Comparative serological evaluation of avian influenza vaccine in turkeys

Four- and six-week-old turkeys were vaccinated subcutaneously using avian influenza virus (AIV) A/Duck/613/MN/79 (H4N2) killed oil-emulsion vaccine. Sequential serological tests using agar gel precipitin (AGP), hemagglutination inhibition (HI), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for measuring antibodies to AIV were performed up to 4 weeks postvaccination, when birds were challenged intranasally using A/Turkey/MN/80 (H4N2) live AIV. The ELISA was 25 to 1600 times more sensitive than the HI test and was able to detect antibody production earlier than the HI test. All turkeys with an ELISA titer of greater than or equal to 800 were protected against homologous challenge, as measured by virus recovery 3 days postchallenge. Four turkeys out of 20 serologically negative by AGP and HI tests but ELISA-positive were protected.     

Gastrointestinal food allergy and its role in large domestic animals

The significance of food allergy as a primary cause for gastrointestinal disturbances in domestic animals, especially calves and piglets, is discussed. The immunological backgrounds and pathogenesis are described in some detail. The clinical and pathological manifestations in animals are related to those in man. Diagnostic possibilities, therapy and prevention, as far as known in animals, are mentioned and, based on human experiences, further extensions are proposed.     

Comparison of three serologic techniques for detection of antibody to Mycoplasma pulmonis

A comparison of three micro-assay detection systems for naturally occurring and experimentally induced rat antibody to Mycoplasma pulmonis was performed. The micro-enzyme linked immunoabsorbent assay was found superior to counter immunoelectrophoresis or complement fixation techniques when comparing sensitivity, duration of antibody response, or technical requirements. The primary immune response was routinely detected at 3 weeks after antigen exposure when using the enzyme linked or complement fixation assays.     

Genetic diversity, structure, and breed relationships in Iberian cattle

In Iberia there are 51 officially recognized cattle breeds of which 15 are found in Portugal and 38 in Spain. We present here a comprehensive analysis of the genetic diversity and structure of Iberian cattle. Forty of these breeds were genotyped with 19 highly polymorphic microsatellite markers. Asturiana de los Valles displayed the greatest allelic diversity and Mallorquina the least. Unbiased heterozygosity values ranged from 0.596 to 0.787. The network based on Reynolds distances was star-shaped with few pairs of interrelated breeds and a clear cluster of 4 breeds (Alistana/Arouquesa/Marinhoa/Mirandesa). The analysis of the genetic structure of Iberian cattle indicated that the most probable number of population clusters included in the study would be 36. Distance results were supported by the STRUCTURE software indicating a relatively recent origin or possible crossbreeding or both between pairs or small groups of breeds. Five clusters included 2 different breeds (Betizu/Pirenaica, Morucha/Avile?a, Parda de Monta?a/Bruna de los Pirineos, Barros?/Cachena, and Toro de Lidia/Brava de Lide), 3 breeds (Berrenda en Negro, Negra Andaluza, and Mertolenga) were divided in 2 independent clusters each, and 2 breeds were considered admixed (Asturiana de los Valles and Berrenda en Colorado). Individual assignation to breeds was not possible in the 2 admixed breeds and the pair Parda de Monta?a/Bruna de los Pirineos. The relationship between Iberian cattle reflects their geographical origin rather than their morphotypes. Exceptions to this geographic clustering are most probably a consequence of crossbreeding with foreign breeds. The relative genetic isolation within their geographical origin, the consequent genetic drift, the adaptation to specific environment and production systems, and the influence of African and European cattle have contributed to the current genetic status of Iberian cattle, which are grouped according to their geographical origin. The greater degree of admixture observed in some breeds should be taken into account before using molecular markers for genetic assignment of individuals to breeds.     

Computed tomographic morphology of the synovial invaginations of the distal sesamoid bone of the horse

The morphological features of the distal border synovial invaginations (SI) of the distal sesamoid bone (DSB) in horses were described by the use of computed tomography (CT). Transverse CT images were obtained on 50 cadaver forefeet from 25 Warmblood horses. Dorsal and sagittal planes were reformatted. The CT images allowed the evaluation of the number, shape, depth of penetration and direction of the SI into the bone. The total number of SI was 295 (mean 5.9). The number of invaginations in a particular DSB ranged from 3 (n = 3), 4 (n = 6), 5 (n = 11), 6 (n = 12), 7 (n = 13), 8 (n = 3), 9 (n = 1) to 11 (n = 1). The shape of the SI was 'conical' (n = 118), 'linear' (n = 109), 'lollipop' (n = 38) or 'branched' (n = 30). Penetration of the SI into the DSB was 'mild' in 195 cases, 'moderate' in 67 cases and 'deep' in 33 cases. The SI ran in a 'straight', 'dorsoproximal' and 'palmaroproximal' direction in 187, 28 and 80 cases, respectively. In only six DSBs, all SI ran in the same direction. The images obtained in this study may serve as reference for the radiographic evaluation of these SI.     

