Canine hyperlipidaemia

Hyperlipidaemia refers to an increased concentration of lipids in the blood. Hyperlipidaemia is common in dogs and has recently emerged as an important clinical condition that requires a systematic diagnostic approach and appropriate treatment. Hyperlipidaemia can be either primary or secondary to other diseases. Secondary hyperlipidaemia is the most common form in dogs, and it can be a result of endocrine disorders, pancreatitis, cholestasis, protein‐losing nephropathy, obesity, as well as other conditions and the use of certain drugs. Primary hyperlipidaemia is less common in the general canine population but it can be very common within certain breeds. Hypertriglyceridaemia of Miniature Schnauzers is the most common form of primary hyperlipidaemia in dogs but other breeds are also affected. Possible complications of hyperlipidaemia in dogs include pancreatitis, liver disease, atherosclerosis, ocular disease and seizures. Management of primary hyperlipidaemia in dogs is achieved by administration of ultra low‐fat diets with or without the administration of lipid lowering drugs such as omega‐3 fatty acids, fibrates, niacin and statins.     

Morphometric analysis of the corneal endothelium of Yacare caiman (Caiman yacare) using scanning electron microscopy

The objective of this study was to examine the endothelial surface morphology and to perform morphometric analysis of the corneal endothelial cells of Yacare caiman (Caiman yacare) using scanning electron microscopy. Morphometric analysis with regard to polygonality, mean cell area, cell density and coefficient of variation of mean cell area was performed. Cell areas were measured using image analysis software. The normal corneal endothelium of Yacare caiman consisted of polygonal cells of uniform size and shape with interdigitations of the cell borders. Microvilli appeared as protrusions on the cellular surface. The average cell area was 270 +/- 24 microm(2) and the endothelial cell density was 3704 +/- 324 cells/mm(2). The coefficient of variation of cell area was 0.22. This study demonstrates that the Yacare caiman corneal endothelium is similar to those described in other vertebrates.     

Effect of Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin on the myoelectric activity of the duodenum in weaned pigs

The objective of the present study was to elucidate the effect of subclinical doses of Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin (LT) on the antro-duodenal myoelectric activities of weaned pigs. Twelve weaned pigs were surgically implanted with three pairs of electrodes on the antrum 3 cm before the pylorus, 5 and 20 cm after the pylorus on the duodenum, respectively. An infusion cannula was inserted into the duodenum between duodenal electrodes. Using a wireless telemetry recording system, an electromyography (EMG) tracing lasting at least 24 h was recorded as the control, then another 24-h EMG recording was performed with a bolus intraduodenal infusion of LT (0.1 and 0.5 microg/kg b.w.). After a 1- to 2-day break, a 5-fold higher dose of LT was administered using the same protocol. In the antrum, LT administration barely modified the EMG signal. However, in the duodenum it prolonged the duration of phase II and the migrating myoelectric complex (MMC) cycle when compared with the control. The number of duodenal MMC cycles was also significantly diminished. Moreover, the migrating velocity of phase III was increased. The migrating action potential complex (MAPC) was present both without and with LT, but occurred more frequently following LT administration. In conclusion, LT caused a dose-dependent, lagged alteration in the duodenal MMC in weaned pigs, involving a reduction of the MMC number by lengthening phase II, increased phase III migration velocity, and increased MAPC frequency. The disturbances did not, however, result in diarrhoea and may reflect the induction of a local protection mechanism of the gut to expel unwanted foreign content from the lumen of the upper gut.     

