Observations on the development of tick-transmitted Theileria buffeli (syn T orientalis?) in cattle

The development and morphology of Australian Theileria buffeli in cattle were studied after infection had been experimentally transmitted by the tick, Haemophysalis humerosa. Macroschizonts of T buffeli were demonstrated in Giemsa's stained lymph node preparations for between six and 20 days following tick infestation. The presence of schizonts was confirmed by immunofluorescence with sera from known infected animals. Microschizonts were seen infrequently. The schizonts and piroplasms of T buffeli are morphologically similar to those of T orientalis.     

Modeling carbon storage across a heterogeneous mixed temperate forest: the influence of forest type specificity on regional-scale carbon storage estimates

Purpose

Accurately assessing forest carbon storage on a landscape scale is critical to understanding global carbon cycles and the effects of land cover changes on ecological processes. Calculations of regional-scale forest carbon storage that rely on maps of land cover typically reflect only coarse forest classes. How differences in carbon stored by different tree species may affect such assessments is largely unexplored. We examined a range of forest carbon storage models to understand the effects of forest type specificity on carbon storage estimates in the northeastern United States.

Methods

Models estimated forest carbon in total aboveground and coarse root biomass based on three levels of forest classification specificity: (1) relative basal area by species, (2) species associations, and (3) broad forest types per IPCC (in: IPCC guidelines for national greenhouse gas inventories, IPCC, Japan, 2006) guidelines.

Results

The specificity of forest type classifications influenced results with generally lower carbon storage estimates resulting from higher-specificity forest classifications. The two most specific models, with mean carbon storage estimates of 103–107 Mg/ha, were most accurate compared to field validation points. These estimates are greater than 2013 field-based U.S. Forest Service estimates (84–90 Mg/ha).

Conclusions

There are many sources of uncertainty in landscape-scale carbon storage assessments. Here we show that improving detail in one of these sources, forest stand composition, increases the accuracy of these assessments, and better reflects carbon storage patterns across heterogeneous landscapes. While more work is needed, particularly to improve stand age maps, this information can inform the interpretation of current carbon storage estimates and improve future estimates in heterogeneous forests.

     

Blindness in a wild American black bear cub (Ursus americanus)

An approximately six‐month‐old wild American black bear (Ursus americanus) was found wandering in Saskatchewan and was presented to the Veterinary Medical Centre of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine for apparent blindness. Clinical examination confirmed an inability to navigate a photopic maze, bilateral tapetal hyper‐reflectivity, fundi devoid of retinal vessels, and small pale optic nerve papillae. Single‐flash electroretinography revealed A and B‐wave amplitudes of approximately 40 and 140 microvolts, respectively, in both eyes. Histologic abnormalities included bilateral optic papillary mineralization and bilateral segmental optic nerve degeneration, with occasional intralesional lymphocytes confirmed with immunohistochemistry for CD3+. There was also bilateral multifocal retinal dysplasia, gliosis, lymphocytic retinitis, a complete lack of retinal blood vessels, an intravitreal vascular membrane, and a mild lymphocytic–plasmacytic uveitis with small pre‐iridal cellular membranes. The presence of a positive ERG in a blind bear with numerous retinal ganglion cells and degenerative changes in the optic nerve are most consistent with vision loss due to optic nerve injury, which given the young age of the bear likely occurred during ocular development. The presence of ocular inflammation suggests this injury resulted from an inflammatory/infectious process. The etiology could not be determined. Hepatic concentrations of vitamin A were within the normal reference range for domestic species. Pan‐herpesvirus PCR and immunohistochemistry for canine distemper virus and Toxoplasma gondii were negative, although this does not rule out these or other infectious etiologies. This represents the first case report of neonatal or congenital ocular abnormalities in an ursid species.     

Pneumonia and gastritis in a cat caused by feline herpesvirus-1

We report a case of fatal respiratory and gastric herpesvirus infection in a vaccinated, adult cat with no known immunosuppression or debilitation. The disease was characterized by severe necrotizing bronchopneumonia, fibrinonecrotic laryngotracheitis, and multifocal necrotizing gastritis associated with eosinophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies and a large amount of feline herpesvirus-1 antigen detected with immunohistochemistry.     

