Editorial Note

Abstract In the article "Experimental infection of the possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) with Leptospira interrogans serovar balcanica. I. A comparison of laboratory techniques for the detection of leptospiraemia and leptospiruria" by S. C. Hathaway (N.Z.vet.J.29: 121-5) Tables II and III did not relate to the text. All reprints of this article will contain the correct Tables.     

Localization of glycoconjugates in dog parotid gland by lectin histochemistry

Parotid glands from adult dogs were stained with a battery of seven horseradish peroxidase-conjugated lectins (PNA, UEA, LTA, DBA, SBA, WGA and ConA). In some cases (PNA and DBA) neuraminidase digestion was followed by lectin staining. Acinar cells contained conspicuous quantities of oligosaccharides with terminal sialic acid radicals. Galactosil-(13)N-acetylgalactosamine was the most abundant penultimate sugar linked toN-acetylneuraminic acid. Sialylated components having the terminal dimer sialic acid-N-acetylgalactosamine were found in the acinar cells. Secretory cells presented a heterogeneous distribution of glycoconjugates with terminal fucose and -N-acetylgalactosamine. Fucose,N-acetylglucosamine and -N-acetylgalactosamine were present on the apical cytoplasm and surface of the striated and interlobular duct cells. This glycosidic composition was unaffected by extensive selective breeding. The role of abundant amounts of sialic acid radicals in the oral mucosa was considered.Abbreviations HRP horseradish peroxidase - PBS phosphate-buffered saline see also Tables I and III     

Bioequivalence in dogs of a meloxicam formulation administered as a transmucosal oral mist with an orally administered pioneer suspension product

Lees, P., Cheng, Z., Keefe, T. J., Weich, E., Bryd, J., Cedergren, R., Cozzi, E. Bioequivalence in dogs of a meloxicam formulation administered as a transmucosal oral mist with an orally administered pioneer suspension product. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap.  36 , 78–84. A mucosal mist formulation of meloxicam, administered as a spray into the mouth (test article), was compared for bioequivalence to a pioneer meloxicam suspension for oral administration (reference article). Pharmacokinetic profiles and average bioequivalence were investigated in 20 dogs. The study design comprised a two‐period, two‐sequence, two‐treatment cross‐over design, with maximum concentration (C_max) and area under plasma concentration–time curve to last sampling time (AUC_last) used as pivotal bioequivalence variables. Bioequivalence of the products was confirmed, based on relative ratios of geometric mean concentrations (and 90% confidence intervals within the range 0.80–1.25) for C_max of 101.9 (97.99–106.0) and for AUC_last of 97.24 (94.44–100.1). The initial absorption of meloxicam was more rapid for the test article, despite virtually identical C_max values for the two products. Mean elimination half‐lives were 29.6 h (test article) and 30.0 h (reference article). The meloxicam plasma concentration–time profiles were considered in relation to published data on the inhibition of the cyclooxygenase‐1 (COX‐1) and COX‐2 isoenzymes by meloxicam.     

Characterization of the complex carbohydrates in the zona pellucida of mammalian oocytes using lectin histochemistry

The objective of this study was to characterize the glycoconjugates present in the zona pellucida of the follicular oocytes in sheep, goats and pigs. The zona pellucida was stained with periodic acid-Schiff, low iron diamine, high iron diamine, and nine different lectin horseradish conjugates: Con-A, SBA, DBA, PNA, RCA-I, GSA-II, WGA, LTA and UEA-I. Staining with DBA, PNA, SBA and RCA-I was performed with and without saponification with KOH and sialidase digestion. The results showed the presence of neutral and acidic glycoconjugates with different terminal sugars and also sialic acid radicals in the zona pellucida of all the animals studied. In particular, the positive staining with WGA, SBA, PNA and RCA-I suggests the presence of oligosaccharides with N-acetyl-d-glucosamine and sialic acid linked to the penultimate -N-acetyl-d-galactosamine and to the disaccharide galactosyl-(1-3)-N-acetyl-d-galactosamine. The terminal trisaccharide sialic acid galactosyl-(1-4)-N-acetyl-d-glucosamine was identified only in the zona pellucida of ovine and procine oocytes. Thus, the zona pellucida exhibited species-specific variations in the content and distribution of lectin-binding patterns that may reflect the species specificity of gamete interaction.Abbreviations HID high iron diamine - HRP horseradish peroxidase - LID low iron diamine - PAS periodic acid-Schiff - PBS phosphate-buffered saline; see also Tables I and II     

