Prevalence of dog erythrocyte antigens in retired racing Greyhounds

Background: Blood groups in dogs are designated as dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA) 1.1, 1.2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and Dal. There is limited information about the frequency of different antigens in Greyhound dogs, despite their frequent use as blood donors. Objectives: The aims of this study were to determine the frequencies of DEA 1.1, 1.2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 in Greyhounds, to compare the frequencies with those of non‐Greyhound dogs, and to evaluate the presence of naturally occurring anti‐DEA antibodies. Methods: Blood was collected from 206 Greyhound and 66 non‐Greyhound dogs being screened as potential blood donors. Blood‐typing was performed at Animal Blood Resources International by tube agglutination utilizing polyclonal anti‐DEA antibodies. Results: Of the Greyhound dogs, 27/206 (13.1%) were positive for DEA 1.1, and this frequency was significantly lower (P<.0001) than for non‐Greyhound dogs of which 40/66 (60.6%) were DEA 1.1‐positive. The frequency of positivity for both DEA 1.1 and 1.2 was also lower in Greyhounds (P<.0001). There were no significant differences between Greyhounds and non‐Greyhounds for DEA 1.2, 3, 4, 5, or 7. All 137 dogs (113 Greyhounds and 24 non‐Greyhounds) that were evaluated for naturally occurring anti‐DEA antibodies in serum were negative. A higher percentage of Greyhound dogs (57.3%, 118/206) were considered “universal donors” (negative for all DEAs except DEA 4) compared with non‐Greyhound dogs (28%, 13/46). Conclusion: The frequency of positivity for DEA 1.1 in our population of Greyhounds was significantly lower than previously reported for dogs. Furthermore, a large majority of Greyhounds met the criteria for universal donors.     

Effects of racing and training on serum thyroid hormone concentrations in racing Greyhounds.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of racing and training on serum thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations in Greyhounds. ANIMALS: 9 adult racing Greyhounds. PROCEDURE: Serum thyroid hormone concentrations were measured before and 5 minutes after a race in dogs trained to race 500 m twice weekly for 6 months. Resting concentrations were measured again when these dogs had been neutered and had not raced for 3 months. Postrace concentrations were adjusted relative to albumin concentration to allow for effects of hemoconcentration. Thyroid hormone concentrations were then compared with those of clinically normal dogs of non-Greyhound breeds. RESULTS: When adjusted for hemoconcentration, total T4 concentrations increased significantly after racing and TSH concentrations decreased; however, there was no evidence of a change in free T4 or total or free T3 concentrations. Resting total T4 concentrations increased significantly when dogs had been neutered and were not in training. There was no evidence that training and neutering affected resting TSH, total or free T3, or free T4 concentrations. Resting concentrations of T3, TSH, and autoantibodies against T4, T3, and thyroglobulin were similar to those found in other breeds; however, resting free and total T4 concentrations were lower than those found in other breeds. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Except for total T4, thyroid hormone concentrations in Greyhounds are affected little by sprint racing and training. Greyhounds with low resting total and free T4 concentrations may not be hypothyroid.     

Serum creatinine concentrations in retired racing Greyhounds

Background: Greyhounds frequently have laboratory values that are outside reference intervals established for dogs. Our recognition of increased serum creatinine concentrations in several Greyhounds posed a problem when evaluating a Greyhound with suspected renal disease.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare serum creatinine concentrations between Greyhound and non-Greyhound dogs.
Methods: Thirty retired racing Greyhounds and 30 age-and gender-matched control non-Greyhound dogs were evaluated. Serum creatinine concentrations in both groups were measured using a standard biochemical method and compared statistically using a Kruskal-Wallis test.
Results: Creatinine concentration was significantly higher in the Greyhounds ( P < .01) than in the control group.
Conclusion: Greyhounds have a higher serum creatinine concentration than do non-Greyhound dogs. This idiosyncrasy should be taken into account when evaluating healthy Greyhounds and those with suspected renal disease.     

