Dimensiones del velo omental del perro y su relación con el peso y la longitud corporal

The size of the borders of the omental veil as well as its relation to body length and weight, were studied in 71 mongrel dogs. The average size of the omental veil in adult dogs was: caudal margin 17cm, cranial margin 16 cm, right margin 10 cm and left margin 7 cm. A very significant relation (P < 0.001) was found between the dimensions of each border and the body length and weight.     

Estudio Radiológico del Esternón del Ovino en Crecimiento

Radiological investigation of the sternum of the sheep A radiological investigation of the sternum of the sheep demonstrated distinct growth phases. Forty Merino sheep of mixed breeds were distributed into 4 age groups of 0, 45, 105 and 270 days. Each animal was radiographed in sternal and lateral recumbency. Measurements were made from the radiographs. The sternebra are rectangular in newborn and become concave in adult. The curvature of the sternum is 16 to 17° at day 0 and 27–28° at day 270. The nucleus of ossification was seen in all sternebrae at 45 days of age, they were present only in the most caudal sternebrae at 105 days.     

Anatomía del Desarrollo del Tracto Digestivo y Forma Corporal Externa Durante el Período Embrionario en el Caprino (Copra hircus)

Anatomy of the digestive tract and external body development during the embryonic stages of the caprine (Copra, bircus) The purpose of this work has been to establish the pattern of prenatal growth and normal development of the digestive tract and annex glands during goat embryonic stages. 21 embryos with ages ranging from 14 to 34 days (1.69 to 5.90 cm CR) as determined by registering the mating time, were obtained by cesarea. This material was histologically processed to obtain complete serial sections of the stomatodaeum, foregut, midgut, hindgut and cloaca. In this work, it is chronologically described the morphogenesis and histogenesis of the mouth, hypophysis, pharynx and its derivatives, stomach, intestine, liver, pancreas and cloaca. The results obtained establish chronological comparisons with the development of the lamb and gives information on the unitary origin of the gastric compartments in ruminants.     

Periodos del Desarrollo Intrauterino de los Compartimentos gástricos del Caprino (Capra hircus)1,2

Intrauterine developmental stages of the gastric compartments of the caprine ( Capra hircus )
A chronological and systematic scheme for intrauterine development stages of the composed stomach of caprine is proposed. Twenty one embryos (1.69 cm to 5.90 cm S. C.) and 16 fetuses (5.90 to 35 cm S. C.) for studying morphogenesis, histogenesis and relationships of gastric compartments were used. Six developmental stages were conventionally determined from the most relevant anatomical and histological characteristics.
The first four stages are characterized by appearance of the different compartments, their morphological modifications and progressive positional changes until their semi-final form and relations.
The two last stages are characterized by histological differentiation of both the reticulum wall and abomasum mucosa. They can also be recognized by observing the volume relationships between rumen and abomasum. Comparative aspects with bovine and ovine intrauterine development are commented together with considerations concerning the unitary origin of the stomach compartments.     

Estudio Anatómico Comparado de las Arterias de la Base del Encéfalo del Pudú pudu (Molina, 1782) y del Bovino

A comparison using the corrosion method was made between Pudú pudu (Molina, 1782) ventral brain arteries and those of the cow. The Pudú's Rete mirabile epidurale rostrale (Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria, 1994) is ventrally formed by branches of the A. maxillaris, and caudally formed by the A. vertebralis. The Hypophysis is surrounded by the Rete mirabile rostrale. The lateral parts are rostrally joined to that gland by a thin vascular bridge and caudally by thick arteries. The Pudú's Circulus arteriosus cerebri is asymmetrical, that is, on the right side the A. cerebri rostralis ends in the A. cerebri media. The left-side A. cerebri rostralis irrigates every rostral portion of the encephalon. In the cow, practically the same arteries come out of the Circulus arteriosus cerebri, which is not asymmetrical. The A. cerebri caudalis comes first out of the A. communicans caudalis and then the branches for the Pons, and finally the A. cerebelli rostralis. In this species, there are arterial blocks that are not present in Pudú.     

El Desarrollo del Estómago del Vacuno: Análisis desde el Prisma Morfológico y Morfométrico Parte III: Reconstrucción Espacial y Morfometría

This work represents a summary of the study presented in parts I and II, previously published in this journal. The data collected in those studies is presented in three dimensional reconstructions of the stomach of the developing calf.     

