A Computed Tomographic Study of the Molar Teeth of Babyrousa spp.

A photographic and computed tomography (CT) scanning study was carried out on 295 molar teeth of 18 adult male Babyrousa babyrussa skulls and 8 skulls of Babyrousa celebensis including seven adult males and one adult female. The occlusal morphology of the permanent maxillary and mandibular molar teeth of B. babyrussa was very similar to that of B. celebensis. Most B. babyrussa maxillary molar teeth had six roots, with small numbers of teeth having four, five or seven roots. A similar pattern was suggested in B. celebensis. Mandibular molar teeth had between four and eight roots. Tooth roots of maxillary and mandibular first and second molar teeth were largely tapering, rod-like structures. The roots of the right and left maxillary third molar teeth had a more complex arrangement; some were inserted almost vertically into the maxilla; others were orientated in a more distal direction. The mesial and distal roots were splayed in appearance. The right and left mandibular third molar tooth roots retained elements of the open 'C' shape and were generally orientated distally. The pulp chambers were arched to fit under the main cusps in all molar teeth. Pulp canals were variable in number.

Diagnostic benefits of platelet-to-lymphocyte, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte, and albumin-to-globulin ratios in dogs with nasal cavity diseases.

BACKGROUND: A multimodal approach for diagnostic tests under anesthesia is required to diagnose nasal cavity pathology (NP) reliably in dogs. Blood test results may provide clues to the suspected NP. METHODS: This prospective blinded study assessed 72 dogs with chronic nasal discharge due to NPs, and 10 healthy dogs as the control group (CG). NPs were diagnosed using whole-body computed tomography (CT), upper airway endoscopy, examination of nasal mucosal swabs by bacterial and fungal culture, and histopathological examination of nasal mucosa biopsies. The exclusion criteria were the presence of any additional diseases or corticosteroid pre-treatment. In consideration of these exclusion criteria, 55 dogs entered the study. Dogs were classified into benign (benign tumors, idiopathic rhinitis (IR), and others) and malignant (carcinomas and sarcomas) NP groups. Blood count and blood chemistry tests were performed. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and albumin-to-globulin ratio (AGR) were calculated and compared. RESULTS: 25 dogs with malignant NP (13 and 12 with carcinomas and sarcomas, respectively) and 30 dogs with benign NP (seven with benign tumors,13 with IR, and 10 others) were included. In general, in dogs with NP there were only slight abnormalities in complete blood count. However, PLR was significantly higher in dogs with malignant NP (carcinoma and sarcoma) than in those with benign NP and in the CG. Compared with the CG, the NLR was significantly increased in all dogs with NP, and the AGR was mild but significantly lower, except in dogs with sarcomas and benign tumors. CONCLUSIONS: In dogs with nasal disease alone, there are usually no marked abnormalities in blood count. However, while mildly increased NLR and decreased AGR can be observed in almost all NPs, an increased PLR may indicate a malignant NP and can be used as an additional screening tool in dogs with nasal discharge due to nasal cavity pathology.

Evaluation of the Blood Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) as a Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker in Dogs with Portosystemic Shunt.

The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) can help in assessing inflammatory diseases, sepsis, and chronic hepatic conditions in humans. Dogs with congenital portosystemic shunts (PSSs) have signs of generalized inflammation, and the clinical signs can overlap with other conditions, including hypoadrenocorticism (HOC). Thus, the potential diagnostic and prognostic value of leukocyte ratios as surrogate markers was assessed in a retrospective case-control study including 106 dogs diagnosed with PSSs. The disease control groups were dogs with parenchymal hepatopathy (PH; n = 22) or HOC (n = 31). In the PSS dogs, the blood NLRs were associated with the severity of systemic inflammation but not with the shunt type, hepatoencephalopathy, systemic infection, or hypoglycemia. The baseline NLRs did not differ between the three disease groups, between medically and surgically treated PSS dogs, or between those with successful PSS ligation and dogs experiencing peri-/post-surgical complications. However, dogs requiring two consecutive surgical interventions had significantly higher NLRs, and an NLR of <2.53 distinguished dogs with successful shunt ligation in one surgery from those requiring two consecutive surgeries for PSS closure. The blood NLR might be a useful clinicopathologic variable in PSS, but its value in helping differentiate PSS from HOC cases appears low. Integrating the NLR into a diagnostic algorithm may allow for a prediction of the number of surgical interventions required.

Tissue S100/calgranulin expression and blood neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in prostatic disorders in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Prostatic carcinoma (PCA) is a rare but severe condition in dogs that is similar to the androgen-independent form of PCA in men. In contrast to humans, PCA is difficult to diagnose in dogs as reliable biomarkers, available for PCA screening in human medicine, are currently lacking in small animal oncology. Calprotectin (S100A8/A9) and S100A12 are Ca2+-binding proteins of the innate immune system with promising potential to distinguish malignant from benign urogenital tract conditions, similar to the blood neutrophil-to-lymphocyte-ratio (NLR). However, both have not yet been extensively investigated in dogs with PCA. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the expression of the S100/calgranulins (calprotectin, S100A12, and their ratio [Cal-ratio]) in prostatic biopsies from nine dogs with PCA and compare them to those in dogs with benign prostatic lesions (eight dogs with prostatitis and ten dogs with benign prostatic hyperplasia [BPH]) as well as five healthy controls. In addition, blood NLRs were investigated in twelve dogs with PCA and 22 dogs with benign prostatic conditions. RESULTS: Tissue S100A8/A9+ cell counts did not differ significantly between tissue from PCA and prostatitis cases (P = 0.0659) but were significantly higher in dogs with prostatitis than BPH (P = 0.0013) or controls (P = 0.0033). S100A12+ cell counts were significantly lower in PCA tissues than in prostatitis tissue (P = 0.0458) but did not differ compared to BPH tissue (P = 0.6499) or tissue from controls (P = 0.0622). Cal-ratios did not differ significantly among the groups but were highest in prostatitis tissues and significantly higher in those dogs with poor prostatitis outcomes than in patients that were still alive at the end of the study (P = 0.0455). Blood NLR strongly correlated with prostatic tissue S100A8/A9+ cell counts in dogs with PCA (ρ = 0.81, P = 0.0499) but did not differ among the disease groups of dogs. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the S100/calgranulins play a role in malignant (PCA) and benign (prostatic inflammation) prostatic conditions and supports previous results in lower urinary tract conditions in dogs. These molecules might be linked to the inflammatory environment with potential effects on the inflammasome. The blood NLR does not appear to aid in distinguishing prostatic conditions in dogs. Further investigation of the S100/calgranulin pathways and their role in modulation of tumor development, progression, and metastasis in PCA is warranted.

[Diagnostic Imaging during pregnancy of the dog]. / Bildgebende Diagnostik im Rahmen der Trächtigkeit beim Hund.

Diagnostic imaging represents an important part during modern pregnancy management of the dog. Ultrasound has become the modality of choice for an early pregnancy diagnosis, enabling a verification as early as 17-20 days after LH surge. Furthermore an evaluation of fetal viability and development is possible as well as the depiction of malformations and an early assessment of fetal stress. Doppler imaging may also be of supporting value in this context . Using fetal maturity as well as measurements of fetal and extrafetal structures, a calculation of the gestational age and therefore the time of parturition is achievable. Radiographs of the caudal abdomen enable pregnancy diagnosis from the 43rd day after LH surge onward. In addition, an assessment of fetal size as well as litter size is possible. Both modalities allow for complementary statements concerning possible labor complications and possess supporting value concerning the decision of necessary obstetric intervention and further management in patients with dystocia.

Comparative Assessment of Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Spider Morph and Wild Type Ball Pythons (Python regius) for Evaluation of the Morphological Correlate of Wobble Syndrome.

There is general awareness of artificial selection and its potential implications on the health and welfare of animals. Despite growing popularity and increasing numbers of reptile breeds of atypical colour and pattern variants, only a few studies have investigated the appearance and causes of diseases associated with colour morphs. Ball pythons (Python regius) are among the most frequently bred reptiles and breeders have selected for a multitude of different colour and pattern morphs. Among those colour variants, the spider morph of the ball python is frequently associated with wobble syndrome. The aim of this study was to determine whether a morphological variant can be found and associated with the clinical occurrence of wobble syndrome in spider ball pythons, using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging as in-vivo diagnostic methods. Data from five spider and three wild type ball pythons was assessed and evaluated comparatively. We were able to identify distinctive structural differences in inner ear morphology in spider ball pythons, which were highly likely related to wobble syndrome. To our knowledge, this is the first report of these anomalies and provides a basis for further anatomical and genetic studies and discussion of the implications for animal welfare in reptile breeding.

