Topic:Cadaver
The use of cadavers in equine research involves the examination of deceased horses to study anatomy, pathology, and various physiological processes. Cadaver studies provide valuable insights into equine health and disease without the ethical concerns associated with live subjects. These studies contribute to the understanding of musculoskeletal structures, organ systems, and disease mechanisms. Research utilizing equine cadavers often focuses on surgical techniques, anatomical variations, and the effects of specific conditions on the horse's body. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the methodologies, findings, and applications of cadaver studies in equine science.
An alternative arthroscopic approach to the caudal pouches of the equine lateral femorotibial joint. Current arthroscopic approaches to the caudal pouches of the lateral femorotibial joint are challenging and risk iatrogenic nerve and cartilage injury. Objective: Describe an alternative arthroscopic approach to the caudal pouches of the lateral femorotibial joint in the horse and report intra-articular abnormalities observed during diagnostic stifle arthroscopy of these pouches. Methods: Descriptive cadaver anatomical and clinical study. Methods: An approach to the caudal pouches of the lateral femorotibial joint was developed during clinical surgery using an arthroscopic portal in the poplit...
Radiographic localization of the attachments of soft tissue structures in the tarsal region of horses. To identify radiographic locations of soft tissue attachments in the tarsal region of horses and describe any variability in the gross anatomy of those attachments. Methods: 15 cadaveric limbs from 8 adult horses. Methods: 8 limbs were used for dissection and radiography of soft tissue structures, with metallic markers used to identify radiographic locations of soft tissue attachments. The remaining 7 limbs were used to evaluate anatomic variations in the insertion of the tendon of the fibularis tertius muscle. A consensus list of preferred radiographic views for evaluating each soft tissue at...
Needle arthroscopy of the radiocarpal and middle carpal joints in standing sedated horses. To develop a technique for standing diagnostic needle arthroscopy of the radiocarpal and middle carpal joints in standing sedated horses. Methods: Experimental study. Methods: Six cadaveric forelimbs (phase 1) and six healthy horses (phase 2). Methods: In phase 1, six cadaveric forelimbs were used to assess needle arthroscopic evaluation of both joints. Six healthy horses were subsequently enrolled in phase 2 to validate the procedure in live animals. The joint was maintained in flexion with a custom-made splint and base. Results: In phase 1, needle arthroscopy allowed thorough evaluation of t...
Arthrodesis of the equine proximal interphalangeal joint: a biomechanical comparison of 2 different LCP systems. This study compares the mechanical stability and surgical usability of 2 locking plate systems (Kyon ALPS-20 and Synthes PIP-LCP system) for arthrodesis of the equine proximal interphalangeal joint (PIJ). Methods: The experimental ex vivo study included 6 pairs of cadaver distal limbs (n = 12). All specimens were derived from Warmblood horses of various ages that were euthanized for non-orthopedic reasons. Of the 12 limbs collected, 3 left and 3 right distal limb specimens were randomly assigned to each system for implantation. Two abaxial 4.5-mm cortical screws were inserted transarticularly ...
Body Painting of the Horse and Cow to Learn Surface Anatomy. Gross anatomy is considered one of the most challenging subjects in teaching veterinary medicine. The use of body painting is reported in teaching surface human anatomy, but such reports are scarce in veterinary medicine. The aim of this study was to describe a practical session for teaching surface anatomy using body painting with second-semester students of veterinary medicine. Two practical sessions using live animals (equine and bovine) were offered with a focus on the locomotor and nervous systems and splanchnology. Students believed that the body painting sessions helped them to understa...
Ex vivo study of minimally invasive procedures for cartilage removal from the metacarpophalangeal or metatarsophalangeal joint and for fetlock tension band application. To describe reliable minimally invasive procedures for (1) removing cartilage by joint distraction and articular drilling for equine metacarpophalangeal (MCP)/metatarsophalangeal (MTP) arthrodesis; (2) applying a palmar/plantar tension band without MCP/MTP joint luxation. Methods: Experimental study. Methods: Cadaveric equine limbs (n = 12). Methods: All limbs were used to evaluate the drilling technique. First the MCP/MTP joint was distracted with a 5.5-mm cortical screw. Then, through four stab incisions, articular cartilage was removed with a 4.5-mm drill. Six randomly chosen limbs were the...
Ultrasound-guided arthrocentesis of the temporomandibular joint in healthy adult horses is equivalent to blind arthrocentesis. Equine temporomandibular joint (TMJ) diseases are increasingly recognized as a problem for the well-being and performance of horses. Diagnosis is confounded by overlap of clinical signs associated with pathology of the oral cavity, poll, and cervical vertebrae. Arthrocentesis for intra-articular analgesia, sampling of synovial fluid, and medication is needed for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Ultrasound features of the normal TMJ and a blind arthrocentesis technique have been described, but a systematic approach to ultrasound-guided (USG) arthrocentesis has not been reported. Ultrasound ...
