Patterns of Nitrogen Excretion by Embryonic Softshell Turtles (Trionyx spiniferus) Developing in Cleidoic Eggs

Embryonic softshell turtles develop inside eggs exchanging little, if any, liquid water with the nest environment. Despite the consequent restriction on availability of water to support development, embryos convert most of the ammonia released in catabolism of proteins into soluble urea rather than insoluble urate, and thereby commit a portion of their limited reserve of water to serve as solvent for metabolic wastes. This finding is contrary to expectations from prior studies of cleidoic eggs.     

Esophageal ectasia in a quarterhorse colt

A one month old Quarterhorse colt was presented after a week history of bilateral nasal discharge and respiratory difficulty. The cervical esophagus was greatly dilated, tortuous and filled with diluted milk. A nasogastric tube could not be passed beyond the base of the heart. An aspiration pneumonia was found at postmortem examination and the esophageal segment from the pharynx to the base of the heart was dilated, thin-walled, had degenerative muscular changes, and a reduction in size and number of ganglion cells of the myenteric plexus. Muscular hypertrophy of the terminal esophagus had reduced its lumen size. Some similarities and disparities of this condition to achalasia of man and megaesophagus of dogs are discussed.