Effects of exercise on urinary biochemical parameters and proteins in a group of well-trained military working dogs.

Exercise-induced proteinuria has been widely investigated in humans, also in relation to intensity and duration of activity. Instead, there are only limited publications regarding urinary biochemical parameters and urinary proteins before and after physical activity in dogs. This paper aimed to investigate the effects of exercise on urinary biochemistry and proteins in military dogs. Twenty-four dogs were enrolled in this study. All the dogs were clinically sound, and they were examined before and after activity. Pulse rates (PR) and respiratory rate (RR) were monitored. Urine was sampled before and after a training session of search activity. Standard urinalysis was carried out, urine total proteins and creatinine were measured and the urinary protein:creatinine ratio was calculated; finally, the urinary proteins were separated using sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Clinical examination before and after activity did not reveal any pathological finding. After activity, the PR was slightly increased, while the RR was notably increased (p < 0.05). Total proteins, albumin, and their ratio with creatinine were significantly higher after exercise when considering all the dogs included or only the females while, when considering only the males no significant difference was detected. The clinical relevance of this study was related to the possibility of using urine as a non-invasive sample for monitoring health status after training activity and exercise in dogs. An increase in microalbuminuria after search activity, measured using SDS-PAGE could be considered an early biomarker of renal function during training sessions.

Internet-Based Survey on Physical Activity and Incidence of Injury in Active Working Dogs.

A survey with 100 multiple choice and open-ended questions was proposed by free access to working dogs' handlers. One hundred and nine respondents were recorded and their dates processed. The most represented breeds were: Belgian Malinois, Labrador, Border Collie and German Shepherds. Of these, 71.6% were intact dogs and 28.4% were spayed or neutered, with a median age range of 3-4 years. Furthermore, 55.5% had undergone early radiographic examinations for hip or elbow dysplasia diagnosis. The dogs performed the following activities: search and rescue on surface (59%), search and rescue on rubble (37%), Internationale Gebrauchshund Pruefung (IGP) (9%), man trailing (5%), sled dog (5%), search on avalanche (4%), dog towing (3%), canine shows (3%), hunting (2%), water rescue (1%), pet therapy (1%), wildlife conservation dog (1%), Mondioring (1%). Only 36.4% of respondents submitted their dogs to a specific sports medical examination and 55.5% to an orthopaedic examination. An injury incidence of 45.5% was recorded, generally related to mild musculoskeletal trauma. A limited number of handlers routinely performed warm-up and/or cool-down activities. A positive assessment emerged of the need for many respondents to attend and request education courses and updates on the proper health management of their dogs.

Ocular and Superficial Body Thermographic Findings in Sled Dogs before and after Competition.

Competitions involving sled dogs are rapidly growing and body temperature assessment could represent a prompt and non-invasive method of screening for potential pathological conditions during or after activity. The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate if thermography is able to monitor the pre- and post-competition ocular and superficial body temperature variations during a sled dog competition. It subsequently compared the data relating to the ocular temperatures in different race types: mid-distance (30 km) and sprint (≤16 km). Results showed a statistically significant increase in post-competition ocular temperature of both eyes, regardless of the length of the race. The relative increase in the temperatures of the other body surfaces was lower than the expected values, probably due to the influence of environmental and subjective factors such as the type of coat of the Siberian Husky or subcutaneous fat. Infrared thermography has therefore proved to be useful method in sled dog competition conditions for screening superficial temperature variations, as the investigation is normally conducted in an external environment and often in demanding work conditions.

Military Working Dogs Operating in Afghanistan Theater: Comparison between Pre- and Post-Mission Blood Analyses to Monitor Physical Fitness and Training.

