Background Data for General Toxicology Parameters in RccHan:WIST Rats at 8, 10, 19 and 32 Weeks of Age

Recently, RccHan(TM):WIST (Wistar Hannover) rats were introduced to toxicity studies in Japan. The present study was performed to obtain control data for general toxicological parameters as an aid for interpretation of results in toxicity studies using this strain of rats. Four test groups comprising of 25 male and 25 female RccHan(TM):WIST rats were housed for 2, 4, 13 or 26 weeks from 6 weeks of age and observed and examined for clinical observation, body weight, food consumption, urinalysis, hematology, blood chemistry, organ weight, necropsy and/or histopathology. Ophthalmological examination was not conducted in this study, and the data in this report were obtained from an ongoing 104-week background study in RccHan(TM):WIST rats. These data were compared with the historical control data of CD(SD) (Sprague-Dawley) and/or F344 (Fischer) rats. The body weights of RccHan(TM):WIST rats were lower than those of CD(SD) rats and higher than those of F344 rats. The ophthalmological examination revealed a greater incidence of focal corneal opacity. Histopathology revealed focal mineralization of the cornea and Berlin blue-positive pigmentation in the epididymal interstitium as well as hepatocytes. Other than the above, some minor differences were found in urinalysis, hematology, blood chemistry and organ weights as compared with CD(SD) rats.     

Toxicological pathology of cockleburs (Xanthium spp.) for broiler chickens.

Spiking mortality syndrome (SMS) in chickens resembles cocklebur toxicity in cattle, sheep, pigs, and rats. In order to determine if cockleburs are toxic to broiler chicks, crushed burs were fed (25% wt:wt) to broilers for 21 days. Ingestion of cockleburs resulted in significant failure to properly gain body weight. Otherwise, chicks did not develop clinical signs of illness or gross or microscopic lesions. Although there were some significant differences in serum chemistry values among chick groups, there were no consistent patterns. Severe hypoglycemia is said to be a characteristic finding in chicks that die with SMS. Because glucose levels were not low in chicks that were fed cockleburs, we feel certain that cockleburs do not cause SMS.     

Breed‐associated variability in serum biochemical analytes in four large‐breed dogs

Background: Genetic background can influence the expected values of hematologic and serum biochemical analytes in domestic animal species. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if there are breed‐related differences in serum biochemical variables in healthy purebred dogs of 4 breeds and to develop appropriate reference intervals. Methods: Alaskan Malamutes (n=59), Siberian Huskies (n=78), Golden Retrievers (n=90), and English Setters (n=77) were included in the study. The dogs had a median age of 42 months (range 10–112 months) and each breed included a mix of intact and neutered dogs of both sexes. Serum biochemical profiles (Olympus AU400e) were performed along with physical examinations, CBCs, and urinalyses to ensure dogs were clinically healthy. Differences in the values of biochemical analytes were assessed nonparametrically and reference intervals for all breeds combined were calculated as the central 95% percentile. Results: Significant differences were observed between breeds for all serum biochemical analytes except alkaline phosphatase, glucose, and chloride. The analyte ranges had a large degree of overlap between the different breeds. Conclusions: Although many statistically significant breed‐related differences in serum biochemical values were observed, the differences were small and unlikely to have clinical relevance or impact medical decision making.     

Comparison of Hematologic and Biochemical Results on Blood Obtained by Jugular Venipuncture as Compared with Intravenous Catheter in Adult Horses

Background: During hospitalization, horses typically undergo frequent blood sampling for diagnostic testing and monitoring. The need for numerous samples in hospitalized horses makes acquisition from an intravenous catheter (IVC) both convenient and less stressful to the patient. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that there would be no significant difference in the plasma chemistry and CBC variables from blood samples obtained from a jugular catheter as compared with direct jugular venipuncture. Animals: Fifty adult hospitalized horses; 25 receiving constant rate crystalloid therapy, and 25 receiving low volume IV medication. Methods: This study was conducted using a prospective, blinded, cross‐over design. Samples were obtained sequentially by direct venipuncture of the jugular vein and aspiration from an IVC in the contralateral vein after an appropriate presample of blood was obtained and discarded. Samples were submitted for blinded analysis including CBC, plasma chemistry analysis, stall side plasma glucose concentration, PCV, and total protein concentration. Data obtained were analyzed using a Student's t‐test with compensation for unequal variances between the 2 groups. Analyses were Bonferroni corrected for a 5% 2‐tailed hypothesis test. Results: There were no statistically significant or clinically relevant differences associated with sampling method (venipuncture versus catheter) regardless of fluid administration status in any of the 24 analytes measured. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Blood samples obtained by IVC have clinically equivalent values to those taken by direct venipuncture in commonly performed analyses. Additional investigation is warranted to establish if this technique is associated with increased complications such as phlebitis or bacteremia.     

