Anaesthesia and analgesia of the donkey and the mule

The number of donkeys and mules throughout the world is stable, and awareness of their use and concern for welfare, pain recognition and treatment are receiving increasing veterinary interest. Therefore, accurate information about anaesthesia and analgesia in donkeys and mules is important to ever more equine practitioners. Since donkeys are physiologically and pharmacologically different from horses, knowledge on species specific aspects of anaesthesia and analgesia are very important. Mules combine elements from both donkey and horse backgrounds, leading to great diversity in size, temperament and body type. Physiologically, they seem to resemble horses more than donkeys. This review highlights the current knowledge on various anaesthetic and analgesic approaches in donkeys and mules. There is still much information that is not available about donkeys; in many circumstances, the clinician must use available equine information to treat the patient, while monitoring carefully to observe for differences in response to therapy compared to the horse.     

浅析当前畜禽调运工作中存在的问题及对策

1 当前畜禽调运中存在的问题 1．1 调运户动物防疫意识不强 一是个别调运户未申领《动物防疫合格证》，没有动物防疫知识和相关法律法规知识．是违规调运的根源．     

貉,蓝狐,银狐的胃及十二指肠内嗜银细胞形态分布的研究

本文应用Ｆｏｒｔａｎａ—Ｍａｓｓｏｎ嗜银颗粒染色法研究了貉、蓝狐、银狐的胃及十二指肠内嗜银细胞的形态分布。结果表明：三种动物胃幽门腺中，嗜根细胞数量最多，呈锥状，嗜银颗粒较粗，密度大、染成深黑色。在胃底及胃贲门腺区、嗜银细胞数量少。在十二指肠部嗜银细胞呈蝌蚪形，嗜银颗粒细，呈黑褐色，密度较小。嗜银细胞的分布密度在三种动物中具有一定的差别。     

Histology and Ultrastructure of the Urothelium Lining the Ureter and the Renal Pelvis in Sows

The histology and ultrastructure of the urothelium lining the ureter and renal pelvis in sows was examined using light microscopy, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The epithelium of both the ureter and the renal pelvis were similar and consisted of the basal, the intermediate and the superficial cells. The luminal surface of the superficial cells was characterized by microplicae. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the luminal membrane of these cells showed trilaminar asymmetric unit membrane. Tight junctions linked the lateral parts of the superficial cells, while the intermediate and the basal cells were connected to each other and the basal cells with the basal membrane through desmosomes and hemidesmosomes, respectively. Clusters of mitochondria were observed throughout the urothelium. Unlike that of the basal cells, the Golgi complex and the endoplasmic reticulum were well developed in the superficial and intermediate cells. Lysosomes and vesicles were observed only in the superficial and the intermediate cells. Fine cytoplasmic filaments, although very few in the basal cells, were observed throughout the epithelium. The results are compared and discussed with the findings reported on the urotherlium of other mammalian species and humans.     

Comparative ventilation and gas exchange in the horse and the cow

Ventilation and gas exchange were studied in healthy, adult horses and cows, two large species with different lung structures and different breathing patterns. The oxygen uptake (VO2), carbon dioxide output (VCO2), respiratory rate (fR), minute ventilation (VE), alveolar ventilation (VA), alveolar oxygen pressure (PAO2), and VE/VO2 ratio were higher in the cows, while the tidal volume (VT) and physiological dead space (VD) were larger in the horses. The arterial blood gases, alveolar-arterial oxygen pressure difference (PAO2-PaO2) and VD/VT ratio did not differ between the two species. The higher VO2 in the cows was most likely due to the energy cost of standing, and possibly to a higher cost of digestion. The higher VE, VA, VE/VO2 and PAO2 were most likely secondary to the increased VO2 and the slightly higher respiratory exchange ratio (R) in the cows. In contrast to hypotheses based on allometric equations, the PAO2 of horses and cows did not appear to differ from that of smaller mammals. The VD was larger than that predicted from allometric equations, and even though the VD/VT ratio (0.50) was lower than the previously reported values for horses and cows, it was significantly larger than the predicted weight-independent value of 0.36. Re-examination of the data used to derive the equation for VD raised questions as to the validity of this equation, and it is suggested that caution be exercised in the use of allometric equations for prediction.     

