Pyloric and oesophageal dysfunction in the cat

The paper describes the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of pyloric stenosis in thirteen cats, associated in some animals, with megalo-oesophagus.     

The Effect of Landfill Leachate Spraying on Foliar Nutrient Concentrations and Leaf Transpiration in a Northern Hardwood Forest, Canada

The effect of municipal solid waste (MSW) leachate spray irrigationon a mature northern hardwood forest was investigated. Canopyfoliar samples and stem increment cores were collected fromtwo indicative species, sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.)and American beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.), within each ofa heavily sprayed, lightly sprayed and control area. Foliarconcentrations of N and P were significantly higher in bothmaple and beech foliage within the sprayed areas when comparedto an unsprayed area (control). Levels of Mg and K were markedlyhigher in maple but not beech foliar samples within the heavilysprayed areas when compared to foliage sampled within the unsprayedcontrol. While no significant trends were observed within themaple foliage, both Fe and B levels increased significantlyin beech foliar samples obtained from within the heavily sprayedarea in comparison to foliage samples from the control. Directporometric measurements of the transpiration rate and diffusive(stomatal) resistance of canopy and understory plant leavesrevealed a significant increase in diffusive resistance anda decline in transpiration rate with leachate spraying. Afterfour years of spraying a significant effect of leachate applicationon radial stem growth of both maple and beech trees has notbeen observed.     

Atlanto-axial subluxation in the dog: a review of thirty cases and an evaluation of treatment by lag screw fixation

The clinical and radiological features of atlanto-axial subluxation in the dog are described with reference to a series of 30 cases. Two methods of treatment were evaluated. In 13 dogs, a dorsal approach was used and the atlas and axis stabilised with a wire suture. Four cases had respiratory arrests during surgery; one of these and seven others made full recoveries after wiring. In 10 dogs treated by lag screw fixation of the ventral articular facets there were no complications during surgery and nine of these recovered within two months. Atlanto-axial subluxation was diagnosed in 30 dogs referred to the Department of Veterinary Surgery, University of Bristol between 1977 and 1986. The condition was encountered in six small breeds of dog and was seen most frequently in the Yorkshire     

Efficacy and Kinetics of Carprofen, Administered Preoperatively or Postoperatively, for the Prevention of Pain in Dogs Undergoing Ovariohysterectomy

Objective —To determine what effect the timing of carprofen administration has on the severity of postoperative pain in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy and to investigate the pharmacokinetics of carprofen under these conditions. Study Design —A prospective, randomized, double-blind, clinical trial. Animals —Sixty-two adult bitches weighing between 10 and 25 kgs, undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy. Methods —Examinations were performed for 20 hours postoperatively using subjective visual assessment scoring systems (DIVAS) and objective mechanical nociceptive threshold measurements. Forty dogs were assigned to one of three groups: (1) preoperative carprofen; (2) postoperative carprofen; and (3) no analgesics (saline injections). The dose of carprofen was 4.0 mg/kg subcutaneously. In another 22 bitches, the pharmacokinetics of carprofen given preoperatively or postoperatively at the same dose were examined. Results —The dogs given carprofen preoperatively had lower pain scores than the other groups, significantly so at 2 hours postextubation (P < .01 and P < .05, Kruskal-Wallis and post hoc Dunn's). Mechanical pain thresholds measured at the distal tibia showed the development of hyperalgesia at 12 and 20 hours postextubation; this was prevented by both the preoperative (P < .05 at 12 and 20 hours, Kruskal-Wallis) and postoperative (P <.05 at 20 hours, Kruskal-Wallis) administration of carprofen. Mechanical pain threshold testing at the wound showed a significant analgesic effect of carprofen. Plasma concentrations of carprofen were not directly related to analgesia; maximum plasma concentration, the area under the curve to the last data point, and area under the first moment curve up to the last data point were all significantly higher in the dogs given carprofen postoperatively (P < .05, Mann-Whitney). Conclusion—Preoperative administration of carprofen has a greater analgesic effect than postoperative administration in the early postoperative period in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Plasma levels of carprofen are not related to the degree of analgesia achieved. Clinical Relevance—Carprofen provides effective analgesia after canine ovariohysterectomy. The timing of analgesic administration is important to optimize the control of postoperative pain.