Histopathology of the chick pancreas following pancreatic duct ligation.

Ligation of the ventral pancreatic ducts of day-old chicks resulted in atrophy of the pancreatic acini and interstitial fibrosis. The pancreatic histopathology was identical to that seen in mammals with pancreatic duct obstruction and also to that seen in stunting syndrome of broiler chickens. It is suggested that the pathogenesis of the pancreatic lesions seen in stunting syndrome may be due to pancreatic duct obstruction.

Pancreatic duct obstruction in a stunting syndrome of broiler chickens.

Broilers suffering from stunting syndrome from three farms were shown to have pancreatic atrophy and fibrosis similar to that seen in pancreatic duct obstruction in chickens and mammals. Interlobular and intercalated ducts were found to be stenotic or occluded with inflammation and necrosis of the epithelium and wall. Inclusion bodies were seen in some duct cells. It is suggested that pancreatic duct obstruction is responsible for the maldigestion and pancreatic lesions seen in stunting syndrome.

Three cases of cowpox infection of domestic cats.

Since October 1982 three cases of cowpox infection of the cat have been presented at a veterinary practice. The disease began as a focal dermatitis on the face or paws which spread after several days to the rest of the body. Two weeks after appearing the pocks scabbed over and fell off leaving hairless skin. There were few systemic signs and therapy did not appear to influence the course of the disease. Diagnosis was confirmed by the demonstration of pox virions or inclusion bodies in skin biopsy or scab material using electron microscopy and by isolation of cowpox virus in chick embryos. High antibody titres to cowpox were observed in the sera of two cats.

Ulcerative dermatitis dm broiler chickens: the effects of wet litter.

Wet litter induced severe ulceration of the skin of commercial broiler chickens over the plantar surface of the feet, the caudal aspect of the intertarsal joint and over the sternum. In addition constant sitting of the birds resulted in development of breast "busters". Growth rates were also depressed. Reversion of litter conditions to dry resulted in rapid healing of most of the lesions with a compensatory recovery in growth rate.

Rapeseed induced liver haemorrhage, reticulolysis and biochemical changes in laying hens: the effects of feeding high and low glucosinolate meals.

Rapeseed meal hepatosis was produced by feeding high and low glucosinolate meals as a source of protein (about 200 g kg-1 diet) but could not be distinguished histologically from fatty liver-haemorrhagic syndrome which occurred in birds on the control diet. Both types of meal increased haemorrhage, reticulolysis and lymphoproliferation in the liver, reduced the packed cell volume and caused thyroid enlargement. Haemorrhages emanated from ruptured intrahepatic portal veins, capillaries and sinusoids and were associated with degenerative changes in vessel walls. Haemorrhage and reticulin scores were correlated. Parenchymal necrosis occurred only around large haematomas and caused increased aspartate transaminase activity in the plasma. Both meals also caused hyperglycaemia and reduced the plasma triglyceride content. Only the high glucosinolate meal decreased egg production, caused liver enlargement and reduced the plasma urate level. The addition of myrosinase enhanced its effects on egg production and packed cell volume but did not increase its hepatotoxicity.

Wet litter as a cause of plantar pododermatitis, leading to foot ulceration and lameness in fattening turkeys.

Spraying water to produce wet litter increased the severity and incidence of plantar pododermatitis in two commercial strains of fattening turkeys. A clinical syndrome resembling "shaky leg" was also produced. In one experiment breast blisters, scabby hocks and a depression of final body weight were seen.

Pox virus infection of a domestic cat.

Pox virus infection of a domestic cat is reported. It was manifest clinically as a skin infection which resolved within two months. Histopathology and electron microscopy of the epidermis revealed inclusion bodies typical of pox virus infection. Serological examination of convalescent serum confirmed recent pox virus infection. Cow pox virus was considered as the most likely infectious agent in this case.