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ABSTRACT: Objective-To compare surgical site infection and inflammation rates between the use of nonimpregnated (polydioxanone and poliglecaprone 25) versus triclosan-impregnated (polydioxanone and poliglecaprone 25) suture for incisional closure in dogs undergoing a standardized orthopedic procedure (tibial plateau leveling osteotomy [TPLO]). Design-Retrospective cohort study. Animals-283 dogs that underwent TPLO between November 2005 and December 2009. Procedures-Medical records were reviewed for age; body weight; body condition score; use of propofol; perioperative and postoperative administration of antimicrobials; presence of a preoperative infection; use of a jig; technique of joint exploration; type of suture material (triclosan impregnated vs nonimpregnated) used to close the pes anserinus, subcutaneous layer, and subcuticular layer; use of staples or suture to close the skin; and surgery and anesthesia durations. The outcome variables were surgical site inflammation and infection. Results-Rates of infection and inflammation did not differ between surgeries for which triclosan-impregnated suture was used (n = 159 [8.8%, and 18.8%, respectively]) and those for which nonimpregnated suture was used (112 [10.7% and 15.2%, respectively]). The use of staples, compared with suture, to close the skin significantly decreased the inflammation rate. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Compared with in vitro conditions, in vivo conditions (where the environment is not controlled and triclosan may elute more quickly from the suture) may decrease the antibacterial effectiveness of triclosan-impregnated suture. On the basis of our findings, triclosan-impregnated sutures did not seem to provide an additional benefit for clinical use and cannot be strongly recommended for elective orthopedic procedures in veterinary medicine.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 02/2013; 242(3):355-358. · 1.79 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To evaluate histologic reactions to 8 suture materials and cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive (CTA) in the musculature and skin of ball pythons.
30 hatchling ball pythons.
In each snake, ten 1-cm skin incisions were made (day 0). At 8 sites, a suture of 1 of 8 materials was placed in the epaxial musculature, and the incision was closed with the same material. One incision was closed by use of CTA. No suture material was placed in the tenth incision, which was allowed to heal by second intention (negative control). Snakes (n = 5/group) were euthanized for harvest of treatment-site tissues at days 3, 7, 14, 30, 60, and 90. Skin and muscle sections were examined microscopically and assigned a subjective score (0 to 4) for each of the following: overall severity of inflammation, fibrosis, number of macrophages, number of granulocytes, number of perivascular lymphocytes, and degree of suture fragmentation.
Subjective score analysis revealed that CTA did not cause a significant inflammatory response, compared with the negative control. All suture materials caused significantly more inflammation over all time points; for all suture materials, inflammatory response scores were significantly higher than values for the negative control 90 days after implantation. No sutures were completely absorbed by the end of the study period, and several sutures appeared to be in the process of extrusion.
In snakes, CTA can be used to close small superficial incisions or lacerations with minimal inflammatory response, and sutures may undergo extrusion from tissues prior to complete absorption.
American Journal of Veterinary Research 10/2011; 72(10):1397-406. · 1.27 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To assess the clinical differences between induction of anesthesia in ball pythons with intracardiac administration of propofol and induction with isoflurane in oxygen and to assess the histologic findings over time in hearts following intracardiac administration of propofol.
Prospective randomized study.
30 hatchling ball pythons (Python regius).
Anesthesia was induced with intracardiac administration of propofol (10 mg/kg [4.5 mg/lb]) in 18 ball pythons and with 5% isoflurane in oxygen in 12 ball pythons. Induction time, time of anesthesia, and recovery time were recorded. Hearts from snakes receiving intracardiac administration of propofol were evaluated histologically 3, 7, 14, 30, and 60 days following propofol administration.
Induction time with intracardiac administration of propofol was significantly shorter than induction time with 5% isoflurane in oxygen. No significant differences were found in total anesthesia time. Recovery following intracardiac administration of propofol was significantly longer than recovery following induction of anesthesia with isoflurane in oxygen. Heart tissue evaluated histologically at 3, 7, and 14 days following intracardiac administration of propofol had mild inflammatory changes, and no histopathologic lesions were seen 30 and 60 days following propofol administration.
