OBJECTIVE To compare pregnancy-associated glycoprotein 1 (PAG1) concentrations in maternal (jugular vein) and fetal (uterine vein) circulations and amniotic fluid samples between pregnant ewes that were and were not experimentally infected with bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). ANIMALS 11 healthy pregnant yearling ewes. PROCEDURES Before study initiation, all ewes were naïve to BVDV and confirmed pregnant by transabdominal ultrasonography at approximately 60 days of gestation. At 65 days of gestation, ewes were intranasally inoculated with a noncytopathic BVDV type 1b strain (concentration, 107 TCID50/mL; 2 mL/nostril; n = 6) or an equal volume of BVDV-free viral culture medium (control; 5). A blood sample was collected for measurement of PAG1 concentration before inoculation. At 80 days of gestation, each ewe was anesthetized and underwent an ovariohysterectomy. While sheep were anesthetized, blood samples from the jugular and uterine veins and an amniotic fluid sample were collected for measurement of PAG1 concentration. Fetal tissues underwent real-time PCR analysis for BVDV RNA, and placental specimens underwent histologic evaluation and immunohistochemical staining for BVDV antigen. RESULTS At 80 days of gestation, BVDV RNA in fetal tissues and mild placentitis were detected in 5 of 6 BVDV-inoculated ewes. Mean PAG1 concentrations in the maternal and fetal circulations of BVDV-inoculated ewes were significantly less than those in control ewes. Mean amniotic fluid PAG1 concentration did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Concentration of PAG1 in the maternal circulation may be a useful biomarker for determining placental health in sheep after viral infection of the reproductive tract.

OBJECTIVE To fluoroscopically evaluate the effects of head posture and sedation on the laryngopharyngeal anatomic structures in dogs. ANIMALS 6 clinically normal Beagles (mean age, 6.2 years; mean weight, 10.4 kg). PROCEDURES Each dog was sedated and placed in right lateral recumbency, and fluoroscopic examinations were performed with flexed, neutral, and extended head postures (FHP, NHP, and EHP, respectively). During 3 respiratory cycles, the angle between the basisphenoid bone and nasopharyngeal dorsal border (ABN), thickness of the soft palate, diameter of the nasopharyngeal lumen (DNL), overlapping length between the epiglottis and soft palate, and distance between the epiglottis and tympanic bulla (DET) were measured and percentage difference in the DNL (PDNLD) during a respiratory cycle was calculated. RESULTS For the FHP, NHP, and EHP, median ABN was 91.50° (interquartile range [IQR], 86.75° to 95.00°), 125.00° (IQR, 124.50° to 125.50°), and 160.00° (IQR, 160.00° to 163.50°), respectively, with no significant differences between ABN and posture angle. For the FHP, median DNL and DET significantly decreased, compared with values for the NHP, and median thickness of the soft palette significantly increased. For the EHP, the minimal DNL and DET significantly increased, and the median overlapping length between the epiglottis and soft palate significantly decreased, compared with values for the NHP. The PDNLD significantly increased and decreased with FHP and EHP, respectively, compared with the PDNLD with NHP. Sedation did not affect upper airway structure changes. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that head posture significantly affected the laryngopharyngeal structures in dogs. Fluoroscopic examination of the upper respiratory tract of a dog should be performed with an NHP to minimize posture-induced changes in measurements.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate with CT the characteristics of brain tissue disruption and skull damage in cadaveric heads of adult horses caused by each of 6 firearm-ammunition combinations applied at a novel anatomic aiming point. SAMPLE 53 equine cadaveric heads. PROCEDURES Heads placed to simulate that of a standing horse were shot with 1 of 6 firearm-ammunition combinations applied at an aiming point along the external sagittal crest of the head where the 2 temporalis muscles form an inverted V. Firearm-ammunition combinations investigated included a .22-caliber long rifle pistol firing a 40-grain, plated lead, solid-core or hollow-point bullet (HPB); a semiautomatic 9-mm pistol firing a 115-grain, jacketed HPB; a semiautomatic .223-caliber carbine firing a 55-grain, jacketed HPB; a semiautomatic .45-caliber automatic Colt pistol firing a 230-grain, jacketed HPB; and a 12-gauge shotgun firing a 1-oz rifled slug. Additional heads placed in a simulated laterally recumbent position were shot with the semiautomatic 9-mm pistol–HPB combination. All heads underwent CT before and after being shot, and images were evaluated for projectile fragmentation, skull fracture, and cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem disruption. RESULTS Computed tomography revealed that all firearm-ammunition combinations caused disruption of the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem that appeared sufficient to result in instantaneous death of a live horse. Hollow-point ammunition was as effective as solid-core ammunition with regard to brain tissue disruption. Brain tissue disruption was not affected by head positioning. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that the examined firearm-ammunition combinations, when applied at a novel aiming point, appear to be reasonable options for euthanasia of horses.

