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Bilateral fractures of the horizontal mandibular ramus in a Mediterranean Buffalo: surgical management
No full textFractures of the mandible are the most common fractures of the cranium in cattle usually involving the
interdental space and the molar part of the horizontal ramus (1). In literature only a report about the
surgical repair of a mandibular fractures in a new-born buffalo calf is reported (2) and no reports describe
the management of mandibular fractures in adult Mediterranean Buffaloes (MB).
This report describes clinical presentation, surgical treatment and follow-up of a bilateral fracture of the
molar part of the horizontal mandibular ramus in a Mediterranean Buffalo (MB), stabilized by external
skeletal fixation (ESF).
A 6 months pregnant, primiparous MB (32 months old) was refereed to Clinical Mobile Service of
Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Naples Federico II, following its head knocked by the
mixer-wagon.
The buffalo showed severe salivation nasal discharge and an opened mouth. Instability and crepitus were
elicited on mandibular palpation. X-ray showed complete bilateral mandibular fractures involving, on the
left side, the molar part of the horizontal mandibular ramus between second (P2) and third (P3) premolar
tooth indeed on the right side, just in front of P2.
The MB was premedicated with Xylazine cloridrate (0.03 mg/kg i.v.) (Rompun®-Bayer) and a mandibuloalveolar nerve block was performed. After the routine aseptic preparation of the surgical field, a first rostral
smooth Kirschner pin was placed caudal to the IV incisive, inserted as a full-pin, through mandible
symphysis involving both mandiboular ramous. One positive threaded pin (4mm ø x 150mm) was placed
caudal to the incisura vasorum and other two pins were placed rostrally and caudally to the fracture gap.
All pins were placed in both side of mandibular ramous and connected to the connecting bars (6mm ø x
500mm) through ESF clamps (4/6 size) and Polymethyl-Methacrylate (PMMA). The reduction was
considered good in order to correct anatomical occlusion of the mouth. Five days after surgery a traumatic
partial pull out of left side ESF implant occurred and the latter was removed, leaving in place only the
rostral full pin. Thus a telescoping unilateral dynamic External Skeletal Fixator (dESF) (Monotube® TriaxTM
Stryker®) was applied to stabilize the left side of fracture.
The dESF was placed using the rostral full-pin and 3 positive threaded half-pins (4mm ø x 16cm) placed
through the dedicated clamps. Forty days after the second surgery, the good general clinical conditions and
the radiological findings set the timing for the implants removal. The MB was able to eat and drink normally
and calved according to the estimated delivery time
The main goal of the surgical treatment of mandible fractures is to achieve stability at the fracture site and
a sufficient mouth occlusion to allow a comfortable eating until complete bone healing (1). To our
knowledge, in MB repair of fractured bones is not commonly reported (2) and no reports about mandibular
fracture in adults exist. Economic constraints, lack of ad-hoc implants and difficult follow-up make the use
of ESFs in ruminants usually limited. In this case the use of ESF seems to have been adequate to provide
strength and stability to the mandibular fracture. Moreover the use of ESFs recycled by human medicine
have been a valid and cheap solution for the present case
Clinical and ultrasound evaluation of jugular veins in racing and in breeding standardbred horses: a preliminary study
No full textKidney to aorta ultrasound measurements in Whippets
No full textKidney size has diagnostic and prognostic value. Since CT and MRI require general anesthesia
and are expensive, radiography and ultrasonography (US) represent the preferred techniques in
Veterinary practice. Radiographic kidney size is obtained by relating renal length to the L2 body
length: a ratio of 2.5 – 3.5 is considered normal. Ultrasonography, other than the profiles, allows
to assess internal structure and blood perfusion and can be performed on awake patient, without
