Serum Concentrations of Neuron-Specific Enolase in Dogs Following Traumatic Brain Injury.

The ability to make an accurate prognosis, which is a prerequisite for treatment decisions, is very limited in dogs with traumatic brain injury (TBI). To determine whether serum concentrations of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) have prognostic value in dogs following TBI, we conducted a prospective, observational, controlled clinical study in an intensive care unit of a university teaching hospital. The study population comprised 24 dogs admitted to the hospital within 72 h of a known event of TBI between January 2010 and January 2015, as well as 25 control healthy shelter dogs admitted for elective neutering. Seventeen injured dogs (70%) survived to discharge, four were euthanized and three died within 48 h. Serum samples were obtained from all dogs (in injured dogs, within 72 h of TBI) and NSE concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immonosorbent assay. Associations between NSE levels and outcome, Modified Glasgow Coma Scale, time to sampling, age or haemolysis scale were determined. Mean serum NSE concentrations were decreased in dogs with TBI compared with healthy controls (19.4 ± 4.14 ng/ml vs. 24.9 ± 4.6 ng/ml, P <0.001). No association was found between serum NSE concentrations and either survival or severity of neurological impairment. A negative correlation was found between serum NSE concentrations and time from trauma to blood collection (r = -0.50, P = 0.022). These results indicate that serum NSE concentration in dogs following TBI is not an effective marker for severity or outcome. Further studies are warranted to standardize serum NSE measurements in dogs and to determine the peak and half-life levels of this potential biomarker.

A proposed technique for one-step preputial reconstruction in the dog.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a reverse axial pattern flap based on the superficial branch of the dorsal penile artery and describe its use in preputial reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten penises were harvested from canine cadavers; five were used to describe the dermatome supplied by the superficial branch of the dorsal artery of the penis and five to show perfusion of the skin flap. The superficial branch of the dorsal artery of the penis was identified fluoroscopically by injecting contrast material into the dorsal artery of the penis. This artery was then catheterised and injected with methylene blue to identify the perfused area. A skin flap was created by making a full thickness skin incision at the level of the fornix, along the circumference of the penis. The flap was developed by pulling the cut end toward the tip of the penis while undermining the skin. The flap was considered long enough when the cut end of the flap reached the level of the urethral opening. We also describe a case of preputial resection and reconstruction using this flap. RESULTS: Injection of methylene blue demonstrated the arterial supply to the skin flap. This flap was successful in treating the clinical case following resection of a mast cell tumour on the prepuce, although a small area of full thickness flap necrosis, which healed by second intention, developed postoperatively. CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: This technique may be useful for single step preputial reconstruction.

The Influence of Chronic Kidney Disease on the Structural and Mechanical Properties of Canine Bone.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common in companion animals. Secondary hyperparathyroidism is an inevitable consequence of the disease and may have deleterious effect on the bone; however, the information regarding CKD-associated bone abnormalities in companion animals is scarce. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: Dogs with CKD have decreased bone quality compared to dogs without CKD. ANIMALS: Nine dogs diagnosed with naturally occurring CKD for at least 6 months and 9 age-matched controls. METHODS: Dogs with CKD were enrolled and compared to 9 age-, weight-, and sex-matched control dogs with no evidence of CKD. Samples were assessed using light microscopy, mechanical testing, and microcomputed tomography. Variables evaluated included microstructural features such as number, size, and density of Haversian canals, resorption cavities and osteocytic lacunae, bone mineral density, porosity and Young's modulus. RESULTS: Median lacunae size was significantly smaller in the CKD group compared to the control group (P = 0.001). Resorption cavity density was higher in the CKD compared to the control group (10 [8-14] vs. 7 [4-9]/mm2 , respectively, P = 0.001). Overall porosity was significantly (2.3-fold) higher in the CKD compared to the control group. There was no difference in Young's moduli between groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Naturally occurring CKD affects bone quality in dogs, but these changes are relatively mild and likely not to be manifested clinically. The duration of the disease in dogs evaluated here is short compared to cats and human patients, likely accounting for the more subtle changes in dogs compared to other species.

Long-term outcome of transendoscopic oesophageal mass ablation in dogs with Spirocerca lupi-associated oesophageal sarcoma.