Acute phase protein concentrations in retired racing Greyhounds

Background: Retired racing Greyhounds are popular as pets. Greyhounds have several differences in physiological values compared with other breeds, including lower serum α‐ and β‐globulin concentrations. We hypothesized that lower acute phase protein (APP) concentrations could contribute to lower α‐ and β‐globulin concentrations in this breed. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare serum concentrations of several APPs in Greyhounds with those of other dog breeds. Methods: We measured the serum concentrations of C‐reactive protein (CRP), haptoglobin (Hp), acid‐soluble glycoprotein (ASG), ceruloplasmin (CP), and serum amyloid A (SAA) in 15 clinically healthy retired racing Greyhounds and 11 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy nonGreyhound controls using previously validated methods. Results were compared by Student's t‐tests. Results: The concentration of Hp by both colorimetric and immunoturbidimetric methods was significantly lower in Greyhounds than in nonGreyhound dogs (P=.0009 and .019, respectively). The concentration of ASG was also significantly (P=.007) lower in Greyhounds, but CRP and CP concentrations were not significantly different between groups. SAA concentration was below the detection limit of the method in all dogs. Conclusions: The low serum concentrations of Hp and ASG should be taken into consideration when interpreting APP results in Greyhounds. Because both Hp and some ASG migrate in the α‐globulin fraction, these results may explain the low α‐globulin concentrations in Greyhounds.     

Effects of blood donation on arterial blood pressure in retired racing Greyhounds

The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in systolic arterial blood pressure (SABP) immediately after collection of blood for transfusion in retired racing Greyhounds. We prospectively evaluated 19 blood donor Greyhounds before and after the collection of a unit (450 mL) of blood. The SABP was measured with Doppler in the right forearm after the dogs had been in the blood collection room for a few minutes (PRE-FLOOR) and again 5-10 minutes after the dogs were placed on the table where they would be bled (PRE-TABLE). A total of 3-5 minutes after completing the blood collection, the SABP was measured again while the dogs were still in lateral recumbency on the table (POST-TABLE) and once more 60-90 minutes later, when the dogs were on the floor after completing the donation (POST-FLOOR). All dogs were monitored for clinical signs of hypotension, including depression, weakness, collapse, and pallor, for a minimum of 2 hours after donation. There was a significant difference in SABP for the group between PRE-FLOOR and POST-TABLE (P = .02) and between PRE-TABLE and POST-TABLE determinations (P = .01). There were no significant differences for any of the other time points; there were no adverse events. Therefore, we conclude that the collection of 450 mL of blood from normal Greyhounds results in a short-lived yet significant decrease in SABP, but the likelihood of adverse events is negligible.     

White-coat effect on systemic blood pressure in retired racing Greyhounds

Background: Greyhounds are known to have a higher systemic arterial blood pressure (BP) than non‐Greyhound dogs. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the high systemic BP was because of the white‐coat effect. Animals: Twenty‐two healthy retired racing Greyhounds (RRG) enrolled in a blood donation program. Materials/Methods: We prospectively measured systemic BP in 3 environments: in the hospital by the investigator (Hosp), in the home by the investigator (H/I), and in the home by the owner (H/O). Five serial measurements of systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures (SAP, DAP, MAP) as well as heart rate (HR) were measured by an oscillometric method on the distal forelimb and distal hind limb in all 3 environments. Results: There was a significant difference for SAP, MAP, and HR between the Hosp and both H/I and H/O (P < .001); there were no significant differences for any of the parameters between the H/I and H/O environments. HR, but not SAP, MAP, or DAP (P < .05) decreased in RRG with multiple hospital visits for blood donation before this study. The hind limb SAP was significantly higher than the forelimb SAP (P < .05). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: We conclude that the high SAP, MAP, and HR seen in the hospital setting are likely because of a white‐coat effect. Furthermore, consideration should be given to defining the parameters of normal BP in RRG according to the environment in which they are obtained.     

Ontogeny of T cells in the pig fetus

Mononuclear cells isolated from thymus, spleen and cord blood of pig fetuses ranging in age from 48 to 112 days were examined for the presence of sheep red blood cell rosette-forming cells (SRBC-RFC). After an initial increase from 77 % (mean) at 48 days of gestation to 88 % at 60 days, the proportion of SRBC-RFC in thymus remained constant throughout the gestational period. In spleen and cord blood, the proportion of SRBC-RFC increased with age, from occasional rosette-forming cells at 48 days of gestation to 21 % and 30 %, respectively, at 112 days. The demonstrated development of SRBC-RFC in the thymus, spleen and cord blood is considered to reflect the ontogeny of T cells in these fetal pig tissues.     

