Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to K H Waldmann.
After giving a short review of the different types of leukosis in the pig a leukosis in a Göttingen miniature breeding sow is described. The clinical symptoms were nonspecific, the pathomorphological signs were characterized by hepato- and splenomegaly and leukotic changes in kidneys and lymph nodes. By means of hematologic examinations a chronic myeloic leukosis could be diagnosed.
A pig grower ration containing olaquindox at a concentration of 778 mg/kg was accidentally fed to 10 respectively 16 weeks old weaner pigs. The subsequent intoxication was characterized by poor growth and long-term disturbances of renal function and electrolyte metabolism. A deficiency of aldosterone, produced by a selective degeneration of the arcuate zone of the adrenal cortex, is probably the cause of the hyponatremia, hyperkalemia and hemoconcentration observed. Simultaneously plasma levels of urea and creatinine were elevated five- to eightfold. Due to hyperkalemia episodes with collapse, paralysis and severe electrocardiographic changes occurred several times. Two pigs died in the course of such attacks. Individuals, which transiently showed distinct clinical symptoms of intoxication, did not show any signs of disease 15 or 18 weeks later. Therefore it may be assumed, that the lesions of the adrenals, heart and skeletal muscle caused by olaquindox intoxication are reversible in some cases.
Semen collection leads to distinct increases of heart and respiratory rates as well as of creatine kinase activity in the boar. In extreme cases, especially in animals susceptible for stress, it can cause exertional myopathies. As a sign of marked stress resistance boars of the race German Large White show very slight reactions in comparison with boars of the German Landrace, Belgian Landrace and Piétrain.
Germfree delivery and maintenance of two litters of Göttingen miniature pigs as well as equipment for operation, isolation and rearing are described. For a successful utilization of Göttingen miniature pigs following points have to be considered: 1. Hysterotomy has to take place on 113th day of gestation. For that reason it is absolutely necessary to know the exact date of mating and medical steps against spontaneous farrowing have to be taken. 2. In addition to extradural anaesthesia a light general anaesthesia is required to avoid sow losses in consequence of excitement and following circulatory collapse. 3. In the rearing isolator there have to be installations which allow an individual feeding of the piglets without fixation. In their first days of life newborn piglets should be handled as little as possible.
Pyelocystitis results from ascending infection of the urinary tract with Corynebacterium suis in sows. Infection occurs regularly during coitus by healthy boars, which are often contaminated with Corynebacterium suis. Characteristic clinical signs of pyelocystitis are haematuria, anemia and emaciation. The whole urinary tract shows severe purulent-necrotic inflammation with progressive vascular lesions. Diagnosis is based on clinical, pathological and bacteriological findings. Distinct changes in urine samples are present. Treatment is only successful in sows with intact function of kidneys. In early detected cases treatment can be effective with repeated application of appropriate antibiotics, e.g. penicillin or ampicillin. There are no proven methods of prevention.