Cystic ovary disease (COD) alters structure and function of the bovine oviduct.

Cystic ovary disease (COD) is a common cause of subfertility in dairy cattle. Therefore, the aim of this study was to provide novel concepts for cyst classification and to investigate the effects of COD on tubal microarchitecture, oviductal metabolic function, and the formation of the sperm reservoir. Bovine Fallopian tubes affected by follicular cysts, follicular cysts with luteinization and luteal cysts were investigated by a variety of microscopic and histological techniques and compared to control cows in metestrus and diestrus. We defined three types of cysts involved in COD, each of which had a characteristic wall thickness, inner wall appearance and cellular pattern within the cyst aspirate. Regarding the Fallopian tube, each cyst type was associated with a characteristic morphology, specifically the microarchitecture of the folds in ampulla, epithelial cell ratios, and ciliated/secretory cell size and form. Furthermore, each cyst type showed different patterns of tubal glycoprotein and acidic mucopolysaccharide synthesis, which was highly variable as compared to the controls. Our studies are the first to characterize the effects of COD on the Fallopian tube, which promotes the establishment of novel, cyst-specific therapeutic concepts in cattle and helps gain a holistic view of the causes of subfertility in cows with COD.

Inducing Propeller Chirality in Triaryl Boranes with Chiral Amines.

Stabilization of chiral propeller conformations in triaryl compounds is challenging due to generally low racemization barriers. Nonetheless, it was recently found that chiral conformational preferences can be induced to triaryl boranes by incorporating point-chiral alkylether chains to the aryl blades and subsequently locking the structure with ammonia. A four-point interaction, meaning that the cooperative effects of Lewis-adduct formation and three hydrogen bonds, was proposed as stabilizing mechanism. Herein, it was shown that three such strong interactions suffice to introduce a preferential propeller handedness. Although DFT calculations predict no noteworthy preferences for either P- or M-chiral propellers for some of the investigated triarylborane-amine adducts that were prepared with chiral primary amines, vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectroscopic characterizations revealed that there is indeed a measurable excess of one propeller handedness. Furthermore, the steric demand of the amine was found to play a key role in the induction process and especially in preventing blade rotations.

Anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations in female rabbits and its relation to spay status, pseudopregnancy and ovarian follicle numbers.

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), known for its role during foetal sexual differentiation, is secreted by the Sertoli cells in males and the granulosa cells in females during post-natal life. As serum AMH concentrations correlate with follicle numbers, AMH is utilized as a marker of ovarian reserve in many species. In dogs and cats, AMH is used as a diagnostic tool to determine spay or neuter status. In the available literature, no research regarding serum AMH levels in rabbits has been published yet. The objectives of the present study were to (1) measure serum AMH concentrations in female rabbits and investigate the value of AMH as a diagnostic tool to differentiate between spayed and intact does and (2) relate measured AMH levels to pseudopregnancy and ovarian follicle numbers. For AMH measurement, serum samples were obtained from sexually intact (n = 64) and spayed (n = 22) female rabbits. Spayed does were of various breeds; intact rabbits were Zika hybrid rabbits. In the intact does, AMH measurement was complemented by determination of progesterone levels, gynaecological examination and histopathological evaluation of the uterus and ovaries, including follicle counts. Serum AMH and progesterone concentrations were measured using a human-based chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) and an enzyme-linked fluorescence assay (ELFA), respectively. Depending on progesterone levels, sexually intact does were classified into follicular (n = 52) or luteal phase (n = 12). Median serum AMH levels were 1.53 ng/ml (range 0.77-3.36 ng/ml) in intact and 0.06 ng/ml (range ≤0.01-0.23 ng/ml) in spayed does. AMH concentrations between the intact and spayed rabbits differed significantly and did not overlap (p < .001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis yielded a sensitivity and specificity of 100% for a cut-off level of 0.50 ng/ml. Follicular or luteal phase had no significant influence on measured AMH levels (t = 0.061, df = 62, p = .951). While the number of secondary follicles correlated significantly with AMH concentrations (rs  = 0.410, p = .001), the number of primary or antral follicles did not (rs  = 0.241, p = .055 and rs  = 0.137, p = .281, respectively). In conclusion, a single determination of serum AMH concentrations was adequate to distinguish spayed from intact female rabbits. Among sexually intact individuals, whether does were in follicular or luteal phase had no significant influence on measured serum AMH concentrations. The relationship between small growing follicles and AMH levels as described in other species could be partially confirmed, as secondary follicles correlated significantly with AMH.

