Crimidine (2‐chloro‐4‐(dimethylamino)‐6‐methylpyrimidine) poisoning in a dog due to ingestion of the rodenticide Castrix®

The diagnosis and treatment of a case of crimidine poisoning in a dog are described. Presenting signs were seizures and vomiting. The vomitus contained a purple coloured cereal grain. The signs and grain colour were suggestive for a rodenticide with convulsive effects The diagnosis of crimidine poisoning was made by thin layer chromatography and was later confirmed by finding the source of the poison. Except for the administration of Vit B6, the specific antidote for crimidine, general treatment principles for poisoning were followed. The treatment of crimidine poisoning is time consuming and requires intensive care facilities.     

Oxidant‐Antioxidant Status in the Blood of Horses with Symptomatic Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO)

Background

Systemic oxidative stress in horses with recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) is poorly characterized.

Objectives

The goal of this study was to investigate whether equine RAO is associated with systemic disturbances in the oxidant‐antioxidant equilibrium.

Animals

Seven healthy horses and 7 horses with symptomatic RAO.

Methods

A prospective study. Healthy and RAO‐affected horses were exposed to a 48‐hour challenge with moldy hay and straw to induce clinical exacerbation of RAO. Venous blood was collected and the activities of the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR) in equine erythrocyte lysates were measured. The concentration of thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARSs) was assessed both in erythrocyte lysates and in plasma.

Results

A significant increase in the activities of GPx and SOD was detected in RAO‐affected horses compared with the control animals. There was no significant difference between groups in terms of the erythrocyte lysate activities of CAT, GR, or TBARs or the plasma concentration of TBARs.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Our results support the hypothesis that RAO in horses is associated with systemic oxidative stress. Future studies are needed to assess whether horses suffering from RAO can benefit from antioxidant supplementation.     

Sphericity Index and E‐Point‐to‐Septal‐Separation (EPSS) to Diagnose Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Doberman Pinschers

Background

E‐point‐to‐septal‐separation (EPSS) and the sphericity index (SI) are echocardiographic parameters that are recommended in the ESVC‐DCM guidelines. However, SI cutoff values to diagnose dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) have never been evaluated.

Objectives

To establish reference ranges, calculate cutoff values, and assess the clinical value of SI and EPSS to diagnose DCM in Doberman Pinschers.

Animals

One hundred seventy‐nine client‐owned Doberman Pinschers.

Methods

Three groups were formed in this prospective longitudinal study according to established Holter and echocardiographic criteria using the Simpson method of disk (SMOD): control group (97 dogs), DCM with echocardiographic changes (75 dogs) and “last normal” group (n = 7), which included dogs that developed DCM within 1.5 years, but were still normal at this time point. In a substudy, dogs with early DCM based upon SMOD values above the reference range but still normal M‐Mode measurements were selected, to evaluate if EPSS or SI were abnormal using the established cutoff values.

Results

ROC‐curve analysis determined <1.65 for the SI (sensitivity 86.8%; specificity 87.6%) and >6.5 mm for EPSS (sensitivity 100%; specificity 99.0%) as optimal cutoff values to diagnose DCM. Both parameters were significantly different between the control group and the DCM group (P < 0.001), but were not abnormal in the “last normal” group. In the substudy, EPSS was abnormal in 13/13 dogs and SI in 2/13 dogs.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

E‐point‐to‐septal‐separation is a valuable additional parameter for the diagnosis of DCM, which can enhance diagnostic capabilities of M‐Mode and which performs similar as well as SMOD.     

Cyclooxygenase‐2 and 5‐Lipoxygenase in Dogs with Chronic Enteropathies

Background

Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) is a key enzyme in the synthesis of pro‐inflammatory prostaglandins and 5‐lipoxygenase (5‐LO) is the major source of leukotrienes. Their role in IBD has been demonstrated in humans and animal models, but not in dogs with chronic enteropathies (CCE).

