The glomerular filtration rates (GFR) of 93 dogs of different breeds with a broad range of bodyweight were determined using an inulin single-injection method. Fifty-two dogs were used as controls, 21 dogs had suspected renal disease but serum creatinine in the normal range, and 20 dogs had elevated serum creatinine levels and a low urine specific gravity due to renal disease. Inulin was injected intravenously at a dosage of 100 mg kg(-1) bodyweight or 3000 mg m(-2) body surface. Blood samples were taken before and three, 20, 40, 80 and 120 minutes after injection. The total clearance was calculated from the decrease in the serum concentration of inulin using a two-compartment model. The range of GFR values was 83.5-144.3 ml min(-1) m(-2) in control dogs, 60.2-96.7 ml min(-1) m(-2) in dogs with suspected renal disease, 50.0-76.2 ml min(-1) m(-2) in dogs with suspected renal disease and polyuria/polydipsia, and 16.3-63.0 ml min(-1) m(-2) in dogs with azotaemic renal disease. The study indicates that single-injection inulin clearance is a cheap and simple tool for GFR measurements in small animal practice.

Animals↗

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A radiographic stress technique for evaluation of coxofemoral joint laxity in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a radiographic stress technique to quantify hip joint laxity in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study on client-owned dogs presented for hip dysplasia screening. ANIMAL POPULATION: 302 nonselected dogs (63 breeds). METHODS: Dogs were sedated and placed in dorsal recumbency. During pelvic radiography, the femoral heads were displaced manually in a craniodorsal direction. On these stress radiographs, the degree of lateral displacement of the femoral heads was assessed in terms of a subluxation index (SI) and compared with the degree of femoral head subluxation and the severity of hip dysplasia found on conventional extended hindlimb radiographs. RESULTS: The degree of subluxation on stress radiographs was significantly greater than on conventional radiographs. Correlation between the severity of canine hip dysplasia (CHD), graded according to conventional techniques, and the degree of subluxation, induced by radiographic stress technique, was positive (r = .57; P<.0001). Two critical SI values were noted. Of the dogs with an SI value of 0.3 or less, 99% were classified as CHD grade normal, borderline, or mildly dysplastic. In dogs with an SI value between 0.3 and 0.5, CHD grading ranged from normal to severely dysplastic. Of the dogs with an SI value greater than 0.5, 95% had dysplastic hip joints. CONCLUSIONS: Hip joint laxity cannot be quantified precisely on standard position radiographs. The proposed stress technique yields significantly higher degrees of femoral head subluxation than the standard position.

Animals↗

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[Long-term monitoring of therapy-induced computerized tomographic cranial changes in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia].

PURPOSE: Long-term follow-up of cranial CT scans of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and evaluation of the influence of chemo- and radiotherapy on the CCT changes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: CCT scans of 68 children with non-B-ALL were analyzed retrospectively for signs of atrophy and changes in density. Patients were treated between 1981 and 1990 at the St. Anna Childrens Hospital Vienna according to the ALL-BFM protocols. Children were examined with CCT in defined periods from diagnosis until 3 years after cessation of treatment. As a control group served 69 patients with solid tumors who had not received corticoids or cranial irradiation. RESULTS: At the initial examination 56% of the ALL-patients showed CCT changes, 85% of these patients had already received corticoids. In the control group only 20% of the CCTs were found abnormal (p = 0.005). In both groups an age-dependence was found: 64% of the ALL-patients under five years of age and 22% of the patients above 5 years had initial CCT changes (p = 0.001). In the control group 39% of the patients under five years of age and 7% of the older patients showed CCT changes at the beginning of treatment (p = 0.003). The highest incidence of abnormal CCT scans (68%) was seen during intensive chemo- and radiotherapy. Until the end of therapy the incidence of abnormal CCTs decreased to 32%. After cessation of antileukemic therapy 35% of the patients whose CNS-prophylaxis included cranial irradiation, and 12% of the non-irradiated patients had abnormal CCT scans. CONCLUSION: Corticoids can cause reversible signs of cerebral atrophy. In the assessment of CCTs a physiological age-dependence of the volume of the CSF compartment has to be taken into consideration. The main reason for non-reversible CCT changes is the CNS- prophylaxis, above all the cranial irradiation, whereby younger children seem to be particular vulnerable.

Age Factors↗

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[Allergic contact eczema caused by an acetone-formaldehyde condensate in billboard workers].

We report two cases of occupational contact dermatitis in billboard workers due to employment of a new paste additive. Clinical picture, patch test result, histological pattern of the test reaction and course of the disease indicate that the observed eczema are manifestations of contact allergy and do not represent irritant-toxic dermatitis. The glue is a hydrous solution of a heterogeneous mixture of condensation products of acetone and formaldehyde with a small part of free acetone and formaldehyde. Exact determination of the allergen and identification of the substance group failed. The allergen seems to be a strong sensitizer.

Acetone↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Carbon dioxide concentration in water and air in mobile baths of carbon dioxide containing water].

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Balneology↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Is screening of metastases based on symptoms effective in breast cancer patients?

This study was initiated to evaluate if the follow-up of breast cancer patients based only on symptoms is effective. 757 patients participated in the study. They filled out a questionnaire which asked for specific and non-specific symptoms of metastases which was developed by a team of expert oncologists. Surprisingly 76% of all patients complained of symptoms. 129 patients were therefore screened, but only 5% had metastases. 31 patients developed metastases during the study, most of whom did not have specific symptoms. Therefore follow-up with the aim of detecting metastases cannot be based on symptoms alone.

Breast Neoplasms↗