Use of endoscopy for examination of the sacral epidural space in standing cattle.
OBJECTIVE
To develop an epiduroscopic technique for use in standing cattle and describe the endoscopically visible anatomic structures of the epidural space in the sacrococcygeal area.


METHODS
6 healthy nonlactating, nonpregnant cows (mean +/- SD age, 60 +/- 18.5 months; mean weight, 599.7 +/- 63.87 kg) and 3 bovine cadavers.


METHODS
Cadavers were used to allow familiarization with the equipment and refinement of the technique. Following these experiences, procedures were performed in live animals. Each cow was restrained in a stock. After sedation with xylazine (0.03 mg/kg, IV), 2% lidocaine hydrochloride (0.25 mg/kg) was injected epidurally in the first intercoccygeal or the sacrococcygeal intervertebral space. By use of an introducer set (guidewire and dilation trocar and shaft), a flexible endoscope (length, 75 cm; diameter, 2.3 mm) was inserted through the dilation shaft into the epidural space. To obtain an optimal view, small amounts of air were insufflated into the epidural space through the working channel of the endoscope via a syringe with special filter.


RESULTS
Anatomic structures of the epidural space that were viewed by means of the endoscopic procedure included blood vessels, connective tissue, fat, nerves, and the spinal dura mater. No adverse events were detected during epiduroscopy, and it was tolerated well by all 6 cows.


CONCLUSIONS
In ruminants, epidural structures can be viewed via endoscopy. Such epiduroscopic procedures may be useful in anatomic studies as well as for the diagnosis of disease or therapeutic interventions in ruminants.
Franz
Sonja
S
Clinic for Ruminants, Department for Farm Animals and Herd Management, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinaerplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria.
Dadak
Agnes M
AM
Moens
Yves
Y
Baumgartner
Walter
W
Iff
Isabelle
I
D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D004824:Epidural Space / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005260:Female