Ophthalmic examination of the captive western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla).

This study examined the captive western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) eye as compared and contrasted with the human eye. Bilateral ophthalmic examinations of western lowland gorillas (n = 5) while under general anesthesia were performed opportunistically, including slit-lamp biomicroscopy, dilated fundus examination, cycloplegic retinoscopy, Schiotz tonometry, corneal diameter and thickness measurements, A-scan and B-scan ultrasonography, keratometry, and cultures of the eyelid margins and bulbar conjunctiva. Mean spherical equivalent refractive error by cycloplegic retinoscopy was +1.20 +/- 0.59 diopters. Mean intraocular pressure by Schiotz tonometry was 12.0 +/- 4.3 mm Hg. Mean optic nerve head cup to disc ratio was 0.42 +/- 0.11. Mean horizontal corneal diameter was 13.4 +/- 0.8 mm, and mean vertical cornea diameter was 12.7 +/- 0.8 mm. Mean central corneal thickness by ultrasound pachymetry was 489 +/- 52 microm. Mean axial length of the eye by A-scan was 22.75 +/- 0.71 mm. Mean lens thickness by A-scan was 4.23 +/- 0.34 mm. Mean anterior chamber depth by A-scan was 4.00 +/- 0.26 mm. Mean keratometry reading was 44.38 +/- 1.64 diopters. Eyelid margin and bulbar conjunctival cultures isolated Candida sp. (n = 5), Staphylococcus aureus (n = 4), Staphylococcus epidermidis (n = 3), Staphylococcus saccharolyticus (n = 3), and Micrococcus sp. (n = 3). This study suggests important similarities between western lowland gorilla and human eyes. These similarities may allow diagnostics, techniques, and equipment for human eye surgery, such as those used for cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation, to be successfully utilized for gorillas.     

Keratometry, biometry and prediction of intraocular lens power in the equine eye

OBJECTIVE: To determine ocular dimensions (A- and B-scan ultrasound) and corneal curvature (radius of corneal diameter determined in B-scan ultrasound) in the equine eye and to calculate the appropriate dioptric power for a posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) necessary to achieve emmetropia in the eyes of horses undergoing lens extraction. ANIMALS: Fourteen clinically normal adult horses of various breeds. Additionally, for comparison, one American Miniature colt foal, and one 2.5-year-old Shire gelding were examined. PROCEDURE: B-scan ultrasound was performed on one eye from each horse. One eye from both the Shire and the American Miniature were examined for comparison. Data from ultrasound (globe measurements and corneal curvature), and the estimated postoperative IOL positions were entered into theoretical IOL formulas (Binkhorst and Retzlaff theoretical formulas) in order to calculate the predicted IOL strength required to achieve emmetropia after lens extraction in horses. Results: Mean axial length of globes was 39.23 mm +/- 1.26 mm, mean preoperative anterior chamber depth (ACD) was 5.63 +/- 0.86 mm, and mean lens thickness was 11.75 +/- 0.80 mm. Predicted postoperative ACD (PACD) was calculated as the ACD plus 50% of the lens thickness. Additionally, PACD 2 mm anterior and 2 mm posterior to the center of the lens were calculated in order to evaluate the effect of IOL position on its required refractive power. Required IOL strength calculated, using the three values for the predicted postoperative ACD, was 29.91 D +/- 2.50, 29 D +/- 2.52 (center of lens); 27.13 D +/- 2.27, 26.33 D +/- 2.20 (2 mm anterior to center of lens); and 33.18 D +/- 2.78, 32.24 D +/- 2.68 (2 mm posterior to center of lens) with the Binkhorst and Retzlaff theoretical formulas, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: An IOL of substantially lower diopter strength than that needed in either dogs or cats is required to achieve emmetropia after lens extraction in adult horses. IOL strength of approximately 30 D, depending on where the IOL ultimately comes to rest, will probably be required.     

Canine corneal thickness measured by ultrasonic pachymetry.

Ultrasonic pachymetry was used to measure central, superior peripheral, and temporal peripheral corneal thicknesses of 75 dogs (150 eyes) with normal corneas, anterior chambers, and intraocular pressure. Mean corneal thickness averaged over the 2 eyes, 3 locations, and 75 dogs was 562 +/- 6.2 microns. The peripheral cornea was thicker on average than the central cornea by 49.43 +/- 8.45 microns and this difference increased with age at 6.97 +/- 1.3 microns/month of age. Mean corneal thickness changed with age (14.23 +/- 2.26 microns/month), and weight (1.83 +/- 0.38 microns/kg). Females had significantly thinner corneas (22.43 +/- 11.03 microns than males) after adjusting for age and weight.     

