The use of electrical stimulation to guide epidural and intrathecal needle advancement at the L5 -L6 intervertebral space in dogs.

Objective: To determine the minimal electrical threshold (MET) necessary to elicit appropriate muscle contraction when the tip of an insulated needle is positioned epidurally or intrathecally at the L5-6 intervertebral space (phase-I) and to determine whether the application of a fixed electrical current during its advancement could indicate needle entry into the intrathecal space (phase-II) in dogs.

Study Design: Prospective, blinded study.

Animals: Thirteen (phase-I) and seventeen (phase-II) dogs, scheduled for a surgical procedure where L5-6 intrathecal administration was indicated.

Antibody response to the epsilon toxin of Clostridium perfringens following vaccination of Lama glama crias.

Background: Enterotoxaemia produced by Clostridium perfringens A, C and D is an important cause of mortality in young llamas. There is no data on antibody responses following vaccination with epsilon toxin.

Methodology: Twenty-six L.