Contagious Rhino-Tonsillitis (C.R.T.): A New Virus Entity Unrelated to other Infectious Diseases in the Dog

Abstract— A new virs entity causing a specific disease in the dog is described. This virus, because of the specificity and preference it shows in attacking the tissues of the tonsil and rhino-pharyngeal mucosa, has been named Contagious Rhino-Tonsillitis virus (C.R.T.). Adult dogs in rural habitats appear to be more frequently attacked with a mortality of 50 per cent. The fox is the only other animal, so far known, which is susceptible to the virus. Man appears to develop a slight sensitivity to repeated doses. The virus is resistant to antibiotics, but is destroyed by disinfectants. Immunity is not obtained except by repeated doses and is preceded by a period of hypersensitivity taking the form of an allergic reaction.     

Evaluation of Fibular Head Transposition for Repair of Experimental Cranial Cruciate Ligament Injury in Dogs

Unilateral cranial cruciate ligament excision and fibular head transposition (FHT) were performed on 30 adult dogs. Vertical ground reaction forces were determined using force plate data before and after surgery. Cranial drawer motion, tibial rotation, and varus-valgus motion were measured at monthly intervals. Radiographic, gross, and histological examinations of the stifle joints that had been operated on were performed 3 weeks, 4 months, and 10 months after surgery. A scoring system was used to evaluate lameness, osteophyte formation, and meniscal damage. Rank correlation coefficients were calculated between variables tested in pairs. Cranial drawer motion and abnormal tibial rotation were present in all of the joints that had been operated on. Peak vertical force and associated impulse were not restored during the study time period. Meniscal damage was noted in 25% of the dogs at month 4 and in 50% of the dogs at month 10. Progressive gross and histological deterioration of the articular cartilage was observed in all joints. Positive correlations were noted between the degree of stifle joint instability and meniscal injury or radiographic changes. FHT did not control cranial drawer motion and rotational instability, was not successful in restoring limb function, and did not prevent joint degeneration, especially meniscal damage.     

Mycobacterioses in the Domestic Carnivora—Present-day Epidemiology of Tuberculosis in the Cat and Dog

Abstract— The present situation with mycobacterioses in domestic carnivores (dogs and cats) is reviewed with particular reference the current epidemiology of tuberculosis in small animals in France. Animal infections with atypical mycobacteria are dealt with as well as particular emphasis being placed on the creation of preventive health programmes and the compulsory notification of cases.
Résumé— L'étude de la présence des mycobactérioses chez les carnivores domestiques (chiens et chats) est faite, en attachant une importance toute particulière à I'épidémiologie actuelle de la tuberculose chez les petits animaux en France.
Les infections animales comportant des mycobactéries typiques y sont traitées, et la création de programmes sanitaires préventifs ainsi que I'établissement d'une loi obligeant ä mentionner des cas similaires y sont tout particuliërement soulignés.
Zusammenfassung— Die gegenwärtige Sachlage mit Mykobakteriosen in fleischfressenden Haustieren (Hunde und Katzen) wird unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der jetzigen Epidemiologic von Tuberkulose kleiner Tiere in Frankreich untersucht. Tierinfektionen durch typische Mykobakterien werden beschrieben, ebenso wie besonderer Nachdruck auf die Schaffung vorbeugender Gesundheitsprogramme und zwangsläufiger Mitteilungsvorschriften von Krankheitsfällen gelegt.     

Reciprocal inhibition as indicated by a differential staining reaction

Neurohistological and neurophysiological studies have shown that the bilaterally represented Mauthner's cells in teleosts are related both structurally and functionally. The VIIIth nerve afferents, as well as the axoaxonal collaterals, display a distribution pattern which supports the concept of polar function of the neuron. Inasmuch as it is possible to alter the staining reaction of both the Mauthner's cells by unilateral stimulation of the entering VIIIth nerve roots, it is proposed that the synaptic endings serve principally as activators and that neuronal excitation or inhibition is determined by the chemical state of the dendrites, the cell body, and the axon hillock region.     

Effects of seasonal variations in meteorology and oceanography on the Brazilian sardine fishery

Seasonal variations in meteorological and oceanographic processes in the South Brazil Bight were studied to assess their influence on the Brazilian sardine Sardinella brasiliensis fishery. According to its environmental characteristics, the South Brazil Bight was divided into three sectors. The northern and southern sectors were similar during the spring and summer, showing areas of coastal upwelling and low rainfall rates. The middle sector was characterized by the presence of low-salinity coastal waters in the inner shelf and by high rainfall. During autumn and winter, the middle and southern sectors were similar, both being under the influence of sub-Antarctic waters. Multiple regression analyses showed significant correlation between environmental data and catches, although at a lower level in the northern sector ( r ² = 0.57). In the middle and southern sectors, environmental data were highly correlated with the catches ( r ² = 0.90 and 0.84). The sardine landings in the middle sector are principally affected by meteorological parameters, and in the south by oceanographic ones. In the middle sector, an inverse correlation between landings and rainfall is shown, while in the south, landings are positively correlated with salinity and sea temperature. The conclusion is that the seasonal landings of the Brazilian sardine within the South Brazil Bight are influenced by the distribution of less saline waters, the coastal waters and sub-Antarctic waters.     

