Bilirubin metabolism in canine hepatobiliary and haemolytic disease

Summary

The kinetics of unconjugated ₃H‐bilirubin are described in 25 healthy dogs and 35 dogs with spontaneous hepatobiliary or haemolytic disease, using a two‐compartment model. The bilirubin production rates from erythrocyte degradation (P_E), ineffective erythropoiesis (P_I) and catabolism of hepatic haemoproteins (P_I), were derived from the incorporation of ¹⁴C‐glycine into haemoglobin and stercobilin. These combined measurements permitted an integral survey of bilirubin metabolism in health and disease. The concentration of unconjugated bilirubin in plasma and its of total bilirubin levels were similar in hepatic and haemolytic disorders.

This was explained by the highly increased bilirubin production rates in both types of disease. In addition, the hepatic bilirubin clearance was severely impaired in fulminant hepatitis and in cirrhosis, and moderately decreased in the other hepatobiliary diseases and in primary haemolysis. The erythrocyte lifespan was reduced in all animals but one. In addition to haemolysis, the contribution of P_I and P_L was variable, and in two dogs P_L was the principle source of highly increased bilirubin production rates. These data indicate that the concentration of unconjugated bilirubin in plasma or its fraction of total pigments is unreliable in the discrimination of canine hepatobiliary disease from haemolytic disorders.     

Aspects of the biology of a rare redfin minnow,Barbus burchelli (Pisces,Cyprinidae), from South Africa

Burchell's redfin, Barbus burchelli is endemic to the Breede River and adjacent smaller river systems in the Cape Province. Negative human influences have led to a drastic decline in numbers of this medium-sized minnow, especially agricultural demand on the water resource and the introduction of exotic predatory fish. The breeding season is extended, from September to February, with a peak in December. The absolute fecundity of a 123 mm FL specimen was 10 678, which includes both mature and recruitment ova. Females grow larger (123 mm FL), and live longer (6 +years), than males (113 mm FL and 4 + years). 8. burchelli grow rapidly in their first year attaining a length of between 40 and 50 mm FL. Pronounced conical tubercles of sexually mature males erupt in spring, begin to show signs of wear in November and by March are worn or sloughed off. The survival of this species is dependent upon proper management of the Breede River system.     

Comparative gastric anatomy of Cricetomys gambianus and Saccostomus campestris (Cricetomyinae) in relation to Mystromys albicaudatus (Cricetinae)

The gastric anatomy of two African cricetomyines is described and compared with that of the only African cricetine. The stomach of C. gambianus is more specialized than that of S. campestris and shows many parallels with that of M. albicaudatus. Both cricetomyines possess an oesophageal groove system which is absent from the cricetine, while C. gambianus and M. albicaudatus have forestomach papillae supporting vast colonies of symbiotic bacteria that are not found in S. campestris. Specializations in gastric anatomy are discussed in relation to phylogeny, using taxonomy to distinguish between apomorphic and plesiomorphic characters, convergence and divergence. Complex gastric adaptations can be explained only by increased digestive efficiency, while the symbiotic association with numerous autochthonous bacteria implies-revolutionary adaptation.     

Time budgets and activity patterns of sub-Antarctic fur seals at Gough Island

The diurnal activity patterns of sub-Antarctic fur seals, Arctocephalus tropicalis, were observed at a non- breeding colony site at Gough Island (40°20′S, 9°54′W) during summer. Time budgets of adult males were also studied at idle and breeding colony sites, Levels of activity were highest during the early morning and late afternoon. High ambient temperatures depressed the interaction rate on the dry hauling ground, but activity increased as a result of the movement of heat-stressed seals to and from the sea where favourable conditions for heat loss exist. The fur seals were largely inactive, in particular adult males which spent 93,2% of the time inactive in breeding colonies and 97,9% of Ihe time inactive at idle colony beaches. The daily change in numbers ashore, the relative contribution of the different age and sex classes, their location and distribution on site, and the prevailing weather conditions influence the pattern of interaction and allocation of time to the various activities in A. tropicalis. The predominance of inactivity is considered to be a behavioural thermoregulatory response to limit endogenous heat production as is energy conservation. Both views translate into improved tenure for territorial males, in particular those without access to water for cooling during the breeding season.     

An extension approach for the national grazing strategy based on farmer characteristics in the eastern cape 1

Abstract

The development of a sound communication programme for the National Grazing strategy should be based on an understanding of the characteristics of the farmer population of the area concerned. The social, socio‐demographic, socio‐economie, socio‐psychological, communication and agricultural production characteristics of the population must be identified, and then be used to formulate a communication programme. Information obtained from 153 farmers in six farming communities was used to develop an extension approach for the National Grazing Strategy.     

Treatment of cervical oesophageal rupture in horses

Oesophageal rupture in horses has only been previously described in detail in isolated case reports. The objectives of this study were to describe the clinical findings, specific treatment and outcome of oesophageal rupture in horses. Medical records of horses diagnosed with oesophageal rupture between 1994–2008 were reviewed. Clinical findings, treatment and outcome were recorded. Seven horses with cervical oesophageal perforations were included in the study. Two horses were subjected to euthanasia without treatment and 5 were treated surgically. Treatment involved a fasciotomy of the cervical musculature and oesophageal tube placement. Three of 5 horses survived long‐term (>one year). Our study showed that surgical treatment of cervical oesophageal rupture involving fasciotomy and oesophagostomy tube placement can be successful with 3/5 of treated horses surviving more than one year.     

Sedative effects of dexmedetomidine,dexmedetomidine–pethidine and dexmedetomidine–butorphanol in cats

The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical effects of dexmedetomidine, both alone and combined with pethidine or butorphanol, in cats. A prospective randomized blind study was performed. Thirty cats were randomly assigned to three groups of 10 animals: D: dexmedetomidine (20 μg/kg IM); DP: dexmedetomidine (10 μg/kg IM) and pethidine (2.5 mg/kg IM); DB: dexmedetomidine (10 μg/kg IM) and butorphanol (0.4 mg/kg IM). Quality of sedation, analgesia, muscle relaxation and the possibility of performing some clinical procedures were compared using a multifactorial scale. Sedation, analgesia and muscle relaxation increased progressively over time and did not differ in the three protocols. The three protocols facilitated the completion of several clinical procedures. The clinical variables studied showed a similar behaviour in the three protocols and remained close to the baseline, except for a drop in heart rate in protocol D. In conclusion, dexmedetomidine, either alone or combined with pethidine or butorphanol, offers suitable sedation, analgesia and relaxation to perform various clinical procedures in cats.