any risk. The main limit of US is that its accuracy is operator dependent. Therefore, any available
quantitative information are useful to reduce subjective assessment. Although several authors
tried to relate renal measures to bodyweight or body surface area, to date, the renal US size is
still subjectively assessed. Recently, a method in which kidney length (KL) is related to the aortic
luminal diameter (AoD) has been proposed (1). The main disadvantage of this method is the wide
range of normal values (5.5-9.1) which determines a poor sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, in
order to assess a narrower range of KL/AoD normal values and to increase its clinical importance,
only one breed - the Whippet - was considered. Differences between right and left kidneys and
influence of sex, weight and age were also investigated. Furthermore, longitudinal and transversal
scans of AoD were compared. Thirty-six whippets (16 males, 20 females), ranging from 10
months to 14 years old, mean bodyweight 14.12±2.38 kg, clinically normal and without any US
renal lesions were included. All US studies were performed on awake dog, in right and left lateral
recumbency or in standing position. The US images were obtained using a 3.5-10 MHz
microconvex probe and acquired in dorsal and transversal scans. The KL and width (KW) were
measured on dorsal scan while depth (KD) on transversal one. The AoD was measured from the
left side, both in transversal (AoDT) and longitudinal (AoDL) scans. Measurements were made at
the maximal luminal diameter dilatation just caudal to the left renal artery origin. Mean, median,
minimum, maximum, SD and 95% C.I. for the KL, KD, KW, AoDT, AoDL, KL/AoDT and KL/AoDL,
for each side and for pooled data were calculated. Paired t Student’s test was used to compare
right and left side. Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the sexes. Pearson correlation and
Spearman's rank correlation were used to correlate bodyweight and age, respectively. BlandAltman plot was used to compare AoDL and AoDT. P was set at <0,05. The 95% C.I. of KL/AoD
was narrower than that reported (6.3-7 instead of 5.5-9.1) and showed no differences between
sides and sexes. Side did not affect kidney size while males had larger kidneys than females.
Kidney size was positively correlated to the bodyweight. In spite of no significant differences and
a strong correlation between AoDL and AoDT, the KL/AoDL was significantly higher than KL/AoT
and the Bland-Altman plot showed a greater bias for the AoDT. In conclusion, in Whippets, a
KL/AoD lower than 6.3 means reduced renal size, while greater than 7, increased renal size. The
KL/AoD showed no differences in the two sides and, moreover, although a marked sexual
dimorphism, no differences between the two sexes
A retrospective study of surgical correction of 18 cases (16 dogs) of eversion of nictitating membrane
No full textEverted third eyelid cartilage is a common ocular disease in young, large breed dogs. The
inappropriate third eyelid margin position impairs optimal tear film distribution and drainage
and may contribute to conjunctivitis and exposure keratopathy. This condition was presumed
to be congenital in certain breeds of dogs. Possible unequal growth rates of the bulbar and
palpebral cartilage surfaces and/or an unequal growth rate of the adherent conjunctiva were
hypothesized as contributing factors [1,2]. Different techniques for restoration of the
anatomical position of the everted nictating membrane have been reported. However, few
clinical reports evaluated postoperative results and relapse rate. The purpose of this study is
to describe and evaluate surgical treatment of third eyelid cartilage eversion in dogs, with or
without concomitant nictitans gland prolapse. A retrospective analysis of cases of eversion of
third eyelid cartilage in dogs, between January 2010 and December 2017 was performed.
The sex, breed and age at the time of diagnosis were recorded. The presence of other
concurrent ocular diseases and surgical treatment were also recorded. Follow-up information
was obtained from medical records and subsequently by telephone conversation with the
owner. Sixteen dogs representing 18 everted third eyelid cartilage were included in this study.
