Blood-based assessment of oxidative stress, inflammation, endocrine and metabolic adaptations in eventing horses accounting for plasma volume shift after exercise.

BACKGROUND: After submaximal exercise, blood values of eventing horses show physiological reactions. OBJECTIVES: This prospective longitudinal study investigated blood parameters in 20 elite eventing horses before and after two-four-star cross-country rides. METHODS: Using a mixed model adjusting for plasma volume shift, we assessed exercise-dependent parameters and compared blood values with reference ranges for healthy horses at rest. RESULTS: Following exercise, cortisol, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) showed short-term increases, and superoxide-dismutase showed a small short-term increase. Hepatic values showed short-term (haemoglobin [HGB], globulins) or sustained increases (bilirubin, glutamate dehydrogenase, alanine aminotransferase). Digestion-related parameters showed small short-term increases (α-amylase, triglycerides) or decreases (cholesterol, DGGR-lipase), apparent through plasma shift adjustment. Zinc decreased in the short term, and iron showed a delayed decrease. White blood cell count increased persistently after training, whereas serum amyloid A remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Exercised eventing horses had consistently elevated HGB and cortisol levels 10 and 30 min after submaximal exercise, exceeding the reference ranges for healthy horses at rest. Exercise activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical and hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axes. Antioxidant activity was observed. Increased energy requirements led to the mobilization of energy reserves, and a sustained increase in liver enzymes indicated hepatocellular injury. Mild haemolysis suggested increased muscle metabolism, whereas signs of inflammation were subtle. Further research is needed to identify which horses deviate from mean values.

Assessment of serum calprotectin as a marker of inflammation in cattle with traumatic reticuloperitonitis.

Calprotectin (CP) is an inflammatory marker. The aim of the current study was to investigate oxidative stress and changes in CP in cattle with traumatic reticuloperitonitis (TRP). The study was divided into two groups, experimental (TRP) and healthy control group, with 10 animals in each group. Total leucocyte count, neutrophil and lymphocyte counts were higher in the TRP group compared to the control group and this increase was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in TRP group was statistically significantly higher than the control group (P < 0.001). The level of glutathione (GSH) in the TRP group was statistically significantly lower than in the control group (P < 0.001). Serum Amyloid A (SAA) and CP values were higher in the TRP group and this difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). It was concluded as a result of ROC analysis that CP, which has similar values with SAA, can be used diagnostically to confirm the inflammatory status in cattle with TRP.

An update on mobility assessment of dogs with musculoskeletal disease.

Mobility impairments associated with musculoskeletal diseases, such as osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease, affect approximately 200,000 dogs annually and pose a notable challenge to canine health and welfare. Osteoarthritis causes the remodelling of synovial joints, alongside inflammation and impaired mechanical function which can be extremely debilitating. Secondary osteoarthritis commonly affects dogs and can be exacerbated by previous joint abnormalities, such as patellar luxation or cranial cruciate ligament rupture. Although musculoskeletal diseases can affect dogs of any age, the early subtle signs of gait abnormalities are perhaps missed by owners, thus, dogs may be in the latter stages of osteoarthritis progression when they are presented to veterinarians. Dogs showing subtle signs of gait abnormalities must be presented to veterinary practices for acute diagnosis to prevent long-term deterioration. Musculoskeletal diseases, such as osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease, are commonly diagnosed via visible radiographic changes. However, veterinarians can use a combination of subjective and objective clinical scoring systems, such as clinical metrology instruments and gait assessment in conjunction with radiography to aid their diagnosis and longitudinal monitoring of musculoskeletal diseases. These scoring systems may be more sensitive to earlier signs of mobility impairments in dogs, ultimately, promoting increased canine health and welfare by enabling pain reduction, improvement of muscle strength and preservation of joint function. Current canine mobility scoring systems available to veterinarians will be discussed in turn throughout this review for implementation into clinical practice.

