M. A. Rivero

Computed tomography of normal cranioencephalic structures in two horses.

The purpose of this investigation was to define the anatomy of the cranioencephalic structures in horses using computed tomography (CT). Tranverse images of two isolated equine cadaver heads were obtained using a Toshiba 600 HQ (third‐generation equipment TCT). CT images were compared to corresponding frozen cross‐sections of the cadaver head. Relevant anatomical structures were identified and labelled at each level. The resulting images provided excellent anatomic detail of the structures of the central nervous system and associated formations. Annotated CT images from this study are intended as a reference for clinical CT imaging studies of the equine head.

Normal Anatomical Imaging of the Thorax in Three Dogs: Computed Tomography and Macroscopic Cross Sections with Vascular Injection

The purpose of this study was to provide a new reference for interpretation of the normal anatomy of the canine thorax as imaged using computed tomography (CT). Three mature dogs, all mixed breed males, were used for this study. The dogs were sedated, anaesthetized and maintained in sternal recumbency. CT study from the first to the thirteen thoracic vertebra was performed with a TOSHIBA 600HQ scanner (third generation equipment). Dogs were killed and vascular‐injection technique was performed: red latex and blue latex filled vascular system. Injected dogs were frozen and sectioned with an electric bandsaw, the cuts matched as closely as possible to the CT images. The CT images from this study are intended as a reference for clinical CT imaging studies of the thoracic cavity of the dog and for interpreting lesions of the thorax and associated structures.

CT‐Soft Tissue Window of the Cranial Abdomen in Clinically Normal Dogs: An Anatomical description using Macroscopic Cross‐Sections with Vascular Injection

The aim of this study was to provide a detailed anatomic atlas of the cranial abdomen by means of computed tomography (CT). Three mature dogs, all mixed breed males, were used. The dogs were sedated, anaesthetized and positioned in sternal recumbency. CT scans from the eighth thoracic vertebra to the fourth lumbar vertebra were performed using a third‐generation equipment (TOSHIBA 600HQ scanner) with 1 cm slice thickness. CT‐images of the cranial abdomen were taken with soft‐tissue window (WL: −14, WW: 658) settings. Dogs were killed and vascular‐injection technique was performed: red and blue latex filled the vascular system. Injected dogs were frozen in the same position as used for CT examination and sectioned with an electric bandsaw at 1‐cm‐thick intervals. The cuts matched as closely as possible to the CT‐images. The anatomic sections were compared and studied with the corresponding CT‐images, and clinically relevant abdominal anatomic structures were identified and labelled on the corresponding CT‐images. The results of our study could be used as a reference for evaluating CT‐images of the canine cranial abdomen with abdominal diseases.

Anatomy of the Cranioencephalic Structures of the Camel (Camelus dromedarius L.) by Imaging Techniques: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study

The objective of this study was to define the anatomy of the cranioencephalic structures and associated formations in camel using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MR images were acquired in sagittal, transverse and oblique dorsal planes, using spin‐echo techniques, a magnet of 1.5 T and a standard human body coil. MR images were compared with corresponding frozen cross‐sections of the head. Different anatomic structures were identified and labelled at each level. The resulting images provided excellent soft tissue contrast and anatomic detail of the brain and associated structures of the camel head. Annotated MR images from this study are intended to be a reference for clinical imaging studies of the head of the dromedary camel.

Last âÂÂAtypicalâ Beaked Whales Mass Stranding in the Canary Islands (July, 2004)

In July 2004, four Ziphius cavirostris stranded in the Canary Islands several days after an international naval exercises were conducted north of the Canary Islands. During the maneuvers high intensity mid-frequency sonar was used. Three of the animals were fully necropsied. Abundant fresh non-digestive aliment was found in all stomachs. Hemorrhages were a constant finding in several organs. Although “ in vivo” gas embolism could not be established due to decomposition, systemic fat embolism was diagnosed in all three beaked whales. Epidemiological and pathological findings were highly consistent with an “atypical” beaked whale mass stranding that was temporally and spatially associated with sonar. This was the last atypical mass stranding in the Canary Islands once an antisonar moratorium was established around the islands, following the EU parliament recommendation and Spanish government resolution in 2004.

