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.
3 tesla magnetic resonance imaging of the occipitoatlantoaxial region in the normal horse. The aim of this study was to describe the appearance of the ligamentous structures of the occipitoatlantoaxial (OAA) region in the normal horse by 3 tesla (3T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The MRI images of the longitudinal odontoid ligament, tectorial membrane, dorsal and ventral atlantoaxial ligaments, dorsal atlantooccipital membrane with its reinforcing ligaments, and the lateral atlantooccipital ligaments of 10 horse cadavers were evaluated. All ligaments and membranes were identified in all planes, except for the lateral atlantooccipital ligament in the sagittal plane due to its cra...
Vascular perfusion of the dorsal and palmar condyles of the equine third metacarpal bone. Palmar osteochondral disease (POD) is an overload arthrosis that commonly affects fetlock joints of racing Thoroughbreds (TB) but the aetiopathogenesis of the disease has not been well defined. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare India ink perfusion in the dorsal and palmar condyles of the third metacarpal bone (McIII) in both passively flexed and maximally extended fetlock joints from paired equine cadaver limbs. Methods: Descriptive cadaver study comparing perfusion of condyles of McIII in paired cadaver limbs in flexion (control group) and maximal extension (intervention group)....
Equine ulnar fracture repair with locking compression plates can be associated with inadvertent penetration of the lateral cortex of the radius. To evaluate if the use of locking head screws (LHS) in the distal holes of a locking compression plate (LCP) applied to the caudal aspect of the ulna to treat equine ulnar fractures is associated with a risk of injury to the lateral cortex of the radius. Methods: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Cadaveric equine forelimbs (n = 8 pair). Methods: After transverse ulnar osteotomy, osteosynthesis was performed with a narrow 10-13 hole 4.5/5.0 LCP applied to the caudal aspect of each ulna. The distal 3 holes were filled with 4.5 mm cortex screws (CS) in 1 limb (group 1) and with 5.0 mm LHS con...
Using semi-automated segmentation of computed tomography datasets for three-dimensional visualization and volume measurements of equine paranasal sinuses. The system of the paranasal sinuses morphologically represents one of the most complex parts of the equine body. A clear understanding of spatial relationships is needed for correct diagnosis and treatment. The purpose of this study was to describe the anatomy and volume of equine paranasal sinuses using three-dimensional (3D) reformatted renderings of computed tomography (CT) slices. Heads of 18 cadaver horses, aged 2-25 years, were analyzed by the use of separate semi-automated segmentation of the following bilateral paranasal sinus compartments: rostral maxillary sinus (Sinus maxillaris ros...
Evaluation of osteochondral sample collection guided by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging for early detection of osteoarthritis in centrodistal joints of young Icelandic horses. To evaluate the use of CT and MRI for guidance of osteochondral sample collection for histologic detection of early osteoarthritic lesions in centrodistal (distal intertarsal) joints of horses. Methods: Right tarsal joints from the cadavers of 24 Icelandic horses aged 29 to 31 months. Methods: CT and MRI were used to evaluate the extent of suspected osteoarthritic changes in centrodistal joints, which were graded with a semiquantitative system. The anatomic regions with the highest grade of change were identified, and osteochondral samples were obtained from these regions. Samples were also ob...
Magnetic resonance imaging of plantar soft tissue structures of the tarsus and proximal metatarsus in foals and adult horses. The object of this study was to describe previously defined soft tissue structures by using spin and gradient sequences in a 0.5 Tesla magnetic resonance system in order to improve the characterisation of tendon and ligaments at the plantar region of the equine tarsus and metatarsus while considering possible age-related variations. Methods: Cadaveric hindlimbs from twenty-two Warmblood horses with an age range from one month to twenty-five years were examined in spin and gradient echoes. The proximal suspensory ligament from six limbs was dissected to assign the signal intensities histologica...
Development and validation of an equine nerve block simulator to supplement practical skills training in undergraduate veterinary students. Lameness is the most common presenting complaint in equine practice. Performing diagnostic nerve blocks is an integral part of any lameness work-up, and is therefore an essential skill for equine practitioners. However, the opportunities for veterinary students to practice this skill are limited. The aim of this study was to design and validate an equine nerve block simulator. It was hypothesised that the simulator would improve students' ability and enhance their confidence in performing nerve blocks. A simulator was built using an equine forelimb skeleton and building foam. Wire wool targets...
The segmental morphometric properties of the horse cervical spinal cord: a study of cadaver. Although the cervical spinal cord (CSC) of the horse has particular importance in diseases of CNS, there is very little information about its segmental morphometry. The objective of the present study was to determine the morphometric features of the CSC segments in the horse and possible relationships among the morphometric features. The segmented CSC from five mature animals was used. Length, weight, diameter, and volume measurements of the segments were performed macroscopically. Lengths and diameters of segments were measured histologically, and area and volume measurements were performed u...
