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A 3-year-old spayed female dog was admitted with a history of episodes of dyspnoea and coughing. Severe tracheal stenosis was found on radiography. The dog died during an episode of refractory dyspnoea. Necropsy revealed an obstruction of the thoracic part of the trachea because of a chronic granulomatous inflammation protruding into the tracheal lumen. Histological examination revealed nematodes, which were identified asOnchocercasp. according to their morphological characteristics. In contrast to the common ocular manifestation in dogs, obstructive tracheitis caused byOnchocercainfection has not been reported before. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of adhesions is a common complication following traumatic injuries and surgical procedures, often resulting in pain, stiffness, and loss of function. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of using a composite material comprising of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), polyethylene oxide (PEO), and calcium chloride, for preventing adhesions between muscle and bone during the healing stage, as well as its effect on the bone healing process. Ten healthy purpose-bred laboratory Beagle dogs were randomly subjected to two consecutive operations with a 6-month interval, alternating between left and right forelimbs. On the left forelimb an osteotomy at the ulna was performed, while on the right forelimb the same procedure was supplemented by the application of the anti-adhesion agent in the osteotomy site prior to closure. Clinical, diagnostic imaging, macroscopic, and histological evaluations were performed at various time points. The results showed no significant differences in surgical site perimeter ( p = 0.558), lameness ( p = 0.227), and radiographic bone healing ( p = 0.379) between the two groups. However, the macroscopic ( p = 0.006) and histological assessments revealed significantly lower adhesion scores ( p = 0.0049) and better healing ( p = 0.0102) in the group that received the anti-adhesion agent. These findings suggest that the CMC/PEO composite material is a safe and potentially effective intervention for preventing post-traumatic and post-surgical adhesions in canine patients without compromising bone healing. Further research is warranted to fully characterize the clinical benefits of this approach.

Subacute rumen acidosis (SARA) is a current issue in intensive livestock farming, and it is particularly associated with feeding high-concentrate diets. This study investigated the prevalence and impact of SARA in forty-two Greek dairy sheep flocks by recording rumen pH, milk composition, and milk yield over a period of nine months. Moreover, it explored the use of computerized rumen colorimetry as a management and diagnostic tool for SARA in dairy sheep. In culled ewes, computerized rumen mucosal colorimetry was applied, and rumen wall samples taken for histological examination. SARA cases were identified in 19 farms (45%, n = 42). Farms with SARA cases had lower milk fat levels, while milk yield and milk protein levels did not differ based on the SARA status of the farms. In culled ewes, rumen color was significantly associated with the flock's SARA status, and affected ewes showed increased thickness in non-keratinized and total epithelial layers. It was concluded that computerized rumen mucosal colorimetry in aged, culled ewes shows promise as an indicator, post mortem , of SARA present in dairy sheep flocks whose impact can be minimized by making significant changes in dietary management.

The aim of this in vivo study was to investigate the effects of a novel mycotoxin detoxifier whose formulation includes clay (bentonite and sepiolite), phytogenic feed additives (curcumin and silymarin) and postbiotics (yeast products) on the health, performance and redox status of weaned piglets under the dietary challenge of fumonisins (FUMs). The study was conducted in duplicate in the course of two independent trials on two different farms. One hundred and fifty (150) weaned piglets per trial farm were allocated into two separate groups: (a) T1 (control group): 75 weaned piglets received FUM-contaminated feed and (b) T2 (experimental group): 75 weaned piglets received FUM-contaminated feed with the mycotoxin-detoxifying agent from the day of weaning (28 days) until 70 days of age. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARSs), protein carbonyls (CARBs) and the overall antioxidant capacity (TAC) were assessed in plasma as indicators of redox status at 45 and 70 days of age. Furthermore, mortality and performance parameters were recorded at 28, 45 and 70 days of age, while histopathological examination was performed at the end of the trial period (day 70). The results of the present study reveal the beneficial effects of supplementing a novel mycotoxin detoxifier in the diets of weaners, including improved redox status, potential hepatoprotective properties and enhanced growth performance.

