ULTRASONOGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF RENAL AUTOGRAFTS IN NORMAL CATS

The purpose of this study was to determine changes in resistive index (RI) and renal size that occur in normal feline kidney autografts in the immediate post-transplant period. Qualitative changes in renal parenchymal echogenicity and pelvic dilation were also noted, although this was not a major focus of the study. Fourteen domestic short-haired cats underwent bilateral nephrectomies followed by an autograft of the right kidney to either the aorta or external iliac artery. Due to post-operative complications, only nine of these cats completed the study. Ultrasonographic determination of the RI and renal size was made before transplantation and on days 1, 4, 7, 10, and 13 following transplantation. No significant changes in renal RI were identified during the study. Renal size increased significantly, peaking at 63% above baseline on day 7, and stayed elevated at 50% above baseline on day 13. There was no evidence of rejection or other abnormalities found on histologic evaluation of the transplanted kidneys. It was concluded that the RI of normal feline renal autografts does not significantly change in the immediate post-operative period. However, significant renal enlargement, likely due to a combination of post-operative edema and hypertrophy, does occur. This study provides baseline information for comparison with feline allografts in the immediate post-transplant period.     

Biological Control of the Hibiscus Mealybug, Maconellicoccus Hirsutus Green (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in the Caribbean

The hibiscus mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus Green, was first reported in the Caribbean in 1994 in Grenada. This was the first record of the insect as a major pest in the New World. By the beginning of 2001, the pest had spread to over 25 territories from Guyana and Venezuela in the South to Bahamas in the North. The pest has also extended its distribution to Central America (Belize) and North America (California, USA). Early attempts to control the pest using pesticides resulted in failure and a classical biological control approach was adopted. Several exotic natural enemies were introduced but control was attributed to Anagyrus kamali Moursi and Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant. In all countries where biological control was implemented, this resulted in success. This paper reviews the remarkable success story. Information is provided on the distribution and factors leading to rapid spread of the pest, its pest status and resultant economic losses, and implementation of the biological control effort.     

Inheritance of cricopharyngeal dysfunction in Golden Retrievers

OBJECTIVE: To characterize a genetic component to cricopharyngeal dysfunction (CD) in Golden Retrievers. ANIMALS: 117 dogs. PROCEDURE: The CD phenotype was determined by videofluoroscopy, and dogs were classified as affected if the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) did not open, if there were morphologic abnormalities of the UES, or if opening of the UES was delayed for > or = 6 videofluoroscopic frames (0.2 seconds) after closure of the epiglottis. All survey radiographic and videofluoroscopic studies were reviewed by the same radiologist. RESULTS: Of the 117 dogs (47 males and 70 females) with a CD phenotype determined via videofluoroscopy, 21 dogs (18.0%) had abnormalities of the UES (affected). Of these 21 dogs, 9 were males (19.1% of all males) and 12 were females (17.1% of all females). The heritability of CD in a threshold model was estimated as 0.61, which established that CD could be passed from parent to offspring. Results of complex segregation analysis suggested that a single recessive allele of large effect contributed to the expression of this disease in Golden Retrievers. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The determination that CD is inherited in Golden Retrievers is an important step in providing information for veterinarians attending dogs with this disorder. Breeders also require this information to make informed breeding decisions.     

Pretreatment clinical and laboratory findings in dogs with primary hyperparathyroidism: 210 cases (1987-2004)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate pretreatment clinical and laboratory findings in dogs with naturally occurring primary hyperparathyroidism. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 210 dogs with primary hyperparathyroidism and 200 randomly selected, age-matched control dogs that did not have primary hyperparathyroidism. PROCEDURE: Medical records for dogs with primary hyperparathyroidism were reviewed for signalment; clinical features; and results of clinicopathologic testing, serum parathyroid hormone assays, and diagnostic imaging. RESULTS: Mean age of the dogs with primary hyperparathyroidism was 11.2 years (range, 6 to 17 years). The most common clinical signs were attributable to urolithiasis or urinary tract infection (ie, straining to urinate, increased frequency of urination, and hematuria). Most dogs (149 [71%]) did not have any observable abnormalities on physical examination. All dogs had hypercalcemia, and most (136 [65%]) had hypophosphatemia. Overall, 200 of the 210 (95%) dogs had BUN and serum creatinine concentrations within or less than the reference range, and serum parathyroid hormone concentration was within reference limits in 135 of 185 (73%) dogs in which it was measured. Urolithiasis was identified in 65 (31 %) dogs, and urinary tract infection was diagnosed in 61 (29%). Mean serum total calcium concentration for the control dogs-was significantly lower than mean concentration for the dogs with primary hyperparathyroidism, but mean BUN and serum creatinine concentrations for the control dogs were both significantly higher than concentrations for the dogs with primary hyperparathyroidism. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that urolithiasis and urinary tract infection may be associated with hypercalcemia in dogs-with primary hyperparathyroidism, but that development of renal insufficiency is uncommon.     

