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A 12-year-old castrated male miniature pinscher dog presented with right forelimb lameness. An expansile osteolytic lesion of the right humerus was conspicuous on right forelimb radiographs. Thoracic and abdominal radiographs showed multiple lytic bone lesions on the right scapula, ribs, vertebrae, femurs and pelvis. Additionally, an expansile osteolytic lesion was observed in two thoracic vertebrae and two ribs. Many plasma cells were identified on fine-needle aspiration of the right humerus expansile osteolytic lesion, and monoclonal gammopathy consistent with multiple myeloma was confirmed on serum protein electrophoresis. The expansile osteolytic lesion, an extraordinary radiographic feature of multiple myeloma in dogs, should be considered as a possible radiographic finding of multiple myeloma.

The aim of this study was to analyse ovarian activity and pregnancy in 140 Pura Raza Espanola mares over a period of two consecutive years. The data were analysed using SPSS software to evaluate the effects of age, category of mares and season on pre-ovulatory follicle size, ovulation rate, interval from foaling to pregnancy, gestation length, incidence of twin pregnancies and pregnancy losses. The results showed that follicular diameter was significantly (P < 0.05) smaller in fillies (3-year-old) and maiden mares than in older and multiparous mares. Within the group of animals treated with gonadotropin hormone hCG, 87.23% ovulated 48 h following administration. Length of gestation varied from 305 to 356 days and all gestation pregnancies of less than 305 days resulted in a non-viable foal. In addition, foaling season affected (P < 0.05) the post-partum conception interval and the length of gestation, which were shorter and longer in the winter foaling, respectively. Regarding the other parameters, mares of this stud exhibited relatively very low rates of double ovulations, twin pregnancies and pregnancy losses. We conclude that age and category of mares and foaling season influence fertility and foaling rates by affecting pre-ovulatory follicle size, pregnancy loss and gestation length.

Diphallia or penile duplication is a rare congenital abnormality thought to result from duplication of the cloacal membrane in the early developmental stages in the uterus. The present case concerned a 4-year old intact male German shepherd dog. The patient presented with a complaint of paraphimosis. Clinical, laboratory, radiological and ultrasonographic examinations were carried out. Semen samples collected prior to surgery were examined. Following amputation, the penis with paraphimosis was sent for histopathological investigation. Karyotype analysis of the patient was also performed. As well as the first report of this abnormality in Turkey, this case report represents the first report of this condition in a German shepherd dog.

Otitis media is a common disease in clinical veterinary practice. Although low-field magnetic resonance imaging reports for otitis media in dogs exist, in cats detailed information is missing. Radiography is helpful in diagnosing chronic inflammation, but may be insufficient during the initial phase of inflammation. For this reason, this report describes the magnetic resonance findings in two cats with otitis media. In both cases, middle ear empyema was detected. Magnetic resonance imaging of middle ear disorders in cats should contain pre- and post-contrast T1-weighted sequences in the dorsal and transverse planes, a T2-weighted sequence in the dorsal and transverse planes and a fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequence in the dorsal or transverse planes. On pre-contrast T1-weighted images, the empyema had an intensity similar to that of brain tissue with a delicate hyper-intensity in the middle. On post-contrast T1-weighted images, the material had non-uniform enhancement in the dorsolateral compartment and circumference enhancement in the ventromedial compartment of the tympanic bulla with a hypo-intense centre. On T2-weighted images, the mass had heterogeneously increased signal intensity to brain tissue, but was less intense than cerebrospinal fluid. In the fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequence, the pathological lesion was distinctly hyper-intense in comparison to other tissues with a narrow area of increased signal intensity in the middle of the ventromedial tympanic bulla compartment. Magnetic resonance imaging is commonly used for the visualisation of different disorders of the membranous labyrinth and allows the differentiation of chronic hematomas, empyemas and middle and internal ear neoplasia. The recommended magnetic resonance protocol of the middle ear should include pre- and post-contrast T1 sequences in the dorsal and transverse planes, the T2 sequence in the dorsal and transverse planes and the fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequence in the dorsal or transverse planes.

