Craniofacial skeletal abnormalities in anomalous calves with clefts of the face

Thirteen anomalous calves with clefts of the face were morphologically examined, and craniofacial skeletons were studied in detail. According to the type and site of the cleft, four groups could be distinguished: median cleft lip and jaw (CLJ); median cleft lip, jaw, and palate (CLJP); lateral CLJ; and cleft palate (CP), including unilateral and bilateral type. Craniofacial skeletal abnormalities were observed in several bones at the roof, wall, and floor of the nasal cavity and at the boundary portion between the nasal and cranial cavities. Fissure formation at the cranial sutures, partial absence of the nasal process of the incisive bone, and opening of the bony palate were characteristic changes in median CLJ and CLJP, lateral CLJ, and CP, respectively. Furthermore, various associated changes were recognized in the median and paramedian skeletal elements of the face and other organs. The morphological changes of craniofacial skeletons with various types of clefts of the face depended on the site and degree of the cleft formation and reflected developmental errors of the facial embryonic segments. These changes would suggest disorders of the correlated development of facial processes and of other fetal organs of the face. For these conditions, etiologically hereditary cases were negative.     

Use of a Cortico-Cancellous Bone Graft in the Repair of a Cleft Palate in a Dog

We report the successful use of a cortico-cancellous bone graft to repair a cleft of the secondary palate in a 6-month-old Akita dog. The cleft extended from the incisal papilla to the posterior border of the soft palate. It was 10 mm wide in the hard palate and 16 mm in the soft palate. The cleft was repaired using the "push-back" method with single-pedicled mucoperiosteal flaps to close the cleft in the soft tissues, and a free bone graft from the tibia (cortex with cancellous bone attached) to fill the defect in the hard palate. Two and one-half years after the operation the graft was indistinguishable from surrounding bone on radiographs. Maxillary growth appeared to have progressed normally, resulting in normal occlusion.     

Bilateral overlapping mucosal single-pedicle flaps for correction of soft palate defects

The clinical outcomes of bilateral overlapping single-pedicle flaps used for repair of congenital cleft of the soft palate in 10 animals (nine dogs and one cat) are reported. Six animals had concurrent cleft of the hard palate repaired using a previously described mucoperiosteal flap technique. Animals ranged from one to 13 months of age at surgery, with follow-up ranging from two to 12 months. Healing was uncomplicated in all cases and provided excellent functional results.     

The successful use of a prosthesis in the correction of a palatal defect in a dog

The use of a palatine prosthesis in the treatment of a traumatic cleft palate in a dog is described. Attempts at surgical repair of the cleft failed and the prosthesis successfully obturated the defect for 10 months. The value of this technique used alone or in combination with palatoplasty is discussed.     

Otitis media in five cats associated with soft palate abnormalities

The medical records of five cats that were diagnosed with otitis media and soft palate abnormalities, three of which had concurrent otitis interna, were reviewed retrospectively. The animals presented with unilateral or bilateral otitis media or otitis interna associated with soft palate hypoplasia (four cases) or unilateral soft palate cleft (one case). Otitis media was confirmed by radiography, CT or MRI. The soft palate abnormalities present were discovered on oropharyngeal examination at induction of anaesthesia. These five cases provide additional support of a link between otitis media and soft palate abnormalities in cats, as reported in humans and dogs.     

Surgical repair of cleft soft palate in the horse.

A technique for the surgical repair of a cleft soft palate in the horse is described. A symphysiotomy approach was employed to repair the anterior end of the cleft palate, and the posterior part was approached via a pharyingotomy incision.     

Clinical characteristics of horses and foals diagnosed with cleft palate in a referral population: 28 cases (1988–2011)

The objective of this case series was to characterize the population, case presentations, and outcomes of 28 equids diagnosed with cleft palate over a 25-year period. The incidence of cleft palate was 0.04%. The median age at presentation was 2 mo (range: 1 d to 3 y). Fifty percent of the animals were < 2 mo old, 21% were ≥ 2 mo but < 1 y old, and 29% were 1 y of age or older. Males and females were nearly equally represented. Short-term outcomes included euthanasia in 50%, surgical repair in 11%, supportive care in 4%, and no treatment in 32% of cases; 46% of the animals survived to discharge. Defects involving both the hard and soft palate and/or aspiration pneumonia generally had less favorable outcomes. Though cleft palate is rare in horses, it should be considered as a differential diagnosis in horses of all ages with nasal discharge, a cough, a history of recurrent respiratory infections, poor growth, or chronic submandibular lymphadenopathy. Endoscopic evaluation of the pharynx may aid in earlier diagnosis and prognostication for owners.     

