Effects of simulated radioulnar synostosis on supination and pronation in cats. A cadaveric study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of an induced synostosis with a screw on pronation and supination in cats. STUDY DESIGN: Ex vivo biomechanical study. SAMPLE POPULATION: A total of 58 feline forelimbs. METHODS: A total of 58 cadaveric feline thoracic limbs were mounted on a custom-built jig with the elbow and carpus flexed at a 90° angle. To exclude any orthopedic disease, radiographs of the forelimbs were performed prior to the mechanical tests. Radioulnar synostosis was imitated with a 2 mm cortical screw through the radius into the ulna in the proximal (Group P; n = 54), middle (Group M; n = 52), and distal (Group D; n = 53) radial diaphysis. The angles of pronation and supination were recorded after manually applying a two-finger tight rotational force to the metacarpus. Rotational tests were performed without a screw (Group N) and with a screw in each of the aforementioned positions. Pairwise comparisons between the groups were performed based on their angles of rotation with a paired t-test with the Benjamini-Hochberg procedure and a mixed model ANOVA. RESULTS: Mean angles of rotation decreased between Group N (129.5 ± 15.9°) and all groups with imitated radioulnar synostosis to a mean angle of 37.5 ± 14.5° (p < .0001). Mean angles of rotation did not differ between the groups with imitated radioulnar synostosis. CONCLUSION: Induced radioulnar synostosis decreases antebrachial rotation by more than two-thirds, regardless of location. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Implants fixating the radius to the ulna should be avoided in cats, regardless where they are located along the radial diaphysis.

Measurement of the femoral neck angle in medium and large dog breeds using computed tomography.

The aim of this study was to get precise normal values of the femoral neck angle (FNA) in support of developing an optimally functioning total hip prosthesis for medium and large dog breeds. Accordingly, two- and three-dimensional computed tomographic images of the anatomical structures of the proximal femora of 58, hip-dysplasia-free, mature dogs of medium and large breeds were studied. Based on the length of their femora the dogs were allocated to Group I (from 145 to 195 mm) and Group II (from 196 to 240 mm). The FNA was measured on each femur using multi-slice spiral computed tomography (CT). The two- and three-dimensional image data were processed as multi-planar and threedimensional reconstructions using Advantage Workstation software. The CT measurements revealed that Group I had an average femoral neck angle of 147.59° (min. 144.05°, max. 153.35°), while in Group II the average FNA was 147.46° (min. 141°, max. 154.35°). There was no significant correlation between the length of the femur and the FNA in either group. The optimal FNA for a total hip prosthesis is 147.5° for medium and large dog breeds.

Repair of a Tibiotarsal Fracture in a Pomeranian Goose ( Anser anser) With a Locking Plate.

A 2-year-old Pomeranian goose ( Anser anser) weighing 8.1 kg was examined because of non-weight-bearing lameness of the right limb. A closed, transverse, diaphyseal fracture of the distal third of the right tibiotarsus with a craniolateral displacement of the distal fragment was diagnosed radiographically. Surgery under general anesthesia was performed to repair the fracture with a 14-hole, 2.7-mm locking plate fixed with 6 screws in a bicortical manner. Two days later, the bird was fully weight-bearing on the leg. Radiographs performed 4 and 8 weeks after surgery showed good healing of the affected bone with an appropriate callus formation bridging the fracture line. Sixteen weeks after surgery, the patient was readmitted because of lameness exhibited while staying outside exposed to subzero (°C) temperatures. On the basis of this finding, heat conduction was postulated as the possible cause of lameness because it disappeared after implant removal. To the best our knowledge, this case represents the first report of a surgical repair of a tibiotarsal fracture with a locking plate in waterfowl.

REPAIR OF A FEMORAL FRACTURE IN A CONGO AFRICAN GREY PARROT ( PSITTACUS ERITHACUS ERITHACUS) WITH A PARACORTICAL-CLAMP-CERCLAGE TECHNIQUE.

