IMAGING FINDINGS IN 14 DOMESTIC FERRETS (MUSTELA PUTORIUS FURO) WITH LYMPHOMA

Lymphoma is the most common malignant neoplasia in domestic ferrets, Mustela putorius furo. However, imaging findings in ferrets with lymphoma have primarily been described in single case reports. The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe imaging findings in a group of ferrets with confirmed lymphoma. Medical records were searched between 2002 and 2012. A total of 14 ferrets were included. Radiographs (n = 12), ultrasound (n = 14), computed tomography (CT; n = 1), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; n = 1) images were available for review. Median age at the time of diagnosis was 5.2 years (range 3.25–7.6 years). Clinical signs were predominantly nonspecific (8/14). The time between the first imaging study and lymphoma diagnosis was 1 day or less in most ferrets (12). Imaging lesions were predominantly detected in the abdomen, and most frequently included intra‐abdominal lymphadenopathy (12/14), splenomegaly (8/14), and peritoneal effusion (11/14). Lymphadenopathy and mass lesions were typically hypoechoic on ultrasound. Mild peritoneal effusion was the only detected abnormality in two ferrets. Mild pleural effusion was the most common thoracic abnormality (3/12). Expansile lytic lesions were present in the vertebrae of two ferrets with T3‐L3 myelopathy and the femur in a ferret with lameness. Hyperattenuating, enhancing masses with secondary spinal cord compression were associated with vertebral lysis in CT images of one ferret. The MRI study in one ferret with myelopathy was inconclusive. Findings indicated that imaging characteristics of lymphoma in ferrets are similar to those previously reported in dogs, cats, and humans.     

PHARMACOKINETICS OF SINGLE-DOSE BUPRENORPHINE,BUTORPHANOL, AND HYDROMORPHONE IN THE DOMESTIC FERRET (MUSTELA PUTORIUS FURO)

The objective of this study was to establish the clinical pharmacokinetic profile of 4 different opioid drugs (buprenorphine, butorphanol, hydromorphone, and morphine) in the domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo). Twenty-four, approximately 1-year-old, male neutered purpose-bred domestic ferrets were used for this study. The ferrets were divided into 4 groups of 6, with a different opioid drug used for each group. A preopioid venous blood sample was obtained via cranial vena cava venipuncture. Following the initial blood collection, a single injection of opioid (hydromorphone 0.1 mg/kg, buprenorphine 0.04 mg/kg, butorphanol 0.3 mg/kg, and morphine 1 mg/kg) was given to each ferret, dependent on assigned drug group, intramuscularly (buprenorphine) or subcutaneously (hydromorphone, butorphanol, and morphine). Intramuscular injections were administered in the semimembranosis and semitendinosis muscles, whereas the subcutaneous injections were delivered in the intrascapular subcutaneous space. A venous blood sample was obtained at 5, 15, 30, 60, 120, 240, 360, 480, and 720 minutes postinjection from the ferrets in the buprenorphine, butorphanol, and hydromorphone groups. Mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography was performed to obtain plasma concentrations of the administered drugs. The mean maximum concentration of buprenorphine was 6.96 ng/mL, butorphanol was 48.6 ng/mL, and hydromorphone was 17.3 ng/mL. Maximum concentrations were achieved at a mean of 9 minutes after administration for buprenorphine, 13.3 minutes for butorphanol, and 8.33 minutes for hydromorphone. The mean half-life of buprenorphine was 219.1 minutes, butorphanol was 91.1 minutes, and hydromorphone was 24.7 minutes. Owing to severe complications arising within the morphine group, including hypersalivation and vomiting, the morphine study was discontinued prior to blood sample collection. Intramuscular injections of buprenorphine and subcutaneous injections of butorphanol or hydromorphone appeared to be well tolerated by all ferrets. The pharmacokinetics of buprenorphine, butorphanol, and hydromorphone of a single equipotent dose of each drug have been established through this research investigation and may be useful for further studies.     

