Evaluation of veterinary students' suture performance according to three different instructional modalities.

Background: Higher education attempts to ameliorate the learning experience through match between learning subjects and students' learning styles. Aim: This study evaluates the efficacy of three different instructional modalities aimed at teaching veterinary students how to make simple suture knots. Methods: A cohort of 43 fourth-year students were split into 3 groups and provided with different instructional modalities: presentation with pictures and descriptions, hard copy text, and muted video. The student's surgical simulation performance was evaluated. Then, they answered a 23 question-survey, Fleming VARK questionnaire based, investigating their learning profile. Kruskal Wallis test evaluated different instructional modalities effect on student's performance. The chi-square test assessed differences between instructional modalities and learning profiles, profile self evaluation, and training session comprehension. Results: Students showed auditory unimodal VARK profile (16/43), did not know their learning profile (26/43), and favored personalized teaching strategies (43/43). No differences were found for: surgical performance, except for forceps handling; and between instructional modalities: either for learning profiles (p-value = 0.43), or profile self evaluation (p-value = 0.42). Differences were found between instructional modalities and training session comprehension. As limitations, auditory instructional modalities, participants' age, and gender were not recorded or evaluated. Conclusion: Our study provides feedback on modern teaching modalities in which students play a key role. Participants showed a variety of learning profiles although displaying no significant performance differences.

Effects of pupil dilation with topical 0.5% tropicamide on retinal vascular parameters assessed by VAMPIRE® software in healthy cats.

Our study investigates the effects of mydriasis obtained with topical 0.5% tropicamide on retinal vascular parameters evaluated in cats using the retinal imaging software: Vascular Assessment and Measurement Platform for Images of the Retina (VAMPIRE®). Forty client-owned healthy adult cats were included in the study. Topical 0.5% tropicamide was applied to dilate only the right pupil. The left eye was used as a control. Before dilation (T0), infrared pupillometry of both pupils was performed and fundus oculi images were taken from both eyes. Right eye fundus images were then captured 30 min after topical application of tropicamide (T30), when mydriasis was achieved. The retinal vessel widths (3 arteries and 3 veins) were measured with VAMPIRE® in four standard measurement areas (SMA) identified with the letters A, B, C, D. Average value of the 3 vessel widths was used. After normality assessment, the t-test was used to analyse the mean difference in vascular parameters of the left and right eyes at T0 and T30, with p set <0.05. The two eyes showed no statistical differences in pupil and vascular parameter measurements at T0. At T30, only one artery measurement of the right eye (SMA A-peripapillary area) showed a small but statistically significant mean vasoconstriction of approximately 4%. The results indicate that local application of 0.5% tropicamide seems to be associated with a small retinal arteriolar vasoconstriction as assessed by VAMPIRE® in cats. However, this change is minimal, and should not affect the interpretation of the results when VAMPIRE® is used.

Lacrimal Secretion Variation and Menace Response Appearance in Healthy Standardbred Foals From Birth to Four Weeks of Age.

This study assesses lacrimal secretion in healthy foals within 48 hours after birth and evaluates their variations in lacrimal secretion and menace response appearance during the first month of life. A total of 31 Standardbred foals were evaluated. Foals were housed with their dams in 4 × 4 m boxes throughout the study. A complete ophthalmic examination was performed for each animal enrolled in the study, including the foals' dams which were used as a control group to compare the lacrimal secretion of foals at birth with that of adult horses. In foals, the Schirmer Tear Test I (STT I) and menace response were evaluated within 48 hours after birth (T0) and weekly for a total of four times (T1, T2, T3, and T4). In mares, the STT I was evaluated once, before delivery. The Schirmer Tear Test I results of 11 out of 31 dams were excluded because of signs of ocular adnexa inflammation which might otherwise have influenced lacrimal secretion. At T0 STT I values in foals (19.11 ± 2.49 mm/min) were lower than those of their dams (23.20 ± 1.83 mm/min). In addition, the mean STT I in foals decreased during the study period and reached its nadir at T3 (16.84 ± 2.33 mm/min). None of the foals showed a menace response at any observation point. In conclusion, within 48 hours after birth, healthy Standardbred foals show a lower lacrimal secretion than their dams, and tear secretion does not seem to increase during the first month of life. In this period, poor lacrimation associated with the absence of an evident menace response might be predisposing factors for developing corneal ulcers.

hCG is more effective than the GnRH agonist buserelin for inducing the first ovulation of the breeding season in mares.

