Showing papers in "Veterinary Quarterly in 1992"

The pathogenesis of the post-weaning syndrome in weaned piglets: a review.

Abstract: This review deals with the pathogenesis of the post-weaning syndrome. This syndrome includes post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD), oedema disease (OD) and endotoxin shock (ES). The role of different enteropathogenic Escherichia coli bacteria and some other predisposing factors relating to this post-weaning syndrome (PWS) are discussed. Based on intestinal pathophysiological mechanisms, some suggestions for the prevention of PWS and prospects for future research are given.

Interference of maternal antibodies with the immune response of foals after vaccination against equine influenza.

Abstract: The purpose of the study was twofold. First, using two groups of 22 foals each, we investigated the extent to which maternal antibodies interfere with the humoral response against equine influenza. The foals were born to mares that had been vaccinated twice yearly against influenza since 1982. Foals of group I were vaccinated three times at early ages (12, 16, and 32 weeks of age), and foals of group II were likewise vaccinated but a later ages (24, 28, and 44 weeks of age). After the first and second vaccinations, neither group showed an increase in antibodies that inhibit haemagglutination. Group II foals, however, had a significantly stronger antibody response against nucleoprotein after the second vaccination than the foals of group I. After the third vaccination, group II foals had a significantly stronger and longer lasting antibody response against haemagglutinin than the foals of group I. However, the antibody response to nucleoprotein was comparable in both groups. Second, the foals of group II were studied to determine the persistence of maternal antibodies directed against a common nucleoprotein and the haemagglutinin of two strains of equine influenza A virus. Biological half-lives of 39, 32, and 33 days were calculated for maternal antibodies directed against haemagglutinin of strains H7N7 Prague and H3N8 Miami, and against the nucleoprotein respectively. Maternal antibody titres at the time of vaccination were closely related to the degree of interference with the immune response. Because even small amounts of maternal antibodies interfered with the efficacy of vaccination, we conclude that foals born to mares vaccinated more than once yearly against influenza virus should not be vaccinated before 24 weeks of age.

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia. A review.

Abstract: Summary The prevalence, characteristics of the aetiological agent, clinical signs, pathological changes, pathogenesis, epizootiology, microbiological and serological diagnosis, prevention, and control of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies mycoides SC type, are reviewed New aspects of the disease are discussed A renewed interest in this disease is important because of outbreaks in Southern Europe since 1980. When, at the end of 1992, the national borders of the countries of the European Community are abolished, it is conceivable that the disease will be introduced by cattle imported into CBPP‐free countries.

Increased prevalence of Mycoplasma bovis in the Netherlands.

Abstract: The epidemiology, therapy, and prevention of M. bovis infections are briefly reviewed. In a survey begun in 1982, M. bovis was found frequently in the respiratory tract [corrected] of veal calves and beef cattle with respiratory problems. In replacement calves infected with respiratory disease in dairy herds, however, the organism has only been detected since 1986. Respiratory tract specimens collected from calves with respiratory disease were submitted for examination for M. bovis from 1986 to 1991 and originated from 83 herds. Mycoplasma bovis was detected in specimens from 59 of the herds, 20% of which were dairy herds and 80% fattening herds. Arthritis caused by M. bovis was observed in 12 herds until July 1991. Since 1976 when the first mastitis outbreak caused by M. bovis was diagnosed, M. bovis has caused 14 more outbreaks. The number of diseased cattle varied from 1 tot 16 per farm, and clinical signs of mastitis varied from mild to severe. In all instances the infection has been eradicated from the herds. Because M. bovis can cause great losses in intensively reared cattle herds, it is advisable to separate purchased veal calves and beef cattle from dairy cattle to prevent further spread of M. bovis.

