Use of a lateral approach to medial condylar MC3/MT3 fractures allows screw insertion perpendicular to the fracture plane without interference with palmar/plantar soft tissue structures or from the splint bones. Although repair was performed under general anesthesia, the technique should be adaptable to application in standing horses.

Summary Background There are few observational studies regarding the potentially serious complication of synovial sepsis following intrasynovial medication in general equine practice. Quantification of risk is fundamental to fully inform decision‐making and owner consent prior to undertaking procedures. Objectives To describe the occurrence of synovial sepsis following intrasynovial injections in a large ambulatory equine practice between 2006–2011. Study design Retrospective cohort study. Methods Medication records were cross‐referenced against synovial cytology submissions and hospital admissions for synovial sepsis. The occurrence of synovial sepsis within strata of interest, including horse age, sex and product used were described as proportions with corresponding 95% confidence intervals, and measures of attributable risks. Results In the study period, 9456 intrasynovial medications were performed in 4331 sessions. The most frequently used medications were: corticosteroids (3869/4331, 89.3% [95% CI 88.4, 90.3%]), hyaluronate (3617/4331, 83.5% [95% CI 82.4, 84.6%]) and amikacin sulphate (4044/4331, 93.4% [95% CI 92.6, 94.1%]). Overall four horses developed post medication synovial sepsis (0.04% [95% CI 0.0, 0.08%] of all medications), two of these cases were given polysulphated glycosaminoglycans and hyaluronate (2/14, 14.3% [95% CI 0.0, 32.6%]), two were given triamcinolone acetonide (2/3592, 0.1% [95% CI 0.0, 0.1%]), and hyaluronate (2/3617, 0.06% [95% CI 0.0, 0.1%]). One of these cases had received concurrent medication with amikacin sulphate (1/4044, 0.02% [95% CI 0.0, 0.1%]). All four cases returned to racing following joint lavage. Main limitations Due to the low frequency of cases multivariable statistical analysis was not performed. Although the study was conducted in an ambulatory setting, the population included a high number of racehorses, limiting application to the general horse population. Conclusions The frequency of synovial sepsis in this population of horses was 0.04%. These data may be helpful in informing clients regarding the potential risks of adverse complications resulting from intrasynovial medication.

Background Exercise‐associated cardiac rhythm disturbances are common, but there is a lack of evidence‐based criteria on which to distinguish clinically relevant rhythm disturbances from those that are not. Objectives To describe and characterise rhythm disturbances during clinical exercise testing; to explore potential risk factors for these rhythm disturbances and to determine whether they influenced future racing. Study design Retrospective cohort using a convenience sample. Methods Medical records were reviewed from two clinical services to identify horses with poor performance and/or respiratory noise with both exercise endoscopy and electrocardiography results. Respiratory and ECG findings recorded by the attending clinicians were described, and for polymorphic ventricular rhythms (n = 12), a consensus team agreed the final rhythm characterisation. Several statistical models analysing risk factors were built and racing records were reviewed to compare horses with and without rhythm disturbance. Results Of 245 racehorses, 87 (35.5%) had no ectopic/re‐entrant rhythms, 110 (44.9%) had isolated premature depolarisations during sinus rhythm and 48 (19.6%) horses had complex tachydysrrythmias. Rhythm disturbances were detected during warm‐up in 20 horses (8.2%); during gallop in 61 horses (24.9%) and during recovery in 124 horses (50.6%). Most complex rhythm events occurred during recovery, but there was one horse with a single couplet during gallop and another with a triplet during gallop. Fifteen horses (one with frequent isolated premature depolarisations and 14 complex rhythms) were considered by clinicians to be potentially contributing to poor performance. Treadmill exercise tests, the presence of exercise‐associated upper respiratory tract obstructions and National Hunt racehorses were associated with rhythm disturbances. The proportion of horses racing again after diagnosis (82%) was similar in all groups and univariable analysis revealed no significant associations between subsequent racing and the presence of any ectopic/re‐entrant rhythm, or the various sub‐groups based on phase of exercise in which this was detected. Main limitations Reliance on retrospective data collection from medical records with no control group. Exercise ECGs were collected using only 1 or 2 leads. Variables examined as risk factors could be considered to be inter‐related and our sub‐groups were small. Conclusions This study confirms a high prevalence of cardiac rhythm disturbances, including complex ectopic/re‐entrant rhythms, in poorly performing racehorses. Detection of rhythm disturbances may vary with exercise test conditions and exercise‐associated upper respiratory tract obstructions increase the risk of rhythm disturbances.

Surgery for caecal impaction carries a fair prognosis for a potentially life threatening disease, in particular where caecal dysfunction is suspected.

Summary This article describes the occurrence of bilateral dentigerous cysts in a 1‐year‐old entire male Standardbred horse. Computer tomography (CT) with a positive contrast CT fistulogram was used to accurately define the anatomy of the cysts preoperatively. Conventional surgical techniques were used to remove the cysts under general anaesthesia. The CT studies were able to precisely define the margins of the cysts and facilitated uncomplicated surgical excision. Follow‐up examination of the animal revealed excellent cosmesis at the surgical site. Histology was used to confirm the diagnosis of bilateral dentigerous cysts. Preoperative CT studies are invaluable to precisely define the anatomical locations of the dental anomalies associated with dentigerous cysts and thereby allow confident and uncomplicated excision. Dentigerous cysts may occur bilaterally in horses.

Reasons for performing study: To investigate the racing performance of Thoroughbred horses with osseous cyst-like lesions (OCLLs) in the distal phalanx causing lameness and treated conservatively.Objectives: To assess horses' ability to race and perform after radiographic identification of OCLL in the distal phalanx of Thoroughbred horses with lameness at the time of detection and undergoing conservative treatment.Study Design: Retrospective case control study.Methods: The clinical database of one equine clinic was reviewed in a 10-year period for Thoroughbreds showing lameness localized to the foot and a radiographic diagnosis of OCLL in the distal phalanx. Sex, age at time of detection of the OCLL, degree of lameness, affected limb, and treatment were recorded. Successful performance of horses was assessed by racing at least once after detection of the OCLL and maximum racing performance rating (RPR). Radiographic features such as size, location, sclerotic rim of the OCLL and irregularity of the articular surface of the distal phalanx were compared to successful performance using univariable statistical analysis. Successful performance of horses with OCLL was compared to a control group of maternal siblings by parametric testing.Results: Twenty-two horses met the inclusion criteria. Thirteen horses raced after the detection of OCLLs. Eight did not race, one case had not yet reached racing age, resulting in 62% (13/21) of racing age racing at least once. The number of successfully performing horses with an OCCL was significantly lower compared to their maternal siblings [p = 0.03, Odds ratio (OR) = 0.30]. If horses with OCLL in the distal phalanx raced, their RPR was similar to their maternal siblings. No significant association was found between radiographic features of OCLLs and successful performance, but OCLLs in the left forelimb carried a more favorable outcome for racing (p = 0.02, OR = 2.33 95%CI 1.27, 4.27) compared to OCLLs in any other limb.Conclusions: Horses with lameness and an OCLL in the distal phalanx managed conservatively are less likely to race when compared to their maternal siblings. If horses with OCLLs in the distal phalanx are able to race, their performance, measured as RPR, was comparable to their maternal siblings. Due to the small numbers in this study the results should be interpreted carefully.

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Serious musculoskeletal injury following intrasynovial medication occurred in 3% (44/1488) horses. Reduction in injury rates may be possible through greater use of premedication diagnostic imaging.