Effect of mammary secretions on functions of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in pigs

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of porcine mammary secretions on polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocyte function and to relate concentrations of estradiol-17beta and cortisol in mammary secretions to PMN cell function. SAMPLE POPULATION: Mammary secretions from 10 healthy sows and blood PMN leukocytes from 27 healthy sows. PROCEDURE: Mammary secretions were collected within 24 hours after parturition (colostrum) and 12 to 13 days later (milk). Chemoattractant properties were assessed by use of a cell migration assay. Phagocytic capacity of PMN cells in colostrum and milk was assessed by recording chemiluminescence following phagocytosis of Escherichia coli or zymosan. Estradiol-17beta and cortisol concentrations were determined by use of radioimmunoassays. RESULTS: Chemoattractant properties of colostrum and milk were significantly greater than that of zymosan-activated serum. However, chemoattractant properties did not differ significantly between the 2 types of secretions. The capacity of PMN cells in colostrum to phagocytose either zymosan or E. coli was less, compared with cells in milk, and the ability of cells in either type of mammary secretion to phagocytose E. coli was greater than the ability to phagocytose zymosan. Concentrations of estradiol-17beta and cortisol were greater in colostrum, compared with milk. No clear relation was evident between PMN cell activity and hormone concentrations in mammary secretions. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although chemoattractant properties of colostrum and milk did not differ, the phagocytic capacity of PMN cells in colostrum was significantly less than that of cells in milk. This may predispose sows to coliform mastitis during the early postparturient period.     

Influence of long-time transportation stress on re-activation of Salmonella typhimurium DT104 in experimentally infected pigs

In this study a Salmonella Typhimurium infection model in swine was used in order to investigate the influence of pre-mortal stress induced by long time period transportation on the re-activation of Salmonella in experimentally infected pigs. Salmonella free pigs were exposed to a highly virulent strain of Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 by direct intragastrical administration. Clinical parameters were monitored and the shedding rate in faeces was qualitatively and quantitatively determined by standard bacteriological procedures for 21 days. The distribution of the challenge organism in 14 different internal organs of transported and nontransported animals was determined. All infected animals developed clinical signs of salmonellosis 12 to 24 hours post infection. About 88 to 100% of the fecal samples were culture-positive up to post exposure day 6, and then varied from 71 to 92% until slaughter, respectively. At necropsy S. Typhimurium was recovered most frequently from caecum and ileocolic lymph nodes (83%), colon (79%), palatine tonsils (71%) and mandibular lymph nodes (62.5%). A negative impact of transportation stress on the shedding rate and the general condition of the animals was observed.     

Identification of focal adenomyosis as a uterine lesion in two dogs

A focal uterine adenomyosis is described in two bitches. In both cases, the uterus showed knobbly enlargements of 4 to 8 cm in diameter, which resulted in distinct clinical symptoms. Other pathological changes of the uterus were not present. One bitch was presented because of a history of vaginal discharge of several months' duration. Radiographs, as well as ultrasonography, revealed a soft tissue lesion at the cervix. The other bitch showed a marked reduction in its general condition and a sudden onset of a tense abdomen. Radiologically, a lesion of soft tissue opacity was observed in the mid-abdomen and was seen to originate from the left uterine horn during exploratory laparotomy. A torsion of the lesion was present, which explained the clinical signs in this second case.     

Urethral entrapment following pelvic fracture fixation in a dog

An 18-month-old female crossbred dog was presented with a unilateral sacroiliac luxation and separation of the pelvic symphysis. Surgical correction of the luxation with screw fixation led to entrapment of the urethra between the symphyseal parts of the two hemipelves.     

Biochemical markers of bone metabolism in growing thoroughbreds: a longitudinal study

