bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Study of Aerobic Capacity and Fitness in Three Different Horse Breeds (Andalusian, Arabian and Anglo‐Arabian)
Authors: Castejón F. , Rubio D. , Tovar P. , Vinuesa M. , Riber C.
Published: May 2010

Aerobic capacity and fitness was studied in three different horse breeds (Andalusian, Arabian and Anglo‐Arabian) using a four‐level exercise test of gradually increasing intensity (15, 20, 25 and 30 km/h). The lactate concentration at the first three exercise levels was significantly lower for Arabian and Anglo‐Arabian horses relative to Andalusian horses, but similar for the three breeds at the last level. Arabian and Anglo‐Arabian horses reached a higher rate than Andalusian horses at plasma lactate concentration of 2 mmol/l (VLA2) and 4 mmol/l (VLA4).

Andalusian horses exhibited a significantly lower heart rate at rest than the other two breeds, but the differences virtually disappeared at 15 km/h. At 20 km/h, Andalusian horses reached a higher heart rate than Arabian and Anglo‐Arabian horses; at 25 km/h, however, their heart rate only exceeded that of Anglo‐Arabian horses. Finally, no significant differences between breeds were observed at 30 km/h.

No differences between breeds as regards heart rate were found if this was expressed as a function of lactate plasma concentrations of 2 mmol/l (HRLA2) and 4 mmol/l (HRLA4). At a heart rate of 150 (VHR150) and 200 beat/min (VHR200), Andalusian horses achieved the lowest speeds.
Intrauterine Bacterial Findings in Postpartum Cows with Retained Fetal Membranes
Authors: Bekana M. , Jonsson P. , Ekman T. , Kindahl H.
Published: May 2010

Eleven Swedish postpartum cows with retained fetal membranes (RFM) were studied to determine the intrauterine bacterial flora. Bacteriological examination was performed from twice weekly uterine biopsies. A total of 161 biopsies were collected during the first 8 weeks postpartum of which 82 (50.9 %) were found with bacterial growth. Seventy‐one of the 82 bacteria‐positive biopsies (86.6 %) showed mixed infections whereas the remaining 11 (13.4 %) were pure cultures. Generally, a total of 322 isolates belonging to 12 different genera of bacteria, 6 facultative and 6 obligate anaerobic pathogens were identified. Mixed infections were most frequent forActinomyces pyogenestogether with obligate anaerobic bacteria, especiallyBacteroides levii/spp. andFusobacterium necrophorum. All of the studied cows had an infection that involved the first two genera of bacteria, whereasF. necrophorumwas found in 8 of the 11 animals. The present work suggests that a possible pathogenic synergism betweenA. pyogenesand the two main Gram‐negative anaerobes might have caused early endometritis and/or persistent infection.
Influence of Anti‐inflammatory Drugs on Adhesion of Neutrophils to Endothelial Cells Cultured on Microcarriers: A Novel in Vitro System as an Alternative to Animal Experimentation
Authors: Zwahlen R. D. , Holden W. J. , Wyder‐Walther M. , Holub M. , Moiola F.
Published: May 2010

Pharmacological control of inflammation by steroidal (SAIDs) and nonsteroidal (NSAIDs) antiinflammatory drugs is of substantial clinical importance. To reduce the number of animals used in pharmacological and toxicological evaluation of these drugs we developed a novel assay to determine adhesion of bovine neutrophils (PMN) to bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) cultured on microcarriers in a flow‐through system.

Pretreatment of BAEC with thrombin (10−7‐10−4 M) led to a dose‐dependent increase of PMN‐adhesion (10−6‐10−4 M:P < 0.05); platelet‐activating factor (10−9 M) and 1:200 diluted zymosan‐activated serum (ZAS) had similar effects (P < 0.001). Pretreatment of PMN with SAIDs (50.9 and 509 μM dexamethasone, 12.2 and 24.4 μM flumethasone) did inhibit adhesion to ZAS‐treated BAEC dose‐dependently. Pretreatment of PMN with NSAIDs had a less consistent influence on adhesion to ZAS‐stimulated BAEC. While phenylbutazone (0.33 and 3.3 mM), diclofenac (0.392 and 0.574 mM), indomethacine (0.436 and 0.872 mM), and acetylsalicylic acid (3.47 and 16.94 mM) induced dose‐dependent inhibition of PMN‐adhesion to ZAS‐treated BAEC, piroxicam (0.377 and 0.754 mM) inhibited PMN‐adhesion strongly (P < 0.001) but not dose‐dependently, and ketoprofene (0.614 and 1.228 mM) had no effect on PMN‐adhesion. The method presented here is efficient for evaluating the pharmacological modulation of PMN interaction with endothelial cells, and useful for studying further aspects of endothelial cell biology.
Effects of Verapamil, Sodium Nitroprusside, Tetrodotoxin and Caffeine on the Electrical Transmural Stimulation Induced Contraction in the Reticular Groove Smooth Muscle of Adult Cattle
Authors: San Andrés M. D. , González F. , Encinas T. , de Vicente M. L. , Rodríguez C. , San Andrés M. I.
Published: May 2010

