Noninfectious nonerosive arthritis in two dogs

Two cases of noninfectious, nonerosive arthritis are presented. The diagnostic features, clinical course and treatment are reviewed. Potential etiologies are discussed in the light of relatively little current material on this subject in the veterinary literature.     

Pemphigus and pemphigoid in domestic animals: an overview

Pemphigus and pemphigoid are uncommon dermatological entities in domestic animals and of a presumed autoimmune nature. In one form or another, they have been reported in the dog, cat, horse and goat. Although these diseases are considered to be bullous dermatoses, the clinical presentation may vary from ulcerative to exfoliative to proliferative depending on the individual condition. Currently, four variants of pemphigus are recognized (vulgaris, vegetans, foliaceus, erythematosus) and two of pemphigoid (bullous, cicatricial) although cicatricial pemphigoid has not yet been conclusively demonstrated in animals. Diagnosis is based on history, clinical signs, histopathology and immunopathology. Therapy must be immunosuppressive to be effective and is palliative rather than curative.     

The Management of Prostaglandin-controlled Breeding Programs in Beef Cattle - A Five Year Study

A herd of 180 beef cows was synchronized with prostaglandin and bred by artifical insemination for five successive years. Factors influencing the success or failure of estrus synchronizing programs were identified, including the management of nutrition, postpartum interval, cow age and artificial insemination technology. Specific recommendations on the management of prostaglandin-controlled breeding programs resulted in improving the pregnancy rates from 33% in year 1 to 67% in year 5. Improved management and close veterinary supervision were shown to improve the success of an estrus synchronization program.