The Occurrence of European Brown Hare Syndrome in Finland

European brown hare syndrome (EBHS) is a viral hepatitis that affects European brown hares (Lepus europaeus) and varying hares (Lepus timidus). The disease occurs today in free-living and farmed hares in most European countries (Gustafsson et al. 1989, Gavier-Widén & Mörner 1991). In Sweden and Denmark the EBHS was first observed at the beginning of the eighties, however, in Finland and Norway the disease has not been reported yet.     

Prominent J wave in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

The J wave has never been documented in the electrocardiogram (ECG) of cats presenting with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The present study aimed to describe the presence, morphology, amplitude, and duration of J waves in cats with HCM. It included 20 apparently healthy cats and 45 cats diagnosed with HCM based on clinical, echocardiographic, ECG, and radiographic examination. The cats were of different breeds (Persian: 40, domestic short hair: 21, Siamese: 4), ages (6.01 ± 4.34 years), sexes (male: 33, female: 32), and weights (3.30 ± 1.51 kg). The J wave was absent in the ECGs of the healthy population, but was detected in 29 out of 45 cats with HCM (63%). The J waves were observed at the QRS-ST junction in more than one limb lead of the ECG. Only positive deflections with an amplitude ≥0.05 mV were included, as measured by an ECG ruler in three consecutive heart cycles. The J waves were mainly present in leads II (n=20) and III (n=16), with amplitudes of 0.06 ± 0.02 and 0.08 ± 0.03 mV; their mean (± SD) duration was 0.16 ± 0.05 msec in lead II and 0.18 ± 0.05 msec in lead III. They occurred in both notched and slurred morphologies, with the latter being more common. In conclusion, J waves were a common finding in the ECGs of cats with HCM.     

Echocardiographic assessment of coronary artery flow in normal canines and model dogs with myocardial infarction

This study was conducted to evaluate the usefulness of coronary arterial profiles from normal dogs (11 animals) and canines (six dogs) with experimental myocardial infarction (MI) induced by ligation of the left coronary artery (LCA). Blood velocity of the LCA and right coronary artery (RCA) were evaluated following transthoracic pulsed-wave Doppler echocardiography. The LCA was observed as an infundibular shape, located adjacent to the sinus of Valsalva. The RCA appeared as a tubular structure located 12 o''clock relative to the aorta. In normal dogs, the LCA and RCA mean peak diastolic velocities were 20.84 ± 3.24 and 19.47 ± 2.67 cm/sec, respectively. The LCA and RCA mean diastolic deceleration times were 0.91 ± 0.14 sec and 1.13 ± 0.20 sec, respectively. In dogs with MI, the LCA had significantly (p < 0.01) lower peak velocities (14.82 ± 1.61 cm/sec) than the RCA (31.61 ± 2.34 cm/sec). The RCA had a significantly (p < 0.01) rapid diastolic deceleration time (0.71 ± 0.06 sec) than that found in the LCA (1.02 ± 0.22 sec) of MI dogs. In conclusion, these profiles may serve as a differential factor for evaluating cardiomyopathy in dogs.     

Echocardiographic parameters and indices in 23 healthy Maltese dogs

BackgroundEchocardiography is a primary tool used by veterinarians to evaluate heart diseases. In recent years, various studies have targeted standard echocardiographic values for different breeds. Reference data are currently lacking in Maltese dogs and it is important to fill this gap as this breed is predisposed to myxomatous mitral valve disease, which is a volume overload disease.ObjectivesTo establish the normal echocardiographic parameters for Maltese dogs.MethodsIn total, 23 healthy Maltese dogs were involved in this study. Blood pressure measurements, thoracic radiography, and complete transthoracic echocardiography were performed. The effects of body weight, age and sex were evaluated, and the correlations between weight and linear and volumetric dimensions were calculated by regression analysis.ResultsThe mean vertebral heart size was 9.1 ± 0.4. Aside from the ejection fraction, fractional shortening, and the left atrial to aorta root ratio, all the other echocardiographic parameters were significantly correlated with weight.ConclusionThis study describes normal echocardiographic parameters that may be useful in the echocardiographic evaluation of Maltese dogs.     

