Open-mouth jaw locking in a 5-year-old Persian cat: a case report.

Open-mouth jaw locking is an uncommon condition in feline patients. A 5-year-old neutered male Persian cat was evaluated for an acute inability to close its mouth and ptyalism. The general physical examination was unremarkable. A complete oral examination revealed a reduced vertical range of motion, as well as an asymmetric malocclusion with severe displacement of the mandibles to the left. Advanced diagnostic imaging included computed tomography (CT), which revealed a typical brachycephalic conformation, skeletal malocclusion and a bilateral temporomandibular joint (TMJ) subluxation, with the left coronoid process of the mandible abnormally positioned ventrolateral to the zygomatic arch. The open-mouth jaw locking was manually reduced and resolved. Once the coronoid process was repositioned, a second CT scan was performed and confirmed complete reduction of the TMJ subluxation. Supportive treatment with meloxicam was administered and a loose-fitting tape muzzle and Elizabethan collar were applied for two weeks. There was no recurrence of open-mouth jaw locking at long-term follow-up. This case report highlights the relevance of CT imaging and 3-dimensional reconstruction in the diagnosis of this unusual condition.

Proneurogenic actions of follicle-stimulating hormone on neurospheres derived from ovarian cortical cells in vitro.

BACKGROUND: Neural stem and progenitor cells (NSPCs) from extra-neural origin represent a valuable tool for autologous cell therapy and research in neurogenesis. Identification of proneurogenic biomolecules on NSPCs would improve the success of cell therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. Preliminary data suggested that follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) might act in this fashion. This study was aimed to elucidate whether FSH promotes development, self-renewal, and is proneurogenic on neurospheres (NS) derived from sheep ovarian cortical cells (OCCs). Two culture strategies were carried out: (a) long-term, 21-days NS culture (control vs. FSH group) with NS morphometric evaluation, gene expression analyses of stemness and lineage markers, and immunolocalization of NSPCs antigens; (b) NS assay to demonstrate FSH actions on self-renewal and differentiation capacity of NS cultured with one of three defined media: M1: positive control with EGF/FGF2; M2: control; and M3: M2 supplemented with FSH. RESULTS: In long-term cultures, FSH increased NS diameters with respect to control group (302.90 ± 25.20 µm vs. 183.20 ± 7.63 on day 9, respectively), upregulated nestin (days 15/21), Sox2 (day 21) and Pax6 (days 15/21) and increased the percentages of cells immunolocalizing these proteins. During NS assays, FSH stimulated NSCPs proliferation, and self-renewal, increasing NS diameters during the two expansion periods and the expression of the neuron precursor transcript DCX during the second one. In the FSH-group there were more frequent cell-bridges among neighbouring NS. CONCLUSIONS: FSH is a proneurogenic hormone that promotes OCC-NSPCs self-renewal and NS development. Future studies will be necessary to support the proneurogenic actions of FSH and its potential use in basic and applied research related to cell therapy.

Successful ultrasound-guided ovum pick-up (OPU) and subsequent in vitro embryo production in a domestic cat.

Ovum Pick Up (OPU) is a minimally invasive technique widely used in cattle and mares for oocyte retrieval, involving ultrasound-guided puncture of ovarian follicles. It has been demonstrated that this technique is safe for its repeated use in the same female without affecting her reproductive health, allowing for the retrieval of oocytes in individuals regardless of their reproductive status. The oocytes obtained through OPU can subsequently be used for in vitro embryo production (IVP) using assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) or be cryopreserved in biobanks for their future use. Traditionally, the minimally invasive technique of choice performed in vivo in domestic and wild felines was LOPU (laparoscopic-guided ovum pick up). The present study was designed to explore if ultrasound-guided OPU in the domestic cat is safe and effective. In an initial series of ex vivo experiments (n = 92 ovaries, n = 434 oocytes), the effect of different aspiration pressures for oocyte collection was explored. These experiments identified 43 mmHg as the optimal aspiration pressure, resulting in the highest recovery rate and a favorable maturation and blastocyst rate. Subsequently, 16 grade I and II oocytes were retrieved by OPU and 101 oocytes were retrieved following ovariectomy and slicing. Sixteen oocytes obtained with each technique were subjected to in vitro maturation (IVM) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). A total of 14 presumptive zygotes were selected for in vitro culture (IVC) from each group (OPU and slicing), obtaining a cleavage rate of 57.1 % and 64.2 %, a morula rate of 28.5 % in both groups, and a blastocyst rate of 7.14 % and 14.2 % respectively. The hormonal stimulation protocol was well-tolerated, with no adverse effects observed. Moreover, no complications arose during the ovariectomy performed post-OPU. The use of this technique in domestic cats represents a significant step forward in terms of safety, replicability, and invasiveness, serving as a valuable model for its application in wild felids species. Additional research involving a greater number of animals is required to validate these encouraging findings.

