Vegetative bacterial endocarditis in dogs; echocardiography diagnosis and clinical signs

Over a two-year period, three hundred and forty-five consecutive canine patients of a Cardiology Specialty Clinic were screened for signs of bacterial endocarditis. Ten dogs were identified to have echocardio-graphical signs suggestive of this disease. Their clinical and haematologic data are presented in tables, and the clinical diagnoses were confirmed by necropsies. The echocardiographic signs of bacterial endocarditis and the usefulness of this new technique are discussed.     

Lead toxicosis in cats-a review

Although the incidence of lead toxicosis in small animals continues to decrease, it remains a significant malady. We have reviewed the literature of the past 45 years, which revealed 70 cases involving cats. Sources, signs, diagnosis, pathology and treatment of feline lead toxicosis are reviewed. In 84% of these cases the source of lead was old paint usually from home renovation. The most common signs in cats are anorexia, vomiting, and seizures. The younger individuals seem more likely to show CNS signs. Since signs are often vague, lead toxicosis may be significantly under diagnosed in cats. The gold standard of diagnostic tests is blood lead concentration, although it does not necessarily correlate with total body burden of lead or with metabolic effects including clinical signs. Diagnostic tests including erythropoietic protoporphyrin (EPP), urine aminolevulinic acid, and others are discussed. Gross findings on necropsy are few and include a yellow-brown discoloration of the liver often with a nutmeg-like appearance. Histological examination may reveal pathognomonic inclusion bodies in liver and renal tissues. Characteristic histological changes in the CNS include neuronal necrosis and demyelination. Treatment of lead toxicosis in cats, as in any species, involves removing the exposure, decontaminating the individual and the environment, supportive care and chelation therapy. The most recently available chelator is succimer (meso 2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid). Succimer given orally is well tolerated and has a wide margin of safety. A high index of suspicion of lead toxicosis is warranted in cats since they often present with vague and non-specific signs. With any consistent history owners need to be asked about home renovation. Early diagnosis and treatment affords a good prognosis.     

Equine hyperkalemic periodic paralysis: review and implications.

The purpose of this review is to present an up-to-date summary of the signs, diagnosis, treatment, and implications of equine hyperkalemic periodic paralysis. The review encompasses all original articles published between 1986 and early 1993. Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis is the result of a genetic mutation in the skeletal muscle sodium channel gene. It is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait; most affected horses are heterozygotes. The classical signs are muscle fasciculation, spasm, and weakness associated with hyperkalemia. However, these signs are only rarely observed in affected horses. Potential sequelae to attacks are abrasions and involuntary recumbency; these problems are not specific for hyperkalemic periodic paralysis, but they occur more frequently in hyperkalemic periodic paralysis-affected horses. It is also likely that hyperkalemic periodic paralysis results in greater muscle mass. There are suggestions that homozygotes may be more severely affected and show signs of upper respiratory obstruction as foals. The practitioner needs to be aware of the tests for hyperkalemic periodic paralysis, and their limitations, so that he can properly diagnose this condition. The industry has the difficult problem of deciding whether or not testing should be mandatory and the fate of positive horses.     

Feline spongiform encephalopathy: fibril and PrP studies.

The brains from 18 cats were examined for the presence of the fibrils and modified PrP protein which are molecular diagnostic markers for scrapie-like diseases. Thirteen cats were referred with clinical neurological signs potentially indicative of feline spongiform encephalopathy (FSE). Of these, five had histopathological changes of FSE, five had other lesions of the central nervous system, and in three the brain was normal. The remaining five cats had no clinical neurological signs and were selected as controls. Fibrils and modified PrP protein were found in the brains of the five cats with FSE and in one of the cats with neurological signs but no histopathological changes in the central nervous system. Fibrils were present in the absence of modified PrP in the brains of two cats, one with neurological signs and a histologically confirmed meningioma, and one with no neurological signs and a histologically normal brain.     

Pathogenesis of neurological signs associated with bovine enteric coccidiosis: a prospective study and review.

