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In the province of Quebec, Canada, a new regulation restricting usage of antimicrobials of very high importance for human health (Health Canada: category 1 antimicrobials) in production animals is effective since February 2019. The objective of this study was to estimate changes in AM sales in dairy herds after the implementation of the regulation. Therefore, invoice data were extracted from veterinary software, Vet-Expert, used by most dairy veterinarians in the province of Quebec, and antimicrobial quantities were transformed in Canadian defined course doses for cattle (DCDbovCA). The sum of antimicrobials sales monthly in each herd was estimated in DCDbovCA from June 2016 to May 2020. To evaluate the herd-level change in AM sales and the impact of different factors, the number of DCDbovCA by herd from June 2017 to May 2018 (pre-regulation period) were compared with those of June 2019 to May 2020 (post-regulation period). Total category 1 AM sales of 3,569 Quebec's herds went from a range of 14,258 to 21,528 DCDbovCA/month to a range of 1,494 to 4,707 DCDbovCA/month after the implementation of the new regulation. Moreover, using data from 3,337 herds, we estimated a mean (95% confidence interval) reduction in 19 DCDbovCA/herd-year (14.8, 24.2), while the pre-regulation herd-level category 1 AM sales was 26 DCDbovCA/herd-year. This reduction was achieved without evidence of an increase in other antimicrobials. Finally, the veterinary facility associated with the herd was an important determinant of the herd-level reduction in category 1 antimicrobials. This study was the first to quantify a significant reduction in category 1 AM sales following the implementation of a restrictive regulation in dairy production in Canada. These results demonstrate that such an approach is effective to reduce the sales of a specific category of antimicrobial in animal production.

Quantification of antimicrobial usage (AMU) is crucial to measure the effect of intervention programs, to determine associations between usage and resistance, to compare populations, and for benchmarking purposes. The primary objective of the study was to describe quantitatively the AMU on Quebec dairy farms over 1 yr: (1) the total AMU, (2) the AMU per administration route (intramammary, injectable, oral, intrauterine), and (3) the AMU per antimicrobial class and according to the categorizations of Health Canada and the World Health Organization. The secondary objective was to assess the effect of several characteristics (herd size, level of milk production, and incidence rate of common infectious diseases) on AMU rate. The AMU data were obtained for 101 dairy farms randomly selected in 3 important Quebec dairy regions by collecting and recording all empty drug packaging and invoices for medicated feed (spring 2017 to spring 2018). The AMU rate was reported in number of Canadian defined course doses for cattle per 100 cow-years. The average herd size was 67 cows per farm, and 2/101 farms were certified organic. Overall, an estimated mean of 537 Canadian defined course doses for cattle/100 cow-years was observed. The intramammary route during lactation was the most frequently observed, followed, in decreasing order of usage, by oral route in the feed, intramammary route at drying-off, and injectable route. Oral (other than in animal feed) and intrauterine formulations were infrequently collected from the garbage cans. The 5 most frequently observed antimicrobial classes were, by decreasing order of usage, ionophores, penicillins, aminocoumarins, aminoglycosides, and polymyxins. Highest priority critically important antimicrobials as defined by the World Health Organization were mainly collected from intramammary formulations during lactation followed by injectable and drying-off intramammary formulations. The herd size was positively associated with the total AMU rate but not with the usage rate of highest priority critically important antimicrobials. Incidence of diseases along with preventive use of antimicrobials (drying-off and medicated feed with antimicrobials) explained 48% of the variance in total AMU rate.

