Effects of human chorionic gonadotropin and intravaginal progesterone device treatment after artificial inseminations on the reproductive performance of normal and repeat breeder lactating dairy cows.

We examined the effects of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) treatment on Day 5 (Day 0 = day of artificial insemination: AI) and intravaginal progesterone device (IVPD) treatment from Day 5 to 19 on the conception and detection rates of return to estrus (re-estrus) in lactating dairy cows. A total of 306 cows from a commercial dairy farm were divided into the following three groups on Day 5: non-treatment group (n = 128), untreated; hCG group (n = 71), 3,000 IU hCG was administered (intramuscularly); IVPD group (n = 107), IVPD was inserted into the vagina from Day 5 to 19. Re-estrus detection was performed up to Day 25. Pregnancy was diagnosed by rectal palpation between Day 50 and 60. There was an interaction between treatment and AI number (P < 0.01) on the conception rate of first-AI. For cows with more than three AIs, the IVPD treatment (66.7%) was more effective than the non-treatment (23.1%) (P < 0.05). The re-estrus detection rate was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the IVPD group (60.7%) than that in the non-treatment group (41.4%) and tended (P < 0.1) to be higher than that in the hCG group (37.8%). Our results suggested that the conception rate can be improved by IVPD treatment, especially in cows with more than three AIs. In addition, IVPD treatment can induce higher estrus expression up to 25 days after AI in non-pregnant cows.

Basal levels and GnRH-induced responses of peripheral testosterone and estrogen in Holstein bulls with poor semen quality.

The present study investigated the basal levels and GnRH-induced responses of peripheral testosterone and estrogen in Holstein bulls with poor semen quality. On the basis of semen parameters, bulls (n=5) having poor semen quality were selected as experimental bulls, and good semen quality bulls (n=4) were used as control bulls. Both groups were treated intramuscularly once with GnRH (250 µg of fertirelin acetate). Blood samples were collected at -1 day (d), -30 min and 0 h (treatment) followed by every 30 min for 5 h and 1, 3 and 5 d post-GnRH treatment (PGT), and LH, testosterone and estradiol-17ß (E(2)) concentrations were measured. The pretreatment concentrations were used as basal levels. The percentage increments based on the 0-h levels were calculated per bull for each sampling time until 5 h PGT, and differences were compared between the experimental and control groups. The PGT concentrations of testosterone and basal and PGT concentrations of E(2) were significantly lower in the experimental group. The testosterone increment in the experimental group was delayed and significantly lower from 1 to 5 h PGT than those in the control group. It can be suggested that bulls with poor semen quality have delayed and lower GnRH-induced testosterone response and may also have lower estrogen levels.

Use of contrast-enhanced CT in the diagnosis of abscesses in cattle.

We report here the non-contrast and contrast-enhanced computed tomography performed in two calves with brain abscess and multiple pulmonary abscesses with pharyngeal abscess, respectively. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography was useful in the diagnosis of these diseases in both calves. The diseases were confirmed by histopathological examination.

Virtopsy in a red kangaroo with oral osteomyelitis.

This report describes the use of computed tomography (CT) in a nondomestic species. Postmortem CT was performed on a red kangaroo (Macropus rufus) and a diagnosis of oral osteomyelitis was made. CT examination revealed bony remodeling of the right mandible, an intraosseous lesion of the right temporal bone, muscle necrosis around the right mandible, and the absence of the right, first, upper molar tooth. Cardiac and intrahepatic gas and a distended intestine due to postmortem gas accumulation were also seen. All the lesions identified with CT were also identified by conventional necropsy, except the cardiac and intrahepatic gases. Virtopsy may be a useful procedure for the noninvasive identification of cause of death and as a guide for necropsy in animals.

Inflammatory reaction in the herniated degenerative disc materials in miniature dachshunds.

