Recumbency Time Research Articles

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug administration to periparturient cows to reduce postpartum pain-related behaviours

Question In periparturient cows does the administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) aid in reducing pain-related behaviours after parturition when compared to cows not administered NSAIDs? Clinical bottom line The category of research question was: Treatment. The number and type of study designs that were critically appraised were: Four randomised control trials. Critical appraisal of the selected papers meeting the inclusion criteria collectively provide zero/weak/moderate/strong evidence in terms of their experimental design and implementation: Moderate. The outcomes reported are summarised as follows… The evidence suggests that NSAIDs can reduce some pain-related behaviours and increase resting behaviours in postpartum cows, with the effect being most consistently observed when administered between 6 and 48 hours before calving or within 3 hours after calving. This effect was most consistently observed in individuals that had experienced uncomplicated calving events and primiparous animals. Primiparous animals administered meloxicam prior to natural calving displayed significantly more lying bouts on the day of calving when compared to primiparous control animals and primiparous animals administered meloxicam postpartum. A separate study reported that cows administered ketoprofen spent less time in lateral recumbency than cows in the placebo group, irrespective of whether calving was assisted. Additionally, when treatment cows were in sternal recumbency, they spent more time with their head in a rested position than the placebo group. There was no significant difference in feeding behaviours postpartum between treatment and placebo animals. There were conflicting results between papers assessing activity levels. In view of the strength of evidence and the outcomes from the studies the following conclusion is made… In some cows, in particular cows with an uncomplicated parturition, NSAIDs can reduce some pain-related behaviours and increase some resting behaviours postpartum. The NSAID should be administered between 6 and 48 hours before calving or within 3 hours after calving.

Can environmental nebulization of lavender essential oil (L. angustifolia) improve welfare and modulate nasal microbiota of growing pigs?

The use of phytoextracts has been proposed as a method to improve animal welfare, also in pigs, by reducing stress and anxiety and improving performances. Lavandula angustifolia (Miller) essential oil (LaEO) is an interesting calming phytoextract that could be administered by inhalation for prolonged periods of time to help pigs coping with on-farm conditions. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of daily inhalation of vaporized LaEO on pigs' welfare and health indicators, and nasal microbiota, trying to understand whether this phytoextract represents a feasible tool to improve animal welfare under intensive farming conditions. Eighty-four crossbred barrows were randomly divided into 3 experimental groups: control (C); lavender (L): 3 vaporization sessions of 10 min each of a custom made 1% solution of LaEO; sham (S): same vaporization sessions of L group but only using the solution vehicle. Experimental readouts included growth parameters, behavioural traits, tail and skin lesions, hair steroids and nasal microbiota. L group animals did not show altered growth performance and seemed calmer (increased recumbency time), with decreased amount of skin lesions also associated with lower severity class for tail lesions. They also showed decreased CORT/DHEA ratio, potentially suggesting a beneficial effect of LaEO. Inhalation of LaEO significantly affected the nasal pig microbiome by reducing its diversity. Overall, the study suggests how inhalation of Lavender essential oil may be capable of improving welfare in growing pigs, yet it is pivotal to consider the microbial modulatory capabilities of essential oils before exploiting them on larger scale.

Sleep Pattern Interference in the Cognitive Performance of Lusitano Horses.

Like most mammalian, polyphasic sleep, equine sleep can be divided into two phases: the REM (rapid eye movement) phase and the NREM (non-rapid eye movement) phase. For this study, a randomized crossover experiment was conducted using ten purebred Lusitano horses, all dressage athletes aged from three to seven years old. The horses were filmed before the intervention to characterize their sleep patterns. REM sleep deprivation was achieved by not letting the horses attain sternal or lateral recumbency for three consecutive days, totaling 72 h. A spatial memory task and a visual attention test were performed. A recording time of 48 h appeared to be long enough to characterize the sleep patterns of the stalled horses. The total recumbency time of the studied population was lower than that previously reported in horses. Although the recumbency times before and after the intervention were similar, there was a tendency shown by the delta (p = 0.0839) towards an increased time needed to resolve spatial memory tasks in the sleep-deprived group. Future studies may deepen the understanding of horse sleep requirements and patterns, and the effects of environmental changes on horse sleep.

