Corneal sensitivity in healthy, immature, and adult alpacas

Objective To determine the corneal sensitivity of healthy, immature, and adult alpacas to establish normal reference values for this species. Animals studied Six normal crias and 18 normal adult alpacas. Procedures Corneal sensitivity was determined by evaluating the corneal touch threshold (CTT) in five regions of the cornea using a Cochet–Bonnet aesthesiometer. The nylon filament length in cm was then converted to applied pressure values in mg/0.0113 mm² and g/mm² using a conversion chart. Results The central region of the cornea was the most sensitive, and the dorsal and temporal regions were the least sensitive in alpacas. There were no significant differences between the right and left eyes or between values in males and females at any site. Crias had significantly greater corneal sensitivity compared with adult alpacas in all five regions of the cornea that were evaluated. Conclusions Normal reference values for CTT in alpacas were established using a Cochet–Bonnet aesthesiometer. The central region of the cornea is the most sensitive in alpacas, and crias have higher corneal sensitivity than adult alpacas.     

Strain differences in the number and size of glomeruli in domestic fowl

1. An investigation was made into strain differences and the effect of the type of drinker on the number and size of glomeruli of Single Comb White Leghorn pullets. 2. The Dekalb XL strain had more glomeruli per kidney and per g of kidney than the Hyline W-36. The glomeruli of the Dekalb XL were smaller in circumference. There were no significant differences in the absolute or relative weights of the kidney. 3. The type of drinker, bell or trigger-cups, had no effect on the body weight or those kidney variables studied.     

Evidence for oil-induced oxidative stress to larvae of the lightbrown apple moth, Epiphyas postvittana Walker (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

For the purpose of understanding better the mode of action of alkanes on insects, the relationship between mortality, weight loss in oxygen enriched atmospheres and dietary antioxidants was examined using an alkane, C15 Ampol CPD and a spray oil, C23 DC-Tron NR, on lightbrown apple moth, Epiphyas postvittana Walker, (LBAM). The results showed that the surfactant blend used in CPD was an insignificant contributor to the overall toxicity of dilute oil/water emulsions. Higher weight loss occurred in CPD-dipped larvae than C23 DC-Tron NR-dipped larvae, which suggests that alkanes disrupt tracheal waxes and render insects more prone to desiccation. High levels of oxygen increased the toxicity of CPD to LBAM larvae. In addition, dietary supplements of anti-oxidant, alpha-tocopherol, fed to LBAM larvae were successful in reducing the toxicity of CPD. These results suggest that the alkane may contribute to oxidative injury. The potential role of oil-induced oxidative stress in acute and chronic toxicity in insects is discussed.     

TRAUMATIC DURAL LACERATION IN A RACING GREYHOUND

Acute pelvic limb paralysis occurred in a racing Greyhound after a traumatic incident. During myelography, a dorsal laceration of the dura mater was detected at T_12–13. Immediate hemilaminectomy was performed at T_12–13, but neurologic status did not improve. At necropsy there was epidural and subdural hemorrhage at the T_12–13 interspace, and malacia and swelling of the spinal cord at that level. Intramedullary hemorrhage, malacia, and free fibrocartilaginous material characterized histopathology of the lesion. Possible mechanisms of the traumatic disk extrusion are discussed.