Proportion of litters of purebred dogs born by caesarean section

Objectives : To describe the frequency of caesarean sections in a large sample of pedigree dogs in the UK. Methods : Data on the numbers of litters born in the previous 10 years were available from a cross-sectional study of dogs belonging to breed club members (2004 Kennel Club/BSAVA Scientific Committee Purebred Dog Health Survey). In this survey 151 breeds were represented with data for households that had reported on at least 10 litters (range 10–14,15): this represented 13,141 bitches which had whelped 22,005 litters. The frequency of caesarean sections was estimated as the percentage of litters that were reported to be born by caesarean section (caesarean rates) and are reported by breed. The dogs were categorised into brachycephalic, mesocephalic and dolicocephalic breeds. Results : The 10 breeds with the highest caesarean rates were the Boston terrier, bulldog, French bulldog, mastiff, Scottish terrier, miniature bull terrier, German wirehaired pointer, Clumber spaniel, Pekingese and Dandie Dinmont terrier. In the Boston terrier, bulldog and French bulldog, the rate was > 80%. Clinical Significance : These data provide evidence for the need to monitor caesarean rates in certain breeds of dog.     

Effects of four anaesthetic protocols on the neurological and cardiorespiratory variables of puppies born by caesarean section

Twenty-four bitches which had been in labour for less than 12 hours were randomly divided into four groups of six. They all received 0.5 mg/kg of chlorpromazine intravenously as premedication, followed 15 minutes later by either 8 mg/kg of thiopentone intravenously (group 1), 2 mg/kg of ketamine and 0.5 mg/kg of midazolam intravenously (group 2), 5 mg/kg of propofol intravenously (group 3), or 2.5 mg/kg of 2 per cent lidocaine with adrenaline and 0.625 mg/kg of 0.5 per cent bupivacaine with adrenaline epidurally (group 4). Except for group 4, the bitches were intubated and anaesthesia was maintained with enflurane. The puppies' heart and respiratory rates and their pain, sucking, anogenital, magnum and flexion reflexes were measured as they were removed from the uterus. The puppies' respiratory rate was higher after epidural anaesthesia. In general the puppies' neurological reflexes were most depressed after midazolam/ketamine, followed by thiopentone, propofol and epidural anaesthesia.     

Postnatal function of the somatotrophic axis in pigs born naturally or by Caesarian section

This study was designed to determine what effects the birth process would have on development of the somatotrophic axis in neonatal pigs. Eight crossbred sows were selected (n = 4 natural birth and n = 4 Caesarian section) for the present study. Blood and tissue samples from 38 pigs were collected at birth. Twenty pigs were maintained with natural birth sows until sacrificed for blood and tissue collection at 2 wk of age. Gestational age at birth did not differ (P > 0.16) between natural birth and C-section pigs. Average daily gain (ADG) from birth until 2 wk of age was reduced (P < 0.0001) by 39.3% in the C-section pigs as compared to the natural birth pigs. Serum growth hormone (GH) did not differ (P > 0.86) at birth, but was greater (P < 0.024) at 2 wk in C-section pigs. Serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) was greater at birth (P < 0. 0025) and at 2 wk of age (P < 0.035) in the natural birth pigs. Serum concentration of IGF-2 did not differ at birth (P > 0.8) but was greater (P < 0.043) in natural birth pigs at 2 wk of age. Pituitary content of GH mRNA and GH-releasing hormone receptor mRNA did not differ (P > 0.90) between groups regardless of age; however, expression of both mRNAs declined (P < 0.0003) from birth until 2 wk of age. There tended to be a birth type X age interaction (P < 0. 082) for liver IGF-1 mRNA such that C-section pigs had a greater expression at 2 wk of age. Liver IGF-1 mRNA expression increased (P < 0.0001) in both groups from birth to 2 wk of age. Liver expression of GH receptor mRNA was greater in C-section pigs at birth (P < 0. 04) and 2 wk of age (P < 0.03). These data provide evidence that the natural birth process affects postnatal development and/or function of the somatotrophic axis in the neonatal pig.     

Retrospective study of the fertility outlook in cows after caesarean section

Evaluating the possibility of performing a caesarean section on a cow with dystocia, the economic value of the animal usually plays a central role. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyse and to determine possible factors influencing the fertility. In 1998, 1999 and the first half-year of 2000 a total of 207 cows had a caesarean section. 68% of the inseminated cows which gave birth to a living calf became pregnant again, whereas only 46% of the cows with a dead calf were successfully reinseminated. Thus, 59% of all inseminated cows became pregnant, 2.5% of them had an abortion. The occurrence of retained fetal membranes or of endometritis has been shown to have negative effects on fertility. Only 30% of subsequent inseminations were successful in cows which had suffered from endometritis. The probability of being affected by endometritis was twice as high after birth of a dead calf than after a living calf.     

