Epidemiology and significance of chicken infectious anemia virus infections in broilers and broiler parents under nonvaccinated European circumstances

A serologic survey in unvaccinated broiler parent and broiler progeny flocks demonstrated seroconversion against chicken infecrious anemia virus (CIAV) in all parent flocks before or around point of lay and in 38% of the broiler flocks examined at slaughter age. The presence of CIAV antibodies at slaughter of broilers was positively correlated with slaughterhouse condemnation rates. Results indicate that CIAV infections are highly prevalent in both broiler parent and broiler flocks and that CIAV infections in broilers are associated with increased slaughterhouse condemnation.     

Induction of sexual activity of male creole goats in subtropical northern Mexico using long days and melatonin

The aim of this study was to determine whether the sexual activity of local male Creole goats in subtropical Mexico can be induced during the non-breeding season by a long-day treatment followed by insertion of two melatonin implants. The experiment was carried out in the Laguna region in the State of Coahuila, Mexico (26 degrees N). Fourteen male goats were allocated to two balanced groups (n = 7 each) according to body and testicular weights. Males were kept together in two separate groups and fed lucerne hay for ad libitum intake and 300 g of commercial concentrate and had free access to water and mineral blocks. The control group remained in open sheds under natural photoperiod and ambient temperature conditions. The experimental group was placed in a light-proof building and exposed to 2.5 mo of long days (16 h of light/d) from November 1 to January 15. On January 16, each male received two s.c. melatonin implants and was exposed to natural photoperiodic changes in an open shed. In the control group, testicular weight exhibited seasonal variations; the highest value occurred on May 30 (146 +/- 10 g). Treated males reached maximum testicular weight earlier (March 15; 147 +/- 11 g), and sperm quality from January to March was higher than that observed in the control group (P < 0.05). Treatment caused an increase in LH pulse frequency (2.0 +/- 0.5 vs 0.3 +/- 0.2 pulse/8 h in February, 4.6 +/- 1.1 vs 0.1 +/- 0.1 pulse/8 h in March; experimental vs control group, respectively). In the control group, plasma testosterone remained low until mid-June and increased thereafter to remain elevated until the end of the study. In the experimental group, elevated plasma testosterone was observed from February to April and from July to November. Treating male goats in subtropical latitudes with artificial long days and melatonin can induce an intense sexual activity during the natural nonbreeding season.     

Treatment of partial seizures and seizure-like activity with felbamate in six dogs

Six dogs with partial seizures or partial seizure-like activity were treated with the antiepileptic drug felbamate between 1993 and 1998. All dogs had a history and results of diagnostic testing suggestive of either primary (idiopathic) or occult secondary epilepsy. Dogs ranged between four months and eight years of age at the onset of seizure activity. The median time period between onset of the first seizure and the start of felbamate therapy was 3.8 months (range 0.75 to 36 months). Median duration of therapy was nine months (range two to 22 months). All dogs experienced a reduction in seizure frequency after felbamate administration. Median total number of seizures post-treatment was two (range 0 to 9). Two dogs had an immediate and prolonged cessation of seizure activity. Steady-state trough serum felbamate concentrations measured at two weeks, and one, 12 and 22 months after the commencement of therapy in four dogs ranged between 13 and 55 mg/litre (median 35 mg/litre). Reversible haematological adverse effects were detected in two dogs, with one dog developing concurrent keratoconjunctivitis sicca. These results suggest that felbamate can be an effective antiepileptic drug without life-threatening complications when used as monotherapy for partial seizures in the dog.     

Diagnosis of cerebellar cortical degeneration in a Scottish terrier using magnetic resonance imaging

Primary cerebellar cortical degeneration (CCD), also termed abiotrophy, is the spontaneous premature degeneration of fully differentiated neurological tissue. Cerebellar hypoplasia shares many morphological features with primary CCD, both conditions being characterised by decreased cerebellar size, with reduced numbers of Purkinje and granular cells. CCD has been identified in many canine breeds. This is the first report of the syndrome in a Scottish terrier. The patient presented with mild, gradually progressive ataxia. Survey radiographs of the cervical spine and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis were normal. CSF distemper and Toxoplasma titres were negative. A diagnosis of cerebellar atrophy was made based on magnetic resonance imaging. The progressive clinical signs suggested cerebellar degeneration rather than hypoplasia. On necropsy, the cerebellum showed macroscopic and microscopic changes consistent with primary CCD.     

