Determination of carcinoembryonic antigen and cancer antigen (CA 15-3) in bitches with tumours on mammary gland: preliminary report.

The aim of this work was to determine levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cancer antigen (CA 15-3) in the blood serum of 45 bitches. A modified procedure was used to determine the CEA and CA 15-3 markers with the human kits using the radioimmunoassay method. Samples collected from extirpated tumour of mammary glands were histologically processed and classified as per WHO guidelines. The average age of animals with tumour was 10.00 ± 2.2 years; for healthy bitches average age was 4.2 ± 3.2 years. Values of CEA and CA 15-3 were considered positive, if they exceeded 0.23 ng mL(-1) and 7 IU mL(-1) , respectively. Average levels of CEA in the tumour group were 0.25 ± 0.06 versus 0.20 ± 0.03 in healthy bitches (P = 0.0001). The average CA 15-3 value in bitches with tumour was 8.58 ± 1.27 versus 5.14 ± 1.34 in healthy animals (P < 0.0001).

[Experimental use of the recipient's epithelial cells in tracheal allotransplantation--initial outcomes]. / Vyuzitie epiteliálnych buniek príjemcu pri allotransplantácii trachey v experimente--prvé výsledky.

The management of long tracheal lesions requires development of tracheal implants, which would enable resection combined with anastomosis. The authors' scientific study is based on tracheal allotransplantation on an animal model (sheep), using tracheal epithelial cells of the recipient. The project covers preparation of the graft, so that all components of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), which participate in graft rejection, are removed. Histological examination of the allograft with cultivated epithelial cells showed its good healing with revasculatization and with no signs of graft rejection.

Relation of the Norberg angle and position of the femoral head centre to the dorsal acetabular edge in evaluation of canine hip dysplasia.

Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) is a locomotive-system disease in dogs, which in many countries is the target of screening programs aimed at reducing the prevalence of CHD among descendants of predisposed dog breeds. Despite the efforts to apply genetic testing or ultrasound diagnostics in diagnosing CHD (as is common in human medicine), the main diagnostic process in veterinary medicine is by radiographic examination. The main two parameters which are used in diagnosing HD are the Norberg angle (NA) and the position of femoral head centre to the dorsal acetabular edge (FHC/DAE). We examined the relationship between these two parameters in the process of the determination of CHD degree by evaluating 225 randomly selected radiographs which were made during the period from 1993 to 2008. The aim of our study was to examine the validity of these two parameters in CHD classification as used in three different classification programs. Using Pearson's correlation coefficient, the value of which was 0.85 (p <0.05), we observed a positive correlation. Comparing the three scoring systems for CHD evaluation, we found that the final degree of CHD was similar for 78% to 85% of cases using Flückiger's scoring system versus a modified scoring system of 5 parameters without FHC/DAE. Results were significant.

Influence of storage conditions and shotshell wounding on the hygienic condition of hunted, uneviscerated pheasant (Phasianus colchicus).

The effects of shot wounds on the hygienic conditions of pheasants (particularly those in the body cavity) were studied. Slaughtered (n = 33) and hunted pheasants (31 specimens with, and 33 specimens without shots in the body cavity) were stored uneviscerated at 0 and 4 degrees C. Specimens were taken at d 0, 3, 7, and 14. Hunted pheasants differed from slaughtered pheasants with respect to muscular hemorrhages and blood and fecal matter in the body cavity but also with regard to the presence of Escherichia coli in breast and thigh muscles. In addition, a higher thigh muscle pH (P < 0.05) was noted in hunted pheasants, with no significant (P > 0.05) increase observed during storage. Concentrations of biogenic amines in muscle tissue remained below the determination limit of 1 mg/kg for 90% of samples analyzed, with the maximum concentration for the remaining 10% of samples reaching 5.7 mg/kg, indicating a low incidence of contaminant bacteria. The observed changes in pH values and levels of biogenic amines failed to correlate with the presence or absence of shot lesions in the body cavity or abdominal region. Total aerobic counts increased significantly during storage, but the absolute numbers were consistently below 10(6) log(10) cfu/g. Although E. coli were <1 log(10) cfu/g in muscles of hunted pheasants on d 3 at 4 degrees C, counts of up to 3.7 log(10) cfu/g on d 7 at 4 degrees C indicated a loss of hygienic quality. Therefore, it is recommended that hunted, uneviscerated pheasants be stored 3 d at 4 degrees C, but not longer than 7 d after the hunt.

