锌、铁和维生素A互作对肉仔鸡血清和肝脏抗氧化效应的影响

试验选用360只健康1日龄艾维茵肉仔鸡(公、母混养),采用2×2×3三因子析因化设计,将360只试验雏鸡随机分成12组,每组设3个重复,每个重复10只鸡。锌的添加浓度为50、100mg/kg,铁的添加浓度为30、60mg/kg,维生素A的添加浓度为1500、3000、6000IU/kg。测定了肉仔鸡血清、肝脏谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)活性,过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性、铜锌超氧化物歧化(酶CuZn-SOD)活性,丙二醛(MDA)含量,以此来研究不同水平的锌、铁、维生素A同时添加,三者在肉仔鸡血清、肝脏抗氧化功能方面的互作效应。结果表明:锌、铁与维生素A三者互作对提高肉仔鸡血清CuZn-SOD活性影响极显(著P<0.01),对提高肉仔鸡肝脏GSH-Px活性和降低MDA含量影响极显(著P<0.01)。这说明锌、铁、维生素A三者之间在肉仔鸡抗氧化方面存在协同效应。     

利用血液维生素A的相对剂量反应评价肉仔鸡维生素A营养状况的研究

试验1采用完全随机试验设计 ,将360只1日龄健康艾维茵肉仔鸡称重后随机分为12组 ,每组30只。其中 ,锌设0、5、40和80mg/kg4个添加水平 ;VA设0、3000和6000IU/kg3个添加水平 ,共构成12组。试验2也采用完全随机试验设计 ,将450只1日龄健康艾维茵肉仔鸡称重后随机分为15组 ,每组30只。其中 ,锌设25、65、145、305和625mg/kg5个添加水平 ,VA设3000、6000和12000IU/kg3个添加水平 ,共组成15组。通过研究日粮锌与VA水平对肉仔鸡生产性能、VA代谢和血清VA浓度的相对剂量反应(RDR)的影响 ,初探利用RDR评价肉仔鸡VA营养状况的可能性。结果表明 :在本试验条件下 ,应用血清VA的RDR值可监测肉仔鸡的VA营养状况 ,结合血清VA浓度可以判断引起血清VA浓度低下的原因 ,是由于日粮VA本身供给不足所致 ,还是由于其它原因引起的。但当日粮VA增加至一定水平时 ,RDR对机体的VA营养状况反映不敏感     

维生素A、D及其相互作用对肉仔鸡生长性能及组织维生素A、E浓度的影响

本试验旨在研究维生素A、D及其相互作用对肉仔鸡生长及组织维生素A、E浓度的影响。试验采用4×4完全随机试验设计,将384只8日龄健康艾维茵雄性肉仔鸡称重后随机分为16个处理组,每个处理组3个重复,每个重复8只。其中,VA设4个添加水平,分别为1500、3000、15000和45000 IU/kg日粮;VD设4个添加水平,分别为500、1 250、2500和5000 IU/kg日粮,共构成16个处理组。结果表明,日粮VA水平为3000 IU/kg时,血清VA浓度趋于稳定,生长速度最快;日粮VA水平为45000 IU/kg时,肝脏、肾脏VA浓度显著升高,VE浓度显著下降,生长速度有明显下降的趋势;日粮VA水平为15000 IU/kg时,肝脏、肾脏VA浓度显著上升,同时对VE产生明显的拮抗作用,引起血清、肾脏的VE浓度显著下降;日粮VA水平为1 500 IU/kg时,血清、肝脏、肾脏VA浓度及生长速度均呈明显的降低趋势。日粮VD水平在500~5000 IU/kg内增加,对肉仔鸡生长性能无显著影响(P>0.05)。日粮VA为15000 IU/kg时,肉仔鸡VA有过量的可能;日粮VA为45000 IU/kg时,肉仔鸡VA过量;日粮VA为1500 IU/kg时,肉仔鸡VA有临界缺乏的可能。日粮VA与VD在对血清、肝脏VA浓度的影响方面存在一定互作效应,主要表现在高剂量VD对过量VA有一定拮抗作用。     

