Ex vivo studies involve the examination of biological processes outside of a living organism, typically in a controlled laboratory environment. In equine research, ex vivo studies are used to investigate various physiological and pathological processes in tissues, cells, or organs derived from horses. These studies provide insights into cellular mechanisms, tissue responses, and the effects of various treatments or conditions without the complexities of a whole living system. Common applications in equine research include studying cartilage degradation, tendon repair, and immune responses. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the methodologies, findings, and implications of ex vivo studies in equine science.
Lenoir A, Perrin BRM, Lepage OM.Resection and anastomosis of small intestine during colic can lead to adhesions and recurrent colic. Several methods are available to reduce the rate of adhesions in the postoperative period, such as the use of serosal barriers. Surgical glues form a smooth surface, are fast to apply, and could reduce surgery time when performing anastomosis. A recently developed UV-polymerizable methacrylate adhesive (UV-PMA) is designed to anchor into the biological tissues' top surface offering sealant and a smooth cover over the anastomosis site. This adhesive was used ex vivo on fifteen samples of equine ...
Labens R, Jermyn K.To assess suspensory ligament extensor branch location and fracture gap reduction with simulation of standing and recumbent cortical bone screw repair of experimental incomplete parasagittal proximal phalanx (P1) fractures. Methods: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Twenty equine cadaver forelimbs. Methods: Simulated fractures were repaired twice in random order. A proximal cortical bone screw was placed in lag fashion with the limb unloaded (simulated recumbent repair) and loaded to 38% of body weight (range, 375-568 kg; simulated standing repair). Changes in fracture gap width were ass...
Zetterström SM, Boone LH, Weatherall KM, Caldwell FJ.To describe a minimally invasive technique for semitendinosus tenotomy with ultrasonographic guidance and to evaluate procedural complications. Methods: Experimental study. Methods: Cadaveric equine hind limbs (n = 16). Methods: A stab incision was performed distocaudal to the tibial insertion of the semitendinosus muscle with ultrasonographic assistance. After transection of the tendon with an arthroscopic retrograde knife, the tendon edges palpably retracted, and complete transection was confirmed by ultrasound. Limbs were dissected to confirm the degree of tendon transection and to identify...
Wood AD, Sinovich M, Prutton JSW, Parker RA.To evaluate the accuracy of ultrasonographic guidance for injection near the ventral rami of the cervical spinal nerves (VRCSN). Methods: Ex vivo study. Methods: Ten cadavers (n = 40 injections). Methods: Left and right VRCSN at C4/5 and C5/6 were infiltrated at the intervertebral foramen (IVF) under ultrasonographic guidance. A vertically orientated 3.5-MHz curvilinear probe was used to identify the craniocaudal midpoint of the articular process joint (APJ). The probe was moved ventrally until the IVF was identified. An 18-gauge 15-cm-long spinal needle was aimed immediately below the ventral...
Perez-Jimenez EE, Biedrzycki AH, Morton AJ, McCarrel TM.To determine the influence of a custom 3D-printed guide for placement of cortical bone screws in the equine navicular bone. Methods: Ex vivo study. Methods: Eight pairs of normal adult equine forelimbs. Methods: A 3.5 × 55 mm cortical screw was placed in the longitudinal axis of each intact navicular bone. Screws were placed with a 3D-printed guide (3D) in one bone and with a traditional aiming device (AD) in the contralateral bone within each pair. Duration of surgery and the number of fluoroscopy images were compared between techniques. Screw placement was subjectively evaluated by gros...
Canola PA, Cardenas JJ, Sá GC, de Paula VB.To evaluate the feasibility of performing needle arthroscopy of the scapulohumeral joint and bicipital bursa in standing horses by using the thoracic limbs of euthanized horses. To that purpose, this experimental study was designed. Ten thoracic limbs, five left and five right from euthanized horses were retained in an upright position to simulate a standing horse. The craniolateral and lateral scapulohumeral arthroscopic portals were used to access the articular structures. A third (caudal) portal was also identified and described. The degree of difficulty in accessing the articular space and...
Weatherall KM, Boone LH, Munsterman A, Hanson RR.To determine the compressive effect of abdominal bandages after ventral midline celiotomy closure in horses. Methods: Ex vivo, experimental study. Methods: Equine cadavers (n = 18), six per group. Methods: A 20-cm ventral midline celiotomy was created in each of 18 equine cadavers. A 200-L inflatable bladder was placed in the abdomen, and the linea alba was apposed. Horses were randomly assigned to no bandage (C), elastic (E), or Velcro inelastic (I) bandage groups for testing. Circumferential bandages were placed with a subbandage pressure monitoring system over the incision. The bladder was ...
