Infection of duck plague carriers with Pasteurella multocida and P. anatipestifer

Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos platyrhynchos) and white pekin ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) were infected with duck plague virus and challenged with LD20's of Pasteurella multocida and P. anatipestifer. There was no difference between mortality rates of duck plague-infected ducks and controls, suggesting that these organisms do not act synergistically under the conditions of our experiments. There was a difference of about 500-fold between the LD20 of P. multocida for mallards and that for white pekin ducks, indicating that mallards are much more susceptible to avian cholera than white pekin ducks.     

Reverse Saphenous Conduit Flap in Cats: An Anatomic Study

The vascular anatomy of the reverse saphenous conduit flap in cats was denned by contrast radiography of both hindlimbs of 18 feline cadaver specimens. In all 36 flaps, flow of contrast medium from the femoral artery to the distal end of the flap was documented. Direct anastomosis of the superficial branch of the cranial tibial artery with the cranial branch of the saphenous artery and communication of the caudal branch of the saphenous artery with the perforating metatarsal artery, via the medial and lateral plantar arteries, was documented. The cranial branch of the medial saphenous vein was shown to anastomose with the cranial branch of the lateral saphenous vein. The presence of these anastomoses support the feasibility of the reverse saphenous conduit flap as an option for reconstruction of wounds of the metatarsus in cats.     

A teratoma in a duck infected congenitally with duck hepatitis B virus

A teratoma was diagnosed in an 8-month-old pekin duck based on the presence of tissue derived from embryonic ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm in the neoplasm. The neoplasm was examined for the presence of duck hepatitis B virus, because the duck was congenitally infected with the virus, a member of the hepadnavirus family that is associated with hepatic neoplasms in hepadnavirus-infected mammals. Persistent infection occurred in the liver, but no evidence of viral infection was found in the neoplasm.     

Intra-osseous pressure of the equine third metatarsal bone

Intra-osseous pressure was measured in the third metatarsal bone of 8 pony foals at the age of 1, 3, 6 and 26 weeks of age, and on one occasion in the third metatarsal bone of 5 ponies aged 1-5 years; the animals were under general anesthesia and in lateral recumbency. Saphenous venous pressure and lateral superficial plantar metatarsal arterial pressure were also monitored throughout the procedure. There were no statistically significant changes in the epiphyseal, diaphyseal, venous or arterial pressures with increasing age of the foals. There was no statistically significant difference between the mean epiphyseal and mean diaphyseal pressures in the foals. Individually however, the diaphyseal pressure exceeded the epiphyseal pressure in 32 of the 36 measurements made in the foals. Saphenous vein occlusion and intravenous adrenalin administration showed that both venous and arterial pressures influence intra-osseous pressure. Intra-osseous injection of heparinized saline on one side of the growth plate produced an immediate massive increase in intra-osseous pressure on that side of the growth plate, but in almost all cases a concomitant rise in intraosseous pressure on the other side of the physis did not occur. Simulated effusion of the metatarsophalangeal joint was associated with an increase in intraosseous pressure in the adjacent metatarsal epiphysis, and flexion of the joint with an increase in intraosseous pressure in both the epiphysis and the metaphysis.     

SCINTIGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF THE PROXIMAL METACARPAL AND METATARSAL REGIONS IN CLINICALLY SOUND HORSES