Evaluation of the antinociceptive effect of lidocaine- tramadol and lidocaine- medetomidine lumbosacral epidural anesthesia: A cross-over comparative study in goats

Small ruminants have a docile temperament and are typically operated under local or regional analgesia. In goats, lumbosacral anesthesia is the most commonly used regional anesthesia. This investigation aimed to evaluate the epidural anesthetic effects of lidocaine-medetomidine (LID-MED) and lidocaine-tramadol (LID-TRM) combinations in relation to cardiopulmonary effects. An experiment using a cross-over design was conducted on eight goats. The first group (LID-MED) was injected with lidocaine hydrochloride and medetomidine hydrochloride. The second group (LID-TRM) was injected with lidocaine hydrochloride and tramadol hydrochloride. The onset of analgesia, recumbency time, and standing time were recorded once, while scores were recorded periodically. Locomotor and anti-nociception scores were evaluated at baseline, 5, 10, 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes (min) post-anesthesia. Similarly, cardiorespiratory values were also recorded at the same intervals in each group. In the LID-MED receiving group, analgesia and recumbency onset were earlier, with a longer recumbency period. The LID-MED group showed a significant loss of sensation in all examined regions. The locomotor score revealed hind limb paralysis for 90 min in the LID-TRM group, while it continued for 120 min in the LID-MED group. In both LID-TRM and LID-MED groups, there was significant hypothermia; however, bradycardia was noticed in the LID-MED group from 5 min post-injection. Respiratory depression was also detected in the LID-MED group. The study revealed that lumbosacral epidural anesthesia using LID-TRM co-infusion produces reasonable and short duration (60 min) analgesia. In contrast, epidural lumbosacral injection of LID-MED co-infusion produces a longer duration of analgesia and recumbency.

Evaluation of accelerometer fitting position, sampling intervals and data editing techniques for measuring equine lying postures when stabled

The aim of this study was to determine whether a leg-mounted accelerometer could be used to reliably predict the time spent by horses in sternal and lateral recumbency. Six stabled horses were used for the study and each observation period lasted 11.5 hrs (2000–0730). Each evening, three horses were fitted with an accelerometer logger to the front-left (metacarpal) and back-left (metatarsal) legs, and each logger was configured to sample an acceleration value at the same rate (60 s, 20 s or 10 s) on all three axes (X, Y, Z). Observations were repeated for each horse at each sampling interval resulting in six datasets per horse. Ground-truth information was simultaneously recorded using a camera located in each stable and each accelerometer dataset was subsequently annotated with the ground-truth observations. Optimal thresholds for standing and lying (Y-axis) and variants of lying (sternal and lateral recumbency: Z-axis) were determined across all horses using the highest sum of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value across sampling intervals and accelerometer fitting sites. For standing and combined lying postures, mean predictive performance across all sampling intervals and fitting sites was > 98% for all performance measures. However, the best estimates of lying variants were achieved using data from the front leg where mean predictive performance for all measures was > 86% across all sampling intervals. The effect of short and potentially erroneous readings on the predictive ability of the thresholds was also examined using two event filters. The event filters converted predictions that occurred individually or in consecutive runs of ≤ 2 to the behaviour preceding them, and results were compared to unfiltered predictions. Linear regressions were used to evaluate predicted values with ground-truth observations for total lying time (overall lying time as well as total time in sternal and lateral recumbency), mean lying bout duration (combined lying bouts), and total lying bouts (switches between sternal and lateral recumbency). Herein we make recommendations on the use of event filters for generating reliable estimates (no statistical difference (P > 0.05) from 1 and 0 for slope and intercept, respectively, and R2 ≥ 0.90) of equine standing and lying postures across the tested sampling intervals and accelerometer fitting sites. This is the first study to demonstrate that leg-mounted accelerometers can be used to reliably predict the time spent by horses in sternal and lateral recumbency.

Effect of Constant Rate Infusion of Different Anaesthetic Adjuvants Undergoing Thiopentone Sodium Total Intravenous Anaesthesia in Horses

