Haematology of subclinical fatty liver in dairy cows

The relationship between liver fat content and haematology was investigated in 369 cows from eight herds sampled in the second week after calving. High levels of fat in the liver were associated with a depression in total white cell count and in neutrophils, eosinophils and lymphocytes. There was no correlation between liver fat content and the percentage of E rosetting lymphocytes, packed cell volume or haemoglobin concentration. The changes in peripheral white cell counts may be related to the increased incidence of post parturient disease in cows with fatty liver.     

The control of Fannia canicularis (L.) in poultry houses using impregnated cords

Comparative field trials of the use of ordinary and composite insecticide‐impregnated cords for the control of Fannia canicularis (L.) in poultry houses are described and shown to be capable of giving season‐long fly control. Dimethoate (30% w/v), fenchlorphos (12% w/v), trichlorphon (6.5% w/v) and, to a lesser extent, diazinon (20% w/v) are considered to be suitable insecticides for cord impregnation. Using impregnated cords at the rate of 0.98 m treated cord/m² of floor area, the estimated cost of fly control was £3.50–5.00 per 1000 birds per season depending on the management system employed in the poultry house.     

Effects of pico-tesla electromagnetic field treatment on wound healing in rats

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of a pico-tesla electromagnetic field (PTEF) on healing of sutured and open skin wounds and clinicopathologic variables in rats. ANIMALS: 64 male Fischer-344 rats. PROCEDURE: An incision made in the dorsal aspect of the neck was sutured (n = 32) or left open to heal (32). In each group, 16 rats were not PTEF-treated (controls). Wound treatment consisted of exposure to a PTEF once daily. Rats in each group were euthanatized at days 2, 4, 7, and 14. Wounds were evaluated via tensiometry (sutured wounds), digital planimetry (open wounds), laser Doppler perfusion imaging, bacteriologic culture, and histologic examination. Blood samples were collected from all rats for analysis. RESULTS: At day 14, sutured wounds in PTEF-treated rats were stronger (ultimate stress) and tougher (strain energy) than were sutured wounds in control rats. Open wounds in PTEF-treated rats contracted more quickly at days 2 and 4 than did those in control rats. Compared with control wounds, histologic changes (indicative of improved healing) in sutured and open wounds in PTEF-treated rats were detected as early as day 4. Laser Doppler perfusion measurements, results of CBCs, serum biochemical analyses, and bacteriologic cultures were not different between groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Exposure to the PTEF caused no adverse effects on clinicopathologic, histologic, or bacteriologic variables tested in this study. It appears that PTEF is a safe form of adjuvant treatment for wounds and improves strength of sutured wounds and speeds contraction of open wounds.     

Serum concentrations of pepsinogen A in healthy dogs after food deprivation and after feeding

OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate an ELISA for measurement of serum canine pepsinogen A (cPG A) as a diagnostic marker of gastric disorders in dogs and to measure serum cPG A in healthy dogs after food deprivation and after feeding. SAMPLE POPULATION: Sera from 72 healthy dogs. PROCEDURE: A sandwich ELISA was developed and validated. The reference range for serum concentrations of cPG A was determined in 64 healthy dogs. Postprandial changes in serum concentrations of cPG A were evaluated in 8 healthy dogs. RESULTS: Assay sensitivity was 18 microg/L, and the maximum detectable concentration was 1,080 microg/L. The observed-to-expected ratio (O:E) for 3 serial dilutions of 3 serum samples ranged from 69.3 to 104.1%. The O:E for 3 serum samples spiked with 8 concentrations of cPG A ranged from 58.8 to 120.4%. Coefficients of variation for intra- and interassay variability of 3 serum samples ranged from 7.6 to 11.9% and from 10.1 to 13.1%, respectively. Mean +/- SD serum concentration of cPG A in healthy dogs was 63.8 +/- 31.0 microg/L and the reference range was 18 to 129 microg/L. Significant increases in serum concentrations of cPG A were observed between 1 and 7 hours after feeding. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The ELISA for measuring cPG A was sufficiently sensitive, linear, accurate, precise, and reproducible for clinical use. Serum concentrations of cPG A increase substantially after feeding, which should be taken into account when conducting clinical studies.