[Cytogenetical and molecular analyses in a horse with SRY-negative sex reversal].

Numerical and structural aberrations of chromosomes may cause malformations, embryonal losses and reduced or missing fertility. In male horses the fertility is rather well controlled through their semen evaluation. For mares there are no mandatory regulations which specify their use in a breeding programme.

Interleukin-8 concentration and neutrophil chemotactic activity in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of horses with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease following exposure to hay.

Objective: To analyze effects of hay dust exposure on interleukin-8 (IL-8) concentration, percentage of neutrophils, and neutrophil chemotactic activity in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of horses with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Animals: 16 healthy horses and 29 horses with COPD.

Procedure: IL-8 concentration, percentage of neutrophils, and neutrophil chemotactic activity in BALF were measured.

Gastrointestinal and endocrine function during 'foal heat diarrhoea' in healthy foals.

Gastrointestinal function was assessed in normal foals before, during and after the onset of 'foal heat diarrhoea' by haematological, biochemical, microbiological and parasitological methods, and by a combined lactose tolerance-breath hydrogen excretion test. Warmblood mares (n=11) and their foals were used. The foals were assessed according to a standard protocol after birth and at regular intervals thereafter.

[Borna disease in Switzerland and in the principality of Liechtenstein].

Borna disease (BD) is a rare immunopathological disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) caused by infection with Borna disease virus (BDV) and histologically characterized by mononuclear encephalomyelitis. BD primarily affects equines and sheep in well defined endemic areas of central Europe, but BDV infections have also been reported in other host species including humans, as well as in non endemic regions. In this paper recent data on the pathogenesis of BD are reviewed and the current situation in Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein is summarized.