Hypothesis

COX‐2 and 5‐LO are upregulated in dogs with CCE.

Animals

Fifteen healthy control dogs (HCD), 10 dogs with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and 15 dogs with food‐responsive diarrhea (FRD).

Methods

Prospective study. mRNA expression of COX‐2, 5‐LO, IL‐1b, IL‐4, IL‐6, TNF, IL‐10 and TFG‐β was evaluated by quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR in duodenal and colonic biopsies before and after treatment.

Results

COX‐2 expression in the colon was significantly higher in IBD and FRD before and after treatment (all P < .01). IL‐1b was higher in FRD in the duodenum after treatment (P = .021). TGF‐β expression was significantly higher in the duodenum of HCD compared to FRD/IBD before treatment (both P < .001) and IBD after treatment (P = .012). There were no significant differences among groups and within groups before and after treatment for IL‐4, IL‐6, TNF, and IL‐10. There was a significant correlation between COX‐2 and IL‐1b in duodenum and colon before treatment in FRD and IBD, whereas 5‐LO correlated better with IL‐6 and TNF. IL‐10 and TGF‐β usually were correlated.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

COX‐2 is upregulated in IBD and FRD, whereas IL‐1b and TGF‐β seem to be important pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines, respectively. The use of dual COX/5‐LO inhibitors could be an interesting alternative in the treatment of CCE.     

N‐Terminal Pro‐C‐Natriuretic Peptide and Cytokine Kinetics in Dogs with Endotoxemia

Background

Serum N‐terminal pro‐C‐natriuretic peptide (NT‐proCNP) concentration at hospital admission has sufficient sensitivity and specificity to differentiate naturally occurring sepsis from nonseptic systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). However, little is known about serum NT‐proCNP concentrations in dogs during the course of sepsis.

Objective

To determine serum NT‐proCNP and cytokine kinetics in dogs with endotoxemia, a model of canine sepsis.

Samples

Eighty canine serum samples.

Methods

Eight healthy adult Beagles were randomized to receive Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 5 μg/kg) or placebo (0.9% NaCl) as a single IV dose in a randomized crossover study. Serum collected at 0, 1, 2, 4, and 24 hours was stored at −80°C for batch analysis. Serum NT‐proCNP was measured by ELISA and 13 cytokines and chemokines by multiplex magnetic bead‐based assay.

Results

Serum NT‐proCNP concentrations did not differ significantly between LPS‐ and placebo‐treated dogs at any time. When comparing serum cytokine concentrations, LPS‐treated dogs had higher interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), IL‐10, TNF‐α and KC‐like at 1, 2, and 4 hours; higher CCL2 at 1, 2, 4, and 24 hours; and higher IL‐8 and CXCL10 at 4 hours compared to placebo‐treated dogs. There were no differences in serum GM‐CSF, IFN‐γ, IL‐2, IL‐7, IL‐15 or IL‐18 between LPS‐ and placebo‐treated dogs.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Serum NT‐proCNP concentration does not change significantly in response to LPS administration in healthy dogs. Certain serum cytokine and chemokine concentrations are significantly increased within 1–4 hours after LPS administration and warrant further investigation as tools for the detection and management of sepsis in dogs.     

Long‐Term Outcome in Dogs with Patent Ductus Arteriosus: 520 Cases (1994–2009)

Background

Published information regarding survival and long‐term cardiac remodeling after patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure in dogs is limited.

Objectives

To report outcome and identify prognostic variables in dogs with PDA, and to identify risk factors for persistent remodeling in dogs with a minimum of 12 months of follow‐up after closure.

Animals

Five hundred and twenty client‐owned dogs.

Methods

Retrospective review of medical records of 520 dogs with PDA. Outcome was determined by contacting owners and veterinarians. Dogs with PDA closure and ≥ 12 months of follow‐up were asked to return for a re‐evaluation.

