Simpson's Method of Discs for Measurement of Echocardiographic End‐Diastolic and End‐Systolic Left Ventricular Volumes: Breed‐Specific Reference Ranges in Boxer Dogs

Background

Boxer dogs are predisposed to congenital and adult onset cardiac diseases. Breed‐specific reference values for M‐mode and Doppler echocardiographic measurements previously have been established. Left ventricular (LV) end‐systolic (ESV) and end‐diastolic volumes (EDV) can be measured by M‐mode or two‐dimensional methods, such as Simpson''s method of discs (SMOD). Reference ranges for SMOD‐derived LV volumes are lacking.

Objectives

To determine reference intervals for EDV and ESV in Boxer dogs.

Animals

Previously collected data from 85 healthy Boxers (37 males and 48 females) were used for analysis.

Methods

Simpson''s method of discs‐derived EDV and ESV were measured using offline analysis by 1 observer, in both the right parasternal and the left apical views. Measurements were compared between both views and between male and female dogs using a t‐test. Reference intervals were established using the mean + 2 × SD.

Results

Measurements obtained from both views showed good agreement, and mean EDVI and ESVI, indexed to body surface area (BSA), were calculated. Reference intervals were 49–93 mL/m² for EDVI, and 22–50 mL/m² for ESVI. EDV and ESV were significantly higher in males compared with females, when indexing to BSA, but not when indexing to body weight.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

The upper limit for ESVI exceeds the previously suggested cut‐off of 30 mL/m² for detection of systolic dysfunction. The reference intervals generated in this study should be useful clinically in the assessment of LV size and function in Boxer dogs.     

Vaccine‐Associated Leptospira Antibodies in Client‐Owned Dogs

Background

Long‐term microscopic agglutination test (MAT) results after vaccination with 4‐serovar Leptospira vaccines are not available for all vaccines used in client‐owned dogs.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To determine antibody responses of client‐owned dogs given 1 of 4 commercially available Leptospira vaccines.

Animals

Healthy client‐owned dogs (n = 32) with no history of Leptospira vaccination for at least the previous year.

Methods

Dogs were given 1 of 4 Leptospira vaccines on week 0 and then approximately on week 3 and week 52. Sera were collected before vaccine administration on week 0 and then within 3 days of week 3, within 2 days of week 4, and approximately on weeks 7, 15, 29, 52, and 56. Antibody titers against Leptospira serovars bratislava, canicola, grippotyphosa, hardjo, icterohemorrhagiae, and pomona and were determined by MAT.

Results

When compared among vaccines, MAT results varied in maximal titers, the serovars inducing maximal titers, and the time required to reach maximal titers. Each vaccine induced at least some MAT titers ≥1 : 800. Most dogs were negative for antibodies against all serovars 1 year after vaccination, and anamnestic responses were variable.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Dogs vaccinated with Leptospira vaccines have variable MAT titers over time, and antibodies should not be used to predict resistance to Leptospira infection. MAT titers ≥1 : 800 can develop after Leptospira spp. vaccination, which can complicate the clinical diagnosis of leptospirosis.     

Exencephaly in chicken‐pheasant hybrids

1. The incidence of exencephaly was investigated in chicken‐pheasant hybrids.

2. With the pheasant as sire, fertility was 7.lb6%, but with the fowl it was 19.lb5%; hatchability of fertile eggs, however, was similar, 42% and 41% respectively.

3. Only one exencephalic hybrid was obtained when the sire was the pheasant but 70 were noted when the fowl was sire. The incidence of this malformation in hatched chicks was 12 times more in crosses with the fowl as sire than in the reverse cross.

4. The frequency of exencephaly was greater with Rhode Island Red, Barred Leghorn or White Leghorn roosters than with Columbian Rock roosters.     

Irradiation‐induced off‐odour in chicken and its possible control

1. Volatiles isolated from irradiated raw chicken were analysed by gas chromatography (GC) in conjunction with olfactory assessment of the effluent carrier gas to locate compounds with strong smells.

2. Sixteen odours of differing intensities were registered, some, but not others, coinciding with recognisable GC peaks. Identifications were made on the basis of retention data, mass spectrometric information and odour quality agreement.

3. Dimethyltrisulphide was found to be the most potent and obnoxious compound (foul gas, sulphurous), followed by cis‐3‐ and trans‐6‐nonenals (soapy), oct‐1‐en‐3‐one (mushroom) and bis(methylthio‐)methane (foul). With the exception of oct‐1‐en‐3‐one, none of these compounds has been reported before in irradiated raw chicken.