A Spectral Computed Tomography Contrast Study: Demonstration of the Avian Cardiovascular Anatomy and Function.

As part of the cardiovascular examination, all birds underwent clinical and echocardiographic examinations. Radiographs and blood samples were taken. Each bird was premedicated with midazolam and medetomidin and anesthetized with inhalation anesthesia using isoflurane. We performed computed tomographic angiography (CTA) after intravenous injection of 1 to 2 mL contrast agent per kg followed by a 1 mL saline solution flush. We were been able to identify the arteries that previous studies revealed to be most likely affected by atherosclerotic lesions: the aorta, both pulmonary arteries, and both brachiocephalic trunks. CTA was safe and is of potential diagnostic value in birds.

3T MRI characteristics of the palatine tonsil in brachycephalic dogs.

BACKGROUND: Investigation of the MRI characteristics of the palatine tonsil in brachycephalic dogs in 3T high-field system. METHODS: Eighty-five brachycephalic dogs and 37 normocephalic dogs were divided into five groups: group 1 French bulldogs (FBs) with neurological clinical signs (n = 37), group 2 FBs with brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) (n = 22), group 3 pugs with neurological clinical signs (n = 17), group 4 pugs with BOAS (n = 9) and group 5 normocephalic dogs (n = 37). Cross-sectional area and volume measurements were performed, and tonsillar margination and contour, shape, signal intensity and homogeneity/heterogeneity of the palatine tonsils were evaluated and compared. RESULTS: Cross-sectional area and volume measurements of the tonsils showed no significant differences between brachycephalic and normocephalic dogs with the exception of the dogs of group 2 (FB BOAS), which showed relatively high volume and large cross-sectional area in comparison to other groups. In 87% of the brachycephalic animals, the tonsils were well defined. A smooth contour was detectable in 91.8% and a rounded shape in 94.7% of brachycephalic dogs. Signal intensity was assessed as hyperintense in relation to the musculature and iso- to hyperintense to the soft palate. Heterogeneous appearance was described in 86.9% of the brachycephalic animals. CONCLUSIONS: The MRI characteristics of the tonsils of brachycephalic dogs do not differ considerably from those of normocephalic dogs. In FBs with distinct clinical signs of obstructive airway syndrome, increase in cross-sectional area and volume of the tonsils was detected.

MRI diagnosis of spontaneous intraventricular tension-pneumocephalus in a 10-month-old male Saarloos Wolfdog.

A 10-month-old male Saarloos Wolfdog was presented with a history of multiple neurologic deficits that had acutely progressed. Neurologic examination findings localized signs to the cerebrum and brainstem. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed markedly enlarged and gas-filled lateral ventricles with a mass effect leading to cerebellar herniation. A right-sided defect of the cribriform plate with a dysplastic ethmoturbinate was identified as the inlet of air and origin of the intraventricular tension pneumocephalus. Surgical findings were consistent with a ruptured, congenital, nasal meningocele.

Clinical, pathological and parasitological examinations of a German spaniel with alveolar echinococcosis, Germany, 2018.

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a parasitic zoonosis occurring in most European countries and also emerging in parts of Asia and North America. AE is caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus multilocularis in intermediate and also in accidental hosts. The principal definitive host is the red fox, but domestic dogs and cats are also potential definitive hosts. Several species of rodents serve as intermediate hosts of this parasite. However, there are also some species acting as accidental intermediate hosts, among them dogs. Since the late 1980s cases of canine AE have been diagnosed. Here, we present a case of canine AE in a two-year old female intact German spaniel from Thuringia, Central Germany. The dog was used as a hunting dog and presented to a small animal clinic for subacute lethargy and inappetence. Abdominal ultrasound and contrast computed tomography (CT) scan were performed and revealed intrahepatic lesions. Multinodular changes of the liver and the greater omentum were demonstrated by exploratory laparotomy. After euthanasia, a necropsy was performed and histological sections of representative tissue samples were prepared. PCR followed by sequencing was conducted with DNA extracted from tissue samples of the liver, hepatic lymph nodes and greater omentum. The sequence herein obtained showed very high similarity with other partial nad2 sequences of E. multilocularis from the GenBank database by BLASTn analysis and was analysed using the maximum likelihood method. The presented case combines the clinical presentation and pathological, parasitological and phylogenetic analyses.