A pilot study on the corneal curvatures and ocular dimensions of horses less than one year of age

Intraocular lenses (IOLs) have been implanted in adult equine eyes after cataract surgery. Foals and weanlings comprise a large proportion of those horses undergoing cataract surgery. Due to potential differences in the size and corneal curvature of the juvenile eye, it is not currently known whether implantation of adult IOLs is appropriate in foals and weanlings. The objective of the study was to measure the anterior chamber depth (ACD), central lens thickness (CLT), vitreous chamber depth (VCD), axial globe length (AGL) and corneal curvature of horses less than one year of age. The axial dimensions from one eye of 10 foals were measured using simultaneous A and B scan ultrasonography. The corneal curvature from one eye of 7 weanlings was determined using a modified photokeratometer. Ultrasonography revealed a mean ACD of 4.94 mm, mean CLT of 9.38 mm, mean VCD of 18.96 mm and mean AGL of 33.32 mm for the foals. The mean corneal curvature was 15.4 diopters (D). The mean ACD, CLT, VCD and AGL of the foals were less than the measurements reported in the literature for adult horses. The mean corneal curvature was similar to the values reported by some authors for adult horses. Due to the differences in axial dimensions between adult and juvenile eyes, an IOL that corrects vision in an adult horse might not adequately correct vision in a horse less than one year of age.     

Use of thermokeratoplasty for treatment of ulcerative keratitis and bullous keratopathy secondary to corneal endothelial disease in dogs: 13 cases (1994-2001)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcome of thermokeratoplasty for treatment of ulcerative keratitis and bullous keratopathy secondary to corneal endothelial disease in dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 13 dogs. PROCEDURES: Medical records from 1994 to 2001 for dogs evaluated because of ulcerative keratitis and bullous keratopathy and treated with thermokeratoplasty were reviewed. RESULTS: There were 7 spayed females, 5 castrated males, and 1 sexually intact male, ranging from 6 to 16 years of age. Ten dogs had endothelial degeneration, and 3 dogs had breed-related endothelial dystrophy. All dogs had bullous keratopathy, characterized by microbullae formation that was detected via biomicroscopy. Recurrent or nonhealing corneal ulcers were detected unilaterally in 5 dogs and bilaterally in 8 dogs. Mean +/- SD duration from thermokeratoplasty until ulcerations were healed for all dogs was 2.2 +/- 1.1 weeks. All dogs that underwent thermokeratoplasty for nonhealing corneal ulceration secondary to endothelial disease and corneal edema had epithelial wound healing and resolution of corneal ulceration. Mean duration of treatment (ie, topical treatment required until resolution of ulceration) was significantly less after thermokeratoplasty than duration of treatment (with multiple treatments) prior to referral. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: It may be necessary to perform thermokeratoplasty of the entire cornea to prevent recurrence of ulcerations in areas that have not been treated with thermokeratoplasty.     

Correlation of performance with endoscopic and radiographic assessment of epiglottic hypoplasia in racehorses with epiglottic entrapment corrected by use of contact neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet laser

Epiglottic entrapment in 35 Thoroughbred and 44 Standardbred horses was corrected transendoscopically by use of a neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet laser. Before surgery, the entrapped epiglottis was classified as hypoplastic or normal in each horse on the basis of endoscopic appearance alone. Using a digitizer, thyroepiglottic length was determined from lateral-view laryngeal radiographs. For 78 racehorses, earnings (less than $5,000 or greater than $5,000) were compared before and after surgery. Earnings category and racing performance after surgery were tested for association with endoscopically determined epiglottic hypoplasia and radiographically determined thyroepiglottic length. Endoscopy and radiography were useful methods of evaluating the epiglottis in horses with epiglottic entrapment. Mean (+/- SD) thyroepiglottic length for both breeds of horses with epiglottic entrapment was significantly (P = 0.0001) smaller (Thoroughbreds, 7.28 +/- 0.67 cm; Standardbreds, 7.21 +/- 0.62 cm), compared with thyroepiglottic length measured from control groups composed of clinically normal Thoroughbred (8.56 +/- 0.29 cm) and Standardbred (8.74 +/- 0.38 cm) racehorses. Both breeds of horses with epiglottic entrapment that had endoscopically apparent hypoplastic epiglottis had significantly (P less than 0.0001) smaller thyroepiglottic length (Thoroughbreds, 6.64 +/- 0.60 cm; Standardbred, 6.93 +/- 0.72 cm) than did horses with epiglottic entrapment that had endoscopically normal epiglottis (Throughbreds, 7.57 +/- 0.47 cm, Standardbreds, 7.36 +/- 0.50 cm). Significant difference was not detected in endoscopic appearance of the epiglottis among age, gender, or breed distributions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Axial pattern flap based on the lateral caudal arteries of the tail in the dog: an experimental study

