Search

Objectives: To report the clinical characteristics and recurrence rate of spontaneous pneumothorax secondary to pulmonary blebs and bullae following surgical management in a large cohort of dogs. To explore potential risk factors for recurrence and describe outcome. Materials and Methods: Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for cases with spontaneous pneumothorax managed surgically between 2000 and 2017. Signalment, clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging, surgery, histopathology findings and patient outcomes were recorded. Follow-up was performed via patient records and telephone contact. Results: Records of 120 dogs with surgically treated pneumothorax were identified and reviewed, with 99 cases appropriate for exploratory statistical analysis. Median follow-up was 850 days (range: 9–5105 days). Two- and 5-year survival rates were 88.4% and 83.5%, respectively. There was recurrence in 14 of 99 dogs (14.1%) with adequate follow-up, with a median time to recurrence of 25 days (1–1719 days). Univariable Cox regression analysis suggested increased risk for recurrence in giant breeds (hazard ratio = 11.05, 95% confidence interval: 2.82–43.35) and with increasing bodyweight (HR = 1.04, 95% confidence interval: 1.00–1.09). Of 14 dogs with recurrence, six were euthanased, two died of causes related to pneumothorax and six underwent further treatment, of which five were resolved. Clinical Significance: Long-term survival for dogs with surgically managed spontaneous pneumothorax was good and associated with a low risk of recurrence. Giant breed dogs and increased bodyweight were the only variables identified as possible risk factors for recurrence. The outcome for dogs with recurrence undergoing a second intervention was also favourable.

Canine mast cell tumours (MCTs) typically spread to lymph nodes (LNs) before reaching distant sites, and LN assessment is an important part of MCT staging. Sentinel LN (SLN) mapping techniques to identify draining LNs are being developed and could improve the accuracy of MCT staging. The primary objective of this feasibility study was to determine the safety and effectiveness of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to identify SLNs. Secondary objectives were to determine if the SLNs identified by CEUS coincided with the regional LN predicted by the anatomical lymphosomes, if previous MCT excision altered CEUS SLN findings, and if CEUS could identify MCT nodal metastases. Between June 2017 and March 2019, 59 dogs with 62 MCTs were enrolled. No adverse events related to CEUS were reported. CEUS detected at least 1 SLN in 59/62 MCTs (95.2%, 95% CI: 86.5-99.0%). In only 32/59 (54.2%) MCTs, clinicians would have correctly predicted the SLN(s) identified by CEUS. Among the 35 MCTs that had histological examination of the SLN(s), the prevalence of metastasis was 60% (95% CI: 42.1-76.1%). Additional staging procedures did not reveal any metastases in dogs with histologically non-metastatic SLNs. Integration of CEUS SLN mapping into the routine staging of MCTs is promising, but future studies are required to refine this procedure and to investigate if it would translate into a clinical benefit.

Metabone and phalangeal fractures are common in dogs and cats and are most often caused by external trauma, although stress fractures frequently occur in racing Greyhounds. Fractures of the metabones and phalanges are commonly open, due to the paucity of overlying soft tissue. The diagnosis can usually be made based on a thorough orthopaedic examination and radiography of the affected area, often including oblique and traction views. Although controversial, general indications for surgery include fractures of both the third and fourth metabones, and basilar, articular, distal diaphyseal and open fractures of any of the metabones. Surgical management is also recommended for unstable fractures of the phalanges or fractures of the head or base, as long as the fragment size is sufficiently large for implant purchase. For fractures of either the metabones or phalanges, surgical treatment is generally recommended for sporting and racing dogs, in order to facilitate a full return to function. Treatment options include external coaptation; intramedullary pinning; tension band, cerclage or interfragmentary wiring; lag screws; bone plates; and external skeletal fixation. Prospective randomised controlled studies comparing treatment options for metabone and phalangeal fractures are required before recommendations regarding the optimum treatment modality can be made.

The carpus is a complex joint, consisting of seven bones arranged in two rows, with multiple ligamentous supports originating from, inserting on and connecting the bones. Individual fractures of the bones of the carpus are rare, and, due to the small size of some bones, repair may not be possible. For the larger carpal bones, repair is indicated where fragments are large enough and especially if the fracture is articular. Several methods of repair are suitable, although compression of the fragments using lag screws or headless, self-compressing cannulated screws is often ideal. Where the fragments are too small, removal may be advised and external coaptation is often used in conjunction. For non-repairable fractures of the articular surfaces, and other carpal injuries precluding primary repair, partial carpal arthrodesis or pancarpal arthrodesis may be considered as salvage procedures. The prognosis for recovery from carpal fractures depends on the type of injury, the bone affected, the method of repair and the desired performance of the patient.

