bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biochemical indicators of bone formation in foals after transfer from pasture to stables for the winter months
Authors: Mäenpää Pekka H. , Pirskanen Asta , Koskinen Erkki
Published: February 2025

Serum alkaline phosphatase activity and serum concentrations of osteocalcin, free thyroxine, protein, and cholesterol were measured in 14 foals monthly from birth to 1 year of age. A transient decrease (P < 0.05) in alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcin, free thyroxine, and cholesterol concentrations was found in November after transferring the horses from pasture to stables for the winter months. During the 2 subsequent months, serum alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcin concentration increased slightly. Protein concentration was highest in late fall and decreased (P < 0.001) in April and May, suggesting inadequate protein nutrition during the winter months. The data were interpreted to indicate a substantial slowdown of bone formation in foals after transfer from pasture to stables. Factors influencing bone formation may include a decrease in physical activity and in serum free thyroxine concentration.
Immunogenicity, pathogenicity, and transmissibility of a recombinant vaccinia virus in calves
Authors: Wedman E. E. , Smith A. W. , Oliver R. E.
Published: February 2025

Experiments concerned with the immunogenicity, pathogenicity, and transmissibility of a recombinant vaccinia:Sindbis virus were conducted. The WR strain of the recombinant vaccinia:Sindis virus was found to be infective for calves and mildly pathogenic, resulting in local tissue reaction. It was not transmissible to other calves. Also, it was found to be immunogenic when inoculated intradermally into calves, and antibody was produced against the parent vector virus (vaccinia) and the Sindbis antigen. Recombinant virus given iv to calves induced no detectable clinical signs, nor did the calves develop neutralizing antibodies. Furthermore, second-passage lesion material containing up to 107 tissue culture infective doses of the recombinant virus failed to induce development of lesions or illness in intradermally inoculated calves, and virus could not be recovered from the inoculation sites. In this series of experiments, this vaccinia recombinant given intradermally was immunogenic, mildly pathogenic at the local injection site only, and was not transmissible to contact animals, thus demonstrating the potential efficacy and safety of the WR strain of vaccinia virus when used as a live vector system in cattle.
Pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, and in vitro antibacterial activity of rifampin in the horse
Authors: Wilson W. David , Spensley Michael S. , Baggot J. Desmond , Hietala Sharon K.
Published: February 2025

The pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of rifampin were determined after iv (10 mg/kg of body weight) and intragastric (20 mg/kg of body weight) administration to 6 healthy, adult horses. After iv administration, the disposition kinetics of rifampin were best described by a 2-compartment open model. A rapid distribution phase was followed by a slower elimination phase, with a half-life (t1/2[β]) of 7.27 ± 1.11 hours. The mean body clearance was 1.49 ± 0.41 ml/min-kg, and the mean volume of distribution was 932 ± 292 ml/kg, indicating that rifampin was widely distributed in the body.

After intragastric administration of rifampin in aqueous suspension, a brief lag period (0.31 ± 0.09 hour) was followed by rapid, but incomplete, absorption (t1/2[a] = 0.51 ± 0.32 hour) and slow elimination (t1/2[d] = 11.50 ± 1.55 hours). The mean bioavailability (fractional absorption) of the administered dose during the first 24 hours was 53.94 ± 18.90%, and we estimated that 70.0 ± 23.6% of the drug would eventually be absorbed. The mean peak plasma rifampin concentration was 13.25 ± 2.70 μg/ml at 2.5 ± 1.6 hours after dosing. All 6 horses had plasma rifampin concentrations > 2 μg/ml by 45 minutes after dosing; concentrations > 3 μg/ml persisted for at least 24 hours. Mean plasma rifampin concentrations at 12 and 24 hours after dosing were 6.86 ± 1.69 μg/ml and 3.83 ± 0.87 μg/ml, respectively.

We tested 162 isolates of 16 bacterial species cultured from clinically ill horses for susceptibility to rifampin. All strains of coagulase-positive staphylococci, Streptococcus zooepidemicus, Str equi, Str equisimilis, Rhodococcus equi, and Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis were highly susceptible to rifampin (minimal inhibitory concentration [mic] ≤ 0.25 μg/ml). The susceptibility of the gram-negative nonenteric bacteria, Actinobacillus suis spp, A equuli, Pasteurella spp, and Bordetella bronchiseptica, was variable (mic ≤ 0.008 to mic > 16). All strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the gram-negative enteric bacteria, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus spp, and Salmonella spp were resistant to rifampin (mic ≥ 4 μg/ml).
Effect of withholding feed on ventilation and the incidence of regurgitation during halothane anesthesia of adult cattle
Authors: Blaze C. A. , LeBlanc P. H. , Robinson N. E.
Published: February 2025

Six cows were anesthetized for 90 minutes with 1.5 minimal alveolar concentrations of halothane in oxygen, after 48 hours without food and 12 hours without water. On a separate occasion, the cows were allowed access to feed and water up to the time of induction of anesthesia, with the sequence of feeding vs fasting randomized. Every 15 minutes, measurements were made of end-tidal halothane concentration, arterial blood gas tensions, mean arterial blood pressure, heart and respiratory rates, tidal volume, minute volume, airflow rate, and transpulmonary pressure, and calculations were made of dynamic compliance and pulmonary resistance. Any regurgitation was recorded. Hypoventilation was noticed in all cows, but to a greater degree in fed cows. Fed cows became hypoxemic, whereas arterial oxygen tension did not change in nonfed cows. Alveolar-arterial oxygen tension gradient, tidal volume, and minute volume did not change. Arterial pH decreased progressively in all cows. Dynamic compliance also decreased progressively in all cows, and was consistently lower in fed cows. Pulmonary resistance tended to increase in all cows, but the increase was significant only in fed cows at 90 minutes. All fed cows became tympanitic, and 2 cows regurgitated a small volume of fluid at 55 minutes. Three nonfed cows regurgitated larger volumes at times ranging from 8 minutes to 85 minutes.
Comparison of sensory nerve conduction velocities in horses versus ponies
Authors: Blythe L. L. , Engel H. N. , Rowe K. E.
Published: February 2025

