Oral doxycycline, niacinamide and prednisolone used to treat bilateral nodular granulomatous conjunctivitis of the third eyelid in an Australian Kelpie dog

A 5-year-old, female neutered, Australian Kelpie presented with a 2-month history of dramatic bilateral erythematous thickening of the third eyelids. Ophthalmic examination demonstrated raised, pink to red, irregular thickening of the entire palpebral surface of both third eyelids. There were no other ocular abnormalities. A surgical biopsy was taken from each third eyelid. Histopathologic examination revealed sheets of macrophages, plasma cells, lymphocytes, and occasional fibroblasts and neutrophils infiltrating the third eyelid stroma. A diagnosis of chronic granulomatous conjunctivitis was made. Grossly and histopathologically this case closely resembles previously described cases of nodular granulomatous conjunctivitis involving the third eyelids of Collie dogs. This report describes an unusual case of nodular granulomatous conjunctivitis isolated to the third eyelids in an Australian Kelpie. Resolution of the condition was achieved with a combination of oral doxycycline, niacinamide and prednisolone.     

鸵鸟新城疫的病理形态学观察

通过病理剖检、病理组织学及电镜负染观察等方法对来自山东、河南等地的15只表现典型新城疫症状的发病鸵鸟的死亡原因进行系统研究分析。病理剖检可见发病鸵鸟全身广泛性出血,其中以消化道黏膜出血为主;病理组织学观察可见其病理特征以消化道黏膜出血,细胞变性、坏死、脱落为主,同时伴发心肌纤维和肾小管上皮细胞的颗粒变性,脾脏和肺脏充血、出血以及其头颈部的水肿,淋巴组织的坏死等病理变化。电镜负染观察可见圆形、椭圆形或纺锤形,直径200~500 nm,具有明显纤突的典型副黏病毒粒子。以上试验结果证实鸵鸟的死亡原因为新城疫病毒感染所致。     

鸵鸟输尿管和泄殖道的组织学研究

为了研究鸵鸟与其他鸟纲动物排泄行为差异的形态学,试验采用常规石蜡切片,H.E.染色,对8只非洲鸵鸟输尿管和泄殖道的组织结构进行了研究。结果表明:非洲鸵鸟的输尿管管壁由黏膜、肌层和外膜组成,其上皮为假复层柱状上皮,部分为单层柱状或变移上皮;泄殖道黏膜上皮为假复层柱状上皮、单层柱状上皮及少量变移上皮,其中分布许多杯状细胞。说明非洲鸵鸟输尿管和泄殖道的组织结构不同于其他鸟纲动物,其泄殖道不但有贮存大量尿液的功能,而且还对水分有重吸收作用。     

非洲鸵鸟饲料营养物质表观消化率的测定及适宜方法的探讨

试验选用 3只 15月龄的非洲鸵鸟 (1公 2母 ) ,采用全收粪法对鸵鸟表观消化率进行了测定。其测定结果为 :干物质 5 5 .9%± 0 .2 1% ,粗蛋白 6 8.5 %± 0 .2 2 % ,粗纤维 5 7.4 %± 1.2 1% ,粗脂肪 5 8.8%± 1.35 % ,无氮浸出物 75 .3%± 0 .6 2 % ,总磷 5 5 .2 %± 1.10 %。钙消化率因消化道中存留较多的沙石而未能测得。同时探讨了鸵鸟消化率测定的适宜方法     

Conjunctival mucinous adenocarcinoma in an ostrich (Struthio camelus)

A 2‐year‐old male ostrich (Struthio camelus) presented with a rapidly growing soft tissue mass protruding from the ventromedial aspect of the right eye (OD). The initial physical examination revealed a soft tissue mass attached to the medial inferior conjunctiva. The mass was excised with cryosurgery, and the conjunctival tissue margins were treated with cryoablation. Histopathological examination diagnosed granulomatous inflammation associated with scattered acid‐fast bacteria. The ostrich recovered uneventfully and appeared healthy until recurrence of a grossly similar mass 2 months later. Gross examination revealed a botryoid mass attached to the inferior palpebral conjunctiva and extending onto the palpebral aspect of the nictitating membrane. Euthanasia was selected, and the histological diagnosis of the second mass was a mixed mucinous adenocarcinoma; however, no acid‐fast bacteria were seen. Granulomatous conjunctival lesions have been previously described in the ostrich, while, to the authors' knowledge, neoplastic conjunctival lesions have not. Neoplasia should be considered as a differential diagnosis for a rapidly recurring, granulomatous conjunctival mass in this species.     

