The effects of hydrogen treatment in a cigarette smoke solution-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-like changes in an animal model

Background

Molecular hydrogen, with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, may be suitable for the prevention and treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study aims to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of hydrogen-oxygen (H₂/O₂) treatment in cigarette smoke solution (CSS)-induced COPD-like injury in a female BALB/c mouse model.

Methods

Thirty mice were randomly assigned to three groups: Control (n=8), COPD (n=10), and COPD + H₂/O₂ (n=12). CSS was administered by intraperitoneal (IP) injection twice weekly for 6 weeks during the COPD induction phase. Simultaneously, the COPD + H₂/O₂ group started received 75 minutes of inhalation therapy (42% H₂) delivered by the Oxy-Hydrogen Generator twice daily for 9 weeks. Mice body weights and survival were measured throughout the study period. Neutrophil elastase (NE) activity and lung histopathological changes were also evaluated.

Results

The results showed a higher survival rate in the COPD + H₂/O₂ group compared to the COPD group (100% vs. 80%) during the induction phase. Slight decreases in body weight gains were observed in the COPD and COPD + H₂/O₂ groups during the first 15 days of the induction phase, but there was no significant difference in mean body weights among the three groups throughout the study period. NE activity was numerically lower in the COPD + H₂/O₂ group compared to the COPD group. The histopathological evaluation showed significant improvements in the H₂/O₂-treated mice with respect to mean linear intercept (MLI) and lesion (inflammation and emphysema) scores. Improvements in goblet cell hypertrophy and hyperplasia of airway epithelium were not significant.

Conclusions

A 9-week H_2/O₂ inhalation therapy delivered by the Oxy-Hydrogen Generator to CSS-induced COPD-like injury in mice showed improvement in survival rate, alveolar structural changes, and histopathological lesion scores of the lung.

Zinc-associated acute pancreatitis in a dog

Zinc-induced haemolytic anaemia is a common phenomenon in dogs in the USA following the ingestion of pennies minted after 1982. A case of acute pancreatitis secondary to zinc toxicosis in a dog is described. Acute pancreatitis has been reported in humans, following the ingestion of liquid zinc chloride, but zinc-associated pancreatitis has not been reported previously in the dog. The mechanism of toxicity is unknown, although the pathophysiology may relate to the role of the pancreas in zinc excretion. Acute pancreatitis as a sequela to zinc toxicosis in the dog represents a complication that may prolong hospitalisation and worsen the prognosis.

Clinical, clinicopathologic, radiographic, and ultrasonographic characteristics of intestinal lymphangiectasia in dogs: 17 cases (1996-1998)

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the clinical, clinicopathologic, and imaging findings in dogs with intestinal lymphangiectasia and to compare the histologic grade of lymphangiectasia with clinicopathologic and imaging abnormalities.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

ANIMALS

17 dogs with a histologic diagnosis of intestinal lymphangiectasia.

PROCEDURE

Medical records of dogs with a histologic diagnosis of intestinal lymphangiectasia were reviewed for signalment, history, clinical signs, results of exploratory laparotomy, and clinicopathologic, radiographic, ultrasonographic, and histologic findings.

RESULTS

Mean age of dogs was 8.3 years; the most common clinical signs were diarrhea, anorexia, lethargy, vomiting, and weight loss. Abnormal physical examination findings included dehydration, ascites, and signs of pain on palpation of the abdomen. The most notable clinicopathologic findings were low serum ionized calcium concentration and hypoalbuminemia. Abdominal ultrasonography was performed in 12 dogs and revealed intestinal abnormalities in 8 dogs and peritoneal effusion in 7 dogs. Exploratory laparotomy revealed abnormalities in 9 of 16 dogs including thickened small intestine, dilated lacteals, lymphadenopathy, and adhesions. On histologic examination of the small intestine, concurrent inflammation was observed in 15 of 17 dogs, crypt ectasia in 5 of 17, and lipogranulomas in 2 of 17.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Intestinal lymphangiectasia in dogs appears to be a heterogeneous disorder characterized by various degrees of panhypoproteinemia, hypocholesterolemia, lymphocytopenia, and imaging abnormalities. In most dogs, the severity of hypoalbuminemia appears to offer the best correlation with severity of histologic lesions of lymphangiectasia. Imaging abnormalities are common in dogs with intestinal lymphangiectasia but are not specific enough to differentiate this disorder from other gastrointestinal disorders, nor are they predictive of histologic severity.

