A modified bilateral transfrontal sinus approach to the canine frontal lobe and olfactory bulb: surgical technique and five cases

Five adult dogs presented for an acute onset of seizure activity. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed lesions in the olfactory bulbs, frontal lobes of the cerebrum, or both. A modified bilateral transfrontal sinus craniotomy was performed on each patient. The goal of removing the lesion was to relieve clinical signs and to provide tissue for histopathological diagnosis. In each instance, excision of the lesion was possible using this approach. No postoperative complications were observed. The modified bilateral transfrontal sinus craniotomy provides excellent access to the canine olfactory bulbs and frontal lobes.     

Effects of perineural capsaicin treatment on compound action potentials of superior laryngeal nerve afferents in sevoflurane-anesthetized dogs

Effects of perineural capsaicin (CAPS) treatment on compound action potentials of the superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) afferents were studied in 6 sevoflurane-anesthetized dogs. Perineural CAPS (100 microg/ml) to the bilateral SLNs reduced (P<0.01) the peak and integral amplitudes of the C-wave of the compound action potential. By contrast, the perineural CAPS had no effect on the A-wave component (P>0.05). Removal of the perineural CAPS recovered the C-wave to pretreatment level. The perineural CAPS treatment selectively blocks C-wave compound action potentials of the SLN afferents, providing a useful tool for studies of laryngeal C-fibers in respiratory physiology.     

Mortality in sahelian goats in Nigeria

The cause of mortality in sahelian goats was investigated in three local government areas of Borno State (Kukawa, Maiduguri and Mongonu) that are known for high goat production. A total of 150 selected flocks (50 flocks from each of the local government areas) were administered questionnaires through spot visits and interviews of the flock owners. On the whole, 644 (21.8%) goats died between May 1996 and April 1997 out of the 2956 goats in the 150 flocks. Mortality (41.4%) was higher in kids (<6-month old) than in adults (14.4%). Gastrointestinal disorders (dyspepsia), and respiratory diseases were the most-common causes of mortality. Cause-specific mortality risks did not differ between kids and adults.     

Long-bone fractures in llamas: six cases (1993-1998)

OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical and radiographic findings, treatment, and outcome for llamas with long-bone fractures. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 6 llamas. PROCEDURE: Medical records of llamas admitted between 1993 and 1998 because of long-bone fractures were reviewed. Data collected included age, sex, type of fracture, method of fracture repair, and postoperative complications. The Fisher exact test was used to compare age and sex of the llamas with long-bone fractures with those of the hospital population of llamas. All owners were contacted by telephone to determine perceived postoperative problems and whether the llamas were able to perform as expected. RESULTS: Mean age was 160.8 days (range, 23 to 365 days). There was 1 male and 5 females. Fractures were more likely to occur in young llamas (< or = 1 year old) than in adults. Five of the fractures were attributed to traumatic episodes. Long bones affected included the tibia (n = 2), radius (2), femur (1), and humerus (1). Internal fixation with lag screws, plating, or both was performed on fractures of all llamas except 1; that llama was treated by use of confinement to a stall. None of the llamas had intraoperative complications, but postoperative complications were reported in 2 llamas. All fractures healed eventually, and clients were pleased with outcomes. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Long-bone fractures in llamas are uncommon. Several types of long bone fractures can be successfully repaired by use of internal fixation, resulting in few complications and minimal convalescent time.     

Cross-reactivity of anti-Taenia crassiceps cysticerci immune antibodies with Taenia solium antigens

A comparative study of antibody production was carried out using BALB/c mice immunized with 20 or 50microg vesicular fluid (VF)-Tcra (Taenia crassiceps) antigens, and gel of <30kD or eluate from <30kD peptides. Good IgM, IgA and IgG levels were detected by ELISA-Tcra and the antibodies presented reactivity with the <20kD peptides when tested by immunoblotting-Tcra. The antibodies from animals immunized with 20 and 50microg presented high anti-Tso cross-reactivity in ELISA (IgG>IgM and IgA). All groups presented IgG antibodies identifying the 12kD Tso-peptide.     

