Comparative study of the osteoblastic activity of two implant systems (Endopore versus Entegra) utilizing single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT): experimental study in pigs model / Estudio comparativo de la actividad osteoblástica de dos sistemas de implantes (Endopore versus Entegra) utilizando tomografía computarizada por emisión de fotones individuales: estudio experimental en modelos porcinos

Implantology has been an important component of dental management for over forty years, and during that period, many configurations of implant materials and methods have been developed. As empirical and clinical research yield new implant materials, there has been need to test and compare these materials to provide the most cost-effective and efficient implants. Evaluation of efficiency of implants has relied heavily on histological and radiological methods, but these one-dimensional measurement methods fail to evaluate the osteoblastic activity and osseointegration properties of putative implants. In this report, we describe the use of a quantitative single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) as a tool for comparing the osseointegrating capabilities of two types of implants.

La implantología ha sido un componente importante del tratamiento odontológico durante más de cuarenta años, y durante ese período, se han desarrollado muchas configuraciones de materiales y métodos de implante. A medida que la investigación empírica y clínica proporciona nuevos materiales de implante, ha surgido la necesidad de probar y comparar estos materiales para lograr que los implantes sean lo más costo-efectivos y eficientes posible. La evaluación de la eficiencia de los implantes ha dependido considerablemente de los métodos histológicos y radiológicos, pero estos métodos de medición unidimensional no son útiles a la hora de evaluar la actividad osteoblástica y las propiedades osteointegradoras de los implantes putativos. En este reporte, describimos el uso de la tomografía computarizada por emisión de fotones individuales (SPECT) como herramienta para comparar las capacidades osteointegradoras de dos tipos de implantes.

Comparative study of the osteoblastic activity of two implant systems (Endopore versus Entegra) utilizing single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT): experimental study in pigs model.

Implantology has been an important component of dental management for over forty years, and during that period, many configurations of implant materials and methods have been developed. As empirical and clinical research yield new implant materials, there has been need to test and compare these materials to provide the most cost-effective and efficient implants. Evaluation of efficiency of implants has relied heavily on histological and radiological methods, but these one-dimensional measurement methods fail to evaluate the osteoblastic activity and osseointegration properties of putative implants. In this report, we describe the use of a quantitative single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) as a tool for comparing the osseointegrating capabilities of two types of implants.

Emerging applications of an experimental single photon emission computed tomography: an analysis of 16 areas of interest in the pig's model / Aplicaciones emergentes experimentales de la tomografía computarizada por emisión de fotones individuales: un análisis de 16 áreas de interés en el modelo de cerdo

This paper aims to affirm various new applications of single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) technique by utilizing the pig's models. Evaluation and subsequent analysis of SPECT results was conducted on the jaws of eight experimental pigs with a total of 16 areas of interest. The various reasons for which each experiment was conducted were evaluated and these reasons include: i) validation of a new bone grafting technique for closure of oro-antral communications, ii) comparison of autogeneous bone graft with other bone grafts, iii) sequential confirmation of osteoblastic activity of the sandwich bone regeneration technique with another technique, iv) validation of the use of a new membrane for guided tissue regeneration (GTR), v) validation of the fact that osseointegration is better with beaded implants than with threaded implants, and vi) validation of the fact that GTR is essential for immediate implant practice. The outcome of this evaluation is critically analysed against the background of the substantial clinical evidence where applicable, so as to appreciate the position of SPECT. Following the evaluation of 16 areas of interest in eight experimental pigs, it was shown that experimental SPECT was valuable in the validation of the above reasons. It appears to be a modality that can continuously be utilized to validate and compare situations which would display osteoblastic activities. It is concluded that the bone scintigraphy imaging technique accurately reflects osteoblastic activities and can now be used to validate osseointegration of any implant or bone-grafting system. This can be done in conjunction with histological and histomorphometic analysis and such results obtained from SPECT should be correlated with the histological and histomorphometric analysis if available.

