An unusual complication of pyometra in a cat

A stray domestic cat had been treated by ovario-hysterectomy for the relief of pyometra. She subsequently was presented with a history of severe straining. Laparotomy revealed a distended pus-filled vagina, which on removal proved to have no caudal exit. The lesion is described and its possible aetiology is discussed.     

Biomechanics of Cranial Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in the Dog II. Mechanical Properties

A biomechanical analysis of the results of an over-the-top procedure for replacement of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in the dog is presented. Using 15 adult mongrel dogs, the CCL in one stifle joint was reconstructed using fascia lata and the lateral one-third of the patellar ligament. The opposite CCL served as the control. Animals were sacrificed at 0, 4, 12 and 26 weeks postoperation and axial failure tests were performed. Stiffness, maximum load, and elastic modulus of the replacement increased over time, while elongation to maximum load continually decreased as compared to controls. Other parameters showed less consistent trends.
The results are encouraging given the reduction in joint laxity and the increases in tissue stiffness and strength. However, the ligament substitute was still unable to replicate the mechanical properties of the normal cruciate ligament. Longer studies therefore are required to determine if this replacement is capable of completely restoring joint stability and normal function.     

Simultaneous Bilateral Mastectomy in the Dog

Current reports advise against attempting simultaneous bilateral mastectomy in the dog. However, total mastectomy may be the most logical treatment for all dogs with mammary tumors in view of newer evidence suggesting a multicentric origin for this disease. A surgical technique for simultaneous bilateral mastectomy was evaluated in 22 dogs with mammary tumors. The procedure was successfully performed in selected patients and healing occurred without serious complications. The technique, rationale, and recommendations for use of this procedure are presented.     

Abnormal vaginal cytology in a fertile bitch

The changes in vaginal cytology in a Welsh Springer Spaniel bitch were examined during and after three oestrous periods. Epithelial cell changes were normal. However, polymorphonuclear leucocytes persisted in smears throughout oestrus, and gross haemorrhage occurred well into metoestrus. The bitch conceived at all three heats and had uncomplicated pregnancies.     

Differences in Labor versus Value Chain Industry Clusters: An Empirical Investigation

ABSTRACT Regional analysts often identify industry clusters according to a single dimension of industrial interdependence, typically by trading patterns as revealed in national or regionalized input–output data. This is despite the fact that the theory underpinning regional industry cluster applications draws heavily on Marshall's theory of external economies, including the important role of labor pooling economies and knowledge spillovers in addition to spatially co‐located suppliers. This article investigates whether industry clusters identified based on trading relationships (value chain clusters) are meaningfully different in industrial composition and geography than those derived from an analysis of occupational employment requirements (labor‐based clusters). The results suggest that value chain linkages are a weak proxy for shared labor requirements, and vice versa.     

A Mucosal Apposition Technique for Ureteroneocystostomy After Renal Transplantation in Cats

Renal transplantation is a successful treatment for terminal renal failure in cats. However, in the initial clinical study, there was a frequent occurrence of obstruction of the implanted ureter at the bladder wall or stoma. This resulted in the use of a modified "drop-in" technique that had proved effective in the prevention of obstruction in five normal cats. When applied to renal transplant recipients, ureteral obstruction was reduced, but continued to occur. The modified "drop-in" technique was abandoned and replaced with a technique that apposed the cut edge of the ureteral mucosa to the torn edge of the bladder mucosa. This technique is recommended as it has prevented ureteral obstruction in six successive cases. Prevention of ureteral obstruction, and the required corrective surgery, markedly reduces patient morbidity and mortality, length of hospitalization, and expense to the client.     

Tracheal rupture in a cat

A case of tracheal rupture in a cat is described, in which onset of presenting clinical signs was slow enough both to hinder diagnosis and to permit containment of leaked air within the mediastinum.     

The effect of some exogenous hormones on seminal characteristics, libido and peripheral plasma testosterone concentrations in the male Beagle

The effect of short term treatment with exogenous hormones viz. HCG, testosterone, betamethasone and delmadinone, on semen characteristics, libido and peripheral plasma testosterone concentrations was studied in five mature Beagle dogs. HCG caused a slight increase in the total ejaculatory volume whilst betamethasone depressed the total ejaculatory volume, reduced sperm output and increased the number of abnormal spermatozoa. Delmadinone reduced libido, ejaculatory volume and total sperm output.     

ADRENAL ULTRASONOGRAPHY IN THE DOG

The ultrasonographic appearance of the normal canine adrenal gland has not been described. This is due to the small size and shape of the canine adrenal glands, overlying abdominal viscera, similar acoustic texture to that of the surrounding tissue, frequent abundant perirenal fat, and the lack of patient compliance. Adrenal enlargement in association with hyperadrenocorticism, secondary to hyperplasia or neoplasia, can sometimes be identified by finding a distinct structure cranial and/or medial to the cranial pole of either kidney. Case history reports are used to characterize the appearance of adrenal enlargement from hyperplasia and adrenocortical adenocarcinoma. Additional case history reports are included to illustrate possible interpretation problems. Lack of ultrasonographic visualization of the adrenal gland does not rule out the possibility of enlargement, particularly if the enlargement in mild.