Appraisal of the ‘penumbra effect’ using lingual pulse oximetry in anaesthetized dogs and cats

ObjectiveFactors described as contributors to the ‘penumbra effect’ in relation to pulse oximetry include optical shunting, circulatory anastomoses and probe parallelity. This study aimed to clarify the main underlying mechanism involved.Study designProspective clinical trial.AnimalsA total of 30 dogs and 15 cats (client-owned).MethodsIn anaesthetized dogs and cats, a pulse oximeter probe was placed on the tongue to measure haemoglobin oxygen saturation (SpO₂) and perfusion index. In 15 dogs, the probe was positioned at the root (baseline) of the tongue, then at 0.5 and 1 cm rostral to it, to investigate the effect of circulatory anastomoses on SpO₂ values. In cats (which do not have lingual arteriovenous anastomoses), the probe was positioned at the root and apex of the tongue. To assess the effect of probe parallelity on SpO₂ values in dogs, two lines were drawn parallel to the planes of the light-emitting diode and the detector surfaces and the intersection angle calculated using ImageMeter Pro, Google Play. In a further 15 dogs, the probe was placed at the tongue edge (0% optical shunt), with 50% optical shunt, then with the 50% optical shunt shielded. Data were analysed using Friedman’s test, Student t test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient (p < 0.05).ResultsIn dogs, SpO₂ values were significantly higher at 1.0 cm than at baseline (p < 0.0001). In cats, there were no significant differences in SpO₂ values at each location. There was no significant difference in SpO₂ between 0% and 50% optical shunt in dogs. SpO₂ had a moderate negative correlation with tongue thickness and negligible correlation with intersection angle.Conclusions and Clinical relevanceCirculatory anastomoses are probably responsible for observed changes in SpO₂ as the probe is placed towards an extremity, rather than optical shunting or probe parallelity.     

Molecular and serological detection of animal and human vector-borne pathogens in the blood of dogs from Côte d’Ivoire

In Côte d’Ivoire, limited information are available on vector-borne pathogens, their prevalence and distribution. Here, we assess the occurrence and diversity of canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) in Abidjan and Yamoussoukro cities. Blood from a total of 123 dogs were tested for Leishmania infantum and Ehrlichia canis antibodies and screened for Leishmania and Trypanosoma spp., Piroplasmida, Filariidae and Anaplasmataceae by PCR and sequencing. Among dogs, 39 % were positive for at least one pathogen. Seroprevalences were: 15.4 % and 12.2 % for L. infantum and E. canis, respectively. DNA of L. infantum and T. congolense (4.1 %), Baabesia vogeli (1.6 %), Filariidae (Dirofilaria immitis, D. repens and Acanthocheilonema reconditum) (10.6 %) has been detected. Anaplasmataceae were detected in (17.1 %) and E. canis was the only identified specie. Co-infections were observed in 13.8 % of dogs: E. canis-L. infantum co-infection was the most prevalent (4.9 %). Age, breed and sex of dogs do not seem to influence infections. Village dogs were more susceptible to CVBDs than kennel dogs (PV = 0.0000008). This study reports for the first time the presence of L. infantum, B. vogeli, A. reconditum, D. immitis and D. repens in dogs from Côte d’Ivoire and determines the prevalence and diversity of CVBD pathogens. The results indicate that human and animal pathogens are abundant in Ivoirian dogs which requires attention of veterinarians, physicians and authorities against these diseases, especially against major zoonosis such as visceral leishmaniasis (L. infantum).     

Molecular epidemiological and phylogenetic analyses of canine parvovirus in domestic dogs and cats in Beijing, 2010–2013

Fifty-five samples (15.62%) collected from dogs and cats were identified as canine parvovirus (CPV) infection in Beijing during 2010–2013. The nucleotide identities and aa similarities were 98.2–100% and 97.7–100%, respectively, when compared with the reference isolates. Also, several synonymous and non-synonymous mutations were also recorded for the first time. New CPV-2a was dominant, accounting for 90.90% of the samples. Two of the 16 samples collected from cats were identified as new CPV-2a (12.5%), showing nucleotide identities of 100% with those from dogs. Twelve samples (15.78%) collected from completely immunized dogs were found to be new CPV-2a, which means CPV-2 vaccines may not provide sufficient protection for the epidemic strains.     