El presente trabajo tiene por objeto dar a conocer varias nuevas aplicaciones de la técnica de la tomografía computarizada por emisión de fotones individuales (inglés SPECT), utilizando modelos de cerdo. Se llevó a cabo una evaluación y el posterior análisis de los resultados de la SPECT en relación con las mandíbulas de ocho cerdos experimentales con un total de 16 áreas de interés. Se evaluaron las varias razones por las que se llevó a cabo cada experimento. Las razones incluyen: i) validación de una nueva técnica de injerto óseo para el cierre de las comunicaciones oroantrales; ii) comparación del injerto óseo autógeno con otros injertos óseos; iii) confirmación secuencial de la actividad osteoblástica de la técnica de regeneración ósea por "sándwich" o membrana inter-posicional con otra técnica; iv) validación del uso de una nueva membrana para la regeneración tisular guiada (RTG); v) validación del hecho que la osteointegración es mejor con implantes porosos que con implantes roscados; y vi) valoración del hecho de que la RTG es esencial para la práctica del implante inmediato. El resultado de esta evaluación se analiza críticamente contra el trasfondo de la evidencia clínica sustancial donde es aplicable, para apreciar la posición de SPECT. Tras la evaluación de 16 áreas de interés en ocho cerdos experimentales, se vio que la SPECT experimental era valiosa para la validación de las razones anteriores. Parece ser una modalidad que puede utilizarse para validar y comparar situaciones que desplegarían actividades osteoblásticas. Se concluye que la gammagrafía ósea refleja las actividades osteoblásticas con precisión, y puede ahora usarse para validar la osteointegración de cualquier implante o sistema de injerto óseo. Esto puede hacerse junto con análisis histológicos y análisis histomorfométicos. Los resultados obtenidos de la tomografía SPECT deben ponerse en correlación con el análisis histológico e histomorfométrico, si estuviese disponible.

Mathematical model for osteobstruction in bone regeneration mechanisms a Headway in skeletal tissue engineering / Modelo matemático de la osteobstrucción en el mecanismo de regeneración del hueso: un avance en la ingeniería del tejido esquelético

In this paper, we formulate a mathematical model for the evaluation of parameters responsible for the retardation and eventual acceleration of bone regeneration on the contralateral side of the mandible of experimental animals, following the discovery of a new mechanism of bone regeneration called the osteobstruction mechanism (a negative mechanism of bone regeneration as opposed to the well established and extensively documented positive mechanisms such as osteogenesis, osteoinduction and osteoconduction). This osteobstructive mechanism was demonstrated by episodes of overtaking and re-overtaking on single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) following evaluation of osteoblastic activities in a sequential animal experiment to validate both the Ogunsalu sandwich technique (a double guided tissue technique; D-GTR) and the interceed membrane technique (a single guided tissue regeneration technique; S-GTR) utilizing SPECT, histological and histomorphometric evaluation. This work is now given special attention in terms of mathematical analysis because of limited experimental observations since experiments cannot be observed infinitely. Mathematical modelling is as such essential to generalize the results of this osteobstructive mechanism in bone regeneration. We utilize the Fisher's equation to describe bone cell mobilization during bone regeneration by two different techniques: the Ogunsalu sandwich bone regeneration technique (D-GTR) and the S-GTR.

