Uroendoscopy. Evaluation of the lower urinary tract.

Recent advances in uroendoscopy have allowed diagnostic evaluation of the lower urinary tract in most of our canine and feline patients. By providing a magnified view of the luminal surfaces of the lower urinary tract, uroendoscopy provides useful diagnostic information that is not readily available even by more invasive techniques.     

Fermented liquid feed for pigs: an ancient technique for the future

Fermented liquid feed is feed that has been mixed with water at a ratio ranging from 1:1.5 to 1:4. By mixing with water, lactic acid bacteria and yeasts naturally occurring in the feed proliferate and produce lactic acid, acetic acid and ethanol which reduces the pH of the mixture. This reduction in pH inhibits pathogenic organisms from developing in the feed. In addition, when this low pH mixture is fed, it reduces the pH in the stomach of pigs and prevents the proliferation of pathogens such as coliforms and Salmonella in the gastrointestinal tract. For piglets, the use of fermented liquid feed offers the possibility of simultaneously providing feed and water, which may facilitate an easier transition from sow’s milk to solid feed. Secondly, offering properly produced fermented liquid feed may strengthen the role of the stomach as the first line of defense against possible pathogenic infections by lowering the pH in the gastrointestinal tract thereby helping to exclude enteropathogens. Finally, feeding fermented liquid feed to pigs has been shown to improve the performance of suckling pigs, weaner pigs and growing-finishing pigs. In this review, current knowledge about the use of fermented liquid feed in pig diets will be discussed. This will include a discussion of the desirable properties of fermented liquid feed and factors affecting fermentation. In addition, advantages and disadvantages of fermented liquid feed will be discussed including its effects on gastrointestinal health, intestinal pH and the types of bacteria found in the gastrointestinal tract as well as the effects of fermented liquid feeds on pig performance.     

Fermented liquid feed for pigs:an ancient technique for the future

Fermented liquid feed is feed that has been mixed with water at a ratio ranging from 1:1.5 to 1:4.By mixing with water,lactic acid bacteria and yeasts naturally occurring in the feed proliferate and produce lactic acid,acetic acid and ethanol which reduces the pH of the mixture.This reduction in pH inhibits pathogenic organisms from developing in the feed.In addition,when this low pH mixture is fed,it reduces the pH in the stomach of pigs and prevents the proliferation of pathogens such as coliforms and Salmonella in the gastrointestinal tract.For piglets,the use of fermented liquid feed offers the possibility of simultaneously providing feed and water,which may facilitate an easier transition from sow's milk to solid feed.Secondly,offering properly produced fermented liquid feed may strengthen the role of the stomach as the first line of defense against possible pathogenic infections by lowering the pH in the gastrointestinal tract thereby helping to exclude enteropathogens.Finally,feeding fermented liquid feed to pigs has been shown to improve the performance of suckling pigs,weaner pigs and growing-finishing pigs.In this review,current knowledge about the use of fermented liquid feed in pig diets will be discussed.This will include a discussion of the desirable properties of fermented liquid feed and factors affecting fermentation.In addition,advantages and disadvantages of fermented liquid feed will be discussed including its effects on gastrointestinal health,intestinal pH and the types of bacteria found in the gastrointestinal tract as well as the effects of fermented liquid feeds on pig performance.     

Reconstruction of the urethra by use of an inverse tubed bipedicled flap in a dog with hypospadias