Evaluation of the Lateral Collateral Ligament After Fibular Head Transposition in Dogs

Cranial transposition of the fibular head stabilizes the stifle joint by displacing the distal attachment of the lateral collateral ligament (LCL). The forces applied to the LCL after displacement may cause ligamentous elongation. This investigation evaluated the morphological, histological, and biomechanical changes of the LCL after fibular head transposition (FHT) in dogs. Unilateral cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) excision and FHT were performed on 25 dogs. Cross-sectional area, length, histological, and structural properties of the LCL were evaluated 3 weeks, 4 months, and 10 months after surgery. Ligament length means were significantly increased at week 3, month 4, and month 10 compared with intraoperative length means. No significant changes in elongation were observed after week 3. Fibrovascular proliferation within the LCL increased the cross-sectional area and associated structural properties.     

Colour dilution alopecia in seven Dachshunds. A clinical study and the hereditary, microscopical and ultrastructural aspect of the disease

Abstract Seven Dachshunds from five different families were studied for late-onset alopecia. All were born blue and tan in litters containing unaffected wild boar coated animals. Six of the seven dogs changed their colour during the first months of their life from blue and tan to ‘deadleaf’ or grey and tan. Histopathology, light microscopy of hairs and scanning electron microscopy of the hairs showed similarities with those previously described in blue Doberman Pinschers and confirmed the diagnosis of colour dilution alopecia (CDA). Transmission electron microscopy of cross-sectioned hairs showed vacuoles containing melanin granules of different size in medullary, subcortical and intracortical areas. Some opened at the hair surface and released melanin granules. Study of the pedigree proved autosomal recessive inheritance. Résumé— 7 teckels de 5 families ont fait l'objet de cette étude. Tous sont nés bleu et feu et proviennent de portées comprenant des chiots sains couleur sanglier. Six de ces chiens ont changé leur couleur durant les premiers mois de leur vie, passant ainsi du bleu et feu à‘feuilles mortes’ ou gris et feu. Histologiquement, l'examen microscopique des poils et l'examen ultrastructural à balayage montrent des lésions similaires à celles décrites chez les Dobermanns Pinschers bleus, et confirment le diagnostic d'Alopécie des Robes Diluées (ARD). La microscopie électronique à transmission des poils sectionnés montre des vacuoles contenant des grains de mélanine dans les régions médullaires, subcorticales, et intracorticales des poils. Quelques poils montrent la sortie des granules de mélanine à la surface du poil. L'étude des pédigrés prouve un mode de transmission autosomal récessif de cette maladie. [Beco, L., Fontaine, J., Gross, T.L., Charlier, G. Colour dilution alopecia in seven Dachshunds. A clinical study and the hereditary, microscopical and ultrastructural aspects of the disease (Alopécie des Robes Diluées chez 7 teckels: étude clinique et aspects héréditaires, microscopiques et ultrastructuraux). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 91–97.] Resumen Se estudió la alopecia de aparición tardía en siete perros Dashshund de cinco familias diferentes. Todos los cachorros nacieron de color azul y canela en camadas que contenían animates con pelaje jabalí, sin afectación. Seis de los siete perros cambiaron su color durante los primeros meses de vida de azul y canela a ‘hoja seca’ o gris y canela. La histopatologia, la microscopía óptica de los pelos y la microscopía electrónica de barrido de los pelos mostraron similitudes con los previamente descritos en los Doberman Pinscher azules y confirmaron el diagnóstico de alopecia de color diluido (ACD). La microscopia electrónica de transmisión de cortes transversales del pelo mostraron vacuolas que contenían gránulos de melanina de tamaño variable en las zonas medular, subcortical e intracortical. Algunos se abrían a la superficie del pelo y liberaban gránulos de melanina. El estudio del pedigree reveló una forma de herenicia autosómica recesiva. [Beco, L., Fontaine, J., Gross, T.L., Charlier, G. Colour dilution alopecia in seven Dachshunds. A clinical study and the hereditary, microscopical and ultrastructural aspects of the disease (Alopecia de color diluido en siete Dachshunds. Estudio clinico y aspectos hereditarios, microscopicos y ultraestructurales de la enfermedad). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 91–97.] Zusammenfassung— Sieben Dackel aus fünf verschiedenen Familien wurden wegen Alopezie mit spätem Beginn untersucht. Alle wurden als ‘blau und tan’ in Würfen geboren, die gesunde saufarbene aufwiesen. Sechs der sieben Hunde änderten ihre Farbe während der ersten Lebensmonate von ‘blau und tan’ nach ‘dürrlaub’ oder ‘grau und tan’. Histopathologisch zeigten Lichtmikroskopie der Haare und Elektronen-mikroskopabtastung der Haare Ähnlichkeiten mit denen früher beschriebener Veränderungen beim blauen Dobermann, und bestätigten die Diagnose Farbverdünnungsalopezie (CDA). Die Transmissionselek-tronenmikroscopie von quergeschnittenen Haaren zeigte Vakuolen, die Melaningranula verschiedener Größe in medullären, subkortikalen und intrakortikalen Zonen enthielten. Einige öffneten sich hin zur Haarober fläche und entließen die Melaningranula. Die Untersuchung der Abstammung zeigte eine autosomal rezessive Erblichkeit. [Beco, L., Fontaine, J., Gross, T. L., Charlier, G. Colour dilution alopecia in seven dachschunds. A clinical study and the hereditary microscopical and ultrastructural aspects of the disease (Farbverdünnungsalopezie bei sieben Dackeln. Eine klinische Studie über erbliche, mikroskopische und ultrastrukturelle Aspekte dieser Erkrankung). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 91–97.]     

