A Survey of the Literature (1995–1999) on the Kinetics of Drugs in Camels (Camelus dromedarius)

Recent publications dealing mainly with the kinetics of antiparasitic and antibacterial agents, NSAIDs, and other drugs in camels are briefly reviewed. The kinetic data for most of these drugs indicated that they have longer absorption and elimination half-lives and slower systemic clearance in the camel compared to other animals. This corroborates earlier reports that suggested that the activities of drug-metabolizing enzymes and the capacity to biotransform and eliminate xenobiotics is lower in camels than in other ruminants. There is a clear need to establish basic kinetic data for the camel in order to avoid extrapolation of drug dosage regimens and withdrawal times from data for other animals, as this may result in irrational use of drugs in camels.     

Swellings of the angle of the mandible in 32 horses (1997–2011)

Disorders of the horizontal ramus (body) of the equine mandible are well reported, but there is minimal documentation of disorders of the angle of mandible. A retrospective examination of the records of Edinburgh University Equine Hospital (1997–2011) showed that 32 horses were referred due to swellings of the angle of the mandible. The aetiology of these swellings was identified in just 13/32 cases (41%) including fractures (n = 2), traumatic, localised periosteal/cortical lesions (n = 4), traumatic soft tissue lesions (n = 2), neoplasia (n = 3), and inflammation of the adjacent salivary gland (n = 1) and masseter muscle (n = 1).The remaining 19 (59%) cases without a definitive diagnosis showed two patterns of lesions. Twelve cases had localised periosteal/cortical lesions of the ventral aspect of the angle of mandible that were most likely traumatic in origin. The remaining seven undiagnosed cases without mandibular bony changes all had sinus tracts/chronic soft tissue infections on the medial aspect of the angle of the mandible which were believed to be caused by a draining retro-pharyngeal lesion in five cases. Surgical excision of abnormal soft tissues (if present) and bone curettage was the most successful treatment.It was concluded that the aetiology of swellings of the angle of the equine mandible are often obscure; most appear to be traumatic in origin, yet horses seldom develop gross fractures at this site due to the support of the dense surrounding musculo-tendinous structures. A smaller proportion are caused by draining retropharyngeal lesions that respond poorly to medical therapy, but respond well to surgical treatment.     

Influences of Sex and Age on the Hematological Profile of the Jundiá (Silver Catfish) Rhamdia quelen

In this study, sex and age influenced the hematological profiles of Jundiá (Silver Catfish) Rhamdia quelen. Females showed lower levels of hemoglobin, young fish increased lymphocyte counts, and older fish increased hematocrit values. These results indicate that, depending on age and sex, the fish have disparate hematological profiles. For this reason, it is important to consider the sex and age of an R. quelen when examining the impact of environmental and management factors on this species in terms of their hematological profiles.

Received May 24, 2015; accepted March 24, 2016 Published online August 2, 2016     

Aerosol vaccination of the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) with bacille Calmette-Guérin: the duration of protection

Bovine tuberculosis is endemic in wild brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) in New Zealand. The disease is controlled by reducing or eliminating infected possum populations, but control methods do not kill all possums in the targeted area, leaving some tuberculous possums to maintain the disease. Vaccination with bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) has been shown to provide significant levels of protection. Vaccination is a potential alternative or complementary control strategy if protection is long lasting. Captive possums were vaccinated with a single dose of BCG by intranasal aerosol and challenged by intratracheal instillation of Mycobacterium bovis 2, 6 or 12 months after vaccination. Vaccination produced significant immunity as measured by the lymphocyte proliferative response to bovine PPD and protection in response to challenge. The protective response was seen as a decrease in the mass of pulmonary lesions and decreased dissemination to the abdominal organs and body lymph nodes. The protective effect was strongest at 2 months after vaccination but was still present at a lower level at 12 months. Delivery of an aerosol vaccine to possums in the wild using a self-delivery system could contribute substantially to wildlife tuberculosis control.     

150 years of the School: Faculty of veterinary medicine in León (Spain)

The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in León was founded in 1852. The author, wishing to mark the 150 anniversary of the school has described different steps of the development of the institution. In some periods the school had great difficulties, but leading persons have during the past 150 years with luck surmounted problems, so the school - faculty of the University of León nowadays - continues also today its important activities. The Vet. Faculty in León is the fourth founded in Spain; the oldest was founded in Madrid (1792), after that followed Cordoba and Zaragoza, both founded in 1847.     

Effect of a soluble polysaccharide (carboxy methyl cellulose) on the physico‐chemical conditions in the gastrointestinal tract of broilers

1. The effects of an indigestible soluble polysaccharide (carboxy methyl cellulose: CMC) on broiler performance (body weight gain, food and water intake) and on chyme characteristics (moisture content, viscosity, pH, osmolality and retention time) in broilers were studied.

2. In semi‐synthetic diets 0, 5.0 and 10.0 g/kg of cellulose was replaced by CMC on weight basis. These diets were fed to male broilers from 3 to 5 weeks of age.

3. When 10.0 g/kg CMC was included in the diet, food intake and body weight gain were reduced, compared to the 0, and 5.0 g/kg CMC diets. Food:gain ratio and water intake were increased at each CMC concentration. The significant quadratic response showed an increased response per 5.0 g/kg dietary CMC at the higher CMC concentration.

4. The viscosity in the supernatant of the chyme was linearly increased in all intestinal segments by CMC. A quadratic increase was observed in the crop. In the lower ileum, differences between the 5.0 and 10.0 g/kg CMC diets were not significant.

5. CMC increased the mean retention time of chromium in the duodenum and in the upper jejunum, and reduced the maximal rate of marker excretion. The transit time (first appearance of the marker in the excreta), however, was significantly reduced at the highest CMC concentration.

6. The osmolality of the intestinal fluid decreased less as the chyme moved from the duodenum into the lower ileum, with increasing concentrations of CMC.

7. The ileal pH was reduced linearly by the CMC content of the diet.

8. Based on a higher moisture content of the chyme in the CMC‐fed birds, and the higher jejunal and ileal osmolarities in those birds, it was concluded that the efficiency of both digestion and absorption was reduced by CMC inclusion in broiler diets.     

The organization and experience of the “Eutergesundheitsdienste” (“Udder Health Services”) in the Federal Republic of Germany

The Eutergesundheitsdienste (EGDs) in the 10 Länder in the Federal Republic of Germany have developed along different legal, organizational and methodological lines. As examples, the EGDs of Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein and Bavaria are described.Bulk milk samples should be tested for streptococci causing mastitis and B-streptococci may best be demonstrated by serological means.The procedure for counting somatic cells should be standardized, and optical equipment using fluorescence is useful for this purpose.Health protection programmes are applied predominantly to smallholdings. In future account must be taken of milk quantities, and the results of the EGDs should also be considered when determining the quality of the milk to be purchased.The information system needs to be reformed. Lactose, pyruvate and lactate may play an important part in the testing of individual milk samples by the EGDs.More effective checks should be made on the health of cows' udders, and the dairies should cooperate in organizing services for maintaining milk equipment.A study group on udder health has been established by the German Veterinary medicine Society as a forum for coordinating the EGDs in Germany and elsewhere.

---

Kurzfassung Der Eutergesundheitsdients (EGD) ist in den 10 Ländern der Bundesrepublik rechtlich, organisatorisch und methodisch unterschiedlich gewachsen. Der EGD in Niedersachsen, Schleswig-Holstein und Bayern wird als Beispiel vorgestellt.Bestandsmilchproben sollten auf Mastitisstreptokokken untersucht werden; vorteilhaft ist der serologische Nachweis von B-streptokokken.Die Standardisierung zur Zählung somatischer Zellen ist erforderlich. Fluoreszenzoptische Geräte sind zweckmässig.In Sanierungsprogrammen dominieren Kleinbetriebe. Die Milchmenge muss künftig berücksichtigt werden und die Ergebnisse im EGD auch bei der Qualitätsbezahlung.Das Informationssystem bedarf der Reform. Auch Lactose, Pyruvat und L(+)-Lactat können in Einzelgemelksproben Bedeutung im EGD erlangen.Die Eutergesundheitskontrollen im Viehhandel sind zu verbessern. Dienste zur Wartung von Melkanlagen sollten über Molkereien organisiert werden.Der Arbeitskreis Eutergesundheit in der Deutschen Veterinärmedizinischen Gesellschaft ist als Forum zur Harmonisierung des EGD gedacht über die deutschen Landesgrenzen hinaus.

