Comparison of the distraction index and Norberg angle with radiographic grading of canine hip dysplasia

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) radiographic grading system stands as a well-established benchmark for categorizing hip dysplasia in canines. Although more objective techniques to quantify early hip laxity in young dogs, such as the Norberg angle (NA) and distraction index (DI), have been documented, there is a scarcity of published studies that directly compare these radiographic measures. The primary objectives of this prospective, analytical study were to assess and compare the NA and DI measures with OFA grades within a cohort of dogs. Thirty dogs (57 hip joints) were evaluated, with a mean age of 5.4 ± 2.9 years and a mean body weight of 34.3 ± 7.1 kg. The discriminative power of hip dysplasia for DI and NA used OFA as a reference were compared by multivariate discriminant analysis test. Using the DI (≤0.3) 12 joints were classified as normal, using NA (≥105°) 24 joints and using OFA (≤3) 29. When comparing the discriminant power of NA with OFA resulting similar (P = .8324) with correct classifications of 81% using cross validation, however, the discriminant power of dysplasia of the DI resulted significantly greater (P = .0034) than OFA with correct classifications of only 59% using cross-validation, consequently it was possible determined that of 29 patients with OFA ≤ 3, 20 had DI > 0.3. These findings demonstrated that phenotypic healthy dogs according to OFA grading can present passive hip joint laxity, as demonstrated by radiographic evaluation with distraction. Furthermore, DI can contribute to the screening of CHD when evaluated in conjunction with OFA grading.

Physical activity measured with an accelerometer in dogs following extracapsular stabilisation to treat cranial cruciate ligament rupture

OBJECTIVES

To quantify the physical activity levels in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture before and after lateral fabellar suture stabilisation surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventeen dogs (mean weight, 12.3±5.1 kg) with unilateral cranial cruciate ligament rupture were fitted with an accelerometer for seven consecutive days at four different time points: before surgery (T0), one (T1), three (T3) and six (T6) months after surgery. The total activity and times spent in sedentary activity, light to moderate activity and vigorous activity were recorded by the accelerometer, and preoperative and postoperative data were compared. At all time points, dogs underwent clinical evaluations (lameness score, stifle pain score and thigh circumference) and their owners were asked to respond to questionnaires to subjectively score the physical activity and quality of life of the dogs.

RESULTS

At the four time points, the dogs spent between 21.2 and 21.4 hours on sedentary behaviour, 2.3 and 2.5 hours performing light to moderate activity, and 13 to 15 minutes performing vigorous activity. There was no increase in physical activity variables or decrease in sedentary behaviour over time. Lameness scores, pain score and dogs' quality of life improved significantly during the postoperative period. At T6, 17 (100%) of 17 dogs presented no lameness, 16 (94%) of 17 dogs presented no stifle pain, 16 (94%) of 17 owners rated the quality of life as very good and excellent, and 16 (100%) of 16 owners reported a total return to normal activity levels.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The clinical recovery after extracapsular stabilisation of the stifle joint was not associated with a spontaneous increase in physical activity or a decrease in sedentary behaviour.

Musladin-Lueke Syndrome in a Dog: Case Report

The aim of this study is to report the case of a 4-month-old Beagle dog diagnosed with Musladin-Lueke syndrome. The dog appeared to walk on the digits ("tiptoes") with all limbs during ambulation and rigid extension of the carpus, elbow, tarsus, and knee joints during ambulation. Thickening of the fur and auricular cartilage, reduction in radiocarpal, and tibiotarsal joint amplitude, macrocephaly, and lateralized eyes were noticed on physical examination. Echocardiography showed reduced mobility and altered (tortuous) valve morphology. Bilateral abdominal cryptorchidism was confirmed by ultrasonography. Musladin-Lueke syndrome was the presumptive diagnosis, based on the clinical signs presented. The diagnosis was confirmed after DNA testing performed by serial collection of saliva. This is the first paper that describes unprecedented cardiac and reproductive changes of Musladin-Lueke syndrome in which the dog was followed for 2 years, presenting a good quality of life.

