Congestive heart failure associated with a large transverse left ventricular moderator band in a cat

Cardiomyopathy associated with abnormal trabecular bands of tissue traversing one or both ventricles is reported rarely in cats. The case of a 9-year-old cat which presented in congestive heart failure is reported. Multiple cardiac abnormalities were found, including a large trabecular tissue bridge which bisected the left ventricle. Other findings included arrhythmia, thrombocytopaenia and raised serum creatine kinase. The cat was euthanased due to clinical deterioration. Necropsy findings included increased cardiac weight, the division of the left ventricle by a large trabecular band composed of connective tissue and cardiac myofibres consistent with a moderator band, nodular thickening of the mitral valve, left atrial dilation, and fibroplasia/fibrosis of the left ventricular myocardium associated with widespread myofibre necrosis due to infarction. Pathological findings in this case differ from previous reports of ventricular transverse bridging tissue in cats with cardiac disease.     

Widespread lateral gene transfer from intracellular bacteria to multicellular eukaryotes

Although common among bacteria, lateral gene transfer-the movement of genes between distantly related organisms-is thought to occur only rarely between bacteria and multicellular eukaryotes. However, the presence of endosymbionts, such as Wolbachia pipientis, within some eukaryotic germlines may facilitate bacterial gene transfers to eukaryotic host genomes. We therefore examined host genomes for evidence of gene transfer events from Wolbachia bacteria to their hosts. We found and confirmed transfers into the genomes of four insect and four nematode species that range from nearly the entire Wolbachia genome (>1 megabase) to short (<500 base pairs) insertions. Potential Wolbachia-to-host transfers were also detected computationally in three additional sequenced insect genomes. We also show that some of these inserted Wolbachia genes are transcribed within eukaryotic cells lacking endosymbionts. Therefore, heritable lateral gene transfer occurs into eukaryotic hosts from their prokaryote symbionts, potentially providing a mechanism for acquisition of new genes and functions.     

Rectus abdominis free muscle flap for reconstruction in nine dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical use and outcome of a rectus abdominis microvascular free flap for wound closure in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: Dogs (n=9) with complex extremity or oral wounds. METHODS: Medical records (2002-2006) of dogs that had a rectus abdominis free tissue transfer to close an extremity or oral wound were reviewed. RESULTS: Nine dogs were identified: 5 had distal extremity wounds, 3 had oral palatal defects, and 1 had a large hygroma excised. A rectus abdominis free tissue transfer with a caudal epigastric vascular pedicle was successfully used for management of these wounds. No major complications occurred with the donor site and a good cosmetic and functional outcome occurred in all dogs. CONCLUSION: The rectus abdominis is a versatile muscle that can be used for reconstructing cutaneous and oral defects with repeatable success. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Free tissue transfer of the rectus abdominis muscle is a clinically useful technique for closure of a variety of difficult soft tissue wounds.     

Dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy in a Weimaraner

A 2-year-old, male Weimaraner with muscular dystrophy was presented with generalized muscle atrophy of the limbs; hypertrophy of the neck, infraspinatus, and lingual muscles; dysphagia; and regurgitation. Unilateral cryptorchidism, unilateral renal agenesis, and hiatal hernia were also detected. Spontaneous muscle activity was identified on myography. Serum creatine kinase was markedly elevated. Immunohistochemical staining for dystrophin was restricted to suspected revertant (characteristics of immaturity) fibers. Histologically, skeletal myofiber degeneration, endomysial fibrosis, and mineralization were present. Following euthanasia, necropsy revealed hypertrophy of the diaphragm and cardiac muscle fibrosis. This case of muscular dystrophy represents a slowly progressive form with organ agenesis.     

Interactive computerized learning program exposes veterinary students to challenging international animal-health problems

This article describes a computerized case-based CD-ROM (CD) on international animal health that was developed to give veterinary students an opportunity to "virtually" work alongside veterinarians and other veterinary students as they try to solve challenging disease problems relating to tuberculosis in South African wildlife, bovine abortion in Mexico, and neurologic disease in horses in Rapa Nui, Chile. Each of the three case modules presents, in a highly interactive format, a problem or mystery that must be solved by the learner. As well as acquiring information via video clips and text about the specific health problem, learners obtain information about the different countries, animal-management practices, diagnostic methods, related disease-control issues, economic factors, and the opinions of local experts. After assimilating this information, the learner must define the problem and formulate an action plan or make a recommendation or diagnosis. The computerized program invokes three principles of adult education: active learning, learner-centered education, and experiential learning. A medium that invokes these principles is a potentially efficient learning tool and template for developing other case-based problem-solving computerized programs. The program is accessible on the World Wide Web at . A broadband Internet connection is recommended, since the modules make extensive use of embedded video and audio clips. Information on how to obtain the CD is also provided.