Application of infrared thermography in assessing presence and severity of intra-abdominal adhesions.

Abdominal surgeries can sometimes lead to the formation of intra-abdominal adhesions, which may result in severe complications. Despite the availability of several diagnostic procedures, thermography has not been used for identifying intra-abdominal adhesions. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to assess abdominal temperature changes in rats with experimentally induced intra-abdominal adhesions. A total of 48 female rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 12 each): Control (Group C), Laparotomy (Group Lap), Peritoneal Button Creation (Group PBC), and Uterus horn (Group UH). Skin temperature of abdominal region was measured before the procedure (T0) and daily thereafter until day 7 (T7). On day 7, all rats were euthanized for macroscopic evaluation, adhesion scoring, histopathological, immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence analyses. Significant differences were observed between Group C and Group PBC and Group UH at T5, while at T6 and T7, there was a difference between Group C and Group Lap, Group PBC, and Group UH in abdominal skin temperature (P < 0.05). The highest level of inflammation, angiogenesis, IL-1ß, and VEGF were observed in Group PBC followed by Group UH, Group Lap, and Group C (P < 0.05). There was a significant difference in adhesion formation between Group C and Groups Lap, PBC, and UH (P = 0.02). However, no significant difference was found in adhesion scores between Groups Lap, PBC, and UH (P = 0.25). A significant difference was found in mean abdominal skin temperature between adhesion scores 4 and 0, 1, and 2 (P < 0.05), while no significant difference was observed between adhesion scores 3 and 4 (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the current study suggests that the presence of intra-abdominal adhesions is associated with an increase in abdominal temperature, and this increase is correlates with the severity of adhesion.

Comparison of three different dosages of low-level laser therapy on expression of cell proliferation and inflammatory markers following ovariohysterectomy in rats.

The objective of the current study was to evaluate Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the healing of incisional wounds following ovariohysterectomy in rats, by means of subjective histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis. A total of 72 female Wistar rats were categorised into four treatment groups (Group I; sacrification 4 hours following only one LLLT application, Group II; sacrification 7 days following only one LLLT application, Group III; sacrification 4 hours after two LLLT applications, and Group IV; sacrification 7 days after two LLLT applications). Each group was further divided into four different doses subgroups (Group Control [C, off mode LLLT application], L1 [1 J/cm2], L3 [3 J/cm2], and L6 [6 J/cm2]), with equal representation in each subgroup. Ovariohysterectomy was employed using two 2-cm-length midline abdominal incisions in the left and right sides of line alba. The Group C was assigned to the left side incision to each rat in the study. After irradiation, the tissue was subjected to histopathological analysis to determine the extent of mononuclear cell infiltration, edoema, and epithelialization. Additionally, immunohistochemical analysis was performed to evaluate the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (pCNA) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Group L1 and L3 significantly decreased mononuclear cell infiltration compared with Group C in all treatment groups (p < 0.05). Group L3 significantly decreased edoema compared with Group C in all groups except for treatment Group I (p < 0.05). Group L2 and L3 significantly increased epithelization in treatment Group IV (p < 0.05). Moreover, Group L2 and L3 significantly increased pCNA in all groups, while L2 and L3 significantly decreased iNOS expression in treatment Group II, III, and IV (p < 0.05). However, no statistical difference was found between subgroups of treatment Group I in iNOS expiration (p > 0.05). The results of the current examination demonstrated that LLLT can modulate mononuclear cell infiltration and edoema, and improve epithelization, as well as increase pCNA expression, whereas decrease iNOS expression during the wound healing process, therefore enhancing wound healing following ovariohysterectomy in rats.