The intergovernmental organization known as the United Nations (UN) was born "to maintain international peace and security" through different operations and tasks, including "mine action" and "explosive detection". Explosives are the most frequent cause of injuries in military personnel and an enormous danger for civilians. The role of explosive detection dogs (EDDs) and mine detection dogs has gained great consideration over time, leading to their intense use in military operations. Literature regarding working injuries reported by EDDs during missions is limited. The aim of the present study is to investigate the hematological changes that occurred between pre- and post-mission blood analyses in military working dogs deployed to Afghanistan in order to evaluate signs of health problems or physical adjustments. Examining the clinical records, only three dogs reported a medical issue, one with gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), and two with lameness episodes. Lack of health issues occurring during the missions was reflected by the absence of significant differences between pre- and post-mission blood analyses. Blood results were also examined by dividing the EDDs into groups considering age at departure, sex, breed and mission length. A few categories demonstrated significant changes in some parameters; however, the mean values were always included in the ranges of normality, indicating that their physical fitness and training were adequate for the required tasks.

Partial Vaginectomy, Complete Vaginectomy, Partial Vestibule-Vaginectomy, Vulvo-Vestibule-Vaginectomy and Vulvo-Vestibulectomy: Different Surgical Procedure in Order to Better Approach Vaginal Diseases.

Total or partial vulvo-vaginectomy or vaginectomy are not routinely performed due to the complexity of the techniques and because they are considered radical treatments. Little information can be found in the literature, as the same technique is often named in a different way by different authors, confusing the reader. Therefore, the aim of this essay is to describe five different surgical techniques: partial vaginectomy, complete vaginectomy, partial vestibule-vaginectomy, vulvo-vestibule-vaginectomy and vulvo-vestibulectomy. All techniques are described on the basis of the correct identification of the anatomical nomenclature related to structures involved in surgery, in order to give a more precise and unambiguous description and execution of surgical techniques. Moreover, possible intraoperative and perioperative complications and the authors' clinical experience in 33 dogs are described. All techniques are well tolerated and could be curative in case of benign or malignant tumours that have not yet metastasized and palliative in other cases. Moreover, they are also useful for therapeutic purposes for chronic vaginitis, severe vaginal cysts or congenital abnormalities. It is our opinion that having five different available techniques to approach vaginal disease is useful to perform the best surgery according to the clinical findings, patient's characteristics, technique invasiveness and whether it is palliative or not.

Total Perineal Prostatectomy: A Retrospective Study in Six Dogs.

Perineal hernia refers to the herniation of pelvic and abdominal viscera into the subcutaneous perineal region through a pelvic diaphragm weakness: a concomitant prostatic disease is observed in 25-59% of cases. Prostatectomy involves the removal of the prostate, either partially (partial prostatectomy) or completely (total prostatectomy). In case of complicated perineal hernia, staged procedures are recommended: celiotomy in order to perform colopexy, vasopexy, cystopexy, and/or to treat the prostatic disease, and perineal access in order to repair the perineal hernia. Very few reports relate prostatectomy using a perineal approach and, to the extent of the author's knowledge, this technique has not been thoroughly investigated in the literature. The aim of this article is to retrospectively describe the total perineal prostatectomy in dogs presenting perineal hernia with concomitant prostatic diseases which required the removal of the gland. The experience in six dogs (three dogs with the prostate within hernial contents and three dogs with intrapelvic prostate) is reported as well as advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of the surgical procedure. In the authors' clinical practice, total perineal prostatectomy has been a useful surgical approach to canine prostatic diseases, proven to be safe, well tolerated, and effective.

Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture in Dogs: Review on Biomechanics, Etiopathogenetic Factors and Rehabilitation.

Cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) rupture is one of the most common orthopaedic conditions in veterinary medicine. CrCL plays a fundamental role in the stability and biomechanics of the femoral-tibio-patellar joint, and its incorrect functionality severely impacts on the quality of life of patients. In dogs, the structural weakening of this joint due to the progressive degeneration of the ligament is the most accredited etiopathogenetic hypothesis in relation to the dog signalment (breed, sex and age) and the stifle joint conformation. In humans, this injury is often traumatic and generally occurs during sporting activities. CrCL rupture can be managed conservatively or surgically, and decisions regarding treatment are due to numerous factors: the patient's age and health, the degree of stifle instability, and cost. Physiotherapy protocols play an important role in rehabilitation, with similar goals in humans and dogs: pain management, physiological articular range of motion recovery, periarticular and core muscle strengthening, and proprioceptive deficit correction. Physiotherapy, even if often neglected in veterinary medicine, is mandatory for the recovery of the correct functionality of the injured limb and for the return to normal daily and sporting activities.

