Peripartal Endocrinology in the Mare and Foetus

The endocrine profiles in the periparturient mares are dominated by increasing concentrations of progestagens and decreasing oestrogens. These hormones are produced by precursors from the foetus, metabolized by the placenta and act primarily on the maternal uterus. The circulating concentrations of hormones in maternal plasma, generally, represent a small proportion of those metabolized by the foetus and utero-placental tissues. There is clear evidence that the foetal hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis initiates the process of foetal maturation and the hormonal cascade which culminates in parturition at term. The endocrine changes associated with abnormal pregnancy and abortion in late pregnancy are less well understood, as are the hormonal treatments needed to avert these problems. Further work is needed to establish the biological role of the various hormones present in pregnant mares and, in particular, those hormones which control myometrial quiescence.     

EQUINE HERPESVIRUSES: Experimental Infecton of a Foetus with Type 2

Intrauterine infection of pregnant mare with equine herpesvirus type 2 (EHV 2) did not result in foetal abortion, stillbirth or recognisable disease. Collection of uterine fluid by allantocentesis or amniocentesis 107 days after inoculation confirmed that intrauterine infection was established. EHV 2 was isolated from both allantoic and amniotic fluid separately collected at the time of elective Caesarean section 156 days after inoculation and virus neutralising antibody to EHV 2 was present in the foal's presuckle serum at birth. A very mild clinical disease, characterised by a scant, mucous oculo-nasal discharge was observed between 4 and 11 days after birth. EHV 2 was isolated from 22 nasal swabs taken between birth and 65 days of age, on which day the foal was infected with equine adenovirus. EHV 2 was not isolated from 6 nasal swabs collected from 66 to 71 days of age.     

Amputation for histiocytic sarcoma in a cat

A 9-year-old spayed female domestic shorthair cat presented with a skin lesion of the left tarsus. The lesion was biopsied and, based on the microscopic appearance and immunohistochemical characteristics, histiocytic sarcoma was diagnosed. Amputation was performed with improved demeanor seen postoperatively. However, between 44 and 60 days following the surgery, relapse of skin lesions appeared in multiple locations, including at the previous amputation site, and euthanasia was elected. This is the first report of a histiocytic sarcoma treated with amputation in a cat.     

Intraluminal Pressure Variations in the Isthmus of the Porcine Oviduct after Intrauterine Insemination with Saline,Oestrogen Solution or Boar Seminal Plasma

The purpose of this study was to investigate if an intrauterine deposition of saline, boar seminal plasma, or an oestrogen solution containing 11.5 µg oestrogens affected the intraluminal pressure in the isthmus of the oviduct in unrestrained gilts. In order to monitor variations in intraluminal pressure, 2 ultra-miniature pressure sensors, located at 2 different points along the same isthmus were used. After an initial recording period, either saline, boar seminal plasma, or the oestrogen solution was deposited directly into the uterus. Intraluminal pressure recordings were conducted up to 6 h after insemination, and blood samples, for monitoring oestradiol-17B and 15-ketodihydroprostaglandin F_2α levels, were collected. None of the inseminates had any consistent effect on the intraluminal pressure in the porcine oviduct. After deposition of the oestrogen solution, increases in the circulating levels of both oestradiol-17B and 15-ketodihydropro- staglandin F_2α were seen.     

Drug-metabolizing Enzymes in the Placenta and Foetus of Camel and Sheep

Contents The activities of cytochrome P-450 and the P-450 dependent aminopyrine -N-demethylase and aniline 4-hydroxylase (Phase I, drugmetabolizing enzymes) and UDP-glucurony-l-transferase (a Phase II drug-metabolizing enzyme) have been measured in vitro in the placenta and liver of camels and sheep during pregnancy. The placenta of late pregnancy of both species produced 50% of the activity in maternal liver of phase I drug-metabolizing enzymes. The rate of O-aminophenol glucuronide was low both in placenta and foetal liver. It is suggested that close to term the placenta and foetal liver are capable of metabolizing drugs by P-450 mediated phase I reactions. Inhalt: Arzneimittel-metabolisierende Enzyme von Plazenta und Fötus bei Kamel und Schaf Während der Trächtigkeit wurde die Aktivität der Cytochrom P-450 abhängigen Aminophyrine -N-Demethylase, Anilin 4-Hydroxylase (Phase I metabolisierendes Enzym) und der UDP-Glucuronyl-1 Transferase (Phase II metabolisierendes Enzym) unter in vitro Bedingungen in Plazenta- und Lebergewebe von Kamelen und Schafen gemessen. In beiden Tierarten produzierte die Plazenta während der späten Trächtigkeit 50% der Aktivität, wie sie die mütterliche Plazenta der “Phase I—Enzyme” produziert. Die O-Aminophenol Glucuronide waren dagegen gering in Plazenta und fetaler Leber. Es wird angenommen, daβ die Plazenta und die fetale Leber kurz vor der Geburt in der Lage sind, Arzneimittel durch die Cytochrom P-450 abhängige Phase I-Reaktionen zu metabolisieren.     

