Diana Hassel - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Diana Hassel

Research paper thumbnail of Fecal Sand Clearance Is Enhanced with a Product Combining Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Psyllium in Clinically Normal Horses

Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 2008

Consumption of sand and dirt by horses can cause chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and colic caused ... more Consumption of sand and dirt by horses can cause chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and colic caused by irritation and obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract. Prevention has been primarily focused on changes in management to reduce the intake of sand resulting from feeding on the ground. Studies regarding the use of psyllium for the prevention of sand accumulation in clinically normal horses have not been published. A nutritional supplement combining probiotics, prebiotics, and psyllium was hypothesized to increase fecal sand output in clinically normal horses in a natural environment. A measured volume of feces was collected daily from eight clinically normal horses and screened for sand 1 week before and during 35 days of treatment with a supplement combining probiotics, prebiotics, and psyllium. Sand was isolated from feces using a flotation decanting method and was expressed in milligrams sand per gram of feces. Fecal sand output increased significantly (P < .01) by day 4 of supplementation and remained significantly increased through day 31 of the feeding trial. Daily supplementation with a probiotic, prebiotic, and psyllium supplement demonstrated enhanced fecal sand clearance in clinically normal horses. These results suggest that this product may be an effective prophylactic treatment for sand enteropathy and sand colic in which management alone is not sufficient to prevent intestinal sand accumulation. Further studies are needed to confirm the utility of this product in clearing sand from horses with naturally occurring sand impactions and enteropathy.

Research paper thumbnail of Acute abdominal dehiscence following laparotomy: A multicentre, international retrospective study

Equine Veterinary Journal

Research paper thumbnail of Anesthetic Management for Gastrointestinal Diseases

Equine Anesthesia and Co‐Existing Disease, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Inter-Institutional Collaboration for the Development of a Local Peer Observation Process to Enhance Teaching

Local peer observation of teaching is considered an important mechanism for instructors to improv... more Local peer observation of teaching is considered an important mechanism for instructors to improve the quality and effectiveness of their teaching, but there is an absence of uniformity to establish a best practice for this process in veterinary curricula. The Regional Teaching Academy (RTA) of the Consortium of Western Colleges of Veterinary Medicine is comprised of educational advocates from five western veterinary colleges with a common goal of enhancing the quality and effectiveness of education in veterinary medical curricula. Members of the RTA recognized this deficit in best practices for local peer observation (LPO) and formed a working group called "Local Peer Observation of Teaching." The goal was to meet a critical need for the enhancement of individual teaching skills by using a scholarly approach to develop robust methods for peer observation of teaching. Two rubric-based instruments were developed: one for large-group/didactic settings, and the second for sma...

Research paper thumbnail of Retrospective evaluation of the effect of intravenous fluid administration on development of postoperative reflux in horses with colic (2004-2012): 194 horses

Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care

Research paper thumbnail of Clinical Features and Prognostic Variables in 109 Horses with Esophageal Obstruction (1992-2009): Esophageal Obstruction in Horses

Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Sep 1, 2010

Esophageal obstruction is common in horses and can result in life-threatening complications. Prev... more Esophageal obstruction is common in horses and can result in life-threatening complications. Previous studies have described clinical findings in horses with esophageal obstruction, but there are no reports that attempt to make correlations of clinical findings with outcome. Specific clinical features of horses with esophageal obstruction are associated with increased likelihood of complications. One hundred and nine horses with esophageal obstruction. Retrospective cross-sectional study. All clinical records of horses admitted between April 1992 and February 2009 for esophageal obstruction were reviewed. The association among 24 clinical, hematological, biochemical, therapeutic variables and the likelihood of complications was investigated by a univariable logistic regression model, followed by multivariable analysis. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that intact males (P= .02), age &gt;15 years (P &lt; .01), and a need for general anesthesia (P &lt; .01) were associated with the development of complications after an episode of esophageal obstruction. Increased respiratory rate (&gt;22 breaths/min) and moderate or severe tracheal contamination, although not associated with complications as a whole, significantly increased the risk of developing aspiration pneumonia (P≤ .01). Signalment, clinical variables, and endoscopic findings were confirmed as important tools in assessing the severity of the esophageal lesion and pulmonary involvement. Knowledge of risk factors for the development of complications will aid in making informed decisions to optimize treatment and assist in the assessment of prognosis.

Research paper thumbnail of Investigations into the risk factors, etiology and pathogenesis of enterolithiasis in horses (Equus callabus) /

Research paper thumbnail of Endoscopy of the auditory diverticula in four horses with otitis media/interna

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association

ABSTRACT

Research paper thumbnail of Degrees: BS, DVM, PhD Specialty Certifications: Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons Clinical Interests: Equine emergency medicine and surgery, gastrointestinal surgery, critical care. Research Interests: Equine enterolithiasis, gastroenterology, nutrition, epidemiology and critical...

Research paper thumbnail of Concentrations of serum amyloid A and plasma fibrinogen in horses undergoing emergency abdominal surgery

Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2015

To compare the perioperative response of serum amyloid A (SAA) to fibrinogen in horses requiring ... more To compare the perioperative response of serum amyloid A (SAA) to fibrinogen in horses requiring exploratory celiotomy for colic and to determine if SAA could be used to predict complications and outcome. Prospective observational clinical study. University teaching hospital. Eighteen horses undergoing exploratory celiotomy for colic. Inclusion criteria for the study included survival and anesthetic recovery from exploratory celiotomy, no history of surgery within the past year. Blood was obtained via jugular venipuncture before surgery (time 0) and at 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours after recovery from anesthesia. Quantitative and semiquantitative fibrinogen, SAA, total nucleated cell counts, and total protein were evaluated at each time point. Multivariable linear regression was used to assess differences at each time point and after grouping horses according to duration of colic prior to surgery, strangulating surgical lesion or not, presence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) on admission, and postsurgical complications. Significant (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.05) increases in SAA concentrations occurred in all cases after surgery compared to fibrinogen concentration, which only demonstrated a mild, clinically insignificant increase postsurgery. SAA concentrations were also significantly increased (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.05) in cases identified with SIRS prior to surgery and postoperatively at 48 (P = 0.05) and 72 hours (P = 0.02) in horses that developed complications. Measurement of SAA is a more sensitive indicator of inflammation than fibrinogen in the perioperative period of horses requiring exploratory celiotomy for colic. Serial measurement of SAA at 48, 72, and 96 hours after surgery may be helpful to determine risk of complications and guide postoperative management. Measurement of SAA on admission also allows for quantification of SIRS when it is detected clinically.

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of the Colic in Horses

Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice, 2014

This article presents an overview of key factors that should alert the practitioner toward referr... more This article presents an overview of key factors that should alert the practitioner toward referral of a colic patient to a facility capable of surgical exploration or intensive medical management. Discussion includes a review of important aspects of colic history, signalment, physical examination findings, and diagnostic test results that indicate that a more serious medical or surgical condition exists, and advanced therapy is necessary.

Research paper thumbnail of A Modified Teniotomy Technique for Facilitated Removal of Descending Colon Enteroliths in Horses

Veterinary Surgery, 1998

Objective-To describe a method for facilitating movement of enteroliths obstructing the proximal ... more Objective-To describe a method for facilitating movement of enteroliths obstructing the proximal portion of the descending colon. Study Design-Prospective report. Sample Population-15 horses. Methods-A seromuscular incision through the antimesenteric taenia of the proximal portion of the descending colon was used to facilitate movement of enteroliths. Results-Teniotomy allowed proximal descending colon enteroliths located within the abdomen or close to the abdominal wall to be advanced 4 to 15 cm in an aboral direction so that they could be exteriorized for safe removal. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Teniotomy is a feasible method for mobilizing enteroliths in the proximal descending colon in locations that cannot otherwise be exteriorized.

Research paper thumbnail of In vitro comparison of V-Loc™ versus Biosyn™ in a one-layer end-to-end anastomosis of equine jejunum

Veterinary Surgery, 2014

To compare a unidirectional barbed suture (V-Loc™) to its suture material equivalent (Biosyn™) in... more To compare a unidirectional barbed suture (V-Loc™) to its suture material equivalent (Biosyn™) in a single-layer end-to-end anastomosis of equine jejunum. Experimental in vitro study. Jejunal sections from adult horses (n = 5) without gastrointestinal disease. Jejunal end-to-end anastomoses (n = 9) were performed for each group (V-Loc™, Biosyn™) with a continuous Lembert pattern with an interruption every 120°. Anastomosis construction time, luminal diameter, and number of suture bites were recorded. Anastomosis constructs were distended with fluid at 1 L/min until failure. Location and intraluminal pressure at failure were recorded and all measurements were compared between groups. V-Loc™ anastomoses were significantly faster to perform (13.1 ± 0.35 minutes) when compared to the Biosyn™ group (15.6 ± 0.72 minutes; P = .0004). No differences were observed for anastomotic index or number of suture bites. V-Loc™ anastomosis constructs had a significantly decreased bursting pressure (160 ± 11.6 mmHg) compared to Biosyn™ constructs (184 ± 16.9 mmHg; P = .01). V-Loc™ allowed faster construction time and did not cause a decreased anastomosis luminal diameter when compared with Biosyn™. V-Loc™ had a decreased bursting strength compared with Biosyn™, albeit well above pathologic pressures encountered clinically. Use of V-Loc™ may be beneficial for decreasing the amount of exposed suture material because of the absence of knots after construction and has the potential to result in decreased adhesions.

Research paper thumbnail of Detection of calprotectin and apoptotic activity within the equine colon from horses with black walnut extract-induced laminitis

Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology, 2011

The black walnut extract (BWE) model of equine laminitis is associated with a systemic inflammato... more The black walnut extract (BWE) model of equine laminitis is associated with a systemic inflammatory response manifest by increased expression of inflammatory cytokines in the lungs and liver as well as the laminae. The specific role of the gastrointestinal tract in development of this response is unclear and is of utmost importance, as gastrointestinal disease and laminitis are intimately related. We investigated calprotectin expression and epithelial and endothelial apoptosis in the colon of horses exposed to orally administered BWE. Sections of colon from 19 horses including 7 controls not exposed to BWE, 6 horses at the developmental time-point of leukopenia (DTP) and 6 at the onset of Obel grade 1 laminitis (LAM) after BWE-administration were histologically examined. Immunohistochemical evaluation for calprotectin expression with MAC 387 antibody was performed along with assessment of epithelial and endothelial apoptosis with caspase-3 active antibody. Calprotectin expression and percentage of apoptotic cells were compared between controls and the two treatment groups and presence of a correlation between calprotectin expression and apoptosis was evaluated. Histological findings from BWE-treated horses included eosinophil and lymphocyte epitheliotropism. The DTP group had a higher (p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.01) calprotectin score with respect to the control group, while there was no significant difference in percentage of epithelial and endothelial apoptotic cells between groups (p=0.08 and p=0.48 respectively). No significant correlation was found between calprotectin score and epithelial or endothelial apoptosis (p=0.69 and p=0.29 respectively). There is preliminary evidence that exposure of horses to BWE results in an early inflammatory response in the colon. Further studies are needed to characterize the nature of the colonic injury in BWE-exposed horses and the link to the development of laminitis.

Research paper thumbnail of Thoracic Trauma in Horses

Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice, 2007

Thoracic trauma represents an important cause of morbidity in mortality after injury in human bei... more Thoracic trauma represents an important cause of morbidity in mortality after injury in human beings and animals. After any form of suspected chest wall trauma, initial emergency management should include assurance of a patent airway and adequate ventilation, along with treatment for shock if present. As with any open wound, tetanus prophylaxis should be instituted. Types of trauma to the thoracic region of the horse include pectoral and axillary lacerations, penetrating chest wounds, flail chest, fractures of the ribs, blunt thoracic trauma, and several potential sequelae that include pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, hemothorax, pleuritis, fistulae of the sternum or ribs, and diaphragmatic hernia. Emergency management of these various forms of thoracic trauma is discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Colic: Nonsurgical Complications

Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice, 2008

Colic is a serious disease of the horse and may require surgical correction. Postoperative compli... more Colic is a serious disease of the horse and may require surgical correction. Postoperative complications may result in an increase in short-term morbidity and mortality. Commonly encountered nonsurgical complications are detailed. Anticipation and timely treatment of common postoperative complications after colic surgery may improve overall survival.