A 1-yr-old female Congo African grey parrot ( Psittacus erithacus erithacus) was admitted with a lameness of the right pelvic limb. On the radiographs a closed, caudolaterally displaced, comminuted, diaphyseal fracture of the femur was diagnosed. Surgery under general anesthesia was performed in order to repair the fracture with a paracortical-clamp-cerclage technique. This straightforward and effective technique has been developed as a low-cost treatment for simple and comminuted diaphyseal fractures in dogs and cats. Fixation is obtained with clamps, shaped during surgery, and attached to the bone shaft with cerclage wire. This technique led to immediate weight-bearing, appropriate bone healing, and permanent fixation of the implants in the patient. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this case represents the first report of a surgical repair of a femoral fracture with a paracortical-clamp-cerclage technique in a bird.

Energy intake, growth rate and body composition of young Labrador Retrievers and Miniature Schnauzers fed different dietary levels of vitamin A.

Research in rodents has shown that dietary vitamin A reduces body fat by enhancing fat mobilisation and energy utilisation; however, their effects in growing dogs remain unclear. In the present study, we evaluated the development of body weight and body composition and compared observed energy intake with predicted energy intake in forty-nine puppies from two breeds (twenty-four Labrador Retriever (LAB) and twenty-five Miniature Schnauzer (MS)). A total of four different diets with increasing vitamin A content between 5·24 and 104·80 µmol retinol (5000-100 000 IU vitamin A)/4184 kJ (1000 kcal) metabolisable energy were fed from the age of 8 weeks up to 52 (MS) and 78 weeks (LAB). The daily energy intake was recorded throughout the experimental period. The body condition score was evaluated weekly using a seven-category system, and food allowances were adjusted to maintain optimal body condition. Body composition was assessed at the age of 26 and 52 weeks for both breeds and at the age of 78 weeks for the LAB breed only using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The growth curves of the dogs followed a breed-specific pattern. However, data on energy intake showed considerable variability between the two breeds as well as when compared with predicted energy intake. In conclusion, the data show that energy intakes of puppies particularly during early growth are highly variable; however, the growth pattern and body composition of the LAB and MS breeds are not affected by the intake of vitamin A at levels up to 104·80 µmol retinol (100 000 IU vitamin A)/4184 kJ (1000 kcal).

Microbial Colonization of Explants after Osteosynthesis in Small Animals: Incidence and Influencing Factors.

Despite recent advancements in antibiotics, hygienic measures, and peri-operative systemic antibiotics, post-operative infections in osteosynthesis remain prevalent and continue to be among the most common surgical complications, leading to delayed fracture healing, osteomyelitis, implant loosening, and loss of function. Osteosynthesis implants are routinely utilized in veterinary medicine and the current study investigates the microbial colonization of implants following osteosynthesis in small animals, along with its incidence and influencing factors. The results are analyzed in regard to correlations between infection, patient, disease progression, and radiographic images, as well as other factors that may promote infection. Seventy-one explants from sixty-five patients were examined and evaluated for microbial colonization. Factors like body weight and age, location and type of plate and additional injuries like lung lesions, the surgeon's experience, or the number of people present during the surgical procedure seem to influence the development of an infection. Of the animals, 60% showed osteolytic changes and 73.3% of those with dysfunctional mobility had an implant infection. Microorganisms were detected in almost 50% of the explants, but a clinically relevant infection was only present in five patients (7.3%), suggesting that the presence of microorganisms on an implant does not necessarily lead to treatment complications.

Quantification of skin wound tension using a newly designed wound tensiometer.