Sullivan SN, Cole SL, Stewart MC, Brokken MT, Durgam S.To investigate the effects of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) and methylprednisolone acetate (MPA) on the viability of resident cells within the fibrocartilage on the dorsal surface of the deep digital flexor tendon (FC-DDFT) and fibrocartilage on the flexor surface of the navicular bone (FC-NB) of horses. Methods: 12 to 14 explants of FC-DDFT and of FC-NB from grossly normal forelimbs of 5 cadavers of horses aged 9 to 15 years without evidence of musculoskeletal disease. Methods: Explants were incubated with culture medium (control) or TA-supplemented (0.6 or 6 mg/mL) or MPA-supplemented (0.5 or...
Vernemmen I, Vera L, Van Steenkiste G, Deserranno B, Muylle S, Decloedt A, van Loon G.Arrhythmias are common in horses, but catheter-based minimally invasive electrophysiological studies and therapeutic interventions have been poorly explored in equine medicine, partly due to the lack of detailed anatomical knowledge of the equine heart. Objective: To describe the dimensions and anatomical features of some electrophysiologically important landmarks of the right atrium in detail and assess their correlation with bodyweight and aortic diameter. Methods: Ex vivo cadaveric study. Methods: Twenty-one hearts of Warmblood horses, subjected to euthanasia for noncardiovascular reasons, ...
Bevevino KE, Edwards JF, Cohen ND, de Solis CN.Ultrasonography is increasingly being used as a clinical and research method for evaluating the gastrointestinal tract in horses, however published studies comparing ultrasonographic and histologic characteristics of equine intestinal wall layers are currently lacking. Objectives of this prospective, observational, methods comparison, case series study were to compare the layering pattern and thickness of the intestinal wall layers determined using ex vivo and in vivo ultrasonography with those determined using histology. For the ex vivo study, twelve horses were euthanized for reasons unrelat...
Genton M, Robert C, Jerbi H, Huet H, Cordonnier N, Vitte-Rossignol A, Perkins JD, Rossignol F.To describe the innervation of the thyrohyoideus (TH) muscle and to confirm our findings with stimulation of first cervical (C1) nerve branches. Methods: Ex vivo phase 1 and clinical phase 2. Methods: Fourteen head and neck specimens and 17 client-owned horses. Methods: In phase 1, the cranial nerve (CN) XII and the C1 nerve were dissected with their branches in 20 dissections were performed on 14 specimens (6 left and right side and 8 only left or right) Anatomy was noted. Samples of nerve bifurcations were collected for histological confirmation of anatomical findings. First cervical nerve b...
Gillon A, Ho ENM, Chan GHM, Kauff A, Hughes G, Lund RA, Ashley Z, Wan TSM, Heather AK.Altrenogest is a commonly used progestogen for the suppression of oestrus and associated distracting behaviours that interfere with training and performance of female racehorses. The steroid is derived from 19-nor testosterone and is structurally similar to the anabolic androgenic steroid, trenbolone. In this study, the relative androgen potency of altrenogest was determined by a kidney (HEK293) cell androgen bioassay. The HEK293 bioassay shows that in its pure form, altrenogest has a high relative potency compared with testosterone but is not as strong as β-trenbolone. Our results also show ...
Lee DH, Birhanu BT, Lee EB, Lee SJ, Boby N, Park YS, Park SC.Cefquinome is administered in horses for the treatment of respiratory infection caused by Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus, and septicemia caused by Escherichia coli. However, there have been no attempts to use cefquinome against Streptococcus equi subsp. equi (S. equi), the causative agent of strangles. Hence the objective of this study was to calculate an optimal dosage of cefquinome against S. equi based on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics integration. Cefquinome (1.0 mg/kg) was administered by intravenous and intramuscular routes to six healthy thoroughbred foals. Serum cefqui...
Latorre CAS, de Souza AF, Ramos PAR, Nóbrega FS, van de Graaf GMM, Pereira CAM, Ferrigno CRA, Hendrickson DA, De Zoppa ALDV.The objective of this study was to compare the biomechanical properties in a single cycle axial loading test and the types of failures in two constructs (a 3-hole 4.5-mm dynamic compression plate (DCP) and 7-hole 5.5-mm Y locking compression plate (Y-LCP)) in equine proximal interphalangeal joint (PIJ) arthrodesis. One limb in each pair was randomly assigned to PIJ arthrodesis using a 3-hole 4.5-mm DCP combined with two transarticular 5.5-mm cortical screws, whereas the contralateral limb was submitted to PIJ arthrodesis using a 7-hole Y-shaped 5.0-mm LCP in conjunction with one transarticular...
