Anti-Liver Membrane Protein Antibodies in Dogs With Chronic Hepatitis

Serum from 21 dogs with chronic hepatitis was evaluated for anti-liver membrane protein (anti-LMP) antibodies by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Ten of the 21 dogs had anti-LMP antibody concentrations greater than 2 SD above the mean value for the 10 healthy control dogs; titers ranged from 1:40 to greater than 1:1,600. Anti-LMP—positive dogs were not restricted by breed, had higher alanine amino transferase activity and total bilirubin concentration, and more severe liver lesions when compared with anti-LMP—negative dogs. This study provided evidence of humoral autoantibodies in dogs with chronic hepatitis, but it did not determine if the autoantibodies were primary or secondary.     

Presumed primary immune-mediated thrombocytopenia in four cats

Feline primary immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (pIMT) is a rare hematological disorder. Platelet-bound antibody assays for cats have variable specificity and sensitivity and are not widely available. Diagnosis of pIMT is made on the basis of exclusion of other identifiable causes of thrombocytopenia and the response to immunosuppressive therapy. This report describes four cats with severe thrombocytopenia and no detectable underlying disease. One cat was euthanased because of pulmonary hemorrhage, while the other cats had frequent relapses, two of these cats developed diabetes mellitus due to long-term corticosteroid therapy. In these cats IMT had a chronic course and responded poorly to therapy with prednisolone. Alternative immunomodulatory drugs may be considered in the treatment of feline IMT.     

Preference for and performance of some Australian native plants grown as hedges

Indigenous and other native plants are commonly restricted to informal or naturalistic designed landscapes. This research project investigates the use of native plants as a formal landscape element – the hedge. A multidisciplinary approach was used with distinct horticultural and social science components. The first study explored the response of 14 native and one exotic species to hedging every 4 months. Digital imaging techniques were used to measure changes in growth, density and canopy distribution. All species responded well to hedging, greatly increasing in density. Significant differences in growth rates and shoot regrowth patterns were recorded between the species. Some hedges grown from genetically diverse plant material had noticeable morphological variations and would be more suited to use as informal hedges, however growth rates were found to be a much better predictor of hedging performance than genetic uniformity. A second study explored gardeners’ (n=162) preference for these native hedges. Photomontages were created of the hedges grown in the horticultural experiment and a photo-questionnaire distributed to several groups of gardeners. The preference results showed that many gardeners did like some Australian plants used as hedges. Significant differences in preference were found between species. A principal components analysis found that factors positively affecting preference for hedges included neatness, foliage colour (green and grey), presence of flowers and the absence of visible woody stems. In general, genetically diverse hedges were slightly less preferred than genetically uniform hedges, but some genetically diverse hedges were highly preferred. Personal style preferences based on gardeners’ expressed gardening behaviour were also observed, with grey and softer hedges preferred by those participants with low-maintenance, drought tolerant or native gardens.     

Long‐term Effects of Pyrethrin and Cyfluthrin,a Type II Synthetic Pyrethroid,Insecticide Applications on Bull Reproductive Parameters

The objectives of this study were to determine effects of cyfluthrin and pyrethrin spray products, used in combination with cyfluthrin topical and ear tag applications, on bull reproductive parameters over 18 weeks. Angus or Angus x Simmental bulls were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: (i) no exposure to pyrethrins/cyfluthrin (CONT; n = 10), (ii) cyfluthrin ear tag and topical applications (ET; n = 10), or (iii) cyfluthrin ear tag, topical, premise spray and pyrethrin fog spray applications (ET+S; n = 8). Bull body weight was measured every 3 week, and body condition score and scrotal circumference were recorded on weeks 0, 9 and 18. Semen and serum were collected every 3 weeks for sperm evaluation and testosterone measurement, respectively. There was a treatment × week interaction (p < 0.01) for sperm with primary defects; bulls in CONT group had a greater (p = 0.01) percentage of sperm with primary defects than bulls treated with insecticides at week 18. Overall and progressive sperm motility, normal sperm morphology, secondary sperm defects and serum testosterone concentrations changed (p < 0.01) over time in all bulls; however, treatment did not affect (p ≥ 0.13) any of these parameters. There were also no treatment effects (p ≥ 0.08) on bull body weight, body condition score or scrotal circumference. The use of pyrethrin‐ and cyfluthrin‐based insecticides, regardless of application, did not negatively affect reproductive parameters in beef bulls when administered over 18 weeks.     

