About type and incidence of heart disease in psittacines kept in captivity in Germany

It was the aim of the study to get an overview about spectrum and incidence of pathological aberrations in hearts and proximal vessels of psittacines which are kept in captivity in Germany. 107 psittacines which had been sent for routine necroscopy were examined especially for evidence of pathological alterations of the heart and/or the proximal vessels. In 36.4% of these birds macroscopic alterations could be verified. 99.0% of all hearts examined resp. proximal vessels showed at least mild histological alterations. This study allocates that especially noninfectious heart disease is of markedly importance in psittacines and that their evidence is much higher than it might be suspected on the basis of publications.     

Demodicosis in a Toggenburg goat

This report describes the findings in a four-year-old Toggenburg goat with demodicosis. The skin had multifocal nodules, which were approximately 5 mm in diameter and contained thick yellow exsudate. Microscopic examination of the exsudate revealed numerous Demodex caprae. The goat was clipped and treated topically every five to seven days for a total of 12 treatments with a 1:100 dilution of amitraz (Ectodex, Hoechst Roussel Vet). The treatment resulted in a marked decrease in the number of skin nodules. However, new nodules appeared after treatment was discontinued and complete clinical cure was not achieved.     

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous lung biopsy in sheep

Lung biopsies were taken through the ninth intercostal space on the two sides of the thorax of 10 clinically healthy sheep, using a Tru-Cut needle on one side and the Bard Biopty-System on the other. Nine of the 10 sheep remained clinically healthy, but one coughed transiently and had a mild bloody discharge from the right nostril immediately after the biopsy. The sheep were slaughtered 10 days later and the lungs and pleura were examined macroscopically; there were either no lesions or only small scars visible at the sites of the biopsies. However, well-developed subpleural nodules due to parasites were observed in some of the lungs. There were no adhesions between the costal and pulmonary pleurae. Of the 20 biopsy specimens, 18 were ideal for histological examination, and none of them was histologically normal. Mild interstitial pneumonia was diagnosed in 15 specimens, chronic bronchiolitis in nine specimens, and hyperplasia of smooth muscle or connective tissue in 17.     

Influence of lidocaine and diazepam on peri-induction intraocular pressures in dogs anesthetized with propofol–atracurium

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects on the intraocular pressure (IOP) of lidocaine or diazepam administered intravenously (IV) before induction of anesthesia with propofol-atracurium and orotracheal intubation in normal dogs, as well as the effects on the IOP of lidocaine applied topically to the larynx after induction with propofol-atracurium. We randomly assigned 32 random-source dogs, obtained from municipal pounds, to receive the following: lidocaine, 2 mg/kg IV, with saline, 0.1 mL/kg topically applied to the larynx (LIDOsal); saline, 0.1 mL/kg IV, with lidocaine, 2 mg/kg topically applied to the larynx (SALlido); diazepam (Valium), 0.25 mg/kg IV, with saline, 0.1 mL/kg topically applied to the larynx (VALsal); or saline, 0.1 mL/kg IV, with saline, 0.1 mL/kg topically applied to the larynx (SALsal). We measured arterial pressure directly, by means of an indwelling catheter placed in a peripheral artery. Anesthesia was induced with propofol, 8 mg/kg IV, until loss of jaw tone, followed by atracurium, 0.3 mg/kg IV. We measured the IOP in triplicate in each eye before premedication, before induction, before intubation, and after intubation. After induction, the IOP was significantly increased except in the VALsal group, in which the IOP was significantly lower than in the negative-control group before intubation. After intubation, the IOP was significantly elevated in all the groups compared with the values before induction. Cardiovascular parameters were essentially similar in all the groups, except for a significant increase in blood pressure after intubation in the SALlido group. Thus, propofol-atracurium anesthesia causes an increase in IOP that is blunted by diazepam. However, diazepam does not blunt the increase in IOP observed with intubation.     

Ingress of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis into Tomato Leaves Through Hydathodes

ABSTRACT Hydathodes of tomato leaves served as extremely efficient infection courts for the bacterial canker pathogen, Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis. Chlorotic lesions developed at the tips of leaflet lobes about 2 weeks after inoculation of guttation droplets. Lesions expanded along the leaflet margins and became necrotic. Movement of C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis from the inoculated leaflet into the rachis was slow and erratic. Histological observations revealed that pathogen populations first developed within large intercellular spaces lying beneath the stomata, which serve as water pores in tomato hydathodes. Bacteria were first observed within vessels of the large marginal fimbriate veins 7 days after inoculation. By 14 days after inoculation, large populations could be seen within the vessels; and by 21 days after inoculation, tissue collapse was widespread and masses of bacteria could be seen in the intercellular spaces and within necrotic cells.     

A case of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in a cow with endometritis and fetal death

Acute disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) was diagnosed in a 3 1/2 year old cow of the Simmental breed. The cow was little less than 6 months pregnant and was admitted to the clinic because of severely disturbed general health. The most important clinical findings were increased heart and breathing rate, rectal temperature of 39.9 degrees C, nosebleed and petechiae on the nasal mucosa. Additionally, the cow showed petechiae on the vaginal mucosa, haemorrhage from the rectum lasting several hours after rectal examination and severe haemoglobinuria. Haematological and biochemical examinations showed increased liver enzymes and severe changes in all coagulation parameters (platelet count, PT, PTT, thrombin time, fibrinogen, fibrin degradation products). Based on the mentioned findings the diagnosis DIC was made. Possible causes were severe necrotic endometritis and placentitis combined with fetal death. High counts of Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens were determined in liver, lung and abomasal contents of the aborted fetus as well as in the placenta. Uterine secretion contained Actinomyces pyogenes besides.     

Economic impacts on farm households due to water reallocation in China's Chaobai watershed

Our study area in the Chaobai watershed, upstream of Miyun Reservoir, has been undergoing agricultural water transfers to downstream municipal uses in Beijing. We examine the impacts of water reallocation on crop production and farmers’ income and discuss issues relating to current compensation mechanisms. We use data from a survey of 349 farm households and their farm plots in the upper Chaobai watershed within Hebei province. Water reallocation from upstream to downstream areas has reduced agricultural water supply and the area irrigated. Regression results show that in plots deprived of irrigation, maize yields decrease by 21% and crop revenues decline by 32%. On average, losing irrigation on one hectare of cultivated land reduces net crop income by 2422 yuan. We examine compensation arrangements and social equity for the major policies implemented in the region and we identify gaps between current compensation levels and farmers’ income and production losses. The current compensation received by farmers is generally lower than the losses incurred due to reduced irrigation. A more appropriate compensation mechanism is called for in future water transfers.