OBJECTIVE: To (i) quantitatively measure wound tension in experimental skin wounds using a newly developed wound tensiometer and (ii) establish reference values for primary skin wound closure in medium- and large-breed dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental cadaveric study. ANIMAL POPULATION: Nineteen dogs of medium to large breeds (BW 20 to 40 kg). METHODS: Elliptical skin wounds of different sizes were created on the chest and abdomen. The wounds were gradually enlarged. Experienced surgeons (ECVS diplomates or professors of small animal surgery) and inexperienced surgeons (1st year after graduation) independently assessed wound tension through manual manipulation and determined whether the wound could be closed without tension-relieving measures. In addition, wound tension was objectively quantified using a newly developed wound tensiometer. RESULTS: The upper threshold for wound tension at which direct appositional wound closure was recommended by the experienced surgeons was 5.4 N, and the median minimal tension without recommendations for closure was 6.0 N. The data also demonstrate that wound tension and wound size do not necessarily correlate, and inexperienced surgeons need to develop a feel for wound tension. CONCLUSION: The intraoperative use of the wound tensiometer, in combination with established cut-off values, might facilitate decision-making regarding primary wound closure. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The findings of this study provide evidence for the applicability of a wound tensiometer in guiding inexperienced surgeons in their choice of the skin wound closure method.

Epidemiological study of congenital malformations of the vertebral column in French bulldogs, English bulldogs and pugs.

BACKGROUND: Congenital vertebral body malformations (CVBMs) have retrospectively been investigated in British and American canine populations. This study prospectively evaluates occurrence, localization, type and characteristic of CVBM along the entire vertebral column in a cohort of French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs and Pug dogs from Germany. METHODS: Prospective clinical and radiological screenings for CVBM were performed in brachycephalic dogs presented for reasons unrelated to neurological problems. Neurological and orthopaedic examinations as well as radiographs in two orthogonal planes of the entire vertebral column including the tail were performed in all dogs. Cobb angle and vertebral step were determined. Associations between CVBM, tail malformation, neurological deficits and occurrence of concurrent orthopaedic diseases were investigated. RESULTS: A total of 707 VBMs were identified in the whole vertebral column of 169 of 265 brachycephalic dogs. The most common types of CVBMs were ventral wedge shape (48%), dorsal wedge shape (14%) and shortened vertebral body (14%). A new type of malformation was investigated: dorsal wedge shape vertebrae. There was significant association between severe tail malformations with CVBM. Neurological deficits were significantly associated with ventrolateral wedge shape, dorso lateral hemivertebrae, Cobb angle > 30% and vertebral step ≥1.75 mm. Orthopaedic conditions were not significantly associated with CVBM. CONCLUSION: Kyphotic Cobb angle and vertebral step are radiological findings associated with neurological deficits. We propose severe tail malformation as an easy and accurate selection factor for determining breeding dogs.

[Prepubic urethrostomy in a Wiesenauer minipig with urolithiasis]. / Präpubische Urethrostomie bei einem Wiesenauer Minischwein mit Urolithiasis.

A 10-year-old castrated, male miniature pig was presented with tenesmus vesicae and anuria accompanied by tachypnea. Radiographs confirmed numerous uroliths within the bladder and urethra. The urethra was not amenable to catheterization, therefore, an emergency tube cystostomy was performed. Despite bladder irrigation the uroliths in the urethra were not removable. Consequently, a prepubic urethrostoma procedure was undertaken. The minipig fully recovered and has since been voiding urine via the urethral fistula uneventfully. Measures to prevent urolithiasis, among others, include an adequate water intake, a balanced feed and diet composition as well as maintaining a physiological urine pH.

Total intravenous anaesthesia by boluses or by continuous rate infusion of propofol in mute swans (Cygnus olor).

