Decreased resistance to intravenous tumour-cell challenge during reticuloendothelial depression following surgery.

The influence of surgical stress on resistance to i.v. challenge with Walker 256 tumour cells was investigated in rats, with respect to the functional state of the reticuloendothelial system (RES). Phagocytic activity of the RES was evaluated by colloid (gelatinized [131I] "RE test lipid emulsion") clearance, and opsonin levels were determined by bioassay. Reticuloendothelial clearance capacity was significantly (P less than 0-05) depressed 60 min following surgery (coeliotomy plus jejunal enterotomy) as quantified by both humoral and cellular parameters of RE function. Phagocytic depression was primarily due to impaired hepatic Kupffer cell function and related to a deficiency in the phagocytic supporting capacity of plasma, also referred to as opsonic or recognition factor (RF) capacity. During the postoperative period of RES colloid clearance depression, pulmonary localization of the blood-borne test particulate matter increased. Rats challenged with 51Cr-labelled viable tumour cells at a dose of 1-0 X 106 i.v., either prior to or during the postoperative period of RE depression, manifested a significant (P less than 0-05) increment in pulmonary localization of the viable tumour cells, and a decrease (P less than 0-05) in hepatic clearance. Evaluation of survival patterns demonstrated a significant (P less than 0-01) decrease in host resistance to i.v. tumour cell challenge (2 X 103 cells) during the postoperative period of RE depression and hypo-opsonaemia. Sham-anaesthetized control animals survived 17-9 +/- 0-8 days, while animals challenged during the period of RE depression survived 7-9 +/- 0-4 days. An increased incidence of respiratory distress and nasal discharge was observed in the animals with impaired survival. Thus, surgical manipulation may transiently compromise RES systemic host defence and may be reflected in an increment in the pulmonary localization of blood-borne tumour cells. The relationship of this altered pattern of tumour cell distribution to the impaired survival remains to be determined, and warrants investigations

Perceptions of animal physiotherapy amongst Irish veterinary surgeons

The aim of this study was to investigate veterinary surgeons' perceptions, knowledge and use of animal physiotherapy in the Republic of Ireland. A questionnaire was developed and sent to 200 veterinary surgeons, of which 97 were returned. Results indicated that 77 (79%) of respondents were aware of animal physiotherapists. Common sources of information included veterinary colleagues, owners and professional journals, with physiotherapists themselves and undergraduate training being less commonly cited. Awareness of animal physiotherapy was greatest amongst those working in equine practice (χ2 = 5.7, df 1, p = 0.017); they were more knowledgeable about its techniques (t = 2.806, df 75, p = 0.006) and more likely to refer (χ2 = 48.36, df 1, p = 0.0001). Seventy-four respondents (96%) thought that more research was necessary to increase the evidence base for animal physiotherapy. If this branch of physiotherapy is to develop, there needs to be increased interaction and co-operation between veterinary surgeons and chartered animal physiotherapists

The pony-metre: A new device for measuring the height of equids with lasers

A new low-power laser device for obtaining increased accuracy in various measurements, including that of the height of ponies and horses, is described to aid the equine sports medicine practitioner in classifying equids into their appropriate breeds and/or categories. Both the laser device and the technique have been tested extensively and found to be accurate with an error factor not exceeding 2.0 mm (1/12th inch) on more than 1,000 animals tested routinely over a ten-year period. In contrast, old or recent measurement data obtained by the traditional Standard Stick Technique (SST), presented statistically significant errors when compared to data obtained by the utilization of the new ''Pony-Metre.'' The data errors caused by the preexisting non-laser measurements have been compared to those of the new laser technique described here and have been found as varying as p < 0.005 to p < 0.001 in all categories of horses and ponies measured. It has been concluded that the new method, based on laser beam technology, has the advantage of accuracy, an advantage lacking in previous techniques. Accuracy is considered to be more important than the cost of the device. Some precautions should be taken during laser measurements, e.g., the presence in the test area of individuals or persons who are pregnant, epileptic, pacemaker bearers, etc., is contraindicated. Standard precautions such as avoidance of wet grounds, ungrounded electric outlets or defective cables should be strictly followed when utilizing any laser beam devices