Iranian Journal of Veterinary Surgery
Volume:3 Issue: 1, Winter 2008

To describe the normal sonographic images of the soft tissues of the dorsal and palmar aspects of the fetlock region in the draught horses.Design: Descriptive study.Animals: Five clinically and radiographically normal draught male horses were used during this study.Procedures:Horses were examined both radiographic and ultrasound ante mortem and post mortem. Based on the proximal sesamoid bones the fetlock region was divided into three zones. Zone I (PSB1) located 4 cm above the sesamoid bone. Zone II (PSB II) located at the level of the sesamoid bones. Zone III (PSBIII) located distal to the sesamoid bones. Measurements of tendon and ligament structures for the three zones were determined by means of electronic calipers. Cross transverse sections for the structures of the three zones were identified.Results and The fetlock joint is surrounded by soft and hard tissue structures. The gross anatomical, radiographic and Ultrasonographic images were studied. The ultrasound images of the palmar and dorsal aspects were identified and reviewed. The echogenic patterns of the three zones were evaluated. This study provides a detailed knowledge on the normal ultrasound anatomy and measurements of the tendon and ligaments in the three zones.Clinical Relevance: This study is a useful value in the diagnosis of fetlock lameness under clinical conditions.

To evaluate the effects of bupivacaine (B), ketamine (K), and a combination of bupivacaine and ketamine (BK) after lumbosacral epidural analgesia in sheep.Design:Experimental study.Animals: Nine healthy male and non-pregnant female Iranian Chall sheep with mean bodyweight of 38.9 ± 15.1 kg.Procedures: Animals were selected randomly and three treatments administered. The drugswere administered in the lumbosacral epidural space. The onset and duration of analgesia andsedation were determined and heart rate, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature, wererecorded at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 min after administration. Analgesia wasdetermined by lack of response to pin pricking and pinch test in the skin of caudal areas.The onset of analgesia was significantly faster in BK than that in B and K alone.Treatments with ketamine, either alone (K) or in combination (BK) lead to mild sedation. Theheart rate increased significantly with B treatment at 15 and 20 min, and the respiratory rateshowed a significant decrease with K treatment at 10 and 15 min.Conclusion and Clinical Relevance: Epidural administration of bupivacaine/ketaminecombination resulted in fast onset and moderate duration of analgesia of caudal areas. Theemployed doses in BK treatment probably reduced the side effects observed in B and Ktreatments. It is concluded that the combination of BK could be used epidurally in sheep toperform operations without any marked side effects.

To investigate and quantitate radiological and clinical changes in tissues and structures of the claws affected by Rusterholz ulcer.Design:Cross-sectional and Descriptive studyAnimal: Seven culled lame cows were affected with “Rusterholz” ulcerProcedures: Forty one culled lame cows of 1135 culled cows having digital disorders which were randomly selected for clinical and radiographic studies. Seven culled lame cows were affected with “Rusterholz” ulcer. After recording information for each cow, affected digit was amputated and carried to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Radiology Department for moredetailed radiographical studies. Four radiographs were taken from each case, and the exposure factors of 85-95 KV, 25 mA in 0/04-0/02 seconds were used. New bone formation, pedal osteitis, osteomylitis, soft tissue swelling and gas density were indices considered for assessing the severity of the disease.Radiological examination showed the chronic lesions of sole ulceration were accompanied by alterations in bone structure of phalanx, with soft tissue swelling, new bone formation, osteitis and gas density. In most cases clinical features suggested of chronic laminitis. The “Rusterholz” ulcer was manifested as a painful, purulent discharge from the perforation site and affected cows were lost their weight significantly. In cases with deep sepsis, the swelling was appeared focally in bulb heel of the involving digit.Conclusion and Clinical Relevance: According to the result of this study, radiological and clinical information play a significant role in clarifying the predicting lameness treatment or culling the dairy cows suffering from chronic and recurrent lameness.

