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Biomedical subjects

H van Bree

Publications and source records attributed to H van Bree.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Swimmer syndrome in a Devon rex kitten and an English bulldog puppy.

A three-week-old Devon rex kitten and a four-week-old English bulldog puppy were presented with "swimmer syndrome". The owners consulted several veterinarians who suggested euthanasia as the only possible solution for this condition. Physiotherapy in the puppy, and physiotherapy and bandaging in the kitten led to the resolution of the clinical signs and resulted in normal ambulation after several weeks. The authors concluded that intensive physiotherapy and dedication of the owner can lead to success.

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Endoscopic examination and tissue sampling of the bovine teat and udder cistern.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the application of an endoscopic technique to investigate the teat and udder cisterns of the bovine mammary gland, and to biopsy tissues within the cisterns. An anesthetic protocol for application in standing animals was designed, using a combination of general and local anesthesia. Individual quarter milk production (QMP), quarter somatic cell count (SCC), and occurrence of new intramammary infection were assessed after application of the technique, and possible applications for biopsies collected were investigated. Bovine teat and gland cistern lining could be visualized and small biopsy samples could be collected. The collected biopsy samples were successfully used in histological-histopathological examination and PCR analysis. To study the impact of endoscopy on QMP, milk SCC, and bacteriology, endoscopic examination of 12 low SCC (<200,000 cells/ mL) quarters was performed in 8 different first- and second-lactation cows. Immediately following endoscopy, 8 quarters received antibiotic treatment, whereas 4 quarters remained untreated. During a 15-d follow-up, no new intramammary infection could be observed in the endoscopically treated quarters. For QMP, no significant interaction between time and treatment could be observed throughout the 15-d follow-up period. Quarter SCC did not differ among treatments (control, endoscopy with antibiotics, and endoscopy without antibiotics). In conclusion, the endoscopic technique is suitable for examination and tissue biopsy collection of the bovine mammary gland cisterns without major interference with QMP and quarter SCC.

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Review of the literature: elbow incongruity in the dog.

Elbow incongruity is the term to describe bad alignment of the joint surfaces of the elbow. Two features illustrate incongruity of the elbow: an abnormal shape of the ulnar trochlear notch and a step between the radius and ulna, caused by either a short radius or a short ulna. It has been suggested that both an elliptical notch, and a step, can cause increased local pressure within the joint, resulting in loose fragments at different locations: ununited anconeal process (UAP), fragmented coronoid process (FCP), osteochondritis dissecans of the humeral condyle (OCD). These lesions are grouped under the term 'elbow dysplasia' and are the most frequent causes of front leg lameness in the dog. Although several radiographic features to diagnose incongruity have been described, the 'scoring' of incongruity is subjective because there is currently no objective method to measure the degree of incongruity. Because superimposition is avoided, CT is suggested as a standard technique to measure incongruity. Arthroscopy on the other hand, allows the direct visualisation of the intra-articular structures and their abnormalities. Information on both techniques are still relatively new. Several surgical techniques have been proposed to restore joint congruity; the one most frequently used is an ulnar osteotomy. But because of possible complications, other techniques are being developed. Reports evaluating the results of the different techniques are not yet available.

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Osteoinductive properties of the bone marrow--myth or reality.

The osteogenic potential of red bone marrow was first reported more than 100 years ago. Since then, studies have reported controversial results that do not confirm nor disprove the capacity of fresh red bone marrow to produce bone. Researches have been focused on techniques that improve the efficiency of the bone marrow, including: the increase of the concentration of the mesenchymal stem cells in the aspirated bone marrow, the combination with a 'carrier' that helps to maintain the mesenchymal stem cells and guides and supports the vascular ingrowth in the defect, or the combination with bone growth factors that stimulate the marrow stromal cells to differentiate into bone forming cells. Each of these techniques has its drawbacks and increases the expenses of an operation. On the other hand, the synergistic effect observed with these combinations does not resolve the problem of the osteogenic capacity of pure bone marrow, which still remains questionable.

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Interleukin-8 mRNA expression in synovial fluid of canine stifle joints with osteoarthritis.

The objective of this study was to examine and compare the presence of interleukin (IL)-8 mRNA in canine stifle osteoarthritis (OA) differing in etiopathogenesis. Synovial fluid (SF) samples were collected from 24 clinically normal stifle joints and 46 diseased stifle joints (32 stifle joints with cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR), 2 joints with CCLR and patella luxation (PL), 7 joints with medial PL and 5 joints with primary OA). The samples were centrifuged to collect synovial fluid cells for RNA extraction. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to obtain cDNA from all samples. Canine IL-8 mRNA expression was determined using real time PCR. Synovial fluid glass smears were made of all samples and coloured with H&E for differential cell counts. All stifle joints were radiographed and graded for the severity of OA. Sixty-one percent (28/46) of the samples from canine stifle OA had IL-8 mRNA expression in contrast to 4% (1/24) in the control stifle joints. This difference in prevalence is highly significant. There were no statistically significant pairwise differences among the mean ranks of the various OA groups for the absolute amount of IL-8 mRNA expression. Neither was there a link between the severity of OA (determined by radiographic evaluation) and the presence of IL-8 in the SF nor any significant difference in the absolute amount of IL-8 between the different OA grades. No statistical difference was found in differential cell counts between IL-8-positive and -negative SF samples. IL-8 cannot be used as a specific joint disease marker since IL-8 expression is found in OA differing in etiopathogenesis. It might, however, relate to the ongoing inflammation within the joint.

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The effect of different isolation procedures on canine leucocyte populations and on lectin-induced lymphocyte proliferation.

Proliferation assays performed on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) are commonly used in experimental and clinical immunology. A prerequisite for an in vitro assay is the ability to obtain relatively pure populations of mononuclear cells from whole blood, as contaminating polymorphonuclear cells may affect the proliferation of lymphocytes. Purification of canine leucocytes from whole blood is associated with difficulties in obtaining pure lymphocytes in high yields. The aim of this study was to optimize the lymphocyte purification from canine whole blood in terms of total cell recovery and purity, while not influencing the proliferation capacity of the isolated cells. To acquire optimal isolation of canine lymphocytes several density gradient media of different densities and osmolalities were examined. For optimal phagocyte removal, pre-treatment of whole blood with carbonyl iron/arabic gum and/or adherence to fibrinogen pre-coated polystyrene tissue flasks were examined. Lectin-induced proliferation was used as measurement of cell activity of the obtained cell fractions after the different separation procedures. Canine blood pre-treated with carbonyl iron/arabic gum followed by density gradient centrifugation with medium 'G' (density: 1.079 g/cm(3), osmolality: 256 mOsm) and adherence to pre-coated polystyrene tissue flask obtained the best PBMC cultures with a median lymphocyte purity of 88% and a median yield of recovered lymphocytes of 54%. This culture also resulted in the highest proliferation and subsequently the highest stimulation index upon lectin stimulation.

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Computerized tomography compared with radiography in the diagnosis of lateral trochlear ridge talar osteochondritis dissecans in dogs.

In this retrospective study, we compared the value of radiographic and computerized tomographic (CT) imaging for the diagnosis of lateral trochlear ridge talar osteochondritis dissecans (LTRT-OCD) in 11 tarsocrural joints. The flexed dorsoplantar skyline and the planta-rolateral-dorsomedial projections were the most reliable for radiographic detection of OCD fragments (in 7 of the 11 joints). Overall, radiography detected OCD fragments in 8 of 11 joints. By contrast, the OCD fragments could be visualized and exactly localized by CT in all 11 joints. Computerized tomography allowed the talar ridges to be inspected without superimposition of any bony structures. This information may be very useful when minimal invasive techniques are used to treat LTRT-OCD lesions. The findings of this study suggest that CT is superior to radiography for making a diagnosis of LTRT-OCD in the dog.

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Influence of acetylsalicylic acid and ketoprofen on canine thyroid function tests.

Many factors including drugs can influence thyroid function in humans, rats and dogs. Studies in humans report significant effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) on thyroid function tests, which can lead to misinterpretation of the results and inappropriate therapeutic decisions. As NSAIDs are used more and more frequently in dogs, it is important to know to what extent they can influence results. Eighteen spayed female beagle dogs were randomly assigned to three treatment sequences in a 3 x 3 crossover study design with treatments consisting of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) (25 mg/kg BW q 12 h), ketoprofen (Keto) (1 mg/kg BW q 24 h) or placebo administered for a 1-week period with a 3-week washout period between treatment periods. Blood samples for determination of total thyroxine (TT4), free thyroxine (FT4), total triiodothyronine (TT3), thyrotropin (TSH), reverse triiodothyronine (rT3), Keto and ASA concentrations were taken during each treatment period on days 0, 1, 3 and 7. During the washout period samples were taken weekly. A significant decrease in TT4 was observed as soon as 24 h after ASA administration, whereas the decrease in TT3 was less pronounced and differed significantly from the placebo only after 1 week of administration. No significant effects were found for free T4 and TSH with ASA administration. No significant effects on thyroid results were found following Keto administration. The results indicate that TT4 can be markedly decreased by ASA therapy and until the results of further studies are available, thyroid function test results should be interpreted cautiously in dogs on NSAIDs therapy.

