Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Modified surgery tackles neuromuscular condition in cattle
The approach is less invasive, calls for less veterinary expertise and reduces the costs and risks of anaethesia.
The technique offers fast treatment to spastic paresis.

A new method of surgery has been developed which could provide fast and simple treatment for a neuromuscular condition affecting the hind limbs of cattle.

The modified technique has been developed at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies to allow for on-farm treatment of spastic paresis, with an easier and less invasive approach.

Spastic paresis is a neuromuscular disease affecting cattle, causing spastic contractions of muscles in their hind limbs. If left untreated, the muscle spasms can cause the animal to suffer stress and pain.

The condition is often treated with surgery, which relieves the animal’s pain, and improves their movement, growth and ability to gain weight.

The surgical approach devised by researchers presents a modified approach to a tenectomy, in which muscles spasms are remedied by amending two of three tendons of the Achilles tendon. The new approach suggests that the relevant tendons are more easily accessed by making an incision closer to the hock, the joint midway down the leg.

The researchers say this makes the surgery simpler in comparison to conventional tenectomy and neurectomy procedures.

By relocating the surgery site, the method overcomes difficulties such as finding and distinguishing the three necessary tendons. The technique also reduces the need for the specialised electro-stimulation equipment that is used for differentiating nerves in alternative treatment options such as tibial neurectomies.

The approach is less invasive, which allows for reduced surgery time when on-site in a farm environment, calls for less veterinary expertise and reduces the costs and risks of anaethesia. This is particularly important when treating older and heavier animals.

David McFarland, of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Science Farm Animal Services, said: “This is a good alternative to traditional tenectomy surgery, and can improve the welfare and performance of cattle with spastic paresis. Tenectomy of the medial and lateral tendon of the gastrocnemius muscle is a useful alternative to a tibial neurectomy, especially in older, larger animals.

“Our method gives vets an option where time constraints in the field may be a concern, with a less invasive procedure with simple-to-identify surgical landmarks.”

Image © Shutterstock

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

VMD responds to Solensia injection concerns

News Story 1
 The VMD has added anaphylaxis to the SPC of Solensia 7 mg/ml Solution for Injection for Cats.

It says that this is a rare side effect, with such adverse events affecting fewer than three animals for every 1000 doses of Solensia sold.

Solensia is used to alleviate osteoarthritis pain in cats. It contains the active ingredient frunevetmab.

Anaphylaxis joins effects such as alopecia, dermatitis, pruritus on the list of adverse effects.

The VMD says that is constantly reviewing adverse event data for all medicines. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Applications open for RCVS Fellowship

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has opened applications for veterinary surgeons to join the RCVS Fellowship.

The RCVS Fellowship is a learned society which works to advance veterinary standards and promote scientific excellence.

Veterinary surgeons can enter the RCVS Fellowship through three routes, each with different criteria. This enables people with a range of expertise and experience to join the society.

The routes are: Meritorious Contributions to Clinical Practice, Meritorious Contributions to Knowledge and Meritorious Contributions to the Profession.

Applicants must share a summary of their contributions to the profession, including examples of significant works produced throughout their career. The application will then be assessed by a panel of judges against a set of criteria.

Veterinary surgeons have until 4pm on Friday, 14 March to submit applications. More information, including requirements and guidance can be found here.