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The present clinical study was approved by the Review Board for Animals Care of the University of Parma prot N. 03/CESA /2023, which provided a consent to the clinical study: regulation (EU) no. 536/2014. (22A01712) (GU General Series n.65 of 18-03-2022); European Law (O.J. of E.C. L 358/1 12/18/1986), and USA Laws (Animal Welfare Assurance No A5594-01, Department of Health and Human Services, USA). The owners signed a voluntary informed consent form prior to the dogs’ enrollment in the study. Twenty female dogs, aged 1±1.5 months, and weighing 16± 0.5 kg were enrolled in the study. The inclusion criterion of the patients was to undergo ovariectomy surgery; dogs enrolled in this study had normal physiological, haematological and biochemical parameters.

Background The partial or complete cranial cruciate ligament rupture is a common skeletal disease affecting the stifle joint in dogs. The tibial plateau levelling osteotomy, performed with several synthesis systems, changed the approach to its treatment in dogs. The aim of this study was to compare two types of fixation implants, locking compression system and locking system, evaluating radiographically the progression of osteoarthritis of the stifle joint in dogs with complete cranial cruciate ligament deficiency treated surgically with tibial plateau levelling osteotomy. Moreover, we evaluated bone healing and lameness scores to show biomechanical effects by the implant used. Twenty-eight dogs, who met the inclusion criteria, were divided into two groups. Group A: 14 dogs treated using locking compression plates; Group B: 14 dogs treated using locking plates. Radiographic osteoarthritis scores were evaluated up to 1 year following tibial plateau levelling osteotomy. At each visit, animals were clinically and radiographically assessed. Each dog was evaluated before (T0) and after two (T2) and twelve (T12) months after the surgery. At T2 the stage of bone healing was evaluated. The clinical follow up was performed before the surgery and at 10, 15 and 20 days after the surgery, grading the lameness at walk and trot. Results An increase in osteoarthritis score at T12 versus T0 in both groups was detected. A decrease of the lameness score was observed in Group A versus Group B. The healing score system at T2 showed a lower score in Group A versus Group B. Conclusions The osteoarthritis score following tibial plateau levelling osteotomy did not differ when comparing the two different fixation systems. The locking compression system allowed a more rapid functional recovery of the limb and a quicker bone healing than the locking system. Locking compression system should be carefully considered for dogs subjected to tibial plateau levelling osteotomy surgery, because it may reduce the recovery time.

The aim of this study was to identify possible predisposing anatomical factors associated with humeral fractures in birds of prey through comparison of specific anatomical features in different raptor species. An anatomical study of bone features in birds of prey was performed on 3 male subjects from 5 different species. The selected species included in this investigation were 3 diurnal species (the common buzzard [Buteo buteo], the peregrine falcon [Falco peregrinus], and the European honey-buzzard [Pernis apivorus]) and 2 nocturnal species (the barn owl [Tyto alba] and the tawny owl [Strix aluco]). Humeral bone samples were tomographically analyzed with a micro–macro-focus computed tomographic machine. Specific humeral anatomical points were selected (foramen pneumaticum and tuberculum dorsale for the proximal humerus; corpus humeri for the diaphyseal humerus; and above the condylus dorsalis for the distal humerus) to measure foramen pneumaticum diameter (in millimeters), cortical thickness (in millimeters), and trabeculae number and sizes (in millimeters). Apparent density, measured with the Hounsfield unit, was used to assess the degree of bone resistance. Statistical analysis was performed with a Spearman's correlation, and significance was set at P < .05. The differences among the observed bone volumes were highly significant (P = .00). Trabeculae number and the humeral anatomical point measurements showed differences in all 5 avian species investigated. However, those differences were not significant, except at the condylus dorsalis; in which, a significant interspecies difference (P = .002) was recorded. Trabecular size, cortical thickness, bone density, and diameter of the foramen pneumaticum were all different in all raptor species; however, these variations were not significant. The study confirms the existence of humeral bone volume differences between diurnal and nocturnal species. Furthermore, the data suggest that the humeri of peregrine falcons and European honey-buzzards may be stronger than the humeri of common buzzards, tawny owls, and barn owls.