Brütsch DR, Hunziker P, Pot S, Tappeiner C, Voelter K.Intraocular fibrin clots caused by severe uveitis can be a sight-threatening condition that needs to be resolved quickly and reliably. Intracameral injection of tissue-plasminogen activator (tPA) is commonly used to resolve intraocular fibrin. However, the drug does not reach fibrinolytic concentrations after topical application. Desmoteplase (DSPA) is a structurally similar but smaller fibrinolytic agent with a higher fibrin selectivity, a longer half-life, and better biocompatibility compared with tPA. This study was designed to evaluate the corneal and scleral permeability of DSPA in rabbit...
Giusto G, Gandini M.In equine abdominal surgery, resection and anastomosis of strangulated intestine is a commonly performed procedure. To date, ligatures, vessel sealing devices and the ligate-divide stapler have been described for this use in horses. The objective of this study was to compare the application of haemostatic clips and ligatures to occlude equine mesenteric vessels. Portions of jejunum with ten associated mesenteric vessels were collected from 12 horses at a local abattoir and divided into two groups. Portions of intestine were divided into two sections comprising five vessels each and assigned to...
Anderson JR, Phelan MM, Foddy L, Clegg PD, Peffers MJ.Osteoarthritis is an age-related degenerative musculoskeletal disease characterized by loss of articular cartilage, synovitis, and subchondral bone sclerosis. Osteoarthritis pathogenesis is yet to be fully elucidated with no osteoarthritis-specific biomarkers in clinical use. equine cartilage explants ( = 5) were incubated in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)/interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-supplemented culture media for 8 days, with the media removed and replaced at 2, 5, and 8 days. Acetonitrile metabolite extractions of 8 day cartilage explants and media samples at all time points underwent one-d...
Lynch NP, Jones SA, Bazley-White LG, Wilson ZF, Raffetto J, Pfau T, Cheetham J, Perkins JD.To identify the degree of left arytenoid cartilage (LAC) abduction that allows laryngeal airflow similar to that in galloping horses, assess 2-D and 3-D biomechanical effects of prosthetic laryngoplasty on LAC movement and airflow, and determine the influence of suture position through the muscular process of the arytenoid cartilage (MPA) on these variables. Methods: 7 equine cadaver larynges. Methods: With the right arytenoid cartilage maximally abducted and inspiratory airflow simulated by vacuum, laryngeal airflow and translaryngeal pressure and impedance were measured at 12 incremental LAC...
Zibura AE, Cullen MA, Rutledge H, Lassalle L, Salmon JH, Gilger BC, Westermeyer HD.Determine optimal iontophoresis times for riboflavin delivery to the corneal stroma across different species and compare these to corneal injection. Methods: Ex vivo horse, dog, rabbit, and pig globes were treated with riboflavin administered with either iontophoresis for 2.5-20 minutes with or without corneal epithelium; or with purpose-designed precise corneal injection (PCI) application with intact epithelium. Immediately following riboflavin administration, samples were harvested, frozen, and sectioned. Riboflavin penetration was imaged using fluorescence microscopy. Results: Horse sample...
Verkade ME, Hazeleger E, van de Lest CHA, Back W.Throughout the ages, humans have selected different horse breeds for their locomotor capacities. Consequently, the properties of equine locomotor tissues could have diversified because of the specific requirements of different disciplines. Therefore, this study aimed to compare biochemical properties of tendons in different equine breeds traditionally selected for racing or sports performance. We hypothesised that tendons in racing breeds would have biochemical properties that would increase strength, whereas those in sporting breeds would have more elastic properties. An ex vivo tendon tissue...
Pascoletti G, Pressanto MC, Putame G, Terzini M, Audenino AL, Zanetti EM.A number of surgical practices are aimed to compensate for tissue relaxation or weakened/atrophied muscles by means of suture prostheses/thread lifts. The success rate of these procedures is often very good in the short term, while it is quite variable among subjects and techniques in the middle-long term. Middle-long term failures are mostly related to suture distraction, loosening or wear, coming from repeated loading cycles. In this work, an experimental device to perform ex vivo tests on prosthetic sutures has been set up. An equine laryngoplasty has been used as a benchmark, being represe...