Rainfall and sea level drove the expansion of seasonally flooded habitats and associated bird populations across Amazonia

Spatial arrangement of distinct Amazonian environments through time and its effect on specialized biota remain poorly known, fueling long-lasting debates about drivers of biotic diversification. We address the late Quaternary sediment deposition that assembled the world's largest seasonally flooded ecosystems. Genome sequencing was used to reconstruct the demographic history of bird species specialized in either early successional vegetation or mature floodplain forests. Sediment deposition that built seasonally flooded habitats accelerated throughout the Holocene (last 11,700 years) under sea level highstand and intensification of the South American Monsoon, at the same time as global increases in atmospheric methane concentration. Bird populations adapted to seasonally flooded habitats expanded due to enlargement of Amazonian river floodplains and archipelagos. Our findings suggest that the diversification of the biota specialized in seasonally flooded habitats is coupled to sedimentary budget changes of large rivers, which rely on combined effects of sea level and rainfall variations.

This study found that millennial periods of higher rainfall combined with rising sea level enhanced sediment accumulation in Amazonian rivers valleys. This fuelled synchronous expansion of vegetation adapted to seasonally flooded substrates and its specialized bird populations, showing how global climate changes can affect specific Amazonian species.

Renal scintigraphy as an early and efficient method for detecting loss of renal function in a cat

Case summary

A 6-year-old mixed-breed male cat was evaluated for a routine annual health assessment. No alterations on physical examination were observed other than mild pain on palpation of the right kidney. Complete blood count, serum biochemistry (including symmetric dimethylarginine), urinalysis and urine protein:creatinine ratio were within the reference intervals for the species. Abdominal ultrasonography showed the presence of asymmetric kidneys, decreased corticomedullary definition, presence of a cyst on the left kidney and moderate renal pelvis dilatation on the right kidney. Dynamic renal scintigraphy (technetium [^99mTc]-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid) revealed a single functioning kidney on the left. Static renal scintigraphy (^99mTc-dimercaptosuccinic acid) exhibited renal activity practically restricted to the left kidney (relative uptake was 99% for the left kidney and 1% for the right kidney). Results of renal scintigraphy showed that the left kidney was compensating for the lack of function of the right one. GFR was 2.17 ml/min/kg, which is considered subclinical renal insufficiency and is in accordance with the case, as the cat was asymptomatic and did not present alterations in laboratory parameters.

Relevance and novel information

Renal scintigraphy was an important tool to determine the loss of renal function in one of the kidneys and mild reduction of global GFR. In this case report, renal scintigraphy proved to be more sensitive in the assessment of renal function than other tests routinely performed.

Transanal total mesorectal excision: 3-year oncological outcomes

BACKGROUND

Rectal cancer treatment has evolved with the implementation of new surgical techniques. Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) is the most recent approach developed to facilitate pelvic dissection of mid- and distal rectal tumours. The purpose of this study was to analyse the short- and mid-term oncological outcomes of TaTME.

METHODS

A study was conducted on patients treated with TaTME for rectal cancer at two colorectal units in Portugal between March 2016 and December 2018. Clinical, pathological and oncological data were retrospectively analysed. Primary endpoints were 3-year overall survival, disease-free survival and local recurrence. Secondary endpoints were clinical and pathological outcomes.

RESULTS

Fifty patients (31 males, [62%], median age 66 years [range 40-85 years]) underwent TaTME, 49 (98%) for malignant and 1 (2%) for benign disease. There were no cases of conversion, 49 (98%) patients had complete or near-complete mesorectum, all the resections were R0 with adequate distal and circumferential margins. With a median follow-up of 36 months, there were 2 cases (4%) of local recurrence and 3-year estimated overall survival and disease-free survival were 90% and 79%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

TaTME can provide safe mid-term oncological outcomes, similar to what has been published for classic and laparoscopic TME. Our results also show how demanding this novel approach can be and the consequent need for audited data and standardized implementation.

Antimicrobial effect of a local release system containing metronidazole against a Porphyromonas gingivalis biofilm

The aim of this study was to evaluate a semi-solid system containing metronidazole (MDZ) in presence of challenging conditions for drug release, as well its antimicrobial effect against Porphyromonas gingivalis biofilm. Biofilms grown in culture medium were exposed to a formulation containing MDZ or its vehicle. After 24, 48, and 72 h, biofilm viability were analyzed while MDZ was quantified in culture medium and buffer solution (control). MDZ formulation reduced bacterial viability when compared to control groups. The vehicle formulation also affected bacterial viability in relation to control at all periods. Culture medium impaired MDZ release compared to buffer solution at 24 h. The semi-solid system reported herein is able to release MDZ and maintain its levels at concentrations that control viability of P. gingivalis in 1- to 3-day-old biofilms.