BACKGROUND: Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) and Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone agonists (GnRHa) are routinely used to induce ovulation in mares. However, GnRHa efficacy in transitional mares has been suggested to be low. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were as follows: (a) to compare the efficacy of hCG and GnRHa in inducing the first ovulation of the breeding season and (b) to evaluate the correlation between ovulatory response, uterine oedema and teasing score at the time of treatment during the early or late transitional phase. STUDY DESIGN: Randomised controlled superiority trial. METHODS: Mares in winter anoestrus were treated with sulpiride when at least two follicles reached a diameter of 25 mm. The day after the follicle reached 35 mm in diameter, mares in oestrus were treated with GnRHa buserelin (N = 29) or hCG (N = 33) and checked daily for ovulation. RESULTS: More mares (30/33, 90.1%) ovulated when the first ovulation after winter anoestrus was induced with hCG, than with GnRHa, (11/29, 38.0%) (P = .0001). Ovulation rate was lower in mares that did not show uterine oedema and full acceptance of the teaser stallion for at least three days before the treatment (32/41, 78% vs 9/21, 42.9%) P = .01. MAIN LIMITATIONS: Plasma LH and oestrogen concentrations were not performed. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that hCG was more effective than GnRHa for inducing ovulation in the first cycle after winter anoestrus. Uterine oedema and behavioural signs of oestrus, for at least three days before the treatment, were predictors for a positive response to ovulation induction.

Tear Production, Intraocular Pressure, Ultrasound Biometric Features and Conjunctival Flora Identification in Clinically Normal Eyes of Two Italian Breeds of Chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus).

Given the abundance of chickens in Italy, it is important for veterinarians to know the normal state of chickens' eyes in order to identify any ophthalmic pathological changes. The aim of this study was to determine the normal values of select ocular parameters and to evaluate conjunctival microflora in two Italian chicken breeds. Sixty-six healthy chickens underwent a complete ophthalmic examination, which included a phenol red thread test (PRTT) for the evaluation of tear production and the assessment of intraocular pressure by rebound tonometry. B-mode ultrasound biometric measurements and conjunctival microflora identification were also performed in twenty-seven chickens. Mean PRTT was 23.77 ± 2.99 mm/15 s in the Livorno breed and 19.95 ± 2.81 mm/15 s in the Siciliana breed. Mean intraocular pressure was 14.3 ± 1.17 mmHg in the Livorno breed and 14.06 ± 1.15 mmHg in the Siciliana breed. Reference ranges for morphometric parameters were reported in the two breeds. Twenty-three chickens (85.18%) were bacteriologically positive. Chlamydia spp. antigen was detected in 14.81% of chickens. No positive cultures were obtained for fungi. Normal reference range values for selected ophthalmic parameters were obtained in clinically healthy chickens, which could facilitate accurate diagnosis and better management of ophthalmic diseases in these animals.

Surgical treatment of canine and feline descemetoceles, deep and perforated corneal ulcers with autologous buccal mucous membrane grafts.

