Larvae of Elaphostrongylus cervi in the deer of Scotland

Protostrongylid larvae were recovered from the faeces or lungs of red deer (Cervus elaphus), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) in Scotland during 1981. Typical protostrongylid first-stage larvae were also recovered from possible intermediate hosts, the grey field slug (Agriolimax reticulata) and the white-soled slug (Arion fasciatus). All these protostrongylid larvae were microscopically identical to those of the nematode Elaphostrongylus cervi. Despite careful search, adult E cervi were not found, but it is concluded that infection with E cervi is widespread in Scottish deer.     

Phenolsulfonphthalein test in healthy sheep and in sheep with reductions in functional renal mass

The phenolsulfonphthalein (PSP) plasma clearance and urinary excretion tests were applied to sheep before and after 50% and 75% reductions in functional renal mass. The PSP determinants found most useful as indicators of renal mass reduction were the 15-minute urinary excretion percentage and the 60-minute (PSP60) plasma concentration. Although both of these determinants could be used to detect renal mass reduction, the 15-minute PSP excretion percentage was the more sensitive. The PSP60 value was influenced by factors other than reduced nephron numbers; the contraction of the PSP volume of distribution that occurred after renal mass reduction was one important influencing factor. Overall, the PSP tests more accurately reflected the volume of blood delivered to the kidney than the proximal tubular secretory capacity.     

Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae in New Zealand

Abstract

Extract

Sir:— In the recent letter from N. Inglis,(1) Inglis, N. 1984. Leptospira icterohaemorrhagia infection in deer. N.Z. vet. J., 32: 179–179. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar] an infection by Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae in deer is postulated on the basis of serological evidence. Results of antibody testing with other serovars of Leptospira would be most informative and would reveal cross-reactions, which are known to occur freyuently. Further, the strain of L. icterohaemorrhagiae antigen and the type of test used would be of great interest to readers. Seroconversion to L. icterohaemorrhagiae serovar copenhageni, has been well documented since 1951.(2) Kirschner, L. and Gray, W.G. 1951. Leptospirosis in New Zealand. Infection with Spirochaela in animals and man. N.Z. med. J. L. No. 278, : 342–342.  [Google Scholar]     

RENAL CORTICAL HYPOPLASIA IN A DOG

A case of renal cortical hypoplasia in a Cocker Spaniel bitch is presented. The dog, under clinical observation between the ages of 15 to 26 months, was found to have advancing chronic renal insufficiency. Necropsy examination revealed a markedly hypoplastic renal cortex with a reduced number of glomeruli, some dilated Bowman's capsules, small glomerular tufts, and early interstitial nephritis and fibrosis characteristic of renal cortical hypoplasia.     

Multiplicity of hemoglobins in the genus Chironomus (Tendipes)

The number of hemoglobins found in individual mature larvae of several Chironomus species is six to nine. The consistency of this number and of the electrophoretic mobilities of these separable forms seems to indicate the synchronous production of polypeptide chains by several genetic loci.