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Experiences during gestation can alter the mother’s behavior and physiology, thereby potentially affecting the behavioral and physiological development of the offspring. In livestock, one common challenge for pregnant animals is lameness: a multifactorial condition that causes pain, stress, resulting in poor welfare outcomes. Since maternal pain can affect offspring development, we aimed to quantify the behavioral response in 142 piglets born from sows with different degrees of lameness during pregnancy. Gait scores of 22 pregnant group-housed sows were assessed six times at 2-week intervals. Lameness scores varied from 0 (no lameness) to 5 (most severe lameness score). Saliva samples and behavior were assessed in the sows throughout pregnancy. Sows were moved to individual farrowing pens and placental tissue was collected for glucocorticoid assessment. At 28 days of age, piglets were weaned, weighed, and regrouped by body size and sex. Skin lesions were counted for each piglet on days 28, 29, and 30 after birth. During open field and novel object tests on day 30, the vocalization and activity levels were evaluated. Piglet data were grouped by the lameness score of the sows as G1 (without lameness), G2 (moderate lameness), and G3 (severe lameness). Data analysis included ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis tests and pairwise comparisons which were performed using Tukey and Kramer (Nemenyi) test with Tukey-Dist approximation for independent samples. G2 piglets were heavier than G3 at weaning. G1 piglets had fewer skin lesions at days 28 and 29 than G2 piglets. Moreover, G1 piglets vocalized more than G2 when they were subjected to the combined open field and novel object test. We did not identify differences among sows showing different lameness scores in the concentration of placental or salivary glucocorticoids. Lameness in pregnant sows altered the offspring’s weight gain, number of skin lesions and vocalizations, together showing evidence that lameness in sows affect offspring performance and behavior.

The objective of this study was to compare the impact of the functional hoof trimming (HT) method to an adaptation that results in increased modelling of the weight bearing claw on time to lameness and lesion prevalence in housed dairy cows. A total of 418 non-lame cows at early and late lactation were enrolled in the study and randomly allocated into 3 groups: functional HT (TRIM1), adaptation method (TRIM2), and an untrimmed group (CON). Locomotion scores (LS; 5-point scale) and animal-based welfare measures were assessed monthly from enrolment until the following 270 days in milk. Cows were considered lame when 2 consecutive LS = 3, or any assessment with a score of 4 or 5. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to evaluate the difference in time to lameness between the groups. Multivariable CC Cox regression models were fitted to assess associations between covariates and time to lameness event, while associated factors for lesion prevalence were estimated using logistic regression models. The incidence rate of lameness was 29.3 cases/100/month, with corresponding rates of 28.7, 15.8 and 42.8 cases/100/months, in TRIM1, TRIM2 and CON, respectively. Time to first lameness event was higher in TRIM2 (mean ± S.E; 8.26 ± 0.16, P = 0.03) than CON (7.32 ± 0.2) and tended to be higher than TRIM1 (7.83 ± 0.19; P = 0.07). The risk of new lameness event was higher in cows with low BCS (≤2.5) (Hazard ratio; HR = 1.5; 95 % CI 1.1–2.1), while trimming all feet was a protective factor (HR = 0.58; 95 % CI 0.38–0.90). The prevalence of hoof lesions in the study population was 36.3 %, with the highest prevalence in CON (45.6 %), followed by TRIM1 (34.6 %) and TRIM2 (28.1 %). Seventy-eight per cent of hoof lesions were non-infectious and the majority of cows with hoof lesion in TRIM1 (72.3 %), CON (74.6 %) and TRIM2 (55.6 %) were lame. The odds of having a non-infectious hoof lesion were higher in CON (OR = 2.1; 95 % CI 1.2–3.7) compared to TRIM2, and in cows with hock injury (OR = 3.1; 95 % 1.1–9.7) relative to healthy hock, and tended to be higher in cows with low BCS (P = 0.09) relative to those with moderate BCS. Our results suggest that the adaptation to the functional method reduced the risk of lameness during lactation, however, proper management of under-conditioned cows is equally important.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the ability of a proprietary antagonist of E-type prostanoid receptor (EP) 4, grapiprant, and carprofen to attenuate lameness attributable to urate-induced synovitis in dogs. ANIMALS 5 purpose-bred hound-cross dogs. PROCEDURES A blinded, 3-way crossover study was performed. Dogs received each of 3 treatments (L-766, a proprietary antagonist of EP4; 4.0 mg/kg), grapiprant (an antagonist of EP4; 2.0 mg/kg), and carprofen (4.4 mg/kg); dogs received 4 doses of each treatment (14 and 2 hours before and 22 and 46 hours after urate injection). Synovitis was induced by intra-articular injection of sodium urate. Measurements (vertical ground reaction forces and clinical lameness scores) were obtained immediately before (0 hours; baseline) and 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours after sodium urate injection. All data were analyzed with repeated-measures ANOVA. RESULTS Lameness scores at 6 hours were significantly higher than baseline lameness scores for all treatments. Lameness scores for the grapiprant treatment remained significantly higher at 12 and 24 hours, compared with baseline lameness scores. Lameness scores for the carprofen treatment were significantly lower than lameness scores for the grapiprant treatment at 6, 12, and 24 hours. Analysis of peak vertical force and vertical impulse data revealed a pattern similar to that for lameness scores. Treatment with L-766 resulted in a significantly higher vertical impulse at 48 hours than did treatment with carprofen or grapiprant. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In these dogs, carprofen was the most effective treatment for attenuating lameness induced by injection of sodium urate, and grapiprant was the least effective treatment.

Background Mycoplasma hyorhinis (Mhr) is the etiologic agent of lameness and polyserositis in swine. P37 is a membrane protein of Mhr that may be an important immunogen and is a potential target for diagnostic development. However, there is little information concerning Mhr P37 protein epitopes. A precise analysis of the P37 protein epitopes should extend our understanding of the antigenic composition of the P37 protein and the humoral immune responses to Mhr infection. Investigating the epitopes of Mhr P37 will help to establish a detection method for Mhr in tissue and provide an effective tool for detecting Mhr infection. Results Western blot and indirect immunofluorescence assays (IFA) confirmed that the expressed P37 protein was recognized by Mhr-positive porcine and mouse sera. Furthermore, the P37 protein was purified using affinity chromatography and used to immunize mice for hybridoma cell fusion. Four monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) found to be positive for Mhr were detected in infected lung tissue. A panel of truncated P37 proteins was used to identify the minimal B cell linear epitopes of the protein based on these mAbs. The core epitope was determined to be 206KIKKAWNDKDWNTFRNF222. Conclusions In this study, we identified 17 critical amino acids that determine the epitope of the P37 protein of Mhr. This study identified mAbs that could provide useful tools for investigating the Mhr P37 antigenic core epitope (amino acids 206–222) and detecting Mhr-specific antigens in infected tissue.

Background : Recent advances in tendinopathy research have focused on tendon vascularization detected with Color Doppler (CD) ultrasound. The use of CD has also been described in horses in a study on chronic lesions of superficial digital flexor tendon and suspensory ligament. Aim : The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence and distribution of power Doppler (PD) signal in horses with superficial digital flexor tendinopathy. Methods : Twenty-five horses with tendinopathy were included and 10 healthy horses with no lameness and no ultrasonographic abnormalities were used for comparison. Results : In all horses with tendinopathy, the PD signal was visible while normal tendons with no abnormalities in B-mode were PD signal-free. Conclusion : We can speculate that PD could provide essential information about the healing process than the grayscale ultrasound. Keywords : Horse, Power Doppler, SDFT, Tendinopathy.

