2002 - 71 (6)

A case of a non-fatal propylene glycol intoxication in a pony is described and a brief literature review is given on propylene glycol intoxication in large domestic animals, emphasising the importance of adequate labelling of the product.

During a routine inspection on a pig farm, nortestosterone was found in faecal samples. An intersexual pig held responsible for this finding was slaughtered and further investigated anatomically, histologically and chemically. Macroscopic inspection revealed a mainly female reproductive tract consisting of a vagina, a uterus and on the left side a normal ovary and uterine tube. However, on the right side a hypoplastic testis with an epididymis was found together with a well developed plexus pampiniformis-like structure. Histologically no spermatozoa were found in this testis, but Leydig cells were numerous. Chemical analysis showed the presence of 17--nortestosterone in the urine, fat, kidney and testicular tissue, as well as the precursor noradrenostenedione in the urine, kidney and testis. As intersexuality is a frequent phenomenon in pigs, veterinarians who are responsible for food safety must be aware of this problem which interferes with the inspection on hormonal products in meat.

 In the present study a modified method is described in which coated polyurethane catheters and a titanium vascular access port (VAP) with a silicone membrane were implanted into the femoral artery in forty dogs. This device enabled repeated arterial blood pressure measurement and blood sampling in conscious and anesthetized dogs for an average period of two weeks. The catheter was not removed by any of the dogs themselves, and few clinical problems were observed. An infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa induced by a contaminated flush solution was diagnosed in four dogs. These dogs recovered rapidly after an appropriate antibiotic therapy The conclusion of the study is that this arterial catheterization technique with vascular access port in place over a two-week period is suitable and technically feasible for experimental protocols in dogs.