Degradation of a sulfonamide herbicide as a function of soil sorption

The degradation of DE-498 (proposed common name flumetsulam) was studied in 21 US soils as a first step in developing a management plan for this new herbicide. Degradation half-lives were shorter in soils that adsorbed the compound less. Adsorption was lower in soils with higher pH and lower organic carbon content. Degradation half-lives were thus influenced by both pH and organic carbon: they were in the range 2–4 weeks in higher pH soils (pH 5 7.0) unless the organic carbon content was above 2.5%, at which half-lives were in the range 1–3 months. In medium pH soils (6.4 pH 6.9) half-lives were 1–2 months, while in lower pH soils (5.9 pH 6.3) they were 1–4 months. The laboratory data were supported by the response of sunflowers (Helianthus annuus L.) planted 1 year after application of flumetsulam to different soils. A quantitative model relating half-life to sorption K_d (r²= 0.85) was coupled with an additional equation relating sorption K_d to the proportion of neutral and anionic forms of the compound at different pH values. The study allows estimates of this herbicide's degradation in soil to be made if its pH and organic carbon content are known. Degradation d'un herbicide sulfonamide en fonction de la capacité d'absorption du sol La dégradation du flumetsulam a étéétudiée dans les sols aux Etats Unis comme premier stade dans le développement d'un plan d'utilisation de ce nouvel herbicide. Les demi-vies de dégradation étaient plus courtes dans les sols qui absorbaient moins le produit. L'absorption était plus faible dans les sols à pH élevé et à faible teneur en carbone organique. Les demi-vies étaient ainsi sous l'influence du pH et du carbone organique: elles étaient de 2 à 4 semaines pour les pH de sols élevés (pH 7) sauf si le carbone organique était au dessus de 2,5%, dans ce cas, les demi-vies etaient de 1 à 3 mois. Dans les sols à pH moyen (6,4 pH 6,9) les demi-vies étaient de 1 à 2 mois, tandis que dans les sols à pH faible (5,9 pH 6,3) elles étaient de 1 à 4 mois. Les résultats de laboratoire ont été confirmés par le comportement de tournesols plantés un an aprfès l'application de flumetsulam dans différents sols. Un modèle reliant la demi-vie au coefficient d'absorption Kd (r²= 0.85) a été couplé avec une équation additionelle reliant le coefficient d'absorption Kd à la proportion de particules neutres et anioniques de la molécule aux différents pH. L'étude permet de faire des estimations de la dégradation de cet herbicide dans le sol dès que le pH et la teneur en carbone organique sont connus. Abbau eines Sulfonamid-Herbizids als Funktion der Bodensorption Der Abbau von Flumetsulam (DE-498) wurde in 21 Böden untersucht, um eine Grundlage zur Produktentwicklung dieses neuen Herbizids zu gewinnen. Die 50%ige Verlustrate (DT₅₀) war in schwächer sorptiven Böden kürzer. Bei hohem pH-Wert und geringem Gehalt an organischer Substanz war die Adsorption schwächer. Die DT₅₀ wurde durch den pH-Wert und den Gehalt organischer Substanz wie folgt beeinflußt: Sie betrug 2 bis 4 Wochen in Böden mit pH >7,0 (wenn der C_org-Gehalt nicht über 2,5% lag; dort dann 1 bis 3 Monate), 1 bis 2 Monate bei 6,4 < pH < 6,9 und 1 bis 4 Monate bei 5,9 < pH < 6,3). Die Ergebnisse der Laboruntersuchungen wurden durch Untersuchungen an Sonnenblumen gestützt. die 1 Jahr nach Applikation von Flumetsulam auf verschiedenen Böden angebaut wurden. Ein quantitatives Modell über das Verhältnis der Verlustrate zum Sorptionskoeffizienten K_d (r²= 0,85) wurde mit einer zusätzhchen Gleichung der Beziehung des Sorptionskoeffizienten K_d zum Verhältnis der neutralen und der anionischen Verbindungen des Wirkstoffs bei verschiedenen pH-Werten verknüpft. Aufgrund der Untersuchungen kann der Abbau dieses Herbizids in Böden bekannten pH-Werts und C_org-Gehalts abgeschätzt werden.