Observations on the eruption of the permanent incisor teeth of farmed Javan rusa deer (Cervus timorensis russa) in New Caledonia

The eruption of the permanent incisor teeth of 14 farmed Javan rusa deer (Cervus timorensis russa) of known birth date and their live weights were observed about every 2 weeks from 12 to 30 months of age. The permanent incisor pattern was 11, 14-17 months; 12, 18-23 months; 13, 20-26 months; and 14, 22-27 months. There was no significant relationship between body weight and timing of permanent incisor eruption.     

Comparison of radiography and ultrasonography in the evaluation of renal lesions in the dog

Survey abdominal radiographs, excretory urograms, and nephrosonograms were obtained from 14 dogs with renal lesions. Renal enlargement was suspected on survey radiographs and confirmed by excretory urography in 13 dogs. Radiographic differentiation between a solid and cystic renal lesion was not possible in 9 dogs. Ultrasonography determined the presence of solid masses in 12 dogs, established the presence of a renal cyst in the opposite kidney in 1 dog, and revealed hydronephrosis in 2 dogs. Ultrasonography appeared to be more sensitive than radiography in differentiating the internal characteristics of renal lesions.     

ULTRASONOGRAPHIC ANATOMY OF THE NORMAL CANINE KIDNEY*

Radiographic and ultrasonic examinations were performed in 12 normal dogs. Initial ultrasound examinations were performed in normally hydrated dogs. The ultrasonic appearance of the diuresed kidney was evaluated after excretory urography and intramuscular administration of furosemide. The dogs were euthanized for anatomic correlation with the sonographic appearance of the kidneys. Renal cortex, medulla, pelvic diverticula, intrarenal vessels, renal pelvis, and renal sinus fat were identified sonographically. Kidney enlargement during diuresis was due to increase renal medullary size. Veterinary Radiology, Vol. 25, No. 4, 1984; pp 173–178.     

SONOGRAPHIC AND RADIOGRAPHIC CHANGES ASSOCIATED WITH SPLENIC TORSION IN THE DOG

The clinical, radiographic, and sonographic signs in three dogs with splenic torsion are presented. AH dogs exhibited weight loss, anorexia, and lethargy. Splenomegaly was consistent radiographic finding in two dogs and large ill-defined midabdominal mass was seen in one dog. The spleen was easily imaged sonographically in all dogs. Splenic sonography in two dogs showed diffuse, hypoechoic pattern consistent with splenic congestion. Hilar splenic vessels were enlarged on the sonograms of two dogs.     

B-MODE GRAY-SCALE ULTRASOUND: IMAGING ARTIFACTS AND INTERPRETATION PRINCIPLES

The production and identification of gray-scale ultrasonic imaging artifacts and some basic principles of ultrasonic interpretation are reviewed, discussed, and demonstrated with canine ultrasonograms. Imaging artifacts produced by ultrasound matter interactions include:reverberations, shadowing, through transmission and refractive and reflective zones. Technical imaging artifacts discussed include: off-normal incidence defects, echo displacement, and improper time gain compensation settings. Interpretation principles to distinguish mass lesions, cystic structures, and calculi within abdominal parenchymal organs are presented.     

Fish Diet and Mercury Exposure in a Riparian Amazonian Population

The incorporation of mercury into the food chain and its assimilation by humans is a universally recognized potential health hazard. Studies carried out in the Amazon Basin have shown that mercury (Hg) is present in fish and in humans, however, the relation between fish diet and human exposure has received limited attention in this region. The present study focused on a small village, Brasília Legal (3°59′00″S, 55°30′00″W), situated on the banks of the Rio Tapajós. A total of 181 fish (40 species) were captured in March, 1995 and analysed for Hg concentration. Of these, 132 fish were among species consumed by the population during the rainy season (mid-November to mid-May) and the dry season (mid-May to mid-November). Wide intra- and inter-species variations in Hg concentrations were observed. Thirty four fish (25.8% of the consumed species) had levels above 0.5 μg/g Hg fresh weight; all were among the piscivorous and omnivorous species. Hair Hg concentrations (HHg), showed that villagers with a high fish diet (n=31; median HHg=16.1 μg/g) and mixed fish diet (n=36; median HHg=14.8 μg/g) had significantly higher HHg concentrations compared to the low fish diet group (n=29; mean HHg=7.8 μg/g). Time series function of HHg measurements, made for 26 persons with over 24 cm of hair, revealed sinusoidal variations, with peaks during the rainy season and troughs during the low water period, paralleling the seasonal shift in dietary habits. Piscivorous and omnivorous fish species, with higher mercury levels, are the main component of the fish diet during the rainy season, while herbivorous fish species predominate during the dry season. Preventive actions should take into account the risk to human health, particularly for fetal and neonatal development, the importance of fish in the riparian diet, the wide intra- and inter-species variations in mercury content and seasonal fluctuations in diet.