Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography of the thyroid gland in healthy dogs, hypothyroid dogs and dogs with non-thyroidal illness.

Diagnosis of canine hypothyroidism remains challenging, as non-thyroidal illness (NTI)-syndrome and medical treatment can influence thyroid hormone concentrations. Conventional ultrasound may give additional hints, however high interobserver variability has been described. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) allows detection of changes in tissue perfusion. The purpose of the present study was to assess the possible diagnostic value of CEUS regarding diagnosis of hypothyroidism. CEUS of the thyroid gland was performed in 52 healthy dogs, 16 hypothyroid dogs, and 20 NTI patients. The following perfusion parameters were calculated: Thyroid/carotid artery (TG/CA) ratios for peak enhancement (PE) and area under the curve (AUC), time to peak (TTP) and wash-in and wash-out rates (WiR, WoR) of the thyroid gland. Impact of sedation on perfusion parameters was investigated in 8 calm healthy dogs which were examined before and after sedation using midazolam and butorphanol. Significantly higher median TG/CA ratios for PE were detected for the left and right thyroid lobe in dogs with hypothyroidism (0.97/0.96) compared to healthy dogs (0.85/0.85) and dogs with NTI (0.84/0.84). AUCs were also significantly increased in hypothyroid dogs when compared to other groups. Dogs with NTI showed significantly lower WiR and WoR compared to other groups. Values for TTP were not significantly different between groups. Sedation had only impact on results of TTP which was significantly prolonged in sedated dogs. In conclusion, CEUS of the thyroid gland can provide an additional tool for diagnosis of hypothyroidism in dogs and support its differentiation from NTI. Sedation has limited impact on CEUS results.

Hippocampal expression of the cannabinoid receptor type 1 in canine epilepsy.

Canine drug-resistant epilepsy is a prevailing issue in veterinary neurology. Alternative or additional treatment with cannabinoids is showing promising results in seizure management. A crucial component of the endocannabinoid system, cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R), is heavily involved in the control of neurotransmitter release. Knowledge of its distribution in the epileptic brain would serve a better understanding of disease pathology and application of cannabinoids in dogs with epilepsy. CB1R distribution was assessed in sub-regions of hippocampus of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy, structural epilepsy and without cerebral pathology. In dogs with idiopathic epilepsy, significantly decreased CB1R expression compared to control animals was observed in CA1. In dogs with structural epilepsy, a significant increase in CB1R signal intensity in comparison to controls was observed. CB1R expression was higher in the structural group as compared to the idiopathic. Double immunofluorescence showed co-localization between CB1R and an astrocytic marker in about 50% of cells, regardless of the diagnosis. In summary, CB1R expression in canine hippocampus undergoes modification by the epileptic process and the direction of this change depends on the etiology of the disease. The distinct disease-associated CB1R expression needs to be considered in new treatment development for dogs with epilepsy.

Measurement of canine Th17 cells by flow cytometry.

Th17 cells are T helper cells which play an important role during inflammation and autoimmune disease. To investigate the role of these cells in diseases in dogs in a clinical setting, methods for fast identification had to be established. Th17 cells are a rare cell population, for their measurement stimulation is recommended. To examine more samples simultaneously and to receive a relatively high purity of cell population of CD3 + CD4+ cells, different methods on various levels of preselection of cells as well as the possibility of storing blood overnight for measuring Th17 cells by flow cytometry were investigated. Firstly, to receive a high number of mononuclear cells, two different density gradients were compared and analysed. Furthermore, the enrichment of CD3 + CD4+ cells via depletion of CD8alpha+, CD11b + and CD21+ cells by cell sorting (autoMACS Pro Separator) was tested. It was also investigated whether stimulation processes led to better interpretation of results and whether there was a significant difference in measurement of directly processed blood samples and samples that had been stored overnight. In conclusion, the use of the density gradient (Lymph24+ Spin Medium) resulted in a purer cell population through a significant decrease in polymorphonuclear cells (*p = 0.01). After cell sorting, a significant difference in cell population purity was detected. Within the target fraction (containing mainly CD3 + CD4+ cells), CD8alpha+, CD21+, CD11b + cell percentages were significantly lower (***p < 0.001, *p < 0.02, ***p < .0001, respectively), and CD3 + CD4+ cell percentage was significantly higher (***p < .0001). There was a significant difference in Th17 cell percentage between unstimulated and stimulated cell populations (***p < .0001), but no significant difference in the percentage of unstimulated Th17 cells (p = 0.29) or stimulated Th17 cells (p = 0.71) in stored blood in comparison to directly processed EDTA blood samples. Finally, a modified protocol that offers an efficient way to investigate samples that were stored overnight by means of flow cytometry was evolved to research the role of Th17 cells in dogs with different diseases or in healthy populations.

