J. M. Vilar

Neonatal viability evaluation by Apgar score in puppies delivered by cesarean section in two brachycephalic breeds (English and French bulldog)

This study tried to define neonatal viability after cesarean section in brachycephalic breeds and the efficacy of an adapted Apgar test to assess newborn survival. Data from 44 cesarean sections and 302 puppies were included. Before surgery (59-61 days after ovulation), an ultrasound evaluation defined the fetal biparietal diameter (BPD). Immediately after the uterine delivery, the pups were evaluated to detect birth defects and then, a modified Apgar score (range: 0-10) was used to define neonatal health at 5min (Apgar 1) and 60min (Apgar 2) after neonatal delivery; puppies were classified into three categories: critical neonates (score: 0-3), moderate viability neonates (score: 4-6) and normal viability neonates (score: 7-10). Mean (±SEM) value of BPD was 30.8±0.1mm and 28.9±0.1mm in English and French Bull-Dog fetus, respectively. The incidence of spontaneous neonatal mortality (4.98%, 14/281) and birth defects (6.95%) were not influenced by the sex; however, congenital anomalies and neonatal mortality were higher (p<0.01) in those litters with a greater number of neonates. In Apgar 1, the percentage of critical neonates, moderate viability neonates and normal viability neonates were 20.5%, 46.3% and 33.1% respectively; sixty minutes after birth, the critical neonates only represented 10.3% of the total puppies. Almost all neonates (238/239) showing moderate or normal viability at Apgar 1, survived for the first 24h after birth. The results of the study showed a direct relationship (p<0.01) between the Apgar score and neonatal viability. Therefore, the routine performance of the Apgar score would appear to be essential in the assessment of the status of brachycephalic breed puppies.

Evaluation of mean echogenicity of tendons and ligaments of the metacarpal region in neonatal foals: A preliminary study.

The aims of this research were to evaluate mean echogenicity (ME) of the deep and superficial digital flexor tendons (DDFT and SDFT), the interosseous muscle (IM), and the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon (ALDDFT) of the metacarpal region in neonatal foals, and determine the effect of sex, side and body weight on this quantitative ultrasonographic evaluation. Thirteen orthopedically sound neonatal foals were examined. Four areas of study (1A, 1B, 2A, 2B) were identified. Transverse scans of the DDFT, SDFT, IM and ALDDFT were obtained, recorded, and analyzed. The most echogenic structures were the ALDDFT and DDFT, while the SDFT was significantly less echogenic than all other structures (P<0.05). No influence of sex, forelimb, or body weight was observed. The echogenicity of the tenodesmic structures of foals partially overlapped that reported in the metacarpal region in adult horses, except for IM.

Relative Echogenicity of Tendons and Ligaments of the Palmar Metacarpal Region in Foals from Birth to 4 Months of Age: A Longitudinal Study.

The objective of this study was to evaluate relative echogenicity of superficial and deep digital flexor tendons, the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon and interosseous muscle of the metacarpal region in foals ages 1 week to 4 months; and assess the association between echogenicity and sex or side/laterality. Seven Standardbred trotter foals were examined. Right and left metacarpal regions (palmar surface) were ultrasonographically investigated, and four regions of interest were assessed. A significant increase in echogenicity was seen in superficial and deep digital flexor tendons, accessory ligament of deep digital flexor tendon, and interosseous muscle during growth from 1 week to 4 months of age. Echogenicity of examined tendons and ligaments was not influenced by gender nor laterality. Reference values for tendon and ligament echogenicity could function as a tool to discriminate between physiological and abnormal conditions such as congenital contractural conditions.

Dystocia and paraparesis associated with intra-pelvic space-restricting hematoma in a Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica hispanica).

Abstract Vilar, J.M., Corbera, J.A. and Ramírez, G.A. 2010. Dystocia and paraparesis associated with intra-pelvic space-restricting hematoma in a Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica hispanica). J. Appl. Anim. Res., 37: 89–91. This report presents a case of dystocia and mummification of a. co-twin fetus in a nine-year-old pregnant Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica hispanica) that was a direct result of capture procedures. The anesthetic dart penetrated the left perivulvar region, causing a large intra-pelvic space-restricting hematoma. Subsequently, the doe developed bilateral hindlimb paresis and marked vaginal prolapse. On cesarean section one of the fetuses was dead and exhibited features of initial maceration. The second fetus was weak, but survived and appeared normal. The doe recovered well from the anesthesia, but after 48 h displayed lethargy, ataxia, disorientation and extreme weakness and it was deemed appropriate to euthanize the animal. The postmortem examination revealed lesions suggestive of pregnancy toxemia. Trauma in pregnant wild goats should raise the clinical suspicion of fetal death and dictate further observation; in a twin pregnancy, the appearance of a single fetal death should be investigated.

Transient tracheal collapse associated with bronchopneumonia in a kid goat.

