Chronically starved horses: predicting survival, economic, and ethical considerations

Nine of 45 horses subjected to prolonged malnutrition died subsequent to being placed with a responsible caregiver and being provided an appropriate diet. Initial extreme poor body condition score tended to be associated with death, although individual response to refeeding varied. The financial costs of stabilizing the group of horses significantly exceeded their free market price. Responsible management of chronically starved commercial animals should include options for immediate euthanasia.     

Subtotal pericardectomy and epicardial excision for treatment of coccidioidomycosis-induced effusive-constrictive pericarditis in dogs: 17 cases (1999-2003)

OBJECTIVE: To determine the history, clinicopathologic findings, and results of surgery for effusive-constrictive pericarditis associated with Coccidioides immitis infection in dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 17 client-owned dogs that underwent a subtotal pericardectomy and epicardial excision. PROCEDURE: Hospital records from May 1999 to June 2003 were reviewed. Data collected included history, clinicopathologic findings, treatments, and outcome. Follow-up information was obtained via recheck examination and by use of standardized telephone interviews with referring veterinarians and owners. RESULTS: All dogs were of large breeds, and most were male (mean age, 4.66 years). Ten dogs had no prior history of C. immitis infection, and 7 dogs had chronic infection with C. immitis. Having a chronic C. immitis infection reduced the odds of survival, compared with no previous infection. All dogs had clinical signs of right-sided heart failure. All dogs had serum titers (range, 1:8 to 1:256) for antibodies against C. immitis prior to surgery, and titers were not significantly associated with outcome. Predominant echocardiographic findings were thickened pericardium, reduced right ventricular filling, and pleural or pericardial effusion. All dogs underwent a subtotal pericardectomy and epicardial excision and had fibrosing pyogranulomatous pericarditis in biopsy specimens obtained during surgery. The perioperative mortality rate was 23.5%, and the 2-year postdischarge survival rate was 82%. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Surgical treatment via subtotal pericardectomy and epicardial excision is successful at relieving right-sided heart failure in dogs with effusive-constrictive pericarditis secondary to C. immitis infection, but long-term treatment with antifungal agents may still be required.     

Effects of oral administration of levothyroxine sodium on concentrations of plasma lipids, concentration and composition of very-low-density lipoproteins, and glucose dynamics in healthy adult mares

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate glucose and lipid metabolism in healthy adult horses administered levothyroxine sodium (L-T4). ANIMALS: 12 healthy adult mares. PROCEDURE: 8 horses received an incrementally increasing dosage of L-T4 (24, 48, 72, or 96 mg of L-T4/d) for weeks 1 to 8. Each dose was provide between 7 AM and 8 AM in the morning grain meal for 2 weeks. Four additional horses remained untreated. Serum concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) were measured and composition of VLDL examined in samples obtained between 8 AM and 9 AM at weeks 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8. Glucose dynamics were assessed by use of a combined IV glucose-insulin tolerance test (IVGITT) conducted before and at the end of the 8-week treatment period. Data for each combined IVGITT were interpreted by use of the minimal model. RESULTS: Plasma TG, TC, and VLDL concentrations significantly decreased over time in treated horses. At the completion of the 8-week treatment period, mean plasma VLDL concentration was 46% of the mean value for week 0 in treated horses. Insulin sensitivity significantly increased (> 2-fold) in treated horses, but glucose effectiveness and net insulin response were not affected. Levothyroxine sodium significantly increased the rate of insulin disposal. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Administration of L-T4 decreases blood lipid concentrations, improves insulin sensitivity, and increases insulin disposal in horses. Levothyroxine sodium may have potential as a treatment for horses with reduced insulin sensitivity.     

Electrogoniometric analysis of equine metacarpophalangeal joint lameness

Electrogoniometry was used qualitively and quantitatively to assess the movements of the normal and pathologic metacarpophalangeal joints of selected horses. A total of 4 Thoroughbreds, 1 normal and 3 with clinical and radiographic changes in the metacarpophalangeal joints of 1 limb, were evaluated at the walk and trot. Goniograms of the affected joints were compared with those of the normal horse and the normal contralateral metacarpophangeal joint. Qualitative asymmetry was recognized on the goniograms, and the ranges of motion were quantified and related to the clinical and radiologic observations.     

The mode of action of chlorsulfuron: The lack of direct inhibition of plant DNA synthesis

Chlorsulfuron (2-chloro-N-[(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)aminocarbonyl]benzene-sulfonamide), the active ingredient in DuPont Glean Weed Killer, has been proposed to act by inhibiting plant cell division. In order to further define the mode of action of this new herbicide, studies were made of the effects of chlorsulfuron on processes associated with plant DNA synthesis. No inhibitory effects were observed on DNA synthesis in isolated plant nuclei, and the enzymes DNA polymerase and thymidine kinase. Nucleoside precursors of DNA were not effective in lessening chlorsulfuron inhibition of thymidine incorporation into DNA of corn root tips. These results indicate that chlorsulfuron does not inhibit plant cell division by a direct inhibition of DNA synthesis.     

Fuel-powered artificial muscles

Artificial muscles and electric motors found in autonomous robots and prosthetic limbs are typically battery-powered, which severely restricts the duration of their performance and can necessitate long inactivity during battery recharge. To help solve these problems, we demonstrated two types of artificial muscles that convert the chemical energy of high-energy-density fuels to mechanical energy. The first type stores electrical charge and uses changes in stored charge for mechanical actuation. In contrast with electrically powered electrochemical muscles, only half of the actuator cycle is electrochemical. The second type of fuel-powered muscle provides a demonstrated actuator stroke and power density comparable to those of natural skeletal muscle and generated stresses that are over a hundred times higher.