Serological status and abortion rate in progeny obtained by natural service or embryo transfer from Neospora caninum-seropositive cows

Bovine neosporosis is an important disease in dairy herds in Argentina. Embryo transfer (ET) technology offers the opportunity to minimize vertical transmission of neosporosis. The objective of this work was to compare the serological status and the incidence of abortion between heifers obtained via natural service and heifers obtained by ET from Neospora-infected cows. Progeny from eight Neospora-infected cows belonging to a commercial dairy farm where ET was routinely performed were studied. Between 1996 and 2001, 16 and 15 heifers were obtained by natural service and ET, respectively. Serostatus and reproductive performance were recorded in both progeny. Serostatus was determined by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). All heifers obtained by natural service were seropositive and six of 16 pregnancies ended in abortion. All heifers obtained by ET were seronegative and only two abortions of 15 pregnancies were recorded.     

Diagnosis and management of chronic corneal epithelial defects (indolent corneal ulcerations)

Chronic corneal epithelial defects (CCEDs; indolent corneal ulcerations) are the most common refractory ulcerations in veterinary medicine and are diagnosed by their classic appearance. CCEDs are superficial ulcerations without stromal involvement and have a nonadherent epithelial border (lip). Fluorescein stain adheres to the exposed stroma and extends below the epithelial border, outlining the epithelial lip. CCEDs occur secondary to adnexal disease, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, exposure keratitis, neurotrophic keratitis, and primary corneal disease. In cats, herpes keratitis is associated with the development of CCEDs. Bacterial infections are not responsible for the refractory nature of CCEDs. Because of the refractory nature of CCEDs, treatment can be frustrating for both owner and veterinarian. Current treatment recommendations consist of identifying and treating the underlying cause and performing procedures that stimulate epithelialization and adhesion of the corneal epithelium. Initial treatment of CCEDs includes ulcer debridement and grid keratotomy. Superficial keratectomy is indicated in refractory cases.     

Molecular Diversity of Ralstonia solanacearum Isolated from Ginger in Hawaii

ABSTRACT The genetic diversity of Ralstonia solanacearum strains isolated from ginger (Zingiber officinale) growing on the island of Hawaii was determined by analysis of amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs). Initially 28 strains of R. solanacearum collected from five host plant species worldwide were analyzed by AFLP. A second analysis was conducted on 55 R. solanacearum strains collected from three ginger farms along the Hamakua Coast of Hawaii, the principle area of ginger cultivation in the state. From the initial analysis, R. solanacearum strains from ginger in Hawaii showed a high degree of similarity at 0.853. In contrast, the average genetic similarity between R. solanacearum strains from heliconia and ginger was only 0.165, and strains from ginger showed little similarity with strains from all other hosts. The second analysis of 55 strains from ginger on different Hawaiian farms confirmed that they were distinct from race 1 strains from tomato. Strains from ginger also showed greater diversity among themselves in the second analysis, and the greatest diversity occurred among strains from a farm where ginger is frequently imported and maintained. Our results provide evidence that R. solanacearum strains from ginger in Hawaii are genetically distinct from local strains from tomato (race 1) and heliconia (race 2).     

Phase I evaluation of CCNU (lomustine) in tumor-bearing cats

1-(2-Chloroethyl)3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea (CCNU) is an alkylating agent in the nitrosourea subclass. A prospective evaluation of CCNU was done to determine the maximally tolerated dosage of CCNU in tumor-bearing cats. Response data were obtained when available. Twenty-five cats were treated with CCNU at a dosage of 50-60 mg/m3 body surface area. Complete hematologic data were available for 13 cats. Neutropenia was the acute dose-limiting toxicity. The median neutrophil count at the nadir was 1,000 cells/microL (mean, 2,433 cells/microL; range, 0-9,694 cells/microL). The time of neutrophil nadir was variable, occurring 7-28 days after treatment, and counts sometimes did not return to normal for up to 14 days after the nadir. Based on these findings, a 6-week dosing interval and weekly hematologic monitoring after the 1st treatment with CCNU are recommended. The nadir of the platelet count may occur 14-21 days after treatment. The median platelet count at the nadir was 43,500 cells/microL. No gastrointestinal, renal, or hepatic toxicities were observed after a single CCNU treatment, and additional studies to evaluate the potential for cumulative toxicity should be performed. Five cats with lymphoma and 1 cat with mast cell tumor had measurable responses to CCNU. Phase II studies to evaluate antitumor activity should be completed with a dosing regimen of 50-60 mg/m3 every 6 weeks.     

