Comparison of Two Preoperative Radiographic Methods for Assessing Tibial Tuberosity Advancement to Achieve a Postoperative Patella Tendon Angle of 90° in Dogs.

Previous studies have suggested that the preoperative methods used to plan tibial tuberosity advancement in dogs may result in under-advancement. Therefore, this cadaveric study compared the effectiveness of the common tangent method and the tibial-anatomy-based method for achieving a target patellar tendon angle (PTA) of 90° after the modified Maquet procedure. Twenty stifle joints of mesomorphic dogs were randomly assigned to the two measurement methods. Radiographs taken in the mediolateral projection were used to measure tibial tuberosity advancement, and the wedge size was selected accordingly. For each surgical procedure, a custom-made three-dimensional wedge matched to an OrthoFoam wedge was used as a spacer. Postoperative radiographs were used to measure the PTA and to evaluate the position of the wedge. The measured advancement was not significantly different between the two methods. For 60% of the cases, the advancement measured using the common tangent method was <5.3 mm and the wedge size was increased to match that of commercially available wedges. Consequently, there was a significant difference between the measurements and wedges selected between the two procedures. The postoperative PTA did not differ significantly between the two methods and was 90° ± 5° in 80% of the stifles. The position of the wedge relative to the osteotomy was not significantly different between the methods. In conclusion, the advancement determined using the tibial-anatomy-based method was generally consistent with the size of commercially available wedges, and the method yielded a mean postoperative PTA of 90°.

Electroretinography, Ocular Ultrasonography, and Phacoemulsification of Bilateral Cataracts in Two Juvenile Loggerhead Sea Turtles (Caretta caretta) of the Mediterranean Region.

Bilateral cataracts were diagnosed in two rescued juvenile, immature loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta), weighing 1.65 and 1.7 kg. Both animals showed vision impairment and difficulty in feeding without assistance. In fact, they did not notice the presence of the food in the tank unless it was brought close to touching the mouth. Ocular ultrasonography and electroretinography showed no lesions of the vitreal body and retinal layer, therefore, both animals were candidates for bilateral cataract surgery. Topical administration of tropicamide + phenylephrine alternating with rocuronium resulted in only minimal mydriasis. Administration of intracameral rocuronium did not improve mydriasis. Phacoemulsification using a one-handed technique was performed bilaterally with a phacoemulsification device (Sovereign, AMO (Abbott Medical Optics®). After surgery, the systemic anti-inflammatory drug (dexamethasone 0.2 mg/kg, IM daily for one week) and antibiotics (enrofloxacin 10 mg/kg IM q 72 h, for 4 weeks; ceftazidime 20 mg/kg IM q 72 h for 3 weeks) were administered. Topical ofloxacin, flurbiprofen and tobramycin/dexamethasone were instilled TID for 4 weeks. Both turtles regained vision in both eyes. Results at a 10-month follow-up were satisfactory. This is the first report of cataracts in turtles rescued in the Mediterranean Sea and the first description of surgical treatment of cataracts in loggerhead turtles so young.

Outcomes of Treatment of Eyelids and Third Eyelid Tumours in Dogs Using High-Frequency Radiowave Surgery.

In human ophthalmology, the benefits of using high-frequency radiowave (HFR) electrocautery for surgical procedures were demonstrated and include effective haemostasis, shorter surgery times, and rapid recovery. In canine eyelid surgery, intraoperative bleeding is a common feature that may obscure the surgical field view and lead to the increased swelling of adjacent tissues, bruising, and pain. To evaluate the efficacy and benefits of HFR electrocautery in canine eyelid and third eyelid surgery, the medical records of 48 surgical excisions of eyelid tumours (involving up to one-third of the eyelid length) and 4 third eyelid excisions were reviewed. The information was collected including the breed, age, clinical signs, HFR power setting and mode of the surgical unit, electrode used for the surgery, intraoperative complications, histopathological diagnosis, and postoperative outcomes. Surgical techniques were performed using the Surgitron Dual 3.8 MHz Frequency RF device (Ellman International, Oceanside, NY, USA). Intraoperative bleeding was recorded as absent or very mild, and the surgical procedures were very fast. No complications occurred during the procedures. Healing within 10 days was observed in all the dogs. No tumour recurrences were recorded at the 12-month follow-up. HFR electrosurgery proved to be a safe, effective, and easy-to-perform technique for the removal of eyelid and third eyelid tumours in dogs.

