Successful treatment of feline pancreatolithiasis associated with an ascending Providencia rettgeri infection using a novel surgical technique.

A 12-year-old female spayed Domestic Shorthair cat presented with a 4-day history of lethargy, inappetence and vomiting. Physical findings included a grade 2/6 heart murmur and cranial abdominal pain on palpation. Serum biochemistry revealed elevated total bilirubin and liver enzymes activities. Abdominal ultrasound revealed multiple pancreatoliths, cholelithiasis and dilation of the pancreatic duct. During exploratory laparotomy, catheterisation of the pancreatic duct with retrograde and orthograde flushing to remove the pancreatoliths was performed via a distal enterotomy and proximal left apical partial pancreatectomy respectively. Catheterisation and flushing of the common bile duct were performed to confirm patency prior to cholecystectomy. Bacterial culture of pancreatoliths, pancreatic tissue and bile grew a heavy, pure growth of Providencia rettgeri. Fluorescent immunostaining histopathology revealed clusters of rod-shaped bacteria within the pancreatic parenchyma and gall bladder mucosa. The cat received pradofloxacin for two weeks. She made a complete recovery and remained well at a six-month follow-up.

Suspect severe gastroenteritis associated with ingestion of caterpillar setae fragments in a cat.

A 6-month-old male neutered Domestic Shorthair cat was assessed for a 24-h history of anorexia, lethargy, depressed mentation, mild abdominal pain and persistent bradycardia. Abdominal ultrasound revealed marked thickening of the gastric wall, gastric distension, free abdominal fluid, distension and corrugation of the small intestine. Full-thickness histopathological biopsy of the gastric wall demonstrated intralesional chitinous structures whose morphology (size and presence of obvious barbs) supports these structures being urticating hairs (setae). A processionary caterpillar is considered most likely as these are the most common urticating caterpillars in Australia. This is the first case of suspected severe gastroenteritis associated with the ingestion of caterpillar setae fragments in a cat.

Acute kidney injury in 18 cats after subcutaneous meloxicam and an update on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug usage in feline patients in Australia.

OBJECTIVES: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a well-known but poorly documented adverse effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in cats. We aimed to describe instances of NSAID-associated AKI in cats and survey Australian veterinarians on NSAID use in acute settings. METHODS: Medical records of cats that developed an AKI subsequent to the administration of meloxicam were obtained by searching the databases of seven practices in Queensland, as well as by contemporaneously contacting select veterinary colleagues of the authors in both general and specialist small animal practice. An online questionnaire was created for the survey, and the URL distributed to Australian practitioners. RESULTS: A total of 18 cases were retrieved, all of which received injectable meloxicam. The indication(s) for its use and the dosage prescribed were within the manufacturer's recommendations for Australian veterinarians. The majority of cases (13/18 cats) received the label dose of 0.3 mg/kg subcutaneously (SC) on the day of the procedure. In 12/18 cats, the injection was given in association with general anaesthesia or sedation. Fourteen cats survived to hospital discharge. Of 187 survey respondees, 89% routinely administered NSAIDs for surgery-related analgesia, with 98% prescribing meloxicam and 84% of these giving it SC. Ninety percent of respondees routinely administered NSAIDs for non-surgical-related analgesia, with 99% prescribing meloxicam and 35% of those giving it SC. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: We strongly recommend that practitioners avoid prescribing meloxicam SC in cats. This recommendation is emphatic in situations where concurrent dehydration and/or hypotension are possible.

Acute phase response to Mycoplasma haemofelis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' infection in FIV-infected and non-FIV-infected cats.

The pathogenicity of Haemoplasma spp. in cats varies with 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' (CMhm) causing subclinical infection while Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf) often induces haemolytic anaemia. The aims of this study were to characterise the acute phase response (APR) of the cat to experimental infection with Mhf or CMhm, and to determine whether chronic feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection influences this response. The acute phase proteins serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp) and α-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) concentrations were measured pre-infection and every 7-14 days up to day 100 post-infection (pi) in cats infected with either Mhf or CMhm. Half of each group of cats (6/12) were chronically and subclinically infected with FIV. Marbofloxacin treatment was given on days 16-44 pi to half of the Mhf-infected cats, and on days 49-77 pi to half of the CMhm-infected cats. FIV-infected animals had significantly lower AGP concentrations, and significantly greater Hp concentrations than non-FIV-infected cats when infected with CMhm and Mhf, respectively. Both CMhm and Mhf infection were associated with significant increases in SAA concentrations, while AGP concentrations were only significantly increased by Mhf infection. Mhf-infected cats had significantly greater SAA concentrations than CMhm-infected animals. Both Mhf and CMhm infections were associated with an APR, with Mhf infection inducing a greater response. Chronic FIV infection appeared to modify the APR, which varied with the infecting Haemoplasma species.

