Acta veterinaria Scandinavica.
Publisher:
BioMed Central. London : BioMed Central
Frequency: Quarterly
Country: England
Language: English
Start Year:1959 -
ISSN:
0044-605X (Print)
1751-0147 (Electronic)
0044-605X (Linking)
1751-0147 (Electronic)
0044-605X (Linking)
Impact Factor
2.1
2022
| NLM ID: | 0370400 |
| (DNLM): | A09810000(s) |
| (OCoLC): | 01461030 |
| Coden: | AVSCA7 |
| Classification: | W1 AC956E |
Onset of luteal activity in non-foaling mares during the early breeding season in Finland. The luteal activity in mares was studied in the Equine Research Station (ERS) and in trotting stables (TS) in South-Finland. The mares were Standardbreeds in the TS and mainly Finnhorses in the ERS. Between January and June blood was collected once a week for serum progesterone determinations. The mares in the ERS were distributed in 1 of 3 groups: three-years old not yet in training (N = 38), brood mares (N = 21) and mares in training (N = 47). A 4th group was the mares in training in the trotting stables (N = 73). Every 5th mare in the ERS and every 4th mare in the trotting stables were cycl...
Post-partum ovarian activity in Finnhorse mares with special reference to seasonal effects. In a previous study, times from parturition to the first ovulation were followed in 55 Finnhorse mares on the basis of milk progesterone determinations. Ninety-six per cent of mares had ovulated by day 20 post-partum. If intervals of more than 19 days are excluded from the data, the time from parturition to 1st ovulation was 117 days. However, in cases of foaling before and after the beginning of June the times were 13.0 days and 8.8 days, respectively (p less than 0.001). Long intervals (over 16 days) occurred mainly before 1st May (in 6 out of 7 cases). In a 2nd study, 25 post-partum Finnhor...
Resistance to benzimidazole anthelmintics in small strongyles (Cyathostominae) of horses in Denmark. This study was undertaken to establish whether anthelmintic resistance was present in nematode parasites of horses in Denmark. Sixteen horse farms were selected for faecal egg count reduction (FECR) tests to measure the efficacy of the anthelmintic used. Resistance to benzimidazole anthelmintics was found on 13 of the 16 farms, with FECR values ranging from 80.0% to -101.3%. On the remaining 3 farms FECR was 100.0%, 99.3% and 97.2%. Results of a questionnaire study on anthelmintic usage, parasite control measures and management practices showed that horses in this study were treated on average...
Onset of luteal activity in foaling and seasonally anoestrous mares treated with artificial light. Sixty-four mares (27 foaling, 37 barren or maiden), mainly Finnhorses, were subjected to treatment with 14.5 h of light and 9.5 h of darkness, starting at the beginning of December. The onset of cycling in non-foaling mares was estimated by weekly serum progesterone determinations. All of the non-foaling mares cycled in the middle of March. They started to cycle on average in the middle of February, 11.1 weeks after the beginning of the trial. There were statistically significant differences in relation to breed (Finnhorses started to cycle 2 weeks later than warm blooded, p less than 0.02) an...
A preliminary study of uterine derived polymorphonuclear cell function in mares with chronic uterine infections. From 6 mares with chronic uterine infection, polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) were obtained from the uterus. In order to recover an adequate number of viable PMNs, 0.1% oyster glycogen was infused into the uterus as a mild irritant 12 h prior to the uterine flushing. Phagocytosis and chemotaxis of the uterine derived PMNs were determined. The supernatant from the uterine flushing was compared with autologous serum for its capacity as an opsonin and chemoattractant. There was a significant increase of both phagocytosis and chemotaxis when autologous serum was used compared with the supernat...
Milk and serum progesterone levels in mares after ovulation. Twenty-four Finnhorse mares were examined by rectal palpation and ultrasonography every 6 h during late oestrus to determine the time of ovulation. Milk and serum samples were collected every 6 h after the detected ovulation for progesterone analysis. The progesterone rises took place within 0-54 h and 0-60 h after ovulation, in milk and serum, respectively. Statistically significant differences (p less than 0.05) in progesterone levels were observed for the first time 12-18 h and 18-24 h after ovulation, in serum and milk, respectively, as compared to progesterone levels 0-6 h after ovulation...
Prevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in cats, dogs and horses in Sweden. Samples of serum or plasma taken during 1986 and 1987 from 244 pet cats, 303 dogs and 219 horses, randomly selected among animals referred to the Animal Clinics of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, were screened by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii. 42% of cats, 23% of dogs and 1% of horses examined were found seropositive. Serum eller plasma från 244 tamkatter, 303 hundar och 219 sporthästar som provtagits vid djur-klinikerna vid Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet i Uppsala under 1986 och 1987 testades med ELISA för antikroppar mot Pre...
