Search

Langurs are Asian primates belonging to the Colobinae subfamily. Langur populations are declining, with most species categorized as threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Investigation into the threats to population viability and sustainability would be beneficial but there is limited literature available on common diseases or causes of death in these species, either in captive or free-ranging settings. This study aimed to evaluate the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in Trachypithecus species submitted for postmortem examination by six United Kingdom zoological institutions between 2001 and 2020, to inform best practice husbandry guidelines. Necropsy and histopathology reports from 88 individuals of Trachypithecus species from six zoological organizations in the United Kingdom were analyzed. Species included Javan langurs ( Trachypithecus auratus ; n = 35), dusky langurs ( Trachypithecus obscurus ; n = 28), François' langurs ( Trachypithecus francoisi ; n = 16), purple-faced langurs ( Trachypithecus vetulus ; n = 4), silvered langurs ( Trachypithecus cristatus ; n = 4), and Phayre's langur ( Trachypithecus phayrei ; n = 1). Morbidities and causes of death were recorded. Gastrointestinal diseases and systemic infections were the leading causes of death (27.4% and 21.0% of cases where cause of death was known, respectively); linear foreign bodies were the most common cause of death. Interstitial pneumonia was frequently observed secondary to systemic infection. Heart abnormalities, anthracosis, and hemosiderosis were common but not directly associated with mortality. Further investigation is necessary to assess the importance of these conditions and whether they predispose to other diseases. This study provides a baseline for future research evaluating captive and free-ranging langur health and highlights husbandry practices that may decrease morbidity in these species.

The objectives of this clinical study were to compare the effectiveness and safety of medetomidine-ketamine-midazolam (MKM) versus medetomidine-ketamine-butorphanol (MKB) for immobilization of captive red kangaroos ( Osphranter rufus ). Twenty red kangaroos were randomly immobilized for routine treatments using intramuscular injection of MKM (0.065 ± 0.004, 2.2 ± 0.3, and 0.12 ± 0.04 mg/kg, respectively) or MKB (0.070 ± 0.015, 2.3 ± 0.5, and 0.23 ± 0.05 mg/kg, respectively) ( n = 10/group). Induction, immobilization, and recovery times were recorded; vital signs monitored; and quality of induction, immobilization, and recovery scored using a single-blinded design. Oxygen was not supplemented. For reversal, atipamezole at five times the medetomidine dosage was administered intramuscularly (both groups), and flumazenil (0.020 ± 0.003 mg/kg; MKM) or naltrexone (0.23 ± 0.05 mg/kg; MKB) were administered intravenously. Induction time was significantly shorter in the MKB group versus the MKM group (7:26 ± 04:22 and 11:54 ± 04:50 minutes, respectively). Induction quality in both groups was rated "excellent" and immobilization quality was "excellent" in MKM and "very good" in MKB. Heart rate was significantly lower and hemoglobin oxygen saturation (SpO 2 ) was significantly higher in the MKM versus the MKB group. However, SpO 2 < 90% occurred with both protocols. Following antagonists administration, recovery time and quality were 17:40 ± 08:33 minutes and "very good" in the MKM group, and 14:28 ± 05:27 minutes and "excellent" in the MKB group, respectively. Both protocols provided smooth induction, good immobilization, and generally quick recovery. MKB is recommended for shorter induction time. Oxygen supplementation should be available with both protocols.

