Document RJZ5Y4GjZwnz5oMmyRjL6bmwX

100 Tim VETERINARY RfcCOtlt) JANUARY 22nd. 1972 Letters Tlio Relationship of Serum Calcium to X*rolnpsetl Vagina aud Hingwonab Sir,--Wc wore interested to read the paper by Mr. D. 1*. Stubbing on the Relationship of Serum Calcium io Prolapsed Vanina and Ringwomb in Sheep {l'ft. Rce. (1971). b'i, 296-300). A survey was carried out by ourselves through the Veterinary Clinical Observation Unit, into the aetiology of prolapsed vagina in sheep. The results of this survey, covering several hundred eases, indi cated about as many suggested ae.tiological factors as there were replies to tire questionnaire. As no conclusions could bo reached, no results were published. In one of our earlier papers (Vet. Rce. (1962), 7-1. 363*370) invcstiipiinr. the aetiology of true ringwomb in sheep, we reported that the levels of serum calcium were within tire normal range in affected aniuul<. It is doubtful whether the variations of serum calcium noted by Mr. Stubbing* are physio logically significant, except at the extreme lower limit of normality, when a cervical non-dilatation would be a reflection of myometrial inertia and not, as Mr. Stubbing* suggests, due to lack of tone of the smooth muscle of the cervix. If smooth muscle tone of the cervix was decreased, this would lead to an accelerated dilatation of the cervix, since such dilatation is the result of prolonged myometrial activity md not a sphincter relaxation. It seems lihelv that true non-dilatation of the cervix can result from the intake of exogenous oestrogen*. Of these, there arc two probable sources:-- 1. Red clover. In several flocks of sheep, showing a high incidence of non-dilatation, it can be shown thal'thcy grazed a pasture rich in red clover in mid pregnancy. 2. Some fungi found in herbage and grain are rich in oesirogens. I'nsoriiini $raminacrurn is one such fungus in this area, which by oestrogen assay, we have shown to be oestrogenic. This fungus species has been incriminated in a vomiting syndrome, and vulval ami mammary hype: trophy in pigs in the U.S.A. (Ann. AYv. P/n7,, 19C6). In a feeding trial carried out at the Glasgow Veterinary School using Fusariitm srcwiinscntm of known oestrogenic activity, two eases of vaginal prolapse and one case of non-dilatation of the cervix were recoided in the experimental group of 10 ewes. Quo ca.sc of prolapsed vagina occurred in the control group. This bunco'd growth is particularly common where untreated barley is stored in sealed polythene bags in the open air. This growth appears as a pale pink discoloration, usually on the upper surface of the bag contents ami c1o*-j io any punctures in the bap. The feeding of such contaminated grain to breed ing cattle has a potential risk. Tu one case, the feeding of a grain affected with fungus of ocslroceu activity of 2 pR. per 100 g. was the only detectable factor responsible for a herd calving index dropping front 375 days to over 400 days. Acknowledgments,--W't wish to acknowledge the help of (lie following in our continuing investigation: Dr. Saba of the Central Veterinary Laboratory for oestrogen assays, Dr. T'arr of Exeter University for identification of cultures, Mr. P. G. Higned. Dr. Jean Renton of Glasgow University Vclsrtr.ary School for feeding trials, and the Commonwealth Plant Bureau for reference cultures of Fusariitnt RrGtuintientm. January 10th. 1972. Yours faithfully, Risdoos, Hatherley, Devon. J. C. HINDSON. Lapford, Crediton, Devon. C. B. TURNER. Reference Annual Review oj I'hytopalliolosy (1966). 4. 171-194. Porsiatonce of Rolychloriantcd Biphenyls in the IVliUc of deposed Cows Sir.--Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCD), while com mercially available for the past *10 years, were not identified as environmental contaminants until about five years ago. In 1966 Jensen reported on the occur rence of PCD in fish and wildlife. Subsequent re ports confirmed their presence in terrestrial and aquatic life forrrs in Europe (Holmes, Simmens ii Tntion, 1967; Jensen. Johncls, Obson & 1969; Kocman, Ten Neever Dc ttrsuw and Dc Yo<t 1969; Prosst, JclYerics & Moore, 1970) and Noah America (Baglcy, Rcichcl & Cromartie. 1970; Duke, Lowe & Wilson. 1970: Risebrough, Rciehs, Pcakal!. Kerman & Kirven, 1963). Polychlorinated b:r>h:n>is have recently been detected ia a large mincer of foodstuffs and in human milk (Wrdoo, Noten & Anderson. 1970). hair, and adipose tij-iue (GustnYo.-., 1970). While human milk samples contained up ;o J.O mg. per kg. fat. as much ns 14,000 mg. per could be delected in some wildlife samples (Cu'tafmki. 1970). Platomnv, S.ivclicnbrcckcr *1 Fu-.uell. 197!) reported on the occurrence of PCD residues in the milk and semts tissues of bovine* exposed to on. viror.mcntnl contamination. Polychlorinated biphenyls exhibit a number of physical, chemical and pharmacological ximi!iui:ics to the DDT pesticide group, originating with the fact that they share with chlorinated hydrocarbon psricides strong lipophilic properties, which result ;u their accumulation in the animal's lipid denots a;ui consequent concentration along the ecological food chain (Jensen. Johncls, OKson ik Oitcriaml. I'/'). Chronic toxicity of PCl appears to be of gre:er significance than acute toxicity. Recent imv-t ,-alions indicate that the hcpalotosic action of !'( )!. if considered to be a primary cuvet, is ia is pkimucological significance surpassed by a mun'vr of secondary but highly alarming effects, such :w the induction of a microsomal enzyme aviirily Iv.tditig MONS 087208 tv,1.- vr.n-utMAUv r.co;u> JANUARY 22nd, 1972 lul ; / , i, V t\ .. ----- ------- - l*i:i. l,-C`!'.ro:ii:\Uvjrrm< of Aroclor 1251 standard (upper ir.icing) and of tUo sarr.a compound recovered from the twine of one of the experimental animals (lower tracing). T.\ru.r. I. Tut: Lr.vrt.s (in Wri Wi'uiir) <,, I'oi w inoh:n\ho Illnil M is IN TUI. M.t.*. UniNTi a:.i> Jaius or ( ,.-.vs Ciivi.s 10 mu./ka. U'i/W A) a't> m u mi. />:,. (c;<>w !;) or I'm.vcm.o.TiNVTi i) Uirni :.m s. krsi*; i. M vi-1 v, a,no Coi.* i.LCl,:o nut .S. vis Con(Ui\i;. Days. Du v of COllt'Ction 1 ? 3 4 5 6 7 A/ilk 6.27 J.-Ut 2.15 t .57 1.17 1.04 1.06 Cow A Fnoert IX.'J 0.53 0.45 0.42 0.35 9.35 0.32 Urine OOU35 O.t.-iH.t a.o, nr, 0.0015 0.u>32 00035 O.OOJt Milk 7-;. 15 43 1 s )1 12.31 10.23 S.32 7.SO Cow fl Filerci 7 52 5 )5 4 .i; 4 UVl 3.60 3.64 3 21 Vf.W I. iji ni CM"; (i iM.-.O 0 Oil', | ncuss to an accelerated metabolism of drug*, insecticides and other foreign substances. In addition, PCB causes the activation of some organophospliate pcstieiJes to more potent enzyme inhibitors and finally ru recent evidence suggests, PCB may bring about steroid degradation, which can lead to altered endo crine relationships (Gustafson, 19VO). Unlike other substrates PCD is not converted to a "water-soluble form upon enzyme activation and thus is not readily v.'.isvmiaU'd from the system. The enzyme induction activity of PCB is therefore present for a relatively long time. In view of the aformcnlioned lipophilicciiaracterof PCB, die excreted levels in the milk of lactating cows as a logical route of elimination were investigated and compared with similarly obtained parameters for urine and faeces. '1 wo actively luctating Jersey cows, welshing 360 and 390 kg., were given orally 10 and 100 mg. of PCB [x-r kg. of bodyweight. respectively. The PCM were given as a technical grade compound* unsolved in a small amount of ofive oil and mixed with dairy