Normal sensory nerve conduction velocity (sncv) values in 8 ponies and 8 horses were compared by use of a percutaneous signal-averaging technique. Nerve fibers evaluated included those in the medial and lateral palmar and plantar digital nerves. Mean sncv values were significantly slower (P < 0.0002) for horses, compared with those values for ponies. Animal height and nerve segment length were inversely related to sncv consistently. The sncv values were affected by surface skin temperature by a factor of approximately 1.2 m/s change for 1° C change in temperatures from 35 C. The ability to calculate warning limits to define those sncv values in normal and abnormal ranges were developed from these data for both ponies and horses.
Bilateral kidney translocation in sheep
Authors: Baird A. N. , Brown S. Anthony , Jones Larry P.
Published: February 2025

Bilateral kidney translocation was performed on 7 adult sheep. In each sheep, we took 9 renal biopsy specimens (40 mg each) percutaneously between 36 and 110 days after surgery. The serum urea nitrogen and creatinine concentrations remained normal, at least through postoperative day 66 (7 biopsy specimens). The 7 sheep were euthanatized and necropsied 113 days after surgery; 75 to 90% of each kidney was normal. The only abnormal areas of each kidney were attributable to resolving biopsy lesions. This surgical model may allow for fewer animals to be used for tissue residue or nephrotoxicity studies.
Properties of monoclonal antibodies against Berne virus (Toroviridae)
Authors: Kaeffer B. , van Kooten P. , Ederveen J. , van Eden W. , Horzinek M. C.
Published: February 2025

Seven hybridomas that secreted monoclonal antibodies (mab) against the peplomer protein and one that secreted mab against the nucleocapsid protein of Berne virus (proposed family Toroviridae) were isolated. All mab directed against the peplomer protein neutralized virus infectivity and, with the exception of mab 6A7, inhibited each other's binding in competition assays. Neutraization of Berne virus infectivity was potentiated when some mab were used in pairs. The antibodies have been used to localize toroviral proteins in infected cells; use of antipeplomer mab 6B10 yielded a diffuse intracytoplasmic immunofluorescence, whereas the antinucleocapsid mab 1F1 detected antigen in the intra- and perinuclear compartments. By use of radioimmune precipitation, protein A of Staphylococcus aureus was found to bind directly to the nucleocapsid polypeptide, without the requirement for specific antibody. Using fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated protein A, the intranuclear accumulation of the nucleoprotein of Berne virus was confirmed by results of immunofluorescence.
Intestinal and Cardiopulmonary Forms of Parvovirus Infection in a Litter of Pups
Authors: Carpenter James L. , Roberts Richard M. , Harpster Neil K. , King Norval W.
Published: February 2025

Parvovirus infection caused signs of gastrointestinal illness in all pups in a litter of 12 and death in 6 of them when 12 to 19 days old. The remaining pups recovered from the gastrointestinal infection, but 5 of the 6 died before they were 9½ weeks old, with signs of cardiopulmonary, disease. Necropsy findings were cardiomegaly, myocarditis, pulmonary congestion, and interstitial pneumonia. The only surviving pup also had signs of cardiopulmonary disease but was apparently well at 18 months of age.
Placental Lesions Caused by Pseudorabies Virus in Pregnant Sows
Authors: Hsu F. S. , Chu R. M. , Lee R. C. T. , Chu S. H. J.
Published: February 2025

Pathologic and viral investigations were done on 13 fetal placentas and 23 aborted fetuses associated with naturally occurring pseudorabies in swine.

Of the 13 fetal placentas examined, 7 (53.8%) had various degrees of necrotizing placentitis. The lesions were characterized by coagulative necrosis of the chorionic fossae and by intranuclear inclusions in degenerating trophoblasts and occasionally in mesenchymal cells. In addition, a mild inflammatory cell reaction was observed in the mesenchyma.

Numerous viral particles, ultrastructurally indistinguishable from herpesvirus, were observed by electron microscopy in the affected chorionic membrane. Large aggregates of herpesvirus virions were demonstrated in the nucleus and cytoplasm of degenerated trophoblasts and mesenchymal cells.

Of the 23 aborted fetuses examined, 22 (95.6%) had typical coagulative necrosis in the liver, spleen, adrenal glands, and visceral lymph nodes. Inclusions similar to those in the chorionic placenta were observed in the parenchymal cells of those organs, on the margins of necrotic areas.

Pseudorabies virus was isolated from various organs of the aborted fetuses, but virus isolation from the placentas was not attempted. In a survey of 52 affected sows, sera from 49 (94.2%) neutralized the isolated virus.

