Investigation of Cervical Patency and Uterine Appearance in Domestic Cats by Fluoroscopy and Scintigraphy

The cervical patency of six domestic female cats was monitored under sedation by infusion of contrast medium (Omnipaque) into the cranial vagina during early oestrus, mid‐oestrus, late oestrus and interoestrus or a radiopharmaceutical (^99mTc‐HSA) during mid‐ and interoestrus in a non‐ovulatory oestrous cycle. The transport of the contrast medium or the radiopharmaceutical through the cervix and within the uterine horns was observed under fluoroscopy and with the aid of scintigraphy. In three of the queens, transcervical transport of contrast medium was demonstrated in all stages of oestrus, in one queen during mid‐oestrus, late oestrus and 1 day after oestrus, and in two queens only during late oestrus. The relations between the cervical patency to the contrast medium and the oestrous behaviour, cornification of the vaginal cells and the serum oestradiol‐17β concentration were evaluated, and a relationship was found between the cervical patency and the degree of vaginal cornification. Transcervical transport of the radiopharmaceutical was observed in three queens during mid‐oestrus. When the cervix was open, hysterography under a fluoroscope and hysteroscintigraphy were performed. The fluoroscopic and scintigraphic recordings revealed the patterns of the uterine contractions during oestrus in both ascending and descending directions, and the movement of the uterine contents back and forth between the uterine horns. The hysterograms were classified according to the shape of the uterine horns and the appearance of the endometrial lining. Spiral‐shaped uterine horns with a smooth inner contour were observed in two queens, and a corkscrew appearance with irregular filling defects in the uterine lumen was shown in two queens that had developed subclinical cystic endometrial hyperplasia. These findings demonstrated that fluids or particles deposited in the cranial vagina of the cat can be transported into the uterus during some stages of the oestrous cycle. The fluoroscopic and scintigraphic techniques developed in this study may be further modified to permit more detailed studies of uterine contractile patterns and sperm transport in the feline female reproductive tract. Hysterography proved useful to diagnose uterine disease. The information on cervical patency is of value also for the development of techniques for artificial insemination in this species, and should be studied also in the ovulatory cycle.     

Effects of cimaterol on rabbit growth and myofibrillar protein degradation and on calcium-dependent proteinase and calpastatin activities in skeletal muscle

The objectives of this study were to examine effects of a beta-adrenergic agonist (cimaterol) on growth and muscle development in rabbits and to examine cimaterol's effects on myofibrillar protein degradation (MPD) and on activities of several proteolytic enzymes including the calcium-dependent proteinases (CDP). Twelve New Zealand White rabbits were assigned to either control diets or to diets containing cimaterol for 35 d, after which they were killed and effects on performance and tissue weight gains were determined. Urine was collected from d 21 through 28 from each rabbit for assessment of N tau-methylhistidine (NMH) excretion. Cimaterol increased rates of gain, efficiency of gain and skeletal muscle weights. Enhancement in muscle weight was associated with an increase in total DNA and with a reduction in NMH. Cimaterol did not affect activities of cathepsin B, cathepsin D or neutral serine proteinase, but it reduced activities of the millimolar and micromolar forms of the CDP by 58 and 57%, respectively, and it reduced activity of the inhibitor of the CDP (calpastatin) by 52%. Cimaterol-dependent myofibrillar protein accretion was likely mediated, at least in part, by a reduction in MPD. The change in MPD was associated with a reduction in muscle CDP activities. Cimaterol-dependent muscle hypertrophy therefore may involve changes in calcium-dependent proteolysis of myofibrillar proteins. The significance of the effects of cimaterol on calpastatin activity is not known.     

Heterologous Radioimmunoassay for Llama and Alpaca Luteinizing Hormone with a Monoclonal Antibody,an Equine Standard and a Human Tracer

A radioimmunoassay for llama and alpaca LH was developed using a human I¹²⁵LH tracer from a commercial kit, equine LH diluted in human LH free serum as standard, and a monoclonal antibody (518B7) specific for LH but with low species specificity. A 60-min delay in the addition of the tracer and overnight incubation gave a sensitivity of 0.8 μg L⁻¹. The intra-assay coefficient of variation was 37% at 1 μg L⁻¹, declined to 15% at 4 pg L⁻¹ and was below 6% for concentrations up to 32 μg L⁻¹. The inter-assay coefficients of variation for 3 control samples were 20% (2.8 μg L⁻¹), 16% (7.1 μg L⁻¹) and 9.8% (19 μg L⁻¹). In an attempt to increase sensitivity, all tubes were preincubated for 4 h at room temperature before adding the tracer, and the sample volume was increased from 50 μL to 100 μL· (in the standard curve the increased volume was compensated for by human LH free serum). With this protocol, the assay sensitivity was 0.5 μg L⁻¹. The assay was validated clinically and demonstrated increased concentrations of LH after mating in llamas and alpacas. Furthermore, the assay was used to monitor LH responses to a single dose of GnRH in llamas (adult males and females at different ages).     

