Legal framework and current techniques for age estimation in puppy trade

Dog breeding and dog trade are strictly regulated by EU-legislation, as well as by national and regional legislations. Nevertheless, it is believed that part of the puppies traded within the EU are younger than the legal minimum age, with the risk of compromising their own health and wellbeing as well as public health. A proper age determination is necessary to expose potential malpractices. Combining multiple independent methods is essential to compensate for possible variations in one single estimation method. Assessment of the dental age and bone age, more specifically by evaluating the eruption status of the dentition and the radiographic appearance and formation of ossification centers are both eligible. However, current available data are not detailed enough. In order to improve the accuracy and reduce the error in age estimation, more breed specific data are required, more intermediate development stages must be described and possible developmental disorders and pathologies must be considered.

Anatomy of the upper respiratory tract in domestic birds, with emphasis on vocalization

This work reviews the anatomy of the upper respiratory tract in domestic birds including the chicken and pigeon. Non-exhaustive additional information on other bird species, illustrating the extraordinary diversity in the biological class Aves, can be found in several footnotes. The described anatomical structures are functionally considered in view of avian sound production. In particular, the Syrinx is invaluable. Its most important structures are the Labia and the lateral and medial tympaniform membranes in non-songbirds and songbirds, respectively. These structures produce sound by vibrating during expiration and eventually inspiration.

Friesian horses as a possible model for human acquired aortopulmonary fistulation

Background

Acquired aortopulmonary fistulation is a rare condition in humans. It usually results as a late complication of a true or pseudoaneurysm of the thoracic aorta. It is most commonly associated with trauma or surgery, less commonly with atherosclerosis, inflammation, hypertension or Marfan’s syndrome. Aortopulmonary fistulation is also seen as a rare complication of acute aortic dissection. On rare occasions, acquired aortopulmonary fistulation is reported in aged patients without any of the above mentioned triggering factors. Thus, these cases should be considered as idiopathic aortopulmonary fistulation. Clearly, the pathogenesis of this condition is not yet completely understood. Friesian horses are highly inbred and are affected by several genetic conditions. Rupture of the thoracic aorta has a relatively high prevalence in Friesian horses and is often characterized by the formation of a pseudoaneurysm with subsequent fistulation into the pulmonary artery. Affected animals may survive for several weeks to months.

Findings

Here we performed vascular casting in three affected Friesian horses. In all three cases, an aortic rupture at the caudoventral side of the aorta was connected with a rupture of the main pulmonary artery just proximal to its bifurcation.

Conclusions

Affected Friesians show a consistent location and configuration of the aortic rupture site, very similar to the human condition and therefore could act as a spontaneous model to study this disease.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13104-016-2201-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Anatomical Description of the Presence and Variability of the Digital Manica Flexoria in the Equine Digital Flexor Tendon Sheath

During endoscopy (tenoscopy) of the distal aspect of the equine digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS), the digital manica flexoria can be visualized connecting the distal branches of the superficial digital flexor tendon. However, this structure has been inconsistently described and variably named in the veterinary literature. The objectives of this study were to describe the presence, configuration and variability of the digital manica flexoria in the equine distal limb. Dissection of 144 equine cadaveric limbs revealed the presence of this structure in all the feet, although different types and conformations were identified. In the forelimbs, a membranous digital manica flexoria predominated (94%; P < 0.001), in particular a synovial bridge type (83%; P < 0.001). In the hindlimbs, a tendinous digital manica flexoria predominated (93%; P < 0.001), in particular the oblique-crossing of tendinous bundles (61%; P < 0.001). Passage dorsal to the digital manica flexoria towards the distal DFTS was only possible in 22 of the 144 limbs, all forelimbs. Clinicians should be aware of the intra- and inter-individual anatomical variations of the digital manica flexoria to avoid misinterpretation during ultrasonographic and tenoscopic examinations of the DFTS.

Campylorrhinus lateralis, Bilateral microphthalmia and odontoma temporalis in an Oldenburg Foal

An Oldenburg colt with wry nose was autopsied after having lived for only 30 min. It presented cyanotic oral mucosae, underdeveloped eyes and a right-sided temporal osseous mass. The applicable nomenclature for the defects is discussed, and the potential etiopathogenesis is explored by describing the normal embryonic development of the affected body parts.