Background : Canine transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is the most common type of malignant tumor of the urinary system. This tumor rarely metastasizes to bones, and dogs most commonly present with lower urinary tract signs. Case Description : An 8-year-old female spayed beagle presented with unilateral front-limb lameness in which pain was localized to the shoulder joint. Surgical bone biopsy following abnormal radiographic lesions noted in the scapula was consistent with metastatic carcinoma of unknown origin. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a mass in the trigone region of the urinary bladder, which was cytologically confirmed to be a transitional cell carcinoma. Amputation was elected due to severity of the limb pain, and chemotherapy for the TCC was scheduled to follow after healing from surgery was complete. At the 2-week recheck for commencement of chemotherapy, the patient was anemic and a pathologic fracture was found on the L5 vertebra. Due to poor prognosis, the owner elected for humane euthanasia. Conclusion : This case report documents the clinical and pathological findings of a dog where metastasis to a rarely documented distant bone site secondary to TCC was diagnosed before the primary tumor. The unusual sequence of events described in this case report is a reminder to always consider all the possible differential diagnoses, as that may influence our recommendation on diagnostics and treatment. Keywords : Bone metastasis, Dog, Transitional cell carcinoma.

Modern commercial broilers have been genetically selected for fast growth and heavy breast muscling, contributing to a top-heavy phenotype and increased leg lameness. A quick-growing phenotype coupled with poor leg health fosters inactivity. The objective of this study was to stimulate broiler movement using novel environmental enrichment and determine the impact of movement on production, leg health, and environmental parameters. A total of 1,200 Ross 308 broilers were housed in 40 pens with 30 birds/pen for 6 wk in 2 separate rooms (laser enrichment or control). Each enrichment device was mounted above 2 adjoining pens, projected 2 independent, randomly moving laser beams at the floor to stimulate innate predatory behavior, and was active 4 times daily in 4-min periods. Performance outcomes were calculated by pen and averaged per bird for each performance period and overall days 0 to 42. A total of 70 randomly selected focal birds were examined for breast blisters and footpad dermatitis each week and euthanized on day 42 for tibia quality measures. Air quality and litter moisture were sampled by week. Laser-enriched pens had greater average bird feed intake in starter (P0.001), grower (P = 0.004), finisher periods (P = 0.004), and overall days 0 to 42 (0.19 kg/bird; P = 0.0003). Average bird weight gain was also increased in enriched pens in each performance period: starter (P = 0.043), grower (P = 0.001), finisher (P0.001), and overall days 0 to 42 (0.24 kg/bird; P0.001). Enriched pens had improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) vs. control with a decrease of 3 FCR points in the grower (P = 0.031), 18 points in the finisher (P0.001), and 7 points overall (P0.001). Enriched pens had higher ADG during starter (P = 0.048), finisher (P0.001), and overall (5.7 g/bird/d; P0.001). No differences were found in breast blister, footpad dermatitis, tibia, air, or litter quality measures (P0.05). In summary, a novel enrichment device based on bird visual feeding and predatory instincts positively affected performance through decreased FCR and increased ADG without sacrificing external animal-based measures, tibia quality, or air or litter quality.

Intra-articular (IA) hyaluronic acid (HA) is commonly used to treat equine arthritis. Inflammatory response or "joint flare" is a recognized potential side effect. However, the incidence and severity of inflammation following IA HA injection in horses is not well documented. This study compared the effects of two IA HA formulations of different molecular weight (MW) and a saline control on clinical signs and synovial fluid markers of inflammation in normal equine joints. Eight adult horses each had three healthy fetlock joints randomly assigned to treatment with either 1.4 mega Dalton HA, 0.8 mega Dalton HA or saline control once weekly for three weeks. Clinical evaluation and synovial fluid analysis were performed by blinded assessors. Outcomes of interest were lameness score, joint effusion score and synovial fluid white cell count and differential, total protein, viscosity and serum amyloid A. Joints injected with HA developed significant mild-to-moderate inflammatory responses often associated with lameness and joint effusion compared with saline control joints. The higher MW HA formulation elicited a significantly greater inflammatory response than the lower MW HA after the first injection. In HA injected joints, viscosity remained poor for the entire study. Both IA HA formulations in this study induced an inflammatory response in healthy equine joints. This may have implications for the use of HA in equine joints. The findings in this study are limited to the two HA formulations used. Further investigation of different HA formulations and the use of HA in normal and arthritic equine joints is warranted.

This study analysed the race day veterinary reports from harness racing meetings controlled by the New South Wales Greyhound and Harness Racing Regulatory Authority between 1 September 2008 and 30 June 2009. The findings of all prerace and postrace examinations were analysed, and the frequency of observations was recorded. Chi-square testing was used to determine whether the incidence of abnormalities differed between age groups and tracks. A total of 542 meetings were conducted during the period of the study, with veterinary examinations conducted at 395 of these meetings. A total of 520 veterinary examinations (60 prerace and 460 postrace) were conducted. During the period of the study, 3685 horses started 31,393 times. Injuries occurring during the warm-up or start were the most common finding on prerace examination (11 reports) followed by lameness (6 reports). Lameness was the most common problem identified during postrace examinations, occurring at a rate of 2.10 cases per 1000 starts. Other problems identified at a rate of more than 1 per 1000 starts were poor postrace recovery/heat stress (2.04) and lacerations (1.75). Falls occurred at a rate of 1.72 cases per 1000 starts. Two-year-old horses were less likely to be lame than 3, 5 and 6-year-old horses. There was no difference in the rate of falls or lameness between tracks. This study provides a benchmark against which ongoing improvements in welfare can be assessed.

Background Lameness in dairy cows has been an ongoing concern of great relevance to animal welfare and productivity in modern dairy production. Many studies have examined associations between various factors related to housing, management, and the individual animal and the occurrence of lameness. The objective of this systematic review was to answer the research question “what are risk factors associated with lameness in dairy cows that are housed in free stall barns or tie stall facilities”. Furthermore, we performed a synthesis of current evidence on certain risk factors by means of a meta-analysis to illustrate the strength of their association with bovine lameness. Results Following pre-defined procedures and inclusion criteria in accordance with the PRISMA statement, two observers independently included 53 articles out of a pool of 1941 articles which had been retrieved by a broad literature research in a first step. 128 factors that have been associated with lameness were identified in those papers. Meta-analyses were conducted for five factors presented in six different studies: Body condition score, presence of claw overgrowth, days in milk, herd size, and parity. Results indicated that a body condition score of ≤2.5/5 is associated with increased odds of lameness. A higher risk of being lame was found for the presence of claw overgrowth, the first 120 days in milk, larger herd sizes, and increasing parity. Throughout the study, we encountered profound difficulties in retrieving data and information of sufficient quality from primary articles as well as in recovering comparable studies. Conclusions We learned that an abundance of literature on bovine lameness exists. To adequately address a problem of this importance to both animal welfare and economic viability, solid evidence is required in the future to develop effective intervention strategies. Therefore, a consistent working definition of lameness and specific risk factors should be an option to consider.

Proximal suspensory desmitis (PSD) is a frequent cause of lameness in the performance horse. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (EST) and platelet rich plasma (PRP) have become common treatments for PSD yet clinical data on efficacy is limited. The main objective of this randomized, prospective clinical study was to compare long-term effectiveness of EST and PRP in Western performance horses. One hundred horses with lameness localized to the proximal suspensory ligament received treatment with either PRP or EST following baseline ultrasonographic evaluation. A veterinarian and agent evaluated the horses for lameness independently four days following the first treatment and long-term follow up was obtained from the agent at six and twelve months. Four days post treatment, horses treated with EST had significantly greater lameness improvement compared to PRP. At one-year horses with less severe baseline ultrasound changes (grades 0–1) appeared to respond better (degree of lameness) with EST treatment whereas horses with more severe ultrasound changes (grade 2) responded better to PRP. Horses with baseline lameness graded 1 or 2 were 5.1 times more likely to be back in work at 1 year compared to those presenting with grade 3 or 4. EST treatment was associated with going back to work 3.8 times more at one year compared to PRP independent of baseline ultrasound score. Both PRP and EST can be expected to yield favorable therapeutic responses in Western performance horses with lameness localized to the proximal suspensory region. Baseline ultrasound may guide treatment selection.

