Efficacy of oral mifepristone and parenteral Aglepristone on serum progesterone concentration and clinical recovery in female dogs with pyometra

BackgroundDespite the importance of abnormalities in lipoprotein metabolism in clinical canine medicine, the fact that most previously used methods for lipoprotein profiling are rather laborious and time-consuming has been a major obstacle to the wide clinical application and use of lipoprotein profiling in this species. The aim of the present study was to assess the feasibility of a continuous lipoprotein density profile (CLPDP) generated within a bismuth sodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (NaBiEDTA) density gradient to characterize and compare the lipoprotein profiles of healthy dogs of various breeds, healthy Miniature Schnauzers, and Miniature Schnauzers with primary hypertriacylglycerolemia. A total of 35 healthy dogs of various breeds with serum triacylglycerol (TAG) and cholesterol concentrations within their respective reference intervals were selected for use as a reference population. Thirty-one Miniature Schnauzers with serum TAG and cholesterol concentrations within their respective reference intervals and 31 Miniature Schnauzers with hypertriacylglyceridemia were also included in the study.ResultsThe results suggest that CLPDP using NaBiEDTA provides unique diagnostic information in addition to measurements of serum TAG and cholesterol concentrations and that it is a useful screening method for dogs with suspected lipoprotein metabolism disorders. Using the detailed and continuous density distribution information provided by the CLPDP, important differences in lipoprotein profiles can be detected even among dogs that have serum TAG and cholesterol concentrations within the reference interval. Miniature Schnauzers with serum TAG and cholesterol concentrations within the reference interval had significantly different lipoprotein profiles than dogs of various other breeds. In addition, it was further established that specific lipoprotein fractions are associated with hypertriacylglyceridemia in Miniature Schnauzers.ConclusionsThe results of the present study suggest that density gradient ultracentrifugation using NaBiEDTA is a useful screening method for the study of lipoprotein profiles in dogs. Therefore, this method could potentially be used for diagnostic purposes for the separation of dogs suspected of having lipoprotein abnormalities from healthy dogs.

Entamoeba infections in different populations of dogs in an endemic area of Lahore, Pakistan

The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of administration of exogenous hCG 5 days after Artificial Insemination (AI) on serum progesterone concentration and conception rate in lactating dairy cows. In this experiment 5 days after AI the cows were alternately assigned randomly to treatment group (n=70) received an injection of 3000 IU hCG (Chorulon, each vial contained 1500 IU, Intervet, Holland) and control group (n=88), received no treatment. On day 5 and 12 blood samples from 20 of cows (10 in each group) were obtained to measure serum progesterone concentrations. The study population was stratified by parity, milk yield production, number of AI and Days in milk. Cows that were detected in estrous after days 18-24 were reinseminated and recorded as no pregnant (open) to the prior AI. The uteri of cows not observed in estrous were palpated per rectum 45-50 days after insemination to determine pregnancy status. Pregnancy proportion in treatment and control groups were 27.5 and 35.2%, respectively. The results demonstrated that there was no significant differences between two groups (p<0.05). Mean serum progesterone concentrations did not differ between treatment and control groups on day 5 (2.94+/-0.65 versus 2.98+/-0.36 ng mL(-1)). On day 12 serum progesterone concentrations were greater (p<0.05) in the treatment group compared with control group (16.07+/-3.64 versus 8.71+/-0.86 ng mL(-1)). Regardless of treatment, parity, milk yield production, number of AI and days in milk had no effect on the pregnancy rate. In conclusion, 3000 IU of hCG 5 days after insemination did not improve pregnancy rate in dairy cows, despite the fact that serum progesterone concentration were higher in treatment group.

