Plasma protein profiles of neonatal pigs before and after suckling
Yanyun Huang, Douglas J. Olson, John R. Gordon, Dorothy M. Middleton, Elemir Simko

Abstract — Absorption of colostral proteins ingested by neonatal piglets within 24 to 36 h after birth is generally considered to be nonselective. Nevertheless, the transfer of colostral proteins, except immunoglubulins, from gut to bloodstream after natural suckling is still poorly characterized. The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in 2-dimensional electrophoretic plasma protein profiles of neonatal piglets before and after suckling, in order to characterize the gastrointestinal absorption of colostral proteins into the neonatal bloodstream. As expected, the most significant change in plasma after suckling is the presence of a large amount of immunoglobulin. However, while the concentration of a few proteins was mildly increased in post-suckling plasma, the evidence of absorption of colostral non-immunoglobulin proteins by neonatal piglets was not detected in this study.

Expression of interleukin-8 and intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 in the synovial membrane and cranial cruciate ligament of dogs after rupture of the ligament
Mustafa El-Hadi, Chandarshekhar Charavaryamath, Andrea Aebischer, C. Wayne Smith, Cindy Shmon, Baljit Singh

Abstract — This cross-sectional clinical study compared inflammation, including expression of the chemokine interleukin (IL)-8 and intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), in the stifle joints of 4 control dogs and 23 dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR). The CCL, synovial membrane, meniscus, cartilage, and synovial fluid from the affected stifle joints of all the dogs were examined. Inflammatory cell counts were performed on the synovial fluid, and the tissues were processed for histologic study and immunohistochemical detection of IL-8 and ICAM-1. The synovial fluid from the stifle joints of the dogs with CCLR had an increased percentage of neutrophils (P = 0.054) and a decreased percentage of lymphocytes (P = 0.004) but not macrophages compared with the fluid from the control dogs. There was accumulation of inflammatory cells and increased expression of IL-8 and ICAM-1 in the vascular endothelium of the synovial membrane and the CCL of the dogs with CCLR. The increase in inflammatory cells in the stifle joints of dogs with CCLR may therefore be due to increased expression of IL-8 and ICAM-1 in the synovial membrane and the CCL after the injury. These data may help in understanding the mechanisms of inflammation associated with CCLR.

Infusion of sodium bicarbonate in experimentally induced metabolic acidosis does not provoke cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) acidosis in calves
Saman Abeysekara, Gordon A. Zello, Katharina L. Lohmann, Jane Alcorn, Don L. Hamilton, Jonathan M. Naylor

Abstract — In a crossover study, 5 calves were made acidotic by intermittent intravenous infusion of isotonic hydrochloric acid (HCl) over approximately 24 h. This was followed by rapid (4 h) or slow (24 h) correction of blood pH with isotonic sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) to determine if rapid correction of acidemia produced paradoxical cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) acidosis. Infusion of HCl produced a marked metabolic acidosis with respiratory compensation. Venous blood pH (mean 6 Sx) was 7.362 6 0.021 and 7.116 6 0.032, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (Pco2, torr) 48.8 6 1.3 and 34.8 6 1.4, and bicarbonate (mmol/L), 27.2 6 1.27 and 11 6 0.96; CSF pH was 7.344 6 0.031 and 7.240 6 0.039, Pco2 42.8 6 2.9 and 34.5 6 1.4, and bicarbonate 23.5 6 0.91 and 14.2 6 1.09 for the period before the infusion of hydrochloric acid and immediately before the start of sodium bicarbonate correction, respectively. In calves treated with rapid infusion of sodium bicarbonate, correction of venous acidemia was significantly more rapid and increases in Pco2 and bicarbonate in CSF were also more rapid. However, there was no significant difference in CSF pH. After 4 h of correction, CSF pH was 7.238 6 0.040 and 7.256 6 0.050, Pco2 44.4 6 2.2 and 34.2 6 2.1, and bicarbonate 17.8 6 1.02 and 14.6 6 1.4 for rapid and slow correction, respectively. Under the conditions of this experiment, rapid correction of acidemia did not provoke paradoxical CSF acidosis.

