Pulsed-wave Doppler tissue imaging velocities in normal geriatric cats and geriatric cats with primary or systemic diseases linked to specific cardiomyopathies in humans, and the influence of age and heart rate upon these velocities

Pulsed-wave Doppler tissue imaging (pw-DTI) techniques allow the non-invasive assessment of myocardial dynamics. pw-DTI has demonstrated regional and global diastolic impairment in various forms of human and feline cardiomyopathy. We hypothesise that in geriatric cats with systemic diseases that have been linked to specific cardiomyopathies in human beings, the myocardial velocity profile will be altered when compared to either normal or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) cats; and that both age and heart rate have a significant affect upon pw-DTI velocities. The aims of this study were to determine whether the feline M-mode or myocardial velocity profile is altered in geriatric cats with disease states that have been linked to specific cardiomyopathies in humans when compared to normal geriatric cats or geriatric cats with HCM and to determine whether age or heart rate has a significant effect upon pw-DTI velocities within these groups of cats. Sixty-six cats aged 8 years or above were included in the study, and were divided as follows: Unaffected (n=8), basilar septal bulge (BSB) (17), HCM (14), hyperthyroid (HiT(4)) (12) and chronic renal failure (CRF) (15). Systolic blood pressure was normal in all the cats. pw-DTI systolic (S'), early (E') and late diastolic (A') velocities were assessed from standardised sites within the myocardium, and the relationships between these and disease group, age and heart rate were then assessed. In cats with HCM, the E' velocity was decreased at various sites. Conversely, the HiT(4) cats demonstrated increased S' velocities. The only site at which the age of the cat was significantly related to myocardial velocities was the S' velocity from the apical mid-septum. There were also significant positive relationships between heart rate and the magnitude of myocardial S', E' and A' velocities of radial motion and S' and A' velocities of longitudinal motion. pw-DTI detected diastolic dysfunction in untreated cats with HCM and increased systolic function in HiT(4) cats. The age of the cat was of little significance, whereas heart rate significantly influenced myocardial velocity profiles.     

Smoke-derived taint in wine: effect of postharvest smoke exposure of grapes on the chemical composition and sensory characteristics of wine

Although smoke exposure has been associated with the development of smoke taint in grapes and subsequently in wine, to date there have been no studies that have demonstrated a direct link. In this study, postharvest smoke exposure of grapes was utilized to demonstrate that smoke significantly influences the chemical composition and sensory characteristics of wine and causes an apparent 'smoke taint'. Verdelho grapes were exposed to straw-derived smoke for 1 h and then fermented according to two different winemaking treatments. Control wines were made by fermenting unsmoked grapes. Sensory studies established a perceivable difference between smoked and unsmoked wines; smoked wines were described as exhibiting 'smoky', 'dirty', 'earthy', 'burnt' and 'smoked meat' characteristics. Quantitative analysis, by means of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, identified guaiacol, 4-methylguaiacol, 4-ethylguaiacol, 4-ethylphenol, eugenol, and furfural in each of the wines made from smoked grapes. However, these compounds were not detected in the unsmoked wines, and their origin is therefore attributed to the application of smoke. Increased ethanol concentrations and browning were also observed in wines made from grapes exposed to smoke.     

Comparison of the retrobulbar and Peterson nerve block techniques via magnetic resonance imaging in bovine cadavers

OBJECTIVE: To use magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to describe and compare the anatomic distribution of a lipid contrast medium injected via the retrobulbar and Peterson nerve block techniques in heads of bovine cadavers. DESIGN: Original study. SAMPLE: 5 grossly normal heads obtained from cattle at necropsy. PROCEDURE: Standardized techniques for the modified retrobulbar and Peterson nerve blocks were established. Each cadaver had 1 treatment performed on a randomly selected side of the head; the second treatment was performed on the alternate side of the head. Injections were performed with canola oil, which is an MR-positive contrast medium. Images of heads in the transverse and dorsal planes were obtained with a 3.0 Tesla short-bore MR system. RESULTS: The retrobulbar technique was characterized by widespread distribution of the contrast medium around the periorbital structures; further distribution of the medium was detected along the optic nerve and in the ethmoid turbinates and nasopharynx. After the Peterson nerve block technique, contrast medium was repeatedly located in the pterygopalatine fossa, but distribution to surrounding structures was minimal. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicate that the retrobulbar injection technique results in a greater distribution of contrast medium to the target nerves and surrounding structures, compared with that achieved via the Peterson nerve block technique. This may explain the previously reported clinical impression that the retrobulbar block is more reliable than the Peterson nerve block but is associated with a greater risk of complications.     

Evaluation of an inactivated Neospora caninum vaccine in beef feedlot steers

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate effects of vaccination of feedlot steers against bovine neosporosis on weight gain, feed intake and efficiency (feed intake per gain), and carcass characteristics. DESIGN: Longitudinal observational study. ANIMALS: 60 weaned Brangus steers seronegative for Neospora caninum. PROCEDURE: Steers were assigned to age-matched control and treatment groups. Steers in the treatment group received N. caninum vaccine on days 79 and 106, while control steers received 2 placebo injections. For each steer, serologic status for N. caninum was determined on days 0 (weaning), 51, 79, 106, 135, 163, 191, 219, and 247 by use of an ELISA; body weight was determined on the same days and at slaughter (day 259). Daily feed intake per steer was measured from days 79 to 259. RESULTS: Seroconversion occurred in 23 of 30 (76.7%) steers in the vaccinated group. Immediately after vaccination, average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and feed efficiency were significantly greater in the treatment group than in the control group, but these differences did not persist. No differences between groups were found in regard to live weight at slaughter, hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, or quality grade; however, steers in the vaccinated group had significantly lower yield grades than did control steers. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In feedlot steers, use of this vaccine against N. caninum was safe and did not affect overall feedlot performance or meat quality; effects on yield grade require further evaluation.     

Effect of paratuberculosis on culling, milk production, and milk quality in dairy herds

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of paratuberculosis on culling, milk production, and milk quality in infected dairy herds. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. ANIMALS: 689 lactating dairy cows in 9 herds. PROCEDURE: Milk, blood, and fecal samples were obtained from all cows. Fecal samples were evaluated via mycobacterial culture. Serum samples were tested with a commercially available ELISA for antibodies against Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis, and preserved milk samples were tested with an ELISA for antibodies against M paratuberculosis. Mixed effect and proportional hazards models were used to determine the effect of paratuberculosis on 305-day milk, fat, and protein production; somatic cell count linear score; and the risk of culling. RESULTS: Cows with positive results of bacteriologic culture of feces and milk ELISA produced less milk, fat, and protein, compared with herdmates with negative results. No difference in 305-day milk or fat production was detected in cows with positive results of serum ELISA, compared with seronegative cows. The 3 survival analyses revealed that cows with positive results of each test were at higher risk of being culled than cows with negative results. Paratuberculosis status, as determined by use of all 3 diagnostic tests, was not associated with milk somatic cell count linear score. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that for the 9 herds in this study, paratuberculosis significantly decreased milk production and cow longevity.     

Excretory urography

Excretory urography is a type of contrast study used to verify and localize upper urinary tract disease. In some instances, information regarding renal function and disease pathophysiology can also be obtained. With the recent advances in small animal ultrasonagraphy, excretory urography has become an underutilized procedure. This article will help explain why excretory urography remains, and will remain, a ubiquitous test that gives excellent detail of the entire urinary tract, and remains an essential tool for the assessment of the renal pelves and especially the ureters. Specifically, this article will focus on technique and interpretation of a properly performed excretory urogram.