A retrospective study of canine hip dysplasia in 116 military working dogs. Part I: Angle measurements and orthopedic foundation for animals (OFA) grading

The progression of hip dysplasia was investigated in 116 military working dogs. Serial pelvic radiographs were graded for degree of dysplasia and degenerative joint disease (DJD). Norberg angles, angles of inclination, and joint space widths were measured. There was a significant correlation between the Norberg angle and the degree of dysplasia (p less than 0.0001). Angles of inclination and joint space width measurements did not demonstrate a correlation to canine hip dysplasia. Dysplastic dogs had a significant estimated risk for development of DJD compared to normal dogs (p less than 0.0001; odds ratio of 70.2). Dogs with normal hip conformation at 24 months of age or older did not develop moderate nor severe DJD.

A retrospective study of canine hip dysplasia in 116 military working dogs. Part II: Clinical signs and performance data

The progression of hip dysplasia was investigated in 116 military working dogs. Medical records were reviewed for any clinical history of hind-limb lameness. Pelvic radiographs were studied for evidence and degree of hip dysplasia, degenerative joint disease, or both. The number of months each dog worked was determined. Each dog's age at termination from service and cause of death (or euthanasia) were recorded. The mean months of work for normal and dysplastic dogs were evaluated using the Student's t-test. No significant difference was found in the total number of months worked between normal and dysplastic dogs (p greater than 0.05).

Psychological problems following minor head injury: a prospective study

Fifty people admitted to hospital with a predominantly minor head injury were interviewed six months and three years later. As a group, they showed evidence of post-traumatic stress disorder consistent with the DSM-III-R (American Psychiatric Association, 1987) definition, and psychological distress as measured by the Impact of Event scale and the General Health Questionnaire. In addition, changes in self-concept were measured and a prominent theme emerged of the discontinuity in the participants' sense of self following the head injury. These changes showed a significant relationship with psychological symptoms. Occupational and social functioning of the participants is also reported. It is suggested that disturbance and change following minor head injury is common and can be chronic.

Clues to depression in primary care practice

Depression is a common but highly treatable mood disorder. Unfortunately, two thirds of depressed patients may never receive appropriate intervention. Because of individual and societal barriers to the diagnosis, depressive symptoms often go unrecognized. However, primary care physicians are in a unique position to surmount these obstacles by being alert to manifestations of the disorder. Treatment with antidepressant drugs, psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy, or a combination of these is very efficacious. The choice of method is based on such factors as history of previous response, severity of disease, concomitant medical illness, and patient preference.

A comparison of laparoscopic and belt-loop gastropexy in dogs

A simplified technique for laparoscopic gastropexy (group 1) was compared to belt-loop gastropexy (group 2) in eight adult male dogs randomly divided into two groups of four dogs each. Our hypothesis was that a satisfactory laparoscopic gastropexy would approximate the strength and operative time required for belt-loop gastropexy. Operative time, surgical complications, postoperative morbidity, gross and histological appearance, radiographic microvascularization, and maximal tensile strength were measured and compared between the two groups. All dogs recovered from surgery. No morbidity was associated with either procedure. The mean (+/- SD) duration of surgery was 69.75 +/- 7.23 minutes for group 1 and 58.75 +/- 7.63 minutes for group 2. Fifty days after surgery, the microvascular appearance of the gastropexy site was similar for both groups. Blood vessels were observed within each seromuscular flap but vascular ingrowth to the abdominal musculature was observed in only two dogs, one from each group. The maximum tensile strength at 50 days was 76.55 +/- 22.78 for group 1 and 109.21 +/- 22.29 N for group 2. Differences between surgical duration and maximum tensile strength were not statistically significant (P > .05). Histologically, all gastropexies consisted of an adhesion composed of dense fibrous connective tissue. The results of this study indicate that laparoscopic gastropexy provides a minimally invasive alternative to open abdominal prophylactic gastropexy in dogs.