Research paper thumbnail of Testicular vascular hamartoma in a calf

Research paper thumbnail of Influence of diet and water supply on mineral content and pH within the large intestine of horses with enterolithiasis

The Veterinary Journal, 2009

To determine the effects of two diets and water supplies on intestinal pH and mineral concentrati... more To determine the effects of two diets and water supplies on intestinal pH and mineral concentrations in the colon of horses, and to identify whether differences in these parameters exist in horses with and without enterolithiasis, surgical fistulation of the right dorsal colon was performed in six adult horses, three with and three without enterolithiasis. Each horse underwent four feeding trials: grass hay and untreated water, alfalfa hay and untreated water, grass hay with filtered/softened water, and alfalfa hay with filtered/softened water. Samples of colonic contents were analyzed for pH, dry matter, and mineral concentrations. Horses with enterolithiasis had higher calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and sulfur concentrations and higher pH in colonic contents than controls. Horses fed alfalfa had lower colonic sodium and potassium, higher calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and sulfur concentrations, and a more alkaline pH than those fed grass. Grass hay consumption leads to reduced concentrations of select minerals and a more acidic colonic environment compared with alfalfa, probably beneficial in the prevention of enterolithiasis. Under controlled dietary and management conditions, horses with enterolithiasis have differences in colonic mineral and pH parameters that may be consistent with physiological differences between horses with and without the disease.

Research paper thumbnail of Di-tri-octahedral smectite for the prevention of post-operative diarrhea in equids with surgical disease of the large intestine: Results of a randomized clinical trial

The Veterinary Journal, 2009

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a commercially available di-tri-octahedral (... more The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a commercially available di-tri-octahedral (DTO) smectite product on clinical signs and prevalence of post-operative diarrhea in horses with colic associated with disease of the large intestine. Sixty-seven horses with surgical disease of the large intestine were randomly assigned to be treated with DTO smectite (n=37; 0.5 kg via nasogastric intubation every 24 h for 3 days post-operatively) or a placebo (n=30). The effect of treatment on fecal scores and clinical and hematological parameters, including heart rate, mucous membrane color, temperature, total white blood cell count, total neutrophil count and total plasma protein values, were determined. Horses treated with DTO smectite had a significant reduction in the prevalence of post-operative diarrhea (10.8%), compared with controls (41.4%). A significant improvement in mucous membrane color was observed 72 h post-operatively in horses receiving treatment, compared with placebo. Administration of DTO smectite to colic patients with disease of the large intestine reduced the occurrence of diarrhea in the early post-operative period.

Research paper thumbnail of Clinical Features and Prognostic Variables in 109 Horses with Esophageal Obstruction (1992-2009)

Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2010

Esophageal obstruction is common in horses and can result in life-threatening complications. Prev... more Esophageal obstruction is common in horses and can result in life-threatening complications. Previous studies have described clinical findings in horses with esophageal obstruction, but there are no reports that attempt to make correlations of clinical findings with outcome. Specific clinical features of horses with esophageal obstruction are associated with increased likelihood of complications. One hundred and nine horses with esophageal obstruction. Retrospective cross-sectional study. All clinical records of horses admitted between April 1992 and February 2009 for esophageal obstruction were reviewed. The association among 24 clinical, hematological, biochemical, therapeutic variables and the likelihood of complications was investigated by a univariable logistic regression model, followed by multivariable analysis. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that intact males (P= .02), age &gt;15 years (P &lt; .01), and a need for general anesthesia (P &lt; .01) were associated with the development of complications after an episode of esophageal obstruction. Increased respiratory rate (&gt;22 breaths/min) and moderate or severe tracheal contamination, although not associated with complications as a whole, significantly increased the risk of developing aspiration pneumonia (P≤ .01). Signalment, clinical variables, and endoscopic findings were confirmed as important tools in assessing the severity of the esophageal lesion and pulmonary involvement. Knowledge of risk factors for the development of complications will aid in making informed decisions to optimize treatment and assist in the assessment of prognosis.

