Karel Hauptman

Usefulness of detection of specific IgM and IgG antibodies for diagnosis of clinical encephalitozoonosis in pet rabbits

Encephalitozoon cuniculi is an obligate intracellular pathogen that has wide host distribution, but primary affects rabbits. This study presents a seroepidemiological study of E. cuniculi infection in 500 pet rabbits from the Czech Republic using ELISA capable of measuring IgM and IgG antibodies. Specific IgM antibodies, reflecting acute, reactivated infection or reinfection, were detected in 32.4% of all rabbits. IgG antibodies indicating chronic infection, were presented in 68.0% of all rabbits. The highest detection rate of IgM (54.4%) and IgG (86.1%) antibodies was ascertained in rabbits with neurological symptoms (n=79, group I). In rabbits with renal disorders (n=47, group II) 36.2% animals were specific IgM and 80.9% IgG positive. Out of 9 rabbits with ocular disorders (group III), 44.4% were positive for anti-E. cuniculi IgM and 77.8% for IgG antibodies. In rabbits with multiple signs (neurological and renal or ocular, n=16, group IV), 43.8% animals were specific IgM and 68.8% IgG positive. Out of 287 rabbits with other disease (group V), 26.5% were positive for anti-E. cuniculi IgM and 64.1% for IgG antibodies. However, the high presence of IgM (24.2%) and IgG (51.6%) antibodies was detected in clinically healthy rabbits (n=62, group VI). Toxoplasma gondii infection should be considered as a differential diagnosis for neurological and ocular disorders in rabbits. Using ELISA, 19.2% from all rabbits were positive for specific anti-T. gondii IgG. The highest seropositivity was detected in group III (44.4%). Simultaneous testing of IgM and IgG specific antibodies give an indication of the infection status. Presence of IgM antibodies is indicative for active infection with requirement to institute proper antimicrosporidial therapy. As active infection was detected in considerably high numbers of rabbits with clinical signs that are not usually associated with E. cuniculi, and even in asymptomatic rabbits, detection of both isotypes of specific antibodies should be a routine part of a health check in rabbits.

Quantitative and qualitative assessments of intraoral lesions in 180 small herbivorous mammals

Between 2002 and 2005 210 rabbits, 257 guinea pigs and 123 chinchillas were examined; oral disease was diagnosed in 38·1 per cent of the rabbits, 23·4 per cent of the guinea pigs and 32·5 per cent of the chinchillas. In the rabbits, the maxillary right P3, mandibular right P3, P4 and M1 and mandibular left P3, P4, and M1 were the teeth most frequently affected; in the guinea pigs, the mandibular right P4 and both the mandibular left incisor and P4 were most often affected; and in the chinchillas the maxillary right P4 and M1 and maxillary left P4 were most often affected. The incisors and first mandibular cheek teeth of the guinea pigs were significantly more often affected than those in the chinchillas or rabbits. Bilateral lesions of the maxillary cheek teeth were significantly more common in the chinchillas. The highest incidence of gingival hyperplasia was recorded in the rabbits. The incidence of gingival erosions and gingivitis were significantly higher in the chinchillas.

Diseases in pet degus: a retrospective study in 300 animals

INTRODUCTION Degus are commonly used as laboratory animals; however, over the past few years, they have become increasingly popular as pets. OBJECTIVES The aim of this article was to present disease prevalence in 300 pet degus divided in two age groups (under and above two years). METHODS Medical records of degus (Octodon degus), which were presented to the authors clinic in the period from January 2007 to December 2009, were reviewed. RESULTS The most common diseases in degus were (1) acquired dental disease (60·0%) with significantly higher prevalence in older animals (P<0.001), (2) skin alopecia due to fur chewing (13·33%) and (3) lens cataracts (13·33%). Other common disorders included traumatic injuries to soft tissues (bite wounds and tail slip), traumatic fractures and dietary diarrhoea. Reproductive disorders were most commonly associated with dystocia and pathological changes in the post-natal period. Only 38 degus in a total of 300 animals were healthy. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE This is the first study to describe the disease prevalence in two age groups of pet degus. The majority of diseases were caused by improper diet, self-mutilation and improper handling; as such client education is necessary to avoid such a high disease prevalence.

