Determination of reference arterial blood pressure values by indirect methods for Kangal dogs

OBJECTIVES: To obtain reference arterial blood pressure values from Kangal dogs, a local giant breed found in Turkey. METHODS: Arterial blood pressure measurements were obtained from 48 healthy Kangal dogs using oscillometric and Doppler techniques. The ages of the dogs ranged from two to 96 months, with a mean (sd) age of 36 (16) months. RESULTS: The effect of age on systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressures determined by the oscillometric technique and on systolic pressure determined by the Doppler technique was significant (P<0.001). Blood pressure was found to be higher in mature dogs compared with that in immature dogs. The effect of sex and the interaction between age and sex were not significant (P>0.05). There was a direct relationship between age and oscillometric systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressures and Doppler systolic arterial blood pressure both in the whole group and the immature group (P<0.05). Correlation between age and systolic arterial blood pressure measured either by oscillometric or Doppler techniques was not significant in the mature group. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The Kangal dog is bred in various countries including Turkey. It is known that giant breed dogs, such as the Kangal dog, are predisposed to cardiovascular disease. Canine arterial blood pressure values are highly breed and age dependent, so a reference value for any other breed is inappropriate for Kangal dogs. Therefore, it is important to measure arterial blood pressure of Kangal dogs.     

Skull typology of adult male Kangal dogs

In this study, a total of 16 skulls of the adult male Kangal dog were used. Craniometric measurements for 44 different parts of the skull were made. All investigated features were expressed as mean +/- SD. Cephalic indices and ratios were calculated. These indices and ratios have been compared with the average values of indices calculated for other breeds. A skull index of 50.29 +/- 1.033, a cranial index of 46.05 +/- 2.213, a facial index of 99.62 +/- 3.891, a facial index-1 of 81.67 +/- 3.667, a basal index of 28.71 +/- 1.425, a basal index-1 of 57.91 +/- 1.365, a length-length index-2 of 1.08 +/- 0.045, a length-width index-2 of 1.99 +/- 0.041, a length-width index-4 of 2.18 +/- 0.108, a palatal index-1 of 62.24 +/- 2.528, a palatal index-2 of 65.37 +/- 2.208, a palato-basal ratio of 55.44 +/- 1.975, a palato-basal ratio-1 of 54.47 +/- 1.716, a palato-palatine ratio of 33.71 +/- 0.860, a palato-palatine ratio-1 of 34.30 +/- 0.733, a cranio-facial ratio of 107.87 +/- 4.819 and a cranio-facial ratio-1 of 144.17 +/- 8.099 were obtained. When the skull, cranial and facial indices were considered together with the other calculated indices and ratios, it was clear that the skulls of the Kangal dogs have to be regarded as of dolichocephalic type. Kangal dogs, with their mastiff-like appearance and massive head, are shown in this study to be typical of a dolichocephalic breed.     

Effect of an isoxsuprine-resin preparation on blood flow in the equine thoracic limb.

The effects of an oral isoxsuprine-resin preparation on the blood flow in the thoracic limb of seven horses was determined by thermography. Treatment with the oral resin preparation resulted in increased skin temperatures compared with the non-medicated controls. The maximal temperature differences, 2.2 degrees C for the horses treated with 0.9 mg/kg and 1.8 degrees C for the horses treated with 1.2 mg/kg, occurred four hours after dosing. Plasma total isoxsuprine, determined in three horses, was detectable two hours after oral dosing and maximal eight hours after dosing, but free isoxsuprine could not be detected. Receptor binding studies demonstrated strong alpha-receptor binding, and this binding was so strong that even at isoxsuprine concentrations below the detection level receptors could have been stimulated.     

Clinical considerations of the thoracic limb.

The avian skeleton is significantly different from the mammalian skeleton, and these differences are important when providing fracture repair and postoperative care for the avian patient. Successful repair depends on an understanding of fracture management and healing and of the anatomical, physiologic, and behavioral concerns of avian patients. Having knowledge of fracture repair without an understanding of the unique needs of avian patients' results in a disappointing treatment response.     