A cytological grading system for canine mast cell tumors (MCTs) has been developed, but its integration into clinical routine has been hindered due to its diagnostic limitations. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value of Ki-67 and argyrophilic nucleolar organizing region (AgNOR) markers in cytological MCT samples and to determine cut-off values for these markers in correlation with histopathological grading. Cytological samples were collected prior to surgical excision, and histopathological samples were obtained postsurgery from 45 dogs diagnosed with cutaneous mast cell tumors (MCTs). The cytological specimens were classified using a two-tier grading system, and their Ki-67 (average immunopositive nuclei per 100 cells) and AgNOR (average AgNOR counts per 100 nuclei) signaling was assessed. Through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, cut-off values for Ki-67 and Ki-67 × AgNOR were determined to better align with histopathological grading (classified as low or high grade according to Kiupel's scoring system). Without the inclusion of proliferative markers, there was a 73% agreement between cytological and histopathological grading. The prediction of histopathological grade was slightly more accurate when assessing Ki-67 and Ki-67 × AgNOR signaling in cytological specimens (75% and 80%, respectively) compared to the initial cytological grading. The cytological assessment of canine MCTs proves beneficial for the initial evaluation, and the incorporation of the evaluation of Ki-67 and AgNOR markers may assist in identifying diagnostically highly malignant MCTs.

The objective of this experimental study was to compare the semitendinosus (ST) to the split-semitendinosus (SST) myocutaneous flap in covering distal limb skin defects in cats. Twenty-eight purpose-bred laboratory DSH cats were used and allocated into two groups (ST-group (A); n = 14, SST-group (B); n = 14). ST flaps, based on the distal muscle pedicle, and SST flaps, after longitudinal division of the muscle based on both muscle pedicles, were tested over skin defects created on the medial distal tibia. Clinical assessment, planimetry, CT-angiography (CTA) and histological examination were compared between groups. Days to complete flap healing between ST and SST-flaps (30.36 ± 9.1, 32.29 ± 5.44, respectively) and final total flap areas (68.36% ± 27.18, 51.83% ± 22.48, respectively) revealed no significant differences. On CTAs, the caliber of the distal caudal femoral vein on day 10 was statistically significant higher ( p < 0.001) for group A and a significantly higher caliber of the distal caudal femoral artery on day 30 for group B ( p = 0.021). Histology revealed statistically higher degeneration at 6 months ( p = 0.047) for group A, and statistically higher fibrosis at 12 months ( p = 0.019) for group B. Both ST and SST flaps had similar healing times and provided coverage of skin tibial defects in cats.

The objectives of the present study were to evaluate (a) the feasibility of using stromal vascular fraction (SVF) and nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (nHA) paste in combination for the treatment of segmental bone defect, (b) the quality of the callus produced, (c) the potential improvement of the autograft technique, and (d) the direct comparison of the biomaterial to the use of autogenous cancellous bone. Unilateral, segmental mid-diaphyseal bone defect was created on the right metatarsus of skeletally mature sheep animals ( n = 24) under anesthesia (D0). Residual segments were stabilized by stainless-steel plates and appropriate screws. Defects were managed as follows: group A: use of nHA paste to filling, group B: use of autogenous bone graft mixed with nHA bone paste, placed in defect, group C: use of SVF mixed with nHA bone paste injected into defect, group D: use of bone graft and SVF with nHA paste before apposition in bone defect. SVF had been previously isolated from adipose tissue of the animals intra-operatively after digestion with collagenase solution and neutralization. Animals were evaluated clinically and by X-raying and ultrasonographic examination of the defect, at regular intervals, until D90. Ultrasonographic assessment performed along the length of the defect included calculation of the length of the bone defect and assessment of vascularization. SVF was successfully isolated from group C and D animals, with the average yield being 1.77 × 10 6 cells. The comparison of clinical scores (based on the 'Kaler scale') on each post-operative day indicated significant differences between the four groups on D1 to D30 ( p < 0.01); the median clinical score within group A was 2.5 for D1-D30 and 1 for the entire period; respective scores for other groups were 1.5 ( p = 0.07) and 0 ( p = 0.033). Differences in radiographic assessment scores were significant for scores obtained on D60 ( p = 0.049) and D90 ( p = 0.006). There was a significant difference between the four groups in the length of the bone defect, as assessed ultrasonographically, for the entire length of the study; median values were 8, 8.5, 6, and 8 mm for groups A, B, C, and D, respectively ( p = 0.008). There was a significance in the differences between median scores obtained during the histopathological examination: 2, 11, 13.5, and 12 for group A, B, C, and D ( p = 0.022). There was an inverse correlation between the overall scores of histopathological evaluations and the length of the bone defect (observed on D90) ( p < 0.0001) and a correlation between the overall scores and the radiographic assessment scores (obtained on D90) ( p < 0.0001). This is the first study in which the efficacy of fresh autologous Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF) from adipose tissue in enhancing bone healing in a long, weight-bearing, diaphyseal bone was evaluated. It is concluded that the lumbosacral region was an attractive site for harvesting adipose tissue, the use of SVF contributed to faster rehabilitation post-operatively, and SVF significantly enhanced bone formation; in general, the results indicated an osteogenic potential of SVF comparable to the gold standard autologous bone graft.