This study compared dexmedetomidine or xylazine in combination with tiletamine-zolazepam for chemical immobilization of wild fallow deer (Dama dama) in a prospective, randomized, blinded clinical study. Forty fallow deer were divided into two groups: tiletamine-zolazepam-xylazine (TZX) and tiletamine-zolazepam-dexmedetomidine (TZD). The TZX group was immobilized with 1.9 ± 0.05 mg/kg of xylazine and 1.48 ± 0.05 mg/kg of tiletamine-zolazepam, whereas the TZD group was immobilized with 34.15 ± 1.1 µg/kg of dexmedetomidine and 0.97 ± 0.03 mg/kg of tiletamine-zolazepam by dart. The induction time was recorded. During the immobilization, heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, hemoglobin oxygen saturation, blood lactate concentration, and quality of immobilization were recorded at 10, 20, and 30 m after drug administration. The time of achievement of sternal recumbency and that of standing were also recorded. The TZD group showed a significantly shorter induction time (8 ± 1.6 m, TZX group; 4 ± 0.5 m, TZD group), significantly higher quality of immobilization score (2[1–2], TZX group; 4[4–4], TZD group), and significantly lower lactate levels (5[3–7] mmol/L, TZX group; 2[1–3] mmol/L, TZD group). The time to sternal recumbency was 7 ± 1.6 m (TZX group) and 4 ± 0.5 m (TZD group), and time to quadrupedal standing was 20 ± 1.6 m (TZX group) and 16 ± 0.8 m (TZD group) (P = 0.001). Dexmedetomidine combined with tiletamine-zolazepam is a viable alternative to xylazine for the chemical immobilization of fallow deer.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of tramadol compared to butorphanol administered locally in ventral surface of the hind paw of rats. Prospective, randomized experimental study; twenty-one adult male Wistar rats were selected. Heart rate (beats minute-1), respiratory rate (breaths minute-1), and paw withdrawal latency (onset of radiant heat until paw withdrawal/seconds) were measured prior (T0) and after (T5, T10, T15, T20) intraplantar injection with saline solution 0,9% (group S), butorphanol 1 mg kg-1 (group B), and tramadol 1 mg kg-1 (group T). Shapiro-Wilk normality test and Friedman test were used to analyze the data expressed by median and range. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Statistical analysis of heart rate showed that there were significant differences between groups at different monitoring times. There were no significant differences in respiratory rate after intraplantar injection in any of the treatment groups. The paw withdrawal latency values at T5, T10, and T15 minutes after intraplantar injection in the group B were significantly higher compared to baseline value and to the values of the other groups. The paw withdrawal latency were no significant changes in the measurements of intragroup in S and T. Intraplantar administration of butorphanol provides a good analgesia and significantly increases paw withdrawal latency compared to tramadol. Intraplantar injection of butorphanol could be useful and safe and safe technique to achieve local analgesia for minor surgical procedures in rats.

