Mydriatic effect of topically applied rocuronium bromide in tawny owls (Strix aluco): comparison between two protocols

Objective To evaluate the mydriatic efficacy of a neuromuscular blocking agent (rocuronium bromide) applied topically to only one eye of nocturnal birds of prey and to assess for any general and/or local adverse effects due to its use. Animal studied Twelve healthy adult tawny owls (Strix aluco) were randomly divided in two groups. Procedures Six birds (Group 1) received a single dose of 0.35 mg of rocuronium bromide. The second group of subjects (Group 2) received two doses of 0.35 mg of rocuronium bromide (total 0.70 mg/eye). In both groups, the curariform agent was instilled topically. Pupil diameter was measured with a pupillary gauge in 10 min intervals for a total of 100 min and then every 20 min for a total of 240 min. The assessment of the pupillary light reflex was performed using a standard light source during pupillary size recording. Results Maximal pupillary diameter was 11.5 ± 0.3 mm for Group 1 and 11.0 ± 0.6 mm for Group 2 and no statistically significant differences were detected among the two groups. The maximal pupillary diameter was achieved at T80 for Group 1, and at T60 for Group 2. A complete fundus examination was possible on all treated eyes of subjects of both groups. The drug did not cause any noticeable adverse effects in any of the examined birds. Conclusion Results of the present study suggest that a single topical administration of 0.35 mg of rocuronium bromide to the eyes of healthy tawny owls results in sufficient mydriasis to allow for a complete examination of the fundus.     

Porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome (PDNS) is associated with a systemic cytokine expression profile indicative of proinflammation and a Th1 bias

Porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome (PDNS) is broadly discussed as a porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2)-associated disease, although PCV2, in contrast to postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS), has to date not been proven to be the aetiologic agent. In order to better understand the complex immunopathology of PDNS, the systemic cytokine expression profiles of (i) five pigs suffering from PDNS, (ii) five animals suffering from naturally acquired PMWS and (iii) five controls were investigated at mRNA and protein levels by means of multiplex real-time RT-PCR and flow cytometric intracellular cytokine detection, respectively. IL-1alpha, IL-6 and IFN-gamma mRNA expressions were found to be elevated in PDNS pigs. At the protein level, an increased capacity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to produce IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-12, TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma was evident. Hematological investigations revealed a hypochromic anemia while basophils and monocytes were relatively and neutrophils absolutely increased in PDNS pigs. PCV2 antibody levels did not differ significantly between PDNS and PMWS affected animals. Taken results together, the cytokine profile of the PDNS affected animals together with hematological data pointed towards a proinflammatory condition supporting a Th1 bias. Cytokine data of PMWS affected animals exhibited only minor non-significant differences when compared to controls, only IL-10 was significantly decreased at the mRNA level.     

Effect of levothyroxine administration on hemostatic analytes in Doberman Pinschers with von Willebrand disease

Levothyroxine administration has been suggested to be an effective treatment for canine von Willebrand disease (vWd), but evidence supporting this treatment is lacking. Effects of levothyroxine administration were evaluated in 8 euthyroid Doberman Pinschers with plasma von Willebrand factor (vWf) concentrations < 15%, characteristic of type 1 vWd. Levothyroxine (0.04 mg/kg PO q12h) and placebo were administered for 30 days in a 2-period, 2-treatment, double-blinded, crossover design with a 30-day washout period between treatments. Buccal mucosal bleeding time (BMBT), plasma vWf concentration (vWf: Ag), vWf collagen binding activity (vWf:CBA), factor VIII coagulant activity (FVIII:C), and serum concentrations of total thyroxine (T4), free thyroxine (fT4), 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were measured on days 0, 2, and 30 of each treatment period. The 8 dogs (1 male, 7 females) had markedly low plasma vWf:Ag (mean, 8.9%; reference range, 70-180%) and vWf:CBA (mean, 11.1%; reference range, >70%). Response to placebo versus levothyroxine treatment was not significantly different between groups at day 0, 2, or 30 for BMBT, vWf:Ag, vWf:CBA, and FVIII:C. Serum T4, fT4, and T3 concentrations were significantly higher and serum TSH significantly lower in the levothyroxine-treated group than in the placebo group at days 2 and 30. Administration of levothyroxine at 0.04 mg/kg caused laboratory evidence of hyperthyroidism but did not affect plasma FVIII:C and vWf:Ag concentrations or vWf-dependent collagen binding and BMBT. The results of this study failed to identify a direct action of levothyroxine supplementation on plasma vWf concentration or activity in euthyroid Doberman Pinschers with vWd.     

Assessing the effect of a single dose florfenicol treatment in feedlot cattle on the antimicrobial resistance patterns in faecal Escherichia coli

The objective of this clinical trial was to examine the effect of a single dose of florfenicol on antimicrobial resistance patterns in faecal E. coli of feedlot steers. Steers (n = 370), were purchased from two sources and housed in outdoor concrete floored pens. Two cattle from each pen (n = 42 pens, 84 cattle) were randomly selected for faecal sampling at study day 1, 14, 28, and 42. One sampled animal from each of 21 pens was randomly selected to receive a single 39.6 mg/kg dose of florfenicol subcutaneously at study day 11. Ten lactose positive colonies were isolated from faecal swabs and tested for antimicrobial resistance to 11 antimicrobials using the disk diffusion method. Zones of inhibition were grouped using cluster analysis and clusters were ordered by increasing multiple resistance. A cumulative logistic regression model using generalized estimating equations was used to assess factors associated with increasing levels of multiple resistance. Immediately post-treatment, all isolates obtained from treated cattle belonged to multiple resistant clusters containing chloramphenicol resistance. Though less pronounced in later sampling, resistance to chloramphenicol and other antimicrobials persisted. Antimicrobial treatment, sampling time and animal source, as well as interactions between these variables, were important predictors of the odds of E. coli belonging to a more resistant cluster. A very clear but transitory shift to increasingly multiple resistant faecal E. coli in response to florfenicol treatment was observed. There was no indication of horizontal transfer of resistant E. coli between steers. Level of resistance was influenced by complex interaction of animal source and previous management.     

