Reverse sneezing as a clinical manifestation of nasopharyngeal-oropharyngeal fistula in a dog.

A 6-year-old spayed female Labrador retriever was evaluated for a 3-month history of intermittent reverse sneezing and gagging episodes. Pertinent findings at evaluation included frequent reverse sneezing and non-productive retching. No pathology was visible on sedated oral examination. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the skull revealed a gas-filled defect within the left ventral aspect of the soft palate. A non-eroded defect was present in the left caudoventral nasopharyngeal wall on nasopharyngoscopy. Surgical exploration revealed a nasopharyngeal-oropharyngeal fistula within the left palatine tonsillar fossa. The dog had a witnessed oropharyngeal stick injury (OSI) 3 months previous in the location of the fistula. The OSI had been allowed to heal by secondary intention and was treated with an oral antibiotic and NSAID. However, the dog lacked characteristic signs of a chronic OSI such as nasal discharge or abscess formation. The defect in the soft palate was surgically debrided and closed, and the left palatine tonsil was excised. The dog recovered completely with cessation of reverse sneezing and retching episodes.

Éternuements inversés comme manifestation clinique d'une fistule oropharyngée-nasopharyngée chez un chien. Une femelle Labrador stérilisée âgée de 6 ans a été évaluée pour une histoire de 3 mois d'épisodes intermittents d'éternuements inversés et d'étouffements. Les résultats pertinents lors de l'évaluation comprenaient des éternuements inversés fréquents et des haut-le-coeur non productifs. Aucune pathologie n'était visible à l'examen oral sous sédation. La tomodensitométrie à contraste amélioré du crâne a révélé une imperfection remplie de gaz dans la face ventrale gauche du palais mou. Une imperfection non érodée était présente dans la paroi nasopharyngée caudo-ventrale gauche à la nasopharyngoscopie. L'exploration chirurgicale a révélé une fistule nasopharyngée-oropharyngée au sein de la fosse amygdalienne palatine gauche. Le chien a eu une blessure oropharyngée par une branche (OSI) il y a 3 mois à l'emplacement de la fistule. L'OSI avait été laissée à guérir par seconde intention et a été traitée avec un antibiotique oral et un AINS. Cependant, le chien ne présentait pas de signes caractéristiques d'une OSI chronique comme un écoulement nasal ou la formation d'abcès. Le défaut du palais mou a été chirurgicalement débridé et fermé, et l'amygdale palatine gauche a été excisée. Le chien s'est complètement rétabli avec l'arrêt des épisodes d'éternuements inversés et de haut-le-coeur.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Paracostal versus ventral midline approach for caudate liver lobectomy in the rabbit.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the paracostal approach to caudate liver lobectomy in rabbits and compare the outcome of paracostal versus ventral midline approach for caudate liver lobectomy in rabbits with caudate liver lobe torsion (LLT). STUDY DESIGN: Cadaveric and retrospective study. ANIMALS: Normal rabbit cadavers (n = 5) and rabbits with caudate LLT (n = 22). METHODS: Cadavers - a right paracostal or ventral midline approach was made. Accessibility of the caudate liver lobe and relationship to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract were assessed. Clinical LLT cases - 9 cases were treated via the paracostal approach and 13 were treated via the ventral midline approach. Medical records (January, 2018 to October, 2021) were reviewed. Anesthesia and surgical times, mortality rate, and relevant clinical data were compared between groups. RESULTS: In cadavers, caudate liver lobectomy was feasible through a paracostal approach without retraction of the GI tract. In clinical cases, there was no difference in anesthesia time (P = 0.1397) or surgical time (P = 0.9462) between groups. All rabbits that underwent paracostal approach survived to discharge. Mortality was lower (P = .053) and postoperative time until eating was shorter (P = .0238) for patients undergoing paracostal approach. CONCLUSION: Rabbits experienced lower mortality and shorter time until eating when treated through a right paracostal approach compared to the ventral midline approach. The paracostal approach resulted in minimal to no manipulation of the GI tract. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: A right paracostal approach for caudate liver lobectomy in rabbits provides good exposure while avoiding GI tract manipulation. This approach may result in improved survival and earlier eating in rabbits with caudate LLT.

