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Background: Wound infusion catheters (WICs) have been used in humans and some veterinary species for post-operative local anesthetic administration following a variety of surgical procedures, aiming to reduce post-operative analgesia requirements and improve patient comfort. Benefit in reduction in pain, post-operative analgesia requirements and length of hospital stay are well documented in humans, but use of WICs may not have been widely adopted in veterinary species due to the concern of increased complications, such as dehiscence or surgical site infection (SSI), creating a barrier to their use. This study aimed to evaluate the use of WICs in horses undergoing standing partial ostectomy surgeries, document complications and investigate if the incidence of SSI was equivalent between those horses that did and did not have a WIC. Methods: Clinical records were searched between January 2010-December 2023 for horses undergoing standing partial ostectomy surgery of thoracolumbar vertebral spinous processes at one institution. Population variables (age, breed, bodyweight), placement of a WIC or not, post-operative complications, analgesia protocols and surgical time were recorded. Horses received up to 0.1 mg kg-1 bupivacaine (0.5 mg mL-1) every 6-8 h via the WIC where one was placed. To compare SSI complication incidence between using or not using a WIC, a proportional independent equivalence test was used. Results: There were 64 horses included in the final analysis with a WIC placed in 29/64 horses (45.3%) and 35/64 (54.7%) having no WIC placed at surgery. Incidence of short-term SSI was 11.4% (no WIC used) and 13.8% (WIC used), respectively. The difference in proportion of SSI between the presence or absence of a WIC was not significant [-0.024 (90% CI -0.181; 0.133); p = 0.94]. Conclusion: The incidence of SSIs was equivalent between groups whether a WIC was used or not. WICs should be considered as part of a multi-modal analgesic approach in the post-operative period. Further research into local anesthetic dosing and its impact on rescue analgesia requirements and painscores is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Neurovascular variation may be relevant when performing surgical techniques to the proximal plantar metatarsal region. Objectives: To document variations in the neurovascular anatomy of the proximal plantar metatarsal region and study the relationship of the neurovascular components to each other and other structures located in this area. Study design: Descriptive anatomical study. Methods: Paired cadaver hind limbs from 15 horses were dissected from the distal tibia to the metatarsophalangeal joint. Deep branch of the lateral plantar nerve (DBLPN) length, location of its origin from the lateral plantar nerve (LPN), individual DBLPN ramifications into the suspensory ligament (SL) and relationship of the DBLPN to the plantar arch and accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon (ALDDFT) were recorded. Results: Mean DBLPN length was 5.8 ± 1.7 cm with the nerve arising 3.7 ± 1.5 cm proximal to the head of the fourth metatarsal bone (MTIV). There was a median of three individual DBLPN ramifications (range 2‐6) entering the SL. There were no significant left/right differences. In 57% (CI 39%‐74%; n = 17) limbs, the deep plantar arch was superficial to the DBLPN, whereas in 33% (CI 16%‐50%; n = 10) limbs, the DBLPN passed between the venous and arterial components of the arch. In 10% (CI 1%‐20%; n = 3) limbs, the deep plantar arch was deep to the DBLPN. In 67% (CI 50%‐84%; n = 20) limbs, the DBLPN was superficial to the ALDDFT, whereas in 33% (CI 16%‐50%; n = 10) limbs, the nerve ran deep to the ALDDFT. An additional branch from the LPN was noted in one limb. Main limitations: Limbs were used from horses with unknown clinical history. Conclusions: Anatomical variation, in particular the relationship of the DBLPN and deep metatarsal fascia to the deep plantar arch and the ALDDFT is an important consideration when undertaking surgical approaches to the proximal plantar metatarsal region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Opioid epidural analgesia has been shown to provide effective analgesia in horses. There is a lack of evidence regarding the effect of opioid epidural analgesia on quality of recovery in horses. Objectives: Identify whether opioid epidural analgesia influences quality of recovery in horses undergoing general anaesthesia required for management of hindlimb synovial sepsis. Study design: Single‐centre retrospective cross‐sectional study. Methods: Data were obtained from the clinical records of horses which had undergone arthroscopic or tenoscopic surgery for management of hindlimb synovial sepsis over a 9‐year period in a referral hospital population. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify the perioperative factors that impact on quality of recovery. Results: Records from 149 horses, undergoing 170 general anaesthetics were included. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that opioid epidural analgesia (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.2 to 7.2, P =.02) was associated with good quality of recovery, whereas Cob breeds (OR 0.16, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.46, P =.001), age (in years) (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.83 to 0.97, P =.004) increasing intraoperative dosages (in mg/kg) of thiopental (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.90, P =.01) or ketamine (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.98, P =.04) were associated with poor quality of recovery. Main limitations: Certain variables that may influence quality of recovery, such as patient temperament and hindlimb orthopaedic co‐morbidities were not recorded. The clinical prediction model obtained is only applicable to the specific facilities, population and perianaesthetic management practiced at our institution. Conclusions: Opioid epidural analgesia is significantly associated with good quality of recovery in horses undergoing general anaesthesia required for management of hindlimb synovial sepsis. Other risk factors, such as increasing age, cob breed, use of higher intraoperative dosages (in mg/kg) of ketamine and/or thiopental, were associated with poor quality of recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identification and characterization of foreign bodies in the distal limb of horses poses a diagnostic challenge. The aims of this prospective experimental cadaver study were to describe the appearance of five foreign body materials within the equine hoof using CT, MRI, and digital radiography (DR) and to compare interrater agreement among three reviewers. Fifty foreign bodies consisting of five materials were implanted at a solar location or a coronary location in 25 equine cadaver feet. The images were reviewed by three equine veterinarians experienced in advanced imaging interpretation, who were blinded to the material of the foreign body. Foreign bodies were graded on visibility and appearance. