First-Intention Incisional Wound Healing in Dogs and Cats: A Controlled Trial of Dermapliq and Manuka Honey.

This study aimed to compare incisional wound healing in cats and dogs after the topical application of Μanuka honey and a new medical device, Dermapliq. Comparisons were made between each treatment and control, between the two treatments, and between dogs and cats. Twelve cats and twelve dogs were included in this study, and the impact of the two substances was examined through cosmetic, clinical, ultrasonographical, and histological evaluation. The use of Dermapliq in first-intention wound healing achieved a significantly better cosmetic evaluation score and better total clinical score at days 20-41, compared to the control, in both dogs and cats. The ultrasonographically estimated wound area was smaller with Dermapliq compared to the control. Wounds treated with Dermapliq showed histologically less inflammation compared to the control. The use of Manuka honey did not show a significantly better cosmetic score compared to the control. Skin thickening was significantly higher after using Manuka honey compared to the control and so was the total clinical score. However, the median wound area, as was evaluated ultrasonographically, was significantly smaller when wounds were treated with Manuka honey, the difference being more apparent in dogs. Dermapliq was proven to be a better choice in achieving favorable wound healing than Manuka honey in dogs and cats in first-intention healing. In our study, cats had a statistically better cosmetic score and less skin thickening and scar width compared to dogs. Histologically, cats showed significantly less edema, higher inflammation and angiogenesis scores, and lower fibroblast and epidermis thickening scores when compared to dogs.

The Use of Stromal Vascular Fraction in Long Bone Defect Healing in Sheep.

The objectives of the present study were to evaluate (a) the feasibility of using stromal vascular fraction (SVF) and nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (nHA) paste in combination for the treatment of segmental bone defect, (b) the quality of the callus produced, (c) the potential improvement of the autograft technique, and (d) the direct comparison of the biomaterial to the use of autogenous cancellous bone. Unilateral, segmental mid-diaphyseal bone defect was created on the right metatarsus of skeletally mature sheep animals (n = 24) under anesthesia (D0). Residual segments were stabilized by stainless-steel plates and appropriate screws. Defects were managed as follows: group A: use of nHA paste to filling, group B: use of autogenous bone graft mixed with nHA bone paste, placed in defect, group C: use of SVF mixed with nHA bone paste injected into defect, group D: use of bone graft and SVF with nHA paste before apposition in bone defect. SVF had been previously isolated from adipose tissue of the animals intra-operatively after digestion with collagenase solution and neutralization. Animals were evaluated clinically and by X-raying and ultrasonographic examination of the defect, at regular intervals, until D90. Ultrasonographic assessment performed along the length of the defect included calculation of the length of the bone defect and assessment of vascularization. SVF was successfully isolated from group C and D animals, with the average yield being 1.77 × 106 cells. The comparison of clinical scores (based on the 'Kaler scale') on each post-operative day indicated significant differences between the four groups on D1 to D30 (p < 0.01); the median clinical score within group A was 2.5 for D1-D30 and 1 for the entire period; respective scores for other groups were 1.5 (p = 0.07) and 0 (p = 0.033). Differences in radiographic assessment scores were significant for scores obtained on D60 (p = 0.049) and D90 (p = 0.006). There was a significant difference between the four groups in the length of the bone defect, as assessed ultrasonographically, for the entire length of the study; median values were 8, 8.5, 6, and 8 mm for groups A, B, C, and D, respectively (p = 0.008). There was a significance in the differences between median scores obtained during the histopathological examination: 2, 11, 13.5, and 12 for group A, B, C, and D (p = 0.022). There was an inverse correlation between the overall scores of histopathological evaluations and the length of the bone defect (observed on D90) (p < 0.0001) and a correlation between the overall scores and the radiographic assessment scores (obtained on D90) (p < 0.0001). This is the first study in which the efficacy of fresh autologous Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF) from adipose tissue in enhancing bone healing in a long, weight-bearing, diaphyseal bone was evaluated. It is concluded that the lumbosacral region was an attractive site for harvesting adipose tissue, the use of SVF contributed to faster rehabilitation post-operatively, and SVF significantly enhanced bone formation; in general, the results indicated an osteogenic potential of SVF comparable to the gold standard autologous bone graft.