An 8-month-old female Lagotto Romagnolo dog was presented for a 1-month history of an initial severe reluctance to move, rapidly progressing to a marked stiff gait and progressive muscular weakness and evolving to tetraparesis, which persuaded the owner to request euthanasia. A primary muscle pathology was supported by necropsy and histopathological findings. Macroscopically, the muscles were moderately atrophic, except for the diaphragm and the neck muscles, which were markedly thickened. Histologically, all the skeletal muscles examined showed atrophy, hypertrophy, necrosis with calcification of the fibers, and mild fibrosis and inflammation. On immunohistochemistry, all three dystrophin domains and sarcoglycan proteins were absent. On Western blot analysis, no band was present for delta sarcoglycan. We sequenced the genome of the affected dog and compared the data to more than 900 control genomes of different dog breeds. Genetic analysis revealed a homozygous private protein-changing variant in the SGCD gene encoding delta- sarcoglycan in the affected dog. The variant was predicted to induce a SGCD :p.(Leu242Pro) change in the protein. In silico tools predicted the change to be deleterious. Other 770 Lagotto Romagnolo dogs were genotyped for the variant and all found to be homozygous wild type. Based on current knowledge of gene function in other mammalian species, including humans, hamsters, and dogs, we propose the SGCD missense variant as the causative variant of the observed form of muscular dystrophy in the index case. The absence of the variant allele in the Lagotto Romagnolo breeding population indicates a rare allele that has appeared recently.

Modified live virus (MLV) vaccines for the control of porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus (PRRSV) have been associated with the vertical and horizontal transmission of vaccine viruses. The present study aimed to describe pathological lung lesions in piglets born by gilts vaccinated with PRRSV-1 MLV. In total, 25 gilts were vaccinated at late gestation (100th day) and were divided into five groups according to the different vaccines (Vac) used: no vaccine-control group, Vac-1-strain DV, Vac-2-strain VP-046 BIS, Vac-3-strain 94881, Vac-4-strain 96V198. Within the first 0-9 h of the farrowing, blood samples were collected from all newborn piglets and lung samples were exanimated grossly, histopathologically and with scanning electron microscopy. PRRSV (RT-PCR-positive) and antibodies were detected in the serum of piglets from gilts vaccinated with Vac-2. In these piglets, moderate to severe interstitial pneumonia with thickened alveolar septa was noticed. Type II pneumocyte hyperplasia was also observed. The rest of the trial piglets showed unremarkable lung lesions. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the 98.7% similarity of the PRRSV field strain (GR 2019-1) to the PRRS MLV vaccine strain VP-046 BIS. In conclusion, the Vac-2 PRRSV vaccine strain can act as an infectious strain when vaccination is administrated at late gestation, causing lung lesions.

Background: The management of feline hindlimb full-thickness skin defects is challenging. On the other hand, the use of a semitendinosus (ST) myocutaneous flap for their coverage has not been reported., Objectives: To describe the ST flap and compare it with second intention healing for managing hindlimb full-thickness skin defects., Methods: In 12 purpose-bred laboratory domestic short-haired cats, two wounds were made on each tibia. The wounds in group A (n = 12) were covered with ST flaps, and those in group B (n = 12) were left to heal by second intention. In both groups, clinical assessment scoring and planimetry were performed between one-30 d postoperatively. Computed tomography-angiography (CTA) was performed on days zero, 10, and 30, and histological examinations were performed on days zero and 14 and at 6 and 12 mon postoperatively., Results: Statistically significant differences in the clinical assessment scores were observed between groups A and B on days 14 ( p = 0.046) and 21 ( p = 0.016). On the other hand, the time for complete healing was similar in the two groups. CTA revealed significant differences in the muscle width (day 0 compared to days 10 and 30 [ p = 0.001, p = 0.026, respectively], and days 10 to 30 [ p = 0.022]), ST muscle density, and the caliber of the distal caudal femoral artery and vein (day 0 compared to day 10 [ p < 0.001], and days 10 to 30 [ p < 0.001]). Histologically significant differences in inflammation, degeneration, edema, neovascularization, and fibrosis were observed on day 14 compared to zero and 6 mon, but no differences were found between the time interval of 6 and 12 mon., Conclusions: An ST flap can be used effectively to manage hindlimb full-thickness skin defects., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (© 2023 The Korean Society of Veterinary Science.)