Effects of low-level laser therapy and therapeutic ultrasound on Freund's complete adjuvant-induced knee arthritis model in rats.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate and monitor the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and therapeutic ultrasound (TU) alone, or combined with intra-articular prednisolone (P) in Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA)-induced knee arthritis model in rats. Materials and methods: A total of 56 adult male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups: control (C), disease control (RA), P, TU, LLLT (L), P + TU (P+TU), P + LLLT (P+L) groups. The skin temperature, radiography, joint volume, serum rheumatoid factor (RF), interleukin (IL)-1ß, serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and histopathological evaluation of joint were performed. Results: Thermal imaging and radiographic examination provided results consistent with the severity of the disease. The mean joint temperature (°C) was the highest in the RA (36.2±1.6) group on Day 28. The P+TU and P+L groups significantly decreased radiological scores at the end of the study. The rat serum TNF-α, IL-1ß, and RF levels in all groups were significantly higher compared to the C group (p<0.05). Compared to the RA group, serum TNF-α, IL-1ß, and RF levels were significantly lower in the treatment groups (p<0.05). The P+TU and P+L group was showed minimal chondrocyte degeneration and cartilage erosion and mild cartilage fibrillation and mononuclear cell infiltration of synovial membrane compared to the P, TU, and L group. Conclusion: The LLLT and TU effectively reduced inflammation. In addition, a more effective result was obtained from the use of LLLT and TU combined with intra-articular P. This result may be due to insufficient dose of LLLT and TU, thus further studies should be focus on at higher dose ranges on FCA arthritis model in rats.

Sedative and cardiopulmonary effects of intranasal butorphanol with midazolam or dexmedetomidine in New Zealand white rabbits.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the sedative and cardiopulmonary effects of intranasal (IN) administration of dexmedetomidine-butorphanol (DB) and midazolam-butorphanol (MB) combinations in New Zealand white rabbits. METHODS: Eight New Zealand white rabbits were sedated by IN administration of a combination of 0.1 mg/kg dexmedetomidine and 0.4 mg/kg butorphanol (DB treatment) and 2 mg/kg midazolam and 0.4 mg/kg butorphanol (MB treatment). The electrocardiogram, pulse rate (PR), respiratory frequency (fR ), arterial haemoglobin oxygen saturation (SpO2 ), fraction of expired carbon dioxide (EtCO2 ), rectal temperature (RT), noninvasive mean arterial pressure (MAP), noninvasive systolic arterial pressure (SAP) and diastolic arterial pressure (DAP) were recorded. The onset of sedation, duration of sedation and sedation score (SS) were also noted. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the EtCO2 , RT, MAP, SAP and DAP measurements between treatments. The PR significantly decreased in DB compared with MB over time (p = 0.001). Compared with baseline, SpO2 decreased over time in both treatments. The SS was significantly elevated over time in DB compared with MB (p = 0.002). LIMITATIONS: No pharmacokinetic information was available for either treatment, so the findings should be interpreted cautiously. CONCLUSIONS: IN DB provides more effective sedation than MB, but cardiopulmonary impairment was observed in both treatments.

Prevalence and clonal diversity of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius isolated from dogs and cats with eye discharge.

Objectives: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus (MRS) has originated, spread extensively, and become a prominent source of bacterial infections in both human and animal. Methods: We report the prevalence, genetic diversity, and antimicrobial resistance pattern of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from dogs and cats with eye discharges. Results: A total of 12 (6.0%) coagulase-positives staphylococci were identified as (6/200, 3%) S. aureus and (6/200, 3%) S. pseudintermedius. The phenotypic methicillin resistance of S. aureus and S. pseudintermedius were 50.0% (3/6) and 16.7% (1/6), respectively. None of the isolates showed biofilm formation in the microtiter plate assay. The highest resistance (50.0%) for S. pseudintermedius strains was detected against clindamycin and tetracycline. 67.0% of S. aureus isolates were resistant to penicillin-G. The PCR analysis conducted for detection of mecA gene indicated that only one S. aureus isolated from a cat was mecA gene positive. Phylogenetic analysis based on repetitive sequence-based PCR (rep-PCR) showed that all strains were typable and generated PCR products ranging from 800 bp to 4,400 bp. The lineages ST241 and the novel ST2361 in multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) analysis were detected in one methicillin-susceptible S. pseudintermedius and methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius of dogs, respectively. In addition, the lineages ST4155 and ST7217 of two methicillin-resistant S. aureus strains of cats were connected epidemiologically to previously reported cases. Conclusions: These results indicate epidemiologically related strains (ST241, ST4155, and ST7217) transferring between animals and humans. Therefore, the strategies to combat the widespread MRS should be based on collaboration between human and veterinary medicine under the One Health concept.

