A novel internal abdominal oblique muscle flap to close a major abdominal wall defect

This report describes a novel technique for abdominal wall reconstruction using an internal abdominal oblique muscle flap in an Australian kelpie. En bloc resection of a chondrosarcoma and biopsy scar centred on the 13th rib was performed to include full thickness thoracic wall (12th rib, extending caudally) and lateral abdominal wall (including the vascular pedicle of the external abdominal oblique muscle). The diaphragm was advanced to close the thorax. A flap using the caudal internal abdominal oblique muscle with the base dorsally was elevated and rotated 90° to fill the dorsal defect. The ventral defect was closed using the composite ventral abdominal muscles. The skin was closed primarily. The dog developed a self-resolving seroma. Twelve months postoperatively, the dog was able to engage in agility competitions. A viable muscle flap using the internal abdominal oblique muscle provides a useful alternative to previously described techniques for autogenous closure of a large abdominal wall wound.     

Lateral abdominal hernia associated with thin abdominal musculature in a calf

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of a newborn calf presenting with extended swelling within its right flank, in addition to its therapeutic planning. Ultrasonograms of the bilateral flanks identified thinning of the external and internal oblique abdominal muscles in whole areas of the abdominal walls. A right lateral abdominal hernia associated with thin abdominal muscular structures was diagnosed ultrasonographically. The right flank abdominal hernia was successfully reconstructed through a modified Mayo mattress suture. This allowed the overlapping of the two very thin structures of the abdominal walls, resulting in the creation of a thicker structure of the right lateral abdominal walls. Reconstruction of the abdominal walls using this method could prevent re-protrusion of the viscera during calf growth.     

黄羽肉鸡体尺性状与腹脂沉积相关性的研究

本研究以广东温氏南方家禽育种有限公司的N409品系为实验材料,估计了公、母鸡105日龄体尺性状和腹脂性状的相关性。结果显示:对于公鸡,除胫长外,各性状与腹脂重、腹脂率均呈不同程度的正表型相关,在遗传相关方面,各性状与腹脂重均呈正相关,各性状与腹脂率的相关性则不如腹脂重强;对于母鸡,除体斜长、胫长外,各性状均与腹脂重、腹脂率呈极显著的正表型相关,遗传相关方面,各性状均与腹脂重呈现不同程度的正相关,各性状与腹脂率的相关性则不如腹脂重强。本研究结果提示,胸宽、骨盆宽、体斜长、胫长可以作为腹脂性状的间接选育指标。     

不同腹脂率番鸭回肠转录组差异分析

【目的】解析番鸭回肠组织中与腹脂沉积相关的主效基因。【方法】从2 000只番鸭中随机选取200只70日龄的番鸭进行屠宰,采集腹脂并称重,计算腹脂率。按腹脂率大小排序,选取腹脂率最高的5只和最低的5只番鸭的回肠组织进行转录组测序分析。利用Illumina NovaSeq 6000高通量RNA-Seq测序技术对2种腹脂率番鸭的回肠进行转录组测序,使用RSEM软件将测序得到的reads序列与Trinity拼接的参考基因组进行序列比对,筛选出差异表达基因,利用GO和KEGG数据库进行功能注释、富集分析和聚类分析,并利用皮尔森相关性分析方法分析了腹脂重和腹脂率与差异表达基因的相关性。【结果】高腹脂率和低腹脂率番鸭的回肠差异表达基因共有602个;与低腹脂率番鸭相比,高腹脂率番鸭回肠中有285个基因上调,317个基因下调。GO和KEGG富集分析显示,有5个与脂肪代谢相关的GO条目(脂质应答、类固醇激素介导的信号通路、类固醇激素应答、类固醇激素刺激的细胞应答和脂质的细胞应答)和4个KEGG通路(PPAR信号通路、初级胆汁酸的生物合成、花生四烯酸代谢和胆汁分泌),并筛选出与脂肪代谢显著相关的6个基因(P＜0.05),包括NR5A2、ACBP、ACOX2、FABP2、FABP4和FABP5,其中,ACOX2和FABP5基因与腹脂重和腹脂率呈显著正相关(P＜0.05),ACBP基因与腹脂重和腹脂率呈极显著正相关(P＜0.01)。【结论】不同腹脂率番鸭回肠转录组存在差异,发现5个GO条目和4个KEGG通路,NR5A2、ACBP、ACOX2、FABP2、FABP4和FABP5等基因与番鸭腹部脂肪沉积相关。     

The use of porcine small-intestinal submucosa for abdominal wall reconstruction – a clinical case

A seven-year-old miniature dachshund was presented with a large contaminated bite wound centred on the left costal arch. Survey radiographs revealed a pneumomediastinum, a mid-body fracture of the left 11th rib and luxation of the xiphisternum. The compromised skin, ribs, xiphisternum, diaphragm and abdominal wall were surgically debrided. This resulted in a large combined thoracic and abdominal wall defect. The thoracic cavity was closed by diaphragmatic advancement. The abdominal wall defect was partially closed by advancing local abdominal musculature. A cranial abdominal mid-line defect remained and was repaired using two sheets of lyophilised porcine small-intestinal submucosa. Dehiscence of the skin exposing the SIS graft was seen but the abdominal repair remained intact. Eighteen months after the initial injury, the dog remained clinically well and no associated complications were reported.     

