Traumatic Flexor Tendon Injuries in 27 Cattle

Information for all cattle with a diagnosis of tendon injury entered into the Veterinary Medical Data Base (VMDB) was retrieved and selected medical records reviewed. The proportional morbidity rate for tendon disruption was 0.89 cattle/1,000 cattle admissions and 95 of 99 cattle survived. Female and dairy cattle had a greater risk of tendon disruption than male or beef cattle, respectively. Also, cattle 6 months to 7 years old had a greater risk than cattle younger than 6 months old. Complete medical records were examined for 27 cattle. Affected cattle were 2.5 ± 1.8 years old and weighed 593.6 ± 315.6 kg. Injuries were most commonly caused by accidents involving farm machinery (72%). Unilateral superficial digital flexor tendon injury occurred in 8 cattle (30%); multiple tendon injury occurred in the other 19 cattle (70%). A single limb was involved in 25 cattle, a rear limb was involved in 24 cattle, and an open wound was associated with the injury in 26 cattle. Wounds were identified most commonly at the mid (13 cattle) and proximal metatarsus (4 cattle). Treatment of tendon disruption included tenorrhaphy and casting (9 cattle), external coaptation, alone, (14 cattle), stall confinement, alone, (1 cow), and euthanasia or salvage (3 cattle). External coaptation was maintained for 74.4 ± 34.3 days, and total confinement period was 88.3 ± 59.5 days. Short-term complications included severe tendon laxity (one cow) and fatal septic peritonitis (one bull). Twenty-two of 24 cattle treated for tendon disruption survived. Follow-up information was available for 16 cattle; 14 cattle (87%) returned to productivity and 11 of 15 cattle with long-term follow-up (73%) were considered productive. Long-term complications included persistent lameness (56%) and persistent hyperextension of the digits (19%).     

Double-blinded Crossover Study with Marine Oil Supplementation Containing High-dose icosapentaenoic Acid for the Treatment of Canine Pruritic Skin Disease*

Abstract— The objective of this double-blinded crossover study was to examine the effects of marine oil supplementation with high-dose eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on canine pruritic skin disease. Sixteen dogs that completed this study had clinical signs related to idiopathic pruritus, confirmed atopy and/or flea allergy. Each dog was randomly placed on one omega-3 fatty acid capsule (MVP: Meridian Veterinary Products, St. Augustine, FL, U.S.A.) which contained 1 ml of marine oil (180mg EPA and 120mg DHA) or one capsule containing 1 ml of corn oil (570 mg linoleic acid and 50 mg gamma linolenic acid) per 4.55 kg of body weight q 24 h for 6 weeks. After a 3-week washout period in which no supplement was given, each subject was crossed over to the other supplement for an additional 6 weeks. Dogs receiving marine oil showed a significant improvement in pruritus (P < 0.001), self-trauma (P <0.05) and coat character (P<0.01) over time. When compared to the corn oil control over time, marine oil supplementation significantly improved pruritus (P < 0.02), alopecia (P < 0.05) and coat character (P < 0.001). This study demonstrates the effectiveness of high doses of marine oil as an alternative anti-inflammatory for canine pruritic skin disease. Zusammenfassung— Ziel dieser Doppelblindkreuzstudie war die Untersuchung von Wirkungen der Substitution mit marinem Öl mit hohem Gehalt an Eicosapentensäure (EPA) auf juckende Hautkrankheiten beim hund. Sechzehn Hunde, die die Studie vollständig durchliefen, litten unter klinischen Symptomen, die mit idiopathischem Pruritus, nachgewiesener Atopie und/oder Flohallergie verbunden waren. Jeder Hund erhielt nach dem Zufallsprinzip eine omega-3-Fettsäurekapsel (MVP: Meridian Veterinary Product; St. Augustine, FL, U.S.A.), die 1 ml von marinem Öl enthielt (180 mg EPA und 120 mg DHA) oder eine Kapsel, die 1 ml Pflanzenöl enthielt (570 mg Linolensäure und 50 mg gamma-Linolensäure) bei einer Dosierung von 1 Kapsel pro 4,55 kg Körpergewicht alle 24 Stunden über 6 Wochen. Nach einer dreiwöchigen Ausschwemmphase, in der keine Substitution verabreicht wurde, wurde jedes Tier für weitere 6 Wochen auf die andere Supplementation gesetzt. Hunde, die marines Öl erhielten, zeigten eine signifikante Besserung des Juckreizes (P < 0,001), der Selbsttraumatisierung (P <0,05) und der Fellbeschaffenheit (P < 0,01) während des Unter-suchungszeitraumes. Im Verglich zur Pflanzenölkontrolle über den Zeitraum besserte die Substitution mit marinem Öl signifikant den Juckreiz (P < 0,02), die Alopezie (P < 0,05) und die Fellbeschaffenheit (P < 0,001). Diese Studie zeigt die Wirksamkeit von hohen Dosen von marinem Öl als alternativen Entzündungshemmer bei juckenden Hauterkrankungen des Hundes. [Double-blinded crossover study with marine oil supplementation containing high-dose eicosapentaenoic acid for the treatment of canine pruritic skin disease (Doppelblindkreuzstudie über die Substitution mit marinem Öl mit hohem Gehalt an Eicosapentensäure für die Behandlung von juckenden Hauterkrankungen bei Hunden.) Resumen— El objetivo de este estudio reciproco tipo doble-ciego era examinar los efectos del suplemento de aceite marino con dosis alta de ácido eucosapentanoico (EPA) en al enfermedad canina pruritica de la piel. Dieciséis perros fue completaron este estudio presentaban signos clinicos asociados con prurito idiopático, atopia confirmada y/o alergia a pulgas. Cada perro fue puesto al azar en una cápsula de ácido graso omega-3 (MVP: Meridian Veterinary Product; St. Augustine, FL, U.S.A.) fue contenia 1 ml de aceite marino (180mg EPA y 120 mg DMA) o una cápsula que contenia 1 ml de aceite de maiz (570 mg ácido linoleico y 50 mg ácido gamma linolénico) por 4,55 kg de peso corporal, 24 horas durante 6 semanas. Después de un periodo de 3 semanas durante el cual no se dió ningún suplemento, cada sujeto fue cambiado al otro suplemento por un periodo adicional de 6 semanas. Los perros que recibieron aceite marino mostraron una mejora significante en el prurito (P < 0,001), auto-trauma (P < 0,005) y carácter de la capa (P < 0,01) a lo largo del tiempo. Cuando se comparó al control del aceite de maiz a lo largo del tiempo, el suplemento de aceite marino mejoró significantemente el prurito (P < 0,02), alopecia (P < 0,005) y carácter de la capa (P < 0,001). Este estudio demuestra la efectividad de dosis altas de aceite marino como una alternativa antiinflamatoria para la enfermedad canina pruritca de la piel. [Double-blinded crossover study with marine oil supplementation containing high-dose eicosapentaenoic acid for the treatment of canine pruritic skin disease. (Estudio reciproco tipo doble-ciego con suplemento de aceite marino que contiene una dosis alta de ácido eucosapentanoico para el tratamiento de la enfermedad canina pruritica de la piel.)     

MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING FEATURES OF THE TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT IN NORMAL DOGS

Evaluation of the canine temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is important in the clinical diagnosis of animals presenting with dysphagia, malocclusion and jaw pain. In humans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the modality of choice for evaluation of the TMJ. The objectives of this study were to establish a technical protocol for performing MRI of the canine TMJ and describe the MRI anatomy and appearance of the normal canine TMJ. Ten dogs (one fresh cadaver and nine healthy live dogs) were imaged. MRIs were compared with cadaveric tissue sections. T1‐weighted (T1‐W) transverse closed‐mouth, T1‐W sagittal closed‐mouth, T1‐W sagittal open‐mouth, and T2‐W sagittal open‐mouth sequences were obtained. The condylar process of the mandible and the mandibular fossa of the temporal bone were hyperintense to muscle and isointense to hypointense to fat on T1‐W images, mildly hyperintense to muscle on T2‐W images, and were frequently heterogeneous. The articular disc was visible in 14/20 (70%) TMJs on T1‐W images and 13/20 (65%) TMJs on T2‐W images. The articular disc was isointense to hyperintense to muscle on T1‐W images and varied from hypointense to hyperintense to muscle on T2‐W images. The lateral collateral ligament was not identified in any joint. MRI allows evaluation of the osseous and certain soft tissue structures of the TMJ in dogs.     

Comparison of Serum Zinc Levels in Healthy, Systemically Ill and Dermatologically Diseased Dogs

Abstract— Decreased levels of total body zinc can lead to profound effects on both the immune and integumentary systems. Unfortunately, accurate measurements of total body zinc are difficult because the mineral is ubiquitous in the environment and many endogenous and exogenous factors can falsely elevate or depress measurements. In man, various dermatologic and non-dermatologic diseases have been associated with low serum zinc levels. The objective of this study was to analyse by atomic absorption and compare the serum zinc levels of healthy dogs, dogs with non-dermatologic diseases, dogs with allergic skin diseases and dogs with other dermatologic diseases. Using the Student-Newman-Keuls test, no significant differences in the mean serum zinc levels were demonstrated among any of the four groups (P > 0.05). Résumé— Une diminution des taux zinc total dans le corps peut avoir de profondes répercussions sur la réponse immunitaire et les systèmes tégumentaires. Malheureusement, La mesure du taux global de zinc corporel ets difficile car ce miniral est ubiquitaire dans l'environnement et de nombreux facteurs endogènes ou exogènes peuvent élever ou diminuer de façon erronnée les dosages. Chez l'homme, quelques maladies, dermatologiques ou non, ont été associées à des zincémies faibles, objectif de cette étude était d'analyser par absorptio atomique et comparer les zincémies plasmatiques de chiens sains, atteints de maladies générales et de maladies cutanées. En utilisant le test de Student-Newman-Keuls, aucune difference significative n'a été retrouvée entre les 4 groupes (P > 0.05). Resumen Niveles bajos de zinc pueden conducir a profundos efectos en tanto el sistema inmunitario, como en el integumentario. Desafortunadamente la medida de la cantidad total de zinc en el organismo es compleja debido a la ubicuidad del mineral en el medio ambiente, y a la gran cantidad de factores endógenos y exógenos que pueden producir medidas falsas del mismo. En medicina humana se han asociado varias enfermedades dermatólogicas y sistémicas con bajos niveles de zinc. El objetivo de éste estudio es el análisis por medio del método de absorción atómica y la comparación de los niveles de zinc en el suero de perros sanos, perros con enfermedades de tipo general, perros con enfermedades de piel de tipo alérgico, y perros que presentaban enfermedades cutáneas de tipo no alérgico. Utilizando el test de Student-Newman-Keuls no se encontraron diferencias significativas en la cantidad media de zinc en suero delos cuatro grupos (P > 0.05).     

