Effects of Vasectomy on Seminal Plasma Alkaline Phosphatase in Male Alpacas (Vicugña pacos)

Azoospermia is a common finding in male alpacas which present for infertility. The challenge is to differentiate azoospermia of testicular origin from non‐testicular origin. In several species, alkaline phosphatase (AP) concentrations in seminal plasma have been used as a diagnostic marker of contributions of the testis and epididymis to the ejaculate. The purpose of this study was to determine whether AP assay could differentiate testicular from non‐testicular azoospermia in male alpacas. An experimental model of bilateral outflow obstruction (pre‐scrotal vasectomy) was used in 22 male alpacas, aged 2–9 years. No reproductive history was available. Animals were submitted for electroejaculation (EE) under general anaesthesia and vasectomy performed. Five weeks later, animals were submitted for EE. Vasectomy was not successful in one animal, which was removed from analysis. AP levels were compared in seminal plasma in the pre‐ and post‐vasectomy samples. The mean ± SEM concentration of AP in pre‐vasectomy seminal plasma was 504.29 ± 166.45 U/l (range 10–2910); the post‐vasectomy levels were 252.48 ± 81.77 U/l (range 0–1640; p = 0.06). In 71.4% of animals, AP levels decreased, varying from 18% to 100% reduction. Results of this study suggest that AP is not produced exclusively by the testis and epididymis in alpacas and that AP assay is not a valid diagnostic test for determination of origin of azoospermia; the gold standard for diagnosis of origin of azoospermia remains testicular biopsy.     

Isolation and genotyping of Campylobacter species from kiwi (Apteryx spp.) in captivity: implications for transmission to and from humans

Aims: To investigate the presence of Campylobacter spp. in captive kiwi (Apteryx spp.) and compare their genotypic profiles with those of human and animal origin, in order to assess their potential for zoonotic or zooanthroponotic transmission.

Methods: Conventional selective enrichment and filter-based isolation methods were applied to isolate Campylobacter spp. from fresh faecal samples from 12 North Island brown kiwi (Apteryx mantelli) and one great spotted kiwi (A. haastii), housed in one of five different areas in a kiwi sanctuary in Christchurch, New Zealand. Isolates were identified using multiplex PCR and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. High-resolution rapid genotyping using multiplex ligation-dependant probe amplification-based binary typing (MBiT) was applied and profiles compared with similar results from 2,165 Campylobacter spp. isolates contained in a database derived from human clinical, veterinary and environmental samples.

Results: One isolate of C. jejuni, and one belonging to the C. lari phylogenetic group were recovered from faeces from two kiwi. High-resolution rapid genotyping by MBiT demonstrated these to be indistinguishable from isolates obtained previously from human cases of diarrhoea, and others from chicken, cattle, sheep and water.

Conclusions: These data provide evidence for potential zoonotic or zooanthroponotic transmission of Campylobacter spp. in kiwi with implications for management of birds kept in captivity. We believe this is the first formal report of C. jejuni and a C. lari-like organism in kiwi.

Abbreviations: MBiT: Multiplex ligation-dependant probe amplification-based binary typing     

Anti‐Müllerian Hormone in the Domestic Dog during the Anestrus to Oestrous Transition

The reproductive cycle of the domestic dog features a long period of relative ovarian inactivity or anestrus. The mechanism of anestrous termination/oestrous resumption is not yet fully understood, which presents a challenge to the development of oestrous induction protocols. In this study, we assess the possibility that anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) might play a role in this transition by characterizing its patterns of expression in the circulation during the transition from anestrus to oestrous and in all stages of ovarian follicular growth. Serum samples from five beagles (2.0–4.5 years) were collected three times per week at least 30 days prior to the onset of oestrous and assessed for AMH concentrations. Serum AMH concentration increased significantly during the transition from anestrus to proestrus and then declined back to the anestrous baseline beginning on day ?4 before the luteinizing hormone surge, which was determined by changes in serum progesterone concentrations. Cortical sections of ovaries from females undergoing routine ovariohysterectomy (aged 8 months–5 years, n = 4) were evaluated for AMH by immunohistochemistry. Pre‐antral and small antral follicles were most strongly immunoreactive for AMH. These data suggest that the increase in the number of antral follicles is associated with the rise in serum AMH as the anestrous period comes to an end. The rise in AMH might be useful in predicting the onset of oestrus and therefore assist with the optimization of oestrous induction protocols and possibly other assisted reproductive technologies.     

