Effect of Orally Administered Cisapride,Bethanechol, and Erythromycin on the Apparent Efficiency of Colostral IgG Absorption in Neonatal Holstein‐Friesian Calves

Objective

To evaluate the effect of orally administered cisapride, bethanechol, and erythromycin on the absorption of colostral IgG in dairy calves.

Animals

Twenty‐four healthy neonatal Holstein‐Friesian calves.

Procedures

Calves were randomly assigned to one of the following treatments: 0.9% NaCl solution (2 mL, PO; negative control); erythromycin lactobionate (20 mg/kg BW, PO; anticipated to be a positive control); cisapride (0.5 mg/kg BW, PO); bethanechol chloride (0.5 mg/kg BW, PO). Calves were fed 3 L of pooled bovine colostrum containing acetaminophen (50 mg/kg) by suckling and oroesophageal intubation 30 minutes after each treatment was administered. Jugular venous blood samples were obtained periodically after the start of feeding and plasma total IgG, protein, acetaminophen, and glucose concentrations determined. Abomasal emptying rate was assessed by the time to maximal plasma acetaminophen concentration.

Results

Oral administration of cisapride facilitated the absorption of colostral IgG and protein. The effect of cisapride on abomasal emptying rate could not be evaluated because cisapride appeared to interfere with acetaminophen metabolism. Based on the total IgG and total protein concentration‐time relationships, the beneficial effects of cisapride appeared to occur early after oral administration and were transient.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Additional studies appear indicated to characterize the effect of cisapride dose on the magnitude and duration of its effect on facilitating the absorption of colostral IgG and protein. Identification of a nonantimicrobial method for increasing abomasal emptying rate, such as cisapride, will potentially provide a practical and effective method for facilitating transfer of passive immunity in colostrum‐fed dairy calves.     

Doppler-derived deformation imaging in unsedated healthy adult dogs

Objectives

To evaluate feasibility, repeatability and reproducibility (R&R) of Doppler-derived deformation imaging (DI) in healthy adult dogs.

Animals, materials and methods

Forty-nine dogs underwent physical examination, ECG, blood pressure measurement and echocardiography. Doppler-derived DI parameters obtained from six selected Regions of Interest (ROI) within the left ventricle (LV) were: strain (S), systolic strain rate (SSR), strain rate E wave (SRE), and strain rate A wave (SRA). The averages of the six ROIs were calculated and labeled avS, avSSR, avSRE, and avSRA. Randomly selected dogs underwent two echocardiographic studies to evaluate intraoperator (n = 14) and interoperator (n = 17) variability.

Results

DI data were obtained in 87.2% of dogs and 77.2% of ROIs. Compared to controls, avSSR was significantly reduced in Doberman Pinchers (DP) and it was increased in dogs <30 kg, compared to dogs >30 kg. The intraoperator Coefficient of Variability (CV) for some ROIs was greater than 15% but for averaged measurements it was ≤ 5.0%. Interoperator CV varied widely but were all <15% for avSSR, avS, and avSRA.

Conclusions

The CV for Doppler-derived DI varied widely. Averaging values from multiple ROIs improved R&R. DI may help elucidate differences in LV mechanics between canine breeds.     

Effect of anticholinergics (atropine, glycopyrrolate) and prokinetics (metoclopramide, cisapride) on gastric motility in beagles and labrador retrievers