[Results evaluations 3 years after our first experience with the laparoscopic treatment of Hirschsprung disease]. / Evaluación de resultados a tres años de nuestra primera experiencia en el tratamiento laparoscópico de la enfermedad de Hirschsprung.

The laparoscopic approach has been successfully used during the recent last years in pediatric surgery. We describe the first experience in Argentina using laparoscopic surgery in November 4th in 1996, for the treatment of a Hirschsprung disease case. We used the technique of Soave's modified by Georgenson. Details of the surgical procedure are given. Hospitalization time took 5 days and immediated postoperatory cares were well done. Soave-Georgeson technique seems to be a safe and effective possibility for the Hirschsprung disease treatment, and it is completely achieveable by laparoscopy. The present experience does not show advantages in terms of a lower hospitalization time, however it really shows the benefits of laparoscopic surgery, such as post-operatory comfort and better cosmetic results, both highly superior than those obtained with classical surgery.

Evaluación de resultados a tres años de nuestra primera experiencia en el tratamiento laparoscópico de la enfermedad de Hirschsprung / Three years results evaluation of our first experience in laparoscopic treatment for Hirshprung disease

El abordaje laparoscópico ha sido exitosamente utilizado durante los últimos años, en el tratamiento de la patología quirúrgica infantil. Presentamos la primer experiencia realizada en Argentina llevada a cabo el d de Noviembre de 1996 para el tratamiento de la enfermedad de Hirschsprung por vía laparoscópica, con técnica de Soave modificada por Georgenson. Se describe en detalle el procedimiento operatorio. La duración de la hospitalización fue de 5 días y el control postoperatorio inmediato favorable. La evaluación de los resultados funcionales a tres años son satisfactorios. La intervención de Soave-Georgenson en el tratamiento de la enfermedad de Hiruhsprung, parece una técnica segura, eficaz y completamente realizable por vía laparoscópica. Aunque esta experiencia no prueba beneficios en cuanto a la reducción del tiempo de hospilalización, brinda todos los beneficios de la cirugía Iaparoscópica con un confort postoperatorio y un resultado estético altamente superior al obtenido al utilizar el abordaje a cielo abierto. (AU)

Perforacion intestinal en recien nacido pretarmino, relacionada con la administracion de indometacina / Intestinal perforation in a premature infant, related to the use of Indomethacin

Se presenta el caso de un recien nacido, pretarmino, con peso adecuado a su edad gestacional, que requirio la administracion endovenosa de Indometacina, por presentar signos de ductus arterioso sitomatico. Posterior al tratamiento presento una perforacion ileal unica. Desde el punto de vista clinico-patologico, la preforacion intestinal, espontanea o relacionada con la adminstracion endovenosa de Indometacina, constituyen entidades diferentes de la enterocolitis necrotizante. Su reconocimiento precoz permite un tratamiento con buena evolucion clinica posterior y buen pronostico

Perforacion intestinal en recien nacido pretarmino, relacionada con la administracion de indometacina / Intestinal perforation in a premature infant, related to the use of Indomethacin

Se presenta el caso de un recien nacido, pretarmino, con peso adecuado a su edad gestacional, que requirio la administracion endovenosa de Indometacina, por presentar signos de ductus arterioso sitomatico. Posterior al tratamiento presento una perforacion ileal unica. Desde el punto de vista clinico-patologico, la preforacion intestinal, espontanea o relacionada con la adminstracion endovenosa de Indometacina, constituyen entidades diferentes de la enterocolitis necrotizante. Su reconocimiento precoz permite un tratamiento con buena evolucion clinica posterior y buen pronostico

Resección parcial del megarrecto en niños constipados operados por una malformación / Partial conditions: impact on prognosis in patient with gastroschisis