---

Resume Le Eutergesundheitsdienst (EGD) (service de l'hygiène du pis) a connu dans les dix Länder de la république fédérale un développement divergent sur le plan juridique, de l'organisation et des méthodes de travail. Les EGD de la Basse-Saxe, du Schleswig-Holstein et de la Bavière sont présentés à titre d'example.Il faudrait procéder à la recherche des streptocoques agalactiques dans les échantillons de lait du cheptel; la méthode, sérologique pour la recherche des streptocoques B présente des avantages.Il importe de normaliser le comptage des cellules somatiques. Les appareils optiques à fluorescence utilisés à cet effet se sont abérés utiles.Les programmes d'assainissement concernent avant tout les petites exploitations. A l'avenir, il faudra tenir compte des quantités traites et des résultats obtenus dans le cadre du EGD, même en cas de rémunération à la qualité.Le système d'information doit être réformé. La présence de lactose, de pyruvate et de L(+)-lactate dans les différents echantillons des récoltes de lait peut également être significative pour le EGD.Les contrôles sanitaires du pis doivent être améliorés dans le commerce du bétail. Des services d'entretien des trayentes devraient être organisés par l'intermédiaire des laiteries.Le groupe de travail Eutergesundheit (hygiène du pis) de la Deutsche Veterinärmedizinische Gesellschaft est chargé de travailler à l'harmonisation des EGD dans les différents Länder.

---

Riassunto Il Servizio di Prevenzione delle Affezioni Mammarie (Eutergesundheitsdienste, EGD) nei 10 Länder della Republica Federale Tedesca si è sviluppato lungo direttive diverse d'ordine legale, organizzativo e metodoldgico. A mo' di esempio vengono descritti i Servizi della Bassa Sassonia, della Schleswig-Holstein e della Baviera.Campioni collettivi di latte debbono essere saggiati per la messa in evidenza di streptococchi causa di mastiti. La presenza di streptococch B può validamente essere messa in luce mediante tecniche sierologiche.Il procedimento per la conta delle cellule somatiche deve essere standardizzato; risulta utile a questo scopo un'attrezzatura ottica che utilizzi la fluorescenza.I programmi di protezione sanitaria si applicano per lo più ad aziende di modeste dimensioni. In futuro si dovrà tener conto dei quantitativi di latte, e si dovranno altresì prendere in considerazione i risultati dell'EGD al momento della determinazione della qualità del latte da acquistare.Il sistema di informazione deve essere ristrutturato. Il lattosio, il piruvato e l'L(+)-lattato potrebbero finire col rivestire un ruolo importante nelle prove cui sono sottoposti i singoli campioni di latte da parte dell'EGD.Durante le operazioni commerciali nel campo dell'allevamento bovino, le condizioni di salute delle mammelle debbono essere oggetto di più efficaci controlli. Le aziende di lavorazione del latte debbono cooperare nella organizzazione di servizi per la manutenzione delle apparecchiature di mungitura.Il gruppo di studio sulla prevenzione delle affezioni mammarie della Deutsche Veterinaermedizinische Gesellschaft (Associazione Tedesca di Medicina Veterinaria) è stato costituito quale organo di consulenza per coordinare le attività dell'EGD in Germania ed altrove.

---

---

This article was originally written in German. Copies of the German version may be obtained free of charge by writing to: Mr. J. Rodesch, Commission of the European Communities, DG XIII, Batiment Jean Monnet, Rue Alcide de Gasperi, Kirchberg, Luxembourg.     

