To determine the effects of long-term dietary protein restriction in cats with chronic renal failure (CRF), 4 healthy adult cats and 7 cats with surgically induced CRF were fed a high-protein (HP, 51.7% protein) diet and 4 healthy adult cats and 7 cats with surgically induced CRF were fed a low-protein (LP, 27.6% protein) diet for 1 year. Cats with induced CRF that were fed the LP diet had reduced serum urea nitrogen concentrations, despite lower glomerular filtration rates, compared with cats with CRF fed the HP diet. Despite five-sixths reduction in renal mass, reduced glomerular filtration rate, and azotemia, 13 of the 14 cats with induced CRF retained the ability to concentrate urine and produced urine with a specific gravity > 1.035. Cats fed the HP diet consumed significantly more calories than did cats fed the Lp diet, presumably because the HP diet was more palatable. As a result of the lower caloric intake in cats fed the LP diet, these cats were protein and calorie restricted, compared with cats fed the HP diet. Cats fed the HP diet weighed significantly more than did cats fed the LP diet. Mean hematocrit and mean serum albumin concentration ere significantly lower in control cats and in cats with CRF fed the LP diet, compared with control cats and cats with CRF fed the HP diet. Hypokalemia developed in 4 of 7 cats with CRF fed the HP diet (containing 0.3% potassium); hypokalemia did not develop in control cats fed the same diet or in cats with CRF fed the LP diet containing 0.4% potassium. Excessive kaliuresis, hypomagnesemia, and metabolic acidosis did not appear to contribute to the hypokalemia. Subsequent supplementation of the HP diet with potassium gluconate prevented hypokalemia in cats with CRF.

Static lung compliance, static lung volumes, and transfer factor for carbon monoxide were measured in 12 anesthetized adult Texel ewes seropositive for maedi-visna virus (MVV) and in 11 breed-, sex-, and age-matched seronegative controls. Median static lung compliance in MVV-infected sheep (1.24 L.kPa-1; range, 0.27 to 2,20 L.kPa-1) was not significantly different from that in controls (1.58 L.kPa-1; range, 0.82 to 2.08 L.kPa-1). Median body weight of MVV-infected sheep (56 kg; range, 40 to 75 kg) was significantly (P < 0.05) less than that of controls (65 kg; range, 53 to 87 kg). Median effective alveolar lung volume in MVV-infected sheep (3.36 L; range, 1.44 to 4.52 L) was significantly (P < 0.01) less than that in controls (4.12 L; range, 3.75 to 4.90 L). Median effective end expiratory lung volume in MVV-infected sheep (1.20 L; range, 0.56 to 1.99 L) was significantly (P < 0.001) less than that of controls (1.98 L; range: 1.76 to 2.78 L). Median lung volumes expressed per unit of body weight did not differ significantly between the groups. Median single-breath transfer factor for carbon monoxide in MVV-infected sheep (7.89 mmol-min-1.kPa-1; range, 3.45 to 12.74 mmol.min-1.kPa-1) was significantly (P < 0.001) less than that in controls (14.10 mmol.min-1-kPa-1; range, 10.02 to 18.30 mmol.min-1-kPa-1). Median transfer factor expressed per liter of alveolar volume in MVV-infected sheep (2.44 mmol.min-1-kPa-1.L-1; range, 1.28 to 3.72 mmol.min-1-kPa-1.L-1) gm significantly (P < 0.05) less than that in controls (3.22 mmol.min-1-kPa-1.L-1; range, 2.47 to 3.74 mmol.min-1-kPa-1.L-1). These findings indicate that static lung volumes and transfer factor for carbon monoxide are significantly decreased in adult sheep naturally infected with MVV.

A specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was devised, allowing detection of 1 bovine leukemia virus (BLV)-infected cell in 10(4) bovine lymphocytes. The efficacy of field application of the developed method was verified by evaluating the rate of viral transmission to calves from infected cows, whether they have persistent lymphocytosis. With this objective, 43 calves were simultaneously tested at birth and at 6 months of age for viral antibodies in serum and for proviral DNA in lymphocytes. At birth, 36 calves were BLV-negative and 3 were BLV-positive by results of serologic and DNA-based assays. Conversely, results for 4 calves had lack of correlation between the diagnostic methods. In particular, 2 calves were DNA-positive and antibody-negative for BLV and 2 other calves had the opposite test results. At 6 months of age, when the immunologic pattern more closely reflects the status of calves' immune response, independent of maternal antibodies, all calves DNA-negative for BLV at birth (n = 38), were consistently PCR- and antibody-negative for BLV. On the contrary, the cattle DNA-positive for BLV at birth (n = 5), whether seropositive or not, were PCR- and antibody-positive for BLV, at the time of the second screening. Thus, these results indicate reliability of the PCR to diagnose perinatal BLV infection. Furthermore, the observation that all calves found to be infected at birth were born to BLV-positive cows with persistent lymphocytosis, indicates that the persistent lymphocytosis status of the cow may represent a factor associated with BLV infection in utero.

