Computed tomography of the lungs of Indian pythons (Python molurus)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of computed tomography (CT) for detection of pneumonia in snakes. ANIMALS: 8 clinically normal Indian pythons (Python molurus) and 5 pythons with evidence of respiratory tract disease. PROCEDURES: Preliminary examinations (clinical examination, conventional radiography, and microbiologic examination of a transtracheal wash sample) were performed. The lungs of each snake were then examined by use of CT performed in accordance with a standardized protocol. Structures of the lungs were assessed, and thickness and attenuation of the parenchyma were determined. RESULTS: It was possible to assess lung parenchyma in all pythons. Mean +/- SD attenuation in healthy pythons was -744.4 +/- 47.1 Hounsfield units. Significant differences were not evident between the right and left lungs or among measurement areas within a lung. In all Indian pythons with clinical signs of dyspnea and microbiologic detection of pathogens, hyperattenuation of the alveolar tissue was evident. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Analysis of the results revealed the benefit of CT for use in the diagnosis of pneumonia in snakes. A standardized protocol and reference values were established as a basis for CT assessment of the lungs of snakes.     

Die Grundlagen der forstlichen Betriebssysteme

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Waldbaukursus im Forstbezirk Langenbrand

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Beitrag zur Bekämpfung des Maiszünslers Pyrausta nubilalis Hb.

Zusammenfassung 1.|Mechanische Maßnahmen, wie tiefes und sauberes Pflügen, um Larven zu begraben, sind oft schwer durchführbar, sollten aber angestrebt werden. Mehrjähriger Kleeanbau nach Mais ist ebenfalls erwünscht, soweit betriebswirtschaftliche Verhältnisse dies zulassen. Das Einsammeln und Verfüttern der Maisfahnen nach dem Schlüpfen der Raupen ist aus arbeitswirtschaftlichen Gründen bei größeren Maisfeldern unrentabel, bietet zudem keinen 100%igen Erfolg.2. Eine chemische Bekämpfung mittels Insektiziden in der Zeit zwischen Schlüpfen und Einbohren der Raupen war erfolgreich, wie Versuche ergaben. Systemische Mittel, die die Larven im unteren Stengelteil vernichten, sind z. Z. noch nicht greifbar, eine mögliche Wirksamkeit noch in Prüfung bzw. Entwicklung befindlicher Mittel scheint aber durchaus gegeben.3. Folgerung aus beidem: Einmal chemische Bekämpfung. Wegen längeren Zeitraumes des Schlüpfens scheint ein kombiniertes Hexa-DDT-Mittel, in Abständen von 10–14 Tagen an die Pflanzen gebracht, am sichersten zu sein. Dabei sollten Emulsionen wegen besserer Haftfähigkeit oder aber Suspensionen nur unter Zusatz eines Haftmittels verwendet werden. Zum zweiten soll nach Möglichkeit eine mechanische Bekämpfung durch tiefes und sorgfältiges Pflügen die Wirkung der Insektizide unterstützen.     

Ocular Onchocerca infections in two dogs in western United States

Two dogs, one from California and one from Arizona, were found to have aberrant infections caused by filarial nematodes of the genus Onchocerca. In both cases, the parasites are localized in or near the eye. In one case the worm was located in the cornea and was surgically removed. In the second case, a very marked granulomatous reaction was induced in the retrobulbar space, mimicking an abscess. This eye was enucleated. The worms in both instances were female, and were gravid, i.e. contained microfilariae in utero, indicating that a male worm(s) had been present and mating had occurred. The exact identity of the species of Onchocerca responsible cannot be determined, although the features observed are most like Onchocerca lienalis of cattle. These cases represent the fourth and fifth such cases reported from the US, and are especially interesting because of the unusual location of the worms, the small number of recognized cases, and the similarity to a recent zoonotic human infection.