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The purpose of this study was to establish the prevalence and the risk factors for deep digital flexor (DDF) distal tendinopathy in the equine limb (from the proximal extremity of the middle phalanx to the insertion of this tendon to the distal phalanx) and to identify the circumstances that promote this pathological condition. This epidemiological analysis was performed on 100 horses diagnosed with DDF distal tendinopathies at CIRALE-Hippolia between January 2009 and June 2010. All horses included in this study were diagnosed by ultrasonographic examination with front limb lameness associated with distal DDF tendinopathies at CIRALE-Hippolia in the aforementioned period. The sources of information were the individual medical records of horses. The considered risk factors were as follows: breed, age, sex, and athletic discipline. The risk was quantified by analyzing statistical association of the studied condition and different factors that can interfere with its evolution. Lameness associated with distal DDF tendinopathy has been mostly identified in jumping horses. The most well represented age category was the 8–10 years one, but the horses aged between 11 and 14 years had the highest risk for developing DDF tendinopathy. Females were more prone to this type of injury. The current epidemiological analysis provides a model for risk and protective factors for the development of DDF tendinopathy in the equine distal limb. The most susceptible group of equids are female Warmbloods more than the age of seven, whereas young male Thoroughbreds and French Trotters (0–3 year-old) carry the lowest risk in developing this pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinchillas are primarily used as laboratory animals in auditory pathways research, it is necessary to acquire detailed neuroanatomical data on other encephalon segments, in order to assess whether this species might also contribute as olfactory pathways experimental models. Thus, our research focused on providing a gross and microscopic description of the chinchilla's olfactory bulbs. Five chinchilla encephalon samples were harvested from commercially slaughtered young adults. The pairs of olfactory bulb were isolated by dissection, macroscopically examined while still attached, then detached, fixed in buffered formalin, serially cut and stained using a modified Luxol-Cresyl protocol. Gross and microscopic features were assessed and compared to literature descriptions of related species such as the rat and the rabbit. Chinchillas presented large olfactory bulbs with an average maximal diameter of 3 mm each, positioned in two corresponding deep grooves of the cribriform plate, orally to the anterior limit of the cerebral hemispheres. They decreased in girth ventro-aborally towards their base, which was located on the ventral side of the telencephalon. Histologically, they presented a laminar structure: an olfactory nerve layer, a glomerular layer, an external plexiform layer, a mitral cell layer, an internal plexiform layer and a granule cell layer. The proportionally well developed olfactory bulbs and the existence of the accessory olfactory bulbs demonstrates that C. lanigera is a macrosmatic species. The olfactory bulbs in the chinchilla present the gross anatomy and histological outline concurring with literature rodent descriptions, with certain particularities (accessory bulb topography, olfactory ventricle topography, glomerular size and shape). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interest of sex determination in embryos has an economical and research implication. This method is directly related to the embryo transfer method, which nowadays is considered to be an industry, in both equine and bovine. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the applicability of equine embryo sexing using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and to decide if this method is affordable for Romania and yields good results. Five equine embryos have been obtained by natural breeding using transcervical uterine lavage with Ringer Lactate on 6.5 or 7 days. The DNA extraction was performed by using proteinase K and the DNA was quantified by spectrophotometry. Three sets of primers have been used. The double nested PCR was performed, followed by electrophoresis of the amplified samples. From the five embryos obtained, three samples presented a single 445 bp DNA band and no SRY band and they were considered to be females. In two cases, the 445 bp was accompanied by the SRY-1 217 bp and SRY-2 121 bp band, thus being considered to come from male embryos. The embryo biopsy was done in 2 embryos and one biopsied embryo was transferred to a recipient mare. The transfer of the biopsied embryo did not succeed. PCR is suitable for sexing preimplantation equine embryos, but still in order to perform this type of activity at a commercial level, the infrastructure and the development of Equine Reproduction centres it's mandatory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the clinical benefits derived from the extensive morphological data existing in relation to the vascularisation of the udder in various milk cow breeds, our study focused on assessing the venous vascularisation of the udder in buffalo cows. Ten adult female buffalo cow udders were sampled, their vascularisation highlighted by arterial injection of a coloring agent, then fixed in a 2% formalin solution for 24 hours. The venous vascular system was identified by stratigraphic dissection under a magnifying glass and examined. We have identified common venous trunks for the homolateral anterior and caudal quarters and perforating veins going through the median septum. In 7 out of 10 examined udders, teat and parenchyma veins merged into a venous circle for each caudal quarter, both of them merging caudally with the greater venous circle at the base of the udder. 