RADIOGRAPHIC AND ULTRASONOGRAPHIC FEATURES OF RETAINEDSURGICAL SPONGE IN EIGHT DOGS

The radiographic and ultrasonographic signs in eight dogs with a surgical or pathologic diagnosis of retained surgical sponge were reviewed. The most frequent previous surgery was ovariohysterectomy, either as an elective procedure or to treat pyometra. The median elapsed time between surgery and diagnosis of retained surgical sponge was 9.5 months (range 4 days to 38 months). Five dogs had a draining sinus; four had a palpable abdominal mass. Radiologic signs included localized, speckled or whirl-like gas lucency, abdominal mass, and non-focal soft tissue swelling. Survey radiography and sinography were considered diagnostic for retained surgical sponge in 4/7 (57%) and 3/5 (60%) dogs, respectively. The combined use of survey radiography and sinography enabled detection of 6/7 (86%) sponges. In each dog that had ultrasonography, a hypoechoic mass was found that had an irregular hyperechoic centre. The possibility of retained surgical sponge should be considered in animals with a history of previous surgery and a sinus or abdominal mass.     

Fibrosarcoma arising at the site of a retained surgical sponge in a cat

Abstract: An 8‐year‐old female spayed domestic shorthair cat had an abdominal mass palpated as an incidental finding on physical examination. Cytologic findings in ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspirates of the mass were most compatible with a sarcoma, with abundant mineralized material and mixed inflammation. The mass was removed surgically and on gross examination was white‐tan, firm, associated with the mesentery, and when transected contained a gauze sponge in its center. On histopathologic examination, an area of central necrosis with mineralization and numerous refractile fibers consistent with sponge material was surrounded by dense fibrous connective tissue (gossypiboma). Within the connective tissue was a population of highly pleomorphic spindle cells consistent with a fibrosarcoma. Immunohistochemically, most neoplastic cells stained strongly positive for vimentin and a low number of cells were positive for smooth muscle actin. The results were consistent with a fibrosarcoma arising at the site of a retained surgical sponge. At a follow‐up visit 2 months postoperatively, ultrasonographic and cytologic evidence of metastasis was found in the spleen and mesentery. To our knowledge, this is the first report of malignant transformation at the site of a retained surgical sponge in a cat and the first report of a fibrosarcoma arising within a gossypiboma in a domestic animal.     

Use of the forced oscillating airflow technique to measure the resistance of the equine upper airway: effects of laryngoventriculectomy and laryngoplasty

Investigations were carried out to determine whether measurements of total respiratory resistance (TRR) made in resting animals could detect changes due to laryngeal hemiplegia. Control values of TRR were obtained in eight ponies and in six of these the measurements were repeated after division of the left recurrent laryngeal nerve in the mid-cervical region; two were retained as controls. A further set of measurements were made before two of the operated animals were subjected to left laryngoventriculectomy (Hobday operation). A laryngoplasty ('tie-back' operation) was performed on another two animals. Measurements of TRR were made at three-monthly intervals on all eight ponies for the next two years. Endoscopic examination of the larynx was carried out at the time of the measurements. All ponies showed a marked, but regular, variation in TRR over the two-year observation period. Nerve section was shown to be associated with an increase in TRR in five ponies. The Hobday operation decreased TRR in one animal and had no marked effect in the second. The tie-back operation was associated with a decreased TRR in one pony and an increase in the second. Autopsies were carried out on all six operated ponies and measurements of TRR and lower respiratory resistance (LRR) were made immediately before the animals were killed. Evidence of regeneration of the recurrent laryngeal nerve was seen in one of the ponies which underwent the Hobday operation. Histological evidence of regeneration was found in another pony.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Osteochondrosis lesions of the lateral trochlear ridge of the distal femur in four ponies

