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To determine whether the administration of trazodone to dogs 2 hours prior to radiotherapy treatment reduced the dose of propofol required to induce anaesthesia.Retrospective, crossover, case-matched study.Records of 30 client-owned dogs.Anaesthetic records from all dogs undergoing weekly radiotherapy treatment between January 2020 and December 2020 were retrospectively assessed. All dogs were premedicated with 10 μg kgIn part 1, 15 study dogs that were administered trazodone prior to at least one anaesthetic were identified. A significant difference in propofol induction dose between groups NT and T was identified [3.3 (2.1-7.4) and 2.0 (1.5-5.0) mg kgPreanaesthetic trazodone administration reduced the induction dose of propofol compared to when it was not administered to dogs following premedication with IV atropine and alfentanil.

Zusammenfassung Gegenstand und Ziel Die Nutzung intravenöser Verweilkatheter ist trotz größter Sorgfalt mit Komplikationen verbunden. Gewebeveränderungen und minimale Entzündungsreaktionen an der Vene können bereits vor klinisch erkennbaren Veränderungen auftreten. Ziel dieser Studie war es, die Vena jugularis während und nach der Katheterisierung klinisch und ultrasonografisch zu beurteilen und eine mögliche bakterielle Besiedlung des Katheters zu evaluieren. Material und Methoden In einer prospektiven Beobachtungsstudie wurden 55 Pferde mit einem Venenverweilkatheter täglich klinisch und ultrasonografisch untersucht. Die steril entfernte Katheterspitze wurde mikrobiologisch mittels Anzucht sowie morphologisch in der Rasterelektronenmikroskopie untersucht. Die erhobenen Daten wurden deskriptiv analysiert und die Venenwanddicke an verschiedenen Lokalisationen und Zeitpunkten hinsichtlich verschiedener Parameter mit nicht-parametrischen Tests verglichen (Signifikanzniveau p Ergebnisse Die Verweildauer des Katheters betrug zwischen 19 Stunden und 10 Tagen (Median 69,5 Stunden). Es konnten keine behandlungswürdigen Venenerkrankungen beobachtet werden, lediglich transiente geringgradige Gewebeveränderungen traten bei 41,8 % der Patienten auf. Im Ultraschall konnten Venenklappen und Kollateralgefäße zuverlässig dargestellt werden. Lokalisation (p ≤ 0,001), Jahreszeit (p = 0,006) und Allgemeinanästhesie (p ≤ 0,001) hatten einen signifikanten Einfluss auf die im Ultraschall gemessene Venenwanddicke, welche an der Einstichstelle verbreitert war. Der Nachweis von Bakterien war positiv in 23,5 % (12/51 Proben, mikrobiologische Anzucht) bzw. 25,0 % (4/16 Proben, Rasterelektronenmikroskopie). Schlussfolgerung und klinische Relevanz Jeder Katheter erzeugt eine Entzündungsreaktion der Venenwand und des umliegenden Gewebes. Diese Veränderungen können vor allem in der ultrasonografischen Untersuchung dargestellt werden, welche eine praxistaugliche Diagnostik darstellt. Eine Vorhersage über sich entwickelnde Venenerkrankungen war bei den untersuchten Probanden nicht möglich. Die Ergebnisse der Rasterelektronenmikroskopie zeigen, dass nicht in jedem Fall morphologisch auf dem Katheter erkennbare Bakterien auch in der Kultivierung nachgewiesen werden können.

Zusammenfassung Gegenstand und Ziel Kolikerkrankungen beim Pferd sind mit einer relativ hohen Mortalitätsrate verbunden. Einige Parameter der klinischen Untersuchung können auf einen negativen Ausgang hindeuten. Die Studie untersuchte, inwiefern eine frühzeitige Vorhersage einer eindeutigen Prognose hinsichtlich des Überlebens des Patienten möglich ist. Material und Methoden In einer retrospektiven Studie (2013–2017) wurden Ergebnisse der klinischen Untersuchung von Kolikpatienten analysiert und deskriptiv ausgewertet. Untersuchte Parameter wurden entsprechend ihrer Ausprägung in physiologische und pathologische Stufen kategorisiert. Mithilfe von Odds Ratios wurde das Risiko zu versterben im Vergleich zur physiologischen Parameterkategorie untersucht. Die durch Summation einzelner Parameterwerte ermittelten individuellen Gesamtpunktzahlen wurden in Relation zum Ausgang der Erkrankung betrachtet und hinsichtlich eines Schwellenwerts in Bezug auf Prognose und Therapieform untersucht. Ergebnisse Die Auswertung umfasste 492 Fälle von Kolikerkrankungen. 433 Pferde (88 %) konnten als geheilt entlassen werden. Insgesamt wurden 346 Pferde (70,3 %) konservativ behandelt (96 % überlebend) und 146 Pferde (29,7 %) wurden laparotomiert (69,2 % überlebend). Ein erhöhtes Risiko zu versterben zeigte sich u. a. bei einer Kolikdauer > 6 Stunden (OR = 3,590, p = 0,035), einem Alter von > 20 Jahren (OR = 5,498, p < 0,0005) und einer Zugehörigkeit zur Rassegruppe Kaltblut (OR = 8,364, p < 0,0005). Häufiger verstarben auch Patienten mit einer deutlich erhöhten Herz- bzw. Atemfrequenz (OR = 24,294, p < 0,0005 bzw. OR = 20,375, p < 0,0005) oder einer gesteigerten Blutlaktatkonzentration (> 90 mg/dl; OR = 26,390, p < 0,0005). Mit dem Punktesystem ließ sich nicht eindeutig ein signifikanter Zusammenhang zwischen höherer Gesamtpunktzahl und schlechterer Prognose nachweisen. Schlussfolgerung und klinische Relevanz Parameter der klinischen Untersuchung sowie anamnestische Angaben können einen Hinweis für die Prognose des vorgestellten Kolikpatienten liefern. Eine eindeutige Klassifizierung hinsichtlich Überleben oder Therapieoption ist jedoch nicht möglich. Eine gründliche Patientenevaluation ist notwendig, um die weitere Therapie auszuwählen und die Prognose bewerten zu können.