OBJECTIVE: To investigate intravenous (IV) propofol given by intermittent boluses or by continuous rate infusion (CRI) for anaesthesia in swans. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective randomized clinical study. ANIMALS: Twenty mute swans (Cygnus olor) (eight immature and 12 adults) of unknown sex undergoing painless diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. METHODS: Induction of anaesthesia was with 8 mg kg(-1) propofol IV. To maintain anaesthesia, ten birds (group BOLI) received propofol as boluses, whilst 10 (group CRI) received propofol as a CRI. Some physiological parameters were measured. Anaesthetic duration was 35 minutes. Groups were compared using Mann-Whitney U-test. Results are median (range). RESULTS: Anaesthetic induction was smooth and tracheal intubation was achieved easily in all birds. Bolus dose in group BOLI was 2.9 (1.3-4.3) mg kg(-1); interval between and number of boluses required were 4 (1-8) minutes and 6 (4-11) boluses respectively. Total dose of propofol was 19 (12.3-37.1) mg kg(-1). Awakening between boluses was very abrupt. In group CRI, propofol infusion rate was 0.85 (0.8-0.9) mg kg(-1) minute(-1), and anaesthesia was stable. Body temperature, heart and respiratory rates, oxygen saturation (by pulse oximeter) and reflexes did not differ between groups. Oxygen saturations (from pulse oximeter readings) were low in some birds. Following anaesthesia, all birds recovered within 40 minutes. In 55% of all, transient signs of central nervous system excitement occurred during recovery. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: 8 mg kg(-1) propofol appears an adequate induction dose for mute swans. For maintenance, a CRI of 0.85 mg kg(-1) minute(-1) produced stable anaesthesia suitable for painless clinical procedures. In contrast bolus administration, was unsatisfactory as birds awoke very suddenly, and the short intervals between bolus requirements hampered clinical procedures. Administration of additional oxygen throughout anaesthesia might reduce the incidence of low arterial haemoglobin saturation.

Measurement of the Femoral Anteversion Angle in Medium and Large Dog Breeds Using Computed Tomography.

To promote the development of an optimally functional total hip prosthesis for medium and large dog breeds, accurate measurements of the normal anatomy of the proximal femur and acetabular retroversion are essential. The aim of the current study was to obtain precise normal values of the femoral anteversion angle using computed tomography on cadavers of mature dogs with normal hip joints of both medium and large breeds. Based on the length of their femora 58 dogs were allocated either to group I: ≤195 mm or group II: >195 mm. In the study the femoral anteversion angle (FAA) was measured on each femur using multi-slice spiral computed tomography (CT). The data were processed as multi-planar and three-dimensional reconstructions using Advantage Workstation software. The CT measurements showed that the mean ± standard deviation (SD) FAA of group I was 31.34 ± 5.47° and in group II it was 31.02 ± 4.95°. There were no significant mean difference associations between the length of the femur and the femoral neck angle in either group (P > 0.05). The data suggest that a prosthesis FAA of 31 degrees would be suitable for a wide range of dog sizes.

HEPACAM1 and 2 are differentially regulated in canine mammary adenomas and carcinomas and its lymph node metastases.

BACKGROUND: Cell adhesion is an important regulator of cell growth and motility. Recently the hepatocyte cell adhesion molecules 1 and 2 (HEPACAM1 and 2), members of the immunoglobulin family of adhesion genes, have been identified. HEPACAM1 is involved in negative cell cycle regulation via p53, p21 and p27 signalling but also mediates increased human breast cancer cell spread. The role and expression pattern of HEPACAM2 has not been analyzed so far. In the present study we quantified gene expression levels of HEPACAM1 and 2 to evaluate their possible role during the carcinogenesis of canine mammary tumours. RESULTS: Adenomas displayed increased HEPACAM1 and 2 mRNA expression levels and decreased HEPACAM1 protein expression levels when compared to normal gland, carcinomas and lymph node metastases. In contrast, metastatic carcinomas, intravascular tumour cells and lymph node metastases had HEPACAM 1 protein and mRNA expression levels similar to normal gland but decreased HEPACAM2 mRNA expression when compared to normal gland of the same dog. CONCLUSIONS: HEPACAM1 and 2 seem to be important for cell-cell adhesion of normal and neoplastic canine mammary cells. The loss of HEPACAM1 protein expression in adenomas but not in carcinomas questions its role as a tumour suppressor at late stages of malignant transformation and indicates that it might rather be involved in physiologic mammary cell adhesion and canine mammary tumour metastasis. Furthermore, it can be speculated, whether HEPACAM2 plays a different role in malignancy and metastasis of canine mammary tumours since its transcriptional levels are different in carcinomas and their lymph node metastases when compared to HEPACAM1.