Evaluation of the diagnostic and prognostic utility of ultrasonography at first diagnosis of presumptive bovine respiratory disease
Sameeh M. Abutarbush, Colleen M. Pollock, Brian K. Wildman, Tye Perrett, Oliver C. Schunicht, R. Kent Fenton, Sherry J. Hannon, Amanda R. Vogstad, G. Kee Jim, Calvin W. Booker

Abstract — This project investigated the use of ultrasonography at first diagnosis of presumptive early bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in feedlot cattle from western Canada. One hundred seventy-four cattle (116 cases and 58 controls) at high risk of developing BRD were enrolled in a prospective longitudinal study over 2 y (2006–2007). Cattle with clinical signs relating to the respiratory system and assessed as sick at the time of feedlot arrival (arrival fever cases) or assessed as sick in the pen 3 to 30 d post-arrival (postarrival fever cases, post-arrival no fevers cases) were eligible for enrollment. Control animals were identified at the time of case enrollments. Ultrasonography was done using a 3.5 sector transducer at enrollment and at 2, 4, and 6 wk post-enrollment. Lung lesions were identified at least 1 time over the course of the trial in 32/116 (28%) cases and 9/58 (16%) controls. At enrollment, lung lesions were identified in 20/115 (17%) cases and 2/55 (4%) controls (data unreadable n = 4). Post-arrival fever cases (14/48) were the most likely to have a lesion identified using ultrasound. In arrival fever cases, average daily gain (enrollment to last ultrasound, average 34 d) was improved (P = 0.007) in cattle identified with a lesion at enrollment using ultrasound compared with those not identified with a lesion at that time, potentially demonstrating the effects of gut fill at arrival weighing, as these sicker animals may have eaten less prior to arrival and, therefore, had more room for improvement in weight over time due to restoration of normal gut fill. None of the ultrasound time points explored (enrollment, 2, 4, or 6 wk post-enrollment) were associated with the animal health outcomes of interest (subsequent treatment, chronicity, wastage, or mortality) for cattle enrolled at arrival or post-arrival. Ultrasonography using a 3.5 sector transducer was not particularly effective as a prognostic/diagnostic tool for early detection of BRD, but may be useful in targeted populations of animals with respiratory disease of longer duration (such as chronic pens).

Genetic and antigenic changes in porcine rubulavirus
José I. Sánchez-Betancourt, María E. Trujillo, Susana E. Mendoza, Julio Reyes-Leyva, Rogelio A. Alonso

Abstract — Blue eye disease, caused by a porcine rubulavirus (PoRV), is an emergent viral swine disease that has been endemic in Mexico since 1980. Atypical outbreaks were detected in 1990 and 2003. Growing and adult pigs presented neurological signs, mild neurological signs were observed in piglets, and severe reproductive problems were observed in adults. Amino acid sequence comparisons and phylogenetic analysis of the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) protein revealed genetically different lineages. We used cross-neutralization assays, with homologous and heterologous antisera, to determine the antigenic relatedness values for the PoRV isolates. We found antigenic changes among several strains and identified a highly divergent one, making up a new serogroup. It seems that genetically and antigenically different PoRV strains are circulating simultaneously in the swine population in the geographical region studied. The cross neutralization studies suggest that the HN is not the only antigenic determinant participating in the antigenic changes among the different PoRV strains.

Fetal infections and antibody profiles in pigs naturally infected with porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2)
Priscilla F. Gerber, Flávia M. Garrocho, Ângela M.Q. Lana, Zélia I.P. Lobato

