Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica最新文献

Background: Wild and captive European moose (Alces alces alces) are routinely anesthetized with drug combinations including alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonists, dissociative anesthetics, and opioids. Reportedly, severe respiratory depression, ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) mismatch, and hypoxemia are common complications in this species, requiring perianesthetic oxygen supplementation as key treatment, athough high flow rates can exacerbate respiratory acidosis. Salbutamol is a β₂-adrenoceptor agonist effective in alleviating V/Q mismatch and hypoxemia in anesthetized horses when administered via endotracheal tube. Administration of salbutamol could elicit similar effects in anesthetized moose, improving animal welfare and perhaps reducing or replacing the supplemental oxygen requirements.

Case presentation: Three healthy captive moose (two juveniles, male and female, and one adult male) underwent four anesthetic events for routine zoo health assessments. One juvenile was anesthetized again after 15 days and served as its own control. Moose were anesthetized with medetomidine (0.05-0.08 mg kg^-1), ketamine (1.7-2.8 mg kg^-1), and butorphanol (0.04-0.07 mg kg^-1) intramuscularly (IM). Intranasal oxygen (1 L min^-1 100 kg^-1) was administered, and they were allocated to receive either 10 mL saline (control) or aerosolized salbutamol. Salbutamol was administered incrementally at 200, 400 and 800 µg 100 kg^-1, with 10-minute monitoring intervals following each dose, using one of three methods: a spacer, an equine intranasal (IN) tube, or an equine medical mask. Invasive blood pressure, electrocardiogram, respiratory rate, SpO2, and rectal temperature were recorded every 5 min. Arterial blood gases and electrolytes were measured before oxygen supplementation and both before and 10 min after each salbutamol dose. Anesthesia was reversed with IM atipamezole (0.3-0.4 mg kg^-1), and all moose were monitored for seven days post-anesthesia for adverse effects. All moose were hypoxemic, hypercapnic, hypertensive, and tachypneic. No hypotension or hypokalemia occurred. PaO₂ increased in all individuals, with no consistent difference between treatment and control. The largest PaO₂ increase occurred in the moose receiving salbutamol via the IN tube. Other physiological variables remained stable. Recoveries were uneventful, with no adverse effects observed.

Conclusion: Aerosolized salbutamol was well tolerated, but did not provide a clear benefit for hypoxemia compared to placebo. Further studies with higher salbutamol doses, alternative delivery routes, or modified anesthetic protocols are recommended.

Background: Ectopic ureters (EU) are the main cause of urinary incontinence in juvenile dogs with a continence rate ranging from 22 to 72% reported after surgical correction. The objective of this retrospective preliminary study was to evaluate the usefulness of pre- and postoperative urethral pressure profiles (UPP) in predicting long-term continence in dogs with EU.

Results: UPP were performed in 16 female dogs prior to surgical correction of EU, as well as postoperatively, between 2012 and 2022. Urodynamic parameters included maximal urethral pressure (MUP), maximal urethral closure pressure (MUCP), anatomical profile length (APL), functional profile length (FPL) and integrated pressure (IP). A continence score (CS), defined as 1 = incontinent, 2 = continent with sporadic episodes of incontinence, 3 = continent, was given at the time of pre- and postoperative UPP. Neoureterostomy with dissection of the intramural portion (23 EU) or neoureterocystostomy (3 extramural EU) were performed. Seven dogs were neutered before or during surgical correction. Median preoperative CS was 1 (min 1, max 2). All dogs were continent with a CS of 3 in the immediate postoperative period. Long-term median follow-up time was 24 [8.5-42] months. Recurrence of incontinence occurred in 9 dogs (56.3%). Median time duration without recurrence was 5 months. In the 16 dogs, postoperative FPL values (median 70.5 [56-82.5] mm) were significantly increased compared to preoperative values (median 56.5 [41-72.3] mm) (P = 0.034). In the group of 7 dogs without recurrence of incontinence, IP increased significantly from a preoperative median value of 102 [19-171] cm.cmH2O to a postoperative median value of 132 [67-225] cm.cmH2O (P = 0.016). In dogs without recurrence, ranges of variation between pre- and postoperative MUP and IP values, as well as postoperative MUCP values (median 47.3 [24.5-52] cmH2O, P = 0.026) were significantly higher (P = 0.017 and P = 0.039 respectively). Recurrence hazard of incontinence was neither significantly associated with age, breed, preoperative urodynamic measurements, CS, neutering, or the type of EU.

Conclusions: In our population, preoperative UPP could not be considered as a diagnostic procedure predictive for incontinence recurrence after surgical correction of EU. Our urodynamic findings support potential improvement in urethral tone in female dogs without recurrence of incontinence.