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and enhanced intestinal permeability in healthy beagles.

The small intestine of healthy adult Beagles was examined to determine whether subclinical abnormalities might exist that would be relevant to the use of Beagles in pharmacologic studies. Duodenal juice was obtained for qualitative and quantitative bacteriologic examinations; jejunal mucosa was taken for morphologic and biochemical investigation, and intestinal permeability was assessed by quantification of 24-hour urinary excretion of 51Cr-labeled EDTA after its oral administration. Comparisons were made with findings in healthy adult dogs of other breeds that served as controls. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth was found in 14 of the 21 Beagles examined, and represented a mixed flora that included obligate anaerobic bacteria in 8 dogs and exclusively aerobic bacteria in 6 dogs. Intestinal permeability (percentage urinary recovery of 51Cr-labeled EDTA; mean +/- SEM) was considerably higher (P < 0.01) in Beagles with anaerobic overgrowth (37.6 +/- 3.2%) or aerobic overgrowth (30.5 +/- 4.8%), compared with Beagles with no overgrowth (17.3 +/- 1.6%) and with controls (11.1 +/- 1.0%). In Beagles, significant (r = 0.54, P = 0.03) correlation was observed between 24-hour urinary recovery of 51Cr-labeled EDTA and bacterial numbers in duodenal juice. Morphologic changes in jejunal mucosa were minimal, and specific activities of brush border enzymes were not significantly decreased, apart from aminopeptidase N, but activities of lysosomal and endoplasmic reticular marker enzymes were higher in the 3 groups of Beagles with anaerobic, aerobic, or no overgrowth, compared with controls.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Evaluation of immune system function in neonatal pigs born vaginally or by Cesarean section

Full term crossbred sows were selected to study the interaction of the immune system, hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, and growth in pigs born by Cesarean section (c-section; n=4 sows) or vaginal birth (n=4 sows). Gestation length and birth weight did not differ between vaginal birth and c-section pigs (P=0.34 and 0.62, respectively). Blood and tissue samples were collected from 44 pigs at birth. Forty-five pigs were weaned at 13 d. On d 14, pigs received an i.p. injection of lipopolysaccaride (LPS; 150 microg/kg) or saline at min 0, and blood samples were collected at -20, -10, 0, 5, 10, 20, 40, 60, 90, and 120 min. Vaginal birth pigs had 21% greater average daily gain than c-section pigs on d 14 (P<0.01). Basal serum concentrations of adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH) and cortisol were greater in c-section than vaginal birth pigs at birth (P<0.01) but were not different at 14 d (P=0.99 and 0.80, respectively). LPS increased serum concentrations of ACTH, cortisol, interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha; P<0.01) but the response was not different between c-section and vaginal birth (P>0.22). Basal serum concentrations of TNF-alpha tended to be greater in c-section vs vaginal birth pigs at 14 d (P=0.0967); however, basal serum concentrations of IFN-gamma tended to be lower in c-section pigs vs vaginal birth pigs at 14 d (P=0.0787). Expression of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-6 receptor, IL-1beta, and TNF-alpha mRNA did not differ between vaginal birth and c-section pigs but changed in an age and tissue dependent manner. Thus, reduced growth rate of c-section pigs is associated with altered immune system function.     

Dystocia in a Rothschild giraffe leading to a caesarean section

A 9-year-old female Rothschild giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi), weighing approximately 900 kg, at Longleat Safari Park, Wiltshire, UK was presented with dystocia in September 2005. This paper details the surgical and anaesthetic procedures carried out performing a caesarean section to remove a dead male calf and the successful recovery of the giraffe.     

不同麻醉方法在犬剖腹产手术的临床效果

为探究不同麻醉方法对犬剖腹产手术的应激效果及仔犬的生活容态。本试验采用846合剂全身麻醉、普鲁卡因硬膜外腔麻醉及846合剂与普鲁卡因联合麻醉对怀孕期满的犬进行剖腹产手术,在剖腹产手术的麻醉前(T1)、切开腹壁(T2)、手术30min(T3)、手术完(T4)、术后24h(T5)、术后48h(T6)进行静脉采血,检测血浆皮质酮和血糖含量,比较术后幼犬平均日增重及生活容态。结果表明:846麻醉组和硬膜外麻醉组血浆皮质醇质量浓度在T2⁶这5个时期显著高于自然分娩组和联合麻醉组(P<0.05),联合麻醉组仅在T3时血浆皮质醇质量浓度显著高于自然分娩组(P<0.05);846麻醉组和硬膜外麻醉组血糖质量浓度在T26这5个时期显著高于自然分娩组和联合麻醉组(P<0.05),联合麻醉组仅在T3时血浆皮质醇质量浓度显著高于自然分娩组(P<0.05);846麻醉组和硬膜外麻醉组血糖质量浓度在T2⁶时期均显著高于自然分娩组及联合麻醉组(P<0.05),联合麻醉组仅在T36时期均显著高于自然分娩组及联合麻醉组(P<0.05),联合麻醉组仅在T3⁴时期显著高于自然分娩组(P<0.05);联合麻醉组中的幼犬增重、生活容态与自然分娩时幼犬最接近,846麻醉组效果较差,硬膜外麻醉组效果最差。本研究证明846合剂与普鲁卡因硬膜外腔联合麻醉方法能够更有效缓解犬剖腹产手术的应激反应。     

