Leukemia inhibitory factor protein and receptors are expressed in the bovine adrenal cortex and increase cortisol and decrease adrenal androgen release

The release of adrenal steroids during acute stress is primarily regulated by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). In contrast, during chronic inflammatory stress additional factors are involved in regulating adrenal function. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a pleiotropic cytokine that increases ACTH release from the pituitary. In addition, LIF and LIF receptors (LIFR) are expressed in the human adrenal cortex and the human adrenocortical tumor cell line H295R. Furthermore, LIF increases basal and ACTH-stimulated cortisol release from H295R cells. However, the expression of LIF and LIFR in non-human adrenal glands and the effects of LIF on the release of cortisol from adrenal cells of non-human species have not been determined. Furthermore, the effects of LIF on adrenal androgen release from all species are unknown. In this study, immunohistochemistry, Western blots, RT-PCR, and nucleotide sequencing was utilized to demonstrate that LIF and its receptor are expressed throughout the bovine adrenal cortex. Although LIF did not modify basal cortisol release from dispersed cells isolated from the bovine adrenal zona fasciculate, this cytokine increased ACTH-stimulated release of cortisol from these cells in a manner dependent on the LIF concentration and exposure interval. In contrast, LIF in a concentration-dependent and time-dependent manner decreased basal and ACTH-stimulated adrenal androgen release from dispersed cells isolated from the bovine adrenal zona reticularis. Because LIF release increases during inflammatory stress and this cytokine stimulates adrenal cortisol release and inhibits adrenal androgen release, this cytokine may play an important role in regulating the release of adrenal steroids during inflammatory stress.     

Surgical treatment of shoulder instability. A retrospective study on 76 cases (1993-2007)

This study evaluates 76 cases of shoulder instability in dogs, functional outcome after treatment, and the effectiveness of medial biceps tendon transposition using a metallic staple. Clinical examinations of the shoulder were performed and radiographs were taken. Conservative treatment or surgery (biceps tendon transposition or arthrodesis) was then opted for on the basis of type of instability, associated lesions and dog (age, weight, behaviour). Long-term functional outcome was categorized as 'excellent', 'good', 'average' or 'poor'. In our series, the most frequently affected breed was the Poodle (13%). Humeral head intermittent displacement was either medial (80%), lateral (19%) or cranial (1%). On clinical examination, 97% of the animals experienced pain. In anaesthetised dogs, shoulder instability was observed in 90% of the population. Muscle atrophy (33%) and associated radiographic lesions (34%) were less frequent. Ninety-five percent of the dogs were treated surgically, either by bicipital tendon transposition (81%) or by shoulder arthrodesis (19%). Results were 'good' to 'excellent' in 25% of the animals treated conservatively, and in 84.5% and 87.5%, respectively, in those treated by tendon transposition and arthrodesis. Complications did not arise from the use of a metallic staple to anchor the tendon during medial transposition. Tendon transposition or arthrodesis resulted in a good functional outcome in more than 80% of the dogs with shoulder instability. During the medial transposition, the biceps tendon was easily and effectively stabilized using a metallic staple.     

Housing situation of small animals in Swiss pet shops

This study investigates the situation regarding housing of small animals in Swiss pet shops. Data of 92 pet shops were collected with a questionnaire. On average 813 fish, 52.5 invertebrates, 32.2 small mammals, 26.9 birds, 8.9 reptiles and 2.7 amphibians were offered for sale per pet shop. Small mammals, birds and reptiles were mainly obtained from Swiss breeders, while fish and amphibians were almost exclusively purchased from foreign providers. The housing systems which were sold differed from those in which the animals were kept in the shop. This may be misleading to the future pet owners and may lead to faulty husbandry. Animals on reserve were often kept in different housing systems than those in the pet shop. Sick animals were usually treated or killed by the pet shop owners. The killing methods varied between the various species.     

Juniper Consumption Does Not Adversely Affect Meat Quality in Boer-Cross Goats

Goat browsing can be used as an alternative brush management option for redberry (Juniperus pinchotii Sudw.) and ashe (Juniperus asheii Buch) juniper instead of more expensive and invasive brush control methods, assuming consumption of juniper does not adversely affect the marketability of offspring. Some wildlife species reportedly retain juniper flavor when consumed. We determined if juniper consumption affected meat quality or flavoring of Boer-cross kid carcasses. Twenty recently weaned, Boer-cross wethers were randomly assigned to one of four treatments with treatments fed different amounts of juniper (0%, 10%, 20%, 30% juniper in the diet). All goats were fed juniper for 28 d at the Angelo State University (ASU) Management, Instruction, and Research Center. All goats were also fed a feedlot ration to meet maintenance requirements (2% body weight). Juniper intake varied (P < 0.05) between all treatments (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%) primarily because treatments were fed different amounts of juniper. Following a 28-d trial, goats were harvested at the ASU Food Safety and Product Development Laboratory. Carcass characteristics including live weight, hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, loineye area, body wall fat thickness, and leg circumference were similar (P > 0.05) among treatments. Sensory characteristics including tenderness, juiciness, flavor intensity, off-flavor, and overall acceptability were also similar (P > 0.05) among treatments. Landowners can utilize goats as a biological management tool without adversely affecting goat meat quality or flavoring.     

