Dynamics of changes in the cytological picture of vaginal smears and circulating ovarian hormones during the puerperal period in ewes]

A postparturient period is characterized by low basal secretion of adenohypophysis gonadotropins with the following appropriate changes in ovarian hormones and their response to the morphology of vaginal epithelium. In this study the dynamics of the cytological picture of vaginal swabs and ovarian hormones 17 beta-oestradiol (E2) and progesterone was investigated in the puerpery of ewes. The objective was to obtain and extend the knowledge of cytological changes in vaginal epithelium and levels of ovarian hormones of ewes after parturition and of their relationships from the first several days after lambing until the 51st day of the period of observation. Vaginal swabs for vaginal cytology were taken from nine ewes on days 1, 4, 7, 14, 17, 21, 25, 34, 42 and 51 after parturition. These swabs were fixed in ether-alcohol 1:1, stained according to the Faltínová-Zidovsky method, embedded in Canada balsam and evaluated by differentiation of cells according to Luksh (1953). Blood samples for E2 and P4 determinations were taken from the jugular vein in the same intervals as vaginal swabs. The serum was centrifuged and stored at -18 degrees C until use. E2 and P4 concentrations were determined radioimmunologically, using kits RIA-test ESTRA and RIA-test PROG from URVJT Kosice. A statistically significant decline (P < 0.05) of percentual representation of basal and parabasal cells (Fig. 1, Tab. I) on day 7 after lambing was replaced by their multiplication from day 14 reaching the values of 66.07 +/- 3.95 on day 42. A statistically significant decrease in intermediary flat cells (Fig. 2, Tab. II) was observed on days 14 (P < 0.001), 34 and 42 (P < 0.01; P < 0.001), in comparison with the first day after lambing. An evaluation of intermediary convoluted cells revealed their highest percentage on days 1 and 17 after parturition (34.65 +/- 4.77-20.62 +/- 12.57) and their decline to values in the range of 6.77 +/- 1.46-7.66 +/- 2.25 on the remaining days of the period of observation. Percent occurrence of superficial flat cells (Fig. 3, Tab. I) ranged from 3.9 +/- 1.10 to 10.63 +/- 7.23 from day 1 to day 51 after lambing. The lowest percentual representation (1.32 +/- 0.79-4.10 +/- 1.89) was recorded for superficial convoluted cells. Multiplication of the evaluated cells was observed, reaching the highest but insignificant representation (P > 0.05) on day 25 of postparturient investigation: 4.10 +/- 1.89 (Fig. 3, Tab. I). 17 beta-oestradiol (E2) concentrations were compared to the -1st day before parturition, when its values varied at the level of 2.45 +/- 0.64 nmol/l serum.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

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.     

Effects of feather wear and temperature on prediction of food intake and residual food consumption

Heat production, which accounts for 0.6 of gross energy intake, is insufficiently represented in predictions of food intake. Especially when heat production is elevated (for example by lower temperature or poor feathering) the classical predictions based on body weight, body-weight change and egg mass are inadequate. Heat production was reliably estimated as [35.5-environmental temperature (degree C)] x [Defeathering (=%IBPW) + 21]. Including this term (PHP: predicted heat production) in equations predicting food intake significantly increased accuracy of prediction, especially under suboptimal conditions. Within the range of body weights tested (from 1.6 kg in brown layers to 2.8 kg in dwarf broiler breeders), body weight as an independent variable contributed little to the prediction of food intake; especially within strains its effect was better included in the intercept. Significantly reduced absolute values of residual food consumption were obtained over a wide range of conditions by using predictions of food intake based on body-weight change, egg mass, predicted heat production (PHP) and an intercept, instead of body weight, body-weight change, egg mass and an intercept.     