A 35-month-old female German shepherd weighing 33.2 kg was referred to our department with a 10-month history of sneezing and left nasal swelling. On clinical examination, the dog showed deformity of the left nasal plane in the absence of any cutaneous lesions or nasal discharge, and presented with nasal snoring noises during both the inspiratory and expiratory phases. The patency of nasal cavities was evaluated using the cotton swab test, and was found to be preserved only on the right side. Endoscopic, radiographic and computed tomographic examination revealed an osteoproductive lesion that distorted the nasal, maxillar and frontal bones, completely occupying the left nasal cavity and frontal sinuses, resulting in destruction of the nasal septum and invasion of the contralateral nasal cavity. Five bioptic samples of the mass were collected from the cutaneous surface using a 9G Jamshidi bone marrow bioptic instrument. Histologically, the lesion consisted of a non-encapsulated, multilobulated mass composed of dense coalescing trabeculae of well-differentiated bone, which was lined by osteogenic cells. The morphology was suggestive of nasal osteoma. Due to the large size of the mass, evidenced by computed tomography, chronic systemic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory treatment with carprofen was proposed instead of surgery. The description of this case is useful for veterinarians, who should consider osteoma as a possible differential diagnosis for nasal tumours.

We describe here a case study of a 16-month-old female European shorthair cat examined about 6 months after the osteosynthesis of a femoral fracture. Clinical examination revealed a non-weightbearing left limb, pain upon manipulation of the hip joint, complete immobilisation of the stifle joint and muscle atrophy in the left thigh. Low-field magnetic resonance images were acquired in sagittal, transverse and dorsal planes with T1-weighted spin echo, T2-weighted fast spin echo, T1-weighted gradient echo, gradient echo short tau inversion recovery and T1-weighted XBone sequences. Total examination time was 59 min 20 s. The obtained images revealed the presence of osteophytes on the surface of the femoral head, subluxation of the hip joint, atrophy and fatty infiltration of the quadriceps femoris muscle. The symmetry and size of callus in the fracture site were also evaluated. Based on the results of the magnetic resonance imaging exam, the patient was diagnosed with hip osteoarthritis, atrophy and fatty degeneration of the quadriceps femoris muscle with homogeneous and symmetrical distribution of callus in the fracture site. The results of this study confirm the high diagnostic value of low-field magnetic resonance imaging in diagnostics of musculoskeletal injuries in cats.

The effect of cold storage of testes and epididymides at 4 °C for 12 h on the cryopreservation capacity of epididymal feline sperm was evaluated. Ten domestic cats were castrated, and testes and epididymides collected. Specimens were randomly assigned to two groups: in Group A, epididymal samples were immediately processed and frozen in 0.25-ml straws; in Group B, both testes and epididymides were maintained in saline at 4 °C for 12 h and sperm was then processed and frozen. Motility, morphology, acrosome status, sperm viability and DNA integrity were assessed in epididymal sperm samples before freezing (baseline), at thawing (0 h) and 6 h post-thawing (6 h). Although values were lower in Group B, no significant intergroup difference was observed for any of the parameters tested either at baseline or at 0 h. However, significantly higher values (P < 0.05) were observed in Group A at 6 h for total sperm motility (29.0 ± 2.4% vs 13.0 ± 4.3%), sperm viability (35.2 ± 5.4% vs 15.4 ± 1.4%) and normal morphology (47.6 ± 0.8% vs 40.0 ± 2.1%). It was observed that motility and acrosome status of epididymal sperm are the most sensitive parameters when both types of sperm samples (from fresh epididymis or from 12 h cold-stored epididymis) are frozen-thawed. When sperm quality was assessed 6 h after thawing, spermatozoa precooled in the epididymides showed significantly lower values for motility, viability and morphology than spermatozoa from fresh epididymal samples.