Effects of age and diet on the development of the pancreas and the synthesis and secretion of pancreatic enzymes in the young pig

Effects of age and diet composition on amylase, trypsin and chymotrypsin activities in the pancreas and intestinal contents, pancreas weights and body weights were determined from birth to 56 d. A total of 120 pigs, five to seven pigs/litter from 18 litters, were slaughtered at birth, 14, 27, 29, 31, 42 and 56 d. Litters were allotted to dietary treatments (corn-soy, A; corn-soy + 20% dried whey, B; corn-soy + 5% lard, C) and offered these diets as creep feed at 14 d. All pigs were weaned at 28 d, placed in elevated nursery pens and fed their respective diets. Total activities of amylase, trypsin and chymotrypsin in the pancreas and small intestine increased (P less than .05) with age. Both trypsin and amylase activities, measured per kilogram body weight or gram pancreas weight, were low at 29 d in the intestine and increased to 56 d. Pigs on diet B had the highest level of trypsin and chymotrypsin in the intestinal contents (P less than .05). Trypsin activity in the pancreas (units/kg body weight) was lowest (P less than .05) for pigs on diet B and highest (P less than .05) for those on diet C (units/g pancreas and units/kg body weight). Amylase activity (units/kg body weight) was lower (P less than .05) in the pancreas for pigs on diet B than for those on diets A and C. Pigs on diet A had lower (P less than .01) intestinal amylase activities than those on diets B and C. Enzyme activities in the intestinal contents and pancreas were low following weaning. In the pancreas, activities decreased at 31 d.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The relation between the birth process and the condition of the newborn piglet and calf

Fluxes of the anti-parasitic agents, [³H]-ivermectin, [³H]-selamectin and [³H]-moxidectin were studied across non-transfected and transfected canine kidney epithelial monolayers, MDCK II/wt, MDCK II-MDR1, MDCK II-MRP1 and MDCK II-MRP2. All four lines surprisingly expressed significant levels of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), coded for by MDR1, but MDCK II-MDR1 expressed increased levels compared to the other lines. MDCK II-MRP1 and MDCK II-MRP2 expressed increased levels of MRP1 and MRP2 respectively. Fluxes of [³H]-ivermectin, [³H]-selamectin, [³H]-moxidectin, and the P-gp substrates, rhodamine-123 and DiOC₂, were polarized in the basolateral-to-apical (secretory) direction across the four lines. Selected MRP inhibitors used in relevant pharmacological concentrations did not block the secretory fluxes of either [³H]-ivermectin or [³H]-selamectin in either the non-transfected or MRP-transfected lines. In contrast, secretory fluxes of ivermectin and selamectin were inhibited in all four lines by the P-gp inhibitor, verapamil. These data confirm that ivermectin and selamectin are substrates for P-gp in four additional cell lines, but suggest that they are not significant substrates for MRP1 or MRP2 where there is background expression of P-gp. Since this pattern of expression also pertains on the blood-brain barrier, it is unlikely that MRP1 and MRP2 play a significant role in ivermectin and selamectin blood: brain distribution in vivo.     

加强兽药研究开发提升行业科技创新水平

提升行业科技创新水平为主题,回顾和分析了我国新兽药研究开发的历程和研究现状及面临的形势,并围绕创新与发展的要求,提出了加强兽药研究开发的对策及建议。     

The relation between the birth process and the condition of the newborn piglet and calf

This presentation will focus on the assessment of the condition of the piglet and calf during and shortly after birth and will review some of the physiological and clinical factors that may have played a role during their delivery and influenced their viability at birth.     

Relation between the concentration of sodium and potassium in the erythrocytes of dairy cows and the concentration of these elements in the plasma and urine and the level of blood glucose

Blood and urine samples of 180 dairy cows from 12 herds were examined. Sodium and potassium concentrations were determined in erythrocytes, whole blood, plasma, urine, and glucose concentration in blood: the interrelations were compared. Sodium and potassium concentrations in erythrocytes were 85.15 +/- 11.45 mmol/l, and 25.93 +/- 7.81 mmol/l, respectively. A statistically significant relation was found between sodium and potassium concentrations in erythrocytes (r = 0.3467+++) and the content of electrolyte in blood cells and in whole blood (Na: r = 0.5336+++; K: r = 0.3561+++). No statistically significant relation of intraerythrocyte concentration of both electrolytes was confirmed with respect to the other characteristics (sodium and potassium concentrations in plasma and urine, and glucose concentration in blood). In the conditions of routine laboratory diagnostics in clinically healthy cows, determinations of intraerythrocyte sodium and potassium do not broaden possibilities of evaluating the metabolic state of these electrolytes and cannot be used as the characteristics of energy insufficiency. The cannot replace the analyses performed in serum and urine.     

Relationship between the development of the gubernaculum and the testicular descent in the rat fetus: macroscopic and light and electron microscopic observation

The gubernaculum consists of the gubernacular cord connected with the vas deferens and the gubernacular bulb connected with the retroabdominal wall. The cord was first distinguished on day 15 of gestation. Its length reached the peak on day 16, followed by a reduction until day 18 to be almost constant thereafter. The bulb was first distinguished on day 16, and its length was steadily increased toward term. The testis began to descend with a reduced length of the cord. By day 19, the testis descended close to the caudal part of the bulb by the sharp bending of the cord. Microscopically, the bulb consisted at first of a centrally located mesenchymal mass and of a covering layer of myoblasts. Thereafter, the mesenchymal mass was gradually shifted toward the cranial part of the bulb, trailing loose mesenchymal tissue in the caudal part of the bulb. On day 19, the mass was decreased in cell population but increased in amount of collagen fibers. It is suggested that the testicular descent starts on day 16 together with the commencement of shortening of the gubernacular cord and enlargement of the gubernacular bulb.     