4. α‐Tocopherol and ascorbic acid induce stability in tissues in vivo and post mortem. Chickens were reared on diets supplemented with high concentrations (800 mg/kg food) of each of these vitamins. Yields of irradiation volatiles from the tissues of these birds were very much reduced, compared to yields from similar tissues from birds fed unsupplemented diets.

5. Concomitantly with the reduced yield of volatiles, less odour was associated with the samples when analysed by GC‐olfactory analysis.

6. The use of enhanced concentrations of the two vitamins in combination in the diet of poultry may provide a means of controlling development of off‐odour in irradiated raw chicken, thus improving acceptability to the consumer.     

N‐Terminal Pro‐C‐Natriuretic Peptide and Cytokine Kinetics in Dogs with Endotoxemia

Background

Serum N‐terminal pro‐C‐natriuretic peptide (NT‐proCNP) concentration at hospital admission has sufficient sensitivity and specificity to differentiate naturally occurring sepsis from nonseptic systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). However, little is known about serum NT‐proCNP concentrations in dogs during the course of sepsis.

Objective

To determine serum NT‐proCNP and cytokine kinetics in dogs with endotoxemia, a model of canine sepsis.

Samples

Eighty canine serum samples.

Methods

Eight healthy adult Beagles were randomized to receive Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 5 μg/kg) or placebo (0.9% NaCl) as a single IV dose in a randomized crossover study. Serum collected at 0, 1, 2, 4, and 24 hours was stored at −80°C for batch analysis. Serum NT‐proCNP was measured by ELISA and 13 cytokines and chemokines by multiplex magnetic bead‐based assay.

Results

Serum NT‐proCNP concentrations did not differ significantly between LPS‐ and placebo‐treated dogs at any time. When comparing serum cytokine concentrations, LPS‐treated dogs had higher interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), IL‐10, TNF‐α and KC‐like at 1, 2, and 4 hours; higher CCL2 at 1, 2, 4, and 24 hours; and higher IL‐8 and CXCL10 at 4 hours compared to placebo‐treated dogs. There were no differences in serum GM‐CSF, IFN‐γ, IL‐2, IL‐7, IL‐15 or IL‐18 between LPS‐ and placebo‐treated dogs.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Serum NT‐proCNP concentration does not change significantly in response to LPS administration in healthy dogs. Certain serum cytokine and chemokine concentrations are significantly increased within 1–4 hours after LPS administration and warrant further investigation as tools for the detection and management of sepsis in dogs.     

The incidence of breast‐blister down‐grading in broiler chickens

1. A survey was conducted into down‐grading due to breast blisters at a large processing plant.

2. The relationships between incidence of down‐grading and age, body weight, sex, size of rearing site and its distance from the processing plant, and various weather conditions during the rearing period of each flock were examined using regression analysis.

3. Age and body weight and rearing site size were the only factors significantly correlated with amount of blistering.     

Cyclooxygenase‐2 and 5‐Lipoxygenase in Dogs with Chronic Enteropathies

Background

Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) is a key enzyme in the synthesis of pro‐inflammatory prostaglandins and 5‐lipoxygenase (5‐LO) is the major source of leukotrienes. Their role in IBD has been demonstrated in humans and animal models, but not in dogs with chronic enteropathies (CCE).

Hypothesis

COX‐2 and 5‐LO are upregulated in dogs with CCE.

Animals

Fifteen healthy control dogs (HCD), 10 dogs with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and 15 dogs with food‐responsive diarrhea (FRD).

Methods

Prospective study. mRNA expression of COX‐2, 5‐LO, IL‐1b, IL‐4, IL‐6, TNF, IL‐10 and TFG‐β was evaluated by quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR in duodenal and colonic biopsies before and after treatment.

Results

COX‐2 expression in the colon was significantly higher in IBD and FRD before and after treatment (all P < .01). IL‐1b was higher in FRD in the duodenum after treatment (P = .021). TGF‐β expression was significantly higher in the duodenum of HCD compared to FRD/IBD before treatment (both P < .001) and IBD after treatment (P = .012). There were no significant differences among groups and within groups before and after treatment for IL‐4, IL‐6, TNF, and IL‐10. There was a significant correlation between COX‐2 and IL‐1b in duodenum and colon before treatment in FRD and IBD, whereas 5‐LO correlated better with IL‐6 and TNF. IL‐10 and TGF‐β usually were correlated.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

COX‐2 is upregulated in IBD and FRD, whereas IL‐1b and TGF‐β seem to be important pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines, respectively. The use of dual COX/5‐LO inhibitors could be an interesting alternative in the treatment of CCE.     