The detection of “Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos” in cattle and buffalo in China

“Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos” is a hemoplasma species found in cattle and has been recently reported in Switzerland and Japan. In this study, “Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos” was shown to occur in cattle and buffalo in tropical China by PCR amplification and sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene from blood samples. Based on the 16S rDNA sequence, a specific PCR assay was developed. Occurrence of “Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos” in cattle and buffalo in Guangxi, China, was determined by examining 25 buffalo blood samples, 12 yellow cattle blood samples and 42 dairy cow blood samples. The results showed that 32% (8/25) of buffalo, 41.7% (5/12) of yellow cattle, and 14.3% (6/42) of dairy cows were positive for “Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos”, respectively. Direct sequencing of representative PCR products confirmed that the amplified partial 16S rDNA sequence represented “Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos”. This is the first report of “Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos” in buffalo, yellow cattle, and dairy cows in China.     

Development and use of real-time PCR to detect and quantify Mycoplasma haemocanis and “Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum” in dogs

Two canine haemoplasma species have been recognised to date; Mycoplasma haemocanis (Mhc), which has been associated with anaemia in splenectomised or immunocompromised dogs, and “Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum” (CMhp), recently described in an anaemic splenectomised dog undergoing chemotherapy. The study aim was to develop quantitative real-time PCR assays (qPCRs) incorporating an endogenous internal control to detect Mhc and CMhp and to apply these assays to DNA samples extracted from canine blood collected in Northern Tanzania (n = 100) and from dogs presented to a Trinidadian veterinary hospital (n = 185).QPCRs specific for Mhc and CMhp were designed using 16S rRNA gene sequence data, and each was duplexed with an assay specific for canine glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). The assays detected ≤10 copies of a sequence-specific haemoplasma plasmid per reaction and neither assay showed cross-reactivity with 10⁶ copies of the sequence-specific plasmid from the non-target canine haemoplasma species.Nineteen of the 100 Tanzanian samples (19%) were positive for Mhc alone and one (1%) was dually infected. One Trinidadian sample was negative for canine GAPDH DNA and was excluded from the study. Of the 184 remaining Trinidadian samples, nine (4.9%) were positive for Mhc alone, five (2.7%) for CMhp alone, and two (1.1%) dually infected.This is the first report of canine haemoplasma qPCR assays that use an internal control to confirm the presence of amplifiable sample DNA, and their application to prevalence studies. Mhc was the most commonly detected canine haemoplasma species.     

Veld condition in the south‐eastern Transvaal and its effect on grazing capacity

Abstract

A survey conducted on sites throughout the south‐eastern Transvaal, representing 1,4 million hectares of natural veld has confirmed the parlous state of composition, cover and vigour. The implications which these conditions hold, not only for conservation of soil and water resources, but also for the livestock industry in this area, with specific reference to the current grazing capacity of the veld, are discussed.     

The effect of remifentanil infusion on sevoflurane minimum alveolar concentration–no movement (MACNM) and bispectral index in dogs

