Effects of reconcile (fluoxetine) chewable tablets plus behavior management for canine separation anxiety

Canine separation anxiety is a common behavioral problem presented to veterinarians. Associated behaviors are distressing to both dog and owner, have the potential to disrupt the human-companion animal bond, and may lead to euthanasia. The results of this study demonstrate the clinical efficacy and safety of Reconcile (fluoxetine, 1 to 2 mg/kg/day [0.45 to 0.91 mg/lb/day]), in conjunction with behavior management, for the treatment of canine separation anxiety. The beef flavored chewable formulation was palatable to treated dogs and easy to administer. This study provides to veterinarians and owners valuable information about an effective separation anxiety treatment plan that combines use of Reconcile with behavior modification.     

Effects of Diet and Weight Gain on Body Condition Scoring in Thoroughbred Geldings

In the horse, the body condition score (BCS) system to assess subcutaneous fat deposition is a useful tool for making feeding management decisions. The system includes assessing fat deposition at six body areas (neck, withers, shoulders, ribs, loin, and tail head) and was developed in Quarter Horse mares. It has not been tested for use on other breeds or genders, possibly compromising the system's ability to describe fat accretion in other classes of horse. The objective of this study was to examine the ability of the previously developed fat accretion characteristics to describe fat deposition in mature Thoroughbred (TB) geldings. An additional goal was to determine whether fewer body areas could be used. Fifteen mature TB geldings were fed for weight gain over an 8-month period on one of two diets and were independently assessed for BCS on a monthly basis by two judges. BCS was determined by averaging the scores that were assigned to each of the six body areas. Fat accretion characteristics were also recorded. Across both diets, the neck area scored significantly higher than the withers and loin (P < 0.05) throughout the study. A BCS derived only from the body areas of neck, shoulders, ribs, and tailhead was found to accurately predict the six body area−derived mean BCS. The results of this study provide justification for modifications of the BCS system for use in TB geldings and also demonstrated that fewer body areas can be used to accurately predict mean BCS.     

Intra-articular therapy to treat septic arthritis in a dog

A 6 yr old female spayed Labrador retriever was examined for severe pain and a nonweight-bearing right forelimb lameness due to swelling and wounds with direct communication into the elbow joint. The medical management of β hemolytic Streptococcus septic arthritis with needle lavage of the joint, systemic and local antibiotic therapy, and analgesic therapy is described. This case provides information on the need to address septic arthritis in the dog as an emergency situation and the treatment with intra-articular medication. Earlier medical management for septic joints could be considered in dogs to help decrease the long-term complications that can result from septic arthritis.     

Bacterial translocation: clinical implications and prevention.

The occurrence of BT has been well documented in experimental animal models of hemorrhagic shock, trauma, severe burns, cirrhosis, pancreatitis, and bacterial overgrowth. Translocation of viable bacteria and endotoxins into mesenteric lymph nodes and other gut-associated lymphatic tissue is thought to activate a complex interplay of mediators that initiates the SIRS. Multiple humoral and cellular systems cause synthesis, expression, and release of inflammatory mediators, such as toxic oxygen radicals, proteolytic enzymes, adherence molecules, and various cytokines. A massive sustained proinflammatory response can ultimately result in irreversible multiple organ dysfunction. Because BT is associated with splanchnic hypoperfusion, the cornerstone of therapy involves rapid resuscitation and restoration of tissue perfusion. If a septic focus can be identified, it should be removed. Gut protectants, promotility agents, antioxidants, and immune-enhancing diets have shown promise in improving length of survival in these critically ill patients.     

Cytotoxic effects of peroxynitrite, polymorphonuclear neutrophils, free-radical scavengers, inhibitors of myeloperoxidase, and inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase on bovine mammary secretory epithelial cells

OBJECTIVE: To determine cytotoxic effects of activated polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) and peroxynitrite on bovine mammary secretory epithelial cells before and after addition of nitric oxide synthase inhibitors, myeloperoxidase (MPO) inhibitors, and free-radical scavengers. SAMPLE POPULATION: Polymorphonuclear neutrophils from 3 lactating cows. PROCEDURE: Cells from the bovine mammary epithelial cell line MAC-T were cultured. Monolayers were treated with activated bovine PMN, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), 3-morpholino-sydnonimine (SIN-1), 4-amino-benzoic acid hydrazide (ABAH), NG-monomethyl-L-arginine, histidine, and superoxide dismutase (SOD). At 24 hours, activity of lactate dehydrogenase in culture medium was used as a relative index of cell death. Tyrosine nitration of proteins in MAC-T cell lysates was determined by visual examination of immunoblots. RESULTS: Lipopolysaccharide, PMA, and < or = 0.1 mM SIN-1 were not toxic to MAC-T cells. Activated PMN, > or = 6 mg of histidine/ml, and 0.5 mM SIN-1 were toxic. Together, histidine and 500,000 activated PMN/ml also were toxic. NG-monomethyl-L-arginine did not have an effect, but ABAH decreased PMN-mediated cytotoxicity. Ten and 50 U of SOD/ml protected MAC-T cells from cytotoxic effects of 0.5 mM SIN-1. Compared with control samples, nitration of MAC-T tyrosine residues decreased after addition of 500,000 PMN/ml or > or = 6 mg of histidine/ml. Superoxide dismutase increased and SIN-1 decreased tyrosine nitration of MAC-T cell proteins in a dose-responsive manner. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Peroxynitrite, MPO, and histidine are toxic to mammary secretory epithelial cells. Superoxide dismutase and inhibition of MPO activity mitigate these effects. Nitration of MAC-T cell tyrosine residues may be positively associated with viability.     

Thoracolumbar hemilaminectomy and spinal cord decompression in a lion-tailed macaque (Macaca silenus)

A 16-yr-old, castrated male lion-tailed macaque (Macaca silenus) presented with acute bilateral pelvic limb paralysis. Cisternal and lumbar myelograms demonstrated right-sided spinal cord compression at T13-L1. During an extradural hemilaminectomy, chronically ruptured disk material was removed at T13-L1, with moderate venous dilatation observed cranially. The macaque fully recovered from clinical signs within 2 mo.     

Development of cork oak (Quercus suber L.) seedlings in response to tree shelters and mulching in northwestern Tunisia

The need for reforestation in cork oak (Quercus suber L.) areas is challenged by difficulties. Principal among these is herbivory of young plants, vegetative competition, and slow growth rates of cork oak seedlings. We evaluated the early development of cork oak seedlings treated using tree shelters and mulching in northwestern Tunisia. We tested three tree shelter treatments (non-vented, vented, and control) to shield seedlings from animal damage and five mulch types to control competing vegetation (Italian Stone Pine, Lentisk, combination of Italian Stone Pine and Lentisk (organic mulches), gravel (inorganic mulch) and no mulch). At the end of the two-year experiment, sheltered seedlings were 89-99% taller than unshelteredseedlings and had higher numbers and lengths of shoot growth flushes. In contrast, both stem diameter growth and dry weight biomass (from samples extracted after two years) were significantly reduced inside tree shelters. Root-to-shoot ratio was not significantly different in sheltered vs. unsheltered seedlings, suggesting that tree shelters do not adversely affect this parameter. Mulching alone did not favour growth, but could be beneficial when combined with tree shelters. The combination of vented tree shelters and gravel mulch was the most effective treatment for promoting diameter, height and stem volume growth.