Lameness examinations and radiography of the distal phalanx and associated soft-tissue structures of the front feet of 103 Thoroughbred racehorses, 4 to 9 years old, were performed to determine normal radiographic appearance and morphometry. Of 103 horses examined, 41 were used in the study that were without clinical signs of foot problems or lameness, had raced at least twice prior to radiography, and had raced at least twice more in the 6 months after radiography. Lateromedial and dorsoproximal-palmarodistal radiographic views of each front distal phalanx were used to measure 28 bone and soft-tissue structures, and to evaluate 14 radiographic findings. Significant differences were not observed between left and right digits for any radiographic determination. Mean thickness of the soft tissues dorsal to the distal phalanx, which provides an evaluation of the epidermal laminae, was 14.6 +/- 1.0 mm when measured adjacent to the distal aspect of the distal phalanx. Most horses had straight, smooth hoof walls that were parallel to the dorsal cortex of the distal phalanx. The mean degree of palmar rotation of the distal phalanx was -0.5 +/- 1.3, and none was rotated more than 4 degrees. The dorsal cortex was smooth and straight, without bone deposition or reaction in either digit for only 5 of the 41 horses. Active bone formation was seen unilaterally along the middle portion of the dorsal cortex in 7 horses, and along the distal portion of the dorsal cortex in 4 of the phalanges from 3 horses. New bone formation along the distal dorsal cortex was often accompanied by resorption of the palmar cortex. For 26 of the 31 horses without active bone deposition, smooth inactive bone formation along the midportion of the dorsal cortex was identified in 1 or both distal phalanges. Bone at the solar margin of the distal phalanx was uniformly dense and finely trabeculated, without evidence of resorption or fractures. Severe irregularity of the solar margin was not found in any digit, and the margin of both phalanges was smooth in 8 horses. Various degrees of solar margin irregularity were observed in the other 33 horses. The mean number of vascular canals within the distal phalanx was 8.4 +/- 1.7, and the diameter of the largest canal was 3.4 +/- 0.6 mm. A mean number of 2.0 +/- 1.2 vascular canals was oriented parallel to the radiographic beam on the dorsoproximal-palmarodistal view, and these were termed end-on vessels, because they were visualized as radiolucent dots greater than or equal to 1 mm in diameter in the central portion of the distal phalanx. Racing performance of horses with subtle radiographic signs of laminitis (palmar rotation, hoof wall curvature or undulations, palmar cortical resorption, distal dorsal cortical bone deposition) was poorer than that of horses without these signs. These findings are suggestive of a subclinical laminitis condition, which may influence performance without causing overt clinical signs.

To measure tracheal mucociliary transport rate (TMTR) in awake dogs, restrained in dorsal recumbency, 99mtechnetium-labeled macroaggregated albumin was administered by tracheal injection, and the cephalic movement of boluses containing the radiopharmaceutical was detected by a gamma camera positioned lateral to the dog's head and neck. The distance traveled by each bolus was measured, relative to external markers placed a known distance apart. Tracheal mucociliary transport rates were calculated by dividing the measured distance of radiopharmaceutical movement by elapsed time. The technique was efficient and well tolerated. Mean (+/- SD) TMTR was 35.3 +/- 15.9 mm/min. Significant (P = 0.029) difference in TMTR was found between males and females, but significant difference attributable to age of the dog was not detected. This method of measuring TMTR in awake dogs has potential for evaluation of clinical animal patients with suspected tracheal mucociliary abnormalities.

The role of platelet-activating factor in mediating the cardiovascular and peripheral cellular responses to large-colon ischemia and reperfusion, was explored in anesthetized ponies. A specific platelet. activating factor (PAF) antagonist (WEB 2086) was administered to a group of 6 ponies, and another 6 ponies (controls) were given an equivalent volume of saline solution, prior to 1 hour of large-colon torsion. After correction of the torsion, ponies were monitored during the reperfusion period. Significant (P < 0.05) hypotension and metabolic acidosis developed in afl ponies after correction of colonic torsion, cardiac index increased initially, but then decreased significantly (P < 0.05) over the study period. Mean times between correction of torsion and onset of cardiac failure and death were not different between groups. Significant (P < 0.05) thrombocytopenia developed during the reperfusion period in control ponies, but not in WEB-treated ponies. Blood leukocyte concentration in control ponies was more variable and significantly (P < 0.05) decreased immediately upon reperfusion, compared with that in WEB-treated ponies. We conclude that although the cardiovascular responses to colonic ischemia and reperfusion are not prevented by use of a specific PAF-antagonist, specific peripheral cellular responses are mediated by PAF.