This study describes longitudinal changes in serum levels of biochemical markers of bone cell activity in a group of 24 thoroughbred foals from birth to 18 months of age. The markers of bone formation included the type I collagen carboxy-terminal propeptide (PICP), the bone-specific isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase (BAP), and osteocalcin (OC). Levels of the cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP), a marker of bone resorption, and the N-terminal propeptide of type III collagen (PNIIIP), a marker of soft tissue turnover, were also measured. Levels of all markers fell significantly between birth and 18 months of age (70-80 per cent); this decrease being most marked between 0 and 6 months. However, a transient increase in levels of the markers then occurred between 6 and 14 months of age. The timing of this increase was specific for each parameter. ICTP and OC concentrations increased between October and December. PICP concentrations increased between December and April whereas the increase in PIIINP was coincident with the peak in weight gain between April and June. Changes in BAP concentration were less distinct at this time. Season was shown to have significant effects on the biochemical markers independent from the effect of age. Concentrations of all markers decreased with increasing body weight and at any given age heavier horses had lower marker levels. These results show that biochemical markers of bone cell activity and soft tissue turnover follow characteristic patterns of change in growing thoroughbreds influenced by age, season and bodyweight. The demonstration that the reference ranges for the biochemical markers change from month to month means that single samples from individuals are of little value for monitoring bone cell activity in growing thoroughbreds.     

The fetlock tunnel syndrome in horses: literature review and retrospective study.]

The annular ligament constriction is characterized by a disproportion between the available space and the contents within the fetlock tunnel. The main symptoms are a persisting lameness, distention of the tendon sheath, a typical "notch" when the fetlock is viewed from the side and a hyperflexion pain in the fetlock. The surgical treatment consists of the transection of the fetlock annular ligament. The conservative management can be considered as a independent therapy or as a preparation for a subsequent desmotomy. The medical records of 75 horses suffering from fetlock tunnel syndrome presented at the Veterinary Surgery Clinic of the University of Zurich were studied. 39 horses with 41 affected limbs were reexamined clinically and ultrasonographically. 70% of the surgical cases and 82% of the conservatively treated cases were judged to be sound. Altogether it can be said that the surgical case group had a success rate of 62% while the conservatively treated group showed a success rate of 58%.     

Phenotypes Including Immunocompetence in Scavenging Local Chicken Ecotypes in Tanzania

A study was conducted to determine the variations in physical characters and immunocompetence among scavenging local chicken ecotypes in Tanzania. Eighty-four adult scavenging local chickens from four eco-climatic regions of Tanzania were studied. Measurements of adult body weight, body length, shank length and egg weight and observations of plumage colour and pattern, earlobe colour, skin colour and the shape of the comb were conducted. The antibody response to sheep red blood cells, serum haemolytic complement and the cutaneous response to phytohaemagglutinin-P were assessed. Five ecotypes were identified and named Mbeya, Morogoro-medium, Ching'wekwe, Kuchi and Singamagazi. Singamagazi and Kuchi were significantly heavier, with longer shanks and heavier eggs than the other ecotypes. The average adult body weight for males ranged from 1621 g (Mbeya) to 2915 g (Singamagazi). Average female weights ranged from 1108 g (Morogoro-medium) to 2020 g (Singamagazi). Mean egg weights ranged from 37.65 g (Ching'wekwe) to 45.61 (Singamagazi). The Kuchi had mostly rose and walnut combs, while the other ecotypes were mostly single combed. In each ecotype there were chickens with a high or low antibody response to red blood cells, but there was a significant difference between the ecotypes.     

Farm and Personal Characteristics of the Clientele of a Community-based Animal Health Service Programme in Northern Malawi

The social background, farm characteristics, indicators of income and self-evaluation returns of 96 randomly selected users of a Basic Animal Health Service (BAHS) programme in northern Malawi were compared with those of 96 matched past-users and 96 non-users, respectively. All 288 farms were visited between July and October 1997. Data analysis was performed using univariate and multivariate techniques. The results showed that, on average, BAHS users had larger cattle herds (16.3) than part-users (14.7) or non-users (12.4). Similarly, the annual yields of crops were higher for users compared to either of the other groups. Users occupied better houses and owned a larger number of farm and household items than did part-users or non-users. A third of all farmers were engaged in additional income generation to lessen the risk of poverty. However, analysis of the livestock management and the educational background of the farmers suggested that usage of the BAHS programme was not only determined by already existing `wealth'. Improved livestock husbandry and management measures, which do not require capital investment, were more frequently applied by users compared to either of the other groups. Non-users and part-users had attained a lower level of education, were less open towards improved farming methods and felt less knowledgeable than BAHS users. The average straight-line distances from farms using BAHS to their respective village animal health worker (2.2 km) or veterinary assistant (2.9 km) were similar but varied according to ecological zone. Intensified extension and awareness meetings in villages will be required to get more non-users involved in BAHS.