Computed tomography of testicular torsion in a juvenile dog with unilateral cryptorchidism.

A 14-week-old male unilaterally cryptorchid Clumber spaniel was presented for acute lethargy. Physical examination revealed abdominal pain, and a single testis was palpated in the scrotum. Abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) revealed a poorly vascularized, ovoid structure immediately caudal to the left kidney with scant regional peritoneal effusion. Left intra-abdominal testicular torsion was confirmed at surgery, and routine cryptorchidectomy was performed. The patient recovered uneventfully from anesthesia and surgery. Key clinical message: The most common CT characteristics of testicular torsion were present in this case and correlated well with sonographic findings to allow for rapid, accurate diagnosis and surgical planning of unilateral, non-neoplastic, intra-abdominal cryptorchid testicular torsion in a juvenile dog. Contrast enhanced CT facilitated accurate localization of the undescended testis and evaluation of testicular perfusion and may be a useful alternative to ultrasound for diagnosing testicular torsion, especially in indeterminate cases.

Tomodensitométrie d'une torsion testiculaire chez un chien juvénile atteint de cryptorchidie unilatérale. Un épagneul Clumber avec une cryptorchidie unilatérale âgé de 14 semaines a été présenté pour une léthargie aiguë. L'examen physique a révélé des douleurs abdominales et un seul testicule a été palpé dans le scrotum. L'échographie abdominale et la tomodensitométrie ont révélé une structure ovoïde mal vascularisée immédiatement caudale au rein gauche avec peu d'épanchement péritonéal régional. Une torsion testiculaire intra-abdominale gauche a été confirmée lors de la chirurgie et une cryptorchidectomie de routine a été réalisée. Le patient s'est remis sans incident de l'anesthésie et de la chirurgie.Message clinique clé:Les caractéristiques tomodensitométriques les plus courantes de la torsion testiculaire étaient présentes dans ce cas et bien corrélées avec les résultats échographiques pour permettre un diagnostic rapide et précis et une planification chirurgicale de la torsion testiculaire avec cryptorchidie unilatérale, non néoplasique et intra-abdominale chez un chien juvénile. La tomodensitométrie avec contraste a facilité la localisation précise du testicule non descendu et l'évaluation de la perfusion testiculaire et peut être une alternative utile à l'échographie pour diagnostiquer la torsion testiculaire, en particulier dans les cas indéterminés.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Incidence, survival time, and surgical treatment of parathyroid carcinomas in dogs: 100 cases (2010-2019).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate outcomes of dogs with parathyroid carcinoma (PTC) treated by surgical excision and to describe the incidence of postoperative hypocalcemia, degree of hypocalcemia, duration of hospitalization, duration of calcium supplementation, and survival time. ANIMALS: 100 client-owned dogs with PTC admitted to academic, referral veterinary institutions. PROCEDURES: In a retrospective multi-institutional study, medical records of dogs undergoing surgical excision of PTC between 2010 to 2019 were reviewed. Signalment, relevant medical history, clinical signs, clinicopathologic testing, imaging, surgical findings, intraoperative complications, histologic examination, and survival time were recorded. RESULTS: 100 dogs with PTC were included, and 96 dogs had clinical or incidental hypercalcemia. Common clinical signs included polyuria (44%), polydipsia (43%), hind limb paresis (22%), lethargy (21%), and hyporexia (20%). Cervical ultrasonography detected a parathyroid nodule in 91 of 91 dogs, with a single nodule in 70.3% (64/91), 2 nodules in 25.3% (23/91), and ≥ 3 nodules in 4 (4/91)% of dogs. Hypercalcemia resolved in 89 of 96 dogs within 7 days after surgery. Thirty-four percent of dogs developed hypocalcemia, on the basis of individual analyzer ranges, within 1 week after surgery. One dog had metastatic PTC to the prescapular lymph node, and 3 dogs were euthanized for refractory postoperative hypocalcemia. Estimated 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates were 84%, 65%, and 51% respectively, with a median survival time of 2 years. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Excision of PTC results in resolution of hypercalcemia and excellent long-term tumor control. Surgical excision of PTC is recommended because of resolution of hypercalcemia and a good long-term prognosis. Future prospective studies and long-term follow-up are needed to further assess primary tumor recurrence, metastasis, and incidence of postoperative hypocalcemia.

