Background: Decompressive surgery is an operative procedure performed to prevent the compression to the spinal cord or the other neural tissues. Laminectomy as a decompressive technique is applied to widening the spinal canal resulted from secondary to fractures, tumors, abscesses and deformities. Epidural fibrosis (EF) is a progressive formation. While the epidural hematoma in the spinal region is absorbed, it gradually occurs the granulation tissue and then this turns into the fibrous tissue. This fibrous tissue replaces the bone excised in laminectomy and attaches to the muscles overlying the dura mater. EF compress to the surrounding neural tissues and nerve roots, and cause to neuronal atrophy and axonal degeneration. This study aims to compare histopathological results of autologous fat tissue, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and sodium hyaluronate for preventing epidural fibrosis (EF). Materials, Methods & Results: Totally, 20 (n=20) Wistar Albino rats were randomly selected and the study was carried out in 4 groups with equal numbers of rats (5) in each group. Under general anesthesia, laminectomy was performed on L3 vertebral lamina in all groups. Biomaterials applicated to the laminectomy area were saline in GRI, autologous fat tissue in GRII, 0.1 mL CSF in GRIII and 0.1 mL sodium hyaluronate in GRIV. Lateral and ventrodorsal lumbar radiographs were taken from all rats before and after surgery. Tarlov’s motor function tests were scored in groups pre- and postoperatively. At postoperative 45 day, the L2-4 spine segments of the rats were en-bloc removed and the prepared slides were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Microscopically, fibroblastic density, EF, arachnoid fibrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration were evaluated. The obtained data were evaluated statistically. On control days, all rats gait was normal in GRI, GRIII and GRIV; however, In GRII, Tarlov’s score was 2 in a rat. There was no significant difference in terms of measurement times of Tarlov’s motor function scoring within and between groups (P > 0.05). Fibroblastic density, EF, arachnoid fibrosis and inflammatory cell scores were the most severe and dense in GRI. These were less in GRII and GRIV, and fibroblastic and inflammatory cell findings were the least in GRIII. Statistically significant differences were found between GRI and GRIII in terms of fibroblast density (P = 0.002), epidural fibrosis (P = 0.002), arachnoid fibrosis (P = 0.001) and inflammatory cell infiltration (P = 0.003). There was no statistically significant difference between the other study groups (P > 0.05). Discussion: Clinically, the presence of pain in patients who have undergone laminectomy is scored and neurological findings are evaluated with functional tests. Macroscopic examination of the dura mater and surrounding tissues is not sufficient to determine the degree of epidural adhesions and therefore experimental histopathological studies are required. Although easily obtained, the positive effect of autologous fat grafts in preventing EF is still controversial. Compared to plasma, the low potassium concentration of CSF appears to play a role in preventing fibrosis by suppressing the ability of fibroblasts to attach and spread. Exogenously applied hyaluronic acid inhibits fibroblast proliferation and reduces fibrosis and scar formation in the early stages of tissue healing. However, considering the data of this study, CSF was the most effective biomaterial in reducing fibroblastic density and preventing EF in the laminectomy area. Keywords: EF, CSF, laminectomy, biomaterial, epidural fibrosis, motor function test, histopathology, Wistar Albino rats.

Cardiac tumors are rare and linked to high mortality rates in both human and veterinary medicine. Despite their clinical significance, the effects of these tumors on coagulation and cardiac function remain poorly understood. This retrospective study assessed coagulation profiles and echocardiographic parameters in 14 dogs with cardiac tumors compared to 10 healthy controls. Tumors were identified through echocardiography, with further confirmation by computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging. Coagulation was evaluated using conventional tests (prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)) and thromboelastography (TEG). The employed conventional coagulation tests and echocardiographic parameters showed no significant differences between the groups. However, TEG revealed a hypercoagulable state in the majority of tumor-bearing dogs (8 out of 14), characterized by shortened reaction and clot formation times, as well as an increased α-angle and coagulation index (p < 0.05–0.001). No significant correlations were found between TEG parameters and echocardiographic indices. This study is the first to demonstrate subclinical hemostatic alterations using TEG in dogs with cardiac neoplasia. The results support the utility of TEG as a more sensitive tool than conventional tests for detecting hypercoagulability, potentially guiding individualized anticoagulant strategies in affected dogs.

Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is the most frequently diagnosed orthopedic condition in dogs. Similar to CHD, osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the shoulder is a developmental disorder in dogs that significantly impacts animal welfare. As polygenic genetic disorders, they exhibit a complex mode of inheritance. Although there are numerous clinical studies, there is insufficient information about the genetic basis of these disorders. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the relationship of the prognostic genetic test markers with CHD and OCD in German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and German Wirehaired Pointer dogs. We evaluated the efficiency of five SNP markers from the prognostic genetic test for CHD (the Dysgen test) based on available GWAS data in German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and German Wirehaired Pointer dogs. Radiographs were captured and assessed according to the official FCI scale for hip dysplasia. In German Wirehaired Pointers, shoulder X-ray evaluations were also performed. We used custom FRET-based primer probes in Real-time PCR and Sanger sequencing for genotyping and tested the evaluation using multiple logistic regression procedures. German shepherds emerged as the most vulnerable to CHD (P < 0.001). In the final logistic model, females are expected to have a 3.54 times higher likelihood of experiencing CHD compared to males (P < 0.05). SNP BICF2G630558239 demonstrated a notable association with CHD, indicating that the GG genotype poses a risk. This SNP is situated in the intronic region of the KIF26B gene, a member of the kinesin superfamily implicated in evolutionarily conserved roles in embryogenesis. We did not observe any association between shoulder OCD-related arthrosis and the SNPs studied. These results may contribute to understanding CHD by identifying genotypes associated with epidemiological risk, prompting the need to conduct more thorough investigations.

Background: The nail is the horn-like structure of the fingertip. Pathologies in the nail and nail bed of cats and dogs may be primarily related to the nail or may be the clinical symptom of many systemic diseases. Symmetrical or asymmetrical localization of nail lesions may also give clues about the underlying diseases. Although nail pathology in dogs and cats has been previously described, there has not been a randomized clinical study in which nail diseases have been evaluated. Therefore, in this clinical study, it was aimed to randomly determine the nail lesions encountered in dogs and cats brought to our clinics with complaints of another disease and to evaluate the nail lesions encountered. Materials, Methods & Results: The material of the study was formed 26 cats and 35 dogs in different age, gender and breed, which was brought to surgery clinics for different reasons within 1 year and has randomized nail problems. Anamnesis was taken from the patient owners and all the nails of cats and dogs were examined with the help of a magnifying glass in terms of nail integrity, missing or excessive nail formation, nail lesions and pain presence, nail- nail bed and periconnective nail tissue swelling and exudation. All findings were recorded in the "Nail Pathology Follow-up and Evaluation Form". After nail lesions were divided according to their extremity, the nail lesions of all patients were 1st divided into 2 groups. Asymmetric and symmetrical distribution rates were determined for each nail lesion in groups. Then, with only 1 or more nail lesions in 1 extremity were grouped asymmetrically, and those with 1 or more lesions in multiple extremities were grouped symmetrically. Nail lesions caused by systemic disease were specifically treated and excessive and deformed nails were cut properly by preserving normal nail anatomy. In dogs, 59.56% of the nail lesions were located on the front limbs and 40.44% on the hind limbs, while 41.11% of the nail lesions in cats were located on the front and 58.89% on the hind limbs. In dogs, 62.86% of nail lesions were symmetrical and 37.14% were asymmetrical. In cats, the rates of symmetrical and asymmetrical nail lesions were 38.46% and 61.54%, respectively. In dogs, the nail lesion observed asymmetrically was onychomalacia, while the lesion observed symmetrically is onycholysis. The nail examination findings revealed the most common nail lesion was onychogryposis in 42.85% of the dogs. Onychogryposis was found on the forelimbs in 57.69% and was symmetrical in 60%. In cats, paronychia was the most common nail lesion with a rate of 50%. This lesion was observed asymmetrically in 76.92% of the cases and 56.25% of the cases were located on the front limbs. Discussion: The nails of cats and dogs are biomechanically and histopathologically different from those of humans. Although these terms are not sufficient for the specific diagnosis of the disease, they provide clues about the pathology. In dogs and cats, nails should be trimmed properly and at regular intervals to maintain foot health and help the locomotor system to function normally. Abnormally shaped or deformed nails predispose to gait problems, trauma and the development of some diseases such as pododermatitis. The nails, which are part of the locomotor system, are affected by many local and systemic diseases and nail lesions are often overlooked in clinical practice. In this randomized clinical study, nail lesions encountered in dogs and cats were evaluated comprehensively with their etiologies and clinical descriptions, and the importance of nail diseases in small animal practice was re-emphasized.

