Assessment of Water Quality in Association with Land use in the Tillamook Bay Watershed, Oregon, USA

The water quality in tributaries to Tillamook Bay, Oregon, frequently exceeds standards for fecal coliform bacteria (FCB) and temperature. FCB inputs to the bay have forced periodic closure of the oyster shellfish industry. In addition, impaired water quality may be contributing to reduced salmonid populations in the bay and its tributaries through reduction in the quality of the habitat. Because of these concerns, the Tillamook Bay National Estuary Project (TBNEP) conducted several characterization studies and a long-term water quality monitoring program for the tributary rivers. This paper summarizes data collected to date within these efforts, including storm-based data on FCB and total suspended solids (TSS), and bimonthly data on nutrient concentrations in selected rivers. Monitoring data from 1996 to 2002 are summarized. Results for FCB and TSS are reported by storm, which are classified according to season and precipitation patterns in order to minimize intra-annual variability. There are not indications of large changes in water quality throughout the period of record, but it is too early in the program for trends analysis. Storms that exhibited the highest FCB concentrations tended to be those that occurred during fall and/or those that were preceded by relatively dry conditions and included high rainfall intensity. Implementation of storm-based monitoring and classification of storms according to season effectively reduces the large variability inherent in the FCB monitoring data, thereby facilitating future trends analysis. Continued storm-based monitoring of FCB and TSS, and also continued collection of rainfall and river discharge data, will provide the database that will be needed to determine to what extent on-the-ground remediation actions and best management practices (BMPs) within the Tillamook Basin are having their desired effects.     

Leeching as initial treatment in a cat with polycythaemia vera.

Polycythaemia vera was diagnosed in a three-year-old domestic shorthaired cat referred because of seizures and a high packed cell volume (PCV). Laboratory examination revealed severe erythrocytosis (PCV 79 per cent). Diagnosis was reached by excluding causes for relative and secondary absolute polycythaemia. As phlebotomy proved impossible for initial treatment due to hyperviscosity, four leeches were used to suck blood and the PCV was consequently reduced to 64 per cent. A further 24 hours later, when bleeding at the sites of sucking had stopped, the PCV was 56 per cent. Long-term management of the condition was achieved with hydroxyurea (100 mg/cat once daily) and intermittent phlebotomy. Initial treatment using leeches in cases of polycythaemia vera is a simple, non-invasive, well tolerated and effective method where phlebotomy is not possible.     

Thermoregulation of the testicle in response to exercise and subsequent effects on semen characteristics of stallions

Stallions (n = 8) were implanted with a thermal sensory device in the muscle of the neck and the subcutaneous tissue of the scrotum and then assigned to either a nonexercise (Non-EX; n = 4) or exercise (EX; n = 4) group. A motorized equine exerciser was used to work EX stallions 30 min/d for 4 d/wk during a 12-wk period from July through October 2010. Temperatures (subcutaneous scrotal, intramuscular neck, and rectal) were recorded at 0, 22, and 30 min after the start of exercise, as well as 60 and 120 min post-exercise. Hourly ambient temperature and relative humidity data were also obtained. Semen was collected at 0, 4, 8, and 12 wk and analyzed for volume, sperm concentration, total sperm numbers, percentages of total and progressively motile sperm, sperm morphologic characteristics, and sperm DNA quality. No effect (P > 0.05) of exercise was observed on any of the measured semen variables. Implantation of thermal sensory devices had no demonstrable acute or chronic effects on the scrotal or neck tissue, indicating that the thermal sensory devices are a safe and effective way to measure subcutaneous scrotal and neck temperatures. At 22 and 30 min of exercise, rectal and neck temperatures increased (P < 0.0001) approximately 1.9 and 2.4°C, respectively, and scrotal temperatures simultaneously increased, although not significantly (P = 0.33), approximately 0.8°C. Correlations existed between scrotal, neck, rectal, and ambient temperatures, with the correlation between scrotal and rectal temperatures being greatest (r(s) = 0.76; P < 0.0001). Although moderate exercise for a short duration in extreme heat and humidity did significantly increase core body temperatures in stallions, scrotal temperatures did not significantly increase, and sperm parameters were unaffected.     