Diagnosis of an Abdominal Splenosis in a Case of Ambulatory Paraparesis of the Hind Limbs in a Ferret (Mustela putorius furo)

A 2-year-old spayed female ferret (Mustela putorius furo) was presented with a 2-day history of ambulatory paraparesis of the hind limbs. On physical examination a mass was palpated in the cranial abdominal region, caudal to the stomach. A complete blood cell count revealed a normocytic normochromic anemia and reactive lymphocytes. A hypoechoic abdominal mass was observed during an ultrasound examination of the abdomen. An exploratory laparotomy was recommended and performed during which a pyramidal mass resembling a lobe of fatty liver tissue, plus omental torsion, was removed. The histopathologic diagnosis of the surgically removed mass was splenosis. The abdominal pain and ambulatory paraparesis resolved after surgery, which suggests that the paraparesis was due to pain. The findings in this report indicate that splenosis should be included as a differential diagnosis when a ferret presents with an abdominal mass and acute abdominal pain.     

Use of an active intra-abdominal drain in 67 horses

OBJECTIVE: To describe the insertion technique, efficacy, and complications associated with the use of an active (closed-suction) abdominal drain in horses. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. Animals-Sixty-seven horses with abdominal contamination treated by abdominal lavage and use of a closed-suction abdominal drain. METHODS: Medical records of horses (1989-1996) that had a closed-suction abdominal drain were reviewed. Follow-up information was obtained by telephone interviews with owners. RESULTS: Sixty-eight closed-suction abdominal drains were used in 67 horses that had abdominal contamination, peritonitis, or to prevent adhesion formation. The drain was placed under general anesthesia (62 horses) or in a standing position (6 horses). Abdominal lavage was performed every 4 to 12 hours and about 83% of the peritoneal lavage solution was retrieved. Minor complications associated with drain use occurred in 49% of the horses and included obstruction or slow passage of fluid through the drain in 18 horses (26%), leakage of fluid around the drain in 11 horses (16%), and subcutaneous fluid accumulation around the drain in 8 horses (12%). Incisional suppuration developed in 20 of 62 (32%) and incisional herniation in 5 of 46 (11%) horses. CONCLUSIONS: A closed-suction drain system was easily placed and was associated with only minor complications in most horses. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Active abdominal drainage and lavage is a useful adjunct in the treatment of peritonitis or as a prophylactic procedure in horses at risk of developing septic peritonitis and abdominal adhesions. Clinicians should be aware of the high incidence of minor complications.     

Ruptured urinary bladder in a heifer

A yearling Holstein heifer was admitted with abdominal pain and bilateral, ventral abdominal distention. Bladder rupture was diagnosed by abdominocentesis and endoscopy. Correction of metabolic derangements was accomplished by volume diuresis, with maintenance of a urethral catheter before surgical repair of the bladder. The cause of the bladder rupture was believed to be related to adhesions resulting from previous surgery for urachal abscessation. Bladder rupture, which usually occurs in bulls or steers secondary to urolithiasis or in cows after dystocia, also should be considered in prepartum heifers with dehydration, abdominal pain, and abdominal distention.     

Eumycotic mycetoma caused by Pseudallescheria boydii in the abdominal cavity of a dog

An abdominal eumycotic mycetoma with multiorgan dissemination was diagnosed in a 2-year-old dog. Clinical signs included fever, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and a palpable abdominal mass. The dog developed disseminated intravascular coagulation and died. Pseudallescheria boydii was isolated from the abdominal mass, liver, and peritoneal fluid. Relevant history included an ovariohysterectomy when the dog was 6 months old, which was complicated by dehiscence of the incision site and evisceration. It appears that P boydii has a propensity for establishing itself in the abdominal cavity of the dog, subsequent to surgical dehiscence.     