La constipación observada en el 30-50//de los pacientes operados por una malformación anorrectal puede deberse a una hipomotilidad rectal. El desarrollo de una constipación severa y un megarrecto con impactación fecal, puede afectar la continencia. Se presentaron 7 pacientes operados previamente por una malformación anorrectal que presentaban constipación severa y ensuciamiento fecal, en quienes se realizó la resección parcial del rectosigma dilatado. La constipación mejoró en todos y la continencia fue normal en los pacientes con malformaciones de buen pronóstico con una sacro normal ( fístulas cutáneas, fístulas vestibulares). En los niños con ano imperforado y fistula uretral prostática y anomalía sacra, la continencia mejorí significativamente . La resección parcial del rectosigma facilitó el manejo de la constipación severa y mejoró la continencia lo que evidencia la importancia de la motilidad intestinal en la continencia rectoanal. Debería considerarse en todo con megarrecto primario o secundario, cuya constipación no pueda se manejada clínicamente

Resección parcial del megarrecto en niños constipados operados por una malformación / Partial conditions: impact on prognosis in patient with gastroschisis

La constipación observada en el 30-50//de los pacientes operados por una malformación anorrectal puede deberse a una hipomotilidad rectal. El desarrollo de una constipación severa y un megarrecto con impactación fecal, puede afectar la continencia. Se presentaron 7 pacientes operados previamente por una malformación anorrectal que presentaban constipación severa y ensuciamiento fecal, en quienes se realizó la resección parcial del rectosigma dilatado. La constipación mejoró en todos y la continencia fue normal en los pacientes con malformaciones de buen pronóstico con una sacro normal ( fístulas cutáneas, fístulas vestibulares). En los niños con ano imperforado y fistula uretral prostática y anomalía sacra, la continencia mejorí significativamente . La resección parcial del rectosigma facilitó el manejo de la constipación severa y mejoró la continencia lo que evidencia la importancia de la motilidad intestinal en la continencia rectoanal. Debería considerarse en todo con megarrecto primario o secundario, cuya constipación no pueda se manejada clínicamente

Indicaciones quirúrgicas de las bronquiectasias en niños / Bronchiectasis in childhood indications for surgical treatment

Sobre un total de 24 pacientes con diagnóstico de bronquiectasias en el Servicio de Neumonología del Hospital de Clínicas "José de San Martín" entre 1987 y 1994, 9 fueron sometidos a tratamiento quirúrgico (37,5 por ciento ).Se analizan las indicaciones quirúrgicas ,las localizaciones más frecuentes de las lesiones y los resultados obtenidos.Las bronquiectasias se clasificaron de acuerdo a la evaluación clínica en formas leves,moderadas y graves según el tiempo de evolución y la extensión de las lesiones.Los pacientes que fueron sometidos a cirugía tuvieron como antecedentes más destacables neumonías a repetición y asma bronquial. La lesión se delimitó en casi todos los casos con la TAC, no siendo necesario realizar una broncografía en todos los casos, como muchos autores sugieren. Seis de los 9 operados (66 por ciento ) comenzaron con síntomas antes del año de edad y el tiempo promedio entr el comienzo de los síntomas y la cirugía fue de 4 años.En 7 pacientes se indicó lobectomía o segmentectomía por presentar lesiones localizadas , no evolutivas al resto del parénquima y sin respuesta al tratamiento médico. Los otros dos pacientes operados presentaban severas lesiones de todo el pulmón y se les realizó neumonectomía.Todos los niños mejoraron después de la operación

Indicaciones quirúrgicas de las bronquiectasias en niños / Bronchiectasis in childhood indications for surgical treatment

Sobre un total de 24 pacientes con diagnóstico de bronquiectasias en el Servicio de Neumonología del Hospital de Clínicas "José de San Martín" entre 1987 y 1994, 9 fueron sometidos a tratamiento quirúrgico (37,5 por ciento ).Se analizan las indicaciones quirúrgicas ,las localizaciones más frecuentes de las lesiones y los resultados obtenidos.Las bronquiectasias se clasificaron de acuerdo a la evaluación clínica en formas leves,moderadas y graves según el tiempo de evolución y la extensión de las lesiones.Los pacientes que fueron sometidos a cirugía tuvieron como antecedentes más destacables neumonías a repetición y asma bronquial. La lesión se delimitó en casi todos los casos con la TAC, no siendo necesario realizar una broncografía en todos los casos, como muchos autores sugieren. Seis de los 9 operados (66 por ciento ) comenzaron con síntomas antes del año de edad y el tiempo promedio entr el comienzo de los síntomas y la cirugía fue de 4 años.En 7 pacientes se indicó lobectomía o segmentectomía por presentar lesiones localizadas , no evolutivas al resto del parénquima y sin respuesta al tratamiento médico. Los otros dos pacientes operados presentaban severas lesiones de todo el pulmón y se les realizó neumonectomía.Todos los niños mejoraron después de la operación

Accessory perineal scrotum associated with anorectal malformation. A report of 2 cases.