Lesions of the lateral trochlear ridge (LTR) of the distal femur were investigated in four pony or pony cross horses. The animals were all geldings and were six to 15 months of age. Lesions were bilateral in three ponies and unilateral in one. Femoropatellar joint effusion and lameness were present in two ponies; clinical signs were absent in the others. The proximal LTR was affected in all four animals. The radiographic appearance of the lesions was a subchondral defect containing mineralised bodies. Arthroscopic and postmortem examination findings included an osteochondral flap, a fissured or irregular articular surface and a smooth surface overlying focally thickened cartilage that extended into subchondral bone. Thickened articular cartilage was a histological feature of all the lesions. Among the other histological features, the most common were chondronecrosis, chondrocyte clusters, phenotypically abnormal chondrocytes, horizontal fissures at the osteochondral junction and retained blood vessels. The signalment of the four ponies, their clinical signs and the pathological features of their lesions were consistent with osteochondrosis of the LTR in horses. The use of multiple criteria was considered to be important in making a specific diagnosis.     

Utilization of the serosal scarification model of postoperative intestinal adhesion formation to investigate potential adhesion-preventing substances in the rabbit.

A rabbit serosal scarification model was utilized to compare the ability of four drugs, previously administered peri-operatively to horses undergoing exploratory celiotomy, to prevent the development of postoperative intestinal adhesions. The substances compared were 32% Dextran 70 (7 mL/kg), 1% sodium carboxymethylcellulose (7 mL/kg), trimethoprim-sulfadiazine (30 mg/kg), and flunixin meglumine (1 mg/kg). The first two were administered intra-abdominally following surgery, while the latter two were administered systemically in the peri-operative period. Fibrous adhesions were evident in all animals in the untreated serosal scarification group. No significant difference in the number of animals with adhesions was found between the untreated control group and any treatment group, nor among the treatment groups. Microscopic examination of adhesions collected at postmortem examination revealed fibers consistent with cotton, surrounded by a giant-cell reaction and ongoing acute inflammation. The source of the fibers was likely the cotton laparotomy sponges used to scarify the intestinal surface, since the pattern in the granuloma and sponge fibers appeared similar under polarized light. Though consistent intestinal adhesion formation was produced in the rabbit, the presence of foreign body granulomas may prevent consideration of this model for future research. The drugs tested were ineffective in preventing the formation of postoperative small intestinal adhesions in this model.     

Effects of gelatin sponge implantation in cancellous bone defects in dogs

Reports from oral surgeons suggested that packing bone defects with cellulose or collagen stimulated cancellous bone replacement. The study reported here was designed to evaluate a similar method for augmenting the remodeling of cancellous bone defects and graft donor sites. Gelatin sponge was implanted into bony defects created in the proximal humeral metaphysis of 5 adult Beagles after collection of cancellous bone. A similar defect created in the contralateral humerus was left unpacked. Four months after creation of the defect, the dogs were euthanatized, and the surgical sites were evaluated by use of correlated microradiographic and histologic examination. Unpacked sites had filled completely with loosely woven trabecular bone. Remodeling had not taken place in sites packed with gelatin sponge. Gelatin sponge did not elicit any reaction in the surrounding bone, but remained in situ and obstructed new bone formation. Gelatin sponge blocked rather than augmented cancellous bone replacement.     

A hospital-based study of the relationship between retained placenta and mastitis in dairy cows

We investigated the relation between retained placenta and mastitis in Holstein dairy cows admitted to the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine. Cows with retained placenta were three times more likely to develop mastitis during hospitalization than animals without retained placenta. Since the hospital population was not representative of the general population, the possibility of a bias existed; a large bias was not likely because most distorting variables occurred equally in animals both with and without retained placenta. The literature suggests that the relationship between retained placenta and mastitis may be mediated through activity of the peripheral leukocytes. Further research is necessary to test this hypothesis.     

