The role of apoptosis in immunosuppression of dogs with demodicosis

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the status of apoptosis in peripheral blood leukocytes of dogs with demodicosis. A total of 26 dogs suffering from demodicosis, and positive for Demodex canis mites by skin scraping, participated in the study, 13 with localized demodicosis (LD) and 13 with generalized demodicosis (GD). A further 13 clinically healthy dogs, all of whom were negative for mites upon skin scraping, were used as controls. The dogs with GD revealed significantly higher (P ≤ 0.0001) percentage of leukocytes with externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS) and depolarized mitochondrial membrane potentials (ΔΨm) as compared with the dogs with LD and healthy controls. These dogs also revealed significantly lower values (P ≤ 0.0001) of hematological parameters viz. hemoglobin, total erythrocytes count total leukocytes count, lymphocytes, monocytes and neutrophils. Significantly higher (P ≤ 0.0001) percentages of leukocytes with externalization of PS and depolarized ΔΨm were also found in dogs with LD as compared with the healthy controls. These dogs also revealed significantly lower values of Hb (P ≤ 0.0001), TEC (P=0.025), TLC (P ≤ 0.0001), lymphocytes (P=0.008), monocytes (P ≤ 0.0001) and neutrophils (P=0.03). It is concluded that premature apoptosis of PBL may be implicated in the immunosuppression of the dogs with demodicosis.     

Ultrasonographic evaluation of urinary bladder in normal,fern fed and enzootic bovine haematuria-affected cattle

A total of 19 adult hill cattle of both sexes were subjected to trans-rectal ultrasound scanning of urinary bladder to evaluate bladder wall thickness and the presence of space-occupying lesions. The animals were divided into four groups. Eight apparently healthy hill cattle maintained under standard ration served as control (group I) and the remaining II animals were divided into three groups (II, III and IV). Group II animals (n = 8) were fed with different type of ferns which were further divided into subgroups II-P, -D and -B and fed with Polystichum squarrosom (n = 2). Dryopteris juxtaposita (n = 2) and Pteridium aquilinum (n = 4) ferns, respectively. The one animal in group III was a natural case of enzootic bovine haematuria (EBH) and the two animals in group IV were natural cases of microscopic EBH fed with Polystichum squarrosum fern. In group I animals, the average bladder wall thickness was 1.45 mm. The delineation of the bladder wall was uniformly smooth and the echo pattern of the bladder was homogeneously black, which was suggestive of clear urine content. In group II (P, D and B) the average bladder wall thickness of the six animals was 1.87 mm and the sonographic features were within normal limit when compared with controls. In two of the animals of group II-B, the bladder wall was apparently thick (4.36 mm) and there was no intraluminal mass except at one or two focal elevated points. Animals of groups III and IV showed the average bladder wall thickness of 4.86 mm and were characterized by the presence of irregular sessile masses extending into the bladder lumen. The homogeneous anechoic area was reduced centrally due to the presence of a hypoechoic soft tissue mass all around the bladder wall. Post-sonographic urinalysis, biopsy and necropsy of selected cases further confirmed the sonographic findings.     

Studies on immunocompetence status in two turkey varieties in India

(1) Two hundred and twenty-seven adult turkeys of both sexes, of two varieties (104 Black and 123 White) were used to evaluate their immunocompetence status and body weights. (2) Response to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) (humoral immunity) was measured by Haemagglutination (HA) test 5 days post immunisation (dpi) and expressed as log2 values. Mercaptoethanol resistant (MER) antibodies representing IgG were determined by Mercaptoethanol HA test and Mercaptoethanol sensitive (MES) antibodies, representing IgM as the difference in total HA titre and IgG. Serum lysozyme concentrations were estimated by 'Lysoplate assay' and expressed in log2 values. (3) Least squares analysis of variance revealed that the White variety had higher adult body weight (4.788 +/- 0.040 kg) than the Black (3.774 +/- 0.044 kg). Sexual dimorphism was apparent and meals were heavier than females in both varieties. The interaction effect of variety and sex on body weight was also significant. (4) Least squares means for immunological traits, namely, total anti-SRBC antibodies, MER, MES titres and serum lysozyme were 7.161 +/- 0.189, 0.801 +/- 0.071, 6.362 +/- 0.160 and 1.766 +/- 0.043 microg/ml, respectively. The Black variety had a higher MES antibody titre than the White. (5) Sex had an effect on all the immunological traits except on MER titres. Females generally had higher anti-SRBC, MER and MES titres and serum lysozyme. The variety x sex interaction effect was significant for MES titres and serum lysozyme. White males had the lowest MES titres.     