[Immunofluorescent analysis of anterior lens capsule allotransplantation for chronic corneal ulcers]. / Imunofluorescencná analýza allotransplantátov prednej sosovkovej kapsuly u chronických vredov rohovky.

This study uses immunofluorescent analysis to find out in histologic corneal sections a possible rejection reaction in anterior lens capsule allotransplantation for chronic corneal ulcers. The experiment included control group of rabbit corneas with repeat injury to epithelium and anterior stroma as well as surgically treated group. Fluorescein-conjugated human antibodies to IgA, IgM, IgG, complement and fibrinogen were used in the study. For detection we used method of direct immunofluorescence. Positive was only examination on fibrinogen in sections of treated group eyes 2 days after surgery. Last examination after 3 months failed to detect positivity in any of the tested markers. We preliminarily conclude that anterior lens capsule allotransplantation for chronic corneal ulcers does not result in rejection reaction and that components of humoral immunity do not participate in immune reaction.

[The histopathologic picture after chemical eye injury and the role of limbal stem cells]. / Histopatologický obraz po chemickom poranení oka, úloha limbálnych kmenových buniek.

The aim of this experimental study was to evaluate the role of limbal stem cells on corneal wound healing. The experimental objects were New Zealand white rabbits. Damage to the cornea was caused by 2.5 N NaOH solution for 50 sec. and was subsequently washed out by saline solution. The rabbits were euthanased 24 hours after alkaly burn and the tissue was fixated in 10% formalin. The samples were embedded in paraffin and stained with haematoxilin and eosin. The specimen showed focal inflammatory reaction with the presence of macrophages an round--nucleated cells in the limbal area.

[Analysis of development of hip joint dysplasia in dogs]. / Analýza vývoja dysplázie bedrových klbov u psov.

Hip joint dysplasia in dogs occurs mainly in large and heavy breeds. It brings about changes on the acetabulum (socket) and the head of thigh bone, thus causing pain, tiredness, refusal to jump and refusal of increased activity. Even though presently the genetic basis of development of this disease, numerous literary sources indicate existence of pre-disposing factors that facilitate development in later stages of life. Diet and unbalanced development of skeleton and support tissues-ligaments, joint capsule and musculature also have the effect on development of dysplasia. We have analyzed acquired results of X-ray examination of dogs-German shepherds. The size of the group was 4 206 and the examination was aimed at incidence of hip-joint dysplasia during the period of 1977-1995 in the Slovak Republic. We have found out that in 1977 there were 70.7% positive cases out of the total number of examined individuals. Gradual exclusion of dogs with heavier grades of dysplasia (D, E) decreased occurrence of dysplasia to current rate of 40.8%. We considered it to be a high incidence rate. Internal structure of the positive group has changed. The number of dogs with the lightest grade of dysplasia (B) has increased, while the number of heavier grade dysplasia (C, D, E) decreased. In other breeds of dogs, of which more than 20 have been examined at the clinic, the following results have been acquired: Slovak chuvash-32%, Bavarian and Hannover bloodhound-30.6%, Rotweiler-28.6%, Newfoundland dog-26.3%, Bern sheep-dog-13.6%. At the same time we analyze the incidence of dysplasia in dogs whose parents were negative. Group of descendants of 11 negative males and 28 females consisted of 73 dogs. Through x-ray examination, 42.5% of dogs were found to have dysplasia B, C and D at the age of 1 year.

[Complications during myelographic examination in dogs]. / Výskyt komplikácií pri myelografickom vysetrení psov.