Cystic ovary disease impairs transport speed, smooth muscle contraction, and epithelial ion transport in the bovine oviduct.

Cystic ovary disease (COD) is a common cause of bovine infertility but the impact of this disease on the oviduct is unknown. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of COD on particle transport speed (PTS), ciliary beat frequency, myosalpinx contraction, and epithelial ion transport. Oviducts were obtained from cows affected by COD and compared with those of healthy, mid-diestrus cows. PTS and CBF were examined using live-cell imaging. Smooth muscle contraction and epithelial ion transport were investigated using organ baths and Ussing chambers. Our results showed that muscarinic receptors are involved in cholinergic signaling in the oviduct and that forskolin-induced cyclic AMP production is involved in active ion transport in the oviductal epithelium. Oviducts from cows with luteal cysts revealed significantly decreased PTS (p = 0.02). Further to that, in the oviducts of COD cows, the cholinergic regulation of smooth muscle contractions and active epithelial ion transport were significantly diminished (p < 0.0001). These results imply that in COD cows, oviductal transport is compromised by decreased fluid flow speed and reduced cholinergic regulation of smooth muscle contraction and ion transport. This knowledge contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of COD supporting the development of novel therapeutic concepts for infertility treatment.

Cyclic tensile tests of Shetland pony superficial digital flexor tendons (SDFTs) with an optimized cryo-clamp combined with biplanar high-speed fluoroscopy.

BACKGROUND: Long-term cyclic tensile testing with equine palmar/plantar tendons have not yet been performed due to problems in fixing equine tendons securely and loading them cyclically. It is well established that the biomechanical response of tendons varies during cyclic loading over time. The aim of this study was to develop a clamping device that enables repetitive cyclic tensile testing of equine superficial digital flexor tendon for at least 60 loading cycles and for 5 min. RESULTS: A novel cryo-clamp was developed and built. Healthy and collagenase-treated pony SDFTs were mounted in the custom-made cryo-clamp for the proximal tendon end and a special clamping device for the short pastern bone (os coronale). Simultaneously with tensile testing, we used a biplanar high-speed fluoroscopy system (FluoKin) to track tendon movement. The FluoKin system was additionally validated in precision measurements. During the cyclic tensile tests of the SDFTs, the average maximal force measured was 325 N and 953 N for a length variation of 2 and 4 % respectively. The resulting stress averaged 16 MPa and 48 MPa respectively, while the modulus of elasticity was 828 MPa and 1212 MPa respectively. Length variation of the metacarpal region was, on average, 4.87 % higher after incubation with collagenase. The precision of the FluoKin tracking was 0.0377 mm, defined as the standard deviation of pairwise intermarker distances embedded in rigid bodies. The systems accuracy was 0.0287 mm, which is the difference between the machined and mean measured distance. CONCLUSION: In this study, a good performing clamping technique for equine tendons under repetitive cyclic loading conditions is described. The presented cryo-clamps were tested up to 50 min duration and up to the machine maximal capacity of 10 kN. With the possibility of repetitive loading a stabilization of the time-force-curve and changes of hysteresis and creep became obvious after a dozen cycles, which underlines the necessity of repetitive cyclical testing. Furthermore, biplanar high-speed fluoroscopy seems an appropriate and highly precise measurement tool for analysis of tendon behaviour under repetitive load in equine SDFTs.

How do elevated levels of testosterone affect the function of the human fallopian tube and fertility?-New insights.

Excess testosterone levels affect up to 20% of the female population worldwide and are a key component in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome. However, little is known about how excess testosterone affects the function of the human fallopian tube-the site of gamete transport, fertilization, and early embryogenesis. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize alterations caused by long-term exposure to male testosterone levels. For this purpose, the Fallopian tubes of nine female-to-male transsexuals, who had been undergoing testosterone treatment for 1-3 years, were compared with the tubes of 19 cycling patients. In the ampulla, testosterone treatment resulted in extensive luminal accumulations of secretions and cell debris which caused ciliary clumping and luminal blockage. Additionally, the percentage of ciliated cells in the ampulla was significantly increased. Transsexual patients, who had had sexual intercourse before surgery, showed spermatozoa trapped in mucus. Finally, in the isthmus complete luminal collapse occurred. Our results imply that fertility in women with elevated levels of testosterone is altered by tubal luminal obstruction resulting in impaired gamete transport and survival.

