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Physicochemical properties of the tuber as a commercial product differ according to environmental conditions of the area and the growing season. The knowledge about how weather affects these characteristics, allows estimating the correct selection of the cultivars in order to obtain the highest yields or desired physicochemical qualities. In this sense, the effect of the main meteorological factors on the physicochemical characteristics (size, texture, dry matter, soluble solids, phenols, flavonoids, carotenoids and inhibitor concentration (IC₅₀)) of 8 potato cultivars growing in A Limia (North-West Spain) was analysed. The study was conducted during three consecutive years (2014-2016) and the results presented significant differences in the analyzed parameters between years (P < 0.05). Spearman's correlations and principal component analysis showed that the tubers of 2014 (with colder weather conditions) had the highest phenol content and the lowest flavonoids and carotenoids content. Therefore, the temperature positively favoured the flavonoid content and carotenoid content (samples from 2016), although the size of potato tubers was considerably smaller.

Influence of plant growth regulators chlormequat chloride, chlormequat chloride + ethephon, ethephon, and mepiquat chloride + prohexadione-Ca + pyraclostrobin + ammonium sulphate (BAS67800F + BAS00800D) on decreasing sunflower height was evaluated. It was determined that sunflower height can be reduced by as much as 30 cm. In the case of BAS67800F + ammonium sulphate, there was a slight difference between application at BBCH 31-33 and BBCH 50-51, whereas for ethephon better application time was at BBCH 50-51. For chlormequat chloride, application at BBCH 31-33 was better, but height reduction did not endure until harvest. Flower head diameter shortly before harvest was not affected at any tested regulator. Flowering was delayed primarily at applications at BBCH 50-51.

Mehlich 3 is an extractant used worldwide for extracting bioavailable nutrients in soils; however, its extraction abilities for sulfur (S) are still not well described. The aim of this preliminary study was to compare the results of Mehlich 3 determined soil S fraction (S_M3) with the results of sulfur fractionation, mainly focusing on bioavailable S (S_av - sum of water-extractable (S_w) and adsorbed (S_ads) sulfur). Air dried soil samples from commonly used agricultural soils were chosen for the analyses. The following S fractions were determined: (i) S_w; (ii) S_ads; (iii) S_av; (iv) 1 mol/L HCl extractable (S_HCl); (v) estersulfate (S_es); (vi) organic (S_org) and (vii) total (S_tot). The median value of S_M3 (18.3 mg/kg) was similar to S_av (17.9 mg/kg). From the correlation and regression analysis it is clear that S_M3 results are in close relationship with S_av form. On the other hand, the relationships between S_M3 and organic S (including S_HCl) were very weak. Based on the obtained results it can be concluded that Mehlich 3 method has a good potential to determine bioavailable sulfur in commonly used agricultural soils. However, especially the plant response should be further studied to confirm this theory.

Soil erosion by water has become an issue in the cultivation of maize (Zea mays L.) on sloping lands in recent years. The following three technologies of tillage have been assessed: disc cultivator, strip-till and no-till (raw land). Seeding machine Kinze 3500 was used for sowing maize cultivar Silvinio FAO 210. The experiments were conducted within the years 2013, 2014 and 2016. Erosion was evaluated under simulated rain in three stages of maize growth. The following parameters of each tested tillage treatment were measured: water infiltration (mm), soil loss (converted to t/ha), dry matter yield of the aboveground biomass and grain yield. The results confirmed that no-till technology reduced water erosion to the value of 0.40 t/ha. This technology along with the row spacing of 0.75 m tended to bring higher yields of aboveground biomass (13.40 t/ha). Tillage and phacelia as a catch crop increased water infiltration in the soil.

The paper presents the results of a conceptual study of lightweight wooden construction hall building with polygonal ground plan, suitable for agriculture. It comprises evaluation of chosen technical and functional characteristics and possibilities for animal production. The results of the study confirm advantages (mainly lower material and costs demandingness, environmentally friendliness, light-weight construction, fast assembly operations) and disadvantages (mainly larger range of groundwork, higher demandingness on roof structure, foundation of slab constructions and anchoring of vertical bearing constructions). Values of radial tensile stress at an interval of 9.0 to 21.0 MPa and tangential tensile stress at an interval of 1.4 to 16.0 MPa were calculated on vertical load 100 kN at the top of the construction). The construction makes possible to achieve a span as far as 60 m with effective canvas strain at large radius curvature from 80 m to 100 m.

Mechanical transplanted seedling must meet the requirements of standard seedling block with uniform distribution of seedlings and inter-twisting roots for rolling. This study was conducted to identify the effect of growing media on mat type seedling raised for mechanical transplanting at Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), Gazipur during the period of 2012-2014 covering two dry and cold seasons (Boro) and one wet season (Aman). Seedling were raised on plastic tray using sandy loam and clay loam soil mixed with decomposed cow-dung, mustard cake, rice straw organic fertilizer, rice bran, poultry litter and vermicompost at the rate of 0.0, 10, 20, 30 and 40%. Rolling quality of the seedling mat decreased and seedling height increased with the increased of mixing rate of organic fertilizer except rice bran and mustard cake. Averaged across three seasons, 10 to 30% cow-dung, rice straw organic fertilizer, vermicompost, 10% poultry litter and 20 to 30% rice bran with both types of soil was found suitable for seedling mat and seedling height. However, seedling varied among the organic fertilizers with both types of soil in the order of cow-dung > rice bran > vermicompost > poultry liter > rice straw organic fertilizer > mustard cake. Clay loam soil showed better performance on rolling quality over sandy loam soil.

Water quality was examined in two parallel streams in southeastern Manitoba that enclosed a small hog and poultry operation with associated waste lagoons and manure spread fields. Nitrate-N (NN), molybdenum reactive phosphorus (MRP), dissolved organic matter index (DOMI), chloride, total alkalinity, total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), pH, temperature, and total (TC) and fecal (FC) coliform bacterial counts were measured at weekly intervals during the ice-free season at two upstream and two downstream sites relative to the operation. Significantly higher values downstream compared to upstream were observed for MRP, TSS, TDS, chloride, and to some extent NN, indicating the escape of these materials into the adjacent streams. TC were correlated with the rainfall, water temperature, TDS, and pH at all sites. However, TC were also correlated with TSS, MRP, and DOMI only at the downstream sites, while NN was correlated more strongly downstream than upstream. FC were correlated with water temperature and NN at all sites, as well as with TSS and MRP downstream only. Downstream FC/TC ratios increased with increasing rainfall, indicating proportionately greater escape of FC compared to TC under higher runoff conditions. The results suggested that environmental loading of livestock waste adversely altered natural stream water quality dynamics, underlining the need for improved management practices, including the timing of manure spreading during drier weather conditions to minimise the large-scale escape events.

The present report describes a series of adverse events recorded in gilts and sows at a pig-breeding farm. The animals were listless, had poor appetite and dyspnea, sneezed and coughed, but were afebrile. Subsequently, an increased number of spontaneous abortions occurred, eventually rising to 50 times their average number. The usual infective causes of abortion were ruled out by diagnostic testing; however, the results of drinking water analysis pointed to over-chlorination, with a free chlorine residual concentration of 2.11 mg/l, caused by failure of the chlorinator dispenser connected to the water supplying system seven days previously. Analysis of data on reproductive parameters indicated that the over-chlorinated drinking water directly induced an increase in the number of abortions after only two days of consumption, whereas 7-day consumption of over-chlorinated drinking water had a direct delayed effect on the increased return to oestrus in gilts and sows, and on the increased percentage of stillborn piglets (all P < 0.001). The consequential indirect delayed effect manifested itself as a reduced number of farrowings in gilts and sows, and a lower total number of piglets born (both P < 0.001).