The occurrence of spinal disease in dogs is quite frequent. Clinical examination and survey radiography do not allow to make an exact diagnosis in many cases. Therefore the radiographic method-myelograhy is used to make an exact diagnosis and to locate the pathological process in the spinal cord. Myelography can be accompanied by some complications caused by a contrast medium of anaesthesia. In this study, the occurrence of complications was evaluated when the contrast medium Dimer X and three types of general anaesthesia were used: xylazine-ketamine, chlorpromazine-piritramide, chlorpromazine-pentobarbital. Certain relations between the origin of complications, dog weight and total time of anaesthesia are indicated. The results obtained show that the highest number of cases with complicated regeneration was observed after the use of the combination xylazine-ketamine when the average duration of anesthesia was 31.1 minutes comparing to the combination chlorpromazine-pentobarbitale with average duration of anaesthesia was 127.7 minutes with the lowest number of complications. We also refer to certain relations between weight and the occurrence of complications where the highest correlation (r = 0.59) was recorded for xylazine-ketamine anaesthesia. The correlation coefficient (r = 0.27) for chlorpromazine-pentobarbital documents very low correlations of the followed values.

Familial melanoma in the progeny of a Duroc and Slovak white crossbred sow.

In three successive litters of a Duroc and Slovak White crossbred sow there was a 7.75% overall incidence of melanoma. Immunohistochemical labelling confirmed the mesenchymal origin of the neoplastic cells, indicated the absence of CD3 lymphocytes in the tumour, and proved the tumorous origin of surrounding non-pigmented cells. An abundance of macrophages (epithelioid cells) with increased endoplasmic reticulum was observed by electron microscopy, but large granular lymphocyte-like cells were few in number.

[The role anaerobes in dermatitis digitalis et interdigitalis in cattle]. / Podiel anaeróbov na ochorení dermatitis digitalis et interdigitalis u hovädzieho dobytka.

Altogether 52 tissue samples and swabs from the corium of the claw of diseased cattle were investigated. Microbiological examinations revealed the presence of 11 strictly anaerobic bacterial strains that belonged to the species Peptococcus asacharolyticus, Pc. sacharolyticus, Peptostreptococcus anaerobius, Bacteroides asacharolyticus and B. melaninogenicus. The remaining isolates were classified as Bacteroides, Fusobacterium, Streptococcus and Clostridium. In the above-mentioned strains observations of their biochemical, morphological and enzymatic properties (Tab. I) were carried out. Their resistance to antibiotics was evaluated from the qualitative viewpoint (Tab. II). Capillary isotachophoresis was used to determine the amounts of volatile fatty acids that developed during glucose fermentation (Tab. III). In the single clinical samples the above-mentioned strains occurred as association of microorganism. The anaerobic genera Bacteroides and Fusobacterium were found in 52% of the samples (Bacteroides sp. and Fusobacterium sp. were recorded in 25% and 12% of the samples, respectively, whereas in 15% of the samples both species occurred). According to our results the etiology of dermatitis digitalis et interdigitalis is closely connected with the incidence of anaerobes. Of the latter, those belonging to the genera Bacteroides and Fusobacterium are of major importance.

[The effect of zeolite (clinoptilolite) on the post-feeding dynamics of N metabolism in the portal vein, jugular vein and the rumen fluid of bulls]. / Stúdium vplyvu zeolitu (klinoptilolitu) na dynamiku niektorých ukazovatel'ov N-metabolizmu po nakrmení vo v. port ae, v. jugularis a v bachorovej tekutine u býkov.

If easily digestible saccharides are deficient in the feed ration of bulls with the live weight of 300 kg and at simultaneous single application of urea at a rate of 0.2 g per 1 kg live weight, zeolite (with 50.6% clinoptilolite content) administered at a rate of 2.5% per 1 kg dry matter influenced significantly (P less than 0.05) the ammonia concentration in rumen, v. portae and v. jugularis. The rumen contents and blood were sampled at the intervals of 0, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180 and 360 minutes after feeding. Basal feed ration consisted of 1 kg feed mixture and 3 kg meadow hay. After urea administration, zeolite reduced the ammonia concentration in rumen by 20-40% in comparison with the control group and in v. portae by 60-70%. In v. jugularis in the 90th minute after feeding significant hyperammonemia was observed in bulls with no zeolite supplement. Zeolite administration did not influence urea concentration in plasma.