Renal blood flow changes induced with endothelin-1 and fenoldopam mesylate at quantitative Doppler US: initial results in a canine study

PURPOSE

To evaluate quantitative Doppler ultrasonography (US) for assessing renal blood flow changes induced with endothelin-1 (ET-1) and fenoldopam mesylate in conscious dogs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A blood flow probe was surgically implanted around the renal artery in eight adult dogs. Color and power Doppler US images were acquired in conscious restrained dogs during intravenous infusion of ET-1 and fenoldopam mesylate. Simultaneous with imaging, blood flow through the renal artery was measured with the implanted probe. The color level of the images within the region representing the kidney was analyzed to derive flow indices. These indices were compared with direct-flow measurements.

RESULTS

The flow indices, color-weighted flow area (CWFA), and percentage of area of color, derived from color and power Doppler US images, correlated linearly with direct flow. The mean color level of color and power Doppler US images correlated weakly with direct flow. Pre- versus postinfusion CWFA decreased with all ET-1 infusions (P < or =.032). Infusion of fenoldopam mesylate increased CWFA in all cases (P < or =.032).

CONCLUSION

Quantitative Doppler US enabled successful measurement of the flow changes induced with ET-1 and fenoldopam mesylate. Quantitative Doppler US is potentially useful as a noninvasive surrogate endpoint in evaluating the action of various therapeutic agents.

Doppler ultrasound imaging detects changes in tumor perfusion during antivascular therapy associated with vascular anatomic alterations

Noninvasive monitoring of antiangiogenic therapy was performed by serial power Doppler ultrasound imaging of murine tumors treated with recombinant interleukin 12, the results of which were correlated with assessments of tumor vascularity by microscopy. Growth of established K1735 tumors, but not of IFN-gamma-unresponsive K1735.N23 variants, was suppressed by treatment. Serial Doppler imaging of K1735 tumor vascularity during treatment revealed a progressive change from a diffuse perfusion pattern to a more punctate distribution. Quantitative analysis of the images revealed that color-weighted fractional average, representing overall tumor perfusion, consistently decreased in these tumors, primarily because of a decrease in fractional tumor cross-sectional area carrying blood flow. In contrast, these parameters increased in nonresponsive tumors during treatment. Confocal microscopy of thick tumor sections revealed a reduction in the density and arborization of vessels labeled in vivo by fluorochrome-conjugated lectin with effective treatment. Immunohistological examination of thin tumor sections confirmed the preferential loss of small vessels with successful therapy. Similar changes in tumor vascular anatomy and perfusion were also observed during recombinant interleukin 12 treatment of two other responsive murine tumor types. These results indicate that power Doppler ultrasound is a sensitive, noninvasive method for reporting functional consequences of therapy-induced vascular anatomical changes that can be used to serially monitor tumor perfusion and efficacy of antivascular therapy in clinical trials.

Concurrent disorders in dogs with diabetes mellitus: 221 cases (1993-1998)

OBJECTIVE

To characterize concurrent disorders in dogs with diabetes mellitus (DM).

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

ANIMALS

221 dogs with DM.

PROCEDURE

Medical records were reviewed, and clinical signs, physical examination findings, and results of clinicopathologic testing, urinalysis, aerobic bacterial culture of urine samples, coagulation testing, endocrine testing, histologic evaluation, diagnostic imaging, and necropsy were recorded.