5 out of 10 samples also presented secondary venous circles around each anterior quarter. The results of the present study indicate a proportionally better developed venous vascularisation of the caudal quarters in the buffalo cow, correlated with a higher milk production at this level; a superior number of veins and a higher occurrence of venous circles at this level illustrate this aspect. However, the udder presents a unified venous drainage, as superficial veins of homolateral quarters merge, and the median suspensory ligament is traversed by perforating veins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to map the lymphatic drainage of the cranial thoracic mammary gland (T1) in clinically healthy domestic cats. The most important aspect was to identify the sentinel lymph node that drains the T1 mammary gland, leading to a new model of mammary tumor removal in the cat. The study was conducted on 10 female's domestic cats. The applied methods of investigation were: radiographic indirect lymphography with contrast agent (Optiray 350), injecting a coloring agent (Evans blue dye) in vivo followed by subject euthanasia and stratigraphic and regional dissection. For each cat, have been supervised behavior and physiological parameters (i.e. pulse, breathing, temperature). The cats were kept in individual cages, and all experiments were performed one day later after the accommodation of each animal. Drainage of the cranial thoracic mammary gland was found to be exclusively cranial in all subjects. The first lymph node station has been established that can be either the accessory axillary lymph node or the proper axillary lymph node when the former is missing. Taking into account internodal connections, the study has also underlined other lymph nodes involved in the drainage of the T1 mammary region. The stratigraphic dissection method complements radiographic indirect lymphography with contrast agent, by uncovering features that the latter is unable to underline. Stratigraphic dissection can only be used as an experimental tool, but the radiographic indirect lymphography is a very good method for clinical use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The success of horse breeding is depending on the fertility of the stallions and on the fertility of the mares. It is important to assess the clinical examination of a stallion and the quality of its semen in order to prevent the transmission of numerous diseases and to appreciate the fertility of the animal. The main purpose of this work was to establish a protocol for the evaluation of the fertility of the chosen stallions. We were interested in realizing a general clinical examination and of the genital apparatus, a detailed laboratory exam of the collected semen and the pregnancy rate in broodmares. This study was conducted on eight adult stallions. After a general clinical exam, the semen was collected and evaluated macroscopically and microscopically by using the photometric method device Spermacue (Minitub). The fertility of each stallion was assessed by the pregnancy rate of the brood mares (n=5 for each animal). All the examined stallions were clinically healthy. The average of the semen volume was 74 ml, the average concentration of spermatozoids was 120 million/ml. The viability of the semen and the motility of the spermatozoids was 50%. Only 3 stallions presented subfertility. For the assessment of the fertility in stallions it is mandatory to realize a complete clinical examination and also to test the immunity of the animal. In the present research work, we demonstrated that the exam of the semen is the most important step for evaluating the fertility of the stallions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to provide a detailed description of the vascular changes in the distal part of deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT). Eight isolated forelimbs were collected from 8 horses with DDF tendinopathy diagnosed post-mortem by ultrasound and gross anatomopathological examination. The samples were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin, softened in 4% phenol and dehydrated with ethylic alcohol. Goldner's Trichrome staining method was used. The histopathological examination revealed vascular proliferation associated with structural disorders of blood vessels. Angiogenesis, fibroplasia and consecutive hypertrophy of the vascular wall with or without vascular occlusion were the most common findings. Other histopathological findings were: endothelial cell edema, progressive metaplasia from squamous to cubic cells, vascular wall hyalinization, endothelial cells apoptosis/necrosis and endothelial desquamation. These results demonstrated damage of the distal deep digital flexor tendon vasculature which may progressively alter the structural integrity of the tendon and contribute to degenerative lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study offers a detailed anatomical description of the macroscopical characteristics of the internal conformation of the postdiaphragmatic digestive tract in the main pet species - the dog and the cat. After domestication, the two species, while of common philogenetic origins, have evolved with certain differences from the point of view of feeding habits in the modern era, to omnivore for dogs and strict carnivore for cats. This fact reflects itself in the pathology of this segment and in therapeutic necessities. This aspect justifies the need for better anatomical knowledge of the differences between the two species in the digestive segment. Having discussed in a previous article the differences between these species in terms of external shape, features and organ topography, we have turned to the inner conformation of the gastrointestinal tract. Our study focused on species characteristics description, without underlining race particularities. The study was carried out in the Comparative Anatomy Laboratory of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, on five dog bodies and 5 cat bodies lacking digestive pathological modifications. The research used usual dissection techniques, followed by the isolation, the section and the examination of the gastro-intestinal segment in all subjects. Common traits of carnivorous species displayed overall by the digestive tract aside, the main internal conformation differences between dogs and cats were mainly registered in the stomach. In this segment, the cat displays a uniform gastric mucosa, while the linen varies in the dog. The duodenum of both species has similar mucosa and two duodenal papillae, but the placement and presence of the papillae differ. The large intestine of dogs and cats has lesser differences, aside from the disposition of the lining folds of the colon [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims. The distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ), also