Left Retrocaval Ureter around the Ipsilateral Limb of a Double Caudal Vena Cava in a Cat

Necropsy examination of an adult neutered male cat, which was humanely destroyed as it had feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection, demonstrated the presence of a left retrocaval ureter that was entrapped around the left limb of a double caudal vena cava. These associated anomalies originate from the complex embryofetal development of the caudal vena cava. Since no clinical signs had been reported and no gross lesions related to this anomaly were observed, this manifestation should be simply considered as an anatomical variation.

Botpathologie bij apen van de Nieuwe en Oude Wereld

Primaten worden vaak gebruikt als diermodel in het biomedisch onderzoek wegens hun sterke overeenkomsten met de mens. Voornamelijk penseelapen (Callithrix jacchus) en resusapen (Macaca mulatta) zijn frequent gebruikte apensoorten in het wetenschappelijk onderzoek. In dit artikel wordt een systematisch overzicht gegeven van de belangrijkste botaandoeningen bij primaten. Botaandoeningen kunnen spontaan voorkomen maar ook experimenteel worden geïnduceerd in het kader van onderzoek naar humane ziekten. Een gedegen kennis van deze pathologieën is niet enkel belangrijk om preventieve of therapeutische interventies te onderbouwen bij zowel de aap als de mens, maar draagt ook bij tot een optimale keuze van het diermodel. De, voornamelijk historisch gezien, belangrijkste groep van aandoeningen die hier worden besproken zijn de metabole aandoeningen, waarbij de nadruk ligt op rachitis/osteomalacie en osteoporose. Congenitale aandoeningen, ontwikkelingsstoornissen, intoxicaties en deficiënties met effect op het skelet worden ook besproken. Tenslotte zijn er nog de bottumoren, die weliswaar minder frequent gerapporteerd worden, maar die toch een niet te verwaarlozen groep vormen.

Morphology of the Canine Omentum Part 1: Arterial Landmarks that Define the Omentum

Although the omentum remains an enigmatic organ, research during the last decades has revealed its fascinating functions including fat storage, fluid drainage, immune activity, angiogenesis and adhesion. While clinicians both in human and veterinary medicine are continuously exploring new potential omental applications, detailed anatomical data on the canine omentum are currently lacking, and information is often retrieved from human medicine. In this study, the topographic anatomy of the canine greater and lesser omentum is explored in depth. Current nomenclature is challenged, and a more detailed terminology is proposed. Consistent arteries that are contained within folds of the superficial omental wall are documented, described and named, as they can provide the anatomical landmarks that are necessary for unambiguous scientific communication on the canine omentum. In an included dissection video, the conclusions and in situ findings described in this study are demonstrated.

Unilateral shunt formation with thoracic aortic dissection in a whippet

A three-year-old neutered male whippet was presented with intermittent, exercise-induced paraparesis. Femoral pulses were bilaterally absent. Neurologic examination was suggestive of a thoracolumbar myelopathy. Blood pressure measurements revealed hypotension in both pelvic limbs, hypertension in the right thoracic limb and it was immeasurable in the left thoracic limb. Echocardiography was within reference limits. A clear vascular pulsation was palpable on the right ventral abdominal wall. Computed tomographic angiography revealed a dissection of the aortic wall between the left subclavian artery and the brachiocephalic trunk with subsequent thrombus formation. A shunt between the right internal thoracic, cranial and caudal epigastric arteries to preserve blood flow to the pelvic limbs was visualized. Necropsy was declined by the owner. This is the first case report describing the formation of a unilateral vascular shunt following a thoracic aortic occlusion, which presented as exercise-induced paraparesis.

Lymph drainage from the ovine tonsils: an anatomical study of the tonsillar lymph vessels

Although the tonsils of sheep have gained much attention during the last decade, only few data are available on their lymph vessel architecture. Tonsillar lymph vessels are immunologically important as they form the efferent routes for locally activated immune cells to reach the draining lymph nodes. To gain insight into the tonsillar lymph drainage in the sheep, Indian ink and a casting polymer were injected into the interstitium of the five tonsils present in the heads of slaughtered sheep. This enabled us to determine the draining lymph node and to examine the microscopic organization of lymph vessels using light and scanning electron microscopy. No lymph vessels were observed within the tonsillar lymphoid follicles. The corrosion casts demonstrated that the lymphoid follicles are surrounded by numerous sacculated lymph sinuses that drain into a dense interfollicular lymph vessel network. From here, the lymph flows into single small lymph vessels that in turn drain into larger lymph vessels extending towards the medial retropharyngeal lymph node. The presented results can be valuable for immunological studies, for example during oral or intranasal vaccine development.

