Reversed patent ductus arteriosus and multiple congenital malformations in an 8‐day‐old Arabo‐Friesian foal

An 8‐day‐old Arabo‐Friesian filly was presented with signs of severe dyspnoea, tachypnoea, coughing and cyanotic mucous membranes. On auscultation, a bilateral grade V/VI continuous heart murmur and heart rate of 155 beats/min (sinus tachycardia) were detected. Lung ultrasonography revealed pronounced comet tail artefacts indicating lung oedema. Echocardiography showed right ventricular hypertrophy, a 1.2 cm muscular ventricular septal defect with a left‐to‐right shunt, a stenotic bicuspid pulmonary valve and severe mitral and tricuspid valve regurgitation. Tricuspid regurgitation peak velocity indicated a right ventricular systolic pressure of 119 mmHg. The pulmonary artery was severely dilated and a 1 cm diameter patent ductus arteriosus was found. Colour flow Doppler showed systolic ductal flow reversal with right‐to‐left shunting through the ductus. Arterial partial oxygen pressure and saturation were lower in the metatarsal artery (25 mmHg, saturation 52.6%) than in the carotid artery (31 mmHg, saturation 64.3%). Due to the poor prognosis, the foal was subjected to euthanasia and necropsy confirmed the ultrasonographic findings. Patent ductus arteriosus is a rare condition and occurs most frequently in combination with tetralogy and pentalogy of Fallot. A genetic basis for congenital cardiac disease, especially for ventricular septal defects, in Arabians and for aortic rupture and aorto‐pulmonary fistulation in Friesians has been reported. Whether cross‐breeding leads to an increased prevalence is unknown. This is the first case report with echocardiographic visualisation of reversed ductal flow in a neonatal Arabo‐Friesian foal.     

Method for Blind Catheter Placement in the Equine Pulmonary Artery

The navigation behavior of catheters within the equine pulmonary artery (PA) was investigated using en bloc heart and lung preparations for the purpose of developing a method of blind catheter placement. An equine ex vivo heart and lung perfusion system with controlled perfusate pulsatile flow, pressure, and temperature was used to evaluate a blind navigation technique for placement of balloon-tipped catheters into the distal main stem of the PA. Catheter performance was observed with an intravascular endoscope. Three balloon catheters were selected for navigation trials: a 4 mm diameter × 1.2 cm, 2.7Fr, 142 cm angioplasty catheter (C4mm); a 10 mm diameter × 4 cm, 5Fr, 150-cm angioplasty catheter (C10mm); and a 16-mm diameter, 7Fr, 200-cm pancreatic duct sphincteroplasty catheter (C16mm). Successful catheter placement was defined as insertion within a left or right main stem of the PA to a distance greater than 20 cm beyond the bifurcation. A method of blind catheter placement into the distal main stem of the equine PA using balloon-tipped catheters was successfully developed. The 16-mm catheter was superior with an average proportion of successful insertions (PSIavg) of 93.6%; an average insertion distance in the main stem (IDMavg) of 30.1 ± 5.7 cm; and an average insertion distance anywhere in the PA (IDAavg) of 29.3 ± 6.4 cm versus the 10 mm (PSIavg 25%, IDMavg 39.3 ± 11.4 cm, IDAavg 19.3 ± 15.1 cm) and 4 mm (PSIavg 11%, IDMavg 40.0 ± 11.0 cm, IDAavg 12.8 ± 13.2 cm), respectively.     

Case series evaluating the use of absorbable staples compared with metallic staples in equine ventral midline incisions

