Characterization and Prevention of Hypovitaminosis C in Chimeric Mice with Humanized Livers.

Humanized liver chimeric mice (PXB-mice) are generated by the transplantation of human hepatocytes into mice that have severe combined immunodeficiency and express an albumin-promoted urokinase-type plasminogen activator (cDNA-uPA/SCID) transgene. Human hepatocytes cannot synthesize ascorbic acid (AA; commonly called vitamin C) and humans require supplementation to prevent vitamin C deficiency. PXB-mouse livers contain up to approximately 95% human hepatocytes, which likely affects AA synthesis.

Hyponatremia as the Presenting Feature of a Pituitary Abscess in a Calf.

A 2-month-old Simmental heifer presented for acute onset of neurological behavior. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of hyponatremia, hypochloremia, and hypokalemia that improved with intravenous fluid therapy. Despite an initial cessation of neurological signs, symptoms re-emerged, and the heifer was euthanized due to poor prognosis.

Atypical bromethalin intoxication in a dog: pathologic features and identification of an isomeric breakdown product.

Background: Definitive post mortem confirmation of intoxication by the neurotoxic rodenticide bromethalin can be challenging. Brain lesions are not specific and detection of bromethalin and its metabolites are unpredictable due to rapid photodegradation and inconsistent behavior in tissues.

Case Presentation: A 2-year-old dog presented with rapid onset of severe muscle tremors and death within hours after a known ingestion of a reportedly low dosage of bromethalin and subsequent decontamination using activated charcoal.