Effect of Classical Music on Depth of Sedation and Induction Propofol Requirements in Dogs.

The main objective of this prospective, randomized, blind, cross-over experimental study was to evaluate the effect of classical music on the depth of sedation and propofol requirements for the induction of anaesthesia in dogs. Twenty dogs were involved, and each was subjected to three different treatments with a 3-month gap: Chopin music, Mozart music, and no music, via loudspeakers. The dogs were premedicated with acepromazine and butorphanol by intramuscular injection, and anaesthesia was induced using propofol intravenously. To compare the depth of sedation and propofol requirements for the induction of anaesthesia among the different treatments, we utilized non-parametric tests (Kruskal-Wallis test) for the depth of sedation due to a slight deviation from the normal distribution and parametric (ANOVA) for propofol requirements. When exposed to music (Chopin or Mozart), dogs exhibited deeper sedation and required less propofol for their intubation compared to the no-music treatment (p < 0.05). Exposure to classical music had a positive impact on the level of sedation, and more profound central nervous system depression seemed to contribute to approximately 20% lower propofol dose requirements for tracheal intubation. Therefore, classical music during the preoperative period appeared to exert a beneficial effect, at least when applying the specific pre-anaesthetic medications used in the present study.

Doppler Examination of the Testicular Artery of Beagle-Breed Dogs from Birth to Puberty.

The objectives were (a) the study of haemodynamic parameters of blood flow within the testicular artery, (b) the assessment of differences in these parameters at different segments of the artery (i.e., sequentially, as the artery flows through different regions of the testis), and (c) the identification of potential associations with measures of testicular maturation. Eight healthy beagle-breed male dogs were monitored at fortnightly intervals from the 4th to the 40th week of life, by using clinical, seminological, and ultrasonographic (B-mode, pulsed-wave Doppler) examinations. Haemodynamic parameters were assessed at four different segments of the testicular artery: at the distal supra-testicular, the marginal testicular at the cranial pole of the testis, the marginal testicular at the caudal pole of the testis, and the intratesticular. The study period was divided into three time slots (pre-puberty, puberty, and post-puberty) depending on testicular maturation and sperm production. No clinically evident abnormalities were seen in any animal throughout the study. Semen ejaculates were first collected on the 28th week, and spermatozoa were first seen on the 30th week of life. The results of B-mode examination indicated that in all dogs, the echogenicity of the testicular parenchyma was homogeneous. The waveforms of the blood flow in the testicular artery were monophasic with systolic peaks, low diastolic flow, and low vascular resistance. Most cases of significant differences between the three age periods were noted for the comparison of the pre-pubertal to pubertal periods (n = 11); among the parameters studied, the blood volume (n = 9) showed most instances of significant differences; finally, most cases of significant differences were noted in the distal supra-testicular artery (n = 12). Correlations were mainly seen for the end diastolic velocity, the peak systolic velocity and the blood volume (each with two semen evaluation parameters). The distal supra-testicular and the marginal artery at the cranial pole of the testis are recommended as the most appropriate segments of the vessel for performing a Doppler examination in the testicular artery due to the adequate size and the clear spectral waveforms as early as the 12th week of age of the animals.

Evaluation of Incisional Wound Healing in Dogs after Closure with Staples or Tissue Glue and Comparison to Intradermal Suture Pattern.

The study aimed to monitor the healing process in the canine skin following surgical incision and closure using staples or tissue glue and to compare them with the intradermal suture pattern. Surgically created skin incisions in 10 dogs were apposed with staples, tissue glue (n-butyl cyanoacrylate) and continuous intradermal pattern. The cosmetic appearance of the wounds was blindly evaluated on days 7, 14 and 28 and once a month until the end of the experiment, i.e., one year after the incision. Ultrasonographic and clinical evaluation was performed on days 0-10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 24 and 28, once a week until the end of the 3rd month and once a month until the end of the experiment. Histopathological evaluation was performed on days 7, 14, 28, 180 and 365. The median time required for the performance of each technique differed significantly between techniques; stapling lasted 21 s, glue 2 min 16 s and intradermal 15 min 37 s. Cosmetic appearance with glue was statistically worse than staples and intradermal. The clinical appearance of intradermal was significantly better than glue and staples. No significant differences were found at histological evaluation; however, glue had the worst score throughout the experiment. The overall evaluation of the techniques showed that glue had the worst score compared to intradermal and staples, with the difference being statistically significant in the first postoperative week. Intradermal suture pattern is much better than glue application for skin closure in dogs, whilst is not significantly better than staples. Staples should be preferred when time is an important factor.

