ABSTRACT:The main goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a modified method for preparing platelet rich plasma for the treatment of superficial digital flexor tendon lesions in race horses and its influence on the future recuperation of the animals. The applied concentrate of plasma was prepared by centrifugation followed by aspiration close above the buffy coat. There were no negative reactions resulting from the application of the biological material into the damaged tendons. The success of the therapy was proven by the shortened rehabilitation time and the higher number of horses returning to racing.

Arthrodesis was achieved in two foals through the placement of three 4.5 mm cortical lag screws. Two screws were placed in a standard transarticular fashion from the dorsal aspect of P1 (glide hole) to the palmar aspect of P2 (thread hole). A third transarticular lag screw was placed from the dorsal aspect of P2 (glide hole) to the palmar aspect of P1 (thread hole). Both foals were comfortable and considered suitable for light work. Crossed transarticular lag screw fixation of P1 and P2 in cases of PIPJ arthrodesis in foals is a simple and useful method offering good stability for fusion and future athletic soundness.

No abstract

The objective of this retrospective study was to assess the success rate of Forssell's modified myectomy -surgical treatment of crib biting on 33 horses of various breeds identified as stereotypical cribbers which were referred to the Equine Clinic in Brno between January 2001 and December 2010. The long term outcome was available for all horses. The overall success of the surgery without considering influencing factors was 61%. Thirteen horses (39%) returned to the stereotypical behaviour sooner or later after the surgery. In this retrospective study we confirmed the dependence of success of the surgery on the necessity of early treatment of the problem (up to 6 months after the appearance of initial signs), with the significance level of P = 0.037. Any connection between age, breed or sex, and positive outcome of the surgery were not confirmed during statistical evaluation. When the horses were diagnosed early enough, an 80% success rate in surgical treatment performed within 6 months from the initial signs of crib biting was recorded, which seems to be very promising. It can be concluded that surgical treatment of crib biting by modified Forsell's myectomy is the recommended option in the therapy of this oral stereotype.Oral stereotype, equine, surgical procedure, cribbing behaviour

A 6-year-old thoroughbred gelding was admitted to the clinic with acute severe lameness and swelling of the front limb fetlock area. The traditional examination methods (clinical, radiography, and ultrasonography) were insufficient to identify the exact pathological changes causing the lameness. Despite conservative treatment, the condition of the horse deteriorated and the horse was euthanized after 15 days. A diagnosis was determined by post mortem CT examination and an autopsy of the affected limb. From several pathological findings, an acute cystoid lesion in the first phalanx communicating with the fetlock joint was determined to be the probable main cause of the severe lameness in this horse.