BOOK REVIEWS

Book reviewed in this article: Necropsy: Procedures and Basic Diagnostic Methods for Practising Veterinarians. AC Strafuss. Charles C Thomas Ticks and Tick Borne Diseases. RW Sutherst.     

An overview of potentially life-threatening poisonous plants in dogs and cats

Objectives: This article discusses the toxicity of the most common poisonous plants known to cause life‐threatening systemic effects or death in dogs and cats as reported to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC). Data sources: The article presents an overview of geographic distribution, toxic principle, clinical signs, clinical chemistry alterations, and treatment of intoxication as reported in the literature and based upon data retrieved from the APCC between January 2001 and December 2003. Summary: Most plant exposures in dogs or cats result in mild to moderate signs of vomiting and diarrhea while liver, kidney, central nervous system, or cardiovascular effects are rare. Some garden or household plants can cause serious systemic effects or death when a small amount of plant material has been ingested. Based on APCC records, the most frequently reported poisonous plants causing serious systemic effects include Lily (Lilium and Hemerocallis spp.), Azalea (Rhododendron spp.), Oleander (Nerium oleander), Sago palm (Cycas spp.), Castor bean (Ricinus communis), Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe spp.), and Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale). Conclusion: Despite the variety of toxins present in the plants listed above, early clinical signs of toxicosis in dogs and cats can be nonspecific and can include vomiting, lethargy, anorexia, salivation, or diarrhea. Cardiac arrhythmias may be present with oleander, azalea, or kalanchoe ingestion. Evidence of liver or kidney damage (Cycas, Lilium, Hemerocallis spp., Ricinus communis) may occur 1–2 days after the exposure. Treatment consists of early decontamination and supportive care and may vary according to the type of plant involved and clinical signs present.     

In vitro antimycoplasmal activity of six Jordanian medicinal plants against three Mycoplasma species

The in vitro effect of six Jordanian traditional medicine plant methanolic extracts were tested against 32 isolates of Mycoplasma species; Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides LC (6), Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capricolum (8) and M. putrefaciens (18), all isolated from either nasal swabs or milk, from sheep and goats in different regions in Jordan. All Mycoplasma species showed susceptibility to Artemisia herba-alba and Artemisia arborescens with MIC ranges from 3.125–12.5 mg/ml. Allium sativum and Punica grantum showed limited activity against some Mycoplasma isolates. Olea europea and Citrullus colocynthis showed no in vitro activity against any of the Mycoplasma species tested. Artemisia herba-alba and Artemisia arborescens may therefore be useful for the treatment of mycoplasma infections. The authors are British Civil Servants and as such their work is subject to British Crown Copyright. This means the exclusive copyright for the article cannot be transferred.     

Transmission of Mycobacterium bovis from experimentally infected ferrets to non-infected ferrets (Mustela furo)

There is an error in the list of authors published for the general article by Qureshi et al. in the August issue of the New Zealand Veterinary Journal (Vol 48, 99–104, 2000) entitled, “Transmission of Mycobacterium bovis from experimentally infected ferrets to non-infected ferrets (Mustelafuro)“. The correct list of authors reads: ”T. Qureshi, R.E. Labes, M. Lambeth, J.F.T. Griffin and C.G. Mackintosh“.     