Modern Imaging Techniques in the Study and Disease Diagnosis of the Mammary Glands of Animals.

The study of the structure and function of the animals' mammary glands is of key importance, as it reveals pathological processes at their onset, thus contributing to their immediate treatment. The most frequently studied mammary diseases are mastitis in cows and ewes and mammary tumours in dogs and cats. Various imaging techniques such as computed tomography, positron emission tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasonographic techniques (Doppler, contrast-enchanced, three-dimensional and elastography) are available and can be applied in research or clinical practice in order to evaluate possible abnormalities in mammary glands, as well as to assist in the differential diagnosis. In this review, the above imaging technologies are described, and the perspectives of each method are highlighted. It is inferred that ultrasonographic modalities are the most frequently used imaging techniques for the diagnosis of clinical or subclinical mastitis and treatment guidance on a farm. In companion animals, a combination of imaging techniques should be applied for a more accurate diagnosis of mammary tumours. In any case, the confirmation of the diagnosis is provided by laboratory techniques.

Proteomics Evaluation of Semen of Clinically Healthy Beagle-Breed Dogs.

The objectives of the present work were to evaluate the semen of dogs by means of proteomics methods and to compare with proteomics results of the blood of the animals, in order to increase available knowledge on the topic and present relevant reference values for semen samples. Semen samples were collected from five Beagle-breed dogs. Reproductive assessment of the animals by means of clinical, ultrasonographic and seminological examinations confirmed their reproductive health. The sperm-rich fraction and the prostatic fraction of semen were processed for proteomics evaluation. LC-MS/MS analysis was performed by means of a LTQ Orbitrap Elite system. The technology combines high separation capacity and strong qualitative ability of proteins in biological samples that require deep proteome coverage. Protein classification was performed based on their functional annotations using Gene Ontology (GO). In blood plasma, semen sperm-rich fraction, and semen prostatic fraction, 59, 42 and 43 proteins, respectively, were detected. Two proteins were identified simultaneously in plasma and the semen sperm-rich fraction, 11 proteins in plasma and the semen prostatic fraction, and three proteins in the semen sperm-rich and prostatic fractions. In semen samples, most proteins were related to cell organization and biogenesis, metabolic processes or transport of ions and molecules. Most proteins were located in the cell membrane, the cytosol or the nucleus. Finally, most proteins performed functions related to binding or enzyme regulation. There were no differences between the semen sperm-rich fraction and prostatic fractions in terms of the clustering of proteins. In conclusion, a baseline reference for proteins in the semen of Beagle-breed dogs is provided. These proteins are involved mostly in supporting spermatozoan maturation, survival and motility, enhancing the reproductive performance of male animals. There appears potential for the proteomics examination of semen to become a tool in semen evaluation. This analysis may potentially identify biomarkers for reproductive disorders. This can be particularly useful in stud animals, also given its advantage as a non-invasive method.

Comparison of continuous intradermal with simple interrupted suture pattern: an experimental study in dogs.

The aim of the study was to compare incisional wound healing in intradermal and simple interrupted suture patterns. Ten dogs were included. Surgically created skin incisions were apposed with (a) continuous intradermal pattern, (b) simple interrupted pattern, [both with 3/0 poliglecaprone 25], and (c) continuous intradermal pattern with 4/0 poliglecaprone 25. Cosmetic, clinical and histologic scores were evaluated. Simple interrupted sutures required significantly less time than intradermal sutures to complete. Cosmetic evaluation scoring was not statistically significant among the techniques. Irrespectively of the technique, the cosmetic, clinical and histologic appearance of the incisions improved over time. The cosmetic and histologic differences between the techniques were large during the first month, but decreased latter, whereas clinical differences persisted. The clinical appearance of the intradermal pattern was initially very good, worsened during the second postoperative month, and improved afterwards. Intradermal pattern with 4/0 poliglecaprone 25 was superior in terms of cosmetic, clinical and histologic appearance compared to simple interrupted pattern and to intradermal pattern with 3/0 poliglecaprone 25 for skin closure in dogs.