Assessment of peritubular capillary rarefaction in kidneys of cats with chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Hypoxia is a key driver of fibrosis and is associated with capillary rarefaction in humans. OBJECTIVES: Characterize capillary rarefaction in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD). ANIMALS: Archival kidney tissue from 58 cats with CKD, 20 unaffected cats. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of paraffin-embedded kidney tissue utilizing CD31 immunohistochemistry to highlight vascular structures. Consecutive high-power fields from the cortex (10) and corticomedullary junction (5) were digitally photographed. An observer counted and colored the capillary area. Image analysis was used to determine the capillary number, average capillary size, and average percent capillary area in the cortex and corticomedullary junction. Histologic scoring was performed by a pathologist masked to clinical data. RESULTS: Percent capillary area (cortex) was significantly lower in CKD (median 3.2, range, 0.8-5.6) compared to unaffected cats (4.4, 1.8-7.0; P = <.001) and was negatively correlated with serum creatinine concentrations (r = -.36, P = .0013), glomerulosclerosis (r = -0.39, P = <.001), inflammation (r = -.30, P = .009), and fibrosis (r = -.30, P = .007). Capillary size (cortex) was significantly lower in CKD cats (2591 pixels, 1184-7289) compared to unaffected cats (4523 pixels, 1801-7618; P = <.001) and was negatively correlated with serum creatinine concentrations (r = -.40, P = <.001), glomerulosclerosis (r = -.44, P < .001), inflammation (r = -.42, P = <.001), and fibrosis (r = -.38, P = <.001). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Capillary rarefaction (decrease in capillary size and percent capillary area) is present in kidneys of cats with CKD and is positively correlated with renal dysfunction and histopathologic lesions.

Dynamics of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine changes in serum and assessment of their diagnostic utility during lactation impairment in pigs.

Postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PDS) in sows is a frequent and important clinical problem in the field. Currently, the diagnosis is based on physical examination performed during first days after the farrowing. The present study aimed at evaluation the dynamics of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and TNF-α) changes in serum of sows during peripartum period (day - 28 to + 28) and assessment of their diagnostic utility during lactation impairment in pigs. The study was done on 139 sows divided into 3 groups: clinically healthy sows, sows with lactation disorders, sows which had experienced difficult parturitions, lameness, etc. In order to measure the level of serum cytokines, the quantitative species-specific ELISA assays were used. The investigation demonstrated a different kinetics of changes of studied cytokines in sows from various groups. IL-6 and TNF-alfa shown high dynamic changes after farrowing in in sows. The levels of IL-8 and IL-10 were relatively stable in healthy sows, while in sows with peripartum disorders usually increased during lactation. However, the detailed examination revealed that investigated cytokines cannot be a useful early diagnostic markers of lactation impairments in sow. They do not allow to detect with high probability which sows are susceptible to lactation disorders before the parturition.

Usefulness of noninvasive shear wave elastography for the assessment of hepatic fibrosis in dogs with hepatic disease.

BACKGROUND: Two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) can noninvasively evaluate hepatic elastic modulus as shear wave velocity (SWV). Additionally, it may predict the presence of clinical relevant hepatic fibrosis (≥F2) in dogs with hepatic disease. OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether SWV measured by 2D-SWE can differentiate between dogs with (≥F2) and without (F0-1) clinically relevant hepatic fibrosis. ANIMALS: Twenty-eight client-owned dogs with hepatic disease and 8 normal healthy Beagle dogs were enrolled. METHODS: In this cross-sectional prospective study, SWVs were measured using 2D-SWE in all dogs. Hepatic fibrosis stages and necroinflammatory activity grades were histopathologically evaluated using a histological scoring scheme that was adapted from the Ishak schema used in human medicine. RESULTS: Median SWVs were significantly higher in dogs with clinically relevant hepatic fibrosis (2.04 m/s; range, 1.81-2.26 m/s) than in healthy dogs (1.51 m/s; range, 1.44-1.66 m/s; P = .007), and dogs without clinically relevant hepatic fibrosis (1.56 m/s; range, 1.37-1.67 m/s; P < .001). However, no significant difference was found in the SWVs between dogs without clinically relevant hepatic fibrosis and healthy dogs (P = .99). Furthermore, median SWVs were not significantly different among dogs with necroinflammatory activity, those without necroinflammatory activity, and healthy dogs (Kruskal-Wallis test, P = .12). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The 2D-SWE may be useful for predicting the presence of hepatic fibrosis in dogs with hepatic disease.

Short communication: Assessment of biomarkers of inflammation in the vaginal discharge of postpartum dairy cows diagnosed with clinical metritis.