Clinical Evaluation of Creatine Kinase and Aspartate Aminotransferase for Monitoring Muscle Effort in Working Dogs in Different Simulated Fieldworks.

The clinical profiles of muscle biomarkers (Creatine Kinase-CK-and Aspartate Aminotransferase-AST) performed during training may help in determining the fitness level of dogs and their potentiality to perform specific activities. This study investigated the potential variations of physiological parameters and muscular biomarkers in trained search and rescue dogs during search activity in two different areas. The aim was to verify the absence of any muscular enzymes after 20 min of search activity. The variations of physiological parameters (pulse rate; respiratory rate; rectal body temperature) and skeletal muscular biomarkers (CK and AST) were evaluated before and after search activity. Twenty-three trained dogs met the inclusion criteria and were divided into two groups. One group experienced search activity in a well-known area, while the second one in a similar, but unknown, area. The results for physiological parameters and skeletal muscular biomarkers values showed no significant differences between the two groups (p > 0.05), confirming that an effective conditioning protects against enzymatic alteration during a 20 min duration of submaximal activity.

Superficial Heating Evaluation by Thermographic Imaging before and after Tecar Therapy in Six Dogs Submitted to a Rehabilitation Protocol: A Pilot Study.

Thermography is a non-invasive diagnostic method commonly used to monitor changes of the body surface temperature potentially induced by different conditions such as fever, inflammation, trauma, or changes of tissue perfusion. Capacitive-resistive diathermy therapy (such as energy transfer capacitive and resistive-Tecar) is commonly used in rehabilitation due to its diathemic effect secondary to blood circulation increase that could accelerate the healing process. The aim of this study was to monitor by thermal camera the diathermic effects induced by Tecar on the surface of the region of application. The investigation was conducted on six dogs referred for Tecar therapy to treat muscle contractures (three dogs) or osteoarthritis (three dogs). Eleven anatomical treated regions were recorded. Thermographic images and relative measurements were obtained by each region immediately before (T0), at conclusion (T1), and sixty seconds after the Tecar application (T2). Data were recorded and statistically analyzed. A comparison of temperature differences (maximum, minimum and mean values) between T0 and T1, T0 and T2, and T1 and T2 was performed by ANOVA test with Bonferroni post hoc (p ≤ 0.05). Statistically significant differences were detected for mean temperature between T0 (32.42 ± 1.57 °C) and T1 (33.36 ± 1.17 °C) (p = 0.040) and between T1 and T2 (32.83 ± 1.31 °C) (p = 0.031). Furthermore, there was no significant difference between the mean temperature at T0 and T2, demonstrating that superficial diathermic effect exhausted within 60 s.

Changes in Pulse Rate, Respiratory Rate and Rectal Temperature in Working Dogs before and after Three Different Field Trials.

Physiological changes (pulse rate, respiratory rate and rectal temperature) induced by exercise are usually studied as physical fitness indices. The aim of this study was to investigate how these physiological parameters could be modified in a group of trained working dogs during three different field trials (rubble, search on field, obedience), in order to assess which parameter would be more useful to detect the dog response to exercise. Nine dogs were included in this study. The animals were monitored at rest, immediately before and after the working session. Pulse rate values increased significantly in all the phases compared to rest status. Respiratory rate values increased significantly after the competition, while rectal temperature was significantly increased only after search on rubbles and obedience activities. Reference values for specific competitions need to be stablished in order to promptly identify poor performance or exercise intolerance.

Pre- and post-surgical evaluation of plasma lactate concentration in 45 dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus: A preliminary study.

