Use of cardiac troponin kits for the qualitative determination of myocardial cell damage due to traumatic reticuloperitonitis in cattle.

This study was designed to investigate whether kits to measure circulating cardiac troponin-I (cTn-I) and cardiac troponin-T (cTn-T) can be used to determine myocardial cell damage in cattle with traumatic reticuloperitonitis (trp). Twenty cattle with trp were compared with 10 clinically healthy cattle. cTn-I and cTn-T were determined qualitatively and cTn-I was determined quantitatively; biochemical analyses were also performed on both groups. The mean serum concentrations of total protein, globulin, glucose and calcium, and the mean activities of creatine kinase mb, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase and gamma-glutamyl transferase were higher in the cattle with trp than in the control group. The cTn-I and cTn-T kits both gave positive results in three of the cattle with trp and the quantitative measurement of cTn-I was positive in 11 of the trp cases. Both tests were negative in the healthy cattle.

Comparison of intraosseous and intramuscular drug administration for induction of anaesthesia in domestic pigeons.

The aim of the present study was to assess the feasibility of intraosseous anaesthetic drug administration in domestic pigeons and to compare this method with an intramuscular technique for clinical parameters (induction quality and recovery of anaesthesia), heart-respiratory rate and cloacal temperature. Sixteen clinically healthy mature pigeons (7 male and 9 female) were included into the study. The birds were allocated into two groups as group I and II. Pigeons in group I received 50mg/kg ketamine by intraosseous route (IO) and birds in group II received intramuscular (IM) ketamine application at a dose of 50mg/kg. Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR) and cloacal temperature (CT) were measured before (0 min) and 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 min after anaesthetic drug administration. Clinical and anaesthetic effect of the ketamine used in different route were assessed. Statistical assessment performed between the groups revealed that RR in IM group was higher than in IO group between 1 and 3 min (p<0.001 and p<0.01, respectively), whereas in 15 min it was higher in IO group than IM (p<0.01) (Fig. 1A). Compared to baseline values, there was a decrease for HR within 3 to 15 min for both groups. However, this was statistically different between 5, 10 and 15 min for IM group. No significant alterations were recorded for CT during the anaesthesia for both groups. The anaesthetic effect of the ketamine started 1 to 3 min (1.8+/-0.4) after injection for Group I and 5 to 10 min (7.5+/-0.8) for Group II. The recovery time ranged from 50 to 75 min (62+/-15) for Group I and 80 to 100 min (90+/-12) for the Group II. Intraosseous and intramuscular ketamine administration resulted in a satisfactory anaesthesia in pigeons. However, intraosseous drug administration provided a more rapid and effective anaesthesia and might be useful for the birds requiring urgent anaesthesia.

Estimation of the volume of the gall bladder of 32 dogs from linear ultrasonographic measurements.

The maximum length and depth of the longitudinal section, and the maximum width and depth of the transverse section of the gall bladders of 32 dog cadavers were measured ultrasonographically; the contents of the gall bladder were then aspirated and its actual volume measured. The volume of the gall bladder was estimated from the ultrasonographic measurements by using formulae suggested for assessment of the volumes of the urinary bladder in human beings and the gall bladder of dogs, and these formulae were compared with a formula derived from the measurements made in this study. In 21 of the dogs, the measurements were repeated twice so that their reproducibility could be evaluated. All the formulae gave good estimations of the volume of the dogs' gall bladders, but the formula for the human urinary bladder volume was better than the other two. The actual volume of the gall bladder was related to the dogs' bodyweight. There were no significant differences between the repeated measurements of the maximum length and depth of the longitudinal section or the width of the transverse section of the gall bladder, but there were significant variations in the depth of the transverse section.

