Intratesticular lidocaine reduces the response to surgical castration in dogs

ObjectiveTo investigate whether intratesticular injection of lidocaine pre-surgery would reduce the intraoperative responses to elective castration in dogs.Study designDouble-blinded, randomized, controlled, prospective clinical study.AnimalsForty-two client-owned dogs weighing 2.2–38.4 kg and aged between 4.5 and 56 months.MethodsGroup L dogs received an intratesticular injection of 2% lidocaine (2 mg kg^?1) and Group S an identical volume of saline prior to surgery. Premedication was with acepromazine and morphine intramuscularly. Anaesthesia was induced with propofol intravenously and maintained with isoflurane vaporized in oxygen. Heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), respiratory rate (f_R), end-tidal isoflurane (Fe′ISO) and carbon dioxide concentrations, oxygen saturation and ECG were monitored during surgery. Fe′ISO was maintained at 1.0 ± 0.1%. Supplemental propofol was given in response to gross movement.ResultsGroup L had significantly lower maximum values for both HR and MAP. Group L displayed significantly smaller increases in HR during exteriorization of the first testis than Group S. There was an overall significant difference in MAP between groups during all surgical events (p = 0.041) and time points (p = 0.002). In univariate analysis, Group L showed significantly less changes in MAP during skin incision, exteriorization of the first testis and clamping of both spermatic cords. Group S reached its highest f_R significantly earlier. Group L (eight dogs) required additional propofol 33 ± 18 minutes after the start of surgery and Group S (seven dogs) at 19 ± 17 minutes; this difference was not statistically significant. Seven dogs in Group L and 12 dogs in Group S required rescue analgesia with morphine (GCMPS-SF score ≥6); this difference was not statistically significant. No adverse effects were reported postoperatively.Conclusions and clinical relevanceBased on this study, the authors recommend the use of intratesticular lidocaine for surgical castration in dogs.     

年龄和妊娠状态对欧拉羊血清FSH和LH含量的影响

为研究欧拉羊在繁殖季节血清FSH和LH的含量与年龄、妊娠状态之间的相互关系．试验采用酶联免疫法（ELISA）测定妊娠期和非妊娠期欧拉羊血清套体促性腺激素的浓度。测定结果为非妊娠欧拉羊血清FSH浓度随年龄增长而增加,且6岁以上组显著高于2—3岁组（P〈0．05）。而LH的浓度在各年龄组间规律性变化;妊娠期欧拉羊2—3岁龄组血清LH含量显著大于其他两组（P〈0．05）。4—5岁年龄组血清FSH高于其他两组（P〈0．05）;就各个年龄阶段总体而言。非妊娠组的FSH和LH含量均显著高于妊娠组（P〈0．05）。得出妊娠状态是决定欧拉羊血清FSH和LH含量的关键因素。     

Behavioral and performance response associated with administration of intravenous flunixin meglumine or oral meloxicam immediately prior to surgical castration in bull calves

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of flunixin meglumine or meloxicam on behavioral response and performance characteristics associated with surgical castration in crossbred bulls. Intact male Bos taurus calves (n = 252; averaging 176 kg) were randomly allocated into one of three treatment groups within pen: control (CON), flunixin meglumine (FLU; 2.2 mg/kg intravenous injection), or meloxicam (MEL; 2.0 mg/kg per os). The individual animal was the experimental unit. Calves were individually weighed on days 0 and 14 of the trial to evaluate performance outcomes. On study day 0, treatments were administered, according to their random allocation, immediately prior to surgical castration using the Henderson tool method. Visual analog scale (VAS) assessment and categorical attitude score (CAS) were collected on days −1, 0 (6 h post-castration), 1, 2, 3, and 4 in the study. The VAS was assigned using a 100 mm horizontal line with “normal” labeled at one end of the line and “moribund” at the other end of the horizontal line. The masked observer assigned a mark on the horizontal line based upon the observed severity of pain exhibited by that individual animal. The CAS was assigned by the same observer using five different categories with a score of 0 being “normal”. Average daily gain tended (P = 0.09) to be associated with the treatment group, and MEL had a greater (P = 0.04) average daily gain through day 14 compared with CON. A significant (P < 0.01) treatment by day interaction was indicated for VAS score, and MEL had lower VAS scores on days 0, 1, 2, and 3 post-castration compared with CON; FLU had lower VAS scores on days 0 and 1 compared with CON. A significant treatment by day interaction was not present (P = 0.25) for CAS. The FLU had lesser percent CAS ≥1 (17.5%; P = 0.05) compared with CON (29.4%); MEL has lesser percent CAS ≥1 observations (14.9%; P = 0.01) compared with CON. The median VAS increased as CAS was more severe. Results indicated MEL and FLU calves temporally improved behavioral responses following surgical castration with positive numerical trends for a 14 d average daily gain (ADG). The VAS system appeared to be an effective method of subjective evaluation of pain in beef calves in this study. Route of administration, duration of therapy, and low relative cost make oral meloxicam a reasonable analgesic treatment in calves when administered at the time of surgical castration.     

