Early hip laxity examination in predicting moderate and severe hip dysplasia in Estrela mountain dog.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the reliability of early passive hip laxity examination in predicting moderate and severe hip dysplasia. METHODS: The passive hip laxity of 104 Estrela Mountain dogs was evaluated using the Ortolani method, conventional hip-extended radiography and the PennHIP method, when the animals were between four and 12 months of age. After the age of one, dogs were re-examined for hip dysplasia using the Fédération Cynologique Internationale scoring system. The passive hip laxity results were subsequently compared with the Fédération Cynologique Internationale scores for sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy. RESULTS: The PennHIP method achieved the best results in specificity (93 per cent), positive predictive value (91 per cent) and accuracy (88 per cent), and the Ortolani method was the best in sensitivity (92 per cent) and negative predictive value (92 per cent). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The Fédération Cynologique Internationale grades D and E can be predicted with confidence even before animals are one year old.

An Excel Macro to Plot the HFE-Diagram to Identify Sea Water Intrusion Phases.

A hydrochemical facies evolution diagram (HFE-D) is a multirectangular diagram, which is a useful tool in the interpretation of sea water intrusion processes. This method note describes a simple method for generating an HFE-D plot using the spreadsheet software package, Microsoft Excel. The code was applied to groundwater from the alluvial coastal plain of Grosseto (Tuscany, Italy), which is characterized by a complex salinization process in which sea water mixes with sulfate or bicarbonate recharge water.

Evaluation of a distractor to increase joint space of the stifle joint in dogs: a cadaveric study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the technical feasibility and efficacy of a joint distraction technique to increase the stifle joint space and assess potential soft tissue damage due to the distraction. METHODS: Twenty stifle joints of twelve canine cadavers without evidence of disease were radiographically evaluated by medio-lateral, cranio-caudal and varus-valgus stressed projections. Joint distraction was applied with loads from 40 N up to 200 N, and the joint space achieved was measured on radiographic images. Distraction plus distension with saline was subsequently applied and measured. Varus-valgus stressed projections were repeated after distraction to evaluate a potential increase in joint laxity. RESULTS: Distraction produced a significant increase of the joint space for most of the evaluated loads. Distraction plus distension produced a significant increase for most of the loads compared to the distraction alone. No ensuing joint laxity could be inferred from the post-distraction radiographic evaluation. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Stifle distraction produces an increase of the joint space, which is wider when intra-articular saline is injected. This may be potentially useful for improving joint structure visualization and facilitating arthroscopic procedures, thus reducing the potential for iatrogenic damage to intra-articular structures. No soft tissue damage could be inferred by radiographic pre- and post-procedure comparison. Further clinical studies are required to evaluate potential neurovascular complications.

Risk factors for tibial tuberosity fracture after tibial tuberosity advancement in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively identify factors that predispose to tibial tuberosity (TT) fracture after tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) in dogs. METHODS: The medical records and radiographs of a group of control dogs (n = 212) that had TTA surgery (n = 241 procedures) and did not sustain a fracture between 2008 and 2013, and those of 12 dogs that did sustain a fracture (n = 13 procedures) between 2008 and 2013 at two veterinary teaching hospitals were evaluated to determine the effect of signalment, body weight and surgical inaccuracies on TT fracture. Multivariable logistic regression was performed with the occurrence of TT fracture as the outcome variable of interest. RESULTS: Signalment and body weight were not found to be associated with TT fracture. Of the surgical inaccuracies, osteotomy shape (p = 0.003), plate position (p = 0.009), and cage position (p = 0.039) were factors significantly associated with TT fracture. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study provides data to support the hypothesis that poor plate position, poor cage position, and narrow distal osteotomy width are associated with TT fracture after TTA. We conclude that it is of paramount importance to pay careful attention to surgical technique in order to reduce this risk.

Experimental study on radioactive pathways of hypodermically injected technetium-99m.