Nitric oxide metabolite production in the cranial cruciate ligament, synovial membrane, and articular cartilage of dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture

OBJECTIVE: To measure concentrations of nitric oxide metabolites (nitrite-nitrate [NOt]) in cartilage, synovial membrane, and cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in dogs and evaluate associations with osteoarthritis in dogs with CCL rupture. ANIMALS: 46 dogs with CCL rupture and 54 control dogs without joint disease. PROCEDURE: Tissue specimens for histologic examination and explant culture were harvested during surgery in the CCL group or immediately after euthanasia in the control group; NOt concentrations were measured in supernatant of explant cultures and compared among dogs with various degrees of osteoarthritis and between dogs with and without CCL rupture. RESULTS: Osteoarthritic cartilage had significantly higher NOt concentration (1,171.6 nmol/g) than did healthy cartilage (491.0 nmol/g); NOt concentration was associated with severity of macroscopic and microscopic lesions. Synovial membrane NOt concentration did not differ between dogs with and without CCL rupture. Ruptured CCL produced less NOt than did intact ligaments. In control dogs, NOt concentrations were similar for intact ligaments (568.1 nmol/g) and articular cartilage (491.0 nmol/g). Synthesis of NOt was inhibited substantially by coincubation with inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that NOt in canine joint tissues originates from the inducible nitric oxide synthase pathway. Nitric oxide metabolite production in cartilage was greater in dogs with osteoarthritis than in healthy dogs and was associated with lesion severity, suggesting that nitric oxide inhibitors may be considered as a treatment for osteoarthritis. The CCL produces substantial concentrations of NOt; the importance of this finding is unknown.     

Effects of oral administration of "rumen-bypass" vitamin D3 on vitamin D and calcium metabolism in periparturient cows

Eleven late-pregnant Jersey cows were assigned to two groups; a group (PO-RBVD group) consisting of five cows treated with an oral administration of 10 million I.U. of an encapsulated form of vitamin D3 ("rumen-bypass" VD3; RBVD3) and another group (IMVD group) consisting of the other six treated with an intramuscular injection of 10 million I.U. of vitamin D3 (VD3). The cows received the RBVD3 or VD3 administration at 7 days before the expected parturition. The changes in the plasma concentrations of vitamin D metabolites, ionized Ca (Ca++) and inorganic phosphorus (iP) were evaluated. Of the vitamin D metabolites, the plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in PO-RBVD group increased significantly after the RBVD3 administration and remained in high levels that were significantly higher than those in IMVD group. This suggested that RBVD3 was absorbed rapidly and excellently from the post-ruminal digestive tract without the degradation by ruminal microorganisms. The plasma Ca++ and iP concentrations in PO-RBVD group tended to be higher after the administration and around parturition than those in IMVD group. From these observations, it was suggested the oral RBVD3 administration had more potent ability to prevent parturient paresis compared with the VD3 injection used widely in Japan.     

Chronic progressive autonomic dysfunction in a dog

A 3.5-year-old intact male American Pit Bull was presented because of urinary incontinence and dysuria. Constipation, followed by diarrhoea, ocular disturbances and finally regurgitation developed over the next 4 years. Autonomic dysfunction was evidenced by clinical presentation, as well as positive ophthalmic pilocarpine test and subnormal Schirmer tear test. Diagnosis, however, was established through histopathological and immunohistochemical examination. Lesions attributable to inflammatory degenerative neuropathy of the autonomic ganglia, which represents one of the various types of human autonomic failure, were detected.     

Surgical and radiotherapy treatment of a spinal cord ependymoma in a dog

A 4-year-old Beagle dog was presented for investigation of a left pelvic limb gait abnormality. Neurolocalisation indicated a lumbar (L2 to L5) spinal cord lesion. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), an intramedullary mass was demonstrated at L3. The mass was partially removed under general anaesthesia and a diagnosis of ependymoma was made on histological examination. The dog was treated with postoperative orthovoltage x-ray radiation (total dose; 44 Gy given in 11 fractions over a 4 week period) combined with low dose carboplatin (25 mg/m2). The dog was alive 16 months after surgery without further neurological deficits. No further tumour growth was detected on subsequent MRI evaluations.