Effect of medetomidine-butorphanol-ketamine anaesthesia and atipamezole on heart and respiratory rate and cloacal temperature of domestic pigeons.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sedative-anaesthetic effects of a combination of medetomidine (M, 50 microg per pigeon), butorphanol (B, 50 microg per pigeon) and ketamine (K, 25 mg per pigeon) in domestic pigeons. Eight domestic pigeons (four male and four female, 8-15 months old) were used. The combination of Medetomidine and butorphanol injectable solutions were used to produce sedation. Ten minutes after M + B administration, K was injected. The anaesthetic effects of the drugs were reversed by administration of Atipamazole (AT) at 60 min after K administration. All drugs were injected into the pectoral muscles. The sedative-anaesthetic effects of the M + B-K combination and, alterations in respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), electrocardiographic (ECG) findings and cloacal temperature (CT) were investigated before and 10 min after pre-medication with M + B, at 5, 15, 30, 45 and 60 min during the onset of K anaesthesia and at 1, 5, 10, 20, 30 and 60 min following the administration of AT. The HR and RR of pigeons decreased within 10 min following M + B administration and remained lower until 1st and 5 min of AT injection, respectively. In ECG, no significant alterations in P, Q, R and S-values were observed, however, arhythmia was recorded for three pigeons, which returned to normal values following AT administration throughout the measurement. Cloacal temperature decreased gradually during the anaesthesia from 41.0 to 32.7 degrees C. The drug combination used in this study produced a satisfactory general anaesthesia for seven of the eight pigeons. All pigeons were unconscious within 5 min after K administration as indicated by disappearance of the palpebral and corneal reflexes and lack of reaction to the pain stimuli during the study. The effect of AT administration was observed within 10 min as all pigeons responded partly against stimuli and all reflexes. It is concluded that M + B-K anaesthesia in pigeons is a safe and reliable anaesthetic protocol for surgery.

Transposition of the sacrotuberous ligament for the treatment of coxofemoral luxation in dogs.

A surgical technique is described for transposition of the sacrotuberous ligament to replace the teres ligament in the treatment of coxofemoral luxation in dogs. Ten dogs with coxofemoral luxation were treated using this technique and all animals regained full limb function within two months of surgery. It is suggested that the technique could be employed in dogs suffering from all types of hip luxations.

Frequency of urination and ultrasonographic estimation of residual urine in normal and dysuric dogs.

The aim of this study was to determine residual urine and frequency of urination in normal male and female dogs and to compare these with dogs with neurogenic and obstructive dysuria. The bladder volume before urination was estimated ultrasonographically in 99 dogs (48 normal and 51 abnormal dogs). Each animal was then taken outdoors and walked on grass for 10 minutes. The number of attempts to urinate (successful or not) was recorded. Bladder urine volume after urination was then calculated. Normal females made only one or two (100 per cent successful) attempts to urinate while males a mean of 6.9 attempts (mean 75.4 per cent successful) within 10 minutes. The residual urine per kg body weight of normal dogs varied from 0.1 to 3.4 ml kg(-1)(median 0.2 ml kg(-1)). The residual urine volumes of normal dogs were significantly less (P<0.0001) than those of dogs with neurological disorders or obstructive disease. Ultrasonographic estimation of residual urine volumes could be valuable in diagnosing suspected neurological or obstructive bladder disease and in monitoring the response to treatment.

Comparison of ultrasonographic and radiographic measurements of canine prostate dimensions.

The purposes of this study were to: 1) compare prostatic dimensions measured on radiographic and ultrasonographic images and 2) compare a subjective radiographic assessment of prostate size with a previously-described objective method. Thirty-four male dogs undergoing investigation of prostatic disorders were used. Prostate length and depth were measured from ultrasonographic and radiographic images. A subjective assessment of prostate size ('small', 'normal', or 'enlarged') was made in 29 animals by one of the authors who was unaware of radiographic or ultrasonographic measurements. In addition, the distance from sacral promontory to the pubic brim was also measured. A prostate length or depth of >70% of this distance was defined as 'enlarged' and <70% as 'normal'. After the effects of magnification on radiographic measurements were eliminated, there were no significant differences between prostatic length measured by the two methods. However, a significant difference was obtained between prostatic depth measurements. The subjective assessment agreed with a previously described objective assessment of prostatic size in 21/29 dogs for prostate length but in only 12/29 for depth. Prostatic length varied from 46.6 to 116.4% (mean 75.7%) of the distance from the pubic brim to the sacral promontory. Prostatic depth varied from 33.0% to 94.6% (mean 59.7%) of the same distance. It is recommended that prostate length, rather than depth, be used when evaluating prostate size from lateral abdominal radiographs.

Ultrasonographic estimation of prostatic size in canine cadavers.

