In vitro viability of cryopreserved equine embryos following different freezing protocols.

The main objective of this study was to evaluate two freezing protocols and the effect of agar embedding on survival of day 6.5 equine embryos. A total of 133 embryos were used, in one group (n = 51), embryos were first embedded in agar before the freezing protocol was started. A freezing protocol to -30 degrees C or -33 degrees C was used before plunging embryos into liquid nitrogen (LN2). The embryos were thawed in water at 37 degrees C, evaluated and placed in culture. After 24 h culture, the embryos were evaluated for their morphology and development. No differences were observed between embryos plunged at -30 degrees or at -33 degrees C in LN2. The analysis of the morphology and development after thawing showed that the diameter and developmental stage at freezing correlated with embryo survival. Morula and early blastocyst stages of development were associated with better quality after freezing and thawing and had a better potential to survive after in vitro culture (p < 0.05) compared to more advanced stages. The agar failed to protect embryos from zona pellucida damage, but a tendency to prevent rupture was observed in larger embedded embryos.     

Clinical equine dysautonomia and autonomic neuron damage.

Damage to the neurons of selected autonomic ganglia was quantified in relation to the severity of the clinical signs shown in acute, subacute and chronic cases of dysautonomia (grass sickness). No connection between the clinical severity of acute or subacute dysautonomia and the amount of neuronal damage in the superior cervical, stellate and coeliaco-mesenteric ganglia could be demonstrated. However, a higher proportion of normal neurons were found in chronic cases. Jejunal submucosal neuronal damage was correlated with clinical severity but further work is required to confirm this finding and to establish how widespread the alimentary neuronal lesions are in dysautonomia of different severities.     

Coagulopathic Effects and Therapy of Brodifacoum Toxicosis in Dogs

The clinical signs and laboratory changes of brodifacoum (BDF) intoxicated dogs and their response to vitamin K1 treatment were examined. Brodifacoum, a second-generation anticoagulant rodenticide, was fed to four dogs for 3 consecutive days producing a cumulative dose of 1.1 mg BDF/kg body weight. Clinical observations of the animals were made daily throughout the study. Monitored laboratory parameters included: one-stage prothrombin time (OSPT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), activated coagulation time (ACT), complete blood counts, thrombocyte counts, and serum chemistry values. Response to vitamin K1 therapy was evaluated clinically and by laboratory tests. Serum BDF concentrations were monitored. Inappetence and hemorrhagic tendencies were exhibited by day 5 postrodenticide exposure. One-stage prothrombin time, APTT, and ACT were 25% greater than time zero values at 24, 24, and 72 hours postdosing, respectively. All laboratory parameters returned to normal within 48 hours of initiating vitamin K1 therapy (0.83 mg/kg orally, TID for 5 days). Serum brodifacoum concentrations were highest (1065-1215 ng/mL) during the 3 days after BDF dosing and were detectable (3.0-7.5 ng/mL) until day 24 postexposure. A mean BDF elimination half-life of 6 +/- 4 days was observed.     

A model for long-term sampling of lymph from the jejunal lymphatic trunk in pigs and sheep

Eine Methode zur langfristigen Lymphsammlung aus der jejunalen Lymphbahn bei Schweinen und Schafen Es wird eine Methode zur langfristigen Lymphsammlung im Dünndarmbereich von Schweinen und Schafen vorgestellt. Mit Hilfe eines chirurgischen Eingriffs wurde ein Silikon-Katheder im truncus lymphaticus jejunalis implantiert. Zusätzlich wurde ein zweiter Katheter in die hintere vena cava in Richtung Herz eingesetzt. Beide Katheter wurden sofort miteinander verbunden, um die Wiedereinführung der jejunalen Lymphe in den Blutkreislauf zu gewährleisten. Der negative Druck in der hinteren vena cava im Thoraxteil förderte den Lymphfluß durch das Katheter im truncus lymphaticus jejunalis. Der preprandiale Lymphfluß des Jéjunums betrug bei Schweinen 0,3 ml/h/kg Körpergewicht und stieg postprandial auf 0,78 ml/h/kg an. Beim Schaf betrug der Basiswert 0,75 ml/h/kg. Er stieg nach intraduodenaler Infusion von Rapsöl auf 4,75 ml/h/kg. Eine mechanische Stimulation der intestinalen Receptoren durch 0,9% NaCl-Lösung stimulierte ebenfalls den Lymphfluß.     

Changes in some biochemical indicators of bone turnover after ultraviolet irradiation of dairy cows

The effect of ultraviolet irradiation on some biochemical indicators of bone turnover in dairy cows was determined. The irradiation was performed using a stationary system for two months and comprised a regimen of 10 days irradiation followed by 10 days rest. After ultraviolet irradiation, significant differences in the activities of serum alkaline phosphatase (P < 0.001) and bone alkaline phosphatase isoenzyme (P < 0.05) and concentration of osteocalcin (P < 0.01) were demonstrated. The results suggest that supplementary ultraviolet irradiation during winter could be used as a simple but reliable method of preventing the development of generalised metabolic bone disorders in dairy cows.     

Perioperative medical care for equine abdominal surgery

Rational perioperative management improves the success rate of abdominal surgery. Important aspects of management are discussed, including principles of fluid therapy, nutrition, intravenous catheterization, antimicrobial prophylaxis, and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Current advances in the area of immunotherapy are mentioned.     

Comparison of disease progress curves for yam anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides)

The incidence and severity of foliar anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides , were recorded for seven fields of yams ( Dioscorea alata var. White Lisbon) in Barbados over a complete growing season. A scoring system was developed to estimate severity, placing the emphasis on the earliest, least visible stages of the disease. Disease progress curves were described in terms of the logistic model and the effects of site and leaf age on the parameters as well as on disease at tuber bulking were analysed. Differences between sites indicated that disease was more severe in areas of higher rainfall. In severe epidemics, disease predominated on young leaves. Fungicides applied sufficiently early can delay the onset of disease and slow the rate of disease progress.     

Milk production, water consumption, and somatic cell count responses of cows subject to one to two volts of alternating current.

A dairy farm located in central New York was visited because of complaints of electrical shock in the farmhouse shower and the milk house sink. As much as 2 volts AC of potential difference was measured between the waterline and the cow platform (cow-contact voltage). Voltage was coming from the primary neutral wire. The farm's electrical service was modified so that the farmstead could be connected or disconnected from the primary neutral wire at 2-week intervals for 12 weeks. When connected to the primary neutral wire, voltage between waterline and floor ranged between 0 and 1.8 volts, producing estimated current flow through cows of 3.6 to 4.9 mA; when disconnected from primary neutral wire, voltage between waterline and floor was less than 0.1 volt. There was no difference in mean milk production, bulk tank milk somatic cell count, or water consumption among periods when cows were exposed or unexposed to voltage. Despite statistical nonsignificance, the values for somatic cell count were lower and water consumption was higher when cows were exposed to voltage than when they were not.