Distribution Difference of Microsatellite in 7 Domestic Animals Genomes

To investigate whether difference in SSRs distribution of 7 domestic animals genomes, the microsatellite sequence were searched by using MSDB (Microsatellite Search and Building Database) and analyzed in pig, horse, cow, goat, sheep, chicken and dog genomes.Preliminary results showed that SRRs number, frequency and density were found to be largely variable among these animals.The most abundant distribution was observed in dog genome with 1 436 242 identified SSRs loci.The minimum SSRs (276 564) number was found in chicken genome.Yet, the minimum SSRs (430 760) frequency and density were found in horse genome.Among these SSRs, mononucleotide repeat type motif was the most abundant and pentanucleotide repeat type motif was the rarest in all animals.Meanwhile, all the dominant SSRs for different repeat types were abundant in nucleotide A and T.In addition, there was variability among 7 animals of SSRs distribution.In general, SSRs distribution was the most similar in cow, goat and sheep genomes, and chicken was the most different from other animals.The results also showed that the length of microsatellite ranged mainly from 12 to 20 bp in all animals, which might be due to selection pressure of convergence.In short, these results revealed difference as well as conservation in SSRs distribution among different domestic animals genomes.In particular, genetically close animals tended to have similar SSR distribution patters.This would provide a basis for subsequent research of SSRs function.     

7种家养动物全基因组微卫星分布的差异研究

为了研究7种家养动物全基因组微卫星的分布是否存在差异,本试验利用软件MSDB搜索了猪、马、牛、山羊、绵羊、鸡和犬7种家养动物全基因组微卫星序列,并对其进行了分析研究。初步结果显示,7种家养动物全基因组微卫星在数量、丰度和密度上都存在差异,其中数量、丰度和密度最高的是犬,共1 436 242个位点,数量最少的是鸡,共276 564个位点,但丰度和密度最低的是马,共430 760个位点。对这些微卫星的分析表明,所有物种全基因组中单碱基重复微卫星最丰富,六碱基重复微卫星数量最少,且6种重复类型的优势微卫星都富含碱基A和T。除这些共同点之外,微卫星的分布规律也存在差异。总的来说,牛、山羊、绵羊微卫星的分布规律最为相似,鸡与其他物种微卫星的分布规律相差最远。分析还发现,7种动物微卫星长度大多集中在12~20 bp之间,这可能是受到趋同选择压力的结果。据以上可以推测,物种间微卫星的分布存在差异,但也存在一定的保守性,且物种间亲缘关系越近,微卫星的分布也越相似。以上结果为以后微卫星的功能研究提供依据。     

The influence of relative resistance and urea-supplementation on deliberate infection with Teladorsagia circumcincta during winter

The consequences for lambs of infection over the winter with Teladorsagia circumcincta were quantified by deliberate, trickle infection of selected animals at 7 months of age. Infected and control uninfected animals were each allocated into four groups, relatively resistant animals on a normal diet, relatively resistant animals on an isocaloric diet supplemented with urea, and relatively susceptible animals on the same two diets. Resistance and susceptibility was assessed by faecal egg counts following natural infection during the summer preceding the deliberate infection. During the deliberate infection egg counts remained low and most parasites recovered at necropsy were inhibited larvae. Nonetheless, infection reduced weight gain, decreased albumin and fructosamine concentrations and provoked a noticeable pepsinogen and eosinophil response. As most larvae were inhibited these responses may have been largely a consequence of immuno-inflammatory responses in the host rather than the direct action of parasites themselves. Relatively resistant animals on the supplemented diet allowed fewer larvae to establish and had higher fructosamine concentrations, higher albumin concentrations and decreased pepsinogen responses. Therefore, a combination of relatively resistant sheep and nutritional supplementation appears most efficient at controlling infection.     

A familial degenerative neuromuscular disease of Gelbvieh cattle.

