Postanaesthetic tear production and ocular irritation in cats.

OBJECTIVE: General anaesthesia significantly reduces tear production and normal values are not immediately re-established on ending anaesthesia. Therefore, adequate protection of the cornea has to be assured during the perianaesthetic period. There are various methods available, including taping of the eyelids and the application of eye ointments, gels and drops. In human medicine studies, different formulations were found to induce signs of ocular irritation. The aim of the present study was to determine tear production in cats after general anaesthesia, and to identify possible causes of irritation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Tear production was determined in 41 cats after general anaesthesia and eyes were examined for signs of irritation. Two different anaesthetic protocols were used. To protect the cornea, an ointment and gel were applied to the right and left eyes, respectively. RESULTS: Postoperatively, tear production was significantly reduced for 6 hours and 18 hours in the right and left eyes, respectively. Two hours after anaesthesia, blepharospasm of the right eye was observed in 92.7% (n = 38) of the cats. In contrast, the left eye was always held open. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that tear production in cats is significantly decreased both during and after anaesthesia. The degree of reduction was independent of the anaesthetic protocol. Both the eye ointment and gel proved effective in protecting the corneal surface. However, eye gel use is recommended because the eye ointment consistently caused an irritation comparable to the foreign-body sensation reported in humans.

[Treatment of long bone fractures in 125 newborn calves. A retrospective study]. / Behandlung von Frakturen der langen Röhrenknochen bei 125 neugeborenen Kälbern. Eine retrospektive Untersuchung.

OBJECTIVES: Retrospective study of the causes, location, configuration, treatment and outcome of long bone fractures in newborn calves. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The medical records of 125 calves presented during a 16-year period because of fracture of the humerus (3 calves), radius/ulna (14), femur (50) or tibia (58) were evaluated. The majority of calves (61.6%) sustained the fractures during assisted delivery. Of 125 calves, 107 were treated and 18 were euthanized because of concurrent diseases. Conservative treatment was used in 16 calves and surgical treatment in 91. Four of the latter were euthanized because of muscle contraction which prevented fracture reduction, and five others died in surgery. RESULTS: Fracture healing occurred after conservative treatment in 10 of 16 calves and after surgical treatment in 44 of 82 calves. The outcome was better in calves with plate and clamp-rod internal fixation (37/58 healed) than with intramedullary pinning (4/16 healed) or external fixation (3/8 healed). There were significant associations (chi2-test, p<0.01) between concurrent diseases and choice of therapy and fracture healing. Of 67 calves that developed complications, only 26 could be cured. Common complications were implant loosening and instability, which were often followed by osteomyelitis and sepsis. Implants were removed in 39 of 44 surgically treated calves that survived up to 6 months postoperatively. Long-term follow up (> 6 months postoperatively) by clinical and radiographic re-examination (25 calves) or telephone inquiry (29 calves) revealed that 54 animals were sound and had returned to their intended use. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The treatment of long bone fractures in newborn calves remains difficult because of a high incidence of complications. These are most likely attributable to trauma during delivery, which results in insufficient colostrum intake and predisposes to concurrent diseases. In addition, the characteristics of juvenile bones do not provide sufficient physical strength for implants. Therefore, professional and diligent assistance during forced extraction, particularly in presentations with "stifle lock" or "hip lock", is required to minimize the incidence of long bone fractures in newborn calves. Most cases require surgical fixation, which is time consuming, expensive and carries a guarded prognosis.

Intra-tumoral gene delivery of feIL-2, feIFN-gamma and feGM-CSF using magnetofection as a neoadjuvant treatment option for feline fibrosarcomas: a phase-I study.

