Refractive state following retinal reattachment and silicone oil tamponade in dogs

Objective-To evaluate the refractive error induced by intraocular administration of silicone oil (SiO) in dogs. Animals-47 client-owned dogs evaluated for blindness secondary to retinal detachment. Procedures-3-port pars plana vitrectomy with perfluoro-octane and SiO exchange (1,000- or 5,000-centistoke SiO) was performed in 1 or both eyes for all dogs (n = 63 eyes), depending on which eye or eyes were affected. Dogs were normotensive, had complete oil filling of the eyes, and were examined in a standing position for retinoscopic examination of both eyes (including healthy eyes). Results-The mean refractive error for SiO-filled phakic and pseudophakic eyes was 2.67 and 3.24 D, respectively. The mean refractive error for SiO-filled aphakic eyes was 6.50 D. Dogs in which 5,000-centistoke SiO was used had consistently greater positive refractive errors (mean, 3.45 D), compared with dogs in which 1,000-centistoke SiO was used (mean, 2.10 D); however, the difference was nonsignificant. There was no significant linear relationship between refractive error and the number of days between surgery and retinoscopy. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Hyperopia was observed in all dogs that underwent SiO tamponade, regardless of lens status (phakic, pseudophakic, or aphakic). Aphakic eyes underwent a myopic shift when filled with SiO. Pseudophakic eyes appeared to be more hyperopic than phakic eyes when filled with SiO; however, additional investigation is needed to confirm the study findings.     

Development of the refractive state in eyes of ostrich chicks (Struthio camelus)

OBJECTIVE: To follow the development of the refractive error in the eyes of ostrich chicks from age 0 to day 37 after hatching. ANIMALS: 35 ostrich chicks. PROCEDURES: Spot retinoscopy was conducted to assess refractive error in ostrich chicks. Seventy eyes of 35 ostrich chicks were examined. Of these, 18 chicks were followed over time. At least 4 serial measurements (at 2- to 7- day intervals) were conducted in each of these chicks from day 1 to 37 after hatching. Seventeen additional chicks were examined on days 0, 3, 12, and 19 after hatching. RESULTS: Ostrich chicks were myopic at hatching, with a mean +/- SD refractive error of -4.47 +/- 0.15 diopters (D). The refractive error rapidly decreased during the first week of life, and by day 7 after hatching, chicks were slightly hyperopic, with a mean refractive error of 0.42 +/- 0.12 D. After day 7, there were no significant differences in the mean refractive error. CONCLUSIONS: The development of optics in the ostrich eye appears to be unique among animals and is characterized by myopia at hatching, rapid onset of emmetropia, and minimal variation in refractive error among chicks.     

A study of the lifetime occurrence of neoplasia and breed differences in a cohort of German Shepherd Dogs and Belgian Malinois military working dogs that died in 1992

The population of U.S. Department of Defense military working dogs provides an opportunity to study the lifetime occurrence of neoplasia in 2 breeds of dogs—the German Shepherd Dog and the Belgian Malinois. Medical records were reviewed for all dogs that died or were euthanized in 1992 (135 German Shepherd Dogs and 106 Belgian Malinois). Histologically confirmed neoplasms were recorded. More than 30% of both breeds (41 German Shepherd Dogs and 33 Belgian Malinois) developed at least 1 primary neoplasm during their lives, with 10% developing more than 1 neoplasm. Nearly 57% of the neoplasms were benign, and approximately 43% were malignant. German Shepherd Dogs lived 9.7 years, on average, and Belgian Malinois lived 7.9 years, on average. Of the dogs that developed any neoplasm, Belgian Malinois had a mean age at 1st diagnosis that was 1.1 years younger and a mean age at 1st diagnosis of malignancy that was 1.7 years younger than those in German Shepherd Dogs. The risk of a malignancy being the cause of death or euthanasia of a Belgian Malinois was 4.21 times the risk in German Shepherd Dogs (95% CI: 1.32, 13.47). Seminoma was the malignancy that occurred most frequently. Hemangioma was the benign neoplasm that occurred most frequently. Veterinarians identified masses clinically at equal rates in both groups.     