Comparison of three types of analyzers for urine protein-to-creatinine ratios in dogs

BackgroundQuantitation of urine protein is important in dogs with chronic kidney disease. Various analyzers are used to measure urine protein-to-creatinine ratios (UPCR).ObjectivesThis study aimed to compare the UPCR obtained by three types of analyzers (automated wet chemistry analyzer, in-house dry chemistry analyzer, and dipstick reading device) and investigate whether the differences could affect clinical decision process.MethodsUrine samples were collected from 115 dogs. UPCR values were obtained using three analyzers. Bland-Altman and Passing Bablok tests were used to analyze agreement between the UPCR values. Urine samples were classified as normal or proteinuria based on the UPCR values obtained by each analyzer and concordance in the classification evaluated with Cohen''s kappa coefficient.ResultsPassing and Bablok regression showed that there were proportional as well as constant difference between UPCR values obtained by a dipstick reading device and those obtained by the other analyzers. The concordance in the classification of proteinuria was very high (κ = 0.82) between the automated wet chemistry analyzer and in-house dry chemistry analyzer, while the dipstick reading device showed moderate concordance with the automated wet chemistry analyzer (κ = 0.52) and in-house dry chemistry analyzer (κ = 0.53).ConclusionsAlthough the urine dipstick test is simple and a widely used point-of-care test, our results indicate that UPCR values obtained by the dipstick test are not appropriate for clinical use. Inter-instrumental variability may affect clinical decision process based on UPCR values and should be emphasized in veterinary practice.     

Assessment of correlation between in vitro CD3+ T cell susceptibility to EAV infection and clinical outcome following experimental infection

In a recent study, we demonstrated that the virulent Bucyrus strain (VBS) of EAV could infect in vitro a small population of CD3(+) T lymphocytes from some but not all horses. Furthermore, we have shown that a common haplotype is associated with this in vitro CD3(+) T cell susceptibility/resistance phenotype to EAV infection. In this study, we investigated whether the differences in the susceptibility or resistance of CD3(+) T cells in vitro correlate with the outcome and severity of clinical signs in vivo. Thus, horses were divided into two groups based on their CD3(+) T cell susceptible or resistant phenotype. Following experimental inoculation with the recombinant VBS of EAV, horses were assessed for presence and severity of clinical signs, duration and magnitude of virus shedding, as well as production of proinflammatory and immunomodulatory cytokines in peripheral blood mononuclear cells using real-time quantitative RT-PCR. The data showed that there was a significant difference between the two groups of horses in terms of cytokine mRNA expression and evidence of increased clinical signs in horses possessing the in vitro CD3(+) T cell resistant phenotype. This is the first study to provide direct evidence for a correlation between variation in host genotype and phenotypic differences in terms of the extent of viral replication, presence and severity of clinical signs and cytokine gene expression caused by infection with virulent EAV.     

Hematology and clinical chemistry of cyprinid fish. Common carp and goldfish.

Evaluation of the clinical status in aquatic species is compromised by the limited diagnostic techniques that can be performed in these species. The hematologic and plasma chemistry parameters can provide predictive information, although these parameters can be highly variable owing to the influence of various intrinsic and extrinsic factors. However, these parameters are fairly stable in acclimated, well-managed fish if stress is reduced during collection and samples are properly collected and analyzed. Evaluation of any single parameter is not predictive and, therefore, not recommended. Ideally, the diagnostic protocol should include evaluation of the hematologic indices, total and differential cell counts, TPP, glucose, sodium, and chloride. The practitioner who is routinely involved in aquatic animal medicine should consider in-house evaluation of these parameters.     

Lack of correlation between canine heart rate and body size in veterinary clinical practice

Objectives : An association between heart rate (HR) and bodyweight has been reported in dogs and it is common belief that small breeds of dog exhibit higher HR than large breeds. The first aim of this study was to test the null hypothesis that, in veterinary clinical practice, bodyweight does not affect HR measured in healthy dogs. A second objective of this investigation was to assess whether other variables, such as gender, breed morphology, age and demeanour, may have a significant effect on dog’s HR measured in a clinical setting. Methods : The investigation was performed via two different studies: a retrospective analysis performed on 243 electrocardiogram recordings and a prospective study based on 153 standardised clinical examinations. Results : The two separate studies did not show any significant correlation between HR and bodyweight (P=0·5705 and P=0·4682, respectively). Subject’s breed morphology and gender did not appear to affect HR measured under these circumstances. However, dogs under the age of one year seem to have significantly higher HRs than older dogs (P < 0·05). Finally, subject’s demeanour was also found to have a significant influence on HR; lower values were recorded in relaxed dogs, and higher rates were documented in excited, nervous dogs (P < 0·05). Clinical Significance : Normal HR could be erroneously interpreted as bradycardia or tachycardia if bodyweight was to be considered a determinant factor. Instead, HR in healthy dogs undergoing routine clinical examination is related to their demeanour or age, if younger than 12 months, but does not appear to be related to bodyweight.     