Morphogenesis of lingual papillae of one‐humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) during prenatal life: A light and scanning electron microscopic study

This study was made on 24 camel fetuses of crown‐rump vertebral length (CVRL) ranging from 10.5 cm to 105 cm CVRL (94–352 days old). These camel fetuses were classified into three groups representing the three trimesters of prenatal life. During the first trimester (94–142 days), lingual papillae (circumvallate and lentiform papillae) were demonstrated on the lingual root, but lingual body and the apex were almost free of papillae except for some scattered epithelial projections especially near the lateral borders of the body. In the second trimester (152–229 days), the lentiform papillae covered the entire root of the tongue except for areas occupied by the circumvallate papillae. Taste buds with clear pores were observed for the first time in areas between the circumvallate gustatory furrow and surface epithelium of the tongue. In addition, short numerous filiform papillae were observed on the rostral part of the lingual body and the lateral parts of the apex. Fungiform papillae, however, were demonstrated amidst the filiform papillae. In this trimester, taste buds were also seen on the top of the fungiform papillae. In the third trimester (256–352 days), all lingual papillae were clearly demonstrated on the dorsum of the root, body and apex of the tongue. Both types of gustatory papillae (circumvallate and fungiform) had well‐developed taste buds. Mechanical papillae (filiform and lentiform) were well developed. Lentiform papillae occupied most of the dorsal aspect of the Torus linguae; they were larger in size with semicircular apices. Filiform papillae, however, were numerous and demonstrated heavily on the lateral and rostral parts of the body as well as on the apex of the tongue.     

The viability of Campylobacter jejuni on refrigerated chicken drumsticks

Radappertized chicken drumsticks were experimentally contaminated with suspensions of Campylobacter jejuni in two trials. Qualitative analysis on drumsticks with an initial level of contamination of 4.8 X 10(3) CFU/cm2 showed that viability was retained for at least 10 days of storage at either 9 degrees or -12 degrees C. In a second quantitative trial, the level of contamination declined from 9.9 X 10(2) CFU/cm2 to 4.5 X 10(1) CFU/cm2 after 7 days at -20 degrees C. Thereafter, C. jejuni persisted at levels ranging from 1.8 X 10(1) to 0.2 X 10(1) CFU/cm2 through the 26th week of storage. Drumsticks held at 4 degrees C showed a significant decline in count from 9.9 X 10(2) CFU/cm2 to 1.8 X 10(2) CFU/cm2 on day 7. It is concluded that the viability of C. jejuni on chicken parts is maintained under both refrigerated and freezing conditions which approximate commercial storage. This is of significance to the meat industry and consumers.     

Evolución morfológica en el epitelio seminífero del Cerdo en diferentes edades (Sus scrofa de la raza Landrace)*

The morphological development of the seminiferous epithelium in the pig at different ages ( Sus scrofa , Landrace breed)
In the Pig, Landrace breed, were observed, at different ages, among 15 to 210–220 days, the morphological patterns of the seminiferous epithelium that lines "cordonal" tubules at 15 to 30 days of postnatal and "luminal" tubules at 120 to 210–220 days of age. Although some morphological events of cellular differentiation were observed at 120 days, and the spermatogenesis process apparently could be observed at 180–190 days, really the overall characteristics of the cellular differentiation in the seminiferous epithelium, with the presence of luminal spermatozoa, were observed at 210–220 days of age. This last stage is considered as the puberal age.     

Estructura del estroma conjuntivo del epidídimo del bovino cebú (Bos indicus)

Six adult Zébu cattle were used for a study of the histologic structure of the epididymus. Tissues were fixed in neutral formalin or in Bouin's solution. Tissues were prepared with parafin sectioning and stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Masson and Mallory's trichrome stain and with aldehyde fuchsin and Gomori's argentamine stains. The structure of the connective tissue stroma is described and compared with that of other mammals. The presence of smooth muscle within the stroma and within the tunica albuginea is described for the Zébu.     

Video‐Assisted Thoracoscopic Resection of Noninvasive Thymomas Using One‐Lung Ventilation in Two Dogs

Objective— To report the technique and outcome of video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for resection of cranial mediastinal thymoma in 2 dogs. Study Design— Case report. Animals— Eleven‐year‐old Labrador Retrievers (n=2). Methods— Two dogs had VATS resection of thymoma. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans revealed well‐circumscribed cranial mediastinal masses with dimensions of 4.5 cm × 4.2 cm × 3.7 cm and 2.1 cm × 2.1 cm × 4.1 cm (at the time of resection) without CT evidence of vascular invasion. One‐lung ventilation (OLV) was achieved using a bronchoscopically placed double‐lumen endobronchial tube. A 3‐portal technique was used for VATS access to the thorax. Thymomas were dissected from the tissues of the cranial mediastinum with the aid of a harmonic scalpel and retrieved in specimen retrieval bags. Results— Two cranial mediastinal thymomas were resected successfully, with their capsules intact, using a VATS technique. One dog developed aspiration pneumonia postoperatively which resolved with treatment and remains healthy 18 months postoperatively with no radiographic evidence of tumor recurrence. The second dog was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, megaesophagus, and aspiration pneumonia preoperatively and despite recovering well from the procedure had a second episode of aspiration pneumonia 5 days postoperatively and was euthanatized. Conclusions— VATS resection of modestly sized noninvasive thymoma is possible in dogs. Careful case selection and preoperative imaging are the keys. Clinical Relevance— Thoracoscopic resection of modestly sized mediastinal masses forms part of an increasingly expansive set of indications for minimally invasive surgery in select veterinary patients.     