The objective was to evaluate the use of subcuticular absorbable staples (SAS) and compare them with metallic staples (MS) in abdominal skin closure for equine abdominal surgery in terms of surgical site infection (SSI) reduction. A prospective, randomised clinical trial was carried out on client owned horses presenting for abdominal surgery (n = 42 horses). During surgery, horses were randomly assigned to receive either SAS or MS. Preoperative criteria recorded included age, breed and sex of horse; surgical variables included lesion type, anaesthetic, surgical and stapling times; post operative variables included an anaesthetic recovery quality score and an incisional assessment score. Mean ± s.d. anaesthesia times for small intestinal surgeries between the MS and SAS (228 ± 58.8 min, 234 ± 38.7 min, respectively) and surgical times between MS and SAS (158 ± 58.8 min, 174 ± 26.5 min, respectively) were not significantly different from each other. There was no significant difference in closure times for the MS and SAS (61 ± 14.1 s, 85 ± 35.3 s, respectively). Wound scores for the MS (median score 6) were significantly greater than the SAS (median score 3) until Day 14, after which there was no significant difference between the 2 techniques. No horses in this case series developed a SSI. Although no SSIs were identified in either group, the superior wound score with the SAS together with other in vitro and clinical evaluations in other species suggest that the use of SAS may be potentially beneficial in horses.     

Udder health in relation to udder and teat morphometry in Holstein Friesian × Sahiwal crossbred dairy cows

The present investigation involved 261 Holstein Friesian (HF) × Sahiwal cows to study the udder health as well as the udder and teat morphometry. The udder health was defined on the basis of bacteriology and California mastitis test of quarter foremilk. The morphometry parameters included udder fore depth (UFD, distance from the point where the fore udder merges within the abdomen to a point in front of the fore teats at the level of the udder base), udder rear depth (URD, distance from the bottom of the vulva to the base of the rear udder), udder depth (UD, level of the udder base with respect to hock joint), height of the udder from the floor, teat length, teat diameter (at mid of the teat barrel), teat-tip to floor distance and distance between the teats. The URD, UD and height of udder from the floor showed a significant (P?<?0.05) relation to the udder health with mastitic cows having larger URD, smaller udder distance from the floor and the udder base placed below the hock joint. The cows with teat length larger than 4.5 cm and teat diameter 3.0 cm or larger had significantly more quarters affected with mastitis. Further, cows with teats placed nearer to the floor were more susceptible to mastitis (P?<?0.01). No significant differences were found between healthy and mastitic udders with respect to UFD and distance between teats. It can be concluded that selection for optimum udder and teat morphometry in breeding programmes may help to reduce susceptibility to intramammary infections in HF × Sahiwal cows.     

Use of robust multivariate linear mixed models for estimation of genetic parameters for carcass traits in beef cattle

Assumptions of normality of residuals for carcass evaluation may make inferences vulnerable to the presence of outliers, but heavy‐tail densities are viable alternatives to normal distributions and provide robustness against unusual or outlying observations when used to model the densities of residual effects. We compare estimates of genetic parameters by fitting multivariate Normal (MN) or heavy‐tail distributions (multivariate Student's t and multivariate Slash, MSt and MS) for residuals in data of hot carcass weight (HCW), longissimus muscle area (REA) and 12th to 13th rib fat (FAT) traits in beef cattle using 2475 records from 2007 to 2008 from a large commercial operation in Nebraska. Model comparisons using deviance information criteria (DIC) favoured MSt over MS and MN models, respectively. The posterior means (and 95% posterior probability intervals, PPI) of v for the MSt and MS models were 5.89 ± 0.90 (4.35, 7.86) and 2.04 ± 0.18 (1.70, 2.41), respectively. Smaller values of posterior densities of v for MSt and MS models confirm that the assumption of normally distributed residuals is not adequate for the analysis of the data set. Posterior mean (PM) and posterior median (PD) estimates of direct genetic variances were variable with MSt having the highest mean value followed by MS and MN, respectively. Posterior inferences on genetic variance were, however, comparable among the models for FAT. Posterior inference on additive heritabilities for HCW, REA and FAT using MN, MSt and MS models indicated similar and moderate heritability comparable with the literature. Posterior means of genetic correlations for carcass traits were variable but positive except for between REA and FAT, which showed an antagonistic relationship. We have demonstrated that genetic evaluation and selection strategies will be sensitive to the assumed model for residuals.     