Co-segregation of behaviour and production related traits in an F3 intercross between red junglefowl and White Leghorn laying hens

In poultry breeding, selection for production traits may cause side-effects on the physiology and behaviour of the birds with a potential influence on animal welfare. Genetic associations between phenotypic traits can be studied in an intercross of two divergent breeds. In advanced generations, traits controlled by the same genes or by genes located close to each other will co-segregate. Our aim was to study if behavioural styles expressed by red junglefowl (n=26) and White Leghorn (n=26) in a social vs. exploration motivation test as well as breed-differences in contrafreeloading (CFL), an energy demanding feeding strategy, would co-segregate with production related traits in their F3 intercross progeny (n=78). The results revealed Leghorns to maintain closer social contact in the test, whereas junglefowl, which according to previous studies have also a higher degree of CFL, were more active and explorative. Furthermore, these behavioural differences correlated with several production related traits, such as growth and residual feed intake (RFI), in the F3 generation. F3 birds with higher levels of production related traits behaved in a fashion resembling Leghorns more than junglefowl. Both in parental animals and the F3 birds, the above effects were clearest among females. The results, thereby, suggest that selection for high production in fowl may simultaneously have side-effects on sociality and foraging. This could further influence the general capacity of birds to cope with environmental challenges such as exploring a novel environment. The genetic mechanisms underlying this co-segregation remain to be investigated.     

The effects of aging on hematology and serum chemistry values in the beagle dog

To distinguish age-related changes in hematology and clinical chemistry values from those resulting from disease, hematology, and clinical chemistry values of healthy, age-matched Beagle dogs 3 to 14 years of age were analyzed. Serum potassium, total protein and globulin concentration, and lactic dehydrogenase activity increased with age, while urea nitrogen, creatinine and albumin concentration, and gamma-glutamyl transferase activity decreased. The 12-year-old group had some distinct differences from the other age groups: glucose concentration was lower, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activity and triglyceride concentration were higher. No significant age-related differences were found in the hematology parameters analyzed. This report extends the documented, age-related changes in normal Beagle dogs to 14 years of age. The age-related changes in organ-specific serum chemistries such as urea nitrogen and creatinine (kidney), and alanine aminotransferase (liver) noted here suggest that 12 years may be a pivotal age for determining longevity in the Beagle dog.     

Prevalence of bacterial genotypes and outcome of bovine clinical mastitis due to Streptococcus dysgalactiae and Streptococcus uberis

Background

Streptococcus dysgalactiae and Streptococcus uberis are common causes of clinical mastitis (CM) in dairy cows. In the present study genotype variation of S. dysgalactiae and S. uberis was investigated, as well as the influence of bacterial species, or genotype within species, on the outcome of veterinary-treated CM (VTCM). Isolates of S. dysgalactiae (n = 132) and S. uberis (n = 97) were genotyped using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Identical banding patterns were called pulsotypes. Outcome measurements used were cow composite SCC, milk yield, additional registered VTCMs and culling rate during a four-month follow-up period.

Results

In total, 71 S. dysgalactiae pulsotypes were identified. Nineteen of the pulsotypes were isolated from more than one herd; the remaining pulsotypes were only found once each in the material. All S. uberis isolates were of different pulsotypes. During the follow-up period, the SCC of S. dysgalactiae-cows was significantly lower than the SCC of S. uberis-cows (P <0.05). Median SCC of S. dysgalactiae-cows was 71 500 cells/ml and of S. uberis-cows 108 000 cells/ml. No other differences in outcome parameters could be identified between species or genotypes.

