Distribution of uterine histological changes in aged captive cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus).

The histological effect on the felid uterus of sterilization, via ovariectomy or salpingectomy, is currently unknown. To investigate the association of ovariectomy or salpingectomy with uterine health, it is first necessary to establish if changes are distributed evenly throughout the uterus. Both laparoscopic ovariectomy and salpingectomy with concurrent sampling of the tip of the uterine horn are possible in the cheetah. Currently accepted practice for histopathological screening of the uterus utilizes four biopsy samples. It is not known whether this method accurately reflects the status of the entire uterus. In this study we histologically examined the uteri of six older cheetahs (one 7-year-old and five 10-10.5-year-old animals) via 21 tissue samples (three samples from seven different anatomical regions) per cheetah to determine overall uterine health. Although no defined lesions were detected, mild endometrial gland dilation, assumed to be of no functional consequence, was observed in multiple samples. The odds of observing this dilation was lowest in the uterine body and progressively increased in a cranial direction, being significantly higher at the tip of the uterine horns (OR = 11.5; 95% CI, 2.0-65.1; p = 0.006). This supported the reliability of sampling the tip of the uterine horn to screen for endometrial gland dilation.

Long Bone Fractures in Impala (Aepyceros melampus): A Classification System and Review of 55 Cases.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to introduce a modified-Unger fracture classification in impala and report the findings of 58 long bone fractures classified according to this system. METHODS: This was a retrospective radiographical study evaluating 122 radiographs of 58 long bone fractures in 55 impala. The Unger fracture classification was modified and fracture illustrations for the metacarpal and metatarsal bones added. Each fracture was classified and assigned a four symbol α-numeric code using our classification. The patient signalment, skeletal maturity, fracture-associated soft tissue changes, presence of fissure lines, periosteal reaction and cause of the fracture were recorded. RESULTS: The overall fracture distribution based on location, found tibial (n = 17) fractures to be the most common fractured long bone. When combined, the majority of fractures involved the metacarpal and metatarsal bones (n = 23). Forty five of 58 fractures occurred in the diaphyseal bone segment. In all long bones, the distribution based on complexity was simple (n = 27), wedge (n = 16) and multi-fragmentary (n = 15) fractures. Thirty one of 58 fractures were open and fissure lines were detected in 20 of 58 fractures. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Our modified-Unger fracture classification was applicable in classifying 58 impala long bone fractures. This classification should provide the basis for further advances in veterinary and comparative ungulates, and particularly the antelopes, orthopaedics and traumatology.

Morphology of the Uterotubal Junction of the Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus).

Less than 7,000 cheetahs survive in the wild. Captive breeding has proved notoriously difficult. The uterotubal junction acts as major barrier and regulator to the passage of sperm. This study describes the morphology of the uterotubal junction of the cheetah. Reproductive tracts were obtained from seven cheetahs that succumbed from natural causes or were euthanized for humane reasons. The uterotubal junction was isolated and examined macroscopically and microscopically. The extramural isthmus made a characteristic 90° bend before entering the mesometrial border of the uterus close to its tip. The intramural isthmus had approximately four primary folds lined by nonciliated cuboidal to low cuboidal epithelium. The Tunica muscularis was robust, merged with its uterine counterparts and consisted of an inner circular layer and outer longitudinal smooth muscle layer. The uterine ostium opened via a muscular and glandular papilla that projected from the apex of the uterine lumen. A sharply demarcated circular zone of simple columnar epithelial cells surrounded the uterine ostium and separated the simple cuboidal to low cuboidal cells of the isthmus and uterine epithelium from each other. Branched tubulo-alveolar glands, some with dilated lumens, were present in the papilla and sometimes extended into the adjacent endometrium. These glands might act as sperm storage areas, and could easily be confused with cystic endometrial hyperplasia. Low transverse endometrial ridges surrounded the papilla and extended caudally for a short distance before disappearing. The uterine glands were lined by a simple cuboidal epithelium. Anat Rec, 302:1855-1864, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy.

Laparoscopic repositioning of chronic gastric volvulus in a dog.