Phosphorus bioavailability, growth performance, and nutrient balance in pigs fed high available phosphorus corn and phytase

Three experiments were conducted to evaluate P bioavailability, growth performance, and nutrient balance in pigs fed high available P (HAP) corn with or without phytase. The bioavailability of P in normal and HAP corn relative to monosodiumphosphate (MSP) for pigs was assessed in Exp. 1. In a randomized complete block design, 96 pigs (average initial BW 9.75 kg) were fed eight diets for 28 d. The reference and test diets were formulated by adding P as MSP, HAP, or normal corn at 0, 0.75, or 1.5 g/kg to a corn-starch-soybean meal basal diet (2.5 g/kg P) at the expense of cornstarch. Plasma inorganic P concentration responded linearly (P < 0.05) to supplemental P intake. Estimates of P bioavailability from HAP andnormal corn when plasma P was regressed on supplemental P intake were 46 and 33%, respectively. In Exp. 2 and 3, pigs were fed corn-soybean meal-based diets containing HAP corn or normal corn and 0 or 600 units of phytase per kilogram in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement (two corn sources and two levels of phytase). In Exp. 2, 48 crossbred pigs (barrow:gilt, 1:1) averaging 9.25 kg were used to evaluate growth performance. There were no detectable interactions between corn source and phytase for any of the performance criteria measured. Pigs receiving normal corn had the lowest (P < 0.05) BW and rate of gain. Feed efficiency was lower (P < 0.05) in pigs fed normal compared with those fed the HAP corn phytase-supplemented diet. In Exp. 3, 24 crossbred barrows averaging 14.0 kg were used to evaluate nutrient digestibility. There were no detectable interactions between corn and phytase for any of the N and Ca balance criteria. Nitrogen and Ca retention were improved in pigs receiving HAP corn with phytase (P < 0.05). Retention and digestibility of P was lowest (P < 0.01) for pigs on normal corn diet without phytase. The percentage of P digested and retained was improved and fecal P excretion lowered (P < 0.05) by feeding HAP corn.The results of this study indicate that the bioavailability and balance of P in HAP corn is superior to that of normal corn. The addition of 600 phytase units (Natuphos 600, BASF) to HAP corn-based diets further improved P digestibility and reduced P excretion in pigs.     

Intrathoracic lipoma in a Labrador retriever

Pyrexia, granulocytosis and hyperglobulinaemia were the main clinical findings in an unusual case of intrathoracic lipoma in a 12-year-old male Labrador retriever. The response to antibiotic and anti-inflammatory treatment was poor, prompting further investigation. Survey radiographs and ultrasonography revealed a cavitated, fluid-filled soft tissue mass in the right hemithorax, which was successfully removed resulting in rapid resolution of clinical signs. Lipomas are rare intrathoracic extrapulmonary tumours. Previously reported clinical signs are dyspnoea and coughing, attributed to the mass effect of the lipoma. The unusual presentation in this case was caused by necrosis of the lipoma, probably owing to torsion of the pedicle attaching it to the cranial mediastinum.     

Hepatic cirrhosis in a five-month-old dog

The clinicopathological features of an unusual case of a five-month-old male Spanish mastiff, which was presented with clinical signs indicative of severe hepatic failure, are reported. Fluid replacement therapy, colloid plasma expanders, antibiotics and diuretic drugs were unsuccessful in improving the animal's general condition, and euthanasia was elected by the owner. On necropsy, ascites and severe cirrhosis, with extensive periacinar necrosis, was found. Cirrhosis is a rare lesion in young dogs. The most common causes are circulatory disturbances, hereditary metabolic disorders or poisoning, such as aflatoxicosis and anticonvulsant therapy. The possible involvement of canine adenovirus in this case is discussed.     

Urethral entrapment following pelvic fracture fixation in a dog

An 18-month-old female crossbred dog was presented with a unilateral sacroiliac luxation and separation of the pelvic symphysis. Surgical correction of the luxation with screw fixation led to entrapment of the urethra between the symphyseal parts of the two hemipelves.