Ivan Fasulkov

Basal testosterone concentrations after the application of a slow-release GnRH agonist implant are associated with a loss of response to buserelin, a short-term GnRH agonist, in the tom cat

Slow-release GnRH agonist implants are considered an effective, reversible alternative to surgical castration in male tom cats. Individual differences exist regarding the onset of efficacy and might be delayed in some animals. Single measurements of testosterone (T) might result in basal concentrations also in intact male cats. Consequently, GnRH stimulation tests are performed to measure T increase in intact animals and to differentiate castrated from intact male cats. In this study, five tom cats were treated with a 4.7-mg deslorelin implant and GnRH stimulation tests using buserelin were performed before treatment and at 4-week intervals afterward until Week 20. After the last test in Week 20 all animals were castrated. Four of five animals had basal T after 4 weeks and-in contrast to pretreatment-application of buserelin did not result in any further T increase. In one animal, T was low after implant insertion, but not basal; however, a GnRH stimulation test induced a slight increase of T in Week 8 and 16 only and no response in Weeks 4, 12, and 20. Testicular volume was significantly decreased and penile spines disappeared in all cats. Testicular histology showed mixed atrophy, but also fully elongated spermatids in three of five male cats making infertility questionable. Because of the loss of the stimulatory effect of short-term GnRH application (buserelin), it can be assumed that long-term GnRH agonists also act by some mechanisms of downregulation of pituitary GnRH receptors in the tom cat.

Visualization and measurement of teat structures in Black-and-White cows through ultrasonography.

Abstract The aim of the present study was to determine the features and size of teat structures in cows using ultrasonography. The experiment was conducted with 12 clinically healthy Black-and-White cows, 3 years of age, with body weight of 350-450 kg. Ultrasonography was performed on 48 teats using ultrasound SonoScape A5v (SonoScape, China) with multifrequency linear transducer (5-12 MHz). The potential of the imaging technique to visualize teat structures as well as teat canal length and diameter, the diameter in the area of the Furstenberg’s rosette, teat wall thickness, teat cistern diameter in its middle part and teat cistern diameter in teat base was evaluated. Scans were conducted before milking, immediately after milking, and 1 and 2 hours after milking. The average teat canal length measured by ultrasound was 8.48±1.41 mm before milking, and until the 2nd post-milking hour its size became statistically significantly (p<0.001) lower (7.48±0.93 mm). Teat canal diameter showed a significant difference (p<0.01) only immediately after milking compared to the size before milking. The diameter of the middle part and the base of the teat cistern also tended to decrease considerably after milking (p<0.001) as compared to premilking values. The teat wall thickness immediately after milking and 1 hour after milking were statistically significantly higher (p<0.001) compared to the premilking size. The analysis of results showed that ultrasonography is a rapid non-invasive and accurate method for determination of characteristics and size of teat structures. It could be used for evaluation of changes occurring in bovine teat after milking - shortening of the teat canal, teat wall thickening and reduction of teat cistern diameter.

A Clinical Case of Unilateral Ovarian Dysgerminoma and Pyometra in a Bitch

Abstract A clinical case of an 11-year-old bitch with unilateral ovarian dysgerminoma and pyometra is described. The owner reported purulent discharge from external genitalia, fastidious appetite and depression. Transabdominal ultrasonography of the reproductive organs showed a hypoechoic mass in the region of the left ovary (7.18 × 6.65 cm) and a strongly enlarged uterine lumen full of anechoic fluid. Vaginal cytology demonstrated about 50% superficial cornfield epithelial cells and multiple neutrophils. Complete blood counts and blood biochemistry analysis indicated a significant leukocytosis and a mild anemia. Blood progesterone (3.96 ng/ml) and estradiol (86 pg/ml) were assayed. Median laparotomy revealed an enlarged uterus, substantially altered left ovary, of the size of a grapefruit. The right ovary was of normal size and structure. Tumor metastases in other organs were not seen. Histologically, diffusely located cancer cells resembling primitive germ cells, specific for dysgerminomas, were established. One year after the surgery, according to the owner the dog is vital, with normal appetite and without general condition abnormalities.

The acute phase reaction in goats after experimentally induced E. coli mastitis: a proteomic approach

Intramammary infections have received a lot of attention because of their major economic impact on the dairy farm. Management strategies, including greater awareness for efficient milking and hygienic measures, have resulted in a significant decrease of clinical mastitis worldwide. Subclinical mastitis, however, continue to be a serious problem.