Ultrasonographic appearance of bony abnormalities at the dorsal aspect of the fetlock joint in geriatric cadaver horses

This article describes the ultrasonographic (US) appearance of bony abnormalities on the dorsal aspect of the third metacarpal/metatarsal bone of the equine fetlock in cadavers with radiographic signs of osteoarthrosis. After US, computed tomography was undertaken to better characterise the lesions. Twelve fetlock joints were collected and all had more than one bone abnormality on US. Normal subchondral bone appeared on US as a well-defined and regular hyperechoic line with distal acoustic shadowing. Bone abnormalities detected on US included (1) gaps in the proximal subchondral bone filled with material of heterogeneous echogenicity, (2) bone fragments represented as small straight smoothly delineated hyperechoic lines with distal shadowing located superficial to the surface of the adjacent bone, (3) proximal new bone formation visible as mild to severe cortical protrusions, (4) marginal osteophytoses seen as an elevation of the hyperechoic surface of the subchondral bone at the edges of the joint surfaces, (5) indentations in subchondral bone seen as a concave deviation of the hyperechoic line without interruption, (6) focal or diffuse irregularities of the subchondral bone seen as disruptions of the normal smooth bony contours, and (7) focal hyperechoic spikes originating from the subchondral plate and invading the articular cartilage. These findings are discussed.     

Prednisolone is associated with an increase in serum insulin but not serum fructosamine concentrations in dogs with atopic dermatitis

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a standard therapeutic protocol of prednisolone (Pred) on glucose homeostasis in atopic dogs and compare it with previously published data for ciclosporin A (CsA). The central aim of the study was to assess and compare the effects of standard therapeutic protocols of prednisolone (Pred) and ciclosporin A (CsA) on glucose homeostasis in dogs with atopic dermatitis (CAD). Both treatments significantly reduced the physical signs of CAD, as determined by the canine atopic dermatitis extent and severity index version 3 (CADESI-03) and the Edinburgh Pruritus Scale (EPS). Post-treatment plasma glucose concentrations were not significantly different in the two groups, but serum insulin concentrations were significantly higher following Pred therapy (P<0.05). Serum fructosamine concentrations were not significantly different pre- and post-treatment with Pred, although previous studies had shown that CsA treatment increased fructosamine concentrations (P<0.005). The two treatment groups were recruited in a similar timeframe, were numerically matched and there were no differences in CADESI-03 and EPS scores between the CsA and Pred groups either before or after treatment. Thus, both CsA and Pred treatment were associated with mild disturbances in glucose metabolism, but only CsA therapy resulted in a significant increase in fructosamine concentrations. This information may be relevant to clinicians when considering therapeutic options for dogs with atopic dermatitis which already have impaired glucose homeostasis.     

Diagnostic value of the neutrophil myeloperoxidase index in horses with systemic inflammation

The myeloperoxidase index (MPXI) was investigated as a diagnostic indicator of systemic inflammation in a retrospective study using data from 859 hospitalised horses. A reference interval of 8.5-10.4 for the MPXI was established. In horses with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), the MPXI was significantly lower than in healthy horses, those with localised inflammation and those with sepsis. The MPXI in horses with sepsis was also significantly lower than in healthy animals and those with localised inflammation. Horses in the SIRS group with leucopenia, white blood cell (WBC) count within the reference interval (WRI) or leucocytosis had significantly lower MPXIs than healthy horses, those with localised inflammation and those with sepsis in the same WBC count subgroups. In horses with sepsis and WBC count WRI, the MPXI was significantly lower than in healthy horses or those with localised inflammation. MPXI is a useful complementary tool to identify horses with systemic inflammation, especially if they have WBC counts WRI.     

Left abomasal displacement between the uterus and rumen during bovine twin pregnancy

Here, we describe two cases of left displaced abomasum (LDA) in Holstein cattle at 6 and 9 months of twin gestation. Clinical examination revealed signs of proximal ileus with marked abdominal distension, but no ping sounds. An unusually high position of the gravid uterine horn on the left side was observed with ultrasound. Left exploratory laparotomy confirmed that the abomasum was displaced to the left and entrapped between the rumen and twin gravid uterine horn. A left surgical approach was necessary to correct the condition. Both animals recovered and gave birth to healthy twins. The present cases indicate that the subomental position of a heavy twin gravid uterine horn is a possible mechanical cause of LDA.     