Chemical restraint in dairy calves is necessary to enable diagnostic and surgical procedures. It is unclear whether xylazine or detomidine differ with regard to desirable and unwanted effects.In a prospective randomized interventional study, 10 healthy Holstein-Friesian calves (age range 3-6 month) were sedated with either xylazine (0.1 mg/kg, Group X, n = 5) or detomidine (0.03 mg/kg, Group D, n = 5) intravenously, followed by butorphanol (0.1 mg/kg i. v.) in all animals. Characteristics of sedation and selected pharmacodynamic parameters were compared between groups using a non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test.All calves (5/5) in Group X and (3/5) calves in Group D became laterally recumbent within 5 minutes. Two calves (40 %) in Group D remained standing and could not been positioned in lateral recumbency 15 minutes after initial administration of the sedation agents. Sedation scores, onset and duration of sedation did not differ between groups. Heart and respiratory rate decreased in both groups. Mean arterial pressure was with around 30 mmHg significantly higher in Group D (tand clinical relevance The xylazine-butorphanol combination provided reliable recumbent chemical restraint. With detomidine-butorphanol recumbency failed in some individuals, but a sufficient clinical sedation was achieved. Based on the limited monitoring used in this study, the side effects are of minor clinical relevance in healthy individuals.Diagnostische und chirurgische Eingriffe erfordern eine medikamentöse Ruhigstellung von Milchkälbern. Unklar ist, inwiefern sich Xylazin und Detomidin in Bezug auf ihre erwünschten und unerwünschten Wirkungen unterscheiden.Im Rahmen dieser prospektiven, randomisierten, interventionellen Studie wurden 10 gesunde Holstein-Kälber (Altersbereich 3–6 Monate) untersucht. Die intravenöse Sedation der Tiere erfolgte mit Xylazin (0,1 mg/kg, Gruppe X, n = 5) oder Detomidin (0,03 mg/kg, Gruppe D, n = 5). Anschließend erhielten alle Tiere Butorphanol (0,1 mg/kg i. v.). Neben Sedationscharakteristika wurden ausgewählte pharmakodynamische Parameter zwischen den Gruppen mit einem nicht parametrischen Mann-Whitney U Test verglichen.Alle Kälber (5/5) der Gruppe X und (3/5) Kälbern der Gruppe D legten sich innerhalb von 5 Minuten nieder. Zwei Kälber (40 %) der Gruppe D blieben stehen und konnten auch 15 Minuten nach Verabreichung der initialen Sedierung nicht in Seitenlage verbracht werden. Hinsichtlich Sedationscore, Beginn und Dauer der Sedation konnten keine Unterschiede zwischen den Gruppen festgestellt werden. Herz- und Atemfrequenz waren in beiden Gruppen während der Sedation vermindert. Der mittlere arterielle Blutdruck lag in Gruppe D um etwa 30 mmHg und damit signifikant höher (Zeitpunkt tRelevanz Die Kombination von Xylazin und Butorphanol bewirkte eine verlässliche medikamentöse Ruhigstellung und ein Niederlegen der Tiere. Mit Detomidin-Butorphanol hingegen ließ sich bei einigen Kälbern trotz ausreichender klinischer Sedationstiefe kein Niederlegen erzielen. Nebenwirkungen dieser Medikamente, die im Rahmen dieser Studie mit eingeschränktem Monitoring beobachtet werden konnten, haben bei gesunden Individuen geringe klinische Relevanz.

