Efficiency of short-term storage of equine semen in a simple-design cooling system.

Five experiments tested the efficiency of a simple, low-cost system (CP) for cooling and storing equine semen at 2.0 degrees C for 24 h and 48 h. Pantaneiro stallions of known fertility were used. Semen quality was evaluated for progressive motility (PM), plasma membrane integrity (PMI), and pregnancy rate. Experiment 1 showed that PM and PMI were similar between CP and the control (Equitainer) in cooled semen. In Experiment 2, the influence was evaluated of combinations (four treatments) of two volumes (50/100 ml) and two sperm concentrations (500/750x10(6)) on sperm quality of semen cooled and preserved by CP (cooling system replaced at 24 h). While PM decreased gradually from before cooling to 24 h and 48 h, PMI decreased only at the least and greatest sperm volume and concentrations. Storage time did not affect PMI. Results from Experiment 3 showed that CP maintained semen PM>or=30% in all samples 24 h after cooling and decreased to about 70% 42 h after cooling. Results from Experiments 4 and 5 confirmed semen quality after cooling and storage (24 h and 48 h, respectively), achieving a 69% pregnancy rate in the first estrous cycle when insemination occurred. Thus, the CP system is satisfactory for cooling and preserving equine semen for up to 48 h.

L-Bupivacaine 0.5% vs. racemic 0.5% bupivacaine for caudal epidural analgesia in horses.

Bupivacaine is available as a racemic mixture of its enantiomers, d-bupivacaine and l-bupivacaine (LB). The aim of this randomized, double-blind study was to investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of S(-)-bupivacaine compared with standard racemic bupivacaine (RB) in horses under caudal epidural analgesia. Two treatments were administered to each horse, with a 2-week interval between subsequent treatments. Treatment 1 consisted of 0.5% LB at a dose of 0.06 mg/kg of body weight, and treatment 2 consisted of 0.5% RB at a dose of 0.06 mg/kg of body weight. Epidural injections were given in all animals between the first and second coccygeal vertebra. Heart rate (HR), arterial pressures, respiratory rate (RR), rectal temperature (RT), analgesia, and motor blocking were determined before drug administration (basal) and 5, 10, 15 and 30 min after drug administration, and at 30 min intervals thereafter. There were no significant differences between the two treatments in the quality of sensory and motor block. The duration of analgesia was 320 +/- 30 min (mean +/- SD) for RB and 360 +/- 42 min for LB. HRs and RRs, arterial pressures and RT did not change (P < 0.05) significantly from basal values after epidural administration of LB or RB. This study supports that 0.5% LB is an effective alternative to RB in caudal epidural analgesia in conscious, standing horses. The use of LB vs. RB warrants further investigation, particularly for long-lasting surgery in the perineal region.

[Occurrence of canine visceral leishmaniasis in an agricultural settlement in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil]. / Ocorrência de leishmaniose visceral canina em assentamento agrícola no Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil.

During previous research on phlebotomine fauna in a settlement of the Brazilian National Agrarian Reform Institute (INCRA) on the Bodoquena Range, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil, dogs were observed with clinical aspects suggestive of visceral leishmaniasis. A serological survey to leishmaniasis in 97 dogs, by indirect immunofluorescence test, showed 23 (23.7%) serum positive dogs. Samples of the parasites were identified as Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi.

Ocorrência de leishmaniose visceral canina em assentamento agrícola no Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil / Occurrence of canine visceral leishmaniasis in an agricultural settlement in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

During previous research on phlebotomine fauna in a settlement of the Brazilian National Agrarian Reform Institute (INCRA) on the Bodoquena Range, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil, dogs were observed with clinical aspects suggestive of visceral leishmaniasis. A serological survey to leishmaniasis in 97 dogs, by indirect immunofluorescence test, showed 23 (23.7%) serum positive dogs. Samples of the parasites were identified as Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi.

Durante estudos sobre a fauna flebotomínea em assentamento do Instituto Nacional de Reforma Agrária (INCRA) na Serra da Bodoquena, Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil, foram observados cães com manifestações clínicas sugestivas de leishmaniose visceral. Inquérito sorológico para leishmaniose em 97 cães, utilizando reação de imunofluorescência indireta, mostrou 23 (23,7%) soros reagentes. Amostras do parasita foram identificadas como Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi.