Comparison of acetate tape impression with squeezing versus skin scraping for the diagnosis of canine demodicosis

This study compared the sensitivity of acetate tape impression and skin squeezing with that of deep skin scraping for the diagnosis of demodicosis in dogs. Demodex canis was detected in 100% of acetate tape impressions obtained after skin squeezing and in 90% of deep skin scrapings. There was a significant difference (P < 0.001) between the techniques in the total number of mites detected. Acetate tape impression with skin squeezing was found to be more sensitive than deep skin scraping and is an alternative diagnostic method for canine demodicosis.     

An overview of potentially life-threatening poisonous plants in dogs and cats

Objectives: This article discusses the toxicity of the most common poisonous plants known to cause life‐threatening systemic effects or death in dogs and cats as reported to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC). Data sources: The article presents an overview of geographic distribution, toxic principle, clinical signs, clinical chemistry alterations, and treatment of intoxication as reported in the literature and based upon data retrieved from the APCC between January 2001 and December 2003. Summary: Most plant exposures in dogs or cats result in mild to moderate signs of vomiting and diarrhea while liver, kidney, central nervous system, or cardiovascular effects are rare. Some garden or household plants can cause serious systemic effects or death when a small amount of plant material has been ingested. Based on APCC records, the most frequently reported poisonous plants causing serious systemic effects include Lily (Lilium and Hemerocallis spp.), Azalea (Rhododendron spp.), Oleander (Nerium oleander), Sago palm (Cycas spp.), Castor bean (Ricinus communis), Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe spp.), and Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale). Conclusion: Despite the variety of toxins present in the plants listed above, early clinical signs of toxicosis in dogs and cats can be nonspecific and can include vomiting, lethargy, anorexia, salivation, or diarrhea. Cardiac arrhythmias may be present with oleander, azalea, or kalanchoe ingestion. Evidence of liver or kidney damage (Cycas, Lilium, Hemerocallis spp., Ricinus communis) may occur 1–2 days after the exposure. Treatment consists of early decontamination and supportive care and may vary according to the type of plant involved and clinical signs present.     

Immunomodulating effect of Inter Yeast S on the non-specific and specific cellular and humoral immunity in lambs

The objective of this study was to determine the stimulating effect of the Inter Yeast S dietary supplement on selected parameters of specific and non-specific humoral and cellular immunity in lambs. The study involved 32 lambs aged 30 +/- 3 days, divided into two equal groups: II--control, and II--experimental. Experimental group animals were fed a C-J concentrate mixed with a prebiotic, the Inter Yeast S, commercially available, containing dried brewer's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae in the amount of 3 g/kg of the concentrate. At the beginning of the experiment (day 0) and on the 15th, 30th and 60th day of the study, blood was sampled from the jugular vein to determine selected parameters of biochemical, specific and non-specific humoral and cellular immunity in lambs (total protein levels, gamma globulin levels, lysozyme activity, ceruloplasmin activity, proliferative response of blood lymphocytes (MTT) after stimulation with LPS or ConA, the metabolic activity (RBA) and potential killing activity (PKA) of phagocytes). As regards humoral immunity parameters, significantly higher gamma globulin levels and higher lysozyme and ceruloplasmin activity were found in blood serum of experimental lambs administered the Inter Yeast S, compared with those determined in control lambs not fed the supplement. No statistically significant differences in serum total protein were found between the control and experimental groups. An analysis of cellular immunity indicators revealed significantly higher levels of RBA and PKA, and higher proliferative response of blood lymphocytes (MTT) after stimulation with LPS and ConA in the experimental group, compared with those observed in the control group.     

Snake envenomation in cats and its detection by rapid immunoassay

Objective To determine the usefulness of a snake venom detection kit (SVDK) in the management of envenomed cats.
Design A clinical study.  

Animals

Twenty-two cats were investigated.
Procedure Cats injected subcutaneously with approximately 0.25 or 1.0 lethal dose (LD) of tiger snake venom or 1 or 4 LD of brown snake venom were observed for clinical symptoms of envenomation at intervals over the ensuring 24 to 48 hours(h). Blood and urine samples were taken at regular intervals and assayed in a quantitative laboratory assay for snake venoms. Selected samples were assayed in parallel in a rapid, semi-quantitative SVDK.
Results The studies showed that it was important to estimate the elapsed time from envenomation to presentation. If this time was less than 8 h, blood was the most appropriate sample and a negative result should exclude serious envenomation. If the elapsed time exceeded 8 h, it was essential that urine be sampled. Venom levels in urine were high at 8 h and approached the level of test sensitivity over 24 to 48 h; however by this time clinical signs were obvious in endangered cats.  

Conclusions

Careful use of the SVDK is a valuable aid in the management of a potentially envenomed cat.