Effect of different stocking densities on growth, muscle development and fatty acid profile of Acipenser baerii larvae

Sturgeons, as well as paddlefishes, belong to the Acipenseriformes group, which is one of the most primordial 57 orders of the Osteichthyes that comprehends 25 species spread throughout Europe, Asia and North America. The present study aims at investigating muscle growth and development as well as fatty acid profile in Siberian sturgeon free-embryos when subjected to three different rearing densities. Fatty acids, in particular polyunsaturated fatty acids of n-3 series, are generally known as key nutrients in fish larvae.This study was approved by the Ethic Committee of the University of Milan (OPBA_22_2017). Siberian sturgeon larvae were reared at 18°C, at three stocking densities until complete yolk-sac absorption: low (LD, 30 larvae/l), mid (MD, 80 larvae/l) and high (HD, 150 larvae/l). Sampling timepoints were: hatching, schooling and complete yolk-sac absorption stage (YSA). Sacrificed larvae were weighed and histological analyses were performed in order to assess muscle development as described elsewhere ; fatty acid profile was determined by GC-FID analysis as described by Vasconi et al. (2015). Statistical analysis was performed with SAS software (v. 9.3, Cary Inc., NC).At the end of the experiment, LD larvae presented a higher weight than larvae reared at the other two densities (P<0.05). Within the schooling stage (Figure 1), Total Muscle Area was lower for HD larvae (P<0.05); red and white muscle areas in schooling and YSA were higher than at hatching (P<0.05), regardless the density. Concerning fatty acids, no statistical differences were recorded between different rearing densities, while during the development regardless the rearing density, there was a common pattern: linoleic and alfa linolenic acids, significantly decreased their relative content, while others, as arachidonic acid and DHA, significantly increased. Siberian sturgeon larvae reared at LD or MD reveal an anatomically normal muscle development, while in the HD it is possible to observe a slowdown.What the aquaculture industry requires is a set of guidelines that allows the development of a sustainable industry, so that we tried to develop guidelines for stocking density in the very early stage of farming. As a conclusion, it would seem that mid density could be more suitable for this species in this stage of development

Meniscal femoral and tibial surfaces characterization in the swine model.

Menisci are wedge-like structures interposed, in the knee joint, between the femoral and the tibial articular heads (Kohn et al. 1995; Greis et al. 2002). Improving the articular surface, the cellular nutrition and the articular lubrication, they are essential structures for the prevention of gonarthrosis (Proctor et al.1989; Makris et al. 2011). This study is focused upon the relationship between the contact forces at the femoral and tibial surfaces and the corresponding structure of these meniscal surfaces. For this purpose, 20 adult (~9 months old) female pigs (Landrace x Large white, average weight 75–90 kg; n=80 meniscal samples) were obtained from a local slaughterhouse and dissected to isolate the menisci. Swine meniscal samples were evaluated from morphological (Safranin-O, Sirius Red and collagen type I and II) (Di Giancamillo et al. 2014), biochemical (DNA and glycosaminoglycans, or GAGs, contents) and biomechanical (compression and traction tests) points of view at the level of femoral and tibial meniscal surfaces. Results revealed a characterization of the meniscus which is biomechanical-dependent.  The femoral surface, morphologically characterized by the interposition of radial and oblique fibers and biomechanically by the femoral condyles compression, sliding and rolling forces, shows a higher compressive modulus (p<0.05) and a greater amount of cells and GAGs deposition (p<0.01 for each analysis). On the other hand, results from traction test revealed a higher tensile modulus (p<0.05) in the tibial surface, characterized by a circumferential arrangement of the fibers and a poorer GAGs deposition and cellular distribution (p<0.01). Results (summarized in the figure 1) from this work suggest that a biphasic “femoral-to-tibial” scaffold that mimic the different behavior and composition of the two meniscal surfaces could be useful in the light of meniscal replacement.

Stifle anatomic, tomographic and biomechanical features of growing dogs affected by quadriceps contracture.

Quadriceps contracture is a debilitating and uncommon condition, mostly affecting young dogs. Itcan be congenital or acquired ) and is reported to induce muscular hypotrophy/fibrosis, progressive degenerative joint disease, bone hypoplasia and limb hyperextension. The aim of this study was to elucidate anatomic, tomographic and biomechanical features of stifles affected by quadriceps contracture.Seven 2-month-old dead Dobermann Pinschers with unilateral quadriceps contracture were included. Before gross anatomic evaluation, all stifles underwent Computed Tomography before and after intra-articular administration of iodinated contrast medium. Images were acquired in double positioning (stifle extension and flexion) to identify articular cartilage, Ossification Centres’ (OCs) and menisci abnormalities, which were compared between affected and unaffected limbs. In all affected limbs the stifle was back-turned, the distal femur was extra-rotated and the patella was luxated proximo-medially. Severe lack of physiological stifle movements (rolling, gliding, spinning) was observed, so that affected joints could not be flexed. The articular cartilage of the femur was flattened and irregular in thickness, the femoral trochlea was hypoplasic and sloping, the menisci were misshaped. The OC of the distal femur and proximal tibia were misshaped; the tibial plateau was oriented caudodorsally-cranioventrally and significantly smaller (P<0,05). Quadriceps contracture influenced stifle development. The action of quadriceps insertion on the tibia prevented normal development of the plateau, causing wedging and abnormal orientation. Constant compression also induced external rotation of the distal femur (unable to develop distally) and patellar luxation, ending up in genu recurvatum. Static compression was likely responsible for femoral trochlea hypoplasia, articular cartilage and meniscal deformation, due to the lack of physiological stifle movements.Quadriceps contracture induces severe alterations of stifle development in affected puppies. Histology, histochemistry and immunohistochemistry may better define the nature of such bone, cartilage and meniscal alterations