OBJECTIVE: To determine applicability and size limits of an axial pattern flap based on the lateral caudal arteries in dogs to reconstruct caudodorsal trunk skin defects. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. ANIMALS: Ten mature, mixed breed dogs. METHODS: The lateral caudal vessels of the tail were incorporated in the flaps of the treatment group (n=5) and were ligated in the control group (n=5). Flaps were rotated and placed into experimentally created caudodorsal skin defects on the trunk. The length and area of tissue that remained viable in each flap were determined. RESULTS: Mean (+/-SD) survival area (222.8+/-32.9 cm2) and length (25.1+/-4.5 cm) of vascularized flaps were significantly greater (P<.05) compared with control flaps (94.9+/-13.4 cm2 and 14.61+/-4.7 cm). Necrosis occurred in all control flaps, resulting in lower percentage flap area (48.8%) and length (47.1%) survival compared with vascularized flaps (78.1%, 77.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Axial pattern flap based on lateral caudal arteries of the tail was successfully elevated and transferred in a single procedure, with 78% survival for closure of large experimentally created caudodorsal trunk defects in dogs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Large cutaneous defects of the caudodorsal trunk area in dog could be reconstructed with tail axial pattern flap. Limitations in terms of size and changes in animal appearance have to be considered before flap elevation.     

Influence of age and body size on the digestibility of a dry expanded diet in dogs

The objectives of the study were (i) to evaluate the effects of age and body size on the apparent digestibility of a dry expanded diet and (ii) to determine whether poor faecal quality could be related to lower nutrient utilization. Four breeds of dogs were used: six Miniature Poodles (MP), six Medium Schnauzers (MS), six Giant Schnauzers (GS) and six Great Danes (GD). Digestive trials were performed at 11, 21, 35 and 60 weeks of age. Faecal moisture and scoring were recorded at the same periods. Digestibility coefficients of all macronutrients increased significantly (p < 0.05) with age in all four breeds. Organic matter digestibility increased from 80.2 +/- 1.5 to 85.5 +/- 1.5% in MP; from 80.2 +/- 0.9 to 86.3 +/- 0.5% in MS; from 79.6 +/- 4.2 to 88.9 +/- 0.5% in GS and from 85.7 +/- 1.5 to 88.4 +/- 0.8% in GD. Crude protein digestibility increased from 74.5 +/- 4.0 to 81.5 +/- 1.9% in MP; from 74.3 +/- 3.9 to 82.6 +/- 0.9% in MS; from 71.8 +/- 6.0 to 85.9 +/- 0.9% in GS and from 80.8 +/- 4.6 to 84.8 +/- 1.3% in GD between 11 and 60 weeks of age, respectively. Mean faecal moisture also increased over the growth, except in GS. Nutrient digestibility was significantly higher in large dogs at all age periods. However, larger dogs showed lower faecal scores and increased faecal moisture. In conclusion, these results show (i) an effect of age and body size on nutrients digestibility and (ii) that the lower faecal quality observed in healthy large breed dogs does not appear related to lower nutrient utilization.     

Electromyographic evaluation of conduction time and velocity of the recurrent laryngeal nerves of clinically normal dogs

In 25 adult dogs of various breeds, recurrent laryngeal nerve fibers were electrically stimulated at 2 points along their extralaryngeal course. Evoked compound muscle action potentials were recorded in the ipsilateral intrinsic laryngeal muscles, using a percutaneous needle electrode. Latencies, amplitudes, and durations were measured. Latencies were correlated with neck length (r = 0.88 on left and 0.82 on right). Five of the dogs were euthanatized, and the nerve length between the 2 stimulating needle electrodes was measured; calculated conduction velocities (mean +/- SD) were 55 +/- 6 m/s (left) and 57 +/- 6 m/s (right). In 38 additional canine cadavers, the lengths of the exposed left and right recurrent laryngeal nerves were correlated with neck length (r = 0.44 on left and 0.56 on right). A linear regression model is proposed for predicting normal latencies, despite variations in neck length among different breeds of dogs.     