OBJECTIVE To determine the holding capacity of a 5.5-mm-diameter cortical bone screw when placed in the third phalanx (P3) of horses and assess whether screw placement through the dorsal hoof wall into P3 would be tolerated by clinically normal horses and would alleviate signs of pain and prevent P3 rotation in horses with oligofructose-induced laminitis. ANIMALS 40 limbs from 10 equine cadavers and 19 clinically normal adult horses. PROCEDURES In part 1 of a 3-part study, a 5.5-mm-diameter cortical bone screw was inserted by use of a lag-screw technique through the dorsal hoof wall midline into P3 of 40 cadaveric limbs and tested to failure to determine screw pullout force. In part 2, 6 horses had 5.5-mm-diameter cortical bone screws placed in both forefeet as described for part 1. Screws were removed 4 days after placement. Horses were monitored for lameness before and for 2 weeks after screw removal. In part 3, 13 horses were randomly assigned to serve as controls (n = 3) or undergo screw placement without (group 2; 6) or with (group 3; 4) a washer. Following the acquisition of baseline data, horses were sedated and administered oligofructose (10 g/kg) via a stomach tube. Twenty-four hours later, screws were placed as previously described in both forefeet of horses in groups 2 and 3. Horses were assessed every 4 hours, and radiographic images of the feet were obtained at 96 and 120 hours after oligofructose administration. Horses were euthanized, and the feet were harvested for histologic examination. RESULTS The mean ± SD screw pullout force was 3,908.7 ± 1,473.4 N, and it was positively affected by the depth of screw insertion into P3. Horses of part 2 tolerated screw placement and removal well and did not become lame. All horses of part 3 developed signs of acute lameness, and the distance between P3 and the dorsal hoof wall increased slightly over time. The change in the ratio of the dorsal hoof wall width at the extensor process of P3 to that at the tip of P3 over time was the only variable significantly associated with treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Placement of a 5.5-mm-diameter cortical bone screw through the dorsal hoof wall into P3 had sufficient holding power to counteract the pull of the deep digital flexor tendon in approximately 500-kg horses, and placement of such a screw was well tolerated by clinically normal horses but did not alleviate signs of pain in horses with oligofructose-induced laminitis. Further research is necessary before this technique can be recommended for horses with naturally occurring acute laminitis.

Vascular changes play an important role in the pathogenesis of claw horn disruption lesions in cattle. The aim of the study was to measure arterial blood flow in the hind limbs of German Holstein cows with claw horn disruption lesions. A 10-MHz linear transducer was used to assess blood flow in the interdigital artery in the dorsal pastern region in the hind limbs of 11 non-lame and 33 lame German Holstein cows in which lameness was scored clinically. Qualitative and quantitative blood flow parameters were compared in affected limbs and unaffected contralateral hind limbs in lame cows and in the hind limbs of lame cows and non-lame cows. A pulsed-wave Doppler signal suitable for analysis was obtained in 78 of 88 limbs (33 affected and contralateral limbs, 22 limbs of control cows). Blood flow curve types 1 and 2 were predominant in the hind limbs of lame cows. Vessel diameter, end-diastolic velocity, and blood flow rate were significantly greater in lame cows than in non-lame cows and were numerically greater in moderately lame cows than in mildly lame cows. The differences in the qualitative and quantitative parameters between lame and non-lame cows were most likely caused by inflammation of the pododerm. The role of weight distribution between the paired hind limbs and the existence of claw horn disruption appeared to have an effect on the differences in local circulation in the affected and unaffected contralateral hind limbs in lame cows.

A score system was used to evaluate pain, distress and discomfort in healthy pigs and pigs with two different diseases: lameness and rectal prolapse. In addition, correlations between the results of this score and a panel of salivary biomarkers and severity of disease were studied. This panel included biomarkers of stress (cortisol, salivary alpha-amylase (sAA), total esterase activity (TEA), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and lipase (Lip)), immunity (adenosine deaminase isozymes 1 (ADA1) and 2 (ADA2)) and oxidative status (uric acid (UA), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), ferric reducing ability of saliva (FRAS), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)). Based on their score, diseased animals were subdivided in those without and with evident pain. Lame pigs and prolapsed pigs with pain showed higher salivary levels of cortisol, sAA, TEA, BChE, ADA1 and ADA2 compared with the healthy pigs. In addition, the prolapsed pigs with pain showed higher levels of FRAS, AOPP and H2O2 compared with the healthy animals. Salivary cortisol, TEA, BChE, ADA isozymes 1 and 2, FRAS and AOPP correlated with the pain score. This five-point pain score system can be easily applied to lame and prolapsed pigs, and salivary biomarkers could be used as an additional tool for pain assessment in those pigs.

BACKGROUND: Pathology of the digital flexor tendon sheath is a significant cause of lameness in the horse. Imaging is important to identify lesions and inform on prognosis prior to tenoscopic surgery. OBJECTIVES: To use a large population to evaluate 1) the sensitivity and specificity of digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS) contrast radiographs in diagnosing manica flexoria (MF) tears, deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) tears and constriction of the palmar/plantar annular ligament (PAL) using novel criteria; 2) predisposition to pathology in signalment and limb affected. STUDY DESIGN: Multicentre retrospective cohort study. METHODS: The medical records of 206 horses with lameness localised to the DFTS, contrast radiographs and subsequent tenoscopic surgery were reviewed. Breed and limb predispositions were evaluated for pathology of the DDFT, MF and PAL constriction. Contrast radiographs of the DFTS were reviewed by four masked operators and for each pathology the sensitivity, specificity and interobserver variability were calculated. RESULTS: Contrast tenography was a sensitive test for MF tears (92% confidence interval [CI] 88.4–94.4%; specificity 56%, CI 51.1–61.1%) and specific for diagnosing DDFT tears (73%, CI 68.6–76.8%; sensitivity 54%, CI 47.8–60.2%) but had a lower sensitivity (71%, CI 65.1–75.9%) and specificity (45%, CI 39.1–52.0%) for PAL constriction. It had good to substantial interobserver agreement for MF and DDFT tears (Krippendorff's alpha 0.68 and 0.46 respectively). Ponies (57%) and cobs (58%) were significantly more likely to be affected with MF tears (other breeds 20–39%, P = 0.003) and Thoroughbreds (50%), warmbloods (45%) and draught breeds (48%) were more likely to have DDFT tears (other breeds 22–34%, P = 0.01). MF tears and PAL constriction were overrepresented in the hindlimbs compared to DDFT tears in forelimbs. MAIN LIMITATIONS: No standardisation of contrast radiographs was possible. The subjectivity of diagnosis of PAL constriction may also have led to bias. Radiographs were read as JPEGS reducing ability to manipulate images. CONCLUSIONS: Contrast radiography of the DFTS is accurate in the pre‐operative diagnosis of DFTS pathologies. Different pathologies are overrepresented in certain breeds and limbs.

