Relation between age, body weight, and medial retropharyngeal lymph node size in apparently healthy dogs.

The aims of this study were to determine the size of the medial retropharyngeal lymph nodes in apparently healthy dogs using ultrasonography and to investigate relationships between body weight (1.8-59 kg), age (1.0-15 years), and medial retropharyngeal lymph node sizes (width, height, and length). The sample population consisted of 100 apparently healthy, volunteered, adult dogs. The data were normally distributed, thus mean, SD, and Pearson's correlation were used. Repeatability of ultrasound measures was assessed as the percentage of differences between duplicate measures that were within 2 SDs of the differences: all measures were at least 93% repeatable (differences typically were < or = 0.25 cm and always < 1 cm). No difference between sexes was observed. The medial retropharyngeal lymph node increased in size with increased body weight (r = 0.46 to 0.59) and decreased in size with increased age (r = -0.30 to -0.50). Although statistically significant, the actual variation is not likely clinically important due to the small range of sizes, measurement error, and various combinations of age and body weight. Therefore, regardless of body weight or age, the average width is 1.0 cm, height is 0.5 cm, and length is 2.5 cm and maximum width is 2 cm, height is 1 cm, and length is 5 cm. Based on the maximal difference between duplicate measures (with some exception), any change > or = 0.4 cm with width or height, or > or = 1.0 cm in length, in a follow up measurement probably represents a true biological change rather than measurement error.     

ULTRASONOGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF ADRENAL GLAND SIZE COMPARED TO BODY WEIGHT IN NORMAL DOGS

The accepted cut‐off value for adrenal gland maximum diameter of 0.74 cm to distinguish adrenal gland enlargement in dogs regardless of body weight may not be appropriate for small to medium breed dogs. The purpose of the current retrospective study was to examine adrenal gland dimensions as a function of body weight in healthy dogs in three weight categories (< 10 kg, 10–30 kg, and > 30 kg) representing small, medium, and large breeds, respectively, to establish greater confidence in determining if adrenal gland size is abnormal. The measurements of length (sagittal plane), cranial and caudal pole thickness (sagittal and transverse planes), and caudal pole width (transverse plane) of both adrenal glands were obtained ultrasonographically in clinically healthy dogs (n = 45) with 15 dogs in each weight group. Findings support our hypothesis that adrenal gland size correlates with body weight in normal dogs, and more precise reference intervals should be created for adrenal gland size by categorizing dogs as small, medium, or large breed. The caudal pole thickness of either adrenal gland in a sagittal plane was the best dimension for evaluating adrenal gland size based on low variability, ease, and reliability in measurement.     

Evaluation of an Omental Pedicle Extension Technique in the Dog

A two-step omental pedicle extension technique was performed on 10 dogs. Step 1 of the pedicle extension involved release of the dorsal leaf of the omentum from its pancreatic attachment, whereas step 2 consisted of an inverse L-shaped incision to double the length of the pedicle. The pedicle dimensions were measured and the distance reached when extended toward the hind limb, forelimb, and the muzzle recorded after each stage of the procedure. The vascular patency of the pedicle was determined by intravenous injection of flu-orescein dye after the second stage of omental extension. Mean pedicle lengths were 44.5 cm with the first stage of extension and 82.0 cm after full extension. The mean width at the caudal extent of the pedicles after dorsal and full extension was 30.4 cm and 17.2 cm, respectively. Eight of the 10 pedicles were patent after full extension. The fully extended omental pedicles reached and, in most cases, extended beyond the distal extremities and the muzzle. The findings in this study suggest that the canine omentum can be extended to any part of the body without being detached from its vascular supply.     