Imaging techniques in Veterinary Medicine. Part I: Radiography and Ultrasonography

In Veterinary Medicine all the Imaging techniques are used and described but, due to organizational, managerial and, mostly, economical reasons, Radiography and Ultrasonography are the most used. Veterinary Radiology teaching has a relatively small number of educational credits in the degree courses but, nowday, educational opportunities are remarkably increased thanks to a number of post-degree courses and masters, organized both by the universities and private veterinary associations. The relevance of Diagnostic Imaging is particularly true in Veterinary Medicine, in which Radiology could be considered “indispensable” for diagnosis, prognosis and follow up. Furthermore, it should not be forgotten that the diagnostic image represents a “document” and, has a relevant role in legal medical debats. In this first part, Radiography and Ultrasonography are described

Swine cortical and cancellous bone: histomorphometric and densitometric characterisation

Introduction: Swine bone morphology, composition and remodelling are similar to humans’, therefore they are considered good models in bone-related research. They have been used for several studies involving bone growth, bone and cartilage fractures and femoral head osteonecrosis. Nevertheless, the literature about pig normal bone features is incomplete. This work aims to fill the literature gaps on the microarchitecture and Bone Mineral Density (BMD) of swine femoral diaphysis and distal epiphysis and tibial plateau and diaphysis.Materials and methods: Five hind limbs were collected from slaughtered 80-100 kg pigs. Microscopic analysis of cortical and cancellous bone from middle/distal femur and proximal/middle tibia was performed to determine basic histomorphometric parameters at different sites. Dual-energy X-Rays Absorptiometry was also employed to evaluate BMD. ANOVA and correlation between BMD, bone area (BA) and cortical thickness were performed.Results and discussion: Diaphyseal cortical bone was mostly plexiform both in the tibia and the femur; primary/secondary osteons without clear organization were also found. Mean values for bone area, bone perimeter, trabecular width, number and separation and BMD at different anatomical sites were defined. No significant difference was found for these values at different anatomical sites. BMD proved to be positively correlated with cortical thickness (r=0,80; p<0,01). Despite the small sample size, these results seem homogeneous. They could therefore represent reference values for normal bone parameters in pigs. Applied anatomy and regenerative medicine, in fact, demand very precise information about bone micromorphology, composition and density to provide reliable indication in bone substitutes building. Moreover, since the interpretation of bone abnormalities is based on mastering normal bone characteristics, the definition of reference parameters is mandatory to avoid misinterpretation and allow comparative evaluation.Conclusion: The results of this study, although preliminary, may be considered a dependable starting point for the definition of normal bone features in pigs

Dog craniometry: a cadaveric study

The morphology of canine head differs greatly among breeds, so that they have been categorized in 3 groups (brachycephalic, mesaticephalic and dolichocephalic) based on craniometric measurements. However, several dog breeds are still unclassified, and skull measurements, often analyzed in adult dogs, are rarely studied in dog puppies. The aim of this work is to clarify whether dog puppies can be classified as dolichocephalic, mesaticephalic and brachycephalic. The skulls of spontaneously dead dog puppies aged 0 to 57 days were studied by using the following anatomic and radiographic measurements and indices: Skull Length, Cranial Length, Facial Length, Cranial Width, Skull Width, Cranial Index (CI), Skull Index (SI); radiographic Condylobasal Length, S-index and Facial Index were added. A new index, the modified-Skull Index, was created. Pearson test, ANOVA and neural nets were used in the statistical analysis. 173 dogs from 36 breeds were included in the study. Anatomic and radiographic CI and SI were significantly correlated (p<0,05). Almost all the anatomic and radiographic measurement significantly differed between brachycephalic and mesaticephalic breeds (p<0,05), while dolichocephalic breeds showed intermediate features. The new modified skull index was significantly different among the three classes (p<0,05). The neural nets allowed to classify three previously unclassified breeds. With this work it was proved that many breeds can be classified as brachycephalic, mesaticephalic or dolichocephalic as early as up to 2 months after birth, and some previously unclassified breeds were also classified. A new useful craniometric index was introduced. Finally, cadavers proved to be a very good model for dog craniometric studies

A case of adrenal tumour in a lion (Panthera leo): tomographic and ultrasonographic findings.

