Diagnosis and Treatment of Trichospirura Leptostoma Infection in Common Marmosets (Callitrix jacchus). Contemporary Topics 36 (1): 52.
In a marmoset colony, the newly imported animals had a higher
mortality rate than the animals originally in the colony. These animals
also appeared underweight. On necropsy, the imported animals had a high
number of Trichospirura leptostoma, a pancreatic nematode sporadiacally
seen within the facility. Animals shedding eggs were treated with either
ivermectin (200 or 500 ug SQ) or fenbendazole (50 or 144 mg/kg for 5 or 14
days). Fenbendazole given for 14 days gave better results (based on
findings eggs in the feces) than fenbendazole given for 5 days or
ivermectin at any concentration.
Questions
1. What is the pancreatic fluke in cats?
2. What is the intermediate host for T. leptostoma?
Answers
1. Eurytrema procyonis
2. Common cockroachs, Blatella germanica and Supella longipalpa

Behavioral and Physical Concomitants of Congential Hydrocephalus in a Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulatta) Neonate. Contemporary Topics 36 (1): 56.
A rhesus neonate appeared to have been rejected by its mother and was placed in the facility's neonatal nursery. This animal was assigned to a protocol that measured behavioral and physiologic parameters from infancy to puberty. The animal showed no gross physical abnormalities at birth, however appeared behaviorally and physically dysfunctional within a few days of life. The animal was euthanized at 20 days of life Hydrocephalus with dilatation of the ventricles and flat cerebral gyri of the occipital and parietal lobes were present upon necropsy. Retrospective analyses were done comparing body weight, food intake, behavior state and neonatal assesment items between this infant and a group of nusery reared peers. The hydrocephalic infant showed below normal results for all
parameters examined, seen as a direct consequence of hydrocephalus. The
lesion was thought to be congenital.
None

Vibratory Stimulation of Ejaculation Yields Increased Motile Spermatozoa, Compared with Electroejaculation, in Squirrel Monkeys (Saimiri boliviensis). Contemporary Topics 36 (1): 62.
This paper compares semen quality collected by rectally stimulated electroejaculation to semen collected by vibratory stimulation applied to the penis. Vibratory stimulation can be done on unanesthetized primates unlike electroejaculation.   Vibratory stimulation also results in an increase in the numbers of motile spermatozoa and an increased likelihood of finding spermatozoa in the ejaculate compared to electroejaculation.
Questions:
What is the most common technique used to collect semen in squirrel monkeys?
Answer:
Electroejaculation via the rectum with the primate under anesthesia (this paper used telazol)

Effect of Room Arrangement and Blood Sample Collection Sequence on Serum Thyroid Hormone and Cortisol
Concentrations in Cynomolgus Macaques (Macaca fascicularis). Contemporary Topics 36 (1): 65.
This article compares serum T3, T4, Free T4 and cortisol concentrations in macaques housed in two different room arrangements during blood collections. Room arrangement # 1 allows animals to see other animals in the room whereas room arrangement # 2 does not allow for observation of other animals during blood collection. This paper statistically compares the order in which blood samples were collected to the concentration of the above listed hormones. No correlation was found in the animals which could not see each other. In the room in which animals could see each other there was an inverse relationship found between rank and serum free T4 concentration. The authors attribute this relationship to animals visualizing other animals being sedated prior to their own manipulation.
Question:
What is the scientific name for the cynomolgus macaque?
Answer:
Macaca fascicularis

