Search

The aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of the administration of a combination of tiletamine-zolazepam and detomidine (TZD) in 9 tigers ( Panthera tigris). Nine captive tigers were immobilized with tiletamine-zolazepam and detomidine administered intramuscularly. At the end of the procedure immobilization was partially reversed with atipamezole. Lateral recumbency was achieved in 15.6 ± 5.9 min. The median induction score [scored 1 (excellent) to 4 (poor)] was 1. The immobilization score [scored 1 (poor) to 6 (too deep)] was 5 (4-5) at all study times. After atipamezole administration, all tigers experienced severe ataxia and incoordination. Median recovery score [scored 1 (excellent) to 4 (poor)] was 2.5 (range 2-3). No neurologic and/or important adverse reactions were noticed within 5 days after recovery. The combination tiletamine-zolazepam with detomidine proved to be effective in immobilizing captive healthy tigers but it maybe associated with hypertension and ataxia during recovery. Zoo Biol. 34:40-45, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: The open lung strategy aims at reopening (recruitment) of nonaerated lung areas in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome, avoiding tidal alveolar hyperinflation in the limited area of normally aerated tissue (baby lung). Objectives: We tested the hypothesis that recruited lung areas do not resume elastic properties of adjacent baby lung. Methods: Twenty-five anesthetized, mechanically ventilated pigs were studied. Four lung-healthy pigs served as controls and the remaining 21 were divided into three groups (n = 7 each) in which lung injury was produced by surfactant lavage, lipopolysaccharide infusion, or hydrochloride inhalation. Computed tomography scans, respiratory mechanics, and gas exchange parameters were recorded under three conditions: at baseline, during lung recruitment maneuver, and at end-expiration and end-inspiration when ventilating after an open lung protocol. Measurements and Main Results: During recruitment maneuver and open lung protocol, the gas volume entering the insufficiently aerated compartment was 96% (75-117%) and 48% (41-63%) (median [interquartile range]) of the functional residual capacity measured before and at zero end-expiratory pressure, respectively. Nonetheless, the volume of hyperinflated lung increased during both recruitment maneuver (by 1-28% of total lung volume; P < 0.01) and open lung protocol ventilation at end-inspiration (by 1-15% of total lung volume; P < 0.01). Regional elastance of recruited lung tissue was consistently higher than that of the baby lung regardless of the ARDS model (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Alveolar recruitment is not protective against hyperinflation of the baby lung because lung parenchyma is inhomogeneous during ventilation with the open lung strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An 11-year-old male German shepherd dog was referred for possible pacemaker implantation. A routine 6-lead electrocardiogram revealed a third-degree atrio-ventricular block with a heart rate of 40 to 45 beats/minute. A transvenous pacemaker implantation procedure was scheduled. The dog was premedicated with 10 µg/kg acepromazine and 5 mg/kg pethidine. A dose of 5 mg/kg ketamine and 0·2 mg/kg diazepam were used for induction and isoflurane in O2 and a constant rate infusion of ketamine (20 to 30 µg/kg/minute) were administered for maintenance of general anaesthesia. Due to a twiddler's syndrome, the pacemaker had to be repositioned. For the second procedure, the same protocol was employed except for a lower dose of ketamine both for induction (3 mg/kg) and constant rate infusion (10 to 15 µg/kg/minute). Ketamine appeared to be useful for both management of anaesthesia and cardiac pacemaker implantation in the absence of a temporary pacemaker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although clozapine is the most effective antipsychotic for people with treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS), only 40% of people with TRS respond, and there is limited evidence for augmentation agents. Cannabidiol (CBD) reduces positive symptoms in individuals with schizophrenia, but no trials have specifically examined its efficacy in those with clozapine-resistant schizophrenia., Aims: To examine the clinical efficacy of CBD augmentation in people with clozapine-resistant schizophrenia., Method: This is a 12-week randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group trial (registration number: ACTRN12622001112752). We will recruit 88 individuals with clozapine-resistant schizophrenia, randomised (1:1) to 1000 mg daily CBD versus placebo. Eligible individuals will be aged between 18 and 64 years, fulfil DSM-IV criteria for schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, have a total PANSS (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale) score ≥60, have received oral clozapine for at least 18 weeks and have a clozapine level of >350 ng/mL. Interim analyses will be conducted at 25, 50 and 75% recruitment; these will also provide an opportunity to reallocate participants dependent on conditional power. The primary endpoint will be the difference in PANSS positive scores at the end of week 12. Secondary endpoints include depression, anxiety, sleep, quality of life, alcohol consumption, change in weight and metabolic syndrome components, and neurocognitive measures, as well as safety and tolerability., Discussion: Novel treatments for clozapine-resistant schizophrenia are urgently needed. If found to be effective, CBD may have a role as a novel and safe adjunct to clozapine.