Cone beam computed tomography and intraoral radiography for diagnosis of dental abnormalities in dogs and cats

The development of veterinary dentistry has substantially improved the ability to diagnose canine and feline dental abnormalities. Consequently, examinations previously performed only on humans are now available for small animals, thus improving the diagnostic quality. This has increased the need for technical qualification of veterinary professionals and increased technological investments. This study evaluated the use of cone beam computed tomography and intraoral radiography as complementary exams for diagnosing dental abnormalities in dogs and cats. Cone beam computed tomography was provided faster image acquisition with high image quality, was associated with low ionizing radiation levels, enabled image editing, and reduced the exam duration. Our results showed that radiography was an effective method for dental radiographic examination with low cost and fast execution times, and can be performed during surgical procedures.     

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of meloxicam in piglets

The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of meloxicam in piglets (16–23 days old) were studied using a stratified parallel group design. One group ( n  = 13) received 0.4 mg/kg meloxicam intravenously, while the other group ( n  = 12) received physiological saline solution. A carrageenan-sponge model of acute inflammation was used to evaluate the effects of meloxicam. The plasma clearance was low (0.061 L/kg/h), the volume of distribution was low (0.19 L/kg) and the elimination half-life was short (2.7 h). At most time points, the mean concentration of meloxicam in plasma exceeded the concentrations in exudate indicating a limited accumulation of the drug at the site of the inflammation. There were significant differences between the groups in the exudate prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) concentration, but the inhibition of PGE₂ in the meloxicam group was limited. The inhibition of thromboxane B₂ (TXB₂) production in serum in the meloxicam group was extensive, but of shorter duration than the PGE₂ inhibition in exudate.     

Effects of aging on beef chuck and loin muscles enhanced with ammonium hydroxide and salt

The objective of this study was to determine whether aging would alter the beneficial effects (tenderness, juiciness, and flavor) of enhancing beef chuck and round steaks with a 20% solution of water, ammonium hydroxide, salt, and carbon monoxide. A randomized, complete block design was used, with 2 treatments [0% (control) and 20% (pump)], 3 aging periods (1, 2, and 3 wk), 3 muscles (M. triceps brachii from the clod heart, M. biceps femoris from the sirloin cap, and M. rectus femoris from the knuckle), and 3 replications. There were a total of 12 subprimals per treatment per aging period (n = 72 each). Individual steaks were cut to a thickness of 2.54 cm and packaged in a high-oxygen modified-atmosphere package (80% oxygen, 20% carbon dioxide). At the end of the aging period, steaks were vacuum packaged and frozen. Steaks were used to determine Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBS) and consumer sensory ratings. For all muscles, WBS values were lower for pump steaks than control at every aging period (P < 0.050). In addition, as aging period increased, WBS values for all steaks increased. Consumer taste panels revealed more desirability for tenderness, juiciness, flavor, and overall acceptability for pump steaks than control steaks. In addition, steaks aged for 1 d were more desirable than steaks aged for 7 and 14 d (P < 0.050). These data indicate that aging does not decrease the benefits (tenderness, juiciness, and flavor) of enhancement.     

Report of the 3rd Havemeyer workshop on allergic diseases of the Horse, Hólar, Iceland, June 2007

Allergic diseases occur in most mammals, although some species such as humans, dogs and horses seem to be more prone to develop allergies than others. In horses, insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH), an allergic dermatitis caused by bites of midges, and recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), a hyperreactivity to stable born dust and allergens, are the two most prevalent allergic diseases. Allergic diseases involve the interaction of three major factors: (i) genetic constitution, (ii) exposure to allergens, and (iii) a dysregulation of the immune response determined by (i) and (ii). However, other environmental factors such as infectious diseases, contact with endotoxin and degree of infestation with endoparasites have been shown to influence the prevalence of allergic diseases in humans. How these factors may impact upon allergic disease in the horse is unknown at this time. The 3rd workshop on Allergic Diseases of the Horse, with major sponsorship from the Havemeyer Foundation, was held in Hólar, Iceland, in June 2007 and focussed on immunological and genetic aspects of IBH and RAO. This particular venue was chosen because of the prevalence of IBH in exported Icelandic horses. The incidence of IBH is significantly different between Icelandic horses born in Europe or North America and those born in Iceland and exported as adults. Although the genetic factors and allergens are the same, exported adult horses show a greater incidence of IBH. This suggests that environmental or epigenetic factors may contribute to this response. This report summarizes the present state of knowledge and summarizes important issues discussed at the workshop.