Survey of equine castration techniques,preferences and outcomes among Australian veterinarians

Objectives

(1) To collect the perceptions of veterinarians performing equine castrations in Australia on techniques, preferences and outcomes, (2) to investigate veterinarian use and experience with the Henderson castrating instrument and (3) to investigate potential associations between demographics, castration methods and techniques, and complications.

Design

Online survey of members of the Australian Veterinary Association’s Special Interest Group, Equine Veterinarians Australia (EVA).

Methods

A link to the survey was included in the EVA e‐newsletter and practices on the EVA website were contacted by telephone and follow‐up email. Fisher’s exact test was used to determine associations between ligation and complications. A generalised linear model with a negative binomial family was used to determine associations between count response variables and categorical independent variables.

Results

Responses were obtained from 138 veterinarians (response rate, 13.1%) who performed 5330 castrations over 12 months. Castrations were most commonly performed in the field, on anaesthetised horses, using emasculators, via an open approach and without ligation of the spermatic cord. Estimated complications after use of emasculators were swelling (25%), haemorrhage (5%) and infection (5%). The Henderson instrument was used by approximately 10% of respondents and its use for castration was associated with fewer reports of postoperative swelling compared with emasculators (P = 0.002). Rates of evisceration with the Henderson and emasculator methods were comparable (0.43% and 0.9%, respectively).

Conclusion

Castration preferences varied widely among survey participants. Reported complication types and rates were comparable to those reported previously in other countries. Perceptions that the Henderson instrument was associated with less swelling should be investigated further via a prospective controlled investigation.     

Equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction: current understanding and recommendations from the Australian and New Zealand Equine Endocrine Group

The purpose of this article is to provide a review of the current knowledge and opinions about the epidemiology, clinical findings (including sequelae), diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, particularly in the Australian context. This information and the recommendations provided will assist practitioners in making informed decisions regarding the diagnosis and management of this disorder.     

Mental health in the veterinary profession: an individual or organisational focus?

The veterinary profession is experiencing a shortage of veterinarians, with attrition recognised as a substantial contributor. Research has also indicated increased levels of mental ill health and alarming suicide rates in practitioners. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the impact of eleven modifiable workplace factors on mental health outcomes, job appreciation and intention to leave the veterinary profession. The second aim was to ascertain whether workplace factors influence mental health outcomes after controlling for individual resilience. An online survey was completed by 73 practising Australian veterinarians. Unfavourable workplace factors correlated with adverse outcomes including depression, stress, reduced job appreciation and increased likelihood of leaving both the role and the profession. Workplace factors remained linked with the outcomes of job appreciation, depression and stress whilst controlling for practitioner resilience. Job appreciation was a significant predictor of intention to leave both the current role and the profession. Via multiple linear regression, two categories were identified as associated with improved psychological outcomes and job appreciation. These were workplace factors that represent breaks from workload and control or decision latitude in the workplace. Whilst resilience represents a key area for intervention, workplace factors potentially represent an easier-to-modify area for intervention.     

Dynamics in serum of the inflammatory markers serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin,fibrinogen and alpha2-globulins during induced noninfectious arthritis in the horse

Despite the importance of noninfectious joint diseases in equine medicine, little is known about the acute phase response which may be elicited if the local inflammatory process of noninfectious arthritis is sufficiently strong, Therefore the aim of this study was to monitor the systemic inflammatory response during experimentally-induced noninfectious arthritis by studying the dynamics in serum of the acute phase proteins serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin, fibrinogen and alpha2-globulins. Twenty-four Standardbred horses, age 3-7 years, found healthy on thorough clinical, radiological, haematological and serum biochemical examination, were injected aseptically into the right midcarpal joint with amphotericin B. Blood samples were drawn before induction of arthritis (0 h), and at 8, 16, 24, 36 and 48 h postinduction and then on Days 3, 4, 5 and 15 postinduction. All horses developed lameness with joint effusion and joint heat as well as increased respiratory rate, heart rate and body temperature. The lameness started to decline after 24-36 h and, in most animals, systemic signs disappeared on Day 2 postinjection. The concentration of the acute phase proteins increased following induction of arthritis. The SAA concentrations were higher than baseline concentrations from 16 h postinduction and were maximal at 36-48 h (227 times baseline concentration). The haptoglobin concentrations were higher than baseline concentrations from 24 h and were maximal at 48-96 h (1.14 times baseline concentration). The maximal concentrations of fibrinogen were seen between 36-72 h postinjection and increased on average 0.87 times from baseline concentrations. The fibrinogen concentrations were higher than baseline concentrations from 24 h postinjection. Alpha2-globulins concentrations showed a minor increase and increased 0.55 times from baseline concentrations. The markers had returned to baseline concentrations by Day 15. Our results demonstrate that amphotericin B-induced arthritis in a single joint gives rise to a systemic acute phase response measurable as increased concentrations in serum SAA, haptoglobin, fibrinogen and alpha2-globulins during the first 2 weeks of the condition and, thereby, that such an increase need not be indicative of infectious arthritis. Further research should be aimed at determining whether chronic noninfectious arthritis in the horse gives rise to increased acute phase protein concentrations in serum.     

