Antegrade pyelography for suspected ureteral obstruction in cats: 11 cases (1995-2001)

OBJECTIVE: o determine sensitivity and specificity of radiography, ultrasonography, and antegrade pyelography for detection of ureteral obstructions in cats. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 11 cats. PROCEDURE: Medical records of cats that had radiography, ultrasonography, and antegrade pyelography performed for suspected ureteral obstructions were examined. Ultrasound-guided pyelocentesis and fluoroscopic-assisted antegrade pyelography were performed on 18 kidneys in 11 cats. Obstructive ureteral lesions were confirmed in all cats by surgical or necropsy examination. Sensitivity and specificity of survey radiography, ultrasonography, and antegrade pyelography for identification of ureteral obstructions were calculated. Surgical or necropsy findings were used as the standard for comparison. RESULTS: All cats were azotemic. Mean +/- SD serum creatinine and BUN concentrations were 10.2 +/- 6.1 and 149 +/- 82 mg/dL, respectively. Fifteen of 18 ureters were found to be obstructed at surgery or necropsy. Sensitivity and specificity were 60 and 100% for radiography and 100 and 33% for ultrasonography, respectively, in identification of ureteral obstructions. Leakage of contrast material developed in 8 of 18 kidneys during antegrade pyelography and prevented diagnostic interpretation in 5 of 18 studies. For the 13 diagnostic studies, specificity and sensitivity were 100% by use of the antegrade pyelography technique. Correct identification of the anatomic location of the ureteral obstruction was obtained in 100% of diagnostic antegrade pyelography studies and in 60% of radiography or ultrasonography studies. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Antegrade pyelography can be a useful alternative in the diagnosis and localization of ureteral obstructions in azotemic cats, although leakage of contrast material may prevent interpretation of the study.     

Evaluation of various compounds to inhibit activity of matrix metalloproteinases in the tear film of horses with ulcerative keratitis

OBJECTIVE: To examine in vitro effects of various antiproteolytic compounds on activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 in the tear film of horses with active corneal ulcers. SAMPLE POPULATION: Samples of tear film obtained from the eyes of 34 horses with active ulcerative keratitis. PROCEDURE: Horses were sedated, and tear samples were collected from the lower fornix of 34 ulcerated eyes by use of capillary tubes. The protease inhibitors 0.2% EDTA, 0.1% doxycycline, 10% N-acetylcysteine (NAC), 0.1% solution of a modified dipeptide that contains hydroxamic acid (ie, ilomostat), 0.1% alpha1-proteinase inhibitor (PI), 0.5% alpha1-PI, and 100% fresh equine serum (ES) were used to treat pooled samples. Amount of latent and active MMP-2 and -9 was measured by optical density scanning of gelatin zymograms of treated and untreated tear samples. RESULTS: Pooled tear samples obtained from ulcerated eyes contained the latent and active forms of MMP-2 and -9. Compared with MMP activity in untreated samples, total MMP activity (sum of all bands detected) observed on the gelatin zymogram gels was reduced by 99.4% by EDTA, 96.3% by doxycycline, 98.8% by NAC, 98.9% by ilomostat, 52.4% by 0.1% alpha1-PI, 93.6% by 0.5% alpha1-PI, and 90.0% by ES. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: We documented that EDTA, doxycycline, NAC, ilomostat, alpha1PI, and ES inhibited MMP activity in vitro. Because these compounds use different mechanisms to inhibit various families of proteases in the tear film of horses, a combination of these protease inhibitors may be beneficial for treatment of corneal ulcers in horses.     

The effect of topical tripeptide-copper complex on healing of ischemic open wounds

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of topical glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine tripeptide-copper complex (TCC; Iamin 2% Gel; Procyte Corporation, Redmond, WA) on healing in ischemic open wounds. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Twenty-four adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. METHODS: Rats were divided into 3 groups: topical TCC, topical TCC vehicle (hydroxypropyl-methylcellulose), and no treatment (control). Six-mm-diameter, full-thickness wounds were created within an ischemic bipedicle skin flap on the dorsum of each rat. Each day, for 13 days, wound margins were traced, and the TCC and TCC vehicle groups were treated topically. Tracings were scanned, and wound perimeter and area were calculated. On days 6, 10, and 13, selected wounds were biopsied and analyzed for tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 2 and 9. RESULTS: A significant decrease in wound area was seen in the TCC group, but not the vehicle group, when compared with the control group on days 3 to 5, 6 to 9, and 11 to 13 and when TCC was compared with TCC vehicle on days 3 and 9. On day 13, initial wound area had decreased by 64.5% in the TCC group, 45.6% in the vehicle group, and 28.2% in the control group. On days 6, 10, and 13, TCC-treated wounds contained significantly lower concentrations of TNF-alpha and MMP-2 and MMP-9 than control wounds. CONCLUSION: Topical TCC resulted in accelerated wound healing in ischemic open wounds. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Topical TCC is an effective stimulant of healing of ischemic open wounds in rats and may have an application for the treatment of chronic wounds in other species. Clinical evaluation of topical TCC is warranted.     