Leptospira infection and shedding in dogs in Thailand.

BACKGROUND: Leptospirosis is a widespread zoonosis and has been recognized as a re-emerging infectious disease in humans and dogs, but prevalence of Leptospira shedding in dogs in Thailand is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine urinary shedding of Leptospira in dogs in Thailand, to evaluate antibody prevalence by microscopic agglutination test (MAT) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and to assess risk factors for Leptospira infection. In Northern, Northeastern, and Central Thailand, 273 stray (n = 119) or client-owned (n = 154) dogs from rural (n = 139) or urban (n = 134) areas were randomly included. Dogs that had received antibiotics within 4 weeks prior to sampling were excluded. No dog had received vaccination against Leptospira. Urine was evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) specific for lipL32 gene of pathogenic Leptospira. Additionally, urine was cultured for 6 months in Ellinghausen-McCullough-Johnson-Harris (EMJH) medium. Antibodies were measured by ELISA and MAT against 24 serovars belonging to 15 serogroups and 1 undesignated serogroup. Risk factor analysis was performed with backwards stepwise selection based on Wald. RESULTS: Twelve of 273 (4.4%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.0-6.8%) urine samples were PCR-positive. In 1/273 dogs (0.4%; 95% CI: 0.01-1.1%) Leptospira could be cultured from urine. MAT detected antibodies in 33/273 dogs (12.1%; 95% CI: 8.2-16.0%) against 19 different serovars (Anhoa, Australis, Ballum, Bataviae, Bratislava, Broomi, Canicola, Copenhageni, Coxi, Grippotyphosa, Haemolytica, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Khorat, Paidjan, Patoc, Pyrogenes, Rachmati, Saxkoebing, Sejroe). In 111/252 dogs (44.0%; 95% CI: 37.9-50.2%) immunoglobulin M (IgM) and/or immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies were found by ELISA. Female dogs had a significantly higher risk for Leptospira infection (p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: Leptospira shedding occurs in randomly sampled dogs in Thailand, with infection rates comparable to those of Europe and the USA. Therefore, the potential zoonotic risk should not be underestimated and use of Leptospira vaccines are recommended.

Free DICOM-Viewers for Veterinary Medicine : Survey and Comparison of Functionality and User-Friendliness of Medical Imaging PACS-DICOM-Viewer Freeware for Specific Use in Veterinary Medicine Practices.

There is increasing prevalence of digital diagnostic imaging in veterinary medicine with a progressive need to use medical imaging software. As Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM)-viewers for veterinary use do not require medical device approval in many countries, freeware viewers might be a practical alternative. The aim of this study was to identify and evaluate free DICOM-viewer software for veterinary purposes. The functionality and user-friendliness of various DICOM-viewers from the internet were analyzed and compared. Inclusion criteria for the evaluation were free availability, PACS (picture archiving and communication system)-connectivity, and stand-alone and client-based software. Based on this, eight viewers were found: Ginkgo CADx, Horos, K-PACS, MAYAM, MITO, OsiriX Lite, RadiAnt, Synedra personal. In these DICOM-viewers, 14 core tools were tested and rated on a score from 1 to 10 by multiple observers with different levels of training, using studies of four imaging modalities. Criteria were functionality and user-friendliness. For each viewer, the total number of a predefined set of 47 important tools was counted. The ranking based on functionality and user-friendliness of 14 core tools (mean score in brackets) was as follows: 1. Horos/OsiriX Lite (8.96), 2. RadiAnt (8.90), 3. K-PACS (8.02), 4. Synedra (7.43), 5. MAYAM (6.05), 6. Ginkgo CADx (5.53), 7. MITO (3.74). The DICOM-viewers offered between 20 and 44 tools of the predefined important tool set and are sufficient for most veterinary purposes. An increasing number of tools did not necessarily impair user-friendliness, if the user interface is well designed. Based on the results of this study, veterinarians will find suitable free DICOM-viewers for their individual needs. In combination with PACS-freeware, this allows veterinary practices to run a low-budget digital imaging environment.

