Protein requirements of collared peccary (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pecari tajacu</Emphasis>)

A nitrogen (N) balance digestion trial was conducted to determine the protein requirement of collared peccaries (Pecari tajacu). In a 4 × 4 Latin square design, four captive adult male peccaries were fed four isoenergy diets containing four different levels of N (11.7, 16.3, 22.8, and 26.7 g N/kg of dry matter—DM). After 15 days of adaptation, a total collection of feces and urine was carried out for five consecutive days. Regression analyses between N intake and N in feces and urine allowed to calculate the metabolic fecal nitrogen (MFN = 2.3 g N/kg of dry matter intake—DMI) and daily endogenous urinary N (EUN = 185 mg N/kg^0.75). Likewise, by regression analyses between consumption of nitrogen and the nitrogen balance (NB = N ingested ? N excreted, mg N/kg^0.75), a daily requirement of 514 mg N/kg^0.75 was calculated. Therefore, if food intake is unrestricted, collared peccaries require a minimum in their diet of about 5.4% crude protein on DM basis. These values are almost as low as those found for browsing and frugivorous wild ruminants, which reinforce the proposition that peccaries’ digestive physiology is nearer to that of domestic and wild ruminants than domestic pigs. This relatively low protein requirement of collared peccary and its great ability to digest protein reveal the relevance of the forestomach for the species on nitrogen/protein metabolism and allow the use of diets with lower crude protein levels than the commercial ones used for the domestic pig, which reduces feed costs.     

Fecal cortisol metabolite analysis for noninvasive monitoring of adrenocortical function in the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus).

A radioimmunoassay was validated for quantifying excreted cortisol metabolites in cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) feces. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis indicated that immunoreactivity was associated with a water-soluble metabolite in fecal extracts from males and females. None of the immunoreactivity corresponded with free cortisol or corticosterone but rather was associated with a more polar, unidentified metabolite. To determine the biologic relevance of excreted immunoreactive cortisol metabolites, cheetahs were exposed to a variety of situations anticipated to increase cortisol secretion. First, to assess acute changes in adrenal activity, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH; 400 IU i.m.) was administered to two adult males and two adult females. Pre-ACTH baseline serum cortisol and fecal cortisol metabolite concentrations varied among individuals. Serum cortisol concentrations were elevated above baseline within 10 min of ACTH injection, followed by corresponding increases in fecal cortisol metabolite concentrations (690-4,194% above baseline) 48 hr later in three of four cheetahs. In the fourth cheetah, a smaller increase (334% above baseline) in fecal cortisol metabolite excretion was observed 96 hr after ACTH injection. Seven cheetah females also were subjected to a variety of potentially stressful manipulations, including immobilization, translocation, and introduction to a male to assess the ability of this technique to detect physiologic changes in adrenal activity. Increased fecal corticoid metabolite excretion was observed 24-72 hr after exposure to these exogenous stressors. Results indicate that adrenocortical activity can be monitored noninvasively in the cheetah through analysis of these metabolites. This technique could be valuable for evaluating, and thus optimizing, environmental and management conditions and for investigating the role of stress in disease pathogenesis and the usually poor reproductive performance of this species in captivity.     

Evaluation of a fluorometric method for the quantitative assay of fecal hemoglobin in the dog

Feces from 27 dogs were evaluated to establish baseline fecal hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations when the dogs were fed diets containing varying amounts of Hb. Fecal Hb concentration was measured, using a quantitative fluorometric assay that was based on the conversion of nonfluorescing Hb heme to fluorescing porphyrins. Mean fecal Hb concentration was 0.31 mg/g of feces when the dogs were fed a dry diet low in Hb. This corresponded to a daily fecal blood loss of 0.043 ml/kg of body weight. The fecal Hb concentration was directly related to the dietary Hb concentration. The average recovery of orally ingested blood was 41% in 4 dogs. This fluorometric assay quantitatively detected small amounts of gastrointestinal bleeding over a wide range of fecal Hb concentrations for which feces appeared normal. Results of this study establish dietary conditions necessary for quantitative evaluation of experimental and clinical gastrointestinal bleeding.     