Canine hip and elbow dysplasias, which are prevalent orthopedic conditions rooted in developmental and hereditary factors are yet to be comprehensively assessed. This study aimed to address this gap by exploring the prognostic significance of five markers linked to canine hip dysplasia using available genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data. The influence of these markers on both hip and elbow dysplasia was examined in dogs exposed to standardized environmental conditions. We made a groundbreaking discovery using custom primers, qPCR assays, and evaluation of fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET) probes. Three specific SNPs previously associated with the risk of canine hip dysplasia demonstrated a potentially stronger correlation with elbow dysplasia. Notably, the SNP at nucleotide position 22691322, located near the canine CHST3 gene, displayed significance as a marker in multivariable logistic regression analysis. Surprisingly, none of the initially targeted SNPs showed a direct association with hip dysplasia. The genomic positions of these SNPs reside within a region conserved across mammals. In silico analyses suggested that the relevant variant might be positioned in a region linked to bone and muscle structures. Our findings revealed a remarkable relationship between SNP2 genotypes and methylation patterns, shedding light on the underlying mechanism that partially explains the genotype-phenotype correlation in canine CHST3. These groundbreaking findings offer essential insights for future, more extensive investigations into canine orthopedic health. This research significantly contributes to our understanding of the molecular foundations of hip and elbow dysplasia in dogs by charting a course for advancements in veterinary medicine and the overall well-being of canine companions.

Stem cell approaches has been increasing in the conventional medicine. This study was planned to determinate the efficacy of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) on the bone fracture's regeneration by histologically, morphologically and radiologically. Primarily isolated cells were cultivated and identified for the obtaining of the third passage mesenchymal stem cells in the cell culture laboratory. The right tibias (applicated ADSCs) were planned as experimental group and the left tibias were studied as control on the clinically healthy 10 rats. The middle diaphysis of the right and left tibias was transversally cut by a thin saw and then fixed by intramedullary pin. Before surgical closure of the incised area, 106 ADSCs were injected on an absorbent material, which covered the cut site of the right tibia, in experimental group. At postoperative 45th day, cranio-caudal and lateral radiographs of the tibias pointed out that there was callus formation in the caudal and lateral parts of the right tibia. After sacrification of the animals, preparations were made for histological examinations. The results indicate that there were clear differences in the mitotic activity; and also, the experimental tibias were found to be rich in blood vessel network. As a conclusion, it was found that ADSCs can have a positive potential effect on osteogenesis in bone tissue.

Stem cell approaches has been increasing in the conventional medicine.Th is study was planned to determinate the efficacy of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) on the bone fracture's regeneration by histologically, morphologically and radiologically.Primarily isolated cells were cultivated and identified for the obtaining of the third passage mesenchymal stem cells in the cell culture laboratory.Th e right tibias (applicated ADSCs) were planned as experimental group and the left tibias were studied as control on the clinically healthy 10 rats.Th e middle diaphysis of the right and left tibias was transversally cut by a thin saw and then fixed by intramedullary pin.Before surgical closure of the incised area, 10 6 ADSCs were injected on an absorbent material, which covered the cut site of the right tibia, in experimental group.At postoperative 45 th day, cranio-caudal and lateral radiographs of the tibias pointed out that there was callus formation in the caudal and lateral parts of the right tibia.After sacrification of the animals, preparations were made for histological examinations.Th e results indicate that there were clear diff erences in the mitotic activity; and also, the experimental tibias were found to be rich in blood vessel network.As a conclusion, it was found that ADSCs can have a positive potential effect on osteogenesis in bone tissue.