Surgical management of long bone fractures in cats using cortical bone allografts preserved in honey

This report describes comminuted fractures in 2 cats repaired by stabilization with cortical bone allografts that had been preserved in honey. Both cats exhibited appropriate post-operative weight-bearing. Preservation of bone in honey is a simple and widely available alternative for bone banking. This is the first report of a bone defect in cats repaired with bone preserved in honey.

Histologic and immunohistochemical evaluation of biocompatibility of castor oil polyurethane polymer with calcium carbonate in equine bone tissue

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of castor oil polyurethane polymer with calcium carbonate for use in a unicortical ostectomy on the dorsal surface of the third metacarpal bone of horses. ANIMALS 6 adult horses. PROCEDURES A unicortical ostectomy was created on the dorsal surface of both third metacarpal bones of each horse. Castor bean (Ricinus communis) oil polyurethane polymer with calcium carbonate was implanted into the ostectomy on 1 limb, and the ostectomy of the contralateral limb was left unfilled and served as a control sample. Ostectomy sites were evaluated histologically 120 days later. Biopsy specimens were obtained from the interface of bone and polymer or the interface of bone and newly formed tissue; specimens were processed for histomorphometric evaluation by use of light microscopy, immunohistochemical analysis, histochemical analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS Osteoconductive activity of the biomaterial was confirmed by the presence of osteoblasts in the biopsy specimens. Absence of a chronic inflammatory response or foreign body reaction indicated biocompatibility. Expression of osteoblast markers was detected in the newly formed tissue. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that castor oil polyurethane polymer with calcium carbonate could be an acceptable compound for use as a bone substitute in horses with fractures in which bone filling is necessary.

Local antibiotic delivery in periodontitis: drug release and its effect on supragingival biofilms

The effect of a drug-delivery system containing antibacterial metronidazole (MDZ) prescribed for periodontitis on supragingival biofilm was evaluated, and possible interference by this biofilm in the drug release profile was investigated. Streptococcus mutans biofilms were grown and exposed to a controlled-release formulation of MDZ or the same formulation without MDZ (vehicle control). Untreated biofilms were used as a negative control (NC). Biofilms and culture medium (containing detached cells) were collected 24, 48, 72, and 96 h after first exposure to treatments. The biomass of the MDZ group was lower than that of the NC group at all times. Although MDZ yielded low drug-release rates in the presence of the biofilm, it was sufficient for reducing viability for 24 h and affecting bacterial metabolism for 48 h. These results suggest that MDZ appears to destabilize supragingival biofilm. This biofilm may interfere with MDZ release from the formulation.

Laparoscopic versus open splenectomy in dogs

In the last few years, the use of laparoscopy in veterinary medicine has expanded and consequently so was the need for studies that establish the advantages, disadvantages and possible complications of each procedure. The purpose of the current study was to describe a laparoscopic splenectomy technique and the alterations due to this access, and compare it to the open procedure in dogs. A total of 15 healthy female mongrel dogs were used, with mean weight of 17.4±2.5kg. The animals were distributed into three groups: Group IA of open splenectomy (laparotomy) using double ligation of the vessels of the splenic hilum with poliglicolic acid, Group IB of open splenectomy (laparotomy) with bipolar electrocoagulation of the splenic hilum, and Group II of laparoscopic access with bipolar electrocoagulation of the splenic hilum. Operative time, blood loss, size of incisions, complications during and after surgery were evaluated. Other parameters included pain scores, white blood cell (WBC) counts and postoperative serum concentrations of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine kinase (CK), C-reactive protein (CRP), glucose and cortisol. No differences were found in the evaluation of parameters between both open splenectomy techniques employed. Laparoscopic access presented significant differences (p<0,05) when compared with open surgery: Longer operative time, smaller abdominal access, decrease in blood loss, lower concentrations of CRP, higher levels of CK and ALP, and lower scores in the pain scale. Laparoscopic surgery showed fewer complications of the surgical wound. No significant differences were observed between groups in the postoperative temperature, WBC, ALT, cortisol and glucose concentrations. In conclusion, the laparoscopic technique is useful for splenectomy in dogs, being advantageous in terms of blood loss, surgical stress and surgical wounds. However, it expends more operative time and causes transitory increase in hepatic and muscular enzymes.

