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Objective: To determine whether novel pre- and postsurgical ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) measurements of the canine ciliary cleft (CC) are associated with postoperative ocular hypertension (POH) following cataract surgery and to explore the relationship between intraocular pressure and CC UBM measurements., Methods: Following pharmacologic mydriasis, UBM images were obtained from 31 client-owned dogs before elective cataract surgery, immediately postsurgery, and 4 to 6 hours following surgery or while experiencing POH ≥ 25 mm Hg. Presurgery and the pre- to postsurgery change in CC measurements were assessed for association with POH using individual mixed-effects logistic regression models and forward variable selection models. Linear mixed-effects models were used to evaluate the relationship of intraocular pressure to UBM measurements within the same eye across multiple time points., Results: Presurgical measurements were not predictive of POH development. An increase in pectinate ligament distance and CC area from presurgical baseline to immediate postsurgical measurement was associated with reduced odds of developing POH, while increasing CC length (from apex to mid point on the pectinate ligament) from pre- to postsurgery and immature cataracts was associated with increased odds of POH., Conclusions: The change in CC morphology following cataract surgery appears more impactful in the development of POH than individual variations in presurgery CC measurements. Several changes in the CC dimensions following surgery appear associated with POH risk., Clinical Relevance: This understanding of a potential mechanism of POH development opens new avenues for researching preventative measures associated with modifying surgical techniques to influence CC morphology following cataract surgery.

Objective: To determine the predictive value of corneal ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) findings for the outcome of equine corneal disease., Animals: 46 horses with a clinical diagnosis of either infectious ulcerative keratitis or stromal abscess., Methods: Corneal UBM (VevoMD; UHF70; VisualSonics) of horses with infectious corneal disease presenting to the North Carolina State University Equine Ophthalmology Service from 2019 to 2023 were evaluated. Size and depth of lesion, presence of Descemet membrane disruption (DMD), corneal thickness, and aqueous humor cell counts (AHCC) were assessed. Comparisons of UBM and clinical exam findings, presence of infectious organisms, and outcome (healed or enucleated) were performed., Results: The UBMs from 46 horses were evaluated. Increased AHCC was significantly associated with increased size and depth of corneal lesions on UBM but not with DMD. Deep lesions and DMD were significantly associated with an enucleation outcome. Horses treated with systemic antibiotics had significantly lower AHCC on UBM, but there were no differences in AHCC with the use of other systemic or topical medications. There was no significant correlation between infectious disease results, clinical findings (aqueous flare or cells), outcome, and UBM AHCC., Clinical Relevance: Parameters on UBM, such as depth of lesion, DMD, and AHCC, may be useful diagnostic and prognostic tools to augment the ophthalmic exam of horses with corneal disease. The UBM findings of deep corneal lesions and DMD suggest a poor prognosis and warrant aggressive surgical intervention.

Objective: To assess the characteristics of blebs formed after Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) surgery in dogs using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) and to analyze their correlation with postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP)., Animals: 16 eyes (13 dogs) were diagnosed with primary angle-closure glaucoma and were followed up after AGV surgery from June 2021 to September 2023., Methods: In this prospective study, UBM examinations were performed to assess bleb characteristics, including bleb wall thickness and reflectivity. IOP at the time of UBM imaging and the duration from AGV surgery to UBM imaging were recorded. Histological examination of an enucleated eye removed due to uncontrolled IOP leading to blindness was also conducted., Results: A significant correlation was observed between IOP and relative reflectivity (Pearson r = 0.60; P = .01), and a negative correlation was observed between bleb wall thickness and relative reflectivity (Pearson r = -0.72; P = .002). No significant correlation was observed between the duration from AGV surgery to UBM imaging and either bleb wall thickness or relative reflectivity, respectively. Histological examination of the enucleated eye revealed collagen-rich fibrous encapsulation of the bleb wall, including myofibroblasts that exhibited positive α-smooth muscle actin immunostaining., Clinical Relevance: In dogs that underwent AGV surgery, less dense, thick-walled blebs on UBM tended to maintain IOP within the normal range. However, denser, thinner-walled blebs showed IOP levels above the normal range despite the use of antiglaucoma medications. UBM is a useful tool for evaluating bleb characteristics and their influence on IOP regulation after AGV surgery in dogs.

A 10-year-old spayed female Maltese dog was presented for hypotony of the right eye (OD) with decreased vision. The dorsomedial region of conjunctiva was partially swollen but the globe remained intact. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy revealed intraocular haemorrhage, uveitis, and a limbal, corneoconjunctival ulcer near the swollen conjunctiva. During ocular ultrasonography (OUS), the sclera became indented and hypotony occurred, implicating a full-thickness scleral wound. Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) confirmed a full-thickness scleral defect, which was surgically apposed. The intraocular pressure normalised and the uveitis subsided post-operatively. OUS and UBM were helpful in suggesting and definitively diagnosing scleral perforation, leading to accurate treatment and good prognosis., (© 2023 The Authors. Veterinary Medicine and Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: The high-frequency ultrasonographic appearance of skin of dogs with atopic dermatitis (cAD) has not been described., Objectives: To compare high-frequency ultrasonographic findings among lesional, macroscopically nonlesional skin of dogs with cAD, and the macroscopically nonlesional skin of healthy dogs. Additionally, to determine whether there is any correlation between the ultrasonographic findings in lesional skin and local Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index, 4th iteration (CADESI-04) or its domains (erythema, lichenification, excoriations/alopecia). As a secondary aim, six cAD dogs were re-evaluated after management intervention., Animals: Twenty dogs with cAD (six were re-examined after treatment) and six healthy dogs., Materials and Methods: In all dogs, ultrasonographic examination was performed on the same 10 skin sites, using a 50 MHz transducer. Wrinkling of skin surface, presence/width of subepidermal low echogenic band, hypoechogenicity of dermis and thickness of the skin were evaluated and scored/measured blindly., Results: Dermal hypoechogenicity was more common and severe in lesional compared to macroscopically nonlesional skin of dogs with cAD. In lesional skin, presence/severity of wrinkling of skin surface and of dermal hypoechogenicity were positively correlated with presence/severity of lichenification, while severity of dermal hypoechogenicity was positively correlated with local CADESI-04. A positive correlation between the change in skin thickness and the change in the severity of erythema during treatment was noted., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: High-frequency ultrasound biomicroscopy may be useful for the evaluation of skin of dogs with cAD and for evaluating the progression of skin lesions during treatment., (© 2023 ESVD and ACVD.)

