Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration was measured, using an automated immunoturbidimetric assay, in 44 clinically normal dogs and 67 dogs with band neutrophil count greater than or equal to 10(9) cells/L, and values were found to be significantly (P less than or equal to 0.05) different. Correlation of serum CRP concentration and band neutrophil count in the 67 dogs with greater than or equal to 10(9) band neutrophils/L resulted in a statistically significant P less than or equal to 0.05), but low correlation coefficient of 0.34. Serum CRP concentration and CBC values were determined for 6 clinically normal dogs undergoing anesthesia (controls) and 6 clinically normal dogs undergoing anesthesia and ovariohysterectomy. Significant alterations in CBC results and serum CRP concentration, compared with baseline values, were lacking in dogs of the control group. Serum CRP concentration was significantly (P less than or equal to 0.05) increased above baseline values in dogs undergoing surgery and was significantly (P less than or equal to 0.05) increased, compared with values in control dogs by 12 hours after surgery. In dogs undergoing surgery, serum CRP concentration was also significantly (P less than or equal to 0.05) different from values in control dogs at 28 and 36 hours, but not at the 76- and 124-hour sample collection times. Alterations in CBC values compatible with possible or convincing inflammation were detected in 83% of the dogs undergoing surgery at the 8- and 12-hour postsurgery sample collection times, 100% of dogs at 16, 22, 28, and 36 hours after surgery, 83% of dogs at 52 and 76 hours after surgery, 67% of dogs at 100 hours after surgery, and 0% of dogs at 124 hours after surgery It was concluded that significant increases in CRP, concentration in dogs with surgical trauma were not detected earlier than CBC alterations compatible with possible or convincing inflammation.

The alpha 1-proteinase inhibitors of trypsin, Spi1, Spi3A, and Spi3B, in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum of horses were separated by electrophoresis, and their proportions were quantified in 12 control horses and 12 with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A significantly lower proportion of Spi3B (P < 0.05) and higher proportion of Spi1 (P < 0.02 to P < 0.01) were detected in BALF, compared with serum, in control and COPD-affected horses and appeared to be attributable to reduced Spi3 activity in BALF. There was no significant difference between the control and COPD groups in this respect, indicating that the decrease in Spi3 may be a physiologic phenomenon. The differences observed may be associated with proteolytic damage to or preferential complex formation by Spi3.

An ELISA was developed to detect antibodies to the 41-kd flagellin (P41) of Borrelia burgdorferi in serum obtained from cattle. Absorption studies, immunoblot analysis, immunoelectron microscopy, and correlation of results of the P41-ELISA and the P39-ELISA as well as measurement of the antibody to P41 in calves challenge-exposed with Borrelia theileri were used to assess the specificity of the P41-ELISA. Antigens derived from Escherichia coli, Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo, and B burgdorferi were used for absorption studies and immunoblot analysis. Antibodies to P41 of B burgdorferi cross-reacted with antigens of E coli, but were not cross-reactive with L hardjo. A value 3 SD higher than the mean of the negative-control population of cattle was defined as the minimum value cutoff value) for a positive result by the P41-ELISA. Use of this value for classification of test results reduced the predicted rate of false-positive results attributable to E coli cross-reactivity to 1%. Immunoblot analysis revealed that test-positive serum from cattle reacted mainly with 41-, 39-, 34-, and 31-kd proteins of B burgdorferi, as well as several smaller proteins. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed that serum from cattle that was test-positive by the P41-ELISA bound to the flagellin and outer membrane of B burgdorferi. Results of absorption studies, immunoblot analysis, and immunoelectron microscopy were correlated and indicated that serum from cattle that was test-positive by P41-ELISA had stronger reactivity to B burgdorferi antigens than to antigens of E coli or L hardjo. The concentrations of antibodies measured by P41-ELISA and P39-ELISA testing were highly correlated [R(2)=0.78]. Calves challenge-exposed with B theileri also had test-positive results by the P-41-ELISA as early as 2 weeks after exposure, but serum antibody concentrations decreased to prechallenge-exposure concentrations by 9 weeks after exposure.

