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Adenohypophysis
2007-08-03 05:47:00
The adenohypophysis, which surrounds the pars nervosa of the neurohypophyseal system to varying degrees in different species, consists of the pars distalis, the pars tuberalis, and the pars intermedia. The pars distalis is the largest part and contains multiple populations of endocrine cells. The pars tuberalis functions primarily as a scaffold for the capillary network of the hypophyseal portal system. The pars intermedia forms the junction between the pars distalis and pars nervosa. It contains 2 populations of cells in dogs, one of which synthesizes adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).A specific population of endocrine cells in the pars distalis (and in the pars intermedia for ACTH in dogs) synthesizes and secretes each of the pituitary trophic hormones. Pituitary cells have a secretory cycle and enter an actively synthesizing phase in response to increased demand for a particular hormone. Secretory cells in the adenohypophysis are often subdivided into chromophils (acidophils, ba...

Coccidiosis in Chickens
2007-08-03 05:36:00
Coccidiosis is caused by protozoa of the phylum Apicomplexa, family Eimeriidae. In poultry, most species belong to the genus Eimeria and infect various sites in the intestine. The infectious process is rapid (4-7 days) and is characterized by parasite replication in host cells with extensive damage to the intestinal mucosa. Poultry coccidia are strictly host-specific, and the different species parasitize specific parts of the intestine. Coccidia are distributed worldwide in poultry and wild birds. Etiology:Coccidia are almost universally present in poultry-raising operations, but clinical disease occurs only after ingestion of relatively large numbers of sporulated oocysts by susceptible birds. Both clinically infected and recovered birds shed oocysts in their droppings, which contaminate feed, dust, water, litter, and soil. Oocysts may be transmitted by mechanical carriers (eg, equipment, clothing, insects, and other animals). Fresh oocysts are not infective until they sporulate; u...

Behavioral Problems Associated with Canine Aggression
2007-07-18 19:15:00
An attempt has been made to specify definitional criteria for behavioral diagnoses. The advantage to these is that they do not rely on nonspecific signs, so conditions that share signs are not confused, and conditions that show an atypical form are not ruled out because a nonspecific sign appears discordant. Clusters of nonspecific signs within a diagnosis or those shared in comorbid diagnoses may help to identify treatment and pathological groups. While this system is frequently used, it is not universal. It may be helpful to view these diagnostic categories as guidelines that will continue to be redefined, given that behavioral medicine is a quickly growing and evolving field. Some of these problems, in feline-specific form, also occur in cats; these include fear aggression, idiopathic aggression, interanimal aggression, pain aggression, play aggression, predatory aggression, redirected aggression, and territorial aggression. ...
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Face flies, Musca autumnalis
2007-07-13 20:54:00
Face flies, Musca autumnalis , are so named because they gather around the eyes and muzzles of livestock, particularly cattle. They may also be found on the withers, neck, brisket, and sides. Their mouthparts are adapted for sponging up saliva, tears, and mucus. Face flies are usually not considered blood feeders because their mouthparts are not piercing or bayonet-like. However, they follow blood-feeding flies, disturb them during the feeding process, and then lap up the blood and body fluids that accumulate on the host?s skin. Face flies are found on animals that are outdoors and usually do not follow animals into barns.Face flies are found on rangeland cattle throughout southern Canada and most of the USA. The mouthparts consist of sponging labellae, and there are 4 longitudinal stripes on the abdomen. Although similar in appearance to the common house fly, face flies can be differentiated by the closeness and angles of the interior margins of the...
More About: Face , Flies , Autumn , Lies , Autum

Reproductive System Introduction
2007-07-10 18:59:00
All functions of the reproductive system must be considered when resolving reproductive problems. The differences in the reproductive system between the sexes and among species are complex. In both sexes, there are primary sex organs and primary regulatory centers. Gonads and function-adapted, tubular, genital organs constitute primary sex organs in both sexes. The pituitary gland and the hypothalamus are the primary regulatory centers; thus, the regulatory function is, in part, neuroendocrine in nature. In pregnant females, the fetoplacental unit has a significant role in maintaining and terminating pregnancy. The temporal and physiologic features of the reproductive cycle vary greatly among species.Both sexes have a pair of gonads (ovaries or testes), the main functions of which are gametogenesis and steroidogenesis. Both functions are regulated primarily by gonadotropins released by the anterior pituitary gland under the influence of the hypothalamus. The latter is mediated by a ...
More About: System , Introduction , Intro , Prod , Reproductive System

