Evaluation of a portocaval venograft and ameroid ring for the occlusion of intrahepatic portocaval shunts in dogs

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the use of a portocaval venograft and ameroid constrictor in the surgical management of intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (PSS). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, clinical study. Animal Population: Ten client-owned dogs with intrahepatic PSS. METHODS: Portal pressure was measured after temporary suture occlusion of the intrahepatic PSS. In dogs with an increase in portal pressure greater than 8 mm Hg, a single extrahepatic portocaval shunt was created using a jugular vein. An ameroid ring was placed around the venograft and the intrahepatic PSS was attenuated. Transcolonic pertechnetate scintigraphy was performed before surgery, 5 days after surgery, and 8 to 10 weeks after surgery. Dogs with continued portosystemic shunting were evaluated further by laparotomy or portography. Clinical outcome and complications were recorded. RESULTS: Mean (+/- SD) portal pressure increased from 6 +/- 3 to 19 +/- 6 mm Hg with PSS occlusion; in all 10 dogs, the increase in portal pressure was greater than 8 mm Hg. There were no intraoperative complications, and, after creation of the portocaval shunt, the intrahepatic PSS could be completely ligated in 8 of 10 dogs. The final portal pressure was 9 +/- 4 mm Hg. Postoperative complications included coagulopathy and death (1 dog), ascites (3 dogs), and incisional discharge (3 dogs). Five of 8 dogs had continued portosystemic shunting at 8 to 10 weeks after surgery. Multiple extrahepatic PSS were demonstrated in 4 of these dogs. Clinical outcome was excellent in all 9 surviving dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The surgical technique resulted in a high incidence of multiple extrahepatic PSS. Short-term clinical results were promising, but long-term outcome must be evaluated further.     

Blood chemistry values of juvenile red pacu (Piaractus brachypomus)

Abstract: Blood samples were collected from 29 juvenile red pacu ( Piaractus brachypomus ), ornamental freshwater fish, to establish baseline blood chemistry values. Mean (minimum-maximum) values, obtained by automated bichromatic analysis and ion selective electrode analysis, were as follows: sodium, 150.4 (146–159) mmol/L; potassium, 3.93 (2.7–5.0) mmol/L; chloride, 138.7 (128–150) mmol/L; total CO₂, 7.5 (6–10) mmol/L; albumin, 0.86 (0.5–1.0) g/dL; lactate dehydrogenase, 237.8 (65–692) IU/L; aspartate aminotransferase, 49.1 (0–125) IU/L; creatinine, 0.31 (0.2–0.4) mg/dL; calcium, 10.80 (9.5–12.5) mg/dL; anion gap, 6.89 (1.2–12.5) mmol/L; and phosphorus, 7.29 (4.1–8.9) mg/dL.     

TRANS-SPLENIC PORTAL SCINTIGRAPHY IN NORMAL DOGS

The purpose of this study was to (1) establish a technique for ultrasound-guided trans-splenic portal scintigraphy (TSPS) using 99mTcO4(-), (2) evaluate portal vein morphology, (3) compare the radiation exposures for TSPS vs. per-rectal portal scintigraphy (PRPS), and (4) compare the quality of numerical data from the TSPS vs. PRPS. Eight juvenile dogs underwent PRPS and TSPS (minimum of 48h between studies) after initial screening tests. PRPS was done according to established protocol using 425 +/- 36MBq (mean +/- SD) of 99mTcO4(-). TSPS was done with the dogs in right lateral recumbency over the gamma camera. 99mTcO4(-) (57 +/- 13.9 MBq) was injected into the spleen 1-2s following initiation of the dynamic acquisition. The frame rate was 4 frames/s for 5 min. There was significantly lower radioactivity of 99mTcO4(-) given and significantly higher total counts recorded in the liver and heart during the TSPS compared with PRPS. The total counts for the TSPS and PRPS were 7120 +/- 4386 and 830 +/- 523, respectively. Percent absorption from the spleen was 52.5 +/- 19.1% compared with 9.2 +/- 5.7% for the colon. Calculated transit time for the TSPS studies was 7 +/- 2.3s. In TSPS studies, the splenic and portal veins were clearly identified. Radiation exposure levels of the dogs were significantly lower following TSPS than after PRPS. TSPS appears superior to PRPS as a method to image the portal venous system representing a valid alternative diagnostic test for animals with suspected portosystemic shunts.     