Speckle tracking echocardiography in mature Irish Wolfhound dogs: technical feasibility,measurement error and reference intervals

Background

Two-dimensional strain measurements obtained by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) have been reported in both humans and dogs. Incorporation of this technique into canine clinical practice requires the availability of measurements from clinically normal dogs, ideally of the same breed, taken under normal clinical conditions.The aims of this prospective study were to assess if it is possible to obtain STE data during a routine echocardiographic examination in Irish Wolfhound dogs and that these data will provide reference values and an estimation of measurement error.

Methods

Fifty- four healthy mature Irish Wolfhounds were used. These were scanned under normal clinical conditions to obtain in one session both standard echocardiographic parameters and STE data. Measurement error was determined separately in 5 healthy mature Irish Wolfhounds.

Results

Eight dogs were rejected by the software algorithm for reasons of image quality, resulting in a total of 46 dogs (85.2%) being included in the statistical analysis. In 46 dogs it was possible to obtain STE data from three scanning planes, as well as to measure the rotation of the left ventricle at two levels and thus calculate the torsion of the heart. The mean peak radial strain at the cardiac apex (RS-apex) was 45.1 ± 10.4% (n = 44), and the mean peak radial strain at the base (RS-base) was 36.9 ± 14.7% (n = 46). The mean peak circumferential strain at the apex (CS-apex) was -24.8 ± 6.2% (n = 44), and the mean peak circumferential strain at the heart base (CS-base) was -15.9 ± 3.2% (n = 44). The mean peak longitudinal strain (LS) was -16.2 ± 3.0% (n = 46). The calculated mean peak torsion of the heart was 11.6 ± 5.1 degrees (n = 45).The measurement error was 24.8%, 26.4%, 11.5%, 6.7%, 9.0% and 10 degrees, for RS-apex, RS-base, CS-apex, CS-base, LS and torsion, respectively.

Conclusions

It is concluded that this technique can be included in a normal echocardiographic examination in large breed dogs under clinical conditions. The usefulness of the reference values reported here, given their wide normal range, will ultimately be determined by the values that are obtained from a large numbers of diseased dogs.     

Reference Values and Repeatability of B-Mode and M-Mode Echocardiographic Parameters in Healthy Donkey (Equus asinus)—The Guide to Assess Healthy Heart

Donkey (Equus asinus), the cheapest form of agricultural power in Egypt, is used principally as draught or pack animals and may also be ridden, or used for threshing, raising water, milling, and other work. The aim of the present study was to provide B-mode and M-mode echocardiographic reference ranges from a sample of population of donkeys (E. asinus) based on the probability theory and statistics. In the present study, B-mode and 2-dimensional guided M-mode echocardiography were performed on 44 clinically healthy donkeys (E. asinus) (22 males and 22 females), without any neither clinical nor echocardiographic evidence of cardiovascular diseases, aged 2–25 year old, and weighed 150–350 kg. The echocardiographic dimensions, including interventricular septum thickness at end diastole, interventricular septum thickness at end systole, left ventricular internal diameter at end diastole, left ventricular internal diameter at end systole, left ventricular posterior wall thickness at end diastole, and left ventricular posterior wall thickness at end systole were assessed. The cardiac function indices, including end diastolic volume, end systolic volume, stroke volume, ejection fraction, and fractional shortening were also measured. B-mode and guided M-mode echocardiographic examination of healthy donkeys revealed that both the interventricular septum thickness and the left ventricular posterior free wall were greater during systole than diastole. However, the left ventricular dimension during diastole was greater than systole. Furthermore, the recorded data of cardiac function indices, including end diastolic volume, end systolic volume, stroke volume, ejection fraction, and fractional shortening using B-mode echocardiography were closer to those recorded by guided M-mode echocardiography. To our knowledge, this is the first Egyptian study to report the echocardiographic reference ranges of donkeys (E. asinus) based on the probability theory and statistics, the coefficient of variation. The results of the present study can be used as standard and reference values for further echocardiographic studies in donkeys and represent a step in the identification, interpretation, and evaluation of cardiovascular disorders in such animals.     