En este trabajo se formula un modelo matemático para la evaluación de los parámetros responsables del retardo y la posterior aceleración de la regeneración del hueso en el lado contralateral de la mandíbula de animales experimentales, tras el descubrimiento de un nuevo mecanismo de regeneración del hueso, denominado mecanismo de osteobstrucción de la regeneración del hueso (un mecanismo negativo de regeneración del hueso, el cual contrasta con mecanismos positivos bien establecidos y ampliamente documentados, tales como la osteogénesis, la osteoinducción y la osteoconducción). Este mecanismo osteobstructivo fue demostrado mediante una serie de fenómenos consecutivos en la tomografía computarizada por Emisión de Fotones Individuales (SPECT), tras la evaluación actividades osteoblásticas en experimentos secuenciales con animales, para validar tanto la técnica de sandwich de Ogunsalu (técnica de regeneración de tejidos guiada doble; RTG-D) como la técnica de membrana con interceed (técnica de regeneración de tejidos guiada simple; RTG-S) utilizando SPECT así como evaluaciones histológicas e histomorfométricas. Este trabajo recibe aquí especial atención en términos de análisis matemático, ya que en los experimentos las observaciones no puede realizarse infinitamente. Los modelos matemáticos son pues esenciales para generalizar los resultados de este mecanismo del osteobstructivo de la regeneración ósea. Se utiliza la ecuación de Fisher para describir la movilización de las células óseas durante la regeneración del hueso por dos técnicas diferentes: la técnica de Ogunsalu para la regeneración ósea por "sandwich" (D-GTR) y la técnica S-GTR.

Emerging applications of an experimental single photon emission computed tomography: an analysis of 16 areas of interest in the pig's model.

This paper aims to affirm various new applications of single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) technique by utilizing the pig's models. Evaluation and subsequent analysis of SPECT results was conducted on the jaws of eight experimental pigs with a total of 16 areas of interest. The various reasons for which each experiment was conducted were evaluated and these reasons include: i) validation of a new bone grafting technique for closure of oro-antral communications, ii) comparison of autogeneous bone graft with other bone grafts, iii) sequential confirmation of osteoblastic activity of the sandwich bone regeneration technique with another technique, iv) validation of the use of a new membrane for guided tissue regeneration (GTR), v) validation of the fact that osseointegration is better with beaded implants than with threaded implants, and vi) validation of the fact that GTR is essential for immediate implant practice. The outcome of this evaluation is critically analysed against the background of the substantial clinical evidence where applicable, so as to appreciate the position of SPECT Following the evaluation of 16 areas of interest in eight experimental pigs, it was shown that experimental SPECT was valuable in the validation of the above reasons. It appears to be a modality that can continuously be utilized to validate and compare situations which would display osteoblastic activities. It is concluded that the bone scintigraphy imaging technique accurately reflects osteoblastic activities and can now be used to validate osseointegration of any implant or bone-grafting system. This can be done in conjunction with histological and histomorphometic analysis and such results obtained from SPECT should be correlated with the histological and histomorphometric analysis if available.

Mathematical model for osteobstruction in bone regeneration mechanisms: a headway in skeletal tissue engineering.

In this paper, we formulate a mathematical model for the evaluation of parameters responsible for the retardation and eventual acceleration of bone regeneration on the contralateral side of the mandible of experimental animals, following the discovery of a new mechanism of bone regeneration called the osteobstruction mechanism (a negative mechanism of bone regeneration as opposed to the well established and extensively documented positive mechanisms such as osteogenesis, osteoinduction and osteoconduction). This osteobstructive mechanism was demonstrated by episodes of overtaking and reovertaking on single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) following evaluation of osteoblastic activities in a sequential animal experiment to validate both the Ogunsalu sandwich technique (a double guided tissue technique; D-GTR) and the interceed membrane technique (a single guided tissue regeneration technique; S-GTR) utilizing SPECT, histological and histomorphometric evaluation. This work is now given special attention in terms of mathematical analysis because of limited experimental observations since experiments cannot be observed infinitely. Mathematical modelling is as such essential to generalize the results of this osteobstructive mechanism in bone regeneration. We utilize the Fisher's equation to describe bone cell mobilization during bone regeneration by two different techniques: the Ogunsalu sandwich bone regeneration technique (D-GTR) and the S-GTR.

Comparative study of osteoblastic activity of same implants (Endopore) in the immediate extraction site utilizing single photon emission computerized tomography: peri-implant autogeneous bone grafting with GTR versus no peri-implant bone grafting--experimental study in pig model.