日粮中不同锌及维生素A水平对肉仔鸡生产性能、免疫性能和有关酶及激素的影响

以AA肉仔鸡为试验动物 ,采用6×2(Zn×VA)重复实验设计 ,研究了日粮添加不同水平的锌(Zn)(40 ,80 ,120 ,160 ,200和320mg/kg)和维生素A(VA)(2700和8800IU/kg)对生产性能、免疫性能、7周龄血清和肝脏CuZn -SOD活性、血清碱性磷酸酶活性及血清胰岛素浓度的影响。结果表明 ,肉仔鸡对Zn的需要量有阶段性区别 ,前期添加320mg/kg,后期添加80～120mg/kg能获得较好的生产性能和免疫性能。VA的添加量为2700IU/kg 时前后期的生产性能均较佳。日粮Zn水平对血清CuZn -SOD的影响极显著(P<0.01) ,Zn水平为80～160mg/kg 时活性最大 ;日粮Zn水平对肝脏CuZn -SOD的影响接近显著水平 ,Zn水平为160～200mg/kg 时活性最大 ;日粮Zn水平、VA水平及二者的交互作用对血清碱性磷酸酶活性的影响均极显著(P<0.01) ,Zn的添加水平为80mg/kg时 ,酶活性最大 ,日粮高水平VA(8800IU/kg)使酶活性显著增加(P<0.01)。日粮Zn及VA水平对血清胰岛素浓度均有极显著影响(P<0.01)。高Zn(320mg/kg)使胰岛素浓度明显升高 ,高VA明显抑制了胰岛素浓度     

铜、维生素A及互作效应对肉仔鸡糖脂代谢的影响

选用1日龄艾维因肉仔鸡448只,随机分为8个组,每个组4个重复,每个重复14只鸡(公母各1/2)。采用4×2(Cu×VA)完全随机设计,日粮Cu的添加量为0、8、150和225mg/kg,VA的添加量为1500和5000IU/kg,探讨肉仔鸡体内Cu与VA对血清糖脂代谢的影响。结果表明:低Cu(0~8mg/kg)组显著降低血糖(GLU)、血清胆固醇(CHO)和血清高密度脂蛋白(HDL)浓度,显著提高血清胰岛素(INS)、血清甘油三酯(TG)和血清乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)浓度;高VA(5000IU/kg)组极显著降低GLU、CHO、TG、HDL和LDH浓度,极显著提高INS浓度;Cu(225mg/kg)×VA(5000IU/kg)组显著降低GLU、INS、CHO和TG浓度,Cu(0~8mg/kg)×VA(5000IU/kg)组极显著降低血清HDL和LDH浓度。因此,在肉仔鸡日粮中另外添加Cu水平为0~8mg/kg,VA水平为5000IU/kg时,有利于肉仔鸡糖原及脂肪合成。     

肉仔鸡体内铁与维生素A互作效应的研究

选用1日龄艾维因肉仔鸡504只 ,随机分为9组 ,每组4个重复 ,每重复14只鸡 (公母各半 ) ,采用3×3(Fe×VA)完全随机试验设计 ,探讨肉仔鸡体内Fe与VA的互作效应。试验日粮铁的添加量为0 ,30 ,60mg/kg ,VA的添加量为750 ,1500 ,2700IU/kg。结果表明 :①随着Fe添加水平的增加 ,肝脏VA浓度显著降低 (P<0.05) ,而血清VA浓度显著增加 (P<0.05) ,Fe对动员肝脏VA入血有促进作用。②高水平VA使前期十二指肠Fe浓度显著升高 (P<0.05) ,促进了Fe的吸收 ;低水平VA使后期肝脏Fe浓度显著增高(P<0.01) ,抑制了Fe的动员 ;VA对前后期血清Fe浓度影响均不显著 ;随着VA水平增加 ,后期胫骨Fe浓度显著增加 (P<0.01) ,前后期红细胞计数显著升高 (P<0.01) ,VA可促进Fe由贮存组织向所需组织的动员 ,VA可促进骨髓造血。③交互作用对前后期肝脏VA浓度、后期血清VA浓度、前期红细胞计数及后期胫骨Fe浓度影响均显著     

