Interaction between melatonin and follicle-stimulating hormone promotes in vitro development of caprine preantral follicles

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of melatonin and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) on the in vitro culture of goat preantral follicles. Ovarian fragments were cultured for 7 d in α-minimum essential medium (α-MEM⁺) containing melatonin (100, 250, 500, or 1,000 pM), FSH (50 ng/mL), or a combination of the 2 hormones and further analyzed by histology and transmission electron and fluorescent microscopy. The results showed that after 7 d of culture, tissues cultured in α-MEM⁺ alone or supplemented with FSH alone, melatonin (500 and 1,000 pM), or the combination of FSH and melatonin (1,000 pM) maintained percentages of normal preantral follicles similar to the fresh control. In contrast to the noncultured tissues, the percentage of developing follicles was increased under all culture conditions after 7 d (P < 0.05). The addition of 1,000 pM melatonin associated with FSH to the culture medium increased follicular and oocyte diameters compared with α-MEM⁺ alone after 7 d of culture (P < 0.05). Ultrastructural and fluorescent analyses confirmed the integrity of follicles cultured with 1,000 pM of melatonin plus FSH for 7 d. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the interaction between melatonin and FSH maintains ultrastructural integrity and stimulates further growth of cultured caprine preantral follicles.     

Dairy-cattle health in Gyeongnam, Korea.

An animal-health monitoring system in the Gyeongnam area was started in 1997 to develop statistically valid data for use in estimating disease frequencies in dairy cattle, and the associated costs. The objectives of this study were to: (1) describe what was done to implement and maintain the system in Gyeongnam; (2) present selected disease frequencies; (3) discuss the epidemiological consideration of what was done and implications for results obtained.Veterinary medical officers (VMOs), comprising professors and graduate students from Gyeongsang National University, faculty of Gyeongnam Livestock Promotion Institute and clinic veterinarians, served as data collectors. After training on current disease and management problems of dairy cattle, interview techniques, sampling methods and data-collection instruments, the VMOs participated in selection of the sample herds and data gathering. Forty (n=40) of 167 dairy herds were selected randomly using a computer-generated list of random numbers and the VMOs visited farms once in a month for 12 months to collect data about management, disease, inventory, production, preventive treatment, financial and other relevant data. Strict data-quality control devices were used. Specific feed-back was developed for the producers and data collectors.The six disorders found most frequently in cows (from the highest to the lowest) were breeding problems, clinical mastitis, birth problems, gastrointestinal problems, metabolic problems and lameness. In young stock, respiratory, multiple system, breeding and gastrointestinal problems were predominant, whereas in calves, gastrointestinal, respiratory and integumental problems predominated.     

Safety and efficacy of an oil-adjuvant vaccine against haemorrhagic septicaemia in buffalo calves: cross-protection between the serotypes B:2,5 and E:2,5.

The safety, efficacy and duration of immunity of an improved oil-adjuvant vaccine against haemorrhagic septicaemia, containing inactivated cells of Pasteurella multocida serotype B:2,5, were tested in young buffalo calves in Pakistan. For safety testing, five buffalo calves were vaccinated intramuscularly with twice the normal dose, and six weeks later with a normal dose. Except for a transient rise in rectal temperature at six hours after the vaccinations, no systemic reactions were observed. The buffaloes remained in good condition and had a normal appetite. No local reactions were observed at the injection site. For efficacy testing two trials were carried out. In the first, buffalo calves were vaccinated intramuscularly either with two doses two-and-a-half months apart, or with a single dose, or left unvaccinated. They were challenged subcutaneously with virulent P multocida after eight, 13 or 15 months. After challenge at eight months the four buffaloes given two doses and the buffalo given one dose were protected, whereas the control animal developed the typical signs of the disease. After the challenges at 13 and 15 months, the vaccinated animals were still protected whereas the control animals died. In the second trial, buffalo calves were vaccinated intramuscularly either with two doses two months apart, or with a single dose at two months or left unvaccinated. The buffaloes were challenged after eight or 14 months. After challenge at eight months the four control animals died, whereas three of the four buffaloes given a single dose were protected. After challenge at 14 months, the three control animals died, whereas four of the five buffaloes given two doses and both the buffaloes given a single dose were protected. To test for cross-protection against the heterologous serotypes E:2,5 and B:3,4, groups of mice were vaccinated once or left unvaccinated. Four weeks later, the vaccinated and control groups were challenged with a dilution series of the different challenge cultures. The vaccine appeared to induce protection against challenge with different strains of serotypes B:2,5 and E:2,5 but not against strains of serotype B:3,4.     

Endogenous N-losses in piglets estimated by a [15N]-isotope dilution technique: effect of xylanase addition to a wheat and rye based diet.

The nitrogen pool of piglets weighing 19.4 +/- 1.4 kg at the beginning of the experiment was labeled with an oral application of ([15N]H4)2SO4 (1.26 [15N]-atom percent excess of dietary N) over a period of 7 d. The labeling period was followed by an equilibration period of 7 d without feeding the labeling compound. The two experimental diets were based on wheat (53%) and rye (25%) and were fed either with or without a xylanase containing enzyme preparation over both experimental periods. Additionally, diets were supplemented with an indigestible marker during the 2nd period of the experiment to allow the calculation of endogenous N-losses in subsequent segments of the digestive tract of the pigs. These endogenous N-losses were estimated at the end of the experiment by analyzing feces, ingesta and urine for [15N]-enrichment assuming that [15N]-enrichment of urine represents the [15N]-enrichment of the precursor pool. Endogenous N-losses were not significantly affected by xylanase addition at any measurement site (stomach, 3 sections of the small intestine, total digestive tract). Endogenous N-proportions of total nitrogen amounted on average for the six pigs to 42 +/- 11% and 56 +/- 5% at the last section of the small intestine and over the whole digestive tract, respectively, which corresponded to endogenous N-losses of 2.8 +/- 1.3 g N/kg DM and 2.0 +/- 0.3 g N/kg DM, respectively.     

Efficacy of itraconazole as a combined continuous/pulse therapy in feline dermatophytosis: preliminary results in nine cases

This study evaluated the efficacy of itraconazole as a combined continuous/pulse therapy for feline dermatophytosis. Nine cats with dermatophytosis caused by Microsporum canis were treated with itraconazole at 10 mg kg(-1) orally once daily for 28 days and then on an alternate week regimen (1 week off, 1 week on) at the same dosage. Cats were re-evaluated by physical examination and fungal culture at days 28, 42, 56 and 70 if necessary. Treatment was stopped when two consecutive negative fungal cultures were obtained. Eight cats were cured after 56 days, with two negative cultures obtained at days 28 and 42. In one case, a positive culture was obtained at day 28, but negative cultures were achieved at days 42 and 56. This protocol appears to be effective in the treatment of feline dermatophytosis, although these preliminary results should be confirmed by a controlled study.     

Treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis infection following repair of an ulnar fracture and humeroradial joint luxation in a horse

A 27-month-old Rocky Mountain Horse was examined because of a fracture of the proximal portion of the ulna and luxation of the humeroradial joint (Monteggia fracture). Open reduction was performed, using a mechanical distractor, and the ulnar fracture was stabilized by application of a bone plate and screws. After surgery, the horse developed an infection of the surgical site, and bacterial culture of fluid from the surgical site yielded a pure growth of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis susceptible to oxytetracycline, erythromycin, rifampin, and vancomycin. Treatment with oxytetracycline did not result in a favorable clinical response. Therefore, the horse was treated systemically with vancomycin and rifampin, and vancomycin-impregnated polymethyl methacrylate beads were implanted at the surgical site. Six months after surgery, the horse was sound at a walk or trot, and bony union was evident on radiographs of the elbow joint.     