To evaluate kidney hemodynamic response including blood flow velocity in segmental arteries shortly after administration of various dose of saffron extract (10, 40 and 90 mg/kg).Design: Technical assessment, experimental study.Animals- 20 healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats.Procedures: In this study, using a real-time pulsed doppler analysis, kidney hemodynamicresponse including blood flow velocity in segmental arteries shortly after administration ofvarious doses of saffron (10, 40 and 90 mg/kg) was investigated and eventually the datarepresented for each group were interpreted into tissue changes blindly. Saffron at a dose of 10 mg/kg significantly increased renal blood flow withminimum tissue side effects, while at the higher doses it was remarkably associated withtissue lesions such as ATN and glomerulopathy.Conclusion and Clinical Relevance: Saffron is a scarce and valuable crop because of thestigma’s charming fragrance and pleasant flavor, the aroma of which is naturally furnished bya desirable golden color when dried. Due to innate therapeutic properties, it has been a focusof interest for modern pharmacological studies to comprehensively recognize the advantagesof using saffron, in the light of its low toxicity and powerful anti-oxidant properties. Beyonddirect effects on the epithelial cell function, saffron significantly enhances vascular bloodflow, resulting in an indirect control towards cardiovascular system. In conclusion, saffrontherapy is recommended in ischemic conditions. The preferred doses ranged between 10 to 40mg/kg. At the dose of 10 mg/kg lower tissue side effects is expected.

To evaluate the biological compatibility of differentiated stem cells embedded inpoly-vinyl-alcohol (PVA) scaffolds for repair of distal femoral cartilage defect.Design: Experimental in vivo study.Animals: Twelve adult male New Zealand white rabbits were used which were divided intotwo groups (I, II) six rabbits each.Procedures: Mesenchymal stem cells were isolated from humerus bone marrow of group Irabbits and were cultured and differentiated on PVA scaffolds to chondrocytes. ScanningElectron Microscopy (SEM) showed well distribution of the cells inside the scaffold. A 4 mmdiameter full thickness cartilage defect was created on central region of bilateral distalfemoral joint surface (patellar groove) in all rabbits. In group (I) the defects were coveredwith autologous differentiated MSCs-seeded scaffolds; whereas the group II rabbits were leftwithout any treatment as control ones. One month and three months after operation, three rabbits were sacrificed from each group, randomly. Histopathologic evaluation of defects wasperformed with H&E and trichrome staining. The findings showed that in the engineered cartilage with the PVA scaffold, thedefects were filled with smooth, shiny white tissue macroscopically at three months after thetransplantation. Despite much connective tissue formed in defect area after three months,there was no evidence of chondrocytes in control group, whereas the defects of experimentalgroup were almost completely filled with hyaline cartilage.Conclusion and Clinical Relevance: The results indicated there is positive possibility forpartial resurfacing of cartilage defect using stem cell-seeded PVA scaffolds

To determine the prevalence of nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism (NSH) in companion and stray cats of Ahvaz.Design: Clinical study.Animals: 80 cats (companion=40 and stray=40)Procedures: This survey was accomplished during a two-year period and based on clinical, radiographic and laboratory findings between 2005 and 2007. The studied cats were divided into two general group (companion and stray) and based on age into groups ≤ 3 months and 3- 6 months. Status of nutrition was studied from using of milk and other dairy products (as a source of calcium). In our survey nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism was diagnosed in seven cases. The measured biochemical parameters included calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The most radiographic findings were thin cortex, pathological fractures, constipation, decreased bone density and pelvic and column vertebral deformity. Level of ALP was high in some affected and healthy cats, but difference was not significant (P> 0.05). Calcium and phosphorus were in normal range both groups. Also, on statistical analysis (ANOVA), there was no significant differences between different sexes and companion and stray cats (P>0.05). Nevertheless, prevalence was significantly higher in some companion cats that were fed with high phosphorus and low calcium, as well as in cat's ≤ 3 months (P< 0.05).Conclusion and Clinical Relevance: Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism is common partly in Iran, where many cats are fed mainly meat diets. This study showed importance of balanced nutrition special calcium and phosphorus in cats ≤ 3 months.

