Ranking of physiotherapeutic evaluation methods as outcome measures of stifle functionality in dogs

Background

Various physiotherapeutic evaluation methods are used to assess the functionality of dogs with stifle problems. Neither validity nor sensitivity of these methods has been investigated. This study aimed to determine the most valid and sensitive physiotherapeutic evaluation methods for assessing functional capacity in hind limbs of dogs with stifle problems and to serve as a basis for developing an indexed test for these dogs. A group of 43 dogs with unilateral surgically treated cranial cruciate ligament deficiency and osteoarthritic findings was used to test different physiotherapeutic evaluation methods. Twenty-one healthy dogs served as the control group and were used to determine normal variation in static weight bearing and range of motion.The protocol consisted of 14 different evaluation methods: visual evaluation of lameness, visual evaluation of diagonal movement, visual evaluation of functional active range of motion and difference in thrust of hind limbs via functional tests (sit-to-move and lie-to-move), movement in stairs, evaluation of hind limb muscle atrophy, manual evaluation of hind limb static weight bearing, quantitative measurement of static weight bearing of hind limbs with bathroom scales, and passive range of motion of hind limb stifle (flexion and extension) and tarsal (flexion and extension) joints using a universal goniometer. The results were compared with those from an orthopaedic examination, force plate analysis, radiographic evaluation, and a conclusive assessment. Congruity of the methods was assessed with a combination of three statistical approaches (Fisher’s exact test and two differently calculated proportions of agreeing observations), and the components were ranked from best to worst. Sensitivities of all of the physiotherapeutic evaluation methods against each standard were calculated.

Results

Evaluation of asymmetry in a sitting and lying position, assessment of muscle atrophy, manual and measured static weight bearing, and measurement of stifle passive range of motion were the most valid and sensitive physiotherapeutic evaluation methods.

Conclusions

Ranking of the various physiotherapeutic evaluation methods was accomplished. Several of these methods can be considered valid and sensitive when examining the functionality of dogs with stifle problems.     

Field evaluation of test-and-removal and vaccination as control measures for pseudorabies in Missouri swine.

Eighteen Missouri swine herds were serologically monitored to determine the efficiency of two methods for the control of pseudorabies. A serum neutralization test-and-removal procedure was effective in ten of ten herds using this method. Vaccination procedures were less reliable. Virus still circulated in five of eight vaccinated herds and a thorough epidemiological evaluation of herd status was impossible. Titers caused by vaccination could not be distinguished from those by natural infection. Vaccination also was carried out in three seronegative herds. Antipseudorabies virus titers in these herds ranged from negative to 1:16 two to three months postvaccination. A majority of the sows in these herds responded with low 1:2 or 1:4 titers following vaccination. A direct comparison of "test and removal" farms and farms that used vaccination was not possible because of the differences between the two groups of farms.     

Equine verminous arteritis. An arteriographic evaluation of the larvicidal activity of albendazole

Albendazole was an effective larvicidal anthelmintic against the fourth stage Strongylus vulgaris larvae as late as one month post-infection. The drug was administered at a dose rate of 25 mg/kg three times daily for 5 days. Diarrhoea occurred in 3 of 4 foals treated and of these one died during belated intravenous therapy for dehydration. Arteriography allowed for an in vivo assessment of the development and regression of lesions in infected-treated foals compared to the continued development of lesions in infected-untreated foals. The arteriographic findings were confirmed at necropsy.     

Lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activity as a predictor for ketosis and parturient haemoglobinuria in Egyptian water buffaloes

Lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activity was measured in 48 Egyptian water buffaloes four weeks pre-parturient. The activity was significantly low in 37 buffaloes (77.1%). Four weeks post-partum, clinical examination revealed that 23 buffaloes had the clinical signs of ketosis (K) while 14 had the clinical signs of parturient-haemoglobinuria (PHU). Serum samples were collected from 5 buffaloes of each group (K and PHU) besides 5 clinically healthy buffaloes with normal LCAT (control). Glucose level was significantly reduced in K and PHU groups while the phosphorous (P) level was significantly reduced in PHU group compared to control. There were significant reductions in the total cholesterol, free cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein and albumin in K and PHU groups; whereas, significant increases in AST, GGT, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) in K and PHU groups were detected. Therefore, LCAT could be a predictor for metabolic disorders in Egyptian water buffaloes.     