Recurrent horizontal transfer identifies mitochondrial positive selection in a transmissible cancer.

Autonomous replication and segregation of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) creates the potential for evolutionary conflict driven by emergence of haplotypes under positive selection for 'selfish' traits, such as replicative advantage. However, few cases of this phenomenon arising within natural populations have been described. Here, we survey the frequency of mtDNA horizontal transfer within the canine transmissible venereal tumour (CTVT), a contagious cancer clone that occasionally acquires mtDNA from its hosts. Remarkably, one canine mtDNA haplotype, A1d1a, has repeatedly and recently colonised CTVT cells, recurrently replacing incumbent CTVT haplotypes. An A1d1a control region polymorphism predicted to influence transcription is fixed in the products of an A1d1a recombination event and occurs somatically on other CTVT mtDNA backgrounds. We present a model whereby 'selfish' positive selection acting on a regulatory variant drives repeated fixation of A1d1a within CTVT cells.

Somatic evolution and global expansion of an ancient transmissible cancer lineage.

The canine transmissible venereal tumor (CTVT) is a cancer lineage that arose several millennia ago and survives by "metastasizing" between hosts through cell transfer. The somatic mutations in this cancer record its phylogeography and evolutionary history. We constructed a time-resolved phylogeny from 546 CTVT exomes and describe the lineage's worldwide expansion. Examining variation in mutational exposure, we identify a highly context-specific mutational process that operated early in the cancer's evolution but subsequently vanished, correlate ultraviolet-light mutagenesis with tumor latitude, and describe tumors with heritable hyperactivity of an endogenous mutational process. CTVT displays little evidence of ongoing positive selection, and negative selection is detectable only in essential genes. We illustrate how long-lived clonal organisms capture changing mutagenic environments, and reveal that neutral genetic drift is the dominant feature of long-term cancer evolution.

The Effect of a Hydrocolloid Dressing on Second Intention Wound Healing in Cats.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a hydrocolloid dressing on second intention wound healing in cats. Two full-thickness skin wounds, measuring 2 × 2 cm, were created on both sides of the dorsal midline of 10 cats; bilaterally, one randomly selected wound was bandaged with a hydrocolloid dressing and the second one (control) with a semiocclusive pad. Subjective clinical evaluation of granulation tissue formation, of the quantity and nature of wound exudate, and planimetry were performed on the right-side wounds, and histological examination on the left. No significant differences in subjective clinical evaluation or in planimetry were observed between the hydrocolloid-treated wounds and controls. Most wounds had serous or absence of exudate (41.25% and 25%, respectively), whereas purulent exudate was observed in 7.5% of wounds. Edema was significantly increased in the hydrocolloid-treated wounds compared with controls on day 7 but no significant differences in the other histological variables were observed.

Effects of two occlusive, hydrocolloid dressings on healing of full-thickness skin wounds in cats.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of two occlusive, hydrocolloid dressings on second intention wound healing in cats. METHODS: Three 2×2 cm full-thickness skin wounds were created on each side of the trunk of 10 cats. Two bilateral wounds were bandaged using different hydrocolloid dressings, namely Hydrocoll and DuoDerm while a semi-occlusive pad (Melolin) was applied to the third bilateral wound (control group). Wound planimetry, subjective evaluation of wound healing, and qualitative bacterial cultures were performed on the right-sided wounds, whereas left-sided wounds were subjected to histological examination. RESULTS: Subjective evaluation revealed accelerated (p <0.01) granulation tissue formation in hydrocolloid-treated wounds. The amount of wound exudate was initially greater (p <0.01) in these wounds. Seventeen out of 120 evaluated wounds (14.2%) produced purulent exudate, 11 of which showed Staphylococcus aureus growth. Fewer control wounds (3/17) emitted purulent exudate, but all of them yielded moderate bacterial growth as compared to hydrocolloid-treated wounds (8/17) which had a low incidence of bacterial growth. The only significant difference in histological variables was increased cellular infiltration noted on day 7 in Hydrocoll-treated wounds compared to controls. No significant differences in planimetry variables were found between groups. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Despite the initially increased amount of wound exudate and the low growth of Staphylococcus aureus, hydrocolloid dressings accelerate granulation tissue formation and can hence be suggested for second intention wound healing in cats.