山羊GnRH和促性腺激素的释放特点

通过外科手术分别连续收集活体山羊中黄体期及早卵泡期的垂体门脉血样和外周血样，经放射免疫测定，山羊中黄体期和早卵泡期的促性腺激素释放激素（ＧｎＲＨ）、促黄体生成素（ＬＨ）和促卵泡素（ＦＳＨ）均呈波动式释放。在早卵泡期，ＦＳＨ单位时间内波动次数和血浆平均水平显著高于中黄体期；ＧｎＲＨ与ＬＨ的波动型基本一致，ＦＳＨ的变化不太规则。表明山羊垂体促性腺激素的释放受丘脑下部ＧｎＲＨ的调节，但ＦＳＨ似乎还存在其他调节机理。     

用不同方法对不同年龄的家兔超排效果比较

本研究采用了FSH＋hCG和FSH＋LH两种超数排卵处理方法对本地白兔分组进行了超排试验。结果表明：（1）对本地白兔采用FSH＋hCG超排处理方法较FSH＋LH超排处理方法超排效果好；（2）本地经产母兔比青年母兔超排效果好。本试验为利用本地白兔进行转基因、胚胎移植等相关方面的科学研究进行了初步工作。     

Effect of Follicle Size and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone on Ovulation Induction and Embryo Recovery in the Mare

The timing of ovulation is an important component to many equine breeding strategies. The action of luteinizing hormone on ovulation induction has been recognized; however, potential effects of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) have been less defined. Objectives of this study were to determine whether (1) mares could be induced to ovulate follicles ≤30 mm; (2) equine FSH (eFSH) has a positive effect on ovulation induction, and (3) ovulation of small follicles would affect embryo recovery. Light-horse mares (n = 12) between 4 and 10 years of age were assigned to treatments when they had a dominant growing follicle with a mean diameter of 24, 28, or 35 ± 2 mm and endometrial edema. Treatments were (1) H35, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) at 35 ± 2 mm; (2) F35, eFSH at 35 ± 2 mm; (3) H28, hCG at 28 ± 2 mm; (4) FH28, eFSH and hCG at 28 ± 2 mm; (5) D28, deslorelin (gonadotropin-releasing hormone [GnRH] analog) at 28 ± 2 mm; (6) FH24/H24, hCG or eFSH and hCG at 24 ± 2 mm. Mares’ reproductive tracts were scanned at 24 ± 2-hour intervals after treatment to detect ovulation. Mares were inseminated, and embryos were collected. Numbers of mares that ovulated within 48 ± 2 hours after treatment were: H35, 8/8 (100%); F35, 8/14 (57%); H28, 7/12 (58%); FH28, 9/12 (75%); D28, 3/7 (43%) and FH/H24, 4/14 (29%). The number of mares that ovulated in 48 ± 2 hours for H35 was not different from that for FH28 but was higher (P < .05) than all other groups. Embryo recovery rates, diameters, developmental stages, and morphology scores were not different for mares ovulating 48 hours or less versus more than 48 hours after treatment or among treatment groups. Results of this study demonstrate that follicles ≤30 mm can be induced to ovulate with no effect on embryo recovery or quality, as assessed by stereomicroscopy.     

