Recurrent zinc-responsive dermatosis in a Siberian Husky

Zinc-responsive dermatosis was diagnosed in a Siberian Husky. Oral therapy with zinc sulphate (50 mg essential zinc) resulted in complete clinical recovery, proven by histological examination after one month. Discontinuation of a one-year-lasting treatment resulted in relapse with identical skin lesions within two months, but resumption of the therapy once more resulted in complete healing.     

水牛卵母细胞在不同培养液中成熟与凋亡的比较研究

为了解卵母细胞体外成熟与凋亡过程,进而提高卵母细胞体外成熟率,本试验研究了在培养液中添加不同浓度的表皮生长因子(EGF)、胰岛素样生长因子-1(IGF-1)对水牛卵母细胞体外成熟和凋亡的影响。结果表明:(1)添加各种浓度的EGF(10,20,30,50,100 ng/mL)均可以提高水牛卵母细胞的成熟率,降低卵母细胞的凋亡率,其中50 ng/mL EGF有显著影响(P<0.05);(2)添加各种浓度的IGF-1(10,30,50,100 ng/mL)均能提高水牛卵母细胞体外成熟率,降低卵母细胞的凋亡率,以30 ng/mL效果明显(P<0.05);(3)添加20 ng/mL EGF+30ng/mL IGF-1组卵母细胞体外成熟率和凋亡率分别高于和低于单独添加IGF-1和EGF组。     

Plasmid transfection and retroviral transduction of porcine muscle cells for cell-mediated gene transfer

Cell-mediated gene transfer is a potential tool for studying muscle growth, but efficient genetic manipulation and implantation strategies have not been developed for pigs. The objectives of the present study were to determine methods for transient and stable incorporation of reporter genes into porcine muscle cells and to investigate their use for cell-mediated gene transfer in pigs. Porcine myoblasts and fibroblasts were isolated from muscle of 2-wk-old male pigs. Myogenic cell lines were identified using muscle-specific monoclonal antibodies, myotube fusion assays, and the presence of muscle-specific markers (MyoD and desmin). Four commercial cationic liposomes (lipofectAMINE, lipofectin, cellFECTIN, and DMRIE-C) were tested at different DNA:lipid ratios for their ability to transfect myoblasts and fibroblasts transiently with a luciferase reporter plasmid. LipofectAMINE resulted in the greatest (P < .01) transient luciferase activity for both cell types. Electroporation of cells for transient transfection resulted in less luciferase activity than cationic transfection. Stable transfections were conducted using a green fluorescence protein (GFP) reporter plasmid containing the neomycin resistance gene. LipofectAMINE transfection resulted in stable GFP expression in 1:16,000 myoblasts and 1:33,000 fibroblasts. Stable electroporation resulted in efficiencies that were significantly lower than established with cationic liposomes. Porcine cells were transduced with GFP using vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein G pseudotyped retrovirus and resulted in efficiencies of 1:1.2 for myoblasts and 1:1.1 for fibroblasts. These results show that cationic liposomes are superior to electroporation for transfection, but retroviral transduction produced stable reporter gene expression in > 80% of porcine muscle cells. Transduced GFP-positive cells were separated from GFP-negative cells by fluorescence-activated cell sorting and implanted into 2-wk-old male pigs. On d 4, implanted muscles were removed and subjected to immunodetection of GFP protein. Fibroblast implantation resulted in limited GFP expression within muscle, whereas myoblast implantation resulted in GFP within muscle fibers. This suggests that cell-mediated gene transfer is possible in porcine muscle and may be useful as an approach for studying muscle growth in pigs.     

Laboratory diagnosis of Giardia duodenalis infection in dogs

Results of trichrome staining of fecal samples and intestinal contents preserved in polyvinyl alcohol fixative, fecal flotation utilizing unpreserved feces, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of serum specimens were compared for the diagnosis of Giardia duodenalis infections in dogs. Trichrome staining of preserved fecal samples resulted in the identification of 44 (92%) of the 48 infected dogs from a group of 200 dogs. Trichrome staining of preserved intestinal contents resulted in the identification of 26 (54%) of the infected dogs, and fecal flotation resulted in the identification of 23 (48%) of the infected dogs. Giardia duodenalis antibodies were not detected consistently in the sera of infected dogs.     

Interrelationships between postpartum events, hormonal therapy, reproductive abnormalities and reproductive performance in dairy cows: a path analysis.