Influence of kidney function on urinary excretion of albumin and retinol-binding protein in dogs with naturally occurring renal disease.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate excretion of urinary albumin (UAlb) and urinary retinol-binding protein (URBP) in dogs with naturally occurring renal disease. ANIMALS: 64 client-owned dogs. PROCEDURES: Dogs were assigned to groups according to plasma creatinine concentration, urinary protein-to-urinary creatinine ratio (UP:UC), and exogenous plasma creatinine clearance (P-Cl(Cr)) rates: group A (n = 8), nonazotemic (plasma creatinine < 125 µmol/L) and nonproteinuric (UP:UC < 0.2) with P-Cl(Cr) rate > 90 mL/min/m²; group B (26), nonazotemic and nonproteinuric with P-Cl(Cr) rate 50 to 89 mL/min/m²; group C (7), nonazotemic but proteinuric with P-Cl(Cr) rate 53 to 98 mL/min/m²; group D (8), azotemic and borderline proteinuric with P-Cl(Cr) rate 22 to 45 mL/min/m²); and group E (15), azotemic and proteinuric (P-Cl(Cr) not evaluated). The UAlb and URBP concentrations were measured via ELISA; UAlb-to-urinary creatinine (UAlb:UC) and URBP-to-urinary creatinine (URBP:UC) ratios were determined. RESULTS: UAlb:UC and URBP:UC did not differ between groups A and B. Increased UAlb: UCs and URBP:UCs were paralleled by increased UP:UCs in groups C, D, and E relative to values from groups A and B, independent of azotemia. There were significant positive correlations of UP:UC with UAlb:UC and of UAlb:UC with URBP:UC (r = 0.82 and 0.46, respectively). However, UP:UC, UAlb:UC, and URBP:UC were not significantly correlated with P-ClCr rate. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: UAlb and URBP concentrations were paralleled by urinary protein concentrations and may be useful in assessing renal management of plasma proteins. Determination of urinary protein, UAlb, or URBP concentration was not sufficiently sensitive to detect reduced P-Cl(Cr) in nonazotemic dogs.

A neurotropic lymphoma in the brachial plexus of a cat.

A 7-year-old, intact male domestic shorthair cat was presented with a progressive, non-weight-bearing lameness of the right forelimb. A neurological examination of the patient at the Small Animal Clinic revealed a paralysis of the radial nerve with sustained cutaneous sensation and a hyperaesthetic response. Further clinical, radiological and pathological findings lead to a diagnosis of a primary, neurotropic B-cell lymphoma in the brachial plexus.

Encephalitis in a rabbit caused by human herpesvirus-1.

CASE DESCRIPTION: An 8-month-old sexually intact male rabbit was examined because of a 2-day history of anorexia, epiphora of the left eye, bruxism, hypersalivation, and ataxia. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Physical examination of the rabbit revealed bilateral conjunctivitis, hypersalivation, and severe signs of CNS dysfunction such as incoordination, intermittent myoclonic seizures, and opisthotonus. Results of hematologic and serum biochemical analyses revealed only lymphopenia, a relative monocytosis, and an increase in serum activity of creatine phosphokinase and serum concentration of total protein. Serum antibodies against Encephalitozoon cuniculi and Toxoplasma gondii were not detected. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Despite IV administration of crystalloid fluids and treatment with antimicrobials, vitamin B complex, nutritional support, and prednisolone, the condition of the rabbit deteriorated; it was euthanized 7 days after admission. Histologic evaluation of brain tissue revealed lesions characteristic of severe, diffuse, nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis and a few large, eosinophilic, intranuclear inclusion bodies in neurons and glial cells. The DNA of human herpesvirus-1 was detected in the nuclei of glial cells, lymphocytes, and neurons by means of in situ hybridization. The rabbit's owner, who reported having had a severe labial and facial herpesvirus infection 5 days before the onset of clinical signs in the rabbit, was suspected to be the origin of infection for the rabbit. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Human herpesvirus-1 may be transmissible from humans to rabbits, and infection with this virus should be considered as a differential diagnosis in rabbits with CNS signs of disease.

