Computed tomography (CT) with CT myelography is a novel imaging modality for detailed anatomical imaging and precise diagnosis of equine cervical spine pathology. Computed tomography of the complete cervical vertebral column in live horses has not been reported previously. The objectives of this study were to describe the diagnostic utility of CT and CT myelography in horses, the technique, the type and distribution of lesions and procedure-related complications. Medical records of horses subjected to cervical CT and CT myelography between 2013 and 2018 were reviewed for this retrospective descriptive study. The examinations were performed with horses in lateral recumbency using a large-bore CT scanner. In total, 180 horses were included. The study population consisted of 79.4% Warmblood breed horses, 68.3% were male, the mean age was 7.1 years (range 21 days-21 years), and the bodyweight ranged from 61 to 717 kg (mean 530 kg). Pathology of the cervical vertebral column was identified in 176/180 horses (97.8%) and included osteoarthritis of the articular process joints in 83%. Impingement and compression of the spinal cord were detected using CT myelography in 125/147 horses (85%). Pathology was localised caudal to C5 in 90%. The mean AE s.d. anaesthesia time was 34 AE 19 min and 52 AE 13 min for CT examinations, excluding and including myelography, respectively. Adverse events occurred in 7.2% of the examined horses. The caudal location of the majority of lesions emphasises the importance of good-quality imaging of the most caudal cervical vertebrae in horses with suspected cervical spinal pathology and/or spinal cord compression. Computed tomography imaging enables identification of bony and soft tissue lesions of the entire cervical vertebral column in live, large-breed adult horses. Materials and methods Study subjects All horses subjected to CT examination of the cervical vertebral column, with or without CT myelography, at Evidensia Equine Specialist Hospital Helsingborg, Sweden, between June 2013 and February 2018, were included. Data retrieved from the medical records included horse signalment, history and presenting signs, anaesthesia time, adverse events during the CT procedure, anaesthetic recovery or immediate postanaesthetic period.
Summary
Synovial sepsis represents a major cause of morbidity and mortality in foals; however, there are no studies focusing on foals particularly at risk during the first 2 months of life. Our objective was to analyse outcome in foals aged <2 months with haematogenous septic arthritis and to identify prognostic factors and compare the effects of two different lavage procedures on outcome. Sixty foals with synovial sepsis were used for our retrospective study in which medical records, online data and telephone interviews were utilised to analyse prognostic factors, and determine short‐ and long‐term survival and athletic performance of foals treated at Evidensia Equine Specialist Hospital, Helsingborg, between 2008 and 2014. Overall survival to discharge was 80% (48/60). Time to long‐term follow‐up ranged from 6 months to 6.5 years. Forty/60 (67%) horses survived long‐term. Four/8 (50%) of the nonsurvivors at long‐term follow‐up had been subjected to euthanasia due to sequelae of joint sepsis. Of the long‐term survivors, 37/40 (92.5%) achieved athletic soundness. Overall long‐term outcome for athletic soundness was 37/60 (62%). Prognostic factors based on historical, clinical or laboratory data, or the use of through‐and‐through needle lavage compared to endoscopic lavage as the first procedure, could not be identified. The present study demonstrates a more favourable prognosis than previously reported, with 80% of foals with synovial sepsis surviving to discharge, and approximately 60% achieving athletic soundness. However, the study was limited by a small population size, which may account for the failure to verify statistically significant prognostic factors.
Pediatric cardiac catheterization procedures have the potential to transmit high X-ray doses, which may lead to acute effects or latent skin reactions. Direct measurement of radiation dose was facilitated using nanodot dosimeters and radiochromic film. Direct measurement results were compared with vendor-listed dosimetry and calculation using phantom data. Vendor-listed data demonstrated a wide discrepancy with measured data, whereas the calculation reproducibly overestimated the actual dose. A simple formula was derived to calculate the dose using fluoroscopy time, cine frame quantity and average cine mA in a biplane environment.
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