Clinical evaluation of urine Histoplasma capsulatum antigen measurement in cats with suspected disseminated histoplasmosis

Diagnosis of Histoplasma capsulatum infection in cats traditionally relies upon identification of organisms in circulating monocytes or in tissue specimens from affected organs. In this retrospective study, results of a urine antigen assay were compared with standard diagnostic methods in cats with clinical signs suggestive of histoplasmosis. Antigenuria was detected in 17/18 cats with a histopathologic or cytopathologic diagnosis of histoplasmosis. This preliminary evaluation of the Histoplasma urine antigen test suggests it may be a useful aid in diagnosing this disease in cats.     

Amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) vicilin subunit structure

The 7S-globulin fraction is a minor component of the amaranth storage proteins. The present work provides new information about this protein. The amaranth 7S-globulin or vicilin presented a sedimentation coefficient of 8.6 ± 0.6 S and was composed of main subunits of 66, 52, 38, and 16 kDa. On the basis of mass spectrometry (MS) analysis of tryptic fragments, the 52, 38, and 16 kDa subunits presented sequence homology with sesame vicilin, whereas the 66 kDa subunit showed sequence similarity with a putative vicilin. Several characteristics of the 66 kDa subunit were similar to members of the convicilin family. Results support the hypothesis that the 7S-globulin molecules are composed of subunits coming from at least two gene families with primary products of 66 and 52 kDa, respectively. According to the present information, amaranth vicilin may be classified into the vicilin group that includes pea, broad bean, and sesame vicilins, among others.     

Use of quantitative two-dimensional color tissue Doppler imaging for assessment of left ventricular radial and longitudinal myocardial velocities in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To determine left ventricular free wall (LVFW) radial and longitudinal myocardial contraction velocities in healthy dogs via quantitative 2-dimensional color tissue Doppler imaging (TDI). ANIMALS: 100 dogs. PROCEDURE: TDI was used by a single trained observer to measure radial and longitudinal myocardial movement in the LVFW. Radial myocardial velocities were recorded in segments in the endocardial and epicardial layers of the LVFW, and longitudinal velocities were recorded in segments at 3 levels (basal, middle, apical) of the LVFW. RESULTS: LVFW velocities were higher in the endocardial layers than in the epicardial layers. Left ventricular free wall velocities were higher in the basal segments than in the middle and apical segments. Radial myocardial velocity gradients, defined as the difference between endocardial and epicardial velocities, were (mean +/- SD) 2.5 +/- 0.8 cm/s, 3.8 +/- 1.5 cm/s, and 2.3 +/- 0.9 cm/s in systole, early diastole, and late diastole, respectively. Longitudinal myocardial velocity gradients, defined as the difference between basal and apical velocities, were 5.9 +/- 2.2 cm/s, 6.9 +/- 2.5 cm/s, and 4.9 +/- 1.7 cm/s in systole, early diastole, and late diastole, respectively. A breed effect was detected for several systolic and diastolic TDI variables. In all segments, systolic velocities were independent of fractional shortening. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: LVFW myocardial velocities decreased from the endocardium to the epicardium and from base to apex, thus revealing intramyocardial radial and longitudinal velocity gradients. These indices could enhance conventional echocardiographic analysis of left ventricular function in dogs. Breed-specific reference intervals should be defined.     

Effects of condensed tannins on established populations and on incoming larvae of Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Teladorsagia circumcincta in goats

The use of tanniferous plants or tannins represents one alternative approach to the control of gastrointestinal parasites in ruminants but most data have been obtained in sheep. The current study was therefore performed in goats with two objectives: firstly, to investigate the effects of condensed tannins (CT) on adult populations of Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Teladorsagia circumcincta; secondly, to examine their effects on the establishment of infective larvae of these two species. In experiment 1, two groups of kids were infected with 6 000 L3 of T. colubriformis and 6 000 L3 of T. circumcincta. After 7 weeks, quebracho extracts were administered per os for 8 days to one group. A comparable group which did not receive tannins was included as the control. The kids were slaughtered on week 11. Parasitological and pathophysiological parameters were measured weekly. Worm counts were assessed and mast cells, globule leukocytes and eosinophils were counted in the abomasal and intestinal mucosae. Tannin administration was associated with a decrease in egg excretion, and a decrease in female fecundity, but with no changes in worm numbers. These changes were associated with an increased number of intestinal mast cells. In experiment 2, 24 goats were used according to a 2 x 2 factorial design, depending on infection and tannin administration. Two groups were either infected with 6 000 L3 of T. colubriformis or T. circumcincta. Within each group, the goats were either drenched or undrenched with tannin extracts. Pathophysiological parameters were measured weekly. Twelve days after the cessation of tannin administration, the goats were slaughtered. Worm counts and female worm fecundity were determined. Tannin consumption was associated with a significant reduction (P < 0.01) of Trichostrongylus populations and a close to significant reduction for Teladorsagia. No effect on fecundity was observed. Our results (1) confirm the consequences of condensed tannins on nematodes in goats as in sheep and (2) indicate divergent effects depending on the parasitic stage exposed to the condensed tannins.     

Factor X deficiency in a Jack Russell terrier

Deficiency in factor X (Stuart-Prower factor) was identified in a 7-month-old spayed female Jack Russell Terrier following recurrent bleeding episodes. Various relatives were screened for factor X deficiency and low and subnormal levels were identified in the father and paternal grandmother, respectively. Factor X deficiency has been previously documented in a family of American Cocker Spaniels, in which the inheritance pattern appeared to be an autosomal dominant trait with variable expression. This is the first report describing this coagulopathy in the Jack Russell Terrier.