Sonographic characteristics of presumptively normal main axillary and superficial cervical lymph nodes in dogs

Objective-To evaluate the B-mode and Doppler ultrasonographic appearance of presumptively normal main axillary and large superficial cervical lymph nodes (MALNs and SCLNs, respectively) in adult dogs. Animals-51 healthy adult dogs (data from 1 dog were not analyzed). Procedures-For each dog, weight, distance from the cranial aspect of the first sternebra to the caudal aspect of the left ischiatic tuberosity, and thoracic height and width at the level of the xiphoid process were recorded. Via B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography, echogenic characteristics, size in relation to body size and weight, and vascular supply of the MALNs and the SCLNs were evaluated (1 SCLN in 1 dog was not ultrasonographically visible). Results-Most MALNs were clearly margined, solitary, and ovoid; echopatterns were homogenous or cortical and hypo- to isoechoic, compared with surrounding soft tissues. Size measurements of MALNs correlated with dogs' body length, thoracic width and height, and body weight. Most SCLNs were clearly margined, fusiform, and hypoechoic (compared with surrounding soft tissues) with a cortical or homogenous echopattern. Size measurements of SCLNs correlated with dogs' body length, thoracic width and height, and body weight. In 50 of the 100 MALNs, an intranodal vascular supply was detected; in contrast, an intranodal vascular supply in SCLNs was detected infrequently. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Results indicated that, in dogs, anatomically separate lymph nodes have different echogenic and vascular characteristics; body size (skeletal length, height, and width), along with body weight, were correlated with sizes of presumptively normal MALNs and SCLNs.     

康县太平鸡体尺性状与屠宰性状的测定及相关性分析

为探究康县太平鸡的体尺性状、屠宰性状及两者间的相关性,以40周龄的健康太平鸡为研究对象,测定其体尺性状与屠宰性状,并对所有测定性状指标间的相关性进行分析。结果表明：40周龄太平鸡体斜长为21.87 cm、龙骨长为10.70 cm、胫长为9.01 cm、胫围为4.32 cm、胸围为28.05 cm、胸深为10.65 cm、胸宽为6.82 cm、骨盆宽为7.65 cm;宰前活重为1 920.7 g、屠体重为1 712.5 g、半净膛重为1 533.4 g、全净膛重为1 314.3 g、胸肌重为277.6 g、腿肌重为395.5 g、屠宰率为89.1%、半净膛率为79.3%、全净膛率为67.8%、胸肌率为20.8%、腿肌率为27.1%、心重率12.2%、腹脂率3.0%。太平鸡体斜长、胸围、胫长、胫围与屠体重、全净膛重、半净膛重、腿肌重之间呈极显著正相关（P＜0.01）。结论：太平鸡产肉性能好、低脂,体斜长、胸围、胫长、胫围可以作为太平鸡屠宰性能选育的指标。     

Ultrasonography of the parathyroid glands in dogs--a review

The purpose of the study was to give an overview over the usefulness of ultrasonographic examination of parathyroid glands in dogs. By means of a 10 MHz high-resolution linear transducer it was possible to visualize parathyroid glands in healthy dogs. There was a positive correlation between body weight and size of the parathyroid glands, additionally the likelihood to detect 4 glands increased with an increase in body weight. Dogs with chronic renal failure had significantly larger parathyroid glands than healthy dogs and dogs with acute renal failure. In dogs with hypercalcemia of malignancy either none or parathyroids which were small in relation to body weight were detected. In contrast visualisation of parathyroid masses in dogs with primary hyperparathyroidism was easy due to their increased size and anechoic appearance. In dogs with severe azotemia the ultrasonographic examination of the parathyroid glands is helpful to differentiate between acute and chronic renal failure, in dogs with hypercalcemia to differentiate between hypercalcemia of malignancy and hypercalcemia due to primary hyperparathyroidism.     

ULTRASONOGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF THE PROSTATE IN HEALTHY INTACT DOGS

Sagittal and transverse ultrasonographic images of the prostate gland were obtained in 100 healthy adult intact male dogs. Prostatic length, width, and height on transverse and sagittal images as well as the presence of prostatic cysts were determined. Linear regression and correlation analysis were performed between prostatic parameters (length, width, height on sagittal and transverse images, and estimated volume) and parameters related to body size (body weight, body height, left kidney length and aortic diameter) and age of the dogs. Significant positive correlations were found between all prostatic parameters and parameters related to body size and age. Maximum predicted values for prostatic parameters for a given body weight and age were determined based on the upper limit of the 95% confidence interval of the mean predicted values. Such values should represent a useful tool for ultrasonographic evaluation of the prostate in the dog. Prostatic cysts were found in 14% of the dogs.     

RADIOGRAPHIC LIVER SIZE IN PEKINGESE DOGS VERSUS OTHER DOG BREEDS

Differential diagnoses for canine liver disease are commonly based on radiographic estimates of liver size, however little has been published on breed variations. Aims of this study were to describe normal radiographic liver size in Pekingese dogs and to compare normal measurements for this breed with other dog breeds and Pekingese dogs with liver disease. Liver measurements were compared for clinically normal Pekingese (n = 61), normal non‐Pekingese brachycephalic (n = 45), normal nonbrachycephalic (n = 71), and Pekingese breed dogs with liver disease (n = 22). For each dog, body weight, liver length, T11 vertebral length, thoracic depth, and thoracic width were measured on right lateral and ventrodorsal abdominal radiographs. Liver volume was calculated using a formula and ratios of liver length/T11 vertebral length and liver volume/body weight ratio were determined. Normal Pekingese dogs had a significantly smaller liver volume/body weight ratio (16.73 ± 5.67, P < 0.05) than normal non‐Pekingese brachycephalic breed dogs (19.54 ± 5.03) and normal nonbrachycephalic breed dogs (18.72 ± 6.52). The liver length/T11 vertebral length ratio in normal Pekingese (4.64 ± 0.65) was significantly smaller than normal non‐Pekingese brachycephalic breed dogs (5.16 ± 0.74) and normal nonbrachycephalic breed dogs (5.40 ± 0.74). Ratios of liver volume/body weight and liver length/T11 vertebral length in normal Pekingese were significantly different from Pekingese with liver diseases (P < 0.05). Findings supported our hypothesis that Pekingese dogs have a smaller normal radiographic liver size than other breeds. We recommend using 4.64× the length of the T11 vertebra as a radiographic criterion for normal liver length in Pekingese dogs.     

Computed tomography of the prostate gland in apparently healthy entire dogs

Objectives : To describe the computed tomography (CT) features of the prostate gland and determine prostate size using CT in entire male dogs. Methods : The prostate gland was evaluated in 35 dogs. Morphological features including homogeneity, delineation, shape and intraprostatic differentiation were assessed. Height, length, width, area, volume and attenuation values of the prostate gland were measured. Ratios of prostatic height (rH), length and width to the sixth lumbar vertebral body length were calculated. Relationships of prostatic dimensions with body weight and age were evaluated. Results : The prostate gland was homogeneous in 29 dogs on non‐contrast images and 18 of 24 dogs on postcontrast images. Transverse images revealed a semi‐oval prostate gland in 29 dogs and irregularly shaped prostate gland in 6 dogs. A prominent median septum was observed in postcontrast images. Significant positive correlations were found between body weight and age and all prostatic dimensions except between age and rH. The mean ±sd values for attenuation were 59·3 ±9·1 and 121·3 ±22·7 HU in non‐contrast and postcontrast image, respectively. Clinical Significance : CT can be useful for evaluating morphological features of the prostate gland. Prostatic length or width is a better measure than height for computed tomographic estimation of prostate size.     

Comparison of calculated lumbosacral epidural volumes of injectate using a dose regimen based on body weight versus length of the vertebral column in dogs

Objective

To compare volumes for epidural injection calculated on body weight or the length from sacrococcygeal space to occipital crest in dogs.

