A high spatial resolution brain positron tomograph, the ECAT 953B/31, is presented. The machine consists of two 76.5 cm diameter rings (patient port diameter: 36 cm) made of 24 8x8 BGO detector blocks each, each block being coupled to four 1 in(2) Hammamatsu phototubes. The machine has 15 9 cmx1 mm motorized removable septa, which allows reconstruction of 31 slices 3.375 mm apart. The transaxial resolution (FWHM) in the reconstructed image (with wobbling) is 4.5 mm at center, 5.2 mm (tangential) and 5.6 mm at 10 cm from center. With septa out of the field of view (FOV), the axial resolution degrades to 5.5 mm a center and 6.3 mm at 10 cm from center. At 1 muCi/cc with a 250 keV threshold and a 12 ns coincidence window, the sensitivity is 146100 true events, the ratio of randoms to trues is 0.10, the scatter fraction is 17% and the dead-time losses are 30%. With septa out of the FOV, the sensitivity is increased by a factor 3.6, while the scatter fraction reaches 0.9. Images obtained with (18 )F-DG and H(2)(15)O in human brains and (18 )F-DOPA in a baboon brain demonstrate that the ECAT 953B/31 will be suitable for high resolution and for low count rate brain studies.

ObjectiveTo assess quantitative perfusion of intra‐ and extraocular regions of interest (ROIs) in conscious, healthy dogs utilizing contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS); to compare varying enhancement with the first and second bolus injection and in the right and left eye; and to determine the most appropriate examination time.ProceduresGray scale ultrasonography and contrast harmonic imaging using sulfur hexafluoride were performed randomly assigned in both eyes in 10 university‐owned beagles. Perfusion parameters including slope time, time to peak (TTP), peak intensity (PI), and area under the curve (AUC) were measured at individually drawn ROIs (retrobulbar cone = ROI 1, choroid‐retina complex = ROI 2, medial = ROI 3, and lateral anterior uvea = ROI 4).ResultsTime‐intensity curve parameters revealed no significant differences in eyes examined by the first or second bolus injection (P > 0.05) or in the right or left eye (P > 0.05). Pooled data from all eyes were analyzed. Peak intensity of ROI 2 was significantly higher compared to all other ROIs (P < 0.001). Area under the curve at ROI 2 was significantly higher compared to all other ROIs (P < 0.05), and AUC at ROI 1 was significantly higher than at ROI 4 (P < 0.05). No significant differences in TTP were observed between different ROIs (P > 0.05). Ratios relative to different ROI sizes showed fastest enhancement in the retrobulbar cone and most intense perfusion in the anterior uveal regions. The first minute after contrast injection provided the highest diagnostic value.ConclusionQuantitative perfusion in nondiseased canine eyes revealed consistent parameters. Application of standardized CEUS protocols may be a promising diagnostic tool to differentiate ocular lesions.

We present a new high spatial resolution brain positron tomograph the ECAT 953B/31. The machine consists of two 76.5 cm diameter rings (patient port diameter : 36 cm) made of 24 8x8 BGO detector blocks each, each block being coupled to four 1 incha Hammamatsu phototubes. The machine has fifteen 9 cm x 1 mm motorized removable septa which allows reconstruction of 31 slices 3.375 mm apart.The transaxial resolution (FWHM) in the reconstructed image (with wobbling) is 4.5 mm at center, 5.2 mm (tangential) and 5.6 mm (radial) at 10 cm. The axial resolution is 4.4 mm and 5.8 mm at 10 cm from center. With septa out of the field of view (FOV), the axial resolution degrades to 5.5 mm at center and 6.3 mm at 10 cm from center. At 1 pCi/cc with a 250 keV threshold and a 12 nsec coincidence window, the sensitivity is 146,100 true events/sec, the ratio of random to trues is .lo, the scatter fraction is 17% and the dead time losses are 30%. With septa out of the FOV, the sensitivity is increased by a factor 3.6, while the scatter fraction reaches 41%.Images obtained with '"F-DG and Hi50 in human brains and '"F-DOPA in a baboon brain demonstrate that the ECAT 953B/31 will be particularly suitable both for high resolution and for low count rate brain studies.

A 13-year-old warmblood gelding presented with a history of lameness, muscle atrophy and weight loss of 3 months. The horse demonstrated extensive hyperaesthesia over the left dorsal trunk, marked effusion of several joints, laryngitis and a dampened mental attitude. Synovial fluid analysis revealed arthritis of the left tarsocrural joint, being PCR-positive for Borreliaafzelii DNA. Subsequently, mild anterior uveitis of the right and severe panuveitis of the left eye with B. afzelii PCR-positive aqueous and vitreous humour, respectively, were diagnosed. Treatment included arthroscopy of the left tarsocrural joint, oral doxycycline administration for 6 weeks, ophthalmic and systemic anti-inflammatory therapy and left intravitreal preservative-free gentamicin (4 mg) injection. After initial improvement, the gelding’s clinical signs deteriorated resulting in peracute recumbency and sudden death 12 months later. Lyme borreliosis should be considered as differential diagnosis in complex cases of equine lameness, particularly when accompanied by hyperaesthesia and bilateral uveitis.