ObjectiveTo determine the effect of remifentanil infusion on the minimum alveolar concentration of sevoflurane preventing movement (SEVOMAC_NM) and bispectral index (BIS) in dogs.Study designProspective, unmasked study.AnimalsA total of 10 adult Beagle dogs weighing 9.0 ± 1.1 kg.MethodsDogs were anesthetized with sevoflurane and baseline SEVOMAC_NM was determined. Remifentanil was infused at 5, 10 and 20 μg kg^–1 hour^–1, in sequence, with 20 minutes washout between infusions. Variables monitored throughout anesthesia included heart rate (HR), oscillometric blood pressure, end-tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide, end-tidal sevoflurane concentration (Fe′Sevo) and BIS. SEVOMAC_NM after remifentanil infusion (SEVOMAC_NM-REMI) determination started 20 minutes after the start of each infusion. Venous blood samples were collected for plasma remifentanil concentration determination at baseline, SEVOMAC_NM-REMI determination time points, and 20 minutes after each infusion was stopped. A mixed model analysis was used to determine the effect of remifentanil infusion on response variables. The relationships between BIS and Fe′Sevo, plasma remifentanil concentrations and the percentage decrease in baseline SEVOMAC_NM were evaluated (p < 0.05).ResultsThe overall SEVOMAC_NM at baseline was 2.47 ± 0.11%. Addition of remifentanil at all infusion rates significantly decreased SEVOMAC_NM, but the medium and high doses resulted in significantly greater decreases in SEVOMAC_NM than the lower dose. There was no difference in SEVOMAC_NM percentage change between infusions 10 and 20 μg kg^–1 hour^–1. Plasma remifentanil concentrations were significantly different in all infusion rates. Baseline BIS value was 70 ± 1 and was lower than the BIS values recorded during all remifentanil infusions. BIS values were not significantly different among infusion rates. HR was lower and mean arterial pressure was higher during remifentanil infusions than at baseline.Conclusions and clinical relevanceAll remifentanil infusions decreased SEVOMAC_NM in dogs. Remifentanil infusion at any rate studied did not reduce BIS values.     

Effects of increasing dietary rye levels on physicochemical characteristics of digesta and its impact on stomach emptying as well as the formation of ‘doughballs’ in stomachs of young pigs

Despite quite similar contents of starch and crude fibre of wheat and rye, the unique non-starch-polysaccharide fraction of rye (e.g. high levels of arabinoxylans and fructans) might have an impact on physicochemical properties of the digesta in pigs. Forty pigs (age: 46.8 ± 5.28 days; bodyweight: 16.1 ± 4.13 kg) were divided into four treatment groups. During four weeks, the pigs received diets consisting of wheat and/or rye, barley, soy, potato protein and a mineral supplement. The sum of wheat and rye was 69% in all diets, whereby the compound feed of each group was characterized by a different ratio (%) of wheat/rye (69/0; 46/23; 23/46; 0/69, respectively). In the stomach, ‘doughballs’ occurred more frequently with increasing dietary rye levels (9/10; 69% rye). With higher DM content and extract-viscosity of gastric digesta, the stomach emptying tended to be retarded in rye groups. Compared to the control group (69% wheat), maximum dietary rye levels (69%) resulted in significantly higher concentrations of lactic acid in digesta of the stomach and small intestine. With increasing lactic acid concentrations, the pH tended to be lower in small intestinal digesta. With an intensified formation of lactic acid, effects against Gram-negative bacteria, for example Salmonella, can be expected. Moreover, because of higher viscosity and the retarded stomach emptying, there could be advantages of including rye in compound feeds when a longer lasting satiety is intended, for example when feeding pregnant sows (regularly fed restrictively).     

Molecular studies on oestrogen α and progesterone receptors and histomorphometric analysis of canine uteri following aglepristone treatment

Aglepristone, a competitive progesterone antagonist, is successfully used in various progesterone-dependent conditions. This study investigated uterine histomorphometric analysis, and expressions of the oestrogen α receptor (ERα) and progesterone receptor (PR) in uteri of bitches following the single dose of aglepristone treatment. Twelve client-owned healthy diestrous bitches were used in the study. The single dose of aglepristone (Alizine^®, 10 mg/kg) was injected subcutaneously 5 days before ovariohysterectomy in the treatment group (n = 6); bitches without treatment served as a control group (n = 6). Uteri were collected for histomorphometric analysis, ERα and PR gene, and protein expressions studies. The mRNA expressions of ERα and PR were determined by RT-qPCR. Immunohistochemical analysis was used to evaluate the ERα and PR protein expressions using an H-score in five parts of the uterus. The results demonstrated glandular epithelium height significantly decreased (p < .05) and ERα mRNA increased (p < .01) in treated dogs. Of the treated bitches, lower expression levels of ERα were observed in the luminal epithelium, crypt and glandular epithelium, with higher expression in the endometrial stroma and myometrium (p < .05); however, PR expression decreased in the luminal epithelium, crypt and glandular epithelium (p < .01). In conclusion, reduction of the uterine glandular epithelium and ERα mRNA upregulation together with changes in ERα and PR expressions were observed in the treated bitches. However, changes in uterine ERα and PR expressions in the treated bitches depended on tissue layers. The treatment had no effect on serum oestradiol and progesterone levels.     

