The ventricles of the brain in the N. American mink (Mustela vison (Brisson, 1756))

Using anatomical as well as radiographic and tomographic methods, sixty brains of the N. American mink were examined. It was found that the brain consists of four ventricles. Also, it was noted that the posterior horn was missing and that there was the olfactory recess present in the lateral ventricle, a large-size interthalamic connection present in the third ventricle, and a flat, necklace-like bottom in the fourth ventricle. Only recently, the ins and outs of the mink's anatomical structure have begun to absorb anatomists. Apparently, it is related to the fact that furry animals, among them the mink, are being domesticated as if "before our eyes". For this reason and because of the easy access to material, examining of the brain ventricles in the mink was taken up.     

The effect of O,O-dimethyl-O-(2,4,5-trichlorophenyl) phosphorothioate (fenchlorphos) on cholinesterases in the blue fox (Alopex lagopus).

Four blue fox bitches were used in the experiments. Two foxes were given fenchlorphos in the feed, one 100 mg/kg body weight and the other 200 mg/kg daily for 30 days. The maximum inhibition of plasma Cholinesterase was 65 and 69 %, respectively. The corresponding values of the erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase were 43 and 63 %.For the third bitch given 0.4 mg/kg as a single dose i.v. the effect was only measurable as a small transient decrease of the plasma Cholinesterase level.Eighty % of the plasma Cholinesterase of the fourth fox, given 500 mg/kg as a single oral dose, was inhibited on the third day. The erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase activity level only showed a slight decline. This fox vomited during feeding the day after administration.Symptoms as salivation, tremors, diarrhea, pinpoint pupils and respiratory distress were never seen in any of the foxes.It was concluded that fenchlorphos administration in the feed in doses recommended to dogs is well tolerated by healthy foxes as far as Cholinesterase inhibition is concerned.     

Morphology of the Air Sacs (Sacci Pneumatici) in the Rock Partridge (Alectoris graeca)

The aim of the study was to describe the air sacs of the rock partridge. The sacs of 15 adult birds were cast by injection of latex via the trachea and then corroded with 30% KOH at 40 degrees C. The morphology of the sacs was in general similar to that of other avian species described in the literature. There were, however, significant characteristics such as an additional subcutaneous diverticulum of the cranial thoracic sac and a caudally pointing diverticulum of the cervical sac located between the lungs.     

Arteries of the hindfoot of the llama (Lama glama)

The objective of this study was to describe the arterial distribution of the hindfoot of the llama (Lama glama). Ten adult llamas, preserved in 6% formalin solution at 0 degree C, were dissected. The arterial system was perfused with a solution of 14% coloured plaster; the venous system was perfused with a solution of 17% coloured industrial gelatin. Angiographies were also obtained. In the llama, the arterial distribution is of the saphenous type and this simple sort of irrigation could be used as a didactic model. The caudal branch of the saphenous artery divides into the small lateral plantar artery and the larger medial plantar artery, which continues as the plantar common digital artery III, and it is the main blood supply of the hindfoot. The dorsal pedal artery is underdeveloped and the perforating tarsal artery does not exist in this species. The plantar common digital artery III divides into the plantar proper digital II, III and IV. Branches from the plantar proper digital artery III supply the digits. We compared the arterial distribution of the hindfoot of the llama with that of other domestic animals including the one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius).     

Anatomic Observations of the Coronary Sinus in the Dog (Canis familiaris)

The coronary sinus was investigated in 34 normal adult dogs, in order to verify its formation, tributaries, length and the valves, as well as the relationship of the venous walls to the epicardium and to the myocardium. The valve of the coronary sinus was observed in only 4 cases (1.7 %). In 30 cases (98.3 %) the ostium of the coronary sinus was lacking a valve. The valve of Vieussens double, was found at the level of the transition between the great cardiac vein and the coronary sinus, as well as others parietal venous valves. A comparison with the human pattern was made, particularly regarding the action of the valve of the coronary sinus and the formation of the sinus.     

Ultrastructural observations on the platelets of the Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx)

An ultrastructural study on the platelets from peripheral blood samples from 20 healthy adult Arabian oryx (Oryx leucocoryx) was performed. Characteristic was the extreme polymorphism of both the platelets, as well as their alpha granules. They vary in size from 100 to 800 nm in diameter and their numbers typically are less than those reported for humans and other animal species. Also, the alpha granules in contrast to those of humans and animals, such as the Arabian tahr, do not have nucleoids. Typically, the oryx platelets exhibit only 1–2 electron‐dense bodies per cell and they lack an open canalicular system. Of particular interest is the presence of Type I multivesicular bodies, which have previously only been described in human megakaryocytes and are hypothesized as being intermediate development stages of alpha and dense granules.     

