Comparison of Analgesic Effects of Caudal Epidural 0.25% Bupivacaine with Bupivacaine Plus Morphine or Bupivacaine Plus Ketamine for Analgesia in Conscious Horses

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of caudal epidural bupivacaine alone (BP), bupivacaine plus morphine (BPMP), and bupivacaine plus ketamine (BPKE) for perineal analgesia in horses. Each of the six saddle horses received a caudal epidural catheter and underwent 3 treatments: BP, 0.25% (0.04 mg/kg) bupivacaine hydrochloride without epinephrine; BPMP, 0.02 mg/kg of bupivacaine combined with 0.1 mg/kg of morphine-preservative free; and BPKE, 0.02 mg/kg of bupivacaine combined with 0.5 mg/kg of ketamine. The order of treatments was randomized. The cardiovascular system, respiratory rate, quality of analgesia, sedation, and motor blockade were assessed before drug administration (baseline), at 5, 10, 15, and 30 minutes, and every 30 minutes thereafter until loss of analgesia. The median time to onset of analgesia was 5 minutes after BP treatment, faster than after BPKE or BPMP treatments, which were 10 minutes and 15 minutes, respectively (P < .05). The BPMP treatment produced analgesia (315 minutes) for a longer duration than BP treatment (210 minutes) or BPKE treatment (240 minutes), in the regions of the tail, perineum, and upper hind limb in horses. All treatments presented mild sedation or motor blockade. There were minimal effects on the cardiovascular system and respiratory rate. BPMP may be preferable to a high dose of BP or BPKE. Caudal epidural BPMP can be an appropriate choice for regional perineal analgesia in horses.     

Concentrations of minerals in the canine prostatic fluid

Current knowledge about the composition of the prostate fluid in healthy male dogs is limited and restricted to small case numbers. Furthermore, published data often vary significantly regarding sample processing and analytical methods. Therefore, we aimed to provide data on the composition of electrolytes and minerals in the canine prostatic fluid in a larger population (n = 30 dogs/samples) and to compare these results with the existing literature. Concentrations of sodium, potassium and copper analysed in our population were most consistent with those in the literature. Different to this, concentrations of total calcium, magnesium, zinc and inorganic phosphate varied. Whereas magnesium, zinc and inorganic phosphate seemed to depend on the analysis method, total calcium concentrations differed if centrifugation was performed or not. Our results clearly indicate a need for standardization of methods for analysis of seminal plasma components.     

EVALUATION OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING TECHNIQUES IN THE EQUINE DIGIT

An anatomic study of the equine digit using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed. Seventeen isolated forelimbs and one hindleg of nine warmblood horses were imaged in transverse, sagittal, and dorsal planes with a 1.5 Tesla magnet using T1-, T2- proton density-weighted spin echo sequences as well as T2 gradient echo sequences. One scan plane in each horse was compared with corresponding anatomic and histologic sections. The best imaging planes to visualize various anatomic structures were determined. Fibrocartilage was visualized in the insertion of the deep digital flexor tendon and the suspensory ligament as well as in the distal sesamoidean ligaments. The correlation of MRI images with anatomic and histologic sections confirmed that all of the anatomic structures in the equine digit could be evaluated in PD and T2 studies.     

Interaction of root-knot nematode and mycorrhizal fungi on common beanPhaseolus vulgaris L.

The interactions of root-knot nematode and VAM fungus on common bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), and the sequence of nematode infection were studied in the greenhouse. The inoculation with VAM fungus caused a significant increase in plant height and fresh weight compared with non treated plants.Meloidogyne infection unsignificantly decreased plant height and dry weight. When fungus was inoculated at 15 and 30 days prior toM. incognita infection, a significant increase in fresh weight was observed. There were no significant differences in total nitrogen (mg/plant) between plants inoculated withM. incognita alone or those inoculated with bothM. incognita and VAM fungus at the same time or 15 days after the fungus inoculation. Plants preinoculated with VAM fungus 30 days prior to nematode infection had a significant increase in total nitrogen. The inoculation with VAM fungus caused a significant increase in phosphorus content. However, it was significantly decreased in plants inoculated with nematode alone and in plants inoculated with VAM fungus andM. incognita at the same time. Gall index and final nematode population were significantly increased when nematodes were treated at the same time with fungus, although there were significant decrease in nematode final population and gall index when the plants were treated with nematodes at 15 and 30 days after mycorrhizal infection. A decrease in percentage of fungal colonization was observed when nematodes were inoculated with fungus at the same time.     

Azoospermia due to testicular degeneration in a breeding stallion

In a breeding stallion with azoospermia clinical andrological evaluation, transscrotal testicular ultrasonography, testicular biopsy and hormonal analysis were carried out.For differentiation of testicular versus obstructive azoospermia a testicular biopsy was carried out. The histological examination revealed testicular degeneration.