A COMPARISON OF RADIOGRAPHIC AND COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC FINDINGS IN 31 DOGS WITH MALIGNANT NASAL CAVITY TUMORS

Nasal cavity radiographs and CT images from 31 dogs with nasal cavity cancer were compared. All dogs had abnormal clinical signs relating to -nasal cancer and histologic confirmation of malignant nasal cavity neoplasia. No dog had cyto reductive surgery prior to imaging. All radiographic and CT examinations were abnormal. CT was more accurate than radiographs in identifying unilateral versus bilateral nasal cavity disease and tumor extension into adjacent structures such as the cranial cavity, hard palate, and pterygopala-tine fossa. The improved accuracy of CT in these respects was not of benefit in the confirmation of nasal cavity disease because radiographs were abnormal in every instance. However, CT may be useful for more accurate tumor staging, predicting possible treatment-related complications, and planning of surgery and radiation therapy. It was also determined that one dorsally located radiation therapy portal bounded laterally by the medial ocular canthi, as described in previous reports, would not have been adequate for encompassing all abnormal tissue in 28 of the 31 dogs evaluated.     

Mortality associated with melarsomine dihydrochloride administration in two North American river otters (Lontra canadensis) and a red panda (Ailurus fulgens fulgens).

Two adult North American river otters (Lontra canadensis) and an adult red panda (Ailurus fulgens fulgens) at three separate institutions died within 22 hr after receiving single 2.5- to 2.7-mg/kg doses of melarsomine dihydrochloride administered in the epaxial musculature as a treatment for filarid nematodes. One otter had a suspected Dirofilaria immitis infection, the other had a confirmed D. lutrae infection, and the red panda had a confirmed Dirofilaria sp. infection, presumably with D. immitis. Postmortem examinations revealed similar gross lesions, although they were less severe in the red panda. The trachea and primary bronchi contained abundant foamy fluid, the lungs were mottled with areas of consolidation, and the pulmonary parenchyma exuded abundant fluid at the cut section. Histologic evaluation revealed acute pulmonary edema, which resulted in respiratory failure and death. There may have been direct pulmonary cellular toxicity of melarsomine dihydrochloride or a severe systemic anaphylactic reaction to antigens released after parasite death. An idiosyncratic drug reaction or a low therapeutic index of melarsomine probably caused the death of the three individuals. Melarsomine dihydrochloride use should be avoided in North American river otters and red pandas.     

Thrombocytopenia Associated With Neoplasia in Dogs

Ten percent (214/2,059) of all dogs with cancer at North Carolina State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital had thrombocytopenia. The thrombocytopenia was associated with infectious/inflammatory etiologies in 4%, miscellaneous disorders (therapy, bone marrow failure, disseminated intravascular coagulation) in 35%, and neoplasia without identifiable secondary factors in 61% of cancer-bearing dogs. Classifying these dogs by tumor groups revealed the following proportionate ratios: lymphoid, 29%; carcinoma, 28%; sarcoma, 20%; hemic neoplasia, 7%; multiple, 5%; unclassified, 3%; benign, 3%; brain, 3%; and endocrine, 3%. Dogs with hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, and melanoma were at increased risk of developing thrombocytopenia. Cytotoxic therapy was the major factor increasing the risk of thrombocytopenia in dogs with melanoma. Golden Retrievers were the only breed recognized with a predisposition to develop thrombocytopenia. If thrombocytopenia is identified in a dog with cancer, we recommend thorough evaluation of the coagulation system before surgery or therapy, and careful consideration of the risks and potential benefits of myelosuppressive or L-asparaginase therapy.     

