Histologic assessment of age-related changes in the temporomandibular joints of horses.

Objective: To describe histologic changes in the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) of horses of various ages.

Sample: 22 TMJs from cadavers of 11 horses.

Procedures: Horses were categorized into 3 age groups (group 1, 2 to 10 years old [n = 3]; group 2, 11 to 20 years old [3]; and group 3, > 20 years old [5]).

In vitro assessment of bacterial translocation during needle insertion through inoculated culture media as a model of arthrocentesis through cellulitic tissue.

Objective: To determine by use of an in vitro model the potential for translocating sufficient numbers of bacteria into a joint during arthrocentesis through cellulitic tissue to cause sepsis.

Sample: Culture media containing 4 concentrations of Staphylococcus aureus and needles of 3 sizes.

Procedures: Needles (22, 20, and 19 gauge) were inserted through Mueller-Hinton agar that contained known concentrations of S aureus (10(3),10(4),10(5), and 10(6) CFUs/mL).

Management and long-term outcome of partial glossectomy in 2 horses.

Records were reviewed for 2 horses with partial glossectomy, 1 traumatic and 1 elective. According to long-term follow-up by telephone, both horses had recovered well, experiencing only temporary difficulty while eating, and went on to be ridden successfully using mouth bits. Partial glossectomy, therefore, had a favorable prognosis in 2 performance horses.