Geographical cline of DNA variation within the F intersterility group of Heterobasidion annosum in Italy

Eighty-six Heterobasidion annosum isolates, mainly belonging to the F intersterility group and obtained from 32 different geographical localities in Italy, were subjected to genetic analysis by the Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. The similarity between F and S groups was higher than that between F and P. In UPGMA Cluster Analysis, the F isolates originating from the same locality usually grouped in the same cluster. The isolates also showed a tendency to group at the level of larger geographical areas. Within the F group, isolates from the south of the Italian peninsula showed the highest genetic variation and northern isolates from the Alpine regions showed the lowest. This indicates a gradual cline along the peninsula. The genetic variability in the Italian F group is discussed in relation to the past and present distribution of the host species in Italy and Europe.     

Response of healthy dogs to infusions of human serum albumin

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical and immunologic response in healthy dogs to infusions of human serum albumin (HSA). ANIMALS: 9 healthy purpose-bred mixed-breed dogs. PROCEDURES: Each dog was administered a 25% HSA solution once or twice. Various physical examination and laboratory variables were serially evaluated. Antibody against HSA was assayed before and after infusion by use of an ELISA. Intradermal testing was also conducted. A repeated-measures ANOVA or Friedman repeated-measures ANOVA on ranks was used to compare results for the variables. RESULTS: Adverse clinical reactions were observed after the first or second infusion in 3 dogs. Anaphylactoid reactions were observed in 1 of 9 dogs during the first infusion and in 2 of 2 dogs administered a second infusion. Two dogs developed severe edema and urticaria 6 or 7 days after an initial infusion. All dogs developed anti-HSA antibodies. Positive responses for ID tests were observed in 8 of 9 dogs. Short-term increases were detected in blood protein, total bilirubin, and calcium concentrations after HSA infusion. Serum cholesterol concentrations and platelet counts decreased after HSA infusion. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Administration of HSA resulted in profound reactions in 2 of 9 dogs administered a single infusion and in 2 of 2 dogs administered a second infusion. This indicates that there is risk of life-threatening adverse reactions to HSA infusion in healthy dogs.     

Comparison of three methods of temperature measurement in hypothermic, euthermic, and hyperthermic dogs

OBJECTIVE: To assess the reliability and accuracy of a predictive rectal thermometer, an infrared auricular thermometer designed for veterinary use, and a subcutaneous temperature-sensing microchip for measurement of core body temperature over various temperature conditions in dogs. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 8 purpose-bred dogs. PROCEDURES: A minimum of 7 days prior to study commencement, a subcutaneous temperature-sensing microchip was implanted in 1 of 3 locations (interscapular, lateral aspect of shoulder, or sacral region) in each dog. For comparison with temperatures measured via rectal thermometer, infrared auricular thermometer, and microchip, core body temperature was measured via a thermistor-tipped pulmonary artery (TTPA) catheter. Hypothermia was induced during anesthesia at the time of TTPA catheter placement; on 3 occasions after placement of the catheter, hyperthermia was induced via administration of a low dose of endotoxin. Near-simultaneous duplicate temperature measurements were recorded from the TTPA catheter, the rectal thermometer, auricular thermometer, and subcutaneous microchips during hypothermia, euthermia, and hyperthermia. Reliability (variability) of temperature measurement for each device and agreement between each device measurement and core body temperature were assessed. RESULTS: Variability between duplicate near-simultaneous temperature measurements was greatest for the auricular thermometer and least for the TTPA catheter. Measurements obtained by use of the rectal thermometer were in closest agreement with core body temperature; for all other devices, temperature readings typically underestimated core body temperature. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Among the 3 methods of temperature measurement, rectal thermometry provided the most accurate estimation of core body temperature in dogs.     

Biotypes of the citrus nematode (Tylenchulus semipenetrans Cobb) in Israel

Two biotypes of the citrus nematode, Tylenchulus semipenetrans Cobb, were identified among five populations occurring in different regions in Israel. These biotypes originated from Sour orange and Troyer citrange roots and differed in their ability to infestPoncirus trifoliata hybrids (particularly Troyer citrange). They appear to be close to two recognized biotypes known to be present in other countries and designated as the “Poncirus” and “Mediterranean” biotypes. The different infectivity of the two biotypes on Troyer citrange roots was maintained even after they were cultured for 6 months on Sour orange. Both biotypes readily reproduced on persimmon, but failed to infest olive and grapevine. Two newP. trifoliata x Poorman orange hybrids exhibited good resistance to both biotypes.     

Xerostomia, xerophthalmia, and plasmacytic infiltrates of the salivary glands (Sjögren's-like syndrome) in a cat

A 2.5-year-old domestic shorthair cat was evaluated because of dysphagia and weight loss of 4 weeks' duration. MIld blepharospasm and conjunctival hyperemia were evident in both eyes, oral mucous membranes were tacky on palpation, and salivary glands were enlarged. Results of a Schirmer tear test were 0 mm/min for both eyes. Administration of atropine did not cause salivation or caused secretion fo thick rope-like saliva. Examination of biopsy specimens of salivary glands revealed a plasmacytic infiltrate. Sj?gren's syndrome (SS) was diagnosed. Oral administration of prednisone was instituted but was discontinued after a minimal positive response was evident 6 weeks after initiation of treatment. Palliative treatment with a 6% solution of pilocarpine 4 to 5 times/d, cyclosporine, hylan A, and neomycin-polymyxin-bacitracin ophthalmic ointment resulted in clinical improvement in the cat. Although reported rarely in animals, SS may be more common than currently is recognized. Most treatment regimens for SS are aimed at alleviating clinical signs.     

Alveolar mucosal approach to the canine nasal cavity

A nine-year-old, intact female Afghan hound was presented for evaluation of an intermittent, mucopurulent, unilateral nasal discharge with a three-year duration. Radiographs showed the ipsilateral canine tooth within the rostral nasal cavity. The tooth was removed through an alveolar mucosal rhinotomy. There has been no recurrence of the nasal discharge or complications associated with the surgical procedure during the 20-month follow-up period.