Contribution to the Study of Perioperative Factors Affecting the Restoration of Dog's Mobility after Femoral Head and Neck Excision: A Clinical Study in 30 Dogs.

This study aimed to compare postoperative analgesia and the time of limb weight bearing induced by the intraoperative administration of a local anesthetic at the site of the femoral head and neck excision (FHNE) in dogs, with and without the administration of preoperative epidural anesthesia. Additionally, the impact of postoperative opioid drug administration on weight-bearing time was examined. This randomized, blinded, prospective clinical study included 30 client-owned dogs. The dogs were randomly divided into three groups (A, B, C), each further divided into two subgroups (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2). Group A received epidural anesthesia and ropivacaine at the ostectomy site, Group B received only ropivacaine, and Group C served as the control group. Subgroup 1 received a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug postoperatively, while Subgroup 2 had tramadol added to their regimen. Pain assessment was conducted using the University of Melbourne Pain Scale (UMPS) and an algometer. The study concluded that multimodal analgesia, utilizing all the aforementioned analgesic techniques, resulted in faster limb weight bearing for dogs undergoing FHNE.

Locally Injected Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Improves Cutaneous Wound Healing in Cats.

Cutaneous defects in cats are commonly encountered in clinical practice, and healing can be accomplished by first or second intention. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is characterized by a plasma concentration containing a large number of platelets in a small volume of plasma. The objective of the present study was to record the efficacy of PRP infiltration in open wounds in laboratory cats. Six wounds were created in the dorsal midline of eight laboratory cats, with the wounds of one side designated as the PRP group and the wounds of the other side as the control group. Wound healing was evaluated by daily clinical examination, planimetry, laser Doppler flowmetry, and histologic examination on days 0, 7, 14, and 25, and by measurement of metalloproteinases (MMPs)-2 and -9 and tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 on days 0, 14, and 25. Based on the results of the present study, the mean time for full coverage with granulation tissue was shorter in the PRP group, the mean contraction and total wound healing percentage were increased compared to the control group, and finally, the perfusion measured with laser Doppler flowmetry was higher in the PRP group during all examination days. In conclusion, this is the first study focusing on the topical application of PRP in the treatment of open wounds in laboratory cats, and our results are encouraging-showing a more rapid healing in the PRP group.

Limited cross-species transmission and absence of mutations associated with SARS-CoV-2 adaptation in cats: A case study of infection in a small household setting.

In the present study, the course of SARS-CoV-2 natural infection in two asymptomatic cats, which were negative for immunosuppressive retroviral infections, is investigated. The source of the virus for the cats was their COVID-19-affected owner, with whom they were in continuous proximity in a small household setting. The owner's signs included fatigue, sneezing, anosmia and loss of taste, and diagnosis was confirmed 4 days after symptom onset. Oropharyngeal and faecal swabs were collected from the cats, to investigate the course of SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations, as well as the directionality of the chain of virus transmission. Both infected cats were real-time RT-PCR-positive on various time-points. Pharyngeal shedding of at least 6 days was observed in them, with high SARS-CoV-2 titres (> 7 Log10 copies/swab) on the first sampling time-point, that is, 7 days after the onset of owner's clinical signs. In one cat, after the initial decline, slightly increasing virus titres were measured 3 to 6 days after the first real-time RT-PCR-positive swab. Serological testing of this cat revealed absence of seroconversion. The course of viral RNA concentrations in the faecal swabs of the other cat was similar to that in its pharynx. The detected SARS-CoV-2 strains, from both infected cats and their owner, underwent whole-genome sequencing, revealing the absence of emergence of cross-species adaptive mutations in cats. The results support the notion that human SARS-CoV-2 strains are relatively well-adapted to cats. It is still unclear whether asymptomatic animals could play a role in COVID-19 epidemiology, in case of interaction with naïve animals and/or people. Our findings highlight difficulties in SARS-CoV-2 transmission to cats, as neither the two infected cats nor their owner was able to transmit the virus to a third cat living in the same small flat, despite their very close contact during the days corresponding to high virus shedding.