Anatomic and neuromuscular characterisation of the equine cricothyroid muscle. As part of investigation into laryngeal stability and reanimation using functional electrical stimulation, the cricothyroid muscle might be utilised to increase laryngeal cross-sectional area in horses with recurrent laryngeal neuropathy. For optimal electrode placement and muscle recruitment, the neuroanatomy and excitability of the equine cricothyroid muscle needs to be defined. Objective: To describe the anatomy, innervation and function of the equine cricothyroid muscle and its contribution to laryngeal diameter. Methods: Seventeen equine larynges were collected at necropsy and 12 were gro...
Effects of leukotriene C4 on the bioelectric properties and ion transport of equine tracheal epithelium. To determine effects of leukotriene (LT) C(4) on ion transport across equine tracheal epithelium. Sample-Tracheal epithelium from cadavers of 24 horses considered free of respiratory tract disease. Methods: Mucosae were mounted into Ussing chambers, and short-circuit current (I(sc)) was monitored over time. Effects of LTC(4) were examined for various conditions, including addition of amiloride (10μM) to the mucosal bath solution, addition of bumetanide (10μM) to the serosal bath solution, addition of barium (1mM) to the serosal bath solution, and substitution of gluconate for chloride and HE...
Mechanical and morphological properties of trabecular bone samples obtained from third metacarpal bones of cadavers of horses with a bone fragility syndrome and horses unaffected by that syndrome. To determine morphological and mechanical properties of trabecular bone of horses with a bone fragility syndrome (BFS; including silicate-associated osteoporosis). Methods: Cylindrical trabecular bone samples from the distal aspects of cadaveric third metacarpal bones of 39 horses (19 horses with a BFS [BFS bone samples] and 20 horses without a BFS [control bone samples]). Methods: Bone samples were imaged via micro-CT for determination of bone volume fraction; apparent and mean mineralized bone densities; and trabecular number, thickness, and separation. Bone samples were compressed to failur...
A descriptive study of the equine proximal interphalangeal joint using magnetic resonance imaging, contrast arthrography, and arthroscopy. To describe regions of the thoracic and pelvic limb proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints that are arthroscopically accessible and identify soft tissue structures that should be avoided during arthroscope and instrument placement. Methods: Experimental ex vivo descriptive study. Methods: Horses (n = 15). Methods: Cadaver limbs (n = 36) were used for anatomic modeling, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with MRI-compatible needles, computed tomography with contrast arthrography, and arthroscopy of the PIP joint. Two arthroscopic approaches to the dorsal joint pouch were compared. Results: With ar...
Morphology of distal border synovial invaginations of the equine distal sesamoid bone: comparison between computed tomography and a hoof-specific radiographic projection. To compare the difference and agreement of the morphology of distal border synovial invaginations on a dorsoproximal-palmarodistal oblique (DPr-PaDiO) projection with hoof-specific angle versus computed tomography. Methods: Computed tomography (CT) images and a DPr-PaDiO radiographic projection with hoof-specific angle were obtained on 50 cadaveric forefeet from 25 Warmblood horses. Computed tomography was assumed to be the gold standard. The number, shape and depth of penetration of distal border synovial invaginations into the distal sesamoid bone were evaluated with both methods, and the co...
Arthroscopic approach to the subextensorius recess of the lateral femorotibial joint of the foal. To (1) develop an arthroscopic approach to the subextensorius recess of the lateral femorotibial (LFT) joint in foals and (2) report its use in foals with LFT joint sepsis. Methods: (1) Anatomic study and (2) retrospective case series. Methods: (1) Cadaveric hind limbs (n = 32 foals) to delineate the anatomy of the subextensorius recess; 13 foal limbs for cadaver surgery to assess the approach to the subextensorius recess; and (2) foals (n = 8) with LFT joint sepsis. Methods: (1) The LFT joint was distended and examined ultrasonographically. Dissection was used to document periarticular landma...
Comparison of two approaches to performing an inferior alveolar nerve block in the horse. To compare two approaches to performing the inferior alveolar nerve block in the horse and to evaluate the consistency of described topographical landmarks. Methods: Experimental cadaver model. Methods: Eleven cadaver heads were positioned to mimic a standing sedated horse and the position of the mandibular foramen approximated. The vertical approach to the approximate location of the mandibular foramen was undertaken and red dye was deposited. The angled approach was then undertaken and blue ink was used to identify it. The heads were then dissected to determine the location of the dye. Place...