Background: Dental disease is the most common non-infectious disease of domestic rabbits, with a prevalence reaching up to 40% in studied populations. Diet has been shown to be the main cause. Skeletal disorders, such as vertebral column malformations, are also common, affecting 40% of some pet rabbit breeds. Both can lead to severe health issues and decrease the quality of life. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of dental and skeletal disorders in a Finnish wild rabbit population originating from released domestic rabbits at least four decades ago. As these diseases are related to genetics, diet, and housing in pet rabbits, we hypothesized that prevalence of these diseases is low in wild rabbits.

Results: Physical examination and radiographs (laterolateral n = 140, ventrodorsal n = 47) were used to study 140 wild rabbits hunted from the Helsinki City area. Mild signs of dental disease (elongation of premolar tooth root) were observed in radiographs of 12.6% of the rabbits. The vertebral formula was C7/Th12/L7/S4 in 89.1% of the rabbits, although five other formulae were also identified. Prevalence of transitional vertebrae was 13.9%. Ankylosing malformations were not identified. Traumatic lesions were found in 15% of the rabbits.

Conclusions: Initial signs of dental disease were identified in a Finnish wild rabbit population, although the prevalence was lower than in previously investigated pet rabbits. More advanced stages of dental disease or vertebral column ankylosing malformations were not identified. Prevalence of vertebral column deformities was low.

Background: Lymphoma is one of the most common malignancies in dogs, but ovarian lymphoma is exceedingly rare, with only a few reported cases. Most canine lymphomas are of B-cell origin, whereas T-cell lymphomas are generally associated with a more aggressive clinical course. Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) is a well-documented cause of hypoalbuminemia in dogs, often resulting from lymphangiectasia or chronic enteropathies. The potential relationship between chronic immune-mediated disease and the development of lymphoma remains unclear.

Case presentation: A 10-year-old intact female Miniature Poodle presented with chronic diarrhea, ascites and hypoalbuminemia. Abdominal ultrasound revealed severe intestinal mucosal striation, consistent with PLE, but no evidence of neoplasia. The dog was treated with methylprednisolone, chlorambucil, and cyclosporine, achieving long-term clinical stability. Fourteen months after initial presentation, the dog developed acute gastrointestinal signs, and ultrasound revealed an ovarian mass. Cytology, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry confirmed a diagnosis of ovarian T-cell lymphoma. No other neoplastic lesions were detected at that time raising the possibility of a primary ovarian origin, though widespread disease at necropsy suggests secondary involvement. The dog remained clinically stable for five months after lymphoma diagnosis but ultimately developed widespread disease, including hepatic, splenic, and adrenal involvement, leading to euthanasia. Necropsy confirmed multi-organ dissemination of the T-cell lymphoma, while histopathology of the intestines revealed signs of chronic lymphangiectasia but no definitive diagnosis of intestinal lymphoma.

Conclusions: This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of extranodal lymphoma in dogs and the importance of considering neoplasia in cases of chronic protein-losing enteropathy. The potential role of chronic inflammation and long-term immunosuppressive therapy in lymphomagenesis remains unclear and warrants further study.

Background: This study aimed to report observational clinical findings and treatment outcomes in a population of bitches affected with congenital urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (CUSMI). Response rate to sympaticomimetic drugs has not yet been reported in the literature in dogs affected with CUSMI. Juvenile bitches showing clinical signs of urinary incontinence were included. A diagnosis of CUSMI was made based on history, clinical signs, confirmation of orthotopic ureters and urethral pressure profilometry. At first consultation, all bitches (neutered or not) received phenylpropanolamine 1.5 mg/kg orally Semel in Die for at least one month. Median short-term (32 days) and long-term (38.7 months) follow-up data were collected via physical recheck, telephone or email questionnaire with owners, to include continence scores.

Results: Nineteen bitches met the inclusion criteria. At the time of diagnosis, there was no significant difference of continence score between neutered and non-neutered bitches (P = 0.14). During the course of the study, 17 out of 19 bitches were neutered: nine were neutered before the first heat (before heat group) and eight after the first heat (after heat group). Two bitches were non neutered at long term follow-up. After phenylpropanolamine treatment, continence score was not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.71) with a median continence score of 4 (2-5) for the before heat group and a median continence score of 4 (3-5) for the after heat group. 26% of bitches (5/19) were fully continent after phenylpropanolamine treatment at short term follow-up. Continence score after treatment (median = 4 [2-5]) was significantly higher than continence score at diagnosis (median = 2 [1-4]) (P < 0.001). In the after heat group, temporary improvement of continence scores was observed before or during estrus in three out of eight dogs. Worsening of continence score was reported after neutering in 5/17 dogs. At long-term follow-up, 6/19 dogs were fully continent, 5 of them receiving additional treatment.

