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- Author or Editor: Dylan N. Clements x
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Abstract
Objective—To assess 2 methods of RNA purification by use of different quality metrics and identify the most useful metric for quality assessment of RNA extracted from articular cartilage from dogs with osteoarthritis.
Sample Population—40 articular cartilage specimens from the femoral heads of 3 clinically normal dogs and 37 dogs with osteoarthritis.
Procedures—RNA was extracted from articular cartilage by 2 purification methods. Quality metrics of each sample were determined and recorded by use of a UV spectrophotometer (Spec I; to determine the 260 to 280 nm absorbance ratio [A260:A280 ratio]), a second UV spectrophotometer (Spec II; to determine A260:A280 and A260:A230 absorbance ratios), and a microfluidic capillary electrophoresis analyzer (to determine the ribosomal peak ratio [RR], degradation factor [DF], and RNA integrity number [RIN]). The RNA was extracted from affected (osteoarthritic) articular cartilage and assessed with the same quality metrics. Metric results were compared with visual analysis of the electropherogram to determine the most useful RNA quality metric.
Results—No differences in methods of RNA purification were determined by use of quality metrics. The RNA extracted from unaffected (normal) cartilage was of higher quality than that extracted from affected (osteoarthritic) cartilage, as determined by the RIN and Spec II A260:A230 ratio. The RIN and RR were the most sensitive metrics for determining RNA quality, whereas the DF was most specific. A significant proportion (32%) of RNA extracted from osteoarthritic articular cartilage specimens was determined as being of low quality.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—No single metric provided a completely sensitive and specific assessment of the quality of RNA recovered from articular cartilage.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To describe the CT features of Morel-Lavallée lesions (MLLs) and their association with trauma in cats. This study aimed to investigate whether MLL fluid in cats accumulates between the dermis and deep fascia near superficial trauma, exhibits a vertical attenuation gradient, and shows no or only mild contrast enhancement on CT images.
ANIMALS
3 young cats: a 1-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat, a 2-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat, and a 3-year-old neutered female British Shorthair cat.
CLINICAL PRESENTATION
The clinical presentation of the 3 cats in the study involved recurrent swelling and fluid accumulation affecting at least 1 pelvic limb following trauma.
RESULTS
In all cases, there was a fluid-filled space deep to the skin and superficial subcutaneous layer but superficial to the deep fascial plane overlying the muscular component of the pelvic limbs. The MLL fluid had a vertical attenuation gradient and no or only mild contrast enhancement.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Morel-Lavallée lesions are often initially overlooked, likely due to distraction by concomitant significant bone injuries, and can be mistaken for hematomas, seromas, subcutaneous edema, contusions, or cellulitis, leading to less aggressive treatment. If left untreated, MLLs present a significant risk of extensive skin necrosis compared to other types of subcutaneous swelling.
Abstract
Objective—To determine clinical signs, laboratory findings, relationship to vaccination, and response to treatment for type I immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMPA) in dogs.
Design—Retrospective study.
Animals—39 dogs.
Procedure—Clinical records and radiographic reports from 3 university referral hospitals were reviewed. Clinical signs, laboratory and investigative findings, relationship to vaccination, and response to treatment were evaluated.
Results—Clinical signs and initial laboratory and clinical investigative findings were frequently abnormal but were nonspecific and not associated with likelihood of recovery. Time of vaccination was not associated with onset of disease. Chemotherapeutic immunosuppression resulted in complete cure in 56% of dogs. Continuous medication was required in 18% (7/39) of dogs, relapses were treated successfully in 13% (5/39) of dogs, and 15% (6/39) of dogs died or were euthanatized as a result of disease.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The possible involvement of vaccination in type I IMPA was not made clear from this study because of the small population size. Signalment, clinical signs, and results of diagnostic tests other than multiple synovial fluid analyses were generally nonspecific. Most dogs with type I IMPA responded to initial immunosuppressive treatment, but 31% (12/39) of dogs relapsed, required further treatment, or both. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2004;224:1323–1327)