Determination of Air Distribution, Exchange, Velocity, and Leakage in Three Individually Ventilated Rodent Caging Systems. Contemporary Topics 36 (1): 69.
PURPOSE: to define and quantify differences in air distribution, exchange, velocity, and leakage in 3 commercially available systemsunits 1, 2, and 3.
INTRACAGE AIR DISTRIBUTION PATTERNS: were determined by visually observing smoke dispersion patterns after release at 3 intracage locations from a TiCl4 (Titanium Tetrachloride) smoke stick in 3 cages/system.
RESULTS:
unit 1: Smoke distribution was rapid and complete with visible leakage of smoke from the cage
unit 2: Smoke distribution = slowest of all systems tested, and mixing was not complete; no visible leakage was observed.
unit 3: smoke distribution = rapid and complete, but not as fast as in unit 1; no smoke leakage was observed.
INTRACAGE AIR EXCHANGE RATES per h (ACH) were calculated by determining sulfur hexafluoride (SF6 = tracer gas) decay curves at 8 predetermined detection points after introduction of SF6 into supply air stream of 1 cage/system.
RESULTS: Mean ? SEM ventilation rate = 65 ? 19, 42 ? 32, & 79 ? 21 ACH for units 1, 2, & 3, respectively.
INTRACAGE AIR VELOCITY was measured at predetermined points within the cage, using a THERMOANENOMETER.
RESULTS: Mean ? SD air velocity was 36 ? 18 and 37 ? 12 linear feet/min for units 1 & 3, with velocities up to 100 fpm detected. Air velocity = below detection limit (< 10 linear feet/min) for unit 2. (<50 linear fpm = 'still air' in human environment)
Air LEAKAGE was determined by measuring concentration of SF6 escaping from select cages for each system. (also visualized with TiCl4 smoke stick)
RESULTS: Leakage of SF6 was detectable from units 1 and 3, but not detectable from unit 2.
COMMENTS:
Cited Advantages of high ventilation rates: reduced microenvironmental ammonia, Carbon Dioxide, humidity.
Cited Potentially detrimental effects of high ventilation rates: chilling (esp hairless strains & neonates); suspension of particulates.
Noted that may be necessary to increase microenvironmental temperatures in cages with higher air velocities to prevent increased metabolism necessary to maintain body temperatures in face of chilling.
"It is unclear whether ventilated caging systems equipped with exhaust scavenging are suitable for use with hazardous agents."
"... cages were evaluated without animal inhabitants .... which would likely increase ACH.." (Yes see next article)
Units 1 & 3 (= fundamentally identical in design) provide supply air thru orifice at back of cage bottom, pressurizing cage, & scavenge effluent escaping between isolator top & bottom into an exhaust plenum that surrounds cage on 3 sides air distribution, exchange & velocities for these 2 units = similar; air mixing was excellent, & both had greater air exchange rates than minimum recommended in the Guide. Neither system scavenged well
"These systems should not be used when containment at the cage level is essential."
Unit 2 has different design: Supply & exhaust are provided to + removed from each cage via orifices in shelf above cage; cage is covered with filter top & slides beneath shelf, so air must pass thru filter before it enters or exits cage > lower air exchange rates (42 +/ 32 = wide range depending on where in cage measurement was taken, but generally >> Guide recommendation of 1015 ach for secondary enclosures), negligible air velocities, & less mixing; and leakage was not detectable.
Previous study involving same 3 units showed Ammonia was detected several days earlier & accumulated in substantially greater amounts in unit 2, but ammonia concentration was negligible before day 7.
Noted that: similar to Class II Biological Safety Cabinets, 'ventilated caging should provide product and personnel protection'.
Standardized testing methods were used in this study so that other users can adequately compare systems and understand more fully the advantages and limitations of particular systems. The methods used followed general concepts for testing Biosafety cabinets as outlined in National Sanitation Foundation Standard 49.
QUESTIONS
1) SF6 is:
a. sulfur hexafluoride, a tracer gas
b. used to evaluate air distribution
c. used to measure air exchange rates (ACH) via decay curves
d. used to determine air velocity
e. used to determine air leakage from a putatively closed system.
2) TiCl4 is:
a. Titanium Tetrachloride smoke stick
b. used to evaluate air distribution
c. used to measure air exchange rates (ACH) via decay curves
d. used to determine air velocity
e. used to determine air leakage from a putatively closed system.
3) A thermoanenometer is
a. a type of velometer
b. used to evaluate air distribution
c. used to measure air exchange rates (ACH) via decay curves
d. used to determine air velocity
e. used to determine air leakage from a putatively closed system.
ANSWERS
1. a, c, e
2. a, b, (also e although SF6 was the primary method used in this paper)
3. a, d (also c although this method was not used in this paper)

