Approaches to Laparoscopic Training in Veterinary Medicine: A Review of Personalized Simulators.

Veterinary minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has experienced notable growth in recent years, yet the availability of specialized training tools remains limited and not readily accessible to practitioners worldwide. While borrowing simulators from human medicine practices suffices for acquiring fundamental laparoscopic skills, it proves inadequate when addressing procedure-specific nuances. Veterinary professionals are now taking steps to create simulators tailored to their patients, although the validation process can be time-consuming. Consequently, the availability of advanced laparoscopic simulators for veterinary training remains scarce. The present study aims to highlight custom-made simulators. A comprehensive search across five databases was conducted to uncover the simulators documented from 2010 to 2022. A total of five simulators emerged from this search, with four grounded in a canine model and only one in an equine model. These models underwent validation and were found to be effective in training surgeons for their designated tasks. The findings underscore a limited array of simulators, predominantly catering to two species (horses and dogs). Considering these findings, it is evident that further research is imperative to create laparoscopic simulators capable of facilitating advanced veterinary training. This would enable the continued evolution of surgical techniques across diverse species, including ruminants, small mammals, and non-mammalian animals.

Minimally Invasive Sampling Methods for Molecular Sexing of Wild and Companion Birds.

Birds are highly social and must be paired in order to increase their welfare. Most bird species are monomorphic; therefore, molecular sexing helps provide appropriate welfare for birds. Moreover, early sex determination can be of great value for bird owners. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that sex identification in birds achieved using molecular methods and samples collected via minimally invasive methods is fast, efficient, and accurate. A total of 100 samples (29 paired samples of feathers and oral swabs and 14 tripled samples of feathers, oral swabs, and blood) from 43 birds were included in this study, as follows: wild birds (Falconiformes, Accipitriformes, landfowl-Galliformes, waterfowl-Anseriformes) and companion birds (Passeriformes, Psittaciformes-large-, medium-, and small-sized parrots). Amplification of CHD1-Z and CHD1-W genes was performed via conventional PCR. The results obtained from feathers were compared to those obtained from oral swabs and to those obtained from blood samples, where applicable. The obtained results show that all types of samples can be used for molecular sexing of all studied bird species. To the best of our knowledge, the present study reports, for the first time, molecular sex identification in Red Siskin (Carduelis cucullata) and Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis major). For higher accuracy, our recommendation is to use minimally invasive samples (oral swabs and feathers) and to test both types of samples for each bird instead of blood samples.

A Comparison of Feathers and Oral Swab Samples as DNA Sources for Molecular Sexing in Companion Birds.

The early age determinism of the sex in case of monomorphic birds is very important, because most companion birds have no distinct sexual dimorphic traits. Molecular genetic sexing was proved to be one of the most accurate sex determinations in monomorphic birds. The aim of this study was to compare the results obtained by PCR performed on isolate genomic DNA from paired samples of feathers and oral swabs collected from the same individuals. Samples of oral swabs (n = 101) and feathers (n = 74) were collected from 101 companion birds from four different species (Columba livia domestica, Psittacula krameri, Neophema splendida and Agapornis spp.). The PCR was performed for the amplification of the CHD1W and CHD1Z genes in females and the CHD1Z gene in males. The overall PCR success rate of sex determination was significantly higher from oral swabs than from feathers. The PCR success rate from oral swabs was higher in juveniles and from feathers was significantly higher in adults. The similarity between the oral swab and feathers was obtained in 78.38% of the birds. Oral swabs proved to be a more reliable sample for genetic sex determination in the species tested in this study.

A Review of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in Domestic Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)-Biology, Clinical Signs, Diagnostic Techniques, Treatment, and Prevention.

Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a eukaryote, unicellular, spore-forming, obligate intracellular microorganism of the phylum Microsporidia, with domestic rabbits as its main host. Another important species in which this pathogen has been identified are humans, the infection being therefore called a "zoonosis". The transmission takes place via the horizontal route or the vertical route, and cell-mediated immunity plays the biggest role in the infected hosts' protection. Encephalitozoonosis can manifest itself as an acute infection, with neurological signs, renal signs, and ocular lesions, or as a chronic or subclinical infection, which is usually the case for asymptomatic carriers. The diagnostic techniques usually carried out are histological examination, serological tests, and molecular genetic techniques. The treatment of encephalitozoonosis is usually symptomatic, with unrewarding results, and prevention methods include periodical serological screening, prophylactic administration of fenbendazole, and maintenance of a clean environment. The purpose of this article is to review the current data regarding the pathogenesis, host immunity, clinical signs, diagnostic methods, treatment, and prevention methods of encephalitozoonosis in the domestic rabbit, as well as to analyze the prevalence of this disease in different countries of the world.