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Radiographic, computed tomographic and arthroscopic findings in 23 dogs with osteochondrosis of the tarsocrural joint.

Twenty-three dogs with osteochondrosis of the tarsocrural joint were evaluated by radiography, computed tomography (CT) and arthroscopy. The radiographic examination included an extended and flexed mediolateral, a plantarodorsal, a flexed dorsoplantar skyline view, and a plantaromedial-dorsolateral and a plantarolateral-dorsomedial view (two oblique views). The CT examination was carried out in ventral recumbency and 1 mm slices were taken with a bone window setting; 31 lesions were identified in the 46 joints examined. The arthroscopic exploration used either a plantar or a dorsal puncture, depending on the site of the lesion. In six cases the lateral, and in 17 cases the medial trochlear ridge was involved. Although the survey radiographs were sufficient to make a diagnosis, the CT examination helped to determine the exact site, and the number and size of the fragments of bone. A four-stage classification system comparable to the one used in man was established. Arthroscopy provided information about synovial inflammation and damage to the joint cartilage, and made it possible to remove fragments of bone from one-third of the cases.

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Biomechanical properties of braided polyester tapes intended for use as intra-articular cranial cruciate ligament prostheses in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the in vitro structural and material properties of braided, multifilament, nonabsorbable polyester tapes, used for intra-articular stabilization of cranial cruciate ligament- (CCL-) deficient stifle joints in dogs, and compare those with properties of multifilament polyamide tapes. SAMPLE POPULATION: 30 polyester tapes (width, 4 mm), 10 polyester tapes (width, 7 mm), and 30 polyamide tapes (width, 4 mm) were tested to failure. Cyclic loading experiments were also performed, using 3 polyester tapes of each width. PROCEDURE: Tapes were mounted in a tensile tester as single loops, simulating intra-operative conditions, and elongated to failure at 1,000 mm/min. Additionally, the behavior of polyester tapes was tested at different elongation rates. In a second series of experiments, biomechanical variables of the polyester tapes were measured after 25 sets of 2,000 cycles between physiologic force limits. RESULTS: Mean (+/- SD) ultimate loads of the 4-mm wide polyamide tapes, 4-mm wide polyester tapes, and 7-mm wide polyester tapes were 266.48 +/- 13.19 301.78 +/- 16.92, and 726.40 +/- 37.74 N, respectively. Corresponding stiffnesses were 15.57 +/- 0.49, 21.63 +/- 2.19, and 34.85 +/- 2.66 N/mm, respectively. Failure properties of polyester tapes were affected by previous cyclic loading. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Polyester tapes of 4- or 7-mm widths should be able to resist forces resulting from weight bearing in dogs, suggesting that these tapes will be effective for stabilization of the stifle joint in dogs with a ruptured CCL.

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Prevalence and relevance of antibodies to type-I and -II collagen in synovial fluid of dogs with cranial cruciate ligament damage.

OBJECTIVE: To measure and compare synovial fluid antibody titers to type-I and -II collagen in stifle joints with instability caused by complete or partial cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture and joints with osteoarthrosis secondary to other pathologic changes in dogs. ANIMALS: 82 dogs with diseased stifle joints. PROCEDURE: Synovial fluid samples were collected from 7 dogs with clinically normal stifles (control group) and 82 dogs with diseased joints (50 stifle joints with complete rupture of the CCL, 20 with partial damage of the CCL, and 12 joints with radiographic signs of osteoarthritis secondary to other arthropathies). Synovial fluid samples were tested for autoantibodies to type-I and -II collagen by an ELISA. RESULTS: In dogs with complete and partial CCL rupture, synovial fluid antibody titers to type-I and -II collagen were significantly increased, compared with control dogs. Forty-eight percent (24/50) of samples from dogs with complete CCL rupture and 35% (7/20) of samples from dogs with partial CCL rupture had antibody titers to type-I collagen that were greater than the mean plus 2 standard deviations of the control group titers. Synovial fluid antibody titers to type-II collagen were high in 40% of the dogs with partial or (8/20) complete (20/50) CCL rupture. Dogs with osteoarthrosis secondary to other pathologic changes had significantly increased synovial fluid antibodies to type-I and -II collagen, compared with control dogs. CONCLUSION: Increases in autoantibodies to collagen in synovial fluid are not specific for the type of joint disorder. It is unlikely that the anticollagen antibodies play an active role in the initiation of weakening of the CCL.