The Effect of the Preoperative Fasting Regimen on the Incidence of Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux in 90 Dogs.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of three different preoperative fasting regimens on the incidence of gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) in dogs under general anaesthesia. Ninety dogs undergoing non-abdominal and non-thoracic elective surgery were included in the study and equally allocated to three groups. Dogs received canned food providing half the daily resting energy requirements (RER) 3 h prior to premedication (group 3H), a quarter of the daily RER 3 h before premedication (group 3Q), and half the daily RER 12 h before premedication (group 12H). The animals were premedicated with acepromazine and pethidine, anaesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with isoflurane vaporised in oxygen. Oesophageal pH was monitored throughout anaesthesia. Demographic and surgery-related parameters were not different among groups. The incidence of GOR was 11/30 in group 3H (36.7%), 9/30 in group 3Q (30.0%) and 5/30 in group 12H (16.7%), which was not statistically different (p = 0.262). Reduction of the amount of the preoperative meal from half to a quarter of the daily RER did not reduce the incidence of GOR but resulted in a lower oesophageal pH (p = 0.003). The results of this study suggest that the administration of a meal 3 h before anaesthesia does not have any beneficial effect in the reduction of GOR incidence in dogs compared to the administration of a meal 12 h before anaesthesia.

Bilothorax Associated with Bile Peritonitis in a Dog with No Diaphragmatic Disruption: A Case Report.

A 4-year-old intact male mixed-breed dog was presented with vomiting and severe depression of 6-day duration after being struck by a car 2 weeks before presentation. Clinical examination revealed hypothermia, respiratory difficulty, jaundice, and a bicavitary (pleural and peritoneal) effusion. Hematological and biochemical abnormalities included neutrophilic leukocytosis, increased total bilirubin concentration, and increased serum lipase activity. Biochemical and cytological evaluation of both abdominal and thoracic fluids were suggestive of bilious effusions. During celiotomy, a rupture of the cystic duct was observed, which necessitated cholecystectomy. A diaphragmatic rupture was not found. A thoracostomy tube was inserted in the right pleural space, and continuous suction was maintained for 48 hours. The dog was discharged 20 days after surgery and no abnormalities were detected on either blood tests or ultrasonographic examinations of the thorax and abdomen on follow-up examination 7 months after surgery. The presence of a bilothorax should be considered in animals with bile peritonitis, grossly intact diaphragm and pleural effusion. The exact mechanisms of the development of bilothorax are unclear, but the transport of bile through microscopic congenital or acquired weaknesses or defects of the diaphragm, via abdominal lymphatics penetrating the diaphragm and draining into the thoracic lymphatics represent the most probable route.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux in large-sized, deep-chested versus small-sized, barrel-chested dogs undergoing spinal surgery in sternal recumbency.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether an increased frequency of gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) is more common in large-sized, deep-chested dogs undergoing spinal surgery in sternal recumbency than in small-sized, barrelchested dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, cohort study. ANIMALS: Nineteen small-sized, barrel-chested dogs (group B) and 26 large-sized, deep-chested dogs (group D). METHODS: All animals were premedicated with intramuscular (IM) acepromazine (0.05 mg kg-1) and pethidine (3 mg kg-1) IM. Anaesthesia was induced with intravenous sodium thiopental and maintained with halothane in oxygen. Lower oesophageal pH was monitored continuously after induction of anaesthesia. Gastro-oesophageal reflux was considered to have occurred whenever pH values > 7.5 or < 4 were recorded. If GOR was detected during anaesthesia, measures were taken to avoid aspiration of gastric contents into the lungs and to prevent the development of oesophagitis/oesophageal stricture. RESULTS: The frequency of GOR during anaesthesia was significantly higher in group D (6/26 dogs; 23.07%) than in group B (0/19 dogs; 0%) (p = 0.032). Signs indicative of aspiration pneumonia, oesophagitis or oesophageal stricture were not reported in any of the GOR cases. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In large-sized, deep-chested dogs undergoing spinal surgery in sternal recumbency, it would seem prudent to consider measures aimed at preventing GOR and its potentially devastating consequences (oesophagitis/oesophageal stricture, aspiration pneumonia).

Urothorax Associated with Uroperitoneum in a Dog Without Diaphragmatic Disruption.

