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Biomedical subjects

C A Ragle

Publications and source records attributed to C A Ragle.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Patterns of expression of muscle-specific markers of differentiation in satellite cell cultures: determination by enzyme-linked immunoculture assay and confocal immunofluorescent assay.

Equine satellite cell clone SE-11 and ovine satellite cell clone I(1)were evaluated for expression of myosin heavy chain, myogenin, desmin, and muscle-specific actin over a 240 h period in culture. An enzyme-linked immunoculture assay (ELICA) was capable of detecting these proteins at all time points evaluated. A linear relationship was demonstrated between the natural logarithm of the absorbance values (corrected for cell number) from the ELICA and percent fusion in both SE-11 and I(1)cultures. The r(2)values for SE-11 cultures were: desmin 0.82, muscle actin 0.81, myogenin 0.78, and myosin 0.70. The r(2)values for I(1)cultures were: desmin 0.77, muscle actin 0.72, myogenin 0.70, and myosin 0.61. Our confocal results support the idea that differences exist between species in the differentiation dynamics of satellite cells. Further, these data suggest that the ELICA may be applied to previously conducted experiments, enabling additional data to be obtained with relation to muscle protein expression.

Actins↗

Repeated manual evacuation for treatment of rectal tears in four horses.

Horses with tears that involve all layers of the rectum except the mesocolon (grade IIIb) have a poor prognosis for survival because of the difficulty in treating these wounds and the propensity for them to progress to full perforations (grade IV). Most treatments for grade-IIIb rectal tears involve surgery of some kind, but not all grade-IIIb rectal tears require surgical intervention. We report on 4 horses with grade-IIIb rectal tears that were evaluated via palpation per rectum and endoscopy. Two of 4 horses were admitted with signs consistent with shock and endotoxemia, and evaluation of all peritoneal fluid samples was indicative of nonseptic peritonitis. Horses were treated via administration of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs and repeated manual evacuation of the terminal portion of the small colon and rectum. Treatment centered on preventing further enlargement of the rectal tear by eliminating the storage function of the terminal portion of the small colon and rectum. None of our horses had worsening of the original injury, and horses were discharged within 2 weeks of admission with full resolution of the rectal tear. Outcomes in the horses of our report indicate that repeated manual evacuation can be successful for treatment of horses with grade-IIIb rectal tears.

Animals↗

Laparoscopic diagnosis of subcapsular splenic hematoma in a horse.

A 5-year-old Quarter Horse was examined after it developed signs of abdominal discomfort as a result of a training accident. Oral mucous membranes were pale, and capillary refill time was > 3 seconds. Hematologically, the PCV was low, and abdominocentesis yielded a serosanguineous fluid. Abdominal ultrasonography was performed and revealed a large hypoechoic mass associated with the cranial margin of the spleen. Because differentiation between subcapsular hematoma and extracapsular hematoma could not be made with certainty, further evaluation of the spleen was indicated. Abdominal laparoscopy was performed, with the horse standing, to evaluate the extent, severity, and nature of the splenic hematoma. Laparoscopic examination revealed a 7.5-cm-diameter splenic hematoma contained within the splenic capsule, confirming the diagnosis of subcapsular splenic hematoma. Abdominal laparoscopy provided excellent observation of the spleen and allowed for thorough evaluation and determination of the extent of the lesion. This information aided the clinician in reaching a definitive diagnosis and choosing between splenectomy and medical treatment.

Animals↗

Injury to abdominal wall vessels during laparoscopy in three horses.

Epigastric vessels were inadvertently injured during placement of instrument portals in 3 horses undergoing laparoscopy for bilateral cryptorchidectomy, bilateral ovariectomy, and removal of electrode wires surgically implanted in the large colon. The resulting hemorrhage increased surgery time, caused hematoma formation or hemoperitoneum, and obscured the surgical field. Hemostasis was achieved by direct pressure or vessel ligation. This complication can be attributed to the high degree of vascularity of the ventral aspect of the abdominal wall.

Abdominal Muscles↗

Bone scintigraphy in the diagnosis of sacroiliac injury in twelve horses.