OBJECTIVES: To report the surgical technique and postoperative outcome of corneal repair with autologous buccal mucous membrane grafts in dogs and cats with descemetoceles, deep corneal ulcers, and perforated corneal ulcers with or without iris prolapse. ANIMAL STUDIED: Twelve cats (13 eyes) and fourteen dogs (14 eyes) were treated. PROCEDURES: Grafts were harvested from the unpigmented superior labial mucosa using a biopsy punch. The corneal lesion was carefully debrided and cleaned. The graft was secured to the healthy cornea with a combination of simple interrupted and continuous 9-0 polyglycolic acid sutures. In 25/27 treated eyes, an overlying pedicle conjunctival graft was also performed. A temporary nictitating membrane flap was used in all cases. The pedicle conjunctival graft was trimmed about 10-20 days postoperatively. The median follow-up period was 549.2 days (range 14-2691 days). RESULTS: No surgical intra-operative complications were observed. The ulcers healed and the integrity of the globe was restored in 24/27 treated eyes. Different grades of corneal fibrosis and/or vascularization and/or pigmentation were observed in all cases at the long-term follow-up. In two cases, enucleation was performed due to postoperative complications and one animal developed phthisis bulbi. A total of 22/27 treated eyes appeared to have regained effective visual function at the last clinical evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Autologous buccal mucous membrane grafts appear to successfully manage severe corneal ulcers in dogs and cats, providing a useful and economical alternative to other corneal grafts.

Ocular fundus abnormalities in cats affected by systemic hypertension: Prevalence, characterization, and outcome of treatment.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of ocular fundus abnormalities in cats with a diagnosis of systemic hypertension, to characterize the abnormalities observed, and to evaluate ophthalmoscopic evolution during treatment with amlodipine besylate. ANIMALS STUDIED: Cats diagnosed as affected by SHP in a 2-year period. PROCEDURES: Systemic hypertension was assessed by oscillometric blood pressure measurement, and its etiology was also established. All the cats received an ophthalmic examination, and ocular lesions were classified with a score from 0 (no abnormalities) to 4 (severe abnormalities). All cats received amlodipine besylate by mouth, and those that showed fundus abnormalities were regularly rechecked from 7 to 365 days after diagnosis. Data were statistically analyzed to compare Psys and Pdia with all the variables and to correlate Psys and Pdia with the fundus score. RESULTS: A total of 225 cats were enrolled in the study, and the prevalence of fundus abnormalities was 58.6% (21.2%: grade 1; 18.2%: grade 2; 36.4%: grade 3; and 24.2%: grade 4). Systemic hypertension was diagnosed concurrently with chronic renal failure (60.4%), hyperthyroidism (28.9%), both chronic renal failure and hyperthyroidism (7.6%), and hypertrophic myocardiopathy (3.1%). A significant effect of Psys values on the fundus score was detected. Amlodipine therapy improved fundus abnormalities in 50% of cases at the 21-day follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that fundus abnormalities are common in hypertensive cats at the time of the systemic diagnosis, and most of the abnormalities are moderate to severe. Treatment with amlodipine appeared to improve ophthalmic lesions over time.

Effect of topical ophthalmic instillation of rocuronium bromide on the intraocular pressure of kestrels (Falco tinnunculus) and little owls (Athene noctuae).

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of rocuronium bromide-induced mydriasis on the intraocular pressure (IOP) of kestrels (Falco tinnunculus) and little owls (Athene noctuae). ANIMALS: 13 adult kestrels and 13 adult little owls. PROCEDURES: All birds were ophthalmologically normal. During the first of 2 treatment periods, a 1% rocuronium bromide solution was topically instilled in both eyes of all birds at a dose of 0.12 mg (12 µL) for kestrels and 0.20 mg (20 µL) for little owls. No ophthalmic treatments were administered during the second (control) treatment period, which was conducted 1 week after the first. During both treatment periods, rebound tonometry was used to measure IOP before rocuronium bromide instillation or at the beginning of the control period (baseline) and at predetermined times after baseline or until the pupillary light reflex returned to normal. All IOP measurements were obtained between 8 am and 5 pm. RESULTS: The mean IOP did not differ significantly from baseline for either species during the control treatment period. During the rocuronium bromide treatment period, complete mydriasis was achieved in all birds. The mean IOP was significantly decreased from baseline and from the corresponding mean IOP for the control period beginning 60 and 30 minutes after drug instillation for kestrels and owls, respectively, and reached its nadir at 60 minutes after drug instillation for both species. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that topical instillation of rocuronium bromide in the eyes successfully induced mydriasis and decreased the IOP of common kestrels and little owls.

Pharmacokinetics of levosulpiride after single-dose administration in goats (Capra hircus) by different routes of administration.