Background: Cognitive impairment is common with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Cognitive remediation (CR) is effective in improving global cognition, but not all individuals benefit from this type of intervention. A better understanding of the potential mechanism of action of CR is needed. One proposed mechanism is reward learning (RL), the cognitive processes responsible for adapting behavior following positive or negative feedback. It is proposed that the structure of CR enhances RL and motivation to engage in increasingly challenging tasks, and this is a potential mechanism by which CR improves cognitive functioning in schizophrenia., Objective: Our primary objective is to examine reward processing in individuals with schizophrenia before and after completing CR and to compare this with a group of matched clinical controls. We will assess whether RL mediates the relationship between CR and improved cognitive function and reduced negative symptoms. Potential differences in social RL and nonsocial RL in individuals with schizophrenia will also be investigated and compared with a healthy matched control group., Methods: We propose a clinical, nonrandomized, pre-post pilot study comparing the impact of CR on RL and neurocognitive outcomes. The study will use a combination of objective and subjective measures to assess neurocognitive, psychiatric symptoms, and neurophysiological domains. A total of 40 individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (aged 18-35 years) will receive 12 weeks of CR therapy (n=20) or treatment as usual (n=20). Reward processing will be evaluated using a reinforcement learning task with 2 conditions (social reward vs nonsocial reward) at baseline and the 12-week follow-up. Functional magnetic resonance imaging responses will be measured during this task. To validate the reinforcement learning task, RL will also be assessed in 20 healthy controls, matched for age, sex, and premorbid functioning. Mixed-factorial ANOVAs will be conducted to evaluate treatment group differences. For the functional magnetic resonance imaging analysis, computational modeling will allow the estimation of learning parameters at each point in time, during each task condition, for each participant. We will use a variational Bayesian framework to measure how learning occurred during the experimental task and the subprocesses that underlie this learning. Second-level group analyses will examine how learning in patients differs from that observed in control participants and how CR alters learning efficiency and the underlying neural activity., Results: As of September 2023, this study has enrolled 15 participants in the CR group, 1 participant in the treatment-as-usual group, and 11 participants in the healthy control group. Recruitment is expected to be completed by September 2024. Data analysis is expected to be completed and published in early 2025., Conclusions: The results of this study will contribute to the knowledge of CR and RL processes in severe mental illness and the understanding of the systems that impact negative symptoms and cognitive impairments within this population., International Registered Report Identifier (irrid): DERR1-10.2196/52505., (©Frances Dark, Graham Galloway, Marcus Gray, Matteo Cella, Veronica De Monte, Victoria Gore-Jones, Gabrielle Ritchie. Originally published in JMIR Research Protocols (https://www.researchprotocols.org), 22.01.2024.)

Background: Mental health services are encouraged to use language consistent with principles of recovery-oriented practice. This study presents a novel approach for identifying whether clinical documentation contains recovery-oriented rehabilitation language, and evaluates an intervention to improve the language used within a community-based rehabilitation team., Aims: This is a pilot study of training to enhance recovery-oriented rehabilitation language written in care review summaries, as measured through a text-based analysis of language used in mental health clinical documentation., Method: Eleven case managers participated in a programme that included instruction in recovery-oriented rehabilitation principles. Outcomes were measured with automated textual analysis of clinical documentation, using a custom-built dictionary of rehabilitation-consistent, person-centred and pejorative terms. Automated analyses were run on Konstanz Information Miner (KNIME), an open-source data analytics platform. Differences in the frequency of term categories in 50 pre-training and 77 post-training documents were analysed with inferential statistics., Results: The average percentage of sentences with recovery-oriented rehabilitation terms increased from 37% before the intervention to 48% afterward, a relative increase of 28% ( P < 0.001). There was no significant change in use of person-centred or pejorative terms, possibly because of a relatively high frequency of person-centred language (22% of sentences) and low use of pejorative language (2.3% of sentences) at baseline., Conclusions: This computer-driven textual analysis method identified improvements in recovery-oriented rehabilitation language following training. Our study suggests that brief interventions can affect the language of clinical documentation, and that automated text-analysis may represent a promising approach for rapidly assessing recovery-oriented rehabilitation language in mental health services.