Background: There has not been a thoroughly reported study of the comparison between spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) with both ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) and gonioscopy on the evaluation of the iridocorneal angle (ICA) in dogs., Objectives: To investigate the diagnostic value of SD-OCT for the early detection of narrowing ICA by comparing and assessing inter-device agreement in anterior chamber angle (ACA) measurements obtained by SD-OCT and UBM, and ICA evaluations by gonioscopy., Methods: A total of 28 eyes from 28 client-owned dogs with normal intraocular pressure were included for examination. The ACA and angle opening distance (AOD) were measured from the SD-OCT and UBM images, and gonioscopy images were analyzed using the ICA grade and ZibWest angle index., Results: The mean ACA and AOD for SD-OCT were 28.31° ± 5.37° and 658.42 ± 219.90 µm, and for UBM, 28.34° ± 5.82° and 859.29 ± 221.80 µm, respectively. The mean difference in ACA between the average values of SD-OCT and UBM measurements was 0.03° with a 95% limit of agreement (LoA) span of 16.2°, indicating positive agreement; that in AOD was 200.85 µm with a 95% LoA span of 1,110.95 µm, indicating poor agreement. The Pearson correlation coefficient of the ACA of SD-OCT and ZibWest indices of gonioscopy was 0.624, indicating strong agreement; that of UBM and gonioscopy was 0.43, indicating moderate agreement., Conclusions: SD-OCT is well tolerated by canine patients due to its non-contact method and might be an alternative option for early screening of ICA narrowing in clinical settings., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (© 2023 The Korean Society of Veterinary Science.)

An 8-year-old female pre-metamorphic axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) was examined for a suspected anterior lens luxation. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy revealed two lens-like structures in the anterior chamber of the right eye (OD), each with cataractous change. Ultrasound biomicroscopy and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were performed without sedation, and revealed small lenticular structures each with distinct nuclei and cortices. Although a distinct connection of the two lenticular structures could not be definitively ruled out, the structures appeared separate. Each of the lenticular structures was closely associated with its respective iris leaflet. This report demonstrates application of advanced imaging for diagnostic use in axolotl ophthalmology, showing that imaging of the lens can be performed without sedation, topical anesthetic, nor contact gel with high diagnostic quality. Although two distinct lenses were diagnosed with no historical evidence of trauma, the small sizes of each lenticular structure, with no detectable connection between them, are suggestive of a possible regenerative abnormality. This report opens discussion for the regenerative capabilities of the pre-metamorphic adult axolotl and possible implementations of their use in regenerative medicine research for the development of future therapies., (© 2022 American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.)

Background: The iridocorneal angle (ICA) is the major pathway of aqueous humour outflow from the anterior chamber of the eye. Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) has been utilised to characterise the morphology of this drainage pathway in numerous species. UBM may allow for early recognition of aqueous humour outflow obstructions in horses, allowing for earlier recognition of risk for glaucoma, a vision-threatening and painful disease. UBM morphology of the normal equine ICA has yet to be described., Objectives: To determine the ultrasonographic morphology of the equine ICA by UBM in standing sedated horses., Study Design: In vivo experimental study., Methods: Thirty healthy adult horses underwent UBM of the ICA at four locations (superior, temporal, inferior, nasal) of each eye utilising standing sedation, topical anaesthesia and auriculopalpebral perineural anaesthesia. Anatomic structures were defined on ultrasound images through comparison to published histologic photomicrographs of the equine ICA., Results: Ultrasound imaging of the ICA at all four locations was easily performed in standing, sedated horses. High-resolution images of the ICA allowed for identification of the pectinate ligament, corneoscleral trabecular meshwork (TM), uveal TM and supraciliary TM., Main Limitations: Pupil size was midrange in all eyes, but was not strictly controlled. Lighting conditions not controlled. Various breeds included., Conclusion: In vivo UBM of the equine ICA is feasible and provides high-resolution images of the structures of the aqueous humour outflow pathway., (© 2022 EVJ Ltd.)

Objective: To determine corneal thickness (CT) and axial anterior chamber depth (ACD) using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) in normal adult horses. To compare corneal thickness measurements between UBM and ultrasonic pachymetry., Animals Studied: Sixty eyes of 30 healthy adult horses aged 8-24 years., Procedures: Ultrasonic pachymetry (velocity of 1640 m/s) was utilized to obtain measurements of the central, superior, temporal, inferior, and nasal cornea. Triplicate images of the same corneal locations were acquired using UBM (50 MHz). Images of the axial anterior chamber were used to measure ACD. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was estimated using rebound tonometry, and axial globe length was measured using ultrasonographic biometry., Results: CT (mean ± SD µm) measured by UBM was 854 ± 61 (central), 994 ± 58 (superior), 930 ± 57 (temporal), 979 ± 55 (inferior), and 898 ± 48 (nasal). CT measured by UBM was greater than that measured by ultrasonic pachymetry at all locations and was statistically significant at all locations except inferior (p = 0.0006-0.048). No sex nor age effect was detected for CT at any location. The repeatability of ultrasonic pachymetry was superior to that of UBM. Mean ± SD ACD was 5.74 ± 0.41 mm. A weak positive correlation was identified between central CT and IOP and between central CT and axial globe length., Conclusions: Normal data for CT and ACD of the adult horse obtained using UBM are provided. CT determined by UBM was greater relative to pachymetry at all corneal locations., (© 2022 American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.)