WHOLE-CROP VICIA FABA FOR CONSERVATION. A COMPARISON BETWEEN WINTER-, HORSE-, TICK-, AND BROAD-BEAN CULTIVARS

A trial containing cultivars of Vicia faba var. equina, minor and major was harvested as a whole-crop in 1971. The aim was to estahlish the DM yield obtainahle from a selection of spring-hean cultivars and evaluate this in relation to previously reported yields from winter heans. DM yields ranged from 48 to 86 hkg/ha over the three cutting dates. Significant differences were found hetween cv. in digesdhiUty, the range being 54 to 71%, and one hroad-hean cv. was shown to have a high digestihility at all cuts. Crude-protein contents of 13 to 19% were recorded. Percentage DM rose from 16 to 18% at the first cut to 23 to 45% at the third, hroad-hean cv. rising more slowly than horse- and dck-hean cv. Spring-bean cv. had a lower DM yield than winter cv. Horse hean was superior to tick bean in DM yield, percentage DM, and D-value. Broad-bean cv. proved difficult to dry and therefore may be more suitable for ensilage than dehydradon.     

Comparison of the TONOVET Plus®, TonoVet®, and Tono-Pen Vet™ tonometers in normal cats and cats with glaucoma

Objectives

To determine the accuracy, precision, and clinical applicability of the ICare® TONOVET Plus (TVP) in cats.

Animals and Procedures

IOP readings obtained with the TVP were compared to values obtained concurrently with the original TONOVET (TV01) and Tono-Pen Vet™ (TP) in 12 normal cats (24 eyes) and 8 glaucomatous LTBP2-mutant cats (13 eyes) in vivo. Reproducibility of TVP readings was also assessed for three observers in the above cats. The anterior chambers of five different normal cat eyes were cannulated ex vivo. IOP was measured with the TVP, TV01, and TP at manometric IOPs ranging from 5 to 70 mmHg. Data were analyzed by linear regression, ANOVA and Bland–Altman plots. ANOVA was used to assess reproducibility of TVP readings obtained by different observers and an ANCOVA model controlled for variation of individual cats. p < .05 was considered significant.

Results

TVP values strongly correlated with TV01 values (y = 1.045x + 1.443, R² = .9667). The TP significantly underestimated IOP relative to the TVP and TV01, particularly at high IOP. IOP values obtained by 1 observer were significantly higher (~1 mmHg average) compared to the other 2 observers via ANCOVA analysis (p = .0006479 and p = .0203). Relative to manometry, the TVP and TV01 were significantly more accurate (p < .0001) and precise (p < .0070) than the TP in ex vivo eyes.

Conclusions

IOP readings obtained with the TVP and TV01 are broadly interchangeable between models and between observers, but subtle differences may be important in a research context. TP readings vastly underestimate high IOP in feline glaucoma.     

Improving food provision in a Guyanese home for the elderly: a participatory approach

OBJECTIVES: To conduct a needs assessment of all aspects of food provision in a residential home and to evaluate a subsequent nutrition intervention. DESIGN: An intervention study using a before and after design. A participatory approach was adopted and quantitative and qualitative methods used throughout. The intervention involved a revised menu, kitchen equipment, and establishing wholesale shopping and food donations. SETTING: A residential home for senior citizens in Guyana. RESULTS: Meals at the home were nutritionally inadequate and deeply unpopular with the residents. Intakes of fruits and vegetables were low and the home was heavily reliant on donated soya mince and rice. Meals were served within an eight-hour period to accommodate the staff's hours of work. Cutbacks in the food budget indicated that the financial state of the home explained some of the problems. The intervention was unable to address all problems identified, but led to substantial improvements in the nutritional adequacy of the food provided following the inclusion in the menu of a number of nutrient-dense foods such as chicken liver. The new menu was acceptable to the cooks and largely popular with the residents, although some problems persisted. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that improvements in the nutrient profile of the diet could be achieved with a flexible, community-based, participatory approach that addressed all elements of a home's food provision system. The changes also proved largely popular with the residents, thus potentially contributing to their quality of life.     

Preservation of the fistula for reconstruction of the anal canal and the anus in atresia ani and rectovestibular fistula in 2 dogs

OBJECTIVE: To report a technique for correction of atresia ani and rectovestibular fistula with fistula preservation, and outcome in 2 dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Case report. ANIMALS: Two intact female puppies. METHODS: The fistula was approached by episiotomy. A vertical median perineal incision was made starting dorsal to the anal region and extended to surround the fistula. The rectum and vagina were separated, and the end of the fistula was sutured to the skin. RESULTS: Early postoperative complications included constipation, fecal incontinence, and perineal soiling, but long-term outcome was good in both dogs. CONCLUSION: With careful dissection, the fistula and internal anal sphincter can be preserved and used in the surgical reconstruction of the anal canal and anus. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Preservation of the fistula may provide an internal sphincter that contributes to a better functional result during correction of atresia ani. A surgical approach that combines episiotomy and perineal incision for separation of the vagina and rectum, and preserves the fistula may decrease the risk of dehiscence.