Conclusions

Identical S. dysgalactiae genotypes were isolated from more than one herd, suggesting some spread of this pathogen between Swedish dairy herds. The genetic variation among S. uberis isolates was substantial, and we found no evidence of spread of this pathogen between herds. The milk SCC was lower during the follow-up period if S. dysgalactiae rather than S. uberis was isolated from the case, indicating differences in treatment response between bacterial species.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13028-014-0080-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Hematology and serum chemistry values of the European brown hare

Background: Hematology and serum biochemistry values can be useful for evaluating the health of populations of captive and free-living European brown hares ( Lepus europaeus ). However, current information is fragmented and incomplete.
Objective: The objective of this study was to determine normal hematology and serum chemistry values for a population of captive European brown hares and to investigate differences related to sex and age.
Methods: Routine hematology and serum chemistry values were determined for 48 captive European brown hares in Catalonia (northeastern Spain): 21 young (6 males and 15 females) and 27 adult (14 males and 13 females) hares. Blood was obtained by auricular venipuncture while animals were physically restrained. Results were expressed as the mean ± SD, and reference intervals were calculated as the mean ± 2SD.
Results: RBC count, PCV, concentrations of hemoglobin, total protein, albumin, gamma globulin, urea nitrogen, and creatinine, and alanine aminotransferase activity were significantly higher in adults than in young hares, and alkaline phosphatase activity and total bilirubin concentration were lower. Sex differences were not observed.
Conclusions: Hematology and serum chemistry results obtained in this study are considered representative for healthy captive European brown hares. A single reference interval can be used for values from male and female hares, however, age-specific intervals are needed for some analytes.     

Investigation on the clinical efficacy and safety of 0.1% tacrolimus ointment (Protopic) in canine atopic dermatitis: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, cross-over study

Topical tacrolimus is successfully used in people with atopic dermatitis. Preliminary studies in dogs with atopic dermatitis using tacrolimus in a compounded lotion formulation indicated that tacrolimus significantly decreased erythema and pruritus according to investigator, but no significant improvement was reported by the dog owners. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of the commercially available 0.1% tacrolimus ointment (Protopic) in dogs with atopic dermatitis. The study was designed as a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. Selected dogs were allocated to either tacrolimus or placebo for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks there was a wash-out period of 2 weeks and treatments were switched. Twelve dogs completed the study. Clinical signs were scored. Blood samples were collected for complete blood count, chemistry panels and tacrolimus levels at week 0 and 4 of each treatment. Tacrolimus ointment significantly decreased severity of symptoms for both owners and investigators at the end of the trial. When the same dogs received the placebo, there were no differences between week 0 and week 4 scores. Dogs with localized disease responded better than dogs with generalized disease. Tacrolimus was detected in the blood of animals receiving the active ingredient. Levels were below the level of toxicity and no adverse effects were reported in any of the dogs. No changes in complete blood count and chemistry parameters were detected between groups or within groups. In conclusion, tacrolimus appears to be a safe alternative treatment in dogs with atopic dermatitis, especially in those with localized disease.     

A comparison between pre- and posthibernation morphometry, hematology, and blood chemistry in viperid snakes.

Snakes from temperate climates are often made to hibernate in zoos to stimulate reproduction. Unfortunately, deaths have occurred during and after hibernation. This study evaluated the health status, pre- and posthibernation, of 31 adult viperid snakes. It included morphometric measurements, hematology, and blood chemistry. No differences were seen in body weights and weight to length ratios between pre- and posthibernation examinations, suggesting that the overall condition of the snakes did not change. No differences were seen in hematologic and blood chemistry parameters, except that bile acids (3alpha-hydroxybile acids) decreased, the implications of which are unknown. Three individuals had markedly high plasma uric acid levels posthibernation; of these, two individuals died from extensive visceral gout and one recovered with fluid therapy. Viperid snakes should be clinically healthy, well hydrated, and in good body condition when they are put into hibernation. They should be maintained in an environment with sufficient humidity and should have access to water. Blood samples should be collected on arousal for measuring plasma uric acid levels. Changes in morphometry, hematology, and blood chemistry appear to be abnormal and should be investigated thoroughly.     

Associations between bacterial genotype and outcome of bovine clinical Staphylococcus aureus mastitis

Background

Staphylococcus aureus is an important cause of clinical mastitis in dairy cows worldwide. The cure rate after antimicrobial treatment of clinical S. aureus mastitis is very variable due to both cow and bacterial factors. Studies have shown that bacterial genotype might affect short-term bacteriological and clinical cure, but the long-term outcome has been less studied. The objectives of this study were to investigate associations between bacterial genotype and long-term outcome of veterinary-treated clinical mastitis (VTCM) caused by S. aureus during a follow-up period of 120 days and to study genotype variation among Swedish S. aureus isolates. S. aureus isolates from cases of VTCM were genotyped by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Long-term outcome measurements used were somatic cell count (SCC), additional diagnoses of VTCM, milk yield and culling. Isolates were classified into clusters (>80% similarity) and pulsotypes (100% similarity). Clusters and pulsotypes were grouped according to occurrence. Multivariable mixed-effect linear regression models including cow and bacterial factors with possible influence on SCC or milk yield were used to calculate differences in SCC or milk yield between groups. Additional outcome measures were calculated using a test of proportions.