Objective: To compare the measurements of iridocorneal angle parameters between spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) in dogs., Animals Studied and Procedures: A total of 47 eyes of dogs were scanned at the temporal limbus using SD-OCT and UBM. Iridocorneal angle (ICA) and angle opening distance (AOD) were measured from the obtained images accordingly. The intra-observer and inter-observer reproducibility were evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient. To evaluate intra-observer reproducibility, measurements of the first and second grading from the first examiner were compared. To evaluate inter-observer reproducibility, measurements between the two examiners were compared. Agreement between ICA and AOD for SD-OCT and UBM was evaluated using Bland-Altman plots., Results: In the first grading, the mean ICA and AOD for SD-OCT were 31.4 ± 6.4° and 641.4 ± 270.8 µm, respectively. The mean ICA and AOD for UBM were 32.0 ± 4.8° and 700.4 ± 238.8 µm, respectively. For ICA and AOD measurements, intra-observer reproducibility was excellent for both devices, whereas inter-observer reproducibility was excellent for SD-OCT and good for UBM. The mean difference in ICA between SD-OCT and UBM was 0.6° with a limit of agreement (LoA) span of 18.9°. The mean difference in AOD between SD-OCT and UBM was 58.9 µm with a LoA span of 804.4 µm., Conclusions: Spectral domain optical coherence tomography is an effective non-contact imaging modality for the evaluation of canine iridocorneal angle parameters in a clinical setting. Reproducibility of measurements obtained is comparable or superior to UBM, but values obtained by SD-OCT and UBM for AOD are not interchangeable between devices., (© 2021 American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.)

Objective: To describe the clinical use of ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) to evaluate equine corneal disease., Methods: Images were obtained using a 50-MHz probe ultrasound biomicroscopy system (Quantel Aviso) and Clear Scan® probe cover. Six horses with corneal disease were evaluated via UBM for lesion size, lesion depth, and continuity of Descemet's membrane. Horses were sedated and received auriculopalpebral nerve blocks and application of topical anesthetic prior to UBM., Results: Ultrasound biomicroscopy was easily performed in all cases. UBM evaluation of three cases of corneo-limbal squamous cell carcinoma yielded information regarding lesion depth for planning of keratectomies using fixed-depth keratomes and subsequent β-radiation therapy. Corneal depth and continuity of Descemet's membrane were determined in two horses with stromal abscesses and allowed for planning of therapeutic options. In one horse with a corneal foreign body, UBM contributed to accurate assessment of the foreign body's stromal depth, which could not be assessed during ophthalmic examination due to extensive corneal cellular infiltrate. The information regarding corneal depth allowed for more accurate pre-surgical planning in patients with opaque corneal lesions., Conclusions: Ultrasound biomicroscopy was easily performed and provided useful information regarding lesion depth and continuity of Descemet's membrane for patients with corneo-limbal squamous cell carcinoma, stromal abscesses, and a corneal foreign body, allowing for increased precision in pre-surgical planning and development of therapeutic protocols., (© 2021 American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.)

Background: Advances in MRI coil technology and increased availability of high-field MRI in veterinary medicine enable the acquisition of images of increasingly high spatial resolution while preserving signal-to-noise ratio.The purpose of the present study was to compare 3T high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI) with ultrasound (US) and ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) in the normal canine eye, to assess its potential to depict normal ocular anatomy., Results: HR-MRI was compared with US and UBM in 10 eyes from 10 healthy beagle dogs. Ocular structures (cornea, anterior chamber, iridocorneal angle, iris, lens, ciliary body, choroid, vitreous body, posterior wall of the eye, optic nerve and optic nerve sheath, extraocular muscles) were assessed subjectively and central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), aqueous depth (AQD), anteroposterior, mediolateral and dorsoventral lens diameter (APLD, MLLD, DVLD), anteroposterior diameter of the globe including and excluding the scleroretinal rim (APDSRR, APD), vitreous chamber depth (VCD) and optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) were measured in HR-MRI and in US. Optic nerve diameter (OND) was measured in HR-MRI. HR-MRI and UBM appearance of the anterior segment were subjectively compared. Detailed reference high-resolution MRI images of normal eyes of Beagle dogs are provided., Conclusions: HR-MRI allowed assessment of all structures identified with US and UBM. The MRI examinations were performed under general anesthesia with the addition of a neuromuscular blocking agent, while US and UBM examinations were performed in conscious animals. Visibility of the entire ocular wall, the lens, the structures caudal to the ciliary body and the optic nerve and its sheath was superior with HR-MRI. HR-MRI allowed the distinction of retina, choroid and sclera, and the delineation of structures not previously identified in canine eyes with MRI, including Tenon's capsule and the sub-Tenon's space.Plane selection was more accurate with HR-MRI compared to US. In general, the range of measurements was narrower for MRI than for US. CCT, AQD, APLD, MLLD, APD, APDSRR and ONSD differed significantly between HR-MRI and US, respectively (p = 0.005-0.027).Micro-MRI may be useful for the assessment of ocular pathologies in the future., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Transitional cell carcinoma is the most common cancer of the canine urinary tract. The inconsistent appearance of transitional cell carcinoma in patients introduces error if applying mathematic models for extrapolating total tumor volume from linear measurements. Reliable techniques to assess tumor size are important for monitoring treatment response. A method comparison study was performed comparing four techniques for calculating tumor volume were compared: (1 and 2) contoured tracing of tumor margins using serial computed tomography (CT) images using pre-(1) and postintravenous (2) contrast medium studies, (3) longest three linear dimensions using CT, and (4) longest three linear dimensions on abdominal ultrasound. Volumes of the transitional cell carcinoma tumor calculated by CT tracing techniques were significantly smaller than volumes calculated with an ellipsoid mathematic model using the linear measurements (P < 0.01). Intravenous contrast medium did not significantly change the volumes calculated from tracing tumor margins on CT for observer B; however, volumes differed for observer A. The volumes extrapolated from linear measurements using CT and ultrasound did not differ significantly. The interobserver reliability was highest for the precontrast CT contoured technique and was lowest using the ultrasound linear technique. Tumor volumes differed significantly between techniques of contoured tracing of the tumor margins on serial CT images compared to calculation of tumor volume from linear dimensions. The calculated volume of a transitional cell carcinoma depends upon the technique used. Characterizing the response of urinary bladder transitional cell carcinoma tumor size to therapy differs based on the method and modality used., (© 2018 American College of Veterinary Radiology.)

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy among ultrasound pachymetry (UP), ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM), and manual measurement (MM) with digital caliper by comparing corneal thickness (COT) values obtained from frozen canine corneas ex vivo., Procedures: COT was measured using UP, UBM, and MM in eight enucleated normal canine eyes frozen at -20 °C for 4 weeks. After thawing at room temperature for 2 h, the COT values were obtained from five sites on each cornea: central corneal thickness (CCOT), thickness at the 3, 6, 9, and 12 o'clock positions (3COT, 6COT, 9COT, and 12COT, respectively). For each device, measurements were performed three times at each designated site by one operator. Intraclass correlation coefficient, repeated-measures analysis of variance, and Bland-Altman plot were performed for statistical analyses., Results: The mean CCOT was 839.0 ± 138.2, 857.6 ± 127.9, and 849.1 ± 132.8 μm for UP, UBM, and MM, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference among the measurements by all three devices (P > 0.05). The statistical agreement among these devices was also shown to be good according to Bland-Altman plots. In addition, the values measured on the peripheral sites of the cornea (3COT, 6COT, 9COT, and 12COT) also revealed no significant differences among the three devices. The difference between CCOT and peripheral corneal thickness was also statistically insignificant., Conclusions: The UP, UBM, and MM measurements showed statistically similar COT values. The UBM and UP provided accurate and reliable measurements comparable to MM and could be used effectively for clinical COT measurements., (© 2017 American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.)

Objective: To compare central corneal thickness (CCT) values in canine eyes using Pentacam-HR ® Scheimpflug imaging (Pentacam), Optovue ® iVue spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), and high-resolution ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) and generate normative canine Pentacam CCT values., Animals Studied: Twenty-four client-owned dogs (37 eyes) with nondiseased cornea(s) presenting to the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital., Procedures: Corneal images were acquired via Pentacam, SD-OCT, and UBM in the listed order. Machine-calculated values of CCT from Pentacam and SD-OCT were compared to operator-measured values from UBM. Bland-Altman analysis was performed to evaluate agreement between instruments., Results: Mean CCT ± SD measured by Pentacam was 629.73 ± 64.57 μm, by SD-OCT was 610.56 ± 57.48 μm, and by UBM was 689.77 ± 55.93 μm. On average, Pentacam CCT was 19.17 ± 32.90 μm (3%) thicker than SD-OCT and 65.12 ± 44.52 μm (10.3%) thinner than UBM. SD-OCT was on average 82.47 μm (13.5% ) thinner than UBM. The 95% limits of agreement were (-45.31, 83.65), (-152.38, 22.13), and (-126.674, -38.270) for Pentacam vs. SD-OCT, Pentacam vs. UBM, and SD-OCT vs. UBM respectively. All differences were statistically significant (P < 0.01)., Conclusions: Considering there is an average of 7.5% normal diurnal variation in canine CCT, a 3.0% difference between Pentacam and SD-OCT values is likely not clinically relevant. However, Pentacam measurements were both statistically and clinically significantly different from UBM and SD-OCT measurements., (© 2017 American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.)

Ultrasound pachymetry (UP) is currently the most common technique used to evaluate central corneal thickness (CCT). New devices which allow assessment of CCT without corneal contact have been compared, but there are discrepancies among instruments. The aim of this study was to compare CCT measurements obtained by UP and ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) in 28 eyes of 14 healthy Beagles dogs. Mean CCT±standard deviation (SD) were 552±63μm for UP and 551±55μm for UBM. UBM showed both a fixed and proportional bias when compared to ultrasound pachymetry, but this was not considered to be clinically important. Measured CCT did not differ between UP and UBM (P=0.796). The intra-class correlation coefficient indicated a strong agreement between methods (0.990). The CCT measurements between left (548±61μm) and right (555±59μm) eyes did not differ (P=0.760). Male dogs had higher CCT measurements than female dogs (P=0.038)., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) and tonometry in pigeons and to provide biometric reference ranges for normal pigeon eyes., Animals Studied: Ten pigeons (Columba livia var. domestica) with ophthalmologically normal eyes., Procedures: Ophthalmic examinations, including slit-lamp biomicroscopy and tonometry, were performed to confirm that the eyes were normal. UBM was then performed on the left eye. On each obtained image, the ciliary cleft (CC) length, CC width, and CC area, and iridocorneal angle (ICA) were measured., Results: Richly vascularized iris was observed in all pigeon eyes. Mean intraocular pressure was 11.7 ± 1.6 mmHg, without any statistical difference between the left and right eyes. The UBM scanning procedure was well tolerated in all pigeons. Mean values of CC length, CC width, CC area, and ICA were 1.55 ± 0.17 mm, 0.36 ± 0.05 mm, 0.39 ± 0.04 mm 2 , and 15.17 ± 1.06°, respectively., Conclusions: Ultrasound biomicroscopy could be a useful diagnostic tool to evaluate anterior ocular segment of pigeons., (© 2017 American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.)