Despite aggressive pre- or postoperative treatment, feline fibrosarcomas have a high relapse rate. In this study, a new treatment option based on immune stimulation by intra-tumoral delivery of three feline cytokine genes was performed. The objective of this phase-I dose-escalation study was to determine a safe dose for further evaluation in a subsequent phase-II trial. Twenty-five client-owned cats with clinical diagnosis of fibrosarcoma - primary tumours as well as recurrences - entered the study. Four increasing doses of plasmids coding for feIL-2, feIFN-gamma or feGM-CSF, respectively, were previously defined. In groups I, II, III and IV these doses were 15, 50, 150 and 450 microg per plasmid and a corresponding amount of magnetic nanoparticles. Two preoperative intra-tumoral injections of the magnetic DNA solution were followed by magnetofection. A group of four control cats received only surgical treatment. Side effects were registered and graded according to the VCOG-CTCAE scale and correlated to treatment. Statistical analyses included one-way anova, post hoc and Kruskal-Wallis tests. ELISA tests detecting plasma feIFN-gamma and plasma feGM-CSF were performed. One cat out of group IV (450 microg per plasmid) showed adverse events probably related to gene delivery. As these side effects were self-limiting and occurred only in one of eight cats in group IV, this dose was determined to be well tolerable. Altogether six cats developed local recurrences during a 1-year observation period. Four of these cats had been treated with dose IV. Regarding these observations, a subsequent phase-II trial including a representative amount of cats should be tested for the efficacy of dose IV as well as dose III.

Calcium-excess causes subclinical changes of bone growth in Beagles but not in Foxhound-crossbred dogs, as measured in X-rays.

Numerous investigations and reports have covered the potential negative effects of an excess of calcium (Ca) in the skeletal development of young dogs. However, it still remains unclear why not all puppies, particularly of larger breeds, develop clinical signs of skeletal disorders after an overexposure to Ca. This trial with the small Beagle breed and a larger Foxhound-crossbred dog (with an adult weight of around 35 kg) investigated the effects of Ca-excess on parameters of bone growth. The employed small breed is known for its chondrodystrophic predispositions, no such data are reported for the slender hound-type Foxhound-crossbred dogs. The Ca-supply had no influence on weight development and general health of the dogs. The measurements of bone lengths and widths in X-rays of the forearm of Beagles and Foxhound-crossbred dogs at 6 weeks of age, and again after a period of overexposure to Ca at about 27 weeks of age, revealed a growth-reducing influence only in Beagles, without influence on clinical parameters of skeletal health.

Preservation of canine and feline corneoscleral tissue in Optisol GS.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the research was to determine whether preservation of corneal tissue of dogs and cats in Optisol GS (OGS, Bausch & Lomb Surgical, Irvine, CA, USA) is feasible for subsequent use in penetrating keratoplasty. ANIMALS: The study subjects were 33 dogs and 31 cats with no gross corneal pathology, which had been euthanised by pentobarbital overdose for reasons unrelated to this project. PROCEDURE: One cornea of each pair was evaluated immediately and the other was evaluated after storage in Optisol GS for either 5, 10, 15 or 20 days. The most important criterion was the preservation of the endothelial cell layer. RESULTS: Corneoscleral tissue of cats survived longer, when preserved in Optisol GS at 4 degrees C, than that of dogs. Light and scanning electron microscopy revealed good preservation of the endothelial cell layer for up to 10 days in dogs and up to 15 days in cats.

[Radiologic findings in bovine laminitis]. / Röntgenbefunde bei der Klauenrehe des Rindes.

In a clinical study, 366 radiographs--210 in an abaxioaxial plane, 156 in a dorsopalmar/-plantar view, of 179 bovines affected with laminitis were evaluated. Seven common findings were noted in laminitic claws: In the abaxioaxial plane these were rotation of the pedal bone (34.8%), radiolucency at the tip of phalanx III (31.9%), concave shape of the dorsum of the claw (18.6%), "ski jump" sign (16.2%), and radiolucency in the area of the dorsal laminae (10.0%). In the dorsopalmar/-plantar view a gross irregularity of the solar margin of the pedal bone (49.4%) or radiolucency of the pedal bone tip (34.0%) were evident. Bony proliferations in the region of the dorsal laminae (27.6%) and pedal osteitis at the solar surface of the pedal bone (18.6%) were not evaluated as being typical laminitic changes because they could not clearly be separated from the changes which depend on age. Changes in shape of the extensor process, shape of the dorsal surface of P3 were judged as physiologic variations. The distal displacement (sinking) of phalanx III could not be verified due to the lack of radiologic measurements in normal claws. A statistically proven correlation of laminitis with the septic pododermatitis circumscripta (deep Rusterholz' ulcer) could only be found for the radiolucency of the pedal bone tip.