The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of transabdominal ultrasound in estimating the volume and weight of the canine prostate gland, to derive a simple formula from actual and ultrasonographic prostate measurements for estimating prostate volume and weight, and to evaluate the reproducibility of ultrasonographic measurements of linear prostate dimensions. The prostate volume and weight were measured and also calculated in 77 male canine cadavers (60 entire and 17 neutered) with the aid of statistical computer programmes using actual linear dimensions of the prostate ('actual') and those measured ultrasonographically before ('in vivo') and after ('in vitro') removal of the prostate gland. Therefore, 'in vivo', 'in vitro' and 'actual' estimations of prostate size were obtained and compared with prostatic volume and weight. The evaluation of the reproducibility of the ultrasonographic measurements made was performed in 59 of the dogs in which the prostate was imaged three times in longitudinal and three times in transverse sections. This study demonstrated that prostatic weight and volume are related to body weight and age in entire dogs but not in neutered dogs. Formulae were derived to estimate prostate weight and volume from physical and ultrasonographic measurements. There were good correlations between the ultrasonographic and physical measurements and prostate size derived from these measurements provided a good estimate of actual prostate size. 'Best subsets' analyses indicated that prostate width and length (measured physically or ultrasonographically) were the best predictors of prostatic volume and weight, both when all dogs were considered together and in entire dogs only. Statistical analyses indicated that there were no significant differences between the repeated measurements of length and depth (P>0.05). However, there was a significant difference between repeated measurements of width (P= 0.0357).

Effect of body position on ultrasonographic estimations of bladder volume.

A study was undertaken to determine the effect of body position on ultrasonographic bladder measurements and volume estimations. Of the 42 dogs studied, 15 were fresh canine cadavers without urological disease and the remaining 27 were undergoing investigations for disorders of the lower urinary tract. Bladder volume was estimated using a formula described previously. Irrespective of whether all dogs were considered together or only live animals were included, measurements made in dorsal recumbency tended to underestimate bladder volume while those made in right lateral recumbency resulted in overestimation. This was due to significant differences in all linear measurements, apart from width, between body positions. Measurements in right lateral recumbency were higher than those in dorsal recumbency. In all animals and in living dogs alone, bladder measurements in dorsal recumbency appeared to give a more accurate estimation of actual bladder volume.

Comparison of ultrasonographic and radiographic measurements of bladder dimensions and volume determinations.

The purpose of this study was to compare the linear dimensions of the bladder measured by ultrasonographic and radiographic methods and the accuracy of these methods for evaluation of bladder volume. Forty dogs were included in this study. Each dog was placed in right lateral recumbency and a plain lateral caudal abdominal radiograph was made. The bladder length and depth were measured in centimetres from the radiograph, taking into account magnification errors. Immediately after radiography was completed, ultrasonographic measurements of bladder length and depth on longitudinal section were measured in centimetres. The bladder was then emptied by catheterisation and the actual urine volume measured. 'Best subsets' analysis indicated that radiographic and ultrasonographic bladder lengths were the best predictors of actual bladder volume. Formulae were derived from radiographic and ultrasonographic bladder dimensions for estimating bladder volume. The formula using radiographic measurements was found to be a better predictor of actual bladder volume than the formula derived from ultrasonographic measurements, since it had higher F and lower error mean square values.

Ultrasonographic estimation of prostate size in normal dogs and relationship to bodyweight and age.

A study was undertaken to establish the ranges of prostate dimensions, weight and volume in mature normal dogs and thus provide information which would allow differentiation from normality of size changes associated with disease. The study was performed on 154 healthy adult male entire dogs. Each prostate was imaged ultrasonographically and standard longitudinal and transverse sections were obtained. Prostate length (L), depth on longitudinal (DL) and transverse sections (DT) and width (W) were measured. Prostatic volume and weight were estimated according to formulae derived previously. There were statistically significant correlations between bodyweight or age and L, DL, DT and W. There were also significant correlations between estimated prostatic weight or volume and bodyweight, age, L, DL, DT and W. Formulae were derived to express the relationships between prostate size (weight or volume) and age or bodyweight.

Estimation of bladder volume using ultrasonographic determination of cross-sectional areas and linear measurements.

The purpose of this study was to determine if ultrasonographic measurement of multiple cross-sectional areas combined with linear dimensions of the bladder could be used as a method of estimating bladder volume in the dog, and, if so, to compare the accuracy of this estimation with that described previously using linear measurements alone. Fifty-two live dogs undergoing investigation for urological disease and 37 fresh canine cadavers were used for bladder volume determination. Maximal length, depth, width, and area were measured from the maximal longitudinal and transverse sonograms in each living animal. In cadavers, the cross-sectional area of the longitudinal section of the bladder was measured at one centimeter intervals, and the measurements were summed. Based on sequential partial regression analysis, the cross-sectional area of the longitudinal section of the bladder and length were the best predictors of actual bladder volume in living animals. However, based on the cadaver experiment, the best predictor of actual bladder volume was summed parasagittal area alone, and, in cadavers, this was a much better predictor of actual bladder volume than the combination of the cross-sectional area of the longitudinal section of the bladder and length. The formula derived in living dogs using the cross-sectional area of the longitudinal section of the bladder and length gave a less accurate estimation of bladder volume than a previously published formula where only linear measurements were used.