Vaccina virus (VV) infection induces specific antibodies and cytotoxic T cells in various animal species. Therefore, helper T cells also should be induced that stimulate the humoral and cellular immune responses. We determined such helper T-cell activity in 2 species after VV infection. Rabbits and rhesus macaques were infected with the Copenhagen strain of VV or with recombinant VV expressing retroviral proteins. Animals of both species developed antibodies and specific proliferative T-cell response. This reactivity could be enhanced by booster infection with VV. The proliferating macaque cells were CD4+ and major histocompatability complex class II-restricted. These data confirm the broad immunogenicity of VV. Expression of additional polypeptides expressed from a recombinant VV does not lead to altered immune response to VV antigens. However, strength of the helper T-cell response, as well as clinical reactions, differed between macaques and rabbits. Infection with recombinant VV as delivery vectors offers the opportunity for combined vaccination against recombinant proteins and does not diminish cellular and humoral immune responses to VV itself.

The effect of 3 plasma concentrations of alfentanil on the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of halothane in horses was evaluated. Five healthy geldings were anesthetized on 3 occasions, using halothane in oxygen administered through a mask. After induction of anesthesia, horses were instrumented for measurement of blood pressure, airway pressure, and end-tidal halothane concentrations. Blood samples, for measurement of pH and blood gas tensions, were taken from the facial artery. Positive pressure ventilation was begun, maintaining PaCO2 at 49.1 +/- 3.3 mm of Hg and airway pressure at 20 +/- 2 cm of H2O. The MAC was determined in triplicate, using a supramaximal electrical stimulus of the oral mucous membranes. Alfentanil infusion was then begun, using a computer-driven infusion pump to achieve and maintain 1 of 3 plasma concentrations of alfentanil. Starting at 30 minutes after the beginning of the infusion, MAC was redetermined in duplicate. Mean +/- SD measured plasma alfentanil concentration during the infusions were 94.8 +/- 29.0, 170.7 +/- 29.2 and 390.9 +/- 107.4 ng/ml. Significant changes in MAC were not observed for any concentration of alfentanil. Blood pressure was increased by infusion of alfentanil and was dose-related, but heart rate did not change. Pharmacokinetic variables of alfentanil were determined after its infusion and were not significantly different among the 3 doses.

Genetically altered stable nonreverting aromatic-dependent (aro-) Salmonella dublin, strain SL5631, was administered orally to healthy colostrum-fed calves as vaccine. Twenty-six calves were allotted to 4 groups. There were 2 experiments, each with a vaccinated and nonvaccinated control group. Skin testing with 0.1 ml of sonicated S. dublin was performed 3 days prior to challenge exposure. The IgG and IgM titers to S. dublin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) antigen were determined by ELISA on sera before initial vaccination and at 1.5 to 2 weeks after each vaccination. In experiment 1, six calves received a dose of 1.7 X 10(10) colony-forming units (CFU) of aro(-) S. dublin SL5631 orally at 2 and 4 weeks of age. After the first vaccination, 2 of 6 calves developed fever, but all 6 calves continued to have normal appetite and mental attitude. Adverse changes were not observed after the second vaccination. At the time of challenge exposure at 6 weeks of age, all 12 calves were seronegative for IgG and IgM LPS-specific antibodies, and the difference in percentage increase in skin test reaction at 48 hours was not significant. At 6 weeks of age, the 6 vaccinates and 6 controls were orally challenge-exposed with 1.5 X 10(11) CFU of virulent S. dublin T2340. Protection from challenge was not evident, as 3 of 6 controls and 5 of 6 vaccinates died after challenge exposure. In experiment 2, eight calves received a dose of 5 X 10(11) CFU of aro(-)S dublin SL5631 orally at 2, 3.5, and 5 weeks of age. The vaccine dose and volume (300 ml) were 30 times that of experiment 1. After each vaccination, some calves (7, 6, and 2 calves for first, second, and third doses, respectively) developed fever, but all calves continued to have normal appetite and attitude. At 7 weeks of age, the 8 vaccinates and 6 controls were orally challenge-exposed with 1.5 X 10(11) CFU of virulent S. dublin T2340 (same dose as experiment 1).