Anatomy and anaesthesia of the equine external ear canal. Anaesthesia of the external ear canal (external acoustic meatus) is usually performed by blocking both the great and internal auricular nerves by regional infiltration. However, exact landmarks for blocking the internal auricular nerve to accomplish effective anaesthesia have not been described yet. In this study, detailed anatomical dissection of the equine external ear canal and its nerve supply was carried out on fifteen cadaver heads. Tissue samples of the dissected nerves were taken from two cadaver heads processed and were evaluated microscopically. Prior to the dissection, the region of...
Reliability of high- and low-field magnetic resonance imaging systems for detection of cartilage and bone lesions in the equine cadaver fetlock. To determine the reliability of 2 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems for detection of cartilage and bone lesions of the equine fetlock. Objective: To test the hypotheses that lesions in cartilage, subchondral and trabecular bone of the equine fetlock verified using histopathology can be detected on high- and low-field MR images with a low incidence of false positive or negative results; that low-field images are less reliable than high-field images for detection of cartilage lesions; and that combining results of interpretation from different pulse sequences increases detection of cartil...
Comparison of four techniques for synoviocentesis of the equine digital flexor tendon sheath: a cadaveric study. To compare four different techniques for synoviocentesis of the equine digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS). Methods: Fifteen inexperienced operators performed each of the following injection techniques on two cadaveric limbs: Proximal (at the proximal recess of the DFTS), Axial (axial to the proximal sesamoid bone), Base (at the base of the proximal sesamoid bone), and Distal (at the pastern). The number of attempts needed before the needle was assumed to be correctly positioned into the DFTS was recorded and 10 ml of methylene blue was injected. The limbs were dissected to determine the prese...
The influence of temperature and age on the T1 relaxation time of the equine distal limb. The extent of fat suppression using short tau inversion recovery (STIR) imaging is variable between horses. Our aim was to determine if patient's age and/or hoof temperature have an influence on the T(1) relaxation time of bone marrow in the equine distal limb, thereby affecting the suppression of fat signal. Magnetic resonance imaging was conducted on standing horses and cadaver samples using a low-field magnet (0.27 T). The hoof temperature was measured at the lateral side of the coronary band. A modified inversion recovery fast spin-echo (IR-FSE) sequence was used to measure the signal inte...
Effects of tidal volume, ventilatory frequency, and oxygen insufflation flow on the fraction of inspired oxygen in cadaveric horse heads attached to a lung model. To measure the effects of tidal volume, ventilatory frequency, and oxygen insufflation flow on the fraction of inspired oxygen in cadaveric horse heads attached to a lung model. Methods: 8 heads of equine cadavers. Methods: Each cadaveric horse head was intubated with a nasotracheal tube that extended into the proximal portion of the trachea. Oxygen was delivered through an oxygen catheter contained within and extending to the tip of the nasotracheal tube. The trachea was connected to the lung model by use of a spiral-wound hose with a sampling adaptor. Eight treatment combinations involving 2...
Stifle extension results in differential tensile forces developing between abaxial and axial components of the cranial meniscotibial ligament of the equine medial meniscus: a mechanistic explanation for meniscal tear patterns. To identify potential functional-anatomical characteristics of the cranial horn attachment of the medial meniscus (MM) that may help explain the pathogenesis of the common tear patterns that have been reported. Objective: Full extension of the stifle generates a significant increase in tensile forces within the cranial meniscotibial ligament (CrMTL) of the MM, which may predispose this structure to injury. Methods: The effect of femorotibial angle (160°, 150°, 140° and 130°) on tensile forces in the axial and abaxial components of the CrMTL was examined in 6 mature cadaver stifles using an...
Effect of sequential hole enlargement on cortical bone temperature during drilling of 6.2-mm-diameter transcortical holes in the third metacarpal bones of horse cadavers. To compare the bone temperature and final hole dimensions associated with sequential overdrilling (SO) and single 6.2-mm drill bit (S6.2DB) methods used to create transcortical holes in the third metacarpal bones (MCIIIs) of horse cadavers. Methods: 60 MCIIIs from 30 horse cadavers. Methods: In phase 1, hole diameter, tap insertion torque, peak bone temperature, and postdrilling bit temperature for 6.2-mm-diameter holes drilled in the lateral or medial cortical region of 12 MCIIIs via each of three 2-bit SO methods with a single pilot hole (diameter, 3.2, 4.5, or 5.5 mm) and the S6.2DB method ...
Ultrasonographic appearance of bony abnormalities at the dorsal aspect of the fetlock joint in geriatric cadaver horses. This article describes the ultrasonographic (US) appearance of bony abnormalities on the dorsal aspect of the third metacarpal/metatarsal bone of the equine fetlock in cadavers with radiographic signs of osteoarthrosis. After US, computed tomography was undertaken to better characterise the lesions. Twelve fetlock joints were collected and all had more than one bone abnormality on US. Normal subchondral bone appeared on US as a well-defined and regular hyperechoic line with distal acoustic shadowing. Bone abnormalities detected on US included (1) gaps in the proximal subchondral bone filled wi...