A survey of health care and disease in geriatric horses aged 30 years or older

This study reports on aspects of preventive health care and on the prevalence of disease in geriatric (≥30 years old) horses and ponies in North-West England and North Wales. Of 128 questionnaires mailed to horse owners, 87 useable responses were received and 69 horses were subject to veterinary examination. Of the animals examined, 16% were underweight with body condition scores (BCS)<2/5, and 10% were overweight (BCS>3/5). This contrasted with the owner responses that reported 23% of the animals surveyed to be underweight and only 3% to be overweight. When assessed at trot, 77% of the horses were lame on at least one limb, with 97% having a reduced range of motion in at least one joint. Only 16% of these animals were reported by owners to have been lame within the previous 12 months. Owner-reported changes to hair coat were significantly associated with hirsutism or abnormal moulting detected at clinical examination (39%). At least one ophthalmic lesion was identified in all of the horses and ponies examined and 17% of owners reported that their animal had experienced visual problems within the previous year. Although dental abnormalities were detected in all animals where an oral examination was performed, only 42% of owners reported that their horse suffered from a known dental disorder. In general, despite a high prevalence of disease detected in these geriatric animals and with the majority having multiple abnormalities at clinical examination, there was under-reporting/under-recognition of these health problems by owners.     

羊同期发情腹腔镜输精最佳时间的研究

[目的]确定羊同期发情腹腔镜输精的最佳时间。[方法]选取繁殖机能正常、营养状况良好的适龄母羊,在试验母羊阴道内放置孕酮海绵栓10~14 d,撤栓时肌肉注射250~330 IU/只孕马血清促性腺激素（PMSG）。撤栓后12~24 h开始试情,早晚各1次。按撤栓后时间及发情时间不同分4组进行腹腔镜输精：1组为撤栓后46~50 h输精（n=138）,2组为撤栓后50~54 h输精（n=156）,3组为撤栓后54~58 h输精（n=275）,4组为羊发情后30~36 h输精（n=226）。输精后第40~45天进行B超检查,计算各组母羊受胎率。[结果]发情后30~36 h输精的母羊（4组）受胎率最高,为97.79%,其次为撤栓后50~54 h输精的母羊（2组）,受胎率为97.44%,撤栓后46~50 h输精的母羊（1组）受胎率为91.30%;撤栓后54~58 h输精的母羊（3组）受胎率最低,为89.82%。[结论]采用同期发情配合腹腔镜输精技术进行母羊人工授精,最佳输精时间为撤栓后50~54 h以及母羊发情后30~36 h。     

Primary jejunal osteosarcoma associated with a surgical sponge in a dog

Primary jejunal osteosarcoma was diagnosed in association with a surgical sponge in a dog. The tumor was biologically aggressive, resulting in widespread metastasis throughout the abdomen within 2 months of surgical resection. Microscopic examination of the resected osteosarcoma revealed strands of gauze material throughout the tumor mass. It was theorized that the presence of a sponge foreign body may have resulted in malignant transformation of adjacent tissues similar to what has been reported to occur after internal fixation of some long-bone fractures.     

Treatment of suckling beef cattle with a progestagen sponge and oestradiol benzoate or equine chorionic gonadotrophin

The ovarian responses of anoestrus beef cows to a combined treatment with medroxy-progesterone acetate (MAP) sponges and oestradiol benzoate or equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) were evaluated. Forty-five suckling Hereford cows were allocated to three equal groups. Group 1 received a MAP sponge for seven days plus an injection of 2 mg oestradiol benzoate when the sponge was inserted (day 0) and 1 mg when the sponge was withdrawn; group 2 received identical treatment until day 7, when a dose of 400 iu of eCG was administered, and group 3 were left untreated as control animals. From day 0 to day 11 the cows' ovaries were examined daily by transrectal ultrasonography, and their oestrous behaviour was observed from 24 hours to 96 hours after the sponge was removed. Data from cows that had a corpus luteum present before the sponge was withdrawn were not used in subsequent analyses; there were four in group 1, five in group 2 and four in group 3. In 19 of the 21 cows in groups 1 and 2 a new follicular wave was observed to emerge at a mean (sd) interval of 3.9 (0.3) days after the insertion of the sponge, whereas in group 3 it occurred in all 11 cows after 3.4 (0.6) days. Only the six cows that had a follicle of 9 mm or larger in diameter ovulated (P < or = 0.001). Nine of the 11 cows in group 1 came into oestrus, compared with two of the 10 in group 2 and none of the control cows (P < or = 0.001). Ovulation was observed in four, two and none of the cows in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively.     