Embryo transfer in subfertile mares. Four subfertile mares (at least 2 barren years) were used as donors in an embryo transfer program. The embryo recovery rate was 50%, varying between 0-100. The transfer of 9 embryos resulted in the pregnancy rate of 44%. The efficiency of embryo transfer using subfertile mares is low. In this material 20% of flushings resulted in a pregnancy. Fyra subfertila ston (gatt galla i minst 2 är) användes som donatorer i ett program för embryot rans fer. Femtio procent av embryon tillvaratogs (varians 0–100%). Transfer av 9 embryon gav en dräktighetsresultat på 44%. Embryotransfer från subfert...
Equine herpes virus 1 (EHV-1) in liver, spleen, and lung as demonstrated by immunohistology and electron microscopy. Ten aborted foals, diagnosed as infected with Equine Herpes Virus 1 (EHV-1) on histopathological criteria, were examined for the presence of EHV-1 using immunohistology as the investigative instrument. The primary reagent was an antiserum specific for viral envelope glycoproteins. Immunohistology localised EHV-1 to areas of liver necrosis and to the cytoplasm of infected Kupffer cells and hepatocytes. Cytoplasmic immunolabelling was also prominent in reticular cells of the red pulp of the spleen and in intact and degenerated bronchiolar epithelium. Cytoplasmic immunolabelling was seen in morph...
The effect of detomidine hydrochloride on the electrical activity of uterus in pregnant mares. The effect of detomidine on the electrical activity of the uterus was studied during the last trimester of pregnancy in 6 mares. The effect was observed in 3-5 min after the i.m. injection and it lasted for 50-70 min. 20 and 40 micrograms/kg b.w. doses of detomidine decreased the myometrial electrical activity, whereas 60 micrograms/kg dose did not have any effect on the activity. The results suggested that 20, 40 and 60 micrograms/kg b.w. doses of detomidine can be administered to mares during the last trimester of pregnancy without the risk of abortion induced by increased uterine electrical...
Histology of the post partum equine uterus as determined by endometrial biopsies. Altogether 156 equine endometrial biopsies were carried out during the post partum (p.p.) period: immediately after parturition until 15 days after foaling. The histological changes are described. The rapid restoration of the equine endometrium is remarkable. The destruction of the luminal epithelium is minor and regeneration takes place rapidly. Remnants of the placenta, the microcotyledons and desquamated cells, have disappeared by 5 p.p. The transformation of glands from a pronounced secretory pattern to normal appearance also takes only 5 days. The occurrence of neutrophils and lymphocytes...
Intradermal challenge of Icelandic horses in Norway and Iceland with extracts of Culicoides spp. A skin test survey was carried out in Icelandic horses in Norway and Iceland using extracts of Culicoides spp. as antigen. Eleven horses with recurrent seasonal dermatitis reacted with an immediate hypersensitivity response to intradermal challenge with antigen. All except one of thirty-three clinically normal horses in Norway showed a negative response in skin tests. These findings indicate that Culicoides spp. may be the major cause of the disease in Norway. Only one of the 110 horses tested in Iceland showed any skin test reaction (weak), demonstrating that the horses were not sensitized to...
The interaction of cadmium and selenium in horse kidney cortex in relation to histopathological changes. The kidney cortex of 32 Finnish horses was analysed chemically for cadmium (Cd) and selenium (Se) content and by light microscopy for histopathological changes of the tissues. Cd concentrations in kidney cortex ranged from 6.9 to 91.6 mg/kg wet weight with an average of 31.9 mg/kg. Se concentrations ranged from 0.5 to 1.5 mg/kg with an average of 1.0 mg/kg. The age of the horses varied from 1.5 to 32 years; mean age was 16 years. Cd levels in kidney cortex seemed to increase linearly up to an age of about 16 years. In old (over 16 years) horses no such correlation could be found. Se concentrat...
Morphologic evaluation of acute endometritis in mares with differing resistance to uterine infections. The study was designed to determine differences between normal mares and mares with endometrial pathology in the inflammatory response after bacterial challenge. Six normal mares (biopsy category I) and 4 mares with pathological endometrial changes (biopsy category II) were given an intrauterine infusion of β-hemolytic streptococci on the second day of estrus. All mares had a similar kind of inflammatory response after the bacterial inoculation as assessed by rectal and vaginal examinations. There were no significant differences in the amount of discharge, uterine tone, uterine size and cervi...
