Riccardo Rinnovati

Serum amyloid A, haptoglobin, and ferritin in horses with colic: Association with common clinicopathological variables and short-term outcome

Equine colic may be associated with an acute phase response (APR). Measurement of acute phase proteins (APPs) allows the detection of an APR and may help clinicians in monitoring the disease; however, the role of APPs in colic is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical usefulness of serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin and ferritin in combination with an extended clinicopathological profile in equine colic. The medical records of 54 horses were retrospectively selected. Horses were grouped based on outcome (survivors vs. non-survivors), diagnosis (ischaemic/strangulating vs. non-ischaemic/non-strangulating), and treatment (medical treatment vs. surgery). Laboratory data were compared, and a logistic regression analysis was performed for outcome prediction upon admission. A high percentage of horses had abnormal SAA (29/54), haptoglobin (20/54), and ferritin (31/54) concentrations. In particular, haptoglobin was below the reference interval in 13/54 horses. Non-survivors had significantly decreased haptoglobin and increased ferritin concentrations compared with survivors. The ischaemic/strangulating group had significantly increased creatinine and ferritin and decreased haptoglobin concentrations compared with the non-ischaemic/non-strangulating group. Creatinine was the only significant predictor of mortality in the regression analysis. In conclusion, APPs including SAA, haptoglobin, and ferritin combined with clinicopathological variables may help clinicians to understand the pathogenesis of APR and underline potential complications of equine colic. The reduction in haptoglobin concentration may suggest haemolysis or muscle fibre damage; ferritin may indicate alteration in iron metabolism and tissue damage. Further prospective studies are needed to assess diagnostic and prognostic values of APPs in colic horses.

Customized hybrid biomimetic hydroxyapatite scaffold for bone tissue regeneration

Three-dimension (3D) scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration were produced combining three different phases: nanometric hydroxyapatite (HA) was synthesized by precipitation method and the crystals nucleation took place directly within collagen fibrils following a biologically inspired mineralization process; polycaprolactone was employed to give the material a 3D structure. The chemico-physical analysis carried out to test the materials properties and composition revealed a high similarity in composition and morphology with biologically mineralized collagen fibrils and a scaffold degradation pattern suitable for physiological processes. The micro- computerized tomography (micro-CT) showed 53.53% porosity and a 97.86% mean interconnected pores. Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) technology was used for molding the scaffolds volume (design/shape) and for guiding the surgical procedure (cutting guides). The custom made scaffolds were implanted in sheep mandible using prototyped surgical guides and customized bone plates. After three months healing, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of the explanted scaffold revealed a massive cell seeding of the scaffold, with cell infiltration within the scaffolds interconnected pores. The micro-CT of the explanted construct showed a good match between the scaffold and the adjacent hosts bone, to shield the implant primary stability. Histology confirmed cell penetration and widely documented neoangiogenesis within the entire scaffolds volume.

Are small strongyles (Cyathostominae) involved in horse colic occurrence

Strongyle infections have been traditionally regarded as a possible cause of colic in horses. Aim of the study was the comparison of parasitological status between subjects with or without colic syndrome, with particular attention to small strongyle infections. Coprological analyses were performed on 86 horses: 43 with colic and 43 controls. Strongyle eggs were found in 34/86 horses (prevalence 39.5%), the mean number of strongyles eggs per gram of faeces (EPG)2 was 145.34 (standard deviation 398.28). All those 34 positive animals had small strongyles infections. Negative binomial multiple regression highlighted no influence of horse sex on strongyle EPG, while there was a negative relationship between age and EPG (p <0.05); the same analysis revealed a significant difference of EPG (p <0.05) between control horses (mean EPG=178.1; standard deviation: 411.4) and horses with surgical colic (mean EPG=68.6 standard deviation: 259.8) when controlling for S. vulgaris presence including it in the model. On the contrary, the intensity of infection in horses with non-surgical colic (mean EPG=154.5; standard deviation: 480.4) did not significantly differed from controls. Similar results were obtained having estimated cyathostomine EPGs as dependent variable. Multinomial logistic regression confirmed the negative relationship between cyathostonine presence and surgical colic occurrence. It is possible that (1) the presence of adult luminal parasites, would have a protective effect against the pathogenic action exerted by the development and emergence of small strongyles larvae from intestinal mucosa; (2) the management practices able to reduce the risk of colics are the same that cause higher exposure to strongyle infective larvae.