Percutaneous ultrasonographically guided radiofrequency heat ablation for treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ultrasonographically guided radiofrequency heat ablation of parathyroid masses in dogs with primary hyperparathyroidism. DESIGN: Clinical trial. ANIMALS: 11 dogs. PROCEDURE: In all dogs, either 1 or 2 parathyroid masses were evident ultrasonographically. Dogs were anesthetized, and a 20-gauge over-the-needle catheter was directed into the parathyroid mass via ultrasonographic guidance. Radiofrequency heat was applied to the stylet of the catheter until there was sonographically apparent change to the entire parenchyma of the mass. Serum total and ionized calcium and parathyroid hormone concentrations were monitored daily for 5 days after the ablation procedure and again at 1, 2, and 3-month intervals, if possible. Dogs were monitored for adverse effects. RESULTS: One treatment was required in 6 dogs, 2 treatments were required in 2 dogs, and treatment was unsuccessful in 3 dogs. Serum total and ionized calcium concentrations were within reference ranges within 2 days of the last procedure in all 8 successfully treated dogs. Serum parathyroid hormone concentration was decreased 24 hours after treatment in all 8 dogs. Hypocalcemia developed in 5 of the 8 successfully treated dogs, all of which required treatment. One dog had a transient voice change. Other adverse effects were not reported. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ultrasonographically guided radiofrequency heat ablation of parathyroid masses is a safe and effective alternative to surgery in dogs with primary hyperparathyroidism.     

Evaluation of interoperator variance in shunt fraction calculation after transcolonic scintigraphy for diagnosis of portosystemic shunts in dogs and cats

OBJECTIVE: To determine interoperator variance in shunt fraction calculation. DESIGN: Case series. SAMPLE POPULATION: 101 transrectal portoscintigraphic studies. PROCEDURE: Results of dynamic portoscintigraphic studies were reviewed by 4 radiologists without knowledge of signalment, history, or medical profile. Results were judged to be negative or positive on the basis of the dynamic scan. Composite images were formulated, and hand-drawn regions of interest were determined for the heart and liver. Time-activity curves were generated, time-zero points were selected, curves were integrated during a 10-second interval, and shunt fractions were calculated. RESULTS: Radiologists were in agreement regarding positive versus negative results for 99 of 101 studies. Interoperator variance in shunt fraction calculation ranged from 0.4 to 59.6%. For 51 studies with positive results, variance ranged from 2.5 to 59.6% (mean +/- SD, 22.8 +/- 14.5%); differences among reviewers were significant. For 48 studies with negative results, variance in shunt fraction ranged from 0.4 to 25.9% (mean, 5.3 +/- 5.8%); significant differences among reviewers were not detected. Shunt fraction calculations were not exactly reproducible among radiologists in 94 and 100% of studies with negative or positive results, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that shunt fraction values are not reproducible among operators. Range in variability was greater in studies with positive results. This factor may be of particular clinical importance in reassessment of patients after incomplete shunt ligation.     

Shell and operculum formation by immature roman snails Helix pomatia L. when treated with pp′-DDT

Roman snails (Helix pomatia) have been treated with pp′-DDT from 2 wk of age until hibernation. Taking snail size into account, relatively low doses of DDT significantly reduced shell and operculum weight whereas higher doses of DDT did not cause this response. After reemergence from hibernation, the incidence of operculum eating was significantly higher among snails hibernating late in the season, and as exposure to DDT increased so operculum eating became more prevalent.Shell thinning in snails due to pesticide is likely to have occurred in some heavily treated agricultural localities if the response of other species to DDT is similar to that of Helix pomatia.     

Some effects of marine reserve protection on the population structure of two spearfishing target‐fish species,Dicentrarchus labrax (Moronidae) and Sparus aurata (Sparidae), in shallow inshore waters,along a rocky coast in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea

1. The relative abundances of two highly sought after spearfishing target‐fish species, Dicentrarchus labrax (Linnaeus 1758) and Sparus aurata Linnaeus 1758, were compared using underwater visual censuses in shallow (<5 m) inshore waters along rocky shores inside and outside a marine reserve area in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea (Banyuls‐sur‐Mer region, France). 2. The relative abundances of these two species were consistently lower outside the reserve area, which comprised around 40% of the 25.6 km of inshore coastal waters surveyed. 3. The demographic structure of D. labrax was also different inside and outside the protected area, the proportion of larger fish being significantly higher in the marine reserve. 4. The direct and indirect impacts of spearfishing are postulated to explain the distributional and population structural characteristics of these two species in the shallow waters off this rocky coast. 5. Prohibition of spearfishing has favoured the persistence of these species during summer (the main spearfishing season) in the shallower inshore waters inside the area of the Cerbère/Banyuls‐sur‐Mer marine reserve. 6. These preliminary results indicate the need for additional work in this area and further surveys to ascertain spearfishing impacts on target‐fish species in the vicinity of other marine protected areas. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.