The effect of atropine, glycopyrrolate, metoclopramide and cisapride on the antral motility was investigated in eight dogs (four Beagles and four Labradors) using passive telemetry. Both anticholinergics induced a pronounced and lasting reduction of the intensity and frequency of the contractions. A definite dose-related inhibition of the antral motility was seen in Beagles, similar for both active substances. Low doses of atropine (0.02 mg/kg BW i.m.) and glycopyrrolate (0.005 mg/kg BW i.m.) completely inhibited the gastric motility for at least 30 min, whereas higher doses (0.04 or 0.01 mg/kg BW) caused a cessation of activity for more than 3 h. In Labradors, the effects of both active substances were not so dose related and the effect of glycopyrrolate lasted at least 6 h, whereas the effect of atropine gradually decreased after 3 h. A distinct breed difference regarding the effect of the two prokinetics on the antral motility was also observed. In Beagles, the prokinetics, at a low dose (metoclopramide 0.3 mg/kg BW, cisapride 0.2 mg/kg BW), resulted in a significant increase in the amplitude integral. Higher doses (metoclopramide 0.6 mg/kg BW, cisapride 0.5 mg/kg BW) also increased the integrals of the pressure profiles, but significantly less than with the lower doses. In Labradors, both medications, mainly at higher doses, resulted in an increase of the contraction amplitudes. The low dose had no (cisapride) or only a transient effect (metoclopramide). The frequency of the antral contractions was not at all influenced by cisapride, and only in Beagles metoclopramide resulted in a dose-related increase. It is not clear if the different results in Labradors and Beagles are because of breed or body weight.     

Plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide concentration helps to predict survival in dogs with symptomatic degenerative mitral valve disease regardless of and in combination with the initial clinical status at admission

Objectives

Although mitral valve disease (MVD) is the most common canine heart disease, readily available prognostic markers of the disease are still lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the comparative ability of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide plasma concentration (NT-proBNP) and various echocardiographic variables to predict outcome in dogs with MVD.

Animals, materials and methods

Seventy-four dogs with ISACHC classes 2 and 3 MVD (Groups A and B, respectively) were prospectively recruited. NT-proBNP and several echo-Doppler variables at inclusion were compared as predictors of outcome at 6 months in 54/74 dogs.

Results

NT-proBNP was significantly higher in Group B than in Group A (P < 0.0001), and was the only tested variable significantly different between survivor and non-survivor dogs in both groups (P < 0.05). In the whole canine population, a threshold of 1500 pmol/L could discriminate survivor from non-survivor dogs with a sensitivity and specificity of 80% and 73%, respectively. When combining ISACHC class with NT-proBNP levels, a cut-off of 1265 pmol/L was predictive of survival in Group A, whereas the cut-off was 2700 pmol/L for Group B.

Conclusions

NT-proBNP is correlated with MVD severity and could be used in combination with clinical status to predict cardiac outcome.     

Resistance mechanisms and farm-level distribution of fecal Escherichia coli isolates resistant to extended-spectrum cephalosporins in pigs in Spain

Introduction

Fecal Escherichia coli isolates showing a phenotype of reduced susceptibility or resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins are common among pigs in Spain. The aim of this study was to describe the main beta-lactam resistance mechanisms carried by these strains and their distribution at farm-level.

Materials and methods

Twenty-nine E. coli isolates showing reduced susceptibility or resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins were collected from a sampling frame of 80 pig farms distributed over 13 Spanish provinces. The survey was carried out at the slaughterhouse level in 2004.

Results

Of the 29 isolates, 21 (72%) met the criteria for a positive phenotypic confirmatory test for extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL). The following ESBLs were detected: SHV-12 (12 isolates, 41%), CTX-M-1 (three isolates, 10%), CTX-M-9 (three isolates, 10%), and CTX-M-14 (three isolates, 10%). The remaining eight isolates (28%) were phenotypically non-ESBL, with seven of them (24%) showing mutations on the chromosomal ampC gene promoter at positions −42 (C → T), −18 (G → A), −1 (C → T), and +58 (C → T). A multiplex PCR for detection of plasmidic class C beta-lactamases was negative for all isolates.

Conclusion

Different ESBLs and other mechanisms linked to extended-spectrum cephalosporin resistance are widely distributed among fecal E. coli from slaughter pigs in Spain.     

