CXCL8((3-73))K11R/G31P antagonizes the neutrophil chemoattractants present in pasteurellosis and mastitis lesions and abrogates neutrophil influx into intradermal endotoxin challenge sites in vivo

Toxic products such as reactive oxygen intermediates released by activated polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) have an important role in the pathophysiology of diseases associated with the deposition of immune complexes (IC) in tissues. IC-induced activation of PMN requires adhesion mediated by integrin adhesion receptors. Of the integrins expressed on PMN, the beta(2) family has been found to be of particular importance for activation of PMN by IC. beta(2) Integrin ligand binding must be activated to enable adhesion to IC. Both activating and inhibitory signals regulate beta(2) integrin ligand avidity and adhesion. The second messenger cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) has been demonstrated to inhibit the activation of PMN in response to a variety of stimuli. The purpose of this study is to test the hypothesis that cAMP-dependent signals inhibit beta(2) integrin-dependent adhesion of equine PMN to immobilized IC and subsequent adhesion-dependent activation of respiratory burst activity. Treatment of equine PMN with beta(2) adrenergic agonists isoproterenol or clenbuterol, which trigger an increase in intracellular cAMP concentration, inhibited adhesion of equine PMN to IC in a dose dependent manner. Similarly, inhibition of cAMP hydrolysis by the non-specific phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor pentoxifylline and the PDE 4-specific inhibitor rolipram inhibited adhesion of equine PMN to IC. Elevation of intracellular cAMP levels with pentoxifylline, clenbuterol and rolipram also inhibited IC-induced activation of respiratory burst activity in equine PMN. Importantly, co-treatment of equine PMN with rolipram and either beta(2) adrenergic agonist synergistically inhibited both the adhesion of equine PMN to IC as well as the subsequent respiratory burst activity.     

Comparison of periodontitis and root replacement in cat teeth with resorptive lesions

Cat teeth with resorptive lesions and periodontitis may have a distinctly different clinical and radiographic appearance compared with teeth that have focal, lesion-associated gingivitis. A retrospective, case-controlled study was performed to determine the occurrence of root replacement in cats with resorptive lesions and associated periodontitis. Of 543 teeth evaluated with resorptive lesions, radiographic and/or clinical signs of periodontitis were identified in 236 (43.5%) teeth. Periodontitis was present in 43 of 275 (15.6%) teeth with root replacement and 193 of 268 (72.0%) teeth that had normal radiodensity and maintenance of the periodontal ligament. There was a significantly lower occurrence of root replacement in cat teeth with resorptive lesions and periodontitis.     

Post-embryonic development of Camallanus cotti (Nematoda: Camallanidae), with emphasis on growth of some taxonomically important somatic characters

In this paper, the quantitative post-embryonic development of the Asian freshwater fish nematode Camallanus cotti Fujita, 1927, is described. Larval and adult morphometrics were obtained by following the parasite's life cycle experimentally using copepods Macrocyclops albidus (Jurine) as intermediate host and guppies Poecilia reticulata (Peters), southern platyfish Xiphophorus maculatus (Günther) and paradise fish Macropodus opercularis (L.) as definitive host. Additionally, adult worms were obtained from heavily infected paradise fish imported from Singapore. It is suggested that the gradual change in proportions of the worm's somatic body parts reflects the specific ecological role of each developmental stage. The free-living infective first-stage larva seems to be adapted for transmission, as indicated by its relatively long tail, designed to generate host-attracting movements, and its non-functional intestine. The second- and third-stage larvae from the copepod intermediate host seem mainly to invest in trophic functionality, i.e., the development of the buccal capsule and the oesophagus, which are crucial structures for the worm's successful establishment in the definitive fish host. Once in the fish intestine, the larvae enter a period of considerable growth. After the fourth (i.e., last) moult, a 72% increase in average female body length occurs. This is accompanied by doubling the average vulva-tail tip distance and the average tail length. The length of the female hind body expands in an accelerating allometric fashion, and seems to be closely linked to the posterior-wards expansion of the uterus. In the males however, growth seems to cease after the final moult. We conclude that female post-maturational body size, but especially the length of the hind body and the tail, are closely related to reproductive state, i.e., the developmental stage of the offspring in the uterus, and, probably, the worms' age. Any future taxonomical studies of camallanids in general, and C. cotti in particular, should thus be aware of the reproductive state of the females used.     

