Intervertebral disc disease in dogs – Part 2: Comparison of clinical,magnetic resonance imaging,and histological findings in 74 surgically treated dogs

The relationship between intervertebral disc (IVD) disease and IVD degeneration remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to compare the clinical severity of IVD herniation (IVDH), determined with a neurological grading system, with findings of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histology using grading systems for IVD degeneration in chondrodystrophic (CD; n = 37) and non-chondrodystrophic (NCD; n = 37) dogs. This study is the second part of a two-part investigation, where the first part involved the development and validation of a histological grading scheme for classification of canine IVD degeneration.IVD degeneration graded on MRI correlated significantly with IVD degeneration graded on histology, but not with pre-operative clinical signs. Hansen type 1 hernias were more common in the cervical and thoracolumbar segments and Hansen type 2 hernias were more common in the lumbosacral segment. Type 1 hernias occurred more often in CD dogs than in NCD dogs, and CD dogs were clinically more severely affected than NCD dogs. The grade of IVD degeneration on MRI was higher in CD dogs than in NCD dogs, but there was no difference between dogs with type 1 and type 2 hernias. No significant differences in histological grade were found between CD and NCD dogs or between type 1 and type 2 hernias.It was possible to conclude that IVD degeneration did not correlate with the neurological severity of IVDH. The extent of degeneration identified on MRI correlated with degeneration seen histologically. Although the MRI grading system reflected the severity of IVD degenerative changes as confirmed by histopathology, it appeared less useful in predicting the clinical implications.     

Intervertebral disc degeneration in the dog. Part 1: Anatomy and physiology of the intervertebral disc and characteristics of intervertebral disc degeneration

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is common in dogs and can give rise to a number of diseases, such as IVD herniation, cervical spondylomyelopathy, and degenerative lumbosacral stenosis. Although there have been many reports and reviews on the clinical aspects of canine IVD disease, few reports have discussed and reviewed the process of IVD degeneration. In this first part of a two-part review, the anatomy, physiology, histopathology, and biochemical and biomechanical characteristics of the healthy and degenerated IVD are described. In Part 2, the aspects of IVD degeneration in chondrodystrophic and non-chondrodystrophic dog breeds are discussed in depth.     

Intervertebral disc disease in dogs – Part 1: A new histological grading scheme for classification of intervertebral disc degeneration in dogs

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is common in dogs and can lead to serious disorders. Current treatments can relieve clinical signs of disease, but do not restore IVD function. The development of regenerative strategies for IVD dysfunction requires detailed knowledge of the pathogenesis of IVD degeneration and its underlying mechanisms. Histological examination of IVDs at different stages of degeneration might provide this knowledge, but as there is currently no histological grading scheme for canine IVD degeneration, the aim of this study, which is the first of a two-part series, was to design and validate an appropriate scheme.Three independent observers evaluated 35 IVDs at different stages of degeneration using the scheme. Glycosaminoglycan contents of the nucleus pulposus and macroscopic grading according to Thompson, which are considered ‘gold standards’ for IVD degeneration, were used to validate the scheme. Reproducibility was assessed by analysing the inter-observer reliability of all individual variables of the grading scheme, using a weighted κ analysis. Significant correlations were found between Thompson grading and total histological score (r = 0.94; P < 0.01) and between glycosaminoglycan content and total histological score (r = ?0.72; P < 0.01). Most individual histological variables showed ‘moderate’ to ‘almost perfect’ inter-observer reliability. The high correlation with the gold standards in combination with the high reproducibility indicates that the proposed histological grading scheme is reliable and objective for classification of IVD degeneration in both chondrodystrophic and non-chondrodystrophic dog breeds.     

Expression of NG2 proteoglycan in the degenerated intervertebral disc in dachshunds

The pathogenesis of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is not fully understood. The biomolecular signaling pathways involved in the IVD degeneration require further investigation. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of NG2 proteoglycan in the degenerated IVD. IVD samples were obtained from 16 Dachshunds that were confirmed to have IVD herniation and subsequently underwent hemilaminectomy. The samples were subjected to histological and immunohistochemical (IHC) examinations. IHC revealed positive results for the expression of NG2 proteoglycan in all examined samples. The results showed the expression of NG2 proteoglycan by the degenerated IVDs.     