Breed risk of pyometra in insured dogs in Sweden

An animal insurance database containing data on over 200,000 dogs was used to study the occurrence of pyometra with respect to breed and age during 1995 and 1996 in Swedish bitches <10 years of age. A total of 1,803 females in 1995 and 1,754 females in 1996 had claims submitted because of pyometra. Thirty breeds with at least 800 bitches insured each year were studied using univariate and multivariate methods. The crude 12-month risk of pyometra for females <10 years of age was 2.0% (95% confidence interval = 1.9-2.1%) in 1995 and 1.9% (1.8-2.0%) in 1996. The occurrence of pyometra differed with age, breed, and geographic location. The risk of developing pyometra was increased (identified using multivariate models) in rough Collies, Rottweilers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and English Cocker Spaniels compared with baseline (all other breeds, including mixed breed dogs). Breeds with a low risk of developing the disease were Drevers, German Shepherd Dogs, Miniature Dachshunds, Dachshunds (normal size), and Swedish Hounds. Survival rates indicate that on average 23-24% of the bitches in the databases will have experienced pyometra by 10 years of age. In the studied breeds, this proportion ranged between 10 and 54%. Pyometra is a clinically relevant problem in intact bitches, and differences related to breed and age should be taken into account in studies of this disease.     

Renal Calculi in Dogs and Cats: Prevalence, Mineral Type, Breed, Age, and Gender Interrelationships (1981–1993)

Three hundred seventeen specimens of urinary calculi of renal origin from 214 female dogs and 103 male dogs, and 71 specimens of urinary calculi of renal origin from 38 female cats and 33 male cats were submitted for mineral analysis between July 1, 1981, and December 31, 1993. Among dogs, 45 breeds were affected with renal calculi. Thirty-three breeds and a crossbred group were represented among females, but 8 breeds and the crossbred group accounted for 81% of the total. Among male dogs, 30 breeds and a crossbred group were represented, but 7 breeds and the crossbred group accounted for 69% of the total. Among cats, 10 breeds and a crossbred group were represented. Dogs and cats with renal calculi were older than those of 2 comparison population groups. More than one-half of the renal calculi in both dogs and cats were from the 1st known episode of urolithiasis. The risk of formation of renal calculi was found to be higher for cats than for dogs, when compared to other stone-forming cats and dogs (approximately 4.95 per 100 stone-forming cats and 2.88 per 100 stone-forming dogs). Among dogs, breeds at highest risk of developing renal calculi were Miniature Schnauzers, Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, Yorkshire Terriers, and female Pugs. Also at high risk were male Dalmatians and male Basset Hounds. Among small dogs, females generally were at higher risk of developing renal calculi than were males. Regardless of size, terrier breed males generally were at higher risk of developing renal calculi. Breeds of dogs at low risk for development of renal calculi included crossbreds, German Shepherd Dogs, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and female Dachshunds. When only 1 kidney was involved, the risk of left renal calculus was greatest for both dogs and cats, but bilateral renal involvement was relatively common in both species (19% and 9%, respectively). Among dogs, specimens composed of 1 mineral substance (eg, struvite) occurred more often in males (58.3%) than in females (37.9%). Female dogs formed renal calculi containing struvite or oxalate more often than did males; males formed calculi containing urate more often than did females. Calculi containing oxalate, apatite, or some combination of these minerals predominated among cats; only 1 specimen from 38 female cats and only 4 specimens from 33 male cats contained neither oxalate nor apatite. Crossbred cats were significantly less likely to have renal calculi than were other breeds. A single renal calculus specimen was identified in several uncommon breeds including Tonkinese and Birman cats, and Affenpinscher, Clumber Spaniel, English Shepherd, and Field Spaniel dogs. No significant differences were observed between male and female dogs or between male and female cats with regard to mineral type of the specimen and the presence of urinary tract infection.     