The objective of this study was to investigate the biological substrate of radioactive pathways of migration of hypodermically injected 99mTc into points of low electrical resistance. Sixteen anesthetized adult male beagles were used. Control and test points were defined by comparing their electrical resistance to that of the pinna. Seventy-three experiments of three different types were performed: (1) separate hypodermic injections of [99mTc] sodium pertechnetate, 201Tl-chloride, 131INa and 99mTc-rhenium sulfide into control and test points; (2) simultaneous injections of [99mTc]sodium pertechnetate and 201Tl chloride into control and test points; and (3) intravascular injections of 99mTcO4 into blood vessels underlying test points. Only the hypodermic injection of 99mTc into points of low electrical resistance gave rise to a specific radioactive pathway characterized by rapid and longitudinal migration, clearly independent of background activity. The specific radioactive pathway detected is not the result of diffusion of the radiotracer through nerves, veins or lymphatic vessels, but its trajectory coincides with that described for one of the acupuncture meridians in the dog.

Prevalence of antibody to hepatitis C virus in acute non-A, non-B hepatitis in patients from different epidemiological categories.

The prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis C virus (HCV) was determined in 65 patients with acute non-A, non-B hepatitis (NANBH). The results suggest that HCV is the most common causative agent in posttransfusion NANBH and in drug-related hepatitis. Detection of HCV antibodies does not appear to be a particularly useful diagnostic criterion due to the kinetics of the immune response in the course of the disease.

Evaluation of surface- and ground-water pollution due to herbicides in agricultural areas of Zamora and Salamanca (Spain).

The pollution of agricultural land due to herbicides was assessed in the Guareña and Almar river basins, situated in the provinces of Zamora and Salamanca (Spain). A set of fifteen herbicides, including triazines, ureas, amides and others, was selected owing to their frequency of use, the amounts used, their toxicity and their persistence in the environment. Solid-phase extraction with polymeric cartridges, followed by HPLC with diode-array detection, were used to monitor the herbicides. This technique was chosen owing to the wide range of functionality and polarity of the analytes under study. The detection limits obtained were in the 0.004-0.025 microg/l range (lambda=220 nm). Surface and ground waters, taken from different locations in the basins, were analyzed over a 6-month period. The presence of six out of the fifteen herbicides monitored--chlortoluron, atrazine, terbutryn, alachlor, diflufenican and fluazifop-butyl--was detected in several samples at levels ranging from the detection limit to 1.2 microg/l. The relationship of these herbicides to the agricultural activities of the zone is discussed.

Large surface of cultured human epithelium obtained on a dermal matrix based on live fibroblast-containing fibrin gels.

The aim of this study was to develop a new keratinocyte culture system on a dermal equivalent suitable for skin wound closure. Our dermal matrix is based on a fibrin gel from plasma cryoprecipitate containing live human fibroblast (from human foreskin). Keratinocytes obtained from primary culture according to the Rheinwald and Green method, were seeded on the gel at different seeding ratios. In all cases, the keratinocytes plated on the dermal equivalent grew to confluence and stratified epithelium was obtained within 10-15 days in culture. Early expression of basal membrane proteins was detected by immunostaining with laminin and type IV collagen antibodies. Cell proliferation was detected both in the epidermal layer and in the fibroblast embedded in the gel as assessed by BrdU incorporation. Detachment of composite cultures from dishes or flasks is a simple and quick procedure without the need for dispase treatment. Grafting of composite cultures to nude mice gave rise to an orderly stratified, orthokeratinized epithelium resembling human epidermis. A number of advantages including a large expansion factor without the need of 3T3 feeder layer, the availability of fibrin/plasma cryoprecipitate from blood banks and the versatile manipulation of composite cultures suggest that this system could be suitable for the definitive coverage of severely burned patients.