硝化应激在神经型犬瘟热疾病发展中的临床意义

为了研究硝化应激在神经型犬瘟热疾病发展中的作用,并探讨其对该病的诊断价值,选取犬瘟热临床病例113例,其中有神经症状组(NCD)共37例,无神经症状组(NNS)共76例,并设25例无犬瘟热健康犬作为对照组(CG)。就诊时分别采取血液和脑脊液,测定一氧化氮(NO)、神经元型一氧化氮合成酶(nNOS)和神经元特异性烯醇化酶(NSE)水平。结果显示:NCD组2种组织液中的NO、nNOS和NSE升高,显著高于NNS组(P<0.05)与CG组(P<0.01);ROC曲线分析发现,2种组织液中的NO、nNOS和NSE对神经型犬瘟热的诊断具有良好的灵敏度和特异性,血浆中以nNOS最佳,截断值为230.1 ng/mL,脑脊液中以NSE最佳,截断值为3.67 ng/mL;NSE对神经型犬瘟热具有一定预后价值,血浆中NSE<2.07的病例死亡率显著低于NSE≥2.07的病例。结果表明:神经型犬瘟热疾病发展中伴有硝化应激和神经损伤,血浆与脑脊液中的NO、nNOS和NSE具有对神经型犬瘟热的诊断及预测作用。     

Genetic Analysis of Three Lithuanian Native Horse Breeds

This study was the first to analyze the polymorphic characteristics of a wide range of genetic markers in three Lithuanian horse breeds. Genetic variation at seven red blood cell alloantigen (blood group) loci, 10 biochemical genetic loci and 16 microsatellites was examinated in 31 Zemaitukai, 30 large-type Zemaitukai and 24 Lithuanian Heavy Draught horse and compared to that of other domestic horse breeds. Genetic variability of the Zemaitukai breeds based upon blood groups and biochemical loci was higher than average for domestic horse breeds. For microsatellite loci, the variability of the large-type Zemaitukai and the Heavy Draught breeds also was high compared to the mean variation for domestic breeds; however, for the Zemaitukai breed, variation levels were very near the average for horses.     

陶赛特羊和小尾寒羊在青海湟源地区的生态适应性分析

为评定引入青海省湟源县良种肉羊繁育基地的陶赛特羊和小尾寒羊两个绵羊品种的生态适应性,对其18个生理生化指标进行了系统测定分析,结果表明：①引入的陶赛特羊和小尾寒羊两个绵羊品种大多数生理生化指标在品种内或不同品种间的不同性别、不同年龄个体间以及同性别、同年龄个体间差异不显著（P〉0.05）。②两绵羊品种所测血浆CO2结合力远超出本地藏绵羊水平;体温（T）、呼吸频率（R）、脉搏（P）和瘤胃蠕动频率以及白细胞数（WBC）、红细胞数（RBC）、血红蛋白含量（HGB）的测定结果均大致在本地藏绵羊的各生理指标测定范围之内。③与已引入青海牧区的小尾寒羊大多数生理生化指标相比,本次引进的小尾寒羊在经过一段时间的适应性饲养后,其大多数生理生化指标已与其基本接近或一致;同时,引入的陶赛特羊和小尾寒羊与原产地相应品种在基础生理指标上相比较接近。     

Retinal degeneration in the dog and cat

Retinal degenerations in the dog and cat are an important cause of blindness in these species. Particularly in the dog, many retinal degenerations, collectively called progressive retinal atrophy, seen in clinical practice are inherited. The clinical signs, electrophysiological findings, pathology, and underlying biochemical defects in the retina vary from breed to breed. Specific categories of inherited retinal degeneration are now recognized, and classified into early onset photoreceptor dysplasias, late-onset retinal degenerations, or retinal degenerations secondary to primary RPE dystrophy. As new inherited retinal degenerations are reported in different breeds they can generally be assigned to one these categories. Other causes of retinal degeneration include nutritional deficiencies, glaucoma, inflammation, ischemia, and toxins. Idiopathic retinal degeneration occurs in the dog with some frequency.     