The influence of intermittent hypoxia, obesity, and diabetes on male genitourinary anatomy and voiding physiology.

We used male BTBR mice carrying the Lepob mutation, which are subject to severe and progressive obesity and diabetes beginning at 6 wk of age, to examine the influence of one specific manifestation of sleep apnea, intermittent hypoxia (IH), on male urinary voiding physiology and genitourinary anatomy. A custom device was used to deliver continuous normoxia (control) or IH to wild-type and Lepob/ob (mutant) mice for 2 wk. IH was delivered during the 12-h inactive (light) period in the form of 90 s of 6% O2 followed by 90 s of room air. Continuous room air was delivered during the 12-h active (dark) period. We then evaluated genitourinary anatomy and physiology. As expected for the type 2 diabetes phenotype, mutant mice consumed more food and water, weighed more, and voided more frequently and in larger urine volumes. They also had larger bladder volumes but smaller prostates, seminal vesicles, and urethras than wild-type mice. IH decreased food consumption and increased bladder relative weight independent of genotype and increased urine glucose concentration in mutant mice. When evaluated based on genotype (normoxia + IH), the incidence of pathogenic bacteriuria was greater in mutant mice than in wild-type mice, and among mice exposed to IH, bacteriuria incidence was greater in mutant mice than in wild-type mice. We conclude that IH exposure and type 2 diabetes can act independently and together to modify male mouse urinary function. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Metabolic syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea are common in aging men, and both have been linked to urinary voiding dysfunction. Here, we show that metabolic syndrome and intermittent hypoxia (a manifestation of sleep apnea) have individual and combined influences on voiding function and urogenital anatomy in male mice.

Work, life, and the gender effect: Perspectives of ACVIM Diplomates in 2017. Part 2-The intersection of personal life and professional career.

BACKGROUND: In the field of veterinary surgery, women neither marry nor have children at the same rate as men, and those who do may experience more career disruption as a result. The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) is 1 of the few areas of specialized medicine that is predominantly female; it is unknown if such a demographic shift would produce a different environment for individuals cultivating their personal life. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To report data regarding subjective and objective aspects of the intersection of the personal and professional lives of Diplomates of the ACVIM. SAMPLE: Eight hundred ninety-six surveys (781 completed) of ACVIM Diplomates, including cardiology, large and small animal internal medicine, neurology, and oncology. METHODS: An 82-item online survey was distributed to ACVIM Diplomates via Diplomate college listservs. Participation was voluntary. RESULTS: Men were more likely to be married and have children than were women. Women had or adopted their first child at a later career stage compared with men, and agreed more strongly that career stage was an influential factor in family planning. Those with children worked fewer hours compared with those without, and this effect was greater among women. Women were more likely to require external childcare, but most men and women shared childcare responsibilities equally outside of working hours. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The intersection of personal and professional life differs between men and women in the ACVIM, which may create different needs, preferences, or barriers to work-life balance in the workforce.