[The prevalence of anti-HCV positivity among blood donors in Asturias. A clinical-epidemiologic study]. / Prevalencia de la positividad del anti-VHC entre donantes de sangre en Asturias. Un estudio clinicoepidemiológico.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to know the prevalence, epidemiology, clinical manifestations and analytical changes present in anti-HCV positive blood donors detected in Asturias. METHODS: A prospective analysis of the incidence and prevalence of anti-HCV positivity in the blood donations carried out in Asturias from October 1989 to October 1991 was performed, as was a clinical and analytical study of the anti-HCV positive cases who attended a clinic specifically created for the same. RESULTS: The prevalence of the anti-HCV was 0.87% of the donors (372/42,789) and 0.50% of the donations (372/73,831) being higher among new donors (1.77%, 165/9,322). Of the 288 cases studied (77.4%), only 51 (17.7%) had been transfused and 105 (36.5%) lacked the previous parenteral risk factor. Only 31 (10.8%) presented symptoms or signs of liver disease and the positivity of the anti-HBc was not associated to any relevant analytical change. The existence of previous major surgery or transfusion was variable with the independent predictive value versus a negative anti-HCV control group. The mean follow up was 12.4 +/- 7.3 months (6-30 months) with an increase in aminotransferases (ALT) being detected in 108 cases (52.7%). A good correlation was found between this data, an ELISA-2 score greater than 5 and RIBA-2 positivity: of the 177 cases in whom RIBA-2 was determined this was found to be positive in 109 (61.6%); 84 cases (77.1%) had an increase in ALT and 100 (91.8%) an ELISA-2 score greater than 5. CONCLUSIONS: In Asturias the prevalence of anti-HCV positivity among blood donors is almost 1% and is greater if new donors are considered, being confirmed by RIBA-2 in 61% of the cases. The subjects are usually asymptomatic and up to one third of the same lack any known risk factor, while almost half have hypertransaminasemia during follow up.

[Ulcerative colitis with Coombs+ autoimmune hemolytic anemia. A report of a case with favorable response to medical treatment]. / Colitis ulcerosa con anemia hemolítica autoinmune Coombs+. Descripción de un caso con respuesta favorable al tratamiento médico.

We report the case of a patient with ulcerative colitis and autoimmune hemolytic anemia, that improved with steroid therapy, and during the follow-up showed analytical changes of iron deficiency anemia and anemia of chronic disorders. We discuss the possible etiologies of the anemia in patients with ulcerative colitis, and the treatments suggested for the associated Coombs-positive hemolytic anemia in these cases, stressing the good response to steroids in our patient.

Lingual calcinosis circumscripta in a dog.

Calcinosis circumscripta occurs rarely in dogs and cats, especially in the oral cavity. This case report describes the diagnosis and management of lingual calcinosis circumscripta in an eight-month-old, intact/male German shepherd-cross dog. An excellent prognosis for this disease may be achieved when the patient is managed as described in this report.

Evaluation of a joint distractor to facilitate arthroscopy of the hip joint in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the technical feasibility and efficacy of a hip joint distraction technique, any potential ligamentous damage linked to the procedure, and the effect of joint venting on the maximum distraction achieved. METHODS: Twenty hip joints from 11 canine cadavers were evaluated radiographically by standard and stressed projections. Joint distraction was applied with loads from 40 up to 200 N, in 40 N increments, and fluoroscopic images were obtained at each load. At 200 N, a needle was inserted into the joint to achieve a venting effect, and the space was measured again. Standard and stressed radiographs were performed to evaluate potential laxity changes. RESULTS: Distraction caused a significant increase in joint space at each load of distraction, although there were some variations. Joint venting produced a significant increase in joint space. A statistically significant difference in joint laxity evaluated radiographically before and after the procedure was recorded. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Use of the distraction apparatus resulted in an increase in joint space. This could be useful for clinical situations where a larger joint space is required such as for arthroscopic procedures. However, loads in excess of 200 N may induce significant increases in joint laxity.

Tibial tuberosity fracture as a complication of tibial tuberosity advancement.

OBJECTIVES: To retrospectively compare two clinical subsets of dogs suffering tibial tuberosity (TT) fracture (incidental finding or sudden onset severe lameness) as a complication of tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) and to report the surgical management and outcome of TT fracture as a complication of TTA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The medical records of 10 dogs with eleven TT fractures or crest fractures after TTA were reviewed. The outcome and complications were determined from clinical and radiographic follow-up examinations. Limb function was evaluated between six and 12 weeks postoperatively. Owners were contacted by phone for long-term follow-up at least six months after the last examination. RESULTS: Four dogs required surgical stabilization and six dogs had conservative management. In the surgical group, every case experienced a sudden non-weight-bearing lameness after the initial TTA surgery. In three of the four cases an attempt was made to stabilize the TT and crest fracture while maintaining the TT advancement. Postoperative complications were encountered in three of the four surgically treated cases. Functional outcome was considered excellent in seven cases and good in the other three. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Tibial tuberosity fracture is a complication of TTA that seems to have a favourable prognosis, although it can result in significant morbidity and in some cases revision surgery may be required.

