Background: Upward fixation of patella is common clinical malady in cattle due to extensive movement of stifle joint during the locomotory activity because of unknown etiology. However, at certain peak point (overstretching of ligament) or due to occupational trauma (wear and tear), ligament become flaccid and weak leading to patellar displacement and lameness. Patellar ligaments play crucial role in stifle joint movement and any functional or structural alterations in the ligaments can lead to acute to chronic lameness in cattle. The present study was carried out to evaluate the structural changes in collagen fibril material in medial patellar ligament in cattle suffering 
with patellar luxation.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Tissue specimens of medial patellar ligament of normal (control animal) and affected cattle (luxation of patella) were harvested and preserved for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) study as per standard procedure at RUSKA Laboratories, College of Veterinary Science, PVNRTVU, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, India. 
 
Result: The incidence of medial patellar luxation was higher in females as compared to male cattle and the duration of lameness was between 3-12 months (7.35&plusmn;0.56 months) characterized by dragging of toe, outward jerky movement of affected limb, extension of limb and change in appearance of gait during walk and flexion of fetlock. Scanning electron study of normal ligament showed dense, uniformly and compact arrangement of collagen fiber bundles with morphometric thickness was 3.66&plusmn;0.58 &micro;m. whereas in luxated patella cases, medial ligament showed derangement in collagen fiber bundles. The collagen fibers were arranged irregular and wavy with morphometric thickness of collagen was 2.58&plusmn;0.03 &micro;m. Electron microscopy of the normal ligament showed presence of thick collagen fiber bundles packed in dense and compact arrangement. Electron microscopy of affected ligament had degenerative changes of the fibers characterized by thin collagen fiber bundles which were loosely and disorganized arranged fibrils. The present study concludes that, luxation of patella was common locomotory disorders in cattle due to derangement in collagen fiber bundles with drastic reduction in thickness of collagen fibers, increased gap between two collagen fibers, broken and overlapping fiber bundles and surface of collagen fibers appeared irregular rough via scanning and electron microscopy analysis.

Collagen Fibril Morphological Study of Medial Patellar Ligament of Stifle Joint Affected with Patellar Luxation in Cattle

<div>Background: Thoraco-lumbar spinal trauma frequently results in neurological dysfunction of varying degrees in domestic cats. The consequences may be permanent disability or death depending on severity and segment of spinal cord affected. Assessment of primary damage to spinal cord is important to prevent secondary damage and complications arising from neurological deficit. Since assessment of neurological dysfunction and its treatment in spinal trauma in cats is an evolving field, the present study was undertaken with an objective to record and associate epidemiological data and clinical examination findings at the time of presentation with clinical outcome on 60th post-treatment day in cats with thoracolumbar vertebral fracture and luxation, for a better clinical approach in this condition.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: 24 affected cats were assessed epidemiologically and clinically at the time of presentation. All the cats were treated either conservatively or surgically based on extent of neurological dysfunction and severity of injury on radiographic evaluation. Post-treatment observations was then correlated with epidemiological data and clinical findings to assess the clinical outcome. &nbsp; 
 
Result: In the present study, sub-adult semi-domicile cats were most affected and major cause was automobile accident. Presence of concomitant injuries (30%) affected recovery. Thoracolumbar spinal cord segment (T3-L3) was most affected (71%). Among 16 cats with unstable vertebral fractures, 5/6 cats recovered after surgical treatment and 2/10 cats recovered after conservative treatment. Survival and recovery was poor when degree vertebral canal displacement was more than 70% (10 cats). All 7 cats with grade 1 or grade 2 and one cat with grade 3 neurological dysfunction recovered after conservative treatment. 5 cats with grade 3 and 2 cats with grade 4 neurological dysfunction recovered after surgical treatment. Selection of surgical treatment provided better recovery in cats with unstable vertebral fractures and greater degree of neurological dysfunction.&nbsp;</div>

Collagen Fibril Morphological Study of Medial Patellar Ligament of Stifle Joint Affected with Patellar Luxation in Cattle

Epidemiological and Clinical Studies in Cats with Thoracolumbar Vertebral Fracture and Luxation and Its Management