Dermatophyte granulomas caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes in a dog

Multiple, dermal and subcutaneous nodules developed in a young female Manchester Terrier dog that had a chronic history of superficial dermatophytosis. Skin biopsy specimens of the nodules revealed granulomatous inflammation in the deep dermis and subcutis with branching fungal organisms. Cultures of multiple biopsy specimens from the nodules all yielded Trichophyton mentagrophytes. The lesions in this dog were similar to granulomatous dermatophytosis, a skin disease that has been reported in Persian cats and one Yorkshire Terrier dog.     

Use of infrared thermography to detect injections and palmar digital neurectomy in horses

Thermography is a non-contact, non-invasive technique that detects surface heat emitted as infrared radiation. Because skin temperature reflects the status of underlying tissue metabolism and blood circulation, abnormal thermal patterns can signify areas of superficial inflammation. The objective of this study was to determine if thermography could detect the injection of analgesic and neurolytic agents and surgical palmar digital neurectomy. Procedures evaluated include injection of the lumbar region, suspensory ligaments, tibial nerve, palmar digital nerves, and palmar digital neurectomy. Thermographic images were obtained before and after the procedures until a significant difference was no longer detected. Local injection of the lumbar region and the suspensory ligament produced detectable thermal patterns for two days, and tibial nerve infiltration with a neurolytic agent was significant for two days. Analgesia of the palmar nerves was significant for 24h with bupivicaine, compared to five days for ammonium chloride. Palmar digital neurectomy produced more variable thermal patterns. While sensitive enough to detect changes in heat patterns from control regions, thermography is not specific enough to discriminate between procedures and injury inducing an inflammatory response.     

Temporal,environmental and management factors influencing the epidemiological patterns of sea lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) infestations on farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in Scotland

In association with industry, an extensive database has been established on measurements of sea louse counts on farmed Atlantic salmon for the years 1996 to 2000 from 33 Scottish fish farms. These data include extensive counts on the sea louse species, Lepeophtheirus salmonis, at various stages of the life cycle and in particular the chalimus and mobile stages. There has been considerable speculation as to what factors might affect the abundance of sea lice, much of which is based on limited evidence. Our analyses show that there is tremendous variation in sea louse infestation patterns from year to year, whereas stock type, geographical region and coastal exposure do not appear to affect mean levels of abundance. In contrast, treatments lead to pronounced cycles of sea louse infestation with peaks and troughs at 3-week intervals, and these interventions are important if the sea louse levels on fish are to be controlled. There was no evidence of water temperature affecting the mean annual abundance of sea louse infestation.     

Assessment of melamine and cyanuric acid toxicity in cats.

The major pet food recall associated with acute renal failure in dogs and cats focused initially on melamine as the suspect toxicant. In the course of the investigation, cyanuric acid was identified in addition to melamine in the offending food. The purpose of this study was to characterize the toxicity potential of melamine, cyanuric acid, and a combination of melamine and cyanuric acid in cats. In this pilot study, melamine was added to the diet of 2 cats at 0.5% and 1%, respectively. Cyanuric acid was added to the diet of 1 cat at increasing doses of 0.2%, 0.5%, and 1% over the course of 10 days. Melamine and cyanuric acid were administered together at 0%, 0.2%, 0.5%, and 1% to 1 cat per dose group. No effect on renal function was observed in cats fed with melamine or cyanuric acid alone. Cats dosed with a combination were euthanized at 48 hours after dosing because of acute renal failure. Urine and touch impressions of kidneys from all cats dosed with the combination revealed the presence of fan-shaped, birefringent crystals. Histopathologic findings were limited to the kidneys and included crystals primarily within tubules of the distal nephron, severe renal interstitial edema, and hemorrhage at the corticomedullary junction. The kidneys contained estimated melamine concentrations of 496 to 734 mg/kg wet weight and estimated cyanuric acid concentrations of 487 to 690 mg/kg wet weight. The results demonstrate that the combination of melamine and cyanuric acid is responsible for acute renal failure in cats.     

Perspectives and advances in in-clinic laboratory diagnostic capabilities: hematology and clinical chemistry.

The typical technologies used in veterinary hematology and biochemical analyzers are reviewed, along with associated advantages and disadvantages. Guidelines for implementing a successful in-clinic laboratory are provided, including criteria for system evaluation and expectations for comparative performance evaluations. The more common problems and limitations associated with in-clinic laboratory diagnostics and how to best prevent them are also discussed.