Dystocia in Friesian mares: Prevalence,causes and outcome following caesarean section

Friesian horses appear to suffer a relatively high incidence of dystocia but there are, to the authors' knowledge, no published reports on the incidence or types of dystocia in Friesian horses. A retrospective survey of clinical details and post treatment recovery was performed for 66 mares referred to Wolvega Equine Hospital for dystocia during 2001–2006. Friesian mares appear to be particularly prone to dystocia due to fetal ankylosis or transverse presentation. However, despite dystocia of relatively long duration prior to caesarean section, post operative survival and fertility of mares and, more surprisingly, survival of foals were similar to those reported in surveys for other breeds.     

犬瘟热诊治体会

犬瘟热是由犬瘟热病毒引起犬的一种高度接触性传染病。2006年11月康贝宠物医院收治确诊为犬瘟热的病犬5只,采取特效疗法(用高免血清、抗体等)、抗病毒及控制继发感染、强心补液及其他对症治疗,并结合环境消毒、加强饲养护理等综合措施,治愈3例,治愈率达60%。1病例情况5例患病犬详细情况如表1。     

Regulation of the intestinal barrier by nutrients: The role of tight junctions

Tight junctions (TJs) play an important role in intestinal barrier function. TJs in intestinal epithelial cells are composed of different junctional molecules, such as claudin and occludin, and regulate the paracellular permeability of water, ions, and macromolecules in adjacent cells. One of the most important roles of the TJ structure is to provide a physical barrier to luminal inflammatory molecules. Impaired integrity and structure of the TJ barrier result in a forcible activation of immune cells and chronic inflammation in different tissues. According to recent studies, the intestinal TJ barrier could be regulated, as a potential target, by dietary factors to prevent and reduce different inflammatory disorders, although the precise mechanisms underlying the dietary regulation remain unclear. This review summarizes currently available information on the regulation of the intestinal TJ barrier by food components.     

Ventral midline caesarean section for dystocia secondary to failure to dilate the cervix in three alpacas

Three alpacas that presented with dystocia characterised by failure of the cervix to dilate, underwent caesarean section. Surgery on each animal was performed through a ventral midline incision under general anaesthesia. Two live crias were delivered and one cria was dead at delivery. All three alpacas had retained foetal membranes for a period of 12 h to 4 d and one developed uterine prolapse, which was replaced using sedation and epidural anaesthesia. There were no complications associated with the surgical procedure and all three alpacas went on to have confirmed pregnancies. Caesarean section through a ventral midline incision should be considered an alternative for treatment of difficult dystocias in alpacas.     

Regulation of intestinal health by branched‐chain amino acids

Besides its primary role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients, the intestine also interacts with a complex external milieu, and is the first defense line against noxious pathogens and antigens. Dysfunction of the intestinal barrier is associated with enhanced intestinal permeability and development of various gastrointestinal diseases. The branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs) are important nutrients, which are the essential substrates for protein biosynthesis. Recently, emerging evidence showed that BCAAs are involved in maintaining intestinal barrier function. It has been reported that dietary supplementation with BCAAs promotes intestinal development, enhances enterocyte proliferation, increases intestinal absorption of amino acids (AA) and glucose, and improves the immune defenses of piglets. The underlying mechanism of these effects is mediated by regulating expression of genes and proteins associate with various signaling pathways. In addition, BCAAs promote the production of beneficial bacteria in the intestine of mice. Compelling evidence supports the notion that BCAAs play important roles in both nutrition and intestinal health. Therefore, as functional amino acids with various physiological effects, BCAAs hold key roles in promoting intestinal development and health in animals and humans.     

Actinobacillosis in bovine caesarean sections.

An infection with Actinobacillus lignieresii, which was spread by a veterinary surgeon, caused problems after caesarean sections in cows on several farms. The wounds became hard about six weeks after the operation, and a few weeks later small abscesses developed and later the wounds were covered with small and large granulomas. The general health of about 20 per cent of the affected cows was poor and in these cows multiple granulomas could be detected in the abdomen by rectal palpation.