Congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis.

In a large metropolitan general hospital, a high incidence of congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis was noted in non-Caucasian groups. Bile-free emesis was consistently reported, and admission was frequently delayed. A prompt diagnosis following admission was not always possible. Unequivocal palpation of a right upper quadrant mass was successful in less than half of the patients in this series, and radiographic studies were helpful in establishing the proper diagnosis in the remainder. Liver fracture can occur with improper abdominal palpation techniques. Despite a surprisingly high complication rate, the ultimate result of operative therapy is uniformly excellent. Three patients not operated upon who were followed for more than two years still have evidence of gastric dysfunction. Postoperative emesis following adequate operation is not unusual, occurring approximately one-third of the time. When postoperative emesis is protracted, incomplete pyloromyotomy should be considered.

Effects of adding beta-carotene to rations of lactating cows consuming different forages.

Thirty-six Holstein cows fed a corn silage-based ration and 34 fed an alfalfa-grass silage-based ration were assigned according to calving date to receive either 300 mg/head per day of synthetic beta-carotene in a gelatin capsule or an empty gelatin capsule daily for the first 100 days postpartum. Supplemental vitamin A was provided at 3919 IU/kg of ration dry matter. Cervix diameters for cows supplemented with beta-carotene were smaller at 21 days and 28 days postpartum. Days from parturition to first observed estrus were less when beta-carotene was added and less when corn silage was fed. Means of other reproductive traits were more favorable for cows treated with beta-carotene (fewer services per conception and shorter intervals between parturition and conception). Milk progesterone at 21 and 28 days postpartum was not affected by either roughage or beta-carotene treatment. Milk from cows receiving alfalfa-grass silage contained lower somatic cell concentrations than that produced by cows fed corn silage. Milk somatic cell concentrations were lower in both roughage treatment groups for cows supplemented with beta-carotene. No effects of roughage or beta-carotene on milk production or milk fat percentages were significant.