Plasma Antithrombin Activity as a Diagnostic and Prognostic Indicator in Dogs: A Retrospective Study of 149 Dogs

Background: Antithrombin (AT) is the major inhibitor of coagulation. In people, hypoantithrombinemia is associated with hypercoagulability, thrombosis, and poor prognosis. Veterinary studies, however, have not demonstrated similar prognostic significance. Thus, AT activity (ATA) in dogs currently is interpreted based on human medicine guidelines. Hypothesis: ATA can serve as a prognostic marker in dogs, as has been shown in people. Objectives: (1) To describe the clinical and clinicopathologic findings, diagnoses, and outcome of dogs with decreased versus normal ATA, (2) to identify diseases and mechanisms associated with hypoantithrombinemia, and (3) to assess ATA as a prognostic indicator. Animals and Methods: Retrospective study of 149 dogs with ATA measurement during their disease course. Results: Hypoantithrombinemic dogs had a higher proportion of leukocytosis, hemostatic abnormalities, hypoalbuminemia, and hyperbilirubinemia versus dogs with normal ATA. Hypoantithrombinemia commonly was present in immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA), pancreatitis, hepatopathy, and neoplasia. It was associated with higher risk of mortality in the entire study population and for specific diseases (eg, IMHA, neoplasia). The odds ratio for mortality significantly and progressively increased when ATA was <60 and <30% (9.9, 14.7, respectively). A receiver operating characteristics analysis of ATA as a predictor of mortality showed an area under the curve of 0.7, and an optimal cutoff point of 60% yielded sensitivity and specificity of 58 and 85%, respectively. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: In dogs, ATA <60% indicates increased mortality risk, similarly to human patients, but ATA has limited value as a single discriminating factor in the outcome.     

霉菌毒素吸附剂蒙脱石对泌乳奶牛生产性能和血清生化指标的影响

本试验旨在确定中国荷斯坦奶牛饲粮中霉菌毒素吸附剂蒙脱石的适宜添加量。选择45头体况、胎次、泌乳天数、产奶量相近的健康中国荷斯坦泌乳奶牛,采用完全随机区组设计分为5组,每组9头,分别在基础饲粮中添加0(对照组)、0.5%、1.0%、1.5%和2.0%的蒙脱石,测定奶牛生产性能和血清生化指标的变化。预试期10 d,正试期60 d。结果表明:奶牛的日均采食量、产奶量和4%标准乳产量在蒙脱石添加量为0.5%时最高,之后随着蒙脱石添加量的升高而逐渐下降,且添加量为0.5%～2.0%的试验组日均采食量、产奶量与对照组无显著差异(P>0.05);乳尿素氮和血清尿素氮浓度随着蒙脱石添加量的升高而逐渐下降,且蒙脱石添加量为0.5%时乳体细胞数最低,乳脂率最高;蒙脱石对饲料转化效率及其他乳成分和血清生化指标无显著影响(P>0.05)。由此可见,本试验条件下(霉菌毒素含量在安全范围内),奶牛饲粮中霉菌毒素吸附剂蒙脱石的安全添加量为2.0%以内;为达到预防霉菌毒素目的,同时从经济成本角度考虑,推荐添加量为0.5%。     

Spinal Cord Swelling as a Myelographic Indicator of Prognosis: A Retrospective Study in Dogs With Intervertebral Disc Disease and Loss of Deep Pain Perception

The association of myelographic spinal cord swelling with neurological outcome was examined in 46 dogs with intervertebral disc disease and absence of deep pain perception (DPP). Spinal cord swelling was measured by calculating a ratio of the length of the loss of the myelographic dye column to the length of the second lumbar vertebra (L2). A positive neurological outcome was defined as return of voluntary motor function. A cut-off value for swelling:L2 of 5.0 was established by the creation of a receiver operator characteristic curve. Using a swelling:L2 ratio of 5.0 as a cutoff for indication of neurological recovery yielded a sensitivity of 74% and a specificity of 61%. Overall neurological recovery rate was 43%. Dogs with spinal cord swelling: L2 ratios less than 5.0 had a recovery rate of 61%, whereas dogs with a ratio greater than or equal to 5.0 had a recovery rate of 26%. Evaluation of these data by chi square analysis confirmed that a ratio less than 5.0 was associated with a positive outcome, and a ratio greater than or equal to 5.0 was associated with a negative outcome, ( P <.05). Although other factors, such as duration of neurological signs, affect neurological outcome in dogs with no DPP, evaluation of myelographic spinal cord swelling can assist in establishing a prognosis.     