RESULTS

For most dogs, CBC results were normal. Common serum biochemical abnormalities included hypochloremia (127 dogs, 60%) and high alanine aminotransferase (163, 78%), aspartate aminotransferase (78, 71%), and alkaline phosphatase (188, 90%) activities. Venous pH and serum ionized calcium concentration were measured in 121 and 87 dogs, respectively, and were low in 56 (46%) and 41 (47%) dogs. Lipemia was observed in 92 (42%) dogs. Urine samples from 159 (72%) dogs were submitted for aerobic bacterial culture, and 34 (21%) yielded bacterial growth. Escherichia coli was the most commonly isolated organism. Thirty-six (16%) dogs had dermatitis or otitis. Hyperadrenocorticism was diagnosed in 51 (23%) dogs on the basis of clinical signs and results of a low-dose dexamethasone suppression test (41 dogs), an adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test (5), both tests (4), or histologic evaluation of necropsy specimens (1). Acute pancreatitis was diagnosed in 28 (13%) dogs. Eleven (5%) dogs had tumors for which a histologic diagnosis was obtained. Eight (4%) dogs were hypothyroid.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Results suggest that dogs with diabetes mellitus may have many concurrent disorders. The most commonly identified concurrent disorders included hyperadrenocorticism, urinary tract infection, dermatitis, otitis, acute pancreatitis, neoplasia, and hypothyroidism.

Estradiol causes a dose-dependent stimulation of prostate growth in castrated beagle dogs

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown that chronic treatment of castrate dogs with androgen and estrogen results in significant prostate growth. Estrogen treatment of castrate dogs in the absence of androgen has resulted in conflicting data as reported by several authors. The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of a physiological dose of estradiol on prostate growth in dogs, using ultrasound to study size changes over time.

METHODS

Dogs (n = 25) were randomly divided into groups (n = 5) and treated as follows: castration alone (CC), castration plus low dose estradiol (E(2) low), castration plus high estradiol (E(2) high), castration plus estradiol and androstanediol (E(2)A), or no treatment (normal controls, NC). Silastic implants containing 5alpha-androstan-3alpha-17beta-diol (3alphadiol), and/or 17beta-estradiol were used for continous delivery of steroids. Prostate volume was measured by transrectal ultrasonography, and blood was drawn for hormone and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) determinations.

RESULTS

Results show that serum estradiol and SHBG levels were fairly constant over 12 weeks in all groups. Estradiol-treated groups had mean serum estradiol values of approximately 40 and 60 pg/ml, respectively. Initially, all groups had similar prostate volumes. Over 12 weeks the castrate dogs had a decline in prostate volume, whereas the intact dogs and those treated with E(2) and 3alpha-diol maintained a constant prostate volume. Estradiol treatment caused a large, late onset (week 7), dose-dependent increase in prostate volume relative to the intact group (P < 0.01). At 12 weeks, animals were euthanized and prostates weighed. The mean prostate weights in each group were: NC 14.8 +/- 2. 9, CC 2.4 +/- 0.5, E(2)A 9.7 +/- 2.0, E(2) low 21.7 +/- 4.3, and E(2) high 63.6 +/- 12.6 g (geometric mean +/- SEM). Histologically, prostates of estrogen-treated dogs showed metaplastic squamous epithelium.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate that estradiol causes marked dose-dependent stimulation of prostate growth in the castrate dog.

Caudal vena cava obstruction and ascites in a cat treated by balloon dilation and endovascular stent placement

OBJECTIVE

To present details of an unusual case of caudal vena caval obstruction and its management in a cat.

STUDY DESIGN

Clinical case report.

STUDY POPULATION

A 15 month old male castrated domestic shorthaired cat.

RESULTS

The diagnostic evaluation included the use of digital subtraction angiography and ultrasonography to locate the caudal vena caval obstruction. Treatment initially involved puncture and balloon dilation of the obstructed area of the cava. After reobstruction, the stenotic area was redilated and stented. The cat was euthanatized 4 weeks later because of vomiting, anorexia, and abnormal behavior, presumed to be associated with liver disease.