Hypofractionated radiation therapy for treatment of an adrenal mass in a ferret

Background: Ferret hyperadrenocorticism is the most common endocrine disease among domesticated ferrets. Current therapies include adrenalectomy and gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs. Radiation therapy was used as an alternative noninvasive local therapy option. Case presentation: A 5-year-old male castrated ferret originally presented for pollakiuria. An abdominal ultrasound evaluation revealed an enlarged right adrenal gland with heterogenous parenchyma. Hypofractionated radiation therapy for treatment of the right adrenal mass was planned and performed using a small animal irradiator system. The prescribed radiation protocol was 30 Gray administered in 5 weekly fractions. The volume of the irradiated adrenal mass was serially quantified via the weekly cone beam CT. The adrenal mass volume decreased by 88% over the 10-month period. The ferret was euthanized 10 months postradiation therapy due to progressive co-morbidities, and the body was submitted for necropsy examination. No evidence of adrenal tissue or neoplastic tissue was found on histopathology of the irradiated right adrenal mass at the time of death. Evidence of systemic mycobacteriosis was discovered on necropsy. Conclusion and case relevance: Based on histopathologic evaluation, a complete response was achieved with hypofractionated radiation therapy of the right adrenal mass. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this novel therapeutic approach.     

Progesterone secreting adrenal mass in a cat with clinical signs of hyperadrenocorticism

A 7-year-old 7-kg (16-lb) neutered male Himalayan cat had nonpruritic progressive alopecia of 9 months' duration. The cat had hyperglycemia and glucosuria. Physical examination revealed complete alopecia along the abdomen, inguinal area, medial and caudal areas of the thighs, ventral area of the thorax, and axilla. Clinical signs were consistent with endocrine-induced alopecia and hyperadrenocorticism, however, results of diagnostic tests (ACTH stimulation and low-dose dexamethasone suppression) were not supportive of hyperadrenocorticism. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a mass cranial to the left kidney. Blood samples were obtained before and after ACTH stimulation to measure sex hormone concentrations. Analysis revealed markedly high blood progesterone concentrations before and after ACTH stimulation. An adrenalectomy was performed and histologic examination of the mass revealed a well-differentiated adrenocortical carcinoma. The right adrenal gland could not be viewed during surgery and was assumed to be atrophic. Following surgery, the hyperglycemia and glucosuria resolved. Within 4 months of surgery, the hyperprogesteronemia had resolved, and at 12 months the cat's coat quality appeared normal. Findings suggest that cats with signs of hyperadrenocorticism should be evaluated not only for abnormal cortisol concentrations, but also for sex hormone abnormalities.     

微生态饲料添加剂的弱点及其克服措施

微生态饲料添加剂是将对动物有益无害的活菌经过特殊工艺制成的活细菌制剂 ,又名益生素。近10多年来 ,在养殖业中正在广泛应用。种类有乳酸菌制剂 (嗜酸乳酸菌、双歧乳杆菌、粪链球菌等 )、芽孢杆菌制剂 (枯草杆菌、蜡样芽孢杆菌、地衣杆菌等 )、真菌制剂 (米曲霉菌等 )、酵母菌制剂 (啤酒酵母等 )、光合细菌等 ,菌种数量已接近百种 ,只ＥＭ活菌制剂一种制剂即包括 10属 80多种微生物。微生态饲料添加剂的主要作用为 :调节动物肠道微生态平衡 ,提高动物生长率 ,提高饲料利用率 ,促进动物对钙、镁、铁的吸收 ;抑制肠道有害微生物的繁殖 ,提高…     

An evaluation of positive contrast vaginourethrography as a diagnostic aid in the bitch

The contribution of vagino-urethrography to the diagnosis of disorders of the lower urogenital tract in 123 bitches was evaluated. It was found to be particularly valuable in animals with urinary incontinence, vaginal discharge, dysuria and physical vaginal abnormalities. Determination of vaginal volume in 69 bitches has enabled a dosage of contrast medium to be suggested.     

