Give a dog a genome

In 2004 the dog became only the fifth mammal to have its entire genome fully sequenced. The canine genome was sequenced in the hope that it would help scientists understand the complex evolutionary mechanisms that shape genes and genomes and provide a powerful tool for identifying genetic factors that contribute to human health and disease. It is expected that over the coming years the genome of man's best friend will help in the understanding of the genetic cause of many inherited diseases that humans and dogs have in common. Not only of obvious benefit to humans, these studies will enable the development of DNA diagnostic tests that breeders can use to identify which of their dogs carry mutations that put them at risk of developing particular conditions and thus, over time, eliminate those diseases from the breed.     

Treatment of a severely comminuted fracture in a rabbit using a Kirschner-Ehmer apparatus

A severely comminuted fracture of the distal tibia, in a rabbit, was successfully treated by the application of Kirschner-Ehmer external fixator. The principles used in applying the apparatus are outlined, indicating its suitability of use in a variety of situations.     

Tuberculosis as a zoonosis from a veterinary perspective

Tuberculosis is an important disease among many zoonoses, because both Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis, which are the major causes of tuberculosis, are highly pathogenic, infect many animal species and thus are likely to be the source of infection in humans. In particular, monkeys are highly susceptible to these bacteria and are important spreaders. Recently, two outbreaks of M. tuberculosis occurred in four different kinds of monkeys and humans were also infected with the disease in Japan. In zoos, tuberculosis was reported not only in monkeys, but also in several different kinds of animals, including elephants. Pets such as dogs and cats are believed to be generally less susceptible to M. tuberculosis, but in this article we introduce a case of infection from man to dog by close contact. Japan is one of the few countries that have been able to control M. bovis infection. In other countries, however, cases of bovine tuberculosis and human M. bovis infection have been reported, and thus further attention is still required in the future.     

Complications from a testicular prosthesis in a stallion

A testicular prosthesis was removed from the scrotum of a 3-year-old Quarter Horse stallion. The prosthesis had been placed in the left side of the scrotum 10 months earlier, after an unsuccessful attempt to reposition the retained left testis. Because of a persistent draining fistula on the scrotum, first noted 5 months after placement of the prosthesis, surgery was performed to remove the prosthesis. At surgery, the left testis was found in a fibrous mass surrounding the prosthesis. The left testis had descended after placement of the prosthesis, and its involvement in the fibrous tissue surrounding the infected prosthesis necessitated its removal. Had the prosthesis not been placed, descent of the left testis probably would have resulted in an essentially normal stallion.     

Treatment of a coxofemoral luxation in a pony using a prosthetic capsule technique

Objective: To report open reduction and joint stabilization using a prosthetic capsule technique for treatment of a craniodorsal coxofemoral luxation in a lightweight pony. Study Design: Clinical report. Animals: Pony stallion (8 years old, 113 kg). Methods: A craniodorsal approach to the coxofemoral joint was performed under general anesthesia. After open reduction, a prosthetic capsule technique was used. Four 3.5 mm self‐tapping cortical anchor screws were implanted: 2 screws were inserted above the cranial aspect of the dorsal acetabular rim, and 2 screws were inserted into the femoral neck. Subsequently, a #5 USP ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene suture was placed through these anchor screws in figure‐8 fashion to serve as a prosthetic capsule. Routine closure and a medial patellar desmotomy completed the surgical procedure. Postoperatively, the pony was cross tied for 4 weeks to prevent it from lying down. Results: Neither short‐term nor long‐term complications occurred and the pony was sound at the follow‐up examination performed 15 months postoperatively. Conclusions: A prosthetic capsule technique can be used successfully to stabilize the coxofemoral joint after open reduction of a craniodorsal luxation in a lightweight pony.     

Successful treatment of a localised CDC Group EF-4a infection in a cat

Organisms classified within the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Group eugonic fermenter (EF)-4a are facultative anaerobic, Gram-negative coccobacilli, thought to be of the family Neisseriaceae. CDC Group EF-4a is considered a component of normal oral flora in cats and dogs and is most commonly isolated from bite injuries of human patients. Most previously reported cases in cats have involved fatal necrotising pneumonia. We report a localised infection of the retropharyngeal/mandibular tissues in a cat, which responded to surgical drainage and a 5-week course of amoxycillin clavulanate. There are no prior reports of successfully treated EF-4a infections in cats in the literature.     