Knych HK, Arthur RM, McKemie DS, Baden RW, Seminoff K, Kass PH.Flunixin meglumine (FM) and phenylbutazone (PBZ) are potent anti-inflammatory agents and as such their potential to mask injuries that would otherwise keep a horse from training or racing is concerning. A common practice in racetrack medicine in the USA is to administer the two drugs within close proximity (24 hours apart) of each other, raising the concern of pharmacokinetic interactions and enhanced anti-inflammatory effects. Objective: Describe the pharmacokinetics and effects of PBZ on the clearance of FM when administered in close proximity as well as effects on inflammatory mediators. M...
Wormstrand BH, Fjordbakk CT, Griffiths DJ, Lykkjen S, Olstad K.Growth cartilage is found in the articular-epiphyseal cartilage complex (AECC) and the physis. It has a temporary blood supply organised as end arteries. Vascular failure is associated with osteochondrosis, but infection can also obstruct vessels. The location of bacteria was recently compared to arterial perfusion, and the results indicated that they were located in the distal tips of AECC end arteries. Systematic perfusion studies were not available for comparison to the infected physes. Further studies may improve our understanding of infections and other pathologies. Objective: To describe...
Guan F, Fay S, Li X, You Y, Robinson MA.Bioactive peptides pose a great threat to sports integrity. The detection of these peptides is essential for enforcing their prohibition in sports. Identifying the catabolites of these peptides that are formed ex vivo in plasma may improve their detection. In the present study, the stability of 27 bioactive peptides with protection at both termini in equine plasma was examined under different incubation conditions, using HILIC coupled to HRMS. Of the 27 peptides, 13 were stable after incubation at 37°C for 72 hr, but the remaining 14 were less stable. Ex vivo catabolites of these 14 peptides ...
Grzeskowiak RM, Schumacher J, Mulon PY, Steiner RC, Cassone L, Anderson DE.Rostral laryngeal advancement, also known as laryngeal tie-forward, is used to treat horses for intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate and has a morbidity rate of about 6%. We hypothesized that a novel laryngeal clamp would prevent morbidity associated with the sutures tearing through the thyroid cartilage. Larynges (n = 35 horses) were used for ex vivo testing. For uniaxial testing, 15 equine larynges were tested in one of three laryngeal tie-forward constructs [standard laryngeal tie-forward; modified laryngeal tie-forward using a suture-button; and modified laryngeal tie-forwar...
Gilday R, Richard H, Beauchamp G, Fogarty U, Laverty S.The administration of bisphosphonate medications, which target osteoclastic-bone remodelling, to juvenile and adult racehorses is a matter of debate owing to concerns that these molecules remain bound to the bone-mineralised matrix and may interfere with subsequent bone growth, adaptation to exercise and healing of bone microdamage in equine athletes. Osteoclasts participate in endochondral ossification, subchondral bone remodelling and bone repair. There is a knowledge gap on the role of equine osteoclast biology in the growth and maturation of joint surfaces and this information is important...
Vidović A, Jansen D, Schwan S, Goldstein A, Ludtka C, Brehm W.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 ...
Farfan M, Genton M, Rossignol F.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...
Tucker ML, Sumner D, Reinink SK, Wilson DG, Carmalt JL.To compare laryngeal impedance, in terms of air flow and pressure, following arytenoid corniculectomy (COR) versus 3 other airway interventions (left-sided laryngoplasty with ipsilateral ventriculocordectomy [LLP], LLP combined with COR [LLPCOR], and partial arytenoidectomy [PA]) performed on cadaveric equine larynges with simulated left recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN) and to determine whether relative laryngeal collapse correlated with the interventions performed. Methods: 28 cadaveric equine larynges. Methods: Each larynx in states of simulated left RLN alone and with airway interventio...
Brandenberger O, Rossignol F, Perkins JD, Lechartier A, Mespoulhès-Rivière C, Vitte A, Rossignol A, Ducharme N, Boening KJ.To determine the biomechanical properties of 5 suture constructs in the equine cricoid under cyclic loading and load to failure testing. Methods: Ex vivo study. Methods: Seventy-five equine cadaver larynges. Methods: Each larynx was implanted with 1 of 5 cricoid-suture constructs. The standard laryngoplasty, where a suture is passed once through the cricoid, including its caudal edge, was used in 2 constructs: 1 with 5 USP Ethibond (ES) and 1 with 2 mm Fibertape (FS). In the third construct, the 2 mm Fibertape was passed twice through the cricoid including its caudal edge (Double Loop-DL). Con...