Twee gevallen van persisterende ductus arteriosus bij de hond

Persisterende ductus arteriosus (PDA) is één van de meest vastgestelde congenitale hartaandoeningen bij de hond. Indien de aandoening niet behandeld wordt, sterft meer dan de helft van de honden in hun eerste levensjaar. Het sluiten van de PDA via occlusie of ligatie is dan ook aanbevolen en heeft een goede langetermijnprognose. De belangrijkste complicatie bij de nietinvasieve technieken is het optreden van embolie terwijl bloeding na ruptuur van de ductus of een naburig bloedvat het meest voorkomende probleem is bij ligatietechnieken. Twee gevallen van PDA worden hier besproken. Bij de eerste hond werd de PDA succesvol chirurgisch gecorrigeerd. Bij de tweede hond daarentegen ontstonden er tijdens de chirurgische ingreep meermaals ernstige bloedingen te wijten aan de uitzonderlijke aanwezigheid van een persisterende vijfde aortaboog (PFAA). Er werd intraoperatief besloten om tot euthanasie over te gaan.

De invloed van geluidspollutie op zeezoogdieren

Miljoenen jaren geleden migreerden de voorouders van de huidige walvissen (Cetacea) van zee naar land. Deze evolutionaire gebeurtenis vergde ingrijpende morfologische aanpassingen. Voorpoten veranderden in flippers, achterpoten werden rudimentair en de neusgaten verplaatsten zich naar dorsaal op de schedel om als spuitgat te fungeren. Ook de zintuigen ondergingen drastische adaptaties. Gezien het zicht op grote diepte en in troebel water zeer beperkt is, rekenen walvissen op andere zintuigen dan het zicht om te navigeren, foerageren, jagen, communiceren met soortgenoten, etc. De productie en perceptie van geluidsgolven werden cruciaal voor het voortbestaan van deze wonderbaarlijke schepselen van de zee. Sommige soorten ontwikkelden zelfs echolocatie, gebaseerd op de natuurkundige principes van de geluidsleer, als bijkomend hulpmiddel om obstakels onder water te lokaliseren. Het spreekt voor zich dat elke verstoring van het gehoormechanisme levensbedreigend kan zijn voor deze dieren. Onderzoek naar het effect van geluidspollutie door menselijke activiteit op het mariene leven vraagt een multidisciplinaire aanpak. Een accurate berichtgeving van deze onderzoeksresultaten aan de beleidsmakers is cruciaal om de meest kwetsbare walvisachtigen te beschermen.

Impact of a novel inactivated PRRS virus vaccine on virus replication and virus-induced pathology in fetal implantation sites and fetuses upon challenge

Preventing congenital infection is important for the control of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS). Recently, in our laboratory, an inactivated porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) vaccine has been developed. Promising results in young pigs encouraged us to test the vaccine potency to prevent congenital infection. In the present study, the performance of this experimental inactivated vaccine was investigated in pregnant gilts. An advanced protocol was used to test the PRRSV vaccine efficacy. This protocol is based on recent insights in the pathogenesis of congenital PRRSV infections. Three gilts were vaccinated with an experimental PRRSV 07V63 inactivated vaccine at 27, 55, and 83 days of gestation. Three unvaccinated gilts were included as controls. At 90 days of gestation, all animals were intranasally inoculated with 10(5) tissue culture infectious dose 50 (TCID(50)) of PRRSV 07V63. Twenty days postchallenge animals were euthanized and sampled. The vaccinated gilts quickly developed virus neutralizing (VN) antibodies starting from 3 to 7 days postchallenge (1.0 to 5.0 log2). In contrast, the unvaccinated gilts remained negative for VN antibodies after challenge. The vaccinated gilts had shorter viremia than the control gilts. Gross pathology (mummification) was observed in 8% of the fetuses from vaccinated gilts and in 15% of the fetuses from unvaccinated gilts. The number of fetuses with severe microscopic lesions in the fetal implantation sites (a focal detachment of the trophoblast from the uterine epithelium; a focal, multifocal, or full degeneration of the fetal placenta) was lower in the vaccinated (19%) versus unvaccinated (45%) gilts (P < 0.05). The number of PRRS-positive cells in the fetal placentae was higher in unvaccinated versus vaccinated gilts (P < 0.05). In contrast, the number of PRRS-positive cells in the myometrium/endometrium was higher in vaccinated versus unvaccinated gilts (P < 0.05). Fifty-seven percent of the fetuses from the vaccinated gilts and 75% of the fetuses from the unvaccinated gilts were PRRSV-positive. In conclusion, implementation of the novel experimental inactivated PRRSV vaccine primed the VN antibody response and slightly reduced the duration of viremia in gilts. It also reduced the number of virus-positive fetuses and improved the fetal survival, but was not able to fully prevent congenital PRRSV infection. The reduction of fetal infection and pathology is most probably attributable to the vaccine-mediated decrease of PRRSV transfer from the endometrium to the fetal placenta.

