Hematuria associated with cystic hematomas in three neonatal foals

Cystic hematomas were diagnosed in 3 neonatal foals. In all 3 foals, cystic hematomas resulted from umbilical trauma or thrombocytopenia. Findings in these foals suggest that cystic hematoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of hematuria in neonatal foals. Management of cystic hematomas includes both medical and surgical options.     

Oxygen Concentration and Cysteamine Supplementation During In vitro Production of Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Embryos Affect mRNA Expression of BCL‐2, BCL‐XL,MCL‐1, BAX and BID

This study examined the effects of O₂ concentration (5% vs 20%) during in vitro maturation (IVM), fertilization (IVF) and culture (IVC) or supplementation of IVM and IVC media with cysteamine (50 and 100 μm , respectively; IVM, IVF and IVC carried out in 20% O₂), on blastocyst rate and relative mRNA abundance of some apoptosis‐related genes measured by real‐time qPCR in immature and in vitro‐matured buffalo oocytes and in embryos at 2‐, 4‐, 8‐ to 16‐cell, morula and blastocyst stages. The blastocyst rate was significantly higher (p < 0.05) while the percentage of TUNEL‐positive cells was significantly lower (p < 0.05) under 5% O₂ than that under 20% O₂. The mRNA expression of anti‐apoptotic genes BCL‐2 and MCL‐1 was significantly higher (p < 0.05) and that of pro‐apoptotic genes BAX and BID was lower (p < 0.05) under 5% O₂ than that under 20% O₂ concentration at many embryonic stages. Following cysteamine supplementation, the blastocyst rate and the relative mRNA abundance of BCL‐XL and MCL‐1 was significantly higher (p < 0.05) and that of BAX but not BID was lower (p < 0.05) at many stages of embryonic development, although it did not affect the percentage of TUNEL positive cells in the blastocysts significantly. The mRNA expression pattern of these genes during embryonic development was different in 5% vs 20% O₂ groups and in cysteamine supplemented vs controls. At the 8‐ to 16‐cell stage, where developmental block occurs in buffalo, the relative mRNA abundance of BCL‐2 and MCL‐1 was highest under 5% O₂ concentration and that of BAX and BID was highest (p < 0.05) under 20% O₂ concentration. These results suggest that one of the mechanisms through which beneficial effects of low O₂ concentration and cysteamine supplementation are mediated during in vitro embryo production is through an increase in the expression of anti‐apoptotic and a decrease in the expression of pro‐apoptotic genes.     

Expression and localization of angiopoietin family in corpus luteum during different stages of oestrous cycle and modulatory role of angiopoietins on steroidogenesis,angiogenesis and survivability of cultured buffalo luteal cells

The objective of this study was to document the expression and localization of angiopoietin (ANGPT) family members comprising of angiopoietin (ANGPT1 and ANGPT2), and their receptors (Tie1 and Tie2) in buffalo corpus luteum (CL) obtained from different stages of the oestrous cycle, and the modulatory role of ANGPT1 and ANGPT2 alone or in combinations on progesterone (P₄) secretion and mRNA expression of phosphotidylinositide‐3kinase‐protein kinase B (PI3K‐AKT), phosphoinositide‐dependent kinase (PDK), protein kinase B (AKT), Bcl2 associated death promoter (BAD), caspase 3 and von willebrand factor (vWF) in luteal cells obtained from midluteal phase (MLP) of oestrous cycle in buffalo. Real‐time RT‐PCR (qPCR), Western blot and immunohistochemistry were applied to investigate mRNA expression, protein expression and localization of examined factors whereas, the P₄ secretion was assessed by RIA. The mRNA and protein expression of ANGPT1 and Tie2 was maximum (p < .05) in mid luteal phase (MLP) of oestrous cycle. The ANGPT2 mRNA and protein expression was maximum (p < .05) in early luteal phase, decreased in MLP and again increased in late luteal phase of oestrous cycle. ANGPT family members were localized in luteal cells and endothelial cells with a stage specific immunoreactivity. P₄ secretion was highest (p < .05) with 100 ng/ml at 72 hr when luteal cells were treated with either protein alone. The mRNA expression of PDK, AKT and vWF was highest (p < .05) and BAD along with caspase 3 were lowest (p < .05) at 100 ng/ml at 72 hr of incubation period, when cultured luteal cells were treated with either protein alone or in combination. To conclude, our study explores the steroidogenic potential of angiopoietins to promote P₄ secretion, luteal cell survival and angiogenesis through an autocrine and paracrine actions in buffalo CL.     