Results

In multivariable analysis of 506 dogs not euthanized at the time of diagnosis, not having a PDA closure procedure negatively affected survival (HzR = 16.9, P < .001). In 444 dogs undergoing successful PDA closure, clinical signs at presentation (HzR = 17, P = .02), concurrent congenital heart disease (HD) (HzR = 4.8, P = .038), and severe mitral regurgitation (MR) documented within 24 hours of closure (HzR = 4.5, P = .028) negatively affected survival. Seventy‐one dogs with ≥ 12 months follow‐up demonstrated a significant reduction in radiographic and echocardiographic measures of heart size (P = 0) and increased incidence of acquired HD (P = .001) at re‐evaluation. Dogs with increased left ventricular size and low fractional shortening at baseline were more likely to have persistent remodeling at re‐evaluation.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Patent ductus arteriosus closure confers important survival benefits and results in long‐term reverse remodeling in most dogs. Clinical signs at presentation, concurrent congenital HD, and severe MR negatively affect survival. Increased left ventricular systolic dimensions and systolic dysfunction at baseline correlated significantly with persistent remodeling.     

Supplementation of groundnut‐based broiler chick diets with pyridoxine

1. Broiler chicks fed on a semi‐purified diet containing 230 g crude protein and less than 5 mg pyridoxine/kg had poor growth rates and high mortality.

2. When a milled, unsupplemented diet based on rice and groundnut was fed, food utilisation, carcass fat content and serum aspartate amino transferase [EG 2.6.1.1] activity indicated the need for supplementation with at least 3 mg pyridoxine, or a total concentration of 8.8 mg/kg diet.

3. With a maize‐groundnut diet body‐weight gain, food intake and tissue aspartate aminotransferase activities suggested that dietary supplementation with pyridoxine was unnecessary, but food utilisation indicated a need for supplementation with 3 mg or a total intake of 9 mg pyridoxine/ kg diet.

4. A practical broiler chick starter diet was used to show that the total concentration of pyridoxine should be at least 7.2 mg/kg when maize‐groundnut diets are fed.     

Studies on the toxic effects of crambe meal and two of its constituents, 1‐cyano‐2‐hydroxy‐3‐butene (GHB) and epiprogoitrin,in broiler chick diets

1. Studies were undertaken to determine a safe inclusion rate for crambe (Crambe abyssinica) meal in broiler chick diets, and to determine the mechanism for adverse effects by investigating its constituents; l‐cyano‐2‐hydroxy‐3‐butene (CHB) and 3‐butenyl glucosinolate (epi‐progoitrin, E‐PG).

2. Crambe meals were prepared to differ in E‐PG (19, 36 and 40 g/kg) and CHB contents (0.1, 0.7 and 1.9 g/kg), and with either active or inactive thioglucosidase.

3. Meals were fed to 7‐d‐old broiler chicks at 50 or 100 g/kg of the diet for 12 or 13 d. In separate studies, isolated E‐PG or CHB were mixed into the diet or administered by gavage to 7‐d‐old broiler chicks in amounts equivalent to 50 or 100 g/kg crambe meal diets for 10 and 12 d, respectively.

4. Weight gain decreased (P<0.05) in chicks fed on the high glucosinolate crambe diets or isolated E‐PG. Food consumption decreased (P<0.05) in chicks fed on the diet containing the high E‐PG meal with active enzyme.

5. Mild liver lesions and increased serum aspartate aminotransferase were found in chicks fed on the diet containing the high glucosinolate meal with active enzyme. Other organs, including thyroids, were normal.

6. Commercially‐processed crambe meal appeared safe at an inclusion rate of 50 or 100 g/kg diet, but could not be recommended at this point for long term feeding.     