Effects of 2 training methods on stress-related behaviors of the dog (Canis familiaris) and on the dog–owner relationship

Instrumental learning plays an important role in dog–human interactions. The recent demand for pet dog training has resulted in the development of various training methods. The present exploratory study aims to compare the effects of 2 training methods on both the behavioral welfare of the dog and the dog–owner relationship: the first method is based on positive reinforcement (appearance of an appetitive stimulus), whereas the second method is based on negative reinforcement (disappearance of an aversive stimulus). The study compared behaviors linked to signs of stress and attentive behaviors toward the owner in 2 dog training schools, which used different methods. Walking on-leash activity and obeying the “sit” command were studied. The results show that dogs from the school using a negative reinforcement–based method demonstrated lowered body postures and signals of stress, whereas dogs from the school using a positive reinforcement–based method showed increased attentiveness toward their owner. However, neither method affected avoidance behaviors. This exploratory study reveals the differential effects of the 2 training methods on dogs' behaviors; it suggests that training methods based on positive reinforcement are less stressful and potentially better for their welfare.     

Radiofrequency catheter ablation of accessory pathways in the dog: the Italian experience (2008–2016)

Introduction

Accessory pathways (APs) in dogs are mostly right-sided, display nondecremental conduction, and mediate atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardias (AVRTs). Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) is considered the first-line therapy in human patients to abolish electrical conduction along APs.

A comparison of jump performances of the dog flea, Ctenocephalides canis (Curtis, 1826) and the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis felis (Bouché, 1835)

Jump performances of Ctenocephalides canis and Ctenocephalides felis felis have been measured and compared on unfed young imagos. The mean length of the C. felis felis jump was 19.9+/-9.1cm; minimum jump was 2cm, and the maximum was one 48cm. The C. canis jump was significantly longer (30.4+/-9.1cm; from 3 to 50cm). For height jump evaluation, grey plastic cylindric tubes measuring 9cm in diameter were used. Their height was increasing from 1 to 30cm by 1cm. Groups of 10 fleas of the same species were deposited on the base of the tube. The number of fleas which succeeded in jumping above the tube was recorded. The mean height jump carried out by 50% of fleas was calculated after linearisation of the curves: it was 15.5 and 13.2cm for C. canis and C. felis, respectively. The highest jump was 25 for C. canis and 17cm for C. felis.     

Clinical outcomes associated with the initial use of the Canine Unicompartmental Elbow (CUE) Arthroplasty System?

We evaluated mid- to long-term outcomes with respect to function and complications in dogs undergoing canine unicompartmental elbow (CUE) arthroplasty for treatment of medial compartment disease of the elbow. This prospective multicenter case series is the first group of clinical cases to receive CUE arthroplasty. Cases (each elbow that underwent CUE performed by a participating surgeon) were enrolled into an electronic database and prospectively followed to determine and record all associated complications, as well as functional outcomes. There were 103 cases from 18 surgeons. Final follow-up time ranged from 6 to 47 mo with a mean and median of 10 mo. Canine unicompartmental elbow was associated with 1 catastrophic (1%), 11 major (10.7%), and 28 minor (27.2%) complications. Outcomes following CUE were reported as full function in 49 cases (47.6%), acceptable function in 45 cases (43.7%), and unacceptable function in 9 cases (8.7%). We conclude that CUE arthroplasty is an appropriate consideration for treatment of medial compartment disease of the elbow in dogs.     

Seroprevalence of Brucella infection in yaks (Bos grunniens) on the Qinghai?CTibet plateau of China

The seroprevalence of Brucella infection in yaks was surveyed on the Qinghai-Tibet plateau of China in 2010. A total of 621 serum samples was collected from six counties and were tested by serum agglutination test. The results showed that 56 (9%) of the samples were positive for Brucella. The results of the present investigation indicate that brucellosis is common in yaks on the Qinghai-Tibet plateau of China.     

Influence of temperature and growth stage on the diurnal fluctuation in the non‐structural carbohydrate content of kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum Hochst)

The non‐structural carbohydrates of kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum Hochst) seem to consist mainly of sucrose. Total non‐structural carbohydrate content increased rapidly during the morning and reached maximum concentration in the afternoon. After sunset, the concentration decreased rapidly, reaching a minimum level by midnight. Low temperatures resulted in a significantly higher non‐structural carbohydrate content in all plant fractions than at warmer growth temperatures. Non‐structural carbohydrate concentrations were higher in stem tissue than in leaf material and the values were higher in 3‐week than in 6‐week regrowth.