Evaluation of PCR,IEF and ELISA techniques for the detection and identification of potato cyst nematodes from field soil samples in England and Wales

Effective management of potato cyst nematodes (PCNs) requires simple, rapid and accurate identification and quantification of field populations. Soil samples from a survey of 484 fields in potato rotations in England and Wales were used to compare the identification and quantification of PCNs using IEF, PCR, ELISA and bait plant tests. The cyst counts and bait plant test revealed that 64.3% of field samples contained PCNs. Bait plant tests increased the detection rate of PCNs in field samples by 4–6.4%. This means that some infestations are cryptic and would not normally be detected by standard counts. IEF, PCR and ELISA methods distinguished between Globodera rostochiensis and G pallida and were able to register mixed populations; however they were not in full agreement. All methods suggested that G pallida is the dominant species in the field samples tested. The PCR results indicated that 66% of field samples contained pure G pallida, 8% contained pure G rostochiensis and 26% contained mixtures of the two species. Estimates of the relative process times taken per sample in the PCR, IEF and ELISA techniques are given. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry     

Metal chelate molluscicides: The redistribution of iron diazaalkanolates from the gut lumen of the slug,Deroceras reticulatum (Müller) (Pulmonata: Limacidae)

Two related iron chelates, one toxic to slugs by ingestion, the other not, were introduced into the foregut of D. reticulatum. The subsequent movement and redistribution of the metal within the slug tissues was studied by labelling the chelates with the radioactive isotope ⁵⁵Fe. In slugs which survived treatment approximately half of the ⁵⁵Fe was voided in faeces. The iron retained became unevenly distributed, the highest concentration occurring in the digestive gland, irrespective of the chelate used. At high doses, slugs treated with tris(1-oxo-1,2-diazabutan-2-oxido)Fe(III) were fatally poisoned while those treated with the homologue, tris(1-oxo-1,2-diazaoctan-2-oxido)Fe(III) were not. Slugs killed by the toxic chelate consistently contained proportionally less iron in the digestive gland and proportionally more in the body wall and reproductive system. Dosing slugs already killed by carbon dioxide asphyxiation gave a similar pattern, suggesting that the greater mobility of the iron from the toxic chelate was not a function of the slugs' metabolism.     

Treatment of equine glaucoma by transscleral neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet laser cyclophotocoagulation: a retrospective study of 23 eyes of 16 horses

Contact neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCP) was performed on 23 eyes of 16 horses for treatment of glaucoma. The mean highest preoperative IOP was 51 ± 17 mmHg. Follow-up evaluation was available for 19 eyes 1 day after surgery, 14 eyes from 1 to 2 weeks, 16 eyes from 4 to 6 weeks, 9 eyes from 12 to 16 weeks, and 10 eyes greater than 20 weeks after laser treatment. The mean intraocular pressure (IOP) the day following surgery was 34 ± 13 mmHg. The mean IOP for each follow-up period was: one to two weeks postoperative, 23 ± 9 mmHg; four to six weeks, 24 ± 7 mmHg; 12–16 weeks, 28 ± 10 mmHg; and  20 weeks, 22 ± 9 mmHg. IOP measurements were significantly different from pretreatment values for all follow-up intervals except for weeks 12–16 ( P < 0.05). Treatment success was defined as maintenance of IOP < 30 mmHg. Treatment success was achieved in 93%, 88%, 78%, and 70% of the treated eyes at the 1–2 weeks, 4–6 weeks, 12–16 weeks, and the  20 weeks re-evaluation, respectively. No significant difference was found between the number of eyes visual at presentation (52.2%) and visual at 20 weeks (60%). The most common laser complications were conjunctival hyperemia (21.7%) and corneal ulcers (13.0%). Results of this study indicate that Nd:YAG TSCP is an effective method of controlling IOP and preserving vision in horses with glaucoma. An effective Nd:YAG laser protocol for TSCP in the equine glaucomatous eye is a power setting of 11 W, duration of 0.4 s, applied 5 mm posterior to the limbus at 60 sites, resulting in a total energy dose of 264 J.     