Ophthalmic examination findings in a group of retired racing Greyhounds

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the frequency and types of ophthalmic findings in a group of retired racing Greyhounds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Complete ophthalmic examinations of both eyes of 100 retired racing Greyhounds were performed. Anterior segment examinations were performed by slit-lamp biomicroscopy. Tear production was measured by Schirmer tear test. Intraocular pressures were obtained by applanation tonometry. The posterior segments were examined by binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy following pharmacologic dilation. A photographic record of abnormalities was obtained whenever possible. RESULTS: Mean tear production by Schirmer tear test was 21 mm/min (range 11-30 mm/min). Mean intraocular pressure by applanation tonometry was 16 mmHg (range 9-28 mmHg). The most prevalent anterior segment findings were cataracts (17% dogs, 11% eyes), corneal degeneration/scarring (6% dogs, 4% eyes), and suspected typical and atypical 'pannus' (total 4% dogs, 4% eyes). The most prevalent posterior segment abnormalities were vitreal degeneration (31% dogs, 38% eyes) and chorioretinal degeneration/scarring (7% dogs, 4% eyes). Other findings included anterior chamber vitreal strands, stretched lens zonules, periocular alopecia, a case of mild unilateral chemosis, and a distichium. CONCLUSIONS: Ophthalmic abnormalities are not uncommon in retired racing Greyhounds.     

钼对镉胁迫下山羊红细胞膜自由基代谢及脾脏组织病理学的影响

36只体质量约为20kg的山羊被随机分为4个组,每组9只,试验组灌服相同量的CdCl2和不同量的[（NH4）6Mo7·O24·4H2O],对照组灌服对应量去离子水。按每千克体质量计算,低钼组（0.5mg/kg（Cd）＋15mg/kg（Mo））、中钼组（0.5mg/kg（Cd）＋30mg/kg（Mo））、高钼组（0.5mg/kg（Cd）＋45mg/kg（Mo））,每组3个重复。于试验的第0、10、20、30、40、50天每组山羊采血,于试验的第0、25、50天每组山羊取脾脏和肝脏,测定相关指标。结果显示：（1）随着试验时间的延长,各试验组红细胞膜MDA含量呈上升趋势,GSH-Px、GST、SOD活性呈下降趋势;在第50天时,与对照组相比,各试验组红细胞膜MDA含量上升（P〈0.01）,GSH-Px、GST、SOD活性降低（P〈0.01）;（2）与对照组相比,高钼组脾脏的脾小体体积减小,可见散在的含铁血黄素沉积;（3）随着试验时间的延长,各试验组肝脏Bax基因表达量呈上升趋势;在第50天时,与对照组相比,低钼组和高钼组Bax表达量上升（P〈0.05）。结果表明,钼可导致镉胁迫下山羊红细胞膜自由基代谢紊乱,并能损害脾脏的免疫功能并且上调肝Bax基因的表达量,钼和镉体现为协同作用。     

Evaluation of platelet aggregation using a point-of-care instrument in retired racing Greyhounds

Veterinarians involved in Greyhound rescue have anecdotally observed that 10-15% of Greyhounds bleed profusely after simple surgical procedures. In most patients, platelet counts and hemostasis profiles are normal; therefore, it is possible that these dogs have platelet dysfunction. The PFA-100 is a novel point-of-care platelet function analyzer that has recently been evaluated as a rapid method to assess platelet function in dogs. The objectives of this study were to characterize platelet function in a group of healthy Greyhounds by means of the PFA-100. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein from 30 healthy Greyhounds. CBC, biochemical profile, PFA-100 assay with collagen/epinephrine (COL-EPI) and collagen/ adenosindiphosphate (COL-ADP), plasma von Willebrand factor antigen concentration (vWF:Ag), and vWF collagen-binding assay (vWF:CBA) were performed. PFA-100 closure times (CTs) with COL/ADP ranged from 63 to 92 seconds (mean +/- SD, 74.7 +/- 7.9 seconds) and with COL/EPI from 87 to 238 seconds (138 +/- 41 seconds); vWF: Ag ranged from 22 to 120% (87.52 +/- 25.5%) and vWF: CBA ranged from 36 to 102% (77.4 +/- 17.3%); and platelet counts ranged from 147 to 265 x 10(9)/L (194.6 +/- 31.64 x 10(9)/L). Greyhound CTs were significantly shorter than CTs in a mixed population of 50 healthy non-Greyhound dogs, in which the COL/ADP CTs ranged from 61 to 172 seconds (mean +/- SD, 87 +/- 21.6 seconds), and the COL/ EPI CTs ranged from 81 to 300 seconds (mean +/- SD, 183 +/- 67.6 seconds; P = 0.005 for COL/ADP CT; P = 0.001 for COL/ EPI CT). Also, platelet counts were significantly lower (P = 0.001) and packed cell volume was significantly higher (P = 0.001) in the Greyhound than in the non-Greyhound group. The PFA-100 is a reproducible method that can be used in the clinical setting to assess platelet function in Greyhounds; however, normal CTs in healthy Greyhounds are shorter than in other breeds. The results obtained in this study will be used to screen for abnormal platelet function in Greyhounds with postoperative bleeding.     