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Use of compression stress radiography for the detection of partial tears of the canine cranial cruciate ligament.

Twenty-three cases of partial rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) were reviewed. All of these patients were evaluated for clinical and radiographic signs of instability. Nine cases showed a negative drawer sign on manual assessment. A positive radiographic tibial compression test was obtained for all stifle joints with a partially ruptured cruciate. In 13 cases, the site of injury and the appearance of the torn ends were evaluated. The final diagnosis of partial CCL rupture was made by direct visualisation and probing of the CCL during arthrotomy (22 cases) or arthroscopy (one case).

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Popliteal sesamoid displacement associated with cruciate rupture in the dog.

Distal displacement of the popliteal sesamoid is a useful parameter in the interpretation of tibial compression radiographs in cases of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in the dog. An accuracy of 99 per cent and a specificity of 100 per cent were achieved by assessing the localisation of the sesamoid bone in the diagnosis of cruciate disease.

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Radiographic measurement of craniocaudal instability in stifle joints of clinically normal dogs and dogs with injury of a cranial cruciate ligament.

OBJECTIVE: To determine craniocaudal laxity of the stifle joint of dogs when joints were positioned in tibial compression or neutral position. SAMPLE POPULATION: 19 normal stifle joints in 10 clinically normal dogs, 29 stifle joints with varying injury to the cranial cruciate ligament (10 complete ruptures alone, 10 complete ruptures with concomitant damage to the medial meniscus, 6 partial ruptures alone, and 3 partial ruptures with concomitant meniscal tearing), and 19 unaffected contralateral stifle joints in those 29 dogs. PROCEDURE: Relative displacement of bony landmarks was measured on paired lateral radiographs (neutral and tibial compression positions). Two measuring techniques were customized for use in dogs. RESULTS: The first technique failed to distinguish results in normal stifle joints from those in stifle joints with partial deficiency of cranial cruciate ligaments. Significant differences were found for joints with complete rupture, compared with stifle joints in clinically normal dogs. The second technique detected differences between normal stifle joints and injured joints with partial or complete rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament. Significant differences were not detected between joints with partial versus complete rupture. Adjusting data to account for size of dog did not improve results. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A wide range in measurements of laxity was found for stifle joints with intact cranial cruciate ligaments. Differences in degree of damage to the ligament and medial meniscus cannot be deduced from the amount of relative displacement measured on radiographs. Pathologic changes to the cranial cruciate ligament will not necessarily induce detectable changes in laxity of stifle joints in dogs.

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Diagnosis of cranial cruciate ligament injury in dogs by tibial compression radiography.

Stress radiographs were taken of 42 sound stifle joints, of five stifles with injuries other than cruciate disease, and of 72 stifles with surgically confirmed cranial cruciate damage. The stifles were also examined by the cranial drawer test. No false positive compression radiographs were obtained. In the 72 stifles with cranial cruciate damage, instability was diagnosed on the stressed view in all but two cases. The sensitivity of the radiographic tibial compression test was 97 per cent, compared with 86 per cent for the cranial drawer test; the specificities of the tests were 100 per cent and nearly 98 per cent, respectively.

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Arthroscopic findings in 100 dogs with elbow lameness.

Elbow arthroscopy was performed in 100 dogs with foreleg lameness localised to the elbow joint, bilaterally in 48 of them, making a total of 148 joints examined. Lesions in the area of the medial coronoid process varied from cartilage fissures in 13 to fragmentation in 91, chondromalacia-like lesions in 27. This last lesion has not been reported previously in the veterinary literature. Kissing lesions on the medial side of the humeral condyle were present in 83 joints, whereas lesions of osteochondritis dissecans were found in only three. All these lesions were associated with varying signs of synovitis and arthrosis. Arthroscopic signs of arthrosis and/or synovitis without associated medical coronoid lesions were found in 14 elbow joints.

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Magnetic resonance arthrography of the scapulohumeral joint in dogs, using gadopentetate dimeglumine.

Six scapulohumeral joints (3 normal joints and 3 joints with radiographic evidence of osteochondrosis) underwent conventional magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and MR scapulohumeral arthrography to evaluate delineation of the articular cartilage. The MR arthrography was performed, using 5 ml of 500 microM gadopentetate dimeglumine (Gd-DTPA) as a contrast medium. Delineation of normal articular cartilage and cartilage defects was less accurate after intra-articular administration of Gd-DTPA. Therefore, it was concluded that MR arthrography with Gd-DTPA is unrewarding for evaluation of osteochondrosis lesions.

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