L-Arginine inhibiting pulmonary vascular remodelling is associated with promotion of apoptosis in pulmonary arterioles smooth muscle cells in broilers

Objective

Pulmonary vascular remodelling is one of the important pathological bases of broiler pulmonary hypertension syndrome (PHS). Nitric oxide (NO) has been found to inhibit proliferation and to induce apoptosis in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (SMC) in mammals with pulmonary hypertension. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of NO precursor l-arginine on pulmonary vascular remodelling in broilers with pulmonary hypertension induced by cold exposure and to examine whether NO-induced apoptosis in pulmonary arteriole SMC is involved in the regulatory mechanisms.

Methods

Two hundred and forty mixed-sex commercial broilers were equally assigned to three groups and reared in normal brooding temperatures before day 14. Starting on day 14 continuing until the end of the experiment, the control group was brooded in normal temperatures whereas the other two groups were subjected to low ambient temperatures with or without l-arginine added to the basal diets. Cumulative PHS mortality and body weight were recorded in each group. Right/total ventricle ratio (RV/TV), plasma NO concentration and pulmonary vascular morphological changes were analyzed. TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay was used to detect apoptosis in pulmonary arteriole SMC.

Result

l-Arginine, in group A, had no effect on body weights under cold temperature condition. Birds kept in group B had increased PHS mortality, RV/TV ratio, vessel wall area/vessel total area ratios (WA/TA) and mean media thickness in pulmonary arterioles (mMTPA) (P < 0.05). Percentages of apoptotic SMC in pulmonary arterioles in group B were not altered by cold exposure (P > 0.05). Supplemental dietary l-arginine in group A elevated plasma NO level (P < 0.05), reduced PHS mortality (P < 0.05), attenuated pulmonary vascular remodelling and increased the percentages of apoptotic SMC (P < 0.05) when compared with the group B.

Conclusion

Supplemental l-arginine partially inhibited pulmonary vascular remodelling that occurred secondary to increased pulmonary pressure; NO-induced apoptosis in arteriole SMC might contribute to its regulatory effect on pulmonary vascular structural changes.     

Prokinetic effects of cisapride, naloxone and parasympathetic stimulation at the equine ileo-caeco-colonic junction

The electromyogram of the terminal ileum, the caecum and the proximal right ventral colon was recorded in fasted conscious ponies receiving intravenously equiactive doses of pilocarpine (0.05 mg/kg) and carbachol (0.01 mg/kg) as acetylcholine analogues; cisapride (0.1 mg/kg) and metoclopramide (2 mg/kg) facilitating acetylcholine release from myenteric neurones and naloxone (0.05 mg/kg) as an antagonist of the endogenous inhibitory opioid system. Both cisapride and naloxone induced typical migrating spike bursts in the colon associated with contractions of caecal body and caecal base. Both pilocarpine and carbachol stimulated the terminal ileum but had opposite effects on the activity of the caeco-colonic segment which was decreased by pilocarpine and increased by carbachol. High doses of metoclopramide had weak and unspecific stimulatory motor effects. It is concluded that a true prokinetic effect at the equine ileo-caeco-colonic junction requires a motor profile which includes coordination between contractions sequentially involving the body and the base of the caecum and migrating spike bursts on the proximal colon. Such changes in the motor profile were produced by cisapride and naloxone and to a lesser extent by carbachol.     

Assessment of the effects of erythromycin, neostigmine, and metoclopramide on abomasal motility and emptying rate in calves

