Conidiobolus coronatus is one of the most commonly identified upper respiratory fungal pathogens in horses. This article includes a review of clinical signs, diagnostics, treatment and outcomes in previously reported cases of equine conidiobolomycosis, as well as six additional cases seen at our hospital. Each of the six horses presented with a complaint of serosanguinous or haemorrhagic nasal discharge and conidiobolomycosis was confirmed by histopathology and fungal culture. Five horses recovered after administration of antifungal drugs alone (n = 4) or in combination with extensive nasal septum resection (n = 1). Surgical treatment alone was ineffective. One horse was euthanised without treatment because of the extent of the disease.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate clinical and tenoscopic findings in a large group of horses undergoing surgery of the carpal flexor sheath (CFS) and determine whether any of the presurgical clinical signs were associated with tenoscopic findings. ANIMALS 242 horses that had undergone diagnostic and therapeutic tenoscopy of the CFS because of aseptic tenosynovitis. PROCEDURES Medical and tenoscopic video records (when available) of 242 horses undergoing tenoscopy of the CFS at a single equine clinic between January 2005 and June 2014 were reviewed. Tenoscopic findings were categorized as present or absent, and tears in the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) were subjectively graded according to severity. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine whether presurgical clinical findings were associated with intraoperative tenoscopic findings. RESULTS 242 horses (411 limbs) were evaluated by use of tenoscopy. An exostosis was detected in 228 horses (379 limbs) and was often multipartite. Most exostoses were found medial to, or within, the sagittal plane at the caudal margin of the scar on the distal physis of the radius. Effusion in the CFS was associated with tears in the DDFT. Other presurgical clinical findings were not predictive of intrathecal findings. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Synovial effusion was predictive of DDFT lesions within the CFS but was not predictive of the severity of lesions. Further studies will be necessary to determine whether any tenoscopic findings are associated with reduced athletic performance and to assess the effect of surgical intervention in affected horses.

Objective To evaluate a double hemitenotomy (DHT) technique as an alternative to complete deep digital flexor (DDFT) tenotomy. Study design Experimental ex vivo study. Sample population Isolated DDFTs (n = 30) and cadaveric forelimbs (n = 16). Methods In part 1, 15 isolated DDFT pairs were used. Two hemitenotomies were created in 1 DDFT while the other served as reference. Monotonic tensile load was applied. Tendon lengthening, load reduction, and load at failure were recorded. In part 2, 16 cadaveric forelimb pairs were subjected to DHT followed by complete tenotomy (CT) under monotonic compressive load. Differences between DHT and controls were assessed with Wilcoxon signed rank tests or Friedman tests. Results In isolated tendons and cadaveric forelimbs, DHT resulted in DDFT lengthening (median, +1.9 mm and + 3.05 mm) and load reduction (median, −16.7 and −11.2 kg). Less lengthening was achieved with DHT compared to CT (P = .008). Load reduction did not occur between DHT and CT was observed during compressive testing (P = 1). Load reduction following the first hemitenotomy incision was smaller when compared to the second (P = .022). Isolated DHT tendons failed at a tensile load of 195 kg, while no intact tendons failed (P = .0001). Conclusion Double hemitenotomy was comparable to CT in load reduction. It reduced tensile strength, but load at failure was similar or exceeded the estimated DDFT load at stance. Clinical significance Hemitenotomy may be a useful alternative for surgical management of horses with laminitis, but in vivo studies are needed to confirm these findings.

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SummaryA 6‐year‐old Thoroughbred gelding was evaluated for surgical treatment of a firm, nonpainful cervical mass. The mass developed over 9 months but began enlarging rapidly 4 months prior to presentation. Previous biopsies were inconclusive. Ultrasonography of the cranioventral neck identified a heterogenous, 20 cm × 9 cm × 10 cm mass separate from the thyroid gland and extending caudally from the level of the hyoid apparatus. The gelding was clinically healthy at presentation. Surgical resection of the mass was performed under general anaesthesia. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry staining revealed an undifferentiated sarcoma with incomplete margins. Diagnostic staging tests, re‐excision and adjuvant chemotherapy were recommended, but the horse died suddenly before further treatment could be pursued. Post‐mortem examination revealed a recurrent cranioventral cervical mass in addition to haemothorax and widespread intra‐thoracic and intra‐abdominal multiorgan metastasis. To the authors' knowledge, this report documents the first undifferentiated sarcoma with systemic metastatic disease resulting in the sudden death of a young horse.