Mastitis in Cattle
2007-07-10 18:53:00
Mastitis?inflammation of the mammary gland?is almost always due to the effects of infection by bacterial or mycotic pathogens. Pathologic changes to milk-secreting epithelial cells from the inflammatory process often bring about a decrease in functional capacity. Depending on the pathogen, functional losses may continue into further lactations, which impairs productivity and potential weight gain for offspring. Although most infections result in relatively mild clinical or subclinical local inflammation, more severe cases can lead to agalactia or even profound systemic involvement resulting in death. Mastitis has been reported in almost all domestic mammals, as well as humans, and has a worldwide geographic distribution. Climatic conditions, seasonal variation, density and housing of livestock populations, and husbandry practices may affect the incidence and etiology. However, it is of greatest frequency and economic importance in species that primarily function as producers of milk...
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Tumors of the Ear Canal in Dogs and Cats
2007-07-10 18:47:00
Ear canal tumors may develop from any of the structures lining or supporting the ear canal, including the squamous epithelium, the ceruminous or sebaceous glands, or the mesenchymal tissues. Tumors arising from the external ear canal and pinna are more common than tumors originating from the middle or inner ear. Ear canal tumors are more common in cats than in dogs. These tumors are relatively uncommon compared with cutaneous tumors elsewhere on the body. Although the precise cause of ear canal tumors is unknown, several theories have been postulated. Chronic inflammation of the ear canal may lead to tissue hyperplasia, followed by dysplasia, and finally neoplasia. Inspissated apocrine secretions from hyperplastic ceruminous glands during otitis externa episodes may stimulate carcinogenesis in the ear canal. Feline nasal-pharyngeal polyps may be congenital or due to viral (calicivirus) or bacterial respiratory infections. Cocker Spanie...
More About: Dogs , Cats , Canal , Anal

Anemia
2007-07-03 20:21:00
Anemia is defined as an absolute decrease in the red cell mass as measured by RBC count, hemoglobin concentration, and PCV. It can develop from loss, destruction, or lack of production of RBC. Anemia is classified as regenerative or nonregenerative. In a regenerative anemia, the bone marrow responds appropriately to the decreased red cell mass by increasing RBC production and releasing reticulocytes. In a nonregenerative anemia, the bone marrow responds inadequately to the increased need for RBC. Anemias due to hemorrhage or hemolysis are usually regenerative. Anemias that are caused by decreased erythropoietin or an abnormality in the bone marrow are nonregenerative. Clinical Findings: Clinical signs in anemic animals depend on the degree of anemia, the duration (acute or chronic), and the underlying cause. Acute anemia can result in shock and even death if more than a third of the blood volume is lost rapidly and not replaced. In acute blood loss, the animal usu...

Food Allergy
2007-07-03 19:59:00
Food allergy is ~10% as common as atopy in dogs and about as common as atopy in cats. The history is that of a nonseasonal pruritus, with little variation in the intensity of pruritus from one season to another in most cases. Most reports do not suggest a breed predilection; however, one report indicated an increased relative risk in Labrador Retrievers, West Highland White Terriers, and Cocker Spaniels. Food hypersensitivities have been reported in Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers in association with protein-losing enteropathy and nephropathy. The age of onset is variable, from 2 mo to 14 yr old. One report indicated that most food allergies begin at The distribution of pruritus and lesions varies markedly between animals. Ear canal disease that manifests as pruritus and secondary infection with bacteria (usually Staphylococcus intermedius , Pseudomonas spp , Proteus ...
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Aspiration pneumonia
2007-01-12 01:46:00
Aspiration pneumonia is a pulmonary infection characterized by inflammation and necrosis caused by inhalation of foreign material. The severity of the inflammatory response depends on the material aspirated, the type of bacteria aspirated, and the distribution of aspirated material in the lungs.Etiology:Faulty administration of medicines is a common cause of aspiration pneumonia. Liquids administered by drench or dose syringe should not be given faster than the animal can swallow. Drenching is particularly dangerous when the animal?s tongue is drawn out, when the head is held high, or when the animal is coughing or bellowing. Administration of liquids by nasal intubation is not without risk, and careful technique is especially necessary in debilitated animals.Inhalation of irritant gases or smoke is an infrequent cause. Aspiration of vomitus or attempts by animals to eat or drink while partially choked can result in aspiration pneumonia as well. Disturbances of deglutition, as in an...
More About: Neum

Dog Distemper
2006-12-22 20:09:00
Canine distemper is a paramyxovirus, which appear very similar to the paramyxovirus causing human measles. The virus in the canine can affect a wide range of organs including the skin, brain, eyes, intestinal and respiratory tracts. The virus is transmitted through the air in addition to body secretions such as urine. Dogs of any age can be affected, however, most are puppies less than 6 months of age. What are the symptoms? Distemper virus can affect many systems of the body. The most common signs are nasal and eye discharge, coughing, diarrhea, vomiting, and seizures. Mildly affected dogs may only cough and be misdiagnosed as "kennel cough." Others may develop pneumonia. Puppies that recover may have severe enamel damage. The nose and foot pads of the young dog may become thickened, hence the nickname "hardpad disease." What are the risks? Distemper is serious and can spread rapidly through a kennel, especially if unvaccinated individuals are present. Not all patients will die,...
More About: Stem , Temp

Parvovirus
2006-12-22 19:21:00
Canine parvovirus disease is currently the most common infectious disorder of dogs in the United States. 'Parvo' is a highly contagious disease characterized by diarrhea that is often bloody and is caused by a pathogen called canine parvovirus, Type 2 (CPV-2). In 1980, the original strain of CPV-2 was replaced by CPV-2A and in 1986, another variation called CPV-2B appeared. Today, CPV-2B has largely replaced the previous strains as the most common isolate. Since all of these strains are similar, we will lump them together and refer to them as CPV-2 (parvo). There is currently some discussion that there may be other strains that are beginning to emerge and have yet to be formally identified. Current vaccinations have helped to control the spread of this disease but despite being vaccinated, some dogs still contract and die from parvo. There is much that we do not know about the virus or the best way to control the disease, but we are learning new information daily. Misinformation...