[Application possibilities of laser surgery in veterinary medicine. 3: Literature review and some case reports]. / Einsatzmöglichkeiten der Laserchirurgie in der Tiermedizin. Teil 3: Laseranwendungen: Literaturübersicht und eigene Erfahrungen.

The transmission of the laser beam trough flexible fibers enables an endoscopic application. Since this technique is minimal invasive and often does not require general anaesthesia there is an increasing interest in the use of laser techniques-for example in equine upper respiratory tract surgery. This paper gives a review about reported laser application in the different fields of veterinary surgery with emphasis on laser practice in dermatology, ophthalmology and endoscopic laser application.

[Hemangiosarcoma of the spleen: clinical aspects in 52 dogs]. / Das Hämangiosarkom der Milz: klinische Befunde bei 52 Hunden.

This study describes clinical aspects, treatment, and survival times of 52 dogs with hemangiosarcoma of the spleen, presented at the Department of Veterinary Surgery, University of Munich, Germany. Depending on the dissemination of the disease the dogs were assigned to three clinical stages: 10 dogs were in stage I (tumor confined to the spleen without metastasis), 18 in stage II (tumor confined to the spleen or ruptured, with or without lymph node involvement but without distant metastasis) and 24 in stage III (with distant metastasis). Dogs in stage I displayed mild and nonspecific symptoms. In stage II and II, half of the patients were presented in shock or collapse after an acute rupture of the tumor. Sonographic examination was found superior in diagnosing splenic neoplasia when compared to radiography. Pronounced laboratory abnormalities were present mainly in patients in stages II or III with anemia, leucocytosis, thrombocytopenia and prolonged bleeding times predominating. Survival times following splenectomy were very variable. The median survival time was 100 days. Because of the high standard deviaton there was no statistically significant difference in survival times between animals of different stages.

[Lip closure with buttons--a simple method for immobilization of temporomandibular joint injuries in the cat]. / Lippenverschluss mit Knöpfen--eine einfache Methode zur Immobilisierung von kiefergelenk(nahen) Verletzungen bei der Katze.

Injuries to the lower jaw in cats occur frequently in the area of the temporomandibular joint. In most of these cases, successful treatment necessitates a temporary surgical occlusion of the jaw. After a brief survey of various occlusion methods, a simple technique is opted for in which labial reverse sutures of non-absorbable material are threaded through buttons. This is the preferred method of treatment employed by the University of Munich Department of Animal Surgery. During the past ten years, 107 cats were treated using this method. It was possible to check the healing process via clinical and radiological examinations in 72 of these patients. In a further 21 cases, information was obtained through questioning the owners. The collected data revealed that the method described above, which originally had been intended to temporarily occlude the jaw in polytraumatized cats, has proven to be an effective final therapy in most cases. Of the total of 93 patients with a known case history, 81 cats (87%) showed no need for rigid fixation. Over all, 94% of treated patients were free of discomfort, while 68% of the fractures and luxations radiographically reevaluated had healed anatomically.

[Breed and age dependent structure of the eye chamber angle in cats]. / Zur rasse- und altersabhängigen Struktur des Augenkammerwinkels bei der Katze.

102 ophthalmoscopically healthy cats of both sexes, variable age and different breeds were examined gonioscopically. The examination included 70 European Domestic Shorthaired Cats, 24 Persian Cats, four Chartreuse Cats and three Siamese Cats. A distinct difference in number and distribution of fibers of the pectinate ligament was seen between different breeds. In Persian and Siamese Cats the pectinate ligament contains only a third of the fibers which are found in European Domestic Shorthaired Cats. However the fibers are thicker and less sprouted. In addition it was possible to prove an age-related development of the pectinate ligament. While the final number of fibers was seen to be already present in young cats the diameter of fibers increased with age. These findings were confirmed histologically (by stereo dissecting microscopy) light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy). Furthermore the two-layer-structure of the pectinate ligament in the cat was described for the first time.