The relationship between homozygosity and the occurrence of specific diseases in Bouvier Belge des Flandres dogs in the Netherlands

Abstract: Summary Since purebred dog populations represent closed gene pools, a relatively high level of consanguinity between individuals, and hence of inbreeding, is common. This case control study was conducted to establish the possible connection between the actual level of homozygosity due to inbreeding and specific diseases (flea allergy, osteochondrosis, laryngeal paralysis, neoplasm, autoimmune disease, hypoplastic trachea, and food allergy) occurring in the Bouvier Belge des Flandres breed. One hundred and sixty‐eight animals referred to the Utrecht University Clinic formed the patient group. Each of the seven diseases was chosen because of the demonstrability of the diagnosis. Each animal was chosen because one of the selected diseases was established in that individual, and because its pedigree was complete. All dogs of the patient group were born between 1 January 1980 and 31 December 1985. A control group (n=123) was randomly chosen from the total population of registered Bouviers born in the Netherlan...

Peripartum changes in antibody producing capability of lymphocytes from dairy cows.

Abstract: Summary B‐lymphocyte populations and the in vitro antibody producing activity of lymphocytes were measured to evaluate the lymphocyte function of periparturiment dairy cows. Changes in Blymphocyte populations were not significantly different in cows during this period Significantly decreased numbers of plaque‐forming cells were observed in lymphocytes from cows at parturition and 3 days after parturition compared to those in lymphocytes obtained 14 days after parturition.

Towards a sustainable livestock production in developing countries and the importance of animal health strategy therein.

Abstract: Livestock and animal health development projects have not always led to substantial increases in animal productivity or in farmers' welfare. Some have even resulted in unsustainable systems, when they were not based on an understanding of (livestock) production systems. The multipurpose functions of livestock and complex relationships between the biological, technical and social components require a systems approach, whereby nutrition, animal health, breeding, biotechnology knowhow, inputs and technologies are used to optimise resource use. The challenge for developed and developing countries is to reverse the current degradation of the environment, and arrive at sustainable increases in crop and livestock production to secure present and future food supplies. For rural development, governments should show long term commitment and political will to support the rural population in development programmes, because smallholders (including women and landless livestock keepers) represent a large labour force in developing countries. Different systems need different approaches. Pastoral systems must focus on effective management of grazing pressure of the rangelands. Communal rangelands management involves not only the development and application of technologies (e.g. feedlots, vaccination campaigns), but also land tenure policies, institutional development, economic return and a reduction in the number of people depending upon livestock. Smallholder mixed farms must aim at intensification of the total production system, in which external inputs are indispensable, but with the emphasis on optimum input-output relationships by reducing resource losses due to poor management. Resource-poor farming systems must aim at the improved management of the various livestock species in backyards and very small farms, and proper packages for cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, rabbits and poultry should be developed. Specialised commercial livestock farming systems (poultry, pigs, dairy or meat) can only be sustainable with adequate marketing, supply of quality feed, veterinary services, labour, management and control of pollution. Animal health programmes play a keyrole in the proposed system approach.

Variation in seropositivity for some respiratory disease agents in finishing pigs: epidemiological studies on some health parameters and farm and management conditions in the herds.

Abstract: Summary The relationship between the extent of seropositivity for Aujeszky's disease virus (ADV), Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (App.) serotype 2 and porcine influenza (PI) viruses serotype H IN I and H3N2 in pigs on the one hand and the health status of the pigs and some farm and management conditions in the herds on the other hand was studied in 45 pig finishing herds, all members of one integration group. The health status was assessed by the extent of clinical signs, the use of veterinary drugs and the prevalence of pathological lesions in pigs at slaughter. There was no relationship between the extent of seropositivity on the one hand and clinical signs and use of veterinary drugson the other hand However, there was a positive relationship between the extent of seropositivity and the percentage of pigs with lesions of the respiratory tract at slaughter. Furthermore, the study indicates that the variation in seropositivity between pig herds is associated with management related factors that particul...

Hyperadrenocorticism in four cats.

