Faecal microbiota of cats with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus.

Microorganisms within the gastrointestinal tract significantly influence metabolic processes within their mammalian host, and recently several groups have sought to characterise the gastrointestinal microbiota of individuals affected by metabolic disease. Differences in the composition of the gastrointestinal microbiota have been reported in mouse models of type 2 diabetes mellitus, as well as in human patients. Diabetes mellitus in cats has many similarities to type 2 diabetes in humans.

Bovine tuberculosis slaughter surveillance in the United States 2001-2010: assessment of its traceback investigation function.

Background: The success of tracing cattle to the herd of origin after the detection and confirmation of bovine tuberculosis (TB) lesions in cattle at slaughter is a critical component of the national bovine TB eradication program in the United States (U.S.).

Evolution of the hemagglutinin gene of H3N8 canine influenza virus in dogs.

With the widespread use of a recently developed canine influenza virus (CIV) H3N8 vaccine, continual molecular evaluation of circulating CIVs is necessary for monitoring antigenic drift. The aim of this project was to further describe the genetic evolution of CIV, as well as determine any genetic variation within potential antigenic regions that might result in antigenic drift. To this end, the hemagglutinin gene of 19 CIV isolates from dogs residing in Colorado, New York, and South Carolina humane shelters was sequenced and compared to CIV strains isolated during 2003-2012.

Expression of porcine fusion protein IRF7/3(5D) efficiently controls foot-and-mouth disease virus replication.

Unlabelled: Several studies have demonstrated that the delivery of type I, II, or III interferons (IFNs) by inoculation of a replication-defective human adenovirus 5 (Ad5) vector expressing IFNs can effectively control foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in cattle and swine during experimental infections. However, relatively high doses are required to achieve protection. In this study, we identified the functional properties of a porcine fusion protein, poIRF7/3(5D), as a biotherapeutic and enhancer of IFN activity against FMD virus (FMDV).

Role of cortactin in dynamic actin remodeling events in gonadotrope cells.

GnRH induces marked activation of the actin cytoskeleton in gonadotropes; however, the physiological consequences and cellular mechanisms responsible have yet to be fully elucidated. The current studies focus on the actin scaffolding protein cortactin. Using the gonadotrope-derived αT3-1 cell line, we found that cortactin is phosphorylated at Y(421), S(405), and S(418) in a time-dependent manner in response to the GnRH agonist buserelin (GnRHa).

Complete Genome Sequence of an Avian Bornavirus Isolated from a Healthy Canadian Goose (Branta canadensis).

A recent survey among wild birds demonstrated the presence of a unique genotype of avian bornavirus (ABV) in wild geese and swans in North America. Here, we report the first complete genome sequence of an avian bornavirus of the goose genotype.

Maternal phylogenetic relationships and genetic variation among Arabian horse populations using whole mitochondrial DNA D-loop sequencing.

Background: Maternal inheritance is an essential point in Arabian horse population genetics and strains classification. The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequencing is a highly informative tool to investigate maternal lineages. We sequenced the whole mtDNA D-loop of 251 Arabian horses to study the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of Arabian populations and to examine the traditional strain classification system that depends on maternal family lines using native Arabian horses from the Middle East.

Seroprevalence of canine influenza virus (H3N8) in Iditarod racing sled dogs.

We conducted a cross-sectional convenience sampling study of dogs racing in the 2010 Iditarod to determine the seroprevalence of canine influenza virus (CIV) in the sled dog population. Questionnaires were completed detailing medical and CIV vaccination history, kennel size and location, travel history, and social interactions for each team. A total of 399 dogs were tested for CIV antibodies by hemagglutination inhibition assay.

Microsatellite analysis of genetic diversity and population structure of Arabian horse populations.

The Arabian horse ignites imagination throughout the world. Populations of this breed exist in many countries, and recent genetic work has examined the diversity and ancestry of a few of these populations in isolation. Here, we explore 7 different populations of Arabians represented by 682 horses.

Seroprevalence and risk factors for canine H3N8 influenza virus exposure in household dogs in Colorado.

Background: Since 2004, canine influenza virus (CIV) has spread throughout the United States. While studies suggest that CIV is commonly detected in shelter dogs, little is known about its prevalence in household dogs.

Objectives: To evaluate the seroprevalence of CIV in pet dogs presented for care in a veterinary hospital in Colorado and to investigate risk factors that might predispose these dogs to CIV infection.

Increased response proportions for postal questionnaires in Texas veterinarians using incentives.

Incentives are used to increase response proportions to postal questionnaires. Our objective was to compare the response proportions between incentive groups receiving a $1 bill, pen, both and none with a postal questionnaire for a veterinary public health survey conducted among veterinarians in Texas. We mailed questionnaires to a random sample of veterinarians (n=683) from Texas with three types of incentives viz.

Tendinitis of the proximal aspect of the superficial digital flexor tendon in horses: 12 cases (2000-2006).