Evaluation of the Norberg angle threshold: a comparison of Norberg angle and distraction index as measures of coxofemoral degenerative joint disease susceptibility in seven breeds of dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the thresholds of 2 radiographic methods used to determine coxofemoral joint laxity in 7 breeds of dogs. ANIMALS: Three hundred and fifty clinically normal dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. METHODS: Hip radiographs from 7 breeds of dogs were randomly selected from a database. None of the dogs had radiographic evidence of degenerative joint disease (DJD). Distraction index (DI) and Norberg angle (NA) were measured on these radiographs and compared with DI and NA thresholds for diagnosing DJD susceptibility derived from the literature and from evaluated Borzois. Dogs with a NA<105 degrees and a DI of < or =0.32 were considered false-positives and dogs with a NA> or =105 degrees and a DI of >0.32 were considered false-negatives. RESULTS: Mean age of all dogs was 22.9 months. Mean NA for all dogs was 99.37 degrees, and mean DI for all dogs was 0.44. Borzoi mean DI of was significantly less than the mean DI of the other 6 breeds. The highest (most hip laxity) Borzoi DI was 0.32, and the lowest (most hip laxity) Borzoi NA was 99 degrees. False-positive and false-negative diagnoses were identified in 6 of the 7 breeds. CONCLUSIONS: Using the NA threshold of 105 degrees (literature established threshold of susceptibility to DJD) resulted in a high percentage of false-negative and false-positive diagnoses. Breeds like the Labrador Retriever and Rottweiler would have large numbers of hip dysplasia susceptible dogs remain in the breeding population based on this NA threshold. False-positive diagnoses were common in breeds like the Australian Shepherd, Borzoi, and German Shepherd effectively eliminating hip dysplasia nonsusceptible dogs from the breeding population. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The NA was not an accurate predictor of DJD susceptibility in these 7 breeds of dogs when using a NA threshold of 105 degrees.     

Breed distribution of the ABCB1-1Delta (multidrug sensitivity) polymorphism among dogs undergoing ABCB1 genotyping

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the breed distribution of the ABCB1-1Delta polymorphism in a large number of dogs in North America, including dogs of several herding breeds in which this polymorphism has been detected and other breeds in which this polymorphism has not yet been identified. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. ANIMALS: 5,368 dogs from which buccal swab samples were collected for purposes of ABCB1 genotyping. PROCEDURES: From May 1, 2004, to September 30, 2007, DNA specimens derived from buccal swab samples collected from 5,368 dogs underwent ABCB1 genotyping. These data were reviewed, and results for each dog were recorded in a spreadsheet, along with the dog's breed. The genotypes for each breed were tallied by use of a sorting function. RESULTS: The ABCB1-1Delta allele was identified in 9 breeds of dogs and in many mixed-breed dogs. Breeds that had the ABCB1-1Delta allele included Collie, Longhaired Whippet, Australian Shepherd (standard and miniature), Shetland Sheepdog, Old English Sheepdog, Border Collie, Silken Windhound, and German Shepherd Dog (a breed in which this mutation had not been detected previously). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The ABCB1-1Delta polymorphism is associated with increased susceptibility to many adverse drug reactions and with suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and is present in many herding breeds of dog. Veterinarians should be familiar with the breeds that have the ABCB1-1Delta polymorphism to make appropriate pharmacologic choices for these patients.     

Quantification of measurement of femoral head coverage and Norberg angle within and among four breeds of dogs

OBJECTIVE: To report values for percentage coverage of the femoral head (PC) and Norberg angle (NA) in 4 common breeds of dogs and to determine values for each that distinguish between normal and dysplastic hip status on the basis of Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) hip evaluation. ANIMALS: 1,841 dogs 24 to 48 months of age that were Labrador Retrievers (455), Golden Retrievers (423), Rottweilers (545), or German Shepherd Dogs (418). PROCEDURE: Retrospective analysis of NA and PC measured from standard OFA ventrodorsal pelvic radiographs from 4 breeds of dog. RESULTS: Norberg angle ranged from 67.4 to 124.4 degrees for Labrador Retrievers, 59.7 to 128.6 degrees for Rottweilers, 70.2 to 119.4 degrees for Golden Retrievers, and 55.3 to 121.3 degrees for German Shepherd Dogs. The PC ranged from 6.5 to 79.9% for Labrador Retrievers, 5.7 to 79.5% for Rottweilers, 8.3 to 79.3% for Golden Retrievers, and 5.4 to 83.7% for German Shepherd Dogs. On the basis of logistic regression modeling for determining normal versus abnormal hip status for all 4 breeds, cutoff points for NA were <105 degrees and PC were <50%. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results of our study indicate that cutoff points of NA of 105 degrees and PC of 50% do not differentiate normal versus dysplastic hip status. Each of the 4 breeds had different values for NA and PC that distinguished normal from dysplastic hip status.     

