This study aimed to determine the ultrasonographic features and reference values of the abdominal anatomy in mixed-breed dwarf rabbits. Complete abdominal ultrasonographic examination was performed in 21 mixed-breed rabbits (12 males and 9 females) referred for examination to the Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, Italy. All animals were sedated during the procedure. The ultrasonographic anatomy of the abdomen was determined, including measurement (mean±SD) of the right kidney (length 2.87±0.34 mm; width 1.62±0.17 mm; height 1.66±0.14 mm) and left kidney (length 2.86±0.33 mm; width 1.72±0.19; height 1.58±0.15 mm), left adrenal gland (width 0.38±0.11 mm; length 0.71±0.14), right adrenal gland (width 0.34±0.08 mm; length 0.73±0.15 mm) and thickness of the walls of the stomach (0.10±0.01 mm), pylorus (0.28±0.04 mm), duodenum (0.19±0.04 mm), sacculus rotundus (0.22±0.06 mm), caecum (0.08±0.01 mm), appendix (0.19±0.04 mm), spiral loop of the ascending colon (0.14±0.04 mm) and distal colon (0.10±0.02 mm). A significant positive correlation between bodyweight and kidney size, adrenal gland length, stomach wall and sacculus rotundus wall was detected.

BackgroundThe increasing popularity gained by pet birds over recent decades has highlighted the role of avian medicine and surgery in the global veterinary scenario; such a need for speciality avian medical practice reflects the rising expectation for high-standard diagnostic imaging procedures. The aim of this study is to provide an atlas of matched anatomical cross-sections and contrast-enhanced CT images of the coelomic cavity in three highly diffused psittacine species.ResultsContrast-enhanced computed tomographic studies of the coelomic cavity were performed in 5 blue-and-gold macaws, 4 African grey parrots and 6 monk parakeets by means of a 4-multidetector-row CT scanner. Both pre- and post-contrast scans were acquired. Anatomical reference cross-sections were obtained from 5 blue-and-gold macaw, 7 African grey parrot, and 9 monk parakeet cadavers. The specimens were stored in a −20 °C freezer until completely frozen and then sliced at 5-mm intervals by means of a band saw. All the slices were photographed on both sides. Individual anatomical structures were identified by means of the available literature. Pre- and post-contrast attenuation reference values for the main coelomic organs are reported in Hounsfield units (HU).ConclusionsThe results provide an atlas of matched anatomical cross-sections and contrast-enhanced CT images of the coelomic cavity in three highly diffused psittacine species.

The effects of two sedation protocols combining midazolam with ketamine (ketamine group) or dexmedetomidine (dexmedetomidine group) were studied in dwarf companion rabbits undergoing abdominal ultrasound scan. The onset of sedation was faster in the ketamine group; a few rabbits in the dexmedetomidine group required additional doses to lose the righting reflex, although sedation time was not different between groups. A semi-quantitative scale was used to score sedation quality, which was higher in rabbits that received dexmedetomidine rather than ketamine. Pulse rate was lower in the dexmedetomidine group (206 vs 240 bpm), although Doppler blood pressure was higher than in the ketamine group (109 vs 89 mm Hg). Respiratory rate decreased in relation to the baseline values with both protocols but arterial haemoglobin saturation with oxygen was maintained similar to the pre-sedation values throughout the entire procedure, regardless of protocol used and without oxygen supplementation. Both protocols allowed performance of ultrasound scanning, although dexmedetomidine may be preferred if a deep sedation level is required.

Echocardiographic evaluation was performed in six healthy young adult non-sedated terrapins (Trachemys scripta elegans). The best imaging quality was obtained through the right cervical window. Base-apex inflow and outflow views were recorded, ventricular size, ventricular wall thickness and ventricular outflow tract were measured, and fractional shortening was calculated. Pulsed-wave Doppler interrogation enabled the diastolic biphasic atrio-ventricular flow and the systolic ventricular outflow patterns to be recorded. The following Doppler-derived functional parameters were calculated: early diastolic (E) and late diastolic (A) wave peak velocities, E/A ratio, ventricular outflow systolic peak and mean velocities and gradients, Velocity-Time Integral, acceleration and deceleration times, and Ejection Time. For each parameter the mean, standard deviation and 95% confidence interval were calculated. Echocardiography resulted as a useful and easy-to-perform diagnostic tool in this poorly known species that presents difficulties during evaluation.

Objectives The aim of the study was to evaluate the end-tidal concentration of isoflurane required to maintain heart and respiratory rate within ± 20% of basal measurement in cats undergoing ovariectomy that received buprenorphine, tramadol or a combination of both. Methods Thirty cats, divided into three groups, were enrolled in a simple operator-blinded, randomised study. Cats received acepromazine (0.03 mg/kg) and one of the following treatments: buprenorphine (0.02 mg/kg), tramadol (2 mg/kg) or a combination of both. Anaesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with isoflurane titrated in order to maintain heart and respiratory rate within the target values recorded before premedication. Results Groups were similar for age, weight, dose of propofol administered, sedation and recovery scores. Cats receiving tramadol with buprenorphine were extubated earlier after isoflurane discontinuation. No statistical differences were detected in end-tidal fraction of isoflurane between buprenorphine alone or with tramadol. In cats that received tramadol or buprenorphine alone, ovarian pedicle traction caused a statistical increase in end-tidal isoflurane concentration compared with that measured during incision and suture of the skin. In cats that received the combination of tramadol plus buprenorphine no differences among surgical time points were observed. Conclusions and relevance Tramadol added to buprenorphine did not provide any advantage in decreasing the end-tidal fraction of isoflurane compared with buprenorphine alone, although it is speculated there may be an infra-additive interaction between tramadol and buprenorphine in cats.