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Interventional radiography provided a minimally invasive way to manage this unusual vascular anomaly.

Clinical, clinicopathologic, radiographic, and ultrasonographic abnormalities in dogs with fatal acute pancreatitis: 70 cases (1986-1995)

OBJECTIVE

To determine clinical, clinicopathologic, radiographic, ultrasonographic, and coagulation abnormalities in dogs in which acute pancreatitis was fatal.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

ANIMALS

70 dogs.

PROCEDURE

History, clinical signs, and physical examination findings at the time of initial evaluation at the veterinary teaching hospital; results of pretreatment laboratory tests, abdominal radiography, and ultrasonography; and histologic abnormalities were obtained from medical records.

RESULTS

Clinical signs included anorexia, vomiting, Weakness, diarrhea, polyuria and polydipsia, neurologic abnormalities, melena, weight loss, hematemesis, and passage of frank blood in feces. At the time of initial examination at the veterinary teaching hospital, 68 (97%) dogs were dehydrated, 18 (26%) were icteric, 22 (32%) were febrile, 40 (58%) had signs of abdominal pain, and 30 (43%) were classified as overweight or obese. Most dogs had leukocytosis, neutrophilia with a left shift, and thrombocytopenia. Various serum biochemical abnormalities were identified, including hypoglycemia, azotemia, hypercalcemia and other electrolyte abnormalities, hypoalbuminemia, high hepatic and pancreatic enzyme activities, hypercholesterolemia, and lipemia. For 17 of 28 (61%) dogs, results of coagulation function tests were abnormal. Results of abdominal ultrasonography and radiography were consistent with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis in 23 of 34 (68%) and 10 of 41 (24%) dogs, respectively. For 2 dogs, results of abdominal ultrasonography were not suggestive of acute pancreatitis, but results of abdominal radiography were.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Clinical signs and results of clinicopathologic tests are inconsistent. Abdominal ultrasonography may be valuable in the diagnostic evaluation of dogs suspected to have acute pancreatitis.

Bilateral perinephric pseudocysts and polycystic kidneys in a ferret

A 3-year-old castrated male domestic ferret was evaluated for abdominal distention. Survey lateral and dorsoventral abdominal radiographs were made. There were two soft tissue radiopacities consistent with grossly enlarged kidneys displacing small bowel and colon cranially, ventrally and caudally. Abdominal ultrasound was performed and revealed bilateral perinephric pseudocysts and polycystic kidneys. The perinephric pseudocysts were found to be dilated renal capsules on exploratory surgery and were drained. On follow up examinations, the pseudocysts were drained by ultrasound-guided paracentesis. The perinephric cyst fluid was distinguished from urine by measuring creatinine concentration and plans were made to resect the renal capsules due to rapid re-accumulation of pseudocyst fluid. The ferret's condition deteriorated and euthanasia was performed. Post-mortem examination was declined by the owner. Perinephric pseudocysts are rare and this is the first published report in a ferret. Ultrasound examination is the most rapid, accurate and non-invasive method for diagnosis of perinephric pseudocysts.

Ultrasonography of abdominal cavitary parenchymal lesions

Cavitary parenchymal lesions are composed of varying amounts of soft tissue, fluid, and/or gas. These cavitary lesions are focal or multifocal and therefore readily detected ultrasonographically. The ultrasonographic appearance of cystic and noncystic cavitary lesions are described. Differential diagnoses for these cavitary lesions in abdominal organs are listed.

B-mode and Doppler ultrasound imaging of the spleen with canine splenic torsion: a retrospective evaluation

The ultrasonographic appearance of splenic torsion has been described; the splenic parenchyma can be normal, hypoechoic or anechoic with interspersed linear echoes (coarse/"lacy" appearance). The ultrasonographic parenchymal appearance of 15 dogs in this report with splenic torsion varied: mottled hypoechoic regions (n=2), diffusely hypoechoic (n=11) and normal (n=2). Because splenic torsion causes vascular congestion due to splenic vein compression and eventual thrombosis, visible splenic vein intraluminal echogenicities compatible with thrombi were seen in 13 dogs using B-mode. Using spectral Doppler and color Doppler imaging of the splenic veins, no measurable flow velocities were detected in any of the 15 dogs. The varied B-mode ultrasonographic appearance of the splenic parenchyma with splenic torsion necessitates B-mode evaluation of the splenic veins for intraluminal echoes and spectral or color Doppler evaluation for absent velocity flow.