There are important differences to consider when fractures are encountered in growing animals, particularly those under six months of age, rather than in mature animals. Physeal fractures are common and must be diagnosed promptly if satisfactory results following reduction and stabilisation are to be achieved. When physeal fractures are encountered, closed reduction and stabilisation using Kirschner wires applied in various configurations is generally recommended. Careful adherence to the principles of physeal fracture repair will reduce the risks of postoperative complications, including the development of growth deformity. Treatment of diaphyseal fractures in juvenile patients also differs to that in the mature animal. External coaptation may lead to serious complications if inappropriately applied or managed, and must be monitored closely if used. While intramedullary pins are often appropriate in skeletally immature patients, caution is recommended when considering use in the femur. Elastic plate osteosynthesis was developed specifically for use in growing animals and may offer an advantage, particularly for management of femoral fractures. For both physeal and diaphyseal fractures, minimally invasive techniques may be beneficial in skeletally immature patients where case presentation allows.

Articular fractures occur commonly in dogs and cats. The goals of treatment are to allow a return to pain-free motion and ameliorate the inevitable development of osteoarthritis. Adherence to certain principles is critical to give the patient the greatest opportunity of maintaining a healthy joint. Principles of treatment include obtaining an accurate diagnosis, early treatment, achieving anatomical reduction, providing rigid fixation, restoring the functional axis of the limb and appropriate use of postoperative physical rehabilitation. This article explores these principles and the evidence base underlying them, and gives guidance for their application in commonly encountered articular fractures. It also explores the reasons behind the high morbidity associated with articular fracture treatment, even when these principles are rigidly adhered to.

Fractures of the radius and ulna are commonly encountered in dogs and cats and they are often stated to be simple to repair. While the surgical approaches to both the radius and ulna are certainly easier than to the proximal limb, the paired bone system predisposes individuals with these injuries to a unique set of complications. Skeletally immature animals are at risk for development of angular limb deformity following these injuries and frequent monitoring with early investigation and intervention where necessary is advised. In any dog, and particularly cats, with antebrachial fractures, every effort must be made to maintain the natural motion that occurs between the radius and ulna; failure to do so may precipitate implant failure and/or lead to impaired quality of life. Toy-breed dogs suffer fractures of the radius and ulna frequently and pose a unique challenge for management, with high complication rates associated with inappropriate methods of stabilisation such as external coaptation. This article details the types of antebrachial fracture that are commonly encountered and provides guidance on how to choose between the various types of stabilisation available, with the aim being to minimise complications and improve prognoses for these patients.

Humeral fractures are challenging injuries to deal with. Thorough patient assessment is necessary on presentation, to evaluate for concurrent injuries and to rule out pathologic fractures. External coaptation is not considered a viable treatment option for the vast majority of humeral fractures and surgical stabilisation is recommended. Humeral fractures are classified as proximal, midshaft and distal, with various sub-classifications within each category. Fractures of the greater tubercle and humeral head are generally stabilised using a tension band apparatus and additional K-wires or lag screws where necessary. Humeral neck fractures are commonly transverse and amenable to compression plate fixation craniolaterally, but for comminuted fractures a form of bridging fixation is required. Fractures of the midshaft of the humerus can be repaired via a range of fixation strategies including plates, external skeletal fixation, interlocking nails, intramedullary pins and cerclage wires, and combination techniques. Distal humeral fractures include those of the medial or lateral humeral condyle, commonly stabilised using a transcondylar screw and a supracondylar K-wire or plate, and intracondylar fractures, which are challenging and commonly stabilised using bilateral plate fixation in conjunction with a transcondylar screw. The prognosis following humeral fracture stabilisation is generally good to excellent although the articular fractures, particularly the intracondylar fractures may have a slightly more guarded prognosis for long-term resolution of lameness.