Use of Non‐invasive Methods for Evaluating the Testicular Biometry in Collared Peccaries (Pecari tajacu Linnaeus, 1758)

The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of two methods used to estimate testicular volume in the collared peccary. Calliper and ultrasonographic measurements of testicular dimensions (length, width and height) of both testes were taken on five adult collared peccaries. The testicular volume was calculated by Lambert's empiric formula: length (L) × width (W) × height (H) × 0.71, the formula of an ellipsoid L × W × H × 0.52, and Hansen's formula: L × W² × 0.52. The calculated volumes were then compared with the actual ones, which were estimated by water displacement. The mean of true testicular volume was 22.65 ± 1.52 ml. Lambert's formula estimated testicular volume more accurately when ultrasound measurements were taken. However, when the calliper was the methodology used, the results were closest to the true volume, especially when Ellipsoid formula and Hansen's formula were applied, and underestimated the true volumes by 1.53 ± 1.75 ml and 1.53 ± 1.65 ml, respectively. This specific application of technologies in wild animals has the potential to revolutionize the selection process for the collared peccary entering artificial insemination or natural breeding programmes.     

A health evaluation in a colony of captive collared peccaries (Tayassu tajacu) in the Eastern Amazon

This study pretends to determine baseline data on the health and mortality of a colony of captive collared peccaries in the Eastern Amazon (Belém, State of Pará, Brazil) during a 65-months survey. Thirty-nine out of 166 animals (23.5%) died and were examined post-mortem. Monthly mortality averaged 1.2%. The highest mortality rate was observed in newborns (74.4%). Abandonment by the mother and aggression were responsible for 24.1% and 13.8% of the total newborn deaths, respectively. Most frequent causes of non-neonatal death were food poisoning (50.0%) due to an episode of accidental bitter cassava leaves ingestion and traumatism due to aggressions between animals (10.0%). Results from serology for different infectious diseases showed that 4.9% (2/41) collared peccaries had antibodies against Brucella spp. and 9.8% (4/41) animals had antibodies to two different Leptospira spp. serovars, butembo and autumnalis. This is the first survey of morbidity and mortality in captive collared peccaries in the Amazon region.     

Chemical restraint of peccaries with tiletamine/zolazepam and xylazine or tiletamine/zolazepam and butorphanol

Objective To evaluate the use of a combination of tiletamine/zolazepam and xylazine (TZX) in collared and white‐lipped peccaries and to compare its efficacy as an anesthetic technique with that of tiletamine/zolazepam and butorphanol (TZB). Study design Prospective experimental trial. Animals Seven white‐lipped peccaries (Tayassu pecari) (four females and three males) and four collared peccaries (Tayasu tajacu) (two males and two females). Methods Animal immobilization was attempted with TZX and TZB (IM) on two different occasions. Heart and respiratory rates (HR, RR), rectal temperature (RT), sedation, muscle relaxation, posture, auditory response and analgesia were evaluated every 15 minutes during immobilization. Induction, anesthesia, standing and walking time were determined after drug administration. Results Doses for white‐lipped peccaries were 1.23 ± 0.26 mg kg^?1 (mean ± SD) of TZ and 1.23 ± 0.26 mg kg^?1 of X, and 1.46 ± 0.09 mg kg^?1 of TZ and 0.14 ± 0.008 mg kg^?1 of B; doses for collared peccaries were 1.51 ± 0.29 mg kg^?1 of TZ and 1.51 ± 0.29 mg kg^?1 of X and 1.68 ± 0.02 mg kg^?1 of TZ and 0.17 ± 0.002 mg kg^?1 of B. In white‐lipped peccaries, both drug combinations provided a smooth induction and good immobilization for more than an hour. Anesthesia and standing times were significantly longer in animals given TZB, whereas walking time was significantly longer in animals given TZX. A significant decrease in HR was observed with both treatments. Respiratory rate decreased significantly with TZX, but the rate remained higher than with TZB. Induction and recovery quality in white‐lipped peccaries was better with TZB than with TZX. Neither protocol provided adequate immobilization in collared peccaries. Conclusion and clinical relevance At the doses described, TZB is effective in providing a long period of immobilization, whereas TZX is adequate for short to medium immobilization in white‐lipped peccaries. Neither drug combination was effective in collared peccaries at the doses given.     

Necrotic enteritis in collared (Pecari tajacu) and white-lipped (Tayassu pecari) peccaries

An outbreak of necrotic enteritis caused by Clostridium perfringens type C was diagnosed in captive collared (Pecari tajacu) and white-lipped (Tayassu pecari) peccaries housed in the Laboratory of Applied Ethology of Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz located in Ilhéus, State of Bahia, Brazil. Four collared peccaries and three white-lipped peccaries, all juveniles (25-105 days old), were affected. For all affected animals, lethargy and inappetance were followed by sudden death within 24 hours. Histopathology of intestinal wall, culture of C. perfringens type C, and the identification of beta-toxin from intestinal content confirmed the diagnosis.     