known as coffin joint, represents an articular complex between the middle phalanx the distal phalanx and the distal sesamoid bone. Imaging techniques of this region include radiography, ultrasonography, thermography, nuclear scintigraphy, computed tomography and magnetic resonance. The purpose of this study is to describe the technique of ultrasonographic examination of dorsal aspect of the equine foot and to present images of the ultrasonographic anatomy in this region. Materials and Methods. Ten healthy horses with no history of lameness and without any clinical signs like local swelling or joint distension have been ultrasounded. Longitudinal and transverse sections were realized. The results were compared to anatomical dissections and reference anatomical images. Results. The dorsal ultrasonographic approach of DIPJ allowed us to examine and to imagine the specific anatomic features of the following anatomical structures: skin, periople, corium limbi, pulvinus coronae, dorsal digital extensor tendon, coronal artery and vein, dorsal rami (artery and vein) of the middle phalanx, dorsal recess of the distal interphalangeal joint, the subchondral bone and articular surface of the middle phalanx and processus extensorius of the distal phalanx. Conclusions. Ultrasonography is a non-invasive procedure that allowed us to adequately examine the dorsal aspect of the equine foot in most of the clinical cases. A complete topographic imaging can be done on longitudinal sections. The main abnormal findings include periarticular fragmentation and osteophytes as well as synovitis of the dorsal recess of DIPJ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study initiated by us aims to describe, interpret and elucidate several aspects regarding the topography, the morphology and the drainage of the mammary lymphatic circulatory system.Because this paper is part of a more complex research project we chose to present a comparative study with results regarding the cranial abdominal mammary gland (A1) in pregnant cats and lactating cats. We have used the method of radiographic indirect lymphography with a contrast agent. The lymphographies were taken in the Radiology Laboratory of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, using a TEMCO GRx-01 type fixed radiographic equipment. This study method has allowed us to underline the mammary lymphatic drainage and interglandular lymphatic connections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study we tried to evidence the type of lymphatic vascularisation in the mammary gland at bitches, as well as the capture of some possible lymphatic connections between the border homo-lateral mammary glands, including the hetero-lateral ones. All of these things imply a good knowledge of the mammary lymphatic irrigation, the lymphatic's drainage way and the possibility of communication between the mammary glands through the lymphatic vessels, although, in this field of study there are few data on these kind of connections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study was developed by using and observing six mammary glands coming from: two cows, two mares and two camels of the Camelus Bactrianus species. The procedure consisted of introducing a tube into the arterial vessels' lumen, through which we then injected a special material, consisting of the industrial product Palux and a red dye. The injected mammary glands were kept in a 2% formaldehyde for 24 hours and then dissected, a process that was done both by direct observance and by using a magnifying glass, to enable a more accurate study of our case. The arterial vascularization in large ruminants is carried out by the external pudendal artery, which branches at the terminal point - in most cases, developing the caudal mammary artery, A. mammaria caudalis, and the cranial mammary artery, A. mammaria cranialis. The caudal mammary arteries participate, after issuing the collaterals responsible for the vascularization of the limphonodes adjacent to the mammals, to the vascularization of the posterior quarters. The cranial mammary artery emits one or two collaterals which ensure the vascularization of the medial gland region, eventually branching into the lateral mammary artery and the medial mammary artery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study we have performed was conducted during 2006-2007, on a number of 16 horses, aged between 4 and 18 years, belonging to following breeds: Quarter Horse, Dutch Warmblood, Thoroughbred, Passo Fino, Hanoverian, Selle Française. There is no direct correlation between the age and incidence of this degenerative process. The therapy of this disease has sought the combination between medical treatment and recovery one, and surgical treatment when the results of medical treatment and the recovery were negative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The subject of the anatomical study that we have done is represented by a comparative description of the pelvic limb skeleton in dromadery camel (Camelus Dromedarius), cow (Bos Taurus) and mare (Equus Caballus). From these animals, only camel doesn't live in the natural habitat of our country. We obtained the material, consisting of two camels, two cows and two mares corps with the support of The Management of Globus Circus Bucharest and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Cluj. The corps were prepared as a teaching aid in The Comparative Anatomy laboratory from The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cluj Napoca. The purpose of this study is the emphasis of the distinctive elements from the pelvic limb skeleton from these three species, being directly linked to: Os Coxae, Femur, Patella, Tibia and Fibula and Autopodium. The major differences were observed at Cingulum Membri Pelvini, as well as Stylopodium Pelvini and Autopodium Pelvini. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study has been done on seven fresh state hearts of adult healthy pigs that had been slaughtered by exsanguinations. Anatomical observations had been effectuated in the aim of describing the particularities of the cardiac orifices configuration and cardiac vascular system in swine. For this purpose we emphasize the peculiarities of the aortic opening and the right coronary artery origin, trajectory and branches in this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]