Comparison of a chlorhexidine and a benzoyl peroxide shampoo as sole treatment in canine superficial pyoderma

The clinical and antibacterial efficacy of two shampoos used as a sole antibacterial treatment in dogs with superficial pyoderma were investigated and compared. In a randomised, partially blinded study, a 3 per cent chlorhexidine gluconate shampoo (Chlorhex 3; Leo Animal Health) was compared against a 2.5 per cent benzoyl peroxide shampoo (Paxcutol; Virbac) in 22 dogs with superficial pyoderma. Dogs were washed two to three times weekly with a 10-minute contact time over 21 days. Clinical scores and bacterial counts were assessed on days 1, 8 and 22 and compared within and between treatment groups; overall response was assessed at the end of the study. Twenty dogs completed the study; 15 (68.2 per cent) showed an overall clinical improvement and the clinical signs resolved in three chlorhexidine-treated dogs. In the chlorhexidine-treated group, scores for papules/pustules (P<0.001), investigator-assessed pruritus (P=0.003), total bacterial counts (P=0.003) and counts for coagulase-positive staphylococci (P=0.003) were reduced after three weeks. Scores and bacterial counts did not vary significantly in the benzoyl peroxide-treated group.     

The humane conditions of swine housing--a summary of various results

First a general survey about our ethological, endocrinological, histological and clinical investigations is given, carried out for more than 15 years with the objective to elaborate housing systems, which fulfill the requirements of the animals as well as the requirements of the producers. On one side free choice and accustoming experiments under standard conditions on the other side investigations on farms, to prove the results of the first as well as to prove how far new housing systems, which are in development in South Germany at present (housing of large groups, labor partitioning pig production), include a melioration in the sense of animal rights even when housing large numbers of animals. In the special part the following points are stressed: - endogenenously-implemented biphasic activity-rhythm of pigs and its influencing by light, room temperature, size of area and the inability of lying comfort. - different ranges of the influencing factors for the animals, in case of activity: 1. stimulus, 2. floor type, 3. size of area; in case of resting: 1. floor type, 2. stimulus, 3, size of area with a minimal size of area fitting to the different housing details in both cases - lying comfort depending on floor type, possibility to trample down faeces respectively to separate places of lying and faeces, room temperature - effects of stimulus - different minimal sizes of area. Results of the investigations in the agricultural practice of housing of piglets during and after the time of suckling and of fattened pigs are reported.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Vergleich der histologischen Struktur der Kompakta der langen Röhren-knochen bei Maus, Hamster, Ratte, Meerschweinchen, Kaninchen, Katze und Hund während der Altersentwicklung

This paper reports on histological examinations of the diaphyseal structure of the long bones (humerus, radius, ulna, os femoris and tibia) of mouse, hamster, rat, guinea pig, rabbit, cat, and dog using six animals in three different age groups. There are considerable differences in structure between the species. The results show that with increasing height in the evolution of the species and period of life, as well as advancing age, the differentiation and complexity of bone structures increases. The differences in structure between the localization of bones within the individual species are not considerable. The species comparison results in great similarities between the bone structures of each of mouse and hamster, of rat and guinea pig, as well as of cat and dog. The bone structure of the animals examined becomes more similar to the human structure from mouse, hamster, rat, guinea pig, rabbit, and cat to dog.     

Weaner production with low antimicrobial usage: a descriptive study

Background

Health, productivity and antimicrobial use in the production of pigs are expected to be interrelated to some extent. Previous studies on register-based data have investigated these correlations with a subsequent large variation residing at the farm level. In order to study such farm factors in more detail we designed an elaborate interview-guide. By in-depth interviews of farmers with well-managed 7–30 kg (weaner) productions we sought to describe a set of common key-factors characterizing their management practices. Identification of such common practices could be used in follow-up projects, investigating whether identified factors really are characteristic for good-practicing famers.

Results

Eleven farms were selected for a farm visit and in-depth interview. Participating farms used less antimicrobials than the national median (8.2 animal daily doses/100 weaners/day), had a mortality below the national average (2.9%) and an average daily weight gain above the national average (443 g/day). Similarities were observed among participating farms, including the sectioning of farms, use of all-in-all-out procedures with subsequent cleaning, purchasing 7 kg weaners from only one source, as well as active participation in management by a committed farm owner. Most farmers had a specific point of focus in their management, and were convinced that this was the reason for their success. This included; feeding, treatment strategy, refurbishment of facilities and presence in the shed.