Immunolocalization of gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) in the uteroplacenta of the mouse deer

The considerable phylogenetical differences between mouse deer and other ruminants have been established by means of DNA sequence analysis and anatomical observations. To clarify the physiological role of the uteroplacenta of the mouse deer, immunohistochemical observation was attempted by using GRP, which has been suggested as a novel regulatory peptide in the female reproductive tract, as an indicator to compare with other ruminants. Strong positive reactions for the GRP were detected in the uterine glands of the pregnant animals, but not in the non-pregnant ones. Although the placenta of the mouse deer is categorized as a diffuse placenta that is different from other ruminants' polycotyledonary placenta, in terms of GRP immunoreactivity, the mouse deer placenta can be classified as a synepithecholial placenta like the other ruminants'. The secretion of GRP from the uterine glands is of some importance to the fetus in the mouse deer.     

Morphological Study on the Nasal Turbinates (Conchae) of the Pika (Ochotona rufescens rufescens) and the Valcano Rabbit (Romerolagus diazi)

The nasal conchae of the pika and volcano rabbit were studied by gross examination and by serial histological sections stained with hematoxylin. The organization of the nasal conchae were compared with those of the domestic rabbit, with the goal of providing data for the determination of taxonomic relationship of the pika and the volcano rabbit to the domestic rabbit. This relationship is of interest because of a recent classification of these animals as Lagomorphs.     

Structure of the Carotid Sinus of the Dromedary Camel (Camelus dromedarius)

The morphology of the terminal segment of the common carotid artery of the camel was studied. It was found that this artery terminated by giving off a patent internal carotid artery and continuing as the external carotid artery. A presumptive carotid sinus was present at the region of origin of the internal carotid. Similar to that of other mammals, the carotid sinus of the camel was characterized by a comparatively thin vascular wall rich in elastic fibres. With the electron microscope, free (non-encapsulated) afferent endings, efferent endings, encapsulated axons and bundles of unmyelinated and myelinated nerve fibres were found in the wall of the presumptive carotid sinus. The free afferent endings closely resembled baroreceptor endings of the carotid sinus of other mammalian species in their mitochondrial content and the presence of abnormal organelles such as lamellar bodies, vesicular mitochondria and dense bodies. They were regarded as slowly adapting baroreceptors. The presumptive efferent endings were considered adrenergic whereas the encapsulated axons were thought to be the proximal parts of encapsulated sensory nerve endings.     

The structure of the shell and polar plugs of the egg of the whipworm, Trichuris trichiura (Nematoda: Trichuridae) from the Samango monkey (Cercopithecus albogularis)

The structure of the shell of the egg of Trichuris trichiura was examined using light microscopy as well as scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The results confirmed its three-layered structure and provided evidence that the cores of the polar plugs, which could be seen to be extensions of the shell's middle layer, could be lost en bloc, either mechanically or chemically, and in this way probably provided an exit for the first stage larva at hatching.     

Arterial vascularization of the uropygial glands (gl. uropygialis) in the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) and silver polish (Gallus gallus domesticus)

This study focused on the morphological characteristics of the uropygial glands of the Japanese quail and silver polish, particularly the arterial nourishment. With this respect, coloured-latex injected animals were dissected and their glands and related arteries were observed. The gland in the Japanese quail was relatively longer than that in the silver polish. The first caudal segmental arteries in the Japanese quail were specialized as the uropygial gland artery while the fourth caudal segmental ones were continued as the uropygial gland artery in the silver polish. Branches from the second and third caudal segmental arteries and skin also contributed bilaterally to the vascularization of the gland in the Japanese quail. Observing the more complex arterial structure in the Japanese quail suggests more active uropygial gland in this species, when compared with the silver polish.     

Evaluation of the effects of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) in broiler diets

