The Use of Endometrial Biopsy in the Infertile Mare

The results of a study on endometrial biopsies obtained from 700 infertile mares are reported. Infiltrative endometritis was present in 51% consisting of a combination of an acute and chronic cellular response in 6%, mild chronic infiltrations in 35% and moderate to severe chronic infiltrations in 10%.

Demonstrable endometrial fibrosis was found in 88% of the mares with the majority having mild (51%) or moderate (35%) changes. The age of the mares and the average number of years barren gradually increased with the severity of endometrial fibrosis, as did the combined incidence of fetal loss (early embryonic death and abortion) during the three year period preceding the biopsy.

A significant decrease in foaling percentage for the year following the biopsy was observed with increasing severity of endometrial fibrosis. Chisquare analysis projected a decrease in foaling rate of 22.8% for each category increase in severity.

The number of years barren and the farm management system used also had a significant effect on foaling probability. The foaling rates for mares that were bred artificially (82%) under strict veterinary supervision using an extender incorporating gentamicin were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than for mares bred in a conventional manner under average management conditions (48%).

It was concluded that endometrial biopsy is a valuable diagnostic and prognostic technique. When the degree of fibrosis is used to predict foaling probability, the number of years barren and the breeding method to be used should also be considered to arrive at a more accurate prediction.

     

Different Fire Frequency Impacts Over 27 Years on Vegetation Succession in an Infertile Old-Field Grassland

We examined the effect of fire on vegetation composition with the use of an experiment with four different fire frequencies (annual, 2-yr interval, 4-yr interval, and an intended control with no burning) over a 27-yr period in an infertile, old-field grassland at the Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve, located in Minnesota, United States. We measured the plant species' aboveground biomass in permanent plots in 1983, 1987, 1991, 2000, and 2010. None of these fire frequencies, even after 27 yr, had a large impact on the vegetation composition. The plant functional groups' responses to fire frequency were consistent with their respective dominant species. The most abundant C₄ grass, little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium Michx.), did not change in biomass with fire frequency over time. The biomass of the introduced, invasive grass, Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) decreased significantly with increasing fire frequency, but this decrease did not result in change to the rate and trajectory of vegetation change. Bush clover (Lespedeza capitata Michx.), the only legume in the community, strongly increased with more frequent fire, but only after 20 yr. Species richness and litter mass decreased significantly with increasing fire frequency. These small fire-induced vegetation changes contrast with large fire-induced vegetation changes in fertile grasslands. Management strategies using fire in infertile grasslands can lower Poa abundance; however, increased fire also decreased overall plant diversity.     

Lateral orbitotomy for treatment of an orbital abscess in a dog

A two‐year‐old Jack Russell terrier was diagnosed with a retrobulbar abscess and orbital cellulitis. The diagnosis was confirmed by ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging examination and ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration. Transoral ventral drainage was attempted but was unsuccessful. The abscess was successfully treated by open drainage through a lateral orbitotomy. Despite the exposure of the orbital structures, the orbital soft tissues healed by second intention without further complications. The open drainage was well tolerated and resulted in immediate reduction of inflammation and pain, allowing a quick recovery. This report describes the diagnosis and, surgical management and the long‐term (3 years) follow‐up of an unusual case of orbital abscess associated with diffuse periorbital cellulitis successfully treated by open drainage through a lateral orbitotomy.     

Trochlear Block Recession in an Alpaca with Traumatic Lateral Patellar Luxation

Objective— To report surgical treatment of traumatic lateral patellar luxation using trochlear block recession in an alpaca.
Study Design— Clinical case report.
Animals— Five-year-old female alpaca.
Methods— Grade IV/IV lateral, left patella luxation and mild femoropatellar joint effusion was identified by palpation and visual assessment, and confirmed by ultrasonography and radiographs. Trochlear block recession combined with lateral retinacular release and medial imbrication to restore patella function.
Results— Progressive improvement in weight bearing occurred during hospitalization (6 days) and at 3.5 weeks, no lameness was observed; radiographically, the patella was in normal anatomic alignment. At 15 months, there were no signs of lameness with unrestricted exercise and the alpaca had given birth to another cria.
Conclusions— In this alpaca with traumatic origin of the lateral patellar luxation and normal femoro-tibial alignment, a combination of retinacular imbrication, contralateral release, and trochlear block recession were successful for long-term treatment of lateral patellar luxation.
Clinical Relevance— Although trochlear block recession is most commonly performed in small animals, this technique may be useful in treatment of traumatic patellar luxations in camelids.     

药品生产中偏差的管理和控制

对药品生产过程中出现的各种偏差进行有效的控制和管理,以完善药品生产企业质量管理的软件系统。根据cGMP的要求,探讨偏差调查的范围、偏差调查报告的内容和后续的落实整改。药品生产过程中出现偏差是很正常的,只要对其认真彻底的调查,并且详细规范的记录,科学有效的管理,它最终体现的是药品企业份的质量管理水平,同时保证了用药的安全性。     

Lateral spinal decompression in the dog

As an adjunct to the thoracolumbar surgical management of intervertebral disc prolapse in the dog, a lateral decompressive technique is described which permits removal of the prolapsed intervertebral disc material and prophylactic disc fenestration at the same time.     

