A novel reconstruction model for thoracic spinal cord injury in swine.

Spinal cord (SC) reconstruction (process to reestablish the severed neural continuity at the injury site) may provide better recovery from blunt SC injury (SCI). A miniature swine model of blunt SC compression was used to test the hypothesis that reconstruction of the SC with sural nerve in combination with surgical decompression and stabilization improves functional, macro- and microstructural recovery compared to decompression and stabilization alone. Following blunt T9-T11 SC compression injury, five adult Yucatan gilts randomly received laminectomy and polyethylene glycol (as fusogen) with (n = 3) or without (n = 2) sural nerve graft SC reconstruction.

Decompressive craniectomy surgery in a dog with intracranial extradural hematoma following blunt force trauma.

A young miniature poodle was presented following blunt force trauma to the head. The dog initially responded well to medical management before developing clinical signs associated with increased intracranial pressure 48 h post-injury that became refractory to hyperosmolar therapy. A computed tomography scan obtained 76 h post-injury showed a short, oblique, non-displaced, complete fissure in the right temporal bone and a second short, oblique, non-displaced, complete fissure in the ventral aspect of the temporal bone.

Fluoroscopically measured bronchial collapse in healthy dogs during cough exceeds 25%, and a cutoff of 60% bronchial collapse can be used to distinguish healthy from chronically coughing dogs.

Bronchomalacia, the weakening of bronchial cartilage, is a common cause of cough in dogs. The gold standard for diagnosis of bronchomalacia is bronchoscopy; however, fluoroscopy is often used as a preliminary diagnostic test due to its noninvasiveness. The normal amount of bronchial collapse in healthy dogs using fluoroscopy has not been previously established, with some authors citing <25%.

Clinical effectiveness and safety of intraarticular administration of a Tin radiocolloid (Synovetin OA ) for treatment of early and intermediate grade osteoarthritis of the elbow in a dose finding study conducted in 44 dogs.

Osteoarthritis of the elbow joint secondary to elbow dysplasia is common in dogs. Intraarticular radionuclide injection is thought to suppress both synovitis and inflammatory pain mediators in the joint which are not directly addressed by current treatments. This dose-finding investigation was a longitudinal, prospective, experimental parallel group, post-test study with repeated measures.

ACVR and ECVDI consensus statement for the standardization of the abdominal ultrasound examination.

This consensus statement is designed to provide a standard of care document and describes the ACVR and ECVDI definition for performing a standard abdominal ultrasound examination in dogs and cats. The ACVR and ECVDI define a standard abdominal ultrasonographic examination as a complete exam of the abdominal organs which is appropriately documented. The consensus statement intends to provide guidance to veterinary sonographers and veterinarians for the performance and documentation of high-quality diagnostic ultrasound examination.

Computed tomography myelography technique and spinal morphometry in healthy Yucatan pigs.

Porcine models of spinal cord injury (SCI) have an irreplaceable role in the development of experimental therapies. There is little literature regarding CT myelogram (CTM) techniques in swine and morphometry in miniature swine has not been established. A CT-guided method for performing myelography as well as reference values for spinal morphometry in healthy Yucatan miniature swine is lacking.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of the effects of azithromycin on antral motility and gastric emptying in healthy cats.

Background: Erythromycin, a macrolide antibiotic with motilin agonist properties, shortens gastric emptying (GE) time in healthy cats. Azithromycin, another macrolide antibiotic, is effective for treatment of gastric paresis in people.

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of azithromycin on GE and gastric motility in healthy cats in comparison with erythromycin (positive control) and placebo.

CT characterisation and classification of feline temporomandibular joint trauma: a case series of 79 cats.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to characterise and describe patterns of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) injuries occurring in cats using CT.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in adherence with the STROBE guidelines. Among the medical and CT records of 79 cats, 158 TMJs were reviewed in a collaborative study between six institutions.

Safety and Clinical Response Following a Repeat Intraarticular Injection of Tin-117m (Sn) Colloid in Dogs with Elbow Osteoarthritis.

Objective: To determine if a repeat intraarticular (IA) injection of a tin-117m colloid radiosynoviorthesis (RSO) agent can be safely given in the same joint 12 months after an initial injection for treatment of canine elbow osteoarthritis (OA), and to evaluate the pain reduction effect of the repeat injection.

Methods And Materials: Nine client owned dogs with grade 1 or 2 elbow OA were given an IA injection of tin-117m colloid in both elbows, one of which had been treated ≤12 months earlier with the same RSO device. Treatment safety was evaluated by joint fluid analysis at baseline (BL) and at 180 days after treatment, and by urinalysis, CBC, and serum chemistry analysis of diagnostic samples obtained at BL and 180 days.

Treatment response in dogs with naturally occurring grade 3 elbow osteoarthritis following intra-articular injection of 117mSn (tin) colloid.

