MENSURATION OF THE NORMAL PITUITARY GLAND FROM MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGES IN 96 DOGS

The pituitary gland was measured from transverse magnetic resonance T1-weighted images after Gadolinium administration in 96 dogs weighing from 13 to 45 kg. The measurements were done by hand with calipers. The mean (+/- standard deviation) pituitary gland height was 5.1 mm (+/-0.9 mm). The mean width was 6.4 mm (+/- 1.1 mm). The correlation coefficient between pituitary and brain measurements, between pituitary measurement and body weight, and brain measurements and body weight was 0.0 to 0.3. A hyperintense region was present on T1-weighted images in the center of the pituitary gland in 64% of the dogs. At necropsy the pituitary glands were grossly and histologically normal. No pituitary gland measurements were performed at necropsy.     

Chorioptes bovis (Acarina: Psoroptidae) in some camelids from Dutch zoos

The feet of three two-humped camels (Camelus bactrianus), one lama (Lama glama) and four alpacas (Lama pacos) from zoos and a circus in the Netherlands were examined for the mange-mite Choroptes bovis. Mites were found on two of the camels, the lama, and three of the alpacas. On one camel and one alpaca small mange lesions on the feet were present. This is the first report of Chorioptes bovis and chorioptic mange in the two-humped camel.     

Puncture Wounds of the Navicular Bursa in 38 Horses A Retrospective Study

The medical records of 38 horses with puncture wounds of the navicular bursa were reviewed. Only 12 horses had a satisfactory outcome (breeding or riding). Of the remaining 26 horses, 19 were euthanized, five were sold due to persistent severe lameness, one died, and one was lost to long-term follow-up. Different combinations of conservative management prior to surgical debridement and drainage of the navicular bursa were unsuccessful in resolving the condition. Horses that were treated surgically within 1 week of the injury and had a hind leg affected had the best chance of a satisfactory outcome. Additional wound debridement was necessary in 15 horses after initial surgical treatment. The most common complications encountered were navicular bone osteomyelitis and sepsis of the deep digital flexor tendon. Thirteen of 14 horses that had rupture of the deep digital flexor tendon and subluxation of the distal interphalangeal joint had an unsatisfactory outcome. One mare subsequently developed ankylosis of the distal interphalangeal joint and was a useful brood mare. Two horses that had biaxial palmar digital neurectomy because of persistent lameness were later euthanized because of navicular bone fracture and rupture of the deep digital flexor tendon. Results from limited numbers of bacterial cultures and antibiotic sensitivities suggest that penicillin and an aminoglycoside antibiotic should be used as initial antibiotic therapy. Immediate surgical debridement and appropriate antibiotic treatment are recommended as the minimum therapy for penetrating wounds of the navicular bursa in horses.     

Periorchitis after tetramisole treatment in bulls implanted with Setaria labiatopapillos

Thirteen mixed-breed beef bulls, 1 to 4 years old, were used to determine the effect of live and dead filarial nematodes, Setaria labiatopapillosa, placed in the vaginal cavity of the testes. When dead worms were used, granulomatous lesions developed on the tunica vaginalis parietalis in 7 of 8 testes. The lesions were similar to those seen in some clinical cases of periorchitis. Similar lesions developed in 5 of 6 testes after live worms were implanted in the vaginal cavity of the testes and tetramisole (8 mg/kg) was injected subcutaneously 6 days after implantation. When live worms were implanted and tetramisole was not given, lesions developed in 3 of 6 testes. It was concluded that the granulomatous reaction was a local response to dead or killed S labiatopapillosa.