Objective: To determine clinical signs, ultrasonographic findings, and outcome of horses with tendinitis of the proximal portion of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT; group A horses) and to compare signalment, horse use, and outcome in these horses with that of horses with tendinitis of the midmetacarpal region of the SDFT (group B horses).

Design: Retrospective case series.

Animals: 12 group A horses and 22 group B horses.

Meningomyelitis in dogs: a retrospective review of 28 cases (1999 to 2007).

Objectives: To characterise dogs with meningomyelitis and to compare signalment, body temperature and vaccination status to a representative control group.

Methods: Dogs with meningomyelitis were identified retrospectively. Signalment, history, vaccination status, body temperature, severity of neurological dysfunction (modified Frankel score), diagnostic procedures, aetiology, survival to discharge and long-term survival were analysed.

Granulosa cell tumors of the equine ovary.

The granulosa cell tumor is the most common ovarian tumor in mares. A clinical diagnosis can be made based on the presence ofa unilaterally enlarged ovary and a small inactive contralateral ovary. Endocrine testing may be beneficial to confirm a diagnosis.

Holding immature equine oocytes in the absence of meiotic inhibitors: effect on germinal vesicle chromatin and blastocyst development after intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

Holding immature oocytes before the onset of maturation simplifies oocyte transport and aids in scheduling later manipulations. We report here a method for holding equine oocytes in the absence of meiotic inhibitors. In Experiment 1, immature oocytes with expanded cumuli were cultured at 38.

Pimobendan in heart failure therapy--a silver bullet?

Pimobendan is a novel agent with properties that are highly desirable in the clinical management of congestive heart failure (CHF) secondary to both dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and chronic degenerative valvular disease in dogs. Review of available data suggests that pimobendan is safe, well tolerated, and leads to enhanced quality of life in dogs with CHF secondary to DCM or chronic valvular disease when used in combination with furosemide or other conventional therapies (e.g.

Antimicrobial drug use in veterinary medicine.

Recognizing the importance of antimicrobial resistance and the need for veterinarians to aid in efforts for maintaining the usefulness of antimicrobial drugs in animals and humans, the Board of Regents of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine charged a special committee with responsibility for drafting this position statement regarding antimicrobial drug use in veterinary medicine. The Committee believes that veterinarians are obligated to balance the well-being of animals under their care with the protection of other animals and public health. Therefore, if an animal's medical condition can be reasonably expected to improve as a result of treatment with antimicrobial drugs, and the animal is under a veterinarian's care with an appropriate veterinarian-client-patient relationship, veterinarians have an obligation to offer antimicrobial treatment as a therapeutic option.

Comparative physiology of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension: historical clues from brisket disease.

Some of the most valuable contributions to science have come about serendipitously, and, in 1913, when George Glover and Issac Newsom were commissioned by Colorado cattle ranchers to study high mountain disease, there was no way to anticipate the tremendous impact they would have on the study of high-altitude cardiopulmonary physiology. It was through the study of this agricultural malady that the correlation between chronic hypoxia, pulmonary hypertension, medial hypertrophy of the small pulmonary arteries, and right ventricular (RV) hypertrophy was recognized. The amount of vascular smooth muscle comprising the medial layer of pulmonary arteries varies significantly across species and can be used to predict the magnitude of pulmonary hypertension and RV hypertrophy elicited in response to chronic hypoxia.

Effects of dietary sodium intake on blood pressure measurements in partially nephrectomized dogs.

Systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure were measured by femoral artery puncture every other day in 2 groups (n = 4) of partially nephrectomized (approx 75%) dogs fed 2 concentrations of dietary sodium beginning 9 weeks after partial nephrectomy was completed. In a double crossover design, dogs were fed a low-sodium (0.18% sodium on a dry-weight basis) or high-sodium (1.

Pestivirus bovine viral diarrhea virus polypeptides: identification of new precursor proteins and alternative cleavage pathways.

The genome of pestivirus bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) contains a single 11,964 nt long open reading frame (ORF) that is capable of encoding a 449 kDa putative polyprotein. Although previous studies have described many virus-coded polypeptides that are believed to arise by post- and/or co-translational proteolytic processing in infected cells, there are two separate regions in the ORF for which no polypeptide products could be identified. In the present study using site specific antisera, we identified two new large proteins of Mr 175 and 172 kDa which encompass two previously described smaller precursor proteins, p125 and p133, respectively.

Analysis of antibody responses to phenotypically distinct lentiviruses.

To define the immune responses against phenotypically and pathogenically distinct lentiviruses, we used an immunoblotting assay to study antibodies to viral proteins of ovine lentivirus (OvLV) in 16 experimentally and 12 naturally infected sheep. Two distinct phenotypes of OvLV were used to experimentally infect lambs: strain 85/34, a "rapid/high" isolate which rapidly induced lysis in infected primary macrophage cultures and replicated to relatively high titers, and strains 84/28 and 85/14, "slow/low" isolates which induced slowly progressive syncytia with minimal lysis in vitro and replicated only to low titers in the same cell type. Serum antibodies against four major viral structural proteins, gp105, p25, p16, and p14, were detected.