Distinct Pathogenesis of Pancreatic Cancer Microvesicle-Associated Venous Thrombosis Identifies New Antithrombotic Targets In Vivo.

OBJECTIVE: Cancer patients are at high risk of developing deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and venous thromboembolism, a leading cause of mortality in this population. However, it is largely unclear how malignant tumors drive the prothrombotic cascade culminating in DVT. APPROACH AND RESULTS: Here, we addressed the pathophysiology of malignant DVT compared with nonmalignant DVT and focused on the role of tumor microvesicles as potential targets to prevent cancer-associated DVT. We show that microvesicles released by pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells (pancreatic tumor-derived microvesicles [pcMV]) boost thrombus formation in a model of flow restriction of the mouse vena cava. This depends on the synergistic activation of coagulation by pcMV and host tissue factor. Unlike nonmalignant DVT, which is initiated and propagated by innate immune cells, thrombosis triggered by pcMV was largely independent of myeloid leukocytes or platelets. Instead, we identified externalization of the phospholipid phosphatidylethanolamine as a major mechanism controlling the prothrombotic activity of pcMV. Disrupting phosphatidylethanolamine-dependent activation of factor X suppressed pcMV-induced DVT without causing changes in hemostasis. CONCLUSIONS: Together, we show here that the pathophysiology of pcMV-associated experimental DVT differs markedly from innate immune cell-promoted nonmalignant DVT and is therefore amenable to distinct antithrombotic strategies. Targeting phosphatidylethanolamine on tumor microvesicles could be a new strategy for prevention of cancer-associated DVT without causing bleeding complications.

Intravitreal injection of low-dose gentamicin for the treatment of recurrent or persistent uveitis in horses: Preliminary results.

BACKGROUND: Despite appropriate medical therapy, many horses with equine recurrent uveitis continue to suffer from recurrent bouts of inflammation. Surgical intervention via the pars plana vitrectomy or suprachoroidal cyclosporine implant placement may control and/or prevent recurrences, however, these procedures may be contraindicated, unavailable, or declined by an owner. Thus, an effective adjunctive treatment option may help to improve the clinical outcomes in those situations. There are several anecdotal reports on the use of intravitreal gentamicin injections, but to date, no data evaluating the complication rate and/or treatment effect following this treatment have been published. Thus, the aim of this prospective study was to describe the intravitreal gentamicin injection technique, describe the associated peri-injection (within 24 h) and post-injection (30 to 780 days) complications, and to report the effects of the injection on the clinical signs of uveitis. Additionally, evaluation of the systemic and ocular Leptospira-status, and its effect on the treatment outcome was performed. A total of 86 horses of various ages, breeds, and gender presenting with recurrent or persistent uveitis were treated via intravitreal injection of 4 mg of undiluted gentamicin (0.04 ml, Genta 100, 100 mg/ml in 35 horses) or preservative-free gentamicin (0.05 ml, 80 mg/ml in 52 horses) under sedation and local anesthesia. All 86 horses were observed for immediate peri-injection and post-injection complications. Response to therapy was evaluated in 59 of the 86 horses (follow-up: 30 to 780 days). RESULTS: Peri-injection complications consisted of subconjunctival (26/86; 30.2%) or intracameral hemorrhage (4/86; 4.7%); both of which completely resolved within 5 days. Post-injection complications consisted of cataract formation/maturation (5/59 horses, 8.5%) and diffuse retinal degeneration (3/59 eyes 5.1%). The majority of horses 52/59 (88.1%) with a minimum follow-up period of 30 days were controlled (absence of recurrent or persistent inflammation) at their last recheck examination. Recurrent inflammation was documented in 5/59 (8.5%) horses and persistent inflammation was diagnosed in 2/59 (3.4%) horses. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal injection of low-dose gentamicin shows promise at controlling different types and stages of uveitis. The ability of intravitreal injections of low-dose gentamicin (4 mg) to control persistent and recurrent inflammation warrants further investigation.