Abstract Aim Gastrointestinal effects of different doses of dexmedetomidine in donkeys are still unidentified. The current study aimed to evaluate the impact of different doses of dexmedetomidine on the motility of selected parts of the gastrointestinal tracts in donkeys using transabdominal ultrasonography. Materials and methods An experimental crossover study was conducted on 30 healthy donkeys of both sexes (15 males and 15 females; 160 ± 60 kg). With a two-week washout period, each donkey received an injection of either a normal saline solution or three different doses of dexmedetomidine (3, 5, and 7 μg/kg, respectively). All medications were administered intravenously in equal volumes. The contractility of selected intestinal segments (duodenum, jejunum, left colon, right colon, and cecum) was measured 3 min before administration (zero time) and at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after administration. Results Small and large intestinal motility was within the normal ranges before IV injection of normal isotonic saline or dexmedetomidine at a dose of 3, 5, and 7 μg/kg. Two Way Repeated Measures ANOVA output of the data displayed a statistically significant the between time and treatments for the contractility of each of the duodenum (P = 0.0029), jejunum (P = 0.0033), left colon (P = 0.0073), right colon (P = 0.0035), and cecum (P = 0.0026), implying that the impact of treatment on the gastric motility varied among different time points. The simple main effect analysis revealed that the IV dexmedetomidine at 3, 5, and 7 μg/kg doses significantly inhibited (P ≤ 0.01) the bowel contractility compared to the administration of isotonic saline. Conclusion Dose-dependent inhibitory effect of dexmedetomidine on intestinal motility was reported in donkeys following intravenous administration. This inhibitory effect on intestinal motility should be considered in clinical practice.

Claw trimming is an application to give a functional shape to the claws, to maintain foot weight distribution and to prevent foot diseases. Claw trimming should be done by experts. In this study, it was aimed to show the effectiveness of individual claw trimming applied in cattle claws by morphometric measurements. As material, 85 ex-vivo cattle feet of different races were used. The feet were divided into four groups as right front (n=17), left front (n=17), right hind (n=24) and left hind (n=27). In addition, the claws were divided laterally and medially. After the mechanical cleaning of the claws, functional nail cutting (Dutch method) was applied by different people and morphometric measurements of the claws (claw angle, dorsal wall length, claw height, diagonal length, heel height, inner heel height, sole length, sole width, abaxial white line width and axial white line width). The claw angle was 49 degrees on the right hind lateral, 47 degrees on the right hind medial, 49 degrees on the left hind medial and within reference ranges on the other claws. Statistically, dorsal wall length of right anterior lateral (p=0.006) and left posterior medial (p=0.01) claws were significant. Significance was also detected left posterior lateral (p=0.01) and left posterior medial (p=0.01) claws in diagonal length. Inner heel height was significant on claws of left posterior lateral (p=0.01), and there was significant difference on right front lateral (p=0.02), left anterior medial (p=0.03) and left posterior medial (p=0.002) claws in terms of sole width. A positive correlation was found in the correlation analysis between all parameters except claw angle. As a conclusion, the claw trimming is important manipulation in large animal practice, regardless of the applied claw trimming technique, individual claw trimming has some difference on morphometric shape of the claws, and it should be performed by masters on this.

Çalışmamızın amacı deneysel olarak hafif travmatik beyin hasarı oluşturulan sıçanlardan alınan serum örneklerinde pNF-H düzeyinin hasarı göstermede etkin olup olmadığını araştırmaktır. Marmarou modelinin modifiye edilerek kullanıldığı deneysel çalışmamızda farklı yüksekliklerden farklı ağırlıklarda bilyeler serbest düşme yöntemiyle bırakılarak sırayla 0.05, 0.1, 0.2 ve 0.4 Newton şiddetinde travma oluşturulması hedeflendi. Travmanın indüksiyonundan 2 saat sonra sıçanların kalbinden alınan kanlarda pNF-H düzeyi araştırıldı. Sonuç olarak deneysel olarak hafif travmatik beyin hasarı oluşturduğumuz ratlarda 2.saatte alınan kanlarda pNF-H düzeylerindeki değişiklikler istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bulunmamıştır. Bu sonuçlar hafif travmatik beyin hasarından sonraki 2.saatte kanda çalışılan pNF-H’ın tanısal olarak etkin olmadığını göstermektedir.