An evaluation of radiographic hepatic size in dogs with portosystemic shunt

Radiographically, the hepatic sizes of portosystemic shunt (PSS) cases were evaluated. In this study the hepatic area was compared in PSS and non-PSS dogs by utilizing the right lateral radiography. The top three breeds of PSS dogs of Maltese, Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier, were included and these dogs had a significantly smaller hepatic area ratio of 46.37 +/- 0.63%, 61.76 +/- 0.78% and 41.59 +/- 0.23% respectively (p<0.05) and the average overall hepatic area in the 3 dog breeds was 47.75 +/- 0.40%.     

Serum zinc, chromium, and iron concentrations in dogs with lymphoma and osteosarcoma

We compared serum concentrations of zinc, chromium, and iron in dogs with cancer to those of normal dogs. Dogs with lymphoma (n = 50) and osteosarcoma (n = 52) were evaluated. Dogs with lymphoma had significantly lower (P = .0028) mean serum zinc concentrations (mean +/- SD; 1.0 +/- 0.3 mg/L) when compared to normal dogs (1.2 +/- 0.4 mg/L). Dogs with osteosarcoma also had lower mean serum zinc concentrations (1.1 +/- 0.4 mg/L), but this difference was not significant (P = .075). Serum chromium concentrations were significantly lower in dogs with lymphoma (2.6 +/- 2.6 microg/L, P = .0007) and osteosarcoma (2.4 +/- 3.1 microg/L, P = .0001) compared to normal dogs (4.7 +/- 2.8 microg/L). Serum iron concentrations and total iron-binding capacity were significantly lower in dogs with lymphoma (110.8 +/- 56.7 microg/dL, P < .0001, and 236.6 +/- 45.6 microg/dL, P < .0001, respectively) and osteosarcoma (99.6 +/- 49.3 microg/dL, P < .0001, and 245.0 +/- 43.8 microg/dL, P = .0011, respectively) when compared to normal dogs (175.1 +/- 56.7 microg/dL and 277.1 +/- 47.4 microg/dL). Mean ferritin concentration was significantly higher in dogs with lymphoma (1291.7 +/- 63.0 microg/L) than in normal dogs (805.8 +/- 291.1 microg/L, P < .0001) and dogs with osteosarcoma (826.5 +/- 309.2 microg/L, P < .0001). Further investigation is needed to explore the clinical significance of these mineral abnormalities in dogs with cancer.     

Effects of dietary fiber supplementation on glycemic control in dogs with alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus.

The effect of a high insoluble-fiber (IF) diet containing 15% cellulose in dry matter, high soluble-fiber (SF) diet containing 15% pectin in dry matter, and low-fiber (LF) diet on glycemic control in 6 dogs with alloxan-induced insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus was evaluated. Each diet contained greater than 50% digestible carbohydrate in dry matter. A crossover study was used with each dog randomly assigned to a predetermined diet sequence. Each dog was fed each diet for 56 days. Caloric intake was adjusted weekly as needed to maintain each dog within 1.5 kg of its body weight measured prior to induction of diabetes mellitus. All dogs were given pork lente insulin and half of their daily caloric intake at 12-hour intervals. Mean (+/- SEM) daily caloric intake was significantly (P less than 0.05) less when dogs consumed the IF diet vs the SF and LF diets (66 +/- 3 kcal/kg, 81 +/- 5 kcal/kg, and 79 +/- 4 kcal/kg, respectively). Serum alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly (P less than 0.05) higher when dogs consumed the LF diet vs the IF and SF diets (182 +/- 37 IU/L, 131 +/- 24 IU/L, and 143 +/- 24 IU/L, respectively). Mean postprandial plasma glucose concentration measured every 2 hours for 24 hours, beginning at the time of the morning insulin injection, was significantly (P less than 0.05) lower at most blood sampling times in dogs fed IF and SF diets, compared with dogs fed the LF diet.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Comparison of luteinizing hormone and steroid hormone secretion during the peri- and post-ovulatory periods in Mangalica and Landrace gilts

