The effect of uterine massage and number of embryo flushing attempts on embryo recovery in mares.

The aims of this study were to determine the effect of the embryo flushing technique and the number of flushing attempts performed by operators of different experience on embryo recovery (ER). Ten non-lactating mares were inseminated with the same stallion in six cycles each (n = 60). Embryo flushing (EF) was performed 7-9 days after ovulation by three operators (OP; 20 EF cycles each): OP1 had performed >500 EF before the study, while OP2 and 3 had performed 0 EF. Each EF was performed with 2 flushing attempts (FA) using 1L of ringer's lactate "in-and-out" using two EF techniques: 1) uterine massage (UM): continuous ballottement and massage of the uterus per rectum during ringer lactate recovery, 2) gravity flow (GF): the ringer lactate was allowed to flow back without massaging the uterus. In both groups, 20 IU of oxytocin were administered at the second FA and the ringer lactate was allowed to remain in the uterus for 3 min before recovery. An extra FA was performed in each group using 0.5 L of ringer lactate and uterine massage. More embryos (P < 0.05) per ovulation were recovered in the UM (17/33, 0.51) than in the GF group (8/36, 0.22). For the UM group, 16/17 embryos (94.1 %) were recovered in the first FA, while only one embryo in the second FA (1/17, 5.9 %). In the GF group, 4 embryos were recovered in each FA. No embryo was found in the extra FA in the UM group, while seven additional embryos were found in the GF group (5/7 flushed by OP1; P < 0.05). The overall ER per cycle was 70, 40, and 45 % for OP1, 2 and 3, respectively. In conclusion, highest embryo recovery is achieved in EF performed with UM, with the majority of embryos being flushed in the first FA.

Administration of carbetocin-a long-acting oxytocin analogue-before sperm collection by transrectal ultrasound-guided massage of the accessory sex glands in bucks (Capra hircus) and ibexes (Capra pyrenaica).

Transrectal ultrasonic-guided massage of the accessory sex glands (TUMASG) is a technique that allows collecting semen requiring few electrical stimuli or even no pulse. A long-acting analogue of oxytocin (carbetocin, 0.1 mg) was i.v. administered before TUMASG in 10 conscious bucks (Experiment 1) and 10 anaesthetized Iberian ibexes (Experiment 2) to shorten the time of semen collection, decrease the number of electrical stimuli and/or improve the semen quality. The ejaculated volume, concentration, quality parameters and kinetics variables of the sperm were determined in fresh semen. The time length of the procedures and the number of electric pulses applied were recorded. Furthermore, stress response indicators (number of vocalizations in Experiment 1; heart and respiratory rates, rectal temperature, cortisol levels, totals proteins and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in Experiment 2) were documented. In bucks, the administration of carbetocin tended to shorten the time needed for semen collection but no-showed differences in the fresh seminal quality. In the Iberian ibexes, there were no significant differences between groups in the time length of procedures or in the number of animals that ejaculated. Carbetocin administration only reduced the respiratory rate, did it modify fresh semen characteristics in ibexes. In conclusion, the administration of carbetocin did not appear as a useful tool to improve welfare during semen collection with TUMASG or semen quality in conscious bucks and anaesthetized ibexes, having only slight advantages related to the procedure.

Diagnosis and Conservative Management of Primary Lymphedema Resulting From Multiple Aplastic Lymphocenters in a Dog.

A 6-week-old 7.4-kg (16.3-lb) sexually intact male Great Dane with a history of severe peripheral edema within the head, neck, limbs, and tail since birth was referred for further evaluation. A whole-body computed tomography examination documented severe subcutaneous edema multifocally associated with numerous hypoplastic and aplastic lymphocenters, particularly the left axillary, iliosacral, inguinal, and popliteal lymphocenters bilaterally. A congenital anomaly of the lymphatic system resulting in lymphedema was strongly suspected. The dog was managed with a combination of low-fat diet, rutin, and furosemide initially. In addition, the owner used a combination of compression socks and therapeutic massage several times daily along with carprofen and gabapentin for pain and inflammation. The patient was hospitalized to receive supportive care several times over a 2-year period for treatment of fever associated with cellulitis resulting in secondary wounds and infections. To the author's knowledge, this report represents the first case of presumed congenital lymphedema diagnosed with computed tomography and successful long-term medical management without surgical intervention.