The effects of constant and alternating temperatures on the reproductive potential, life span, and life expectancy of Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Ovarian development, oviposition, larval eclosion, ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity, ovarian, testis and ejaculatory apodeme measurements (length, width, and area), and the number of spermatozoa of Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) were analyzed at alternating (20 degrees/6 degrees C and 20 degrees/13 degrees C) and constant (6 degrees C; 25 degrees C) temperatures. Life span and life expectancy were also analyzed for both genders. All the results suggest that temperature, especially alternating temperatures, increase not only male and female reproductive potential but also their life span and life expectancy. These changes can be a powerful strategy triggered by A. fraterculus as a means to survive the stressful temperature conditions found in winter in the apple production region in Brazil, enabling this species to increase its population density and cause apple damage when spring begins.

[Paraplegia as initial manifestation of tethered spinal cord. Case report]

Tethered spinal cord (TSC) is a rare disorder; it occurs when the conus medularis is anchored to the base of the vertebral canal by thickened filum terminale cysts, lipoma and spinal dysraphia. This disorder may cause paraplegia, sensory and sphincter disturbance. We report a twenty-two months-old girl presenting with paraplegia. TSC diagnostic was confirmed by myelotomography. The patient was submitted to surgical relief of tethered filum terminale.

[Sarcoma of endometrial stroma (SEE). Clinical and pathological prognostic factors]

Endometrial Stromal Sarcomas are rare neoplasms, accounting for 0.2% of female genital tract malignancies. They occur predominantly in post menopausal women, although they can develop during the reproductive years or even in childhood. The most important prognostic factors are the patient's age at diagnosis, FIGO surgical stage, myometrial invasion, mitotic index, DNA index and tumoral necrosis. In this study we try to evaluate the main prognostic factors in the women treated in the Portuguese Oncology Institute in Oporto. From the study of the 14 patients with the diagnosis of endometrial stromal sarcoma, between 1974 and 1995, we can conclude that the main factors influencing the outcome were FIGO surgical staging, mitotic index and myometrial invasion.

Circadian time-dependent effects of fencamfamine on inhibition of dopamine uptake and release in rat striatal slices

Fencamfamine (FCF) is a central stimulant that facilitates central dopaminergic transmission through inhibition of dopamine uptake and enhanced release of the transmitter. We evaluated the changes in the inhibition of uptake and the release of striatal [3H]-dopamine at 9:00 and 21:00 h, times corresponding to maximal and minimal behavioral responses to FCF, respectively. Adult male Wistar rats (200-250 g) maintained on a 12-h light/12-h dark cycle (lights on at 7:00 h) were used. In the behavioral experiments the rats (N = 8 for each group) received FCF (3.5 mg/kg, ip) or saline at 9:00 or 21:00 h. Fifteen minutes after treatment the duration of activity (sniffing, rearing and locomotion) was recorded for 120 min. The basal motor activity was higher (28.6 +/- 4.2 vs 8.4 +/- 3.5 s) after saline administration at 21:00 h than at 9:00 h. FCF at a single dose significantly enhanced the basal motor activity (38.3 +/- 4.5 vs 8.4 +/- 3.5 s) and increased the duration of exploratory activity (38.3 +/- 4.5 vs 32.1 +/- 4.6 s) during the light, but not the dark phase. Two other groups of rats (N = 6 for each group) were decapitated at 9:00 and 21:00 h and striata were dissected for dopamine uptake and release assays. The inhibition of uptake and release of [3H]-dopamine were higher at 9:00 than at 21:00 h, suggesting that uptake inhibition and the release properties of FCF undergo daily variation. These data suggest that the circadian time-dependent effects of FCF might be related to a higher susceptibility of dopamine presynaptic terminals to the action of FCF during the light phase which corresponds to the rats' resting period.

Lipoma of the cerebellopontine angle. Case reports and literature review

Two patients with cerebellopontine angle (CPA) lipoma were studied. They were submitted to surgical treatment. Available literature was reviewed and 29 cases with same lesion were identified which had been treated by surgery. Clinical manifestations, possibility of diagnostic methods, surgical indications and treatment strategies are discussed. Attention is called to the peculiarities of CPA lipomas and the doubtful validity of attempting complete excision in all cases.

Optic nerve apoplexy caused by a cavernous angioma: case report

A case of a cavernous angioma of the optic nerve is presented. The abrupt onset of monocular visual symptoms was accompanied by an intense bitemporal headache, indicating apoplexy of the optic nerve. The surgical and histological findings demonstrated a cystic cavernous angioma. The lesion was removed completely without any noticeable bleeding. The preoperative visual deficit persisted.