Systemic and tissue chamber fluid platinum concentrations released from cis-diamminedichloroplatinum II-impregnated polymethylmethacrylate in healthy dogs

OBJECTIVES: To determine systemic and local platinum concentrations released from subcutaneously implanted cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (cisplatin) -impregnated polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and to evaluate systemic or local adverse reactions. ANIMALS: 6 healthy dogs. PROCEDURE: Cisplatin (20 mg) was inserted into PMMA that was fashioned into cylinders and placed into subcutaneous tissue chambers overlying the thorax (treated site). An empty tissue chamber was placed over the opposite side (control site). Plasma samples were obtained for platinum determination before implantation, at 3, 6, and 12 hours after implantation on day 0, and once daily on days 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 29. At similar times on similar days, tissue chamber fluid samples also were obtained for platinum determination. Complete blood count, serum urea nitrogen and creatinine concentration determinations, and urinalyses were performed on days 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 29. Complete necropsy was performed at conclusion of the study. RESULTS: Tissue chamber platinum concentrations at the treated site were significantly greater than plasma and control site tissue chamber concentrations on days 2, 3, 7, 10. Mean plasma platinum concentration at 3 (0.735 microg/ml), 6 (0.691 microg/ml), 12 (0.534 microg/ml), 24 (0.131 microg/ml), 48 (0.2 microg/ml), 72 (0.1 microg/ml), and 158 (0.014 microg/ml) hours was significantly greater than pretreatment values (0.0 microg/ml). Plasma platinum concentration 10 days after treatment (0.011 microg/ml) did not significantly differ from pretreatment values. Local or systemic adverse reactions were not apparent. CONCLUSIONS: The route of cisplatin administration was safe. Greater concentration of platinum was released locally relative to plasma concentration for an extended period.     

Cardiopulmonary and sedative effects of intravenous administration of low doses of medetomidine and xylazine to adult horses

OBJECTIVE: To determine the cardiopulmonary and sedative effects of medetomidine hydrochloride in adult horses and to compare those effects with effects of an equipotent dose of xylazine hydrochloride. ANIMALS: 10 healthy adult female horses. PROCEDURE: 5 horses were given medetomidine (4 microg/kg of body weight, i.v.), and the other 5 were given xylazine (0.4 mg/kg, i.v.). Heart rate, respiratory rate, arterial blood pressures, pulmonary arterial blood pressures, and cardiac output were recorded, and sedation and ataxia scores were assigned before and every 5 minutes after drug administration for 60 minutes. Rectal temperature and blood gas partial pressures were measured every 15 minutes after drug administration. RESULTS: Arterial blood pressure was significantly decreased throughout the study among horses given medetomidine and was significantly decreased for 40 minutes among horses given xylazine. Compared with baseline values, cardiac output was significantly decreased 10, 20, and 40 minutes after administration of medetomidine and significantly increased 40 and 60 minutes after administration of xylazine. Despite the significant decrease in respiratory rate in both groups, results of blood gas analyses were not significantly changed over time. Ataxia and sedation scores were of similar magnitude for the 2 groups, but ataxia persisted slightly longer among horses given medetomidine. Horses resumed eating hay 10 to 55 minutes after drug administration. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that equipotent low doses of medetomidine and xylazine induce comparable levels of ataxia and sedation and similar cardiopulmonary changes in adult horses.     

Morphologic and immunohistochemical features of two spontaneous peripheral nerve tumors in Wistar rats

Morphologic features and S-100 protein immunoreactivity of a benign and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor were studied in two Wistar rats. Neoplasms that developed in untreated control rats from tumor bioassays were S-100 protein positive and had similar histopathologic features. Each peripheral nerve sheath tumor was encapsulated and composed of spindle cells arranged around small thin-walled blood vessels. Palisaded tumor cells were in the benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor while cells of the malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor had cellular atypia and moderate numbers of mitoses. Ultrastructural examination of the malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor revealed cells with external lamina and interdigitation of cytoplasmic processes. Intracytoplasmic concentric lamellae were seen; they were regularly spaced with a periodicity of about 15 nm. Such structures, indistinguishable from myelin sheaths, have not been commonly associated with peripheral nerve sheath tumors in man. Electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry were useful in the diagnosis of these tumors as Schwannomas and in differentiation from other spindle cell tumors.     

Distinctive peripheral lymph node hyperplasia of young cats

Peripheral lymph node enlargement was found in 14 of a series of 132 feline lymph node biopsy specimens. Six of nine cats tested had antibodies for feline leukemia virus (FeLV). Half of the cats were clinically normal while the remainder had fever, lethargy, anorexia, and hepatosplenomegaly. There was severe distortion of lymph nodal architecture with variable loss of discernible follicles and sinuses. Histiocytes, lymphocytes, immunoblasts, and plasma cells were present in expanded paracortical regions which encroached on, and occasionally effaced, lymphoid follicles. Postcapillary venules were numerous and prominent throughout the paracortex. The lymphadenopathy was most commonly transient (86% of cases) with subsequent development of lymphoma in one cat. Lymph nodes from seven kittens with experimental FeLV infection were compared with spontaneously enlarged lymph nodes; four of seven had B and T lymphocyte hyperplasia with normal nodal architecture. Three had partial loss of nodal architecture as a result of expanded paracortical regions populated largely by histiocytes and lymphocytes. Proliferation of postcapillary venules was not prominent in nodes from FeLV-infected cats. The cause of spontaneous lymph node hyperplasia of young cats was not determined. However, the similarity of lesions to those of kittens with experimental FeLV infection and the association with FeLV by serologic tests in six of nine cats suggest that this retrovirus may be involved in the pathogenesis of the lesion.