Abstract: This paper describes four cats with hyperadrenocorticism. Cat 1 showed polydipsia and polyphagia. Diabetes mellitus was initially diagnosed. As the animal appeared to be insulin resistant, pituitary and adrenocortical function tests were performed and the diagnosis of hyperadrenocorticism was made. Resistance to the high-dose dexamethasone suppression test was noticed in this cat. Pathological examination revealed a pituitary chromophobe adenoma. Cat 2 presented with diabetes mellitus, which was treated with insulin. The animal had a pendulous abdomen and its coat was in a poor condition. The low-dose dexamethasone suppression test demonstrated hyperadrenocorticism. Necropsy findings of pituitary tumour and hyperplasia of the adrenal cortex confirmed the diagnosis. Cat 3 showed clinical abnormalities indicative of hyperadrenocorticism, for instance, muscle weakness, alopecia, multiple abscesses. The diagnosis of hyperadrenocorticism was confirmed by the results of the lowe-dose dexamethasone suppression test. Pathological examination revealed an adrenocortical carcinoma. Cat 4 presented with polydipsia. The cause of this symptom was not found initially. One and a half years later additional symptoms, such as nephritis and polyphagia developed. Hyperadrenocorticism was diagnosed because of a palpable mass cranial to the left kidney. The diagnosis was confirmed by the results of the lowe-dose dexamethasone suppression test and the necropsy findings.

Comparison of an indirect haemagglutination assay and an ELISA for diagnosing Fasciola hepatica in experimentally and naturally infected sheep.

Abstract: An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with somatic (S) or excretory-secretory antigens (ES) was compared with an indirect haemagglutination assay (IHA) for ability to detect antibodies against Fasciola hepatica in sheep. The specificity of both assays was determined by testing sera collected from sheep experimentally or naturally mono-infected with Fasciola hepatica, Haemonchus contortus, Ostertagia circumcincta, Cooperia curticei, Taenia ovis, Eimeria spp., Trichostrongylus vitrinus, Trichostrongylus colubriformis or Nematodirus battus respectively. With S or ES antigens the specificity of the ELISA was 98% or 95% respectively, whereas the specificity of the IHA was 86%. Antibodies directed against Fasciola hepatica were detected by the ELISA with S or ES antigens from 2 weeks after infection until the end of the experiment, whereas the IHA detected antibodies from week 3. We conclude that the ELISA with S antigens compares favourably with the IHA and can be used for the serodiagnosis of ovine fasciolosis in the Netherlands.

Effects of methods used for blood collection on plasma concentrations of luteinising hormone, testosterone, and cortisol in male dogs.

Abstract: Summary The effects of two putative stressors relative to the collection of blood, namely the environment of the treatment room and the pain associated with venepuncture, on plasma levels of luteinising hormone (LH), testosterone and cortisol were examined in six trained male experimental dogs Blood samples were collected from the dogs in a treatment room as well as in the kennels (control), and by venepuncture as well as via an indwelling’ intravenous catheter (control) No significant influence of either stressor on plasma levels of LH, testosterone or cortisol was found Plasma concentrations of these hormones varied considerably both between and within dogs Mean (± SEM; n = 6) plasma concentrations were 43 ± 10 μg/l for LH, 46 ± 19 nmol/l for testosterone and 68 ± 10 nmol/l for cortisol It was concluded that the putative stressors, the environment of the treatment room and the pain associated with venepuncture, did not significantly influence plasma levels of LH, testosterone or cortisol in train

Relationship between latency of brainstem auditory‐evoked potentials and head size in dogs

Abstract: Summary Cranium and brainstem dimensions were measured in 32 postmortem dog heads. Positive correlations were found between cranium length (CL) and brainstem length (BL) (r=0.87), between cranium width (CW) and brainstem width (BW) (r=0.83), and between cranium distance (CD = CL CW/2) and brainstem distance (BD = BL+BW/2) (r=0.91). Positive correlation coefficients were also found between CL and CW (r=0.90), and between BL and BW (r=0.85). It was concluded that head size accurately reflected brainstem size. A least squares estimation of the brainstem distance (BD) from CL and CW values was BD = 10.9 + 0.16 (CL CW/2) (BD, CL and CW in mm). Brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) and cranium dimensions were measured in 43 dogs (86 ears) with different head size, body size, sex and age. Wave form, absolute and interpeak latencies and correlation coefficients, relating latencies to cranium dimensions and body weight, were analysed CL, CW, and CD were positively correlated with body weight (r=0.93, 0.70 a...

