Mycobacterium bovis BCG Danish Strain 1331 isolated from a periarticular lesion in a domestic cat.

A 7-year-old male neutered domestic shorthair outdoor cat was referred for chronic left forelimb lameness, which had been treated with intra-articular injections of triamcinolone acetonide. A soft tissue swelling around the elbow joint, extending from the distal humerus to the proximal ulna, was surgically explored and biopsy samples obtained. Mycobacterium bovis was cultured from samples from the soft tissue and bone. The mycobacteria from the media were killed and the DNA extracted and tested on a multiplex real-time PCR for the absence of specific genes and the presence of mycobacterial genus markers. The PCR revealed bacillus Calmette-Guérin Danish Strain 1331; this was also isolated from the prescapular lymph node, muscle and bone, obtained at post mortem examination. Badgers had been vaccinated with the bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine SSI (Statens Serum Institute) in the area where the cat lived, in the spring and autumn of the previous year. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of infection with M. bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin Danish Strain 1331 in a domestic cat, potentially associated with annual vaccination of badgers in the proximity of the cat's home.

A proposed technique for one-step preputial reconstruction in the dog.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a reverse axial pattern flap based on the superficial branch of the dorsal penile artery and describe its use in preputial reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten penises were harvested from canine cadavers; five were used to describe the dermatome supplied by the superficial branch of the dorsal artery of the penis and five to show perfusion of the skin flap. The superficial branch of the dorsal artery of the penis was identified fluoroscopically by injecting contrast material into the dorsal artery of the penis. This artery was then catheterised and injected with methylene blue to identify the perfused area. A skin flap was created by making a full thickness skin incision at the level of the fornix, along the circumference of the penis. The flap was developed by pulling the cut end toward the tip of the penis while undermining the skin. The flap was considered long enough when the cut end of the flap reached the level of the urethral opening. We also describe a case of preputial resection and reconstruction using this flap. RESULTS: Injection of methylene blue demonstrated the arterial supply to the skin flap. This flap was successful in treating the clinical case following resection of a mast cell tumour on the prepuce, although a small area of full thickness flap necrosis, which healed by second intention, developed postoperatively. CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: This technique may be useful for single step preputial reconstruction.

Long-term outcome of transendoscopic oesophageal mass ablation in dogs with Spirocerca lupi-associated oesophageal sarcoma.

Oesophageal sarcoma is a potential sequel of Spirocerca lupi infection. Oesophageal mass excision can be performed by open chest surgery. The objectives of this observational study were to evaluate the feasibility, short-term morbidity and long-term outcome of transendoscopic oesophageal mass ablation in dogs with spirocercosis-associated oesophageal neoplasia. A 9 mm video-endoscope and laser or electrocauterisation were used to debulk the oesophageal mass. Long-term follow-up was done by telephonic interviews. Fifteen dogs were included. The median tumour size was 5 cm (range 3.5-9). The median procedure time was 75 minutes (range 35-165) and was deemed successful in 12/15 dogs (80 per cent). Recovery was uneventful in all dogs. Immediate complications included oesophageal damage (two dogs) oesophageal perforation (one dog) and a focal thermal damage (one dog). The median hospitalisation time of all dogs was less than one day, with all but two discharged on the procedure day. The median survival time, available in nine dogs that were followed, was 202 days (range 51-691). Four of these dogs (44 per cent) survived more than six months, of which three survived more than one year. In conclusion, transendoscopic oesophageal mass ablation might be considered an alternative, palliative procedure for open-chest oesophageal surgery. It has comparable long-term survival, lower morbidity, short hospitalisation time and relatively low cost.

Minimally invasive unilateral arytenoid lateralization in dogs: A cadaveric study.