In recent years, pain arising from the proximal metacarpal and metatarsal regions has become well recognized as a cause of lameness and various disease entities have been identified. However, our knowledge of normal patterns of radiopharmaceutical uptake is limited, making interpretation of images problematic. It is therefore important to characterize normal patterns of radiopharmaceutical uptake at specific sites to ensure valid interpretation of images in clinical cases with subtle lesions. The purpose of this study was to describe the pattern of radiopharmaceutical uptake in the proximal metacarpal and proximal metatarsal regions in clinically sound horses. Scintigraphic images from 64 clinically normal horses were evaluated. All the images were assessed subjectively. The lateral, dorsal, and plantar scintigraphic images were assessed qualitatively using horizontal line profiles through the proximal metacarpal and proximal metatarsal regions. Mean ratios of radiopharmaceutical uptake were calculated from three regions of interest sited over the proximal metacarpal and proximal metatarsal regions and a reference site. In 78% of forelimbs the peak of radiopharmaceutical activity was at the dorsal to central portion of the proximal metacarpal region. Seventy-five per cent of the dorsal plane profiles of activity were symmetrical, with the highest peak over the medial to central portion of the proximal metacarpal region. In 80% of hindlimb lateral images the peak radiopharmaceutical activity was at the central to plantar aspect of the proximal metatarsal region. All (100%) plantar image profiles of activity were symmetrical, with the highest peak being over the lateral portion of the proximal metatarsal region. There was no significant left and right variation between sites for mean ratios on the lateral and dorsal images of the proximal metacarpal region. However, using lateral images the mean ratios from all regions of the right proximal metatarsal were greater than left (dorsal P = 0.003, plantar P < 0.0001 and whole proximal metatarsal, P = 0.0006). There was no significant variation in mean ratios between left and right on plantar images. However, the mean ratio for the lateral proximal metatarsal region was significantly greater than for the medial proximal metatarsal regions (P < 0.0001). There was no significant effect of age. Left/right symmetry of radiopharmaceutical uptake was shown in the proximal metacarpal region. However, there was a significant difference between left and right proximal metatarsal regions. There was higher radiopharmaceutical uptake in the right proximal metatarsal region than the left, which agrees with previous studies of the tarsal and metatarsophalangeal joints. There were differences in the pattern of radiopharmaceutical uptake between the forelimbs and hindlimbs. In the forelimbs maximum radiopharmaceutical uptake was located at the dorsal to central portion of the proximal metacarpal region in the lateral image, with peak activity over the medial to central portion of the proximal metacarpal region on dorsal images. In the hindlimbs the maximum radiopharmaceutical uptake was at the central to plantar aspect of the proximal metatarsal region in the lateral image, with peak activity over the lateral portion of proximal metatarsal region on plantar images. The results of this study support the hypothesis that there would be a standard pattern of radiopharmaceutical uptake across the proximal metacarpal and l metatarsal regions, but the pattern of uptake observed would be different in the proximal metacarpal region compared with the proximal metatarsal region. There was left/right symmetry of radiopharmaceutical uptake in the proximal metacarpal region. However, there was a significant difference between left and right proximal metatarsal regions, with higher radiopharmaceutical uptake in the right. There was no variation of radiopharmaceutical uptake pattern with age.     

Vertical transmission of duck plague virus (DPV) by apparently healthy DPV carrier waterfowl

Duck plague virus (DPV) was transmitted vertically in muscovy, pekin, and mallard ducks that were persistently infected with the LA-SD-73, MSN-WI-77, or CO-WI-73 isolates of DPV. The effects of vertical transmission on the fertility and hatchability of eggs laid by DPV carrier ducks varied with the DPV isolate and duck species. Fertility was reduced significantly only in eggs laid by MSN-WI-77 virus carrier pekin and muscovy ducks. The hatchability of eggs laid by DPV carrier mallards and muscovies was significantly reduced from that of uninfected control ducks. All ducklings tested that hatched from eggs laid by DPV carrier waterfowl shed DPV in the feces. The DPV carrier ducklings shed DPV in small amounts. Vertical transmission of DPV in domestic flocks can lower fertility and hatchability. In wild waterfowl, vertical transmission may be a means of virus perpetuation from generation to generation.     

