Spongiform encephalopathy in an arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx) and a greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros)

Clinical, pathological and epidemiological details of scrapie-like encephalopathies are described in an arabian oryx and a greater kudu. Clinical signs included ataxia and loss of condition with a short, progressive clinical course (22 and three days, respectively). Histopathological examination of the brains revealed spongiform encephalopathy characteristic of that observed in scrapie and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). It seems probable that these cases have a common aetiology with BSE. Scrapie-like spongiform encephalopathies have now been described in five species of exotic artiodactyls in Britain indicating a, hitherto inapparent, wider range of ruminant species as natural hosts for these diseases.     

抗氧化剂与基因表达

近来 ,对日粮中起抗氧化作用物质的兴趣越来越大。抗氧化物质可降低心血管病、癌症的发病率 ,而这些疾病的发生与自由基介导的氧化反应有关 ,并可被抗氧化剂抑制。对自由基的早期研究结果发现 ,自由基可损害细胞 ,导致细胞变性和突变 ( Gey,1 987;Slater,1 985)。近来集中抗氧化剂保护细胞对抗自由基的机制。日粮中抗氧化剂对组织中自由基活性有重要调节作用 ,但对其机制还所知甚少。许多研究者认为多摄取抗氧化剂如VC、VE、β-胡萝卜素 ,使组织中抗氧化剂浓度升高对细胞有利 ,但有研究者对此提出疑问。Woodal( 1 996)在一个精确控制添加…     

Effects of wheatfield soil on inocula of gaeumannomyces graminis (Sacc.) Arx & Olivier var. tritici J. Walker in relation to take-all decline

Organic debris extracted from wheatfield soils was found to be significantly more infective following 2–3 yr continuous wheat than after the fifth successive crop. Plots with added nitrogen yielded more infective debris than those without. Short periods of contact with decline soil or its suspension, reduced infection of wheat roots by Gaeumannomyces when they were subsequently grown in non-decline soil. Hyphae emerging from previously infected root pieces or culture inocula showed a positive growth response to wheat roots or their exudates. This response was negatively correlated to the distance between root and inoculum. In the presence of decline soil, hyphal response was significantly reduced. This reduction can be related to the decreased infectivity of decline soil and may help to explain take-all decline.     

Closing wedge ostectomy and medial distal tibia plate application for treatment of severe bilateral angular limb deformities in the hindlimbs of an 8-month-old foal

This case report describes the evaluation, surgical approach and outcome of an 8-month-old foal with severe angular limb deformities of both metatarsophalangeal joints (MTPJ). Radiography and computed tomography (CT) were used to diagnose a windswept deformity of the hindlimbs with associated bilateral physitis. The orthopaedic surgery was planned and rehearsed using three-dimensional (3D) bone models. A bilateral closing wedge ostectomy was performed on the distal MtIII, and 3.5 mm LCP^® medial distal tibia plates were used bilaterally for osteosynthesis. Even though convalescence was prolonged and complicated by partial unilateral implant failure and osteoarthritis (OA), reduction of the deformities was successful and resulted in a sound foal.     

Closed reduction and surgical fixation of elbow joint luxation in an adult mare and in a 3-month-old foal using knotless bone anchors and FiberTape

This report describes the successful surgical stabilisation of elbow joint luxation using knotless bone anchors and FiberTape to repair the medial collateral ligament in an 11-year-old mare (Case 1) and both medial and lateral collateral ligaments in a 3-month-old foal (Case 2). Radiography (both cases) and computed tomography (Case 2) were used to diagnose subluxation (Case 1) and complete luxation (Case 2) with suspected rupture of both collateral ligaments. Case 1 was supported in a rescue sling for 7 weeks postoperatively to prevent recumbency. Recovery was good, and the mare was sound at the walk at the time of discharge 8 weeks after surgery and 1 year later at the follow-up visit. Case 2 was discharged 3 weeks after surgery and was sound at the trot when re-evaluated 2 and 6 months postoperatively. Although elbow luxation accompanied by torn collateral ligaments is rare in horses, successful outcomes have been described. In the present case report, joint stabilisation and a successful outcome were achieved, for the first time, with closed reduction and an open approach for placement of knotless bone anchors and FiberTape. Limitations of our study included inability to directly assess the integrity of the implants during healing and relying mainly on clinical signs to assess healing.