A novel method for estimating the adaptive ability of guide dogs using salivary sIgA.

Salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) concentrations of prospective guide dogs for the blind were determined to clarify whether salivary sIgA is useful in evaluating the potential suitability of guide dogs for the blind. Saliva was collected from 73 prospective guide dogs in the kennel on day 1 (the day of separation from volunteer puppy-raisers), 2, 3, 7 and 14 during the estimation period (at about 1 year old). We selected particularly suitable dogs (superior dogs) and unsuitable dogs (inferior dogs) on the basis of the trainers' estimation. All dogs were divided into two groups, those were acceptable dogs would become the guide dogs and rejected dogs could not become guide dogs. The sIgA concentrations in superior dogs gradually increased from day 1 to 14 and those in inferior dogs remained at low levels. Moreover, the sIgA concentrations on day 14 in the acceptable dogs were significantly higher than those in rejected dogs. The cut-off point of sIgA concentrations on day 14 using an ROC curve was 90 EU/ml, and the specificity of the estimation at this point (70.4%) was higher than that of trainers' estimation (50%). Moreover, parallel testing using both trainers' estimation and sIgA estimation, showed that specificity was further improved (79.5%). The present study showed that sIgA concentration was extremely useful in estimating the adaptive ability for guide dogs for the blind.

Lead poisoning in whooper and tundra swans.

Six weak whooper swans (Cygnus cygnus) and two weak tundra swans (Cygnus columbianus) were found at Swamp Miyajima (Hokkaido, Japan) in May 1998. Anorexia, depression, green watery feces, pale conjunctiva, and anemia were observed. Radiographs showed from six to 38 suspected lead pellets in the gizzard. Blood lead concentrations were 2.5-6.7 microg/g (mean+/-SD=4.6+/-1.14 microg/g) on day 1. After blood collection, the birds were treated with calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (CaEDTA) given intravenously and force fed. Despite treatment, seven birds died the next day. Green, bile-stained livers and pale or green kidneys were observed on necropsy. Microscopically, bile pigment was widespread in the liver and acid-fast intranuclear inclusion bodies were observed in renal tubular epithelium. Lead concentrations in livers and kidneys were 14.0-30.4 microg/g and 30.2-122 microg/g wet weight, respectively. Only one bird survived and this whooper swan continued to be treated with CaEDTA and activated charcoal. No lead shot was observed in the proventriculus and gizzard by radiography on day 64 and the blood lead concentration decreased from 2.9 microg/g to 0.09 microg/g during that same period. After 4 mo of rehabilitation, the whooper swan was returned to the wild. Lead intoxication continues to be a problem at Swamp Miyajima.

Salivary secretory IgA concentrations in beagle dogs.

The normal concentrations of salivary secretory IgA (sIgA) were examined, and the response of sIgA to acute stress was evaluated in dogs. Ten clinically healthy beagle dogs familiarized with the method of saliva sampling were used. During the non-stress period, saliva samples were collected between 0800 hr and 1700 hr at 1-hr intervals for 7 consecutive days and analyzed for sIgA concentration. After a 1-day control period, a noise stressor was presented for 15 min between 0845 hr and 0900 hr on 2 consecutive days. Saliva was collected at pre-stress, immediately after, 30 min after and 60 min after the stress. The average sIgA concentration over the 2-day period was compared with the control value. Environmental stimuli were restricted. During the non-stress period, significant variations were observed during the diurnal pattern, in which sIgA increased in the morning and then decreased; and the day-to-day variations were significant except at 0800 hr and 0900 hr. During the stress experiments, the sIgA concentration decreased significantly, immediately after and 30 min after the noise stress, and then increased to the same level as the control value by 60 min after the stress. When estimating the effectiveness of salivary sIgA as a marker of stress in dogs, the appropriate time for saliva sampling appears to be in the morning. Salivary sIgA was deemed potentially useful as a marker of stress in dogs.