of hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints in llamas.

Animals: 12 adult llamas (6 with bilateral hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal or metatarsophalangeal joints and 6 age- and sex-matched control llamas).

Procedures: Llamas were evaluated by use of lameness examination, ultrasonography, and radiography.

In vitro bursting pressures of jejunal enterotomy closures in llamas.

Objective: To evaluate closure strength (in vitro bursting pressure) of jejunal enterotomies in llamas.

Study Design: In vitro experimental study.

Sample Population: Jejunal specimens (n=72) from 6 llamas.

Age-related expression of molecular regulators of hypertrophy and maturation in articular cartilage.

The purpose of this study was to determine changes in the expression of regulatory molecules in normal equine articular cartilage throughout development up to 18 months of age. The hypothesis was that expression of these regulatory molecules would decrease from birth to postpubescence. Cartilage was harvested from normal femoropatellar or scapulohumeral joints from 34 fresh horse cadavers.

Determination of the anatomic communications among compartments within the carpus, metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints, stifle joint, and tarsus in llamas.

Objective: To determine the anatomic communications among compartments within the carpus, metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints, stifle joint, and tarsus in llamas.

Sample Population: 88 limbs from 22 llamas necropsied because of reasons unrelated to disease of the carpus; tarsus; or metacarpophalangeal, metatarsophalangeal, or stifle joints.

Procedure: 1 compartment (randomly assigned) of each joint was injected with blue latex solution.

Expression patterns of hedgehog signaling peptides in naturally acquired equine osteochondrosis.

Hypertrophic differentiation and endochondral ossification of growth cartilage are regulated by a complex array of signaling peptides, including parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTH-rP), Indian hedgehog (Ihh), and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). This study investigated the expression of Ihh, Patched1 and 2 (Ptc1, Ptc2), Smoothened (Smo), Gli1, and Gli3, in naturally acquired articular osteochondrosis, using an equine model. Cartilage was harvested from osteochondrosis (OC) affected femoropatellar or scapulohumeral joints from immature horses and normal control horses of similar age.

Insulin-like growth factor-I diminishes the activation status and expression of the small GTPase Cdc42 in articular chondrocytes.

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) is an important anabolic growth factor in the maintenance of articular cartilage phenotypic expression. Chondrocyte morphology is also tightly linked to phenotype. The small G-protein Cdc42 plays a key role in regulation of cell morphology and phenotypic expression in several cell types and, we show here, in articular chondrocytes.

Expression of bone morphogenetic protein-6 and -2 and a bone morphogenetic protein antagonist in horses with naturally acquired osteochondrosis.

Objective: To determine the mRNA expression of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-6 and -2 and a BMP antagonist (Noggin) in horses with osteochondrosis.

Sample Population: Samples of articular cartilage from affected stifle or shoulder joints of 10 immature horses with naturally acquired osteochondrosis and corresponding joints of 9 clinically normal horses of similar age; additionally, samples of distal femoral growth plate cartilage and distal femoral articular cartilage were obtained from a normal equine fetus.

Procedure: Cartilage specimens were snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen, and total RNA was isolated.

Scapulohumeral arthrodesis in miniature horses.

Objectives: To describe surgical arthrodesis of the scapulohumeral joint and to evaluate its efficacy in reducing morbidity associated with severe shoulder dysfunction in miniature horses.

Study Design: Retrospective study.

Animals: Four miniature horses.

Parathyroid hormone-related peptide and indian hedgehog expression patterns in naturally acquired equine osteochondrosis.

Early changes in parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTH-rP) and Indian hedgehog (Ihh) expression were examined in equine articular osteochondrosis (OC) as a model of a naturally acquired dyschondroplasia. Cartilage was harvested from OC-affected femoropatellar or scapulohumeral joints from immature horses and normal control horses of similar age. PTH-rP expression levels were assessed by semi-quantitative PCR, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry.