Daytime profile of the intraocular pressure and tear production in normal dog

Objective  To evaluate the circadian rhythms of intraocular pressure (IOP) and tear production in dog exposed to a natural photoperiod.
Animals studied  We used 12 clinically healthy Beagles dog housed under natural photoperiod at indoor temperature and humidity.
Procedure  Intraocular pressure and Schirmer tear test (STT) I were measured every 4 h over a 48-h period in both eyes in each animal. Statistical analysis of the data was performed by one-way repeated-measures anova , Student's t -test, and single cosinor method.
Results  On each day, there was a highly significant effect of time on both parameters. A statistically significant difference of STT I values was observed comparing left and right eyes ( P  < 0.0001). Robust daily rhythms were observed for both parameters, IOP values showed diurnal acrophase (left eye: 09:33 ± 00:50 h; right eye: 09:25 ± 00:22 h), while STT I values showed nocturnal acrophase (left eye: 20:27 ± 00:46 h; right eye: 20:00 ± 00:05 h).
Conclusion  This study has demonstrated circadian rhythms in both IOP and STT I.     

Corneal sensitivity and aqueous tear production in dogs undergoing evisceration with intraocular prosthesis placement

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether there is an association between evisceration with intraocular prosthesis placement via a dorsal scleral approach and decreased corneal sensitivity or aqueous tear production in dogs. DESIGN: Prospective study. PROCEDURE: Twenty-one dogs scheduled to undergo unilateral evisceration with intraocular prosthesis, and with a normal normotensive contralateral eye, based on slit-lamp biomicroscopy, indirect ophthalmoscopy and applanation tonometry, were included in the study. Central corneal sensitivity was measured with a Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer prior to (week 0) and 2, 7, 14 and 28 weeks following surgery. Other pre- and postoperative data collected were Schirmer's tear test (STT I), Schirmer's tear test with topical anesthesia (STT II), corneal fluorescein retention, and intraocular pressure (IOP; postoperative control eye only). Axial globe length was determined for both eyes. Scleral incision length in the surgery eye was also recorded. RESULTS: Corneal sensitivity was significantly lower in eyes undergoing evisceration with intraocular prosthesis than in control eyes both preoperatively and postoperatively at all time points. There was no significant difference between preoperative and postoperative corneal sensitivity within the two groups. There was no significant difference in STT I or STT II-values between control eyes and surgery eyes preoperatively. There was a significant difference between preoperative and 2-week postoperative STT I in the surgery eye. There was a significant difference between the preoperative and 28-week postoperative STT II in the surgery eye. The 28-week postoperative STT I-values differed significantly between control and surgery eyes. Corneal sensitivity tended to decrease with increased degree of buphthalmos or with increased scleral incision length, although neither relationship was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Eyes that have sustained chronically elevated intraocular pressure had decreased axial corneal sensitivity compared to normal eyes, which persisted even after intraocular pressure was reduced. The presence of buphthalmos appeared to be a factor in globes developing decreased corneal sensitivity. Evisceration via a dorsal scleral incision did not result in a significant further reduction in axial corneal sensitivity. A mild reduction in aqueous tear production occurred over time in globes following evisceration with intraocular prosthesis.     

Effect of topical tropicamide on tear production as measured by Schirmer's tear test in normal dogs and cats

Objective To evaluate the effect of a single dose of topical 1% tropicamide on tear production as measured by the Schirmer tear test (STT) in the normal dog and cat. Material and methods Twenty‐eight dogs and 32 cats received 50 µl : l of 1% tropicamide in one eye and the opposite eye served as the control. STTs were performed immediately before instillation of tropicamide and then at 1, 4, 8 and 24 h post drug instillation. STT results were compared between the control and treated eyes at the different times. Results Aqueous tear production in dogs, measured by STT, was not significantly reduced. The mean ± SEM STTs for the baseline time for control and tropicamide‐treated eyes were 19.9 ± 0.8 and 20.3 ± 0.8 mm wetting/min, respectively. For the control eyes, the subsequent mean ± SEM STT levels were 20.3 ± 0.9 (1 h), 21.1 ± 0.8 (4 h), 20.1 ± 0.9 (8 h), and 18.7 ± 0.7 (24 h). For the tropicamide‐treated eyes, the subsequent mean ± SEM STT levels were 19.4 ± 0.9 (1 h), 19.3 ± 0.9 (4 h), 20.0 ± 0.9 (8 h), and 18.4 ± 0.8 (24 h). Aqueous tear production of both eyes was significantly reduced in cats at 1 h but returned to baseline by 4 h post tropicamide instillation. The mean ± SEM STT levels for the baseline time in cats for control and tropicamide‐treated eyes were 14.9 ± 0.8 and 14.7 ± 0.8 mm wetting/min, respectively. Subsequent mean ± SEM STT levels for the control eyes were 6.4 ± 1.1 (1 h), 11.9 ± 1.0 (4 h), 13.9 ± 0.8 (8 h), and 16.4 ± 1.0 (24 h). For the tropicamide‐treated eyes, the subsequent mean ± SEM STT levels were 5.3 ± 0.8 (1 h), 10.2 ± 0.8 (4 h), 14.7 ± 1.0 (8 h), and 16.6 ± 1.0 (24 h). Conclusion Single dose 1% tropicamide does not significantly lower tear production rates, as measured by the STT, in normal dogs. However, in normal cats single doses of 1% tropicamide in one eye cause significant reductions in tear production of both eyes at 1 h that recovered to baseline levels by 4 h.     

