Supplementation with Calcium Salts of Linoleic and trans-Octadecenoic Acids Improves Fertility of Lactating Dairy Cows

Objectives were to evaluate effects of feeding a calcium salt rich in linoleic and trans -octadecenoic acids (LTFA) on synthesis of prostaglandin F_2α based on its metabolite (PGFM), uterine involution and pregnancy rates in lactating dairy cows. Five hundred and eleven Holstein cows were blocked according to parity, body condition score and milk yield in the previous lactation. Primiparous and multiparous cows were randomly assigned to one of the two treatments consisting of calcium salt (2% diet dry matter) of either palm oil (PO) or LTFA from 25 days prepartum to 80 days of lactation. Cows were time-inseminated at 70 ± 3 days postpartum. Feeding LTFA tended (p = 0.08) to decrease the incidence of puerperal metritis (15.1% vs 8.8%). Primiparous cows supplemented with LTFA showed larger increase in plasma PGFM concentration at day 1 postpartum (17018 vs 6897 p m ). Pregnancy rate after first insemination tended (p = 0.07) to be greater at 27 days after insemination (37.9% vs 28.6%), and was greater (p = 0.05) at 41 days after insemination (35.5% vs 25.8%) for cows fed LTFA compared with PO. These results indicate that unsaturated fatty acids fed in a rumen inert form have the potential to modulate reproductive events and improve pregnancy rates in lactating dairy cows.     

The effect of interday variation and a short-term stressor on insulin sensitivity in clinically normal cats

To determine whether there is a day-to-day variation in insulin sensitivity in cats, we subjected six clinically normal cats to four insulin-modified frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance tests (FSIVGTTs) over 7 days. The insulin-modified FSIVGTTs were analysed by the minimal model method. Minimal model insulin sensitivity (S(I)) averaged 2.9+/-0.4 x 10(-4) min(-1)/microU/ml (range 1.9-4.6 x 10(-4) min(-1)/microU/ml), with a mean interday coefficient of variation (CV) of 35.4+/-6.4% (range 12.8-58.5%). Glucose effectiveness (S(G)) averaged 0.029+/-0.002 min(-1)(range 0.024-0.037 min(-1)), and showed less interday variability with a mean CV of 24.7+/-4.3% (range 7.9-39.3%). Insulin sensitivity was also measured after a short-term stressor (5-min spray bath) of sufficient magnitude to elevate blood glucose levels. The mean insulin sensitivity after the stressor was 3.6+/-0.8 x 10(-4) min(-1)/microU/ml (range 1.6-7.3 x 10(-4) min(-1)/microU/ml), which was not significantly different to the mean insulin sensitivity before the short-term stressor (P=0.237). The mean glucose effectiveness after the stressor was 0.046+/-0.004 min(-1)(range 0.032-0.057 min(-1)), which was significantly different from mean glucose effectiveness before the short-term stressor (P=0.003). We conclude that insulin sensitivity is highly variable from day to day in normal cats, and that hyperglycaemia in response to short-term stressors is probably due to increased hepatic glucose production, rather than peripheral insulin resistance.     

Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis in an alpaca (Vicugna pacos)

Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is a rare, familial disease of unknown aetiology characterised by intra‐alveolar formation and accumulation of microliths. Multiple formalin‐fixed tissues were submitted from a 5‐month‐old female alpaca that died suddenly without significant clinical signs. No gross abnormalities were observed on postmortem examination. Histological findings included PAM and severe centrilobular hepatic necrosis. Although the hepatic lesion was the likely cause of death, PAM was an incidental finding that has not been reported previously in alpacas. An overview of PAM, including pathogenesis and histopathological characteristics, are discussed in relation to the concurrent hepatic disease in the present case.     

Spinal epidural empyema in seven dogs

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the clinical signs, diagnostic and surgical findings, and outcome in dogs with spinal epidural empyema (SEE). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Seven dogs. METHODS: Dogs with SEE between 1992 and 2001 were identified from a computerized medical record system. Inclusion criteria were: neurologic examination, vertebral column radiographs, myelography, antimicrobial culture and susceptibility of material collected surgically from the vertebral canal, a definitive diagnosis of SEE confirmed by surgery, and microscopic examination of tissue from the vertebral canal. RESULTS: Common signs were lethargy, fever, anorexia, apparent spinal pain, and paraparesis/plegia. Common laboratory abnormalities were peripheral neutrophilia, and neutrophilic pleocytosis in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Three dogs had concurrent discospondylitis and 1 of these had vertebral luxation. On myelography, extradural spinal cord compression was focal (2 dogs), multifocal (3), or diffuse (2). Bacteria were isolated not from CSF but from blood, surgical site, pleural fluid, or urine in 6 dogs. Dogs were administered antibiotics and had surgical decompression by hemilaminectomy. Five dogs improved neurologically and had a good long-term outcome. Two dogs were euthanatized, 1 because of worsening of neurologic signs and pneumonia, and the other because of herniation of a cervical intervertebral disc 1 month postoperatively, unrelated to the SEE. CONCLUSION: Dogs with SEE may have a good outcome when treated by surgical decompression and antibiotic administration. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: SEE should be included in a list of possible causes for dogs with fever, apparent spinal pain, and myelopathy.     

Non-invasive assessment of adrenocortical activity as a measure of stress in leopards Panthera pardus

Leopards Panthera pardus are classified in the IUCN Red List as Vulnerable, primarily due to habitat loss, natural prey base depletion and exploitation caused by various anthropogenic activities. Although protected areas are important for leopard conservation, the majority of suitable leopard habitat lies beyond protected area boundaries exposing individuals to different environmental, physiological and psychosocial stressors. This study aimed to examine the suitability of five different enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) for monitoring adrenocortical function in the leopard based on faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM) analysis. After performing an adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test and investigating the stability of fGCM post-defaecation, faeces from free-ranging leopards in a peri-urban and a conservation area were collected to investigate the potential impact of habitat variability on glucocorticoid output. An EIA measuring fGCM with a 5α-3β-11β-diol structure performed best, demonstrating a ～200%–330% increase in fGCM concentrations approximately 40 h post-ACTH administration. Concentrations of fGCM remained quite stable for up to six days post-defaecation and showed a maximum increase of 8% and a maximum decrease of 9%. Although not significantly different, overall median fGCM concentrations were 68% higher in individuals utilising the peri-urban area compared with leopards utilising the conservation area. The ranges of fGCM concentrations between sites, however, were similar. Individual median fGCM concentrations differed distinctly between free-ranging males and females, possibly linked to female reproductive status. The established method can now assist in addressing some of the issues facing local wildlife managers, conservationists and researchers tackling various aspects related to leopard conservation and management under different land-use practices.     

Pregnancy-related diabetes mellitus in two dogs

CASE SUMMARIES: Two cases of diabetes mellitus occurring in bitches in association with pregnancy are reported. In the first case, a bitch with suspected acromegaly developed diabetes mellitus within 2 weeks of the due date. Despite insulin therapy, euglycaemia was not achieved. Tw o live, small pups were delivered by elective Caesarean section but died within 2 days. Signs consistent with acromegaly resolved but diabetes mellitus was permanent in the bitch. In the second case, diabetic ketosis with severe gastrointestinal disease was diagnosed 2 days after Caesarean section was performed due to dystocia. The pups delivered all died within 5 days. The bitch recovered fully from diabetes mellitus within 2 weeks and has remained euglycaemic without insulin for a period of at least 18 months.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These two cases demonstrate that diabetes mellitus can occur in association with pregnancy in dogs, that diabetic ketosis can occur during transient diabetes mellitus in dogs, and suggest that acromegaly may occur during pregnancy-related dioestrus in dogs. The scarcity of previous reports of this nature, however, suggests that such cases are unusual.

Lack of prompt resolution of hyperglycaemia may result in secondary diabetes mellitus becoming permanent. Management should focus on immediate insulin therapy or ovariohysterectomy to minimise this risk. Even mild hyperglycaemia should not be ignored during pregnancy. The insulin antagonistic effects of pregnancy, stressful illness, surgery and dystocia can be enough to result in diabetic ketosis in the absence of permanent insulin deficiency. Maternal hyperglycaemia may contribute to adverse fetal outcomes in dogs but further study is required regarding the nature of the risk.     

Descriptive summary of an outbreak of porcine post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) in New Zealand

CASE HISTORY: Investigations were conducted to determine the cause of an acute, multi-farm outbreak of porcine respiratory disease that included diarrhoea and subsequent loss of body condition in affected pigs. A definition for post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) including both clinical and pathological features, previously developed for the pig industry in New Zealand, was applied to the current outbreak. In addition to self-reporting by owners of affected farms, local veterinarians, disease and epidemiology consultants, and animal health officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) were involved in conducting farm visits and submission of diagnostic specimens.