Using transrectal ultrasound-guided massage of the accessory sex glands for buck semen collection yields semen with greater cryoresistance than electroejaculation alone during the breeding season.

The cryoresistance of bucks' semen collected by transrectal ultrasound-guided massage of the accessory sex glands (TUMASG) and electroejaculation (EE) was compared during the breeding season (Study 1) or the late non-breeding season (Study 2). Semen was collected from 10 Gabon bucks with both methods in each season and then frozen according to a standardized protocol. The time required for ejaculation, the number of electrical pulses applied, the sum of the electrical pulses applied∗voltage and the total number of vocalizations emitted during the collection by each animal were recorded. In Study 1, TUMASG required a longer time (P = 0.0006) but fewer electrical pulses and a lower sum of pulses∗voltage than EE (P < 0.0001 for both comparisons). Bucks vocalized fewer times during TUMASG than during EE (P < 0001). Semen collected with TUMASG had greater sperm concentration, sperm mass motility, total number of motile sperm and of sperm with progressive motility, and tended to have greater total number of sperm with functional membrane than semen collected with EE (P = 0.02; P = 0.003; P = 0.02; P = 0.02; P = 0.06, respectively). After the freezing-thawing process, sperm collected with TUMASG had a greater quality of the motility, a total number of motile sperm and sperm with progressive motility, a greater percentage of motile sperm and sperm with functional membrane, and tended to have a greater total number of sperm with normal morphology than semen collected with EE (P = 0.04; P = 0.04; P = 0.03; P = 0.02; P = 0.04; P = 0.06, respectively). In Study 1 sperm collected with TUMASG had greater cryoresistance for almost all the variables considered than when it was collected with EE. In Study 2, the number of electrical pulses and the sum of pulses∗voltage were greater with EE than with TUMASG (P < 0001; P = 0.0002, respectively). There were no differences in any sperm variable in fresh or thawed samples collected with TUMASG or EE. However, the other seminal characteristics evaluated did not differ according to the method, and there were no differences in the cryoresistance of any variable. Overall, TUMASG affected animal welfare less than EE and was suitable for collecting semen of good quality with high cryoresistance during the breeding season in buck.

Effect of massage therapy on pain and quality of life in dogs: A cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Clinical canine massage involves muscle tissue manipulation and fascial release techniques to rehabilitate injured soft tissues. Quantitative efficacy data are lacking. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine how dogs respond to canine massage therapy practiced by Canine Massage Guild UK practitioners. METHODS: In 2018, case notes from a convenience sample of 527 dogs were shared, with permission from owners, by a self-selected sample of 65 practitioners. Changes in number and severity of issues for five pain indicators (gait, posture, daily activity, behaviour, performance) and quality of life score, reported by owner and practitioners, were investigated. RESULTS: Significant reductions in reported pain severity scores were recorded for all pain indicators over successive treatments (p < 0.001), with each treatment causing further significant reduction in pain severity. Number of pain indicators recorded over successive treatment sessions remained constant, in keeping with a cohort presenting with degenerative disease and chronic pain. All dogs and diagnostic variables responded similarly. Post-treatment a dog was significantly more likely to have a 'positive' quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: This cross-sectional study indicates canine massage therapy may effectively reduce myofascial and musculoskeletal pain severity reported by owners and practitioners associated with gait, posture, behavioural and performance issues and reduction in daily activities. Although this is not a double-blind trial, and there is no control group, this study suggests massage therapy may be a valid treatment for myofascial and musculoskeletal pain typically derived from muscular injuries, arthritis/other orthopaedic conditions.

