Biomedical subjects
Diana L Eubanks
Publications and source records attributed to Diana L Eubanks.
Surgical technique for long-term cecal cannulation in the Yucatan minipig (Sus scrofa domestica).
Measurements of standardized ileal digestibility yield more useful results than do those of fecal digestibility. To that end, cecal cannulation of the pig has been performed extensively in an attempt to model the digestive processes of humans. Here we introduce a technique for the placement of a permanent cecal cannula with a silicon port that is larger in diameter than those previously described in the literature. A large lumen offers several advantages, most notably ease in collection of larger samples and introduction of materials into the cecum. To date, this technique has been used successfully to cannulate 39 Yucatan minipigs at our institution. Long-term, there have been no major complications with the procedure or cannulas.
Trimming tusks in the Yucatan minipig.
The Yucatan minipig boar's tusks grow continuously throughout its life. Although these animals tend to be gentle in disposition, boars used in biomedical research should have their tusks trimmed to avoid injury to personnel as well as discomfort to the animal. The authors describe in detail a tusk-trimming procedure.
Canine oral malodor.
Canine oral malodor may be the first indication that a serious disease process is occurring in the oral cavity. Various methods for detecting oral malodor have been used in humans, and some of these are suitable for collecting data in the dog. Oral malodor often responds favorably to improved oral hygiene, administered first by a trained professional and followed with adequate home care.