Allometric scaling of echocardiographic measurements in healthy Spanish foals with different body weight

Scaling in biology is usually allometric, and therefore, the size of the heart may be expressed as a power function of body weight (BW). The present research analyses the echocardiographic measurements in 68 healthy Spanish foals weighed between 70 and 347 kg in order to determine the correct scaling exponent for the allometric equation. The echocardiographic parameters measured were: left ventricular internal dimensions (LVID), free wall thickness (LVFWT), interventricular septum thickness (IVST) at systole (s) and diastole (d), EPSS (distance between the point E of the mitral valve and the interventricular septum), and aorta diameters at the level of the aortic valve (AOD), base of valve leaflets (ABS), sinus of Valsalva (ASV) and sino-tubular junction (AJT). Indices of left ventricular performance were calculated. It was found that LVIDd, IVSTs, AOD, and ASV have a relationship to BW raised to 0.300-0.368 power, whereas left ventricular end-diastolic volume and stroke volume scaled to BW raised to 0.731-0.712 power. With these data, appropriate values can be calculated for normal Spanish foals.     

Urinary tract ultrasonography in normal rams and in rams with obstructive urolithiasis

We determined the position, dimensions, and structure of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra in 20 healthy, adult rams by use of ultrasonography. The findings were compared with those of seven rams with obstructive urolithiasis, thus establishing criteria for the diagnosis of urolithiasis via ultrasonography. A 5.0 MHz convex transducer was placed over the right paralumbar fossa to examine the kidneys, and a 5.0 MHz linear rectal transducer was used to examine the bladder and urethra transrectally. All examinations were performed on standing rams. The left kidney had a length of 8.4 ± 0.3 cm (mean ± SD), a width of 4.7 ± 0.3 cm, and a depth of 4.4 ± 0.3 cm. The diameter of the renal sinus of the left kidney was 1.5 ± 0.2 cm. The circumference of the medullary pyramids measured 2.8 ± 0.3 cm. Similar ultrasonographic measurements were obtained for the right kidney. The mean diameter of the bladder of 12 rams was 7.5 ± 2.8 cm. The diameter of the bladder could not be determined in the remaining eight rams because it was greater than 10 cm and therefore beyond the penetration depth of the scanner. The only part of the urethra which could be visualized ultrasonographically was the internal urethral orifice. It had a diameter of 0.2 ± 0.1 cm.

Ultrasonographic examination of seven rams with obstructive urolithiasis revealed a markedly dilated urethra and urinary bladder. Due to severe cystitis, the contents of the urinary bladder appeared as multiple, tiny, uniformly distributed echoes. The renal pelvis and medullary pyramids of both kidneys were dilated in four rams. In two rams, uroperitoneum and accumulation of urine in the abdomen were diagnosed via ultrasonography. In one ram this was due to a ruptured ureter and in one to a ruptured bladder. The results of this study indicate that ultrasonography is a useful aid in the diagnosis of obstructive urolithiasis.

     

Prospective echocardiographic and tissue Doppler screening of a large Sphynx cat population: Reference ranges,heart disease prevalence and genetic aspects

Objectives(1) To investigate heart morphology and function using echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), (2) to determine heart disease prevalence and characteristics, and (3) to assess potential genetic features in a population of Sphynx cats presented for cardiovascular screening.AnimalsA total of 147 echocardiographic examinations, including 33 follow-ups, were performed by trained observers on 114 Sphynx cats of different ages (2.62 ± 1.93 years [0.5–10.0]) from 2004 to 2011.MethodsSphynx cats underwent a physical examination, conventional echocardiography, and, if possible, two-dimensional color TDI.ResultsConventional echocardiographic findings included 75/114 normal (65.8%) and 39/114 (34.2%) abnormal examinations with a diagnosis of either congenital heart diseases (n = 16) or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM, n = 23). In adult healthy cats, a significant body weight effect was observed for several echocardiographic variables, including end-diastolic left ventricular (LV) free wall (P < 0.01), interventricular septum (P < 0.001), and LV diameter (P < 0.001). Mitral valve dysplasia (MVD) was observed as a single or associated defect in 15/16 cats with congenital heart diseases. A significant increase in HCM prevalence (P < 0.001) was observed according to age. The pedigree analysis of a large family (n = 81) suggested an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance with incomplete penetrance for HCM.ConclusionsBody weight should be taken into account when interpreting values of diastolic myocardial wall thicknesses in Sphynx cats. Additionally, HCM and MVD are two relatively common heart diseases in this feline breed. More pedigree data are required to confirm the inheritance pattern of HCM at the breed level.     