Effect of contrast agent viscosity and massage on success of computed tomography lymphangiography with aqueous contrast for sentinel lymph node identification in healthy dogs.

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) evaluation is important for accurate cancer staging. Computed tomography (CT) lymphangiography with aqueous contrast is a feasible technique for SLN identification in dogs. Although most studies report success rates around 90%, success rates as low as 60% have been reported. One reason for low success rates may be the difference in viscosity of the various agents used in comparison to normal lymph viscosity. The objective of this study was to evaluate contrast agents of differing viscosities for use in CT lymphangiography for SLN identification and to determine the influence of massage on contrast flow rates. The hypothesis was that lower viscosity agents would have a higher success rate and faster time to identification of the SLN than higher viscosity agents and that massage would increase contrast flow rates. Dogs were anaesthetised and CT lymphangiography was performed with four contrast agents of differing viscosities in a randomized crossover design. Injections were made on the dorsal pes bilaterally on two study days and the popliteal lymph nodes were evaluated for contrast uptake. There was no significant difference in success of SLN identification or time to SLN identification among the four agents. Massage of the injection site increased rate of contrast flow through the lymphatics. No specific recommendation for one contrast agent over another can be made with these results. Massage is recommended to improve lymphatic flow when performing CT lymphangiography with aqueous contrast in dogs.

Cryopreservation of ferret (Mustela putorius furo) sperm collected by rectal massage and electroejaculation: Comparison of a decelerating and an accelerating freezing rate protocol.

The domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo) provides a good model for developing new reproductive technologies for use with threatened related species. Such technologies could also be used in the reproductive management of this pet species. The present work reports an improved freezing protocol for ferret sperm. Semen was collected by electroejaculation plus rectal massage (in an attempt to reduce the electrical stimulation necessary) from five adult male ferrets, and then subjected to one of two freezing protocols: (a) from 5 to -35°C at 40°C/min, then from -35 to -65°C at 17°C/min, and finally from -65 to -85°C at 3°C/min-a decelerating freezing rate; and (b) from 5 to - 10°C at 5°C/min, and then from -10 to -130°C at 60°C/min-an accelerating freezing rate. After thawing, the viability and acrosomal integrity of the sperm frozen via the two-step accelerating method were better than those frozen via the three-step decelerating method (43.3 ± 3.5% and 71.2 ± 3.4% compared with 29.7 ± 3.7% and 58.8 ± 3.4% respectively; p < .05). No differences were seen between the methods with respect to sperm motility variables; most sperm (>90%) remained static with both freezing methods. In conclusion, although the method with accelerating freezing rate was associated with better post-thaw sperm viability and acrosome integrity values, neither of the two freezing methods tested provided adequate motility results after thawing. Combining rectal massage with electrical stimuli seemed to reduce the number of the latter required for successful sperm collection.

Gentle abdominal stroking ('belly rubbing') of pigs by a human reduces EEG total power and increases EEG frequencies.

The neurobiological response to gentle touch remains poorly understood, especially in the context of human-animal interaction. A novel approach allowed recording the pig electroencephalogram (EEG) cranially epidurally and wirelessly during positive interactions with a human. Stroking of the pig's abdomen ('belly rubbing'), applied opportunistically, elicited a distinct behavioral response characterized by lateral recumbency, limb stretching, frequent short-lasting grunts and eye closure. Pigs varied in their responsiveness to belly rubbing but all pigs showed it. Their EEG was compared to EEG during human presence and other positive interactions except belly rubbing; isolation; and in the home pen as a baseline. Total EEG power ('Ptot') was lower during belly rubbing, whereas the median frequency ('F50', 5.3 ± 0.9 Hz vs. 3.8 ± 0.9 Hz for other contexts) and the 95% spectral edge frequency ('F95', 45.2 ± 3.2 Hz vs. 40.0 ± 3.2 Hz for other contexts) were higher during belly rubbing compared to other contexts. Lower EEG total power combined with a shift in spectral power distribution toward higher frequencies were linked to behavioral changes indicative of a positive welfare state during belly rubbing. The effects of belly rubbing on animal psychobiology and well-being warrant further research as a model of positive welfare state induced by touch.