Hemodynamic factors affecting uterine artery Doppler waveform pulsatility in sheep

Quantitative analysis of vascular resistance from the Doppler time-velocity waveform relies on measuring arterial pulsatility. However, input pressure waveform pulsatility, impedance, and resistance have all been found to effect artery flow waveform pulsatility in circulatory mathematic models and in umbilical sheep preparations in vivo. The present study used an in vivo sheep preparation to determine that embolization of the uteroplacental circulation and maternal angiotensin II administration caused changes in the uterine Doppler time-velocity waveform pulsatility that were dependent on input pressure waveform pulsatility, fundamental impedance, and resistance changes. Uteroplacental vascular embolization increased vascular resistance and the uterine artery Doppler waveform resistive index; the mean component of flow (mean pressure/resistance) decreased. Decreased uterine artery Doppler resistive index occurred despite angiotensin II-induced vasoconstriction and increased vascular resistance because the pulse component of flow (pulse pressure/impedance) decreased.

Retrospective analysis of 19 cases of isolated torsion of the splenic pedicle in dogs

Nineteen cases of isolated splenic torsion in the dog were reviewed retrospectively. Perioperative data were analysed in order to determine prognostic indicators of morbidity and mortality for animals with this disease. This Great Dane and German shepherd dog were found to be at increased risk for this condition. The historical features of splenic torsion were non-specific and included intermittent signs of gastrointestinal disease and abdominal discomfort. Mean duration of malaise was eight days, but 17 dogs were presented because of a rapid deterioration in their condition. Abdominal ultrasound findings assisted in the decision to perform surgery in all the dogs on which it was performed. Eighteen animals had splenic torsion confirmed at surgery and were treated by total splenectomy. All 18 surgically managed dogs survived. Analysis of pre- and postoperative data failed to reveal preoperative parameters that consistently predicted postoperative complications.

Use of power Doppler ultrasound-guided biopsies to locate regions of tumour hypoxia

The purpose of this study was to determine whether power Doppler ultrasound techniques could be used to direct biopsies into tumour regions with relatively low red blood cell flux, and therefore preferentially sample regions that were relatively hypoxic. Subcutaneous 9L glioma rat tumours were biopsied using power Doppler ultrasound guidance. Immunohistochemical detection of the 2-nitroimidazole EF5 was performed to determine the presence and level of hypoxia in the biopsy samples. Comparisons between the power Doppler-determined red blood cell flux and EF5 binding were made. In seven out of eight tumours studied, power Doppler ultrasound allowed differentiation of a relatively hypoxic region from a relatively oxic region by localizing relatively low vs high red blood cell flux areas respectively. In one of these seven tumours, RBC flux was high in both biopsied sites and hypoxia was not present in either. In two of these seven tumours, hypoxia was present in each biopsy and both of the red blood cell flux measurements were low. In the eighth tumour, both the EF5 binding and the red blood cell flux measurements were low. In this tumour, low EF5 binding was due to the dominance of necrotic cells, which will not reduce or bind EF5 in the biopsy specimen. Using EF5-binding techniques, we have confirmed that regions of relatively low red blood cell flux are more hypoxic than those with relatively high red blood cell flux. Counterstaining specimens with haematoxylin and eosin allows differentiation of low EF5-binding regions due to oxia vs necrosis. These methods have clinical implications for the expanded use of power Doppler ultrasound as a means to direct tissue sampling when it is important to identify the presence of hypoxia.

