DVM University of Georgia
ACVS Board Certified in Surgery
Improvements in diagnostic, anesthetic, and surgical techniques during the past decade have greatly increased the survival rate of horses requiring abdominal exploration for acute abdominal disease. Complications associated with intestinal resection and anastomosis of the small colon, however, are a major cause of death in such patients. In addition, ileal impaction is the most frequently reported cause of small intestinal, non strangulating obstruction in adult horses. We are currently investigating t he incidence and results of surgical and medical treatments of impaction of the ileum in the horse. In addition our lab is involved in studying the process of osteoarthritis. It is now apparent that osteoarthritis is an active process that may result fr om, or at least be maintained by, the inappropriate response of chondrocytes to normal catabolic and anabolic stimuli. Increased activity of the cytokine IL-1 has been identified in synovial fluid of osteoarthritic joints. We are currently describing th e normal pattern for interleukin-1 receptors in the synovium and articular cartilage of the normal adult tarsus. In addition, because conventional radiographic procedures provide poor contrast for articular cartilage and adjacent soft tissue structures, we are evaluating the use of magnetic resonance images to evaluate these structures. Other projects in the lab include the ability of orally administered complex sugars to stabilize the articular surface and prevent the development of clinical osteoarthr itis.
Hanson RR, Nixon AJ, Calderwood-Mays M, Gronwall R, Pendergast J. A comparison of staple and suture techniques for small colon anastomosis in the horse. Am J Vet Res 1988; 49:1621-1628.
Hanson RR, Nixon AJ, Meyer D, Gronwall R, Pendergast J. Evaluation of peritoneal fluid following intestinal resection and anastomosis in the horse. Am J Vet Res 1992; 53:216-221.
Trim CM, Hanson RR. The effects of xylazine on renal function and plasma glucose in ponies. Veter Rec 1986; 118:65-67.
Hanson RR, Todhunter RJ. Spontaneous herniation of the abdominal wall in pregnant mares. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1986; 189:790-793.
Hanson RR, Peyton LC. Surgical correction of momentary upward fixation of the patella in a brahman cow. Can Vet J 1987; 28:675-677.
Ross WR, Hanson RR. Large intestine. In Auer JA ed: Equine Surgery, Philadelphia: WB Saunders Co, 1992; 379-406.
Hanson RR, Pugh DG, Cirelli A. First aid management in the horse, in Lenz TR (ed): Horse Industry Handbook; A Guide to Equine Care and Management. Lexington, KY, American Youth Horse Council, 1994, 440.1-440.7