The study was designed to exploit the single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) to compare osteoblastic activity of two implant systems: an Endopore implant (Beaded implants) placed immediately into an extraction socket in conjunction with peri-implant autogenous grafting supplemented with a guided tissue regeneration (GTR) technique, and an Endopore implant placed immediately into the extraction socket without peri-implant grafting and GTR. Endopore implants of the same size (12 mm x 4.1 mm INT-Hex) were placed in fresh extraction sockets in the canine-tooth region of the pigs jaw. The implant on the right side had peri-implant bone grafting utilizing autogenous bone together with cytoplast resorbable GTR membrane, whilst the implant on the left side received no peri-implant bone grafting. Osteoblastic activity was evaluated 81 days (11 weeks and 4 days) post implantation using the SPECT imaging technique. The SPECT imaging revealed more osteoblastic activity on the side with peri-implant bone grafting as compared with the site without peri-implant bone grafting. The result suggests that peri-implant bone grafting with GTR around the immediate implant showed more osteoblastic activity and thus enhanced osseointegration when compared with the implant without bone grafting and GTR. Bone grafting and GTR should be encouraged as a standard procedure with dental implants.

Development and use of real-time PCR to detect and quantify Mycoplasma haemocanis and "Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum" in dogs.

Two canine haemoplasma species have been recognised to date; Mycoplasma haemocanis (Mhc), which has been associated with anaemia in splenectomised or immunocompromised dogs, and "Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum" (CMhp), recently described in an anaemic splenectomised dog undergoing chemotherapy. The study aim was to develop quantitative real-time PCR assays (qPCRs) incorporating an endogenous internal control to detect Mhc and CMhp and to apply these assays to DNA samples extracted from canine blood collected in Northern Tanzania (n=100) and from dogs presented to a Trinidadian veterinary hospital (n=185). QPCRs specific for Mhc and CMhp were designed using 16S rRNA gene sequence data, and each was duplexed with an assay specific for canine glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). The assays detected < or =10 copies of a sequence-specific haemoplasma plasmid per reaction and neither assay showed cross-reactivity with 10(6) copies of the sequence-specific plasmid from the non-target canine haemoplasma species. Nineteen of the 100 Tanzanian samples (19%) were positive for Mhc alone and one (1%) was dually infected. One Trinidadian sample was negative for canine GAPDH DNA and was excluded from the study. Of the 184 remaining Trinidadian samples, nine (4.9%) were positive for Mhc alone, five (2.7%) for CMhp alone, and two (1.1%) dually infected. This is the first report of canine haemoplasma qPCR assays that use an internal control to confirm the presence of amplifiable sample DNA, and their application to prevalence studies. Mhc was the most commonly detected canine haemoplasma species.

Single photon emission computerized tomography in the evaluation of the osteoblastic activities of a new bone regeneration technique: analysis of 12 mandibular sites in six experimental pigs / La tomografía computarizada por emisión de fotón único en la evaluación de las actividades osteoblásticas de una nueva técnica de regeneración ósea: análisis de 12 sitios mandibulares en seis cerdos experimentales

OBJECTIVES: To utilize single photon emission computerized tomography performed in sequence to determine the osseo-integrating capabilities and osteoblastic activities of a new bone regeneration technique called the membrane - sandwich technique (Ogunsalu sandwich bone regenerating technique) and to compare the quality and quantity of bone formed by this bone regeneration unit to bone regeneration obtained by using the same particulate bone grafting material covered with interceed® (another type of bio-resorbable membrane). DESIGN AND METHOD: Single photon emission computerized tomography bone imaging was performed in sequence on the mandible of a total of 6 pigs on both the right and left side (total of 12 sites) at two and a half hours following the injection of technetium 99m methylene diphosphate. Imaging was performed using a Siemen Orbitar II gamma camera. The projection data was acquired in a 128 x 128 matrix over 180 arc and SPECT reconstruction was performed using a filtered back projector method with a Shepp-Logan Hanning filter and a cut-off frequency of 0.4. The surgical defect on one side of the jaw was treated with the sandwich unit with Bio-oss particulate bone within it, while the other side contained the same quantity of Bio-oss as in the left side but just covered with interceed® membrane. The osteoblastic uptake on the side with the classical sandwich was compared to the side with the particulate bone covered with interceed® membrane for dynamic physiological activities. The average activity for both sides was calculated and compared. RESULT: For all the 12 sites, osteoblastic activities were recorded and indicated that vascularized bone was formed at all the experimental sites. Autogenous bone graft was confirmed to be superior to xenograft using this sandwich technique. Furthermore, the osteoblastic activities on the sandwich side were seen to be more when compared with the control side (Interceed® side). CONCLUSION: The Ogunsalu sandwich bone regeneration technique has been successfully evaluated with SPECT which shows osteoblastic activity with formation of vascularized bone which integrates with the surrounding bone.