Chemokines have been known for their wide range of functions including chemoattractant property in humans and other vertebrate organisms. They act as a bridge between innate and adaptive immune system. In the present study, we have identified a CXC chemokine from the cDNA library of C. striatus; on the basis of orthology study, it was found highly identical to interleukin 8 (IL8). The bioinformatics analysis of the chemokine revealed the presence of a typical γ-core domain and a CXC motif at the N-terminal region of the molecule. Based on the amphipathic nature at the C terminal helical region of CstIL8 and their antimicrobial propensity observed during bioinformatics analysis, a short peptide namely WS12 comprising 12 amino acid residues was predicted and synthesized to determine its antimicrobial activity. The peptide WS12 was active against Bacillus cereus, a Gram positive bacterium. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results showed bleb-like formation on the surface of the bacteria after the treatment of WS12. Additionally, WS12 did not exhibit any cytotoxic activity against the fish leukocytes. Further, the gene expression studies also revealed that CstIL8 was expressed significantly in liver of Channa striatus (Cst) at basal level. The immune challenge studies with pathogens and immune-stimulants revealed an increase in the mRNA levels at different time points post-challenge. Hence, it is possible to conclude that WS12 was a potent antimicrobial agent and it was significantly expressed during the pathogen stress., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To determine intra- and interobserver reliability of lens equatorial length measurement using 35-MHz ultrasound biomicroscopy in dogs with cataract., Methods: Ocular ultrasonography was performed on 28 dogs (50 eyes) before phacoemulsification. Lens equatorial length was measured on still images obtained at 35 MHz in all dogs. Each observer (A and B) obtained the measurements independently. Coefficients of variation (CVs) were used to assess intraobserver repeatability and interobserver reproducibility. Intraobserver repeatability was assessed by comparing measurements obtained on the same image on four different occasions by observer A. Interobserver reproducibility was assessed by comparing measurements obtained independently by both observers on the same image., Results: CV used to assess intraobserver repeatability was 2.4% with good agreement and no significant difference between repetitions (P > 0.05). CV used to assess interobserver reproducibility was 5.8% without significant difference between measurements obtained by the two observers (P > 0.05)., Conclusions: Intraobserver repeatability and interobserver reproducibility were considered good for lens equatorial length measurement at 35 MHz in dogs with cataract. Ultrasound biomicroscopy could be an acceptable method to assess lens equatorial dimension before phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation in dogs with cataract., (© 2016 American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.)

Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the changes in intraocular pressure (IOP), pupil diameter (PD), and anterior segment parameters using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) after instillation of preservative-free (PF) tafluprost in normal dogs., Procedures: Six beagle dogs were used. PF tafluprost was instilled in one randomly selected eye, and PF artificial tear was instilled in the other eye (control). IOP and PD were measured every 15 min for the first hour, every 2 h for the next 17 h, and at 24 h and 36 h postinstillation (PI). Anterior segment parameters including geometric iridocorneal angle (ICA), width of the entry of the ciliary cleft (CCW), length of the ciliary cleft, area of the ciliary cleft, and depth of the anterior chamber were measured with UBM before and after PF tafluprost instillation., Results: Compared with the control group, IOP was significantly lower from 4 h PI to 24 h PI and PD was significantly smaller from 30 min PI to 18 h PI (P < 0.05). Among UBM parameters, ICA and CCW significantly decreased and increased after PF tafluprost instillation, respectively (P < 0.05). Other parameters showed no significant changes., Conclusions: Instillation of PF tafluprost lowered IOP and induced miosis in normal canine eyes. Alterations in ICA and CCW occurred simultaneously, which probably affected the outflow of aqueous humor. PF tafluprost could be considered an alternative prostaglandin analog in the treatment of canine glaucoma., (© 2016 American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.)

By using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM), the cross-sectional structures of the entire iridocorneal angle (ICA) which are unable to assess with gonioscopic examination were evaluated objectively and quantitatively in live healthy and glaucomatous dogs. The ICAs of normotensive eyes in healthy dogs with normal open angle (NOR), a predisposition to primary closed angle glaucoma (PCAG) (PREDIS) and suffering from unilateral PCAG (UNI), as well as the ICAs of hypertensive eyes with acute and chronic PCAG (ACG and CRG), were assessed. The opening of the ciliary cleft in PREDIS was smaller than that in NOR. In UNI, the opening and area of the ciliary cleft were significantly decreased compared with those of NOR and PREDIS. ACG had widespread structural abnormalities including marked decrease in the ciliary cleft and scleral venous plexus, and a thinner sclera than those in normotensive eyes, whereas the ICA collapsed in CRG with the thinnest sclera. Medical therapy-responsive glaucomatous cases had wider ciliary cleft and scleral venous plexus than unresponsive ones. These findings suggest that the ciliary cleft and scleral venous plexus of the ICA are key structures contributing to not only the pathophysiology of canine glaucoma but also the responsiveness to medical therapy in glaucomatous eyes, and cross-sectional entire structures of the ICA should be evaluated quantitatively with UBM when diagnosing and managing canine glaucoma.