Best Practices for Planning Events Encouraging Human–Animal Interactions

Educational events encouraging human–animal interaction include the risk of zoonotic disease transmission. It is estimated that 14% of all disease in the USA caused by Campylobacter spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157, non‐O157 STECs, Listeria monocytogenes, non‐typhoidal Salmonella enterica and Yersinia enterocolitica were attributable to animal contact. This article reviews best practices for organizing events where human–animal interactions are encouraged, with the objective of lowering the risk of zoonotic disease transmission.     

Rhodococcus equi (Prescottella equi) vaccines; the future of vaccine development

For decades researchers have been targeting prevention of Rhodococcus equi (Rhodococcus hoagui/Prescottella equi) by vaccination and the horse breeding industry has supported the ongoing efforts by researchers to develop a safe and cost effective vaccine to prevent disease in foals. Traditional vaccines including live, killed and attenuated (physical and chemical) vaccines have proved to be ineffective and more modern molecular‐based vaccines including the DNA plasmid, genetically attenuated and subunit vaccines have provided inadequate protection of foals. Newer, bacterial vector vaccines have recently shown promise for R. equi in the mouse model. This article describes the findings of key research in R. equi vaccine development and looks at alternative methods that may potentially be utilised.     

药食同源中草药栀子及其在现代养猪生产中的应用前景

文章考证了山栀子的药用性状及水栀子的染色功效以及它们的形状区别与生长环境,综述了山栀子的药理作用及其研究进展。文章最后指出,基于栀子的性味、归经,药用功效,生物活性,特别是富含优质膳食纤维,又具有抗疲劳、抗氧化的生物活性,在猪尤其在母猪的健康养殖中,具有广阔的应用前景。     

Skull of the grey heron (Ardea cinerea): Detailed investigation of the orbital region

The skull of the grey heron (Ardea cinerea) was examined with an emphasis on describing the orbital region. In the young (circa sixteen to seventeen days old) heron, the frontal bone (os frontale) and nasal bone (os nasale) comprised separate paired bones, connected by sutures (sutura interfrontalis, sutura internasalis and sutura frontonasalis plana). In adult animals, the relationship between these bones was different: the left and right frontal bone and the left and right nasal bone had grown together, and the frontal bone and nasal bone had fused into a common frontonasal bone (os frontonasale). In the ectethmoid bone (os ectethmoidale), the main components comprised of the orbital and antorbital part of the ectethmoid plate (lamina ectethmoidalis orbitalis et antorbitalis), the lateral process (processus lateralis ectethmoidalis) and the tubercle (tuberculum ectethmoidalis); the left and right ectethmoid plates were fused together to form the ectethmoid sinus (sinus ectethmoidalis) between them. In the young heron, the anatomical and functional link between the frontal and lacrimal bones did not exist yet, nor did the osseous frame of the ectethmoid‐lacrimal complex. Further research into the young heron skulls is needed. This article provides novel insights into the grey heron's orbital region.     

Characteristics of Two Saprolegnia Species Isolated from Coho Salmon with Saprolegniosis

Abstract

Several fungi have been isolated from the lesions of coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch that have saprolegniosis. Of these fungi, one that occurred frequently was identified as Saprolegnia parasitica strain H2 (=S. diclina type 1). A much rarer fungus was identified as S. diclina strain H3 (=S. diclina type 3). This article describes the pathogenicity of the isolates to coho salmon and the relationship of pathogenicity to the lengths of the isolates, hooked hairs.     