Accumulation of urine in the pleural space secondary to uroperitoneum with no disruption of the diaphragm appears to be a rare pathological condition. A 2 yr old male mixed-breed dog was referred with dyspnea and abdominal pain after a road traffic accident. Plain radiographs demonstrated pleural effusion and reduced serosal detail in the abdominal cavity that was compatible with fluid accumulation. Retrograde urethrography revealed a pelvic urethra rupture. Biochemical analysis of the pleural and abdominal fluid confirmed the diagnosis of urothorax and uroperitoneum. The dog underwent a prepubic urethrostomy and intensive care management. The dog was reported to be in good health after a follow up time of 10 mo. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of urothorax associated with uroperitoneum with no detectable defects of the diaphragm in a dog.

The effect of the stage of the ovarian cycle (anoestrus or dioestrus) and of pregnancy on the incidence of gastro-oesophageal reflux in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential association of increased blood progesterone (P4 ) concentrations and/or late pregnancy with the incidence of gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR), in healthy bitches undergoing ovariohysterectomy under general anaesthesia during anoestrus or dioestrus or during the second half of pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational study. ANIMALS: Ninety-four healthy, female, dogs, aged 1-8 years presented for elective ovariohysterectomy. METHODS: Non-pregnant animals were classified into group A (anoestrus) (n = 35) if blood P4 concentration was sufficiently low or group D (dioestrus) (n = 26) if blood P4 concentration was sufficiently high. All animals in the second half of pregnancy were classified into group P (n = 33). Acepromazine (0.05 mg kg(-1) ) was administered intramuscularly as preanaesthetic medication, and sodium thiopental (10 mg kg(-1) , with additional doses if needed) was administered intravenously (IV) for induction of anaesthesia. After endotracheal intubation, halothane (1.1-1.3% end-tidal concentration) in oxygen was used for maintenance of anaesthesia. Lower oesophageal pH was monitored continuously throughout surgery using a pH-measuring probe. Reflux was considered to have occurred whenever pH values of >7.5 (alkaline reflux) or <4 (acid reflux) were recorded. On completion of surgery, carprofen (4 mg kg(-1) ) was administered IV. Further administration of analgesics post-operatively was dictated by visual analogue scale pain scoring. RESULT: Acid GOR was observed in five of 26 dogs in group D, six of 35 group A, and 12 of 33 group P (p = 0.152). The incidence of GOR in group P approached statistical significance and was higher than the incidence in the combined group A + D (one sided p = 0.044, two sided p = 0.077). CONCLUSIONS: In dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy, GOR during anaesthesia occurs with a high incidence in dogs in the second half of pregnancy compared to non-pregnant animals during anoestrus or dioestrus. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Measures could be taken in such cases to avoid the consequences of potential reflux.

Anesthesia and perioperative management of a pneumonectomized dog.

Although left- or right-sided pneumonectomy is tolerated by normal dogs, complications impacting the respiratory, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal systems are not uncommon. Pneumonectomy in dogs results in secondary changes in the remaining lung, which include: decreased compliance and vital capacity; and increased pulmonary vascular resistance potentially leading to right ventricular hypertrophy. Such alterations make the anesthetic management of an animal with one lung particularly challenging. This report describes a dog with a history of left pneumonectomy due to Aspergillus fumigatus pneumonia 3 yr before presentation. The dog presented with a vaginal wall prolapse, and surgical resection of the protruding vaginal wall, ovariectomy, and prophylactic gastropexy were performed. Anesthesia was induced with midazolam, fentanyl, and propofol and was maintained with isoflurane using intermittent positive pressure ventilation and a constant rate infusion of fentanyl. Epidural anesthesia was also used. Recovery and postoperative management were uncomplicated. Intensive hemodynamic and respiratory monitoring and appropriate response and treatment of any detected abnormalities, taking into consideration the pathophysiologic alterations occurring in a pneumonectomized animal, are required for successful perianesthetic management.

Remifentanil/isoflurane anesthesia in five dogs with liver disease undergoing liver biopsy.

