Hydronephrosis and hydro–ureter in a kitten – a case report

An 8–week–old kitten presented with a distended abdomen, dribbling of urine and vulval prolapse, was found to have a unilateral hydronephrosis and hydro–ureter. Following nephrectomy the kitten made an uneventful recovery.     

Diagnostic evaluation and treatment recommendations for dogs with substage‐a high‐grade multicentric lymphoma: results of a survey of veterinarians

The goal of this study was to survey veterinarians regarding their current initial diagnostic and treatment recommendations for dogs with substage‐a high‐grade multicentric lymphoma. A written survey was conducted at the 2009 Veterinary Cancer Society conference asking veterinarians to provide demographic information, initial staging diagnostics and treatment recommendations for canine lymphoma. The most commonly recommended staging diagnostics were complete blood count (100%), chemistry panel (100%), urinalysis (85%), lymph node cytology (88%), thoracic radiographs (84%), immunophenotyping (76%) and abdominal ultrasound (75%). The most commonly used first‐line B‐cell protocols combined the drugs L ‐asparaginase, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (L ‐CHOP, 51%). CHOP (30%) and other CHOP‐based protocols (12%) were used as well. Thirty‐one percent of responders treated B‐ and T‐cell lymphomas differently. Protocol lengths varied from ≤16 weeks to >2 years. Current staging and treatment recommendations for canine lymphoma are varied. Efforts to standardize recommendations should be considered.     

Canine rheumatoid arthritis—a review and a case report

The literature on canine rheumatoid arthritis is reviewed and current concepts of its aetiology in man and animals discussed. A case of polyarthritis in a young male Shihtzu is presented. Moderate titres of rheumatoid factor were found, and radiographie changes similar to those occurring in classical rheumatoid arthritis in man were noted.
Résumé. Observation d'un cas de myélome multiple chez une chienne bâtarde de 3 ans. Le diagnostic a été fait d'après les données histopathologiques après autopsie. La tumeur formait des masses nodulaires au niveau de la 4éme cóte gauche et des vertèbres L 3 et L 4; elle intéressait aussi les ganglions lymphatiques parasternaux, la rate, le foie et les reins. La présence de dépóts amyloïdes dans le rein n'apportait aucun renseignement complémentaire.
Zusammenfassung. Diese Abhandlung beschreibt einen Fall von multiplem Myelom bei einer 3 Jahre alten Bastardhündin. Die Diagnose beruhte auf der histopathologischen Untersuchung von Autopsiematerial. Der Tumor bildete nodulare Massen an der vierten Rippe links und am dritten und vierten Lendenwirbel; er involvierte auch die sternalen Lymphknoten, Milz, Leber und Nieren. Der Nachweis von Amyloidablagerungen in der Niere war nicht überzeugend.     

Effect of feeding a high‐carbohydrate or a high‐fat diet on subsequent food intake and blood concentration of satiety‐related hormones in dogs

Although studies in rodents and humans have evidenced a weaker effect of fat in comparison to carbohydrates on the suppression of food intake, very few studies have been carried out in this field in dogs. This study investigates the effects of a high‐carbohydrate (HC ) and a high‐fat (HF ) diets on subsequent food intake and blood satiety‐related hormones in dogs. Diets differed mainly in their starch (442 vs. 271 g/kg dry matter) and fat (99.3 vs. 214 g/kg dry matter) contents. Twelve Beagle dogs received the experimental diets at maintenance energy requirements in two experimental periods, following a cross‐over arrangement. In week 7 of each period, blood concentrations of active ghrelin, glucagon‐like peptide (GLP ‐1), peptide YY , insulin, and glucose were determined before and at 30, 60, 120, 180, and 360 min post‐feeding. The following week, intake of a challenge food offered 180 min after the HC and HF diets was recorded over two days. In comparison to the dogs on the HC diet, those on the HF diet had a higher basal concentration of GLP ‐1 (p  = .010) and a higher total area under the curve over 180 min post‐prandial (tAUC _0–180) (p  = .031). Dogs on the HC diet showed a higher elevation of ghrelin at 180 min (p  = .033) and of insulin at 360 min (p  = .041), although ghrelin and insulin tAUC _0–180 did not differ between the two diets (p  ? .10). Diet had no effect on challenge food intake (p  ? .10), which correlated with the tAUC _0–180 of ghrelin (r = .514, p  = .010), insulin (r = ?.595, p  = .002), and glucose (r = ?.516, p  = .010). Feeding a diet high in carbohydrate or fat at these inclusion levels does not affect the feeding response at 180 min post‐prandial, suggesting a similar short‐term satiating capacity.     