Objective To determine if there is a difference in the amounts of air (A), low-viscosity fluid (LV), or high-viscosity fluid (HV) that can be aspirated from the pleural cavity of canine cadavers using small-bore (SB) or large-bore (LB) thoracostomy tubes. Design Prospective experimental ex vivo study. Setting University teaching hospital. Animals Thirty-six canine cadavers. Interventions Each cadaver was randomly assigned to 1 of 6 groups (SB-A, LB-A, SB-LV, LB-LV, SB-HV, LB-HV). In each cadaver bilateral thoracostomy tubes (either SB or LB) were placed and 20 mL/kg of air, LV fluid, or HV fluid was instilled via 1 thoracostomy tube. Both tubes were aspirated and the volume aspirated was recorded and analyzed as a percentage of instilled air or fluid volume. The procedure was repeated on the contralateral hemithorax. Measurements and Main Results There was no significant difference in air or fluid recovery when SB and LB groups were compared. Median (range) air recovery volumes in the SB-A and LB-A groups were 101.5% (94.4-115.8%) and 102.8% (94.1-107.8%), respectively ( P = 0.898). Recovery of LV fluid was 93.5% (79.2-99.0%) for SB-LV and 85.8% (77.1-101.8%) for LB-LV cadavers ( P = 0.305) and recovery percentages of HV fluid were 92.6% (86.1-96.2%) and 91.4% (74.2-96.4%) for SB-HV and LB-HV groups, respectively ( P > 0.999). There was no significant difference between SB and LB groups when all substances were combined (94.1% [79.2-115.8%] and 93.5% [74.2-107.8%], respectively, P = 0.557). Conclusions SB and LB thoracostomy tubes demonstrated similar efficacy in removing known amounts of air, LV fluid, and HV fluid from the pleural space of canine cadavers. Further study is necessary to determine if SB and LB thoracostomy tubes demonstrate similar efficacy in clinical veterinary patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Chronic kidney disease ( CKD) is a common comorbidity in cats with hypercalcemia, but whether CKD is a risk factor for hypercalcemia is unclear. Hypercalcemia often is diagnosed based on total calcium concentration ( tCa), which tends to underestimate the ionized calcium concentration ( iCa) in cats. Objectives Assessment of the performance of tCa for the diagnosis of ionized hypercalcemia, and exploration of factors influencing the relationship between iCa and tCa. Determination of risk factors for incident total hypercalcemia (ie, the development of hypercalcemia based on tCa during follow-up). Animals Records of a cross-section (n = 477) and observational cohort (n = 367) of client-owned cats with and without azotemic CKD from first opinion practice. Methods Retrospective cross-sectional and retrospective cohort study. The diagnostic accuracy of tCa as an index test for ionized hypercalcemia was evaluated, and risk factors for underestimation were explored by binary logistic and linear regression in a cross-section of cats with and without azotemic CKD. Chronic kidney disease and clinicopathological variables were assessed as predictors of incident total hypercalcemia by both time-invariant and time-dependent Cox regression in a cohort of cats. Results Specificity of tCa for identification of ionized hypercalcemia was high (100%), but sensitivity was low. Underestimation was associated with lower venous bicarbonate concentrations. Cats with CKD had increased risk for incident total hypercalcemia (hazard ratio, 4.29; 95% confidence interval, 1.96-9.37; P < .001). Higher tCa predicted incident total hypercalcemia in both azotemic and nonazotemic cats ( P < .001). Conclusions and Clinical Importance Chronic kidney disease is a risk factor for incident total hypercalcemia, and most cats with increased tCa had concurrent ionized hypercalcemia. Higher baseline tCa predicts incident total hypercalcemia. Prospective studies assessing changes in iCa are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guaiac resin, extracted from the heartwood of Guaiacum officinale L. or G. sanctum L., is speculated to have anti-inflammatory effects. Lignans were purified from guaiac resin (also known as gum guaiacum) by monitoring the nitric oxide (NO) production in rat hepatocytes treated with an inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Six lignans were purified from guaiac resin and identified as: dehydroguaiaretic acid ( 1), (+)- trans-1,2-dihydrodehydroguaiaretic acid ( 2), furoguaiaoxidin ( 3), meso-dihydroguaiaretic acid ( 4), furoguaiacin (i.e., α-guaiaconic acid) ( 5), and nectandrin B ( 6). To our knowledge, this is the first time that 1 