Clinical metritis, characterized by the presence of an enlarged uterus and abnormal red-brownish foul-smelling vaginal discharge (VD), is a prevalent condition that causes important economic losses to dairy operations. The accurate diagnosis and treatment of this disease can help decrease its negative effects on the well-being and performance of dairy cows. The objectives of this study were to assess (1) the concentration of haptoglobin (Hp) and neutrophil-derived haptoglobin-matrix metalloproteinase 9 (Hp-MMP 9) in the VD of postpartum cows; and (2) the correlation between Hp and Hp-MMP 9 concentrations in serum and VD. Fifty-three dairy cows from 4 farms in central Pennsylvania were enrolled in this observational study.. Postpartum cows (7 ± 3 DIM) were screened using a Metricheck device to assess VD score (VDS): 1, clear fluid (n = 4); 2, < 50% white purulent fluid (n = 14); 3, > 50% white purulent fluid (n = 8); 4, red-brownish watery fluid without fetid smell (n = 22); and 5, fetid red-brownish watery fluid (n = 5). Blood and VD samples were collected for assessment of Hp and Hp-MMP 9 concentrations. Cows with a VDS of 4 or 5 (VDS4/5) had higher serum Hp concentrations than cows with a VDS of 1, 2, or 3 (VDS1/3; 93 ± 187 µg/mL vs. 59 ± 106 µg/mL, respectively). Similarly, cows with VDS4/5 had higher VD Hp concentrations than cows with VDS1/3 (73 ± 56 µg/mL vs. 17 ± 16 µg/mL, respectively). We found a significant correlation (0.37) between Hp levels in serum and in VD. We found no difference in serum Hp-MMP 9 between VDS4/5 and VDS1/3 cows. The VD concentrations of Hp-MMP 9 were higher in VDS4/5 cows than in VDS1/3 cows (7,629 ± 9,847 ng/mL vs. 1,567 ± 2,165 ng/mL, respectively). The correlation between Hp-MMP 9 in serum and VD was 0.22; nevertheless, it was not statistically significant. Interestingly, Hp and Hp-MMP 9 concentrations were higher in VD samples than in serum, regardless of VDS. Results from this study suggest that inflammatory biomarkers may be increased in cows with a VDS of 4 or 5. Further research should be aimed at elucidating the processes involved in inflammatory biomarker production and transportation in the uterus, as well as the effect of these biomarkers on endometrial cells.

Assessment of effectiveness and safety of repeat administration of proinflammatory primed allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells in an equine model of chemically induced osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed at assessing the effectiveness and safety of repeated administrations of allogeneic bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) primed with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interferon-γ in an equine model of chemically-induced osteoarthritis. Arthritis was induced in both radio-carpal (RC)-joints by amphotericin-B in 18 ponies, divided into three groups depending on the treatment injected: MSC-naïve (n = 7), MSC-primed (n = 7) and control (n = 4). The study consisted of two phases and used one RC-joint of each animal in each phase, with four months time-lapse, in order to assess two end-points. Clinical, synovial, radiological and ultrasonographic follow-up was performed. At six months, animals were euthanized and both carpi were assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), gross anatomy, histopathology, histochemistry and gene expression. RESULTS: Clinical and synovial inflammatory signs were quicker reduced in MSC-treated groups and repeated allogeneic administration did not produce adverse reactions, but MSC-primed group showed slight and transient local inflammation after second injection. Radiology and MRI did not show significant differences between treated and control groups, whereas ultrasonography suggested reduced synovial effusion in MSC-treated groups. Both MSC-treated groups showed enhanced cartilage gross appearance at two compared to six months (MSC-naïve, p < 0.05). Cartilage histopathology did not reveal differences but histochemistry suggested delayed progression of proteoglycan loss in MSC-treated groups. Synovium histopathology indicated decreased inflammation (p < 0.01) in MSC-primed and MSC-naïve at two and six months, respectively. At two months, cartilage from MSC-primed group significantly (p < 0.05) upregulated collagen type II (COL2A1) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1 and downregulated cyclooxygenase-2 and interleukin (IL)-1ß. At six months, MSC-treatments significantly downregulated TNFα (p < 0.05), plus MSC-primed upregulated (p < 0.05) COL2A1, aggrecan, cartilage oligomeric protein, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 and TGF-ß1. In synovium, both MSC-treatments decreased (p < 0.01) matrix metalloproteinase-13 expression at two months and MSC-primed also downregulated TNFα (p < 0.05) and IL-1ß (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Both MSC-treatments provided beneficial effects, mostly observed at short-term. Despite no huge differences between MSC-treatments, the findings suggested enhanced anti-inflammatory and regulatory potential of MSC-primed. While further research is needed to better understand these effects and clarify immunogenicity implications, these findings contribute to enlarge the knowledge about MSC therapeutics and how they could be influenced.