A 12-year-old spayed Newfoundland bitch was presented with chronic non-productive vomiting, regurgitation and coughing of six weeks' duration. On clinical examination, the dog was depressed with no other significant findings. Haematology and biochemistry investigations detected no abnormalities. Thoracic and abdominal radiographs revealed a megaoesophagus and an abnormally positioned pylorus. A thoracic and abdominal computed tomography scan confirmed the abnormal position of the stomach, together with moderate aspiration pneumonia. Laparoscopic examination of the peritoneal cavity revealed the greater omentum wrapped over the stomach, with a fold visualised between the abnormally positioned pyloric antrum and the gastric corpus. A 180-degree clockwise gastric rotation was laparoscopically diagnosed and corrected. The normal position of the stomach was confirmed before a laparoscopic-assisted incisional gastropexy was performed. Post-operatively the vomiting and regurgitation resolved and the patient was discharged. Twenty-four hours after discharge, the dog was presented with deteriorating clinical signs of aspiration pneumonia. The owner declined treatment, additional diagnostics as well as a necropsy and requested euthanasia. Chronic gastric volvulus should be considered as a rare differential diagnosis in dogs with non-specific, chronic gastrointestinal signs. Radiography, computed tomography and laparoscopy are valuable diagnostic aids in making this diagnosis. Chronic gastric volvulus can be successfully reduced laparoscopically as reported here for the first time.

Comparative efficacy of three antiseptics as surgical skin preparations in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the antimicrobial efficacy of a 2% chlorhexidine gluconate and 70% ethanol solution (CG+A) with that of F10 Skin Prep Solution (F10) and electrochemically activated water (EAW) when used as a surgical preparation in canine patients. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective randomized clinical study. SAMPLE POPULATION: One hundred sixteen dogs presented for ovariohysterectomy. METHODS: Dogs were randomly divided into 1 of the 3 antiseptic groups (CG+A, F10, EAW). Skin samples with replicating organism detection and counting plates were taken at 4 different perioperative sites and time intervals (postskin preparation, postskin antisepsis, 2 hours after the second sample, and at the end of surgery) during ovariohysterectomies performed by students. The colony forming unit (CFU) counts from each sample were quantified according to the level of bacterial contamination. Zero CFU was defined as no contamination, 1-12 CFU was defined as low contamination, and greater than 12 CFU was defined as high contamination. The 3 antiseptics were compared with respect to the level of contamination. RESULTS: There was no difference in the level of colonization between the antiseptics at the first sampling time (P = .454). However, the level of contamination for CG+A was lower compared with F10 and EAW at the second, third, and fourth sampling times (P = .001, P = .01, P = .02, respectively). CONCLUSION: CG+A was more effective at achieving a zero CFU count and low levels of contamination compared with F10 and EAW for surgical preparation in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study does not provide evidence to support the use of F10 and EAW instead of CG+A for the surgical skin preparation of dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy.

Effects of thiopentone, propofol and alfaxalone on laryngeal motion during oral laryngoscopy in healthy dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of thiopentone, propofol and alfaxalone on arytenoid cartilage motion and establish the dose rates to achieve a consistent oral laryngoscopy examination. STUDY DESIGN: Randomised crossover study. ANIMALS: Six healthy adult Beagle dogs. METHODS: Each dog was randomly administered three induction agents with a 1-week washout period between treatments. Thiopentone (7.5 mg kg-1), propofol (3 mg kg-1) or alfaxalone (1.5 mg kg-1) was administered over 1 minute for induction of anaesthesia. If the dog was deemed inadequately anaesthetised, then supplemental boluses of 1.8, 0.75 and 0.4 mg kg-1 were administered, respectively. Continual examination of the larynx, using a laryngoscope, commenced once an adequate anaesthetic depth was reached until examination end point. The number of arytenoid motions and vital breaths were counted during three time periods and compared over time and among treatments. Data were analysed using Friedman and Mann-Whitney U tests, Spearman rho and a linear mixed model with post hoc pairwise comparison with Tukey correction. RESULTS: The median (range) induction and examination times were 2.8 (2.0-3.0), 2.7 (2.0-3.3) and 2.5 (1.7-3.3) minutes (p = 0.727); and 14.1 (8.0-41.8), 5.4 (3.3-14.8) and 8.5 (3.8-31.6) minutes (p = 0.016) for thiopentone, propofol and alfaxalone, respectively. The median dose rates required to achieve an adequate anaesthetic depth were 6.3 (6.0-6.6), 2.4 (2.4-2.4) and 1.2 (1.2-1.2) mg kg-1 minute-1, respectively. There was no significant difference for the total number of arytenoid motions (p = 0.662) or vital breaths (p = 0.789) among induction agents. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The number of arytenoid motions were similar among the induction agents. However, at the dose rates used in this study, propofol provided adequate conditions for evaluation of the larynx with a shorter examination time which may be advantageous during laryngoscopy in dogs.