Histological and immunohistochemical studies were conducted using herniated intervertebral disc materials obtained surgically from 39 miniature dachshunds. Infiltration of inflammatory cells, such as macrophages, neutrophils, T or B lymphocytes, and multinucleated giant cells, were identified in intervertebral disc materials in 23 cases. Furthermore, proliferations of connective tissue, including neovascularization, were also observed in 17 cases. These results suggest that spontaneous regression of herniated intervertebral disc material could occur in affected dogs.

Computed tomographic evaluation of cerebral ventricular size in clinically normal calves.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate lateral ventricular size in clinically normal calves by use of computed tomography and to examine the relationships between ventricular height (Vh), ventricular area (VA), and ventricular volume (VV). ANIMALS: 14 Holstein calves. Procedures-14 calves underwent computed tomography of the head with transverse images acquired from the rostral aspect of the frontal lobe continuing caudally to the level of the foramen magnum. Hemispheric height, Vh, VA, and hemispheric area were measured on images obtained at the level of the interventricular foramen. Ventricular volume was calculated by multiplying the sum of VAs measured on each transverse image by the total slice thickness. The left Vh-to-right Vh ratio was calculated to determine the degree of ventricular asymmetry, which was categorized as normal (ie, symmetric) to minimally asymmetric, mildly asymmetric, or severely asymmetric. RESULTS: Mean +/- SD values for Vh and the Vh-to-hemispheric height ratio were 4.96 +/- 1.56 mm and 7.47%, respectively. The mean VA was 114.29 +/- 47.68 mm(2), and the mean VV was 2,443.50 +/- 1,351.50 mm3. Normal to minimally asymmetric ventricles were identified in 13 calves, and mildly asymmetric ventricles were identified in 1 calf. Significant correlations were found between Vh and VA and between Vh and VV. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These results establish reference values for ventricular size in clinically normal calves and suggest that Vh measurement may be a simple and useful technique for examining size of the cerebral ventricles in calves.

Effect of an autogenous free fat graft on hemilaminectomy defects in dogs.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of an autogenous free fat graft (FFG) on hemilaminectomy defects. Hemilaminectomy was performed at three levels in three beagles, and each defect was designated as a control site or a site treated with one of two different sizes of FFG. Subsequently, longitudinal computed tomography scanning and histopathological examination were performed. As a result, no postoperative dural adhesion was recognized at the sites where FFGs were placed regardless of the size of the FFG. Moreover, there was no compression of the spinal cord by the FFG. Therefore, it appears that postoperative dural adhesion was controlled by the FFG and that the possibility of FFG migration into the spinal canal is low in hemilaminectomy. In conclusion, placement of an FFG over the defect was considered useful for preventing complications in hemilaminectomy.

Effective oxytocin treatment on placental expulsion after foaling in heavy draft mares.

The aim of this study was to establish the effectiveness of administration of oxytocin (OT) on placental expulsion after foaling. Four foaling mares with the placentas retained for up 1 hr after foaling received OT (50 IU) administration at 1 hr intervals before expulsion of the placenta. The changes in the plasma concentrations of OT and the PGF2alpha metabolite (PGFM) were investigated, and the influence of OT administration was considered. The results were as follows. The placenta was expelled after one to three OT administrations in all four mares that received OT. In two mares, which expelled the placenta within 30 min after OT administration, the OT concentration increased and remained high. Expulsion of the placenta was delayed in two mares, and one of these mares, which received three doses of OT beginning 1 hr after foaling, showed only a small increase in the OT concentration after the first administration; the other mare did not receive OT until 3 hr after foaling. The OT concentration was increased before placental expulsion in all the mares, and the PGFM concentration also increased in the two mares with retained placentas. In conclusion, we suggest that intramuscular administration of 50 IU of OT at 1-hr intervals beginning 1 hr after foaling is effective for inducing placental expulsion.

Quantitative evaluation of hip joint laxity in 22 Border Collies using computed tomography.

