Daytime management of the mare: 1: Pre-foaling mammary secretions testing

Fifty-six mares of lighthorse breeding were utilized in a controlled management scheme for induced daytime foaling. All mares had pre-foaling mammary secretions sampled for evaluation of water hardness (ppm) or calcium carbonate content (ppm). Sampling began 10 days prior to expected foaling date for each mare and was performed once daily for 3 days followed by twice daily until foaling occurred. Samples were diluted 1:6 in distilled water and tested by each of 3 methods: Sofchek™ Test Strips⁴, Predict-A-Foal™ Test Kit⁵ and Titrets™ Calcium Hardness Test Kit⁶. Mares were then either induced (i) to foal (no.= 33) according to a decision point of readiness for birth as indicated by pre-foaling mammary secretion testing (≥250 ppm water hardness by Sofchek™ test, ≥ 250 ppm calcium carbonate content by Titrets test, ≥ 4 color bar changes by Predict-A-Foal test), or allowed to foal spontaneously (s) (no.=23). There were no differences (p>0.05) in the mean pre-foaling mammary secretion test values (μ_i=293ppm, μ_s=329ppm; μ_i=4.1, μ_s=4.2; and μ_i=281ppm, μ_s=298ppm; for Sofchek, Predict-A-Foal and Titrets, respectively) between mare groups at the time of foaling (time=0) for any of the 3 testing methods employed. Mean intervals to foaling after reaching decision points of readiness for birth were different (p<0.05) between Sofchek and Titrets test for both mare groups, but only in the induced-to-foal group between Sofchek and Predict-A-Foal tests. Probabilities of 79%, 53% and 59% were calculated for mares foaling spontaneously within 24 hours of reaching the decision points used in this trial of readiness for birth on the initial occasion for Sofchek, Predict-A-Foal and Titrets™ tests, respectively. Each test was determined to have the ability to predict readiness of approaching parturition and found to be easily applicable to field use. The Titrets test was found to be least variable in its response to measurement of pre-foaling mammary secretion hardness changes both within and between mares.     

Evaluation of prognostic factors, survival rates, and treatment protocols for immune-mediated hemolytic anemia in dogs: 151 cases (1993-2002)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate prognostic factors, survival, and treatment protocols for immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) in dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 151 dogs with IMHA not associated with underlying infectious or neoplastic disease. PROCEDURE: lnformation recorded from review of medical records included signalment at the time of initial evaluation; vaccination history; 30-, 60-, and 365-day follow-up outcomes; laboratory data; results of imaging studies; and necropsy findings. Dogs were grouped according to the presence of spherocytes, autoagglutination, a regenerative erythrocyte response, and treatments received (azathioprine, azathioprine plus ultralow-dose aspirin, azathioprine plus mixed-molecular-weight heparin [mHEP], or azathioprine plus ultralow-dose aspirin plus mHEP) for comparisons. All dogs received glucocorticoids. RESULTS: Cocker Spaniels, Miniature Schnauzers, neutered dogs, and female dogs were overrepresented. Alterations in certain clinicopathologic variables were associated with increased mortality rate. Rates of survival following treatment with azathioprine, azathioprine plus ultralow-dose aspirin, azathioprine plus mHEP, and azathioprine plus ultralow-dose aspirin plus mHEP were 74%, 88%, 23%, and 70%, respectively, at hospital discharge; 57%, 82%, 17%, and 67%, respectively, at 30 days; and 45%, 69%, 17%, and 64%, respectively, at 1 year. In comparison, mean survival rates at discharge and at 30 days and 1 year after evaluation collated from 7 published reviews of canine IMHA were 57%, 58%, and 34%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Treatment with a combination of glucocorticoids, azathioprine, and ultralow-dose aspirin significantly improved short- and long-term survival in dogs with IMHA.     

Mitochondrial damage as an early event of monensin-induced cell injury in cultured fibroblasts L929

The present study was designed to identify, submicroscopically, the primary organelle or target structure for monensin in cultured murine fibroblasts L929. In addition, the effect of the drug on cell size and surface membranes of the cells were analysed; cellular proliferation, collagen secretion, and necrosis and apoptosis were re-evaluated. At the lowest concentration of monensin the foremost ultrastructural alteration occurred in the mitochondria, characterized by increased matrix density with disorganized and less distinct crystae. Incubation with monensin at higher concentrations resulted in severe mitochondrial damage and marked dilatation of the Golgi apparatus and rough endoplasmic reticulum cisternae. Fibroblasts exposed to higher concentrations of monensin were enlarged with decreased number of filopodia and hollows in the surface membrane. Moreover, monensin inhibited the cell proliferation, increased immunohistochemical positiveness for collagen type I in a dose-dependent manner, and, at high concentrations, caused cell necrosis whereas apoptosis was not induced. Taken together, these results show that monensin induces early mitochondrial damage, possibly causing an energy deficit that led to inhibition of fibroblasts proliferation and accumulation of collagen causing dilatation of Golgi apparatus and rough endoplasmic reticulum. Moreover, the mitochondrial damage would also explain the monensin-induced necrosis.     