The effect of electrical transmural stimulation (ETS) on smooth muscle strips in the floor of reticular groove of adult cattle was studied. The mechanical activity of the muscle strips was recorded isometrically. ETS (4 ms, 5 s, supramaximal voltage) caused frequency dependent (230 Hz) contractions of this smooth muscle. An increase in cytoplasmatic free calcium concentration can be achieved by release of the cation from intracellular store sites or by an influx of extracellular Ca2+through calcium channels. The contractile response of the muscle strips was inhibited about 66 % when it was incubated in a calcium‐free EGTA‐containing solution. The excitatory effect of ETS was not antagonized by verapamil (10−6mol/1), sodium nitroprusside (10−6mol/1) or tetrodotoxin (10−6mol/1). The electrically‐evoked contraction was inhibited strongly (92 %) by caffeine (30 mmol/1). The contractions of the smooth muscle from the reticular groove smooth muscle are dependent on the concentration of free calcium in the cell cytosol. This response was intracellular Ca2+ion dependent.
Effects of a Low Sodium Diet with a High Potassium Content on Plasma Endothelin‐1, Atrial Natriuretic Peptide and Arginine Vasopressin in Normal Dogs
Authors: Pedersen H. D. , Koch J. , Bie P. , Jensen A. L. , Flagstad A.
Published: May 2010

Eight clinically healthy male beagle dogs received a low sodium diet for 5 weeks. Before and after this period the dogs received a control diet for 3 weeks. Both diets provided the dogs with approximately 6.8 mmol K+/kg/day. Neither introducing nor withdrawing the low sodium diet changed the plasma concentrations of endothelin‐1 (ET‐1), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and arginine vasopressin (AVP). Pooled data from the control periods were not different from the low sodium period for either ET‐1 (2.31 pg/ml and 2.09 pg/ml, P = 0.21), ANP (42.51 pg/ml and 38.99 pg/ml, P = 0.44) or AVP (4.14 pg/ml and 4.16 pg/ml, P = 0.91). It was concluded that ET‐1, ANP and AVP in normal dogs are unaffected by a 6‐fold change in sodium intake in the presence of a high potassium intake.
Generalisierte Zeroid‐Lipofuszinose bei Cocker‐Spanieln
Authors: Kirchhoff A. , Kobe C.
Published: May 2010

Results of macroscopic, microscopic and electronmicroscopic investigations of two cocker spaniels with generalized ceroid‐lipofuscinosis are recorded. In the nerve system, the lipofuscin granules were mainly localized, primarily in nervous cells and secondarily in glial cells of themedulla oblongataand spinal cord. Extraneuronal lipofuscin granules were found in the smooth muscle fibres (bowel, bladder, trabecles of the spleen, prostata etc.) and also in the cells of the exocrine pancreas. Electronmicroscopically the lipofuscin granules in the neurons and in the smooth muscle fibres showed the ‘typical’ structure of lipofuscin, whereas in macrophages and glial cells the lipofuscin appeared as fingerprint‐like, pleomorphic, curvilinear and multimembranous bodies.

Bei zwei Cocker Spanieln werden makroskopische, lichtmikroskopische, transmissionsund rasterelektronenmikroskopische Befunde dargestellt. Die Lipofuszingranula waren im Bereich des ZNS vor allem in Ganglienzellen derMedulla oblongatasowie im Rückenmark lokalisiert. Extraneuronal waren hauptsächlich die glatte Muskulatur (Darm, Blase, Milztrabekel, Prostata etc.) sowie die exokrinen Pankreaszellen betroffen.

Elektronenmikroskopisch stellten sich die Granula in den Neuronen und in den glatten Muskelfasern als ‘typische’ Lipofuszingranula dar, in den Makrophagen und Gliazellen fanden sich darüber hinaus auch Fingerabdruckkörper sowie pleomorphe, kurvilineare sowie multimembranöse Gebilde.
Bovine Glomerular Amyloidosis: Morphological Studies
Authors: Nordstoga K. , Zhou Z.‐Y. , Husby G.
Published: May 2010

Bovine kidney material with advanced glomerular deposits of amyloid was studied immunohistochemically using the avidin biotin complex immunoperoxidase method, with rabbit antihorse AA serum as primary antibody. Severely affected glomeruli consisted of strongly reacting positive material, obscuring all cellular structures. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the amyloidotic areas, with evident amyloid fibrils, also contained a considerable admixture of cellular remnants. In this investigation it was found that such material was more abundant in the bovine glomerular amyloid masses than in amyloid laden organs from other animal species, and it is discussed to what extent this observation may explain the varying tinctorial properties of amyloid deposits in bovine tissues, and the relative high content of histones in bovine amyloid proteins.
Experimental Treatment of Equine Sarcoid Using a Xanthate Compound and Recombinant Human Tumour Necrosis Factor Alpha
Authors: Otten N. , Marti E. , Söderström C. , Amtmann E. , Burger D. , Gerber H. , Lazary S.
Published: May 2010

A xanthate compound with antiviral and antitumoural activities, tricyclodecan‐9‐yl‐xanthogenate (D609) in combination with the potassium salt of the lauric acid (KC12) and, in a further investigation, the above‐mentioned substances together with recombinant human TNFα‐(rh‐TNFα), were tested on equine sarcoid tumours for therapeutic efficacy.

A pilot investigation on 5 healthy horses showed that the compounds were well‐tolerated; apart from a local, temporary oedema at the injection site, no other clinical symptoms were observed after subcutaneous administration of volumes from 0.1 to 10 ml per injection. The tested concentrations of D609 and KC12(5 mg/ml solution) and of rh‐TNFα‐ (50 μg/ml) were used for the treatment experiments. The repeated injections of the compounds to 11 sarcoid affected horses were also well‐tolerated, except by one horse. In this case the treatment had to be interrupted after two injections because of severe reaction, i.e. fever and lameness due to oedemas.

Five horses (n = 6 sarcoids) were treated by local, subcutaneous injection of D609 and KC12under the tumour at intervals of 3 weeks. On one periocular sarcoid the compounds were applied as an ointment. After a follow‐up period of 18 months, 5 tumours did completely regress and one remained unchanged. The periocular tumour showed a reduction in size.