Sertoli cell tumors associated with feminizing syndrome and spermatic cord torsion in two cryptorchid dogs

The association of cryptorchidism, functional Sertoli cell tumors, and spermatic cord torsion has been rarely reported in the literature. Two dogs were admitted for bilateral skin alopecia and weight loss. Both animals were cryptorchid and displayed a pendulous preputial sheath, prostate hypertrophy, and increased levels of circulating oestrogen. Transabdominal palpation and ultrasonography revealed the presence of neoplastic retained gonads. During surgery, spermatic cord torsion was also detected in the enlarged neoplastic testes of both dogs. Histologic examination confirmed the presence of Sertoli cell tumors that were primarily responsible for the feminizing syndrome. Complete remission of all symptoms occurred within 3 months after orchiectomy.     

Development of equine models of inflammation. The Ciba-Geigy Prize for Research in Animal Health

Two experimental models of acute non-immune inflammation have been developed to enable studies of the biochemical composition and cellular content of exudates to be undertaken. Both are based on the creation of a mild, reproducible and reversible inflammatory reaction, which is free from uncontrolled incidental factors and which causes minimal distress to the experimental animals. The polyester sponge model involves the insertion of small polyester sponge strips soaked in sterile carrageenan solution into subcutaneous neck pouches and their serial removal. The tissue-cage model is based on the initial insertion of a spherical tissue-cage subcutaneously in the neck and the subsequent stimulation with carrageenan of the granulation tissue which lines and permeates the cage. The acute inflammatory exudates have been shown to contain eicosanoids with prostaglandin E2 predominant. Polymorphonuclear leucocyte numbers increased progressively in the polyester sponge model, whereas cell numbers were maximal at 12 hours in the tissue-cage model. The relationships between eicosanoid formation at the site of inflammation and leucocyte accumulation, enzyme release, total protein content of exudates and the temperature of the lesions have been investigated.     

Clinical signs and hormonal changes in dairy heifers after induction of parturition with prostaglandin F2 alpha

Parturition was induced in 12 dairy heifers with prostaglandin (PG) F2 alpha about 2 weeks before the expected time of calving. Eight animals gave birth after two injections (group 1), three animals needed more than two injections (group 2) and one animal (cow no. 740) required one injection. All animals in groups 1 and 2 had retained foetal membranes and the time needed to induce parturition was 59 +/- 7 and 149 +/- 10 h, respectively. As cow no. 740 did not have retained foetal membranes and calved 24 h after one PGF2 alpha injection, it was excluded from the results. Udder distension and relaxation of the pelvic ligaments could predict the calving to within 12 h. Furthermore, the pre-calving drop of body temperature could predict the time of parturition to within 16 h. The total white blood cells and polymorphonuclear cells were at their highest values on the day preceding parturition whereas mononuclear cells had a tendency to increase 3 days after calving. Increased levels of haemoglobin were found at the time of parturition, whereas, plasma-calcium levels significantly decreased after parturition (P < 0.001). Progesterone levels markedly decreased after the first PGF2 alpha injection and reached 2 nmol/l at the time of parturition. Plasma levels of oestradiol-17 beta reached the peak at the time of parturition, whereas, the highest levels of the PGF2 alpha metabolite and cortisol were recorded 16 h after calving.     