An immunohistochemical prostate cell identification key indicates that aging shifts procollagen 1A1 production from myofibroblasts to fibroblasts in dogs prone to prostate-related urinary dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: The identity and spatial distribution of prostatic cell types has been determined in humans but not in dogs, even though aging- and prostate-related voiding disorders are common in both species and mechanistic factors, such as prostatic collagen accumulation, appear to be shared between species. In this publication we characterize the regional distribution of prostatic cell types in the young intact dog to enable comparisons with human and mice and we examine how the cellular source of procollagen 1A1 changes with age in intact male dogs. METHODS: A multichotomous decision tree involving sequential immunohistochemical stains was validated for use in dog and used to identify specific prostatic cell types and determine their distribution in the capsule, peripheral, periurethral and urethral regions of the young intact canine prostate. Prostatic cells identified using this technique include perivascular smooth muscle cells, pericytes, endothelial cells, luminal, intermediate, and basal epithelial cells, neuroendocrine cells, myofibroblasts, fibroblasts, fibrocytes, and other hematolymphoid cells. To enhance rigor and transparency, all high resolution images (representative images shown in the figures and biological replicates) are available through the GUDMAP database at https://doi.org/10.25548/16-WMM4. RESULTS: The prostatic peripheral region harbors the largest proportion of epithelial cells. Aging does not change the density of hematolymphoid cells, fibroblasts, and myofibroblasts in the peripheral region or in the fibromuscular capsule, regions where we previously observed aging- and androgen-mediated increases in prostatic collagen abundance Instead, we observed aging-related changes the procollagen 1A1 positive prostatic cell identity from a myofibroblast to a fibroblast. CONCLUSIONS: Hematolymphoid cells and myofibroblasts are often identified as sources of collagen in tissues prone to aging-related fibrosis. We show that these are not the likely sources of pathological collagen synthesis in older intact male dogs. Instead, we identify an aging-related shift in the prostatic cell type producing procollagen 1A1 that will help direct development of cell type and prostate appropriate therapeutics for collagen accumulation.

Emergency tracheotomy and subsequent tracheal resection and anastomosis in a blue crane (Anthropoides paradiseus).

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 7-year-old female blue crane (Anthropoides paradiseus) was initially evaluated after it had suddenly developed signs of respiratory distress following aspiration of a rock. Emergency tracheotomy had been performed, and the rock had been removed from the proximal cervical portion of the trachea. Fifty-one days later, the clinical signs had returned and the crane was reevaluated. CLINICAL FINDINGS: On reevaluation, no obvious external abnormalities were appreciated at the previous surgical site and no discharge was observed from the glottis. Computed tomography and tracheoscopy revealed marked tracheal stenosis and architectural collapse of the trachea at the previous surgery site. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Tracheal resection and anastomosis was performed to remove the stenotic tracheal segment. Histologic examination of the resected tracheal segment revealed pyogranulomas with intralesional coccobacilli, fungal hyphae consistent with Aspergillus spp, possible parasitic ova, and features suggestive of mild to moderate heterophilic and lymphoplasmacytic tracheitis. The crane was treated with piroxicam, ceftiofur crystalline free acid, terbinafine, and itraconazole. At a follow-up examination 12 weeks later, no abnormalities were appreciated, and the surgical site had completely healed. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of successful tracheal resection and anastomosis in a bird of the order Gruiformes. The surgical approach used for the blue crane may be useful for removal of tracheal foreign bodies in this and other long-necked avian species.

Influence of speaker's gender on speaker introductions at the 2018 ACVS Surgical Summit.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether formality of introduction differed between male vs female speakers at the 2018 American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) scientific meeting and identify other variables that predisposed introducers or chairs to informal introduction. STUDY DESIGN: Observational study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Thirteen session chairs introducing 68 lectures (41 by females, 27 by males) by 63 speakers. METHODS: Observers recorded the session introducer, speaker, and whether speakers were introduced with a formal or informal title. Information evaluated included type of oral presentation; introducer gender, year, and country of graduation from veterinary school; speaker gender; whether the speaker was a resident; and speaker's year of graduation. RESULTS: Female speakers were introduced by their first name in 9 of 41 introductions compared to in 1 of 27 introductions for male speakers. This difference reached statistical significance when data independence was assumed (P = .043); however, this significance was narrowly lost when data clustering on session introducer was controlled for (P = .067). CONCLUSION: In this study, female speakers were more likely than male speakers to be introduced by their first and last names rather than with their professional title at a recent ACVS scientific meeting. IMPACT: Additional research is required to determine the effect of this type of subordinate language and gender bias in veterinary surgery.