Keratan sulfate (KS) is a glycosaminoglycan, distribution of which is confined mostly to hyaline cartilage. As such, it is a putative marker of hyaline cartilage catabolism. In experiment 1, a focal osteochondral defect was made arthroscopically in 1 radial carpal bone of 2 ponies, and in 2 other ponies, chymopapain was injected into the radiocarpal joint to induce cartilage catabolism. Sequential and concurrent plasma and synovial fluid concentrations of KS were measured, up to 13 months after induction of cartilage injury, to determine whether changes in KS concentrations reflected cartilage catabolism. In experiment 2, a large, bilateral osteochondral defect was made in the radial carpal bones of 18 ponies, which were subsequently given postoperative exercise and/or injected intra-articularly with 250 mg of polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG). Medication was given at surgery, then weekly for 4 weeks. Blood samples were collected and synovial fluid was aspirated before surgery, when medication was given, and at postmortem examination (postoperative week 17). The KS concentration was measured in these fluids to determine whether changes in KS concentration indicated an effect of joint treatment. In experiment 1, the concentration of KS in synovial fluid was highest 1 day after joint injury, and the concentration in plasma peaked 2 days after joint injury. For ponies receiving chymopapain intra-articularly (generalized cartilage catabolism), a fivefold increase over baseline was observed in the concentration of KS in plasma (peak mean, 1.2 microgram/ml), and a tenfold increase over baseline in synovial fluid (peak mean, 2.0 mg/ml) was observed. On average, these maxima were threefold higher than values in fluids of ponies with osteochondral defects (focal cartilage disease). In experiment 2, nonexercised ponies had lower KS concentration (as a percentage of the preoperative concentration) in synovial fluid than did exercised ponies at all postoperative times, and.

Three laparoscopic procedures were performed on each of 6 adult jersey cows in the first trimester of gestation to describe normal laparoscopic anatomy of the bovine abdomen. Also, a technique for laparoscopy of the cranioventral portion of the abdomen was described. Right paralumbar fossa, left paralumbar fossa, and cranioventral midline laparoscopy were performed 72 hours apart on each cow. Physical examination findings, CBC, serum biochemical analysis, and peritoneal fluid analysis before and 72 hours after the first surgery were used to assess the effects of the procedures on the cows. Exploratory celiotomy was performed 2 weeks after the last laparoscopy. The cows were then reexamined 6 weeks after the last procedure. The t-test for paired data was used for statistical analysis; the level of significance was P < 0.05. Laparoscopy was performed without complication in all cows. Adverse effects of laparoscopy, individually or serially, were not observed. Significant differences were not found between CBC, serum biochemical, and peritoneal fluid variables taken before and 72 hours after surgery.

Sonographic observations were made of the image mean gray scale (MGS) of the flexor tendons and ligaments in the left and right metacarpal regions of each of 10 clinically normal horses. In images made in the dorsal and sagittal planes, the MGS was measured at multiple sites in the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT), deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT), accessory ligament (AL), and suspensory ligament (SL), and at single sites in the medial and lateral limbs of the SL, and the palmar ligament. Relative sonographic brightness of each tendon and ligament was calculated by dividing the value of its MGS by the mean value for the MGS of images of 3 soft tissue equivalent phantoms. When a multivariate repeated-measures of ANOVA of the relative brightness values was statistically significant (P < 0.05), Tukey's method of multiple comparisons was used to determine which values were significantly different from each other. In the dorsal plane, the SL was significantly brighter than the DDFT, SDFT, and AL; relative brightnesses of the DDFT and SDFT were similar, as were those of the SDFT and AL. In the sagittal plane, the SL again was the significantly brightest structure, followed by the Al, and similar brightnesses of the DDFT and SDFT. In dorsal images made 25 cm distal to the accessory carpal bone, relative brightnesses of the SDFT, DDFT, and the medial and lateral limbs of the SL were similar. In images made 30 cm distal to the accessory carpal bone, relative brightness of the palmar ligament was significantly (P < 0.05) less than that of the SDFT and DDFT in the dorsal plane, but not in the sagittal plane, where it was significantly greater. Relative brightness values represented a unique sonographic characteristic of each structure and, in the future, may provide further insights into tendon and ligament structure and function.

Pharmacokinetic variables of phenolsulfonphthalein (PSP) were determined in sheep after rapid IV injection and IV infusion to steady state. In Suffolk wethers, an average of < 75% of an IV administered dose was eliminated in urine, indicating that measures of systemic clearance overestimate renal clearance in this species. Furthermore, PSP elimination from plasma was more rapid in Suffolk than Rambouillet wethers and, in Suffolk ewes, systemic clearance decreased from mean +/- SD 7.8 +/- 0.3 ml/min/kg of body weight to 4.7 +/- 1.1 ml/min/kg at steady-state plasma concentration of 2.4 +/- 0.3 and 151.3 +/- 31.8 micrograms/ml, respectively. These observations indicate that, similar to that in other species, systemic clearance of PSP in sheep is concentration-dependent and that significant differences may exist between breeds.