Remifentanil is a synthetic opioid with direct action on µ opioid receptors. It has an ultrashort duration of action, and its elimination is independent of hepatic or renal function. The anesthetic management of five dogs with nonuniform liver disease and requiring liver biopsy via celiotomy is described. Remifentanil and isoflurane were used for induction and maintenance of anesthesia. Intraoperative analgesia was provided by a constant rate infusion of remifentanil. Remifentanil, in combination with isoflurane, was safely and successfully used in five cases for the balanced anesthesia of dogs with hepatic diseases requiring liver biopsy via celiotomy.

Computed tomography and radiographic indirect lymphography for visualization of mammary lymphatic vessels and the sentinel lymph node in normal cats.

The potential of computed tomography indirect lymphography (CT-indirect lymphography) and radiographic indirect lymphography to demonstrate the draining lymphatic vessels and sentinel lymph node of normal mammary glands was tested in 31 healthy female cats. The lymphatic drainage of each mammary gland was studied initially by CT-indirect lymphography after intramammary injection of 0.5 ml of iopamidol, followed by images acquired at 1, 5, 15, and 30 min after injection. One day after CT-indirect lymphography, the lymph drainage of the mammary gland was assessed using radiographic in direct lymphography af terintramammary injection of 0.5 ml of ethiodized oil followed by radiographs made at 1, 5, 15, 30, 45, and 60 min after injection. The time between intramammary injection and opacification of the draining mammary lymphatic vessels and the sentinel lymph node, the duration of adequate opacification of the draining mammary lymphatic vessels and of the sentinel lymph node and also the number and course of draining mammary lymphatic vessels and location of sentinel lymph node were compared for CT-indirect lymphography vs. radiographic indirect lymphography in each examined gland. This results suggest that radiographic indirect lymphography is easy to perform and can be used for accurate demonstration of the draining lymphatic pathways of mammary glands in radiographs made at 5-30 min after injection. However, CT-indirect lymphography was able to better demonstrate small lymphatic vessels and accurately define the exact topography of the sentinel lymph node in images acquired at 1 min after injection.

Rheological study of synovial fluid obtained from dogs: healthy, pathological, and post-surgery, after spontaneous rupture of cranial cruciate ligament.

In the present study synovial fluid (SF) obtained from the stifle joint of healthy adult dogs and of dogs after cranial cruciate ligament rupture was analyzed regarding its rheological characteristics according to the condition of the joint. The viscoelastic and shear flow properties were measured at 25 and 38 degrees C. The results showed that the healthy SF exhibits practically temperature independent viscosity curve and satisfactory viscoelastic characteristics, i.e. G' > G'', over frequencies of 0.05-5 Hz, and characteristic relaxation time lambda of the order of magnitude of 100 s. Creep measurements demonstrate that the zero shear viscosity was in the range of 10-100 Pa s. In shear flow viscosity measurements, by increasing gamma from 10(-4) s(-1) up to 10(3) s(-1), non-Newtonian shear thinning behavior was observed and the viscosity values were decreased from 10(3) to 0.1 Pa s. On the contrary, in pathological conditions of cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR), the measured viscosity was found drastically reduced, i.e. between 100 and 10 mPa s. The CCLR synovial fluid, similar to healthy SF, exhibits insignificant temperature dependence. The present study showed also that about one week after a surgery for CCLR repair the SF exhibits non-Newtonian behavior of dilute polymers. After two weeks from the operation, however, the rheological behavior converges to the one of healthy SF.

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.

Effect of endogenous progesterone and oestradiol-17beta on the incidence of gastro-oesophageal reflux and on the barrier pressure during general anaesthesia in the female dog.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential effect of increased blood progesterone (P(4)) and oestradiol-17beta (E(2)) concentrations on the barrier pressure (BrP) and the incidence of gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) in female dogs under general anaesthesia. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, blinded experimental trial. ANIMALS: Seven female, adult, healthy dogs weighing 14-21 kg and aged 1-7 years. METHODS: Each of the animals was studied under the influence of high blood E(2) and basal P(4) (study O), basal E(2) and high P(4) (study P) and basal E(2) and P(4) (study C) concentrations. Animals were premedicated with acepromazine and anaesthesia was induced with thiopental and maintained with halothane. Lower oesophageal pH was monitored continuously for 1 hour after induction. GOR was defined as oesophageal pH >7.5 or <4. Manometry of the posterior oesophageal sphincter (POS) was then performed using the slow pull-through technique. RESULTS: Acid GOR was detected in only one animal of study O. The three studies did not differ significantly in GOR. Mean BrP was 11.2 (study O), 9.1 (study P) and 11.6 mmHg (study C). No significant differences were detected with respect to mean BrP, intra-gastric pressure and POS pressure. CONCLUSIONS: It is unlikely that the increased concentrations of E(2) or P(4) during the normal ovarian cycle influence the functional efficiency of the POS as a major barrier to GOR in healthy, female dogs under general anaesthesia. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The fact that female dogs undergoing obstetrical surgery represented a substantial sub-group of the animals which developed postoperative benign oesophageal stricture, should probably not be attributed to the effects of increased concentrations of female sex steroid hormones.