A degenerative skeletal muscle disease with vascular, neurologic, and renal lesions and a probable familial distribution was identified in 4-20-month-old purebred Gelbvieh cattle. Thirteen affected animals were confirmed from 6 separate beef herds, with a mortality rate of 100%. Clinical signs in affected animals consisted of ataxia, weakness, and terminal recumbency. Gross and histologic muscle lesions were indicative of nutritional myopathy of ruminants, with a lack of myocardial lesions in most cases and only rare myocardial changes in a few animals. Acute to chronic lesions in most large skeletal muscle groups consisted of degeneration, necrosis, regeneration, fibrosis, and atrophy. Fibrinoid necrosis of arterioles was a common feature in multiple tissues. Lesions in the spinal cord white matter and peripheral nerves consisted of degeneration of the dorsal columns and axons, respectively. Changes in the kidneys consisted of chronic interstitial nephritis with fibrosis, hyaline droplet change and tubular epithelial vacuolar change and were most severe in the older calves. Intracytoplasmic myoglobin and iron were demonstrated within the hyaline droplets in degenerate renal cortical tubular epithelial cells. Vitamin E levels were deficient in most (6/7) of the animals tested. Investigation of the pedigree of affected animals revealed a common ancestry for all but 1 of the animals whose parentage could be traced. This investigation suggests that a hereditary metabolic defect, possibly involving antioxidant metabolism, could be responsible for this condition. Renal disease, possibly secondary to myoglobinuria, may be unique to this bovine condition.     

Culling and wastage in dairy cows in East Anglia

A culling survey in 80 Friesian dairy herds in East Anglia over four years investigated the age at, and reasons for, disposal or death. Failure to conceive was the most important reason except in very old animals. Low production was the second most common reason, culling being particularly heavy in the first two lactations. Mastitis was the major disease influencing wastage and increased with age until the sixth lactation. The percentage of culls for multiple reasons increased with age. There was a high proportion of young animals in most herds and the median lactating life of cows was about three years, equivalent to three lactations. Considerable variation in herd life demonstrated that there was substantial scope for improving herd longevity. Long living herds culled fewer animals for breeding problems in the early lactations and for mastitis in the later ones, enabling more animals to be culled as surplus and for production factors.     

Traumatic rupture of the ureter: 10 cases

A retrospective study was performed on eight dogs, one cat, and one ferret with ruptured ureters secondary to blunt trauma. The most common physical examination findings were abdominal distension/discomfort (in five of 10 animals) and gross hematuria (in five of six animals). Multiple organ injury was also common (in seven of 10 animals). Loss of retroperitoneal and peritoneal detail was the most common radiographic finding (in four of six animals). Ureteronephrectomy was the most common surgical procedure (performed in five out of seven procedures). Three of the five cases discharged were available for follow-up and have had no evidence of associated problems.     

Fungal urinary tract infections in the dog and cat: a retrospective study (2001-2004)

Thirty-five animals (23 dogs, 12 cats) with fungal urinary tract infections (UTIs) were retrospectively studied. Dysuria, hematuria, increased frequency of micturition, anorexia, depression, and pyrexia were the most common clinical signs noted. Seven species of fungi were identified in the affected animals. Candida albicans was the most common isolate. Most animals diagnosed with fungal UTI also had other concurrent urinary tract or medical problems. Lower urinary tract diseases, diabetes mellitus, neoplasia, and renal failure were the most common concurrent or preceding diseases identified. Resolution of fungal UTI occurred in 12 animals that received specific antifungal treatment.     

Myelitis and meningitis.

Animals with meningomyelitis have clinical neurologic signs that typically range from paraspinal discomfort to tetraplegia; however, most affected animals also show evidence of multifocal CNS involvement with brain stem and cerebral cortical structures being affected most commonly. The cause, duration, and host response to the disease process will determine the clinical signs in individual animals. Confirmation of a specific causative agent is difficult, but CSF analysis and immunotesting of serum and CSF yield the most rewarding diagnostic results. Successful treatment is based on formulation of an appropriate and aggressive therapeutic regimen. In some diseases, no effective treatment is available, and some animals may develop permanent neurologic disabilities.     

The relationship of systemic phycomycosis and aspergillosis,in cattle showing clinical signs of disease,to the occurrence of lesions in different organs

Cases of systemic phycomycosis and aspergillosis in cattle with clinical signs of disease were recorded from the literature. The incidence of these conditions in animals of different ages was noted in conjunction with the organ in which the lesions were found. The forestomachs and abomasum were considered separately from other affected organs. Phycomycosis was most commonly associated with the lungs and the other organ most frequently affected was the liver. Aspergillosis was a comparatively, rare event but appeared to affect the same organs. Of the stomach compartments, lesions occurred most often in the abomasum and the age of the animals may be important. Lesions in the lymph nodes are generally associated with animals showing no clinical signs of disease.     