MESENTERIC HETEROTOPIC OSSIFICANS IN A FERRET (MUSTELA PUTORIUS FURO): A RARE CAUSE OF SOFT TISSUE OSSIFICATION

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a rare condition characterized by abnormal bone production in soft tissue. Very few cases of HO have been reported in animals (e.g., dogs and horses) and this disease process is often a consequence of a traumatic incident. A 5-year-old, male European ferret (Mustela putorius furo) was referred for anorexia, generalized weakness, and weight loss. Clinical examination revealed multiple abdominal masses. An explorative laparotomy identified omental, white/tan, nodular to coalescing hard lesions. The omentum and spleen were surgically removed during the surgical procedure, with both subsequently submitted for histopathologic evaluation. Microscopically, the omental masses were composed of a meshwork of lamellar and woven bone admixed with islands of cartilage and lacunae containing either blood, fat, and/or bone marrow. Multifocal mineralization and bone lamellae were also present in the grossly normal omentum. The finding of multiple bone nodules containing bone marrow and/or adipose tissue, with no Harversian system, and minimal intratrabecular connective tissue favored a diagnosis of HO.     

MULTIFOCAL EMBRYONAL TUMOR IN THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM OF A FERRET (MUSTELA PUTORIUS FURO)

A 3-year-old, intact female ferret (Mustela putorius furo) was presented with right head tilt and circling. The animal was diagnosed with a chronic otitis media-interna by computed tomography (CT) and a myringotomy was performed. One week later the animal was clinically recovered. Thirteen days after the otitis diagnosis, the ferret was presented with hemiparesis of the hind limbs. Thoracic and lumbar radiographs showed mild congenital alterations in the vertebras and the myelography test revealed spinal cord dilation at the level of L3-L4. The CT and the MRI revealed an intraspinal lesion at the level of L2-L4. The animal was diagnosed with an intramedullary vascular lesion, and was treated with intravenous fluid therapy, meloxicam, marbofloxacin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, and gabapentin. Nest rest was recommended. The coagulation tests were within normal limits. Four months after de intramedullary lesion diagnosis, the animal was presented with apathy, depression and anorexia. Unfortunately, the ferret died at the same day. Post-mortem evaluation of morphology and immunophenotype of lesions resulted in the diagnosis of a multifocal embryonal tumor (ET) in the brain and spinal cord of a ferret.     

IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—RADIOGRAPHY AND ULTRASONOGRAPHY OF BILATERAL CONGENITAL URETEROVESICAL JUNCTION STENOSIS CAUSING HYDRONEPHROSIS AND HYDROURETER IN A FERRET (MUSTELA PUTORIUS FURO)

An 8‐month‐old neutered male ferret was presented for vaccination and preventive treatment for adrenal gland disease. Abdominal ultrasound revealed severe bilateral hydronephrosis and hydroureter. Excretory urography and negative contrast cystography showed bilateral ureterovesical junction stenosis. Positive retrograde cystography demonstrated right ureteral reflux. A subcutaneous ureteral bypass was placed in the left kidney; however, it had to be removed 3 months later due to an obstruction and persistent urinary tract infection. Bilateral ureteroneocystotomy was performed. Although congenital strictures are uncommon in veterinary patients, they should be included in the differential diagnosis in ferrets presenting with hydronephrosis and hydroureter of undetermined cause.     

USE OF A GASTROSTOMY AND JEJUNOSTOMY TUBE FOR MANAGEMENT OF GASTRIC DISTENTION FOLLOWING PYLORIC OUTFLOW OBSTRUCTION IN A FERRET (MUSTELA PUTORIUS FURO)

An 8-month-old spayed female ferret (Mustela putorius furo) was presented for evaluation of persistent, severe gastric distention following gastrotomy to retrieve several foreign bodies. A structural cause of gastric outflow obstruction was not identified ultrasonographically or surgically. A 14 Fr gastrostomy and an 8 Fr jejunostomy tube were used to facilitate medical management of severe gastric stasis and to allow enteral nutrition. The ferret tolerated the feeding tubes well and recovered completely following intensive medical therapy. This report describes successful management of idiopathic gastric distention using gastric and jejunal feeding tubes in a ferret. Feeding tubes and supplemental nutrition plans should be considered for management of ferrets with compatible disease processes.     