Biochemical responses and oxidative stress in Francisella tularensis infection: a European brown hare model

Background

The aim of the present study was to investigate biochemical and oxidative stress responses to experimental F. tularensis infection in European brown hares, an important source of human tularemia infections.

Methods

For these purposes we compared the development of an array of biochemical parameters measured in blood plasma using standard procedures of dry chemistry as well as electrochemical devices following a subcutaneous infection with a wild Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica strain (a single dose of 2.6 × 10⁹ CFU pro toto).

Results

Subcutaneous inoculation of a single dose with 2.6 × 10⁹ colony forming units of a wild F. tularensis strain pro toto resulted in the death of two out of five hares. Plasma chemistry profiles were examined on days 2 to 35 post-infection. When compared to controls, the total protein, urea, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were increased, while albumin, glucose and amylase were decreased. Both uric and ascorbic acids and glutathione dropped on day 2 and then increased significantly on days 6 to 12 and 6 to 14 post-inoculation, respectively. There was a two-fold increase in lipid peroxidation on days 4 to 8 post-inoculation.

Conclusions

Contrary to all expectations, the present study demonstrates that the European brown hare shows relatively low susceptibility to tularemia. Therefore, the circumstances of tularemia in hares under natural conditions should be further studied.     

Intraoperative fluid therapy for video-assisted ovariohysterectomy in dogs

BackgroundIntraoperative fluids are still poorly studied in veterinary medicine. In humans the dosage is associated with significant differences in postoperative outcomes.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to verify the influence of three different fluid therapy rates in dogs undergoing video-assisted ovariohysterectomy.MethodsTwenty-four female dogs were distributed into three groups: G5, G10, and G20. Each group was given 5, 10, and 20 mL·kg⁻¹·h⁻¹ of Lactate Ringer, respectively. This study evaluated the following parameters: central venous pressure, arterial blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, acid-base balance, and serum lactate levels. Additionally, this study evaluated the following urinary variables: urea, creatinine, protein to creatinine ratio, urine output, and urine specific gravity. The dogs were evaluated up to 26 h after the procedure.ResultsAll animals presented respiratory acidosis during the intraoperative period. The G5 group evidenced intraoperative oliguria (0.80 ± 0.38 mL·kg⁻¹·h⁻¹), differing from the G20 group (2.17 ± 0.52 mL·kg⁻¹·h⁻¹) (p = 0.001). Serum lactate was different between groups during extubation (p = 0.036), with higher values being recorded in the G5 group (2.19 ± 1.65 mmol/L). Animals from the G20 group presented more severe hypothermia at the end of the procedure (35.93 ± 0.61°C) (p = 0.032). Only the members of the G20 group presented mean potassium values below the reference for the species. Anion gap values were lower in the G20 group when compared to the G5 and G10 groups (p = 0.017).ConclusionsThe use of lactated Ringer''s solution at the rate of 10 mL·kg⁻¹·h⁻¹ seems to be beneficial in the elective laparoscopic procedures over the 5 or 20 mL·kg⁻¹·h⁻¹ rates of infusion.     

基于SRY基因鉴定新疆野兔性别

为得到形态上性别鉴定特征十分缺乏的新疆野兔样本的性别数据,本研究采用双重PCR法同时扩增SRY基因和APP基因,通过分析PCR产物,对采自新疆9个地区共121例未知性别的野兔样本进行性别鉴定。在验证PCR结果的可靠性后,鉴定出雌性样本69例,雄性样本52例,性别比例经统计学分析后接近1∶1,符合实际。这为后续研究新疆野兔的物种分类、群体遗传学和分子进化等方面提供了基础数据,也在兔类资源的管理保护和开发利用方面有着一定的实际意义。     

Formulation of a rational dosage regimen of ceftiofur hydrochloride oily suspension by pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) model for treatment of swine Streptococcus suis infection