Retrobulbar Filling for Enophthalmos Treatment in Dogs: Technique, Description and Computed-Tomographic Evaluation. Preliminary Cadaveric Study.

A new therapeutic approach for enophthalmos may be retrobulbar lipofilling. This study aims to standardize the intraconal filling technique and to evaluate the degree of eyeball displacement by computed tomography (CT). Skull CT was performed on six dog cadavers before and after intraconal injection of two 5% iodinated, viscoelastic solutions, one per eye, using an ultrasound-guided supratemporal approach. The volume to be injected was calculated using formulas for retrobulbar cone anesthesia. After CT, the dogs underwent necropsy and histopathology to evaluate damages that eventually occurred to retrobulbar structures. Eyeball displacement was estimated using two CT-based methods, named M1 and M2. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed no significant difference between the two injected materials in both M1 (p > 0.99), and M2 (lateral p = 0.84 and rostral p = 0.84 displacement). A statistically significant difference was found between the pre- and post-injection group M1 (p = 0.002), M2 (p = 0.004) for the lateral and (p = 0.003) for rostral displacement. Although the slight eyeball displacement, the retrobulbar filling can lead to enophthalmos resolution. Compared to M1, the M2 method has better-defined anatomical landmarks. Further, preclinical in vivo studies are necessary to assess retrobulbar filling efficacy and safety.

Endoscopic and Surgical Removal of Gastrointestinal Foreign Bodies in Dogs: An Analysis of 72 Cases.

In emergency veterinary practice, gastrointestinal foreign body (GFB) removal is a common procedure that is performed with different techniques, such as endoscopy or surgery. The aims of this retrospective, multicentre, clinical study were to report the common locations and types of objects recovered and to investigate clinical factors and outcomes in dogs after surgical or endoscopic treatment for GFB removal. Records of dogs with a GFB diagnosis referred to the Teaching Veterinary Hospital or treated in three different veterinary hospitals from September 2017 to September 2019 were examined. The data obtained from each case included breed, age, clinical signs at presentation, duration of clinical signs, type and location of the GFB, treatment, length of hospitalisation and outcome. Seventy-two dogs were enrolled in the study. There were 42 males (58%) and 30 females (42%). The median age was 36 months (range: 3 months to 8 years). Endoscopic retrieval was performed in 56% of GFBs (located in the stomach or duodenum), whereas 44% of dogs underwent surgery. The type of FB detected varied greatly: kid toy (14%), metallic object/coin (13%), cloth (13%), sock (8%), ball (8%), plastic material (8%), peach stone (7%), fishhook (6%), sewing needle (4%), hair tie (4%), pacifier (3%), plant materials (3%) and others (9%). Moreover, the FBs were classified as sharp (13%, n = 9), pointed (33%, n = 24), blunt (26%, n = 19), or linear (28%, n = 20). In this study, 68% of FBs were localised in the stomach, 25% in the intestinal tract (50% duodenum, 28% jejunum, and 22% ileum), and 7% in both the stomach and small intestine. The type of GFB was not significantly associated with age, site or breed. There was a significant association between the type of GFB and sex: if the dog was male, there was a 38% probability of ingesting linear GFBs. The dog survival rate was 100% in cases treated by gastric endoscopic or surgical removal, 94% in cases treated with enterotomy and 33% in cases in which enterectomy was necessary. Enterectomy and multiple surgical sites were associated with a poor outcome. The presence of vomiting for more than 24 h was significantly associated with death.

Symblepharon, Ankyloblepharon, and Salt Gland Dysfunction in a Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta).