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) causes respiratory disease in weaning and growing pigs. A vaccination against PRRSV is one of the most important control measures. This trial aimed to evaluate the effect of the intradermal (ID) administration of a PRRSV-1 modified live virus (MLV) vaccine in comparison to the intramuscular (IM) administration on the piglets’ health and performance. A total of 187 suckling piglets of a PRRSV-positive commercial farrow-to-finish farm were assigned to four groups: group A—PRRSV ID, group B—PRRSV IM, group C—control ID, and group D—control IM. At 2 weeks of age, all the study piglets were either vaccinated with a PRRSV-1 MLV vaccine or injected with the vaccine adjuvant (controls). The collected blood serum samples were tested by ELISA and qRT-PCR. The side effects, body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), mortality rate, and lung and pleurisy lesions scores (LLS, PLS) were also recorded. The ELISA results indicated that the vaccination induced an important seroconversion at 4 and 7 weeks. Significant differences in the qRT-PCR results were noticed only at 10 weeks in group A vs. group C (p < 0.01) and group B vs. group C (p < 0.05). High viral loads, as evidenced by the qRT-PCR Ct values, were noticed in animals of both non-vaccinated groups at 7, 10, and 13 weeks. An ID vaccination has a positive impact on the BW at the piglets’ slaughter, while both an ID and IM vaccination had a positive impact on the ADG. The mortality rate was lower in vaccinated groups at the finishing stage. The LLS and PLS were significantly lower in the vaccinated groups. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that the ID vaccination of suckling piglets with a PRRSV-1 MLV vaccine has a positive effect on the piglets’ health and performance, including an improved BW and a lower LLS and PLS index at their slaughter, as well as a decreased mortality rate at the growing/finishing stage.

To investigate a possible central mechanism of action of Botulinum toxin A (BoNT/A) following injection in the bladder, complementary to the acknowledged peripheral bladder effect, we studied changes in the expression of neuropeptides and receptors involved in lower urinary tract function in the spinal cord (SC) and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of normal rats following BoNT/A bladder injection. Thirty-six Sprague-Dawley rats, divided into three groups of n = 12, received bladder injections of 2U or 5U OnabotulinumtoxinA (BOTOX ® ), or saline. Six animals from each group were sacrificed on days 7 and 14. Expression of Tachykinin 1 (Tac1), capsaicin receptor (TRPV1), neuropeptide Y (NPY), proenkephalin (PENK) and muscarinic receptors M1, M2, M3, was evaluated in the bladder, L6-S1 DRG, and SC segments using real-time PCR and Western blotting. Real-time PCR revealed increased expression of NPY in all tissues except for SC, and increased TRPV1 and PENK expression in DRG and SC, whereas expression of Tac1, M1 and M2 was decreased. Less significant changes were noted in protein levels. These findings suggest that bladder injections of OnabotulinumtoxinA may be followed by changes in the expression of sensory, sympathetic and cholinergic bladder function regulators at the DRG/SC level.

Cutaneous defects in cats are commonly encountered in clinical practice, and healing can be accomplished by first or second intention. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is characterized by a plasma concentration containing a large number of platelets in a small volume of plasma. The objective of the present study was to record the efficacy of PRP infiltration in open wounds in laboratory cats. Six wounds were created in the dorsal midline of eight laboratory cats, with the wounds of one side designated as the PRP group and the wounds of the other side as the control group. Wound healing was evaluated by daily clinical examination, planimetry, laser Doppler flowmetry, and histologic examination on days 0, 7, 14, and 25, and by measurement of metalloproteinases (MMPs)-2 and -9 and tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 on days 0, 14, and 25. Based on the results of the present study, the mean time for full coverage with granulation tissue was shorter in the PRP group, the mean contraction and total wound healing percentage were increased compared to the control group, and finally, the perfusion measured with laser Doppler flowmetry was higher in the PRP group during all examination days. In conclusion, this is the first study focusing on the topical application of PRP in the treatment of open wounds in laboratory cats, and our results are encouraging-showing a more rapid healing in the PRP group.