Observations and immunohistochemical detection of Coronavirus, Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia intestinalis in neonatal diarrhoea in lambs and kids

In this study, clinical, parasitological, macroscopical, histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations were performed on 19 kids and 11 lambs (30 animals) with neonatal diarrhoea to detect the presence of Coronavirus, Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia intestinalis. Clinically, severe dehydration, yellowish-green to brown coloured diarrhoea and death were observed. Mortality rates were 10-30% in the examined flocks. The most common agent was C. parvum diagnosed in 20 animals as a single causative agent, whereas G. intestinalis was found in 5 of 30 animals. These two protozoa were detected together in 4 animals upon faeces examination. Fifteen of 24 cases of C. parvum and 3 of 11 cases of G. intestinalis were also confirmed histopathologically. Following immunohistochemical examination, all cryptosporidiosis cases were confirmed by positive immunostaining of intestinal sections. Two additional Giardiosis cases with negative results upon parasitological and histopathological examinations were diagnosed by means of immunohistochemical examination. Coronavirus was detected immunohistochemically in one kid with neonatal enteritis. Following diagnosis, herds were treated with Trimethoprim + Sulfodoxine and multivitamin complexes. Intravenous and intramuscular administrations of these drugs were effective for both treatment and prevention of neonatal diarrhoea in lambs and kids.     

Decision Making for Cryptorchid Castration; a Retrospective Analysis of 280 Cases

The location of an undescended testicle influences the choice of surgical technique for efficient cryptorchid castration. We review a standardized protocol for preoperative examination to dictate surgical approach to cryptorchidism. Cases are split into two periods: 2004–2006 and 2007–2014. In 2004–2006, conventional cryptorchidectomy and laparoscopic cryptorchid castration (standing) were both offered, but the choice of technique was based primarily on owners' preference for a recumbent or standing procedure. In 2007–2014, ultrasonography was used to locate the testes and dictate the preferred surgical approach; for abdominal testes, laparoscopic intraabdominal spermatic cord ligation without orchidectomy was preferred and for inguinal testes, conventional open orchidectomy. The numbers of animals requiring a second procedure to complete castration were compared between the two periods. In addition, failure rates for individual testes grouped by location were determined separately for the different techniques, and the value of preoperative ultrasonography to locate the retained testes was assessed. In 2004–2006, 15.3% (20/131) of the cryptorchids needed more than one surgery to complete castration, compared to 0.7% (1/144) in 2007–2014. Failure rates for laparoscopic castration were 0/168 (0%) for abdominal, 3/40 (7.5%) for inguinal, and 9/55 (16.4%) for scrotal testes; for conventional castration, failure was recorded for 3/12 (25%) abdominal and 0/92 (0%) inguinal testes. For 94% (156/166) of retained testes, ultrasound-based preoperative advice on surgical approach was correct. Using a standardized preoperative examination to determine choice of surgical technique significantly (P < .001) reduced the number of second surgeries needed to complete castration. Preoperative ultrasound is therefore a useful aid to determining the surgical approach to cryptorchid castration.     

Ultrasonographic Characteristics of Ovulatory Follicles and Associated Endocrine Changes in Cyclic Ewes Treated with Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (MAP)-releasing Intravaginal Sponges and Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin (eCG)

