Comparison of needle-core (Trucut) biopsy and surgical biopsy for the diagnosis of cutaneous and subcutaneous masses: a prospective study of 51 cases (November 1997-August 1998)

Cutaneous or subcutaneous masses in 51 dogs and cats were examined by needle-core (i.e., Trucut) biopsy, and results were compared to results of surgical biopsy to assess the accuracy of the former. Needle-core specimens obtained before surgical biopsy were submitted to a single pathologist who evaluated both samples and was blinded to the results of surgical biopsy when evaluating the Trucut specimen. The results indicate that needle-core biopsy can accurately predict surgical biopsy. Thus, needle-core biopsy performed before surgical excision of masses can facilitate planning and reduce the need for numerous surgical procedures. Needle-core biopsy can direct appropriate treatment of nonmalignant masses.     

Pathotyping of Newcastle Disease Viruses by RT-PCR and Restriction Enzyme Analysis

The technique of RT-PCR and restriction enzyme analysis was standardized to detect and differentiate Newcastle disease viruses. Digestion of RT-PCR-amplified, F gene sequences encoding for the cleavage activation sites of fusion protein with restriction enzymes AluI, BglI, HaeIII, HinfI, HhaI, RsaI, StyI and TaqI was carried out in order to characterize Newcastle disease viruses of varying pathogenicity. Restriction enzyme digestion of the amplicons by BglI and HhaI could group eight viruses, both field isolates and known vaccine strains, into lentogenic, mesogenic and velogenic pathotypes. By employing this technique directly on a clinical sample, Newcastle disease virus of the lentogenic pathotype could be detected.     

Prognostic factors in dogs with urinary bladder carcinoma

Medical records and biopsy specimens were retrospectively reviewed from 25 dogs diagnosed with unresectable urinary bladder carcinoma and treated with chemotherapy. Our intention was to identify clinical, histologic, and immunohistochemical indicators of prognosis. Immunohistochemical stains for P-glycoprotein, glutathione-S-transferase pi, and factor VIII-related antigen were applied to archived tissue. There were more spayed female dogs than castrated male dogs (76% versus 24%). Transitional cell carcinoma was the most common tumor (88%, n = 22), followed by undifferentiated carcinoma (8%, n = 2) and squamous cell carcinoma (4%, n = 1). Overall median survival was 251 days. Histologic diagnosis and immunohistochemical characteristics did not correlate with prognosis. Spayed females survived significantly longer than castrated males (358 days versus 145 days, P = .042). Dogs that received either doxorubicin or mitoxantrone in addition to a platinum-based chemotherapeutic (either cisplatin or carboplatin) lived significantly longer than those that received only a platinum compound (358 days versus 132 days, P = .042).     

Mechanical factors affecting the occurrence of intervertebral disc calcification in the dachshund--a population study

In a population sample comprising 48 standard wirehaired dachshunds, the occurrence of intervertebral disc calcification was determined by plain spinal radiography. Body dimensions of the dogs were measured and information obtained from owners about exercise patterns, including stair climbing, and the relation of these variables to the number of calcified discs was analysed by logistic regression. In the Danish population of wirehaired dachshunds, the prevalence of disc calcification was estimated at 77%. The spinal distribution of calcified discs is similar amongst different populations, while the prevalence varies significantly. Most types of exercise included in the variable 'duration of exercise' as well as moderate stair climbing seemed to reduce the rate of occurrence of disc calcification. The effects of moderate stair climbing (OR = 0.34) and duration of exercise (OR = 0.52) were statistically significant and the effects appear to be additive. Running next to a bicycle was the only type of exercise with a positive association with the number of calcified discs. This was, however, not significant. Effects of body conformation, including absolute and relative body measurements, were not found.     

蛋的产出时间、蛋重、蛋壳重与产蛋率间的关系

对270只海赛克斯褐母鸡从29周龄开始产蛋的31天内所产的7273枚蛋进行研究。记录每一枚蛋的产出时间并测量蛋重和蛋壳重。所有蛋的平均产出时间是9.40±2.26小时,平均蛋重和蛋壳重分别是55.1±3.6g和5.24±0.43g。一天当     

氨基酸微量元素螯合物及其在家禽营养中的研究进展

氨基酸微量元素螯合物及其在家禽营养中的研究进展■苏瑛（广东湛江农业专科学校５２４０８８）常规的天然饲料中，被称为生命元素的微量元素一般满足不了机体的需要，必须额外补充。过去多以无机盐形式添加，但无机盐类在消化道内溶解度很低，利用率低。近年，研究出了第...     

高原地区冬季肉仔鸡易发腹水症

1992年11月,西宁地区某试验鸡舍饲养AA肉鸡300只,采用地而垫料平养,保温伞及煤炉供暖,12日龄起发病,诊断为腹水症,三周龄、四周龄发病增多至42日龄发病率为75％,死亡率30％,现报告如下: 一、临床症状雏鸡发病后表现呼吸困难,低头缩颈,羽毛蓬乱,食欲下降,后期出现冠苍白,腹部皮肤膨大发红,按压腹部胀满,有波动感,行走笨拙,喜卧,常因称重等捉拿时突然窒息死亡. 二.剖检病变共剖检病鸡49只,所见变化为:心包积液,心脏肿大,心脏表面有白色结节,右心明显扩大,肝脏充血,肿大,有结节性病变,肝色淡黄,有些肝脏覆盖一层灰色胶胨状薄膜,肾脏肿