Evaluation of chemical restraint,isoflurane anesthesia and methadone or tramadol as preventive analgesia in spotted pacas (Cuniculus paca) subjected to laparoscopy

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and cardiopulmonary effects of ketamine–midazolam for chemical restraint, isoflurane anesthesia and tramadol or methadone as preventive analgesia in spotted pacas subjected to laparoscopy.Study designProspective placebo-controlled blinded trial.AnimalsA total of eight captive female Cuniculus paca weighing 9.3 ± 0.9 kg.MethodsAnimals were anesthetized on three occasions with 15 day intervals. Manually restrained animals were administered midazolam (0.5 mg kg^–1) and ketamine (25 mg kg^–1) intramuscularly. Anesthesia was induced and maintained with isoflurane 30 minutes later. Tramadol (5 mg kg^–1), methadone (0.5 mg kg^–1) or saline (0.05 mL kg^–1) were administered intramuscularly 15 minutes prior to laparoscopy. Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate, mean arterial pressure (MAP), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO₂), end-tidal CO₂ partial pressure (Pe′CO₂), end-tidal concentration of isoflurane (Fe′Iso), pH, PaO₂, PaCO₂, bicarbonate (HCO₃^?), anion gap (AG) and base excess (BE) were monitored after chemical restraint, anesthesia induction and at different laparoscopy stages. Postoperative pain was assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) for 24 hours. Variables were compared using anova or Friedman test (p < 0.05).ResultsChemical restraint was effective in 92% of animals. Isoflurane anesthesia was effective; however, HR, MAP, pH and AG decreased, whereas Pe′CO₂, PaO₂, PaCO₂, HCO₃^? and BE increased. MAP was stable with tramadol and methadone treatments; HR, Fe′Iso and postoperative VAS decreased. VAS was lower for a longer time with methadone treatment; SpO₂ and AG decreased, whereas Pe′CO₂, PaCO₂ and HCO₃^? increased.Conclusions and clinical relevanceKetamine–midazolam provided satisfactory restraint. Isoflurane anesthesia for laparoscopy was effective but resulted in hypotension and respiratory acidosis. Tramadol and methadone reduced isoflurane requirements, provided postoperative analgesia and caused hypercapnia, with methadone causing severe respiratory depression. Thus, the anesthetic protocol is adequate for laparoscopy in Cuniculus paca; however, methadone should be avoided.     

Determination of unsaturated soil hydraulic properties at different applied tensions and water qualities

Irrigation with low-quality water may change soil hydraulic properties due to excessive electrical conductivity (EC_w) and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR_w). Field experiments were conducted to determine the effects of water quality (EC_w of 0.5–20 dS m^?1 and SAR_w of 0.5–40 mol^0.5 l^?0.5) on the hydraulic properties of a sandy clay loam soil (containing ～421 g gravel kg^?1 soil) at applied tensions of 0–0.2 m. The mean unsaturated hydraulic conductivity [K(ψ)], sorptive number (α) and sorptivity coefficient (S) varied with change in EC_w and SAR_w as quadratic or power equations, whereas macroscopic capillary length, λ, varied as quadratic or logarithmic equations. The maximum value of K(ψ) was obtained with a EC_w/SAR_w of 10 dS m^?1/20 mol^0.5 l^?0.5 at tensions of 0.2 and 0.15 m, and with 10 dS m^?1/10 mol^0.5 l^?0.5 at other tensions. Changes in K(ψ) due to the application of EC_w and SAR_w decreased as applied tension increased. Analysis indicated that 13.7 and 86.3% of water flow corresponded to soil pore diameters <1.5 and >1.5 μm, respectively, confirming that macropores are dominant in the studied soil. The findings indicated that use of saline waters with an EC of <10 dS m^?1 can improve soil hydraulic properties in such soils. Irrigation waters with SAR_w < 20 mol^0.5 l^?0.5 may not adversely affect hydraulic attributes at early time; although higher SAR_w may negatively affect them.     

