Effect of classical music on light-plane anaesthesia and analgesia in dogs subjected to surgical nociceptive stimuli.

The objectives of this prospective, randomized, blinded, crossover, experimental study were to detect the potential anaesthetic- and analgesic-sparing effects of classical music provided to dogs undergoing skin surgery, and to investigate the role of substance P as an intraoperative pain indicator. Twenty dogs were included, each subjected to three different treatments: Chopin music, Mozart music and no music. They were premedicated with acepromazine, butorphanol and meloxicam and anaesthetized with propofol and isoflurane. Fentanyl was used as rescue analgesia. The anaesthetic depth was monitored by using the bispectral index along with standard anaesthetic monitoring, and autonomic nervous system responses were used to monitor the adequacy of analgesia. Furthermore, measurements of substance P serum concentration were carried out. Dogs exposed to music required less isoflurane and fentanyl. Furthermore, a statistically significant effect of time on substance P concentration was observed regardless of exposure to music, and there was a significant interaction effect between different timepoints and the type of acoustic stimulus. Classical music seems to have an isoflurane and fentanyl sparing effect on dogs undergoing minor surgery. Following surgical stimulation, the serum substance P concentration increases rapidly, and thus appears to be a potentially useful pain indicator.

A retrospective study of Monteggia fractures in 8 dogs and 1 cat.

Monteggia fractures (MFs) are proximal ulnar fractures with concurrent dislocation of the radial head. This retrospective study aims to report the clinical findings and discuss the treatments and outcomes in MFs cases of 9 cases. Previous medical records of the animals were reviewed for history, clinical features, radiographic findings and choice of treatment. Treatment follow-up was evaluated over the telephone by discussion with the owners. Six animals included in the study were presented 2 days after the initial trauma. Five dogs were presented after common road traffic accidents and two after unknown traumas. All dogs had type I MFs, while the cat had a type III MF. Radiographical findings showed that six animals had extra-articular ulnar fractures, while three animals had intra-articular ulnar fractures. All animals were treated with open reduction of the ulna and internal fixation surgical methods. Six ulnar fractures were stabilized with intramedullary pin(s) with cerclage wire. The clinical outcome was assessed by the owners as full function in 3 dogs, acceptable function in 2 dogs and unacceptable function in 2 dogs with intraarticular ulnar fractures. The cat case was rated as full function. One dog died from a pulmonary fat embolism. The findings presented here provide some support that cerclage wire placement could be a satisfactory method for annular ligament reconstruction as a simple and economical treatment option. Also, to the authors' knowledge, this is the third report of MFs with intraarticular ulnar fractures. In this series, comminuted, intraarticular fractures were related to major postoperative complications.

Surgical management for lumbar disc herniation in pregnancy.

Lumbar disc herniation is a common surgical spine pathology that may be presented during pregnancy. The state of pregnancy complicates the diagnosis and therapeutical management of this entity. Specific considerations rule the decision for surgical intervention, the optimal timing of it and the type of selected procedure in a pregnant patient, due to the potential risks for the fetus. In the last 30 years, evolution in the field of spine surgery has provided options other than open standard discectomy. The well-established concept of "minimal intervention" has led to the development of microdiscectomy and other innovative, full-endoscopic techniques for lumbar discectomy. The aim of the present study is to review the surgical management of lumbar disc herniation in pregnancy and investigate the potential role of minimally invasive spine surgery in this specific population.

Effect of locally injected autologous platelet-rich plasma on second intention wound healing of acute full-thickness skin defects in dogs.