Estudio Histoquímico e Immunohistoquímico del Tejido Linfoide Porcino: Ganglio Linfático, Bazo y Timo

Immunohistological (S-100, cIg) and enzyme histochemical (ANAE/ANBE, beta-glu, ATPase, AcP) investigations were carried out to identify lymphocyte and reticular cell subpopulations "in situ", in pig lymphoid tissue (lymph node, spleen, and thymus) of a 6 months old group, and a 6-9 days old one. By means of immunohistological techniques, in the 6 month old pigs we could detect S-100 protein (PAP), chiefly in T-areas lymphocytes, but we also found some S-100 positive lymphocytes in spleen follicles. Also S-100 protein were detected at Follicular Dendritic Cells (FDC) in lymph node and spleen; and Reticular Fibroblastic Cells (RFC) only in the first one. Finally, S-100 were noted in Hassall corpuscles (thymus), nervous fibres, and endothelial cells too. Using PAP (IgG, IgM) and IPI (IgA) techniques we could detect lymphocyte cytoplasmatic surface immunoglobulins (cIg) in lymphocytes, lymphoblastoid and plasmacytoid cells in nearly all tissue compartments. By means of histochemical techniques we could identify T-area lymphocytes ANAE/ANBE and beta-glu positives (cytoplasmatic spots) and B-area lymphocytes ATPase positive; macrophages, and polymorphonuclear eosinophiles PHNE being ANAE/ANBE and beta-glu positives (diffuse cytoplasmic stain); and Hassall corpuscles ANAE/ANBE and AcP positives. Concerning to reticular cells, we found FDC and RFC in lymphoid follicles, and Interdigitating Reticular Cells (IDC) in lymphoid diffuse tissue, with enzyme activity (all the enzymes studied) in nearly all the cases. In piglets, the immunohistological and histochemical pattern was nearly the same.     

Consideraciones sobre el sistema urinario del Gallus gallus– Indian River; I. Formación y tributaris del uréter

In the literature reviewed, there are certain differences of opinion with regard to the formation and tributareis to the ureter. Therefore, dissection of 40 fowls injected with neoprene latex, k neoprene latex and celobar (radiopaque mass) and vinyl acetate casts through the ureter and blood vessels revealed the formation and disposition of the tributaries to the ureter, and its origin and number of collectors. The results were described in relation to the renal lobes.     

Long-term postsurgical outcomes of mast cell tumors resected with a margin proportional to the tumor diameter in 23 dogs

We evaluated the postsurgical outcomes of cutaneous or subcutaneous mast cell tumors (MCTs, n=25) in 23 dogs, resected with lateral surgical margins proportional to the widest tumor diameter, including at least one facial plane. The tumor diameter range was 0.3–2.6 cm (median: 0.9 cm), and all were histologically diagnosed as Kiupel’s low-grade MCT. Resection was histologically complete in 20, close (deep margin) in three, and incomplete (deep margin) in two. No dogs developed local recurrence at the site of initial surgery during follow-up of 161–2,219 days (median: 976 days). These results suggest that resection of low-grade, relatively small MCTs with surgical margins proportional to the tumor diameter is a practical procedure with high success rates.     

Dose measurement in small animal radiology: how intense is the influence of distance and position of the investigator in relation to the patient?