Factors Influencing the Quality of Life of the Cat in its Relationship with Owners

Veterinary Research Communications -     

In vitro assessment of movements of the sacroiliac joint in the horse

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) disease is associated with poor hindlimb action, lameness and poor performance in horses. However, little is known about the biomechanics of this low-motion joint. OBJECTIVES: To determine in vitro the capacities of movement of the SIJ in the sagittal plane, and to test the effect of a sacrosciatic and sacrotuberal desmotomy on its stabilisation. METHODS: Six anatomical specimens underwent cycles of flexion-extension of the lumbosacral joint (LSJ) before and after desmotomy. Kinematic triads were linked rigidly to the sacrum, spinous process of vertebra L5 and iliac wing. Angles were measured using a joint coordinate system based on anatomical frames. RESULTS: The LSJ underwent regular movements of flexion and extension (overall mean +/- s.d. range 23.4 +/- 1.6 degrees). The only recorded movement of the SIJ was a nutation during LSJ flexion (overall mean +/- s.d. 0.8 +/- 0.5 degrees). Desmotomy induced an increase of that nutation (overall mean +/- s.d. 1.7 +/- 0.2 degrees). CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Movements of the SIJ were small and coupled only with the flexion of the LSJ. The ligaments surrounding the SIJ have a strong effect on the stabilisation of this joint. Due to the limited amount of movement, its biomechanical study in vivo seems to be difficult. Further in vitro studies would be useful to determine the role of each ligament, to better understand the clinical consequences of the tears frequently observed during necropsy.     

Diversity of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli Genotypes from Human and Animal Sources from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

To compare the genotypes of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli isolates of human and animal origin collected in Rio de Janeiro City, 30 C. jejuni and 35 C. coli isolates from animal sources (n = 45) and human patients with gastroenteritis (n = 20) were genotyped by PCR-based techniques, namely random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD-PCR) and enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus sequence (ERIC-PCR). RAPD-PCR identified 50 types and ERIC-PCR identified 22 genotypes, among the 65 Campylobacter isolates. Both PCR methods discriminated the C. jejuni and C. coli groups of isolates. Combining the results of both methods, no single genotype was shared between isolates from human and animal sources. Two groups of two C. coli isolates each with identical genotypes were found among poultry and pig isolates. A high level of genetic diversity observed among the Campylobacter isolates suggests lack of overlap between isolates from different sources.     

Haemoplasma infection is not a common cause of canine immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia in the UK

Objective : The aim of this study was to investigate whether the two canine haemoplasma species, Mycoplasma haemocanis and “Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum,” are commonly associated with immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia (IMHA) in UK dogs. Methods : Three groups of dogs were recruited to the study: anaemic dogs with primary IMHA (n=37); anaemic dogs not meeting the inclusion criteria for primary IMHA (n=77) and non-anaemic dogs (n=113). DNA was extracted from 100 μl of blood and subjected to real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays for both species of Mycoplasma. Each assay incorporated co-amplification of canine glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) as an endogenous internal control. Results : Canine GAPDH was successfully amplified by qPCR from all 227 canine blood samples but none contained M. haemocanis or “Candidatus M. haematoparvum” DNA. Clinical Significance : Haemoplasma infection is uncommon in dogs in the UK and no evidence was found that these organisms act as triggers for IMHA.     

An anatomical and clinical review of cricopharyngeal achalasia in the dog

Cricopharyngeal achalasia is a rare cause of dysphagia in the dog. However it must be differentiated from other causes of dysphagia as it is treatable with surgery. It is a disruption of the cricopharyngeal phase of the oropharyngeal phase of deglutition. There appears to be an incoordination in the swallowing process between the relaxation of the rostral, middle pharyngeal muscles and the caudal pharyngeal muscles. It is seen as a primary condition in young animals presenting soon after weaning onto solid food. The dogs appear clinically healthy unless there is secondary aspiration pneumonia or emaciation. These dogs may present as respiratory emergencies and require intensive support and treatment prior to corrective surgery. The diagnosis is made on videofluoroscopy. The condition carries a good prognosis for cure with surgical myectomy of the cricopharyngeal muscle and the thyropharyngeal muscle, which make up the upper oesophageal sphincter. Temporary relief prior to surgery can be achieved by injection of the cricopharyngeal muscle with botulism toxin. Surgical treatment for dysphagia secondary to an underlying neurological, neuromuscular or pharyngeal weakness carries a guarded prognosis and will make aspiration pneumonia worse.