Correlation of brain stem auditory-evoked responses with cranium size and body weight of dogs

Brain stem auditory-evoked responses were recorded in 9 male and 11 female clinically normal mature dogs, weighing between 2 and 36 kg. Mean wave latency for the entire group of dogs, using 60-dB hearing level click stimuli at 11/s for waves I to VII was: 1.41, 2.21, 2.85, 3.31, 3.71, 5.12, and 6.46 ms, respectively. The mean interpeak latency for waves I and V (IPLIV) was 2.32 ms. Neither gender nor ear effect was detectable. Positive correlation was observed between cranium length, cranium width, nasion-external auditory meatus interval, and body weight for wave-V latency and IPLIV. Such correlation was not documented for wave I. The regression equations for their effects on IPLIV were: cranium length, y = 0.05x + 1.85; cranium width, y = 0.07x + 1.32; nasion-external auditory meatus interval, y = 0.05x + 1.79; and body weight, y = 0.01x + 2.15. On the basis of any of the 3 variables of cranium size or body weight, the study population could be classified into groups of large and small dogs, with the large group having significantly (P less than 0.05) longer latency for wave V and IPLIV. It is recommended that the effect of size variation in dogs on brain stem auditory-evoked responses should be compensated for by use of the regression equation based on cranium length.     

SONOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF PRESUMPTIVELY NORMAL CANINE MEDIAL ILIAC AND SUPERFICIAL INGUINAL LYMPH NODES

The medial iliac and superficial inguinal lymph nodes are not routinely palpable in the dog, and ultrasound imaging provides an alternate noninvasive technique to assess these lymph nodes, as well as to guide needle aspiration. Herein we describe the ultrasound characteristics of the medial iliac and superficial inguinal lymph nodes in 50 healthy dogs, as well as frequency and ease of node detection. The relationship between the size of the lymph nodes and the following variables was assessed: age, gender, body weight, body condition score, body length, and thoracic height and width. Right and left medial iliac lymph nodes were detected in 50 (100%) dogs, right superficial inguinal lymph node(s) in 49 (98%) dogs, and left superficial inguinal lymph node(s) in 47 (96%) dogs. In >90% of both sets of lymph nodes, the echogenicity was hypoechoic or isoechoic to surrounding tissues, with a corticomedullary or homogenous echotexture, smooth, clearly defined margins, and a fusiform shape. Increasing weight, distance from the sternal manubrium to the ischium, and thoracic height and width were associated with increased lymph node size (P‐values<0.05). Average lymph node sizes and range of sizes provide preliminary reference values for the medial iliac and superficial inguinal lymph nodes in normal dogs.     

Effect of breed, age, weight and gender on radiographic renal size in the dog

In the adult dog, kidney length has been reported as 2.98 ± 0.44 times the length of L2 on ventrodorsal views and 2.79 ± 0.46 times the length of L2 on lateral radiographs. Our aim was to test the hypothesis that the suggested maximum normal left kidney size is too high, and to evaluate the effect of breed type, gender, weight and age of the dog on kidney size. Abdominal radiographs of 200 dogs with no evidence of concurrent disease that might have an effect on renal size were included in the study. The mean ratio of kidney length to the second lumbar vertebra length was similar to previous reports. For the right lateral view it measured 2.98 ± 0.60 and for the ventrodorsal view 3.02 ± 0.66. Significant differences of this ratio between skull type were present, especially between brachycephalic and dolichocephalic dogs. On the right lateral view brachycephalic dogs had the highest median LK/L2 ratio of 3.1 (3.20 ± 0.40), whereas for dolichocephalic dogs it was 2.8 (2.82 ± 0.50), and for mesaticephalic dogs it was 2.97 (3.01 ± 0.6). A ratio >3.5 was found only in mesaticephalic dogs on the ventrodorsal view. There was a significant difference in the LK/L2 ratio between small (≤10kg) and large breed dogs (>30kg) where small dogs had a significantly higher LK/L2 ratio. There was no statistically significant relation between this ratio and age or gender. The previously reported ratios for kidney size seem valid, but because skull type has an impact on the LK/L2 ratio, a single normal ratio should not be used for all dogs.     