Oesophageal sarcoma is a potential sequel of Spirocerca lupi infection. Oesophageal mass excision can be performed by open chest surgery. The objectives of this observational study were to evaluate the feasibility, short-term morbidity and long-term outcome of transendoscopic oesophageal mass ablation in dogs with spirocercosis-associated oesophageal neoplasia. A 9 mm video-endoscope and laser or electrocauterisation were used to debulk the oesophageal mass. Long-term follow-up was done by telephonic interviews. Fifteen dogs were included. The median tumour size was 5 cm (range 3.5-9). The median procedure time was 75 minutes (range 35-165) and was deemed successful in 12/15 dogs (80 per cent). Recovery was uneventful in all dogs. Immediate complications included oesophageal damage (two dogs) oesophageal perforation (one dog) and a focal thermal damage (one dog). The median hospitalisation time of all dogs was less than one day, with all but two discharged on the procedure day. The median survival time, available in nine dogs that were followed, was 202 days (range 51-691). Four of these dogs (44 per cent) survived more than six months, of which three survived more than one year. In conclusion, transendoscopic oesophageal mass ablation might be considered an alternative, palliative procedure for open-chest oesophageal surgery. It has comparable long-term survival, lower morbidity, short hospitalisation time and relatively low cost.

Minimally invasive unilateral arytenoid lateralization in dogs: A cadaveric study.

The aim of this study was to develop a minimally invasive thyroarytenoid lateralization technique (MITAL). Eleven unilateral MITAL procedures were performed on 11 canine cadavers. Two hypodermic needles were passed through the skin into the lumen of the larynx, penetrating the thyroid and arytenoid cartilages. Suture material was passed through the needles to lateralize the arytenoid cartilage. A rigid endoscope was used to visualize needle insertion and suture material placement. A key-hole approach to the larynx was performed and the suture material was knotted on the lateral aspect of the thyroid cartilage. The change in the rima glottidis area was recorded as were the duration of the procedure and complications encountered. The landmarks for needle insertion were easily palpated, and a significant increase in the area of the rima glottidis was documented after performing unilateral MITAL. In conclusion, unilateral MITAL is a quick, minimally invasive procedure which increases the area of the rima glottidis in cadaveric dogs.

Unremodeled endochondral bone is a major architectural component of the cortical bone of the rat (Rattus norvegicus).

The laboratory rat is one of the most frequently-used animal models for studying bone biology and skeletal diseases. Here we show that a substantial portion of the cortical bone of mature rats is primary endochondral bone, consisting of a disorganized arrangement of mineralized collagen fibers. We characterize the structure and mechanical properties of the cortical bone of the rat. We show that the cortical bone consists of two architecturally distinct regions. One region, consisting of well-organized circumferential lamellae (CLB), is located in the endosteal and/or the periosteal regions while another, disorganized region, is located in the more central region of the cortex. Unexpectedly, we found that the disorganized region contains many islands of highly mineralized cartilage. Micro tomography showed different structural and compositional properties of the two primary structural elements; the CLB region has lower mineral density, lower porosity, larger but fewer blood vessels and fewer lacunae. However, no difference was found in the average lacunar volume. Additionally the mean indentation modulus of the CLB region was lower than that of the disorganized region. The islands of calcified cartilage were found to be extremely stiff, with an indentation modulus of 33.4 ± 3.5GPa. We conclude that though the cortical bone of rats is in part lamellar, its architecture is markedly different from that of the cortical bone of humans, a fact that must be borne in mind when using the rat as a model animal for studies of human bone biology and disease.

Successful transendoscopic oesophageal mass ablation in two dogs with Spirocerca lupi associated oesophageal sarcoma.

This report describes two cases of oesophageal tumours managed by transendoscopic neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser ablation and polypectomy snare electrocautery. In each dog oesophagoscopy revealed caudal oesophageal masses, suspected to be Spirocerca lupi-induced oesophageal neoplasia. To resect the masses, transendoscopic neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser ablation was used in the first case and polypectomy snare electrocautery in the second. Recovery was uneventful. Histopathology was consistent with oesophageal fibrosarcoma and osteosarcoma in each case, respectively. Follow-up oesophagoscopy revealed apparently healthy oesophageal tissue except for focal scar tissue in the first case. Transendoscopic laser ablation and polypectomy snare electrocautery is a potential non-invasive, cost effective alternative for surgical oesophageal mass resection.