OBJECTIVE To describe the clinical and clinicopathologic characteristics, treatment, and outcome for cattle that developed a retroperitoneal abscess (RA) following paralumbar fossa laparotomy (PFL). ANIMALS 32 Holstein cows with RA. PROCEDURES The record database of a veterinary teaching hospital was searched to identify cattle that were treated for an RA between January 1995 and March 2017. Cattle with an RA > 30 cm in diameter located 3.5 cm subjacent to the skin that had undergone a PFL < 3 months before examination for the RA were evaluated. Information extracted from the record of each cow included signalment; physical examination, clinicopathologic, and transabdominal ultrasonographic findings; treatments administered; and outcome. Milk production data were analyzed for the lactations before, during, and after RA treatment. RESULTS Common physical examination findings were rumen hypomotility, anorexia, and fever, and common clinicopathologic findings were anemia and neutrophilia. Abdominal palpation per rectum and transabdominal ultrasonography facilitated RA diagnosis and identification of the optimal location for drainage. Thirty of 32 cows underwent surgical drainage of the RA and prolonged administration of systemic antimicrobials. Two cows were euthanized because of concurrent peritonitis, including 1 that underwent surgical RA drainage. Thirty cows were discharged from the hospital alive, and most returned to their previous level of milk production. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Although uncommon, RA should be suspected in cows that develop anorexia and fever within 3 months after PFL. Cows with RA often returned to their previous level of milk production, but treatment was generally prolonged and costly.

To tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR), one of the major health threats of this century, the World Health Organization (WHO) endorsed a global action plan in 2015. This plan calls countries to develop national actions to address AMR. The province of Québec, Canada, adopted a new regulation on the 25

The purpose of this study was to develop a method for identification of the pylorus, in lactating Holstein cows, based on ultrasound examination and the use of external anatomical landmarks such as the mammary vein (anulus venae subcutaneae abdominis). An ultrasound method based on successive identification of 4 internal anatomical landmarks was developed. The procedure was performed 157 times, on clinically healthy lactating Holstein cows, with a portable ultrasound machine equipped with a 3.5 MHz curvilinear probe. The pylorus was identified with a success rate of 98.7% (155 times out of 157 procedures). The average position of the pylorus was noted near the entrance of the right mammary vein, with a craniocaudal and dorsoventral dispersion. This ultrasound method of identifying the pylorus is simple, effective, and rapid.

The objective of the study was to compare three quantification methods to a “garbage can audit” (reference method, REF) for monitoring antimicrobial usage (AMU) from products other than medicated feed over one year in 101 Québec dairy farms. Data were collected from veterinary invoices (VET method), from the “Amélioration de la Santé Animale au Québec” provincial program (GOV method), and from farm treatment records (FARM method). The AMU rate was reported in a number of Canadian Defined Course Doses for cattle (DCDbovCA) per 100 cow-years. Electronic veterinary sales data were obtained for all farms for VET and GOV methods. For the FARM method, a herd management software was used by 68% of producers whereas farm treatment records were handwritten for the others, records could not be retrieved in 4% of farms. Overall, agreement was almost perfect between REF and VET methods (concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) = 0.83), but moderate between REF and GOV (CCC = 0.44), and between REF and FARM (CCC = 0.51). Only a fair or slight agreement was obtained between any alternative method of quantification and REF for oral and intrauterine routes. The billing software used by most of Québec’s dairy veterinary practitioners seems promising in terms of surveillance and benchmarking of AMU in the province.

Objective To describe the clinical findings, surgical treatment, and long-term outcome of dairy cattle undergoing partial hysterectomy with or without unilateral ovariectomy. Study Design Retrospective case series. Animals Dairy cattle (n = 7). Methods Medical records (June 2007–June 2014) of dairy cattle that had partial hysterectomy with or without ipsilateral ovariectomy were reviewed. Follow-up data were obtained by telephone interviews with owners and referring veterinarians between 6 months and 7 years following discharge. Results Seven dairy cattle met the inclusion criteria. Diagnoses made intra- or postoperatively were ovarian abscess with multiorgan adhesions (4 cows), segmental aplasia of the uterus (2 cows), and uterine lymphosarcoma (1 cow). Partial hysterectomy with or without unilateral ovariectomy was performed without surgical complications by standing flank approach. All cows were successfully discharged from the hospital (short-term prognosis). Five cows became pregnant, and 4 delivered live calves and had a satisfactory productive life without long-term complications. Conclusion Partial hysterectomy by standing flank approach should be considered as a viable treatment option for unilateral ovarian or uterine problems in dairy cattle. Cattle undergoing partial hysterectomy with or without ipsilateral ovariectomy are capable of satisfactory reproduction and milk production after surgery with no short- or long-term complications.