复方中药秦公散对小鼠脾脏和外周血中T、B淋巴细胞的影响

为探讨治疗奶牛乳房炎的复方中药秦公散对小鼠脾脏和外周血中T淋巴细胞和B淋巴细胞亚群的影响,采用流式细胞仪测定各处理组小鼠脾脏和外周血中用CD3+、CD4+ 、CD8+标记的T淋巴细胞百分率及CD4+/CD8+的比值和CD19+标记的B淋巴细胞百分率。结果表明,与蒸馏水组相比,秦公散高剂量组小鼠脾脏和外周血中CD3+、CD4+细胞百分率和CD4+/CD8+的比值均显著提高,对环孢菌素（CsA）抑制小鼠有显著恢复作用(P<0.05);秦公散高剂量（20 g/kg体重）可显著提高健康小鼠脾脏和外周血中CD19+细胞百分率(P<0.05),对环孢菌素抑制小鼠的CD19+细胞百分率有显著恢复作用(P<0.05)。结果表明,治疗奶牛乳房炎的复方中药秦公散通过提高机体中CD3+细胞、CD19+细胞百分率和调节CD4+/CD8+之间的平衡来显著提高小鼠机体的细胞免疫功能和恢复由环孢菌素（CsA）抑制的小鼠机体免疫力。     

磷对奶牛红细胞膜流动性的影响（初报）

疾病状态下血浆磷含量降低导致钙磷比失调，进而使红细胞膜流动性降低，我们采用ＤＰＨ（１．６－二苯基－１，３，５－己三烯）做为荧光探针，测得病理条件下红细胞微粘度较健康牛降低（Ｐ＜０．００１），这一结果表明红细胞膜流动性改变与疾病显著相关，对进一步阐明低磷引起的奶牛血红蛋白尿症发病机理的理论意义。     

苜蓿皂苷对小白鼠体内溶血的研究

为了探究摄入苜蓿皂苷(alfalfa saponin, AS)是否会引起血管内溶血,选取180只健康小白鼠,按体重和性别随机分为6个处理,每个处理3个重复,每个重复10只。将1mL 0.0125、0.025、0.05、0.1、0.2 g·mL^-1皂苷分别灌胃Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ、Ⅴ组小鼠,对照组灌胃等量的生理盐水(1 mL),试验期为30 d。检测红细胞数目(red blood cell, RBC)、形态、压积(hematocrit, HCT)、平均红细胞体积(erythrocyte mean corpuscular volume, MCV)、平均血红蛋白浓度(mean corpuscular hemoglobin, MCH)、血浆游离血红蛋白(free hemoglobin, FHb)、网织红细胞计数(reticulocyte count, RET)及红细胞渗透脆性最大、最小抵抗值(maximum/minimum osmotic fragility of red blood cells, OF_max/OF_min),采血和骨髓制作观察血涂片及骨髓涂片,制作实质性器官心、肝的切片。结果表明: 1)灌胃苜蓿皂苷后,小白鼠血常规中红细胞数目和血细胞比容均降低且Ⅴ组显著低于对照组(P<0.05),平均血红蛋白浓度均高于对照组且Ⅳ、Ⅴ组与对照组相比差异显著(P<0.05)。2)Ⅳ、Ⅴ组血浆游离血红蛋白含量极显著高于对照组(P<0.01);Ⅳ组网织红细胞计数极显著高于对照组(P<0.01)。3)随着灌胃剂量的加大,红细胞逐渐出现轻度大小不等,着色较深,形态异常的现象。4)红细胞渗透脆性最大抵抗值显著升高且差异显著(P<0.05),最小抵抗值有逐渐升高的趋势。5)灌胃后粒系比有不同程度的降低,Ⅴ组与对照组相比差异显著(P<0.05);红系比则有不同程度的升高,Ⅴ组与对照组相比差异显著(P<0.05);粒红比不但降低而且变化明显,Ⅳ、Ⅴ组显著低于对照组(P<0.05)。 6)灌胃对实质性器官没有影响但是组织更易碎。综上,高剂量的苜蓿皂苷能够引起血管内溶血。     