BackgroundOur previously prepared ceftiofur (CEF) hydrochloride oily suspension shows potential wide applications for controlling swine Streptococcus suis infections, while the irrational dose has not been formulated.ObjectivesThe rational dose regimens of CEF oily suspension against S. suis were systematically studied using a pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model method.MethodsThe healthy and infected pigs were intramuscularly administered CEF hydrochloride oily suspension at a single dose of 5 mg/kg, and then the plasma and pulmonary epithelial lining fluid (PELF) were collected at different times. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimal bactericidal concentration, mutant prevention concentration (MPC), post-antibiotic effect (PAE), and time-killing curves were determined. Subsequently, the area under the curve by the MIC (AUC_0–24h/MIC) values of desfuroylceftiofur (DFC) in the PELF was obtained by integrating in vivo pharmacokinetic data of the infected pigs and ex vivo pharmacodynamic data using the sigmoid E_max (Hill) equation. The dose was calculated based on the AUC_0–24h/MIC values for bacteriostatic action, bactericidal action, and bacterial elimination.ResultsThe peak concentration, the area under the concentration-time curve, and the time to peak for PELF''s DFC were 24.76 ± 0.92 µg/mL, 811.99 ± 54.70 μg·h/mL, and 8.00 h in healthy pigs, and 33.04 ± 0.99 µg/mL, 735.85 ± 26.20 μg·h/mL, and 8.00 h in infected pigs, respectively. The MIC of PELF''s DFC against S. suis strain was 0.25 µg/mL. There was strong concentration-dependent activity as determined by MPC, PAE, and the time-killing curves. The AUC_0–24h/MIC values of PELF''s DFC for bacteriostatic activity, bactericidal activity, and virtual eradication of bacteria were 6.54 h, 9.69 h, and 11.49 h, respectively. Thus, a dosage regimen of 1.94 mg/kg every 72 h could be sufficient to reach bactericidal activity.ConclusionsA rational dosage regimen was recommended, and it could assist in increasing the treatment effectiveness of CEF hydrochloride oily suspension against S. Suis infections.     

Cardiorespiratory and anesthetic effects produced by the combination of butorphanol,medetomidine and alfaxalone administered intramuscularly in Beagle dogs

This study evaluated anesthesia quality, degree of analgesia and cardiorespiratory parameters after intramuscular (IM) injection of a combination of butorphanol (0.1 mg/kg), medetomidine (10 µg/kg) and alfaxalone (1.5 mg/kg) in ten healthy adult Beagle dogs. Rectal temperature (T), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (f_R), arterial pressure, arterial blood gases and M-mode echocardiographic left ventricular (LV) indices were measured before drug administration and every 10 min thereafter until extubation. Mean duration of anesthesia, recovery and analgesia were 89 ± 17, 6 ± 1 and 80 ± 12 min. HR, f_R, partial pressure of arterial CO₂ and O₂, arterial pressure, and LV contractility were significantly altered during anesthesia. IM administration of the drug combination provided acceptable anesthesia, but produced substantial cardiorespiratory suppression.     

M-mode,two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiographic findings in 40 healthy domestic pet rabbits

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to report normal two-dimensional, M-mode, and Doppler echocardiographic findings from a large cohort of healthy, manually restrained, adult pet rabbits.Animals and methodsForty healthy pet rabbits [22 Dwarf Lops (DL), 14 French Lops (FL) and 4 Alaskan (AL)] underwent a full physical examination and conscious two-dimensional, M-mode, and Doppler echocardiography.ResultsThe median age of the rabbits was 21.5 months, the median weight was 2.9 kg (DL: 2.4 kg, AL: 4.35 kg, FL: 6.0 kg). Echocardiography with ECG monitoring was feasible in all rabbits. Left atrial and ventricular dimensions were significantly larger in FL as compared to DL; overall, a positive correlation with weight was present. No significant differences between breeds were identified for flow velocities. Trace regurgitation was detected at the aortic valve in 7/40 (17.5%) rabbits, at the tricuspid valve in 5/40 (12.5%) and at the pulmonic valve in 1/40 (2.5%) rabbits. Mitral inflow E and A waves were summated in 60% of cases.ConclusionsThe results of this study can be used as echocardiographic values in FL and DL for comparison with clinical cases, and may also be applicable for other breeds of similar sizes. Breed specific values should be used when measuring left atrial and ventricular sizes. However, no breed or size differences were found for the rest of the echocardiographic parameters, which may therefore be applicable for the general pet rabbit population.     