Backgroundthis study aims to evaluate the efficacy of Levo-bupivacaine with the addition of a small dose of cisatracurium by sub-Tenon’s injection on akinesia and mydriasis. Then, to evaluate if such a small dose of cisatracurium could determine a systemic neuromuscular blockade, despite the way of administration. Forty cats were anesthetized for intra-ophthalmic surgery with butorphanol 0,2 mgkg-1, dexmedetomidine 15 mcg/kg and midazolam 0,2 mgkg-1 IM and intubated to receive oxygen and isofluorane by mechanical ventilation. The animals were divided in four groups. Group L received 1.25 mgkg-1 L-bupivacaine, administered by peribulbar injection; group CL received the same dose of L-bupivacaine, combined with 0.01mg/kg of cisatracurium; group C received 0.01 mg kg-1 of peribulbar cisatracurium; group GC received 0.01 mg kg-1 of cisatracurium intravenously. Physiological variables and oculomotor activity were measured before and up to 30 minutes after peribulbar injection.ResultsThe data below, expressed with median and range, show that physiological variables remained in the physiological range. Among the treatments, the LC group showed akinesia, higher midriasis and a decrasing intraocular pressure (IOP); the onset time of akinesia was significantly shorter in group LC than in group L 4(3/5) min and 8(6/10) min respectively, p=0.000; the duration of akinesia was longer in group LC than in group L, 70(68/72) and 60(57/63min), respectively p=0.000. In group C we observed the appearance of akinesia after 5(5/5) minutes from the peribulbar administration and it lasted for 20(20/20) minutes (p=0.000), compared to groups L and LC. In group GC we registered akinesia after 5(5/5) minutes, but the duration observed was shorter 5(5/6). In groups C and GC, additional L bupivacaine peribulbar injection was required. The train of four (TOF) was ≥ 0.9 throughout the study in all of the groups. ConclusionsA combination of cisatracurium and L-bupivicaine, used for peribulbar sub-Tenon’s anesthesia, provides effective akinesia, midriasis of the eye, shortens the onset of akinesia and prolongs its duration, thus providing excellent conditions for intra-ophthalmic surgery, without incurring in a systemic blockade.

Objective To evaluate the anaesthetic effects of three different alfaxalone doses to induce anaesthesia in goldfish. Study design Prospective, randomized, clinical study. Animals Thirty goldfish undergoing skin scraping, gill examination and stool collection. Methods Each fish was transferred to an individual 4 L induction tank and randomly allocated into one of three groups (n = 10), in which alfaxalone was administered at concentrations of 6, 7 or 9 mg L–1. The depth of anaesthesia was evaluated by approach reaction, equilibrium, opercular movement and reaction to tactile stimuli. Sedation, light anaesthesia, surgical anaesthesia and recovery times were recorded. Data were analyzed with analysis of variance. A p value Results Surgical anaesthesia was achieved in all fish. Goldfish induced with alfaxalone 7 and 9 mg L–1 showed a mild excitement phase. Time to sedation of the 6 mg L–1 dose (5.89 ± 0.40 minutes) was significantly longer compared to the 7 mg L–1 (3.97 ± 0.40 minutes) and 9 mg L–1 doses (3.94 ± 0.40 minutes). Times to light anaesthesia and surgical anaesthesia of the 9 mg L–1 dose (7.65 ± 1.04 and 9.60 ± 1.84 minutes, respectively) were significantly faster compared with those of the 6 mg L–1 dose (13.79 ± 1.04 and 19.75 ± 1.84 minutes, respectively) and the 7 mg L–1 dose (13.55 ± 1.04 and 21.24 ± 1.84 minutes, respectively). No significant differences were recorded in recovery time. Cessation of opercular movement was recorded in two fish induced with 7 mg L–1 and in two induced with 9 mg L–1. No mortality occurred. Conclusions and clinical relevance Alfaxalone is a reliable agent for immersion anaesthesia in goldfish. Immersion in water containing 6 mg alfaxalone L–1 provided smooth induction of anaesthesia, and no obvious side effects were encountered. Higher doses shortened induction time and caused respiratory depression and excitatory movements.

Dysgerminomas are infrequent neoplasms resulting from undifferentiated germinal cells, mainly observed in the bitch. Our case describes for the first time a dysgerminoma related splenic metastasis in a bitch. A 14-year-old crossbred bitch was admitted at our facility with a 3-month history of irregular oestrous cycle, vulvar swelling, haemorrhagic vaginal discharge, lethargy and anorexia. Cytological examination showed the presence of superficial epithelial cells of the vaginal mucosa with a high degree of cornification. Vaginoscopy showed the typical pale and crenulated mucosal folds (oestrus). Haematological analysis indicated moderate anaemia and leukocytosis, and increased level of oestrogen. Ultrasound examination showed a mass located caudally to the kidney in the region of the right ovary. Abdominal and thoracic radiographs confirmed the findings and did not reveal metastases. Suspecting an ovarian tumour, we decided to perform a complete ovariohysterectomy. Once located, the right ovary presented an increased volume, irregular shape and reddish colour. Samples collected during the procedure were stained with haematoxylin and eosin and observed under optical microscope. The cells were characterized by a scant cytoplasm, a large vesicle type nucleus with coarsely granular chromatin and distinct cell borders. The neoplastic cells were remarkably similar to those of a testicular seminoma, allowing for the diagnosis of ovarian dysgerminoma. Two years after the ovariohysterectomy, the owner reported history of increased volume of the abdomen and lethargy. A second surgery was performed during which an irregular splenic mass was found. The morphological diagnosis was “splenic metastasis of dysgerminoma”. To the authors' knowledge, dysgerminoma related splenic metastasis was never described in the bitch before.