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 1-year-old castrated male German Shepherd Dog was evaluated because of a history of hematuria and stranguria secondary to recurrent urinary tract infections. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Physical examination revealed hypospadias with penile and preputial aplasia. The urethral orifice was just ventral to the ventral aspect of the anocutaneous junction. Ascending urinary tract infections, secondary to fecal contamination of the urethral orifice, were the presumed source of recurrent bouts of cystitis that developed despite periodic antimicrobial treatment. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: A 1-cm-diameter urethral extension was constructed from the urethral mucosal remnant located along the midline of the perineum (urethral trough). Two parallel 4-cm incisions (3 cm apart) were made lateral to that urethral trough. The borders were sutured to form an inverted, epithelium-lined tube (bipedicled flap) attached to the dorsal urethral orifice. The lateral skin margins were sutured over the reconstructed urethral extension, completing the procedure. Postoperative swelling necessitated temporary catheterization of the urinary bladder. After closure of a small fistula from the reconstructed urethral segment, the dog subsequently had only 2 episodes of cystitis during a 3-year period. To minimize skin irritation secondary to urine exposure, the dog's owner regularly trimmed the hair around the new urethral orifice. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In dogs, correction of perineal (subanal) hypospadias via urethral reconstruction should be considered among treatment options. By use of an inverse tubed urethral extension, direct fecal contamination to the lower urinary tract may be effectively eliminated, dramatically reducing the incidence of ascending urinary tract infections in dogs with hypospadias.     

H9N2亚型禽流感病毒与其他病原混合感染的研究进展

H9N2亚型禽流感病毒（Avian influenza virus,AIV）属于低致病性AIV,但因其分布广泛、传播迅速,可引起感染家禽生产性能下降,给家禽业带来了极大的经济损失。H9N2亚型AIV在感染家禽过程中可引起严重的免疫抑制,使家禽极易继发上呼吸道细菌、消化道细菌等感染,从而导致H9N2亚型AIV致病力增强,细菌黏附定植能力增强,家禽死亡率显著升高。另外,H9N2亚型AIV还能与禽传染性支气管炎病毒、禽传染性法氏囊病病毒、新城疫病毒等发生混合感染,病毒入侵时有可能出现协同作用或颉颃作用,从而相互促进或抑制病毒的复制和排毒;H9N2亚型AIV还极易发生突变或与其他亚型流感病毒在混合感染时发生基因重组产生感染人的新亚型毒株,给人类健康和公共卫生安全带来重大威胁。作者综述了H9N2亚型AIV与其他病原混合感染的研究进展,通过阐述H9N2亚型AIV与细菌或病毒混合感染的协同或颉颃作用,以期为临床上H9N2亚型AIV混合感染的防治提供参考。     

免疫球蛋白调控动物胃肠道健康及微生物功能的研究进展

动物胃肠道被视为抵御外界病原体的一道重要屏障,胃肠道健康与动物机体健康密不可分。动物胃肠道中栖息着大量多样性的微生物种群,微生物之间的相互作用复杂且多样,微生物的功能和种类组成影响着胃肠道的稳态平衡。微生物群通过定植在胃肠道黏膜,在黏膜免疫系统发育中起着至关重要的作用,同时也对胃肠道健康与功能起着重要作用。调控胃肠道健康的方式有很多种,目前主要通过添加益生元、益生素等非营养物质和营养调控剂来调控胃肠道功能和维护胃肠道健康。但相较于其他营养调控剂来说,免疫球蛋白调控胃肠道的研究报道较少,属于新的免疫调控技术,其具有特异专一性、易生产且成本低、效果显著等优点。免疫调节是一种高效且相对安全的调节方式。作者介绍了4种免疫球蛋白(IgG、IgA、IgY、纳米抗体)的主要理化性质,总结了现阶段免疫球蛋白对胃肠道功能调节的进展及展望,从而为应用免疫球蛋白调控动物胃肠道健康和促进营养代谢提供指导。     

Cystoscopy in cattle--a valuable additional tool for clinical examination

Based on the findings of physical examination and on laboratory findings the urinary bladder of 23 cows was examined endoscopically in order to investigate the application of cystoscopy in cattle. The endoscopic findings of all examined cows were compared with the findings of physical examination and the results of macroscopic and microscopic urinalysis and the bacteriological culture of the urine. By physical examination only 3 cows were diagnosed to have urinary tract disease, whereas all other cows were suspected of having an urinary tract disease. Bacteriological culture of the urine revealed Corynebacterium renale and Escherichia coli infection in 18 cows, while the remaining 5 cows were negative. By cystoscopy catarrhal cystitis was diagnosed in 2 cases, haemorrhagic cystitis in 5 cases, and fibrinous-purulent and fibrinous-haemorrhagic cystitis in 13 cases. Three cows showed no pathological changes of the urinary bladder mucosa by endoscopic examination. Cystoscopy facilitates diagnosis through the direct visualisation of mucosal lesions and makes it possible to give a more accurate prognosis based upon the findings.     