Mast cell tumor (MCT) is a frequent cutaneous tumor in dogs, with a variable biological behavior. Studies correlate cytologic and histopathologic features of MCTs with their biological behavior, prognosis, and response to treatment. The use of preoperative opioids is common in canine patients undergoing surgical removal of these tumors. Certain opioids can induce or downregulate mast cell degranulation and influence cancer progression. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the administration of morphine or butorphanol during surgical excision of canine cutaneous MCTs affects their cytologic and histopathologic appearance, thus influencing cytologic and histopathologic grading. This was a prospective, blinded, randomized, cohort clinical study. Forty-five dogs with cutaneous MCTs were randomly allocated into three groups according to preanaesthetic medication: dexmedetomidine combined with morphine (group M) or butorphanol (group B) or normal saline (group C). Cytologic specimens and histopathologic samples were obtained both prior to and after surgery. Samples were graded according to Kiupel's and Patnaik's systems, examined immunohistochemically for Ki-67 protein (Ki-67) and c-kit proto-oncogene product (KIT) expression, and histochemically for argyrophilic nucleolar organizing regions (AgNORs). Based on both Kiupel's and Patnaik's systems, no statistically significant differences were noted concerning the number of cases with grading discrepancies in grades allocated prior to versus after surgery among the groups. The same applied for cytological grading and immunohistochemical and histochemical evaluation. It seems that administration of morphine or butorphanol as part of the preanesthetic medication for surgical removal of canine cutaneous mast cell tumors does not influence histopathologic and cytologic grading of MCTs.

Erythema multiforme in pigs is an acute, self-limiting disease characterized by red skin areas and often associated with anorexia, fever and respiratory problems. The cause of the disease remains unknown. In a recent study, animals of a commercial breeding herd in Greece were examined, and all animals were found seropositive for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). However, neither PRRSV and porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) viremia nor antibodies against Aujeszky's disease virus, African swine fever virus and classical swine fever virus were detected. Here, an extended examination of these pigs was performed on a wide range of porcine viruses using highly sensitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods. Affected skin of five animals revealed the presence of porcine lymphotropic herpesvirus-1 (PLHV-1) in all cases, PLHV-2 in one animal and PLHV-3 in four animals. However, neither porcine cytomegalovirus (PCMV) nor porcine circoviruses (PCV1, PCV2, PCV3 and PCV4) were detected. In blood samples, PLHV-1 was present in two animals and PLHV-2, PCV2 and PCV3 in one individual, with PCMV, PCV1 and PCV4 in none of the animals. In one animal, four viruses were found in the blood (PLHV-1, PLHV-2, PCV2 and PCV3). A PRRSV viremia was also not detected. All animals carried porcine endogenous retrovirus C (PERV-C) in their genome, but recombinant PERV-A/C was not detected. The results suggest that porcine viruses may be involved in erythema multiforme in these animals and that further studies are needed to assess the role of these pathogens in the disease.

Background/aim: Intestinal anastomosis' integrity is crucial in surgery. This study aimed to investigate whether fibrin glue (FG) (a fibrin sealant containing human factor XII and fibrinogen) has a positive effect on the healing and the integrity of the ileoileal anastomosis in rats., Materials and Methods: Twenty Wistar rats underwent enterotomy, ileoileal anastomosis and divided into four groups (A: complete anastomosis-no FG, B: complete anastomosis-FG, C: incomplete anastomosis-no FG, D: incomplete anastomosis-FG). Data included leak, adhesions, bursting pressure of the anastomosis, neoangiogenesis, and hydroxyproline levels., Results: Angiogenesis was significantly higher in group B compared to group A (p=0.019). There were no significant differences between groups A and B regarding adhesions, hydroxyproline, and bursting pressure (p=0.500, p=0.158 and p=0.829, respectively). Hydroxyproline levels were higher in group D compared to C, but did not reach significance (p=0.098)., Conclusion: Fibrin glue has a positive effect on ileoileal anastomoses. It is not entirely clear whether this effect is due to mechanical support or to the facilitation of the healing process or both. Further research is needed before FG can be applied to humans., (Copyright © 2022 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.)