Levosulpiride (LSP) is the l-enantiomer of sulpiride, and LSP recently replacing sulpiride in several EU countries. Several studies about LSP in humans are present in the literature, but neither pharmacodynamic nor pharmacokinetic data of LSP is present for veterinary species. The aim of this study was to assess the pharmacokinetic profile of LSP after intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), and oral (PO) administration in goats. Animals (n = 6) were treated with 50 mg LSP by IV, IM, and PO routes according to a randomized cross-over design (3 × 3 Latin-square). Blood samples were collected prior and up to 24 hr after LSP administration and quantified using a validated HPLC method with fluorescence detection. IV and IM administration gave similar concentration versus time curve profiles. The IM mean bioavailability was 66.97%. After PO administration, the drug plasma concentrations were detectable only in the time range 1.5-4 hr, and the bioavailability (4.73%) was low. When the AUC was related to the administered dose in mg/kg, there was a good correlation in the IV and IM groups, but very low correlation for the PO route. In conclusion, the IM and IV administrations result in very similar plasma concentrations. Oral dosing of LSP in goats is probably not viable as its oral bioavailability was very low.

Ultrasonography-guided removal of plant-based foreign bodies from the lacrimal sac in four dogs.

BACKGROUND: Dacryocystitis is an inflammation of the lacrimal drainage system. One of the most common causes of dacryocystitis in dogs is due to plant-based foreign bodies typically located in the lacrimal sac. The aim of this case series was to describe an ultrasonography-guided technique for dogs with plant-based foreign bodies in the lacrimal sac, as both a diagnostic and therapeutic tool. CASE PRESENTATION: Four dogs with clinically suspected plant-based foreign body in the lacrimal sac (with a total of five eyes affected) were evaluated by ultrasound with a multifrequency (8-14 MHz) linear probe. Under general anesthesia, the foreign body was removed using Hartmann alligator forceps inserted thorough the upper puncta. Ultrasound was used to guide the forceps in grasping the foreign body. Ultrasound was positive in four out of five lacrimal sac diseases. All identified foreign bodies were successfully removed by the ultrasonography-guided technique. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that ultrasound is a fast, non-invasive, and inexpensive method for the assessment of dacryocystitis due to foreign bodies in dogs. Ultrasound is also useful not only for identification, but also in the non-invasive removal of the foreign body from the lacrimal sac. To the best of authors' knowledge, this is the first study to describe the sonographic approach to the palpebral medial cantus as an initial diagnostic step in canine dacriocystitis.

VAMPIRE® fundus image analysis algorithms: Validation and diagnostic relevance in hypertensive cats.

OBJECTIVES: To validate a retinal imaging software named VAMPIRE® (Vascular Assay and Measurement Platform for Images of the Retina) in feline patients and test the clinical utility in hypertensive cats. ANIMALS STUDIED: One hundred and five healthy cats were enrolled. They represented the normal dataset used in the validation (group 1). Forty-three hypertensive cats with no noticeable retinal abnormalities were enrolled for the clinical validity of the software (group 2). PROCEDURES: Eleven points (4 veins, 4 arteries, and 3 arterial bifurcations) were measured for each digital image. Repeatability and reproducibility of measurements were assessed using two independent operators. Data were statistically analyzed by the Mann-Whiney and Tukey box plot. Significance was considered when P < 0.05. RESULTS: Two hundred and ten retinal images were analyzed for a total of 2310 measurements. Total mean was 9.1 and 6.1 pixels for veins and arteries, respectively. First, second, and third arteriolar bifurcations angles were 73.6°, 76.9°, and 85.4°, respectively. A comparison between groups 1 and 2 showed a statistically significant reduction in arteriolar diameter (mean 3.3 pixels) and branch angle (55°, 47.8° and 59.9°) associated with increasing vein diameter (mean 24.15 pixels). CONCLUSIONS: Current image analysis techniques used in human medicine were investigated in terms of extending their use to veterinary medicine. The VAMPIRE® algorithm proved useful for an objective diagnosis of retinal vasculature changes secondary to systemic hypertension in cats, and could be an additional diagnostic test for feline systemic hypertension.