Research paper thumbnail of Fecal Sand Clearance Is Enhanced with a Product Combining Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Psyllium in Clinically Normal Horses

Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 2008

Consumption of sand and dirt by horses can cause chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and colic caused ... more Consumption of sand and dirt by horses can cause chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and colic caused by irritation and obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract. Prevention has been primarily focused on changes in management to reduce the intake of sand resulting from feeding on the ground. Studies regarding the use of psyllium for the prevention of sand accumulation in clinically normal horses have not been published. A nutritional supplement combining probiotics, prebiotics, and psyllium was hypothesized to increase fecal sand output in clinically normal horses in a natural environment. A measured volume of feces was collected daily from eight clinically normal horses and screened for sand 1 week before and during 35 days of treatment with a supplement combining probiotics, prebiotics, and psyllium. Sand was isolated from feces using a flotation decanting method and was expressed in milligrams sand per gram of feces. Fecal sand output increased significantly (P < .01) by day 4 of supplementation and remained significantly increased through day 31 of the feeding trial. Daily supplementation with a probiotic, prebiotic, and psyllium supplement demonstrated enhanced fecal sand clearance in clinically normal horses. These results suggest that this product may be an effective prophylactic treatment for sand enteropathy and sand colic in which management alone is not sufficient to prevent intestinal sand accumulation. Further studies are needed to confirm the utility of this product in clearing sand from horses with naturally occurring sand impactions and enteropathy.

Research paper thumbnail of Acute abdominal dehiscence following laparotomy: A multicentre, international retrospective study

Equine Veterinary Journal

Research paper thumbnail of Anesthetic Management for Gastrointestinal Diseases

Equine Anesthesia and Co‐Existing Disease, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Inter-Institutional Collaboration for the Development of a Local Peer Observation Process to Enhance Teaching

Local peer observation of teaching is considered an important mechanism for instructors to improv... more Local peer observation of teaching is considered an important mechanism for instructors to improve the quality and effectiveness of their teaching, but there is an absence of uniformity to establish a best practice for this process in veterinary curricula. The Regional Teaching Academy (RTA) of the Consortium of Western Colleges of Veterinary Medicine is comprised of educational advocates from five western veterinary colleges with a common goal of enhancing the quality and effectiveness of education in veterinary medical curricula. Members of the RTA recognized this deficit in best practices for local peer observation (LPO) and formed a working group called "Local Peer Observation of Teaching." The goal was to meet a critical need for the enhancement of individual teaching skills by using a scholarly approach to develop robust methods for peer observation of teaching. Two rubric-based instruments were developed: one for large-group/didactic settings, and the second for sma...

Research paper thumbnail of Retrospective evaluation of the effect of intravenous fluid administration on development of postoperative reflux in horses with colic (2004-2012): 194 horses

Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care

Research paper thumbnail of Clinical Features and Prognostic Variables in 109 Horses with Esophageal Obstruction (1992-2009): Esophageal Obstruction in Horses

Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Sep 1, 2010

Esophageal obstruction is common in horses and can result in life-threatening complications. Prev... more Esophageal obstruction is common in horses and can result in life-threatening complications. Previous studies have described clinical findings in horses with esophageal obstruction, but there are no reports that attempt to make correlations of clinical findings with outcome. Specific clinical features of horses with esophageal obstruction are associated with increased likelihood of complications. One hundred and nine horses with esophageal obstruction. Retrospective cross-sectional study. All clinical records of horses admitted between April 1992 and February 2009 for esophageal obstruction were reviewed. The association among 24 clinical, hematological, biochemical, therapeutic variables and the likelihood of complications was investigated by a univariable logistic regression model, followed by multivariable analysis. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that intact males (P= .02), age &gt;15 years (P &lt; .01), and a need for general anesthesia (P &lt; .01) were associated with the development of complications after an episode of esophageal obstruction. Increased respiratory rate (&gt;22 breaths/min) and moderate or severe tracheal contamination, although not associated with complications as a whole, significantly increased the risk of developing aspiration pneumonia (P≤ .01). Signalment, clinical variables, and endoscopic findings were confirmed as important tools in assessing the severity of the esophageal lesion and pulmonary involvement. Knowledge of risk factors for the development of complications will aid in making informed decisions to optimize treatment and assist in the assessment of prognosis.

