[Selenium level in the sera of dogs and cats in West Pomerania and WestUkraine]. / Selengehalt im Serum von Hunden und Katzen in Westpommern und der Westukraine.

OBJECTIVE: Main function of the trace element selenium is the protection of the body against free radicals by means of the selenium-containing enzyme glutathione peroxidase acting as an intracytoplasmatic antioxydant. This study determined serum selenium concentration in dogs and cats from West Pomerania, Poland, and West Ukraine (Lviv region). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Serum samples were obtained from 74 dogs and 42 cats. 49 dogs and 20 cats were from West Pomerania, and 25 dogs and 22 cats from West Ukraine. Selenium concentrations were determined with a spectrofluorometric method according to Watkinson (1966), modified by Grzebula et al. (1977). RESULTS: The mean selenium concentrations in dog and cat serum in animals from West Pomerania were 2.927 and 6.169µmol/l, respectively and exceeded the serum selenium concentration in dogs and cats from West Ukraine by 0.687 and 2.053µmol/l, respectively. Statistically significant differences in selenium concentration were observed between healthy animals (3.842µmol/l) and those with symptoms of allergy (3.240µmol/l) or dogs with neoplasias (1.749µmol/l). No statistical differences in serum selenium concentration were related to age and to sex. CONCLUSION: This research shows that in dogs with neoplasias, serum selenium concentration was about 45% lower than in healthy dogs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In patients with selenium deficiency supplementation of selenium might have a positive impact on the course of diseases like neoplasia, heart insufficiency, liver necrosis, myopathy, and pancreatitis.

Selenium supplementation enhances the protective response to Toxocara canis larvae in mice.

The effect of oral and intraperitoneal supply of sodium selenite on the immune response to, and the course of T. canis larvae infection in mice were determined. The number of worms in the host tissue was reduced but the migratory route of larvae was not affected. Selenite (Se) supplementation influences Se retention in the liver, enhanced IL-5 and eosinophil responses and evoked IL-6 production in mice infected with T. canis. The enhanced protection in mice given Se intraperitoneally was associated with high levels of parasite-specific IgE, and enhanced concentration of Th1-related cytokines such IL-12p70, TNF-α and IFN-γ. In mice given Se orally, the predominant cytokines produced were IL-10, MCP-1 and IL-6 and these mice had lower protection. In conclusion, Se supplementation increases production of specific cytokines in mice infected with T. canis and increases protection against infection.

[Studies on usefullness of imidasol preparations for treatment of pulmonary and air sacks aspergillosis in geese]. / Badania nad przydatnoscia preparatów imidazolowych w leczeniu aspergilozy pluc u gesi.

The studies were carried out in two geese farms with a total number of 11.143 - 4 weeks old birds. Two imidazol preparations--5 per cent Miconazole powder and 2 Clotrimazole solution were used in these studies. Miconazole was applied as feed additive for 200 with aspergillosis infected geese, in a dosis of 10 mg of active substance on one kg of body weight. Clotrimazole was administered in a form of inhalation in a dose of 1,5 1 of 2 per cent solution per geese house of 3000 m3. Spraying was performed using gas-pipes of steam ganerator joined to the air compressor of the type 3 JW - 60 (6hp). In this way 5 - 10 microm partiches were obtained. The preparation was sprayed twice ad 2 - 4 days intervals. After Miconazole administration the recovery of sick birds and inhibition of the disease in geese were observed. The Clotrimazole preparations may be also administered prophylactically in geese houses, were stationary aspergillosis has been observed.

[Usefulness of Thuridan in the control of fly larvae in animal houses]. / Przydatnosc preparatu Thuridan do zwalczania larw much w pomieszczeniach gospodarskich.

The studies were carried out in a pig farm and in a dairy cattle farm in South Poland. Thuridan was applied as 0.3% suspension in 3 replications in 7 days interval. The efficacy of Thuridan was established using fly--catchers which were hung on the same places--once before and three times after Thuridan was used. In the animal houses 86% less flies were found.