Effect of lenperone hydrochloride on gastroesophageal sphincter pressure in healthy dogs.

Treatment of healthy dogs with the butyrophenone derivative, lenperone hydrochloride, at two different doses significantly decreased gastroesophageal sphincter pressure (GESP). No dose-related effect was identified. Individual variation in the response to lenperone hydrochloride was noted which was consistent on a day-to-day basis. Lenperone hydrochloride is unsuitable for chemical restraint of dogs undergoing esophageal manometry because it decreases GESP and because the magnitude of the decrease varies considerably between dogs.     

Growth and feed utilization by yearling horses fed added dietary fat

Twenty-four yearlings were used to evaluate the efficacy of feeding feed-grade fat to growing horses. All horses were started on trial at 13-months-of-age and were fed for 112 days. The experimental diets, containing similar nutrient-to-calorie ratios, were: 1) control (no added fat; 2) 5% added fat and; 3) 10% added fat. There was a trend for yearlings fed the 10% added fat diet to grow faster and eat less feed than those on the control diet. Data from this study indicate that feed-grade fat can be safely fed to growing horses. Feeding fat to yearlings stimulated growth and efficiency of feed utilization initially, but these effects were not maintained as the yearlings grew toward maturity.     

Seroprevalence of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Brucella</Emphasis> antibodies in camels in Katsina State,Nigeria

A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the status of Brucella infection in one-humped (Dromedary) camels in the North and Central senatorial districts of Katsina State, Nigeria. Nine hundred and eighty serum samples from live and slaughtered camels were tested. Modified Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) and serum agglutination test (SAT) with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, (EDTA) were used as screening and standard tests, respectively. The prevalence of Brucella antibodies were 110 (11.2%) and 103 (10.5%) for RBPT and SAT, respectively. Of the 472 and 508 serum samples tested from the herds and abattoirs, respectively, 63 (13.3%) and 47 (9.3%) were positive by RBPT while 62 (13.1%) and 41 (8.1%) were positive by SAT, respectively. Based on the results, it was concluded that Brucella antibodies were present in camels in the study area. Poor management practices and mixing of camels with other species of livestock as well as unrestricted movement of camels were proposed to be the reasons for the prevalence of the disease in the study area. In view of the public health importance of the disease, it is recommended that there is the need to develop a strategic plan to decrease spread of brucellosis in the study area.     

Comparison of the Value of Pulsed-field Gel Electrophoresis,Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA and Amplified rDNA Restriction Analysis for Subtyping Taylorella equigenitalis

Eight strains of Taylorella equigenitalis were identified by a polymerase chain reaction using a primer pair specific to the 16S rDNA of T equigenitalis. These eight strains were chosen because they had previously been shown to represent eight distinct genotypes by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis after separate digestion of the genomic DNA with ApaI or NotI. The eight strains could be classified into six or seven types by random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis using different kinds of primers. Amplified rDNA restriction analysis after separate digestion with five restriction enzymes, including AluI and MboI, of the 1,500 bp fragments of rDNA amplified by polymerase chain reaction did not discriminate the genomic variations among the eight strains of T equigenitalis. Thus, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis was shown to discriminate these eight organisms better than random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis, while amplified rDNA restriction analysis was found to be unsuitable for subtyping T equigenitalis.     

Video-assisted thoracoscopy.

Thoracoscopy is a minimally invasive operative endoscopic procedure designed for visual inspection of the thoracic cavity. The use of small, highly maneuverable, rigid telescopes allows visualization beyond what is possible by standard operative techniques. The use of a small video camera attached to a standard rigid telescope allows the operator and assistants to view a simultaneous, enlarged, and clear image. This article focuses on the basic diagnostic and surgical techniques used in veterinary video-assisted thoracoscopy.     

Evaluation of monoclonal antibodies for identification of subpopulations of myeloid cells in bone marrow obtained from dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate monoclonal antibodies that may be useful for immunophenotyping myeloid cells in bone marrow of dogs. SAMPLE POPULATION: Bone marrow specimens obtained from 5 dogs. DESIGN: Specimens were labeled with monoclonal antibodies that detected CD18, major histocompatability antigen class-II (MHC class-II), CD14, and Thy-1. Cells labeled with each of the antibodies were isolated by use of a fluorescence-activated cell sorter. Differential cell counts of sorted cells were used to determine cells that were labeled by each of the various antibodies. RESULTS: Myeloid cells labeled with anti-CD18 antibody included granulocytes, lymphocytes, and monocytes-macrophages. Immature and mature granulocytes were labeled. Lymphocytes, monocytes-macrophages, and eosinophils were labeled with anti-Thy-1 antibody. Cells labeled with anti-MHC-class II antibody included approximately 9% of bone marrow cells, which consisted almost exclusively of lymphocytes and monocytes-macrophages. Approximately 4% of bone marrow cells were labeled with anti-CD14 antibody, with > 90% of sorted cells being monocytes-macrophages. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Four monoclonal antibodies for use in detecting subpopulations of canine bone marrow cells were evaluated. These antibodies should be useful in differentiating the origin of leukemic cells in dogs.     

Treatment of partial seizures and seizure-like activity with felbamate in six dogs

Six dogs with partial seizures or partial seizure-like activity were treated with the antiepileptic drug felbamate between 1993 and 1998. All dogs had a history and results of diagnostic testing suggestive of either primary (idiopathic) or occult secondary epilepsy. Dogs ranged between four months and eight years of age at the onset of seizure activity. The median time period between onset of the first seizure and the start of felbamate therapy was 3.8 months (range 0.75 to 36 months). Median duration of therapy was nine months (range two to 22 months). All dogs experienced a reduction in seizure frequency after felbamate administration. Median total number of seizures post-treatment was two (range 0 to 9). Two dogs had an immediate and prolonged cessation of seizure activity. Steady-state trough serum felbamate concentrations measured at two weeks, and one, 12 and 22 months after the commencement of therapy in four dogs ranged between 13 and 55 mg/litre (median 35 mg/litre). Reversible haematological adverse effects were detected in two dogs, with one dog developing concurrent keratoconjunctivitis sicca. These results suggest that felbamate can be an effective antiepileptic drug without life-threatening complications when used as monotherapy for partial seizures in the dog.     

Proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis in 34 horses using two parallel 5.5-mm cortical bone screws

OBJECTIVE: To report clinical experience with arthrodesis of the proximal interphalangeal joint in horses using two parallel 5.5-mm cortical bone screws placed in lag fashion. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective, clinical study. ANIMALS: Thirty-four horses, aged 1 to 19 years. METHODS: Medical records for all horses admitted (1991-1997) for pastern arthrodesis using two 5.5-mm ASIF cortical bone screws, in parallel orientation, and placed in lag fashion by use of a combined aiming device to facilitate accuracy were reviewed. Signalment, lameness diagnosis, duration of lameness, limb(s) involved, and outcome were recorded. Criteria for successful outcome were determined as return to previous level of function or future intended athletic use. RESULTS: Thirty-nine proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodeses were performed on 34 horses. One horse was euthanatized in the recovery room and was excluded from data analysis. Successful outcome occurred in 85% of frontlimbs and 89% of hindlimbs. Failure occurred in 5 joints; 1 horse had lameness directly associated with surgery, whereas 4 horses had unrelated lameness. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Age, breed, and initial disease did not affect outcome. Arthrodesis of the proximal interphalangeal joint by use of two 5.5-mm ASIF cortical bone screws, in parallel orientation, placed in lag fashion by use of a combined aiming device, resulted in sound use of the limb in >85% of the joints with shortened postoperative coaptation.