Intracardiac injection of propofol in snakes is safe and provides a rapid induction of anesthesia but leads to prolonged recovery, compared with that following induction with isoflurane. Histopathologic lesions in heart tissues following intracardiac injection of propofol were mild and resolved after 14 days.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 09/2011; 239(6):803-7. · 1.79 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: A red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) and a Canada goose (Branta canadensis) were evaluated for unilateral pelvic limb lameness. Physical examination findings and results of diagnostic imaging revealed femoral neck fractures in both birds. Both birds were treated with a femoral head and neck excision arthroplasty. The affected legs were not immobilized, and the birds were encouraged to use the legs immediately after surgery to encourage formation of a pseudoarthrosis. Within 2 weeks, both birds were using the affected limb well enough to be either successfully released or transferred to a wildlife rehabilitation facility. Femoral head and neck excision arthroplasty without immobilization of the limb is recommended for managing avian femoral neck fractures, especially in free-ranging species in which a rapid and complete or near complete return to function is vital for survival in the wild.
Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery 09/2011; 25(3):210-5. · 0.63 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: A 7-year-old spayed female Miniature Rex European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) was evaluated because of scratching at the right ear. Physical examination revealed purulent exudate in the right ear canal.
Microbial culture of the exudate yielded Pseudomonas aeruginosa susceptible to marbofloxacin; however, the infection was refractory to appropriate medical treatment. Computed tomography revealed isoattenuating material within the right tympanic bulla and external ear canal with no enhancement following IV administration of contrast medium. The left tympanic bulla appeared normal.
A total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy were performed on the right ear, and polymethylmethacrylate beads containing either gentamicin or cefazolin were placed within the bulla and surrounding tissues. Two weeks after surgery, the patient appeared comfortable with no signs of scratching at the right ear.
Total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy can be successfully performed for treatment of chronic otitis externa and media in rabbits. Cartilage plates that compose the external ear canal, a bony acoustic duct, lack of a horizontal ear canal, and thickness of the lateral aspect of the tympanic bulla are features unique to rabbits and have not been described in relation to these surgical procedures in rabbits. Rabbits also produce a caseous exudate, and it is difficult to resolve infections of bone and soft tissues. Placement of antimicrobial-impregnated polymethylmethacrylate beads is recommended to minimize the risk of recurrent infection.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 07/2011; 239(2):228-32. · 1.79 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Septic peritonitis is an inflammatory condition of the peritoneum that has a wide variety of clinical courses. The etiology and pathophysiology of this condition and its diagnosis in small animals are reviewed in a companion article. This article addresses the treatment of septic peritonitis and prognosis in small animals.
Compendium (Yardley, PA) 01/2011; 33(10):E1-6. · 0.64 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Septic peritonitis is an inflammatory condition of the peritoneum that occurs secondary to microbial contamination. This clinically important condition has a wide variety of clinical courses as well as high morbidity and mortality due to secondary multiorgan dysfunction. This article reviews the etiology and pathophysiology of this condition and its diagnosis in small animals; a companion article addresses treatment and prognosis.
Compendium (Yardley, PA) 01/2011; 33(10):E1-7. · 0.64 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Six cases of severe otitis media-interna, an uncommon problem in nondomestic ruminants, were diagnosed in five captive bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus). The cases were geographically clustered at zoological facilities in Florida. A visible ear droop, head shaking, and otic discharge were common at clinical presentation. Medical management with prolonged systemic and topical antimicrobial therapy, combined with repeated manual removal of debris from the otic canal, was successful in resolving two cases and effectively controlled a third case. Two bongo with severe otitis did not respond to medical management and required surgical intervention. A bulla osteotomy and total ear canal ablation were performed on these animals (bilaterally in one bongo). Surgery was successful in providing complete clinical resolution of the otitis and is recommended for severe cases that fail to respond to less invasive management.
Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 07/2009; 40(2):332-43. · 0.38 Impact Factor
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Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 06/2009; 234(9):1127-8. · 1.79 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The purpose of this article is to guide the avian clinician in the assessment of neurologic function in birds. Physical and neurologic examinations that evaluate cranial nerves, postural reactions, and spinal reflexes identify neurologic dysfunction and the corresponding anatomic location of the lesion. Ancillary diagnostic tests, such as cerebrospinal fluid analysis, diagnostic imaging, muscle and nerve histology, and electrodiagnostics, are tools to confirm and clarify conclusions from the neurologic examination and to identify the cause of disease. Once the disease location and pathologic process have been identified, appropriate treatment and prognosis may be provided.