The objective of this study was to determine plasma concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH), progesterone (P4) and estradiol-17beta (E2) in Mangalica gilts (M), a Hungarian native breed, and compare them with Landrace gilts (L) during the peri- and post-ovulatory periods. The estrous cycle of gilts was synchronised by Regumate feeding, and ovulation was induced with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist. Blood sampling was carried out via indwelling jugular catheters three times a day and in 2-h intervals during a 16-h period after the GnRH application. The concentrations of LH, E2 and P4 were determined by immunoassays. Gilts of both breeds showed a typical gonadotropin and gonadal hormone secretion pattern. Preovulatory E2 peaks were observed on day 2 (M) and day 4 (L) after the last Regumate feeding. Highest E2 concentration was different between M and L breeds (46.5 +/- 5.7 vs. 26.0 +/- 6.8 pg/ml, P < 0.05). Maximum LH levels measured up to 6 h after GnRH were not different between M and L breeds (11.5 +/- 4.1 vs. 6.6 +/- 2.3 ng/ml). Both LH amounts during surge (41.1 +/- 15.9 vs. 27.5 +/- 6.1 ng/ml) and total over LH release (73.4 +/- 22.2 vs. 50.0 +/- 8.7 ng/ml) did not differ significantly between M and L breeds. P4 concentrations started to rise on day 6 after Regumate feeding and increased significantly from 0.6 +/- 0.3 and 0.7 +/- 0.4 ng/ml to maximal 14.0 +/- 2.4 and 11.3 +/- 2.1 ng/ml in M and L breeds, respectively. Mean P4 secretion was higher in M on days 10-15 (12.9 +/- 2.6 vs. 9.3 +/- 2.2 ng/ml; P<0.05). At the same time the number of corpora lutea was lower in M compared to L (10.3 +/-1.5 vs. 17.8 +/- 5.0, P<0.05). In our experiment, there was no evidence that differences in the secretion of analysed hormones during the peri- and post-ovulatory periods are a possible cause of usually lower fecundity in Mangalica gilts.     

Posterior lamellar keratoplasty for treatment of deep stromal absesses in nine horses

OBJECTIVE: To describe and evaluate the use of posterior lamellar keratoplasty as a surgical treatment for deep corneal stromal abscesses in horses. Animals studied Nine horses of various breeds and ages that presented with corneal stromal abscesses located in the posterior one-third of the cornea. Procedure Retrospective medical record study. RESULTS: Nine horses had deep corneal stromal abscesses that were treated with posterior lamellar keratoplasty. Median patient age was 3 years. Six patients were females and three were geldings. Medical therapy alone had been attempted prior to surgery in all nine animals. Corneal abscess culture and histopathology were performed in 8/9 horses. Cultures were positive for an infectious etiology in 4/8 (50%). Histopathology was positive for an infectious etiology in 5/8 (62.5%). Mean surgical time was 71.0 +/- 18.8 min and the average healing time was 23.7 +/- 5.2 days. Visual outcome was positive in 8/9 cases. Conclusion Posterior lamellar keratoplasty is a promising procedure for treatment of deep corneal stromal abscesses in horses. The procedure resulted in considerable shorter surgery time and healing time than had been observed with full-thickness penetrating keratoplasty. Scar formation with this procedure was not significantly different than with penetrating keratoplasty.     

Refractive states of eyes and association between ametropia and breed in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To assess the refractive state of eyes in various breeds of dogs to identify breeds susceptible to ametropias. ANIMALS: 1,440 dogs representing 90 breeds. PROCEDURES: In each dog, 1 drop of 1% cyclopentolate or 1% tropicamide was applied to each eye, and a Canine Eye Registration Foundation examination was performed. Approximately 30 minutes after drops were administered, the refractive state of each eye was assessed via streak retinoscopy. Dogs were considered ametropic (myopic or hyperopic) when the mean refractive state (the resting focus of the eye at rest relative to visual infinity) exceeded +/- 0.5 diopter (D). Anisometropia was diagnosed when the refractive error of each eye in a pair differed by > 1 D. RESULTS: Mean +/- SD refractive state of all eyes examined was -0.05 +/- 1.36 D (emmetropia). Breeds in which the mean refractive state was myopic (< or = -0.5 D) included Rottweiler, Collie, Miniature Schnauzer, and Toy Poodle. Degree of myopia increased with increasing age across all breeds. Breeds in which the mean refractive state was hyperopic (> or = +0.5 D) included Australian Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Bouvier des Flandres. Astigmatism was detected in 1% (14/1,440) of adult (> or = 1 year of age) dogs; prevalence of astigmatism among German Shepherd Dogs was 3.3% (3/90). Anisometropia was detected in 6% (87/1,440) of all dogs and in 8.9% (8/90) of German Shepherd Dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Refractive states of canine eyes varied widely and were influenced by breed and age. In dogs expected to have high visual function (eg, performance dogs), determination of refractive state is recommended prior to intensive training.     

