Clinical findings and diagnostic value of post-traumatic thoracic radiographs in dogs and cats with blunt trauma

Objective: To characterize the clinical findings in dogs and cats that sustained blunt trauma and to compare clinical respiratory examination results with post‐traumatic thoracic radiography findings. Design: Retrospective clinical study. Setting: University small animal teaching hospital. Animals, interventions and measurements: Case records of 63 dogs and 96 cats presenting with a history of blunt trauma and thoracic radiographs between September 2001 and May 2003 were examined. Clinical signs of respiratory distress (respiratory rate (RR), pulmonary auscultation) and outcome were compared with radiographic signs of blunt trauma. Results: Forty‐nine percent of dogs and 63.5% of cats had radiographic signs attributed to thoracic trauma. Twenty‐two percent of dogs and 28% of cats had normal radiographs. Abnormal auscultation results were significantly associated with radiographic signs of thoracic trauma, radiography score and presence and degree of contusions. Seventy‐two percent of animals with no other injuries showed signs of thoracic trauma on chest radiographs. No correlation was found between the radiographic findings and outcome, whereas the trauma score at presentation was significantly associated with outcome and with signs of chest trauma but not with the radiography score. Conclusion: Thoracic trauma is encountered in many blunt trauma patients. The RR of animals with blunt trauma is not useful in predicting thoracic injury, whereas abnormal chest auscultation results are indicative of chest abnormalities. Thorough chest auscultation is, therefore, mandatory in all trauma animals and might help in the assessment of necessity of chest radiographs.     

Gross and histologic evidence of sharp and blunt trauma in North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) killed by vessels.

Vessel-whale collision events represented the ultimate cause of death for 21 (52.5%) of the 40 North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) necropsied between 1970 and December 2006. Injuries seen in vessel-struck whales fall into two distinct categories: 1) sharp trauma, often resulting from contact with the propeller, and 2) blunt trauma, presumably resulting from contact with a vessel's hull. This study analyzes four trauma cases that resulted from vessel-whale collisions, which together provide a framework for a more critical understanding of lethal blunt and sharp trauma resulting from vessel collisions with right whales. In case no. 1, contact with a propeller resulted in three deep lacerations. The animal survived acute trauma only to succumb nearly 14 years later when the lesions reopened and became infected. In case no. 2, anecdotal reports linked the laceration of large arteries of the peduncle and histologic evidence of perimortem trauma at a bone fracture site to vessel-whale collision trauma. Case no. 3 had a laceration of the oral rete and a fracture of the rostrum. Both of the areas displayed histologic evidence of perimortem blunt trauma. Finally, in case no. 4, an antemortem mandibular fracture, two additional skull fractures, and widespread hemorrhage were consistent with severe blunt trauma. Evidence from each case, including the timing of trauma relative to the time of death and identifying characteristics of both trauma types, are presented. Before this study, no detailed comparative analysis of trauma pathology that resulted from lethal interactions between vessels and right whales had been conducted. This study demonstrates the importance of detailed gross and histologic examination in determining the significance and timing of traumatic events. This work represents a new paradigm for the differential diagnosis of lethal sharp and blunt trauma in right whales hit by ships and will enhance the present understanding of the impact of anthropogenic mortality on this critically endangered species.     

Anatomical and histologic pathology induced by cervical dislocation following blunt head trauma for on-farm euthanasia of poultry

The selection of an optimal method for on-farm euthanasia of poultry in cases of emergency killing is still under debate. The preferred approach would spare pain and suffering and would ensure proper stunning as well as rapid death. Here, the effects and pathological lesions induced by blunt trauma to the head followed by cervical dislocation were studied in chickens and turkeys of different weight groups of up to 20 kg. To allow for feasible on-farm execution, including birds heavier than 3 kg, a percussive blow to the head with subsequent manual or mechanical cervical dislocation using a nonpenetrating forceps was employed. Systematic macroscopic, radiographic, and histopathologic examinations were performed with special attention to anatomical structures essential for consciousness and vital functions. The 2 traumatic impacts resulted not only in massive subdural hematomas, cortical brain damage, dissecting vertebral bone fractures, and a disruption of the cervical spinal cord, but also severe lacerations of the medulla oblongata area of the brain stem. The lesions were suggestive of immediate loss of consciousness and indicative of immediate and irreversible loss of central regulation of breathing and heart function. Moreover, the results were largely independent of the weight class examined, indicating that from a pathology perspective the methods used may be suitable for humane euthanasia of poultry of up to 20 kg in live weight.     