OBJECTIVE: To determine and compare the effects of erythromycin, neostigmine, and metoclopramide on abomasal motility and emptying rate in suckling calves. ANIMALS: 6 male Holstein calves (15 to 40 days of age). PROCEDURE: Calves were monitored for 1 hour before being fed milk replacer (60 mL/kg; time, 0 minutes) and then were monitored for another 3 hours. Calves received 6 treatments in randomized order: erythromycin (8.8 mg/kg, IM) at -30 minutes; low-dose erythromycin (0.88 mg/kg, IM) at -30 minutes; erythromycin (8.8 mg/kg, IM) at -30 minutes and neostigmine (0.02 mg/kg, SC) at -30 and 90 minutes; neostigmine (0.02 mg/kg, SC) at -30 and 90 minutes; metoclopramide (0.1 mg/kg, IM) at-30 and 90 minutes; and placebo (2 mL of saline [0.9% NaCl] solution, SC) at -30 minutes. Abomasal volume was calculated from ultrasonographic measurements of abomasal width, length, and height. Abomasal motility and emptying rate were assessed by measuring luminal pressure and change in abomasal volume over time. RESULTS: Administration of erythromycin (8.8 mg/kg) increased the frequency of abomasal luminal pressure waves and the mean abomasal luminal pressure and decreased the half-time of abomasal emptying by 37%. Administration of metoclopramide, neostigmine, and low-dose erythromycin (0.88 mg/kg) did not alter abomasal motility, mean luminal pressure, or emptying rate. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that administration of erythromycin at the labeled antimicrobial dose (8.8 mg/kg, IM) exerted an immediate, marked prokinetic effect in healthy suckling calves, whereas administration of metoclopramide or neostigmine did not alter abomasal motility or emptying rate.     

Postnatal autonomic activity in the preterm lamb

Background

Early postnatal abnormalities of autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity, including at baseline and following cardiorespiratory challenge, are involved in apneas-bradycardias of prematurity, apparent life-threatening events of infancy and sudden infant death syndrome. Literature data suggest that baseline ANS activity does not mature normally after premature birth.

Objectives

This study performed in preterm lambs was aimed at assessing ANS maturation at baseline and following laryngeal chemoreflexes (LCR), a group of reflexes triggered by the contact of liquids with the laryngeal mucosa.

Methods

Heart rate variability (HRV) and baroreflex sensitivity (BRs) were measured at baseline and after LCR during polysomnographic recordings performed in five non-sedated lambs born 15 days prematurely. Laryngeal chemoreflexes were induced by distilled water or acid (pH 2) during sleep and wakefulness on postnatal days 7 (D7) and 14 (D14, full-term equivalence).

Results

While the life-threatening cardiorespiratory events of the LCR observed at D7 were no longer present at D14, baseline and post-LCR HRV and BRs indices were significantly lower at D14 compared to D7 (up to p < 0.001). These results suggest that an initial autonomic overactivity was present at D7 and normalized at D14.

Conclusion

The autonomic cardiac and baroreflex control appears to follow a specific evolution in the preterm compared to the full-term newborn lamb, with an important initial autonomic stress, which normalizes at an age equivalent to full-term. Potential relevance of these findings in relation to anomalies of cardiac control in the early postnatal period, such as apneas-bradycardias of prematurity, apparent life-threatening events of infancy and sudden infant death syndrome, awaits further studies.     

Evaluation of pacing site in dogs with naturally occurring complete heart block

Objective

To compare left ventricular synchronization and systolic performance with transvenous pacing of the right ventricular apex (RVA), left ventricular free wall (LVF) or simultaneous pacing of the RVA and LVF (BiV).

Animals, materials and methods

Seven canine patients with complete heart block. Prospective study evaluating effect of pacing site. Twenty four hours following implantation of transvenous BiV pacing systems, electrocardiograms and echocardiograms were assessed during pacing from the: (1) Right Atrial Appendage/RVA (RAA/RVA), (2) RAA/LVF, and (3) RAA/BiV.