[Biological experiments in microgravity: equilibrium function].

The review deals with the investigations of structural and functional modifications in the equilibrium organ (EO) in invertebrates (coelenterates, shells, crustaceans and insects) and vertebrates (fishes, amphibians, rats, primates) on different ontogenetic stages in the condition of microgravity and during readaptation to the Earth's gravity. Results of the investigations detail the adaptive strategy of terrestrial organism in the environment lacking the gravitational components that leads to the discrepancy of an inner model of the body-environment schema constructed by the central nervous system at 1 g and the novel reality. It is manifested by ataxic behavior and increased graviceptors' afferentation against efferent system inactivation. The new condition is defined as a sensibilization phase ensued by the eluding phase: behavior obeys the innate motion strategy, whereas graviceptors' afferentation decreases due to activation of the efferent system. Readaptation to 1 G takes several to 50 days and proceeds as a sequence of slow in motion behavior, ataxia and vestibular sensitization. Reactivity of the gravitosensory system to microgravity was found to be age-dependent. Gain in the EO inertial mass in microgravity and reduction with return to 1 g indicates gravity relevance to EO genesis.

[Modern trends in mathematical modeling of the hemispheric channels functions].

The review deals with new trends in modeling the vestibular function of the hemispheric channels (HC) involved in the head angular movements. The trends were spurred by the growing significance of computers in both mathematical modeling and direct simulation of the HC structure and processes, and conditions of experiments. Literature analysis reveals the following trends in the CH modeling: 1) reconstruction, 2) micromodeling, 3) integral modeling, 4) simulation (imitation), and 5) alternative modeling. The article gives several examples of the modern trends in HC modeling.

[Cluster analysis applicability to fitness evaluation of cosmonauts on long-term missions of the International space station].

Cluster analysis was applied to evaluate locomotion training (running and running intermingled with walking) of 13 cosmonauts on long-term ISS missions by the parameters of duration (min), distance (m) and intensity (km/h). Based on the results of analyses, the cosmonauts were distributed into three steady groups of 2, 5 and 6 persons. Distance and speed showed a statistical rise (p < 0.03) from group 1 to group 3. Duration of physical locomotion training was not statistically different in the groups (p = 0.125). Therefore, cluster analysis is an adequate method of evaluating fitness of cosmonauts on long-term missions.

Successful management of bilateral patellar tendon rupture in a dog.

A seven-year-old, 41 kg, intact, cross breed dog, was presented with a history of bilateral hind limb lameness after falling from a height of 1 m. Clinical and radiographic findings were consistent with bilateral patellar tendon rupture. Surgical repair was performed bilaterally. The tendons were sutured primarily, and an internal splint of nylon leader was added. Good apposition of the severed tendon ends had been achieved intraoperatively; however, post operative radiographs showed supra-trochlear displacement of both patellae. The casts used to immobilize the stifle joints slipped distally and three days post operatively the tendon repair had broken down, bilaterally. Revision surgery was undertaken and the tendons were re-sutured. Nylon leader was placed through holes that had been drilled in the patellae and tibiae. The stifle joints were immobilized with type I external skeletal fixators (ESFs). Both freeform polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) connecting bars were found to be broken at the level of the stifle joints two days later, without any disruption of the primary tendon repair. Each connecting bar was replaced with two connecting bars of PMMA reinforced with 3 mm steel wire. The dog was fully weight-bearing with a reduced range of motion in flexion immediately after removal of the ESFs at six weeks and was still sound 18 months post-operatively. Primary tendon repair in combination with adequate immobilization allowed for an excellent outcome in a complicated bilateral pathology.

[Quantitative evaluation of the effectiveness of physical contermeasures against motor disorders in long-duration space flight].

Regression analysis has been applied to determine the dependence of the motor system status (MSS) in long-duration space flight on the physical training programme (PTP), and flight duration (FD). Analyzed were graphical data presented in previous papers. Statistical analysis brought to light a high level of MSS-PTP relationship described as a 5-degree polynomial and a less explicit, yet statistically reliable MSS-FD relationship which is most adequately approximated by a 6-degree polynomial.