The aim of this study was to develop a minimally invasive thyroarytenoid lateralization technique (MITAL). Eleven unilateral MITAL procedures were performed on 11 canine cadavers. Two hypodermic needles were passed through the skin into the lumen of the larynx, penetrating the thyroid and arytenoid cartilages. Suture material was passed through the needles to lateralize the arytenoid cartilage. A rigid endoscope was used to visualize needle insertion and suture material placement. A key-hole approach to the larynx was performed and the suture material was knotted on the lateral aspect of the thyroid cartilage. The change in the rima glottidis area was recorded as were the duration of the procedure and complications encountered. The landmarks for needle insertion were easily palpated, and a significant increase in the area of the rima glottidis was documented after performing unilateral MITAL. In conclusion, unilateral MITAL is a quick, minimally invasive procedure which increases the area of the rima glottidis in cadaveric dogs.

A temporary decrease in mineral density in perinatal mouse long bones.

Fetal and postnatal bone development in humans is traditionally viewed as a process characterized by progressively increasing mineral density. Yet, a temporary decrease in mineral density has been described in the long bones of infants in the immediate postnatal period. The mechanism that underlies this phenomenon, as well as its causes and consequences, remain unclear. Using daily µCT scans of murine femora and tibiae during perinatal development, we show that a temporary decrease in tissue mineral density (TMD) is evident in mice. By monitoring spatial and temporal structural changes during normal growth and in a mouse strain in which osteoclasts are non-functional (Src-null), we show that endosteal bone resorption is the main cause for the perinatal decrease in TMD. Mechanical testing revealed that this temporary decrease is correlated with reduced stiffness of the bones. We also show, by administration of a progestational agent to pregnant mice, that the decrease in TMD is not the result of parturition itself. This study provides a comprehensive view of perinatal long bone development in mice, and describes the process as well as the consequences of density fluctuation during this period.

Surgical treatment for acute small intestinal obstruction caused by Parascaris equorum infection in 15 horses (2002-2011).

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: There is a consensus in the veterinary literature that Parascaris equorum (ascarid) impaction carries a poor prognosis. Hence surgery is often delayed and foals are often subjected to euthanasia after diagnosis of ascarid impaction is established. Our clinical impression was that ascarid impaction carries a better prognosis than previously reported. OBJECTIVES: Our expectation was that manually evacuating the impaction into the caecum, thus refraining from opening the small intestine, would improve the prognosis for survival of horses with ascarid impaction. The aim of this study was to examine medical records of horses treated surgically for ascarid impaction, record their clinical findings and evaluate the association of outcome with the method of relieving the impaction. METHODS: The medical records of all horses presented to our hospital between October 2002 and December 2011 that underwent exploratory celiotomy for ascarid impaction were reviewed. Information retrieved from the medical record included surgical findings, surgical technique, complications, short- and long-term survival. The association between categorical variables was assessed using the Fisher's exact test. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Fifteen horses fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Eighty percent of horses (12/15) survived to discharge and 60% (6/10) survived for at least one year. Five horses are doing well but are still in convalescence. Horses that underwent small intestinal enterotomy or resection and anastomosis (n = 5) were less likely to survive to discharge (P = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, manual evacuation of ascarid impaction into the caecum, while refraining from opening the small intestine resulted in significantly improved survival in horses with ascarid impaction. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Refraining from opening the small intestine may be the key to improving surgical outcome in horses with ascarid impaction.

The canine baculum: the structure and mechanical properties of an unusual bone.

The baculum is an extraskeletal bone located in the penis of a few species in several orders of mammals such as carnivores, insectivores, rodents, bats and primates. This study aims to describe the structure, architecture and mechanical properties of the canine baculum. To this end canine bacula from castrated and uncastrated dogs were collected and examined by light microscopy, micro-computed tomography (microCT) scanning, histological staining, and mechanical testing. Their mineral density and mechanical properties were compared with those of a typical skeletal bone (the radius) in the same dog. Furthermore, a numerical model of a representative baculum was created and its mechanical performance analyzed using the finite element method, in order to try to elucidate its function. Examination of light microscopy images of transverse sections shows that the baculum consists of a typical sandwich structure, with two cortical plates separated, and joined, by loose cancellous bone. MicroCT scans reveal that the mineral density is lower in the baculum than in the radius, both in castrated as well as in uncastrated dogs, resulting in much lower stiffness. Castration was found to decrease the mineral density in both the baculum and the radius. The most likely function of the baculum of the dog is to stiffen the penis to assist intromission, and its much lower mineral density compared to that of the radius may be a mechanism designed to decrease the stiffness somewhat, and thus reduce the risk of fracture during copulation.