In this study, histologic and electromyographic (EMG) evaluation of neuroregenerative effect of stromal vascular fraction (SVF) following periferal nerve anastomosis was aimed.Totally, 31 Wistar Albino, male rats (weighing about 300 g) were studied, and these rats were grouped according to surgical techniques performed on the right sciatic nerve: group I (GRI) micro suture (n=7), group II (GRII) micro suture + SVF (n=7), group III (GRIII) fibrin glue (n=7) and group IV (GRIV) fibrin glue + SVF (n=7).Fat tissue was taken from 3 rats to prepare SVF, and SVF was produced by non-enzymatic method.The left sciatic nerve of all rats was evaluated for EMG as control.Under general anesthesia, after transversal incision of the sciatic nerve, microsurgical epineural repair technique was performed with 10/0 nonabsorbable suture.EMG examinations were performed in terms of conduction rate, amplitude, distal latency and spontaneous muscle activity at 0th day and postoperative (PO) 1st and 8 th weeks.EMG results between and within the groups were statistically evaluated by one-way analysis of variance.Rats in all groups were sacrificed by decapitation at PO 8 th week and histological examinations of the sciatic nerves were performed following preparation of the neural tissues.EMG examination results showed the highest nerve conduction in GRI, the highest amplitude in GRIII, normal latency in GRII and longer distal latency in GRIV at PO 8 th week.Amplitude and conduction velocity increased gradually in all groups.In needle EMG, the best muscle membrane stabilization was achieved in GRII and GRIV at PO 8 th week.Statistically, the values of amplitude, distal latency, conduction velocity, and spontaneous muscle activity were found to be at normal levels at PO 8 th week in all groups (P>0.05).In the histological results, although fibroconnective tissue reactions in the anastomosis area had similar scores in GRII and GRIV, maximum fibroconnective tissue reaction and the best axonal regeneration was seen in GRI and GRIII, respectively.In addition, GRI and GRII had the most inflammatory cells accumulation in the suture region, and less inflammatory cells were seen in the anastomosis area of GRIII and GRIV.As a conclusion, fibrin glue presents good electrophysiological and histological results; however, it is clear that local SVF usage on the nerve anastomosis area can be a good choice to decrease fibroconnective tissue reaction and inflammation.

Congenital anomalies in calves are encountered in different regions of the body. Generally, anomalies are seen in fronto-nasal, maxillar or mandibular regions. In addition several pathologies such as meningocele, cleft palate, nasal dermoid cyst, gingival vascular hamartoma are reported on the head. The aim of the present case report was to describe clinical and surgical result of palathoschisis, brachygnathia inferior and accessory mandibular mass in a Simmental calf. A 3-day-old male calf was referred with the complaint of milk discharge from the nose after suckling and an atypical structure in the mouth. At clinical examination, submandibular lymph nodes were swollen and physical examination results were normal. Oral examination revealed a cleft palate (palatoschisis), short lower jaw (brachygnathia inferior) and a pedunculated accessory mandibular mass midway between palatum durum and molle. However, the calf presented a good suction reflex. The accessory mandible was connected to the cleft palate and contained tooth-like structures. At palpation, the end portion of this mass was hard while its peduncle was soft in consistency. Radiographic exams on latero-lateral and ventro-dorsal projections of the cranium were carried out. The patient was subjected to surgical treatment; it was sedated with xylazine chloridrate (0.1 mg/kg im) and general anaesthesia was induced with ketamine chloridrate (4 mg/kg im). After tracheal intubation, general anesthesia was maintained with 2% isoflurane plus oxygen. The accessory mandible was removed by dissecting the surrounding tissues. Congenital cleft was closed through application of n degrees 0 suture silk with simple interrupted stitches. On the following day, the calf was discharged from the clinic with a postoperative recommended therapy including antibiotics (penicillin-streptomycin, 1x1.5 cc, im, for 5 days), analgesic (flunixin meglumin, 1.1 mg/kg, iv, for 3 days) and oral antiseptic (10% glycerin iode) drugs. According to the information obtained from the owner on the 15th postoperative day, calf 's appetite was normal and chewing movements were reported to be relatively good. As a result, multiple anomaly including palatoschisis, brachygnathia inferior and accessory mandible in a calf may occured in clinical practice and as in this case, the observed pathology was corrected by surgical intervention, and postoperative results were favorable.