不同促性腺激素添加方式对猪卵母细胞生发泡染色质构型和卵母细胞成熟能力的影响

在卵母细胞体外成熟培养过程中,培养基中添加激素与否及其激素添加的先后顺序是影响猪卵母细胞核成熟和质成熟的一个重要因素.本试验将猪卵母细胞分别在FSH→不含激素、FSH→LH、FSH LH不含激素中培养48 h(培养第20～22 h后换液),并于成熟培养的第24 h(未换液)、48 h将卵母细胞进行荧光染色,观察其生发泡内染色质构型及卵母细胞核成熟情况.实验表明:(1)在IVM的前24 h,添加FSH LH组的GVIV期卵母细胞比例低于只添加FSH组,但差异不显著(8.99%比17.19%,P＞0.05);(2)在FSH存在的情况下,IVM的前期和后期添加LH能促进卵母细胞发生GVBD;(3)FSH LH培养24 h后转入不含激素培养基组,卵母细胞的核成熟比率显著高于添加FSH组和先添加FSH培养24 h后转入添加LH组(P＜0.05).     

The cardiopulmonary effects of romifidine in dogs with and without prior or concurrent administration of glycopyrrolate

Objective To determine the electrocardiographic and cardiopulmonary effects of romifidine with and without prior or concurrent administration of glycopyrrolate. Study design Randomized crossover experimental study. Animals Six (three male, three female) cross‐bred dogs weighing 23 ± 2.4 kg. Methods Baseline cardiopulmonary measurements were obtained in conscious dogs and one of five treatments was administered. Glycopyrrolate (G) 0.01 mg kg^?1, or saline (S) 0.5 mL, were administered IM as premedication (Gp or Sp), or G was administered concurrently (Gc) with romifidine (RO). Treatments were as follows T1, Sp + RO 40 µg kg^?1; T2, Gp + RO (40 µg kg^?1); T3, Sp + RO 120 µg kg^?1; T4, Gp + RO (120 µg kg^?1); T5, Sp + Gc + RO (120 µg kg^?1). Romifidine or RO + Gc was administered subcutaneously 20 minutes after premedication (time 0), and further measurements were taken 10, 20, 30, 60 and 90 minutes after RO. The main treatment effect was evaluated using two‐way anova for repeated measures, followed by one‐way anova and a post‐hoc least squares difference test with a modified Bonferroni correction (p < 0.02). A Student's t‐test was used to compare the effect of romifidine at 20 and 60 minutes versus baseline values (p < 0.05). Results Both low‐ and high‐dose RO (T1, T3) significantly decreased heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), cardiac index (CI) and stroke volume index, and increased arterial blood pressure (SAP), systemic vascular resistance (SVR), pulmonary arterial occlusion pressure (PAOP) and central venous pressure. High‐dose RO produced greater increases in SVR and SAP measurements. Neither dose of RO produced an alteration in blood gas values or the alveolar to arterial oxygen gradient. Glycopyrrolate significantly increased HR and CI from 10 to 90 minutes between T1/T2 and T3/T4. Increases in SAP were dose related with significant differences between T1/T3 and T2/T4 at 90 and 10 minutes, respectively, and were highest in animals receiving Gp or Gc. High‐dose RO groups (T3, T4) had higher values for SVR than low‐dose RO groups (T1, T2), unrelated to G administration. There was an increase in PAOP in all treatments. The oxygen extraction ratio was increased with all treatments: larger increases were observed in T1, T3 and T4 compared with only minimal changes in T2. Concurrent G administration was associated with an increased frequency of high‐grade second‐degree atrioventricular heart block with variable conduction at 10 and 20 minutes. Conclusions Romifidine produced effects consistent with other selective α₂‐adrenoreceptor agonists. Glycopyrrolate offset the decrease in HR and partially offset the decrease in CI associated with RO administration. Glycopyrrolate premedication produced an initial tachycardia and added to the increase in SAP associated with RO. Concurrent G administration was associated with a higher frequency of dysrhythmias and is not recommended. Despite the decrease in RR, RO sedation did not alter blood gas values. Clinical relevance It appears likely that G administration prior to or concurrent with RO produces an increase in myocardial workload and oxygen demand suggesting that this combination should not be used in dogs with cardiomyopathy or heart failure. The improvement in oxygen extraction ratio with T2 suggests that G may be beneficial with lower doses of RO, nevertheless, the use of G and RO in cardiovascularly compromised patients is not advised.     