Effect of acepromazine or xylazine on tear production as measured by Schirmer tear test in normal cats

Objective  To evaluate the effect of acepromazine or xylazine on Schirmer tear test 1 results in clinically normal cats.
Animals  Sixteen healthy cross-breed cats.
Procedure  The animals were randomly divided into two groups of eight cats each. The first group was sedated with acepromazine alone (0.2 mg/kg) and the second group received only xylazine (2 mg/kg). All cats had Schirmer tear test (STT) readings taken prior to sedation and at 15 and 25 min postsedation.
Results  Sedation with acepromazine or xylazine in cats with normal pre-sedation STT 1 values caused a statistically significant decrease in mean values of tear production in both groups. In acepromazine group the mean ± SEM STT at T₁₅ and T₂₅ were 4.31 ± 0.98 ( P  < 0.001) and 5.18 ± 1.07 ( P  = 0.002). The post-treatment mean ± SEM values in xylazine group were 2.18 ± 0.97 ( P  < 0.001) and 2.62 ± 1.17 ( P  = 0.001) at 15 and 25 min respectively. Comparison between T₁₅ and T₂₅ in acepromazine group ( P  = 0.49) and xylazine group ( P  = 0.56) revealed no significant differences.
Conclusion  These observations indicate that both acepromazine or xylazine significantly reduced tear production in clinically normal cats. In cats, clinicians should measure STT values prior to utilizing acepromazine or xylazine as sedatives in order to accurately assess the results. Moreover, sterile ocular lubricant or tear replacement should be used as a corneal protectant during sedation with these drugs.     

朗德鹅与籽鹅、莱籽鹅杂交的产肝性能观察

随机选择朗德鹅与籽鹅、莱籽鹅的杂交鹅雏各50只,待养至4月龄后达成年体重时,每组选择20只,进行为期3～4周的填饲试验。测量填饲肥肝平均重、平均耗料量和肝料比。结果表明：朗德×菜籽鹅的平均肝重为669．00g,极显著高于朗德×籽鹅（P〈0．01）,较朗德×籽鹅、菜籽鹅与籽鹅分别提高了163．09g、289．00g和365．85g,即分别提高了32．24％、76．05％和120．68％;同时降低了单位肥肝的饲料消耗量,肝料比为1：33．71。因此,从肥肝重和耗料上综合评价得出,朗德×菜籽鹅组的填饲效果最佳,是生产肥肝最好的杂交组合。     

Effects of trimethoprim-sulfadiazine on tear production and the fluctuations of Schirmer tear test values in horses

The objectives of this study were to observe the effects of trimethoprim-sulfadiazine on equine tear production and to determine normal fluctuations in Schirmer tear test (STT) values in horses. A randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded clinical trial measuring STT values in 15 horses over an 8-week period was performed. The treatment group (eight horses) received 30 mg/kg trimethoprim-sulfadiazine orally once a day and the control group (seven horses) received placebo (flour) at the same time. All horses were housed outdoors throughout the study. Schirmer tear test values were measured at 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks, and 4 weeks after discontinuation of treatment. There were no significant differences in tear production between the treated and control groups. Fluctuations in STT were observed and may result from individual and environmental variations. Trimethoprim-sulfadiazine did not decrease tear production in the horses in this study. Horses normally experience periodic fluctuations in STT values.     