The popular urodynamic technique of stressed urethral pressure profilometry used for investigation of genuine stress incontinence in women was adapted and applied to bitches. The aim was to assess the suitability and reproducibility of the technique in the canine species, and to determine whether differences seen in continent and incontinent women were found in bitches. Resting and stressed simultaneous urethral pressure profiles were obtained for 25 continent and 25 incontinent bitches, the latter diagnosed as having urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence. The stressed urethral pressure profiles were produced by ballottement of the abdomen during catheter withdrawal. The degree of stress induced was consistent and had got short-term reproducibility. Highly significant (P < 0.001) differences in the percentage of negative spikes extending below the resting intravesical pressure were found between continent and incontinent bitches. Significant differences were not observed in the pressure transmission profiles between continent and incontinent bitches; both groups had a gradual decrease in pressure transmission from the bladder neck to the external urethral orifice. The distance from the start of the urethral pressure profile to the first negative peak (attributable to respiration or ballottement) on the subtracted profile was compared with the radiographic distance that the bladder neck was positioned with respect to the cranial pubic brim, taking body weight and continence status into account. Body weight and continence status did not have significant effect on the relation in either instance. The distance between the start of the urethral pressure profile and the first negative peak induced by respiration was significantly (P < 0.05) related to the bladder neck position with respect to the cranial pubic brim, although it accounted for little of the total variance. Relation between the same variables during stressed urethral pressure profilometry, induced by abdominal ballottement, was not significant.

Topically applied demecarium bromide (0.125 and 0.25%) and echothiophate iodide (0.125 and 0.25%) solutions were evaluated in Beagles with normotensive eyes and Beagles with inherited glaucoma. In single-dose studies, the effects of intraocular pressure (IOP) and pupil size (PS) were measured in eyes before drug treatment and in drug- and nondrug-treated eyes. Both concentrations of the 2 drugs induced long-term miosis and decrease in IOP in normotensive eyes of Beagles and of eyes of Beagles with inherited glaucoma. Demecarium bromide (0.125 and 0.5%) decreased IOP for 49 and 55 hours, respectively. Echothiophate iodide (0.125 and 0.5%) reduced IOP for 25 and 53 hours, respectively. The miosis associated with both concentrations of the 2 drugs generally paralleled the decreases in IOP.

Respiratory tract infections are prevalent in foals, yet the frequency with which the distal airways are affected in chemical episodes of respiratory tract disease has not been evaluated to our knowledge. The objective of the study was to determine the incidence of distal respiratory tract infection (DRTI) in foals on a sample of Thoroughbred breeding farms (n = 10) in Ontario. In a pilot study, clinical criteria commonly used to select foals for antimicrobial treatment (detection of abnormal lung sounds, plus nasal discharge, cough, fever, tachypnea, and/or lethargy) were found to segregate foals with and without endoscopically confirmed DRTI. Mucopurulent exudate and bronchial erythema were observed more frequently (P < 0.005), bronchial lavage total cell count and neutrophil concentration were significantly (P < 0.005) higher, and intracellular cocci were recovered significantly (P < 0.01) more often from bronchial lavage samples of affected foals (n = 8) than of controls (n = 8). These clinical criteria were used to identify cases in a cohort of Thoroughbred foals (n = 219) from May 1 to October 30, 1991. Case morbidity adjusted for clustering was 82 +/- 5% (95% confidence limits, 72 to 92%). Most (74%) episodes of clinical DRTI were detected in july and August, and equal numbers were detected before (53%) and after (47%) weaning of foals. Of 178 cases, 66 (48%) were selected at random for endoscopy and bronchial lavage. Grade-II pharyngeal lymphoid hyperplasia was observed commonly (60% of foals); auditory tube diverticulum (guttural pouch) discharge was observed in 18 of 86 (21%) foals, and guttural pouch infection was confirmed in 6 of 7 foals examined endoscopically. Endoscopically confirmed DRTI, defined as visual detection of bronchial exudate with microscopic detection of intracellular cocci and markedly high neutrophil count in bronchial lavage samples, was confirmed in 75 of 86 (87%) cases tested. These data indicate that DRTI might be reliably diagnosed by auscultation during a simple rebreathing exercise. The syndrome of DRTI was extremely common in Thoroughbred foals, characterized by marked inflammation of visible airways and cytologic evidence of bacterial infection. Risk factors for clinical (undifferentiated) DRTI were not identified in this study.

Female Sprague-Dawley rats were treated IM with 0, 2.5, 25, and 50 micrograms of clenbuterol HCl/kg of body weight/d for 21 days. In all treated rats, significant increase in body weight gain (P < 0.05) and improvement in feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05) were recorded. Hydrometra was observed in the uterus of treated rats, and histologically, it was possible to see dilatation of luminal glands and ovarian alterations. Clenbuterol treatment induced significant (P < 0.05) increase in uterine estrogen receptor concentration of rats treated with the 2 higher doses. Treatment apparently failed to enhance the rate of oxidative and conjugative biotransformations, except for glucuronidation of p-nitrophenol (P < 0.05). On the basis of the data obtained, we could affirm that high doses of clenbuterol affect the female reproductive system of rats inducing, almost in part, estrogen-like modifications, but probably by a different mechanism of action correlated to intense adrenergic stimulation.