Number and topographical distribution of retinal ganglion cells in diurnal and nocturnal raptors / Número y distribución topográfica de células ganglionares de la retina en rapaces diurnas y nocturnas

Retinal Ganglion Cells (RGCs) in two diurnal raptors, the buzzard (Buteo buteo) and kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), and in two nocturnal raptors, the little owl (Athene noctua) and tawny owl (Strix aluco), were studied in order to highlight their topographical distribution, taking into account the soma size. Cell density (RGCs/mm2) and median soma area from histological radial sections in four retinal fields (dorsal, ventral, temporal and nasal) were recorded in order to identify specialized retinal vision areas. The results showed a different RGCs distribution between diurnal and nocturnal raptors related to the location of the foveas and shape of the horizontal streak, confirming the bibliographic data. In diurnal raptors, a higher cell density was found in the temporal and central retinal fields as revealed by the presence of a temporal and a central fovea which showed a "horizontal streak". In nocturnal raptors the cell density was higher in the peripheral temporal field likely due to a temporal fovea. A peak in cell density observed in the ventral field, especially in the retina of little owls, might be linked to a more "radial visual streak". Comparing the data obtained we highlighted that the morphology and the number of RGCs are closely linked to the habitat and to the type of predation.

Se estudiaron las células ganglionares de la retina (RGC) en dos aves rapaces diurnas, el ratonero (Buteo buteo) y el cernícalo (Falco tinnunculus), y en dos aves rapaces nocturnas, el mochuelo (Athene noctua) y el búho leonado (Strix aluco), buscando resaltar su distribución topográfica, teniendo en cuenta el tamaño del soma. Se registraron la densidad celular (RGCs/mm2) y la media del área del soma de las secciones histológicas radiales en cuatro campos retinianos (dorsal, ventral, temporal y nasal) para identificar áreas de visión retinianas especializadas. Los resultados mostraron una distribución diferente de RGCs entre las rapaces diurnas y nocturnas relacionadas con la ubicación de las fóveas y la forma de la línea horizontal, lo que confirma los datos bibliográficos. En las aves rapaces diurnas, se encontró una densidad celular más alta en los campos de retina temporales y centrales como lo revela la presencia de una fóvea temporal y central que mostraba una "veta horizontal". En aves rapaces nocturnas, la densidad celular fue mayor en el campo temporal periférico probablemente debido a una fóvea temporal. Un aumento en la densidad celular, observado en el campo ventral, especialmente en la retina de los pequeños buhos, podría estar relacionado con una "línea visual radial". Comparando los datos obtenidos, resaltamos que la morfología y el número de RGC están estrechamente relacionados con el hábitat y el tipo de depredación.

Exophthalmos associated to orbital zygomatic mucocele and complex maxillary malformation in a puppy.

A case of exophthalmos due to zygomatic mucocele in a puppy with ipsilateral segmental maxillary atrophy is reported. A 7-month-old, mixed breed, male dog suffered the sudden-onset of unilateral painful exophthalmos and a gradual swelling of the right temporal region. A compressing, right retrobulbar mass was observed by ultrasound. Computed tomography revealed a large multiloculated cyst-like lesion of the right zygomatic gland projecting into the orbital space, thus displacing the eyeball. The ipsilateral molar part of the maxillary bone was underdeveloped, besides showing crowded, abnormal, multiple, unerupted maxillary molar teeth in the caudal maxillary region. Modified lateral orbitotomy and a selective caudal maxillary bone access were performed. The cyst-like lesion was removed and the zygomatic gland and the wall was collected for histology, which confirmed the mucocele. Clinical and imaging examinations six months after surgery showed neither recurrence of the mucocele nor ocular abnormalities. A possible common pathogenic mechanism involving these two conditions could be hypothesized.