Mapping Total Vegetation Cover Across Western Rangelands With Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer Data

Remotely sensed observations of rangelands provide a synoptic view of vegetation condition unavailable from other means. Multiple satellite platforms in operation today (e.g. Landsat, moderate-resolution imaging spectroradiometer [MODIS]) offer opportunities for regional monitoring of rangelands. However, the spatial and temporal variability of rangelands pose challenges to consistent and accurate mapping of vegetation condition. For instance, soil properties can have a large impact on the reflectance registered at the satellite sensor. Additionally, senescent vegetation, which is often abundant on rangeland, is dynamic and its physical and photochemical properties can change rapidly along with moisture availability. Remote sensing has been successfully used to map local rangeland conditions. However, regional and frequently updated maps of vegetation cover in rangelands are not currently available. In this research, we compare ground measurements of total vegetation cover, including both green and senescent cover, to reflectance observed by the satellite and develop a robust method for estimating total vegetation canopy cover over diverse regions of the western United States. We test the effects of scaling from ground observations up to the Landsat 30-m scale, then to the MODIS 500-m scale, and quantify sources of noise. The soil-adjusted total vegetation index (SATVI) captures 55% of the variability in ground measured total vegetation cover from diverse sites in New Mexico, Arizona, Wyoming, and Nevada. Scaling from the Landsat to MODIS scale introduces noise and loss of spatial detail, but offers inexpensive and frequent observations and the ability to track trends in cover over large regions.     

Successful Treatment of Idiopathic Sebaceous Adenitis in a Lionhead Rabbit

A 15-month-old, ovariohysterectomized female Lionhead rabbit was presented with generalized chronic exfoliative dermatitis and patchy alopecia. General physical examination revealed no abnormalities apart from a body condition score of 4 of 9. Ectoparasitic infestation, dermatophytosis, Malassezia dermatitis, epitheliotropic lymphoma, thymoma-associated exfoliative dermatitis, and autoimmune hepatitis-associated exfoliative dermatitis were excluded on the basis of skin scrapings, fungal culture, cutaneous histopathology, thoracic radiography, and the results of hematologic and biochemical analyses. Histopathology of the skin showed orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis, absence of sebaceous glands and mural lymphocytic folliculitis, consistent with sebaceous adenitis. The extent and severity of the skin lesions were scored by the Rabbit Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index adapted from the recently published Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index–03. Once-daily oral treatment with 5 mg/kg of ciclosporin A dissolved in an equal amount of a medium-chain triglyceride solution (Miglyol 812; Bufa, Uitgeest, The Netherlands) was initiated, but the response to this was poor. Therefore, while maintaining the oral treatment, topical treatment with phytosphingosine products was given. The rabbit's coat was clipped and a phytosphingosine 0.2% microemulsion spray (daily), a phytosphingosine 0.1% shampoo (weekly), and a phytosphingosine 1% spot-on treatment (weekly) were applied. Nine months later, there had been significant hair regrowth on previously hairless areas and the Rabbit Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index confirmed the marked improvement with a 91% reduction in the original score. Serum ciclosporin concentrations were undetectable throughout the treatment period.     

Relationship Between Malting Quality Traits and Hordeins as Affected by Timing of Nitrogen Fertilizer Application

The application of nitrogen (N) fertilizer in malting barley is necessary to obtain good yield, but it also influences kernel protein content, which affects malting quality. The negative correlation between kernel protein content and malting extract is due to the hordein proteins. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of N application timing on hordein fractions and how this influences malt quality. Reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC) was used to determine the hordein fractions in the two‐ and six‐row barley parents and their doubled‐haploid progeny, for two seasons for one location, and two locations in the second season. There were no changes in hordein level in response to timing of N application over years and locations. The two‐row parent had the lowest hordein level and the six‐row progeny had the highest. Total hordein content of the two‐row progeny and six‐row parent were similar. The supply of additional N in the form of fertilizer rather than the timing of all N applications influenced the production of all hordein fractions. There were significant correlations between hordein fractions and malting quality that also were reported in other studies. Kernel plumpness showed significant negative correlations with D, C, and B hordeins and total hordein content when half of the fertilizer was applied at planting and the other half at the six‐leaf stage. Absorption showed significant positive correlation with C hordeins and a negative correlation with the B‐to‐C ratio, also when the second half of the N was given at the six‐leaf stage.     

Independent segregation of two isozyme markers and inter-plant differences in nuclear DNA content in the interspecific backcross (Allium fistulosum L. × A. cepa L.) × A. cepa L.

Summary From backcrosses of three interspecific hybrids (A. fistulosum x A. cepa) with a. cepa 14 diploid and 2 triploid plants were recovered.In this BC1 population introgression of A. fistulosum genetic material into the A. cepa nuclear genome was studied using two isozyme markers: Got-1 and Got-2. Both loci carried two alleles. A. cepa was monomorphic for both markers. A. fistulosum was polymorphic for Got-2. Based on their Got isozyme pattern seven out of the 14 diploid BC1 plants had a recombinant genotype. The loci appeared to be unlinked. Differences were observed in nuclear DNA contents between the diploid BC1 plants, indicating that gametes produced by the interspecific hybrids contained different combinations of chromosomal material from A. cepa and A. fistulosum.Abbreviations Adh alcohol dehydrogenase - Got glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase - Idh isocitrate dehydrogenase - Pgi phosphoglucoisomerase - Pgm phosphoglucomutase