To evaluate whether use of recombinant human (rh) thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) induces equivalent stimulation, compared with bovine TSH (bTSH), and to evaluate activity of rhTSH in dogs of various large breeds. 18 healthy research Beagles and 20 healthy client-owned dogs of various breeds with body weight > 20 kg. The 18 Beagles were randomly assigned to 3 groups, and each dog received either 75 microg of rhTSH, IM or IV, or 1 unit of bTSH, IM, respectively, in a crossover design. The 20 client-owned dogs received 75 microg of rhTSH, IV. Blood samples were taken before and 6 hours after TSH administration for determination of total serum thyroxine (T(4)) concentration. Additional blood samples were taken after 2 and 4 hours in Beagles that received rhTSH, IM. There was a significant increase in T(4) concentration in all dogs, but there were no differences between values obtained after administration of bTSH versus rhTSH or IV versus IM administration of rhTSH. Although there was a significant difference in age and body weight between Beagles and non-Beagles, there was no difference in post-TSH simulation T(4) concentration between the 2 groups. Results indicated an equivalent biological activity of rhTSH, compared with bTSH. Use of 75 microg of rhTSH, IV, did not induce a different magnitude of stimulation in large-breed dogs, compared with Beagles. Euthyroidism was confirmed if post-TSH simulation T(4) concentration was > or = 2.5 microg/dL and at least 1.5 times basal T(4) concentration.

To determine the incidence and distribution of intervertebral disk (IVD) degeneration-related diseases in a large population of dogs of various breeds, ages, and sexes and to determine mortality rates among dogs with these diseases. Epidemiological study. Insurance data for dogs with veterinary health-care and life insurance coverage (n = 665,249 and 552,120, respectively). Insurance claim records of 1 company in Sweden were searched to identify dogs with IVD degeneration-related diseases; incidence and mortality rates were determined for affected dogs < 12 years old and < 10 years old, respectively. Only the first paid IVD degeneration-related claim for a dog was included in incidence rate calculations. The incidence rate of IVD degeneration-related diseases was 27.8 (95% confidence interval [CI], 27.2 to 28.4) occurrences/10,000 dog-years at risk (DYAR), indicating that approximately 0.3% of dogs/y in this population were affected. Miniature Dachshund was the most highly represented breed, followed by Standard Dachshund and Doberman Pinscher (237.1 [95% CI, 212.9 to 261.4], 141.5 [95% CI, 135.5 to 147.4], and 88.6 [95% CI, 72.1 to 105.2] occurrences/10,000 DYAR, respectively). The incidence rate of IVD degeneration-related disease was greater in male than in female dogs and increased with age. Overall mortality rate attributed to IVD degeneration-related diseases was 9.4 (95% CI, 8.9 to 9.8) deaths/10,000 DYAR and was greater in males than in females. Differences in incidence rates among various breeds suggested a genetic involvement. Knowledge of the distribution of IVD degeneration-related diseases among dogs of various breeds and ages may facilitate early diagnosis and preemptive treatments in patients at risk for developing these diseases.

