Immunogenicity of bovine parainfluenza type 3 virus proteins encapsulated in nanoparticle vaccines,following intranasal administration to mice

Stimulation of long lasting, protective immunity to respiratory viruses is often difficult to achieve with conventional respiratory vaccines. Polymeric nanoparticles, incorporating viral proteins have been shown to offer sustained release of antigen, with consequent prolongued stimulation of the respiratory immune system. In this paper the efficacy of two nanoparticle vaccines (poly-lactide-co-glycolide, PLGA; polymethylmethacrylate, PMMA), incorporating proteins of bovine parainfluenza type 3 virus (BPI-3) was investigated. As a preliminary to experiments in calves, it was considered essential to demonstrate immunogenicity of the experimental vaccine in mice. Mice immunised with PLGA nanoparticles, containing BPI-3 proteins, developed higher levels of virus-specific antibody than mice immunised with the PMMA vaccine or with soluble viral proteins alone. Immunoblotting using serum from the vaccinated mice, demonstrated strong reactions against the major BPI-3 proteins.     

Evaluation of a single dose versus a divided dose regimen of danofloxacin in treatment of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae infection in pigs

A single versus a divided dose regimen of danofloxacin was evaluated in treatment of porcine Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae infection using clinical observations combined with biochemical infection markers: C-reactive protein, zinc and ascorbic acid. Twenty hours after experimental infection, the 18 pigs received danofloxacin intravenously as a single dose of 2.5mg/kg or four doses of 0.6 mg/kg administered at 24h intervals. These dosage regimens resulted in similar AUCs of the plasma danofloxacin vs time curve. The maximum concentration was 3.5-fold higher using the single dose regimen, while the time with concentrations above the MIC was 2.5-fold longer using the fractionated regimen. Using the single dose regimen, temperature was normalised 32 h post-infection. In contrast, normalisation was delayed until 44 h post-infection using four low doses and a relapse with elevated temperatures at 52 and 68 h was observed. No other significant differences between the treatments were found, neither regarding clinical, haematological nor biochemical observations. The use of the more convenient single dose regimen was appropriate, as it was at least equivalent to the fractionated regimen.     

In vitro effects of osteotomy angle and osteotomy reduction on tibial angulation and rotation during the tibial plateau-leveling osteotomy procedure

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of osteotomy angle, reduction technique, and tibial plateau rotation angle on angular and rotational limb deformities. STUDY DESIGN: Geometric comparison using bone models. METHODS: Rotational osteotomies were made in the proximal metaphysis of artificial tibias at 0 degrees, 10 degrees, 20 degrees, -10 degrees, and -20 degrees from perpendicular with respect to either the proximodistal and craniocaudal tibial axes. Negative-numbered angles represented osteotomies made from distal to proximal or caudal to cranial. Changes in tibial angulation and torsion were measured using a 3-dimensional digitizing instrument at tibial plateau rotation angles from 0 degrees to 30 degrees at 5 degrees increments. Two osteotomy reduction techniques were used: complete osteotomy reduction and alignment of the medial cortex. The mean of 5 measurements of torsional and angular tibial deformity for each of the 9 osteotomy orientations in each reduction technique group was obtained. RESULTS: All had increasing angular and rotational deformity as tibial plateau rotation angle increased. In the medially aligned cortex group, all tibias had valgus deformity, and 8 of 9 tibias were internally rotated. In the reduced osteotomy group, minimal angular deformity was seen in tibias with osteotomy variation along the proximodistal axis; however, tibias with osteotomy variation along the craniocaudal axis had angular deformity ranging from 6.0 degrees of varus deformity to 14.3 degrees of valgus deformity. Rotational deformity was affected similarly by osteotomy variation along either axis. Reduction technique had greater affect on angular and rotational deformity than osteotomy angle variation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These results suggest that osteotomy reduction may play a greater role in angular and rotational deformity than osteotomy angle, although extreme osteotomy angles should be avoided. To decrease the severity of deformity, we recommend that the osteotomy be made perpendicular to the craniocaudal and proximodistal axes and be completely reduced with less regard for alignment of the medial cortex.     