The antimicrobial properties of three potential probiotic strains of lactobacilli isolated from a lamb (Lactobacillus murinus C, Lactobacillus mucosae D and Lactobacillus reuteri E) were studied using the streak line method and the agar well diffusion assay. The probiotic lactobacilli strains Lactobacillus rhamnosus ATCC 53103, Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC 55730, Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC 55845 and Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 9843 were used for comparison. Using the streak line method the inhibitory activity of lactobacilli products towards ten Gram-positive and Gram-negative potential pathogenic bacteria under different cultivation conditions (anaeorobic or microaerobic preincubation of lactobacilli for 24 h or 48 h) was tested. The strongest inhibitory activity was demonstrated by the Lactobacillus reuteri E strain. The most sensitive strains to the antimicrobial activity of lactobacilli were Yersinia enterocolitica clinical isolate (19.9 ± 6.8 mm) and Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 51774 (17.7 ± 6.0 mm) after microaerobic and anaerobic preincubation, respectively. Generally, microaerobic conditions and longer preincubation of lactobacilli resulted in stronger inhibition of target bacteria. The inhibitory activity of lactobacilli towards selected lactobacilli strains was also tested. Only low inhibition of growth was observed. In the agar well diffusion assay the inhibitory effect of natural and modified lactobacilli culture cell-free supernatants, obtained from MRS broth cultures, on Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 growth was determined. Supernatants were modified by heat (10 min/60 °C; 60 min/100 °C) and protease treatment and neutralization of pH. Neutralization elicited the most significant impact on the activity of supernatants and resulted in total loss of activity. After all other modifications supernatants retained some residual activity. The highest inhibitory activity was observed for the cell-free supernatant produced by Lactobacillus mucosae D.

Following our report on reproductive failure in gilts and sows caused by drinking over-chlorinated water at a pig-breeding farm, the present study investigated the impact of water over-chlorination on the different pig production categories on the farm. Pigs were given over-chlorinated water with a free chlorine residual concentration of 2.11 mg/l for seven days, from the onset of mechanical failure of the chlorinator dispenser connected to the water supplying system until its detection. Data analysis revealed that the adverse effect of over-chlorinated drinking water manifested as an increase in the percentage of death losses in suckling, nursery and fattening pigs (all P < 0.01).

The aetiology of Crohn's disease and paratuberculosis are the subjects of intensive study and also frequently, of dispute. However, a number of other nosological entities have a similar history, namely type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, sarcoidosis, asthma, psoriasis, spondylarthritis, Blau syndrom etc. The zoonotic risk of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) has been discussed for more than one hundred years. "The problem remains open, further research is needed", is the sentence which seems to be obligatory in the conclusions of many scientific articles. A number of hypotheses have been suggested, all with a grain of truth in them. The infection hypothesis has many supporters and opponents, but it does not fit to all Crohn's disease cases. The contribution of the genetic factor has been admitted a long time ago and has been experimentally confirmed by recent excellent studies. An environmental factor is expected and has been often mentioned, but has yet to be discovered. Muramyl dipeptide, derived from peptidoglycans of the bacterial cell wall is one of the triggers, mentioned in connection with chronic inflammatory diseases. The immunomodulatory ability of this compound has been recognised for decades and is exploited in Freund's adjuvant. A critical amount of muramyl dipeptide can affect immunity during some bacterial infections but the long latent period between infection and onset of the clinical form of the disease could explain why a causative relationship between the primary infection and chronic inflammation is not considered. Different species of mycobacteria can be found in the environment, in water, dust, soil and aerosol. Although severe infections with mycobacteria have been described, these species are not thought to be typical zoonotic pathogens. Muramyl dipeptide derived from mycobacteria obviously plays a starring role as a bacterial trigger in the aetiology of many autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases. Paratuberculosis in cattle and other ruminants is a source of enormous contamination of the environment but also of milk and meat by MAP. Muramyl dipeptide from mycobacteria, namely MAP, and Crohn's disease as a representative of diseases often called civilization threats, are important pieces of the gigantic puzzle. Mycobacteria in the environment and foodstuffs have to be acknowledged as a public health risk, which can never be completely eliminated. There is no reason to push the panic button, but we must learn how to live together with this microorganism, how the pool of immunomodulator sources can be diminished, and how the pathogenic relationship between triggers and target tissues can be disrupted. The dissemination of knowledge, the availability of rapid and inexpensive tools for identification of mycobacteria in different matrices, and the establishment of a maximal allowed limit for mycobacteria in milk and meat should contribute to food safety and consumer protection.

: Obesity is recognised as the most common multiffactorial nutritional disorder of pet cats. Studies from several countries have indicated that between 11.5% and 63% of cats are overweight or obese. Breed, age, sex, reproductive status, the pet-owner relationship, owners' perceptions of their cats' body condition, type of diet, frequency of feeding, and environment have all been identified as potential risk factors for the development of obesity in cats. Obesity has significant implications for feline health and welfare as it has mechanical and metabolic effects and can predispose cats to conditions such as diabetes mellitus type 2, hepatic lipidosis, lameness, oral cavity disease, urinary tract disease, dermatological disease, and neoplasia. An important aspect of preventing and managing obesity is the evaluation of body condition to determine ideal body weight and to formulate an appropriate weight loss plan. Several methods have been developed for this purpose. This review uses recent scientific literature to discuss various aspects of feline obesity, including its prevalence, proposed risk factors, pathogenesis, associated conditions, and methods of assessment.

