Search

ObjectiveTo compare a RADA16-based self-assembling peptide hydrogel versus an inorganic powder-based spray device for controlling postoperative bleeding in upper and lower GI mucosal lesions in pigs.MethodsMultiple mucosal lesions were endoscopically-created in the stomachs and lower colons of six Yorkshire swine on Day 0. Three animals’ wounds were treated with 2.5% RADA16 solution (PuraStat®), two animals were treated with an aerosolized mineral powder (Hemospray®), and one animal was an untreated control. Primary outcomes were test article applications required to control initial bleeding, time-to-hemostasis, and rebleeding incidence. Secondary outcomes included animal recovery, and clinical pathology at weekly endoscopic evaluations and the 4-week study terminus.ResultsNumber of material administrations required and time-to-hemostasis was comparable between PuraStat and Hemospray groups. Rebleeding rates were comparable between treatments. Two of 12 (17%) Hemospray and none of 18 (0%) PuraStat stomach sites experienced rebleeding during the final 4 min of the 10-min observation period. No delayed bleeding was observed during weekly endoscopic follow-ups. Hematology and serology values remained normal in all animals. Histology showed expected healing responses at all PuraStat- and Hemospray-treated defects, with less inflammation than untreated sites. Histomorphological observations were comparable between different groups for both the stomach and colon for test and control materials, with lower inflammation scores than untreated sites. Performance and usability responses were generally good with both systems, although the Ability to Treat Intended Site score was significantly better with PuraStat in upper GI lesions.ConclusionsPuraStat and Hemospray were effective topical hemostats for mild-to-moderate bleeding in upper and lower GI wounds. Rebleeding was observed in two of 12 Hemospray-treated sites and none of 18 PuraStat-treated sites. PuraStat and Hemospray were associated with better wound healing than untreated controls. The ability to treat upper GI lesions was easier with the PuraStat versus Hemospray system.

Purpose To determine whether debris from a silicone core suture has an observable intra-articular or extra-articular impact or can be shown to migrate into the lymphatic system. Methods Using a porcine stifle joint model, 2 study groups were created: 1 group used silicone-suture particles created by rupturing hand-tied knots of a nonabsorbable suture with an outer sheath of ultrahigh molecular-weight polyethylene, an inner polyester sheath and a medical-grade silicone/sodium chloride-filled core. The second group used a mixture of 3 vitreous carbon particles sizes. Twelve Yorkshire pigs were randomly assigned to each group. Only 1 type of study particle was used in a single animal to avoid cross-contamination. Half of the study materials were placed by arthrotomy into the joint and, after capsular closure, the remaining half were placed on the joint capsule before skin closure. Six weeks postimplantation, the stifle joints and regional lymph nodes were examined macroscopically and microscopically. The extracapsular and intra-articular tissue and the lymph nodes were examined. Results Macroscopically, none of the 12 silicone-suture particle group limbs had abnormal macroscopic observations. Of the 12 limbs in the carbon particle group, 8 demonstrated discoloration in the extracapsular, intra-articular and lymph node tissues; 6 limbs demonstrated joint discoloration (extracapsular and intra-articular). The silicone-suture particle group showed lymph node inflammation in 25% of the iliac lymph nodes and 42% of the inguinal lymph nodes but none in the popliteal lymph nodes. In the carbon particle group, 100% of the iliac lymph nodes, 75% of the inguinal lymph nodes and 8% of the popliteal nodes showed inflammation. No silicone-suture debris migration was observed microscopically. Visible carbon particle migration was present in 100% of the iliac lymph nodes and in 50% of the inguinal lymph nodes but in none (0) of the popliteal lymph nodes. The carbon particle group also showed inflammation in these areas. Conclusions Carbon particles in the porcine knee migrated into the lymph nodes (iliac 100%; inguinal 50%, popliteal 0); gross discoloration was observed in 8 of 12 specimens. Silicone-suture particles could not be found in the lymph nodes, and no macroscopic joint damage was observed. Clinical Relevance The clinical use of a suture containing a silicone/salt central core is common, and the porcine lymphatic model suggests that this type of suture material does not result in clinically significant silicone particulates.