The findings indicated that the placental lesions caused by the virus were primary. The study also indicated the merit of routine examination of aborted fetal placentas and fetuses for diagnosis of pseudorabies.
Yersinia pseudotuberculosis Infection in a Group of Macaca fascicularis
Authors: Rosenberg Daniel P. , Lerche Nicholas W. , Henrickson Roy V.
Published: February 2025

Diarrheal disease associated with abortions and stillbirths occurred in a group of 42 Macaca fascicularis. The group was composed of wild-caught adults and their colony-born offspring housed in a half-acre cage. Thirteen adult females and 1 infant male were affected. All 14 monkeys had diarrhea and all 9 pregnant females either aborted or had a stillbirth. Yersinia pseudotuberculosis was isolated from 7 animals. In addition, Y enterocolitica was isolated from 1 monkey and Shigella flexneri type IV was isolated from 5 monkeys. One adult female had a mixed infection of both Y pseudotuberculosis and S flexneri. Every pregnant monkey from which Y pseudotuberculosis was isolated aborted or had a stillbirth. Five animals died, and Y pseudotuberculosis was the only pathogen isolated from these 5 monkeys.
Comparison of Agar Gel Immunodiffusion and Fecal Culture for Identification of Goats with Paratuberculosis
Authors: Sherman David Μ. , Gezon Horace Μ.
Published: February 2025

A large goat herd naturally infected with Mycobacterium paratuberculosis has been monitored for new infections for approximately 2½ years, using both agar gel immunodiffusion and bacterial culture of feces. On the basis of postmortem confirmation of infection status, both methods had equal diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. The agar gel immunodiffusion test offered distinct advantages in ease of performance and rapidity of test results. It was concluded that serious consideration should be given to the immunodiffusion test as a diagnostic tool in control programs for caprine paratuberculosis.
Urinary Calculi Associated with Portosystemic Shunts in Six Dogs
Authors: Marretta Sandra Manfra , Pask Alan J. , Greene Richard W. , Liu Si-kwang
Published: February 2025

Portosystemic shunts were diagnosed in 6 dogs with urinary calculi and signs of neurologic disease. Five of the dogs were initially examined because of neurologic signs, and 1 was seen because of urinary tract problems. The composition of the calculi was variable, but in all 13 episodes of calculi formation, the calculi contained an ammonium or uric acid component. One dog is being controlled under medical management; 4 of the dogs died, and 1 was euthanatized.

The interpretation of pathogenesis was that decreased delivery of blood to the liver due to shunting or decreased liver function can potentially result in high blood concentrations of ammonia and uric acid, both of which are metabolic end products cleared by the kidneys; thus, the urinary tract would be an excellent environment for the precipitation of their salts.
Use of Fluorocarbon Polymer and Carbon Fiber for Restoration of Facial Contour in a Horse
Authors: Valdez H. , Rook J. S.
Published: February 2025

A 10-year-old gelding was operated on for a depression fracture involving the frontal, lacrimal, and nasal bones. The fracture had been sustained 4 months prior to surgery and was healed. Fluorocarbon polymer and carbon fiber was implanted sub-periosteally to reconstruct the defect, giving the animal a more cosmetic appearance.
Double-Chambered Right Ventricle in Two Dogs
Authors: Willard M. D. , Eyster G. E.
Published: February 2025

In 2 dogs (3 and 8 months old), double-chambered right ventricle was diagnosed by selective angiocardiography. In 1 dog, the systolic pressure in the outflow tract portion of the right ventricle and in the main pulmonary artery was 13 mm of Hg, whereas the systolic pressure in the right ventricle proximal to a constricting muscular ring was 80 mm of Hg. The absence of a valvular pressure gradient and the appearance of normal valves at surgery indicated that the right ventricular outflow obstruction was a congenital lesion. The 67-mm of Hg pressure gradient suggested the need for resection of the obstruction. The defect was corrected surgically and the dog was clinically normal when examined 1½ years later. The 2nd dog was not considered for corrective surgery because of a clinically insignificant gradient in the right ventricular outflow tract. When the dog was examined at 11 months of age, the cardiac silhouette was bilaterally enlarged. However, inasmuch as the dog had not experienced any exercise intolerance or weakness and the electrocardiogram was normal, further diagnostic and therapeutic work was not done. When the dog was examined at 20 months of age, it appeared healthy.
Patent Ductus Arteriosus with Pulmonary Hypertension in the Dog
Authors: Pyle R. L. , Park R. D. , Alexander A. F. , Hill B. L.
Published: February 2025

The clinical, physiologic, and pathologic manifestations of patent ductus arteriosus (pda) with pulmonary hypertension (right to left type pda) were studied in 5 dogs. Cyanosis, hindlimb collapse, low-intensity heart murmurs, and splitting of the 2nd heart sound were prominent clinical findings. Secondary polycythemia was a feature in 3 dogs. Electrocardiography revealed marked frontal plane right axis deviation in all dogs. Radiographic findings in all dogs consisted of an enlarged right ventricle and main pulmonary artery segment, with a hypovascular pulmonary pattern. A wide descending aorta was evident in 4 dogs. Pulmonary arteriography revealed blunt, tortuous secondary and tertiary vessels. Blood flow through the pda was from right to left in 4 dogs and bidirectional in 1. Necropsy of 1 dog revealed extensive pulmonary arterial disease characterized by fibrornuscular intimal proliferation. Surgical correction was contraindicated, and medical therapy was not required in the 4 dogs retained by the owners as pets. Due to the persisting congenital heart defect and the real and potential sequelae, the prognosis is guarded.
Abortion Associated with Toxoplasmosis in Sheep in Oregon
Authors: Dubey J. P. , Schmitz J. A.
Published: February 2025