Five horses (n = 9 sarcoids) were then treated with a combination of D609, KC12and rh‐TNFα‐. After a follow‐up period of 13 months, one horse showed a complete regression of the treated tumour, 3 horses showed an important reduction (50 %) in size of the treated neoplasms (n = 4) and one of those also exhibited a complete regression of the other multiple, small untreated tumours. Two sarcoids (2 horses) did not change and one of the horses even showed continuous growth of two other treated sarcoids. These preliminary results may open a new way to conservative treatment of the equine sarcoid.
Development In Vitro of Rabbit Embryos After Freezing by Two‐Step or Ultrarapid Cooling Methods
Authors: Béjar M. López , López‐Gatius F. , Camón J. , Rutllant J. , Labèrnia J.
Published: May 2010

The effects of rapid freezing by two‐step and ultrarapid cooling methods on 2‐cell, 8 to 16‐cell, compacted morula and early blastocyst stages of rabbit embryos were examined. Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO, 3.5mol/l) combined with sucrose (0.25mol/l) was used as the freezing medium. The embryos were loaded into plastic straws with the freezing medium, held during 2.5 min and then were directly plunged into liquid nitrogen (ultrarapid cooling) or after a time from 30 to 45 min held at — 27 °C (two‐step cooling). After rapid thawing embryo development was evaluated by in vitro developmental capacity shown by the embryos and was compared to control. All studied embryonic stages developed in vitro after two‐step and ultrarapid cooling procedures. However, higher developmental rates were obtained when the two‐step cooling method was used. Using the two‐step cooling method, best results were obtained at compacted morula and blastocyst stages, and no significant differences were shown when compared with control embryos at blastocyst stage. All embryonic stages to which the ultrarapid cooling method was applied showed lower developmental rates than control.

The results show that a high proportion of rabbit embryos can develop in vitro after freezing by two‐step cooling method.
Multicentric Lymphoma Involving Large Granular Lymphocytes in a Cow
Authors: Saari S. , Järvinen A‐K.
Published: May 2010

This case report describes for the first time in the literature a bovine multicentric lymphoma involving large granular lymphocytes (LGL). Clinically, the cow had typical manifestations of multicentric lymphoma with nonspecific signs. Most lymphocytes in cytological specimens from blood and lymph nodes had an LGL‐morphology. Histopathologically malignant LGLs were found in the liver, kidneys, and lungs. The azurophilic granules were clearly seen with May‐Grünwald‐Giemsa stain. The granules were slightly eosinophilic as shown with hematoxylin‐eosin stain, and most stained intensively dark with phosphotungstic acid hematoxylin.
Inheritance of Spinal Dysmyelination in Calves
Authors: AGERHOLM J. S. , ANDERSEN O.
Published: May 2010

A study was performed to establish the inheritance of spinal dysmyelination in cross‐bred American Brown Swiss calves. Daughters of a carrier bull were mated to another carrier resulting in 254 calves. 228 calves were found to be normal while 25 calves were affected with spinal dysmyelination. One calf was excluded from the study. The number of affected males and females did not differ significantly. The ratio between normal and affected calves corresponded to the 7:1 ratio expected in the experimental design used. It is therefore concluded that spinal dysmyelination is an autosomal recessively inherited defect. All cases in Denmark can be traced to a single American Brown Swiss bull.
Validation of Creatine, Glycogen and L‐(+)‐Lactate Determination in Biopsy Samples of Bovine Musculus diaphragma
Authors: Desmecht D. , Linden A. , Cuvelier‐Klimek M. , Baldwin P. , Van Eenaeme C. , Dandrifosse G. , Lekeux P.
Published: May 2010

Whereas reliable measurements of diaphragmatic force and electrical activity are now available in calves, evidence that substrate contents in the bovine diaphragm can be accurately measured is still lacking. The purposes of the present study were therefore a) to describe and test the reliability of methods and procedures used for sampling, lyophilisation, extraction and dosage of muscular lactate, glycogen and creatine contents and b) to report the variation in their levels found along the bovine diaphragm and among individuals.

The repeatability of the results yielded by a) assaying the extracts, b) processing and assaying the extracts and c) taking samples at different sites in the muscle was assessed. Neither assay, nor processing effects were significant (P ≤ 0.05). Substrates were found to be homogeneously distributed within the two muscles studied. Substrate contents expressed per unit of muscle weight or total creatine were neither more or less variable than when expressed per unit of dry matter.
Sclerosing Stromal Tumour in a Cow
Authors: Ashida Y. , Suzuki T. , Shimizu G. , Yanase H. , Anjiki T. , Kadota K.
Published: May 2010

A case of sclerosing stromal tumour in an 8‐year‐old cow is described. The left ovary was entirely replaced by neoplastic tissue, whose features were pseudolobulation of cellular areas, intercellular oedema and calcified plaques. The neoplastic cells varied in morphology and were similar to ovarian stromal cells, theca cells or lutein cells. Immunohistochemically, S‐100 protein, oestradiol and testosterone were detected in theca‐like or luteinized cells, some of which had ultrastructural features suggestive of steroid hormone synthesis. In contrast, desmin and actin characterized slender spindle cells. This is the first report of a sclerosing stromal tumour in cattle.
Radiation Biochemistry of the Chicken Embryo: DNA synthesis and DNA Degradation Following X‐Irradiation
Authors: Tempel K. , Schleifer S. , König S. , Ignatius A.
Published: May 2010