Complications associated with indwelling intravenous catheters vary from minor to severe. Changes in tissue architecture and vein structure may be detectable prior to clinical alterations. The aim of the study was to characterize and compare changes in a catheterized vein and surrounding tissue by clinical and ultrasonographic examination. Microbiological infestation of catheter specimens was assessed.In this prospective, observational, clinical study 55 horses with an indwelling intravenous catheter have been included. Subsequent to catheter placement, vein and surrounding tissue were daily examined clinically and by ultrasonographic examination at predetermined localizations. After sterile removal of the catheters, specimens underwent microbiological testing and scanning electron microscopy. Obtained data were analyzed via descriptive statistics. Thickness of the venous wall was compared at predetermined localizations and time points for several parameters with the help of non-parametric tests (level of significance at p 0.05, post-hoc Bonferroni correction).Overall, in 41.8 % of the horses transient alterations (swelling) of the surrounding tissue occurred during catheterization. Median catheterization was 69.5 hours (19 hour-10 days). With ultrasonography, venous valves and collateral vessels could be detected reliably. Significant alterations in wall thickness during catheterization were associated with various factors (location site [p ≤ 0.001], season [p = 0.006], anesthesia [p ≤ 0.001]).Microbiological analysis revealed a positive result in 23.5 %, 12 of the 51 samples; raster electron microscopy showed presence of bacteria in 25.0 %, 4 of the 16 investigated catheter samples.Local tissue changes at the insertion site of the catheter are commonly associated with catheterization, and are easily detectable with ultrasonography. Despite the easy performance in a clinical setting, the benefit of routine ultrasonographic monitoring of catheterized veins might be questionable with regard to early identification and prediction of catheter-associated venous disease. Bacteria might be detectable morphologically on the catheter but frequently lack a positive result from standard bacterial cultivation.Die Nutzung intravenöser Verweilkatheter ist trotz größter Sorgfalt mit Komplikationen verbunden. Gewebeveränderungen und minimale Entzündungsreaktionen an der Vene können bereits vor klinisch erkennbaren Veränderungen auftreten. Ziel dieser Studie war es, die Vena jugularis während und nach der Katheterisierung klinisch und ultrasonografisch zu beurteilen und eine mögliche bakterielle Besiedlung des Katheters zu evaluieren.In einer prospektiven Beobachtungsstudie wurden 55 Pferde mit einem Venenverweilkatheter täglich klinisch und ultrasonografisch untersucht. Die steril entfernte Katheterspitze wurde mikrobiologisch mittels Anzucht sowie morphologisch in der Rasterelektronenmikroskopie untersucht. Die erhobenen Daten wurden deskriptiv analysiert und die Venenwanddicke an verschiedenen Lokalisationen und Zeitpunkten hinsichtlich verschiedener Parameter mit nicht-parametrischen Tests verglichen (Signifikanzniveau p 0,05; Bonferroni-Korrektur bei multiplem Testen).Die Verweildauer des Katheters betrug zwischen 19 Stunden und 10 Tagen (Median 69,5 Stunden). Es konnten keine behandlungswürdigen Venenerkrankungen beobachtet werden, lediglich transiente geringgradige Gewebeveränderungen traten bei 41,8 % der Patienten auf. Im Ultraschall konnten Venenklappen und Kollateralgefäße zuverlässig dargestellt werden. Lokalisation (p ≤ 0,001), Jahreszeit (p = 0,006) und Allgemeinanästhesie (p ≤ 0,001) hatten einen signifikanten Einfluss auf die im Ultraschall gemessene Venenwanddicke, welche an der Einstichstelle verbreitert war. Der Nachweis von Bakterien war positiv in 23,5 % (12/51 Proben, mikrobiologische Anzucht) bzw. 25,0 % (4/16 Proben, Rasterelektronenmikroskopie).Jeder Katheter erzeugt eine Entzündungsreaktion der Venenwand und des umliegenden Gewebes. Diese Veränderungen können vor allem in der ultrasonografischen Untersuchung dargestellt werden, welche eine praxistaugliche Diagnostik darstellt. Eine Vorhersage über sich entwickelnde Venenerkrankungen war bei den untersuchten Probanden nicht möglich. Die Ergebnisse der Rasterelektronenmikroskopie zeigen, dass nicht in jedem Fall morphologisch auf dem Katheter erkennbare Bakterien auch in der Kultivierung nachgewiesen werden können.

Post-surgery liver failure is a serious complication for patients after extended partial hepatectomies (ePHx). Previously, we demonstrated in the pig model that transplantation of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) improved circulatory maintenance and supported multi-organ functions after 70% liver resection. Mechanisms behind the beneficial MSC effects remained unknown. Here we performed 70% liver resection in pigs with and without MSC treatment, and animals were monitored for 24 h post surgery. Gene expression profiles were determined in the lung and liver. Bioinformatics analysis predicted organ-independent MSC targets, importantly a role for thrombospondin-1 linked to transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and downstream signaling towards providing epithelial plasticity and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). This prediction was supported histologically and mechanistically, the latter with primary hepatocyte cell cultures. MSC attenuated the surgery-induced increase of tissue damage, of thrombospondin-1 and TGF-β, as well as of epithelial plasticity in both the liver and lung. This suggests that MSC ameliorated surgery-induced hepatocellular stress and EMT, thus supporting epithelial integrity and facilitating regeneration. MSC-derived soluble factor(s) did not directly interfere with intracellular TGF-β signaling, but inhibited thrombospondin-1 secretion from thrombocytes and non-parenchymal liver cells, therewith obviously reducing the availability of active TGF-β.

