Successful parturition and lactation after a deslorelin implant removal in a pregnant cat.

Case Summary: The aim of this clinical case presentation was to describe the effect of a 4.7 mg deslorelin implant placement in a pregnant queen during the second half of gestation, and the consequences of its removal on the pregnancy and parturition. A 5-year-old female cat exhibiting nesting behaviour and weight gain 10 days after placement of a deslorelin implant was presented for examination.

French veterinarians' opinions and practices regarding early neutering of cats: a convenience sampling survey interpreted in an international context.

Background: Although data are still needed, early neutering of cats appears to be as safe as neutering at the traditional age of six months or older and beneficial to the individual and the population. The aim of this observational study was to obtain an overview of veterinarians' opinions and practices about feline early neutering (ie, until the age of four months).

Methods: In this retrospective work, a web survey was distributed to French practitioners.

A retrospective internet-based survey of French cat breeders about early-age neutering.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyse cat breeders' application of and opinions concerning early-age (ie, <16 weeks old) neutering in cats in France.

Methods: This study analysed a retrospective cohort. A web survey was designed for French cat breeders and was published in June 2017 on the Facebook page of Livre Officiel des Origines Félines, the official feline studbook for purebred cats born in France.

SPARC and the N-propeptide of collagen I influence fibroblast proliferation and collagen assembly in the periodontal ligament.

The periodontal ligament (PDL) is a fibrous connective tissue that anchors tooth cementum into alveolar bone. Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is a collagen-binding matricellular protein known to influence collagen fiber assembly in the PDL. In contrast, functional properties of the N-propeptide of collagen I, encoded in exon 2 of the COL1A1 gene, are poorly understood.

SPARC/osteonectin in mineralized tissue.

Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC/osteonectin/BM40) is one of the most abundant non-collagenous protein expressed in mineralized tissues. This review will focus on elucidating functional roles of SPARC in bone formation building upon results from non-mineralized cells and tissues, the phenotype of SPARC-null bones, and recent discoveries of human diseases with either dysregulated expression of SPARC or mutations in the gene encoding SPARC that give rise to bone pathologies. The capacity of SPARC to influence pathways involved in extracellular matrix assembly such as procollagen processing and collagen fibril formation as well as the capacity to influence osteoblast differentiation and osteoclast activity will be addressed.

Alfaxalone for total intravenous anaesthesia in bitches undergoing elective caesarean section and its effects on puppies: a randomized clinical trial.

Objective: To evaluate the effects and reliability of alfaxalone constant rate infusion (CRI) in comparison to isoflurane to maintain anaesthesia in bitches undergoing elective caesarean section.

Study Design: Prospective, randomized, 'blinded' clinical trial.

Animals: Twenty-two client-owned bitches and 94 puppies.

Decreased Mechanical Strength and Collagen Content in SPARC-Null Periodontal Ligament Is Reversed by Inhibition of Transglutaminase Activity.

The periodontal ligament (PDL) is a critical tissue that provides a physical link between the mineralized outer layer of the tooth and the alveolar bone. The PDL is composed primarily of nonmineralized fibrillar collagens. Expression of secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC/osteonectin), a collagen-binding matricellular protein, has been shown to be essential for collagen homeostasis in PDL.

Age-related changes in biochemical and hematologic variables in Borzoi and Beagle puppies from birth to 8 weeks.

Background: Nonspecific signs of illness and availability of only limited information about expected biochemical and hematologic values in puppies make formulation of a differential diagnosis challenging for veterinarians.

Objectives: The objectives of this prospective study were to describe age-related changes in biochemical and hematologic variables in Borzoi and Beagle puppies from birth to 8 weeks and to compare results with adult reference intervals (RIs).

Methods: Biochemical and hematologic analytes in blood collected in heparin and EDTA from 31 clinically healthy puppies (21 Beagle and 10 Borzoi dogs) were measured or calculated each week from birth to 8 weeks of age.

A case report of an ectopic fetus in a cat.

An ectopic fetus was discovered in an 18-month-old uniparous queen that was admitted for an elective ovariectomy. Six months prior she had delivered three healthy kittens. During the preoperative examination, a mass similar in size to a full-term fetus was detected in the abdominal cavity.