Adhesions involving the bulbar and the palpebral conjunctiva (Symblepharon) may interfere with tear drainage, cause chronic conjunctivitis, and reduce ocular motility. This condition may be associated with adhesion of the edges of the upper and lower eyelids (ankyloblepharon). The present case describes bilateral symblepharon, ankyloblepharon and salt gland dysfunction in a juvenile Caretta caretta. The loggerhead presented both eyelids swollen, ulcerated, and not separable when rescued. Eye examination was not possible, but ultrasonography showed right bulbar integrity, while the left eye was smaller, with a thicker cornea that had lost its normal doubled lined structure. Surgical dissection of the fibrous adhesions between the palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva, cornea, and third eyelid was performed, and large dacryoliths were removed. The microscopic findings were consistent with chronic keratoconjunctivitis. Ultrastructurally, no virus-like particles were observed. In addition, tissue samples were negative for herpesvirus by qualitative PCR. The eyelids of both eyes and the corneal epithelium of the right eye healed; moreover, the vision was restored in the right eye. There were no recurrences after 12 months of follow-up, and the turtle was released 16 months after the end of treatments on the southern Tyrrhenian coast in the western Mediterranean Sea. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of symblepharon with ankyloblepharon and salt gland dysfunction in Caretta caretta turtle. Ocular ultrasonography was helpful in the preliminary diagnostic work-up.

COMPARISON OF INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE MEASUREMENT USING REBOUND AND APPLANATION TONOMETRY IN LOGGERHEAD (CARETTA CARETTA) SEA TURTLES.

This study aimed to evaluate intraocular pressure (IOP) estimates in healthy eyes of Caretta caretta using rebound tonometry in comparison with applanation tonometry. Twenty-three healthy C. caretta (housed at the Marine Turtle Research Center) without preexisting ophthalmic disease were enrolled in the study. IOP measurements were obtained by the same ophthalmologist, with the turtle in ventral recumbency between 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., using a rebound tonometer (RT; TonoVet) in dog calibration mode, and after topical anesthesia, an applanation tonometer (AT; Tono-Pen) in both eyes. The average of three readings per instrument was used for analysis. The agreement between the two tonometers was assessed by Bland-Altman analysis and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Moreover, differences in IOP between the two tonometers were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test. Moderate agreement was found between the two tonometers (ICC, 0.663; 95% confidence interval, 0.206-0.857). The median, Q1, and Q3 IOP obtained with AT (6.2, 4.7, and 9.1 mm Hg) were significantly lower (P = 0.001) than that obtained with RT (9.7, 8.3, and 11.6 mm Hg). It was not possible to obtain an instrument automatically generated mean of four values with AT because of retraction of the globe by the animals, and IOP measurement was unsuccessful in 7 eyes. In conclusion, IOP readings from the RT were statistically higher than those from the AT. RT proved to be more feasible because of the light, short-lasting contact with the cornea.

Assessment of living conditions in wild boars by analysis of oxidative stress markers.

This study demonstrated that it is possible to differentiate wild boars living in habitats with different animal densities by the measurement of oxidative stress markers. Therefore, reactive oxygen metabolites, the antioxidant barrier, i.e., the biological antioxidant potential and the antioxidative power (OXY-Adsorbent), as well as cortisol were measured in freely ranging wild boars. In two different areas of a State Forest in the Campania Region (Italy), 42 freely ranging, managed wild boars were captured with a corral trap, and blood samples were collected. The wild boars were divided by age (>1 year old and <1 year old) and sex (male and female). Animals in one area showed significantly higher values of oxidative stress parameters than those living in the other area. The annual boar censuses of areas highlighted a higher population density in the first area than in the second one, and this would explain the results obtained. Since the health or nutritional status of animals is reflected by oxidative stress, wild boars in areas with higher animal densities may live under worse conditions than animals in areas with lower densities which becomes evident by measuring oxidative stress markers. As cortisol in blood is only reflecting a short period, the measurement of oxidative stress level may be a better indicator to evaluate the living conditions of wild boars.

