Gabriela Lopez-Navarro
UNAM- FMVZ
Mexico
Title: Comparative study of histological changes in the deep branch of the lateral palmar nerve (DBLPAN) in horses with induced proximal suspensory desmitis (PSD)
Biography
Biography: Gabriela Lopez-Navarro
Abstract
Introduction
The aim of this study was to determine if the DBLPaN has lesions that suggest compression neuropathy as a source of pain in horses that have PSD. Histologic features of the DBLPaN of the lame thoracic limb of horses with collagen-induced PSD were compared with those controls.
Objective
To compare histological features in the DBLPaN of horses with induced PSD of a thoracic limb with histological features of this nerve in the contralateral control limb.
Methods
Adult mixed breed horses (n=8) with no evidence of PSD. Desmitis was induced in a thoracic limb by ultrasound-guided injection of collagenase. Eight weeks later a 2 cm portion of the DBLPaN was removed from each thoracic limb. Results. DBPaLNs of horses with collagen-induced desmitis had evidence of degenerative nerve compression such as: proliferation of endoneural myxomatous matrix, Renault bodies and myelin degeneration.
Discussion
Persistence of thoracic limb lameness in horses with PSD may be caused by compression of the DBPaLN, which innervates the proximal aspect of the suspensory ligament and may be the cause of pain causing lameness rather than pain originating within the proximal aspect of the suspensory ligament.
Conclusions
Chronic lameness in horses affected with PSD can be caused by compression neuropathy. The protocol was approved by the FMVZ-UNAM Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.
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