Description of postoperative complications and bacterial contamination of wound soaker catheters used to administer postoperative local analgesia after mastectomy in 11 dogs: case series.

Mastectomy is a common and painful procedure in dogs. Wound soaker catheters (WSC) are frequently used to reduce postoperative pain, including pain after mastectomy. The objectives of this case series were to describe the use of WSC for owner administration of postoperative local analgesia in dogs with mammary tumors treated surgically, to identify complications associated with WSC and to determine the frequency of bacterial colonization of the catheters. Twelve WSC were placed in 11 dogs during mastectomy surgery, left in place for three days, protected by a dressing and successfully managed by owners at home. No postoperative antibiotics were administered. No complications were identified in any cases. No bacterial growth was identified on bacteriological analysis of the twelve WSC. These results suggest that the use of WSC is a safe alternative for postoperative analgesia administration following mastectomy in dogs. Future studies comparing dogs with or without WSC with a larger number of dogs are needed to further evaluate efficacy and complications.

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma treated with surgical resection, toceranib phosphate and firocoxib in a dog: a case report.

Exocrine pancreatic carcinomas are rarely reported in dogs. A ductal pancreatic adenocarcinoma in a 10-year-old intact beagle is described in this report. The diagnosis was made based on clinical signs, imaging (abdominal ultrasound and CT scan) and histopathology. Treatment consisted of partial right lobe pancreatectomy followed by adjuvant therapy with toceranib phosphate (Palladia®) and firocoxib (Previcox®) for six months. The treatment was well tolerated, and the survival time was 445 days. To our knowledge, this is the longest survival reported in the literature for a dog diagnosed with exocrine pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The results described here may contribute to provide a better understanding about this neoplasia and potential treatment options.

A Spanish Survey on the Perioperative Use of Antimicrobials in Small Animals.

Appropriate use of perioperative antimicrobials can significantly reduce the risk of post-operative infections. However, inappropriate antimicrobial use can result in the creation of multidrug-resistant bacteria, increased costs, host flora disruption, side effects and increased risk of hospital-acquired infections. This survey evaluated the current perioperative use of antimicrobials in small animals by Spanish veterinarians using a web-based questionnaire. Responses were represented using descriptive statistics and a statistical analysis of the association between demographic data and perioperative antimicrobial use was performed. Pre-operative antimicrobials were administered in clean surgery by up to 68.3% of participants, 81.0% in clean-contaminated surgery and 71.3% in dirty surgery, while in the post-operative period, antimicrobials were administered by up to 86.3% of participants in clean surgery, 93.2% in clean-contaminated surgery and 87.5% in dirty surgery. Factors considered "very important" for antimicrobial selection were the degree of wound contamination, patient immunosuppression and use of prosthesis. The most frequently used antimicrobial was beta-lactamase-resistant (or potentiated) penicillin. Post-operative antimicrobial use was associated with participants without specific surgical postgraduate training. This study highlights an overuse of antimicrobials in perioperative procedures in small animal surgery in Spain. Therefore, evidence-based guidelines and further education regarding the correct use of antimicrobial prophylaxis are recommended.