Objective: To compare ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) with standard ocular ultrasonography for detection of canine uveal cysts and to determine the sensitivity, specificity, and interobserver agreement for detection of uveal cysts with UBM., Sample: 202 enucleated eyes from 101 dogs., Procedures: 2 examiners examined 202 eyes by means of UBM (50 MHz) to identify uveal cysts. A board-certified radiologist then examined 98 of the 202 eyes by means of standard ocular ultrasonography (7- to 12-MHz linear transducer). Subsequently, 1 examiner dissected all 202 eyes under magnification from an operating microscope to definitively identify uveal cysts. Each examiner was masked to other examiners' findings. Sensitivity, specificity, and interobserver agreement were calculated for detection of cysts by UBM., Results: Cysts were detected by use of UBM in 55 of 202 (27%) eyes by one examiner and 29 of 202 (14%) eyes by the other. No cysts were detected in the 98 eyes examined with standard ocular ultrasonography. Dissection results revealed that cysts were present in 64 of 202 (32%) eyes, including 29 of 98 (30%) eyes examined by standard ocular ultrasonography. Mean sensitivity of UBM for cyst detection was 47%; mean specificity was 92%. Uveal cysts not identified with UBM were often small (mean diameter, 490 üm). Interobserver agreement was high (κP = 0.81)., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: UBM was more effective than standard ocular ultrasonography for detection of uveal cysts in enucleated eyes. Small-diameter cysts were difficult to visualize even with UBM.

Background: The ultrasonographic appearance of the normal canine haired skin examined using high-frequency ultrasonography has not been described., Hyposthesis/objectives: To describe the echogenicity of normal canine haired skin using high-frequency (50 MHz) ultrasonography and to compare ultrasonographic with histological measurements of skin thickness using snap-frozen tissue biopsy samples., Animals: Ten normal healthy beagle dogs., Methods: Ultrasonographic examination was performed on eight cutaneous sites by use of a 50 MHz polyvinylidene difluoride transducer. The skin echogenicity was evaluated, and the mean of 10 skin thickness measurements was calculated. Ultrasonography results were compared with histological findings of skin cryosections stained with haematoxylin and eosin, as well as with histometric measurements of skin thickness. Differences in the ultrasonographic and histological measurements among biopsy sites, age and sex of the animals were also examined., Results: The skin layers and hair follicles could be identified with high-frequency ultrasound biomicroscopy in all eight examination sites of all 10 dogs. There was a highly significant, positive association between the ultrasonographic and histological measurements (P < 0.001) of skin thickness. For both ultrasonographic and histological skin thickness measurements, there were no statistically significant differences between sex, age or among the different examination sites., Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Cutaneous ultrasound biomicroscopy using a 50 MHz transducer is a useful tool for the following applications: (i) to identify the skin layers (including the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous fat); (ii) to demonstrate the hair follicles in various areas of the haired skin; and (iii) to measure the thickness of normal canine skin accurately., (© 2014 ESVD and ACVD.)

Objective: To determine whether the distance between Schwalbe's line (the peripheral termination of Descemet's membrane, i.e., the borderline between the cornea and sclera) and the anterior lens capsule (SLD) is an applicable parameter for correcting raw ultrasound biomicroscopic values of the canine iridocorneal angle (ICA) and to establish a comparative system for the ICA values in different canine breeds with varied body sizes/weights., Animal Studied: The dogs were divided into four groups based on body weight (BW): <4 kg, 4-8 kg, 8-20 kg, and >20 kg, and 180 normotensive eyes were studied., Procedures: The ICA microstructure was examined by ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) using 40-MHz probes in dogs with or without anesthesia/sedation. Linear regression analysis and correlation coefficients were evaluated between SLD or SLD(2) and UBM measurements; subsequently, noncorrected and SLD-corrected UBM values were statistically assessed., Results: Significant linear correlations were detected between SLD and the ciliary cleft width, the minimum distance between the angle recess and the scleral venous plexus, and the scleral thickness. Positive linear correlations were also demonstrated between SLD(2) and the ciliary cleft area as well as the scleral venous plexus area. Raw UBM measurements were corrected by using a ratio with SLD on the distance or SLD(2) on the area. Although noncorrected UBM measurements increased with canine BW, SLD-corrected UBM values remained similar with no significant statistical differences in any of the dogs., Conclusions: Correction with SLD would be clinically useful for comparing UBM measurements of the ICA in dogs with different body sizes/weights., (© 2012 American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.)