Management factors influencing the occurrence of cellulitis in broiler chickens.

One of the main reasons for condemning fattening broiler chickens during meat inspection is cellulitis, which demonstrates the great economic issue concerning this topic. The aim of this epidemiological study was therefore to identify risk factors in order to draw conclusions on how to prevent the occurrence of cellulitis in broilers by implementing management changes. The data were collected between April and November 2018 on conventional broiler farms (n = 100) in the north of Germany with one to fourteen poultry houses per farm. In total, data were collected from 199 broiler flocks with a total of 5,332,767 broilers. Data on the type of management (feeding- and drinking management, housing, lighting management, litter type and animal health) were collected via a questionnaire, with additional data on condemnation rates being provided by the abattoirs. It was found that litter additives like fennel, eucalyptus and probiotics as well as a moist litter quality were associated with lower cellulitis condemnation rates. Flocks fattened in windowless barns, but with relatively higher lux-values as well as those broilers examined in a lower number of housing inspections had significantly lower cellulitis condemnation rates compared to other husbandry systems. In addition, lower cellulitis rates were seen when housing capacities were smaller, regardless of stocking density. The source of the breeders and hatchery also had a significant influence on the occurrence of cellulitis. No correlation was found between the condemnation rates due to cellulitis and the performance of thinning, the water source used, the use of drinking additives, observational skills and number of herd managers monitoring the broilers, participation in an animal welfare programme, the technique of heating and ventilation systems used, the feed supplier, litter material, the broiler breed, the length of darkness periods and chick losses during the first seven days. We concluded that management decisions that lead to stress reduction in the broiler flocks are beneficial in terms of chicken welfare and occurrence of cellulitis.

Effect of fentanyl on thermal and mechanical nociceptive thresholds in horses and estimation of anti-nociceptive plasma concentration.

There are few investigations relating anti-nociception to plasma concentrations of fentanyl in horses. The study objective was to evaluate analgesic efficacy and duration in horses and determine the minimum anti-nociceptive plasma concentrations. Eight horses were treated with saline (P) and fentanyl (F2.5=2.5µg/kg; F5=5µg/kg; F10=10µg/kg) given IV over 5min, with a wash-out period of 10 days. To evaluate thermal (°C) and mechanical (N) nociceptive threshold single stimulations were applied prior to (baseline) and 10, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240, 300, 360, 420, 540min and 22.5h after treatment. Plasma fentanyl concentrations were measured at specific time points. Locomotor activity, heart rate, respiratory rate and gastrointestinal sounds were recorded. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA and pairwise comparisons were used for data analysis (P<0.05). With treatment F10, there was a significant increase in thermal threshold above baseline (47.2ö4.1°C) at t10 (53.7ö4.2°C) and t30 (52.1ö5.6°C), whereas mechanical threshold increased considerably above baseline (3.7ö1.3N) only at t10 (6.6ö3.6N). Estimated mean minimum anti-nociceptive plasma concentration determined by thermal stimulation was 6.1-6.8ng/mL. Dose-dependent increased locomotion occurred, but no significant changes in heart rate, respiratory rate and gastrointestinal sounds were observed. Fentanyl IV at 10µg/kg produced anti-nociception for 10-30min and fentanyl plasma concentrations of ≥6.1-6.8ng/mL appear necessary to induce thermal anti-nociception. Dose-dependent increased locomotion was the main side effect observed.