This paper describes the results of a retrospective study performed on 385 cats with feline lower urinary tract disease. The study was conducted to obtain epidemiological data and to evaluate clinical symptoms and the results of laboratory tests in a population of Polish cats with symptoms of lower urinary tract disease. The analysed population comprised feline patients of the veterinary clinic at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn who had not been treated prior to admission. Medical history was obtained for all patients. Urine samples were collected mostly, but not solely, by cystocentesis. Feline idiopathic cystitis was diagnosed in most cats (60.7%), while urinary tract infections were noted in only 7.8% of patients. Urethral obstruction caused by mucus plugs was observed in 17.4% of animals. Urolithiasis was observed in 13% of cats, 5% of whom were also diagnosed with urinary tract infections. Hyperplastic changes were identified in only 1% of the studied population. In 59% of cats, feline lower urinary tract disease was accompanied by urethral obstruction. Cats with feline idiopathic cystitis were the youngest animals in the analysed population, and the risk of urinary tract infections and neoplasia increased with age. Our results, obtained over a period of six years in a Polish feline population, show that sex, neutering, age, living conditions and diet influence the type of urinary tract disease, data which are consistent with those obtained in other countries.

In this study we assessed the normal physiological and dynamic thoracoabdominal distribution of ¹⁸F fluorodeoxyglucose (¹⁸F-FDG) uptake and the standardized uptake values (SUVs) of the major parenchymal organs in five normal young adult domestic short haired cats. Dynamic PET data were acquired with a transaxial field-of-view (FOV) PET/CT scanner, Regions of interests (ROIs) were manually drawn over the left ventricular free wall, left ventricular blood pool, liver, spleen, and left and right renal cortices. The SUVs of these organs were calculated for 5-min frames over the 90 min acquisition. The uptake of ¹⁸F-FDG within the major organs, showed a tendency to gradually decline, except for the left ventricle and blood pool. The decrease in SUV was rapid after injection with a plateau occurring after 30 minutes. The uptake of ¹⁸F -FDG within the hepatic parenchyma was low compared to that in the kidney at the beginning of study. A steady decline in the hepatic parenchyma SUV was quite similar to that observed for the kidneys .The SUV of ¹⁸F-FDG within the spleen was low. Uptake of ¹⁸F-FDG within the myocardium was minimal. These SUV data from the parenchymal organs of normal cats compares favourably with those of normal humans and dogs and can be used in feline studies using PET/CT for the evaluation of various diseases. Furthermore, PET/CT can provide higher quality images over shorter examination times than conventional PET.

Interspecies chemical communication is widespread among many groups of organisms, including vertebrates. Kairomones belong to a group of intensively researched substances, represent means for interspecific chemical communication in animals and bring benefit to the acceptor of the chemical signal. Important and often studied is the chemical communication between hosts and their ectoparasites such as ticks and other parasitic mite species. Uric acid is a host stimulus of the kairomone type, which is a product of bird metabolism, or secretions of blood-fed (ingested) ticks. Secretion of volatile substances with kairomone effect may depend on the health of the host organism. Another examined group is the haematophagous ectoparasite insects of the order Diptera, where in addition to the attractiveness of CO₂ a number of other attractants have been described. Specificity of substances in chemical communication can also be determined by their enantiomers. Detailed study of the biology of these ectoparasites is very important from a practical point of view: these parasites play an important role as vectors in a number of infectious diseases. Another area of interspecific chemical communication is the predator-prey relationship, or rather the ability to detect the proximity of predator and induce anti-predator behaviour in the prey. This relationship has been demonstrated in aquatic vertebrates (otter Lutra lutra - salmon Salmo salar) as well as in rodents and their predators. The substances produced by carnivores that induce behavioural response in mice have already been identified. The knowledge of interspecies communication (e.g., between host and parasite) is becoming a prerequisite in successful animal breeding and care.

