Surgical repair of a peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia in a pregnant dog

Objective: To describe the surgical repair and pre‐ and postoperative management of a peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia (PPDH) in a pregnant dog. Case summary: A pregnant dog was presented for vomiting, lethargy, and pale mucous membranes. Pulsus paradoxus was noted on physical examination. The dog was diagnosed with a PPDH via thoracic radiographs, abdominal ultrasound, and an echocardiogram. The hernia was surgically repaired and the dog received supportive medical care until the puppies were old enough to be delivered via cesarean section. The mother and all puppies survived. New or unique information provided: This is the first report that describes the surgical repair and postoperative management of a PPDH in a pregnant dog.     

Feline toxicological emergencies: when to suspect and what to do

PRACTICAL RELEVANCE: Confirmed or suspected intoxications with a wide variety of agents represent a small but important group of feline emergency cases. Generally it is thought that toxicities are less common in cats compared with dogs, with a higher proportion relating to dermal as opposed to oral exposure. CLINICAL CHALLENGES: Once toxicity is suspected or diagnosed, it must be recognised that treatment regimes may need modification compared with those established for dogs. Different drugs or different dosages may be warranted and the choice of available drugs may be reduced. EVIDENCE BASE: This review draws on published studies, case reports and clinical experience to summarise key features of the general management of the intoxicated feline patient before describing some of the more serious and common intoxications in more detail. AUDIENCE: The focus throughout the review is on the peculiarities of feline metabolism and how they may impact on presentation and treatment. The aim is to assist companion animal and feline practitioners, who are in the frontline when it comes to managing these emergency cases.     

Scots pine stand establishment with special emphasis on uncertainty and cost-effectiveness,the case of northern Finland

The effect of uncertainty on the cost-effectiveness of alternative chains of stand establishment in northern Finland was examined. The data were from a reforestation study of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) consisting of 288 sample plots, which were measured with respect to regeneration success. The study design included four site-preparation methods (patch scarification, ploughing, prescribed burning and disk trenching) combined with three reforestation methods (sowing, planting with containerized seedlings and planting with bare-rooted transplants). Initial reforestation density was 2,500 spots or seedlings per hectare, and the regeneration success was modeled as probability with two thresholds, namely 500 and 1,100 saplings. On formerly spruce-dominated as well as pine-dominated sites the most cost-effective chain was ploughing and planting with containerized seedlings, when threshold was 1,100 saplings per hectare. However, with threshold of 500 saplings the best performer was ploughing and direct sowing on both sites.