Correlation between the clinical course of granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis in dogs and the extent of mast cell infiltration

The data from 20 dogs with histopathologically confirmed granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis were reviewed in an attempt to identify clinical signs and morphological and cellular parameters, particularly the infiltration of mast cells, which might be associated with the clinical course of the disease. Thirteen of the dogs had the acute form of the disease and seven had the chronic form. Young to middle-aged, small breed female dogs were over-represented. Central vestibular signs were observed in six of the dogs with the acute disease. Analyses of cerebrospinal fluid revealed moderate to severe pleocytosis and high protein concentrations in all cases. Histopathological investigations revealed disseminated perivascular cuffs, large confluent granulomata, tissue necrosis, infiltration with neutrophils and a large number of mitotic cells in the dogs with either of the clinical forms of the disease. Tryptase-positive mast cells were observed in all the cases, but there were significantly larger numbers in the dogs with the acute form.     

Use of clomipramine in treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder, separation anxiety and noise phobia in dogs: a preliminary, clinical study

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerance of a treatment protocol for obsessive-compulsive disorder, separation anxiety and noise phobia in dogs. DESIGN: A study was undertaken to assess clinical responses in 24 dogs diagnosed with one or more of three behavioural disorders stated above to a treatment regimen that included clomipramine and behaviour modification. PROCEDURE: A detailed behavioural and clinical history was obtained for each dog. Obsessive-compulsive disorder was diagnosed in nine cases: primary presenting complaints were tail-chasing, shadow-chasing, circling and chewing; one case was diagnosed with concurrent separation anxiety. Separation anxiety was diagnosed in 14 cases: presenting complaints included destruction, vocalisation and escaping in the absence of the owner; four cases also exhibited noise phobia. The study also included one dog diagnosed with noise phobia only and another with inappropriate fear responses. Clomipramine was administered orally twice daily. The starting dose was 1 to 2 mg/kg bodyweight. The dose was increased incrementally to a maximum of 4 mg/kg if needed. A behaviour modification program was designed and the owner instructed on its implementation. Dogs continued medication for at least 1 month after clinical signs disappeared or were acceptably reduced, then withdrawal of medication was attempted by decreasing drug dosage at weekly intervals while behaviour modification continued. RESULTS: The presenting clinical sign was largely improved or disappeared in 16 dogs, 5 demonstrated slight to moderate improvement and the behaviour was unchanged in 3. Clomipramine withdrawal was attempted in nine cases: this was successful in five. CONCLUSION: Clomipramine was effective and well-tolerated in controlling signs of obsessive-compulsive disorder and/or separation anxiety and/or noise phobia in 16 of 24 assessable cases, when used in combination with behaviour modification, and improvement in clinical signs was noted in 5 others.     

Clinical, biochemical, and molecular aspects of Glanzmann's thrombasthenia in humans and dogs

Glanzmann's thrombasthenia (GT) is an inherited, intrinsic platelet function defect that involves the platelet glycoprotein complex IIb-IIIa, also known as the fibrinogen receptor and the integrin alphaIIbbeta3. The defect was originally described by Dr. Glanzmann in humans in 1918 as a bleeding disorder that differed clinically from other known coagulopathies. Over the decades that followed, researchers determined the biochemical and molecular basis for the disease in humans. Otterhounds with thrombasthenic thrombopathia, described in the 1960s, were the only animal model that closely resembled the disease described in humans until 1996. At that time, a Great Pyrenees dog was identified with unequivocal clinical and biochemical features of Type I GT The cDNA encoding for glycoproteins IIb and IIIa were sequenced in normal dogs in 1999, allowing for identification of specific mutations causing Type I GT in both Otterhounds and Great Pyrenees dogs. Knowing the molecular basis for Type I GT in dogs as well as the cDNA sequences in normal dogs should enhance the understanding of structure/function relationships of the alphaIIbbeta3 integrin and provide an excellent animal model for studies aimed at correction of GT in humans. The following review focuses on the structure and function of this platelet receptor and reviews the molecular, biochemical, and clinical aspects of Glanzmann's thrombasthenia in humans and dogs.