血浆N-末端脑利钠肽前体( NT-ProBNP)水平对急性冠状动脉综合征患者的临床预后价值

[目的]探讨急性冠状动脉综合征(ACS)患者血浆N-末端脑利钠肽前体(NT-ProBNP)水平对临床预后的价值.[方法]纳入2007年1月～2009年12月138例符合诊断的ACS患者,入院24h内检测血浆NT-ProBNP水平,根据血浆NT-ProBNP水平分为3组:A组＜200 pg/L,B组200-500 pg/L,C组＞500 pg/L.随访患者住院期间、30 d、3个月主要心血管不良事件（包括心源性死亡,再次心肌梗死,再发心绞痛和心力衰竭的复合终点）发生率.[结果]138例ACS患者随着血浆NT-ProBNP水平的不同,各组住院期间及30 d、3个月时心血管不良事件发生率呈明显不同.随着血浆NT-ProBNP水平的升高,B组（200-500 pg/L）和C组(＞500 pg/L)在心源性死亡及再次心梗、再发心绞痛、心力衰竭等方面发生率呈明显递增趋势.3组心血管事件发生率分别为7.97％,28.99％,66.67％ (P＜0.01);经多变量Logistic回归分析显示,NT-ProBNP是ACS患者近期不良心血管事件的独立危险因素(OR=3.253,95％的可信区闻1.582～6.992,P＜0.01),结果显示其独立于年龄、吸烟史、心电图、Killip分级、左室射血分数、肌钙蛋白、肌酸激酶等临床评估因素.[结论]急性冠脉综合症患者血浆NT-ProBNP水平升高独立于各因素预测近期病死率及心血管不良事件发生率,对评估ACS患者近期临床预后具有重要价值.     

FLUOROSCOPIC STUDY OF THE NORMAL GASTROINTESTINAL MOTILITY AND MEASUREMENTS IN THE HISPANIOLAN AMAZON PARROT (AMAZONA VENTRALIS)

Contrast fluoroscopy is a valuable tool to examine avian gastrointestinal motility. However, the lack of a standardized examination protocol and reference ranges prevents the objective interpretation of motility disorders and other gastrointestinal abnormalities. Our goals were to evaluate gastrointestinal motility in 20 Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis) by contrast fluoroscopy. Each parrot was crop‐fed an equal part mixture of barium sulfate and hand‐feeding formula and placed in a cardboard box for fluoroscopy. Over a 3‐h period, 1.5 minute segments of lateral and ventrodorsal fluoroscopy were recorded every 30 min. The gastric cycle and patterns of intestinal motility were described. The frequency of crop contractions, esophageal boluses, and gastric cycles were determined in lateral and ventrodorsal views. A range of 3.4–6.6 gastric cycles/min was noted on the lateral view and 3.0–6.6 gastric cycles/min on the ventrodorsal view. Circular measurements of the proventriculus diameter, ventriculus width, and length were obtained using the midshaft femoral diameter as a standard reference unit. The upper limits of the reference ranges were 3.6 and 4.7 femoral units for the proventriculus diameter in the lateral and ventrodorsal view, respectively. Two consecutive measurements were obtained and the measurement technique was found to have high reproducibility. In this study, we established a standardized protocol for contrast fluoroscopic examination of the gastrointestinal tract and a reliable measurement method of the proventriculus and ventriculus using femoral units in the Hispaniolan Amazon parrot.     

