Matrix metalloproteinase activity in tumor, stromal tissue, and serum from cats with malignancies

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are enzymes that play key roles in angiogenesis, tumor invasion, and metastasis in a wide variety of species. The purpose of this study was to evaluate pro and active MMP 2 and 9 concentrations in tumor, normal stromal tissue, and serum from tumor-bearing cats. We hypothesized that serum concentrations of pro and active forms of MMPs 2 and 9 would be predictive of MMP concentrations in tumor tissue and that these MMP concentrations would correlate with the histopathologic grade of the malignancies. Pro and active forms of MMPs 2 and 9 were determined by gelatin zymography and subsequent computerized densitometry from tumor and nearby stromal tissue and serum from 49 cats with various malignancies. The serum concentrations of MMPs from these tumor-bearing cats were compared with serum concentrations of MMPs from 44 normal cats of similar age and gender. Measurable concentrations of MMPs 2 and 9 were found within tumor, stromal, and serum samples. Mean concentrations of total pro and active MMPs 2 and 9 within tumor tissue were significantly higher (P values <.0001, .0031, <.001, and .0064, respectively) when compared with stromal tissue from the same animals. Serum MMP concentrations from tumor-bearing cats were higher than those from normal cats. Poor correlation was found between serum MMP concentrations and tissue MMP concentrations of increasing histologic grades of malignancies.     

Analysis of semen quality from each testis/duct system of a turkey with a duplicated cloaca and vent

A case is described wherein a turkey male (tom) possessed two vent areas with duplicated cloacae served by one large intestine. Both cloacae were functional in that feces were excreted and semen could be collected from each. The left vas deferens and ureter emptied into the left cloaca, and the right vas deferens and ureter emptied into the right cloaca. This allowed semen from each testis/duct to be collected separately from the corresponding cloaca. Thus, a unique opportunity was presented to collect semen separately from the left and right testis/duct system for semen analysis and fertility determination. Sperm concentration and percentage of dead sperm were not significantly different when semen from left vs. right reproductive tract were compared. The concentrations of spermiophages in semen from both reproductive tracts fell into the range reported for normal semen (0-8 x 10(5)/ml); however, semen from the right side had consistently higher spermiophage concentrations than that from the left side. On the basis of observations from one male made possible by an anatomic anomaly, it appears that the fecundities of the left and right testis/duct systems of the turkey male do not significantly differ and that recruitment of spermiophages into one tract (because of immunologic challenge, etc.) does not necessarily mean that the opposite testis/ducts will respond similarly.     

Xylitol intoxication associated with fulminant hepatic failure in a dog

Objective: To describe a case of xylitol intoxication causing fulminant hepatic failure in a dog. Case summary: A 2.5‐year‐old castrated male English Springer Spaniel weighing 26 kg, was presented after ingestion of half of a loaf of bread containing the sweetener xylitol. Toxic effects of the xylitol in this dog included vomiting, mild hypoglycemia and fulminant hepatic failure. Clinical management of acute hepatic failure and subsequent coagulopathy with supportive care and fresh frozen plasma is described. The dog was discharged 3 days after admission after a full clinical recovery. New or unique information provided: This paper describes the clinical consequence and successful treatment of fulminant hepatic failure in a dog following ingestion of xylitol.     

Linking Land-use, Water Body Type and Water Quality in Southern New Zealand

Land-use and vegetation cover have been linked to the nutrient levels (nitrogen, phosphorus) of surface waters in several countries. However, the links generally relate to streams and rivers, or to specific types of standing water, for example shallow lakes in a geologically defined region. We measured physical variables and nutrient chemistry of 45 water bodies representative of the wide range of lentic wetland environments (swamps, riverine wetlands, estuaries, reservoirs, shallow lakes, deep lakes) in Otago, New Zealand, and related these to catchment variables and land-use in order to assess the potential influence of catchment modification on water quality of these diverse wetlands. Catchment boundaries and land cover were derived from maps using ArcView GIS software. Our predictions that concentrations of nutrients and other components of water quality would correlate positively with the nature and intensity of catchment modification were confirmed in multivariate analyses. Physical and chemical measures were positively related to the extent of modification in the catchment (percentage of the catchment in pasture, planted forest, scrub and urban areas), and negatively related to lack of catchment modification (more of the catchment in bare ground, tussock grassland and indigenous forest). The strong negative correlations between nutrient concentrations, suspended sediment, water colour and the percentage of tussock cover in the catchment imply that increased conversion of the␣native tussock grassland to pastoral farming in␣Otago will increase nutrient concentrations and␣reduce water quality of the diverse lentic ecosystems.     

FACIAL FIBROSARCOMA IN TWO COWS

Fibrosarcoma is a common tumor affecting bone, but is uncommon in cows, Reported here are two bovine cases of facial fibrosarcoma that were very invasive.