Uveal Hematocysts in a Golden Retriever Dog

Case Description. A 7-year-old neutered male golden retriever presented for examination 1 month following the observation of multifocal round brown structures in the anterior chamber of the left eye and similar, but blood-filled, structures in the right eye. Clinical Findings. Ophthalmic examination revealed bilateral iris hyperpigmentation, pigment deposition on the anterior lens capsule, and uveal cysts. The uveal cysts in the right eye were partially blood filled. Clinical findings were consistent with pigmentary uveitis of golden retrievers. Treatment and Outcome. The patient has been maintained on topical anti-inflammatories and no progression of the disease has occurred in eight months. Clinical Relevance. This paper emphasizes the importance of recognizing the unique clinical signs of pigmentary uveitis and highlights uveal hematocysts, a rare manifestation of the disease

MicroPulse™ transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in the treatment of canine glaucoma: Preliminary results (12 dogs)

Objective: To describe the clinical application and effect of MicroPulse™ transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (MP‐TSCPC) in dogs with glaucoma. Animals studied: Twelve dogs with primary (n = 8) or secondary (n = 4) glaucoma, aged 2‐13 years (mean ± SD, 7.2 ± 3.8 years). Procedures: MP‐TSCPC was performed under sedation or general anesthesia. Laser duty cycle was 31.3%, laser power varied from 2000‐2800 mW, and each hemisphere was treated for 90‐180 seconds. The probe was applied to each quadrant in a “sweeping motion,” sparing the 3 and 9 o\u27clock positions. Results: The number of MP‐TSCPC procedures per eye varied from 1 to 3 (1.4 ± 0.7). Intraocular pressure (IOP) was controlled (\u3c25 mm Hg) in 11/12 dogs (92%) within 1‐15 days post‐operatively. The IOP control at 1 month and the duration between repeated procedures were significantly greater in eyes treated with high energy laser (2800 mW) compared to 2000‐2500 mW. Long‐term follow‐up (315.3 ± 100.7 days) showed controlled IOP in 5/12 (42%) and vision retention in 4/8 (50%) dogs. In unsuccessful cases, loss of IOP control or vision loss occurred within 3‐245 days (109.1 ± 93.7 days) and 28‐261 days (114 ± 101.6 days), respectively, resulting in a salvage procedure in 6 dogs. Complications were as follows: corneal hypoesthesia (92%), anterior uveitis (67%), post‐operative ocular hypertension (50%), neurotrophic corneal ulcer (25%), keratoconjunctivitis sicca (8%), and rubeosis iridis (8%). Conclusions: MP‐TSCPC is a viable tool for managing canine glaucoma, although further studies are required to improve the long‐term effect and reduce the complication rate

Lack of effect of a topical regenerative agent on re-epithelialization rate of canine spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects: A randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled study

Spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCEDs) are characteristic ulcers in dogs that are refractory to healing. The aim of the study was to evaluate the use of a topical regenerative agent to promote healing of SCCEDs. Nineteen dogs (20 eyes) were randomized to receive either regenerative agent (10 eyes) or placebo (10 eyes) every 48 h following corneal debridement, which was repeated 1 week later if the SCCED had not yet healed. The mean ± standard deviation time to re-epithelialization was 17.3 ± 12.8 days for the group treated with a topical regenerative agent and 19.3 ± 11.7 days for the group treated with a placebo; the cumulative healing rates were not statistically different (P \u3e 0.650). A positive association was found between the initial size of the ulcer and the time to re-epithelialization (r = 0.555, P = 0.011). Although well tolerated by dogs, there was no therapeutic advantage in using a topical regenerative agent for re-epithelialization of SCCEDs

Fluorophotometric Assessment of Tear Volume and Turnover Rate in Healthy Dogs and Cats

Purpose: The study establishes normative data of tear volume (TV) and tear turnover rate (TTR) in healthy dogs and cats, 2 species commonly used for translational research in ophthalmology. Methods: Thirty-six dogs and 24 cats were enrolled, encompassing a variety of breeds with diverse skull conformations (brachycephalic, mesocephalic, and dolichocephalic). Two microliters of 10% fluorescein were instilled onto the upper bulbar conjunctiva of both eyes, followed by tear collection with 2-μL capillary tubes at 0, 2, 4, 6, 10, 15, and 20 min. Fluorescein concentrations were measured with a computerized scanning ocular fluorophotometer. The TV and TTR were estimated based upon nonlinear mixed-effects analysis of fluorescein decay curves. Results: In dogs, median (interquartile range) TV, basal TTR (bTTR), and reflex TTR (rTTR) were 65.3 μL (42.3–87.9), 12.2%/min (3.7–22.1), and 50.0%/min (25.9–172.3), respectively. In cats, median (interquartile range) TV, bTTR, and rTTR were 32.1 μL (29.5–39.9), 10.9%/min (3.0–23.7), and 50.0%/min (28.4–89.4), respectively. Body weight (r = 0.44) and age (r = 0.30) were positively correlated (P ≤ 0.019) with TV in dogs. Age was negatively correlated (P ≤ 0.018) with TTR in dogs (r = −0.33) and cats (r = −0.24). However, TV and TTR were not associated with skull conformation in either species. Conclusions: Dogs have greater TV than cats but similar basal and rTTR. Tear parameters were impacted by body weight and age, but not by skull conformation. In both clinical and research settings, successive lacrimal tests should be spaced by ≥10 min to provide sufficient time for the tear film to replenish, as bTTR is ∼11%/min–12%/min in both species