Accuracy of selected neurological clinical tests in diagnosing MRI-detectable forebrain lesion in dogs

This retrospective case study aims to evaluate the accuracy of menace response, response to nasal stimulation and proprioceptive placing in diagnosing forebrain lesion in dogs. A total of 145 client-owned dogs investigated by magnetic resonance imaging study of the brain between December 2017 and June 2019 were evaluated. Seventy-one dogs with no magnetic resonance imaging-detectable intracranial and significant cerebrospinal fluid abnormality or recent history of seizure (<48 h) served as controls. Binary regression analysis was performed to determine the sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratios of each selected test. Older age at presentation was a significant risk factor for the presence of a forebrain lesion. Menace (62.5%) and proprioceptive deficits (40.5%) were common findings in all dogs. They were also significantly associated with the presence of forebrain abnormality. Moreover, they were more sensitive (77.3% and 82.2%, respectively) and specific (50.0% and 62.5%, respectively) when applied to dogs aged 6 years or older. Nonetheless, all of these tests' likelihood ratios, and thus reliability are poor. These neurological tests are commonly employed for diagnosing forebrain disease in dogs, yet are not highly accurate in diagnosing forebrain abnormality. Clinicians should interpret these clinical test results along with the patient history when designing a diagnostic plan.     

Prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time using a point‐of‐care analyser (Abaxis VSpro®) in Bennett's wallabies (Macropus rufogriseus)

There are few reports of coagulation times in marsupial species. Blood samples collected from 14 Bennett's wallabies (Macropus rufogriseus) under anaesthesia during routine health assessments were analysed for prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) using a point‐of‐care analyser (POC) (Abaxis VSPro®). The wallabies had an aPTT mean of 78.09 s and median of 78.1 s. The PT for all wallabies was greater than 35 s, exceeding the longest time measured on the POC. Although PT was significantly longer, aPTT was similar to the manufacturer's domestic canine reference range.     

Sequelae and complications of Streptococcus equi subspecies equi infections in the horse

Streptococcus equi ssp. equi infection in the horse, or strangles, commonly results in abscessation of the submandibular, submaxillary or retropharyngeal lymph nodes. Although this classical presentation of strangles is associated with a low mortality rate, complications and sequlae may worsen the prognosis and increase mortality rates. This article reviews sequelae and complictions of S. equi ssp. equi infection in the horse, including guttural pouch empyema, bastard strangles and immune mediated diseases such as purpura haemorrhagica, myopathies and myocarditis.     

Empyema of the guttural pouch (auditory tube diverticulum) in horses: 91 cases (1977-1997)

OBJECTIVE: To identify features of guttural pouch (auditory tube diverticulum) empyema in horses and compare findings of uncomplicated guttural pouch empyema with guttural pouch empyema complicated by chondroids. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 91 horses with guttural pouch empyema. PROCEDURE: Medical records of horses with guttural pouch empyema were reviewed. RESULTS: The most common owner complaint and abnormal finding was persistent nasal discharge. Chondroids were detected in 21% (19/91) of affected horses. Streptococcus equi was isolated from the guttural pouch in 14 of 44 horses; for Streptococcus spp, in vitro resistance to sulfadimethoxine and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was detected. Retropharyngeal swelling and pharyngeal narrowing were significantly more prevalent in horses with chondroids, compared with horses with uncomplicated empyema. Ninety-three percent of affected horses were discharged from the hospital; at time of discharge, 66% had complete resolution of disease, 19% had improvement without resolution, and 15% did not have improvement. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Horses with persistent nasal discharge should be examined endoscopically for guttural pouch empyema. Treatment with lavage offers a good prognosis for resolution of uncomplicated guttural pouch empyema. Aggressive treatment with lavage and endoscopic snare removal of chondroids offers a good prognosis and may make surgical intervention unnecessary.