Veterinary Research Forum

Abstract Vertebrate skeletons can be considered as a combination of apparently separate units, which has attracted the attention of comparative anatomists. The Luristan newt (Neurergus kaiseri) is one of the newt species native to Iran, inhabiting a limited area in the southern Zagros Mountain range. The present study investigated the typical morphometrical characteristics of the normal, mature, and healthy Luristan newt vertebral column using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). For this study, five female and five male specimens of Luristan newt were utilized. The typical morphological characteristics of the vertebral column were then examined. To facilitate the description of different regions of the vertebral column, abbreviations were employed: "T" for trunk vertebrae, "S" for sacral vertebrae, "Cd-S" for caudosacral vertebrae, and "Cd" for caudal vertebrae. All parameters, including vertebral body height, vertebral body length, spinous process height, spinal canal width, and spinal canal height, exhibited significant differences throughout the vertebral column. The highest vertebral body height in both sexes was recorded in T10. The highest vertebral body length in both sexes was observed in T12. The highest spinous process height in both sexes was recorded in Cd3. The highest spinal canal width in both sexes was recorded in the atlas. The maximum spinal canal height in both sexes was also recorded in the atlas. The lowest values in all parameters were observed in the last caudal vertebra. This study presents a comprehensive description and morphometric evaluation of the vertebral column in Luristan newt with micro-CT. 

Abstract Ovariohysterectomy (OHE) is one of the most common surgeries in veterinary medicine. Although this surgical method has several advantages, it can alter the function of various organs such as heart. The present study investigated the effect of OHE on cardiac functions using M-mode echocardiography. A total of 10 healthy adult domestic short-haired cats were enrolled in the current study. Fractional shortening (FS) and ejection fraction (EF) percentages along with cardiac output (CO) were measured through the right parasternal approach in papillary muscle level view. Moreover, the levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay before OHE (D0) as well as 10 (D10), 20 (D20) and 30 (D30) days after OHE. The results of this study showed that the mean FS and EF decreased on all days of the study. The FS reduction was significant between D10 and D30 and EF changes were significant between D10 and D20. The means of CO increased significantly on D0 compared to the D10. After D20, CO reduced until the end of the study. Mean concentrations of LH and FSH increased on all research days; but, the changes were significant until D20. Despite the negative effects of OHE on myocardial function, there was no significant correlation between hormonal levels and echocardiographic findings after OHE in this study.

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to evaluate effects of medetomidine on left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) velocity in domestic short-haired cats. Eighteen healthy adult male domestic short-haired cats were used for this study. All animals were client-owned. Echocardiography machine with 7.50 MHz transducer was used. Specific veterinary two-dimensional and pulse-waved echocardiogram images in apical five chamber right parasternal view were obtained and blood velocity in LVOT was calculated. After baseline echocardiographic recordings, 0.04 mg kg^-1 of medetomidine was intramuscularly administered to each animal and LVOT velocity was calculated after 15 (T15), 50 (T30) and 80 (T80) min following drug administration. The LVOT velocity values (mean ± SEM) of cats in baseline were 1.06 ± 0.04 m sec^-1. There were significant differences between baseline and T15 and T30 regarding mean LVOT values. Age and weight had no significant effect on LVOT velocity values. The LVOT velocity values of T15, T50 and T80 were 0.77 ± 0.04, 0.80 ± 0.02 and 0.96±0.03 m sec^-1, respectively. Our findings revealed significant decrease in mean LVOT velocity up to 50 min following medetomidine administration. The present study determined normal LVOT velocity range for a small population of cats before and after intra-muscular medetomidine administration.

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the effects of intramuscular injection of medetomidine on intra-renal arteriesresistive and pulsatility indices by duplex Doppler ultrasonographyin clinically normal adult domestic shorthair cats. For this purpose, twenty-six neutered adult healthy domestic shorthair cats (13 females and 13 males) were evaluated. B-mode, color Doppler and pulsed wave Doppler ultrasonography of right and left kidneys were performed to record the resistive index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) of intra-renal arteries. To minimize statistical errors, the mean RI and PI were determined for each kidney by averaging three waveforms from the intra-renal arteries. Twenty-four hr later, the cats were sedated by 0.04 mg kg^-1 intramuscular administration of medetomidine. All the Doppler measurements were repeated 15 min after drug administration. Mean ± standard deviation )SD( of PI and RI of the intra-renal arteries before administration of intramuscular medetomidine were 1.03 ± 0.08 and 0.61 ± 0.02, respectively. Fifteen min after medetomidine administration, the mean ± SD of PI and RI values were 1.04 ± 0.08 and 0.61 ± 0.02, respectively. Significant differences were not detected in mean PI and RI values before and 15 min after drug administration. Our findings showed that intramuscular administration of medetomidine does not cause significant hemodynamic changes in the intra-renal arteries after 15 min.