[Nuclear spin tomography, magnetic resonance tomography (MRT), nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMR). Technical and methodical hypotheses for the use of nuclear spin tomography on the hip joint of the dog]. / Kernspintomographie, Magnet-Resonanz-Tomographie (MRT), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging (NMR). Technische und methodische Voraussetzungen zur Anwendung der Kernspintomographie am Hüftgelenk des Hundes.

The theoretical principles of nuclear magnetic resonance imaging and its application in human medicine are described. The most important parameters to produce informative images are explained. The tomographic examination of the canine hip joints demands a precise choice of section planes and measuring parameters. The resulting images of the hip joints of eight beagle puppies are evaluated and discussed.

[Two rare lens abnormalities in horses]. / Zwei seltene Linsenanomalien beim Pferd.

Coloboma and ectopia of the crystalline lens are rarely encountered or diagnosed congenital defects of the equine eye. The clinical and ophthalmoscopic features of a congenital coloboma of the lens in a 3 year old Hanoverian stallion and of an ectopic lens in a 6-month old Hanoverian filly are described and depicted. In the stallion, the lens coloboma was associated with a partial coloboma of the zonules, and in the filly, the ectopic lens was small and spherical (microphakia, spherophakia) and associated with syneresis of and small floaters in the vitreous. Although it cannot be excluded that the ectopic position of the lens may have originated from prenatal uveitis, it was classified as congenital in this case. In both eyes, there were no other clinically detectable congenital defects.

[Mandibular fractures in cattle--treatment and results]. / Unterkieferfrakturen beim Rind--Behandlung und Ergebnisse.

The results of a retrospective investigation of 25 cases of mandibular fractures in cattle are reported; 19 animals were treated and 6 slaughtered without therapy. Five cases of unilateral fracture of the pars molaris healed with conservative therapy, whereas the same method of treatment was unsuccessful in four cases with compound fractures (2 x pars incisiva, 1 x diastema, 1 x pars molaris) and in one with multiple fractures of the corpus and ramus of the mandible. For animals with symphyseal fractures, surgical fixation using cerclage wire (three cases) proved successful, as did percutaneous fixation in six animals with fractures of the diastema or body of the mandible. The fractures healed well in 14 out of 19 treated cattle and the animals were retained, on average, for a further four years.

[The significance of ungulocoriitis septica (traumatic) in the toe of the bovine claw]. / Zur Bedeutung der Ungulocoriitis septica (traumatica)--UCS(T)--an der Klauenspitze ("Sohlenspitzengeschwür") des Rindes.

Due to the specific anatomy at the toe of the claw, inflammation of the corium at this site is characterised by a rapid spread to the distal phalanx. Radiography is important for the diagnosis and essential for determining the prognosis. In the early stage of the condition, therapy consists of correct wound care and relieving the affected claw from weight-bearing by applying an orthopaedic shoe to the partner claw. Resection of the claw toe is indicated if there is evidence of osteolysis. The postoperative healing period frequently lasts more than two months; there is a tendency to hypergranulation. Deformation of the claw due to irregular horn growth following surgery may occur. Compared to the treatment by amputation, the economic life of the patient is longer following resection and there are no restrictions on use.

[Metacarpal and metatarsal fractures in cattle. Treatment and results]. / Metakarpal- und Metatarsalfrakturen beim Rind. Behandlung und Ergebnisse.

94 cattle with 97 metacarpal or metatarsal fractures were presented at the Department of Veterinary Surgery of the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, between 1970 and 1987. The cause of fracture was incorrect traction during assisted delivery in almost one third (30.9%) of cases. Eighty-two animals were treated. 59 out of 73 cattle treated conservatively and 7 out of 9 which were operated, could be healed. In 38 animals the fracture healed without malpositioning; 28 developed a shortening or bending of the affected limb, which, with the exception of one case, did not functionally impair the animals. Complications occurred in 22 patients (= 26.9%); in closed fractures the reason was predominantly due to dislocation of the fragments within the cast, whereas an osteomyelitis was usually the cause in the case of the open fractures.