Impedance monitoring of equine intestinal motility

Myoelectrical and myomechanical activities of the distal portion of the jejunum and pelvic flexure were studied in 7 ponies, using permanently implanted monopolar and bipolar stainless steel electrodes. Dental acrylic embedded recording electrodes were surgically sutured to the serosal surface of the distal portion of the jejunum and pelvic flexure. Myoelectrically, regular spike bursts and irregular spike bursts were observed in the jejunum. Short spike bursts and long spike bursts were recorded and associated with spike potentials, using impedance recording techniques. Electrical and mechanical data could be monitored simultaneously from the same recording electrode, using separate channels on a physiograph. This method proved effective to monitor periodically myomechanical activity at the same time that myoelectrical activity was being evaluated. The recording system required fewer recording devices to be attached to the intestinal tract, was an inexpensive method of obtaining myomechanical recordings, and did not alter markedly the myoelectrical activity when mechanical activity was being monitored.     

Aggressive behavior is reduced in bulls actively immunized against gonadotropin-releasing hormone

The purpose of this research was to compare the frequency of aggressive behavior's in beef bulls actively immunized against gonadotropin-releasing hormone relative to contemporary nonimmunized control bulls and surgically castrated steers. Eight males were assigned to each ofthese treatments in each of 4 yr. Immunized males were treated with a GnRH-keyhole-limpet hemocyanin (KLH) conjugate at approximately 4 mo of age. A secondary (booster) immunization was administered at 12 mo. Steers were castrated at 4 mo of age. Animals in each treatment in each year were housed as a single group prior to testing. At approximately 16 mo of age, each group of eight animals was placed in a 10- x 16-m enclosure for 20 min on five occasions at 2 to 3 d intervals. An observer recorded butts initiated by each animal as well as participation in bouts of sparring. Relative to control bulls, immunocastration reduced the frequency of butts initiated (P < 0.05) and participation in sparring bouts (P < 0.05) to levels typically observed in steers (P > 0.05). These observations indicate that active immunization against GnRH reduces the incidence of aggressive behavior in male beef cattle and are consistent with our postulate that immunoneutralization of GnRH is an effective alternative to surgical castration in the management of beef cattle.     

Isoflurane to prolong medetomidine/ ketamine anaesthesia in six adult female chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)

Six adult female chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) were anaesthetised for the placement of intrauterine contraceptive devices, microchips for identification, routine blood sampling, and physical measurements. Anaesthesia was induced with medetomidine in combination with ketamine administered by intramuscular injection with a projectile syringe. Induction was smooth and rapid, but five of the animals were insufficiently relaxed for orotracheal intubation. The plane of anaesthesia was deepened by administering isoflurane delivered in oxygen and nitrous oxide, and general anaesthesia was maintained for up to 74 minutes. The action of medetomidine was reversed at the end of each procedure with atipamezole, and the animals recovered smoothly and uneventfully.     

Influence of vestibulovaginal stenosis,pelvic bladder,and recessed vulva on response to treatment for clinical signs of lower urinary tract disease in dogs: 38 cases (1990-1999)

OBJECTIVE: To determine influence of vestibulovaginal stenosis, pelvic bladder, and recessed vulva on response to treatment for clinical signs of lower urinary tract disease in dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 38 spayed female dogs. PROCEDURE: Medical records and client follow-up were reviewed for dogs evaluated via excretory urography because of clinical signs of lower urinary tract disease. Clinical signs, results of radiography, and response to surgical or medical treatment were analyzed. RESULTS: Clinical signs included urinary tract infection (n = 24), urinary incontinence (20), vaginitis (11), pollakiuria or stranguria (10), and perivulvar dermatitis (4). Vaginocystourethrographic findings included vestibulovaginal stenosis (n = 28), pelvic bladder (17), and ureteritis or pyelonephritis (4). Ten dogs had a vestibulovaginal ratio of < 0.20 (severe stenosis), 9 dogs had a ratio of 0.20 to 0.25 (moderate stenosis), 9 dogs had a ratio of 0.26 to 0.35 (mild stenosis), and 10 dogs had a ratio of > 0.35 (anatomically normal). Lower urinary tract infection, incontinence, and pelvic bladder were not associated with response to treatment for recessed vulva. Vestibulovaginal stenosis with a ratio < 0.20 was significantly associated negatively with response to treatment. Dogs without severe vestibulovaginal stenosis that received vulvoplasty for a recessed vulva responded well to treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Vestibulovaginal stenosis is likely an important factor in dogs with vestibulovaginal ratio < 0.20. Vaginectomy or resection and anastomosis should be considered in dogs with severe vestibulovaginal stenosis and signs of lower urinary tract disease.