Bioavailability and biochemical effects of diclofenac sodium 0.1% ophthalmic solution in the domestic chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus)

Objective To determine if topical ophthalmic diclofenac sodium 0.1% solution alters renal parameters in the domestic chicken, and to determine if the drug is detectable in plasma after topical ophthalmic administration. Animals Thirty healthy domestic chickens Procedures Over seven days, 6 birds were treated unilaterally with 1 drop of artificial tear solution (group 1), 12 birds were treated unilaterally (group 2) and 12 bilaterally (group 3) with diclofenac sodium 0.1% ophthalmic solution. Treatments were provided for 7 days, every 12 hours in all groups. Pre- and post-treatment plasma samples from all birds were evaluated for changes in albumin, total protein, and uric acid. Post-treatment samples of all birds were also analyzed by HPLC-MS for detection of diclofenac sodium. Results Changes in pre- and post-treatment plasma albumin were significant (P \u3c 0.05) in groups 2 and 3, but not for group 1. Pre- and post-treatment changes in total protein and uric acid pre- and post-treatment were not significant for any group. Diclofenac sodium was not detectable (limit of detection = 0.10 ng/mL) in plasma samples from birds in group 1. Concentration of drug in group 3 was statistically greater than group 2 (P = 0.0008). Conclusions and Clinical Relevance Topical ophthalmic diclofenac sodium 0.1% administered every 12 hours in one or both eyes for 7 days is detectable in systemic circulation in the domestic chicken at 15 minutes post-administration, but did not cause overt changes in parameters used to monitor renal physiology

A life-course approach to healthy ageing: maintaining physical capability.

Research on healthy ageing lacks an agreed conceptual framework and has not adequately taken into account the growing evidence that social and biological factors from early life onwards affect later health. We conceptualise healthy ageing within a life-course framework, separating healthy biological ageing (in terms of optimal physical and cognitive functioning, delaying the onset of chronic diseases, and extending length of life for as long as possible) from changes in psychological and social wellbeing. We summarise the findings of a review of healthy ageing indicators, focusing on objective measures of physical capability, such as tests of grip strength, walking speed, chair rises and standing balance, which aim to capture physical functioning at the individual level, assessing the capacity to undertake the physical tasks of daily living. There is robust evidence that higher scores on these measures are associated with lower rates of mortality, and more limited evidence of lower risk of morbidity, and of age-related patterns of change. Drawing on a research collaboration of UK cohort studies, we summarise what is known about the influences on physical capability in terms of lifetime socioeconomic position, body size and lifestyle, and underlying physiology and genetics; the evidence to date supports a broad set of factors already identified as risk factors for chronic diseases. We identify a need for larger longitudinal studies to investigate age-related change and ethnic diversity in these objective measures, the dynamic relationships between them, and how they relate to other component measures of healthy ageing. Robust evidence across cohort studies, using standardised measures within a clear conceptual framework, will benefit policy and practice to promote healthy ageing

Socioeconomic conditions across life related to multiple measures of the endocrine system in older adults:Longitudinal findings from a British birth cohort study

AbstractBackgroundLittle is known about how socioeconomic position (SEP) across life impacts on different axes of the endocrine system which are thought to underlie the ageing process and its adverse consequences. We examined how indicators of SEP across life related to multiple markers of the endocrine system in late midlife, and hypothesized that lower SEP across life would be associated with an adverse hormone profile across multiple axes.MethodsData were from a British cohort study of 875 men and 905 women followed since their birth in March 1946 with circulating free testosterone and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) measured at both 53 and 60–64 years, and evening cortisol at 60–64 years. Indicators of SEP were ascertained prospectively across life—paternal occupational class at 4, highest educational attainment at 26, household occupational class at 53, and household income at 60–64 years. Associations between SEP and hormones were investigated using multiple regression and logistic regression models.ResultsLower SEP was associated with lower free testosterone among men, higher free testosterone among women, and lower IGF-I and higher evening cortisol in both sexes. For example, the mean standardised difference in IGF-I comparing the lowest with the highest educational attainment at 26 years (slope index of inequality) was −0.4 in men (95% CI -0.7 to −0.2) and −0.4 in women (−0.6 to −0.2). Associations with each hormone differed by SEP indicator used and sex, and were particularly pronounced when using a composite adverse hormone score. For example, the odds of having 1 additional adverse hormone concentration in the lowest compared with highest education level were 3.7 (95% CI: 2.1, 6.3) among men, and 1.6 (1.0, 2.7) among women (P (sex interaction) = 0.02). We found no evidence that SEP was related to apparent age-related declines in free testosterone or IGF-I.ConclusionsLower SEP was associated with an adverse hormone profile across multiple endocrine axes. SEP differences in endocrine function may partly underlie inequalities in health and function in later life, and may reflect variations in biological rates of ageing. Further studies are required to assess the likely functional relevance of these associations

