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The aim of this report was to present a case of exertional rhabdomyolysis in a fallow deer. The diagnosis was made on the basis of clinical and blood laboratory findings. Despite the treatment, the outcome was fatal. Gross anatomy and histopathological examinations were performed, detecting degenerative changes in the heart, skeletal muscles, the kidneys and the liver. On the basis of ante and post mortem findings providing explanations of the pathophysiological mechanism of severe tissue damage - hypoxaemia, severe lactic acidosis, muscle rupture, electrolyte imbalance and renal block, it was concluded that all they have led to the death of the animal.

The aim of the present study was to investigate common clinical and laboratory parameters in dogs suffering from acute respiratory failure caused only by respiratory system disorders, using multiple regression analysis, in order to determine early factors with prognostic significance for survival or death, as well as to suggest a simple score system predicting reliably the probability of lethal outcome. The retrospective investigation was based on data from medical records of dogs suffering from acute respiratory failure, admitted to the Small Animal Clinic of Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria between 2007 and 2010. Thirty eight animals, fulfilling the inclusion criteria for the study, were divided in two groups: survived and non-survived. Relationship between signalments, clinical, and laboratory variables and outcomes were evaluated by means of logistic regression analysis. Age over 6 years, heart rate (HR) over 160 min–1, weak pulse, capillary refill time (CRT) above 2 s, respiratory rate (RR) above 40 min–1, the presence of parenchymal lung disease, and non-traumatic lesion turned out to be individual mortality predictive factors. The only three predictors of outcome retained by the multivariate logistic regression model in the present work were RR higher than 40 min–1; CRT above 2 s; and weak pulse. According to our scoring system, a total score bellow 8 points predicted survival with sensitivity 100%, specificity 80.77%, and positive and negative predictive values of 70.6% and 100%, respectively. Dogs that received more than 18 points would die (100% specificity) and those with 12 points were considered with 50% chances to survive (sensitivity 66.67%, specifici­ty 92.31%, positive and negative predictive values of 80.0% and 85.7%, respectively). Based on ROC curve analysis this scoring system classified correctly 91.85% of cases with AUC=0.915 (P=0.0001).

А histopathological analysis of 430 specimens of canine skin tumours obtained in the period 2000–2010, was performed at the Department of General and Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, Bulgaria. The tumours were classified according to the last World Health Organization classification. The incidence of benign and malignant neoplasms was 48.14% and 51.86% respectively. Among the total number of skin tumours, 250 cutaneous growths were diagnosed as epithelial and melanocytic tumours and another 78 – as mesenchymal skin and soft tissue tumours. The most frequently diagnosed tumours from the skin epithelial and melanocytic group were hepatoid gland adenoma (9.3 %), squamous cell carcinoma (8.6 %), hepatoid gland carcinoma (5.34 %) and basalioma (5.11 %). The most frequently diagnosed canine mesenchymal skin and soft tissue tumours were lipoma (5.58 %), fibrosarcoma (4.41 %), haemangiopericytoma (2.32 %) and haemangioma (2.09 %).

PURPOSE: The role of thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), insulin (INS) and growth hormone (GH) in the pathogenesis of canine hip dysplasia was studied. The changes in radiographic indices and their correlation with the hormone blood levels were determined. METHODS: Two groups of German Shepherd male dogs (control and experimental) were used. All animals were aged between 8-12 months and were bred in a stock-breeding farm with similar diet and exercise. The control group included 8 clinically and radiologically healthy animals. The experimental group included 8 dogs with hip dysplasia. RESULTS: Canine hip dysplasia was accompanied by increased serum-free thyroxine levels, compared with control animals. The other hormones did not show any changes. The parameters indicating early presence of hip laxity were the Norberg angle (NA) and the distraction index (DI), which were different in both groups of animals. The alterations in radiographic indices did not correlate with the studied hormone blood levels. CONCLUSION: Elevation in plasma thyroxine levels in dysplastic animals suggested that this hormone might play a role in the pathogenesis of canine hip dysplasia. However, this is not the only factor implicated in the disease because of the lack of correlation between radiographic and hormonal changes.