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for accurate identification of the different materials. Interrater agreement was assessed using Fleiss' kappa. Computed tomography had higher visibility score, sensitivity/specificity, and interrater agreement for detection of all materials; particularly slate, glass, and dry wood, compared to the other imaging modalities. Soaked wood and plastic had lower sensitivity (31‐33%) on CT with a similar attenuation of the two materials. Foreign bodies were often visible on MRI, although with similar appearance and unclear details. On DR, only slate and glass were visible. The interrater agreement for identifying the correct material was almost perfect for slate, glass, and dry wood (κ = 0.92‐1.00) and poor for plastic and soaked wood (κ < 0.20) on CT. Interrater agreement was poor for all materials on MRI and DR (κ < 0.20), with the except for fair (κ = 0.28) for slate on DR and moderate (κ = 0.28) for soaked wood on MRI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnetic resonance (MR) imaging features, signalment, clinical history and outcome of 55 horses with a penetrating sole injury were evaluated. Our aim was to describe MR imaging findings within the hoof capsule, assess the utility of the technique and give recommendations for the optimal MR imaging protocol to evaluate such injuries. Data from five equine hospitals were analyzed retrospectively. The tract was more likely to be visualized in animals scanned within the first week postinjury. There was no significant predisposition based on breed, age, or gender. T2*W transverse sequences were the most useful for assessment of solar penetrations due to their orientation perpendicular to the deep digital flexor tendon, the reduced scanning time, and the T2* capability of enhancing magnetic susceptibility caused by hemorrhage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Articular chondrocytes experience low oxygen (O2) levels compared with many other tissues, and values fall further in disease states. Chondrocyte intracellular pH (pHi) is a powerful modulator of matrix synthesis and is principally regulated by Na+-H+ exchange (NHE). In equine chondrocytes, NHE is inhibited when cells are incubated for 3 h at low O2, leading to intracellular acidosis. O2-dependent changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels appear to underlie this effect. The present study examines whether hypoxia can influence chondrocyte NHE activity and pHi over shorter timescales using the pH-sensitive fluoroprobe BCECF in cells isolated not only from equine cartilage but also from bovine tissue. O2 levels in initially oxygenated solutions gassed with N2 fell to approximately 1% within 2 h. A progressive fall in pHi and acid extrusion capacity was observed, with statistically significant effects ( P < 0.05) apparent within 3 h. For equine and bovine cell populations subjected to step change in O2 by resuspension in hypoxic (1%) solutions, a decline in acid extrusion and pHi was observed within 10 min and continued throughout the recording period. This effect represented inhibition of the NHE-mediated fraction of acid extrusion. Cells subjected to hypoxic solutions supplemented with CoCl2 (100 μM) or antimycin A (100 µM) to raise levels of ROS did not acidify. The conserved nature and rapidity of the response to hypoxia has considerable implications for chondrocyte homeostasis and potentially for the maintenance of cartilage integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Trimming is critical for a functioning equine hoof. Pressure distribution provides information on loading; however, information on the effects of trimming on pressure distribution is lacking., Objectives: To describe the pressure changes of equine fore feet following trimming., Study Design: Cross-sectional cohort study., Methods: Fifty sound horses were recruited. Eighteen external hoof measures of the dorsal, lateral, medial and solar aspects were obtained before and after trimming from 94 fore feet. Horses were walked over a pressure mat before and after trimming and pressure maps of the solar surface created. Percentage change in hoof measures were assessed. Factors associated with an increase in pressure in the frog region after trimming were entered into a forward likelihood ratio logistic regression model. Odd ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and area under the curve receiver operator characteristics (AUROC) were calculated. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated at a cut-off value of p = 0.5., Results: Trimming resulted in a significant increase in pressure, topographically mapped to the frog region, in 12/94 (13% 95% CI 6; 20) feet. Percentage difference in bearing border length (OR 0.66 95% CI 0.51; 0.86), heel buttress to centre of pressure distance (OR 1.30 95% CI 1.10; 1.53), heel angle (lateral side) (OR 1.11 95% CI 1.04; 1.19) and heel length (medial side) (OR 0.92 95% CI 0.85; 0.99) were retained in the final model associated with increased pressure in the frog region following trimming. AUROC was excellent (0.94 95% CI 0.88; 0.99) with fair sensitivity (58% [95% CI 50; 66]) and excellent specificity (98% [95% CI 78; 118])., Main Limitations: Subjective lameness exam; horse velocity unmeasured., Conclusions: Measuring pressure changes over the solar surface of the equine fore foot after trimming identified that an increased pressure in the frog region was linked to specific changes in hoof shape., (© 2025 The Author(s). Equine Veterinary Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of EVJ Ltd.)

The magnetic resonance (MR) imaging features, signalment, clinical history and outcome of 55 horses with a penetrating sole injury were evaluated. Our aim was to describe MR imaging findings within the hoof capsule, assess the utility of the technique and give recommendations for the optimal MR imaging protocol to evaluate such injuries. Data from five equine hospitals were analyzed retrospectively. The tract was more likely to be visualized in animals scanned within the first week postinjury. There was no significant predisposition based on breed, age, or gender. T2*W transverse sequences were the most useful for assessment of solar penetrations due to their orientation perpendicular to the deep digital flexor tendon, the reduced scanning time, and the T2* capability of enhancing magnetic susceptibility caused by hemorrhage.