Morphological study of the iris musculature in diurnal and nocturnal raptors / Estudio morfológico de la musculatura del diafragma en aves rapaces diurnas y nocturnas

In literature it is established that the iris musculature consists of striate muscle fibers in birds while in mammals it consists of smooth muscles. Some authors report the presence of smooth muscle tissue also in the iris of some species of birds. In the present study we report on the iris muscle tissues (type of tissue, direction and mean diameter of muscle fibers or cells) in five species of Accipitriformes (diurnal raptors) and four species of Strigiformes (nocturnal raptors) because they show different way of life depending of their predatory behavior. This morphological study was carried out from raptors died or euthanized at the Wild Life Rescue Centre of Sea and Water birds in Livorno (Italy). From histological examination of iris serial radial sections we find both striated and smooth musculature even if with marked differences among analyzed species, not directly correlated with diurnal or nocturnal lifestyle. Striated fibers are always present, mainly with cross direction, throughout the iris stroma, while the histological differences concern the smooth cells. Indeed, harrier and sparrow hawk (Accipitriformes) and great horned owl and little owl (Strigiformes) show a compact layer of cross smooth muscle cells throughout the iris stroma. In the other species analyzed smooth muscle cells are slightly detectable as scattered or not detectable. Since the cross smooth muscle tissue allows to maintain a myotic state for extended periods of time, our results might be correlated more to the predatory behavior than the taxonomic order.

En la literatura, se establece que la musculatura del iris se compone de fibras musculares estriadas en las aves, mientras que en los mamíferos, la forman los músculos lisos. Algunos autores informan también de la presencia de tejido muscular liso en el iris de algunas especies de aves. El presente estudio informa sobre los tejidos musculares del iris (tipo de tejido, la dirección y diámetro de las fibras musculares o células) en cinco especies de Accipitriformes y cuatro especies de Strigiformes que muestran diferentes hábitos en función de su comportamiento depredador. Este estudio morfológico se realizó en aves rapaces que murieron o fueron eutanasiadas en el Centro de Vida Salvaje de Rescate de Aves Marinas y Acuáticas de Livorno (Italia). El examen histológico de secciones seriadas radiales del iris mostró la presencia tanto de musculatura estriada como lisa, aunque con marcadas diferencias entre las especies analizadas, pero sin correlación directa con el estilo de vida diurna o nocturna. Las fibras estriadas estuvieron siempre presentes, principalmente en dirección transversal a lo largo del estroma del iris, mientras que las diferencias histológicas fueron de las células lisas. Tanto el aguilucho y el gavilán (Accipitriformes) como el buho real y el mochuelo (Strigiformes) mostraron una capa compacta de células musculares lisas transversales en todo el estroma del iris. En las otras especies analizadas, las células musculares lisas fueron ligeramente detectables de manera dispersa o no detectables. Dado que el tejido del músculo liso transversal permite mantener un estado miótico durante largos períodos de tiempo, nuestros resultados podrían estar más correlacionados con el comportamiento depredador, y no con el orden taxonómico.

Effects of rocuronium bromide on globe position and respiratory function in isoflurane-anesthetized dogs: a comparison between three different dosages.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect on globe position and respiration of three dosages of intravenous rocuronium in isoflurane-anesthetized dogs. ANIMAL STUDIED: Thirty-two dogs anesthetized for ophthalmic procedures. PROCEDURES: The dogs were divided into four groups, each of eight animals (G1-G4). G1, G2, G3 received 0.075, 0.05, 0.03 mg/kg of IV rocuronium, respectively; G4 received 0.9% NaCl IV; all the treatments were administered when an end-tidal isoflurane of 1.1-1.2% was reached. Anesthesia was obtained with dexmedetomidine (2.5 mcg/kg IV), methadone (0.1 mg/kg IV), propofol (2 mg/kg IV), and isoflurane in oxygen. Neuromuscular function was assessed with acceleromyography by stimulation of the peroneal nerve using the train-of-four (ToF) and the ToF ratio (ToFR). Monitoring of cardiovascular and respiratory functions was performed. Changes in globe position were recorded. RESULTS: All three dosages of rocuronium produced centralization of the globe. Duration was 24.3 ± 4.2, 23.4 ± 3.6, and 8.7 ± 2.8 min, for G1, G2, and G3, respectively. The control group did not show globe centralization. No significant differences were found among the four groups in cardiovascular and respiratory parameters. Minute volume and ToFR were significantly lower in G1 compared with baseline values. CONCLUSIONS: All doses of rocuronium resulted in globe centralization. The higher dose provoked a transient respiratory depression and some degree of skeletal muscular blockade detectable with ToFR. No alterations in respiratory activity were present when 0.05 mg/kg was used. The 0.03 mg/kg dosage could be useful for very short ophthalmic procedures.