Research paper thumbnail of Investigations into the risk factors, etiology and pathogenesis of enterolithiasis in horses (Equus callabus) /

Research paper thumbnail of Endoscopy of the auditory diverticula in four horses with otitis media/interna

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association

ABSTRACT

Research paper thumbnail of Degrees: BS, DVM, PhD Specialty Certifications: Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons Clinical Interests: Equine emergency medicine and surgery, gastrointestinal surgery, critical care. Research Interests: Equine enterolithiasis, gastroenterology, nutrition, epidemiology and critical...

Research paper thumbnail of Concentrations of serum amyloid A and plasma fibrinogen in horses undergoing emergency abdominal surgery

Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2015

To compare the perioperative response of serum amyloid A (SAA) to fibrinogen in horses requiring ... more To compare the perioperative response of serum amyloid A (SAA) to fibrinogen in horses requiring exploratory celiotomy for colic and to determine if SAA could be used to predict complications and outcome. Prospective observational clinical study. University teaching hospital. Eighteen horses undergoing exploratory celiotomy for colic. Inclusion criteria for the study included survival and anesthetic recovery from exploratory celiotomy, no history of surgery within the past year. Blood was obtained via jugular venipuncture before surgery (time 0) and at 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours after recovery from anesthesia. Quantitative and semiquantitative fibrinogen, SAA, total nucleated cell counts, and total protein were evaluated at each time point. Multivariable linear regression was used to assess differences at each time point and after grouping horses according to duration of colic prior to surgery, strangulating surgical lesion or not, presence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) on admission, and postsurgical complications. Significant (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.05) increases in SAA concentrations occurred in all cases after surgery compared to fibrinogen concentration, which only demonstrated a mild, clinically insignificant increase postsurgery. SAA concentrations were also significantly increased (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.05) in cases identified with SIRS prior to surgery and postoperatively at 48 (P = 0.05) and 72 hours (P = 0.02) in horses that developed complications. Measurement of SAA is a more sensitive indicator of inflammation than fibrinogen in the perioperative period of horses requiring exploratory celiotomy for colic. Serial measurement of SAA at 48, 72, and 96 hours after surgery may be helpful to determine risk of complications and guide postoperative management. Measurement of SAA on admission also allows for quantification of SIRS when it is detected clinically.

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of the Colic in Horses

Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice, 2014

This article presents an overview of key factors that should alert the practitioner toward referr... more This article presents an overview of key factors that should alert the practitioner toward referral of a colic patient to a facility capable of surgical exploration or intensive medical management. Discussion includes a review of important aspects of colic history, signalment, physical examination findings, and diagnostic test results that indicate that a more serious medical or surgical condition exists, and advanced therapy is necessary.

Research paper thumbnail of A Modified Teniotomy Technique for Facilitated Removal of Descending Colon Enteroliths in Horses

Veterinary Surgery, 1998

Objective-To describe a method for facilitating movement of enteroliths obstructing the proximal ... more Objective-To describe a method for facilitating movement of enteroliths obstructing the proximal portion of the descending colon. Study Design-Prospective report. Sample Population-15 horses. Methods-A seromuscular incision through the antimesenteric taenia of the proximal portion of the descending colon was used to facilitate movement of enteroliths. Results-Teniotomy allowed proximal descending colon enteroliths located within the abdomen or close to the abdominal wall to be advanced 4 to 15 cm in an aboral direction so that they could be exteriorized for safe removal. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Teniotomy is a feasible method for mobilizing enteroliths in the proximal descending colon in locations that cannot otherwise be exteriorized.