Effects of dobutamine, dopamine, phenylephrine and noradrenaline on systemic haemodynamics and intestinal perfusion in isoflurane anaesthetised horses.

BACKGROUND: In the horse, effects of cardiovascular-active drugs on local perfusion of the gastrointestinal tract are poorly understood. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of drugs commonly used to support blood pressure, on local intestinal blood flow and tissue oxygenation under isoflurane anaesthesia. STUDY DESIGN: In vivo randomised crossover experiment. METHODS: Ten horses were anaesthetised with isoflurane. After 90 min of equilibration three doses (µg/kg bwt/min) of dobutamine (DOB 0.5/1/3), dopamine (DA 1/2/5), noradrenaline (NA 0.1/0.2/0.5) and phenylephrine (PHE 0.5/1/3) were infused for 15 min, in a randomised order, with a 45 min washout-period. Blood flow and tissue oxygenation (sO2 ) of jejunum, colon and stomach were measured using white light remission spectrophotometry and laser doppler flowmetry; heart rate (HR), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), cardiac output (CO) were measured and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) calculated. RESULTS: Compared to baseline high dose dobutamine significantly increased CO, HR, MAP (P<0.001) and blood flow to the jejunum (+47 ± 26%, P = 0.001) and colon (+29 ± 15%, P<0.001) (mean ± s.d.). Dopamine (DA5) increased CO but decreased colonic blood flow (-39 ± 21% from baseline, P<0.001), as well as SVR and MAP compared to baseline (P<0.001). Noradrenaline had no significant influence on intestinal perfusion, but increased MAP and SVR from baseline (P<0.001). Phenylephrine (PHE3) caused a significant decrease in blood flow and sO2 , most profoundly at the colon compared to baseline (flow -44 ± 21%; sO2 -16 ± 3%, P<0.001), while MAP and SVR increased and CO and HR decreased (P<0.001). MAIN LIMITATIONS: The measurement technique only allows for flow measurements in arbitrary units, which can limit comparability to other techniques. CONCLUSION: At the investigated doses dobutamine improved systemic and peripheral haemodynamics, while dopamine decreased MAP and peripheral perfusion. Noradrenaline increased MAP and SVR while peripheral blood flow was maintained, phenylephrine increased MAP, but reduced both local and systemic perfusion.

Spontaneous acute and chronic spinal cord injuries in paraplegic dogs: a comparative study of in vivo diffusion tensor imaging.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational-analytical study. OBJECTIVES: Description of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics obtained from the spinal cord (SC) of dogs with severe acute or chronic spontaneous, non-experimentally induced spinal cord injury (SCI) and correlation of DTI values with lesion extent of SCI measured in T2-weighted (T2W) magnetic resonance imaging sequences. SETTING: Hannover, Germany. METHODS: Forty-seven paraplegic dogs, 32 with acute and 15 with chronic SCI, and 6 disease controls were included. T2W and DTI sequences of the thoracolumbar spinal cord were performed. Values of fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were obtained from the epicentre of the lesion and one SC segment cranially and caudally and compared between groups. Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated between DTI and T2W metrics. RESULTS: During acute SCI, FA values were increased (P=0.0065) and ADC values were decreased (P=0.0099) at epicentres compared to disease controls. FA values obtained from dogs with chronic SCI were lower (P<0.0001 epicentres and caudally; P=0.0002 cranially) and ADC showed no differences compared to disease control values. Dogs with chronic SCI revealed lower FA and higher ADC compared to dogs with acute SCI (P<0.0001 for both values at all localisations). FA values from epicentre and cranially to the lesion during chronic SCI correlated with extent of lesion (r=0.5517; P=0.0052 epicentres and r=0.6810; P=0.0408 cranially). CONCLUSION: Using DTI, differences between acute and chronic stages of spontaneous canine SCI were detected and correlations between T2W and DTI sequences were found in chronic SCI, supporting canine SCI as a useful large animal model.