Toxoplasmosis was diagnosed in an ovine fetus from a farm in Eddyville, Ore. Of 34 ewes on the farm, 30 aborted during the 1979 lambing season. One fetus and accompanying fetal placenta were submitted for diagnosis. Focal necrosis, calcification of cotyledons, and tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii were found in the placenta. The fetal heart was infiltrated with mononuclear cells, and numerous T gondii cysts were in the myocardium.
Cyclic Combination Chemotherapy of Canine Lymphosarcoma
Authors: MacEwen E. Gregory , Brown Nancy O. , Patnaik Amiya K. , Hayes Audrey A. , Passe S.
Published: February 2025

Fifty-nine dogs with lymphosarcoma were treated with a combination chemotherapy protocol consisting of vincristine, l-asparaginase, cyclophosphamide, and methotrexate. Complete remission was achieved in 53 dogs (89.9%); partial response occurred in 4 dogs (6.8%); and minimal response occurred in 2 dogs (3.4%). The median survival time was 219 days. An analysis of factors associated with prognosis revealed that age, sex, and lung involvement were not associated with response to therapy, whereas clinical stage and body weight at time of diagnosis were associated with response to therapy.
Clinical and Structural Features of Equine Enteroliths
Authors: Blue M. G. , Wittkopp R. W.
Published: February 2025

Enteroliths were obtained by laparotomy or necropsy of 11 horses, and a collection of smaller concretions was found on pasture. Following analysis by energy-dispersion x-ray analysis and x-ray diffraction, they were found to consist primarily of ammonium magnesium phosphate. Several minor elements were detected, including titanium in some concretions. From a farm with a history of enterolith obstructions, the well water contained a high proportion of magnesium in relation to the other cations.
Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus in Three Dogs
Authors: Breitschwerdt Edward B. , Verlander Jill W. , Hribernik Thomas N.
Published: February 2025

Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus was diagnosed in 3 dogs that could not concentrate their urine in response to water deprivation or exogenous administration of antidiuretic hormone. Dog 1 had congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus; dog 2 had acquired nephrogenic diabetes insipidus secondary to Escherichia coli pyelonephritis; dog 3 had acquired nephrogenic diabetes insipidus associated with hypercalcemia in conjunction with lymphosarcoma. Diagnosis was confirmed by water deprivation and exogenous administration of antidiuretic hormone.
Comparison of Two Surgical Procedures for Arthrodesis of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint in Horses
Authors: Genetzky Roger M. , Schneider Eugene J. , Butler Hugh C. , Guffy Mark M.
Published: February 2025

Arthrodesis of the proximal interphalangeal joint in horses, with 2 screws crisscrossing the joint, was compared with arthrodesis achieved by placement of 3 screws crossing the joint parallel to the long axis of the bone. The comparison was made by means of radiography, gross and histologic examinations, and motion evaluation. Additionally, the fused 1st and 2nd phalanges resulting from each method were subjected to breaking forces.

Motion evaluation and direct examination of the fused area demonstrated that either procedure can be used to achieve arthrodesis consistently, and the breaking procedure indicated that the fused joints were as strong or stronger than areas penetrated by the cortical screws used in internal fixation. The fused area resulting from the parallel procedure was stronger than that from the crisscross procedure. The parallel procedure was easier, gave better alignment of 1st and 2nd phalanges, and was prone to less error in screw placement.

It was concluded that arthrodesis by either procedure was satisfactory for treating osteoarthritis and related problems of the proximal interphalangeal joint in horses, but that the parallel procedure created a superior union between the 1st and 2nd phalanges during the first 120 postoperative days.
External Cardiovascular Resuscitation of the Anesthetized Pony
Authors: Frauenfelder H. C. , Fessler J. F. , Latshaw H. S. , Moore A. B. , Bottoms G. D.
Published: February 2025

External cardiac massage and concomitant respiratory support were used successfully in 6 of 8 anesthetized ponies sustaining unexpected cardiac arrest while being used in a study of shock. Approximately 20 thoracic compressions/min maintained systolic and diastolic aortic blood pressures in excess of 50% of the corresponding base-line values in 5 ponies. The high success rate was attributed to early recognition of the problem, the small size of the patient, and the relatively short duration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (average, 2.9 minutes). It was concluded that external cardiac massage can be effective for cardiopulmonary resuscitation in selected equine patients that have sustained cardiac arrest.
Prevalence and Distribution of Sarcocystis sp Among Wild Swine of Southeastern United States
Authors: Barrows P. L. , Smith H. M. , Prestwood Annie K. , Brown John
Published: February 2025

Digestive techniques revealed Sarcocystis sp infection in 62 of 192 (32%) wild swine collected in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Sarcosporidia were not detected in wild swine of Florida and were rarely found in the lower coastal plains of Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina. Swine from mountainous terrain in North Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia and bottomland floodplain regions of Alabama, Arkansas, and Louisiana were most frequently infected. Infections by Sarcocystis sp may have been spread via swine relocated from mountainous regions to some other locales. Upon ingestion of infected pork from wild swine of Tennessee and West Virginia, dogs, but not cats, shed sporocysts morphometrically identical to Sarcocystis suicanis.
Clinicopathologic Correlations of Tuberculosis in Large Zoo Mammals
Authors: Mann Peter C. , Bush Mitchell , Janssen Donald L. , Frank Elizabeth S. , Montali Richard J.
Published: February 2025