Results

QRS duration was significantly shorter with BiV pacing versus LVF pacing (p < 0.001), or RVA pacing (p < 0.001). Echocardiographic indices of systolic performance fractional shortening (FS), ejection fraction (EF), cardiac output (CO) were significantly higher with BiV pacing than with pacing from the RVA (P = 0.023, 0.006, and 0.002 respectively). Cardiac output, measured by the biplane Simpson's method, was higher with LVF versus RVA pacing (P = 0.036). There was no difference in FS or EF when comparing LVF to RVA pacing. Tissue Doppler measurements of synchronization and systolic performance did not show any difference between pacing mode, but a significantly increased number of segments were seen to contract following aortic valve closure during LVF pacing (P = 0.0268) and RVA pacing (P = 0.0197) as compared to BiV pacing.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that BiV pacing improves cardiac output and systolic performance versus RVA pacing. This improvement however, is not reflected in tissue Doppler indices of synchronization and systolic performance.     

A systematic review-meta-analysis of chilling interventions and a meta-regression of various processing interventions for Salmonella contamination of chicken

Context

The results of individual studies investigating the efficacy of chilling and other processing interventions on Salmonella prevalence or concentration in broiler chicken carcasses are inconsistent or contradictory.

Objective

Determine efficacy of chilling on reducing Salmonella prevalence or concentration on broiler carcasses using systematic review-meta-analysis, and explore sources of heterogeneity among studies investigating various processing interventions through meta-regression.

Data sources

A comprehensive search included electronic search in six databases, manual search of reference lists of topic-related articles, and consultation with five topic experts to assure that all relevant intervention research was identified.

Study inclusion

Primary intervention research, published in English, encompassing control, challenge, cohort, or before-and-after study designs investigating the efficacy of any chilling or other processing interventions on Salmonella prevalence or concentration in broiler chicken carcasses.

Risk of bias assessment and data extraction

Data pertaining to study methodology and reported results, chilling or other processing intervention parameters, populations sampled and outcomes measured were assessed for methodological soundness and extracted by two independent reviewers using pretested checklists.

Results

Random-effects meta-analyses of immersion chilling with chlorine (n = 9 trials), acetic acid (n = 16) and potable water (n = 13) trended towards reductions in the odds or log₁₀ CFU/ml of Salmonella. Significant heterogeneity (P-value ≤ 0.1 and I² > 25%) precluded the reporting of pooled summary effect estimates. Meta-regression of all processing interventions indicated that serotype, disinfectant type and treatment time and pH were significantly associated with studies reporting reductions in concentration while study design, population sampled, study setting, publication date, intervention and disinfectant type, and treatment pH were significantly associated with studies reporting reductions in prevalence. Methodological and reporting flaws were consistently observed in relevant intervention research as well as a lack of studies conducted under commercial conditions and using Salmonella concentration outcomes.

Conclusions

Chilling may be effective at reducing Salmonella concentration and prevalence, but significant heterogeneity precluded reporting of pooled summary effect estimates for many chilling interventions. Investigations into potential sources of heterogeneity among all processing interventions found that the use of other chemical disinfectants, such as organic acids and surfactants might result in larger reductions in Salmonella contamination than more commonly utilized oxidizing agents like chlorine.     

Assessment of the diagnostic accuracy of circulating cardiac troponin I concentration to distinguish between cats with cardiac and non-cardiac causes of respiratory distress

Objective

To determine if serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI) concentrations can distinguish cardiac from non-cardiac causes of respiratory distress (RD) in cats.

Animals, materials and methods

53 cats. cTnI concentrations were measured in 30 cats with non-cardiac respiratory distress (RD-NC) and compared to 23 cats with RD due to congestive heart failure (RD + CHF).

Results

The RD + CHF group had higher median cTnI concentration (0.94 ng/ml interquartile range IQR 0.54-4.00, range <0.20 - 90.14) than the RD-NC group (<0.2 ng/ml IQR < 0.2-0.33, range <0.20-41.1, p < 0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.842 (95% CI 0.728-0.955) for the receiver operator curve (ROC) analysis of the accuracy of cTnI concentrations to discriminate RD + CHF from RD-NC cats. A cut-off of ≥ 0.81 ng/ml discriminated RD + CHF from RD-NC cats with a sensitivity and specificity of 65.2% and 90.0% respectively. However considerable overlap in cTnI concentrations between the 2 groups was identified.