Experimental Colibacillosis in Gnotobiotic Baby Pigs I. Microbiological and Clinical Aspects

Sixty-two gnotobiotic pigs were used in three experiments to determine the means whereby two related strains of Escherichia coli colonized the intestinal tract. Pigs were exposed by a method simulating neonatal contamination of the umbilical stump. Bacteremia was produced within one and one half hours, and by 24 hours the infection was generally well established in the gastrointestinal tract. By 48 hours after exposure, the bacteremia had subsided so that only an occasional isolation from organs other than the gastrointestinal tract was made.

Oral exposure of one litter of germfree pigs produced heavy colonization of the entire gastrointestinal tract within four hours. Evidence of intermittent bacteremia was present in pigs of this litter. Diarrhea appeared earlier when pigs were exposed orally than when they were exposed by way of the umbilical stump.

     

Rational antibiotic therapy for respiratory disorders in dogs and cats.

Therapy of respiratory tract infections presents some unique challenges to the veterinary practitioner. These infections often involve underlying disease processes that have predisposed the patient to secondary bacterial infection and may complicate the response to therapy. Because of the diversity of microbial organisms that may colonize and invade the respiratory tract, treatment targeted at the infecting pathogens is best accomplished with bacterial culture and susceptibility testing. When these data are unavailable, rational antibiotic treatment should be based on familiarity with historical data and clinical experience. Optimal drug selection is based on predicted microbial susceptibility, drug distribution in the respiratory tract, and safety of the patient. Instituting the appropriate dosage regimen and duration of therapy maximizes the opportunity for a successful resolution of bacterial infections.     

Sulfonamide-associated keratoconjunctivitis sicca and corneal ulceration in a dysuric dog

Long-term sulfonamide therapy for a urinary tract disorder was believed to have caused toxicosis of the lacrimal gland, and subsequently, dry eyes. Initial topical treatment of the ulcers may have potentiated the dry eye condition. The dog was referred with negligible tear production and bilateral corneal ulcers. Diagnostic evaluation of the urinary tract indicated reflex dyssynergia, a neurologic disorder causing functional urinary tract obstruction. The combination of appropriate topical and surgical therapy of the eyes, discontinuation of sulfonamide treatment, and initiation of bethanechol in the treatment of reflex dyssynergia all contributed to return of a normal tear film. Any combination of systemic and/or topical therapy may affect lacrimal secretion. The clinician must be cognizant of the potential effects that systemic medication, particularly antimicrobial drugs and drugs affecting the autonomic nervous system, may have on lacrimal secretions.     

Vestibular, vaginal, and urethral relations in spayed dogs with and without lower urinary tract signs

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the urogenital anatomy in female spayed dogs with and without signs of lower urinary tract disease by using conventional vaginourethrography, computed tomography (CT) vaginourethrography, and uroendoscopy. Nineteen dogs with lower urinary tract disease and 12 normal dogs were evaluated prospectively. Measurements made included vaginal length, vaginal height, vaginal width, vestibule length, vestibule height, vestibule width, vestibulovaginal ratios, cingulum height, cingulum width, cingulum area, urethral length, urethral height, urethral width, angle of urethra to vestibule, and angle of vaginal to vestibule. Group comparisons were made between dogs with and without lower urinary tract disease. Comparisons between conventional vaginourethrography and CT vaginourethrography were made when the same anatomical measurement was made by the 2 imaging modalities. There was no significant difference in all of the measurements (P > .01), including vestibulovaginal ratios and cingulum areas, between dogs with and without lower urinary tract disease. There was a larger proportion of dogs with a vestibulovaginal ratio <0.33 in normal dogs (8 of 12) compared with the clinical dogs (8 of 16). A significant difference between vestibulovaginal ratios or cingulum areas between dogs with and without lower urinary tract disease could not be identified. This suggests that a vestibulovaginal ratio of <0.33 may only be an incidental finding and the term "vestibulovaginal stenosis" may need to be redefined.     