concentrate. Milk was collected for up to 50 days after "the PC11 administration. Total urine, obtained by means of permanently installed catheters, nnd faeces were collected for two days prior to and seven days after the administration of the PCB. Polychlorinated biphenyls were extracted from samples nnd analysed according to a method for * Aroclor 1254, Monsanto Canada Ltd., Toronto, Ontario. chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticide*, doxcribed by Saschenbrcekcr Heobichon (IVoGj. Gas chromatographic detection of TCB in Wu standard and tissue samples by means of a .Yt-63 election capture source revealed a total of 16 distinct peaks which we chose to label in accordance with the number code of Koynolds fiie top trac ing (Fig. I.) was obtained wit!) a column load of 5 ng. of the PCB compound in heptane, while the lower tracing represents 1 ng. of the same compound re covered front boyir.c liver. The peaks shown here in ascending numeric'll order represent various stages c( polychlorination of the biphenyl skeleton reaching a quantitatively chlorinated model in docachloro- biphenyl. One day after the administration of the PCB. the two animals showed concentrations of PCB in milk of 6.27 and 7-1.45 ppm. These levels were reduced to less than half within three days post administration, whereafter the milk levels decreased slowly and persisted beyond 50 days. These data arc shown in Fig. 2. The low levels of PCB detected in faeces are in- dictivc of their good absorplion from the gastro intestinal tract. The percentages of die PCB excreted via various routes indicate that by far the major route of ex cretion of PCB in dictating cows appears to be milk. Indeed, total collection for seven consecutive days of urine, faeces and milk accounted for 9.42 per cent, and 6.06 per cent, of PCB in animals giteh 10 and 100 mg. per kg., respectively, roiychlorin&tcd biphenyls excreted in mill: during seven days accoun ted for 7.35 per cent, and 4.76 per-cent, oi the total dose in animals given 10 and 100 mg. per kg. respec tively. In both animals urinary excretion of PCD was insignificant, less titan one hundredth of I per cent, in both animals. The PCB delected in faeces collected for seven days accounted for 2.07 per cent, and 1.30 per cent., which represent 3.5 and 3.6 times less than in the milk of the respective animal. Acknowledgments.-- The authors wish to thank Mrs. N. Y. Chen and Mr. P. J. Ksenych for their technical assistance. This investigation wax supported by a grant to N. Platonow from the Ontario Department of Health (No. 605-7-674). Animal facilities were HONS 087209 102 THE VETERINARY RECORD JANUARY 22ml, 1972 kindly provided by the Ontario Department of Agri culture and Food. July 9th, 197J. Yours faithfully, P. W. SASCHEN WRECKER, Canada Department of Agriculture, Animal Patho logy Laboratory, Guelph, Ontario, Canada. II. S. FUNNELL. N. S. PLATONOW. Dctv.nmam of Biomedical Sciences, University of tiuclph, Guelph, Ontario. Canada. Hou.u a, D. C.. Simmons, J. H., A Tatton, J. 0. (1967) Nature Land. 214. 227. JFNSFN. S. New Scivnt. 12. 612. " **". Joiimls, A. G , Oi.sson, M., 4: OnrKLiND, G. (1969). Nature LonJ. 224. 247. KoI'Man. J, JI., TrN Norvru ih Brwtw, M. C.. A De Vos. R. It. (1969). Ibid. 221. 1J26. PLATONOW, N., 1)ASCIICNAI!L'C k / R, P. \V., A PUSN'LL 11 S (1971). Can. vet.J. 12. 115. * PRKSST. I., Jtl-murs. D.J., A MoaXF, N. W. (1970) Environ. Pollution. 1. 3. Reynolds. L. M. (1969).- Hull. Environ. Contain. Toxicol. Rc-crcnccs RaUly. G. F... Ri:ciul, W. L., A CROMAnnr, E. (1970). 51. 251. Deter. T. W,, I.owf, }. 1. A Wu son, A. J. (1970). Butt. Lin iron. Contain. Toxicol. 5, I7t. Glstai son. C G. (1970). Environm. Set. Technot. 4. 