Accuracy of a magnetic resonance imaging-based 3D printed stereotactic brain biopsy device in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Brain biopsy of intracranial lesions is often necessary to determine specific therapy. The cost of the currently used stereotactic rigid frame and optical tracking systems for brain biopsy in dogs is often prohibitive or accuracy is not sufficient for all types of lesion. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the application accuracy of an inexpensive magnetic resonance imaging-based personalized, 3D printed brain biopsy device. ANIMALS: Twenty-two dog heads from cadavers were separated into 2 groups according to body weight (<15 kg, >20 kg). METHODS: Experimental study. Two target points in each cadaver head were used (target point 1: caudate nucleus, target point 2: piriform lobe). Comparison between groups was performed using the independent Student's t test or the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U Test. RESULTS: The total median target point deviation was 0.83 mm (range 0.09-2.76 mm). The separate median target point deviations for target points 1 and 2 in all dogs were 0.57 mm (range: 0.09-1.25 mm) and 0.85 mm (range: 0.14-2.76 mm), respectively. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: This magnetic resonance imaging-based 3D printed stereotactic brain biopsy device achieved an application accuracy that was better than the accuracy of most brain biopsy systems that are currently used in veterinary medicine. The device can be applied to every size and shape of skull and allows precise positioning of brain biopsy needles in dogs.

[Evaluation of the accuracy of volume navigation of sonography and computed tomography using a phantom]. / Genauigkeitsevaluierung der Volumennavigation von Sonografie und Computertomografie anhand eines Phantoms.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In case of superimpositions of gas in the gastrointestinal tract or the ribs, tissue changes well detectable on computed tomography (CT) cannot be identified sonographically in a number of cases. Combining ultrasonography and CT provides enhanced information compared to sole sonography and volume navigation may be used as an effective tool. Tissue samples easily and safely obtained under sonographic guidance are often necessary to confirm the diagnosis of a suspicious focus. In these cases, the spatial fusion of CT and sonography may also be employed for improved visualization of foci by eliminating superimposition of sonographic images which is a limitation of ultrasound. This study investigated the potential benefit and improved informative value of the fusion of CT and sonography in case of superimpositions and aimed at determining the registration method with the best accuracy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen models (10 models with peas [low contrast], 6 models with wooden spheres [high contrast] as round structures) were created. These models were examined by computed tomography and fused using 3 volume navigation protocols. Subsequently, volume-guided sonography was performed. The deviation of the specimens was measured. RESULTS: In total, 1026 measurements of the pea models and 648 measurements of the wooden sphere models were carried out. A fusion accuracy of 100 % was observed in 9.9 % (102/1026) resp. 9.9 % (64/648) of the models. In 85.4 % (876/1026) resp. 94.1 % (610/648) the deviation was < 5 mm and in 98.1 % (1006/1026) resp. 99.4 % (644/648) it was < 10 mm. The registration protocol in which all reference points were used for spatial fusion proved to be the most accurate CONCLUSION: The registration protocols for volume-guided ultrasound have sufficient biopsy accuracy to merge identical sites and provide the basis for improved volume-navigated biopsy sampling.

[Contrast-enhanced ultrasound at a rare bilateral renal carcinoma with secondary inflammation and necrosis in a cat]. / Kontrastmittelsonografie bei einem seltenen bilateralen renalen Karzinom mit sekundärer Entzündung und Nekrose bei einer Katze.

A 17-year-old male neutered domestic short hair cat was presented because of anorexia. The clinical examination revealed no abnormalities. Using sonography, mainly hypoechoic mass lesions at the level of the cortex and capsule were detected in both kidneys. The severity of the renal lesions could be clearly demonstrated using contrast-enhanced ultrasound and contrast-enhanced computed tomography. Under general anesthesia, fine needle aspirations of the lesions were taken. Part of the lesions were sampled from dorsal, an unusual practice for small animal medicine. Cytology revealed a bilateral renal carcinoma with secondary inflammation and necrosis. The cat improved under medical symptomatic treatment, but was euthanized 2 weeks later.

Predominance of hypoechoic tissue changes in nine dogs with malignant prostatic lymphoma.