Effect of organic acids and mannanoligosaccharide on excretion of Salmonella typhimurium in experimentally infected growing pigs

The effect of organic acids and mannanoligosaccharide addition to the diet was assessed in pigs orally inoculated with Salmonella typhimurium. Forty-six growers were distributed among four treatments: Basal Diet (BD); BD+encapsulated organic acids; BD+free organic acids; BD+mannanoligosaccharide. Seroconversion was monitored, and feces and tissue samples were tested for Salmonella isolation. No treatment prevented the carrier state, but a tendency of lower fecal excretion was observed in the group treated with mannanoligosaccharide.     

Pop hole use by hens with different keel fracture status monitored throughout the laying period

The aim of this work was to study the effect of keel fractures on the extent to which free-range hens access the range through pop holes. Over two consecutive laying periods (two production years) a total of 1100 individual birds from one half of a house, divided into four separated flocks, were caught at 25, 35, 45, 55 and 65 weeks, palpated to assess the prevalence and severity of keel fractures and tagged with RFID transponders. Their use of pop holes was subsequently monitored in some cases from week 25 to end of lay at 68 to 70 weeks. At regular intervals (every 10 weeks), the tagged birds were re-caught to assess changes in keel fracture prevalence and severity. The average percentage of birds with fractured keels at 25, 35, 45, 55, 65 and at end of lay (68 to 70 weeks of age) was 5.5, 25.5, 49, 63, 66.5 and 78.5, respectively, across both production years. The effect of keel score on pop hole use was modelled statistically, adjusting for weather conditions and age of the birds. There were significant effects of most of the weather variables recorded, as well as age of the bird, on use of pop holes and also a significant effect of keel score. Higher keel scores resulted in a reduction in pop hole use. A significant statistical interaction between keel score and ambient temperature revealed an accelerated reduction in use as the temperature decreased and keel score increased. It is concluded that the occurrence of keel fractures may affect the birds' ability or willingness to utilise the outdoor range provided by free-range housing systems, thereby reducing the potential welfare advantages of this type of housing.     

Characterization of an avianpox virus isolated from an Andean condor (Vultur gryphus)

A novel pox virus, condorpox virus (CPV) isolated from the spleen of an Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) by inoculation of chorioallantoic membranes (CAM) of specific pathogen free (SPF) chicken embryos was compared biologically, antigenically and genetically with fowlpox virus (FPV), the type species of the genus Avipoxvirus. Susceptible chickens inoculated with CPV developed only mild localized lesions but were not protected against subsequent challenge with FPV. Based on Western blotting, in addition to the presence of cross-reacting antigens, distinct differences in antigenic profiles of CPV and FPV were observed. Sequence analysis of a 4.5 kb HindIII fragment of CPV genomic DNA revealed the presence of eight co-linear genes corresponding to FPV open reading frame (ORF)193-198, 201 and 203. Interestingly, reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) sequences present in the genome of all FPV were absent in CPV. Although, the results of a phylogenic analysis suggested that CPV is a member of the genus Avipoxvirus, its unique antigenic, biologic and genetic characteristics distinguish it from FPV to be considered as a new member of this genus.     

Thoracoscopic treatment of bullous emphysema in 3 dogs

OBJECTIVE: To report thorascopic partial lobectomy for treatment of bullous emphysema in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: Three dogs with spontaneous pneumothorax. METHODS: Thoracoscopy without pulmonary exclusion was used to identify bulla. The thorascope was introduced into the thorax lateral to the xyphoid process, and instrument portals were made at different levels along the thoracic wall between the third and tenth intercostal spaces. The thorascope was passed through the mediastinum to view the opposite pleural cavity. After identification of bullae, the affected lung was excised using an endoscopic stapler, and the incision line was checked for air leakage. Thoracic drains were used for air aspiration for 2 days after surgery. RESULTS: Bullae were confirmed histologically as emphysematous lesions. Lung inflation did not interfere with identification of bullae or with surgery. All dogs had full recovery without recurrence for 18 to 29 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Identification and ablation of bulla can be performed thoracoscopically without pulmonary exclusion in dogs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Thoracoscopy offers several advantages compared with thoracotomy for treatment and diagnosis of idiopathic pneumothorax, including ease of identification of bullae and reduced postoperative pain and morbidity.     

Population structure of Argas arboreus (Acari: Argasidae) ticks associated with seasonally abandoned mixed heronries, dominated by cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis), in South Africa

During winter populations of Argas arboreus from heronries of the cattle egret, Bubulcus ibis, in South Africa are composed of adults, with some predominance of males, and II-IV instar nymphs, in a state of diapause. The period of tick activity, including reproduction and development of eggs, larvae and N1 nymphs, is synchronized with the nesting and breeding season of their avian hosts. It begins during spring with the return of birds to the heronry, and ceases in autumn through induction of reproductive diapause in engorged females, and behavioural diapause in unfed nymphs and adult ticks. Many ticks showed morphological anomalies and malformations, the study of which could possibly be used for monitoring of environmental pollution.