CLINICAL FINDINGS AND DIAGNOSIS: Pathogens known to be endemic in the pig industry in New Zealand as well as likely exotic diseases were excluded as causative agents of the outbreak. Clinical signs including dyspnoea, diarrhoea, and rapid loss of body condition were consistent with the New Zealand case definition for PMWS. Interstitial pneumonia, pulmonary oedema, generalised lymph-node enlargement, and presence of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) inclusion bodies were consistently identified in affected pigs. Classical swine fever virus (CSFv), Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSv), and Influenza virus were ruled out, using molecular and traditional virological techniques. Spread of the disease between farms was hypothesised to be facilitated by locally migrating flocks of black-backed seagulls. The original source of the disease incursion was not identified.

DIAGNOSIS: Based on the consistent presence of circovirusassociated lesions in lymphoid tissues in combination with generalised enlargement of lymph nodes, histiocytic interstitial pneumonia, clinical wasting, and poor response to antibiotic therapy, a diagnosis of PMWS was made.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: PMWS should be considered in the differential diagnoses of sudden onset of respiratory dyspnoea, diarrhoea, and rapid loss of body condition in young pigs in New Zealand pig herds.     

Mitotane (o, DDD) resistance in a dog with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism and phaeochromocytoma

A dog was presented with a 2 year history of polyuria and polydipsia due to pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism. A low-dose dexamethasone suppression test and measurement of plasma ACTH concentration confirmed the diagnosis. Treatment was instituted with mitotane at 44 mg/kg/day and then 88 mg/kg/d without complete resolution of signs. The dog collapsed with signs consistent with liver disease and was euthanased. Necropsy revealed a phaeochromocytoma of the left adrenal medulla with extensive metastases to the liver. A chromophobe adenoma of the pars intermedia of the pituitary was found.     

Fungal infection of the eyes of the snake Epicrates chenchria maurus: enucleation under halothane narcosis

In a rainbow boa (Epicrates chenchria maurus) an affection of the spectacle of the eyes caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum is described for the first time. Enucleation was performed under premedication of Hypnodil and inhalation anesthesia with tracheal intubation, using Halothane. Résumé. On décrit, pour la première fois, chez le boa Epicrates chenchria maurus une affection des paupières transparentes causée par le fongus Fusarium oxysparum. L'énucléation a été faite sous prémédication d'Hypnodil et d'inhalation anesthésie avec intubation trachéale, utilisant Halothane. Zusammenfassung. In einer Boa, Epicrates chenchria maurus, wurde eine Erkrankung von der durchsichtigen Kapsel über dem Auge, verursacht durch den Fungus Fusarium oxysporum zum ersten Ma1 beschrieben. Enukleation wurde vorgenommen, unter Basisnarkose van Hypnodil und Einatmungsanästhesie mit trachealer Intubation, indem man Halothane gebrauchte.     

Cyclic Related and Pathological Changes in the Lectin-binding Sites on the Swine Oviduct

This study was carried out to compare the lectin-binding pattern in the normal and pathological oviduct of sows during the ovarian cycle. Lectin-binding patterns showed differences between segments, phases of ovarian cycle and presence of morphologic lesions. In the infundibulum, it was observed that the cysts, in the follicular phase, reduced Ricinus communis-I (RCA-I) and Ulex europaeus-I (UEA-I) binding. Furthermore, in the pathological oviducts of the luteal-phase group, there is a reduction of Concanavalia ensiformis (Con-A) reactivity in this segment of the tube having wall cysts, adenomyosis and diverticulus. The Arachis hypogaea (PNA) binding in the infundibulum, during the luteal phase, decreased in the tube having adenomyosis. In animals with wall cysts, the Con-A, Triticum vulgaris (WGA) and RCA-I reactivity was minor in the glycocalyx of the isthmus epithelium during follicular phase. Con-A and Dolichos biflorus (DBA) binding pattern was minor in the luteal-phase isthmus of the tube having wall cysts, adenomyosis and diverticulus. In the ampulla, the wall cysts impaired the Con-A reaction only in the basal region of the epithelium, in the follicular phase. Binding with Con-A was decreased in the ampulla of animals in the luteal phase in the tube lesions with cysts and diverticulus. In addition, the diverticulus observed in the ampulla, during the luteal phase, reduced the PNA tubaric binding. The results of this study showed that the morphologic alterations modify the sugar pattern in the oviduct of sows. These modifications in glycoconjugates may be one of the reasons for the failure of fertility in sows.