Assessment of daily activity patterns and biomarkers of pain, inflammation, and stress in lactating dairy cows diagnosed with clinical metritis.

The objectives of the present case-control study were to assess (1) daily activity patterns (lying time, number of steps, number of lying bouts, and lying bout duration), and (2) circulating concentrations of biomarkers of pain (substance P), inflammation (haptoglobin), and stress (cortisol) in lactating dairy cows diagnosed with clinical metritis. Lactating dairy cows (n = 200) from 2 commercial dairy herds were enrolled in the present study. Cows diagnosed with clinical metritis (n = 100) at 7 ± 3 d in milk were matched according to lactation and days in milk to cows without clinical metritis (NO-CM; n = 100). On study d 1, clinical metritis was diagnosed (using a Metricheck device, Simcro Tech Ltd., Hamilton, New Zealand) by the presence of watery, reddish, or brownish foul-smelling vaginal discharge, and blood samples were collected for assessment of circulating concentration of substance P, haptoglobin, cortisol, total calcium, ß-hydroxybutyrate, and blood cells. In addition, on study d 1 body condition of cows was visually assessed, and activity monitors were placed on the hind leg of a subset of cows (CM, n = 56; CON, n = 56) and were kept until study d 7. Cows showing any other signs of other diseases were not included in the study. Cows with clinical metritis tended to spend more time lying (CM = 628.92 min/d; NO-CM = 591.23 min/d) compared with NO-CM cows. Activity analysis by parity revealed that primiparous cows with clinical metritis spent more time lying compared with primiparous cows without clinical metritis. However, no differences in daily lying time were observed between multiparous cows with and without clinical metritis. Furthermore, cows in the CM group had a higher circulating concentration of substance P (CM = 47.15 pg/mL; NO-CM = 37.73 pg/mL) and haptoglobin (CM = 233.00 µg/mL; NO-CM = 99.98 µg/mL) when compared with NO-CM cows. Cows with clinical metritis had lower body condition score, and a greater proportion of cows in this group had hypocalcemia when compared with cows without clinical metritis. The circulating concentration of leukocytes and erythrocytes were decreased in cows with clinical metritis compared with cows without clinical metritis. Results from this study showed that concentrations of markers of inflammation, stress, pain, and activity were affected in cows diagnosed with clinical metritis; thus, strategies aimed to minimize the negative effects associated with clinical metritis may be required to improve the welfare of dairy cows.

Assessment of the effects of diet and physical rehabilitation on radiographic findings and markers of synovial inflammation in dogs following tibial plateau leveling osteotomy.

OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of an omega-3 fatty acid and protein-enriched diet, physical rehabilitation, or both on radiographic findings and markers of synovial inflammation in dogs following tibial plateau leveling osteotomy and arthroscopic surgery for treatment of cranial cruciate ligament disease. DESIGN Randomized, prospective clinical trial. ANIMALS 48 dogs with unilateral cranial cruciate ligament disease. PROCEDURES Dogs were randomly assigned to receive a dry omega-3 fatty acid and protein-enriched dog food formulated to support joint health (test food [TF]), a dry food formulated for adult canine maintenance (control food [CF]), TF plus rehabilitation, or CF plus rehabilitation after surgery. Synovial fluid prostaglandin (PG) E2 and interleukin-1ß concentrations, radiographic osteoarthritis scores, osteotomy site healing, and patellar ligament thickness were assessed at predetermined time points up to 6 months after surgery. RESULTS Dogs that received CF had significantly higher PGE2 concentrations over time following surgery than did dogs that received TF, regardless of rehabilitation status. Synovial fluid interleukin-1ß concentrations did not change over time in any groups. Diet and rehabilitation were both associated with osteoarthritis scores, with significantly lower scores over time for dogs that received TF versus CF and for dogs that underwent rehabilitation versus those that did not. Proportions of dogs with complete osteotomy healing 8 and 24 weeks after surgery were significantly lower for dogs that received TF than for dogs that received CF, regardless of rehabilitation status. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that feeding the TF can result in lower synovial fluid PGE2 concentrations and that both the TF and rehabilitation can reduce progression of osteoarthritis in the 6 months following tibial plateau leveling osteotomy; clinical relevance of slower osteotomy healing in dogs fed the TF was unclear.

