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Biomedical subjects

J E Houlton

Publications and source records attributed to J E Houlton.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Arthrodesis of the tarsometatarsal joint using a laterally applied plate in 10 dogs.

The efficacy of tarsometatarsal arthrodesis using a laterally applied plate was evaluated retrospectively in 10 dogs (11 joints). Arthrodesis was performed to manage a tarsometatarsal subluxation in two hocks; in the other cases, the tarsometatarsal subluxation was accompanied by tarsal or metatarsal fractures. The average period to referral was 15 days and all dogs had been managed with previous external coaptation of the affected limb. Arthrodesis was achieved in all the joints following initial surgery. Implant removal was indicated in three dogs which remained intermittently lame. Implants were left in situ in the remaining seven dogs. After an average follow-up period of 28 months, all dogs had resumed normal activity. Seven dogs were reported to be completely sound, one was stiff after rest following vigorous exercise and two had an intermittent mild lameness following strenuous exercise.

Animals↗

Repair of femoral trochanteric osteotomy in the dog.

The records and radiographs of 24 dogs that underwent femoral trochanteric osteotomy repair were reviewed. Osteotomy repair was performed with either a pin and tension band wire or a lag screw technique. Significant clinical complications associated with the osteotomy were identified in one dog (4 per cent) six weeks after surgery, although abnormal radiographic changes were evident in 15 dogs (62 per cent). The method of repair did not influence healing and there were comparable radiographic complication rates. It is concluded that femoral trochanteric osteotomy is not associated with significant clinical problems, despite a high incidence of abnormal radiographic findings.

Animals↗

Suspected mitochondrial myopathy in a Jack Russell terrier.

A Jack Russell terrier with a history of progressive exercise intolerance was examined at the age of four months and again 10 months later. Clinical examination revealed a stunted, thin dog with a stilted gait. The dog had raised lactate levels before and after feeding and a raised lactate/pyruvate ratio after feeding, indicating a metabolic abnormality. Histochemical evaluation of muscle biopsies revealed subsarcolemmal accumulation of oxidative activity when stained with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide tetrazollum reductase and ragged red fibres when stained with modified Gomori trichrome; all fibre types were involved. Ultrastructural examination of the muscle confirmed the presence of subsarcolemmal accumulations of mitochondria. Histochemical staining for the activity of enzymes of the Krebs cycle, oxidative phosphorylation and other metabolic cytosolic enzymes failed to demonstrate an abnormality. In view of the clinical picture and the biochemical and histological findings, a tentative diagnosis of mitochondrial myopathy was made. The difficulties associated with diagnosing mitochondrial disorders are discussed.

Animals↗

A clinical trial of three anaesthetic regimens for the castration of ponies.

After premedication with intravenous xylazine 30 ponies were anaesthetised for castration under field conditions with intravenous ketamine, thiopentone or methohexitone. The duration of anaesthesia was adequate for surgery and the times taken to stand were similar in each group. The recovery of the ponies after ketamine was quieter than after either of the barbiturates and this may be an advantage when skilled assistance is lacking. However, all the anaesthetics appeared to be suitable for performing minor surgery in the field.

Anesthesia, General↗

A comparison of some casting materials.

The physical and mechanical properties of four casting materials are compared with two plaster of Paris preparations. Properties evaluated include working and specific strengths, resistance to abrasion and radiolucency. Ease of application, conformability and rate of strength development are discussed and the clinical relevance of these properties is considered.

Acrylic Resins↗

Metacarpal fractures associated with pancarpal arthrodesis in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To report the prevalence of third metacarpal bone fractures after dorsal plating for pancarpal arthrodeses in dogs and to identify predisposing factors. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. ANIMALS: Fifty-four client-owned dogs. METHODS: Pancarpal arthrodesis was performed using dorsally applied 2.7- or 3.5-mm bone plates. Medical records and radiographs were retrospectively evaluated to identify those dogs with metacarpal bone fractures after pancarpal arthrodesis and to determine the angle of arthrodesis, the percentage of the third metacarpal bone covered by the bone plate, and the percentage width of the bone occupied by the screw. Radiological evidence of arthrodesis at follow-up examination 6 weeks postoperatively was recorded. Long-term results were obtained by telephone follow-up with the owners. All lame dogs were evaluated clinically and radiographically. RESULTS: Metacarpal fractures occurred in 6 of 54 dogs. One of these dogs had a stress fracture of the third metacarpal 10 months after implant removal and was not included in the statistical analysis. Fractures occurred through the distal screw hole in four dogs and involved two metacarpal bones (III and IV) in two dogs. The median ratio of bone screw diameter-to-metacarpal bone diameter was the same for dogs with metacarpal bone fractures and those with no fractures (44%), and the median angles of arthrodesis were 8 degrees and 7 degrees. These values were not statistically significant. The percentage length of the metacarpal bone covered by the plate was 53% (no fracture) compared with 46% (fracture), and this difference was statistically significant (P = .035). CONCLUSIONS: Screw diameter was not implicated as a predisposing factor for metacarpal bone fracture in dogs undergoing pancarpal arthrodesis using a dorsally applied dynamic compression plate. The length of the metacarpal bone covered by the bone plate did affect the frequency of metacarpal fracture, with fewer fractures occurring when greater than 53% of the bone length was covered by the dynamic compression plate. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: When performing pancarpal arthrodesis with a dorsally applied bone plate, it is recommended that at least 50% of the length of the third metacarpal bone should be covered by the plate.

Animals↗

The surgical anatomy of the stifle joint in sheep.

OBJECTIVE: To provide a detailed description of the surgical anatomy of the stifle joint in sheep. STUDY DESIGN: The results from analysis of cadaveric dissections (14 stifle joints) and stifle radiographs (8 sets of mediolateral and craniocaudal radiographs) are presented. ANIMALS: Skeletally mature ewes of mixed breeds. CONCLUSIONS: Although the anatomy of the ovine stifle joint is similar to that of the human knee joint, a number of unique features were identified. These included the presence of the tendon of the m. extensor digitorum longus on the craniolateral aspect of the stifle joint, the absence of a cranial meniscofemoral ligament (ligament of Humphrey) in the caudal joint space, and attachment of the patellar tendon to the cranial pole of the patella (rather than to the distal pole, as in humans). The implications of these differences are discussed with reference to the suitability of the ovine stifle as a surgical model for the human knee joint.

Animals↗