Initial investigation of mortality rates and prognostic indicators in horses with colic in Israel: a retrospective study.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Initial assessment of the mortality rates and prognostic indicators in horses with colic presented to a referral hospital in Israel. OBJECTIVES: To determine mortality rates and to identify potential prognostic indicators in horses undergoing treatment for colic. METHODS: The medical records of 208 colic cases were reviewed and mortality rates calculated including 95% confidence intervals. Mortality rates in surgical cases were calculated separately for strangulating and nonstrangulating lesions as well as for lesions of the large and small intestines. Potential prognostic indicators were identified and evaluated by Student's t test or chi2 test, where appropriate. Those found to be significant (P < 0.05) were evaluated in 2 logistic regression models; one including all horses with colic and one for surgical cases only. RESULTS: The overall mortality rate was 51/208 (25%); 5/72 (7%) in medically treated cases, 46/136 (34%) in surgical cases, 30/50 (60%) in strangulating lesions and 15/85 (18%) in nonstrangulating lesions, 17/27 (63%) in cases involving small intestinal lesions and 28/108 (26%) in cases with large intestinal lesions. Clinical parameters found to be significantly associated with death by univariate analysis were medical/surgical treatment, location of lesion, severity of lesion, mucous membrane colour (MM), capillary refill time (CRT) and heart rate. Using a multivariate logistic regression model, including all cases, medical/surgical treatment, CRT and MM were found to be prognostic indicators and when using the surgical cases alone, only CRT and lesion severity remained related to mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Mortality rates were similar or better than those previously reported in most cases, however, studies from the USA and the UK published better success rates for small intestinal surgeries. Cultural attitudes toward euthanasia may be associated with mortality rates. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: These results assist clinicians in providing an immediate prognosis based on clinical findings at presentation and contribute to an international database that may aid future research in improving treatment of colic.

A review of sentinel lymph node evaluation and the need for its incorporation into veterinary oncology.

Being the first lymph node or nodes to which many primary tumours reliably drain, the disease status of the sentinel lymph node/s (SLN) is important in the prediction of survival. SLN identification and biopsy are critical in the staging of human cancers. The status of the SLN helps determine prognosis and shape treatment plans. SLN evaluation is currently not routinely performed in veterinary oncology, not even at specialty oncology practices. Given the prognostic importance of lymph node involvement in tumours such as mammary gland carcinoma, osteosarcoma, synovial cell sarcoma and mast cell tumours, SLN evaluation should be incorporated into routine clinical practice so as to improve our clinical assessment of veterinary oncologic patients.

Segmental inertial properties in dogs determined by magnetic resonance imaging.

Data regarding the segmental inertial properties of the dog are currently unavailable, although such parameters are needed for dynamic analyses of canine motion. The purpose of this study was to measure the segmental inertial properties in three medium sized dogs of average build using magnetic resonance imaging. The parameters included the mass, location of centre of mass and moments of inertia for each body segment. The normalised results will serve as a preliminary foundation for various biomechanical studies in dogs, although further study is required to characterise them for specific dog breeds and to determine how they may be affected by age and gender.

Surgical management of sand colic impactions in horses: a retrospective study of 41 cases.