Development of clinical sign-based scoring system for assessment of omphalitis in neonatal calves.

Omphalitis contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality in neonatal calves. Diagnosis of omphalitis is based on the local signs of inflammation-pain, swelling, local heat and purulent discharge. An abattoir trial identified an optimal, sign-based, scoring system for diagnosis of omphalitis. A sample of 187 calves aged between 7 and 15 days old were clinically examined for signs of umbilical inflammation and compared with postmortem examination of navels. On postmortem findings, 64 calves (34.2 per cent) had omphalitis. In the examined omphalitis cases, the most commonly affected umbilical structure was the urachus (78.1 per cent). Multivariable logistic regression revealed that thickening of the umbilical stump over 1.3 cm (P<0.001), discharge (P<0.001), raised local temperature (P=0.003) and the presence of umbilical hernia (P=0.024) were correlated and positive predictors of omphalitis. Discharge from the umbilical stump was associated with intra-abdominal inflammation (P=0.004). Assigning weights based on the multivariable logistic regression coefficients, a clinical scoring algorithm was developed. The cumulative score ranged from 0 to 9. Using this scoring system, calves were categorised as positive if their total score was ≥2. This scoring method had a sensitivity of 85.9 per cent, specificity of 74.8 per cent and correctly classified 78.6 per cent of all calves.

Assessment of adrenocortical reserve capacity and inflammatory parameters in critically ill dogs.

Inflammatory markers and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test results may help us recognise critically ill dogs with poor disease outcome. Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria, the fast version of the Acute Patient Physiologic and Laboratory Evaluation Score (APPLEfast), complete blood count, albumin and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, baseline and stimulated cortisol levels and Δcortisol value were recorded in 50 client-owned dogs admitted to the Small Animal Hospital of the University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest with various inflammatory or neoplastic conditions. Increasing APPLEfast score was associated with a decreasing chance of survival (P = 0.0420). The Δcortisol value was significantly higher in SIRS dogs than in non-SIRS dogs (mean ± SD ΔcortisolSIRS: 342.5 ± 273.96; mean ± SD Δcortisolnon-SIRS: 175.3 ± 150.35; P = 0.0443). Elevated baseline or stimulated cortisol levels were associated with a higher chance of non-survival (P = 0.0135 and P = 0.0311, respectively). These data indicate that pathologically higher baseline and stimulated cortisol levels represent an exaggerated stress response in critically ill dogs, which is negatively associated with survival.

Assessment of horse owners' ability to recognise equine laminitis: A cross-sectional study of 93 veterinary diagnosed cases in Great Britain.

BACKGROUND: Use of owner-reported data could further epidemiological knowledge of equine laminitis. However, owner recognition of laminitis has not previously been assessed. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective was to establish whether cases of owner-suspected laminitis would be confirmed as laminitis by the attending veterinary surgeon. Secondary objectives were to compare owner- and veterinary-reported information from veterinary-confirmed cases of equine laminitis. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Twenty-five British veterinary practices were invited to submit laminitis reporting forms (LRFs) for active laminitis cases attended between January 2014 and October 2015; detailing 27 clinical signs, 5 underlying conditions and 7 risk factors associated with laminitis. Owners were invited to independently complete a modified LRF if reason for the veterinary visit was suspicion of laminitis. Differences between paired veterinary and owner LRFs, and between cases where owners did and did not recognise laminitis, were assessed using McNemar's and Fisher's Exact tests, respectively. RESULTS: Veterinary LRFs were received for 93 veterinary-diagnosed laminitis cases. All 51 owner-suspected cases were confirmed by veterinary diagnosis, with the remaining 42 (45.2%) not recognised as laminitis by owners. Undefined lameness, foot abscesses, colic and stiffness were common reasons for owner-requested veterinary visits in owner-unrecognised cases. 'Divergent growth rings' (prevalence difference: +27.3%, P = 0.01) and 'breed type' (prevalence difference: +21.2%, P = 0.04) were more commonly reported by veterinary surgeons in owner-recognised compared to owner-unrecognised cases. 'Difficulty turning', 'shifting weight' and risk factor 'body condition' were more frequently reported by veterinary surgeons whilst 'increased hoof temperature' was reported more frequently by owners. MAIN LIMITATIONS: The limited clinical data restricted statistical inferences regarding the secondary objectives. CONCLUSIONS: All owner-suspected laminitis cases were confirmed upon veterinary examination, showing validity for the inclusion of owner-reported cases in future epidemiological studies. However, failure of laminitis recognition by owners highlights further need for evidence-based education to ensure early disease detection.

