Vitamin D-dependent rickets type 2 in a four-month-old cat

Vitamin D-dependent rickets type 2 in a four-month-old cat A 4-month-old male domestic shorthair cat was examined because of lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle tremors, and mydriasis. Laboratory evaluation revealed hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and high intact parathormone and calcitriol concentrations. Findings were compatible with a diagnosis of vitamin D-dependent rickets type 2. Treatment consisted of oral administration of calcium and calcitriol supplements. During the subsequent 18 months, the cat remained clinically normal. Treatment with oral calcium supplements was eventually discontinued, and the cat was able to maintain serum calcium concentrations within reference limits.     

Effect of anticonvulsant dosages of potassium bromide on thyroid function and morphology in dogs

A placebo-controlled experiment was performed to evaluate the effect of potassium bromide on the canine thyroid gland. Basal total thyroxine, free thyroxine, and basal thyrotropin serum concentrations were evaluated over a 6-month period in potassium bromide-treated and control dogs. A thyrotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test was also performed in all dogs at the beginning and conclusion of the study. Thyroid histopathology was compared between treated and control dogs at the end of the study. No difference was detected in any parameter between the two groups at the end of the study. A decline in thyroid hormone concentrations over the course of the study did occur in both groups of dogs. Potassium bromide does not appear to have a significant effect on canine thyroid function or morphology.     

Effect of vaccination on serum concentrations of total and antigen-specific immunoglobulin E in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of vaccination on serum concentrations of total and antigen-specific IgE in dogs. ANIMALS: 20 female Beagles. PROCEDURE: Groups of 5 dogs each were vaccinated repeatedly between 8 weeks and 4 years of age with a multivalent and rabies vaccine, a multivalent vaccine only, or a rabies vaccine only. A fourth group of 5 dogs served as unvaccinated controls. Serum concentrations of total immunoglobulins and antigen-specific IgE were determined following vaccination. RESULTS:-The multivalent vaccine had little effect on serum total IgE concentrations. The concentration of IgE increased slightly following vaccination for rabies at 16 weeks and 1 year of age and increased greatly after vaccination at 2 and 3 years of age in most dogs, with a distinct variation between individual dogs. Vaccination had no effect on serum concentrations of IgA, IgG, and IgM as measured at 2 and 3 years of age. The rabies vaccine contained aluminum adjuvant in contrast to the multivalent vaccine. An increase of IgE that was reactive with vaccine antigens, including bovine serum albumin and bovine fibronectin, was detected in some of the dogs vaccinated for rabies. There was no significant correlation between serum concentrations of total IgE and antigen-specific IgE following vaccination. Serum total IgE concentration rapidly returned to preimmunization concentrations in most dogs, but high concentrations of antigen-specific IgE persisted. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Vaccination of dogs for rabies increases serum concentrations of total IgE and induces IgE specific for vaccine antigens, including tissue culture residues. Vaccination history should be considered in the interpretation of serum total IgE concentrations.     

Laser flaremetric evaluation of experimentally induced blood-aqueous barrier disruption in cats

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether aqueous humor flare, measured by use of laser flaremetry, was proportional to aqueous humor protein concentration and to use laser flaremetry to evaluate disruption of the blood-aqueous barrier (BAB) in cats. ANIMALS: 30 healthy adult cats. PROCEDURE: Laser flaremetry values for all eyes were compared with aqueous humor protein concentrations determined by use of a Coomassie blue microprotein assay. Laser flaremetry was then performed on both eyes before (0 hours) and 4, 8, and 26 hours after initiation of topical application of 2% pilocarpine (q 8 h) to 1 eye of 9 cats or paracentesis of the anterior chamber of 1 eye of 8 cats. Intraocular pressure and pupil size were also determined. Aqueous humor protein concentration was extrapolated from flare values by use of linear regression. RESULTS: There was a linear relationship between flare values and aqueous humor protein concentrations. Topical application of 2% pilocarpine and paracentesis of the anterior chamber caused a breakdown of the BAB that was detected by use of laser flaremetry. The highest mean flare readings after application of pilocarpine or paracentesis were 24.4 and 132.8 pc/ms, respectively, which corresponded to aqueous humor protein concentrations of 85.5 and 434.9 mg/dl, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Paracentesis of the anterior chamber resulted in a more severe breakdown of the BAB in cats than topical application of 2% pilocarpine. Laser flaremetry may be a useful clinical method to detect increases in aqueous flare and, hence, disruptions of the BAB in cats.     