DNA vaccines for veterinary medicine

DNA vaccination represents one of the most recent novel approaches to vaccine development. Experimentally, DNA vaccines induce a broad range of long lasting immune responses including humoral and cell-mediated immunity against infectious diseases in humans and animals. Furthermore, DNA vaccines are potentially useful for the treatment of autoimmune diseases or cancer. However, most information on the efficacy of DNA vaccines has been generated in mice and studies in larger animals are limited. In this review, the potential application of DNA vaccines in livestock and pet animals are discussed. The principle of this new technology, its potency and future perspectives for use in veterinary medicine will be outlined.     

口蹄疫自然感染动物与免疫动物鉴别诊断研究进展

口蹄疫是偶蹄动物高度接触性传染病 ,能引起巨大经济损失。国际兽医局将其列为 A类动物传染病之首。除发达国家外 ,大多数发展中国家都采用注射疫苗的办法来控制该病的流行。因此如何区分感染动物和免疫动物是口蹄疫防制中迫切需要解决的问题。目前口蹄疫灭活疫苗的生产工艺可以将绝大部分的非结构蛋白除去 ,因而灭活疫苗免疫动物只能产生结构蛋白抗体 ,而感染动物能产生结构蛋白抗体 ,也能产生非结构蛋白抗体 ,因此 ,检测非结构蛋白抗体为鉴别口蹄疫感染动物与免疫动物提供了美好前景。文章从鉴别诊断的原理 ,非结构蛋白的免疫特性 ,鉴别诊断所面临的问题及解决方案 ,应用非结构蛋白作为鉴别诊断抗原的研究现状等方面进行了综述。     

Endoscopic balloon dilation of benign esophageal strictures in dogs and cats

Endoscopic balloon dilation of benign esophageal strictures was performed in 18 dogs and 10 cats with a median age of 4 years. Stricture formation was associated with a recent anesthetic episode in 18 patients. Regurgitation was the most common clinical sign and was present a median of 4 weeks before dilation. Most animals had a single stricture; median diameter was 5 mm, and median length was 1 cm. Esophagitis and mucosal fibrosis were detected in 9 patients each. Dilation was performed with progressively increasing diameter balloons, from 6 to 20 mm. After dilation, mucosal hemorrhage was mild to moderate in most patients. Esophageal perforation was the only serious complication and occurred in 1 patient. Postdilation therapy consisted of administration of cimetidine, metoclopramide, sucralfate, and prednisone in most animals. The median number of dilation procedures performed in each animal was 2, with a range of 1-5. The median interval between dilations was 13 days. Stricture diameter markedly increased with subsequent dilations. Median duration of follow-up was 131 weeks. A successful outcome occurred in 88% of patients, with most animals able to eat canned, mashed, or dry food without regurgitation. Mucosal fibrosis was associated with a better clinical response score, while increasing age was weakly associated with fewer dilations. The dilation protocol used in this group of animals was safe and efficacious.     

Pathology of Sarcocystis campestris infection in Richardson''s ground squirrels (Spermophilus richardsoni).

Richardson's ground squirrels were infected with 1500 or 9000 sporocysts of Sarcocystis campestris from badgers. No lesions were found in animals killed one to three days postinfection (pi). Hepatitis and phlebitis of hepatic veins were present in animals killed between four and eight days pi. No meronts were detected in these animals, but the lesions suggested that a generation of merogony occurred in the hepatic veins. Meronts were found in endothelial cells in many tissues beginning on day 9 pi. They were most numerous on day 10 pi, and less so on day 11, and subsequently. Meronts were most numerous in the lung; none was found in liver or spleen. Four of ten squirrels infected with 1500 sporocysts in one trial died between days 11 and 13 pi. There were petechial hemorrhages in skeletal muscle, lung, serosal membranes, and brain in these animals, with microscopic evidence of pulmonary, myocardial, and brain injury. One animal infected with 9000 sporocysts had petechiae in the liver at six days pi. Foci of inflammation were visible in the myocardium and brain of animals killed to 64 days pi. This species may serve as an experimental model for sarcocystosis in domestic animals.     