Experiments were designed to validate the use of ultrasound bio-microscopy (UBM) as a method for assessing ovarian structures in rabbits. In Experiment 1, female New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits (n=4) were given an ovulation-inducing treatment and the ovaries were examined ex situ by UBM using a 25 MHz oscillating sector transducer before being processed for histology. Pairwise correlations revealed strong relationships between UBM and histology in the number (Mean±SEM) of follicles ≥0.6 mm (17.3±2.3 compared with19.0±1.6, respectively; r=0.96; P=0.040), CL (8.5±2.9 compared with 8.8±3.0; r=0.99; P=0.003), the diameter of follicles (1.1±0.05 compared with 1.1±0.03 mm; r=0.96; P=0.035) and CL (2.1±0.7 compared with 1.8±0.6 mm, r=0.99; P<0.001). In Experiment 2, the ovaries of NZW rabbits (n=12) were surgically translocated to a subcutaneous position in the flank region to permit serial examination of ovarian structures in vivo by UBM. Beginning 2 weeks after surgery, the ovaries were examined by UBM daily for at least 18 days, and again 2 months after surgery. Post-operative complications were minor, and both ovaries of each rabbit were identified consistently. The number and diameter of follicles ≥0.6 mm were readily visualized during each examination. Multiple corpora lutea were detected in two rabbits, and serial follicular and luteal dynamics in these two rabbits were used to document the consistency of UBM and the retention of ovarian function after surgery. It is concluded that UBM is a valid tool for instant assessment of rabbit ovarian structures (follicles, corpora lutea, and cumulus-oocyte complexes) ex situ, and for serial assessment in vivo using a transcutaneous approach. Surgical translocation had no apparent untoward effect on ovarian function., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

For wild and domestic felids, electroejaculation (EE) is the most common semen collection method. However, the equipment is expensive, there is a risk of urine contamination and animals usually show strong muscular contraction despite general anesthesia. Accordingly, we tested the feasibility of a different approach using urethral catheterization (UC) in seven African lions, previously described for domestic cats only. After general anesthesia with the α2-agonist medetomidine (which also stimulates semen release into the urethra) and ketamine, a transrectal ultrasound was performed to locate the prostate. A commercial dog urinary catheter (2.6 or 3.3 mm in diameter) was advanced approximately 30 cm into the urethra to allow semen collection into the lumen of the catheter by capillary forces. After retraction, sperm volumes between of 422.86 ± 296.07 μl yielded motility of 88.83 ± 13.27% (mean ± SD) with a mean sperm concentration of 1.94 × 10(9)/ml. Here we describe a simple, field friendly and effective method to attain highly concentrated semen samples with excellent motility in lions and potentially other wild felid species as an alternative to electroejaculation., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The objectives of this study were to: (1) evaluate the feasibility of ultrasonic biomicroscopy (UBM) for imaging ovarian follicles in vivo in cows and heifers, (2) compare the transvaginal to the transrectal approach, (3) compare the number of follicles detected by UBM to conventional ultrasonography (US), and (4) identify cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COC) within follicles by UBM. Mature cows (n=5) and peri-pubertal heifers (n=5) were examined once using conventional B-mode US (Aloka 900) with a 7.5 MHz transrectal, and a 5 MHz transvaginal transducers. A second series of examinations was performed using UBM (Visualsonics Vevo 660) equipped with a 30 MHz transrectal and a 40 MHz transvaginal transducer. A three- to four-fold increase in the number of small follicles (<3 mm) was detected using the transvaginal approach with UBM compared to conventional US in both heifers (32.4 ± 4.24 compared to 7.2 ± 1.4; P<0.0001) and cows (35.0 ± 13.8 compared to 10.7 ± 7.5; P=0.0013). However, fewer follicles (all sizes combined) were detected using the transrectal approach with UBM compared to conventional US in both heifers (8.6 ± 5.6 compared to 17.6 ± 4.9; P=0.02) and cows (5.3 ± 6.1 compared to 20.3 ± 7; P=0.04). In heifers, COC-like structures were identified in 39 of 202 (19.3%) follicles examined. In conclusion, UBM using a transvaginal approach is feasible and may be used for in vivo assessment of early antral follicles as small as 0.4 mm, and COC within follicles., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To investigate the relationship of the iridocorneal angle as it appears on ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) to increases in IOP post-phacoemulsification in the canine eye. Animals studied 47 eyes of 28 dogs of various age, sex, and breed., Methods: The ciliary process and limbus were used as a reference points to measure the angle opening distance (AOD), which was set by multiplying 0.45 by the distance between the ciliary process and limbus (when measured from the ciliary process). Pressure measurements were taken at five set points: Before, immediately post-, one day post-, 1 week post-, and 1 month post-phacoemulsification., Results: A weak relationship between the AOD and the IOP one day post-phacoemulsification (Intercept: 2.83, Slope: -1.24, P-value: 0.0155) was observed. No relationship immediately post-operative (Intercept: 3.45, Slope: -1.34, P-value: 0.0651), 1 week post-phacoemulsification (Intercept: 2.31, Slope: -0.01, P-value: 0.9829), 1 month post-phacoemulsification (Intercept: 1.85, Slope: -0.49, P-value: 0.1533) was observed. The pre-operative measurements made with UBM were: Distance from limbus to ciliary process (DLCP): (Minimum: 1.152, Maximum: 2.992, Mean: 1.91, SD: 0.468); AOD (Minimum: 0.104, Maximum: 0.764, Mean: 0.40, SD: 0.172)., Conclusions: The relationship between AOD as measured by UBM pre-operatively is weakly associated with IOP pressure elevations at day one post-phacoemulsification. Further study is required prospectively to establish the importance of this relationship. Initial measurements of the canine iridocorneal angle were created, suggesting a method to be used in the future to establish true canine normal measurements.