Environmental and farm management factors associated with tuberculosis on cattle farms in northeastern Michigan

OBJECTIVE: To identify major environmental and farm management factors associated with the occurrence of tuberculosis (TB) on cattle farms in northeastern Michigan. DESIGN: Case-control study. SAMPLE POPULATION: 17 cattle farms with infected cattle and 51 control farms. PROCEDURE: Each case farm (laboratory confirmed diagnosis of Mycobacterium bovis infection) was matched with 2 to 4 control farms (negative whole-herd test results within previous 12 months) on the basis of type of farm (dairy or beef) and location. Cattle farm data were collected from in-person interviews and mailed questionnaires. Wildlife TB data were gathered through state wildlife surveillance. Environmental data were gathered from a satellite image-based geographic information system. Multivariable conditional logistic regression for matched analysis was performed. RESULTS: Major factors associated with increased farm risk of TB were higher TB prevalence among wild deer and cattle farms in the area, herd size, and ponds or creeks in cattle housing areas. Factors associated with reduced farm risk of TB were greater amounts of natural open lands in the surrounding area and reducing deer access to cattle housing areas by housing cattle in barns, barnyards, or feedlots and use of electrified wire or barbed wire for livestock fencing. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that certain environmental and management factors may be associated with risk of TB on cattle farms.     

Effect of immunosuppressive doses of cyclosporine on pancreatic beta cell function in pigs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether immunosuppressive doses of cyclosporine (CsA) have an adverse effect on the liver, kidney, and pancreatic beta cells of pigs. ANIMALS: 8 juvenile 8-week-old Landrace X Large White crossbred pigs. PROCEDURE: CsA (100 to 140 mg/kg) was administered orally to euglycemic pigs to reach whole blood trough concentrations of approximately 1500 ng/mL. To determine pancreatic beta cell function, plasma C-peptide and insulin concentrations were measured in response to i.v. administration of glucose, glucagon, arginine, and oral administration of glucose. Effects on liver and kidney were determined by monitoring serum measurements of liver function and serum creatinine concentrations, respectively. RESULTS: Plasma concentrations of C-peptide were significantly lower in euglycemic CsA-treated pigs, compared with control pigs, following i.v. administration of glucose, glucagon, arginine, and oral administration of glucose. Furthermore, the glucose clearance rate was decreased in euglycemic CsA-treated pigs, compared with control pigs. Serum creatinine concentrations and 4 of 7 serum measurements of liver function were not adversely affected by CsA administration. Serum concentrations of bilirubin and albumin were significantly increased, and serum alanine aminotransferase activity was significantly decreased in CsA-treated pigs, compared with control pigs. Histologic evaluation of liver and kidney sections revealed no pathologic findings in CsA-treated or control pigs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In our study, immunosuppressive doses of CsA caused an impairment of porcine pancreatic beta cell function, but did not have toxic effects on the kidney. However, on the basis of changes in serum bilirubin and albumin concentrations and alanine aminotransferase activity, subclinical toxic effects on the liver did occur when immunosuppressive doses of CsA were administered.     

Spinal deformities in farmed Atlantic salmon

Spinal deformities in farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) are often observed in intensive farming systems and result in production losses. Many putative factors have been implicated with the formation of spinal deformities in larger salmon. This condition has been described as broken back syndrome, curvy back disease, and short tails.     

Evaluation of L-selectin expression and assessment of protein tyrosine phosphorylation in bovine polymorphonuclear neutrophil leukocytes around parturition

Impaired polymorphonuclear neutrophil leukocyte (PMN) function around parturition has been associated with increased clinical mastitis in dairy cows. Rolling and attachment of PMN to the endothelium is the first step in the recruitment process and is accomplished by interaction between L-selectin on PMN and its ligand on endothelial cells. Furthermore, tyrosine phosphorylation is involved in the initiation of many PMN functions. The objective of this work was to determine changes in expression of L-selectin and tyrosine phosphorylation in the perinatal period. Eight clinically healthy Holstein cows were used as PMN donors at d-21, -14, -7,0 (calving), +1, +2, +7, +14, +28. Evaluation of L-selectin expression was carried out on activated and resting PMN. Anti-bovine L-selectin monoclonal antibody (MAB) and flow cytometric analysis were used to measure the percentage of PMN fluorescing and receptor expression (log mean fluorescent channel, LMFC). Activated and resting PMN showed similar trends in % PMN fluorescence and LM FC. The percentage of PMN fluorescing tended to decrease at parturition, followed by a significant increase at d +14 and +28 (P < 0.02). For LMFC a decrease was observed on d +1 followed by an increase through d +28 (P < 0.01). Protein tyrosine phosphorylation of lysates prepared from PMN isolated throughout the study was detected by electrophoresis and western blotting using anti-phosphotyrosine MAB. Several protein bands were tyrosine phosphorylated. Two of these bands (42-44 kDa and 90 kDa) varied in intensity over time. The intensity of the 42-44 kDa band gradually increased from d -7, peaked at d +7 (P < 0.03), and steadily decreased to d +28 (P < 0.02). Antibody to activated mitogen protein kinase reacted with the 42-44 kDa band. Reduced PMN function during the periparturient period could be related to reduced L-selectin adhesion molecules on the cell surface, and to modulation in the phosphorylation of functionally important molecules.     

Cytomegalovirus infection in a pig in South Africa

An 8-week-old piglet with dyspnoea, bilateral mucopurulent nasal discharge and mouth breathing was euthanased and a necropsy was performed. Apart from histological evidence of diffuse rhinitis, large intranuclear inclusion bodies, pathognomonic forporcine cytomegalovirus infection, were detected within mucous glands on the nasal turbinates. This is the first such case to be diagnosed in South Africa.