Lameness is one of the most serious economic problems in dairy animals. The present study was undertaken to identify the SNPs associated with lameness in Vrindavani, a synthetic crossbred cattle developed in India. A total of 187 cows were screened for lameness at Cattle and Buffalo Farm, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India and 16.04% prevalence was noticed. The effect of age, body weight, parity, and peak yield was not significant on lameness score. Heritability estimate of lameness score was low (0.07 ± 0.01). A total of 90 Vrindavani cows were genotyped by PCR-RFLP for 10 SNPs that were reported to have association with feet and legs in cattle. Five SNPs displayed significant departure from Hardy Weinberg equilibrium. Varying levels of heterozygosity, polymorphic information content, and allelic diversity were noticed at different SNPs. Odds ratio and least squares analysis revealed a significant association (P

Injury of suspensory ligament (SL) branch is a frequently diagnosed problem in horses of different ages and disciplines. This case reports for the first time the ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in a 10-year-old draught horse with traumatic chronic SL branch desmitis of 8 months duration. The horse had a grade 3 of 5 left hindlimb lameness with a moderately hot, painful, and diffuse swelling from the tarsus till the hoof. Ultrasonography, both SL branches appeared as enlarged hyperechogenic structures with poor demarcation of their margins and massive periligamentous echogenic materials consistent with fibrosis. Computed tomography showed no osseous lesions but did show enlarged, hypodense, and heterogeneous SL branches with an evidence of periligamentar and peritendenious adhesions and air entrapment areas intermingled within fibrous adhesion. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed no abnormal signal intensity received from the proximal part of SL and its body. There were high and intermediate signal intensities received from inflammatory fluid and periligamentar fibrous adhesions, respectively, around SL branches. Both CT and MRI findings were confirmed by gross postmortem examination. In conclusion, CT and MRI are valuable tools for diagnosis of extensive adhesions associated with chronic SL branch desmitis.

Background Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are an important tool in the management of canine osteoarthritis, with the most recent introduction into the category being grapiprant, a piprant that selectively targets the EP4 prostaglandin receptor. To date there have been no efficacy studies comparing grapiprant with other NSAIDs. A randomized, two-sequence, assessor-blinded study involving two separate experiments was undertaken to measure the potency and persistence of acute pain control over 24 h resulting from a single oral dose of either firocoxib (Previcox®) or grapiprant (Galliprant®) in an acute arthritis model. Results Force-plate derived lameness ratios (0, no force recorded on the plate; 1, normal force) for the untreated group remained at 0 for most post-arthritis induction (PAI) assessments in both experiments. Throughout Experiment 1, mean PAI lameness ratios of the firocoxib-treated group remained at or above 0.80. In the grapiprant-treated group, ratios were 0 at 5 and 7 h PAI (7 and 9 h post-treatment), and 0.16 at 10 h PAI (12 h post-treatment). For lameness ratios, relative to the firocoxib group, the control and grapiprant group ratios were significantly lower at each PAI assessment (p ≤ 0.026 and p

To report the clinical outcomes and complications after the use of 3.5 mm/2.7 mm locking compression plates (LCP) with additional internal fixation for pancarpal arthrodesis (PCA) in dogs.This was a retrospective study using medical records from a single orthopaedic referral hospital between December 2015 and April 2018. The inclusion criteria were the use of a dorsally applied LCP for PCA in dogs with a minimum follow-up period of 12 months. Additional crossed 2.7 or 3.5 mm cortical screws or Kirschner wires were placed in all limbs to further stabilise the joints. A light dressing without external coaptation was applied postoperatively to all limbs. Postoperative lameness assessment was recorded at the last clinical evaluation.Twelve dogs with 13 arthrodesed limbs were included, with carpal hyperextension injury being the most common indication for surgery (4/13; 31%). One dog was recorded with a minor complication, which was a metacarpal fracture distal to the bone plate. Major complications were observed in 4/13 (31%) limbs, with surgical site infection being recorded in all four limbs and screw loosening in one limb. No implant failure was reported. At the final clinical evaluation (43-437 days after surgery), none or mechanical lameness was recorded in 9/13 (69%) limbs, mild lameness in 3/13 (23%) limbs, and moderate lameness in one 1/13 (8%) limb.Locking plate and screw fixation with additional internal fixation resulted in comparable complication and infection rates in canine PCA to previous published studies using hybrid dynamic compression plates. No implant failure was reported for any of the limbs despite the use of a light dressing without external coaptation.

Lameness is a common animal health condition with significant production and welfare implications. The transdermal formulation of flunixin meglumine is the only approved drug for pain control in cattle in the United States. Thirty adult dairy cows were enrolled in a study to determine the effect of transdermal flunixin on cattle with induced lameness. Cows were allocated to 1 of 3 treatment groups, with 10 cows per group: lameness and flunixin (L+F), lameness and placebo (L+P), or sham induction and placebo (S+P). An arthritis-synovitis was induced in the distal interphalangeal joint of the left hind lateral digit, using 20 mg of amphotericin B, 6 h before the application of treatment. Cows enrolled into the sham induction group had 4 mL of isotonic saline injected into the joint. Cows were dosed with transdermal flunixin at 3.33 mg/kg (1 mL/15 kg), or a placebo at 1 mL/15 kg, every 24 h for 3 d. The first treatment of flunixin or placebo was considered the start of the study, identified as time 0 h. Data were collected from all cows for 120 h following the initial treatment application. Outcome measures included plasma cortisol; substance P; visual lameness assessment; mechanical nociception threshold (MNT), presented as difference between left and right feet; infrared thermography (IRT), presented as difference between left and right feet; and gait analysis using a pressure mat. Cortisol concentrations were lower for the L+F group starting at 1.5 h after drug administration. Substance P levels showed no evidence for treatment differences among groups. Differences between the left hind MNT and right hind MNT were detected, with S+P having the lowest difference at -0.04 kilograms-force (kgf; 95% CI: -1.86 to 1.78 kgf), and L+P having the highest at -2.96 kgf (95% CI: 1.55 to 4.36 kgf). The L+F group was intermediate at -2.08 kgf (95% CI: 0.89 to 3.27 kgf). Similarly, when the difference between the maximum temperatures of the coronary band were examined via IRT, the L+P group had the highest difference at 1.64°C (95% CI: 1.02 to 2.26°C), with the L+F and S+P groups measuring 0.57°C (95% CI: 0.06 to 1.08°C) and 0.53°C (95% CI: -0.2 to 1.25°C) respectively. We found no evidence for differences among treatment groups when analyzing force, contact pressure, step impulse, or stride length. Based on differences in MNT, IRT, and cortisol, transdermal flunixin is an effective analgesic agent for induced lameness. Multiple doses of transdermal flunixin may be required to be clinically effective, based on MNT and IRT data. Further investigation of transdermal flunixin and its analgesic effects is warranted in naturally occurring lameness.

Aims: To estimate the prevalence of lameness in sheep transported to meat processing plants in New Zealand, and to identify factors associated with the prevalence of lameness.Methods: The survey wa...

OBJECTIVE To assess single-day and multiday repeatability of weight distribution (stance) data obtained with a commercial analyzer for dogs with naturally occurring hind limb lameness. ANIMALS 46 dogs (15 and 31 for single-day and multiday trials, respectively). PROCEDURES For single-day trials, 5 to 10 measurements/trial were collected to determine body weight (BW), weight distribution on each limb, and forelimb and hind limb symmetry indices (SIs). The dog was removed from the room and returned immediately; 5 trials were performed. For multiday trials, measurements were performed in the same manner on 2 sequential days. Data were compared among trials (single-day measurements) and between days (multiday measurements). Repeatability (correlation coefficients and Lin concordance correlation coefficients [LCCCs]) and variability (coefficients of variation [CVs]) were assessed. RESULTS In single-day trials, BW (r = 0.999), weight distribution on the lame hind limb (r = 0.915) and contralateral hind limb (r = 0.948), and hind limb SI (r = 0.964) were each significantly correlated among trials. In multiday trials, BW results were similar; weight distribution on the lame hind limb and contralateral hind limb and hind limb SI were each less closely but still significantly correlated between days. The LCCCs were highest for BW, weight distribution on the contralateral hind limb, and hind limb SI in single-day trials and for BW and weight bearing on the contralateral and lame hind limbs in multiday trials. The CVs were lowest for BW and highest for forelimb SI in both trial types. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The analyzer used allowed repeatable measurement of BW and weight distribution on the hind limbs of dogs with hind limb lameness. Measurement of forelimb stance variables was not repeatable in this group of dogs.