There is a paucity of published information regarding the mucosal absorption of anesthetic drugs in chelonians. The objective of this research investigation was to assess the usefulness of a dexmedetomidine and ketamine combination administered through the cloaca in a chelonian species, to provide evidence of mucosal absorption of the drugs, and suitability of this administration route. Fifteen healthy, adult, captive yellow-bellied sliders ( Trachemys scripta scripta ) were used as subject animals. A combination of dexmedetomidine (0.2mg/kg) and ketamine hydrochloride (10mg/kg) were combined within a single syringe and delivered into the cloaca of each turtle. The respiratory rate, heart rate, and depth of sedation were assessed for each animal before the administration of anesthetics ( T 0 ), and after 5 ( T 5 ), 15 ( T 15 ), 30 ( T 30 ), 45 ( T 45 ), and 60 ( T 60 ) minutes. Owing to the unpredictability of the results, the authors only recommend intracloacal administration of combined dexmedetomidine and ketamine for sedation or short clinical procedures.

The trend in laparoscopy is to develop easy and rapid techniques associated with reduced intraoperative complications and decreased postoperative pain. The aim of this study was to compare combined laparoscopic ovariectomy (OIE) and laparoscopic‐assisted incisional gastropexy (LAG) with combined laparoscopic OIE and total laparoscopic gastropexy (TLG) for surgical time, incidence of complications and postoperative pain. Twenty‐eight female dogs were randomly assigned to the LAG group (n = 14) or the TLG group (n = 14). All laparoscopic procedures were performed using a three‐port technique. The gastropexy was located 3 cm caudal to the 13th rib and 4 cm lateral to the rectus abdominis muscle. Surgical time (minutes [min]), intraoperative complications and postoperative complications were recorded. The Glasgow pain score (GPS) (short form) was calculated before surgery and at 1, 6, 12, 18 and 24 hr after extubation. Surgical time was significantly longer in the TLG group (48 ± 2 min) compared with the LAG group (39 ± 2 min). Minor postoperative complications occurred in both groups and included swelling (n = 2) and subcutaneous emphysema (n = 1). No significant differences regarding the GPS were recorded between groups. The GPS was significantly higher in both groups at 1 hr and 6 hr than before surgery. Two dogs in each group required rescue analgesia. Combined laparoscopic OIE and TLG require more time to perform than combined laparoscopic OIE and LAG. Neither procedure results in significant surgical complications. Postoperative pain for 24 hr was mild and comparable in both groups., Combined laparoscopic ovariectomy (OIE) and total laparoscopic gastropexy (TLG) requires more time to perform than combined laparoscopic OIE and laparo‐assisted gastropexy (LAG). Neither procedure results in significant surgical complications. Postoperative pain for 24 hr was mild and comparable in dogs undergoing combined OIE and TLG or combined OIE and LAG.

Keratoma is a nonmalignant horse tumor that grows in the space between the horn of the hoof and the distal phalanx. Keratoma causes lameness in the horse, and surgical excision is the treatment of choice. Four horses underwent removal of a keratoma by complete hoof wall resection. The remaining wound was treated with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) combined with a sterile three-dimensional polylactic acid scaffold. The PRP was applied at 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 days postoperatively. The surgical site was cleaned with gauzes and swabs soaked in Ringer’s lactate solution before applying PRP and the foot bandage. Healthy granulation tissue developed at 6–21 days postoperatively. The hoof wall defect was completely filled with new hoof wall within 6–8 months after surgery. All horses returned to their previous exercise level, and no recurrence of lameness was reported by the owner.

