ObjectiveTo report the clinical characteristics, types of vascular ring anomalies (VRA), operative findings, complications, and survival after surgical treatment of cats with VRA.Study designRetrospective, multi‐institutional case series.AnimalsClient‐ or shelter‐owned cats presenting to academic, referral veterinary institutions.MethodsMedical records of cats with VRA that underwent surgical treatment were reviewed. Signalment, relevant medical history, clinical signs, diagnostic imaging, surgical findings, complications, and survival were recorded.ResultsTwenty cats with VRA were included. Vascular ring anomalies were most commonly (75% [15/20]) diagnosed in cats less than 1 year old, with no breed or sex predilection. Regurgitation was the most common clinical sign, present in 18 of 20 (90%) cats. A persistent right aortic arch was diagnosed in 17 of 20 (85%) cats, with concurrent aberrant left subclavian artery in four of the cats. Surgical treatment was associated with survival to discharge in 18 of 20 (90%) cats. Persistent clinical signs were reported in nine of 13 (69%) cats, and radiographic evidence of megaesophagus persisted in four of 13 (31%) cats, with a median follow‐up of 275 days after discharge.ConclusionPersistent right aortic arch was the most commonly diagnosed VRA in cats in this series, although multiple anomalies were observed. Surgical treatment of VRA in cats was associated with a high survival to discharge, although persistence of clinical signs and megaesophagus was noted in 69% and 31% of the cats, respectively.Clinical significanceSurgical treatment of VRA in cats is associated with a high survival rate; however, persistence of clinical signs is an expected outcome.

No abstract

Large animal (non-rodent mammal) models are commonly used in ACL research, but no species is currently considered the gold standard. Important considerations when selecting a large animal model include anatomical differences, the natural course of ACL pathology in that species, and biomechanical differences between humans and the chosen model. This article summarizes recent reports related to anatomy, pathology, and biomechanics of the ACL for large animal species (dog, goat, sheep, pig, and rabbit) commonly used in ACL research. Each species has unique features and benefits as well as potential drawbacks, which are highlighted in this review. This information may be useful in the selection process when designing future studies.

Objective: To evaluate inter-and intra-observer variability, influence of hair clipping and laser guidance on canine thigh circumference (TC) measurements amongst observers.Background: It was our goal to further study the reliability of canine TC measurements as currently performed. For this purpose we designed a cadaveric model that allows for controlled inflation of the thigh resembling increase of muscle mass. We also investigated the impact of novel technologies (laser guidance) and hair clipping on TC measurements in this model.

Food color can be indicative of specific nutrients, and thus discrimination based on color can be a valuable foraging behavior. Several bird and fish species with carotenoid‐based body ornamentation show color preferences for presumably carotenoid‐rich red and orange foods. However, little is known within species about whether or not individuals with (or growing) more colorful ornaments show stronger food‐color preferences than those with drabber coloration. Here, we examine food color preferences in house finches (Carpodacus mexicanus) – a species with sexually dichromatic and selected carotenoid coloration – as a function of sex and plumage coloration during molt. We captured wild, molting juvenile house finches over 4 wk in late summer/early fall, quantified the color and size of plumage ornaments being developed in males, and determined food color preference in captivity by presenting individuals with dyed sunflower chips (red, orange, yellow, and green). On average, finches showed an aversion to yellow‐dyed chips and a preference for red‐ and green‐colored chips. We found no significant difference between male and female preferences for specific food colors, and food color preference was not significantly related to male plumage ornamentation. However, we did find that redder birds demonstrated a higher degree of food selectivity, measured as the proportion of their preferred food color consumed. These results suggest that food color is not a major factor determining food choice in molting house finches, but that there still may be aspects of foraging behavior that are linked to the development of colorful plumage.