Sperm Morphology in the Domestic Cat, and its Relation with Fertility: A Retrospective Study

Knowledge about normal ranges in semen quality and the association between sperm morphology and fertility in felids is limited. The aims of this retrospective study were to (1) define a normal spermiogram in cats; (2) evaluate possible effects of season, age and breed on sperm morphology; and (3) evaluate the relationship between sperm morphology and fertility. Semen samples collected by electroejaculation from 52 cats were evaluated for sperm morphology. The cats constituted two groups: a general population of cats (n = 48) and cats examined because of poor breeding records (n = 4). The general population was divided into household (n = 20), pedigree (n = 19) and colony cats (n = 9) and into three age classes, <12 months, 12-59 months and >or=60 months. The median percentage of normal spermatozoa in the general population was 44.0% (range 1.0-91.0%). Criteria were tentatively set for what was considered a normal spermiogram. The mean percentage of normal spermatozoa was higher during February to July than during August to January (p < 0.05). Pedigree cats had a lower mean percentage of normal spermatozoa than did household cats (p < 0.05). Age had no effect on the percentage of normal spermatozoa but was positively correlated with the percentage of proximal droplets. Of the cats with <40% normal spermatozoa (n = 19), all those with known breeding records (n = 11) had produced litters. The four cats examined because of poor breeding results had higher percentages of different sperm abnormalities than tentatively stipulated for the normal spermiogram. In two of these cats both sperm morphology and fertility changed over time.     

Acute cortisol responses of calves to scoop dehorning using local anaesthesia and/or cautery of the wound

Objective To measure plasma cortisol responses in calves dehorned using a scoop after administration of local anaesthesia and/or cautery of the wounds.
Design A physiological study with controls.
Procedure There were six treatments: control handling with and without local anaesthesia, dehorning, dehorning after local anaesthesia, dehorning followed by wound cautery, and dehorning after local anaesthesia followed by wound cautery. Blood samples were taken before and after dehorning.
Results Dehorning caused an increase in plasma cortisol concentrations, which decreased a little to plateau values and then declined to pretreatment values 3 to 4 h after dehorning. The peak was smaller after local anaesthesia was administered but when its effects wore off, cortisol concentrations increased and thereafter were similar to those in the dehorned animals. The combination of local anaesthesia and cautery resulted in a plasma cortisol response similar to those in control calves with or without local anaesthesia.
Conclusions If plasma cortisol concentrations reflect the distress being experienced by the calves, then local anaesthesia reduces the acute distress for about 3 h after dehorning but not during the subsequent 3 to 4 h. Combining local anaesthetic and cautery prevented the significant increase in plasma cortisol following dehorning and may eliminate the acute distress caused by scoop dehorning.     

Enteritis in sheep, goats and pigs due to Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection

The features of naturally occurring Yersinia pseudotuberculosis serotype III infections in 16 sheep, one goat and 3 pigs, and Y. pseudotuberculosis serotype I infections in 3 goats, are described. Affected animals usually had diarrhoea and were in poor condition or emaciated. A number were moribund or dead when submitted for necropsy. Thickening of the caecal and colonic mucosa was the only gross lesion attributable to Y. pseudotuberculosis infection, with liver or other visceral abscesses not being seen. Characteristic microabscesses were demonstrated in the intestinal mucosa of 10 sheep, one goat and one pig infected with Y. pseudotuberculosis serotype III and one goat infected with Y. pseudotuberculosis serotype I. Sheep, goats and pigs dosed orally with Y. pseudotuberculosis serotype III, the serotype isolated most commonly from these species, developed intestinal infection. In sheep and pigs, infection was accompanied by diarrhoea. Haematological changes and specific antibodies were elicited in all 3 species in response to infection. Microabscesses were seen in the intestinal mucosa of all experimentally exposed animals. The occurrence of field cases and the results of experimental exposure confirm that Y. pseudotuberculosis serotype III is an enteropathogen of sheep, goats and pigs. The association of Y. pseudotuberculosis serotype I with lesions in a goat, indicates that this bacterium may also be a pathogen of this species. It is concluded that Y. pseudotuberculosis serotype III is an enteric pathogen of a wide range of ungulate species including cattle, buffalo, deer, antelopes, sheep, goats and pigs. Serotypes I and II, while having a more restricted host range, are probably also pathogens of ungulates and, in particular, deer, antelopes and goats.