Novel indirect fluorescent antibody test for Lyme disease

An indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test was developed using a novel format of Borrelia burgdorferi organisms adhered to a monolayer of cultured endothelial cells derived from an equine tumor. Sensitivity and specificity of the new IFA test for detecting anti-B, burgdorferi antibodies were evaluated using sera from dogs inoculated with live B. burgdorferi or vaccinated with B. burgdorferi bacterin or leptobacterins and from unvaccinated specific-pathogen-free (SPF) dogs. To compare the new IFA test with existing tests, serum samples were submitted to independent laboratories to be tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and a traditional IFA test. Samples were also tested with 2 commercially available membrane-bound ELISA kits. Both Borrelia-inoculated dogs and dogs vaccinated with B. burgdorferi bacterin developed levels of antibody detectable by the new IFA test. Dogs vaccinated with a combination canine vaccine or leptobacterin for food animal use developed detectable levels of antibody against Leptospira but remained seronegative for Borrelia by the new IFA test, as did the unvaccinated SPF dogs. The new IFA test was sensitive, detecting antibodies against B. burgdorferi as early as 7 days postinoculation. It was also specific, showing no cross-reactivity with anti-Leptospira antibodies induced by vaccination with leptobacterins. The new IFA test compared favorably with both the standardized traditional IFA test and ELISA. Results from both membrane-bound ELISA kits were not consistent when compared with each other or with the new IFA test. The new IFA test had low nonspecific fluorescence, which made it easier to evaluate and reduced the human error and variability of test results.

Further validation of a multiplex STR system for use in routine forensic identity testing

A polymerase chain reaction- (PCR) based short tandem repeat (STR) system has recently been developed for use in routine forensic identity testing. The methodology involves the simultaneous amplification of alleles at four loci on different chromosomes, followed by the fluorescent detection of products using an automated DNA sequencer. The adoption of this technology into operational casework offers several advantages over systems currently in use, particularly the ability to obtain results from very old or small samples, reduced operator time when compared with conventional DNA (single locus probe) analysis and the potential for automation. Validation studies were incorporated into the development work on this system. The scope of these studies has been extended by further investigation carried out in this laboratory to test the reliability of the system under normal operational procedures. It was demonstrated that the precision of size determination was sufficient for the discrimination of alleles and size windows for allelic designation were established. A collaborative exercise carried out in conjunction with two independent laboratories demonstrated the robustness of allelic designation. Having tested both the DNA quantification and amplification techniques against DNA samples from a wide range of animal and microbial species, it was confirmed that results are only obtained from higher primate DNA. The PCR methodology was tested with both simulated and real casework samples (over 250 in total). Reportable results were obtained from most items yielding extracted DNA. Approximately 20% of the casework items from which no grouping (ABO, PGM) nor SLP results were obtained, gave reportable STR results. A method for the routine purification of DNA extracts which failed to amplify was established and validated for use in forensic casework. The STR multiplex system developed by Kimpton et al. proved robust and reliable when tested under the operational procedures in place in this laboratory.

Effect of locally injected medications on healing of pad wounds in dogs

OBJECTIVE

To ascertain the effects of locally injected immunostimulant and tripeptide-copper complex (TCC) on improving healing of pad wounds.

DESIGN

Wounds in pads of large dogs were injected with either medication or physiologic saline solution (controls). Healing was evaluated.

ANIMALS

12 mature English Pointers.

PROCEDURE

Full-thickness 6 x 8-mm wounds in metatarsal and third and fourth digital pads were injected with immunostimulant or TCC at 0, 3, and 6 days after wounding. Wounds on control dogs were injected with physiologic saline solution. Using planimetric measurements at 0, 3, 6, 14, and 21 days, rates of healing were evaluated. Biopsy of the digital pad wounds at 3, 6, and 14 days was used to evaluate collagen content by hydroxyproline analysis. Biopsy specimens were also evaluated for type-I and type-III collagen, using Sirius red differential staining.

RESULTS

Effect on healing rate and hydroxyproline content was best during the first week for immunostimulant. Immunostimulant- and TCC-injected wounds had more type-I collagen than did controls at 6 days; TCC-injected wounds had the most type-I collagen. At 14 days, the amount of type-I collagen in TCC-injected wounds was significantly greater than that in other wounds.