Path analysis was used to determine the interrelationships between postpartum administration of gonadotrophin releasing hormone and cloprostenol and the occurrence of reproductive disease and reproductive performance in dairy cows. The data analysed were those collected on 226 Holstein-Friesian cows calving in a commercial dairy herd during a 17 month period (May 1, 1981 to October 1, 1982). Cows administered gonadotrophin releasing hormone at day 15 postpartum experienced an improved rate of uterine involution as determined by rectal palpation nine days later. Although this improved rate of uterine involution reduced the risk of pyometritis, it actually directly delayed conception. Also, gonadotrophin releasing hormone therapy directly resulted in an increased incidence of pyometritis which in turn resulted in an increase incidence of cystic ovarian disease and anestrus. The occurrence of these abnormalities resulted in increased intervals from calving to first observed estrus, first service and conception. In addition to this effect, the administration of gonadotrophin releasing hormone was also associated with increased plasma progesterone concentrations at days 24 and 28 postpartum which delayed conception. Cloprostenol therapy at day 24 postpartum resulted in a decreased plasma progesterone concentration at day 28 postpartum which was directly and indirectly associated with a decrease in the calving to conception interval. The indirect effects were mediated by a reduction in days to first estrus. Cloprostenol therapy also directly resulted in a decreased calving to first observed estrus interval for reasons not attributable to the level of progesterone at day 28.     

Osteochondritis dissecans of the lateral ridge of the talus in a dog

Osteochondral fragments, which originated from the proximolateral ridge of the talus, were discovered in an 8-month-old Rottweiler. A large fragment was reattached, using a lag screw and wire. Microscopic examination of a small fragment suggested the lesion resulted from osteochondritis dissecans. Stabilization of the major fragment resulted in acceptable joint function.     

Spinal analgesia and sedation of goats with lignocaine and xylazine

Spinal anaesthesia of 20 does undergoing laparotomies was accomplished with epidural injections of 2 per cent lignocaine at a dosage of 1 ml per 4.55 kg in 16 goats. Epidural injection resulted in paralysis lasting 198.5 minutes +/- 36.6 minutes. Subarachnlid injection resulted in paralysis lasting 180.8 minutes +/- 44.9 minutes. Xylazine was given intramuscularly at the dosage of 0.11 mg per kg after posterior paralysis was complete. These treatments resulted in effective analgesia for surgical intervention. Recovery was complete and uneventful in all goats. An additional 26 operations were performed using this treatment and results were equally satisfactory.     

Ulnar Subluxation Following Repair of a Fractured Radius in a Foal

Compression plating of a transverse mid-diaphyseal radial fracture in a 4-month-old Arabian filly resulted in subluxation of the ulna. Two screws transfixed the radius to the ulna and resulted in synostoses. This was followed by uncoordinated growth of the radius and ulna, and subluxation of the ulna. Progressive remodeling of the ulna subsequently reestablished articular congruity between the humerus and ulna.     

Cyclosporine-responsive granulomatous sebaceous adenitis in a dog

Granulomatous sebaceous adenitis was diagnosed in a 2 year old spayed Miniature Pinscher. Initial treatment with isotretinoin for 3 weeks resulted in little response and decreased tear production. Immunosuppressive doses of prednisone for 3 weeks resulted in mild response of the dermatitis; however, the dog developed transient diabetes mellitus secondary to this treatment. Cyclosporine (5 mg/kg of body weight, po, q 12 h) resulted in good clinical response for 12 months, but histologically, the sebaceous glands remained absent. Although cyclosporine has immunosuppressive properties, this drug also has inhibitory effects of keratinocyte proliferation. These mechanisms may explain the beneficial response of cyclosporine in the treatment of granulomatous sebaceous adenitis in this dog.     

