Research in veterinary science
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An interventional ultrasound technique to increase the safety of surgical treatment of the calf forelimb was tested. First, the brachial plexus was evaluated using ultrasonography and then 2% lidocaine was injected under ultrasound guidance. Ultrasonically, the brachial plexus appeared as multiple hypoechoic areas surrounded by a hyperechoic rim or a hyperechoic structure characterised by multiple discontinuous lines. ⋯ The sensitive effect in the forelimb was seen mainly in the area supplied by the musculocutaneous nerve, indicating successful blockage in the nerve plexus. Out of the eight forelimbs, the motor effect was observed in seven forelimbs. These results suggest the clinical feasibility of ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block in bovine medicine, although further studies are needed to examine various approaches, including the sites of needle insertion and the appropriate volume and dosage of anaesthetic.
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We evaluated whether the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentration of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) is related to disease severity, prognosis and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 activity of the CSF in miniature dachshund with intervertebral disc herniation. Samples were obtained from 23 patients and 6 normal dogs, and all patients received hemilaminectomy. Twenty dogs recovered successfully and 3 of 11 dogs without deep nociception had MMP-9 activity in the CSF and an unsuccessful outcome. ⋯ MMP-9 activity and neurological severity were not related to the COMP levels. However, the COMP levels from 3 unsuccessful cases that had MMP-9 activity were significantly lower than those from all recovered cases and/or successful cases without deep nociception. Concerning severe cases, increased proteolytic activity might affect the COMP concentration and prognosis due to MMP-9 associated deleterious effects.