Practice relevant rapid tests for milk progesterone in cattle compared with a laboratory-connected routine method

Four commercially available semiquantitative milk progesterone tests (Ovucheck-Praxistest: Cambridge Veterinary Science/Smith Kline), Progestassay-Milchprogesteron (Pitman-Moore/Janssen), Reprostrip-Progesteron-Schnelltest (Noctech/Albrecht), Enzygnost-Milchprogesteron (IQ, 'Bio' UK/Hoechst Veterin?r) were examined for their accuracy by using them for the determination of progesterone levels of 64 milk samples, i.e. 1556 single assays. Several test series were performed, using codified samples and changing sequences. Three or four test persons respectively, performed the tests independently and classified the samples semiquantitatively. These test results were then compared to the results acquired by measuring the progesterone levels of the same samples by means of an approved quantitative, labor-bound progesterone test (Hormonost: Biolab). These control tests were performed at a specialized routine labor, by different personnel and at a different location. Lastly, in 48 out of the 64 sampled animals the reproductive status could be evaluated clinically and was taken into account as well. Samples yielding high progesterone levels, i.e. greater than or equal to 9 ng/ml were classified correctly in 84.4 to 96.5% of the cases, whereas samples with low levels (less than or equal to 2.5 ng/ml) were classified correctly in 68.8 to 90.0% of the cases only. Samples ranging between this spectrum (greater than 2.5 less than 9 ng/ml) were classified correctly only in 42.1 to 52.6% of the cases. However, this range appears to be of the most interest for the veterinary practitioner since cows in proestrus or early interestrus tend to have mild progesterone levels within these values. On the other hand, clinical findings are often insufficient for a proper diagnosis just in these animals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effect of orally administered furazolidone on volume and sperm concentration of dwarf and non-dwarf cock semen

2 groups of 20 cocks each were selected at random from non-dwarf White Leghorn (28 weeks post-hatch) and dwarf Krishna-J (38 weeks post-hatch) genotypes. The treated groups comprised 10 White Leghorn and 10 Krishna-J cocks. The remaining birds served as controls. 8 weeks prior to furazolidone treatment, semen was collected from both control groups at regular 4-day intervals, for 4 weeks. Cocks of the treated groups of both genotypes were administered furazolidone (0.14 g/bird/day) for 7 consecutive days. Semen was collected from all cocks at regular 4-day intervals for 4 weeks. Semen from the cocks of the same group was pooled. The pooled ejaculate volume and sperm density did not differ significantly in the 2 genotypes. The semen output as well as sperm density increased along with progressive attainment of sexual maturity. Furazolidone treatment caused significant reduction in semen volume as well as sperm concentration in either genotype.     

Efficacy of nemadectin, a new broad-spectrum endectocide, against natural infections of canine gastrointestinal helminths

Nemadectin, a new broad-spectrum endectocide, was highly efficacious against natural infections of all the major canine gastrointestinal helminths. At single oral dosages of 0.2-0.4 mg kg-1 body weight (BW), a liquid formulation administered in gelatin capsules was 100% effective in eliminating natural infections of Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina, Ancylostoma caninum and Uncinaria stenocephala. Tablets (267 mg) containing 4.6% nemadectin given at a rate of 1/3 tablet per 20 kg BW (0.2 mg nemadectin kg-1) were 100% active against T. canis, A. caninum and U. stenocephala. With both formulations, an increase in the dose rate to 0.6-0.8 mg kg-1 BW resulted in 99-100% elimination of Trichuris vulpis infections. No adverse reactions were observed in any of the treated dogs.     

Situation of glasshouse pests in Hungary1

The area of protected crops in Hungary is about 5300 ha. Most of it is under plastic, the area under glass being only about 250 ha. Vegetable growing makes up 80%, mostly on private farms. The main crops are capsicum, tomato and cucumber. On relatively small areas, ornamentals, principally cut flowers, are produced: carnation, gerbera, rose and chrysanthemum. The three most important, commonly occurring pests are Trialeurodes vaporariorum, Tetranychus urticae and aphids (Aphis gossypii, Myzus persicae, A. nasturtii). Polyphagotarsonemus latus, Liriomyza trifolii and Aculops lycopersici caused considerable economic damage during the eighties. However, in the last few years these pests have not been observed in any crops. Two new glasshouse pests have been described from ornamentals during the last 2 years in Hungary: Frankliniella occidentalis and Bemisia tabaci. Their accidental appearance in vegetable crops could lead to direct economic loss, besides endangering biological control systems.     