Thiopental and halothane dose-sparing effects of magnesium sulphate in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of pre- and intraoperatively administered magnesium sulphate (MgSO(4)) on the induction dose of thiopental and of halothane for maintenance of anaesthesia in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy (OHE). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. ANIMALS: Forty-six healthy, ASA physical status 1 dogs, scheduled for elective OHE. METHODS: The dogs were randomly assigned to receive a bolus of 50 mg kg(-1) MgSO(4) intravenously (IV), just before induction of anaesthesia, followed by a constant rate infusion (CRI) of 12 mg kg(-1) hour(-1) MgSO(4) intraoperatively (group Mg, n = 27) or a placebo bolus and CRI of 0.9% sodium chloride (NaCl) (group C, n = 19), approximately 30 minutes after premedication with acepromazine (0.05 mg kg(-1), intramuscularly, IM) and carprofen (4 mg kg(-1), subcutaneously, SC). Anaesthesia was induced with thiopental administered to effect and maintained with halothane in oxygen. End-tidal halothane (ET(hal)) was adjusted to achieve adequate depth of anaesthesia. Blood samples were obtained pre- and postoperatively for measurement of total serum magnesium concentration. RESULTS: The mean dose of thiopental was statistically lower (p < 0.0005) and the mean standardized ET(hal) concentration and end-tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure (Pe'CO(2)) areas under the curve were statistically smaller (p < 0.0005 and 0.014 respectively) in group Mg. Postoperatively the mean total serum magnesium concentration was statistically higher than the preoperative value (p < 0.0005) in group Mg, but not in group C. Nausea, associated with the MgSO(4) bolus injection, was observed in six dogs in group Mg, two of which vomited prior to induction of anaesthesia. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Magnesium sulphate administration reduced the induction dose of thiopental and ET(hal) concentration for maintenance of anaesthesia in dogs undergoing OHE. Observed side effects were nausea and vomiting.

Use of the laryngeal mask airway in rabbits: placement and efficacy.

The laryngeal mask airway (LMA) has been used in various animal species anesthetized for the purpose of device evaluation, but the device has not been evaluated in rabbits during surgery. The authors tested the feasibility and potential advantages of using the LMA in 50 rabbits undergoing surgery under spontaneous-breathing inhalational anesthesia, focusing mainly on the technique of insertion and its efficacy. The LMA was easily inserted and no air leakage at the larynx was detected. Although four rabbits developed lingual cyanosis, this was reversible and most likely due to lingual vascular compression by the LMA. The authors conclude that the LMA is an attractive alternative to endotracheal intubation, as the mask can be inserted easily and rapidly and its correct placement is easily confirmed.

Ultrasonographic signs of intestinal intussusception associated with acute enteritis or gastroenteritis in 19 young dogs.

The ultrasonographic pattern of intestinal intussusception was studied in 19 young dogs with acute enteritis or gastroenteritis. The intussusception was observed to be a target-like mass consisting of a hyperechoic or anechoic center surrounded by multiple hyperechoic and hypoechoic concentric rings in transverse sections. In longitudinal sections, the intussusception appeared as multiple hyperechoic and hypoechoic parallel lines, as a tumor-like or pseudokidney mass, and as a trident-like configuration. Ultrasonography may provide a sensitive, specific, and accurate method of diagnosing intestinal intussusception in young dogs.