Molecular characterization of quinolone resistance mechanisms and extended-spectrum β-lactamase production in Escherichia coli isolated from dogs

The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistances is now a worldwide problem. Investigating the mechanisms by which pets harboring resistant strains may receive and/or transfer resistance determinants is essential to better understanding how owners and pets can interact safely. Here, we characterized the genetic determinants conferring resistance to β-lactams and quinolones in 38 multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli isolated from fecal samples of dogs, through PCR and sequencing. The most frequent genotype included the β-lactamase groups TEM (n = 5), and both TEM + CTX-M-1 (n = 5). Within the CTX-M group, we identified the genes CTX-M-32, CTX-M-1, CTX-M-15, CTX-M-55/79, CTX-M-14 and CTX-M-2/44. Thirty isolates resistant to ciprofloxacin presented two mutations in the gyrA gene and one or two mutations in the parC gene. A mutation in gyrA (reported here for the first time), due to a transversion and transition (TCG → GTG) originating a substitution of a serine by a valine in position 83 was also detected. The plasmid-encoded quinolone resistance gene, qnrs1, was detected in three isolates. Dogs can be a reservoir of genetic determinants conferring antimicrobial resistance and thus may play an important role in the spread of antimicrobial resistance to humans and other co-habitant animals.     

The effect of different dietary levels of sodium and chloride on performance and blood parameters in goslings (1–28 days of age)

A total of 702 1-day-old male Jiangnan White goslings were used to study the effects of varying levels of Na⁺ and Cl⁻ on their growth performance and blood parameters. In this experiment, goslings were randomly allotted to nine treatments, with six pens per treatment in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement, and fed diets with three concentrations of added Na⁺ (0.10%, 0.15% and 0.20%) and three concentrations of added Cl⁻ (0.15%, 0.20% and 0.25%). The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the sensitivity of goslings to Na⁺ and Cl⁻ during brooding to determine the appropriate levels of Na⁺ and Cl⁻ in their feed. The results are as follows: (a) Different levels of Na⁺ and Cl⁻ in the diet, especially low Na⁺ and Cl⁻, significantly affected the body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG) and feed/gain ratio (F/G) of the 28-day-old goslings (p < .05). But Na⁺ × Cl⁻ has no significant effect on water consumption (p > .05). (b) Serum concentrations of urea increased linearly with Na⁺ content (p < .05). Serum concentrations of creatinine (CR) and uric acid (UA) increased linearly with Cl⁻ content (p < .05). (c) Na⁺ × Cl⁻ has a significant impact on the serum sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl; p < .05). The content of serum Na and Cl increased linearly with increasing levels of Na⁺ and Cl⁻. These results show that low levels of Na⁺ and Cl⁻ had significant adverse effects on the growth of 1- to 28-day-old goslings. The results of the experiment support a recommendation to supplement the diet of goslings with 0.20% Cl⁻ and not <0.15% Na⁺.     

Molecular detection of Shiga toxin–producing and antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli isolates from buffaloes in southwest of Iran

Tropical Animal Health and Production - Three hundred fifteen bacteriological samples were obtained from feces and both external and visceral cavity surfaces of carcasses of 105 healthy buffalo...     

Fortification of pork loins with docosahexaenoic acid(DHA) and its effect on flavour

Pork is traditionally low in docosahexanoic acid(DHA, C22:6n-3) and deficient in omega-3 fats for a balanced human diet. DHA as triglycerides was commercially prepared from the microalgae Schizochytrium and injected into fresh pork loins. Treatments of a mixed brine control(CON), 3.1% sunflower oil in mixed brine(SF) and a 3.1% DHA oil in mixed brine(DHA) were injected into pork loins at 10 mL/100 g and grilled at 205°C. After cooking, the CON and SF pork loins contained 0.03 to 0.05 mg DHA/g of pork and the DHA injected loins contained approximately1.46 mg DHA/g. This also changed the fatty acid profile of omega-6: omega-3 from, 5 to 1 in the CON pork, to a ratio of 1.7 to 1 in DHA pork. The appearance, odor, oxidation rates and sensory taste, as judged by a trained panel,determined the DHA injected meat to be, ‘slightly desirable' and gave lower ‘off flavour' scores, relative to the CON and SF injected pork. Pork can be fortified with DHA oil to 146 mg/100 g serving, which would meet half the recommended daily omega 3 fatty acid requirements for adult humans and would be desirable in taste.     