Influence of chicken native breeds on some physical and biochemical characteristics and short-term storage of semen

1. The major objective of this study was to examine the influence of 24-h storage of semen at low temperature on semen characteristics and fertilising ability of spermatozoa in two native breeds (Kadaknath-KN, Aseel Peela-AP) and White Leghorn (WL) chicken. 2. Various physical and biochemical properties of freshly ejaculated semen of KN and AP were investigated. Fertility was examined in freshly-ejaculated as well as 24-h-stored (3°C) semen diluted (1:3) with Beltsville Poultry Semen Extender. 3. No significant difference was observed in sperm motility among the different breeds whereas live counts were higher in WL than the native breeds. Body weight, semen volume and sperm concentration were highest in AP, followed by KN and WL. A similar trend was observed in the percentage of dead and morphologically-abnormal spermatozoa. 4. The activity of acid and alkaline phosphatase in seminal plasma were higher in WL than KN, whereas the opposite trend was recorded for glutamic oxaloacetic and pyruvic transaminases. The cholesterol content of semen was highest in AP, followed by KN and WL. Cholesterol was much lower in seminal plasma compared with whole semen but there were no differences between breeds. Mean values of the methylene blue reduction time test were higher in WL than in the native breeds. 5. Fertility and hatchability, using freshly-diluted semen, were poorer in the native breeds than in WL. The pattern of fertility deteriorated further, especially in native fowls, when the birds were inseminated with 24-h-stored semen. 6. In conclusion, variation in physical and biochemical characteristics of semen in native breeds compared to WL correlated with poor fertility after short-term storage of semen.     

MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OF ARTICULAR PROCESS JOINT GEOMETRY AND INTERVERTEBRAL DISK DEGENERATION IN THE CAUDAL LUMBAR SPINE (L5–S1) OF DOGS WITH CLINICAL SIGNS OF CAUDA EQUINA COMPRESSION

The geometry of the lumbosacral region has been suspected to play a role in the development of degenerative lumbosacral stenosis in the dog. In this study, 50 dogs (21 German Shepherd dogs and 29 dogs of other breeds) with clinical signs of cauda equina compression were studied by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The orientation of the articular process joints in the L5-S1 region and the angle difference between two adjacent motion segments were calculated. Intervertebral disc degeneration of the same region was identified and classified in four stages. A positive association between MR-imaging stage and articular process joint angle difference in the transverse plane was found in the two groups of animals. German Shepherd dogs and dogs of other breeds had different geometry of the lumbosacral region with different articular process joint angles in the transverse plane and statistically different stages of disc degeneration.     

Breed‐associated variability in serum biochemical analytes in four large‐breed dogs

Background: Genetic background can influence the expected values of hematologic and serum biochemical analytes in domestic animal species. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if there are breed‐related differences in serum biochemical variables in healthy purebred dogs of 4 breeds and to develop appropriate reference intervals. Methods: Alaskan Malamutes (n=59), Siberian Huskies (n=78), Golden Retrievers (n=90), and English Setters (n=77) were included in the study. The dogs had a median age of 42 months (range 10–112 months) and each breed included a mix of intact and neutered dogs of both sexes. Serum biochemical profiles (Olympus AU400e) were performed along with physical examinations, CBCs, and urinalyses to ensure dogs were clinically healthy. Differences in the values of biochemical analytes were assessed nonparametrically and reference intervals for all breeds combined were calculated as the central 95% percentile. Results: Significant differences were observed between breeds for all serum biochemical analytes except alkaline phosphatase, glucose, and chloride. The analyte ranges had a large degree of overlap between the different breeds. Conclusions: Although many statistically significant breed‐related differences in serum biochemical values were observed, the differences were small and unlikely to have clinical relevance or impact medical decision making.     