Decomposition of cattle dung on grazed signalgrass (Brachiaria decumbens Stapf) pastures in monoculture or intercropped with tree legumes

Livestock excreta is one of the major nutrient sources in natural grasslands. Understanding how livestock diet and season affects the decomposition dynamics is critical to nutrient cycling models. We hypothesised that livestock diet and season of the year affect dung decomposition. This study evaluated the decomposition and release of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and Na from faeces of cattle collected in dry and wet seasons. Treatments were signalgrass (Brachiaria decumbens Stapf) in monoculture or mixed with sabiá (Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth.) or gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Kunth ex Walp.). Excreta samples were incubated in nylon bags for 0, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128 and 256 d. The single negative exponential mathematical model was adequate (P < 0.0001) to explain the decomposition. The relative rate of dung decomposition (k) was greater for samples that originated from cattle grazed on signalgrass (k = 0.00284 g g^?1 d^?1), followed by sabiá (k = 0.00233 g g^?1 d^?1), and gliricidia (k = 0.00200 g g^?1 d^?1) pastures. The rate of nutrient release showed a time effect for all variables and interaction between time and season for Ca (P = 0.0042) and Mg (P = 0.0013). Faeces collected from cattle grazing/browsing intercropped pastures tended to have lower decomposition rates.     

A cross-sectional survey on wounds in horses in New Zealand

AIM: To determine the frequency and type of skin wounds encountered by New Zealand veterinarians in their equine patients, the duration and estimated costs of treatment as well as the expected outcomes for these wounds.

METHODS: An online survey was sent to all veterinarians registered with the New Zealand Equine Veterinary Association. The survey comprised questions on the location and experience of respondents, the number of wound-related cases in relation to the total equine caseload, the type and anatomical location of wounds treated, the frequency, duration and costs of treatments, the outcome of wound treatment and an estimate of the most common causes of death or euthanasia in their equine patients.

RESULTS: The survey response rate was 110/262 (41.9%). The median number of equine cases seen by respondents was 20 (interquartile range (IQR) 6–60) per month; of these, five (IQR 2–10) were wound related. Wounds ranked third after lameness and respiratory disease for the relative frequency with which respondents encountered them. Of 102 respondents 59 (58%) reported that their clients frequently treated wounds incurred by their horse without consulting a veterinarian. Wounds on the distal limb, whether involving only the skin or also deeper structures, were reported by 86/101 (85%) respondents as the most frequently encountered. Wounds in this location also incurred the longest treatment period and were the most prone to develop complications. Finally, wounds ranked second, after colic, as the most common cause of death/euthanasia in the veterinary respondents’ equine patients.

CONCLUSIONS: The data obtained via the survey indicate that skin wounds, particularly on the distal limb, are a common occurrence in horses in New Zealand and, when they involve structures underlying the skin, are costly and time-consuming to manage and may lead to decreased performance, retirement or euthanasia. Consequently, we recommend that more effort be devoted to the education of equine veterinarians and owners, and that appropriate research funds be allocated to help improve patient outcomes.     

Haemophilus somnus Mastitis in a Dairy Cow

A clinical case of peracute bovine mastitis is described in which the most severely affected quarter yielded a heavy growth of Haemophilus somnus on culture.     

Managing state energy conservation programs: the Minnesota experience

In fiscal year 1980, the Department of Energy awarded grants for state energy conservation programs that totaled more than $400 million; the proposed figure for fiscal year 1981 is almost $600 million. Many states provide additional funds to implement conservation programs. This suggests that state governments play a major role in delivering conservation services to their citizens and are key agents in the nation's conservation efforts. This article discusses the energy conservation activities and responsibilities of one state energy office, the Minnesota Energy Agency, and the obstacles and constraints it faces in delivering its services. Suggestions are presented for resolving these difficulties and for improving the efficiency with which the agency manages its programs.