Balloon Valvuloplasty for Treatment of Pulmonic Stenosis in English Bulldogs with an Aberrant Coronary Artery

Background: English Bulldogs (EB) with pulmonic stenosis (PS) sometimes have an aberrant coronary artery (CA) type R2A encircling the pulmonary artery (PA). Balloon valvuloplasty (BV) is treatment of choice for severe PS, but is considered to be contraindicated in dogs with aberrant CA. Hypothesis: Conservative BV in EB with aberrant CA is safe and improves clinical signs and quality of life. Animals: Four client‐owned EB with severe PS were retrospectively reviewed/analysed. Methods: Retrospective study: Case records, echocardiography, BV, and follow‐up investigations of EB diagnosed with severe PS and treated with BV were reviewed. The ratios of PA to aortic (Ao) velocity time integral (VTI) were calculated to assess progression/improvement of PS. Results: An aberrant CA was confirmed on angiography in all EB. Conservative BV was performed, using a balloon of the size of the PA annulus or smaller (0.6–1 × PA annulus size). All dogs survived the procedure, but only a mild reduction in pressure gradient was achieved. There was an improvement in PA to Ao VTI in 3 of 4 dogs (P≤ .017), which were free of evidence of congestive heart failure (CHF) 5, 10, and 15 months after BV. One dog that had right‐sided CHF when BV was performed died due to progressive right‐sided CHF within 3 months. Conclusions: Conservative BV in EB might be safe and might improve quality and quantity of life.     

Balloon Dilation of Congenital Subaortic Stenosis in the Dog

Balloon dilation during cardiac catheterization was evaluated for the treatment of congenital subaortic stenosis (SAS) in nine dogs. Under general anesthesia, bilateral cardiac catheterization was performed through the right jugular vein and carotid artery. Thermodilution cardiac output, and left ventricular and aortic root pressures and angiograms were obtained before and after balloon dilation. Balloons measuring 18–20 mm in diameter and 30–40 mm in length were positioned across the stenosis and three inflations 4–5 minutes apart were performed. There was no significant change in cardiac output, aortic pressure, or degree of aortic regurgitation after balloon dilation. For the entire group balloon dilation resulted in significant decreases in left ventricular systolic pressure (-61.2 ± 37.2 mm Hg [mean change ± SD], range -14 to -123), mean systolic pressure gradient (-39.6 ± 24.4 mm Hg, range –8.4 to -72.2), and peak systolic pressure gradient (-64.3 ± 46.5 mm Hg, range –17 to –143). Calculated left ventricular outflow cross-sectional area increased significantly (+.4 ± .5 cm², range –.06 to + 1.30). Clinical signs improved in the five symptomatic dogs. Individual hemodynamic responses varied widely, but the magnitude of improvement correlated with the severity of obstruction. Three dogs showed a decrease of 60% or greater (≥100 mm Hg), and six dogs showed a decrease of 25–50% (17–71 mm Hg) in peak systolic gradient after balloon dilation. Complications were frequent but most were transient and manageable. These preliminary results suggest that balloon dilation can acutely decrease outflow resistance in dogs with SAS and may be effective therapy for some affected dogs.     

泵类安装偏差的商榷

国标GB50243中对空调水系统泵类安装偏差规定过严,不仅安装施工操作困难,而且检验也不容易,易造成事实上不达标而不影响运行使用和维护管理的现象。实践中,泵类的安装精度并不高,其运行、维护也能保持良好状态。     

A Stenosis of the Isthmus Aortae Concurrent with Multiple Defects in a Calfheart An Attempt at an Embryological and Phylogenetical Explanation

The findings in a calfheart with multiple ventricular septum defects and an isthmus stenosis in an aorta with its origin in the right ventricle have been described and discussed. The anomalies are explained embryogenetically as well as phylogenetically. No choice could be made between the theories. The author states: The phylogenetic theory needs more attention in future comparative studies of anomalies of the heart.     

Permanent transvenous pacemaker implantation in an Ibizan hound cross with persistent atrial standstill

An Ibizan hound cross was referred with a 1-year history of syncope and exercise intolerance. An electrocardiogram showed bradycardia and no P waves; atrial standstill was diagnosed. A permanent artificial endocardial pacemaker was implanted. The lead dislodged and was reimplanted into the right ventricular apex. Capture was once again achieved.     

Stenosis of the thoracolumbar vertebral canal in a basset hound

A three-month-old female basset hound was referred to the Norwegian College of Veterinary Medicine with a history of progressive paresis of the pelvic limbs. Following neurological examination and the study of myelograms, extradural masses causing spinal cord compressions at the T₁₂.₁₃ and T₁₃-L₁ junctions were diagnosed. At necropsy bone-tissue of the vertebral laminae was found to have formed stenoses of the vertebral canal producing compressions of the spinal cord. Irreversible tissue-damage was observed in histological sections prepared from the compressed areas of the spinal cord.