The median nerve, along with the ulnar nerve, is often anesthetized when performing a lameness examination in horses. Because of the close proximity of the median nerve to the cubital joint, proximal migration of local anesthetic might ameliorate pain originating from the cubital joint. The objective of this study was to determine if a median nerve block will ameliorate lameness caused by pain in the cubital joint. A forelimb lameness was induced in six healthy horses by injecting 100 ng of recombinant equine interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) into the cubital joint. The median nerve of the lame leg was anesthetized using 10 mL of 2% mepivacaine hydrochloride. A successful median nerve block was confirmed by loss of skin sensation at the medial aspect of the pastern and typical changes in thermographic images. Gait was assessed before and at 20, 40, and 60 minutes after the median nerve block using an inertial sensor-based motion analysis system (Lameness Locator; Equinosis LLC, Columbia, MO). A full-factorial repeated measures analysis of variance was used to compare treatment effect across time. IL-1β administration resulted in significant transient lameness in all horses (P < .0001). The median nerve block was successfully performed in all horses and did not result in significant improvement (P = .32) of lameness as quantified by the total differential head vector sum. This result has relevant clinical application as it suggests when performing a lameness examination, it is unlikely that blocking the median nerve with 10 mL of local anesthetic will ameliorate pain originating from the cubital joint.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate lameness and morphological changes associated with an osteochondral fragment–groove procedure as a means of experimental induction of metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint osteoarthritis within an 11-week period in horses. ANIMALS 6 nonlame adult warmbloods. PROCEDURES The right MCP joint of each horse underwent an osteochondral fragment–groove procedure (day 0). After 1 week of stall rest (ie, starting day 7), each horse was trained daily on a treadmill. Weekly, horses underwent visual and inertial sensor-based assessments of lameness. Both MCP joints were assessed radiographically on days 0 (before surgery), 1, 35, and 77. A synovial fluid sample was collected from the right MCP joint on days 0 (before surgery), 35, 36, 49, 63, and 77 for cytologic and biomarker analyses. On day 77, each horse was euthanized; both MCP joints were evaluated macroscopically and histologically. RESULTS Right forelimb lameness was detected visually and by the inertial sensor system when horses were moving on a straight line after distal forelimb flexion or circling left on days 14 to 77. Compared with presurgical values, synovial fluid interleukin-6, prostaglandin E2, hyaluronic acid, and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein concentrations were increased at 2 or 3 time points, whereas tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-10 concentrations were decreased at 1 time point. Gross examination of all right MCP joints revealed synovitis and wear lines; synovitis was confirmed histologically. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that a combined osteochondral fragment–groove procedure can be used to induce clinically and grossly observable early MCP joint osteoarthritis during an 11-week period in horses.

In a herd of 100 milking Simmental cows, data of performance and behavior parameters were collected automatically with different systems such as pedometers, an automatic milking system, and automatic weighing troughs for 1 yr. Performance measures were several milking-related parameters, live weight, as well as feed intake. Behavior-associated measures were feeding behavior (e.g. feeding duration, number of visits to the trough, and feeding pace) as well as activity such as lying duration, number of lying bouts, and overall activity. In the same time, lameness status of every cow was assessed with weekly locomotion scoring. According to the score animals were then classified lame (score 4 or 5) or nonlame (score 1, 2, or 3). From these data in total, 25 parameters summarized to daily values were evaluated for their ability to determine the lameness status of a cow. Data were analyzed with a regularized regression method called elastic net with the outcome lame or nonlame. The final model had a high prediction accuracy with an area under the curve of 0.91 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.88-0.94]. Specificity was 0.81 (95% CI = 0.73-0.85) and sensitivity was 0.94 (95% CI = 0.88-1.00). The most important factors associated with a cow being lame were number of meals, average feed intake per meal, and average duration of a meal. Lame cows fed in fewer and shorter meals with a decreased intake per meal. Milk yield and lying-behavior-associated parameters were relevant in the model, too, but only as parts of interaction terms demonstrating their strong dependence on other factors. A higher milk yield only resulted in higher risk of being lame if feed intake was decreased. The same accounts for lying duration: only if lying time was below the 50% quantile did an increased milk yield result in a higher risk of being lame. The association of lameness and daily lying duration was influenced by daily feeding duration and feeding duration at daytime. The results of the study give deeper insights on how the association between behavior and performance parameters and lameness is influenced by intrinsic factors in particular and that many of these have to be considered when trying to predict lameness based on such data. The findings lead to a better understanding why, for instance, lying duration or milk yield seem to be highly correlated with lameness in cows but still have not been overly useful as parameters in other lameness detection models.

CASE DESCRIPTION A 12-year-old mixed-breed mare (horse 1) and 6-year-old Friesian gelding (horse 2) were examined for chronic lameness associated with the stifle joint. CLINICAL FINDINGS Lameness examination revealed effusion of the right (horse 1) or left (horse 2) femoropatellar and medial femorotibial joints and grade 3/5 (horse 1) or 4/5 (horse 2) lameness. A diagnosis of cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury with associated mineralization and avulsion (horse 1) or mineralization alone (horse 2) was facilitated in both horses with a caudomedial-craniolateral oblique radiographic view obtained 45° medial to the caudocranial line, which highlighted the origin of the ligament on the caudoaxial aspect of the lateral femoral condyle within the intercondylar fossa. These lesions were subsequently confirmed via CT. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME Arthroscopy of the medial and lateral femorotibial joints was performed for horse 1 and revealed the osseous fragment associated with the CCL, but the fragment could not be removed. Horse 2 was euthanized while anesthetized following CT owing to the poor prognosis. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Radiography is typically the first imaging modality attempted for horses with CCL injury, particularly outside the hospital setting. A 45° caudomedial-craniolateral oblique radiographic view may aid in diagnosis of CCL injury when avulsion or mineralization is present. Although this view is not commonly included in the typical radiographic series for imaging of the stifle joint in horses, it should be considered when CCL injury is suspected.

On Australian pasture-based farms, where cows may often walk several kilometers and stand for several hours per day in a crowded concrete yard while they wait to be milked, the potential for lameness to negatively affect animal welfare is of ongoing concern. Several studies have shown that farmers tend to underestimate the incidence of lameness. Further, improving farmer diagnosis/identification of lameness is likely to result in more prompt treatment, which in turn will improve clinical and animal welfare outcomes. We scored 19,154 cows over 50 farms for lameness, in herd groups ranging from approximately 100 to 1,000 cows, as they left the milking parlor. We compared these results with farmer-diagnosed lameness records on the same day. We used a scoring system of 0, walks normally; 1, walks unevenly; 2, lame; and 3, very lame. All very lame cows had been detected by the farmer, but overall, farmers detected only 24% of cows identified by lameness scoring. An analysis of the position of lame cows within the milking order showed that lameness scoring of the entire herd was necessary to detect all the lame cows as only 60% of lame cows appeared in the last 30% of cows to be milked. However, lameness scoring only the last 200 cows to be milked could be used as a screening test to identify herds with a lameness prevalence below a given threshold.