Impact of Room Ventilation Rates on Mouse Cage Ventilation and Microenvironment. Contemporary Topics 36 (1): 74.
PURPOSE: To assess impact of room ventilation on animal cage microenvironment.
PROCEDURES: Intracage ventilation rate, temperature, humidity & concentrations of carbon dioxide and ammonia were monitored in nonpressurized, bonnettopped mouse cages.
RESULTS:
1) Cages on TOP, MIDDLE & BOTTOM ROWS of a mouse rack were monitored at room ventilation rates of 0, 5, 10, & 20 air changes/h (ACH). Ventilation inside animal cage increased somewhat from 12.8 18.9 ACH as room ventilation rate increased from 0 20 ACH, but differences were not statistically significant, & most of the increase occurred in cages in top row nearest to fresh air supply.
2) Cages CONTAINING MICE had ventilation rates of 10 15 ACH even when room ventilation was reduced to 0 ACH; this ventilation = result of thermal heat load of mice > heat load of animals = principal factor driving intracage ventilation in this system.
3) After 6 days of soiled bedding, INTRACAGE AMMONIA CONCENTRATION was < 3 ppm at all room ventilation rates & was not affected by increasing room ventilation.
noted that these mice (C57/BL6J) harbored urease producing Proteus mirabilis + Pasteurella pneumotropica, and still > minimal ammonia production.
noted also that formation of ammonia is strain dependent. Cited ref that DBA & CD1 > 160ppm by day 7, while BALB/c >10 ppm by day 7; ammonia production by B6 had not been reported previously.
4) TEMPERATURE inside cages did not change with increasing ventilation.
5) HUMIDITY inside cages decreased significantly with increasing ventilation, from 55% relative humidity at 5 ACH to 36% relative humidity at 20 ACH.
6) CARBON DIOXIDE CONCENTRATION decreased from 2,500 ppm to 1,900 ppm when ventilation rate increased from 5 ACH to 10 ACH, but no further significant decrease was observed at 20 ACH.
CONCLUSION: INCREASING THE ROOM VENTILATION RATE HIGHER THAN 5 ACH DID NOT RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CAGE MICROENVIRONMENT.
QUESTIONS
1. T/F Ventilation inside nonpressurized bonnet topped animal cages is uniform throughout the rack.
2. T/F Increasing the ventilation rate of the animal room (secondary enclosure) to greater than 5 ACH does not significantly improve the microenvironment in filtertopped mouse cages (primary enclosures).
3. T/F Heat load of the animals is the principal factor driving intracage ventilation, in static microisolator (filtertop cages).
4. Relative to opentop cages, bonnettopped (filter covered, or static microisolator) cages
a. permit accumulation of carbon dioxide.
b. permit accumulation of ammonia.
c. typically have intracage temperatures 13 degrees higher than the room temperature.
d. typically have intracage relative humidity (Rh) approximately 10% higher that Rh in the room.
e. all of the above.
ANSWERS:
1. F
2. T
3. T
4. E

Easy procedure for milk collection in lactating rats. Contemporary Topics 36 (1): 80.
OK, I'm sorry, but I can't write a summary of this report without stepping on my personal soap box and pointing out some things that I think are grossly wrong with their approach. The authors have a noble cause to develop a way to collect milk samples without oxytocin injections. The rationale behind this is that oxytocin "floods the mammary glands with far more milk than is usally available to sucking pup." However, to circumvent this problem, they keep the pups from nursing for 24 hours before they express milk an engorged mammary gland is not going to give the sample that the sucking pup would see any more than oxytocin does, so I think this defeats their purpose.
The authors used manual expression, and aspiration as needed, while the rat was anesthetized by ether. They recommended milking the dams for only 15 minutes at a time (to decrease trauma to the teat). They also determined that days 10 to 18 of lactation were best for milk collection.
This study doesn't really show a useful way to get a milk sample that is truly representative of what the pups ingest at nursing time. Also, constant suction on a teat is a good way to end up with pain, congested teats, and possibly mastitis if care is not used. Even dairy farmers know enough to put pulsation on their machines these authors did not (check out the photo on p 80).
QUESTIONS:
1. Estradiol reduces milk volume in lactating rats. T or F
2. Not using oxytocin would avoid the rapid change in milk composition which is directly related to the dose of this hormone. T or F
ANSWERS:
1. True
2. True

 An exhaust hood for animal perfusions. Contemporary Topics 36 (1): 84.
The authors designed a necropsy table which could be used to perfuse animals with formaldehyde while lowering the risk faced by the laboratory workers. Read the article if you want the specifics (they make much more sense if looking at the diagrams, too). They tested it using a worst case scenario (500ml 37% formalin placed in shallow pan at center of table) and during normal use to determine the levels to which workers were exposed. They found that their design still allowed illegal exposure in a worst case scenario, but that it did fine for normal use. (And the worse case scenario involved concentrations that are never used in the perfusion.)
QUESTIONS:
1. OSHA's eighth, timeweighted average permissible exposure limit (PEL) is _____ and the 15 min, shortterm exposure limit (STEL) is _____.
2. Side effects associated with formaldehyde exposure include:
(a) Upper respiratory tract irritation
(b) Allergic contact dermatitis
(c) Nasal and lung cancer
(d) Eczema
(e) Lacrimation
(f) All of the above
ANSWERS:
1. 0.75 ppm and 2.0 ppm
2. F