铜和维生素A及其交互作用对肉仔鸡血清酶活性的影响

试验采用4×2(Cu×VA)完全随机设计,日粮中铜的添加量为0、8、150、225mg/kg,VA的添加量为1500、5000IU/kg,探讨肉仔鸡体内铜与VA对血清酶活性的影响。结果表明:在一定范围内,铜与VA在提高T-SOD活性方面的影响具有可加性;在一定范围内适当提高日粮中铜水平可有效提高动物体组织中Cu-ZnSOD活性,但Cu-ZnSOD活性并非随日粮中铜水平增加而增加,日粮中添加VA可提高血清Cu-ZnSOD活性,铜与VA交互作用表现为Cu(8mg/kg)×VA(5000IU/kg)组Cu-ZnSOD活性最高;日粮中添加适量铜可提高CP的活性,但CP活性与VA添加水平呈负相关,铜与VA交互作用表现为Cu(225mg/kg)×VA(1500IU/kg)组血清中CP酶活性最高;日粮中铜水平与LDH活性呈负相关,铜与VA交互作用表现为Cu(8mg/kg)×VA(1500IU/kg)组LDH活性最高;高铜可降低GOT和GPT的活性,高剂量VA可引起血清中GOT和GPT的活性升高,铜与VA交互作用对血清GOT和GPT活性的影响存在阶段性差异,前期主要表现为Cu(225mg/kg)×VA(5000IU/kg)组GOT活性最高,Cu(225mg/kg)×VA(1500IU/kg)组GPT活性最高;后期主要表现为Cu(150mg/kg)×VA(1500IU/kg)组GOT活性最高,Cu(0mg/kg)×VA(1500IU/kg)组GPT活性最高。     

铁和维生素A及互作效应对肉仔鸡生产性能、免疫功能与有关酶及激素的影响

选用 1日龄艾维茵肉仔鸡 50 4只 ,随机分为 9组 ,每组 4个重复 ,每重复 1 4只鸡 ,公母比为 1∶1 ,采用 3× 3(Fe×VA)完全随机试验设计 ,研究了日粮添加不同水平的Fe(0 ,30 ,60mg/kg)和VA(750 ,1 50 0 ,2 70 0IU/kg)对肉仔鸡不同生长阶段 (0 4周龄和 5 7周龄 )的生产性能、免疫功能、血清过氧化氢酶活性及胰岛素浓度的影响。结果表明 :(1 )常规日粮中铁含量丰富 ,不添加铁时肉仔鸡的生产性能、免疫功能较佳 ;(2 )VA添加量对生产性能影响不显著 (P >0 0 5) ,对血清抗体效价的影响也不显著 (P >0 0 5) ,但对淋巴细胞ANAE+ %影响极显著 (P <0 0 0 0 1 ) ,且ANAE+ %随着VA添加量的增加而增加 ;(3)VA对血清CAT活性影响显著 (P <0 0 1 ) ,且VA(2 70 0IU/kg)组CAT活性最高 ;(4)Fe对血清胰岛素浓度影响显著 (P <0 0 5) ,且Fe(60mg/kg)组胰岛素浓度最高。 (5)Fe和VA交互作用对体增重影响显著 (P <0 0 5) ,对免疫功能影响显著 (P <0 0 1 ) ,对血清CAT活性影响显著 (P <0 0 1 ) ,且二者间存在互补作用。     

