Thirty-six Holstein calves were used for this experiment from the 3rd to the 20th day of age. During this time, a commercial milk replacer containing 10% fat and 20% protein was fed at three fluid intake levels: low (L), medium (M) and high (H); and three dietary dry matter (DM) concentrations: dilute (D), normal (N) and concentrated (C). Results showed that calves offered the replacer at intake level H had a greater number of days of loose feces, dull demeanor and moderate or severe dehydration compared to calves receiving L and M treatments. Calves fed the highest DM concentration (C) had a greater number of days when the rectal temperature was greater than 39 C, as compared to calves fed treatment D. A higher incidence of scouring was observed during days 9–14 of age than in days 3–8 or 15–20. All calves lost weight during the trial, the greatest weight losses occurring with calves fed the fluid level L and DM concentration D. It was concluded that level of fluid intake was of greater importance in control of calf scours than was dietary dry matter concentration.
The level of delta amino levulinic acid (ALA) was determined in the urine of normal cows and dogs, and in the urine of dogs, cows and cats with a variety of diseases. ALA was measured in the urine of two steers and two dogs experimentally poisoned with lead. Experimental lead poisoning was followed by increased excretion of ALA in the urine. Higher levels of ALA were present in the urine of sick dogs and cats than in the urine of sick cows.
Young specific-pathogen-free (SPF) pigs were continuously exposed to approximately 35 ppm of sulfur dioxide for a period of 1 to 6 weeks. Clinical changes in the exposed pigs were increased salivation and signs of ocular and nasal irritation. Histologic changes in the epithelium of the upper respiratory tract included loss of cilia, disappearance of goblet cells, and varying degrees of metaplasia of the tracheal and turbinate epithelium. The lungs of the exposed pigs were normal.
The impact of ten diseases of dairy cattle on milk production, calving interval and culling were studied in a university operated dairy herd. Cows with clinical mastitis, ketosis or displaced abomasum had lowered milk production. Cows with metritis, retained placenta, cystic graafian follicles or ovarian hypofunction had longer calving intervals. Cows with clinical mastitis, metritis, pneumonia or retained placenta had increased risks of culling. The relationship between disease and culling was based on the medical history of culled and nonculled cows using a case control approach. Therefore, it is likely that in many cases, the association between disease and culling is due to the impact of that disease on productivity.
A scintillation detector assembly capable of providing the range of movement and flexibility needed for the investigation and diagnosis of equine‐related health problems was required for the nuclear medicine facility of the Equine Research Centre, Guelph, Ontario. The planning, technique and modifications used to mount the gamma detector and yoke assembly are detailed herein. The system has been successfully used for the nuclear scans in horses, and demonstrates the practicality, safety and usefulness of equipment adaptation for large animal imaging.
A study of acute respiratory disease in horses in Ontario was undertaken to determine the identity of current causative infectious agents. A nasopharyngeal swab was designed and utilized to maximize isolation of viruses, mycoplasma, and pathogenic bacteria. Serum samples were collected for parallel determination of antibody titers to equine influenza virus type A subtype 1 (H7N7) and subtype 2 (H3N8), equine rhinovirus types 1 and 2, equine herpesvirus type 1, Mycoplasma equirhinius, and Mycoplasma felis. Equine rhinovirus type 2 was recovered from 28/92 horses tested, and equine influenza virus type A, subtype 2, was recovered from 5. The mycoplasma and bacteria isolated were consistent with those commonly associated with nonspecific respiratory diseases in horses, except that Streptococcus pneumoniae capsular type 3 was isolated from 10 horses.