Conclusions

Serum cTnI concentrations were different in RD + CHF compared to RD-NC cats. However the overlap in cTnI concentrations between the 2 groups reduced the clinical efficacy of the assay which therefore should not be used as a stand-alone test but in combination with other diagnostics such as echocardiography and radiography.     

Expression of PDGF-β receptor in broilers with pulmonary hypertension induced by cold temperature and its association with pulmonary vascular remodeling

Objective

The purpose of the present study was to characterize the relationship between platelet-derived growth factor β receptor (PDGF-β receptor) expression and pulmonary vascular remodeling found in broilers subjected to cold temperature beginning at 14 days of age.

Method

One hundred and sixty-one-day-old mixed-sex Avian-2000 commercial broilers were randomly divided into a normal temperature group (control) and a cold temperature group (cold). All the birds were brooded in normal temperature up to day 14, with the lighting schedule at 24 h per day. Starting at day 14, birds in the cold group were moved to a pen in the cold house and subjected to low temperature, while birds in the control group were still brooded at normal temperature. On days 14, 23, 30, 37 and 44, the right/total ventricle weight ratio (RV/TV), packed cell volume (PCV), the vessel wall area to vessel total area ratio (WA/TA), mean media thickness in pulmonary arterioles (mMTPA) and the expression of PDGF-β receptor in pulmonary arterioles were measured, respectively. Cumulative pulmonary hypertension syndrome (PHS) morbidity was recorded in each group.

Results

Cool ambient temperature increased PHS morbidity of broilers. The values of WA/TA and mMTPA were also increased significantly compared with control group. PCV values in the cold temperature group were elevated from days 30 to 44, and RV/TV ratios were increased on days 37 and 44. Cold exposure enhanced PDGF-β receptor expression in pulmonary arterioles, and the PDGF-β receptor expression was significantly correlated with pulmonary vascular remodeling that was dedicated by increased WA/TA and mMTPA.

Conclusion

The results indicated that PDGF-β and its receptor were involved in the underlying mechanisms of pulmonary vascular remodeling in pulmonary hypertensive broilers.     

Quantification of pulmonary to systemic flow ratio by a Doppler echocardiographic method in the normal dog: Repeatability, reproducibility, and reference ranges

Objective

To determine if the pulmonary to systemic flow ratio (Qp/Qs) could be assessed in healthy awake dogs using Doppler echocardiography.

Background

Qp/Qs could provide reliable information in assessing the severity of intracardiac shunts (ICS) by quantifying pulmonary overcirculation. Qp/Qs has been validated against electromagnetic flowmeter methods in experimental canine models. However, its clinical applicability in awake dogs has never been assessed.

Animals, materials and methods

Six healthy dogs were used to determine the repeatability and reproducibility of the technique (Study 1); Qp/Qs was then prospectively assessed in 50 healthy dogs (Study 2). In both studies Qp/Qs was calculated in awake animals using a standardized Doppler echocardiographic method.

Results

Within- and between-day coefficients of variation for Qp/Qs were <10% (Study 1). For Study 2, a relatively wide range of Qp/Qs was found (reference range = 0.71-1.29; mean ± SD = 1.00 ± 0.15).

Conclusions

Qp/Qs can be assessed with good repeatability and reproducibility in healthy dogs. However, the wide range of Qp/Qs obtained in the healthy population may suggest a limited usefulness of this variable for accurately assessing ICS severity in diseased animals. This needs to be assessed in further prospective and longitudinal studies including a large number of animals with ICS of various grades.     

Validation of a digital audio recording method for the objective assessment of cough in the horse

Aim

To validate the use of digital audio recording and analysis for quantification of coughing in horses.