Prediction of saturated hydraulic conductivity of compacted soils using empirical scaling factors

A new empirical-based scaling method is introduced to predict saturated hydraulic conductivity (K _s ) of compacted soils. This method is an improvement of the former non-similar media concept (NSMC) model that is generalized for tilled and untilled conditions. In this method, geometric mean particle size diameter (d_g ), geometric standard deviation (σ _g ) and saturated soil water content (total porosity) are successfully incorporated in the empirical-based scaling factor of K _s . Results showed that the scaled model overestimated K _s by ～18%, whereas the NSMC model underestimated K _s by ～21%. However, the scaled model based on the similar media concept (SMC) failed to predict K _s . Because of the complexity and high uncertainty in determining the shape factor parameter in the NSMC model, it is suggested that the new scaled model might be used reliably in practical cases to predict K _s in the various layers of compacted soils irrespective of the tillage condition. Further assessment of the new scaling model in other areas, in which new collected data are available, is recommended.     

Pedotransfer function for estimation of soil-specific surface area using soil fractal dimension of improved particle-size distribution

The specific surface area (SSA) of a soil is crucial for the interface of ions and water molecules with the soil particles. Therefore, many physical and chemical properties of a soil are determined using its total SSA. Measurement of SSA is time-consuming and laborious, and its estimation using pedotransfer functions is therefore preferred. The objectives of this study were to: (1) analyze the pore–solid interface fractal dimension (D) in soils with different textures from thesouthern part of Iran using estimated improved particle-size distribution (PSD) from the soil primary particles, i.e. clay, silt and sand; (2) develop a multivariate pedotransfer function to estimate D based on PSD; and (3) develop a multivariate pedotransfer function to link the values of D to the SSA. As a result, two pedotransfer functions are presented for estimation of D and SSA. To estimate SSA, the value of D is first obtained using the presented pedotransfer function and these estimated D values are then used in another pedotransfer function to estimate SSA. The pedotransfer functions were validated and it is concluded that they are able to predict the values of D and SSA accurately.     

Estimation of yield and dry matter of winter wheat using logistic model under different irrigation water regimes and nitrogen application rates

Complex simulation models need considerable input data that may be unavailable. In this study, based on growing degree days, a simple and empirical logistic model was used to predict top dry matter (DM) and grain yield (GY) of winter wheat in a semiarid area. For calibration and validation of the model, winter wheat cv. Shiraz was cultivated for two growing seasons (2009–2010 and 2010–2011) under different levels of irrigation water and nitrogen application rates. The coefficients of the logistic model and the harvest index were related to the seasonal amount of applied water (I) plus rainfall (R) and applied nitrogen plus residual soil mineral nitrogen (N + N_r) with good accuracy in 2009–2010. The values of DM were estimated using the developed empirical logistic model during the growing season in 2010–2011. Results also indicated that there was a good agreement between the measured and predicted GY in 2010–2011 with fair accuracy. Therefore, it is concluded that the presented model is appropriate for prediction of DM and GY of winter wheat at the study region.     

Seedling growth and chemical composition of three pistachio cultivars as affected by soil applied boron

Summary

The effects of six levels of B (0,10,20,30,40 and 50 (μg g^?1) on the growth and chemical composition of the three cvs Badami, Fandoghi and Kale-ghoochi were studied in an arid calcareous soil under glasshouse conditions. It seems that 0.31 μg B ml^?1 in the soil saturation extract was adequate for normal growth of ‘Badami’ and ‘Fandoghi’ seedlings. Consequently, their aerial growth was either unaffected or suppressed by B treatments. On the other hand, shoot growth of ‘Kale-ghoochi’ was increased by the first increments of B addition and markedly reduced at the highest B level. The toxic B levels in shoots required for growth suppression were 8.9, 38 and 95 μg g^?l for ‘Badami’, ‘Fandoghi’ and ‘Kale-ghoochi’, respectively. Further, the B levels in the soil saturation extract associated with retarded shoot growth were 0.37,0.61 and 1.5 μg ml^?1 for ‘Badami’, ‘Fandoghi’ and ‘Kale-ghoochi’, respectively, and those for root growth suppression were, 0.24, 0.20 and 0.43 μg ml^?1 respectively. Based on the results, ‘Badami’, ‘Fandoghi’ and ‘Kale-ghoochi’ could be considered as very sensitive, sensitive and semi-tolerant with respect to B toxicity.     