CLINICAL, MAGNETIC RESONANCE, AND SONOGRAPHIC IMAGING FINDINGS IN HORSES WITH PROXIMAL PLANTAR METATARSAL PAIN

Sonography is commonly used for diagnosis of desmopathy of the proximal part of the suspensory ligament in horses. However, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has been stated to be superior for detecting disease and localizing lesions. In this retrospective study of 39 horses or 46 hind limbs with lameness due to proximal plantar metatarsal pain, the clinical and diagnostic findings are discussed and sonography and MR imaging compared for examination of the proximal part of the suspensory ligament. With MR imaging interpreted as the clinical gold standard, desmopathy of the proximal part of the suspensory ligament was diagnosed in 21 hind limbs, proximal plantar metatarsal pain of unknown cause in 12, an osseous injury at the origin of the suspensory ligament in four and a condition unrelated to the suspensory ligament in nine. Based on these findings, sonography had a sensitivity of 0.77 and 0.66 and specificity of 0.33 and 0.31 for diagnosing proximal suspensory desmopathy and for accurately localizing lesions, respectively. MR imaging changes consistent with proximal suspensory desmopathy were signal hyperintensities and an increase in cross-sectional area compared with the contralateral limb. Anesthesia of the deep branch of the lateral plantar nerve is not specific neither for proximal suspensory desmopathy, as conditions unrelated to the suspensory ligament were diagnosed, nor for diagnosis of proximal plantar metatarsal pain, as conditions outside the proximal plantar metatarsal region were also diagnosed.     

鸭疱疹病毒Ⅱ型（暂定名）的分离鉴定

自1990年以来，在福建、浙江和广东等省发生一种以双翅羽毛管淤血呈紫黑色、断裂和脱落以及皮下、脏器（肝脏、胰脏）和肠道（十二指肠、直肠和盲肠）出血为主要特征的新的鸭传染病，暂定名为鸭出血症。我们对从自然感染该病典型病死番鸭脏器中获得的1株含2种病毒粒子（直径大小分别为30－40mm和80－120mm)的分离物，以Ⅰ型雏鸭病毒性肝炎标准阳性血清进行连续4代中和后接种番鸭胚，收集死亡番鸭胚胚液进行病毒纯化、负染、电镜观察和SPF鸡胚接种试验证明获得单一病毒分离株（定名为鸭出血症病毒）。该病毒为不耐酸、不耐碱、不耐热、对氯仿处理敏感、核酸类型为双股DNA的有囊膜病毒，直径为80－150nm；对番鸭胚、鹅胚、麻鸭胚、半番鸭胚、北京鸭胚和SPF鸡胚的致 死率分别为100％、100％、78．3％、60％、82．1％和0％；对10－11日龄番鸭胚的ELD50为10^-7.78/0.2ml；无血凝活性，不凝集“O”型人、鸭、鸡、鹅、家兔、小鼠，豚鼠、猪和绵羊红细胞；经血清中和试验证明该病毒与Ⅰ型雏鸭肝炎病毒、雏番鸭细小病毒、雏鹅细小病毒、鸭瘟病毒无血清学相关性。据以上结果可将该病毒确定为疱疹病毒科成员，但鉴于其与鸭瘟病毒（鸭疱疹病毒Ⅰ型）无血清学相关性，则暂定名为鸭疱疹病毒Ⅱ型，此为国内外首次报道。     

Anatomy of the splint bones and their surrounding area particularly in consideration of fascial attachments

This study concerns the vestigial metacarpal and metatarsal bones, so called splint bones. The soft tissues, which stabilize the splint bones were carefully examined. The palmar metacarpal/plantar metatarsal fascia, the metacarpal/metatarsal interosseous ligaments and the fibres, which exit distally from the splint bone, were examined in depth. Cadaveric distal limbs were collected from 5 slaughtered or euthanized horses. The legs were examined both, microscopically and macroscopically. The palmar metacarpal/plantar metatarsal fascia is a very stable structure, which connects the splint bone with its environment. The connection between splint and McIII/MtIII, established through the metacarpal/ metatarsal interosseous ligaments, showed impressive differences between specimens examined. Macroscopic examination of the soft tissue in the distal region showed a band structure, which originates from the distal end of the splint bone and extends in dorsal and distal direction towards the proximal sesamoid bone.     

Severe supracondylar lysis of the third metatarsal bone due to intra‐articular haemorrhage with similarities to human pigmented villonodular synovitis: A differential diagnosis to intra‐articular neoplasia

This report describes a case of severe supracondylar lysis of the third metatarsal bone of a mature Cob gelding. The gelding presented with moderate to severe lameness and soft tissue swelling in the distal metatarsal region. A mass was present plantar to the third metatarsal bone and dorsal to the suspensory ligament branches. The mass was removed surgically, and was found to be a large blood coagulum within an enlargement of the plantar pouch of the metatarsophalangeal joint. The mass was pedunculated and attached to a region of abnormal synovium. This synovium was identified histologically as being an area of villonodular synovitis. The lesion had similarities with human pigmented villonodular synovitis. Removal of the abnormal tissue resulted in resolution of the lameness and of the lysis of the third metatarsal bone. Haemarthrosis should be considered in the list of differential diagnoses for focally mineralised soft tissue masses found within an articulation, and may be associated with pigmented villonodular synovitis.     