Aquaporin 1 (AQP1) Expression in Healthy Dog Tears.

Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of thirteen membrane proteins that play an essential role in the transport of fluids across the cell plasma membrane. Recently, the expression of AQPs in different ocular tissues and their involvement in the pathophysiology of eye diseases, have garnered attention. Considering that literature on AQP expression in the lacrimal glands and their secretion is scarce, we aimed to characterise AQP1 expression in the tears of healthy dogs using two tear collection methods (Schirmer tear strips (STS) and ophthalmic sponges (OS)). Fifteen healthy dogs, free of ophthalmic diseases, were included in the study. Tear collection was performed by using STS in one eye and OS in the other. After the extraction of proteins from the tears, the expression of AQP1 was analysed by Western blotting. AQP1 was expressed as a band of 28 kDa. In addition, differences were observed in the expression of AQP1 and in the correlation between tear volume and protein concentration, in tears collected by the two different methods. Our results suggest that AQP1 has a specific role in tear secretion; further research is required to assess its particular role in the function of the ocular surface in eye physiology and pathology.

Schirmer Tear Test Value and Corneal Lesions' Incidence during General Anesthesia for Non-Ophthalmic Surgery in Non-Brachycephalic Dogs: A Pilot Study Comparing Three Different Lubricant Eye Drop Formulations.

Aim of this blinded, prospective, randomized clinical study was to compare three different lubricant eye drops (LED) in healthy adult dogs undergoing general anaesthesia (GA) for non-ophthalmic surgery. Tear production rate was monitored by means of Schirmer tear test-1 (STT-1), and incidence of post-operative corneal abrasions/ulcerations was detected by corneal staining. A complete ophthalmic examination was performed before premedication, at extubation time and 24 h after GA in twenty-five non-brachycephalic dogs (fifty eyes) undergoing elective orthopaedic or spinal surgery procedures. Dogs were randomly allocated to one of three groups receiving as prophylactic LED either carmellose sodium (GC), or 1% hyaluronic acid (GH), or 0.25% hyaluronic acid (GL). In each eye STT-1 was repeated every hour during GA, before instilling one drop of the assigned LED. In all groups STT-1 values drastically decreased during GA, while 24 h later nine eyes (18%) had STT-1 values lower than 15 mm/minute. All of the three formulations tested were fully effective in preventing corneal ulceration (0% in all groups), while 10% of eyes reported superficial de-epithelialization. Fluorescein staining demonstrated that hourly prophylactic LED application prevented exposure keratopathy during general anesthesia in 90% of the eyes in non-brachycephalic dogs.

Irreversible Ocular Lesions in a Dog With Angiostrongylus Vasorum Infection.

This report describes a 10-month-old dog with a sudden loss of vision and severe dyspnoea. The ocular examination revealed bilateral panuveitis, lens subluxation, secondary glaucoma, and retinal detachment. In addition, the ocular ultrasound showed in the vitreous body of the right eye, a small doubled-lined foreign body compatible with an intraocular parasite. Radiographs of the thorax revealed an increased opacity with mixed lung pattern (alveolar and bronchial) and thoracic ultrasonography showed several subpleural nodules. The presence of Angiostrongylus vasorum first stage larvae was confirmed with 324 larvae per gram of feces and an antigen test for the parasite (AngioDetect, IDEXX) also yielded a positive result. The severe and irreversible ocular lesions described in this case enhanced the complexity of the clinical picture of canine angiostrongylosis. Infection with the parasite should be included in the list of differential diagnoses for ocular uveitis to avoid potentially serious complications related to a missed or delayed diagnosis.

The Effect of Periocular Fatty Acids and 0.15% Hyaluronate Eye Drops Application on Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca in Dogs: An Exploratory Study.