Spontaneous Rhadbomyosarcomas in (A/J x CBA/J) F1 Mice. Contemporary Topics 36 (1): 87.
Rhabdomyosarcomas are rare spontaneous tumors in laboratory rodents with a reported incidence of <.5% (2.4/100,000 in BALB/C mice). However, rhabdomyosarcomas were reported in 2 aged (20+ months) female mice (A/J x CBA/J)F1 in a single colony. One mouse developed the tumor under the skin of the thorax which, on necropsy, extended in to the muscles of the thoracic wall and compromised the thoracic cavity. The second mouse became paralyzed in the rear legs before euthanasia. This mouse had a firm, white, homogenous mass involving the muscles of the dorsolumbar region.
The tumor tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome stain, and Mallory's phosphotungstic acid hematoxylin (PTAH) stain. Masson's trichrome stain stained the cytoplasm of the neoplastic cells red. The PTAH stain accentuated cross-striation within a few large multinucleated cells which are diagnostic of rhabdomyosarcoma.
Experimentally, rhabdomyosarcomas will grow at the site of inoculation of the Maloney murine sarcoma virus. Tumors are palpable after 7 days and the mouse usually dies 50 days after palpation of the tumor. These tumors also usually cause splenomegaly due to metastasis. Neither of the previous mice had been challenged with the sarcoma virus.
Recently rhabdomyosarcomas have been reported in transgenic mice with multiple copies of the u-LCR-Tag construct.
Aged (A/J x CBA/J)F1 and transgenic mice amy be animal models for rhabdomyosarcoma, which comprised 5% of all pediatric malignancies.
Questions:
1. What are common cytomarkers for rhabdomyosarcoma?
A. What is the specific marker for rats and mice?
B. What is the specific marker for human?
2. What is the most common site of rhabdomyosarcoma in mice?
Answers:
1. myoglobin, actin, and desmin
A. myoglobin
B. desmin
2. thigh muscle

Basal Cell Adenoma in a Rabbit. Contemporary Topics 36 (1): 90.
This is a case report on a Basal cell Adenoma in a rabbit. These tumors are composed predominantly of basaloid cells with no recognizable differentiation toward adnexal structures. The case involved a 6 yr old male NZW rabbit that developed a dome shaped nodular growth (2.5 cm) on the back. Surgical removal of the mass was done and the animal survived for the next three years with no evidence of recurrence or metatasis. Typical histologic patterns of nests, cords and strands of uniform basaloid cells were observed. Basal cell tumors are rare in rabbits with only 2 reports in the literature. These neoplasms are more common in dogs
No questions

Gastroesophageal intussusception associated with pneumonectomy in a dog. Contemporary Topics 36 (1): 91.
The paper describes the case of a dog that died at the age of 17 months due to intussusception of the stomach into the esophagus. This dog had undergone unilateral pneumonectomy at the age of 2 months. During experimental monitoring the dog had been diagnosed with megaesophagus, but lacked unusual episodes of vomiting. Histologically the stomach was congested with hemorrhage, necrosis and thrombosis. Gastroesophageal intussusception is very rare in dogs and in other animals. It may only happen when the esophagus is previously dilated. However, megaesophagus is a a relatively common condition in dogs and is therefore not the primary cause for the intussusception. The authors believe that the pneumonectomy may be the underlying cause due to changes in intrathoracic pressure volume relationships during growth. Other predisposing factors (in humans) include lax/long ligamentous fixation of the stomach. In dogs the condition most commonly occurs in pups of large breeds.
QUESTIONS:
1. Name one predisposing factor for gastroesophageal intussusception in dogs?
2. Common signs of megaesophagus in dogs?
ANSWERS:
1. megaesophagus
2. regurgitation of undigested food, fluctuant swelling around the neck, reduced weight gain