Veterinary Clinics of North America Exotic Animal Practice 10/2007; 10(3):803-36, vi.
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ABSTRACT: To compare the in vitro elution characteristics of amikacin and cefazolin from polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) alone and in combination.
A prospective, controlled, experimental study.
Three aliquots of 6 g sterile PMMA were measured and to them added (1) 750 mg amikacin; (2) 1050 mg cefazolin; and (3) 750 mg amikacin and 1050 mg cefazolin. Ten beads of each antimicrobial/PMMA combination were placed in 5 mL phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at pH 7.4 and room temperature with constant agitation. PBS was sampled at 15 time points between 1 hour and 30 days. Amikacin concentrations were determined by fluorescence polarization immunoassay and cefazolin concentrations by high-performance liquid chromatography.
Amikacin and cefazolin eluted at concentrations greater than 8 and 4 times, respectively, above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for susceptible bacteria over 30 days. Co-elution of the antibiotics resulted in a greater rate and proportion of antibiotic eluted. Concentrations of amikacin and cefazolin in the co-eluted fluid were not maintained sufficiently above the MIC for selected bacteria over 30 days.
PMMA beads of only amikacin or cefazolin-eluted concentrations greater than the MIC for selected bacteria for 30 days. Co-elution of the antibiotics at the selected doses resulted in a significantly shorter duration of elution and may not be effective for treatment of wound infection.
Co-elution of amikacin and cefazolin from PMMA at the selected doses cannot be recommended for sustained treatment of infection.
Veterinary Surgery 05/2007; 36(3):272-8. · 1.26 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: This article reviews the initial management of exotic patients with amass. The important principles of the initial workup, including how to get a definitive diagnosis and how to stage the extent of the disease are covered. There are many biopsy instruments currently available, and the advantages and disadvantages of these are presented. Principles of tumor excision and marking the tissue sampled are also discussed. It is important to submit all of the tissue excised and evaluate the surgical margins for the presence of neoplastic cells, even if the tumor seems too small to put in the sample vial. Follow-up for patients that have had cancer surgery is also reviewed, along with the effects of adjunct therapies on wound healing.
Veterinary Clinics of North America Exotic Animal Practice 10/2004; 7(3):783-805, vii-viii.
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ABSTRACT: The pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin administered orally and i.v. to American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) at 5 mg/kg was determined. Plasma levels of enrofloxacin and its metabolite ciprofloxacin were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography and the resulting concentration versus time curve analyzed using compartmental modeling techniques for the i.v. data and noncompartmental modeling techniques for the oral data. A two-compartment model best represented the i.v. data. Intravenous administration of enrofloxacin resulted in an extrapolated mean plasma concentration of 4.19 +/- 4.23 microg/ml at time zero, with average plasma drug levels remaining above 1.0 microg/ml for an average of 36 hr. Plasma volume of distribution for i.v. enrofloxacin was 1.88 +/- 0.96 L/kg, with a harmonic mean elimination half-life of 21.05 hr and mean total body clearance rate of 0.047 +/- 0.021 L/hr/kg. Plasma levels of p.o. enrofloxacin remained below 1.0 microg/ml in all test animals, and average concentrations ranged from 0.08 to 0.50 microg/ml throughout the sampling period. Oral administration of enrofloxacin achieved a mean maximum plasma concentration of 0.50 +/- 0.27 microg/ml at 55 +/- 29 hr after administration, with a harmonic mean terminal elimination half-life of 77.73 hr. Minimal levels of ciprofloxacin were detected after both oral and i.v. enrofloxacin administration, with concentrations below minimum inhibitory concentrations for most susceptible organisms. On the basis of the results of this study, enrofloxacin administered to American alligators at 5 mg/kg i.v. q 36 hr is expected to maintain plasma concentrations that approximate the minimum inhibitory concentration for susceptible organisms (0.5 microg/ml). Enrofloxacin administered to American alligators at 5 mg/kg p.o. is not expected to achieve minimum inhibitory values for susceptible organisms.
Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 10/2004; 35(3):333-40. · 0.38 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The pharmacokinetics of a long-acting oxytetracycline preparation administered i.v. and i.m. to American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) at 10 mg/kg was determined. Plasma levels of oxytetracycline were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography, and the resulting concentration versus time curve was analyzed using compartmental modeling and noncompartmental modeling techniques for i.v. and i.m. samples, respectively. A two-compartment model best represented the i.v. data. Intravenous administration of oxytetracycline resulted in an extrapolated mean plasma concentration at time zero of 60.63 +/- 28.26 microg/ml, with average plasma drug levels of 2.82 +/- 0.71 microg/ml at the end of the 192-hr sampling period. Plasma volume of distribution for i.v. oxytetracycline was 0.20 +/- 0.09 L/kg, with a harmonic mean elimination half-life of 15.15 hr and mean total body clearance rate of 0.007 +/- 0.002 L/hr/kg. Intramuscular administration of oxytetracycline achieved a mean peak plasma concentration of 6.85 +/- 1.96 microg/ml at 1 hr after administration, with average plasma drug levels of 4.96 +/- 1.97 microg/ml at the end of the 192-hr sampling period. The harmonic mean terminal elimination half-life for i.m. oxytetracycline was 131.23 hr. Based on the results of this study, long-acting preparations of oxytetracycline administered parenterally to American alligators at 10 mg/kg q 5 days is expected to maintain plasma concentrations above the minimum inhibitory concentration of 4.0 microg/ml for susceptible organisms.
Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 10/2004; 35(3):341-6. · 0.38 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To determine the protein and cellular composition of CSF in healthy adult ferrets.
42 clinically normal adult ferrets.
CSF samples were collected from the cerebellomedullary cistern of anesthetized ferrets by use of disposable 25-gauge, 1.6-cm-long hypodermic needles. Samples were processed within 20 minutes after collection. The number of WBCs and RBCs per microliter of CSF was counted by use of a hemacytometer. The total protein concentration was determined by use of an automated chemistry analyzer.
Total WBC counts (range, 0 to 8 cells/microL; mean, 1.59 cells/microL) in CSF of ferrets were similar to reference range values obtained for CSF from other species. Twenty-seven CSF samples had <100 RBCs/microL (mean, 20.3 RBCs/microL). A small but significant effect of blood contamination on WBC counts was found between the 27 CSF samples with <100 RBCs/microL and the remaining samples. Protein concentrations in CSF of ferrets (range, 28.0 to 68.0 mg/dL; mean, 31.4 mg/dL) were higher than has been reported for the CSF of dogs and cats. A significant effect of blood contamination on the CSF protein concentration was not found.
We have established reference range values for WBC counts and protein concentrations in CSF from healthy adult ferrets that may be useful in the clinical investigation of CNS disease. Results of our study indicate that the WBC count is significantly affected by blood contamination of the CSF sample.
American Journal of Veterinary Research 06/2004; 65(6):758-60. · 1.27 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Objective— To compare the elution characteristics of ceftiofur and liquid and powdered gentamicin and amikacin from polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and from hydroxyapatite cement (HAC).Methods— PMMA and HAC beads in triplicate were impregnated with various amounts and formulations of antibiotics. Beads were immersed in 5 mL of phosphate buffered saline that was replaced at 1, 3, 6, and 12 hours, and 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, 18, 22, 26, and 30 days. The eluent was stored at −70°C until assayed within 2 weeks by microbiological assay (gentamicin and amikacin) or capillary electrophoresis (ceftiofur).Results— Rate of elution for all beads was greatest within the first 24 hours. Cumulative release of total antibiotic dose from beads over 30 days was significantly greater from HAC than PMMA. Antibiotic elution was directly related to the amount of antibiotic incorporated into the cement. Powdered and liquid forms of gentamicin had similar elution rates from PMMA. Elution of amikacin from PMMA beads was greater when the powdered form was used compared with liquid amikacin. Eluent concentrations of ceftiofur were similar to those of the aminoglycosides during the first 3 to 7 days but then decreased precipitously by comparison.Conclusions— Elution of antibiotics from HAC was greater than from PMMA. Gentamicin- and amikacin-impregnated PMMA and HAC released bactericidal concentrations of antibiotic for at least 30 days. Ceftiofur-impregnated PMMA or HAC is unlikely to provide long-term bactericidal concentrations.Clinical Relevance— Gentamicin and amikacin elute effectively from PMMA and HAC.