Semen parameters and testicular dimensions in small breed dogs below ten-kilogram bodyweight.

Because of few available data on semen parameters in small breed dogs, the study aimed to analyse semen and measure testes of dogs ≤10.0 kg bodyweight. Semen was collected from 41 fertile stud dogs, which were divided based on bodyweight: group 1 ≤ 5.0 kg and group 2 between 5.1 and 10.0 kg. Median values for ejaculate volume (group 1: x ~ 1.2 ml; group 2: x ~ 2.2 ml), total sperm output (group 1: x ~ 110.7 × 106 ; group 2: x ~ 215.1 × 106 ) and testicular volume (group 1: left testicle x ~ 2.8 ml, right testicle x ~ 2.7 ml; group 2: left testicle x ~ 5.5 ml, right testicle x ~ 5.0 ml) were lower in group 1 compared to dogs of group 2 (p = .001; p = .001; both testes: p < .001). There was no difference in sperm concentration (p = .985). Based on these results, introduction of an additional weight group to the commonly used reference values is recommended, since values for ejaculate volume, total sperm output and testicular dimensions for dogs ≤5.0 kg bodyweight differed significantly from values of dogs with a bodyweight from 5.1 to 10.0 kg.

Disulfide HMGB1 derived from platelets coordinates venous thrombosis in mice.

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases, but its pathophysiology remains incompletely understood. Although sterile inflammation has recently been shown to boost coagulation during DVT, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully resolved, which could potentially identify new anti-inflammatory approaches to prophylaxis and therapy of DVT. Using a mouse model of venous thrombosis induced by flow reduction in the vena cava inferior, we identified blood-derived high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1), a prototypical mediator of sterile inflammation, to be a master regulator of the prothrombotic cascade involving platelets and myeloid leukocytes fostering occlusive DVT formation. Transfer of platelets into Hmgb1-/- chimeras showed that this cell type is the major source of HMGB1, exposing reduced HMGB1 on their surface upon activation thereby enhancing the recruitment of monocytes. Activated leukocytes in turn support oxidation of HMGB1 unleashing its prothrombotic activity and promoting platelet aggregation. This potentiates the amount of HMGB1 and further nurtures the accumulation and activation of monocytes through receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and Toll-like receptor 2, leading to local delivery of monocyte-derived tissue factor and cytokines. Moreover, disulfide HMGB1 facilitates formation of prothrombotic neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) mediated by RAGE, exposing additional HMGB1 on their extracellular DNA strands. Eventually, a vicious circle of coagulation and inflammation is set in motion leading to obstructive DVT formation. Therefore, platelet-derived disulfide HMGB1 is a central mediator of the sterile inflammatory process in venous thrombosis and could be an attractive target for an anti-inflammatory approach for DVT prophylaxis.

Retrospective Evaluation of Clinical Signs and Gross Pathologic Findings in Birds Infected With Mycobacterium genavense.

Mycobacterium genavense is regarded as the primary cause of mycobacteriosis in passerine and psittacine birds kept in captivity. Mycobacterium genavense is a potential zoonotic pathogen; therefore, early antemortem detection in birds is needed. In humans, infections with M genavense are found predominantly in immunocompromised people. To investigate clinical signs and pathologic lesions and to determine the prevalence of coinfections in birds infected with M genavense, we reviewed records of 83 birds in which DNA from M genavense had been detected via real-time polymerase chain reaction. To evaluate clinical signs in birds presented as patients, results of standardized examinations of 60 birds and radiographic results from 37 birds were investigated. Necropsy results of 82 of the 83 birds were evaluated, including results of additional parasitologic, bacteriologic, and virologic examinations. Birds included in the study comprised 15 species in the orders Passeriformes, Psittaciformes, Coliiformes, Columbiformes, Coraciiformes, and Ciconiiformes. A wide range of clinical manifestations were documented, including neurologic disorders, ocular manifestations, and gastrointestinal signs. Of the 60 birds examined clinically, 15% showed no clinical signs. Coinfections with a wide range of pathogens were detected in 52% (43 of 83) of the tested birds. Coinfections included Macrorhabdus ornithogaster, circovirus, polyomavirus, avian bornavirus, adenovirus, Mycobacterium avium ssp. avium/ silvaticum, Mycoplasma species, Salmonella species, Escherichia coli, Aspergillus species, and various parasites. The high number of coinfections may reflect an impaired immune status in the birds examined. These results also suggest a broad host range for M genavense, and the existence of various clinical signs that may be strongly associated with coinfections with other pathogens.