The aim of this study was to evaluate right ventricular (RV) remodeling and right heart failure associated with different causes of elevated pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) in dogs. In total, 169 client-owned dogs with tricuspid regurgitation (TR) and 40 client-owned clinically healthy dogs were included. Dogs with TR were further categorised as suffering from chronic respiratory disorders (CRD), heartworm disease (HWD), mild/moderate chronic degenerative mitral valvular disease (CDMD), and severe CDMD. Among the echocardiographic indices of the right heart, no significant difference in the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion to aortic root diameter ratio was found among the clinical healthy controls and the four different TR categories. No significant differences in TR peak velocity and pulmonic regurgitation peak velocity were found among dogs in the four different TR categories. The ratio of the right to left ventricular basal diameter in the right ventricular-focused view was significantly higher in dogs with chronic respiratory disorders and dogs with heartworms. Left ventricular compression quantified using the eccentricity index and the ratio of the main pulmonary artery to aortic root diameter were significantly higher in dogs with HWD. Their right ventricular acceleration to ejection time (AT/ET) was significantly lower in dogs with HWD. Based on these findings, we conclude that right heart indices are affected by CRD, HWD, and moderate to severe CDMD. However, right heart indices derived from left heart measurements might be underestimated in dogs with CDMD.

Chronic kidney disease alters the immune response in humans and dogs and it is thought to be one of the causes of immunosuppression in cats. Haematological, biochemical, and immunological examinations were performed on blood samples obtained from 20 cats with chronic kidney disease, and were compared with the results of 18 healthy cats. In cats with chronic kidney disease, statistically significantly lower numbers of total lymphocytes (P < 0.01), especially T lymphocytes (P < 0.001), were observed. When the results were compared with the lymphocyte transformation test in healthy cats, decreased responses to phytohaemaglutinin, concanavalin A, and pokeweed mitogen were found in cats with chronic kidney disease. Our results document an alteration of counts and activity of lymphocytes in cats with chronic kidney disease. Thus, higher susceptibility to infection may be expected in these patients.

We report here the clinical presentation and successful surgical management of flail chest caused by bite wounds in a toy breed dog. Surgery was decided on, based on physical, radiographic and computed tomography (CT) examination findings which included thorax deformity, inward displacement of the end of a fractured rib and suspected lung injuries. Interfragmentary wiring, basket-weave fashion sutures and latissimus dorsi flap for thoracic wall reconstruction were performed to correct the flail chest and augment the thoracic wall stability. There was no evidence of respiratory distress 16 months post-operatively. This is the first case report describing detailed clinical information together with computed tomography evaluation and a successful surgical procedure to correct flail chest in a toy breed dog using interfragmentary wiring and basket-weave fashion sutures.

Six adult loggerhead turtles were found stranded and were rescued near Sicily within a period of 12 months. Macroscopically apparent lesions of the shell were present. After thorough physical examination, ketamine-dexmedetomidine-atipamezole induction and tracheal tube insertion all six patients underwent computed tomographic examination under inhalant anaesthesia with isoflurane. A vertebral lesion at the level of the 3^rd thoracic-lumbar vertebra with vertebral lamina and the vertebral body being involved without compression of the spinal cord, a vertebral lesion at the level of the 7^th thoracic-lumbar vertebra and a vertebral lesion at the level of the 8^th thoracic-lumbar vertebra were recorded in the first female. Loss of the shell near the left carapace-plastron bridge, with massive haemorrhage and compression of organs were present in the second female. The remaining four turtles had only superficial lesions with no involvement of bones and organs of the coelom. Computed tomography was proved to be a valuable non-invasive method for clinical examination of stranded sea turtles.

This case report aims to clinically and radiologically describe a case of feline pectus excavatum and to evaluate the treatment results. An 8-month-old female cat weighing 3.2 kg was presented to the Surgery Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Adnan Menderes University with respiratory distress. Following radiographic and clinical examinations, the condition was diagnosed as pectus excavatum. Surgical correction was performed using a U-shaped external splint. Post-operative thoracic radiography showed that the concavity of the sternum was reduced. The splint was removed five weeks post-surgery. Two months after surgery, the cat was clinically normal.