Zollinger‐Ellison Syndrome in a cat

Summary

Zollinger‐Ellison Syndrome in a 12‐year old castrated male European Shorthair cat is described. The clinical symptoms were vomiting, weight loss, listlessness and alternating diarrhoea and obstipation.

An endocrine tumour near the pancreatic duct had metastasised to the liver. Many duodenal ulcers were present. Immunohistochemistry revealed cells positive for gastrin and neuronspecific enolase (NSE) scattered throughout the tumour.     

Congenital tremor in Holstein Friesian‐cattle

Summary

In a female family line of Holstein‐Friesian cattle a series of trembling calves was born within a period of ten years. All trembling animals were male; female calves appeared normal At necropsy of one calf severe degenerative lesions of spinal cord and brain white matter were observed Both myelin and axons were lost and some macrophages occurred within digestion chambers. Obviously degenerated neurones were not found The lesion was interpreted as a single recessive sex‐linked hereditary trait.     

The effectiveness of in‐plant chlorination in poultry processing

1. Sampling carcasses after plucking or after the post‐evisceration spray‐wash showed that 10 or 20 ppm available chlorine in the processing‐plant water supply caused little reduction in carcass contamination.

2. When 20 ppm chlorine was used in the water supply to parts of the processing‐plant other than the mechanical immersion chilling system, counts of faecal and spoilage bacteria from carcasses were reduced approximately 10‐fold after passage through the chilling system; bacterial numbers were correspondingly decreased in the chiller water due to a carry‐over of chlorine from the final spray‐washer.

3. Artificial contamination of carcasses with a readily identifiable strain of Escherichia coli confirmed the occurrence of cross‐contamination during plucking and evisceration; in‐plant chlorination reduced neither the proportion of carcasses contaminated nor the numbers of organisms transferred at these stages.

4. In most cases the chlorine‐resistance of poultry spoilage pseudo‐monads was greater than that of E. coli; hence in‐plant chlorination is to be recommended for processing‐plant water supplies which carry such spoilage organisms.     

Genetic variation in feather‐pecking behaviour

1. Chicks reared from 1 d old were classified as either feather peckers or feather pecked at about 3 weeks of age.

2. Subsequent analysis of the pecking propensities of the birds showed that there was an inherited component in this behaviour.     

Sphericity Index and E‐Point‐to‐Septal‐Separation (EPSS) to Diagnose Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Doberman Pinschers

Background

E‐point‐to‐septal‐separation (EPSS) and the sphericity index (SI) are echocardiographic parameters that are recommended in the ESVC‐DCM guidelines. However, SI cutoff values to diagnose dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) have never been evaluated.

Objectives

To establish reference ranges, calculate cutoff values, and assess the clinical value of SI and EPSS to diagnose DCM in Doberman Pinschers.

Animals

One hundred seventy‐nine client‐owned Doberman Pinschers.

Methods

Three groups were formed in this prospective longitudinal study according to established Holter and echocardiographic criteria using the Simpson method of disk (SMOD): control group (97 dogs), DCM with echocardiographic changes (75 dogs) and “last normal” group (n = 7), which included dogs that developed DCM within 1.5 years, but were still normal at this time point. In a substudy, dogs with early DCM based upon SMOD values above the reference range but still normal M‐Mode measurements were selected, to evaluate if EPSS or SI were abnormal using the established cutoff values.

Results

ROC‐curve analysis determined <1.65 for the SI (sensitivity 86.8%; specificity 87.6%) and >6.5 mm for EPSS (sensitivity 100%; specificity 99.0%) as optimal cutoff values to diagnose DCM. Both parameters were significantly different between the control group and the DCM group (P < 0.001), but were not abnormal in the “last normal” group. In the substudy, EPSS was abnormal in 13/13 dogs and SI in 2/13 dogs.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

E‐point‐to‐septal‐separation is a valuable additional parameter for the diagnosis of DCM, which can enhance diagnostic capabilities of M‐Mode and which performs similar as well as SMOD.     

Veld‐tipes, ‐probleme en weidingnavorsing in die Oranje‐vrystaatstreek

Uittreksel

Die Oranje‐Vrystaatsrteek is ‘n baie belangrike veeboerderygebied in die Republiek van Suid‐Afrika. Nege hoof‐veldtipes word in die Streek onderskei en elk is kortliks bespreek. Oor‐ en selektiewe beweiding, bos‐en gifplantindringing en gronderosie is die belangrikste probleme wat die veld en boerderypotensiaal van die streek bedreig. Weidingnavorsing word hoolsaaklik op en vanaf twee sentra geloods, naamlik, die Land‐bounavorsinginstituut, Glen en Armoedsvlaktenavorsingstasie, Vryburg. Navorsingswerk aan Glen bestaan grootliks uit veldbeheer‐, veldontblarings‐ en veldbemestingsprojekle asook vermeerbos‐, outekologiese en fisiologiese navorsing. Veldbeheer en ekologiese aspekte van die vermeerbosprobleem word koöperatief op plase in Griekwaland‐Wes ondersoek. Bosindringinig is die ernstige veldprobleem wat die Molopogebied bedreig, gevolglik word by Armoedsvlakte die meesle navorsing toegespits op veldbeheer en veldteklamasie en die beheer en bekamping van hosindringing.     