OBJECTIVES: Second intention wound healing may be impaired by wound and host factors and thus more advanced therapies are required for a fast and satisfactory outcome. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), rich in growth factors and cytokines essential for tissue repair, could improve wound healing. The purpose of this experimental study was to evaluate the effect of locally injected autologous PRP on second intention healing of acute full-thickness skin defects in dogs. METHODS: Three 2 x 2 cm full-thickness skin defects were created bilaterally on the dorsolateral area of the trunk of six Beagle dogs. The wounds of one randomly selected side received PRP treatment, whereas the contralateral wounds were left untreated (controls). Wound healing was evaluated by planimetry, laser-Doppler flowmetry measurements of tissue perfusion, and histologically. RESULTS: The rate of wound healing did not differ significantly between the two groups. Tissue perfusion was significantly higher in the PRP-treated group (p = 0.008) compared to controls on day 10. Histological evaluation revealed a trend towards greater collagen production and a significantly better collagen orientation (p = 0.019) in PRP-treated wounds on day 20. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Locally injected autologous PRP does not accelerate the healing process, but increases tissue perfusion and may promote the formation of organized collagen bundles in acute full-thickness skin defects in dogs.

Locally injected autologous platelet-rich plasma enhanced tissue perfusion and improved survival of long subdermal plexus skin flaps in dogs.

OBJECTIVES: Distal flap necrosis remains a major complication in subdermal plexus (random) skin flaps. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been shown to improve the survival of ischemic random skin flaps in rats. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of locally injected autologous PRP on the survival of long (5:1 length-to-width ratio) subdermal plexus skin flaps in dogs. METHODS: A 2x10 cm subdermal plexus skin flap was created bilaterally on the abdominal wall of six Beagle dogs. One randomly selected side received 2.5 ml of fresh auto-logous PRP injected evenly between sutures underneath the flap, whereas the other side was left untreated (control). Skin flap survival was evaluated macroscopically, histologically and by laser-Doppler flowmetry measurements of tissue perfusion. RESULTS: Flap percentage survival on day 10 (96.3% versus 74.5%; p = 0.046) and tissue perfusion (p <0.036) were significantly higher in PRP-treated flaps compared with controls. Histologically, there was less oedema in PRP-treated flaps compared to controls (p = 0.01), whereas collagen production and angiogenesis did not differ significantly between the two groups. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The use of locally injected autologous PRP increases tissue perfusion and improves the survival of long subdermal plexus skin flaps in dogs.

Magnetic resonance imaging features of cerebellar vermis medulloblastoma in an adult canine patient.

A seven-year-old, not-castrated male, Airedale Terrier presented with a history of ataxia and intention tremor of the head of three-week duration. Neurologic examination demonstrated severe hypermetria, intention tremor of the head and a bilateral menace response deficit. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a well demarcated cerebellar vermis mass, hypointense on T1-weighted images, hyperintense on T2-weighted images, with multiple small foci of high signal similar to that of CSF. Foci dispersed in the mass creating a speckled appearance. Homogeneous faint, wispy post-contrast enhancement of the mass was noted; as a result the tumor became isointense to gray matter and was not clearly evident in post contrast images. The histopathological diagnosis of the excised tumor was cerebellar medulloblastoma.

Dopamine-induced bradycardia in two dogs under isoflurane anaesthesia.

Dopamine is a commonly used positive inotropic agent for the treatment of hypotension in small animals. Two dogs that had undergone surgery, under isoflurane anaesthesia, developed a sudden and profound bradycardia when a dopamine infusion was administered. Bradycardia was attributed to the activation of the Bezold-Jarisch reflex, an inhibitory reflex, characterised by bradycardia and hypotension.

Evaluation of aqueous tear production in dogs after general anaesthesia with medetomidine-propofol-carprofen-halothane.

The influence of an anaesthetic protocol, which included medetomidine, propofol, carprofen and halothane on tear production in the dog. There are no previous studies on the effects of this combination on tear production in dogs or in any other species. The present study included 39 dogs, which underwent non-ophthalmic surgery in our clinic. Preanaesthetically, all dogs had normal tear production (18.62±3.65 mm/minute) as this was recorded with Schirmer tear test I (STT I) and the ophthalmologic examination did not reveal anything abnormal. Tear production readings were recorded before the administration of premedication, at the end of anaesthesia, one hour and two hours postanaesthesia. No reverse agent was administrated. At the end of anaesthesia (right eye (oculus dexter, OD) P<0.0005, left eye (oculus sinister, OS) P<0.0005), as well as one hour postanaesthesia (OD P=0.020, OS P=0.001) there was a statistically significant reduction in tear production, which returned to normal values two hours postanaesthesia, regardless of the duration of the operation. This anaesthetic combination resulted in a decrease in tear production and, therefore, the use of tear substitute treatment in dogs undergoing anaesthesia with this protocol (combination) from the time the sedative is given until at least two hours after the end of anaesthesia is highly recommended.