Progesterone and estradiol-17β as a potential method for pregnancy diagnosis in the collared peccary (Pecari tajacu)

In this study, the period of pregnancy of nine collared peccary females has been monitored through the analysis of serum progesterone and estradiol-17β profiles. Serum concentrations of progesterone increased by Day 4 after conception, reaching concentrations of 33.4±5.6ng/mL on Day 10. Between Days 10 and 130 progesterone values were maintained between 20 and 60ng/mL. In the collared peccary, embryonic estradiol synthesis is first observed in the systemic circulation by Day 15 of pregnancy. Between Days 0 and 50 of pregnancy, average estradiol-17β concentrations were between 0 and 30pg/mL. From Day 75 of pregnancy onwards, estradiol concentrations were constantly increasing, reaching maximum concentrations (131.4±40.8pg/mL) on the day of parturition. The combined study of serum progesterone and estradiol-17β concentrations as a potential method for early pregnancy diagnosis presented the best overall accuracy (73%) when the threshold was established at 20ng/mL serum progesterone and 20pg/mL serum estradiol. Nevertheless, the accuracy for diagnosing pregnancy of females at mid and late pregnancy was 78% and 95%, respectively. The analysis of the sexual hormones during pregnancy could be a useful tool as a potential pregnancy diagnosis and an efficient predictor of the day of parturition in the captive collared peccary.     

Morphological Characterization of the Ovarian Preantral Follicle Population of Collared Peccaries (Tayassu tajacu Linnaeus, 1758)

The aim of this research was to characterize the preantral ovarian follicular population in collared peccaries (Tayassu tajacu) using light and electron microscopy. Ovaries from six mature females were collected and further fixed for histological and ultrastructural analysis. A total of 33273.45 ± 5789.99 preantral follicles (PFs) were estimated for the population in each ovary. Most preantral follicles were primordial (91.56%), followed by primary (6.29%) and secondary (2.15%) ones. Most PFs were morphologically normal (94.4%), and only a few were atretic (5.6%). At histology assessment, amounts of lipid droplets were observed into the oocyte cytoplasm, which was confirmed through ultrastructural analysis. This work characterizes for the first time the ovarian population of preantral follicles, total and per category, in collared peccaries (Tayassu tajacu). The general follicles featured at primordial, primary and secondary categories are very similar to those described for other species.     

Ovarian gene expression in collared peccary (Pecari tajacu Linnaeus, 1758) subjected to gonadotropin stimulation protocols

Ovarian response of collared peccaries (Pecari tajacu), after hormonal stimulation with gonadotropin association (eCG/hCG), was accessed by both gene expression and follicular development. Thus, collared peccaries (n = 8) were treated with the dose used for sows (swine dose, SWD) or with dose adjusted for peccary's weight (allometric dose, ALD). The gene expression of receptors was evaluated for both gonadotropins (FSHR and LHCGR) and growth factors (proteins codified by TGFβR-1, BMPR1-A and BMPR2 genes) in antral follicles, cortex and corpora haemorrhagica (CH). Five days after gonadotropin injection, all females presented CH. The ovulation rate was similar (p > .05) between SWD (4.00 ± 1.17) and ALD (2.50 ± 0.43) group. The total number of follicles per animal and amounts of small (<3 mm), medium (3–5 mm) and large (>5 mm) follicles was similar among groups. However, SWD produced large follicles heavier than ALD group, as accessed by weight of follicular wall biopsies. Ovarian follicles expressed both gonadotropin and growth factor receptors at levels which are independent from gonadotropin dose. In conclusion, the two gonadotropin doses (SWD and ALD) can be used for ovarian stimulation of collared peccary. Additionally, FSH and growth factors (TGFβR-1, BMPR1-A and BMPR2) receptors are more expressed in the early follicle development, while LH receptor seems to be more important in the final of follicular growth.     

