Ultrasound-guided parasternal injection in dogs: a cadaver study

ObjectivesTo describe the technique of performing an ultrasound-guided distal parasternal intercostal block and to determine the distribution of two volumes of methylene blue dye solution injected in canine cadavers.Study designProspective cadaver study.AnimalsA group of seven canine cadavers weighing 12–34 kg.MethodsThe space between the transversus thoracic and the internal intercostal muscles is a virtual cavity. Ultrasound-guided injections in the distal (parasternal) intercostal space were performed using dye solution at 0.05 mL kg^–1 in each intercostal space from the second to seventh (LV, low volume, six injections per dog) in one hemithorax, and 0.1 mL kg^–1 in the third, fifth and seventh intercostal spaces (HV, high volume, three injections in each dog) on the contralateral side. Anatomical dissection was carried out to describe dye spread characteristics and staining of intercostal nerves.ResultsThe ultrasonographic landmarks for injection were identified in each cadaver. In the LV group the solution was found in every intercostal space (36/36), whereas the HV injection stained six intercostal spaces in two dogs, five in two, and in two dogs the solution was found in four and three spaces, respectively, demonstrating multisegmental distribution. Intrapleural staining was observed after two injections.Conclusions and clinical relevanceUltrasound-guided injection of 0.05 mL kg^–1 at the distal intercostal space resulted in staining of the intercostal nerve in all dogs when performed in every space and may be an appropriate alternative to previously reported techniques. A single injection of 0.1 mL kg^–1 may anaesthetize more than one intercostal nerve, but not consistently. Clinical investigations are warranted to better characterize and to refine this locoregional technique.     

Amniotic membrane transplantation for the treatment of feline corneal sequestrum: pilot study

Objectives To describe and evaluate the use of equine amniotic membrane trans‐plantation after lamellar keratectomy for the treatment of corneal sequestrum in cats. Methods Six cats (seven eyes) of various breed and ages with corneal sequestra were treated surgically with lamellar keratectomy and amniotic membrane transplantation. All the sequestra and a small piece of the amniotic membranes used for each surgery were submitted for histopathologic examination. Results Five of the seven eyes showed minimal level of scarring in the cornea and good transparency. No recurrences of the sequestra have been noted during the follow‐up period (3–9 months). One eye had necrosis of the amniotic membrane 2 weeks after the surgery. The sequestrum of this eye showed a high level of bacterial contamination on histopathology. Three months later the same cat developed a descemetocele in the area where the necrotic amniotic membrane was rejected. A second eye developed a perforation under the amniotic membrane two weeks after the surgery. The sequestrum of this eye was deep and without vascularization. Conclusion Amniotic membrane transplantation after lamellar keratectomy was a valid procedure for surgical treatment of corneal sequestrum in cats. The procedure resulted in excellent cosmesis and functional vision in five of seven eyes; although case selection is important, particularly to exclude the very deep and non‐vascularized sequestra.     

Synthesis and in-vitro antifungal activity of 6-trifluoromethylpyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines

Thirty 6-trifluoromethylpyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines were synthesised and tested for antifungal activity in vitro against ten phytopathogenic fungi of different taxonomic classes. Six of the compounds had noteworthy activity against Sclerotinia minor, Corticium solani and Phoma betae. The relationships between structure and activity are discussed on the basis of the present and previous studies.     

Evaluation of bilateral maxillary nerve block in dogs undergoing surgery for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome

This retrospective study assessed the effect of an intraoral bilateral maxillary nerve block in dogs undergoing surgery for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). Records of dogs that underwent BOAS surgery were retrieved. Cases were assigned to Group B or C if a preoperative bilateral maxillary nerve block was performed or not. Type and dose of local anesthetic, inhalant anesthetic minimum alveolar concentration multiples, intraoperative fentanyl and injectable anesthetic use, prevalence of intraoperative hypotension or bradycardia, and postoperative opioids administration, were compared between groups. Sixty-seven cases met the inclusion criteria: 33 were assigned to Group B and 34 to Group C. In Group C, 18 dogs required intraoperative fentanyl (P = 0.005), and 12 needed injectable anesthetic top-ups (P = 0.006). Hypotension, or bradycardia, were not different between groups. Bilateral maxillary nerve block reduces intraoperative fentanyl and injectable anesthetic requirement in dogs undergoing BOAS surgery.     

Zygomatic gland adenoma in a dog: histochemical and immunohistochemical evaluation

Orbital epithelial tumors in dogs are rare and most frequently malignant. Distinguishing their origin from the lacrimal or zygomatic gland is often challenging and is based mostly on tumor location. A case of adenoma involving the orbit in a 13-year-old, female, standard Schnauzer is reported. Histologically, the neoplasm was characterized by nests and cords of epithelial cells mostly forming small glandular structures. The origin of the tumor from the zygomatic gland was determined by histochemical characteristics (alcian blue pH 1 positive staining) of a small remnant of normal gland included within the tumor capsule. The benign nature of our finding was confirmed by follow-up information: 2 years after complete surgical removal of the mass no tumor recurrence or metastases was recorded.     

IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—TRANSESOPHAGEAL ULTRASOUND‐GUIDED REMOVAL OF A MIGRATING GRASS AWN FOREIGN BODY IN A DOG

A 3‐year‐old English Setter dog was presented for an acute onset of coughing. Tracheobronchoscopic examination allowed localization and removal of one grass awn foreign body. A second migrated grass awn was suspected to be present in the left caudal lung lobe. Transesophageal ultrasound revealed an area of pulmonary consolidation in the dorsomedial portion of left caudal lobe and a linear hyperechoic structure consistent with a grass awn foreign body within the area of consolidation. Transesophageal ultrasonography was also used to provide anatomical landmarks that facilitated successful thoracoscopic removal of the foreign body.