Comparison of a 19.7%‐protein wheat (triticum aestivum L), three 13.5%‐protein wheats,and corn (zea mays) in broiler diets with different protein and lysine contents

An experiment using broiler chicks up to 3 weeks of age was conducted to examine the use of corn (Zea mays), Glenlea, Pitic 62, 13.5%‐protein Neepawa and 19.7%‐protein Neepawa wheats (Triticum aestivum L) as ingredients in broiler diets. Two dietary protein contents (calculated as 18.5 and 23.0%) with and without supplementary lysine (0.3%) were used in the diets containing each of the five grains. The desired dietary protein contents were obtained by varying the proportions of the grains and soybean meal.

Grain, dietary protein and added dietary lysine significantly affected body weights and efficiencies of food conversion.

Significant first‐order interactions between grain x protein, grain x lysine and protein x lysine were found for both body weights and efficiencies of food conversion and resulted mainly from responses obtained with the 19.7%‐protein Neepawa wheat supplemented with lysine when compared with the responses obtained to the other grains. When substituted into the higher‐protein diet, supplemented with lysine, the 19.7%‐protein Neepawa wheat supported a similar performance in chicks to other grains fed under similar conditions.     

Short‐ and Long‐Term Cure Rates of Short‐Duration Trimethoprim‐Sulfamethoxazole Treatment in Female Dogs with Uncomplicated Bacterial Cystitis

Background

Long‐duration beta‐lactam antibiotics are used for empirical treatment in female dogs with uncomplicated bacterial cystitis. However, women with bacterial cystitis are treated with short‐duration potentiated sulfonamides because longer courses of beta‐lactams result in lower cure and higher recurrence rates.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Short‐duration potentiated sulfonamide treatment is more efficacious than long‐duration beta‐lactam treatment in achieving clinical and microbiological cures in female dogs with uncomplicated bacterial cystitis.

Animals

Thirty‐eight client‐owned female dogs.

Methods

Randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled clinical trial. Dogs were treated with TMP‐SMX (15 mg/kg PO q12h for 3 days followed by a placebo capsule PO q12h for 7 days; Group SDS; n = 20) or cephalexin (20 mg/kg PO q12h for 10 days; Group LDBL; n = 18). Dogs were monitored for clinical and microbiological cure during treatment and at short‐ and long‐term follow‐up.

Results

No statistically significant differences were found between treatment groups in clinical cure rates after 3 days of treatment (89% SDS, 94% LDBL; P = 1.00) and 4 days (85% SDS, 72% LDBL; P = .44) or >30 days (50% SDS, 65% LDBL; P = .50) after conclusion of treatment or in microbiological cure rates 4 days (59% SDS, 36% LDBL; P = .44) or >30 days (44% SDS, 20% LDBL; P = .40) after conclusion of treatment.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

We did not identify a difference in cure rates between short‐duration sulfonamide and long‐duration beta‐lactam treatments in female dogs with uncomplicated cystitis. Long‐term cure rates in both treatment groups were low. In some female dogs, “uncomplicated” bacterial cystitis may be more complicated than previously recognized.     

Pregnancy diagnosis in cows with linear‐array real‐time ultrasound scanning: A preliminary note

Summary

Pregnancy diagnoses were performed under farm conditions in 201 cows (Hungarian Red Pied and crosbreds with Holstein) between 21 and 70 days after last insemination date, using a linear‐array real‐time ultrasound scanner with a 3.0 MHz rectal tranducer. Identification of (a) sharply demarcated black area(s) and/or an embryo within the uterus were used as criterions for pregnancy.

Pregnancy was confirmed by rectal examination at 6 and/or 8 weeks after A.I. From the total number of correct positive diagnoses (n= 129), incorrect positivediagnoses (n = 3, made on days 36,40 and 44 after A I), correct negative diagnoses (n =62) and incorrect negativediagnoses (n = 7, made on days 25, 28, 28, 29, 30, 31, and 33 after A I). a sensitivity of 94.8%, a specificity of 95,3%, a positive predictive value of 97.7% and a negative predictive value of 89.8% were calculated.