Comparison of Preoperative Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Clinical Assessment of Deep Pain Perception as Prognostic Tools for Early Recovery of Motor Function in Paraplegic Dogs with Intervertebral Disk Herniations.

BACKGROUND: Prognostic tools to predict early postoperative motor function recovery (MFR) after thoracolumbar intervertebral disk herniation (IVDH) in paraplegic dogs represent an opportunity to timely implement novel therapies that could shorten recovery times and diminish permanent neurological dysfunctions. HYPOTHESIS: Fractional anisotropy (FA) values obtained using diffusion tensor imaging have a higher prognostic value than a lesion extension ratio in T2-weighted images (T2W-LER) and clinical assessment of deep pain perception (DPP) for MFR. ANIMALS: Thirty-five paraplegic dogs with diagnosis of acute or subacute thoracolumbar IVDH. METHODS: Prospective, descriptive observational study. At admission, absence or presence of DPP, T2W-LER, and FA values was evaluated. MFR was assessed within 4 weeks after decompressive surgery. Values of T2W-LER and FA of dogs with and without MFR were compared using t-tests. All 3 methods were evaluated for their sensitivity and specificity as a prognostic factor. RESULTS: No differences were found between groups regarding T2W-LER. FA values differed statistically when measured caudally of lesion epicenter being higher in dogs without MFR compared to dogs with MFR (P = .023). Logistic regression analysis revealed significance in FA values measured caudally of the lesion epicenter (P = .033, area under the curve = 0.72). Using a cutoff value of FA = 0.660, the technique had a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 55%. Evaluation of DPP had a sensitivity of 73.3% and specificity of 75% (P = .007). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Evaluation of DPP showed a similar sensitivity and a better specificity predicting early MFR than quantitative magnetic resonance imaging.

Correlation between severity of clinical signs and transcranial magnetic motor evoked potentials in dogs with intervertebral disc herniation.

Transcranial magnetic motor evoked potentials (TMMEPs) can assess the functional integrity of the spinal cord descending motor pathways. In intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH), these pathways are compromised to varying degrees reflected by the severity of neurological deficits. The hypotheses of this study were as follows: (1) TMMEPs differ in dogs with IVDH and healthy control dogs; (2) TMMEPs reflect different severities of neurological signs; and (3) TMMEPs can document functional motor improvement and therefore monitor recovery of function. TMMEPs were recorded in 50 dogs with thoracolumbar IVDH. Clinical signs ranged from spinal hyperesthesia to non-ambulatory paraparesis in 19 dogs and paraplegia with/without deep pain sensation in 31 dogs. In these 31 paraplegic dogs, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was repeated during follow-up examinations. Ten healthy Beagle dogs served as controls. There was a significant increase in onset latency and decrease in peak-to-peak amplitude in the pelvic limb TMMEPs of dogs with spinal hyperesthesia to severe paraparesis compared to control dogs. Waveforms in dogs with IVDH were predominantly polyphasic in contrast to the biphasic waveforms of the control dogs. TMMEPs could not be generated in the pelvic limbs of paraplegic dogs. However, TMMEPs with markedly increased onset latencies and decreased peak-to-peak amplitudes reappeared in the pelvic limbs of dogs that were paraplegic before surgery and showed functional motor improvement during follow-up. The severity of neurological deficits was reflected by TMMEP findings, which could be used to document functional motor recovery in IVDH. TMS could therefore be used as an ancillary test to monitor response to therapy in dogs during rehabilitation.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation with acepromazine or dexmedetomidine in combination with levomethadone/fenpipramide in healthy Beagle dogs.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of two sedation protocols on transcranial magnetic motor evoked potentials (TMMEPs) after transcranial magnetic stimulation in medium sized dogs. Onset latencies and peak-to-peak amplitudes, elicited in the extensor carpi radialis and cranial tibial muscles, were analysed in 10 healthy Beagles that received either acepromazine or dexmedetomidine in combination with levomethadone/fenpipramide, in a crossover design. Similar TMMEP recordings could be made using both sedation protocols at 80-90% stimulation intensity; however, there were significantly shorter onset latencies with the acepromazine-levomethadone/fenpipramide protocol at 100% stimulation intensity. Reference values were established and it was concluded that both drug combinations are feasible for measuring TMMEPs in medium sized dogs.

