In Vitro Biomechanical Evaluation and Comparison of FiberWire,FiberTape, OrthoFiber,and Nylon Leader Line for Potential Use During Extraarticular Stabilization Of Canine Cruciate Deficient Stifles

Objective— To compare biomechanical properties of 3 new generation polyethylene sutures (FiberTape [FT], FiberWire [FW], and OrthoFiber [OF]) with nylon leader line (NL) for use during extraarticular fixation of cranial cruciate deficient stifles. Study Design— In vitro biomechanical testing of suture loops under monotonic tensile and cyclical loading until failure. Sample Population— Constructs of FT, FW, OF, and NL. Methods— Twenty loops of each of 12 combinations of fixation and suture had monotonic tensile and cyclical loading. Two knotting techniques (square knot [SQ], slip knot [SL]) and a crimp clamp (CR) system were evaluated. Elongation, stiffness, and strength of constructs was tested. The main effects of group, loop material, and their interaction were evaluated. Results— Knotted FT, FW, and OF had less elongation than knotted NL under monotonic tensile and cyclical loading. Under monotonic tensile loading, knotted FT and OF were stiffer than knotted NL. CR FT, CR FW, and CR OF were stiffer than CR NL and CR FT, CR FW, and CR OF were stiffer than knotted FT, FW, and OF. FW and OF knotted loops were weaker than knotted NL. CR FT was stronger than CR NL. CR FT and CR OF were weaker than knotted FT and OF. Conclusions— Polyethylene sutures are stronger, stiffer and elongate less than nylon leader. Crimping suture alters the biomechanical properties of the loop. Clinical Relevance— FW, FT, and OF may perform better in reconstructive procedures, where increased strength and stiffness are considered to be beneficial.     

Seasonal and Diurnal Changes in Starch Content and Sugar Profiles of Bermudagrass in the Piedmont Region of the United States

Seasonal and diurnal patterns of sugar accumulation in bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) pastures were monitored to evaluate risk factors for pasture-associated laminitis of ponies and horses. Bermudagrass was collected from four plots in the morning and afternoon on a weekly basis, from mid-July until late August. Tissue was air-dried to simulate hay, or frozen to retain the sugar profiles of fresh pasture. Samples were analyzed colorimetrically for total water-soluble and ethanol-soluble carbohydrates, and electrochemically for starch. In addition, sugars were separated and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to pulsed amperometric detection. The dominant sugars in extracts were glucose, fructose, and sucrose. Some minor peaks, corresponding to tri- and tetrasaccharides, were also detected in some extracts. Starch increased over time in fresh and dried tissue, and concentrations varied diurnally in fresh, but not in dried tissue (P = .021). Sucrose in dried tissue decreased and then increased, with higher concentrations than in fresh tissue on all sampling dates (P = .024). Glucose and fructose exhibited diurnal variation on one and two dates, respectively (P = .034 and .0028, respectively). These results reveal trends in carbohydrate concentrations and profiles that may help to evaluate the likelihood of equine laminitis outbreaks on bermudagrass.     

COMPARISON OF FAST SPIN-ECHO AND CONVENTIONAL SPIN-ECHO MAGNETIC RESONANCE SPINAL IMAGING TECHNIQUES IN FOUR NORMAL DOGS

Various magnetic resonance (MR) imaging techniques have been used to assess lumbar spinal abnormalities in people. Four, young adult, clinically normal dogs were used to compare images of the spinal cord acquired using conventional spin-echo and rapid acquisition relaxation-enhanced (RARE), commonly called fast spin-echo (FSE), magnetic resonance imaging techniques. Lateral myelograms were made as an anatomic control. The T2-weighted FSE technique was characterized by better image quality than the T2-weighted conventional spin-echo technique. The short acquisition time with the FSE technique allowed increases in the matrix size and number of excitations, thus improving resolution and signal-to-noise ratio. In canine lumbar spinal MR imaging, use of a FSE technique is recommended to reduce the overall time for imaging and to improve image quality.     

Bacterial Isolates From Plaque and From Blood During and After Routine Dental Procedures in Dogs

Objective — This study evaluates the association between dental procedures and bacteremia in dogs, including a comparison of bacteria isolated from plaque and blood, severity of the bacteremia versus the severity of dental disease, and the longevity of bacteremia.
Study Design — Bacteria cultured from the blood over time were compared with those isolated from the plaque and crevicular fluid and in relation to severity of dental disease.
Animals or Sample Population — Twenty adult greyhounds.
Methods — Blood samples were collected for culture before induction of general anesthesia, immediately after intubation, 20 minutes after initiation of the dental procedure, and at 10-minute intervals until 10 minutes after the dental procedure was completed. Samples of plaque were taken for microbiological culture.
Results — Sixty to ninety percent of the bacterial genera isolated from the plaque were present in the blood. Dogs classified according to severity of dental disease showed no difference in the total number of different species or number of different Gram-negative, Gram-positive, or anaerobic bacteria isolated from plaque or blood (P <.05). Bacteremia was present in all of the dogs studied, within 40 minutes from the initiation of the dental procedure, regardless of the severity of oral disease.
Conclusions — Gram-negative, Gram-positive, and anaerobic bacteria are present in blood during dental procedures; the bacteremia can persist beyond the dental procedure, and is not associated with the severity of dental disease.
Clinical Relevance — The nature and extent of bacteremia occuring during routine dental procedures is important in understanding a potential risk to dogs.     

The effect of vitamin a supplementation on seminal characteristics and vitamin a absorption in stallions

Fourteen mature stallions were paired based on age and pretreatment spermatozoal output. One member of each pair was assigned to either 1) control (3 ml corn oil) or 2) treated (132,000 IU retinyl palmitate in 3 ml corn oil) experimental groups. Treatments were added to oat rations every other day. Seminal characteristics (gel free volume, gel volume, total seminal volume, percent progressively motile spermatozoa, number of spermatozoa per ml, percentage morphologically normal spermatozoa and spermatozoal membrane stability) and total scrotal width of each stallion were recorded before (February) and after three months of vitamin A supplementation (June). Plasma vitamin A was measured at 0,6,12,24, and 48 hours following the first and last treatments to document absorption. There were no treatment effects (p>.05) on seminal characteristics or scrotal width. Seasonal increases were recorded in gel-free volume, total seminal volume, percent spermatozoal motility, total spermatozoal output, percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa, and total scrotal width. Plasma vitamin A was lower during the second collection period (June) than the first (February) in both treatment groups. Peak plasma vitamin A was observed 48 hours following ingestion of the first dose of the vitamin but at 12 hours following the last treatment.