Hepatic abscesses in dogs: 14 cases (1982-1994)

OBJECTIVES

To determine typical clinical signs and clinicopathologic findings in dogs with hepatic abscesses, to assess outcome of treatment, and to evaluate the role that abdominal ultrasonography has in the diagnosis of hepatic abscesses in dogs and in monitoring response to treatment.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

ANIMALS

14 dogs with hepatic abscesses.

RESULTS

Anorexia and lethargy were the most common historical complaints, followed by vomiting and diarrhea. Physical abnormalities included fever, dehydration, signs of abdominal pain, hepatomegaly, and mucosal bleeding. Hematologic abnormalities included leukocytosis with neutrophilia, mild to moderate thrombocytopenia, and mild anemia. Serum biochemical abnormalities included high alkaline phosphatase and alanine aminotransferase activities and high bilirubin concentration; hypoalbuminemia and prolonged coagulation values were also reported. Abdominal radiography revealed hepatomegaly, poor abdominal detail, a hepatic mass, or splenomegaly in 9 dogs. Thoracic radiography revealed alveolar consolidation or mixed bronchial/interstitial pulmonary patterns in 6 dogs. Hypoechoic, heteroechoic, or hyperechoic masses were identified in all dogs in which ultrasonography was performed. Escherichia coli, Clostridium sp, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterococcus sp, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and S intermedius were the most common bacteria isolated from hepatic abscesses. Concurrent infections were identified in the biliary tract, spleen, blood, endocardium, lung, prostate gland, peritoneum, lymph nodes, salivary gland, or brain of several dogs. Seven dogs died or were euthanatized before definitive treatment could be initiated. One dog was successfully treated with antibiotics and was alive 12 months after medical treatment. Six dogs were treated surgically (ie, full or partial liver lobectomy, drainage, abdominal lavage) and medically (ie, antibiotic administration). Five of these dogs survived and were alive 12 months after surgery. Ultrasonography was used to monitor response to treatment in several dogs.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Hepatic abscesses are rare in dogs, but the clinical signs and clinicopathologic findings are similar to other inflammatory hepatic disease. Ultrasonography revealed abnormalities in all animals in which imaging studies were performed, and was successfully used to monitor response to treatment in several dogs. Medical and surgical treatments were used successfully to treat hepatic abscesses in dogs.

Correlation of ultrasonographic findings with surgical, portographic, and necropsy findings in dogs and cats with portosystemic shunts: 63 cases (1987-1993)

Results of abdominal ultrasonography in 63 dogs and cats with suspected congenital portosystemic shunts (PSS) were compared with surgical, portographic, and necropsy findings. True-positive ultrasonographic results were found in 33 animals, and 2 animals had false-positive results for detection of single extrahepatic PSS. In 4 animals, results were true negative and in 8 animals, were false-negative for detection of extrahepatic PSS. The false-negative rate decreased substantially with operator experience. The sensitivity of ultrasonography for detection of extrahepatic PSS in these animals was 80.5%, and the specificity was 66.7%. In 5 other animals, ultrasonographic examination was strongly suggestive of the existence of a shunt, but the vessel could not be definitively imaged. All 5 animals had single extrahepatic shunts. Eleven animals had true-positive results for detection of intrahepatic PSS. One animal had false-positive ultrasonographic results for intrahepatic PSS, but an extrahepatic shunt was diagnosed at surgery. The sensitivity of ultrasonography for detection of intrahepatic PSS was 100%.