Distribution of intraocular pressure in dogs

Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured by four different applanation tonometers in normal dogs. By MacKay-Marg tonometry in 391 dogs (772 eyes) the mean ± SD IOP was 18.8 ± 5.5 mmHg (range 8–52 mmHg). Using Tono-Pen XL tonometry in 421 dogs (823 eyes) the mean IOP was 19.2 ± 5.9 mmHg, and the range was 4.42 mmHg. With MMAC-II tonometry in 80 dogs (158 eyes), the mean IOP was 15.7 ± 2.8 mmHg with a range of 10–30 mmHg. By pneumatonograph tonometry in 135 dogs (255 eyes), the mean IOP was 22.9 ± 6.1 mmHg and the range was 10–47 mmHg. In this study 53 breeds were represented. Of those breeds with six animals or more, no significant differences were detected in IOP between breeds ( P > 0.353) or sex ( P > 0.270). There was a significant decline of 2–4 mmHg ( P > 0.0001) in IOP as age increased from less than 2 years to greater than 6 years of age. This trend was present with all of the four tonometers. There were no significant differences between the MacKay-Marg and TonoPen-XL tonometers ( P > 0.198), but significant differences with the MMAC-II ( P > 0.001) and pneumatonograph ( P > 0.001) tonometers existed compared to the first two instruments. Based on this study and the literature, the mean IOP for the normal dog is 19.0 mmHg with a range of 11 (5%) and 29 (95%) mmHg.     

人参、黄芪（残渣）、五味子（残渣）等对白羽野鸭生产性能和免疫性能的影响

将人参、黄芪（残渣）、五味子（残渣）等中药粉碎后,作为饲料添加剂饲喂白羽野鸭,观察其对白羽野鸭生产性能和免疫性能的影响。结果表明,人参高剂量组、黄芪（残渣）中、高剂量组可促进白羽野鸭的生长;人参高剂量组和中剂量组对免疫器官的生长有促进作用,并且高剂量组还可增加血清总蛋白、白蛋白含量;五味子（残渣）对白羽野鸭的各项指标无显著影响。     

水禽肠道微生物及其研究进展

动物的肠道内有复杂而动态的微生物生态系统,这些微生物通过促进营养摄取、宿主防御、免疫调节等,在维持机体健康方面起着至关重要的作用。菌落的结构组成因母体、饲粮、环境、生理状态变化及自身菌种间互作等因素而不同。水禽(鸭和鹅)属于卵生动物,与哺乳动物相比,其肠道的微生物系统具有特殊性。作者介绍了水禽肠道微生物的建立、肠段不同部位的微生物群结构组成特征及发育性变化,从肠道微生物对水禽生长性能、养分消化吸收的影响,以及与免疫系统的关系3个方面阐述了水禽肠道微生物的主要功能,同时通过饲粮组成、动物体生理状态、外界环境因素、微生物自身因素及互作等4个方面分析了影响水禽肠道微生物的多重因素,并对水禽肠道微生物今后的研究思路及发展方向进行了展望,以期为养殖中饲料配方设计、改善肠道健康、提高生产效益等提供理论依据,从而为从肠道微生物这一崭新靶点精准调控水禽的营养、免疫和生长过程,以及水禽肠道微生物的进一步深入研究提供借鉴。     

Effect of lacrimal punctal occlusion on tear production and tear fluorescein dilution in normal dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate effects of lacrimal punctal plugs positioned in either the upper, lower, or combination of upper and lower lacrimal canaliculi on plug retention and tolerance; tear production, as measured by the Schirmer tear test; and the dilution of fluorescein within the tear film in normal dogs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Lacrimal punctal plugs were positioned in the lower, upper, or combination of lower and upper plugs in six laboratory-quality Beagles under topical anesthesia. Retention of plugs was evaluated daily from 8 to 23 days by visual inspection and slit-lamp biomicroscopy. Schirmer tear tests (STT 1 without topical anesthesia) were performed at 48-h intervals. Dilution of fluorescein was determined at 5- and 45-min post-fluorescein instillations once weekly. RESULTS: Lacrimal punctal plugs of 0.4 and 0.6 mm in diameter were retained for 14 (lower plugs: 100%) and 23 days (75%), and for the upper plugs at 8 days less often (75%), and were infrequently locally nonirritating. Combination of lower and upper plugs seemed to adversely affect retention of either plug. When loss of the plugs occurred, a next larger size plug was necessary suggesting some stretching of the lacrimal canaliculi occurred. Pre- and postplug placement STT results indicated no change with lower and combination lacrimal punctal plugs, but decreased levels following upper lacrimal punctal plugs. Tear fluorescein levels at 5 and 45 min in control eye (no punctum plugs) were 3.39% and 0.14%, respectively. With lower, upper, and the combination of lower and upper lacrimal puncta plugs, tear fluorescein levels at 45 min were higher than the controls (lower: 0.76%; upper: 0.45%, and combination 0.56%). CONCLUSION: Lacrimal punctal silicone plugs are retained for 8-23 days in the lower, upper, and combined lower and upper canaliculi at high rates. Effects on STT levels appear limited. Fluorescein within the tear film persists longer with all different positioned lacrimal punctum plugs than in the control eyes.     

