Parenteral Anticholinergics in Dogs With Normal and Elevated Intraocular Pressure

Dogs given parenteral anticholinergic drugs have been thought to be at risk for development or exacerbation of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). In a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled study, we evaluated the effect of intramuscular glycopyrrolate (0.01 mg/kg) on pupil diameter and IOP in unanesthetized normal dogs. Treatment with glycopyrrolate did not change pupil diameter or IOP from baseline, nor were there differences between glycopyrrolate and saline-treated (control) dogs. In addition, the authors retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 2,828 dogs undergoing general anesthesia between April 1987 and September 1990 to determine if there was an association between parenteral anticholinergic medication and postanesthetic elevation in IOP. The authors also determined the frequency of bradycardia requiring anticholinergic therapy during anesthesia in dogs with glaucoma. Of the 2,828 cases reviewed, the records of 46 dogs coded for glaucoma were examined in detail. The 46 dogs underwent 62 episodes of anesthesia, with 23 episodes including exposure to an anticholinergic drug. An increase in IOP from preanesthetic to postanesthetic measurement occurred in three dogs. One of these dogs received anticholinergic medication for bradycardia during anesthesia. The postanesthetic elevation in IOP in this dog was probably not drug related. Preanesthetic anticholinergic administration did not affect the incidence of anticholinergic administration for bradycardia during the anesthetic episode. Anticholinergic therapy during anesthesia was more frequent when the preanesthetic medication included an opiate drug. These studies do not indicate an association between parenteral anticholinergic administration and elevations in IOP.     

An Analysis of Urban Size and Territorial Location Effects on Employment Probabilities: The Spanish Case

The probability of being employed varies depending on several factors. Many of these are related to personal characteristics such as educational level, age, gender, or number and age of children. Nevertheless, other factors may be relevant, in particular the geographical environment. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the relevance of urban size and the position of each territory (in terms of its distance from large metropolises) for the probability of being employed in the Spanish economy. Following the set of economic regions suggested by Polése, Shearmur and Rubiera (2007 ), we try to explain the spatial patterns of employment distribution. Our results show some relevant differences between these alternative economic areas. We find that municipalities with similar sizes and located at a similar distance from a metropolis but belonging to different Autonomous Communities or provinces share similar employability patterns.     

Electrosurgical Arthrotomy and Excision of Soft Tissue Masses in the Metacarpophalangeal Joint of the Horse

Electrosurgical arthrotomy and excision of infra-articular soft tissue masses from the metacarpophalangeal joint was performed in 12 horses. In six of the 12 horses, osteochondral fragments from the dorsoproximal aspects of the first phalanx were also removed. The electrosurgical scalpel afforded excellent intraoperative efficacy for arthrotomy and relatively bloodless excision of soft tissue masses without the need for a tourniquet. There were no complications associated with healing in 11 of the 12 horses. A retraction technique that used careful positioning of a Langenbeck periosteal elevator relative to the collateral ligaments provided access to both medial and lateral margins of intra-articular masses. With this technique, all masses could be removed through one central arthrotomy incision.     

Induction of Anesthesia Using Diazepam/Ketamine in Dogs with Complete Heart Block A Preliminary Report

Intravenous diazepam and ketamine were used to induce anesthesia in four dogs with complete heart block while cardiac and hemodynamic measurements were made. Immediately after induction there were minor changes in the measured variables. However, 5 minutes after injection, with the dogs supine and mechanically ventilated, cardiac output was reduced 41%. An additional 20 dogs with heart block had uncomplicated induction when this drug combination was used. The combination of diazepam and ketamine appears useful for inducing anesthesia in dogs with heart lesions, although further studies must be done to establish its value in such patients.     