Biomechanical testing of a novel suture pattern for repair of equine tendon lacerations. To compare in vitro biomechanical properties of a novel suture pattern to a current standard for primary repair of equine superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) laceration. Methods: In vitro randomized, paired design. Methods: Cadaveric equine forelimb SDFT (n = 24). Methods: The 3-loop pulley (3LP) and 6-strand Savage (SSS) suture patterns were applied to transected equine SDFT. Ultimate failure load, stiffness, mode of failure, and load required to form a 3-mm gap were obtained using a materials testing system and synchronized high-speed video analysis. Statistical comparisons were made us...
Possible role of carpal hyperextension in superficial digital flexor tendinopathy. The specific biomechanical circumstances that induce excessive superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) strain in horses are unknown. Objective: Carpal joint hyperextension during axial limb loading during the middle of stance disproportionately enhances SDFT strains compared to suspensory ligament (SL) strains. Methods: Superficial digital flexor tendon and SL strains were measured in 7 cadaver limbs during in vitro loading that maintained carpal extension or allowed carpal hyperextension by constraining, or allowing rotation of, the radius during loading conditions that simulated the middle ...
Use of a radiofrequency probe for tenoscopic-guided annular ligament desmotomy. Annular ligament desmotomy is commonly performed in horses with chronic tenosynovitis. Previously reported tenoscopic techniques have limitations related to haemorrhage and awkward instrumentation. Radiofrequency (RF) energy affords precision and excellent haemostasis and may be a good alternative to sharp transection of the annular ligament in horses. Objective: To describe a technique for using a RF probe for tenoscopic-guided annular ligament desmotomy and to report the clinical outcome of horses in which it was performed. Methods: Cadaver specimens (n = 14) and live horses undergoing unrel...
The value of radiographic screening for metallic particles in the equine foot and size of related artifacts on low-field MRI. Magnetic susceptibility artifacts as a result of metal debris from shoeing are a common problem in magnetic resonance imaging of the equine foot. Our purpose was to determine the suitability of radiography as a screening tool for the presence and location of metallic particles in the equine foot and to predict the size of the resultant magnetic susceptibility artifact. Radiography had 100% sensitivity for detection of metal particles > or = 1 mm diameter. Metal particles of known diameter were placed within the hoof wall of 22 cadaver feet and scanned with a low-field strength MR imaging un...
In vitro biomechanical comparison of dynamic compression plates with a rough contact surface and a polished contact surface for fixation of osteotomized equine third metacarpal bones. To compare the number of cycles to failure of 4.5 mm broad dynamic compression plates (DCP), 4.5 mm broad limited-contact dynamic compression plates (4.5-LC-DCP), and 5.5 mm broad limited-contact dynamic compression plates (5.5-LC-DCP) having a rough (denoted by a prefix R-) versus a standard smooth contact surface for the fixation of osteotomized equine 3rd metacarpal (MC3) bones. Methods: Experimental. Methods: Fifteen pairs of adult equine cadaveric MC3 bones. Methods: Fifteen pairs of equine MC3 were divided into 3 test groups (5 pairs each) for comparison of (1) R-DCP fixation with DCP fi...
A mechanical comparison of equine proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis techniques: an axial locking compression plate and two abaxial transarticular cortical screws versus an axial dynamic compression plate and two abaxial transarticular cortical screws. To compare in vitro monotonic biomechanical properties of an axial 3-hole, 4.5 mm narrow locking compression plate (ELCP) using 5.0 mm locking screws and 5.5 mm cortical screws in conjunction with 2 abaxial transarticular 5.5 mm cortical screws inserted in lag fashion (ELCP-TLS) with an axial 3-hole, 4.5 mm narrow dynamic compression plate (DCP) using 5.5 mm cortical screws in conjunction with 2 abaxial transarticular 5.5 mm cortical screws inserted in lag fashion (DCP-TLS) for equine proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint arthrodesis. Methods: Experimental. Methods: Cadaveric adult equine forel...
Evaluation of four techniques for injecting the trochanteric bursa of horses. To describe the anatomic features of the equine trochanteric bursa and to evaluate 4 techniques for bursa centesis. Methods: Prospective, randomized design. Methods: Equine cadavers (n=2) and 20 live horses. Methods: The trochanteric bursae of 2 equine cadavers were injected with latex to identify the boundaries of the bursae. Four techniques for centesis of the trochanteric bursa were evaluated by attempting to inject dye into both trochanteric bursae of 20 live horses. Techniques included injection of the bursa with the limb-bearing weight and injection with the limb nonweight bearing and su...