麻醉和手术对母山羊垂体内分泌功能的影响

在给母山羊注射８４６麻醉注射液或实施外科手术前后收集颈静脉血样，监测８４６麻醉注射液或外科手术对垂体促性腺激素分泌的影响。结果表明，８４６麻醉注射液对山羊垂体ＬＨ和ＦＳＨ分泌无显著影响（Ｐ＞０．０５）；但外科手术对ＬＨ和ＦＳＨ分泌影响显著（Ｐ＜０．０５），在手术期间血浆ＬＨ和ＦＳＨ水平较手术前显著降低（Ｐ＜０．０５），而在手术结束后，血浆ＬＨ和ＦＳＨ水平又升高，与手术前差异不显著（Ｐ＞０．０５）。     

The echocardiographic effects of romifidine in dogs with and without prior or concurrent administration of glycopyrrolate

Objective To determine the cardiopulmonary response to romifidine (RO) in the dog with or without prior or concurrent administration of glycopyrrolate. Study Design Randomized, cross‐over experimental study. Animals Six (three male, three female) cross‐bred dogs weighing 23 ± 2.4 kg. Methods Two‐dimensional guided M‐mode echocardiography was performed in conscious dogs simultaneously with measurement of systolic arterial blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate (HR). Dimensions of the left ventricle (LVID), interventricular septum (IVS), and left ventricular free wall (LVFW) were obtained in systole (S) and diastole (D). Amplitude of motion (Amp) of the IVS and LVFW were also measured. From these, measures of wall stress (WS) and fractional shortening (FS) of the left ventricle were derived. Baseline echocardiographic measurements were recorded, following which one of the five treatments was administered. Glycopyrrolate (G) 0.01 mg kg^?1, or saline (S) 0.5 mL, was administered IM as pre‐medication (Gp or Sp), or G was administered concurrently (Gc) with romifidine (RO). Treatments were: T₁, Sp + RO (40 μg kg^?1); T₂, Gp + RO (40 μg kg^?1); T₃, Sp + RO (120 μg kg^?1); T₄, Gp + RO (120 μg kg^?1); and T₅, Sp + Gc +RO (120 μg kg^?1). Romifidine or RO + Gc was administered SC 20 minutes after pre‐medication (time 0), and further measurements were taken 10, 20, 30, 60, and 90 minutes after RO. Results Echocardiographic indices of cardiac systolic function (LVID‐S, FS, Amp‐LVFW) and HR were decreased in RO‐sedated dogs (p < 0.0001) . The magnitude of change in cardiac indices was least with low‐dose RO. At most sampling times, high‐dose RO produced significantly more alteration in cardiac indices. Systolic blood pressure increased in all treatment groups, with the greatest increases in those groups receiving G. Glycopyrrolate significantly increased HR; however, cardiac indices were further reduced. Wall stress significantly increased, with a more dramatic increase in groups receiving G. Conclusions Indices of LV systolic function were reduced in RO‐sedated dogs in a dose‐related manner. Glycopyrrolate further reduced these indices and dramatically increased measurements of wall stress in dogs sedated with RO. Clinical relevance Use of low‐dose RO minimizes cardiac dysfunction; however, it should still be used cautiously in dogs with cardiomyopathy or heart failure. The routine use of G is not recommended to alleviate the bradycardia associated with RO in conscious dogs.     

Serum biochemical indicators of hepatobiliary function in dogs following prolonged anaesthesia with sevoflurane or isoflurane