Time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (TOF-MRA) of the normal equine head.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Noncontrast magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is widely used in human and small animal medicine. However, this technique has not yet been described in the horse, and compared to other angiographic techniques MRA could be more cost efficient and potentially safer. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive anatomical reference of the normal equine head vasculature using a noncontrast MRA technique, on both low- and high-field MRI. METHODS: Five healthy adult horses were examined, 4 with a low-field magnet (0.23T) and the remaining one with a high-field magnet (1.5T). The magnetic resonance angiography sequence used was TOF (time-of-flight) 2D-MRA and CT images of a vascular corrosion cast were subsequently used as anatomical references. RESULTS: The MRA imaging protocol provided good visualisation of all major intra- and extracranial vessels down to a size of approximately 2 mm in diameter on both low- and high-field systems. This resulted in identification of vessels to the order of 3rd-4th branches of ramification. The visibility of the arteries was higher than of the veins, which showed lower signal intensity. Overall, MRA obtained with the high-field protocol provided better visualisation of the arteries, showing all the small arterial branches with a superior resolution. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a specific vascular sequence such as TOF 2D-MRA allows good visualisation of the equine head vasculature and eliminates the need for contrast media for MRA. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Magnetic resonance angiography allows for visualisation of the vasculature of the equine head. Vessel morphology, symmetry and size can be evaluated and this may possibly play a role in preoperative planning or characterisation of diseases of the head, such as neoplasia or guttural pouch mycosis.

A clinical survey on the prevalence and types of cheek teeth disorders present in 400 Zamorano-Leonés and 400 Mirandês donkeys (Equus asinus).

Dental disease is now recognised as a major but often unrecognised disorder of equids, including horses and donkeys. However, very few large clinical studies have documented the prevalence and type of dental disease present in different equid populations and no dental studies have been reported in Zamorano-Leonés or Mirandês donkeys, two endangered donkey breeds. Clinical and detailed oral examinations were performed in 400 Mirandês and 400 Zamorano-Leonés donkeys in Portugal and Spain. It was found that just 4.5 per cent had ever received any previous dental care. Cheek teeth (CT) disorders were present in 82.8 per cent of these donkeys, ranging from a prevalence of 29.6 per cent in the <2.5-year-old group to 100 per cent in the >25-year-old group. These CT disorders included enamel overgrowths (73.1 per cent prevalence but with just 6.3 per cent having associated soft tissue injuries), focal overgrowths (37.3 per cent), periodontal disease (23.5 per cent) and diastemata (19.9 per cent). Peripheral caries was present in 5.9 per cent of cases, but inexplicably, infundibular caries was very rare (1.3 per cent prevalence); this may have been due to their almost fully foraged diet. The high prevalence of enamel overgrowths in these donkeys, most which never received concentrates, also raises questions about the aetiology of this disorder. This very high prevalence of CT disorders, especially in older donkeys, was of great welfare concern in some cases and emphasises the need for routine dental care in these cases on welfare grounds and in order to help preserve these unique breeds.

Influence of dental correction on nociceptive test responses, fecal appearance, body condition score, and apparent digestibility coefficient for dry matter of Zamorano-leones donkeys (Equus asinus).

The influence of dental correction on nociceptive (pressure) test responses, fecal appearance, BCS, and apparent digestibility coefficient for DM was studied in 18 Zamorano-Leonés donkeys, an endangered local breed from the Zamora province in Spain. For this purpose, donkeys were divided into 2 homogeneous control and treatment groups, based on age, BCS, and dental findings. On d 1, 45, 90, and 135, BCS and nociceptive test responses were evaluated in all donkeys. Feed and fecal samples were collected from all donkeys for 3 consecutive days, starting at each of the aforementioned days. Apparent digestibility coefficient for DM was estimated, using ADL as an internal marker. A progressive decrease of positive nociceptive test responses was observed from d 1 up to 90 (P < 0.01) in the treatment group. No difference between groups was observed for BCS. However, BCS at d 90 was greater (P = 0.018) than observed on d 1 or 45, indicating a time influence. Concerning apparent digestibility coefficient for DM, there were differences among collection days in apparent digestibility coefficient for DM (P < 0.05). No differences in fecal appearance were observed between treatments or collection days. This study highlighted the importance of regular dental care for not only Zamorano-Leonés donkeys but also the equid population, in general, to improve their welfare.