Allelic frequencies of PRKAG3 in several pig breeds and its technological consequences on a Duroc × Landrace‐Large White cross

The allelic frequencies of PRKAG3 gene (the RN gene) have been investigated in several pig breeds. R200Q mutation appear only in Hampshire pigs, whereas V199I mutation is most abundant in Iberian, Porco Celta or Bizaro, and less in breeds selected for muscularity as Duroc, Landrace and Pietrain. A thorough study of phenotypic effects of V1991 has been performed in a Duroc × Landrace‐Large White cross. 199I homozygous pigs show increased pH₂₄ values in ham homogenates and loin (0.14 and 0.16 pH units, respectively) compared to 199V homozygous ones. Meat of 199I homozygous pigs exudates 42.6% less fluid and is darker (2.46 ‘L’‐value units). 199I homozygous pigs are fatter (4.2 mm more backfat thickness) and contain less muscle mass in ham (1.0 percentage points) and shoulder (2.7 percentage points), than 199V homozygous ones. 199I homozygous pigs contain 7.3% less protein in the belly and 8.5% more fat in shoulder muscle mass than 199V homozygous pigs. 199I homozygous pigs have also superior functional properties: better gelling (22.8% larger G′ value) and emulsion capacities (14 percentage points less of total exuded fluid), and higher curing yield in the belly (6 percentage points more). These data support the adipogenic character of the V199I mutation. The advantages and disadvantages of selecting any of the two PRKAG3 alleles for position 199 are discussed.     

Obese mice on a high‐fat alternate‐day fasting regimen lose weight and improve glucose tolerance

Alternate‐day fasting (ADF) causes body weight (BW) loss in humans and rodents. However, it is not clear that ADF while maintaining a high‐fat (HF) diet results in weight loss and the accompanying improvement in control of circulating glucose. We tested the hypotheses that a high‐fat ADF protocol in obese mice would result in (i) BW loss, (ii) improved glucose control, (iii) fluctuating phenotypes on ‘fasted’ days when compared to ‘fed’ days and (iv) induction of torpor on ‘fasted days’. We evaluated the physiological effects of ADF in diet‐induced obese mice for BW, heart rate (HR), body temperature (T_b), glucose tolerance, insulin responsiveness, blood parameters (leptin, insulin, free fatty acids) and hepatic gene expression. Diet‐induced obese male C57BL/6J mice lost one‐third of their pre‐diet BW while on an ADF diet for 10 weeks consisting of HF food. The ADF protocol improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, although mice on a fast day were less glucose tolerant than the same mice on a fed day. ADF mice on a fast day had low circulating insulin, but had an enhanced response to an insulin‐assisted glucose tolerance test, suggesting the impaired glucose tolerance may be a result of insufficient insulin production. On fed days, ADF mice were the warmest, had a high HR and displayed hepatic gene expression and circulating leptin that closely mimicked that of mice fed an ad lib HF diet. ADF mice never entered torpor as assessed by HR and T_b. However, on fast days, they were the coolest, had the slowest HR, and displayed hepatic gene expression and circulating leptin that closely mimicked that of Chow‐Fed mice. Collectively, the ADF regimen with a HF diet in obese mice results in weight loss, improved blood glucose control, and daily fluctuations in selected physiological and biochemical parameters in the mouse.     

