Search Results

Abstract

Objective—To determine and compare substrate specificity and kinetic rate constants of feline and canine alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) with ethanol (EtOH) and ethylene glycol (EG) as substrates in vitro, with and without fomepizole.

Sample Population—Livers from 3 dogs and 3 cats.

Procedure—Canine and feline ADH activity, in cytosolic fractions of homogenized liver, was determined by use of various concentrations of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), EtOH, or EG as substrates. Initial reaction velocities were calculated, and kinetic inhibition rate constants (K_i) for fomepizole were determined.

Results—Substrate specificity of canine and feline ADH for EtOH or EG was not significantly different. A 2-fold difference was detected in the maximal velocity of canine, compared with feline, ADH, using either substrate. Fomepizole K_i in feline hepatic homogenates was significantly greater than K_i in canine hepatic homogenates when either EtOH or EG was used as substrate (10- and 30-fold, respectively). A 6-fold increase in the concentration of fomepizole was required to achieve ADH inhibition, with feline homogenates equivalent to those of canine homogenates.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Feline ADH has lower enzymatic capacity for turnover or is less concentrated in liver than canine ADH with regard to EtOH and EG catalysis. Canine ADH was more effectively inhibited by fomepizole than feline ADH. Results suggest that higher dosages of fomepizole may be more effective to treat cats with EG intoxication than dosages reported to treat dogs. (Am J Vet Res 2000;61:450–455)

Abstract

Objective—To assess heritability and mode of inheritance for hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia (HERDA) in Quarter Horses.

Animals—1,295 horses with Quarter Horse bloodlines, including 58 horses affected with HERDA.

Procedure—Horses were classified as affected or unaffected or as undetermined when data were insufficient to assess phenotype. Pedigree data were analyzed to determine the probable mode of inheritance. Heritability was estimated by use of Bayesian statistical methods.

Results—Heritability (mean ± SD) of HERDA was estimated to be 0.38 ± 0.13, with both sexes having an equal probability of being affected. Results for evaluation of the pedigrees were consistent with a single Mendelian autosomal recessive mode of inheritance.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—HERDA in Quarter Horses is an inherited disease, and affected horses are more likely to produce affected offspring. An autosomal recessive mode of inheritance should be considered by people making breeding decisions involving Quarter Horses when a first-degree relative has been confirmed with HERDA or has produced affected offspring. In addition, breeders whose horses have produced affected offspring can reduce the likelihood of producing affected horses in the future by avoiding inbreeding. (Am J Vet Res 2005;66:437–442)

Abstract

Objective—To analyze the sulfur content of water and forage samples from a geographically diverse sample of beef cow-calf operations in the United States and to estimate frequency and distribution of premises where forage and water resources could result in consumption of hazardous amounts of sulfur by cattle.

Design—Cross-sectional study.

Sample Population—709 forage samples from 678 beef cow-calf operations and individual water samples from 498 operations in 23 states.

Procedure—Sulfur content of forage samples and sulfate concentration of water samples were measured. Total sulfur intake was estimated for pairs of forage and water samples.

Results—Total sulfur intake was estimated for 454 pairs of forage and water samples. In general, highest forage sulfur contents did not coincide with highest water sulfate concentrations. Overall, 52 of the 454 (11.5%) sample pairs were estimated to yield total sulfur intake (as a percentage of dry matter) ≥ 0.4%, assuming water intake during conditions of high ambient temperature. Most of these premises were in north-central (n = 19) or western (19) states.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that on numerous beef cow-calf operations throughout the United States, consumption of forage and water could result in excessively high sulfur intake. All water sources and dietary components should be evaluated when assessing total sulfur intake. Knowledge of total sulfur intake may be useful in reducing the risk of sulfur-associated health and performance problems in beef cattle. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2002;221:673–677)