Comparison of lameness scores after a low 4-point nerve block to lameness scores after additional desensitisation of the dorsal metatarsal nerves in horses with experimentally induced pain in the metatarsophalangeal joint

This study evaluated whether anaesthesia of the dorsal metatarsal nerves in addition to a low 4-point nerve block provides significantly more analgesia to the metatarsophalangeal joint than to a low 4-point nerve block alone. A wireless, inertial, sensor-based, motion analysis system was used to evaluate gaits of six horses before induction of lameness, after administration of interleukin-1β into a metatarsophalangeal joint, after anaesthesia of the medial and lateral plantar nerves and the medial and lateral plantar metatarsal nerves, and after additional anaesthesia of the lateral and medial dorsal metatarsal nerves. The magnitude of hindlimb lameness was analysed considering both the push-off component (diffmaxpelvis) and the impact component (diffminpelvis) of the lame limb for all trials. There was no significant difference in the sum of diffmaxpelvis and diffminpelvis (SDMPs) when comparing the horse's gait after the low 4-point nerve block to the gait after additional anaesthesia of the dorsal metatarsal nerves, indicating that there is likely no benefit of medial and lateral dorsal metatarsal nerve anaesthesia when using regional anaesthesia to localise pain to the metatarsophalangeal joint during a lameness examination.     

MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING,GROSS POSTMORTEM,AND HISTOLOGICAL FINDINGS FOR SOFT TISSUES OF THE PLANTAR ASPECT OF THE TARSUS AND PROXIMAL METATARSAL REGION IN NON‐LAME HORSES

Injuries of the plantar soft tissues of the tarsus and proximal metatarsus can be a source of lameness in horses, however published information is lacking on high field MRI characteristics of these tissues. Objectives of the current anatomic study were to (1) describe high‐field MRI features of the plantar tarsal and proximal metatarsal soft tissues; and (2) compare MRI findings with gross and histological appearances of selected structures for a sample of cadaver limbs from non‐lame horses. Single hindlimbs for 42 horses, and right and left hindlimbs for eight horses were scanned using high‐field MRI. The MRI findings were described for the 50 single limbs; and the MRI, gross postmortem and histological findings were compared for the eight pairs of hindlimbs. The superficial digital flexor tendon had uniform low signal intensity, surrounded by the flexor retinaculum of intermediate to high signal intensity on all sequences. The lateral digital flexor tendon had slightly higher signal intensity, enclosed on the plantaromedial aspects by the low signal intensity metatarsocalcaneal ligament. The accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon varied in size and signal intensity. The proximal and distal plantar ligaments, accessory ligament of the suspensory ligament, and calcaneoquartal ligament had low signal intensity. The long plantar ligament comprised a number of related parts, separated by lines of high signal intensity corresponding with fibrous septae seen in gross anatomical specimens. The plantar aspect of the ligament had uniform low signal intensity in all sequences, but the dorsal half was more heterogeneous with multifocal spots or lines of higher signal intensity.     

雏半番鸭呼肠孤病毒的致病性

从鸭体、禽胚和细胞 3个方面探讨了雏半番鸭呼肠孤病毒 FZ2 株的致病性。经试验表明 ,在实验室条件下 ,该株病毒可导致雏番鸭、雏半番鸭发病、死亡 ,对雏番鸭的致死率为 14 .3%～ 4 1.7% ,对雏半番鸭的致死率高达 38.5 % ,且死亡鸭表现出与自然感染呼肠孤病毒病死的雏番鸭、雏半番鸭相同的病变 ;人工感染幸存鸭大多生长发育明显受阻。该株病毒经尿囊腔途径接种 ,对番鸭胚、半番鸭胚、北京鸭胚、SPF鸡胚的致死率分别为 10 0 %、96 %、2 8%和 0 ,致死鸭胚的肝脏、脾脏表面见白色坏死点。经蛋传试验表明 ,该株病毒有可能经胚蛋垂直传染。以该株病毒在番鸭胚成纤维细胞 (MDEF)上连续传接 10代 ,结果细胞病变 (CPE)仍不明显 ,表明其不易适应 MDEF。由此可见 ,该株雏半番鸭源呼肠孤病毒具有较强的致病力     

SCINTIGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF THE PROXIMAL METACARPAL AND METATARSAL REGIONS OF HORSES WITH PROXIMAL SUSPENSORY DESMITIS

The aim of the study was to characterize radiopharmaceutical uptake patterns in horses with clinical and ultrasonographic evidence of proximal suspensory desmitis. It was hypothesized that radiopharmaceutical uptake in the proximal palmar (plantar) aspect of the third metacarpal (metatarsal) bone would be greater in lame limbs of horses with proximal suspensory desmitis than in sound limbs and that there would be a positive correlation between the severity of ultrasonographic abnormalities and the degree of radiopharmaceutical uptake. Nuclear scintigraphic evaluation of the proximal metacarpal or metatarsal regions of 126 horses with ultrasonographic evidence of proximal suspensory desmitis was performed. In all horses lameness was substantially improved by perineural analgesia of the palmar metacarpal (subcarpal) or plantar metatarsal (subtarsal) nerves. Scintigraphic images were assessed subjectively, by profile analysis and using region of interest analysis. Associations between the degree of ultrasonographic abnormality and radiopharmaceutical uptake ratios and the presence of radiographic abnormalities and radiopharmaceutical uptake ratios were analyzed. Subjectively, the majority of horses had normal radiopharmaceutical uptake. Profile analysis provided little additional information. However with region of interest analysis there was greater radiopharmaceutical uptake ratios in plantar images in the proximal metatarsal regions of lame limbs compared with nonlame limbs. There was no association between radiological abnormalities and radiopharmaceutical uptake ratios. In forelimbs there was no association between ultrasonographic lesion grade and radiopharmaceutical uptake ratios, however in hindlimbs there was a significant relationship between ultrasonographic grade and radiopharmaceutical uptake ratios.     

Treating pedal shortening in a dog by metatarsal distraction osteogenesis

A five-month-old, male German shepherd dog was presented with a left hindlimb deformity. Wearing a cast for a prolonged period to treat left metatarsal fractures at eight weeks of age had resulted in physeal closure of the calcaneus, metatarsals and phalanges. Hyperextension of the phalanges and ulceration of the plantar skin proximal to the main tarsal pad were seen. The left foot was 40 mm shorter than the right. At seven months of age, a modified circular external skeletal fixator (CESF) was used to perform distraction osteogenesis of the metatarsal bones for 28 days. The CESF apparatus was removed after eight weeks when there was radiographic consolidation of regenerate bone. At follow-up evaluations four and 12 months after surgery, the phalangeal hyperextension and plantar skin ulceration had resolved. No lameness was detected.     

Spontaneous healing of a trophic ulcer of the metatarsal pad in a dog

A two-year-old whippet cross presented with a large ulcer of the right metatarsal pad. Laceration of the plantar aspect of the metatarsal region involving the flexor tendons had occurred 10 days prior to ulcer formation. Pain sensation was absent distal to the wound, indicating tibial nerve damage. A presumptive diagnosis of trophic ulceration of the metatarsal pad secondary to tibial nerve injury was made. Sensory nerve function returned within 14 weeks and the trophic ulcer subsequently healed. Spontaneous resolution of trophic ulceration has been reported in humans but, to the authors' knowledge, not in dogs.     