Idiopathic hyperaldosteronism in a dog

Idiopathic hyperaldosteronism was diagnosed in an 8-year-old castrated male Yorkshire Terrier, based on increased concentration of plasma aldosterone, hypertension, hypernatremia, decreased natriuresis, hypokalemia, and hyperkaluria. Unilateral adrenalectomy was performed after visualization of a nodule on the right adrenal gland. Hyperplasia of the zona glomerulosa and increased postoperative aldosterone concentrations supported the diagnosis of idiopathic hyperaldosteronism.     

Idiopathic dyserythropoiesis in a dog

Idiopathic dyserythropoiesis in a dog was characterized by chronic nonregenerative normocytic normochromic anemia, cellular marrow and abnormal morphology of erythroid precursors. Serum concentrations of Vitamin B(12), folate and iron were inconsistent with secondary causes of dyserythropoiesis. The disorder appeared to be distinct from myelodysplastic syndromes described previously.     

1例藏香猪伪狂犬病、猪圆环病毒病与附红细胞体病混合感染的诊治

为对送检的发病藏香猪病死因进行确诊,本试验采用常规PCR、RT-PCR及荧光定量PCR方法,并结合流行病学调查、临床诊断及病理剖检等实验室检测对送检病料进行诊断,结果显示病死猪心脏、肺脏充血出血,肺脏肉变,气管内充满白色泡沫,全身淋巴结出血;荧光定量PCR方法检测猪圆环病毒呈阳性,PCR方法检出猪伪狂犬病病毒特异性条带,未见猪传染性胸膜肺炎放线杆菌、猪肺炎支原体条带,RT-PCR方法未扩增出猪瘟病毒、猪繁殖与呼吸综合征病毒特异性条带;血液涂片染色镜检可见猪附红细胞体。结果表明病死猪为猪伪狂犬病、猪圆环病毒病与猪附红细胞体病混合感染,采用经实验室诊断给出的综合防治方案治疗后,疫情得到控制。本次病例的诊治为养猪业可能发生的猪伪狂犬病、猪圆环病毒病、猪附红细胞体病的混合感染提供了有效的防治方法和借鉴经验。     

Penile Amputation and Sheath Ablation in the Horse

OBJECTIVE: To report a surgical technique for penile amputation and sheath ablation in horses. Study Design-Retrospective study. Animals or Sample Population-Twenty-five adult geldings of various breeds with conditions requiring penile amputation and sheath ablation. METHODS: The medical records of horses that had penile amputation and sheath ablation were reviewed. Briefly, the technique involved en bloc resection of the skin and subcutaneous tissues of the inner and outer lamina of the prepuce and penile shaft. Resection of the penile shaft, proximal to diseased segments, and spatulation of the urethral mucosa was followed by fixation of the penis to the ventral abdomen and closure of the peripreputial skin over the ventral aspect of the penis and creation of a new mucocutaneous junction at the urethral orifice. RESULTS: Mild to moderate postoperative hemorrhage occurred in all horses. Partial dehiscence of the mucocutaneous junction occurred in 8 horses; all healed by second intention. Postoperative pain lasting 24 to 48 hours occurred in 7 horses; 1 required epidural analgesia for pain relief. Long-term follow-up was available for 8 horses; none had any long-term complications. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Partial amputation of the penis with pexy to the ventral abdomen and revision of the peripreputial skin can be used as an alternative to en bloc resection and penile retroversion for lesions involving the free part of the penis and the prepuce. It requires smaller incisions and results in less alteration to the normal appearance of the external genitalia than retroversion techniques, while still allowing the surgeon to remove extensive portions of the penis and extirpate the regional lymph nodes.     

猪Delta冠状病毒和猪流行性腹泻病毒双重RT-PCR诊断方法的建立

猪流行性腹泻病毒(PEDV)和猪Delta冠状病毒(PDCoV)已经成为养猪行业的主要疫病。建立能够同时检测且能区分这2种病毒感染的诊断方法,对于临床实践具有重要意义。根据GenBank中登录的PEDV和PDCoV基因序列,分别用PDCoV M基因和PEDV M基因设计了2对引物,并对PEDV的M基因片段和PDCoV的M基因片段进行扩增,通过对PCR反应条件的优化,建立了检测PDCoV和PEDV双重逆转录-聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)检测方法。特异性和敏感度的试验表明,此方法对PDCoV和PEDV核酸的最低检测量分别为3.27×10~3拷贝/μL和3.63×10~4拷贝/μL,具有较高的敏感度;该方法可同时扩增出340 bp(PDCoV)和520 bp(PEDV),但不能扩增出猪传染性胃肠炎病毒、猪伪狂犬病病毒、猪博卡病毒和猪繁殖与呼吸综合征病毒。多重PCR与单一PCR符合率100%。表明此方法可以用于PDCoV和PEDV的检测。