Diseases in pet guinea pigs: a retrospective study in 1000 animals

Guinea pigs are commonly kept as pet animals; however, information about particular disease prevalence is lacking. The objective of this article was to present disease prevalence in 1000 pet guinea pigs from private owners divided into three age groups: under two years; between two and five years; and above five years. Medical records of guinea pigs (Cavia aperea f. porcellus) that were presented to the authors’ clinic in the period from January 2008 to August 2013 were reviewed. The most commonly diagnosed disease in guinea pigs was dental disease (36.3 per cent), with higher prevalence in the middle age group (P<0.001) and in males (P<0.001) rather than females. Skin problems were seen as the second most common disease (33.3 per cent), with higher prevalence in male guinea pigs (P<0.001) and in animals younger than two years (P<0.001). Ovarian cystic disease was the third most commonly seen disorder, with higher prevalence in females older than two years (P<0.001). Other common health disorders included gastrointestinal stasis, heterotopic ciliary body calcifications, fatty eye and tibiofemoral osteoarthritis. Only 81 guinea pigs from a total of 1000 animals were healthy. This is the first study to describe the disease prevalence in three age groups of pet guinea pigs.

Impact of pelleted diets with different mineral compositions on the crown size of mandibular cheek teeth and mandibular relative density in degus (Octodon degus)

The impact of pelleted diets with different mineral compositions on the crown size of the mandibular cheek teeth, as well as the mandibular bone and cheek teeth density, in degus (Octodon degus) was investigated. A total of 28 animals were randomly divided into four groups and fed different calcium or phosphorous dietary content, in the presence or absence of UV light, for 14 months. Dental radiographs and CT images of the head were taken, and the crown size of premolar and molar teeth was recorded. Apical and coronal crown elongation of all cheek teeth and significantly smaller relative cheek teeth and mandibular densities were recorded in degus fed a high-phosphorus diet with an improper calcium:phosphorus ratio. A diet with a calcium:phosphorus ratio of 1:1 was also responsible for the rapid development of dental disease with subsequent severe health impairment.

Blood sampling from the cranial vena cava in the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus).

This paper describes blood sampling from the cranial vena cava (CVC) in the Norway rat. In order to limit stress, the blood sampling should be done under short-term inhalation anaesthesia, for example, an oxygen/isoflurane mixture. The injection site is just cranial to the first rib, 0.3–0.8 cm lateral to the manubrium when the animal is in dorsal recumbency. The needle, attached to a syringe, is inserted at 30° in the direction of the opposite femoral head. After penetration of the skin, negative pressure is developed in the syringe and the insertion of the needle is continued for another 0.2–1 cm in the given direction until blood begins to flow. The amount of blood sampled ranges from 0.8 to 2.5 mL depending on the body weight of the patient. A trial on 50 rats aged 5–24 months included 25 rats sampled once, eight rats sampled twice with an interval of seven days, 11 rats sampled twice with an interval of three weeks and four rats sampled four times with intervals of four weeks – a total of 87 blood samplings. The serious complications quoted in association with blood sampling from the CVC in other experimental animals (vascular lacerations, heart puncture, serious haemorrhage, tracheal and throat trauma) were not observed in our study. There were only four blood samplings (4.5%) with mild haemorrhage from the injection site, due to erroneous sampling from the jugular vein.

Extrahepatic biliary tract obstruction in two ferrets (Mustela putorius furo)

This report describes extrahepatic bile duct obstruction in two ferrets, which were presented with anorexia, chronic weight loss and general weakness. Physical examination revealed lethargy, cachexia, dehydration, abdominal pain and icterus. Marked haematological, serum chemistry and urinalysis abnormalities included hyperbilirubinaemia (65·5 and 114·2 μmol/L), high concentrations of alanine transaminase (1327·53 and 2578·88 IU/L) and biluribinuria. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed thickening of the bile duct together with the gall bladder wall. The common bile duct was obviously distended. Choledochotomy revealed inspissated bile with fragile green gelatinous plugs that was removed to allow the bile to flow into the duodenum. Cytology and culture of the biliary tract contents were negative for bacteria. Laboratory analyses of biliary plugs showed presence of only protein substances, without detectable mineral composition. Histopathological examination of the liver showed diffuse steatosis and non-specific cholangiohepatitis in both cases.