Objective To investigate the changes in serum enzymes considered as biochemical indicators of hepatobiliary function in dogs following 5 hours of anaesthesia with isoflurane (ISO) or sevoflurane (SEVO). Study design Experimental randomized crossover study, with intervals of at least 15 days between successive treatments. Animals Eight healthy adult mongrel dogs, four male, four female, weight 13.6–21.6 kg. Methods Treatments consisted of anaesthesia with ISO or SEVO at 1 or 1.5 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) delivered in oxygen. MAC was taken as 1.39% for ISO and 2.36% for SEVO. Anaesthesia was induced by mask then, after endotracheal intubation, maintained according to the treatment protocol using a small animal circle system. Cardiopulmonary monitoring was carried out. Venous blood samples, obtained by needle puncture, were taken at 24 hours and 2, 7 and 14 days post anaesthesia. Serum concentrations of total protein, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase, (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma‐glutamyltransferese and total bilirubin were measured. Changes with time and with treatment were compared by Friedman analysis, Wilcoxon Signed test and Kruskal‐Wallis test as relevant. p‐ value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results Compared to base‐line values, at 24 hours post‐anaesthesia there were significant increases in AST, ALT, ALP and LDH following one or more of the treatments, but by 2 days residual changes were not significant. At 24 hours, AST for treatment 1.5 MAC ISO was higher than 1 MAC ISO (p < 0.002), and LDH higher for 1.5 MAC SEVO than 1 MAC SEVO. Conclusion and clinical relevance Both ISO and SEVO, at concentrations used for clinical anaesthesia, produce transient moderate effects on some hepatobiliary enzyme concentrations in dogs.     

Pancreatic function following partial pancreatectomy and anastomosis of the pancreatic duct to the stomach or duodenum in dogs.

The effects of pancreatic duct anastomosis to stomach (stomach group) or duodenum (duodenal group) on pancreatic function were examined in dogs following two thirds pancreatectomy. Normal fasting blood glucose concentrations were maintained in both groups despite significant reductions in glucose tolerance in the stomach group, and reductions in fasting insulin and insulin peak response in both groups. Pancreatic exocrine function was significantly decreased in both groups, though plasma p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) concentrations were generally higher in the duodenal group. A correlation was found between plasma trypsin-like immunoreactivity (TLI) and pancreatic weight. These results indicate that anastomosis of the pancreas to bowel can be undertaken with minimal postoperative complications and that the site of the anastomosis influences pancreatic function. They suggest that preservation of more than one third of the pancreas is required for optimal function. The complementary information provided by the PABA and TLI tests suggests their dual application will be clinically useful for the detection and characterisation of naturally occurring pancreatic diseases.     

莱芜黑山羊发情周期中FSH、LH、E2和P的分泌规律

莱芜黑山羊在发情期和间情期，血浆内的卵泡刺激素（FSH）和黄体生成素（LH）均呈脉冲式分泌，雌激素（E2）和孕嗣（P）为波动式分泌。发情期FSH的脉冲周期较间情期长，两者之间显著差异（P〈0．05）。发情期LH的脉冲周期短于间情期，两者之间差异不显著（P〉0．05）。在整个发情周期中，FSH和LH均先后出现4个分泌峰，FSH和LH的第1个分泌峰分别出现在第7天和第5天，其余3个分泌峰均同时出现（分别为第10、15和20天）。E2和FSH、LH均在发情周期的第20天迭最高峰。P在间情期一直维持在一个较高水平。     

Endocrinology of number of follicular waves per estrous cycle and contralateral or ipsilateral relationship between corpus luteum and preovulatory follicle in heifers

A 3-d extension of the luteal phase occurs in interovulatory intervals (IOIs) with a contralateral relationship between the corpus luteum (CL) and preovulatory follicle with 3 follicular waves (Contra-3W group). Concentrations of FSH, progesterone, LH, and estradiol-17β for the ipsilateral versus contralateral CL and/or follicle relationship and 2 versus 3 waves per IOI were studied in 14 heifers. Follicular waves and FSH surges were designated 1, 2, or 3, according to order of occurrence in the IOI. The day (day 0 = ovulation) of the FSH peak in surge 2 occurred earlier (P < 0.02) in 3-wave IOIs (day 6.3 ± 0.5) than in 2-wave IOIs (day 8.5 ± 0.5). Mean FSH was higher in 3-wave than in 2-wave IOI on 82% of the days in the IOI. Repeatability or individuality in FSH concentration was indicated by a correlation (r = 0.54, P < 0.04) in FSH concentrations between ovulations at the beginning and at the end of the IOI. Concentrations of LH and estradiol increased (P < 0.05) near the beginning of the luteolytic period in 2-wave IOI regardless of the CL and/or follicle relationship. In the Contra-3W group, LH and estradiol remained at basal concentrations concurrently with FSH surge 3 and extension of the luteal phase. The hypotheses were supported that FSH surge 2 occurs earlier in 3-wave IOIs than in 2-wave IOIs and that the development of 3-wave IOIs occurs in individuals with greater FSH concentrations. Extension of the luteal phase in the Contra-3W group was temporally associated with lower concentrations of LH and estradiol.     

