The clinical findings of thyroid neoplasia in horses are not associated with the diagnosis of malignancy. Complete surgical resection of the abnormal lobe prevents local recurrence of neoplastic thyroid tissue. The modified hemithyroidectomy technique preserves the function of the recurrent laryngeal nerve.

OBJECTIVE To compare humoral insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) concentrations in plasma and 3 types of equine autologous blood-derived preparations (ABPs). SAMPLE Blood and ABP samples from 12 horses. PROCEDURES Blood samples from each horse were processed by use of commercial systems to obtain plasma, platelet concentrate, conditioned serum, and aqueous platelet lysate. Half of the platelet concentrate samples were additionally treated with a detergent to release intracellular mediators. Humoral IGF-1, PDGF-BB, TGF-β1, and IL-1Ra concentrations were measured with ELISAs and compared statistically. RESULTS Median IGF-1 concentration was highest in conditioned serum and detergent-treated platelet concentrate, followed by platelet concentrate and plasma; IGF-1 was not detected in platelet lysate. Mean PDGF-BB concentration was highest in platelet lysate, followed by detergent-treated platelet concentrate and conditioned serum; PDGF-BB was not detected in plasma and platelet concentrate. Median TGF-β1 concentration was highest in detergent-treated platelet concentrate, followed by conditioned serum, platelet lysate, and platelet concentrate; TGF-β1 was not detected in most plasma samples. Median IL-1Ra concentration was highest in platelet lysate, followed by conditioned serum; IL-1Ra was not detected in almost all plasma, detergent-treated platelet concentrate, and platelet concentrate samples. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Each ABP had its own cytokine profile, which was determined by the specific processing method. Coagulation and cellular lysis strongly increased humoral concentrations of cell-derived cytokines. No ABP had the highest concentrations for all cytokines. Further studies are needed to assess clinical relevance of these findings.

Equine paranasal sinuses are susceptible to inflammation. Insufficient drainage through the nasal passages and meatus may lead to the accumulation of inspissated purulent discharge. Particularly in ponies, these anatomical structures are suspected to be relatively small. To date, there are no reports considering the morphology of nasal conchal bullae in small horse breeds such as Shetland ponies. The aim of the present study was to How to cite this article: Gerlach K, Vervuert I, Gittel C, et al.An anatomical study of the dorsal and ventral nasal conchal bullae and middle nasal conchae in normal Shetland ponies:Computed tomographic anatomical and morphometric findings.

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ZusammenfassungIn den letzten Jahren haben zellbasierte Therapeutika zur Behandlung von Osteoarthritiden in der Pferdemedizin einen regelrechten Boom erlebt. In der Praxis werden diese Therapeutika in Eigenverantwortung des Tierarztes aus Patientenblut oder anderen körpereigenen Geweben wie Fettgewebe oder Knochenmark hergestellt. Auch wenn diesen zellbasierten Therapiemethoden das einheitliche therapeutische Konzept der regenerativen Medizin gemein ist, unterscheiden sie sich maßgeblich hinsichtlich Herstellungsverfahren, Inhaltsstoffen und Funktionsweisen. Grundlegendes Wissen hierzu ermöglicht es dem praktizierenden Tierarzt, das für ihn und seine Pferdepatienten geeignete Produkt auszuwählen und bestmögliche Behandlungsstrategien zu erstellen.

BackgroundOsteochondral fragment removal is commonly performed but there are little scientific data supporting this procedure in the absence of clinical signs. More information is needed to facilitate clinical decision‐making regarding fragment removal of the metacarpo−/metatarsophalangeal joint.ObjectivesTo assess prevalence of cartilage injury in the equine metacarpo−/metatarsophalangeal joint and its association to fragment size, location, age and lameness.Study designRetrospective observational study.MethodsClinical records, including radiographs of 823 metacarpo−/metatarsophalangeal joints (640 horses) that underwent arthroscopic fragment removal, were reviewed. Fragment size, intra‐articular fragment location and cartilage injury score were recorded. Presence of synovitis was retrospectively evaluated in 157 joints. Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests were used for group comparisons, and Dunn's post hoc test was applied for multiple comparisons. Linear regression analysis was used to assess strength of association between age and mean cartilage score. Univariable regression analysis was performed and variables with p < 0.2 were used in the final mixed‐effects multivariable model to which backwards stepwise selection was applied. Significance level was p < 0.05.ResultsCartilage injury was present in 28.8% (95% CI = 25.8–32.0) of joints. Lameness was not associated with fragment location or fragment size. Fragment size was not associated with cartilage injury. Age (OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.22–1.48, p < 0.001) and lameness (OR = 5.03, 95% CI = 2.27–11.68, p < 0.001) were associated with cartilage injury as well as fragment location (palmar/plantar, OR = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.13–0.38, p < 0.001), with dorsal fragments being more likely to be associated with cartilage lesions than palmar/plantar fragments. There was a significant association between age and mean cartilage score (b = 0.18, 95% CI = 0.14–0.22, p < 0.001).Main limitationsThe series included a heterogenous group of horses of different breed, sex, age and use. Data were collected retrospectively and could, in parts, not be fully evaluated.ConclusionsEarly fragment removal, especially in joints with dorsal fragmentation, can be beneficial to avoid future cartilage injuries in equine athletes.

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) represent a promising treatment option for tendon disorders and joint diseases, primarily osteoarthritis. Since MSC are highly context-sensitive to their microenvironment, their therapeutic efficacy is influenced by their tissue-specific pathologically altered targets. These include not only cellular components, such as resident cells and invading immunocompetent cells, but also components of the tissue-characteristic extracellular matrix. Although numerous in vitro models have already shown potential MSC-related mechanisms of action in tendon and joint diseases, only a limited number reflect the disease-specific microenvironment and allow conclusions about well-directed MSC-based therapies for injured tendon and joint-associated tissues. In both injured tissue types, inflammatory processes play a pivotal pathophysiological role. In this context, MSC-mediated macrophage modulation seems to be an important mode of action across these tissues. Additional target cells of MSC applied in tendon and joint disorders include tenocytes, synoviocytes as well as other invading and resident immune cells. It remains of critical importance whether the context-sensitive interplay between MSC and tissue- and disease-specific targets results in an overall promotion or inhibition of the desired therapeutic effects. This review presents the authors’ viewpoint on disease-related targets of MSC therapeutically applied in tendon and joint diseases, focusing on the equine patient as valid animal model.

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