Various hypotheses have been proposed for the pathogenesis of the neurological signs associated with bovine enteric coccidiosis. We undertook a prospective study of cases of bovine enteric coccidiosis with and without nervous signs to test the validity of these hypotheses and explore other possible pathophysiological mechanisms. Clinical, pathological and toxicological data from 12 calves with, and 15 calves without, neurological signs were compared. Calves with neurological signs had a lower liver Cu concentration (p less than 0.01) and a higher plasma glucose concentration (p less than 0.05) than did calves without neurological signs. Hyperglycemia and Cu deficiency may increase the susceptibility to central nervous system damage, but are not likely to account for the onset of neurological signs in calves with enteric coccidiosis. The results of the study suggest that the following are not involved in the pathogenesis of "nervous coccidiosis": disturbance of serum Na, K, Ca, P, or Mg concentration, vitamin A deficiency, thiamine deficiency, anemia, lead intoxication, uremia, Haemophilus somnus meningoencephalitis, severity of coccidial infection, gross alterations in intestinal bacterial flora and hepatopathy.     

Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of quadrigeminal cysts in dogs

BACKGROUND: Quadrigeminal cysts (QC) are the most common intracranial intra-arachnoid cysts in dogs, primarily affecting small breeds. Clinical significance is controversial. HYPOTHESIS: Male, brachycephalic, small breed dogs are predisposed to QC, and objective measurement of parenchymal compression can distinguish clinically relevant QC from incidental findings. ANIMALS: A total of 4,100 client-owned dogs. METHODS: A retrospective study that recorded signalment, history, clinical signs, and magnetic resonance imaging features. The degree of brain compression was evaluated in the presence of relevant clinical signs. The percentage compression of cerebellum and forebrain was calculated by comparing the expected to the actual diameter and longitudinal dimension, respectively. RESULTS: QC were diagnosed in 28 dogs, of which 21 (75%) were small breed dogs. Fifteen dogs (54%) were brachycephalic. Eighteen dogs were male, and 10 were female. Cerebellar, occipital lobe, or compression in both areas occurred in 86% (24/28 dogs). Clinical signs included focal and generalized seizures in 5 dogs and cerebellar signs in 6 dogs. Mean occipital lobe compression was 17% (SD = 4) in clinically affected and 10% (SD = 3) in normal dogs (P = .006). Occipital lobe compression >14% was always associated with clinical signs. The mean cerebellar compression was 18%, but there was no association between compression and clinical signs. The animals were more likely to develop clinical signs if both areas were compressed (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Parenchymal compression by QC can be incidental, and other central nervous system diseases must be excluded when assessing the clinical significance of QC. However, occipital lobe compression over 14% is likely to cause clinical signs.     

Radiographic signs in cats with nasal disease

Radiographic signs in 64 cats that had radiography as part of the diagnostic work-up for suspected nasal disease were reviewed in a blinded fashion. Final diagnoses in these cats were rhinitis in 27, primary nasal neoplasia in 21 and non-nasal disease in 16. The signs with highest predictive value for nasal neoplasia were displacement of midline structures (73%), unilateral generalised soft tissue opacity (70%), unilateral generalised loss of turbinate detail (69%) and evidence of bone invasion (64%). The only radiographic finding that occurred more frequently in cats with rhinitis was a nasal cavity within normal limits, and the predictive value of this sign was only 38%. Radiographic signs in cats with nasal neoplasia are similar to those reported in dogs, whereas the radiographic signs in cats with rhinitis are variable and non-specific, and may be absent.     

Clinical signs and studies of the site of action of purified larkspur alkaloid, methyllycaconitine, administered parenterally to calves

The purified diterpenoid alkaloid, methyllycaconitine was isolated from Delphinium brownii and injected intravenously into beef calves in order to observe the clinical signs. Following injection and depending upon dosage, calves showed a variety of signs; agitation, respiratory difficulty and loss of muscle control. Collapse occurred at higher doses of methyllycaconitine. Onset of clinical signs after injection occurred within two to three minutes, and recovery was rapid, clinical signs disappearing within five to ten minutes postinjection.

