Pneumopericardium, pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax and pneumoretroperitoneum complicating pulmonary metastatic carcinoma in a cat.

This report describes a case of severe spontaneous tension pneumopericardium with concurrent pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax and retropneumoperitoneum in a cat presenting with dyspnoea and signs of cardiac tamponade secondary to metastatic pulmonary carcinoma. Spontaneous pneumopericardium is an extremely uncommon condition consisting of pericardial gas in the absence of iatrogenic/traumatic causes. In humans, it has been described secondary to pneumonia or lung abscess and very rarely secondary to pulmonary neoplasia.

Spontaneaous linear gastric tears in a cat.

An 11-year-old female cat presented for chronic vomiting. Endoscopy revealed an altered gastric mucosa and spontaneous formation of linear gastric tears during normal organ insufflations. The histopathological diagnosis was atrophic gastritis with Helicobacter pylori infection. Medical treatment permitted a complete resolution of clinical signs. The linear tears observed resembled gastric lesions rarely reported in humans, called "Mallory-Weiss syndrome". To the authors' knowledge this is the first report of spontaneous linear gastric tears in animals.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus and hyperadrenocorticism in a ferret.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) was diagnosed in a 6-year-old neutered male ferret with polyuria/polydipsia, symmetrical alopecia, and weight loss. Laboratory tests revealed severe hyperglycemia, glucosuria, and increased steroid hormone profile. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a bilateral enlargement of the adrenal glands. Significant clinical improvement was achieved with insulin- and leuprolide acetate-based therapy. After 2 months of therapy, the ferret showed a severe ketoacidosis, and the owner decided to euthanize the animal. Histological findings revealed carcinoma of the left adrenal cortex and cortical hyperplasia of the right adrenal gland. Moderate, chronic, and active pancreatitis with a marked decrease in the number of beta-cells was also present. This is the first reported case of type 1 DM associated with hyperadrenocorticism and chronic pancreatitis in a ferret.

Effect of tissue processing on assessment of endoscopic intestinal biopsies in dogs and cats.

BACKGROUND: Prior studies failed to detect significant association between hypoalbuminemia and small intestinal lesions. HYPOTHESIS: Use of pictorial templates will enhance consistency of interpathologist interpretation and identification of intestinal lesions associated with hypoalbuminemia. ANIMALS: Tissues from 62 dogs and 25 cats examined as clinical cases at 7 referral veterinary practices in 4 countries. METHODS: Retrospective, observational study. Histopathology slides from sequential cases undergoing endoscopic biopsy were examined by 4 pathologists by pictorial templates. Changes for 9 microscopic features were recorded as normal, mild, moderate or severe, and 2- and 4-point scales were tested for consistency of interpretation. Logistic regression models determined odds ratios (OR) of histologic lesions being associated with hypoalbuminemia while kappa statistics determined agreement between pathologists on histologic lesions. RESULTS: There was poor agreement (kappa = -0.013 to 0.3) between pathologists, and institution of origin of slides had effect (kappa = 1.0 for 3 of 4 lesions on slides from Institution 5) on agreement between pathologists on selected histologic features. Using 2 point as opposed to 4-point grading scale increased agreement between pathologists (maximum kappa = 0.69 using 4-point scale versus maximum kappa = 1.0 using 2-point scale). Significant association (P = .019- .04; 95% OR = 3.14-10.84) between lacteal dilation and hypoalbuminemia was found by 3 pathologists. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Substantial inconsistency between pathologists remains despite use of pictorial template because of differences in slide processing. Distinguishing between mild and moderate lesions might be important source of the disagreement among pathologists.

Surgical removal of a localised vascular hepatic hamartoma in a dog.

A 2-year-old male Labrador Retriever was presented for sudden abdominal distension. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed abundant abdominal fluid and a hepatic mass, which was removed by total lobectomy. Histologic evaluation of the mass supported a vascular hepatic hamartoma. Vascular hamartomas are rare malformations in animals and only two cases have been reported in the dog. This is the first recorded case of a canine vascular hepatic hamartoma treated surgically and having a successful long-term outcome.

Effect of sample quality on the sensitivity of endoscopic biopsy for detecting gastric and duodenal lesions in dogs and cats.