日粮不同铜、维生素A水平及互作效应对肉仔鸡体内几种蛋白代谢相关指标的影响

选用1日龄艾维因肉仔鸡448只,随机分为8组,每组4个重复,每重复14只(公母各半).用4×2(Cu×VA)完全随机设计,铜的添加量为0、8、150、225 mg/kg,维生素A的添加量为1 500和5 000 IU/kg.探讨日粮不同铜、维生素A水平及互作效应对肉仔鸡体内几种蛋白代谢相关指标的影响.结果显示日粮低铜(0～8 mg/kg)组血清尿素氮(SUN)质量浓度降低,血清总蛋白(TP)质量浓度提高,血清谷草转胺酶(GOT)和谷丙转胺酶(GPT)的活性提高;高剂量维生素A(5 000 IU/kg)组SUN质量浓度降低,TP质量浓度显著增加;低铜(0 mg/kg)与高剂量维生素A(5 000 IU/kg)在降低SUN质量浓度和提高TP质量浓度方面有协同作用.结果表明低铜(0～8 mg/kg)利于肉仔鸡体内蛋白质合成.     

铁和维生素A及互作效应对肉仔鸡胃肠道铁含量的影响

选用1日龄艾维茵肉仔鸡504只,随机分为9组,每组4个重复,每重复14只鸡,公鸡比为1∶1,采用3×3(Fe×VA)完全随机试验设计,研究了日粮添加不同水平的Fe(0mg/kg、30mg/kg、60mg/kg)和VA(750IU/kg、1500IU/kg、2700IU/kg)对肉仔鸡不同生长阶段(0周龄～4周龄和5周龄～7周龄)腺胃、十二指肠、空肠、回肠的铁含量影响。结果表明:铁添加水平对4周龄肉仔鸡腺胃铁含量影响显著(P<0.05),随着铁添加水平的增加,腺胃铁含量也增加。对后期腺胃铁含量影响显著(P<0.01),且随着铁添加水平的增加,腺胃铁含量降低。铁对前后期十二指肠、空肠铁含量影响均显著(P<0.01),对前后期回肠铁含量影响不显著(P>0.05)。前期铁(0mg/kg)组十二指肠、空肠、回肠各段中铁含量最高,而后期铁(0mg/kg)组十二指肠、空肠、回肠各段中铁含量最低;②VA对后期腺胃铁含量影响显著(P<0.01),VA对前期十二指肠铁含量影响显著(P<0.05),随着VA添加水平的增加,十二指肠中铁含量也增加,说明VA可促进十二指肠对铁的吸收;③交互作用对后期腺胃、十二指肠铁含量影响显著(P<0.01)。     

白术、微米白术和白术多糖对断奶仔猪生长性能和肠道形态及微生态区系的影响

试验选用96头平均体重14.82 kg左右的杜×长×大断奶仔猪,随机分成4组,每组3栏,每栏8头(公母各半)。对照组饲喂基础日粮,试验1、2、3组分别添加1%80目白术、0.2%白术多糖和1%微米白术。试验期30 d。结果表明:在生长性能方面,与对照组相比,1%微米白术添加组可显著提高日增重(P0.05)、降低饲料增重比和腹泻率,而且效果优于1%80目白术组和0.2%白术多糖组,在肠道形态和肠道微生态区系方面,与对照组相比,日粮添加1%80目白术、0.2%白术多糖、1%微米白术均可不同程度的提高十二指肠和空肠的绒毛高度,加深十二指肠和空肠的隐窝深度,并且增加肠道微生态区系的多样性,其中以1%微米白术添加组的效果最佳。     

Prevalence and seasonal incidence of nematode parasites and fluke infections of sheep and goats in eastern Ethiopia