A case of epigastric heteropagus twinning with other congenital abnormalities in a Chihuahua puppy

A two-year-old Chihuahua was presented on day 58 of pregnancy due to very marked abdominal distension. A cesarean section was performed and five normal and one clearly abnormal puppy were delivered. Examination of the abnormal puppy revealed a combination of congenital anomalies including epigastric heteropagus twinning. The autosite showed focal cranial aplasia cutis, anasarca, lissencephaly, palatoschisis, sternal agenesis and eventeratio (gastroschisis/schistocoelia). The partly formed parasitic twin was attached at the sternal region of the autosite and demonstrated four formed limbs, atresia rectum, atresia ani, a single kidney, tail agenesis and atresia vulvae. To the authors’ knowledge, this is only the third reported case of heteropagus conjoined twinning in the dog and the first reported case of canine epigastric heteropagus twinning. In addition, there appear to be no reports in the veterinary literature noting an association with conjoined twinning in the dog with focal cranial aplasia cutis, eventeratio, lissencephaly, palatoschisis and anasarca. An in-depth literature review was hampered by the lack of a uniform nomenclature to identify this type of conjoined twinning.

Anatomical description and morphometry of the skeleton of the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)

Callithrix jacchus (common marmoset) is regularly used in biomedical research, including for studies involving the skeleton. To support these studies, skeletons of healthy animals that had been euthanized for reasons not interfering with skeletal anatomy were prepared. The marmoset dental formula 2I-1C-3P-2M of each oral quadrant is atypical for New World monkeys which commonly possess a third molar. Seven cervical, 12–13 thoracic, 7–6 lumbar, 2–3 sacral and 26–29 caudal vertebrae are present, the thoracolumbar region always comprising 19 vertebrae. A sigmoid clavicle connects the scapula with the manubrium of the sternum. Depending on the number of thoracic vertebrae, 4–5 sternebrae are located between the manubrium and xiphoid process. Wide interosseous spaces separate the radius from the ulna, and the tibia from the fibula. A small sesamoid bone is inserted in the m. abductor digiti primi longus at the medial border of the carpus, a pair of ovoid sesamoid bones is located at the palmar/plantar sides of the trochleae of each metapodial bone, and round fabellae articulate with the proximal surfaces of the femoral condyles. Male marmosets possess a small penile bone. Both the front and hind feet have five digits. The hallux possesses a flat nail, whereas all other digits present curved claws. Interestingly, a central bone is present in both the carpus and tarsus. This study provides a description and detailed illustrations of the skeleton of the common marmoset as an anatomical guide for further biomedical research.