Mills EP, Liu CC, Emelogu U, Carter RT, Camacho-Luna P, Lewin AC.The purpose of this study was to validate the use of the Reichert Tono-Vera® Vet tonometer rabbit setting in normal ex vivo rabbit eyes and to compare the rabbit setting to the dog, cat, and horse settings of this tonometer. Methods: Six freshly enucleated normal rabbit eyes were cannulated and connected to a fluid reservoir and physiologic monitor. Triplicate measurements were obtained with the four available settings: dog, cat, horse, and rabbit at various intraocular pressures (IOP) ranging from 5 to 80 mmHg. Bland-Altman analysis was utilized to determine bias and 95% limits of agreemen...
Portaels J, Van Crombrugge E, Van Den Broeck W, Lagrou K, Laval K, Nauwynck H.Numerous Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) airborne spores are inhaled daily by humans and animals due to their ubiquitous presence. The interaction between the spores and the respiratory epithelium, as well as its impact on the epithelial barrier function, remains largely unknown. The epithelial barrier protects the respiratory epithelium against viral infections. However, it can be compromised by environmental contaminants such as pollen, thereby increasing susceptibility to respiratory viral infections, including alphaherpesvirus equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1). To determine whether Af spores di...
Olive J, d'Anjou MA, Alexander K, Beauchamp G, Theoret CL.To evaluate the ability of signal attenuation-based quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (QMRI) to estimate subchondral bone mineral density (BMD) as assessed via quantitative computed tomography (QCT) in osteoarthritic joints of horses. Methods: 20 metacarpophalangeal joints from 10 horse cadavers. Methods: Magnetic resonance (MR) images (dorsal and transverse T1-weighted gradient recalled echo [GRE] and dorsal T2*-weighted GRE fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition [T2*-FIESTA]) and transverse single-slice computed tomographic (CT) images of the joints were acquired. Magnetic res...
Stokol T, Serpa PBS, Brooks MB, Divers T, Ness S.Equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) is a major cause of infectious respiratory disease, abortion and neurologic disease. Thrombosis in placental and spinal vessels and subsequent ischemic injury in EHV-1-infected horses manifests clinically as abortion and myeloencephalopathy. We have previously shown that addition of heparin anticoagulants to equine platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can abolish ex vivo EHV-1-induced platelet activation. The goal of this study was to test whether platelets isolated from horses treated with unfractionated heparin (UFH) or low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) were resista...
Chapman SW, Metzger N, Grest P, Feige K, von Rechenberg B, Auer JA, Hottiger MO.Gray horses spontaneously develop metastatic melanomas that resemble human disease, and this is often accompanied with metastasis to other organs. Unlike in other species, the establishment of primary equine melanoma cultures that could be used to develop new therapeutic approaches has remained a major challenge. The purpose of the study was to develop a protocol for routine isolation and cultivation of primary equine melanocytes. Melanoma tissues were excised from 13 horses under local anesthesia, mainly from the perianal area. The melanoma cells were isolated from the melanoma tissue by seri...
Grzeskowiak RM, Schumacher J, Mulon PY, Steiner RC, Cassone L, Anderson DE.Rostral laryngeal advancement, also known as laryngeal tie-forward, is used to treat horses for intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate and has a morbidity rate of about 6%. We hypothesized that a novel laryngeal clamp would prevent morbidity associated with the sutures tearing through the thyroid cartilage. Larynges (n = 35 horses) were used for ex vivo testing. For uniaxial testing, 15 equine larynges were tested in one of three laryngeal tie-forward constructs [standard laryngeal tie-forward; modified laryngeal tie-forward using a suture-button; and modified laryngeal tie-forwar...
Knych HK, Arthur RM, Gretler SR, McKemie DS, Goldin S, Kass PH.Flunixin meglumine is a highly efficacious nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug commonly used in equine medicine and especially in performance horses. Recently, a new transdermal flunixin meglumine product has been approved for use in cattle. Although not currently approved for use in the horse, the convenience of this product may prove appealing for use in horses, warranting study. Six horses were administered a single transdermal dose of 500 mg and blood and urine samples collected for up to 96 h post-administration. Serum for determination of thromboxane concentrations and whole blood samp...