Type-I hypersensitivity as a component of eosinophilic myositis (muscular sarcocystosis) in cattle

Eight bovine hearts with lesions of eosinophilic myositis (EM) and 2 bovine hearts without EM lesions were collected at slaughter. Blood samples from these 10 hearts, and the heart of a newborn calf also were collected. Histologically, Sarcocystis cruzi was identified in the 8 hearts with EM lesions and the 2 hearts without EM lesions, but not in the heart of the newborn calf. Serum was harvested from the 10 blood samples and was used in homologous, modified, passive cutaneous anaphylaxis tests. Antigen was prepared from S cruzi bradyzoites isolated from the 2 hearts without EM lesions. Serum samples from the 8 cattle with EM lesions reacted positively to S cruzi antigen. When heat-inactivated IgE in serum (56 C for 4 hours) was used, all passive cutaneous anaphylaxis responses were considered negative. Using ELISA, serum IgE concentrations from the 10 cattle with and without EM lesions were 2.2 to 9 U/ml. As determined by radial immunodiffusion, IgM concentrations were 80 to 215 mg/dl. Immunoglobulin G concentrations were 420 to 2,050 mg/dl, but most were less than or equal to 1,700 mg/dl. Immunoglobulin A concentrations were 0 to 62 mg/dl; 1 steer with EM lesions had 0 mg/dl. Double-gel immunodiffusion confirmed the presence of Sarcocystis-specific precipitating antibodies. Sera from the 10 cattle with and without EM lesions formed at least 1 precipitin band.     

The diagnostic significance of different blood parameters and liver biopsy in chronic copper poisoning of sheep

In a flock of sheep to which food with excess copper (= Cu) had been fed for some months 39 animals died of chronic copper toxicosis. In 5 sheep of this flock the plasma concentrations of the enzymes glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH), sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH), aspartate-amino-transferase (ASAT) and copper were measured several times over a period of 100 days. At day 23, 58 and 97 needle biopsies of the liver were taken. The biopsies were used for histological examination and Cu-analysis. After 100 days the sheep were slaughtered and chronic copper poisoning was diagnosed by raised Cu concentration and typical histological alterations in the liver. The activities of GLDH and SDH in the plasma of the 5 sheep were consistently above normal, ASAT activity and the plasma Cu level were raised only occasionally. The results of Cu determination in biopsy samples were of little predictive value compared with post mortem Cu analysis of the liver.     

Differentiation and transplantation antigens on the surface of mononuclear cells of cattle, horses and dogs

The determination of differentiation and transplantation antigens will be of growing importance in immune diagnosis for individual animals as well as for breeding purposes in populations. Differentiation antigens characterize subsets of cell populations and indicate their functional capacity while transplantation antigens represent markers of individuals of a species. Occurrence and significance of these antigenic systems are briefly reviewed.     

Respiratory applications for the future: one perspective.

Respiratory diagnostic instruments previously available only to referral centers should be converted into miniature, portable, wireless medical devices for use in practice. Internet and wireless connections of these instruments should expedite the process of seeking second opinions and in general information sharing. We are moving into a world of greater objectivity that should free us from speculation in some areas, yet open new avenues for research and innovation in others.     

A Blinded Comparison of the Efficacy of Daily and Twice Daily Trimethoprim-Sulfadiazine and Daily Sulfadimethoxine-Ormetoprim Therapy in the Treatment of Canine Pyoderma