基于血浆非靶代谢组学探究急性笼养应激对蛋鸭代谢的影响

随着环保政策改革和养殖业的集约化、规模化发展,蛋鸭叠层式笼养模式的应用越来越广泛,笼养应激对蛋鸭的影响逐渐受到重视。本研究旨在利用非靶向代谢组学分析蛋鸭平养与笼养模式下血浆代谢物的差异。随机挑选平养组(floor-water rearing system, FWR组)和叠层式笼养组(cage-rearing system, CR组)蛋鸭各10只,跖骨静脉采血,通过高效液相色谱-质谱(HPLC-HRMS)非靶向代谢组学技术获得20个在不同饲养模式下的血浆代谢物图谱,经T检验等分析,取差异倍数(Fold-change)ratio≥2或ratio≤1/2、变量重要性(variable importance in projection, VIP)>1、q值<0.05为筛选条件得到显著差异代谢物并作通路富集分析。结果共筛选到差异代谢物30种,其中上调表达的差异代谢物14种(P<0.05),下调表达的差异代谢物16种(P<0.05)。差异代谢物种类主要有甘油磷脂(glycerophospholipids, 16种)、脂肪酰基(fatty acyls, 4种)、羧酸及其衍生物...     

Differential expression and localization of TRPV channels in the mature sperm of Anas platyrhynchos

Sperm cells perform precise chemotactic and thermotactic movement which is crucial for fertilization. However, the key molecules involved in detection of different chemical and physical stimuli which guide the sperm during navigation are not well understood. Ca²⁺-signalling mediated by ion channels seem to play important role in motility and other fertility parameters. In this work, we explored the endogenous localization pattern of TRPV channels in the mature spermatozoa of avian species. Using sperm from white pekin duck (Anas platyrhynchos) as the representative avian model, we demonstrate that duck sperm endogenously express the thermosensitive channels TRPV1, TRPV2, TRPV3, TRPV4, and highly Ca²⁺-selective channels TRPV5 and TRPV6 in specific yet differential locations. All of these TRPV channels are enriched in the sperm tail, indicating their relevance in sperm motility. Interestingly, the TRPV3 and TRPV4 channels are present in the mitochondrial region. Calcium selective TRPV5 channel is exclusively present in sperm tail and is most abundant among the TRPV channels. This is the first report describing the endogenous presence of TRPV2 and TRPV3 channels in the sperm of any species. Using confocal imaging and super-resolution imaging, we demonstrate that though the TRPV channels are evolutionarily closely related, they have distinct localization pattern in the duck sperm, which could impact their role in fertilization.     

SCINTIGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT OF THE METACARPOPHALANGEAL AND METATARSOPHALANGEAL JOINTS OF HORSES WITH JOINT PAIN

Our aims were to evaluate the pattern of radiopharmaceutical uptake in horses with lameness related to the metacarpophalangeal and/or metatarsophalangeal joint and compare the results with similar information from sound horses. It was hypothesized that there would be a difference in radiopharmaceutical uptake between the lame and contralateral limb in unilaterally lame horses and that there would be a difference between lame and sound horses. Nuclear scintigraphic images of 43 horses with forelimb lameness and 30 horses with hindlimb lameness were evaluated. In all horses lameness was improved by intraarticular analgesia of the joint, or by perineural analgesia of the palmar/plantar (at the junction of the proximal 3/4 and the distal 1/4 of the metacarpal/metatarsal regions) and palmar/plantar metacarpal/metatarsal nerves. All images were assessed subjectively and a quantitative image analysis was performed by drawing a vertical line profile through the center of each joint in the lateral images and using region of interest analysis in both lateral and dorsal/plantar images. Ratios of radiopharmaceutical uptake were compared for each region between lame and contralateral limbs in unilaterally lame horses and between lame and control horses. There was a significant difference in the ratio of radiopharmaceutical uptake in the proximal aspect of the proximal phalanx between lame and nonlame forelimbs in unilaterally lame horses and in both lame and contralateral limbs of lame horses compared with control horses for the regions of the distal aspect of the third metacarpal/metatarsal bone and the proximal sesamoid bones. However, the profile analysis was of limited clinical value.     

ANATOMIC VARIATIONS IN THE NUTRIENT FORAMINA OF THE EQUINE THIRD METATARSAL BONE IN TWO HORSES

An unusual presentation of the nutrient foramen of the third metatarsal bone (Mt-3) is described in two horses. In the first horse, the nutrient foramen was located ectopically in the dorsolateral cortex of Mt-3. The metatarsal nutrient foramina of the second horse were in the usual plantar location, but one was atypical in configuration. Clinical signs did not appear to be associated with these findings in either horse. The possibility of misdiagnosing a fracture rather than an ectopic nutrient foramen is discussed.