日粮粗纤维水平对鹅生产性能、代谢激素和生化指标的影响

以500只29日龄生长鹅为试验动物,以砻糠和玉米秸秆为主要纤维源,进行28 d的饲养试验,研究日粮在等能量等蛋白水平下,不同粗纤维(crude fiber,CF)水平(3%、5%、7%、9%和11%)对鹅生产性能、代谢激素和血清生化指标的影响。结果表明:随着日粮粗纤维水平的增加,生长鹅的日采食量呈增加的趋势,但各处理组间差异不显著(P>0.05),饲料转化率和日增重呈先增加后减少的趋势(P<0.05);5?组与7?组生长鹅的生产性能最佳,与11?组相比,日增重分别提高了22.60%与24.25%(P<0.05),饲料转化率分别改善了22.65%与21.74%(P<0.05);日粮粗纤维水平对生长鹅血清中血糖(GLU)、碱性磷酸酶(ALP)、生长激素(GH)和IGF-I有显著影响(P<0.05),而对尿酸(UA)、总蛋白(TP)、谷丙转氨酶(ALT)、谷草转氨酶(AST)、胰高血糖素(GLU)、胰岛素(INS)、促甲状腺素(TSH)、三碘甲状腺原氨酸(T3)和甲状腺素(T4)均无显著影响(P>0.05)。     

日粮粗纤维水平对35～70 d定安鹅生产性能及器官指数的影响

为研究日粮粗纤维水平对定安鹅生产性能及器官指标的影响,试验选取遗传背景一致、体重相近[(1384.33±0.76)g]的28d定安鹅120只,随机分为3个处理组,每个处理组设4个重复,每个重复10只。分别饲喂粗纤维水平为4.29%、5.29%和6.29%的日粮。试验期为35d。结果表明:(1)5.29%粗纤维组末重和日增重较6.29%粗纤维组分别提高13.57%和27.95%(P<0.05);5.29%粗纤维组采食量比4.29%和6.29%粗纤维组提高5.72%和7.95%(P<0.05);5.29%粗纤维组料重比较6.29%粗纤维组降低16.05%(P<0.05)。(2)5.29%粗纤维组屠宰率、半净膛率、腿肌率和胸肌率分别比4.29%和6.29%粗纤维组分别提高1.64%和2.28%、0.38%和1.03%、0.51%和9.45%、4.31%和6.84%(P>0.05)。腹脂率随着粗纤维水平的提高有下降的趋势(P>0.05)。(3)与4.29%和6.29%粗纤维组相比,5.29%粗纤维组心、肝、胃、肌胃及脾脏指数分别提高5.31%和2.43%、6.15%和5.03%、10.45%和7.29%、11.45%和7.94%、1.65%和2.50%(P>0.05)。综合认为,5.29%粗纤维可使35~70d定安鹅获得较优的生产性能。     

不同水平膨化血粉对生长鹅生产性能及盲肠微生物菌群的影响

为了研究不同水平膨化血粉对生长鹅生长性能及盲肠微生物菌群的影响,试验选择300只28日龄、体重为(1 142.68±50.64)g的豁眼鹅,随机分为3组(日粮中分别添加1.5%、3.0%、4.5%的膨化血粉),每组设5个重复,每个重复20只鹅,进行为期28 d的饲养试验。结果表明:不同水平的膨化血粉对生长鹅的生长性能有显著的影响,3.0%膨化血粉组的平均日增重、平均日采食量显著高于膨化血粉4.5%组、膨化血粉1.5%组;在料重比方面,3.0%膨化血粉组显著低于其他两组。在3种不同水平的膨化血粉处理中,3.0%膨化血粉组乳酸杆菌和双歧杆菌的数量显著高于其他组,而大肠杆菌的数量却最低;1.5%膨化血粉组乳酸杆菌和双歧杆菌的数量均低于其他组,而大肠杆菌的数量在3种处理中最高。说明在生长鹅的基础日粮中添加3.0%膨化血粉具有较好的应用效果。