Coping capacity of dairy cows during the change from conventional to automatic milking

In conventional milking systems, dairy cows are driven to the milking stall twice or thrice daily, whereas in automatic milking systems (AMS), the cows enter the milking stall voluntarily. In this study, noninvasive methods were used to analyze the physiological reaction of 17 cows toward the changeover from conventional to automatic milking. Milk yield and composition were analyzed. Heart rate was recorded continuously, and feces was sampled twice daily to determine cortisol metabolites (11, 17-dioxoandrostanes) for a period of 2 wk. During the first visit to the AMS (without milking), heart rate was elevated compared with parlor milking by 35 +/- 3 beats per minute (bpm) above basal heart rate (P < 0.05). Heart rate during the first milking in AMS (eighth visit) was already similar to the heart rate previously measured during milking in the parlor (18.1 +/- 2.2 bpm above basal level). Concentration of fecal cortisol metabolites was unchanged during the change-over compared with parlor milking. A decreased (P < 0.05) milk yield of 68 +/- 7% relative to previous parlor yield during the first AMS milking indicated a disturbance of milk ejection in most cows. Individual yields ranged from 8 to 96% of the previous parlor yield. To examine the relationship between adrenal cortex sensitivity and the coping process, an ACTH challenge experiment was performed after the changeover period. Cows that released more cortisol after ACTH injection, indicating a higher adrenal cortex sensitivity, had a less enhanced heart rate and a near normal milk ejection during the first AMS milkings (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the reactions toward the changeover to AMS milking varied widely within cows. Adaption to the AMS was easier in animals with a higher adrenal cortex sensitivity to ACTH.     

The effect of otic vehicle and concentration of dexamethasone on liver enzyme activities and adrenal function in small breed healthy dogs

Dexamethasone 0.1% in propylene glycol vehicle has been shown to cause adrenal suppression and increased liver enzyme concentrations in normal dogs. The objectives of this study were to determine if these effects are concentration or vehicle dependent and to evaluate a dexamethasone 0.01% solution. Twenty-one privately owned normal dogs were included in this double-blinded study. Chemistry panels and adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) stimulation tests were performed on day 0 and 15. Dogs were randomly assigned treatment with dexamethasone 0.01% in saline, 0.1% in saline, or 0.1% in a commercial preparation (Tresaderm®: Merial, Duluth, GA, USA) in each ear twice daily for 2 weeks. Nineteen dogs completed the study. After 2 weeks of treatment, all dogs receiving dexamethasone 0.01% in saline had normal ACTH stimulation tests and liver enzyme values. In contrast, four of seven dogs (57.14%) receiving dexamethasone 0.1% in saline experienced adrenal suppression, and four of six dogs (66.67%) receiving Tresaderm® experienced adrenal suppression with three of those dogs (50%) experiencing marked adrenal suppression. No dogs receiving dexamethasone 0.1% in saline had increased liver enzyme concentration, while one of six dogs (16.67%) experienced a slight elevation in alkaline phosphatase. In conclusion, it appears that adrenal suppression caused by otic dexamethasone is concentration and perhaps vehicle dependent. Veterinarians who formulate dexamethasone 0.1% otic solutions should be cognizant of potential adrenal suppression similar to that seen with Tresaderm® although not to the same degree. Dexamethasone at 0.01% did not cause adrenal suppression or liver enzyme alterations after 2 weeks of treatment.     

Ammonia,volatile fatty acids,phenolics, and odor offensiveness in manure from growing pigs fed diets reduced in protein concentration

The objective of this study was to investigate whether reducing dietary CP concentration decreases fecal VFA, manure ammonia (NH3) emission and odor, and urinary phenolic metabolites. Six barrows were allotted to one of six dietary treatments in a Latin square design. Treatments consisted of four corn-soybean meal based diets containing 15, 12, 9, and 6% CP, a casein-based diet containing 15% CP, and a protein-free diet (0% protein). Crystalline AA were included in the 12, 9, and 6% CP diets. The casein-based and protein-free diets were used to determine basal endogenous contribution of VFA, phenolics, NH3, and manure odor. Pigs were housed individually in metabolism cages to allow total collection of feces and urine. Feces and urine were collected and pooled within pig and period. Feces and urine were analyzed for VFA and phenolic metabolite concentrations, respectively. Feces and urine were then mixed, stored, and fermented at room temperature for 30 d. For NH3 determination, headspace air was sampled from manure slurries at 24, 48, and 72 h after fermentation. Slurry samples were placed into vials, capped, and randomized before odor panel evaluation. Odor offensiveness was classified on severity: 1 = non-offensive; 2 = mildly offensive; 3 = moderately offensive; 4 = strongly offensive; and 5 = extremely offensive. Reducing dietary CP increased (P < 0.05) fecal VFA concentrations but did not affect phenolic concentrations in urine. Manure NH3 emission was reduced (P < 0.05) as dietary CP concentration decreased from 15 to 0%. The 15% diet had the least offensive manure slurry with odor qualitative ranking of 2.58 (i.e., mild-moderately offensive). Compared with the 15% CP diet, manure from the 9 and 6% CP diets was found to be more offensive (P < 0.05), with qualitative rankings of 2.92 and 3.10, respectively. Odor qualitative rank for the 12% CP, protein-free diet, and casein-based diet did not differ from that of the 15% CP diet. These results indicate that reduction in dietary CP concentrations decreases manure NH3 emission, but it does not diminish manure odor offensiveness and fecal VFA concentrations.     

