Congenital malformation of the large colon causing colic in a horse

An abnormal mesocolic attachment which resulted in a stellate malformation of the left colon adjacent to the pelvic flexure was suspected to be the cause of intermittent episodes of colic in a horse. Resection and side-to-side anastomosis of the large colon at the level of the sternal and diaphragmatic flexures was performed and the horse made an uneventful recovery from surgery. Only minor serum biochemical changes were observed in the initial postoperative period. The abnormal mesocolic attachment was probably a congenital anomaly.     

Bladder retroflexion in the dog

In a series of 61 dogs examined for perineal hernia 12, (20 per cent) were found to have bladder retroflexion. Associated urinary signs were seen in only five dogs including one case with bladder rupture. Radiology was found to be the most consistently accurate means of diagnosis. Bladders were drained by catheterization, or by percutaneous or surgical cystocentesis before manipulative or surgical reduction. Conventional herniorrhaphy and castration were performed in all cases. Cystopexy was performed in only one case although recurrence of the retroflexion was not encountered in any dogs. Three dogs remained urinary incontinent after treatment.     

Evaluation of some drug combinations for sedation in the dog

A double blind trial was performed in order to investigate the effects of some sedatives in the dog. One hundred and forty-two dogs undergoing radiography for the BVA/KC hip dysplasia scheme were sedated with combinations of acepromazine with pethidine or buprenorphine, or with acepromazine alone. The degree of sedation, resistance to manipulation, sensitivity to noise and response to pain were assessed, and arterial blood samples taken for blood gas analysis. In all respects the combinations of acepromazine with buprenorphine or pethidine produced significantly better sedation than acepromazine alone. Pa0₂ and pH were lower and PaCO₂ higher in dogs receiving the combinations compared with those receiving acepromazine alone, but all values were within normal limits. It was concluded that combinations of pethidine or buprenorphine with acpromazine provide extremely effective and safe sedation in the dog.     

First report of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Neospora caninum</Emphasis> infection in cattle in Sudan

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Sudan to determine sero-prevalence and risk factors associated with Neospora caninum infection in non-vaccinated dairy herds and to assess importance of the disease. Blood samples were collected from a total of 262 animals from 25 herds. Sera were tested for antibodies against N. caninum using ELISA test. The prevalence rates of N. caninum antibodies in cattle were high both at herd level (44%) and at individual animal level (10.7%). Herd level infection rates were similar in Khartoum State (43.7%) and at Gazira States (44.4%). The overall prevalence rates were higher (16.1%) in Gazira State than in Khartoum State (9%) but with no significant variation. The sero-prevalence at individual animal level was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in animals with history of abortion (12.8%) than in apparently healthy animal (11.3%), animal with history of infertility (8.1%), or neonatal death of calves (4.3%). In addition, significantly higher (P < 0.05) sero-prevalence was observed in samples collected during the rainy season (6.87%) than winter (3.05%) or summer (0.76%). However, no significant differences in sero-prevalence due to locality, animal breed, sex, and age were observed (p > 0.05). This preliminary study reveals for the first time the existence of natural N. caninum infection in Sudan. Also, the findings of the present study indicated that this disease is highly prevalent in two major areas of dairy production in the country, and this calls for control strategy to be implemented.     

Phosphatase activity in avian mycoplasmas.

Fifty-four strains of avian mycoplasma representing 11 species or serotypes were examined for their phosphatase activity using two different methods. Both methods gave similar results. All of four strains of Mycoplasma anatis and six of M meleagridis and the type strain of serotype L were phosphatase positive. The other species gave variable reactions between strains and on different occasions of testing.     

Effect of long-term tetracycline exposure (drinking water additive) on antibiotic-resistance of aerobic gram-negative intestinal flora of rats.

A study was undertaken to determine the effect of 2 years of intermittent administration of tetracycline in drinking water on antibiotic resistance in the aerobic gram-negative enterobacteria of rats in a closed colony. The bacterial isolates examined were resistant to tetracycline and streptomycin. Minimal inhibitory concentrations of tetracycline and streptomycin for intestinal organisms were similar in all of the animals, regardless of whether the animals were sampled while they were given drinking water with added tetracycline or at intervals of 3, 8, and 9 months after the antibiotic was no longer added to the drinking water. Biochemical examination of the isolates from each principal showed that Escherichia coli was the predominant enteric organism. In conjugation experiments, all E coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated transferred tetracycline and streptomycin resistance to an E coli K-12 recipient. Four different strains of rats that had not been treated with tetracycline (controls) were examined for tetracycline resistance. Tetracycline-resistant Proteus mirabilis was isolated from the intestines of these animals. Plasmid-mediated resistance could not be demonstrated. The E coli and P vulgaris isolates from these control animals were susceptible to tetracycline.     

Primary hyperparathyroidism in a dog.

A 6-year-old male Standard Poodle had hypercalcemia, hypophosphatemia, and a urinary concentrating defect. A parathyroid adenoma involving the left caudal parathyroid gland was surgically removed. Transient hypocalcemia followed, which resolved without treatment. A renal biopsy did not demonstrate renal parenchymal mineral deposition. Urinary concentrating ability returned after surgery.