Studies on synchronous egress of coccidian parasites (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Neospora caninum,Toxoplasma gondii,Eimeria bovis)</Emphasis> from bovine endothelial host cells mediated by calcium ionophore A23187

Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii and Eimeria bovis are coccidian parasites of veterinary importance. Tachyzoites of N. caninum and T. gondii and sporozoites of E. bovis are able to invade and replicate in endothelial cells in vivo and in vitro. As it holds true for all eukaryotic cells, the survival of parasitized host cells and the parasites themselves should be dependent on ion balances, especially on extra- and intracellular calcium concentrations. Addition of the calcium ionophore A23187 reliably did release merozoites from mature N. caninum and T. gondii meronts grown in cultured primary bovine umbilical vein endothelial cells (BUVEC). Extent and time course of merozoite release depended on both, maturity of the meronts and concentration of the calcium ionophore. Attempts, however, to achieve synchronous release of merozoites from E. bovis first generation meronts by ionophore treatment failed, suggesting a different biological behaviour of this parasite. According to microscopical observations, the quite variable time of E. bovis macromeront maturation and a hampered merozoite exit owing to dense parasite-induced cytoskeleton elements surrounding the meront may be a reason for the lack of inducible synchronous release. Electronic supplementary materials The online version of this article (doi: ) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Haematological and serum biochemical reference ranges for brushtail possums

Extract

I am writing with reference to the recent article by O'Keefe and Wickstrom (Routine blood values for New Zealand brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) at capture. New Zealand veterinary Journal 46, 41–2,1998).     

Infection of the equine population by Leishmania parasites

Infection of equids by Leishmania (L.) parasites was previously described in both the Old and New World, particularly in Central and South America. Equine cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is caused by the Leishmania species, L. Viannia (V.) braziliensis and L. infantum, previously identified in humans and other parasite hosts living in the same geographic endemic areas. Sporadic autochthonous clinical cases, with no travel history, were documented in several countries including Germany, Portugal, Spain, Texas and Brazil; L. infantum and L. (Mundinia) martiniquensis were the infectious species. Prevalence of subclinical infections is extremely low and CL is observed in only a small proportion of infected animals with the appearance of single or multiple cutaneous lesions located on the head, external ear, scrotum, legs and the neck. To date, there has been no report of visceral abnormalities. However, the mild clinical profile of the disease and its spontaneous regression may indicate that skin lesions related to Leishmania infection is underdiagnosed. Importantly, although the prevalence of Leishmania infections in the equine population is low, a risk may rise from its potential involvement in the parasite transmission cycles as a source of infection for phlebotomine vectors and susceptible mammalian hosts. This review article summarises our current knowledge of the epidemiology, clinical presentation and diagnosis of Leishmania-infected equids.     

Book Reviews

Book reviewed in this article: Atlas of Skin Diseases in the Horse: Diagnosis and treatment in equine dermatology by L. F. Montes and J. T. Vaughan. Horse Behaviour, by H. Waring.     

Motivations and support for regulations: a typology of eastern wild turkey hunters

To determine the diverse motivations of eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) hunters, a self-administered questionnaire was developed and mailed to a sample of 5,000 licensed turkey hunters in Tennessee (response rate = 36%). A cluster analysis yielded three types of respondents in terms of their hunting motivations: social harvesters (44%), experiential harvesters (22%), and social outdoor enthusiasts (34%). Hunters in these segments were then analyzed to compare their support for various hunting regulations. While 61% of Tennessee eastern wild turkey hunters reported to be satisfied with current regulations, harvest-motivated hunters were less receptive to regulations that would limit season lengths or bag limits while socially motivated hunters were more accepting. The hunter groups did not differ in their preference for decentralizing regulations by management zones. Findings from this article may guide wildlife managers in designing socially acceptable regulations.     

Sequelae and complications of Streptococcus equi subspecies equi infections in the horse

Streptococcus equi ssp. equi infection in the horse, or strangles, commonly results in abscessation of the submandibular, submaxillary or retropharyngeal lymph nodes. Although this classical presentation of strangles is associated with a low mortality rate, complications and sequlae may worsen the prognosis and increase mortality rates. This article reviews sequelae and complictions of S. equi ssp. equi infection in the horse, including guttural pouch empyema, bastard strangles and immune mediated diseases such as purpura haemorrhagica, myopathies and myocarditis.