Objectives The objectives of this study were to: (1) document the incidence of surgical site dehiscence after full-thickness gastrointestinal biopsy in dogs and cats and (2) identify potential risk factors. Methods Data relating to dogs and cats undergoing full-thickness gastrointestinal biopsy were reviewed retrospectively following submission of a completed questionnaire by 12 referral institutions. Outcome measures were definite dehiscence, possible dehiscence (clinical records suggestive of dehiscence but not confirmed), suspected dehiscence (definite and possible combined) and death within 14 days. Logistic regression was planned for analysis of association of dehiscence with low preoperative serum albumin, biopsy through neoplastic tissue, biopsy alongside another major abdominal surgical procedure and biopsy of the colon. Results Of 172 cats, two (1·2%) had definite dehiscence, and four (2·3%) had possible dehiscence. Low preoperative serum albumin was significantly associated with definite dehiscence in univariable analysis and with suspected dehiscence and death within 14 days in univariable analysis, but all odds ratios had wide 95% confidence intervals. A histopathological diagnosis of neoplasia was significantly associated with death within 14 days in univariable analysis. Of 195 dogs, two (1·0%) had definite dehiscence, and three (1·5%) had possible dehiscence. In dogs, there was no association between any outcome measure and the putative risk factors. Clinical Significance Incidence of dehiscence following full-thickness gastrointestinal biopsy was low in this study. When determining the appropriateness of biopsy in individual cases, this information should be balanced against the potentially life-threatening consequences of dehiscence.

Crop yield is a polygenic complex trait and its improvement is a major goal of breeding programs. The objective of this study was to compare yield and its components along over a period of four years (2007-2010) in three locations in North Carolina using the ‘Essex’ by ‘Forrest’ recombinant inbred line (RIL) population of soybean (ExF, n=94). The RILs distribution for all traits showed higher means than their respective mid-parental values but do not differ significantly at P

Although scapular fractures only occur infrequently, the anatomical location of the scapula means that it is critical for thoracic limb function, therefore appropriate treatment is essential in maintaining limb function. The scapula has a substantial protective soft tissue envelope and considerable trauma is required to fracture it; consequently a high proportion of patients suffer concurrent injuries that may take precedence for management on initial presentation. Scapular fractures are generally classified as stable extra-articular, unstable extra-articular and intra-articular, with surgical treatment being advised for the latter two categories. Cases for which conservative management is appropriate carry an excellent prognosis, as healing generally occurs quickly and shoulder function is often restored even in cases of malunion. Open reduction and internal fixation is employed for some scapular body and spine fractures, fractures of the acromion, most fractures of the scapular neck, fractures of the supraglenoid tuberosity and fractures of the glenoid. The prognosis following scapular body fracture repair is generally excellent, the prognosis for scapular neck fractures is good to excellent, while the prognosis for articular fractures may be poorer, with the majority of dogs regaining function but with a persistent lameness associated. Salvage options are rarely required following scapular fracture, but include shoulder arthrodesis, excision arthroplasty and partial scapulectomy.

Numerous options are available for fracture stabilisation and every fracture is unique. In order to achieve optimal results following fracture repair, detailed preoperative planning is essential, allowing a tailored treatment plan to be established for each individual. Failure to plan both the surgical procedure and postoperative care adequately can be anticipated to lead to higher complication rates. This article, as the first in the series, gives an overview of different possible approaches to fracture stabilisation, including the traditional open reduction and internal fixation as well as more biological approaches. Many factors influence the approach chosen for a given patient and these are discussed here. Once a decision is made regarding the approach to be used, a specific stabilisation method must be chosen, and guidance is given regarding the broad categories that may be suitable for specific situations. Following this, planning of the surgical repair must take place; several methods are outlined ranging from use of the direct overlay method to digital templating. Subsequent articles in the series will give more specific detail regarding specific types and locations of fractures.