The sex distribution included 9 intact males and 7 intact females. Six dogs were Neapolitan
Mastiffs, three were English Bulldogs, two were Great Danes, two were Boxer, with one each
of the following breeds: Dachshund, Cane Corso and Rhodesian Ridgeback. Ages ranged
from 3 months to 8 months. Only two dogs were bilaterally affected. Surgical treatment
provided the excision of 2 mm of the folded cartilage, through posterior conjunctival
approach. The same approach was used to perform a Morgan Pocket technique, also in dogs
without prolapse of the nictitans gland. Incisions were finally apposed by simple continuous
suture with pds 5/0 until 1-2 mm of incision’s end. In one dog a double approach was
performed: the excision of the folded cartilage through anterior conjunctival approach while
the Pocket technique through posterior conjunctival approach, however, mild inflammation of
the third eyelid was observed. All dogs had good results in terms of cartilage correction with
no recurrence. In conclusion, the association of Morgan Pocket technique to the excision of
folded cartilage may be considered in the dogs with everted cartilage, in order to prevent the
prolapse of the gland and probably the relapse of the eversion. Bulbar approach to the
scrolled portion of cartilage, in the dog has the advantage that dissection is easier with less
adhesion of the cartilage to overlying conjunctiva. Although it was suggested [3] that corneal
damage may occur from resulting scarring if approach through the bulbar aspect is chosen,
the association of Pocket technique may be beneficial in reducing the possibility of traumatic
corneal scarring in the postoperative period
The effect of topical F.A.G. ®, Tobramycin and 0.15% Hyaluronate eye drops on keratocongiunctivitis sicca
No full textKeratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is a common ocular disease in the dog and is the most
commonly recognized form of dry eye disease (DED) in this species. Topical antinflammatory
and immunomodulatory therapy has become the significant way of treating KCS in dogs.
However, as the long-term use of routine anti-inflammatory medications is restricted from
their side effects, it is inevitable to explore safer and more effective alternatives. Essential
fatty acids have proven to be anti-inflammatory systemically, which makes it possible to treat
dry eye. Clinical trials have demonstrated that supplementation with either ω-3 or ω-6
essential fatty acids or both has multifactorial efficacies including improvement of subjective
symptoms, alleviation of inflammation of ocular surface and eyelid margin, prolongation of
tear break-up time and increase of tear flow secretion [1-3]. The aim of this study was to
evaluate the efficacy of a periophtalmic cream of a pool of Fatty Acid Group (F.A.G.®) in
association with topical tobramycin and 0.15% hyaluronate eye drops in alleviating the clinical
symptoms of canine KCS. The clinical study was conducted on 10 dogs diagnosed with
idiopathic KCS. The dogs were of various breeds and had been pretreated unsuccessfully
only with topical antibiotics. The affected eyes were treated with two applications daily of a
periophtalmic cream of a pool of fatty Acid Group (FAG®), one drop three times a day of
tobramycin, and one drop three times a day of 0.15% of hyaluronate eye drops. Ophthalmic
examination included direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy, slit lamp examination, Schirmer
tear test I (STT I) and measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP) with the applanation
tonometer. Diagnosis and severity of KCS were evaluated by STT and by assessment of
ocular discharge, conjunctival inflammation, corneal inflammatory cell infiltrate and scarring,
and degree of ocular discomfort. Clinical and ophthalmologic examinations were performed
prior to the treatment as well as after two and eight weeks of therapy. The effect of treatment
was pronounced (increase in STT values to higher than 4 mm/min, no signs of inflammation)
in 8/18 eyes; moderate (increase in STT values of 3–4 mm/min, mild signs of
corneal/conjunctival inflammation) in 3/18 eyes; unsatisfactory in 7 of 18 eyes. No side effects
were observed in any case. Results of this exploratory study suggest that association with
topical FAG, tobramycin and 0.15% hyaluronate eye drops may be a safe and effective
treatment for keratoconjunctivitis sicca in dogs; however, in moderate and advanced stages,
efficacy in obtaining reduction of neovascularization or corneal pigmentation was not
observed across the treatment period
Going Beyond Counting First Authors in Author Co-citation Analysis
Full text linkThe present study examines one of the fundamental aspects of author co-citation analysis (ACA) - the way co-citation
counts are defined. Co-citation counting provides the data on which all subsequent statistical analyses and mappings
are based, and we compare ACA results based on two different types of co-citation counting - the traditional type that
only counts the first one among a cited work's authors on the one hand and a non-traditional type that takes into
account the first 5 authors of a cited work on the other hand. Results indicate that the picture produced through this non-traditional author co-citation counting contains more coherent author groups and is therefore considerably clearer. However, this picture represents fewer specialties in the research field being studied than that produced through the traditional first-author co-citation counting when the same number of top-ranked authors is selected and analyzed. Reasons for these effects are discussed
Ultrasonographic assessment of normal jugular veins in standardbred horses
No full textUltrasonography is the most common imaging technique to evaluate jugular vein
anatomy and flow and to detect thrombophlebitis. However, definitive information about
the normal jugular ultrasonographic measurements in horses are not reported until now.