OBJECTIVE: A retrospective review of the medical records of 41 horses requiring abdominal surgery for sand colic. RESULTS: The diagnosis of sand colic was made when sand was found to be the cause of impaction of the gastrointestinal tract during surgical exploration. The most common clinical signs at presentation were abdominal pain, abdominal distension and diarrhoea. A statistically significant association was found between the respiratory rate on arrival and short-term survival. Sand impaction at multiple locations was detected in one-third of the horses. Concurrent pathology was detected in half of the horses. Four horses were euthanased during surgery; of those that recovered from surgery, 35/37 (95%) were discharged from hospital. Short- and long-term complications were similar to those previously reported. Long-term (1 year) survival of the horses discharged was 100%. CONCLUSION: The good prognosis for horses undergoing surgery for the treatment of sand impaction supports early surgical intervention in cases where large amounts of sand are suspected.

Successful management of bilateral patellar tendon rupture in a dog.

A seven-year-old, 41 kg, intact, cross breed dog, was presented with a history of bilateral hind limb lameness after falling from a height of 1 m. Clinical and radiographic findings were consistent with bilateral patellar tendon rupture. Surgical repair was performed bilaterally. The tendons were sutured primarily, and an internal splint of nylon leader was added. Good apposition of the severed tendon ends had been achieved intraoperatively; however, post operative radiographs showed supra-trochlear displacement of both patellae. The casts used to immobilize the stifle joints slipped distally and three days post operatively the tendon repair had broken down, bilaterally. Revision surgery was undertaken and the tendons were re-sutured. Nylon leader was placed through holes that had been drilled in the patellae and tibiae. The stifle joints were immobilized with type I external skeletal fixators (ESFs). Both freeform polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) connecting bars were found to be broken at the level of the stifle joints two days later, without any disruption of the primary tendon repair. Each connecting bar was replaced with two connecting bars of PMMA reinforced with 3 mm steel wire. The dog was fully weight-bearing with a reduced range of motion in flexion immediately after removal of the ESFs at six weeks and was still sound 18 months post-operatively. Primary tendon repair in combination with adequate immobilization allowed for an excellent outcome in a complicated bilateral pathology.

Bacterial infective arthritis of the coxofemoral joint in dogs with hip dysplasia.

The objective of this study was to describe seven cases of unilateral bacterial infective coxarthritis from a total of 19 cases of bacterial infective arthritis (BIA), presenting over a two year period. We recorded the history, clinical signs, diagnostic process, treatment and clinical outcome in these cases. The data were obtained from medical records, review of the radiographs, and telephone follow-up with the owners. All of the dogs in this study had severe chronic osteoarthritis secondary to hip dysplasia, which caused periodic hind limb lameness. They were all admitted with severe acute hind-limb lameness. Pelvic radiographs were performed under general anaesthesia shortly after presentation, followed immediately by arthrocentesis of the affected joint. The synovial fluid was evaluated microscopically by direct smear and a sample was sent for culture and sensitivity. An attempt was not made to drain or lavage the affected joint during the course of treatment. The initial choice of antibiotics was empiric and subsequently modified, as required, based on the sensitivity results. Four of the dogs showed a rapid return to weight-bearing after the initiation of antibiotic treatment, and all of the patients returned to their pre-BIA level of function. Neither recurrent infections nor any adverse sequela requiring further intervention were reported by the owners on telephone follow-up.

Optically pumped Si nanocrystal emitter integrated with low loss silicon nitride waveguides.

We describe the integration of optically pumped silicon nanocrystals (Si-ncs) embedded in SiO(2) with low loss silicon nitride slab waveguides. An emission waveguide containing Si-ncs with a broad band emission centered at 850 nm, together with a low loss transmission silicon nitride waveguide forms a two section device. The waveguides are fabricated via the deposition of SiO(x) and silicon nitride using ECR-PECVD. Incorporation of hydrogen through annealing, while beneficial to emission from the Si-ncs, is found to increase material absorption in silicon nitride. This is reconciled by annealing at low temperature. This work shows clearly the potential for this material system as a means for the integration of optical emission and waveguiding using a wholly VLSI compatible processing technology. We further suggest that immediate applications exist in particular in the field of evanescent sensing.