Periodontal disease as a potential factor for systemic inflammatory response in the dog.

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease that has numerous consequences both locally and systemically The aim of this study was to assess whether periodontal disease causes systemic inflammatory response in otherwise healthy, adult dogs. We estimated the total mouth periodontal score (TMPS), measured the concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP), hematocrit, and albumin, and determined the white blood cell (WBC) and polymorphonuclear cell (PMN) counts in client-owned dogs. There was a statistically significant relationship between the gingival bleeding index (TMPS-G) and CRP concentration, and WBC and PMN counts, possibly during the active periods of periodontal tissue destruction. No correlation was found between the periodontal destruction index (TMPS-P) and the measured blood parameters. We conclude that chronic periodontal disease does not cause anemia or a reduction in serum albumin. However, active periods of periodontal inflammation may be associated with laboratory values suggestive of a systemic inflammatory response.

Tidal breathing flow volume loop analysis of 21 healthy, unsedated, young adult male Beagle dogs.

BACKGROUND: Reference values for dogs regarding tidal breathing flow volume loop (TBFVL) parameters are scarce in the veterinary literature, so each new study requires a healthy reference population to be studied simultaneously with the diseased one. OBJECTIVES: To establish reference values for TBFVL parameters in healthy dogs, to detect any potential variability in loop shape and in various TBFVL parameters and to propose clinically useful parameters for TBFVL analysis. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, prospective study. METHODS: Twenty-one healthy, unsedated, untrained, young adult, male Beagle dogs, with minimum variability in body weight and somatometry were used. Their good health status was confirmed by physical examination, complete blood count, serum biochemistry, urinalysis, serology and parasitology for Dirofilaria immitis, faecal examination, arterial blood gas analysis, electrocardiography, and radiographic and endoscopic examinations of the respiratory tract. The shape of the TBFVLs was assessed initially. Volume, time and flow parameters, as well as their ratios, were calculated; in total 44 parameters were evaluated. Statistical indices, including Cronbach's α, discrimination index, coefficient of variation (CV) and 95% confidence intervals were estimated for each parameter. RESULTS: One consistently reproducible type of TBFVL shape was identified that had a similar appearance to the letter D. Statistical analysis showed that only two parameters were found to have Cronbach's α lower than 0.80. The CV for the TBFVL parameters ranged from 1.5% to 49%, but the vast majority had values lower than 20%. Eight parameters had very low CV, indicating increased homogeneity. CONCLUSIONS: A large number of clinically applicable TBFVL parameters were identified. Parameters related to flow and time were considered to correlate more objectively to the functional capacity of the respiratory system of healthy, unsedated dogs.

The lymph drainage pattern of the mammary glands in the cat: a lymphographic and computerized tomography lymphographic study.

Seventy-three clinically normal, lactating cats were used to investigate the lymph drainage of 73 mammary glands. In 50 cats of the first group, the number of lymphatic vessels emerging from the examined mammary gland, their course and the lymph nodes into which they are drained were studied by indirect lymphography (IL) after intramammary injection of an oily contrast medium. In 23 cats of the second group, the lymph drainage of the mammary glands was studied by computerized tomography indirect lymphography (CT-IL) after intramammary injection of a water soluble contrast medium. The following day, the lymph drainage of the mammary gland examined by CT-IL was studied by IL, as it was described in the first group, for comparison purposes. The main conclusions drawn after this study were as follows: lymph drains from the first and second mammary glands with one or rarely two or three lymphatic vessels to the accessory axillary lymph nodes. Lymph drains from the third mammary gland with one or two and rarely three lymphatic vessels usually to the accessory inguinal lymph nodes or to the accessory axillary lymph nodes. In some cases, it drains to both lymph nodes simultaneously or it may rarely drain only to the medial iliac lymph nodes. The fourth mammary gland with one or two and rarely three lymphatic vessels usually drains to the accessory inguinal lymph nodes. It may rarely drain only to the medial iliac lymph nodes. Mammary lymphatic vessels that cross the midline and lymphatic connection between the mammary glands were not demonstrated. No differences in the mammary lymph drainage pattern between IL and CT-IL were found.