西宁地区犬呼吸道菌群分析及药敏试验

犬类呼吸道疾病是宠物犬常见病,严重者导致犬只死亡.但是,目前在临床上该病用药缺乏科学指导.本实验采集了西宁地区5家宠物医院共63例健康犬及92例呼吸道患病犬的标本,进行呼吸道多菌群的分离培养、染色镜检和全自动微生物分析仪鉴定,并对检出菌进行了Kirby- Bauer纸片扩散法药敏试验.结果发现,犬呼吸道正常菌群有缓慢葡...     

通过测定生殖道黏液导电性确定小尾寒羊配种时机的观察研究

通过使用羊排卵测定仪准确掌握不同繁殖期小尾寒羊的排卵期,旨在有效提高母羊的受孕率。选择1.5~3.5周岁和4~6周岁小尾寒羊空怀期繁殖母羊各30只,利用羊排卵测定仪测定发情期内母羊生殖道黏液电阻值,研究其变化规律,发现1.5~3.5周岁母羊组发情持续时间较短,电阻值下降和上升均较快;而4~6周岁母羊组发情持续时间较长,电阻值下降较快但其上升曲线较为曲折。比较处于不同阴道黏液电阻值范围的母羊人工授精后的受孕率发现,4~6周岁的羊群组比1.5~3.5周岁的羊群组可受孕范围宽,但1.5~3.5周岁的羊群组在可受孕电阻值范围内受孕率明显高于4~6周岁的羊群组。该研究结果提示,不同年龄小尾寒羊母羊阴道黏液电阻值变化幅度不同,发情周期内电阻值下降到最低点后再上升时期为小尾寒羊的排卵期,适宜配种,该时期为母羊配种受孕率高。     

Cystocentesis is essential for reliable diagnosis of urinary tract infections in cats

Urine samples were taken from 79 cats with clinical signs of acute feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) by means of cystocenthesis, catheterization, or at voiding and were cultured. No bacteria were cultured from 79% of the samples taken by cystocenthesis, 55% of the samples obtained by catheterization, and 17% of the samples obtained at voiding. Samples obtained by cystocenthesis most often yielded pure cultures, whereas the voided samples were often contaminated, yielding mixed cultures. Therefore, it is difficult to interpret culture results for voided or catheterized urine samples, which may lead to overdiagnosis of urinary tract infections. E. coli was the most prevalent bacterial species. Numbers of bacteria were low (10(2) to 10(3)/ml) in three out of eight culture-positive samples taken by cystocenthesis, indicating that the number of bacteria present in the bladder of cats with urinary tract infections may be low. This may lead to underdiagnosis of urinary tract infections when interpreting culture results for voided and catheterized samples, because bacterial counts lower than 10(3) colony-forming units/ml of urine are generally considered not clinically relevant. In conclusion, cystocenthesis is the preferred method of sampling for the evaluation of cats with suspected urinary tract infection.     

Staphylectomy for treatment of dorsal displacement of the soft palate in two foals

Dorsal displacement of the soft palate associated with dysphagia and aspiration pneumonia was diagnosed in 2 young foals. The displacement appeared to be congenital. Clinical signs associated with the condition were resolved after staphylectomy. Dorsal displacement of the soft palate is usually recognized in adult animals as an upper respiratory tract disease, but may be a contributing factor to dysphagia and lower respiratory tract disease in young animals.     

Diagnosis of urinary tract infections.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common cause of urinary tract disease and may be associated with systemic disease. Diagnosis cannot be made on urinalysis and other findings alone. A urine culture is the "gold standard" for diagnosis of UTI. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing performed as part of a urine culture aids in selection of appropriate treatment for patients with confirmed bacterial UTI.     

