Echocardiographic assessment of myocardial infarction: comparison of a rat model in two strains

The purpose of this study was to induce myocardial infarction [MI] and compare the echocardiographic parameters and mortality ratio of Lewis inbred and Wistar outbred strain before and after the procedure to help choose the best one for MI studies. In this study MI was induced in 46 Lewis and 34 Wistar by occlusion of left anterior descending artery [LAD]. Doppler, two-dimensional [2-D] and 2-D guided M-mode images were recorded from parasternal long-axis and parasternal short-axis and apical four-chamber views. The following parameters were acquired. Interventricular septum diastolic and systolic dimension [IVSd, s], diastolic and systolic left ventricular internal diameter [LVIDd, s], diastolic and systolic left ventricular posterior wall dimension [LVPWd, s], ejection fraction [EF], and fractional shortening [FS]. The significant changes were observed in systolic IVS, LVID and EF and FS before and after MI and no significant difference was detected between Lewis and Wistar. The high mortality rate of 51% was seen in the procedure, including anesthesia in Lewis compared to 34% in Wistar. As a conclusion the echocardiographic parameters of these two strains were similar, but according to mortality rate and more cardiac anatomic variation in Lewis rats, Wistar is better for MI studies

Investigation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities in canine sera with dilated cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy [DCM] is accompanied by myocytes and connective tissue changes. Matrix metalloproteinases [MMPs] play important roles in cardiac remodeling. It seems that the gelatinases [MMP-2 and MMP-9] are effective enzymes in cardiomyopathy. Dilated cardiomyopathy was confirmed in 22 dogs [patient group] including 11 female and 11 male by clinical examination, auscultation, thoracic radiography and echocardiography. 17 healthy dogs [control group] with similar weight and breed to patients were also selected from referred cases to Small Animal Hospital of the Veterinary Faculty of Tehran University and the same diagnostic procedures were performed on them. After that, serum MMP-2 and MMP-9 of control and patient groups were measured by semi-quantitative zymography. Semiquantitative analysis of zymograms from canine serums with DCM showed that total MMP-9 in patients is more than control group, while there was no significant difference in total MMP-2 between the two groups. Pro-MMP-2 was not detected in patient group but its active form was present in both groups, of course MMP-2 activity in patients was significantly more than control. Active form of MMP-9 was detected only in patients. Although pro-MMP-9 was present in both groups, its level in control group was significantly higher than patients. The heart enlargement was observed in the left, right or both parts. Statistically significant differences in active form of MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels were observed between different groups of heart enlargement [right, left and both parts] compared to control but this difference was not significant considering chambers affected and VHS [vertebral heart score] groups. In conclusion, although there are some changes in serum MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels in canine DCM, it seems that increase of MMP-9 is more prominent than MMP-2 and neither of them were affected by heart enlargement or VHS grade

Ultrasonography of the supramammary lymph nodes for diagnosis of bovine chronic subclinical mastitis

Currently, somatic cell count [SCC] and bacterial culture are considered as the gold standard of detecting subclinical Mastitis. Mastitis leads to proliferation of lymphocytes in the supramammary lymph nodes and subsequent enlargement of ipsilateral lymph node. Ultrasonography can be used to survey these changes. A portable ultrasound machine with a 2-5 MHz convex transducer was used to identify the supramammary lymph node size in 35 cows in a herd with chronic Staphylococcus aureus mastitis. After premilking udder preparation, a California mastitis test [CMT] was performed and individual milk samples were taken from each quarter for bacterial culture and somatic cell count [SCC] in accordance with NMC recommendations. The mean length [range 5.77-12.90 cm] and width [range 2.07-7.41 cm] of the lymph node were 9.2 and 4.03 cm, respectively. There was a positive correlation between lymph node size [length and depth] and culture of milk samples on ipsilateral quarters. Also, there was a significant difference correlation between CMT or mean log SCC of each side and size of supramammary lymph node in the same side. This study showed significant changes in supramammary lymph node dimensions in mastitis cases, so ultrasonography of this lymph node is probably a useful method for mastitis detection, especially in situations that test on milk is impossible

[Ultrasonographic study of pelvic bones structures in horse]

Pelvic bones injuries may cause lameness in horses. Radiography of pelvic region in horse is usually unsatisfactory due to difficulties and dangers. Meanwhile, advanced radiographic machines are not easily available which result in delay in diagnosis and treatment. In the current study, ultrasonography of the pelvic bones in 5 healthy horses, the approaches, and normal views were evaluated using A 2-5 MHZ convex probe for transcutaneous and 5-10 MHZ rectal probe for transrectal techniques. Ultrasonographic approaches for evaluating different parts of the pelvic region were defined and the bony structures were nominated. Pelvic sonography was indicative by the smooth and strong echo of the bone surface in most parts. Iliac body showed rough surface, Ischial tuber and arch just beneath the tail. The most difficult region for evaluation was coxofemoral joint. The dorsal surface of the joint was assessed by transcutaneous approach. Our findings showed that sonography can provide useful information about possible injuries of the pelvic region. This technique can be recommended for horse pelvic evaluation either before pelvic radiography or in the absence of advanced radiographic equipments

