No abstract

The pharmacokinetics of NAC for this small population of healthy cats differed from values reported for humans. Assuming there would be similar pharmacokinetics in diseased cats, dose extrapolations from human medicine may result in underdosing of NAC in cats with acute disease. Despite the low bioavailability, plasma concentrations of NAC after oral administration at 100 mg/kg may be effective in the treatment of chronic diseases.

Poisonous mushrooms contain toxins that are as diverse as the mushrooms themselves. Clinical syndromes often involve multiple organ systems, and progression of clinical signs is often directly related to the quantity eaten. Diagnostic detection of the toxins is rarely an option; rather, diagnosis is based on a history of possible exposure and identification of mushroom species in the stomach contents and environment. Treatments are usually based on clinical signs, as most mushroom toxins are without an antidote. There are exceptions, however, and prompt identification of mushroom species involved is vital whenever possible. Collection of the toxicologic minimum database and gastrointestinal decontamination are important in all cases where mushroom ingestion is suspected.

Results indicated a general consensus regarding the importance of specific types of competencies in veterinary professional practice and education. Further research into the definition of competencies essential for veterinary professionals is needed to help inform an international dialogue on the subject.

Abstract. Determination of zinc concentrations in the liver of calves and young stock is commonly requested by practitioners and nutritionists to assess whether they receive an appropriate amount of zinc in their diet. However, interpretation of liver zinc concentrations is currently based on information reported for adult cattle for which the health status was unknown and irrespective of production class, sex, and age. A retrospective study of necropsy reports was undertaken to assess the relationships between liver zinc concentrations and age, sex, and production class for calves that did not have a history compatible with zinc toxicosis or zinc deficiency. Results of a generalized least squares, polynomial regression analysis of 474 records found that zinc concentration was not affected by sex (P ϭ 0.29) or production class (P ϭ 0.50). Zinc concentration was significantly associated with linear (P Ͻ 0.00001) and nonlinear (quadratic, P ϭ 0.0039) functions of age (r 2 ϭ 0.1503), where the concentration decreased from 93 mg/kg wet weight at 30 days of age to 57 mg/kg wet weight at 9 months of age, after which it began to increase. The age-specific 95% confidence limits of the mean concentration for a group of calves and the 95% prediction limits of a single concentration value for an individual animal estimated in this study suggest reconsideration of the recommended limits for liver zinc concentration in calves. As a consequence of the significant influence of age on liver zinc concentration of calves presumably not experiencing zinc toxicosis or deficiency, diagnosis of zinc imbalances based on liver zinc concentration needs to consider age as a diagnostic covariate.Zinc is essential for life as it is required for many physiological processes. Zinc is present in more than 300 metalloenzymes and is involved in DNA replication, RNA and protein synthesis, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, gene expression, and appetite regulation. 1,16,20,37 Clinical manifestations of improper zinc status in cattle are severe. Zinc deficiency has been associated with poor production and growth, and a number of economically important health-related issues. 4,5,22,28,32,34 Clinical signs include poor body condition, dull appearance, decreased appetite, 9 rough hair coat, poor growth rates, impaired vision, diarrhea, hyperkeratosis, alopecia, 34 abortion, mummification, prolonged calving/uterine inertia, impaired vitamin A metabolism, immunosuppression, thymic hypoplasia/atrophy, marked decline in milk production and weight gain, reduction in circulating insulin and growth hormone levels, and decreased efficiency of feed use. 11,34 Although less common, zinc poisoning has also