OBJECTIVE To investigate in vitro effects of triclosan coating of suture materials on the growth of clinically relevant bacteria isolated from wounds in dogs. SAMPLE 6 types of suture material and 10 isolates each of methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, methicillin-resistant S pseudintermedius, Escherichia coli, and AmpC β-lactamase and extended-spectrum β-lactamase–producing E coli from clinical wound infections. PROCEDURES Isolates were cultured on Mueller-Hinton agar with 3 types of triclosan-coated suture, uncoated counterparts of the same suture types, and positive and negative controls. Zones of inhibition (ZOIs) were measured after overnight incubation. Sustained antimicrobial activity assays were performed with susceptible isolates. The ZOI measurements and durations of sustained antimicrobial activity were compared among suture types and isolates by statistical methods. Suture surface characteristics and bacterial adherence were evaluated qualitatively with scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS ZOIs were generated only by triclosan-coated materials; triclosan-coated suture had sustained antimicrobial activity (inhibition) for 3 to 29 days against all tested pathogens. The ZOIs around triclosan-coated suture were significantly greater for S pseudintermedius isolates than for E coli isolates. Bacterial adherence to uncoated polyglactin-910 was greatest, followed by triclosan-coated polyglactin-910, and then uncoated monofilament sutures, with least adherence to coated monofilament sutures. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Surface characteristics of suture materials may be as important or more important than triclosan coating for microbial inhibition; however, triclosan coating appeared to affect bacterial adherence for multifilament sutures. Triclosan-coated, particularly monofilament, sutures inhibited pathogens commonly isolated from wounds of dogs, including multidrug-resistant bacteria. Further studies are required to assess clinical efficacy of triclosan-coated suture materials in vivo.

Objective To estimate the prevalence of complications and describe the outcome associated with calcaneal fractures in non-racing dogs and in cats. Study Design Retrospective multicenter clinical cohort study. Animals Medical records of client-owned dogs and cats (2004–2013). Methods Medical records were searched and 50 animals with calcaneal fractures were included for analysis. Complications were recorded and an outcome score applied to each fracture. Associations between putative risk factors and both major complications, and final outcome scores were explored. Results Complications occurred in 27/50 fractures (61%) including 23 major and 4 minor complications. At final follow-up, 4 animals (10%) were sound, 27 (64%) had either intermittent or consistent mild weight-bearing lameness, 7 (17%) had moderate weight-bearing lameness, and 1 (2%) had severe weight-bearing lameness. Fractures managed using plates and screws had a lower risk of complications than fractures managed using pin and tension band wire, lag or positional screws or a combination of these techniques (Relative risk 0.16, 95% CI 0.02–1.02, P=.052). Non-sighthounds had reduced odds of a poorer outcome score than sighthounds (Odds ratio 0.11, 95% CI 0.02–0.50, P=.005) and fractures with major complications had 13 times the odds of a poorer outcome score (Odds ratio 13.4, 95% CI 3.6–59.5, P

Key Clinical Message A dog presented with a retrobulbar mass, diagnosed histopathologically as malignant spindle cell neoplasia. Emergence of analogous findings in the contralateral orbit prompted extended immunohistochemistry of the original mass and reassignment to idiopathic sclerosing orbital inflammation. Early incisional biopsy with extended immunohistochemical analysis should be considered for canine orbital tumors.

This study evaluated the feasibility, complications and long-term outcomes of using a cannulated drill system combined with intraoperative imaging to place a transcondylar screw for the management of canine humeral intracondylar fissure. Thirteen dogs were enrolled, with one dog undergoing staged bilateral surgery. No intraoperative complications occurred. Five minor (36%) and three major (21%) postoperative complications occurred, giving an overall complication rate of 57%. None of the screws placed penetrated the articular surface. The mean duration of surgery was 28 min (SD ±3.5) for dogs that developed a major complication versus 46 min (SD ±18.1) for those that did not (p=0.015). The duration of preoperative lameness was significantly shorter for cases which suffered a major complication (2 days; SD ±2.8) than those that did not (34 days; SD ±31.7, p=0.008). None of the variables assessed were significantly associated with minor complications. Median time from surgery to last follow-up was 5.8 years (range 3.5-8.5 years). Median Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs questionnaire score at the final point of follow-up was 16 (range 7-27). A significant number of patients were found to require analgesia at long-term follow-up.

A male entire boxer was presented for investigation of haematuria and urinary incontinence. Rectal examination identified bilateral perineal herniation and enlargement of the prostate. Ultrasonographic and radiographic findings were consistent with diffuse prostatic enlargement and intrapelvic paraprostatic cyst formation, with mineralisation of the cyst wall. Omentalisation of the cyst was carried out in conjunction with colopexy and vas deferens pexy. The dog was represented two weeks later with severe dysuria, urinary retention, tenesmusand recurrent haematuria. A combined abdominal and targeted perineal surgical approach was performed to allow omentalisation of the cyst from the regionof the bladder to the perineal fossa. One-year follow up confirmed resolution of clinical signs. A combined abdominal and perineal technique for omentalisation of intrapelvic paraprostatic cysts is a novel technique, which can be used when faced with reduced surgical exposure within the pelvic cavity.