Background: Co-administration of anesthetic adjuvants as continuous rate infusion (CRI) can be controlled and hence is considered safer, as it can reduce the cardiopulmonary alterations in horses and is also adaptable in field conditions. Hence this study was planned to evaluate the effect of CRI of dexmedetomidine, ketamine, butorphanol and midazolam during thiopentone TIVA in horses. Methods: Thirty horses were randomly divided into five groups S, D, K, B and M having six animals in each. Premedication was done with Xylazine (1 mg/kg) and butorphanol (0.05 mg/kg) intravenously. Ketamine (2 mg/kg) and midazolam (0.2 mg/kg) were used IV for induction. CRI of normal saline alone, dexmedetomidine @ 2 µg/kg/hr., butorphanol @ 0.2 mg/kg/hr., midazolam @ 0.2 mg/kg/hr. and ketamine @ 2 mg/kg/hr. were administered in groups S, D, B, M and K, respectively. Thiopentone sodium (5%) was given as a fast intravenous bolus whenever required to provide adequate anesthesia. Depth of anesthesia was evaluated on the based on clinical, haemato-biochemical, hemodynamic and endocrine variables. Result: First head lift, sternal recumbency time, standing time and quality of recovery showed no significant difference between the groups. Heart rate, RR, RT, SBP, DBP, CVP and MAP, BUN, creatinine, ALT, AST, cortisol, ACTH and ghrelin did not show significant variation among groups. Hb, PCV, TLC, TEC and neutrophil found significantly decreased and blood glucose remained significantly higher than the baseline value in all groups post induction. CRI of ketamine produced a better quality of recovery and thiopentone sparing effect and was found suitable for moderating stress response to anesthesia, inflammation and metabolic changes in horses administered with TIVA.

Comparative study on propofol and ketamine total intravenous anaesthesia in midazolam-butorphanol premedicated goats

A study was conducted during January to July 2020 to compare the clinical, physiological and haemodynamic effects of propofol and ketamine total intravenous anaesthesia in midazolam-butorphanol premedicated goats. Twelve goats presented for various surgical procedures were divided randomly into propofol (PRO) and ketamine (KET) group having six animals each. Goats were premedicated with intravenous midazolam (@ 0.3 mg/kg) and butorphanol (@ 0.2 mg/kg) combination. Anaesthesia was inducted with intravenous propofol (PRO group) and ketamine (KET group) administration (@ 2 mg/kg body weight). Anaesthesia was maintained with intermittent intravenous injections of propofol and ketamine in respective groups. Efficacy of anaesthesia was assessed on the basis of clinico-physiological and haemodynamic parameters. Induction time, induction dose, propofol maintenance dose, recovery quality, mean recovery time, time to recovery of swallowing reflex, sternal recumbency time and standing time were significantly (p<0.05) lower in PRO group compared to KET group. Heart rate and mean arterial pressure was significantly (p<0.05) higher in KET group. Respiration rate and SpO2were significantly (p<0.05) lower in PRO group. No significant difference in scores of salivation, pedal reflex, induction quality, time to first head movement and rectal temperature was observed between the two groups. To conclude, total intravenous anaesthesia with propofol under midazolam-butorphanol premedication is a better anaesthetic choice compared to ketamine in goats as it provides smooth, rapid induction, excellent muscle relaxation, better recovery quality, and shorter recovery and standing times.

Hospitalisation and Disease Severity Alter the Resting Pattern of Horses

In humans, hospitalisation, disease type, and environmental factors evidently affect the quality of sleep, further influencing patient recovery. The objective of the present study was to report the resting and lying behaviour of hospitalised horses, and whether lying behaviours differ depending on the physiological severity of joint damage. We hypothesised that the resting and lying behaviour can change during the hospitalisation and physiological severity of joint damage affect the time of rest in horses. A descriptive observational study was performed to evaluate the effect of hospitalisation on the recumbency time of 8 adult horses with different degrees of osteoarthritis of the metacarpophalangeal joint. The horses’ rest time was monitored using cameras during the first 5 days of hospitalisation. The total time of lateral recumbency and frequency of recumbency were greater after the 4th day of hospitalisation (P<,05), while the total time of sternal recumbency was greater after the 3rd day (P <0,05). Furthermore, we compared the recumbency time among animals with different degrees of osteoarthritis on the 5th day of hospitalisation. Increased recumbency time in mild osteoarthritis spared the animal's limb and reduced the overload on the affected limb; however, severe osteoarthritis decreased the frequency and time of recumbency probably due to greater difficulty during joint flexion in the transition from standing to recumbency. The severity of disease appeared to affect recumbency time, as horses with mild osteoarthritis spent more time in recumbency whilst those with severe osteoarthritis may have been partially sleep-deprived because they lay down less.

Cardiopulmonary Parameters and Arterial Blood Gases During Etorphine-Medetomidine-Midazolam Immobilization in Free-Ranging Black Rhinoceroses (Diceros bicornis) Undergoing Electro-Ejaculation-A Preliminary Study.