生长猪基础饲粮组成对磷酸氢钙和磷酸二氢钙中磷的全肠道真消化率的影响

本试验旨在研究生长猪基础饲粮组成对磷酸氢钙(DCP)和磷酸二氢钙(MCP)中磷的全肠道真消化率(TTTD)的影响。试验1选用10头平均体重为(30.4±1.8)kg的生长猪,按照10×8不完全拉丁方设计,分别饲喂含有5个DCP添加水平的玉米-豆粕型和含有5个DCP添加水平的小麦-豆粕型饲粮,进行8期消化试验;试验2选用10头平均体重为(30.9±1.5)kg的生长猪,按照10×8不完全拉丁方设计,分别饲喂含有5个M CP添加水平的玉米-豆粕型和含有5个MCP添加水平的小麦-豆粕型饲粮,进行8期消化试验。每期消化试验包括5 d的饲粮适应期和2 d的粪便收集期。结果表明:1)玉米-豆粕型饲粮的总粪磷排泄量极显著高于小麦-豆粕型饲粮(P0.01),小麦-豆粕型饲粮的全肠道可消化磷含量和磷的表观全肠道消化率(ATTD)极显著高于玉米-豆粕型饲粮(P0.01)。饲粮添加DCP和MCP线性增加总粪磷排泄量、全肠道可消化磷含量及磷的ATTD(P0.01)。2)通过使用线性回归法,测得生长猪采食玉米-豆粕型和小麦-豆粕型饲粮对DCP中磷的TTTD分别为82.33%和82.88%,生长猪采食玉米-豆粕型和小麦-豆粕型饲粮对MCP中磷的TTTD分别为85.88%和84.62%。由此可见,生长猪基础饲粮组成对DCP和MCP中磷的TTTD无显著影响。     

Comparative anatomy of the male guinea-pig and human lower urinary tract: histomorphology and three-dimensional reconstruction

The guinea-pig is often used for experimental studies in urology. However, the anatomy of the lower urinary tract of the guinea-pig is poorly described in the literature. The structure and function of the lower urinary tract, i.e. continence, micturition and sexual function, are closely related to the gross anatomy of the pelvis and the fine structure of the musculature. We investigated the anatomy and histomorphology of the lower urinary tract by serial sections in male guinea-pigs and compared it to that in humans. Immunohistochemical stainings for alpha-smooth muscle cell actin were used to differentiate between smooth and striated muscles. By using whole pelvic preparations, including all internal organs preserved in their in situ location for three-dimensional reconstruction, we developed three-dimensional models, which elucidate the spatial relationship of all muscular structures and can help to deduce functional aspects of lower urinary tract function. In the guinea-pig, most of the muscles found in humans can be demonstrated in comparable location and extension. However, the structure of the prostate and the existence of the so-called coagulation glands define a significant difference in the morphology of the prostatic urethra.     

Comparative Anatomy of the Male Guinea-Pig and Human Lower Urinary Tract: Histomorphology and Three-Dimensional Reconstruction

The guinea-pig is often used for experimental studies in urology. However, the anatomy of the lower urinary tract of the guinea-pig is poorly described in the literature. The structure and function of the lower urinary tract, i.e. continence, micturition and sexual function, are closely related to the gross anatomy of the pelvis and the fine structure of the musculature. We investigated the anatomy and histomorphology of the lower urinary tract by serial sections in male guinea-pigs and compared it to that in humans. Immunohistochemical stainings for alpha-smooth muscle cell actin were used to differentiate between smooth and striated muscles. By using whole pelvic preparations, including all internal organs preserved in their in situ location for three-dimensional reconstruction, we developed three-dimensional models, which elucidate the spatial relationship of all muscular structures and can help to deduce functional aspects of lower urinary tract function. In the guinea-pig, most of the muscles found in humans can be demonstrated in comparable location and extension. However, the structure of the prostate and the existence of the so-called coagulation glands define a significant difference in the morphology of the prostatic urethra.