Relieving perioperative pain can reduce postoperative suffering and improve recovery from anaesthesia in animals. The aim of this study was to compare the analgesic effects of nefopam and tramadol in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Twenty-four adult mixed-breed female dogs were randomly divided into three groups (n = 8) and received their respective treatments immediately after surgery: Group T (2 mg/kg tramadol, i.v.), Group C (1 mg/kg nefopam, i.v.) and Group D (2 mg/kg nefopam, i.v.). The heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), respiratory rate (RR) and rectal temperature (RT) were measured and the level of analgesia was assessed using the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale (CMPS-SF). The CMPS-SF was performed at least two days before premedication (baseline), every 2 h for the first 8 h (post-extubation), at 12 h and at 24 h. Results showed that the HR in all groups was significantly (P < 0.05) higher at 2 and 6 h than at baseline. The RR in Group T was significantly higher (P < 0.05) at 0 and 2 h than at baseline. Rescue analgesia (0.2 mg/kg morphine, i.v.) was provided if CMPS-SF pain scores greater than or equal to six. Four dogs required rescue analgesia: one dog in Group T at 2 h and three dogs in Group C at 2 and 6 h. No dogs in Group D required rescue analgesia. The CMPS-SF pain scores of dogs in Group C were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those in Group T at 6, 8 and 12 h. The scores in Group D were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than those in Group C at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 h. The scores in Group D were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than those in Group T at 2 and 4 h. However, the scores in Group D were not significantly different compared with Group T. In conclusion, this study suggests that nefopam at 2 mg/kg i.v. produces better postoperative analgesia compared with tramadol at 2 mg/kg i.v. or nefopam at 1 mg/kg i.v. in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy.

Dimethyl sulphoxide has a variety of biological effects that have made it the subject of numerous pharmacological studies. The first dimethyl sulphoxide therapeutic indication approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1978 was for intravesical instillation in cases of interstitial cystitis. Since then, due to its distinctive properties, it has been the subject of studies in several areas. This review describes indications, adverse effects and contraindications, as takes a critical approach to the main articles addressing the clinical use of dimethyl sulphoxide.

The objective of this study was to evaluate potential changes in intraocular pressure in spontaneously breathing dogs undergoing laparoscopic ovariectomy with capnoperitoneum. Twenty bitches undergoing laparoscopic ovariectomy were enrolled in a prospective clinical trial. The dogs were under general anaesthesia and were breathing spontaneously throughout the entire period of the procedure. Capnoperitoneum was then established with an intra-abdominal pressure setting of 10 mmHg. Collected data included intraocular pressure, pupil size, heart rate, respiratory frequency, systolic and diastolic arterial pressure, end-tidal CO₂, oxygen saturation of haemoglobin and tidal volume. Data were recorded 5 min before starting CO₂-insufflation (baseline), after capnoperitoneum establishment (T0), and at further 5-min intervals (T5, T10, T15, T20, T25, T30). Compared to baseline, pupil size was increased at T30 (P = 0.03) and respiratory frequency at T25 (P < 0.01) and T30 (P = 0.02). No other significant changes were found regarding intraocular pressure. Our data show that the induction of an intra-abdominal pressure of 10 mmHg for a 30-min laparoscopy with the use of medetomidine-butorfanol-propofol-isoflurane in spontaneously breathing dogs in the horizontal position does not result in any important changes in intraocular pressure or end-tidal CO₂.