Left coronary aneurysmal dilation and subaortic stenosis in a dog

A 6-month-old German shepherd dog was referred for evaluation of a cardiac murmur.Upon physical examination, the auscultated heart rate was 120 beats/min, and a grade IV/VI systolic heart murmur with a point of maximal intensity over the left heart base radiating up the neck was heard. The standard echocardiographic examination showed subaortic stenosis and an anechoic tubular structure extending from the sinus of Valsalva to the left ventricular posterior wall. Aneurysmal left coronary artery (CA) was confirmed by angiography. The dog was euthanized and post-mortem examination showed severe dilatation of the proximal left CA and confirmed the subaortic stenosis. Histopathology did not demonstrate abnormalities in the walls of the CA, aorta or pulmonary artery.The exact cause of the CA aneurysmal dilation remains unknown. Subaortic stenosis, elevated coronary vascular resistance or a congenital anomaly may have contributed to the dilation.To our knowledge, coronary aneurysmal dilation has never been described in dogs. Standard echocardiography provides reliable information on coronary anatomy.     

Pre-procedural femoral vessel ultrasound in dogs with patent ductus arteriosus: diameter,image quality and relationship with arterial catheterization

IntroductionObjectives: Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in dogs is often treated via minimally invasive transvascular occlusion using femoral artery access. This study compared ultrasound-derived diameter and image quality of the right femoral artery (RFA) and vein (RFV) in dogs with PDA using a linear ultrasound probe (L-P) and phased-array transthoracic echocardiography probe (TTE-P). The case outcome was assessed.Animals, materials & methodsForty-five client-owned dogs with PDA were prospectively enrolled. Ultrasound-measured RFA and RFV diameters were obtained on images acquired with both probes pre-operatively and compared using Bland–Altman plots. The image quality of RFA and RFV was scored on L-P and TTE-P images.ResultsComparison of RFA and RFV diameter from L-P versus TTE-P images revealed: [Mean difference (limits of agreement): RFA = 0.009 mm (−0.78–0.79 mm), RFV = 0.523 mm (−1.75–2.79 mm)]. Image quality scores were significantly higher for L-P than TTE-P (P < 0.0001). In six small dogs, measurable images were unattainable with TTE-P. Dogs of similar body weight had variable RFA diameters. Twenty-seven dogs had RFA catheterization. In 21/27 dogs, RFA diameter exceeded the external diameter of the introducer used for catheterization, and in 6/27, it was smaller.ConclusionsPre-procedural ultrasound of the RFA in dogs with PDA is useful given variable RFA diameter relative to body weight. Despite poorer image quality, RFA diameters from TTE-P images were very similar to L-P images on average, suggesting TTE-Ps are suitable for pre-procedural planning in most dogs. Vasospasm, hypotension or differences in the location of ultrasound measurement versus catheterization might produce variation in pre-procedural versus intraoperative RFA size.     

The ultrasonographic appearance of renal medullary striations and their association with renal disease and renal histopathology in domestic cats

Medullary striations (MS) have been anecdotally observed on ultrasound of feline kidneys; however, their significance is unknown. Aims of this retrospective, case control, pilot study were to describe the appearance, prevalence, and clinicopathological correlates of MS in a referral feline population. Still images from 1247 feline abdominal ultrasound studies performed between 2011 and 2021 were reviewed. Cats with MS were identified and compared with age-matched controls. Serum urea, creatinine, calcium, phosphate, and calcium-phosphate-product, plus urine specific gravity, urine protein: creatinine ratio (UPC), prevalence of active sediment (defined as > 5 red (RBC) or white blood cells (WBC) per high-power field) and prevalence of positive urine culture were compared between MS and control groups using the Mann–Whitney U test or Fisher's Exact test. Data are presented as median [range]. 27 cats were identified as having MS, giving a prevalence of 2.2% with a significantly higher proportion being seen in males (P = 0.018). Medullary striation cats had significantly higher UPC values than controls (0.46 [0.16–7.57] vs. 0.16 [0.07–2.27]; P = 0.006). Cats with MS were more likely to have active urinary sediments (39% vs 8%, P = 0.023), but no difference in prevalence of positive urinary cultures was observed between groups. There was no significant difference in other parameters between MS and control cats. Renal histopathology performed in three MS cats revealed focal regions of linear medullary fibrosis. Medullary striations are associated with proteinuria and urinary tract inflammation in cats, which may reflect renal tubular dysfunction and/or inflammation. Hence identification might allow for earlier detection of renal pathology.     