一例圈养繁殖马来穿山甲畸形仔兽

2012年10月2日,华南师范大学穿山甲人工驯养与繁育研究基地一头圈养条件下受孕的马来穿山甲产出一例畸形仔兽,产出时仔兽已没有生命体征,体重90 g,体长24.1 cm,雄性;幼仔头部多个器官畸形:隐眼,外耳发育不全,双侧唇腭裂,额顶部右侧有明显的凸起,身体其他部分发育正常;已制成标本保存于华南师范大学生命科学学院。认为此仔兽畸形可能与母兽的营养改变、疾病或药物使用等因素有关。本案例对今后妊娠期的穿山甲母兽饲养管理、疾病治疗以及保育工作有一定的启示和指导作用。     

Induction of cleft palate in newborn pigs by maternal ingestion of poison hemlock (Conium maculatum)

Cleft palates were induced in newborn pigs of gilts fed Conium maculatum seed or plant during gestation days 30 through 45. Twelve of 23 newborn pigs born to 3 gilts given Utah-grown C maculatum seed and 9 of 12 newborn pigs born to a single gilt given the fresh Utah spring-growth C maculatum plant had cleft palates. The cleft palates ranged from a unilateral cleft, involving only 1 side of the palate, to a full bilateral cleft. Brachygnathia was also observed in some of these newborn pigs with cleft palate. Other malformations were not observed. Chemical analysis of seed and plant samples indicated that gamma-coniceine was the responsible teratogenic alkaloid. A daily dose of plant or seed that provided greater than or equal to 1.07 mg of gamma-coniceine/kg of body weight fed to gilts during the 30th through the 45th day of pregnancy resulted in teratogenic effects.     

A hypothetical,aetiological relationship between the horse's bit,nasopharyngeal asphyxia and negative pressure pulmonary oedema

Tentative explanations for the aetiology of soft palate instability and dorsal displacement at exercise are based on the proposition that it is caused by one or more, as yet unidentified, neuromuscular or inflammatory diseases. As judged by reviews, none of the treatments based on these assumptions are entirely satisfactory. Most researchers agree that their cause is unknown. In 1999, Cook proposed that they were caused by the bit breaking what should be an airtight lip seal. The present article describes a development of this hypothesis – loss of oral compartment subatmospheric pressure. The feral horse is an obligate nose‐breather and runs with a closed mouth and no air in the oral cavity and oropharynx. Evacuation of air from these compartments is proposed as the primary mechanism, strengthened by the cohesive force of surface tension, whereby the soft palate resists the elevating force of negative pressure on inspiration. It is suggested that subatmospheric pressure in the oral compartment is generated by a single swallow before running. Poll extension supplements the rigidity of the nasopharyngeal tube and reinforces the ostium intrapharyngium seal. In the domesticated horse, the lip seal is broken by a bit and bit‐induced poll flexion, jaw and tongue movement often breaks the ostium seal. Oral atmospheric pressure is proposed as the mechanism for nasopharyngeal asphyxia. It is considered that negative pressure pulmonary oedema – currently known as exercise‐induced pulmonary haemorrhage and conventionally thought to be a separate problem – is one of its clinical signs. It is suggested that the bit is the most common cause of nasopharyngeal asphyxia and that this, in turn, results in a cascade of dynamic obstructions in the larynx and cervical trachea, leading ultimately to pulmonary oedema and ‘bleeding.’ It is concluded that these are sequelae to rules in many disciplines that mandate bit usage.     

Cleft Palate in a Chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera)

A 5-month-old female chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) was evaluated for failure to thrive, difficulty drinking, and respiratory signs. Physical examination demonstrated a thin body condition score, purulent nasal and ocular discharge, and an abnormal facial appearance. Endoscope-guided oral examination and computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated a cleft soft palate, absent nasal turbinates, and bilateral otitis media. The animal was euthanized and necropsy confirmed the diagnosis of palatoschisis (cleft palate) of the soft palate. Other relevant postmortem findings included otitis media, interna, and externa, bony bullae proliferative changes, absent nasal turbinates and rhinosinusitis. Congenital abnormalities are rarely reported in chinchillas. While cleft palates have been reported in many other domestic animals, there are no published reports of this condition in chinchillas to the best of the authors’ knowledge.     