Chicken embryos were X‐irradiated with a dose of 8 Gy. At a developmental stage of 15 days, desoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthesis, nucleoid sedimentation, viscosity of the alkaline cell lysates and DNA fragmentation were examined in brain and/or liver cells. Further studies aimed at the appearance of acid‐soluble nucleic acid metabolites in the allantoic fluid. Complementary investigations comprised the in vitro activities of a DNase I and a DNase II of liver and brain cells as well as of the allantoic fluid of X‐irradiated embryos. It could be shown for the first time that, following acute X‐irradiation of the chicken embryo, the inhibition of DNA synthesis is accompanied by at least two enzymatic DNA degradation phases. The early phase comprises a period of 6 (‐12) h, whereas the second phase lasts, with organ‐specific peculiarities, ≥ 24 h. During the early period, some apoptotic phenomena are seen, whereas at the later stages of radiation response signs of necrolysis become evident. The excretion of DNA metabolites, probably oligonucleotides, in the allantoic fluid is enhanced following X‐irradiation > 2 Gy and may be used as an additional parameter of the overall radiation damage. Therefore, the chicken embryo may be regarded as a radiobiological and possibly toxicological alternative to laboratory animals with respect to the nucleic acid metabolism.
Effect of Concurrent Feeding of Furazolidone and Sodium Chloride upon some Clinical, Pathological and Cardiac Morphometric Parameters in Broiler Chicks
Authors: Islam N. , Khan M. Z. , Zaman Q. , Muhammad G.
Published: May 2010

Broiler chicks in different groups were fed furazolidone (0, 400 and 800 mg/kg feed) and sodium chloride (500 and 1510 mg/kg feed) separately and concurrently from 1 to 30 days of age. Furazolidone (Fz) induced ascites, leg weakness, convulsions, depression and mortality was exacerbated by concurrent feeding of 1510 mg NaCl. Hemorrhages in the liver, swollen kidneys, pallor of the kidneys and cystic testes were present in all birds fed furazolidone either alone or in combination with NaCl. However, at microscopic level, necrotic changes were observed in the liver and kidneys of birds fed NaCl only. Fz‐induced cardiac ventricular dilatation and thinning of walls were more severe when 400 mg Fz was fed concurrently with 1510 mg NaCl but feeding of 800 mg Fz with the same level of NaCl resulted in partial amelioration of cardiac changes. It is suggested that high dietary NaCl may exacerbate and alter the clinical and morphological picture of Fz toxicosis.
Superovulatory Response in Lactating Cows with Different Follicular Dynamics
Authors: Maciel M. , Gustafsson H. , Rodriguez‐Martinez H.
Published: May 2010

To determine the influence of a dominant follicle on the superovulatory response in mid‐late lactating cows, the dynamics of follicular growth and the development of corpora lutea and embryos were studied. Real‐time B‐mode ultrasonography with a 7.5 MHz rectal linear‐array transducer was used to scan the ovaries daily, from 8–12 days before superovulation until day 7 post‐estrus, when embryos were recovered. On the first day of superovulation cows were classified as belonging to either a 'dominant' group (n = 12) having a 'dominant follicle', i.e. > 9 mm in diameter in growing phase or stable for < 4 days, or a 'non‐dominant' group (n = 11) those carrying a 'non‐dominant follicle', i.e. a follicle in a regressing phase or with the same diameter for > 4 days. Cows in the 'dominant' group had significantly higher numbers of 4–6 and 7–10 mm follicles than cows in the 'non‐dominant' group on the third and the fifth day of superovulation. The total number of follicles (> 4 mm) preovulation and the number of CL day 7 postovulation was higher in the 'dominant' group than in the 'non‐dominant' group. There were no differences between groups regarding the total number of embryos or transferable embryos recovered. The results indicate that superovulation in mid‐late lactation is not negatively affected by the presence of a 'dominant follicle'. The criteria to define 'dominant' and 'non‐dominant' follicles might be redefined when applied to lactating cows, whose response to superovulation seems to be under the influence of many other factors.
Accumulation of Protoporphyrin Isomers I and III, and Multiple Decarboxylation Products of Uroporphyrin in a Case of Porphyria in a Slaughtered Pig
Authors: Roels S. , Hassoun A. , Hoorens J.
Published: May 2010

Pathological and biochemical examinations were made on tissues from a case of porphyria in a slaughtered pig. Bones, kidneys, teeth and lymph nodes showed a mahogany discoloration. Histologically, the pigment was negative on staining for iron (Gomori) and showed a strong red‐orange fluorescence under UV light proving it to be porphyrin. Biochemical studies on the kidney, lymph nodes, bone and bone marrow revealed a 'mixed' erythropoietic protoporphyria‐coproporphyria. This indicates that the case presented probably represented both a uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase and uroporphyrinogen‐III‐cosynthase dysfunction.
Hormone Profiles Around Weaning in Cyclic and Anoestrous Sows
Authors: Tsuma V. T. , Einarsson S. , Madej A. , Lundeheim N.
Published: May 2010

Peripheral plasma patterns of LH, cortisol, corticosteroid‐binding globulin (CBG) and β‐endorphin were studied around weaning in sows that resumed cyclicity and those that remained anoestrus after weaning. Average LH concentration in both groups of sows, and basal LH concentration, LH pulses/6h and the sum of LH pulses and peaks/6h in the cyclic sows, increased from the day before weaning to significantly higher (P < 0.05) levels on the days after weaning. Overall, average and basal LH concentrations were higher (P < 0.05) in the sows that resumed cyclicity than in those that remained anoestrus. Cortisol and β‐endorphin concentrations were high before weaning and on the day of weaning in both groups of sows. Cortisol in the cyclic sows, and β‐endorphin in both groups of sows, decreased (P < 0.05) after weaning. CBG levels were unchanged until the second day after weaning when there was an increase (P < 0.05) in both groups of sows. Before and even after weaning cortisol, CBG and β‐endorphin levels tended to be higher in the sows that remained anoestrus compared with those that resumed cyclicity. Findings in the present study show higher levels of cortisol, CBG and β‐endorphin before weaning that persisted even after weaning, and lower LH concentrations around weaning in sows that failed compared with those that resumed oestrous activity.
Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Metabolic Effects of Interval Training at VLA4
Authors: Gottlieb‐Vedi M. , Persson S. , Erickson H. , Korbutiak E.
Published: May 2010

The purpose of this study was to determine if training with short intervals at the velocity producing a lactate level of 4 mmol/l (VLA4) is sufficient to induce adaptations and better exercise tolerance. Five Standardbred mares (4–8 years) were interval trained on a treadmill 3 days a week for 12 weeks and subsequently detrained for 4 weeks. Standardized exercise tests were performed before, during and after the training period and muscle biopsies were taken. Measurements were made of heart rate, oxygen consumption, stride frequency, blood volume and blood lactate.