This preliminary study was designed to contribute to the evaluation of reliability of plasma lactate concentration (PLC) and its clearance as predictive and prognostic factors of gastric necrosis and clinical outcome of dogs affected by gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). Main aims of the study were: 1) to evaluate the prognostic reliability of PLC at presentation (T0) in dogs with GDV, 2) to compare the obtained data and considerations with the veterinary literature, and 3) to introduce the possible validity of PLC values at 24 (T24) and 48 (T48) hours after surgery as a predictive factor. Dogs with GDV were retrospectively evaluated. PLC at T0, T24 and T48 were recorded and correlated to the presence or absence of macroscopic necrosis of the stomach and to outcome. Forty-five dogs met the inclusion criteria. Significant differences were not detected in the mean values between the initial PLC in dogs with and without necrosis of the gastric wall, as well as between surviving and non-surviving dogs; these values were not associated with higher risk of gastric necrosis or death. At T24 and T48 no significant differences were recorded between necrosis and non-necrosis, and surviving and non-surviving categories. A median plasma lactate concentration clearance from arrival to T24 ≥ 50% was identified in both groups (with and without necrosis), and this parameter failed in identifying dogs that survived to discharge. In conclusion, the results presented here failed to detect PLC at T0 and its clearance at T24 as prognostic factors in this population of dogs with GDV.

Ultrasonographic assessment of normal jugular veins in Standardbred horses.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasonography (US) is the recommended imaging technique to evaluate jugular veins. This prospective randomized clinical study was designed to collect a series of B-mode US measurements of manually distended jugular veins in healthy Italian Standardbreds and to find possible correlations between ultrasound measurements and animal morphometric characteristics. Forty-two horses, eight males and 34 females (range 3-22 years; bodyweight 494.4 ± 41.7 kg), were included in the study. The diameters and wall thicknesses of both jugular veins were measured at three different sites of the neck. The differences in ultrasound measurements based on scans, age, gender, side, and site of the neck were evaluated by ANOVA or by the Kruskal-Wallis test. The effects of the morphometric measures on each ultrasound parameter were evaluated by MANOVA (P < 0.05). RESULTS: The ultrasound measurements did not differ significantly between the three different sites or between genders; hence, they were pooled together in the results. On the transverse scan, the mean dorsoventral and lateromedial diameters were 1.58 ± 0.23 and 2.20 ± 0.25 cm, respectively; the mean superficial and deep wall thicknesses (SWT and DWT) were 0.07 ± 0.01 and 0.08 ± 0.01 cm, respectively. On the longitudinal scan, the mean dorsoventral diameter was 1.59 ± 0.26 cm, and the SWT and DWT were both 0.08 ± 0.01 cm. Neck length, from the caudal edge of the mandible to the thoracic inlet, was related to the dorsoventral diameter in both longitudinal and transverse scan and to the SWT and DWT in transverse scan, whereas height at the withers (measured with tape) and estimated weight were related to the wall thickness. Dividing the subjects into groups by age in years ("young" 3-7, "mature" 8-14, "old" > 14), differences were found for the lateromedial diameter in the transverse scan and the SWT on the longitudinal scan. The main limitation of this study was that only one operator performed the measurements. CONCLUSION: The US measurements of the jugular veins and their relationship with morphometric measures reported in this manuscript might be considered as guidelines both for early diagnosis and monitoring jugular vein abnormalities in healthy Italian Standardbred horses.

Deep Vegetal Foreign Bodies in Cats: A Retrospective Study of 10 Cases.

The aim of this study was to describe the anatomic locations and treatments available for deeply located vegetal foreign bodies in cats. Ten cases of migrating vegetal foreign bodies (vFBs) requiring surgical removal are reported. The diagnoses of vFBs in the thoracic cavity (4/10), retroperitoneal space (2/10), and paratracheal region (1/10) were obtained by ultrasound examination; however, in the perineum or penile urethra (2/10) and peritoneum (1/10), the vFBs were found during surgery. Intraoperative ultrasound guidance helped remove vFBs from the retroperitoneal space and paratracheal tissues. Clinical signs resolved in 8 out of 10 cases, 1 out of 10 cases had recurrent draining fistula, and 1 out of 10 was euthanized for ethical reasons. The intrathoracic was the most common location in the present study, followed by retroperitoneal space and urethra/perineum. Ultrasound guidance was essential for the diagnosis and/or treatment of vFBs located in the thoracic, retroperitoneal, and cervical regions.

Switching Assistance for Exoskeletons During Cyclic Motions.