Nutrition of ostrich (Struthio camelus var. domesticus) breeder birds

This review discusses current data on nutrition in ostrich breeding birds. Nutritional demands increase during breeding particularly the calcium and phosphorus requirements for egg production. The correct balance of amino acids, vitamins and carbohydrates is important for the maintenance of high fertility after the attainment of sexual maturity at 24 months of age for female birds and 36 months of age for male birds. Most problems relating to health and performance, including fertility, hatching, chick survival, growth rates and deformities in the early weeks, are usually traced to inadequate breeder rations.     

Feline eosinophilic conjunctivitis

Objective To review 12 cases of histologically confirmed feline eosinophilic conjunctivitis, their clinical, cytologic, histologic and electronmicroscopic findings, results on PCR for FeHV‐1, treatment and outcome. Animals studied Twelve naturally occurring cases presented during a period of 26 months. Procedures Thorough ophthalmologic examination, conjunctival scrapings performed with the cytobrush method; histologic samples from the palpebral conjunctiva; PCR for FeHV‐1 on Schirmer Tear Test (STT) strips; saliva and nasal swabs, and retrospective evaluation of all results. Results The breed most commonly affected was the Domestic Shorthair (n = 8), followed by Persians (n = 2), Somali (n = 1) and Siamese (n = 1). Age at presentation was 1–15 years with a mean age of 7.2 years. Nine cats were castrated males; three cats were females: two of them were spayed. Unilateral (n = 7) or bilateral (n = 5) involvement with depigmentation and erosions of lid margin, blepharospasm, swelling and redness of conjunctiva and third eyelid were the most common clinical findings. Frequency of eosinophils in cytologic samples was more than 10% in every patient. PCR for FeHV‐1 on STT was negative in all cases. Histologically, eosinophils, lymphocytes, plasma cells, mast cells and macrophages were involved. On electronmicroscopy, viral particles were not detected. Ten cases needed long‐term anti‐inflammatory treatment. Conclusions The 12 reviewed cases suggest that feline eosinophilic conjunctivitis is a chronic inflammatory uni‐ or bilateral disease of the adult cat. Typically the lid margin was also involved, and was thickened, depigmented and erosive. Cytological examination of conjunctival scrapings was a valuable tool for detecting eosinophilic conjunctivitis. The cytological findings correlated well with the histopathological findings in our patients. Topical or systemic anti‐inflammatory drugs resolved the clinical symptoms in our cases within a short period of time. Neither electronmicroscopy nor PCR were able to detect involvement of FHV1 in the represented cases. The etiopathogenic role of FeHV‐1 remains undetermined.     

Growth in the ostrich (Struthio camelus var. domesticus)

The use of the ostrich as a livestock animal necessitates an understanding of its ability to utilize specific nutrient requirements if efficient growth is to be realized. Male ostriches may have to be raised separately as they grow faster; they require higher protein diets and are more efficient feed converters for longer periods than female ostriches. Male ostriches exhibit slightly faster maturation rates than female ostriches. The corresponding age at which maximum growth is attained is 181 days for male ostriches and 199 days for female ostriches. The growth curve of ostriches is sigmoid and asymptotic. Body mass reached in 1 year is approximately 104 kg. The metabolic age of ostriches at hatching is approximately 13.7 days. Feed conversion has an impact on growth. The ostrich chick (aged <2 months) has a high feed conversion to body mass ratio of 2:1, which requires very accurate and careful management of chick nutrition.     

