Erythema multiforme associated with zonisamide in a dog

This report describes a dog that developed erythema multiforme in temporal association with administration of the sulphonamide‐based anticonvulsant drug zonisamide. Similar adverse drug reactions have been associated with sulphonamide antimicrobial drugs. Caution should be exercised when prescribing this medication for dogs with known hypersensitivity to sulphonamides.     

Mechanical comparison of an interlocking nail locked with conventional bolts to extended bolts connected with a type-IA external skeletal fixator in a tibial fracture model

OBJECTIVE: To compare the structural properties of interlocking nails (ILNs) locked with bolts (ILNb) to ILN locked with extended bolts connected with a type-IA external skeletal fixator (ILN-ESF) in a fracture gap model. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Synthetic tibial bone substitutes. METHODS: Custom-made synthetic tibial bone substitutes were implanted with standard ILNs locked with either bolts or extended bolts connected to an external skeletal fixation (ESF). Constructs were tested in torsion, bending, and axial compression (n=4/testing mode). Data, consisting of construct compliance and associated deformation, were compared using t-tests. RESULTS: The ILN-ESF construct compliance and deformation were significantly less than those of the ILNb construct in torsion, bending, and compression (P<.001). Slack was present in the ILNb construct under torsion and bending, but not in the ILN-ESF construct, regardless of testing mode. CONCLUSIONS: Substitution of locking bolts with extended bolts connected to an ESF significantly reduced the construct compliance and overall deformation in torsion, bending, and compression. Furthermore, the inherent slack of the ILNb was eliminated by the use of an ESF in torsion and bending. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The improvement in structural properties of the ILN-ESF constructs could diminish interfragmentary motion at the fracture site and potentially improve bone healing.     

Computed tomography of the lungs of Indian pythons (Python molurus)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of computed tomography (CT) for detection of pneumonia in snakes. ANIMALS: 8 clinically normal Indian pythons (Python molurus) and 5 pythons with evidence of respiratory tract disease. PROCEDURES: Preliminary examinations (clinical examination, conventional radiography, and microbiologic examination of a transtracheal wash sample) were performed. The lungs of each snake were then examined by use of CT performed in accordance with a standardized protocol. Structures of the lungs were assessed, and thickness and attenuation of the parenchyma were determined. RESULTS: It was possible to assess lung parenchyma in all pythons. Mean +/- SD attenuation in healthy pythons was -744.4 +/- 47.1 Hounsfield units. Significant differences were not evident between the right and left lungs or among measurement areas within a lung. In all Indian pythons with clinical signs of dyspnea and microbiologic detection of pathogens, hyperattenuation of the alveolar tissue was evident. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Analysis of the results revealed the benefit of CT for use in the diagnosis of pneumonia in snakes. A standardized protocol and reference values were established as a basis for CT assessment of the lungs of snakes.     

Assessment of stiffness and strength of 4 different implants available for equine fracture treatment: a study on a 20 degrees oblique long-bone fracture model using a bone substitute

OBJECTIVE: To compare the mechanical properties of 4 stabilization methods for equine long-bone fractures: dynamic compression plate (DCP), limited contact-DCPlate (LC-DCP), locking compression plate (LCP), and the clamp-rod internal fixator (CRIF--formerly VetFix). STUDY DESIGN: In vitro mechanical study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Bone substitute material (24 tubes) was cut at 20 degrees to the long axis of the tube to simulate an oblique mid-shaft fracture. METHODS: Tubes were divided into 4 groups (n=6) and double plated in an orthogonal configuration, with 1 screw of 1 implant being inserted in lag fashion through the "fracture". Thus, the groups were: (1) 2 DCP implants (4.5, broad, 10 holes); (2) 2 LC-DCP implants (5.5, broad, 10 holes); (3) 2 LCP implants (4.5/5.0, broad, 10 holes) and 4 head locking screws/plate; and (4) 2 CRIF (4.5/5.0) and 10 clamps in alternating position left and right of the rod. All constructs were tested in 4-point bending with a quasi-static load until failure. The implant with the interfragmentary screw was always positioned on the tension side of the construct. Force, displacement, and angular displacement at the "fracture" line were determined. Construct stiffness under low and high loads, yield strength, ultimate strength, and maximum angular displacement were determined. RESULTS: None of the implants failed; the strength of the bone substitute was the limiting factor. At low loads, no differences in stiffness were found among groups, but LCP constructs were stiffer than other constructs under high loads (P=.004). Ultimate strength was lowest in the LCP group (P=.01), whereas yield strength was highest for LCP constructs (409 N m, P=.004). CRIF had the lowest yield strength (117 N m, P=.004); no differences in yield strength (250 N m) were found between DCP and LC-DCP constructs. Differences were found for maximum angular displacement at the "fracture" line, between groups: LPC相似文献   

