Berislav Radišić

Feline high-rise syndrome: 119 cases (1998-2001)

High-rise syndrome was diagnosed in 119 cats over a 4-year period. 59.6% of cats were younger than one year, and the average height of the fall was four stories. High-rise syndrome was more frequent during the warmer period of the year. 96.5% of the presented cats, survived after the fall. 46.2% of cats had fractured limbs; 38.5% of fractures were of the forelimb, 61.5% of the hindlimb. The tibia was fractured most often (36.4%), followed by the femur (23.6%). 78.6% of femoral fractures were distal. The mean age of patients with femoral fractures was 9.1 months, and with tibial fractures 29.2 months. Thoracic trauma was diagnosed in 33.6% of cats. Pneumothorax was diagnosed in 20% of cats, and pulmonary contusions in 13.4%. Falls from the seventh or higher stories, are associated with more severe injuries and with a higher incidence of thoracic trauma.

Haematological and biochemical parameters in the blood of an indigenous Croatian breed – Istrian cattle

Abstract. Haematological and biochemical parameters were examined in the blood of 87 cows, bulls and oxen of the indigenous Croatian breed, Istrian cattle. The sample represents 11.93 % of the total adult population. This breed is classified as highly endangered. The age of tested animals was between 2 and 17 years. Cattle were divided into three groups, animals aged 2 to 6 years (n=19), 7 to 10 years (n=37), and older than 10 years (n=31). Animals were kept in the area of Istria County, mostly in stables though occasionally at pasture. The cows were milked twice daily and gave an average of 1 000 litres of milk per year. Erythrocytes, leukocytes, haemoglobin, haematocrit and mean corpuscular volume were determined. Differential analysis was performed by counting blood cells in the blood smear after Pappenheim staining. Biochemical parameters such as total cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, creatinine, total bilirubin, calcium and inorganic phosphorus were determined. The activity of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase was determined by spectrophotometry. These biochemical and haematological parameters of this Istrian breed were within the physiological range, while slight deviations were observed for certain parameters. The greatest deviation from the physiological range was shown in the concentrations of urea and creatinine. These results may contribute to a better understanding of the metabolic profile and haematological indicators for estimating the physiological status of these endangered cattle in Istria, for further investigation and for diagnostic purposes.

Extracellular matrix supports healing of transected rabbit Achilles tendon

Extracellular matrix (ECM) has been intensively used in cardio surgery. The main goal of this research was to determine if Achilles tendon healing could be promoted by applying extracellular matrix scaffold (CorMatrix®, USA). Sixteen (n = 16) New Zealand white mature rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were randomly allocated into two groups. Following complete surgical transection, rabbits in group A (ECM applied) (n = 8) had their Achilles tendons reconstructed using both, nylon suture and extracellular matrix scaffold, whereas in group B (without ECM) the tendons were reconstructed using nylon suture only. After four weeks, the rabbits were euthanized and tendon samples harvested and stained with hematoxylin eosin, Mallory, and Gomory and subsequently histologically analyzed according to modified Bonnar scale. Group B had significantly stronger inflammatory response, including abundant cell infiltration and neovascularization. In group A collagen fibers were predominantly found, whereas in group B reticular fibers were more abundant. Extracellular matrix scaffold has been found to have the real potential for promoting tendon healing through accelerating collagen formation, which is crucial for restoring biomechanical properties of a tendon, decreasing peritendineous adhesion formation, and reducing inflammatory edema and subsequently pain.

Osteosynthesis of the radius and ulna in a brown hare lepus europeus

Six months old brown hare was presented at the Surgery Clinic for evaluation of a right forelimb third grade lameness. Full physical examination, blood samples for complete blood count, and serum biochemistry were performed. Radiographic examination from anteroposterior and lateral views confirmed a old, closed, complete, non-comminuted, transverse fracture in the middle part of right radius and ulna. Fracture repair in the brown hare is a similar to those in cats and dogs. Stabilization of fractures with bone plates and screws are the most popular methods of fracture fixation. Osteosynthesis was performed by 2.0, 8-hole stainless steel Synthes dynamic compression plate, DCP (Synthes Holding AG, 4500 Solothurn, Switzerland) placed on radius in neutral position to achieve anatomical repositioning of fragments and to restore normal biological function of the limb. Surgical procedure was performed within 45 minutes in order to reduce residence in a hospital environment, which hares generally find stressful. The fracture was assessed as clinically stable in the 5th day postoperatively and the animal was weightbearing on its forelimb. Osteosynthesis of hare radius using DCP plate 2.0 is a good method of fixation and healing fractures. After performing full clinical examination and bloodwork, controled and modulated anaesthesia and analgesia, it is possible to perform osteosynthesis with excellent outcome and also a good way to preserve fragile wildlife.

The effect of preanesthetic administration of lactated ringer solution on blood pressure in isoflurane-anesthetized horses.

Hypotension induced by volatile agents is particularly notorious in horses and it is probably one of the major causes of the high anaesthetic risk in this species. In the present study we investigated the influence of 10 mL/kg lactated Ringer solution on the values of arterial blood pressure during the elective surgical procedure, administered right before the induction of anaesthesia. The goal was to establish if it was possible to lower the risk of hypotension development with this type of therapy. Nine horses divided in two groups were used in this study. All the horses were submitted to the same anesthetic regimen. The second group of horses received 10 mL/kg i.v. lactated Ringer solution in the 15 minutes time before the induction of anesthesia. The effect of lactated Ringer solution was noted at the beginning of anesthesia. Statistically significant differences among groups were noticed during the first measurement. The results indicate that the suggested method may provide a very simple way of supporting the cardiovascular system at least at the beginning of the surgical procedure.