Computed tomography assisted diagnosis and treatment of a comminuted fracture of the plantar aspect of the medial trochlear ridge and the proximal tubercle of the talus in a foal

Isolated fractures of the proximal tubercle of the talus and the medial trochlear ridge of the talus have been reported in the equine literature. A comminuted, intra-articular fracture of the plantar medial trochlear ridge and proximal tubercle of the talus has not been previously reported. The current case report describes this unique comminuted fracture in a 6-week-old Thoroughbred foal with acute onset lameness. The diagnosis was achieved by a combination of radiography, ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) followed by CT arthrography. Surgical removal of the fracture fragments was recommended; the intra-articular fracture fragments were removed under arthroscopic visualisation of the plantar pouch of the tarsocrural joint; due to ligamentous attachments and partial extra-articular nature, the fracture fragment of the proximal tubercle of the talus was removed via an arthrotomy extension of the medial arthroscopy portal. On follow-up examination 12 months post-operatively, the yearling showed no clinical evidence of lameness or radiographic evidence of secondary degenerative joint disease.     

The effect of cannabidiol on sevoflurane minimum alveolar concentration reduction produced by morphine in rats

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of cannabidiol (CBD) on sevoflurane minimum alveolar concentration (MAC_SEV) reduction produced by morphine in rats.Study designRandomized, blinded trial.AnimalsA total of 75 male Wistar Han rats weighing 276 ± 23 g (mean and standard deviation), aged 3 months.MethodsCannabidiol (CBD) was prepared in an ethanol-solutol-saline vehicle. Animals were randomly divided into 15 groups and given an intraperitoneal bolus of 1, 3, 5, 6.5, 7.5 or 10 mg kg^?1 of CBD alone (CBD1, CBD3, CBD5, CBD6.5, CBD7.5 and CBD10 respectively) or combined with 5 mg kg^?1 of morphine (MOR+CBD1, MOR+CBD3, MOR+CBD5, MOR+CBD6.5, MOR+CBD7.5 and MOR+CBD10). While three controls groups: MOR+saline, MOR+vehicle and vehicle were given an intraperitoneal bolus of morphine with saline, morphine with vehicle or vehicle alone respectively. The MAC_SEV was determined from alveolar gas samples at the time of tail clamp application. The MAC_SEV reduction was analyzed using a one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test. Additionally, Kruskal-Wallis test for non-normally-distributed data was performed. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation. P < 0.05ResultsThe mean MAC_SEV was not reduced by the action of CBD administered alone, but the addition of morphine to the different doses of CBD significantly reduced the MAC_SEV. That reduction was greatest in the MOR+CBD1, MOR+CBD7.5 and MOR+CBD10 groups (29 ± 5%, 32 ± 5% and 30 ± 6% respectively), less in MOR+CBD3 and MOR+CBD6.5 groups (24 ± 3% and 26 ± 4% respectively) and least in MOR+CBD5 group (17 ± 2%). However, only the MOR+CBD5 group was statistically significantly different from MOR+CBD1, MOR+CBD7.5 and MOR+CBD10 groups.Conclusions and clinical relevanceMAC_SEV in rat was unaltered by the action of CBD alone, the reduction in MAC_SEV produced by morphine was not enhanced by the addition of CBD at the doses studied.     

Genome‐wide association study for egg production and quality in layer chickens

Discovery of genes with large effects on economically important traits has for many years been of interest to breeders. The development of SNP panels which cover the whole genome with high density and, more importantly, that can be genotyped on large numbers of individuals at relatively low cost, has opened new opportunities for genome‐wide association studies (GWAS). The objective of this study was to find genomic regions associated with egg production and quality traits in layers using analysis methods developed for the purpose of whole genome prediction. Genotypes on over 4500 birds and phenotypes on over 13 000 hens from eight generations of a brown egg layer line were used. Birds were genotyped with a custom 42K Illumina SNP chip. Recorded traits included two egg production and 11 egg quality traits (puncture score, albumen height, yolk weight and shell colour) at early and late stages of production, as well as body weight and age at first egg. Egg weight was previously analysed by Wolc et al. ( 2012 ). The Bayesian whole genome prediction model – BayesB (Meuwissen et al. 2001 ) was used to locate 1 Mb regions that were most strongly associated with each trait. The posterior probability of a 1 Mb window contributing to genetic variation was used as the criterion for suggesting the presence of a quantitative trait locus (QTL) in that window. Depending upon the trait, from 1 to 7 significant (posterior probability >0.9) 1 Mb regions were found. The largest QTL, a region explaining 32% of genetic variance, was found on chr4 at 78 Mb for body weight but had pleiotropic effects on other traits. For the other traits, the largest effects were much smaller, explaining <7% of genetic variance, with regions on chromosomes 2, 12 and 17 explaining above 5% of genetic variance for albumen height, shell colour and egg production, respectively. In total, 45 of 1043 1 Mb windows were estimated to have a non‐zero effect with posterior probability > 0.9 for one or more traits.     