Retrospective study of 108 foals with septic osteomyelitis

Objective   To determine the clinical characteristics, short-term outcome and future athletic performance of foals with septic osteomyelitis.
Design   Retrospective clinical study of 108 Thoroughbred foals with radiographic evidence of bone infection that were presented at the Scone Veterinary Hospital between August 1995 and December 2001. Medical records were reviewed and information concerning signalment, the clinical, laboratory and radiographic findings, treatment and outcome was obtained. Racing records were obtained and evaluated for surviving foals that had reached racing age.
Results   Mean age of foals at initial evaluation was 39 days (range 1–180 days); 21 foals had multiple radiographic bone lesions (19.4%), and 76 had concurrent septic arthritis (70.4%). The most frequently affected bones were the femur, tibia and distal phalanx. In total, 87 foals were discharged from the hospital (80.6%), 79 survived long-term to reach racing age and 52 raced (65.8%). Overall, 48% (52/108) of the foals treated for osteomyelitis raced. Foals less than 30 days of age at the time of diagnosis, critically ill foals and those with multiple bones or joints affected were significantly less likely to be discharged from hospital. Multiple septic joints, but not multiple bone involvement, had an unfavourable prognosis for racing.
Conclusions   The prognosis for survival of foals with septic osteomyelitis or osteitis is favourable. Multiple bone or joint involvement is an important short-term prognostic indicator; however, the involvement of multiple joints, but not multiple infected bones, is associated with an unfavourable prognosis for racing.     

Monochorial diamniotic dizygotic twins in a German Shepherd Dog: A case report

Case report: A 6.5‐year‐old clinically healthy German Shepherd Dog with regular oestrous cycles of 6 months was presented for pregnancy diagnosis on day 38 after ovulation (p.ov.). Ultrasonography revealed three individual placental sites in progressed resorption and two vital adequately developed foetuses sharing a joint placenta. On days 41 and 48 p.ov., sonographic signs indicated normal development of both foetuses, but on day 52 p.ov., both foetuses were found to be dead. A caesarean section was performed the same day. Examination of the removed uterus confirmed the diagnosis of a “twin” pregnancy with two foetuses sharing the same placental site but separate amniotic membranes. One foetus showed generalized oedema (anasarca). Bacterial culture of swabs taken from inside the placental cavity was negative. At histological examination of the uterus, no signs of inflammation were found. Serum relaxin concentrations (day 38, 41, 48 and 52. p.ov.) were consistent with those of bitches with normal pregnancies. Cytogenetic analysis of the two foetuses revealed dizygotic twins, one male and one female according to SRY‐PCR. By genotyping 17 high‐polymorphic canine microsatellites, it could be demonstrated that the two foetuses developed from two different oocytes.     

Evaluation of an ultrasonic Doppler probe for pregnancy diagnosis in cattle

SUMMARY The use of an ultrasonic Doppler probe for pregnancy diagnosis was evaluated. Data from the examination of 1115 cattle were analysed. Comparison of the probe with manual rectal palpation by an experienced clinician yielded a sensitivity of 92.8 ± 1.6% (± 95% confidence interval) and a specificity of 75.8 ± 7.4%. This level of accuracy was found to be insufficient to recommend the probe be used by farmers for the diagnosis of pregnancy.     

Epidemiological studies of pig diseases: 2. Post-weaning diarrhoea and performance in Western Australian pigs

Objective To determine in Australian pig herds the accuracy of French protocols for risk factor assessment of post-weaning diarrhoea and illthrift.
Procedure French protocols for the collection of data on health indicators and risk factors for post-weaning diarrhoea were conducted on 54 batches of weaner pigs from 28 Western Australian pig herds during three years.
Results Large variations in post-weaning performance were found. About one-third of the batches were growing at <200 g/day during the 3 weeks after weaning, and 54% had growth rates of <250 g/day. Weaning age and weight of at least 30 days and 7.9 kg, respectively, optimised weaner performance. Other risk factors associated with little post-weaning diarrhoea and good weaner performance were high creep feed intakes, relatively little diarrhoea as suckers, and, contrary to expectations, large temperature fluctuations.
Conclusion Overall, the 'predictability' of post-weaning problems as assessed by measurement of risk status, was good. However, the model was less accurate at predicting the performance of a single batch of pigs.