186 LASER CAPTURE MICRODISSECTION FOR GENE EXPRESSION ANALYSIS OF INNER CELL MASS AND TROPHOBLAST FROM BOVINE BLASTOCYSTS

Isolation of pure inner cell mass (ICM) and trophoblast samples from a single blastocyst is necessary to obtain accurate information on the transcriptome of these cells. Microsurgical techniques have been described to separate the ICM and trophoblast, but unfortunately, contamination of the ICM cell population with trophoblastic cells is inevitable with these methods. Alternatively, immunosurgery has been described as a valuable technique to obtain a pure ICM sample, although this technique seems to alter the normal gene expression pattern. Laser capture microdissection (LCM) provides the possibility of isolating small tissue fractions from heterogeneous tissue sections, without contamination by the surrounding tissue and without changing the gene expression pattern of the cells. In this study, a protocol is described for the application of LCM to isolate homogeneous ICM and trophoblast samples from single bovine blastocysts for downstream gene expression analysis. The absence of contaminating trophoblastic fractions in the isolated ICM cells was controlled with primers for the keratin 18 (KRT18) gene, which is considered a trophoblast-specific marker in bovine blastocysts. Expanded blastocysts were produced by routine in vitro methods described by (Vandaele et al. 2010 Reproduction 139, 505–511) and fixed in a modified methacarn solution for 24 h. After fixation, the blastocysts were embedded in RNase-free soluble agarose 2%, processed in an STP 420D Tissue Processor, embedded in paraffin, cut in serial sections, and adhered to glass slides, followed by deparaffinization in xylene and staining of the sections with 0.1% cresyl violet in a 85% ethanol solution. Laser capture microdissection was performed as described previously by (De Spiegelaere et al. 2008 Anal. Biochem. 382, 72–74). The ICM was isolated by placing the same cap over 3 to 4 serial sections of one blastocyst. Subsequently, the same procedure was performed with a second cap to isolate the trophoblast. Total RNA was isolated from the LCM-derived ICM and trophoblast on the caps and converted into cDNA. Gene-specific primers for KRT18 (5′-GCAGACCGCTGAGATAGGA-3′ and 5′-GCATATCGGGCCTCCACTT-3′) and for 18S rRNA, a commonly used reference gene (5′-AGAAACGGCTACCACATCCA-3′ and 5′-CACCAGACTTGCCCTCCA-3′), were used and PCR was carried out. Expression of the control gene 18S rRNA was readily detectable in all cell samples. Keratin 18 was detectable in LCM-derived trophoblast, but was absent in the LCM-derived ICM cells, indicative of the successful isolation of ICM cells without contaminating trophoblastic cells. This study demonstrates a novel approach for the application of LCM on small tissue samples that are difficult to handle and which can be used for molecular analysis of specific cell lineages within embryos of different species. Supported by the Fund for Scientific Research–Flanders, Belgium, aspirant 1.1.477.07N00.

Transsplenic portal catheterization combined with a jugular double-lumen catheter for pharmacokinetic and presystemic metabolization studies in pigs

The reliability of a silicone double-lumen catheter implanted into the external jugular vein and tunnelled towards the neck region was investigated in eight pigs. Surgery was uneventful without interference with the normal homoeostasis during 8 days. After injection of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid through the distal port of the catheter, analysis of drug components in the simultaneous blood samples obtained by the proximal port and a Venoject system were comparable in one pig. Histological control of the catheterized jugular veins pointed to an acceptable tissue reaction while bacteriological examination of the tip of the catheters was negative in only three animals. A moulding of the intestinal veins was made in a pig cadaver to determine the optimal length of insertion of a silicone portal catheter from the splenic vein towards the portal vein. Surgery was straightforward in four pigs whereby the catheter was exteriorized towards the back region. No complications were encountered during and after surgery for 9 days. The technique of a double-lumen catheter placed into the jugular vein and a transsplenic portal catheter is a useful tool for the study of the pharmacokinetics and also the first-pass effect of drugs in experimental pigs.

Origin of the infrarenal part of the caudal vena cava in the pig

The vascular topography in the lumbar region of pig embryos and young fetuses was three-dimensionally reconstructed to study some controversial aspects of the origin and development of the infrarenal part of the caudal vena cava. Contrary to general belief, it was found that the supracardinal veins, which form the azygos veins in the thorax, do not take part in the construction of the caudal vena cava in the lumbar region. These veins do appear in the abdomen, but they are only involved in the formation of the lumbar and ascending lumbar veins. The infrarenal part of the caudal vena cava arises from the lumbar part of the right caudal cardinal vein. Whilst this venous pattern is established, the lumbar part of the left caudal cardinal vein disappears and its former location is occupied by large lymphatic connections between the cysterna chyli and the retroperitoneal mesenteric lymphatic sac. On the basis of these findings, a number of hypotheses on the development of anatomical variations of the caudal vena cava should be reconsidered.