Histopathological changes and mRNA expression in lungs of horses after inhalation anaesthesia with different ventilation strategies.

Inappropriate mechanical ventilation can lead to ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). Aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of inhalation anaesthesia and ventilation with and without recruitment (RM) and PEEP titration on alveolar integrity in horses. Twenty-three horses were divided into 4 groups (group OLC ventilated with OLC, group IPPV ventilated with intermittent positive pressure ventilation, group NV non-ventilated, and group C non-anaesthetized control group). After sedation with xylazine and induction with diazepam and ketamine anaesthetized horses were under isoflurane anaesthesia for 5.5h. The horses were euthanized and tissue samples of the dependent and non-dependent lung areas were collected. Histopathological examinations of the lung tissue as well as relative quantification of mRNA of IL-1ß, IL-6, iNOS, MMP1 and MMP9 by PCR were performed. Horses of group OLC had significantly less alveolar congestion and atelectasis but greater alveolar overdistension compared to groups NV and IPPV. In groups OLC and group IPPV an increase in IL-1ß/6 and MMP1/9 was detected compared to groups NV and C. In conclusion, in breathing spontaneously or IPPV-ventilated horses a higher degree of atelectasis was detected, whereas in OLC-ventilated horses a higher degree of overdistention was present. Elevated levels in IL and MMP might be early signs of VILI in ventilated horses.

Noninvasive color Doppler sonography of uterine blood flow throughout pregnancy in sheep and goats.

In contrast to cattle or horses, uterine blood flow in small ruminants has been investigated predominantly after surgical intervention and chronic instrumentation. The objective of the present study was to investigate the clinical applicability of noninvasive color Doppler sonography to characterize blood flow in the maternal uterine artery of sheep, n = 11 (18 pregnancies) and goats, n = 11 (20 pregnancies). The following parameters were measured transrectally or transabdominally: blood flow volume, time-averaged maximum velocity (TAMV), resistance index (RI), pulsatility index (PI), Time-averaged mean velocity, impedance of blood flow (AB or systolic/diastolic [S/D] velocity ratio), peak velocity of blood flow and blood flow acceleration. Examinations started 2 weeks after breeding and continued at 2-week intervals until parturition. Outcomes for sheep and goats were similar and will be discussed together. Based on noninvasive color Doppler sonography, blood flow volume increased (approximately 60-fold, P < 0.0001) until the end of pregnancy, with a rapid increase early in gestation, and a slow increase after week 18. Time-averaged maximum velocity in the uterine artery increased (approximately 4-fold; P < 0.0001) throughout pregnancy in sheep and goats. Furthermore, for uterine artery blood flow, there was an effect of stage of pregnancy on PI and RI (P < 0.001 and P < 0.0001, respectively), both indices decreased until the end of gestation. Time-averaged mean velocity decreased from week 18 to 20 in both species. The blood flow acceleration increased (P < 0.0001) until week 16 and week 14 in sheep and goats, respectively, and then decreased until parturition. Similar to PI and RI, vascular impedance of the uterine decreased (P < 0.0001) throughout pregnancy. This is apparently the first study using noninvasive color Doppler sonography of uterine blood flow throughout physiological pregnancy in small ruminants. Clearly, this technology facilitates repeated, noninvasive assessments, with great potential for future studies.