OBJETIVOS: Utilizar la tomografía computarizada por emisión de fotón único (TCEFU) realizada en secuencia, a fin de determinar la capacidad óseo-integradora y las actividades osteoblásticas de una nueva técnica de regeneración del hueso, denominada técnica de membrana-sándwich, y comparar la calidad y cantidad de hueso formado por esta unidad de regeneración ósea con la regeneración ósea obtenida mediante el mismo material de injerto de hueso particulado cubierto con interceed® (otro tipo de membrana bioreabsorbible). DISEÑO Y MÉTODO: Mediante TCEFU, se realizó un estudio de imágenes óseas en secuencia, de la mandíbula de un total de 6 cerdos, a los lados izquierdo y derecho (un total de 12 sitios) a las dos horas y media, luego de una inyección de difosfato de metileno marcado con tecnecio 99 m. El examen de imágenes fue realizado usando una cámara gamma Siemens Orbiter tipo II. Los datos de la proyección fueron adquiridos en una matriz de 128 x 128 sobre un arco de 180 y la reconstrucción con TCEFU se realizó usando un método de retroproyección filtrada, con un filtro Shepp-Logan-Hanning y una frecuencia de corte de 0.4. El defecto quirúrgico en un lado de la mandíbula fue tratado con la unidad de sándwich con hueso particulado bio-oss dentro, mientras que el otro lado contenía la misma cantidad de Bio-oss del lado izquierdo, pero cubierto con una membrana de interceed®. La respuesta osteoblástica en el lado con el sándwich clásico fue comparada con el lado del hueso particulado cubierto con la membrana de interceed® en cuanto a actividades fisiológicas dinámicas. La actividad promedio de ambos lados fue calculada y comparada. RESULTADO: En los 12 sitios, las actividades osteoblásticas fueron registradas de forma indicando que se formó hueso vascularizado en todos los sitios experimentales. Se confirmó que el injerto óseo autógeno es superior al xenoinjerto que usa esta técnica de sándwich. Además, se observó que las actividades osteoblásticas en el lado del sándwich eran más en comparación con el lado control (lado del interceed®). CONCLUSIÓN: La técnica de Ogunsalu para la regeneración ósea por "sándwich" o membrana inter-posicional, ha sido exitosamente evaluada mediante TCEFU, concluyéndose que la misma consiste en la actividad osteoblástica con formación de hueso vascularizado que se integra al hueso circundante.

Haematological and serum chemistry reference intervals for categories of pigs in Trinidad and Tobago.

A study was done to establish haematological and serum chemistry reference intervals for nursery pigs (n=120), growers/finishers (n=120), adult non-pregnant, non- lactating female pigs (n=90), mature boars (n=63), pregnant female pigs (n=121), and lactating sows (n=120) in Trinidad and Tobago. Thirty-seven farms were randomly selected for the study. Physical examination was conducted on all animals in order to exclude animals that appeared unhealthy. Blood samples (640 in all) from the pigs were evaluated for haematological and serum chemistry parameters. Reference intervals for the blood parameters were defined by their mean values plus or minus two standard deviations (mean+/- 2 s.d.). The reference limits obtained showed differences among the various age groups and physiological states of the animals, therefore providing an alternative set of reference values to aid in interpretation of data at veterinary laboratories in Trinidad and Tobago.