Splenic torsion is an extremely rare disease both in human and animals. This is an emergency condition whose clinical presentation could be referred to as acute abdomen. The definite diagnosis is difficult to make and requires current image techniques, such as Doppler ultrasound and Computed tomography scan. An early operation is strongly recommended to avoid complications. In the present study a case of splenic torsion in German shepherd male dog was described. The patient was presented with signs of fever, inapetance, depression and vomiting from time to time in the course of two days. On the basis of history, physical examination, radiography and ultrasound a primary diagnosis of generalized splenomegaly was made and splenic torsion was suspected. After splenectomy the animal recovered well without problems.

A fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) was performed on thirty-eight spontaneous canine mammary gland epithelial tumours (adenomas (n=8), fibroadenomas (n=8) tubulopapillary carcinomas (n=9), solid carcinomas (n=6) and anaplastic carcinomas, (n=7). The neoplastic cells were fixed immediately with Merckofix spray (Merck, Darmstadt, Germany) and stained with Hemacolor (Merck, Darmstadt, Germany). The digitalized images of each cytologic finding were captured for image analysis. Computer-assisted morphometry of randomly selected nuclei was performed and the values of the morphometric parameter nuclear roundness were assessed. The analysis of data revealed significant differences between benign and malignant tumours (p < .001, ANOVA/LSD test). The results indicate that morphometric parameter nuclear roundness could be used as a complementary method for differentiation of benign from malignant canine mammary epithelial tumours on cytologic smears.

Malignant tumour diseases are important in our study on pathology of small animals. Metastases arise primarily from non-benign tumours and this situation could provide bases for difficult control of the disease, with the attendant high mortality. Surgery is often one of the invasive means of controlling complications of cancer and its metastases. That then makes it imperative to know how this and its accompanying anaesthesia could affect the generation of metastasis in such patients. The present study reviews the available data regarding effects of anaesthesia on tumour metastasis. It starts by giving some major highlights on the mechanism of the metastatic process and antitumour immunity. Consequently it addresses the questions about the effects of different anaesthetic agents on the NK cells count and their activities and some other factors connected with the metastatic process.

The aim of the present study was to follow up the effect and toxicity of doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide chemotherapy combined with operative treatment of malignant mammary tumours in dogs. The study was performed on 6 bitches, aged 9-14 years, from various breeds. These dogs presented mammary adenocarcinoma confirmed by histopathological investigation. The animals underwent partial mammectomy. Ten days after the intervention, chemotherapy with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide was scheduled. Blood samples were obtained prior to and following the operation, and after each course of chemotherapy to monitor the changes in some principal haematological and biochemical parameters. The efficacy of the treatment was evaluated by thoracic radiography for the absence of metastases or the regression of already existing ones. The studies showed that the operative intervention combined with sequential regimen of doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide chemotherapy suppressed effectively the development of new neoplasm and metastases, but was accompanied by general adverse reactions as lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, hair loss, fever, hypochromic anaemia and strong immunosuppresion.

The present study investigates the effects of three different anaesthetic schemes – volatile anaesthesia using halothane, balanced anaesthesia using pancuronium and epidural anaesthesia using lidocaine, on the electrical activity of the heart in healthy dogs. Standard electrocardiographic parameters, serving as autocontrol, were reported just prior to each anaesthetic scheme, and were reported 120 minutes later. The halothane and balanced anaesthesia resulted in QT-interval prolongation which makes them potent arrhythmogenic agents. The lumbosacral epidural anaesthesia with 2% lidocaine did not provoke ECG changes, suggesting a less danger in cardiovascular complications.

The symptoms of mucoid enteropathy in rabbits were reproduced via ligation of separate caecal segments in order to study the role of obstruction in the aetiopathogenesis of the disease. The experiment was performed in 20 rabbits from the same breed and age, housed and fed under uniform conditions. They were divided into 2 groups with 5 male and 5 female animals in each, used in 2 experimental models. The pathoanatomical and histopathological findings were described. The results of the experiment showed that the symptoms of mucoid enteropathy in rabbits could be reproduced via ligation of caecal segments. The symptoms were provoked in 50% of rabbits with ligation against Ampulla ilei (Sacculus rotundus) and in 70% of rabbits with ligation between the caecal body and the appendix. The number of diseased animals, the mortality rate and the severity of enteropathy increased paralelly to the distance between the ligature and the ileocaecal valve. Our results confirmed the hypothesis that the ligation of large intestinal segments resulted in release of toxins in ligated segment, that stimulated the local production of mucus and damaged the other organs after absorption through the injuried mucosa. Therefore, the symptoms of mucoid enteropathy could be considered as toxin-induced secretory disease, that probably developed consequently to direct or vegetative irritation of the caecum.