Conjunctival bacterial and fungal flora in clinically normal sheep.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to identify conjunctival bacterial and fungal flora in clinically normal sheep. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Tuscany. PARTICIPANTS: 100 eyes from 50 adult Massese female sheep were examined. The sheep included in the study were considered free of anterior ophthalmic abnormalities. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Bacteria were identified by morphological assessment, Gram staining, biochemical tests. Identification of filamentous fungi was achieved at the genus level, and Aspergillus species were identified based on keys provided by other authors. Yeast colonies were highlighted, but not identified. RESULTS: Positive cultures were obtained from 100/100 eyes for bacteria, and from 86/100 eyes for fungi. A total of 14 types of bacteria and 5 types of fungi were isolated. Yeasts were isolated from 13/100 eyes. The most frequent fungal isolates were saprophytic fungi. CONCLUSIONS: Conjunctival bacterial and fungal flora of clinically normal eyes were reported in sheep. The positivity obtained for conjunctival bacteria was higher compared to findings in the literature by other authors in the same species (100 per cent v 40 per cent), while our results were in line with a recent work performed on mouflons (Ovis Musimon) with a 100 per cent positivity for bacterial conjunctival fornix. In our survey, Gram-positive species were prevalent, as reported by other authors in different species. Few data are available in the literature regarding conjunctival fungal flora in healthy small ruminants. The prevalence of conjunctival fungal flora in this study was higher than findings reported in mouflons (86 per cent v 45 per cent). Differences in fungal prevalence may be due to different methods of managing herds, though further studies are required to verify this hypothesis. The similarities in bacterial and fungal isolates between sheep and mouflons suggest a genera pattern of conjunctival colonisation by bacteria and fungi.

Ocular abnormalities in healthy Standardbred foals.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and describe ocular abnormalities in healthy Standardbred foals within 48 h of birth. ANIMALS: One hundred and two neonatal foals. PROCEDURES: All foals had an unassisted delivery. On the basis of physical examination and the results of hematological and biochemical parameters, all foals were unaffected by systemic diseases. A complete ophthalmic examination was performed within 48 h of birth. Foals with ocular hemorrhages were re-examined weekly until the abnormalities were resolved. RESULTS: 65/102 (63.7%) foals did not show ocular abnormalities, while in 37/102 (36.3%) cases, ocular abnormalities were present. Retinal and subconjunctival hemorrhages were recorded in 19/102 (18.6%), and in 13/102 (12.7%), respectively. In 4/102 (3.9%) animals, an entropion of the lower eyelid was present. Only one foal (1%) showed a congenital nuclear unilateral cataract. No other ocular abnormalities were detected. However, all foals showed various degrees of remnants of hyaloid system. One week after the first ocular examination, retinal hemorrhages had resolved in 100% of the eyes, whereas subconjunctival hemorrhages had disappeared in all eyes by the second week following the first examination. CONCLUSIONS: The acquired ocular lesions observed with relatively high frequency in the examined healthy Standardbred foals were ocular hemorrhages, which always showed a good outcome. Although these abnormalities were present at birth, they were not considered strictly congenital but likely acquired during parturition. Instead, congenital ocular abnormalities were rarely diagnosed, and the entropion of the lower eyelid was the most common disease in the breed.

Schirmer tear test type I readings and intraocular pressure values assessed by applanation tonometry (Tonopen® XL) in normal eyes of four European species of birds of prey.

