A Comparison of the Cutaneous Trunci Myocutaneous Flap and Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap in the Dog

Latissimus dorsi and cutaneous trunci myocutaneous flaps of equal dimension and location were randomly elevated on opposite sides of the thorax in 10 dogs (group 1) and resutured to their respective bed. The procedure was repeated in four additional dogs (group 2); however, the short perforating branches of the thoracodorsal artery and vein were divided at the base of each cutaneous trunci myocutaneous flap, whereas the cutaneous pedicle and underlying cutaneous trunci muscle were divided in the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps to determine subsequent skin survivability and the major source of circulation of each myocutaneous flap. There was little difference in the percentage of skin survival between the latissimus dorsi and cutaneous trunci myocutaneous flaps in group 1 dogs. Circulation to the "skin island" of group 2 latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps originated from intramuscular anastomotic connections between the major branch of the thoracodorsal artery entering the latissimus dorsi muscle and the proximal lateral intercostal arteries perforating the muscle. Ligation of the short perforating branches of the thoracodorsal artery resulted in partial skin necrosis in all group 2 cutaneous trunci myocutaneous flaps. Results from this study indicate that it is unnecessary to elevate the latissimus dorsi muscle for major skin flap elevation and survival. The thicker latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap is more difficult to develop surgically and appears to have no clinical major advantage over the more mobile cutaneous trunci myocutaneous flap or the adjacent thoracodorsal axial pattern flap for closure of large skin defects within the radius of flap rotation.     

Foliar Phosphorus Applications in the Forms of Phosphate and Phosphite Have Contrasting Effects on Wheat Performance Under Field Conditions

Journal of Crop Science and Biotechnology - Since phosphite (Phi) cannot replace phosphate (Pi) as source of phosphorus (P) for plants, and grain crops might experience P deficiency after anthesis,...     

Impairment of muscle stretch reflexes in tick paralysis

Experiments with tick-paralyzed dogs and woodchucks have shown impairment of stretch reflexes in addition to partial paralysis at the neuromuscular junction. Stretch reflexes disappear very early during paralysis, whereas nociceptive reflexes do not appear to be directly affected. The early incoordination and the ascending nature of the paralysis may be related to impairment of stretch reflex pathways.     

IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—SPINAL CORD HEMANGIOMA IN TWO DOGS

Intramedullary masses are a dilemma due to the limited access for a nonsurgical biopsy, thus, accurate imaging characterization is crucial. Magnetic resonance imaging findings of two confirmed canine thoracic intramedullary hemangiomas are described. A capillary hemangioma was of mixed intensity but predominantly T2‐hyperintense and mildly T1‐hyperintense to spinal cord with strong contrast enhancement. A cavernous hemangioma had a target‐like appearance in both T1‐weighted (T1w) and T2‐weighted (T2w) images. In T2w images there was a small isointense center surrounded by a relatively large hyperintense area. In T1w images, there was a large isointense centre with a relatively small hyperintense periphery. Such characteristics should prioritize hemangioma as a consideration in a progressive myelopathy due to an intramedullary mass.     

Gonioscopy in dogs and cats with glaucoma and ocular tumours

Iridocorneal angle abnormalities were detected by gonioscopy in five dogs and one cat with glaucoma and intraocular neoplasms. Gonioscopic photographs and the histological abnormalities were compared in the neoplasia cases (the cat and two dogs). Congenital mesodermal, iridocorneal angle anomalies may occur more frequently in canine glaucoma than previously suspected.
Résumé. La gonioscopie a permis de déceler des anomalies de l'angle irido-corntén chez cinq chiens et un chat atteints de glaucome et de néoplasies intraoculaires. Les photographies gonioscopiques et les anomalies histologiques ont été comparées chez les animaux porteurs de néoplasmes (le chat et deux chiens). Des anomalies mésodermiques congénitales de l'angle irido-cornéen peuvent s'observer dans le glaucome du chien dans une proportion de cas plus grande qu'on ne l'admettait jusqu'ici.
Zusammenfassung. Mittels Gonioskopie wurden bei fünf Hunden und einer Katze mit Glaukom und intraokularen Neoplasmen iridocorneale Winkelanomalien festgestellt. Die gonioskopischen Photographien und die histologischen Anomalien wurden in den Neoplasmen-Fällen (die Katze und zwei Hunde) verglichen. Kongenitale mesodermale Anomalien des iridocornealen Winkels können beim Glaukom des Hundes haufiger auftreten als bisher angenommen wurde.     

