A group-sequential study design accounts for the uncertainty of pre-existing evidence. Also, standardization of surgical and postoperative care and blinded outcome assessment as well as adjustment for varying surgical expertise will contribute to a high validity and generalizability of the results.

Background: Secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT) is common in patients with chronic renal failure. Despite the initiation of new therapeutic agents, several patients will require parathyroidectomy (PTX). Total PTX with autotransplantation of parathyroid tissue (TPTX+AT) and subtotal parathyroidectomy (SPTX) are currently considered as standard surgical procedures in the treatment of sHPT. Recurrencerates after TPTX+AT or SPTX are between 10% and 12% (median follow up: 36 months).

Summary This reports describes the surgical management of a horse evaluated for recurrent colic. These frequent colic episodes were attributed by exclusion to an abnormally enlarged spleen (idiopathic splenomegaly). Splenectomy was elected and performed with a laparoscopic assisted technique. The advantages observed by using this surgical approach were a clear view of the visceral aspect of the spleen and consequently an accurate dissection of the hilus of the spleen and associated vasculature. Ultimately the laparoscopic technique allowed the surgeons to reduce the size of the laparotomy incision required to remove the spleen and the overall invasiveness of the procedure. The horse recovered well from the procedure and ultimately returned to the previous level of competitiveness.

DRE should be performed in horses with abnormal respiratory noise to rule out complex conditions of the upper portion of the respiratory tract.

There was a high incidence of colic in equids hospitalized with ocular disease in this study. Findings from this study may help identify equids at risk for development of colic and thereby help direct implementation of prophylactic measures.

Summary This article provides some guidelines for the evaluation and management of angular limb deformities in young horses. It begins by looking at factors that influence conformation and that should be taken into consideration when making a decision as to the significance of a particular conformational trait. Perinatal and acquired deformities are then discussed separately with an emphasis on the latter. Options for their correction are described as well as the results of recent publications using these techniques. Finally the approach to management of deformities at each of the most commonly encountered locations is described.

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SummaryReasons for performing study: The diagnosis of equine back disorders is challenging. Objectively determining movement of the vertebral column may therefore be of value in a clinical setting. Objectives: To establish whether surface-mounted inertial measurement units (IMUs) can be used to establish normal values for range of motion (ROM) of the vertebral column in a uniform population of horses trotting under different conditions. Study design: Vertebral ROM was established in Franches-Montagnes stallions and a general population of horses and the variability in measurements compared between the two groups. Repeatability and the influence of specific exercise condition (on ROM) were assessed. Finally, attempts were made to explain the findings of the study through the evaluation of factors that might influence ROM. Methods: Dorsoventral (DV) and mediolateral (ML) vertebral ROM was measured at a trot under different exercise conditions in 27 FranchesMontagnes stallions and six general population horses using IMUs distributed over the vertebral column. Results: Variability in the ROM measurements was significantly higher for general population horses than for Franches-Montagnes stallions (both DV and ML ROM). Repeatability was strong to very strong for DV measurements and moderate for ML measurements. Trotting under saddle significantly reduced the ROM, with sitting trot resulting in a significantly lower ROM than rising trot. Age is unlikely to explain the low variability in vertebral ROM recorded in the Franches-Montagnes horses, while this may be associated with conformational factors. Conclusions: It was possible to establish a normal vertebral ROM for a group of Franches-Montagnes stallions. While within-breed variation was low in this population, further studies are necessary to determine variation in vertebral ROM for other breeds and to assess their utility for diagnosis of equine back disorders.