OBJECTIVE: To evaluate an occlusion technique for the internal carotid artery of horses using an intravascular, detachable, self-sealing, latex balloon distally and ligatures proximally. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. ANIMALS: Six healthy adult horses. METHODS: In each horse, the left internal carotid artery was occluded by placement of an intravascular, detachable, self-sealing, latex balloon distally and two ligatures proximally. Radiographs were taken on days 2, 5, 10, and 30 after surgery to evaluate balloon inflation and position. Endoscopic examination of the left guttural pouch was performed 10 days after surgery to evaluate the integrity of the internal carotid artery and surrounding tissues. At 30 days, the left and right, common, internal, and external carotid arteries were examined grossly and then processed for histologic evaluation. RESULTS: Immediate and long-term occlusion of the left internal carotid artery was achieved in all horses. The surgical procedure was technically straightforward and no intraoperative or postoperative complications were encountered. The balloons remained inflated and in their original position throughout the study. Maturing to mature, organized thrombi were present in the left internal carotid artery in all horses at 30 days. The cerebral arterial circle and common carotid artery were patent at their junctions with the internal carotid artery in all horses. CONCLUSIONS: Use of an intravascular, detachable, self-sealing, latex balloon distally and ligatures proximally is an effective technique for occluding the internal carotid artery of horses. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This technique may be useful for prevention of fatal hemorrhage in horses with lesions of the internal carotid artery.

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Anatomic models and phantoms for diagnostic ultrasound instruction.

The preparation and application of anatomic models and phantoms to facilitate learning diagnostic ultrasound is described. Imaging with diagnostic ultrasound requires mastery of many skills, along with knowledge of sound-tissue interactions which contribute to the formation of diagnostic images and artifacts. Understanding the genesis of artifacts encountered during ultrasound scanning can avoid misinterpretation and aid diagnosis. In addition, development of machine related knowledge and skills, including manipulation of the transducer and the selection of correct settings for variables such as gain, power, time-gain compensation, and transducer type, is dependent on an understanding of how these factors affect the image. The normal appearance of an organ relates to both its echogenicity and morphologic characteristics, and confirmation of the nature of an abnormality often requires ultrasound guided biopsy. The use of anatomic models and phantoms in ultrasound instruction allows principles to be demonstrated, knowledge acquired, and biopsy procedures practiced and mastered in a controlled setting. This can minimize live animal use, and enhance the knowledge base and skills of the clinician prior to applying this diagnostic technique to the clinical patient.

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An ectopic wing in a wild black vulture (Coragyps atratus).

An approximately 5-month-old black vulture (Coragyps atratus) was presented with the chief complaint of cervicomelia. A full-sized ectopic wing, with its own pectoral girdle, was found attached to the dorsal surface of the last few cervical vertebrae. There was deformation (right dorsolateral narrowing) of the spinal canal at the point of attachment with a corresponding compression of the spinal cord.

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