The purpose of this study was to obtain the computed tomography (CT) data for the hip joints of 22 Border Collies. The dorsolateral subluxation (DLS) score, lateral center edge angle (LCEA), dorsal acetabular rim angle (DARA) and center distance (CD) index were measured on the CT images in a weight-bearing position. Radiographic Norberg angle (NA) was also measured. The mean values were 45.7 +/- 10.2% for DLS score, 85.9 degrees +/- 10.3 degrees for LCEA, 18.5 degrees +/- 7.3 degrees for DARA, 0.40 +/- 0.17 for CD index and 102.7 degrees +/- 6.9 degrees for NA. Since the DLS score and LCEA showed strong correlation, combined use of these parameters might improve diagnostic accuracy. We consider CT evaluation in a weight-bearing position to be a useful method for multidirectional evaluation of hips.

Providing an intelligible explanation to pet owners by using three-dimensional CT images: use of clinical imaging for better informed consent.

The purpose of the study reported here was to discuss the level of intelligibility of three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) images of clinical patients for persons who are lacking veterinary knowledge. 143 undergraduate students were participated in this study. They were entirely unfamiliar with veterinary anatomy. A survey was conducted using the visual analog scale method with a focus on the level of intelligibility of the 3D-CT images compared to that of the two-dimensional CT images or radiographs. As a result, the mean value of the intelligibility of the 3D-CT image was 88.4 +/- 17.8 points out of 100 points. In clinical cases, it is very difficult for pet owners lacking veterinary knowledge to understand the clinical status of their pets even with explanations using illustrations, radiographs, and transverse CT images. It is considered that better informed consent and patient satisfaction will be obtained provided veterinarians make an effort towards intelligible patient education by using 3D-CT images.

The difference of contrast effects of myelography in normal dogs: comparison of iohexol (180 mgI/ml), iohexol (240 mgI/ml) and iotrolan (240 mgI/ml).

The contrast effects of three different contrast media preparations (iohexol 180 mgI/ml, iohexol 240 mgI/ml and iotrolan 240 mgI/ml) in conventional and CT myelography were compared. Three beagle dogs were used and the study employed a cross-over method (total of 9) for each contrast media. The result of CT myelography showed that the contrast effect of iohexol (180 mgI/ml), which had low viscosity, was highest in cranial sites, and the contrast effect of high-viscosity iotrolan (240 mgI/ml) was highest in caudal sites 5 min after injection of the contrast media preparations. This shows that the diffusion of contrast media preparations in the subarachnoid space is influenced by viscosity. The results of conventional myelography also showed that the diffusion of contrast media preparations is influenced by viscosity. Therefore, it is important to identify the location of spinal lesions in veterinary practice, and low viscosity contrast medium preparation with wide spread contrast effects is considered suitable for myelography.

Relationships among age, body weight, scrotal circumference, semen quality and peripheral testosterone and estradiol concentrations in pubertal and postpubertal Holstein bulls.

In the present study, the correlations among age, body weight, scrotal circumference (SC), semen quality and peripheral testosterone and estradiol-17beta (E(2)) concentrations were investigated in pubertal (n=5) and postpubertal (n=7) groups of Holstein bulls over a 6 week period. There were significant positive correlations (P<0.01) among age, body weight and SC in both groups, and similar significant correlations between sperm motility and SC in pubertal bulls (P<0.01) and between sperm concentration and SC in postpubertal bulls (P<0.05). The sperm motility after collection (P<0.05) and after freezing and thawing (P<0.01) of the postpubertal bulls correlated positively with the E(2) concentration. Estrogen may be important for the function of postpubertal bull testes, in which it may regulate spermatozoa motility in vivo.

Analysis of blood flow in a third ventricular ependymoma and an olfactory bulb meningioma by using perfusion computed tomography.

Brain perfusion computed tomography (CT) scanning was performed in a mongrel dog and a golden retriever that were diagnosed with third ventricular tumor and olfactory bulb tumor, respectively, by contrast-enhanced CT. The tumors were pathologically diagnosed as ependymoma and meningioma, respectively. Perfusion CT results revealed that the ependymoma in this study had a lower blood flow, higher blood volume, and greater transit time of blood than the adjacent brain tissue. Further, the meningioma in this study had a higher blood flow, higher blood volume, and greater transit time of blood than the adjacent brain tissue. Perfusion CT can potentially be used for the grading of brain tumors and narrowing differential diagnosis, provided the perfusion CT data of animals are accumulated.

Comparison of excretory urographic contrast effects of dimeric and monomeric non-ionic iodinated contrast media in dogs.

In excretory urography, the osmolarity of contrast media has rarely been treated as important in veterinary medicine. In this study, the contrast effect of two contrast media (monomeric iohexol and dimeric iodixanol) in the renal cortex and aorta were compared using computed tomography (CT). Five beagle dogs were used and the study employed a cross-over method for each contrast media. The results showed that there was no difference between the media in the aorta, but iodixanol showed higher CT value and a longer contrast effect than iohexol in the renal cortex, in spite of having the same iodine dosage. It is believed that iodixanol, with its low osmolarity, is diluted less by osmotic diuresis than monomeric iohexol. It is important to consider the osmolarity of the contrast media when evaluating the contrast effect, and it is essential to use the same contrast media for each examination, or the renal excretory speed will be under/overestimated.

Pancytopenia with bleeding tendency associated with bone marrow aplasia in a Holstein calf.

An 11-day-old Holstein calf presented with a high rectal temperature and tachypnea. Treatment with antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs did not improve the clinical signs. Bleeding tendency, with several hemorrhage spots on the body surface, appeared five days after admission. Severe pancytopenia was observed in the blood examination. The calf died on the 11th day after admission with severe bleeding from an injection site. Necropsy findings revealed that the pancytopenia had resulted from severe bone marrow aplasia. A congenital disorder was suspected to be the cause of pancytopenia associated with bone marrow aplasia.

Insulin-like growth factor-I as a follicular growth promoter during early pregnancy in thoroughbred mares.

To elucidate the physiological role of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) during early pregnancy in mares, number of ovarian follicles was monitored ultrasonically during different stages of the first trimester of pregnancy in 36 thoroughbred mares. From 9 of 36 mares, blood samples were collected weekly from the mating day till the end of the first trimester of pregnancy and plasma IGF-I profiles were examined with other hormones, like follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), ir-inhibin, progesterone and estradiol-17beta. Plasma IGF-I level fluctuated throughout the studied period with four peaks on the 7th, 28th, 49th and 84th days of pregnancy. Plasma IGF-I showed a positive correlation with plasma FSH (P<0.05), whereas no correlation was found with other hormones during the studied period. Plasma IGF-I had no correlation with the foetal size, but positive correlation with the number of large (> 30 mm) and medium (10-30 mm) follicles. These results suggested that IGF-I might produce from the medium and large follicles during early pregnancy and promote to develop their growth via pituitary FSH mediated effects in the mares.

Atresia ani with diphallus and separate scrota in a calf: a case report.

Atresia ani, a common genetic defect in animals, is often accompanied by urogenital defects in calves. This paper reports a case of atresia ani with diphallus and separate scrota in a calf. The calf was born with atresia ani; surgery (to open the anus) was performed 3 days after birth. No urogenital abnormalities were noticed until 4 months after birth. At that time, two separate scrota (each containing a testis) and a sac-like structure in the middle of two scrota, were visible. The gait was abnormal, with abduction of the hind limbs while walking. Additionally, the hind legs appeared wider than usual at the hip joints. Two weeks later, two peni (diphallia) was observed, each in a separate preputial sheath. The calf had a normal karyotype on cytogenetic examination. Plasma concentrations of testosterone at 5.5, 6, and 7 months of age were 3.5, 1.9, and 1.7 ng/ml, respectively. At necropsy (7 months of age), the prepuce was thick and the glans of the right penis was adhered to the prepuce. The left penis did not have a urethra or retractor penis muscles. The sac-like structure in the middle of the two scrota contained the urinary bladder and a loop of small intestine. The pubic bone had failed to fuse at the pelvic symphysis. In conclusion, this is the first reported case of atresia ani with diphallus, separate scrota, and pubic bone separation in a calf.