Nuclear bone scintigraphy was used to diagnose sacroiliac injury in 12 horses presented for nonspecific rear limb lameness. The most common history was decreased performance and/or a mild chronic rear limb lameness which could not be localised by routine lameness examination. The scintigraphic patterns of the 12 affected horses were compared to 5 normal horses and 10 horses with lameness not related to the pelvic region. Subjective and quantitative evaluation of the bone scans clearly separated the 12 affected horses from the 5 normal horses and the 10 horses with lameness from causes other than the sacroiliac joint disease. The 12 affected horses had a scintigraphic pattern of moderate to marked increased uptake of the radiopharmaceutical within the sacroiliac joint region on the side of lameness. In contrast, the 5 normal horses and 10 horses scanned for other causes of lameness, had a symmetric, or only slightly asymmetric pattern of radioisotope uptake. Although nonspecific for the type of injury, nuclear bone scintigraphy is considered sensitive for the detection of sacroiliac injuries in horses.

Age Factors↗

Use of tenoscopy for management of septic tenosynovitis caused by a penetrating porcupine quill in the synovial sheath surrounding the digital flexor tendons of a horse.

A 6-year-old Quarter Horse gelding with acute onset of a grade-4/5 lameness of the left forelimb 21 days after an encounter with a porcupine was examined. Quills had been removed by the referring veterinarian, and the horse had been treated with antibiotics and hydrotherapy for 14 days. The horse was pyretic and had effusion in the digital synovial sheath. Signs of pain were elicited on palpation of the area. A tentative diagnosis of septic tenosynovitis caused by a porcupine quill was made. Exploratory tenoscopy revealed large amounts of fibrin in the sheath and a 1.2-cm quill. Bacteriologic culture of synovial fluid yielded a pure growth of Staphylococcus aureus. The horse improved dramatically after tenoscopic removal of the quill, debridement of fibrin, and lavage to dilute inflammatory mediators and bacteria, debridement of fibrin, discovery and removal of a quill, and complete evaluation of the sheath for prognostic purposes. Tenoscopy can provide a means for direct observation and enhance the ability of clinicians to debride a septic synovial sheath in a minimally invasive manner.

Animals↗

Laparoscopic diagnosis of ischemic necrosis of the descending colon after rectal prolapse and rupture of the mesocolon in two postpartum mares.

Two mares were referred for evaluation after dystocia and rectal prolapse. Diagnostic laparoscopy, performed while the horses were standing, was used to evaluate the condition of the distal portion of the colon, rectum, uterus, and mesocolon. In both horses, laparoscopic observation revealed tears in the mesocolon of the descending colon. Exploration from the left or right flank was adequate. Because of the poor prognosis associated with the findings, euthanasia was elected at completion of laparoscopy. Tears in the mesocolon are not easily detected by use of traditional tests. Laparoscopy proved to be a more thorough means of evaluating the caudal portion of the abdomen including the digestive and urogenital tracts in these horses. As a less invasive diagnostic tool, laparoscopy can be performed earlier in the course of disease than alternative approaches for direct viewing. Furthermore, laparoscopy can be used to access the viability of tissues as well as the location and severity of lesions for prognostic purposes. The distal portion of the descending colon can also be evaluated to determine whether celiotomy with anastomosis or colostomy may be the surgical procedure of choice.

Animals↗

Anorectal lymphadenopathy causing colic, perirectal abscesses, or both in five young horses.

Enlarged anorectal lymph nodes can cause colic in young horses by obstructing the caudal aspect of the rectum. Dyschezia and clinical signs consistent with abdominal pain were the predominant reasons for evaluation of the 5 young (3 to 15 month old) horses of this report. Digital transrectal palpation revealed a firm mass obstructing the caudal aspect of the rectum in each horse. Results of cytologic evaluation of the masses revealed a lymphoid population of cells in 4 of 5 horses. These nodes regressed over time or became abscesses and drained into the rectum. In 1 horse, detection of a mature abscess and concomitant dysuria necessitated immediate surgical drainage of the mass; however, the other 4 horses were successfully managed medically, thereby avoiding risks associated with surgery of the perirectal area. Anorectal lymphadenopathy should be considered as a differential diagnosis in young horses with colic.

Abscess↗

Laparoscopic ovariectomy in two horses with granulosa cell tumors.