Background: Whole-body vibration is a modality of exercise used in humans for therapeutic purposes or to increase physical performance. In veterinary medicine there are only a few reports on the use of this technology. The Whole-body vibration derivate from vibrating rhythmic movements caused by vibrating platforms. Vibrating platforms are used over 30 years in the treatment and prevention of injuries and other debilitating conditions in humans. This paper aims to describe the first report of a possible spontaneous opening of the cervix in a female dog with purulent metritis by Whole-body vibration using a platform vibration.Case: A sexually intact female American Pit Bull Terrier dog showed an acute effect after a single session of Whole- body vibration training. Physical examination and physiological parameters were within normal. Slight edema of the vulva was observed without signs of discharge. Complete blood cell count, serum chemistry and urinalysis yielded no significant abnormal findings. An enlarged uterus with content was observed during a transabdominal ultrasound. Despite this, a vibrating-platform session was performed during 15 min. A purulent vulvar discharge was observed 6 min. after Whole-body vibration exercise and remained continuous through session. After the Whole-body vibration exercise, the dog was treated with cephalexin for 15 days. Escherichia coli were isolated from vaginal discharge culture. Seven days after the Whole-body vibration session, no signs of vulvar edema or discharge were observed. A complete blood count, serum chemistry, urinalysis and uterus ultrasound showed no abnormalities. Ovariohysterectomy by minimally invasive technique was performed and was observed cysts in both ovaries. The patient was placed under general anesthesia withisoflurane/O2. The premedication used was carprofen, morphine sulphate, acepromazine and diazepam. The induction was with propofol. An open ventral midline celiotomy an ovariohysterectomy was performed. Ten days after the surgery the dog showed no abnormality. After recovered from anesthesia, the patient was discharged with meloxican and tramadol for postoperative inflammation and pain management. According to the owner, the immediate postoperative period was without any problems. The histopathology examination confirmed the presence of right ovary cystic and left uterine horn cystic, and uterine hyperplasia. Four months after the surgery, the dog returned for evaluation and the owner reported that patient had been doing well, with normal appetite, normal urination and defecation.Discussion: The Whole-body vibration is not yet fully understood and it is important that the patient is clinically evaluated before the Whole-body vibration session. Whole-body vibration is a modality of exercise used in humans for therapeutic purposes or to increase physical performance. Otherwise, in veterinary medicine there are only a few reports on the use of this technology. In the present report there were no clinical signs that indicated uterine infection. In human patients there are reports that showed any clinical signs of diseases before use the Whole-body vibration. The ultrasound exam had been done because was part of another study and showed an enlarged uterus. Therefore, the cervix opening after a single Whole- body vibration training may be considered a positive side effect of Whole-body vibration in female dogs since this event helped to diagnose the disease. Although, the effects of WBV on reproductive organs and endocrine system are not clear.

Experiments were performed to examine the interaction between estrogen and "placental luteotropin," the two luteotropins thought to be required for corpus luteum maintenance in the pregnant rabbit. Experiment 1 was designed to determine whether estrogen alone was luteotropic in the absence of "placental luteotropin." Pregnant rabbits were assigned to the following groups: Group A, sham hysterectomy; Group B, hysterectomy; Group C, hysterectomy plus estradiol on Day 20; and Group D, hysterectomy plus estradiol on Day 22. "Placental luteotropin" was removed on Day 21 of pregnancy by hysterectomy and estrogen was administered via an estradiol-filled Silastic implant which was placed s.c. before (Day 20, Group C) or after (Day 22, Group D) hysterectomy. Daily blood samples were taken for radioimmunoassay of serum progesterone and estradiol concentrations. Corpus luteum weights were measured at autopsy on Day 27. Hysterectomy caused serum progesterone concentrations to fall rapidly from 13 +/- 1 ng/ml on Day 21 to 2 +/- 1 ng/ml on Day 23, and to 1 ng/ml or less on Days 24-27. In sham hysterectomized rabbits (Group A), pregnancy was maintained and serum progesterone concentrations remained elevated at 9-15 ng/ml throughout (Days 20-27). Estradiol treatment (Groups C and D) did not prevent or reverse luteal regression induced by hysterectomy and serum progesterone concentrations declined in a similar fashion to Group B. Serum estradiol concentrations were 4-8 pg/ml in all groups and did not vary substantially with stage of pregnancy or treatment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Objective To study a combined urodynamic technique for assessment of urethral closure and bladder storage function in female dogs. Animals 20 healthy, adult, sexually intact female dogs of various breeds. Procedure Urethral pressure profilometry and continuous urethral pressure registration during high-diuresis cystometry (cysto-urethrometry) were studied in dogs sedated with xylazine. Pressures were measured, using a flexible polyvinylchloride multichannel catheter connected to a perfusion system. Urine production and volume were determined by radionucleotide dilution analysis of urine samples. Urethral pressure profilometry was performed first, followed by cystourethrometry. Maximal urethral pressure and maximal urethral closure pressure of consecutive profiles and their mean values were determined. Closure pressure at its highest and lowest level and at micturition threshold and absolute and relative magnitude of urethral pressure variation were determined in the high-pressure zone of the urethra while the bladder filled, enforced by diuresis. Bladder pressure and volume at the micturition threshold and static compliance also were determined. Results Differences in mean and variance between variables listed were not significant. Urethral closure pressure varied from 5 to 67 cm of H2O during bladder storage. So-called unstable detrusor contractions were observed in 6 dogs. Conclusions Several variables for the assessment of the dynamics of urethral closure and bladder storage function obtained by the technique reported here are reproducible. Values from this study are considered reference values for further studies. Clinical Relevance The reported technique can be helpful in the investigation of complicated urinary incontinence in female dogs. (Am J Vet Res 1996;57:1131-1136)