Moore T, Wilcke J, Chilcoat C, Eyre P, Crisman M.Equine neutrophils (PMN) play a critical role in inflammatory processes in horses. The objective of this study was to characterize equine PMN function ex vivo following stimulation with calcium ionophore A23187 (A23187) and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). These stimulants trigger different branches of the PMN activation process that occurs in vivo. Equine PMN were isolated from the whole blood of six clinically normal geldings using a one-step discontinuous Percoll gradient technique. Neutrophil aggregation, degranulation, and superoxide anion production were evaluated in assay systems which ...
Anderson SL, Bracamonte JL, Hendrick S, Carmalt JL, Wilson DG.To compare bursting strength and failure mode between ventral median celiotomies closed with USP 7 braided polydioxanone (7PD) or USP 2 polyglactin 910 (2PG). Methods: Ex vivo experimental. Methods: Equine cadavers (n = 10). Methods: A 25 cm ventral median celiotomy was created in fresh equine cadavers. A 200 L polyurethane bladder was inserted into the abdomen. Celiotomies were closed in a simple continuous pattern with 2 sections of 7PD or 2PG. The bladder was inflated with compressed air until construct failure. The horses' signalment, body weight, suture type, failure mode (suture or abdom...
Lees P, May SA, Hoeijmakers M, Coert A, Rens PV.The pharmacodynamics and enantioselective pharmacokinetics of vedaprofen were studied in six ponies in a two period cross-over study, in which a mild acute inflammatory reaction was induced by carrageenan soaked sponges implanted subcutaneously in the neck. Vedaprofen, administered intravenously at a dosage of 1 mg/kg, produced significant and prolonged inhibition of ex vivo serum thromboxane B2 (TXB2) synthesis and short-lived inhibition of exudate prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and TXB2 synthesis. Vedaprofen also partially inhibited oedematous swelling and leucocyte infiltration into exudate. Vedap...
Sprick M, Fürst A, Baschnagel F, Michel S, Piskoty G, Hartnack S, Jackson MA.To evaluate the damage inflicted by an unshod hoof and by the various horseshoe materials (steel, aluminium and polyurethane) on the long bones of horses after a simulated kick. Methods: Sixty-four equine radii and tibiae were evaluated using a drop impact test setup. An impactor with a steel, aluminium, polyurethane, or hoof horn head was dropped onto prepared bones. An impactor velocity of 8 m/s was initially used with all four materials and then testing was repeated with a velocity of 12 m/s with the polyurethane and hoof horn heads. The impact process was analysed using a high-speed camera...
Swagemakers JH, Van Daele P, Mageed M.Cervical spinal nerve insult can be a sequel of osteoarthropathy in horses due to enlargement of the articular processes (AP). Objective: To describe the percutaneous endoscopic cervical foraminotomy procedure in horses. Methods: Ex vivo experimental study and clinical case report. Methods: The technique was performed in three equine cadavers and in two clinical cases with history of forelimb lameness located in the caudal cervical region. Briefly, the horse was positioned in lateral recumbency, with the affected AP joint uppermost. Under fluoroscopic guidance, the endoscopic instruments (Ø 6...
Perez-Jimenez EE, Biedrzycki AH, Morton AJ, McCarrel TM.To determine the influence of a custom 3D-printed guide for placement of cortical bone screws in the equine navicular bone. Methods: Ex vivo study. Methods: Eight pairs of normal adult equine forelimbs. Methods: A 3.5 × 55 mm cortical screw was placed in the longitudinal axis of each intact navicular bone. Screws were placed with a 3D-printed guide (3D) in one bone and with a traditional aiming device (AD) in the contralateral bone within each pair. Duration of surgery and the number of fluoroscopy images were compared between techniques. Screw placement was subjectively evaluated by gros...
Sinovich M, Archer DC, Meunier NV, Kelly PG.To evaluate two different barbed sutures for closure of pelvic flexure enterotomies and compare results achieved with two previously described closure techniques. Methods: Ex vivo. Methods: Twenty-four fresh cadaver adult equine large colons. Methods: Cadavers were randomly assigned to four closure groups (n = 6 each group): single-layer absorbable suture, double-layer absorbable suture, single-layer unidirectional barbed suture, or single-layer bidirectional barbed suture. Construction time, luminal reduction (percentage), bursting pressure, and method of failure were measured. Cost, leakage,...
