Blood types in cattle of Iberian ancestry and in Holsteins at various altitudes.

Gene frequencies of RBC antigens were determined in Holsteins and Colombian (criollas) cattle living at 3,000 m, and in cattle descended from fighting bulls (Vacas de lidia) living at 2,500 m. These frequencies were compared with those of Holsteins, cattle native to Florida (scrub cattle), longhorns, and native cattle from Brazil (caracu cattle) living at sea level. The criollas, Vacas de lidia, scrub cows, longhorns, and caracu are descendants of original Iberian stock introduced to the Americas. We found that despite common ancestry (scrub cattle, long-horns, criollas, and caracu), genetic differences may have been derived through years of demographic isolation. The most remarkable blood-group differences were found in the high prevalence of the B system phenogroup (heritable group of antigenic factors) BQA'G'34 in the Vacas de lidia, and of the S system phenogroup U1H' in these cattle and in caracu. Furthermore, the gene frequencies differed in the Holsteins maintained at moderately high altitude (descended from Holsteins kept at sea level), and may have been reflective of the need to adapt to moderately high altitude and chronic hypoxemic conditions. Blood group polymorphism was found in all groups of cattle, although it was reduced in the Vacas de lidia, possibly because their breeding has been carefully controlled and they appear to be highly inbred.     

Morbidity and mortality in pups from pet stores and private sources: 968 cases (1987-1988).

Morbidity (greater than or equal to 1 disease condition) for pups sold from 3 pet stores from January 1987 through December 1988 ranged from 54 to 68%. In 1 store, morbidity was higher for store pups, compared with pups originating from private parties, for such disease conditions as "kennel cough," diarrhea, and several species of gastrointestinal parasites. In-store mortality ranged from 5 to 9.5% of pups arriving for sale.     

Effects of alternative lamb production systems, maternal line, and culling strategy on flock age structure.

The 5-yr attrition of 1/4 (n = 411) or 1/2 (n = 403) Finnsheep (Finn) ewes exposed to terminal sire breeds in either an accelerated or semi-intensive annual lambing system was recorded to test the effects of system and percentage Finn on flock age structure at equilibrium. Ewes were culled for discernible ailments and failure to lamb after two consecutive non-spring exposures in yr 3, 4, or 5 only. Additionally, four progressively more intensive culling strategies for nonconception were practiced in retrospect. Flock productivity (kilograms of lamb weaned per ewe maintained per year) at age structure equilibrium was estimated for all culling strategies. The majority of all systems (cull strategy x lambing system x percentage Finn combination) were composed of ewes less than or equal to 3 yr old. Replacement requirements ranged from 24 to 38% in the accelerated system and 22 to 26% in the annual system. Quarter-Finns yielded greater replacement needs and shorter productive lives in accelerated lambing but fewer replacement requirements and longer productive lives than 1/2 Finns in annual lambing. Replacement requirements greatly increased with culling intensity in accelerated lambing (up to 54% above original levels) but only slightly in annual lambing (up to 8% above original levels). Mean (reproductive) lifetime estimated from fitted Weibull survival curves ranged from 3.1 to 5.1 yr in accelerated lambing and 4.5 to 5.4 yr in annual lambing. Increased culling for non-lambing decreased productivity at flock age structure equilibrium in accelerated lambing but did not change productivity in annual lambing. Repeatability of ewe effects on conception was generally low. Overall, system, percentage Finn, and culling strategy interact to influence system productivity through flock age structure. Intensive culling for non-lambing and replacement with ewe lambs of equal genetic merit should not be practiced in accelerated lambing systems.     

Application of in vitro fertilisation techniques to obtain calves from valuable cows after slaughter.

The ovaries of two infertile cows of high breeding value were recovered after slaughter, and a total of 222 oocytes were obtained. Of these, 156 were classified as of good or fair quality and were subjected to in vitro maturation, in vitro fertilisation (using frozen semen from three bulls of high breeding value) and in vitro culture procedures. After eight days, 27 embryos were obtained, of which 13 were transferred fresh, and 14 were frozen. Three recipients of fresh embryos became pregnant; two calved and one aborted at four months. One of eight recipients of frozen-thawed embryos became pregnant but aborted at three months.     

THE FIRST TWENTY-ONE YEARS OF VETERINARY DIAGNOSTIC ULTRASOUND

The veterinary literature of 1966–1986 was searched for articles and books related to the use of diagnostic ultrasound in animals. There were 492 references, categorized as follows: general, 30; small animal applications, 169; large animal applications, 248; blood pressure measurement, 23; ultrasound-guided biopsy, 4; miscellaneous, 18.     