The radionuclide 117mSn (tin-117m) embedded in a homogeneous colloid is a novel radiosynoviorthesis (RSO) device for intra-articular (IA) administration to treat synovial inflammation and mitigate osteoarthritis (OA) in dogs. A study to evaluate tin-117m colloid treatment response in dogs with OA was conducted at two centers, the School of Veterinary Medicine at Louisiana State University, and at a referral practice in Houston, Texas. The tin-117m colloid was administered per-protocol to 14 client-owned dogs with radiographically confirmed, grade 3 OA in one or both elbow joints.

Prospective Clinical Evaluation of Intra-Articular Injection of Tin-117m (Sn) Radiosynoviorthesis Agent for Management of Naturally Occurring Elbow Osteoarthritis in Dogs: A Pilot Study.

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical effects of an intra-articular injection of Sn-colloid for management of canine grade 1 or 2 elbow osteoarthritis (OA).

Patients And Methods: This was a prospective study in 23 dogs with grade 1 or 2 elbow OA. An orthopedic examination and elbow radiographs were performed to confirm the presence of OA.

A study of ultrasound-guided perineural injection of the caudal cervical spinal nerve roots in equine cadavers.

Objectives: To develop an ultrasound-guided cervical perineural injection technique for horses and to evaluate and compare the distribution of contrast agent among perineural, intra-articular and periarticular injections.

Study Design: Prospective, experimental cadaveric study.

Animals: A total of 14 equine cadaveric necks.

ACVIM consensus statement on pancreatitis in cats.

Background: Pancreatitis in cats, although commonly diagnosed, still presents many diagnostic and management challenges.

Objective: To summarize the current literature as it relates to etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of pancreatitis in cats and to arrive at clinically relevant suggestions for veterinary clinicians that are based on evidence, and where such evidence is lacking, based on consensus of experts in the field.

Animals: None.

Influence of repeat abdominal radiographs on the resolution of mechanical obstruction and gastrointestinal foreign material in dogs and cats.

Mechanical obstruction is a common cause of acute vomiting among small animals and radiography is the first line diagnostic tool. Due to many circumstances, surgery may not be an immediate treatment option. The purpose of this retrospective, cross-sectional design study is to determine the incidence of radiographic resolution of mechanical obstruction or gastrointestinal foreign material with medical management.

Unusual Pathologic Brain Changes Associated with Zinc Toxicosis in a Blue-Fronted Amazon Parrot (Amazona aestiva).

An adult blue-fronted Amazon parrot (Amazona aestiva) was presented for a 6-wk history of ataxia and weight loss. Complete blood count, plasma chemistry panel, bile acids, and radiographic imaging were considered normal or unremarkable. The patient was hospitalized and supported with subcutaneous fluids, vitamin B complex, meloxicam, enrofloxacin, gavage feeding, and fenbendazole.

Ultrasonographic assessment of the effect of metoclopramide, erythromycin, and exenatide on solid-phase gastric emptying in healthy cats.

Background: Available data on the effect of gastrointestinal motility-modifying drugs in cats are limited. Most recommendations for drug usage and dosage are based on collective clinical experience.

Objectives: To assess the effects of metoclopramide, erythromycin, and exenatide on gastric emptying (GE) and gastric motility in comparison to placebo.

Performing both lateral abdominal radiographs may not improve the visualization of gas in the gastric outflow tract of cats.

Reports in the veterinary literature support three-view abdominal radiographs as a standard of practice for evaluating dogs with suspected gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. The usefulness of three-view abdominal studies has not been evaluated in cats. Images from a prospective crossover group study with 20 healthy cats, and those from a retrospective cohort study of 110 cats, were reviewed and the location and degree of gas was assessed in the gastric outflow tract.

Zebra-borne neurotropic equid herpesvirus 1 meningoencephalitis in a Thomson's gazelle ( Eudorcas thomsonii).

We describe the histopathologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular features of a case of meningoencephalitis in a Thomson's gazelle ( Eudorcas thomsonii) naturally infected with zebra-borne equid herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) and the implications for the molecular detection of zebra-borne EHV-1. A 4-y-old female Thomson's gazelle was submitted for postmortem examination; no gross abnormalities were noted except for meningeal congestion. Microscopic evaluation demonstrated multifocal nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis with intranuclear eosinophilic and amphophilic inclusion bodies and EHV-9 antigen in neurons.

Validation of Ultrasonography for Assessment of Gastric Emptying Time in Healthy Cats by Radionuclide Scintigraphy.

Background: The prevalence of gastric emptying (GE) disorders in cats is unknown due to lack of clinically applicable diagnostic tests.

Objectives: The principal aim of this study was to assess correlation between scintigraphic and ultrasonographic measurements of GE time (GET) in healthy cats. Additionally, variability of ultrasonographic GET, and correlation between scintigraphy and ultrasonographic parameters of gastric motility were evaluated.