Baldwin CM, Morgan RE, Crawford AL, Villarino NF, Rubio-Martínez LM.(1) To describe the computed tomography (CT) and gross anatomy of the equine extensor carpi radialis sheath (ECRS) and common digital extensor sheath (CDETS); (2) to describe a single-portal endoscopic examination of the ECRS and CDETS. Methods: Ex vivo experimental. Methods: Thirty clinically normal cadaver thoracic equine limbs severed at the humeral diaphysis. Methods: Ten limbs underwent plain and intrathecal contrast CT examinations and gross dissection of the ECRS and CDETS. Single-portal endoscopic examination of ECRS and CDETS was attempted in 4 limbs and endoscopic examination was per...
Marsiglia MF, Yamada ALM, Agreste FR, de Sá LRM, Nieman RT, da Silva LCLC.Racehorses are exposed to repetitive overload during training and competition, causing joint hyperextension, tissue fatigue, and ultimately skeletal failure. Some degree of bone changes, such as sclerosis, are expected in equine athletes, as adaptation to the biomechanical rigors of training and racing. Understanding the imaging characteristics of the equine joint surface and subchondral bone would allow earlier detection of injuries or adaptation, improving prognosis and training programs. This study sought to describe the joint surface structural patterns and the periarticular structures of ...
Stewart MC.This article focuses on current issues facing cell-based therapies in equine practice and future studies validating the use of stem cells and related biologic therapies for the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions in the horse. Issues raised include the characterization and use of tissue- and anatomic location-specific mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) sources, the putative advantages and feasibility of allogeneic embryonic stem cell and MSC products, the technical advantages and performance of cell-based biologic agents that do not require extensive ex vivo manipulation, the regulation of MSC ho...
Lee Y, Kiupel M, Soboll Hussey G.Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen-presenting cells that have multiple subpopulations with different phenotypes and immune functions. Previous research demonstrated that DCs have strong potential for anti-viral defense in the host. However, viruses including alphaherpesvirinae have developed strategies to interfere with the function or maturation of DCs, causing immune dysfunction and avoidance of pathogen elimination. The goal of the present study was to isolate and characterize equine lung-derived DCs (L-DCs) for use in studies of respiratory viruses and compare their features wi...
Sarin JK, Brommer H, Argüelles D, Puhakka PH, Inkinen SI, Afara IO, Saarakkala S, Töyräs J.We investigate the potential of a prototype multimodality arthroscope, combining ultrasound, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and arthroscopic indentation device, for assessing cartilage lesions, and compare the reliability of this approach with conventional arthroscopic scoring ex vivo. Areas of interest (AIs, N = 43) were selected from equine fetlock joints (N = 5). Blind-coded AIs were independently scored by two equine surgeons employing International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) scoring system via conventional arthroscope and multimodality arthroscope, in which high-frequency ul...
Fugazzola M, Barton AK, Niedorf F, Kietzmann M, Ohnesorge B.Glucocorticoids have been proven to be effective in the therapy of recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) in horses via systemic as well as local (inhalative) administration. Elective analysis of the effects of this drug on bronchoconstriction in viable lung tissue offers an insight into the mechanism of action of the inflammatory cascade occurring during RAO which is still unclear. The mechanism of action of steroids in treatment of RAO is thought to be induced through classical genomic pathways. We aimed at electively studying the effects of the glucocorticoid beclomethasone dipropionate on equi...
Fratto MA, Hart KA, Norton NA, Barton MH, Giguère S, Hurley DJ.Cortisol is a key anti-inflammatory hormone that increases in bacterial sepsis and circulates predominantly bound to cortisol binding globulin (CBG). Only unbound cortisol was believed to be biologically active, but recent evidence suggests that CBG-bound cortisol also regulates inflammation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of free and CBG-bound cortisol on equine neutrophil function ex vivo. We hypothesized that CBG would enhance cortisol-mediated suppression of neutrophil pro-inflammatory responses. Neutrophils isolated from 8 foals and 6 adult horses were exposed to ...
Honkanen MKM, Mohammadi A, Te Moller NCR, Ebrahimi M, Xu W, Plomp S, Pouran B, Lehto VP, Brommer H, van Weeren PR, Korhonen RK, Töyräs J....Post-traumatic osteoarthritis is a frequent joint disease in the horse. Currently, equine medicine lacks effective methods to diagnose the severity of chondral defects after an injury. Objective: To investigate the capability of dual-contrast-enhanced computed tomography (dual-CECT) for detection of chondral lesions and evaluation of the severity of articular cartilage degeneration in the equine carpus ex vivo. Methods: Pre-clinical experimental study. Methods: In nine Shetland ponies, blunt and sharp grooves were randomly created (in vivo) in the cartilage of radiocarpal and middle carpal joi...