The clinical signs observed are consistent with a skeletal neuromuscular site of action. Methyllycaconitine may have a curare-like action of postsynaptic blockage of nicotinic cholinergic receptors in cattle as has been demonstrated by in vitro experiments in other species. Physostigmine appears to be an effective antidote to methyllycaconitine.

     

从翻译美学角度看新疆公示语的英译

Public signs, as an important part of social language, are termed as the name card of a city. The translation of public signs is quite different from the translations of other practical texts, i.e. legal instruments, official documents, etc. Besides functioning as conveying information, it embodies aesthetic features which can draw people's attention and bring people aesthetic feelings. Therefore, the quality of the translation of public signs greatly affects the image of a city, which is same in Xinjiang. Xinjiang, located in central Asia, the quality of signs translation is significant to the development as well as the transmission of Xinjiang's multi-culture.     

C-E Translation of Public Signs in Xi'an under the Guidance of Skopostheorie

Public signs are widely used in our lives, and increasingly play a significant role with the boom of international tourism. Xi'an, as a major tour destination of China, needs more accurate public signs. Skopostheorie offers a new perspective for translation and translating. In Skopostheorie, translation is seen as translational action with purposes. The TT which doesn't achieve the function and purpose is not an adequate translation. In this thesis, C-E translation of public signs under the guidance of Skopostheorie in Xi'an is discussed.     

Yolk coelomitis in a white-throated monitor lizard (Varanus albigularis)

Yolk coelomitis as a result of pre-ovulatory follicular stasis is a common disorder in captive reptiles, especially in captive lizards of various genera. The clinical signs are generally fairly non-specific and diagnosis is based on clinical signs together with most of the common diagnostic modalities. The condition is most likely a husbandry and environment-related reproductive disorder. It has not been reported in wild free-living specimens. This report describes the clinical presentation and post mortem lesions in a white-throated monitor lizard that died during treatment for non-specific clinical signs related to a severe yolk coelomitis.     

Canine hookworm disease in Nairobi, Kenya

The age and sex incidence, monthly and seasonal occurrence, signs and symptoms, clinical pathological changes and gross lesions associated with hookworm disease in 264 dogs are described. Less commonly reported clinical signs have been pointed out. The impact of concurrent infection with babesiosis is discussed.     

Disease signs reported in south-eastern Australian dairy cattle while grazing Brassica species

Objective
To estimate the relative frequency of various disease signs in dairy cattle fed brassicas in south-eastern Australia, to estimate the incidence of disease signs within affected groups and to identify risk factors for commonly reported signs in brassica-fed dairy cows.
Design
A case series study and a case-control study.
Procedures
Case data was collected using an incident reporting system. Herd managers and veterinarians recorded details about disease incidents in brassica-fed dairy cattle in summer and autumn 1995 using a standard questionnaire. Potential risk factors for photosensitisation were assessed using a case-control study.
Results
Disease signs were reported in 66 groups of brassica-fed dairy cattle. Photosensitisation and bloat were the more frequently reported signs. While high incidences were reported in some groups, the incidence of disease signs was low within most affected groups. Photosensitisation occurred more frequently among groups of cows fed brassica crops treated with nitrogenous fertilisers or which were low yielding. Risks of other disease signs were greatest while the first one quarter of the crop was grazed.
Conclusions
In the study population, most disease outbreaks occurring in brassica-fed cattle were of low incidence. However, some high incidence outbreaks occurred. Results from this study suggest that important risk factors exist for disease signs in brassica-fed dairy cattle. Further studies are required if these risk factors are to be fully identified. This would allow the development of preventative strategies for high incidence disease outbreaks while feeding brassicas to dairy cattle.     

Clinical impression of equine influenza at Morgan Park and the western region of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

The clinical signs of horses infected with equine influenza in two Queensland locations, Morgan Park Recreational Grounds at Warwick, and the western region of Brisbane, are described and compared. Clinical signs were observed to be more severe, and treatment more intensive, in horses in stressful settings.     