Standing CT of the equine head: Reducing radiation dose maintains image quality. Multiple published studies involving computed tomographic (CT) examinations of the equine head utilise a wide range of mAs parameters for image acquisition. This prospective, experimental study assessed the effects of lowering mAs during CT image acquisition on image quality and scatter radiation on 10 cadaver equine heads. Each head was scanned three times at 300, 225, and 150 mAs, with all other scanning parameters remaining constant between series. An anthropomorphic phantom was positioned adjacent to each equine head during image acquisition, mimicking a human bystander, with an ionizatio...
Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography of equine cheek teeth and adjacent structures: comparative study of image quality in horses in vivo, post-mortem and frozen-thawed. The use of cadavers for radiology research methodologies involving subjective image quality evaluation of anatomical criteria is well-documented. The purpose of this method comparison study was to evaluate the image quality of dental and adjacent structures in computed tomography (CT) and high-field (3 T) magnetic resonance (MR) images in cadaveric heads, based on an objective four-point rating scale. Whilst CT is a well-established technique, MR imaging (MRI) is rarely used for equine dental diagnostics. The use of a grading system in this study allowed an objective assessment of CT and MRI a...
Histologic assessment of age-related changes in the temporomandibular joints of horses. To describe histologic changes in the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) of horses of various ages. Methods: 22 TMJs from cadavers of 11 horses. Methods: Horses were categorized into 3 age groups (group 1, 2 to 10 years old [n = 3]; group 2, 11 to 20 years old [3]; and group 3, > 20 years old [5]). Each TMJ was sectioned into 5-mm slices, preserved in formalin, decalcified in formic acid, and routinely processed for histologic analysis. Joints were systematically assessed by use of previously described methods. Multilevel mixed-effects models were used to examine the data. Results: The number of ...
Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging and histological hoof wall assessment of 3-year-old Quarter Horses. Few noninvasive methods are available for equine hoof wall evaluation. The highly organised wall structures and composition of proteoglycans and collagens may make this region amenable to quantitative MRI (qMRI) techniques of T1ρ and T2 mapping to identify pathology related to proteoglycan content and collagen organisation respectively. Objective: To establish normative T1ρ and T2 values of the equine hoof wall of 3-year-old Quarter Horses with histological comparison. Methods: Cadaveric anatomical study. Methods: Six cadaveric left thoracic feet from 3-year-old racing Quarter Horses with no...
Ex vivo evaluation of an alternative technique for resection of the proximal manica flexoria in horses. To describe and evaluate an alternative technique for tenoscopic resection of the manica flexoria (MF). Methods: Descriptive study. Methods: Equine cadaver forelimbs and hind limbs (n = 36). Methods: Three surgeons varying in experience resected the MF in 12 limbs. The procedure was divided into six steps, including resection of the lateral/medial borders of the MF with a hook knife and resection of the proximal border with a micro scalpel. Outcomes compared between surgeons included completeness of resection, appearance of the margins of resection, appearance of the resected MF, collateral da...
Risk of intra-articular injection with longitudinal ultrasound-guided injection of collateral ligaments of the equine distal interphalangeal joint. Desmopathy of the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint is a common cause of equine foot lameness and carries a poor prognosis with conservative management. Intralesional injections may improve healing, although accuracy of radiographically guided injections is significantly less than when guided by MRI, which requires special needles. Longitudinal ultrasound-guided injection of the distal collateral ligament has not been evaluated objectively. In this prospective, anatomic study, seven equine cadaver limbs (14 collateral ligaments) were injected with methylene blue dye and ...
Ex vivo comparison of barbed and unbarbed sutures for the closure of caecal and pelvic flexure enterotomies in horses. In this study the caecum and large colon were harvested from 24 slaughtered horses. On each sample, an 8‑cm long enterotomy was performed. Enterotomies were closed using either barbed or unbarbed glycomer‑631. We compared the time to close, appearance, length of suture material, bursting pressure, and costs associated with each type of material. Our findings demonstrated that time to close was significantly shorter (caecum, P = 0.034; pelvic flexure, P = 0.039) using barbed sutures (caecum 610.4 seconds; pelvic flexure 699.3 seconds) than unbarbed sutures (caecum 661.0 seconds, pelvic flex...