Potential value of the common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) as an animal feedstuff: a review

The objective of this review was to systematically evaluate common vetch seeds as a potential feedstuff for animals, by summarizing and discussing the available published literature covering their nutritional composition as well as their content of antinutritional factors and potential techniques for their reduction. In addition, animal feeding studies that have investigated the effect of inclusion of common vetch seeds on animal growth and performance were identified and evaluated to stimulate interest in their use as a good source of nutrients for inclusion in animal diets. The collective literature shows that common vetch seeds are a less costly (in comparison with alternatives) and rich source of protein and minerals for farmed animals, are of high digestibility and have a high energy content, and can be used to partially or totally replace soya bean meal and/or to replace a large proportion of cereals in the diet. Furthermore, the literature shows that common vetch seeds contain a range of antinutritional factors which, if they are to be utilized in non‐ruminant diets and to increase their utilizing efficiency, need to be removed or inactivated. This can be achieved via certain pre‐processing methods, the combination of which may deliver better results.     

奶牛乳腺中乳成分前体物对乳成分合成影响的研究进展

乳成分的含量及组成直接影响牛乳的品质.本文主要综述了乳腺中乳成分前体物对乳糖、乳蛋白质和乳脂等合成的影响,为进一步提高乳脂和乳蛋白质产量,改善牛乳品质提供参考.     

Replacement Value of Undecorticated Sunflower Meal as a Supplement for Milk Production by Crossbred Cows and Buffaloes in the Northern Plains of India

The replacement value of undecorticated sunflower meal (SFM) in the diets of dairy animals was assessed on-station and on-farm. Eighteen primiparous crossbred (Bos taurus×Bos indicus) cows (350.4±8.84 kg), randomly allocated to three groups, were used in the on-station study. The animals were fed on either a conventional concentrate supplement (control) or on an experimental concentrate, in which SFM replaced 25% (SFM-25) or 50% (SFM-50) of the CP in the control supplement. Green oats (Avena sativa) were supplied ad libitum. A metabolism trial conducted following 60 days of experimental feeding revealed that the intakes of DM, DCP and TDN were similar among the groups. The digestibilities of OM, CP, EE, NDF and ADF were also without significant differences. All the groups were in positive nitrogen balance. Inclusion of SFM at either level had no effect on the intake, excretion or retention of nitrogen. The daily milk yield and its composition did not differ among the dietary treatments. Moreover, the efficiency of utilization of DOM and TDN for FCM production tended to reflect, although non-significantly, increasing levels of SFM inclusion. In the on-farm study, seven multiparous milking buffaloes belonging to six farmers were used to assess the effect of replacing 20% of the CP of the conventional supplement with SFM, in a predominantly crop residue-based diet. The study continued for 4 months and revealed that the average daily feed intake and milk production was similar in the control and SFM-fed groups. It was concluded that SFM can be effectively utilized as a cheaper replacement for costly oil cakes and wheat bran for economic milk production by smallholder farmers.     