Localization of Oestrogen Receptors Within Various Bovine Ovarian Cell Types at Different Stages of the Oestrous Cycle

In the present study oestrogen receptor alpha(ERalpha) and oestrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) mRNA were localized in various ovarian cell types of 23 cows at different stages of the oestrous cycle. ERalpha was detected by immunohistochemistry and the localization of ERbeta mRNA was examined using in situ hybridization. The immunostaining of ERalpha was low in the ovarian follicles, tunica albuginea and surface epithelium, but high in cells of the deep stroma and superficial stroma, which indicates a functional role of ERalpha in the cells surrounding the follicles. In contrast, ERbeta mRNA scores were low to moderate in primordial and primary follicles, and increased with the development of the follicle. ERbeta mRNA scores were higher in cystic follicles than in obliterative follicles. In the corpora lutea and corpora albicantia the scores for ERbeta mRNA were moderate. Furthermore, in the corpora lutea, ERbeta mRNA levels showed cyclic variations and were low during early dioestrus. The correlation between plasma progesterone levels and the score for ER was low and negative in all ovarian cell types. This study demonstrates the predominant role of ERbeta over ERalpha in bovine ovarian structures. Furthermore, the colocalization of both ERbeta mRNA and ERalpha in most cell types suggests possible interactions between both ER subtypes.

Prenatal Development of the Caudal Vena Cava in Mammals: Review of the Different Theories with Special Reference to the Dog

Several items of the development of the caudal vena cava in domestic animals are still controversial. In particular, the origin of the lumbar segment of the caudal vena cava is equivocally described. According to different theories it originates from the right-sided supracardinal, caudal cardinal, sacrocardinal, lateral sympathetic or subcardinal veins. In this review, all five theories are compared with each other and discussed in the light of anatomical variations observed in eight dogs. Species-specific diversity, erratic observations because of technical artefacts, and biased interpretation of the original data are three major reasons for the dissimilarity between the five theories, but they cannot explain all differences. Further studies by using modern techniques such as microvascular corrosion casting and non-invasive three-dimensional microtomography are necessary to better understand the normal development and to explain the variations in domestic animal species.

Placental transfer of immunoglobulins in cattle infected with Schistosoma mattheei

Although the epitheliochorial placenta of ruminants does not allow passage of immunoglobulins from dam to foetus specific antibodies have been detected at birth in calves born to Schistosoma mattheei-infected cows. The present study determined the prevalence of calves born with specific antibodies for S. mattheei and the origin of these antibodies. For the determination of the prevalence, 100 calves born to infected mothers in an endemic area (Zambia) were examined, 24 were seropositive. To study the origin of these antibodies placentomes of 40 naturally S. mattheei-infected cows were examined for the presence of schistosome eggs and lesions which could explain foetal priming and/or leakage of maternal antibodies and/or antigen into the foetus. Tissue damage and schistosome eggs were observed on the maternal as well as the foetal side of the placentomes. In order to determine the specific nature of the antibody response, antibody profiles against soluble adult worm antigen preparation (SWAP) of S. mattheei were compared by Western blot between dams and their newborn calves (n = 8). The specific recognition profiles were identical for the seropositive calves and their dams on SWAP mattheei. Identical recognition profiles between dams and calves were also observed when sera were analysed on Escherichia coli, a pathogen of which the foetus should be free, and would indicate passive antibody transfer from the dam. In conclusion, the present study shows that S. mattheei could induce placentome lesions and that eggs can cross the placenta. Consequently, foeti can come into contact with S. mattheei antigens in utero, and might also contain maternal antibodies from leakage through placentome lesions. As such, the infection status of the mother could have far reaching effects on the immunological status of her offspring and modify their reaction upon infection.

Two cases of brachymelia in cats

In this report, two cases of brachymelia in related neonatal cats are described. The malformations are described in view of normal limb development, which is illustrated by scanning electron microscopic images. Hypoplasia and aplasia of the distal limb segments were the main disorders in both kittens. Additional malformations in the second case included fusion of the radius and ulna, congenital patella luxation and a shortened tail. Brachymelia and similar cases of feline dysmelia are poorly documented in the existing literature. Possible causes and terminology of these developmental deformations are discussed.