This study sought to evaluate perisplenic artery nerve distribution and the feasibility of splenic artery denervation (SDN). The NEXION radiofrequency catheter was used to perform SDN in healthy and inflammatory arthritis pigs. Splenic artery anatomy, nerve distribution, and splenic norepinephrine (NEPI) levels were evaluated before and after SDN. Perisplenic artery nerves were primarily distributed within 2.5 mm of the arterial lumen and were largely sympathetic on the basis of tyrosine hydroxylase expression. The pancreas, tended to be circumferentially positioned around the proximal splenic artery, typically >2.5 mm from the lumen, ensuring that most of the nerves could be targeted without affecting this sensitive organ. The mid segment of the splenic artery was relatively free of contact with the adjacent pancreas. Splenic NEPI levels and nerve abundance followed a decreasing gradient from the proximal to distal splenic artery. SDN resulted in significant reductions in splenic NEPI levels at day 14 (60.7%, P = 0.024) in naive pigs and day 45 (100%, P = 0.001) in inflammatory arthritis pigs. There was no significant effect of SDN on joint soft tissue injury or circulating inflammatory markers in the inflammatory arthritis model. The majority of perisplenic arterial nerves are within close proximity of the lumen and are primarily sympathetic efferent fibers. Nerves in the mid-segment may be the preferred SDN target given their proximity to the artery and paucity of periarterial off-target organs. SDN appears safe and effective at reducing splenic NEPI levels.

Background: Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a nonthermal energy that may provide safety advantages over radiofrequency ablation (RFA). One-shot PFA catheters have been developed for pulmonary vein isolation, but they do not permit flexible lesion sets. This study investigated a novel lattice-tip catheter designed for focal RFA or PFA ablation. Methods: The effects of PFA (biphasic, 24 amperes) were investigated in 25 swine using a lattice-tip catheter and system (Affera Inc). Step 1 (n=14) examined the feasibility to create atrial line of block and described its acute effects on the phrenic nerve and esophagus. Step 2 (n=7) examined the subacute effects of PFA on block durability, phrenic nerve, and esophagus ≥2 weeks. Step 3 compared the effects of PFA and RFA on the esophagus using a mechanical deviation model approximating the esophagus to the right atrium (n=4) and by direct ablation within its lumen (n=4). The effects of endocardial PFA and RFA on the phrenic nerve were also compared (n=10). Histological analysis was performed. Results: PFA produced acute block in 100% of lines, achieved with 2.1 (1.3–3.2) applications/cm line. Histological analysis following (35 [18–37]) days showed 100% transmurality (thickness range 0.4–3.4 mm) with a lesion width of 19.4 (10.9–27.4 mm). PFA selectively affected cardiomyocytes but spared blood vessels and nervous tissue. PFA applied from the posterior atria (23 [21–25] applications) to the approximated esophagus (6 [4.5–14] mm) produced transmural lesions without esophageal injury. PFA (16.5 [15–18] applications) applied inside the esophageal lumen produced mild edema compared with RFA (13 [12–14] applications) which produced epithelial ulcerations. PFA resulted in no or transient stunning of the phrenic nerve ( Conclusions: PFA using a lattice-tip ablation catheter for focal ablation produced durable atrial lesions and showed lower vulnerability to esophageal or phrenic nerve damage compared with RFA.

Surgical and laparoscopic implantation of mesh devices is on the rise for a variety of applications. The complexity and range of evolving mesh designs calls for consistent and detailed pathologic evaluation in determining host responses and assessing overall safety. This review addresses the components of evaluation of mesh implants in animal models, with emphasis on histologic parameters, semiquantitative scoring matrices, and morphometric analyses that have been specifically adapted to this class of implants. Necropsy assessment should include implant persistence, architecture, and associated host responses such as exudation and adhesions. Microscopic evaluation should focus on primary relevant responses such as bioresorption, integration/tissue ingrowth, neovascularization, and inflammation. Selection of the best means of processing and evaluation can be complicated, as meshes may include one or more biologic components (e.g., collagen), synthetic polymer fibers, coatings, and other molecules. The architecture of some meshes can influence tissue responses and complicate sampling, sectioning, and evaluation. Recognition of specific study objectives and knowledge of anticipated responses helps to determine the appropriate histologic or immunochemical stains, while understanding of mesh composition and anticipated persistence in tissue determines the suitability of paraffin or resin embedding, and both guide the evaluation of mesh devices in the preclinical setting.