The pathogenicity of bacterial strains isolated from pathological processes and lesions of horses, strategies for their treatment and the choice of appropriate antimicrobials are frequently a challenging problem for private veterinarians who seek help in our laboratory. Therefore, the aim of this study was to map genera and species of Gram-negative aerobic and microaerophilic microorganisms isolated from pathological processes in horses and to identify the most effective antimicrobial agents for therapy based on antibiotic susceptibility. Between 2009 and 2014 a total of 449 clinical samples (n = 449) were examined; 229 (51%) of them were obtained from the respiratory tract, 121 (27%) from the skin, 40 (8.9%) from the digestive tract, 40 (8.9%) from the eyes, eight (1.8%) from the urinary system, six (1.3%) from the musculoskeletal system, four (0.9%) from the lymphatic system and one (0.2%) from milk. The examination was performed using conventional microbiological culture methods. The identification of isolates was confirmed using MALDI-TOF molecular phenotyping (Bruker Daltonics GmbH, Bremen, Germany). From the 276 Gram-negative isolates (prevalence of 61.5%), the most frequently detected strains were Enterobacter spp., Escherichia spp., Acinetobacter spp., Pseudomonas spp. and Actinobacillus spp. with prevalence rates of 7.6%, 6.7%, 6.7%, 6.0% and 5.8%. In addition, another 20 genera of microorganisms were detected. Susceptibility to antimicrobial agents was determined using the disc diffusion method. The most effective agents were gentamicin (94.1%), enrofloxacin (91.7%), colistin (87.0%), florfenicol (86.2%), neomycin (85.5%), streptomycin (82.4%) and tetracycline (78.5%). A good knowledge of the spectrum of bacterial species participating in pathological processes and lesions in horses and their antimicrobial susceptibility may be of great importance not only in treatment but also in deciding which prophylactic antibiotics to administer after surgical interventions.

Swimmer puppy syndrome is an unusual anomaly that affects dogs within the first few days or months of life. This syndrome is characterised by the inability of the animal to maintain a quadrupedal position primarily using the pelvic limbs. In some cases, the condition may also affect the thoracic limbs. Although the exact pathophysiology of this condition remains uncertain, plausible causes include alterations in the neuromuscular synapse, improper myelination or poor development of peripheral motor neurons, delayed muscle development or ventral horn neuropathy. Here, we describe our results using a modified technique for the treatment of swimmer puppy syndrome, based on immobilisation for a period of one to four weeks with the aid of microporous hypoallergenic tapes, plasters and elastic meshes. Our modified method showed clear evidence of improvements.

A 9.5-year-old male Belgian malinois dog died after showing clinical symptoms that included fatigue, anorexia and dyspnoea. Necropsy revealed macroscopic findings in the brain and other organs. A solitary, brown-red-coloured mass, approximately 0.5 cm thick and 1.5 × 2 cm in diameter, was detected on the right side of the medulla oblongata, pons and cerebellum. The cut surface showed no invasion of the brain parenchyma. Histologically, the neoplasm was characterised by proliferation of endothelial cells, which showed epithelioid and spindle cell features. Some tumour cells had intracytoplasmic lumen formations containing red blood cells. The nuclei of the tumour cells were large and vesicular. In immunohistochemical experiments the tumour cells stained positive for factor VIII-related antigen, CD31 and CD34. A description is provided of the features of this epithelioid and spindle-cell haemangioendothelioma (EHE) that originated from vessels of the meninges in the subarachnoid space.

Foreign bodies that affect airways are a well-recognised problem in small-animal practice. Cats in par­ticular, may be especially at risk of aspiration due to their predatory behaviour. Here, we report a case of an insect as a foreign body, namely a beetle in the tracheal bifurcation of a cat. Radiographs suggested a wide range of possibilities for differential diagnosis, but the presence of a foreign body was initially suspected. A final diagnosis was not pursued by the owner and the cat was euthanised. The presence of a summer chafer was then confirmed. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first time such a foreign body and radiographic findings are reported in the literature.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of B-mode, Doppler, acoustic radiation force impulse elastography and contrast-enhanced ultrasound exams in the differentiation of neoplastic and non-neoplastic benign mammary lesions in bitches. This research was conducted as a prospective secondary observational cohort (2014-2016) study, which included 36 mammary lesions, evaluated physically and by ultrasound (B-mode, Doppler, contrast-enhanced ultrasound and acoustic radiation force impulse) exams prior to mastectomy and histopathological classification as neoplastic or non-neoplastic lesions. All ultrasonographic parameters studied were compared between histopathological classifications using Fisher's or Student's tests and differences were considered significant when P < 0.05. Out of 36 benign mammary lesions evaluated, 25 were classified as neoplastic and 11 as non-neoplastic. The qualitative and quantitative parameters evaluated using the different ultrasound methods were not effective (P > 0.05) in differentiating between neoplastic and non-neoplastic mammary masses in bitches. Nevertheless, some B-mode variables, such as longitudinal length (P = 0.0292), width/length ratio (P = 0.0001) and width/height ratio (P = 0.0001) showed limited efficacy in the differentiation of mammary lesions types. In conclusion, ultrasonographic evaluation of benign canine mammary lesions did not allow differentiation between neoplastic and non-neoplastic tissues and only a few B-mode variables may aid in the prediction of specific tumour types.