腹腔注射N-甲基-D-天冬氨酸对母鼠发情率、早期胚胎及胚子数的影响

为研究腹腔注射N-甲基-D-天冬氨酸(NMDA)对母鼠发情率和早期胚胎及胚子数的影响,试验选取40只昆明小鼠[(26±1.37)g],随机分为对照组和试验组(每组各20只),对照组腹腔注射0.2mL生理盐水,试验组腹腔注射0.2mLNMDA溶液,采用棉签蘸取母鼠阴道黏液,涂片后用苏木精(HE)染色,判定母鼠发情情况。随后在发情母鼠与公鼠合笼后第3天,每组随机取10只颈椎脱臼法处死小鼠,冲胚后在体视镜下捡胚观察胚胎个数;第9天处死剩余小鼠,取出子宫统计胚子数。试验结果显示,腹腔注射NMDA试验组母鼠发情率、胚胎数和胚子数分别比对照组提高28.57%、18.18%和12.94%。该试验表明腹腔注射NMDA可促进母鼠的发情,提高早期胚胎和胚子数,为NMDA在动物繁殖中的应用提供了理论基础。     

Psycho-social stress in humans at mass slaughter of farm animals

Animal epidemics are part of everyday life in animal husbandry, as are the psychosocial effects of the killing/slaughter of animals on the animal keeper. So here we are talking about everyday life observations of concerned people and veterinarians. But now, after the mass slaughter of contaminated animals in conjunction with BSE and MKS, society and the church have taught us to take a much closer look and we now realise that pathological traumatic states are to be considered almost universal concomitant phenomena. Rural families as well as the veterinarians and slaughtering teams involved (Keulungsteams) have to bear the emotional consequences of the circumstances of the loss of these animal for a long time. For the sake of people and the vitalization of the human-animal-relationship the pastoral service ("Kirchlicher Dienst") has initiated an oecumenically organised and specially trained pastoral care task force in Lower Saxony. Its intention is to support the initiation of trauma coverage regarding psycho-religious ways of connectivity at the entrance point of the crisis.     

Rupture of a penile artery and erectile body. An uncommon cause of dysuria in a horse

In this case report, we describe the clinical features and treatment of a Thoroughbred gelding presented for dysuria caused by rupture of a penile artery, with subsequent tear to the bulbospongiosus muscle and corpus spongiosum due to suspected blunt force trauma.     

Afferent activity in the superior spermatic nerve of lambs — The effects of application of rubber castration rings

Electrophysiological techniques were used to record afferent activity in the superior spermatic nerves of young lambs under general anaesthesia. Receptive fields were identified in the pampiniform plexus and the deep tissue of the testis in response to mechanical stimulation. Application of a standard rubber castration ring to the scrotal neck evoked vigorous afferent activity, including some from formerly silent units with receptive fields particularly in the pampiniform plexus. Some of this multi-unit discharge adapted rapidly within 10 s of the application of the ring and was followed by a discharge pattern which decayed exponentially over 90 min. The rate of decay of this discharge showed more than one exponent (time constant) with inflections at approximately 90 s and 16 min. After the application of the castration ring, quantitatively controlled scrotal compression continued to excite receptors, though a declining frequency was recorded over the period of observation. It was concluded that: (a) rubber castration rings initiated afferent activity which persisted for periods in excess of 90 min, a time course which is similar to the behavioural and humoral changes in the conscious animal; (b) both standard and small rubber castration rings were ineffective in rapidly producing neuronal pressure block of the slowly conducting afferent fibres in the superior spermatic nerve; (c) intra-testicular injection of local anaesthetic rapidly blocked afferent fibres running in the superior spermatic nerve.Abbreviations TTL transistor transistor logic     

FORENSIC RADIOLOGY AND IMAGING FOR VETERINARY RADIOLOGISTS

Imaging studies are often of evidentiary value in medicolegal investigations involving animals and the role of the veterinary radiologist is to interpret those images for courts as an expert or opinion witness. With progressing interest in prosecuting animal crimes and strengthening of penalties for crimes against animals, the participation of veterinary radiologists in medicolegal investigations is expected to increase. Veterinary radiologists who are aware of radiographic and imaging signs that result in animal suffering, abuse, or neglect; knowledgeable in ways radiology and imaging may support cause of death determinations; conversant in postmortem imaging; comfortable discussing mechanisms and timing of blunt or sharp force and projectile trauma in imaging; and prepared to identify mimics of abuse can assist court participants in understanding imaging evidence. The goal of this commentary review is to familiarize veterinary radiologists with the forensic radiology and imaging literature and with the advantages and disadvantages of various imaging modalities utilized in forensic investigations. Another goal is to provide background information for future research studies in veterinary forensic radiology and imaging.     

