Cytokine gene expression in ileal tissues of cattle infected with Mycobacterium paratuberculosis

Cytokine gene expression in ileal tissues of cattle infected with Mycobacterium paratuberculosis was evaluated. The effects of infection with M. paratuberculosis on cytokine production may influence immune regulation at the site of colonization, resulting in the chronic inflammatory state associated with the latter stages of this disease. Ileal samples were obtained at necropsy from noninfected control cows (n=8) and clinically infected cows (n=7) and processed for immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. Cows infected with M. paratuberculosis were in the latter stages of disease with clinical signs such as weight loss, watery diarrhea, and inappetence. Among cytokines we studied, interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha), IL-1beta, IL-6, and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) were expressed significantly more in infected animals than in noninfected control animals. The expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), however, was not different between the two groups of cattle. In addition, immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that the number of resident macrophages in the ileum of infected animals was three times greater than that of noninfected cows. In contrast to this, ileal tissues from noninfected control animals contained 1.5 times more neutrophils than the ileal tissues from cows infected with M. paratuberculosis. These data demonstrate that localized ileal cytokine production is different between cows chronically infected with M. paratuberculosis and noninfected control cows.     

Influence of long-time transportation stress on re-activation of Salmonella typhimurium DT104 in experimentally infected pigs

In this study a Salmonella Typhimurium infection model in swine was used in order to investigate the influence of pre-mortal stress induced by long time period transportation on the re-activation of Salmonella in experimentally infected pigs. Salmonella free pigs were exposed to a highly virulent strain of Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 by direct intragastrical administration. Clinical parameters were monitored and the shedding rate in faeces was qualitatively and quantitatively determined by standard bacteriological procedures for 21 days. The distribution of the challenge organism in 14 different internal organs of transported and nontransported animals was determined. All infected animals developed clinical signs of salmonellosis 12 to 24 hours post infection. About 88 to 100% of the fecal samples were culture-positive up to post exposure day 6, and then varied from 71 to 92% until slaughter, respectively. At necropsy S. Typhimurium was recovered most frequently from caecum and ileocolic lymph nodes (83%), colon (79%), palatine tonsils (71%) and mandibular lymph nodes (62.5%). A negative impact of transportation stress on the shedding rate and the general condition of the animals was observed.     

Seasonal Variations in the Abundance of Gasterophilus spp. Larvae in Donkeys in Northern Jordan

One hundred and five donkeys were examined over a 12-month period for the presence of Gasterophilus spp. larvae in their stomachs. G. intestinalis and G. nasalis were found, but there was a distinct seasonal variation in their abundance. The numbers of second-stage larvae (L₂) peaked during the early winter and early summer, but they were absent or at low levels during the early spring and early autumn. This suggests that there are two periods of adult fly activity (late autumn and late spring) for both G. nasalis and G. intestinalis. Third-stage larvae (L₃) were found throughout the year, but the lowest levels were seen in the late summer and autumn. The parasites also had an aggregated distribution, which may be due to host selection by the fly. The numbers of larvae did not vary significantly with age, which may be due to a lack of acquired protective immunity or to tolerance after repeated exposure.     

ACQUISITION HARDWARE FOR DIGITAL IMAGING

Use of digital radiography is growing rapidly in veterinary medicine. Two basic digital imaging systems are available, computed radiography (CR) and direct digital radiography (DDR). Computed radiographic detectors use a two-step process for image capture and processing. Image capture is by X-ray sensitive phosphors in the image plate. The image plate reader transforms the latent phosphor image to light photons that are converted to an analog electrical signal. An analog to digital converter is used to digitize the electrical signal before computer analysis. Direct digital detectors provide digital data by direct readout after image capture—a reader unnecessary. Types of DDR detectors are flat panel detectors and charge coupled device (CCD) detectors. Flat panel detectors are composed of layers of semiconductors for image capture with transistor and microscopic circuitry embedded in a pixel array. Direct converting flat panel detectors convert incident X-rays directly into electrical charges. Indirect detectors convert X-rays to visible light, then to electrical charges. All flat panel detectors send a digitized electrical signal to a computer using a direct link. Charge coupled device detectors have a small chip similar to those used in digital cameras. A scintillator first converts X-rays to a light signal that is minified by an optical system before reaching the chip. The chip sends a digital signal directly to a computer. Both CR and DDR provide quality diagnostic images. CR is a mature technology while DDR is an emerging technology.     