Dynamics of changes in the cytological picture of vaginal smears and circulating ovarian hormones during the puerperal period in ewes]

A postparturient period is characterized by low basal secretion of adenohypophysis gonadotropins with the following appropriate changes in ovarian hormones and their response to the morphology of vaginal epithelium. In this study the dynamics of the cytological picture of vaginal swabs and ovarian hormones 17 beta-oestradiol (E2) and progesterone was investigated in the puerpery of ewes. The objective was to obtain and extend the knowledge of cytological changes in vaginal epithelium and levels of ovarian hormones of ewes after parturition and of their relationships from the first several days after lambing until the 51st day of the period of observation. Vaginal swabs for vaginal cytology were taken from nine ewes on days 1, 4, 7, 14, 17, 21, 25, 34, 42 and 51 after parturition. These swabs were fixed in ether-alcohol 1:1, stained according to the Faltínová-Zidovsky method, embedded in Canada balsam and evaluated by differentiation of cells according to Luksh (1953). Blood samples for E2 and P4 determinations were taken from the jugular vein in the same intervals as vaginal swabs. The serum was centrifuged and stored at -18 degrees C until use. E2 and P4 concentrations were determined radioimmunologically, using kits RIA-test ESTRA and RIA-test PROG from URVJT Kosice. A statistically significant decline (P < 0.05) of percentual representation of basal and parabasal cells (Fig. 1, Tab. I) on day 7 after lambing was replaced by their multiplication from day 14 reaching the values of 66.07 +/- 3.95 on day 42. A statistically significant decrease in intermediary flat cells (Fig. 2, Tab. II) was observed on days 14 (P < 0.001), 34 and 42 (P < 0.01; P < 0.001), in comparison with the first day after lambing. An evaluation of intermediary convoluted cells revealed their highest percentage on days 1 and 17 after parturition (34.65 +/- 4.77-20.62 +/- 12.57) and their decline to values in the range of 6.77 +/- 1.46-7.66 +/- 2.25 on the remaining days of the period of observation. Percent occurrence of superficial flat cells (Fig. 3, Tab. I) ranged from 3.9 +/- 1.10 to 10.63 +/- 7.23 from day 1 to day 51 after lambing. The lowest percentual representation (1.32 +/- 0.79-4.10 +/- 1.89) was recorded for superficial convoluted cells. Multiplication of the evaluated cells was observed, reaching the highest but insignificant representation (P > 0.05) on day 25 of postparturient investigation: 4.10 +/- 1.89 (Fig. 3, Tab. I). 17 beta-oestradiol (E2) concentrations were compared to the -1st day before parturition, when its values varied at the level of 2.45 +/- 0.64 nmol/l serum.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

The effectiveness of the combined treatment of thrombocytic hemorrhagic diathesis of dogs with prednisolone and blood transfusion in the model of an aspirin-produced thrombocytopathy

The administration of 20 mg/kg of acetylsalicylic acid in 18 clinically healthy dogs resulted in a thrombocytopathy with lengthened capillary bleeding time and irreversible aggregation inhibition. Through the set up of individual dilution series, one could conclude the proportional percentage of aggregation functional transfused thrombocytes. The capillary bleeding time was shortened after the intravenous injection of prednisolone (5 mg/kg) without measurable influence on the thrombocytes. Compared to the singular use of cortisone or blood transfusion alone, the effect on capillary bleeding time became magnified when one combined transfusion and corticosteroids. The fresh blood conserves (12 hours) were, with respect to the haemostyptical properties, superior to blood stored for 5 days. The component of aggregation-functional thrombocytes was, due to the prophylactic cortisone application prior to transfusion, not increased.     

Experience with Cyclosporin-A After Renal Allografting in Two Dogs Research Note

After renal allografting, cyclosporin-A was administered to one partially nonmatched dog that was followed for 79 days. Cyclosporin-A and prednisolone were administered to one nonmatched dog that was followed for 805 days. Side effects encountered with cyclosporin-A included lymphocytic dermatitis, papillomatosis, bacterial and fungal infections, and B lymphocyte hyperplasia.