Corynebacterium pyrogenes; a biochemical and serological study

The study comprises 136 strains of Corynebacterium pyogenes originating from cattle (105), swine (20), sheep (1), and insects (10). For comparison 2 strains of human origin and 1 strain of Gorynebacterium hemolyticum were examined.One of the bovine strains was atypical, being gelatinase-negative, otherwise the strains of Cb. pyogenes were found to be biochemically identical apart from minor deviations in fermentation patterns (Table 1). Neither were antigenic differences demonstrated (gel diffusion analyses, Figs. 1 and 2).Both of the human strains agreed biochemically with Cb. pyogenes (Table 1). By gel diffusion cross analyses one of them was found to be identical with Cb. pyogenes, the other not, though anti-genically related to it (Fig. 2).Gb. hemolyticum deviated biochemically as well as serologically from Gb. pyogenes, but the 2 organisms shared antigenic determinants (Fig. 3).     

Fatal haemobartonellosis in a non–splenectomized dog–a case report

A 4–year–old non–splenectomized Irish Setter which had survived one episode of pyrexia and icterus died during a haemolytic crisis associated with a more severe relapse. Laboratory investigations revealed large numbers of organisms identified as Haemobartonella species in the blood, together with a marked neutrophilia and shift to the left. A post–mortem examination revealed only widespread icterus. No previous record of Haemobartonellosis in a dog in Great Britain has been found.     

Aportaciones a la Topografía Craneoencefálica de la Cabra

Radiographic projection of a median section of the brain and skull in goat This study, based on three goats, provides a radiographic projection of a median section of the brain and the skull. The method allows a topographic correlation of brain structures with the skull and surrounding osseous structures. A standard skull position, with the basic horizontal plane passing through the external acoustic meatus, and parallel to the floor of the skull, results in a method of localizing brain structures in specific transverse planes. This stereotaxic method allows investigators to account for variability in topography between animals in the localization of brain structures through external morphology.     

Feline urethrostomy—a critique and new method

A procedure for perineal urethrostomy is described in thirty cats. The opening for the stoma is separate from the main skin incision. Haemorrhage from the crura of the penis is controlled by ligation of the crura. Haemorrhage from the corpus cavernosum urethrae is controlled by a tourniquet around the penis, then by compression from the sutures which unite the urethra to the skin. The operation is applicable for primary procedures as well as to the repair of a stenosed perineal urethrostomy. Post-operative catheterization is avoided. The cats have been examined up to 30 months, median 14 months, post-operatively; one of the thirty urethrostomies stenosed at 7 months. Résumé. On décrit un procédé pour urétrostomie chez trente chats. L'ouverture des stoma est séparée de l'incision principale de la peau. On contrôle l'hémorragie de la cuisse du pénis par ligature de la cuisse. L'hémorragie du corps caverneux de l'urètre se contrôle au moyen d'un tourniquet autour du pénis, puis par compression des sutures qui unissent l'urètre à la peau. L'opération est applicable pour des procédés primaires de même que pour la remise en état d'une urétrostomie périnéale stenosée. Une cathétérisation postopératoire est évitée. On a examiné les chats jusqu'à 30 mois, médian 14 mois, de manière postopératoire. Une des trente urétro-stomies a sténosé à 7 mois. Zusammenfassung. Ein Verfahren für perineale Harnröhrenfistelung in 30 Katzen wurde beschrieben. Die Öffnung für das Stoma ist von dem Haupthauteinschnitt getrennt. Blutung von dem Crus penis wird durch Ligatur der Crura kontrolliert. Blutung von dem Corpus cavernosum urethrae wird durch eine Staubinde um den Penis unter Kontrolle gebracht, dann durch Kompression von den Suturen die den Urethra mit der Haut verbinden. Die Operation ist angebracht für primäre Verfahren sowie für Ausbesserung einer stenosierten perinealen Harnröhrenfistelung. Nachoperative Katheterisierung wird vermieden. Die Katzen bis zu 30 Monaten untersucht worden, durchschnittlich 14 Monate, postoperativlich; eine von den 30 Urethrostomien stenosierten um den 7. Monat.     