The use of atropine to control heart rate responses during detomidine sedation in horses. Detomidine is a sedative-analgesic which has a pharmacological profile similar to xylazine. There is evidence that the sedative effects are mediated through alpha-2 adrenoceptors. Cardiopulmonary responses were determined using detomidine as the principal agent and as a preanesthetic prior to the induction of general anesthesia. Compatibility with guaifenesin, sodium thia-mylal and halothane were determined. As in the case of xylazine, detomidine produces a slowing of heart rates. This was found to be either sinus bradycardia or heart block. There may be a corresponding increase in systolic bl...
Quantitation of serum phospholipase A2 by enzyme-diffusion in lecithin agar gels. A comparative study in man and animals. A sensitive gel-diffusion assay for determination of phospholipase A was developed. PLA standards, serum, faecal and pancreas homogenate samples with PLA-activity were allowed to diffuse from wells into agar-gels containing lecithin-membranes. The turbidity cleared radially upon PLA-activity. The diameters of the cleared zones showed a linear relationship with the log of the enzyme concentration. Serum samples resulted in some turbidity within the cleared zones. This interference originating from serum lipoproteins could be abolished by hydrophobic absorption. The gel-diffusion method was comp...
The effect of exercise on blood parameters in standardbred and Finnish-bred horses. Serum enzyme activities, albumin, protein, urea, cholesterol, triglyceride, free fatty acid, glucose and lactate concentrations as well as hematocrit values were measured in standardbred and Finnish-bred horses at rest and after (i) a short controlled exercise and (ii) a trotting competition. There were no breed differences in the enzyme activities at rest and the 2 breeds responded in the same manner to the exercise. Only after the race proper significant increases in the enzyme activities were found. The activities rose more in the standardbred horses than in the Finnish-bred horses. Urea an...
Inheritance of an abnormal haemoglobin haplotype in horses and its possible influence on blood values. In a breeding experiment a stallion of the native Norwegian Trotter breed with an abnormal Hb haplotype (N) and with the Hb type BI/N, sired 6 offspring. The abnormal haplotype controls one α-chain only, having lysine at position 60 and phenylalanine at position 24. Three of the offspring received the N haplotype from the sire and the BII haplotype from the dam, whereas the other 3 offspring received BI from the sire. The BII/N horses have two Hb components after alkaline electrophoresis or isoelectric focusing with the ratio between the fast and the slow band (anodal, cathodal) being approxi...
Changes in plasma progesterone levels during storage of heparinized whole blood from cow, horse, dog and pig. Progesterone concentrations in heparinized plasma harvested immediately after blood collection were compared with levels obtained after storage of the corresponding whole blood for 2 h, 4 h, 6 h, 1 day, 2 days and 5 days at room temperature and in a refrigerator. The blood was taken during the luteal phase from 4 dogs, 4 horses, 4 pigs and 8 cows. For 4 cows the storage time was extended to 9 and 20 days. No significant effect of whole blood storage time on plasma progesterone concentrations could be shown for dogs or pigs. For the horse a slight but significant decrease was demonstrated when ...
Effects of different anticoagulants on determination of erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase. Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) was determined in whole blood from cows, goats and horses using cumenehydroperoxide as substrate. Heparin was found to be the most suitable anticoagulant. The highest activities of GSH-Px were found with high concentrations of heparin in the blood samples (1000 and 1250 IU/ml of blood). Sodium fluoride and especially EDTA and sodium citrate gave lower activities of the enzyme. Storage of the blood samples at room temperature (~20°C) or in a refrigerator (~5°C) for 3 days resulted in significantly lower activities of the enzyme, especially in horse blood. Gluta...
Concentration of serum transferrin in sick horses and its relationship to serum albumin content. Studies of transferrin (Tf) concentration in sera of sick horses were carried out using Mancini’s immunodiffusion technique. Relative values against a chosen reference serum were determined for a total of 112 horses. Horses with acute infections had Tf values significantly below the normal. The lowest individual Tf value in this group (46%) was found in a six-months-old foal with temperature 41°C and watery diarrhoea. Horses suffering from acute laminitis also had decreased Tf values. The lowest value in the whole material (45%) was found in a horse belonging to this group. There was a posi...