Nutrition and feed management in the ostrich (Struthio camelus var. domesticus)

The ostrich is an important animal in many livestock industries and in the developing world ostrich production is a valuable source of foreign currency netted from the export of meat and skins. Its successful growth and reproductive performance is dependent upon good nutrition. In Zimbabwe, one of the greatest costs involved in the upkeep of ostrich breeder birds is purchased feed (US$4555.45/10 birds p.a.). In order to cover these costs, the producer needs to ensure an adequate throughput of birds for slaughter. The energy provided by a particular feed source is important for growth and development of the bird. More research is required in ostrich nutrition.     

NDV对雏鸵鸟HPA轴的影响

以45日龄雏鸵鸟为试验动物,分正常组和攻毒组,利用RIA技术和TUNEL技术,探讨新城疫病毒（NDV）对雏鸵鸟HPA轴的影响。结果表明,雏鸵鸟感染NDV,HPA轴内细胞凋亡数量在病毒感染期间明显高于对照组,提示NDV能诱导雏鸵鸟HPA轴系统发生细胞凋亡;在病毒接种后1d,肾上腺内可检测到大量凋亡细胞,接种5d后凋亡数量显著增加（P〈0.05）,之后凋亡呈下降趋势,肾上腺内细胞凋亡的动态变化反映了雏鸵鸟HPA轴对ND病变的适应和调节。雏鸵鸟感染NDV,血清ACTH水平于NDV接种后1d开始上升,至5d达到峰值（P〈0.01）,之后有所下降,渐趋于正常;血清Cor水平于病毒接种后1d开始下降,至7d有所回升,9d渐趋于正常水平,表明NDV接种后雏鸵鸟血清ACTH和Cor水平的变化与其HPA轴功能的损伤及恢复密切相关。     

Tear-film osmolarity in normal cats and cats with conjunctivitis

Objective To compare the tear‐film osmolarity of normal cats and cats with conjunctivitis. Animal studied The population consisted of shelter, research, and privately owned cats. Procedures Cats were classified as normal or having conjunctivitis. An ophthalmic examination including Schirmer tear test (STT), fluorescein staining, tear‐film break‐up time (TFBUT), intraocular pressure (IOP), and slit‐lamp biomicroscopy of the anterior segment was performed. The severity of conjunctivitis was graded and assigned a numerical score. The Tear Lab^TM Osmolarity System was utilized to determine the tear‐film osmolarity. Unpaired t‐tests were used to compare tear‐film osmolarity, TFBUT, IOP, and STT of the two groups. Results A total of 93 cats (186 eyes) were examined. There were 37 normal cats (74 eyes) and 39 conjunctivitis cats (78 eyes). The mean age was 2.34 years. There was no statistical difference (P = 0.2065) between the median tear‐film osmolarity of normal cats (328.5 ± 17.94 mOsms/L) and conjunctivitis cats (325.0 ± 24.84 mOsms/L). Cats with conjunctivitis had an accelerated TFBUT (P < 0.0001) and lower IOPs (P < 0.0001) as compared to normal cats. No statistical difference was found between STT values (P = 0.1304). Conclusions The median tear‐film osmolarity of normal cats was 328.5 mOsms/L. Despite the accelerated TFBUT, conjunctivitis did not cause a statistically significant change in tear‐film osmolarity. The Tear Lab^TM Osmolarity System was easily used and well tolerated by the cats in the study.     

非洲鸵鸟延髓网状结构细胞构筑研究

延髓位于脑干的最后端，结构复杂，机能非常重要，参与对内脏活动、躯体运动的调节，并对大脑皮质的活动产生影响，有“生命中枢”之称。100多年以来．许多学者从形态学、生理学、药理学等方面，用不同的技术和方法对多种动物延髓进行了研究。非洲鸵鸟（Africanostrich）是目前世界上现存鸟类中最大的一种。由于鸵鸟浑身是宝．不与人类争粮食．     