Granular variant of a histiocytic tumor on the toe of a cat: Case report and literature review

A 16-year-old female spayed domestic shorthaired cat was examined for lameness and a mass on the fourth digit of the right hindlimb. Cytologic examination of an aspirate of the mass revealed large discrete cells admixed with low numbers of well-granulated mast cells. The discrete cells contained single to many variably sized light pink to purple granules in their cytoplasm and had pleomorphic nuclei, with intranuclear cytoplasmic inclusions. Karyomegalic, binucleated and multinucleated cells were seen. Histologic examination of formalin-fixed sections of the excised mass showed a mildly infiltrative, unencapsulated, multinodular dermal mass that extended into the subcutis and consisted of similar discrete cells. On immunohistochemical staining, the tumor cells expressed ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1) and CD18. The tumor cells did not express CD3, CD20, CD117, pancytokeratin (AE1/AE3), melanoma antigen (Melan-A), multiple myeloma oncogene-1 (MUM1), melanoma-associated antigen (PNL-2), and S-100. Low numbers of tumor cells expressed CD204 and protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5). Granules were variably positive for Periodic-acid Schiff (PAS) and Alcian blue. On transmission electron microscopy, the cells contained filopodia, abundant endoplasmic reticulum, and moderate numbers of low-density membrane-bound granules. This case documents a previously undescribed granular variant of a histiocytic tumor in a cat.     

Understanding intake on pastures: how,why, and a way forward

An assessment of dietary intake is a critical component of animal nutrition. Consumption of feed resources is the basis upon which feeding strategies and grazing management are based. Yet, as far back as 1948, researchers have lauded the trials and tribulations of estimation of the phenomenon, especially when focused on grazing animals and pasture resources. The grazing environment presents a unique situation in which the feed resource is not provided to the animal but, rather, the animal operates as the mechanism of harvest. Therefore, tools for estimation must be developed, validated, and applied to the scenario. There are a plethora of methods currently in use for the estimation of intake, ranging from manual measurement of herbage disappearance to digital technologies and sensors, each of which come with its share of advantages and disadvantages. In order to more firmly grasp these concepts and provide a discussion on the future of this estimation, the Forages and Pastures Symposium at the 2020 ASAS-CSAS-WSASAS Annual Meeting was dedicated to this topic. This review summarizes the presentations in that symposium and offers further insight into where we have come from and where we are going in the estimation of intake for grazing livestock.     

A genome‐wide SNP scan in a porcine Large White × Minzhu intercross population reveals a locus influencing muscle mass on chromosome 2

A high‐density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array containing 62 163 markers was employed for a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) to identify variants associated with lean meat in ham (LMH, %) and lean meat percentage (LMP, %) within a porcine Large White × Minzhu intercross population. For each individual, LMH and LMP were measured after slaughter at the age of 240 ± 7 days. A total of 557 F2 animals were genotyped. The GWAS revealed that 21 SNPs showed significant genome‐wide or chromosome‐wide associations with LMH and LMP by the Genome‐wide Rapid Association using Mixed Model and Regression‐Genomic Control approach. Nineteen significant genome‐wide SNPs were mapped to the distal end of Sus Scrofa Chromosome (SSC) 2, where a major known gene responsible for muscle mass, IGF2 is located. A conditioned analysis, in which the genotype of the strongest associated SNP is included as a fixed effect in the model, showed that those significant SNPs on SSC2 were derived from a single quantitative trait locus. The two chromosome‐wide association SNPs on SSC1 disappeared after conditioned analysis suggested the association signal is a false association derived from using a F2 population. The present result is expected to lead to novel insights into muscle mass in different pig breeds and lays a preliminary foundation for follow‐up studies for identification of causal mutations for subsequent application in marker‐assisted selection programs for improving muscle mass in pigs.     

