Comparative evaluation of metallic skin staples or polypropylene sutures for primary closure of teat wounds in sheep.

AIMS: To compare stainless steel staples and polypropylene suture material for primary closure of wounds after teat amputation in ewes and to assess progress of healing in the presence or absence of intramammary infection (IMI). METHODS: Chios-cross ewes, aged 3-5 years were randomly allocated to be infected in one teat with 1,200-1,500 cfu of Mannheimia haemolytica 5 days after parturition (groups A and B; n = 8 in each group) or remain uninfected (groups C and D; n = 4 in each group). On the following 4 days one teat from each ewe was amputated 2.5 cm from the teat end and the wound was closed using skin staples (groups A and C) or polypropylene sutures (groups B and D). Clinical evaluation of wound healing was performed between 1-21 days after surgery. On day 21 tissue sections were collected for tensiometric and histological evaluation. RESULTS: The mean interval from the start to finish of wound closure was shorter when staples were used than when sutures were used (p < 0.001). Healing scores were lower (improved) for ewes in group A than B between days 1-7 after surgery (p = 0.005), but were similar between days 10-21 (p = 0.43). Healing scores were similar in groups C and D (p = 0.98). The tensile strain at maximum load was higher in tissue from group A than B (p = 0.001) and D (p = 0.004), but all other tensiometric measures were similar between groups. Histologically, collagen density was higher in sections from group A than B (p = 0.05) and D (p = 0.01), and angiogenesis was lower in sections from group A than B (p = 0.03) and D (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Skin staples and polypropylene sutures can be used effectively for primary closure of teat wounds, even in the presence of IMI. Skin staples had the advantage of a reduction in surgical time. ABBREVIATION: IMI: intramammary infection.

Complete surgical excision versus Penrose drainage for the treatment of elbow hygroma in 19 dogs (1997 to 2014).

OBJECTIVES: To report results of surgical excision and Penrose drainage for the treatment of elbow hygromas in dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of the clinical records of 19 dogs with elbow hygromas treated with Penrose drainage or surgical excision between 1997 and 2014. The data retrieved from the records included breed, gender, age, duration of clinical signs, weight, historical data, complete blood count and serum biochemistry, physical examination findings, diameter of the hygroma, cytology of needle aspirates, method of treatment, histological findings, postsurgical complications and their management and outcome. RESULTS: Twenty-one hygromas were treated in 19 dogs. Eleven were right-sided, six were left-sided and four were bilateral. First-line treatment was Penrose drain placement in 12 and complete surgical excision in nine. Bilateral hygromas were addressed simultaneously. Four of the 12 hygromas managed with Penrose drain recurred and one developed ulceration over the olecranon. Recurrent hygromas were treated by surgical excision. The ulceration was surgically excised and reconstructed with a thoracodorsal axial pattern flap. No further complications developed. All the dogs were clinically healthy after a median follow-up of 16 months. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Surgical excision of canine elbow hygroma is an effective technique that appears to have fewer postoperative complications than Penrose drain placement.

Conservative management for complete loss of a metatarsal pad in a dog.

A three-year-old intact, male Siberian Husky was presented for complete loss of its left metatarsal pad. The wound was managed as an open wound and left to be closed by second intention healing. Conservative management consisted of regular lavage and bandage changes along with oral antibiotic administration and exercise restriction. Thirty days after referral conservative management was discontinued, as the wound was closed with minimal scar tissue formation and the dog was allowed to take walks wearing a protective boot for another month. The animal was then allowed to return to its previous activity. Four years of follow-up did not reveal any signs of lameness.

Effect of clinical signs, endocrinopathies, timing of surgery, hyperlipidemia, and hyperbilirubinemia on outcome in dogs with gallbladder mucocele.