The efficacy of a Giardia lamblia vaccine in kittens.

Twenty kittens were vaccinated with a Giardia lamblia vaccine prepared on a commercial scale on day 0 and boosted on day 21 (group 1); while 10 kittens received only saline (group 2). These kittens were challenged on day 35 with 10(6) Giardia lamblia trophozoites by a surgical intraduodenal injection. Three control kittens were not vaccinated and not challenged (group 3). Following challenge, Giardia vaccinated kittens had significantly fewer days in which abnormal stools were observed and reduced food intake occurred compared to saline injected animals. The rate of weight gain between group 1 and group 2 animals was not different in the prechallenge period (day 0 to day 35), but vaccinated animals had a significantly higher weight gain in the postchallenge period (P < 0.05). On day 56, all vaccinated animals were not passing cysts in their feces, while 40% of saline injected kittens had Giardia cysts in their feces. In vaccinated kittens, cysts were never demonstrated in 45% of the animals, while cysts were detected in 90% of the saline injected kittens. Viability of the cysts in vaccinated kittens was 38% while the cysts viability in saline injected kittens was 99%. On postmortem examination, trophozoites could be detected in 5% of vaccinated kittens and 60% of saline injected kittens. Vaccination produced an elevated Giardia specific serum IgG and IgA response prior to challenge and throughout the postinfection period. The Giardia infection in the saline injected group did not induce an elevated specific serum response. Giardia vaccination of kittens provides protection in kittens from an experimental challenge by reducing or eliminating intestinal trophozoites and fecal cyst excretion.     

The development of a simple fecal immunoreactive progestin assay to monitor reproductive function in swine.

The objectives of the study were to (a) develop a simple fecal progestin extraction and radioimmunoassay method to measure immunoreactive progestin in porcine feces and (b) to characterize fecal progestin profiles during the estrous cycle and postpartum. A simple extraction method was developed in trial 1 and the mean (+/- SD) progestin recovery of the method was 84.3 +/- 3.5%. Progesterone levels measured at five different spiked concentrations (50, 100, 200, 400, and 500 ng/0.5 g feces) showed no systematic error. The sensitivity of the assay was 0.16 nmol/L of the extract. Trial 2 involved collecting fecal samples from six cycling sows every second or third day, beginning on the day of estrus (day 0) and continuing until day 22. The mean (+/- SD) fecal progestin concentrations of these sows determined by the above assay during days 0-5, days 6-10, days 11-15, and days 16-21 were 87.1 +/- 17.5, 262.6 +/- 102.1, 1188.2 +/- 454.1, and 897.3 +/- 274.1 x 10(-3) nmol/g feces, respectively. In trial 3, fecal samples from six postpartum sows were collected at weekly intervals beginning from day 7 after farrowing until day 50. The mean (+/- SD) fecal progestin concentrations were 111.0 +/- 61.1, 74.1 +/- 21.3, 66.5 +/- 26.1, 122.7 +/- 58.8 and 533.5 +/- 244.2 x 10(-3) nmol/g feces, during days 7-10, days 11-20, days 21-30, days 31-40, and days 41-50 postpartum, respectively. The results indicate that simple fecal progestin extraction and assay are feasible alternatives to the standard blood progesterone assays for monitoring reproductive function in swine.     

Ovarian activity and pregnancy in the Siberian tiger, Panthera tigris altaica, assessed by fecal gonadal steroid hormones analyses

Feces were collected from two female and one male Siberian tigers, Panthera tigris altaica. Steroid hormones were extracted from lyophilized feces and quantified by enzyme immunoassay. The fecal contents of estradiol-17beta (E(2)) and testosterone in the females and male, respectively, changed markedly throughout the year. The fecal E(2) contents of females Nos. 179 and 238 increased at 26.4 +/- 8.0 and 28.0 +/- 14.2 day intervals, respectively. However, the fecal contents of progesterone (P(4)) in the female kept alone did not change. In contrast, the other female, which was kept with a male, had increased fecal P(4) contents after copulation. The fecal progesterone levels of the pregnant female remained high during her 106-day pregnancy.     