OBJECTIVE: To determine normal values for Schirmer tear test I and intraocular pressure in four European species of birds of prey. ANIMALS STUDIED: Twenty birds from each of the following species: Eurasian Tawny owl (Strix aluco), Little owl (Athene noctua), Common buzzard (Buteo buteo), and European kestrel (Falco tinnunculus). PROCEDURES: Both eyes of all birds (80 eyes) underwent a complete ophthalmic examination, which included a Schirmer tear test type I (STT-I) performed with commercially available strips and the assessment of the intraocular pressure (IOP) by applanation tonometry, employing the Tonopen-XL(®) device. The animals, which had been taken to a rescue center, were examined for ocular lesions prior to their eventual release into the wild. STT-I readings and IOP values were expressed as means ± standard deviation. RESULTS: Schirmer tear test type I readings were as follows: Eurasian Tawny owls: 3.12 ± 1.92 mm/min; Little owls: 3.5 ± 1.96 mm/min; Common buzzards: 12.47 ± 2.66 mm/min; European kestrels: 6.20 ± 3.67 mm/min. IOP values were as follows: Eurasian Tawny owls: 11.21 ± 3.12 mmHg; Little owls: 9.83 ± 3.41 mmHg; Common buzzards: 17.2 ± 3.53 mmHg; European kestrels: 8.53 ± 1.59 mmHg. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study give representative values for STT-I and IOP in four of the most common species of birds of prey in Europe.

Safety and efficacy of bilateral topical application of rocuronium bromide for mydriasis in European kestrels (Falco tinnunculus).

The avian iris is mainly composed of striated muscle fibers, and the topical parasympatholytic drugs used in mammals to induce pupil dilation are ineffective in birds. The achievement of mydriasis in conscious birds is only possible by using neuromuscular blocking agents such as curariform drugs. To determine the efficacy of the neuromuscular blocking agent rocuronium bromide as a mydriatic agent in European kestrels (Falco tinnunculus) and to assess possible adverse effects due to its use, 10 kestrels received a single topical instillation with a pipette of 0.12 mg of rocuronium in each eye (total dose, 0.24 mg/bird). Pupil diameter was measured with a pupillary gauge, and pupillary light reflex was assessed by using a standard light source from time zero (Tbase) to 250 minutes after application (T250). Baseline pupil size (Tbase) was 3.30 (0.71) mm in both eyes. Maximal mydriasis was achieved at T90 minutes with a mean (SD) pupillary diameter of 6.30 (0.42) mm and 6.35 (0.41) mm in the right eye and left eye, respectively. At the dose used, rocuronium bromide induced a consistent bilateral simultaneous mydriasis without noticeable adverse effects, and it can be considered a reliable and safe topical mydriatic agent in kestrels.

Evaluation of the endotracheal tube cuff pressure resulting from four different methods of inflation in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the endotracheal tube cuff pressure achieved by four different inflation methods. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: Eighty client owned dogs. METHODS: After anaesthesia induction, endotracheal intubation was performed using plastic or silicone tubes. A clinician unaware of tube type inflated the cuff by simple digital palpation (method A), thereafter the cuff was deflated and inflated again by a second clinician who tried to reproduce a previously learned cuff pressure of between 19 and 24 mmHg (method B). During method C the cuff was inflated to the minimum occlusive volume at an airway pressure of 20 cm H(2) O, and in method D the cuff was incrementally deflated until an audible air leak could be heard from the oral cavity at an airway pressure of 25 cm H(2) O. For all the methods, an operator recorded the actual cuff pressure obtained using a manometer. Heart rate, respiratory rate and mean arterial pressure were monitored throughout the procedure. RESULTS: The mean inflation pressure for plastic tubes was 56 ± 28 mmHg for method A, 20 ± 9 mmHg for method B, 35 ± 32 mmHg for method C and 46 ± 39 mmHg for method D. Pressures using silicone tubes were significantly higher than for plastic tubes, the mean registered pressures being 79 ± 39, 33 ± 16, 77 ± 50 and 92 ± 56 mmHg for methods A, B, C and D. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: None of the methods evaluated in this study can be considered effective for inflating the endotracheal tube cuff to within the optimal range when using silicone tubes. Direct measurement of the cuff pressure with a manometer is therefore recommended.