Ultrasonographic findings in the ovine udder during lactogenesis in healthy ewes or ewes with pregnancy toxaemia.

Objective of the study was to record, by means of ultrasonographic examination, changes occurring during lactogenesis in the udder of healthy ewes and of ewes with pregnancy toxaemia. The work was carried out in 28 ewes, 16 with pregnancy toxaemia (group A) and 12 healthy controls (group B). B-mode and Doppler ultrasonographic examination of the udder of ewes was performed. During the last month of pregnancy, grey-scale intensity values of mammary parenchyma in group A were significantly greater than in group B (P = 0.007), as was also the progressive increase in grey-scale intensity values in both groups (P < 0.001). Blood mammary input was significantly greater in ewes of group B than in ewes of group A (P < 0.05), as was also the progressive increase in blood input in both groups (P < 0.001). Further, differences between the two groups were identified in pulsatility index (P = 0.007) and in mean blood velocity (P = 0.036), but only during the last fortnight of pregnancy. After lambing, grey-scale values decreased sharply compared to those in pregnancy (P < 0.01), whilst blood input, pulsatility index and mean blood velocity continued the same trend as at the last stage of pregnancy, with differences between the two groups still prevalent (P < 0.05). There was a reverse correlation between grey-scale intensity values and milk quantities (P < 0.035) and a correlation between blood input and milk quantities (P < 0.07). The progressive increase in the diameter of the external pudendal artery was significant (P < 0.001), but no significant differences were evident between the two groups (P > 0.35). Differences between group A and group B in all other haemodynamic parameters studied were not significant, neither throughout the last month of pregnancy (P > 0.25), nor during the first week of lactation (P > 0.06). However, their progressive changes during the last month of pregnancy were significant (P < 0.02).

Ultrasonographic findings in the ovine udder during involution.

The objective of the study was to record, by means of ultrasonographic examination, changes occurring in the udder of ewes during involution and to compare differences between progressive or abrupt udder drying-off. In group A ewes, udder drying-off took place progressively during a period of 22 d; ewes were milked twice daily for the last time on day(D) 0; then, they were hand-milked once daily for a week (D1-D7), which was followed by another week during which ewes were hand-milked once every 2 d (D9, D11, D13), followed by a third week during which ewes were hand-milked once every 3 d (D16, D19, D22). In group B ewes, the procedure took place abruptly; ewes were milked twice daily for the last time on D0 and no milking was carried out after that. B-mode and Doppler ultrasonographic examination of the udder of all ewes was performed throughout the drying-off procedure. Appropriate data management and analysis were performed. Progressive changes of the various parameters evaluated throughout the study period were significant in both groups (P<0.005). Gray-scale results of mammary parenchyma progressively decreased during the study and differed significantly between group A and group B (P=0.049). A temporary increase in cistern volume was evident after cessation of lactation, but differences were not significant between the two groups (P>0.3). Diameter of the external pudendal artery progressively decreased during the study and differed significantly between the two groups (P=0.037). Both resistance index and pulsatility index progressively increased throughout the study period in both groups; for both parameters, differences between the two groups were significant (P<0.0005). B-mode ultrasonographic examination indicated differences in remodelling of the extracellular matrix in relation to the procedure for udder drying-off. Volume of the gland cistern did not appear to be affected by the procedure for udder drying-off. Doppler ultrasonographic examination confirmed that blood flow during initiated involution was lower than during a progressive procedure for drying-off.

High-frequency ultrasound biomicroscopy of the normal canine haired skin.