In August 1978, a black rhinoceros at the National Zoological Park died with generalized tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium bovis. A 2nd black rhinoceros was euthanatized 9 months after M bovis was cultured from its lungs. After these 2 deaths, numerous large zoo mammals that had been potentially exposed were subjected to various procedures to ascertain their status regarding tuberculosis. The procedures were: intradermal tuberculin testing, evaluation of delayed hypersensitivity reaction on biopsy specimens, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (elisa) testing, and culture of various secretions and organs. Several of the animals in this series died during the study. These were necropsied and examined for evidence of mycobacterial infection. The results of tuberculin testing varied from species to species and from site to site within a species. Delayed hypersensitivity responses generally correlated well with the amount of swelling at the tuberculin site. In some cases, however, positive reactions were found without any delayed hypersensitivity response. Results of elisa testing were confirmatory in tuberculous animals. Several species were judged to be nonspecific reactors, based on positive or suspect tuberculin test results, with negative elisa results and necropsy findings.
Contagious Ecthyma in Alaskan Musk-Oxen and Dall Sheep
Authors: Dieterich R. A. , Spencer G. R. , Burger Dieter , Gallina A. M. , VanderSchalie J.
Published: February 2025

In 1976 and 1977, a disease resembling contagious ecthyma was seen in captive musk-oxen (Ovibos moschatus) in Alaska. A similar disease occurred in 1977 in captive Dall sheep (Ovis dalli). Paravaccinia viruses were detected by electron microscopy and isolated in cell cultures from both species. Experimental inoculation in susceptible and immune domestic sheep (Ovis aries) plus fluorescent antibody tests with ecthyma-immune conjugate indicated that the isolate was contagious ecthyma virus.
Survey of Chronic Sinusitis-Induced Skull Anomalies in Desert Bighorn Sheep
Authors: Bunch Thomas D. , Allen Stanley D.
Published: February 2025

Bone anomalies were found in 20% of 630 skulls from desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) representing populations of California bighorn (O canadensis californiana), lower California bighorn (O canadensis cremnobates), Mexican bighorn (O canadensis mexicana), and Nelson bighorn (O canadensis nelsoni) that are native to Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. The anomalies were extremely diverse, ranging from osteonecrosis within the matrix of the paranasal sinuses to extensive lysis of the frontal bone, horn core, and sheath. In rams, the necrosis most often occurred in the mid- to posterior region of the cornual sinus and resulted in blistering of the sheath and sometimes a breaking away of the horn. In ewe skulls, the anomalies were generally at the base of the cornual sinus or within the frontal sinus. Osteonecrosis in the ewe skulls had generally invaded the region of the orbit or penetrated the cribriform plate. The skull lesions were most often observed in desert bighorn rams ≥5 years old. The age of ewes could not be accurately determined. The skull anomalies were believed to result from pyogenic osteomyelitis.
Cataracts in Cichlid Fish
Authors: Noga Edward J. , Wolf E. Daniel , Cardeilhac Paul T.
Published: February 2025

Bilateral cataracts were detected in a group of aquarium-raised tilapia (Sarotherodon mossam-bicus). Vision impairment was manifested as random swimming into objects, but the fish appeared to function normally otherwise. Most of the lens was opaque, with the outer extent of the cortex and subcapsular region remaining transparent. Skeletal abnormalities, ie, deformed fins, abnormal jaws, and curvature of the spine, were observed in affected individuals. Histologically, there was progressive degeneration of the cataractous portion as the affected fish matured. Preliminary breeding experiments indicated that the condition may be inherited.
Illness Associated with Paramyxo-like Virus Infection in a Zoologic Collection of Snakes
Authors: Jacobson Elliott , Gaskin Jack M. , Page Douglas , Iverson William O. , Johnson John W.
Published: February 2025

Of 438 snakes in a zoologic collection, 35 died during a 3-month period; all were members of the family Viperidae. Clinical signs consisted of gaping of the mouth followed within 1 day by convulsions. All necropsied animals had a mucoid exudate throughout the respiratory tract. Histologic evaluation of lung revealed evidence of interstitial pneumonia, with occasional eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusions in epithelial cells. A paramyxo-like virus, isolated in viper heart cells from lung tissue, was observed by electron microscopy to be budding from cell membranes. The virus hemagglutinated chicken red blood cells at 5 C, and antibody titers were assayed by hemagglutination inhibition. In a random survey of 22 snakes from the zoologic collection, antibody titers to the virus ranged from 1/20 to 1/2,560.
Feline Plague in New Mexico: Report of Five Cases
Authors: Rollag O. J. , Skeels Michael R. , Nims Linda J. , Thilsted John P. , Mann Jonathan M.
Published: February 2025

Naturally acquired plague was diagnosed in 5 domestic cats. The cats apparently contracted the disease through contact with sylvatic rodents or their fleas in plague-enzootic areas. The diagnosis was confirmed by direct immunofluorescence and isolation of Yersinia pestis on culture of abscess material. Abscess formation, lymphadenitis, lethargy, and fever were consistent clinical findings.
Transmission of equine infectious anemia virus from horses without clinical signs of disease
Authors: Issel Charles J. , Adams W. V. , Meek Lamar , Ochoa Ricardo
Published: February 2025

Twenty seven adult horses positive to the agar gel immunodiffusion (agid) test for equine infectious anemia (eia), but with no history of clinical eia, were used in transfusion studies to determine whether infectious eia virus was present in 1 to 5 ml of their blood. Of 27 recipients, 21 (78%) became agid testpositive at an average of 24 days after inoculation. Two horses that were initially negative when screened were retested and found to carry infectious virus in 5-300 ml of whole blood; the other 4 horses were not retested.