Objective To determine arthroscopic approaches to the dorsal synovial compartments of the antebrachiocarpal and middle carpal joints in adult cattle, and to describe the arthroscopic intra-articular anatomy from each approach. Study Design Ex vivo study. Animals Six fresh adult bovine cadavers. Methods Two carpi were injected with latex and dissected to determine the ideal location for arthroscopic portals. Arthroscopy of the antebrachiocarpal and middle carpal joints of 10 carpi was then performed. The dorsolateral approach was made between the extensor carpi radialis and common digital extensor tendons. The dorsomedial approach was made medial to the extensor carpi radialis tendon, midway between the distal radius and proximal row of carpal bones (antebrachiocarpal joint) and midway between the two rows of carpal bones (middle carpal joint), with the joint in flexion. Results Arthroscopy of the antebrachiocarpal joint allowed visualization of the distal radius, proximal aspect of the radial, intermediate and ulnar carpal bones, and a palmar ligament located between the radius and the intermediate carpal bone. The approach to the middle carpal joint allowed visualization of the distal aspect of the radial, intermediate, and ulnar carpal bones, the proximal aspect of the fourth and fused second and third carpal bones and an interosseous ligament. The most lateral articular structures (lateral glenoid cavity of the distal radius, ulnar carpal and fourth carpal bones) were difficult to assess. Conclusion Dorsal approaches to the antebrachiocarpal and middle carpal joints allowed visualization of most intra-articular dorsal structures in adult cattle.

Objective To describe and evaluate the surgical management of omphalophlebitis and to report the short and long term outcomes in calves. Study Design Retrospective case series. Animals Calves (n = 39). Methods Medical records (2008–2013) of calves diagnosed with omphalophlebitis and that underwent surgical correction were reviewed. Short term (hospital discharge) and long term (≥6 months after surgery) survival rates were obtained. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the population and a Fisher's exact test was used to evaluate the relationship between clinical signs, surgical management, and outcome. Results Thirty-nine calves (median age 30 days) were included in the study. Eleven calves had septic arthritis associated with omphalophlebitis and 18 had evidence of liver abscesses on ultrasound. Complete surgical en bloc resection was achieved in 18 calves and umbilical vein marsupialization was performed on the other 21 calves. Thirty-five calves were discharged from the hospital and long term followup was obtained for 30 of them. Twenty-nine animals were performing according to the owner's expectation at least 6 months after surgery (14 for marsupialization and 15 for en bloc resection). A better prognosis was detected when en bloc resection was performed (100% survival); however, when marsupialization was performed, the prognosis was good (74%; P = .05). Septic arthritis had a significant negative effect on overall survival (P

Objective To report successful surgical repair of a grade IV lateral patellar luxation in a 437-kg heifer. Study Design Case report. Animal Seventeen-month-old Holstein heifer (437 kg). Methods Diagnosis of traumatic lateral patellar luxation was made based on physical examination, and confirmed on radiographs. Arthroscopic examination of the stifle assessed joint changes. Lateral patellar luxation was surgically repaired using lateral release of the patella and medial imbrication of the joint capsule. Results The heifer presented nonweight-bearing lameness of the left hind limb (5/5 lameness score). Unilateral grade IV lateral patellar luxation was diagnosed based on physical examination and radiography. Arthroscopic examination of the stifle showed synovitis and cartilage eburnation of the medial articular surface of the patella and of the lateral trochlear ridge of the femur. Lateral release of the patella and medial imbrication of the joint capsule was performed. The heifer remained lame (4.5/5 lameness score) and developed severe disuse muscle atrophy after surgery. By day 112, the heifer was walking easily and was completely weight bearing on the left hindlimb but did have a gait alteration (2/5 lameness score). On day 229, the heifer calved for the first time and lameness was no longer evident. Conclusion This report documents successful surgical treatment of traumatic lateral patellar luxation in a large heifer but additional case evaluation is required to provide an accurate prognosis for this condition and treatment in large cattle.