The effect of T. vivax infection in West African Dwarf goats on energy and nitrogen metabolism

Abstract: Summary To investigate how T. vivax affects metabolism in dwarf goats, nine wethers (infection group) given alfalfa pellets ad libitum were infected intravenously and food intake was recorded up to 49 days after infection in the infection group and in the control group (n=9). Controls received the same diet, ad libitum before infection and in restricted amounts after infection in order to obtain similar intakes in the two groups. Digestible organic matter intake (DOMI) and nitrogen balance (NB) were determined during four balance trials. All animals were bled regularly to measure parasitaemia, packed cell volume (PCV) and a number of serum metabolites. All infected animals showed symptoms typical for T. vivax infection as judged by parasitaemia, PCV and rectal temperature. Infection had a non‐uniform negative effect on food intake. Compared with controls at equal DOMI, NB was lower in infected animals, the difference being significant 4 weeks after infection. This was caused by a gradual increase in NB at...

Slaughter by-products: problems, preliminary research and possible solutions.

Abstract: The collection, storage, disposal and processing of slaughterhouse by-products is an important part of veterinary care in regions with intensive animal husbandry and meat production. Transmission of diseases and environmental pollution through an improper and/or incorrect handling of slaughterhouse by-products needs to be prevented. The use of animal by-products as feedstuff could be of economical benefit to slaughterhouses and could add nutritive value to animal feed. As a results of the centralisation and intensification of slaughtering, the amount of slaughter by-products produced at a single location is increasing. Until now, hardly any attention, in practice or in research, has been paid to the collection and disposal of these by-products. There are important socio-economic reasons to increase scientific knowledge about the handling of slaughter by-products. Several animal by-products were contaminated with Salmonella. We also showed that rapid breakdown of amino acids in poultry by-products occurs during storage at 20 degrees C. It is concluded that as far as safety, environmental care and nutritive value of animal by-products is concerned, diversification and separation of slaughter by-product collection, storage, disposal and processing is necessary. Measures at source, the slaughterline, and some technologies are suggested for future use.

Risks connected with the use of conventional and genetically engineered vaccines.

Abstract: A review is given of real and potential risks connected with the use of conventional and genetically engineered live and dead vaccines Special attention is given to live carrier vaccines expressing one or more heterologous genes of other microorganisms Because most carrier vaccines are still in an experimental phase, there is only limited experience with the risks of carrier vaccines There are three potential risks of live carrier vaccines which will be discussed: 1 Changes in cell, tissue, of host tropism, and virulence of the carrier through the incorporation of foreign genes 2 Exchange of genetic information with other vaccine or wild-type strains of the carrier organism 3 Spread in the environment Only limited experimental data are available on changes in biological behaviour of microorganisms through the incorporation of foreign genes For example, there are indications that vaccinia virus carrying the attachment protein G of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) replicates better in lungs of mice than vaccinia virus carrying other genes of RSV Poxviruses carry genes that probably determine their replication in different hosts Exchange of such host tropism genes might alter their host spectrum Recombination between herpesvirus vaccine or wild-type strains may lead to the appearance of virulent strains with of without heterologous genes Before carrier vaccines are applied, these risks must be thoroughly evaluated case-by-case Potential methods for the design of safe carrier vaccines are discussed

An epidemiological study of Fasciola hepatica in The Netherlands.

Abstract: Transmission of F. hepatica under natural conditions was analysed in a three year programme. The variables used were the indirect haemagglutination (IHA) technique, worm establishment in tracer lambs and the population dynamics, infection rate and shedding pattern of Lymnaea truncatula. It is concluded that fluke eggs, infected snails and metacercariae on herbage can survive the winter in the Netherlands. Metacercarial availability was positively correlated to the amount of rainfall in the grazing period. The role developed eggs that survive the winter is important, because this results in earlier infections in the herd. The use of the serological diagnosis method IHA is important to detect F. hepatica infection in an early stage. Use of cellophane paper on floats is a useful method for determining the shedding pattern of cercariae from L. truncatula. It is concluded that collection of metacercariae on cellophane floats, inventarization of L. truncatula and its infection level are useful tools for the prediction of liverfluke infections.

Haematological and clinicochemical blood profiles in slaughter pigs.