A 4-year-old, neutered male European shorthair was presented for evaluation of right hind limb lameness. Radiographs revealed bilateral femoral capital physeal fractures, widened vertebral growth plates and constipation. Physical findings included lethargy, mental dullness, mild hypothermia, retarded growth, pharyngeal stridor, moderate muscle atrophy of pelvic limbs, hair coat abnormalities, and lack of defecation and urination. A thyroid panel revealed thyroid hormone values below detection limits and high thyroid stimulation hormone values. A presumptive diagnosis of congenital primary hypothyroidism was made, however also an early onset acquired primary hypothyroidism could not be ruled out. Results of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) and the parathyroid hormone as well as an adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulating test were normal. A bilateral femoral head and neck excision was performed. Levothyroxine supplementation was started at a dosage of 50 µg (11 µg/kg) BID and later adjusted to 100 µg (22 µg/kg) BID based on total thyroxine concentrations. The tomcat showed full clinical recovery and normal clinical behaviour. The case shows that primary hypothyroidism may be considered in cats presented with femoral capital physeal fractures.Ein 4 Jahre alter, kastrierter Europäisch-Kurzhaar-Kater wurde aufgrund einer Lahmheit der rechten Hintergliedmaße vorgestellt. Die röntgenologische Untersuchung zeigte eine beidseitige Fraktur der proximalen Epiphysenfuge des Femurs, verbreiterte offene Wachstumsfugen der Wirbelkörper und eine Koprostase. In der Allgemeinuntersuchung fielen Lethargie, Abgestumpftheit, geringgradige Hypothermie, Wachstumsverzögerung, pharyngealer Stridor, mittelgradige Muskelatrophie der Hinterextremitäten, Haarkleidveränderungen sowie fehlender Kot- und Urinabsatz auf. Die Konzentration der Schilddrüsenhormone war deutlich erniedrigt, die Thyreotropinkonzentration dagegen erhöht. Es wurde die Verdachtsdiagnose primäre kongenitale Hypothyreose gestellt, wobei differenzialdiagnostisch eine sehr früh vor dem Schluss der Wachstumsfuge erworbene primäre Hypothyreose nicht ausgeschlossen werden konnte. Sowohl der Wert des Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF-1) als auch die Parathormonkonzentration lag im Referenzbereich. Der ACTH-Stimulationstest verlief negativ. Es wurde eine bilaterale Femurkopfhalsresektion durchgeführt und eine Therapie mit Levothyroxin eingeleitet. Die initiale Dosis von 50 µg (11 µg/kg) zweimal täglich wurde nach Kontrolle der Thyroxinkonzentration auf 100 µg (22 µg/kg) zweimal täglich erhöht. Die klinischen Symptome des Katers bildeten sich unter der Substitutionstherapie vollständig zurück. Der Fall zeigt, dass bei Katzen mit Fraktur der proximalen Femurepiphysenfuge eine primäre Hypothyreose als Ursache berücksichtigt werden muss.

Lameness in cattle is a welfare concern and is associated with important economic losses in beef cattle operations. Infection of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIJ) results in severe lameness and if left untreated carries a poor prognosis. Diagnosis of DIJ infection is challenging in the field. The aim of this study was to determine factors associated with septic arthritis of the DIJ in beef cattle. Thirty-nine beef cattle with a complaint of single-foot lameness were used in this study. History and lameness examination data were recorded and analyzed. Radiographic changes and cytology of synovial fluid of the affected DIJ were used to define the presence (cases) or absence (controls) of DIJ infection. Asymmetric swelling at the coronary band of the affected foot and a lameness score of ≥4/5 significantly increased the odds (odds ratio [OR]=63.2 and OR=120, respectively) of diagnosis of septic arthritis of the DIJ in beef cattle with a single-foot lameness compared to cattle with no asymmetry of the coronary band or lameness scores

A farm-level stochastic simulation model was adapted to estimate the value of implementing foot disorder prevention on a dairy farm by calculating the return on investment associated with implementation of foot disorder prevention. Two potential strategies for foot disorder prevention were tested: strategy 1 was prevention focused on reducing infectious foot disorders (i.e., digital dermatitis) in the model, and strategy 2 was prevention focused on reducing noninfectious foot disorders (i.e., sole ulcer and white line disease) in the model. For each strategy, we evaluated the effect of foot disorder incidence on the value of prevention by setting the incidence of foot disorders at 3 levels. For strategy 1, the level of digital dermatitis incidence without prevention in all parities was 20, 40, or 60%, and the incidence level of the noninfectious foot disorders in the model were held constant. For strategy 2, levels of sole ulcer and white line disease incidence without prevention in parity ≥3 cows were 5, 15, or 25%, and the incidence level of the infectious foot disorders included in the model were held constant; the incidence levels of noninfectious foot disorders in younger cows were adjusted to be lower. Overall, 6 scenarios were run, 1 for each prevention strategy × foot disorder incidence rate combination. To evaluate how the effectiveness of each prevention strategy would influence the investment value, the effectiveness of prevention could vary from a prevention risk ratio (RR) of 0.0 (100% reduction in disorder incidence) to 1.0 (0% reduction in disorder incidence). When implementing strategy 1, the return on prevention investment per cow-year (mean ± standard deviation) when prevention effectiveness was low (prevention RR = 0.91 to 1.0) and the digital dermatitis incidence rate was originally 20, 40, or 60% was $0.6 ± 0.4, $1.2 ± 0.9, and $1.8 ± 1.3, respectively. In comparison, the return on prevention investment per cow-year when prevention effectiveness was high (prevention RR = 0.00 to 0.09) and the digital dermatitis incidence rate was originally 20, 40, or 60% was $12.2 ± 3.0, $24.4 ± 6.0, and $36.5 ± 9.0, respectively. When implementing strategy 2, the return on prevention investment per cow-year when prevention effectiveness was low and noninfectious foot disorder incidence rates were originally 5, 15, or 25% in parity ≥3 cows was $0.6 ± 0.4, $1.9 ± 1.1, and $3.2 ± 1.9, respectively. In comparison, the return on prevention investment per cow-year when prevention effectiveness was high and noninfectious foot disorder incidence rates were originally 5, 15, or 25% in parity ≥3 cows was $12.4 ± 1.5, $37.3 ± 4.6, and $62.2 ± 7.6, respectively. The return on investment for foot disorder prevention would depend on the cost of the prevention strategy and the other benefits associated with the selected prevention strategy. This model could be used as a decision support tool to help identify the amount that could be paid to implement a selected prevention strategy.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, meloxicam, in alleviating pain and inflammation and on production-related variables in a model of sterile acute inflammation in sheep. Methods Groups of 12 mature Merino ewes received 0, 0.5, 1.0 or 1.5 mg/kg meloxicam subcutaneously 90 min before injection of 0.1 mL turpentine subcutaneously on the anterior aspect of the proximal phalanx of a forelimb. Pain- and inflammation-related variables were assessed at -18, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h relative to meloxicam administration. Daily feed intake and body weight change 7 days later were also assessed. Pain-related variables measured were weight borne on each forelimb, lameness score, time each forelimb was raised in a 20-s interval and tolerance to a noxious mechanical stimulus. Inflammation-related variables measured were skin temperature, limb circumference, body temperature, plasma haptoglobin concentration and peripheral blood leucocyte parameters. Results Meloxicam was effective in improving all pain-related variables. A dose-dependent response was seen between 0 and 1.0 mg/kg, with no additional benefit provided by 1.5 mg/kg. At a dose rate of 1.0 mg/kg, meloxicam improved weight borne on the turpentine-treated limb by 14%, reduced the time the treated limb was held in a non-weight-bearing posture by 46%, reduced the lameness score by 58% and improved tolerance to pressure by 52%. No significant effects of meloxicam on inflammatory variables or appetite were observed. Conclusions Using a validated pain model, the data suggested that 1.0 mg/kg meloxicam provided significant analgesic benefits to sheep.

With international demand for production systems aimed at thermal comfort and animal welfare, milk producers have become increasingly interested in compost barns. However, doubts about the behavioral aspects of cows in tropical and subtropical climates remain, because the compost barn system offers a larger bed area per animal at a lower stocking rate. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the diurnal behaviors, hygiene and lameness of crossbred dairy cows are influenced by different number of lactations when housed in a compost-bedded pack barn system under hot and humid conditions. Crossbred cows (Holstein and Jersey), which were divided into two treatments based on number of lactations (primiparous and multiparous cows), were evaluated during lactation (n=12). The study was conducted from September 2015 to February 2016 in a compost barn in the southwest region of the state of Paraná, Brazil. Daytime behavior was observed between milking schedules using focal observations with 0/1 sampling. Cow hygiene and lameness were evaluated using subjective scores ranging from 1 to 4 and 1 to 5, respectively. Animal behavior and welfare was analyzed using Bayesian inference with a mixed effects model. The probabilities of dyspnea and pushing behaviors were higher (Plt;0.05) in multiparous cows, and the probability increased during the hottest hours of the day. For both multiparous and primiparous cows, the agonistic behaviors of pushing, butting and chasing peaked during the afternoon. Eating behaviors had the highest likelihood values (0.8 at 0800 h). The cows preferred to remain lying down in the morning, while rest and standing rumination were preferred in the afternoon. Primiparous cows were cleaner than multiparous cows, and the hygiene score for this group was significantly lower (Plt;0.05). The hygiene and lameness scores for all animals were low, and the highest scores were 1 and 2. In conclusion, multiparous cows exhibited more frequent agonistic behaviors during the hottest hours of the day. Regarding hygiene and lameness scores, multiparous cows exhibited a higher degree of dirtiness compared with the primiparous cows.