Gallbladder mucocele (GBM) is a common extra-hepatic biliary syndrome in dogs with death rates ranging from 7 to 45%. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the association of survival with variables that could be utilized to improve clinical decisions. A total of 1194 dogs with a gross and histopathological diagnosis of GBM were included from 41 veterinary referral hospitals in this retrospective study. Dogs with GBM that demonstrated abnormal clinical signs had significantly greater odds of death than subclinical dogs in a univariable analysis (OR, 4.2; 95% CI, 2.14-8.23; P<0.001). The multivariable model indicated that categorical variables including owner recognition of jaundice (OR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.19-3.77; P=0.011), concurrent hyperadrenocorticism (OR 1.94; 95% CI, 1.08-3.47; P=0.026), and Pomeranian breed (OR, 2.46; 95% CI 1.10-5.50; P=0.029) were associated with increased odds of death, and vomiting was associated with decreased odds of death (OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.30-0.72; P=0.001). Continuous variables in the multivariable model, total serum/plasma bilirubin concentration (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01-1.04; P<0.001) and age (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.08-1.26; P<0.001), were associated with increased odds of death. The clinical utility of total serum/plasma bilirubin concentration as a biomarker to predict death was poor with a sensitivity of 0.61 (95% CI, 0.54-0.69) and a specificity of 0.63 (95% CI, 0.59-0.66). This study identified several prognostic variables in dogs with GBM including total serum/plasma bilirubin concentration, age, clinical signs, concurrent hyperadrenocorticism, and the Pomeranian breed. The presence of hypothyroidism or diabetes mellitus did not impact outcome in this study.

Impact of porcine Orexin A on glucagon plasma concentrations in pigs.

In 1998, Orexin A was added to the long list of orexigenic neuropeptides of the brain's physiology. Orexin A is involved in the central control of appetite and in energy homeostasis, as well as in the regulation of many other physiological functions. It is produced by a small cluster of the brain's neurons, located mainly in and around the lateral hypothalamic area. This site is known to be involved in regulating feeding in mammals. An intracerebroventricular injection of Orexin A into the rat's brain causes an impressive increase in the consumption of food, while an intravenous injection induces changes on glucagon plasma concentrations in rats. In addition, there are signs of changes on glucagon plasma concentrations when Orexin A acts on individual pancreatic islets of rats. In this study, we investigated the potential effects of the central administration of porcine Orexin A on glucagon plasma concentrations in pigs, and examined whether these changes are associated with the possible effect of the neuropeptide on the enteroinsular axis.

Primary gastric choriocarcinoma in a dog.

Primary gastric choriocarcinoma (PGC) is a rare neoplasm to date only reported in humans. This report describes a canine gastric tumour with microscopical, histochemical and immunohistochemical features of PGC. The tumour diffusely infiltrated the submucosa and muscularis propria of the pylorus and anterior duodenum, and metastasized to the gastric lymph node. Immunohistochemically, the neoplastic cells displayed aberrant expression of beta-catenin and E-cadherin, but normal expression of the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) protein. Expression of the oncogenes c-myc and Ras was also increased. These observations suggest that this canine PGC had synchronous activation of both the Wnt/beta-catenin and Ras signalling pathways of carcinogenesis.

The effect of porcine Orexin A on insulin plasma concentrations in pigs.

Orexin A is a member of a wider family of orexigenic neuropeptides that have been recently discovered. They are produced by a small group of neurons located in the area of the brain, round the nucleus of the fornix (posterior hypothalamus), in the paraventricular nucleus, the dorsomedial nucleus, the ventromedial hypothalamus, as well as in the lateral hypothalamic region; these are sites that are known to be involved in regulating feeding in mammals. Orexin A is a neuropeptide, which is involved in appetite regulation and energy homeostasis. An intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of Orexin A in the brain of rats causes an impressive increase in food consumption. In addition, a subcutaneous or intravenous (IV) injection of Orexin A produces changes on insulin plasma concentrations in rats. Recent research suggests that Orexin A is also involved in regulating many other physiological functions. In this study, we examined the potential effects of the central administration of porcine Orexin A on insulin plasma concentrations in pigs, and whether these changes are connected with the possible effect of the neuropeptide on the enteroinsular axis.

Effects of allopurinol treatment on the progression of chronic nephritis in Canine leishmaniosis (Leishmania infantum).