Background: Cognitive behavioural therapy for psychosis (CBTp), an effective treatment for people with schizophrenia, may have a role in clozapine refractory schizophrenia., Aims: A systematic-review and meta-analysis on the impact of CBTp on psychotic symptoms in people on clozapine., Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, PsycInfo, CINAHL and Cochrane for randomised control trials of CBTp as augmentation in people with treatment-refractory schizophrenia on clozapine and conducted pair-wise meta-analyses., Results: Four studies met inclusion criteria. On pairwise meta-analyses, the primary outcome of total psychotic symptoms was not significantly altered by CBTp at either therapy endpoint or six to twelve months follow-up. Secondary outcomes showed that CBT improved positive symptoms at both therapy endpoint (SMD -0.33, 95%CI -0.50 to -0.16, p  = 0.002, I 2 = 0%) and six to twelve months follow-up (SMD -0.20, 95%CI -0.38 to -0.02, p  = 0.03, I 2 = 0%) though did not alter negative psychotic symptoms at either timepoint., Conclusions: CBTp may lead to small benefits for positive symptoms refractory to clozapine. Given the low risks associated with CBTp, and the limited alternative options for clozapine refractory schizophrenia, this approach should be considered in this population.

Dog biting events pose severe public health and animal welfare concerns. They result in several consequences for both humans (including physical and psychological trauma) and the dog involved in the biting episode (abandonment, relocation to shelter and euthanasia). Although numerous epidemiological studies have analyzed the different factors influencing the occurrence of such events, to date the role of emotions in the expression of predatory attacks toward humans has been scarcely investigated. This paper focuses on the influence of emotional states on triggering predatory attacks in dogs, particularly in some breeds whose aggression causes severe consequences to human victims. We suggest that a comprehensive analysis of the dog bite phenomenon should consider the emotional state of biting dogs in order to collect reliable and realistic data about bite episodes.

We describe the respiratory mechanics and lung aeration in anesthetized obese dogs ventilated with tidal volumes (VT) based on ideal (VTi) vs. current (VTc) body weight. Six dogs with body condition scores ≥ 8/9 were included. End-expiratory respiratory mechanics and end-expiratory CT-scan were obtained at baseline for each dog. Thereafter, dogs were ventilated with VT 15 ml kg -1 based on VTi and VTc, applied randomly. Respiratory mechanics and CT-scan were repeated at end-inspiration during VTi and VTc. Data analyzed with linear mixed models and reported as mean ± SD or median [range]. Statistical significance p < 0.05. The elastance of the lung, chest wall and respiratory system indexed by ideal body weight (IBW) were positively correlated with body fat percentage, whereas the functional residual capacity indexed by IBW was negatively correlated with body fat percentage. At end-expiration, aeration (%) was: hyperaeration 0.03 [0.00-3.35], normoaeration 69.7 [44.6-82.2], hypoaeration 29.3 [13.6-49.4] and nonaeration (1.06% [0.37-6.02]). Next to the diaphragm, normoaeration dropped to 12 ± 11% and hypoaeration increased to 90 ± 8%. No differences in aeration between groups were found at end-inspiration. Airway driving pressure (cm H 2 O) was higher ( p = 0.002) during VTc (9.8 ± 0.7) compared with VTi (7.6 ± 0.4). Lung strain was higher ( p = 0.014) during VTc (55 ± 21%) than VTi (38 ± 10%). The stress index was higher ( p = 0.012) during VTc (SI = 1.07 [0.14]) compared with VTi (SI = 0.93 [0.18]). This study indicates that body fat percentage influences the magnitude of lung, chest wall, and total respiratory system elastance and resistance, as well as functional residual capacity. Further, these results indicate that obese dogs have extensive areas of hypoaerated lungs, especially in caudodorsal regions. Finally, lung strain and airway driving pressure, surrogates of lung deformation, are higher during VTc than during VTi, suggesting that in obese anesthetized dogs, ventilation protocols based on IBW may be advantageous., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Araos, Lacitignola, de Monte, Stabile, Porter, Hurtado, Perez, Crovace, Grasso, Martin-Flores and Staffieri.)

Nineteen raccoons were enrolled in this study. The aim was to evaluate and compare the quality of anesthesia and the cardiorespiratory effects following treatment with a ketamine-based combination with either dexmedetomidine (KD group) or midazolam (KM group) in raccoons undergoing ovariohysterectomy/orchiectomy. General anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane in oxygen and sufentanil infusion. The time required to approach the animals was similar among groups resulting in a median of 5 min after IM injection. Animals in group KD were scored with greater myorelaxation ( p < 0.01) and easier intubation ( p < 0.05). Moreover 70% of them did not require other drugs for tracheal intubation unlike animals in group KM, which required propofol in 100% of cases. After intubation and connection to the breathing circuit, physiological parameters were monitored continuously and recorded every 5 min. Sevoflurane requirements were lower in group KD than KM ( p = 0.005). Blood pressure was maintained within physiological ranges in both groups but with higher values in group KM ( p < 0.05). Mild respiratory depression occurred during surgery and animals in group KM showed greater respiratory acidosis ( p < 0.05). Recovery was smooth and uneventful in all animals. Both anesthetic protocols can be recommended for safe anesthesia in wild raccoons.

Background: Compensation and adaptation therapies have been developed to improve community functioning via improving neurocognitive abilities in people with schizophrenia. Various modes of delivering compensation and adaptation therapies have been found to be effective. The aim of this trial is to compare two different cognitive interventions, Compensatory Cognitive Training (CCT) and Computerised Interactive Remediation of Cognition-Training for Schizophrenia (CIRCuiTS). The trial also aims to identify if mismatch negativity (MMN) can predict an individual's response to the compensation and adaptation programmes., Methods: This study will use a randomised, controlled trial of two cognitive interventions to compare the impact of these programmes on measures of neurocognition and function. One hundred clinically stable patients aged between 18 and 65 years with a diagnosis of a schizophrenia spectrum disorder will be recruited. Participants will be randomised to either the CCT or the CIRCuiTS therapy groups. The outcome measures are neurocognition (BACS), subjective sense of cognitive impairment (SSTICS), social functioning (SFS), and MMN (measured by EEG) in people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders., Discussion: This trial will determine whether different approaches to addressing the cognitive deficits found in schizophrenia spectrum disorders are of comparable benefit using the outcome measures chosen. This has implications for services where cost and lack of computer technology limit the implementation and dissemination of interventions to address cognitive impairment in routine practice. The trial will contribute to the emerging evidence of MMN as a predictor of response to cognitive interventions., Trial Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) ACTRN12618000161224 . Registered on 2 February 2018. Protocol version: 4.0, 18 June 2018.

Background: People with schizophrenia frequently have cognitive dysfunction, which does not respond to pharmacological interventions. Varenicline has been identified as a potential treatment option for nicotinic receptor dysfunction with a potential to treat cognitive impairment in schizophrenia., Methods: We conducted a systematic review of Pubmed, Embase, Psycinfo, CINAHL and the Cochrane Schizophrenia Trial Registry for randomised controlled trials of varenicline in people with schizophrenia for cognitive dysfunction. We excluded trials among people with dementia. We then undertook a meta-analysis with the primary outcome of difference in change of cognitive measures between varenicline and placebo as well as secondary outcomes of difference in rates of adverse events. We conducted a sensitivity analysis on smoking status and study duration., Results: We included four papers in the meta-analysis (n = 339). Varenicline was not superior to placebo for overall cognition (SMD = -0.022, 95% CI -0.154-0.110; Z = -0.333; p = 0.739), attention (SMD = -0.047, 95% CI -0.199-0.104; Z = -0.613; p = 0.540), executive function (SMD = -0.060, 95% CI -0.469-0.348; Z =- 0.290; p = 0.772) or processing speed (SMD = 0.038, 95% CI -0.232-0.308; Z = 0.279; p = 0.780). There was no difference in psychotic symptoms, but varenicline was associated with higher rates of nausea. Sensitivity analyses for smoking status and study duration did not alter the results., Conclusion: Within the present literature, varenicline does not appear to be a useful target compound for improving cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. Based on these results, a trial would need over 2500 participants to be powered to show statistically significant findings.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of 2 tidal volumes (T V s) with or without positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) on lung mechanics, aeration, and gas exchange in healthy anesthetized dogs. ANIMALS 40 mixed-breed dogs with healthy lungs. PROCEDURES Anesthetized dogs were randomly assigned to 4 groups (n = 10/group) with different ventilatory settings: T V of 8 mL/kg and PEEP of 0 cm H 2 O (low T V group), T V of 8 mL/kg and PEEP of 5 cm H 2 O (low T V plus PEEP group), T V of 15 mL/kg and PEEP of 0 cm H 2 O (high T V group), or T V of 15 mL/kg and PEEP of 5 cm H 2 O (high T V plus PEEP group). Expired CO 2 and respiratory rate were titrated on the basis of a predetermined stepwise protocol. Gas exchange, respiratory mechanics, and pulmonary aeration were evaluated by means of CT 30 minutes after starting mechanical ventilation at the assigned setting. RESULTS Partial pressures of arterial and expired CO 2 were higher in the low T V and low T V plus PEEP groups than in the high T V and high T V plus PEEP groups. Peak and plateau airway pressures were higher in the PEEP group than in the other groups. Static lung compliance was higher in the high T V plus PEEP group than in the low T V group. Relative percentages of atelectatic and poorly aerated lung were lower in the high T V plus PEEP group than in the other groups. Oxygenation was similar among groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Differences in T V and PEEP application during mechanical ventilation may affect respiratory function in anesthetized dogs with healthy lungs. Ventilation with a T V of 15 mL/kg and PEEP of 5 cm H 2 O significantly improved lung compliance and reduced the amount of atelectatic and poorly aerated lung.

