The adsorption of particles with nearest-neighbor repulsive interactions is studied through Monte Carlo simulation on bivariate surfaces characterized by patches of weak and strong adsorbing sites of size l. Patches are considered to have a square geometry and they can be either arranged in a deterministic ordered structure or in a random way. Quantities are identified which scale obeying power laws as a function of the scale length l and its dependence on the temperature is determined. Consequences of this finding are discussed for the determination of the energetic topography of the surface from adsorption measurements.

Inguinal hernias (IHs) and ruptures are a relatively common condition in horses, occurring in foals (congenital) and adult (acquired) animals. A retrospective observational analysis was conducted on 40 cases that underwent laparoscopic surgery to close the VRs using barbed sutures alone or combined with other techniques. Signalment, clinical presentation, surgery, and follow-up data were obtained. In total, fifty-nine VRs were closed using barbed sutures (alone or in combination with other methods), with six cases performed prophylactically and forty-four due to acquired IH. Of the forty-four cases with IH, four were non-strangulated hernias, while thirty presented with strangulated small intestines (twenty-eight acquired and two congenital). The results obtained in this study suggest that laparoscopic hernioplasty with barbed sutures is an effective and safe surgical procedure that could be recommended as a standard practice for managing inguinal hernias in horses, particularly when sparing testicles or preserving reproductive capabilities is a priority.

Summary: Background: The paracondylar process is of clinical interest due to its proximity to anatomical structures involved in vital functions. There are limited reports describing abnormalities affecting the paracondylar process (PCP), with traumatic fractures being the most prevalent pathology. Affected horses can present with a variety of signs including headshaking, facial paralysis and/or poor performance. In almost all cases reported in the literature to date, computed tomography has been used to diagnose a PCP fracture. Objectives: The aim of this study was to develop a radiographic technique for imaging the PCP, to determine the optimum radiographic projection angle and trial its use in standing sedated horses. Study design: Cadaveric‐simulated clinical case and pilot study conducted in 10 standing sedated horses. Methods: Three tangential radiographs of the left and right paracondylar processes at 5°, 15° and 20° to the transverse plane and 20° to the dorsal plane were obtained in 10 standing sedated horses. Three blinded observers independently ranked each of the three images for clarity of viewing the PCP. The radiographic projection allowed imaging of the ventral portion of the PCP while avoiding superimposition of other osseous structures. A simulated PCP fracture in a cadaver could be recognised using this technique. Results: The highest grades were obtained for radiographs with a 5° angle from the transverse plane, and the lowest grades were obtained for a 20° angle. Main limitations: Complex anatomy of the PCP with superimposition of osseous and soft tissue structures. Conclusions: The radiographic technique for the PCP can be safely performed in standing, sedated horses. It is suitable for implementation in general veterinary practice before considering referral for advanced imaging techniques in horses presenting with headshaking or facial paralysis.

This paper describes the clinicopathological features, treatment and 22-month follow-up of a melanoma involving the coronary band and hoof wall lamellae in a 12-year-old bay Andalusian gelding. The horse exhibited a mild right forelimb lameness and history of recurrent lameness and abscessation for an ongoing 10-month period. Based on clinical and radiological examination, a keratoma at the dorsolateral aspect of the hoof, as well as a plaque-like pigmented lesion at the coronary band were diagnosed. Both lesions were removed. Microscopically, a melanoma with dermo-epidermal activity (resembling superficial spreading melanoma), was diagnosed. Further diagnostic imaging techniques showed no involvement of the surrounding structures beyond the superficial dermis. Therefore, a surgical removal of the mass, with a partial hoof wall resection was performed, and local cisplatin chemotherapy was administered. After partial regression at 6 months, the control biopsies at 12, 18 and 22 months confirmed the persistence of tumour nests with dermo – epidermal growth pattern without further invasion of deep structures or metastasis.

Background: The paracondylar process is of clinical interest due to its proximity to anatomical structures involved in vital functions. There are limited reports describing abnormalities affecting the paracondylar process (PCP), with traumatic fractures being the most prevalent pathology. Affected horses can present with a variety of signs including headshaking, facial paralysis and/or poor performance. In almost all cases reported in the literature to date, computed tomography has been used to diagnose a PCP fracture. Objectives: The aim of this study was to develop a radiographic technique for imaging the PCP, to determine the optimum radiographic projection angle and trial its use in standing sedated horses. Study design: Pilot study conducted in 10 standing sedated horses. Methods: Three tangential radiographs of the left and right paracondylar processes at 5º, 15º and 20º to the transverse plane were obtained in 10 standing sedated horses. Three blinded observers independently ranked each of the three images for clarity of viewing the PCP. The radiographic projection allowed imaging of the ventral portion of the PCP while avoiding superimposition of other osseous structures. Results: The highest grades were obtained for radiographs with a 5º angle from the transverse plane, and the lowest grades were obtained for a 20º angle. Main limitations: Complex anatomy of the PCP with superimposition of osseous and soft tissue structures. Conclusions: The radiographic technique for the PCP can be safely performed in standing, sedated horses. It is suitable for implementation in general veterinary practice before considering referral for advanced imaging techniques in horses presenting with headshaking or facial paralysis.