非洲雏鸵鸟十二指肠发育的形态学研究

采用大体解剖学、组织化学和形态计量学的方法研究了0~3月龄非洲鸵鸟十二指肠的发育过程。观察了十二指肠的相对质量(相对于体质量),绒毛的高度、宽度、肌层厚度、肠腺隐窝的深度、肠腺的密度、绒毛杯状细胞、肠腺杯状细胞的数量变化。观察到十二指肠的相对质量在90日龄达到高峰;肠绒毛的高度、肌层厚度、肠腺隐窝的深度、肠腺的密度与日龄呈正相关;肠绒毛和肠腺的宽度在90日龄时达到峰值;绒毛杯状细胞、肠腺杯状细胞的数量从初生至45日龄随日龄增加而增加,45日龄至90日龄随日龄增加而减少,在45日龄达顶峰。结果表明,0~3月龄十二指肠的发育不完善,必须重视此阶段的饲养管理。     

Granulomatous Nephritis Consistent with Malakoplakia in a Cynomolgus Monkey

Malakoplakia is a rare form of chronic granulomatous inflammation in mammals, and usually affects the urinary tract in humans. In this report, we present a case of granulomatous nephritis consistent with malakoplakia in a 4-year-old male cynomolgus monkey. Gross examination showed that the kidney was markedly enlarged and adhered to the surrounding organs. Histology showed that there was diffuse interstitial infiltration of histiocytes with abundant foamy eosinophilic cytoplasm resembling von Hansemann cells, PAS-positive granular cytoplasm and occasional PAS- and iron-positive intracellular small inclusion bodies. Electron microscopy showed that these histiocytes contained abundant lysosomes and phagolysosomes but no obvious Michaelis-Gutmann bodies. Based on these findings, a diagnosis of granulomatous nephritis consistent with early malakoplakia was made. This is the first report in a monkey of a renal lesion consistent with malakoplakia.     

Isolation of Lactobacillaceae bacteria from feces of ostrich (Struthio camelus)

The ostrich (Struthio camelus) is an herbivorous bird with a long and developed hindgut. In the hindgut, there is a dense and highly diverse population of anaerobic bacteria, and active fermentation produces high concentrations of short-chain fatty acids. Bacteria in the hindgut of the ostrich are considered vital for both their nutritional contribution and health benefits, such as benefits to the immune and defense system of the host. We attempted to isolate Lactobacillaceae, which might be involved in improving immune function and in inhibiting pathogens. The number of colonies from ostrich feces observed on LBS agar medium was 3.64×10³ per gram of feces. Three strains of Lactobacillaceae were isolated from the feces. Nearly the entire length of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene of these isolates was sequenced, and a homology search showed high identity with L. brevis (identity=99.93%), L. coryniformis (98.39%), and L. paracasei (100.0%). These isolates may be deemed potential probiotics for the ostrich.     

Detection of Chlamydophila pneumoniae in cats with conjunctivitis

Objective To determine the presence of chlamydial species including recently described chlamydial agents as well as the human pathogen Chlamydophila pneumoniae in feline conjunctivitis. Animal studied Twenty five cats without and 49 cats with conjunctivitis were tested for chlamydia using a Chlamydiaceae real time (RT) PCR (targeting the 23S rRNA gene sequence), a Chlamydiales PCR (targeting the 16S rRNA gene sequence), and cell culture. The PCR products of all positive samples were sequenced and subsequently analyzed using a basic local alignment search tool search. Results Chlamydiaceae RT PCR and subsequent sequence analyses identified C. pneumoniae in five cats in the conjunctivitis group. The presence of Chlamydophila felis was shown in two cats with conjunctivitis. Chlamydiae related to uncultured members of Chlamydiales were detected in three conjunctivitis cases and in one cat without clinical symptoms. Conclusion This study detects for the first time, the known human pathogen C. pneumoniae in feline conjunctivitis cases using Chlamydiaceae RT PCR and sequence analyses.     

Bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections in the ostrich (Struthio camelus var. domesticus)

The ostrich is susceptible to microorganisms of bacterial, fungal and parasitic origin. Anthrax, caused by Bacillus anthracis, is dangerous to other livestock and humans. Salmonella is transmitted from rodents or wild bird reservoirs. Pausterellosis caused by Pasteurella multocida results in air sac infections in ostriches. Colibacillosis is caused by Escherichia coli. Tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium avium, is very rare in ostriches. Aspergillosis principally afflicts chicks. Zygomycosis, a secondary fungal infection of the upper gastrointestinal tract, is caused by Basidia, Mucor and Rhizopus. Leucocytozoon struthionis and Plasmodium spp. are harmless protozoa transmitted from flying arthropods. The tapeworm, Houttuynia struthionis, is dangerous in young ostriches. The adult ratite fluke (Philophthalmus gralli) is transmitted to ostriches following ingestion of infected freshwater crustaceans. Tick infestations of ostrich skin in Africa include Amblyomma spp., Haemaphysalis punctata, Hyalomma spp., Rhipicephalus turanicus and Argus spp. The ostrich quillmite (Pterolichus bicaudatus) and louse (Struthioliperus struthionus) may lower skin and leather quality via pruritis and/or excessive preening and feather loss. Nemododa infections are rare.     

Anatomical and physiological characteristics of ostrich (Struthio camelus var. domesticus) meat determine its nutritional importance for man

The ostrich is increasingly gaining interest as a livestock animal because of its potential to produce healthy red meat with a low fat content. This article describes the characteristics of ostrich meat that allow it to be marketed as a healthy alternative to beef. The muscles utilized for human consumption include the dorsal Muscularis obturatorius medialis and the hindquarters. The trade names of ostrich muscles are currently not standardized and classification is based on location and scientific nomenclature. Meat cuts of a high commercial value reach as much as 80–90% in the ostrich compared with approximately 45% in other species. Described here are key product characteristics important in its marketing, including fat content, cholesterol, fatty acids, sodium, iron, color, flavor and odor, tenderness, pH and water-holding capacity.     

雏鸵鸟睾丸的结构及睾丸内神经肽Y的表达

采用光镜和电镜技术,观察雏鸵鸟睾丸的显微和超微结构;采用免疫组织化学方法对NPY在睾丸内的表达进行研究,探明NPY在睾丸内的表达规律.光镜下可见,雏鸵鸟睾丸表面有一层由坚韧的结缔组织构成的白膜,它向睾丸实质内形成的结缔组织不发达,不形成睾丸纵隔和睾丸小隔;雏鸵鸟的曲精小管直径为85～90 μm,生精上皮由支持细胞和1～2层生精细胞构成,此时精原细胞已开始分裂增殖,可见明显的分裂相,初级精母细胞数量少,体积大.电镜下可见,精原细胞胞质内有少量线粒体、游离核糖体和内质网;初级精母细胞富含线粒体、游离核糖体、内质网和溶酶体;支持细胞与精原细胞之间界限清晰,胞质内含较多游离核糖体,其他细胞器不发达;间质细胞的胞核形状不规则,内含较多脂滴.免疫组化显示,NPY在曲精小管周围、睾丸小血管周围、精母细胞和睾丸间质内均有表达,在睾丸小血管周围和精母细胞内表达量较高,而在曲精小管周围和睾丸间质内表达量较低.     

Granulomatous dermatitis caused by Mycobacterium genavense in two psittacine birds

Two cases of cutaneous mycobacteriosis in psittacine birds showing featherless, non-painful, non-pruritic nodules are described. Histopathological studies of skin biopsies from both cases demonstrated the presence of a diffuse granulomatous dermatitis with acid- fast organism s inside macrophages, which led to the diagnosis of cutaneous mycobacteriosis. In one case, generalization of the process to internal organs (intestinal and hepatic serosae) was observed. Mycobacterial organisms could not be cultured using conventional isolation media (Coletsos and Löwenstein–Jensen), but polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique performed on pathological samples from both birds revealed the presence of Mycobacterium genavense . It is thus proposed that cutaneous mycobacteriosis infections, in particular those caused by M . genavense , should be included in the differential diagnosis of skin nodular processes in psittacine birds. The usefulness of PCR techniques for aetiological diagnosis of mycobacterial infections is emphasized.