Objectives (1) To develop an evaluation grid to provide a systematic interpretation of calves' articular radiographs, (2) to describe radiographic lesions of septic arthritis in dairy calves less than 6 months of age, (3) to investigate potential associations between demographic data or synovial bacteriological culture results and radiographic lesions (4) to determine whether an association is present between radiographic lesions, their severity and the long-term outcome. Methods Medical records of 54 calves less than 180 days old treated for septic arthritis between 2009 and 2014 with radiographic images performed in the first 2 days after admission were reviewed. Results Most common radiographic findings were increased articular joint space height (n = 49), irregularity of the articular surfaces (n = 24) and subchondral bone lysis (n = 24). The number of lesions observed and their severity were associated with older calves (p = 0.02), increased time between onset of clinical signs and admission (p = 0.0001) and the culture of Trueperella pyogenes within the joint (p = 0.02). The radiographic lesions associated with negative long-term prognosis were reduction in the joint space height (p = 0.01) and subchondral bone lysis on weight-bearing surfaces (p = 0.02). Clinical Significance An evaluation grid designed for veterinarians can facilitate systematic reading of articular radiographs and can be used for dairy calves with a presumptive diagnosis of septic arthritis. This diagnostic tool may aid in establishing a prognosis and decision-making process in terms of treatment.

OBJECTIVE To describe clinical findings and diagnostic test results and identify potential prognostic indicators for calves with septic arthritis. DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 64 calves with septic arthritis. PROCEDURES The medical record database for a veterinary teaching hospital was searched to identify calves ≤ 6 months old that were treated for septic arthritis between 2009 and 2014. Data evaluated included signalment, history, physical examination and diagnostic test results, treatment, and outcome. Descriptive data were generated, and calves were assigned to 2 groups (neonatal [≤ 28 days old] or postneonatal [29 to 180 days old]) on the basis of age at hospital admission for comparison purposes. RESULTS 64 calves had 92 infected joints; 17 calves had polyarthritis. Carpal joints were most frequently affected followed by the stifle and tarsal joints. Forty-nine bacterial isolates were identified from synovial specimens for 38 calves, and the most commonly identified isolates were catalase-negative Streptococcus spp (n = 14) and Mycoplasma bovis (9). Calves in the neonatal group had a shorter interval between onset of clinical signs and hospitalization and were more likely to have an infected carpal joint than calves in the postneonatal group. Outcome was positive for 35 calves. Synovial fluid total nucleated cell count was positively associated with a positive outcome. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that empirical antimicrobial treatment for calves with septic arthritis should target gram-positive catalase-negative cocci and M bovis and that synovial fluid total nucleated cell count might be a useful prognostic indicator.

OBJECTIVE To report the clinical presentation, treatment, and outcome of cattle undergoing surgical extraction of apically infected cheek teeth (CT). STUDY DESIGN Short case series. ANIMALS Nine adult cattle. METHODS Medical records were searched for cattle having a diagnosis of apical infection of CT that were treated with surgical extraction between 2005 and 2017. Data retrieved included clinical examination, ancillary tests, surgical procedure, and outcomes. RESULTS The main presenting complaints were mandibular swelling and decreased appetite and milk production. In total, 7 mandibular and 3 maxillary CT were extracted, 7 molars and 3 premolars that were distributed more frequently on the left dental arcades (n = 7 CT). Two cattle had no visible external lesions. Radiograph images revealed that lucency surrounded all affected tooth roots. Mandibular teeth were removed by lateral buccotomy with removal of alveolar bone plate or retrograde repulsion, and maxillary teeth were removed by repulsion through a maxillary sinus flap. Most common bacterial isolates consisted of anaerobic bacteria (6/11 isolates) and Truperella pyogenes (3/11 isolates). The most common complications included inability to remove the tooth intact (n = 4 cattle) and surgical site infection (n = 5). All cattle remained in their herd after treatment. CONCLUSION Surgical extraction of CT was achieved in all 9 cattle. The postoperative morbidity was high but without long-term consequences on animal productivity. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Surgical extraction of CT is a successful treatment for apical infection in cattle.