Adrenal gland tumors are common in humans and in several animal species. Studies concerning this neoplasia in human medicine indicate that clinical signs have a high variability. Adrenal adenomas can be occasionally observed in asymptomatic patients during tomographic studies while estrogen-secreting tumors, known as "feminizing adrenal tumors" (FATs), have been rarely reported. The aim of this study is to describe for the first time the Imaging findings of a captivity lion affected by a neoplastic secreting adrenal tumour. An 8 year-old male lion with progressive lack of secondary sex characteristics, disorexia and weight loss was referred to our Institution. The patient was chemically immobilized to undergo general clinical evaluation, hematologic, serum biochemical and hormonal profile, FIV and FeLV tests. Three months later a total body computed tomography and abdominal ultrasonography were performed. Liver and left adrenal lesions FNABs were performed. Imaging findings showed the presence of an extended expansive neoplastic lesion on the left adrenal gland (40x39x37 mm) with right adrenal gland atrophy. Generalized hepatopathy associated with a suspected intrahepatic cholestasis was confirmed by ultrasonography. Cytological evaluation ruled out the presence of neuroendocrine cells without malignancy evidences compatible with the adenomatous nature of the lesion, associated with moderate degenerative hepatopathy. Blood tests reported an estradiol concentration of 462 ng/dl. To our knowledge, this is the first description of adrenal mass in a lion associated with secondary feminization, inappetence and high values of hematic estradiol, referable to a feminizing adrenal tumor (FAT).

Peribulbar block in equine isolated heads. Development of a single needle technique and tomographic evaluation

Peribulbar block (PPB) has been used in humans as a safer alternative to retrobulbar block (RBB). PBB, depends on the diffusion of anaesthetic solution into the muscle across the connective tissue and it is performed introducing the needle within the extraconal space. The advantages are fewer complications and palpebral akinesia. In Veterinary Medicine few studies describe this technique in dogs (Ahn J 2013) and cats (Shilo-Benjamini et al. 2013). Based on literature the aim of the study is to determinate, in equine specimens, feasibility of inferior PBB with single needle injection, by using contrast medium (CM), and to evaluate thought Computed Tomography (CT) the distribution around the optic nerve (degrees). PBB was performed in 6 orbits. The mixture injected consisted of 20 ml of physiological solution and iodinated CM at 25%. Each periorbital area underwent three CT scans. A basal acquisition to assess the needle position before the injection, a second and third scan were performed immediately after injection, and after application of pressure on the periorbital surface area to promote CM diffusion. The needle position was measured from the tip to the optic nerve with a mean distance of 2,27 mm ± 0,28. The mean volume distribution before pressure application was 23,56 cm3 ± 2,58 and after pressure application was 27,56 cm3 ± 4,8.  The CM distribution, was defined (Nouvellon et al. 2010) “successful” in 4 orbits (>270°) and “inadequate” in 2 orbits (<180°). The present study demonstrates feasibility of inferior PBB by single injection in horses for its simple and practical execution. Inferior PPB is a potential alternative to systemic administration of neuromuscular blocking agents for ophthalmic surgery. However, this approach needs to be evaluate in clinical trials to assess its feasibility and effectiveness in clinical practice for standing procedures

Helical Hydro-Computed Tomography in the diagnosis of pyloric stenosis in two foals

Pyloric stenosis is rarely reported in horses (Bart et al 1980; Bezdecova et al. 2009). Congenital and acquired conditions have been described (Church et al 1986; Heidmann et al 2004; Laing et al. 1992; McGill et al. 1984) clinical suspicion is based on clinical findings while definitive diagnosis is reached by exploratory laparotomy and gastroscopy. The use of other diagnostic techniques has never been described. Two foals were admitted for recurrent abdominal pain. Clinical and ultrasonographic (US) examinations were performed.  Foals underwent Computed Tomography (CT) of the abdomen, both native and Helical Hydro-CT. US revealed mild stomach distension, mild small bowel wall thickening; small intestine obstruction was suspected in both foals. Case 1, two-month old Thoroughbred filly 130 kg of weight: CT showed segmental concentric pylorus stenosis, at the pyloric duodenal junction level. Mild liquid distension of the pyloric antrum and mixed gas and fluid distension of the cranial duodenum. During necroscopy the pyloric antrum showed stenosis due to an inelastic constricting ring reducing the lumen of the pyloric canal. The glandular part presented mild acute catarrhal gastritis. Case 2, three-month old Italian Saddle colt 142 kg of weigh: CT showed small amount of intraluminal hyperattenuanting material within the gastric fundus and duodenum. Hydro-CT highlighted the presence of mild pylorus narrowing, mild distension and moderate mucosal irregularities of the pyloric antrum. An acquired pyloric stenosis secondary to chronic gastritis of unknown origin was suspected. Explorative laparotomy was performed; the antrum was mildly distended and the pylorus appeared narrowed and hard on palpation; gastrojejunostomy was performed. Ante-mortem diagnosis of pyloric stenosis in horses is challenging because aspecific clinical signs. Native CT allowed to investigate both the stomach and the small intestine and, in one case, outlined the presence of pylorus stenosis. In case 2, only Helical Hydro-CT allowed better evaluation of the pyloric thickness. CT and Helical Hydro-CT can be considered a useful diagnostic tool in foal with clinical suspicion of pyloric stenosis.