Objectives To assess the impact of stabilization method on the complication rate after lateral humeral condylar fracture (LHCF) repair. Study Design Retrospective multicenter clinical cohort study. Animals Dogs (n = 151) with LHCF. Methods Medical records (2004–2012) were reviewed for dogs that had surgical repair of LHCF. Data retrieved included signalment, cause of fracture, evidence of incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle, occurrence of postoperative complications, presence of supracondylar comminution preoperatively, and persistence of an intracondylar fissure postoperatively. Outcome was assessed based on the most recent data available and graded as excellent, good, fair, or poor. Results LHCF (n = 135) were evaluated in 132 dogs; 61 fractures were stabilized using a transcondylar screw and supracondylar K‐wire, 13 using a transcondylar screw and supracondylar screw, and 61 using a transcondylar screw and lateral epicondylar plate. Major complications were significantly (P = .01) more common after stabilization using a transcondylar screw and supracondylar K‐wire (28%) than in dogs where a supracondylar screw or lateral epicondylar plate were used (11%). Cases that had postoperative complications were significantly (P = .02) more likely to have a poor outcome. Conclusions LHCF stabilized using a transcondylar screw and supracondylar K‐wire are more likely to have major complications resulting in a poorer outcome than cases stabilized using a supracondylar screw or lateral epicondylar plate.

Heat stress exerts a profound impact on the resistance of plants to parasites. In this research, we investigated the impact of an acute transient heat stress on the resistance of the wheat line 'Molly,' which contains the R gene H13, to an avirulent Hessian fly (Mayetiola destructor (Say)) population. We found that a significant portion of Molly seedlings stressed at 40 degrees C for 6 h during or after the initial Hessian fly larval attack became susceptible to otherwise avirulent insects, whereas unstressed control plants remained 100% resistant. Specifically, 77.8, 73.3, 83.3, and 46.7% of plants heat stressed at 0, 6,12, and 24 h, respectively, after the initial larval attack became susceptible. Biochemical analysis revealed that heat stress caused a transient decrease in 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid, but an increase in salicylic acid accumulation in Molly plants. The change in phytohormones after heat stress and Hessian fly infestation was not observed in 'Newton,' a near-isogenic but Hessian fly susceptible wheat line. Instead, heat stress caused a relatively prolonged reduction in palmitoleic acid. The role of phytohormones in heat-induced loss of wheat resistance was discussed.

A 2.5-year-old intact male miniature lop rabbit ( Oryctolagus cuniculus) was presented with multiple nodules surrounding the eyes, nose, mouth, and prepuce. Cytological evaluation of the periocular nodules revealed the presence of intracellular (within macrophages) and extracellular yeast organisms. The yeast organisms were approximately 3–5 µm in diameter, round to oval, with a thin clear capsule, and contained an eccentrically placed basophilic crescent-shaped nucleus. The clinical pathological interpretation was granulomatous inflammation with intralesional yeast of a morphology consistent with Histoplasma spp. The rabbit was treated with microsized griseofulvin (25 mg/kg, orally, once a day) for 12 days pending final cytological diagnosis of histoplasmosis. No significant improvement was noted during the treatment period, and humane euthanasia was performed. Postmortem examination revealed the presence of intracellular and extracellular yeast organisms in the small intestine, skin (antebrachium, perioral, palpebral, perianal, and pinnal), penis, penile urethra, rectum, axillary lymph node, and conjunctiva. Postmortem fungal culture yielded Histoplasma capsulatum. Based on clinical and postmortem findings, a definitive diagnosis of disseminated histoplasmosis was made. Disseminated histoplasmosis appears to be unreported in rabbits. Although the treatment used did not provide noticeable improvement, available information on histoplasmosis treatment in other species has been reviewed to provide useful information for future management of this condition in rabbits.

A 20-month-old male miniature dachshund was evaluated for a 10-week history of intermittent stranguria, pollakiuria, haematuria and obstructive urolithiasis. Retrograde urethrocystography revealed a subcutaneous saccular structure in the perineal area connected to the intrapelvic urethra associated with urolithiasis. After excision of the perineal saccular structure, microscopical examination confirmed the presence of transitional epithelium lining the diverticulum with isolated submucosal smooth muscle bundles. This structure was attached to another saccular structure lined by stratified squamous keratinizing epithelium with hair follicles, sebaceous glands and apocrine glands. An incomplete urethral duplication with dermoid cyst was diagnosed. The dog recovered uneventfully from surgery and was still urinary continent and free from clinical signs 5 months after surgery. To the authors’ knowledge this is the first report of an incomplete urethral duplication with a dermoid cyst and concurrent obstructive urolithiasis in a dog.