Billroth II Gastrojejunostomy in Dogs Stapling Technique and Postoperative Complications

Billroth II gastrojejunostomy was performed with surgical staplers in 6 dogs that were not irradiated and in 11 dogs that subsequently received radiation to the pancreas and proximal part of the duodenum. The dogs were monitored clinically for 135 days and then euthanatized and necropsied. Each gastrojejunostomy site was preserved in formalin and the stomal diameter was measured. No mechanical complications were encountered with the use of surgical staplers and no leakage was observed at the staple closure sites before abdominal closure. All dogs vomited approximately 100 ml of coagulated blood 4 to 8 hours after surgery, and 300 to 400 ml of brown fluid after approximately 24 hours. Vomiting was the most common clinical finding after the first 24 hours. Vomiting was subjectively graded from 1 to 3 with grade 1 representing the least severe problem and grade 3 the most severe. Grade 1 vomiting occurred in 12 of 16 dogs that survived 135 days; in the other four dogs, vomiting was classified as grade 2 or 3. All dogs with grade 1 vomiting had stomal diameters of 1.7 to 2.9 cm (mean, 2.2 ± 0.4 cm standard deviation). Dogs with grade 2 or 3 vomiting had stomal diameters of 2.2 to 4.0 cm (mean, 3.2 ± 0.8 cm standard deviation). The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.005). The percentage of weight gained or lost was recorded for each dog. Two nonirradiated dogs gained body weight, whereas the other nonirradiated dogs and all irradiated dogs lost body weight. The overall mean loss of body weight of dogs with grade 1 vomiting was 16.7 ± 12.0% (± standard deviation), compared with 35.5 ± 6.6% (± standard deviation) for dogs with grade 2 or 3 vomiting; the difference was significant (p < 0.01). Routinely scheduled clinical laboratory test results were within normal limits in nonirradiated dogs. Clinical problems other than vomiting and weight loss were anorexia, gastric dilatation, and diarrhea. One nonirradiated dog died on day 56 after rupture at the gastric stump staple line.     

麒麟鸡（卷羽鸡）体尺性状与屠宰性能的测定及相关性分析

为了研究抗热应激品种麒麟鸡（卷羽鸡）的肉用开发价值,试验对12周龄麒麟鸡体尺性状和屠宰性能进行测定及相关性分析,并构建简单回归方程。结果表明,12周龄麒麟公鸡龙骨长和胫长显著高于母鸡（P<0.05）;12周龄麒麟公鸡活重、屠体重、半净膛重、全净膛重和腿肌重显著高于母鸡（P<0.05）,腹脂重和皮脂厚显著低于母鸡（P<0.05）,其余指标公、母差异不显著（P＞0.05）;麒麟鸡屠宰性能与体尺性状绝大多数存在显著或极显著相关性,并建立了主要屠宰性状的回归模型,为通过麒麟鸡活体的体尺测量结果预测屠宰性能指标提供一定理论依据,同时加速了麒麟鸡的遗传育种进程。     

犊牛早期(3月龄)断奶生长发育情况分析

[目的]探索犊牛早期(3月龄)断奶的可行性,为推广犊牛早期(3月龄)断奶技术提供依据,增加养殖企业的经济效益成本。[方法]试验选取出生后3月龄的西门塔尔犊牛,进行断奶饲养,测量断奶后不同日龄的体重及体尺指标,分析其生长发育情况,并对体重及体尺进行相关性分析。[结果]西门塔尔犊牛断奶后增重快速,断奶后90天,犊牛平均体重达到269.67kg,断奶后平均总增重达到101.54kg,全程日均增重为1128.22g。断奶后90天与断奶后30天比较,体斜长、体高、胸宽、胸深、胸围、腹围、臀围均呈现增加的趋势,其中增长较快的是腹围,其次是胸围,分别增加了19.0cm,14.67cm。体重与体斜长、体高、胸宽、胸深、胸围、腹围、臀围均呈正相关,其中体重与体斜长、体高、胸深、胸围、腹围呈极显著相关(p<0.01)。[结论]犊牛早期(3月龄)断奶后犊牛生长发育情况较好,犊牛早期(3月龄)断奶具有较强的可行性,可大范围推广。     