Therefore, this study aimed: a) to establish a reference range of diameters and wall
thickness of the jugular vein in Standardbred horses b) to relate diameters and wall
thickness to the animal size, sex and age.
Thirty-nine Standardbred horses, 4 males and 35 females, aged 12.3 ±2.8(3-22) years,
that had no i.v. injections in the last 6 months, were included. Weight, neck length,
height at withers were measured. Diameters and wall thickness of both jugular veins
were measured at cranial (CrS), mid (MdS) and caudal (CaS) sites of the neck after 10
seconds of digital compression at its base. Mean ± SE, median, minimum and maximum
values for each measurement were calculated. In order to evaluate the influence of age,
sex, laterality and size, a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was
applied(P<0.05).
In transverse scan, the diameters were: long-axis (LA) 2.28±0.24, 2.24±0.27,
2.08±0.37cm; short axis (SA) 1.58±0.22, 1.55±0.33, 1.48±0.3cm; thickness were:
superficial (SWT) 0.065±0.01, 0.065±0.02 and 0.067±0.014cm; deep (DWT) 0.071±0.011,
0.072±0.016, 0.064±0.011 cm respectively in CrS, Mds and CaS. In longitudinal scan: LA
were 1.56±0.28, 1.46±0.22, 1.38±0.3cm respectively; SWT were 0,08±0.011, 0.08±0.013,
0.08±0.014cm; DWT were 0.08±0.008, 0.08±0.012, 0.08±0.011cm respectively in CrS,
MdS and CaS.
SWT was significantly higher in MdS in males, whereas parameters affected by age were:
LA in CrS (P=0.0362), in MdS (P=0.0078) and in CaS (P=0.0006), and SA in transverse
scan in CdS (P=0.0043); SWT in CrS (P=0.0047) and in CdS (P=0.0143);DWT in CdS
(P=0.0002); in longitudinal scan diameters in CrS(P=0.0163), in MdS (P=0.0008) and in
CdS (P=0.0128) and DWT in CdS (P=0.0262). Laterality and size were not related to the
veins‘ measures.
The range of jugular vein diameters and wall thickness varied considerably and were not
related to the body size. Differences observed in sex may be related to the intravenous
injections received by horses during their race career, that is normally longer in the
males. Ageing of the vascular walls is largely studied in human medicine, but no
information are available about the influence of the age on the structure of the veins in
the horse. Limits of the study were the low number of male horses and the difficulty to
include sound horses that did not receive any iv injection during their life.
In conclusion, the determination of reliable reference values for jugular vein
measurements at rest in horses might be useful both for clinical procedures and
diagnosis of pathological conditions, especially in asymptomatic or paucisymptomatic
thrombophlebitis. A routine ultrasound screening of the jugular vein can provide an early
diagnosis of wall venous change, preventing the onset of a further occlusive
thrombophlebitis
Variations on the Author
Full text link“Variations on the Author” discusses two of Eduardo Coutinho’s recent films (Um Dia na Vida, from 2010, and Últimas Conversas, posthumously released in 2015) and their contribution to the general question of documentary authorship. The director’s filmography is characterized by a consistent yet self-effacing form of authorial self-inscription: Coutinho often features as an interviewer that rather than express opinions propels discourses; an interviewer that is good at listening. This mode of self-inscription characterizes him as an author who is not expressive but who is nonetheless markedly present on the screen. In Um Dia na Vida, however, Coutinho is completely absent form the image, while Últimas Conversas, on the contrary, includes a confessional prologue that moves the director from the margins to the center of his films. This article examines the ways in which these works stand out in the filmography of a director who offers new insights into the notion of cinematic authorship
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