Temporal and concentration effects of isoflurane anaesthesia on intestinal tissue oxygenation and perfusion in horses.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of duration of anaesthesia and concentration of isoflurane on global perfusion as well as intestinal microperfusion and oxygenation. Nine Warmblood horses were premedicated with xylazine; anaesthesia was induced with midazolam and ketamine, and maintained with isoflurane. Horses were ventilated to normocapnia. During 7 h of anaesthesia, mean arterial blood pressures (MAP), heart rate, central venous pressure, pulmonary artery pressure, expiratory isoflurane concentration (ETIso) and cardiac output using lithium dilution were measured; cardiac index (CI) was calculated. Intestinal microperfusion and oxygenation were measured using laser Doppler flowmetry and white-light spectrophotometry. Surface probes were placed via median laparotomy on the serosal and mucosal site of the jejunum and the pelvic flexion of the colon. After 3 h of constant ETIso (1.4%), ETIso was increased in 0.2% increments up to 2.4%, followed by a decrease to 1.2% and an increase to 1.4%. The CI and MAP decreased continuously with increasing ETIso to 40 ± 5 mL/kg/min and 52 ± 8 mmHg, respectively. Microperfusion and oxygenation remained unchanged until an ETIso of 2.0% resulted in CI and MAP of 48 ± 5 mL/kg/min and 62 ± 6 mmHg, respectively, and then decreased rapidly. When ETIso decreased back to baseline, CI, MAP, microperfusion and oxygenation recovered to baseline. Isoflurane concentration but not duration of isoflurane anaesthesia influenced central and intestinal oxygenation and perfusion in healthy horses. Under isoflurane, intestinal perfusion appeared to be preserved until a threshold MAP or blood flow was reached.

Use of density centrifugation for delayed cryopreservation of stallion sperm: perform sperm selection directly after collection or after storage?

Equipment for cryopreservation of stallion sperm is not always available. In such cases, diluted semen can be shipped to a facility for later cryopreservation. The aim of this study was to evaluate if selection of sperm via density centrifugation yields higher survival rates when cryopreservation is to be delayed (i.e. carried out after 1 day of storage at 5°C). Two-layer iodixanol as well as single-layer Androcoll density centrifugation were tested and compared with samples prepared with standard centrifugation. Special emphasis was placed on comparing centrifugation on the day of semen collection with centrifugation after 1-day refrigerated storage. Sperm morphology and motility as well as membrane and chromatin integrity were evaluated before and after centrifugation. Sperm motility and membrane integrity were also assessed after cryopreservation. It was found that both two- and single-layer density centrifugation processing resulted in higher percentages of morphologically normal and motile sperm with higher membrane and chromatin integrity, as compared to standard centrifugation or diluted samples. Differences were only in the order of magnitude of 5%. Recovery rates after density centrifugation were only approximately 30-40%. When cryopreservation was carried out after 1-day refrigerated storage, centrifugation processing of sperm directly after semen collection resulted in higher percentages of plasma membrane intact sperm post-thaw as compared to performing centrifugation processing of stored sperm just prior to cryopreservation. No significant differences in progressively motile sperm post-thaw were seen. Taken together, for delayed cryopreservation, it is best to perform density centrifugation directly after collection rather than immediately prior to cryopreservation.

Three-dimensional anatomy of the equine sternum.

The sternum is a frequently used anatomical site to obtain bone marrow for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in equine medicine and surgery. For a safe and reproducible aspiration of sternal bone marrow, a reliable anatomical description of the sternum is mandatory. However, the anatomical literature provides very heterogeneous information concerning the structure and number of sternebrae. Isolated sterna (horses of different ages) underwent clinical computed tomography, and single sternebrae were scanned by microcomputed tomography. Data sets were analysed in detail, the dimensions of each sternebra were determined, and correlations to the age and weight were generated. A uniform arrangement of seven sternebrae within the equine sternum was obtained, whereas the 6th and 7th sternebrae were fused in all sterna. The cranial sternebrae (sternebrae 1-3) had a lentiform shape with flattened lateral sides, while the caudal sternebrae (6 and 7) were flattened dorso-ventrally. In contrast, sternebrae 4 and 5 were spherical. The single sternebrae were well demarcated to the chondral sternum and showed two different zones. The periphery consisted of radiodense woven tissue, while in the centre the radiodense tissue was loosely arranged and contained large cavities with radiolucent tissue. A thin lamina (substantia corticalis) of <1 mm was arranged around the peripheral zone. There was no correlation between the body weight and the dimensions of the sternebrae, but there was a positive correlation to the age of the horses. The obtained data provide a sufficient basis to establish a standard nomenclature of the equine sternum.