Work, life, and the gender effect: Perspectives of ACVIM Diplomates in 2017. Part 1-Specialty demographics and measures of professional achievement.

BACKGROUND: Barriers to achieving work-life balance, as well as gender-based differences, exist in the male-dominated surgical specialty in veterinary medicine. Similar information does not exist for the more feminized American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM). HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To provide data on the professional and personal lives of Diplomates of the ACVIM so as to help define the state of the specialty, including gender-related differences, and identify areas requiring intervention to improve work-life balance. SAMPLE: A total of 896 surveys (781 completed) of Diplomates of the ACVIM, including cardiology, large animal internal medicine, neurology, oncology, and small animal internal medicine. METHODS: An 82-item online survey was distributed in February 2017 to ACVIM Diplomates via their respective ACVIM listserv. Participation was voluntary. RESULTS: Thirty percent of the total ACVIM registered membership responded and 26% completed surveys; 25% were men and 75% were women. Specialists in academia worked significantly more hours, with larger numbers of diplomates per specialty section, and made less money compared with those in private practice. Women were less likely to report full-time employment, practice ownership, or higher academic rank, and reported 20% lower income overall (after adjustment for relevant factors) as compared with men. Men and women differed in their subjective assessment of the effect of gender in the workplace. Eighty-three percent of respondents were somewhat satisfied or better with their career. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Specialization in the ACVIM is a satisfying and potentially profitable career. However, despite a highly feminized workforce, significant gender-related imbalances are evident.

Demographics, measures of professional achievement, and gender differences for diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2015.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize elements of employment, professional success, and personal life for American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) diplomates and identify elements of practice that may serve as barriers to work-life balance or affect men and women differently. SAMPLE: 836 ACVS diplomates. PROCEDURES: An 81-item questionnaire was sent to 1,450 ACVS diplomates in 2015 via email and conducted by means of an online platform. Responses were analyzed to identify associations among selected variables. RESULTS: The survey response rate was 58% (836/1,450). The median age category among respondents was 41 to 45 years. The ratio of male to female diplomates was equivalent among those < 40 years old. Respondents in small animal private practice worked the fewest number of hours; those in equine or large animal private practice worked the most and had the most on-call responsibility. Women were more likely than men to be employed in academia. In both private practice and academia, respondents in small animal practice earned more than did those in equine or large animal practice, and women earned less than did men, even after adjustment for relevant covariates. Women were less likely than men to be practice owners or to hold a prestigious academic title and rank. Perceptions about the effect of gender in the workplace differed between men and women. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Findings suggested that the veterinary surgical profession is demanding for both genders, although increased flexibility in certain areas may improve work-life balance.

The intersection of personal and professional lives for male and female diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2015.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize objective and subjective elements of the personal lives of American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) diplomates and identify elements of personal life associated with professional life or career success. SAMPLE: 836 ACVS diplomates. PROCEDURES: An 81-item questionnaire was sent to 1,450 diplomates in 2015 via email and conducted by means of an online platform. Responses were analyzed to summarize trends and identify associations among selected variables. RESULTS: Men were more likely than women to be married or in a domestic partnership (88% vs 68%, respectively) and to have children (77% vs 47%). Among women but not men, respondents in large animal practice were less likely than were those in small animal practice to be represented in these categories. Women had children later in their career than did men and indicated that their stage of training played an important role in family planning. Respondents with children worked significantly fewer hours than did those without children, with a greater reduction in hours for women versus men (6.0 vs 3.1 hours, respectively). Women were more likely to require external childcare services than were men. Women were more likely to report that having children had negatively impacted their professional lives. No negative associations between measures of professional success (eg, advancement or personal income) and parenthood were identified. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Family demographics differed between male and female ACVS diplomates, yet no objective impact on career success was identified. Work-life balance may play an important role in recruitment, retention, and job satisfaction of veterinary surgeons.