CASE DESCRIPTION A 4-hour-old 6.3-kg (13.9-lb) female alpaca cria was evaluated because of severe respiratory distress and difficulty nursing since birth. CLINICAL FINDINGS The cria had open-mouth breathing and cyanotic membranes, with no airflow evident from either nostril. Supplemental oxygen was delivered, and the patient was anesthetized and intubated orotracheally; a CT evaluation of the head confirmed bilateral membranous obstruction of the nasal cavities, consistent with complete bilateral choanal atresia. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME Choanal atresia was treated with an endoscopically assisted balloon-dilation technique, and temporary tracheostomy was performed. Stenosis recurred, requiring revision of the repair and intranasal stent placement 3 days after the first surgery. The tracheostomy tube was removed the next day. Complications during hospitalization included mucoid obstruction of the tracheostomy tube, granulation tissue development in the trachea near the tracheostomy site, mucoid stent obstruction, aspiration pneumonia, and presumed partial failure of passive transfer of immunity. The stents were removed 2 weeks after admission, and the cria was discharged 3 days later. The owner was advised that the animal should not be bred. At last follow-up 3 years later, the alpaca was doing well. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Surgical treatment with a balloon-dilation technique and placement of nasal stents with endoscopic guidance were curative in this neonatal alpaca with bilateral membranous choanal atresia. Computed tomography was useful to determine the nature of the atresia and aid surgical planning. Because a genetic component is likely, owners should be advised to prevent affected animals from breeding.

Arthroscopy has all the advantages of minimally invasive surgery in cattle. Specialized equipment and knowledge of normal joint anatomy of cattle are mandatory for successful arthroscopy. The surgical technique is different in cattle compared with the horse. Thick skin and joint capsules complicate movement of the arthroscope within the joints. In cattle, septic arthritis and osteochondrosis are the most frequent disorders suitable for arthroscopic treatment.

To describe the clinical findings, surgical treatment, and long-term outcome of dairy cattle undergoing partial hysterectomy with or without unilateral ovariectomy.Retrospective case series.Dairy cattle (n = 7).Medical records (June 2007-June 2014) of dairy cattle that had partial hysterectomy with or without ipsilateral ovariectomy were reviewed. Follow-up data were obtained by telephone interviews with owners and referring veterinarians between 6 months and 7 years following discharge.Seven dairy cattle met the inclusion criteria. Diagnoses made intra- or postoperatively were ovarian abscess with multiorgan adhesions (4 cows), segmental aplasia of the uterus (2 cows), and uterine lymphosarcoma (1 cow). Partial hysterectomy with or without unilateral ovariectomy was performed without surgical complications by standing flank approach. All cows were successfully discharged from the hospital (short-term prognosis). Five cows became pregnant, and 4 delivered live calves and had a satisfactory productive life without long-term complications.Partial hysterectomy by standing flank approach should be considered as a viable treatment option for unilateral ovarian or uterine problems in dairy cattle. Cattle undergoing partial hysterectomy with or without ipsilateral ovariectomy are capable of satisfactory reproduction and milk production after surgery with no short- or long-term complications.

To describe and evaluate the surgical management of omphalophlebitis and to report the short and long term outcomes in calves.Retrospective case series.Calves (n = 39).Medical records (2008-2013) of calves diagnosed with omphalophlebitis and that underwent surgical correction were reviewed. Short term (hospital discharge) and long term (≥6 months after surgery) survival rates were obtained. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the population and a Fisher's exact test was used to evaluate the relationship between clinical signs, surgical management, and outcome.Thirty-nine calves (median age 30 days) were included in the study. Eleven calves had septic arthritis associated with omphalophlebitis and 18 had evidence of liver abscesses on ultrasound. Complete surgical en bloc resection was achieved in 18 calves and umbilical vein marsupialization was performed on the other 21 calves. Thirty-five calves were discharged from the hospital and long term followup was obtained for 30 of them. Twenty-nine animals were performing according to the owner's expectation at least 6 months after surgery (14 for marsupialization and 15 for en bloc resection). A better prognosis was detected when en bloc resection was performed (100% survival); however, when marsupialization was performed, the prognosis was good (74%; P = .05). Septic arthritis had a significant negative effect on overall survival (P .001).The overall survival is good with both surgical options, and even calves with liver involvement and septic arthritis associated can be successfully treated with a combination of long term antibiotics and umbilical vein marsupialization.

