Distribution of genetic variation in brown trout, Salmo trutta L., in Scotland

Abstract. A total of 1680 brown trout, Salmo trutta L., from 63 different localities in Scotland were sampled and examined for 34 loci. Thirteen loci were polymorphic in one or more populations. The mean observed heterozygosity for wild populations ranged from 0.0 to 8-9% (x=4.5%) in the same range as previous studies on this species. Within drainage studies and gene diversity analysis confirms that a large proportion (33%) of total gene diversity was distributed between populations. The Ldh-5(100) allele was common in Scottish populations and its distribution would fit the hypothesis that this allele was indicative of an ancestral trout population in Scotland before the invasion of trout characterized by the Ldh-5(90) allele. The results have important implications for the management of the brown trout genetic resource.     

Regional Limb Perfusion with Antibiotics in Three Horses

Antibiotics were delivered to chronically infected tissues by regional limb perfusion in three horses with osteomyelitis associated with orthopedic implants. Two infections were resolved with implants in place; in one, a sequestrum was resorbed. In one horse, regional antibiotic perfusion was applied to treat progressively worsening bone infection after initial implants loosened and were removed.     

Lupoid Dermatosis in Five German Short-haired Pointers

Résumé— La dermatose lupoïde du Braque Allemand doit être considéré comme une génodermatose bien que le nombre de cas décrit soit faible. Cette maladie concerne de jeunes chiens. Aucune prédisposition sexuelle n'est notée. Pour l'instant, cette maladie n'a été observée que chez le Pointer. Le diagnostic repose sur l'examen clinique et l'examen histopathologique des biopsies cutanées. Le pronostic est généralement réservé, mais l'utilisation des acides gras et un traitement symptomatique peuvent être préconisés. [Vroom, M.W., Theaker, M.J., Rest, J.R., White, S.D. Lupoid dermatosis in five German short-haired pointers (Dermatose lupoïde chez cinq Braques Allemands). Resumen— La dermatosis lupoide del Pointer Alemán de pelo corto podria ser un genodermatosis, aunque el número de casos descritos es bajo. Esta enfermedad se presenta en perros jóvenes. No hay predisposición por sexo. Hasta el momento sólo se ha descrito como tal en el Pointer Alemán de pelo corto. El diagnóstico se realiza mediante examen clinico e histopatológico de biopsias cutáneas. El pronóstico es grave, pero se recomienda un tratamiento sintomático y con ácidos grasos. [Vroom, M.W., Theaker, M.J., Rest, J.R., White, S.D. Lupoid dermatosis in five German short-haired pointers (Dermatosis lupoide en cinco perros Pointer alemán de pelo corto). Abstract— Lupoid dermatosis of the German short-haired pointer may be a genodermatosis, although the number of cases reported is low. The disease occurs in young dogs. There is no sex predisposition. Until now the disease has only been consistently described in the German short-haired pointer. Diagnosis can be made by clinical examination together with histopathological examination of skin biopsies. The prognosis is usually poor, but fatty acid and symptomatic treatment should be attempted.     

Cardiovascular Effects After Epidural Injection of Xylazine in Isoflurane-Anesthetized Dogs

The cardiovascular effects following epidural injection of xylazine or isotonic saline during isoflurane anesthesia were assessed in six healthy dogs. Dogs were anesthetized with isoflurane in O₂ and maintained at 2.0% end-tidal concentration. Ventilation was controlled to maintain PaCO₂ at 35 to 45 mm Hg. The dorsal pedal artery was cannulated for measurement of arterial blood pressure (AP)(systolic AP, mean AP, diastolic AP) and for blood sample collection. Arterial pH and blood gas tensions (PaO₂ and PaCO₂) were determined. Cardiac output was measured by thermodilution. The electrocardiogram (ECG), heart rate (HR), core body temperature, central venous pressure (CVP), mean pulmonary AP, and end-tidal isoflurane concentration (ETISO) and CO₂ tension (ETCO₂) were monitored. Systemic vascular resistance (SVR), arterial HCO₂ concentration, base balance, and cardiac index (CI) were calculated. After baseline measurements were taken, either xylazine (0.2 mg/kg) in 5 mL isotonic saline or 5 mL of isotonic saline was injected into the lumbosacral epidural space. Data were then recorded at 5, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105, and 120 minutes after epidural injection. Data were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures. When significant differences were encountered, mean values were compared using Bonferroni's test. The level of significance was set at P <.05. Mean values for diastolic AP decreased at 90 and 120 minutes compared with the mean value at 15 minutes after epidural injection of xylazine. No differences were detected at any time or between treatments for HR, systolic AP, mean AP, CVP, CI, SVR, mean pulmonary AP, temperature, ETCO₂, ETISO, arterial pH, PaCO₂, PaO₂, plasma bicarbonate concentration, or base balance. Results of this study indicate that epidural injection of xylazine (0.2 mg/kg) is associated with minimal cardiovascular side effects during isoflurane anesthesia in mechanically ventilated dogs.     

