The effectiveness of the combined treatment of thrombocytic hemorrhagic diathesis of dogs with prednisolone and blood transfusion in the model of an aspirin-produced thrombocytopathy

The administration of 20 mg/kg of acetylsalicylic acid in 18 clinically healthy dogs resulted in a thrombocytopathy with lengthened capillary bleeding time and irreversible aggregation inhibition. Through the set up of individual dilution series, one could conclude the proportional percentage of aggregation functional transfused thrombocytes. The capillary bleeding time was shortened after the intravenous injection of prednisolone (5 mg/kg) without measurable influence on the thrombocytes. Compared to the singular use of cortisone or blood transfusion alone, the effect on capillary bleeding time became magnified when one combined transfusion and corticosteroids. The fresh blood conserves (12 hours) were, with respect to the haemostyptical properties, superior to blood stored for 5 days. The component of aggregation-functional thrombocytes was, due to the prophylactic cortisone application prior to transfusion, not increased.     

Cross protection studies on Bordetella bronchiseptica in mice using an intracerebral challenge model.

Protective activities of heat-inactivated (60 degrees C for 30 min) merthiolate preserved Bordetella bronchiseptica and B. pertussis bacterins were compared in intraperitoneally immunized mice challenged intracerebrally (i.p./i.c.) or intraperitoneally (i.p./i.p.). In the i.p./i.c. assay (Kendrick test), a B. pertussis bacterin protected mice against challenge with B. pertussis 18-323, as well as against phase I cytotoxic and non-cytotoxic strains of B. bronchiseptica. A B. bronchiseptica bacterin, prepared from a phase I cytotoxic strain, gave protection against two phase I B. bronchiseptica strains, irrespective of their cytotoxin-production. A non-cytotoxic phase I strain of B. bronchiseptica elicited protection against the homologous strain only. Neither cytotoxic nor non-cytotoxic B. bronchiseptica strains protected mice challenged with B. pertussis 18-323. Vaccines prepared from phase III strains of B. bronchiseptica were not protective at all against any of the challenge strains. No such differences in the protective activities of the bacterins could be detected by the i.p./i.p. method. They seem to cross-protect equally well. The results indicate that the Kendrick test may be useful in testing potency of different B. bronchiseptica bacterins.     

Synchronization of estrus in dairy goats given norgestomet and estradiol valerate at various stages of the estrous cycle.

Dairy goats were given subcutaneous implants with 3 mg of norgestomet (NOR) and IM injections of 0.625 mg of estradiol valerate and 0.375 mg of norgestomet on day 0 of the estrous cycle (estrus; NOR 0, n = 18), on postestrus day 4 (NOR 4, n = 18), or on postestrus day 11 (NOR 11, n = 15). Ear implants were removed after 9 days. Mean (+/- SE) hours from removal of ear implants to onset of estrus and proportion of goats responding were 36 +/- 3.8 and 83%, 33 +/- 4.0 and 61%, and 36 +/- 2.7 and 93% for groups NOR 0, NOR 4, and NOR 11, respectively. There were no significant differences between treatment groups in time to onset of estrus. The percentage of goats in group NOR 11 that had signs of estrus was significantly greater than the percentage of goats in group NOR 4. Of the goats in groups NOR 0, NOR 4, and NOR 11 that had signs of estrus, 53, 55, and 86%, respectively, had onset of behavioral estrus between 24 and 48 hours after implant removal. All goats that had signs of estrus had onset of behavioral estrus between 12 and 72 hours after implant removal. Mean (+/- SE) hours from removal of ear implants to time of peak concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) were 49 +/- 4.1, 49 +/- 3.8, and 49 +/- 4.0 for groups NOR 0, NOR 4, NOR 11, respectively (not different). The percentage of goats in group NOR 11 that had LH peaks was significantly greater than the percentage of goats in group NOR 4.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Air-assisted sprayers for application in vine,orchard and similar crops1

Spraying in so-called space cultures (orchards, vineyards) is determined by two main aims which require contrary technical measures for their realization: (1) optimal even distribution of droplet deposition on the target. This generally requires sufficient air assistance of droplet transportation and penetration in order to bridge the distance between the nozzle outlet and the target; (2) the surplus energy which normally exists should be minimized in order to avoid any droplet flow outside the target. Several possibilities exist to approach these requirements: (1) optimal blower design and correct adjustment for each specific purpose; (2) catching and recycling of misdirected droplets by recycling units; (3) sensoring of gaps in the canopy and activation of a nozzle shut-off. The legal requirements of the BBA are given, together with the results of experiments on drift and ground deposition of chemicals from air-assisted sprayers, with special attention to recycling units and sensored sprayers.     