Epidemiological studies of pig diseases: 1. Use of French protocols for risk factor assessment to predict the health status of Australian herds

Objective To determine in Australian pig herds the accuracy of French protocols for risk factor assessment.
Procedure Data on health indicators and risk factors were collected for three syndromes, 'pre-weaning diarrhoea', 'post-weaning diarrhoea' and 'respiratory problems', using the French protocols. The protocols were used on 118 occasions in 32 Western Australian pig herds during 3 years (1988 to 1991).
Results There was a wide variation in pre-weaning performance, for example growth rate was 107 to 273 g/day (< 200 g/day in 33% of herds). Respiratory lesions at weaning were associated with poor pre-weaning performance. Post-weaning (21 days after weaning) growth rate was 114 to 408 g/day (< 250 g/day in 54% of herds). In the grower herds, 91% of herds had pneumonia, and growth rate was 439 to 625 g/day (< 550 g/day in 54% of herds). Pleurisy as well as pneumonia was associated with reduced growth rate. The risk factor most closely associated with respiratory health status was air volume per pig.
Conclusion Risk factors were most accurate at predicting the health status in post-weaning problems. A weaning weight of at least 7.9 kg and weaning age of 30 days optimised weaner performance. Stocking densities and shed designs providing at least 3 m³ air volume and 0.6 m² floor space per pig throughout the growing phase should be considered for an improved respiratory health status. Australian pig sheds often do not provide a satisfactory environment for optimum health. The technique of risk factor assessment as an aid to the maintenance of health in pig herds is applicable in Australia, but further research is necessary to determine the most important Australian risk factors.     

宁夏规模奶牛养殖场发展现状、问题及对策研究——以宁夏A乳业公司为例

宁夏地处黄金畜牧养殖带,具有得天独厚的奶牛产业发展优势。以习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想为指导,宁夏奶产业正在迈向高质量发展的道路。宁夏把奶业振兴作为实施乡村振兴战略、提高奶源质量、推进农业高质量发展的重要举措。宁夏A乳业公司按照“草畜一体化”的产业思路以“种优质草,养健康牛,产优质奶”为导向,以发展规模优质高产牧草为基础,大力推进规模化奶牛饲养。本研究以A乳业公司为例,探讨宁夏规模奶牛养殖场的发展现状及存在的主要问题,并提出针对性的对策建议,以期为规模奶牛养殖场及相关政府、管理部门制定奶业振兴战略提供参考。     

Eliciting the relative importance of risk factors concerning contagious animal diseases using conjoint analysis: a preliminary survey report

Conjoint analysis is a technique well known in marketing research to elicit consumer preferences and opinions. This paper describes the results of an experiment which explores the potential application of conjoint analysis in the field of veterinary epidemiology and economics. In this experiment, the method of conjoint analysis was used to elicit the opinion of experts about the relative importance of risk factors concerning contagious animal diseases. Diseases studied were: African Swine Fever (ASF), Classical Swine Fever (CSF), Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), Swine Vesicular Disease (SVD), Newcastle Disease (NCD) and Avian Influenza (AI). Risk factors included were import of livestock, import of animal products, feeding of swill, tourists, returning livestock trucks and air. The conjoint analysis technique was used to draw up a questionnaire which was handed out during the 7th ISVEE held at Nairobi, Kenya, from 15 to 19 August 1994. According to the experts approached, the factors ‘import of livestock’ and ‘import of animal products’ were the major sources of risk for all diseases. For ASF, CSF and FMD, the risk factor ‘swill feeding’ ranked third. For FMD and the two poultry diseases NCD and AI, only the risk factor ‘air’ was important. Overall conclusion was that conjoint analysis could be a useful method for eliciting the opinion of experts about risk factors concerning contagious animal diseases. In further research, special attention should be given to the selection of experts and the presentation of the conjoint questions.     

Cutaneous Drug Reactions: a Retrospective Study of Histopathological Changes and their Correlation with the Clinical Disease*