Clinical summary This is the first clinical report of use of a combination of nanocrystalline silver and subatmospheric pressure therapy to treat a resistant wound infection, following tumour removal and radiation therapy, in a difficult-to-manage surgical site in a cat. Practical relevance The therapy was well tolerated and the authors suggest it is a valid treatment protocol for management of non-healing or infected wounds in the cat.

Three capnellanes have been isolated from the soft coral Capnella imbricata , one known ( 1 ) and two new structures ( 9, 10 ). Their structures were determined by a mixture of spectroscopic methods and comparisons to the previous literature. Cytotoxicity against a panel of cancer cell lines was determined for all the compounds with compound 1 showing an IC 50 of 0.7 μM against K562 leukaemia. In addition compound 9 was cytotoxic to promyelogenous leukaemia and 10 was active against renal leiomyoblastoma cells.

Aging is associated with a decline in immune function and the elderly are therefore more susceptible to infectious disease and less responsive to vaccination. Influenza antigens complexed as immunostimulatory complexes (ISCOMs) generate more potent protective immune responses compared with non-adjuvanted flu antigens in young adult mice. We report on the protective efficacy of flu-ISCOMs compared with the current split flu vaccine in an aged mouse model. DBA/2 mice aged 2 or 18 months were immunized with flu vaccine, ISCOMs or live virus, prior to challenge with the homologous virus. In aged mice, flu-ISCOMs induced significantly higher serum hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) titers compared to vaccine, similar to the levels obtained in young adult mice that received the split vaccine. Flu-ISCOMs but not vaccine induced cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses in young and to a lesser degree in aged mice. In aged mice flu-ISCOMs significantly reduced illness and enhanced recovery from viral infection compared with vaccine. Our data suggests that flu-ISCOMs may offer an improved vaccine strategy for protection of elderly humans against the complications of influenza infection.

Congenital portosystemic shunts (cPSS) are a well-recognised vascular anomaly in dogs. Recent studies have shown an association between inflammation and hepatic encephalopathy (HE), which is a common clinical syndrome in dogs with a cPSS. Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α are frequently increased in the plasma of human patients with liver disease and have been implicated in the development of HE. In the current study, plasma concentrations of IL-2, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α were measured using a multiplex electrochemiluminescence immunoassay in 36 dogs with a cPSS and compared to 25 healthy dogs. There were no significant differences in plasma IL-2, IL-8 and TNF-α concentrations between the two groups; however, plasma concentrations of IL-6 were significantly higher in dogs with a cPSS compared to healthy dogs (P=0.02).

A 42-year-old female Testudo graeca was referred with a five-month history of a non-healing carapacial wound. Previous treatment had involved long-term antibiotic therapy and conscious debridement of necrotic tissue. On presentation an extensive deep wound with purulent discharge was visible on the right side of the carapace. A computed tomographic scan was performed to assess the extent of the wound. This revealed a large carapacial deficit with two underlying soft tissue masses. Surgical debridement was performed under general anaesthesia resulting in an even larger defect. Because of the extensive nature of the deficit, negative pressure wound therapy was applied to aid wound healing. A negative pressure of approximately 120 mmHg was maintained and bandages were changed every third day. Wound healing progressed rapidly and a healthy granulation bed was formed within 16 days.

To describe and compare a large population of dogs that had pancarpal arthrodesis (PCA) using either a hybrid dynamic compression plate (HDCP) or a CastLess Plate (CLP).Multicenter, retrospective, cohort study.Dogs (n = 240; 261 PCA).Medical records (2000-2012) from 12 UK orthopedic centers were reviewed for dogs that had PCA to document signalment, diagnosis, arthrodesis method, and complication rates. Follow-up data were used to compare outcome (lameness evaluation and radiographic healing) after use of HDCP and CLP plates.PCA was performed with HDCP in 125 cases, CLP in 105, and by other techniques in 31. Carpal hyperextension injury was the most common diagnosis in HDCP and CLP groups. Surgical site infection (18.3%) was the most common postoperative complication. There was no difference in intra- (11% HDCP, 21% CLP) or postoperative (34% HDCP, 41% CLP) complication rates. Use of external coaptation did not affect postoperative complication rates or outcome. External coaptation related complications occurred in 32% HDCP and 18% CLP (P = .02). At median follow-up, most dogs were classified as having no or mild lameness (73% HDCP, 83% CLP) and there was radiographic healing in 40% HDCP and 46% CLP (P = .8) cases.CLP and HDCP may both be used successfully to achieve pancarpal arthrodesis. Adjunctive external coaptation does not appear to have a measurable clinical benefit but is associated with morbidity.