In horses, colic is associated with relatively high mortality rates. Identification of parameters associated with poor outcome may aid in providing a more accurate prognosis. This study aimed to assess the early prognostic value towards survival of the horse based on parameters of the clinical examination.In a retrospective study (2013-2017), results of the clinical examination of horses with colic were analyzed. Obtained parameters were categorized from physiologic up to different pathophysiologic manifestations. The risk of death was calculated as odds ratios in comparison to normal values of these parameters. Individual score points were obtained and related to the respective outcome. Cut-off values for prognosis and treatment were calculated to distinguish between outcome and treatment group.A total of 492 colic horses were analyzed, presenting 433 survivors (88 %). Overall, medical treatment was selected in 346 (70.3 %) horses (with 96 % survivors) and surgical treatment (laparotomy) was performed in 146 (29.7 %) horses (69.2 % survivors). An increased likelihood of the outcome "death" was found in horses aged over 20 years (OR = 5.498, p0.0005), with colic signs of6 hours duration (OR = 3.590, p = 0.035) and, also, for breeds of draft horses (OR = 8.364, p0.0005). Horses with significant increases in heart and respiratory rates (OR = 24.294, p0.0005 and OR = 20.375, p0.0005, respectively) and increased blood lactate concentrations (90 mg/dl: OR = 26.390, p0.0005) were more likely to succumb to the disease. However, a scoring system failed to show an association between high score points and poor prognosis.Parameters of the clinical examination as well as the history of the patient may be indicative for the patient's outcome. However, no clear-cut distinction of the evaluated parameters towards survival and treatment options was obtained. A careful investigation of the patient remains mandatory for selection of treatment and a proper assessment of prognosis.Kolikerkrankungen beim Pferd sind mit einer relativ hohen Mortalitätsrate verbunden. Einige Parameter der klinischen Untersuchung können auf einen negativen Ausgang hindeuten. Die Studie untersuchte, inwiefern eine frühzeitige Vorhersage einer eindeutigen Prognose hinsichtlich des Überlebens des Patienten möglich ist.In einer retrospektiven Studie (2013–2017) wurden Ergebnisse der klinischen Untersuchung von Kolikpatienten analysiert und deskriptiv ausgewertet. Untersuchte Parameter wurden entsprechend ihrer Ausprägung in physiologische und pathologische Stufen kategorisiert. Mithilfe von Odds Ratios wurde das Risiko zu versterben im Vergleich zur physiologischen Parameterkategorie untersucht. Die durch Summation einzelner Parameterwerte ermittelten individuellen Gesamtpunktzahlen wurden in Relation zum Ausgang der Erkrankung betrachtet und hinsichtlich eines Schwellenwerts in Bezug auf Prognose und Therapieform untersucht.Die Auswertung umfasste 492 Fälle von Kolikerkrankungen. 433 Pferde (88 %) konnten als geheilt entlassen werden. Insgesamt wurden 346 Pferde (70,3 %) konservativ behandelt (96 % überlebend) und 146 Pferde (29,7 %) wurden laparotomiert (69,2 % überlebend). Ein erhöhtes Risiko zu versterben zeigte sich u. a. bei einer Kolikdauer6 Stunden (OR = 3,590, p = 0,035), einem Alter von20 Jahren (OR = 5,498, p0,0005) und einer Zugehörigkeit zur Rassegruppe Kaltblut (OR = 8,364, p0,0005). Häufiger verstarben auch Patienten mit einer deutlich erhöhten Herz- bzw. Atemfrequenz (OR = 24,294, p0,0005 bzw. OR = 20,375, p0,0005) oder einer gesteigerten Blutlaktatkonzentration (90 mg/dl; OR = 26,390, p0,0005). Mit dem Punktesystem ließ sich nicht eindeutig ein signifikanter Zusammenhang zwischen höherer Gesamtpunktzahl und schlechterer Prognose nachweisen.Parameter der klinischen Untersuchung sowie anamnestische Angaben können einen Hinweis für die Prognose des vorgestellten Kolikpatienten liefern. Eine eindeutige Klassifizierung hinsichtlich Überleben oder Therapieoption ist jedoch nicht möglich. Eine gründliche Patientenevaluation ist notwendig, um die weitere Therapie auszuwählen und die Prognose bewerten zu können.

The enantioselectivity of the pharmacokinetics of methadone was investigated in anesthetized Shetland ponies after a single intravenous (0.5 mg/kg methadone hydrochloride; n = 6) or constant rate infusion (0.25 mg/kg bolus followed by 0.25 mg/kg/h methadone hydrochloride; n = 3) administration of racemic methadone. Plasma concentrations of l‐methadone and d‐methadone and their major metabolites, l‐ and d‐2‐ethylidene‐1,5‐dimethyl‐3,3‐diphenylpyrrolidine (EDDP), respectively, were analyzed by CE with highly sulfated γ‐cyclodextrin as chiral selector and electrokinetic analyte injection from liquid/liquid extracts prepared at alkaline pH. In both trials, the d‐methadone concentrations were lower than those of l‐methadone and the d‐EDDP levels were lower than those of L‐EDDP. For the case of a single intravenous bolus injection, the plasma concentration versus time profile of methadone enantiomers was analyzed with a two‐compartment pharmacokinetic model. l‐methadone showed a slower elimination rate constant, a lower body clearance, and a smaller steady‐state volume of distribution than d‐methadone. d‐methadone and d‐EDDP were eliminated faster than their respective l‐enantiomers. This is the first study that outlines that the disposition of racemic methadone administered to anesthetized equines is enantioselective.

The superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) is the most frequently injured structure of the musculoskeletal system in sport horses and a common cause for early retirement. This project’s aim was to visualize and measure the strain of the sound, injured, and healing SDFTs in a pony during walk and trot. For this purpose, biplanar high-speed fluoroscopic kinematography (FluoKin), as a high precision X-ray movement analysis tool, was used for the first time in vivo with equine tendons. The strain in the metacarpal region of the sound SDFT was 2.86% during walk and 6.78% during trot. When injured, the strain increased to 3.38% during walk and decreased to 5.96% during trot. The baseline strain in the mid-metacarpal region was 3.13% during walk and 6.06% during trot and, when injured, decreased to 2.98% and increased to 7.61%, respectively. Following tendon injury, the mid-metacarpal region contributed less to the overall strain during walk but showed increased contribution during trot. Using this marker-based FluoKin technique, direct, high-precision, and long-term strain measurements in the same individual are possible. We conclude that FluoKin is a powerful tool for gaining deeper insight into equine tendon biomechanics.

Equine paranasal sinuses are susceptible to inflammation. Insufficient drainage through the nasal passages and meatus may lead to the accumulation of inspissated purulent discharge. Particularly in ponies, these anatomical structures are suspected to be relatively small. To date, there are no reports considering the morphology of nasal conchal bullae in small horse breeds such as Shetland ponies. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the size of the conchal bullae and the medial nasal conchae of Shetland ponies and their relation to the skull dimension using computed tomography. Reconstructed images of healthy adult heads of Shetland ponies were used. Linear skull measurements as well as two cranial indices of the head dimensions were taken. Length, width and height of the dorsal and ventral conchal bullae and the medial nasal conchae were measured in relation to the skull and compared with the data of skulls of large breed horses. The anatomical proportions of pony heads were characterized by a smaller cranial index and a greater nasal index than those of large breed horses. Shetland ponies showed a longer cranial length compared with the nasal length. Heads are consistently smaller, and the relationship of the bullae to the head length was also smaller than those measured in large breed horses. A negative correlation between the head and bullae size was found. In conclusion, this study suggests that Shetland ponies have distinguishing proportions of the head. These findings are relevant for clinical examination and surgical treatment of equine sinus disease in those breeds.

Lung-protective mechanical ventilation aims to prevent alveolar collapse and overdistension, but reliable bedside methods to quantify them are lacking. We propose a quantitative descriptor of the shape of local pressure-volume curves derived from electrical impedance tomography, for computing maps that highlight the presence and location of regions of presumed tidal recruitment (i.e., elastance decrease during inflation, pressure-volume curve with upward curvature) or overdistension (i.e., elastance increase during inflation, downward curvature).Secondary analysis of experimental cohort study.University research facility.Twelve mechanically ventilated pigs.After induction of acute respiratory distress syndrome by hydrochloric acid instillation, animals underwent a decremental positive end-expiratory pressure titration (steps of 2 cm H2O starting from ≥ 26 cm H2O).Electrical impedance tomography-derived maps were computed at each positive end-expiratory pressure-titration step, and whole-lung CT taken every second steps. Airway flow and pressure were recorded to compute driving pressure and elastance. Significant correlations between electrical impedance tomography-derived maps and positive end-expiratory pressure indicate that, expectedly, tidal recruitment increases in dependent regions with decreasing positive end-expiratory pressure (p0.001) and suggest that overdistension increases both at high and low positive end-expiratory pressures in nondependent regions (p0.027), supporting the idea of two different scenarios of overdistension occurrence. Significant correlations with CT measurements were observed: electrical impedance tomography-derived tidal recruitment with poorly aerated regions (r = 0.43; p0.001); electrical impedance tomography-derived overdistension with nonaerated regions at lower positive end-expiratory pressures and with hyperaerated regions at higher positive end-expiratory pressures (r ≥ 0.72; p0.003). Even for positive end-expiratory pressure levels minimizing global elastance and driving pressure, electrical impedance tomography-derived maps showed nonnegligible regions of presumed overdistension and tidal recruitment.Electrical impedance tomography-derived maps of pressure-volume curve shapes allow to detect regions in which elastance changes during inflation. This could promote individualized mechanical ventilation by minimizing the probability of local tidal recruitment and/or overdistension. Electrical impedance tomography-derived maps might become clinically feasible and relevant, being simpler than currently available alternative approaches.

Reducing ventilator-associated lung injury by individualized mechanical ventilation (MV) in patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) remains a matter of research. We randomly assigned 27 pigs with acid aspiration-induced ARDS to three different MV protocols for 24 h, targeting different magnitudes of collapse and tidal recruitment (collapse&amp, TR): the ARDS-network (ARDSnet) group with low positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) protocol (permissive collapse&amp, TR), the Open Lung Concept (OLC) group, PaO2/FiO2 &gt, 400 mmHg, indicating collapse&amp, TR &lt, 10%, and the minimized collapse&amp, TR monitored by Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) group, standard deviation of regional ventilation delay, SDRVD. We analyzed cardiorespiratory parameters, computed tomography (CT), EIT, and post-mortem histology. Mean PEEP over post-randomization measurements was significantly lower in the ARDSnet group at 6.8 &plusmn, 1.0 cmH2O compared to the EIT (21.1 &plusmn, 2.6 cmH2O) and OLC (18.7 &plusmn, 3.2 cmH2O) groups (general linear model (GLM) p &lt, 0.001). Collapse&amp, TR and SDRVD, averaged over all post-randomization measurements, were significantly lower in the EIT and OLC groups than in the ARDSnet group (collapse p &lt, 0.001, TR p = 0.006, SDRVD p &lt, 0.004). Global histological diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) scores in the ARDSnet group (10.1 &plusmn, 4.3) exceeded those in the EIT (8.4 &plusmn, 3.7) and OLC groups (6.3 &plusmn, 3.3) (p = 0.16). Sub-scores for edema and inflammation differed significantly (ANOVA p &lt, 0.05). In a clinically realistic model of early ARDS with recruitable and nonrecruitable collapse, mechanical ventilation involving recruitment and high-PEEP reduced collapse&amp, TR and resulted in improved hemodynamic and physiological conditions with a tendency to reduced histologic lung damage.