脱毒桐籽饼(粕)蛋白质及能量营养价值评价

选用8头30kg的阉公猪和6只1.7kg的伊莎褐公鸡分别对3种脱毒桐籽饼(粕)Ⅰ、Ⅱ和Ⅲ的蛋白质、氨基酸消化率、代谢率进行了测定。结果表明 :3种脱毒桐饼(粕)Ⅰ、Ⅱ和Ⅲ的蛋白质含量分别为31.17 %、35.12 %和23.98 % ;总氨基酸含量为226.93mg/g、278.38mg/g和178.71mg/g,其中赖氨酸含量4.14mg/g、5.01mg/g和3.47mg/g ,蛋氨酸含量为1.24mg/g、1.33mg/g和0.92mg/g ;能量(GE)为17.72kJ/g、16.42kJ/g 和18.02kJ/g。脱毒桐粕Ⅰ的蛋白质消化率为75.15 % ,消化能为12.85MJ/kg;脱毒桐饼(粕)Ⅰ、Ⅱ的表观代谢能分别为4.88MJ/kg 和6.29MJ/kg,真代谢能为5.53MJ/kg 与6.94MJ/kg。3种脱毒桐饼(粕)的氨基酸之间存在不平衡状况 ,从限制性氨基酸的角度来看 ,脱毒桐饼(粕)的第一限制性氨基酸是蛋氨酸、第二限制性氨基酸为赖氨酸。     

日粮磷和钙磷比例对小型猪(香猪)血清、肠、骨碱性磷酸酶及血清钙磷的影响

36头生长阶段香猪去势公猪 ,通过3×3析因安排分组 ,完全随机区组设计 ,随机分配到9个处理中 ,每个处理4个重复 ,每个重复1头猪。试验两个因子中日粮磷的3个水平分别为0.3 %、0.6 %和0.9 % ;日粮钙磷比例的3个水平为1 :1、1.25 :1和1.5 :1。试验基础日粮由玉米、豆粕、血粉和苜蓿粉组成 ,各处理日粮磷水平和钙磷比例用CaCO3、Na2HPO4 和CaHPO4 调配。从试验开始到结束 ,每隔两周颈静脉采血一次测血清AKP活性和钙、磷 ,并于试验结束时屠宰全部试验猪取小肠和肋骨样测AKP活性。试验结果表明 ,血清AKP活性和第六肋骨AKP活性随日粮磷从0.3 %增加至0.9 %显著下降(P<0.05) ,但十二指肠AKP活性不受日粮磷水平影响。日粮钙磷比例不影响血清、第六肋骨和十二指肠AKP活性(P>0.05)。血清磷随日粮磷增加而增加 ,随日粮钙磷比例增加而下降。血清钙不受日粮磷水平影响 ,但在日粮钙磷比例为1.25 :1时最高     

CLINICAL,DIAGNOSTIC, AND PATHOLOGICAL FEATURES OF 2 CASES OF METASTATIC IRIDOPHOROMA IN A VEILED CHAMELEON (CHAMAELEO CALYPTRATUS) AND A RED-BARRED DRAGON (CTENOPHORUS VADNAPPA)

Iridophores are iridescent cutaneous pigment cells found in reptiles, fish, and amphibians. Neoplasms of iridophores are rarely reported, and little is known about their behaviour, metastatic potential, and prognostic indicators. This paper reports details of the clinical course and pathological findings of metastatic iridophoroma in a veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) and red-barred dragon (Ctenophorus vadnappa). The veiled chameleon presented with a subcutaneous mass on the right lateral elbow and was diagnosed as an iridophoroma on fine needle aspiration. It was otherwise clinically normal. Within 35 days of excision, multiple secondary skin masses developed which were often non-pigmented and required microscopic examination to identify them as iridophoroma metastases. There were in total 54 days between the first detection of the primary mass and end stage, extensive cutaneous and visceral metastatic disease, and there had been no detectable primary mass during routine clinical examination 128 days prior to death. The red-barred dragon presented with a white sub-mandibular mass. While undergoing an excisional biopsy the animal expired, post-mortem examination revealed a cutaneous malignant iridophoroma with tumour cell clusters seen in pulmonary arterial vessels, suggesting that surgical handling of iridophoroma could precipitate the release of circulating tumour cell clusters. This is the first iridophoroma described in a red-barred dragon and the second report of a malignant iridophoroma in a veiled chameleon. Timely detection and careful excision of lizard iridophoroma may be an important factor in clinical outcome.     