McCarty CA, Thomason JJ, Gordon K, Hurtig M, Bignell W.To add to the existing data on impact loading of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint as a precursor to assessing the potential role of impact in joint disease. Objective: To examine the effect of impact loading on contact areas of the first phalanx (P1) and proximal sesamoids (PS) with the third metacarpal (McIII) under 3 hoof-strike conditions (toe-first, flat, heel-first). Methods: Randomised, repeated controlled experiment using cadaver material. Methods: Eight cadaver limbs were subjected to randomised, repeated controlled trials where the hoof was struck by a pendulum impact machine (impa...
Bauck AG, Vidyasagar S, Freeman DE.To examine bicarbonate (HCO3-) secretion ex vivo in the equine large colon to determine any differences between the right dorsal colon (RDC) and right ventral colon (RVC). The effect of phenylbutazone (PBZ) on HCO3- secretion was examined in the RDC. Methods: 14 healthy horses. Methods: In anesthetized horses (n = 10), segments of mucosa from RDC and RVC were harvested to measure HCO3- secretion ex vivo with the pH Stat method. The effect of PBZ on HCO3- secretion in the RDC was studied in 4 additional horses. Results: Three distinct mechanisms of HCO3- secretion previously described in a muri...
Olive J.The suitability of low-field magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for assessment of articular cartilage has been questioned, based on insufficient image quality. The purposes of this study were to describe the MR anatomy of the normal distal interphalangeal (DIP) cartilage, and to evaluate the sensitivity and accuracy of low-field MR imaging for identification of cartilage erosions that were created ex vivo. Imaging sequences included sagittal and dorsal multiple-oblique T1-weighted gradient-recalled echo (GRE) and sagittal dual echo sequences. In the thickest regions, normal cartilage appeared as ...
Siemieniuch MJ, Gajos K, Kozdrowski R, Nowak M.Even if mares continue to breed up to an advanced age, in aging mares reproductive failure is quite common. Subclinical endometritis, which occurs more often in aging mares than in younger counterparts, may cause prolongation or shortening of the inter-estrus period or the corpus luteum lifespan. We hypothesized that during subclinical endometritis the secretion of selected arachidonic acid metabolites may differ in aging mares compared to younger females. To verify this thesis, ex vivo organ cultures of endometrium were established with subsequent measurements of concentrations of prostaglan...
Ahern BJ, Van Eps AW, Boston RC, Franklin SH.To determine the degree and ease of arytenoid abduction achieved with abaxial placement of a FASTak II suture anchor compared to 2 suture patterns with different directions of insertion-caudomedial to craniolateral and medial to lateral. Methods: Ex vivo experimental. Methods: Cadaveric larynges from 10 Standardbred racehorses. Methods: Each larynx was sequentially instrumented with all 3 arytenoid suture attachment in random order: (1) abaxial placement of a FASTak II suture, (2) caudomedial to craniolateral suture, and (3) medial to lateral suture placement. Each construct was abducted at 5N...
Von Dollen KA, Jones M, Beachler T, Harris TL, Papich MG, Lyle SK, Bailey CS.The use of antimicrobials for the management of equine uterine disease is commonplace, with antibiotic selection generally based on empirical evidence or in vitro sensitivity results. However, the potential disconnect between these laboratory results and clinical efficacy in the mare raises concern for antibiotic failure and subsequent development of resistant organisms. In this work, we attempt to bridge this gap by using an ex vivo model of the equine postpartum uterus to quantitatively evaluate the antimicrobial activity of two commonly used antibiotic treatments in the mare (ceftiofur an...
Ferrari G, Pang LY, De Moliner F, Vendrell M, Reardon RJM, Higgins AJ, Chopra S, Argyle DJ.Bleomycin is a chemotherapy agent that, when administered systemically, can cause severe pulmonary toxicity. Bleosome is a novel formulation of bleomycin encapsulated in ultra-deformable (UD) liposomes that may be applicable as a topical chemotherapy for diseases such as non-melanoma skin cancer. To date, the ability of Bleosome to effectively penetrate through the skin has not been evaluated. In this study, we investigated the ability of Bleosome to penetrate through ex vivo skin explants from dogs and horses. We visualized the penetration of UD liposomes through the skin by transmission elec...