Horse flies (Tabanus fuscicostatus Hine) were unable to transmit eia virus from 10 agid testpositive donors with no history of clinical eia, but virus was transmitted from a pony with artificially induced acute eia and from a horse that had recovered from a clinical attack of eia 9 months earlier.

Histopathologic changes indicative of eia were noted in all test-positive recipients. The most consistent lesion was paracortical lymphoid hyperplasia in the splenic lymph node.
Use of a gold compound for the treatment of pemphigus foliaceus in a foal
Authors: Power H. T. , McEvoy E. O. , Manning T. O.
Published: February 2025

A 4-month-old foal was examined because of generalized exfoliative dermatitis, with thick scales, extensive crusting, and oozing of serum. A diagnosis of pemphigus foliaceus was made by histologic and immunopathologic examinations of skin biopsy specimens. The foal was treated with a gold compound, aurothioglucose (1 mg/kg once weekly for 14 weeks). For the initial 5 weeks, high-dose glucocorticoid treatment also was used. The skin disorder resolved entirely after 12 weeks of treatment.
Plasma cortisol response to exogenous ACTH in 22 dogs with hyperadrenocorticism caused by adrenocortical neoplasia
Authors: Peterson Mark E. , Gilbertson Steven R. , Drucker William D.
Published: February 2025

The plasma cortisol response to exogenous ACTH (ACTH stimulation test) was evaluated in 22 dogs with hyperadrenocorticism caused by adrenocortical neoplasia. The mean basal cortisol concentration (6.3 μig/dl) was high, but 7 dogs had basal cortisol concentrations that were within normal range.

Administration of exogenous ACTH increased the plasma cortisol concentrations in each dog. Normal post-ACTH cortisol concentrations were found in 9 (41%) of the 22 dogs; 13 (59%) had an exaggerated increase in cortisol concentrations after ACTH administration. In 9 of 13 dogs with carcinoma and in 4 of 9 with adenoma, the cortisol response was exaggerated. The mean post-ACTH cortisol concentration in the dogs with carcinoma was approximately 4 times that of the dogs with adenoma; the 7 dogs with the highest concentrations had carcinoma.

Repeat studies were performed in 6 dogs 2 to 8 weeks after initial testing. In 5 of the 6 dogs, repeat testing yielded data of similar diagnostic significance. One dog, however, had an abnormally high post-ACTH cortisol concentration at initial evaluation, but had only a minimal response to ACTH administration, with a normal post-ACTH cortisol concentration, at time of retesting.

Although ACTH stimulation testing is useful in diagnosing hyperadrenocorticism, it can not reliably separate dogs with hyperfunctional adrenocortical tumors from clinically normal dogs or from dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (bilateral adrenocortical hyperplasia).
Blood transfusion reactions in the cat
Authors: Auer L. , Bell K. , Coates S.
Published: February 2025

The transfusion of only 4 ml of group A blood resulted in sudden death of a cat that was recovering from surgery. The clinical signs were similar in many respects to those exhibited by tranquilized group B cats when challenge exposed for the 1st time with incompatible A cells. The distribution of the A and B blood group antigens and the occurrence of naturally occurring isoantibodies in the cat were considered in relation to the probability of producing transfusion reactions. The results obtained with tranquilized and anesthetized cats demonstrated that immediate reactions can occur following the 1st transfusion of incompatible red blood cells. Cross matching with respect to the AB system is recommended before giving blood transfusions to cats.
Mucocutaneous subdermal plexus flap from the lip for lower eyelid restoration in the dog
Authors: Pavletic Michael M. , Nafe Lawrence A. , Confer Anthony W.
Published: February 2025

A mucocutaneous subdermal plexus flap from the lip was transplanted into a defect created by removing the lower eyelid in 17 dogs. The grafts were evaluated from 10 days to 6 months later to assess their survivability, function, and cosmetic appearance. Histology was used in selected cases to examine changes in the grafted tissue. In addition, electromyograms were obtained for 2 grafts at 2 weeks and for 2 grafts at 24 weeks to assess reinnervation of transplanted segments of the orbicularis oris and buccinator muscles.

Minor necrosis of the outer flap margin occurred in 4 dogs, but healing by second intention was satisfactory. Results from the histologic and electromyographic analyses suggested reinnervation of the orbicularis oris and buccinator muscle segments occurred from portions of the auriculopalpebral nerve in 2 grafts.