Small Animal Massage Therapy: A Brief Review and Relevant Observations.

Massage therapy is becoming increasingly popular in human and animal physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Wider application of the technique led to research efforts aimed at providing scientific support to anecdotal beneficial effects, particularly pain relief. Recent studies have shown that massage therapy alters dopamine and serotonin levels, decreases noradrenaline levels, and modulates the immune system. Psychological effects such as reduction of stress and anxiety, with improvement of depressive patients, have been reported in humans. This article set out to review the major aspects of massage therapy based on recent publications on the topic, and to extrapolate concepts and practical aspects described in human physiotherapy to the veterinary patient, particularly the applicability of different techniques in Small Animal Medicine. Indications of massage therapy in small animals include pain relief, orthopedic rehabilitation, Canine Sports Medicine, intensive care, and management of nonspecific edema. Techniques described in this article were originally intended for use in humans and scientific data supporting anecdotal, beneficial effects in domestic animals are still lacking; this fruitful area for research is therefore open to veterinary professionals.

The effect of relaxing massage on heart rate and heart rate variability in purebred Arabian racehorses.

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of relaxing massage on the heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) in young racehorses during their first racing season. In the study, 72 Purebred Arabian racehorses were included. The study was implemented during the full race season. The horses from control and experimental groups were included in regular race training 6 days a week. The horses from the experimental group were additionally subject to the relaxing massage 3 days a week during the whole study. HR and HRV were assumed as indicators of the emotional state of the horses. The measurements were taken six times, every 4-5 weeks. The HRV parameters were measured at rest, during grooming and saddling the horse and during warm-up walking under a rider. The changes of the parameters throughout the season suggest that the relaxing massage may be effectively used to make the racehorses more relaxed and calm. Moreover, the horses from the experimental group had better race performance records.

Massage therapy for dogs and cats.

Massage is gaining recognition as a beneficial modality for the treatment of many ailments due to recent scientific research in humans. We can infer that these benefits apply to dogs and cats due to their similar physiology and anatomy. Defined as the therapeutic manipulation of soft tissues, massage has many effects on muscle, the circulatory system, the autonomic nervous system, and the mind. Various techniques are employed to achieve a desired effect in the treatment of many conditions, including but not limited to, swelling and edema, critical illness and prolonged recumbency, osteoarthritis and chronic pain, and palliative and hospice care. This article reviews the above topics and encourages the practitioner to seek out expert advice on massage in the care of companion animals.

The role of physical medicine and rehabilitation for patients in palliative and hospice care.

Veterinary patients in palliative and hospice care have progressive and often degenerative diseases that can cause pain as well as loss of function and decreased quality of life. These patients can often benefit from the application of physical medicine and rehabilitation techniques to maximize comfort and function. Physical medicine and rehabilitation are most effective as adjuncts to pharmacologic pain management. Physical medicine and rehabilitation can decrease the doses of analgesics required to keep these patients comfortable. The blend of physical and pharmacologic medicine allows an optimum balance between maximum comfort and maximum mentation.

The use of allied health therapies on competition horses in the North Island of New Zealand.