Haematological and serum chemistry reference intervals for categories of pigs in Trinidad and Tobago.

A study was done to establish haematological and serum chemistry reference intervals for nursery pigs (n=120), growers/finishers (n=120), adult non-pregnant, non- lactating female pigs (n=90), mature boars (n=63), pregnant female pigs (n=121), and lactating sows (n=120) in Trinidad and Tobago. Thirty-seven farms were randomly selected for the study. Physical examination was conducted on all animals in order to exclude animals that appeared unhealthy. Blood samples (640 in all) from the pigs were evaluated for haematological and serum chemistry parameters. Reference intervals for the blood parameters were defined by their mean values plus or minus two standard deviations (mean+/- 2 s.d.). The reference limits obtained showed differences among the various age groups and physiological states of the animals, therefore providing an alternative set of reference values to aid in interpretation of data at veterinary laboratories in Trinidad and Tobago.

Single photon emission computerized tomography and histological evaluation in the validation of a new technique for closure of oro-antral communication: an experimental study in pigs / Tomografía computarizada mediante emisión de fotones simples y evaluación histológica en la validación de una nueva técnica para el cierre de la comunicación oroantral: un estudio experimental en cerdos

Various bone regeneration techniques have evolved recently but controversies regarding vascularization and integration of such bone grafting techniques have led occasionally to animal experiment to validate such techniques. The objective of this study was to evaluate the evidence of vascularization and osseo-integration of a new bone regeneration technique utilized for the closure of oro-antral communication (OAC) by an experimental model in which Single Photon Emission computerized Tomography and histological studies were conducted in pigs. We conclude that the sandwich technique used for the closure of OAC results in a vascularized new bone formation which eventually osseo-integrate with the surrounding bone. Also, this experimental study confirmed that autogeneous bone graft was superior to xenografts when used within the sandwich unit.

Varias técnicas de regeneración de huesos han sido desarrolladas recientemente, pero las controversias con respecto a la vascularización e integración de tales técnicas de injerto de hueso han llevado de vez en cuando a la experimentación con animales, a fin de validar estas técnicas. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la evidencia de vascularización e integración ósea de una nueva técnica de regeneración de hueso utilizada para el cierre de la comunicación oro-antral (COA), mediante un modelo experimental en el que se practicó la tomografía computarizada mediante emisión de fotones simples y se realizaron estudios histológicos en cerdos. Concluimos que la técnica de sándwich usada para el cierre de COA da lugar a una formación ósea vascularizada que acaba produciendo una oseointegración con el hueso circundante. Asimismo, este estudio experimental confirmó que el injerto óseo antólogo es superior a los xenoinjertos cuando se usa dentro de la unidad de sándwich.

Single photon emission computerized tomography and histological evaluation in the validation of a new technique for closure of oro-antral communication: an experimental study in pigs.

Various bone regeneration techniques have evolved recently but controversies regarding vascularization and integration of such bone grafting techniques have led occasionally to animal experiment to validate such techniques. The objective of this study was to evaluate the evidence of vascularization and osseo-integration of a new bone regeneration technique utilized for the closure of oro-antral communication (OAC) by an experimental model in which Single Photon Emission computerized Tomography and histological studies were conducted in pigs. We conclude that the sandwich technique used for the closure of OAC results in a vascularized new bone formation which eventually osseo-integrate with the surrounding bone. Also, this experimental study confirmed that autogeneous bone graft was superior to xenografts when used within the sandwich unit.

Single photon emission computerized tomography in the evaluation of the osteoblastic activities of a new bone regeneration technique: analysis of 12 mandibular sites in six experimental pigs.