Ocular consequences of blunt trauma in two species of nocturnal raptors (Athene noctua and Otus scops)

Objective To determine the type, prevalence, and prognosis of ocular and periocular lesions in free‐living little owls (LO) and scops owls (SO), injured by blunt trauma. Procedures Medical records from LO and SO with ocular or periocular lesions secondary to blunt trauma were reviewed. A complete ophthalmic examination was performed in all birds. Short protocol electroretinography (ERG) and ocular ultrasound were performed as dictated by the case. Results During the study period, a total of 158 LO and 99 SO with blunt trauma were admitted. Among these, 43 LO (27.8%) and 27 SO (27.3%) had ocular or periocular lesions. Bilateral injuries (72.1% LO and 81.5% SO) were more common than unilateral. Common findings in both species were: corneal erosions/superficial ulcers, anterior and posterior uveitis, cataracts, hyphema, posterior synechia, vitreal hemorrhage, and retinal detachment. Electroretinography was performed in 32 LO and eight SO, which had posterior segment lesions or opacity of the transparent media. Normal to nonrecordable b‐wave amplitudes were observed. Follow‐up was available in 13 LO and 11 SO. Among these, nine LO (14 eyes) and 10 SO (17 eyes) had resolution of the clinical signs following medical treatment. Conclusions Ocular lesions are common in LO and SO injured by blunt trauma. Electroretinography is a valuable diagnostic tool to assess the severity of retinal dysfunction secondary to blunt trauma and to determine the response to medical treatment. A complete ophthalmic examination is a determining factor in the early management of trauma in these species.     

Brain and skull lesions resulting from use of percussive bolt, cervical dislocation by stretching, cervical dislocation by crushing and blunt trauma in turkeys

Three experiments were conducted to assess brain damage resulting from percussive bolt shooting and cervical dislocation by crushing (neck crushing) in turkey hens (mean [se] bodyweight 11.4 [0.1] kg); percussive bolt shooting and blunt trauma in turkey toms (13.1 [0.2] kg); and percussive bolt shooting, blunt trauma and cervical dislocation by stretching (neck stretching) in broiler turkeys (3.9 [0.3] kg). Brain and skull damage were assessed using macroscopic and microscopic evaluations and CT. Macroscopic subcutaneous haemorrhage was significantly greater with the percussive bolt in all three experiments (hens P=0.01, toms P=0.02, broilers P=0.0003), and skull fractures were more severe for toms (P<0.0001) and broilers (P=0.03) killed with the percussive bolt versus blunt trauma. In a subsample of turkeys, microscopic brain damage was present in all turkeys killed by percussive bolt shooting (five hens, 10 toms and four broilers) and blunt trauma (nine toms and three broilers), but only in one of four turkeys killed by neck crushing and one of four turkeys killed by neck stretching. Percussive bolt shooting and blunt trauma most likely caused death by directly disrupting brain function, whereas neck stretching and neck crushing probably resulted in death from cerebral hypoxia and ischaemia.     

Field report from large-scale killing of ducks

An outbreak of avian influenza in August 2007 resulted in the culling of hundreds of thousands of Peking ducks. An earlier tutorial had shown that whole house gassing with carbon dioxide to kill waterfowl has to be refused because of interference with animal welfare. Culling by electrocution is a reliable method that fulfils animal welfare requirements. Stationary electrocution lines for slaughtering should be preferred if suitable for the killing of the birds. Mobile electrocution lines (MET) are a good alternative or supplementation with a capacity of circa 2,500 animals per hour. MET are suitable for killing Peking ducks with a weight of approximately 500 g. At least two veterinarians are required per MET for the supervision of animal welfare during culling. When following German animal welfare laws, killing in mobile gas containers filled with carbon dioxide is an alternative with a capacity comparable to that of MET. The problem of looking into the containers for controlled stunning and killing can be solved by installing observation windows. Manpower requirements are comparable to those of MET, while requirements for material and transportation are unlikely higher. This method is suitable for birds which are too small to be killed by electrocution.     