"Hyperostotic tympanic bone spicules" (HTBS), or "mucoperiosteal exostoses" (ME, syn.) are small, globular (≥ 1 mm in diameter), mostly stalked and drumstick-like, bony structures, which arise from the inner wall of the tympanic bulla and project into the middle ear cavity. HTBS present as mineral densities inside the tympanic bulla on radiographs or computed tomographic (CT) images. They have previously been referred to as "otoliths" and were thought to represent mineral concretions secondary to otitis media. Recently, it was shown that HTBS actually consist of regularly composed bone tissue, covered by normal middle ear mucosa. So far, HTBS have only extensively been described in dogs, where they occur with a prevalence of up to > 45%. A recent study detected ME, most likely representing HTBS, in the tympanic cavities of skeletonised skull bones of African lions. To estimate the occurrence of HTBS in other mammal species, the middle ears of adult animals of 78 different domestic, wild, and zoo species undergoing routine necropsy at the Institute of Veterinary Pathology of the LMU Munich, Germany were examined in the present study. HTBS were found in the tympanic bullae of carnivorous species, such as canids (wolf, fox), and in several large felid species (lion, tiger, leopard, cheetah). In contrast, HTBS were not present in domestic cats (more than to 200 cases), small carnivorous species such as mustelids, nor in any primate, ungulate, ruminant, pig, insectivore, or rodent species. The detectability of HTBS by CT of the tympanic bullae of large felids was demonstrated in an African lion. Histologically, HTBS consisted of mature lamellar bone, covered by periosteum and a partially ciliated, flat epithelium, regularly without any apparent inflammatory alterations. The present study demonstrates that HTBS may frequently occur in large felids and in different canid species. These findings should be taken into account when examining the middle ear, or interpreting bulla radiographs/CT-images of the respective species. However, the factors triggering the development of HTBS remain to be identified.

The purpose of this study was to characterise the radiographic appearance of abomasal phytobezoars in sheep as well as to evaluate the utility of abdominal radiography to identify them. Twenty-seven fat-tailed Herrick sheep with a clinical suspicion of abomasal impaction were examined radiographically. Abdominal survey radiographs in right lateral recumbency were taken. Abomasal phytobezoars (AP) were seen in abdominal survey radiographs in 25/27 sheep (92%). Their radiographic survey appearance was round-to-oval masses with radiopaque margins and radiopacity similar to the ingesta centrally. An additional gastrographic barium study was performed in six of the sheep, followed by exploratory laparotomy where phytobezoars were removed through abomasotomy. The optimal time to visualise the APs was 48 h post-contrast. A significant correlation was noted between phytobezoars size in radiology and surgery (r = 0.651, P < 0.001). Use of the barium study can improve the phytobezoar-ingesta contrast and visibility of the phytobezoars. Plain radiography with sheep positioned in right lateral recumbency is a useful supplementary technique which can be used to evaluate abomasal phytobezoariasis. This study shows that radiography is a suitable diagnostic method for detecting the presence of, but not the number of, abomasal phytobezoars in sheep.

The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence and heritability of elbow dysplasia in the Estrela mountain dog breed, to investigate genetic trends over the last 20 years (1990-2009) and to evaluate the association of individual records with breeding values. The elbows of 351 Estrela mountain dogs were examined using the flexed mediolateral radiographic view and evaluated using the International Elbow Working Group scoring system. Heritability and breeding values were estimated using a linear model. Elbow Dysplasia was found in 16.5% (59/351) of the dogs; males (27%, 34/127) were more affected than females (11%, 24/224) (P < 0.05). The heritability was very low (0.065) and the genetic trend showed a slight positive slope with an improvement in 2004 and 2005. The mean breeding values in elbow dysplasia grades were different but the overlap among grades was very pronounced. The prevalence and heritability of elbow dysplasia in the breed are thus low. Mass selection using individual phenotypes may not be effective. Elbow dysplasia genetic trends are similar to trends for hip dysplasia and passive hip laxity, so the use of selection against hip dysplasia may also result in genetic progress for elbow dysplasia.

