Vitamin k contents of meat, dairy, and fast food in the u.s. Diet

The purpose of this study was to determine the contents of three forms of vitamin K [phylloquinone, dihydrophylloquinone, and menaquinone-4 (MK-4)] in representative samples (including different samples within the same food category) of meat (n = 128), dairy and eggs (n = 24), and fast foods (n = 169) common to the U.S. diet. The findings of our analysis indicate that no single food item in these categories is a rich dietary source of any one form of vitamin K. However, these foods are often consumed in large quantities; hence, they may be of importance in overall contribution to total vitamin K intake. The presence of MK-4 in meat, eggs, and dairy foods could be important as physiologic functions unique to MK-4 are identified.     

Severe lameness associated with an impact fracture of the proximal phalanx in a filly

A 3‐year‐old filly was presented for severe lameness referable to the left front fetlock joint. Radiographs confirmed an osseous cyst‐like lesion and synovial fluid cytology ruled out sepsis. The filly responded poorly to medical management and was subsequently subjected to euthanasia. Post mortem examination confirmed an impact fracture of the proximal phalanx, previously undiagnosed in the horse.     

Diagnosis and treatment of retropharyngeal injuries in lambs associated with the administration of intraruminal boluses

The administration of intraruminal identification boluses to a group of 76 lambs resulted in 24 (32 per cent) showing signs of pharyngeal damage. In 16 of them the bolus was found to be in the retropharyngeal region by means of a hand-held microchip scanner, radiography and endoscopy. Purulent tracts were identified in the dorsal pharynx. In 13 of the 16 lambs the surgical removal of the bolus under general anaesthesia was followed by a normal clinical recovery, although the lambs did not grow as well as similar unaffected animals; three of the 24 lambs died. The administration of a larger bolus to 10 yearling rams did not result in any clinical signs of pharyngeal damage. The most important factors influencing the occurrence of this type of injury among this group of lambs were the size and age of the lambs, the positioning of the lambs during bolus administration, the relative size of the dosing gun and bolus, and the large number of animals in the group.     

Correction of metabolic acidosis in diarrheal calves by oral administration of electrolyte solutions with or without bicarbonate

Acid-base balance was evaluated in calves with experimentally induced viral diarrhea. When blood pH decreased to less than 7.200, calves were assigned to treatment groups and fed milk replacer, electrolyte solution without bicarbonate, or electrolyte solution containing bicarbonate. Calves in the electrolyte treatment groups had lower mortality (P less than 0.05), were better hydrated (P less than 0.05), and were less acidotic (P less than 0.05) than calves fed milk replacer. Bicarbonate-containing electrolyte solution restored acid-base balance (P less than 0.05) and corrected depression better (P less than 0.05) than electrolyte solution that did not contain bicarbonate. Both electrolyte solutions were equally good at correcting dehydration.     

Transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE) of swine: effect of age of swine testes cells culture monolayers on plaque assays of TGE virus.

A continuous line of swine testes cell culture monolayers was infected at various ages with both cell culture-adapted transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE) virus and tissue infected with TGE virus. Both produced increasing numbers of plaques as the cell monolayers aged from two to five days. Therefore, allowing the swine testes cell monolayer to age five to six days before inoculation should increase the likelihood of detecting TGE virus by plaque assay.     

Laparoscopic repair of ruptured urinary bladder in a stallion

A 12-year-old stallion was evaluated because of pollakiuria; endoscopy of the urinary tract during general anesthesia revealed that the urinary bladder was intact. After recovery, the stallion developed clinical and biochemical signs of bladder rupture, which was confirmed by endoscopy. Cystoplasty in adult stallions represents a unique surgical dilemma; the large distance between the incision site and the bladder necessitates the repair be accomplished under maximum tension with minimal exposure. Because traditional surgical approaches through ventral midline or paramedian incisions provide limited access and viewing, laparoscopy was used to provide a definitive diagnosis, good viewing, easy access, tension-free dissection, and a secure repair. Lack of surgical complications and postoperative discomfort, rapid and uncomplicated healing, and patient-client satisfaction make laparoscopic cystoplasty the preferred method for surgical repair of ruptured urinary bladder in adult stallions.