Eleven limbs taken postmortem from 10 lame horses were examined by MRI in a low-field 0.27T system designed for standing horses and a high-field 1.5T system used to examine anaesthetised horses. Nine limbs were examined in the foot/pastern region and two in the fetlock region, and the results were compared with gross pathological examinations and histological examinations of selected tissues. The appearance of normal tissues was similar between the two systems, but the anatomical arrangement of the structures was different due to differences in positioning, and a magic angle artefact was observed at different sites in some imaging sequences. Articular cartilage could be differentiated into two articular surfaces in most joints in the high-field images but could generally be separated only at the joint margins in the low-field images. Abnormalities of tendon, ligament and bone detected by gross examination were detected by both forms of MRI, but some details were clearer on the high-field images. Articular cartilage found to be normal on pathological examination was also classified as normal on MRI, but lesions in articular cartilage detected on pathological examination were identified only by high-field MRI. An abnormality was detected on MRI of all the limbs that had abnormal navicular flexor fibrocartilage on pathological examination.

) for end-to-end equine jejunojejunostomies. Methods: End-to-end jejunojejunostomies were constructed using 2C (n = 7), 1L (n = 7) and 1C (n = 7) in harvested equine jejunum and construction times were recorded. Anastomosed and control segments were distended with gas until failure. Intraluminal pressure at failure and mode of failure were recorded. Lumen size reduction was calculated as a percentage decrease from control jejunum. Results were compared using an ANOVA and P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: The 1C anastomoses were faster to construct than the 1L anastomoses, which were faster to construct than the 2C anastomoses. There were no differences in bursting pressures between the different anastomoses and control jejunum. All anastomoses decreased lumen size from control values but there were no differences in lumen reduction between types of anastomoses. Conclusions: Single layer anastomoses are faster to construct than double layer anastomoses, with the 1C being fastest. Single layer anastomoses are as strong and result in comparable lumen size reduction as traditional 2C anastomoses. Potential relevance: As the 1C anastomosis results in less exposed potentially adhesiogenic suture material than the 1L while providing adequate strength and similar luminal size reduction, the 1C may be better for equine small intestine anastomosis and further in vivo studies are warranted.

Summary Granulosa cell tumour (GCT) is reported to be the most common ovarian neoplasm in the mare. A multicentre retrospective study evaluating the medical records of horses undergoing ovariectomy for treatment of a GCT was undertaken, documenting the presenting clinicopathological features, treatment and outcome. Follow‐up information was obtained by telephone questionnaire. Fifty‐two mares were included. Most presented with behavioural/reproductive abnormalities, including stallion‐like behaviour (50%), aggression (31%), prolonged oestrus or nymphomania (19%), and persistent anoestrus (8%). Most (93%) affected ovaries had a multilocular appearance when examined ultrasonographically. Only 60% of horses with histopathologically confirmed GCTs demonstrated elevations in serum inhibin concentrations. Twenty‐five percent of horses had histopathologically confirmed bilateral GCTs. Ninety‐four percent of horses that underwent ovariectomy were discharged from the hospital. Standing laparoscopic ovariectomies had a lower complication rate (34%) than other surgical methods. Long‐term complications were uncommon (11%). In conclusion, histopathologically confirmed GCTs can occur in the presence of normal serum inhibin concentrations. The high prevalence of bilateral GCTs indicates that thorough evaluation of the contralateral ovary is necessary. Surgical ovariectomy for treatment of GCTs has favourable short‐ and long‐term outcomes. Standing laparoscopic ovariectomy may be associated with a lower complication rate than other surgical methods.

Diagnosis of shallow erosive lesions of the palmar fibrocartilage may allow therapeutic intervention earlier in the disease process, thereby preventing progression to deep erosive lesions.