OBJECTIVES: To utilize single photon emission computerized tomography performed in sequence to determine the osseo-integrating capabilities and osteoblastic activities of a new bone regeneration technique called the membrane--sandwich technique (Ogunsalu sandwich bone regenerating technique) and to compare the quality and quantity of bone formed by this bone regeneration unit to bone regeneration obtained by using the same particulate bone grafting material covered with interceed (another type of bio-resorbable membrane). DESIGN AND METHOD: Single photon emission computerized tomography bone imaging was performed in sequence on the mandible of a total of 6 pigs on both the right and left side (total of 12 sites) at two and a half hours following the injection of technetium 99m methylene diphosphate. Imaging was performed using a Siemen Orbitar II gamma camera. The projection data was acquired in a 128 x 128 matrix over 180 arc and SPECT reconstruction was performed using a filtered back projector method with a Shepp-Logan Hanning filter and a cut-off frequency of 0.4. The surgical defect on one side of the jaw was treated with the sandwich unit with Bio-oss particulate bone within it, while the other side contained the same quantity of Bio-oss as in the left side but just covered with interceed membrane. The osteoblastic uptake on the side with the classical sandwich was compared to the side with the particulate bone covered with interceed membrane for dynamic physiological activities. The average activity for both sides was calculated and compared. RESULT: For all the 12 sites, osteoblastic activities were recorded and indicated that vascularized bone was formed at all the experimental sites. Autogenous bone graft was confirmed to be superior to xenograft using this sandwich technique. Furthermore, the osteoblastic activities on the sandwich side were seen to be more when compared with the control side (Interceed side). CONCLUSION: The Ogunsalu sandwich bone regeneration technique has been successfully evaluated with SPECT which shows osteoblastic activity with formation of vascularized bone which integrates with the surrounding bone.

Effect of age and gender on haematological and serum chemistry parameters of pigs in Trinidad and Tobago

A total of 361 blood samples were collected from nursey pigs, grower/finishers and adult breeding pigs on 36 farms in Trinidad and Tobago and evaluated for selected haematological parameters and serum chemistry. The erythron and all leukon variables, except eosinophils, were unaffected by gender. Females had higher eosinophil counts than males (P ¡Ü 0.05). Males were found to have higher creatine kinase values than females (770.65 ¡À 55.03 vs. 594.39 ¡À 33.14 U/L, P = 0.006). No differences existed between males and females for the other serum chemistry parameters studied. Age had a msignificant effect on the erythron parameters evaluated; the haemoglobin, haematocrit, and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration showed increasing trends with age (P ¡Ü 0.05). Adult breeding animals had significantly lower white blood cell counts and lymphocyte counts than the other age groups ( P > 0.05). Similarly, there was no significant age effect for calcium, bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase, or gamma -glutamyl transferase ( P > 0.05). Potassium and glucose decreased with age whereas sodium increased with age, chloride was lower in grower/finishers than in either the adult or the nursery groups ( P ¡Ü 0.05). Creatinine, total protein and albumin increased with age; globulin and bicarbonate increased significantly from the nursery stage to the grower/finisher stage but decreased to adult values (P ¡Ü 0.05). Alkaline phosphatase was significantly lower in adults than in the other two groups, whereas aspartate aminotransferase was higher in nursery pigs than in adults (P ¡Ü 0.05).

Unusual clinical presentation of spirocercosis in a dog

Spirocerca lupi is a common infection in dogs in the tropics, and the clinical disease(spirocercosis) frequently presents with regurgitation of ingested food usually within an hour of ingestion. Clinical diagnosis is often confirmed with thoracic radiographs which reveal eosphageal granulomas, spondylitis and spondylosis of the thoracic vertebrae. In the report we present a case of S. lupi infection characterised by the persistent cough rather than the usual regurgitation. We propose that this is a case of early manifestation when presented with a persistent cough unresponsive to routine treatment.

The effect of gastrointestinal parasitism on blood copper and hemoglobin levels in sheep.