A 55 g, 7 mo old Chinese three-striped box turtle (Cuora trifasciata) was presented with a 2 wk history of lethargy and anorexia. The owner attempted various antibiotic treatments without clinical improvement. A cystoscopic evaluation of the coelom was performed. The liver appeared dark red-to-brown presenting multifocal irregularly shaped white-to-tan and roughly round areas of discoloration on the capsular surface. An adult keeled box turtle (Pyxidea mouhotii), which died in the same facility at the same time, had similar hepatic lesions detected upon necropsy. From hepatic lesions, an antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli was isolated. Antibiotic treatment based on sensitivity testing led to a rapid resolution of the clinical signs in the Cuora trifasciata, with gain of appetite 4 days after the first antibiotic administration. A recheck cystoscopy demonstrated macroscopic resolution of hepatic lesions. This report demonstrates, to the best of the authors' knowledge, for the first time the clinical usefulness of cystoscopy for the diagnostic evaluation of the coelom of small chelonians. This minimally invasive technique is a valuable clinical tool in the medical approach to posthatchling chelonians.

A captive-born marabou stork (Leptoptilos crumeniferus) was presented for swelling of the ventral air pouch of 1 month's duration. The pouch appeared fluid filled, and its distal third wall was markedly inspissated. The thickened distal portion of the pouch wall was removed surgically. During anesthesia, mucous discharge from the nares was evident and the nasal mucosa was hyperemic. Aeromonas and Proteus species were isolated from a nasal culture. Postoperative therapy that consisted of nasal flushing, antimicrobial agents, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs was effective in managing the disease. On histologic examination, diffuse hemorrhage, necrosis, and multifocal vasculitis with moderate-to-severe heterophilic inflammation were present within sections of the ventral pouch. To our knowledge this is the first report of a mucus-filled ventral air pouch with associated pathologic changes secondary to a productive infection of the upper respiratory tract in a marabou stork. The unique communication between nasal cavities and the ventral air pouch should be considered in future cases of respiratory infection in marabou storks.

The spleen plays an important role in the immune response to inflammatory conditions including cancer, myocardial infarction and atherosclerosis. Device-based neuromodulation of the spleen’s neural pathways is an emerging therapeutic approach to regulating the immune response in various

The next step is to approach the oral and pharyngeal regions in order to examine the oral cavity and free the tongue, glottis and pharynx for sampling. Two incisions should be made, on either side, medial to the mandibular rami through the skin and intermandibular muscles. The tissues should be TERRESTRIAL CHELONIANS Like other reptiles, chelonians are best examined in dorsal recumbency. The only challenge, compared to other species, is the shell.

Chelonian shells are composed of two main parts, the upper part called the carapace and the lower part called the plastron.The upper and lower portions are connected bilaterally (in most species) by two bridges. The shell is composed of bone plates covered by keratin scutes.The junctions between the keratin scutes are not aligned with the underlying bone plates, giving higher resistance to the shell.The bones of the carapace are divided into neural (midline bones), nuchal (cranial midline bone), pygal (caudal midline bone) and costals (lateral to the neural bones). The scutes have different names in different areas of the carapace and plastron.Vertebral bodies (except for the cervical and caudal) are fused with the neural bones; the ribs are fused with the costal bones. The carapace scutes are divided into vertebrals (central midline), nuchal (cranial midline), pleurals (lateral to the vertebrals) and marginals (adiacent to the pleurals).The plastron scutes have a more detailed subdivision: gular (cranial midline), humeral (immediately caudal to the gular), pectoral (caudal to the humeral), abdominal (caudal to the pectoral), femoral (caudal to the abdominal), anal (caudal to the femoral), axillary (craniolateral to the pectoral and caudolateral to the humeral) and inguinal (craniolateral to the femoral and caudolateral to the abdominal) (Fig. 1).

A 2-month-old female ferret (Mustela putorius furo) was evaluated for hematuria and pollakiuria. The external physical examination revealed the absence of a tail and external genitalia and the presence of a malformed anus. Survey abdominal radiographic images, excretory urography, and ultrasound examination of the organs within the body cavity revealed right kidney dysplasia. Contrast medium injected into the anus before a second set of radiographic images revealed the presence of a structure similar to a cloaca. Owing to a poor prognosis and possible complications of reconstructive surgery, the owner elected to humanely euthanize the ferret. A complete necropsy was performed, confirming the presence of a persistent cloaca-like structure, which received the termination of the descending colon, urethra, and uterus, and the presence of right kidney dysplasia. Histopathological examination of the cloaca-like structure determined that the abnormal anatomical structure was composed of stratified squamous and transitional epithelial cells.