Simultaneous presence of a seminoma and a leiomyoma in the testes of a horse

An 18‐year‐old stallion was presented for castration because of insidious, bilateral scrotal enlargement of one year's duration. The left testis was firm, while the right was soft and lobulated; both were larger than normal. Palpation of the scrotum and its contents did not cause the horse to show signs of discomfort. Ultrasonography of scrotal contents revealed abnormal, heterogeneous tissue with ill defined regions of hyper‐ and hypoechogenity throughout both testes. Several hours after admission the horse developed severe signs of colic. On the basis of anamnesis, clinical findings, and results of ultrasonography and transrectal palpation bilateral testicular neoplasia and incarcerated inguinal hernia were tentatively diagnosed. Because the horse's owner did not consent to surgical treatment, the stallion was subjected to euthanasia. Histological and immunohistochemical examination of the testicular tissue collected post mortem revealed a seminoma in the left testis and a leiomyoma in the right testis. The post mortem examination also revealed incarceration of the small intestine in addition to the testicular tumours. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the simultaneous presence of bilateral, yet different testicular tumour types in a stallion.     

Haemangiosarcoma with a metastasis of a malignant mixed mammary gland tumour in a dog

An 11-year-old dog with a history of weight loss, anorexia, anaemia, epistaxis and a nodule in the mammary gland showed multifocal lung masses during radiography. At necropsy as well as in the histological examination two different tumours were identified in several organs including the right heart auricle. By immunohistochemistry, using a double-staining DAKO kit (DAKO Diagnostics, Zug, Switzerland), it was possible to identify the two components as haemangiosarcoma and metastasizing malignant mixed mammary gland tumour.     

Surgical resection of a dysgerminoma in a mare

A mare was referred for further evaluation of a mass found in the left caudal abdomen during a routine postpartum reproductive palpation. The mare was clinically normal with no history of health problems. Ultrasonographic examination of the mass confirmed its presence, but the origin of the mass could not be accurately determined. Routine haematology and serum biochemistry results were within normal limits. The mare was initially treated conservatively with antibiotics, but the mass continued to increase in size, so it was surgically excised. The mass involved the left ovary. The mare showed transient abdominal pain after surgery, but developed no other complications and was in foal 7 months later. On histology, the mass was diagnosed as a dysgerminoma, a rare ovarian tumour of germ cell origin.     

Pleuritis and pneumonia attributed to a conifer twig in a bronchus of a horse

A conifer twig was responsible for severe fibrinopyogranulomatous adhesive pleuritis and pneumonia in a horse. At necropsy, the twig was found in a terminal bronchus and extended into the lung parenchyma, through the pleura, and into the accumulated exudate. Inhalation of plant material may be a more common cause of pleuritis than previously recognized. Meticulous examination at necropsy would be necessary to make the diagnosis.     

Hypercalcemia in a dog: a challenging case

An 18-month-old, spayed female, mixed-breed dog was referred for investigation of persistent hypercalcemia. After extensive diagnostic evaluation, a tentative diagnosis of occult lymphosarcoma (LSA) was made and the dog was euthanized. At necropsy, infection with Heterobilharzia americana was diagnosed. In endemic areas, schistosomiasis should be included in the differential diagnosis of hypercalcemia, and a fecal examination should be performed in every dog with a hypercalcemia of unknown origin.     

Cytologic features of a meningioma in a dog

Meningiomas are one of the most common nervous system tumors in dogs. They are mostly solitary, benign, intracranial tumors of the transitional type. Tentative diagnosis can usually be made on historical data, clinical and neurological signs, and radiographs, with an antemortem diagnosis confirmed by exploratory surgery and histologic evaluation of biopsy. The literature contains many reports of the gross, histological and ultrastructural morphology of canine meningiomas, but little on the cytologic features of these tumors. This report describes the cytologic appearance of an intracranial meningioma in a 9-year-old Miniature Schnauzer.     

Capillaria hepatica in a dog and a hedgehog

A liver infection with Capillaria hepatica is described, having been found for the first time in Switzerland in a dog and a hedgehog. After a literature review of cases known among man and animals, we present our own pathological findings. Furthermore, the parasite's life cycle is discussed.     

Ventricular parasystole in a dog and a cat

In human beings, ventricular parasystole usually is a benign arrhythmia with an ectopic focus that fires independently from the rest of the heart. The specific electrocardiographic criteria used to diagnose this condition are variable coupling intervals with the preceding beat; interectopic intervals, all multiple of the same number; and fusion beats. Ventricular premature beats having those characteristics were identified in a dog and a cat, both free of detectable, structural heart disease. In these cases, the arrhythmia was refractory to treatment, but the animals were clinically normal. Recognition of this kind of arrhythmia is important because it may help in avoiding unnecessary concerns and treatment.     

Treatment of a Periarticular Tibial Fracture in a Foal with a Hybrid External Fixator

Objective— To report repair of a right proximal tibial Salter-Harris type II fracture in a foal with a hybrid external fixator (HEF).
Study Design— Case report.
Animals— A 5-month-old male foal.
Methods— After open surgical reduction, an HEF built with wires, 2 half-rings, 3 half-threaded connecting rods, and Schanz pins was used to stabilize the fracture.
Results— Immediately after surgery, the foal had relatively good weight bearing. The HEF was removed at 60 days after radiographic confirmation of healing.
Conclusions— HEF can be used to stabilize a proximal tibial Salter-Harris type II fracture in a 5-month-old foal.
Clinical Relevance— HEF should be considered as another option for repair of proximal tibial Salter-Harris type II fractures in foals.     

Cytologic Features of a Meningioma in a Dog

Meningiomas are one of the most common nervous system tumors in dogs. They are mostly solitary, benign, intracranial tumors of the transitional type. Tentative diagnosis can usually be made on historical data, clinical and neurological signs, and radiographs, with an antemortem diagnosis confirmed by exploratory surgery and histologic evaluation of biopsy. The literature contains many reports of the gross, histological and ultrastructural morphology of canine meningiomas, but little on the cytologic features of these tumors. This report describes the cytologic appearance of an intracranial meningioma in a 9-year-old Miniature Schnauzer.     

Evaluating a State-and-Transition Model Using a Long-Term Dataset

State-and-transition models (STMs) are used in natural resource management to describe ecological site scale response to natural and anthropogenic disturbances. STMs are primarily based for expert opinion and literature reviews, lacking analytical testing to support vegetation community dynamics, thresholds, and state changes. We developed a unique approach, combining ordination and permutation MANOVA (perMANOVA) with raw data interpretation, to examine vegetation data structure and identify thresholds for a STM. We used a long-term monitoring dataset for an ecological site on the Santa Rita Experimental Range, Arizona. Basal cover of perennial grasses and canopy cover of shrubs and cacti were measured on permanent transects beginning in 1957. Data were grouped by drivers identified by the STM including species invasion, grazing, drought, and mesquite treatment. Ordination by nonmetric multidimensional scaling described the structure of the data. PerMANOVA was used to test for differences between groups of sample units. Analyses of combined key species (Lehmann's lovegrass and mesquite [Prosopis velutina Woot.]) and nonkey species patterns demonstrated an irreversible transition and occurrence of a structural threshold due to Lehmann's lovegrass invasion, as well as a short-term reversible transition (restoration pathway) following mesquite treatment. Sensitivity analysis, in which key species were removed from the dataset, showed that the relative composition of nonkey species did not differ between states previously defined by the key species. This apparent disconnect between dynamics of key and nonkey species may be related to changes in the functional attributes that were not monitored during this time series. Our analyses suggest that, for this ecological site, transition to a Lehmann's lovegrass state occurs when basal cover of this species exceeds 1–2%, which often occurs within 6 yr of its arrival. Evaluation of the restoration pathway showed a recrossing of the threshold within 6 yr of treatment and when mesquite canopy cover exceeded 10%.     

Tarsal fractures in a heifer and a bull

Tarsal fractures were diagnosed in a heifer and a bull. In both cases, radiography confirmed intra-articular fractures, with subluxation of the fracture fragment. Sudden, nonreducible hock flexion was a clinical sign in both cases. This sign may be highly suggestive of intra-articular fracture when diagnosis must be made without radiography.