Background: Hirschsprung's disease-associated enterocolitis (HE) is a life-threatening septic complication of Hirschsprung's disease (HD), leading to bacterial translocation (BT) and sepsis. Many factors, such as intestinal stasis, HD-related inherited immune disorders and abnormal mucosal secretion have been implicated in its pathogenesis., Objectives: To investigate the effect of intestinal stasis as an independent factor in the pathogenesis of HE intestinal lesions and its systematic effects., Material and Methods: The rectal ganglion cells of 46 Wistar rats were chemically ablated through local benzalkonium chloride (BAC) injection, in order to create a HD model (megacolon rats) that does not carry the possible genetic burden of HD. The animals were sacrificed either on the 20th or 25th day after ablation and were examined for histopathological changes on the wall of the small intestine, presence of bacterial translocation in body organs, body biometrics, and white blood cell count (WBC) and hemoglobin concentration. The results were compared to control animals., Results: In the megacolon rats, severe damage on the small intestine as well as BT proportional to the extent of the intestinal damage and to the time elapsed after ablation was observed. Significant effects on the WBCs, hemoglobin concentration and biometric parameters were also observed., Conclusions: In megacolon rats, intestinal stasis can lead by itself to a full-blown HE. The HE lesions that promote BT are present even in regions distant from the aganglionic bowel and are proportional to the time elapsed under the influence of intestinal stasis. Systematic effects such as growth retardation are also produced.

A 5-y-old male Poodle mix was presented with intermittent vomiting, anorexia, and weight loss. Physical examination revealed emaciation, lethargy, dehydration, hypothermia, respiratory distress, and splenomegaly. Based on clinicopathologic, serologic, and parasitologic findings, diagnoses of severe leishmaniosis and dirofilariasis were made. Extracellular, intraneutrophilic, and intramonocytic Leishmania amastigotes were observed on blood smear and buffy coat smear examination. In blood smears, 0.2% of neutrophils were observed to be infected; in buffy coat smears, 0.5% of neutrophils and 0.1% of monocytes were found to be infected. Leishmania amastigotes were also found engulfed by eosinophils and neutrophil precursors in bone marrow aspiration cytology. The detection of Leishmania amastigotes in blood smears is rare, and the clinical significance is uncertain. In circulating blood, Leishmania amastigotes are primarily found phagocytized by neutrophils. Although debatable, there is growing evidence that neutrophils are used as carriers enabling the "silent entry" of the protozoa into macrophages ("Trojan horse" theory). To date, cytologic screening of blood smears for the diagnosis of canine leishmaniosis is not a routine practice. Clinical pathologists and practitioners should be aware that Leishmania amastigotes may be present in neutrophils and less frequently monocytes during blood smear evaluation; neutrophil precursors and eosinophils may also be parasitized in bone marrow specimens.

The imbalance between clot formation and fibrinolysis is mainly attributed to increased levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1), an inhibitor of fibrinolysis closely involved in inflammatory responses such as septic shock. This increase is mediated by many factors, including reactive oxygen species (ROS). The present study was designed to evaluate the prophylactic effect of crocin, a potent natural antioxidant, on PAI-1 in the rat model of endotoxic shock. Lipopolysaccharide-infused rats (500 μg/kg) showed significant changes in thrombosis-related haematological parameters such as decrease of platelet blood counts and increase (7 fold) of PAI-1 concentration in blood plasma. No effect on t-PA activity was observed. Crocin administration in two different doses (10 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg) 30 min prior to the injection of LPS, inhibited the reduction of platelet counts and ameliorated the concentration of PAI-1 in the liver and the brain. Moreover, crocin inhibited the deposition of fibrin in the renal glomeruli. No significant changes were recorded in the healthy groups of crocin (10 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg) compared to the control group. These data demonstrate the potential of crocin to prevent LPS-induced organ injury and suggest it is worthwhile to investigate the use of antioxidants for the treatment of septicemia., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

A 16-month-old dog was presented with chronic vomiting, anorexia, progressive weight loss, and melena. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a massive pyloric eosinophilic infiltration leading to pyloric obstruction that was treated successfully with pylorectomy. This is a novel clinical presentation of eosinophilic gastritis and highlights the need to consider it as a differential diagnosis for pyloric obstruction., Competing Interests: Use of this article is limited to a single copy for personal study. Anyone interested in obtaining reprints should contact the CVMA office (hbroughton@cvma-acmv.org) for additional copies or permission to use this material elsewhere.

Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of skin-stretching devices for closing defects on the extremities of dogs. Antebrachial skin defects were created on the limbs of 24 dogs randomly divided into three groups. Skin stretchers included staples and sutures passing through them (group A), sutures and hypodermic needles (group B), and Pavletic device (group C). Wounds on the left were further undermined in all groups. Tension and blood perfusion were assessed. After removing the stretchers on day 3, the defects were sutured and wound healing was clinically scored. Histological variables evaluated were cellular infiltration, edema, collagen orientation, and thickness of epidermis. Significant differences in tension were found among groups (p 0.0005) and between measurement times for undermined (p = 0.001) or non-undermined (p < 0.0005) wounds. In contrast, blood perfusion values did not differ significantly. Clinical scores for group B seemed to be better than those for groups A and C, but differences were not significant. Primary wound closure using the Pavletic device was not feasible. No significant differences in histological variables were found between groups. Skin stretching with staples or hypodermic needles resulted in successful wound management with minor side effects on skin histology and circulation.

The laryngeal mask airway (LMA) has been used in various animal species anesthetized for the purpose of device evaluation, but the device has not been evaluated in rabbits during surgery. The authors tested the feasibility and potential advantages of using the LMA in 50 rabbits undergoing surgery under spontaneous-breathing inhalational anesthesia, focusing mainly on the technique of insertion and its efficacy. The LMA was easily inserted and no air leakage at the larynx was detected. Although four rabbits developed lingual cyanosis, this was reversible and most likely due to lingual vascular compression by the LMA. The authors conclude that the LMA is an attractive alternative to endotracheal intubation, as the mask can be inserted easily and rapidly and its correct placement is easily confirmed.

Unlabelled: Background - Aim: The distraction and stabilization provided by anterior cervical discectomy and fusion contribute to neural decompression and optimize osteogenesis. A new titanium cervical implant with specific properties was applied through an anterior approach in ten pigs. Implant behavior regarding in situ position and related osteogenesis were evaluated., Methods: In this controlled animal study, the progress of fusion and osteogenesis was evaluated after one level cervical interbody fusion with a new titanium cage. Ten pigs underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. No substitutes stimulating osteoblastic activity were used. Plain radiographs were carried out. The animals were euthanised 12 and 14 weeks after the operation respectively. Tissue samples were processed routinely and studied histologically., Results: All pigs survived the surgery. Plain radiographs confirmed implant position. Histological analysis demonstrated fibrous connective tissue formation inside and around the implant which was largely transformed into cartilaginous and osseous tissue., Conclusions: Intervertebral space stabilization remains a parameter of crucial importance for early bone healing after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. The new titanium alloy cage tested in this experimental study can offer the necessary stabilization for osteogenesis and adequate cervical interbody fusion without the need of growth factors.

Due to the probable role played by rodents as a reservoir for the transmission of the EMC virus to pigs, the experiment reported here was performed in order to assess the transmission rate of EMCV within a rat population. Twenty-five eight-week-old Wistar rats housed in individual plastic cages were experimentally infected either with a Greek myocardial EMCV strain (5 rats with a 0.2 x 10(6) TCID50 dose per rat and 10 rats with a 0.5 x 10(4.5) TCID50 dose per rat, oronasally) or a Belgian myocardial EMCV strain (10 rats with a 0.5 x 10(4.5) TCID50 dose per rat, oronasally). Two to five days later, each inoculated rat was moved to a new clean cage and coupled with a contact rat to compare the pathogenicity of the two strains and to estimate the basic reproduction ratio R0, indicating the level of EMCV transmission. During the experiments, faecal virus excretion was measured as well as the serological response against EMCV. After euthanasia, virus isolation was attempted from different rat tissues. Neither strains produced mortality, nor clinical signs and only low titres of neutralising antibodies were found. All contact rats, however, were infected and the virus was isolated from their faeces and from various tissues. Both 10-pair experiments revealed a point estimate for the R0 of infinity (95%-CI for both the Greek and Belgian EMCV strains = 4.48 - infinity), as did the 5-pair experiment with a higher dose of the Greek strain (95%-CI = 1.83 - infinity). Combining the results from the two 10-pair experiments resulted in an estimate for R0 of infinity (95%-CI: 9.87 - infinity). These results indicate that the EMC virus can spread very easily within a rat population by horizontal rat-to-rat transmission (R0 >> 1).