Two different smartwatches exhibit high accuracy in evaluating heart rate and peripheral oxygen saturation in cats when compared with the electrocardiography and transmittance pulse oximetry.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy for 2 smartwatches with oximetry technology and optical wrist heart rate (HR) or single-lead Electrocardiography (ECG) technology (Fenix 5X Plus [GF5xp], Garmin Ltd and Apple Watch 6 [AppW6], Apple Inc, respectively) versus reference methods (ECG and transmittance pulse oximetry [TPO], respectively) in measuring HR and peripheral oxygen saturation of hemoglobin (SpO2) in cats. ANIMALS: 10 male client-owned cats aged 8 to 12 months and weighing 3.2 to 4.5 kg. PROCEDURES: All cats that were presented for elective castration at the Atatürk University Animal Hospital between March 10 and April 15, 2022, were considered for enrollment. Monitoring of HR and SpO2 during anesthesia was performed with a 3-lead ECG and transmittance pulse oximetry, respectively, connected to a multiparameter monitor (reference methods) along with a GF5xp and a AppW6. Agreement between reference methods and the smartwatches were assessed by the Bland-Altman plot, in which the differences (%) between methods were plotted against their mean HR or SpO2 (reference method measurement - test device measurement) and the limits of agreement (mean ± 1.96 × SD). RESULTS: Compared with ECG measurements of HR, GF5xp had superior bias (-0.1%) and limit of agreement (LoA, 3.0 to -3.3%) versus those of the AppW6 (bias, 0.2%; LoA, 3.7 to -3.4%). Compared with TPO measurements of SpO2, AppW6 had superior bias (0.2%) and LoA (3.0% and -2.5%) versus those of the GF5xp (bias, -2.1%; LoA, 0.2 to -4.4%). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that the GF5xp and AppW6 exhibited high accuracy in evaluating HR and SpO2 in cats when compared with the reference methods. However, it should be noted that these comparisons were made in anesthetized patients without any systemic disease.

Comparison of intratesticular and intramuscular administration of zolazepam-tiletamine combination on sedation, induction, and recovery qualities and vital variables in cats undergoing castration: a prospective, randomized, clinical study.

This study was aimed to compare the effects of intratesticular (IT) and intramuscular (IM) administration of the zolazepam-tiletamine (ZT) combination on sedation, induction, and recovery qualities and vital variables in cats undergoing castration. Fourteen clinically client-owned healthy cats were randomly assigned to receive 10 mg/kg ZT by either IT or IM routes. Temperament score, injection reaction score, induction time, intubation time, surgical length, anesthesia time, recovery time, and full recovery time were evaluated. Sedation score, heart rate (HR), respiratory frequency (fR), peripheral hemoglobin oxygen saturation (SpO2), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and rectal temperature (RT) variables were assessed at baseline (T0), T5, T10, T15, and T30. Median temperament score and injection reaction score were not different between groups. Induction time was significantly (p = 0.0244) shorter for the IT group (142.6 ± 29.9) than IM (290 ± 48.7 seconds). Length of anesthesia was longer in the IM group (median 290; ranged 120-540 minutes) than the IT group (median 140; ranged 98-180 minutes) (p = 0.0279). Time to standing and time to full recovery were significantly shorter in IT than IM. A recovery quality score did not significantly differ between groups (p = 0.2268). No statistically significant differences were detected between IT and IM administration regarding sedation score, HR, SpO2, MAP, and RT. The IT administration of 10 mg/kg ZT induces shorter onset of sedation and recovery time than IM administration, thereby it can be suggested for cats undergoing castration. Both administration routes produce effective sedation with limited physiological changes in anesthesia variables.

Accuracy of Heart Rate Measurements of Three Smartwatch Models in Dogs.

