Cardiac evaluation of anesthetized Grevy's zebras (Equus grevyi)

OBJECTIVE: To determine ECG and echocardiographic measurements in healthy anesthetized Grevy's zebras (Equus grevyi). ANIMALS: 20 healthy zebras. PROCEDURES: Auscultation, base-apex ECG, and echocardiography were performed on anesthetized zebras. RESULTS: Low-grade systolic murmurs were detected in the left basilar region in 4 of 20 zebras. Evaluation of ECGs from 19 zebras revealed sinus rhythm with a predominantly negative QRS complex and a mean +/- SD heart rate of 67 +/- 10 beats/min. Echocardiograms of sufficient image quality were obtained for 16 zebras. Interventricular septal thickness in diastole, left ventricular chamber in diastole and systole, left atrial diameter, and left ventricular mass were significantly and moderately correlated with estimated body weight (r values ranged from 0.650 to 0.884). Detectable swirling of blood in the right and sometimes the left ventricles was detected in 9 of 16 zebras, whereas physiologic regurgitation of blood was detected for the aortic valve in 3 zebras, pulmonary valve in 2 zebras, mitral valve in 2 zebras, and tricuspid valve in 1 zebra. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results of this study provide reference information for use in the cardiac evaluation of anesthetized Grevy's zebras.     

Induction of phase II detoxification enzymes in rats by plant-derived isothiocyanates: comparison of allyl isothiocyanate with sulforaphane and related compounds

Plants of the family Brassicaceae contain high levels of glucosinolates. The latter compounds are degraded to isothiocyanates, some of which have been shown to be potent inducers of phase II detoxification enzymes in vitro. In the present study, the ability of six plant-derived isothiocyanates (allyl isothiocyanate, iberverin, erucin, sulforaphane, iberin, and cheirolin) to increase tissue levels of the phase II detoxification enzymes quinone reductase (QR) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) in a variety of rat tissues has been compared. At the low dose level employed (40 micromol/kg/day), cheirolin was without effect in any tissue. All of the other isothiocyanates, however, increased GST and QR activities in the duodenum, forestomach, and/or the urinary bladder of the animals, with the greatest effects being seen in the urinary bladder. With the exception of cheirolin, little difference was observed in the inductive activity of the various isothiocyanates. Phase II enzymes are known to protect against chemical carcinogenesis, and the selectivity of isothiocyanates in inducing such enzymes in the bladder is of interest in view of recent epidemiological studies showing a decreased incidence of cancer of this organ in individuals with a high dietary intake of Brassica vegetables.     

Effect of fentanyl on the induction dose and minimum infusion rate of propofol preventing movement in dogs

Objective

To determine the effect of fentanyl on the induction dose of propofol and minimum infusion rate required to prevent movement in response to noxious stimulation (MIR_NM) in dogs.

Comparative evaluation of six different body regions of the dog using analog and digital radiography

In this study the quality of digital and analog radiography in dogs was compared. For this purpose, three conventional radiographs (varying in exposure) and three digital radiographs (varying in MUSI-contrast [MUSI = MUlti Scale Image Contrast], the main post-processing parameter) of six different body regions of the dog were evaluated (thorax, abdomen, skull, femur, hip joints, elbow). The quality of the radiographs was evaluated by eight veterinary specialists familiar with radiographic images using a questionnaire based on details of each body region significant in obtaining a radiographic diagnosis. In the first part of the study the overall quality of the radiographs was evaluated. Within one region, 89.5% (43/48) chose a digital radiograph as the best image. Divided into analog and digital groups, the digital image with the highest MUSI-contrast was most often considered the best, while the analog image considered the best varied between the one with the medium and the one with the longest exposure time. In the second part of the study, each image was rated for the visibility of specific, diagnostically important details. After summarisation of the scores for each criterion, divided into analog and digital imaging, the digital images were rated considerably superior to conventional images. The results of image comparison revealed that digital radiographs showed better image detail than radiographs taken with the analog technique in all six areas of the body.     

Ferret care and husbandry.

Convivial and playful, the ferret has cohabited with humans for hundreds of years. Maintenance of this mustelid's health and quality of life is paramount for the endurance of the human-animal bond. This review article for veterinary care givers, veterinarians, and staff, encompasses discussions on: husbandry, clinical techniques, prevalent diseases, history taking, physical examination, vaccination, and pain recognition. This article also enables the veterinary community to contribute to the care and welfare of ferret patients by offering facts to distinguish these animals from dogs and cats.     

Comparison of foliar and soil formulations of neonicotinoid insecticides for control of potato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae (Homoptera: Cicadellidae), in wine grapes

BACKGROUND: The potential of systemic neonicotinoid insecticides to control potato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae (Harris), a damaging pest of wine grapes in the eastern United States, was investigated. Soil or foliar applications were made to potted or field‐grown vines, and the response of leafhoppers was determined in clip cages over the following month on young or mature leaves. RESULTS: Foliar application of imidacloprid caused immediate and long‐lasting reductions in E. fabae survival on both leaf ages, whereas the activity of soil‐applied imidacloprid was delayed. Clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam all provided long‐lasting reduction in leafhopper survival on young and mature foliage when applied through either delivery route. However, the percentage of moribund nymphs was significantly greater on foliar‐treated vines and increased over time in mature and immature leaves compared with soil‐treated vines. Residue analysis of foliar‐applied imidacloprid showed an 89% decline in mature leaves from day 1 to day 27, and a 98% decline in immature leaves over the same time period. Comparison of soil‐applied clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam in field‐grown vines showed significant reduction in E. fabae only on mature leaves of vines treated with thiamethoxam. CONCLUSIONS: Neonicotinoids can control E. fabae in small vines, even in rapidly expanding foliage where this pest causes greatest injury. Soil application provides superior long‐term vine protection because declining residues on foliar‐treated vines lead to suboptimal activity within 2–3 weeks. Vineyard managers of susceptible cultivars may take advantage of this approach to E. fabae management by using foliar applications of the three neonicotinoids tested here, or by using soil‐applied thiamethoxam. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Evaluation of cardiac lesions and risk factors associated with myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy in southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis)

OBJECTIVE: To describe cardiac lesions and identify risk factors associated with myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in beach-cast southern sea otters. ANIMALS: Free-ranging southern sea otters. PROCEDURE: Sea otters were necropsied at the Marine Wildlife Veterinary Care and Research Center from 1998 through 2001. Microscopic and gross necropsy findings were used to classify sea otters as myocarditis or DCM case otters or control otters. Univariate, multivariate, and spatial analytical techniques were used to evaluate associations among myocarditis; DCM; common sea otter pathogens; and potential infectious, toxic, and nutritional causes. RESULTS: Clusters of sea otters with myocarditis and DCM were identified in the southern aspect of the sea otter range from May to November 2000. Risk factors for myocarditis included age, good body condition, and exposure to domoic acid and Sarcocystis neurona. Myocarditis associated with domoic acid occurred predominantly in the southern part of the range, whereas myocarditis associated with S. neurona occurred in the northern part of the range. Age and suspected previous exposure to domoic acid were identified as major risk factors for DCM. A sample of otters with DCM had significantly lower concentrations of myocardial L-carnitine than control and myocarditis case otters. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Cardiac disease is an important cause of death in southern sea otters. Domoic acid toxicosis and infection with S. neurona are likely to be 2 important causes of myocarditis in sea otters. Domoic acid-induced myocarditis appears to progress to DCM, and depletion of myocardial L-carnitine may play a key role in this pathogenesis.