Marko Pećin

Determination of Sublethal Mutation Causing Lavender Foal Syndrome in Arabian Horses From Croatia

Abstract The incidence of perinatal mortality of Arabian horses in Croatia is in accordance with the high frequency of lethal and sublethal mutations in Arabian horses in other countries. The objective of this study was to investigate the frequency of recessive genes causing lavender foal syndrome (LFS) in three Croatian breeds of Arabian horse and to compare these findings with the literature reports. Pedigree and molecular analyses indicated the existence of three distinct breeds of Arabian horses (Traditional Arabian, Shagya Arab, and Pure Arabian horse) in Croatia. Molecular analyses were performed on 100 blood samples (n = 100) of Arabian horses by analyzing isolated and quality‐tested genomic DNA. Polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the MYO5A gene was performed for LFS determination. The proportion of heterozygous carriers and the frequency of the LFS allele were lower in Arabian horse breeds in Croatia than in other reports. The LFS allele was found exclusively in the Pure Arabian breed, supporting the findings of other studies on Egyptian Arabian horses. The results are consistent with the interbreeding of Pure Arabian horses in Croatia with Egyptian Arabian horses. The Traditional Arabian and Shagya Arab breeds showed a lower frequency of the LFS allele. Based on these results, screening of the entire population of Arabian horses in Croatia for mutations responsible for multiple inherited genetic disorders should be included in breeding programs. HighlightsLavender foal syndrome in the Arabian horse breed population in Croatia.The allele for lavender foal syndrome was found in 9.62% of tested Arabian horses.Genetic screening of Arabian horses in Croatia to determine mutations is required.

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.

Osteogrow: A Novel Bone Graft Substitute for Orthopedic Reconstruction

Complications associated with the clinical use of BMP2 and BMP7 result from the limited understanding of their molecular mechanisms in bone remodeling. Recently, a novel BMP6-based approach has been developed with superior healing results and reduced side effects in preclinical studies. BMP6-containing osteogenic medicinal product called Osteogrow, which is aimed to induce and accelerate bone formation, is currently being tested in clinical studies. It comprises of a biologically compatible autologous carrier made from the patient’s peripheral blood and of rhBMP6 as an active ingredient. Such formulation circumvents the use of animal-derived materials, significantly limits inflammatory processes common in commercial bone devices, and renders the carrier flexible and injectable ensuring the ease of use. The ongoing clinical trial results will provide a more detailed insight into the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and bone healing effects in humans and hopefully provide novel and valuable therapeutic options in the field of bone regeneration.

Postovulatorische Retention von Eiern (Dystokie) bei Echsen - Diagnostik - und Therapiemöglichkeiten

In Gefangenschaft gehaltene Echsen leiden sehr oft unter Reproduktionsstorungen. Die haufigste Reproduktionspathologie bei weiblichen Echsen ist die postovulatorische Retention von Eiern (Dystokie). Dabei wird zwischen einer obstruktiven und einer nicht obstruktiven Dystokie unterschieden, also einer erschwerten (Oviposition) bzw. einer volligen Unfahigkeit zur Eiablage. Haufig sind diese Erkrankungen durch Haltungs- und Futterungsfehler bedingt, weshalb Tierarzte uber gute Kenntnisse auf diesem Gebiet verfugen sollten. Ursachen fur die Dystokie konnen eine mechanische Obstruktion der Eileiter, Infektionen des Reproduktionstraktes, eine grose Anzahl an Eiern, eine mangelhafte Kalzifizierung der Eischale oder auch die metabolische Knochenerkrankung (metabolic bone disease) sein. Die klinischen Anzeichen von Reproduktionsstorungen sind unspezifisch. Zu ihnen zahlen Depression, Lethargie, Anorexie, Dyspnoe, Obstipation sowie eine Reaktionslosigkeit auf ausere Reize. Das unspezifische klinische Bild macht die diagnostische Aufarbeitung zu einer grosen Herausforderung. Als erstes sollte durch Rontgen- und Ultraschalldiagnostik der Zolomhohle bestimmt werden, ob es sich uber praovulatorische oder postovulatorische Pathologie handelt. Tierarzte, die uber gute Kenntnis der Ultraschall- und Rontgendiagnostik bei Reptilien verfugen, konnen die Anzahl und die Position der Eier sowie Eierschalenbildung (Kalzifizierungsgrad) abschatzen. Die Bestimmung hamatologischer und biochemischer Blutparameter sowie der Elektrolyte kann helfen, den klinischen Zustand des Tieres besser einzuschatzen. Auch eine Endoskopie in allgemeiner Anasthesie kann bei der Diagnosefindung behilflich sein.Es bestehen unterschiedliche therapeutische Moglichkeiten (manuelle Massage im Wasserbad, chirurgische Behandlung, hormonelles Behandlungsprotokoll mit Kalzium- und Oxytocinanwendung). Die Auswahl der Behandlungsstrategie hangt von unterschiedlichen Faktoren ab: Soll das Tier reproduktionsfahig bleiben? Wie lange dauert die Retention der Eier (Dystokie) bereits an? Sie hangt aber auch vom klinischen Zustand des Tieres, der Art der Reproduktionsstorung und Prognose nach der Behandlung ab. Je schneller die Behandlung der Dystokie eingeleitet wird, desto groser ist die Chance, die Reproduktionsfahigkeit zu erhalten.

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.