Prognostic indicators for canine monocytic ehrlichiosis.

In order to identify prognostic factors for survival in canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME), clinical records of 40 cases of CME were retrospectively studied. The dogs were assigned as survivors (n=21) and non-survivors (n=19), and their signalment, anamnesis, clinical and clinicopathological signs, and treatment protocols were compared. Pale mucous membranes, bleeding tendencies and weakness were more prevalent in the non-survivors compared to the survivors. Dogs in the non-survivor group had significantly lower white blood cell (WBC), hematocrit (HCT), and platelet (PLT) counts. Pronounced pancytopenia (WBC < 4 x 10(3) microL(-1); HCT < 25%; PLT < 50 x 10(3) microL(-1)) was found as a risk factor for mortality. In this study, severe leucopenia (WBC < 0.93 x 10(3) microL(-1)), severe anemia (PCV < 11.5%), prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT>18.25s) and hypokalemia (K<3.65 mmol/L) were each found to predict mortality with a probability of 100%. In contrast, WBC counts above 5.18 x 10(3) microL(-1), platelet counts above 89.5 x 10(3) microL(-1), PCV > 33.5%, APTT < 14.5s and serum potassium concentration above 4.75 mmol/L, each provided 100% prediction for survival. These prognostic indicators can be easily obtained at presentation, are inexpensive, and may be useful aids when treatment and prognosis are being considered.

Cardiac arrhythmias and serum cardiac troponins in Vipera palaestinae envenomation in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Vipera palaestinae is responsible for most poisonous envenomations in people and animals in Israel. Cardiac arrhythmias were reported in a retrospective study of V. palaestinae envenomations in dogs. HYPOTHESIS: Cardiac arrhythmias in V. palaestinae-envenomed dogs are associated with myocardial injury reflected by increased serum concentrations of cardiac troponins (cTns). ANIMALS: Forty-eight client-owned dogs envenomed by V. palaestinae. METHODS: Blood sampling (serum biochemistry and cTns, CBC, and coagulation tests) and electrocardiography were performed periodically up to 72 hours postenvenomation. Cardiac rhythm strips were assessed blindly for the presence and type of arrhythmias. RESULTS: Serum cTn-T and cTn-I concentrations were increased in 25% (n = 12) and 65% (n = 31) of the dogs at least once during hospitalization, respectively. Arrhythmias were identified in 29% (n = 14) of the dogs. Dogs with increased cTn-T had a significantly higher occurrence of arrhythmias (58 versus 19%), and higher resting heart rate upon admission and within the following 24 hours. Dogs with increased serum cTn-T concentrations were hospitalized for a significantly (P= .001) longer period compared to those with normal serum cTn-T concentrations. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dogs envenomed by V. palaestinae appear to sustain some degree of myocardial injury, as reflected by increased serum cTn concentrations and by the occurrence of arrhythmias. The latter should alert clinicians to a potentially ongoing cardiac injury. An increase in cTn-T may be of clinical relevance and indicate a cardiac injury in V. palaestinae envenomations in dogs.

[Modeling of the Otolith's structure and functions].

Physical and chemical processes of the transformation of mechanic stimuli into nerve signals in the otolith responsible for gravity and linear accelerations perception are of interest of equally biologists and experts in aerospace medicine. A severe experimental difficulty is the small size of the otolith and, therefore, mathematical and computer modeling has become a powerful tool for examination of the otolith organs. Most of the above processes are spatially distributed; consequently, spatial distribution models will provide the exact description of the existing biological structures and processes. The review is dedicated to these models and their applicability to demonstrate the variety of processes associated with the otolith.

Fatal Vipera xanthina palestinae envenomation in 16 dogs.