has been isolated from guaiac resin as a non-derivative. Compounds 2 and 6 were first found in guaiac resin. Compound 3 was first isolated from a natural source as a non-derivative. Furthermore, 1- 6 significantly suppressed NO production in IL-1β-treated hepatocytes. Because anti-inflammatory compounds suppress NO production, this system is often used to measure the anti-inflammatory effects of Kampo drugs and herbal constituents. The NO-suppressing activity of the six lignans isolated in this study indicates that guaiac resin has anti-inflammatory effects and that these lignans may be responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects of guaiac resin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A herd of seven captive-born Grevy's zebras ( Equus grevyi ) experienced an outbreak of nasal discharge and sneezing. Clinical signs, including lethargy and anorexia, were severe and acute in three animals, including a 16-mo-old male that died within 48 h. Treatment of two severely affected zebras included valacyclovir (40 mg/kg PO), meloxicam (0.6 mg/kg IM/PO), and cefquinome (2.5 mg/kg IM q48h). An adult female improved rapidly, and clinical signs resolved within 48 h of treatment. Administration of valacyclovir pellets was very complicated in a 2-mo-old female, and death occurred within 48 h. Histologic examination of the two individuals that died revealed severe fibrinonecrotic interstitial pneumonia with prominent hyaline membranes and type II pneumocyte hyperplasia. Additionally, the 16-mo-old male presented systemic endothelial activation with vascular thrombosis and necrosis and mild nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis. Herpesviral DNA was detected in the lungs of both individuals by nested polymerase chain reaction. The nucleic acid sequence of the amplicons showed 100% similarity with previously published equid alphaherpesvirus 9 sequences. Three additional animals developed mild nasal discharge only and recovered spontaneously. The zebras shared housing facilities with other species, including white rhinoceros ( Ceratotherium simum ), reticulated giraffe ( Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata ), and several antelope species. None of these animals showed clinical signs. Additionally, nasal swabs and whole blood samples were collected from cohoused white rhinoceroses ( n = 3) and springboks ( Antidorcas marsupialis , n = 3) as well as nasal swabs from cohoused reticulated giraffes ( n = 4). Nucleic acid sequence from equid herpesviruses was not detected in any of these samples. The source of the infection in the zebras remains unclear.

Background: Keratinocyte organoids can be used as a tool to evaluate epidermal structure, function and dysfunction., Objectives: To optimize the canine keratinocyte organoid system and produce organoids that are structurally equivalent to in vivo canine epidermis, in order to enable studies that focus on epidermal diseases and diseases resulting from an impaired epidermal barrier., Animals: Skin biopsies were obtained from five recently euthanized dogs of different breeds with no skin abnormalities., Methods and Materials: Cells derived from microdissected interfollicular epidermis were seeded in basement membrane extract and epidermal organoids were grown under different media conditions. Organoids were characterized to assess cell morphology and architecture in haematoxylin and eosin-stained slides and expression of selected epidermal markers (keratin 5, keratin 10, loricrin and filaggrin) by immunohistochemical analysis and quantitative reverse transcription PCR., Results: The selected epidermal markers were expressed in the same epidermal layers in the organoids cultured in expansion medium and differentiation medium as in normal interfollicular epidermis, yet restriction to the distinct layers was best achieved with expansion medium. Comparison of the mRNA expression levels of these markers revealed that relative expression is similar in organoids cultured in expansion medium and normal canine epidermis, while it differs in organoids cultured in differentiation medium., Conclusion and Clinical Importance: Organoids cultured in expansion medium have an equivalent structure to the interfollicular epidermis and express key marker proteins in similar proportions. Epidermal organoids are therefore a promising in vitro model to study epidermal structure, function and dysfunction., (© 2020 the European Society of Veterinary Dermatology and the American College of Veterinary Dermatology.)