Plasma volume was reduced after 2 weeks of training but then increased to the approximate pre‐training value throughout the remaining training and post‐training periods. No change was detected in the total cell volume whereas the total blood volume varied in consequence with the plasma volume variation. A significant reduction in heart rate response to exercise was seen after 4 weeks of training. VLA4 increased after 2 weeks of training and remained higher than the baseline value during the rest of the training period. Consequently, the blood lactate at 8 m/sec was decreased compared to baseline concentration after 8 and 12 weeks of training. The post‐training VLA4 did not differ significantly either from the end of training or from the pre‐training value. Mass specific oxygen consumption (VO2‐200/BW) at V200 increased with training and decreased with detraining. The respiratory quotient at a velocity of 8 m/sec decreased from 1.18 ± 0.02 before training to 1.07 ± 0.02 (P < 0.05) at the end of training. No changes were found in muscle histo‐ or biochemical parameters. The results indicate that training at VLA4 is sufficient to cause adaptational changes in exercise tolerance related parameters.
Detection of Clenbuterol (Ventipulmin®) in the Horse
Authors: Hagedorn H.‐W. , Zuck S. , Schulz R.
Published: May 2010

An enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed to detect the β2‐agonist clenbuterol in equine blood and urine. The antiserum was raised in rabbits, employing clenbuterol‐diazo‐BSA as antigen. Clenbuterol‐diazo‐horseradish peroxidase served as enzyme conjugate. The concentration of clenbuterol to decrease tracer binding by 50% (IC50value) was found to be 27.50 ± 4.20 pg/well (1.37 ng/ml). The antibody cross‐reacted with salbutamol (30%), terbutaline (14%) and cimaterol (1%). Horse serum was used directly to screen for clenbuterol, while urine was employed diluted. Positive screening results were confirmed by means of two independent HPLC systems combined with off‐line detection by the clenbuterol‐ELISA. Salbutamol served as internal standard to ascertain relative retention of the drug. The detection limit of clenbuterol in serum and urine amounted to 0.04 ng/ml. In addition, GC/MS technique was applied to detect clenbuterol in urine samples by a newly developed derivatization method. Confirmation of intravenously given clenbuterol in serum of horses treated with Ventipulmin (0.8 μg clenbuterol‐HCl/kg) was achieved by HPLC/ELISA up to 24 h, in urine up to 96 h. After oral administration, the β2‐agonist was detected in serum for 48 h and in urine for 75 h.
Abomasal Displacement in the Bovine—a Review on Character, Occurrence, Aetiology and Pathogenesis
Authors: Geishauser T.
Published: May 2010

Literature on the subject of character, history, occurrence, causes and pathogenesis of abomasal displacement in the bovine is listed and summarized. The chapter on occurrence is subdivided according to heritibility, sex, age, season, husbandry, milk yield and concomitant diseases. In the chapter on causes special consideration is given to feeding. The chapter on pathogenesis is subdivided according to mechanical influences, disturbances of the abomasal motor activity, collection of gas and dilatation of the abomasum and artificial displacement of the abomasum. Displacement of the abomasum is seen predominantly in the spring in herds with above‐average milk yield in dairy cows between the age of 4 and 7 years which have calved within the last month and have ketosis. The etiology and pathogenesis of abomasal displacement are unclear.
Ovulation as Determined by Transrectal Ultrasonography in Multiparous Sows: Relationships with Oestrous Symptoms and Hormonal Profiles
Authors: Mburu J. N. , Einarsson S. , Dalin A‐M. , Rodriguez‐Martinez H.
Published: May 2010

Twenty‐four cross‐bred multiparous sows in their second and fourth parities were studied during two consecutive oestruses after weaning. Careful oestrous control was done on the animals and ovulation was monitored by transrectal ultrasonography. Blood for analysis of LH and E2 contents was collected through an indwelling catheter. The sows were mated/inseminated once approximately 18 h before expected ovulation in their second oestrus. The interval between weaning and ovulation varied from 86 h‐204 h (153 ± 26). Onset of standing oestrus to ovulation was found to be longer in sows with long oestruses and ovulation occurred within a mean of 68 % of the oestrous period. Duration of the first pro‐oestrus was significantly shorter than the second pro‐oestrus (40 h and 71 h, respectively). There was no significant difference within sows for the intervals from onset of oestrus to ovulation during the first and second oestrus after weaning (37 h and 39 h, respectively). The diameter of the largest follicles at onset of oestrus and at ovulation had very small variation between animals. The mean intervals from E2 peak to onset of oestrus and to ovulation were lh (range −10‐+h22h) and 44 h (range 34–54 h) respectively, and from LH peak to onset of oestrus and to ovulation 12 h (range −10‐+32h) and 35 h (range 27–48 h), respectively. The present study indicates that repeated ultrasonographic examination of ovaries during one oestrus can be used to predict the time of ovulation during the subsequent oestrus. On the other hand, the large variations of the intervals from E2 peak to onset of oestrus and to ovulation, and also from LH peak to onset of oestrus and to ovulation, make it difficult to predict accurately the time of onset of oestrus and ovulation using endocrine parameters.
Chemical Restraint by Medetomidine‐Ketamine and its Cardiopulmonary Effects in Pigs
Authors: Sakaguchi M. , Nishimura R. , Sasaki N. , Ishiguro T. , Tamura H. , Takeuchi A.
Published: May 2010

Chemical restraint induced by medetomidine‐ketamine (M‐K) combination was evaluated compared with that by xylazine‐ketamine (X‐K) in pigs. The duration of restraint by M‐K was 49.4 ± 13.5 min (mean ± SD) and longer than that by X‐K (34.6 ± 17.2 min), but the difference was not significant. The effect of X‐K was not stable, since one of five pigs was restrained only for 6 min. Both combinations produced muscle relaxation. The duration of muscle relaxation in M‐K was 43.6 ± 12.7 min and was significantly longer than that in X‐K (21.0 ± 14.0 min).