Sixteen fatal dog envenomations by the snake Vipera palaestinae over a 14-y period are described. Most envenomations occurred during the late night hours in the warm months, and 8/16 dogs were bitten on the limbs. The most frequent clinical signs upon admission were soft tissue swelling and edema, local pain, depression, bleeding, lameness, dyspnea, and 6 dogs were in shock. Thrombocytopenia was present in 14/16 cases and increased hematocrit (13/16) and hemoglobin (9/16) concentration were the most common hematological abnormalities upon admission. Biochemical abnormalities included increased activities of muscle enzymes and alkaline phosphatase, hypocalcemia, and hypocholesterolemia. Creatine kinase activity was markedly increased in 2 dogs. During hospitalization serious complications in many dogs were disseminated intravascular coagulation, acute renal failure, seizures, cardiac arrhythmias, acute necrotizing pancreatitis and severe laryngeal edema; these required intensive and expensive therapies. Specific antivenin (10 ml) administered to 8/16 dogs did not prevent death. Glucocorticosteroids were given in 8 cases; however, their use was associated with complications. Four dogs suffered sudden death, 2 of which died 1-2 d after discharge. Necropsy performed on 3/16 dogs found soft tissue swelling and local bleeding at the envenomation sites as well as bleeding in several distal body organs and tissues.

[Gravity assisted correction of the hypokinetic syndrome in primates]. / Korrektsiia proiavlenii gipokineticheskogo sindroma u obez'ian s pomoshch'iu gravitatsionnykh vozdeistvii.

In two series of experiments aimed at studying the possibility to alleviate the hypokinetic syndrome in primates with centrifuge-produced artificial gravity (AG) one group of animals was immobilized in the head-down position (HDI, -5 degrees) for 28 d and the other was immobilized and also subjected to regular centrifugation (HDI+AG). In the first series, the animals were rotated at 1.2-1.6 g (+Gz) for 30-40 min 5 times/wk and in the second series, at 1.2 g (+Gz) for 30 min 2 or 3 times/wk. AG abolished the HDI-induced locomotion and coordination disturbances within a short timeframe. Besides, it increased the lymphoid activity and erythropoiesis, and limited growth of haematocrit parameters and shifts in protein metabolism during rehabilitation. Centrifugation reduced amounts of extra-cellular fluids and circulating blood in leg muscles, atrophy of both types of muscle fibers, loss of fiber capillaries, and saved aerobic production of muscles. These effects were less deep in the first series. By the criterion of AG tolerance, centrifugation regime in the second series turned to be more favorable. According to these results, AG (+Gz) from 1.2 to 1.6 g can be used as a preventive to the hypokinetic syndrome in macaques (Macaca mulatta) with due precautions against negative cumulative effects of repeated rotation.

Vipera palaestinae envenomation in 327 dogs: a retrospective cohort study and analysis of risk factors for mortality.

Vipera palaestinae (Vp), formerly a subspecies of the near east viper Vipera xanthina, is the most common poisonous snake in Israel and neighbouring countries (Jordan, Lebanon and Syria), and is responsible for most envenomations in humans and domestic animals. Hospital records were retrospectively reviewed for confirmed cases of Vp envenomations in dogs over a 13-year period and 327 cases were included in the study. Most envenomations occurred between May and October, and between 02:00 and 10:00 PM. The most frequent clinical signs included: local swelling and oedema (99.6%), viper teeth penetration marks (51%), tachypnoea (50%), panting (44%), increased body temperature (19.2%), tachycardia (>160/min, 19%), salivation (18%) and lameness (15.6%). Common haematological findings included: increased haematocrit (47%), increased haemoglobin concentration (45%), leucocytosis (39%), and thrombocytopenia (30%). The prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time were prolonged in 68 and 21% of the dogs, respectively. Blood biochemistry abnormalities included increased activities of muscle enzymes, hyperglycaemia, hyperbilirubinaemia, hyperglobulinaemia and hypocholesterolaemia. The mortality rate was 4% (13 dogs). The following variables were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with mortality: body weight below 15 kg (p = 0.01), limb envenomation (0.008), envenomation at night (p = 0.025), severe lethargy (P < 0.001), hypothermia (p = 0.04), systemic bleeding (p = 0.001), shock (p = 0.007), dyspnoea (p = 0.002), tachycardia (p = 0.002), thrombocytopenia (p = 0.02), and glucocorticosteroid therapy (p = 0.002). Dogs younger than 4 years had a lower death risk (p = 0.01). The association of steroid therapy with increased mortality suggests that the use of steroids in Vp envenomations may be harmful. Specific antivenom therapy (10 ml/dog) was not associated with a higher survival rate, thus its use, dose and timing of administration should be further investigated.