Radiation exposure of body parts of persons, needed to restrain small animal during the examination, varies depending on the distance and position in relation to the patient, the region investigated, and the exposure settings applied. The aim of the study was to quantify the effects of these factors on the ambient dose. The dosimeter was positioned with varying distance from the direct beam (from 30 to 150 cm) and on different level above the floor (55 cm, 85 cm, and 150 cm. The study consisted of two parts. In the first part a plastic water tank (thickness: 18 cm) was used as source of scatter radiation. Different exposure settings (77 kVp; 20 - 10 - 5 - 2.5 - 1.25 mAs) were applied. In the second part dose was measured during the examination of the abdomen of a large dog (thickness: 18 cm; 77 kVp, 20 mAs) and of the skull of a cat (thickness: 6 cm; 55 kVp, 20 mAs). At the level of the patient (85 cm above the floor) the dose decline relative to the distance followed a quadratic function. In the series "abdomen-dog" the mean dose values ranged from 51.6 microSv (30 cm distance) to 1.02 microSv (150 cm distance). The corresponding doses for the series "skull-cat" were 0.98 microSv and 0.02 microSv, respectively. Comparably lower doses were measured on the lines along the table, when non-irradiated parts of the body were located between the exposed patient volume and the dosimeter. At 150 cm above the floor higher doses were observed relative to the doses at the level of the table. The following conclusions can be drawn: (1.) Depending on the target volume the ambient dose varies in a wide range. (2.) An increase of the distance of only few centimetres is reducing exposure considerably. Therefore persons should make use of it whenever this is possible. (3.) Persons should stand on the short sides of the table while fixing the patient. (4.) Head and neck are relatively highly exposed. Methods to protect the thyroid gland and the eye lens are indicated. (5.) Since different exposure levels can be applied in digital radiography, the range of dose levels is rather wide. Therefore strict dose discipline (e.g. by use of exposure tables and dose indicators) is necessary to avoid continuing overexposure.     

Electrochemotherapy in treatment of canine oral non‐tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma. A case series report

Non‐tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma (ntSCC) is a common and locally aggressive oral tumour in dogs. The treatments of choice are currently surgery and radiotherapy. Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a local ablative anti‐tumour technique using electric pulses to enhance the intracellular diffusion of cytotoxic drugs. The aim was to retrospectively evaluate the outcome of patients with oral ntSCC treated with ECT. Twelve dogs with ntSCC were retrospectively enrolled. ECT was combined with IV bleomycin (15 000 UI/m²) alone in 11 cases and post‐surgery in 1. Parameters considered were: tumour site and size, electroporation parameters, response rate (complete remission [CR], partial remission [PR]), median survival time (MST), recurrence rate (RR), median disease‐free interval (DFI) and treatment toxicity (6‐point scale). Median tumour size was 1.65 cm (range 0.3‐8.0 cm) and the response rate was 90.9% (10/11; 8 CR and 2 PR). Two dogs underwent a second ECT. MST for dogs dead with tumour (n = 2) was 110 days and for dogs dead without tumour (n = 3) was 831 days. Among five surviving dogs, one experienced tumour recurrence and four were in CR. Results from two dogs were analysed separately. Overall RR was 27.3%. DFI and MST for dogs with recurrence were 50 and 115 days, respectively. Treatment toxicity was very low. We noticed that all dogs with tumours smaller than 1‐2 cm achieved CR without recurrence suggesting a favourable prognosis when using ECT. ECT for canine ntSCC could be considered a valid treatment option especially for smaller tumours, but a larger caseload would be needed to confirm this statement.     

Treatment of canine oral papillary squamous cell carcinoma using definitive‐intent radiation as a monotherapy—a case series

Canine oral papillary squamous cell carcinoma (COPSCC) is a rare neoplasm and although locally invasive it carries a favourable prognosis following wide surgical excision. Radiotherapy has been reported to be effective as an adjunct treatment to surgery. However, limited information is available on the role of radiotherapy as single treatment. This single‐institution retrospective study describes a series of 10 dogs diagnosed with macroscopic COPSCC that were treated with definitive‐intent radiotherapy (DRT) as a monotherapy. These dogs had a median age of 4 years (range: 0.4‐9.6 years). The tumour was located in the rostral oral cavity in all cases with a median tumour size of 2.5 cm (range: 0.8‐6.8 cm). No local or distant metastases were identified. All dogs were treated with electron beam DRT (>32Gy, 10‐16 daily fractions of 3.2Gy). The median follow‐up time was 961 days (range: 333‐3.498 days) with nine dogs achieving a complete response and one dog a partial response. The dog with the partial response developed disease progression at 228 days after initiation of radiotherapy. Two dogs died from non‐tumour‐related causes. The remaining seven dogs were still alive and in complete remission at the time of last follow‐up. Median progression‐free survival time and median survival time were not reached. DRT was generally well tolerated, but all dogs experienced self‐limiting acute radiation mucositis (grade 2‐3) and/or dermatitis (grade 1). No late radiation toxicity was observed. Macroscopic COPSCC appears to be a radiosensitive tumour that can be successfully treated with DRT eliminating the need for aggressive surgery in advanced cases.     