Pain Management and Analgesics Used in Small Mammals during Post-Operative Period with an Emphasis on Metamizole (Dipyrone) as an Alternative Medication.

Metamizole (dipyrone) is a widely used non-opioid analgesic in both human and animal medicine. Metamizole's safety has been the topic of numerous opposing debates, given the fact that in certain countries metamizole is frequently used as an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine, while in others it is banned due to the risk of agranulocytosis. Further, small mammals such as rabbits, ferrets, rodents, and hedgehogs have become some of the most common pets present in veterinary practice, and each of these species has specific analgesic needs due to their anatomy and physiology. The key to providing appropriate medical care is in finding a substance that has minimal negative effects. In small mammals, analgesia is an important factor and, it happens frequently that, pain in these patients is not well managed. Post-operative pain management is an important topic in the welfare of animals. The objectives of this review, thus, were to provide a concise overview of analgesics that are used in the treatment of postoperative pain in small mammals (e.g., rabbits and rodents) and to highlight the importance of this product, metamizole, in veterinary medicine, as well as the potential of this substance as an alternative analgesic for the treatment of postoperative pain in small mammals.

Use of clinical and computed tomography findings to assess long-term unsatisfactory outcome after femoral head and neck ostectomy in four large breed dogs.

Femoral head and neck ostectomy (FHNO) is a salvage surgical procedure intended to eliminate hip joint laxity associated pain in the immature dog, or pain due to secondary osteoarthritis in the mature dog. The outcome of the procedure is associated with the size of the dog but the cause of a generally poorer outcome in larger breeds has not been determined. The objective of this study was to assess the long-term results of FHNO associated with unsatisfactory functional outcome by means of clinical examination and computed tomography (CT) scanning. Four large mixed breed dogs underwent FHNO in different veterinary clinics. Clinical and CT scanning evaluations were carried out long time after the procedures had been done. Hip pain, muscle atrophy, decreased range of motion and chronic lameness were observed at clinical examination. Extensive remodelling, unacceptable bone-on-bone contact with bony proliferation involving the femoral neck and acetabulum, but also excessive removal with bone lysis were observed by CT scanning. Revision osteotomy was performed in one dog. Deep gluteal muscle interposition was used, but no improvements were observed postoperatively. This is the first report on the evaluation of three-dimensional CT reconstructions of the late bone remodelling associated with poor clinical outcome in large dogs. The study shows that FHNO could lead to severe functional deficits in large breed dogs. An extensive follow-study is necessary to more accurately determine the frequency of such complications.

Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens show circadian co-periodicity in naturally co-infected dogs.

BACKGROUND: Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens are mosquito-borne zoonotic filarioids typically infecting dogs, causing a potentially fatal cardiopulmonary disease and dermatological conditions, respectively. The females are larviparous, releasing the larvae (microfilariae) into the bloodstream, which further develop in mosquito vectors. However, microfilaremia greatly fluctuates during a 24-h period. As the sampling time can greatly influence the accuracy of diagnosis, the aim of the present study was to assess the circadian periodicity of D. immitis and D. repens in naturally co-infected dogs in an endemic area of Romania and to investigate possible differences of periodicity between these two species. METHODS: Overall, four dogs harbouring natural co-infection with D. immitis and D. repens were selected and sampled every two hours for two consecutive days: two dogs in July 2014 and two in July 2015. At each sampling time, a 0.7 ml blood sample was taken. Modified Knott's test was performed on 0.5 ml, and the remaining 0.2 ml were used for DNA extraction and molecular amplification, both in single and duplex PCR reactions. Microfilariae of both species were morphologically identified and counted in each collected sample, microfilaremia was calculated, and fluctuation was charted. RESULTS: The dynamics of microfilaremia showed similar patterns for both Dirofilaria species. In all four dogs, D. immitis was present at all sampling times, with several peak values of microfilaremia, of which one was common for all dogs (1 am), while minimum counts occurred between 5 and 9 am. Similarly, for D. repens, one of the peak values was recorded in all dogs at 1 am, while minimum counts (including zero) occurred at 9 and 11 am. Single species-specific PCR reactions were positive for both D. immitis and D. repens in all collected samples, while duplex PCR failed to amplify D. repens DNA in many cases. CONCLUSIONS: Both Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens microfilariae are subperiodic, following a similar variation pattern, with peak values of microfilaremia registered during the night in Romania. Duplex PCR fails to identify the infection with D. repens in co-infected dogs when the ratio of microfilaremia is in favour of D. immitis.