Conservation management interventions for the critically endangered black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) require immobilization, which offer opportunities for semen collection and cryopreservation to establish genetic reservoirs. In free-ranging rhinoceroses, a combination of the potent opioid etorphine and the tranquilizer azaperone is routinely used for chemical immobilization but is associated with muscle rigidity and severe cardiopulmonary changes. Additionally, azaperone inhibits semen emission. Seven free-ranging, male, sexually mature black rhinoceroses were immobilized with an alternative protocol consisting of 4.5 mg etorphine, 5 mg medetomidine, 50 mg midazolam and 2,500 IU hyaluronidase delivered remotely by darting from a helicopter. During the immobilization, electro-ejaculation was performed with a portable electro-ejaculator, and a species-specific rectal probe. Animals were observed for muscle tremors. Longitudinal changes in respiratory rate, heart rate and peripheral oxyhemoglobin saturation, measured at 5 min intervals, were assessed using a general mixed model. Non-invasive oscillometric blood pressure and arterial blood gas variables were measured at first handling and before reversal and compared using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. All animals were successfully immobilized, showed no muscle tremors, presented with normal heart rates and lactate concentration (<5 mmol/L), recovered uneventfully, but experienced acidemia, hypoxemia and hypercapnia. Induction time and total time in recumbency were 4.2 ± 0.41 and 38.4 ± 6.9 min, respectively. Electro-stimulation commenced after 11.7 ± 3.98 min and completed after 24.3 ± 6.65 min. Semen-rich fractions were successfully collected from six animals. Our observations indicate that etorphine-medetomidine-midazolam provides a promising immobilization protocol for free-ranging black rhinoceroses, that allows for successful electro-ejaculation.

Horses' Use of Lying Halls and Time Budget in Relation to Available Lying Area.

Simple SummaryA safe and comfortable resting area to lie down and sleep in is an important factor in ensuring horse welfare. The lying times of stalled horses depend on factors such as bedding, housing, and lying area, while the sleeping behavior of group-housed horses may be influenced by such factors as social relations and competition for space. This study aimed to analyze time spent in, as well as activity taking place in, lying halls of various sizes. We compared single boxes and open barns with available lying areas of 8, 15, or 18 m2/horse, on the basis that a lying area of 8 m2 is the minimum requirement stipulated by Swedish legislation. We found that increasing lying area increased the horses’ use of the lying hall and their total lying time, and that the lying time of a horse housed in a single box was equivalent to the lying time of a horse in group housing with access to a lying area of 18 m2/horse. Hence, to ensure access to sufficient resting space for all horses in group housing, we recommend that the minimum requirement should be reassessed and increased.Sleep is crucial to horses’ wellbeing, and their lying time can vary according to such factors as climate, exercise, bedding, and housing. This study aimed to analyze behavior and time spent in lying halls of various sizes. We examined the influence of housing systems on total lying time and behavior, and how changes to available lying area can affect lying time. Two open barns were used in this study, with lying areas of 8, 15, and 18 m2/horse available in the lying halls. The horses’ behavior was video recorded and logged using scan sampling and interval observations. Individual boxes were used as a control. The horses were found to spend longer time in sternal and lateral recumbency in the hall with a lying area of 18 m2/horse than the hall with a lying area of 8 m2/horse. Increasing the area of the lying hall also increased overall time spent there. Consequently, the hypothesis that increasing lying area will increase the horses’ use of the lying hall, as well as their total lying time, was accepted.

Recumbency as an Equine Welfare Indicator in Geriatric Horses and Horses with Chronic Orthopaedic Disease.

