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Background: Outcomes following proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) arthrodesis by a variety of surgical methods are available. Reports detailing clinical outcomes following PIPJ arthrodesis utilising the proximal interphalangeal joint locking compression plate (PIP-LCP) and abaxial transarticular lag screws technique are limited. Objectives: To report survival, radiographic and clinical outcomes following PIPJ arthrodesis with PIP-LCP and abaxial transarticular lag screw fixation. Study design: Retrospective case series. Methods: Medical records of all horses undergoing pastern arthrodesis from 2009 to 2018 were reviewed. Arthrodeses performed using a 3-hole, 4.5 mm narrow LCP, specifically designed for the proximal interphalangeal joint, were included. Patient details, presentation, radiographic findings, intraoperative and post-operative data, and complications were documented. Short-and long-term follow-up was available for 23 horses.Results: Thirty PIPJ arthrodeses were performed in 29 horses meeting the criteria for inclusion. Twenty-eight horses (97%, 95% CI 83-100) survived to discharge.Twenty-three horses (79%, 95% CI 60%-92%) had successful outcomes including 12 of the 15 forelimb cases and 11 of the 13 hindlimb cases with available follow-up. Fifteen of 19 performance horses returned to athletic activity. Soundness in performance horses was recognised at less than 3 months in one case, 3 to 6 months in six cases, 6 to 12 months in five cases, and greater than 12 months in six cases. Complications included three implant infections, support limb laminitis (two horses), and fragmentation of the extensor process of the distal phalanx (one horse). Main limitations:A retrospectively reviewed, small study population with a variety of breeds and disciplines. Conclusions:The PIP-LCP construct provides a very good prognosis for performance and an excellent prognosis for pasture soundness.

Background: Isolation of multiple bacterial species is common in foals with Rhodococcus equi pneumonia. Hypothesis: There is no association between isolation of other microorganisms and outcome. Animals: 155 foals with pneumonia caused by R. equi. Methods: Case records of foals diagnosed with R. equi pneumonia based on culture of the respiratory tract were reviewed at 2 referral hospitals (University of Florida [UF] and Texas A&M University [TAMU]).Results: R. equi was cultured from a tracheobronchial aspirate (TBA) in 115 foals and from lung tissue in 38 foals. Survival was significantly higher at UF (71%; 70/99) than at TAMU (50%; 28/56). R. equi was significantly more likely to grow in pure cultures from samples obtained from foals at UF (55%; 54/99) than from foals at TAMU (23%; 13/56). Microorganisms cultured with R. equi included Gram-positive bacteria in 40, Gram-negative bacteria in 41, and fungi in 23 foals. The most common bacteria isolated were beta-hemolytic streptococci (n = 26) and Escherichia coli (n = 18). Mixed infections were significantly more likely to be encountered in TBA than in lung tissue. Only foals from which R. equi was cultured from a TBA were included in the analysis for association between mixed infection and outcome. After adjusting for the effect of hospital using multivariate logistic regression, mixed culture, mixed bacterial culture, Gram-positive bacteria, beta-hemolytic streptococci, Gram-negative bacteria, enteric Gram-negative bacteria, nonenteric Gram-negative bacteria, and fungi were not significantly associated with outcome.Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Isolation of multiple bacteria or fungi from a TBA along with R. equi does not negatively impact prognosis.

OBJECTIVE To describe the signalment, clinical features, and outcome for male horses with urethral rents following perineal urethrotomy (PU) or corpus spongiotomy (CS). DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 33 horses. PROCEDURES Medical records of male horses examined because of hematuria or hemospermia caused by urethral rents that underwent PU or CS at a referral hospital between 1989 and 2013 were reviewed. Data regarding signalment, clinical features, urethroscopic findings, surgical treatment, and outcome were recorded. Long-term follow-up information was obtained by telephone interviews. RESULTS Age of the study population ranged from 3 to 18 years. Nineteen geldings and 1 stallion were examined because of hematuria, of which 13 and 7 underwent PU and CS, respectively, at a mean of 56 days after onset of clinical signs. Thirteen stallions were examined because of hemospermia, of which 7 and 6 underwent PU and CS, respectively, at a mean of 193 days after onset of clinical signs. Hematuria resolved following 1 surgical procedure in all 17 horses for which long-term information was available. Of the 12 stallions for which long-term information was available, 7 had resolution of hemospermia after 1 PU or CS and 5 developed recurrent hemospermia that required additional PUs or CSs (n = 3) or primary closure of the urethral rent (2). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that PU and CS were reliable treatments for resolution of hematuria in male horses with urethral rents; stallions with urethral rents may require multiple PUs or CSs or primary closure of the rent for resolution of hemospermia.

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