植物甾醇对肉鸭胆固醇代谢和抗氧化性能的影响

2000只15日龄的商品代樱桃谷肉鸭随机分成5组,每组4个重复,每个重复100只肉鸭,分别饲喂添加0(对照组)、10、20、40、80mg/kg植物甾醇日粮。42日龄试验结束时,每组随机抽取公、母鸭各5只屠宰,测定各项指标。结果表明,植物甾醇对生产性能无显著影响(P>0.05)。植物甾醇降低了肉鸭血清中总胆固醇(TC)和低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)的含量,当添加量为40mg/kg时差异显著(P<0.05);日粮中添加10mg/kg、20mg/kg和40mg/kg植物甾醇后,肉鸭肝脏胆固醇合成速度明显加快;添加80mg/kg植物甾醇的试验组肉鸭,血浆中总超氧化物歧化酶(T-SOD)活性显著(P<0.05)升高,添加10或40mg/kg植物甾醇的组,肝脏中T-SOD活性显著(P<0.05)升高。结果提示植物甾醇可能通过抑制低密度脂蛋白的生成来降低血脂,同时影响肝脏内源性胆固醇的合成,并且可能通过提高机体抗氧化酶活性达到抗氧化效果。     

一猪场附红细胞体病的发生与控制措施

猪附红细胞体病是由附红细胞体引起的一种传染病 ,寄生在红细胞表面。柳州市某猪场于 2 0 0 1年 7月至 2 0 0 2年 2月暴发该病 ,经及时采取有效防制措施 ,病情得以控制。现报告如下。1　发病情况该场是规模猪场 ,有单体限位栏、高床产房等设施 ,饲养生产母猪 3 0 0头 ,纯繁大约克、长白、杜洛克种猪、生产长大或大长二元杂后备母猪 ,兼生产三元杂瘦肉型商品猪 ,年生产种猪和商品猪 550 0多头。2 0 0 1年 7月底 ,猪群发病 ,有体温升高、采食下降症状 ,严重者呼吸困难、流鼻、咳嗽、皮肤发红。随之母猪发情迟缓、流产、死产、木乃伊胎 ,母猪体…     

Ultrasonographic evaluation of the adrenal glands in six dogs with hypoadrenocorticism.

The purpose of this study was to determine the value of ultrasonographic characterization of the adrenal glands in dogs with hypoadrenocorticism. Measurements of adrenal glands were obtained in six dogs with hypoadrenocorticism. The adrenal glands on both sides were shorter (range: left adrenal gland length, 10.0 to 19.7 mm; right adrenal gland length, 9.5 to 18.8 mm) and thinner (range: left adrenal gland thickness, 2.2 to 3.0 mm; right adrenal gland thickness, 2.2 to 3.4 mm) than in normal dogs (range: left adrenal gland length, 13.2 to 26.3 mm; right adrenal gland length, 12.4 to 22.6 mm; left adrenal gland thickness, 3.0 to 5.2 mm; right adrenal gland thickness, 3.1 to 6.0 mm). Statistical analysis revealed a significant reduction in size of the left adrenal gland (p less than 0.05) in dogs with hypoadrenocorticism compared to the left adrenal gland in normal dogs. The results of this study show that atrophy of the adrenal glands in dogs with hypoadrenocorticism seems to lead to an ultrasonographic-measurable reduction in size of the adrenal glands.