Abstract Corbera, J.A., Vilar, J.M. and Gutierrez, C. 2009. Transient tracheal collapse associated with bronchopneumonia in a kid goat. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 36: 53–54. A case of transient tracheal collapse associated with bronchopneumonia occurred in α 3-week-old goat is presented. Tracheal collapse, affecting particularly the caudal cervical region, would have been secondary to great respiratory effort. Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory treatment was successful and the tracheal collapse was reversible. Possible pathogenesis is discussed.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of cross-sectional area of tarsal ligaments in Standardbred Trotter Horses

ABSTRACT Ultrasound evaluations of the cross-sectional area (CSA) in the tarsal region of Standardbred Trotter Horses (STH) have been previously reported for tendons but not for ligaments. The objective of this study was to identify normal ultrasonographic CSAs in the tarsal ligaments of STH. Transverse echographic scans of ligaments at five tarsal levels from proximal to distal direction were recorded in 25 healthy STH. All images were recorded, and the CSA measurements (mean ± SD) were determined. The widest structure resulted in the long plantar ligament (LPL) at distal portion of the astragalus, and the smallest was the long medial collateral ligament (LMCL) at the medial malleolus of the tibia. Long collateral ligaments (LCL) increased their CSA at the level of their distal insertions, while LPL reached the maximum CSA in the middle of its length. Although this report was limited due to its retrospective design, it is the opinion of the authors that the normal CSAs investigated in this paper could function as a reference guide when tarsal pathological conditions are suspected in STH.

Effect of plasma rich in growth factors on the early phase of healing of surgically severed Achilles tendon in sheep: histological study

ABSTRACT Tendon injuries are the most frequent musculoskeletal problems, constituting 30–50% of all sport-related lesions. Efficient handling of early stage tendon injury and healing can accelerate tendon repair as well as improve the quality of newly formed tendons. Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) is an autologous biological therapy that has been proposed to treat tendon injuries. To elucidate the effect of this treatment on the early stage of tendon healing, 14 sheep were used to perform the present study. The right Achilles tendon was surgically severed and repaired with sutures. Seven animals were treated with PRGF and the other seven with saline solution after surgical tendon reconstruction. Tendons were ultrasound-guide infiltrated 1 week after the induced injury. Two weeks later, the sheep were euthanized and histochemical and immunohistochemical analyses were performed. The tendons with PRGF showed reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells compared to those treated with saline solution. Analysis of the blood vessels, morphometric data of fibroblast nuclei, and collagen fibres in the extracellular matrix did not show statistical differences between groups. These findings suggest the important role that PRGF therapy plays in the modulation of inflammatory response in Achilles tendon injuries, leading to acceleration of the tendon healing process, shortening the convalescence period.

Comparison of 3 anesthetic protocols for the elective cesarean-section in the dog: Effects on the bitch and the newborn puppies

This study assessed the influence of 3 different anesthetic protocols based on the quality of anesthesia induction and maintenance in four dog breeds (French Bulldog, n = 13; Yorkshire terrier, n = 12; Chihuahua, n = 10; Bull Terrier, n = 10) subjected to cesarean section. Neonatal mortality, birth defects and newborn viability were assessed. All females were pre-medicated with morphine (IM), and then were assigned to three different anesthetic protocols: group P (n = 17), anesthesia was induced with propofol (IV) and then also maintained with propofol until the complete delivery of puppies and then anesthesia was maintained afterwards with sevoflurane; group PS (n = 14), anesthesia was induced with IV propofol, and maintenance of the anesthesic plan was performed with sevoflurane; group PES (n = 14) the females were induced by propofol and an epidural anesthesia was then performed, anesthesia was then maintained with propofol until the complete extraction of all puppies and then anesthesia was maintained afterwards with sevoflurane. Throughout the surgery, group PES required a lower concentration of sevoflurane (p < 0.05), and extra doses of propofol or fentanyl during inhalatory anesthesia were not required. Mean values of heart rate (p < 0.01) were higher in females from groups P and PS. Mean values of blood pressure values were lower (p < 0.01) in group PES as compared with the other two groups. Birth defects were detected in 3.1% (5/162) of the neonates, with a significantly higher incidence (p < 0.05) in French bulldog puppies. Neonatal viability was assessed using a modified Apgar score model; Apgar score was defined immediately after delivery (Apgar0) and a second score was assessed 60 min after delivery (Apgar60). Apgar0 scores were significantly different between the groups, showing neonates of group PES the highest values (p < 0.05). In Apgar60, more than 94% of puppies were already classified as normal viability neonates (7-10 score) and no differences were observed between groups. This study confirmed that females of group PES showed a higher quality of anesthesia during surgery and a vitality of puppies immediately after delivery. Regardless of the anesthetic protocol used, French bulldog females and puppies required more clinical care than other breeds.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the cranial abdomen of the dog.

Abstract Vilar, J.M., Vazquez, J.M., Raillard, M. and Arencibia, A. 2010. Magnetic resonance imaging of the cranial abdomen of the dog. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 38: 81–83. To describe the normal cross sectional anatomy of the cranial abdomen of the dog, using MR images and macroscopic sections with vascular latex repletion one dog was used. Transverse, sagital and dorsal T-l weighted spin echo images provided excellent resolution of the anatomical structures of this region, whilst vascular-filled gross sections contributed important information for identification of MR images. This information could serve for accurate identification and topography of organs and anatomical structures of cranial abdomen of the dog.