Diffuse Uterine Adenomyosis and Bilateral Ovarian Cysts in a Chinchilla Cat.

A 10-year-old female intact chinchilla cat was presented with intermittent vomiting and mild lethargy over the previous few months. Clinical signs and laboratory tests were unremarkable. Following an elective ovariohysterectomy, bilateral ovarian cysts and uterine adenomyosis were diagnosed in the patient. Because this cat had a long history of receiving low dose megestrol acetate for estrus suppression throughout her life (1.5 mg/cat, once during estrus, 2-3 times per year), it was suspected that the exogenous progestins increased her risk for disease. To our knowledge, this is the first report in cats demonstrating that even very low doses of megestrol acetate may increase the risk of developing uterine adenomyosis. Furthermore, uterine adenomyosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of an intact female cat with a long history of unexplained vomiting.

The European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus), as a reservoir for helminth parasites in Iran.

From April 2009 to December 2011, 44 dead hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) were collected incidentally from areas of Urmia, Iran. The overall prevalence of helminth infections was 95.0%. Specific parasites and their prevalences were: Physaloptera clausa (93.0%), Crenosoma striatum (61.0%), Capillaria aerophila (9.0%), Capillarias spp. (4.0%), Brachylaemus erinacei (2.0%) and Hymenolepis erinacei (16.0%). There were no significant differences in helminth occurrence between hedgehog sexes, either in single or in mixed infections (p > 0.05). The mixed infection involving Crenosoma striatum and P. clausa occurred significantly more frequently than other mixed infection (p < 0.05). There were significant differences in prevalence among seasons, with the highest prevalence in summer and spring especially among P. clausa and C. striatum (p < 0.05).

Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) as a Source of Ectoparasites in Urban-suburban Areas of Northwest of Iran.

BACKGROUND: Hedgehogs are small, nocturnal mammals which become popular in the world and have important role in transmission of zoonotic agents. Thus, the present study aimed to survey ectoparasite infestation from April 2010 to December 2011 in urban and suburban parts of Urmia and Tabriz Cities, Northwest of Iran. METHODS: A total number of 84 hedgehogs (40 females and 44 males) were examined. They have been carefully inspected for ectoparasites and collected arthropods were stored in 70% ethanol solution. The identification of arthropods was carried out using morphological diagnostic keys. RESULTS: The occurrence of ticks on hedgehogs was 23 (67.7%) with Rhipicephalus turanicus in Urmia and 11 (22%) as well as 1(2%) with Rh. turanicus and Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum in Tabriz, respectively. One flea species, Archaeopsylla erinacei, was found with prevalence of 19 (55.9%) and 27 (54%) in Urmia and Tabriz Cities, respectively. Prevalence of infestation with Rh. turanicus and A. erinacei were not different (P> 0.05) between sexes of hedgehogs in two study areas. Highest prevalence of tick and flea infestation was in June in Urmia, whereas it was observed in August in Tabriz. Both tick and flea parasitizing hedgehogs showed seasonal difference in prevalence (P< 0.05) in Urmia, but it was not detected in Tabriz (P> 0.05). CONCLUSION: The result showed the high occurrence of ectoparasites in hedgehog population and according to the zoonotic potential of these animals as vector of some agents further studies are needed to investigate in different parts of Iran.

Radiological investigations of the hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor) appendicular skeleton.

The normal radiographic anatomy of the healthy hedgehog can help to identify anatomic features unique to the hedgehog while comparing it with other small mammals, such as the dog and cat. Radiographic examination is a method that can play an important role in the diagnosis of a wide variety of skeletal diseases. Seven (2 males, 5 females) free-living hedgehogs (Erinaceus concolor) from the Urmia region of Iran were selected for this study. Lateral and craniocaudal radiographs from the front and hind limbs were obtained. The radiographs from these hedgehogs were compared with the normal canine and feline skeletal radiographic anatomy. On the forelimb radiographs, the clavicle was observed as a complete bone connected to the scapula and manubrium. There are three and five carpal bones in the proximal and distal rows, respectively, as in the dog and cat. The pelvis has a larger obturator foramen when compared with the dog and cat. In the lateral view, the pubis and ischium are relatively larger than in the dog and cat and have a more ventral position. The tarsal bones are similar to those of the dog and cat. The number of phalanges and sesamoid bones in the forelimb and hindlimb are likewise similar to those found in the dog and cat.

Autogenous greater omentum, as a free nonvascularized graft, enhances bone healing: an experimental nonunion model.

Reconstruction of vascularity is an early event in fracture healing and upregulation of angiogenesis may therefore promote the formation of bone. We have investigated the potentiality of autogenous free nonvascularized greater omentum to stimulate the formation of bone in an experimental hypertrophic nonunion model. Twelve dogs assigned into two identical groups underwent a standard nonunion operation. In the experimental group, this was followed by application of autogenous greater omentum as a free nonvascularized graft around the osteotomy gap. Radiographic assessments were conducted time-sequentially until euthanasia 16 weeks after surgery. Histological analysis was performed on the mid-radial diaphysis containing the 4-month-old osteotomy site. Radiological and histological properties of the group treated with free transplant of the greater omentum revealed complete union. In contrast, there was no evidence indicating union in the control group. Analyses of the radiological and histological scores confirmed that osteotomies treated with free transplant of the autogenous greater omentum had united, whereas the osteotomies of the control group failed to unite. Significant differences between the mean values for radiological and histological-grading score in the control and experimental groups were detected (p < 0.05). We showed that free graft of autogenous greater omentum could stimulate the formation of competent bone in an environment deprived of its normal vascularization. Hence, it could be recommended to enhance healing when the fractures are at risk of nonunion.