M-mode and Doppler echocardiographic findings in normal ferrets sedated with ketamine hydrochloride and midazolam.

M-mode and Doppler echocardiographic values were obtained from 30 normal adult ferrets (14 neutered females, 13 neutered males, 3 intact males) sedated with an intramuscular combination of ketamine hydrochloride and midazolam. Routine M-mode measurements of the left and right ventricle, left atrium (LA) and aorta (AO) and Doppler measurements of aortic and pulmonic outflow, and mitral inflow were recorded. The following values were calculated: LA:AO diameter, ratio of peak E: peak A wave velocity (E:A ratio) for mitral inflow, and stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO) and cardiac index (CI) for both pulmonary and aortic outflow tracts. Maximal aortic velocities (AOmax) and velocity-time integral values (AO VTI) were significantly less than corresponding pulmonary outflow tract values (PAmax, PA VTI) but there was no difference in calculated values for SV, CO or CI. Calculated CO values were in the range expected based on the size of the species. Difficulties in aligning the aortic outflow tract for Doppler imaging may make pulmonary outflow Doppler values more consistent for use in estimating volume flow in ferrets.

Radiographic measurement of cardiac size in normal ferrets.

Right lateral, left lateral and ventrodorsal radiographs were obtained in 20 normal ferrets (11 male). Three independent observers recorded measurements of the cardiac silhouette and results for each parameter were averaged. Long axis (length), short axis (width) and total of length plus width (L+W) were recorded in each view. Comparative measurements were calculated, including the ratio of L+W/length of thoracic vertebrae 5-8, and a modified vertebral heart score (VHS) method, measuring the heart in vertebral units. Measurements made in ventrodorsal views were usually larger than corresponding measurements in lateral views. Weight and most absolute measurements differed significantly between male and female ferret (P<0.05), but the differences in absolute measurements were not apparent when related to measures of body size (Ratio and modified VHS methods). Given the variability in body weight and size in ferrets, measurements of the cardiac silhouette normalized for body size may be more universally applicable than absolute measurements.

Effects of hemolysis on plasma electrolyte and chemistry values in the common green iguana (Iguana iguana).

Hemolysis of serum and plasma samples is a common problem in veterinary diagnostic laboratories. We measured the effects of hemolysis on nine plasma analytes in 10 clinically normal common green iguanas (Iguana iguana). Blood samples with moderate and marked hemolysis were produced from each iguana by freezing, centrifuging, and decanting plasma from a portion of each blood sample, and combining the nonhemolyzed plasma with different amounts of hemolyzed plasma from the same individual. Moderate hemolysis significantly increased plasma phosphorus levels. Marked hemolysis significantly increased plasma values of potassium, phosphorus, total protein, and aspartate aminotransferase. The severity of hemolysis must be considered when interpreting values for these analytes in iguana plasma.

Characterization of the renal portal system of the common green iguana (Iguana iguana) by digital subtraction imaging.

Digital subtraction angiography was used to map the venous blood flow from the pelvic limb and the tail in the common green iguana (Iguana iguana). The majority of blood returning from the pelvic limb bypassed the kidney and entered the general circulation, whereas venous blood flow from the tail entered the renal portal circulation. No evidence was found of a renal portal valve.

Clinical pathology of the domestic rabbit. Acquisition and interpretation of samples.

Diagnostic laboratories are receiving increasing numbers of samples from practitioners as they strive to diagnose complex disease processes and manage rabbit cases. Proper acquisition of diagnostic samples and interpretation of results are key skills necessary for successful management of medical cases. This article reviews the collection and interpretation of clinicopathologic samples commonly used in rabbits.

Endocrine cells of bronchial and bronchiolar epithelium.

Among the epithelial elements of the pulmonary airways are cells with features suggestive of endocrine function. Although these cells share a number of properties with the intestinal endocrine (argentaffine) cells, peptide hormones analogous to the multitude of those present in the gastrointestinal tract have yet to be identified in the lung. The oat cell carcinoma, which arises from this cell type, is of importance clinically, yet investigations into the basic properties and functions of this cell have been difficult and sparse, in part due to a lack of appreciation of the problem.