Conclusion

According to register data, participating farms were alike; in the good league regarding use of antimicrobials, mortality and daily growth. However, on-farm interviews elucidated more heterogeneity among farmers than expected. Most of the farmers had a specific point of focus, which they considered to be crucial for their good results. These results indicate the importance of non-registerable factors, highlighting the value of qualitative study techniques in the understanding of human actions. Further studies on the effect of various farmer types are recommended.     

Vergleich von Anbausystemen beim Apfel in Abhängigkeit von Sorte und Unterlage: Schlanke Spindel und Güttinger-V-System

To the 11th leaf the influence of two planting systems on yield and fruit size of apple cultivars ‘Golden Delicious, Weinsberg’ and ‘Jonagold, Rubinstar’ grafted on the dwarfed rootstocks M 9 and P 16 was investigated. The planting systems “Slender Spindle” (3.25 × 1.25 m) and “Güttinger-V-System” (3.50 × 0.60 m) were compared. In average of both cultivars and rootstocks the “Güttinger-V-System” let to significantly higher yields than the planting system “Slender Spindle”. The difference between the planting systems amounted to 121.7 t/ha from the 3rd to the 11th leaf. In this period the annual per-hectare yield of the “Güttinger-V-System” was in average 13.5 t higher than the yield of the “Slender Spindle”. The simple fruit weight of the 3rd to the 11th leaf was affected by the planting system. For both rootstocks and cultivars the simple fruit weight of the “Slender Spindle” was significantly higher than that of the “Güttinger-V-System”. However the fruit size sorting showed for both cultivars no mentioning differences between the planting systems. To the additional yield of the “Güttinger-V-System” face additional costs for the installation of the orchard and for the formation of crown. Thus the decision for this planting system will be influenced in a high measure from the producer price.     

Effects of Plant Extracts on the Reversal of Glucose-Induced Impairment of Stress-Resistance in Caenorhabditis elegans

Enhanced blood glucose levels are a hallmark of diabetes and are associated with diabetic complications and a reduction of lifespan. In order to search for plant extracts that display preventive activities in such a scenario, we tested 16 extracts used in human nutrition for their survival enhancing activities in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Nematodes were exposed for 48 h to 10 mM glucose in the absence or presence of 0.1 % extract. Thereafter, survival was measured at 37 °C. Extracts made from coffee, kola, rooibos and cinnamon, did not influence the glucose-induced reduction of survival. Those made from ginseng, camomile, lime blossom, paraguay tea, balm, rhodiola, black tea, or knotgrass all extended the lifespan of the glucose-treated nematodes significantly but did not rescue survival completely. Extracts from the leaves of blackberries, from hibiscus, elderberries, or jiaogulan completely countered the glucose-induced survival reduction. A potent activation of the proteasome was shown for the most preventive extracts suggesting a more efficient degradation of proteins impaired by glucose. In conclusion, we present a simple animal model to screen for plant extracts with potency to reverse glucose toxicity. Extracts from blackberry leaves, hibiscus, elderberries, and jiaogulan were identified as very potent in this regard whose exact mechanisms of action appear worthwile to investigate at the molecular level.     

Passive immunity and serological immune response in dairy calves associated with natural Giardia duodenalis infections

In a previous study, Giardia infection patterns were studied in newborn dairy calves over a 4-month period. Chronic Giardia infections were observed in all calves with initial cyst excretion occurring at approximately 1 month of age. In the work presented here, the passive immunity and serological immune response associated with these Giardia infections were examined. Colostrum and milk samples were collected from the dams of these calves, and monthly serum samples were collected from each calf. The colostrum, milk and sera samples were analyzed by ELISA and Western blot for the presence of anti-Giardia IgG antibodies. In addition, the in vitro anti-Giardia activity of milk and colostrum was examined using a miniculture adherence assay. When examined by ELISA, mean anti-Giardia antibody titres were found to be significantly higher in colostrum compared to milk. The monthly mean serum antibody titres in the calves were not found to differ significantly at any time point during the study. Western blot analysis revealed that colostrum from the dams reacted strongly with many different Giardia antigens between 205 and 7.5kDa, while milk reacted with few antigens in the same size range. Sera collected from the calves when 30 and 60 days of age reacted with few Giardia antigens, but as the calves aged, IgG antibodies in their sera began to react with antigens of 21, 50, 65, 73 and 79kDa. The miniculture adherence assay demonstrated that colostrum had significantly more anti-Giardia activity in vitro compared to milk. These results suggest that the calves in this dairy did not mount a significant humoral immune response against Giardia following infection. However, colostrum contained a high level of anti-Giardia antibodies and exhibited anti-Giardia activity in vitro. Therefore, colostrum may have the potential to provide initial protection against Giardia infections in calves, but the lack of a strong, specific humoral immune response by these calves could account for the high prevalence and chronic duration of the infections.