Abstract— Biopsy samples from 67 cases with a primary history and histopathological changes highly indicative of a drug reaction were reviewed. The histopathological lesions in 39 dogs, 19 cats, six horses, two goats and one bull were classified into five different groups: erythema multiforme, toxic epidermal necrolysis, lichenoid interface dermatitis (lichenoid drug eruption), vasculitis and pemphigus foliaceus. In 53 cases additional information on the clinical history and follow-up was received. None of the patients was rechallenged. Clinical and histopathological observations were consistent with a diagnosis of drug reaction in four animals only. The diagnoses were erythema multiforme (one dog, one cat), lichenoid drug eruption (one dog), and pemphigus-like drug eruption (one cat). A drug reaction was ruled out in seven dogs. In 15 cases no further clinical information was available. No relationship between skin lesions and administered drugs could be established in the remaining 27 patients, as the skin lesions could have been provoked by different concurrent diseases. Résumé— Des biopsies provenant de cas cliniques avec un historique et dans lésions histologiques très suggestifs d'un accident médicamenteux ont été revues. Les lésions histologiques chez 39 chiens, 19 chats, 6 chevaux, 2 chèvres et un taureau ont été classées en 5 catégories; érythème polymorphe, nécrolyse épidermique toxique, dermatite lichénoïde d'interface, vaculite et pemphigus foliacé. Dans 53 cas des informations supplémentaires concernant l'anamnèse et le suivi ont pu être obtenues. Aucun test de provocation n'a été fait. Les observations cliniques et histopathologiques étaient compatibles avec un diagnostic d'accident médicamenteux chez seulement quatre animaux. Le diagnostic était dans ces cas: érythème polymorphe (1 chien, 1 chat), dermatite lichénoïde d'inteface (1 chien) et pemphigus follacé (1 chat). Une réaction médicamenteuse a pu être éliminée chez sept chiens. Dans 15 cas aucune information clinique sur le suivi n'a pu être obtenue. Aucune relation entre les lésions cutanées et l'administration de médicaments n'a pu être établie chez les 27 patients restants, les lésions cutanées ayant pu être provoquées par d'autres maladies. Zusammenfassung— Biopsieproben von 67 Fällen, deren Anamnese und histopathologische Veränderungen deutlich auf eine Medikamentenreaktion hinwies, gelangten zu einer retrospektiven Beurteilung. Die histopathologischen Veränderungen bei 39 Hunden, 19 Katzen, 6 Pferden, 7 Ziegen und 1 Stier wurden in fünf verschiedene Gruppen einegeteilt: Erythema multiforme, toxisch-epidermale Nekrolyse, lichenoide Interface Dermatitis, (lichenoide Medikamentenreaktion), Vaskulitis und Pemphigus foliaceus. In 53 Fällen wurden Zusatzinformationen über die klinische Anamnese und Nachbehandlung ermittelt. Keiner der Patienten wurde nochmals in gleicher Weise wie zuvor behandelt, um eine erneute Hautreaktion auszulösen. Die klinischen und histopathologischen Befunde stimmten nur bei vier Tieren mit der Diagnose einer Medikamentenreaktion überein. Die Diagnosen waren Erythema multiforme (1 Hund, 1 Katze), lichenoide drug eruption (1 Hund), und Pemphigusähnliche drug eruption (1 Katze) Eine Reaktion auf Medikamente wurde bei sieben Hunden ausgeschlossen. In 15 Fällen war keine weitergehende klinische Information verfügbar. Bei den übrigen 27 Patienten konnte zwischen den Hautläsionen und den verabreichten Medikamenten ursächlicher Zusammenhang hergestellt werden, da die Hautläsionen auch durch andere gleichzeitig vorliegende Krankheiten hätten hervorgerufen worden sein können Resumen En éste artículo se investigan 67 casos el los que las biopsias cutáneas, historia clínica y cambios histopatólogicos, indicaban la posibilidad de reacción adversa a la administración de medicamentos. Las lesiones histopatológicas de 39 perros, 19 gatos 2 cabras y un toro, se clasificaron en cinco grupos diferentes: eritem multiforme, necrólisis tóxica de la epidermis, dermatitis liquenoide interfásica (erupción liquenoide a la administración de medicamentos), vasculitis, y pémfigo foliáceo. En 53 casos se recibió información adicional de la historia clínica y chequeos periódicos. A niniguno de los pacientes se le volvió a administrar la medicación. Sólamente en 4 de los animales el exámen histopatológico correspondió con la diagnosis de reacción a la medicación. Las diagnosis resultaron sen eritema multiforme, (un perro, y un gato), erupción liquenoide a la administración de medicamentos (un perro), y reacción de tipo penfigácea (un gato). En 7 de los perros se denegó reacciones adversas a drogas. En los 27 pacientes restantes, no se encontró relación entre las lesiones cutáneas y la administración de drogas, y la aparición de lesiones cutáneas se atribuyó a enfermadades concurrentes.     