Costs of immunity and their role in the range expansion of the house sparrow in Kenya.

There are at least two reasons to study traits that mediate successful range expansions. First, dispersers will found new populations and thus impact the distribution and evolution of species. Second, organisms moving into new areas will influence the fate of resident communities, directly competing with or indirectly affecting residents by spreading non-native or spilling-back native parasites. The success of invaders in new areas is likely mediated by a counterbalancing of costly traits. In new areas where threats are comparatively rare, individuals that grow rapidly and breed prolifically should be at an advantage. High investment in defenses should thus be disfavored. In the present study, we compared the energetic, nutritional and collateral damage costs of an inflammatory response among Kenyan house sparrow (Passer domesticus) populations of different ages, asking whether costs were related to traits of individuals from three different capture sites. Kenya is among the world's most recent range expansions for this species, and we recently found that the expression of Toll-like receptors (TLRs), leukocyte receptors that instigate inflammatory responses when bound to microbial elements, was related to the range expansion across the country. Here, we found (contrary to our expectations) that energetic and nutritional costs of inflammation were higher, but damage costs were lower, in range-edge compared with core birds. Moreover, at the individual level, TLR-4 expression was negatively related to commodity costs (energy and a critical amino acid) of inflammation. Our data thus suggest that costs of inflammation, perhaps mediated by TLR expression, might mitigate successful range expansions.

Tracheobronchoscopic Assessment of Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage and Airway Inflammation in Barrel Racing Horses.

BACKGROUND: Poor performance is often suspected to be associated with EIPH in barrel racing horses; however, there are no published reports of EIPH for this discipline. The prevalence of EIPH in barrel racing horses is also unknown. OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to determine the prevalence of EIPH and signs of airway inflammation in barrel racing horses under normal racing conditions in Alberta. ANIMALS: About 170 barrel racing horses. METHODS: Observational cross-sectional study. Tracheobronchoscopic examinations were performed at least 30 minutes postrace. Video recordings were scored off-site independently by two observers for EIPH and tracheal mucus accumulation (TMA). Horses with an EIPH score ≥2 were not assessed for TMA. Interobserver agreement was calculated by weighted κ statistics. Run times, environmental variables, and clinical information were also recorded for analysis. RESULTS: 77/170 (45.3%) of horses examined showed evidence of EIPH (grade ≥ 1). Interobserver agreement was 0.94. 140/141 (99.3%) of horses assessed for TMA showed evidence of tracheal mucus accumulation (grade ≥ 1) with 104/141 (73.8%) having a TMA score ≥ 2. Interobserver agreement was 0.73. A weak positive association was found between EIPH scores and average run speed, the presence of cough at rest reported by the riders, increased recovery time, exercise intolerance, and outdoor pattern. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The high prevalence of EIPH observed in the sampled population indicates that barrel racing induces substantial stress on the lungs. The presence of EIPH did not impact negatively on performance. Factors such as environmental dust and frequent traveling might have contributed to the high prevalence of TMA observed.