Abstract: In a cohort study, 40 pig finishing herds were selected: twenty pig herds with a low and twenty pig herds with a high prevalence of several pathological lesions recorded at slaughter in a six-month period before the start of the study. Blood samples were taken from 20 pigs per herd at the end of the finishing period to investigate haematological and clinicochemical profiles. There was only a significant difference in serum albumin concentration between the low and high lesion prevalence groups. There were distinct differences in blood profiles between pig herds, but also between batches of pigs within a herd, housed in different compartments. Differences between castrated males and gilts were also demonstrated with respect to mean values of the blood variables haemoglobin, iron, copper, beta-globulin, eosinophils and segmented neutrophils. However, the differences were not of a biologically important magnitude. The mean values of the blood variables pepsinogen and lymphocytes differed significantly between pig herds from the two participating integration groups. Pigs with a higher albumin concentration, a lower gamma-globulin concentration, a higher copper concentration and a higher creatine kinase activity in serum showed a higher daily weight gain.

Oral administration of calcium chloride-containing products: testing for deleterious side-effects.

Abstract: Two products that contain CaCl2 and that are intended for oral administration were tested for safety aspects. One product contained CaCl2 as a gel, the other contained CaCl2 in an oil emulsion. Oral administration of the CaCl2-containing products caused minor to severe damage to the mucosa of the forestomach and abomasum. The gel solution especially proved to be highly caustic, while the oil emulsion appeared to be relatively safe.

Subcutaneous tissue reaction to polyethylene terephtalate-covered electronic identification transponders in pigs.

Abstract: Summary Polyethylene terephtalate‐covered identification transponders were injected in 4 week old piglets to examine clinically and histologically the reaction in the surrounding tissue after 4, 7 and 21 days and 6 months. Inflammatory signs at the injection site were clinically noticed from 2 days onwards and gradually decreased after day 3. A second series of inflammatory events occured in some animals around day 7. Swelling was observed thereafter in a few animals. In the pigs slaughtered at day 4, all samples showed a layer of exudate and debris surrounding the transponder. Afterwards a fibrous capsule developed. The mean thickness of reactive tissue decreased significantly (p<0.01) between days 4 and 7 and days 14 and 21, and remained unchanged between day 21 and 6 months. The mean (± s.e.) capsule thickness was 0.32 ± 0.12 mm after 6 months. It is concluded that PET‐covered transponders are encapsulated in fibrous connective tissue within 3 weeks after injection at the base of the ear. After 6 month...

Changing cytokeratin expression patterns in diethylstilbestrol dipropionate-induced metaplastic lesions of the goat prostate.

Abstract: Summary Five‐month‐old male goats were treated with 25 mg diethylstilbestrol &propionate (DES‐DP) by a single intramuscular injection, causing characteristic histological alterations in the peripheral glandular epithelium of the prostate, resulting in squamous metaplasia. Using a panel of monoclonal and polyclonal cytokeratin antibodies on frozen tissue sections of control prostates, we were able to immunohistochemically distinguish between the normal secretory cells, which are positive for cytokeratin 18 as detected with the antibody RGE 53, and the scattered basal cells, which could be specifically stained by the antibody RCK 103. Cytokeratins indicating squamous differentiation, Le., nos 4 and 13, recognised by the antibodies 6B10 and IC7, respectively, were found in sporadic cells throughout the normal goat prostate. Profound changes in cytokeratin expression were observed in the metaplastic lesions as compared to control peripheral glandular tissue. In this respect three monoclonal antibodies are of ...

Myocardial damage in cats that died after anaesthesia.

Abstract: Summary The necropsy findings of 85 cats that died up to six weeks after administration of injectable anaesthetics are described The most obvious findings in these cats were degeneration and necrosis of heart muscle fibres followed and related to time after the administration of the anaesthetics, by infiltration of predominantly mononuclear cells and by an increase in collagenous connective tissue. The lesions were most obvious on the inner side of the myocardium, indicating that hypoxic injury occurred during anaesthesia. The possible mechanism of the damage to the heart and its role in the pathogenesis of cardiomyopathy in the cat is discussed.

Effects of different iron contents in the milk replacer on the development of iron deficiency anaemia in veal calves.