Autologous Platelet Concentrates as a Treatment of Horses with Osteoarthritis: A Preliminary Pilot Clinical Study

The clinical effect of the intra-articular injection of an autologous platelet concentrate (PC) in four horses with osteoarthritis was evaluated. The degree of lameness and joint effusion and clinical follow-up were recorded. Three injections of PC were performed at 2-week intervals. Horses were evaluated before each injection and two months after the last treatment. Clinical follow-up was conducted for 1 year. Count of platelets, leukocytes, and determination of transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β₁) levels per milliliter PC were performed, as well as leukocyte count, cytology, and protein levels in synovial fluid. PC produced a statistically significant improvement in both the degree of lameness and joint effusion (P < .05). The most marked improvement was observed 2 months after the last treatment and apparently persisted for 8 months. A mean of 250 ± 71.8 × 10⁶ platelets, 8.68 ± 3.78 leukocytes × 10⁶, and 12,515 ± 2,443 pg of TGF-β₁ per milliliter PC were obtained. The evaluated synovial fluid parameters remained between normal values. No adverse clinical signs resulted from this treatment. Despite the seemingly positive effects of this substance, the clinical use of PC cannot be recommended until further studies with higher numbers of cases and longer follow-up can be undertaken.     

Efficacy of amitraz (Taktic 12.5% EC) as a dip for the control of Boophilus microplus (Canestrini) (Acari: Ixodidae) on cattle

Four groups of cattle infested with Boophilus microplus (Canestrini) were each dipped in a different concentration of amitraz diluted from a 12.5% EC formulation to determine the efficacy and performance of the product in an 11 400 l dipping vat. Except for the period when heifers were dipped, animals were restrained in stanchions placed individually inside 3.3×3.3 m² stalls within an open-sided barn. The amitraz in the vat was stabilized with hydrated lime to maintain a pH of ca. 12. Analyses of vat samples showed that concentrations of amitraz in the vat were 7.6 to 13% lower than the targeted concentrations of 0.010, 0.015, 0.020, and 0.025% active ingredient (AI) for dilutions prepared according to instructions on the manufacturer's label. The large quantity of hydrated lime added to the vat (10 kg/1000 l) interfered with the HPLC analysis of vat samples. Therapeutic efficacy of each of the four observed concentrations (0.0088, 0.0131, 0.0174, and 0.0231% AI) of amitraz was excellent (>99% control). However, the rapid detachment of all ticks from an animal within a few hours after treatment with amitraz, that has been frequently observed, was not pronounced in the present study. Only 47% of the B. microplus detached in the first 4 h post-treatment, and 84% detached within the first 24 h. All of the treatments, except the lowest concentration, provided protection of cattle against re-infestation by B. microplus larvae for 14 days post-treatment. Possibly as a result of the formation of a compact layer of lime and amitraz on the bottom after the vat was undisturbed for six weeks, intense agitation was required to re-suspend the active ingredient.     

Kisspeptin as a master player in the central control of reproduction in mammals: An overview of kisspeptin research in domestic animals

The hypothalamo‐pituitary‐gonadal (HPG) axis is the regulatory system for reproduction in mammals. Because secretion of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) into the portal vessels is the final step at which the brain controls gonadal activities, the GnRH neuronal system had been thought to be central to the HPG axis. A newly discovered neural peptide, kisspeptin, has opened a new era in reproductive neuroendocrinology. As shown in a variety of mammals, kisspeptin is a potent endogenous secretagogue of GnRH, and the kisspeptin neuronal system governs both the pulsatile GnRH secretion that drives folliculogenesis, spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis, and the GnRH surge that triggers ovulation in females. The kisspeptin neuronal system is therefore considered a master player in the central control of mammalian reproduction, and kisspeptin and related substances could therefore be valuable for the development of novel strategies for the management of fertility in farm animals. To this end, the present review aimed to summarize the current research on kisspeptin signaling with a focus on domestic animals such as sheep, goats, cattle, pigs and horses.     