Application of timed artificial insemination protocols to grazing Japanese black cattle with long open period.

To investigate the viability of timed artificial insemination (TAI) protocols in grazing Japanese Black cattle with long open period, ovarian status and progesterone and estradiol-17 beta profiles of the animals during the protocol were monitored. In 1998, prosta-glandin F(2a) (PG) was administered to 36 animals seven days after GnRH injection. Three out of the 36 animals were inseminated after detection of estrus and did not receive further treatment. The second GnRH was injected to the remaining 33 animals 48 hr after the PG injection and TAI was performed 24 hr later. In 1999, PG was injected to 25 animals six days after GnRH, the second GnRH was injected to 22 animals 48 hr after PG, and TAI was performed 16 hr later (The other three animals were inseminated before the time of TAI). The percentage of the animals with at least one functional corpus luteum and one follicle equal to or greater than 10 mm in diameter at PG injection was similar between the groups in 1998 and 1999. Likewise, the hormonal profiles were similar between the two groups. Pregnancy rates (PR) after the TAI protocols and natural mating in 1998 and 1999 were 75.0% and 88.0%, respectively. These figures were comparable to the PR obtained by conventional estrus synchronization protocols using PG (in 1995; 69.4%) or CIDR (in 1996; 59.1%). In conclusion, the TAI protocol can be applicable into grazing Japanese Black cattle with long open period.

Localization of inhibin alpha-, betaA- and betaB-subunits and aromatase in ovarian follicles with granulosa theca cell tumor (GTCT) in 6 mares.

To clarify the morphological and immunohistochemical characteristics in mares with granulosa theca cell tumor (GTCT), the localization of inhibin subunits (alpha, betaA, betaB) and aromatase in the granulosa cell layers and theca layers in the ovarian follicles were determined by immunohistochemical staining. The follicles were obtained from the ovaries of 6 mares with GTCT and 4 normal mares as controls. Immunohistochemically, inhibin alpha-subunit was localized in the granulosa cells of all follicles showing different sizes in all GTCT cases and betaA- subunit was localized in two GTCT cases in all sized follicles. But inhibin betaB- subunit and aromatase were not localized in GTCT cases. On the other hand, inhibin alpha-, betaA-, and betaB-subunits and aromatase were localized in the large and medium sized follicles, but inhibin betaA- and betaB-subunits and aromatase were not stained in the small sized follicles in normal cases. These findings suggest that some mares with GTCT can secrete dimeric inhibin (inhibin A), but all GTCT cases cannot secrete inhibin B. By the results of aromatase staining it is clear that testosterone is not converted into estradiol due to the lack of aromatase in the GTCT follicles.

Spontaneous repair of the atrophic contralateral ovary without ovariectomy in the case of a granulosa theca cell tumor (GTCT) affected mare.

A 21 year old thoroughbred mare with granulosa theca cell tumor (GTCT) in the right side and atrophic contralateral ovary was investigated in this study. After arrival at our laboratory on 10th December 1999, the clinical diagnosis of GTCT was examined by rectal palpation and ultrasonographic image of ovaries. Plasma from peripheral blood was collected in the breeding and non-breeding seasons for hormonal analysis. The results showed that the contralateral ovary regained normal activity without any treatment of the GTCT affected ovary and contained follicles showing different sizes 19 months later. However, the affected right ovary, which became smaller after 4 months, was totally inactive without any follicle. The observations clearly demonstrate that without any treatment of the GTCT affected ovary, a mare can return to her normal estrous cycle within a certain period in some GTCT cases.