Development of a polymerase chain reaction assay for the detection of antibiotic resistance genes in community DNA.

Many methods are used to detect antibiotic resistance genes in samples. The objective of the study reported here was to compare polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of community DNA with fecal culturing for detecting antibiotic resistance genes in cattle samples. In the laboratory-based portion of this study, known concentrations of an Escherichia coli strain with 3 antibiotic resistance genes (cmy-2, flo, and cat) were added to feces from dairy cattle. These genes were used to assess the effect of various primer pairs, chromosomally versus plasmid-encoded genes, and gene copy number on the sensitivity of PCR amplification. Gene-specific PCR amplification was performed on the community DNA extracted from the feces. Feces were cultured for the inoculated strain. In the field-based portion of the study, 80 cattle fecal samples of unknown gene status were compared by use of similar methods. Culture and PCR amplification from community DNA extractions produced variable results, and this variability was most noticeable at dilutions that approached the detection limit of the assay. Typically, PCR amplification had a higher sensitivity than did culture for detecting the gene of interest. However, the sensitivity of culture was improved by plating on selective media containing antibiotics. The community DNA approach enables assessment of bacterial communities in complex samples such as feces, a task that can be prohibitive by budget or time constraints associated with culture methods. Through a strategic combination of culture and community DNA approaches, the relationship between specific selection pressures and the persistence and dissemination of specific resistance genes can be elucidated.     

Culture of strategically pooled bovine fecal samples as a method to screen herds for paratuberculosis.

Fecal samples from 733 cows in 11 dairy herds with a low prevalence of paratuberculosis were cultured for the presence of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis both individually and after combining (pooling) in groups of 5. The culture procedure was the modified Jorgensen method, which uses NaOH and oxalic acid for decontamination and modified Lowenstein-Jensen agar slants for cultivation. Pooling was performed by mixing fecal samples from 5 animals ordered by age, herein referred to as strategic pooling. Culture of individual fecal samples detected M. a. paratuberculosis infections in 43 of the 733 cows and 7 of 11 infected herds (herd sensitivity = 64%). Culture of pooled fecal samples detected M. a. paratuberculosis in 28 of 151 pooled samples representing 8 of the infected 11 herds (herd sensitivity = 73%). Feces of the 43 culture-positive cows was included in 32 pools: of these 32 pools, 26 were culture positive and 6 were culture negative. In addition to the 26 positive pools containing feces from cows that were found culture positive on individual fecal samples, another 2 pools were culture positive, although comprised of feces from cows with negative results after culture of individual fecal samples. From the total of 45 infected cows that were found (43 by individual fecal culture and an additional 2 by pooled fecal culture), individual fecal culture detected 43 of these 45 (96%), while pooled fecal culture detected 39 (87%). Culture of strategically pooled fecal samples using the modified Jorgensen method was equivalent in herd sensitivity to the culture of individual fecal samples and is significantly less expensive.     

Effects of delmadinone acetate on pituitary-adrenal function, glucose tolerance and growth hormone in male dogs

Objective To characterise the effects of delmadinone acetate on the pituitary-adrenal axis, glucose tolerance and growth hormone concentration in normal male dogs and dogs with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Design A prospective study involving nine normal male dogs and seven with prostatic hyperplasia.
Procedure Delmadinone acetate was administered to six normal male dogs and seven dogs with benign prostatic hyperplasia at recommended dose rates (1.5 mg/kg subcuta-neously at 0, 1 and 4 weeks). Three normal controls received saline at the same intervals. Blood concentrations of ACTH, cortisol, glucose, insulin and growth hormone were measured over 50 days. Intravenous glucose tolerance and ACTH response tests were performed before and after treatment in the nine normal animals.
Results A substantial suppression of basal and 2 h post-ACTH plasma cortisol secretion was demonstrated after one dose in all dogs given delmadinone acetate. Individual responses after the second and third administration varied between recovery in adrenal responsiveness to continued suppression. Plasma ACTH concentration was also diminished after one treatment. No effects were evident on glucose tolerance or serum growth hormone concentrations.
Conclusion Delmadinone acetate causes adrenal suppression from inhibition of release of ACTH from the pituitary gland. Treated dogs may be at risk of developing signs of glucocorticoid insufficiency if subjected to stressful events during or after therapy. Neither glucose intolerance nor hyper-somatotropism seems likely in male dogs given delmadinone acetate at the recommended dose rate, but the potential for excessive growth hormone secretion in treated bitches remains undetermined.