Copper-associated hepatic cirrhosis in a Friesian horse

A 6-year-old Friesian stallion was examined because of signs of exercise intolerance, stiff gait and symmetrical hind weakness, and increased serum liver enzymes. On presentation, the horse showed muscle atrophy of the hindquarters. Neurological investigation showed no abnormalities. Laboratory findings revealed a prolonged prothrombin time and increased levels of alkaline phosphatase (AF), aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), gamma-glutamyl-transferase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and bile acids. Histological evaluation of the liver revealed severe cirrhosis and intracytoplasmic greyish brown granules in almost all hepatocytes, sinusoidal Kuppfer cells, and macrophages. These granules stained strongly for copper. Treatment to slow hepatic fibrosis was advised and included oral prednisolone administration for at least 1 month. A diet to support liver function was formulated by a nutritional specialist, and vitamin E was advised as dietary supplement to support neuromuscular function. Soon after diagnosis, the animal showed signs of intravascular haemolysis, with the presence of Heinz bodies in peripheral blood smears, and haemoglobinuria. On the basis of this haemolytic crisis and the poor prognosis of the chronic hepatic disease, the horse was euthanized at the owners' request. Although we could not establish the cause of the hepatic copper accumulation, this case report highlights that excessive copper in the liver should be considered in the differential diagnosis of hepatic cirrhosis and Heinz body anaemia in the horse.     

Rectal tears in the horse: a literature review

Rectal tears are a relatively rare complication of rectal palpation, mating, or dystocia, and idiopathic rectal perforation is an incidental finding. Rectal tears can be classified according to a 3 or a 4-grade system. This article describes medical and surgical treatment for rectal tears.     

Subperitoneal cyst in a Friesian mare

The case of a 5-year-old Friesian mare with a mass in her abdomen and a gait irregularity of the left hind limb is discussed. At rectal ultrasonogrphic examination the mass appeared to be a thin-walled, anechogenic cavity in the left abdomen. By means of laparoscopy the mass could be visualized as a smooth structure, covered by peritoneum and fat. Under laparoscopic guidance the mass was punctured and fluid was aspirated. Cytological and bacteriological findings of the fluid were indicative of a cyst. After drainage of the cyst the locomotion disorder of the left hind limb disappeared. It is concluded that this horse suffered from a subperitoneal cyst, a rare disorder in humans and never previously described in horses. The case emphasizes the value of laparoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of (intra)abdominal masses and further clearly shows that in the differential diagnosis of locomotion disorders not only structures related to the locomotion system should be taken into account.     

Stratospheric Mean Ages and Transport Rates from Observations of Carbon Dioxide and Nitrous Oxide

Measurements of stratospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O) concentrations were analyzed to investigate stratospheric transport rates. Temporal variations in tropospheric CO2 were observed to propagate into the stratosphere, showing that tropospheric air enters the lower tropical stratosphere continuously, ascends, and is transported rapidly (in less than 1 month) to both hemispheres. The mean age A of stratospheric air determined from CO2 data is approximately 5 years in the mid-stratosphere. The mean age is mathematically equivalent to a conserved tracer analogous to exhaust from stratospheric aircraft. Comparison of values for A from models and observations indicates that current model simulations likely underestimate pollutant concentrations from proposed stratospheric aircraft by 25 to 100 percent.     

Euphresco Sendo: An international laboratory comparison study of molecular tests for <Emphasis Type="Italic">Synchytrium endobioticum</Emphasis> detection and identification

An international test performance study (TPS) was organised to generate validation data for three molecular Synchytrium endobioticum tests: van den Boogert et al. (European Journal of Plant Pathology 113, 47–57, 2005), and van Gent-Pelzer et al. (European Journal of Plant Pathology, 126, 129-133, 2010) for the detection of S. endobioticum, and the pathotype 1(D1) identification test described by Bonants et al. (European Journal of Plant Pathology, 143, 495-506, 2015). Two TPS rounds were organised focussing on different test matrices, i.e. round 1: warted potato tissue, and round 2: resting spore suspensions. When using the tests for detection and identification of S. endobioticum in warted potato tissue, no significant differences were observed for diagnostic sensitivity, diagnostic specificity, overall accuracy, analytical sensitivity and robustness. When using the tests for detection and identification of S. endobioticum in resting spore suspensions, the van den Boogert and van Gent-Pelzer tests significantly outperform the Bonants test for diagnostic sensitivity and diagnostic specificity. For overall accuracy and analytical sensitivity, the van Gent-Pelzer significantly outperforms the van den Boogert and Bonants tests and is regarded as the test of choice when identifying S. endobioticum from resting spores. Tests regarded fit for purpose for routine testing of wart material and resting spore suspensions are proposed for the update of EPPO standard PM7/28(1) Synchytrium endobioticum.     

The influence of drought and cyst nematodes on potato growth. 4. Effects on crop growth under field conditions of four cultivars differing in tolerance

In field experiments carried out in 3 years with and without fumigation and irrigation 4 cultivars of potato differed in their tolerance of cyst nematodes (Globodera pallida). Ground cover, tuber and foliage fresh and dry yields were determined at regular intervals. From these measurements, intercepted radiation, radiation use efficiency for production of total and tuber dry matter and the apparent amount of intercepted radiation at tuber initiation were calculated and compared for all the treatments. The results indicate that cultivars which best maintained ground cover in the absence of nematodes also maintain it best in the presence of nematodes. Such cultivars gave the highest yields at all levels of nematode infestation because the radiation use efficiencies were far less affected by nematodes than was intercepted radiation. The similarity of the responses to nematode infection and to drought and the absence of interaction between these two stress factors facilitated crop simulation modelling. The relationships found here may well be wider used, though they will have to be validated for other cultivars and growing conditions.