To measure florfenicol concentrations in ovine tear fluid after IM and SC administration and determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of florfenicol against field isolates of Mycoplasma organisms potentially involved in infectious keratoconjunctivitis. ANIMALS: 9 healthy adult Lacaune ewes. PROCEDURES: Animals received an IM and SC administration of florfenicol (20 mg/kg) in a 2-way crossover design. Samples of blood and tear fluid were collected before and for 24 hours after administration. Concentrations of florfenicol in plasma and tear fluid were measured via high-performance liquid chromatography. The MIC of florfenicol for various Mycoplasma strains cultured from sheep and goats was determined via an agar dilution method. RESULTS: Mean florfenicol concentration in tear fluid for the 24-hour period was significantly higher after IM administration (0.70 μg/mL) than after SC administration (0.22 μg/mL) and was maintained for a longer duration. The lacrimal fluid-to-plasma concentration ratio was not different between the 2 routes of administration, with mean values of 40.2% and 32.5% after IM and SC administration, respectively. The MIC for Mycoplasma agalactiae, Mycoplasma conjunctivae, and Mycoplasma mycoides isolates ranged from 0.5 to 8 μg of florfenicol/mL. Two strains of M agalactiae could be considered resistant to florfenicol. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Florfenicol readily penetrated the preocular tear fluid of sheep after IM and SC administration. For both routes of administration, doses > 20 mg/kg would be necessary to achieve tear fluid concentrations of florfenicol greater than the MICs for most strains of Mycoplasma organisms.

There are morphological and reproductive physiological differences between swamp buffalo (Bubalus carabanensis) and river buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). The development of fetus weight and fetus biometry was reported in river buffalo and other animals but not in swamp buffalo. The aim of this study was to describe the inherent variability in fetus related measurements during swamp buffalo pregnancy. The data is based on measurements of 267 fetuses and 5 new born claves from swamp buffalo. The results show that a significant linear correlation exists between estimated age of fetuses and parameters of fetus sizes. There were correlations between crown-rump length (CRL) and other fetal parameters, as well as between fetus weight and its parameters. In conclusion, our data indicated that the feasibility and value of fetal measures in swamp buffaloes being used for the evaluation of fetal development.

To measure florfenicol concentrations in ovine tear fluid after IM and SC administration and determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of florfenicol against field isolates of Mycoplasma organisms potentially involved in infectious keratoconjunctivitis. [br/]ANIMALS: 9 healthy adult Lacaune ewes. [br/]PROCEDURES: Animals received an IM and SC administration of florfenicol (20 mg/kg) in a 2-way crossover design. Samples of blood and tear fluid were collected before and for 24 hours after administration. Concentrations of florfenicol in plasma and tear fluid were measured via high-performance liquid chromatography. The MIC of florfenicol for various Mycoplasma strains cultured from sheep and goats was determined via an agar dilution method. [br/]RESULTS: Mean florfenicol concentration in tear fluid for the 24-hour period was significantly higher after IM administration (0.70 μg/mL) than after SC administration (0.22 μg/mL) and was maintained for a longer duration. The lacrimal fluid-to-plasma concentration ratio was not different between the 2 routes of administration, with mean values of 40.2% and 32.5% after IM and SC administration, respectively. The MIC for Mycoplasma agalactiae, Mycoplasma conjunctivae, and Mycoplasma mycoides isolates ranged from 0.5 to 8 μg of florfenicol/mL. Two strains of M agalactiae could be considered resistant to florfenicol. [br/]CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Florfenicol readily penetrated the preocular tear fluid of sheep after IM and SC administration. For both routes of administration, doses > 20 mg/kg would be necessary to achieve tear fluid concentrations of florfenicol greater than the MICs for most strains of Mycoplasma organisms.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of β-endorphin on oxygen activity of polimorphonuclear neutrophils and to investigate the total antioxidant status of blood serum in rats subjected to chronic treatment with methimazole. The study was carried out on 15 male Wistar rats weighing 270-290 g, divided into two groups. The animals from experimental group were administered a 0.05% drinking water solution of methimazole. The oxygen activity of peripheral blood neutrophils was examined using a modified RBA test. The extra-receptor effect of β-endorphin on the respiratory burst of neutrophils was evaluated. The incubation of neutrophils in the presence of phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) in the control group caused a nearly threefold increase in the oxygen activity of the cells compared to the control. Slightly higher values were obtained after addition of β-endorphin at the concentration of 10-6. Lower concentrations of this opioid (10-8 and 10-10) also stimulated oxygen activity but at a lower level than PMA. Naloxone did not affect the oxygen activity only when using β-endorphin in the concentration of 10-6. Naloxone and β-endorphin in the concentrations of 10-8 and 10-10 evoked a linear decrease in the oxygen activity of neutrophils, below the values obtained for PMA. The obtained results suggest that methimazole significantly modulates the generation of reactive oxygen species under the influence of β-endorphin, which stimulates the respiratory burst via the receptor pathway and inhibits it via the extra-cellular pathway. Methimazole also stimulates the anti-free radical defence.