Analysis of feline,canine and equine hemograms using the QBC VetAutoread

Blood samples form 120 consecutive clinical cases (40 cats, 40 dogs and 40 horses) were analyzed on the QBC VetAutoread analyzer and the results compared with those obtained by a Baker 9000 electronic resistance cell counter and a 100-cell manual differential leukocyte (WBC) count. Packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and platelet, total WBC, granulocytes, and lymphocyte plus monocyte (L+M) counts were determined. Indistinct separation of red blood cell and granulocytes layers on the QBC VetAutoread was observed in samples from five cats (12.5%), two dogs (5%), and one horse. Significantly different (P=0.002) median values for the two methods were obtained for PCV, Hb concentration, MCHC and platelet count in cats; PCV, MCHC, WBC, count and granulocytes count in dogs; and PCV, Hb concentration, MCHC and WBC, granulocytes and platelet counts in horses. Results from the QBC VetAutoread should not be interpreted using reference ranges established using other equipment. Results were abnormal on a limited number of samples; however, when correlation coefficients were low, marked discrepancy existed between values within as well as outside of reference ranges. Spearman rank correlation coefficients were excellent (r=0.93) for PCV and Hb concentration in dogs, and Hb concentration and WBC count in horses. Correlation was good (r=0.80-0.92) for PCV and Hb concentration in cats, WBC count in dogs, and PCV, granulocytes count and platelet count in horses. For remaining parameters, correlation was fair to poor (r=0.79). Acceptable correlations (r>0.80) were achieved between the two test systems for all equine values except MCHC and L+M count, but only for PCV and HB concentration in feline and canine blood samples.     

EXCRETORY UROGRAPHY BY INTRAOSSEOUS INJECTION OF CONTRAST MEDIA IN A RABBIT MODEL

There are many indications for an intravenous excretory urogram. However, where intravenous access is not available, the intraosseous route to the circulation may be an alternative. We found that safe and diagnostic excretory urograms could be obtained in rabbits following the injection of different contrast media via the intraosseous route. In fact, these excretory urograms were indistinguishable from ones obtained by the conventional intravenous route. While the rabbits did not develop any abnormal clinical signs following the procedure, there were postmortem histologic lesions of osteochondrosis in 5 of 22 (22.7%) tibias receiving an intraosseous needle, but in none of the 14 tibias that did not receive an intraosseous needle. Further, the use of diatrizoate was associated with the development of osteochondrosis while the use of iopamidol was not.     

Infertility in goats related to testicular atrophy

Summary Testicular atrophy in the goat is described as a principal factor in goat infertility. The clinical features of the condition are apparent in reduced testicular size and altered testicular shape. The semen picture is markedly affected: there are reduced numbers of sperms and an associated high incidence of abnormal sperm forms.

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Sumario Se describe a la atrofia testicular en cabras como un factor principal en la infertilidad de los caprinos. Las características clínicas de la condición son aparentes por el tama?o testicular reducido y por la alteración de la forma testicular. El cuadro del semen esta marcadamente afectado, habiendo un número reducido de espermatozoides, con una alta incidencia de formas de espermatozoides anormales.

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Résumé L'atrophie testiculaire est, chez le bouc, la cause majeure de son infertilité. Cliniquement elle se traduit par la diminution sensible du volume des testicules et l'altération de leur forme. L'image du sperme est caractérisée par la pauvreté en spermatozoides avec un nombre élevé de formes anormales.

     

Flash electroretinography in standing horses using the DTL microfiber electrode

Purpose The goal of our study was the evaluation of a practical method for the recording of flash electroretinograms (ERGs) in sedated, standing horses with the DTL? microfiber electrode. Methods The horses were sedated intravenously with detomidine hydrochloride (0.015 mg/kg). The pupil was dilated and the auriculopalpebral nerve was blocked. The ERGs were recorded with the active electrode on the cornea (DTL?), the reference electrode near the lateral canthus, and the ground electrode over the occipital bone. The light intensities of the white strobe light were 0.03 cd·s/m² (scotopic) and 3 cd·s/m² (scotopic and photopic). Photopic and scotopic single flash and flicker responses to Ganzfeld stimulation were recorded. During the 20‐min dark adaptation period the retina was stimulated every 5 min with the 0.03 cd·s/m² single flash. Results The median b‐wave amplitudes and implicit times were 38 µV and 33 ms (photopic cone‐dominated response), 43 µV and 63 ms (5‐min dark adaptation), 72 µV and 89 ms (10 min), 147 µV and 103 ms (15 min), 188 µV and 109 ms (20 min, 0.03 cd·s/m², rod response), and 186 µV and 77 ms (20 min, 3 cd·s/m², maximal combined rod‐cone response). A steady increase in amplitude and implicit time was noted during dark adaptation. No oscillatory potentials could be isolated. Conclusions The use of detomidine hydrochloride sedation and the DTL? microfiber electrode allowed the recording of good quality ERGs. This protocol should permit the detection of functional problems in the retina without the risk involved with general anesthesia.     

Evaluation of an ear cleanser for the treatment of infectious otitis externa in dogs

Thirty-one ears (16 dogs) with otitis externa originating from bacterial or yeast infections were enrolled in a study to evaluate the in vivo efficacy of an ear cleanser containing 2.5% lactic acid and 0.1% salicylic acid for the treatment of infectious otitis externa. The affected ears were treated with the ear cleanser twice daily for 2 weeks and evaluated after 1 and 2 weeks of treatment. The ear cleanser was effective in resolution of infection in 67.7% of the ears, and clinical signs of infectious otitis externa were significantly reduced within 2 weeks.