不同代谢葡萄糖与代谢蛋白质比例的日粮对生长肥育绵羊葡萄糖营养影响的研究

选用9只装有瘤胃、十二指肠和回肠瘘管的生长羯羊 ,采用单因素3水平随机区组设计 ,研究了不同代谢葡萄糖与代谢蛋白质(MG/MP)比例的日粮对反刍动物葡萄糖代谢的影响。结果显示 :不同的日粮MG/MP比例 ,影响绵羊对日粮中NDF和ADF在消化道的消化。当日粮中MG/MP比例达到1时 ,NDF和ADF的消化率以及血清胰岛素、血浆乙酸清除率有所提高 ,血浆尿素氮(PUN)下降 ,但各组间绵羊的血糖、血清胰岛素、胰高血糖素、胰高血糖素/胰岛素和生长激素含量变化差异均不显著 ,不过随着日粮MP水平的提高 ,血清胰岛素和胰高血糖素/胰岛素比有逐步上升的趋势。据此可认为 ,生长肥育羊日粮存在一个最佳MG/MP平衡值。本试验结果表明 ,在饲喂1.1倍维持能量饲养水平的日粮条件下 ,绵羊最佳MG/MP平衡值介于1.00～1.07之间。     

水牛枯氏住肉孢子虫在水牛与黄牛体内的发育史

11头5～8月龄公水牛犊和2头7日龄黑白花奶牛犊,分别人工感染80～2000万个水牛源枯氏住肉孢子虫孢子囊,2头同龄公水牛犊不感染作对照。感染后12、22和32天在大、中、小血管和毛细血管内出现第一代裂殖体,32.86×16.43(19.08～46.64×12.72～21.2)μm,含100～450个裂殖子;32～46天在毛细血管和小血管内发现大量的第二代裂殖体,18.21×9.87(10.60～29.68×6.36～13.78)μm,含30～110个裂殖子;28～40天,第二代裂殖子出现于血液中或单核细胞内;46天初级幼包囊形成,78天部分包囊成熟,98天(黄牛)包囊成熟。     

猪脾转移因子的部分生化和免疫性及其应用

对６只新生仔猪和８只成年猪脾脏提取的转移因子（ＴＦ）分析表明，新生仔猪已有较高含量ＴＦ（４．０１ｍｇ／ｇ），１７种氨基酸百分比与成年猪类似。通过对小鼠腹腔巨噬细胞吞噬功能影响的研究表明：新生仔猪脾ＴＦ已具有明显的免疫活性，但不及成年猪。给初生仔猪注射成年猪转移因子的试验表明，注射ＴＦ对白细胞数（ＷＢＣ），３日龄淋巴细胞增殖均无明显影响，但对４５日龄淋巴细胞有促进作用，对３０日龄至６０日龄增重亦有极     

桑树芽条枯萎病病原研究 I.病原分离及致病性测定

笔者对陕西省安康地区桑园春季发生的一种梢条和嫩芽枯萎病害的病原作了初步研究,从感病材料各典型病部分离得到桑Ⅰ号菌和桑Ⅱ号菌,经LOPAT部分项目测定及常规致病性测定,究明桑Ⅰ号菌(丁香假单胞杆菌)为该病害主要致病细菌,桑Ⅱ号菌(草生欧氏杆菌)可以引起感染,其症状不如Ⅰ号菌典型,但两菌混合接种有加重病情的现象,故与本病害有密切的关系.