Scientific information on spontaneous type I diabetes mellitus (DM) and treatment modalities in guinea pigs is scarce. As most diabetic guinea pigs are overweight and respond to dietary changes, a disorder resembling type II-DM in humans seems to be most prevalent in this species. In the present report, a nine-month-old female intact guinea pig (GP1) was presented because of a cataract and polyphagia. The physical examinations in GP1 and its littermate, GP2, were unremarkable. Laboratory tests revealed hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, elevated fructosamine concentrations, and glucosuria in GP1 and GP2. Not responding to dietary changes, an insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus was suspected in both animals. Treatment with 0.5 IU of glargine insulin (Lantus®) per guinea pig subcutaneously (s.c.) once daily was initiated in both animals. Monitoring included repeated clinical evaluations and the measurement of plasma glucose and fructosamine concentrations. Capillary glucose concentration was measured using a glucometer, and glucosuria was monitored by dipstick. Blood glucose concentrations decreased quickly in both GPs, and glucosuria resolved. Including several dose adjustments, DM remained controlled for over 1.5 years. Bilateral cataracts and lens-induced uveitis in GP1 were medically managed with only slight progression. This is the first report of guinea pigs with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus that were successfully treated with long-acting basal insulin glargine.

Zusammenfassung: Die Fixierung der Zunge am Unterkiefer mittels sogenannter Zungenbänder (Tongue Ties, TTs) bei Trab-und Galopprennpferden wurde in Deutschland durch die deutschen Rennsportverbände bisher nicht dokumentiert und es ist wenig bekannt zum Tierschutzaspekt ihres Einsatzes. Das Ziel dieser Studie war es, kasuistische Daten zur Nutzung von TTs im Training und bei Rennen in Deutschland zu sammeln. Dazu wurden Daten von 499 Galopprennpferden gesammelt, indem Fragebögen an 153 beim Direktorium für Vollblutzucht und Rennen (DVR) registrierte Trainer versandt wurden. Außerdem wurden Daten von 9 Trainern über 82 Trabrennpferde erhoben. Von diesen insgesamt 581 Pferden nahmen 133 auch an internationalen Rennen teil. Insgesamt wurden 17,2 % der Pferde mit TTs trainiert und 19,3 % mit TT gestartet. Jüngere 3-und 4-jährige Traber wurden dabei häufiger mit TTs trainiert als Galopprennpferde, während mehr ältere Galopper als Traber TTs im Training und beim Rennen trugen (5 Jahre und älter). Die häufigsten positiven Effekte, die von den Trainern berichtet wurden, waren die Verhinderung der Verlagerung der Zunge über das Gebiss (37/41) und die Reduktion eines Atemgeräusches (24/41). Die Mehrheit berichtete außerdem von einer Leistungsverbesserung im Training (63 %) und beim Rennen (76 %). Die Mehrheit (22/41) der Trainer hatten bislang keine negativen Auswirkungen des Einsatzes von TTs bemerkt, während die anderen in bis zu 10 % der Einsätze (14/41) oder sogar mehr (5/41) von negativen Auswirkungen berichteten. Die häufigsten Nebenwirkungen waren eine Verfärbung der Zunge unter Fixation (n = 16), gefolgt von Blutungen (n = 4) und Paralysen (n = 1) der Zunge, wobei Mehrfachnennungen möglich waren. Insgesamt erscheint der Einsatz von TTs trotz des häufigen Gebrauchs und der positiven Effekte, die von Trab-und Galopprenntrainern berichtet wurden, aus Tierschutzgründen mehr als fraglich. Der Einsatz des TT ist mittlerweile, seit Juni 2018, im Galopprennsport in Deutschland vom DVR verboten, im Trabrennsport aber weiterhin erlaubt.

Objective To determine efficacy of contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) using different sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) doses to assess blood flow and perfusion in equine eyes and to evaluate safety of SF6 in horses. Procedures Ocular B‐mode and contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography were performed bilaterally in nine sedated university‐owned horses. Intravenous SonoVue® bolus injections of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 mL were administered for 2/18, 5/18, 6/18, 3/18, 1/18, and 1/18 eyes, respectively. Doses were increased based on ascending bodyweight. Each eye within one horse was examined utilizing a different dose. Qualitative blood flow and quantitative perfusion were analyzed. Heart and respiratory rates were monitored nonsedated, sedated, and during first and second minutes of CEUS. Results Qualitative contrast enhancement (CE) was visible in 7/9 animals. Quantitative CE was measurable bilaterally in four horses, unilaterally in three individuals, and not detected in two animals. In all horses with unilateral CE, the positive eye received the higher dose. Fifteen mL dose resulted in significantly shorter time to peak than 10 mL (P < .05). Peak intensity, maximum signal increase, and corresponding area under the curve were significantly higher for 15 and 20 mL doses compared with 10 mL (P < .05). Uveal and retinal tissues were enhanced frequently. Twenty‐five and 30 mL doses revealed no CE. Only sedation reduced heart rates significantly (P < .05). Clinically relevant changes in respiratory rates or adverse reactions following SF6 application were not observed. Conclusions Contrast enhancement was in most instances dose‐dependent. Fifteen mL appeared appropriate to assess equine ocular perfusion. The reliability in horses remains questionable; however, CEUS was well‐tolerated.

No abstract