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Serum lipids and lipoprotein concentrations have been associated with dominance aggression in humans. The aim of this study was to investigate the link between serum lipids, including cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC) to HDL-C ratio and dominance aggression in dogs. Levels of serum TC, triglyceride and HDL-C were significantly lower in dogs with dominance aggression compared with non-aggressive dogs (P < 0.001). These results suggest that a relationship exists between serum lipid profile and dominance aggression in dogs, and hypocholesterolaemia exists in dogs with dominance aggression.

Monensin is a carboxylic polyether ionophore producedby a naturally occurring strain of Streptomycescinnamonensis. 1 Monensin is available in variousforms for use in cattle. It can be incorporated into feed as a powderor given as a ruminal bolus by the use of controlled releasedcapsules. 2–4 The capsules consist of a plastic cylinder with foldingwings, which allow the capsule to be retained in the rumen. 1,3 Monensin improves the efficiency of energy metabolism, increasesthe flow of protein to the small intestine, alters mineral metabolismand decreases the occurrence of ruminal disorders, includingbloat and lactic acidosis. 2 Its effects on energy metabolism are todecrease butyrate concentration, increase propionate concentra-tion, a glycogenic effect that is independent of rumen fermenta-tion, and to decrease the circulation of free fatty acids. 2,3 Therefore, the potential effects of monensin on glucose productionare of great importance to dairy cows in early lactation, especiallythose with a negative energy balance and at risk for ketosis. 1–3,5 The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy ofthe monensin controlled release capsule (Rumensin® CRC),administered prepartum, on blood metabolites in periparturientdairy cows.

TOXIC epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a rare dermatological disorder characterised by widespread erythema, necrosis and bullous detachment of the epidermis and mucous membranes, resulting in exfoliation of the skin and possibly leading to sepsis and/or death (Lyell 1956, Lebargy and others 1997). The epithelium of the gut and airways can also be affected, causing clinical signs such as profuse diarrhoea and respiratory distress. Studies conducted in human beings have revealed that detachment of the epidermis is a result of disseminated apoptosis of keratinocytes and that the death of these cells is most likely caused by cytotoxic lymphocytes, monocytes and macrophages (Paul and others 1996). TEN in human beings is most commonly a drug-induced disease caused by antibiotics (such as sulfonamids, macrolides, penicillins, ampicillin and some quinolones (eg, ciprofloxacin), antiepileptic drugs and NSAIDs. However, the disorder has other potential aetiologies in human beings, including Mycoplasma pneumonia infection, malignancy and vaccinations (Fournier and others 1995, Tay and others 1996). M pneumonia -related TEN cases in human beings are usually milder than drug-induced ones, and generally only 10 per cent of the skin is involved (Tay and others 1996). The pathophysiology of TEN has not been fully elucidated, but it has been suggested that this disease is an immune-related cytotoxic reaction that destroys keratinocytes expressing a foreign antigen (Paul and others 1996). TEN is a clinical diagnosis confirmed by histopathological analysis of skin lesions. There are only two reports regarding TEN in cattle (Yeruham and others 1999a, b). These studies reported cases of TEN in calves; however, because no underlying cause for disease was detected, the cases were classified as idiopathic (Yeruham and others 1999b). This short communication describes an association …

PARATUBERCULOSIS is a debilitating disease of livestock caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP). Its control is very important for the industry because of the economic loss caused by decreased milk yield, pregnancy rate and increased veterinary costs ([Murray and Smith 2002][