The aetiology of Crohn's disease and paratuberculosis are the subjects of intensive study and also frequently, of dispute. However, a number of other nosological entities have a similar history, namely type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, sarcoidosis, asthma, psoriasis, spondylarthritis, Blau syndrom etc. The zoonotic risk of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) has been discussed for more than one hundred years. "The problem remains open, further research is needed", is the sentence which seems to be obligatory in the conclusions of many scientific articles. A number of hypotheses have been suggested, all with a grain of truth in them. The infection hypothesis has many supporters and opponents, but it does not fit to all Crohn's disease cases. The contribution of the genetic factor has been admitted a long time ago and has been experimentally confirmed by recent excellent studies. An environmental factor is expected and has been often mentioned, but has yet to be discovered. Muramyl dipeptide, derived from peptidoglycans of the bacterial cell wall is one of the triggers, mentioned in connection with chronic inflammatory diseases. The immunomodulatory ability of this compound has been recognised for decades and is exploited in Freund's adjuvant. A critical amount of muramyl dipeptide can affect immunity during some bacterial infections but the long latent period between infection and onset of the clinical form of the disease could explain why a causative relationship between the primary infection and chronic inflammation is not considered. Different species of mycobacteria can be found in the environment, in water, dust, soil and aerosol. Although severe infections with mycobacteria have been described, these species are not thought to be typical zoonotic pathogens. Muramyl dipeptide derived from mycobacteria obviously plays a starring role as a bacterial trigger in the aetiology of many autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases. Paratuberculosis in cattle and other ruminants is a source of enormous contamination of the environment but also of milk and meat by MAP. Muramyl dipeptide from mycobacteria, namely MAP, and Crohn's disease as a representative of diseases often called civilization threats, are important pieces of the gigantic puzzle. Mycobacteria in the environment and foodstuffs have to be acknowledged as a public health risk, which can never be completely eliminated. There is no reason to push the panic button, but we must learn how to live together with this microorganism, how the pool of immunomodulator sources can be diminished, and how the pathogenic relationship between triggers and target tissues can be disrupted. The dissemination of knowledge, the availability of rapid and inexpensive tools for identification of mycobacteria in different matrices, and the establishment of a maximal allowed limit for mycobacteria in milk and meat should contribute to food safety and consumer protection.

The aim of this article is to describe and evaluate a unique car accident involving a pet dog within a car. The unique aspect is the linking and evaluation of information from the veterinary record with a detailed description of the car accident, the driver's injuries, the safety systems used and photographs. This method of complex evaluation of an injury mechanism is commonly used in forensic medicine when evaluating car accidents involving people. The accident is especially unique due to the fact that a dog safety harness was used to restrain the pet dog. The dog suffered severe injuries, whilst the car driver suffered only minor injuries. The conclusion was that the dog safety harness did not work correctly and did not protect the dog.

The aim of this investigation was the analysis of the variability within the internal and external ophthalmic artery in the chinchilla (Chinchilla laniger, Molina). The head vasculature of 65 individuals was analysed, with particular emphasis on the internal ophthalmic artery originating from the central and rostral part of the cerebral arterial circle. Head blood vessels were filled with acrylic latex for vascular corrosion casting. The results showed ten variants of blood supply for the orbit, with a predominance of the first variant (66.1%) = bilateral presence of the external ophthalmic artery originating from the maxillary artery. Other variants differed in symmetry and asymmetry, sites of origination and the coexistence of both internal and external arteries. Vascularisation of the brain in chinchillas originates mainly from the vertebra-basilar system. The observed variability seems to confirm the role of the basilar artery in the arterial blood supply of the brain in this species.