M‐K combination had a slightly stimulative effect on the cardiovascular system, but scarcely changed the respiratory parameters. This limited effect on cardiopulmonary system was an advantage of M‐K combination for chemical restraint in pigs.

These results indicated that M‐K combination is suitable for chemical restraint with prolonged muscle relaxation and has limited cardiopulmonary effects in pigs.
Larval Cyathostomiasis as a Cause of Death in Two Regularly Dewormed Horses
Authors: Van Loon G. , Deprez P. , Muylle E. , Sustronck B.
Published: May 2010

Two horses were presented with complaints of chronic weight loss and subcutaneous oedema, one of them presenting diarrhoea. Both animals were grazed with other unaffected horses, all of them being regularly dewormed. Blood chemistry revealed hypoalbuminaemia and a low albumin‐globulin ratio. Faecal egg counts were negative and no cyathostome larvae could be found in the faeces. Neither of these horses could be saved, despite intensive treatment. Postmortem examination revealed severe typhlitis and colitis due to numerous inhibited cyathostome larvae.
Malformations of the Vertebral Bodies and the Ribs Associated to Spinal Dysraphism without Spina Bifida in a Pekingese Dog
Authors: Ruberte J. , Añor S. , Carretero A. , Vilafranca M. , Navarro M. , Mascort J. , Pumarola M.
Published: May 2010

A Pekingese dog with hemivertebrae, rib malformations and spinal cord dysraphism without spina bifida was presented. Two types of hemivertebrae were seen: bilateral and unilateral. Thoracic hemivertebrae were associated with fused ribs and rudimentary ribs. Spinal dysraphism consisted of polycavitary syringomyelia in the dorsal and lateral funiculi, hydromyelia and anomalies of the dorsal median septum and median fissure, associated to lumbar and sacral hemivertebrae. Cauda equina agenesia was also present. To conclude, the dog showed two malformations from different embryonic origins. Vertebral and rib malformations are of mesodermic origin and spinal dysraphism is of ectodermic origin. A possible common mechanism responsible for both anomalies is discussed.
Effect of Exercise on Enzymatic Activity in Tracheal Fluid and on Intrapleural Pressure Difference in Horses
Authors: Maisi P. , Paananen M. , Koivunen A.‐L.
Published: May 2010

Seventeen trotters, eight healthy and nine with a mild respiratory disease, underwent a submaximal treadmill exercise. Heart rate, breathing frequency, intrapleural pressure difference (IP difference) as well as haematocrit and concentration of lactic acid in blood were monitored before exercise, during exercise and during recovery. The activities of β‐glucuronidase and plasmin, total proteolytic activity and trypsin inhibitory capacity were measured from the tracheal fluid before and after exercise. IP difference significantly increased during exercise and returned to normal values within 15 min in healthy horses. Differences in intrapleural pressure between healthy and diseased horses were not significant during exercise. Increase of the respiratory rate was monitored during recovery probably due to respiratory compensation of the lactic acidosis. Activities of β‐glucuronidase increased and activities of plasmin and trypsin inhibitory capacity decreased due to exercise. Most prominent changes were seen in the decrease of plasmin activity. The total proteolytic activity in the tracheal fluid before exercise correlated with the VLa4values, indicating that a mild respiratory disease, which causes proteolysis in the respiratory tract, decreases performance capacity of the horse.
Electromyography of the Reticulum, Abomasum and Duodenum in Dairy Cows with Left Displacement of the Abomasum
Authors: Nelson D. R. , Petersen G. C. , Huhn J. C. , Olson W. A.
Published: May 2010

Electromyographic (EMG) recordings of the reticulum, abomasal corpus, pyloric antrum and duodenum of six dairy cows with left displacement of the abomasum (LDA) were made in order to substantiate abomasal atony as a prerequisite to abomasal displacement. EMG recordings were made when LDA was present as well as when absent. Mean values were determined in five of six cows for the maximum peak or amplitude, mean peak values, peak‐to‐peak interval and count of the electrical response activity (ERA) for each 15 min segment of the waveform recordings. Segments containing phase III migrating myoelectric activity were not analysed. LDA positive periods were compared to LDA negative periods in each cow. The 6 h period (transition period) prior to the diagnosis of LDA was analysed separately. Pairedt‐tests were applied to group values with statistical significance established at the P = 0.05 level. There was a significant decrease in the ERA count during the LDA positive periods in the abomasal corpus (‐1.40% to −7.88%, P = 0.0217) and in the pyloric antrum (‐2.05% to −11.98%, P = 0.0430). A corresponding significant increase occurred in the peak‐to‐peak interval. During the transition period spike activity in the duodenum increased 0.5 % to 48.31 % (P = 0.0474) and the peak‐to‐peak interval was significantly decreased. No extended periods of atony were observed in the abomasum during this study.
Investigations on Preileal Digestion of Starch from Grain, Potato and Manioc in Horses
Authors: Meyer H. , Radicke S. , Kienzle E. , Wilke S. , Kleffken D. , Illenseer M.
Published: May 2010

