Ciprian Ober

Influence of Electroacupuncture on the Soft Tissue Healing Process

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of bipolar electroacupuncture (EA) on a soft tissue defect in rabbits. Ten clinically healthy New Zealand white rabbits were divided into two groups: the control group (Group C, n = 5) and the experimental (EA) group (Group T, n = 5). During neuroleptanalgesia, defects of soft tissue (skin and muscle) were made at the dorsum site on the rabbits in both groups, and those defects were stimulated using EA. The biopsy samples were collected on Day 2, Day 4, and Day 6, prepared for histology, and examined microscopically. On the 2(nd) day, in Group C, the inflammatory degree was higher than it was in Group T; on subsequent days, low or identical degrees of inflammation were observed in both groups. Proliferative fibrous activity was increased on Day 4 for Group T and identical for both groups on Day 6. The dynamics of the epidermal thickness were characterized by a high rate on Day 2, Day 4, and Day 6 for Group T. EA facilitates a low tissue mechanical stress and has a positive effect on the healing of muscular defects. EA enhances the healing process, with no side effects.

An unusual case of a mature teratoma on the left perineal region of a young cat: surgical treatment and pathological description.

A 10-month-old intact male cat with a clinical history of a large mass in the left perineal region was submitted to the surgery department. The mass had reportedly been present as a small swelling after birth. Cytological evaluation using a fine-needle aspirate showed eosinophilic keratinaceous debris, and was not convincing for the definitive diagnosis. Complete surgical excision was performed. Postoperative function and aesthetics were excellent. Based on gross and histological features the definitive diagnosis of the tumor was mature teratoma with ectodermal and endodermal components. After a follow-up period of 4 months, no signs of recurrence were evident. Surgical excision of the teratoma in our case was considered curative. A perineal location has not been previously reported in the cat and should be considered a rare condition in this species.

Influence of Electroacupuncture on Thermal Changes in a Soft Tissue Defect

This study investigated thermal changes in the skin at locations where soft tissue defects existed and acupuncture needles stimulated by using bipolar electroacupuncture (EA) had been inserted. Under general anesthesia (GA), experimental defects were made at the dorsum site of five New Zealand rabbits. Bipolar EA was used for 20 minutes to stimulate the experimental defects, and the skin temperature was monitored at the sites where the acupuncture needles had been inserted and the soft tissue defects existed. The initial thermography of those defects had the same trend as that of the negative pole of EA stimulation at the first acupoint. Skin thermography during the first 3 minutes of bipolar EA indicated a centrifugal vasoconstriction and a vasodilatation at the negative and positive poles, respectively. After that, the thermal change in soft tissue undergoing EA stimulation was not modified by a different EA polarity. The local temperature at the defect and its surroundings under both positive and negative electric loads was increased by 0.2-0.3 °C for vasodilatation. This study indicates that EA influences sympathetic modulation of soft tissue defects and that selective sympathetic modulation caused by bipolar EA is responsible for the clinical perception.

Use of clinical and computed tomography findings to assess long-term unsatisfactory outcome after femoral head and neck ostectomy in four large breed dogs

Femoral head and neck ostectomy (FHNO) is a salvage surgical procedure intended to eliminate hip joint laxity associated pain in the immature dog, or pain due to secondary osteoarthritis in the mature dog. The outcome of the procedure is associated with the size of the dog but the cause of a generally poorer outcome in larger breeds has not been determined. The objective of this study was to assess the long-term results of FHNO associated with unsatisfactory functional outcome by means of clinical examination and computed tomography (CT) scanning. Four large mixed breed dogs underwent FHNO in different veterinary clinics. Clinical and CT scanning evaluations were carried out long time after the procedures had been done. Hip pain, muscle atrophy, decreased range of motion and chronic lameness were observed at clinical examination. Extensive remodelling, unacceptable bone-on-bone contact with bony proliferation involving the femoral neck and acetabulum, but also excessive removal with bone lysis were observed by CT scanning. Revision osteotomy was performed in one dog. Deep gluteal muscle interposition was used, but no improvements were observed postoperatively. This is the first report on the evaluation of three-dimensional CT reconstructions of the late bone remodelling associated with poor clinical outcome in large dogs. The study shows that FHNO could lead to severe functional deficits in large breed dogs. An extensive follow-study is necessary to more accurately determine the frequency of such complications.

Diagnosis and surgical management of malignant ovarian teratoma in a green iguana (Iguana iguana).