BACKGROUND: The ultrasonographic appearance of the normal canine haired skin examined using high-frequency ultrasonography has not been described. HYPOSTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To describe the echogenicity of normal canine haired skin using high-frequency (50 MHz) ultrasonography and to compare ultrasonographic with histological measurements of skin thickness using snap-frozen tissue biopsy samples. ANIMALS: Ten normal healthy beagle dogs. METHODS: Ultrasonographic examination was performed on eight cutaneous sites by use of a 50 MHz polyvinylidene difluoride transducer. The skin echogenicity was evaluated, and the mean of 10 skin thickness measurements was calculated. Ultrasonography results were compared with histological findings of skin cryosections stained with haematoxylin and eosin, as well as with histometric measurements of skin thickness. Differences in the ultrasonographic and histological measurements among biopsy sites, age and sex of the animals were also examined. RESULTS: The skin layers and hair follicles could be identified with high-frequency ultrasound biomicroscopy in all eight examination sites of all 10 dogs. There was a highly significant, positive association between the ultrasonographic and histological measurements (P < 0.001) of skin thickness. For both ultrasonographic and histological skin thickness measurements, there were no statistically significant differences between sex, age or among the different examination sites. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Cutaneous ultrasound biomicroscopy using a 50 MHz transducer is a useful tool for the following applications: (i) to identify the skin layers (including the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous fat); (ii) to demonstrate the hair follicles in various areas of the haired skin; and (iii) to measure the thickness of normal canine skin accurately.

Impact of fine needle aspiration (FNA) and of the number of punctures on the feline testis: clinical, gross anatomy and histological assessment.

The safety of testicular fine needle aspiration (FNA) has been proven in dogs but has not been fully established in men, while studies in rats have given contradictory results. Furthermore, the extent of damage inflicted by multiple punctures is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of FNA and of the number of punctures on the feline testis with clinical, gross anatomy and histological examinations. Twenty-seven sexually mature healthy laboratory Domestic Shorthair cats were randomly assigned to two groups: 5 cats in which no FNA was performed (control group), and 22 cats which had their left and right testis punctured with a 26 ga needle towards 3 and 8 directions, respectively (experimental group). Two cats at a time were orchiectomized 5 or 30 min, 1, 2, 4, 7 or 14 days or 1, 2, 3 or 4 mo post-aspiration. The cats of the control group were also orchiectomized. During the first week post-aspiration clinical examination revealed vaginal cavity hematoma (8/44 testes), while the histological findings were focal hemorrhagic areas (20/24 testes), erythrocytes inside the seminiferous tubules' lumen (9/24 testes), and germinal cell degeneration in <1.94% of the seminiferous tubules (15/24 testes). After the first week the histological findings were germinal cell degeneration in <2.14% of the seminiferous tubules (19/20 testes) and enlargement of the lumen of <5.16% of the seminiferous tubules (7/20 testes). The germinal epithelium and interstitium had an overall normal appearance. No significant differences were observed between the left and right testis. The results of the study indicate that testicular FNA should be considered a safe procedure in the cat when up to 8 punctures are performed.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux during anaesthesia in the kitten: comparison between use of a laryngeal mask airway or an endotracheal tube.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the incidence of gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) during anaesthesia in the kitten when using a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) or an endotracheal tube (ET). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective randomized cross-over experimental study. ANIMALS: Forty Domestic Short Hair laboratory cats, 19 females and 21 males, aged 12-15 weeks and weighing 0.57-1.73 kg (mean 1.13 +/- SD 0.26). METHODS: Kittens were anaesthetized twice, once using the LMA and once the ET. Following induction of anaesthesia with isoflurane in an anaesthetic chamber and intubation of the trachea with the ET or placement of the LMA, a pH-electrode was introduced into the lower oesophagus. Monitoring of the oesophageal pH was performed for 45 minutes while anaesthesia was maintained with isoflurane. At the end of the experiment, gastric pH was measured. Kittens that had GOR during the experiment were treated with sucralfate, cisapride and ranitidine for 15 days. Results Oesophageal pH was 6.51 +/- 0.76 and gastric pH was 1.54 +/- 0.59. GOR was observed in nine kittens when the ET was used, and in 20 kittens when the LMA was used, the difference being significant (p = 0.013). The refluxate nearly always was acidic, being alkaline in only one kitten. Most of the GOR episodes occurred shortly after induction of anaesthesia and the oesophageal pH remained below 4.0 until the end of the experiment. No regurgitation was observed. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of the LMA is associated with an increased incidence of GOR during anaesthesia in the kitten, which is not detected by observation. That this may have occurred should be considered if the kitten demonstrates signs of oesophagitis in the postoperative period.

Vaginal fold prolapse during the last third of pregnancy, followed by normal parturition, in a bitch.

