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.

Ultrasonographic measurement of kidney-to-aorta parameters in Whippets.

In a previous study, an ultrasonographic method to assess kidney size in dogs as a ratio of kidney length to aortic luminal diameter (KL/AoD ratio) was proposed. The main limitation of this method was the wide range of normal values (5.5-9.1), which resulted in poor sensitivity and specificity. The aim of this prospective, observational, reference interval study was to determine whether the KL/AoD normal cut-off values in a single breed (Whippets) would have a narrower range than the previously reported normal reference ranges. The influence of sex, age, weight, and side on kidney length (KL) and of sex, age, weight, and scanning plane (longitudinal vs transversal) on aortic luminal diameter (AoD) were also investigated. Thirty-six clinically healthy Whippets (16 males, 20 females) without ultrasonographic renal lesions were included in this study. The 95% confidence interval of mean KL/AoD was found to be narrower than the previously reported range (ie, 6.3-6.9 versus 5.5-9.1). This was considered to be especially notable in that the KL in this breed exhibits marked sexual dimorphism. The KL/AoD ratio did not differ between right versus left sides or male versus female sexes in Whippets (P > .05). Findings from the current study provided KL/AoD ratio normal reference range cut-off values for future use in Whippets and supported the use of breed-specific KL/AoD ratio values for characterizing abnormal renal size in other canine breeds.

An ultrasound-guided subparaneural approach to the sciatic nerve in the dog: a cadaver study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the gross and microscopic anatomy of the sciatic nerve paraneural sheath and to report an ultrasound (US)-guided subparaneural approach to the sciatic nerve in dogs, comparing two different volumes of injectate. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, anatomical study. ANIMALS: A group of nine middle-sized adult Mongrel canine cadavers (18 limbs). METHODS: The sciatic nerves of three pelvic limbs of two canine cadavers were identified, exposed and isolated between the greater trochanter and the popliteal fossa for gross anatomical and microscopic examination. An additional three pelvic limbs were surgically dissected on the lateral surface of the limb; the sciatic nerves were isolated, and a 26 gauge over-the-needle catheter was inserted through the paraneural sheath under direct visualization. A methylene blue solution was then slowly injected into the subparaneural compartment through the catheter under US visualization using an 8-13 MHz linear-array transducer. Subsequently, 12 pelvic limbs (six cadavers) were randomly allocated to one of two groups; using US-guided percutaneous subparaneural approach, either 0.1 or 0.05 mL kg-1of a 1:1 solution of methylene blue and 0.5% bupivacaine was injected. The spread of the dye solution and the amount of nerve staining were macroscopically scored. The stained sciatic nerves with their sheaths were then harvested for microscopic examination. RESULTS: The paraneural sciatic nerve sheath was easily identified distinct from the nerve trunk both macroscopically and with US visualization, and microscopically. Complete staining was achieved in five of six (83.3%) sciatic nerves in each group; no difference was found in the amount of staining between the two groups. Microscopically, no signs of sciatic nerve intraneural injection were observed. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The US-guided subparaneural injection of 0.05 mL kg-1 of a dye injectate resulted in satisfactory nerve staining without evidence of sciatic nerve intraneural injection.

Aeromonas induced polyostotic osteomyelitis in a juvenile loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta.

Bacterial bone infections have been occasionally reported in wild sea turtles. This study reports on a sub-adult Caretta caretta affected by Aeromonas hydrophila osteomyelitis, with extensive involvement of cranial and caudal flippers. The turtle was severely debilitated, had limited flipper mobility and showed signs of pain in reaction to manipulation. Radiographs and computed tomography revealed multiple lytic bone lesions. Since an infectious polyostotic osteomyelitis was suspected, the turtle was subjected to echo-assisted fine needle aspiration to characterize the etiology of the disease. Bacterial cultures and antibiotic susceptibility testing led to the isolation of Aeromonas hydrophila responsive to amikacin and doxycycline. Therefore, the turtle was treated with these antibiotics and monitored through repeat bacterial cultures and diagnostic imaging. The turtle was released 17 mo after admission, upon resolution of clinical signs. The documentation of this case provides a treatment approach that may improve the outcome of Aeromonas-associated osteomyelitis, especially in endangered wildlife species.