Light Microscopic, Ultrastructure Analysis and Functional Morphology of Cornu aspersum Spermatozoa Contained in the Frozen Hermaphroditic Duct / Análisis de Microscopía de Luz, Ultraestructura y Morfología Funcional de Espermatozoides de Cornu aspersum Contenidos en el Conducto Hermafrodita Congelado

SUMMARY: In this study we describe the functional morphology of Cornu aspersum (Helix aspersa), spermatozoa using light, scanning (SEM) and transmission electron (TEM) microscopies. The studies were performed with sperm located in the frozen hermaphroditic duct. Our results showed that the head presents an elongated conical shape slightly coiled in a corkscrew, with the nucleus partially covered by an acrosome, where an apical vesicle is located at the lateralized apex. This peculiar shape suggests the helical displacement movement of the spermatozoa. The head and the nucleus are slightly larger size compared to those of other gastropod species. The intermediate tract is surrounded by a mitochondrial complex and a glycogen helix. The glycogen helix is coiled helically along the intermediate tract, presenting at least five twists of glycogen helices. The complexity of both the mitochondrial complex and the glycogen helix suggests a high metabolic consumption considering the long period of time until fertilization occurs. Our findings on the detailed characterization of Cornu aspersum spermatozoa, obtained from a frozen hermaphroditic duct can contribute to a better understanding of the functional morphology of sperm and serve as a reference for future studies.

En este estudio describimos la morfología funcional de Cornu aspersum (Helix aspersa), espermatozoides utilizando microscopías de luz, barrido (SEM) y electrónica de transmisión (TEM). Los estudios se realizaron con espermatozoides localizados en el conducto hermafrodita congelado. Nuestros resultados mostraron que la cabeza presenta una forma cónica alargada ligeramente enrollada en un tirabuzón, con el núcleo parcialmente cubierto por un acrosoma, donde se ubica una vesícula apical en el ápice lateralizado. Esta peculiar forma sugiere el movimiento de desplazamiento helicoidal de los espermatozoides. La cabeza y el núcleo son de un tamaño ligeramente mayor en comparación con los de otras especies de gasterópodos. El tracto intermedio está rodeado por un complejo mitocondrial y una hélice de glucógeno. La hélice de glucógeno se enrolla helicoidalmente a lo largo del tracto intermedio, presentando al menos cinco giros de hélices de glucógeno. La complejidad tanto del complejo mitocondrial como de la hélice de glucógeno sugiere un alto consumo metabólico considerando el largo período de tiempo hasta que ocurre la fecundación. Nuestros hallazgos sobre la caracterización detallada de los espermatozoides de Cornu aspersum, obtenidos de un conducto hermafrodita congelado, pueden contribuir a una mejor comprensión de la morfología funcional de los espermatozoides y servir como referencia para futuros estudios.

Animal Research in Spain: A Study of Public Perception and Attitudes.

Since the time of Hippocrates in the 4th century BC, animal research has been extensively used for various purposes up to the present day. However, the use of animals for research has also been controversial for a long time. We report the findings of a public, online questionnaire-based survey designed to assess the opinions of a sample of Spanish society regarding animal research. Demographic data and opinions were obtained from 806 respondents. The results indicated a high level of acceptance of animal research (73.1%). However, certain factors, such as completing the questionnaire immediately after a reading negative media report (OR = 2.41; 95%CI: 1.64-3.54; p < 0.001), being a woman (OR = 1.77; 95%CI: 1.24-2.53; p = 0.002) or having a non-scientific background (OR = 2.47; 95%CI: 1.76-3.47; p < 0.001), were associated with a tendency towards a more negative opinion. The opinions seemed to be influenced by gender, education level and by protest incidents reported in the media. Our results also indicate that a lot of information regarding animal welfare, such as care and handling protocols, along with legislation was unknown to individuals. Further, a growing popularity of companion species and opposition to animal experimentation for non-biomedical purposes were reflected in the responses obtained. The use of animals for research purposes emerged as a sensitive social issue in terms of concerns about animal ethics and welfare.

Repeatable negotiation rules? Only females show repeatable responses to partner removal in a brood-provisioning songbird.

Theoretical models indicate that the evolution of biparental care depends on how parents behaviourally negotiate their level of care in response to those of their partner and whether sexes and individuals consistently vary in their response (compensatory response). While the compensatory response has been widely investigated empirically, its repeatability has rarely been assessed. In this study, we used a reaction norm approach to investigate the repeatability of the compensatory offspring provisioning of a parent after temporary removal of its partner in the pied flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca) across different breeding seasons and partners. We found that only females partially compensated for the short-term removal of the partner and their response was significantly repeatable across years while breeding with different partners. This study highlights the importance of considering among individual differences in negotiation rules to better understand the role of negotiation mechanisms in the evolution of parental care strategies.