The avermectin and pyrantel resistance of equine parasites was monitored on four farms in the Czech Republic in 2014. The aim of the testing was to investigate the anthelmintic resistance of cyathostomins and ascarids. One hundred and eighty-six horses were included in the test, 54 of which were infected by ascarids and 174 by cyathostomins. Faecal egg count reduction tests were used to assess anthelmintic resistance. The faecal egg count reduction for ascarids was within the range of 87.9% to 100% for avermectins and 100% for pyrantel embonate. Faecal egg count reduction for cyathostomins ranged from 99% to 100% for avermectins and 89.3% to 98.2% for pyrantel embonate.

Angiostrongylus vasorum and Crenosoma vulpis are parasites in the respiratory tract of domestic and wild carnivores. Recently, an increasing number of lungworm infections in dogs has been recognized in Europe. In this report, the results of the first copro-epidemiological study of A. vasorum and C. vulpis in dogs from Slovakia are presented. The Baermann technique and the modified flotation method with zinc sulphate solution (specific gravity 1.2) was used for lungworm detection. In addition, conventional PCR was performed for species confirmation. The majority of lungworm infections were found in the eastern part of the country. A relatively high prevalence (4.13%) of A. vasorum was detected in different parts of Slovakia. Infection was detected most frequently incidentally in asymptomatic dogs. Within this study, crenosomosis was detected for the first time in dogs from Slovakia. Since one infected dog had no travel history, the case is considered autochthonous. An autochthonous case report of angiostrongylosis in a Hanoverian hound puppy from central Slovakia is also described.

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of four different drugs used for anaesthesia premedication on intraocular pressure and pupil size in dogs. A prospective, randomised, double-blind clinical study was carried out. The subjects were forty client-owned healthy dogs (20 males and 20 females), aged 8.0 ± 2.9 years, with body weights of 11.8 ± 8.5 kg (mean ± SD) and without ocular abnormalities that were scheduled for periodontal treatment. Animals were randomly allocated into four groups and received intravenously either medetomidine 0.01 mg/kg, acepromazine 0.02 mg/kg, fentanyl 0.01 mg/kg or butorphanol 0.2 mg/kg. Intraocular pressure, pupil size, heart rate, respiratory frequency and systolic and diastolic arterial pressures were measured prior to (baseline) and at five and 10 minutes after premedication (T5, T10). Data were analysed by Anderson-Darling, Bartlett's, ANOVA and Dunnett's tests (P < 0.05). Significant increases of intraocular pressure were observed at T5 and T10 in the fentanyl group. Significant decreases of pupil size at T5 and T10 were detected in the fentanyl, butorphanol and medetomidine groups. In the fentanyl group, heart rate dropped significantly at T10, while respiratory frequency was elevated at T5 and T10. In the medetomidine group, heart rate and respiratory frequency were decreased at T5 and T10. In the butorphanol group, systolic arterial pressure was decreased at T5 and diastolic arterial pressure was decreased at T5 and T10. In the acepromazine group, systolic arterial pressure was decreased at T10. Within ten minutes after intravenous administration in healthy dogs, fentanyl significantly increased intraocular pressure and fentanyl, butorphanol and medetomidine decreased pupil size.

The Mongolian squirrel is a murine rodent widely used as an experimental model and kept as a pet. With respect to the significance of the brachial plexus, we aimed to describe the origin and the nerves that constitute it, providing new information about the neuroanatomy of this species. Twenty adult animals were used, which were fixed in a 10% formaldehyde solution at the Applied Animal Morphophysiology Laboratory of the Brazilian Federal University of the Semi-Arid Region (UFERSA). The animals were medially incised with an opening of the thoracic cavity, and then bilateral dissection was carried out. Once the nerves were identified, cotton wool soaked with a 2% hydrogen peroxide solution was added for bleaching and better visualisation of structures. The gerbil brachial plexus derived from ventral roots of the fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth cervical nerves (C₄-C₈) and the first thoracic root (T₁). The suprascapular nerve was formed from the nerve roots C₄ and C₅; the subscapular and cranial pectoral nerves from C₅ and C₆; the musculocutaneous and axillary nerves from C₅, C₆ and C₇; and the caudal pectoral, radial, median, ulnar, thoracodorsal, lateral thoracic and long thoracic nerves from C₇, C₈ and T₁. This resembles what is described in other rodents, such as the rat and capybara. The gerbil has a pre-fixed plexus conformation.