In this study preileal starch digestibility of starchy feeds (oats, corn, barley, potatoes, manioc) was determined in seven jejunofistulated horses. The grains were fed whole (oats, corn), rolled (oats, barley), crushed, ground and expanded (corn); the potatoes were fresh, the manioc rolled. Ground corn was also fed in combination with amylase. The feeds were fed partly isolated or in combination with alfalfa meal or hay (Table 1). At least four horses with a cannula in the terminal jejunum were used for each diet. Two meals per day were offered at 12 h intervals. The starch intake was mostly about 2 g/kg bw/meal, except one period with oats (3.9 g starch/kg bw) and with expanded corn (1.4 g/kg bw). Jejunal chyme was postprandially collected 11 times (from 1st to the 11th h after the morning meal for 15 min). Starch was determined polarimetrically. The preileal digestibility of starch was calculated by the marker method (chromic oxide 0.25% DM) and by estimating the total jejunoileal chyme flow during 12 h postprandially extrapolating the sample volume from the 15 min sampling periods. The results of both methods agreed quite well. Preileal digestibility of oat starch (80–90%) was (independent of doses or preparation or of the combination with hay, Table 4) significantly higher than that of whole or crushed corn (30%) or barley (26%). Grinding of corn significantly increased preileal digestibility to 51%, expanding to 90%. The addition of amylase improved digestion of ground corn by 10% (absolute). The preileal digestibility of potato or manioc was less than 10%. Individual factors in the horse (chewing intensity, amylase activity) had also considerable influence on preileal starch digestibility.
Prochymosin Polymorphism in Calves of Black‐and‐White Cattle and their Crosses with Simental Bulls
Authors: Wiśliński M. , Popielarz M. , Bobowiec R.
Published: May 2010

Polymorphism of prochymosin was observed in individual calf abomasa, using agarose gel electrophoresis followed by detection of proteolytic activity. Abomasum samples were randomly collected during slaughtering from 239 and 146 calves (3–5 weeks old) of Black‐and‐White cattle and their crosses with Simental bulls, respectively. Four distinct prochymosins were found and, according to their decreasing electrophoretic mobility in alkaline agarose gel, termed as prochymosin A, D, B and C which occurred singly and in pairs (then with equal proteolytic activities of both components). Prochymosin A, B and C (designation according to Foltmann, 1966) activated at pH 4.7 was transformed into electrophoretically distinct chymosin. When prochymosin D was activited at this pH, chymosin D showed similar mobility as chymosin B both at alkaline and acidic pHs. Prochymosin variants occurred at genetical equilibrium in nine and ten phenotypes in the first and second genetic group. The distribution of phenotypes in the two groups differed significantly (P < 0.05). The gene frequencies of prochymosin A, D, B and C were 0.35, 0.11, 0.52 and 0.02 in Black‐and‐White calves, and 0.39, 0.08, 0.47 and 0.06 in crosses, respectively. These prochymosins were controlled by four pairs of codominant alleles.

A possible correlation of the results obtained by Foltmann (1966) with ours and those of ASATO and Rand (1972, 1977) was discussed.
Long‐Term Treatment of Diseased, FIV‐Seropositive Field Cats with Azidothymidine (AZT)
Authors: Hart S. , Nolte I.
Published: May 2010

The long‐term effectiveness of Azidothymidine (AZT, Zidovudine) was evaluated in FIV‐seropositive cats with clinical symptoms (n = 9; Group 1) compared with conventional symp‐tomatical therapy (n = 5; Group 2). The oral administration of Azidothymidine at a dosage of 5 mg/kg BW yielded a mean peak plasma concentration of 4.59 μM one hour after application (median: 3.74 μM). Elimination half time was 1.5 h.

The permanent oral application of Azidothymidine at a dosage of 5 mg/kg BW TID led to a total recovery from clinical symptoms in six of nine FIV‐seropositive cats (Group 1) 4–6 weeks after the onset of therapy. One cat clinically improved with only sporadical recurrence of disease; therapy with Azidothymidine was not effective in two cats.

All the FIV‐seropositive cats treated symptomatically responded well to antibiotics and immunomodulators within 10–14 days (n = 5; Group 2). Recurrence of clinical symptoms was noticed in three of five patients within 2 years after therapy and one cat died.

During the treatment with Azidothymidine hyperproteinemia and abnormal albumin‐to‐globulin ratio became normal within 6 months in four FIV positive cats (Group 1), whereas hyperproteinemia did not change in Group 2. The following adverse effects were noticed in Group 1: a transient decrease of red blood cell count (RBC), packed cell volume (PCV) and haemoglobin until the 4th week of application of Azidothymidine (5/8), but the haemogram was within the normal range after 3 months. In one cat with hyperglycemia the anaemia remained until the administration of Azidothymidine was terminated. Heinz (Schmauch) bodies in the erythrocytes appeared in two FIV‐positive cats 2 weeks after the onset of the therapy.
Influence of Injection Site on the Absorption of Benzylpenicillin Sodium in the Dromedary
Authors: Oukessou M.
Published: May 2010

Benzylpenicillin absorption was compared in four dromedaries following injection subcutaneously and at three different intramuscular sites (neck, semitendinous and gluteal muscles). The rate of absorption (t1/2aband Tmax) was slower after subcutaneous compared to intramuscular injection, but the extent of absorption (AUC) was similar for both routes of administration. Following intramuscular injection, the data suggest that the extent of absorption was highest from the semitendinous site and lowest in the neck site. These results were discussed and compared to those reported in other species.
Breed differences in the Plasma Renin Activity and Plasma Aldosterone Concentration of Dogs
Authors: Pedersen H. D. , Olsen L. H. , Arnorsdottir H.
Published: May 2010