The study described in this paper had the goal to validate the Italian version of the UNESP-Botucatu multidimensional composite pain scale (UNESP-Botucatu MCPS) to assess postoperative pain in cats using video analysis and psycometric testing. The English version of the scale was translated into Italian. Thirty videos of the perioperative period of ovariohysterectomy surgery were analysed by 5 Italian observers with the aim to determine the pain score using the Italian version of the scale and to verify the need for analgesic treatment for each cat. Obtained scores were submitted to psycometric validity, responsiveness, and reliability tests. Of the 3 domains identified by factor analysis, the internal consistency was excellent for 'Psychomotor changes' and 'Protection of the painful area and vocal expressions of pain', while 'Physiological variables' showed moderate internal consistency. Significant changes in pain scores in response to surgery and analgesics confirmed content and construct validity. The agreement between the 'gold standard' and the blinded observers supported the criterion validity. Inter- and intra-rater reliability ranged from good to very good for all scale items. The cut-off point for rescue analgesia was > 7. The study concluded that the Italian version of the UNESP-Botucatu MCPS is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing postoperative pain in cats. The cut-off point for rescue analgesia provides an additional tool for guiding analgesic therapy.

The objective of the study was to retrospectively analyse the cardiovascular effects that occurs following the transvascular occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus in dogs. Sixteen anaesthesia records were included. Variables were recorded at the time of placing the arterial introducer, occlusion of the ductus, and from 5 to 60min thereafter, including, among the other, heart rate, systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure. The maximal percentage variation of the aforementioned physiological parameters within 60min of occlusion, compared with the values recorded at the introducer placing, was calculated. The time at which maximal variation occurred was also computed. Correlations between maximal percentage variation of physiological parameters and the diameter of the ductus and systolic and diastolic flow velocity through it were evaluated with linear regression analysis. Heart rate decreased after occlusion of the ductus with a mean maximal percentage variation of 41.0±14.8% after 21.2±13.7min. Mean and diastolic arterial blood pressure increased after occlusion with a mean maximal percentage variation of 30.6±18.1 and 55.4±27.1% after 19.6±12.1 and 15.7±10.8min, respectively. Mean arterial blood pressure variation had a significant and moderate inverse correlation with diastolic and systolic flow velocity through the ductus. Transvascular patent ductus arteriosus occlusion in anaesthetised dogs causes a significant reduction in heart rate and an increase in diastolic and mean blood arterial pressure within 20min of closure of the ductus., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Complementary medicines are readily available and becoming increasingly popular. Acetyl-l-carnitine (ALC) is widely recognised as a safe dietary supplement to aid weight loss. We present the case of a patient who had a relapse of mania in the context of ALC use for weight loss over a two week period, on the background of bipolar I disorder previously in remission. The patient's symptoms resolved a few days after ALC was ceased., Conclusions: Given the high rates of obesity among people with mental illness, it is possible ALC may be utilised in the hope of aiding weight loss. This case highlights the importance of psychiatrists maintaining open communication with their patients about use of complementary medicines, and the risks and benefits of their use.

Objectives: The human fibrinogen/thrombin surgical patch is proposed for videothoracoscopic pleurodesis after recurrent observation in routine clinical practice of site-specific pleuro-pulmonary adhesions., Methods: A total of 36 experimental videothoracoscopies were performed on 18 pigs, all of which underwent a bilateral sequential procedure. The right or left side was casually approached and two 4.8 × 4.8 cm Tachosil® patches were placed over the dorsal lung surface in the highest antigravitary position through a double-port thoracoscopy. The contralateral side was subsequently entered by a single-port thoracoscopy to perform talc poudrage in accordance with current recommendations (1 g/18 kg). Thoracoscopy and autopsy were performed after 60 days to evaluate the outcome. Pleurodesis was graded on a predefined three-tier scale (none-moderate-firm); specimens were then submitted to the pathologist. The statistical analyses performed were: frequencies distribution, variables association test and hypothesis testing using binomial distribution., Results: Pleurodesis was firm in 15/18 cases (P = 0.004), moderate in 2/18, and none in 1/18 cases with the sealant matrix. Talc pleurodesis was firm in 7/18 cases and moderate in 11/18. No surgical, medical, behavioural or growth disorders were recorded. There was complete correspondence between lung surface covered by the sealant patch and pleural adhesion topography (P < 0.001) and no other sites of adhesion were found at autopsy, whereas talc effect was commonly found to produce random pleural cavity obliteration, most frequently in declivous places, with inhomogeneous pleural adhesion for tissue density and rough/smooth outline (P < 0.001). The pathologist disclosed that talc creates a variable and unpredictable inflammatory background, sometimes severe, with the development of many granulomas. Fibrin sealant patch pleurodesis is caused by connective tissue irrespective of the pleural and pulmonary anatomy., Conclusions: The fibrin sealant patch is effective in producing localized pleurodesis in swine. The morphology and topography of the adhesions, 2 months after the patch placement, are consistent and more predictable than after talc poudrage. The latter causes a diffuse pleurodesis which is not predictable, with a predominantly gravitational location and produces a much more serious inflammatory response., (© The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