Effects of a skullcap root supplement on haematology,serum parameters and antioxidant enzymes in rabbits on a high‐cholesterol diet

We studied the effects of Scutellaria baicalensis root on blood parameters and antioxidant enzyme activities in rabbits fed a high‐cholesterol diet. Thirty‐two New Zealand White rabbits were divided into four groups of eight animals each. They were fed a standard diet (C group), a diet with a 1% pure cholesterol supplement (CH group), a diet with a 1% pure cholesterol supplement and a 9% skullcap root supplement (CH + SR group), or a diet with a 9% skullcap root supplement (SR group). After 6 weeks, the rabbits fed the high‐cholesterol diet had significantly decreased RBC and Hb levels and significantly increased MCV, MCH and Fe levels (p ≤ 0.05). The skullcap root supplement had no adverse effects on the haematological parameters. The values for RBC, Hb, HCT, MCV, MCH and MCHC were similar in the skullcap root‐treated and control rabbits. We also observed a remarkable elevation in the serum TC, LDL and TG levels at the end of the 6‐week period. The rabbits fed the cholesterol diet showed decreased activity of the erythrocyte GSH‐Px compared with the rabbits fed the basal diet. The GSH‐Px activity was significantly higher in the rabbits fed the CH + SR diet than in those on the CH diet. The erythrocyte SOD activity was also significantly decreased in the rabbits on the CH diet. However, the CH + SR group rabbits showed significantly enhanced erythrocyte SOD activity. The SOD level in the CH + SR rabbits was 34.91 U/ml, which was a 23% increase (p ≤ 0.05) in relation to the results for the CH group and only 15% diminished in relation to the control group. These results suggest that the dietary supplementation of skullcap root may improve rabbit antioxidant systems and protect against the risks from a high‐cholesterol diet.     

Influence of a bovine respiratory disease vaccine with a temperature‐sensitive modified live or killed infectious bovine rhinotracheitis component on oestrous cycle parameters and anti‐Müllerian hormone concentration in nulliparous heifers

The objective of this study was to examine the impact of a bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC) vaccine with a temperature‐sensitive modified live vaccine (MLV) infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) component on oestrous cycle parameters and the follicular pool. Twenty‐four Holstein heifers (12.4 ± 0.5 months) previously calfhood vaccinated with an IBR MLV component were enrolled in two replicates (Spring; n = 10 and Fall; n = 14) and were blocked by pre‐vaccination bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) serum neutralizing (SN) titres. Upon enrolment, heifers were oestrous synchronized with sampling beginning at detected oestrus. At their second heat, heifers were vaccinated with a BRDC calfhood vaccine with a MLV (MLV; n = 12) or killed (K; n = 12) IBR component and sampled for two additional cycles. Serum samples for oestrogen (E2) and progesterone (P4) as well as ultrasound data of ovarian structures were collected every other day. Serum samples for anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) were collected at oestrus and mid‐cycle for each cycle, and serum for titres was collected prior to and following vaccination. Data were analysed with the PROC MIXED and GLM procedures of SAS. There was no difference in pre‐ or post‐vaccination titres between MLV and K heifers (p > .5). Vaccination had no impact on P4 concentrations, P4 area under the curve, luteal tissue area, peak E2 production or oestrous cycle length (p > .05). Cycle number did impact AMH concentration (p < .05). In MLV heifers, AMH concentration was highest in cycle 1 (p < .05) while cycles 2 and 3 did not differ (p > .05). This was also true for the K heifers in the Fall replicate (p < .05). Within cycle 2, AMH concentrations were numerically lower between vaccine types (K = 308.22 ± 33.3 pg/ml, MLV = 181.13 ± 32.9 pg/ml; p > .05). Although no differences were seen in overall cycle parameters, differences in AMH concentrations may indicate a reduction of the follicular pool following vaccination and requires further investigation.