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Biomedical subjects

M Flückiger

Publications and source records attributed to M Flückiger.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

[Mitotane treatment in a dog with a recurring adrenocortical carcinoma--a case report].

In a 7 year old female poodle an adrenocortical tumor was diagnosed on basis of laboratory and ultrasonographic examinations. One year after adrenalectomy, a relapse was diagnosed, at that time the suspicion of metastases in the liver arose for the first time. By treatment with Mitotane in a dose aiming at completely destroying the adrenal cortex, a complete disappearance of the tumor as well as a dramatic reduction of the size of the metastases could be achieved. 12 months after the begin of the chemotherapy, the dog is in good general condition.

Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms↗

Comparison of two classification protocols in the evaluation of elbow dysplasia in the dog.

The incidence of elbow disease based solely on arthrosis (ARTH) score was compared with a protocol using a combination of ARTH score plus a score for primary lesions (ED score). The population of dogs studied included 425 Bernese mountain dogs and 22 dogs of other breeds. The overall agreement between the two systems was high. However, 12 per cent of ARTH-score negative cases were positive using the ED score. This difference was statistically significant (P < 0.005). The female:male ratio of the dogs missed using the ARTH score was 2:1. The proportion of dogs affected with arthrosis increased with age, male dogs being affected more frequently. The development of arthrosis depends not only on age and breed, but probably also on gender. Thus, screening for elbow dysplasia should be based on at least two radiographic projections, including arthrosis and primary lesions. As the vast majority of dogs in this study were Bernese mountain dogs, conclusions are valid only for this breed.

Age Factors↗

[Epidemiologic and genetic studies of canine hip dysplasia in a population of Labrador retrievers: a study over 25 years].

The occurrence of canine hip dysplasia (CHD) was analyzed in a colony of 738 Labrador Retrievers between 1972 and 1996. Of these dogs, 86.3% were radiographically examined for hip dysplasia. The overall prevalence of CHD was 31.3% during the study period of 25 years. Between 1972 and 1980, the prevalence of CHD was 57.9%. It decreased to 14.9% between 1991 and 1996. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were developed to identify the influence of potential risk factors for CHD such as age at examination, gender, color, year and season of birth, litter size, order of birth, birth weight, body weight and daily weight gain. Birth year and age at examination proved to be significant risk factors. No significant association was found between CHD and elbow dysplasia. Of the dogs diagnosed with CHD, 18% showed dysplastic changes only, without radiographic signs of secondary osteoarthritis (OA). The Norberg angle (NA) proved to be a significant risk factor for coxofemoral osteoarthritis with a moderate negative correlation between OA and NA. Finally, genetic effects were calculated in a mixed model. Heritability (h2) of CHD was estimated at 0.53 (SE = 0.17) for paternal half siblings. The proportion of the common environment of a litter to the total variance was estimated at C2 = 0.03.

Analysis of Variance↗

Ultrasonographic findings in cattle with pleuropneumonia.

The clinical, ultrasonographic and radiographic findings in three cows and one bull with pleuropneumonia are described. All the animals had fever, indigestion, tachypnoea and abnormal lung sounds. Percussion of the thoracic wall elicited signs of pain and tests for foreign bodies were positive. Ultrasonographic examination revealed an accumulation of anechogenic to hypoechogenic fluid in the pleural space in the ventral thorax of all the animals. In one animal, echogenic bands of fibrin were observed between the thoracic wall and pulmonary surface. In another, parts of the right lung were not inflated because of severe bronchopneumonia. Radiographic examination revealed a pleural effusion, apparent as a horizontal fluid line, in three animals. In addition, the increased radiopacity in parts of the dorsal lung fields and increased bronchial and peribronchial markings suggested bronchopneumonia. In three animals, the radiographs revealed linear foreign bodies in the reticulum, suggesting that the pleuropneumonia was caused by the penetration of the foreign body into the thoracic cavity. A diagnosis of pleuropneumonia was made in all the animals on the basis of the clinical, ultrasonographic and radiographic findings and the analysis of the pleural fluid. The diagnosis was confirmed at slaughter in three of them; the fourth animal was treated and was clinically healthy when it was discharged.

Animals↗

Heading and path information from retinal flow in naturalistic environments.

In four experiments, we explored the heading and path information available to observers as we simulated their locomotion through a cluttered environment while they fixated an object off to the side. Previously, we presented a theory about the information available and used in such situations. For such a theory to be valid, one must be sure of eye position, but we had been unable to monitor gaze systematically; in Experiment 1, we monitored eye position and found performance best when observers fixated the designated object at the center of the display. In Experiment 2, when we masked portions of the display, we found that performance generally matched the amount of display visible when scaled to retinal sensitivity. In Experiments 3 and 4, we then explored the metric of information about heading (nominal vs. absolute) available and found good nominal information but increasingly poor and biased absolute information as observers looked farther from the aimpoint. Part of the cause for this appears to be that some observers perceive that they have traversed a curved path even when taking a linear one. In all cases, we compared our results with those in the literature.

Environment↗

[What is your diagnosis? Iron deficiency anemia due to intestinal blood loss].

Iron lack anemia due to chronic blood loss was diagnosed in a 12 year old dog based on typical hematological abnormalities including moderate regenerative anemia (Hct 21%) and microcytosis (MCV 39 fl). Clinical abnormalities included weakness and episodic vomiting. Chronic occult blood loss in adult dogs most commonly occurs in the gastrointestinal tract associated with ulcus or neoplasia. Possible diagnostic steps include radiographs, abdominal ultrasound, gastroduodenoscopy and exploratory laparotomy. In the dog of this report gastric and duodenal adenocarcinomata were found during necropsy confirming the clinical suspicion of a bleeding gastrointestinal malignancy.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Suppurative pleuropneumonia and a pulmonary abscess in a ram: ultrasonographic and radiographic findings.

This report describes a two-year-old White Alpine ram with suppurative pleuropneumonia and a lung abscess. Prior to admission, the ram had been unsuccessfully treated with antibiotics and levamisole. Clinical examination revealed that the general behaviour and condition of the ram were severely disturbed. The rectal temperature and respiratory rate were increased. Auscultation of the lungs revealed increased vesicular sounds. Based on clinical findings, a tentative diagnosis of bronchopneumonia was made. To confirm the diagnosis, blood was taken for serological testing for Maedi-Visna, and endoscopic examination of the respiratory tract and ultrasonographic and radiographic examination of the thorax were performed. Cytologic and bacteriologic examination of tracheal secretions revealed large numbers of neutrophils and Actinomyces pyogenes organisms. A pocket of gas, surrounded by a capsule of soft tissue density, overlying the base of the heart, and a horizontal fluid line were observed on radiographs. Ultrasonographic examination revealed an effusion between the pleura and the lung on the left side of the thorax; an encapsulated abscess was seen on the right side of the thorax. Centesis and aspiration of this accumulation of fluid yielded foul-smelling pus. Post mortem examination confirmed the clinical, radiographic and ultrasonographic findings. The ram had severe chronic suppurative pleuropneumonia with abscess formation between the pleura and lung on the right side.

Actinomyces↗

Comparison of ultrasonographic and radiographic findings in cows with traumatic reticuloperitonitis.

The radiographic and ultrasonographic findings in 26 cows with traumatic reticuloperitonitis were compared. The cows were divided into three groups based on the radiographic findings; the first group consisted of 12 cows in which the principal radiographic finding was a foreign body penetrating the reticulum; the second group contained four cows in which the principal radiographic finding was gas shadows or a gas-fluid interface, the third group consisted of 10 cows that had no reliable radiographic evidence of traumatic reticuloperitonitis, such as an abnormal contour, position or shape of the reticulum. In no case could the foreign bodies be visualised by ultrasonography. In all the cows except one with radiographic evidence of abnormal gas inclusions and gas-fluid interfaces, ultrasonography revealed echogenic, partitioned and capsulated structures with central hypoechogenic cavities. In addition, in some of the cows with no radiographic evidence of the condition, severe changes indicative of inflammatory processes were visible by ultrasonography.

Animals↗

[Case report: dirofilariasis in a dog].

A Siberian Husky from the Milan region was referred to the Clinic for clarification of a history of weight loss and rapid fatigue. On clinical examination increased vesicular sounds and dyspnea after physical excitement and effort were the only abnormal findings demonstrable. Radiologically demonstrated changes of the pulmonary arteries led to a tentative diagnosis of Dirofilariosis. The parasitological diagnosis based on serology and the morphology of microfilariae isolated from the blood indicated an infection by microfilariae and adult stages of Dirofilaria immitis. After premedication with Aspirin, the patient was treated against adult filariae with Caparsolate, and a month later with Ivermectin against the microfilariae. At the time of reexamination, 5 months after initiation of therapy, the dog was clinically healthy and free of any demonstrable infection with Dirofilaria. In a second, clinically normal Husky from the same kennel, isolated Dirofilaria repens microfilariae were demonstrated. This dog was not treated.

Animals↗

Radiography as an aid in the diagnosis of traumatic reticuloperitonitis in cattle.

Radiographs of the reticulum, the medical records and the surgical and post mortem findings for 151 cattle were evaluated, and the radiographic findings in animals which had no pathological changes in the cranioventral abdomen were compared with those in animals with traumatic reticuloperitonitis. Features that were found to be reliable in the diagnosis of the condition included atypically positioned foreign bodies, abnormal gas shadows in the region of the reticulum, and depressions in the cranioventral margin of the reticulum. In addition to the reticulum, the remainder of the cranioventral abdomen was also assessed radiographically. An accumulation of gas or a gas-fluid interface outside the gastrointestinal tract, and intra-abdominal masses were typical findings in cattle with traumatic reticuloperitonitis. Various parameters were used to determine the reliability of radiography of the reticulum in the diagnosis of the condition; its prevalence was 50 per cent, the sensitivity of the radiographic diagnosis was 76 per cent, the specificity was 93 per cent, the accuracy was 85 per cent, the positive predictive value was 92 per cent and the negative predictive value was 80 per cent.

Animals↗

[Experiences with long-term intravenous therapy using teflon catheters in 80 horses].

In a retrospective study the tolerance to Teflon coated catheters in long-term intravenous medication was evaluated in 80 horses. Catheters were inserted into the jugular vein and remained there for 3 to 30 days (average 8.6 days). Catheters were flushed using an heparinized solution after each medication administration. The site of catheter placement was evaluated daily for swelling, pain and venous distensibility respectively. Swelling at the site of insertion was noted in 10 horses, a small subcutaneous abscess formation was identified in one horse. Fourteen sonographic evaluations were performed on 10 horses, demonstrating perivascular changes in four. Thrombus formation did not occur. In all horses the catheter could be identified floating freely within the vascular lumen. Catheter failure occurred in nearly a third of all cases either as a result of mechanical failure or of pull-out by the horse. After removal of the catheter no adverse side effects attributable to the mode of medication were noted in any of the horses. In conclusion, intravenous medication using Teflon-coated catheters is a suitable alternative to other modes of administration.

Abscess↗