Low doses of dexamethasone decrease brain water content of collagenase-induced cerebral hematoma

Different doses of dexamethasone were evaluated for the treatment of cerebral trauma using a rat model of cerebral hematoma induced by intracerebral (IC) stereotaxic injections of collagenase. Control animals received an intracerebral collagenase injection followed by intraperitoneal (IP) saline injection. Sham operated animals received saline only (IC, IP). Forty-eight hours following the surgeries, the brains were removed from the euthanized animals. Cerebral hemispheres were separated and the 4 coronal sections (antero-posterior plane) were weighed. Each slice was dried for 24 h (100°C) and weighed again to establish brain water content. In hematoma-induced saline treated rats, significant differences in brain water content were observed when compared to sham operated animals. Rats treated with 1 mg/kg dexamethasone had a significant brain water content decrease; however, no significant differences were observed with higher doses of dexamethasone. In conclusion, low doses of dexamethasone seem to be beneficial for the treatment of cerebral trauma.     

Cervical injury following a horse kick to the head in two dogs

Two dogs were presented to North Carolina State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital following blunt trauma to the head delivered by a horse kick. On presentation, both dogs had resolving clinical signs directly related to the head trauma, but both also had compromise to their upper airway as a result of indirect injury to the soft tissues of the neck, visible on plain radiographs. One dog made a full recovery following a period of assisted ventilation. The other dog was euthanized at the request of the owner. These injuries illustrate the importance of evaluating the cervical spine and soft tissues of the neck following blunt trauma to the head.     

茶多酚的生物学功能及其在养殖生产中的应用研究进展

茶多酚具有提高抗氧化能力,改善机体免疫功能、抑制和杀灭病原微生物等功能,能够提高动物的生产性能,延长动物产品与饲料的保质期。文章主要就茶多酚的生物学功能及其在禽类生产中的应用作一综述。     

Evaluation of outcome associated with feline trauma: A Veterinary Committee on Trauma registry study

Objective

To evaluate outcome (survival to discharge) among trauma types (blunt, penetrating, both) in cats. Secondary objectives were to evaluate for associations between trauma type, injury severity, and the diagnostics and interventions selected by primary clinicians.

Design

Retrospective evaluation of veterinary trauma registry data.

Setting

Veterinary Committee on Trauma (VetCOT) veterinary trauma centers (VTCs).

Animals

A total of 3895 feline trauma patients entered in the VetCOT trauma registry from April 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019.

Interventions

Data collected included patient demographics, trauma type, Abdominal Fluid Score (AFS), Animal Trauma Triage (ATT) score, surgical intervention, glide sign on Thoracic Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma, Triage, and Tracking (TFAST), pleural effusion on TFAST, modified Glasgow Coma Scale (mGCS), and outcome (survival to discharge).

Measurements and Main Results

Data from 3895 cats were collected over a 30-month period. Incidence of trauma types was as follows: blunt, 58% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 56%–59%); penetrating, 35% (95% CI: 34%–37%); and combination, 7.4% (95% CI: 6.7%–8.3%). Differences in survival incidence among the trauma types were identified: blunt, 80% (95% CI: 78%–81%); penetrating, 90% (95% CI: 89%–92%); and combined, 68% (95% CI: 63%–74%) (P < 0.01). Cats in the penetrating trauma group had the lowest proportion of severe injuries (6%) and highest proportion of mGCS of 18 (89%); cats with combined trauma had the highest proportion of severe injuries (26%) and lowest proportion of mGCS of 18 (63%). Point-of-care ultrasound and surgery were not performed in the majority of cases. When surgery was performed, the majority of blunt cases’ procedures occurred in the operating room (79%), and the majority of penetrating cases’ procedures were performed in the emergency room (81%).

Conclusions

Cats suffering from penetrating trauma had the best outcome (survival), lower ATT scores, and higher mGCS overall. Cats that sustained a component of blunt trauma had a lower survival rate, higher ATT scores, and the highest proportion of mGCS <18.     