The aim of this study was to assess the ultrasonographic characteristics of ovulatory follicles in cyclic Western White Face ewes (December) that had received intravaginal sponges containing medroxyprogesterone acetate (MAP; 60 mg) for 12 days, with or without an injection of 500 IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) at sponge removal. We hypothesized that quantitative echotextural attributes of the follicles in ewes treated only with MAP would differ from those in MAP/eCG-treated ewes, reflecting the increased antral follicular growth and secretory function under eCG influence. Digital images of ovulatory follicles obtained at 0 and 24 h after MAP sponge removal and at 24 h before ovulation in the eCG-treated (five ewes, 13 follicles) and control (six ewes, 9 follicles) animals, were subjected to computerized analyses. The mean diameter of ovulatory follicles increased (p < 0.001) 24 h after eCG treatment. The mean pixel intensity and heterogeneity of the follicular antrum (p < 0.001), as well as mean pixel intensity of the follicular wall and perifollicular ovarian stroma (p < 0.05), were greater in eCG-treated animals compared with control ewes 24 h after sponge removal and at 24 h before ovulation. Mean serum concentrations of oestradiol-17beta tended to increase (p = 0.06) 24 h after eCG treatment and the eCG-treated ewes exceeded (p < 0.05) control animals in progesterone concentrations from days 9-15 after ovulation. Our results support the hypothesis that large antral follicles in eCG-treated ewes exhibit distinctive echotextural characteristics. Follicular image attributes in eCG-treated ewes appear to be indicative of the changes in follicular morphology and secretory activity caused by the administration of the exogenous gonadotropin, which has both FSH- and LH-like activities.     

Responsiveness to Progestagen-eCG-Cloprostenol Treatment in Goat Food Restricted for Long Period and Refed

For 6 months, 10 adult Saanen crossbred goats were fed undernutrition diet (70% maintenance), and finally five goats were refed for 6 weeks with 150% maintenance. In all animals oestrus was synchronized using 45 mg FGA vaginal sponge for 11 days, 300 IU eCG and 50 microg cloprostenol 48 h prior to sponge removal. From oestrus onset, during a 24-h period, blood samples were collected for oestradiol and NEFA assay. Ovulation was verified by laparoscopy 3 days after sponge removal. Body mass loss was 18.62 +/- 3.03% of initial weight and in refed goats body weight recovery was 90.63 +/- 3.56%. NEFA level was higher in restricted goats (p < 0.05). Fifty per cent of underfed goats (2/4) and all refed goats (4/4) exhibited oestrus and ovulation. Significant relationship (p < 0.05) was found between weight loss and the interval sponge removal-oestrus onset (r = 0.91) or ovulation rate (r = 0.70). Only in the refed group was the ovulation rate related to the oestradiol amount (r = 0.99) (p < 0.05). Collectively results showed that a short period of improved feeding re-established the responsiveness of oestrus synchronization in chronically fasted goats.     

Traumatic rupture of the ureter: 10 cases

A retrospective study was performed on eight dogs, one cat, and one ferret with ruptured ureters secondary to blunt trauma. The most common physical examination findings were abdominal distension/discomfort (in five of 10 animals) and gross hematuria (in five of six animals). Multiple organ injury was also common (in seven of 10 animals). Loss of retroperitoneal and peritoneal detail was the most common radiographic finding (in four of six animals). Ureteronephrectomy was the most common surgical procedure (performed in five out of seven procedures). Three of the five cases discharged were available for follow-up and have had no evidence of associated problems.     

Clinical findings and treatment of listeriosis in 67 sheep and goats

This paper describes the clinical findings and treatment of 67 sheep and goats with listeriosis. In 55 of them the diagnosis was made on the basis of the typical signs, which included vestibular ataxia, circling, head tilt and unilateral cranial nerve deficits, but in 12 animals a definitive diagnosis was made only after postmortem examination. The most significant haematological and biochemical findings were a high haematocrit in 16 animals, a high concentration of total protein in 33, a high concentration of bilirubin in 39 and a high concentration of urea nitrogen in 28 animals. Twenty-eight of the animals had a metabolic acidosis. Thirty-nine animals were treated with antibiotics, intravenous sodium chloride and glucose solutions and sodium bicarbonate. Ten of them survived and the others were euthanased because their condition deteriorated. Of the 10 that survived, nine were able to stand when they were first examined and one was in lateral recumbency. Of 15 animals treated with chloramphenicol, one survived; of 11 animals treated with oxytetracycline, two survived; and of nine animals treated with gentamicin and ampicillin, six survived.