Evaluation of renal function in cats, using quantitative urinalysis

Two consecutive 24-hour quantitative urinalyses were performed on each of 12 healthy adult cats to evaluate the technique and obtain reference values for measurements of urinary excretion of several substances. Endogenous creatinine clearance (2.31 +/- 0.47 ml/min/kg) and urinary protein excretion (17.43 +/- 9.05 mg/kg/day) were determined. Additionally, clearances and ratios to creatinine clearances were calculated for phosphate, sodium, potassium, and chloride. The endogenous creatinine clearance value was compared with another estimate of glomerular filtration rate that was based on 99mTc(Sn) diethylene-triaminepentaacetic acid clearance (2.52 +/- 0.58 ml/min/kg). Evaluation of feline renal function, using 24-hour quantitative urinalysis techniques, has potential for clinical application, but has several important limitations as well.     

Electro-immobilization versus mechanical restraint in an avoid-avoid choice test for ewes

A Y-maze avoid-avoid choice test was used to elucidate pregnant ewes' relative preference for electro-immobilization as opposed to restraint by a squeeze-tilt table. Choices in successive trials evaluating three commercial electro-immobilizers were: electro-immobilizer-13, 13 and 8% for respective models; squeeze-tilt table-79, 57 and 71%; and no choice-8, 30 and 21%. In all trials combined, 56% of the ewes never chose the electro-immobilizer after once experiencing it, while 94% did choose the squeeze-tilt table one or more times after being restrained by it. Most ewes became more willing to enter the table as experience with it increased, but those that had been both electro-immobilized and table-restrained became more hesitant to pass the test facility's entrance gate as these experiences increased. Ewes accepted a feed reward only reluctantly if at all after being electro-immobilized, but readily after table restraint. Electro-immobilization was clearly more aversive to the ewes than was restraint by a squeeze/tilt table. When restraint by either electro-immobilization or squeeze/tilt table is necessary, use of the table would be indicated in terms of its being less aversive.     

The use of atropine to control heart rate responses during detomidine sedation in horses

Detomidine is a sedative-analgesic which has a pharmacological profile similar to xylazine. There is evidence that the sedative effects are mediated through alpha-2 adrenoceptors.Cardiopulmonary responses were determined using detomidine as the principal agent and as a preanesthetic prior to the induction of general anesthesia. Compatibility with guaifenesin, sodium thia-mylal and halothane were determined.As in the case of xylazine, detomidine produces a slowing of heart rates. This was found to be either sinus bradycardia or heart block. There may be a corresponding increase in systolic blood pressures. The respiratory pattern is altered through the arterial blood gases and pH data supported evidence of adequate ventilation. The heart rate response to detomidine without anticholinergic treatment was transient and related to he duration of drug action.Atropine sulfate, 0.02 mg/kg i.v. was effective in preventing or treating bradycardia or heart block from detomidine. Heart rates also increased during the administration of guaifenesin and sodium thia-mylal when given 50 min poisit-detomidine.     

The normal microflora of the female rabbit''s genital tract.

Microorganisms associated with the vagina, cervix and uterus of rabbits were isolated and identified. The predominant microorganisms isolated from the vaginas and cervices were coagulase-negative staphylococci, micrococci, and nonfermentative bacilli. Coagulase-negative staphylococci were isolated frequently, but in small numbers, from the uteri. The pH of the rabbit vagina was found to be near neutrality. Our data indicate that the genital flora of female rabbits is relatively simple, regarding the number and type of microorganisms.     

Effect of cortisol on luteinizing hormone release during sexual behavior in the boar.

The effect of inhibiting the rise in cortisol concentrations that occurs at copulation upon luteinizing hormone release was studied in seven adult boars. Plasma samples were collected for assay of luteinizing hormone, testosterone and cortisol on a control day and before, during and after exposure to an estrous sow. The area under the curve was used to evaluate hormone production and treatment effects were evaluated by a paired Student's t-test. The 11 beta-hydroxylase inhibitor, metyrapone, was used to suppress glucocorticoid hormone production. Cortisol concentrations increased significantly (p less than 0.05) after breeding compared to values on the control day while treatment with metyrapone prior to breeding prevented the cortisol increase (p greater than 0.05). Although luteinizing hormone production increased significantly after copulation in both breeding experiments, metyrapone pretreatment resulted in a reduction of luteinizing hormone secretion (p less than 0.05). Testosterone production was also reduced in boars pretreated with metyrapone. The results suggest that the increased levels of cortisol occurring at copulation may enhance luteinizing hormone release in boars.     

An in vivo model for the study of Bordetella avium adherence to tracheal mucosa in turkeys

An in vivo model was developed for studies characterizing the adherence of Bordetella avium to the tracheal mucosa of turkeys. Three-week-old turkeys were anesthetized, and the cervical part of the trachea was isolated after tracheostomy was done. A hemostat was applied craniad to the tracheostomy site to occlude the tracheal lumen. Isolated tracheal segments were filled with an aqueous bacterial inoculum for 1 minute, and then excess inoculum and the hemostat were removed. After 1 hour, a 1-cm section was excised from each tracheal segment, and adherent viable bacteria were quantified. Modifications of the procedure were evaluated to produce a model that was technically simple to do, economical, and reproducible. To examine the validity of the model, adherence of B avium was compared with that of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Adherence of B avium to tracheal mucosa was 17 times greater than that with E coli and 1,550 times greater than that with S aureus. Colonization of the tracheal mucosa by B avium was demonstrated in tracheal sections obtained 6 hours after filling with bacterial inoculum. Because the ciliary clearance mechanism of the tracheal segments remained functional, washing of the tracheal lumen had no effect on numbers of associated bacteria. An important advantage of this model over in vitro models is the excellent preservation of the tracheal mucosal surface.     

Rupture of an aortic sinus aneurysm in a 15-year-old broodmare

A 15-year-old, Standardbred broodmare with an aortic sinus aneurysm developed rupture of the aneurysm with subsequent rupture of a tricuspid valve chorda tendinae, tricuspid regurgitation, acute right-sided congestive heart failure, and pulmonary thromboembolism. Shunting of blood from the aorta through the ruptured aneurysm into the right ventricle resulted in decreased renal perfusion and acute renal failure. Initially, treatment of the mare with analgesics, fluids, and digoxin resulted in clinical improvement, but the mare's condition deteriorated after 8 days and the mare was euthanatized due to unrelenting pain and a poor prognosis. Echocardiography was useful in diagnosis of the cardiac disease in the broodmare.     

Bladder retroflexion in the dog

In a series of 61 dogs examined for perineal hernia 12, (20 per cent) were found to have bladder retroflexion. Associated urinary signs were seen in only five dogs including one case with bladder rupture. Radiology was found to be the most consistently accurate means of diagnosis. Bladders were drained by catheterization, or by percutaneous or surgical cystocentesis before manipulative or surgical reduction. Conventional herniorrhaphy and castration were performed in all cases. Cystopexy was performed in only one case although recurrence of the retroflexion was not encountered in any dogs. Three dogs remained urinary incontinent after treatment.