Cereal grains such as maize and wheat are used extensively in feed formulations for poultry as the primary source of carbohydrates. High cost of these grains in many developing countries necessitates the evaluation of other ingredients that are grown locally. Sweet potato is one such crop. The study was conducted as a proof of concept experiment to test the hypothesis that in the presence and absence of enzyme, sweet potato roots when included in diets of broiler chickens may affect the total metabolisable energy content of the diets which may exert certain influences on dry matter digestibility of these diets as well as impacting on production and certain gut parameters. A total of 120 chicks were raised on a commercial starter feed from day 0 to 19. On day 22, the birds were individually weighed and allocated to 96 single bird metabolism cages to conduct a 7‐day classical apparent metabolisable energy (AME) assay. The test diets contained 0% and 25% sweet potato flour (SPF) with and without enzyme supplementation (Rovabio Excel AP T‐flex) and replicated 24 times. AME of the control diet with and without enzyme was 14.05 and 13.91 MJ/kg whilst the AME of the SPF diets with and without enzymes were 13.45 and 13.43 MJ/kg respectively. AME of SPF was 12.08 MJ/kg. Birds fed the SPF had significantly reduced end weights (p = .002) and weight gains (p < .001) leading to significantly higher intake (p = .004) and FCRs (p < .001) in birds. These effects in growth parameters highlight the need to balance dietary protein and total amino acids when using SPF in broiler diets and may not be a negative effect of SPF per say as AME and dry matter digestibility of SPF diets were comparable to the control diet. The level of sucrase activity in the jejunum was significantly (p < .001) lower due to enzyme inclusion. Use of SPF in the current study did not negatively influence the activities of the brush border enzymes maltase and sucrase, gut morphology in the jejunum of broilers or the load of Enterobacteriaceae in the caecal of birds. This finding is promising in that the gut parameters associated with digestive capacity and gut health were not compromised with feeding of SPF to broilers.     

History of the screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) eradication in the Eastern Hemisphere

The screwworm caused by Cochliomyia Hominivorax, attacking warm-blooded animals and man, was discovered for the first time in the history outside of American continent, in the Eastern Hemisphere. After confirming the occurrence of this horrible myiasis in North Africa in 1989, Tripoli sheep import quarantine was traced as primary outbreak locality. The myiasis spread rapidly invading vast territory during several months. The invaded territory of 25000 km2 with more than 2.7 million domestic animals was identified between Mediterranean Sea and Sahara desert threatening territories in Africa and Mediterranean basin. From July 1989 up to eradication in April 1991 were discovered 14,111 cases. Classical control methods were not able to block screwworm spreading and eradicate it. Decision was made to use as the main method the sterile insect technique. Irradiated sterile flies were airlifted from Mexico factory. There were dispersed aerially about 1260 million flies covering invaded territories and 15000 km2 of protective barrier zones. Successful program cost almost 100 million US$. After the eradication Africa as well as Eastern Hemisphere could be declared to be again free of this myiasis. It was the most effective and successful international animal health program in the history of the United Nations Organization.     

Histological Structure of the Adrenal Gland of the Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and the Striped Dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) from the Adriatic Sea

The structure of the adrenal gland was studied in 11 bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus ), and five striped dolphins ( Stenella coeruleoalba ). These species are legally protected in Croatia. All examined animals died of natural causes and were found stranded along eastern Adriatic coast. In both species the adrenal gland consists of a cortex and a medulla; the cortex is divided into three zones. Whereas in the bottlenose dolphin, there is a zona arcuata which contains columnar cells arranged in the form of arches; in the striped dolphin this zone is replaced by zona glomerulosa containing rounded clusters of polygonal cells. In both species, the zona fasciculata consists of radially oriented cords of polygonal cells, whereas in zona reticularis cells are arranged in branching and anastomosing cords. The adrenal medulla in both species contains dark, epinephrine-secreting cells and light norepinephrine-secreting cells. Epinephrine-secreting cells are localized in the outer part of the medulla, whereas norepinephrine-secreting cells are found in the inner part, arranged in clusters and surrounded by septa of thin connective tissue. The gland is surrounded by a thick connective-tissue capsule, from where thick trabeculae extend towards the interior. In the bottlenose dolphin, group of cells resembling both medullar and cortical cells can be seen within the capsule; whereas only groups of cells resembling cortical cells are found within the capsule of the striped dolphin. In the bottlenose dolphin invagination of the adrenal cortex into the medulla is obvious as well as medullary protrusions extending through cortex to the connective tissue capsule.     

Structure and presumptive function of the iridocorneal angle of the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus), short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus), hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius), and African elephant (Loxodonta africana)

The iridocorneal angles of prepared eyes from the West Indian manatee, short-finned pilot whale, hippopotamus and African elephant were examined and compared using light microscopy. The manatee and pilot whale demonstrated capacity for a large amount of aqueous outflow, probably as part of a system compensating for lack of ciliary musculature, and possibly also related to environmental changes associated with life at varying depths. The elephant angle displayed many characteristics of large herbivores, but was found to have relatively low capacity for aqueous outflow via both primary and secondary routes. The hippopotamus shared characteristics with both land- and water-dwelling mammals; uveoscleral aqueous outflow may be substantial as in the marine mammals, but the angular aqueous plexus was less extensive and a robust pectinate ligament was present. The angles varied greatly in size and composition among the four species, and most structures were found to be uniquely suited to the habitat of each animal.     