Intraocular and Cardiopulmonary Effects of Low-dose Mannitol in the Dog

Fatal complications have been reported during anesthesia in dogs that received a standard (1–2 g/kg IV) dose of mannitol during intraocular surgery. A lower dose (0.25 g/kg IV), which had been shown to reduce intracranial pressure in humans, was evaluated during halothane anesthesia in dogs. There were no significant changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) or cardiovascular variables. This lower dose (0.25 g/kg IV) did not reduce IOP and would not be of benefit in dogs undergoing intraocular surgery.     

Triangulated Flap Technique for Nasofrontal Surgery Results in Five Horses

A modified bone-flap technique was used to expose space occupying lesions that involved the conchofrontal sinus, ethmoturbinates, and caudal nasal cavity in five horses. The most common clinical findings were chronic nasal discharge and upper airway obstruction. Surgical intervention was based on endoscopic and radiographic interpretation. The triangulated bone-flap technique increased surgical exposure to the conchofrontal sinus by almost twice the area observed in previously described surgical techniques. The major advantages were that this technique allowed excellent visualization, thorough palpation, and surgical manipulation within the sinus and associated structures. Complications were minimal. One horse was euthanized 1 month postoperatively with recurrence and spread of a mycotic granuloma. The technique extended the usefulness of the other four horses in a 9 to 24 month follow-up period, although the obstructing lesion recurred after 2 years in one of the four horses.     

Mechanical Testing and Evaluation of Eight Synthetic Casting Materials

Eight synthetic casting materials were evaluated with respect to tensile and fatigue strengths, exothermicity (evolution of heat during polymerization), permeability (porosity), radiolucency, and cost. Strength determination for a five-layer sample included measurement of the ultimate load at which a material failed, the ability to absorb energy, and the stiffness a material possessed after application of a cyclic stress. Results indicated that Vet Cast was superior with respect to tensile and fatigue strengths. The exothermic reaction associated with the "curing" or polymerization process was evaluated and not considered excessive although Ultra Cast attained a temperature of 48.0°C and was uncomfortable to handle during application. Permeability was determined. Delta Lite and Hexcelite NS were the most permeable materials and dried more rapidly and thoroughly after immersion than the other casting materials. Hexcelite NS was considered the least radiolucent material and was the most expensive material studied. Each of the synthetic casting materials demonstrated superiority in one or more of the categories tested. No one product demonstrated consistent superiority in criteria appropriate for clinical application.     

Medial Plating for the Repair of Middle and Distal Diaphyseal Fractures of the Humerus in Dogs

Six middle and distal humeral shaft fractures in dogs were repaired by the application of a bone plate along the medial shaft of the humerus. In all animals, clinical and radiographic evidence of normal bone healing was observed. The bone plate and ancillary implants were removed from five dogs by 10 months. In none of the six dogs were any untoward effects of placing the bone plate along the medial shaft of the humerus detected nor were there any difficulties encountered with the medial humeral soft tissues.     

Pharyngeal Mucoceles in Dogs

Eight cases of pharyngeal mucoceles were diagnosed in 49 dogs with salivary mucoceles over a 7 year period. Five of the eight pharyngeal mucoceles were seen in Miniature Poodles. The presenting complaint in all eight dogs was labored breathing, with or without coughing upon excitement or exercise. Diagnosis was made by aspirating a thick mucoid fluid from the pharyngeal swelling. Treatment consisted of resection of the mandibular and sublingual salivary glands on the affected side and aspiration of the mucocele in all eight dogs, and resection of redundant pharyngeal tissue in five dogs. Time to follow-up ranged from 1.5 to 7.5 years. There were no postsurgical complications or recurrences of the mucocele.     

Placement of Multiple Full Pins for External Fixation Technique and Results in Four Dogs

A technique using a third bar and guide clamp was developed to permit reduction and stabilization of distal limb fractures with full pins and two connecting bars, one on each side of the bone. The system uses only single Kirschner clamps. Four distal limb fractures were stabilized using this technique. Closed reduction was used in three dogs to avoid devitalization of fragments and avoid contamination of a closed fracture. The fracture site stability achieved with this configuration allowed early return to weight bearing and rapid bone healing.