Results

The isolates (n = 185) were divided into 18 clusters and 29 pulsotypes. Two pulsotypes were classified as common, and were found in 64% of the cases of VTCM. Remaining isolates were classified as less common or rare pulsotypes. The distribution was similar at cluster level. Outcome was calculated from follow-up data on 111 cows. Significantly lower SCC during the follow-up period was found in cows infected with common clusters compared to in cows infected with less common/rare clusters. The proportion of cows with SCC <200 000 cells/ml during the whole follow-up period was significantly higher in the group common clusters than in the group less common/rare clusters. Bacterial genotype did not influence the other outcome parameters.

Conclusions

In Sweden, two S. aureus pulsotypes, identified in about 64% of clinical S. aureus cases, were widespread. Cows infected with the common genotypes had significantly lower SCC during 120 days after treatment compared to cows infected with less common or rare genotypes.     

Comparison of a portable blood glucose meter analyzer with a benchtop point-of-care chemistry analyzer for measurement of blood glucose concentration in client-owned ferrets (Mustela putorius furo)

BackgroundHypoglycemia is common in pet ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) because of the high prevalence of insulinoma in this species. The objectives of this study were to evaluate agreement of a portable blood glucose meter (PBGM) with a benchtop point-of-care (POC) chemistry analyzer for measurement of blood glucose concentration in ferrets, and to assess the clinical impact of using a PBGM for blood glucose measurement. The benchtop POC analyzer was used as the reference analyzer (modified hexokinase method).MethodsGlucose concentration was measured from 82 blood samples from client-owned ferrets with the benchtop POC chemistry analyzer and the PBGM. Agreement and bias between measurements were assessed using the Bland-Altman method and a Passing-Bablok regression analysis. A modified Clarke error grid analysis was modelized to evaluate the clinical effect if the PBGM was used rather than the benchtop POC chemistry analyzer.ResultsGlucose values obtained with the PBGM were not in agreement with the benchtop POC chemistry analyzer, and it underestimated blood glucose concentration in many cases. However, variation was unpredictable (mean bias, -3.97 mg/dL; range, -52.2 to 64.8 mg/dL), with wide 95% LOA (-47.3 to 38.5 mg/dL). A Passing-Bablok linear regression analysis had a slope of 1.13 (95% confidence interval: 1.00–1.36), and an intercept of -20.78 (95% confidence interval: -38.92 to -9.90), highlighting presence of a proportional and a constant bias. Important clinical error would have occurred in 1% of cases with the PBGM.ConclusionUnpredictable variation of glucose results obtained with the PBGM could have an important impact on clinical decision making. Thus, the use of a benchtop POC analyzer using hexokinase method for measurement of blood glucose concentration should be favored in ferrets for rapid onsite result obtention.     

A COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC STUDY OF VOLUME AND X-RAY ATTENUATION OF THE LUNGS OF BEAGLES IN VARIOUS BODY POSITIONS

The influence of body position on volume and x-ray attenuation of the lungs of three Beagles was investigated with computed tomography. In left and right lateral recumbency, the dependent lung had decreased volume and increased x-ray attenuation compared with ventral recumbency. Volume and x-ray attenuation of the nondependent lung, however, were unchanged. In dorsal recumbency, there was a vertical gradient of x-ray attenuation being increased dorsally and decreased ventrally compared with ventral recumbency where regional differences in x-ray attenuation were not found. Results indicate a risk of overlooking a mass in the dependent pulmonary parenchyma of dogs in lateral and dorsal recumbency. Regional differences in x-ray attenuation of the lungs of dogs can be avoided if the radiographs are obtained with the dog in ventral recumbency.     

Rate of development of oesophagogastric parakeratosis in the growing pig: some effects of finely ground barley diets, genotype and previous husbandry

The rate of development of parakeratotic lesions in the gastric pars oesophagea was investigated in three experiments using 360 pigs, initially aged 10 to 11 weeks and weighing about 30 kg, of differing genotype and with some differences in previous rearing method, given a diet based on finely ground barley which was known to predispose to lesion formation. Lesions were found in some pigs at 10 to 11 weeks old but the incidence and severity increased progressively indicating development as quickly as one month after first giving the finely ground diet. There were indications that different genotypes and different diets given previously in rearing may have influenced the results obtained. The possible influence of other environmental factors is discussed.