Sissay, M.M., Uggla, A. and Waller, P.J., XXXX. Prevalence and seasonal incidence of nematode parasites and fluke infections of sheep and goats in eastern Ethiopia. Tropical Animal Health and Production, XXXX. A 2-year abattoir survey was carried out to determine the prevalence, abundance and seasonal incidence of gastro-intestinal (GI) nematodes and trematodes (flukes) of sheep and goats in the semi-arid zone of eastern Ethiopia. During May 2003 to April 2005, viscera including liver, lungs and GI tracts were collected from 655 sheep and 632 goats slaughtered at 4 abattoirs located in the towns of Haramaya, Harar, Dire Dawa and Jijiga in eastern Ethiopia. All animals were raised in the farming areas located within the community boundaries for each town. Collected materials were transported within 24 h to the parasitology laboratory of Haramaya University for immediate processing. Thirteen species belonging to 9 genera of GI nematodes (Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus axei, T. colubriformis, T. vitrinus, Nematodirus filicollis, N. spathiger, Oesophagostomum columbianum, O. venulosum, Strongyloides papillosus, Bunostomum trigonocephalum, Trichuris ovis, Cooperia curticei and Chabertia ovina), and 4 species belonging to 3 genera of trematodes (Fasciola hepatica, F. gigantica, Paramphistomum {Calicohoron} microbothrium and Dicrocoelium dendriticum) were recorded in both sheep and goats. All animals in this investigation were infected with multiple species to varying degrees. The mean burdens of adult nematodes were generally moderate in both sheep and goats and showed patterns of seasonal abundance that corresponded with the bi-modal annual rainfall pattern, with highest burdens around the middle of the rainy season. In both sheep and goats there were significant differences in the mean worm burdens and abundance of the different nematode species between the four geographic locations, with worm burdens in the Haramaya and Harar areas greater than those observed in the Dire Dawa and Jijiga locations. Similar seasonal variations were also observed in the prevalence of flukes. But there were no significant differences in the prevalence of each fluke species between the four locations. Overall, the results showed that Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, Nematodirus, Oesophagostomum, Fasciola and Paramphistomum species were the most abundant helminth parasites of sheep and goats in eastern Ethiopia.     

Phase I evaluation of CCNU (lomustine) in tumor-bearing cats

1-(2-Chloroethyl)3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea (CCNU) is an alkylating agent in the nitrosourea subclass. A prospective evaluation of CCNU was done to determine the maximally tolerated dosage of CCNU in tumor-bearing cats. Response data were obtained when available. Twenty-five cats were treated with CCNU at a dosage of 50-60 mg/m3 body surface area. Complete hematologic data were available for 13 cats. Neutropenia was the acute dose-limiting toxicity. The median neutrophil count at the nadir was 1,000 cells/microL (mean, 2,433 cells/microL; range, 0-9,694 cells/microL). The time of neutrophil nadir was variable, occurring 7-28 days after treatment, and counts sometimes did not return to normal for up to 14 days after the nadir. Based on these findings, a 6-week dosing interval and weekly hematologic monitoring after the 1st treatment with CCNU are recommended. The nadir of the platelet count may occur 14-21 days after treatment. The median platelet count at the nadir was 43,500 cells/microL. No gastrointestinal, renal, or hepatic toxicities were observed after a single CCNU treatment, and additional studies to evaluate the potential for cumulative toxicity should be performed. Five cats with lymphoma and 1 cat with mast cell tumor had measurable responses to CCNU. Phase II studies to evaluate antitumor activity should be completed with a dosing regimen of 50-60 mg/m3 every 6 weeks.     

Y‐chromosomal variation of local goat breeds of Turkey close to the domestication centre

Genetic variations in chromosome Y are enabling researchers to identify paternal lineages, which are informative for introgressions and migrations. In this study, the male‐specific region markers, sex‐determining region‐Y (SRY), amelogenin (AMELY) and zinc finger (ZFY) were analysed in seven Turkish native goat breeds, Angora, Kilis, Hair, Honaml?, Norduz, Gürcü and Abaza. A SNP in the ZFY gene defined a new haplotype Y2C. All domestic haplogroups originate from Capra aegagrus, while the finding of Y1A, Y1B, Y2A and Y2C in 32, 4, 126 and 2 Turkish domestic goats, respectively, appears to indicate a predomestic origin of the major haplotypes. The occurrence of four haplotypes in the Hair goat and, in contrast, a frequency of 96% of Y1A in the Kilis breed illustrate that Y‐chromosomal variants have a more breed‐dependent distribution than mitochondrial or autosomal DNA. This probably reflects male founder effects, but a role in adaptation cannot be excluded.     