BACKGROUND: The quality of histopathology slides of endoscopic biopsies from different laboratories varies, but the effect of biopsy quality on outcome is unknown. HYPOTHESIS: The ability to demonstrate a histologic lesion in the stomach or duodenum of a dog or cat is affected by the quality of endoscopic biopsy samples submitted. More endoscopic samples are needed to find a lesion in poor-quality tissue specimens. ANIMALS: Tissues from 99 dogs and 51 cats were examined as clinical cases at 8 veterinary institutions or practices in 5 countries. METHODS: Histopathology slides from sequential cases that underwent endoscopic biopsy were submitted by participating institutions. Quality of the histologic section of tissue (inadequate, marginal, adequate), type of lesion (lymphangiectasia, crypt lesion, villus blunting, cellular infiltrate), and severity of lesion (normal, mild, moderate, severe) were determined. Sensitivity of different quality tissue samples for finding different lesions was determined. RESULTS: Fewer samples were required from dogs for diagnosis as the quality of the sample improved from inadequate to marginal to adequate. Duodenal lesions in cats displayed the same trend except for moderate duodenal infiltrates for which quality of tissue sample made no difference. Gastric lesions in dogs and mild gastric lesions in cats had the same trend, whereas the number of tissue samples needed to diagnose moderately severe gastric lesions in cats was not affected by the quality of tissue sample. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The quality of endoscopically obtained tissue samples has a profound effect on their sensitivity for identifying certain lesions, and there are differences between biopsies of canine and feline tissues.

Needle tract implantation after fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder and adenocarcinoma of the lung.

This paper reports three clinical cases of needle tract implantation of neoplastic cells on the abdominal and thoracic wall after ultrasound (US) fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). Primary tumors were two transitional cell carcinomas of the urinary bladder (2 dogs) and one pulmonary adenocarcinoma (1 cat). All three masses grew up along the needle tract. To our knowledge, the seeding of pulmonary adenocarcinoma cells after FNAB on the thoracic wall has never been reported in veterinary medicine.

Influence of the bias-voltage on the anchoring energy for nematic liquid crystals.

The influence of the bias-voltage on the anisotropic part of the nematic surface energy is analyzed. The experimental data show a strong dependence of the anchoring strength on the bias-voltage when the electrodes of the nematic cell are covered with WO3. The observed dependence can be interpreted taking into account the ions dissolved in the liquid crystal. We propose a model in which the effect of the bias-voltage is to collect the ions near the electrodes, in a surface layer whose thickness is of the order of the Debye's screening length. The surplus of electric field due to this ions confinement gives rise to an electrostatic contribution to the total energy that can be considered as a surface energy. The proposed model is in good agreement with the experimental data. The model is used to interpret the observed independence of the anchoring strength on the bias-voltage when the (indium-tin-oxide) electrode is covered with a film of polyimide, or it is without any covering. The influence of a charge emission from the electrodes under the bias voltage on the anchoring energy is also analyzed. Possible applications of the observed phenomenon are discussed.

Ions and nematic surface energy: beyond the exponential approximation for the electric field of ionic origin.

We present a general model to describe the influence of the ionic adsorption on the anisotropic part of the surface energy of a nematic liquid crystal in contact with a substrate. We show that in the limit of small adsorption energy, the exponential approximation for the electric field of ionic origin works well. In this limit, the dielectric and flexoelectric contributions to the surface energy are quadratic and linear on the density of adsorbed ions, respectively. In the opposite limit of large adsorption energy, the exponential approximation for the electric field does not work, and the two contributions to the surface energy are both found to depend linearly on the surface density of adsorbed charges. Approximated formulas reported in literature are derived from our general equations as particular cases, and their limits discussed. An expression for the surface polarization in nematic liquid crystal due to the ionic adsorption is also deduced. Our analysis is performed in the framework of the Poisson-Boltzmann theory, where dimensionless ions are treated within a mean field approach. Possible extensions of our model are indicated.

External electric-field effect on nematic anchoring energy.

The influence of an external field on the effective anchoring energy of a nematic liquid crystal in contact with a substrate is theoretically analyzed. Our analysis is performed on the hypothesis that the electrodes are perfectly blocking and that there is no selective ion adsorption. The proposed theory predicts an effective anchoring energy dependent on the applied dc voltage. According to the sign of the dielectric anisotropy and of the flexoelectric coefficient the dependence of the anchoring energy strength with the bias can be monotonic or not. For large bias voltage the effective anchoring energy strength tends to a constant value. Our theory is in qualitative agreement with published data investigating the influence of the bias on the saturation voltage.

Nonhealing corneal ulcers in cats: 29 cases (1991-1999).