Avaliação ultrassonográfica de componentes umbilicais inflamados em bezerros da raça Holandesa com até 30 dias de vida / Ultrassonographic avaliation of the inflamed umbilical structures in Holstein calves during their first 30 days of life

As afecções umbilicais merecem destaque entre as enfermidades que acometem bezerros no primeiro mês de vida, pela alta incidência durante essa fase da vida dos neonatos e pelas relevantes perdas econômicas, decorrentes da mortalidade, custos de tratamento e atendimento veterinário, além de sequelas que poderão determinar menores ganho de peso e produção leiteira. O diagnóstico dessas enfermidades muitas vezes é prejudicado pela dificuldade em se detectar os acometimentos das estruturas intra-abdominais do umbigo, o que afetará negativamente a escolha do tratamento mais adequado e o estabelecimento do real prognóstico para cada animal. No presente estudo, realizou-se a análise ultrassonográfica dos animais com inflamação/infecção dos componentes umbilicais sendo possível observar algumas características em relação a mensurações e ecogenicidade, presentes nos componentes umbilicais acometidos. A partir dessas avaliações concluiu-se que a medida mais adequada para identificar animais com possíveis processos inflamatórios nos componentes umbilicais é a espessura da parede dos vasos umbilicais quando comparada ao diâmetro dos mesmos. Ainda, o estudo possibilitou verificar algumas particularidades do comportamento dos componentes do cordão umbilical em bezerros sadios da raça Holandesa, bem como determinar que os vasos umbilicais intra-abdominais iniciam uma involução em porção mais interna e progridem para as extremidades próximas ao anel umbilical com o evoluir da idade. Destaca-se que o confronto desses resultados com aqueles poucos descritos na literatura disponível mostrou-se com notáveis diferenças.(AU)

Umbilical disorders deserve mention among the illnesses affecting calves in the first month of life. The high incidence during this phase of life of newborns and relevant economic losses arising from mortality, cost of treatment and veterinary care, beyond sequelae may determine lower weight gain and milk production. The diagnosis of these diseases is often hampered by the difficulty to detect the involvement of intra-abdominal umbilical structures, which negatively affect the choice of the most appropriate treatment and the actual outcome for each calf. In the present study, we performed ultrasound examinations of calves with inflammation/infection in the umbilical components and observed some characteristics related with measurements and echogenicity present in umbilical affected components. From these evaluation it was concluded that the wall thickness of the umbilical vessels is the more reliable standard to determine changes in these components, as compared with that of the diameter of the umbilical vessels. Furthermore, from this study we observed some peculiarities of involution of the intra-abdominal umbilical cord components in healthy Holstein calves used for the control group to characterize the behavior of the umbilical structures during the progress of the age in the newborns. It is noteworthy that the comparison of these results with those found in the rare literature available showed notable differences.(AU)

Assessment of systemic inflammation by time-trends of blood granulocyte count and plasma myeloperoxidase and elastase concentrations following colic surgery in horses.

OBJECTIVE: To determine changes in blood granulocyte counts and in plasma myeloperoxidase (MPO) and elastase (ELT) concentrations in surgical colic cases, and to determine the relationship between these changes and the surgical procedure performed, occurrence of postoperative ileus, and final outcome. DESIGN: Prospective clinical study conducted over a 12-month period. SETTING: University teaching hospital. ANIMALS: Fifty-three horses undergoing emergency laparotomy and surviving at least 12 hours postoperatively. INTERVENTIONS: Blood samples were taken before surgery, during surgery, at the recovery from anesthesia, and then serially until the 150th hour after the first blood sampling. Granulocyte counts were performed by an automated cell hematology analyzer. Specific ELISAs were performed for the MPO and ELT measurements. Mixed models were used to compare the time-trends of the 3 parameters. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Taking all horses together, the time-trends of MPO and ELT were not significantly different from each other, but they were significantly different from the granulocyte time-trend. The type of surgical procedure did not influence the time-trends of the 3 parameters. Significant changes in the granulocyte time-trends were associated with postoperative ileus and outcome. Significant changes in the MPO time-trends were associated with outcome. The ELT time-trends were not influenced by ileus or outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Granulocyte counts and MPO change over time and are related to the severity of the inflammatory reaction in surgical colic cases. These time-trends may allow evaluation of treatment efficacy in an effort to modulate excessive granulocyte activation and degranulation.