Effects of meloxicam on the haemostatic profile of dogs undergoing orthopaedic surgery.

The buccal mucosal bleeding time (BMBT), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and intraoperative bleeding score (IBS) of 38 dogs that underwent orthopaedic surgical procedures and received meloxicam orally and/or parenterally were measured. Fourteen of the dogs (group A) received a single subcutaneous dose of 0.2 mg/kg meloxicam at premedication, 18 dogs (group B) received 0.1 mg/kg meloxicam orally daily for five days followed by a single subcutaneous dose of 0.2 mg/kg meloxicam preoperatively, and six dogs (group C) received 0.5 ml of normal saline subcutaneously at premedication. No statistically significant differences among the groups were detected in relation to the mean (SD) values of BMBT, PT and IBS before and after the surgery, or in the values of APTT in group A. In group B there was a small but significant increase in APTT after the surgery, but all the measurements were within the normal range for dogs.

Duration and severity of clinical signs as prognostic indicators in 30 dogs with thoracolumbar disk disease after surgical decompression.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the duration and severity of neurological dysfunction as prognostic indicators for the final outcome in 30 dogs with thoracolumbar intervertebral disk disease, treated surgically with hemilaminectomy without concurrent prophylactic fenestration. The lesion localization was assessed comparing plain radiographic, myelographic and surgical findings and success rates were evaluated during case follow-up. Evidence of a single disk extrusion existed in 17 dogs on survey spinal radiographs, while myelography revealed definite spinal cord compression in 28 cases and was inconclusive in the remaining two cases. Case follow-up continued for a period ranging from 3 months to 2 years post-operatively, depending on the degree of neurological dysfunction on presentation and owner compliance. The severity of clinical signs and the interval elapsing prior to decompressive surgery did not correlate with the case outcome, with 12 of 20 dogs (60%) that exhibited the most pronounced neurological dysfunction (paraplegia with or without analgesia) regaining voluntary motor function during the follow-up period. Recurrences proven to be disk-related did not occur in any dog throughout the post-surgical observation period. It was concluded that the time elapsing from loss of motor function and the severity of clinical signs is not an objective method to predict the case outcome.

Diagnostic correlation of CT-MRI and histopathology in 10 dogs with brain neoplasms.

Ten dogs with primary (n = 8) and metastatic (n = 2) brain tumours were studied in an attempt to evaluate the diagnostic sensitivity of computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Of the clinical signs noticed, seizures (seven of 10), behavioural abnormalities and cognition dysfunction (seven of 10), compulsive walking and circling (six of 10), sensorimotor (five of 10) and neuro-opthalmological (two of 10) dysfunction were the most common. In all 10 animals that finally died of the disease or were killed, the histopathological diagnosis that followed necropsy was taken as a golden standard in the CT or MRI prediction of the histological type of brain neoplasms. In every instance, tumour detection, morphology and histological differentiation were possible with the aid of either CT (seven of 10) or MRI (three of 10) imaging especially after contrast enhancement. Only one CT-evaluated dog, diagnosed as meningioma, was found to be astrocytoma on histopathology. Interestingly, a rare case of cerebellar medulloblastoma was correctly identified in MRI scans.

Ultrasonographic findings of intestinal intussusception in seven cats.