Selected haematological and plasma chemistry parameters in juvenile and adult degus (Octodon degus)

Thirty-five juvenile (mean age 6.3 weeks) and 35 adult (mean age 2.0 years) healthy degus (Octodon degus) were studied to investigate selected haematological and plasma biochemistry parameters. Animals were anaesthetised with isoflurane, and blood was withdrawn from the cranial vena cava. Erythrocyte, haematocrit and neutrophil counts (including the percentage of neutrophils) were significantly higher in the adult degus than in the juveniles. In contrast, the reticulocyte count, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, number of platelets and percentage of lymphocytes were significantly lower in the adult animals. Total protein and globulin levels were significantly higher in the adult degus. The albumin:globulin ratio and plasma levels of urea nitrogen, cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, potassium, total calcium and inorganic phosphorus were significantly lower in adults than in juveniles.

Evaluation of the Influence of Formulation and Process Variables on Mechanical Properties of Oral Mucoadhesive Films Using Multivariate Data Analysis

Oral mucosa is an attractive region for the local and systemic application of many drugs. Oral mucoadhesive films are preferred for their prolonged time of residence, the improved bioavailability of the drug they contain, their painless application, their protection against lesions, and their nonirritating properties. This work was focused on preparation of nonmedicated carmellose-based films using both solvent casting and impregnation methods, respectively. Moreover, a modern approach to evaluation of mucoadhesive films applying analysis of texture and subsequent multivariate data analysis was used. In this experiment, puncture strength strongly correlated with tensile strength and could be used to obtain necessary information about the mechanical film characteristics in films prepared using both methods. Puncture work and tensile work were not correlated in films prepared using the solvent casting method, as increasing the amount of glycerol led to an increase in the puncture work in thinner films. All measured texture parameters in films prepared by impregnation were significantly smaller compared to films prepared by solvent casting. Moreover, a relationship between the amount of glycerol and film thickness was observed, and a greater recalculated tensile/puncture strength was needed for an increased thickness in films prepared by impregnation.

CONGENITAL ABNORMALITIES OF THE VERTEBRAL COLUMN IN FERRETS

Vertebral column pathologies requiring surgical intervention have been described in pet ferrets, however little information is available on the normal vertebral formula and congenital variants in this species. The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe vertebral formulas and prevalence of congenital vertebral anomalies in a sample of pet ferrets. Radiographs of 172 pet ferrets (96 males and 76 females) were included in this retrospective study. In 143 ferrets (83.14%), five different formulas of the vertebral column were recorded with normal morphology of vertebrae (rib attachment included) but with a variable number of thoracic (Th), lumbar (L), and sacral (S) vertebrae. The number of cervical (C) vertebrae was constant in all examined animals. Observed vertebral formulas were C7/Th14/L6/S3 (51.74%), C7/Th14/L6/S4 (22.10%), C7/Th14/L7/S3 (6.98%), C7/Th15/L6/S3 (1.74%), and C7/Th15/L6/S4 (0.58%). Formula C7/Th14/L6/S4 was significantly more common in males than in females (P < 0.05). Congenital spinal abnormalities were found in 29 ferrets (16.86%), mostly localized in the thoracolumbar and lumbosacral regions. The cervical region was affected in only one case. Transitional vertebrae represented the most common congenital abnormalities (26 ferrets) in the thoracolumbar (13 ferrets) and lumbosacral regions (10 ferrets) or simultaneously in both regions (three ferrets). Other vertebral anomalies included block (two ferrets) and wedge vertebra (one ferret). Spina bifida was not detected. Findings from the current study indicated that vertebral formulas may vary in ferrets and congenital abnormalities are common. This should be taken into consideration for surgical planning.