BackgroundOvarian tumors in reptiles are uncommonly reported in the literature and for green iguanas previously reported cases include teratomas, one adenocarcinoma and one papillary cystadenocarcinoma. The present report is the first of a malignant ovarian teratoma in a green iguana. Complete and detailed pathological features, differential diagnosis and surgical management of malignant ovarian teratoma are discussed in this paper.Case PresentationA 9-year-old intact female green iguana (Iguana iguana) with a clinical history of persistent anorexia and progressive abdominal distension was referred to the surgery department. On physical examination, a presumptive diagnosis of follicular stasis was established. Radiographic evaluation showed a large radioopaque mass within the abdomen, which was visible both in latero-lateral and ventro-dorsal exposures. Abdominal ultrasonography showed a large intra-abdominal mass, with numerous cyst-like structures filled with liquid and a heterogeneous aspect with hypoechoic areas. Exploratory laparatomy was thus suggested and the mass was removed surgically. The histologic findings of the neoplasm were consistent with those of ovarian malignant teratoma. Surgical excision of the mass in our case was considered curative and after a follow-up period of 6 months the animal has recovered completely.ConclusionsA malignant ovarian teratoma has not been previously reported in green iguana and should be included in the list of differential diagnosis of ovarian tumors in this species. This report will contribute to a better understanding of the pathology of this rare tumor in green iguanas.

Multiple congenital cardiovascular defects including type IV persistent truncus arteriosus in a Shetland pony – Short communication

This case report describes the pathological findings of multiple congenital cardiac defects in a 2-year-old female Shetland pony with clinical signs of chronic respiratory distress. Persistent truncus arteriosus (PTA) type IV, interventricular septal defect, overriding aorta, pulmonary trunk agenesis, pulmonary arteries arising from the descending aorta, and compensatory right ventricular hypertrophy were observed.

Paraclinical Investigations of Electroacupuncture Analgesia in a Rabbit Ovariohysterectomy

The aim of this study is to investigate paraclinical changes in glycemia, serum cortisol, and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) due to electroacupuncture analgesia (EAA) in a rabbit undergoing an ovariohysterectomy. Seven clinically healthy New Zealand white rabbits were used in this study. Local and systemic analgesia was represented by EAA. Blood samples were collected at preoperative, operative, and postoperative times. At the operative time, increased cortisolemia does not promote a proportional increase in glycemia even though it is correlated with an increased level of ACTH. EAA follows the stress mechanism, which is coordinated by neuroendocrine activity. EAA in a rabbit ovariohysterectomy underscores the crucial involvement of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis with a direct influence on paraclinical changes, including changes in glycemia, cortisol, and ACTH, which are specific for stress changes.

Grafting Materials for Major Sinus Lift

The materials used for major sinus lift varies from autogenous or allogenous bone, to animal origin (xenograft) bone or synthetic (alloplastic) materials. A combination of bone substitutes, alloplastic graft with allogenic or xenogenic bone seems to give satisfactory results in terms of new bone formation and the long-term implant success rate. On the other hand, using PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) mixed with bone substitutes seems to enhance graft vascularization and osseous regeneration, as well as faster healing. The novel sinus lift technique with PRGF (Plasma rich in Growth Factors) has demonstrated significant development of new bone, minimizing any complications in the event of Scheneiderian membrane perforation. The present study compares two clinical cases where major sinus lifts were performed using as regenerative material xenograft bone and porous titanium mixed with PRGF.

Observations Concerning Surgical Treatment Of Gastric Dilatation And Volvulus In A Dog

Gastric dilatation-volvulus is a medical and surgical emergency that principally affects large-breed dogs. A proper surgical approach of gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) involves gastric repositioning and surgical formation of a permanent fixation to prevent recurrence of the disease. Repositioning and gastropexy procedures are recommended after a patient stabilization and as soon as the patient present a minimal anesthetic risk. The purpose of this clinical-case study was to evaluate the effect of a surgical method in the treatment of gastric dilatation-volvulus in a dog.

Intracardiac Hemolymph Sampling Technique in the Domestic Tarantula

Exotic animals, including tarantulas, have become more and more popular among enthusiasts nowadays. Under these circumstances, the practicing veterinarian may be occasionally faced with the task of examining, diagnosing and treating such an unusual pet. In order to successfully achieve this, some special knowledge about their husbandry, nutrition, anatomy, restraint and specific pathology is absolutely necessary. Because of their limited space and high humidity and temperature, tarantulas are prone to opportunistic bacterial and/or fungal infections. This paper would like to help fellow veterinarians by presenting a practical method of intracardiac hemolymph collection. This procedure is used for diagnostic purposes, when a systemic infection is suspected, or for therapeutic ones, when dehydration or hemolymph loss are noted.