A total of 44 eyes of 22 ferrets were examined by B-mode ultrasonography. Four dimensions were measured: the distance from the corneal surface to the anterior lens surface (M1), the axial lens thickness (M2), the distance from the posterior lens surface to the retina (M3) and the distance from the anterior cornea to the retina (M4). The values obtained were (mean, standard deviation, range): M1: 1.31 +/- 0.16 mm (1-1.7); M2: 3.42 +/- 0.15 mm (3.2-3.7); M3: 2.26 +/- 0.11 mm (2.1-2.5); M4: 7 +/- 0.24 mm (6.4-7.7). To our knowledge this is the first description of ocular biometric measurement in the ferret. These values show little variability of ocular dimensions in ferrets.

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Traditionally, canine degenerative lumbosacral stenosis (DLS) has been defined as a multifactorial syndrome characterized by lumbosacral pain triggered by the compression of the nerve rootlets of the cauda equina. There is still no consensus on the treatment of this condition, probably because there are a plethora of possible causes. In addition to compression, inflammation is a very important factor in the physiopathology of the disorder. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) consists of an increased concentration of autologous platelets suspended in a small amount of plasma. Platelets are a source of several growth factors. Growth factors were shown to help in wound healing and biological processes, such as chemotaxis, neovascularization and synthesis of extracellular matrix, and growth factors were used to improve soft tissue healing and bone regeneration. PRP also facilitates the restoration of the structural integrity of the affected anatomy. Fourteen dogs diagnosed with DLS were treated with three epidural injections of PRP on days 0, 15 and 45. All dogs showed clinical improvement 3 months after the initial treatment. Gait was also objectively assessed by means of the use of force platform analysis before and after treatment, showing significant improvement. The results show that PRP may provide a good alternative to other nonsurgical treatments, such as prednisolone epidural injection.