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JOURNAL CLUB |
THERIOGENOLOGY
Fertility and Whelping Complications in Bitches Following Correction of Vaginal Abnormalities Moxon R, England GCW. Veterinary Record
This retrospective study compared fertility and whelping ease between CJUDIFT XJUI B IJTUPSZ PG TVSHJDBMMZ SFQBJSFE WBHJOBM BCOPSNBMJUJFT BOE
age- and breed-matched control bitches. Labrador retrievers were over- SFQSFTFOUFE JO UIF BGGFDUFE HSPVQ 5IF BGGFDUFE CJUDIFT XFSF GVSUIFS
defined as having had mild, moderate, or severe vaginal abnormalities. Parameters evaluated included pregnancy rate, litter size, and type of intervention at the time of whelping. There was no demonstrated difference in fertility or whelping ease between the 2 groups. However, when comparing within the affected group, pregnancy rate was significantly lower for bitches with severe abnormalities compared to those with mild abnormalities. Severely affected bitches were also significantly more likely to need a cesarean section. The authors hypothesize that the latter finding may be due to enhanced veterinary oversight of bitches with a history of severe vaginal abnormalities.
Margaret V. Root Kustritz, DVM, PhD, Diplomate ACT, University of Minnesota
CRITICAL POINTS
r 7BHJOBM BCOPSNBMJUJFT NBZ CF NJME FBTJMZ broken down digitally or requiring no repair), moderate (repaired under sedation but without need for an episiotomy), or severe (repaired under anesthesia with an episiotomy).
r -BCSBEPS SFUSJFWFST XFSF PWFS SFQSFTFOUFE JO this study but relatedness of affected bitches was not reported.
r "GUFS BQQSPQSJBUF SFQBJS PG WBHJOBM abnormalities, bitches may be bred successfully. However, those bitches with severe abnormalities may have difficulty conceiving and may be more likely to require cesarean section.
NUTRITION
Imprecision When Using Measuring Cups to Weigh Out Extruded Dry Kibbled Food German AJ, Holden SL, Mason SL, et al. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition
This study examined the precision and accuracy of using measuring cups to portion
ESZ QFU GPPET 5IF JOWFTUJHBUPST VTFE EJGGFSFOU ESZ QFU GPPET DBU GPPET BOE dog foods) from 3 manufacturers. Each food was measured using measuring cups
supplied by the manufacturer and the portion was weighed on an electronic scale. Twelve different trials were run where the type of diet, portion size, number of repetitions, and number of participants varied. Precision (closeness of the measured values when compared to each other) was poor in all trials DPFGGJDJFOU PG WBSJBUJPO m JOUSBTVCKFDU BOE m JOUFSTVCKFDU Accuracy (closeness of
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the measured value compared VOEFSFTUJNBUF UP BO
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feeding portions can have a substantial impact on energy balance. Dry pet foods are relatively energy dense and errors in measurement can contribute to inappropriate weight gain or failure of a weight reduction program.
Kathryn E. Michel, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVN, University of Pennsylvania
CRITICAL POINTS
r 6TJOH NFBTVSJOH DVQT UP QPSUJPO ESZ commercial pet foods was found to be both imprecise and inaccurate.
r %SZ QFU GPPET DBO CF DBMPSJDBMMZ EFOTF BOE even small errors in measurement over time can have substantial impact on energy balance.
r 5IFTF GJOEJOHT BSF QBSUJDVMBSMZ SFMFWBOU XJUI regard to pets prone to obesity or those enrolled in a weight loss program.
r 6TF PG BO BDDVSBUF LJUDIFO TDBMF JT POF NFBOT of ensuring accurate measurement of dry food and should be considered in cases where the control of the patient's caloric intake is paramount.
January/February 2012 Today's Veterinary Practice
77
Collection of Commentaries on Veterinary, Medical, & Related Literature