To assess the impact of stabilization method on the complication rate after lateral humeral condylar fracture (LHCF) repair.Retrospective multicenter clinical cohort study.Dogs (n = 151) with LHCF.Medical records (2004-2012) were reviewed for dogs that had surgical repair of LHCF. Data retrieved included signalment, cause of fracture, evidence of incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle, occurrence of postoperative complications, presence of supracondylar comminution preoperatively, and persistence of an intracondylar fissure postoperatively. Outcome was assessed based on the most recent data available and graded as excellent, good, fair, or poor.LHCF (n = 135) were evaluated in 132 dogs; 61 fractures were stabilized using a transcondylar screw and supracondylar K-wire, 13 using a transcondylar screw and supracondylar screw, and 61 using a transcondylar screw and lateral epicondylar plate. Major complications were significantly (P = .01) more common after stabilization using a transcondylar screw and supracondylar K-wire (28%) than in dogs where a supracondylar screw or lateral epicondylar plate were used (11%). Cases that had postoperative complications were significantly (P = .02) more likely to have a poor outcome.LHCF stabilized using a transcondylar screw and supracondylar K-wire are more likely to have major complications resulting in a poorer outcome than cases stabilized using a supracondylar screw or lateral epicondylar plate.

Journal of Plankton Research Vol.18 no.7 pp.1103-1121. 19% Vertical migration of Rhizosolenia mats and their significance to NO 3 fluxes in the central North Pacific gyre Abstract. Rhizosolenia mat abundance, distribution and chemical composition were studied on two cruises in the central North Pacific gyre in order to determine large-scale distribution patterns and contribution to upward nitrogen (N) flux. These macroscopic diatom mats are composed of multiple species of Rhizosolenia that exploit subsurface nitrate pools by vertically migrating below the euphotic zone. Although numerically dominated by the small-diameter species, R.fallax (73-95% of total num- bers), mat biovolume was dominated by large-diameter (>50 u.m diameter) Rhizosolenia spp. (85-99% of total volume). Integrated mat abundance was substantially higher when mats accumulated at the surface during calm weather (£80 mats nv 2 ) than during windy periods (

A 30-MONTH-OLD, female neutered domestic shorthair cat was presented following unwitnessed trauma with a highly contaminated circumferential avulsion of skin from the right hindlimb. The avulsed skin was debrided under general anaesthesia, leaving a wound extending from the proximal femur to the

Influenza immunostimulating complexes (flu-ISCOMs) and a monovalent subvirion vaccine prepared with an H1N1 strain of influenza virus were compared in mice for immunogenicity and protection against challenge with homologous and heterotypic influenza viruses. flu-ISCOMs but not subvirion vaccine fully protected mice against homologous virus challenge after one immunization as assessed by measurement of virus lung titers. The improved protection induced by flu-ISCOMs was associated with a 10-fold higher prechallenge serum hemagglutination inhibition titer. Furthermore, only flu-ISCOMs fully protected mice against mortality and reduced morbidity following challenge with an influenza virus of the serologically distinct H2N2 subtype. This cross-protection correlated with the induction of virus cross-reactive cytotoxic T lymphocytes that recognized a known major histocompatibility class I (H2-K d )-restricted epitope within the hemagglutinin of influenza virus that is conserved among the H1 and H2 influenza virus subtypes. flu-ISCOMs may offer significant advantages over current commercial formulations as an improved influenza vaccine.

Patients with diabetes can choose to take control of their disease or let it take control of them. Diabetes is one of the most common diseases in the United States; CDC estimates that almost 26 million people have diabetes, with almost 7 million of these undiagnosed. 1 Advances in technology make monitoring the effect of treatment regimens and managing the disease much easier. From blood glucose monitors customized for iPhones to websites that allow progress to be tracked, a vast array of tools are available to make patients' lives easier.