Aminopeptidase N gene expression and abundance in caprine mammary gland is influenced by circulating plasma peptide.

This study examined the localization and the effect of circulating peptides on the expression of aminopeptidase N (EC 3.4.11.2) in caprine mammary gland. Four lactating goats in mid to late lactation were used in a crossover design and were subjected to 2 dietary treatments. Abomasal infusion of casein hydrolysate was used to increase the concentration of peptide-bound amino acid in the circulation. Samples of mammary gland tissue from each goat were taken by biopsy at the end of each treatment period to measure gene and protein expression of aminopeptidase N in the tissue. There were no measurable effects on feed intake and milk production for any of the treatments. Western blot analysis showed that aminopeptidase N is located on the basolateral side of parenchymal cells and not on the apical membranes. Abomasal infusion of casein hydrolysate caused a marked change in the profile of arterial blood free amino acids and peptide-bound amino acids smaller than 1500 Da. Abundance of aminopeptidase N mRNA and protein increased by 51 and 58%, respectively, in casein hydrolysate-infused goats compared with the control treatment. It was concluded that aminopeptidase N is one candidate actively involved in the mammary gland to support protein synthesis and milk production. In accordance with the nutritional conditions in the current experiment, it is suggested that aminopeptidase N expression is partly controlled by the metabolic requirements of the gland and postabsorptive forms of amino acids in the circulation.

Morphometric and anatomic study of the hind limb of a dog.

OBJECTIVE: To obtain the anatomic and morphometric data required for biomechanical analysis of the hind limb in dogs. ANIMALS: A healthy adult mixed-breed 23-kg male dog. PROCEDURE: Following euthanasia of the dog, all muscles of the right hind limb were identified and meticulously removed. Physiologic cross-sectional areas (PCSA) and architectural indices (AI) were calculated. The coordinates for the origin and insertion of each muscle were determined, using orthogonal right-handed coordinate systems embedded in the pelvis, femur, and tibia. RESULTS: PCSA and AI were calculated for 29 muscles, and coordinates for the origins and insertions of these muscles were determined. CONCLUSIONS: Results provide the morphometric and anatomic data necessary for 3-dimensional biomechanical studies of the hind limb in dogs.

Femoral head disintegration in a paraplegic patient: loose bodies in neuropathic joints.

A case report of potential loose body formation in a hip joint of a paraplegic patient is presented. The case is used to discuss why loose bodies do not persist in neuropathic joints, although they might be expected to be common when this type of joint pathology exists.

Cation disorder in Ga1212.

Substitution of calcium for strontium in LnSr2-xCaxCu2GaO7 (Ln = La, Pr, Nd, Gd, Ho, Er, Tm, and Yb) materials at ambient pressure and 975 degrees C results in complete substitution of calcium for strontium in the lanthanum and praseodymium systems and partial substitution in the other lanthanide systems. The calcium saturation level depends on the size of the Ln cation, and in all cases, a decrease in the lattice parameters with calcium concentration was observed until a common, lower bound, average A-cation size is reached. Site occupancies from X-ray and neutron diffraction experiments for LnSr2-xCaxCu2GaO7 (x = 0 and x = 2) confirm that the A-cations distribute between the two blocking-layer sites and the active-layer site based on size. A quantitative link between cation distribution and relative site-specific cation enthalpy for calcium, strontium, and lanthanum within the gallate structure is derived. The cation distribution in other similar materials can potentially be modeled.

Massive fibrolipoma of a toe.

Soft-tissue tumors of the toes are not particularly common; more tumors of the toes arise from the skin. The deeper tumors can be either benign or malignant and must be treated with caution until a histologic diagnosis has been made. However, malignant soft-tissue tumors of the toes are fairly rare. An unusual case of a massive benign lipoma was treated by an excisional biopsy (disarticulation).