Characterization of chronic pancreatitis in English Cocker Spaniels

Background: Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is common in dogs. The cause is unknown. In humans, different causes of pancreatitis have histologically distinct appearances. The histopathologic lesions in English Cocker Spaniels (ECS) with CP were noted to be histologically different than those of other breeds with CP. Hypothesis: CP in ECS is distinct from CP in other breeds and is characterized by a duct destruction similar to what is observed in autoimmune CP of humans. Animals: Eight ECS and 9 other breeds with histologically confirmed CP recruited over an 8‐year period and 50 postmortem control dogs with CP. Methods: Clinical, clinicopathological, and ultrasonographic findings were recorded. Histological sections were compared with a normal dog and 59 dogs of other breeds with CP. Immunohistochemistry using anti‐CD3, anti‐CD79a, and anti‐cytokeratin antibodies was used to evaluate distribution and type of lymphocytic inflammation and appearance of pancreatic ducts. Results: Four male and 4 female ECS presented at a mean age of 7.2 years. Clinical signs were similar in ECS and other breeds. The pancreas was enlarged and hypoechoic in 4 ECS and 2 controls. Histopathology was characterized by interlobular and periductular fibrosis and inflammation in ECS compared with intralobular disease in most other breeds. Immunohistochemistry identified prominent anti‐CD3⁺ lymphocytic infiltrates around venules and ducts and a marked absence of interlobular ducts in ECS compared with mixed T‐cell infiltration and ductular hyperplasia in most other breeds with CP. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: CP in ECS is distinct from CP in other breeds and is notably duct destructive.     

青海省绵羊品种与引进品种先天性免疫研究

为研究青海本地绵羊品种与引进品种的先天性免疫水平和品种特性,本研究选取青海省不同海拔地区的2个本地品种（欧拉羊、白藏羊）和1个引进品种（无角道赛特羊）共186只绵羊,采集新鲜血样,进行血常规检测（白细胞数（WBC）、红细胞数（RBC）、平均红细胞血红蛋白（HGB）、红细胞压积（HCT）、平均红细胞体积（MCV）、平均红细胞血红蛋白浓度（MCH）、血红蛋白浓度（MCHC）、血小板（PLT）、红细胞分布宽度（RDW-CV）、淋巴细胞百分比（LYM%））;制备血清,用绵羊ELISA试剂盒测定白介素-1（IL-1）、白介素-2（IL-2）、白介素-6（IL-6）、白介素-18（IL-18）、γ-干扰素（IFN-γ）、免疫球蛋白G （IgG）和主要组织相容性复合体（MHC）等免疫指标;分别以品种和品种来源地为因变量对检测结果进行比较分析。结果发现,以品种为因变量,无角道赛特羊的免疫水平最高,白藏羊的抗病性稍高于欧拉羊;以品种来源地为因变量时,本地绵羊品种的先天性免疫水平低于引进绵羊品种,对疾病的抵抗力较弱,除MCH、MCHC和RDW-CV外,无角道赛特羊在血液生化水平上均高于青海本地品种,说明无角道赛特羊是具有高抗病能力的优良品种。本试验为不同绵羊品种机体先天性免疫水平的研究提供了参考数据,对青海藏羊的选育工作和品种改良具有指导意义。     

云南地方猪种肉质NIR指纹主成分分析和聚类分析研究

试验旨在探讨近红外（near-infrared,NIR）光谱技术应用于云南地方猪种肉质特性分析的可行性。在云南省8个县采集7个云南地方猪种腰背最长肌共计102份样品,利用近红外光谱分析技术,对各猪种近红外指纹图谱进行主成分分析和聚类分析。结果表明,7个猪种肉质的近红外光谱具有共性和差异性,其主成分空间分布位于不同的区域,大河乌猪与大河猪光谱欧氏距离最近,迪庆藏猪肉质特异性明显。利用近红外光谱技术可以准确、快速地对地方猪种进行肉质特性分析,揭示出地方猪种肉质方面的特色资源。     