Veins of the thoracic limb of the Van cat

The drainage of the thoracic limb of the Van cat was performed by the superficial and deep vein systems. The superficial system was constituted by the cephalic vein and its branches. The deep vein system was constituted by the axillary vein and its branches. The two vein systems anastomosed with each other at various points along their courses. The cephalic vein emerged from the external jugular vein together with the superficial cervical vein. The axillary vein continued the subclavian vein. It ran caudoventrally and gave off the subscapular vein, at the level of the shoulder joint, then gave off two independent branches, which were the external thoracic veins. Then the rest of the vessel continued as the brachial vein. The thoracodorsal vein was formed by the communicate ramus vein which arose between the subscapular vein and the brachial vein. The cranial circumflex humeral vein arose double from the subscapular vein. One of them anastomosed with the deep brachial vein and the other one drained the biceps and the deep pectoral muscles. The cranial interosseous vein from the caudal aspects of the brachial vein and passed the interosseous space of the antebrachium then ran to the lateral aspect of the forearm. The caudal interosseous vein arose from the ulnar vein (in two specimens) and the median vein together with the ulnar vein (in two specimens) or independently from the median vein (in one specimen). Although many similarities were found in the veins of the thoracic limb of the Van cat as compared with the domestic cat, some significant differences were noted in the origin, course, anastomosing and ramification of veins of the thoracic limb.     

Identification and categorization of the vascular patterns to muscles of the thoracic limb, thorax, and neck of dogs.

Vascular patterns to thoracic limbs, thorax, and neck muscles were studied in 10 dogs (20 limbs) to identify muscles most suitable for transposition in the treatment of large wounds. Gross dissection of injected specimens and angiography were used to identify vascular pedicles. Size and location of pedicles were generally consistent, and any variations would not interfere with most muscle transfers. The cutaneous trunci, latissimus dorsi, sternothyroideus, sternohyoideus, deep pectoral, anconeus, ulnaris lateralis, and ulnar head of flexor carpi ulnaris muscles were identified as suitable for transfer. The cranial trapezius, caudal omotransversarius, cleidobrachialis, and caudal sternocephalicus muscles also had potential for use. Other muscles, because of inaccessibility or unfavorable vascular pattern, were not suitable candidates for transfer.     

The effect of volatile anaesthetics on the relative sensitivity of facial and distal thoracic limb muscles to vecuronium in dogs

ObjectiveTo compare n. facialis-m. nasolabialis (nF-mNL) and n. ulnar-mm. carpi flexorii (nU-mCF) sensitivity to vecuronium during halothane or isoflurane anaesthesia.Study designRandomized, prospective, experimental study.AnimalsForty-four client-owned dogs (19 male, 25 female) undergoing surgery; mean age: 5.0 years; mean body mass: 24.7 kg.MethodsThirty minutes after acepromazine (0.05 mg kg^?1) and morphine (0.5 mg kg^?1), anaesthesia was induced with intravenous (IV) thiopental and maintained with either halothane (n = 22) or isoflurane (randomly allocated) in oxygen. The lungs were mechanically ventilated and end-tidal inhaled anaesthetic (Fe’_IAA) maintained at 1.2 × MAC values. Neuromuscular transmission at nF-uNL and nU-mCF was monitored using the train of four count. Vecuronium (50 μg kg^?1 IV) was injected (t = 0) after 15 trains, 50-60 minutes after inhalational anaesthesia began, when Fe’_IAA had been constant for >15 minutes. Times of the disappearance (-) and reappearance (+) of the fourth (T4) and first twitch (T1) were recorded allowing the calculation of: latent (t = 0 to T4-) and manifest onset times (t = 0 to T1-) duration of blockade (T1- to T1+) and drug effect (T4- to T4+) and recovery time (T1+-T4+). Student’s paired t-test was used to compare simultaneous responses at nF-uNL and nU-mCF. An unpaired t-test was used to compare anaesthetic effects.ResultsLatent and manifest onset times were significantly (p < 0.05) briefer, blockade and drug effects were significantly longer and recovery from blockade were significantly slower in the nF-mNL unit in both halothane and isoflurane recipients. Profound block duration and drug action were significantly longer and recovery from blockade were significantly slower in halothane recipients at both nerve-muscle units.Conclusion and clinical relevanceThe nF-mNL was more sensitive than nU-mCF to vecuronium, particularly in halothane-anaesthetized dogs.     