Epidemiologic assessment of porcine circovirus type 2 coinfection with other pathogens in swine

OBJECTIVE: To identify important pathogens and characterize their serologic and pathologic effects in porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2)-infected pigs in relation to pig age and type of swine production system. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. ANIMALS: 583 conventionally reared pigs. PROCEDURES: 3- (n = 157), 9- (149), 16- (152), and 24-week-old (125) pigs from 41 different 1-, 2-, and 3-site production systems (5 pigs/age group/farm) were euthanized and necropsied. Pigs with and without PCV2 infection were identified (via PCR assay); infection with and serologic responses to other pathogens and pathologic changes in various tissues (including lungs) were assessed. Logistic regression models were constructed for effects overall and within each age group and type of production system. RESULTS: Compared with PCV2-negative pigs, PCV2-positive pigs were more likely to have swine influenza virus (SIV) type A and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae infections and sample-to-positive (S:P) ratios for SIV H1N1 from 0.50 to 0.99; also, PCV2-positive pigs had higher serum anti-porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) antibody titers and more severe lung tissue damage. Infection with SIV (but lower SIV H1N1 S:P ratio) was more likely in 3-week-old PCV2-positive pigs and evidence of systemic disease was greater in 16-week-old PCV2-positive pigs than in their PCV2-negative counterparts. By site type, associations of coinfections and disease effects between PCV2-positive and -negative pigs were greatest in 3-site production systems. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In PCV2-positive pigs, coinfections with SIV, M. hyopneumoniae, and PRRSV are important, having the greatest effect in the early to late nursery phase and in 3-site production systems.     

Variation in Bactericera cockerelli (Hemiptera: Triozidae) Oviposition,Survival, and Development on Solanum bulbocastanum Germplasm

The potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli, is a key pest of potato and important vector of the pathogen that causes zebra chip disease. Control of zebra chip relies entirely on the use of insecticides to reduce populations of this vector. The development of potato varieties resistant to B. cockerelli would contribute to cost-effective control of this insect. Wild potato germplasm are key sources for desirable traits including pest resistance to develop new potato cultivars. Our objective was to screen Solanum bulbocastanum germplasm for resistance to B. cockerelli. The combined use of choice and no-choice assays demonstrated considerable variability among S. bulbocastanum populations in their susceptibility to psyllids. At least six S. bulbocastanum populations exhibited resistance to B. cockerelli: PI 243512, PI 243513, PI 255518, PI 275194, PI 275197, and PI 283096. The documentation of the variability among S. bulbocastanum germplasm populations in their susceptibility to B. cockerelli can aid the development of potato cultivars that are naturally resistant to the potato psyllid.     

Field Application Strategies for the Inoculant Biofertilizer Biogro Supplementing Fertilizer Nitrogen Application in Rice Production

Biofertilizer research for rice in Vietnam has focused on the isolation and selection of strains that can fix nitrogen, solubilize inorganic phosphates, stimulate plant growth, and breakdown soil organic matter. This paper assesses the consistent positive effect of BioGro on grain yield and agronomic parameters, including the rates and times for its application, the need for continued inoculation of crops grown in the same site, varietal differences, and nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) combinations on the effectiveness of BioGro. The commercial biofertilizer, BioGro, consists of four strains, one formerly considered as nitrogen fixing, Pseudomonas fluorescens, a soil yeast strain, Candida tropicalis is P-solubilizing, and two other bacilli, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Bacillus subtilis, potentially breaking down cellulose, protein, and starch. All four strains contribute to plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) effect as shown by enhanced root growth. BioGro can be produced in local factories providing there is technical backup in the supply of starter culture and quality control of the final product.     

The nutrient and glycoalkaloid content of a new potato meal

The nutrient and glycoalkaloid content of a new potato meal produced as a by-product of starch manufacture using low temperature dehydration was determined. Comparisons were made between the new potato meal and the previously manufactured meal which was prepared by high temperature dehydration. The glycoalkaloid content of the new potato meal was 15.53mg α-chaconine and 4.75mg α-solanine per 100g meal compared to 15.79mg α-chaconine and 7.83mg α-solanine in the potato meal produced by high temperature dehydration. The new potato meal contained 2% more protein and 1.9, 3.4 and 1.2 times more niacin, riboflavin and thiamin, respectively than the previous by-product. The potassium and phosphorus concentrations were approximately 2.0 and 0.2%, respectively. Other minerals were found in lesser concentrations with the sodium content being only 7.4mg/100g potato meal. A 28g serving would provide approximately 5, 7 and 4% of the RDA for protein, niacin and thiamin, respectively.