The effect of repeated eye examinations and breeding advice on the prevalence and incidence of cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy in German dachshunds over a 13-year period.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the change in prevalence and incidence of hereditary eye diseases (HED) in dachshunds due to breeding regulations based on biennial examinations performed by the German panel of veterinary ophthalmologists (DOK) from 1998 to 2011. ANIMALS INCLUDED: A total of 12 242 dachshunds examined by the DOK and pedigree data of 318 852 dachshunds provided by the German Dachshund Club (DTK). PROCEDURES: The prevalence of congenital cataract (CC), distichiasis (DIST), hereditary cataract (HC), persistent pupillary membranes (PPMs), persistent hyperplastic tunica vasculosa lentis / persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHTVL/PHPV), progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), retinal dysplasia (RD), and findings such as fiberglass-like cataract (FGC) and prominent suture lines (PSLs) was analyzed. The significance (P), confidence interval (CI), odds ratio (OR), relative risk (RR) and inbreeding coefficients (F) were calculated and P < 0.05 was considered significant. The incidence was evaluated based on affected dogs within birth cohorts from 1993 to 2006. RESULTS: The prevalent conditions studied were as follows: CC 0.5%, DIST 6.7%, HC 3.9%, PPMs 8.4%, PHTVL/PHPV 0.4%, PRA 1.5%, RD 0.2%, FGC 2.2%, and PSL 1.5%. The incidence of PRA decreased significantly from 6.0% to 0.6% for dogs born from 1993 to 2006, while HC showed a decreasing trend from 8.7% to 3.1%. More males than females were diagnosed with HC and PRA. Dachshunds with HEDs had an F that was not significantly higher than that of healthy dachshunds. CONCLUSIONS: The decreasing incidence of PRA and HC in dachshunds supports the use of frequent HED examinations in combination with breeding control.

Individualized mini-hemilaminectomy-corpectomy (iMHC) for treatment of thoracolumbar intervertebral disc herniation in large breed dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the short-term, mid-term, and long-term results after an individualized mini-hemilaminectomy-corpectomy (iMHC) procedure for treatment of acute and chronic thoracolumbar intervertebral disc disease in non-chondrodystrophic dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: Client-owned non-chondrodystrophic large breed dogs (n = 57). METHODS: The iMHC procedure, combining mini-hemilaminectomy (MH) and partial lateral corpectomy, was performed on non-chondrodystrophic dogs with thoracolumbar disc disease. Neurological status was evaluated before surgery, for short-term outcome on days 1 and 7 after surgery, for mid-term outcome at 6 months after surgery, and for long-term outcome at the conclusion of the study. Prognostic factors were statistically evaluated. P < .05 was considered significant. RESULTS: iMHC was performed on 57 dogs, with minimal intraoperative and postoperative complications. Short-term neurological improvement was observed in 85.7% of dogs. Median hospitalization time after surgery was 2 days (range 0-14) and was significantly shorter for dogs with a chronic history of clinical signs (1 day, range 0-5) compared to acute onset (3 days, range 0-14) and for those that were ambulatory at initial presentation (1 day, range 0-5) compared to those that were not (3 days, range 0-14). Long-term evaluation included 53 surgeries with a mean follow-up time of 29.4 months. Outcome was excellent in 19 dogs and good in 29 dogs (90.6% success rate). Excellent mid-term and long-term results were significantly more common in the dogs with only 1 affected disc space. CONCLUSION: The iMHC procedure resulted in a short hospitalization time, minimal postoperative deterioration, and a high success rate.

Developing an accurate method for estimating thyroid volume in calves using ultrasonography.