Postprandial arterial vasodilation in the equine distal thoracic limb

The effects of feeding on blood flow to the equine foot are poorly understood. In a temperature-controlled room, duplex Doppler ultrasonographic observations were made pre- and postprandially of the lateral proper palmar digital artery of 5 horses, randomly assigned to twice and 4 times daily feeding in an unbalanced 2 period crossover design. Arterial diameter and blood velocity were measured over 4 h and additional observations made of heart rate, blood pressure, total plasma protein, packed cell volume, plasma glucose and insulin. There was no effect of the feeding regimen on any variable. Postprandially, there were significant increases in arterial diameter, blood velocity, total plasma protein, plasma glucose and insulin; the other variables were unchanged. It appeared that the normal postprandial response was an increase in blood flow to the foot. The value of ultrasonography for noninvasive investigation of the peripheral vasculature of the conscious horse was established; and in the future it may have a role in the diagnosis of vascular diseases of the foot.     

Descending thoracic aortic blood flow parameters during emergent surgery in anesthetized critically ill dogs

Objective: To explore the potential value of transesophageally‐determined descending thoracic aortic blood flow parameters in critically ill dogs undergoing surgery. Design: Observational case series. Setting: Private small animal referral hospital. Animals: Ten anesthetized critically ill dogs that underwent emergent surgery. Interventions: Placement of the ultrasonic transesophageal probe. Measurements and main results: Transesophageally‐determined descending thoracic aortic blood flow, stroke volume, blood velocity, blood acceleration, left ventricular ejection time interval, and heart rate parameters were recorded every minute. Systolic and mean arterial blood pressures were non‐invasively determined and recorded at 1–5 minute intervals. The anesthetist and surgeon were blinded to the descending thoracic aortic blood flow parameters. All dogs received fluid challenges as part of their management, and 2 dogs received dopamine. The variability of the descending thoracic aortic blood flow parameters within each dog was greater than has been reported in non‐critically ill anesthetized dogs. Consistent trends in descending thoracic aortic blood flow parameters after fluid challenges were not found. An escalating dopamine infusion was, however, accompanied by increasing aortic blood flow, stroke volume, acceleration, and peak velocity. Conclusions: Descending thoracic aortic blood flow parameters may eventually be useful for evaluating the responses to and suggesting the need for cardiovascular interventions during emergent surgeries in anesthetized critically ill canine patients. For this to occur, more experience with this technology will be required.     

Sonographic observations of the peripheral vasculature of the equine thoracic limb

Investigations of the equine peripheral vascular system have been constrained by the lack of a non-invasive method of examining the arteries and veins of the limbs of the conscious horse. Precise correlations were established between the gross anatomical features of the peripheral vessels and their B-mode sonographic appearance in each thoracic limb of 35 horses. A sonographic imaging protocol was established. Additional Doppler sonographic recordings defined the arterial waveforms and demonstrated that blood flow to the foot could be evaluated in the lateral proper digital artery, distal to the level of the coronary band. Valves (with 2-4 cusps) were identified in the lumina of the medial and lateral palmar common digital veins and those of the medial and lateral palmar proper digital veins. Spontaneous echo contrast, a smoke-like haze of echoic blood, was seen in the lateral and medial palmar common digital veins, the distal deep palmar venous arch and communicating branches, and the palmar proper digital veins, and occasionally seen in the distal deep palmar arterial arch and distal proper palmar digital arteries. The value of duplex sonography (B-mode and Doppler) for anatomical and physiological studies of the peripheral vasculature of the horse was clearly established. Such data could be applied to the investigation of diseases affecting the peripheral circulation.     