The aim of this exploratory study was to evaluate the efficacy of a periophthalmic cream of a pool of fatty acids (FAG®) in association with 0.15% hyaluronate eye drops in alleviating the clinical symptoms of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) in a case series of dogs. The study was conducted on 10 dogs diagnosed with idiopathic KCS. All dogs had been previously treated with topical tobramycin alone, which had been ineffective in improving clinical signs. The affected eyes were treated with 2 applications daily of a periophthalmic cream of FAG® and 1 drop 3 times a day of 0.15% of hyaluronate eye drops for 8 weeks. Schirmer tear test I (STT I) values were recorded and ocular signs (conjunctival hyperemia, ocular discharge, corneal opacity, vascularization and pigmentation, and discomfort level) were collected, scored on a 3-point scale (grade 0, grade 1, and grade 2). Differences between scores and STT data recorded at baseline and at 8 weeks of therapy were statistically analysed. The effect of treatment was pronounced (increase in STT values by more than 4 mm/min, no signs of inflammation) in 8/18 eyes; moderate (increase in STT values of 3-4 mm/min or mild improvement in signs of corneal/conjunctival inflammation) in 3/18 eyes; and unsatisfactory in 7 of 18 eyes. Median of STT values significantly improved compared with baseline levels, while statistically significant decreases in clinical-sign scores of conjunctival hyperemia, ocular discharge, and discomfort were recorded. However, in moderate and advanced stages, reduction of neovascularization or corneal pigmentation was not observed throughout the treatment period. No noticeable adverse reactions were recorded. Preliminary results indicate that the application of periocular FAG and topical 0.15% hyaluronate eye drops may be a suitable treatment for KCS in dogs in selected cases. A larger comparative study is necessary to further confirm these findings.

Comparison of intraocular pressure and pupil diameter after sedation with either acepromazine or dexmedetomidine in healthy dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare intraocular pressure (IOP) and pupillary diameter (PD) following intravenous (IV) administration of dexmedetomidine and acepromazine in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized experimental trial. ANIMALS: A group of 16 healthy adult dogs aged (mean ± standard deviation) 4.9 ± 3.3 years and weighing 15.7 ± 9.6 kg, without pre-existing ophthalmic disease. METHODS: IV dexmedetomidine hydrochloride (0.002 mg kg-1; DEX) or acepromazine maleate (0.015 mg kg-1; ACE) was administered randomly to 16 dogs (eight per group). The IOP and PD, measured using applanation tonometry and Schirmer's strips mm scale, respectively, and the heart rate (HR), systolic (SAP), mean (MAP) and diastolic (DAP) arterial pressures and respiratory rate (fR) were recorded at baseline, at time of injection, and then 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 minutes after injection. A single ophthalmologist, unaware of treatment, performed all measurements under consistent light conditions. Values were compared with baseline and among treatments using a multivariate mixed-effects model (p ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: The IOP was significantly lower in the DEX group compared with the ACE group at 10 (p < 0.01) and 15 minutes (p < 0.01) after drug injection. PD was significantly smaller compared to baseline for the entire duration of the study (p < 0.01) in both groups. Dogs in the DEX group had significant lower HR (p < 0.01) and fR (p < 0.01), higher SAP (p < 0.01) and DAP (p < 0.01) at all time points, and higher MAP (p < 0.01) during the first 15 minutes following drug injection in comparison with the ACE group. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our results suggest that premedication with IV dexmedetomidine temporarily decreases IOP when compared with IV acepromazine. Both drugs cause miosis.

Investigation of the Persistence of Penicillin G and Dihydrostreptomycin Residues in Milk of Lactating Buffaloes ( Bubalus bubalis) Using Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography and Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the persistence of penicillin G and dihydrostreptomycin in milk of lactating buffaloes following intramuscular injection of procaine penicillin G (200000 IU/mL) and dihydrostreptomycin sulfate (250 mg/mL) every 24 h for 3 days. Milk samples were collected twice daily up to the 13th milking post-treatment and analyzed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. The analytical method has been validated according to Commission Decision 2002/657/EC. The highest concentrations of penicillin G (275 µg kg-1) and dihydrostreptomycin (220.5 µg kg-1) were detected in the milk of the first milkings post-treatment, and levels were below the maximum residue limit of 4 and 200 µg kg-1 in all treated buffaloes at milkings 12 and 2, respectively. The results of this study demonstrate that a nine-milking withdrawal time set for bovine milk was not adequate for depletion of penicillin G in lactating buffaloes.