Pulmonary embolism associated with canine total hip replacement

OBJECTIVE: To determine by pulmonary perfusion scans and ultrasonography if embolemia occurs during total hip replacement (THR) surgery in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: Forty client-owned dogs that had THR surgery. METHODS: Thoracic radiographs were taken immediately after THR and immediately after completion of (99m)Tc-MAA lung scans. Scintigraphy was performed in 28 dogs, 48 hours after THR. Intraoperative ultrasonography (intercostal or transesophageal) was performed in another 12 dogs that had THR. The right atrium and ventricle and pulmonary outflow tract were observed during and for 5 to 8 minutes after femoral component insertion into medullary canals prepared by reaming, and lavage and aspiration of debris before filling with polymethylmethacrylate in dough stage. A modified Prospective Investigation of Pulmonary Embolism Diagnosis (PIOPED) classification system was used to evaluate lung scans. RESULTS: No pulmonary radiographic abnormalities were identified. Segmental and subsegmental perfusion defects occurred in 23 (82%) dogs and were classified as severe in 9 (32%) dogs, moderate in 11, and mild in 3. There was no particular lobe predilection. Patchy mulberry-appearing defects, indicative of fat embolism, were most common. Embolemia was observed by ultrasound in 10 dogs. Variable-sized particles occurred in 8 dogs, particles and bubbles in 2 dogs, and no emboli were observed in 2 dogs. Embolemia was observed within 10 seconds after femoral stem insertion and lasted < 1 minute. Pneumoemboli remained in the right atrium for > 8 minutes before dislodgement. CONCLUSIONS: Embolemia of either air, particles, or both occurs in most dogs during THR surgery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Most dogs seemingly spontaneously recover from pulmonary embolism that occurs during THR. The risk of clinical complications from this pulmonary embolism should be taken seriously, even though the exact morbidity and mortality rates are unknown.     

Clinical evaluation and long-term follow-up of dogs having coronoidectomy for elbow incongruity

A retrospective study was performed describing the clinical presentations, radiographic findings, and surgical outcomes of 17 dogs (18 elbows) following medial coronoidectomy for the treatment of elbow joint incongruity as a sole disease entity. Complete resolution of lameness was achieved in 100% of the cases. The mean radiographic arthrosis grade progressed in 70% of the cases. Results of this study indicate that resolution of clinical lameness may be achieved with medial coronoidectomy in dogs with elbow incongruity; however, progression of degenerative joint disease with unknown, long-term clinical significance can be expected after surgery.     

Circular external skeletal fixation stabilization of antebrachial and crural fractures in 25 dogs

Fracture stabilization using circular external skeletal fixation was evaluated in 14 dogs with antebrachial fractures and 11 dogs with crural fractures. Most dogs were consistently weight bearing on the stabilized limb by 3 days following surgery. Although all dogs developed minor wire/pin tract inflammation and eight dogs developed major wire/pin tract inflammation, postoperative lameness was not consistently associated with wire/pin tract complications. Fractures in 23 dogs achieved radiographic union (mean +/- standard deviation [SD], 61 +/- 21 days; median, 57 days) without additional surgery; two dogs required restabilization of their fractures with linear fixators. Twenty of the 21 owners that could be contacted felt their dog had no (n=15) or only a mild (n=5) intermittent lameness at the time of final, long-term (mean +/- SD, 37 +/- 17 months; median, 42 months) assessment.     

Use of pneumocystoplasty for overinflation of the swim bladder in a goldfish

A Ryukin goldfish was evaluated because of a 6-month history of progressive abdominal distention and positive buoyancy. Overinflation of the swim bladder was diagnosed, and the fish was anesthetized with tricaine methanesulfonate. Archimedes' principle was used to determine the volume of swim bladder that was removed surgically. The caudal swim bladder was exteriorized through an abdominal incision and 2 surgical clips were placed across it to limit its size. After surgery, the fish remained in a state of negative buoyancy in sternal and lateral recumbency on the bottom of the tank. Sutures were removed 15 days after surgery, but the fish died 24 days after surgery. A full necropsy could not be performed because of autolysis of the tissues, but the surgical clips and the swim bladder appeared unremarkable. Pneumocystoplasty may be a viable treatment for this condition.     

Clinical and hematologic effects of experimental infection of dogs with recently identified Babesia gibsoni-like isolates from Oklahoma

OBJECTIVE: To characterize clinical and hematologic responses in dogs following experimental inoculation with Babesia gibsoni-like isolates from infected dogs in Oklahoma. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 6 mixed-breed dogs. PROCEDURE: 2 dogs were inoculated with organisms from a naturally infected dog, and 3 were inoculated with organisms from a second naturally infected dog (1 of these 3 dogs was splenectomized 1 week prior to inoculation). One dog was not inoculated. Complete blood counts were performed weekly. RESULTS: In the 5 dogs inoculated with organisms, parasites were initially detected 1 to 5 weeks after inoculation, and severity of parasitemia peaked with 1.9 to 6.0% of RBC infected by 4 to 6 weeks after inoculation. Parasitemia was easily detectable (> 0.1% of RBC infected) for 3 to 4 weeks. Clinical abnormalities included lethargy, fever, and pale mucous membranes but were mild to nearly inapparent in 2 dogs. All dogs developed regenerative anemia and marked thrombocytopenia. Thrombocytopenia developed before and lasted longer than the parasitemia. Profound but transient neutropenia was detected in some dogs. The splenectomized dog developed more severe parasitemia and anemia and more pronounced clinical abnormalities. Three dogs with intact spleens recovered without treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that 2 or more genotypically distinct, but morphologically identical, small Babesia parasites can infect dogs in the United States. Compared with infection with small Babesia parasites from California, infection with these isolates resulted in less severe parasitemia and clinical abnormalities. Parasitemia was transient, indicating that identification of organisms in blood smears may be difficult in some dogs.