Clinical comparison of the Welch Allyn SureSight™ handheld autorefractor vs. streak retinoscopy in dogs

Objective To compare the Welch Allyn SureSight? wavefront autorefractor with retinoscopy in normal dogs. Animals studied Fifty privately owned dogs (100 eyes) of 20 breeds, free of ocular disease. Mean ± SD age: 5.7 ± 3.25 years (range: 6 months–13 years). Procedures The refractive error was determined in each eye by two experienced retinoscopists using streak retinoscopy as well as by an autorefractor operated by two different examiners. Measurements were performed before and approximately 30–45 min after cycloplegia was induced by cyclopentolate 0.5% and tropicamide 0.5% ophthalmic solutions. Results Mean ± SD noncyclopleged retinoscopy net sphere was ?0.55 ± 1.14 (range: ?3.75 to 3.5) diopters (D). Mean cyclopleged retinoscopy net sphere was ?0.52 ± 1.18 (range: ?4.25 to 2) D. Mean ± SD noncyclopleged autorefractor spherical equivalent (SE) was ?0.42 ± 1.13 D (range: ?3.36 to 2.73) D. Mean cyclopleged autorefractor SE was 0.10 ± 1.47 (range: ?5.62 to 3.19) D. Noncyclopleged autorefraction results were not significantly different from streak retinoscopy (whether noncyclopleged or cyclopleged, P = 0.80 and P = 0.26, respectively). Cyclopleged autorefraction results were significantly different from noncyclopleged or cyclopleged streak retinoscopy (P < 0.0001 in both states). There was no significant difference between noncyclopleged and cyclopleged streak retinoscopy (P = 0.97). Conclusions Noncyclopleged autorefraction shows good agreement with streak retinoscopy in dogs and may be a useful clinical technique. Cycloplegia does not significantly affect streak retinoscopy results in dogs.     

Evaluation of survival times after limb amputation, with and without subsequent administration of cisplatin, for treatment of appendicular osteosarcoma in dogs: 30 cases (1979-1990).

Appendicular osteosarcoma was diagnosed in 30 dogs. Fifteen dogs were treated by limb amputation alone, and 15 dogs were treated by limb amputation followed by 2 doses of cisplatin given IV approximately 2 and 7 weeks after limb removal. Mean survival time after limb amputation alone +/- SD was 190 +/- 138 days (median, 168 days); 7 dogs survived longer than 6 months, and 3 dogs survived more than 1 year. Fourteen of 15 dogs treated by amputation and administration of cisplatin survived a mean of 315 +/- 158 days (median, 290 days) after amputation, and 1 dog was still alive at 1,095 days; 13 dogs survived longer than 6 months and 5 dogs survived more than 1 year. Survival time was significantly (P less than 0.05) greater in dogs given cisplatin.     

Comparison of two radiographic techniques for evaluation of hip joint laxity in 10 breeds of dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate hip joint laxity in 10 breeds of dogs via 2 radiographic techniques. ANIMALS: 500 clinically normal dogs. DESIGN: Prospective study. PROCEDURE: Radiographs obtained via routine hip joint evaluations performed in sedated dogs of 10 popular breeds were randomly selected from a database. Measurements of distraction index (DI) and hip-extended index (HEI) on 1 hip joint radiograph randomly chosen from each dog were made. RESULTS: Mean age of dogs was 20.7 months. Mean HEI was 0.17 (range, 0.0 to 0.72) and mean DI was 0.44 (range, 0.07 to 0.96). Borzois had uniformly tight hip joints as judged by use of both methods and were considered the gold standard by which hip joint laxity was judged (all Borzois had DI < or = 0.32). Overall, DI was significantly greater than HEI. Within each breed, mean DI was always greater than mean HEI. Significant differences were detected among breeds for HEI; however, compared with DI, the magnitude of differences among breeds was less. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Distraction radiography detected the greatest range and magnitude of passive hip laxity in the 10 breeds of dogs. The difference in values between breeds known to have high prevalence of canine hip dysplasia and those in Borzois was greater for DI than for HEI. Breeds must be evaluated individually because of inherent differences in hip joint laxity.     