Plasma renin activity (PRA) and plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) were studied in 90 clinically healthy dogs: 15 Beagles, 15 Cavalier King Charles spaniels (CKCS), 15 Medium Sized Poodles, 15 Labrador retrievers, 15 Irish wolfhounds and 15 Newfoundlands. All dogs were fed a low sodium diet for at least 3 days before blood sampling in a home setting. There was a significant difference between breeds with respect to both PRA (P = 0.0002), PAC (P = 0.002) and PRA/PAC ratio (P < 0.0001). The highest PRA values were found in CKCS and Poodles, two breeds known to be predisposed to chronic valvular disease. Five CKCS had PRA values exceeding 3.0 ng/ml/h while this was the case in only one of the remaining 75 dogs. In contrast to the high PRA values, CKCS had low PAC values, and therefore much higher PRA/PAC ratios than the other breeds. In Irish wolfhounds, both the PRA and PAC values were low. In conclusion, considerable breed differences in PRA and PAC were found in the present study. Further studies are needed to determine if there is an association between developing chronic valvular disease and a high PRA in dogs.
In Situ Hybridization and Immunohistochemistry for Prion Protein (PrP) in Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE)
Authors: Graber H. U. , Meyer R. K. , Fatzer R. , Vandevelde M. , Zurbriggen A.
Published: May 2010

In about 5% of the cows showing clinical signs of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) the histopathological examination is not conclusive. In order to rule out BSE in these cases, additional methods are necessary. For that reason, non‐radioactive in situ hybridization (ISH) was performed using a riboprobe against the messenger RNA coding for the prion protein (PrP). In addition, a polyclonal antibody for immunohistochemistry (IHC) was generated against a synthetic peptide derived from bovine PrP. ISH and IHC were used to analyse brain sections of cattle suffering from BSE and various neurological diseases including four cows with clinically suspect but histologically unconfirmed BSE. ISH revealed no differences in localization, distribution and neuronal levels of PrP mRNA between BSE positive and negative cattle. However, there was a BSE‐specific staining pattern in IHC allowing to exclude BSE the four suspected cases. Additionally, IHC for PrP is an elegant alternative to search for scrapie associated fibrils by electron microscopy.
Evaluation of the Effect of Experimental Cow Endometritis on Bactericidal Capability of Phagocytizing Cells Isolated from the Blood and Uterine Lumen
Authors: Kluciński W. , Dembele K. , Kleczkowski M. , Sitarska E. , Winnicka A. , Sikora J.
Published: May 2010

Studies were undertaken to assess the bactericidal activity of phagocytes isolated from blood and the uterine lumen of clinically healthy cows after ovulation, and from cows in which endometritis was induced experimentally. Experiments were carried out on 28 clinically healthy cows of the black and white lowland breed. Animals were aged 5 years and were used between the 2nd and 8th day after spontaneous ovulation. Cows were divided into four groups. Group I comprised animals in which cell‐mediated type immune reaction was induced in the left uterine horn by intrauterine challenge with tuberculin. Cows in this group were initially vaccinated with M. bovis via the intrauterine route. In group II, Arthus type immune reaction was induced by challenging immunized animals with C. fetus ssp. veneralis through intrauterine instillation. The non‐specific inflammatory process was initiated in the uterus of animals in group III by one instillation of lipopolysaccharide from S. abortus equi. Animals in group IV were set as control and received a phosphate buffered saline instillation into the uterine lumen.

The cells from the left uterine horn were washed out 6 h after induction. Neutrophils were isolated from blood samples collected from all animals within the same time. The bacterial activity of cells from the uterine lumen and blood was assessed with the nitro‐blue tetrazolium reduction test. Results are presented as increase in optical density resulting from a constant number of phagocytizing cells (ΔOD/106 cells). Induction of cell‐mediated immune reaction or Arthus type immune reaction in the uterus significantly boosts the intracellular capability of uterine cells to kill bacteria through the oxidation system. Experimentally induced non‐specific endometritis weakens the bactericidal activity of uterine phagocytes, while peripheral blood phagocytes efficiently kill the engulfed bacteria.
Influence of Soya Antigen Levels in Milk Replacers on the Disruption of Intestinal Motility Patterns in Calves Sensitive to Soya
Authors: Lalles J. P. , Benkredda D. , Toullec R.
Published: May 2010

An experiment was designed to determine the soya antigen levels in milk replacers above which gastrointestinal disorders appeared in preruminant calves previously sensitized to antigenic soya by feeding a soya‐based milk replacer for 3 months. These calves were then equipped with wire electrodes on the duodenum and the mid‐jejunum. The sensitization was visualized using direct skin testing, plasma anti‐soya antibody determination and intestinal myoelectric activity recording. After sensitization, the calves were occasionally fed liquid test meals containing various proportions of antigenic soya and whey. The soya‐fed calves displayed larger 24 h skin reactions to β‐conglycinin and higher plasma anti‐soya antibody titres than the controls maintained on a skim‐milk based milk replacer. Disturbances of the myoelectric activity patterns were recorded on the duodenum and mid‐jejunum after feeding antigenic soya, but not nonantigenic soya or milk protein, in the soya‐sensitized calves. When the level of antigens was varied, disorders in the jejunal motility patterns appeared when antigenic soya provided one‐third or more of the dietary protein in the test meals, although some abnormalities were evident at lower incorporation rates. The major change was a reduction in the mean duration of the jejunal migrating motor complexes which was essentially accounted for by a decrease in the mean duration of the phase I (quiescence). This level of antigens corresponded approximately to 14 and 12 mg of immunoreactive glycinin and β‐conglycinin respectively, per gram of protein intake, i.e. 80 and 70 mg/kg0.75 per test meal.