The effects of head position on internal carotid artery (ICA) and external carotid artery (ECA) pressures in standing sedated horses were evaluated in this study. The common carotid artery (CCA) was catheterized in 6 horses using an ultrasound-guided technique to facilitate placement of a pressure transducer within the ICA and ECA at the level of the guttural pouch. Transducer position was confirmed by endoscopic visualization. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was measured with horses in both a head-up and head-down position. The dorsal metatarsal artery was catheterized as a control. Maintaining a head-up position decreased MAP in both the ICA (median: 75.21 mmHg) and ECA (median: 79.43 mmHg), relative to the head-down position (ICA median: 104.65 mmHg; ECA median: 102.26 mmHg). Mean arterial pressure in the dorsal metatarsal artery was not affected by head position. The head-up position resulted in lower arterial pressures in both the ICA and ECA (P = 0.03) compared with the head-down position in standing sedated horses.

From 50 to 60% of companion animals in the United States are overweight or obese and this obesity rate is rising. As obesity is associated with a number of health problems, an agent that can help weight loss in pets and assist in clinically managing obesity through veterinary prescription foods and medication would be beneficial. Many studies have shown that celastrol, a phytochemical compound found in Celastrus orbiculatus extract (COE), has anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory effects, although these effects have not yet been determined in canine or canine-derived cells. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of celastrol on the adipogenic differentiation and lipolysis of canine adipocytes. Primary preadipocytes were isolated from the gluteal region of a beagle dog and the primary adipocytes were differentiated into mature adipocytes by adipocyte differentiation media containing isobutylmethylxanthine, dexamethasone, and insulin. In a water-soluble tetrazolium (WST) assay, the cell viability of mature adipocytes was decreased after treatment with COE (0, 0.93, 2.32, and 4.64 nM celastrol) in a concentration-dependent manner, although preadipocytes were not affected. Oil Red O (ORO) staining revealed that COE inhibited the differentiation into mature adipocytes and lipid accumulation in adipocytes. In addition, treatment with COE significantly reduced triglyceride content and increased lipolytic activities by 1.5-fold in canine adipocytes. Overall, it was concluded that COE may enhance anti-obesity activity in canine adipocytes by inhibiting lipid accumulation and increasing lipolytic activity.

The objective of this preliminary study was to identify genomic regions that may predispose Gordon setters from the United Kingdom to familial protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) at a young age. A total of 106 related Gordon setters was used, including 6 affected dogs from an affected litter, 6 case controls from the same litter, 10 related/affected dogs, and 84 related/unaffected dogs. Genomic DNA was collected from each Gordon setter and extracted from buccal mucosal swabs. Genotyping of affected and unaffected dogs was carried out using the Canine Illumina HD SNP array and data generated were analyzed with PLINK software, using fixation index (Fst) and runs of homozygosity (ROH) methods. Pairwise Fst analyses between the affected and unaffected Gordon setter dogs identified various regions of differentiation on chromosomes 10, 18, 21, and 23 that contained several important genes. These regions revealed 5 candidate genes, including RARB, TTC7A, SOCS5, PIGF, and RHOD, that are associated with human inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and could potentially be associated with PLE in Gordon setters. Run of homozygosity (ROH) analyses revealed additional unique regions on chromosomes 15 and 17. These regions contained genes SYT1, UCN, and FNDC that could also be potential candidates for PLE in Gordon setters. The biological functions of the identified genes provided initial insights into the pathophysiology of PLE. Further large-scale studies are warranted to investigate the possible causality of these genomic regions and any possible genetic markers that could be used in predicting susceptibility to PLE syndrome.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether isoflurane-anesthetized cats with demonstrated resistance to the immobilizing effects of fentanyl would exhibit naltrexone-reversible sparing of the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of isoflurane when fentanyl was coadministered with the centrally acting catecholamine receptor antagonist acepromazine. ANIMALS 5 healthy male purpose-bred cats. PROCEDURES Anesthesia was induced and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. Baseline isoflurane MAC was measured by use of a standard tail clamp stimulus and bracketing study design. Afterward, fentanyl was administered IV to achieve a plasma concentration of 100 ng/mL by means of target-controlled infusion, and isoflurane MAC was remeasured. Next, acepromazine maleate (0.1 mg/kg) was administered IV, and isoflurane MAC was remeasured. Finally, isoflurane concentration was equilibrated at 70% of the baseline MAC. Movement of cats in response to tail clamping was tested before and after IV bolus administration of naltrexone. Physiologic responses were compared among treatment conditions. RESULTS Isoflurane MAC did not differ significantly between baseline and fentanyl infusion (mean ± SD, 1.944 ± 0.111% and 1.982 ± 0.126%, respectively). Acepromazine with fentanyl significantly decreased isoflurane MAC to 1.002 ± 0.056% of 1 atm pressure. When isoflurane was increased to 70% of the baseline MAC, no cats moved in response to tail clamping before naltrexone administration, but all cats moved after naltrexone administration. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Acepromazine caused fentanyl to decrease the isoflurane MAC in cats that otherwise did not exhibit altered isoflurane requirements with fentanyl alone. Results suggested that opioid-mediated increases in brain catecholamine concentrations in cats counteract the opioid MAC-sparing effect.