Public Health Follow‐up of Suspected Exposure to Echinococcus multilocularis in Southwestern Ontario

In the 3 years since the first report of canine alveolar echinococcosis (AE) in Ontario, three additional cases have been diagnosed in the province. Of the four cases reported to date, three have had no known history of travel outside the province. It is possible that this development is an indication of previously unrecognized environmental contamination with Echinococcus multilocularis eggs in some areas of the province. If so, there is the potential for an emerging threat to human health. This article describes a local public health department's investigation of the possible exposure to E. multilocularis of a number of individuals who had had contact with the latest of the four cases of canine AE, and summarizes a comprehensive decision process that can be used by public health departments to assist in the follow‐up of such exposures.     

Effect of floor cooling and dietary amino acids content on performance and behaviour of lactating primiparous sows during summer

Fifty nine primiparous sows PIC Camborough 23 were distributed in a completely randomized 2 × 2 (with and without floor cooling × two dietary treatments) factorial design with 16 sows/treatment, each sow being considered as an experimental unit. Four replicates of sixteen sows each were used during the trial with the objective of evaluating the effects of floor cooling and the use of dietary amino acid contents on their performance and behaviour during summer. The sows were distributed among the treatments according to body weight and backfat thickness after farrowing. The sows were maintained in the experiment until weaning at 21 days of lactation. The two experimental diets supplied the same levels of crude protein (22%), metabolizable energy (ME; 14.65 MJ/kg) and levels of essential digestible AA relative to digestive lysine and differed according to the digestible lysine to ME ratio (0.75 vs. 0.82 g/MJ of ME). The temperature of the water circulating in the cooled floor was maintained at about 17 °C. Based on the average minimum and maximum temperatures (21.5 and 29.5 °C) obtained during the experimental trial, it can be assumed that the sows were exposed to periods of heat stress. The replicate and the interaction between replicate and treatment effects on all the measurements were not significant. Similarly, no effect of diet or interaction between diet and floor cooling system was found for all criteria measured. An effect (P < 0.05) of floor cooling on average daily feed intake was observed and floor cooling sows showed a higher average (P < 0.05) digestible lysine (61.5 vs. 51.8 g/d) and ME (78.2 vs. 65.9 MJ/d) intakes. The sows submitted to floor cooling showed, consistently, higher absolute values for average weight (+ 8.5 kg) and backfat (+ 0.75 mm) at weaning, compared with the control sows. The sows submitted to the cooled floor showed a shorter (P < 0.01) weaning-to-oestrus interval. The piglet and litter's daily weight gain (DWG), average weight at weaning (AWW) and total weight gain during lactation (TWG) were higher (P < 0.01) for the floor cooling sows. The floor cooling sows showed a higher (P < 0.01) daily milk production. The respiratory rate and rectal temperature values were lower (P < 0.01) for the floor cooling sows. There were differences (P < 0.01) on the cutaneous temperatures measured on the different parts of the sow's body, with the animals submitted to the cooled floor having lower values. The sows submitted to floor cooling spent less (P < 0.01) time in lateral recumbency inactive, more time nursing (P < 0.05) and more time feeding (P < 0.01) compared with control sows. The floor cooling under the sows increased daily feed intake and lysine intake, leading to a lower body weight loss, a lower weaning-to-oestrus interval and also improved nursing behaviour of the sows, leading to a higher milk production and, consequently, higher weight gains of piglets and litter during the lactation period.     

A novel approach for palatal cyst ablation in a horse

An 18-month-old Welsh Cob was referred to a university teaching hospital for investigation of abnormal respiratory noise at rest. Video-endoscopy revealed persistent displacement of the soft palate with bilateral 2–3 cm diameter raised areas on either side of the midline. Neither trans-nasal nor oral approaches allowed sufficient visualisation of the caudal soft palate for diagnosis or treatment. Latero-lateral radiographs showed a blunted, thickened caudal edge of the soft palate consistent with a palatal cyst. Two palatal cysts were thermally ablated with a transendoscopic diode laser via temporary tracheotomy. The horse recovered uneventfully and resolution of the displacement was evident on follow-up endoscopy 11 months later. This report documents a novel surgical approach to the caudal aspect of the soft palate.     

Effect of various levels of dissolved oxygen on reactive oxygen species and cryocapacitation‐like changes in bull sperm

The present investigation was carried out to study the effect of various levels of dissolved oxygen (DO) on reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cryocapacitation‐like changes in bull sperm. Egg yolk–Tris–glycerol (EYTG) extender was split into four subextenders; viz., Extender I (control; no flushing with liquid nitrogen (LN₂)), Extender II, Extender III and Extender IV were flushed with LN₂ for 40, 16 and 8 min, respectively. The DO levels were standardized to 11.7, 2, 4 and 8 ppm, respectively, in control (Extender I), Extender II, Extender III and Extender IV. Ejaculates with mass motility of ≥ 3+ were divided into group I (diluted with Extender I), group II (diluted with Extender II), group III (diluted with Extender III) and group IV (diluted with Extender IV) up to 80 × 10⁶ sperm/ml. Extended semen samples were packed in French mini straws (0.25 ml), equilibrated and cryopreserved. Semen samples were evaluated at prefreeze and post‐thaw stage for various parameters (DO, progressive motility (PM), viability (VIB), acrosomal integrity (AI), hypo‐osmotic swelling (HOS) test, ROS, cholesterol (C) and phospholipid (P). The percentage of PM, VIB, AI, HOS test, cholesterol (C) and phospholipid (P) levels, and capacitated sperm were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in groups III and IV as compared to groups I and II. However, the acrosome‐reacted sperm (%; pattern AR) were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in group III as compared to all other groups. Besides the proportion of sperm displaying tyrosine‐phosphorylated pattern, EA (fluorescence at both equatorial and anterior acrosomal regions, i.e. high capacitation level) was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in group III compared to all other groups. In conclusion, varying DO levels in the extender significantly affect sperm quality, ROS production and capacitation‐like changes in bulls.     

Delayed embolization of an Amplatz® canine duct occluder in a dog

A 5-year old, 5.8 kg, castrated male Pomeranian was diagnosed with a type IIa patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) with a minimal ductal diameter of 3.5 mm and ampulla width of 7.1 mm based on angiographic assessment. A 6 mm Amplatz^® Canine Duct Occluder (ACDO) was deployed within the PDA. Once deployed, the device assumed it's native shape and back-and-forth maneuvering was performed with the delivery cable to assess device stability. Device position and complete occlusion were confirmed with both angiography and transesophageal echocardiography prior to and after release of the device. The device location was confirmed within the ductus arteriosus by echocardiography prior to discharge. The dog was discharged with instructions for strict activity restriction. Two days after discharge, the dog was left unsupervised in the backyard and shortly afterwards was found coughing with severe respiratory distress. The dog was evaluated at an emergency hospital and thoracic radiographs documented embolization of the ACDO to the main pulmonary artery along with a severe alveolar pattern throughout the right lung fields. Shortly after obtaining thoracic radiographs, the dog experienced cardiopulmonary arrest with unsuccessful resuscitation. This case describes a possible complication of transcatheter PDA occlusion with an ACDO, which has not been previously reported. An incident report, or catalog of adverse events with these devices, may prove useful in identifying additional fatal complications that others may have encountered, but are not reported in the literature. The report of this complication emphasizes the importance of strict activity restriction after device placement in dogs.     