Effects of racing and nontraining on plasma thyroid hormone concentrations in sled dogs

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of racing and nontraining on plasma thyroxine (T4), free thyroxine (fT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and thyroglobulin autoantibody (TgAA) concentrations in sled dogs and compare results with reference ranges established for dogs of other breeds. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. ANIMALS: 122 sled dogs. PROCEDURE: Plasma thyroid hormone concentrations were measured before dogs began and after they finished or were removed from the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in Alaska and approximately 3 months after the race. RESULTS: Concentrations of T4 and fT4 before the race were less than the reference range for nonsled dogs in 26% and 18% of sled dogs, respectively. Immediately after racing, 92% of sled dogs had plasma T4 concentrations less than the reference range. Three months after the race, 25% of sled dogs had plasma T4 concentrations less than the reference range. For T4, fT4, TSH, and TgAA, significant differences were not detected in samples collected before the race versus 3 months later. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Plasma T4, fT4, and TSH concentrations decreased in dogs that complete a long distance sled dog race. Many clinically normal sled dogs have plasma T4 and fT4 values that are lower than the reference range for nonsled dogs. We suggest that the reference ranges for sled dogs are 5.3 to 40.3 nmol/L and 3.0 to 24.0 pmol/L for plasmaT4 and fT4 concentrations, respectively, and 8.0 to 370 mU/L for TSH.     

泻痢康对鸡红细胞免疫功能的影响

采用 E- 3b R花环试验 ,E- IC花环试验对饲喂 0 .5 %泻痢康 2 0 d的实验鸡和对照鸡的红细胞的免疫功能进行检测。结果发现 ,试验组和对照组鸡红细胞 C3b R致敏酵母花环率分别为 ( 4 .91± 1 .85 )与 ( 4 .31± 0 .6 4 ) ;试验组和对照组鸡红细胞未致敏酵母花环率分别为 ( 1 6 .5 0± 4.5 6 )与 ( 7.2 6± 2 .6 1 )。试验结果表明使用泻痢康饲喂鸡 ,不仅可有效地减少鸡下痢 ,而且可使鸡红细胞 C3b受体花环率增高 ,增强红细胞的免疫功能。     

Effect of increased dietary protein and decreased dietary carbohydrate on performance and body composition in racing Greyhounds

OBJECTIVE: To determine effects of increased dietary protein and decreased dietary carbohydrate on hematologic variables, body composition, and racing performance in Greyhounds. ANIMALS: 8 adult Greyhounds. PROCEDURE: Dogs were fed a high-protein (HP; 37% metabolizable-energy [ME] protein, 33% ME fat, 30% ME carbohydrate) or moderate-protein (MP; 24% ME protein, 33% ME fat, 43% ME carbohydrate) extruded diet for 11 weeks. Dogs subsequently were fed the other diet for 11 weeks (crossover design). Dogs raced a distance of 500 m twice weekly. Rectal temperature, hematologic variables before and after racing, plasma volume, total body water, body weight, average weekly food intake, and race times were measured at the end of each diet period. RESULTS: When dogs were fed the MP diet, compared with the HP diet, values (mean +/- SD) differed significantly for race time (32.43 +/- 0.48 vs 32.61 +/- 0.50 seconds), body weight (32.8 +/- 2.5 vs 32.2 +/- 2.9 kg), Hct before (56 +/- 4 vs 54 +/- 6%) and after (67 +/- 3 vs 64 +/- 8%) racing, and glucose (131 +/- 16 vs 151 +/- 27 mg/dl) and triglyceride (128 +/- 17 vs 104 +/- 28 mg/dl) concentrations after racing. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Greyhounds were 0.18 seconds slower (equivalent to 0.08 m/s or 2.6 m) over a distance of 500 m when fed a diet with increased protein and decreased carbohydrate. Improved performance attributed to feeding meat to racing Greyhounds apparently is not attributable to increased dietary protein and decreased dietary carbohydrate.