Adenohypophyseal receptors for LHRH, pituitary content of gonadotropins and plasma concentrations of LH in cyclic, pregnant and postpartum beef cows

Adenohypophyseal concentrations of LHRH receptors, pituitary content of LH and FSH, and plasma concentrations of LH were determined in thirty Hereford, Angus or Hereford-Angus heifers that were randomly assigned by breed and weight to five periods including day 3 of the estrous cycle (CY), pregnant day 120 (P120), 200 (P200), 275 (P275), or day 2 postpartum (PP). Jugular blood samples were collected at 10-min intervals for 8 hr from all cows. Within 2 hr after completion of blood sampling, animals were slaughtered and the pituitary gland frozen at −196 C. LH pulse frequency/8 hr was reduced (P<.05) during gestation (.5, .2, and 1.5 ± .5/8 hr, for P120, P200, and P275, respectively) and PP (.5 ± .5/8 hr) compared to CY (7.8 ± .5/8 hr). Frequency of LH pulses/8 hr was not different (P>.1) among P120, P200 or PP periods but was different (P<.05) between P200 and P275. There were no differences in LH pulse height (P>.1) among periods; however, pulse amplitude was greatest (P<.05) at P120 (1.3 ± .2 ng/ml) and lowest between P200 and PP (.6 to .8 ± .2 ng/ml). Baseline concentrations of plasma LH did not differ (P>.1) among P and PP periods (.3 ± .1 ng/ml), but were lower (P<.05) than in CY animals (.7 ± .1 ng/ml). Concentration of adenohypophyseal LHRH receptors was approximately two-fold greater (P<.05) at P120 (25.85 ± 2.2 fmol/mg) than at all other periods (9.5 to 14.9 ± 2.2 fmol/mg). Pituitary content of LH was greatest at P120 (1.56 ± .11 ug/mg) and lowest (P<.05) at P275 and PP (0.46 to 0.52 ± .11 ug/mg). Pituitary content of FSH was greatest (P<.05) in P (12.7 to 17.0 ± 1.4 ug/mg) and PP (18.3 ± 1.4 ug/mg) vs CY (5.0 ± 1.4 ug/mg) cows and increased from P120 to PP (P<.05). Results indicate that physiological changes occurring during gestation may have an effect on subsequent function of the adenohypophysis in beef cows.     

Comparison of haemodynamic changes during two surgical methods for neutering female dogs

The aim was to investigate if intraoperative registrations of blood pressure and heart rate could be used to estimate surgical trauma. In a prospective clinical trial, registrations in eight dogs neutered by laparoscopic ovariectomy (LOE) were compared with eight dogs subjected to open ovariohysterectomy (OHE). For comparisons phases were used: phase zero = steady state after induction of anaesthesia; phase one = opening of abdomen; phase two = severing of ovarian pedicles; and, phase three = abdominal closure. During LOE, mean systolic blood pressure increased by 7 mm Hg (p = 0.05) and 15 mm Hg (p = 0.01) from phase zero to phase one and two, respectively, and during OHE by 3 mm Hg (ns) and 29 mm Hg (p < 0.0001), respectively. The increase from phase one to phase two differed between groups (p = 0.03). Heart rate did not change. Frequent intraoperative measurements of blood pressure appear a promising method for evaluating surgical trauma.     

CLINICAL ASSESSMENT OF RENAL FUNCTION IN THE DOG WITH A REDUCTION IN NEPHRON NUMBER*

The viewpoint presented is that, because compensatory functional adjustment of the residual nephrons occurs in chronic renal disease, reduction in nephron number usually exceeds 70% before a diagnosis is made. The case that earlier diagnoses are likely if laboratory medicine values are measured and interpreted with a maximum of efficiency is then made. The laboratory data more commonly used in practice for the clinical assessment of renal function in the dog are presented and some comparisons with findings in man are made. The information originates from clinical and experimental observations of the authors, as well as from a literature review. The laboratory data presented and discussed includes glomerular filtration rate and the clearance of nitrogenous waste (urea and creatinine), plasma protein concentration, plasma osmolality, renal concentrating capacity, and urinary constituents, particularly its protein concentration and sediment (centrifuge deposit). All parameters recommended for the clinical assessment of chronic renal failure are considered qualitatively, and some are also dealt with quantitatively.     

Aortic interruption in a dog.

A 3-month-old English Bulldog was found to have a discontinuity between the ascending and descending aorta. There were no signs of illness associated with the interruption. The descending aorta was supplied with blood by collateral circulation. An aortic graft of woven synthetic material was surgically implanted to connect the ascending and descending aorta. Without any restrictions on the dog's activity, the dog has lived for over 1 year and continues to do well.     

Colorectal polyps of the dog: a clinicopathologic study of 17 cases.

Seventeen cases of colorectal polyps in the dog were seen at the Ontario Veterinary College over a 12-year period. The mean age of occurrence was 6.9 years, and males and females were almost equally affected. The Collie was the most frequently affected breed (4/17). The clinical signs were typically dyschezia, periodic intermittent diarrhea and melena, and rectal prolapse of the polyp. The histopatholic classifcation were hyperplastic polyp (1), papillary adenoma (1), tubular adenoma (4), papillotubular adenoma (10), and unclassified (1). Severe epithelial atypia, likely carcinoma in situ, was apparent in 5 of the papillotubular adenomas. Retrospective analysis of survival data after polypectomy suggested a good prognosis, but the results were inconclusive and it is possible that some of the polyps represented premalignant lesions. Large polyps (greater than 1 cm in diameter) frequently had marked epithelial atypia and were considered more likely to recur or to become malignant.