Noncardiogenic pulmonary edema in dogs and cats: 26 cases (1987-1993)

Medical records of 23 dogs and 3 cats treated for noncardiogenic pulmonary edema (NPE) resulting from airway obstruction (n = 8), cranial trauma (7), electric shock (7), or seizures (4) between 1987 and 1993 were reviewed. There were 18 purebred dogs, 5 mixed-breed dogs, 2 domestic shorthair cats, and 1 Siamese. Sixteen animals were male, and 10 were female. All but 7 were less than 1 year old. Time between the inciting incident and onset of respiratory tract signs ranged from minutes to several hours. Respiratory distress was the primary clinical sign for all animals with NPE resulting from airway obstruction, cranial trauma, or seizures, and for 2 of the 7 animals with NPE resulting from electric shock. The only consistent clinicopathologic abnormality was hyperglycemia, which was detected in 12 animals. Arterial blood gas partial pressures were measured in 11 animals; 10 were hypoxemic. On thoracic radiographs, the predominant pattern of pulmonary infiltration was alveolar. Symmetry of involvement, which was assessed by examining dorsoventral or ventrodorsal radiographic projections, could be determined for 23 animals. In 18, involvement was asymmetric, and in 13 of those 18, the right side was predominantly involved. On lateral radiographic projections, the caudodorsal quadrant of the lung field was involved primarily or as part of a diffuse distribution in all but 1 animal. Generally, animals with NPE resulting from airway obstruction had the greatest degree of radiographic involvement, followed in decreasing order, by animals with NPE resulting from cranial trauma, animals with NPE resulting from seizures, and animals with NPE resulting from electric shock. Overall, 9 animals died.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Congenital esophageal hiatal hernia in the Chinese shar-pei dog

Esophageal hiatal hernia was diagnosed in 11 young Chinese Shar-Pei dogs between October 1985 and July 1991. The dogs ranged in age from 2 to 11 months and included 3 females and 8 males. The most common clinical signs were regurgitation, vomiting, and hypersalivation. Physical examination was normal in 6 dogs; abnormal physical examination findings in the other 5 dogs included fever, dehydration, hypersalivation, and pulmonary wheezes and crackles. Laboratory evaluation was significant only for neutrophilia in 5 dogs. A diagnosis of hiatal hernia was made on the basis of survey thoracic radiographic and/or barium esophagram findings of displacement of the esophagogastric junction and stomach into the thoracic cavity; the diagnosis was confirmed by surgery in 9 dogs and at necropsy in 2 dogs. Megaesophagus (n = 7), gastroesophageal reflux (n = 4), and esophageal hypomotility (n = 1) were additional findings in some dogs. Aspiration pneumonia was diagnosed in 7 of the dogs. Medical therapies formulated for the therapy of presumed reflux esophagitis generally failed to resolve the clinical signs associated with the hiatal hernia. Hiatal herniae were surgically repaired in 9 of the Shar-Peis by various combinations of diaphragmatic crural apposition, fixation of the esophagus to the diaphragmatic crus (esophagopexy), and left fundic tube gastropexy. Eight of the animals survived surgery, six of which have been asymptomatic since surgery (19 to 36 months). The megaesophagus, esophageal hypomotility, and bronchopneumonia resolved in all of these dogs.

Acute pancreatitis in cats with hepatic lipidosis

The purpose of this study was to characterize the incidence, clinical features, and prognosis of acute pancreatitis in cats with hepatic lipidosis. Of 13 cats histologically diagnosed with hepatic lipidosis between July 1988, and November 1989, 5(38%) were also histologically diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. In cats with hepatic lipidosis alone, the signalment, history, physical examination, and clinicopathologic findings were generally indistinguishable from those of cats with concurrent acute pancreatitis except that cats with acute pancreatitis were more likely to be cachectic and to have coagulation abnormalities. Hepatomegaly was seen on abdominal radiographs in both groups. Of the 5 cats with concurrent acute pancreatitis, abdominal ultrasonography detected 1 cat with a hypoechoic pancreas and 5 with peritoneal effusion; those abnormalities were not seen in cats without concurrent acute pancreatitis. Cats with concurrent acute pancreatitis had only a 20% recovery rate, compared with a 50% recovery rate in cats with hepatic lipidosis alone. We conclude that cats with hepatic lipidosis should be rigorously evaluated for concurrent acute pancreatitis because of 1) the rate of disease coincidence, 2) the inability of signalment, history, physical examination, and clinicopathologic findings to adequately distinguish between hepatic lipidosis and acute pancreatitis, 3) the worse prognosis associated with concurrent acute pancreatitis, and 4) the opposing nutritional strategies for hepatic lipidosis and acute pancreatitis.