The cosmetic and functional results in this procedure were satisfactory. It was concluded that the lip flap is a suitable substitute for the lower eyelid in the dog and can be effectively used for single-stage replacement of major lower eyelid losses, but that an elective second-stage procedure can be done to improve the cosmetic results in selected cases.
Excessive moderator bands in the left ventricle of 21 cats
Authors: Liu Si-kwang , Fox Philip R. , Tilley Lawrence P.
Published: February 2025

Excessive numbers of moderator bands bridging the left ventricular septum and free wall and entangling papillary muscles were associated with heart failure and death in 21 cats. Clinical findings included dyspnea, anorexia, hypothermia, cardiomegaly, pleural effusion, plumonary edema, heart murmurs, gallop rhythm, electrocardiographic abnormalities (especially conduction disturbances), increased left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, angiocardiographic evidence of left ventricular restriction, and aortic thromboembolism. Pathologic changes included a morphologically distinct network of abnormal numbers of moderator bands in the left ventricle, left ventricular hypertrophy (younger cats—mean age, 4 years) or dilatation (older cats— mean age, 8.7 years), left atrial enlargement and hypertrophy, and pulmonary edema with heart failure cells in the alveoli. Heart weights of affected cats were significantly less than those of cats with congestive, hypertrophic, and restrictive cardiomyopathy (endocardial fibrosis), but were not significantly less than heart weights of clinically normal cats. Pathologic changes were characteristic of the syndrome grossly and histologically, but clinical findings were not clearly definable.
Insulin-secreting islet cell tumors: Establishing a diagnosis and the clinical course for 25 dogs
Authors: Kruth Stephen A. , Feldman Edward C. , Kennedy Peter C.
Published: February 2025

Twenty-five dogs with insulin-secreting neoplasms of the pancreas were studied. The diagnosis in each case was determined by histologic evaluation of pancreatic tissue obtained at surgery.

The breed distribution revealed that German Shepherd Dogs, Irish Setters, and Collies were most commonly represented. Physical examination, complete blood counts, serum biochemical analysis, and urinalysis were of little diagnostic value, aside from the finding of hypoglycemia in 21 of 25 dogs. Radiographs of the thorax and abdomen were noncontributory to the ultimate diagnosis.

Prior to surgery, fasting immunoreactive insulin concentrations and blood glucose concentrations were studied. Insulin:glucose ratios, glucose:insulin ratios, and amended insulin:glucose ratios were determined from the insulin and glucose concentrations in a single blood sample in each of 28 trials. In addition, glucagon tolerance tests were performed on 12 dogs. The amended insulin:glucose ratios proved to be the most reliable for diagnosis.

Pancreatic masses were evident at surgery in 23 of 25 dogs; the remaining 2 dogs had microscopic evidence of an islet cell tumor. Nineteen of the islet cell tumors were carcinomas and 6 were simply described as “islet cell tumors.”

The mean life expectancy after surgery was 12.3 months. Treatment for malignant islet cell tumors included frequent feeding, glucocorticoids, and diazoxide.
Effect of diet on exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in dogs
Authors: Pidgeon Guy
Published: February 2025

Clinically normal dogs and dogs with surgically induced exocrine pancreatic insufficiency were fed a dry dietary food (diet A) formulated for use in dogs with gastrointestinal disorders or a popular dry dog food (diet B). Feces from the dogs and the diets were analyzed for moisture and fat content. Dogs with surgically induced exocrine pancreatic insufficiency were studied with and without oral pancreatic enzyme treatment, which was supplemented with gastric acid modifiers.

In the amounts fed, diet A provided 26% less dry matter and 18% less fat than did diet B; however, the fat content and dry matter in feces were approximately 60% less when dogs were fed diet A, compared with diet B. The digestibility of fat in normal dogs was similar for both diets. All other results indicated that feeding diet A versus diet B would result in improved assimilation of fat and dry matter in dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.
Photoreceptor degeneration in a family of cats
Authors: West-Hyde Leigh , Buyukmihci Ned
Published: February 2025

Blindness developed at an early age in 2 generations of cats. Findings included abnormal pupillary responses to light, tapetal hyperreflectivity, retinal vascular attenuation, and virtually extinct electro-retinograms. Histologic and ultrastructural abnormalities were found only in photoreceptors. There were poor inner and outer segment development and reduction in visual cell nuclei, with concomitant narrowing of the outer plexiform layer early in the postnatal period. Eventually, there was complete loss of the photoreceptor layer. The clinical and microscopic findings suggested this retinal disease may be a heritable rod-cone dysplasia.
Thymoma in 11 cats
Authors: Carpenter James L. , Holzworth Jean
Published: February 2025

Eleven thymomas, 10 benign and 1 malignant, were diagnosed in cats at the Angell Memorial Animal Hospital. Six cats were dyspneic, owing either to the pressure of the tumor or the associated effusion. The effusion in 1 instance contained chyle, and in another, malignant epithelial cells associated with satellite lesions.

Three cats had polymyositis, as evidenced clinically by muscle weakness and confirmed by microscopic examination. Two of these also had myocarditis and difficulty in swallowing.

In 1 cat, the primary disorder was an atypical, progressive, moist dermatitis that was unresponsive to treatment and that became so severely generalized that the cat had to be destroyed. The thymoma was discovered only at necropsy.
Multiple congenital heart anomalies in five Arabian foals
Authors: Bayly W. M. , Reed S. M. , Leathers C. W. , Brown C. M. , Traub J. L. , Paradis M. R. , Palmer G. H.
Published: February 2025

Five Arabian or half-Arabian foals with suspected multiple cardiac anomalies were examined. Various combinations of clinical examination, electrocardiography, angiocardiography, cardiac catheterization, blood gas analysis, radiography, and echocardiography resulted in clinical data that allowed accurate antemortem diagnoses to be made. In 4 cases, the clinical diagnosis was substantiated by postmortem findings. The confirmed diagnoses were: pseudotruncus arteriosus, a combination of patent ductus arteriosus, pulmonic stenosis, and tricuspid stenosis, pentalogy of Fallot, and tricuspid atresia. The surviving horse was believed to have an interventricular septal defect and patent ductus arteriosus, or a persistent truncus arteriosus.
Cerebrospinal nematodiasis and visceral larva migrans in an Australian (Latham's) brush turkey
Authors: Kazacos Kevin R. , Kazacos Evelyn M. , Render James A. , Thacker H. Leon
Published: February 2025