To investigate whether circulating concentrations of biomarkers of glucose homeostasis, progesterone, and growth hormone in healthy female Elkhounds differ during diestrus and anestrus and to compare those findings with data from dogs of other breeds. 22 healthy female dogs of Elkhound breeds (known to have a high incidence of diestrus-associated diabetes mellitus) and 18 healthy female non-Elkhound dogs. For each dog, a blood sample (12 mL) was collected once during anestrus and once 2 to 8 weeks after cessation of estrual bleeding. Serum or whole blood samples were analyzed for glucose, growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor-1, C-peptide, fructosamine, and glycated hemoglobin A1c concentrations. Homeostasis model assessments (HOMAs) of pancreatic beta-cell function and insulin secretion were calculated. In Elkhounds, C-peptide concentration and the HOMA for beta-cell function (markers of insulin secretion) were higher in samples obtained during diestrus, compared with findings in samples obtained during anestrus. The HOMA for insulin sensitivity was lower (albeit not significantly) during diestrus than it was during anestrus in Elkhounds. Markers of insulin secretion and sensitivity were similar during anestrus and diestrus in the dogs of other breeds. Serum progesterone concentrations were greater during diestrus than during anestrus in Elkhounds and non-Elkhound dogs. All other variables did not differ between diestrus and anestrus within or between the 2 breed groupings. Results provided evidence that circulating insulin concentrations during diestrus are higher than those during anestrus in Elkhounds, which could contribute to development of diestrus-associated diabetes mellitus.

The occurrence of an outbreak of rabies in Bali as a shock to the people and local governments are instantly becoming the world's attention because of Bali as a world tourism destination. Since the first outbreak in the southern peninsula of Bali in November 2008, rabies quickly spread across the districts/municipality, until July 2015 had spread across 54 subdistricts and 263 villages. The proportion of rabies cases in the subdistricts and villages the highest occurred in 2011 is shown 94.7% and 36.7%, respectively, but its spread dropped dramatically in 2013 only occurred in 23 subdistricts (40.4%) and 38 villages (4,2%), though rabies outbreak back by increasing the number and distribution of rabies cases significantly in 2014, spread over 94 villages even until July 2015 spread over 89 villages. Rabies attacks the various breeds of dogs with the proportion of rabies in the local dogs showed the highest (98.44%), as well as the male dog, &nbsp;is very significantly higher than female dogs. By age group, the proportion seen in the age group of 1 to 2 years showed the highest (39.9%). Other animals, such as cats, cows, goats, and pigs have also contracted the rabies infected dog bitesthe . The incidence of rabies is endemic tend to look at some of the same villages actively repeated every year, most occur in Bangli district (29 villages), nevertheless for 3 consecutive years there were 58 villages there are no cases of rabies. The increasing number of cases of rabies in Bali due to the increasing cases of dog bites, since May 2008 to July 2015, there were 274 792 cases, an average of 34 349 cases per year, or 95 cases per day, the highest occurred in 2010 (67 021 cases) with the proportion of positive rabies highest (34.92%) as well as attack rate (AR) showed the most high (0.125%). The number of rabies from 2008 to July 2015 as many as 1,157 cases of rabies and the positive opportunities of dog bite cases continue to rise even odds 83.07 times greater than the previous year. The average prevalence in Bali is showed 16.1%, the highest in Karangasem district (26.1%), but the proportion is highest seen in Bangli district (16.94%). The increasing cases of dog bites there seem to be the influence of the season. It is seen that the number of cases of wild dogs bite or semi free-range dogs likely to increase following cycles of dogs breeding season, most occur in the dry season (April to November), except in 2008 most of the rainy season (December to March) were recorded 8 cases. It was concluded that rabies is endemic, the majority occurred in the local wild dog or semi-free-ranging dogs especially in breeding season and never yet vaccinated for rabies.

