Age-related changes in carbohydrate tolerance in healthy neonatal calves

Calves at 3 to 4 days of age had higher plasma glucose concentrations during glucose and lactose tolerance tests (orally administered glucose and lactose) than when the calves were 8 to 9 days old. These observations may be accounted for by decreased insulin secretion and/or insulin sensitivity of the target tissues. Lower hepatic glucokinase activity in neonates also may allow increased passage of splanchnic glucose to the system circulation.     

Isolation of Salmonella houtenae from a cockateel

Salmonella houtenae (43:Z4,Z23:-), a biochemically aberrant serotype, was isolated from the liver and air sac of a male cockateel. This serotype is a member of Salmonella subgenus IV, which is dulcitol-negative, salicin-positive, and KCN-positive. To our knowledge, this is the first report of isolation of this serotype from an avian species.     

Accuracy of heart rate obtained by auscultation in atrial fibrillation

The accuracy of heart rate estimation by cardiac auscultation over a 15-second period, and the influence of clinical experience on accuracy were evaluated in a dog with chronic atrial fibrillation by test subjects of varying experience. Only 30% of all test subjects provided accurate heart rate estimates. Board-certified specialists, medicine residents, and experienced nurses were significantly more accurate in their estimates than surgery residents and students. Accurate estimates were provided by 12.5% of surgery residents and students, as opposed to 64% of the other test subjects. Auscultatory estimates of heart rate in atrial fibrillation may be significantly inaccurate, and under some circumstances they may not provide a sound basis for making clinical decisions.