Correlation of testicular artery Doppler velocimetry with kinetics and morphologic characteristics of epididymal sperm in dogs

Sperm quality can be affected by a reduction in testicular blood flow, which can be measured by Doppler ultrasonography. The aim of this study was to correlate the Doppler velocimetry of the testicular artery with kinetics of the epididymal spermatozoa in dogs. Twenty-two dogs (44 testicles) were evaluated by Doppler ultrasonography in five regions of the testicular artery before orchiectomy. Spermatozoa were recovered by the epididymal tail compression technique and analysed for kinetics on a computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA system). Morphology (modified Karras) and sperm membrane integrity were analysed by eosin–nigrosine staining. Data were analysed by Pearson's correlation test (p < .01). The mean total motility was 69.0% ± 17.7, progressive motility was 43.7% ± 14.7, average path velocity (VAP) was 127.0 µm/s ± 20.7, curvilinear velocity (VCL) was 221.0 µm/s ± 31.1, and sperm velocity index (SVI) was 389.9 ± 56.1. There were positive correlations between the peak systolic velocity (PSV) in the proximal supratesticular region with the SVI (r = .529), VCL (r = .555) and VAP (r = .473), and a negative correlation with the percentage of slow spermatozoa (r = −.463). The results suggest that the testicular artery blood flow velocity can positively affect the speed of spermatozoa movement. For the first time, we have correlated sperm kinetics with the Doppler evaluation of the testicular artery in dogs.     

IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—PULMONARY ALVEOLAR PROTEINOSIS IN A DOG

A young dog was presented for cyanosis and right heart failure. Radiographic and CT characteristics included right heart/pulmonary artery enlargement, hepatomegaly, abdominal effusion, and severe, generalized air‐space filling. Focal increased opacities were present in the peripheral lung, as were multiple pulmonary blebs and bullae. Echocardiographic findings were consistent with cor pulmonale and pulmonary hypertension. Bronchoscopic findings were consistent with chronic inflammation. Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) was confirmed at necropsy. Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis is an interstitial lung disease that results in accumulation of phospholipoproteinaceous material and should be included as a differential diagnosis for dogs with these clinical and imaging characteristics.     

Autosomal dominant mutation causing the dorsal ridge predisposes for dermoid sinus in Rhodesian ridgeback dogs

OBJECTIVES: To define the mode of inheritance of the dorsal ridge and investigate if the ridge predisposes to the congenital abnormality dermoid sinus in the Rhodesian ridgeback. METHODS: Segregation analysis was performed, including 87 litters (n=803) produced in Sweden between 1981 and 2002. Data were corrected to avoid bias in the segregation ratio. Chi-squared analysis was performed including 402 litters (n=3598) for the evaluation of a possible genetic correlation between the ridge and dermoid sinus. RESULTS: The ridge is inherited in an autosomal dominant mode and predisposes for dermoid sinus. The frequency of ridgeless offspring in the Swedish Rhodesian ridgeback population is estimated to be 5.6 per cent. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Rhodesian ridgeback dogs that carry the ridge trait are predisposed to dermoid sinus.     

Quantitative analysis of short‐ and long‐distance racing performance in young and adult horses and association analysis with functional candidate genes in Spanish Trotter horses

The association of five candidate genes with sporting performance in young and adult Spanish Trotter horses (STHs) was performed according to a previous selection based on quantitative analysis of the trait time per kilometre (TPK). A total of 334 516 records of TPK from 5958 STHs were used to estimate the estimated breeding values (EBVs) at different age groups (young and adults horses) throughout the range of distances (1600–2700 m) using a bicharacter random regression model. The heritability estimated by distance ranged from 0.16 to 0.40, with a different range for the two age groups. Considering the animals with the best and the worst deregressed EBV, 321 STHs were selected for SNP genotyping in MSTN, COX4I2, PDK4, DMRT3 and CKM genes. An association analysis based on ridge and logistic regression revealed that the young trotters with genotype GG in PDK4 (p < 0.05) and AA of DMRT3 (p < 0.001) SNPs show the best potential in short‐distance races, while those carrying the genotype AA in DMRT3 (p < 0.001) and CC in CKM (p < 0.05) genes seem to be the best in long‐distance races. Adult trotters with genotype AA in DMRT3 also display greater speed (p < 0.05) and endurance (p < 0.001).