Objective To evaluate the pharmacokinetics and selected pharmacodynamic effects of a commercially available l -methadone/fenpipramide combination administered to isoflurane anaesthetized ponies. Study design Prospective single-group interventional study. Animals A group of six healthy adult research ponies (four mares, two geldings). Methods Ponies were sedated with intravenous (IV) detomidine (0.02 mg kg–1) and butorphanol (0.01 mg kg–1) for an unrelated study. Additional IV detomidine (0.004 mg kg–1) was administered 85 minutes later, followed by induction of anaesthesia using IV diazepam (0.05 mg kg–1) and ketamine (2.2 mg kg–1). Anaesthesia was maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. Baseline readings were taken after 15 minutes of stable isoflurane anaesthesia. l -Methadone (0.25 mg kg–1) with fenpipramide (0.0125 mg kg–1) was then administered IV. Selected cardiorespiratory variables were recorded every 10 minutes and compared to baseline using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Adverse events were recorded. Arterial plasma samples for analysis of plasma concentrations and pharmacokinetics of l -methadone were collected throughout anaesthesia at predetermined time points. Data are shown as mean ± standard deviation or median and interquartile range (p Results Plasma concentrations of l -methadone showed a rapid initial distribution phase followed by a slower elimination phase which is best described with a two-compartment model. The terminal half-life was 44.3 ± 18.0 minutes, volume of distribution 0.43 ± 0.12 L kg–1 and plasma clearance 7.77 ± 1.98 mL minute–1 kg–1. Mean arterial blood pressure increased from 85 (±16) at baseline to 100 (±26) 10 minutes after l -methadone/fenpipramide administration (p = 0.031). Heart rate remained constant. In two ponies fasciculations occurred at different time points after l -methadone administration. Conclusions and clinical relevance Administration of a l -methadone/fenpipramide combination to isoflurane anaesthetized ponies led to a transient increase in blood pressure without concurrent increases in heart rate. Pharmacokinetics of l -methadone were similar to those reported for conscious horses administered racemic methadone.

An enantioselective assay for the determination of methadone and its main metabolite 2-ethylidene-1,5-dimethyl-3,3-diphenylpyrrolidine in equine plasma based on capillary electrophoresis with highly sulfated γ-cyclodextrin as chiral selector and electrokinetic analyte injection is described. The assay is based on liquid/liquid extraction of the analytes at alkaline pH from 0.1 mL plasma followed by electrokinetic sample injection of the analytes from the extract across a buffer plug without chiral selector. Separation occurs cationically at normal polarity in a pH 3 phosphate buffer containing 0.16% (w/v) of highly sulfated γ-cyclodextrin. The developed assay is precise (intra- and interday RSD < 4% and < 7%, respectively), is capable to determine enantiomer levels of methadone and 2-ethylidene-1,5-dimethyl-3,3-diphenylpyrrolidine in plasma down to 2.5 ng/mL, and was successfully applied to monitor enantiomer drug and metabolite levels in plasma of a pony that was anesthetized with racemic ketamine and isoflurane and received a bolus of racemic methadone and a bolus followed by constant rate infusion of racemic methadone. The data suggest that the assay is well suited for pharmacokinetic purposes.

