Characterization of normal tidal breathing flow-volume loops for Thoroughbred horses

The purpose of this study was to characterize the normal equine tidal breathing flow-volume loop (TBFVL). The study was performed using 18 healthy Thoroughbred horses. TBFVLs constructed from data collected from resting horses had a typical biphasic inspiratory and expiratory phase. The interindividual variability of the indices used to describe TBFVLs was in the range 16–32%, which is comparable to the variability of other measures of equine pulmonary mechanics. The large variability of these data probably limits the value of resting TBFVL indices for detecting subclinical respiratory conditions in individual horses. Factor analysis of these data revealed that in excess of 90% of the variance of the initial response variables could be explained in terms of three common factors. Varimax rotation of these three common factors provided three subsequent factors that were readily identifiable as (1) a factor describing the time-volume relationships of TBFVLs, responsible for 81% of the total variance, (2) a factor explaining the expiratory portion of the TBFVL, explaining 12% of the variance, and (3) a factor describing the inspiratory portion of the loops, responsible for the remaining 7% of the variance. The analysis also provided standardized factor scoring coefficients for use in subsequent studies using similar experimental techniques.Abbreviations EF₂₅ expiratory flow at expiratory volume plus 25%V _E - EF₅₀ midtidal expiratory flow - f respiratory rate - IF₂₅ inspiratory flow at 25% of inspiratory volume - IF₅₀ midtidal inspiratory flow - MSA measure of sampling adequacy - PEF peak expiratory flow - PIF peak inspiratory flow - TBFVL tidal breathing flow-volume loop - T _E expiratory time - T _I inspiratory time - USPTM ultrasonic pneumotachometer - V _E expiratory volume - V _I inspiratory volume     

Management of inflammatory polyps in 37 cats

The case records of 37 cats treated for nasopharyngeal or aural inflammatory polyps were reviewed. Thirty of them were managed conservatively with the polyp being removed by traction alone. Long-term follow-up information was available for 22 cats, of which 13 (59 per cent) had no recurrence of clinical signs. The remaining nine cats required recurrent polyps to be removed surgically. Cats with only nasopharyngeal polyps were nearly four times more likely to be cured by traction alone than cats with aural polyps, and none of the cats that was treated with prednisolone after traction suffered a recurrence. Cats with more severe aural signs were more likely to require surgery.     

Behaviour of domestic ducks exposed to mobile predator stimuli. 1. Flock responses

1. Small flocks of ducks (Anasplatyrhynchos domesticus) were exposed to two stimuli, a small mobile vehicle and a walking human, to investigate their flight responses. 2. Experiment 1. Flocks were herded around an annular arena by each stimulus at 0.5 ms(-1) and the flight distance between the stimulus and the centre of the flock, and individual positions within the flock were recorded every 10 s. Flocks maintained a significantly longer distance from the human (6.0 m) than the vehicle (5.1 m) and usually did not maintain visual contact with either stimulus. Significant consistency in individual positions within the flock was found within and between trials. 3. Experiment 2. Flocks were exposed to each stimulus which approached them as they were feeding in a circular arena. The latencies for cessation and resumption of feeding were recorded and the paths followed by the flocks described. Ducks showed a significantly shorter latency to cease feeding in response to the human (4.9 s) compared with the vehicle (6.9 s). 4. Domestic ducks apparently perceive an approaching human as a greater threat than a small vehicle. The findings are discussed in relation to the development of herding robots.     

A microbiologic study of the urban gray squirrel.

Bacteriologic, virologic, and serologic examinations were conducted on 180 urban gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) during a 1-year period in a metropolitan area. Evidence was not found of infections with leptospires, enteric or other bacteria, rickettsial agents, Francisella tularensis, or arthropod-borne viruses. The squirrels were remarkably free of evidence of bacterial or viral infections of importance to man and lower animals.     

Outcome of desmoplasty and fasciotomy for desmitis involving the origin of the suspensory ligament in horses: 27 cases (1995-2004)

OBJECTIVE: To determine outcome of percutaneous ultrasound-guided desmoplasty with simultaneous fasciotomy for proximal suspensory desmitis (ie, desmitis of the origin of the suspensory ligament) in horses that have not responded to stall rest. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 27 horses. PROCEDURES: Medical records of horses with proximal suspensory desmitis treated by means of desmoplasty with fasciotomy were reviewed. Follow-up information was obtained through telephone conversations with owners and trainers of the horses or by examination of horses at the hospital. RESULTS: 23 of the 27 (85%) horses, including 3 of 4 horses with forelimb lesions and 20 of 23 horses with hind limb lesions, were able to return to full work after surgery and rehabilitation. All horses had ultrasonographic evidence of healing of suspensory ligament lesions. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that desmoplasty with fasciotomy is a viable treatment option in horses with proximal suspensory desmitis that have not responded to stall rest.     

Stabilization of Sacroiliac Luxation in 40 Cats Using Screws Inserted in Lag Fashion

Objective: To (1) identify prognostic indicators for stability after stabilization of sacroiliac luxation with screws inserted in lag fashion and (2) report dorsoventral dimensions of the sacrum in cats. Study Design: Multicenter retrospective study. Sample Population: Cats (n=40) with sacroiliac luxation. Methods: Case records and radiographs of cats presented at the Queen's Veterinary School Hospital Cambridge and the Royal Veterinary College Hatfield for screw fixation of sacroiliac luxation were reviewed. Dorsoventral dimensions of 15 feline cadaveric sacral bodies were measured to identify the appropriate implant size for use in fixation with screws inserted in lag fashion. Results: Of 40 cats, 13 had left, 14 right, and 13 bilateral sacroiliac luxations. Of 48 screws analyzed, 42 (87.5%) were placed within the sacral body or exited ventrally and 6 (12.5%) were considered malpositioned. Screw purchase within the sacrum was statistically different between unstable and stable repairs (P=.001). Using confidence intervals for screw length within the sacrum and effect on stability, the lowest screw depth that contained 95% of the screws that did not loosen was ∼60% of the sacral width. Mean dorsoventral sacral dimension at its narrowest point was 5.9±1.14 mm. There was no significant difference in the incidence of implant loosening between those luxations that were 100% reduced and those that were <100% reduced (P=.7837). Conclusions: Screw purchase within the feline sacrum of at least 60% of the sacral width significantly reduces the risk of loosening. Clinical Relevance: Screw placement to a depth of 60% of the width of the feline sacrum is recommended.     

Effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy on bone

Extracorporeal shock waves have been used for 30 years to fragment uroliths for nonsurgical treatment for urolithiasis in humans. Applied to bone, shock waves delivered at the appropriate energy and pulse number, can stimulate osteogenesis. In Europe, shock waves are routinely used to treat nonunions in humans despite poor understanding of the mechanism of action. Shock wave therapy has also been used clinically in horses. Preliminary experimental studies indicate that shock wave therapy does not damage soft tissue in the distal aspect of the equine limb and can stimulate osteogenesis throughout the depth of the near cortex of the metacarpus and metatarsus.