Research paper thumbnail of In vitro comparison of V-Loc™ versus Biosyn™ in a one-layer end-to-end anastomosis of equine jejunum

Veterinary Surgery, 2014

To compare a unidirectional barbed suture (V-Loc™) to its suture material equivalent (Biosyn™) in... more To compare a unidirectional barbed suture (V-Loc™) to its suture material equivalent (Biosyn™) in a single-layer end-to-end anastomosis of equine jejunum. Experimental in vitro study. Jejunal sections from adult horses (n = 5) without gastrointestinal disease. Jejunal end-to-end anastomoses (n = 9) were performed for each group (V-Loc™, Biosyn™) with a continuous Lembert pattern with an interruption every 120°. Anastomosis construction time, luminal diameter, and number of suture bites were recorded. Anastomosis constructs were distended with fluid at 1 L/min until failure. Location and intraluminal pressure at failure were recorded and all measurements were compared between groups. V-Loc™ anastomoses were significantly faster to perform (13.1 ± 0.35 minutes) when compared to the Biosyn™ group (15.6 ± 0.72 minutes; P = .0004). No differences were observed for anastomotic index or number of suture bites. V-Loc™ anastomosis constructs had a significantly decreased bursting pressure (160 ± 11.6 mmHg) compared to Biosyn™ constructs (184 ± 16.9 mmHg; P = .01). V-Loc™ allowed faster construction time and did not cause a decreased anastomosis luminal diameter when compared with Biosyn™. V-Loc™ had a decreased bursting strength compared with Biosyn™, albeit well above pathologic pressures encountered clinically. Use of V-Loc™ may be beneficial for decreasing the amount of exposed suture material because of the absence of knots after construction and has the potential to result in decreased adhesions.

Research paper thumbnail of Detection of calprotectin and apoptotic activity within the equine colon from horses with black walnut extract-induced laminitis

Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology, 2011

The black walnut extract (BWE) model of equine laminitis is associated with a systemic inflammato... more The black walnut extract (BWE) model of equine laminitis is associated with a systemic inflammatory response manifest by increased expression of inflammatory cytokines in the lungs and liver as well as the laminae. The specific role of the gastrointestinal tract in development of this response is unclear and is of utmost importance, as gastrointestinal disease and laminitis are intimately related. We investigated calprotectin expression and epithelial and endothelial apoptosis in the colon of horses exposed to orally administered BWE. Sections of colon from 19 horses including 7 controls not exposed to BWE, 6 horses at the developmental time-point of leukopenia (DTP) and 6 at the onset of Obel grade 1 laminitis (LAM) after BWE-administration were histologically examined. Immunohistochemical evaluation for calprotectin expression with MAC 387 antibody was performed along with assessment of epithelial and endothelial apoptosis with caspase-3 active antibody. Calprotectin expression and percentage of apoptotic cells were compared between controls and the two treatment groups and presence of a correlation between calprotectin expression and apoptosis was evaluated. Histological findings from BWE-treated horses included eosinophil and lymphocyte epitheliotropism. The DTP group had a higher (p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.01) calprotectin score with respect to the control group, while there was no significant difference in percentage of epithelial and endothelial apoptotic cells between groups (p=0.08 and p=0.48 respectively). No significant correlation was found between calprotectin score and epithelial or endothelial apoptosis (p=0.69 and p=0.29 respectively). There is preliminary evidence that exposure of horses to BWE results in an early inflammatory response in the colon. Further studies are needed to characterize the nature of the colonic injury in BWE-exposed horses and the link to the development of laminitis.

Research paper thumbnail of Thoracic Trauma in Horses

Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice, 2007

Thoracic trauma represents an important cause of morbidity in mortality after injury in human bei... more Thoracic trauma represents an important cause of morbidity in mortality after injury in human beings and animals. After any form of suspected chest wall trauma, initial emergency management should include assurance of a patent airway and adequate ventilation, along with treatment for shock if present. As with any open wound, tetanus prophylaxis should be instituted. Types of trauma to the thoracic region of the horse include pectoral and axillary lacerations, penetrating chest wounds, flail chest, fractures of the ribs, blunt thoracic trauma, and several potential sequelae that include pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, hemothorax, pleuritis, fistulae of the sternum or ribs, and diaphragmatic hernia. Emergency management of these various forms of thoracic trauma is discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Colic: Nonsurgical Complications

Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice, 2008

Colic is a serious disease of the horse and may require surgical correction. Postoperative compli... more Colic is a serious disease of the horse and may require surgical correction. Postoperative complications may result in an increase in short-term morbidity and mortality. Commonly encountered nonsurgical complications are detailed. Anticipation and timely treatment of common postoperative complications after colic surgery may improve overall survival.