Analysis of Growth and Productivity of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea) in Relation to FYM, Nitrogen and Source of Fertilizer

A field experiment was conducted during the winter seasons of 1992–93 and 1993–94 at Anand to study the effect of FYM, nitrogen and source of fertilizer on growth and yield of mustard [ Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj & Cosson]. The results showed significant variation in leaf area index (LAI), crop growth rate (CGR), dry matter production and seed yield. The direct effect of farmyard manure (FYM) was conspicuous in improving the growth of mustard. FYM application at 10 tonnes ha⁻¹ significantly increased the LAI, CGR and dry matter accumulation per plant at almost all the stages during first year study (1992–93) and in pooled analysis. Similarly, nitrogen application registered maximum LAI, CGR at 75 kg level and RGR and NAR at 50 kg level at almost all the during both years. Sulphur carrying source (Ammonium sulphate plus single super phosphate) increased all stages growth characters. Maximum dry matter accumulation per plant and seed yield were recorded with highest levels of FYM (20 tonnes ha⁻¹), N (75 kg ha⁻¹) and source having S. Seed yield was strongly associated with LAI and dry matter accumulation per plant at all the stages.     

Genetic control of wood colour, density and heartwood ellagitannin concentration in European oak (Quercus petraea and Q. robur)

Pressler cores of young clones of Quercus petraea and Q. roburwere analysed from two sites in Germany. Variation of wood colour(defined by the CIELAB system), density and heartwood ellagitanninswas examined between clones, species and sites. Similar studieswere made of cores from another trial of 20 half-sib familiesof parent trees deriving from five German forests. The resultsfrom both the clonal and progeny trials indicate that heartwoodellagitannin content and wood density are under strong geneticcontrol, while sapwood and heartwood colour are less so. A largeproportion of between-clone variation in wood density and ellagitanninlevels occurred between the two species, while these propertiesvaried little among ramets of the same clone grown on two contrastingsites, despite a difference in growth rates. A large proportionof the total variation among progeny was attributed to forestorigins and could not be attributed clearly to either geneticor environmental causes because of limitations of the samplingdesign     

Hyperplastic canker – a perennial disease of almond caused by Pseudomonas amygdali

The history of hyperplastic canker of almond, caused by Pseudomonas amygdali , its evolution and the present situation in Greece are reviewed. Its main aspects, causal agent, symptomatology, epidemiology and control measures are described. The main characteristics differentiating the pathogen from some other pseudomonads pathogenic to fruit trees are also reported.     

Cholelithiasis in a cat

A 4-year-old cat was examined because of anorexia and lethargy. The cat became icteric within 3 days of admission. Values for aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, and cholesterol were higher than normal. Radiography revealed hepatomegaly, with loss of detail in the cranioventral portion of the abdomen. Further diagnostic procedures were not permitted, and the cat was euthanatized. At necropsy, cholecystitis, cholangitis, and numerous choleliths were found. Cholelithiasis is a rare cause of obstructive jaundice in the cat.     

The determination of creatinine in blood and plasma of small animals using the dry chemical system Reflotron

The reagent carrier Reflotron-Creatinine was tested for its suitability for whole blood and plasma samples of dogs and cats. It showed a very good correlation between the results of Reflotron-Creatinine and the reference method. Using plasma the results of both methods were extremely close. Using whole blood with a hematocrit of up to 50% good results could be achieved. If the hematocrit exceeded 50% large deviations could result.     

Sentinel practice-based survey of the management and health of horses in northern Britain.

Details of the management, feeding, level of activity and routine health care of horses in Scotland and the five northernmost counties in England were recorded through a stratified random sample of horse owners who had responded to a previous survey. Sixty-eight per cent of the horses were kept where their owners resided, and 32 per cent were kept away from the owner's home. More than 99 per cent were turned out to grazing for at least part of the year and 81 per cent were stabled for at least part of the time, most commonly bedded on straw (50 per cent) or shavings (34 per cent). Hay was fed to 87 per cent, sugar beet pulp to 64 per cent and commercially prepared concentrate mixes to 60 per cent of the horses. Hacking was the most popular activity (52 per cent of horses) followed by riding/pony club events (28 per cent) and showing (21 per cent). The majority of the horses were involved in more than one activity. There were an estimated 0.88 veterinary visits per horse per year and 29 per cent of the horses were reported to suffer from at least one permanent or recurrent health disorder. The median annual numbers of administrations of vaccines (influenza and tetanus) and anthelmintics were one and seven respectively per horse, and each horse was shod a median seven times. There were significant differences in the management of horses kept in different types of premises and in areas of different human population density.