From these preliminary results it was concluded that real‐time ultrasound scanning is a useful and reliable technique for early pregnancy diagnosis in cows. It is suggested that a combination of milk/plasma progesterone estimation between days 21 and 24 and real‐time ultrasound scanning between days 25 and 45 would allow the confirmation and quantification of (late) embryonic mortality in the cow.     

Experiences with the silicone T‐tube in man and dog

Summary

Silicone T‐tubes are particularly useful for long‐term stenting of the laryngotracheal airway. Silicone is useful when non‐autogenous non‐reactive soft material is wanted for use in the human and animal body. Two case reports illustrate the use of the silicone T‐tube.     

Chiral Inversion of (R)-(–)-Fenoprofen in Guinea-pigs Pretreated with Clofibrate

The influence of clofibrate on the stereoconversion of fenoprofen (FPF) was studied in guinea pigs. This hypolipidaemic agent has been related to some biochemical changes in the liver leading to an increase in the chiral inversion process. Two groups of animals (n = 6 per group) were pretreated with oral doses of clofibrate (280 mg/kg per day) for three days and were then given (R)- or (S)-FPF (5 mg/kg, IV). The FPF enantiomers were extracted from the guinea-pigs' plasma using a solid phase procedure and analysed by HPLC with previous derivatization with L-leucinamide. Pretreatment with clofibrate increased the chiral inversion of (R)-FPF in favour of the pharmacologically active (S)-FPF enantiomer. Before this metabolic interaction can be applied to therapy with fenoprofen, the toxic effects of (S)-(+)-FPF on the gastrointestinal and renal tracts and the interference by (R)-(–)-FPF with the metabolism of lipids should be thoroughly evaluated.     

Replacement value of blue‐green alga (spirulina platensis) for fishmeal and a vitamin‐mineral premix for broiler chicks

1. The effect of sun‐dried Spirulina platensis in poultry diets was studied in a 12‐week feeding trial by replacing either fishmeal (FM) or groundnut cake (GC) in a commercial diet with algae at isonitrogenous concentrations of 140 g/kg and 170 g/kg respectively. Additional vitamins/ minerals were omitted from the algal diets because Spirulina is rich in them.

2. Efficiency of food utilisation, protein efficiency ratio and dressing percentage indicated that substitution of FM or GC by alga did not affect the performance of broilers.

3. None of the diets affected the weights, compositions and histopathology of the various organs of the chicks.

4. Meat quality remained unchanged except for a more intense colour in the case of birds fed on the alga‐containing diets.     

Productivity of one‐ and two‐year‐old steers grazing Coastcross II (Cynodon hybrid) at four stocking rates

Coastcross II pastures were continuously grazed with 1‐ or 2‐year‐old steers at stocking rates between 5.4 and 13.4 animals ha^?1 in 1985–86 and 1986–87 at the Ukulinga research farm near Pietermaritzburg. In the first season there was no difference between animals of different ages in the ADG‐stocking rate and herbage availability‐stocking rate regressions. In the second season ADG for 2‐year‐old steers was higher (P≤0.05) and herbage availability lower (P≤0.05) than for 1‐year‐olds. Maximum gain ha^?1 for 2‐year‐old steers in the second season (1 178 kg) was 38% higher than for 1‐year‐olds (853 kg).     

Serum Adipokine Concentrations in Dogs with Naturally Occurring Pituitary‐Dependent Hyperadrenocorticism

Background

An excess of intra‐abdominal fat is observed frequently in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism (HAC). Adipokine dysregulation is a possible cause of complications related to visceral obesity, but little information is available on adipokine in dogs with naturally occurring HAC.

Objectives

To examine the differences in the circulating adipokines concentrations in overweight dogs with and without pituitary‐dependent HAC (PDH).

Animals

Thirty healthy dogs and 15 client‐owned dogs with PDH.

Methods

Case–controlled observational study, which enrolled 15 overweight dogs diagnosed with PDH and 30 otherwise healthy dogs of similar body condition score. Nine of 15 dogs with PDH were treated with low‐dose trilostane twice daily and reassessed after treatment.