Volume of the synovia in certain joint cavities in the horse. A method of determining the volumes of synovia in certain articular cavities in the horse is described. The method is based on the degree of dilution of human serum albumin labelled with I that is injected into the joint. It is shown that uniform distribution of the injected substance is attained within 20 min post injection. The elimination of the labelled substance was found to follow the pattern of a single exponential function. The following volumes of synovia were determined (mean ± s) : hock, 39.8 ± 2.1 ml; radio-carpal, 12.6 ±1.5 ml; intercarpal, 14.9 ± 0.6 ml; foreleg fetlock joint...
Antigen-antibody crossed electrophoretic studies and quantitative comparisons of serum transferrin types in horses. Selected transferrin phenotypes from 14 horses were investigated by antigen-antibody crossed electrophoresis. Horse sera were subjected to starch gel electrophoresis followed by right angle electrophoresis in agarose gels containing rabbit produced anti-horse transferrin. This technique gave an additional zone in the front as compared with 2 transferrin zones seen after ordinary starch gel electrophoresis. Comparisons of transferrin concentrations in horse sera were performed by an immunodiffusion technique. Values were related to a chosen reference serum. A total of 372 horses (210 Norwegian ...
Quantitative comparisons of acidic prealbumin (PR) phenotypes in horses. Comparisons of Pr protein amounts in horse sera have been performed using .’s (1965) immunodiffusion technique. Relative values against a chosen standard of 100 % were determined for a total of 435 horses. There was considerable variation between horses, the highest Pr value being 125 and the lowest 50 % of the standard. In animals of the same Pr phenotype the mean Pr values were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in foals than in mares. In Norwegian Trotter horses the Pr value of Pr NN animals was significantly higher than that of Pr SS phenotypes, whereas the mean Pr values of Pr SS was sig...
Concentration of serum prealbumin (PR) protein in sick horses and its correlation to blood leucocyte count and albumin content in serum. Studies of Pr protein concentrations in sera of sick horses were carried out using ’s (1965) immunodiffusion technique. Relative values against a chosen standard of 100 were determined for a total of 102 horses. Horses with acute infections had Pr protein values significantly above the normal. The highest individual Pr protein value recorded in this group was 202. Horses suffering from acute laminitis and malignant tumours also had increased Pr protein values. There was a positive correlation between the Pr protein value and the blood leucocyte count and a negative correlation between the P...
Plasma cortisol in the horse, diurnal rhythm and effects of exogenous ACTH. Peripheral blood plasma Cortisol concentration and its diurnal variation was measured in 4 horses. Mean concentration of Cortisol during 24 hrs. was 42 ng/ml (s ± 20 ng/ml). Peak values occurred at 6 a.m. and the lowest values were observed at about 6 p.m. (mean 65 ng/ml and 20 ng/ml, respectively). Long-acting ACTH at a dose of 150 i.u. was given by intramuscular injection to the 4 horses. Peak Cortisol concentrations markedly exceeding the prestimulation level were obtained between 2 and 4 hrs. after injection. During the immediate 24 hrs. after these peaks, the mean Cortisol level was mark...
DNases in milk and blood sera from different species. DNases were demonstrated in samples of colostrum and blood serum from man and various domestic animals. The measurable DNase activity recorded was highest in samples from cat and dog and lowest in samples from goat, horse, pig and sheep. In contrast to DNases produced by certain bacteria, these enzymes were thermo-labile and the activity was maximal in the area pH 5.0–5.5. A modification of an agar medium originally described for the demonstration of bacterial DNases was found to be suitable for assays of DNases from colostrum, milk and serum. DNaser ble påvist i prøver fra kolostrum og bl...
The characterization of equine prealbumin (Pr) proteins by antigen-antibody crossed electrophoresis. Acta vet. scand. 1979, , 180–190. — Selected equine Pr phenotypes from a total of 55 horses of mixed breeds were investigated. The horse sera were subjected to acid starch gel electrophoresis at pH 4.8, followed by right angle electrophoresis in agarose gels containing rabbit-produced anti-Pr protein. This technique gives peaks in the agarose gels corresponding to the Pr zones in acid gels. The investigation revealed patterns of the Pr protein which were more complex than those seen when using ordinary acid starch gel electrophoresis. The phenotypes FF, II and LL showed a total of eight p...
Blood-volume determination with Evans blue dye in foals. The rate of disappearance of Evans blue dye from the blood after an intravenous injection was studied in young foals, between 4 and 105 days of age. This was found to be age dependant, especially during the first month, the initial dye disappearance being much faster than in the adult horse. This would mean an overestimation of plasma volume, using the single sampling technique, of about 5% during the first day of life, i.e. negligible from a practical point of view considering the standard error of estimation. The effect of exercise on the venous haematocrit was studied, too, in foals less th...