Radiographic contrast studies have been recommended to identify the thoracic duct (TD) and its branches before and after surgery for total occlusion. The macroscopic identification of the TD and its branches during surgery usually involves injection of methylene blue (MB). Radiographic contrast and methylene blue can be injected into different anatomical structures (lymph node, lymph vessel, s.c.). The purpose of this study was to compare two different techniques (radiographic and thoracoscopic) for visualisation of the TD after intrapopliteal lymph node injection in the pig. Six piglets from the same litter (two males and four females), two months of age were used. Iohexol at 245 mg/ml was injected into the left popliteal lymph node (LN) under general anaesthesia; hindlimb, abdominal, and thoracic radiographs were taken. A 0.25% methylene blue solution was injected into the right popliteal lymph node and the thoracic duct colouration was assessed thoracoscopically. The thoracic duct was visualised radiographically in one out of six pigs after iohexol injection and thoracoscopically in five out of six pigs after methylene blue injection. The difference was statistically significant (P = 0.040). Popliteal LN lymphangiography using iohexol at 245 mg/ml in piglets should not be the recommended method for TD visualisation. Intrapopliteal injection of a 0.25% solution of methylene blue is recommended as a method of TD visualisation prior to thoracic duct ligation.

The aim of this study was to establish reference intervals for the haematological profile of alpacas on the basis of a large population of clinically healthy animals, and to determine the influence of sex, age and season on these indicators. Blood samples were collected from 243 alpacas (53 males and 156 females over six months of age and 34 crias - 12 males and 22 females - under six months of age). The selected farms were located in Central Europe (Czech Republic and Germany). We determined 13 haematological indicators. Comparison of the results was performed with respect to the sex of animals and for the older group also with regard to the season and to the feeding period. We found no highly significant (P > 0.001) differences between males and females. We did find highly significant differences (P < 0.001) between the group of crias under six months of age and the older alpacas (mean corpuscular volume - MCV, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration - MCHC, red cell distribution width - RDW, white blood cell count - WBC, neutrophil count). Based on our findings we suggest that for some indicators different reference intervals (esp. WBC and differential cell counts) be used for the two above mentioned age groups. We found some highly significant differences (P < 0.001) in haematological indicators in the older group of alpacas between the summer and winter feeding period (haemoglobin concentration, MCHC). Clinical laboratory diagnosis may be improved by the use of age-based and season-based haematological reference values.

Autotransplantation of teeth is the most natural technique to for replacing missing teeth in exposed parts of the dental arch. Reports from human patients indicate great progress toward successful transplantations. However, complications such as inflammation and ankylosis still occur. To understand regenerative processes after autotransplantations, several animal models have been used (monkeys, rodents, rabbits, cats and dogs) and histological/molecular methods have been established. This review aims to summarise knowledge from animal models and discuss their advantages or disadvantages with respect to possible usage in research.

The objective of this study was to investigate the nationwide prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in horses reared in Korea using a commercial ELISA kit and two different nested PCR (nPCR) analyses. Our analysis showed that 2.9% (true prevalence: 3.1%, 16/549) of the horses were seropositive by ELISA, and none were positive by the two nPCR analyses. Significant differences were observed in the ELISA results when the data were analysed according to breed and geographic region. In light of a recent case of human granulocytic anaplasmosis in Korea and the predicted increase in the number and distribution of ticks due to global warming, continuous monitoring and appropriate control programs for Anaplasma spp. and other tick-borne pathogens need to be established.

Abomasal cannulation, an important research tool in experimental procedures, provides a method for the placement of an abomasal cannula in sheep. The aim of this study was to describe a technique for laparoscopic abomasal cannulation in sheep. It was performed in six anaesthetised sheep positioned in dorsal recumbency using three portals in the abdomen. The first absorbable traction suture was placed 1 cm cranial to the determined abomasal cannula site. A stab incision was made with a laparoscopic monopolar hook electrode in the middle of a purse-string suture placed around the abomasal cannula site. The T-shaped cannula was inserted into the abomasum lumen through the stab incision, and the second traction suture was then placed 1 cm caudal to the abomasal cannula site. The T-shaped abomasal cannula was pulled out of the abdominal cavity through the exit wound located 3-5 cm lateral and 10-12 cm cranial to the right side of the umbilicus. The two traction sutures were tied. The T-shaped cannula was secured to the skin with a finger-trap suture. Repeat laparoscopy was performed 1 month later. Firm adhesion between the abomasum and abdominal wall was observed in all sheep, with no evidence of leakage or peritonitis. No major intraoperative or postoperative complications were encountered. The median surgical time was 49 min, with a range from 42 to 58 min. The abomasal contents were collected easily. In conclusion, laparoscopic abomasal cannulation is safe and easy to perform. Its low complication rates and the "ideal" placement of the tube into the abomasum make it an especially attractive alternative to traditional surgical abomasal cannulation in veterinary practice.