A retrospective study of canine persistent nasal disease: 80 cases (1998-2003)

Persistent canine nasal disease is a common complaint in small animal practice; however, an etiologic diagnosis can be difficult to establish. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the percentage of cases for which the etiology was determined in our hospital population. Medical records from 80 dogs met the criteria of inclusion in the study. Nonspecific rhinitis was identified in 23.7% of cases. Other diagnoses were neoplasia (15.0%), fungal infection (nasal aspergillosis) (8.7%), cleft palate (8.7%), periodontal disease (4.0%), parasites (1.3%), foreign body (1.3%), and primary bacterial disease (1.3%). A definitive diagnosis could not be established in 36.3% of cases. Dogs with neoplastic and mycotic diseases often presented with severe radiographic and rhinoscopic lesions. Despite a systematic approach, numerous cases went undiagnosed. The use of advanced imaging should increase our ability to obtain an etiologic diagnosis in canine nasal disease.     

Congenital unilateral cleft of the soft palate in six dogs

Unilateral cleft of the soft palate occurs sporadically in dogs, and there are few reports in the veterinary literature regarding its aetiology and management. This report describes six dogs with the condition. The dogs' primary presenting problem was rhinitis. The defects were successfully repaired using a two-layer closure technique with absorbable suture in five of the cases. Surgical correction was not performed in the remaining case.     

A PROPOSED RADIOGRAPHIC CLASSIFICATION SCHEME FOR CONGENITAL THORACIC VERTEBRAL MALFORMATIONS IN BRACHYCEPHALIC “SCREW‐TAILED” DOG BREEDS

Congenital vertebral malformations are common in brachycephalic “screw‐tailed” dog breeds such as French bulldogs, English bulldogs, Boston terriers, and pugs. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine whether a radiographic classification scheme developed for use in humans would be feasible for use in these dog breeds. Inclusion criteria were hospital admission between September 2009 and April 2013, neurologic examination findings available, diagnostic quality lateral and ventro‐dorsal digital radiographs of the thoracic vertebral column, and at least one congenital vertebral malformation. Radiographs were retrieved and interpreted by two observers who were unaware of neurologic status. Vertebral malformations were classified based on a classification scheme modified from a previous human study and a consensus of both observers. Twenty‐eight dogs met inclusion criteria (12 with neurologic deficits, 16 with no neurologic deficits). Congenital vertebral malformations affected 85/362 (23.5%) of thoracic vertebrae. Vertebral body formation defects were the most common (butterfly vertebrae 6.6%, ventral wedge‐shaped vertebrae 5.5%, dorsal hemivertebrae 0.8%, and dorso‐lateral hemivertebrae 0.5%). No lateral hemivertebrae or lateral wedge‐shaped vertebrae were identified. The T7 vertebra was the most commonly affected (11/28 dogs), followed by T8 (8/28 dogs) and T12 (8/28 dogs). The number and type of vertebral malformations differed between groups (P = 0.01). Based on MRI, dorsal, and dorso‐lateral hemivertebrae were the cause of spinal cord compression in 5/12 (41.6%) of dogs with neurologic deficits. Findings indicated that a modified human radiographic classification system of vertebral malformations is feasible for use in future studies of brachycephalic “screw‐tailed” dogs.     

Gross morphological,histological and scanning electron specifications of the oropharyngeal cavity of the hooded crow (Corvus cornix pallescens)

The present study was carried out on the oropharyngeal cavity of the hooded crow to investigate the gross and microscopic structures via gross anatomy, light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The gross anatomy clarified the elongated triangular shape of the oropharyngeal cavity with a non-protruding tongue with a bifid apex. The lingual body contained median groove rostrally and separated caudally from the root by a transverse papillary crest. The laryngeal mound located posterior to the lingual root, contained midline laryngeal cleft and bounded caudally by a transverse row of pharyngeal papillae. The palate contained choanal cleft rostrally and infundibular slit caudally in addition to five palatine ridges. By light microscopy, the dorsal lingual epithelium was highly keratinised stratified squamous with a lingual nail in the most rostral part of the apex. Then, the thickness of the keratin layer decreased caudally, while in the ventral surface, the lining epithelium became non-keratinised. The entoglossum supported the lingual body and root, but not extended to the apex. The lining epithelium of the palate was also keratinised stratified squamous and became none-keratinised at the oral side of the choanal cleft. There were numerous lobules of polystomatic salivary glands in the lingual root and the palate. SEM revealed the arrangement of different types of papillae covering both the floor and the roof of the oropharynx besides numerous openings of salivary glands in the lingual root, laryngeal mound and the palate. These findings reflect the functional relationship of the oropharyngeal cavity of the hooded crow during feeding.     