The present case report describes a case of chronic renal failure characterised by renal medullary fibrosis and renal papillary necrosis in a male Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris altaica). A 12-year-old male Siberian tiger presented with depression, anorexia and weight loss. Blood urea nitrogen (> 50.4 mmol/l) and ammonia (71.7 µmol/l) were increased, suggesting chronic renal failure and uraemia. The tiger died secondary to gastric haemorrhage. At necropsy, the kidneys had yellow lesions in the medulla and renal papillae and petechiae in the cortex. The stomach had multiple mucosal ulcers and haemorrhage. Microscopically, marked renal medullary fibrosis and renal papillary necrosis were observed with tubular atrophy, degeneration, coagulative necrosis, calcification and chronic inflammatory cell infiltration. The renal cortex showed moderate interstitial inflammation. The urinary bladder exhibited epithelial desquamation and submucosal fibrosis. The tiger was diagnosed with chronic renal failure secondary to renal papillary necrosis and medullary fibrosis.

Shoulder joint disorders are a major cause of forelimb lameness in dogs, and osteochondrosis, degenerative joint disease, and bicipital tenosynovitis are common joint disorders that have been reported in dogs. Many studies have investigated pain management after arthroscopy in human medicine, but reports from veterinary medicine are rare. Ropivacaine is a new amide local anaesthetic drug and a single isomer drug that is used more widely than bupivacaine in human medicine because it has fewer side effects. The present study was conducted to evaluate the analgesic effect of intra-articular injection of ropivacaine after arthroscopic surgery in dog shoulder joints. To accomplish this, ten dogs were randomly divided into two groups of five who underwent the same anaesthesia protocol and shoulder arthroscopic examination. After shoulder arthroscopy, ropivacaine or 0.9% NaCl was injected into the shoulder joint cavity and the dogs were evaluated at one hour, two hours, four hours, six hours, 12 hours and 24 hours after surgery. The evaluated parameters were heart rate, respiratory rate, lameness score, visual analogue scale and the short form of the Glasgow composite measure pain scale. Ropivacaine showed a higher analgesic effect than 0.9% NaCl, indicating that it may be useful for pain management following arthroscopic surgery in dogs.

We here report the diagnosis and surgical outcomes of a cat and three dogs with persistent right aortic arch causing oesophageal enlargement. The chief complaint in all cases was regurgitation just after solid food intake. Barium oesophagographic examinations revealed enlarged oesophaguses cranial to the heart and strictures due to arteriosus ligament constriction of the oesophagus. Surgical correction was carried out using left fourth intercostal thoracotomy and severance of the ligamentum arteriosum. The cases frequently displayed residual clinical signs and still required modified diets after a mean follow-up period of 8.6 months, but owner satisfaction was acceptable.

In this report, sclerosing sialadenitis of the sublingual salivary glands is described in a three-year-old, male, mixed breed cat. Sublingual masses were dissected and removed under dissociative anaesthesia. The patient had recovered completely at two months post-surgery. The two soft and pale red masses were 1.5 × 1 × 0.5 cm in size. Histologically, it was observed that the masses were covered with stratified squamous epithelium containing large numbers of salivary glands and ducts in the collagen-rich loose connective tissue. Scattered lymphocyte infiltrations were observed in the connective tissue. Mild to severe lymphocyte infiltration was seen between salivary glands. Some glands exhibited severe fibrosis, epithelial destruction and atrophy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of sclerosing sialadenitis in a cat. Chronic sclerosing sialadenitis (Kuttner's tumour) is a condition that has been defined in humans. Histological findings similar to those of Kuttner's tumour were observed in this case, and dense plasma cell infiltrations suggested immune-mediated plasmacytic disease, which has been reported as a potential aetiology of Kuttner's tumour. Corticosteroid therapy was not attempted, and the patient was treated successfully using surgical excision.