Megacolon refers to an abnormal dilatation of the colon. This condition occurs in both humans and animals. Although it seems to be more common in cats, megacolon may also occur in dogs. However, data regarding the etiopathogenesis, clinical course and outcome of canine megacolon are scarce. The aim of this study is to present the experience of our team in diagnosis and therapy of canine acquired megacolon, with particular reference to etiopathogenetic aspects. The prospective study included 28 dogs affected with megacolon, aged 5-9 years. The 26 animals underwent a surgical procedure (colonotomy followed by manual extraction of faeces), and were followed up for a period of 28 days. On the basis of anamnestic data, clinical and radiographic findings, 7 dogs (25%) were presented with idiophatic acquired megacolon, while 75% of cases had secundary acquired megacolon of different etiology (including pelvic canal stenosis, lumbar and sacral spinal injuries or back leg fractures, in 46% od cases; keeping the animals in the backyard and irresponsibility of their owners, in 11%; non-adequate nutrition, in 11%; and decreased physical activity and keeping animals in small flats, in 7%). During early postoperative period, the medical treatment and dietary regimen enabled defecation in 65% of cases. The remaining 35% of cases were treated with Cisapride in order to establish spontaneous defecation. All dogs recovered completely during the 28- days follow-up period. According to the results of interviews with dog owners, all animals were in good condition six months after the surgical procedure

Pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) is one of the most important deciduous tree species in the Serbian and European forests. Different negative factors limit natural regeneration of pedunculate oak forests, so producing of high quality seedlings becomes imperative to ensure successful forest restoration. This research was conducted with to aim to determine whether acorn size is related to seedlings quality. Acorns were collected from the natural pedunculate oak forest and divided into two groups by their size. Acorns were sown in the spring into plastic containers after five months cold storage. Size of acorns was in the standard species range, though germination was low (< 20 %). Germination was more then double in group of large acorns in comparison to group of smaller acorns (19.2 %, respectively 8.6 %). Height and root collar diameter of produced seedlings were lower than seedlings produced in seedbeds in commercial nurseries in Serbia, but it was in range of container produced seedlings in some similar researches. Height to root collar diameter ratio and shoot to root ratio were considered as satisfactory for containerized seedlings. There was not strong correlation between acorn size and seedlings quality attributes.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract