Serologic survey of domestic felids in the Petén region of Guatemala.

Blood samples were analyzed from 30 domestic cats (Felis domesticus) from the Petén region of Guatemala to determine the seroprevalence of common pathogens that may pose a potential risk to native wild felids. Eight of the cats had been vaccinated previously; however, owners were unable to fully describe the type of vaccine and date of administration. In addition, blood samples were obtained from two captive margays (Leopardus wiedii). Samples were tested for antibodies to feline immunodeficiency virus, Dirofilaria immitis, feline panleukopenia virus, feline herpesvirus, feline coronavirus, canine distemper virus, and Toxoplasma gondii and for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) antigen. Fifty percent or more of the cats sampled were seropositive for feline herpesvirus (22 of 30), feline panleukopenia (15 of 30), and T. gondii (16 of 30). Five cats were positive for FeLV antigen. Both margays were seropositive for feline coronavirus and one was strongly seropositive to T. gondii. All animals were seronegative for D. immitis. This survey provides preliminary information about feline diseases endemic to the Petén region.     

Heart failure caused by gossypol poisoning in two dogs

Two hound-type dogs from the same kennel were admitted in terminal stages of congestive heart failure. An investigation revealed the owner had been feeding the dogs cottonseed meal daily with their kibbled meal. Gossypol toxicosis from feeding this meal caused marked abnormalities in myocardial contractility. Although in severe congestive heart failure, one dog had only minimal dilatation of its heart, as revealed by thoracic radiography. Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy also was diagnosed in this dog. Gossypol is a cumulative toxin; the amount of free gossypol fed was approximately 5.4 to 5.7 mg/kg/day for an unknown duration.     

Saturation in milk and meat fats

Meat and milk products from ruminants (cows, goats, sheep, and beef animals) contribute 35 to 40 percent of the fat in the average American diet. Such fat is highly saturated, containing less than about 4 percent polyunsaturated fatty acids. The unsaturated plant lipids (fats) ordinarily consumed by the ruminant are hydrogenated (saturated) in the rumen. Transport and incorporation of this hydrogenated fat into meat and milk follows. Rumen hydrogenation does not take place until the fat is broken down to free fatty acids, thus establishing the fact that lipolysis is an essential feature of the process. Circumvention of this lipolysis may lead to more-unsaturated meat and milk fat.     

Food value of red tide (Gonyaulax polyedra)

Two harvests of ocean-growing red tide, comprised mainly of Gonyaulax polyedra, were evaluated in limited trials of rat feeding. The protein of red tide (25 to 30 percent, dry basis) supported growth satisfactorily. The essential amino acid composition of the protein closely resembles that of casein, the major protein of milk. As a marine resource, plankton represents a challenge for research.     

Eimeria tenella: cultivation of the asexual stages in cultured animal cells

Eimeria tenella, an intracellular protozoan parasite of the cecal epithelium of chickens, developed asexually in monolayer cultures of mammalian fibroblasts, mammalian epithelial cells, and avian fibroblasts mintained under various mediums at 41 degrees C. Sexual stages of the parasite were not seen. Established cell lines and secondary cell cultures were equally suitable for cultivation of the parasite.