Research paper thumbnail of Testicular vascular hamartoma in a calf

Research paper thumbnail of Influence of diet and water supply on mineral content and pH within the large intestine of horses with enterolithiasis

The Veterinary Journal, 2009

To determine the effects of two diets and water supplies on intestinal pH and mineral concentrati... more To determine the effects of two diets and water supplies on intestinal pH and mineral concentrations in the colon of horses, and to identify whether differences in these parameters exist in horses with and without enterolithiasis, surgical fistulation of the right dorsal colon was performed in six adult horses, three with and three without enterolithiasis. Each horse underwent four feeding trials: grass hay and untreated water, alfalfa hay and untreated water, grass hay with filtered/softened water, and alfalfa hay with filtered/softened water. Samples of colonic contents were analyzed for pH, dry matter, and mineral concentrations. Horses with enterolithiasis had higher calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and sulfur concentrations and higher pH in colonic contents than controls. Horses fed alfalfa had lower colonic sodium and potassium, higher calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and sulfur concentrations, and a more alkaline pH than those fed grass. Grass hay consumption leads to reduced concentrations of select minerals and a more acidic colonic environment compared with alfalfa, probably beneficial in the prevention of enterolithiasis. Under controlled dietary and management conditions, horses with enterolithiasis have differences in colonic mineral and pH parameters that may be consistent with physiological differences between horses with and without the disease.

Research paper thumbnail of Di-tri-octahedral smectite for the prevention of post-operative diarrhea in equids with surgical disease of the large intestine: Results of a randomized clinical trial

The Veterinary Journal, 2009

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a commercially available di-tri-octahedral (... more The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a commercially available di-tri-octahedral (DTO) smectite product on clinical signs and prevalence of post-operative diarrhea in horses with colic associated with disease of the large intestine. Sixty-seven horses with surgical disease of the large intestine were randomly assigned to be treated with DTO smectite (n=37; 0.5 kg via nasogastric intubation every 24 h for 3 days post-operatively) or a placebo (n=30). The effect of treatment on fecal scores and clinical and hematological parameters, including heart rate, mucous membrane color, temperature, total white blood cell count, total neutrophil count and total plasma protein values, were determined. Horses treated with DTO smectite had a significant reduction in the prevalence of post-operative diarrhea (10.8%), compared with controls (41.4%). A significant improvement in mucous membrane color was observed 72 h post-operatively in horses receiving treatment, compared with placebo. Administration of DTO smectite to colic patients with disease of the large intestine reduced the occurrence of diarrhea in the early post-operative period.

Research paper thumbnail of Clinical Features and Prognostic Variables in 109 Horses with Esophageal Obstruction (1992-2009)

Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2010

Esophageal obstruction is common in horses and can result in life-threatening complications. Prev... more Esophageal obstruction is common in horses and can result in life-threatening complications. Previous studies have described clinical findings in horses with esophageal obstruction, but there are no reports that attempt to make correlations of clinical findings with outcome. Specific clinical features of horses with esophageal obstruction are associated with increased likelihood of complications. One hundred and nine horses with esophageal obstruction. Retrospective cross-sectional study. All clinical records of horses admitted between April 1992 and February 2009 for esophageal obstruction were reviewed. The association among 24 clinical, hematological, biochemical, therapeutic variables and the likelihood of complications was investigated by a univariable logistic regression model, followed by multivariable analysis. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that intact males (P= .02), age &gt;15 years (P &lt; .01), and a need for general anesthesia (P &lt; .01) were associated with the development of complications after an episode of esophageal obstruction. Increased respiratory rate (&gt;22 breaths/min) and moderate or severe tracheal contamination, although not associated with complications as a whole, significantly increased the risk of developing aspiration pneumonia (P≤ .01). Signalment, clinical variables, and endoscopic findings were confirmed as important tools in assessing the severity of the esophageal lesion and pulmonary involvement. Knowledge of risk factors for the development of complications will aid in making informed decisions to optimize treatment and assist in the assessment of prognosis.