OBJECTIVE: To compare mean healing times after debridement, debridement with grid keratotomy, and superficial keratectomy in cats with nonhealing corneal ulcers. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 29 cats with 36 nonhealing corneal ulcers. PROCEDURE: Medical records of cats with nonhealing corneal ulcers were reviewed. Signalment, duration of clinical signs, ophthalmic abnormalities, and response to various treatment protocols were recorded. RESULTS: Mean age of affected cats was 7 years, 8 months. Affected breeds included domestic shorthair (17 cats), Persian (9), Himalayan (2), and Siamese (1). Clinical signs were evident for approximately 2 weeks prior to referral. Both eyes were affected in 4 cats. Mean healing time of ulcers treated with superficial debridement was 30 days. Mean healing time of ulcers treated with superficial debridement and grid keratotomy was 42 days. Superficial keratectomy was performed on 2 eyes and resulted in a healing time of 2 weeks. Formation of a corneal sequestrum was evident in 2 of 21 eyes treated with superficial debridement. Formation of a corneal sequestrum was evident in 4 of 13 eyes treated with superficial debridement and grid keratotomy. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Brachycephalic cats appear to be predisposed to developing nonhealing corneal ulcers. The combination of superficial debridement and grid keratotomy did not decrease mean healing time of nonhealing ulcers, compared with superficial debridement alone. Grid keratotomy may predispose cats with corneal ulcers to develop a corneal sequestrum.

The intracapsular extraction of displaced lenses in dogs: a retrospective study of 57 cases (1984-1990).

Records of 48 dogs (57 eyes) that underwent intracapsular lens extraction (ICLE) of displaced lenses were reviewed. Preoperatively, 73% (19/26 eyes) of eyes with anterior luxations had secondary glaucoma compared to 43% (10/23 eyes) with subluxations and 38% (3/8 eyes) with posterior luxations. Forty-one of 57 eyes (72%) had vision and intraocular pressure (IOP) less than 30 mm Hg four to six weeks after surgery. This percentage declined to 61% (22/36 eyes) in three months and 53% (8/15 eyes) in 12 months. Eyes with glaucoma before ICLE had a lower success rate (66%) than eyes without (82%). Since secondary glaucoma was the most common cause of failure, this study suggests that removal of a subluxated lens or a posteriorly luxated lens should be recommended before the lens moves into the anterior chamber.

Type IV collagen, laminin, and fibronectin promote the adhesion and migration of rabbit lens epithelial cells in vitro.

PURPOSE: To assess the ability of basement membrane and extracellular matrix proteins to promote rabbit lens epithelial cell adhesion and migration, which may play a role in the development of secondary cataract. METHODS: Rabbit lens epithelial cells were isolated and grown in tissue culture for use in standardized assays to study adhesion and migration of rabbit lens epithelial cells in response to type IV collagen, laminin, fibronectin, and ovalbumin. RESULTS: Under these conditions, the adhesion of rabbit lens epithelial cells to surfaces coated with varying concentrations of type IV collagen, laminin, and fibronectin was shown to be dependent on concentration. Rabbit lens epithelial cells did not adhere to ovalbumin-coated surfaces at any concentration tested. Type IV collagen promotes maximal in vitro adhesion of rabbit lens epithelial cells at lower coating concentrations in comparison to laminin and fibronectin. In cell migration experiments, fibronectin promoted maximal migration at lower concentrations in comparison with laminin and type IV collagen. This was shown both in haptotaxis experiments (the migration of cells to surfaces coated with protein) and in chemotaxis experiments (the migration of cells to attractants in solution). Lens epithelial cells did not migrate in response to ovalbumin under the conditions of this study. CONCLUSION: The results of these studies indicate that adhesion and migration of lens epithelial cells occurs in response to the lens capsule proteins type IV collagen and laminin and in response to fibronectin, a protein found in the lens during embryologic development. Because fibronectin plays a role in the embryologic development of the lens but is not normally present in the adult lens, the possible introduction of fibronectin into the eye after surgery may play a critical role in the posterior migration of lens epithelial cells and the development of posterior capsular opacification or secondary cataract.

Refractive state of aphakic and pseudophakic eyes of dogs.

Streak retinoscopy was performed by 5 ophthalmologists on 256 eyes (191 dogs) to determine their postoperative refractive state after cataract extraction. Aphakic and pseudophakic eyes that had been implanted with 1 of 5 intraocular lenses (IOL) with dioptric powers ranging from +14.5 to +38 diopters (D) were studied. By use of ANOVA, breed and body type of dog and individual performing refraction were found to have no detectable effect on final refractive state. Mean refractive state of aphakic eyes was +14.4 +/- 2.10 D. Mean refractive state for different IOL powers was as follows: +14.5 D IOL = +11.54 +/- 1.18 D (n = 13); +30 D IOL = +5.15 +/- 1.18 D (n = 105); +34.0 D IOL = +3.5 D (n = 1); +36 D IOL = +2.34 +/- 0.73 D 9 (n = 61); and +38 D IOL = +1.41 +/- 0.56 D (n = 28). Residual hyperopia ranged from +0.5 D to +2.5 D with +38 D IOL, and no eyes were myopic (overcorrected) by use of any of the IOL studied. Linear regression analysis of refractive state on IOL power for all dogs predicted that dioptric strength of +41.53 D was necessary to best approximate emmetropia for the population as a whole. Body type of the dog had only slight effect (< 1.0 D) on predicted optimal IOL power. Further linear regression analysis of the 7 breeds studied predicted variations from +39.62 to +43.14 D in IOL powers necessary to approximate emmetropia.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Clinical evaluation of 1% cyclosporine for topical treatment of keratoconjunctivitis sicca in dogs.