Twin pregnancy experimental model for transvaginal ultrasound-guided twin reduction in mares

Multiple pregnancies are still an important cause of noninfectious abortion, stillbirth, neonatal mortality, and significant delays in reproductive performance in mares. Despite new management techniques, reduction in multiple pregnancies is an ongoing preoccupation and challenge for the equine veterinarian. The aim of the present study was to establish a twin pregnancy experimental model in the mare to study the effectiveness of a transvaginal ultrasound-guided embryonic vesicle injection. Mares in heat were inseminated and then received an embryo at day 7 of the estrous cycle. At days 14 and 30, 53.5% (n = 23) and 23% (n = 10) of the mares, respectively, were carrying twins. Twin pregnancies were reduced at day 30 by transvaginal ultrasound-guided puncture of the embryonic vesicle (control, n = 5) or by transvaginal ultrasound-guided injection (TVUEVI) of 25 mg of amikacin into the embryonic vesicle (n = 5). The TVUEVI treatment had a 40% success rate and no significant variations in progesterone and prostaglandin metabolite were observed. Even though the technique does not seem very effective, the experimental model could be useful for clinical research in embryo reduction and early embryonic loss.     

Implantable loop recorders: a viable diagnostic tool in veterinary medicine

Objective : The purpose of this study was to investigate whether implantable loop recorders could be used in the diagnosis of unexplained collapse in dogs. Methods : The medical records of six dogs presented to the University of Liverpool Small Animal Teaching Hospital between May 2003 and October 2006 for further evaluation of intermittent syncopal episodes, collapse or episodic weakness, were reviewed. All these dogs underwent standard investigations and had implantable loop recorders placed. Results : A provisional diagnosis of supraventricular tachycardia was made in one dog, and diagnoses of exclusion of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy and idiopathic epilepsy was made in two dogs. One dog suffered no further syncopal episodes, a diagnosis was not reached in another dog and the final dog was lost to follow‐up. Clinical Significance : The implantable loop recorder can be used successfully for the diagnosis of unexplained collapse in dogs.     

Vegetative Endocarditis in Equids (1994–2006)

Background: Endocarditis is a rare heart condition with variable clinical expressions in equids. Risk factors for this disease are incompletely understood. Objective: Describe risk factors for endocarditis in equids. Animals: One hundred and fifty‐three equids admitted to Liège University, 9 diagnosed with endocarditis and 144 free from endocarditis but admitted to the hospital with a differential diagnosis including this disease. Methods: Retrospective case‐control study. Results: Equids with endocarditis were significantly younger (mean age = 4.84 ± 5.74 years) than control equids (mean age = 10.8 ± 7.73 years) (P= .01). No sex or breed predisposition was observed. Animals with hyperthermia (odds ratio [OR] = 24.4; confidence interval [CI] = 1.40–428), synovial distension (OR = 13.4; CI = 3.00–59.8), lameness (OR = 6.52; CI = 1.63–26.1), hyperglobulinemia (OR = 26.4; CI = 3.03–229), hypoalbuminemia (OR = 11.4; CI = 1.34–96.8), hyperfibrinogenemia (OR = 9.81; CI = 1.16–82.7), or leukocytosis (OR = 7.12; CI = 1.40–36.4) presented a significantly higher risk of having endocarditis than control horses. The presence of two of the clinical signs mentioned above significantly increased the probability of a diagnosis of endocarditis (P≤ .05). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Age is associated with equine endocarditis. The diagnostic value of certain clinical signs and abnormalities in blood parameters in this disease are described.     

Evaluation of an arthroscopic approach for transection of the equine collateral sesamoidean ligament

Objective: To evaluate: (1) an arthroscopic technique for transection of the collateral sesamoidean ligament (CSL); and (2) the healing response using magnetic resonance (MR) and microscopic examination. Study Design: Experimental study. Animals: Adult horses (n=6). Methods: Six sound horses with normal front foot radiographic and MR examinations were used. Lameness examination was performed before surgery and monthly for 12 months. Front foot radiography was performed at 180 and 360 days after surgery. Front foot MR was performed before, and at 7, 90, 180, and 360 days after surgery. Arthroscopic CSL desmotomy was performed on 1 forelimb. Gross and microscopic examination was performed on the CSL from both forelimbs at 360 days after surgery. Lameness scores were compared over time using the nonparametric Friedman's test for paired groups. CSL measurements were compared using paired t‐tests with a 2‐tailed significance level of P<.05. Results: Radiographs remained normal throughout study period. Surgery resulted in lameness on the operated limb for up to 2 months, after which all horses returned to soundness. CSL transection was confirmed during arthroscopy and with MR examination 7 days after surgery. Gross and microscopic evaluation confirmed ligament healing. Conclusions: CSL desmotomy resulted in short‐term lameness after surgery followed by healing of the CSL confirmed by gross and microscopic analysis.