Circular external skeletal fixation stabilization of antebrachial and crural fractures in 25 dogs

Fracture stabilization using circular external skeletal fixation was evaluated in 14 dogs with antebrachial fractures and 11 dogs with crural fractures. Most dogs were consistently weight bearing on the stabilized limb by 3 days following surgery. Although all dogs developed minor wire/pin tract inflammation and eight dogs developed major wire/pin tract inflammation, postoperative lameness was not consistently associated with wire/pin tract complications. Fractures in 23 dogs achieved radiographic union (mean +/- standard deviation [SD], 61 +/- 21 days; median, 57 days) without additional surgery; two dogs required restabilization of their fractures with linear fixators. Twenty of the 21 owners that could be contacted felt their dog had no (n=15) or only a mild (n=5) intermittent lameness at the time of final, long-term (mean +/- SD, 37 +/- 17 months; median, 42 months) assessment.     

Effects of postoperative rehabilitation on limb function after cranial cruciate ligament repair in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of early postoperative rehabilitation on limb function in dogs after surgery for ruptured cranial cruciate ligament (RCCL). DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: 51 client-owned dogs. PROCEDURE: Dogs weighing between 20 and 40 kg (44 to 88 lb) that had RCCL and medial meniscal injury were studied. After removal of the RCCL and complete medial meniscectomy, the stifle joint was stabilized by use of a lateral retinacular stabilization technique. Twenty-five dogs were included in a postoperative rehabilitation group, and 26 dogs were included in an exercise-restricted group. Limb function (peak vertical force [PVF] and vertical impulse [VI]) was determined before surgery and 6 months after surgery, using force platform gait analysis. RESULTS: Prior to surgery, mean PVF and VI in affected limbs were similar between groups. Six months after surgery, PVF and VI were significantly increased in dogs of both groups. However, PVF and VI in dogs in the rehabilitation group were significantly greater than those of dogs in the exercise-restricted group. At this time, differences in limb function (as measured by PVF and VI) between the repaired and normal limbs were not evident in dogs in the rehabilitation group. Conversely, limb function in the repaired limb of dogs in the exercise-restricted group was still significantly less than that of the normal limb. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dogs that have surgery for RCCL and a torn medial meniscus benefit from postoperative rehabilitation; rehabilitation should be considered part of the postoperative management of these patients.     

Evaluation of ameroid ring constrictors for the management of single extrahepatic portosystemic shunts in cats: 23 cases (1996-2001)

OBJECTIVE: To document the signalment; history; clinical signs; clinicopathologic, diagnostic imaging, and surgical findings; perioperative complications; and long-term clinical results of ameroid ring constrictor (ARC) placement on single extrahepatic portosystemic shunts (PSS) in cats. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 23 cats treated with an ARC on a single extrahepatic PSS. PROCEDURE: An ARC was placed surgically around the PSS. Portal pressure was measured prior to ARC placement, with complete temporary PSS occlusion, and after ARC placement. Cats were scheduled for recheck transcolonic portal scintigraphy 8 to 10 weeks after surgery. Follow-up information was obtained by telephone interview with the owners. RESULTS: An ARC was successfully placed in 22 of 23 cats. Intraoperative complications, consisting of PSS hemorrhage, occurred in 2 cats. Mean (+/- SD) portal pressure (n = 15) was 6.7+/-2.9 mm Hg before PSS manipulation, 18.6+/-7.7 mm Hg with complete temporary PSS occlusion, and 6.9+/-2.7 mm Hg after ARC placement. Postoperative complications developed in 77% (17 of 22) of cats after ARC placement, and included central blindness, hyperthermia, frantic behavior, and generalized motor seizures. Perioperative mortality rate was 4.3% (1 of 23). Persistent shunting was identified in 8 of 14 cats. Overall, 75% (15 of 20) of cats had an excellent long-term outcome. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Placement of an ARC on single extrahepatic PSS in cats resulted in low surgical complication and perioperative mortality rates, but most cats did have substantial postoperative complications. Persistent shunting was common, although many cats with persistent shunting were clinically normal.     