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is a prevalent and often vision-threatening condition in dogs. In several reports, 2% cyclosporine (cyclosporin A, CsA) was described as effective in modulating the clinical signs of KCS. This study was designed to compare the efficacy of 1% CsA vs a placebo, using a randomized double-blind clinical trial. Topical administration of 1% CsA significantly improved Schirmer wetting values and subjective markers of corneal health as compared with the placebo. In the dogs treated with topical administration of 1% CsA, the clinical signs of KCS were improved in 81.8% of cases.

Plasma uric acid levels in ethanol-fed turkey poults treated with allopurinol.

Plasma uric acid levels were determined in ethanol-fed poults following administration of allopurinol. In young poults, allopurinol at a dose of 50 mg/kg significantly depressed plasma uric acid levels 6 hr post-dosing. At 11 hr post-dosing, plasma uric acid levels were significantly elevated in the allopurinol-treated poults when compared with control poults. During a period of ethanol abstinence, allopurinol at a dose of 40 mg/kg significantly depressed plasma uric acid levels up to 8 hr post-dosing. At a dose of 30 mg/kg, plasma uric acid levels were similar to control values at 4 and 6 hr post-dosing. Data suggest that plasma uric acid levels can be depressed in ethanol poults when allopurinol is administered every 8 hr at a dose of 40-50 mg/kg of body weight.

Evaluation of allopurinol as a cardioprotectant in ethanol-fed turkey poults.

Cardioprotectant effects of allopurinol were investigated in ethanol-fed poults during induction of cardiomyopathy and during a period of ethanol abstinence. In young poults fed ethanol, allopurinol has an additive effect on depression of growth but has little or no effect on caloric consumption. Allopurinol significantly depresses heart weight and heart weight to body weight ratios in young poults. In poults 5 weeks and older, allopurinol depresses significantly body weight and caloric consumption. Although allopurinol depresses heart weight in older poults, it appears to have little or no effect on heart weight to body weight ratios. Cardioprotective effect of allopurinol is more apparent during the inductive process than during the recovery phase.

Myocardial levels of calcium, glycogen and triglycerides in ethanol-fed turkey poults treated with allopurinol.

Effect of allopurinol treatment on myocardial levels of calcium, glycogen and triglyceride and on plasma levels of triglyceride was evaluated in turkey poults during a period of chronic ethanol consumption and following a period of ethanol abstinence. Allopurinol treatment had no significant effect on myocardial levels of calcium. Allopurinol treatment plus abstinence was slightly more effective than abstinence alone in restoring myocardial levels of glycogen and triglyceride and plasma levels of triglyceride in ethanol-fed poults to that seen in control poults.

Large molecular forms of cholecystokinin circulating in humans.

Molecular heterogeneity between cholecystokinin (CCK) present in humans and that present in the pig has been proposed. We recently demonstrated that CCK-8 exists in humans in form identical to the porcine peptide. The aims of this work were to evaluate the presence in human plasma of CCK forms larger than CCK-8 and to compare them with the well-characterized porcine forms. Antiserum (no. 4899) was raised in a New Zealand white rabbit immunized with porcine CCK-33 that had specificity for the 7 to 21 region of that peptide and that recognized molecules present in human plasma. To characterize these, postprandial human plasma was applied to an immunoaffinity column generated with this antiserum. Adsorbed peptides were eluted, concentrated on an octadecylsilane cartridge, separated by reversed-phase HPLC and gel filtration chromatography, and screened by cross-reacting and specific CCK and gastrin radioimmunoassays and CCK bioassay by quantification of amylase release by rat pancreatic acini. Two peptides were consistently identified that possessed CCK-like but not gastrin-specific immunoreactivity and CCK-like biological activity. These appeared to be similar in size to CCK-33 and intermediate in size between CCK-33 and CCK-8. Though analogous to porcine CCK based on antibody cross-reactivity and biological activity, the human peptides were heterogeneous from the porcine peptides based on differing chromatographic behavior.