Histomorphometric analysis of collagen and elastic fibres in the cranial and caudal fold of the porcine glottis.

The porcine glottis differs from the human glottis in its cranial and caudal vocal folds (CraF, CauF). The fibre apparatus of these folds was studied histomorphometrically in adult minipigs. For object definition and quantification, the colour-selection tools of the Adobe-Photoshop program were used. Another key feature was the subdivision of the cross-sections of the folds into proportional subunits. This allowed a statistical analysis irrespective of differences in thickness of the folds. Both folds had a distinct, dense subepithelial layer equivalent to the basement membrane zone in humans. The subsequent, loose layer was interpreted - in principle - as being equivalent to Reinke's space of the human vocal fold. The next two layers were not clearly separated. Due to this, the concept of a true vocal ligament did not appear applicable to neither CauF nor CraF. Instead, the body-cover model was emphasized by our findings. The missing vocalis muscle in the CraF is substituted by large collagen fibre bundles in a proportional depth corresponding to the position of the muscle of the CauF. The distribution of elastic fibres made the CraF rather than the CauF more similar to the human vocal fold. We suggest that these data are useful for those wishing to use the porcine glottis as a model for studying oscillatory properties during phonation.

[Influence of atracurium on cardiovascular parameters in horses undergoing vitrectomy during general anaesthesia, and on recovery duration and quality]. / Einsatz von Atracurium bei der Vitrektomie des Pferdes. Einfluss auf Operationsbedingungen, Allgemeinanästhesie und Aufstehphase.

OBJECTIVE: In most ocular procedures, a central position of the eye is necessary. This can be achieved using a deep plane of anaesthesia, locoregional blocks or with neuromuscular blocking agents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of atracurium on cardiovascular parameters, and on recovery quality and duration in horses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-four warmblood horses undergoing in total 50 vitrectomies were divided into two groups. Premedication, induction and maintenance were identical in all patients. After 20 minutes, horses of group A received atracurium (0.1 mg/kg) while in the control group (group K) the depth of anaesthesia was adapted to keep the bulbus in a central position. Dobutamine and fluids were administered to maintain the mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) above 70 mmHg. Cardiac output (CO), heart rate (HR), MAP, respiratory rate, end-expiratory isoflurane concentration (ETIso) and dobutamine requirements were determined. Position and movement of the globe during the surgical procedure were scored. Time and quality of the recovery period was scored. RESULTS: Horses of group K required significantly higher concentrations of isoflurane (group A: 1.08 ± 0.1%; group K: 1.34 ± 0.2%) and had an overall lower MAP (group A: 88.4 ± 10.3 mmHg; group K: 76.6 ± 11.6 mmHg) and CO (group A: 36.9 ± 11.7 l/min; group K: 28.5 ± 7.2 l/min) but needed significantly more dobutamine (group A: 0.37 ± 0.17 µg/kg/min; group K: 0.99 ± 0.46 µg/kg/min) compared to group A. Complete relaxation occurred 9.5 ± 2.5 minutes after atracurium bolus and lasted for 25 ± 7.1 minutes. The score of the bulbus position and movement was significantly lower in group A, resulting in a better quality for the surgical procedure. In group A, the recovery time to standing was significantly shorter (group A: 18.1 ± 5.4 min; group K: 31.5 ± 7.1 min), with no difference in quality. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of atracurium resulted in a better cardiovascular condition, probably because of the isoflurane-sparing effect. The recovery time was shorter in these horses without negative effects on recovery quality. No signs of residual atracurium effects were detected.