814. RISF.T5KOUGM, R. W., RriCHr, P.. Pfakall. D. 1).. Hi a.NUN, S. G., A KlHVEN, M. N. (196S). Nature, Load. 22o! 1098. SASCutNnarerH, P. W,, A Ecomcuov, D. J. (1957) dcricuh Food Chan. 15. 168. * Wesrroo, G., Norun. K., A Asncussos. M. (1970). Varfoda. Favrrsrn.g' Abstracts Wait Till ihu Thumbscrews Aro On Many farmers now suffering hardships from the Brucellosis Ineemiu.** Scheme should never have gone into it. some veterinary experts claim. Some farmers arc continually losing cows alter tests and find themselves operating depleted herds, since they arc not allowed to buy-in replacements until accredita tion. If a farmer calculates that it would cost him more to go into the Incentives Scheme than the incentives offer him, he should wail for compulsory eradication, or clean up bit by bit first and apply to (he Incentives Scheme later. Fanners Weekly. January 14th, 1972. Chemical Sheaving Further research has been canicd out in the U.S.A. on cyclophosphamide. This chemical, given ornllv to sheep, constricts the wool fibre at the point of formation and as the wool grows the constricted fibres come to the surface and the entire fleece can then be easily removed. The experiments proved that the fleece should not be left on too long after dosing with cyclophosphamide, since it soon begins to fall off. but, on the other hand, the sheep need some protection from the. weather; rcscmch is now being concentrated on a way to leave the fleece on until the 21st day after dosing, thereby allowing the sheep to have a protective covering of its own wool. The drug was also shown to be safe for in-lamb ewes and does not affect the quality of the wool. The Scottish Farmer. January 15th. 1972. TIIS VSTSIUNAKY SCENES "It Shouldn't Happen to a Vet" It must have been 3 a.m. before 1 reluctantly switched off the light and saved a few chapters for tomorrow. My usual habit of reading in bed had backfired and instead of inducing drowsiness had left me wide awake, reading avidly, quite oblivious of the passage Of lime. The opening pages of James llcrriot's new book Ji Shouldn't Happen to a Vet (Michael Joseph. Cl), arc sufficient to conjure up a very rcnl picture of the delightful Yorkshire setting, if only by the un obtrusive use of dialect. Subsequent descriptions of the Dales are so vivid that anyone unfamiliar with ibis -vail of the country can hardly fail to appreciate some of its appeal, whether it is mellowed by sunshine, or making a reasonable attempt to be a* Siberian winter. Againkl this background we arc introduced to an astonishing variety of characters. James, the young vet, exuberant but well aware of his own short comings takes us with him on the rounds in his battered, but stalwart little Austin, the survivor of a series of dreadful mishaps. With only a year of experience behind him. James is at the mercy of clients and patients alike. The sometimes vague ar.d exasperating yet paternal figure of Strefried Farnon, his employer, hovers reassuringly in Siccldale Kojse offering vtords of aid, comfoil. and advice. Tristan, Siegfried's younger brother, steps jauntily from the pages undaunted and unscathed by repeated attempts to destroy anything on wheels! Times have obviously changed since James's early days in practice, but animals remain the same. They emerge with a clarity that can only result from genuine interest and long observation. The farmers are magnificent. There can be few country vets who have not nheady met similar characters, under different names, in other parts of the country. Whether or not they can all match the North country imperturbability and genius for understatement. i% perhaps debatable, Mr. Clayton cciluiuly deserves an Oscar for his nonchalant performance when Janies HONS 067210