Phase II Evaluation of VDC‐1101 in Canine Cutaneous T‐Cell Lymphoma

Background

Canine cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL) is an uncommon disease for which efficacious therapies are lacking. The novel anticancer nucleotide prodrug VDC‐1101 (formerly known as GS‐9219) has shown efficacy in dogs with multicentric lymphoma. One of the observed adverse effects with this drug was a skin change characterized by hair loss, erythema, and pruritus, implying delivery of VDC‐1101 to the skin.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The primary study objective was to identify the objective response rate (ORR) to VDC‐1101 in canine CTCL; secondary objectives included characterization of progression‐free survival (PFS) and adverse events (AEs).

Animals

Twelve dogs with chemotherapy‐naïve or relapsed, histologically and immunohistochemically confirmed CTCL.

Methods

Dogs received VDC‐1101 as a 30‐minute IV infusion once every 21 days. Prednisone (1 mg/kg PO q48h) was administered concurrently.

Results

In 11 evaluable patients, responses included 1 complete response (CR), 4 partial responses (PR), 2 stable disease (SD), and 4 progressive disease for an ORR of 45% and biologic response rate (CR/PR/SD) of 64%. The median PFS was 37.5 days (26 to >399 days), which includes 1 durable and ongoing CR (>1 year). Gastrointestinal and hematologic AEs were mild; no dogs developed grade 3 or 4 AEs. Three dogs developed dermatopathies and 1 of these dogs was removed from the study as a result of this AE.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

VDC‐1101 has activity against canine CTCL and could provide another treatment option in a disease process with a poor prognosis.     

Crimidine (2‐chloro‐4‐(dimethylamino)‐6‐methylpyrimidine) poisoning in a dog due to ingestion of the rodenticide Castrix®

The diagnosis and treatment of a case of crimidine poisoning in a dog are described. Presenting signs were seizures and vomiting. The vomitus contained a purple coloured cereal grain. The signs and grain colour were suggestive for a rodenticide with convulsive effects The diagnosis of crimidine poisoning was made by thin layer chromatography and was later confirmed by finding the source of the poison. Except for the administration of Vit B6, the specific antidote for crimidine, general treatment principles for poisoning were followed. The treatment of crimidine poisoning is time consuming and requires intensive care facilities.     

Cage size and flooring preferences in litter‐reared and cage‐reared hens

1. Pullets (Ross Rangers) reared commercially either in cages or on deep litter were tested for their responses to small (0.38 × 0.43 m) and large (0.76 x 0.86 m) cages with wire floors and to small and large cages with litter floors.

2. When tested at 29 weeks of age, the birds' responses were significantly affected both by cage size (large preferred to small) and by flooring (litter preferred to wire).

3. No difference in cage preference was apparent between cage‐reared and litter‐reared birds either when they were first tested at 17 weeks or when they were re‐tested at 29 weeks. Birds do not have to be reared on litter in order to be attracted by it.     

Time‐budgeting in meat chickens grown commercially

1. Observations were made for 1‐h periods on 19 birds aged from 27 to 50 d in a commercial meat chicken flock. Data were collected on the frequency, the total proportion of time spent in different behaviour patterns, and sequencing of behaviour.

2. Sixty‐four percent of time was spent lying. Individuals engaged in up to 41 separate lying bouts, which suggests that the birds were restless rather than resting.

3. Interrupted rest was sometimes caused by birds standing on each other; on other occasion it may have served to increase heat loss.

4. The frequency and duration of eating and drinking amongst individuals was variable. Neither dust‐bathing nor agonistic behaviour were observed and their absence may reflect the lack of importance of these behaviour patterns in meat chickens.     

Persistent right oviduct in ring‐necked pheasant

1. A right oviduct, approximately two‐thirds the length of the left oviduct, and with a separate opening into the cloaca was observed in a female Ring‐necked pheasant.

2. It is suggested that interference of the synthesis of Mullerian inhibiting factor from the gonads may have allowed its development.