This article describes a 1.5-year-old female, Greek Hound dog, weighing 16 kg, presented with a type III vaginal prolapse which occurred during the last third of pregnancy. Trans-abdominal ultrasonography revealed four live foetuses in the uterine horns. The animal was hospitalized and 4 days later gave birth without any interference. Three days later, resection of the prolapsed tissue was performed and the bitch recovered completely. Recurrence of a type I vaginal prolapse was observed 4 months later, during subsequent oestrus. This case is unusual because, although vaginal fold prolapse is mainly seen during proestrus/oestrus or during parturition, it was first noticed 47 days after mating and 13 days before parturition. Furthermore, even though the prolapse of vaginal fold was of type III and of considerable size, parturition proceeded normally. Finally, even though resection of the prolapsed tissue was performed 3 days after parturition, recurrence of vaginal fold oedema (type I) was observed in the subsequent oestrus.

Comparison between ultrasonographic and caliper measurements of testicular volume in the dog.

The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of two methods used to clinically estimate testicular volume in the dog. Caliper and ultrasonographic measurements of testicular dimensions (length, width and height) of both testes were performed on 21 adult Beagles. Either measurement was taken in vivo over the scrotal skin and again in vitro after castration, excluding or including, when possible, the epididymis. In a sub-sample of 14 testes of 7 randomly selected dogs, the testicular volume was calculated by the formula of an ellipsoid: length (l)xwidth (w)xheight (h)x0.5236, and the empiric formula of Lambert: (l)x(w)x(h)x0.71. The calculated volumes were then compared to the actual ones, which were estimated by water displacement. For each measurement method, the formula that estimated more accurately the true testicular volume was, subsequently, applied to the calculation of the testicular volume of the remaining testes. The formula of ellipsoid estimated testicular volume more accurately when in vivo and in vitro caliper measurements and in vitro ultrasound measurements were performed. The formula of Lambert estimated testicular volume more accurately when in vivo ultrasound measurements were performed. The volumes calculated from the measurements of calipers over the scrotal skin overestimated true volumes, on average, by 69+/-27% (concordance correlation coefficient r(ccc)=0.49). By contrast, those calculated from the ultrasonography measurements were more accurate, overestimating the true volumes by 17+/-24% (rccc=0.81). Therefore, ultrasonography when the formula of Lambert is used is more accurate than caliper methods for the estimation of testicular volume in clinical practice and should be the method of choice.

Clinical, ultrasonographic and pathological features following unilateral vasectomy in rams.

The effects of vasectomy on testes and related structures of animal species and men are largely disputable. These possible effects were studied in the ram, an established experimental animal model used to investigate genitalia pathophysiology. In each of five rams, vasectomy in the left spermatic cord was carried out; subsequently, the clinical and ultrasonographic features were monitored up to 12 months post-operatively. The rams were sequentially euthanatized 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months post-operatively; gross- and histo-pathological examination of their testes and related structures were carried out. Four of the five rams developed sperm granulomas at the proximal to the testis end of vas deferens or/and at the tail of the epididymis; these were palpable from the first and the third month after vasectomy, respectively. Ultrasonographic findings on the vasectomy side were increased size and echogenicity of the epididymal tail, as well as anechoic areas, representing sperm granulomas, visible in the epididymal tail 1 week after vasectomy and in the proximal to the testis end of vas deferens 4 weeks after vasectomy. Gross pathological findings were limited on the vasectomy side and included adhesions between the parietal and the visceral vaginal tunic, enlarged and firm epididymal tail and presence of sperm granulomas at the epididymal tail or/and at the proximal to the testis end of vas deferens; the granulomas contained creamy material. Histopathological changes were observed mainly in the epididymal tails, consisting of a central mass of spermatozoa, surrounded by a layer of macrophages, surrounded in turn by loose vascular connective tissue rich in lymphocytes and plasma cells. With the exception of signs of mild hypospermatogenesis observed in one ram euthanatized 9 months after surgery, and of a slight increase in seminiferous tubule diameter and in seminiferous epithelium height in the rams euthanatized 6 and 9 months after surgery, which are both findings of no clinical importance, no clinical, ultrasonographic, gross- or other histo-pathological changes were observed in the testicular parenchyma during a 12-month post-operative period. These results demonstrate that vasectomy has little if any detrimental effect on the morphologic characteristics of the spermatogenesis in rams.