CONCLUSIONS

Tested medications had positive effects on healing of pad wounds.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Intralesional injection of medications helps ensure their presence for enhancement of wound healing. The benefit could be lost with topical use in a bandage if the bandage is lost or becomes wet.

Occupational portrayals on television: children's role schemata, career aspirations, and perceptions of reality

Do children's schemata for occupations they observe in real life differ from those they see on TV? 177 second- and fifth-graders were assigned to conditions in a 2 (real-life or on TV) x 2 (police officer or nurse) design. They answered open-ended questions about what police officers or nurses do (in real life or on TV) and rated the typicality of various job activities. Their schematic knowledge about TV and real occupations was clearly differentiated. TV versions entailed more glamour, higher income, more stereotypes, and more dramatic events without negative consequences. Real-life occupations entailed more effort, status, and excitement. Older children differentiated slightly more clearly than younger ones. Children who perceived television as factual and realistic had real-world schemata similar to TV images. Children who were heavy viewers and perceived television as realistic were most likely to aspire to jobs shown on TV.

CONCLUSION

children form separate schemata for social information acquired from TV and from real-world experience, but those who perceive television as socially realistic are apt to incorporate TV messages in their schemata and their aspirations.

Comparison of maternal blood and fetal liver selenium concentrations in cattle in California

Selenium concentration was measured in paired maternal blood samples and fetal liver specimens collected at a San Joaquin County, Calif, slaughterhouse (beef = 19, dairy = 54) and from bovine aborted fetuses submitted to the California Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory System (CVDLS; beef = 20, dairy = 20). Of the slaughterhouse samples and specimens, dairy maternal blood selenium concentration was significantly (P < 0.001) higher (mean +/- SD; 0.22 +/- 0.056 microgram/ml) than that for beef breeds (0.137 +/- 0.082 microgram/ml). The CVDLS mean maternal blood selenium concentration for the dairy-breed samples (0.192 +/- 0.028 microgram/ml) was similar to that for the slaughterhouse dairy-breed samples, but was greater than that for the slaughterhouse beef-breed samples. Slaughterhouse mean fetal liver selenium content also was higher (P < 0.001) for the dairy breeds (0.777 +/- 0.408 microgram/g), compared with the beef breeds (0.443 +/- 0.038 microgram/g). Mean fetal liver selenium content for slaughterhouse specimens was higher (P < 0.002) than that for the CVDLS specimens (beef, 0.244 +/- 0.149 microgram/g; dairy, 0.390 +/- 0.165 microgram/g). At the CVDLS, dairy fetal liver content was greater (P < 0.001) than that for beef breeds. Mean ratio of fetal liver selenium content to maternal blood selenium concentration was 3.53 +/- 1.89 for dairy breeds at the slaughterhouse (liver-to-blood correlation [r] = 0.38), and was 2.11 +/- 1.00 for dairy breeds at the CVDLS (r = 0.31) and 3.43 +/- 1.50 for beef breeds (r = 0.58). Both slaughterhouse breed ratios were significantly (P < 0.002) greater than the CVDLS dairy-breed ratio. On the basis of these results, breed and source location should be taken into account when interpreting selenium values. Fetal liver selenium content should only be used as a screening test and combined with whole blood selenium concentration from clinically normal herdmates to evaluate herd selenium status.

Luteinizing hormone releasing hormone, estrogen, and progesterone receptors in canine mammary lesions and tumor cell lines

Nineteen canine mammary lesions were analyzed for estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and luteinizing hormone releasing hormone receptor (LHRHR) content. In addition, nine previously established canine mammary tumor cell lines with known ER and PR were analyzed for LHRHR. The incidence of receptors in the mammary tumor lesions was 21% for LHRHR, 10% for ER and 30% for PR. Statistical correlation was not observed between receptor status and diagnosis of malignant, benign, or hyperplastic lesions. A relationship between LHRHR and ER and PR content of canine mammary lesions or cell lines was not evident. The presence of functional hormone receptors offers opportunity for hormonal treatment of mammary cancer which may not be completely treatable by surgery. The observation of LHRHR in canine mammary tumors may offer therapeutic interventions other than surgery for mammary tumors unresponsive to antiestrogens.