Endoparasitism is a problem in Trinidad, as it is in most tropical countries. Parasite infection has been suspected to contribute to the pathogenesis of swayback disease (which is also prevalent in Trinidad), but the mode of action has not been clearly defined, although it has been suggested that parasites interfere with the absorption of copper from the gastrointestinal tract. The objectives of the study were to assess the effect of endoparasitism on blood copper levels and hemoglobin (Hb) concentration in sheep in Trinidad. Copper was administered intramuscularly to parasite infected and noninfected animals. The results showed that parasitism has a depressing effect on blood copper and Hb levels, even when administered parenterally. It is concluded that parasitism can aggravate existing hypocupremia and possibly influence the expression of swayback disease.

The effect of gastrointestinal parasitism on blood copper and hemoglobin levels in sheep

Endoparasitism is a problem in Trinidad, as it is in most tropical countries. Parasite infection has been suspected to contribute to the pathogenesis of swayback disease (which is also prevalent in Trinidad), but the mode of action has not been clearly defined, although it has been suggested that parasites interfere with the absorption of copper from the gastrointestinal tract. The objectives of the study were to assess the effect of endoparasitism on blood copper levels and hemoglobin (Hb) concentration in sheep in Trinidad. Copper was administered intramuscularly to parasite infected and noninfected animals. The results showed that parasitism has a depressing effect on blood copper and Hb levels, even when administered parenterally. It is concluded that parasitism can aggravate existing hypocupremia and possibly influence the expression of swayback disease.

Provision of anaesthesia for porcine cardiac transplantation at the veterinary school in Trinidad and Tobago.

A successful heterotopic cardiac transplantation was performed between sibling female Yorkshire Juvenile swine. Adequate pre-medication with azaperone and a smooth induction were ensured for both pigs, which were anaesthetized simultaneously with sodium thiopentone followed by endotracheal intubation and intermittent positive pressure ventilation. Inhalation anaesthetic agents were used for maintenance, neuromuscular blockade was achieved with cisatracurium and both fentanyl and tramadol were used to provide analgesia. Invasive monitoring was used in both the donor and recipient. Central venous pressure (CVP) was maintained at > 10 cm H2O and mean arterial pressure (MAP) > 60 mmHg. Heparin was injected during the surgical dissection of the heart in the donor to prevent coronary thrombosis and prior to aortic side clamping for end-to-side anastomosis of the donor heart in the recipient abdomen. After transplantation, the cardiovascular parameters of the recipient showed a MAP of 85-105 mmHg and a CVP of 8-10 cm H2O while echocardiography of the transplanted heart confirmed an ejection fraction (EF) of 80%. A functional anaesthetic team was assembled and trained to provide anaesthesia for porcine cardiac transplantation. The transplanted heart suffered pump failure after 69 days and was excised for performance of tissue analysis.

Provision of anaesthesia for porcine cardiac transplantation at the veterinary school in Trinidad and Tobago

A successful heterotopic cardiac transplantation was performed between sibling female Yorkshire Juvenile swine. Adequate pre-medication with azaperone and a smooth induction were ensured for both pigs, which were anaesthetized simultaneously with sodium thiopentone followed by endotracheal intubation and intermittent positive pressure ventilation. Inhalation anaesthetic agents were used for maintenance, neuromuscular blockade was achieved with cisatracurium and both fentanyl and tramadol were used to provide analgesia. Invasive monitoring was used in both the donor and recipient. Central venous pressure (CVP) was maintained at > 10 cm H2O and mean arterial pressure (MAP) > 60 mmHg. Heparin was injected during the surgical dissection of the heart in the donor to prevent coronary thrombosis and prior to aortic side clamping for end-to-side anastomosis of the donor heart in the recipient abdomen. After transplantation, the cardiovascular parameters of the recipient showed a MAP of 85-105 mmHg and a CVP of 8-10 cm H2O while echocardiography of the transplanted heart confirmed an ejection fraction (EF) of 80. A functional anaesthetic team was assembled and trained to provide anaesthesia for porcine cardiac transplantation. The transplanted heart suffered pump failure after 69 days and was excised for performance of tissue analysis