Inflammatory Myopathy in Horses With Chronic Piroplasmosis.

Horses affected by chronic piroplasmosis may develop poor performance and muscle atrophy. Here we investigate the pathological and immunopathological aspects of myopathy occurring in chronic equine piroplasmosis. The study included 16 horses serologically positive for equine piroplasms presenting with clinical signs and supporting serum biochemical evidence of a myopathy. Skeletal muscle was evaluated by histopathology, immunohistochemistry, indirect immunofluorescence, and molecular detection of piroplasms and inflammatory cytokines in skeletal muscle. Histologic lesions included muscle fiber atrophy (100% of cases), degenerative changes (13/16, 81%), and perivascular perimysial and endomysial lymphocytic infiltrates (81% of cases). In 15 cases (94%), muscle fibers had strong immunostaining for major histocompatibility complex classes I and II. T lymphocyte populations were mainly CD3+, CD8+, and CD4+ in equal proportions, with a lower number of CD79α+ cells. The serum from affected horses was tested by indirect immunofluorescence for binding of IgG, IgM, or IgA to sections of normal equine muscle to detect circulating autoantibodies against muscle antigen(s). In all cases, distinct sarcolemmal staining was detected in sections incubated with serum from affected horses, in contrast to sections incubated with phosphate-buffered saline or equine control sera. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing of muscles from affected animals revealed a significant increase of interferon-γ, interleukin-12, and tumor necrosis factor-α gene expression compared to healthy controls. Theileria equi or Babesia caballi was not detected in samples of affected muscle by RT-PCR. Thus, inflammatory myopathy associated with equine piroplasmosis may involve an autoimmune pathogenesis with upregulation of inflammatory cytokines that may cause myofiber atrophy and degeneration.

Percutaneous transilial pinning for treatment of seventh lumbar vertebral body fracture. A retrospective analysis of 17 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate outcomes after percutaneous application of transilial pinning in dogs with seventh lumbar vertebral body fracture with concurrent lumbosacral luxation. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of dogs with seventh lumbar vertebral body fracture stabilized with percutaneous transilial pinning that were treated at our hospital between January 2000 and March 2014. Radiographic measurements were used for comparing craniocaudal and ventrodorsal displacement pre- and postoperatively. RESULTS: Seventeen dogs met the inclusion criteria. The neurological status of the majority of treated dogs improved quickly, with immediate pain reduction after surgery. Implants were well tolerated throughout the application period and were removed at a mean time of 54.4 ± 9.2 days. One dog experienced a major complication (implant failure) and required surgical revision a week after the initial procedure. Minor complications included pin-tract inflammation, signs of back pain lasting five weeks and acute lameness after implant removal. Postoperative radiographic measurements showed shortening of the vertebral body and residual dorsoventral dislocation. Otherwise, functional recovery was good (5 of 17 dogs) to excellent (10 of 17 dogs) in the majority of the patients. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of two percutaneous transilial pins can be considered as treatment for the management of seventh lumbar fracture-luxation in dogs. Our modified stabilization technique is relatively easy to perform; less invasive on the soft tissues; and uses implants that are versatile, modifiable, and easily removable.

Dacryocystography in a cat with orbital pneumatosis.

A 2-year-old neutered male European short-haired cat was presented for a persistent discharge from the scar of previous left eye enucleation, performed 6 months prior by the referring veterinarian. A surgical exploration of the orbit was performed and retained nictitating membrane glandular and conjunctival tissues were removed. Eleven days later, the cat developed an orbital pneumatosis caused by retrograde movement of air through a patent nasolacrimal system and diagnosed by survey radiographic examination of the skull. Nasolacrimal system patency was assessed by dacryocystography performed by injection of iodinated contrast medium under pressure into the orbital cavity. Computed tomography dacryocystography confirmed the radiographic findings. The condition resolved following dacryocystography, possibly as an inflammatory response to the contrast medium. To our knowledge, this is the first case of orbital pneumatosis reported in a cat.