The Use of Simulation in the Management of Privately Owned Forests in Britain

The use of simulation as a tool in planning, predicting output,and as part of a system of forest management is discussed andillustrated by an example based on thirty-seven privately ownedforest estates in the Dee valley in north-east Scotland. The simulation model is described and the results of a low anda high level of felling and afforestation are compared. Thepredicted outputs from the simulation runs are compared withthe records of actual output from 1970 to 1972. The estimated increment and output were: Annual increment of crops 20 years and older 52,000 m³ Annual output at the ‘high’ level .4,000 m³ Annual output at the ‘low’ level 27,000 m³ Average actual annual output 1970–2 18,000 m³ The conclusions drawn from the results of the management studyin the forests of the Dee valley are:

1. In the past, owners haveaccepted low rates of return from theirforest enterprise, theirprimary object being to re-create andmaintain a forest resourcesimilar to that which existed inthe past.
2. Objective reappraisalsof the forest enterprise are exceptionaland management is constrainedoften by arbitrary, rigid, andsevere decisions that imposeunforeseen consequences on activitiesin both the forest andother parts of the estate.
3. The current situation of the forestis very different from thatof the past and is continually changing.For example, the demandsof modern marketing and harvestingpractices are quite differentfrom those imposed even ten yearsago, and the proposed Wealthand Capital Transfer Taxes mayalter the relative importanceto the owners of forest incomeand capital.

Many forest owners in Britain now require a more objective approachto forest management with continuous reappraisal to ensure thattheir plans continue to serve their needs. As the financialresults of the forest enterprise are especially sensitive tothe felling and afforestation programmes, studies to answerthe following questions may be needed urgently:

1. Can a higheroutput than that harvested at present be sustainedin the future?
2. Should the rate of replacement of mature woods be altered?
3. Does the current rate of afforestation best serve the objectsof management in the light of altered tax commitments and cashliquidity requirements?

Computer simulation can be a useful aid in planning providedthat reliable information on costs, prices, and growth ratesis available. Forest managers must be encouraged to collectthe necessary data.     

A possible predisposition to dilated cardiomyopathy in Huntaway dogs

AIM: To compare the prevalence of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in New Zealand Huntaway dogs with the prevalence of DCM in other breeds of dog.

METHODS: The necropsy database at Massey University was used to identify cases of DCM diagnosed between January 1999 and March 2006. Dogs were considered to have DCM if echocardiographic, gross necropsy, or histological findings were consistent with this diagnosis. The prevalence in Huntaways was then compared with the prevalence observed in all breeds of dog, as well as the prevalence observed in large breeds of dog.

RESULTS: Twelve dogs were identified with DCM. One was diagnosed using echocardiography, while the other 11 were diagnosed by gross necropsy examination. The gross diagnosis of DCM was confirmed histologically in 6/11 dogs. The prevalence of DCM in Huntaways was significantly higher than the prevalence seen in all breeds of dog (p=0.008), and the prevalence in large breeds of dog (p=0.025). All four Huntaways diagnosed with DCM were male, and had an average age of 4 years. Three dogs presented with symptoms attributable to impaired heart function while one presented with symptoms of chronic renal failure. The duration of clinical symptoms prior to presentation ranged between 1 day and 3 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that Huntaways may be predisposed to the development of DCM. Although the increased prevalence in this breed was significant, only small numbers of affected Huntaways were identified, and additional cases are required to confirm these preliminary findings.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Huntaways are the most common working dog in New Zealand. The premature loss of a working dog is expected to have a significant economic impact on farmers. Further investigation of DCM in Huntaways may allow measures to reduce the prevalence in this breed.