CASE REPORT A 10-year-old male neutered Border Collie was referred for assessment of a 6-month history of unilateral epiphora and conjunctival hyperaemia associated with a gradually progressive left-sided exophthalmos. There was gradually progressive unilateral exophthalmos of the left eye with no abnormalities detected on retropulsion of the globe. Other ophthalmological and physical examinations were unremarkable. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a large, homogeneous, well-defined mass lesion in place of the zygomatic salivary gland and occupying most of the left orbit. Surgical excision via orbitotomy was performed. The histological diagnosis was a well-differentiated spindle cell sarcoma arising from the zygomatic salivary gland. At 4 months after excision of the orbital mass, the dog was euthanased after collapsing. Subsequent findings showed the presence of haemabdomen, with radiographic suggestion of diffuse pulmonary metastatic disease. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Mesenchymal neoplasms primarily arising in the salivary gland are rare. The technique for removal of the neoplastic gland is described. We recommend that clinicians be aware of malignancies and their metastatic potential when investigating salivary gland disease in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To report the clinical outcomes and complications of small animals that had articular or periarticular fractures or osteotomies stabilised with a notched head locking T-plate. Methods Medical records were searched retrospectively to identify animals that had a notched head locking T-plate used to stabilise a small articular or periarticular bone fragment. Results Nine dogs and two cats had an articular or periarticular bone fragment stabilised with a 2.0- or 2.4-mm notched head locking T-plate (12 procedures). The median body weight was 4.7 kg. The plate was modified by removing holes in 10/12 procedures and a combination of locking and non-locking screws were used in 7/12 procedures. All fractures or osteotomies progressed to clinical union. There were two intraoperative complications (intra-articular screw placement and overlong screw) and two postoperative complications (skin necrosis and stress protection) Conclusions This study reports the successful use of a 2.0- or 2.4-mm notched head locking T-plate for articular or periarticular fractures or osteotomies in a variety of small-breed dogs and cats. Care must be taken to prevent inadvertent penetration of the articular surface, particularly in regions such as the proximal tibia. The ability to modify the plate dimensions intraoperatively proved beneficial in most cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Veterinary Journal / Revue Vétérinaire Canadienne is the property of Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Kafkas Universitesi Veteriner Fakultesi Dergisi is the property of University of Kafkas, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective To describe the technique for translaryngeal percutaneous arytenoid lateralization (TPAL) and the effect on rima glottidis cross-sectional area using a canine cadaveric model. Study design Ex vivo study. Animals Canine cadavers ( n = 9). Materials and Methods With the aid of a laryngoscope, the larynx was visualized and a mattress suture (double-armed 2-0 polypropylene) was placed through the right arytenoid cartilage and exited the skin ventral to the jugular vein. The ends of the suture were passed through a button and tied on the skin to lateralize the right arytenoid cartilage. Digital images of the larynx were made before and after suture placement. Mean (±SD) rima glottidis cross-sectional area (mm2) was calculated from the digital images and values before and after suture placement were compared using a paired t-test. A P value < 0.05 was considered significant. Change in cross-sectional area was expressed as percent increase. Results Suture placement and the degree of arytenoid lateralization was relatively consistent in all dogs. Mean (±SD) cross-sectional area of the rima glottidis was 126.3 mm2 (±7.74) before and 172.1 mm2 (±24.7) after suture placement ( P = 0.004). Mean percent increase in cross-sectional area was 25%. Conclusion The TPAL technique was effective at enlarging the rima glottidis in this canine cadaveric model. TPAL is rapid to perform and does not require specialized instrumentation. Results of this study support further investigation of the TPAL technique as an alternative to temporary tracheostomy for dogs in severe respiratory distress due to laryngeal paralysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Practica Veterinara.ro is the property of MEDICHUB MEDIA, S.R.L. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Prophylactic gastropexy is a procedure that prevents the occurrence of a life threatening condition known as gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV) in dogs. The objective of this study was to compare incisional, belt loop and minimally invasive endoscopically assisted gastropexy by evaluating different parameters such as surgical time, length of scar and score of pain in dogs. Twenty-one healthy, mixed-breed adult dogs weighting 14.3 ± 2.6 kg were randomly divided into three groups. Three gastropexy techniques applied in the following order: incisional (group I), belt loop (group B), and endoscopically assisted gastropexy (group E). Surgical time, anesthetic time, length of surgical incision and score of pain 3 h after surgery were recorded for all dogs. Two weeks after the surgery, positive-contrast gastrography was used to evaluate stomach position and total gastric emptying time. Ultrasonography was also used to evaluate the gastropexy two months after the surgery. Adhesion was confirmed two months after the surgery between the stomach wall at the pyloric antrum and the right side of the body wall in all dogs by ultrasound. The mean surgical time, length of surgical incision and score of pain were significantly lower in group E compared