AIM: To obtain data on the use of allied health therapy within competitive equestrian sport in the North Island of New Zealand. METHODS: Data were collected during January 2010 by survey at show jumping and dressage championships in the North Island, and from racing yards in the Central Districts of New Zealand. The survey consisted of 30 open, closed and multiple-choice questions, and was conducted face-to-face, by the same interviewer. Information on the demographics of riders or trainers and horses in each discipline (show jumping, dressage, and Thoroughbred racing), the use of allied health therapy (physiotherapy, chiropractic and equine sports massage) on horses, and knowledge of training and qualifications of the allied health therapists was obtained. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to examine relationships between demographic variables and the use of allied health therapists. RESULTS: In total, 110 riders or trainers participated in the survey. The relative contribution of responses across disciplines was 39/110 (36%), 41/110 (37%) and 30/110 (27%) for show jumping, dressage, and Thoroughbred racing respectively. Allied health therapists were used by 68/110 (62%) respondents to treat their horses. The most common types of allied health therapy used were chiropractic (25/68; 37%) and physiotherapy (16/68; 24%). The main reasons for using allied health therapies were for back pain (22/68; 32%) and lameness (17/68; 25%). Only 5/68 (7%) respondents chose a type of allied health therapy based on veterinary advice, and 49/68 (72%) stated that their veterinarian and allied health therapist did not work together when treating their horses. The final multivariable model for use of allied health therapists included the explanatory variables discipline of the rider or trainer and the number of horses in training per season. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of allied health therapies for the treatment of competition and racehorses was widespread. Many riders or trainers perceived allied health therapy to be beneficial, however many therapists and veterinarians do not work together and therefore the integrative treatment approach to rehabilitation is lost.

The relationship between massage to the equine caudal hindlimb muscles and hindlimb protraction.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Massage is widely used in physiotherapy, but there has been little previous research examining its effectiveness in increasing equine soft tissue length. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of massage on equine hindlimb protraction. We hypothesised that massage to the caudal muscles of the equine hindlimb, specifically the superficial gluteal, semitendinosus, biceps femoris and semimembranosus muscles, can increase passive and active hindlimb protraction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study used a crossover design in which 8 horses were randomly assigned to 2 groups of 4, A and B. Group A received massage for 30 min, group B received sham treatment for 30 min. The procedure was repeated following a 7 day 'washout' period, when group A received the 30 min sham treatment and group B, 30 min of massage. Passive hindlimb protraction was measured before and after each intervention, using a modified version of the human 'Sit and Reach test' for general muscle flexibility. Active protraction was measured using 2 dimensional kinematic analysis of stride length. The data analysis used the Wilcoxon signed rank test at a significance of P < 0.05. RESULTS: Massage to the caudal limb muscles significantly increased passive (P = 0.01) and active limb (P = 0.01) protraction. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that massage can increase protraction of the equine hindlimb. Massage may, therefore, play a valuable role in the development of strategies used to improve a horse's locomotor function, e.g. during rehabilitation or optimum performance for competition.

Surgical findings and outcome for dairy cattle with jejunal hemorrhage syndrome: 31 cases (2000-2007).

OBJECTIVE: To describe signalment; surgical findings; short-, medium-, and long-term outcome; and recurrence rate for cattle undergoing celiotomy because of jejunal hemorrhage syndrome (JHS) and to analyze risk factors associated with outcome and recurrence. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 31 dairy cattle with JHS. PROCEDURES: Medical records were analyzed. Follow-up information was obtained from owners of cattle surviving until discharge. RESULTS: 18 of 31 (58%) cattle undergoing celiotomy survived to initial discharge. Fifteen (48%) and 13 (42%) were alive 6 and 12 months after discharge, respectively. All 5 deaths within 12 months after discharge were attributed to JHS recurrence. Survival time was 12 to 85 months for the 13 long-term survivors. Six of 7 that died > 12 months after celiotomy did so for reasons unrelated to JHS. Recurrence rate among short-term survivors was 7 of 18; 1 of these survived long-term. A significant proportion of affected cattle were Brown Swiss, compared with proportions for other breeds. Manual massage of the bowel to break down clots was associated with a significantly higher short-term survival rate than was enterectomy or enterotomy. Medium- and long-term survival rate was higher in cattle referred 24 to 48 hours after onset of signs. Length of obstructing blood clots was not associated with outcome. Other factors were not significantly associated with recurrence. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Survival rates were higher than those in other reports. Prompt celiotomy and resolution by use of manual massage were associated with higher survival rates. In this population, JHS recurred in 7 of 18 short-term survivors.