To report successful surgical repair of a grade IV lateral patellar luxation in a 437-kg heifer.Case report.Seventeen-month-old Holstein heifer (437 kg).Diagnosis of traumatic lateral patellar luxation was made based on physical examination, and confirmed on radiographs. Arthroscopic examination of the stifle assessed joint changes. Lateral patellar luxation was surgically repaired using lateral release of the patella and medial imbrication of the joint capsule.The heifer presented nonweight-bearing lameness of the left hind limb (5/5 lameness score). Unilateral grade IV lateral patellar luxation was diagnosed based on physical examination and radiography. Arthroscopic examination of the stifle showed synovitis and cartilage eburnation of the medial articular surface of the patella and of the lateral trochlear ridge of the femur. Lateral release of the patella and medial imbrication of the joint capsule was performed. The heifer remained lame (4.5/5 lameness score) and developed severe disuse muscle atrophy after surgery. By day 112, the heifer was walking easily and was completely weight bearing on the left hindlimb but did have a gait alteration (2/5 lameness score). On day 229, the heifer calved for the first time and lameness was no longer evident.This report documents successful surgical treatment of traumatic lateral patellar luxation in a large heifer but additional case evaluation is required to provide an accurate prognosis for this condition and treatment in large cattle.

Objective: To report lumbar vertebrae transverse process fracture repair using a narrow 3.5 mm limited contact dynamic compression plate (LC-DCP) in an adult dairy cow. Study Design: Case report. Animals: A 3-year-old Holstein cow. Methods: Under general anesthesia, fractured left transverse processes of lumbar vertebrae 2–4 were repaired using internal fixation. A narrow 3.5 mm LC-DCP was contoured and secured to the spinous process and the transverse process of each fractured vertebra. Results: Fractured transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae were successfully repaired and the cow discharged 10 days after surgery. At 10 months after surgery, the cow was declared reserved champion at a regional show. Conclusion: A paramedian approach and muscle splitting can be used to repair multiple lumbar transverse process fractures using internal fixation with an excellent cosmetic outcome.

To determine arthroscopic approaches to the dorsal synovial compartments of the antebrachiocarpal and middle carpal joints in adult cattle, and to describe the arthroscopic intra-articular anatomy from each approach.Ex vivo study.Six fresh adult bovine cadavers.Two carpi were injected with latex and dissected to determine the ideal location for arthroscopic portals. Arthroscopy of the antebrachiocarpal and middle carpal joints of 10 carpi was then performed. The dorsolateral approach was made between the extensor carpi radialis and common digital extensor tendons. The dorsomedial approach was made medial to the extensor carpi radialis tendon, midway between the distal radius and proximal row of carpal bones (antebrachiocarpal joint) and midway between the two rows of carpal bones (middle carpal joint), with the joint in flexion.Arthroscopy of the antebrachiocarpal joint allowed visualization of the distal radius, proximal aspect of the radial, intermediate and ulnar carpal bones, and a palmar ligament located between the radius and the intermediate carpal bone. The approach to the middle carpal joint allowed visualization of the distal aspect of the radial, intermediate, and ulnar carpal bones, the proximal aspect of the fourth and fused second and third carpal bones and an interosseous ligament. The most lateral articular structures (lateral glenoid cavity of the distal radius, ulnar carpal and fourth carpal bones) were difficult to assess.Dorsal approaches to the antebrachiocarpal and middle carpal joints allowed visualization of most intra-articular dorsal structures in adult cattle.