Furosemide continuous rate infusion in the horse: evaluation of enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects

Continuous rate infusion (CRI) of furosemide in humans is considered superior to intermittent administration (IA). This study examined whether furosemide CRI, compared with IA, would increase diuretic efficacy with decreased fluid and electrolyte fluctuations and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in the horse. Five mares were used in a crossover-design study. During a 24-hour period, each horse received a total of 3 mg/kg furosemide by either CRI (0.12 mg/kg/h preceded by a loading dose of 0.12 mg/kg IV) or IA (1 mg/kg IV q8h). There was not a statistically significant difference in urine volume over 24 hours between methods; however, urine volume was significantly greater after CRI compared with IA during the first 8 hours ([median 25th percentile, 75th percentile]: 9.6 L [8.9, 14.4] for CRI versus 5.9 L [5.3, 6.0] for IA). CRI produced a more uniform urine flow, decreased fluctuations in plasma volume, and suppressed renal concentrating ability throughout the infusion period. Potassium, Ca, and Cl excretion was greater during CRI than IA (1,133 mmol [1.110, 1,229] versus 764 mmol [709, 904], 102.7 mmol [96.0, 117.2] versus 73.3 mmol [65.0, 73.5], and 1,776 mmol [1,657, 2.378] versus 1,596 mmol [1,457, 1,767], respectively). Elimination half-lives of furosemide were 1.35 and 0.47 hours for CRI and IA, respectively. The area under the excretion rate curve was 1,285.7 and 184.2 mL x mg/mL for CRI and IA, respectively. Furosemide CRI (0.12 mg/kg/h) for 8 hours, preceded by a loading dose (0.12 mg/kg), is recommended when profound diuresis is needed acutely in horses.     

The Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Dairy Cattle in Central Kenya

The epidemiology of H. placei and of other gastrointestinal nematodes in yearling dairy cattle was examined on two farms in Kiambu District, central Kenya during each of 13 one-month periods from April 1993 to April 1994. On each farm, 32 newly weaned dairy calves were given a single dose of albendazole and then placed on experimental pastures. Twelve of the animals were designated for bi-monthly slaughter (n = 2) and analysis of worm population characteristics and 20 were designated for blood and faecal collection and for weighing. Two parasite-free tracer calves were grazed alongside the weaner calves each month throughout the study period and were also slaughtered for analysis of worm populations. Faecal egg counts, haematological and serum pepsinogen determinations, herbage larval counts, and animal live weight changes were recorded monthly. The study revealed that Haemonchus placei, Trichostrongylus axei, Cooperia spp. and Oesophagostomum radiatum were responsible for parasitic gastroenteritis and that H. placei was the predominant nematode present in the young cattle on both farms. Faecal egg counts from resident cattle and necropsy worm counts revealed that pasture larval levels were directly related to the amount of rainfall. The total worm burdens in the animals were highest during the rainy season (March–June and October–December) and lowest during the dry seasons (July–September and January–February). The very low recovery of immature larvae of H. placei from the tracer calves indicated that arrested development is not a feature of the life cycle of this parasite in central Kenya. The maintenance of the parasite population depended on continuous cycling of infection between the host and the pasture. The agroclimatic conditions of the study area were such that, in general, favourable weather conditions for the development and survival of the free-living stages of gastrointestinal nematodes existed all year round.     