Lepus corsicanus gastro-intestinal helminths: first report

SummaryItalian hare Lepus corsicanus De Winton, 1898, is a true species living in simpatry with Lepus europaeus in mainland Italy and with Oryctolagus cuniculus in Sicily, where L. europaeus is absent. Up to date, nobody has studied the helminths of this endemic Italian Mammal. Therefore, in order to describe Italian hare gastro-intestinal helminths, gastro-intestinal tract of 29 Italian hares, coming from mainland Italy (#14) and from Sicily (#15) were collected between 1997 and 2009. Twentyfive hares were positive for at least one parasite (86 %). Six parasite species were isolated, 2 cestodes (Cittotaenia pectinata, prevalence 3 %) and Paranoplocephala sp., 3 %) and 4 nematodes (Trichostrongylus retortaeformis, 86 %, Graphidium strigosum, 14 %, Trichuris sp., 10 % and Teladorsagia circumcincta, 7 %). Both Teladorsagia circumcincta circumcincta and Teladorsagia circumcincta trifurcata morphotypes were identified. Comparison with available data regarding L. europaeus and O. cuniculus in Italy is provided. Being not T. circumcincta and Paranoplocephala sp. typical parasites of leporids, a description of the observed specimens is given.

Ultrasonography Appearance of the Equine Proximal Palmar Metacarpal Region After Local Anesthetic Infiltration

Abstract Suspensory ligament (SL) disease is a common source of lameness in the horse. Once injury of the proximal SL is suspected, based on the clinical examination and response to analgesia, diagnostic imaging of the region is often performed. The aim was to describe the presence of ultrasonographic artifacts in the palmar metacarpal area after 20 minutes and at 24 hours after infiltration of local anesthetic solution using the lateral approach. In the present study, SL and other proximal palmar metacarpal structures were ultrasonographically evaluated before and after perineural injection of mepivacaine 2% in eight forelimbs of four horses. The limbs were divided into two groups: group 1: needle not filled with anesthetic (right forelimbs); group 2: needle filled with anesthetic (left forelimbs). The ultrasonographic examination of the palmar metacarpal structures was performed after 20 minutes and at 24 hours after injection to evaluate qualitative postinjection changes and to perform measures. In the present study, there were no significant differences in the SL and other palmar metacarpal structures between baseline measurement and pattern and postinjection measurements. No changes in echogenicity or fiber pattern of the tendons and ligaments were found. Alterations consistent with gas echoes were detected in one limb in group 1 at 20 minutes after injection, whereas no gas patterns were visualized at 24 hours. Gas or fluid artifacts, due to local anesthetic infiltration, may be present. This suggests that diagnostic ultrasonography of the origin of the SL should be interpreted with caution if performed within 24 hours after diagnostic analgesia. HighlightsNo differences in measures related to time were found in both groups.No changes in echogenicity or fiber pattern of the tendons and ligaments were seen.Gas echoes were seen in one limb injected with an empty needle.

Diagnosis, Treatment, Surgical Management, and Outcome of Septic Arthritis of Tarsocrural Joint in 16 Foals

ABSTRACT This article describes diagnosis, treatment, surgical management, and outcome in 16 foals (mean age 7 days of life) affected by confirmed tarsocrural septic arthritis. The chosen therapy was lavage of the synovial cavity performed arthroscopically, once or twice due to recurrence of clinical signs. Information recorded included signalment, history, a complete clinical evaluation, grade of lameness, hematology, biochemistry, serum immunoglobulin G concentration, bone infection radiological findings, cytology and culture of the synovial fluid, treatment, and outcome. Eleven of the foals were males (69%), and five were females (31%). Sepsis affected the right tarsocrural joint in three foals (19%) and the left one in seven foals (44%). Six foals had both hocks affected (37%). In 12 foals (75%), the infection was successfully resolved, and a single intervention was sufficient to have remission of symptoms and resolution of infection. Arthroscopic lavage was repeated in four of 16 foals (25%); five /16 foals (31%) had two joints involved, and the arthroscopic lavage was repeated for all joints. Although the actual literature describes poor possibilities to explore joints in the foal, in this case, it was possible to visualize the inner structures, correctly ascertain and grade the intra‐articular damage resulting from infection, and the presence of organic materials inside the joint space. Moreover, what is worth noting is that it was possible to detect and remove fibrin clots thought to be responsible for hiding bacteria and carrying on the infective and inflammatory status. HighlightsThis article describes diagnosis, treatment, surgical management, and outcome in 16 foals with tarsocrural joint–confirmed sepsis.The medical records of all foals under the age of 6 months and presented between 2005 and 2017 for clinical signs attributed to tarsocrural joint sepsis were retrospectively evaluated.This study indicates an effective and rational approach to the diagnosis and management of septic arthritis of tarsocrural joint in foals.