Cultivation and expansion of canine Schwann cells using reexplantation

Despite the numerous available possibilities for the surgical treatment of peripheral nerve lesions found in the dog, the success of these treatments is often unsatisfactory. It has been proven that Schwann cells (SC) have a positive influence on the regeneration of nerve stumps. Implanting a guidance channel seeded with autologous SC at the lesion site could be a new therapeutic approach. The aim of this research was to investigate the in vitro cultivation and expansion of canine SC as the main requirement for the treatment referred to above. Biopsies were carried out on 17 nerve samples originating from dogs of different breed, age, gender and condition. The reexplantation method was employed, followed by dissociation using hyaluronidase, collagenase and trypsin and further expansion. The samples were divided into six groups which were treated with a varying combination of mitogens (forskolin, bovine PEX, choleratoxin, heregulin). To obtain the quantities of SC, the specimens were immunostained by a p75-antibody. By employing a growing number of agents it was possible to obtain an increase in both the quantity of cells and purity of cultures. A maximum of 16x10(5) cells per millilitre of suspension was achieved. The largest SC purity measured 27.1%. The maximum SC quantity achieved was 43.3x10(4) SC per millilitre.     

Cutaneous and ocular habronemiasis in horses: 63 cases (1988-2002)

OBJECTIVE: To describe clinical manifestations of cutaneous and ocular habronemiasis in horses and evaluate outcome of treatment. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 63 horses. PROCEDURE: The diagnosis was made on the basis of history, clinical signs, and identification of calcified concretions (sulfur granules) in lesions. Histologic examination of biopsy specimens was used to confirm the diagnosis. Case horses were compared with a control population of 12,720 horses examined during the same period. RESULTS: Arabians, gray horses, and horses with diluted coat colors were overrepresented; Thoroughbreds were underrepresented. Lesions were identified most often during the summer and early fall. The medial canthus of the eye, male genitalia, third eyelid, and distal portions of the extremities were the most commonly affected locations. Twenty-five lesions were biopsied, and results of histologic examination were consistent with a diagnosis of habronemiasis. However, nematode larvae were seen in only 11 (44%) biopsy specimens. Treatment consisted of surgical removal (7 horses) or medical treatment (56) consisting of debulking granulation tissue and topical, intralesional, or systemic treatment with corticosteroids. All horses were treated with ivermectin. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that cutaneous and ocular habronemiasis should be considered when examining a horse during the summer months with a proliferative, moist, granulomatous lesion. Treatment should be aimed at decreasing the size of the lesion, reducing inflammation, and preventing recurrence. In general, the prognosis was good, and healing occurred within a few weeks. Fly control and regular deworming with ivermectin are recommended to reduce the incidence of habronemiasis.     

Case-control study of factors associated with fibrinous pericarditis among horses in central Kentucky during spring 2001

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors significantly associated with an epidemic of fibrinous pericarditis during spring 2001 among horses in central Kentucky. DESIGN: Case-control study. ANIMALS: 38 horses with fibrinous pericarditis and 30 control horses examined for other reasons. PROCEDURE: A questionnaire was developed to solicit information regarding a wide range of management practices and environmental exposures from farm owners or managers. RESULTS: The following factors were found in bivariate analyses to be significantly associated with an increased risk of pericarditis: being from a farm with mares and foals affected by mare reproductive loss syndrome, exposure to Eastern tent caterpillars in or around horse pastures, younger age, shorter duration of residence in Kentucky and at the farm of current residence, being fed hay grown outside Kentucky, a lack of access to pond water, access to orchard grass for grazing, and a lack of direct contact with cattle. In multivariate logistic regression analyses, only variables related to caterpillar exposure and age were significantly associated with fibrinous pericarditis. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELVANCE: Results suggest that fibrinous pericarditis in horses may be associated with mare reproductive loss syndrome. Exposure to Eastern tent caterpillars was the greatest risk factor for development of fibrinous pericarditis. The distribution of times of diagnosis of fibrinous pericarditis was consistent with a point-source epidemic.     

Use of laser rhinoscopy to treat a nasal obstruction in a captive California sea lion (Zalophus californianus).

Laser rhinoscopy was used to treat a nasal obstruction in a captive California sea lion (Zalophus californianus). The rehabilitated, adult, female sea lion developed mucopurulent, intermittent, bilateral nasal discharge and functional nasal obstruction 20 mo after acquisition by the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California. A 3-mm-thick soft tissue structure spanning the region between the soft and hard palates, a deviated nasal septum, and several nasopharyngeal polyps were identified. Biopsies and cultures of the obstructive web showed ulcerative granulation tissue with suppurative inflammation, bacterial infection, and a partial section of an arthropod larva (not speciated). Laser rhinoscopy was performed to relieve the caudal nasopharyngeal obstruction and ablate the polyps. The sea lion appeared to breathe through the nares with lessened nasal discharge for a period of 6 wk after laser therapy, but within 8 wk the mucopurulent nasal discharge returned, the obstruction had reformed, and the sea lion was euthanized. Postmortem examination confirmed antemortem diagnoses of caudal nasopharyngeal obstruction secondary to inflammatory tissue; however, no additional sections of arthropod parasites were located microscopically.