Endotracheal intubation in the dog

In dogs, endotracheal intubation is often necessary for surgery, dental prophylaxis, or other procedures that require gas anesthesia or ventilation. Following a few simple guidelines can help ensure that the procedure is done safely and effectively.     

Endoscopic vaginoscopy in the dog

Vaginoscopy is a useful diagnostic procedure for evaluating the nature and extent of disease in the vestibule and vagina of female dogs. Using flexible or rigid endoscopes improves the operator's capability to detect disease because of improved illumination and magnification while facilitating vaginal distension. The size of the scope should be appropriate for the size of the patient. Although a variety of positions are suitable, we place anesthetized dogs in dorsal recumbency to minimize inadvertent contamination of the operative field with feces. If the urinary tract will also be examined, evaluate the urethra and urinary bladder first and then the vagina. After the reproductive tract is examined, tissue biopsies can be obtained for microscopic evaluation.     

Semen collection in the dog

This review will discuss semen collection in the dog. Semen samples may be collected from male dogs for the purposes of artificial insemination, cryopreservation or diagnosis. The materials needed for semen collection depend on which method is used and the collector's level of expertise with this procedure. At minimum, two sterile centrifuge tubes or specimen cups can be used to collect semen as it is ejaculated (for the combined first and second fractions and for the third fraction). The most common method for semen collection in the dog is by digital stimulation. Under ideal conditions, this procedure is performed in the presence of an estrous bitch. Initially, the dog's penis is vigorously massaged through the prepuce at the level of the bulbus glandis (caudal-most aspect of the prepuce) until a partial erection develops (initial engorgement of the bulbus glandis). The prepuce is quickly retracted past the bulbus glandis and firm constant pressure is applied to the penis behind the bulbus glandis by squeezing the penis between index finger and thumb. Pelvic thrusting may occur following application of pressure behind the bulbus glandis during the development a "full" erection. The ejaculate is composed of three fractions: first (sperm-poor), second (sperm-rich) and third (prostatic fluid). In addition to digital stimulation of the penis, spermatozoa have been collected from dogs using electroejaculation and pharmacologic methods.     

Radiation-induced cardiomyopathy in the dog

Sequential necropsies and histologic evaluations of young adult beagle dogs were performed after irradiation of the thorax. Total doses to the heart were 36, 44, or 52 Gy given in 4-Gy fractions in 4 weeks. One month after irradiation there was little histologic evidence of damage visible by light microscopy. However, ventricular and septal weights were increased, probably due to edema. At 3 months damage to endothelial and mesothelial cells was evident. By 12 months the myocardium was thinned and focal degeneration and loss of muscle cells and Purkinje fibers were observed. There was extensive subendocardial and epicardial fibrosis as well as intimal proliferation in coronary arteries. Morphometric analyses were performed on the myocardium, pericardium, atria, and aorta. There was a slight increase in perivascular connective tissue in the myocardium. The pericardium was increased in thickness and the ratio of smooth muscle to elastin was decreased in the aorta. Severe fibrosis occurred only in the right atrium. At 1 year there was no clinical evidence of heart failure; however, evidence of myocardial damage was present histologically and functionally. Additional stress and continued aging are likely to enhance the damage and lead to serious complications. The interactions of irradiated lung and heart require further investigation.