Vaginal prolapse with urinary bladder incarceration and consecutive irreducible rectal prolapse in a dog.

BACKGROUND: True vaginal prolapse is a rare condition in dogs and it is occasionally observed in animals with constipation, dystocia, or forced separation during breeding. If a true prolapse occurs, the bladder, the uterine body and/or distal part of the colon, may be present in the prolapse. CASE PRESENTATION: A 2-year-old intact non pregnant Central Asian Shepherd dog in moderate condition, was presented for a true vaginal and rectal prolapse. The prolapses were confirmed by physical examination and ultrasonography. Herniation of the urinary bladder was identified within the vaginal prolapse. The necrotic vaginal wall was resected, the urinary bladder was reduced surgically and fixed to the right abdominal wall to prevent recurrence. Rectal resection and anastomosis was necessary to correct the rectal prolapse. Recurrence of the prolapses was not observed and the dog recovered completely after the surgical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In our opinion, extreme tenesmus arising from constipation may have predisposed to the vaginal prolapse with bladder incarceration and secondarily to rectal prolapse. In the young female dog, true vaginal prolapse with secondary involvement of the urinary bladder and irreducible rectal prolapse is an exceptionally rare condition.

Diagnosis and surgical management of malignant ovarian teratoma in a green iguana (Iguana iguana).

BACKGROUND: Ovarian tumors in reptiles are uncommonly reported in the literature and for green iguanas previously reported cases include teratomas, one adenocarcinoma and one papillary cystadenocarcinoma. The present report is the first of a malignant ovarian teratoma in a green iguana. Complete and detailed pathological features, differential diagnosis and surgical management of malignant ovarian teratoma are discussed in this paper. CASE PRESENTATION: A 9-year-old intact female green iguana (Iguana iguana) with a clinical history of persistent anorexia and progressive abdominal distension was referred to the surgery department. On physical examination, a presumptive diagnosis of follicular stasis was established. Radiographic evaluation showed a large radioopaque mass within the abdomen, which was visible both in latero-lateral and ventro-dorsal exposures. Abdominal ultrasonography showed a large intra-abdominal mass, with numerous cyst-like structures filled with liquid and a heterogeneous aspect with hypoechoic areas. Exploratory laparatomy was thus suggested and the mass was removed surgically. The histologic findings of the neoplasm were consistent with those of ovarian malignant teratoma. Surgical excision of the mass in our case was considered curative and after a follow-up period of 6 months the animal has recovered completely. CONCLUSIONS: A malignant ovarian teratoma has not been previously reported in green iguana and should be included in the list of differential diagnosis of ovarian tumors in this species. This report will contribute to a better understanding of the pathology of this rare tumor in green iguanas.

An unusual case of a mature teratoma on the left perineal region of a young cat: surgical treatment and pathological description.

A 10-month-old intact male cat with a clinical history of a large mass in the left perineal region was submitted to the surgery department. The mass had reportedly been present as a small swelling after birth. Cytological evaluation using a fine-needle aspirate showed eosinophilic keratinaceous debris, and was not convincing for the definitive diagnosis. Complete surgical excision was performed. Postoperative function and aesthetics were excellent. Based on gross and histological features the definitive diagnosis of the tumor was mature teratoma with ectodermal and endodermal components. After a follow-up period of 4 months, no signs of recurrence were evident. Surgical excision of the teratoma in our case was considered curative. A perineal location has not been previously reported in the cat and should be considered a rare condition in this species.