Diversity of Ectoparasites in Sheep Flocks in Sa~o Paulo,Brazil

The occurrence of ectoparasites in sheep flocks is frequently reported but seldom quantified. Sheep production used to be a predominantly family activity in the state of Sa~o Paulo (Brazil), but it began to become a commercial activity in the past decade. Thus, information about the ectoparasites existing in sheep flocks has become necessary. The present data were obtained by means of questionnaires sent to all sheep breeders belonging to the `Associaça~o Paulista de Criadores de Ovinos' (ASPACO; Sa~o Paulo State Association of Sheep Breeders). Response reliability was tested by means of random visits paid to 10.6% of the respondents. Most of the properties (89.5%) reported the presence of one or more ectoparasites. Screw-worm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) was the most frequent ectoparasite (72.5%), followed by bot fly larvae (Dermatobia hominis, 45.0%), ticks (Amblyomma cajennense) and Boophilus microplus, 31.3%) and finally lice (Damalinia ovis, 13.8%). Combined infestations also occurred, the most common one being screw-worm with bot fly larvae (36.0%) followed by bot fly larvae with ticks (13.9%), screw-worm with ticks (9.3%), bot fly larvae with lice (6.9%), and ticks with lice (5.0%). The most common triple combination was screw-worm, bot fly larvae and ticks (12.8%). Breeds raised for meat or wool were attacked by bot fly larvae and ticks more often than other breeds. Lice were only absent from animals of indigenous breeds. The relationships among these ectoparasites are discussed in terms of sheep breeds, flock size, seasonality and the ectoparasitic combinations on the host.     

Feline intracranial neoplasia: retrospective review of 160 cases (1985-2001)

The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of different tumor types within a large cohort of cats with intracranial neoplasia and to attempt to correlate signalment, tumor size and location, and survival time for each tumor. Medical records of 160 cats with confirmed intracranial neoplasia evaluated between 1985 and 2001 were reviewed. Parameters evaluated included age, sex, breed, FeLV/FIV status, clinical signs, duration of signs, number of tumors, tumor location(s), imaging results, treatment, survival times, and histopathologic diagnosis. Most of the cats were older (11.3 +/- 3.8 years). Primary tumors accounted for 70.6% of cases. Metastasis and direct extension of secondary tumors accounted for only 5.6 and 3.8% of cases, respectively. Twelve cats (7.5%) had 2 or more discrete tumors of the same type, whereas 16 cats (10.0%) had 2 different types of intracranial tumors. The most common tumor types were meningioma (n = 93, 58.1%), lymphoma (n = 23, 14.4%), pituitary tumors (n = 14, 8.8%), and gliomas (n = 12, 7.5%). The most common neurological signs were altered consciousness (n = 42, 26.2%), circling (n = 36, 22.5%), and seizures (n = 36, 22.5%). Cats without specific neurological signs were common (n = 34, 21.2%). The tumor was considered an incidental finding in 30 (18.8%) cats. In addition to expected relationships (eg, meninges and meningioma, pituitary and pituitary tumors), we found that lesion location was predictive of tumor type with diffuse cerebral or brainstem involvement predictive of lymphoma and third ventricle involvement predictive of meningioma.     

A brief history of the prevention of infectious diseases by immunisations

Infectious diseases have always been a terrible scourge for humans. The appearance of these plagues, as they were called without distinction, was generally connected to various conditions: asters, climatic changes or religious reasons. The concept of contagious, and then infectious, diseases came slowly. Variolation, i.e. transmission of ‘virulent’ matter to induce a natural disease and the immunity against it, was brought from Constantinople to England by Lady Montague, in 1721. This ‘variolation’ technique was also often performed in veterinary medicine against diseases like sheep-pox or pleuropneumonia. As ‘vaccination’ is the term generally accepted for ‘immunisation’, variolation can be the word designating such a technique. The second period of the history of immunisation began, in 1880, with the studies of Pasteur and his collaborators. A great number of bacterial vaccines were developed: dead, live but attenuated or only parts of pathogens. The viruses were produced in animals, then in eggs and at last, in tissue cultures. Second generation vaccines appeared with genetic engineering: recombinant vaccines, vector vaccines, nucleic acids vaccines, and markers vaccines, among others. These novel technologies can permit the development of new ones and improve the quality of the vaccines already existing.