to group I and B (P<0.05). No significant differences were found in total gastric emptying time and gastropexy thickness post-operatively (P>0.05). Due to advantages observed in the current study, the endoscopically assisted technique seems to be a suitable alternative to open incisional and belt loop gastropexies for performing prophylactic gastropexy, especially when performed by skilled surgeons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents The reproductive cycle of the domestic dog features a long period of relative ovarian inactivity or anestrus. The mechanism of anestrous termination/oestrous resumption is not yet fully understood, which presents a challenge to the development of oestrous induction protocols. In this study, we assess the possibility that anti-Müllerian hormone ( AMH) might play a role in this transition by characterizing its patterns of expression in the circulation during the transition from anestrus to oestrous and in all stages of ovarian follicular growth. Serum samples from five beagles (2.0-4.5 years) were collected three times per week at least 30 days prior to the onset of oestrous and assessed for AMH concentrations. Serum AMH concentration increased significantly during the transition from anestrus to proestrus and then declined back to the anestrous baseline beginning on day −4 before the luteinizing hormone surge, which was determined by changes in serum progesterone concentrations. Cortical sections of ovaries from females undergoing routine ovariohysterectomy (aged 8 months-5 years, n = 4) were evaluated for AMH by immunohistochemistry. Pre-antral and small antral follicles were most strongly immunoreactive for AMH. These data suggest that the increase in the number of antral follicles is associated with the rise in serum AMH as the anestrous period comes to an end. The rise in AMH might be useful in predicting the onset of oestrus and therefore assist with the optimization of oestrous induction protocols and possibly other assisted reproductive technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Veterinary Journal of Ankara University / Ankara Universitesi Veteriner Fakultesi Dergisi is the property of Ankara University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Canadian Veterinary Journal / Revue Vétérinaire Canadienne is the property of Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: In Nigeria, there is limited information on brucellosis particularly in dogs, despite its public health implications. We undertook a sero-epidemiological survey of brucellosis in dogs to determine the prevalence of the disease and associated risk factors for its occurrence in Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to screen dogs in south-western Nigeria for antibodies to Brucella sp using the rapid slide agglutination test (RSA) and Rose Bengal test (RBT), with positive samples confirmed respectively by serum agglutination test (SAT) and competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA). Data were analyzed with STATA-12. Results: From the 739 dog sera tested, 81 (10.96%) were positive by RSA and 94 (12.72%) by RBT; these were corroborated with SAT (4/81; 4.94%) and cELISA (1/94; 1.06%), respectively. Logistic regression identified location (OR=0.04; 95% CI: 0.02-0.09), breed (OR=1.71; 95% CI: 1.34-2.19), age (OR=0.10; 95% CI: 0.04- 0.30) and management system (OR=8.51; 95% CI: 1.07-68.05) as risk factors for Brucella infection by RSA. However, location (OR=10.83; 95% CI: 5.48-21.39) and history of infertility (OR=2.62; 95% CI: 1.41-4.84) were identified as risk factors using RBT. Conclusion: Given the 10.96% to 12.72% seroprevalence of brucellosis recorded in this study, we advocate control of the disease in dogs, and public health education for those at risk of infection. Again, further studies are required to elucidate the role of dogs in the epidemiology of brucellosis in Nigeria considering the conducive human-animal interface and ecological factors responsible for the transmission of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Veterinary Journal / Revue Vétérinaire Canadienne is the property of Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Islet cell replacement therapies represent an effective way to restore physiologic glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and severe hypoglycemia. Despite being able to provide long-term insulin independence, patients still require lifelong immunosuppression, which has myriad detrimental effects including an increased risk for opportunistic infections and some types of cancer. This vital issue precludes widespread application of these therapies as a true cure for T1DM. Encapsulation of islets into immunoisolating/immunoprotective devices provides the potential of abrogating the requisite for lifelong immunosuppression. The field of cellular encapsulation lies at a complex intersection between the areas of chemistry, physics, bioengineering, cell biology, immunology, and clinical medicine. In diabetes, cellular encapsulation has existed for nearly 50 years, nevertheless, a resurgence of interest in the field has been motivated by promising results in small- and large-animal models. Recent studies have demonstrated that long-term diabetes reversal without immunosuppression is indeed routinely achievable. Future researchers interested in exploring cellular encapsulation strategies will require a clear understanding of the basic theoretical and practical principles, guiding this rapidly expanding field. This article will provide essential considerations concerning the physicochemical properties of the most commonly used biomaterials, relevant aspects of the immune response to bioencapsulation, current encapsulation strategies, potential implantation sites for encapsulated cell therapies and, finally, a comprehensive review on the current state of clinical translation. © 2020 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 10:839-878, 2020., (Copyright © 2020 American Physiological Society. All rights reserved.)