Geographical information system analysis on road accidents involving wandering dogs in the urban area of Naples.

In this study, the spatial distribution of road accidents involving wandering dogs on urban roads of Naples was assessed using kernel density estimation (KDE). The study included 423 dogs victim of road collisions in the period 2012-2015 collected from the medical records of Interdepartmental Centre of Veterinary Radiology, of Pathological Anatomy Service, of Veterinary Teaching Hospital, "Federico II" University of Naples, and of Veterinary Hospital Attendance of the Local Public Health Unit Napoli1. There were a significant prevalence of young male dogs and the KDE demonstrated the presence of five hotspots in five city neighbourhoods. All areas with the highest KDE were found to be peripheral zones in which wide green areas, uncultivated or cultivated, merged with built areas and crossed by large straight roads with a lot of intersections. Wandering dogs as other animals represent a mounting problem on urban roads in Italy, despite of the effort to reduce these populations. Better knowledge of this phenomenon is important with reference to taking countermeasures and improve road safety. It is also important with reference to One Health and the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011- 2020 of the United Nations.

Resistive index for kidney evaluation in normal and diseased cats.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives were to determine the resistive index (RI) in normal cats and in cats with various renal diseases, and to evaluate the effect of age on RI. METHODS: The subjects were cats that had ultrasonography (US) of the urinary tract and RI measurement at our centre between January 2003 and April 2014. Based on clinical evaluation, biochemical and haematological tests, urinalysis and US, the cats were classified as healthy or diseased. RI measurements were made from the interlobar or arcuate arteries. Data were analysed for differences between the right and the left kidney, the two sexes, different age groups in healthy cats, and between healthy and diseased cats. RESULTS: A total of 116 cats (68 males, 48 females) were included: 24 healthy and 92 diseased. In the healthy cats, RI (mean ± SD) differed significantly (P = 0.02) between the right kidney (0.54 ± 0.07) and the left kidney (0.59 ± 0.08). For the left kidney, RI was significantly higher in cats with chronic kidney disease (0.73 ± 0.12) and acute kidney injury (0.72 ± 0.08) (P = 0.0008). For the right kidney, RI was significantly higher in cats with chronic kidney disease (0.72 ± 0.11), acute kidney injury (0.74 ± 0.08), polycystic kidney disease (0.77 ± 0.11) and renal tumour (0.74 ± 0.001) (P <0.0001). There was no significant effect on RI value in either kidney in terms of age or sex. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: RI could be considered a valuable diagnostic tool in cats, useful in the differential diagnosis of diffuse renal diseases. While it does not change with the age of the cat, ultrasonographers should be aware that RI may differ between the two kidneys.

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.

Polyostotic Chondroblastic Osteosarcoma in a Kestrel ( Falco tinnunculus ).

We report a case of polyostotic chondroblastic osteosarcoma in a kestrel ( Falco tinnunculus ) admitted to the Wildlife Rehabilitation and Rescue Center (Naples, Italy). A consolidated fracture of the left tibiotarsus bone and a deviation of the limb were evident. After radiographic, cytologic, and histopathologic examinations, a diagnosis of polyostotic chondroblastic osteosarcoma was made. To our knowledge, this is the first report on polyostotic chondroblastic osteosarcoma in a kestrel.

Using geographical information system for spatial evaluation of canine extruded disc herniation.

Disc herniation is one of the most common pathologies of the vertebral column in dogs. The aim of this study was to develop a geographical information system (GIS)-based vertebral canal (VC) map useful for spatial evaluation of extruded disc herniation (EDH) in dogs. ArcGIS® was used to create two-dimensional and three-dimensional maps, in which the VC surface is divided into polygons by lines representing latitude and longitude. Actual locations and directions of the herniated disc material were assessed by a series of 142 computer tomographies of dogs collected between 2005 and 2013. Most EDHs were located on the cervical and transitional regions (thoraco-lumbar and lumbo-sacral) and shown at the level of the ventro- cranial and ventro-central polygons created. Choropleth maps, highlighting the distribution and the location/direction patterns of the EDHs throughout the VC, were produced based on the frequency of the ailment. GIS proved to be a valuable tool in analysing EDH in dogs. Further studies are required for biomechanical analysis of EDH patterns.

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.