The role of ultrasound in canine reproduction

This article describes the role of ultrasound in the diagnosis of canine pregnancy. Advantages and disadvantages are discussed, and ultrasound is compared with traditional imaging methods.

Ultrasonography of the pancreas

Disorders of the pancreas occur frequently, but they are difficult to diagnose because of anatomic inaccessibility of the pancreas, vague clinical signs and examination findings, and inconsistent laboratory results. Ultrasonography is the imaging modality of choice to evaluate the pancreas. Ultrasonographic examination of the pancreas is difficult due to ultrasound wave propagation interference by adjacent bowel gas, abdominal pain accompanying pancreatitis, and inability to image the normal pancreas consistently. These three problems can be overcome by adhering to a systematic scanning method, proper transducer selection, and proper patient preparation. Scanning techniques used to image the pancreas, and ultrasonographic findings of canine and feline pancreatitis and canine pancreatic neoplasia, are explained.

Spontaneous transient outward currents and Ca(++)-activated K+ channels in swine tracheal smooth muscle cells

Inside-out patch recordings from swine tracheal smooth muscle cells demonstrated the presence of four types of K+ channels (246, 140, 90 and 45 pS). The 246-pS K+ channel was most common. Both 246- and 90-pS channels are Ca++ sensitive, but the 90-pS channel was more sensitive at a membrane potential near the resting state. In whole cell recordings, spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs) were observed. The STOCs arose from opening of Ca(++)-activated K+ channels. Removal of extracellular Ca++ did not eliminate STOCs. Decreasing intracellular free Ca++ with 10 mM EGTA markedly reduced STOC amplitudes. Single channel currents with a conductance similar to that of the large conductance Ca(++)-activated K+ channel were observed in whole cell recordings. The amplitude distribution for STOCs provides evidence that two populations of STOC events occur. The small STOC events were present at all membrane voltages. The large STOC events became more evident at more depolarized potentials (0 mV). We conclude that near the resting membrane potential, the small STOCs arise from opening of smaller conductance Ca(++)-activated K+ channels. As the cell is depolarized, the large STOCs arise due to opening of large conductance Ca(++)-activated K+ channels.

Bacterial growth associated with metallic implants in dogs

Tissue and swab specimens for bacteriologic culture were obtained from the operative wound in 40 dogs in which plates and screws were applied and then removed from the sites of healed fractures or arthrodeses. Implants were removed after a mean (+/- SD) application period of 15.7 +/- 9.3 months. Bacteria were isolated from the plate-bone interface in 17 dogs. Of the 17 dogs, 9 had had complications associated with initial management (eg, osteomyelitis, open fractures, or multiple surgical procedures). Control specimens were obtained from 30 dogs that had clean elective orthopedic procedures that did not involve implantation of metallic prostheses. None of the dogs of the control group were given antibiotics. Bacteria were isolated from 2 of 30 specimens obtained from control dogs. The difference between the number of culture-positive specimens from dogs of the implant group and those from dogs of the control group was significant (P less than 0.01).

Hiatal hernia repair by restoration and stabilization of normal anatomy. An evaluation in four dogs and one cat

Clinical signs of esophageal hiatal hernia in four dogs and one cat included regurgitation, vomiting, hematemesis, hypersalivation, dysphagia, and dyspnea. Thoracic radiographs, esophagram, and fluoroscopy were used to demonstrate cranial displacement of the esophagogastric junction and part of the stomach through the esophageal hiatus. Other findings included megaesophagus, esophageal hypomotility, gastroesophageal reflux, and pneumonia. Medical therapy failed to resolve the clinical signs. Reduction in size of the esophageal hiatus, fixation of the esophagus to the diaphragmatic crus (esophagopexy), and a left fundic gastropexy were performed. Surgical results were considered good to excellent.