Improving the efficiency of the preliminary electroejaculation technique developed for semen collection from the agouti (Dasyprocta leporina).

This study tested various combinations of ketamine and xylazine with the objective to improve on the efficiency of the preliminary electroejaculation technique developed for semen collection from the agouti (Dasyprocta leporina). There were two experiments, which were each replicated. Experiment 1 had six treatments: treatment 1 (30 mg/kg ketamine and 10 mg/kg xylazine), treatment 2 (20 mg/kg ketamine and 10 mg/kg xylazine), treatment 3 (30 mg/kg ketamine and 5 mg/kg xylazine), treatment 4 (20 mg/kg xylazine), treatment 5 (30 mg/kg xylazine), and treatment 6 (40 mg/kg xylazine). Experiment 2 included five treatments: treatment 7 (40 mg/kg xylazine), treatment 8 (20 mg/kg ketamine and 40 mg/kg xylazine), treatment 9 (15 mg/kg ketamine and 40 mg/kg xylazine), treatment 10 (10 mg/kg ketamine and 40 mg/kg xylazine), and treatment 11 (5 mg/kg ketamine and 40 mg/ kg xylazine). Mean induction times were 3:27 +/- 0:31 and 4:59 +/- 0.49; mean immobilization times were 1:55 +/- 0.11 and 1:19:06 +/- 0:11.7 hr, respectively, for experiments 1 and 2. Treatment 4 produced the best ejaculation time and semen volume, 4.53 +/- 0.52 min and 0.41 +/- 0.07 ml, respectively. Spermatozoa were observed in 75% of ejaculate samples collected when treatments 6 and 7 were applied. The best treatments were 6 and 7 (P < 0.05); spermatozoa concentration (431 +/- 180 x 106/ml), motile cell % (47.17 +/- 8.78%) and forward progressive motility % (47.1 +/- 10.5%). Success rates for samples containing spermatozoa increased from 30% in previous experiments to 41.33%. It was concluded that weaker dosages of xylazine may require being administered in combination with ketamine to completely anaesthetize the male agouti for electroejaculation.

Anatomical and experimental studies of brachial plexus, sciatic, and femoral nerve-location using peripheral nerve stimulation in the dog.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the anatomy of the brachial plexus, sciatic, and femoral nerves for the use of a peripheral nerve-stimulator to perform nerve blocks in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective experimental trial. ANIMALS: Four canine cadavers and four healthy adult dogs weighing 23 +/- 2.5 kg. METHODS: Phase I: in four canine cadavers, an anatomical study was conducted to evaluate accurate needle-insertion techniques. Phase II: the utility of these techniques, and the value of electrostimulation, were evaluated in four anesthetized dogs in lateral recumbency (medetomidine, 5 microg kg(-1)/ketamine 5 mg kg(-1)) using an electrical stimulator and shielded needles. RESULTS: For the brachial plexus, the needle was inserted cranial to the acromion, medial to the subscapularis muscle, at an angle of approximately 20-30 degrees in relation to a plane vertical to the surface on which the animal was lying, oriented parallel to the long axis of the animal, in a ventro-caudal direction. For the sciatic nerve, the needle was inserted just cranial to the sacrotuberous ligament, through the gluteus superficialis muscle, at an angle of approximately 60 degrees in relation to the horizontal plane, in a ventro-cranial direction, and up to the level of the ischium. For the femoral nerve, the needle was inserted perpendicular to the skin, just cranial to the femoral artery, and directed a little caudally. Using a peripheral nerve-stimulator, all nerves were located, and muscle contractions were elicited at a current of 0.2-0.4 mA. No complications were observed during the procedures. CONCLUSION: Electrostimulation of peripheral nerves is useful in locating the branches of the brachial plexus as well as the sciatic and femoral nerves in dogs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Peripheral nerve stimulation increases the reliability of a nerve block when compared with blind needle-insertion.

Anatomical and experimental studies of brachial plexus, sciatic, and femoral nerve-location using peripheral nerve stimulation in the dog.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the anatomy of the brachial plexus, sciatic, and femoral nerves for the use of a peripheral nerve-stimulator to perform nerve blocks in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective experimental trial. ANIMALS: Four canine cadavers and four healthy adult dogs weighing 23 +/- 2.5 kg. METHODS: Phase I: in four canine cadavers, an anatomical study was conducted to evaluate accurate needle-insertion techniques. Phase II: the utility of these techniques, and the value of electrostimulation, were evaluated in four anesthetized dogs in lateral recumbency (medetomidine, 5 microg kg(-1)/ketamine 5 mg kg(-1)) using an electrical stimulator and shielded needles. RESULTS: For the brachial plexus, the needle was inserted cranial to the acromion, medial to the subscapularis muscle, at an angle of approximately 20-30 degrees in relation to a plane vertical to the surface on which the animal was lying, oriented parallel to the long axis of the animal, in a ventro-caudal direction. For the sciatic nerve, the needle was inserted just cranial to the sacrotuberous ligament, through the gluteus superficialis muscle, at an angle of approximately 60 degrees in relation to the horizontal plane, in a ventro-cranial direction, and up to the level of the ischium. For the femoral nerve, the needle was inserted perpendicular to the skin, just cranial to the femoral artery, and directed a little caudally. Using a peripheral nerve-stimulator, all nerves were located, and muscle contractions were elicited at a current of 0.2-0.4 mA. No complications were observed during the procedures. CONCLUSION: Electrostimulation of peripheral nerves is useful in locating the branches of the brachial plexus as well as the sciatic and femoral nerves in dogs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Peripheral nerve stimulation increases the reliability of a nerve block when compared with blind needle-insertion.

A case of cephalothoracopagus in sheep in Trinidad and Tobago.

A case of cephalothoracopagus in sheep complicated with several defects of skeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urogenital systems is reported.

A case of cephalothoracopagus in sheep in Trinidad and Tobago

A case of cephalothoracopagus in sheep complicated with several defects of skeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urogenital systems is reported.

Rhinocerebral zygomycosis in a sheep

A 2-year old, Barbados black belly sheep was admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, The University of the West Indies, Trinidad, with a history of sudden onset of anorexia, extreme dyspnea, and unilateral mucohemorrhagic nasal discharge.