Much of the current knowledge of human cardiovascular pathologies and treatment strategies has been gained from understanding the cardiac physiologies and functions in small animal models, such as mice, rats, and zebrafish. In this paper, we present the development of a high-frame-rate duplex ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) capable of B-mode imaging and pulsed-wave (PW) Doppler measurement for in vivo cardiovascular investigation in small animals. A frame rate of 200 frames per second (fps) was accomplished at a view of 5 mm x 8 mm, using a novel high-speed sector probe and specially designed lightweight transducers. In a reduced lateral view of 1.2 mm, a frame rate of 400 fps was achieved to examine more detailed cardiac motion. The UBM utilized transducers with different center frequencies (40-75 MHz) and geometries, which made it useful for various applications in small animal cardiac imaging. The highest spatial resolution the UBM achieved was 25 microm x 56 microm. In addition, the image-guided PW Doppler implemented in the UBM demonstrated the detection of the velocity of a moving wire as low as 0.1 mm/s, and flow in a polyimide tube as small as 200 microm in diameter. Furthermore, the UBM achieved a 15- microV minimal detectable signal and a 60-dB dynamic range using a low-cost PCB-based design. Finally, sample in vivo cardiac images of mouse and zebrafish hearts were given. These results showed that the UBM integrated with B-mode and PW Doppler is useful to investigate the pathophysiological mechanism in the cardiovascular studies.

We present systematic characterization of a photoacoustic imaging system optimized for rapid, high-resolution tomographic imaging of small animals. The system is based on a 128-element ultrasonic transducer array with a 5-MHz center frequency and 80% bandwidth shaped to a quarter circle of 25 mm radius. A 16-channel data-acquisition module and dedicated channel detection electronics enable capture of a 90-deg field-of-view image in less than 1 s and a complete 360-deg scan using sample rotation within 15 s. Measurements on cylindrical phantom targets demonstrate a resolution of better than 200 microm and high-sensitivity detection of 580-microm blood tubing to depths greater than 3 cm in a turbid medium with reduced scattering coefficient mu(s) (')=7.8 cm(-1). The system is used to systematically investigate the effects of target size, orientation, and geometry on tomographic imaging. As a demonstration of these effects and the system imaging capabilities, we present tomographic photoacoustic images of the brain vasculature of an ex vivo mouse with varying measurement aperture. For the first time, according to our knowledge, resolution of sub-200-microm vessels with an overlying turbid medium of greater than 2 cm depth is demonstrated using only intrinsic biological contrast.

Objective: To compare the iridocorneal angle (ICA) and angle opening distance (AOD) in dogs with cataractous and noncataractous lenses; evaluate cataractous eyes ultrasono-graphically for association of postoperative ocular hypertension (POH) with the ICA, AOD, and postoperative echogenic anterior chamber debris; and evaluate intraobserver reliability associated with ICA and AOD measurements., Animals: 56 dogs with 102 cataracts, and 23 clinically normal dogs., Procedures: Ultrasound biomicroscopy was performed on 102 eyes of 56 dogs before and after cataract surgery and on 46 nondilated and dilated eyes of 23 clinically normal dogs. Cataract stage, ICA, AOD, and association with POH were assessed., Results: Cataract stage and ICA or AOD were not significantly associated; however, ICA and AOD typically decreased with increasing cataract maturity. Before and after pupillary dilation, AODs were significantly smaller in cataractous eyes than in noncataractous eyes. Before surgery, ICA and AOD in eyes without pupillary dilation were significantly associated with POH. At > 13 degrees , odds of developing POH increased by 11% for each degree increase in the ICA. Postoperative anterior chamber debris was not associated with POH. Coefficient of variation for repeated measurements was 10% for the ICA and 9.5% for the AOD, suggesting good intraobserver reliability., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: In this study, dogs with larger ICA and AOD measurements before surgery were at greater risk of developing POH. This information may be useful for future studies to determine whether preventative treatment for POH administered prior to surgery may be beneficial.

An in vivo photoacoustic imaging system was designed and implemented to image the entire small animal head. A special scanning gantry was designed to enable in vivo imaging in coronal cross sections with high contrast and good spatial resolution for the first time to our knowledge. By use of a 2.25 MHz ultrasonic transducer with a 6 mm diameter active element, an in-plane radial resolution of approximately 312 microm was achieved. Deeply seated arterial and venous vessels in the head measuring up to 1.7 cm in diameter were simultaneously imaged in vivo with 804 nm wavelength laser excitation of photoacoustic waves.

Purpose: To document the existence of idiopathic bilateral optic atrophy (BOA) in rhesus macaque monkeys and to characterize the structural and functional consequences of this condition., Methods: In vivo assessment of retinal and optic nerve structure included fundus biomicroscopy and stereophotography. Functional analyses included transient pattern-reversal electroretinography (PERG) and full-field flash ERG, with both white flashes while dark adapted and red flashes on a blue background used to assess the photopic negative response (PhNR). Also measured were visual evoked cortical potentials (VEPs) and multifocal (mf)ERGs, with both a standard fast and slowed (7F) stimulation sequence. Post mortem histologic evaluation was performed on a subset of five animals with BOA and compared with data from 22 healthy normal animals. Blood tests, including vitamin E, B(12), folate, lead, and complete blood cell count with differential were obtained on the four animals that remained alive., Results: Animals with BOA showed temporal pallor of the optic nerve head and thinning of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) between the temporal vascular arcades (i.e., of the papillomacular bundle). Severity of optic atrophy and RNFL loss varied between animals from mild to severe, but was similar in the two eyes of each animal. Functional changes included greater loss of the PERG N95, compared with the P50 component and substantial reduction of mfERG high-frequency components. The mfERG low-frequency components were slightly larger than normal. None of the full-field flash ERG amplitudes (a-wave, b-wave, oscillatory potentials, or PhNR) was significantly different from normal. There were no consistent abnormalities found in the results of any blood test. Histologic findings included axonal loss and gliosis limited to the temporal optic nerve, reduction of nuclei within the retinal ganglion cell layer, and thinning of the temporal retinal RNFL., Conclusions: The existence of BOA in nonhuman primates warrants caution on the part of investigators who use these animals in experimental models of ophthalmic disease.