The study aimed at the analysis of prevalence frequency and localisation of tumours in domestic animals. The research material comprised 4,212 tumours developed in dogs, cats, horses, and exotic animals, isolated during surgery, autopsy or biopsy, performed for the purpose of histopathological diagnosis. The most numerous group involved canine tumours, including 3,585 cases (85.1%), followed by tumours in cats (532 cases, 12.6%), ferrets (34 cases, 0.81%), rats (19 cases, 0.45%), horses (15 cases, 0.36%), and rabbits (14 cases, 0.33%). A significant increase in incidence of tumours was noted, as compared to studies performed in the same region of Poland in 1957-1995 and 2000-2004 or in 2005-2008. This was particularly evident in exotic animals, in which 80 cases (1.9%) were detected in 2009-2011 but only 20 cases (1.2%) in 2005-2008. The most frequent localisation of neoplasia involved the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and mammary gland.

The outbreak of chlamydiosis in one of the western provinces of Poland, was diagnosed accidentally as a concurrent infection in a commercial laying hen flock during an outbreak of fowl pox. For histological examination, skin and subcutaneous tissue samples from lesions on heads of the birds were collected. Swabs from throat and trachea have been examined by nested PCR, real-time PCR, and partial ompA sequencing. Detailed electron microscopy analysis revealed fowl pox intracytoplasmic inclusions, called Bollinger bodies, and the presence of other intracytoplasmic inclusions; specific for Chlamydia sp. Results of nested PCR confirmed the presence of Chlamydiaceae sp. in two tested samples. Surprisingly, one of the two Chlamydiaceae-positive cases turned out to be infected with a non-classified strain. Results of real-time PCR and sequencing confirmed the presence of a new Chlamydia species that has not been found in Poland to date. Partial sequencing and BLAST analysis of ompA gene sequence confirmed the highest homology to non-classified poultry strains of Chlamydia sp. that were previously detected in Germany and France. The zoonotic potential and the exact taxonomic status of this atypical strain have yet to be defined.

The paper presents preliminary results of the implantation of calcium sulfate type Hartform HF1 developed at the Institute of Glass and Ceramics in Warsaw. The study was conducted on 10 New Zealand White rabbits, in which after tibial osteotomy the biomaterial was implanted directly into the fracture site. The animals were divided into two groups based on the method of fracture stabilisation: intramedullary pinning using Kirschner wires in one group and acrylic external fixator in the other. After 12 weeks, bone union was observed in all animals as estimated by clinical and radiological findings. Histological tests revealed resorption of the biomaterial into the bone fracture area. It was concluded that type Hartform 1 calcium sulfate can be used as a biomaterial in veterinary orthopedics. Due to the lack of observable side effects during implantation and resorption, the material can be considered as a valuable ingredient in composite biomaterials containing calcium sulfate.

Sixteen white Wistar female rats were divided into two equal groups. Experimental group received per os 40 mg/kg b.w. of L-arginine, every other day for 2 weeks and were decapitated after 3 weeks of the experiment. Control rats received in the same manner 2 ml of distilled water and were decapitated after 3 weeks of the experiment. The renal lesions observed under electron microscope were of focal character and concerned only the experimental group. The tubules with necrotic cells were observed among normal tubules or single normal epithelial cells of the tubular wall. The boundaries between epithelial cells of the tubule wall were blurred. The mitochondria indicated abnormal structure. Numerous lysosomes and peroxysomes with dark, homogenous content were observed. The rough endoplasmic reticulum had widened channels and was focally completely destroyed. The nucleus of damaged cells was most commonly located in one of the cell poles; its shape was changed and visibly smaller than the nuclei of normal cells. Condensation and peripherally located chromatin were noticed. The lesions observed were characteristic for apoptotic cells.

The study included a sheep flock comprising five genetic groups. The ELISA was applied to perform constant monitoring (every six months) for the infection of ewes with small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV). The research results demonstrated a negative effect of SRLVs infection on lamb rearing that, depending on the genetic group, proved to be lower 1.3%-1.4% compared to the seronegative mothers. At relatively equal fertility (94%-100%) and more differentiated prolificacy (179%-198%) in all the examined groups (except the Suffolk breed), a rearing index was higher in the seronegative animals 6.8%-24.1% compared to the seropositive mothers. The Suffolk breed proved to be the genetic group most susceptible to SRLV infection. A prolificacy of infected ewes was 10% lower, a lamb rearing rate was 13% lower , and a general reproductive performance was 18% lower in comparison to healthy ewes.

The aim of the study was to estimate prevalence of tricuspid dysplasia (TD) in dogs with respect to breed, age, sex, clinical signs, and echocardiographic findings and to compare this data with literature. TD was found in 15 dogs (6.5% of congenital cardiac disease) of 215 dogs with congenital heart defects. All dogs had right heart enlargement on thoracic radiographs, echocardiography, and electrocardiography. Doppler echocardiography revealed tricuspid valve regurgitation. Seven dogs presented no clinical symptoms to date. TD took the form of Ebstein anomaly in all Labrador Retrievers, one Boxer, and one German Shepherd dog. TD predominated in males (11 males vs. three females). The body weight of the affected dogs, with the exception of the Miniature Schnauzer, exceeded 20 kg. Two dogs (Boxer and Bull Terrier) had additional congenital cardiac lesions in the form of mitral valve dysplasia. The most affected breeds in the study were the Labrador Retriever and Boxer.