Ultrasonographic assessment of bladder neck mobility in continent bitches and bitches with urinary incontinence attributable to urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence.

OBJECTIVE: To determine bladder neck positional changes between standing and recumbent positions in bitches and whether change is related to continence status or general anesthesia, or both, and to evaluate reproducibility of measurements. ANIMALS: 45 continent animals and 46 incontinent bitches with urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (SMI). PROCEDURE: Distance between the bladder neck and perineal skin was measured ultrasonographically via the perineum while each dog was conscious in standing and right lateral recumbency and in right lateral recumbency under general anesthesia. Measurements of the bladder neck position obtained in right lateral recumbency under anesthesia were compared with radiographic measurements of the same parameter. Reproducibility of the ultrasonographic measurements of the distance between bladder neck and perineum was assessed on 3 occasions for each position in 50 dogs. RESULTS: In all dogs, differences in bladder neck position between standing and recumbent conscious-associated positions were not significant. However, caudal bladder neck movement between standing conscious- and recumbent anesthesia-associated positions and between recumbent conscious- and anesthesia-associated positions was significant for all dogs. Incontinent bitches had greater degree of caudal bladder movement during anesthesia. Mean difference in bladder neck positions between recumbent conscious- and recumbent anesthesia-associated positions was 0.24 cm in continent, compared with 0.73 cm in incontinent, bitches. Radiographic measurements were significantly greater than ultrasonographic measurements. Differences between repeated measurements for standing position were not significant, but those for recumbent conscious- and recumbent anesthesia-associated positions were significant. CONCLUSIONS: Additional vesicourethral support mechanisms in continent dogs, are deficient in bitches with SMI, allowing the bladder neck to move further caudad.

Assessment of urinary bladder volume in dogs by use of linear ultrasonographic measurements.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate accuracy of formulas derived from linear ultrasonographic measurements and used in human beings to assess urinary bladder volume as a method of estimating bladder volume in dogs and to test reproducibility of ultrasonographic measurements of linear bladder dimensions. ANIMALS: 64 live dogs (for bladder volume determination) and 31 fresh canine cadavers (for ultrasonographic assessment of reproducibility of measurements). PROCEDURE: Maximal length, longitudinal and transverse depth (DL and DT), and width were measured from the maximal longitudinal and transverse images. Bladder volume was estimated, using 6 formulas, and calculated volumes were compared statistically with the actual volume obtained by catheterization, using paired nonparametric tests. Reproducibility of bladder dimensions was investigated by measuring length, DL, DT, and width 3 times from each image of section. Measurements of depth (DL and DT) also were compared. RESULTS: Calculations of bladder volume from linear dimensions, using a formula described for use in human beings, gave a satisfactory indication of actual bladder volume; the median difference between actual and calculated volumes was only 5 ml. Bladder volume estimations were less accurate when large-volume bladders were measured. Matching between repeated measurements was significant (P < 0.005 for longitudinal bladder length and P < 0.0001 for bladder depth and width). Measurements of DL and DT were significantly (P < 0.01) different, with DL greater than DT. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonographic assessment of bladder volume in dogs by application of the formula is sufficiently accurate for most clinical purposes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ultrasonography would be a useful method of estimating bladder volume in dogs with severe obstruction or dysfunctional voiding of urine.

Relationships between urethrovesical angles and urinary incontinence due to urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence in bitches.

In women, the posterior urethrovesical angle is thought to be an important factor in the aetiology of stress urinary incontinence. This form of incontinence has many similarities to urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (SMI) in the bitch. The role of the ventral and dorsal urethrovesical angles in the aetiology of SMI in the incontinent bitch has yet to be established. Positive-contrast retrograde vagino-urethrograms from 30 incontinent bitches with a diagnosis of SMI and 30 continent bitches were retrieved and the angles between the urethra and dorsal and ventral bladder walls were measured. No relationship was shown to exist between the dorsal urethrovesical angle (the equivalent of the posterior urethrovesical angle in women) and urinary incontinence due to SMI in bitches. Differences in ventral urethrovesical angles were considered to be associated with differences in bladder neck position between the two groups of bitches.