Escherichia coli sepsis and endotoxemia in conscious young pigs

In conscious pigs the influence of intravenous infusion of live E. coli (7×10⁸/kg), of the equivalent amount of endotoxin (20 g/kg) or of a high dose of endotoxin (2.5 mg/kg) on the hemodynamic, clinical and pathological parameters and on survival rate was studied. E. coli and endotoxin infusion resulted in pulmonary hypertension, systemic arterial hypotension, a decrease in cardiac output and an increase in heart rate. Clinical signs were characterized by respiratory and nervous disturbances, whereas necropsy revealed hemorrhages and edema in several organs. Although these findings were similar in the three groups, a marked difference in lethality was observed. Infusion of E. coli or of the high dose of endotoxin resulted in a significant mortality, whereas all pigs survived the infusion of the low dose of endotoxin. This suggests that the lethal pathophysiological mechanisms may only become activated when a sufficient amount of endotoxin is released into the circulation.     

Immunophenotype of pulmonary cellular infiltrates in sheep with visceral caseous lymphadenitis

Pulmonary lesions associated with Corynebacterium ovis were analyzed with an indirect immunoperoxidase staining technique using monoclonal antibodies. The predominant cells in abscess walls and surrounding lung parenchyma were large macrophages which expressed major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules on their surfaces. T lymphocytes were prominent in the same sites in the naturally occurring lesions, and SBU-T4-positive ("helper/inducer") cells were the major subset of lymphocytes (mean T4/T8 ratio = 3.5). B lymphocytes and granulocytes comprised minor populations of infiltrating cells. These results implicate activated macrophages and MHC class II-restricted T lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of established C. ovis infections in sheep.     

Canine von Willebrand's disease. A heterogeneous group of bleeding disorders

The term "von Willebrand's disease," refers to a group of inherited bleeding disorders, all of which are caused by a deficiency of the multimeric plasma glycoprotein, von Willebrand factor. The various forms of canine von Willebrand's disease can be categorized into one of three major types: in type I canine von Willebrand's disease, all sizes of von Willebrand factor multimers can be detected in the plasma; in type II canine von Willebrand's disease, only the smaller von Willebrand factor multimers are found in the plasma (larger multimers are absent); and in type III canine von Willebrand's disease, von Willebrand factor is completely absent from the plasma or present in only trace amounts. Von Willebrand's disease is common in dogs, but some forms of the disease are so mild that they are of questionable clinical significance.     

Bile duct obstruction secondary to chronic pancreatitis in seven dogs

Seven icteric dogs were determined to have bile duct obstruction secondary to chronic pancreatitis. All dogs had histories of intermittent vomiting and diarrhea. Alkaline phosphatase and alanine aminotransferase activities and total bilirubin concentrations were markedly elevated. Diagnosis was based on exploratory laparotomy and histological examination. Each dog had a 3 to 10 cm mass in the body of the pancreas and obstruction of the common bile duct. Three dogs treated with pancreatectomy, gastrojejunostomy, and cholecystojejunostomy died within five weeks. Three dogs treated with conservative surgical procedures were alive at 8, 16, and 26 months postoperatively. One dog was euthanized because of suspected neoplasia. Hepatic enzyme activity and bilirubin levels decreased markedly in the surviving dogs. Histological examination of the pancreatic masses indicated chronic pancreatitis. Hepatic biopsies revealed evidence of cholestasis. Chronic pancreatitis should be included in the differential diagnoses of icterus, bile duct obstruction, and masses in the pancreas.     

An Unusual Necrotizing cholangiohepatitis in Broiler Chickens

A diagnosis of toxic necrotizing cholangiohepatitis was made in approximately 35% of a flock of 23,000 commercial broiler chickens. Affected chickens were small, and had discrete green foci throughout the liver. Seven to twelve days prior to shipping the flock to slaughter, premixes containing oxytetracycline, monensin, and 3-nitro-4-hydroxyphenylarsonic acid had been added to the ration because the birds had wet droppings and were growing slowly. The 3-nitro-4-hydroxyphenylarsonic acid had been inadvertently incorporated at ten times the recommended level. Liver and kidney of affected birds had elevated levels of total arsenic, and special strains demonstrated arsenic in necrotic foci in liver. Histologically there was marked dilation of intrahepatic bile ducts, and patchy necrosis and hyperplasia of the bile duct epithelium. Damage to bile ducts may have been a toxic manifestation of altered metabolism and excretion of the three drugs being fed to birds suffering from intercurrent diarrhea and/or undefined interactions among the drugs.