Simple SummaryHorses have to lie down to achieve rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Horses that do not lie down for environmental reasons or pain suffer from an REM sleep deficiency that negatively affects their welfare and health. The present study aimed to assess the influence of chronic orthopedic disease and old age on the time horses lie down. Wearable automated sensor technology was used to monitor the time 83 old and young adult horses with or without chronic lameness spent lying down, moving, or standing. Interestingly, neither age nor lameness due to chronic orthopedic disease significantly influenced the time spent lying down. Horses showing symptoms of REM sleep deficiency had shorter lying times and reduced times spent moving, indicating a general compromise of their well-being. The study shows that wearable sensor technology can be used to identify horses with short recumbency times at risk for REM sleep deficiency. Furthermore, the technology can be used to assess and monitor equine welfare objectively and optimize husbandry conditions so that old horses and horses suffering from chronic orthopedic conditions can achieve lying-down times comparable to younger, healthy horses.Recumbency is a prerequisite for horses achieving rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and completing a full sleep cycle. An inability to lie down due to environmental insecurities or pain results in REM sleep deficiency, which can cause substantial impairment of welfare and health. Therefore, the present study used wearable automated sensor technology on 83 horses housed in an animal sanctuary to measure and compare the recumbency, locomotion, and standing time budgets of geriatric horses with and without chronic lameness to younger adult sound and lame horses. Recumbency times ranged from 0 to 319 min per day with an overall mean of 67.4 (±61.9) minutes; the time budget for locomotion was 19.1% (±11.2% s.d.) and for standing 75.6% (±13.1 s.d.). Interestingly, neither age nor lameness due to chronic orthopedic disease had a significant influence on recumbency times in this study. Eight horses showed symptoms of REM deficit. These horses had significantly shorter lying times (7.99 ± 11.4 min) and smaller locomotion time budgets than the other horses enrolled in this study (73.8 ± 61.8 min), indicating a general compromise of well-being. Thus, wearable sensor technology can be used to identify horses with low recumbency times at risk for REM sleep deficiency and to assess and monitor equine welfare objectively.

Retrospective study of the prevalence of factors contributing to successful standing at first attempt in horses recovering from general anesthesia

ObjectiveSeveral factors affect the quality of recovery from general anesthesia in horses. These can increase the likelihood of injury. Body and limb position during recovery may correlate with successful standing. The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence of and the factors associated with successful standing at the first attempt in horses undergoing general anesthesia. Study designRetrospective study. MethodsVideo of recovery and anesthetic records from 221 equine patients were reviewed by six veterinary students. Cases with poor video quality or incomplete anesthetic records were excluded. Demographic variables, type of procedure, perioperative drugs administered, assistance during recovery and body and limb positions during the first attempt to stand were recorded. Association between putative variables (including specific descriptors for body and limb position) and success for standing were analyzed using backward logistic regression; significance was set at 0.05. A decision tree for a successful attempt was created to predict the outcome of a recovery attempt based on these variables. ResultsExtension of the carpal joints, head and neck alignment with the thoracic limbs, greater time in lateral recumbency, coordination during sternal recumbency, longer time to first attempt to stand and pelvic limb position were associated with successful standing at the first attempt. The association between extension of the carpal joints with wide base positioning of the pelvic limbs provided the best success rate for standing, whereas the association of flexed carpal joints and head and neck orientation different from the thoracic limbs resulted in a worse success rate. Conclusions and clinical relevanceResults suggest that certain limb and body positions displayed by horses during recovery may be associated with the likelihood of successful standing at the first attempt. These variables may be useful for assessing recovery quality in future research.

Evaluation of Medetomidine-Ketamine for Immobilization of Feral Horses in Romania.

Feral horses are immobilized for a variety of reasons including population control via contraceptives. Although opioid combinations have been successfully used for immobilization of feral horses, there is a need for combinations using drugs that are more readily available and present less of a human health hazard. We evaluated the chemical immobilization with physiological measurements and blood gas analyses of 91 free-ranging feral horses (Equus ferus caballus) remotely immobilized with a combination of 30 mg medetomidine and 775 mg ketamine in a single disposable 6 ml dart. During immobilization, heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal temperature, capillary refill time and peripheral oxygen hemoglobin saturation (SpO2) were evaluated. In eight horses, arterial blood samples were analyzed to evaluate the blood gases, acid-base status and hematologic variables. Targeted horses presented a wide range of age, size and body condition. Eighty-one horses had an uneventful mean induction of 7.2 min. Eighty-nine horses were immobilized in lateral recumbency with good muscle relaxation and a median recumbency time of 67 min. Ten horses required supplemental ketamine intravenously (x̄ = 434 mg) due to incomplete immobilization. In 58 horses the effects of medetomidine were antagonized with atipamezole intravenously. Increased respiratory rate (>20 breaths/min), increased heart rate (>45 beats/min) and decreased SpO2 < 90% were noted in more than half of the individuals, while increased rectal temperature (>39.0°C) was recorded in six animals. Blood parameters showed hypoxemia (<90 mmHg, n = 8), hypercapnia (>45 mmHg, n = 5), high glucose levels (>134 mmol/L, n = 3), increased blood lactate (>1.5 mmol/L), total carbon dioxide, bicarbonate and base excess which further increased in the second sample, whereas SpO2 and calcium values decreased. Recoveries were smooth, with one (n = 86) or more (n = 5) attempts of standing. Eighty-nine recoveries were uneventful, besides one male that showed signs of monoparesis of the left front leg and one mare with signs consistent with exertional myopathy. In conclusion, medetomidine-ketamine provided a reliable immobilization in feral horses over a wide range of body mass and age. However, based on the observed hypoxemia during immobilization, oxygen supplementation is strongly recommended for this protocol.

