Renal secondary hyperparathyroidism should be considered a differential diagnosis in forensic cases where animal abuse is suspected

This case description reports an adult dog with multiple rib fractures that was initially suspected to be the victim of non-accidental trauma, but eventually was diagnosed with severe chronic interstitial nephritis and renal secondary hyperparathyroidism leading to fibrous osteodystrophy and multiple pathological fractures. The importance of the specific expertise of a dedicated expert panel on animal abuse is discussed. This case illustrates the significance of the identification of normal, pathological, and breed-related variations within an animal in addition to forensic expertise, emphasizing that the presence of multidisciplinary teams in an expert panel on animal abuse is crucial

Renal secondary hyperparathyroidism should be considered a differential diagnosis in forensic cases where animal abuse is suspected

This case description reports an adult dog with multiple rib fractures that was initially suspected to be the victim of non-accidental trauma, but eventually was diagnosed with severe chronic interstitial nephritis and renal secondary hyperparathyroidism leading to fibrous osteodystrophy and multiple pathological fractures. The importance of the specific expertise of a dedicated expert panel on animal abuse is discussed. This case illustrates the significance of the identification of normal, pathological, and breed-related variations within an animal in addition to forensic expertise, emphasizing that the presence of multidisciplinary teams in an expert panel on animal abuse is crucial

Successful Treatment of Ureteral Obstructive Lithiasis by Ureterotomy in a Domestic Hen

A 2-year-old domestic hen was presented for a 15-day history of intermittent left leg lameness. The owners also observed a decrease in egg quality during that period. Physical examination of the bird revealed a generalized weakness with a flattened pale comb. Neurological evaluation of the left leg found a proprioceptive deficit with no loss of pain sensitivity. Whole body radiographic images showed a marked reduction of abdominal detail, a large amount of "grit" (mineral opacity) in the ventriculus, intestinal dilation, and a metallic foreign body (nail) in the digestive tract. Abnormal results from a plasma biochemistry panel were hypercalcemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperglobulinemia, hypophosphatemia, increased creatine kinase, and decreased uric acid. After initial stabilization of the patient, a computed tomographic scan was obtained, which revealed multiple right-sided ureteral calculi, the largest of which measured 10 mm in diameter, and changes compatible with cystic right renal nephrosis. Suspected compensatory enlargement of the left kidney was also observed. Considering the renal lesion and associated neurological limb impairment, surgery was recommended and approved by the owner. A right lateral approach was used for the coeliotomy, and a ureterotomy was performed to remove all calculi. Analysis of the ureteral stones confirmed they were 100% uric acid salts. The hen fully recovered left leg function 1 week postsurgery. Urolithiasis is well described in hens, but surgical treatment is uncommon. This report describes the successful removal of ureteral stones by ureterotomy in a domestic hen

Successful Treatment of Ureteral Obstructive Lithiasis by Ureterotomy in a Domestic Hen

A 2-year-old domestic hen was presented for a 15-day history of intermittent left leg lameness. The owners also observed a decrease in egg quality during that period. Physical examination of the bird revealed a generalized weakness with a flattened pale comb. Neurological evaluation of the left leg found a proprioceptive deficit with no loss of pain sensitivity. Whole body radiographic images showed a marked reduction of abdominal detail, a large amount of "grit" (mineral opacity) in the ventriculus, intestinal dilation, and a metallic foreign body (nail) in the digestive tract. Abnormal results from a plasma biochemistry panel were hypercalcemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperglobulinemia, hypophosphatemia, increased creatine kinase, and decreased uric acid. After initial stabilization of the patient, a computed tomographic scan was obtained, which revealed multiple right-sided ureteral calculi, the largest of which measured 10 mm in diameter, and changes compatible with cystic right renal nephrosis. Suspected compensatory enlargement of the left kidney was also observed. Considering the renal lesion and associated neurological limb impairment, surgery was recommended and approved by the owner. A right lateral approach was used for the coeliotomy, and a ureterotomy was performed to remove all calculi. Analysis of the ureteral stones confirmed they were 100% uric acid salts. The hen fully recovered left leg function 1 week postsurgery. Urolithiasis is well described in hens, but surgical treatment is uncommon. This report describes the successful removal of ureteral stones by ureterotomy in a domestic hen

Innovative application of an implantable venous access system in the portal vein : technique, results and complications in three dogs

BACKGROUND: Vascular access port (VAP) systems are widely used in human medicine to provide long-term venous access. However, in veterinary medicine the use of VAP systems is not common practice and publications on their potential applications have been limited. A VAP system was used as part of an experimental study on liver regeneration and implanted in the canine portal vein to create direct access to the portal venous circulation of the liver. The aim of the present study is to describe the surgical technique, its use, and the complications of a VAP system in three research dogs. RESULTS: The VAP system was successfully used for the intraoperative measurement of portal blood pressure, the administration of cell suspensions, and the collection of portal venous blood samples. Long-term complications consisted of dislocation of the VAP system in one dog (2 months after implantation) and thrombus formation at the catheter tip in two dogs (3 months after implantation). Both complications prevented further use of the VAP but had no adverse clinical implications. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study suggests that the VAP system is an effective and safe technique to obtain long term access to the portal venous system in dogs. However, complications with port detachment and thrombosis may limit long term use of VAPs in the portal system of dogs

Innovative application of an implantable venous access system in the portal vein : technique, results and complications in three dogs

BACKGROUND: Vascular access port (VAP) systems are widely used in human medicine to provide long-term venous access. However, in veterinary medicine the use of VAP systems is not common practice and publications on their potential applications have been limited. A VAP system was used as part of an experimental study on liver regeneration and implanted in the canine portal vein to create direct access to the portal venous circulation of the liver. The aim of the present study is to describe the surgical technique, its use, and the complications of a VAP system in three research dogs. RESULTS: The VAP system was successfully used for the intraoperative measurement of portal blood pressure, the administration of cell suspensions, and the collection of portal venous blood samples. Long-term complications consisted of dislocation of the VAP system in one dog (2 months after implantation) and thrombus formation at the catheter tip in two dogs (3 months after implantation). Both complications prevented further use of the VAP but had no adverse clinical implications. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study suggests that the VAP system is an effective and safe technique to obtain long term access to the portal venous system in dogs. However, complications with port detachment and thrombosis may limit long term use of VAPs in the portal system of dogs

Average estimated breeding values according to the classical evaluation method (BVA/KC scheme) (EBV) and according to the newly developed method (CCD) (Mms) by birth year.

<p>Average estimated breeding values according to the classical evaluation method (BVA/KC scheme) (EBV) and according to the newly developed method (CCD) (Mms) by birth year.</p

Distribution of EBVs over the phenotypic scores.

<p>The different graphs represent the BVA/KC score 0, 1 or 2 respectively. Blue lines divide the distribution into quartiles. Only dogs with their own phenotypic score are represented.</p

Overview of the number of dogs that were screened per age class.

<p>Overview of the number of dogs that were screened per age class.</p

Overview of the CM status of the different scans according to the BVA/KC scheme and the adapted scheme, and the division over the different age classes.

<p>Age class an equals dogs older than 5 years, b between 3 and 5 years and c younger than 3 years.</p