Refractive state of the Spanish Thoroughbred horse: a comparison with the crossbred horse

Objective To assess the refractive state of the equine eye utilizing retinoscopy. To compare the refractive state of Spanish Thoroughbred horses with the refractive state of Crossbred horses. Procedures The refractive state of 135 horses (264 eyes) was assessed utilizing streak retinoscopy. Two perpendicular meridians were examined in order to assess astigmatism at a working distance of approximately 67 cm. A group of 81 Spanish Thoroughbred horses was compared with a group of 54 Crossbred horses. Cyclopentolate ophthalmic solution was instilled in the eyes of a group of 18 horses to determine if accommodation has any influence on the assessment of the refractive state. Results Mean ± SE refractive state of all horses examined was ?0.17 ± 0.04 D. The mean refractive state of the Spanish Thoroughbred was ?0.28 ± 0.06 D while that of the Crossbred was ?0.01 ± 0.05 D. The refractive state of the Spanish Thoroughbred was found to be statistically different to that of the Crossbred. The most prevalent refractive state was emmetropia in all cases, followed by hyperopia for the Crossbred, and myopia for the Spanish Thoroughbred. Astigmatism ≥0.50 D present in both eyes from the same individual was found in 21.7% of all horses examined. Anisometropia ≥1.00 D was diagnosed in 4 out of 129 horses with both visual eyes. Cycloplegia did not statistically affect the refractive state of the evaluated eyes. Conclusions The equine eye has a refractive state close to emmetropia. Myopia is higher among Spanish Thoroughbred horses than among Crossbred horses.     

Evaluation of refractive value by skiascopy in healthy Beagles

We examined the refractive value in healthy Beagles by skiascopy. The mean refractive value of 54 eyes of 27 Beagles was 0.08 ± 0.87 (mean ± SD) diopters (D). The numbers of eyes defined as having emmetropia, myopia and hyperopia were 34, 8 and 12, respectively. Anisometropia was detected in 4 dogs. The mean refractive values in the 3-6-year-old and 8-9-year-old groups were 0.26 ± 0.84 and -0.29 ± 0.82 D, respectively, with a significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05).     

A LUMBOSACRAL TRANSITIONAL VERTEBRA IN THE DOG PREDISPOSES TO CAUDA EQUINA SYNDROME

The association between the occurrence of a lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LTV) and the cauda equina syndrome (CES) in dogs was investigated. In 4000 control dogs without signs of CES, 3.5% had an LTV, while in 92 dogs with CES, 16.3% had an LTV. The lesion causing CES always occurred between the last true lumbar vertebra and the LTV. Dogs with an LTV were eight times more likely to develop CES than dogs without an LTV. German Shepherd dogs were eight times more likely to develop CES compared with other breeds. Male dogs were twice as likely to develop CES than females. Dogs with an LTV develop CES 1-2 years earlier than dogs without an LTV.     

Causes for discharge of military working dogs from service: 268 cases (2000-2004)

OBJECTIVE: To determine causes for discharge of military working dogs (MWDs) from service. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 268 MWDs. PROCEDURES: Records of all MWDs approved for discharge from December 2000 through November 2004 were evaluated for cause of discharge. RESULTS: 23 dogs had been obtained through the Department of Defense breeding program but had failed to meet prepurchase or certification standards. The remaining 245 (120 German Shepherd Dogs, 100 Belgian Malinois, and 25 dogs of other breeds) had been purchased as adults or obtained through the breeding program and had passed prepurchase and certification standards. Eighty-five of the 245 (34.7%) adult dogs were 1 to < 5 years old at discharge, and 160 (65.3%) were >or= 5 years old at discharge. The proportion of adult dogs < 5 years old at discharge that were German Shepherd Dogs (69.4%) was significantly greater than the proportion of adult dogs >or= 5 years old at discharge that were German Shepherd Dogs (38.1%). Within the subgroup of dogs >or= 5 years old at discharge, median age at discharge for the German Shepherd Dogs (8.59 years) was significantly less than median age at discharge for the Belgian Malinois (10.61 years). For adult dogs < 5 years old at discharge, the most common cause for discharge was behavioral problems (82.3%). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that longevity of service for MWDs may be influenced by breed differences and that selection criteria should be evaluated to reduce behavior-related discharge from service.     