Diseases of pet rodents

The main pet rodent species are introduced with some brief notes on their suitability as pets and normal behaviour. The general clinical features of disease are discussed with some emphasis on species variation. The important diseases that occur in the United Kingdom are described under the headings of respiratory disease, diseases of the alimentary tract, diseases of the central nervous system, skin lesions, musculoskeletal disorders, palpable swellings, urinogenital disorders, diseases of pregnancy and injuries.     

Static and Dynamic Cerclage Wire Analysis

A new type of double loop cerclage wire, conventional single wire loop cerclage, and twist-type cerclage were evaluated. The double loop cerclage was applied using the Osteo Systems double loop tightener. Two groups of single wire loop cerclage were applied using the Osteo System loop tightener and the Richards loop tightener. Two groups of twist-type cerclage were applied using the Kirschner wire twister and side-cutting pliers. The test system allowed determination of the static tension produced by each wire, as weH as its ability to resist distraction. The double loop cerclage wires were the most effective in producing static tension and in resisting distraction. While the conventional single loop cerclage wires produced more static tension than the twist cerclage wires, they were less effective in resisting distraction.     

Factors in the suppression of weeds by squash interplanted in corn

In order to examine the weed-suppressive properties of squash interplanted in corn, we compared different planting densities and weeding regimens, measuring the weed biomass, light interception by crop canopy, and yield. The corn was machine-planted at a normal monocrop density, while the squash was hand-planted at or above a normal monocrop density in an irrigated and otherwise mechanized system. A simulated intercrop consisting of corn with an artificial squash canopy was included. Interplanted squash reduced the biomass of the total weeds and of the dominant weeds, Amaranthus retroflexus and Convolvulus arvensis . The corn yield was not necessarily reduced in the intercrop, except at a higher squash density or under limited moisture. Shading by the squash was the major mechanism of weed suppression, but the analysis suggested that other factors, such as allelopathy, might contribute. Additional hand weeding had no effect on the corn yield.     

Assessment of Humeral Length in Dogs After Repair of Salter–Harris Type IV Fracture of the Lateral Part of the Humeral Condyle

Objective— To evaluate the effect of fracture and subsequent repair on future bone growth of the humerus after Salter–Harris type IV fracture of the lateral part of the humeral condyle (LPHC).
Study Design— Prospective study.
Animals— Dogs (n=11).
Methods— Dogs that had LPHC fracture and an open distal humeral physis repaired (1992–2006) were re-examined and radiographed at ≥12 months of age and humeral length was measured.
Result— Measurements from 11 dogs showed a significant ( P =.02) increase in length of the humeral diaphysis of the affected leg compared with that of the intact limb (median, 1.2%; range, 1.3–3.4%). Condylar deformity secondary to growth disturbance was not observed.
Conclusion— Shortening or growth deformity was not observed after fracture and repair even if a transcondylar screw was placed through the distal humeral growth plate. A mild overgrowth of the humeral diaphysis was observed, although likely considered clinically unimportant.
Clinical Relevance— Fracture of the LPHC and subsequent repair in dogs >3 months of age do not impair growth of the humeral diaphysis. A transcondylar humeral screw placed through the humeral physis will not result in shortening of the humeral diaphysis. Implant removal to allow for further growth is therefore not indicated.     

Control of the invasive liana, Hiptage benghalensis

The liana, hiptage ( Hiptage benghalensis ), is currently invading the wet tropics of northern Queensland and remnant bushland in south-eastern Queensland, Australia. Trials using seven herbicides and three application methods (foliar, basal bark, and cut stump) were undertaken at a site in north Queensland (158 700 hiptage plants ha⁻¹). The foliar-applied herbicides were only effective in controlling the hiptage seedlings. Of the foliar herbicides trialed, dicamba, fluroxypyr, and triclopyr/picloram controlled >75% of the treated seedlings. On the larger plants, the cut stump applications were more effective than the basal bark treatments. Kills of >95% were obtained when the plants were cut close to ground level (5 cm) and treated with herbicides that were mixed with diesel (fluroxypyr and triclopyr/picloram), with water (glyphosate), or were applied neat (picloram). The costings for the cut stump treatment of a hiptage infestation (85 000 plants ha⁻¹), excluding labor, would be $A14 324 ha⁻¹ using picloram and $A5294 ha⁻¹ and $A2676 ha⁻¹, respectively, using glyphosate and fluroxypyr. Foliar application using dicamba for seedling control would cost $A1830 ha⁻¹. The costs range from 2–17 cents per plant depending on the treatment. A lack of hiptage seeds below the soil surface, a high germinability (>98%) of the viable seeds, a low viability (0%) of 2 year old, laboratory-stored fruit, and a seedling density of 0.1 seedlings m⁻² 12 months after a control program indicate that hiptage might have a short-term seed bank. Protracted recolonization from the seed bank would therefore be unlikely after established seed-producing plants have been controlled.