Carbon monoxide toxicity: a case series

Objective: To describe diagnostics, therapy, and sequelae of acute carbon monoxide (CO) toxicity because of a motor vehicle generator in 4 dogs and 2 cats. Series summary: Four dogs and 2 cats presented for recumbency, disorientation, dyspnea, and stiffness after an estimated 6–8 hour exposure to exhaust from a generator. Diagnostics included a serum carboxyhemoglobin levels evaluation, arterial blood gas analysis, pulse oximetry readings, and blood pressure measurements. Initial therapy included oxygen (O₂) administration, intravenous bronchodilators, fluids, and a hemoglobin‐based O₂ carrying (HBOC) molecule. Following administration of the HBOC, 4 of the 6 animals showed dramatic clinical improvement. Two weeks after hospital discharge, the owner reported potential hearing deficits in all animals. Brain auditory evoked response (BAER) tests were conducted in all surviving animals and some degree of hearing impairment was documented in all cases, with complete clinical resolution noted 6 weeks later. Unique information provided: This report describes the therapeutic use of an HBOC in acute isolated CO toxicity (i.e. without the complications of smoke inhalation). In addition, delayed nervous system dysfunction was documented in all surviving animals.     

Studies on the mechanism of vaccinal immunity to Marek''s disease

Current knowledge of the nature of the antigens and of the host immune responses in vaccinal immunity to Marek's disease is reviewed. It is suggested that a two-step mechanism of resistance operates. The first step involves humoral and cell-mediated responses directed against viral antigens; the second step occurs after challenge with Marek's disease virus and consists of cellmediated responses directed against tumour cells.     

Cloning,expression, purification,and biological activity of five feline type I interferons

Type I interferons (IFN) are important mediators of the host defense against viral infections in mammals. In humans multiple subtypes of IFN-alpha exist, most of which possess antiviral activity. Little is known about the type I IFN genes in cats and the role they may play in feline immunological responses to viruses. We have isolated cDNAs encoding five feline IFN-alpha (feIFN) subtypes that share from 95 to 99% amino acid sequence identity. FeIFN-alpha5 has five additional amino acids inserted at position 139, which are not present in the other four subtypes. Sequence identity of the feIFN proteins encoded by the five clones compared to human IFN-alpha2 is approximately 60%. Unlike most of the human subtypes, each of the five feline IFN sequences has an N-glycosylation recognition site. Expression of all five feIFN-alpha subtypes in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells was confirmed by Western blot analysis, and all resulting proteins were glycosylated. The antiviral activity of each feIFN-alpha subtype produced in transiently transfected CHO cell cultures was tested in vitro. In addition, subtype feIFN-alpha6 was expressed in the yeast, Pichia pastoris. The resulting secreted mature recombinant protein was purified and demonstrated significant antiviral activity and induction of 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase activity in vitro.     

Xylitol intoxication associated with fulminant hepatic failure in a dog

Objective: To describe a case of xylitol intoxication causing fulminant hepatic failure in a dog. Case summary: A 2.5‐year‐old castrated male English Springer Spaniel weighing 26 kg, was presented after ingestion of half of a loaf of bread containing the sweetener xylitol. Toxic effects of the xylitol in this dog included vomiting, mild hypoglycemia and fulminant hepatic failure. Clinical management of acute hepatic failure and subsequent coagulopathy with supportive care and fresh frozen plasma is described. The dog was discharged 3 days after admission after a full clinical recovery. New or unique information provided: This paper describes the clinical consequence and successful treatment of fulminant hepatic failure in a dog following ingestion of xylitol.     

Failure of passive transfer in foals: incidence and outcome on four studs in New South Wales

Objective To determine the regional incidence and effectiveness of treatment of failure of passive transfer (FPT) in foals. Design A study of disease incidence. Animals Eighty-eight foals and 57 mares from four studs in the practice area of the Rural Veterinary Centre were tested. Procedure Foals were tested for their serum IgG and total serum protein (TSP) concentration within the first 72 hours of life. Colostrum was collected from mares and specific gravity determined. FPT and partial failure of passive transfer (PFPT) of immunoglobulins was diagnosed when serum IgG concentrations were < 4 g/L and 4 to 8 g/L respectively. Owners of foals diagnosed with FPT were offered treatment with 1 to 2 L plasma (TSP > 70 g/L); 9 (64%) of the affected foals were treated. Results Fourteen foals (16%) had FPT whereas 15 (17%) had PFPT. There were significant differences between the mean TSP concentration in foals with FPT (42.6 ± 4.2 g/L), PFPT (48.1 ± 3.9 g/L) and those acquiring adequate passive immunity (58.9 ± 5.5 g/L) (P < 0.01). Sixteen (29%) mares had pre-suck colostral specific gravity < 1.060 and 12 (71%) foals raised by these mares had FPT or PFPT. The incidence of severe disease (categorised by a sepsis score > 11, positive culture of bacteria from blood or disease requiring hospitalisation) in all foals in the first 2 months of life was 10%. However, none of the nine foals with FPT that received plasma experienced severe disease. In contrast, foals with PFPT had an increased susceptibility to severe disease (P < 0.001) when compared with normal foals. Conclusion Treatment of foals with FPT may reduce the subsequent incidence of severe disease. Pre-suck colostral specific gravity and foal TSP may be used to predict the likelihood of FPT and PFPT. Even though the number of foals studied is small the results highlight the importance of optimal management practices in reducing the incidence of FPT and disease associated with this process.     

Tracking the long-term decline and recovery of an isolated population

Effects of small population size and reduced genetic variation on the viability of wild animal populations remain controversial. During a 35-year study of a remnant population of greater prairie chickens, population size decreased from 2000 individuals in 1962 to fewer than 50 by 1994. Concurrently, both fitness, as measured by fertility and hatching rates of eggs, and genetic diversity declined significantly. Conservation measures initiated in 1992 with translocations of birds from large, genetically diverse populations restored egg viability. Thus, sufficient genetic resources appear to be critical for maintaining populations of greater prairie chickens.     

Quantification and persistence of recombinant DNA of Roundup Ready corn and soybean in rotation

The presence of the recombinant cp4 epsps gene from Roundup Ready (RR) corn and RR soybean was quantified using real-time PCR in soil samples from a field experiment growing RR and conventional corn and soybean in rotation. RR corn and RR soybean cp4 epsps persisted in soil for up to 1 year after seeding. The concentration of recombinant DNA in soil peaked in July and August in RR corn and RR soybean plots, respectively. A small fraction of soil samples from plots seeded with conventional crops contained recombinant DNA, suggesting transgene dispersal by means of natural process or agricultural practices. This research will aid in the understanding of the persistence of recombinant DNA in agricultural cropping systems.