Elastic properties of collateral and sesamoid ligaments in the forelimbs of equine cadavers. To evaluate the elastic modulus of various ligaments of the forelimbs of cadaveric horses. Methods: 408 ligaments from 37 forelimbs of 10 Thoroughbred cadavers and cadavers of 9 other horse breeds. Methods: Collateral ligaments and straight and oblique sesamoid ligaments were harvested from the proximal interphalangeal, metacarpophalangeal, carpal, and elbow joints of both forelimbs of all 19 horses. Ligament dimensions were measured, and the elastic modulus was determined by tensile testing the ligaments with a strain rate of 1 mm•s. Results: Elastic modulus of the ligaments differed signif...
Novel technique for prevention of rotation of the distal phalanx relative to the hoof wall in horses with acute laminitis. 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. Methods: 40 limbs from 10 equine cadavers and 19 clinically normal adult horses. Methods: 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...
Comparative forelimb myology and muscular architecture of a juvenile Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus). The absence of preserved soft tissues in the fossil record is frequently a hindrance for palaeontologists wishing to investigate morphological shifts in key skeletal systems, such as the limbs. Understanding the soft tissue composition of modern species can aid in understanding changes in musculoskeletal features through evolution, including those pertaining to locomotion. Establishing anatomical differences in soft tissues utilising an extant phylogenetic bracket can, in turn, assist in interpreting morphological changes in hard tissues and modelling musculoskeletal movements during evolution...
An equine cadaver study investigating the relationship between cervical flexion, nuchal ligament elongation and pressure at the first and second cervical vertebra. Pressure in the atlanto-axial region due to hyperflexion ('rollkur') may influence the development of a nuchal bursa, as adventitious bursae may be caused by pressure. Investigating the pressure between the nuchal ligament and atlas/axis in a flexed position may provide information on the pathogenesis of nuchal bursitis. In this study, ten equine head and neck specimens with one side of the soft tissues over the cervical vertebral spine removed were placed in lateral recumbency on a table in neutral, mildly flexed, and hyperflexed head and neck positions. Angulations of the neck were measured ...
Evaluation of four techniques for injection of the proximal interphalangeal joint in horses. To describe a dorsoproximal midline (DPM) standing technique for proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) injection and to compare it to established dorsolateral flexed (DLF), palmaroproximal (PP), and dorsolateral standing (DLS) techniques. Methods: Ex vivo study. Methods: Sixty cadaver equine thoracic limbs. Methods: Limbs were divided into four groups (n = 15 each group), DLF, DPM, PP, and DLS. For each technique, three operators injected radiopaque contrast and methylene blue into the PIPJ in five limbs. The number of attempts required was recorded. Successful injection was confirmed by radio...
Magnetic resonance dacryocystography in the horse: A feasibility study. To provide a comprehensive anatomical description of the normal equine nasolacrimal duct using magnetic resonance imaging, and to develop a practical protocol for performing magnetic resonance dacryocystography (MRD) in horses. Methods: The heads of ten fresh horse cadavers with no history of sinonasal or ophthalmologic disorders were used for this study. Methods: An MRD technique was developed in this study, which consisted of two parts. In the first part, olive oil and gadolinium were compared as contrast medium, using five horses. Two concentrations of gadolinium were used: 0.25 mmol/mL an...
The influence of trimming of the hoof wall on the damage of laminar tissue after loading: An in vitro study. Laminitis is associated with failure of the suspensory apparatus of the distal phalanx (SADP) connecting the distal phalanx to the hoof wall. The specific aim of this study was to examine in vitro whether thinning of the hoof wall leading to increased deformability influences the damage of the laminar tissue created by loading of the hoof. Paired cadaver forelimbs from twelve horses were used. For each pair, the hoof wall from one hoof was thinned by 25%; this was ascertained by radiography. The contralateral hooves were used as controls. In a material testing machine, hooves were loaded in a ...
Ex vivo investigation of the effect of the transverse arytenoid ligament on abduction of the arytenoid cartilage when performing equine laryngoplasty. To investigate the effect of the transverse arytenoid ligament (TAL) on abduction of the arytenoid cartilage when performing laryngoplasty. Modified prosthetic laryngoplasty was performed on right and left sides of 13 cadaver larynges. Increasing force was sequentially applied to the left arytenoid cartilage at 3 N intervals from 0-24 N, when the force on the right arytenoid cartilage was either 0 or 24 N, before and after TAL transection. Digital photographs of the rostral aspect of the larynx were used to determine the left arytenoid abduction angles for these given force combinations and ...
Orientation and location of the finite helical axis of the equine forelimb joints. To reduce anatomically unrealistic limb postures in a virtual musculoskeletal model of a horse's forelimb, accurate knowledge on forelimb joint constraints is essential. The aim of this cadaver study is to report all orientation and position changes of the finite helical axes (FHA) as a function of joint angle for different equine forelimb joints. Five horse cadaver forelimbs with standardized cuts at the midlevel of each segment were used. Bone pins with reflective marker triads were drilled into the forelimb bones. Unless joint angles were anatomically coupled, each joint was manually moved ...