Abstract — The aim of this study was to describe early infections with porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) in naturally infected piglets and the piglets’ serologic profiles. A total of 20 sows (15 PCV2-vaccinated and 5 unvaccinated) and 100 newborn piglets were studied. Colostrum and serum of the sows and serum of the presuckling piglets were obtained on the day of parturition. Milk samples were collected on day 20 postpartum. Blood samples were taken and the piglets weighed on days 1, 20, 42, 63, and 84 postpartum. Colostrum and milk were evaluated for infectious PCV2 and for PCV2 total antibody (TA), neutralizing antibody (NA), and IgA. Serum samples were evaluated for PCV2 TA, NA, IgA, IgM, and DNA. The sows had high levels of TA and NA in serum and colostrum; however, 11 and 5, respectively, of the 20 colostrum and milk samples contained infectious PCV2. In the serum, PCV2 DNA and IgM were detected in 17 and 5, respectively, of the 20 sows. Nine piglets were born with PCV2 antibodies, which indicates in utero transmission of PCV2 after the period of immunocompetence (. 70 d of gestation). On day 1 postpartum, PCV2 DNA was detected in 29 of the 100 serum samples from the piglets. There was no difference between the weights of viremic and nonviremic piglets throughout the study. In conclusion, even on farms with sows that have high PCV2 antibody titers, vertical transmission of PCV2 may occur, resulting in piglet infection.

Factors affecting allergen-specific IgE serum levels in cats
S. Belova, S. Wilhelm, M. Linek, L. Beco, J. Fontaine, K. Bergvall, C. Favrot

Abstract —Pruritic skin diseases are common in cats and demand rigorous diagnostic workup for finding an underlying etiology. Measurement of a serum allergen-specific IgE in a pruritic cat is often used to make or confirm the diagnosis of a skin hypersensitivity disease, although current evidence suggests that elevated allergen-specific IgE do not always correlate with a clinical disease and vice versa. The aim of the study was to to assess the possible influence of age, deworming status, lifestyle, flea treatment, and gender on allergen-specific IgE levels and to evaluate the reliability of IgE testing in predicting the final diagnosis of a pruritic cat. For this purpose sera of 179 cats with pruritus of different causes and 20 healthy cats were evaluated for allergen-specific IgE against environmental, food and flea allergens using the Fc-epsilon receptor based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. The results of the study showed positive correlation between age, outdoor life style, absence of deworming, absence of flea control measures and levels of allergen-specific IgE. Gender and living area (urban versus rural) did not seem to affect the formation of allergen-specific IgE. According to these findings, evaluating allergen-specific IgE levels, is not a reliable test to diagnose hypersensitivity to food or environmental allergens in cats. On the contrary, this test can be successfully used for diagnosing feline flea bite hypersensitivity.

Comparison of bone marrow aspiration at the sternum and the tuber coxae in middle-aged horses
Uta Delling, Katrin Lindner, Iris Ribitsch, Henriette Jülke, Walter Brehm

Abstract — The objective of this study was to compare bone marrow (BM) aspirates from the sternum and the tuber coxae of middle-aged horses. Bone marrow was obtained from the sternum and both tubera coxae of 12 healthy, 13-year-old geldings. Two different puncture techniques were used for the tuber coxae. The 2 syringes used for sternal sampling were evaluated separately. The mononuclear cell (MNC) fraction of the BM was isolated and the mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were culture-expanded. At the sternum, BM aspiration was always possible. Bone marrow aspiration at the tuber coxae required straight and deep needle penetration combined with high negative pressure. With this technique a median sample amount of 11.0 mL with large individual variation was obtained. A median of 3.06 3 106 MNC/mL BM (1st syringe) and 2.46 3 106 MNC/mL BM (2nd syringe) was isolated from sternal samples. In contrast, the tuber coxae yielded a median of 0.27 3 106 MNC/mL BM. The first passage yielded a median of 2.19 3 106 MSC (1st syringe) and 1.13 3 106 MSC (2nd syringe) from sternal samples, compared to a significantly lower median number of MSC from tuber coxae BM (0.06 3 106 MSC). The number of MNC and MSC obtainable from the BM aspirates taken from the tuber coxae is significantly lower than that obtained from the sternal BM aspirates. Autologous BM for the equine athlete is particularly clinically relevant at an advanced age. Based on our findings, the tuber coxae cannot be recommended for BM aspiration in middle-aged horses.

