Cell types and their immunological functions in bovine mammary tissues and secretions--a review of the literature

In this work the literature concerning cells related to bovine mammary gland defence mechanisms has been reviewed. The cells considered in this review include leucocytes from mammary secretions, leucocytes located in the mammary tissues, and nonsecretory epithelial cells which line the teat and the lactiferous sinuses of the udder. The mammary secretions and tissues basically contain three types of cells: polymorphonuclear leucocytes, macrophages, and lymphocytes. The number of each type of cell varies, depending on the physiological and pathological states of the udder, and all cell functions are associated with the immuno-defence mechanisms of the mammary gland.     

Effects of marginal selenium deficiency and winter protein supplementation on growth, reproduction and selenium status of beef cattle

Seventy-two Hereford X Simmental cows, averaging 498 kg in body weight and 5.2 yr of age, were used in a 2-yr study to ascertain if selenium (Se)-vitamin E (E) injections and winter protein supplementation would affect growth, reproduction and health of beef cattle maintained year-round on feedstuffs marginally deficient in Se (.03 to .05 mg/kg). Cows received either no injection or a mixture of 30 mg Se (as sodium selenite) and 408 IU E injected subcutaneously beginning 3 to 4 mo prepartum and at 60-d intervals throughout the 2-yr period. Calves born to Se-E treated cows were injected with 5.5 mg Se and 75 IU E/100 kg body weight at 60-d intervals beginning at 1 mo of age. Calves were born between December 30 and February 20 and cows were bred between March 20 and May 20. Cattle grazed pasture (.05 mg Se/kg) that consisted of orchardgrass, bluegrass and white clover during the fall, spring and summer. During winter (December 15 to May 2), cattle were fed corn silage (.03 mg Se/kg) supplemented with either: no protein supplement (control), soybean meal or a urea-corn mixture. Cows and calves receiving Se-E had higher (P less than .01) whole blood glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity and plasma Se concentrations than controls. Selenium-E injections reduced (P less than .05) calf death losses from 15.3% to 4.2% and slightly increased (P less than .10) adjusted calf weaning weights. Hemoglobin concentrations were higher (P less than .05) in Se-E-injected supplemented calves at 1 mo of age but not at 5 or 7 mo of age.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Efficacy of ivermectin against Dirofilaria immitis larvae in dogs 30 and 45 days after induced infection

Forty-two Beagles, 14 to 15 weeks of age, were injected subcutaneously with 50 infective larvae of Dirofilaria immitis and were allotted by weight, within sex, to 6 treatment groups. Group 1 served as nonmedicated vehicle-treated controls; groups 2 through 5 were given an oral tablet form of ivermectin at dosages of 0.3 micrograms/kg, 1.0 micrograms/kg, 2.0 micrograms/kg, and 3.3 micrograms/kg at 30 days after inoculation; group 6 was given the 2.0 micrograms/kg dosage at 45 days after inoculation. Dogs were euthanatized and necropsied 154 days after treatment (day 139 for dogs in group 6) and examined for heartworms. On the numerical bases of helminths recovered in the groups, the efficacies for preventing heartworm maturation were 0% (group 2), 53.2% (group 3), 97.2% (group 4), 98.1% (group 5), and 63.8% (group 6). Drug-related adverse reactions were not detected.     

An evaluation of an oral glucose-glycine-electrolyte solution for the treatment of experimentally induced dehydration in the horse

Five standardbred geldings were given 1 mg/kg bodyweight of frusemide by intramuscular injection to induce mild dehydration. After food and water deprivation overnight, the mean weight loss was 24.4 +/- 1.8 kg (5.5 per cent of bodyweight). The horses were then given an equivalent volume of an oral glucose-glycine-electrolyte solution by stomach tube. No more than 10 litres was given every 30 minutes until the calculated bodyweight loss had been replaced. Measurements made before, during and after the fluid administration included bodyweight, arterial blood haematocrit, PCO2, pH, standard bicarbonate, base excess and plasma concentrations of sodium, potassium, chloride, total protein, glucose, urea and creatinine. The final measurement was taken eight hours after the last dose of fluid and no food or water was offered to the horses during this time. Administration of the solution caused a rapid correction of the frusemide-induced dehydration and metabolic alkalosis. Absorption of the fluid from the gastrointestinal tract appeared to be very rapid because by 30 minutes after the last dose of the solution, plasma protein values were not significantly different from those before administration of frusemide. Plasma glucose concentrations became significantly increased for up to three hours after the fluid was given and an increase in creatinine and urea concentrations, which was observed after the administration of frusemide, was still evident at eight hours. The glucose-glycine-electrolyte solution was well retained, there being a mean bodyweight loss of 2.8 kg at three hours and 6.2 kg at eight hours after the last dose of fluid.