This randomized controlled trial study aimed to identify the optimal positive pressure (PP) level that can clear atelectasis while avoiding pulmonary hyperinflation during the breath-hold technique in dogs undergoing thoracic computed tomography (CT). Sixty dogs affected by mammary tumors undergoing thoracic CT for the screening of pulmonary metastases were randomly assigned to six groups with different levels of PP during the breath-hold technique: 0 (control), 5 (PP5), 8 (PP8), 10 (PP10), 12 (PP12), and 15 (PP15) cmH2 O. The percentage of atelectatic lung region was lower in the PP10 (3.7 ± 1.1%; P = 0.002), PP12 (3.4 ± 1.3%; P = 0.0001), and PP15 (2.8 ± 0.9%; P = 0.006) groups than in the control group (5.0 ± 2.3%), and the percentage of poorly aerated lung region was lower in the PP8 (15.1 ± 2.6%; P = 0.0009), PP10 (13.0 ± 2.0 %; P = 0.002), PP12 (13.0 ± 2.2 %; P = 0.0002), and PP15 (11.1 ± 1.9%; P = 0.0002) groups than in the control group (19.8 ± 5.0). The percentage of normally aerated lung region, however, was higher in the PP10 (79.7 ± 4.1%; P = 0.005), PP12 (79.8 ± 5.1%; P = 0.0002), and PP15 (80.2 ± 4.9%; P = 0.002) groups than in the control group (73.4 ± 6.6%). A PP of 10-12 cmH2 O during the breath-hold technique should be considered to improve lung aeration during a breath-hold technique in dogs undergoing thoracic CT., (© 2016 American College of Veterinary Radiology.)

Sclerosing fluids to achieve pleurodesis could be hardly replaced for bed-side procedures, but other devices may be successfully applied during thoracoscopy. Thulium Cyber Laser was experimented for this purpose and compared to talc poudrage. Twenty pigs underwent operative videothoracoscopy (VATS). Ten models were subjected to double-port VATS and parietal pleura photoevaporation using Thulium Cyber Laser™ (TCL) 150 W 2010 nm on the posterior third of three ribs; the pleural surface was homogeneously treated inside the target perimeter. The remaining ten pigs underwent uniportal thoracoscopy; talc poudrage was performed using the current clinical practice dosage (1 g/18 kg) with accurate talc powder spread over the whole pleural surface. All models were followed up for 60 days. Pleurodesis firmness was graded on a three-tier scale (none-moderate-firm) and site-matching topographical expectancy was evaluated. TCL produced pleurodesis in all models: 7/10 were firm and 3/10 moderate. Talc poudrage pleurodesis was firm in 4/10 and moderate in 6/10. Pleural adhesions were found exclusively in the treated area after laser treatment, while talc created a wide spectrum of effects, most commonly anarchic jagged adhesions obliterating less than 50 % of the pleural cavity (7/10), mostly declivous. The pathologist found more aggressive inflammation (sometimes severe) in the talc group. Expected localized pleurodesis was always registered in laser group (10/10), while talc poudrage was found poorly effective if consistent pleurodesis is expected in an apico-dorsal position (2/10). Laser pleurodesis appears more homogeneous, qualitatively not inferior, and topographically more predictable than talc pleurodesis. Parietal photoevaporation seems effective and the localized pleurodesis is reproducible.