Prevalence of incidental humeral intracondylar fissures in brachycephalic breed dogs in CT studies

Humeral intracondylar fissures (HIF) have been predominantly reported in spaniel breeds and proposed to be possible risk factors for humeral condyle fractures (HCF). We hypothesized that the prevalence of incidental HIF in French Bulldogs may be greater than that of other brachycephalic breeds. A retrospective, observational, prevalence study was performed using CT examinations of French bulldogs and other brachycephalic breed dogs presenting for an unrelated condition. Two European College of Veterinary Diagnostic and Imaging-certified radiologists reviewed the images of the humeral condyles of these dogs. A classification system was devised to grade the findings. We considered a Score 1 to be normal, Score 2 to have centralised sclerosis, Score 3 to have a partial fissure and Score 4 to have a complete fissure. A total of 228 elbows were reviewed from 122 dogs. Of this population, 145 elbows were from French Bulldogs, 54 were from Pugs, and the remainder were from a mix of other brachycephalic breeds. The prevalence of HIF (score 3 or 4) in elbows of the French bulldog, pug and other breed groups was 6.9% (CI 2.8–11%), 5.6% (CI 0–11.7%), and 3.4% (CI 0–10.15%), respectively. At a dog level, the prevalence of HIF (score 3 or 4 present in at least one elbow) was found to be 11.8% (CI 4.6–19%) in French Bulldogs, 11.1% (CI 0–22.9%) in Pugs, and 5.26% (CI 0–15%) in the other breed group. There was no significant difference between the breed groups. The inter-reviewer reliability for CT scoring of HIF based on Cohen's weighted kappa was low at 0.19.     

Serum concentrations of keratan sulfate,osteocalcin, and pyridinoline crosslinks after oral administration of glucosamine to standardbred horses during race training

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of orally administered glucosamine on concentrations of markers of bone and cartilage metabolism in Standardbred horses during race training. ANIMALS: Twenty 16- to 20-month-old Standardbreds beginning race training. PROCEDURE: Horses were randomly assigned to 2 groups. One group received glucosamine hydrochloride (4 g, PO, q 12 h), and the second (control) group received glucose (4 g, PO, q 12 h). Serum samples were obtained prior to onset of the study (baseline) and at regular intervals for 48 weeks for determination of concentrations of keratan sulfate (KS), osteocalcin (OC), and pyridinoline crosslinks (PYD). RESULTS: Osteocalcin concentrations changed significantly with time; mean serum concentrations were significantly higher than baseline values for samples obtained at 24 to 48 weeks after onset of the study. Although a significant effect of time was observed for mean concentration of KS, concentrations did not differ significantly from baseline values at any time during the study when groups were analyzed separately. However, pooled analysis revealed significant increases of mean serum KS concentration at weeks 24 and 30. Significant changes in serum PYD concentrations were not detected. Oral administration of glucosamine did not significantly affect serum concentrations of any of the markers. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Increased serum OC in clinically normal Standardbreds during race training may reflect bone formation that accompanies adaptive remodeling of the appendicular skeleton. For these experimental conditions, glucosamine did not appear to exert a detectable influence on serum concentrations of these 3 markers of connective tissue metabolism.     

Effects of administration of antimicrobials in feed on growth rate and feed efficiency of pigs in multisite production systems

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate effect of various regimens for administration of antimicrobials in feed on growth rate and feed efficiency (feed/gain) of pigs in multisite production systems. DESIGN: Controlled trial. ANIMALS: 24,099 growing pigs in 3 multisite production systems. PROCEDURE: 10 trials involving various regimens for administration of antimicrobials in feed were evaluated. Trial 1 compared effects of 2 antimicrobial regimens on finishing pig performance. Trials 2 through 10 compared growth rate and feed efficiency of nursery and finishing pigs given antimicrobials in feed with values for control pigs not given antimicrobials. RESULTS: In trial 1, no significant differences were observed between the 2 antimicrobial regimens. In the remaining trials, growth rate of nursery pigs fed antimicrobials was significantly improved, compared with growth rate of control pigs. However, growth rate of finishing pigs and feed efficiency of nursery and finishing pigs were not significantly improved by adding antimicrobials to the feed. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that use of antimicrobials in the feed to promote growth should be limited to the nursery phase in multisite pig production systems. Use of antimicrobials in the feed of finishing pigs should be limited to therapeutic applications in which a diagnosis of bacterial infection susceptible to the antimicrobial to be used has been confirmed.