Abstract— In a blinded trial to determine the efficacy of potentiated sulfa drugs in the treatment of canine pyoderma, 50 dogs with superficial pyoderma were randomly assigned to receive either once or twice daily trimethoprim-sulfadiazine (30mg.kg^-1) or once daily sulfadimethoxine-ormetoprim (55mg.kg^-1 on the first day, then 27.5 mg.kg^-1 thereafter). Dogs were evaluated prior to antibiotic therapy. Clinical efficacy of the antibiotic was assessed after 3 weeks of antibiotic therapy and, if needed, after 6 weeks of antibiotic therapy. Forty-five dogs completed the study; 43 dogs were used in the statistical analysis. The percentage of dogs that were cured of their pyoderma with once daily trimethoprim-sulfadiazine was 38.5% by 3 weeks and 75.9% by 6 weeks. With twice daily trimethoprim-sulfadiazine, 57.1 and 78.6% of dogs were cured by 3 and 6 weeks, respectively. With once daily sulfadimethoxine-ormetoprim, 75.0 and 100% of dogs were cured by 3 and 6 weeks, respectively. This difference was not statistically significant, possibly due to the low sample size. Few adverse effects were noted. Résumé— Dans une étude en double aveugle pour apprécier l'efficacité des sulfamides potentialisés dans le traitement des pyodermites canines, cinquante chiens présentant une pyodermite superficielle ont reçu, au hasard, soit deux fois ou une fois par jour du triméthoprime-sulfadiazine (30 mg.kg^-1) ou une fois par jour du sulfadiméthoxine-ormétoprime (55mg.kg^-1 le premier jour, puis 27.5 mg.kg^-1). Les chiens ont étéévalués avant le traitement. L'efficacité clinique de l'antibiotique a été appréciée après 3 semaines de traitement et, si besion est, après 6 semaines. Le pourcentage de chiens guéris avec une prise quotidienne de triméthoprime-sulfadiazine était de 33.5%à 3 semaines et 75.9%à 6 semaines. Avec des prises biquotidiennes de triméthoprime-sulfadiazine 57.1% et 78.6% des chiens étaint guéris à 3 et 6 semaines. Avec une prise quotidienne de sulfadiméthoxine-ormétoprime, 75.0% et 100.0% des chiens étaient guéris à 3 et 6 semaines. Cette différence n'était pais statistiquement significative, probablement à cause de la taille trop faible de l'échantilon. Très peu d'effects secondaires ont été notés. Zusammenfassung— Für eine Blindstudie zur Bestimmung der Wirksamkeit von potenzierten Sulfonamidpräparaten bei der Behandlung kaniner Pyrodermie wurden 50 Hunde mit oberflächlicher Pyodermie zufällig ausgewählt, um entweder einmal oder zweimal täglich Trimethoprim-Sulfadiazin (30mg/kg) oder einmal täglich Sulfadimethoxin-Ormetoprim zu erhalten (55 mg/kg am ersten Tag, danach 27,5 mg/kg). Die Hunde wurden vor der antibotischen Therapie untersucht. Die klinische Wirksamkeit der Antibiose wurde nach 3 Wochen antibiotischer Therapie und, wenn nötig, nach 6 Wochen antibiotischer Therapie ausgewertet. 45 Hunde durchliefen die Studie vollständig; 43 Hunde fanden in die statistische Analyse Eingang. Der Prozentsatz der Hunde, deren Pyrodermie durch einmal tägliches Trimethoprim-Sulfadiazin geheilt wurde, lag bei 38,5% nach 3 Wochen und bei 75,9% nach 6 Wochen. Bei zweimaliger Trimethoprim-Sulfadiazin-Verabreichung wurden 57,1% und 78,6% der Hunde nach 3 bzw. 6 Wochen geheilt. Mit einer einmal täglichen Verabreichung von. Sulfadimethoxin-Ormetoprim wurden 75,0% und 100% der Hunde nach 3 bzw. 6 Wochen geheilt. Dieser Unterschied war statistisch nicht signifikant, möglicherweise aufgrund der geringen Fallzahlen. Es wurden nur wenige Nebenwirkungen festgestellt. Resumen A cincuenta perros que presentaban pioderma superficial se les evaluó para la eficacia de antibioticos potenciados de tipo sulfamídico en el tratamiento del pioderma canino, por medio de la administración de una a dos veces diarias de trimetoprim-sulfadiazina (30 mg/kg), o sulfadimetoxinaormetoprim una vez al día (55 mg/kg en al primer día, y 27.5 mg/kg después de la primera dosis). Los animales se examinaron antes del tratamiento con antibióticos. La eficacia clínica del tratamiento se evaluó a las tres o seis semanas en los casos necesarios. Cuarenta y cinco de los perros completaron el estudio; 43 se utilizaron en analisis estadísticos. El porcentaje de perros curados con el tratamiento diario a base de trimetoprim-sulfadiazina fué del 38.5% a las 3 semanas, y 75.9% a las 6 semanas. De los animales tratados dos veces al día con trimetoprim-sulfadiazina, el porcentaje de cura fue del 57.1% y 78.6%, a las 3 y 6 semanas respectivamente. Con el tratamiento a base de sulfadimetoxina-ormetoprim una vez al día, 75.0% y 100% de los perros fueron curados a las tres y seis semanas. La diferencia no se encontró estadísticamente significativa, posiblemente debido al reducido número de perros evaluados. Se observaron posas reacciones adversas a la medicación.