A comparison of the analgesic effects of butorphanol with those of meloxicam after elective ovariohysterectomy in dogs

This study was designed to compare the analgesic effects of butorphanol with those of meloxicam following ovariohysterectomy. Fifteen dogs were premedicated with 0.05 mg/kg body weight (BW) of acepromazine by intramuscular (IM) injection, plus 0.2 mg/kg BW of meloxicam by subcutaneous (SC) injection. Fifteen dogs were premedicated with 0.05 mg/kg BW of Acepromazine, IM, plus 0.2 mg/kg BW of butorphanol, IM. Anesthesia was induced with thiopental, and dogs were maintained on halothane. All pain measurements were performed by 1 experienced individual, blinded to treatment. Pain scores and visual analogue scales (VAS) were performed at 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 hours postpremedication. An analgesiometer was used to determine the pressure required to produce an active avoidance response to pressure applied at the incision line. Pain scores, VAS, and analgesiometer scores were analyzed by using a generalized estimating equations method. A significance level of P < 0.05 was considered significant. Animals that received meloxicam demonstrated significantly lower pain scores and VAS than did animals that received butorphanol in the first 12 hours after surgery. Results of this study suggest that meloxicam will produce better postoperative analgesia than will butorphanol. Mucosal bleeding times were performed on cooperative animals in the study group (11 butorphanol, 13 meloxicam). Bleeding times were performed prior to premedication, 6 hours following premedication, and 24 hours after premedication. The 6- and 24-hour readings were compared with baseline bleeding times by using a paired t-test with a Bonferroni correction (a significance level of P < 0.025). Bleeding times did not change significantly over time.     

Iatrogenic proximal urethral obstruction after inadvertent prostatectomy during bilateral perineal herniorrhaphy in a dog

Proximal urethral obstruction was diagnosed 2 days after bilateral perineal herniorrhaphy in a 12-year-old male Pomeranian-cross dog. The obstruction was caused by ligation of the proximal urethra during resection of a presumed paraprostatic cyst. Surgical repair involved reconstruction of the urethra and bladder wall, but urinary incontinence persisted.     

Segmental aplasia of the caudal vena cava in a dog

Ultrasonography, angiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and exploratory laparotomy of a 2-year-old wheaten terrier with lethargy, exercise intolerance, and ascites revealed segmental aplasia of the caudal vena cava with azygos continuation, complicated by thrombus formation. Surgeries were performed on the blind-ended vessel to remove thrombi, enhancing shunting of blood through the azygos vein.     

Physiological factors affecting product yield in plant cell cultures

While the first commercial process systems for plant cell cultures are now operational, important questions still face the technology. Key amongst these is the need to raise and maintain product yields in a large number of cell lines. However, approaches to raising product yield are still largely empirical and suffer from a great lack of knowledge of the pathways and control systems for secondary metabolite synthesis in plants. This review examines some of the factors that have been found to affect product yield in plant cell cultures and assesses their potential for future development.     

Reference ranges for hematologic and serum biochemical values in llamas (Lama glama)

Hematologic and serum biochemical values were determined in 174 llamas of all age groups and both sexes from ranches in California and Nevada. Compared with hematologic values for horses and cattle, llama erythrocytes were more numerous (10.1 to 17.3 x 10(6)/microliters), but the PCV was lower (25 to 45%) because the smaller elliptical cells pack tighter. The mean corpuscular volume was half that of horses and cattle (22 to 29.5 fl). The mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration was higher (38.9 to 46.2 g/dl), and the mean corpuscular hemoglobin slightly lower (9.6 to 12.6 pg). Most serum biochemical values were similar to those of cattle and horses, with the exception of triiodothyronine (48 to 468 ng/dl) and thyroxin (9.8 to 30 micrograms/dl), which are up to 10 times higher than values for other domestic species.     

Radiographic findings in young llamas with forelimb valgus deformities: 28 cases (1980-1988)

Twenty-eight llamas with a mean age of 6.2 months had bilateral forelimb valgus deformities. The range of valgus deformity, as measured on a craniocaudal radiographic view, was 6 to 25 degrees, with a similar degree of deviation in each limb. Morphologic abnormalities in the distal portion of the radius and ulna were more prominent in the ulna and included metaphyseal and epiphyseal flaring, physeal ectasia, and metaphyseal sclerosis. Distal radial epiphyseal ectasia, and metaphyseal sclerosis. Distal radial epiphyseal wedging was believed to be secondary to the ulnar deformity. Radial bowing with lateral and caudal concavity and unequal cortical thickness was evident. Epiphyseal and metaphyseal flaring with physeal ectasia was noticed in the distal portion of the third and fourth metacarpal bones. Carpal bones were unaffected.     

Analysis of post-partum fertility in mares on a Thoroughbred stud in southern Victoria

This project surveys the reproductive performance of 154 foaling Thoroughbred mares on a commercial stud in southern Victoria. Of these, 96 were served on foal heat (FHS) and 58 were served at a subsequent prostaglandin-induced oestrus (PGS). The PGS group of mares performed more favourably in all aspects except the foaling-to-conception interval where there was a 9.4 day advantage to the FHS group. The first service conception rate in the FHS group was 47.9% compared with 55.2% in PGS mares. Second heat period conception rates were 46% vs 57.7% for FHS and PGS mares, respectively. Overall conception rates at the end of the breeding season were 83.3% in the FHS group and 89.7% in the PGS group. Pregnancy losses before day 45 and after day 45 were 10% and 9.3% in FHS mares and 3.9% and 3.6% in the PGS mares. Served oestrous periods per conception numbered 1.7 and 1.4 in the FHS and PGS groups, respectively.