Adjuvant and immunostimulatory effects of beta-glucan administration in combination with lipopolysaccharide enhances survival and some immune parameters in carp challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila

Combined effects of beta-glucan and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on survival and immune response were studied in Cyprinus carpio that were challenged with the pathogen Aeromonas hydrophila. beta-Glucan from Saccharomyces cervisiae and LPS from a virulent strain of A. hydrophila were used in this study. Different concentrations of beta-glucan+LPS mixture were administered on days 1, 7, and 14 through different routes (intraperitoneal injection, bathing, and oral administration). Control and test fish were challenged by intraperitoneal injection of LD50 concentration of A. hydrophila on day 16 and subsequently, mortality and relative percent survival (RPS) were recorded. Intraperitoneal injection elicited 100% RPS even at the lowest concentration (100 microg beta-glucan+10 microg LPS); whereas, oral administration improved RPS rate of carps at higher concentration (1% beta-glucan+0.25% LPS). Bathing did not improve the RPS. Test animals injected with even the minimum dose of the immunomodulators (100 microg beta-glucan+10 microg LPS/fish) had a significant increase in total blood leukocyte counts and an increase in the proportion of neutrophils and monocytes. Superoxide anion production by macrophages was also elevated, which presumably aided the efficient killing of bacterial pathogen. Lower concentration of beta-glucan+LPS had an adjuvant effect on antibody production as pretreatment by injection of 100 microg beta-glucan+10 microg LPS/fish resulted in higher antibody titer against A. hydrophila following vaccination. RT-PCR analyses showed that the expression of interleukin-1beta mRNA did not increase in test fish when compared with the control. Classical and alternative complement pathways were not affected by either the dose or the route of administration of the compounds. It may be concluded that intraperitoneal injection and oral administration, and not the bathing, of beta-glucan+LPS mixture in carp could enhance resistance to challenge by A. hydrophila through changes in several non-specific and specific immune responses.     

Methods used during gross necropsy to determine watercraft-related mortality in the Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris).

Between 1993 and 2003, 713 (24%) of 2,940 dead Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris) recovered from Florida waters and examined were killed by watercraft-induced trauma. It was determined that this mortality was the result of watercraft trauma because the external wound patterns and the internal lesions seen during gross necropsy are recognizable and diagnostic. This study documents the methods used in determining watercraft-related mortality during gross necropsy and explains why these findings are diagnostic. Watercraft can inflict sharp- and blunt-force trauma to manatees, and both types of trauma can lead to mortality. This mortality may be a direct result of the sharp and blunt forces or from the chronic effects resulting from either force. In cases in which death is caused by a chronic wound-related complication, the original incident is usually considered to be the cause of death. Once a cause of death is determined, it is recorded in an extensive database and is used by Federal and state managers in developing strategies for the conservation of the manatee. Common sequelae to watercraft-induced trauma include skin lesions, torn muscles, fractured and luxated bones, lacerated internal organs, hemothorax, pneumothorax, pyothorax, hydrothorax, abdominal hemorrhage and ascites, and pyoperitoneum.     

马脑震荡的诊断与治疗

脑震荡及脑挫伤,是由于钝性暴力物作用于颅骨或头部受大力撞击引起的脑神经全面损伤的一种急性疾病,军马多发。随着社会生产力水平的不断进步,马的功能属性由役用转变为休闲骑乘,现阶段马脑震荡的病例并不多见。本文介绍了一例调教训练操作不慎,撞击引起的马脑震荡的诊断和中西医结合治疗,为该病的预防和治疗提供一定参考。     

血根碱的急性毒性研究

为评价血根碱的安全性,采用改良寇氏法进行了血根碱的急性毒性试验。分别采用腹腔注射与灌胃两种给药方式,一次性对小鼠给予不同剂量血根碱,连续观察7 d。结果表明,小鼠腹腔注射血根碱的最大耐受量为15.0 mg/kg,其LD50为9.4 mg/kg,LD50的95%可信限为8.6-10.3 mg/kg;灌胃给药的最大耐受量为2 000 mg/kg,其LD50为1 029.7 mg/kg,LD50的95%可信限为903.7-1 173.2 mg/kg。该结果为血根碱临床剂量的选择奠定了基础。     

INTRAORAL DENTAL RADIOGRAPHY: EXPERIMENTAL STUDY AND CLINICAL USE IN TWO HORSES AND A LLAMA

A technique for intraoral radiography of the maxillary cheek teeth in large animals using strips of nonscreen and commercial dental x-ray film is described. The method was initially tested using horse cadaver heads and subsequently on three large animal patients with signs of dental disease. Limitations of the described technique include necessity for general anesthesia, special x-ray film and manual developing. Additionally, the need for very accurate adjustment of incident beam angle, beam centering point and depth in the oral cavity provide a major technical challenge. After becoming famillar with the technique, the major limitation was increased time for manual film developing. The images provided by nonscreen technique were subjectively superior. The anatomic detail of the apical and periodontal regions of the teeth was better than on survey radiographs. Nonscreen intraoral technique should be considered for anesthetized large animal patients with signs of dental disease.