Herpes virus infection associated with interstitial nephritis in a beaked whale (Mesoplodon densirostris)

BackgroundThe capacity for herpesvirus to cause disease in cetaceans is unclear and may be varied depending on the different conditions of individuals and between different species. Kidney pathology and intralesional virus-associated infection have been rarely reported in cetaceans.ResultOn April 2004, an old adult male Blainville’s beaked whale (Mesoplodon densirostris) 420 cm long with a poor body condition was stranded on Tenerife Island. During necropsy, no gross lesions were observed in the kidneys. However, membranous glomerulonephritis, multifocal interstitial lymphoplasmacytic nephritis and acute multifocal necrotizing tubulointerstitial nephritis with intranuclear inclusion bodies was diagnosed by histological analysis. Tissue samples were submitted for bacteriological analysis and molecular viral screening.ConclusionA novel alpha herpesvirus associated with interstitial nephritis was identified in an old adult male Blainvilles beaked whale (M. densirostris) with a poor body condition stranded in the Canary Islands. This report suggests that identification of herpesvirus infection could be used as a differential diagnosis for interstitial nephritis in cetaceans.

Differences on meat quality of local cattle breed from outermost EU zone vs. commercial

The use of local beef cattle breeds commercialised under the labels of designation of origin or quality trademarks has become very important in Europe in recent years. Related to this trend, the purpose of this study was to characterise and compare carcass meat composition and quality attributes, fatty acid (FA) composition of intramuscular fat and subcutaneous fat, and the sensory evaluation of a European outermost region breed, Palmera breed (PB) compared to commercial beef meat from local markets, in order to promote this endangered breed. PB meat was found to have higher water holding capacity and amounts of fat and low levels of protein. Regarding the FA profiles, little differences were found between the two types of meat. A half-trained panel and consumers did not notice significant differences between the two kinds of meats. In summary, Palmera Breed beef could compete with the rest in the markets.

Computed Tomography (CT) of the Lungs of the Dog Using a Helical CT Scanner, Intravenous Iodine Contrast Medium and Different CT Windows

The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of helical computed tomography (CT) for visualizing pulmonary parenchyma and associated formations in normal dogs. CT scan was performed by using intravenous contrast medium and by applying different types of CT windows: soft tissue and lung windows, and high‐resolution computed tomography of the lung. This technique allowed, especially with lung window types, a good view of the parenchyma, bronchial tree, vascular structures and pleural cavity. The selected images, with high anatomical quality and tissue contrast, may be a reference for future clinical studies of this organ. Thus, helical CT is a promising non‐invasive method of diagnosing a wide variety of pulmonary diseases in dogs.

Relationship of birth weight with the size, number and proportion of fibres in the pig semitendinosus muscle.

The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between body weight and the size, number and proportion of muscle fibre types in the pig semitendinosus muscle at birth. Based on weight at birth, 68 specimens selected from 21 different litters from the same farm were allotted in two equal groups (G1 and G2). G1 included 34 piglets ≤1.1 kg and G2 34 pigs ≥2 kg. Fifteen piglets per group were killed at birth and the remaining 19 piglets in each group were reared until weaning (21 days) and post‐weaning (67 days). The weight and total cross‐sectional area of the semitendinosus muscle were recorded at birth. Then, type I and type II fibres from the superficial portion of the muscle were identified according to histochemistry and immunohistochemistry techniques and percentages, average size of each fibre type, and the total number of muscle fibres were estimated by morphometry. Birth weight in G1 was 54.74% lower than that in G2. Correspondingly, the total cross‐sectional area of the semitendinosus, as well as the size and number of muscle fibres, was significantly lower in G1 (P < 0.001). Weight at birth still influenced weights at weaning and post‐weaning, hence it was 43.17% and 28.38% lower respectively in G1. It is concluded that pig weight at birth is associated with muscle cellularity of the semitendinosus muscle of pig, which may influence the postnatal muscle growth and final size of muscle fibres and meat quality.

Primary central nervous system T-cell lymphoma in a common dolphin (Delphinus delphis).

This report describes the pathological findings in an adult female short-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) stranded alive in the Canary Islands. Necropsy examination revealed the presence of a nodular neoplastic growth in the central nervous system (CNS) at the level of the thalamus. Microscopical examination revealed the mass to be a lymphoma and immunohistochemical labelling demonstrated a T-cell origin. No significant lesions were observed in other organs, including lymphoid organs. This is the first report of a primary T-cell lymphoma in the CNS in cetaceans.