大足黑山羊与其他山羊品种血液生理生化指标的比较分析

为了研究大足黑山羊血液生理生化指标与其他羊种的差异,试验采用全自动血液细胞分析仪和全自动生化分析仪测定了大足黑山羊、南江黄羊和萨能奶山羊的31个血液生理生化指标,并与其他山羊进行比较分析。结果表明:不同山羊品种部分生理生化指标比较接近,但一些主要的生化指标也存在着一定差异。说明不同品种山羊在生长的地理环境、适应能力、免疫能力、营养水平、生长速度、生产性能等方面存在差异。     

Control of inherited retinal degeneration in dogs and cats in the United Kingdom

The term progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is synonymous with inherited blindness in both dogs and cats as the result of retinal degeneration. In fact several types of degeneration occur within this complex, but the ophthalmoscopic features are well recognised and practical disease control is possible through routine examination. However, effective measures demand the whole-hearted support of the breeds involved, and only extensively applied examination schemes in which there is a central pooling and use of results are likely to produce the degree of disease control necessary, Test-mating and electrorelinograph (ERG) examination also have a part to play in the identification of normal genotypes, but the application of routine ophthalmoscopic examination, perhaps associates with Kennel Club registration, currently offers the most effective way forward.     

迪卡配套系猪B系、E系血液生化指标的测定

通过随机抽样测定了20头B系、22头E系猪的10项血液生化常值。结果表明：碱性磷酸酶总活性两系差异极显著(P＜0.01)，胆碱酯酶总活性两系差异显著(P＜0．05)，其他指标两系差异均不显著(P＞0．05)。     

小尾寒羊高繁殖力候选基因RARG的研究

以视黄酸受体γ（retinoic acid receptor-gamma，RARG）基因为候选基因，采用PCR—SSCP技术分析了RARG基因在高繁殖力绵羊品种（小尾寒羊、湖羊）以及低繁殖力绵羊品种（特克塞尔、多赛特、萨福克）中的单核苷酸多态性，同时研究这个基因对小尾寒羊高繁殖力的影响。结果表明：RARG基因引物1扩增片段在5个绵羊品种中存在PCR—SSCP多态性，AA基因型只出现在湖羊中，AB和BB基因型均出现在5个绵羊品种中；BB基因型小尾寒羊平均产羔数比AB基因型多0．41只，但差异不显著（P〉0．05）。RARG基因引物2扩增片段在5个绵羊品种中存在PCR—SSCP多态性，CC和CD基因型均出现在5个绵羊品种中，5个绵羊品种中都没有检测到DD基因型；CC基因型小尾寒羊平均产羔数比CD基因型多0．55只（P〈0．05）。     

6个猪品种CD53基因中结构变异SV184分布频率的研究

基于香猪全基因组重测序数据,在白细胞表面抗原CD53基因中筛选到一个结构变异（structure variant,SV）184,为了探索不同猪品种间此结构变异是否存在多态性变化,本试验选择香猪、大白猪、糯谷猪、柯乐猪、江口萝卜猪和荣昌猪作为试验动物,采用PCR方法对猪群中SV184的分布频率进行比较研究,应用RT-PCR技术,分析CD53基因的原初转录本序列结构,研究SV184对CD53基因的转录是否有直接影响。结果显示,6个猪品种中SV184的分布频率存在明显差异,香猪以VN基因型为主,其他5个猪品种是NN基因型占优势;计算两种等位基因的频率,香猪以缺失的V等位基因为主,其他5个猪品种以正常的N等位基因为主。选择3种基因型个体的血液样本,逆转录后分析CD53基因的原初转录本的序列,从中检测到缺失型和不缺失的两种转录本形式,提示SV184对CD53基因的转录无直接影响。SV184可作为分子标记用于区分香猪和其他猪品种。