Outcome following cosmetic rostral nasal reconstruction after planectomy in 26 dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To report the outcome and owner satisfaction after planectomy for nasal planum neoplasia with cosmetic reconstruction with bilateral labial mucocutaneous rotation flaps in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Multi-institutional, retrospective case series. ANIMALS: Twenty-six client-owned dogs. METHODS: Medical records were searched for dogs that had undergone the procedure. Signalment, diagnosis, surgery, complications, requirement for revision surgery, recurrence, and survival information were recorded. Owners were contacted by telephone about their dog's quality of life after the procedure and their satisfaction with their dog's outcome. RESULTS: Twenty-five dogs underwent radical planectomy, and 1 dog underwent resection of the nasal planum. Twenty-four dogs had a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma, 1 had a diagnosis of atypical adenocarcinoma, and 1 had a diagnosis of a mast cell tumor. Complications occurred in 19 (73%) dogs, with 9 dogs requiring revision surgery; 1 dog not surviving to discharge. Median survival time was 1542 days (range, 3-2010). Recurrence of the primary tumor was suspected in 2 (7.7%) dogs, both with narrow or incomplete excision. Among 11 owners interviewed, 10 were satisfied with their dog's appearance, and 8 reported they would consent to the procedure again. CONCLUSION: Dehiscence was common after this procedure, but local tumor control and survival times were excellent. Owner satisfaction was high, although preoperative client education is vital. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This technique should be considered as a viable option for dogs with nasal planum neoplasia given the high rate of recurrence with less aggressive treatment. Complications common following surgery, but do not persist long term and survival times were excellent.

Prostatic collagen architecture in neutered and intact canines.

BACKGROUND: Prostate stiffness and increased collagen content both associate with the presence of urinary symptoms in men but mechanisms responsible, including impact of age and androgens, are unknown. Dogs develop prostate-related urinary dysfunction similar to humans, but mechanisms are also unknown. Mice have been used to examine how prostatic collagen accumulation affects voiding but whether mouse prostatic collagen organization resembles human or dog has not been evaluated. Here, we have constructed the first comprehensive, comparative maps of collagen architecture in canine, human, and mouse prostate and test whether canine prostatic collagen content is increased by aging and reduced by castration. METHODS: Complete transverse prostate sections were stained with picrosirius red and imaged with confocal microscopy to reveal and compare collagen architecture across species. Canine prostatic collagen fiber length, diameter, and density in prostatic urethral, periurethral, peripheral, and capsular regions were quantified and compared among four experimental groups: young intact, young neutered, old intact, and old neutered dogs. RESULTS: Surprisingly, the majority of collagen was localized to the prostatic urethra in canine, human, and mouse. In canine and human, capsular regions also featured a dense collagen network but it appeared less dense than around prostatic urethra. Older, intact male canines exhibited overall denser prostate collagen fibers and had thicker capsular fibers than young, intact males. Prostatic glandular regions undergo dramatic atrophy and regression following castration, and our finding of neutered animals having increased collagen fiber density in both periurethral and peripheral regions is consistent with glandular contraction and increased proportion of stroma. CONCLUSIONS: Collagen architecture in dog appears similar to that in humans when cross sections are compared side-by-side. Canine collagen organization is affected by both age and androgen status, suggesting these factors may contribute to collagen accumulation in some males.

Update on Surgical Principles and Equipment.

The diversity implicit in exotic animal surgery requires a tailored approach to optimize successful outcomes. Outlined is information on patient preparation, instrumentation, hemostatic techniques, and magnification as it pertains to the exotic animal. Application of topical antiseptic solutions and judicious removal of pelage and feathers will decrease bacterial load during patient preparation. The use of specific barrier protection ensures proper aseptic technique and enables optimal patient monitoring. Magnification combined with a focal light source enhances visual acuity, allowing for better use of delicate instrumentation and identification of anatomic structures.

Principles of Wound Management and Wound Healing in Exotic Pets.