Axial Pattern Flap Based on the Cutaneous Branch of the Superficial Temporal Artery in Dogs: An Experimental Study and Case Report

OBJECTIVE: To determine the anatomic guidelines and viability of an axial pattern flap based on the cutaneous branch of the superficial temporal artery (STA) in dogs. Application of the flap in a clinical patient is reported. STUDY DESIGN: Flap viability in control and experimental groups was determined 7 days postoperatively. ANIMALS: A total of 14 mature, mesaticephalic dogs; 1 clinical patient. METHODS: The cutaneous branch of the STA and vein were incorporated in the flaps of the experimental groups (group A, n = 5; group B, n = 4) and were ligated in the control group (n = 5). Flap length was extended in experimental group B. Seven days postoperatively, the length and area of tissue that remained viable in each flap was determined and compared with similar measurements performed intraoperatively. Cutaneous fluorescence was also used postoperatively to assess flap perfusion. The flap used in the clinical patient had the same dimensions as flaps developed in group A. RESULTS: Mean survival length (+/- SD) of STA flaps [group A, 9.1 (0.8) cm], was significantly increased (P < .05) compared with control flaps [7.0 (0.6) cm]. Percentage flap length survival (+/- SD) of STA flaps [group A, 91.8 (8.9)%], was significantly increased (P < .05) compared with control flaps [71.6 (7.0)%]. Mean percentage area of survival (+/- SD) of STA flaps [group A, 93.1 (7.5)%], was significantly increased (P < .05) compared with control flaps [73.5 (7.4)%]. Group B flaps had a mean survival length of 10.4 (1.1) cm, percentage flap length survival of 69.5 (4.8)%, and mean percentage area of survival of 69.1 (6.5)%. There was no positive correlation between the area of flap fluorescence at days 0, 1, and 3, and the area of flap survival. Application of the flap in a clinical patient allowed primary wound reconstruction with 100% survival. CONCLUSION: A flap based on the cutaneous branch of the STA may be a source of skin for reconstructive procedures of the maxillofacial region in dogs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Knowledge of the anatomic landmarks and expected viability of a STA axial pattern flap is essential before consideration of its use as a reconstructive surgical technique.     

Eructation of gas through the gastroesophageal sphincter before and after truncal vagotomy in dogs

The function of the gastroesophageal sphincter (GES) to eructate gas before and after vagotomy was investigated in conscious, fed dogs. Gastric and GES pressures were measured in 5 dogs, using a perfused 4-lumen catheter with a Dent sleeve. To induce eructation, nitrogen gas was insufflated (440 ml/min) into the stomach through 1 channel of the catheter. After base-line studies were completed on each dog, bilateral truncal vagotomy was performed 5 cm cranial to the diaphragm. Mean (+/- SE) GES pressure was 51.5 +/- 1 mm of Hg before vagotomy and 28 +/- 1.7 mm of Hg after vagotomy (P less than 0.001). Mean gastric contraction rates were the same, 4.91 +/- 0.11/min and 4.78 +/- 0.06/min in dogs before and after vagotomy, respectively. During insufflation, gastric pressures increased to 11.8 +/- 0.7 mm of Hg before eructation in dogs before vagotomy and to 18.4 +/- 0.8 mm of Hg in dogs after vagotomy (P less than 0.001). Eructation occurred at intervals of 1.79 +/- 0.09 minutes before vagotomy and 5.71 +/- 0.41 minutes after vagotomy (P less than 0.001). Atropine resulted in an interval of 1.98 +/- 0.18 minutes before vagotomy. Eructation was not seen in 2 dogs after vagotomy and was sometimes not seen in the 3 others. Gastroesophageal sphincter pressure in dogs before vagotomy began to decrease 4.5 +/- 0.2 s before the GES-pressure gradient disappeared, and GES pressure remained there for 5.3 +/- 0.3 s before the gradient began to return.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)