Conjunctival cytological examination, bacteriological culture, and antimicrobial resistance proifles of healthy Mediterranean buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) from Southern Italy

Objective:To assess normal conjunctival cytological and bacteriological/fungal flora features in the Mediterranean buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Methods:Swabs were taken from the inferior conjunctival sac of both eyes of 57 healthy female buffaloes aged 24-36 months, with no evidence of ocular disease, farmed in Campania region (Southern Italy), for microbiological analysis. Conjunctival eye specimens of both eyes were subsequently obtained by a cyto-brush, for cytological analysis. The antimicrobial susceptibility of bacterial isolates was also determined using the disk-diffusion method on Mueller Hinton agar plates. Results: Cytological examination of conjunctival swab specimens (114 eyes) revealed epithelial cells (basal, intermediate, columnar and superficial) in all samples, whereas neutrophils, lymphocytes and plasma cells were present in 70%, 10%and 2%of samples, respectively. Microorganisms, for a total of 261 aerobic bacteria and 6 fungi, were isolated from 112/114 conjunctival samples (98.25%;95%confidence interval (CI):93.18–99.70). Only two conjunctival swabs did not yield bacteria and/or fungi (2/114, 1.75%;95% CI:0.30–6.82). Gram-positive aerobes were most commonly cultured (181/261, 69.35%;95%CI: 63.31–74.81), with Enterococcus faecium and Staphylococcus lentus predominating. Escherichia coli was the most frequently isolated as Gram-negative bacteria (80/261, 30.65%;95%CI:25.19–36.69). The antimicrobial resistance patterns of the isolated bacteria showed amoxycillin/clavulanic acid and cephalothin as the least sensitive antibiotics for both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Conclusions: These results provided first information on normal conjunctival ocular microflora and cytological features in Mediterranean buffalo.

Acepromazine-dexmedetomidine-ketamine for injectable anaesthesia in captive European brown hares (Lepus europaeus).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a combination of acepromazine, dexmedetomidine and ketamine (ADK) on induction and recovery from anaesthesia, and on physiological parameters in hares undergoing non-invasive procedures. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: Sixteen European hares (Lepus europaeus), seven males and nine females, aged (mean ± SD) 3.25 ± 0.9 months and weight 2.1 ± 0.6 kg. METHODS: Acepromazine 1% (A), dexmedetomidine 0.05% (D) and ketamine 5% (K) were mixed and given intramuscularly (IM) at 0.25 mL kg(-1), representing 10 mg kg(-1) K, 0.25 mg kg(-1) A, 12.5 µg kg(-1) D. If the righting reflex was present after four minutes, a second injection of 0.15 mL kg(-1) (6 mg kg(-1) K, 0.15 mg kg(-1) A, 7.5 µg kg(-1) D) was administered IM. Surgical anaesthesia was judged as present when righting, palpebral, ear-pinch and pedal withdrawal reflexes were absent. Anaesthetized hares were tagged, and underwent blood sampling and ocular ultrasound examination. Physiological parameters were recorded every ten minutes, and were compared by Kruskal-Wallis tests. RESULTS: A single dose induced loss of righting reflex in 11/16 (69%) hares within four minutes; the second dose was effective in the remaining hares. Ten minutes after the loss of the righting reflex, a surgical plane of anaesthesia was present in all hares. Sleep time to regaining righting reflex was 34 ± 11 (range 21-62) minutes and recovery was calm. Although there were some statistical differences over time, cardiovascular parameters remained within an acceptable range but there was respiratory depression and hares were hypoxemic. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The ADK mixture produced a smooth and rapid induction of anaesthesia, a low incidence of untoward side effects and full recovery after four hours. Supplementary oxygen might be advisable if a deeper plane of anaesthesia was required. Chemical restraint was adequate to perform non-invasive procedures.