Problem of Pin Breakage in Equine Transfixation Pin Casting: Biomechanical Ex Vivo Testing of Four Different Pins. The aim of this study was to evaluate cyclic fatigue behaviour of a new pin with a thread run-out design in comparison with three other types of pins commonly used for equine transfixation pin casting. Methods: Twenty-four pairs of equine cadaveric third metacarpal bones (MC3) equipped with one transfixation pin placed horizontally in the distal metaphysis were tested using a simplified model, mimicking the biomechanical situation of equine transfixation pin casting. A 6.3/8.0-mm Imex Duraface pin with thread run-out design (ITROP) was compared with a 6.1-mm smooth Steinmann pin (SSP), a...
Assessing the Effect of Packing the Sulcus on Image Quality in Equine Digital Radiography. The requirement to pack the sulcus of the equine foot as an aid to diagnostic interpretation before acquisition of dorsoproximal-palmarodistal oblique projections is debatable. The purpose of this study was to investigate the benefit of packing the sulcus in the assessment of normal anatomy. 23 cadaver limbs were radiographed in a podoblock (https://www.podoblock.com/products-page/podoblock/podoblock/) A non-packed image (NP) and a packed image (P) of the same foot were acquired. The image quality of P was graded against the reference NP by five observers, where -1=P was superior, 0=no differe...
In vitro mechanical evaluation of three transfixation pin-cast constructs applied to equine forelimbs. OBJECTIVE To compare strain at the bone-pin and cast-pin interfaces among 3 transfixation pin-cast constructs applied to equine forelimbs. ANIMALS 15 forelimbs from 15 adult horses. PROCEDURES Limbs were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 constructs. Centrally threaded positive-profile pins were used for all constructs, and the most distal pin was placed just proximal to the epicondyles of the third metacarpal bone. Construct 1 consisted of two 6.3-mm-diameter pins spaced 4 cm apart at 30° to each other. Construct 2 was the same as construct 1 except the pins were placed 5 cm apart. Construct 3 cons...
Comparison of Metzenbaum scissors and Y-shaped fasciotome for deep metatarsal fasciotomy for the treatment of proximal suspensory ligament desmopathy in horses. To quantitate the iatrogenic injury associated with deep plantar metatarsal fasciotomy performed with Metzenbaum scissors compared with a Y-shaped fasciotome. Methods: Experimental ex vivo surgical study. Methods: Cadaveric hind limbs (n = 20) from 10 sound thoroughbred racehorses. Methods: A plantar metatarsal fasciotomy was performed, extending from the proximal extent of the deep metatarsal fascia, distally. Hind limbs were randomly assigned to 2 groups, undergoing fasciotomy with straight Metzenbaum scissors (n = 10) or a Y-shaped fasciotome (n = 10). Magnetic resonance imaging...
Bursting strength of surgeon’s and self-locking knots for closure of ventral midline celiotomy in horses. To compare the bursting strength and failure mode of ventral midline celiotomy closed with a simple continuous suture pattern with 1 of 2 knot combinations, a novel self-locking knot combination of a forwarder start with an Aberdeen end knot (F-A) and a traditional combination of a surgeon's start with a surgeon's end knot (S-S). Methods: Ex vivo experimental. Methods: Equine cadavers (n = 14). Methods: A 20-cm ventral midline celiotomy was created in 14 equine cadavers. Horses were assigned to celiotomy closure with an F-A or S-S knot combination. Prior to closure, a 200-L inflatable blad...
High field magnetic resonance imaging is comparable with gross anatomy for description of the normal appearance of soft tissues in the equine stifle. High field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly used for horses with suspected stifle disease, however there is limited available information on normal imaging anatomy and potential incidental findings. The aim of this prospective, anatomic study was to develop an optimized high field MRI protocol for evaluation of the equine stifle and provide detailed descriptions of the normal MRI appearance of the stifle soft tissues, using ultrasound and gross pathological examination as comparison tests. Nine cadaver limbs were acquired from clinically normal horses. Stifles were evaluated ul...
Unilateral cervical plexus block for prosthetic laryngoplasty in the standing horse. Locoregional anaesthetic techniques can facilitate certain surgeries being performed under standing procedural sedation. The second and third spinal cervical nerves (C2, C3) are part of the cervical plexus and provide sensory innervation to the peri-laryngeal structures in people; block of these nerves might permit laryngeal lateralisation surgery in horses. Objective: To describe the anatomical basis for an ultrasound-guided cervical plexus block in horses. To compare this block with conventional local anaesthetic tissue infiltration in horses undergoing standing prosthetic laryngoplasty. Met...