Diseases of the thyroid gland with struma formation can occur in calves suffering from iodine deficiency. The aim of the study was to develop a guideline for standardized ultrasonographic examination of the thyroid gland in order to determine its volume. Sonographic measurements of the thyroid lobes were carried out on three standardized axes in calves up to 3 months of age (n = 83). Total volume (V SON ) was calculated using the formula for an ellipsoid body. Forty three of the enrolled animals were euthanized. The lobes of their thyroid glands were dissected and measured with a slide gauge, and V SLG was calculated accordingly. In addition, thyroid volume was measured using the method of water displacement (V AQU ) and this was used as a gold standard in correlation and regression analyses with sonographic and slide gauge values. Intraobserver variability of sonographic measurements was dependent on side and axis, and ranged between 3.04% and 7.35%. In the euthanized calves with a body mass of 52.4 ± 17.1 kg, V SLG was 4.5 ± 1.4 ml, V SON was 6.5 ± 1.7 ml, and V AQU was 7.9 ± 2.4 ml (mean ± standard deviation). Instead of the formula for ellipsoid bodies which underestimates thyroid volume, we developed a new formula derived from regression analysis. Body mass and thyroid volume correlated significantly. With the formula presented, thyroid volume of calves can be estimated by ultrasonographic measurement of three axes and compared to predicted values based on body mass.

Prevalence of osteoarthritis in the shoulder, elbow, hip and stifle joints of dogs older than 8 years.

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common diseases in veterinary medicine. There are various causes for joints developing OA, with some of them being well investigated, while others are still a matter of speculation. In this retrospective study we examined the prevalence of OA in the shoulder, elbow, hip and stifle joints in a clinic population of dogs older than 8 years, which were presented mostly due to orthopaedic complaints. Dogs were included in the study if one or more of the aforementioned joints was included in the radiographs. Radiographs were reviewed by three different observers and graded by severity. Prevalence of OA was 39.2%, 57.4%, 35.9% and 36.4% for the shoulder, elbow, hip and stifle, respectively. There was no correlation between higher grades of OA and weight as well as age, but significantly higher prevalence of OA in heavier groups when grouped for weight. Sex and castration status did not affect presence of OA. As most of the examined joints were free of OA, radiographic findings suggestive of OA should not be considered normal in senescent dogs.

3D Slicer open-source software plug-in for vector-based angle calculation of canine hind limb alignment in computed tomographic images.

BACKGROUND: Severe and complex angular limb deformities in dogs require accurate morphological assessment using diagnostic imaging to achieve successful orthopedic surgery. Computed tomography (CT) is commonly used to overcome projection errors in two-dimensional angular measurements of dog hindlimb alignment. Three-dimensional volume rendering (VR) techniques permit virtual positioning and variable projection, but the final CT-image that defines the projection plane for angular measurements remains two-dimensional. OBJECTIVE: We wanted to develop a true three-dimensional open-source technique to measure the alignments of the hind limbs of dogs in CT scanners. METHODS: We developed an open-source 3D Slicer plug-in, to perform angular measurements using vector calculations in three-dimensional space. In 113 CT-scans of canine pelvic limbs, femoral torsion, femoral varus, femorotibial rotation, tibial torsion, tibial varus and tibiotalar rotation angles were calculated and compared to an already validated technique using VoXim®. RESULTS: Reference points were identified and measurements were possible in the 113 acquisitions. The greatest difference between the two techniques was 1.4° at only one tibial torsion angle. Mean values for all Bland-Altman plots did not show significant differences and were less than 0.07° for all comparisons. DISCUSSION: Based on these results we considered angular measurements of canine hind limb alignment in CT scans using the 3D Slicer extension program sufficiently accurate for clinical orthopedic and surgical purposes in veterinary medicine. CONCLUSION: With our open-source 3D Slicer extension software, we provide a free accessible tool for veterinary orthopedic surgeons and thus we hope to improve angular measurements in CT-scans of canine hind limb deformities through true three-dimensionality.

Phacoemulsification Combined with Pars Plana Vitrectomy: Outcome in Horses with Acquired Cataracts Associated with Uveitis.