Cardiovascular effects of rapid infusion of crystalloid in the hypovolaemic cat

The effects of rapidly infused lactated Ringer's solution were studied in ten cats made hypovolaemic by acute bleeding and subsequently given, intravenously, crystalloid in an amount approximately equal to 1 blood volume (five cats) or 2 blood volumes (five cats). Fluid administration was begun approximately 30 min after the cats were bled and completed in 1 hour. A control group of three cats was instrumented but not bled or treated. Cardiovascular haemodynamics were measured before bleeding, 30 min after bleeding, at the half-way point of fluid administration, and immediately after total fluid administration. While the catheterization and vessel ligation had minimal effects, both blood removal and fluid administration had marked effects on haemodynamics. Cats which received fluids equal to 2 blood volumes were severely affected by hypervolaemia. Central venous pressures in these cats were significantly higher during and after fluid administration. Seventy per cent of the experimental cats survived long term; however, several surviving cats had complicated or prolonged recoveries in which clinical signs consistent with acute pulmonary oedema were seen during the treatment and recovery period.     

Femoral Fracture Repair Using a Locking Plate Technique in an Adult Captive Polar Bear (Ursus Maritimus)

Objective— To report successful femoral fracture repair in a polar bear. Study Design— Case report. Animals— Female polar bear (Ursus maritimus) 5 years and ～250 kg. Methods— A closed, complete, comminuted fracture of the distal midshaft femur was successfully reduced and stabilized using a compression plating technique with 2 specialized human femur plates offering axial, rotational, and bending support, and allowing the bone to share loads with the implant. Postoperative radiographs were obtained at 11.5 weeks, 11 months, and 24 months. Results— Bone healing characterized by marked periosteal reaction was evident at 11 months with extensive remodeling evident at 24 months. No complications were noted. Conclusions— Distal mid shaft femoral fracture was reduced, stabilized, and healed in an adult polar bear with a locking plate technique using 2 plates. Clinical Relevance— Previously, femoral fractures in polar bears were considered irreparable. Use of 2 plates applied with a locking plate technique can result in successful fracture repair despite large body weight and inability to restrict postoperative activity.     

Canine epidermolysis bullosa acquisita: circulating autoantibodies target the aminoterminal non-collagenous (NC1) domain of collagen VII in anchoring fibrils

The classification of autoimmune blistering skin diseases is based on the skin antigen(s) targeted by pathogenic autoantibodies. In humans and dogs, there is increasing evidence that autoimmune subepidermal bullous diseases represent different nosological entities. This study establishes the existence of the canine equivalent of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) in humans. Canine EBA, like the inflammatory variant of its human counterpart, is characterized by spontaneous vesicles arising from an inflammatory eruption. Dermo-epidermal separation occurs in association with neutrophilic infiltration in the superficial dermis. Tissue-fixed and circulating IgA and IgG autoantibodies specific for the lower basement membrane zone can be detected by immunofluorescence methods. Using immunoelectron microscopy, autoantibodies are shown to target the distal end of anchoring fibrils in the sublamina densa. ELISA and immunoblotting utilizing eukaryotically expressed recombinant collagen VII subdomains confirm that the circulating autoantibodies are specific for the aminoterminal globular non-collagenous NC1 domain of type VII collagen.     

Double-blinded Study Examining the Effects of Evening Primrose Oil on Feline Pruritic Dermatitis

Abstract— The object of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) liquid (Efamol Vet; Guildford, U.K.) to decrease the signs of feline pruritic skin disease. Cats were accepted into the study if their dermatologic signs were related to probable flea allergy and/or atopy, their signs did not abate with increased flea control alone and they were not on any concurrent anti-inflammatory drugs or supplements. They were initially placed on 4 weeks of intense flea control then randomly in a double-blinded manner placed on either 8 weeks of EPO liquid or olive oil (control). Pruritus, erythema, self-trauma, alopecia and overall dermatologic condition were monitored and scored at 4-week intervals for the entire 12 weeks of study. The mean of each parameter for each group (EPO or olive oil) was compared to itself over time and to the other group using an analysis of variance with repeated measures. No significant difference ( P ≪ 0.05) was noted over time or between groups for any of the five parameters.