Conclusion: Based on the results of this retrospective study, CUSMI may show a low rate of initial complete response achieving full continence status after phenylpropanolamine treatment at 1.5 mg/kg SID orally when compared to treatment of acquired urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence patients. Observational clinical findings suggest that worsening of incontinence may possibly occur after neutering including dogs that experienced improvement before or during estrus.

Background: The deteriorating security situation in Europe's immediate neighbourhood has underscored the importance of safeguarding food systems during conflict. Animal-sourced foods are essential for human nutrition and play a critical role in maintaining national resilience, yet their production becomes highly vulnerable in wartime. This study explores the resilience of Ukrainian animal-sourced food systems following the 2022 Russian invasion, focusing on the perspectives of farmers and veterinarians.

Results: Through 18 in-depth interviews with farmers and veterinarians across occupied and non-occupied regions, the study examines perceived challenges, adaptive strategies, and preparedness levels. Respondents reported severe disruptions, especially in occupied areas, including breakdowns in feed supply chains, delivery of medicines and other essential logistics, prolonged power cuts, reduced livestock production, livestock losses, and staff shortages. Adaptation strategies ranged from diversification to increased self-sufficiency, though outcomes varied widely. The absence of crisis preparedness plans led to improvised responses in the early stages of the conflict. Interviewees highlighted key factors for strengthening livestock and food system resilience during crises, emphasizing human resources, technical preparedness, and contingency planning.

Conclusions: The findings of this study highlight the importance of preparatory planning, resource reserves, skilled personnel, and support networks. The experiences of Ukrainian farmers and veterinarians provide important insights into how agricultural systems can become more adaptive and responsive during future crises, emphasizing the need for flexibility, preparedness, and community collaboration. However, further research encompassing a wider geographic scope and a broader range of stakeholders is needed to validate these findings.

Background: Esophagorespiratory fistulae are rare pathological communications between the esophagus and the respiratory tract. While acquired bronchoesophageal fistulae have been sporadically documented in dogs, tracheoesophageal fistulae, particularly in the cervical region, are exceptionally rare. This case report is the first to describe an acquired cervical tracheoesophageal fistula in a dog following esophageal foreign body retention. The case highlights the clinical course, diagnostic challenges, and successful surgical management, expanding the current understanding of this uncommon condition in veterinary medicine.

Case presentation: A 6.5-year-old male Shih Tzu was referred for persistent hyporexia, vomiting, and moist cough following endoscopic removal of a bone lodged at the thoracic inlet. Despite medical management for esophagitis and aspiration pneumonia, the dog exhibited progressive respiratory signs and recurrent pneumonia. An esophagorespiratory fistula was suspected based on the ability to provoke coughing by liquid ingestion and tracheal palpation. Endoscopic examination confirmed a defect in the esophageal wall with direct communication to the tracheal lumen, consistent with a cervical tracheoesophageal fistula. Surgical repair was performed via a cervical ventral midline approach, involving separate closure of the tracheal and esophageal defects and reinforcement using a bipedicle sternohyoid muscle flap. Recovery was uneventful, and the dog remains asymptomatic at 12-month follow-up.

Conclusions: This case underscores the importance of considering a tracheoesophageal fistula in dogs presenting with persistent or recurrent gastrorespiratory signs following esophageal foreign body removal. Diagnosis can be challenging due to the rarity of the condition and its non-specific clinical presentation. Endoscopy proved to be a safe and effective diagnostic tool and avoided the risk of aspiration associated with contrast studies. The surgical technique, including muscle flap interposition, mirrors approaches used in human medicine, where similar strategies are applied to prevent recurrence. Comparative insights with human cases highlight the translational value of interspecies knowledge, especially in understanding pathogenesis, refining diagnostics, and optimizing treatment. Continued reporting and awareness of tracheoesophageal fistula in veterinary patients are essential to improve outcomes and explore minimally invasive alternatives.

If a male dies suddenly or requires castration, it may still be possible to produce offspring through artificial insemination (AI) by cryopreserving spermatozoa retrieved from the epididymis. Spermatozoa differ in maturation status along the epididymal duct, and only motile spermatozoa that have acquired fertilizing capacity are suitable for AI. Such spermatozoa can be collected from the terminal epididymal segment, located in the cauda epididymidis in the dog, and in both the corpus and cauda in the cat. Unlike ejaculated spermatozoa, epididymal spermatozoa have not been exposed to seminal plasma and therefore display distinct functional and structural characteristics. The method of sperm collection may also affect the sperm quality. While epididymal mincing results in the highest sperm numbers, it is associated with contamination of blood and epididymal tissue. Although numerous studies have reported successful cryopreservation of epididymal spermatozoa in dogs and cats, reports of live offspring following AI with frozen-thawed epididymal spermatozoa remain scarce. This review summarizes the physiological, anatomical, and functional distinctions between epididymal and ejaculated spermatozoa, emphasizing their implications for cryopreservation strategies and fertility outcomes.