Efficacy of Dietary Selenium to Counteract Toxicity of Deoxynivalenol in Growing Broiler Chickens

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of deoxynivalenol on plasma indicators and efficacy of dietary selenium to counteract toxicity of deoxynivalenol in growing broiler chicks. Three groups of broilers were formed with 14 birds in each group. Three diets included control (0.2 ppm deoxynivalenol, 0.4 mg selenium/kg diet), deoxynivalenol-contaminated (3 ppm deoxynivalenol, 0.4 mg selenium/kg diet) and deoxynivalenol-contaminated (3 ppm deoxynivalenol) plus selenium-enriched yeast (1.4 mg selenium/kg diet). After 6 weeks of feeding all birds were sacrifi ced and blood samples for chemical analyses were collected. Plasma calcium, chloride and alanine aminotransferase activity were signifi cantly elevated and magnesium, total proteins, triglycerides and free glycerol were decreased in chicks fed deoxynivalenol-contaminated diet compared with those fed the control diet. Supplementation of selenium-enriched yeast to the diet reversed plasma levels of calcium, magnesium and alanine aminotransferase activity in chicks induced by dietary deoxynivalenol. Phosphorus, albumin and cholesterol levels and alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase activities were not affected by diets. The inclusion of selenium to DON-contaminated diet, however, did not completely alleviate toxic effect on protein and lipid metabolism by the liver. Supplementation of selenium-enriched yeast product counteracted most of the plasma indicator alterations caused by deoxynivalenol-contaminated diet in chicks

Periodontal Disease in Association with Systemic Diseases in the Dog

Periodontal disease (PD) is the second most common disease affecting dogs in UK veterinary practices. Veterinary and human literature suggests that periodontal disease may be associated with bacteraemia and a chronic, systemic release of inflammatory mediators which produce direct or immune-mediated changes elsewhere in the body. Thirty canine periodontal patient’s electronic medical histories were analysed for comorbidities. The findings were analysed overall to identify any possible associations. Seventy three percent of these dogs had comorbidities, most commonly haematopoietic, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and hepatic systems were involved. The most prevalent comorbidities were: high liver enzymes, heart murmur, mitral valve disease, and monocytosis. Other interesting comorbidities were: endocarditis, neutrophilia, submandibular lymph node enlargement and arthritis. Periodontal disease patients had a higher prevalence of disease when compared to the disease prevalence data for UK pet dogs in general. Mitral valve disease was over 17 times more likely in the periodontal disease patients. Comorbidity disease prevalence also increased with more severe periodontal disease stages. This study supports an association between periodontal disease and systemic diseases in the dog. Further studies should focus on confirming a cause and effect relationship. Until then, these data may be useful for veterinarians to examine periodontal patients for concurrent diseases and can be used as a tool to promote dental disease prevention to pet owners

Haematopathological Changes in Dogs Affected with Ehrlichia Canis in Lesvos

Canine Ehrlichiosis is an important immunosuppressive tick borne disease in dogs. The geographical distribution and transmission is mostly related with Rhipicephalus sanguineus which acts as a vector. There is no predilection of age or sex; all breeds may be infected with Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis (CME). The primary targets are monocytic cells. Platelet disorders and serum protein alterations are the principal hematological and biochemical consequences of infections. Clinical signs are almost non-specific. A definitive diagnosis requires: visualization of morulae within monocytes on cytology, detection of serum antibodies with E. canis, the IFA test, or the PCR. The objective of this study was to present information about haematological and biochemical tests of E. canis infected dogs in Lesvos island in Greece, which is an endemic area

The Difference in the Mucus Organization Between the Small and Large Intestine and Its Protection of Selected Natural Substances. A Review

The mucus layer of the intestinal tract plays an important role of forming the front line of innate host defense. Recent studies have suggested that the involvement of feeding natural additives on protection/prevention/promotion of mucus production in the intestinal environment is beneficial. The goblet cells continually produce mucins for the retention of the mucus barrier under physiological conditions, but different factors (e. g. microorganisms, microbial toxins, viruses, cytokines, and enzymes) can have profound effects on the integrity of the intestinal epithelium covered by a protective mucus. The intestinal mucus forms enterocytes covered by transmembrane mucins and goblet cells produce by the secreted gel-forming mucins (MUC2). The mucus is organized in a single unattached mucus layer in the small intestine and in two mucus layers (inner, outer) in the colon. The main part of the review evaluates the effects of natural additives/substances supplementation to stimulate increased expression of MUC2 mucin in the intestine of animals

The Effect of Essential Oil Intake on Changes of Plasma Antioxidant Status in Mice

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of four essential oils intake by feed, namely Origanum vulgare, Thymus vulgaris, Cinnamomum zeylanicum Ness, and Syzygium aromaticum on antioxidant status in mice in vivo. Essential oils were in the aether oleum form. They were diluted with ethanol absolute mixed with ground pelett (0.1, 0.25, 0.57 and 1% concentration) and thereafter ethanol was evaporated. SOD, GPx activities and TAS were measured in erythrocytes and plasma spectrophotometrically with Ransod, Ransel and TAS kits from RANDOX, respectively. GPX activity showed a significant increase in 0.25% and 0.1% concentration of Origani aetheroleum. The GPx activities were decreased in 1% concentration of Thymi aetheroleum and 0.57% concentration of Cinnamomi aetheroleum and 0.57% concentration of Caryophylli aetheroleum. The total antioxidant status showed a significant decrease in 1 % concentration of Origani aetheroleum and significantly increased in 0.1% concentration. The same results were found in Thymi aetheroleum. Cinnamomi aetheroleum and Caryophylli aetheroleum had not effect on total antioxidant status. SOD activities were not significantly changed after intake of essential oils. In conclusion, our results showed, that concentration of essential oil is very important for antioxidant status and also for metabolism of mice, because a high dose of essential oil has adverse effect on metabolism of mice, representated by a lower growth of the body weight. On the other hand, essential oils at lower concentrations have positive effect on antioxidant status of mice

Changes in Temperature of the Equine Skin Surface Under Boots after Exercise

Equine distal limbs have evolved to have long tendons coupled with strong, tendinous muscles positioned proximally on the leg, thus enabling the horse to achieve highly efficient locomotion. The tradeoff is, that the tendons are left unprotected and prone to injuries, therefore they are often protected by various boots and bandages, which may insulate the limbs and cause hyperthermia in the underlying tendons. The actual mechanism for the degeneration of tendons is currently unknown, but damaging temperature increases due to hysteresis in hardworking horses has been suggested as a possible cause. This study compared the skin temperature of the palmar/ plantar metacarpal/metatarsal regions of the limbs after exercise with various types of boots and bandages - primarily tendon boots, leather boots and fleece bandages. Several horses were measured before and after the completion of a standard exercise test. The boots or bandages were removed immediately after the exercise and the temperature was measured at 3 separate places with A Testo 850i infrared thermometer. The differences in temperature increases between the various kinds of boots were compared. The results showed a significantly higher average temperature increase in horses wearing boots or bandages compared to the bare limb. The fleece bandages seemed to accumulate the highest amount of heat, followed by the tendon boots