Effects of bites by the European adder (Vipera berus) in seven Swedish horses

The effects on seven horses of bites by the European adder (Vipera berus) are described and compared with previously available information. The clinical signs varied from local swelling and mild systemic signs to severe systemic signs, including systemic inflammatory response, severe tissue necrosis, ventricular tachycardia and dysphagia. Two of the horses were treated with 'Zagreb' antiserum, and three that were not treated with antiserum were euthanased owing to complications related to the bites.     

Clinical signs and concurrent diseases of hypothyroidism in dogs and cats.

Canine hypothyroidism may present with a wide range of clinical signs. The most common clinical signs are those of a decreased metabolic rate and dermatologic manifestations; however, many other clinical signs have been associated with hypothyroidism. There is strong evidence for a causal relation between hypothyroidism and a variety of neurologic abnormalities; however, the association between hypothyroidism and other manifestations, such as reproductive dysfunction, clinical heart disease, and behavioral abnormalities, is less compelling. Further studies are necessary to determine the full spectrum of disorders caused by hypothyroidism.     

Canine dilated cardiomyopathy: a retrospective study of signalment, presentation and clinical findings in 369 cases

O bjective : To review the clinical and diagnostic findings and survival of dilated cardiomyopathy from a large population of dogs in England.
M ethods : A retrospective study of the case records of dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy collected between January 1993 and May 2006.
R esults : There were 369 dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy of which all were pure-bred dogs except for four. The most commonly affected breeds were dobermanns and boxers. Over 95 per cent of dogs weighed more than 15 kg and 73 per cent were male. The median duration of signs before referral was three weeks with 65 per cent presenting in stage 3 heart failure. The most common signs were breathlessness (67 per cent) and coughing (64 per cent). The majority of dogs (89 per cent) had an arrhythmia at presentation and 74 per cent of dogs had radiographic signs of pulmonary oedema or pleural effusion. The median survival time was 19 weeks.
C linical S ignificance : Dilated cardiomyopathy occurs primarily in medium to large breed pure-bred dogs, and males are more frequently affected than females. The duration of clinical signs before referral is often short and the survival times are poor. Greater awareness of affected breeds, clinical signs and diagnostic findings may help in early recognition of this disease which often has a short clinical phase.     

Head trauma in two horses

The initial clinical signs displayed by two horses with head trauma are described and related to the pathology and management of the condition, to illustrate the diversity of signs that may result from similar events. It is suggested that careful repeated neurological investigations are more reliable prognostic indicators in cases of equine head trauma than a reliance on the initial assessment.     

Chronic primary splenic torsion with peritoneal adhesions in a dog: case report and literature review

Primary splenic torsion in dogs is uncommon and can occur in acute or chronic form. The chronic form is difficult to diagnose because the clinical signs are vague and sometimes intermittent. A dog with a history of diaphragmatic hernia repair two years previously presented with chronic, vague clinical signs and an abdominal mass. The mass was revealed to be spleen on ultrasonography. On exploratory laparotomy, the dog was found to have a splenic torsion of approximately 180 degrees with mature, fibrous adhesions retaining the spleen in a torsed position. A splenectomy was performed, and the dog recovered uneventfully with complete resolution of prior clinical signs. Prognosis for dogs with splenic torsion is good, although complications are relatively common.     

Immunologic diseases

Selected equine cutaneous diseases for which there is strong evidence of an immunological aetiology are discussed in this section. The reactive disorders of urticaria, Culicoides hypersensitivity, erythema multiforme, drug eruptions and systemic granulomatous disease are included. The autoimmune diseases of the horse with cutaneous manifestations (pemphigus foliaceus, pemphigus vulgaris, bullous pemphigoid and cutaneous lupus erythematosus) are discussed. The clinical signs and diagnostic features of these immunologically induced equine dermatoses are defined, and the challenges in making a definitive diagnosis and managing the clinical signs are confirmed.