Administration of ketoprofen affects post-partum lying behaviours of Holstein dairy cows regardless of whether parturition is assisted.

Assistance at parturition in cattle is common. Although analgesia is commonly provided, its value in terms of welfare improvement is not known. Few previous studies include both parturition assistance and analgesic treatment status as well as appropriate control groups in a factorial design. Seventy-two Holstein cattle (37 assisted and 35 unassisted) were randomly allocated to receive a single dose of the NSAID ketoprofen or a saline placebo within 3 h of parturition. Detailed behavioural observations allowed a time budget to be constructed for each cow for 48 h post-partum. Cows experiencing assisted parturition spent more time in lateral recumbency (overall and with the head rested) (p < 0.05) - an infrequently adopted posture suggestive of illness or pain. Cows treated with ketoprofen spent less time in lateral recumbency (p < 0.05) (overall and with the head rested); this was independent of assistance status, and lateral recumbency was not affected by the interaction between assistance and treatment status. Additionally, cows treated with ketoprofen spent more time with the head rested when in sternal recumbency (p = 0.009) - a behaviour associated with comfortable resting. These differences in lying postures exhibited by cows receiving ketoprofen analgesia suggest that, regardless of whether parturition is assisted, a single dose of ketoprofen in the immediate post-partum period has the potential to improve cow comfort in the first 48 h post-partum.

Comparison of the effects of butorphanol–midazolam–medetomidine and butorphanol–azaperone–medetomidine in wild common palm civets (Paradoxurus musangus)

ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy of butorphanol–azaperone–medetomidine (BAM) and butorphanol–midazolam–medetomidine (BMM) protocols for immobilization of wild common palm civets (Paradoxurus musangus) with subsequent antagonization with atipamezole. Study designProspective, randomized, blinded clinical trial. AnimalsA total of 40 adult wild common palm civets, 24 female and 16 male, weighing 1.5–3.4 kg. MethodsThe civets were randomly assigned for anesthesia with butorphanol, azaperone and medetomidine (0.6, 0.6 and 0.2 mg kg–1, respectively; group BAM) or with butorphanol, midazolam and medetomidine (0.3, 0.4 and 0.1 mg kg–1, respectively; group BMM) intramuscularly (IM) in a squeeze cage. When adequately relaxed, the trachea was intubated for oxygen administration. Physiological variables were recorded every 5 minutes after intubation. Following morphometric measurements, sampling, microchipping and parasite treatment, medetomidine was reversed with atipamezole at 1.0 or 0.5 mg kg–1 IM to groups BAM and BMM, respectively. Physiological variables and times to reach the different stages of anesthesia were compared between groups. ResultsOnset time of sedation and recumbency was similar in both groups; time to achieve complete relaxation and tracheal intubation was longer in group BAM. Supplementation with isoflurane was required to enable intubation in five civets in group BAM and one civet in group BMM. All civets in group BAM required topical lidocaine to facilitate intubation. End-tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure was lower in group BAM, but heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal temperature, peripheral hemoglobin oxygen saturation and mean arterial blood pressure were not different. All civets in both groups recovered well following administration of atipamezole. Conclusions and clinical relevanceBoth BAM and BMM combinations were effective for immobilizing wild common palm civets. The BMM combination had the advantage of producing complete relaxation that allowed intubation more rapidly.

Do Camels (Camelus dromedarius) Need Shaded Areas? A Case Study of the Camel Market in Doha.

