ULTRASONOGRAPHIC DESCRIPTION OF CANINE MASTITIS

Ultrasonographic images were acquired of the mammary glands of 40 bitches with physiologically lactating (n = 20) or inflamed glands (n = 20). Echogenicity, structure, homogeneity, thickness, and distinguishability of each tissue layer were assessed. Additionally, overall echogenicity was noted. In the normal lactating gland, different tissues could be differentiated easily. The parenchyma was, without exception, separated from adjacent tissues and was visible as medium echogenic tissue with a coarse-grained structure. The tissue always had some echogenic lines and anechoic areas and was slightly heterogeneous. The loss of distinct layering of the tissue was characteristic of an inflamed mammary gland and inflamed regions had reduced echogenicity. Additionally in five bitches with mastitis, the ultrasound examination was repeated five times for documentation of the progress of the illness and associated changes, supplemented with a color Doppler sonogram to assess changes in blood vessel density. Information from the examinations carried out via B-mode did not allow treatment success to be predicted. Two bitches with reduced blood vessel density centrally had a poor outcome whereas three bitches with increased blood vessel density had a good outcome. Thus, Doppler sonography might be a useful tool to obtain information of the prognosis in acute canine mastitis.     

Bacterial Isolates From Plaque and From Blood During and After Routine Dental Procedures in Dogs

Objective — This study evaluates the association between dental procedures and bacteremia in dogs, including a comparison of bacteria isolated from plaque and blood, severity of the bacteremia versus the severity of dental disease, and the longevity of bacteremia.
Study Design — Bacteria cultured from the blood over time were compared with those isolated from the plaque and crevicular fluid and in relation to severity of dental disease.
Animals or Sample Population — Twenty adult greyhounds.
Methods — Blood samples were collected for culture before induction of general anesthesia, immediately after intubation, 20 minutes after initiation of the dental procedure, and at 10-minute intervals until 10 minutes after the dental procedure was completed. Samples of plaque were taken for microbiological culture.
Results — Sixty to ninety percent of the bacterial genera isolated from the plaque were present in the blood. Dogs classified according to severity of dental disease showed no difference in the total number of different species or number of different Gram-negative, Gram-positive, or anaerobic bacteria isolated from plaque or blood (P <.05). Bacteremia was present in all of the dogs studied, within 40 minutes from the initiation of the dental procedure, regardless of the severity of oral disease.
Conclusions — Gram-negative, Gram-positive, and anaerobic bacteria are present in blood during dental procedures; the bacteremia can persist beyond the dental procedure, and is not associated with the severity of dental disease.
Clinical Relevance — The nature and extent of bacteremia occuring during routine dental procedures is important in understanding a potential risk to dogs.     

Comparison of Three Methods of Ulnar Fixation in Horses

Objective- This study compares the mechanical properties of three methods of equine ulnar fixation: dynamic compression plating, pins and wires tension band, and a prototype grip system.
Study Design- The mechanical properties of dynamic compression plating, pins and wires tension band, and a prototype grip system repair of equine ulnar fractures were evaluated in a cadaveric osteotomy model.
Animals or Sample Population- Fifteen pairs of the radius and ulna from equine cadavers.
Methods- The three repair techniques were evaluated to mimic the pull of the triceps brachii muscle in single cycle to failure and in cyclic fatigue loading. Single cycle results were evaluated as the axial and angular displacement. Cyclic fatigue results were evaluated as the number of cycles to failure.
Results- Dynamic compression plate fixation and pins and wires tension band had significantly less axial displacement of the proximal fragment than the grip system ( P <.05). No significant difference in angular rotation of the proximal fragment was present between the three techniques. Dynamic compression plating had significantly greater fatigue resistance than the grip system ( P <.05). Cyclic failure was characterized by screw loosening or breakage and wire breakage.
Conclusions- Dynamic compression plates were better than the other techniques at maintaining compression of a transverse ulnar osteotomy at the level of the anconeal process just proximal to the trochlear notch.
Clinical Relevance- Knowledge of fixation technique mechanical properties is essential for surgeons to select the proper method of fracture repair.