Background This study aims to examine the efficacy of clipping in thoracic sympathectomy based on electrophysiological evaluation and to investigate whether nerve conduction can be formed by collateral nerve extensions as a result of the clipping procedure to different levels of sympathetic nerve. Methods Newly sacrificed six sheep hemithoraces were studied between August 2016 and October 2016. Thoracic sympathectomy was performed by clipping at T2, T3, T4, and T5 sympathetic chain levels and their branches. Electrophysiological studies were performed with an electromyography device and the filter range was 1 Hz with 20 μV/D amplification. Signals were processed digitally; bipolar subdermal needle electrodes were used as stimulation and recording electrodes (Ø 0.75 mm); and the ground electrode was placed in the intercostal muscle where the thoracic sympathectomy procedure would be performed. Results Electrophysiological evaluations showed that clips placed on the main sympathetic chain branches and sympathetic nerve trunk prevented collateral impulse conduction and stimulated potentials were not recorded. However, sympathetic conduction continued at the same intensity after removal of the clips. Conclusion Clipping of different regions of the sympathetic nerve provides electrophysiological blockage of the sympathetic nerve, and conduction continues after removal of the clips. However, the shortand long-term postoperative electrophysiological results after removal of the clips over the sympathetic nerve is still a question mark.

In this study, histologic and electromyographic (EMG) evaluation of neuroregenerative effect of stromal vascular fraction (SVF) following periferal nerve anastomosis was aimed. Totally, 31 Wistar Albino, male rats (weighing about 300 g) were studied, and these rats were grouped according to surgical techniques performed on the right sciatic nerve: group I (GRI) micro suture (n=7), group II (GRII) micro suture + SVF (n=7), group III (GRIII) fibrin glue (n=7) and group IV (GRIV) fibrin glue + SVF (n=7). Fat tissue was taken from 3 rats to prepare SVF, and SVF was produced by non-enzymatic method. The left sciatic nerve of all rats was evaluated for EMG as control. Under general anesthesia, after transversal incision of the sciatic nerve, microsurgical epineural repair technique was performed with 10/0 nonabsorbable suture. EMG examinations were performed in terms of conduction rate, amplitude, distal latency and spontaneous muscle activity at 0th day and postoperative (PO) 1st and 8th weeks. EMG results between and within the groups were statistically evaluated by one-way analysis of variance. Rats in all groups were sacrificed by decapitation at PO 8th week and histological examinations of the sciatic nerves were performed following preparation of the neural tissues. EMG examination results showed the highest nerve conduction in GRI, the highest amplitude in GRIII, normal latency in GRII and longer distal latency in GRIV at PO 8th week. Amplitude and conduction velocity increased gradually in all groups. In needle EMG, the best muscle membrane stabilization was achieved in GRII and GRIV at PO 8th week. Statistically, the values of amplitude, distal latency, conduction velocity, and spontaneous muscle activity were found to be at normal levels at PO 8th week in all groups (P>0.05). In the histological results, although fibroconnective tissue reactions in the anastomosis area had similar scores in GRII and GRIV, maximum fibroconnective tissue reaction and the best axonal regeneration was seen in GRI and GRIII, respectively. In addition, GRI and GRII had the most inflammatory cells accumulation in the suture region, and less inflammatory cells were seen in the anastomosis area of GRIII and GRIV. As a conclusion, fibrin glue presents good electrophysiological and histological results; however, it is clear that local SVF usage on the nerve anastomosis area can be a good choice to decrease fibroconnective tissue reaction and inflammation.

Equine congenital or acquired flexor tendon deformity can occur immediately after birth or at any stage in the first 24 months of life. The long term prognosis after treating a severe flexor tendon deformity in horses may be poor. Although unfavorable prognosis of flexion deformities is a concept, but results of this presented case reveals that performing an appropriate treatment without any complications, will result in a functional improvement even in older patients, such as in this very case. The aim of this report is to present the long-term outcomes after the surgical treatment and postoperative supports of a congenital flexor tendon deformity in a pony.