BACKGROUND: Cataracts resulting from equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) or other forms of uveitis are usually associated with rapid progression. ERU is the most common ocular disease cause of blindness and cause of cataracts in horses. The necessity for the posterior capsulorhexis (PC) during phacoemulsification (PE) is controversial. This study aimed to evaluate vision and complications after PE combined with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in horses with uveitis-associated cataracts and compare the PE technique with and without posterior capsulorhexis. METHODS: Thirty-two eyes of 28 horses with uveitis-associated cataracts aged 14 months to 19.6 years were treated with PE-PPV under identical conditions. Twenty-three eyes of 21 horses were affected by an ERU-associated (ERU group), and nine eyes of 7 horses were affected by cataracts related to uveitis with pathogenesis different to ERU (non-ERU group). PE-PPV was performed in 12 eyes of 10 horses (PC group) and 20 eyes of 18 horses without posterior capsulorhexis (NPC group). Follow-up examination was performed at a mean of 1.7 ± 1.8 years postoperatively (range: 1 month-6.4 years). RESULTS: In the period up to 1 month postoperatively, 17/20 (85%) NPC-eyes and 8/12 (67%) PC-eyes (total: 25/32 [78%]) were visual. From 1-6 months postoperatively, 16/20 (80%) NPC-eyes and 7/12 (58.3%) PC-eyes (total: 23/32 [72%]), and from 6-12 months, 7/11 (63.6%) NPC-eyes and 3/8 (37.5%) PC-eyes (total: 10/19 [52.6%]) were visual. From 12-18 months postoperatively, 3/7 (42.9%) NPC-eyes and 2/9 (22.2%) PC-eyes (total: 5/16 [31.3%]), and from 18-24 months, 3/8 (37.5%) NPC-eyes and 1/8 (12.5%) PC-eyes (total: 4/16 [25%]) were visual. After 24 months postoperatively, 2/7 (28.6%) NPC-eyes and 1/8 (12.5%) PC-eyes (total: 3/15 [20%]) were visual. Despite the higher number of visual eyes in the NPC group at each time point, differences were not significant. No obvious differences regarding postsurgical vision were observed between the ERU- and non-ERU groups at each time point. In the overall population, a significant decrease in the number of eyes with postoperative active uveitis was observed during the follow-up examinations (p < 0.001). A significant increase in the number of eyes that were blind due to retinal detachment was observed in the overall patient population as the examination period progressed (p < 0.001). Retinal detachment was the sole long-term cause of blindness. CONCLUSIONS: In horses diagnosed with uveitis-associated cataracts and treated with PE-PPV, no persistent active uveitis was observed in the present study during follow-up examinations. However, the proportion of eyes that were blind due to retinal detachment increased. Whilst PE-PPV may prevent postsurgical persistent active uveitis and remove lens opacity, the prognosis for a visual outcome is guarded. A superior outcome in postsurgical vision was observed in the NPC group. However, caution is required when interpreting these results due to several factors that affect the independent comparison of the surgical groups.

Behavioral and hormonal assessment of stress in foals (Equus caballus) throughout the weaning process.

This study had the aim to demonstrate the midterm effects (three weeks) of weaning on foals' welfare. For this purpose, foals' behavioral changes and fecal levels metabolites of cortisol were evaluated. The observations took place at the state stud farm of Baden-Wuerttemberg in Germany. Ten foals (six colts and four fillies) were observed from one day before weaning up until three weeks after weaning. Weaning was divided into three blocks, the first in September, the second in October, and the last in November. The behavioral observation was done during an eight-hour period between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The observer documented the exact behavior shown by the foal every five minutes during the eight hours. To scale the stress experienced by the foal, the glucocorticoid metabolite 11,17-dioxoandrostane was measured with the 11-oxoetiocholanolone enzyme immunoassay, which allows assessing the foal's plasma cortisol level changes throughout the trail through fecal samples. All foals displayed a distinct hormonal stress response to the weaning process through increased fecal cortisol metabolite levels. Their body posture distribution took a shift from mainly moving before weaning to mainly standing during the three weeks after weaning. Compared with the day before weaning, the foals showed less active behavior and significantly increased their resting behavior. Regarding the overall resting behavior, the weaned foals initially increased their time spent resting in a lying position during daytime and then started to decrease the time lying. After weaning, the foals showed a significant increase in resting while standing. In conclusion, the foals showed an expected behavioral development and an expected curve of cortisol metabolite values throughout the study. However, it seemed that the changes had not returned "back to normal" at three weeks after weaning. Therefore, we suggest that weaned foals need a minimum of three weeks to acclimate to the new situation.