Results

The serum leptin (P < .0001) and insulin (P < .0001) concentrations were significantly higher in the PDH group (leptin, 22.8 ± 8.8 [mean ± SD]; insulin, 9.1 ± 6.1) than the healthy group (leptin, 4.9 ± 3.7; insulin, 1.9 ± 0.9). However, there were no significant differences in the adiponectin, resistin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐10, and IL‐18 levels between the 2 groups. In the PDH group, the serum cortisol concentrations had a linear association with the leptin concentrations, and there were significant decreases in the leptin (P = .0039) and insulin (P = .0039) levels after trilostane treatment. However, the leptin and insulin levels remained higher after trilostane treatment than in healthy control dogs with similar body condition score.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Hypercortisolemia in dogs with PDH might upregulate the circulating leptin levels. However, a large population‐based study will be necessary to determine whether the upregulation of leptin is involved directly with the complications caused by HAC.     

Plasma growth hormone and insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) concentrations at the onset of lay in ad libitum and restricted broiler breeder fowl

1. Plasma concentrations of growth hormone (GH) and insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF‐I) were determined in individually caged broiler breeder females from 17 to 30 weeks of age. The birds were fed ad libitum or restricted during rearing in a randomised block design. Restricted birds were fed ad libitum after laying an egg and egg production was recorded to 54 weeks.

2. GH concentrations were higher in restricted compared with ad libitum‐fed birds at 17 to 21 weeks of age and were similar thereafter. Plasma IGF‐I concentrations were higher in restricted compared with ad libitum‐fed birds throughout the sampling period of the experiment.

3. The age at first egg was delayed by about two weeks in restricted birds. At 54 weeks of age they had laid 114 compared with 67 eggs in birds fed ad libitum throughout and had produced less than half the number of eggs with defective shells.

4. It was suggested that differences in egg production between ad libitum and restricted broiler breeder females could be related to changes in the pattern of GH and/or IGF‐I secretion.     

Accuracy of pregnancy diagnosis and prediction of foetal numbers in sheep with linear‐array real‐time ultrasound scanning

Summary

Pregnancy diagnosis was carried out in sheep by means of transabdominal linear‐array real‐time ultrasound scanning. Animals were restrained standing, and the transducer was placed on the hairless area of the ventral abdominal wall just in front of the udder.

Of a total of 818 tests, 724 were performed between days 29 and 89 of pregnancy, 598 animals subsequently lambed and 126 were non‐lambing animals. Only 8 of these tests were wrong: 3 false positive and 5 false negative diagnoses. Sensitivity, specificity, positive‐ and negative predictive values for these tests were 99.2%, 97.6%, 99.5%, and 96% respectively. There was evidence to indicate that the three false positive tests were caused by foetal mortality or unobserved abortions that took place after testing. Only 2 of the 5 false negative tests were carried out after day 39 of gestation. Counting of foetal numbers (1, 2 or 3) was performed in only some animals (n = 210) between days 45 and 77 of gestation. Three groups of animals (A: 89 ewes; B. 27 PMSG‐treated ewes; C: 94 ewes) were analyzed separately. Overall accuracy of all predictions was 83.1%, 37.0% and 78.7% for the 3 groups respectively. Animals in group B produced only 3 or more lambs. Sensitivity of the countings of singles, twins and triplets or more were 90.4%, 90.4% and 50% respectively for the animals from group A and 91.9%, 86% and 21.4% for the animals from group C. When only two categories (1 and ≥ 2) were used these figures were 90.4% (1) and 94. 1% (≥2) for animals from group A and 91.9% (1) and 89.5% (≥ 2) for animals from group C.

It was concluded that linear‐array real‐time ultrasound scanning by the transabdominal route is a reliable method for (early) pregnancy diagnosis in sheep. In addition the technique enables a fairly accurate separation of ewes carrying a single lamb from as early as 40–70 days after mating.