Thoracoscopic visualization and ligation of the thoracic duct in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To develop a technique for thoracoscopic visualization and ligation of the thoracic duct in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: In vivo experimental study. ANIMALS: Five mature, healthy dogs. METHODS: Dogs were normal based on physical examination, negative occult heartworm test, normal complete blood count and biochemical profile, and normal thoracic radiographs. The dogs were anesthetized, and a ventral midline laparotomy was performed for catheterization of a mesenteric lymphatic. Lymphangiography was performed to determine thoracic duct anatomy. Thoracoscopy was performed in the caudal, right hemithorax after single lung intubation or bronchial blockade. At least two 10-mm clips were placed across the thoracic duct in each dog. Lymphangiography was repeated to assess duct ligation. If complete duct occlusion was not achieved, thoracoscopy was repeated for additional clip placement. After surgery the dogs were euthanatized, and necropsies were performed. RESULTS: Lymphangiography showed that multiple branches of the thoracic duct were present in every dog; bilateral thoracic duct branches were most common. Thoracoscopic identification and ligation of the thoracic duct was successful in all five dogs. Two dogs required a second thoracoscopic procedure to completely occlude flow of contrast through the thoracic duct. Surgery time for thoracoscopy averaged 59 plus minus 9.6 minutes. Retroperitoneal contrast accumulation after thoracic duct ligation occurred in two dogs. One dog required bilateral pulmonary ventilation. CONCLUSION: Thoracoscopy can be used to visualize the thoracic duct for ligation in normal dogs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Thoracoscopic ligation of the thoracic duct may be a therapeutic option for management of chylothorax in dogs.     

Outcomes of thoracic surgery in dogs and cats

Summary: Records of 146 dogs and 41 cats that underwent thoracic surgery at The University of Sydney Veterinary Teaching Hospital were reviewed for age, sex, breed, disease, operation date, periods of pre- and post-operative hospitalisation, use of surgical drains and outcome. Animals were assigned to 16 disease categories, the most common being patent ductus arteriosus, traumatic diaphragmatic hernia and oesophageal foreign body in dogs and traumatic diaphragmatic hernia in cats. Differences were observed between disease categories in all the criteria examined. There were almost equal numbers of male (72) and female (74) dogs, the median (range) age was 2.0 (0.2 to 14.0) years, the median pre-operative stay was 1 (0 to 14) days, the median post-operative stay was 4 (0 to 28) days and the overall survival to discharge rate was 78%.
There were 24 male and 15 female cats (sex not recorded in 2 cats). The median (range) age was 3 (0.1 to 12) years, pre-operative stay 1 (0 to 6) days, post-operative stay 5 (0 to 15) days and the overall survival to discharge rate was 85%. Causes of post-operative deaths among animals in the most common categories are recorded and discussed.     

Normal blood supply of the canine patella

The normal blood supply of the canine patella was evaluated, using microangiography and correlated histology. Arterioles entered the cortex of the patella at multiple sites along the medial, lateral, and dorsal aspects. The body of the patella was vascularized uniformly, with many arterioles that branched and anastomosed extensively throughout the patella. The patella was not dependent on a single nutrient artery for its afferent supply, but had an extensive interior vascular network. These factors should ensure rapid revascularization and healing of patellar fractures, provided appropriate fracture fixation is achieved.     

Arterial supply to the spinal cord of dogs and cats

The blood supply patterns to the spinal cord were examined and compared in 15 dogs and 10 cats by use of dissection and radiographic visualization. The lowest percentages of radicular contributions and the smallest diameter vessels were found in the thoracic part of the spinal cord. The central arteries were fewest in number in the thoracic region and unilaterally or bilaterally supplied the gray matter. The percentage of bilaterally distributed central arteries increased from the cervical to the lumbar regions. The anastomotic plexus on the surface of the spinal cord was found to be most dense in the cervical and lumbar regions.