Neoplasia of the prostate is relatively uncommon in dogs with adenocarcinoma being the most common type. Non-epithelial tumors are rare and only individual cases of malignant lymphoma affecting the prostate have been reported. The purpose of this multi-institutional, retrospective, descriptive study was to characterize the ultrasonographic features of canine prostatic lymphoma. Inclusion criteria were an abdominal ultrasound and cytological/histological diagnosis of malignant prostatic lymphoma. Ultrasonographic features were recorded based on the original ultrasonographic reports and consensus opinion of two readers on the available image sets retrospectively. Nine dogs met the inclusion criteria with a mean age of 6.5 years. Seven dogs were intact and two neutered. Subjective prostatomegaly was noted in all patients however not reproducible by objective measurements. Altered shape with rounded/irregular margins was detected in 78% of the cases. All prostates presented either diffuse (three dogs) or focal/periurethral (four dogs) and/or multifocal areas of hypoechogenicity (three dogs). In one dog, focal and multifocal hypoechoic changes co-occurred. Prostatic mineralization was not present in any of the cases. Ultrasonographic features of infiltrative disease of multiple organs and/or lymphadenopathy was found in all cases. Even though malignant lymphoma is rare in the prostate, it should be included in the list of differentials in patients with hypoechoic lesions/areas, altered shape, lack of mineralization of the prostatic parenchyma and evidence of multiorgan involvement.

[Nephroblastoma in a 2-year-old female dog]. / Nephroblastom bei einer 2-jährigen Hündin.

An intact female 2-year-old boxer presented with polydipsia, polyuria, and decreased feed intake. Palpation of the abdomen was painful. Sonography revealed an abdominal mass of the left kidney causing displacement of the organs located in the cranial and mid-abdomen. Dimen sion and invasiveness of the process were evaluated both by contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and contrast-enhanced computed tomography. Histopathological examination of a biopsy sample revealed a nephroblastoma. The case report describes the clinical, sonographic, and computed tomographic results and the outcome in the untreated dog over a period of 5 months.

[Multiple choristoma and a myelolipoma in a Sheltie]. / Multiple Choristome und ein Myelolipom bei einem Sheltie.

An 11-year-old female Sheltie was presented with inappetence and a progressive increase in abdominal distention. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a large cystic mass in the midabdomen and cystic lesions in the right liver lobe and in the caudal pole of the left kidney. Histopathologic examination of the resected tissue revealed a myelolipoma of the spleen, dispersed splenic tissue in the liver and dispersed uterine and salpinx tissues in the kidney. This report describes the clinical, ultrasonographic and computed tomographic features and the results of histopathology. In addition to the abnormally large and cystic myelolipoma of the spleen, the great number of choristomas is remarkable, which has not previously been documented in a dog.

[Complications of ultrasound-guided liver biopsies in dogs and cats]. / Komplikationen sonographisch gestützter Leberbiopsien bei Hund und Katze.

OBJECTIVE: Ultrasound-guided biopsies are obtained generally to reach a sound diagnosis in the case of sonographically detectable hepatic changes. The most common and well-known complication associated with ultrasound-guided biopsies is haemorrhage after sampling, which may lead to the patient's death. The aim of this study was to evaluate a possible association between alterations in the coagulation parameters and sonographically observable haemorrhage following liver biopsies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dogs and cats in which an ultrasound-guided biopsy of the liver had been performed were retrospectively enrolled in the study. Inclusion criteria were thoroughly documented sonographic findings and the results of the coagula tion parameter thromboplastin time or a combination of the activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time. The incidence of post-interventional ascites and possible risk factors were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 105 patients met the inclusion criteria and the data of 94 dogs (89.5 %) and 11 cats (10.5 %) were analysed. Post-interventional complications occurred in 26 of 105 patients (24.8 %), 21.9 % being minor and 2.9 % being major. Free abdominal fluid after intervention was sonographically detected in 22 of 94 dogs (23.4 %) and four of 11 cats (36.4 %). Three of 10 dogs (2.9 %) with a clinically significant prolongated coagulation time of > 25 % had ascites after biopsy. Only a small amount of fluid was detected in two of these three dogs, while a moderate amount of ascites was observed in the third dog. One of two cats with a prolonged coagulation time of > 25 % developed a moderate amount of ascites after the puncture. No statistically significant association was found between the occurrence of post-interventional ascites and a prolongation of the coagulation time. CONCLUSION: According to the study results, there is no obvi ous correlation between alterations in coagulation and haemorrhage after an ultrasound-guided liver biopsy.

