Use of bethanechol and metoclopramide in horses with duodenitis/proximal jejunitis: 13 cases (1987–1993)

All horses diagnosed with duodenitis/proximal jejunitis (DPJ) at the Texas Veterinary Medican Center between January 1, 1987 and July 1, 1993 were included in a retrospective study to evaluate the therapeutic and prognostic value of bethanechol and metoclopramide as gastrointestinal prokinetic drugs in horses with DPJ treated at our clinic, and to compare the clinical outcome of horses with DPJ treated with these drugs and those with DPJ that were not treated. During the study period, 70 horses diagnosed with DPJ were admitted to the clinic. Of these 70 horses, 18(25.7%) were treated with bethanechol, metoclopramide, or both; 13 of the 18 treated horses received more than one dose of either drug. No adverse effects of treatment with these drugs were noted. A precise therapeutic plan and clinical benefit of bethanechol, metoclopramide, or both coul not be determined from this retrospective study. The use of these gastrointestinal prokinetic drugs in horses with DPJ appeared to have prognostic value. Horses that did not respond to treatment with these gastrointestinal prokinetic drugs within 24 hours were not discharged alive.     

Abdominal Wall Reconstruction with a Vascular External Abdominal Oblique Myofascial Flap

A myofascial island flap for abdominal wall reconstruction was based on the lumbar component of the external abdominal oblique muscle and supplied by a major neurovascular pedicle consisting of branches of the cranial abdominal artery, cranial hypogastric nerve, and a satellite vein. The flap was elevated and sutured into a 10 cm x 10 cm body wall defect in five dogs. The dogs were observed for 26 to 28 days. Abdominal wall contour and function were preserved. All dogs developed seromas, two of which became infected. One dog developed a hernia at the dorsal margin of the flap, which was repaired. At necropsy, there was no evidence of dehiscence in any of the dogs. Loose adhesions of omentum to the inner surface of the flap occurred in four dogs. Results of histologic examination confirmed the clinical impression of flap viability. The myofascial island flap has a wide range of mobility over the ventral and caudal areas of the abdomen and lateral thoracic wall. It has potential clinical use for reconstruction of defects within its arc of rotation.     

A new alternative for embryo transfer and artificial insemination in mares: ultrasound-guided intrauterine injection

A transvaginal ultrasound-guided intrauterine injection (IUI) technique was developed for embryo transfer and for injection of small quantities of sperm in mares. The target area of a horn was positioned by transrectal manipulation against the wall of the vaginal fornix over the face of a transvaginal transducer. A needle with a catheter containing the embryo or semen was inserted through the needle guide of the transducer into the uterine lumen. The tips of the needle and catheter, the movement of the catheter in the uterine lumen, and the ejection of fluid was monitored on the ultrasound screen. Pregnancy rate 15 days after ovulation for the IUI embryo transfer technique (30/39, 77%) was similar to the pregnancy rate for transcervical (TC) embryo transfer (30/38, 79%). The pregnancy rate for IUI insemination of 20 × 10⁶ progressively motile sperm into the tip of the uterine horn ipsilateral to ovulation was 5/10 (50%). Results indicated that the IUI approach is a viable alternative for embryo transfer. Results also supported the potential of IUI for insemination of low numbers of sperm, but more extensive studies with various doses of sperm are needed.     

Canine aggression toward unfamiliar people and dogs

Aggression toward unfamiliar dogs and people is a common problem arising most commonly from fear and territoriality. A number of factors contribute to its development, including socialization deficits, hormones, and genetic and neurophysiologic components. These factors are discussed in this article, as are management and behavior modification approaches for controlling aggression.     

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.