MITRAL ANNULUS MOTION AS DETERMINED BY M-MODE ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY IN NORMAL DOGS AND DOGS WITH CARDIAC DISEASE

M-mode echocardiography was used to assess apical mitral annulus motion (MAM) in 103 normal dogs and 101 dogs with cardiac disease, to obtain information on systolic left ventricular long axis function. In normal dogs, a close relationship was found between MAM and body weight (r = 0.80, P < 0.001). There was a weak correlation between MAM and heart rate (r = -0.25, P < 0.05), but no correlation between MAM and age or left ventricular shortening fraction (P > 0.05). Mean MAM (95% confidence intervals) were established for normal dogs of differing body weight, and were 0.70 cm (0.65 to 0.75) in dogs < 15 kg, 1.08 cm (1.03 to 1.13) in dogs weighing 15 to 40 kg, and 1.51 cm (1.21 to 1.81) in dogs > 40 kg. "Cut-off" values to define decreased MAM for normal dogs of differing body weight were 0.45 cm (dogs < 15 kg), 0.80 cm (dogs 15-40 kg), and 1.20 cm (dogs > 40 kg). In dogs with cardiac disease, median MAM was normal in mitral valve endocardiosis or aortic stenosis, but significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in dilated cardiomyopathy. All dogs with mitral valve endocardiosis (n = 54) or aortic stenosis (n = 26) had MAM above the above-mentioned "cut-off" values, suggesting normal or increased left ventricular longitudinal systolic shortening, whereas 81% (17/21) of dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy had MAM below the "cut-off" value, indicating decreased long axis systolic function. It is concluded that MAM may be used to evaluate systolic left ventricular long axis performance in dogs and may add useful information on global left ventricular contraction dynamics.     

聊城金桥蓝狐育种核心群选育研究

通过组建聊城金桥蓝狐核心群,采用等级选配、品质选配与亲缘选配等综合技术制定选育方案。经连续六个世代选育,成年种公狐体长（78.30±1.74）cm,体重（14.90±0.79）kg;成年母狐体长（65.22±1.24）cm,体重（8.49±0.32）kg。金桥蓝狐背中部被毛密度均在18000根/cm2以上,皮张尺码在000级以上占95.94%,平均产仔7.30±0.54只,断奶成活5.34±0.64只,仔狐断乳成活率70%以上。与F1相比,成年公狐体长提高11.22%（P〈0.01）,体重提高48.70%（P〈0.01）,成年母狐体长提高13.23%（P〈0.01）,体重提高22.16%（P〈0.01）,胎平均产仔降低3.95%,断奶成活降低4.47%。金桥蓝狐群体遗传性能稳定,体型外貌整齐一致,性状的变异较小。F6成年公狐体长、体重变异系数分别为2.0%和5.3%,成年母狐体长、体重变异系数分别为2.0%和3.8%。     

猪獾消化器官的解剖特征

对体重为 2 0 0 0g野生成年猪獾的消化器官进行了解剖观察 :猪獾的舌上分布有丝状、轮廓菌状、叶状乳头 ;齿式为 2 (3131 3132 ) ;单胃 ,弯月亮形 ,重 15 1g ,长 12 5cm ;小肠长度为 5 6 7 5cm ,为体长 (4 2cm)的13 5倍 ;大肠长度为 2 0 3 5cm ,为体长的 4 8倍 ;小肠与大肠总长度为 771 0cm ,为体长的 18 3倍 ;肝分 6叶 ,重6 1 8g ,为体重的 0 0 3倍 ;胰长 15 5cm ,重 7 2g ,为体重的 0 0 0 0 4倍。