Objective To evaluate the anti-nociceptive and sedative effects of slow intravenous (IV) injection of tramadol, romifidine, or a combination of both drugs in ponies. Study design Within-subject blinded. Animals Twenty ponies (seven male, 13 female, weighing mean ± SD 268.0 ± 128 kg). Methods On separate occasions, each pony received one of the following three treatments IV; romifidine 50 μg kg − (R) tramadol 3 mg kg −1 given over 15 minutes (T) or tramadol 3 mg kg −1 followed by romifidine 50 μg kg −1 (RT). Physiologic parameters and caecal borborygmi (CB) were measured and sedation and response to electrical stimulation of the coronary band assessed before and up to 120 minutes following drugs administration. Results were analyzed using the Friedman’s test and 2 way anova as relevant. Results When compared to baseline, heart (HR, beats minute −1 ) and respiratory rates (f R , breaths minute −1 ) increased with treatment T (highest mean ± SD, HR 43 ± 1; f R 33 ± 2) and decreased with R (lowest HR 29 ± 1 and f R 10 ± 4) and RT (lowest HR 32 ± 1 and f R 9 ± 3). There were no changes in other measured physiological variables. The height of head from the ground was lower following treatments R and TR than T. There was slight ataxia with all three treatments. No excitatory behavioural effects were observed. The response to electrical stimulation was reduced for a prolonged period relative to baseline following all three treatments, the effect being significantly greatest with treatment RT. Conclusion Tramadol combined with romifidine at the stated doses proved an effective sedative and anti-nociceptive combination in ponies, with no unacceptable behavioural or physiologic side effects. Clinical relevance Slow controlled administration of tramadol should reduce the occurrence of adverse behavioural side effects.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of atipamezole on the analgesic efficacy of butorphanol in rats. Forty adult male Wistar rats were used, with the heart rate, respiratory rate, and plantar withdrawal latency being measured prior to and following injection of butorphanol (B), atipamezole (A), butorphanol followed by atipamezole (BA), and saline solution (S). Heart and respiratory rates in Group A were consistently higher than in all other groups, and in Group BA these physiologic parameters were higher than that in Group B. Plantar withdrawal latency was significantly prolonged in Group B, while it was significantly reduced in Group A at multiple time points when compared with Group S. B. There were no significant differences between groups BA and S. Results obtained from this investigation indicate that atipamezole induces a partial or complete antagonism of butorphanol and its analgesic activity, which is very important when a combination of α 2 -agonist agents and butorphanol is used as a premedication protocol before major surgical procedures, as the atipamezole administration reverses both drugs. In these cases, it is suitable to use another analgesic drug with α 2 -agonist agents to ensure adequate postoperative analgesia.

We used physiological parameters and the duration and quality of anesthesia to compare the effects of two ambient temperatures and of the duration of pre-immobilization confinement on the chemical immobilization of fallow deer. We divided 45 free-ranging fallow deer ( Dama dama ) into two groups: Group A were deer captured in winter (average 12 C), using 1 mg/kg of xylazine and 1 mg/kg of tiletamine-zolazepam; and Group B were deer captured in spring (average 24 C), using 2 mg/kg of xylazine and 1.5 mg/kg of tiletamine-zolazepam, after being confined in a pen. We observed lower mean respiratory rate and oxygen saturation in Group B. In contrast, the mean body temperature and the mean blood lactate concentration were significantly higher in Group B, and quality of anesthesia was better in Group A. Mean induction time (time to achieve recumbency) and durations of recumbency were the same in Groups A and B: approximately 8 and 50 min, respectively. Despite the lower drug dosage, better sedation was obtained in Group A than in group B. The time of year, most likely associated with differences in ambient temperature and in confinement, influenced the recommended dosage for xylazine and tiletamine-zolazepam in fallow deer. As all the animals were sound, we concluded that the only factors that influenced the outcome of the present study were the ambient temperature and the level of stress caused by confinement in the pen.