Density-Dependent Growth and Survival of Penaeus setiferus and Penaeus vannamei in a Semi-Closed Recirculating System

Abstract.— Two growth trials utilizing Penaeus vannamei and Penaeus setiferus were conducted at densities of 28.4, 56.8, 85.2, 113.6, 170.4, 227.3 and 284.1/ m² in an indoor recirculating system. There was an inverse linear relationship between stocking density and growth among both species. The relationship between final weight and stocking density is described by the following linear equation: P. setiferus , Y =−0.00619X ± 4.46, adj. r²= 0.8572;. P. vannamei, Y =−0.00717X ± 7.39, adj. r²= 0.6230. Although the responses in terms of growth depressions were similar, P. setiferus growth was lower than that of P. vannamei . There was an inverse relationship between stocking density and survival for P. setiferus . Survival of P. vannamei was highly variable but was negatively correlated with density. Based on the results of the present study, P. setiferus has a similar tolerance of high density as that of P. vannamei and hence may be suitable for intensive culture systems. However, depressed growth rates of P. setiferus , which do not appear to be due to effects of water quality or density, must be solved if growth rates similar to P. vannamei are to be realized.     

Urinary incontinence in spayed female dogs: frequency and breed disposition

A follow up study was performed in 412 spayed bitches in order to determine the incidence of urinary incontinence. The period between the operation being performed and the survey being made varied between 3 and 10 years. 83 animals (20.1%) were incontinent independent of the surgical procedure (ovariectomy versus ovariohysterectomy). The onset of incontinence varied between immediately to 12 years with an average period of 2.9 years after surgery. 57 of these incontinent bitches were treated with ephedrine or estrogen. In 73.7% a good response was achieved with ephedrine and a further 23.7% showed some improvement. Generally ephedrine was more successful than estrogen in the treatment of incontinence. There appears to be a strong connection between body weight and the incidence of incontinence. Of bitches with a body weight of less than 20 kg only 9.3% were incontinent. Whereas in bitches with a body weight of more than 20 kg the incidence was 30.9%. Of the breeds Boxers showed a high incidence of incontinence (65%) while breeds such as German Shepherds (10.6%) or Dachshunds (11.1%) showed a low incidence in relation to the average incidence rate (20.1%).     

Geklontes Kalb in Neustadt geboren

Am 27.8.1992 wurde beim Besamungsverein Neustadt (BVN) in Neustadt a.d. Aisch ein geklontes Fleckviehkalb geboren. Die Identität der Abstammung konnte eindeutig gesichert werden. Der erfolgreiche Kerntransfer in einem Versuchsprogramm soll belegen, daβ sich nach der Fusion einer Blastomere aus einem Spenderembryo mit einer in vitro gereiften und enukleierten Empfängeroozyte ein Embryo entwickeln kann, der nach Transfer auf ein Empfängertier zur Geburt eines gesunden Kalbes führt.
Contents: A cloned calf was born in Neustadt ad. Aisch
A cloned "Fleckvieh" calf was born at the Al-Association Neustadt (BVN) in Neustadt a.d. Aisch on August, 27, 1992. The identity of the parentage could be verified undoubtedly. The successful nuclear transfer in an experimental program showed that the fusion of a blastomere from a donor embryo with an in vitro matured and enucleated recipient oocyte led to the development of an embryo, and after transfer to a synchronous recipient to the birth of a healthy calf.     

Fracture repair with transfixation pins and fiberglass cast in llamas and small ruminants

Transfixation pinning with fiberglass casting is an effective and adaptable method of longbone fracture fixation in llamas and small ruminants. Treatment of fractures in 7 limbs of 4 llamas and 2 small ruminants with this technique are described. Steinmann pins are placed transcortically proximal, and if necessary, distal to the fracture. The pin ends and limb are encased in fiberglass cast material. The cast is strong enough in animals of this size to eliminate the need for external frames or connecting bars. Severely comminuted fractures and fractures near joints are especially suited to fixation with this technique. Complications encountered in these cases included loosening of pins and one delayed union. All fractures healed to permit full use of the limb.