不同繁殖力山羊年周期中FSH和LH分泌规律的研究

比较高繁殖力的济宁青山羊和低繁殖力的沂蒙黑山羊年周期血浆中促卵泡素（FSH）和促黄体素（LH）的分泌变化规律,分析FSH和LH与山羊繁殖力之间的关系。采用放射免疫分析法（RIA）测定血浆中FSH和LH浓度,结果表明：济宁青山羊和沂蒙黑山羊血浆中FSH和LH浓度都存在季节性变化,即秋季最高,春季次之,夏季最低;济宁青山羊和沂蒙黑山羊全年各月血浆中FSH和LH的分泌呈波浪式变化;高繁殖力的济宁青山羊各月份和4个季节血浆中FSH浓度均高于低繁殖力的沂蒙黑山羊,但尚未达到显著水平（P〉0.05）,2种山羊血浆中LH浓度各月份和4个季节基本无差别。     

Laryngeal function in normal dogs administered isoflurane following partial clearance of alfaxalone or propofol

ObjectiveTo assess laryngeal function in normal dogs administered isoflurane following partial clearance of alfaxalone or propofol.Study designRandomized experimental crossover study.AnimalsA group of 12 purpose-bred, male Beagle dogs.MethodsDogs were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: alfaxalone–isoflurane (ALF-ISO) or propofol–isoflurane (PRO-ISO) and anesthetized for three video laryngoscopy examinations. The alternate treatment occurred after ≥ 14 days interval. Examinations were performed after induction of anesthesia (LS-A), after 20 minutes of breathing isoflurane via a facemask (LS-B) and after a further 20 minutes of isoflurane (LS-C). Parameters of objective laryngeal function included inspiratory rima glottidis surface area (RGSA-I), expiratory rima glottidis surface area (RGSA-E) and % RGSA increase, calculated from three consecutive respiratory cycles in the final 15 seconds of each video laryngoscopy examination. The % RGSA increase was calculated using [(RGSA-I – RGSA-E)/RGSA-E] × 100. Subjective laryngeal function was evaluated independently by two experienced surgeons blinded to treatment.ResultsThe % RGSA increase within each treatment was greater for LS-B and LS-C than for LS-A (ALF-ISO: p = 0.03, PRO-ISO: p = < 0.001). There was no difference within each treatment from LS-B compared with LS-C. RGSA-I increased within each treatment from LS-A to both LS-B and LS-C (ALF-ISO: p = 0.002) and to LS-C (PRO-ISO: p = 0.006). Subjective laryngeal function scores improved from LS-A to LS-C.Conclusions and clinical relevanceLaryngeal function improved from postinduction examination following either 20 or 40 minutes of anesthesia with isoflurane via facemask. This study demonstrates that isoflurane may have a lesser effect on arytenoid abduction activity compared with more commonly used intravenous induction anesthetics (alfaxalone and propofol).     

The use of bipolar electrosurgical forceps for haemostasis in open surgical ovariectomy of bitches and queens and castration of dogs

Objectives

To describe a technique using bipolar electrosurgical forceps for haemostasis during open ovariectomy of bitches and queens and for castration of dogs and to determine whether these forceps reduced surgical time compared to ligation with suture.

Materials and Methods

Bipolar electrosurgical forceps were used for haemostasis in 3744 open surgeries including ovariectomies in bitches (n=1406) and queens (n=859) and castrations in dogs (n=1335). The forceps were also used to assist with ovariohysterectomy in bitches (n=89) and queens (n=55). The effect of bipolar electrocoagulation and other likely factors influencing surgical time was examined using linear regression analysis of 367 surgeries.

Results

The use of the forceps reduced surgical time by 9·7 ±2·8 minutes in bitches and by 3·0 ±1·5 minutes in queens. The complications encountered initially were small superficial skin burns requiring topical treatment and one case of haemorrhage associated with surgical technique.

Clinical Significance

Bipolar electrosurgical forceps reduce surgical time in ovariectomies, and complications are rare. This technique has promise for widespread application in veterinary practice to assist with haemostasis in ovariectomy of bitches and queens.