Prenatal development of retina in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

The development of retina in Indian buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) has not been reported previously. The aim of the present study was therefore to report the major landmarks and the time course in the development of retina. Serial histological sections of Indian buffalo embryos and foetuses were used as group1 (<20.0 cm CVRL), group2 (>20.0 but <40.0 cm CVRL) and group3 (>40.0 cm CVRL). Age estimation was made on the basis of crown vertebral‐rump length (CVRL), which ranged between 36 and 286 days (1.6–94.0 cm). The retina in Indian buffalo was developed in a similar manner to that of the other mammals with the principal differences in the time of occurrence of various layers of this nervous tunic. In 36 days (1.6 cm stage), the foetal retina was composed of pigmented layer and the layer of neuroblasts. Differentiation of layers was first observed in 47 days (4.0 cm CVRL) which became prominent in 52 days (5.1 cm stage). At 120 days (20.5 cm stage), the differentiation of inner plexiform layer and inner nuclear layer was evident. At 143 days (31.0 cm) foetal age, the faint line in neuroblastic layer was the first evidence of the future outer plexiform layer. In foetuses of group III, the retina was comprised of all 10 layers (eight cell layers and two membranes) viz. pigmented epithelium, layer of rods and cones, outer limiting membrane, outer nuclear layer, outer plexiform layer, inner nuclear layer, inner plexiform layer, ganglion cell layer, layer of nerve fibres and the inner limiting membrane.     

Effect of Oxytocin Treatment on Artificial Insemination with Frozen–Thawed Semen in Murciano–Granadina Goats

The site where the semen is deposited appears to be one of the most important factors affecting pregnancy of inseminated goats. In Murciano–Granadina (MG) goats, post-cervical insemination is achieved in a limited number of females. An effective way to increase fertility rate could be by increasing post-cervical inseminations. Effect of exogenous oxytocin application to facilitate the cervical penetration and its effect on kidding rate and prolificacy in MG goats were investigated. Oestrus was synchronized using progesterone-impregnated sponges for 11 days. Females were randomly divided into three groups (n = 190) and received either an i.v. injection of 100 or 200 IU of oxytocin or saline solution 15 min before being inseminated. Data on semen deposition depth were recorded for each animal using a catheter scaled in centimetres (up to 4 cm). Depth of semen deposition was affected by the oxytocin treatment (p < 0.05). Oxytocin enhanced cervical passage only with the dose of 200 IU compared with the control group, increasing the deposition depth (2.9 cm vs 1.9 cm). No significant effect of oxytocin treatment on kidding rate and prolificacy was detected. Depth of semen deposition affected kidding rate (p < 0.01). In conclusion, oxytocin treatment improved the depth of semen deposition in AI of MG goats, but kidding rate and prolificacy was not affected. More studies must be conducted to assess the minimal effective dose required for sufficient cervical dilation, and to determine the effects of such doses of oxytocin on uterine motility, sperm transport and fertility in goats.     

Study of the live body weight and body characteristics of the African Muscovy duck (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Caraina moschata</Emphasis>)

Three hundred and twenty 1-week old ducklings (160 males and 160 females) were used to evaluate the body weight, body parts and carcass characteristics of the African Muscovy duck. Sexual dimorphism was in favour of the male for all the parameters throughout the experimental period, however the difference was significant (P < 0.05) only after week 2. The 12-week old male weighed 1832.0 ± 180.4 g while the female reached only 68.2% of the male weight. Metatarsus diameter, thoracic perimeter, body length, length of bill, foot and wing in cm were respectively 1.3, 29.5, 57.5, 7.0, 27.1 and 27.8 for the male as compared with 1.2, 25.8, 51.0, 6.3, 23.3 and 26.9 for the female. Body measurements were highly (P < 0.01) correlated with body weight for both sexes, however the highest correlation coefficients were obtained with wing length (0.990 and 0.995) and thoracic perimeter (0.993 and 0.973) for female and male respectively. Live body weight had a linear relationship with both wing length (R² = 0.991 and 0.81) and thoracic perimeter (R² = 0.948 and 0.986) for male and female respectively. The female duck yielded higher percent ready-to-cook carcass (66.3%), breast (13.6%), liver (2.8%), heart (1.5%) and gizzard (3.8%) as compared to the male (65.0%, 12.0%, 2.5%, 1.1% and 3.4% respectively) although the difference was not significant (P > 0.05). The male small intestine (185.1 ± 3.4 cm), colon (14.8 ± 1.0 cm) and caecum (17.9 ± 0.4 cm) were significantly (P < 0.05) longer than that of the female (152.2 ± 1.8, 10.8 ± 0.7 and 14.85 ± 0.6 cm respectively).