Evaluation of an arthroscopic approach for transection of the equine collateral sesamoidean ligament

Objective: To evaluate: (1) an arthroscopic technique for transection of the collateral sesamoidean ligament (CSL); and (2) the healing response using magnetic resonance (MR) and microscopic examination. Study Design: Experimental study. Animals: Adult horses (n=6). Methods: Six sound horses with normal front foot radiographic and MR examinations were used. Lameness examination was performed before surgery and monthly for 12 months. Front foot radiography was performed at 180 and 360 days after surgery. Front foot MR was performed before, and at 7, 90, 180, and 360 days after surgery. Arthroscopic CSL desmotomy was performed on 1 forelimb. Gross and microscopic examination was performed on the CSL from both forelimbs at 360 days after surgery. Lameness scores were compared over time using the nonparametric Friedman's test for paired groups. CSL measurements were compared using paired t‐tests with a 2‐tailed significance level of P<.05. Results: Radiographs remained normal throughout study period. Surgery resulted in lameness on the operated limb for up to 2 months, after which all horses returned to soundness. CSL transection was confirmed during arthroscopy and with MR examination 7 days after surgery. Gross and microscopic evaluation confirmed ligament healing. Conclusions: CSL desmotomy resulted in short‐term lameness after surgery followed by healing of the CSL confirmed by gross and microscopic analysis.     

Emesis in dogs: a review

Emesis is a common presenting sign in small animal practice. It requires a rational approach to management that is based upon a sound understanding of pathophysiology combined with logical decision making. This review, which assesses the weight of available evidence, outlines the physiology of the vomiting reflex, causes of emesis, the consequences of emesis and the approach to clinical management of the vomiting dog. The applicability of diagnostic testing modalities and the merit of traditional approaches to management, such as dietary changes, are discussed. The role and usefulness of both traditional and novel anti-emetic drugs is examined, including in specific circumstances such as following cytotoxic drug treatment. The review also examines areas in which common clinical practice is not necessarily supported by objective evidence and, as such, highlights questions worthy of further clinical research.     

Sortase anchored proteins of Streptococcus uberis play major roles in the pathogenesis of bovine mastitis in dairy cattle

Streptococcus uberis, strain 0140J, contains a single copy sortase A (srtA), encoding a transamidase capable of covalently anchoring specific proteins to peptidoglycan. Unlike the wild-type, an isogenic mutant carrying an inactivating ISS1 insertion within srtA was only able to infect the bovine mammary gland in a transient fashion. For the first 24 h post challenge, the srtA mutant colonised at a similar rate and number to the wild type strain, but unlike the wild type did not subsequently colonise in higher numbers. Similar levels of host cell infiltration were detected in response to infection with both strains, but only in those mammary quarters infected with the wild type strain were clinical signs of disease evident. Mutants that failed to express individual sortase substrate proteins (sub0135, sub0145, sub0207, sub0241, sub0826, sub0888, sub1095, sub1154, sub1370, and sub1730) were isolated and their virulence determined in the same challenge model. This revealed that mutants lacking sub0145, sub1095 and sub1154 were attenuated in cattle. These data demonstrate that a number of sortase anchored proteins each play a distinct, non-redundant and important role in pathogenesis of S. uberis infection within the lactating bovine mammary gland.     

Mannan-binding lectin (MBL) in two chicken breeds and the correlation with experimental Pasteurella multocida infection

The present study is the first demonstration of an association of the genetic serum Mannan-binding lectin (MBL) concentration with bacterial infections in chickens. The genetic serum MBL concentration was determined in two chicken breeds, and the association with the specific Pasteurella multocida humoral immune response during an experimental infection was examined. Furthermore, we examined the association of the genetic serum MBL concentration with systemic infection. The chickens with systemic infection had a statistically significant lower mean serum MBL concentration than the rest of the chickens, suggesting that MBL plays an important role against P. multocida. A statistically significant negative correlation was found between the specific antibody response and the genetic serum MBL concentration for both breeds. This indicates that MBL in chickens is capable of acting as the first line of defence against P. multocida by diminishing the infection before the adaptive immune response takes over.     

Recovery threshold of Toxocara canis eggs from soil

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the threshold of Toxocara canis eggs form soil samples through utilisation of a centrifuge-flotation technique (CFT). Aliquots of soil (1 g each) were artificially contaminated with known numbers of T. canis eggs (1, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 200 eggs). The threshold was evaluated based on a CFT using zinc sulphate (Zn₂SO₄) and sodium nitrate (Na₂NO₃) solutions at a specific gravity of 1.20. The number of eggs recovered was directly proportional to the number of eggs employed to seed the soil. Both solutions enabled full recovery of samples containing merely three eggs; only Zn₂SO₄ demonstrated efficiency in soil contaminated with a single egg. A recovery rate of 100% was obtained for all tests with samples containing 10 and 25 eggs for Zn₂SO₄ and Na₂NO₃, respectively_. There was no difference in the mean number of recovered eggs regarding either the efficacy of the solutions or the repetition of evaluations in the same trial (p > 0.05). Therefore, the CFT is efficient for the detection of Toxocara eggs, even in samples containing low egg numbers.     

Interaction of GH polymorphism with body weight and endocrine functions in Japanese black calves

We assessed the interaction of GH gene polymorphisms (AA, AB and BB genotypes) with body weight and measures of endocrine function in Japanese black calves at 10 months of age. The average body weight for the BB genotype (281+/-5 kg) was significantly lower (P=0.0017, ANOVA) than those for the AA (324+/-9 kg) and AB (317+/-7 kg) genotypes. Plasma concentrations of insulin and IGF-I were greater for the AA genotype than for the AB genotype, and AB and BB genotypes, respectively. There were significant differences in the triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations among the GH genotypes. The area under the basal GH concentration was significantly greater (P=0.0314) for the AA genotype than for the two other genotypes. The incremental area over the basal GH concentrations in response to intravenous GHRH injection (0.4 microg/kg BW) was significantly smaller (P=0.0005) for the BB genotype than for the two other genotypes. In addition, linear regression analysis between GH incremental area induced by GHRH and body weight demonstrated that there was a positive linear correlation (r=0.6496, P<0.002) for incremental areas less than 600 ng min/ml, but a negative correlation (r=0.6473, P<0.05) for incremental areas over 600 ng min/ml. These findings indicate that the GH genotypes of the animals could be associated with difference in the GH response in Japanese black cattle at 10 months of age. We also observed a relationship between genotype and animal performances, but other studies on more animals in different conditions must be realized to make a definite conclusion.