Materials and methods

Part A: Nine simultaneous digital audio and video recordings were collected individually from seven stabled horses over a 1 h period using a digital audio recorder attached to the halter. Audio files were analysed using audio analysis software. Video and audio recordings were analysed for cough count and timing by two blinded operators on two occasions using a randomised study design for determination of intra-operator and inter-operator agreement. Part B: Seventy-eight hours of audio recordings obtained from nine horses were analysed once by two blinded operators to assess inter-operator repeatability on a larger sample.

Results and conclusions

Part A: There was complete agreement between audio and video analyses and inter- and intra-operator analyses. Part B: There was >97% agreement between operators on number and timing of 727 coughs recorded over 78 h. The results of this study suggest that the cough monitor methodology used has excellent sensitivity and specificity for the objective assessment of cough in horses and intra- and inter-operator variability of recorded coughs is minimal.     

Cardiac troponin I and C-reactive protein concentrations in dogs with severe pulmonic stenosis before and after balloon valvuloplasty

Objective

To report cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations in dogs with severe pulmonic stenosis (PS) before and after balloon valvuloplasty (BV).

Background

Increased morbidity and mortality have been reported with severe PS and histopathologic evidence of myocardial damage is demonstrated with BV. Severity of myocardial injury and inflammation associated with severe PS and BV, as assessed by cTnI and CRP, is unknown.

Animals, materials and methods

Serum cTnI and CRP concentrations were measured in dogs with severe PS (n = 23) and following BV (n = 16).

Results

Baseline cTnI and CRP were elevated in 7/23 (30.4%) and 8/23 (34.8%) dogs. Median cTnI at baseline and post-BV were 0.20 ng/mL (range, 0.20-1.29 ng/mL) and 2.85 ng/mL (range, 0.21-55.40 ng/mL), respectively. Median CRP at baseline and post-BV were 3.40 μg/mL (range, 0-14.70 μg/mL) and 11.70 μg/mL (range, 4.20-120 μg/mL), respectively. Post-BV concentrations were significantly increased compared to baseline for cTnI (p < 0.001) and CRP (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Serum cTnI and CRP are increased in dogs with severe PS and following BV. Future studies should evaluate whether biomarkers correlate with severity and prognosis of PS or can be used to guide therapy.     

Twenty-four hour Holter monitoring of unsedated healthy cats in the home environment

Objective

To determine the heart rate, rhythm, number of ventricular premature complexes (VPCs) and atrial premature complexes (APCs) in unsedated cats using Holter monitoring.

Animals, materials and methods

Twenty-three healthy client owned cats were used. Clinical examination, blood pressure measurements, echocardiographic examination and serum biochemical analysis were performed. A lightweight Holter was used in the home environment.

Results

Three-lead electrocardiographic registrations of good quality were obtained from all cats. Normal sinus rhythm was present in all cats. The median heart rate was 165 beats per minute (bpm), range 70-303 bpm. Mean heart rate varied significantly with age and gender. Sinus arrhythmia occurred intermittently in 18 cats (78%). Uncommon ventricular premature complexes occurred in 18 (78%) of the cats. The median number of VPCs per cat was 3 complexes/24 h period, range 0-146. Cats 7-15 years of age had significantly more VPCs than cats 1-6 years of age (median 6 versus 1 per 24 h period, p = 0.04). A single APC occurred in one cat (4%).

Conclusions

Cats commonly have intermittent sinus arrhythmia. Many healthy cats have rare single VPCs per 24 h period. Old cats have significantly more VPCs than young cats. The heart rate varies significantly with age and gender.     

The T wave in the V10 precordial electrocardiographic lead is negative in healthy Chihuahua dogs

Objectives

The T wave polarity in the V10 precordial electrocardiographic (ECG) lead in Chihuahuas is described as positive in the veterinary literature. The aim of this study was to investigate the polarity of the T wave in the V10 precordial ECG lead in clinically healthy Chihuahuas. Our null hypothesis was that healthy Chihuahuas have a negative T wave in V10.