Zusammenfassung Gegenstand und Ziel: Wundheilungsstörungen stellen trotz Fortschritten in der Technik der Abdominalchirurgie eine häufige Komplikation nach medianer Laparotomie beim Pferd dar. Ziel der Studie war die Erfassung der Wundheilungsstörungen an der eigenen Klinik sowie die Ermittlung möglicher Risikofaktoren. Zudem sollte untersucht werden, inwieweit die Bauchfellnaht zur Reduktion von Wundheilungsstörungen beiträgt. Material und Methoden: In einer retrospektiven Studie wurden die Patientendaten der Chirurgischen Tierklinik der Universität Leipzig von Januar 2010 bis Dezember 2015 analysiert. Eingeschlossen in die Studie wurden Pferde, bei denen aufgrund einer Kolik eine ventrale mediane Laparotomie erfolgte. Die Analyse erfasste folgende Daten: Rasse, Geschlecht, Alter der Pferde, Lokalisation der Kolik, Invasivität des Eingriffs, Dauer der Allgemeinanästhesie, Nahttechnik zum Verschluss der Laparotomiewunde sowie postoperatives Fieber oder Leukopenie. Die Wundheilungsstörungen wurden differenziert in Nahtdehiszenz, Wundsekretion und Narbenbruch. Wundödeme unterlagen einer gesonderten Betrachtung. Ergebnisse: Wundheilungsstörungen in Form von Sekretion und Nahtdehiszenz traten bei 8,9% (18/202) der Pferde auf, postoperative Hernien bei 5,2% (9/173) der Tiere. Rasse, Geschlecht, Lokalisation der Kolik, Invasivität des Eingriffs, Dauer der Allgemeinanästhesie sowie postoperative Leukopenie beeinflussten die Häufigkeit von Wundheilungsstörungen nicht. Ein erhöhtes Risiko für Wundheilungsstörungen ergab sich für Pferde ab einem Alter von 20 Jahren (Odds Ratio [OR] 17,90), Tiere mit postoperativem Fieber (OR 7,48) sowie Pferde, bei denen das Bauchfell nicht vernäht wurde (OR 7,68). Tiere mit mittel- und hochgradigen Ödemen hatten ein signifikant höheres Risiko für Wundheilungsstörungen. Schlussfolgerung und klinische Relevanz: Von den geprüften Risikofaktoren lässt sich nur die Nahttechnik beeinflussen. Da die Bauchfellnaht mit einem geringeren Risiko für Wundheilungsstörungen verbunden ist, sollte sie beim Verschluss von Laparotomiewunden Standard sein.

Fatty acids, as key components of cellular membranes and complex lipids, may play a central role in endocrine signalling and the function of adipose tissue and liver. Thus, the lipid fatty acid composition may play a role in health and disease status in the equine. This study aimed to investigate the fatty acid composition of different tissues and liver lipid classes by comparing Warmblood horses and Shetland ponies under defined conditions. We hypothesized that ponies show different lipid patterns than horses in adipose tissue, liver and plasma. Six Warmblood horses and six Shetland ponies were housed and fed under identical conditions. Tissue and blood sampling were performed following a standardized protocol. A one-step lipid extraction, methylation and trans-esterification method with subsequent gas chromatography was used to analyse the total lipid content and fatty acid profile of retroperitoneal, mesocolon and subcutaneous adipose tissue, liver and plasma. In the adipose tissues, saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and n-9 monounsaturated fatty acids (n-9 MUFAs) were most present in ponies and horses. N-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-6 PUFAs), followed by SFAs, were most frequently found in liver tissue and plasma in all animals. Horses, in comparison to ponies, had significantly higher n-6 PUFA levels in all tissues and plasma. In liver tissue, horses had significantly lower hepatic iso-branched-chain fatty acids (iso-BCFAs) than ponies. The hepatic fatty acid composition of selected lipid classes was different between horses and ponies. In the polar PL fraction, horses had low n-9 MUFA and n-3 PUFA contents but higher n-6 PUFA contents than ponies. Furthermore, iso-BCFAs are absent in several hepatic lipid fractions of horses but not ponies. The differences in fatty acid lipid classes between horses and ponies provide key information on the species- and location-specific regulation of FA metabolism, thus affecting health and disease risk.

The objective of this study was to illuminate the changes in serum NEFA concentrations during a combined glucose-insulin test (CGIT) and basal serum triacylglycerides (TGs) with increasing BW in Shetland ponies and warmblood horses. Therefore, basal blood samples were taken during fasting and a CGIT was performed in 19 healthy equines (10 Shetland ponies, 9 warmblood horses) (t0). After one (t1) and two (t2) year(s) of receiving 200% of their maintenance metabolizable energy requirement, procedures were repeated in the same equines. Sixteen of 19 equines had no signs of insulin dysregulation confirmed by CGIT. Basal plasma glucose concentrations increased in ponies (P = 0.001) when comparing t0 and t2, and basal serum insulin concentrations increased in ponies (P = 0.009) and horses (P = 0.024) from t0 to t2. Basal serum NEFA concentrations increased in ponies comparing t0 and t2 (P = 0.01). During CGIT, NEFA levels dropped until reaching a nadir and subsequently recovered until reaching basal concentrations. The minimum serum NEFA value did not change over time in ponies or horses. However, a strong correlation between basal serum NEFA concentrations and the percentage drop to minimum NEFA levels was found in ponies. Two of three equines (one horse and one pony) graded as insulin-dysregulated suffered from laminitis at t2. The serum NEFA concentrations of these animals had a delay in recovery of the minimum NEFA levels. Basal serum TG levels did not change with BW gain, and no breed differences were observed. In conclusion, serum NEFA concentrations are useful parameters during CGIT to detect insulin dysregulation in equines. Thus, further investigation should be focused on lipid metabolism during insulin dysregulation.

Treatment of tendon disease with multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) is a promising option to improve tissue regeneration. To elucidate the mechanisms by which MSC support regeneration, longitudinal tracking of MSC labelled with superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could provide important insight. Nine equine patients suffering from tendon disease were treated with SPIO-labelled or nonlabelled allogeneic umbilical cord-derived MSC by local injection. Labelling of MSC was confirmed by microscopy and MRI. All animals were subjected to clinical, ultrasonographical, and low-field MRI examinations before and directly after MSC application as well as 2, 4, and 8 weeks after MSC application. Hypointense artefacts with characteristically low signal intensity were identified at the site of injection of SPIO-MSC in T1- andT2∗-weighted gradient echo MRI sequences. They were visible in all 7 cases treated with SPIO-MSC directly after injection, but not in the control cases treated with nonlabelled MSC. Furthermore, hypointense artefacts remained traceable within the damaged tendon tissue during the whole follow-up period in 5 out of 7 cases. Tendon healing could be monitored at the same time. Clinical and ultrasonographical findings as well as T2-weighted MRI series indicated a gradual improvement of tendon function and structure.

Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are a promising therapeutic tool for the treatment of equine tendon and other musculoskeletal injuries. While bone marrow is considered the 'gold standard' source of these cells, various other tissues contain MSCs with potentially useful features. The aim of this study was to compare clinically relevant characteristics of MSCs derived from bone marrow, umbilical cord blood and tissue and from adipose tissue and tendon. Cell yield, proliferation, migration, tendon marker expression and differentiation into adipocytes, chondrocytes and osteoblasts was assessed, quantified and compared. MSC numbers obtained from adipose, tendon or umbilical cord tissues were 222-fold higher than those obtained from bone marrow or cord blood. Cells derived from tendon and adipose tissues exhibited most rapid proliferation. Osteogenic differentiation was most prominent in MSCs derived from bone marrow, and was weak in MSCs derived from umbilical cord blood and tissue. In contrast, the highest levels of chondrogenic differentiation were observed in MSCs derived from these sources. Collagen 1A2 expression was highest in adipose- and tendon-derived MSCs, while scleraxis expression was highest in cord blood- and in tendon-derived MSCs. The findings indicate that MSCs from different sources display significantly diverse properties that may impact on their therapeutic application.

Despite advances in surgical technique in abdominal surgery, incisional complications are frequently reported following ventral midline laparotomy in horses. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of incisional complications at our clinic and to identify possible risk factors. Furthermore, we investigated whether suturing the peritoneum leads to a reduction of incisional complications.In this retrospective study, records of patients of the Large Animal Clinic for Surgery of the University of Leipzig from January 2010 to December 2015 were analysed. Horses with ventral midline laparotomy following colic were included in the study. Evaluated parameters comprised breed, sex, age of the horse, localisation of the colic disease, invasiveness of the surgical intervention, duration of general anaesthesia, suture pattern of the laparotomy wound and postoperative fever or leukopenia. Incisional complications included suture dehiscence, exudation from the wound and incisional hernia formation. Wound oedema formation was evaluated separately.Incisional complications in the form of exudation and suture dehiscence occurred in 8.9% (18/202) of the horses. Postoperative hernia formation was observed in 5.2% (9/173) of patients. Breed, sex, localisation of the colic disease, invasiveness of the surgical intervention, duration of general anaesthesia and postoperative leukopenia did not influence the frequency of incisional complications. An increased risk of incisional complications was found in horses aged 20 years and older (odds ratio [OR] 17.90), in animals with postoperative fever (OR 7.48) and in horses with unsutured peritoneum (OR 7.68). Furthermore, patients with moderate and severe wound oedema displayed a significantly increased risk for the development of incisional complications.Suture pattern is the only risk factor that can be directly influenced by the surgeon. Because a peritoneal suture is associated with a decreased risk of incisional complications, it should be standard practice when closing a laparotomy wound in the horse.

Background Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) can be recovered from a variety of tissues in the body. Yet, their functional properties were shown to vary depending on tissue origin. While MSC have emerged as a favoured cell type for tendon regenerative therapies, very little is known about the influence of the MSC source on their properties relevant to tendon regeneration. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the expression of tendon extracellular matrix proteins and tendon differentiation markers in MSC derived from different sources as well as in native tendon tissue. MSC isolated from equine bone marrow, adipose tissue, umbilical cord tissue, umbilical cord blood and tendon tissue were characterized and then subjected to mRNA analysis by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results MSC derived from adipose tissue displayed the highest expression of collagen 1A2, collagen 3A1 and decorin compared to MSC from all other sources and native tendon tissue (p

Regenerative medicine is one of the most intensively researched medical branches, with enormous progress every year. When it comes to translating research from bench to bedside, many of the pioneering innovations are achieved by cooperating teams of human and veterinary medical scientists. The veterinary profession has an important role to play in this new and evolving technology, holding a great scientific potential, because animals serve widely as models for human medicine and results obtained from animals may serve as preclinical results for human medicine. Regenerative veterinary medicine utilizing mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) for the treatment of acute injuries as well as chronic disorders is gradually turning into clinical routine. As orthopaedic disorders represent a major part of all cases in veterinary clinical practice, it is not surprising that they are currently taking a leading role in MSC therapies. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to give an overview on past and current achievements as well as future perspectives in stem cell-based tissue engineering in veterinary orthopaedics.

Stem cells play an important role in veterinary medicine in different ways. Currently several stem cell therapies for animal patients are being developed and some, like the treatment of equine tendinopathies with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), have already successfully entered the market. Moreover, animal models are widely used to study the properties and potential of stem cells for possible future applications in human medicine. Therefore, in the young and emerging field of stem cell research, human and veterinary medicine are intrinsically tied to one another. Many of the pioneering innovations in the field of stem cell research are achieved by cooperating teams of human and veterinary medical scientists.