Ethyl pyruvate administered following LPS diminished the clinical effects of endotoxaemia and decreased proinflammatory gene expression in horses. Ethyl pyruvate suppressed expression of proinflammatory cytokines better than FM. However, FM was a superior anti-pyretic compared with EP. Ethyl pyruvate may have therapeutic applications in endotoxaemic horses.

The introduction of routine vaccination against Bordetella pertussis more than a half century ago led to a drastic decline in the number of reported cases of pertussis. It was originally believed that lifelong immunity was afforded after vaccination. Unfortunately, this belief is flawed, as the highest number of pertussis cases since 1959 was reported in 2004. This significant increase has led to additional research on immunity, vaccination, and treatment of B. pertussis in all age groups. We performed a MEDLINE search of literature from 1966-2006 to evaluate and review the existing data on immunity to and prevention or treatment of B. pertussis infections. Additional articles were identified from the bibliographies of reviewed literature. Numerous articles pertaining to these topics have been published recently. The most significant changes in the management of this infectious disease surround the new recommendations by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for adult and adolescent immunizations to assist in preventing outbreaks of B. pertussis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently published guidelines updating the recommended pharmacologic agents for treatment or prevention of B. pertussis. Despite decades of successful vaccination programs, pertussis continues to be a problematic disease. Fortunately, data and vaccines are now available that make development of a pertussis booster vaccination campaign reasonable. However, until widespread compliance with such programs is achieved, clinicians need to maintain vigilance against pertussis.

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Objective: To report the clinical findings, outcome, and complications associated with urethrotomy performed in combination with or after temporary tube cystostomy for treatment of obstructive urolithiasis in male goats. Study design: Retrospective case series. Sample population: Castrated male goats (n = 15). Methods: The medical records of male goats admitted for obstructive urolithiasis were reviewed. Goats that underwent aurethrotomy performed in combination with or after a temporary tube cystostomy were included in the study population. Followup information was obtained through hospital records and telephone communication. Results: Thirteen of 15 goats were discharged from the hospital a median of 13 days (range, 7-25) after urethrotomy. Complications related to the urinary system occurred in 5 goats and included recurrent obstruction, urination from open urethrotomy, uroabdomen and intra-abdominal adhesions after removal of the Foley catheter, and incisional infection. Five of 7 goats with long-term follow-up (2-24 months after surgery) were healthy, with normal urinary function. The remaining 2 goats returned to the hospital with signs of reobstruction that were attributed to uroliths at necropsy in 1 goat. Conclusion: Goats treated with urethrotomy for persistent urethral obstruction after temporary tube cystostomy generally survived the procedure. Normal long-term urinary function was obtained in some goats, although recurrence was the most common complication. Clinical significance: Urethrotomy is a surgical option for male goats with persistent urethral obstruction due to urethral calculi after temporary tube cystostomy.

The LCP is a viable method of internal fixation for various types of ulnar fractures, with most horses in this series returning to soundness.