Background: Biomechanical and histological properties of stapled bronchi with and without bovine pericardial matrix plus collagen reinforcement are analyzed., Materials and Methods: Pneumonectomy with mechanical bronchial suture was performed in the swine model. Pigs were randomly assigned to three groups: three-row staplers without reinforcement (Traditional), with reinforcement (Buttressed) and control "wild type", non-resected normal bronchus (Normal). Intraoperative test was carried for air leaks at 20/30/40 mm Hg endobronchial pressure. After 60 d, tracheobronchial specimen was harvested, stocked, and analyzed. Tensile test was performed using INSTRON 5965 loading frame machine. Maximal strain resistance value, length of elongation at rupture parameter, and stiffness coefficient (K) were evaluated. Histological analysis was performed. Sample size calculation was assessed (four per group), and the Student t-test was used to statistically evaluate differences in biomechanical variables., Results: No fistula occurred. Biomechanical analysis showed that maximal strain resistance is 41.22 ± 2.11 N (Traditional), 24.53 ± 3.47 N (Buttressed), and 30.91 ± 0.29 N (Normal); elongation at rupture is 16.01 ± 1.82 mm (Traditional), 12.89 ± 0.48 mm (Buttressed), and 9.32 ± 0.11 mm (Normal). Finally, K is 2.59 ± 0.16 N/mm (Traditional), 1.91 ± 0.33 N/mm (Buttressed), and 3.32 ± 0.01 N/mm (Normal). Stumps without reinforcement proved higher resistance and length of elongation than reinforced ones. Normal bronchial tissue shows the highest stiffness coefficient. Statistical analysis produced significant values for each biomechanical feature. Group Buttressed stumps show greater thickness and a substantial inflammatory reaction with granulation tissue along the whole scar and around areas of discontinuity within the scar, not yet healed., Conclusions: Reinforcing the mechanical suture line of bronchial stump with bovine pericardial matrix plus collagen shows suboptimal biomechanical and histological characteristics compared to using the stapler alone., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Lung lobe torsion is rare but life-threatening condition in the dog. Thoracic radiographs and conventional ultrasonography cannot be conclusive for the diagnosis, and computed tomography is useful but is limited by cost and availability. This report describes the findings of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in 3 dogs with lung lobe torsion. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography showed the absence or reduction of pulmonary vascularization secondary to twisting of the lung lobe around its bronchovascular pedicle in all three dogs. Moreover, contrast-enhanced ultrasonography distinguished partial pulmonary atelectasis from a lung lobe torsion. These preliminary results suggest that contrast-enhanced ultrasonography can improve the accuracy of conventional ultrasonography for detection of pulmonary blood flow compromise in dogs with lung lobe torsion.

Objective: To describe ultrasonographic findings and outcomes for dogs with suspected migrating intrathoracic grass awns., Design: Retrospective case series., Animals: 43 client-owned dogs., Procedures: Records for dogs with suspected migrating intrathoracic grass awns examined between 2010 and 2013 were reviewed. Ultrasonographic images and additional information such as signalment and pleural fluid analysis, radiographic, bronchoscopic, and CT findings were collected. Surgical treatments and outcomes were also reviewed., Results: Transthoracic or transesophageal ultrasonography revealed grass awns in the pleural space (n = 13) or pulmonary parenchyma (10) of 23 dogs. Surgical removal of grass awns was successful on the first attempt in 21 of these 23 dogs (including 11/23 that had intraoperative ultrasonography performed to aid localization and removal of the awn). In the remaining 2 dogs, a second surgery was required. Twenty dogs with evidence of migrating intrathoracic grass awns had no foreign body identified on initial ultrasonographic evaluation and were treated medically; 16 developed draining fistulas, and awns identified ultrasonographically at follow-up visits were subsequently removed from the sublumbar region (n = 10) or thoracic wall (6). The remaining 4 dogs had no grass awn visualized. Clinical signs resolved in all dogs., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Transthoracic, transesophageal, and intraoperative ultrasonography were useful for localization and removal of migrating intrathoracic grass awns. Ultrasonography may be considered a valuable and readily available diagnostic tool for monitoring dogs with suspected migrating intrathoracic grass awns.

