Progressive dysphagia in a dog caused by a scirrhous, poorly differentiated perioesophageal carcinoma

Investigation of canine dysphagia is performed by a combination of diagnostic imaging, direct visualisation of the upper gastrointestinal tract, and ancillary diagnostic testing to differentiate between structural and functional causes. Video fluoroscopy may be especially helpful. The case of a seven-year-old Border collie that presented with a history of progressive pharyngeal dysphagia is described. Fluoroscopic investigation was initially suggestive of functional pharyngeal disease, but magnetic resonance imaging and surgical exploration demonstrated the presence of a diffuse, scirrhous, poorly differentiated carcinoma with extensive oesophageal involvement. This case highlights that, in some circumstances, fluoroscopy may occasionally be of limited use in the investigation of dysphagia in the dog.     

Tolerance of Senecio vulgaris to Infection and Disease Caused by Native and Alien Rust Fungi

ABSTRACT Plant defense strategies against pathogen attack can be divided into either resistance or tolerance. Variation in tolerance is expressed as differences in the relationship between host fitness (or yield) and the degree of infection. Plant tolerance of pathogen attack remains poorly understood both in terms of its specific mechanisms and in terms of the evolutionary processes by which it has arisen. Theoretical models predict that it is the result of coevolution between host and pathogen, suggesting greater tolerance in interactions with native as opposed to introduced pathogens. Therefore, we quantified and compared the degree of tolerance expressed in the interaction of Senecio vulgaris with the rust fungus Coleosporium tussilginis, which is native to the UK, and the introduced rust fungus Puccinia lagenophorae. We used the reaction norm approach to quantify tolerance and its components. The S. vulgaris-C. tussilaginis interaction expressed a significantly greater degree of tolerance, as reductions in host growth and fitness per unit infection were significantly less than with P. lagenophorae. The key mechanism for this greater tolerance to C. tussilaginis was a significantly smaller reduction in photosynthesis per unit infection than with P. lagenophorae, at both leaf and whole plant scales. There was no significant difference in the relationship between whole plant photosynthesis and host reproduction. We discuss these responses in the context of coevolution for tolerance in host-pathogen interactions.     

Outcomes of the EPPO project on quarantine pests for forestry1

The EPPO Project on Quarantine Pests for Forestry ran from 2000 to 2005. It mainly focused on the risks from forests pests present in the former USSR, particularly in its Asian part, with regard to their possible impacts on the non‐Asian parts of the EPPO region. A special EPPO Panel, called the Panel on Quarantine Pests for Forestry, was created to implement this project. The EPPO Secretariat collected short information on the taxonomy, geographical distribution, host plants, biology and impact of 1365 pests and on the taxonomy and geographical distribution of 653 main forest trees on the territory of the former USSR. In the process of prioritization, which took place over 10 meetings in various countries in the EPPO region, the Panel selected species that were more likely to present high risk for the non‐Asian part of the EPPO region. For these species, more detailed data were collected and datasheets were prepared. The Panel performed Pest Risk Analysis for 45 species of pests and recommended 19 of them for inclusion into the EPPO lists of pests recommended for regulation. Possible phytosanitary measures have been selected in the process of Pest Risk Management to reduce the risk of introduction of these 19 pests into endangered areas. The Panel has begun preparing Commodity standards for wood and woody plants.     

Topical fusidic acid/betamethasone-containing gel compared to systemic therapy in the treatment of canine acute moist dermatitis

The efficacy of a topical preparation containing 0.5% fusidic acid and 0.1% betamethasone-17-valerate was compared to a systemic therapy (comprising a combination of parenteral dexamethasone and oral clavulanate-potentiated amoxycillin) in the treatment of 104 dogs with acute moist dermatitis. Significant improvement was evident after seven days in both treatment groups in all clinical parameters assessed and there was no significant difference in the overall response between the two treatment groups. Staphylococcus intermedius was the most frequently isolated organism from swabs at the first visit (Day 0). No resistance to fusidic acid or clavulanate-potentiated amoxycillin was encountered. The study demonstrates no difference in the clinical improvement achieved in canine acute moist dermatitis following topical or systemic therapy and that both treatment regimes represent effective treatment options for the condition.     

Perioperative supportive care and monitoring.

Supportive care minimizes the adverse physiologic effects of anesthesia, surgery, and preexisting disease. Monitoring detects physiologic perturbations, ensures appropriate anesthetic depth, and assesses the efficacy of supportive care. The principles of monitoring and supportive care are similar in small exotic species; however, an understanding of comparative anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology is necessary to apply these principles.