Tibial plateau angle in four common canine breeds with cranial cruciate ligament rupture, and its relationship to meniscal tears

OBJECTIVES: To compare tibial plateau angle (TPA) among Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers, Boxers, and German Shepherd Dogs that had undergone tibial plateau leveling osteotomies (TPLO) for cranial cruciate ligament disease, and to determine if higher TPAs are associated with increased risk for concurrent meniscal injury. METHODS: This was a retrospective study including 275 client-owned dogs of one of the four aforementioned breeds that received TPLO radiographs between 1999 and 2005 prior to undergoing the TPLO procedure. The TPA measured by the original surgeon was compared among four breeds and analyzed with respect to presence or absence of meniscal injury diagnosed via arthroscopy or arthrotomy at the time of surgery. RESULTS: Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers, Boxers, and German Shepherd Dogs had mean TPAs of 25.9 degrees , 26.2 degrees , 25.9 degrees , and 28.2 degrees , respectively. The TPA of German Shepherd Dogs was significantly higher than that of the other breeds of dogs examined. TPA higher than the mean for dogs in this study did not significantly increase the risk for concurrent meniscal injury. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: German Shepherd Dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease had a significantly higher TPA compared to the other breeds examined. Higher TPA did not increase the likelihood of meniscal tears in this study. However, several variables that were not assessed, including the degree of cranial cruciate ligament integrity at the time of surgery and the time between original CrCL deficiency and surgical assessment, could have affected this analysis.     

Osteological and morphometric observations on intervertebral joints in the canine pre-diaphragmatic thoracic spine (Th1-Th9)

The incidence of facet aplasia was investigated in three groups of pure-bred dogs. We examined large breeds (Rough Collies, Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, German Shepherd Dogs), chondrodystrophic breeds (Dachshunds, Pekinese dogs), and small breeds (Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese dogs). Uni- or bilateral aplasia of zygapophyseal (facet) joints was exclusively found in juvenile and adult small dogs, in which the incidence of aplasia ranged from between 26% (Th1) and 63% (Th8). There was no evidence that aplasia of zygapophyseal joints increases the risk of developing intervertebral disc disease or deformative spondylosis in small breeds. By applying the findings of previous empirical studies on intervertebral disc geometry and its biomechanical behaviour on the present morphometric results, there was an indication that the intervertebral disc may well compensate for the functional loss of aplastic zygapophyseal joints in small dogs. Biomechanical factors and their potential role as inducing agents of facet aplasia in the pre-diaphragmatic thoracic spine are also discussed.     

Use of biometry and keratometry for determining optimal power for intraocular lens implants in dogs.

Axial length and corneal curvature were determined by use of A-scan ultrasonography and keratometry on both eyes of dogs of various breeds, sizes, and ages. Mean axial length was 20.43 +/- 1.48 mm; axial length was not related to age or sex, but was significantly greater (P = 0.047) in dogs of larger breeds. Mean corneal curvature was 39.94 +/- 2.61 diopters. Dogs of large breeds had significantly (P less than 0.001) flatter corneas. Mild, roughly symmetric astigmatism was detected in a majority of dogs. Use of mean values in a theoretic artificial intraocular lens power equation suggests that aphakic dogs require an implant of approximately 40 diopters to achieve emmetropia.     

Cystine-containing urinary calculi in dogs: 102 cases (1981-1989).