Simple SummaryScientific knowledge concerning dromedary camel behavior and welfare is still limited. To date, providing pens with adequate shaded areas is not regulated in camel husbandry. The objectives of this study were to document whether dromedary camels have a preference for shade and describe how their behavior would change depending on the presence of shade in pens with different animal densities. Analyzing the behavior of camels kept at a permanent market in Doha, we found they had a preference for shade, and adequate shaded areas seemed to exert a positive effect on their behavioral repertoire. Camels in shade expressed more natural behaviors such as lying in sternal recumbency and ruminating, while those in the sun showed more walking and standing. Limited space allowance, instead, seemed to affect camel welfare, increasing the expression of stereotypic behavior (i.e., pacing). Overall, the results of this pilot study suggest that provision of adequate shaded areas could safeguard camel wellbeing under extremely hot conditions.This study aimed at documenting whether dromedary camels have a preference for shade and how their behavior would change depending on the presence of shade and variable space allowance. A total of 421 animals kept in 76 pens (66 with shelter (Group 1), and 10 without shelter (Group 2)) at the camel market in Doha (Qatar) were recorded for 1 min around 11:00 a.m. when the temperature was above 40 °C. The number of animals in the sun and shade and their behaviors were analyzed using an ad libitum sampling method and an ad hoc ethogram. The results of a chi-square test indicated that camels in Group 1 had a clear preference for shade (p < 0.001). The majority of Group 1 camels were indeed observed in the shade (312/421; 74.11%). These camels spent more time in recumbency and ruminating, while standing, walking, and self-grooming were more commonly expressed by the camels in the sun (p < 0.001). Moreover, locomotory stereotypic behaviors (i.e., pacing) increased as space allowance decreased (p = 0.002). Based on the findings of this pilot study, camels demonstrated a preference for shade; shade seemed to promote positive welfare, while overcrowding seemed to trigger stereotypy and poor welfare. Overall, our preliminary results are novel and provide evidence that shaded areas are of paramount importance for camel welfare. Further research, involving designed studies at multiple locations is needed to confirm these results.

Physiological responses during simulated 16\xa0km recumbent handcycling time trial and determinants of performance in trained handcyclists

PurposeTo characterise the physiological profiles of trained handcyclists, during recumbent handcycling, to describe the physiological responses during a 16 km time trial (TT) and to identify the determinants of this TT performance.MethodsEleven male handcyclists performed a sub-maximal and maximal incremental exercise test in their recumbent handbike, attached to a Cyclus II ergometer. A physiological profile, including peak aerobic power output (POPeak), peak rate of oxygen uptake (dot{V}O2Peak), aerobic lactate threshold (AeLT) and PO at 4 mmol L−1 (PO4), were determined. Participants also completed a 16 km simulated TT using the same experimental set-up. Determinants of TT performance were identified using stepwise multiple linear regression analysis.ResultsMean values of POPeak = 252 ± 9 W, dot{V}O2Peak = 3.30 ± 0.36 L min−1 (47.0 ± 6.8 mL kg−1 min−1), AeLT = 87 ± 13 W and PO4 = 154 ± 14 W were recorded. The TT was completed in 29:21 ± 0:59 min:s at an intensity equivalent to 69 ± 4% POPeak and 87 ± 5% dot{V}O2Peak. POPeak (r = − 0.77, P = 0.006), PO4 (r = − 0.77, P = 0.006) and AeLT (r = − 0.68, P = 0.022) were significantly correlated with TT performance. PO4 and POPeak were identified as the best predictors of TT performance (r = 0.89, P < 0.001).ConclusionPOPeak, PO4 and AeLT are important physiological TT performance determinants in trained handcyclists, differentiating between superior and inferior performance, whereas dot{V}O2peak was not. The TT took place at an intensity corresponding to 69% POPeak and 87% dot{V}O2peak.

Equipping Farrowing Pens with Straw Improves Maternal Behavior and Physiology of Min-Pig Hybrid Sows.