Background: Because there is no detailed description of procedures and perioperative management of major pulmonary resections in swine, we reviewed our experience to delineate the most effective practice in performing left pneumonectomy., Materials and Methods: Analysis of 11 consecutive left pneumonectomies. Animal data, operative reports, anesthesia records, and perioperative facts were evaluated. Follow-up information until postoperative day 60, methods of care-taking, therapy administration, and all the stabling aspects were systematically assessed. The investigation was aimed at highlighting those procedural steps or details which make the difference in optimizing the available resources (animals, instruments, and personnel). No statistical analysis was performed considering data characteristics and the descriptive nature of information., Results: Surgery requires a median time of 2 h and 16 min; two operators and one anesthesiologist represent the basic team. Circulators' number depends on goals to accomplish. The most straightforward procedure requires careful dissection of the pulmonary ligament (limited view), pulmonary veins (low variability), pulmonary artery (delicate), and finally bronchus (no variability observed). The key factors for good anesthesia management have been identified: sedation by caregivers, preoxygenation before induction of general anesthesia, high respiratory rates with low tidal volume after pneumonectomy, and noninvasive ventilation after extubation. Antibiotic prophylaxis has been performed. Postoperative care must be continuous until animals are able to stand up, afterward "preventive noncurative," and always animal friendly. Ideas for minimally stressful therapy administration are helpful., Conclusions: After the delineation of this methodology, the compliance to a routine practice allowed us to reduce time, stress, and cost; quality and quantity of possible research increased., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Porcine Sertoli cells (pSCs) have been employed for cell therapy in pre-clinical studies for several chronic/immune diseases as they deliver molecules associated with trophic and anti-inflammatory effects. To be employed for human xenografts, pSCs products need to comply with safety and stability. To fulfill such requirements, we employed a microencapsulation technology to increase pre-transplant storage stability of specific pathogen-free pSCs (SPF-pSCs) and evaluated the in vivo long-term viability and safety of grafts., Methods: Specific pathogen free neonatal pigs underwent testis excision under sterility. pSCs were isolated, characterized by immunofluorescence (IF) and cytofluorimetric analysis (CA) and examined in terms of viability and function [namely, production of anti-müllerian hormone (AMH), inhibin B, and transforming growth factor beta-1 (TFGβ-1)]. After microencapsulation in barium alginate microcapsules (Ba-MC), long-term SPF-pSCs (Ba-MCpSCs) viability and barium concentrations were evaluated at 1, 24 throughout 40 h to establish pre-transplant storage conditions., Results: The purity of isolated pSCs was about 95% with negligible contaminating cells. Cultured pSCs monolayers, both prior to and after microencapsulation, maintained high function and full viability up to 24 h of storage. At 40 h post-encapsulation, pSCs viability decreased to 80%. Barium concentration in Ba-MCpSCs lagged below the normal maximum daily allowance and was stable for 4 months in mice with no evident side effects., Conclusions: Such results suggest that this protocol for the isolation and microencapsulation of pSCs is compatible with long-haul transportation and that Ba-MCpSCs could be potentially employable for xenotransplantation., (© 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

A three-month-old female Rottweiler puppy was referred for intravascular correction of a previously identified cor triatriatum dexter. Echocardiography confirmed the presence of a hyperechoic membrane that divided the right atrium into a cranial and caudal chamber. A foramen in this membrane allowed the blood to flow from the caudal to the cranial chamber. Balloon dilation of the defect under transthoracic echocardiographic guidance was scheduled for the following day. The dog was premedicated with 0.5 μg/kg sufentanil and 0.2 mg/kg midazolam administered intravenously. General anaesthesia was induced with 2 mg/kg propofol and maintained with inhaled isoflurane in oxygen; at the same time, a constant rate infusion of 0.5 μg/kg/h sufentanil was administered by means of an infusion pump. Uneventful ventricular and supraventricular tachyarrhythmias developed during the placement of catheters and balloon dilation. At the end of procedure, when the guide wire and balloon catheter were removed, normal sinus rhythm was observed. To the authors' knowledge, no previous reports have described the anaesthetic management of a balloon dilation procedure for cor triatriatum dexter in dogs.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of noninvasive continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) administered with a pediatric helmet in healthy dogs recovering from general anesthesia., Design: Randomized, cross-over, clinical study., Setting: University teaching hospital., Animals: Fifteen healthy female, client-owned dogs recovering from general anesthesia following elective ovariohysterectomy., Interventions: All dogs received the same standardized anesthetic protocol (acepromazine, morphine, propofol, and isoflurane in oxygen). After extubation, a pediatric helmet was placed on all dogs and connected to a venturi valve supplied with medical air. In all patients, the gas flow was set to 50 L/minute and the FiO2 to 0.21. Dogs received the following sequence of treatments, each lasting 20 minutes: 0 CPAP (pre-CPAP), CPAP of 5 cm H2 O (CPAP), and again 0 CPAP (post-CPAP)., Measurements and Main Results: During the entire study, the following data were collected: pressure and FiO2 inside the helmet, mean arterial pressure, respiratory rate, heart rate, sedation score (0 = awake, 10 = deep sedation), and tolerance to the helmet (0 = excellent, 4 = poor). At the end of each phase, an arterial blood sample was sampled. As compared with the pre-CPAP and the post-CPAP periods, during the CPAP period, the PaCO2 , alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient (P[A-a]O2 ), and respiratory rate significantly decreased. The PaO2 was higher at CPAP (105.6 ± 4.0 mm Hg) compared with pre-CPAP (80.6 ± 6.9 mm Hg) and post-CPAP (86.7 ± 5.8 mm Hg). Tolerance and sedation scores during the CPAP period were not different from those in the pre-CPAP and post-CPAP periods., Conclusions: Noninvasive CPAP applied through a helmet is a feasible and effective supportive technique in dogs recovering from general anesthesia., (© Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society 2014.)