Veterinary Surgery 04/2004; 29(5):375 - 382. · 1.26 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: In a prospective study, eight (four males and four females) healthy, adult captive cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) were immobilized with a combination of tiletamine-zolazepam (4 mg/kg, i.m.), administered with a remote drug delivery system, to define normal cardiac morphology and function. Standard lateral and ventrodorsal (VD) radiographs were then taken to measure heart and thorax using a metric and vertebral scale system. Standard six-lead electrocardiograms were obtained with the animals in right lateral recumbency under isoflurane anesthesia. Mean chest depth and width was 18.7 +/- 1.3 cm and 13.0 +/- 0.6 cm, respectively. The mean lateral cardiac short axis (X) was 9.1 +/- 0.6 cm. the mean cardiac long axis (Y) was 13.6 +/- 0.7 cm, and the mean lateral heart sum (X + Y) was 22.6 +/- 1.2 cm. In the VD projection, mean cardiac short axis (V) was 10.1 +/- 0.7 cm, mean cardiac long axis (W) was 14.9 +/- 1.2 cm, and the heart sum (V + W) was 24.9 +/- 1.8 cm. The vertebral heart size was 8.2 +/- 0.9. All cheetahs had sinus rhythm, and no arrhythmias were noted. Mean heart rate was 126 +/- 15 beats/min, and the mean electrical axis was 82 + 5 degrees. P waves were always positive on lead II and had a width of 0.04 +/- 0.01 sec and a height between 0.1 and 0.3 mV. PR intervals were 0.11 +/- 0.01 sec. The height of the QRS complex was 1.25 +/- 0.24 mV and the width 0.06 +/- 0.01 sec. The ST segment was 0.04 sec, and the T wave (height: 0.25 +/- 0.05 mV) was positive in all cheetahs examined. Although these cardiac and thoracic measurements were larger than those of domestic cats (Felis catus), ratios of cardiac parameters were similar in both species. Electrocardiographic findings were similar to those reported from domestic cats.
Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 01/2004; 34(4):357-63. · 0.38 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Each species of reptile has evolved unique characteristics that are associated with their oral cavity, dentition, tongue, glands, and methods of mastication. These developments have provided each with an opportunity to interact with their surroundings. In captivity, the developmental relationship is often severed by the introduction of artificial surroundings and inappropriate husbandry. These changes predispose the animals to many stresses and disorders. Disorders of the oral cavity are often a representation of what is occurring systemically. Bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic, neoplastic, and nutritional causes of disorders of the oral cavity in reptilian species are probably underestimated and likely cause a higher incidence of morbidity and mortality than has been reported. The misinformation that clients receive regarding husbandry may directly correlate with the frequency of oral diseases seen in a clinical setting. Prevention of disease of the oral cavity is primarily through providing appropriate environmental conditions and diet.
Veterinary Clinics of North America Exotic Animal Practice 10/2003; 6(3):477-503.
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ABSTRACT: A 5-year-old, neutered male, mixed-breed dog was evaluated for a fluctuant mass in the right midcervical region. The mass recurred following aspiration of its contents and after removal of the right sublingual and mandibular salivary glands. The lateral midcervical location of the mass and the serous nature of the fluid within the mass were inconsistent with a salivary mucocele. Excisional biopsy was curative and revealed an intestinal choristoma.
Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association 42(3):223-5. · 0.96 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: This article describes the management of otitis media in a domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) that presented with a history of chronic upper respiratory disease. Deep nasal culture yielded a pure growth of Bordetella bronchiseptica susceptible to chloramphenicol. To further evaluate recurring clinical signs after treatment with chloramphenicol, skull radiographs were obtained and showed an increased density in the right tympanic bulla. A ventral bulla osteotomy was performed, and the success of treatment was determined by the resolution of respiratory signs and the absence of increased radiographic density in the right tympanic bulla 5 months postoperatively.
Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine.