OBJECTIVE To determine the cardiopulmonary effects of IV administration of fentanyl to cats anesthetized with isoflurane and during anesthetic recovery with concurrent administration of acepromazine or dexmedetomidine. ANIMALS 6 healthy adult cats. PROCEDURES Cats received an IV bolus (5 μg/kg) followed by an IV infusion (5 μg/kg/h) of fentanyl for 120 minutes during isoflurane anesthesia and for 30 minutes after discontinuing isoflurane. Cats were randomly assigned in a crossover study to receive acepromazine (0.05 mg/kg) or dexmedetomidine (2.5 μg/kg), IV, when isoflurane was discontinued. Cardiopulmonary data were obtained during anesthesia and for 30 minutes during the anesthetic recovery period. RESULTS The administration of fentanyl during isoflurane anesthesia resulted in a transient increase in arterial blood pressure, mean pulmonary artery pressure, and oxygen delivery. Compared with values during isoflurane anesthesia, administration of dexmedetomidine during anesthetic recovery resulted in significant decreases in cardiac index, stroke index, and oxygen delivery and significant increases in arterial, central venous, and mean pulmonary artery pressures; systemic vascular resistance index; and oxygen extraction ratio. Administration of acepromazine resulted in increases in heart rate, cardiac index, oxygen uptake, and oxygen extraction ratio. Oxygen extraction ratio did not differ between acepromazine and dexmedetomidine. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Fentanyl transiently improved indices of cardiopulmonary performance when administered to healthy cats anesthetized with isoflurane. The cardiovascular effects of acepromazine and dexmedetomidine in healthy cats receiving fentanyl during recovery from isoflurane anesthesia differed, but measured cardiopulmonary parameters remained within acceptable limits.

Boerka goat is the best meat type goat. Feed quality is one of the biggest factors that affect productivity, so it is necessary to know in advance the need for nutrients. The purpose of this study was to determine the dietray of crude protein (CP) and Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN) in efficient feed for the production of Boerka goats male growing phase. This study was designed in a completely randomized design, consisting of six combination feed treatments with six replications. Namely: 1 (CP 13.00% and TDN 63.10%); 2 (CP 13.03% and TDN 65.07%); 3 (CP 13.00% and TDN 70.00%); 4 (CP 15.00% and TDN 62.69%); 5 (CP 15.12% and TDN 65.00%); 6 (CP 15.00% and TDN 70.00%). The observed variables were feed consumption, feed consumption ratio (FCR), nutrient digestibility (dry matter, organic matter, crude protein) and average daily gain (ADG). Results of this study show that the balanced of CP and TDN has no significant effect on consumption and FCR. However, it was significantly different for digestibility and ADG. Feed treatment (CP 13.03% and TDN 65.07%) obtained the higher digestibility of DM and OM (71.49 and 70.5%), while the highest CP digestibility was treated with CP 15.05% and TDN 62.69% (71.59%). The ADG response of Boerka goats with CP 13.03% and TDN 65.07% was the good results (144.90 g head-1day-1) while the lowest response was on CP 13.08% and TDN 63.10%. It is concluded that the dietray of CP 13.03% and TDN 65.07% is a recommended of Boerka goat male growing phase.

This study aims to assess farmers' knowledge and attitudes towards the use of antibiotics in broiler chickens in Aceh Besar Farm. The respondents' population was obtained from 13 farmers who were interviewed, and the results obtained were 13 samples with a margin of error of 5%. Data were collected by interview using an open questionnaire that had been validated. The validity test results of farmers' knowledge and attitudes have a value of r 0.5529, which means that they are declared valid. The reliability test results of knowledge and attitudes of animal husbandry have a value of 0.60, so both are declared reliable. Data were analyzed using independent t-test. Based on the interview results, 80% of the farmer respondents in Aceh Besar had good knowledge of the use of antibiotics, 93.33% of respondents gave antibiotics according to clinical symptoms. Farmers' knowledge and attitudes towards the use of antibiotics based on business experience (5 years and 5 years) showed significantly different results (p0.05). The farmer's knowledge and attitudes towards the use of antibiotics based on the number of broilers raised on the farm showed no significant difference (p0.05). Based on gender and age, farmers' knowledge and attitudes showed no significant difference (p 0.05 in all comparisons). The knowledge and attitudes of 13 farmers were good towards the use and resistance of antibiotics in Aceh Besar District.