混贮模式对高丹草青贮发酵品质及体外产气动力学特性的影响

为了解决高丹草因水分高造成青贮发酵品质不佳的问题,通过添加不同种类干草(玉米秸秆、小麦秸秆和苜蓿干草)及干草添加量(12.5,25.0,37.5和50.0kg/t)对混贮高丹草营养价值、青贮发酵品质及体外产气动力学特性进行了研究。结果表明,单独青贮高丹草的丁酸含量较高,弗氏评分等级仅为"可",添加干草混贮可显著提高青贮高丹草的发酵品质,从添加干草的种类来看,添加小麦秸秆组青贮发酵品质最高,添加苜蓿干草组营养价值最高,苜蓿干草组的体外72h干物质消失率(IVDMD)、产气速率(c)和达到最大产气量1/2时的产气速率(AGPR)均为最高,3种干草在72h累积产气量、理论最大产气量以及产气延滞时期方面差异不显著(P0.05);从干草的添加量来看,添加25.0kg/t干草的青贮发酵品质最优,达到产气量1/2所需要时间也最长,添加50.0kg/t干草的营养价值和IVDMD最高,添加37.5kg/t干草的产气速率和AGPR最大,添加不同重量干草对混贮高丹草的72h累积产气量、理论最大产气量以及产气延滞时期无显著影响(P0.05)。综合考虑青贮发酵品质和饲料营养价值,得出最佳的混贮模式为在高丹草中添加37.5kg/t小麦秸秆,添加50.0kg/t苜蓿干草混贮高丹草的体外干物质消失率最高,添加37.5kg/t苜蓿干草组产气速率最快,添加50.0kg/t小麦秸秆组的72h累积产气量和理论最大产气量最高。     

Necessity for end colostomy with transection of the descending colon in guinea pigs

Surgical procedures for resection and transection of the descending colon in the guinea pig were studied. Wedge resection with removal of less than 1 cm diameter of tissue resulted in an 80% (8 of 10 guinea pigs) survival rate. Colonic transection with restorative anastomosis, either end-to-end or side-to-side, resulted in a 94% (35 of 37 guinea pigs) death rate due to colonic impaction proximal to the site of anastomosis. A modified procedure for ventral end colostomy resulted in a 79% (19 of 24 guinea pigs) survival rate. These results indicated that caution should be taken in surgical manipulations intended to treat or study diseases of the colon in the guinea pig.     

Partial Laryngectomy in the Dog II. Immediate Increase in Glottic Area Obtained Compared With Other Laryngeal Procedures

Partial laryngectomy, arytenoid disarticulation/lateralization, and arytenoidopexy were performed on cadavers from normal dogs. The change in glottic cross-sectional area was calculated from photographs. Partial laryngectomy and unilateral lateralization resulted in a 70 to 80% increase in glottic area. Bilateral lateralization resulted in a significantly greater increase (180%).     

Computerized ultrasonographic tissue characterization of equine superficial digital flexor tendons by means of stability quantification of echo patterns in contiguous transverse ultrasonographic images

OBJECTIVE: To describe a method of computerized ultrasonographic tissue characterization that includes structures below the size limits of resolution in equine superficial digital flexor tendons. SAMPLE POPULATION: 2 damaged and 2 structurally normal superficial digital flexor tendons. PROCEDURE: Transverse ultrasonographic images were collected along the tendon long axis. Stability of echo pattern was quantified by means of variation in gray levels of each pixel in contiguous images and expressed as correlation, entropy, and waviness ratios. RESULTS: Normal young and normal old tissues were characterized by high correlation and low entropy and waviness ratios. In necrotic tissue, collapsed intratendinous septa resulted in high correlation, moderate entropy, and high waviness ratios. In early granulation tissue, complete lack of bundle formation resulted in values of zero for correlation and waviness ratios; loose connective tissue matrix resulted in a high entropy ratio. In late granulation tissue, formation of new bundles resulted in a high correlation ratio; swollen intratendinous septa and incomplete organization of connective tissue matrix were reflected in high entropy and waviness ratios. In early fibrotic tissue, rearrangement of tendon bundles resulted in a correlation ratio within reference range and a slight increase in the waviness ratio; an increase in cellularity and lack of fibrillar arrangement led to an increase in the entropy ratio. In late fibrotic and scar tissues, inferior quality of repair with almost complete lack of organization was reflected in low to moderate correlation, low waviness, and high entropy ratios. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Stability of echo patterns accurately reflects homogeneity of tendons in horses.     

Subchondral cystic lesions (osteochondrosis) of the femoral heads in a horse

Bilateral subchondral cystic lesions of the femoral head in a horse resulted in lameness. The lesions had resulted in degenerative disease in the left coxofemoral joint. The cause of lameness was confirmed by use of intra-articular anesthesia, joint fluid analysis, and radiography. Subchondral cystic lesions involving the femoral head should be considered in the differential diagnosis of equine lameness localized in the upper portion of the hind limb.     

Surgical Management of Atlantoaxial Subluxation in 23 Dogs

Twenty-eight surgical procedures were performed in 23 dogs with atlantoaxial subluxation. Dorsal stabilization in seven dogs resulted in two recoveries and five failures of fixation. Ventral decompression and stabilization in 18 dogs resulted in eight recoveries and four failures of fixation. Six dogs died or were euthanatized within 7 days of ventral stabilization. Using either technique, four of seven nonambulatory dogs recovered.     