A 7.5-year-old castrated male ferret (Mustela putorius furo) was diagnosed with third-degree atrioventricular (AV) block. A monopolar epicardial pacemaker system was implanted, resulting in a regular, paced cardiac rhythm with third-degree AV block at 140 beats per minute. Over the next 2 months, the ferret developed anorexia, interstitial pneumonia, intermittent diarrhea, and hind-limb weakness and had a slow and progressive recovery. The ferret developed clinical signs of congestive heart failure 4 months after the surgery, resulting in its death 3 weeks later. Necropsy results attributed the death to cardiac failure due to extensive myocardial mineralization. To the authors' knowledge this is the first published report of surgical report of surgical pacemaker implantation in a ferret.

A 6-year-old spayed female ferret ( Mustela putorius furo ) exhibiting clinical signs of weakness, anorexia, lethargy, weight loss, and frequent urination was presented for a veterinary evaluation to determine the underlying cause of the aforementioned abnormal behavior and clinical condition. Physical examination revealed a large, firm, painless, movable subcutaneous mass at the base of the tail. Radiographic and ultrasound images confirmed the presence of a soft tissue mass compressing the sacrococcygeal vertebrae, but there was no evidence of metastatic lesions. Because of the poor prognosis and progressive deterioration of the animal's clinical condition, the ferret was humanely euthanized. Gross necropsy revealed a 4 × 4 × 3.5 cm, firm, yellow-tan, ovoid, subcutaneous mass wrapped around the rectum and the anus. The mass did not appear to breach the serosa. Evaluation of the abdominal cavity revealed a pale yellow liver, possibly associated with hepatic lipidosis with no gross evidence of metastasis in the body cavity. The histopathological features of the mass were consistent with a liposarcoma. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first case of subcutaneous liposarcoma reported in a ferret.

A 2 yr old spayed female German shepherd presented with a chief complaint of acute onset paraparesis and weight loss. At presentation, the dog was pyrexic, nonambulatory, and had generalized muscle wasting. Neurolocalization was consistent with a thoracolumbar spinal cord lesion. An abdominal ultrasound was performed and revealed a focal dilation (4 cm) of the terminal aorta with evidence of blood stasis consistent with an aortic aneurysm. The dog was euthanized shortly after admission to the hospital and a post mortem examination was performed. Fungal organisms were identified in the aortic aneurysm as well as from the thoracic vertebrae, mesenteric lymph nodes, axillary lymph nodes, spleen, kidneys, liver, lungs, and heart. Although the morphology was consistent with Candida spp., immunohistochemistry and PCR could not definitively identify the causative organism. Mycotic aortic aneurysms are a rare finding in humans and have not been previously reported in the dog. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first known report of an aortic aneurysm associated with systemic fungal infection in a dog.

A 10-day-old female alpaca (Vicugna pacos) cria with a history of urinary straining and dribbling was presented for evaluation. The animal had markedly elevated blood fibrinogen (800 mg/dl), mildly elevated phosphorus (9.3 mg/dl), and minimally elevated blood urea nitrogen (38 mg/dl) concentrations. The total protein (5.0 g/dl) concentration was mildly decreased. These findings were suggestive of mild renal disease. An abdominal ultrasound revealed bilateral hydronephrosis and hydroureter, and no urinary bladder was identified. Gross postmortem examination revealed urinary bladder agenesis and bilateral hydronephrosis and hydroureter, with both ureters opening into a sinus in the caudal vagina. Histologic examination of the kidneys showed necrosuppurative pyelonephritis with pelvic dilation, and both ureters had mild lymphoplasmacytic and histiocytic inflammation.

A newborn male crested gecko (Rhacodactylus ciliatus) was presented for evaluation immediately after birth because of a bright red movable and pulsating mass emerging from the ventral midline of the rib cage. On physical exam the animal was extremely depressed, and the bright red thoracic mass reported by the owner was identified as a beating heart. The gecko died a short time after presentation and was submitted for a postmortem examination. Gross examination revealed that the entire heart and some adipose tissue were protruding through a 0.4 cm × 0.2 cm elliptical congenital cutaneous cleft located on the ventral aspect of the caudal rib cage. No other gross abnormalities were detected. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of ectopia cordis in a gecko.