One hundred and seven cystine-containing urinary calculi from 1 female and 101 male dogs were analyzed. Cystine-containing calculi accounted for 2% (107 of 5,375) of all canine urinary calculi submitted to the urinary stone analysis laboratory from July 1981 through December 1989. Male dogs that formed cystine calculi were compared with 3 other canine populations to determine whether certain breeds were apparently at increased or decreased risk for cystine calculus formation. In one or more of 3 population comparisons, significantly increased risk of cystine calculus formation was found in Mastiffs, Australian Cattle Dogs, English Bulldogs, Chihuahuas, Bullmastiffs, Newfoundlands, Dachshunds, Basenjis, Australian Shepherd Dogs, Scottish Deerhounds, Staffordshire Terriers, Miniature Pinschers, pitbull terriers, Welsh Corgis, Silky Terriers, and Bichon Frises. Significantly low risk of cystine calculus formation was found in German Shepherd Dogs, Poodles, Schnauzers, and mixed-breed dogs.     

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.     

The effect of a topical antioxidant formulation including N-acetyl carnosine on canine cataract: a preliminary study

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of a topical antioxidant formulation including N-acetyl carnosine in the treatment of canine cataract in a preliminary nonplacebo, controlled, unmasked study. ANIMALS STUDIED: Thirty dogs of varying breeds and ages with a spectrum of lens opacities ranging from nuclear sclerosis to total mature cataract. METHODS: Dogs were treated three times daily with topical 2% N-acetyl carnosine in a buffered vehicle containing the antioxidants glutathione, cysteine ascorbate, L-taurine and riboflavin (Ocluvet, Practivet, Phoenix, AZ, USA). Dogs were examined prior to treatment and at 2, 4 and 8 weeks during treatment, by direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy and slit-lamp biomicroscopy after pharmacologic pupil dilation. Photographic documentation of lens opacity was achieved by retroillumination photography, with three photographs taken at each examination time-point. A lens opacification index (LOI), determined by integration of the grayscale level of each pixel across the image, was evaluated by computerized image analysis of digitized images. Alteration in mean LOI was determined for each animal, having normalized the initial LOI. RESULTS: Fifty-eight eyes of 30 dogs were evaluated, 22 with mature cataract, 13 with immature cataract, 9 with cataract associated with other intraocular disease such as uveitis and 14 with nuclear sclerosis alone. One dog was unilaterally anophthalmic after previous enucleation and one had a phthytic eye after previous uveitis-induced glaucoma. Image analysis showed a reduction in mean LOI in all cataract groups (mean resolution in opacity of 2.3 +/- 0.33% for all cataracts), although this was only statistically significant in those eyes with immature cataract (mean resolution of opacity 4.5 +/- 0.33%) or nuclear sclerosis (mean decrease in opacity 5 +/- 0.37%). Reduction in lens opacity was seen in eyes with mature cataract (0.5 +/- 0.4%) and in miscellaneous cataract associated with intraocular inflammation (1.3 +/- 0.4%), but these changes were not statistically significant. Owner evaluation of visual capability, however, suggested improvement in vision in 80% of cases by the end of the study. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates some marginal reduction in lens opacification in a substantial number of cases of canine cataract with the use of a topical nutritional antioxidant formulation including N-acetyl carnosine. Lens opacification was improved with treatment in eyes with immature cataract or nuclear sclerosis while in eyes with mature cataract or cataract with associated intraocular inflammatory pathology less reduction was seen.     

德国牧羊犬,中国地方狼犬及其杂种耐热性能观察

试验观察测定了德国牧羊犬(原种犬和纯繁犬各6头)、中国地方狼犬(2头)、德×中杂一代(5头)和级进二代(4头),在炎热季节里的体温、呼吸频率、采食量、饮水量、血液生理指标和行为等方面的变化。结果发现,纯繁德国牧羊犬的体温显著高于中国地方狼犬和杂一代(P<0.05);高温对纯繁德国牧羊犬采食量的影响显著高于中国地方狼犬和杂一代(P<0.05);其他方面,纯繁德国牧羊犬的应激反应也较中国地方狼犬明显。初步表明,中国地方狼犬和杂一代的耐热性较强,纯繁德国牧羊犬的耐热性较弱,级进二代的耐热性较杂一代有所下降。