The experiment was performed on 14 mixed-breed dogs aged 2-5 years, divided into two groups. An experimental model of peritonitis by the method of Rosato (creation of an ischemic intestinal loop) was performed. In group I (zipper technique group) a zipper, sutured to a polycaproamide mesh was fixed in a manner such that the zipper would remain in the middle of the opening and would closely approach the muscular margins, preventing the outflow of peritoneal exudate and evisceration (closed abdomen). Eighteen hours later, the zipper was opened, the mesh – incised, and the intestinal loop - totally removed. In dogs from group II, after the removal of the ischemic loop, a temporary opening (laparostoma) was created with a polycaproamide mesh. Skin margins were detached, allowing the passive outflow of peritoneal fluid. Blood samples were obtained from all dogs prior to the operation and at hour 18 after jejunal ligation (peritonitis) for haematological and biochemical determinations. In both groups, the determinations were repeated 24 h after the loop removal. According to clinical and laboratory findings, laparostoma had significant advantages compared to the zipper technique. The tendency towards hypercoagulation, liver and renal damage was lower. The death rate in the zipper method was 100% vs 50% in laparostoma. The average time of survival was 28.7 ± 2.1 h and 45.3 ± 10.2 h at p

The experiment was performed with 2 groups mixed-breed dogs from both sexes, aged 2-5 years, weighing 18.0 ± 1.1 kg (n=6) and 13.3 ± 1.8 kg (n=7) respectively. They were subject to an experimental model of peritonitis, provoked via the creation of an ischemic intestinal loop (Rosato et al., 1972) following general anaesthesia. After 18 hours, an operative inspection for removal of the necrotized intestinal segment was performed and treatment using two approaches was initiated. In one of the groups a laparostoma was created, and in the other – the zipper technique was applied. In both groups, an ECG study was done immeditely prior to the creation and 24 hours after the removal of the ischemic intestinal loop. Simultaneously, the acid-base parameters, blood electrolytes, LDH activities and the changes in body temperature, heart and respiratory rates were also determined. The clinical signs accompanying the appearance of acute abdomen were significantly increased body temperature in the zipper technique group, a temperature within the normal range in the laparostoma group and enhanced respiratory rates in both groups. It was found out that in peritonitis, treated by the zipper technique, the impaired electrical activity of the heart was manifested by ST depression, T wave depression and inversion and shorter diastole with increased systolic index. In dogs treated by laparostoma, ECG changes were predominantly manifested by shortening of all intervals with exception of the QRS complex and a weaker ST depression. Blood gas and acid-base determinations were characterized by increased pO2, SAT and O2CT values in the zipper group compared to the laparostoma group. Electrolyte changes consisted in decreased plasma potassium levels in the laparostoma group vs the zipper group and higher inorganic phosphate concentrations in the zipper group vs the open abdomen technique. The microbiological findings in the peritoneal exudate were positive for E. coli and Proteus sp. The studies suggested that the laparostoma technique preserved the myocardium from the toxic effect of bacterial toxins, accumulated within the abdomen and thus, it could be a technique of choice for the treatment of acute abdominal problems.

A histopathological study on 124 samples of mammary neoplastic material collected from bitches within the period 1991-2000 was performed at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Stara Zagora. The tumours were classified according to the World Health Organization Classification (1974). According to the histogenesis, the tumours were divided into three principal groups: epithelial (20.15 % benign and 32.26% malignant), mesenchymal (4.86 % benign and 12.14% malignant) and mixed (12.09% benign and 14.50% malignant). The ratio of malignant and benign tumours was 62.9:37.1. The average age when mammary tumours were detected was 8.55 years and the most predisposed breed were Bolognese dogs (20.16% of all cases).