Cerebrospinal nematodiasis and visceral larva migrans were diagnosed in an Australian (Latham's) brush turkey (Alectara lathami) that died at the Indianapolis Zoo following a progressive neurologic disease. Histologically, multifocal areas of malacia, necrosis, and inflammation were seen in sections of cerebrum, cerebellum, and midbrain; lesions were most severe in the cerebellum. A large granuloma in a lung contained cross sections of a large ascarid larva identified as Baylisascaris. The cns lesions were typical of larval migration, as documented in other avian species. An epizootiologic investigation indicated that Baylisascaris procyonis was the etiologic agent and that the bird had acquired the parasite through contact with fecal contamination from wild raccoons at the St Louis Zoo, where the bird had been raised.
Coccidioidomycosis in the llama: Case report and epidemiologic survey
Authors: Muir Susie , Pappagianis Demosthenes
Published: February 2025

An 8-year-old nongravid female llama with a 1-month history of progressive posterior paresis was referred because of suspected degenerative myelopathy secondary to copper deficiency or plant poisoning. Neurologic examination revealed loss of conscious proprioception and slightly depressed bilateral patellar reflexes. Electromyographic examination of hindlimb flexors and extensors did not elicit evidence of lower motor neuron disease. Possible fragmentation and mottling of the 10th thoracic vertebral body were noted radiographically. Results of a lumbar csftap, complete blood count, and fecal flotation were not diagnostic. In the face of poor prognosis, the llama was euthanatized. Postmortem and histologic evaluation revealed, in addition to disseminated visceral granulomas, an extradural pyogranulomatous mass compressing the cord laterally at the level of T-10. Large numbers of Coccidioides immitis were dispersed throughout the granulomas. Complement fixing antibody tests in 11 other herd members showed evidence of C immitis infection in three.
Epizootic of balantidiasis in lowland gorillas
Authors: Teare J. Andrew , Loomis Michael R.
Published: February 2025

Acute enteritis characterized by watery diarrhea and lethargy occurred in 4 lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) during a 5-week period at the Los Angeles Zoo. Numerous trophozoites ot Balantidium coli were seen in fresh feces from each gorilla. Potentially pathogenic bacteria were isolated from 1 fecal sample. Results of fecal flotation examinations were negative for eggs of metazoan parasites.

The gorillas were treated with antibiotics and metronidazole or paromomycin, or both. The most severely affected gorilla had blood and mucus in its feces, became dehydrated, and required hospitalization for supportive fluid therapy. This gorilla as well as the other gorillas recovered rapidly with treatment. Balantidium coli was not seen in fecal samples after the gorillas' recovery.
Ultrasonic evaluation of echinococcosis in four lowland gorillas
Authors: O'Grady J. P. , Yeager C. H. , Esra G. N. , Thomas W.
Published: February 2025

Four captive lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) were subjected to abdominal ultrasonic scanning. Evidence of progressive infection by the enzootic parasite Echinococcus vogeli was observed in all 4 of them. Ultrasonic scanning revealed abdominal disease, with evidence of both hepatic and bowel involvement. Three gorillas subsequently died. Necropsy results validated the ultrasonic diagnoses.
Epizootics of ovine abortion due to Toxoplasma gondii in north central United States
Authors: Dubey J. P. , Kirkbride C. A.
Published: February 2025

Toxoplasma-induced abortions were diagnosed in 14 flocks of sheep, 4 in Minnesota, 2 in Iowa, and 8 in South Dakota, during the 1982-1983 lambing season. Toxoplasma gondii was seen in histologic sections from 6 placentas and from brains of 2 lambs. Toxoplasma antibody was found by dye test and agglutination test in thoracic fluid of 15 fetal lambs. Lesions typical of toxoplasmosis were seen in fetal placentas from 26 ewes.
Hemodynamics before and after conversion of atrial fibrillation to normal sinus rhythm in horses
Authors: Muir W. W. , McGuirk S. M.
Published: February 2025

Hemodynamic measurements were obtained from 17 horses with atrial fibrillation or flutter. Eight horses had atrial fibrillation of unknown duration. In 7 horses, atrial fibrillation developed during anesthesia. Atrial flutter developed during recovery from anesthesia in 2 horses. Hemodynamic measurements were considered normal in 7 of 8 conscious horses with atrial fibrillation. Cardiac output was decreased and pulmonary arterial blood pressure and right atrial pressure were increased in 1 conscious horse which had signs of congestive heart failure. Arterial blood pressure decreased in 5 of 7 horses in which atrial fibrillation developed during anesthesia. Heart rate and arterial blood pressure were increased in 2 horses in which atrial flutter developed during recovery from anesthesia. Conversion of atrial fibrillation to normal sinus rhythm with quinidine given orally generally decreased pulmonary arterial and right atrial blood pressures. Heart rate decreased and cardiac output increased in 1 horse after conversion of atrial fibrillation to normal sinus rhythm. It was concluded that the development of atrial fibrillation in conscious resting horses is not necessarily associated with a deterioration of hemodynamics, particularly if there is no other cardiac disease. Intravenous quinidine therapy was a safe and effective means of converting the acute onset of atrial fibrillation to normal sinus rhythm in anesthetized horses.