The dynamics of some serum mineral concentrations during the first weeks of life of native and crossbred newborn calves in Assiut governorate were investigated. Blood samples of 25 Balady and 25 crossbred (Friesian x native) male calves were investigated. Blood was drawn from calves at 1, 7, 14 and 21 days after parturition. Serum levels of calcium (Ca), phosphorous (P), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), chloride (Cl), potassium (K), iron (Fe), Copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) were monitored. Levels of Ca, P, Fe, Cu and Zn increased (P < 0.05) in relation to age of Balady and crossbred calves when compared by the day 1 of age. In contrast, decreased in concentrations of Na and Cl (P < 0.05) in relation to age of Balady and crossbred calves when compared by the day 1 of age were detected whereas Mg and K values remained unchanged. Native calves had higher (P < 0.05) Ca, P and Fe in the 7th day than crossbred calves whereas Na and Cl were higher (P < 0.05) in native calves than crossbred calves at the first day after birth. Results from this study suggested that breed and age may play an important role in mineral homeostasis during the first weeks of life in the newly borne bovine calves.

Objective--To describe the simple elimination kinetics of methyllycaconitine (MLA) and deltaline and evaluate the heart rate response in cattle following oral administration of larkspur. Animals--5 healthy Angus steers that were habituated to metabolism crates. Procedures--Tall larkspur (Delphinium barbeyi) in the early flowering stage was collected, dried, and ground. Each steer received a single dose of larkspur that was equivalent to 10.4 mg of MLA/kg and 11.0 mg of deltaline/kg via oral administration. Steers were housed in metabolism crates during a 96-hour period following larkspur administration; heart rate was monitored continuously, and blood samples were collected periodically for analysis of serum MLA and deltaline concentrations as well as assessment of pharmacokinetic parameters. Results--No overt clinical signs of poisoning developed in any steer during the experiment. Mean ± SE heart rate reached a maximum of 79.0 ± 5.0 beats/min at 17 hours after larkspur administration. Serum MLA concentration was correlated directly with heart rate. Mean times to maximal serum concentration of MLA and deltaline were 8.8 ± 1.2 hours and 5.0 ± 0.6 hours, respectively. Mean elimination half-life values for MLA and deltaline were 20.5 ± 4.1 hours and 8.2 ± 0.6 hours, respectively. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance--Following larkspur administration in 5 healthy steers, maximum serum concentrations of MLA and deltaline were detected within 10 hours, and changes in serum MLA concentration and heart rate were correlated. Results indicated that cattle that have consumed larkspur will eliminate 99% of MLA and deltaline from serum within 144 hours.

The canines affected with skin affections were subjected to blood biochemical profile assay. The affections included dermatitis, sarcoptic mange, demodectic mange, eczema, flea allergy dermatitis, skin allergy and bacterial dermatitis. The blood profile of serum iron, triglyceride, cholesterol, uric acid, urea, creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase, and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase were compared with the blood of healthy dogs. The serum iron, urea and creatinine were comparable in both the groups. It was concluded that stress of dermatosis reflected in enzyme (higher in GGT) and lipid profile (higher in triglyceride, cholesterol) of patients, while renal parameters (urea and creatinine) remain unaffected on account of skin ailments.

A total of six clinical cases of snake bite were examined clinico-haematologically. The clinical examination revealed the normal rectal temperature but increased respiration as well as heart rates. The hematological values showed decreased Hb and PCV but increase in polymorphonuclear cells. All these snake bite dogs had been successfully treated with slow i.v. administration of antivenin along with corticosteroids i.m., adrenaline (1: 10,000 dilution in i.v. fluid), inj. DNS (5%), i.m. administration of antibiotic(s) and local antiseptic dressing with povidone Iodine after irrigation or washing the affected area(s) with soap water. Out of six dogs, four dogs survived and two died even after treatment.