Dermal-epidermal relationships in the skin of the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)

Using a variety of methods the outer surface of the dolphin dermis presents as a rather regularly arranged series of mainly longitudinal and approximately parallel ridges which are surmounted by laterally flattened, regularly distributed dermal papillae. At variable intervals groups of dermal ridges are supported by shallow elevations referred to here as basal dermal elevations. These tend to contain vessels and/or nerves for distribution to two or more dermal ridges. The opposing epidermal surface reveals an irregularly edged series of nearly parallel epidermal ridges alternating with the grooves which in the living state contain the dermal ridges. In the depths of these grooves are the crypts which in the intact skin contain the dermal papillae. Nothing is observable which could correspond to the epidermal pegs referred to in the literature. Small irregular epidermal projections (knobs) appear along the free edge of the epidermal ridge. Topographical variations in density and height of dermal ridges, height of basal dermal elevation plus dermal ridge and papillae as well as total epidermal thickness are illustrated by means of skin maps. Inconsistencies in the literature on Cetacean skin are discussed.     

Flexural deformities of the distal interphalangeal joint (clubfeet)

A true clubfoot results from a flexural deformity of the distal interphalangeal joint that is characterised by a shortening of the deep digital flexor tendon musculotendinous unit. Flexural deformities are a problem not only in foals but are also responsible for the clubfoot conformation seen in mature horses. Treatment is most successful when the cause is investigated and therapy initiated as early as possible, and when the biomechanical properties of the foot are thoroughly understood. Flexural deformities in foals and mature horses are addressed through appropriate farriery, often combined with surgery.     

Modification of the QuantiFERON-TB Gold (In-Tube) assay for the diagnosis of Mycobacterium bovis infection in African buffaloes (Syncerus caffer)

African buffaloes (Syncerus caffer) are the most significant wildlife maintenance hosts of Mycobacterium bovis, the causative organism of bovine tuberculosis (BTB). Current diagnostic tests for the detection of M. bovis infection in free-ranging buffaloes have numerous limitations and we wished to evaluate a modification to a human TB assay, the QuantiFERON-TB Gold (In-Tube) assay (QFT), as a practical diagnostic test for BTB in buffaloes. One hundred and seventy-five buffaloes were tested using the single intradermal comparative tuberculin test (SICTT) and a modified QFT (mQFT). An appropriate cut-off point for the mQFT was derived from SICTT results using receiver operator characteristic curve analysis. Twenty-six SICTT-positive buffaloes were killed and subjected to necropsy, and selected tissues were processed for mycobacterial culture and speciation. An optimal cut-off point for the mQFT was calculated as 66pg/ml. The assay correctly detected 39/40 SICTT-positive buffaloes and 129/134 TST-negative buffaloes and M. bovis was cultured from 21/26 slaughtered SICTT/mQFT-positive animals. The mQFT shows promise as a practical test for M. bovis infection in buffaloes and shows a sensitivity and specificity at least similar to that of the TST.     

Veterinary aspects of the raising of mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus)

An empirical report outlines veterinary problems in Rocky Mountain Goats kept in climatic conditions of Central Europe. Described are therapeutic findings in the treatment of infections, parasitosis, disorders of the extremities, disturbances of reproduction, and injuries as well as haematological findings and experiences made during immobilization of Rocky Mountain Goats.     

Quantitative analysis of the optic nerve of the horse (Thoroughbred)

Three optic nerves (L1, R2, R3) 12-18 mm behind the eyeball of the horse (Thoroughbred) were investigated quantitatively under light and electron microscopes. Thin sections at the thickness of 0.35 microm were cut, stained by toluidine blue and observed under the light microscope. The areas of the optic nerve and the axon bundles were 20.03 +/- 1.04 and 16.59 +/- 0.79 mm2 (mean +/- SD, n=3), respectively. The axon numbers for optic nerve L1, R2 and R3, estimated from light micrographs, were about 481 x 10(3), 543 x 10(3), and 494 x 10(3), respectively. Axons of optic nerve L1 were also counted from electron micrographs and the total number of 488 x 10(3) was received. Furthemore, axon diameters of optic nerve L1 were also measured from electron micrographs. The diameter of a circle with the same peripheral length as an axon, was regarded as its diameter. The medullary sheath of the axon was not included during measuring. Altogether 5,744 axons were measured and axon diameters were in a range of 0.23-12.69 microm, with a mean of 2.56 +/- 1.45 microm (mean +/- SD). A regional difference of axonal diameters was found across the optic nerve: the mean diameter of axons in the centrodorsal region (2.28 microm) was the smallest, and had significant difference with those in several peripheral regions (P<0.05).