EFFECTS OF EXPERIMENTAL NERVE ROOT COMPRESSION ON ARTERIAL BLOOD FLOW VELOCITY IN THE SEVENTH LUMBAR SPINAL GANGLION OF THE DOG: MEASUREMENT USING INTRAOPERATIVE DOPPLER ULTRASONOGRAPHY

Intraoperative Doppler ultrasonography was used to measure the effects of four experimental nerve root compression treatments (central compression, central-plus-lateral compression, lateral compression, and compression release) on arterial blood flow velocities in the seventh lumbar spinal ganglion of three dogs. Graphed blood flow velocity changes (change = treatment value − pretreatment value) were below baseline during the first three compression treatments and above baseline following compression release. Mean blood flow velocity changes for both central-plus-lateral compression and lateral compression differed (p ≤ 0.05) from changes for central compression. Changes for central-plus-lateral compression did not differ (p > 0.05) from changes for lateral compression. Changes among the first three compression treatments differed (p ≤ 0.05) from changes for compression release. No histologic abnormalities were identified in compressed nerve tissues, compared to contralateral controls. These findings indicate that stenosis within the L7-S1 intervertebral foramen may cause ischemia of the L7 spinal ganglion in dogs.     

A comparison of the pathogenicity of two strains of hog cholera virus: 1. Clinical and pathological studies

The virulence of a strain of hog cholera virus isolated during an outbreak of mild disease in pigs in New South Wales in 1960/61 (the NSW strain) was compared over 11 days with that of a virulent strain by inoculating 8 pigs with each virus and comparing the ensuing clinical signs and pathology. Both viruses caused persistent pyrexia and leukopenia, the NSW strain 4 to 5 days and the virulent strain 3 days, after inoculation. Few other clinical signs were observed in the pigs inoculated with the NSW strain. In contrast, all pigs inoculated with the virulent strain became progressively depressed and incoordinated, and were killed between days 6 and 9. Bronchopneumonia and swollen, reddened lymph nodes were observed in pigs inoculated with both viruses. Few other gross lesions were observed with the NSW strain, but some pigs receiving the virulent strain had pustules in the tonsil and the anterior oesophagus, petechial haemorrhages in the kidney, and small infarcts at the margins of the spleen. There were marked differences in the histopathology, both in the variety of organs affected and the severity of lesions in individual organs. Suppurative bronchopneumonia occurred in both groups. Other changes in the pigs affected with the NSW strain were colitis, mild cerebral vasculitis, necrosis, haemorrhage and neutrophil infiltration in some lymph nodes and spleens. In pigs infected with virulent virus the cerebral vasculitis was so severe that there was necrosis of cells within the vessel walls.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Radiographic diagnosis of tibial dyschondroplasia in broilers: a field selection technique

A technique for early detection of tibial dyschondroplasia (TD) in live broilers was developed using the Lixiscope, a hand-held, real-time skeletal imaging device. The Lixiscope utilizes 125I gamma energy (27 keV), which is converted to electrons and then to visible energy, for imaging by way of an output phosphor or electron-to-photon conversion. Image amplication is 45,000 to 50,000 times, and image resolution is 4.2 line pairs per millimeter. The left and right tibiotarsi of the parent stock of male broiler breeder chickens were examined at 3, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age. The images readily allowed for the detection of TD. A scoring system was established to assess severity of TD and was confirmed accurate as correlated with direct radiography and macroscopic examination at necropsy. This technique offers a quick, non-invasive, early detection of TD in broilers. The equipment is portable and can be used in field selection procedures.     

The first case of genetically confirmed monozygotic twinning in the dog

Monozygotic twinning has not previously been genetically confirmed in the dog. This case report describes the finding of two viable male monozygotic foetuses within one placental site during caesarean section. Their umbilical cords attached to a single placenta. Genetic profiling using a total of 38 microsatellite markers, as well as amelogenin and SRY for sex determination, revealed identical DNA profiles, whether derived from blood or tissue (buccal swabs) samples. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of monozygotic twinning in the dog confirmed using DNA profiling.     

Clinical course of digital dermatitis lesions in an endemically infected herd without preventive herd strategies

Lactating Holstein-Friesian dairy cows in four separately housed groups in a herd with endemic digital dermatitis (DD) were monitored weekly for 4 weeks in December 2004 for the presence of and transition between five stages (M0-M4) of DD. Cows were also monitored for the presence of heel horn erosion (HHE) and interdigital hyperplasia. Prior to the study, two groups had been housed indoors on a high or low energy ration, one group had been grazed and one was a dry cow group. All cows received the same ration during the period of investigation. 'Active infection' was defined as transition from M0, M1, M3 or M4 to M2 and 'resolving M2 lesions' were defined as transition from M2 to another stage. M2 lesions were diagnosed on 106 occasions in the hind claws of 49 (36%) of 138 dairy cows; both hind claws were affected in nine cases (18%). M2 lesions were more often painful on palpation than other stages; 94% of M2 lesions were located plantar-medially near the interdigital cleft and 71% had a diameter of 2-4 cm. More M1 lesions than other stages were found within the interdigital space. When interdigital hyperplasia was present, claws were always concurrently affected by DD. The baseline incidence for 'active infection' was 6% per week, increasing to 11% when HHE was present, 14% when cows were previously housed indoors and fed a high energy ration and 16% when cows were 60-120 days in lactation. Topical treatment with chlortetracycline resulted in resolution from M2 of 79% per week. There were no significant effects of group, stage of lactation, parity or HHE on resolution of M2 lesions.     

Cardiopulmonary effects and recovery characteristics of horses anesthetized with xylazine–ketamine with midazolam or propofol

Objective

To evaluate cardiopulmonary and recovery characteristics of horses administered total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) with xylazine and ketamine combined with midazolam or propofol.

Correction to: Population genetic structure of lumpfish along the Norwegian coast: aquaculture implications

The original version of this article unfortunately contained an error where the figure caption for Figures 3 and 4 was mixed.     

Comparison of three intraoperative patient warming systems

The purpose of this randomized clinical trial was to compare the efficacy of three patient warming devices (i.e., circulating water blanket, forced-air, and warming panels) used either alone or in combination on patients undergoing surgeries lasting >60 min. In total, 238 dogs were included and divided into either the celiotomy or nonceliotomy group. Dogs in each group were further divided into one of three subgroups. Dogs in subgroup 1 (n=39) were placed on a circulating water blanket with a forced-air warming blanket placed over the trunk. Subgroup 2 dogs (n=40) were placed on a forced-air warming blanket only. Subgroup 3 dogs (n=40) were placed on warming panels. Significant temperature drops occurred from time of induction (38.1°C±0.64°C) to the start of surgical procedures (36.7°C±0.95°C). Although body temperature was maintained once the warming units were started in all groups, there were significant differences in temperatures for the type of surgical procedures (i.e., celiotomies versus nonceliotomies) performed over time except for subgroup 3. The warming panels and forced-air devices were equally effective in preserving body temperature in anesthetized patients.