Abstract: The effect of different iron concentrations in the milk replacer on the development of iron deficiency anaemia during a fattening period of 28 weeks was studied in three groups of 14 calves. The iron contents in the milk replacer differed during the first seven weeks: 60, 100 and 150 mg Fe/kg in groups A, B and C, respectively. In all three groups blood haemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, plasma iron concentration and saturation decreased during the fattening period, whereas the total iron-binding capacity increased. At week 7, liver iron concentrations were high with a large individual variation [A: 201 (61-706), B: 99 (47-129), C: 296 (77-1572) micrograms/g dry matter]. During the fattening period, liver iron concentrations decreased, with the lowest values at week 25 [A: 54 (34-82), B: 55 (44-83), C: 57 (42-79) micrograms/g dry matter]. Muscle iron concentrations decreased between week 7 and 19. Except plasma iron and saturation in group C, no differences in haematological and tissue iron variables were found throughout the fattening period in spite of different iron contents in the milk replacer during the first seven weeks.

Field experiments to evaluate the feasibility of eradication of Aujeszky's disease virus by different vaccination schedules.

Abstract: Summary In the present report, the extent of the reduction in Aujeszky's disease virus (ADV) dissemination achieved when pigs were intensively vaccinated with gI‐deleted vaccines under field circumstances, was examined. On widely dispersed breeding‐fattening farms, a gI‐negative status was most rapidly obtained and the rate of new waves of infections was lowest when the attenuated Bartha strain was administered to both the sows and the fatteners. It was more difficult not only to reach but also to keep a gI‐negative status on farms on which the sows were vaccinated with an inactivated vaccine and the fatteners with the attenuated Bartha strain or when the fattening pigs were not vaccinated at all. In a densely populated area, 9 of the 17 farms had gI‐positive fatteners at the start of the intensive vaccination programme in which the attenuated Bartha strain was given to both the sows and the fatteners. Antibodies were not detected in the sera of the fatteners of each farm at some time during the experimen...

Pathogenicity of two strains of Newcastle disease virus in the grey-breasted helmet guinea fowl.

Abstract: Thirty-five 6-week-old guinea fowl keets, seronegative for maternal antibodies to Newcastle disease virus, were infected with Herts strain (33/56) and Kumarov strain of Newcastle disease virus intramucularly (IM) or intranasally (IN). Clinical signs were first noticed four days post infection (PI) in the group infected IM but five days PI in the group infected IN with Herts strain of Newcastle disease virus. These clinical signs were similar in both groups and included anorexia, droopiness, huddling together, greenish diarrhoea and marked cachexia. Prominent nervous signs, including spasms of the head and neck, were observed in groups infected with Herts strain. The major gross lesions observed were emaciation with prominent keel bone, empty intestinal tract and distended gall bladder in most keets. The histological lesions were characterised by meningoencephalitis, necrosis and loss of lymphocytes from splenic and lymphoid aggregates. There was muscular degeneration and necrosis in the gizzard and mild pulmonary congestion and oedema in some keets. Neither gross or microscopic lesions were observed in keets that had received the Kumarov strain.

Use of information from pig finishing herds for meat inspection purposes.

Abstract: Summary In a field trial on Integrated Quality Control of finishing pigs we evaluated information written on Quality Information Cards (QUIC) for meat inspection purposes. These cards were sent with 3747 shipments of pigs going from the finishing herd to the slaughterhouse. Pig suppliers answered five questions dealing with health problems and the use of drugs during the finishing period By comparing QUIC answers to recorded post‐mortem abnormalities, we found that the information on the QUIC had some, albeit low, predictive value with respect to the abnormalities ‘arthritis’, ‘condemned liver’ and lung lesions. Shipments without a QUIC or with a faulty QUIC were considered ‘suspect’ because higher levels of abnormalities were found in these shipments. These results indicate the potential use of a QUIC.

Preselection of finishing pigs on the farm as an aid for meat inspection.