Effect of immunosuppressive doses of cyclosporine on pancreatic beta cell function in pigs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether immunosuppressive doses of cyclosporine (CsA) have an adverse effect on the liver, kidney, and pancreatic beta cells of pigs. ANIMALS: 8 juvenile 8-week-old Landrace X Large White crossbred pigs. PROCEDURE: CsA (100 to 140 mg/kg) was administered orally to euglycemic pigs to reach whole blood trough concentrations of approximately 1500 ng/mL. To determine pancreatic beta cell function, plasma C-peptide and insulin concentrations were measured in response to i.v. administration of glucose, glucagon, arginine, and oral administration of glucose. Effects on liver and kidney were determined by monitoring serum measurements of liver function and serum creatinine concentrations, respectively. RESULTS: Plasma concentrations of C-peptide were significantly lower in euglycemic CsA-treated pigs, compared with control pigs, following i.v. administration of glucose, glucagon, arginine, and oral administration of glucose. Furthermore, the glucose clearance rate was decreased in euglycemic CsA-treated pigs, compared with control pigs. Serum creatinine concentrations and 4 of 7 serum measurements of liver function were not adversely affected by CsA administration. Serum concentrations of bilirubin and albumin were significantly increased, and serum alanine aminotransferase activity was significantly decreased in CsA-treated pigs, compared with control pigs. Histologic evaluation of liver and kidney sections revealed no pathologic findings in CsA-treated or control pigs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In our study, immunosuppressive doses of CsA caused an impairment of porcine pancreatic beta cell function, but did not have toxic effects on the kidney. However, on the basis of changes in serum bilirubin and albumin concentrations and alanine aminotransferase activity, subclinical toxic effects on the liver did occur when immunosuppressive doses of CsA were administered.     

A comparison of catecholamine and cortisol responses of young lambs and calves to painful husbandry procedures

AIM: To compare the changes in plasma concentrations of noradrenaline, adrenaline and cortisol in lambs after ring castration plus tailing and in calves after dehorning with or without prior local anaesthesia. METHODS: Male lambs were castrated and tailed with rings and calves were dehorned by amputation using a scoop with or without prior local anaesthesia. Blood samples were taken before and after treatment and plasma concentrations of noradrenaline, adrenaline and cortisol were determined. RESULTS: Castration plus tailing of lambs resulted in a rapid increase in noradrenaline concentrations, a lack of an adrenaline response and a marked increase in cortisol concentration. There were similar changes in catecholamine concentrations in calves that were dehorned both with and without local anaesthetic, with adrenaline being elevated within 5 min of treatment and noradrenaline exhibiting a more protracted response. Dehorning caused a marked cortisol increase which was reduced to control concentrations by local anaesthesia for as long as the associated nerve blockade lasted. CONCLUSIONS: The very short-lived adrenaline responses in calves were attributed to dehorning-induced nociceptor input leading to sympathetic stimulation of the adrenal medulla. The longer lasting noradrenaline responses in lambs and calves were thought be due to 'wash-out' of noradrenaline from damaged tissue associated with rings and amputation wounds, respectively.     

Comparison of models for estimation of genetic parameters for mature weight of Hereford cattle

Genetic parameters of mature weight are needed for effective selection and genetic evaluation. Data for estimating these parameters were collected from 1963 to 1985 and consisted of 32,018 mature weight records of 4,175 Hereford cows that were in one control and three selection lines that had been selected for weaning weight, for yearling weight, or for an index combining yearling weight and muscle score for 22 yr. Several models and subsets of the data were considered. The mature weight records consisted of a maximum of three seasonal weights taken each year, at brand clipping (February and March), before breeding (May and June), and at palpation (August and September). Heritability estimates were high (0.49 to 0.86) for all models considered, which suggests that selection to change mature weight could be effective. The model that best fit the data included maternal genetic and maternal permanent environmental effects in addition to direct genetic and direct permanent environmental effects. Estimates of direct heritability with this model ranged from 0.53 to 0.79, estimates of maternal heritability ranged from 0.09 to 0.21, and estimates of the genetic correlation between direct and maternal effects ranged from -0.16 to -0.67 for subsets of the data based on time of year that mature weight was measured. For the same subsets, estimates of the proportions of variance due to direct permanent environment and maternal permanent environment ranged from 0.00 to 0.09 and 0.00 to 0.06, respectively. Using a similar model that combined all records and included an added fixed effect of season of measurement of mature weight, direct heritability, maternal heritability, genetic correlation between direct and maternal effects, proportion of variance due to direct permanent environmental effects, and proportion of variance due to maternal permanent environmental effects were estimated to be 0.69, 0.13, -0.65, 0.00, and 0.04, respectively. Mature weight is a highly heritable trait that could be included in selection programs and maternal effects should not be ignored when analyzing mature weight data.