Histopathological findings of cleft palate in rat embryos induced by triamcinolone acetonide

Triamcinolone acetonide (TAC), a synthetic glucocorticoid, induces cleft palate resulting from poor development of palatal shelves in mice. However, TAC has no effect on medial edge epithelial cells (MEE cells) in secondary palatal shelves. In the present study, we examined the relationship between the pathogenesis of cleft palate and the effects on MEE cells and palatal mesenchymal cells in rat embryos/fetuses exposed to TAC. Pregnant Wistar Hannover rats were given TAC intramuscularly at 0.5 mg/kg at gestation days (Day) 12, 13, and 14, then embryos/fetuses were harvested on Days 14.5, 15, 16 and 20. The effects of TAC were as follows; an inhibition of palatal mesenchymal cell proliferation on Day 14.5, a decrease in the density of palatal mesenchymal cells and MEE cells, and expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors in MEE cells on Day 15, and stratified squamous differentiation of MEE cells with expression of cytokeratin and EGF receptors on Day 16. These findings indicated that TAC inhibited the proliferation of mesenchymal cells and affected the differentiation of MEE cells into stratified squamous epithelia in the palatal shelves of rat embryos. However, these stratified squamous MEE cells partially fused with each other. Thus, we suspected that a major contributing factor to the formation of TAC-induced cleft palate might not be the altered differentiation of MEE cells, but the inhibition of mesenchymal cell proliferation.     

Surgical repair of a cleft soft palate in an alpaca

A 26-day-old entire male alpaca was referred for surgical treatment of a cleft soft palate. Mandibular symphysiotomy and three-layer closure of the palatal defect resulted in primary intention healing. Despite complications related to anaesthesia the alpaca made a full recovery.     

Canine and feline retinal lymphoma: a retrospective review of 12 cases

This retrospective study identified 12 cases (6 canine and 6 feline) of ocular lymphoma with extensive retinal involvement and relative sparing of other ocular tissues. Our objectives were to describe the morphologic and immunohistochemical features of retinal lymphoma, assess the degree of correlation to the human counterpart, assign subtypes based on the veterinary‐adapted WHO classification system, and promote accurate reporting of retinal involvement in cases of intraocular lymphoma. Our findings suggest that a distinct retinal tropism is quite rare, representing approximately 1% of all cases of canine and feline ocular lymphoma. No breed or sex predispositions were identified. The mean age of the affected animal was 7 years (range 4–10) and 11 years (range 6–19) for dogs and cats, respectively. Nine cases (5 canine and 4 feline) were classified as diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) subtype. The remaining cases were classified as peripheral T‐cell lymphoma (PTCL).     

同源异型框基因Prrx功能的研究进展

同源异型框（homeobox,HoX）基因是具有较高遗传等级并能控制细胞分化和形态发育的重要基因。同源异型框基因主要在胚胎时期高度表达,对胚胎的发育、分化及对肢体结构和器官发育有重要影响。同源异型框基因Prrx主要包括3种,分别是Prrx1、Prrx2和Prrx3。Prrx基因家族在人和鼠的腭裂、颌骨、四肢、胫腓骨的组织发育中有重要作用,并与大脑、脊髓、神经、心脏等器官的发育密切相关。其中Prrx1和Prrx2基因主要参与胚胎中骨骼和心血管系统的发育,如四肢、颅面、软骨和动脉管。Prrx3基因主要参与胚胎中骨、软骨、大脑、脊髓等的发育。文章针对Prrx基因的功能进行概述,以期为这些基因功能的研究及相关疾病的防控提供一定的参考。     

CONGENITAL RESPIRATORY TRACT DEFECTS IN LAMBS

One hundred and forty-seven newborn lambs with congenital defects of the respiratory tract were examined during a 3-year investigation into the causes of perinatal lamb mortality. Respiratory defects were found in 3.3% of the 4,417 lambs examined and in one-third (36.6%) of the 401 congenitally malformed lambs. All the defects were secondary to other more extensive malformations. The upper respiratory tract was involved 3 times more than the lower tract. Males were involved more than females (4:3). The upper tract defects were harelip, cleft palate, atelorrhinia, arrhinia, proboscis, fused nostrils and choanal atresia. One of the facial clefts was a rare median harelip associated with cleft palate and fused nostrils. The lower tract defects were pulmonary agenesis, hypoplasia and duplication. The 2 most common defects were choanal atresia and secondary pulmonary hypoplasia. It was concluded that primary defects of the respiratory tract of sheep are rare and that secondary defects are relatively common.