Chronic diaphragmatic hernia in 34 dogs and 16 cats

Medical records of 34 dogs and 16 cats undergoing surgical repair of diaphragmatic hernia of >2 weeks' duration were reviewed, and long-term follow-up information was obtained. The most common clinical signs were dyspnea and vomiting; however, many of the animals were presented for nonspecific signs such as anorexia, lethargy, and weight loss. Thoracic radiographs revealed evidence of diaphragmatic hernia in only 66% of the animals, and additional imaging tests were often needed to confirm the diagnosis. Thirty-six hernias were repaired through a midline laparotomy; 14 required a median sternotomy combined with a laparotomy. In 14 animals, division of mature adhesions of the lungs or diaphragm to the herniated organs was necessary to permit reduction of the hernia. Fourteen animals required resection of portions of the lungs, liver, or intestine. All hernias were sutured primarily without the use of tissue flaps or mesh implants. Twenty-one of the animals developed transient complications in the postoperative period; the most common of these was pneumothorax. The mortality rate was 14%. Thirty-four (79%) of the animals that were discharged from the hospital had complete resolution of clinical signs, and none developed evidence of recurrent diaphragmatic hernia during the follow-up period. Nine were lost to follow-up.     

Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus in dogs and cats: an emerging problem?

There is concern over transmission of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) between animals and humans. The spread of hospital-acquired and community-acquired MRSA is a major challenge in human medicine. MRSA is rarely isolated from animals but methicillin resistance occurs in staphylococci that are more prevalent in animals. MRSA infections in animals are uncommon and most are associated with exposure to medical hospitals, extensive wounds, prolonged hospitalisation and immunosuppression. The risk to human health appears to be small but a survey of methicillin-resistant staphylococci in animals is required. Thorough investigation of possible zoonotic infections to establish linkage is encouraged. Medical and veterinary staff should appreciate that animals can carry MRSA, cooperate in eliminating infections and monitor animals in medical environments. Veterinary clinics should implement guidelines for dealing with MRSA. Responsible antibiotic use should minimise the spread of antibiotic resistance but a UK monitoring scheme is desirable.     

Myopathy and Myoglobinuria in Feedlot Cattle

Myopathy and myoglobinuria occurred in a group of feedlot cattle in Alberta following transportation. The condition was associated with a deficiency of selenium (Se) in grain and hay fed to these animals on their premises of origin. Clinical findings in affected animals were characterized by a normal body temperature, stiffness, sternal recumbency and the passage of red or coffee-colored urine. Treatment with injectable Se-vitamin E was followed by the recovery of most affected animals within two weeks.     

生长激素分泌释放的生物技术调控

生长激素是调节动物生长的众多激素中最重要的一种。调控动物生长激素分泌释放是调控动物生长的重要方式。本文综述了目前存在的运用生物技术调控动物生长激素分泌释放的方法 ,包括 :注射外源生长激素、注射外源生长激素释放因子、生长抑素免疫、转GH GRF基因动物以及GRF基因直接转移 ,并指出GRF基因直接转移是最有前途的调控动物生长激素分泌释放的方法。     

转基因动物研究进展

转基因动物是现代生物技术中一个极其重要的研究领域，目前已经有转基因小鼠、兔、绵羊、山羊、猪、牛、鸡和鱼等多种转基因动物问世。本文综述了转基因动物的制作方法、转基因动物的应用研究以及所取得的重要成就，并指出了转基因动物存在的主要问题，展望了其发展前景。     

Pneumoperitoneum in dogs and cats: 39 cases (1983-2002)

OBJECTIVE: To identify the most common causes of pneumoperitoneum in dogs and cats and determine history, clinical features, and outcome of affected animals. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 31 dogs and 8 cats. PROCEDURES: Medical records were reviewed for signalment; history; abnormal physical, clinicopathologic, and radiographic findings; results of cytologic analysis and bacterial culture of abdominal fluid; gross and histologic findings at surgery or necropsy; and outcome. RESULTS: Pneumoperitoneum was classified as spontaneous in 25 animals and traumatic in 14. Causes of traumatic pneumoperitoneum included vehicular impact, gunshot wounds, abdominal dog bite wounds, and iatrogenic pneumothorax. Spontaneous pneumoperitoneum was caused by gastrointestinal tract perforation in 23 animals; underlying causes included neoplasia, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug administration, and corticosteroid administration. Two animals developed spontaneous pneumoperitoneum after bladder rupture. Animals with spontaneous pneumoperitoneum were significantly older and had clinical signs of longer duration than those with traumatic pneumoperitoneum. Sixteen animals survived, including 15 of 23 animals that underwent surgery. Animals that survived had significantly higher serum albumin concentrations than did animals that died or were euthanatized. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although pneumoperitoneum is most often attributable to perforation of a hollow viscus, other causes do exist. Early exploration is recommended for diagnosis and treatment of the underlying condition.