The effects of chiropractic, massage and phenylbutazone on spinal mechanical nociceptive thresholds in horses without clinical signs.

REASON FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Common methods used to treat back problems in horses need to be assessed objectively. OBJECTIVES: To measure spinal mechanical nociceptive thresholds (MNTs) and evaluate the effects of chiropractic, massage and phenylbutazone, compared with active and inactive control groups. METHODS: Baseline MNTs at 7 sites within the thoracolumbar and sacral regions were measured in 38 healthy mature horses exhibiting no clinical signs of lumbar pain. Horses were assigned to one of 3 treatment groups: instrument-assisted chiropractic treatment, therapeutic massage and phenylbutazone; or 2 control groups: ridden exercise (active control) or routine paddock turnout with no ridden exercise (inactive control). MNT measurements were repeated at 1, 3 and 7 days post treatment. The percentage change from baseline MNT values was calculated within groups. RESULTS: On Day 7, the median MNT had increased by 27, 12 and 8% in the chiropractic, massage and phenylbutazone groups, respectively. MNT changes of <1% were seen within the active and inactive control groups. CONCLUSIONS: Chiropractic treatment and massage therapy increased spinal MNTs within horses not exhibiting signs of lumbar pain. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Pressure algometry provides an objective tool to evaluate the effects of commonly used, but currently unproven treatment modalities on spinal MNTs. Future studies need to evaluate combined treatment effects and longer-term MNT changes in horses with documented back pain.

Rehabilitation in the first 48 hours after surgery.

Physical therapy is commonly used postoperatively in humans to decrease pain, inflammation and recovery time. The same goals can be achieved in our veterinary patients using similar modalities such as; cryotherapy, passive range of motion, massage, transcutaneous electrical stimulation and low-level light laser therapy. When used in the first 48 hours following surgery, the reduction in pain, increased mobility, and decreased inflammation will aid in early return to normal function. Applied appropriately these treatments have both immediate and long term benefits.

Daily controlled physiotherapy increases survival time in dogs with suspected degenerative myelopathy.

The purposes of the study reported here were to evaluate the signalment and clinical presentation in 50 dogs with degenerative myelopathy, to evaluate whether mean survival time was significantly affected by various means of physiotherapy performed in 22 dogs, and to determine whether neurologic status, anatomic localization, or age at onset had an influence on survival time in dogs that received physiotherapy. We found a significant (P < .05) breed predisposition for the German Shepherd Dog, Kuvasz, Hovawart, and Bernese Mountain Dog. Mean age at diagnosis was 9.1 years, and both sexes were affected equally. The anatomic localization of the lesion was spinal cord segment T3-L3 in 56% (n = 28) and L3-S3 in 44% (n = 22) of the dogs. Animals that received intensive (n = 9) physiotherapy had longer (P < .05) survival time (mean 255 days), compared with that for animals with moderate (n = 6; mean 130 days) or no (n = 7; mean 55 days) physiotherapy. In addition, our results indicate that affected dogs which received physiotherapy remained ambulatory longer than did animals that did not receive physical treatment.

Equine rehabilitation therapy for joint disease.

The principles of physical rehabilitation therapy can be applied to the horse to provide a reduction in discomfort and dysfunction associated with the various forms of joint disease. Physical agents,such as ice, heat, electricity, sound, light, magnetic fields, compression, and movement, can be used by the rehabilitation therapist to attempt to control pain, reduce swelling, and restore optimal movement and function in the affected joint. The equine therapist's attention is focused not only on the affected joint but on the body as a whole to manage secondary or compensatory problems.