The objective of this retrospective study was to assess the safety and efficacy of a slow IV administration of 1mg/kg tiludronate in a large number of horses. Each horse that received at least one tiludronate-based treatment between 2006 and August 2019 at Virginia Equine Imaging or Fairfield Equine was included in the study. Concomitant medical treatments, preliminary nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug injection and potential side effects were recorded after each administration. Horses for which follow-up was available over 1 year were subject to clinical evolution assessment via lameness grade evolution and performance data when available. Collected data suggest excellent tolerance to tiludronate with only 0.9% of the 2,497 injections (1,804 horses) inducing potential side effects, mild colics being the most frequent. Clinical follow-up was available over more than 1 year for 343 horses. Most horses (80%) presented an initial lameness score over 1.5/5, approximately half of the population was sound by 30 days and remained so after a year. Mean lameness score improved by more than one grade during the follow-up period compared to initial examination. Performance data were available for 129 horses. One year after treatment, 89 (69%) horses were still competing, 73 (82%) of them at a better or similar level. These data suggest good efficacy of tiludronate over a year after treatment. Despite limitations inherent to any field study, this is the first retrospective study of the use of bisphosphonates in horses combining a large group with long-term follow-ups.

A Yersinia pseudotuberculosis outbreak was diagnosed in a male turkey flock in Finland. Y. pseudotuberculosis is a quite rare zoonotic bacterium, which typically causes enteritis in humans and sudden death in animals. In this study, osteomyelitis was diagnosed in small, lame, 11-to 12-wk-old male turkeys. Lameness and slower growth among the turkeys was observed on the farm. During pathological examination, multiple lesions were found in the metaphyseal and physeal areas of the femurs, tibiotarsi, and tarsometatarsi, with multifocal to coalescing mixed heterophilic/granulomatous necrotizing osteomyelitis. Y. pseudotuberculosis was isolated from the femoral and tibiotarsal bones or from the joints of six lame turkeys sent for necropsy. The isolation required homogenizing of lesion tissue in phosphate-mannitol-peptone broth, which was cultured directly -and, if needed, after cold enrichment - on selective cefsulodin-irgasan-novobiocin agar. Whole-genome sequencing was used for identification and typing. All isolates belonged to bio/serotype 1/O:1a and sequence type ST42 (Achtman scheme), which is commonly reported in both human and animal Y. pseudotuberculosis infections in Europe. The isolates from all six turkeys showed only one to two allele differences in the core genome comparison, indicating a common source of infection. All asymptomatic turkeys were slaughtered at the age of 17 weeks. Whole and partial carcass condemnation rates at the slaughterhouse were high, but no macroscopic changes in the skeletal system were found, showing that food chain information is essential. This study confirms earlier findings that Y. pseudotuberculosis can cause osteomyelitis in fattening turkeys, leading to lameness. Food chain information is essential for slaughterhouse operations, to protect the workers and emphasize good working hygiene during slaughter.

Detection of lameness early in cows is important from the animal welfare point of view and for reducing economic losses. Currently, many studies are being conducted for assessment of hoof health status by measuring the surface temperature of skin in cattle and other animal species in different parts of the world. Infrared Thermography (IRT) is able to detect lesions of hooves associated with lameness by measuring the changes in coronary band and hoof skin surface temperature. The surface temperature of a lame limb will be increased when the hoof has lesion(s). IRT has been used as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for early detection of hoof lesions based on the temperature difference between affected and non-affected hoof and maximum foot temperature on the regions of interest. In spite of having many potential applications in cattle production, factors affecting the temperature readings in thermograms must also are considered while taking images. Standard operating procedures must be established before taking thermographs under different circumstances, by considering all the factors that affect its normal function. IRT may help in minimising the cost of veterinary services, low yield, compromised fertility and culling expenses, where lameness cannot be resolved in early stages.

Objective Evaluate center of mass (CoM) displacement values during four-limb and three-limb standing with limb suspension in dogs before and after applying sensory stimulation to a forelimb or hindlimb. Study design Experimental study. Animals Six clinically normal beagles. Methods A four force-plate apparatus was built to assess static weight distribution. Dogs stood on the device with one limb in contact with each force plate. We created a plastic device to induce sensory stimulation so that lameness could not be detected visually when stimulating the paw. Experimenters confirmed the degree of lameness by walking before and after measurement. Body-weight shifts were induced via suspension of each limb and transient sensory stimulation to the right forelimb or left hindlimb. CoMs of five postures were compared, with and without transient sensory stimulation. Results The four-limb CoM was located cranial to the center of the X- and Y-axis coordinates (X: -0.82 ± 9.12, Y: 61.00 ± 5.82). During three-limb standing with suspension of either forelimb, CoM shifted backward toward the contralateral side compared to four-limb standing. During hindlimb suspension, CoM shifted to the contralateral side. With right forelimb sensory stimulation, there were large CoM changes for both four-limb and three-limb standing (X: -34.53 ± 9.09, Y: 52.21 ± 6.88). CoM changes were small with left hindlimb sensory stimulation (X: 6.47 ± 13.86, Y: 69.41 ± 5.55). Conclusion CoMs during four-limb and three-limb standing were influenced by sensory stimulation of a forelimb and, to a lesser extent, of a hindlimb. Clinical significance Static evaluation of CoM may aid clinicians in the diagnosis and recovery of forelimb lameness.

This research communication describes the relationship between the occurrence of lameness and body condition score (BCS) in a sample of 288 cows from a single farm that were repeatedly scored in the course of 9 months while controlling for confounding variables. The relationship between BCS and lameness was evaluated using generalised linear mixed-effects models. It was found that the proportion of lame cows was higher with decreasing but also with increasing BCS, increased with lactation number and decreased with time since the last claw trimming. This is likely to reflect the importance of sufficient body condition in the prevention of lameness but also raises the question of the impact of overcondition on lameness and the influence of claw trimming events on the assessment of lameness. A stronger focus on BCS might allow improved management of lameness that is still one of the major problems in housed cows.

OBJECTIVE To report the type, prevalence, and risk factors for the development of orthopedic injuries in endurance horses. ANIMALS 235 endurance horses. PROCEDURES Medical records of horses examined between January 2007 and December 2018 were reviewed. Recorded data were birth; breed; sex; dates of first and last examinations; presence of any conformation fault, lameness, positive flexion test result, and orthopedic injury; starts in endurance competitions; level of athletic activity; professional status of trainer or rider; and whether an orthopedic injury developed in > 1 limb or during or within 2 days after competition, lameness resolved after treatment, reinjury occurred, horse was eliminated from competition after treatment, and the horse required retirement from endurance competitions. Anatomic locations of injuries were classified as proximal portion of the metacarpal area, midportion of the metacarpal area, metacarpo- or metatarsophalangeal (fetlock) area, tarsus, or foot. For each outcome, multivariable logistic regression models were developed after bivariable logistic regression and collinearity analyses. RESULTS 351 orthopedic injuries were detected in 76.6% of the horses, with 27.1% that affected the fetlock area, 21.4% the proximal portion of the metacarpal area, 21.1% the foot, 12.8% the tarsus, 9.1% the midportion of the metacarpal area, and 8.5% other sites. High suspensory disease (21.4%) was the most common condition, followed by arthropathy of the metacarpo- or metatarsophalangeal joint (19.4%) and solar pain (14%). Age at first examination (OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.37 to 2.11), months of observation (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.05), conformation fault of forelimbs (OR, 4.08; 95% CI, 1.53 to 10.89), and amateur status (OR, 2.62; 95% CI, 1.86 to 7.99) remained significant in the final multivariable regression model for the development of orthopedic injuries. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE A large number of endurance horses developed ≥ 1 orthopedic injury during training or competition. Clinical and diagnostic examinations should be focused with particular attention to the metacarpophalangeal joints, proximal portion of the metacarpal area, and foot.

The euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp model (EHC) of equine endocrinopathic laminitis induces rapid loss of lamellar tissue integrity, disrupts keratinocyte functions, and induces inflammation similar to natural disease. Continuous digital hypothermia (CDH) blocks tissue damage in this experimental model, allowing identification of specific genes or molecular pathways contributing to disease initiation or early progression. Archived lamellar tissues (8 horses, 48 h EHC treatment, including CDH-treated front limbs) were used to measure relative expression levels of genes encoding keratin 17 (KRT17), a stress-induced intermediate filament protein, and genes upregulated downstream of keratin 17 and/or interleukin 17A (IL-17A), as mediators of inflammation. Compared to front or hind limbs at ambient temperature, CDH resulted in significantly lower expression of KRT17, CCL2, CxCL8, PTGS2 (encoding COX2), IL6, TNFα, S100A8 and MMP1. By immunofluorescence, COX2 was robustly expressed in lamellar keratinocytes from ambient limbs, but not in CDH-treated limbs. Genes not significantly reduced by CDH were IL17A, DEFB4B, S100A9 and MMP9. Overall, 8 of 12 genes were expressed at lower levels in the CDH-treated limb. These 8 genes are expressed by wounded or stress-activated keratinocytes in human disease or mouse models, highlighting the role of keratinocytes in equine laminitis.

An established lipopolysaccharide (LPS) model previously described in Warmbloods, was inconsistent in Standardbred horses, where lameness was not detected despite the presence of synovitis. The present study aimed to determine the dose of LPS from E. coli O55:B5 required to induce mild to moderate lameness following middle carpal joint injection in Standardbred horses and to quantitate the induced lameness over time, with and without anti-inflammatory pre-treatment. In a baseline trial, eight healthy, clinically sound Standardbred horses were used in a rule-based dose-escalation design trial, starting at a dose of 10 endotoxin units (EU). Lameness at trot was evaluated visually and quantitatively (using an inertial-sensor system and pressure plate analysis). Synovial fluid aspirates were analysed for total nucleated cell counts, total protein and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Following 2 months wash-out, the effective LPS-dose determined in the baseline trial was used to evaluate the effect of anti-inflammatory treatment. A mixed model for repeated measures with horse as random effect was used for analysis. After injection of 10 EU LPS, the desired degree of lameness was observed in the baseline trial, with maximal lameness at post-injection hour (PIH) 4, followed by a rapid decline and return to baseline by PIH 48. No lameness was observed following pre-treatment with meloxicam. In synovial fluid, PGE2 was significantly higher at PIH 8 and PIH 24 in the baseline trial compared with following meloxicam pre-treatment. In conclusion, injection of the middle carpal joint with 10 EU LPS consistently induces a transient lameness and synovitis in Standardbred horses.

Lameness, one of the most important disorders in the dairy industry, is related to postpartum diseases and has an effect on dairy cow welfare, leading to changes in cows' daily behavioral variables. This study quantified the effect of lameness on the daily time budget of dairy cows in the transition period. In total, 784 multiparous dairy cows from 8 commercial Dutch dairy farms were visually scored on their locomotion (score of 1-5) and body condition (score of 1-5). Each cow was scored in the early and late dry period as well as in wk 4 and 8 postpartum. Cows with locomotion scores 1 and 2 were grouped together as nonlame, cows with score 3 were considered moderately lame, and cows with scores 4 and 5 were grouped together as severely lame. Cows were equipped with 2 types of sensors that measured behavioral parameters. The leg sensor provided number of steps, number of stand-ups (moving from lying to standing), lying time, number of lying bouts, and lying bout length. The neck sensor provided eating time, number of eating bouts, eating bout length, rumination time, number of rumination bouts, and rumination bout length. Sensor data for each behavioral parameter were averaged between 2 d before and 2 d after locomotion scoring. The percentage of nonlame cows decreased from 63% in the early dry period to 46% at 8 wk in lactation; this decrease was more severe for cows with higher parity. Cows that calved in autumn had the highest odds for lameness. Body condition score loss of >0.75 point in early lactation was associated with lameness in wk 4 postpartum. Moderately lame cows had a reduction of daily eating time of around 20 min, whereas severely lame cows had a reduction of almost 40 min. Similarly, moderately and severely lame dry cows showed a reduction of 200 steps/d, and severely lame cows in lactation showed a reduction of 600 steps/d. Daily lying time increased by 26 min and lying bout length increased by 8 min in severely lame cows compared with nonlame cows. These results indicate a high prevalence of lameness on Dutch dairy farms, with an increase in higher locomotion scores from the dry period into early lactation. Time budgets for multiparous dairy cows differed between the dry period and the lactating period, with a higher locomotion score (increased lameness) having an effect on cows' complete behavioral profile. Body condition score loss in early lactation was associated with poor locomotion postpartum, whereas lameness resulted in less eating time in the dry period and early lactation, creating a harmful cycle.

An 18-month-old Angus bull presented to Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine for a routine breeding soundness evaluation and lameness evaluation. He was classified as deferred potential breeder due to a lameness and was donated to the university. Following treatment, the bull's lameness resolved. He passed the breeding soundness examination in accordance with the Society for Theriogenology standards. However, avascular dilated areas at the level of the mediastinum testis of the right testicle were detected via Doppler ultrasonography. A high level of vascularity is routinely seen with neoplasia, such as teratomas. Due to the lack of vascularity, a presumptive diagnosis of tubular ectasia of the rete testis was made. The bull was castrated. The right testicle was submitted for histopathology revealing a definitive diagnosis of tubular ectasia of the rete testis.

Genetic variants in TMEM106B are a major risk factor for several neurodegenerative diseases including frontotemporal degeneration, limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy, Parkinson's disease, late-onset-Alzheimer's disease and constitute a genetic determinant of differential aging. TMEM106B encodes an integral lysosomal membrane protein but its precise physiological function in the central nervous system remains enigmatic. Presently, we aimed to increase understanding of TMEM106B contribution to general brain function and aging. We analyzed an aged cohort of Tmem106b knockout-, heterozygote and wild-type mice in a behavioral test battery including assessments of motor function as well as, social, emotional and cognitive function. Aged Tmem106b knockout (KO) mice displayed diverse behavioral deficits including motor impairment, gait defects and reduced startle reactivity. In contrast, no prominent deficits were observed in social, emotional or cognitive behaviors. Histologically, we observed late-onset loss of Purkinje cells followed by reactive gliosis in the cerebellum, which likely contributed to progressive decline in motor function and gait defects in particular. Reactive gliosis was not restricted to the cerebellum but observed in different areas of the brain including the brain stem and parts of the cerebral cortex. Surviving Purkinje cells showed vacuolated lysosomes in the axon initial segment, implicating TMEM106B-dependent lysosomal trafficking defects as the underlying cause of axonal and more general neuronal dysfunction contributing to behavioral impairments. Our experiments help to elucidate how TMEM106B affects spatial neuronal homeostasis and exemplifies a critical role of TMEM106B in neuronal cells for survival.