Influence of storage on the quality of conventional CT and µCT-imaging for the middle and inner cat ear.

The aim of this study was to analyze whether different fixation methods such as freezing or formaldehyde storage for different periods of time have an influence on the recognition of anatomical relevant structures in the middle and inner ear of the cat with conventional computed tomography (cCT) and micro-computed tomography (µCT). Besides, effects of freeze-thaw cycles on determined structures of the ear were investigated by means of histological slices. Three veterinarians with different radiologic expertise evaluated the scans of 30 dissected cat ears anonymously and scored predefined structures in a five-point scale with reference to visually sharp reproducibility and perfect image quality.

Differences between µCT-imaging and conventional CT for the diagnosis of possible diseases of the middle and inner cat ear.

The aim of this study was to check the relevance of using in-vivo micro computed tomography (µCT) for the diagnosis of possible diseases of the middle and inner ear of the cat. Therefore, on the one hand, differences of the detail detectability between the two imaging methods conventional computed tomography (cCT) and in-vivo µCT were analyzed. Six healthy cat ears were dissected and scanned several times and the obtained images were compared with each other.

[Use of mesenchymal stemcells in dogs].

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are multipotent cells, which are able to differentiate into various cell types of the body, as for example in osteogenic, chondrogenic, adipogenic and myogenic directions. In human medicine, the application of stem cells represents a well-established clinical procedure already applied for several decades. Addition-ally, in veterinary medicine, the stem-cell field is a rapidly growing sector for clinical use, particularly in horses.

Hemotrophic mycoplasmas induce programmed cell death in red blood cells.

Hemotrophic mycoplasmas (HM) are uncultivable bacteria found on and in the red blood cells (RBCs). The main clinical sign of HM infections is the hemolytic anemia. However, anemia-inducing pathogenesis has not been totally clarified.