Animals, materials and methods

In this prospective study, 67 healthy breeder-owned Chihuahuas were used. A physical examination, 10-lead ECG and an echocardiogram were performed on each dog.

Results

No cardio-respiratory abnormalities were revealed in any of the otherwise healthy dogs. Three out of 67 ECGs were of insufficient quality because of baseline artifacts due to movement of the animal. Two other ECGs showed a nearly iso-electric T wave in the V10 lead. The remaining 62 ECGs showed negative T waves in the V10 lead. Right ventricular hypertrophy was excluded with echocardiography in all dogs.

Conclusion

In contrast to previous reports, we found that healthy Chihuahuas have negative T wave in the V10 precordial ECG lead.     

Growth performance,apparent nutrient digestibility,caecal fermentation,ileal morphology and caecal microflora of growing rabbits fed diets containing probiotics and prebiotics

Ninety eight male, mixed breed weaner rabbits were used in a 70 day feeding trial to study the performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, caecal fermentation, ileal morphology and caecal microflora of growing rabbits fed diets containing Prediococcus acidilactis (1×10¹⁰ cfu/g; 0.5 g/kg), Bacillus cereus (1×10⁹ cfu/g; 0.5 g/kg), mannan oligosaccharides (MOS; 1 g/kg), arabinoxylans oligosaccharides (AX; 1 g/kg), oxytetracycline (1 g/kg), or synbiotics (TGI; 1 g/kg). A basal diet containing no feed additive was formulated. There were 14 rabbits per treatment. Rabbits fed diets containing MOS had the highest (P<0.05) final live weight and weight gain. Dietary inclusion of prebiotics (MOS, AX) resulted in higher (P<0.05) weight gains and improved feed to gain ratios. Rabbits fed diets containing MOS showed the highest (P<0.05) while those fed diets containing probiotics (Prediococcus acidilactis, Bacillus cereus) had the least (P<0.05) caecal total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration. Rabbits fed diets containing prebiotics (MOS, AX) had longer ileal villi than groups fed with other treatments (P<0.05). Inclusion of various additives showed reduced caecal coliform counts. The lowest (P<0.05) lactobacillus count was obtained in the caecal content of rabbits fed diets containing MOS. Poor growth response was obtained with rabbits fed diets containing Prediococcus acidilactis or Bacillus cereus while inclusion of prebiotics in growing rabbits resulted in improved growth and gut morphology. Rabbits fed diet containing MOS showed the highest overall final live weight, weight gain, total VFA concentration and reduced caecal lactobacillus count.     

Effects of dietary Selenomethionine supplementation on growth performance,antioxidant status,plasma selenium concentration,and immune function in weaning pigs

Background

This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of DL-selenomethionine (DL-SeMet) supplementation on growth performance, antioxidant status, plasma selenium (Se) concentration, and immune function of weaning pigs. 216 weaning pigs were randomly allocated to 6 treatments with 6 replicates each according to a complete randomized block design. Each replicate had six pigs. Diet of group one was corn-soybean basal diet without any additional Se supplement. Group 2 was supplemented with 0.3 mg/kg of Se from sodium selenite. Groups 3-6 were supplemented with 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7 mg/kg of Se from DL-SeMet, respectively. The trial lasted for 42 days.

Results

Pigs supplemented with 0.3 and 0.7 mg/kg DL-SeMet obtained better feed gain ratio (P < 0.05). The best antioxidant ability (serum, liver, and muscle) was shown in 0.1-0.3 mg/kg DL-SeMet groups (P < 0.05). The plasma Se concentration increased as the dietary DL-SeMet level elevated. The immunity among groups was not affected.

Conclusions

DL-SeMet supplementation in the diet significantly improved the growth performance, antioxidant ability and plasma Se content of weaning pigs. DL-SeMet can replace sodium selenite in the diet of weaning pigs.