A domestic shorthair cat was referred with a history of dyspnoea and lethargy that had arisen gradually within the last few days. The cat had been hit by an automobile 10 days earlier. A thoracic radiograph suggested stenosis of the intrathoracic trachea, proximal to the tracheal bifurcation. Endoscopic examination confirmed a narrowing of the tracheal lumen due to the presence of a fibrotic ring, with remaining patent lumen of about 2 mm. A surgical treatment with a right lateral thoracotomy approach and resection of the narrowed portion of the trachea (a length of about 1 cm) was performed under endoscopic vision. The procedure was unsuccessful because of the size of the tissue removed and the laxity of the remaining tracheal tissue that caused dehiscence of sutures between the tracheal stump and tracheal bifurcation. After consultation with the cat's owners, an intraoperative euthanasia was performed.

A case of surgical resolution of type I or "sliding" hiatal hernia is reported. A seven-month-old kitten was presented because of abdominal discomfort, accelerated breathing after eating and chronic vomiting. The clinical examination was unremarkable. Thoracic radiographs and gastroscopy led to the diagnosis of type I hiatal hernia. The surgical resolution consisted of hiatal plication, oesophagopexy and left-flank incisional gastropexy. All procedures were carried out using a 6 mm videoendoscope positioned in the stomach to evaluate the right oesophago-gastric junction reduction. One week after surgery there was a recurrence of symptoms and a second laparotomy was performed. During the second surgery additional hiatal plication was necessary and an oesophagopexy was repeated after dissection of the phrenico-oesophageal ligament. Moreover, a new incisional gastropexy was carried out after resolution of the first one. The cat recovered without complications and at one-year follow-up did show no signs related to the hiatal hernia. This communication reports on possible additional surgical techniques in cases of type I hiatal hernia and contributes to an understanding of the importance of oesophagopexy in cases of hiatus malformation.

A 13-year-old spayed bitch was referred for evaluation of an abdominal distension with a palpable, continuously growing mass. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a 30 × 20 cm mass directly connected to the spleen. Surgical exploration confirmed the sonographic diagnosis with adhesions to the omentum and the liver. Pathohistological samples revealed well differentiated adipose tissue and variably differentiated collagenous and myxomatous tissue. Immunohistochemically, vimentin and in some regions alpha smooth muscle actin were expressed indicating smooth muscle differentiation. The results support the diagnosis of a malignant mesenchymoma composed of liposarcoma, mixosarcoma and leiomyosarcoma. No local recurrence or metastasis occurred during a nine month follow-up. So far, only two pathological retrospective studies describing the common prevalence and properties of canine splenic malignant mesenchymomas were found in the literature. However, this rare tumor entity has to be considered as a differential diagnosis in cases of large splenic masses.

In this case report, three different crossbreedings of pet rabbits were performed producing affected as well as healthy bunnies. All affected rabbits were smaller and had local alopecia, exophthalmus, and limb deviations compared to their healthy littermates; thus, a homozygous form of Pelger-Huet anomaly was suspected. This anomaly was confirmed by blood examination in which granulocytes with oval nuclei and a very coarse chromatin pattern, as well as lymphocytes with micronuclei were noticed. Karyotype analyses of the lymphocytes revealed many chromosomal aberrations in affected rabbits. Moreover, severe arterial abnormalities in the pelvic cavity and proximal part of the pelvic limbs were also found in these rabbits. Our findings suggest a multigenic origin of Pelger-Huet anomaly in rabbits, because only male and female offspring with the otter colour of fur were severely affected by this congenital disorder.