A survey of intestinal parasites in dogs from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Fresh fecal samples from 124 apparently healthy dogs and 333 random source canine fecal samples from dog walking areas were analyzed by centrifuged flotation in Sheather's solution to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Fecal flotation was positive in 4.4% of samples. Roundworm species were found in 1.5% of samples, hookworm species were found in 0.4% of samples, whipworm species were found in 0.7%, Strongyloides spp. were found in 0.6%, Giardia spp., Cystoisospora spp., and Alaria spp. were found in 0.4% of samples.     

Serological evidence of enzootic bovine leukosis in the periurban dairy cattle production system of Al Ain,United Arab Emirates

Tropical Animal Health and Production - The serostatus of enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL) was determined at three dairy farms and the Al Ain Livestock Market (AALM), within the Al Ain region of Abu...     

Radiographic features of suspected suture‐associated cystic calculi in dogs

This retrospective case series describes the radiographic features of suspected suture‐associated cystic calculi in six dogs with a history of at least one or multiple prior cystotomies. One of the dogs presented twice. Suspected suture‐associated cystic calculi were multifocal, short, predominantly linear mineral opacities localized in the center of the urinary bladder on abdominal radiographs. One patient (n = 1) presented with multifocal round, pin point, and linear radiopaque calculi. The calculi were all calcium oxalate in composition. On gross examination, the calculi had a hollow center. Six cystotomies used monofilament absorbable suture material (polydioxanone [n = 4] or poliglecaprone 25 [n = 1]) in prior cystotomies. Suture material in two of the cases was unknown. Suspected suture‐associated cystic calculi are a rare occurrence in veterinary medicine but should be considered in dogs that have a history of prior cystotomy, hollow core on gross analysis, and radiographic evidence of mineral opaque, predominantly linear, cystic calculi.     

Glycosaminoglycans from Litopenaeus vannamei Inhibit the Alzheimer’s Disease β Secretase,BACE1

Only palliative therapeutic options exist for the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease; no new successful drug candidates have been developed in over 15 years. The widely used clinical anticoagulant heparin has been reported to exert beneficial effects through multiple pathophysiological pathways involved in the aetiology of Alzheimer’s Disease, for example, amyloid peptide production and clearance, tau phosphorylation, inflammation and oxidative stress. Despite the therapeutic potential of heparin as a multi-target drug for Alzheimer’s disease, the repurposing of pharmaceutical heparin is proscribed owing to the potent anticoagulant activity of this drug. Here, a heterogenous non-anticoagulant glycosaminoglycan extract, obtained from the shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei, was found to inhibit the key neuronal β-secretase, BACE1, displaying a more favorable therapeutic ratio compared to pharmaceutical heparin when anticoagulant activity is considered.     

The precautionary principle and biological invasion: the case of the House Sparrow on the Lesser Antilles

The capacity to react quickly to species introductions and to plan effective management countermeasures is always difficult, and methodology is lacking. This paper summarizes the different steps of a decision-making protocol applied to the recent establishment of an exotic species, the House Sparrow Passer domesticus, in the Lesser Antilles. This pest bird damages crops, fruits and stored food products and also competes with numerous hole-nesting birds in a large part of its range, and this requires more or less rapid management decision to limit its impact. In order to construct a base for decision-making in the Lesser Antilles case, we designed and conducted a brief biological study involving three spatial scales. At the regional scale, we defined the state of spread of House Sparrows throughout the West Indies. At the island scale, we estimated the number and distribution of breeding colonies. At the local scale, we estimated the numbers and behaviour of House Sparrows. To enable a quick decision to be made, we also suggested organizing a collective decision-making process applying a multi-actor guideline taking account of the different kinds of actors and levels of competence. We applied this method and we presented our results to a multi-actor workshop. The collective decision-making chose to apply the precautionary principle on one island (bird eradication) and to install both communications and monitoring plans. The procedure involving both multi-spatial scale assessment and a multi-actor workshop needs to be refined but its prospects are promising.