Management of Tibial Fractures Using a Circular External Fixator in Two Calves

Objectives: To report the repair of tibial diaphyseal fractures in 2 calves using a circular external skeletal fixator (CEF). Study Design: Clinical report. Animals: Crossbred calves (n=2; age: 6 months; weight: 55 and 60 kg). Methods: Mid‐diaphyseal tibial fractures were repaired by the use of a 4‐ring CEF (made of aluminum rings with 2 mm K‐wires) alone in 1 calf and in combination with hemicerclage wiring in 1 calf. Results: Both calves had good weight bearing with moderate lameness postoperatively. Fracture healing occurred by day 60 in 1 calf and by day 30 in calf 2. The CEF was well maintained and tolerated by both calves through fracture healing. Joint mobility and limb usage improved gradually after CEF removal. Conclusions: CEF provided a stable fixation of tibial fractures and healing within 60 days and functional recovery within 90 days. Clinical Relevance: CEF can be safely and successfully used for the management of selected tibial fractures in calves.     

Idiopathic thrombocytopenia in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of asymptomatic idiopathic macrothrombocytopenia in the population of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS) in New South Wales (NSW) and to determine if it exhibits an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. We also aimed to determine if significant differences existed when counting platelets manually, by auto analyser or by blood smear estimation in CKCS and mixed breed dogs. METHODS: Blood was collected from 172 dogs (152 CKCS and 20 mixed breed) and placed into sodium-citrate anticoagulant. Platelet counts were performed manually, by auto analyser and by blood smear estimates in CKCS and mixed breed dogs. Blood smears were also examined for platelet clumping and erythrocyte, leukocyte and platelet morphology. Pedigree analysis was performed to determine if an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern was supported. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was found in platelet counts between CKCS and mixed breed dogs (P < 0.0001). CKCS had a platelet count that was 32% that of the controls (95% confidence interval, 28 to 37%). There was no significant difference between methods used to count platelets. Thirty percent of CKCS had macrothrombocytes. Pedigree analysis and examination of obtained and expected segregation ratios from 17 CKCS families supported an autosomal recessive pattern of Mendelian inheritance. CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of idiopathic macrothrombocytopenia exists in CKCS in NSW and automated or blood smear estimates are sufficient to count platelet numbers. Data supports an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern.     

Haemodynamics, blood gas and metabolic changes after anaesthesia with chloral hydrate and magnesium sulphate in camels (Camelus dromedarius)

The effects of chloral hydrate and magnesium sulphate (1:1, 10 per cent solution) were evaluated in six healthy adult camels. A dose of 1 ml kg-1 was used. These agents produced satisfactory anaesthesia with good muscle relaxation. The changes in the electroencephalogram showed that the anaesthetic effect lasted for 45 to 60 minutes. Tachycardia and hypotension were moderate and within safe limits. Electrocardiogram studies showed ST segment elevation and primary T wave changes. The acid-base status, blood gas tensions, haemoglobin concentration, blood glucose level and the plasma concentration of total protein, sodium, potassium and chloride were not altered.     

DIC and granulomatous vasculitis in a dog with disseminated histoplasmosis

Disseminated histoplasmosis and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy were diagnosed in a 7 mo old, female spayed mixed-breed dog. The dog improved transiently with supportive care, but deteriorated shortly after initiation of antifungal therapy. The dog was subsequently euthanized. At necropsy, marked granulomatous vasculitis was identified in all affected organs. The tunicae and laminae of the arteries and arterioles were obscured by epithelioid macrophages and multinucleated giant cells admixed with necrotic material. Intracytoplasmic yeast were present within some of these macrophages. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of granulomatous vasculitis associated with Histoplasma capsulatum in a dog.