Case Report Uveal Hematocysts in a Golden Retriever Dog

Case Description. A 7-year-old neutered male golden retriever presented for examination 1 month following the observation of multifocal round brown structures in the anterior chamber of the left eye and similar, but blood-filled, structures in the right eye. Clinical Findings. Ophthalmic examination revealed bilateral iris hyperpigmentation, pigment deposition on the anterior lens capsule, and uveal cysts. The uveal cysts in the right eye were partially blood filled. Clinical findings were consistent with pigmentary uveitis of golden retrievers. Treatment and Outcome. The patient has been maintained on topical anti-inflammatories and no progression of the disease has occurred in eight months. Clinical Relevance. This paper emphasizes the importance of recognizing the unique clinical signs of pigmentary uveitis and highlights uveal hematocysts, a rare manifestation of the disease. Case Description A 7-year-old neutered male golden retriever dog presented to the Iowa State University Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center for ophthalmic examination 1 month following identification of multifocal brown structures in the anterior chamber of the left eye and similar, but blood-filled, structures in the right eye. The primary care veterinarian discovered these structures during annual wellness examination. Ophthalmic examination revealed normal palpebral, dazzle, and pupillary light reflexes in both eyes. Vision was considered normal based on positive menace responses and appropriate navigation in the hospital environment. On careful inspection, both eyes had mild conjunctival hyperemia, diffuse iris hyperpigmentation, pigment deposition on the anterior lens capsule, and numerous uveal cysts in the anterior chamber. The uveal cysts in the right eye were blood filled Dilation of the left pupil occurred within 20 minutes of tropicamide 1% application; however, dilation of the right pupil was limited by the posterior synechia. Indirect ophthalmoscopy revealed no abnormalities of the fundus in either eye. Complete physical examination was unremarkable, with the exception of a body condition score of 6/9. Notably, cardiovascular parameters were normal and no petechiation, ecchymosis, or bruising was identified. Complete blood count, serum biochemistry panel, and thyroid panel were within normal limits. The patient's clinical signs were considered consistent with pigmentary uveitis of golden retrievers, and prednisolone acetate 1% and tropicamide 1% were each prescribed for use in both eyes once daily. Reevaluation of the eyes 2 weeks later revealed resolution of the conjunctival hyperemia in both eyes and rupture of one blood-filled cyst in the right eye, resulting in a 2 mm corneal endothelial opacity. Intraocular pressures were 6 and 9 mmHg in the left and right eye, respectively. Ophthalmic examination was otherwise unchanged and no adjustments to the medication regimen were made. At the time of publication, treatment has successfully controlled clinical progression of the disease for the preceding eight months. Reevaluations are recommended every 3-6 months to monitor for progression of pigmentary uveitis and development of sequelae

Oligonucleotide-assisted cleavage and ligation: a novel directional DNA cloning technology to capture cDNAs. Application in the construction of a human immune antibody phage-display library

The use of oligonucleotide-assisted cleavage and ligation (ONCL), a novel approach to the capture of gene repertoires, in the construction of a phage-display immune antibody library is described. ONCL begins with rapid amplification of cDNA ends to amplify all members equally. A single, specific cut near 5′ and/or 3′ end of each gene fragment (in single stranded form) is facilitated by hybridization with an appropriate oligonucleotide adapter. Directional cloning of targeted DNA is accomplished by ligation of a partially duplex DNA molecule (containing suitable restriction sites) and amplification with primers in constant regions. To demonstrate utility and reliability of ONCL, a human antibody repertoire was cloned from IgG mRNA extracted from human B-lymphocytes engrafted in Trimera mice. These mice were transplanted with peripheral blood lymphocytes from Candida albicans infected individuals and subsequently immunized with C.albicans glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). DNA sequencing showed that ONCL resulted in efficient capture of gene repertoires. Indeed, full representation of all V(H) families/segments was observed showing that ONCL did not introduce cloning biases for or against any V(H) family. We validated the efficiency of ONCL by creating a functional Fab phage-display library with a size of 3.3 × 10(10) and by selecting five unique Fabs against GAPDH antigen