Treatment of Trochanteric Ulcers with Cranial Sartorius and Rectus Femoris Muscle Flaps

Five dogs with pressure ulcers over the greater trochanter were treated by debridement and transposition of the cranial part of the sartorius or the rectus femoris muscle. Both muscles had vascular anatomy that allowed transposition based on a major vascular pedicle. All wounds healed promptly by primary intention and no ulcer recurred. The cranial sartorius flap technique was easier to perform than the rectus femoris technique.     

THE DISTRIBUTION OF IRON, MANGANESE, AND SCOTLAND ALUMINIUM IN SOME SOILS FROM NORTH-EAST SCOTLAND

Twenty-four soils from north-east Scotland have been subjected to differential extraction techniques to determine the effect of hydromorphism on various Fe, Mn, and A1 fractions. There were pronounced losses of dithionite-extractable Fe and Mn from gleyed horizons, but the 'silicate-Fe’fraction appeared to be relatively unaffected. The oxalate-extractable Fe and A1 fractions also decreased in response to gleying. The ratio of the oxalate- to dithionite-extractable Fe fractions (Fe₀/Fe_d) increased in gleyed horizons, presumably due to variations in the rate of ageing and crystallization of amorphous Fe oxides and hydroxides.     

Fallout from nuclear detonations of February and April 1960

A sharp increase in the ratio of strontium-89 to strontium-90 in rain was observed at Fayetteville, Arkansas, after the French nuclear detonations of February and April 1960. Experimental data obtained suggest the possibility that part of the debris from atom bombs detonated in the tropical region may enter the stratosphere.     

Aluminium speciation and pH of an acid soil in the presence of fluoride

The aim was to determine whether the addition of F to an acid soil reduces the concentration of free Al³⁺ and other forms that have been shown to be toxic to plants. The ability of two different extracts to reflect Al speciation in the soil solution was also investigated. Addition of F (0-5.2μmolg⁻¹) to an acid soil (pH 4.15, soil solution) increased the pH and total concentrations of Al and F in the soil solution whereas Al³⁺ remained constant or decreased. Soil solution pH, total soluble Al and Al extracted by 0.01 m CaCl₂ are not good predictors of the likelihood of aluminium toxicity in soils containing soluble fluoride.     

Ocular disease caused by the trematode Philophthalmus lachrymosus in free-living kelp gulls (Larus dominicanus) of Brazil

In this study, clinical, parasitological and histopathological findings of thirteen kelp gulls (Larus dominicanus) found infected with eyeflukes in Brazil are presented. Parasites detected in the ventral conjunctival fornix were identified as Philophthalmus lachrymosus [mean intensity of infection: 16 (5–36) worms/bird]. Eleven birds (85%) presented signs of systemic disease, such as emaciation, dehydration and depressed consciousness. Conjunctival hyperemia was observed in 22 eyes (85%). Keratitis, corneal ulcers, corneal abscess and chemosis were also detected in some eyes (4–8%). Histopathologic lesions, likely due to the parasite attachment to the conjunctiva, were found in the eyes of one infected bird that died from unrelated causes. Philophthalmosis by P. lachrymosus is here reported as a clinically relevant eye disease in kelp gulls.     

Clinical Effects of Longitudinal Division of the Corpus Callosum in Normal Dogs

Longitudinal division of the corpus callosum was performed in six normal beagles to determine surgical morbidity. The corpus callosum was divided sagittally on the midline and the effect on neurological function was determined. Five of six dogs were clinically normal within 14 days or less after surgery. One dog had persistent but improving clinical signs consistent with a forebrain disturbance at 30 days after surgery. Overall, minimal morbidity and no mortality was associated with this surgical procedure. Further study is indicated to determine the efficacy of this surgical treatment for seizure control in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy.     

Fibrotic Myopathy of the Semitendinosus Muscle in Four Dogs

Fibrosis of the semitendinosus muscle resulted in a characteristic gait abnormality in four male German shepherd dogs. Blood chemistry, electrophoresis, and electromyographic studies were performed. Surgery was undertaken in each case to relieve the restricting fibrous tissue. The lameness returned with reappearance of the fibrous band within six months. The etiology of fibrotic myopathy is unknown, but electromyographic studies and electrophoresis results suggest a myopathy due to chronic inflammation. Histopathologic exam reveals replacement of degenerating muscle fibers with connective tissue.