Short-term general anaesthesia with tiletamine/zolazepam in horses sedated with medetomidine for castration under field conditions

ABSTRACT The objective of the study is to evaluate the anesthetic effect produced by the tiletamine/zolazepam association in horses sedated with medetomidine undergoing orchiectomy under field conditions. Ten uncastrated male horses, American Society of Anesthesiologists category I, undergoing orchiectomy, were enrolled in the study. The horses received acepromazine (0.03 mg kg−1 intramuscularly) 30 minutes before sedation with medetomidine (8 &mgr;g kg−1 intravenously). Anesthesia was induced with tiletamine/zolazepam (0.7 mg kg−1 intravenously). During anesthesia, heart rate (HR), pulse quality, respiratory rate, temperature, SpO2, movement, and reflexes were measured every 5 minutes. Arterial blood gases were evaluated before the premedication and during the surgical procedure. The quality of induction and recovery was recorded. The sedation was appropriate, and the quality of recovery was evaluated as good. A statistically significant difference was revealed between the basal and intra‐anesthesia HR. No differences were observed in blood gas parameters during the procedure. The results suggested that general anesthesia produced with tiletamine/zolazepam for induction in horses sedated with medetomidine is suitable during orchiectomy under field conditions. HighlightsIn equine practice short anaesthesia is commonly required for minor surgical procedures.In laterally recumbent horses hypoxemia is the most relevant side effect.In this study, tiletamine/zolazepam association produced a good‐quality anesthesia.The anesthesia and analgesia obtained with this protocol was good.

Marsupialization and sclerotherapy with povidone iodine and ethanol of a branchial remnant cyst in an Arabian filly

ABSTRACT Branchial remnant cysts are an uncommon cause of masses of the throatlatch area in horses. Two methods of treatment have been proposed in literature, both with complications. This manuscript proposes a method (marsupialization and sclerotherapy) for the treatment of a cyst in a 1.5-year-old Arabian filly. Diagnosis was made by ultrasonographic, radiographic and endoscopic examinations, revealing an anechoic fluid-filled structure and a well-defined capsule not in communication with other structures. After emptying the cyst, the skin was sutured circumferentially to the cyst wall; it was then flushed first with a solution of ethanol and povidone-iodine, then with sterile saline. Eight months after surgery, the filly had no recurrence of the cyst and the stoma was healed.

Proteinase-activated receptor 2 distribution and expression in equine small intestine tracts following herniation through the epiploic foramen

Proteinase-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) is a G-protein-coupled receptor for trypsin and mast cell tryptase; it is highly expressed at the intestinal level with multiple functions, such as epithelial permeability and intestinal motility. The aim of the study was to evaluate the distribution and expression of proteinase-activated receptor 2 in the small intestine during herniation through epiploic foramen. In this prospective clinical study, eight horses admitted for colic and which underwent exploratory laparotomy were considered. During surgery, the jejunum or the ileum was sampled by enterectomy. Morphological examination (histology, PAR2 immunohistochemistry) and molecular biology analysis (western blot and quantitative polymerase chain reaction) were carried out on the resected intestinal samples. The Marginal Injured Tracts (MITs) and Central Injury Tracts (CITs) were defined as the oral and caudal marginal segments of the resected bowel tract and as the geometric centre of the intestinal ischaemic lesion length, respectively. The PAR2 immunoreactivity was particularly evident in the epithelial cells, with higher immunoreactivity in the MIT rather than in the CIT. Moreover, a different immune localisation was observed in the MITs at the cell membrane level and in the CITs in the cytoplasm. No statistical difference was observed in PAR2 mRNA and protein (44kDa) expression between the MIT and the CIT. The PAR2 protein content in the intestinal tracts which were removed from horses with herniation was lower when compared with the control animals. This study provided data concerning the PAR2 presence and distribution in horses with intestinal herniation through the epiploic foramen.