This study was aimed to evaluate the accuracy of heart rate (HR) measurements using 3 smartwatch models designed for human use when applied to dogs. A group of 15 mixed breed dogs, ages ranging from 2 to 3 years, weighing between 20 and 30 kg were used. The Garmin Fenix 5X plus (GF5Xp), Samsung Gear S3 (SGS3), and Polygold A-6 (PDA6), were randomly placed on the tibia of dogs to collect the HR recordings every 5 minutes for 1 hour. A veterinary patient monitor (VPM) was used as the reference method. A Bland-Altman plot was applied to determine the difference between smartwatches. The receiver operating characteristic curves were developed analysis for sensitivity and specificity. The HR measured by VPM ranged from 65 to 200 bpm (mean, 149.3 ± 28.1 bpm; median, 154 bpm). Among the smartwatches, the lowest (44 bpm) HR was measured by PDA6, while the highest (201 bpm) was measured by SGS3. Among the smartwatches; GF5Xp and SGS3 had slopes equal to 1 and residual standard deviation closer to 0, in agreement with VPM. At the cut-off HR (160 bpm), SGS3 had the highest sensitivity (97.4%), whereas PDA6 had the lowest sensitivity (68.0%). The specificity of GF5Xp, SGS3, and PDA6 was 97.1%, 98.0%, and 98.0%, respectively. The SGS3 and GF5Xp can be ideal tools for veterinarians to monitor the HR of dogs without requiring an additional device.

Effects of intramuscular and intranasal administration of midazolam-dexmedetomidine on sedation and some cardiopulmonary variables in New Zealand White rabbits.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the sedative and cardiopulmonary effects of intranasal (IN) and intramuscular (IM) administration of dexmedetomidine and midazolam combination in New Zealand White rabbits. STUDY DESIGN: A randomized, crossover experimental study. ANIMALS: A total of eight healthy New Zealand White rabbits, aged 6-12 months, weighing 3.1 ± 0.3 kg (mean ± standard deviation). METHODS: The animals were randomly assigned to administration of dexmedetomidine (0.1 mg kg-1) with midazolam (2 mg kg-1) by either IN or IM route separated by 2 weeks. The electrocardiogram, pulse rate (PR), peripheral haemoglobin oxygen saturation (SpO2), mean noninvasive arterial pressure (MAP), respiratory frequency (fR) and rectal temperature were measured before drug administration (baseline), T0 (onset of sedation) and at 5 minute intervals until recovery. The onset of sedation, duration of sedation and sedation score (SS) were also recorded. RESULTS: The PR was significantly lower in treatment IM than in treatment IN over time (p = 0.027). MAP < 60 mmHg developed in two and four rabbits in treatments IN and IM, respectively. SpO2 progressively decreased over time in both treatments. fR was lower than baseline at several time points in both treatments. Onset of sedation was shorter in treatment IN (90 ± 21 seconds) than in treatment IM (300 ± 68 seconds) (p = 0.036). Duration of sedation was longer in treatment IM (55.2 ± 8.7 minutes) than in treatment IN (39.6 ± 2.1 minutes) (p = 0.047). No significant difference in SS was observed between treatments (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Combination of dexmedetomidine (0.1 mg kg-1) and midazolam (2 mg kg-1) decreased fR, PR and SpO2 regardless of the administration route in New Zealand White rabbits. A more rapid action and shorter duration of sedation were observed after treatment IN than after treatment IM administration.

Comparison of the effects of intranasal and intramuscular administrations of zolazepam-tiletamine combination on intraocular pressure in cats.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of intranasal (IN) and intramuscular (IM administration of zolazepam-tiletamine (ZT) combination on intraocular pressure (IOP). ANIMALS STUDIED: Both eyes of 8 clinically normal cats were used. PROCEDURES: The animals received 10 mg/kg dose of ZT combination by IN and IM routes with a 7-day interval between treatments. IOP values were measured at baseline (T0) and at 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 45 min in both treatment groups. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between baseline and post-treatment IOP measurements. The IOP did not change over time regardless of administration route. CONCLUSIONS: ZT combination did not have a significant effect on IOP in cats, when administered by IM or IN routes.