The clinical signs, radiological and pathomorphological findings in four 2-2.7-month-old dogs (3 male German Shepherds and 1 female Dobermann) with persistent right aortic arch are described. The differential diagnosis of the disease with regard to other oesophageal diseases is discussed. The regurgitation of stomach content after weaning is considered as the primary clinical sign. In such cases, the age of patients necessitated the consideration of a congenital vascular ring anomaly as underlying cause of the problem. The main radiological features were vizualization of the cervical and the thoracic parts of the oesophagus, extension of the shadow of the dilated part to the heart, but without overlapping it, position of the shadow of the dilated part mostly to the left in ventrodorsal view. All those features were confirmed in a contrast radiological study.

The present study was conducted on 46 male intact (uncastrated) cats with clinical signs of FUS (disuria, haematuria and urethral obstruction) admitted in the Surgical Clinic of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine during the period 1998-2000. The patient charts yielded information about the following items: breed, age, body weight; recurrence of episodes of symptoms; duration of the last epidose, type of treatment, feeding pattern, brand of the food, duration of feeding with a particular brand, intervals of feeding and water regimen. Intraoperatively, urine samples were collected (via incision of the urethra before the site of obstruction and after catheterization of the urinary bladder). Immediately after collection, biochemical (pH, protein, glucose, urobilinogen, ketone bodies, blood, specific gravity), microscopical (crystals, red blood cells - RBC, white blood cells - WBC, desquamated epithelial cells), microbiological and parasitological analyses have been performed. On the basis of obtained data we concluded that the most commonly affected cats were between 3-6 years old, weighing 3-5 kg without a breed predisposition. The primary cause for the development of an obstructive form of FUS was the formation of sterile urinary calculi as a result of feeding dry foods rich in magnesium, phosphorus and proteins and an insufficient water intake. Thus, predominantly strivute uroliths and more rarely, urate and oxalate uroliths were formed. The bacterial infection of the lower urinary tract developed more frequently secondarily. The detected microflora (Escherichia coli, Proteus spp., Staphylococcus spp.) was inherent for the urinary tract.

The continuous urethral obstruction in feline urologic syndrome (FUS) results in various systemic disturbances. The present study was performed on 46 intact (uncastrated) male cats with FUS during the period 1998-2000. The routine clinical examinations consisted in determination of body temperature, heart and respiratory rates, the presence of vomiting (nausea), anorexia, depression, dehydratation and complete urethral obstruction. Blood samples obtained from v. cephalica antebrachii were analyzed for determination of haemoglobin content, haematocrit, red blood cells (RBC) and white blood cells (WBC) counts, total protein, urea, creatinine, calcium and phosphate concentrations. The results of all those studies showed that the continuous urethral obstruction (more than 24 hours) resulted in rapidly progressing uraemia with significantly increased blood urea and creatinine, signs of anorexia, vomiting, dehydratation, bradycardia or tachycardia, polypnea, hypothermia. When blood urea levels were raised over 50 mmol/l an uraemic comma and lethal issue could be anticipated, so it was determined as a critical threshold. In FUS, the signs of lower urinary tract inflammation usually prevailed whereas the involvement of the proximal urinary tract was relatively rarely observed.

The technique of the semi-open peritoneal drainage (laparostoma) in dogs, using a mesh polycap- roamide material is described. Several clinical and laboratory parameters as well as the fate of the polymer were followed out. The experiment was performed in 8 mixed-breed dogs from both sexes, aged 2-5 years, weighing 13.3 ± 1.8 kg. They were subjects to an experimental model of peritonitis, provoked via the creation of an ischemic intestinal loop. After 18 hours, an operative inspection for removal ot the necrotized intestinal segment was performed. The abdominal cavity was left semi-open, creating a laparostoma with the Bulgarian polycaproamide material Ampoxen® (reticulate sheets). The studies evidenced the advantages of the semi-open method of drainage as a supplementary method of treatment in peritonitis because of the restriction of toxins absorption, attenuation of endotoxin shock manifestations, minimum damage of both liver and kidneys, insignificant changes in both clinical and laboratory findings. The hypoproteinemia and the fluid deficit as well as the tendency towards hypercoagulation in the early few days after the formation of laparostoma should be considered when composing a supplementary therapeutic schedule. Both visually and histologically, it was observed that the connective tissue embedding the aloplastic mesh formed a reliable biological pack closing securely the defect in laparostoma site without need of later removal of the sheet.