蛋用型鸡血浆极低密度脂蛋白浓度,肥度,生产性能之间的相关研究

以褐壳蛋鸡祖代母本种鸡为研究材料，用比浊法测定血浆极低密度脂蛋白浓度。试验结果表明，母鸡８１周龄腹脂重，腹脂率，鲜肝脂肪含量的变异系数分别高达４７％，３９％，４７％。表明这些性状在鸡群中未做过选择。血浆ＶＬＤＬ浓度与腹脂重，腹脂度，肝重，肝脂含量均呈正表型相关趋势。     

Pancreatic carcinoma in a cockatiel

A female cockatiel was examined because of abdominal distention, decreased appetite, and weight loss. Although abdominocentesis, bacteriologic culture, radiography, and ultrasonography were performed, the diagnosis of pancreatic carcinoma was obtained only after exploratory laparotomy and histologic examination. The resected abdominal mass was pancreatic carcinoma. The bird survived for 56 days after surgery. Necropsy confirmed abdominal metastatic pancreatic carcinoma.     

Plethysmographic comparison of breathing pattern in heaves (recurrent airway obstruction) versus experimental bronchoconstriction or hyperpnea in horses

BACKGROUND: Horses with recurrent airway obstruction (heaves) are described as exhibiting "increased abdominal effort," but it is unknown whether this translates to an effective contribution to ventilation. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that heaves is characterized by asynchrony between rib cage and abdominal motions, and that the abdominal component is the major contributor to ventilation. ANIMALS: The rib cage versus abdominal motion in naturally occurring heaves (n = 15) was compared to controls at rest (n = 7) and during hyperpnea because of lobeline treatment, and the effects of histamine-induced bronchoconstriction in controls (n = 10). METHODS: Flow patterns, phase angle (theta) between the rib and abdominal compartments, abdominal (Vabd) contribution to tidal volume (VT), and lung mechanics were measured. RESULTS: Findings unique to the heaves group included the loss of biphasic expiratory flow, severely increased theta with the abdomen consistently lagging behind the rib cage, and a reduced contribution of the abdomen to ventilation. A subgroup of heaves (n = 5) with abdominal paradox showed a significant (P < .05) reduction in tidal volume, and increased respiratory rate. Bronchodilation reduced theta in heaves (P = .06), but theta remained significantly higher after bronchodilation than found in controls. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: We conclude that breathing pattern in horses with heaves is characterized by severe rib cage/abdominal asynchrony, with the rib cage motion in synchrony with flow, therefore dominating ventilation. In a subset of heaves, the abdominal compartment (diaphragm, abdominal muscles) was completely out of synchrony with flow ("abdominal paradox") despite the clinical appearance of "increased abdominal effort."     

Abdominal hernia with formation of a urate concretion in a cockatiel

A female cockatiel had a 2-week history of abdominal distention, lethargy, and diarrhea. The cockatiel had a history of frequent egg-laying, and the owner suspected that she was egg-bound. A solid mass was removed through the cloaca and found to be a concretion of urates that had formed within a hernial pouch of the caudal abdominal musculature. Diagnosis was aided by contrast radiography, and surgery was performed. However, the abdominal hernias recurred 16 months later. The continual egg-laying probably predisposed this bird to hernia formation. Abdominal hernias in birds may be a consequence of continual egg-laying and associated hormonal effects leading to a weakening of abdominal musculature.     

Herniation of the abdominal wall in pregnant mares

Abdominal wall hernia was detected in 4 pregnant mares. Antemortem diagnosis of the specific abdominal wall lesion was difficult. Ventral deviation of the abdomen, associated abdominal wall edema, and pain indicated rupture of the prepubic tendon. Three mares examined at necropsy did not have a rupture of the prepubic tendon but did have herniation of the abdominal wall. Abdominal pain was severe and was compounded by incarceration or entrapment of viscus.     

Neospora caninum associated with septic peritonitis in an adult dog

A 7-year-old, male neutered Rhodesian Ridgeback dog was referred to the University of California-Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital with a 4-month history of peritonitis and episodic abdominal discomfort, lethargy, and weakness. Marked abdominal distension with a prominent fluid wave was noted on physical examination. Cytologic analysis of the abdominal fluid indicated a septic exudate with mixed bacteria and many protozoal zoites. Differentials for the identity of the protozoal zoites included Toxoplasma gondii, Sarcocystis neurona, and Neospora caninum. Indirect latex agglutination antigen testing, standard indirect fluorescent antibody testing, and PCR analysis were performed to identify the zoites. The dog's serum antibody titer for N caninum tachyzoites was 1:20,480, known polysera to N caninum reacted against zoites in the abdominal fluid, and PCR analysis of the abdominal fluid was positive for the presence of a known gene of N caninum. Based on the morphologic, immunologic, and molecular findings, the zoites were identified as N caninum. It remains unclear how the tachyzoites gained access to the peritoneal cavity. To the authors' knowledge, there are no reports of free N caninum in abdominal fluid of any species.     

Abdominal fat weight and thickness as predictors of total body fat in broilers

In two experiments broilers of both sexes from two strains were reared to 16 weeks of age to determine how total body fat could be estimated and predicted from some carcase traits. In the first experiment, age, carcase weight and abdominal fat thickness were found to be significant factors in the prediction of total body fat weight estimated from abdominal fat weight. In the second experiment abdominal fat weight was the best predictor of total body fat weight, obtained by ether extraction of the minced whole carcase. Inclusion of abdominal fat weight in the prediction equation after carcase weight and abdominal fat thickness significantly improved the regression. If the carcase cannot be weighed and abdominal fat weight is not available, because of the more laborious nature of its determination, then the measurement of abdominal fat thickness can be useful in predicting the total body fat content.     

Predictive values,sensitivity and specificity of abdominal fluid variables in determining the need for surgery in horses with an acute abdominal crisis

OBJECTIVE: To determine the predictive values, sensitivity and specificity of abdominal fluid variables associated with the need for surgery in horses with an acute abdominal crisis. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Two-hundred and thirty-six horses examined for signs of abdominal pain between January 1993 and June 1999. METHODS: Breed, age and gender of the horse and colour, total protein concentration and total nucleated cell count of an abdominal fluid sample were recorded. Colour of the abdominal fluid was classified as normal if it was yellow and transparent. Turbid fluid or fluid that was serosanguinous or other colours was classified as abnormal. Protein concentration < or = 20 g/L and a total nucleated cell count < or = 5 x 10(9) cells/L were considered normal and values above these were considered abnormal. An abdominal fluid sample was classified as abnormal if one or more of the three variables were considered abnormal. Cases were defined as surgical when lesions identified at surgery or necropsy examination would not have resolved with medical treatment alone. Cases were defined as medical in horses that survived without surgical intervention, and those with a lesion found at surgery or necropsy that would have resolved with medical treatment alone. A third category was identified during the study as those diagnosed with Actinobacillus equuli--induced peritonitis. These horses were included in the study but not in the data analysis. DATA ANALYSIS: The association between the sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive value of colour, total protein, and total nucleated cell count in the abdominal fluid and the need for surgery was calculated. RESULTS: There were 100 females and 136 males of mixed breeds, ranging from 3 days to 26 years of age that had an abdominocentesis performed during the specified period. There were 97 horses with a lesion classified as surgical, 91 horses with a lesion classified as medical and 48 horses with a diagnosis of A equuli-induced peritonitis. Colour of the abdominal fluid was recorded in all horses, protein concentration was recorded in 194 horses and total nucleated cell count was recorded in 179 horses. Abnormal abdominal fluid colour had a sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of 92%, 74%, 79% and 89% respectively, associated with the need for surgery. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for a serosanguinous abdominal fluid sample associated with the need for surgery were 48%, 99%, 98% and 64% respectively. Abnormal abdominal fluid protein concentration had a sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of 86%, 75%, 77% and 85% respectively, associated with the need for surgery. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value associated with the need for surgery in horses with an abnormal total nucleated cell count in the abdominal fluid were 59%, 75%, 67% and 67%, respectively. An abdominal fluid sample classified as abnormal had a sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of 92%, 74%, 79% and 89% respectively, associated with the need for surgery. CONCLUSION: Results of this study suggest that abdominal fluid sample analysis contributes to the decision to proceed to surgery, but is not a diagnostic panacea. Colour and protein concentration of abdominal fluid were the most useful variables in abdominal fluid for differentiating medical and surgical lesions. Colour and protein had a greater value in horses with a disease likely to respond to medical treatment (negative predictive value) than those with a lesion requiring surgery (positive predictive value) except when the fluid was serosanguinous. Abdominal fluid colour and protein are clinically relevant and easily measured in the field, providing immediate information without the need for sophisticated laboratory techniques.     

IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—ECTOPIC SPLEEN MIMICKING HEPATIC TUMOR WITH INTRA‐ABDOMINAL METASTASES INVESTIGATED VIA TRIPLE‐PHASE HELICAL COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IN A DOG

A 10‐year‐old castrated male miniature dachshund was presented with an abdominal mass. The dog had a history of splenectomy. Triple‐phase helical computed tomography was utilized, revealing a hepatic mass and multiple intra‐abdominal solid masses. In triple‐phase helical computed tomography the images, hepatic mass and two of four intra‐abdominal masses were heterogenous in all phases. Therefore, we diagnosed a malignant hepatic tumor and presumed intra‐abdominal metastases. The masses were surgically removed and were histologically composed of normal spleen tissues, findings which were consistent with ectopic spleen.     

Mesh repair of a large traumatic lateral abdominal wall hernia in an 8‐day‐old foal

An 8‐day‐old French trotter colt was admitted with a traumatic lateral abdominal wall hernia with reducible intestinal content. A 15 cm long full thickness tear was identified in both the internal abdominal oblique and transverse abdominal muscles. This case report describes the surgical repair of the hernia using a polypropylene mesh.