Lead and Zinc Poisoning and the Interaction Between Pb and Zn Poisoning in the Foal

Groups of young growing horses were fed toxic amounts of lead only, zinc only and the same amounts of lead and zinc together. Those fed Pb only developed pharyngeal and laryngeal paralysis (“roaring”) whereas those fed Zn only and Pb and Zn together developed the same clinical syndrome which included swelling at the epiphyseal region of the long bones, stiffness and lameness. Anemia and decreased weight gains were most pronounced in animals fed Zn for the longest periods. Animals fed Pb only did not become anemic and weight loss did not occur until after there was an interference in swallowing.

The clinical signs and tissue Pb values from animals fed toxic amounts of both Pb and Zn continuously, differed markedly from those present in animals fed comparable amounts of Pb only. Th clinical signs were similar to those caused by Zn poisoning. The hepatic and renal tissue Pb values were approximately twice as high and the epiphyseal and cancellous bone sample results were one half as high as the comparable Pb values from animals fed toxic amounts of Pb only.

It appeared that toxic amounts of Zn prevented the development of clinical signs of Pb poisoning in the young growing horse.

     

Ultrasonographic examination of the caecum and the proximal and spiral ansa of the colon of cattle

The large intestine of 10 cows was examined from the right abdominal wall with a 3.5 MHz linear transducer. The cows were then slaughtered, and the organs were re-examined in a water bath. The caecum was visualised from the middle region of the abdominal wall. It ran caudo-cranially, varied in diameter from 5.2 to 18.0 cm and was situated immediately adjacent to the abdominal wall. The lateral wall of the caecum appeared as a thick, echogenic, crescent-shaped line. It could be visualised as far cranially as the 12th intercostal space. Although its junction could not be identified, the proximal ansa of the colon was recognised on the basis of its anatomical position and its diameter, which was smaller than that of the caecum. The spiral ansa of the colon and the descending colon were situated dorsal to the caecum and could be identified by moving the transducer horizontally along the abdominal wall to the last rib. The spiral ansa of the colon was situated ventral to the descending colon, and its walls appeared as thick echogenic lines. In a contracted state, the spiral colon had the appearance of a garland.     

Liquid flow and capacity of the caecum and colon of the horse

The rate of flow of fluid from the caecum and from the large colon was measured in four Shetland-type ponies fed a hay diet. In two ponies with cannulas in the caecum and at the origin of the right ventral colon, a continuous intracaecal infusion of a solution of chromium EDTA was used and samples were obtained from the cannula at the origin of the right ventral colon. Based on four determinations, the liquid flow from the caecum was 54.2 +/- 1.89 litres d-1. In the other two ponies with cannulas in the origin of the right ventral colon and near the end of the right dorsal colon, a continuous infusion of chromium EDTA was made into the right ventral colon and samples were obtained from the right dorsal colon. The flow rate towards the end of the dorsal colon was 49.4 +/- 1.25 litres d-1, based on four determinations. The capacities of the caecum and large colon after death were 7.0 +/- 0.8 and 17.7 +/- 3.7 litres, respectively.     

Mycotoxins and the intestine

Fungal biochemical pathways can yield various compounds that are not considered to be necessary for their growth and are thus referred to as secondary metabolites. These compounds have been found to have wide ranging biological effects and include potent poisons(mycotoxins). Mycotoxins invariably contaminate crops and(thus) animal feeds. The intestine is the key link between ingested mycotoxins and their detrimental effects on the animal. Effects on the intestine, or intestinal environment, and immune system have been reported with various mycotoxins. These effects are almost certainly occurring across species. Most, if not all, of the reported effects of mycotoxins are negative in terms of intestinal health, for example, decreased intestinal cell viability, reductions in short chain fatty acid(SCFA)concentrations and elimination of beneficial bacteria, increased expression of genes involved in promoting inflammation and counteracting oxidative stress. This challenge to intestinal health will predispose the animal to intestinal(and systemic) infections and impair efficient digestion and absorption of nutrients, with the associated effect on animal productivity.     

Nutrition and the integument

Although nutritional deficiencies, imbalances and toxicities may be specific, they all tend to produce general, non-specific skin changes. Tests to determine nutrient levels in tissues or serum are expensive and rarely diagnostic. Careful evaluation of genetic factors and the dietary history may give clues to the diagnosis; and test feedings or trial medications may produce clinical response. Except for food hypersensitivities, which may be common in certain individuals, pets fed complete, balanced commercial diets rarely have skin disorders caused by nutritional factors.