The effects of succinylcholine or low-dose rocuronium to aid endotracheal intubation of adult sows
Tanya Duke-Novakovski, Barbara Ambros, Crissie D. Auckland, John C.S. Harding

Abstract — This randomized, prospective, blinded study compared the use of succinylcholine or rocuronium to aid endotracheal intubation of 27 adult sows [mean body weight 261 6 28 (standard deviation) kg]. Preliminary trials allowed development of the intubation technique and skills. The sows were premedicated with azaperone, atropine, and morphine, and anesthesia was induced with thiopental [6 mg/kg body weight (BW)]. Nine sows each received succinylcholine (1.0 mg/kg BW), rocuronium (0.5 mg/kg BW), or saline (15 mL) after induction. Increments of thiopental (1 mg/kg BW) were used if swallowing impaired intubation. Intubation was performed 45 s after injection of the test drug and was timed and scored. The intubation scores were analyzed with Kruskal- Wallis analysis of variance (ANOVA). Time taken for intubation, body weight, and total dose of thiopental were analyzed with ANOVA and Bonferroni’s multiple-comparisons test. No significant differences (at P , 0.05) were found between the groups with regard to intubation score, time taken for intubation, or total thiopental dose. Thus, neuromuscular blocking agents did not aid endotracheal intubation of adult sows anesthetized with thiopental.

Increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in neo-vascularized canine brain tissue
Chi-Ho Yu, Ji-Young Yhee, Jong-Hyuk Kim, Keum-Soon Im, Na-Hyun Kim, So-Young Kwon, Tai-Young Hur, Jung-Hyang Sur

Abstract — This retrospective study was done to characterize the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hypoxia inducible factor 1 (HIF-1a) in dog brains with neo-vascularization in the cerebral cortex of frontal, temporal, and parietal lobe by using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot. In neo-vascularized (NV) brains, we analyzed the number and area of blood vessels and the expression of VEGF and HIF-1a. The IHC results showed that the number and area of blood vessels, as assessed by immunolabeling for von Willebrand factor, was higher in the NV brain than in the control brain. The Western blot results showed that the level of VEGF was increased, predominantly in NV brain of the cerebral cortex relative to the clinically normal cerebral cortex, whereas the expression of HIF-1a in NV brains was not different from the control brains. Our study showed that dilatation of vessels and development of new vessels in the cerebral cortex were observed in cases of canine CNS disease and found increased expression of VEGF in canine brains with neo-vascularization.

Vaccine potential of an attenuated Pasteurella multocida that expresses only the N-terminal truncated fragment of P. multocida toxin in pigs
Taejung Kim, Changho Son, Jaeil Lee, Kwanghyun Kim

Abstract — Previously we described the development of an attenuated Pasteurella multocida mutant that expresses only the N-terminal truncated fragment of P. multocida toxin (N-PMT) and its protective effects in a mouse model. This paper details our evaluation of the vaccine potential of this mutant strain in pigs. Pigs vaccinated with the mutant showed significantly higher rates of antibody induction and lower nasal conchal (turbinate) scores for atrophic rhinitis than controls, which suggests that this mutant strain may be a good candidate for a live attenuated vaccine.

Inactivation of the gene encoding zinc-binding lipoprotein 103 impairs the infectivity of Streptococcus suis
Jesús Aranda, Laura Teixidó, Nahuel Fittipaldi, Pilar Cortés, Montserrat Llagostera, Marcelo Gottschalk, Jordi Barbé

Abstract — The Streptococcus suis 103gene product is an immunogenic and protective lipoprotein that is a component of an ATP-binding cassette transporter implicated in zinc uptake. Belonging to the same transcriptional unit and downstream of the 103 gene is a gene that encodes a homologue of the pneumococcal histidine triad (Pht) protein Pht309. In an intraperitoneal mouse model the virulence of a mutant lacking the 103 gene was more than 50 times lower than that of the wild-type (WT) parent strain, S. suis serotype 2 strain P1/7. In addition, the immunogenicity of this mutant was dramatically decreased. In striking contrast, the virulence and immunogenicity of a P1/7 mutant lacking the Pht309 gene were similar to those of the parent strain. These results demonstrate that the 103 lipoprotein is strongly involved in S. suis virulence and support the hypothesis that this lipoprotein might be an excellent candidate for vaccines aiming to achieve broad protection against streptococci.