Simple SummaryThis study used different sow breeds combined with an enriched environment to relieve stress and to improve the welfare level of sows. Both groups of sows were in loose-housed pens. Sows living in a barren environment (BE) without straw were compared with sows in farrowing crates that received 3.5 kg of straw daily (enriched environment (EE)). Compared with BE sows, EE sows showed more nest-building behavior prior to farrowing, more nursing behavior, and less ventral recumbency behavior during the first three days postpartum. Furthermore, compared with BE sows, EE sows tended to have higher concentrations of serum oxytocin and prolactin, while the concentration of cortisol was lower, suggesting an increase in maternal behavior and a reduction of stress in this group. In addition, the concentration of oxytocin and both the frequency and duration of prepartum nest-building behavior were higher in Duroc × Min and Landrace × Min sows compared with Landrace × Yorkshire sows. However, the concentration of prolactin was significantly lower in both Duroc × Min and Landrace × Min sows than in Landrace × Yorkshire sows, indicating that hybrid sows of Min-pig inherited good maternal characteristics. Based on these results, straw enrichment improved Min-pig hybrid sow welfare during farrowing and lactation.This study investigated the effects of two factors, enriched environment (EE) and different crossbreeds, on the maternal behavior and physiology of Min-pig hybrid sows. The analysis was performed on a total of 72 multiparous sows, including Duroc × Min pig (DM), Landrace × Min pig (LM), and Landrace × Yorkshire (LY) sows, using a total of 24 sows per cross. The sows were housed in two different farrowing pens, one with straw (EE) and one without straw (barren environment (BE)). The results showed that nest-building behavior, including the frequency, total duration, and bout duration, was significantly higher in EE sows than in BE sows (p < 0.01). The frequency and duration of prepartum nest-building behavior were higher in DM and LM sows than in LY sows (p < 0.0001). During the first three days postpartum, EE sows spent a shorter time in ventral recumbency compared with BE sows (p < 0.05). The oxytocin (p < 0.05) and prolactin (p < 0.01) concentrations of EE sows were significantly higher than in BE sows; however, the concentration of cortisol followed the opposite (p < 0.01). The concentration of oxytocin was significantly higher in DM and LM sows than in LY sows (p < 0.01). In conclusion, both EE increased the expression of hormones related to parental behaviors and prenatal nesting and nursing behavior of sows. Furthermore, an EE can also reduce stress in sows. Min-pig hybrids may inherit highly advantageous characteristics of maternal behavior of Min-pig sows.

1765 Delayed Esophageal Clearance Plays an Important Role in Reflux Symptomology in Scleroderma Patient

INTRODUCTION: We present the case of a patient with advanced scleroderma who experienced symptoms of refractory reflux despite maximum acid suppressing therapy. The use of 24-hour ambulatory esophageal pH impedance measurement led to the diagnosis of esophageal stasis, with subsequent management leading to the improvement of symptoms even with decreased proton pump inhibitor (PPI) dose. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: 70-year old female with history of advanced scleroderma presented with severe retrosternal burning which she described as worst at night. She was taking 60mg Dexlansoprazole daily, an aluminum-magnesium-antacid, as well as an H2 blocker. An outside CT of the chest and abdomen showed a fluid-filled dilated esophagus and upper endoscopy was significant for a small hiatal hernia. The patient initially underwent high resolution manometry (HRM) which showed absent peristalsis. Subsequent pH impedance study identified low impedance in the esophagus with good gastric acid control (gastric acid exposure of 36%) but markedly abnormal gastric acid exposure in the distal esophagus: recumbent time acid exposure 94%, upright acid exposure 3%, and total acid exposure time of 40% despite high dose PPI. Recumbent position acid exposure at the distal esophagus was more prolonged than nocturnal gastric acidity, indicating esophageal stasis was a major factor in symptomatology. The patient was instructed to take her PPI and antacids close to bedtime, sleep with head elevation, and avoid late meals. The patient experienced significant symptom improvement and her PPI dose was successfully decreased. DISCUSSION: Scleroderma is a multiorgan connective tissue disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The most commonly affected portion of the GI tract is the esophagus, with destruction of the smooth muscles of the lower esophageal sphincter and distal esophageal body. Abnormal reflux has been identified in patients with scleroderma on 24-hour pH monitoring in as many as 80% of patients. However, these study findings do not account for delayed esophageal clearance from failed or ineffective esophageal contractions. Patients with systemic sclerosis frequently have large dilated esophagi (pseudoachalasia) with subsequent stasis a major contributing factor for their symptoms. Thus, while pH studies are a useful diagnostic tool in patients with advanced scleroderma, therapeutic measures addressing esophageal stasis, such as nighttime head elevation, should be encouraged.

Sleeping position of shelter dogs

There has been considerable interest in canine laterality. Some dogs will hold a toy or take their first step consistently using a right paw, whereas others will use their left paw. Some species also show laterality of lying position. We investigated the postures assumed by 12 dogs living in a shelter. The dogs spent 492 ± 116.4 min/night lying in lateral recumbency curled clockwise and 807.4 ± 129 min/night lying in lateral recumbency curled counterclockwise. Nine of the 12 dogs spent the majority of their recumbent time curled counterclockwise, but there was no significant difference in direction (P < 0.054). Laterality, although observed in many aspects of canine behavior, does not seem to extend to sleeping posture in this species.