USE OF COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY AND RADIOLABELED LEUKOCYTES IN A CAT WITH PANCREATITIS

The normal feline pancreas has been evaluated using radiolabeled leukocytes (99mTc-HMPAO) and computed tomography. The purpose of this report is to describe a clinical case where both modalities were utilized to assess the inflamed feline pancreas. A nine year old female cat presented with anorexia, depression and some vomiting. Blood values were unremarkable. Radiographs and ultrasound were suggestive of pancreatitis. The cat's leukocytes were separated and labeled according to an established protocol. Whole body images were acquired immediately, at 5 and 30 min, and at 1, 2, 4, and 17 hours post injection. Approximately 48 h later, the animal was anesthetized and computed tomography of the abdomen was preformed both pre and post contrast. Surgical biopsies were taken. The distribution of the WBCs was similar to that documented in normal animals, however, at 2 h there was faint uptake seen in the region of the pancreas. This uptake became more intense at 4 h and persisted at 17 h. Computed tomography showed irregular margination of the pancreas, it was larger than normal and inhomogeneous. Contrast enhancement was inhomogeneous and its peak enhancement was not reached until 10 min post injection; normal feline pancreas enhances homogeneously and peaks immediately. Histopathology confirmed pancreatitis with lymphocytic, plasmacytic, neutrophilic and eosinophilic inflammation and fibrosis. Radiolabeled leukocytes can be used to document pancreatic inflammation and this is best seen 4 h after injection. Computed tomography allows superior visualization of the pancreas. Both the appearance and contrast enhancement pattern of the inflamed pancreas differ from normal.     

Acute cortisol responses of lambs to ring castration and docking after the injection of lignocaine into the scrotal neck or testes at the time of ring application

OBJECTIVE: To test whether injecting lignocaine into the scrotal neck 5 to 10 s before or into both testes immediately after ring castration and docking wound significantly reduce the plasma cortisol response to castration and docking. DESIGN: A physiological study with controls. PROCEDURE: Lambs were given one of six treatments: control handling, injection of lignocaine into scrotal neck, injection of lignocaine into both testes, ring castration and docking, ring castration and docking after lignocaine was injected into the scrotal neck, and ring castration and docking before lignocaine was injected into both testes. Blood samples were taken before and regularly after treatment and analysed for plasma cortisol concentrations. RESULTS: The plasma cortisol concentrations of lambs castrated and docked after lignocaine had been injected into the scrotal neck were significantly lower between 20 and 60 min after treatment than in lambs castrated and docked without local anaesthesia. Injecting lignocaine into the testes after ring application did not significantly reduce the cortisol response to ring castration and docking. CONCLUSIONS: Lignocaine injected into the scrotal neck 5 to 10 s before ring castration will reduce the cortisol response and by inference the pain associated with ring castration.     

Comparison of two surgical techniques for renal transplantation in cats

OBJECTIVE: To compare two surgical techniques for renal transplantation in cats with respect to graft warm ischemia time, total surgical time, operative and postoperative complications, and return to normal renal function based on measurement of plasma creatinine concentrations. STUDY DESIGN: Research study using normal cats. ANIMALS OR SAMPLE POPULATION: Fourteen adult, feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus (FELV/FIV) negative, neutered male and spayed female cats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen cats underwent heterotopic renal isograft transplantation with nephrectomy of the contralateral kidney. Renal arterial end-to-end anastomosis to the external iliac artery was performed in eight cats and renal arterial end-to-side anastomosis to the aorta was performed in six cats. Cats were monitored for 14 days after surgery. Renal function was evaluated by daily measurement of plasma creatinine concentrations. The cats' health was assessed by the daily recording of body weight, rectal temperature, postoperative complications, urine production, appetite, packed red blood cell volume, and total serum protein. Ultrasonographic assessment of the isograft was performed every third day. Animals were euthanatized or adopted 14 days after surgery and histopathologic analysis of biopsies or whole isograft tissues was performed. RESULTS: Nine of fourteen cats survived the 14-day study period. Although not statistically significant, mean total surgical time and graft warm ischemia time was shorter for the arterial end-to-side anastomosis. Mean daily plasma creatinine concentrations were not significantly different between the two groups. Five of eight cats (62%) undergoing the arterial end-to-end technique developed neuropraxia and lameness of the ipsilateral pelvic limb. Five cats died or were euthanatized because of other complications. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The arterial end-to-side technique appears to be the better method for renal transplantation in cats. Shorter graft warm ischemia and total surgical times, absence of pelvic limb complications, and an adequate return to normal renal function were associated with this technique.     

Medication against ovine coccidiosis—A review

Data published since 1940 on the use of drugs to prevent or treat ovine coccidiosis are presented in the form of tables. These highlight the differences in conditions of husbandry and mode of administration. Such differences partly account for the variability of response to medication. Drugs that have proved useful under certain conditions include amprolium, monensin and lasalacid for prevention, and sulphonamides for treatment.