Two mares were admitted for ovariectomy of unilateral granulosa cell tumors. Both mares were ovariectomized (1 unilateral and 1 bilateral) by use of a ventral abdominal laparoscopic technique. This approach required tilting the operative table 30 degrees to elevate the pelvis and to allow observation of the ovaries. Using a single laparoscopic portal and 3 to 4 instrument portals, a triangulation technique was used. The ovarian pedicles were isolated and secured via loop ligation. The ovaries then were divided from the ligated pedicle and placed within specimen bags for extraction. The specimen bags then were removed through a ventral midline celiotomy. Using this technique, it was determined that granulosa cell tumors or ovaries of up to 20 cm in diameter can be removed. Laparoscopic ovariectomy provided a means to provide tension-free dissection and ligation of the ovarian pedicle. In comparison to conventional techniques, this may improve suture security and reduce complications related to excessive pedicle tension. Improved observation during surgery, less pedicle tension, and minimal invasiveness made laparoscopic ovariectomy of these 2 mares advantageous.

Animals↗

Arthroscopic removal of osteochondral fragments from the proximal interphalangeal joint of the pelvic limbs in three horses.

Osteochondral fragments detected in the proximal interphalangeal joint in the pelvic limbs of 3 horses (2 Standardbreds and 1 Thoroughbred) caused joint enlargement and lameness. Fragments were removed by use of arthroscopy. Accurate placement of the arthroscope into the dorsal joint space was necessary to obtain an adequate view of the fragments. After surgery, 2 of the horses resumed racing without joint problems, and the third was in training to race. High-detail radiographs are necessary to detect osteochondral fragments in horses with joint enlargement or lameness localized to the proximal interphalangeal joint.

Animals↗

Head trauma.

The equine head is especially prone to trauma from kicks, collisions, entrapments, and falls. The specialized structures of the equine head are important in both function and appearance. When injury causes either loss of function or cosmesis, timely treatment is paramount. This article discusses the occurrence and therapy of trauma to the equine head, including fractures of the mandible and premaxilla, facial bone, hyoid apparatus, and skull base.

Animals↗

Surgical treatment of colic in American miniature horses: 15 cases (1980-1987).

A study of 15 American miniature horses (AMH) that underwent surgical treatment for colic was performed. Information obtained from the medical records included signalment, clinical signs, type and location of gastrointestinal lesion, and postoperative complications. All 15 AMH had intraluminal obstructions, attributable to feed impactions (11 horses), enteroliths (2), and sand (2). The most common location of obstruction was the small colon, which was involved in 9 of the 15 cases. All 15 AMH survived and were discharged from the hospital. Six of the 15 AMH underwent subsequent surgical treatment for abdominal disorders. Elapsed time between the first and second operations ranged from 1 month to 5 years. Intestinal adhesions were observed in all AMH that were surgically treated twice. Thus, despite the fact that most of the AMH had a simple intraluminal obstruction, 40% (n = 6) developed adhesions that required or complicated a second surgery. Of the 15 AMH, 87% (n = 13) survived at least 12 months after the initial exploratory celiotomy. These findings suggest that most surgical abdominal conditions in AMH can be corrected; however, precautions should be taken to avoid or minimize adhesion formation.

Animals↗

Traumatic disruption of the suspensory apparatus in foals.

Traumatic disruption of the suspensory apparatus is a catastrophic injury in the horse. Although this injury has been described in the adult, little information is available in the foal. This paper describes 3 foals with metacarpophalangeal joint instability caused by traumatic disruption of the suspensory apparatus. Two foals had biaxial proximal sesamoid fractures in a single forelimb, and 1 foal had avulsion of the distal sesamoidean ligaments in 1 forelimb plus biaxial proximal sesamoid fractures in the other forelimb. The foals with single forelimb involvement were managed with splints, and the foal with bilateral disruption of the suspensory apparatus was euthanatized. Both treated foals resumed natural exercise at pasture. Both continue to be pasture sound 2 and 3 years after injury and are to be used for breeding. Management of disruption of the suspensory apparatus causing metacarpophalangeal joint instability using external support was effective for salvage of these 2 valuable foals for breeding.

Animals↗