Abstract: Summary The ability of pig suppliers to separate pigs with abnormalities from pigs without abnormalities at the end of the finishing period was investigated Nineteen hundred and seventy‐eight pigs, delivered by 22 pig suppliers, were involved in the experiment The pigs were inspected on the farm by the pig supplier and separately, by a veterinary expert The animals were sent in 22 deliveries to one slaughterhouse. A veterinary meat inspector carried out the ante‐ and post‐mortem inspections. The results of the inspections were compared The measure of agreement, Cohen's Kappa (CK), indicated a poor (CK < 0.40) to fair (0.40 < CK < 0.75) agreement among the results of the different inspection procedures, depending on the abnormality under investigation. There was a fair to good agreement for the abnormality ‘tail lesion’ among all inspections. Some findings of the live animal, such as ‘straggler’, were associated with a wide range of post‐mortem abnormalities. It is concluded that preselection is possible a...

Clinical trial of long-acting oxytetracycline and piroxicam in the treatment of canine ehrlichiosis.

Abstract: Forty-three dogs with canine ehrlichiosis were treated with long-acting oxytetracycline (TLA) at a dose of 20 mg/kg. In order to eliminate pain at the site of injection of TLA, varying doses of piroxicam were administered intramuscularly to the treated dogs. A minimum of 15 mg of piroxicam proved effective in eliminating pain and swelling at the TLA-injection sites, while fever was eliminated with a minimum of 10 mg of piroxicam 24 hours post-treatment. Rapid restoration or improvement of appetite in treated dogs was also observed after treatment with piroxicam and TLA. Both TLA and piroxicam were found to be suitable for use in dogs.

An immunohistochemical study of bovine antral follicles, with special attention to non-atretic follicles with and without atypical granulosa cells.

Abstract: Inhibin and oxytocin were immunohistochemically demonstrated in all non-atretic and light-atretic follicles > 2 mm from untreated and pregnant mare's serum gonadotrophin (PMSG)-treated heifers and cows. Immunostaining for luteinizing hormone (LH) and oestradiol was observed in all non-atretic follicles > 4 mm, but only in follicles from PMSG-treated cows. Inhibin and oestradiol immunoreactivity was restricted to the granulosa. Oxytocin and LH immunoreactivity was visualized in both the theca interna and the granulosa. Within the granulosa, LH immunoreactivity was mainly present in cells that were located near the basement membrane. Normal granulosa cells differed from atypical granulosa cells (AGCs) with respect to their ability to bind LH and oestradiol. It is concluded that immunostaining for alpha-inhibin, oxytocin, oestradiol and LH cannot be used as a marker of follicle quality to discriminate between non-atretic follicles with AGCs and non-atretic follicles without AGCs in mid-luteal bovine ovaries.

Congenital tremor in Holstein Friesian-cattle.

Abstract: In a female family line of Holstein-Friesian cattle a series of trembling calves was born within a period of ten years. All trembling animals were male; female calves appeared normal. At necropsy of one calf severe degenerative lesions of spinal cord and brain white matter were observed. Both myelin and axons were lost and some macrophages occurred within digestion chambers. Obviously degenerated neurones were not found. The lesion was interpreted as a single recessive sex-linked hereditary trait.

Occurrence of Salmonella in swine in the Latium Region (central Italy) from 1980 to 1989: a retrospective study.

Abstract: Summary An extensive survey was carried out on 849 biological samples (dead animals, organs and viscera, faeces, and rectal swabs) from pigs in the Latium Region (Central Italy) throughout the years 1980–1989. In total 46 of the samples (5.4%) were found to be bacteriologically positive for salmonellae. Among dead animals, typical gross lesions were observed in 6 clinically infected animals. As far as serotypes are concerned 11 different ones were isolated with a predominance of Salmonella typhimurium (26.1%), S. anatum (21.7%), S. bovis‐morbificans (15.2%), and S. heidelberg (10.8%). According to Kauffmann‐White's classification scheme, 39.1% of the isolated strains belonged to serogroup B, 13% to serogroup C 1, 17.4% tot serogroup C2, 6.5% to serogroup D, and 23.9% to serogroup E1. In conclusion, the authors speculate that the relatively low Salmonella isolation frequency (5.4%) reported in this study was not dependent upon the cultural procedures used since different enrichment and plating methods were...