The medical records of seven cats with intestinal intussusception that were diagnosed by abdominal ultrasonography and exploratory laparotomy were reviewed. In transverse ultrasonographic sections the intussusception appeared as a target-like mass consisting of one, two or more hyperechoic and hypoechoic concentric rings surrounding a C-shaped, circular or non-specific shaped hyperechoic centre. Part of the intestine representing the inner intussusceptum, located close to the hyperechoic centre and surrounded by concentric rings, was also detected. In longitudinal sections the intussusception appeared as multiple hyperechoic and hypoechoic parallel lines in four cases and as an ovoid mass in three cases. In one case the ovoid mass had a 'kidney' configuration. Additional ultrasonographic findings associated with intestinal intussusception included an intestinal neoplasm in one cat. The results of the present study demonstrate that the ultrasonographic findings of intestinal intussusception in cats bear some similarities to those described in dogs and humans, are relatively consistent, and facilitate a specific diagnosis.

Presumed localized tetanus in two cats.

In this report two cases of localised tetanus in two young (<1 year) intact male and outdoor DSH cats, which had been missing, are described. Clinical examination revealed severe muscular spasms on the right (case 1) or both thoracic limbs (case 2). In the latter cat, wrinkling of the forehead and mild trismus were also seen. The routine diagnostic workup (CBC, survey radiographs of the spine, CSF analysis) did not reveal any abnormalities in both cats. EMG testing on the affected muscles in the second animal showed persistent spontaneous motor unit potentials, strongly indicating tetanus. The treatment, that was symptomatic (diazepam, metronidazole) and supportive (physical therapy, assist feeding and intravenous fluid therapy) resulted in the progressive improvement of limb rigidity and the restoration of motor dysfunction in a period of 5- (case 1) and 2- (case 2) month duration.

Gingival response to subgingival placement of monolithic tetracycline-impregnated fibers: microscopic observations.

This study examines and characterizes the soft tissue wall of periodontal pockets after a 10-day in vivo exposure to monolithic tetracycline-impregnated fibers, with and without root planing. Four teeth from each of eight patients were randomly assigned to (1) nontreatment (controls), (2) treatment by root planing only, (3) treatment by tetracycline fiber only, or (4) treatment by scaling and root planing and tetracycline fibers. Ten days after initial therapy, all teeth were extracted with associated soft tissue pocket walls intact. Three specimens were obtained from each tooth for examination by scanning microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and light microscopy. Results indicated that use of tetracycline-impregnated fibers over a 10-day period did not adversely affect the epithelial lining and had no significant effect on the density or character of the inflammatory response present in adjacent soft tissue and confirmed the antimicrobial effects of the fibers.

Root surface characteristics associated with subgingival placement of monolithic tetracycline-impregnated fibers.

The purpose of this investigation was to inspect and characterize the subgingival root surface after a 10-day exposure in vivo to 25% tetracycline hydrochloride by weight in an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer fiber matrix with and without root planing therapy. The root surfaces were examined by fluorescent-light microscopy (FLM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Thirty-two teeth were selected for study, 4 from each of 8 patients. The teeth of each patient were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups: non-treated control (C), scaling and root planing only (RP), tetracycline-impregnated fiber only (F), and scaling and root planing with tetracycline-impregnated fiber application (RP/F). SEM revealed a visible reduction in the subgingival microbial flora in both the F and RP/F treatment groups in comparison with the C group specimens. Many of the residual bacteria observed in F and RP/F specimens appeared non-viable, exhibiting obvious loss of membrane integrity. In contrast, the RP specimens exhibited randomly distributed areas of residual subgingival plaque and calculus with newly developing plaque fronts; the plaque fronts undoubtedly having formed during the 10 days post-therapy. All RP/F specimens exhibited an incomplete removal of adsorbed root surface pellicle and demineralization of the subsequently exposed root surface. EDS analysis of large crystals adhering to root surfaces of F and RP/F specimens revealed high chloride peaks, suggesting the presence of residual tetracycline. FLM examination of F and RP/F treated specimens showed a superficial penetration of tetracycline into the root surface of about 10 microns. Areas of demineralized root showed slight tetracycline penetration into exposed dentinal tubules.