To study the effects of Isoflurane in inducing anesthesia and comparing mask and chamber induction anesthesia in rabbits for the first trial in Iran.Design: Experimental design.Animals:20 female adult New Zealand White rabbits.Procedures: Animals were divided randomly into two groups. A 40 cm3 Chamber was used in group A with 4-5% concentration of isoflurane and a face mask was used in group B with 1-1.5% concentration of isoflurane to induce anesthesia. The concentration of isoflurane increased in 30 second intervals since reached to 4%. Routine ovariohysterectomy was performed in both groups. Duration of induction and recovery, apneuastic period and volume of consumed isoflurane were measured in both groups. Mean duration of induction of anesthesia was significantly shorter in group B in comparison to group A (P<0.05). Apneuastic duration was lasting 10 to 90 sec. The volume of isoflurane delivered to animals was significantly lower in group B (7.1±1.2 ml) compared with group A (24.7±6.6 ml) (P<0.05). The mean duration of recovery was not significantly different in group A compared to group B (P>0.05).Conclusion and Clinical Relevance: As concluded use of isoflurane to induce anesthesia in rabbits is feasible and safe in case of available equipments. Mask induction seems more appropriate to induce anesthesia than chamber.

to provide a reference anatomy of the bronchial tree of the Jebeer Gazelle by using computed tomographic modality.Design: Experimental study.Animals: Three female Jebeer GazelleProcedures: Spiral CT images were taken from the thoracic region perpendicular to long axis of the body. CT windows were adjusted as necessary to have optimized images of pulmonary organ. The images were studied serially and compared anatomically with two dissected goat and sheep. Trachea, lobar and some segmental bronchi were identified and labeled according to thoracic vertebrae as landmarksConclusions and clinical relevance: The results of this study can help better understanding of the lung and bronchial tree in a live animal.

Assessment of the lens anterior – posterior (AP) diameter as compared with the eye globe by ultrasonography in rabbit.Design: Descriptive study.Animals: 120 male and female rabbits, two months to four years old, and weighting between 300 to 1500gr.Procedures: 2D ultrasonography of the eyes was performed and AP diameter of the eyes and lens were measured using Sonosite Titan Ultrasound equipment. In the obtained 2D images, the eye parts were showed a distinct anechogenic to hypoechogenic structure. Details of the eyes compartments were observed by 2D transducers. Anterior and posterior lens capsules and optic discs were hyperechogenic. The average AP diameter of lenses was 0.6175 cm and of the eye globes was 1.4789 cm.Conclusion and Clinical Relevance:The 2D ultrasography give useful images for teaching and diagnostic purposes such as eye globe and lens lesions or diameter changes. The average of lens AP diameter in comparison with the globe was 0.4165.

Case Description: A five-year-old Iranian cross-breed ewe with a dark red and soft mass ongingiva of mandibular region was presented to the Islamic Azad University of Tabriz VeterinaryMedical Teaching Hospital. Macroscopically, a dark red, pedunculated, round-shaped and softmass less than 1.5 centimeter on gingival compartment of right midlateral edge was observed.Temperature, heart rate and respiratory rate were not clinically abnormal.Treatment and Outcome: The abnormal mass was removed surgically by local anesthesia.Histopathological examinations confirmed the occurrence of gingival hemangioma.Clinical Relevance: Hemangiomas have been recorded in cattle, horses, sheep, swine and fowls,but it is only in cats and dogs that frequency of occurrence has been estimated.

Case Description: A pigeon with an abnormal mass on right wing was referred to the Veterinary Clinic of Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman.Treatment and Outcome: The mass was removed surgically and histopathologic examination was done. Microscopic findings revealed a stori-form pattern of atypical and pleomorphic spindle-shape tumor cells with histiocytes and too many thick wall capillaries. Some bizarre cells, giant cells and lymphocytes along with collagenous stroma were seen. According to characteristic histopathologic features malignant fibrous histiocytoma(MFH) was diagnosed.Clinical Relevance:MFH originates from a primitive mesenchymal stem cell is most frequently seen in the dog. This is the first report of MFH in birds.

Case Description: Seventeen dogs (fifteen adult small breed dogs and two adult large breeddogs) who tolerated ventriculocordectomy operation in small animal clinics.Treatment and Outcome: Induction of anesthesia was done using routine anesthetic agants.After dorsal recumbency, incision of ventral midline cervical skin (thyroid region), the entirevocal folds and cords were removed. The incision line was sutured in layers. There was no postoperativecomplication in 16 dogs and all dogs were muted but generalized subcutaneousemphysema was observed in one dog (toy terrier breed) within a few hours after operation.Clinical Relevance: Authors of the present clinical study met generalized subcutaneousemphysema formation in one dog out of 17 muted dogs by laryngofissure approach as a newpost-operative complication.