Seedling growth and mycorrhizal formation in clearcut and adjacent,undisturbed soils in montana: A green-house bioassay

In a series of greenhouse bioassays, tree seedling growth and root-tip development were compared among soils from two areas that had been clearcut and site prepared 16 years earlier and adjacent, undisturbed forest. Seedlings grown in soil from logged areas were shorter and had fewer root tips than those grown in undisturbed forest soil; however, effects on seedling weights were not consistent among species or experimental series. Fertilizing with nitrogen eliminated size differences due to soil source. In Douglas-fir [Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco], the only species tested in sterilized soils, sterilization of logged soils resulted in increased seedling size and root-tip formation, whereas sterilization of unlogged soils had either no or a negative effect.     

Surgical treatment of osteomyelitis in the metacarpal and metatarsal bones of the horse.

The case histories of four horses with osteomyelitis involving the metacarpal and metatarsal bones are reviewed and the surgical treatments discussed. The horses recovered after curettage of all infected tissue and post operative drainage. The role of antibiotics in treatment is considered and reference is made to the acute treatment of deep wounds to avoid osteomyelitis.     

Initial treatment of colic

This article discusses some of the rationales for the medical management of colic during the initial treatment period. The issue of colic pain control and the masking of clinical signs that may indicate severe gastrointestinal disease is addressed. Therapeutic considerations related to dehydration, metabolic imbalances, hemostatic disorders, antimicrobial therapy, fecal consistency, gastrointestinal decompression, and regulation of intestinal motility are reviewed.     

Synovial fluid from an African spur-thighed tortoise (Geochelone sulcata)

A 4.5-year old, male African spur-thighed tortoise (Geochelone sulcata) was presented to the University of Florida Veterinary Teaching Hospital with a 2-week history of lethargy, anorexia, constipation, dyspnea, and coughing up fluid or vomiting. Laboratory results included an inflammatory leukogram and a marked increase in plasma uric acid concentration. Synovial fluid from multiple joints was thick, chalky white, and opaque, with a grainy consistency. Microscopically, the fluid contained numerous brown, needle-like crystals consistent with urates (gout). Gross necropsy findings and histopathology confirmed a diagnosis of systemic gout, with urate deposition, gout tophi, and underlying necrosis in multiple organs, including kidneys, lung, and liver. Dehydration with concurrent renal insufficiency may have impaired urate excretion and led to a build-up of urates in the blood and tissues of this tortoise. A high protein diet also may have contributed to the development of gout. Cytologic evaluation of synovial fluid can be used as a quick and definitive tool to diagnose gout in tortoises.     

The effects of sprouting times on nutritive value of two varieties of african yam bean (sphenostylis stenocarpa)

Forty-eight rats (80–125 g) were used to determine the nutritive value of two sprouted varieties of African yam bean. The cream and brown varieties were each sprouted for 36, 48 and 72 h and blended with corn in a 70:30 ratio (protein basis) to provide 1.6 g N/100 g diet for the entire study period. Sprouting for 48 h caused an increase in most of the parameters tested for both varieties. Sprouting increased natural enhancement of nutrients.