Objective To determine arthroscopic approaches to the dorsal and plantar synovial compartments of the tarsocrural joint in adult cattle, and to describe the arthroscopic intra-articular anatomy from each approach. Study Design Ex vivo study. Animals Fresh adult bovine cadavers (n = 7). Methods Two tarsocrural joint were injected with latex to determine arthroscopic portal locations and arthroscopy of the tarsocrural joint of 12 tarsi was performed. The dorsolateral approach was made through the large pouch located between the long digital extensor and peroneus longus tendons. The dorsomedial approach was made just medial to the common synovial sheath of the tibialis cranialis, peroneus tertius, and long digital extensor tendons. The plantarolateral and plantaromedial approaches were made lateral and medial to the tarsal tendon sheath, respectively. Results Each approach allowed visualization of the distal tibia articulating with the proximal trochlea of the talus. Consistently observed structures included the distal intermediate ridge of the tibia, and the medial and lateral trochlear ridges and trochlear groove of the talus. Lateral and medial malleoli were best assessed from dorsal approaches. From the lateral approaches evaluation of the abaxial surface of the lateral trochlear ridge allowed visualization of the fibulocalcaneal joint. From the plantar approaches additional observed structures included the coracoid process of the calcaneus, plantar trochlea of the talus, and plantar talotibial and talofibular ligaments. Conclusion In cattle, the dorsolateral and plantarolateral approaches allowed for the best evaluation of the dorsal and plantar aspects of the tarsocrural joint, respectively.

Osteochondrosis causes variable degrees of joint effusion and lameness. Arthroscopic debridement of the lesions provides the best long-term outcome. Articular fracture or joint instability following collateral ligament rupture causes severe joint effusion and lameness. Internal fixation combined with external coaptation is the treatment of choice. Degenerative joint disease in young animals has a guarded prognosis. Arthroscopy combined with medical therapy may slow down the disease process. Degenerative joint disease involving the distal interphalangeal joint has a good prognosis following joint resection.

A Holstein cow was presented for inspiratory dyspnea. Endoscopic evaluation revealed swollen arytenoids and a presumptive diagnosis of bilateral arytenoidal chondritis was made. A partial arytenoidectomy was performed, the right arytenoid was submitted for histopathology, and a diagnosis of laryngeal lymphoma was made. Due to the poor prognosis, the cow was euthanized.

Objective To describe varicose vein as a cause of obstruction of the teat cistern in dairy cattle and to report therapeutic options and outcome. Study Design Retrospective case series. Animals Dairy cows (n = 22). Methods Medical records (1998–2011) of dairy cows admitted for milking difficulties caused by a teat varicose vein were reviewed. Three treatment approaches were used: sclerotherapy, ligation of the vein associated with sclerotherapy, and phlebectomy. Long-term outcome was obtained ≥6 months after treatment and defined as a milking improvement. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the population at risk and a chi square test was used to evaluate the relationship between treatments and outcomes. Results Twenty-four teats (22 cows) had a varicose vein. Forequarters were more frequently affected than rear quarters (P

To describe varicose vein as a cause of obstruction of the teat cistern in dairy cattle and to report therapeutic options and outcome.Retrospective case series.Dairy cows (n = 22).Medical records (1998-2011) of dairy cows admitted for milking difficulties caused by a teat varicose vein were reviewed. Three treatment approaches were used: sclerotherapy, ligation of the vein associated with sclerotherapy, and phlebectomy. Long-term outcome was obtained ≥ 6 months after treatment and defined as a milking improvement. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the population at risk and a chi square test was used to evaluate the relationship between treatments and outcomes.Twenty-four teats (22 cows) had a varicose vein. Forequarters were more frequently affected than rear quarters (P.01). Three sclerotherapies, 12 ligations associated with sclerotherapy and 6 phlebectomies were performed. Five veins were not treated. Overall prognosis with treatment was good (84%) at ≥ 6 months and was not significantly different between treatment types (P = .38). Recurrence of the obstruction by the varicose vein occurred in 3 of 19 teats.Several surgical options are available for treatment of teat varicose veins. The overall prognosis of return to normal milking is good.