Ear disease is relatively important in veterinary medicine as it significantly affects the quality of life of pets. Two hundred and twenty-one cases of canine ear diseases were collected and collated at the Xi'an Teaching Hospital of Northwest A&F University from 2012 to 2016. An epidemiological analysis was conducted to evaluate the prevalence and causes of various ear diseases in various breeds of dogs in Xi'an. Data were collected and statistically analyzed by reviewing previous cases and obtaining medical history data and laboratory results. This study included the following experiments: systematic examination of the animals' skin, auricular skin scraping test, ear canal endoscopy, and examination of ear canal secretion. The top three dog breeds most commonly afflicted with ear diseases in Xi'an were Toy poodles, Cocker Spaniels, and Golden Retrievers, accounting for 18.5%, 10.4%, and 9.5% of the total cases, respectively. The prevalence was the highest in August and September, with male dogs having a higher prevalence rate than female dogs. Common ear diseases were categorized as otitis externa, otitis media, otitis interna, or ear hematoma. This study determined the prevalence of external otitis, ear hematoma, otitis media, and inner otitis in dogs in the Xi'an area. These results can help expand the current understanding of the development and epidemiology of canine ear diseases and provide a reference for clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

AIM: To compare the efficacy of oxytocin given once daily, either I/V or I/M, on Days 7–14 post-ovulation, on the expression of oestrus in mares through to 65 days post-ovulation. METHODS: Eighteen mares of various breeds that were displaying normal oestrous cycles were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups on the day of ovulation (Day 0), detected using transrectal ultrasonography. Mares in the control group (n = 6) were given 1 mL saline I/V; mares in the I/V and I/M groups (n = 6 per group) were injected with 10 IU oxytocin I/V and I/M, respectively. All treatments were given once daily on Days 7–14. Mares were teased by a stallion three times per week, up to 65 days post-ovulation, to detect oestrous or dioestrous behaviour. Ovarian follicular and luteal activity were monitored using transrectal ultrasonography three times weekly, and daily when a follicle >30 mm diameter was present until ovulation. Blood samples were collected weekly for analysis of concentrations of progesterone in serum. Prolonged dioestrus was defined as a period of >30 days of dioestrous behaviour after Day 0, confirmed by detection of corpora lutea and concentrations of progesterone in serum >4 nmol/L. RESULTS: Overall, 8/18 (44%) mares showed prolonged dioestrus. These included 2/6 (33%) mares in the control group, compared with 5/6 (83%) and 1/6 (16%) mares in the I/V and I/M groups, respectively (p = 0.11). The median duration of the first dioestrus was longer for the I/V group (64 (min 16, max 66) days) compared with the control group (18 (min 12, max 64) days) (p = 0.05), but was not different between the control group and the I/M group (16 (min 13, max 65) days) (p = 0.57). For all mares there was strong agreement between teasing behaviours, ultrasonographic assessment of ovarian activity, and concentration of progesterone in serum. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study found that low doses of oxytocin did not increase the proportion of mares with prolonged dioestrus, compared with controls, although I/V oxytocin did increase the median duration of dioestrus. The results must be interpreted with some caution as group numbers were small, and a variety of breeds were used. Further investigation of oxytocin given I/V may be warranted as a potential method of oestrus suppression in mares exhibiting oestrous cycles that is low cost, safe and well-tolerated, and potentially reversible with prostaglandin.