Campylobacteriosis
2006-12-21 17:13:00
Gastrointestinal campylobacteriosis, caused by Campylobacter jejuni or C coli , is associated with diarrhea in various animal hosts, including dogs, cats, calves, sheep, ferrets, mink, several species of laboratory animals, zoo animals, and humans. In humans, it is a leading cause of diarrhea. C jejuni and C coli are also recovered from feces of asymptomatic carriers. (See also bovine genital campylobacteriosis, Bovine Genital Campylobacteriosis: Introduction). Animals, including dogs and cats (especially those recently purchased from shelters), and wild animals maintained in captivity can serve as sources of human infection. The agents also are isolated frequently from the feces of chickens, turkeys, pigs, and other species. The organism commonly contaminates poultry meat, which serves as one of the major vehicles of spread of C jejuni to humans. The disease is found worldwide; its prevalence appears to be increasing as proper culture techniques for C jejuni and C coli a...
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Aspergillosis in Chicken
2006-12-21 16:50:00
Aspergillosis is a disease, usually of the respiratory system, of chickens, turkeys, and less frequently ducklings, pigeons, canaries, geese, and many other wild and pet birds. In chickens and turkeys, the disease may be endemic on some farms; in wild birds, it appears to be sporadic, frequently affecting only an individual bird. It is usually seen in birds 7-40 days old. (See also aspergillosis in mammals, Aspergillosis, and caged birds, Caged Birds: Introduction.) Etiology and Epidemiology: Aspergillus fumigatus is a common cause of the disease. However, several other Aspergillus spp may be incriminated. Chicks and poults may become infected during hatching as a result of inhaling large numbers of spores in heavily contaminated hatching machines or from contaminated litter. In older birds, infection is caused primarily by inhalation of spore-laden dust from contaminated litter or feed or dusty range areas. Dyspnea, hyperpnea, somnolence, and other signs of nervous system i...
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Hepatitis in Dogs
2006-12-16 02:54:00
As with most liver diseases, the symptoms of hepatitis in dogs are nearly always aspecific: the dogs eat less, are apathetic, sometimes have polyuria/polydipsia, and sometimes have diarrhoea. Hepatoencephalopathy and ascites only occur with these symptoms in very advanced stages of chronic hepatitis. Only a part of the dogs have jaundice. Because of these aspecific symptoms, the diagnosis hepatitis is often not taken into consideration, even though the presence of a liver disease can be easily detected by measuring plasma concentrations of alkaline phosphatase and bile acids, one or both of which are elevated. The diagnosis is confirmed by histological examination of a liver biopsy sample. The most common forms of hepatitis are non-specific reactive hepatitis, acute hepatitis, and chronic hepatitis. Non-specific reactive hepatitis is a reaction against endotoxin as a result of sepsis or an increased gastrointestinal absorption. Treatment is directed to the primary process. Leptospir...
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Toxoplasmosis
2006-12-15 10:36:00
A single-celled parasite called Toxoplasma gondii causes a disease known as toxoplasmosis. While the parasite is found throughout the world, more than 60 million people in the United States may be infected with the Toxoplasma parasite. Of those who are infected, very few have symptoms because a healthy person's immune system usually keeps the parasite from causing illness. However, pregnant women and individuals who have compromised immune systems should be cautious; for them, a Toxoplasma infection could cause serious health problems.A Toxoplasma infection occurs by: Accidentally swallowing cat feces from a Toxoplasma-infected cat that is shedding the organism in its feces. This might happen if you were to accidentally touch your hands to your mouth after gardening, cleaning a cat's litter box, or touching anything that has come into contact with cat feces. Eating contaminated raw or partly cooked meat, especially pork, lamb, or venison; by touching your hands to your mouth...

Chlamydiosis
2006-12-15 10:35:00
Chlamydiosis, a disease caused by the intracellular bacterium Chlamydia psittaci, is commonly seem in wild and pet birds. The infectious particles of Chlamydia psittaci, called elementary bodies, are shed in feather dust,feces, and lacrimal and nasal secretions. Elementary bodies are approximately 0.3 um in size and survive for long periods outside the body. If aerosolized elementary bodies are inhaled or ingested, they will attach to and penetrate host cells. Once inside the cell, elementary bodies transform into non-infectious reticulate bodies that grow and divide by binary fission. Often micro-colonies will form and can be seen microscopically as cellular inclusions, called LCL(Levinthal-Cole-Lillie) ...