A dose-finding,long-term study on the use of calcium chloride in saline solution as a method of nonsurgical sterilization in dogs: evaluation of the most effective concentration with the lowest risk

Background

Canine overpopulation is a global issue with serious health and welfare implications. Nonsurgical methods of sterilization could yield positive impacts on this problem, but no long-term data on such methods are available. The objective of the current investigation was to determine the effects of intratesticular injections of calcium chloride dihydrate (CaCl₂) in saline in dogs over a one year period. Five concentrations (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 60%) of CaCl₂ in saline were administered via intratesticular injection to groups of 10 dogs each. Total sperm count and motility, blood levels of testosterone, and side effects were examined at 0, 2, 6, and 12 months post-injection (PI). Testicular size and semen volume were examined at 0 and 12 months PI.

Results

Total sperm count, semen volume and testosterone showed significant dose-dependent decreases upon treatment with 10%-60% CaCl₂ compared with either the control group (0% CaCl₂) or baseline for each treatment group. Azoospermia was achieved for at least 12 months PI in 60% and 80% of treated dogs after administration of a 10% and 20% CaCl₂, respectively. Treatment with 30% or 60% CaCl₂ resulted in azoospermia in 100% of dogs, but more side effects were observed, while no side effects were noticed at lower doses. For each treatment group, testosterone levels had decreased an average of 35%-70% at 6 months following treatment. However, testosterone levels rebounded by the 12-month time point in all groups except the highest dosage group (60% CaCl₂), which remained at the low end of physiological range throughout the study. Sperm motility dropped to zero or near zero in all dogs treated with CaCl₂. Testicular size was significantly smaller at 12 months PI for all groups when compared to baseline.

Conclusions

This first long-term study confirms reports of the efficacy of CaCl₂ sterilization. However, at dosages free of adverse events, calcium chloride in saline may not provide permanent sterilization as previously believed. Future work should explore optimized solvents to increase the permanence of the well-tolerated 20% formulation.     

An Acute-phase Protein as a Regulator of Sperm Survival in the Bovine Oviduct: Alpha 1-acid-glycoprotein Impairs Neutrophil Phagocytosis of Sperm In Vitro

We have previously shown that polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) are present in bovine oviduct fluid under physiological conditions, and that the oviduct provides a microenvironment that protects sperm from phagocytosis by PMNs. Alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) is a major acute-phase protein produced mainly in the liver that has immunomodulatory functions. AGP mRNA is expressed in extrahepatic organs, such as the lung, kidney, spleen, lymph node, uterus, and ovary. Therefore, in this study, we investigated, 1) the local production of AGP in the bovine oviduct, 2) the effect of AGP on the phagocytic activity of PMNs for sperm and superoxide production and 3) the impact of AGP desialylation on the PMN phagocytosis of sperm. The AGP gene was expressed in cultured bovine oviduct epithelial cells (BOECs) and AGP protein was detected in oviduct fluid. Preexposure of PMNs to AGP at physiological levels impaired PMN phagocytosis for sperm and superoxide generation. The desialylation of AGP eliminated these suppressive effects of AGP on PMN. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that AGP drastically reduced the formation of DNA-based neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) for sperm entanglement. Additionally, AGP dose-dependently stimulated BOECs to produce prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) which has been shown to partially contribute to the regulation of sperm phagocytosis in the bovine oviduct. AGP and PGE₂ at concentrations detected in the oviducts additively suppressed sperm phagocytosis by PMNs. These results provide evidence that locally produced AGP may be involved in protecting sperm from phagocytosis by PMNs in the bovine oviduct.