A Novel Approach to Brachycephalic Syndrome. 1. Evaluation of Anatomical Intranasal Airway Obstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate airway obstruction due to abnormal intranasal anatomy in 3 brachycephalic dog breeds using computed tomography and rhinoscopy. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: A total of 132 brachycephalic dogs (66 Pugs, 55 French Bulldogs, and 11 English Bulldogs) with severe respiratory distress due to brachycephalic syndrome. METHODS: Computed tomography and anterior and posterior rhinoscopy were performed to evaluate endonasal obstruction. RESULTS: All dogs had abnormal conchal growth that obstructed the intranasal airways. Rostral aberrant turbinates (RAT) were common in Pugs (90.9%) but less frequent in French (56.4%) and English (36.4%) Bulldogs. Caudal aberrant turbinates (CAT) obstructing the nasopharyngeal meatus were commonly found in all breeds (66.7%). Deviation of the nasal septum was an almost consistent finding in Pugs (98.5%) but was less common in bulldogs. Obstructing turbinates had multiple points of mucosal contact responsible for obstruction of the intranasal airway. Interconchal and intraconchal mucosal contacts were evident in 91.7% of dogs. CONCLUSION: Selective breeding for short head conformation reduces the size of the nasal cavities to such an extent that intranasal structures grow aberrantly and malformed, leading to obstructed air conducting spaces. Intranasal airway obstruction of brachycephalic dogs may contribute to their exercise and heat intolerance because of impaired pulmonary ventilation and compromised thermoregulatory functions of the canine nose. Failure to address intranasal obstruction might be an explanation for lack of therapeutic success after conventional surgery for brachycephalic syndrome. Future consideration should be given to the diagnosis, management, and treatment of this newly described aspect of airway obstruction.

Morphological respiratory diffusion capacity of the lungs of ball pythons (Python regius).

This study aims at a functional and morphological characterization of the lung of a boid snake. In particular, we were interested to see if the python's lungs are designed with excess capacity as compared to resting and working oxygen demands. Therefore, the morphological respiratory diffusion capacity of ball pythons (Python regius) was examined following a stereological, hierarchically nested approach. The volume of the respiratory exchange tissue was determined using computed tomography. Tissue compartments were quantified using stereological methods on light microscopic images. The tissue diffusion barrier for oxygen transport was characterized and measured using transmission electron micrographs. We found a significant negative correlation between body mass and the volume of respiratory tissue; the lungs of larger snakes had relatively less respiratory tissue. Therefore, mass-specific respiratory tissue was calculated to exclude effects of body mass. The volume of the lung that contains parenchyma was 11.9±5.0mm(3)g(-1). The volume fraction, i.e., the actual pulmonary exchange tissue per lung parenchyma, was 63.22±7.3%; the total respiratory surface was, on average, 0.214±0.129m(2); it was significantly negatively correlated to body mass, with larger snakes having proportionally smaller respiratory surfaces. For the air-blood barrier, a harmonic mean of 0.78±0.05µm was found, with the epithelial layer representing the thickest part of the barrier. Based on these findings, a median diffusion capacity of the tissue barrier ( [Formula: see text] ) of 0.69±0.38ml O(2)min(-1)mmHg(-1) was calculated. Based on published values for blood oxygen concentration, a total oxygen uptake capacity of 61.16mlO(2)min(-1)kg(-1) can be assumed. This value exceeds the maximum demand for oxygen in ball pythons by a factor of 12. We conclude that healthy individuals of P. regius possess a considerable spare capacity for tissue oxygen exchange.

[Comparison of different applications of the sonographic contrast medium Levovist]. / Verschiedene Applikationsarten des sonografischen Kontrastmittels Levovist im Vergleich.

The influence of the application modes (bolus injection, infusion) of the sonographic signal enhancers Levovist was investigated in a total of 24 dogs. The animals in the bolus group were given 0.2 ml/kg body mass Levovist at a concentration of 300 mg/ml while in the other group the same amount was continuously injected over a time of two minutes. Signal enhancement was measured by an audiodoppler. Contrast duration above six, twelve, 18 and 24 dB and maximum signal enhancement were determined for each application mode. The comparison of these parameters showed that a statistically significant longer contrast duration (significance level p less than 0,05) at 0 and 6 dB can be achieved by continuous injection. Bolus application, on the other hand, resulted in significantly higher maximum contrast enhancement. With time consuming investigations (perfusiondiagnostic, shuntdiagnostic) the contrast effect can be partly extended with continuous injection but the technical requirements are higher and there is the risk that the acoustic properties of the microbubbles are negatively influenced.