Background: The foramen magnum is located in the occipital bone and communicates the cranial cavity with the spinal canal of the vertebral column. Variations in the shape and size of this foramen, such as the presence of a notch in its dorsal contour, characterize occipital dysplasia and may occur due to a defect in the supraoccipital bone ossification process during the gestational period. Occipital dysplasia has been reported primarily in small, toy, and brachycephalic breeds, and its clinical relevance remains controversial. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the size of the foramen magnum in asymptomatic dogs of small and toy breeds. Materials, Methods &amp; Results: The study was conducted at the Veterinary Hospital of the Center for Rural Health and Technology of the Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), Patos Campus, located in Paraíba state, Brazil. Twelve (n = 12) asymptomatic, small and toy breed dogs, with variable sex and over 10 months of age, were referred to the Veterinary Hospital for elective surgical procedures and were used in this study. All dogs underwent complete neurological examination to confirm the asymptomatic status and were radiographed in rostrocaudal position, with their mouths closed and the hard palate at an angle of approximately 70º to 80º with the table of the X-ray apparatus. The foramen magnum of each specimen was evaluated in the radiographs using a precision caliper. The analyzed parameters included height (H), the height of the dorsal notch (N), total height (H+N), and width (W), and the obtained data were used to establish the degree of occipital dysplasia and determine the shape of the foramen magnum. Of the 12 animals studied, 75% (n = 9) exhibited a dorsal notch in the foramen magnum, which varied between 3.00 and 10.00 millimeters (mm) in height, characterizing occipital dysplasia. Among the affected animals, 77.77% (n = 7) were classified as grade 1 for the alteration, 11.11% (n = 1) as grade 2 and one animal (n = 1; 11.11%) as grade 3. The prevalent shape observed for the foramen magnum was oval (83.3%). Discussion: Although occipital dysplasia has been associated with the occurrence of nonspecific neurological clinical signs, such as tremors, ataxia, and epileptic seizures, the presence of this alteration in asymptomatic dogs indicates that the formation alone is just an anatomical variation, as demonstrated herein and in previous studies conducted over the past few years. This hypothesis has been increasingly supported by scientific evidence through publications that portray occipital dysplasia in dogs of various breeds and sizes without clinical manifestations. The clinical signs attributed to occipital dysplasia may originate in situations where there is a coexistence of other conditions. Occipital dysplasia has been reported several times in conjunction with other pathologies, such as occipital hypoplasia and syringomyelia, in symptomatic dogs. The dorsal notch-shaped occipital defect is covered by a fibrous tissue membrane in dogs affected by occipital dysplasia. The presence of this soft tissue membrane has been related to the late onset of syringomyelia due to the decompressive effect that it provides to the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. When occipital dysplasia is identified in symptomatic dogs, it is suggested that the lesion be correctly located within the nervous system and that, according to its neurolocalization, a thorough investigation of other underlying causes for the occurrence of the neurological clinical manifestation be carried out. To date, there is no evidence characterizing occipital dysplasia as a single entity causing neurological deficits. Keywords: anatomy, morphology, occipital bone, skull, occipital dysplasia, neurology.

Sexual and ovarian activity of crossbred ewes fed different types of roughage during seasonal anestrus

This study aimed to evaluate the preanaesthetic efficacy of a combination of acepromazine and butorphanol in dogs induced with tiletamine-zolazepam and maintained under isoflurane anaesthesia for elective ovariohysterectomy. A prospective clinical trial was conducted on 12 healthy adult female dogs of various breeds and ages, randomly divided into two groups (n=6). All dogs received atropine sulphate (0.045 mg/kg body wt., i.m.) as premedication. After 5 min, group I animals received acepromazine (ACP) alone (0.03 mg/kg body wt., i.m.), while group II received a combination of ACP (0.03 mg/kg body wt.) and butorphanol (BUT) (0.2 mg/kg body wt.). Anaesthesia was induced by intravenous administration of tiletamine-zolazepam (TZ) until the desired effect was achieved, followed by maintenance with isoflurane (ISO) at a vaporizer setting of 1-2%. The anaesthetic combinations were compared based on clinical, physiological, haemodynamic, haematological, and biochemical parameters. ACP administered intramuscularly before TZ produced only mild sedation, poor muscle relaxation, and inadequate analgesia. The combination of ACP and BUT produced better sedation, analgesia, and muscle relaxation. Further, analgesia was more consistent when BUT was combined with ACP.