Computed tomographic morphometry of the lumbosacral spine of dogs

In a 5-year prospective study, computed tomographic (CT) morphometry of the lumbosacral vertebral canal was performed on 42 large-breed dogs (21 controls and 21 dogs with lumbosacral stenosis). Dogs were allotted to 4 groups. Group 1 (n = 13) consisted of cadaver specimens obtained from dogs that died or were euthanatized for reasons unrelated to the spine; group 2 (n = 8) consisted of live dogs with no history of clinical signs related to the spine and with normal neurologic examination findings; group 3 (n = 10) consisted of dogs with surgically confirmed lumbosacral stenosis; and group 4 (n = 11) consisted of dogs with suspected lumbosacral stenosis that were managed conservatively. The CT scans were performed, using 5-mm contiguous slices obtained perpendicular to the vertebral canal, from the midbody of the 5th lumbar vertebra through the caudal endplate of the sacrum (L5-S3). Lumbosacral lordosis was minimized in all dogs by positioning them in dorsal recumbency with the hind limbs flexed. A tuberculin syringe calibration phantom was placed within the scanning field of view, parallel to the axis of the spine. In each dog, 11 CT slice locations within the lumbosacral spine were evaluated. At each slice location, sagittal plane diameter, dorsal plane diameter, and transverse area of the vertebral canal, vertebral body, and calibration phantom were measured, using the CT computer's software programs for distance and area calculation. Window/level settings were constant, and all measurements were made by the same operator (JCJ). Accuracy of calibration phantom CT measurements was 100% for sagittal and dorsal plane diameter and was 85% for transverse area.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Using telecommunication technology to manage children with diabetes: the Computer-Linked Outpatient Clinic (CLOC) Study

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of using a telecommunication system to assist in the outpatient management of pediatric patients with insulin-dependent diabetes. Metabolic control, patients' psychosocial status, family functioning, perceived quality of life, patterns of parental/child responsibility for daily diabetes maintenance, and nursing time-on-task were evaluated. One hundred six pediatric patients (mean age = 13.3 years) were randomly assigned to an experimental or control outpatient clinic for 1 year. Experimental subjects transmitted self-monitoring blood glucose data by modem to the hospital every 2 weeks. Transmitted data were reviewed by nurse practitioners who telephoned subjects to discuss regimen adjustments. Control subjects received standard care with regimen adjustments made by physicians. There were no significant between-group differences for metabolic control, rates of hospitalization or emergency-room visits, psychological status, general family functioning, quality of life, or parent-child responsibility. A significant decrease was noted in nursing time-on-task for experimental subjects.

Security of attachment in 8-12-year-olds: a revised version of the Separation Anxiety Test, its psychometric properties and clinical interpretation

This study examined the reliability and validity of an adapted version of the Separation Anxiety Test (SAT) for 8-12-year-old children. Clinical (N = 21) and nonclinical (N = 21) participants were compared on responses to the SAT coded using the Seattle scoring indices. Inter-rater reliability was established at an acceptable level, however, test-retest reliability and internal test construction were less satisfactory. Sample comparisons found the clinical participants described themselves as less securely attached and more avoidant of emotional expression than the control participants. The indices of attachment security were also related to various socioemotional aspects of functioning. In addition, the results indicated that describing "self" as different from a similar "other" child was significantly related to parental reports of poor social competence. Results are discussed in relation to an Attachment Theory framework as well as from a clinical perspective.

The intercondylar fossa of the normal canine stifle an anatomic and radiographic study

The intercondylar fossa (ICF) in dogs consists of a cranial outlet, intercondylar shelf, caudal arch, caudal outlet, a medial wall, and a lateral wall. The normal cranial outlet is bell-shape and, in mixed-breed dogs (mean body weight 19.2 kg, N = 21), measured 5.8 mm cranially, 8.1 mm centrally, and 10.3 mm caudally. The ICF is oriented 12 degrees from the dorsal plane of the femoral diaphysis and obliqued 7 degrees, proximolateral to distomedial, in the sagittal plane. To adjust for dog size, a fossa width index (FWI) was calculated by dividing the cranial outlet width by the distance between epicondyles. The normal FWI as determined in this study was 0.18 cranially, 0.25 centrally, and 0.32 caudally. The fossa height index 0.31. Contact between the ICF and the cranial cruciate ligament began at about 115 degrees of extension. The contact area moved cranially in the intercondylar fossa as the stifle was extended. Evaluation of the ICF can be performed radiographically but positioning is critical.