Effect of intraoperative positioning on postoperative neurological status in cats after perineal urethrostomy.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate and quantify the changes in neurological status in cats after perineal urethrostomy performed in dorsal and ventral recumbency. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomised study. Twenty male castrated cats with feline lower urinary tract disease presented for perineal urethrostomy were enrolled in this study. Surgery was performed in either dorsal recumbency (group A) or ventral recumbency (group B). Motor response of patellar tendon, gastrocnemius muscle, pelvic limb withdrawal and perineal reflexes, as well as the presence of spinal pain in the lumbosacral region, motor function of the tail and faecal continence, were examined before surgery, and 24 h and 14 days after surgery. RESULTS: The animals had a mean weight of 5.07 ± 1.08 kg, with a mean age of 6.12 ± 1.85 years. Weight and age were not significantly different between groups A and B (both P = 0.897). All tested parameters of the neurological examination performed prior to surgery were considered normal in both groups (P = 1). The comparison between neurological examinations (perineal reflex and spinal pain) before and 24 h after surgery revealed a significantly decreased briskness of the perineal reflex and an increased occurrence of spinal pain 24 h after surgery (P = 0.043 and P = 0.031, respectively). However, the changes of aforementioned parameters were statistically insignificant (P = 0.249 and P = 0.141) between groups A and B. The other parameters (patellar tendon, pelvic limb withdrawal and gastrocnemius muscle reflexes, motor function of the tail and faecal continence) were statistically insignificant (P = 1) before surgery and 24 h after surgery, as well as between groups A and B 24 h after surgery. Results of all tested parameters were statistically insignificant (P = 1) before surgery and 14 days after surgery, as well as between groups A and B 14 days after surgery. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The briskness of the perineal reflex was significantly decreased and the occurrence of spinal pain significantly increased 24 h after surgery. A parallel with a low-grade positioning-dependent nerve injury as described in human medicine may be drawn. However, no positioning method was proven to be superior to the other.

Quantification of cytokines and inflammatory mediators in a three-dimensional model of inflammatory arthritis.

Human recombinant IL-1beta and TNFalpha have been previously used to induce a cytokine response in canine chondrocytes. In order to establish this functional relation in a homologous system in vitro, we have developed both 2D and 3D models of inflammatory arthritis using canine recombinant cytokines in canine articular chondrocytes. IL-1beta and TNFalpha were cloned and subsequently expressed in Escherichia coli. The purified recombinant canine cytokines were used to simulate inflammation in vitro and the expression of typical inflammation markers such as proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, GM-CSF and TNFalpha), enzyme mediators (MMP-3 MMP-13, iNOS, COX-2) and their catabolites (NO, PGE(2)) was measured. High expression of proinflammatory cytokines, enzyme mediators and their catabolites was only observed in IL-1beta/TNFalpha stimulated cells. We conclude that the canine IL-1beta and TNFalpha generated in this study are biologically active and equally effective in the canine cell culture systems. Inducing an inflammatory pathway by canine exogenous cytokines in canine chondrocytes provides a useful tool for the study of canine inflammatory arthritis.

Association of Treponema spp. with canine periodontitis.

To evaluate the association of oral Treponema (T.) spp. with severity of canine periodontitis, subgingival plaque samples of dogs of various breeds undergoing surgery were investigated. A wide range of oral Treponema spp. was analysed by a molecular and culture-independent approach applying DNA-DNA dot blot hybridization analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization using Treponema specific oligonucleotide probes specific for phylogenetic groups I-VII of oral treponemes as well as probes specific for T. socranskii and T. denticola. To assess the periodontal status of affected dogs clinical parameters were measured and the periodontal status was classified from grade 0 (physiological periodont) to 3 (severe periodontitis). The periodontal status correlated significantly with an increasing concentration of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC, r=0.854) determined with a Halimeter, indicating a positive correlation between the presence of VSC-producing bacteria and periodontitis. In this study Treponema spp. of phylogenetic groups III, V-VII were not detected in any sample, whereas T. denticola-like treponemes were found only in 2 of 51 animals. However, treponemes belonging to phylogenetic groups I, II and IV of oral treponemes or T. socranskii were found in up to 64.84% of the dogs. The detection rate of Treponema spp. was significantly associated with an increased periodontal status. Treponemes present in periodontal lesions were also visualized by fluorescence in situ hybridization of gingival biopsies showing Treponema spp. not only in the microbial biofilm but also within the gingival tissue. The data presented here indicate that oral Treponema spp. are associated with canine periodontitis. Similar to human periodontitis, treponemes of groups I, II and IV and T. socranskii were found more frequently the higher the degree of periodontitis was.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated from small and exotic animals at a university hospital during routine microbiological examinations.