[Clinical evaluation of the Tonovet® reboundtonometer in dogs and cats considering potential errors in handling]. / Evaluierung des Tonovet®-Reboundtonometers in der klinischen Anwendung bei Hund und Katze. Auswertung unter Berücksichtigung möglicher Fehlerquellen im Handling des Geräts.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the Tonovet® rebound tonometer in a larger number of dogs and cats free of ocular disease and to examine the impact of handling errors of the tonometer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 100 ophthalmologically healthy dogs (n = 80) and cats (n = 20) of different breeds (beagle, dachshund, retriever, brachycephalic dogs, domestic shorthair cats), the intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured bilaterally using the Tonovet® according to the manufacturer's instructions. Subsequently, different aspects of handling/positioning were altered (localisation and angle of impact, distance of probe to corneal surface). Finally a comparative measurement was made using the Tonopen Vet® applanation tonometer. RESULTS: Mean IOP ± standard deviation (SD) in the dogs (160 eyes) was 13,7 ± 2.9 mmHg for the Tonovet® and 12.9 ± 3.1 mmHg for the Tonopen Vet®. In the cats (40 eyes) a IOP value of 16.7 mmHg ± 3.0 mmHg was obtained with the Tonovet® and 17.4 mmHg ± 3.0 mmHg with the Tonopen Vet®. Deviation from the manufacturer's recommendations on handling the Tonovet® during the measurement significantly affected the results obtained. Compared to the reference measurement, directing the Tonovet® onto the peripheral cornea (approximately 1.5 mm from the limbus) as well as reducing the measuring distance to <4 mm resulted in slightly elevated IOP readings. Substantial underestimation of IOP occurred with angular deviation of the measuring axis. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The Tonovet® rebound tonometer proved to be a valuable alternative to conventional tonometers for clinical use in dogs and cats. It is well tolerated by both canine and feline patients. However, the use of the Tonovet® in a clinical setting requires the examiner to consider potential sources of error when handling the tonometer to avoid false IOP readings.

[Interrelation between the degree of a chronic renal insufficiency and/or systemic hypertension and ocular changes in cats]. / Okuläre Veränderungen bei chronischer Niereninsuffizienz und/oder systemischer Hypertension der Katze.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the degree of renal insufficiency and/or high blood pressure in cats with chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) is related to the degree of change in the fundus and whether there are differences in blood pressure between the different accompanying diseases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In cats with CRI and/or hypertensive retinopathy and healthy cats, the following examinations were carried out: physical examination, ophthalmic examination, measurement of the blood pressure using Doppler ultrasonography, complete blood count, serum biochemical analyses, including serum thyroxine (T4) concentration, urinalysis and ultrasonography of the heart and abdomen. RESULTS: A total of 69 diseased and 24 healthy cats were examined. 53/69 cats displayed changes of the fundus, 17/69 cats had uveitis and 4/69 had hyphaema. Cats of the control group had no ocular changes and a mean systolic blood pressure of 13 ± 6.7 mmHg, which was not related to age. The degree of the CRI was negligibly negatively correlated with the degree of fundic changes and blood pressure. The blood pressure was significantly positively correlated with the degree of fundus changes and age. Cats with systemic hypertension, which only suffered from CRI, had a significantly lower blood pressure than cats with an additional left ventricular hypertrophy or only a left ventricular hypertrophy, hyperthyroidism or primary hypertension. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: According to the results of the present study, the degree of the CRI is not a reliable prognostic factor for the development and the degree of fundic change. The blood pressure in hypertensive cats with CRI without additional diseases is lower compared to hypertensive cats with CRI and left ventricular hypertrophy, left ventricular hypertrophy alone, hyperthyroidism or primary hypertension.