Cardiac disease has been recognized as a major cause of death in captive nonhuman primates, which necessitates diagnostic (imaging) techniques to screen for and diagnose preclinical and clinical stages of possible cardiac conditions. Echocardiography is currently the most commonly used diagnostic tool for evaluation of cardiac anatomy and function. Complete with thoracic radiography and blood levels of two cardiac biomarkers, N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and cardiac troponin T (cTnT), it gives an extensive examination of the cardiorespiratory system. The purpose of this cross-sectional cohort study is to describe normal thoracic anatomy using thoracic radiography, and to provide normal values for echocardiographic measurements in 20 ring-tailed lemurs ( Lemur catta ). Additionally, cardiac biomarkers were determined. Three radiographic projections of the thoracic cavity and a complete transthoracic echocardiography were performed in 20 clinically healthy ring-tailed lemurs during their annual health examinations. Similar standard right parasternal and left apical echocardiographic images were obtained as described in dogs and cats and normal values for routine two-dimensional (2D-), time-motion (M-) and Doppler mode measurements were generated. Furthermore, a noninvasive smartphone base ECG recording and blood concentrations of cardiac biomarkers were obtained. Other radiographic measurements are provided for the skeletal and respiratory systems such as the trachea to inlet ratio and tracheal inclination. Knowledge of the normal radiographic thoracic and echocardiographic anatomy and function are fundamental for the diagnosis and follow-up of cardiac disease in affected individuals and for species screening, and will be of added value in future research in and conservation of this endangered species.

Cartilaginous tumors of the larynx and trachea are uncommon in the dog. The authors describe 10 cases diagnosed between 1995 and 2014 and review 16 cases in the literature. Seven of our cases were tracheal and 3 were laryngeal. Two of the laryngeal tumors were chondromas, which have not been previously reported in this site. The third laryngeal tumor was a myxochondroma. Of the 7 tracheal tumors, 6 arose from the ventral tracheal wall, including 2 that were extraluminal. Tracheal tumor types included chondrosarcoma (n = 3), chondroma (n = 2), and osteochondroma (n = 2). All of the laryngeal tumors and 5 of 7 of the tracheal tumors occurred in adult dogs (aged 5–11 years). The 2 tracheal osteochondromas were in young dogs (3–4 months) and were intrathoracic, while the remaining tracheal tumors were cervical. Surgical excision had a good outcome in most cases. Combining our 10 cases with the 16 previously reported cases showed that 6 (27%) of the affected dogs were Arctic breeds (Alaskan Malamute or Siberian Husky) suggesting a predisposition in this type of dog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Published information describing the clinical features and outcome for dogs with epiglottic retroversion ( ER) is limited. Hypothesis/Objectives To describe clinical features, comorbidities, outcome of surgical versus medical treatment and long-term follow-up for dogs with ER. We hypothesized that dogs with ER would have upper airway comorbidities and that surgical management (epiglottopexy or subtotal epiglottectomy) would improve long-term outcome compared to medical management alone. Animals Twenty-four client-owned dogs. Methods Retrospective review of medical records to identify dogs with ER that underwent surgical or medical management of ER. Results Dogs with ER commonly were middle-aged to older, small breed, spayed females with body condition score ( BCS) ≥6/9. Stridor and dyspnea were the most common presenting signs. Concurrent or historical upper airway disorders were documented in 79.1% of cases. At last evaluation, 52.6% of dogs that underwent surgical management, and 60% of dogs that received medical management alone, had decreased severity of presenting clinical signs. In dogs that underwent surgical management for ER, the incidence of respiratory crisis decreased from 62.5% before surgery to 25% after