Clinical specimens of small animals (n=869) were screened for the occurrence of methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA; MRSA) during routine microbiological examinations, and results were confirmed by a multiplex PCR strategy. The genetic relatedness of all mecA-positive S. aureus isolates was further investigated by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), multilocus sequence typing (MLST), PCR for Panton-Valentine leukocidine genes (PVL) and staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec-typing (SCCmec). A total of 61 S. aureus isolates were found during a 20-month period of investigation, 27 (44.3%) of them harbouring the mecA gene for methicillin-resistance. The majority of MRSA were isolated in specimens from dogs (n=18) and cats (n=4). One guinea pig and one rabbit were found to be positive for an MRSA infected site. Similarly, three exotic animals, a turtle, a bat and a parrot, were found to be infected with MRSA. PFGE and MLST analysis revealed a certain genotype ("A" and "A-1") dominating the isolate collection (23 of 27). Furthermore, one isolate showed homologous PFGE pattern to the German epidemic strain Barnim ("BE") and another one ("BE-1") was considered to be closely related. A third genotype ("B") was detected in two cases. Two different sequence types (ST) were identified among the 27 MRSA isolates. PFGE type "A" and both strains related to the Barnim epidemic strain were assigned to ST22, whereas ST239 was associated to PFGE profile "B". The present data show that certain MRSA genotypes are capable of infecting a wide spectrum of small and exotic animals, especially in clinical facilities.

Effect of intraoperative positioning on the diameter of the vertebral canal in cats during perineal urethrostomy (cadaveric study).

Objectives The objective of this study was to quantify the changes in the diameter of the vertebral canal in the lumbosacral and sacrococcygeal column (L6-Co2) in cats in dorsal and ventral recumbency, simulating real body positioning during a perineal urethrostomy. Methods Twenty-one male feline cadavers were enrolled in the study. All feline cadavers were evaluated by CT. Examinations were performed with the cadaver in a neutral position and dorsal and ventral recumbency. Sagittal vertebral canal diameters (VCDs) were obtained by measuring the distance between the ventral and dorsal aspects of the vertebral canal in the middle of the intervertebral space. Results A comparison of the VCDs between L6 and L7, L7 and S1, S3 and Co1 and Co1 and Co2 in neutral position vs dorsal recumbency revealed a reduction of 0.27 mm (14.6%; P <0.001) between S3 and Co1 and 0.26 mm (18.1%; P <0.001) between Co1 and Co2. No differences were seen when comparing L6-L7 and L7-S1. The VCDs were decreased in all segments when comparing neutral with ventral recumbency. This study revealed a reduction of 0.13 mm between L6 and L7 (3.3%; P = 0.003), 0.14 mm between L7 and S1 (4.1%; P = 0.003), 0.61 mm between S3 and Co1 (32.5%; P <0.001) and 0.63 mm between Co1 and Co2 (44.1%; P <0.001). Comparison of the VCD between dorsal and ventral recumbency in L6-L7, L7-S1, S3-Co1 and Co1-Co2 revealed a decrease in the VCDs in ventral recumbency of 0.13 mm (3.3%; P <0.001), 0.12 mm (3.6%; P <0.001), 0.34 mm (21.0%; P <0.001) and 0.37 mm (31.7%; P <0.001), respectively. Conclusions and relevance The results provide evidence that, from an anatomical point of view, perineal urethrostomy performed in dorsal recumbency is superior to ventral recumbency, but further clinical studies to verify these findings are necessary.