Three-dimensional color Doppler ultrasonography of the kidney vasculature in normal dogs

Three-dimensional color Doppler ultrasonography is a new technique to evaluate the pattern of blood vessels. This study was performed to assess the feasibility of this method in evaluation of kidney vasculature pattern in dogs. In this paper, visualization of the Renal, Interlobar, Arcuate, and interlobular arteries and veins using 3D color Doppler ultrasonography in dogs is shown and the technique is described. To our knowledge, this is the first clinical protocol in which 3D color Doppler ultrasonography was used for kidney in veterinary practice and seems to have the potential to provide greater detail of the vascularity associated with abnormal lesion

[Radiographic evaluation of dental malocclusion and elongation of the teeth in rabbits: a retrospective study]

Aquired dental disease is characterized by deterioration of tooth quality, acquired malocclusion and elongation of the teeth roots. By now, there is no study to show incidence rate of dental diseases in Iranian pet rabbits. The aim of this study is to investigate types of disorders [dental malocclusion and elongation of the teeth roots] and rate of dental diseases based on information received from radiographs prepared from referred rabbits to Small animals Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Iran. During three years [2004-2007] 64 out of 239 radiographs were related to dental disorders in rabbits. Among 64 studied radiographs, 23.44% were affected by stage I of the disease and the same rate was affected by the stage II. Almost 37.5% of the affected rabbits showed signs of stage III of the disease which were accompanying with malocclusion and loss of zigzag occlusal pattern of upper and lower cheek teeth. 15.62% were affected by stage IV of the disease, no affected cases with stage V was shown. These results showed high occurrence rate of tooth root elongation and malocclusion [about 64.06%] in referred pet rabbits to the University of Tehran Veterinary hospital

[Abattoir study on morphopathology of claw capsule in culling lame cows]

The majority of bovine lameness involves structures of the digit. A prompt identification of problematic cases is needed to be done for prevention of premature culling decision. This cross-sectional and descriptive study was carried out at an abattoir in the vicinity of Tehran. 41 cases of culled lame cows, with special reference to the claw lesions and their distribution were randomly selected. All amputated limb were referred to Pathology Department for more routine pathological studies by Maceration and Bleaching. In this study, postmortem examination revealed typical changes of chronic laminitis were among the most common pathological features, suggesting that laminitis may have affected virtually all the herd at some previous time. Clinical signs are as follows: the claws were much taller and more boxy than normal and the abascial wall was convex in all directions. A bark-like substance occurred on the wall in some cases. Horn quality was poor in affected claws. Asymmetrical swelling of the heel and also appreciable widening of the periople part on the affected digit were the most common clinical features. Based on the results the following conclusions were reached: 1] chronic laminitis has an important role on the trend of culling in lamecows 2] the characteristic changes in the claw in culling lame cows may provide useful on-farm diagnostic technique for culling decision or attempt for appropriate therapy, particularly in deep sepsis cases

Computed tomographic anatomy of the abdominal region of cat

The purpose of this study was to identify the anatomic structures of the abdominal region of cat through computed tomography [CT] to be used by veterinary radiologists, clinicians and surgeons. The abdominal region of four cats were scanned twice, with and without using contrast medium in a same position, using high-resolution imaging protocol. Slice intervals were 11 mm and were adjusted so that each vertebra was sectioned at least once. CT cuts taken with and without contrast were compared for accurate identification of specific anatomic structures. Two animals were fixed by routine anatomical method and dissected for use as reference models. Finally, important structures and landmarks were identified and labeled on the CT images

Case report: Lipoma in a budgerigar [Melopisittacus undulates]

To determine the identity and the cause ofmasses infiltrated in the most part of the body of abudgerigar. Case report. A pair of budgerigars [Melopisittacus undulates], living together and using the same diet for 4years, were presented to the Birds Clinic of PoultryDiseases Section, Department of Clinical Sciences, Facultyof Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran. Clinical examination, radiography, necropsy,gross and histopathological observations. The male bird had no obvious health problem butthe female one demonstrated dyspnea, abnormal growth ofthe beak and the presence of hard and elevated masses inthe thoracic and abdominal area. Radiography revealed thepresence of masses infiltrated in the most part of the bodyand in particular at the opening of the thoracic andabdominal cavities. Due to critical condition of the femalebird and at its owner consent, the bird was euthanatized andnecropsied. Yellow-colored masses with a relatively hardstructure at the opening of the thoracic and abdominalcavities and soft fat tissues in the other parts of the body [including underarm and inguinal area] were observed innecropsy. Histological examination of the masses wasdiagnosed as lipoma