Intestinal parasites of dogs and cats in Australia: The veterinarian’s perspective and pet owner awareness

During a recent national study of intestinal parasites in dogs and cats in Australia, questionnaires were submitted to veterinarians and pet owners to evaluate from a veterinary and public health standpoint the veterinarians’ perception, awareness and knowledge of gastrointestinal parasites in their locality. The study included sourcing information with regard to commonly recommended deworming protocols. The awareness of pet owners regarding parasitic zoonoses and the degree of education provided to them by veterinarians was also determined.Very few veterinarians routinely discussed the zoonotic potential of pet parasites with clients but most recommended regular prophylactic administration of anthelmintics throughout a pet’s life. Some pet owners were unaware of the existence of zoonoses. It is possible that an overreliance on anthelmintics may have led to a certain complacency about the need to educate pet owners about the risks of zoonoses. Veterinarians are important educators in the community and it is important to evaluate their performance if improvements are to be made.     

Effects of trilostane on the pituitary-adrenocortical and renin–aldosterone axis in dogs with pituitary-dependent hypercortisolism

The medical records of 63 dogs with pituitary-dependent hypercortisolism (PDH) before and during treatment with trilostane were reviewed retrospectively. The correct trilostane dosage in dogs with PDH was based on the resolution of clinical signs and the results of an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test. The mean (±SD) dose rate of trilostane to achieve good clinical control was 2.8 ± 1.0 mg/kg bodyweight. Trilostane treatment resulted in a significant decline in basal plasma cortisol concentrations. The median plasma ACTH concentration (39 pmol/L, range 7–132 pmol/L; n = 60) at the optimal trilostane dosage time was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than before treatment (13 pmol/L, range 2–102 pmol/L). These values did not overlap with plasma ACTH concentrations (range 212–307 pmol/L) of five PDH dogs with trilostane-induced hypocortisolism.The median cortisol/ACTH ratio in well-controlled dogs (0.23, range 0.03–2.5; n = 46) was significantly lower (P < 0.001) than before treatment (2.59, range 0.27–13.25). Trilostane treatment resulted in an insignificant decrease in plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC), but the median plasma renin activity (PRA) at the time the trilostane dosage was considered optimal (265 fmol/L/s, range 70–3280 fmol/L/s; n = 18) was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than prior to treatment (115 fmol/L/s, range 15–1330 fmol/L/s). Similarly, the median PAC/PRA ratio during trilostane treatment (0.16, range 0.003–0.92; n = 17) was significantly lower (P < 0.001) than before treatment (median 0.44, range 0.04–1.33). Trilostane affected both the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical and the renin–aldosterone axes. The results also suggested that basal plasma ACTH concentration may be used to detect trilostane overdosage.     

Effects of dietary dried baker’s yeast on the performance,egg traits and blood parameters in laying quails

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary dried baker’s yeast on laying performance, egg traits and some blood parameters of quails. In the experiment a total of 342 Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) aged ten weeks were equally divided into six groups of 57 (three replicates of 19 quails each). Six levels (0, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20%) of dried baker’s yeast were included in isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets. The experimental period lasted 14 weeks. At the end of the experiment, there were no significant differences among the groups in body weight, feed intake, protein intake, egg production, feed efficiency, egg yolk index and egg haugh unit. Blood serum levels of total protein, triglyceride and cholesterol were not affected by dietary dried baker’s yeast. Diets containing 4 and 8% of dried baker’s yeast increased the egg weight significantly (p < 0.01). The inclusion of dried baker’s yeast at the level of 20% to the diets reduced egg shell thickness and egg albumen height. It is concluded that dried baker’s yeast can be used up to 16% in the diets of laying quails without adverse effects on the measured parameters.