Rehydration fluid temperature affects voluntary drinking in horses dehydrated by furosemide administration and endurance exercise

To determine whether temperature of rehydration fluid influences voluntary rehydration by horses, six 2-3-year-old horses were dehydrated (4-5% body weight loss) by a combination of furosemide administration and 30 km of treadmill exercise. For the initial 5 min following exercise, horses were offered a 0.9% NaCl solution at 10, 20, or 30 degrees C. Subsequently, after washing and cooling out, voluntary intake of water at 10, 20, or 30 degrees C from 20 to 60 min after exercise was measured. Fluid intake (FI) during the first 5 min of recovery was 9.8+/-2.5,12.3+/-2.1 and 9.7+/-2.0L (p>0.05) for saline at 10, 20, and 30 degrees C, respectively. Although not a significant finding, horses offered 0.9% NaCl at 20 degrees C tended to take fewer (p=0.07), longer drinks than when saline at either 10 or 30 degrees C was offered. Between 20 and 60 min of recovery, intake of water at 20 degrees C (7.7+/-0.8L) and 30 degrees C (6.6+/-1.2L) was greater (p<0.05) than that at 10 degrees C (4.9+/-0.5L). Thus, total FI was 14.7+/-2.5,19.9+/-2.5, and 16.3+/-2.4L for rehydration fluids at 10, 20, and 30 degrees C, respectively (p<0.05, value for 20 degrees C water greater than that for 10 degrees C water). Although the amount of metabolic heat transferred to the initial saline drink was correlated with the decrease in core temperature during the initial 5 min of recovery, heat transfer to ingested fluid was most likely responsible for the dissipation of, at most, 5% of the heat generated during endurance exercise. In conclusion, following exercise these dehydrated-normothermic horses voluntary drank the greatest amount of fluid at near ambient (20 degrees C) temperature. Although not determined in this study, greater satiation of thirst by oropharyngeal cooling may have contributed to lesser intake of colder (10 degrees C) fluid.     

The preliminary evaluation of grasses and legumes for use in the high‐rainfall sandveld of Rhodesia

Uittreksel

In hierdie studie is ondersoek ingestel na die invloed van vier belankrike bosveldbome, naamlik, Acacia Senegal, Acacia tortilis, Boscia albitrunca en Combretum apiculatum op die verspreiding en en produktiwiteit van Panicum maximum.

Die studie is in twee fases uitgevoer: deur middel van veldproewe in die Laar‐ Krokodilrivier‐vallei, noord‐wes van Thabazimbi, en in die glasbuise van die Potchefstroomse Universiteit.

In die veld is opnames deur middel van strookpersele uitgevoer om die verspreiding van Panicum maximum in assosiasie met bogenoemde boomsoorte na te gaan.

In die glasbuise is die groeivermoë van Panicum maximum in grondmonsters wat onder die vier boomsoorte versamel is met dié van grondmonsters wat in oop dele versamel is vergelyk. Die invloed van ligte graad van beskaduïng en twee verskillende vogpeile op die groeivermoë van die proef plante is ter‐selfdertyd ondersoek.

‘n Proef is ook uitgevoer om die groeivermoë van Panicum maximum by toedienings van verskillende peile N, P en K by grond wat in oop dele versamel is te ondersoek.     

Exploratory trials on reinforcement of veld with legumes in the south‐eastern transvaal highveld

Abstract

The feasibility and potential of reinforcing veld with legumes in the south‐eastern Transvaal highveld was assessed in a number of trials during the period 1974–84. Experience was gained with regard to methods of establishment, adaptation of legumes to the local environment, responses to fertilization, especially with lime and superphosphate, and the reaction of legumes to fire and grazing. In all, 17 legumes were involved, including the genera Coronilla, Desmodium, Glycine, Lespedeza, Lotus, Macroptilium, Medicago, Neoto‐nonia, Trifolium and Vigna. Only Coronilla varia (crownvetch) showed a satisfactory degree of persistence. However, crownvetch is slow to establish, is intolerant of waterlogging and has a relatively high requirement for lime and phosphate. Considering these features, and the probability of undesirable changes in grass species composition in reinforced veld, it is recommended that intensification be achieved through development of improved pastures for use in conjunction with veld, rather than by means of veld reinforcement.     

A comparison of various cultivars and lines,of birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus Corniculatus)

Abstract

Yields of 17 entries of Lotus corniculatus were measured over two seasons at Ermelo in the south‐eastern Transvaal. There were marked differences between entries in the date of commencement of flowering in the establishment year, the relative abundance of flowers, and the degree of dormany in the winter. Root rot caused by the fungi Fusarium and Phoma caused extensive damage. There were indications that the cultivar Norcen was resistant to the fungi and that Germplasms MO 20 and NC 83 had partial resistance.     

Local evidence for tolerance of birdsfoot trefoil (lotus corniculatus) to acid soils

Abstract

The pattern of yield response of birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) cv. San Gabriel to soil amendment with lime and superphosphate on a virgin acid soil indicated that this legume is tolerant of local acid soils and moderately tolerant of low levels of extractable phosphorus.     

Bilateral medial displacement of the biceps tendon of origin: repair using polypropylene mesh and staples

A three‐year‐old male greyhound was presented with acute onset right forelimb lameness because of medial displacement of the biceps tendon of origin. Ultrasonographic examination confirmed the diagnosis, and a concomitant partial tear of the medial glenohumeral ligament was detected during arthroscopy. To stabilise the biceps tendon, polypropylene mesh was fixed across the intertubercular groove to replace the torn transverse humeral retinaculum. Recovery was uneventful and lameness resolved. Fifteen months later, the dog was presented with medial displacement of the biceps tendon of origin of the left shoulder, and was treated successfully using the same technique.     

Ovariectomy as treatment for ovarian bacterial granulomas in a Duvaucel's gecko (Hoplodactylus duvaucelii)

CASE HISTORY: An adult female Duvaucel's gecko (Hoplodactylus duvaucelii) from a threatened species breeding programme presented due to a prolonged gestation period and distended abdomen.

CLINICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS: The gecko was in lean body condition with an irregularly shaped, firm mass in the coelomic cavity. Radiographically there was a diffuse radio-opacity within the coelomic cavity with cranial displacement of the right lung field. Ultrasonography revealed a round homogenous abdominal mass of medium echogenicity with an echogenic capsule. Haematology showed a leucocytosis with a moderate left shift in heterophils and toxic changes. Bilateral ovariectomy was performed to remove two ovarian granulomas and Salmonella enterica subspecies houtenae (IV) was cultured from the ovarian tissue. The gecko recovered well from the surgery, regained weight and remained in good health 3 years following the surgery.

DIAGNOSIS: Pre-ovulatory stasis and ovarian granulomas associated with infection with Salmonella enterica subsp. houtenae.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The surgery described in this case resulted in recovery of the gecko, which despite its loss of reproductive capability is of value as an education animal. This is the first report of pre-ovulatory stasis and ovarian granulomas associated with infection with Salmonella enterica in a Duvaucel's gecko and is also the first reported case of pre-ovulatory stasis in a viviparous lizard species. The case adds to knowledge regarding potential reproductive pathology in lizards, which is particularly important information for managers of captive lizard breeding programmes.