Assessment of the expression of biomarkers of uremic inflammation in dogs with renal disease.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the expression of inflammatory cytokines and enzymes in venous whole blood of dogs with impaired renal function attributable to various causes. ANIMALS: 46 dogs with acute kidney injury (AKI), 8 dogs with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and 10 healthy dogs. PROCEDURES: Dogs with AKI and CKD were prospectively enrolled during 2010 if they met inclusion criteria. Demographic and laboratory characteristics were evaluated for each dog, and expression of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1α, IL-1ß, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, IL-10, and transforming growth factor [TGF]-ß) and enzymes (inducible nitric oxide synthase [iNOS] and 5-lipoxygenase [5-LO]) was measured in venous whole blood obtained at initial evaluation. RESULTS: Dogs with impaired renal function had markedly higher expression of the cytokines IL-1α, IL-1ß, and TGF-ß and the enzyme 5-LO, compared with expression in healthy dogs. Additionally, 17 of 46 AKI dogs (but none of the CKD dogs) had higher IL-8 mRNA expression and 3 of 8 CKD dogs (but only 2/46 AKI dogs) had higher TNF-α expression, compared with results for healthy dogs. No significant difference between renal disease groups was detected for inflammatory markers and laboratory variables, degree of azotemia, or cause of impaired renal function. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In this study, expression of the cytokines IL-1α, IL-1ß, and TGF-ß and the enzyme 5-LO was clearly increased in dogs with renal disease, which suggested that these markers were part of an inflammatory response in animals with AKI or CKD.

Assessment of the main plasma parameters included in a metabolic profile of dairy cow based on Fourier Transform mid-infrared spectroscopy: preliminary results.

BACKGROUND: Although a metabolic profile represents a valid tool utilized in dairy herds to determine abnormalities in blood chemistry related to an increased risk of production diseases, there are no studies on application of Fourier Transform mid-infrared (FT-MIR) spectroscopy. This study assesses the potential application of FT-MIR to analyze the main blood biochemical parameters included in the metabolic profile of dairy cows. Infrared transmission spectra were acquired for 35 plasma samples (two replicates on each sample) of Italian Friesian dairy cows (14 primiparous and 21 pluriparous), all without clinical events, and at different stages of lactation, although mainly in the transition phase. Each sample was also analyzed independently using accepted reference clinical chemical methods and these results were used as calibrating values to perform predictive models by PLS method using cross validation. RESULTS: Measured blood parameters concentrations were all within the reference ranges reported for healthy dairy cows. The number of extracted factors with the PLS procedure for each prediction model ranged between 3 and 7. The coefficient of determination (R(2)) of the prediction models ranged between 0.1 to values close to 1. R(2) values greater than 0.9 were observed for the prediction models of total cholesterol, total protein, globulin, and albumin; values between 0.75 and 0.9 were observed for urea, NEFA, and total bilirubin, while values of R(2) lower than 0.6 were observed for all minerals and for enzyme activity. The range error ratio (RER) and prediction to deviation (RPD) ranged from 5.1 to 43.8 and from 1 to 13.8 for RER and RPD, respectively. Values of RPD greater than 5 were observed for total cholesterol, total protein, albumin, and globulin. RPD ranged between 2 and 5 for the prediction models of urea, NEFA, and total bilirubin, while RPD and RER were low for minerals and enzyme activities. CONCLUSIONS: Although the results of this study require further validation, the use of FT-MIR spectroscopy was possible and provides fairly accurate measurement of various parameters of great importance in the evaluation of the metabolic and inflammatory status in dairy cows.

Cytological evaluation of tracheal aspirate and broncho-alveolar lavage fluid in comparison to endoscopic assessment of lower airways in horses with recurrent airways obstruction or inflammatory airway disease.

The aim of the present study was to compare the grade of discharge accumulation in the tracheal lumen, area of tracheal bifurcation, main bronchi and the tracheal septum thickness with the cytology of the tracheal aspirate (TA) and broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in horses with recurrent airways obstruction and inflammatory airway disease from those horses. This study was conducted on 96 horses with RAO, 139 horses with IAD and 10 control horses. In all the horses, both clinical and endoscopic examinations were performed. During endoscopy, a score of mucus accumulation was estimated in 3/4 lower of the trachea and in the tracheal bifurcation. In addition, thickening of the tracheal septum was also assessed; tracheal aspirates and broncho-alveolar lavage were performed. An estimate of cell percentage was done in TA and BALF samples. In horses suffering from RAO and IAD, there was a positive correlation between the percentage of neutrophils and the accumulation of discharge, and in the IAD group, there was a negative correlation between the percentage of eosinophils and the accumulation of discharge. There was no correlation between tracheal septum thickening and the percentage of neutrophils and/or eosinophils.