Forty dogs with canine leishmaniosis (CL) participated in this study, which was designed to investigate the effect of allopurinol on the progression of the renal lesions associated with this disease. The animals were allocated into 5 groups. Group A dogs (n = 12) had neither proteinuria nor renal insufficiency, group B dogs (n= 10) had asymptomatic proteinuria, and group C dogs (n = 8) were proteinuric and azotemic. Two more groups, CA and CB, comprising 5 dogs each, served as controls for groups A and B, respectively. Group A, B, and C dogs received allopurinol PO (10 mg/kg q12h) for 6 months, whereas group CA and CB dogs were placebo-treated. Serum biochemistry profile, urinalysis, urine protein/creatinine ratio, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) measurements were carried out at the beginning of the study, the 3rd month, and the 6th month, whereas renal biopsies were carried out only at the beginning and the end of the trial. Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis was the most common cause of chronic renal failure. Mesangioproliferative and tubulointerstitial nephritis were detected even in group A and CA dogs. Allopurinol not only lowered proteinuria in group B dogs but also prevented the deterioration of GFR and improved the tubulointerstitial, but not the glomerular, lesions in both group A and group B dogs. Further, it resolved the azotemia in 5 of the 8 dogs admitted with 2nd stage chronic renal failure (group C). Consequently, treatment with allopurinol is advisable in CL cases with asymptomatic proteinuria or 1st-2nd stage chronic renal failure.

Lymphatic regeneration following hind limb replantation: an experimental study in the dog.

Different types of trauma to the lymphatic system can often occur, but surgical intervention can be performed only in specific cases. We report on lymphatic regeneration following limb replantation in traumatic amputations and replantation of extremities. The aim of this study was to observe the progression and reaction after surgical trauma that is similar to other kinds of trauma, both in children or adults, and to monitor the possible lymphatic regeneration. Particular attention was paid to two parameters: firstly, the physical examination of the replanted limbs by checking the post-traumatic lymphoedema, and secondly, the study of the images taken from indirect lymphangiography of the replanted limbs. Histological specimens of the surgical trauma area were also examined to reconfirm or exclude lymphatic regeneration. The study population consisted of sixteen mongrel dogs, divided into two groups of eight animals each, who underwent hind limb elective amputation and replantation combined with (group A) or without (group B) sciatic nerve division. Lymphoedema formation was followed quantitatively by measurement of the circumference of the hind limb for 21 days after replantation. Indirect lymphography, never performed before in such cases, and histopathology, were performed to evaluate and confirm lymphatic regeneration. Lymphatic regeneration after replantation of the operated hind limbs was first confirmed between 7th and 11th postoperative day by indirect lymphangiography and clinical observation of the post-traumatic lymphoedema of these limbs. The mean time of visualisation of lymphatic regeneration through lymphography was 10.12 days for group A and 9.37 days for group B. However, nerve transection had no effect on lymphatic regeneration (p = 0.46). Histopathological examination showed first evidence of lymphatic regeneration on the ninth postoperative day and a network of newly formed capillary lymphatics on the 21st postoperative day. It is concluded that lymphatic regeneration following replantation of the extremities without anastomosing of the interrupted lymph vessels, is an unquestionable fact. To achieve the best lymphatic drainage and use of the replanted extremities it is important to resect all non-vital tissues of the replantation area. Local or general infections decelerate lymphatic regeneration. Indirect lymphography with iotrolan is a reliable, easy to perform technique without complications that may be used repeatedly for confirmation and evaluation of post-traumatic lymphoedema.

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.

Compound maxillary odontoma in a young German shepherd dog.

A three-month-old, male German shepherd dog was admitted with a facial mass of two months' duration. Clinical examination showed a round mass, 3 cm in diameter, in the left infraorbital area. The upper last premolar deciduous tooth was not erupted. No other abnormalities were detected. Radiological examination revealed a posterior maxillary mass of mixed opacity. The mass was surgically excised. Histopathological examination demonstrated a connective tissue stroma containing foci of irregular enamel and dentine, resembling rudimentary teeth (denticles), surrounded by new bone formation. Morphology and structure of the denticles were also confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. A compound odontoma was diagnosed. One year after surgery, the dog was free of clinical signs.

Ocular manifestations of canine transmissible venereal tumour: a retrospective study of 25 cases in Greece.

Transmissible venereal tumour (TVT) is a sexually transmitted neoplasm that frequently affects dogs of either sex, in tropical and subtropical regions. TVT primarily involves the external genitalia, although extragenital sites have also been reported. This study describes the ocular manifestations of TVT in 25 naturally infected dogs and their response to treatment. Seventeen male and eight female dogs were included in the study. TVT ocular lesions were either unilateral (21 dogs) or bilateral (four dogs). Ocular lesions as the single manifestation of TVT were seen in 22 animals. One dog presented external genitalia involvement while two others were found to have tumours in the oral and nasal mucosa. Variably sized multilobular tumour masses with irregular surface were noticed on the bulbar conjunctiva of the nictitating membrane in 17 dogs, on the conjunctiva of the upper eyelid in five dogs and on the conjunctiva of the lower eyelid and adjacent skin in three dogs. Deep ulcerative keratitis was observed in eight animals. TVT diagnosis was based on cytology and histopathology. The large eye masses were surgically excised. All dogs were treated with a single chemotherapeutic agent (vincristine). After four weeks of treatment, complete remission of the tumours was evident in all but one animal. Extragenital primary ophthalmic TVT can be completely eliminated by vincristine chemotherapy, while any further ocular damage is prevented with the combination of the above treatment and surgical excision.

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.

Caudal mediastinal abscess due to a grass awn (Hordeum spp) in a cat.

A two-and-a-half year-old male, domestic shorthaired cat was presented with a history of chronic expiratory dyspnoea, dysphagia and progressive weight loss. Thoracic radiography revealed a caudal mediastinal mass. Surgical exploration confirmed the presence of an abscess in the caudal mediastinum. Despite the good prognosis, euthanasia was performed at the owner's request and post-mortem examination revealed an abscess that had been caused by a grass awn located within.

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.

Liver biochemical and histopathological findings in dogs with experimentally induced exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.

Routine liver biochemical parameters were evaluated in 8 dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) induced by surgical ligation of the pancreatic duct and the pancreatic branch of the pancreaticoduodenal artery and confirmed with the trypsin-like immunoreactivity test. Eight additional dogs were used as healthy controls. Data collection began at the 4th week postoperatively and continued weekly to the 21st week. In the dogs with EPI, the serum activity of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase were consistently elevated. The serum total and conjugated bilirubin concentrations remained within normal limits throughout the experimental period. Histopathological study revealed hepatic lipidosis in the dogs with EPI. Therefore, since this condition seems to be an additional consequence of EPI in dogs, laboratory evaluation of dogs with EPI must include assessment of liver function, to determine if additional or different therapeutic measures are indicated.

Congenital anorectal abnormalities in six dogs.

Congenital anorectal abnormalities were diagnosed in three male and three female dogs. One dog had anal stenosis, three had a persistent anal membrane, and the other two had an imperforate anus associated with a rectovaginal fistula. Five of the dogs were treated surgically, and four of them which were followed up for periods ranging from one to five years continued to pass faeces normally.

Protothecal colitis in a German shepherd dog.

A 3 1/2-year-old intact male German Shepherd Dog was admitted with a history of protracted haemorrhagic diarrhoea and tenesmus. Clinical evaluation revealed thickening of the rectal mucosa and presence of fresh blood and mucus in the faeces. Severe mucosal granularity and multiple nodules, in addition to a rectal stricture 7 to 9 cm from the anus, were found on colonoscopy. Histopathological evaluation of biopsy specimens identified organisms with morphologic features compatible with those reported for Prototheca spp. Although surgical excision of the rectal stricture was performed and ketoconazole treatment was instituted postoperatively, the dog's clinical condition deteriorated and euthanasia was performed 4 months later.

Idiopathic chronic penile protrusion in the dog: a report of six cases.

Idiopathic chronic penile protrusion was diagnosed in six dogs during a seven year period. All cases were treated surgically by using cranial advancement of the prepuce. The surgical technique was successful in four dogs, while the remaining two developed recurrence. In one of the latter cases, partial penile amputation was performed to correct the recurrent protrusion. Five dogs were available for follow-up clinical examination and all were found to be normal.