LAPAROSCOPIC SALPINGECTOMY IN TWO CAPTIVE LEOPARDS (PANTHERA PARDUS) USING A SINGLE PORTAL ACCESS SYSTEM.

Laparoscopic salpingectomy was performed in two adult leopards (Panthera pardus) using a single portal access system, with a multicannulated single-incision laparoscopic surgery port, without any complications. The poorly developed ovarian bursa provided easy access to the uterine tube for salpingectomy. Laparoscopic salpingectomy can be safely performed in the leopard using a single portal access system.

Single-Incision Laparoscopic Sterilization of the Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus).

OBJECTIVE: To describe laparoscopic ovariectomy and salpingectomy in the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) using single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort. ANIMALS: Female cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) (n = 21). METHODS: Cheetahs were randomly divided to receive either ovariectomy (n = 11) or salpingectomy (n = 10). The use and complications of a SILS port was evaluated in all of cheetahs. Surgery duration and insufflation volumes of carbon dioxide (CO2 ) were recorded and compared across procedures. RESULTS: Laparoscopic ovariectomy and salpingectomy were performed without complications using a SILS port. The poorly-developed mesosalpinx and ovarian bursa facilitated access to the uterine tube for salpingectomy in the cheetah. The median surgery duration for ovariectomy was 24 minutes (interquartile range 3) and for salpingectomy was 19.5 minutes (interquartile range 3) (P = .005). The median volume of CO2 used for ovariectomy was 11.25 L (interquartile range 3.08) and for salpingectomy was 4.90 L (interquartile range 2.52), (P = .001) CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic ovariectomy and salpingectomy can be performed in the cheetah using SILS without perioperative complications. Salpingectomy is faster than ovariectomy and requires less total CO2 for insufflation.

Laparoscopic sterilization of the African Lioness (Panthera leo).

OBJECTIVE: To describe laparoscopic ovariectomy and salpingectomy in the African lioness (Panthera leo). STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive clinical study. ANIMALS: Female lions (n = 16). METHODS: Lionesses were randomly divided into 2 groups: O = ovariectomy (n = 8) and S = salpingectomy (n = 8) for laparoscopic surgery. Two Veress needle placement techniques were used. RESULTS: Laparoscopic ovariectomy and salpingectomy were performed without complications. The poorly developed mesosalpinx and ovarian bursa rendered the uterine tube more accessible for salpingectomy compared to the dog making the procedure easier in the lioness. Similarly, salpingectomy is a relatively easier procedure compared with ovariectomy especially when the modified Hasson technique for Veress needle placement is used. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic ovariectomy and salpingectomy can be safely performed in the African lioness.

Ultrasonographic and laparoscopic evaluation of the reproductive tract of the captive female African lion (Panthera leo).

The use of transabdominal ultrasonography to assess the oestrous cycle has not been previously described in the African lion (Panthera leo). Twelve sexually mature lionesses and five female cubs had their reproductive organs assessed by transabdominal ultrasound. Ovarian findings were compared to laparoscopic findings while performing laparoscopic ovariectomy or salpingectomy. Vaginal cytology was performed and serum progesterone levels were determined. By combining all data the oestrous cycle stage of each lion was determined. One lion was far pregnant and was not operated on. In adults a uterine body could be seen ultrasonographically in 67% of lions while mural structures could be distinguished in 44% of lions. Five uterine horns could be seen in 3 lions. In 12 adults 10 ovaries were found of which eight had discernable follicles or luteal structures. During laparoscopy 12 active ovaries were seen with luteal structures seen in 11 ovaries and follicles in 2 ovaries. Using laparoscopy as the gold standard, ultrasonography had a sensitivity of 66% and specificity of 83% to detect ovarian reproductive activity. Two uterine cysts and a cluster of periovarian cysts were seen in three different lions. Three lions were pregnant, two were in oestrus, three in a luteal phase (dioestrus), and four were in anoestrus. Transabdominal ultrasound in combination with serum progesterone levels and vaginal cytology can be used to assess ovarian cyclical activity with reasonable accuracy in captive bred lions.