The effect of intercondylar notchplasty on the normal canine stifle

This study evaluated the effect of notchplasty (enlargement of the intercondylar fossa) in stable and unstable canine stifles. Bilateral notchplasty and unilateral cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) transection were performed in 6 dogs. Exercise, consisting of walking 1.5 miles three times a week, began 1 month after surgery and continued until euthanasia 6 months after surgery. Evaluation methods included orthopedic examination, serial radiographs, thin section radiography, histopathology, and gross pathology. Notchplasty in the stable stifle did not cause lameness beyond 3 weeks, joint instability, or degenerative joint disease. In the stable stifle, smooth resurfacing of the notchplasty site with fibrous and osseous tissue occurred. Stifles with notchplasty and CrCL transection exhibited persistent lameness, instability, and degenerative joint disease. In CrCL deficient stifles osteophytes formed within the notchplasty site, resulting in a rough surface. Our observations indicated significant refilling in notchplasties of both stable and unstable stifles (P < .05). However, the intercondylar fossa (ICF) width 6 months after notchplasty was significantly smaller in unstable stifles compared with stable stifles (P < .05) indicating that greater refilling of the notchplasties occurred in the unstable stifles. In clinical cases, notchplasty should be larger than the desired final result to accomodate the partial refilling that occurs even in stable stifles.

Clinicopathologic effects of a 21-aminosteroid compound (U74389G) and high-dose methylprednisolone on spinal cord function after simulated spinal cord trauma

A model simulating acute-compressive spinal cord trauma at the second lumbar spinal cord segment (100 g, 300 seconds) was used to evaluate the efficacy of a vehicle control, methylprednisolone sodium succinate (MPSS), and a 21-aminosteroid compound (U74389G). Dogs were allocated into one of five treatment groups (A to E) using ultrasonographic determination of spinal cord diameters to ensure even distribution of spinal cord diameters among the treatment groups. Initial dosages of the vehicle control (A), methylprednisolone (30 mg/kg of body weight) (B), or U74389G (30 mg/kg, 3 mg/kg, or 10 mg/kg of body weight) (C, D, or E, respectively) were administered intravenously 30 minutes after trauma. Dosages were reduced by one-half for 2 and 6 hour treatments. Then every 4 hours for 42 hours, dosages were reduced one-third and one-sixth from the original dose of methylprednisolone and U74389G, respectively. Neurological examinations were performed daily for 21 days. Histopathological examination of the traumatized spinal cord showed malacic and degenerative lesions. Although significant differences in some portions of the neurological and histopathologic examinations were observed, clinical efficacy for MPSS and U74389G could not be established in this model.

Prolonged gestation, decreased triiodothyronine concentration, and thyroid gland histomorphologic features in newborn foals of mares grazing Acremonion coenophialum-infected fescue

Newborn foals of mares grazing on Acremonium coenophialum-infected fescue pasture throughout gestation or from gestation day 300 to parturition had increased gestation duration and decreased serum triiodothyronine concentration. Pregnant mares were allotted to 4 treatments: grazing continuously on endophyte-free (E-) fescue, grazing continuously on endophyte-infected (E+) fescue, grazing on E+ fescue from gestation day 300 to parturition, and grazing on E+ fescue from conception to gestation day 300. Morphometric studies indicated that foals born to mares exposed to endophyte late in gestation had large, distended thyroid follicles lined by flat cuboidal epithelial cells. Mean triiodothyronine concentration in foals exposed to endophyte (395.2 ng/dl) was decreased (P < 0.01), compared with mean values in control foals (778.0 ng/dl). Thyroxine and reverse triiodothyronine concentrations were not significantly different among groups. Foal organ weight as a percentage of foal body weight was not significantly different among experimental groups.