Two new cases of accessory perineal scrotum in association with anorectal malformation are reported. The development of accessory scrota--as distinct from ectopic scrota--can be attributed to abnormal migration of the labioscrotal swellings.

The conjugative transposon Tn925: enhancement of conjugal transfer by tetracycline in Enterococcus faecalis and mobilization of chromosomal genes in Bacillus subtilis and E. faecalis.

The effects of tetracycline on transfer of the conjugative, tetracycline-resistance transposon. Tn925, as well as the ability of the transposon to promote the transfer of chromosomal genes was examined in Enterococcus faecalis and Bacillus subtilis. To test for chromosomal transfer, multiply-marked strains of each organism, each carrying a single chromosomal copy of Tn925, were mated on filters with suitable recipient strains, under conditions where transformation and transduction were precluded. In both cases, transfer of a variety of chromosomal genes, at frequencies comparable to the frequency of Tn925 transfer, was detected readily. The presence of Tn925 in one of the members of the mating pair was absolutely required for chromosomal transfer, but transfer of Tn925 did not accompany every chromosomal transfer event. The results were consistent with a mating event resembling a type of cell fusion, allowing for extensive recombination between the genomes of the mating partners. Growth of Tn925-containing donor cells in the presence of tetracycline increased the transfer frequency of Tn925 by about tenfold in E. faecalis, but not in B. subtilis.

H2, a temperate bacteriophage isolated from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain H.

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain H is lysogenic for a large temperate phage we call H2. H2 has a polyhedral head 85 nm in diameter and a tail of about 17 x 434 nm. H2 lysogenizes Bacillus subtilis between the tyrA and metB genes, and gives specialized transduction of metB and, at lower frequencies, of ilvD and ilvA. The phage carries a thymidylate synthase gene and converts thymine auxotrophs of B. subtilis to prototrophy. The H2 genome is a linear DNA molecule about 129 kb in length. DNA extracted from phage particles grown in B. subtilis is not cut by the restriction endonucleases HaeIII, Fnu4HI, Bsp1286I, and BamHI; the latter enzyme is produced by B. amyloliquefaciens strain H. The prophage in lysogenic B. subtilis cells can be cut by these enzymes. We have isolated H2 mutants that carry the transposon Tn917, or a mutation resulting in clear-plaque morphology, or both.

Two conjugation systems associated with Streptococcus faecalis plasmid pCF10: identification of a conjugative transposon that transfers between S. faecalis and Bacillus subtilis.

The tetracycline resistance plasmid pCF10 (58 kilobases [kb]) of Streptococcus faecalis possesses two separate conjugation systems. A 25-kb region of the plasmid (designated TRA) was shown previously to determine pheromone response and conjugation functions required for transfer of pCF10 between S. faecalis cells (P. J. Christie and G. M. Dunny, Plasmid 15:230-241, 1986). When S. faecalis cells were mixed with Bacillus subtilis in broth, tetracycline resistance was transferred from S. faecalis. The tetracycline-resistant B. subtilis cells contained a 16-kb region of pCF10 (distinct from TRA) that carried the tetracycline resistance determinant (Tetr). This Tetr element was found to transfer between S. faecalis and B. subtilis strains in the absence of plasmids. Genetic and molecular techniques were used to establish locations of the element at several different sites on the B. subtilis chromosome. The Tetr element could be transferred in filter matings from B. subtilis to S. faecalis strains and between recombination-proficient and -deficient S. faecalis strains in the absence of any plasmid DNA. The transfer required direct cell-to-cell contact and was not inhibited by DNase. The Tetr element was shown to transpose from the S. faecalis chromosome to various locations within the hemolysin plasmid pAD1. Together, the data indicate that the Tetr element, termed transposon Tn925, is very similar to the conjugative transposon Tn916 in both structure and function. A derivative of Tn925, containing transposon Tn917 inserted into a site approximately 3 kb from one end, exhibited elevated transfer frequencies and may provide a useful means for delivering Tn917 by conjugation into various gram-positive species.

Glutamine synthetase subunit mixing and regulation in Bacillus subtilis partial diploids.

A specialized transducing phage, SP beta c2 dglnA2, of Bacillus subtilis was used to construct partial diploids with various glutamine auxotrophs. The overproduction of manganese-stimulated glutamine synthetase no longer occurred in the diploids. The kinetics of heat inactivation of the enzyme extracted from two diploids suggests that there was subunit mixing.