Effects of intertrochanteric varus osteotomy on Norberg angle and percent coverage of the femoral head in displastic dogs

This study was conducted to assess the effects of femoral varus osteotomy on joint congruency in dogs affected by early stage hip dysplasia. Preoperative planning to move the femoral head within the acetabulum was carried out. Varisation of the femoral inclination angle (fIA) was achieved by Intertrochanteric Osteotomy (ITO). Norberg angle (NA), percent coverage (PC) of the femoral head by the acetabulum and fIA was measured from preoperative, immediate postoperative and first and second recheck radiographs of seven dogs that underwent an ITO (joint n = 9). There was significant (p < 0.05) improvement of both NA and PC in all patients as indicated by a change in the mean ± standard deviation of 78.9° ± 7.5 and 36.9% ± 5.2 to 92.2° ± 6.7 and 50.6% ± 8.3, respectively. No significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed between the values of the planned femoral inclination angle (pfIA) of the femur and the effective femoral inclination angle (efIA) obtained after surgery (115.9° ± 2.5 and 111.3° ± 6.4, respectively). These findings could encourage the use of ITO in veterinary practice and indicate that intertrochanteric varus osteotomy should be re-considered for the treatment of early stage hip dysplasia in dogs with radiological signs of joint incongruency.     

Effectiveness of the surface fixation test in the diagnosis of brucellosis in hares

In the course of two years the reliability of surface fixation test was tested in the diagnostics of hare brucellosis on 961 hare blood samples taken during chases at chosen localities of the Olomouc district. Out of 33 serologically positive hares, 29 reacting ones were subjected to complex laboratory examination for brucellosis. In all cases brucellosis was confirmed patho-anatomically, by cultivation in 78.95% of bacteriologically examined hares and in the rest cases by bioassay on guinea-pigs. The results have confirmed that the surface fixation test represents a highly effective method for the reliable serological diagnostics of hare brucellosis.     

Distribution of Acid Phosphatase During Autolysis in Bovine Liver

The percentage distribution of acid phosphatase between lysosomes and cytoplasm in bovine liver during autolysis at 37°C was investigated. The share of the cytoplasmic acid phosphatase activity of the total acid phosphatase activity in liver tissue increased during autolysis being before incubation 28–42 % and after 24 hrs.'' incubation at 37°C 63–94 %. Microbiological contamination increased the proportion of cytoplasmic acid phosphatase.When bovine liver was incubated at 37°C for 24 hrs., the activity of the total acid phosphatase decreased to about 50 % of the initial activity. During a 16 days'' incubation at 4°C the total acid phosphatase activity of bovine liver, however, remained unchanged.     

Termination of Pregnancy with Cloprostenol and Dexamethasone in Intact or Ovariectomized Cows

Termination of pregnancy in cows was investigated using sham-operated (SH) or ovariectomized (OV) cows treated with either a saline vehicle (V), cloprostenol (PG), dexamethasone (DEX) or dexamethasone and cloprostenol (DEX+PG). Surgery was done at 210 days of pregnancy and treatment was administered 72 hours later.

Days (mean±S.E.) from treatment to termination of pregnancy for the treatment groups were: sham-operated +vehicle (SH+V): 61.5±11.3; ovariectomized+vehicle (OV+V): 53.4±15.7; sham-operated+cloprostenol (SH+PG): 61.8±1.7; ovariectomized+cloprostenol (OV+PG): 54.5±13.1; shamoperated+dexamethasone (SH+DEX): 74.8±4.8; ovariectomized+dexamethasone (OV+DEX): 2.8±0.4; shamoperated+dexamethasone+cloprostenol (SH+DEX+PG) 26.0±23.0; ovariectomized+dexamethasone+cloprostenol (OV+DEX+PG): 7.2±4.9. Pregnancies in the OV+DEX and OV+DEX+PG groups were terminated significantly earlier than in all other groups (P<0.05) except the SH+DEX+PG group. These findings suggest that dexamethasone will terminate pregnancy in cows near seven months of gestation after the ovarian source of progesterone has been removed by either an injection of prostaglandin or by ovariectomy.