Aglepristone decreases proliferation in progesterone receptor-positive canine mammary carcinomas

Background: Progesterone receptor (PR) antagonist aglepristone (RU534) has been used successfully for pregnancy termination and therapy of pyometra, vaginal tumors, and mammary hyperplasia in bitches and queens. All of these conditions share with canine mammary carcinomas the expression of PR. Objectives: To study the effect of RU534 on proliferation and apoptosis in canine mammary carcinomas in relation to PR expression. Animals: Twenty‐seven nonspayed bitches with mammary carcinomas were treated with either 2 doses of 20 mg/kg RU534 (n = 22, RU534‐treated group) or oil placebo (n = 5, control group) on days 1 and 8. Methods: Tumor samples were collected before (day 1) and after (day 15) treatment for immunohistochemistry. PR expression, proliferation index (PI), and apoptotic index (AI) were determined using antibodies against PR, Ki67, and cleaved lamin A/C antigens, respectively. The effect of treatment on these parameters was analyzed. Results: Differential expression of PR between day 1 (59.1% PR‐positive tumors) and day 15 (36.4% PR‐positive tumors) was observed in RU534‐treated tumors exclusively. After RU534 treatment, mean PI was significantly decreased in PR‐positive but unchanged in PR‐negative RU534‐treated tumors. A reduction of ≥20% in PI was found in 61.5% of RU534‐treated tumors with PR expression. Conversely, no effect on AI was observed after RU534 treatment. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Neoadjuvant RU534 treatment had PR expression‐related inhibiting effects on proliferation of canine mammary carcinoma cells.     

A case of a colocolic intussusception in a horse

The purpose of this report is to describe the clinical course and pathological findings in a horse admitted to the emergency service of the University of Georgia Large Animal Teaching Hospital for evaluation of colic, fever and diarrhoea of several days' duration. A presumptive historical diagnosis of colitis was made initially, but, due to the lack of faecal output during the first 12 h of hospitalisation and subsequent examination findings, an impaction of the ascending colon was suspected. Initial therapy consisted of rehydration with oral fluids and management of the abdominal pain with analgesic therapy. The horse did not respond to medical therapy and because of signs of persistent abdominal pain and financial constraints, the owner elected euthanasia after several days of supportive care. At necropsy, the horse was diagnosed with a colocolic intussusception.     

Effect of topical phenylephrine on the equine pupil

The mydriatic effect of 10% phenylephrine was evaluated in 9 horses. Base-line pupillary size in mesopic conditions and during light stimulation was ascertained before application of pharmacologic agents. In study 1, 10% phenylephrine was applied to each eye (n = 5 horses). After 15 minutes, the pupillary size was determined in both lighting conditions. Phenylephrine was again applied to each eye, and after an additional 15 minutes, the pupillary size was determined. In study 2, 1% tropicamide was applied to each eye (n = 4 horses), and after 30 minutes, the pupillary size was determined in both lighting conditions. Tropicamide and phenylephrine were applied to each eye immediately after determination of pupillary size, and after an additional 30 minutes, the pupillary size was determined. There was no significant change (P greater than 0.9) in pupillary size when phenylephrine was used alone or when phenylephrine was used in an eye that had been dilated with tropicamide.     

Cardiovascular effects of intermittent or continuous treadmill conditioning in horses

Nine mature Quarter Horse mares were trained for ten weeks by continuous (n=4) or intermittent (n=5) treadmill work. Both groups of horses trotted at 3.3m/sec. The continuous work was performed at a 3% incline while the intermittent work was done at a 9% incline. Heart rate, cardiac output and blood lactate concentration were measured during a standard exercise test that included work on both treadmill grades before and after five and ten weeks of training. The two conditioning programs did not produce differences in the measured parameters of the two groups of horses. However, there was an overall conditioning effect observed in both groups of horses throughout the ten weeks of treadmill conditioning. Heart rate decreased (P<.05) during exercise on both treadmill grades after ten weeks of training. Lactate concentration decreased (P<.05) during the 9 percent grade trot after five weeks of training. Only slight further decreases occurred between week five and week ten of conditioning. Cardiac output increased (P<.05) between rest and exercise on both grades but there was no conditioning effect.