Synovial fluid changes in induced infectious arthritis in calves

The objective was to develop an experimental model of septic arthritis in calves and to evaluate the effect of treatment on cytologic and bacteriologic variables of synovial fluid. The right tarsus of 7 healthy Holstein bull calves were inoculated with 10(8) colony-forming units of viable Escherichia coli of a pap-positive strain (day 1). On day 2, joint lavage was performed and antibiotic treatment was instituted. Cytologic examinations, bacterial cultures, and pap factor determinations by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed on synovial fluid samples that were collected daily until day 4, then every 4 days until day 24. Results of physical examination, the severity of lameness, and swelling were recorded. Clinical signs of septic arthritis appeared on day 2 and persisted until day 9 for all calves. Bacterial cultures from all calves were positive for E. coli on day 2, and remained positive until day 3 for 1 calf and until day 4 for 5 calves. In addition, PCR results were positive for all calves, with 6 positive through day 3 and 1 positive through day 4, after which a positive result was again obtained on day 24. Synovial fluid neutrophil counts and white blood cell counts were significantly increased on days 2-4; however, synovial total protein concentrations were increased (P < .05) throughout the experiment in comparison to day 1. Results of all bacterial cultures were negative on day 8, although clinicopathologic signs of inflammation persisted until day 20. This model successfully induced acute septic arthritis in calves. Rapid recovery occurred within 1 week when an appropriate treatment was instituted early in the course of the disease.     

COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC FINDINGS OF DOGS WITH CUBITAL JOINT LAMENESS

The purpose of this study was to identify the incidence of abnormal computed tomography (CT) findings in dogs with lameness of one or both elbows. CT examinations of 102 elbows in 51 dogs were reviewed individually and by group consensus by 3 examiners and graded for various abnormalities. Frequently encountered abnormalities included abnormal shape and sclerosis of the medial coronoid process of the ulna, irregularity of the radial incisure of the ulna, and ulnar trochlear notch sclerosis. Other abnormalities included distinct/separate or fissure/in situ fragmentation of the medial coronoid; lucency of the radial incisure; ununited anconeal process; sclerosis, lucency, or flattening of the medial aspect of the humeral condyle; osteophyte formation; and joint incongruity. In conclusion, CT of the canine cubital joint is useful in identification of various lesions beyond simple fragmentation of the medial coronoid process of the ulna.     

Medical management of biological warfare and bioterrorism: place of the immunoprevention and the immunotherapy

Biological weapons are considered as mass destruction and terror weapons. Terrorism including bioterrorism is the major threat in the future conflicts for our nations. The aim of bioterrorism is more related to the potential disorganisation of the society than to the lethal effects of the agents used. The dramatic consequences cannot be discarded, especially if contagious agents such viral are used. The preparation of specific defence measures is a major challenge for our countries.

The knowledge acquired from the struggle against natural infectious diseases and recent events are essential to improve behaviours to face the biological weapon threats. The defence attitude is based on the anticipation of the threat, the management of the victims, and the restoration of the operational capabilities. This global defence attitude implies six important functions: (i) alert, (ii) detection and diagnosis, (iii) availability of pharmaceutical countermeasures such as vaccine, sera and anti-infectious medicine and products, (iv) medical management of victims, (v) training and information, (vi) research and development.

Passive and active immunoprevention and immuntherapy belong to the approaches discussed in the context of bioterrorism countermeasures. Further researches might be focused on these topics.     

NON-CARDIAC THORACIC ULTRASOUND IN 75 FELINE AND CANINE PATIENTS

The purpose of this study was to describe the ultrasonographic appearance of non-cardiac diseases of the small animal thorax. Ultrasound images from a total of 75 animals (26 cats and 49 dogs) were compared to cytologic, histopathologic, and necropsy findings. Clinical diagnoses included neoplasia of the mediastinum, pleura, or lungs (43); idiopathic mediastinal cyst (3); diaphragmatic or peritoneopericardial hernia (4); lung lobe torsion (1); pulmonary eosinophilic infiltrates (1); and idiopathic, chylous, congestive heart failure, or lymphangiectasia associated pleural effusion (14). In the remaining 9 patients, a definitive diagnosis was not obtained. Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspirate was performed in 56 patients; 1 of these also had an ultrasound-guided tissue core biopsy. Of the fine needle aspirates, 51 (91%) were diagnostic. Ultrasound examination, particularly when accompanied by guided tissue sampling, can be a valuable tool in the diagnosis of non-cardiac intrathoracic lesions.     

INTRA- AND INTEROBSERVER VARIABILITY OF ULTRASONOGRAPHIC MEASUREMENTS OF THE THYROID GLAND IN HEALTHY BEAGLES

The repeatability of ultrasonographic measurements of the canine thyroid gland was evaluated. The variability of three different parameters (the maximal length, width, and height) within observer, between observer and between dogs was assessed based on three different measurements made by each of three observers infive healthy beagle dogs. From the three parameters, the volume of the gland was estimated using a formula of a rotation ellipse. The height and the volume had the lowest intra- and interobserver variability, while measurements of the length had the biggest intra- and interobserver variability. The mean values, with their 90% confidence interval were: height = 0.53cm [0.33-0.73], length = 2.45cm [2.04-2.85], width = 0.62cm [0.46- 0.78], volume = 0.38 cm3 [0.20-0.55].     

Electron microscopic observation of the respiratory tract of SPF piglets inoculated with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae.

Seven hysterectomy derived piglets were repeatedly challenged with Mycoplasma hyoneumoniae during the first week of life. Samples of trachea, bronchi and lung tissue collected 2–11 weeks post-inoculation (p.i.) were examined using light and electron microscopy. Autoradiography was used to study in more detail the site of M. hyopneumoniae multiplication. Gross lesions were observed in lung tissue and were characterized by hyperplasia of the epithelium and an increased mononuclear cell accumulation in perivascular and peribronchiolar areas. Mild lesions of the trachea and the bronchi, including epithelial hyperplasia and infiltration of the lamina propria by inflammatory cells, were noted.

Electron microscopy showed that, 2–6 weeks p.i., changes in the mid-trachea and bronchi surface consisted of the loss of cilia. Mycoplasmas covered tufts of cilia remaining on the epithelial cell surface. Scanning and transmission electron micrographs showed that they were predominantly found closely associated with the top of cilia. No specialized terminal structure could be seen and no mycoplasma cells were identified lying free in the lumen nor in close contact with the plasma membrane of cells of microvilli. Some fine fibrils radiating from one mycoplasma to another or to cilia were seen at higher magnification by scanning electron microscopy. Six to eleven weeks p.i., a disrupted epithelial surface lacking cilia was observed. Cells were desquamated and shed into the lumen with cellular remains containing droplets of mucus.

Autoradiography revealed that label corresponded to the observed mycoplasma distribution. At the top of cilia, a high density of labeling was visible in the zone of high mycoplasma concentration. Therefore, incorporation of the label in the mycoplasma is proof or their multiplication in the trachea.

The intimate association between the mycoplasma and cilia may be an important factor in the pathogenesis of the disease caused by M. hyopneumoniae (swine enzootic pneumonia).