Exertional heat illness: a review of the syndrome affecting racing Thoroughbreds in hot and humid climates

Metabolic heat produced by Thoroughbred racehorses during racing can rapidly elevate core body temperature (1°C/min). When environmental conditions are hot and humid, the normal physiological cooling mechanisms become ineffective. The heat accumulated may exceed a critical thermal maximum (estimated to be 42°C), which may trigger a complex pathophysiological cascade with potentially lethal consequences. This syndrome has been labelled exertional heat illness (EHI). EHI is described in humans, but has not been well documented in Thoroughbred racehorses. The clinical signs described in racehorses would suggest that the pathophysiological events affecting the central nervous (CNS) and gastrointestinal systems are similar to those described in humans. Clinical signs are progressive and include signs of endotoxaemia and increasing levels of CNS dysfunction. Initially, horses that may be mildly irritable (agitated, randomly kicking out) may progress to unmanageable (disorientation, severe ataxia, falling) and ultimately convulsions, coma and death. Currently, the approach to treatment is largely empirical and involves rapid and effective cooling, administration of drugs to provide sedation, administration of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs to ameliorate the effects of endotoxaemia and glucocorticoids to stabilise cell membranes and reduce the effects of inflammation on the CNS. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge about EHI in Thoroughbred racehorses, suggests a likely pathophysiology of the syndrome in horses based on the current literature on heat illness in humans and horses, and outlines current treatment strategies being used to treat racehorses with clinical signs of EHI.     

Prostaglandins F2α and E2 Secretion by Porcine Epithelial and Stromal Endometrial Cells on Different Days of the Oestrous Cycle

The endometrial tissue of the uterus plays a key role in reproduction and is a source of hormones and factors responsible for the proper physiological function of reproductive tract during the oestrous cycle and pregnancy. In this study, we investigated the pattern of PGF(2alpha) and PGE(2) secretion from cultured porcine endometrial cells at different days of the oestrous cycle. Epithelial and stromal cells were isolated by differential enzymatic digestion on days 6-8, 10-12 and 14-16. After attachment cells were incubated for 3 and 24 h to estimate PGF(2alpha) and PGE(2) output. The purity of culture was 85-90% for epithelial and 95-98% for stromal cells as determined by immunofluorescent staining. Release of PGF(2alpha) and PGE(2) was affected by cell type, days of the oestrous cycle and the time of incubation. After 3 h of incubation epithelial cells secreted more PGF(2alpha) than PGE(2) during all studied periods of the oestrous cycle (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively), whereas stromal cells released more PGE(2) (p < 0.01) on days 10-12 and 14-16. Longer incubation of stromal cells revealed that PGF(2alpha) output tended to overcome PGE(2) on days 10-16. The lowest secretion of prostaglandins was observed on days 6-8 in both cell types. The highest secretion of PGF(2alpha) from epithelium was measured on days 10-12 after 24 h of incubation when compared with other days studied (p < 0.001). In stromal cells, PGE(2) output increased on consecutive days studied (p < 0.001) after 3 h of incubation. The differential properties of endometrial cell types seem to play an important role in the profile of PGF(2alpha) and PGE(2) release before and during luteolysis. Described endometrial cells culture might serve as the model for further studies on the hormonal regulation of prostaglandin production in the pig.     

Role of prokinetic drugs for treatment of postoperative ileus in the horse

All horses undergoing coeliotomy for an acute abdominal crisis are at risk of developing ileus and should receive therapy aimed at promoting gastrointestinal function by restoring fluid and electrolyte balance. Adequate analgesia and prevention against peritonitis, bacteraemia and endotoxaemia should be provided. Horses that at the time of surgery have a strangulating or non-strangulating small intestinal obstruction should be considered to be at greater risk of developing a persistent ileus that is refractory to treatment than those horses with lesions involving the large intestine. In horses considered to be at greater risk of developing a persistent ileus, the use of prokinetic agents should be considered. Agents that may be used to improve gastrointestinal motility include adrenergic receptor antagonists, cholinergic agonists, benzamides, dopamine antagonists, macrolide antimicrobials, opiate receptor agonists and antagonists, somatostatin analogues and local anaesthetics. There are limited studies into the use of these agents in the horse. Until further research provides more information on motility disorders following intestinal surgery and the efficacy of prokinetic agents in this species, only selective use of some of these drugs can be recommended.