surgical treatment. The overall calculated Kaplan-Meier median survival time was 875 days. Conclusion and clinical importance Our study indicated that a long-term survival of at least 2 years can be expected in dogs diagnosed with epiglottic retroversion. The necessity of surgical management cannot be determined based on this data, but dogs with no concurrent upper airway disorders may benefit from a permanent epiglottopexy to alleviate negative inspiratory pressures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Colombiana de Ciencias Pecuarias is the property of Universidad de Antioquia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Endosomal sorting is an essential control mechanism for signaling through the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). We report here that the guanine nucleotide exchange factor αPIX, which modulates the activity of Rho-GTPases, is a potent bimodal regulator of EGFR trafficking. αPIX interacts with the E3 ubiquitin ligase c-Cbl, an enzyme that attaches ubiquitin to EGFR, thereby labelling this tyrosine kinase receptor for lysosomal degradation. We show that EGF stimulation induces αPIX::c-Cbl complex formation. Simultaneously, αPIX and c-Cbl protein levels decrease, which depends on both αPIX binding to c-Cbl and c-Cbl ubiquitin ligase activity. Through interaction αPIX sequesters c-Cbl from EGFR and this results in reduced EGFR ubiquitination and decreased EGFR degradation upon EGF treatment. However, quantitatively more decisive for cellular EGFR distribution than impaired EGFR degradation is a strong stimulating effect of αPIX on EGFR recycling to the cell surface. This function depends on the GIT binding domain of αPIX but not on interaction with c-Cbl or αPIX exchange activity. In summary, our data demonstrate a previously unappreciated function of αPIX as a strong promoter of EGFR recycling. We suggest that the novel recycling regulator αPIX and the degradation factor c-Cbl closely cooperate in the regulation of EGFR trafficking: uncomplexed αPIX and c-Cbl mediate a positive and a negative feedback on EGFR signaling, respectively; αPIX::c-Cbl complex formation, however, results in mutual inhibition, which may reflect a stable condition in the homeostasis of EGF-induced signal flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Testicular tumours are common in dogs and in many cases do not give rise to clinical signs. In other cases, signs of feminization, hyperpigmentation or alopecia may be observed, most commonly associated with Sertoli cell tumours (SCT). Although these signs are often associated with elevated concentrations of oestradiol, analysis of oestradiol may give inconclusive results due to large variations among individuals. Other biomarkers are therefore needed. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is expressed by the Sertoli cell. In humans, AMH has been shown to be a specific marker of Sertoli cell origin in gonadal tumours. Using immunohistochemistry, AMH has been shown to be a useful marker of immature and neoplastic Sertoli cells in dogs. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical relevance of AMH analysis in peripheral blood in the diagnostic workup of dogs with suspected testicular tumours. Results: Blood was collected from 20 dogs with a palpable testicular mass and from 27 healthy controls. Serum was analysed for oestradiol-17β using a RIA and for AMH using an ELISA. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare hormone concentrations between different groups. All control dogs had AMH concentrations ≤ 10 ng/mL, except one outlier that had a concentration of 43 ng/mL. Six dogs with SCT or mixed tumours containing SCT had AMH concentrations higher than 22 ng/mL, significantly higher than AMH concentrations in control dogs (P = 0.0004). Concentrations between 10 and 22 ng/mL were found in about half of the dogs with non-neoplastic testicular pathologies or with testicular tumours other than SCTs. Age did not significantly affect concentrations of AMH in the control dogs. Conclusion: AMH was shown to be a promising biomarker for the diagnosis of Sertoli cell tumours in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]