Effect of environmental stress on the responses of ascorbic-acid-treated chickens to Escherichia coli challenge infection

As the stressfulness of the environment increased (measured as increasing heterophil/lymphocyte [H/L] ratios), resistance of chickens to Escherichia coli challenge infection increased. At a relatively low level of environmental stress (H/L ratio = 0.33), the incidence of severe lesions was 22% in chickens fed diets containing 330 mg of ascorbic acid (AA)/kg and 80% in undosed controls. As the level of environmental stress increased, the dose of AA required for maximum reduction of the incidence of severe lesions increased, and the difference in lesion incidence between AA-dosed and undosed chickens decreased. When environmental stress resulted in H/L ratios of 0.53 or more, AA did not ameliorate the severity of infection. At levels of stress characterized by H/L ratios between 0.39 and 0.44, increasing doses of AA resulted in increased susceptibility to E. coli until a dose associated with maximum susceptibility was reached. Further increases in the dose of AA resulted in decreased susceptibility until a dose associated with maximum resistance was reached. In chickens fed feed containing 15 mg corticosterone/kg, increasing doses of AA resulted in increasing susceptibility to E. coli.     

不同施肥模式下水稻生育期间杂草群落特征

利用中国农业科学院红壤实验站1982年布置的红壤稻田长期定位试验,于2011年研究了在无机肥和有机肥含有等量氮磷钾养分的条件下,长期施用有机肥、化肥和有机无机肥混施模式下水稻生育期间杂草种类和生物量变化。结果表明,施肥30年后,有机无机肥混施处理早稻和晚稻杂草种类最少,有机肥处理早稻杂草种类最多,不施肥处理晚稻最多,且后两者比前者依次分别高出34.4%和39.3%;有机肥处理两季杂草总量最高,比无机有机混施、化肥和不施肥处理分别高出10.7%,4.5%和37.7%,早稻杂草总量和湿生杂草生物量有机肥处理最多,晚稻不施肥处理最多,早稻和晚稻浮水杂草生物总量有机无机肥混施处理最多。土壤碱解氮、有效磷与杂草总干物质量显著正相关(相关系数分别为0.465和0.517),与湿生杂草生物量显著正相关(相关系数分别为0.482和0.542),土壤有效磷与浮水杂草生物量极显著正相关(相关系数为0.666),pH与之极显著负相关(相关系数为0.516)。土壤有效磷受土壤pH 和碱解氮及其他因子的共同作用对杂草总干物质量产生影响。通过各种施肥措施维持土壤适宜 pH及碱解氮、有效磷含量,能有效控制南方红壤稻田中湿生和浮水杂草生长,使杂草种类与总生物量达到有益的动态平衡。     

Management of bilateral idiopathic renal hematuria in a dog with silver nitrate

Renal hematuria has limited treatment options. This report describes management of bilateral idiopathic renal hematuria in a dog with surgically assisted installation of 0.5% silver nitrate solution. Initial treatment resulted in freedom from clinical signs or recurrent anemia for 10 months; however, recurrence of bleeding following a nephrectomy resulted in euthanasia.     

Fecal incontinence, urinary incontinence, and priapism associated with multifocal distemper encephalomyelitis in a dog

A 4-year-old castrated mixed-breed dog had atypical signs of chronic distemper encephalomyelitis. The predominant signs were related to visceral rather than somatic dysfunction. The visceral dysfunction was largely attributable to distemper-associated inflammatory lesions in the spinal cord and resulted in fecal incontinence, urinary incontinence, and priapism. Empirical treatment of the dog resulted in transitory improvement prior to euthanasia performed because of the progressive nature of the encephalomyelitis.     

Retrospective evaluation of three treatment methods for primary hyperparathyroidism in dogs

The medical records of 110 dogs treated for primary hyperparathyroidism were reviewed. Dogs were treated via parathyroidectomy (n=47), percutaneous ultrasound-guided ethanol ablation (n=15), or percutaneous ultrasound-guided heat ablation (n=48). Forty-five of 48 (94%) parathyroidectomies resulted in control of hypercalcemia for a median of 561 days. Thirteen of 18 (72%) ethanol ablation procedures resulted in control of hypercalcemia for a median of 540 days. Forty-four of 49 (90%) heat-ablation treatments resulted in control of hypercalcemia for a median of 581 days.