Insertion of a transtympanic ventilation tube for the treatment of otitis media with effusion

In this paper, a case of otitis media with effusion (‘glue ear’) is described in a Cavalier King Charles spaniel. Its presentation, diagnosis and surgical management by the insertion of a trans-tympanic ventilation tube (grommet) is discussed.     

Bovine ceroid-lipofuscinosis: pathology of blindness

Five Devon cattle with suspected ceroid-lipofuscinosis and aged between 19 and 39 months of age were humanely slaughtered and subjected to post-mortem examination. There was severe atrophy of the cerebrum, particularly of the occipital cortex. Microscopy also showed severe atrophy of the retina with complete loss of photoreceptor cells, even in the youngest animal examined. Histopathologically the disease was characterised by accumulation of a fluorescent lipopigment in neurones, including those of the retina and a severe astrocytosis. The disease, which is characterised by the accumulation of subunit c of mitochondrial ATP synthase, is similar to that extensively described in South Hampshire sheep except that the retinal lesions were more severe. In contrast, tremors were not noted in the cattle. The clinical history and similarity to the disease in sheep and other species indicated inheritance was as an autosomal recessive trait.     

Onchocerca sp. in an imported Zangersheide gelding causing suspensory ligament desmitis

A 5-year-old imported Zangersheide gelding was evaluated for SC swellings over both forelimbs and lameness localized to the distal metacarpus. Ultrasound examination of the SC masses was compatible with verminous granulomas. Linear hyperechoic foci were present within the suspensory ligament branches of both forelimbs, suggestive of ligamentous parasitic infiltrates. A diagnosis of onchocerciasis was confirmed on biopsy of a SC mass. The gelding was treated with ivermectin and a tapering course of PO dexamethasone but was eventually euthanized. Necropsy confirmed the presence of SC eosinophilic granulomas and degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis, both with intralesional nematodes. Given the location and appearance of the nematode, a diagnosis of Onchocerca sp., most likely O. reticulata, was made. Onchocerciasis should be included as a differential diagnosis for multifocal suspensory ligament desmitis with these sonographic characteristics when paired with SC masses in imported European Warmbloods.     

Plasma endotoxin concentration in horses: a methods study

Background: Accurate determination of plasma endotoxin concentration is critical for ex vivo and in vitro cellular and molecular studies of endotoxemia in horses. However, reports are conflicting with respect to anticoagulant, handling, and sample preparation.

Objective:

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of blood sample fraction and handling time on measurement of endotoxin concentration in horses.

Methods:

Methods: Whole blood, anticoagulated with 3.8% (0.12 M) sodium citrate (9:1), was collected from 5 healthy horses. Whole blood (WB), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and platelet-poor plasma (PPP) were spiked with endotoxin (2 EU/mL). Endotoxin-spiked WB samples were centrifuged immediately to generate PRP for measurement. Endotoxin concentration was subsequently measured by Limulus amebocyte assay at 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes. Assays were performed in triplicate and results were analyzed using Student's t -test, with significance set at P < .05.

Results:

Results: Mean endotoxin concentrations in 2 EU/mL-spiked WB were significantly different from those in PPP at all time points tested. Recovery of endotoxin in PRP generated from WB was significantly diminished after just 15 minutes.

Conclusion:

Conclusion: PRP generated from WB is significantly more reliable than PPP in determining endotoxin concentration ex vivo. Measurement of endotoxin in PRP generated from WB was significantly diminished after 15 min, identifying a time frame within which to process blood samples for endotoxin analysis.     

Pneumothorax in dairy cattle: 30 cases (1990-2003)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the features, underlying causes, results of diagnostic testing, and treatment of pneumothorax in dairy cattle. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 30 dairy cattle. PROCEDURE: Medical records of all cattle with a diagnosis of pneumonia were reviewed. For cattle with pneumothorax, information was obtained pertaining to signalment, anamnesis, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome. Survival data were compared between cattle with pneumonia with or without pneumothorax. RESULTS: Pneumothorax was associated with bronchopneumonia in 18 cattle, interstitial pneumonia in 7 cattle, pharyngeal or laryngeal trauma in 3 cattle, and neonatal respiratory distress in 2 calves. Bovine respiratory syncytial virus was the most commonly detected infectious agent. Eighteen of 30 (60%) cattle survived; 8 were euthanatized and 4 died. Survival rate was 81% for cattle with pneumonia without pneumothorax during the same time period. Pneumothorax was a significant risk factor for failure to survive to discharge from the hospital for cattle with underlying chronic bronchopneumonia. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Pneumothorax in dairy cattle appears to occur most commonly in association with chronic bronchopneumonia. Cattle of both sexes and all ages can be affected.     

Andover: An early to midseason golden nematode resistant variety for use as chipstock or tablestock

Andover may be used as an early to midseason tablestock and chipstock variety. It has a very rapid emergence and early tuber set. The vine maturity is similar to Superior in the absence of severe stress. In New York trials harvested 90 days after planting, the yields of Andover and Superior are nearly equal, 274 cwt/A. At 120 days, over eight seasons at two Ithaca locations, Andover yielded 87% Atlantic. Andover appears to be susceptible to drought and heat stress which can cause early senescence and reduce late season yields. It has few external and internal defectS. Specific gravity is high for an early variety, being .009 less than Atlantic. Andover has excellent chip color from the field from a range of environments and from 7 C storage. It has good boiling and baking properties. The mealiness of the baked potatoes is especially good. Tuber dormancy is two weeks longer than Atlantic. The reaction to common scab is like that of Monona, which is considered to be resistant. It is also resistant to powdery scab and the golden nematode.     

Resistance of potato to cucumber mosaic virus appears related to localization in inoculated leaves

Although CMV can cause extensive damage to solanaceous crops like tomato, tobacco and pepper, it has little if any impact on the related crop, potato. To better understand this phenomenon, we have tested 32 potato genotypes for susceptibility or resistance to local and systemic Fny-CMV infection. Using ELISA, all genotypes appeared to show virus replication in leaves that were mechanically inoculated. In contrast, only ten genotypes exhibited systemic spread as expressed by significant CMV titers in new growth. These data suggest that, although CMV can replicate in potato cells and appears to spread short distances cell-to-cell, long distance movement appears to be blocked in most potato genotypes. Therefore, the general resistance of potato crops to CMV infection may be related to virus localization at points of entry.