The care of wounds in exotic animal species can be a challenging endeavor. Special considerations must be made in regard to the animal's temperament and behavior, unique anatomy and small size, and tendency toward secondary stress-related health problems. It is important to assess the entire patient with adequate systemic evaluation and consideration of proper nutrition and husbandry, which could ultimately affect wound healing. This article summarizes the general phases of wound healing, factors that affect healing, and principles of wound management. Emphasis is placed on novel methods of treating wounds and species differences in wound management and healing.

A population of progenitor cells in the basal and intermediate layers of the murine bladder urothelium contributes to urothelial development and regeneration.

BACKGROUND: Homeostatic maintenance and repair of the bladder urothelium has been attributed to proliferation of keratin 5-expressing basal cells (K5-BC) with subsequent differentiation into superficial cells. Recent evidence, however, suggests that the intermediate cell layer harbors a population of progenitor cells. We use label-retaining cell (LRC) methodology in conjunction with a clinically relevant model of uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC)-induced injury to characterize urothelial ontogeny during development and in response to diffuse urothelial injury. RESULTS: In the developing urothelium, proliferating cells were dispersed throughout the K5-BC and intermediate cells layers, becoming progressively concentrated in the K5-BC layer with age. When 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) was administered during urothelial development, LRCs in the adult were found within the K5-BC, intermediate, and superficial cell layers, the location dependent upon time of labeling. UPEC inoculation resulted in loss of the superficial cell layer followed by robust proliferation of K5-BCs and intermediate cells. LRCs within the K5-BC and intermediate cell layers proliferated in response to injury. CONCLUSIONS: Urothelial development and regeneration following injury relies on proliferation of K5-BC and intermediate cells. The existence and proliferation of LRCs within both the K5-BC and intermediate cell layers suggests the presence of two populations of urothelial progenitor cells.

Gastric dilatation and volvulus in a red panda (Ailurus fulgens).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the successful management of gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) in a red panda. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical report. ANIMALS: Red panda diagnosed with GDV. RESULTS: A 12-year-old male red panda (Ailurus fulgens) was evaluated for acute onset inappetence, staggering, collapse, and tachypnea. Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) was diagnosed by radiography, abdominal ultrasonography, and exploratory celiotomy. Torsion of the stomach was corrected and an incisional gastropexy performed to prevent recurrence. No organs were devitalized, no other abnormalities detected, and the red panda recovered fully within 72 hours. CONCLUSIONS: GDV should be considered as a differential diagnosis for red pandas presenting with acute onset of unspecific signs such as collapse, inappetence, and abdominal distension. GDV in red pandas can be diagnosed and successfully treated as described in dogs.

Acute bacterial inflammation of the mouse prostate.

BACKGROUND: Prostatic inflammation is gaining increasing attention as a potential etiologic factor in prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, lower urinary tract symptoms, and CPPS. This study was performed to address the need for a well characterized model of acute prostatic inflammation that may be used to study the effect of acute inflammation on epithelial and stromal cell proliferation, voiding behavior, and neurovascular physiology. METHODS: Uropathogenic E. coli 1677 was instilled transurethrally into adult C57BL/6J male mice. Prostates were analyzed at 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, or 14 days post-instillation and compared to saline-instilled and naïve controls. Time course and severity of inflammation were characterized by the quantity and type of inflammatory infiltrate present, hemorrhage, proliferation, and reactive hyperplasia. RT-PCR was performed to characterize inflammatory mediators including IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-1RA, IL-18, IL-6, IL-10, IL-8, TNFα, and COX-2. RESULTS: Inflammation was evident in all lobes of the prostate with the DLP most severely affected. Infection consistently led to a significant increase in neutrophils and macrophages in the early stages of prostate infection, followed by lymphocytic inflammation at the later time points. Inflammation was accompanied by induction of several inflammatory genes, including IL-1 family members, IL-6, and COX-2, and induced a significant increase in epithelial proliferation and reactive hyperplasia in all three prostate lobes. CONCLUSIONS: Transurethral inoculation of uropathogenic E. coli 1677 reliably infects the mouse prostate, produces a significant inflammatory response, and induces quantifiable epithelial proliferation and reactive hyperplasia.