This paper proposes a novel control algorithm for torque-controlled exoskeletons assisting cyclic movements. The control strategy is based on the injection of energy parcels into the human-robot system with a timing that minimizes perturbations, i.e., when the angular momentum is maximum. Electromyographic activity of main flexor-extensor knee muscles showed that the proposed controller mostly favors extensor muscles during extension, with a statistically significant reduction in muscular activity in the range of 10-20% in 60 out of 72 trials (i.e., 83%), while no effect related to swinging speed was recorded (speed variation was lower than 10% in 92% of the trials). In the remaining cases muscular activity increment, when statistically significant, was less than 10%. These results showed that the proposed algorithm reduced muscular effort during the most energetically demanding part of the movement (the extension of the knee against gravity) without perturbing the spatio-temporal characteristics of the task and making it particularly suitable for application in exoskeleton-assisted cyclic motions.

Shoulder Lameness in Dogs: Preliminary Investigation on Ultrasonography, Signalment and Hemato-Biochemical Findings Correlation.

Forelimb lameness in medium and large breed dogs is frequently caused by traumatic or degenerative injuries of the shoulder. Patient history, physical examination, x-rays, blood, and chemical work are routinely used to achieve diagnosis, and may be associated with ultrasonography or magnetic resonance imaging. Ultrasonography is increasingly popular in small animal practice due to its low cost, ease of repetition, and the fact that it is non-invasive and can be performed in conscious patients. It is also widely accepted that muscular stress or injuries can induce detectable variations in blood and chemical work. The aim of this preliminary study is to search for correlation between measurements of selected hematobiochemical parameters and ultrasound diagnosis in dogs affected by shoulder injuries. A retrospective study was conducted on orthopedic clinical records of dogs presented to our Veterinary Teaching Hospital for lameness caused by shoulder problems over a period of 5 years. Dogs with both hematobiochemical and ultrasound examinations were selected. Patients were classified into 5 groups according to ultrasound diagnosis: (1) mild/moderate tendinopathy, (2) severe tendinopathy, (3) articular damage, (4) chronic myopathy, and (5) neoplastic injury. Statistical analysis was performed to detect possible correlations between group and hematobiochemical parameters. Forty-four dogs met the inclusion criteria and forty-nine shoulders were diagnosed as injured. Significant differences were found between the age, sex, body weight, neutrophil count, and AST levels. In particular, statistically significant increases were found for neutrophil count and AST concentration in case of ultrasonographically diagnosed severe tendinopathy, articular damage, and neoplastic pathology. Further and wider studies are suggested to determine whether these biomarkers can become a useful diagnostic aid.

Prognostic value of canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity and lipase activity in dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus.

This study evaluated the association between a selection of candidate predictor variables, including the elevation of specific pancreatic enzymes, and outcome in dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). Twenty-two dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus were included, being classified as survivors or non-survivors based on the final outcome. Dogs with intestinal obstruction (n = 16) were selected for comparison. Blood samples were collected upon admission (T0) and after 24 hours (T1). Serum lipase activity, canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (cPLI) and other variables (plasma lactate concentration and C- reactive protein -CRP- in particular) were evaluated as predictive variables. T0 cPLI and serum lipase activity were not found to differ significantly between dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus or intestinal obstruction. Canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity values above 400 µg/L were detected in 6/22 dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus and 4/16 with intestinal obstruction. However, lactate concentration was significantly higher and CRP significantly lower in GDV as compared to IO dogs, and in the GDV group, lipase, cPLI and CRP measured upon admission were significantly associated with a negative outcome. No differences in lipase activity and canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity values were detected between T0 and T1. Presurgical cPLI and lipase activity were frequently increased during gastric dilatation-volvulus and were suggestive of the presence of pancreatic damage; while more extensive studies are required, based on this pilot analysis, cPLI has the potential to be a useful predictive variable for outcome in GDV. Further to this, serum CRP was able to predict outcome in this population of dogs with GDV, while blood lactate was not.

Studying the magnetic stimulation of nervous tissues: A calculation framework to investigate stimulation areas.

The electromagnetic stimulation of nervous tissue has represented an alternative to electrical stimulation since the 1980s. The growing number of potential applications has led to an increasing interest in the development of modeling tools that can help the design of novel electromagnetic stimulators. In this context, the aim of this paper is to provide a versatile calculation framework to investigate the properties of the electric field generated by a plurality of miniature coils, arranged in cuff configuration. Furthermore, the capability of the miniature coils to elicit a neuronal response in specific portions of the (peripheral) nerve will be investigated. Starting from Jefimenko's equations, a model was implemented in MATLAB. It calculates the electromagnetic field induced by coils, with arbitrary shape and spatial orientation, and the activating function around the coils through simple numerical integration. By studying the activating functions, it is possible to determine where the neurons can be excited. The model was validated by comparison with FEM simulations. A dimensional analysis was conducted to compare in terms of shape and depth of the stimulation volumes different coil geometries, regardless of design parameters such as current, number of turns and coil sizes.The dimensionless groups identified according to Buckingham's theorem provide a direct estimate of the stimulation depth reached within the nerve.The calculation tools developed in this paper can be used in the design of coils to quickly compare different geometries and spatial distribution of coils in order to identify the optimal configurations for the specific application addressed by the designer.

Relative Echogenicity of Tendons and Ligaments of the Palmar Metacarpal Region in Foals from Birth to 4 Months of Age: A Longitudinal Study.

The objective of this study was to evaluate relative echogenicity of superficial and deep digital flexor tendons, the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon and interosseous muscle of the metacarpal region in foals ages 1 week to 4 months; and assess the association between echogenicity and sex or side/laterality. Seven Standardbred trotter foals were examined. Right and left metacarpal regions (palmar surface) were ultrasonographically investigated, and four regions of interest were assessed. A significant increase in echogenicity was seen in superficial and deep digital flexor tendons, accessory ligament of deep digital flexor tendon, and interosseous muscle during growth from 1 week to 4 months of age. Echogenicity of examined tendons and ligaments was not influenced by gender nor laterality. Reference values for tendon and ligament echogenicity could function as a tool to discriminate between physiological and abnormal conditions such as congenital contractural conditions.

Assessment of intraocular measurements in neonatal foals and association with gender, laterality, and body weight: a clinical study.

Objective of this study was to describe intraocular measurements in newly born foals (1-7 days of age) and assess the association between globe measurements and gender, laterality, and body weight. B-scan ultrasonographic biometry was performed on both eyes of 22 healthy foals (44 eyes) ages 1-7 days using a 10-MHz transducer. Intraocular measurements (anterior chamber depth, central lens thickness, vitreous chamber depth, axial globe length, longitudinal globe length, lens poles distance) were carried out using the ultrasound internal calipers. The influence of gender (male or female), laterality (right or left eye), and body weight ("light" <48 kg; "heavy" ≥48 kg) on ocular measurements was analysed by the Student t test. Values of P<0.05 were accepted as significant for all analyses. Mean anterior chamber depth was 2.2±0.5 mm (Standard Deviation); central lens thickness was 9.9±0.8 mm; vitreous chamber depth was 15.5±1.1 mm; axial globe length was 27.6±1.6 mm; longitudinal globe length was 35.8±1.2 mm, and lens poles distance was 16.4±1.0 mm. Intraocular measurements were not influenced by gender, laterality nor body weight. This study provides reference values for intraocular measurements in neonatal foals and may be useful in the diagnosis and treatment of congenital and acquired pathologies involving the globe.

A case report of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy left-side gastropexy to resolve a recurrent gastric dilatation in a dog previously treated with right-side gastropexy for gastric dilatation volvulus.

A 6-year-old, large-breed, female dog was evaluated for gastric dilatation (GD). The dog was affected by GD volvulus, which had been surgically treated with gastric derotation and right incisional gastropexy. Recurrence of GD appeared 36 hours after surgery. The dilatation was immediately treated with an orogastric probe but still recurred 4 times. Therefore, a left-side gastropexy by percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) was performed to prevent intermittent GD. After PEG tube placement, the patient recovered rapidly without side effects. Several techniques of gastropexy have been described as a prophylactic method for gastric dilatation volvulus, but to the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of left-sided PEG gastropexy performed in a case of canine GD recurrence after an incisional right gastropexy.