Mandibular osteomyelitis in a squirrel monkey. Contemporary Topics 36 (1): 94.
A squirrel monkey with mandibular osteomyelitis is described This is a rare finding in laboratory animals. First clinical sign was skin lesion with purulent discharge on the jaw. It was treated with trimethoprim/sulfomethoxazole. The lesion disappeared and then recurred The presence of a fistula suggested osteomyelitis. This diagnosis was confirmed by radiograph and Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus sp. were isolated from the lesion. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined and a 60 therapy with ciprofloxacin was initiated. After removal of a sequestrum the lesion
healed completely. The condition has not recurred and radiograph show a
reossification of the mandible.
QUESTIONS:
1) What is a possible etiology of mandibular osteomyelitis in monkeys?
ANSWERS:
1) Infection with Staph. aureus and Proteus mirabilis, entry through cut canine or other infected tooth

Ketamine-Isoflurane Combination Anesthesia for Surgical Implantation of Intraperitoneal Radio Transmitters in the Beaver. Contemporary Topics 36 (1): 97.
Beavers
-semi-aquatic
-have a diving reflex which are adaptations to reduce oxygen utilization and prolong diving time adaptations include bradycardia; decreased cardiac output; increased brain blood with decreased blood flow to other organs except the heart, lung, and adrenal glands; decreased myocardial energy demand
-heart rate
active, undisturbed 120 bpm
resting on land 100 bpm
sleeping 75 bpm
diving 61 bpm
beavers have fear bradycardia
-respiratory rate 15 breaths per minute
-body temperature approx. 37C
- nose breathers
-intranasal epiglottis
-base of tongue is positioned up against the soft palate so material can be passed only when swallowing
- genitourinary system, rectum and scent glands open into a cloacal sac with a single external orifice
-external sexual dimorphism is absent except in lactating females with have large teats
-to sex beavers
-palpate the os penis in the subcutaneous tissues of the caudoventral midline
-colour and viscosity of anal gland secretions
-sexual dimorphism of neutrophils
-thermoregulate in cold environments via vascular countercurrent heat exchangers in the tail and hind feet
-medial caudal vein
-used for blood sampling, IV catheter placement and IV fluid administration
-located ventral to vertebrae, midline on the furred part of the tail, between the cloacal opening and the distal scaled part of the tail
This article describes an anesthetic regime for beavers utilizing ketamine for immobilization and isoflurane for maintenance.
QUESTIONS
1. What is the order, genus and species of the beaver?
2. An os penis is found in the male gender of (choose all that apply)
a) insectivores
b) bats
c) rodents
d) carnivores
e) non human primates
f) humans
ANSWERS
1. order Rodentia
genus Castor
species canadensis
2. a-e

The Respiratory System of the Guinea Pig: Emphasis on Species Differences. Contemporary Topics 36 (1): 100.
The GP is a useful model for assessing lung function impairment and bronchial reactions. The GP and the mixed breed Basenji-Greyhound dog are the best characterized animals that manifest airway hyperresponsiveness and reactions that resemble asthma in humans. Furthermore, in the GP, alveolar development is almost complete at birth
Important points are listed below:
1. To perform endotracheal intubation, the tube must be threaded through the palatal ostium.
2. The eustachian tube complex in GP is easily accessible and the animal is a useful model for the study involving coordination of swallowing, breathing and middle ear aeration.
3. There is a paucity of connective tissue in the GP lung with no intralobular septa or secondary individual lobulations.
4. In the GP, the prominent smooth muscle associated with the bronchi allow the animal to close them down more tightly than any other mammalian species.
5. Fibroblasts are the most numerous cell type of the lung
6. Goblet cells are numerous in the GP while sparse in the rat, mouse and hamster
7. Unlike the rabbit, mouse and hamster, the GP has no Clara cells in the trachea or major bronchi, but compose up to 73% of the bronchioles
8. The GP is unique in that smooth muscle fibers are prominent in the pleura. Also, mast cells are found along the smooth muscle of the pleural surfaces and are more prominent in this area than in other parts of the lung.
9. The pulmonary artery and its branches are thicker and more heavily muscled in the GP and rabbit. Heavily muscled sections (muscle swellings) are prominent.
10. Ozone induces inflammation of the airways in GP that is mediated by neuropeptides released from sensory nonadrenergic-noncholinergic nerve fibers (reduced by Capsaicin).
11. Hyperpnea causes airway tissue to constrict greatly increasing airway and tissue resistance in the GP thus making it a good model for exercise-induced asthma in humans.
12. Similar to humans, the GP has a well innervated trachea, but the small airway have little or no innervation.
13. Histamine causes a marked constriction of the GP tracheal muscles, moderate effect on the cat tracheal muscles, and no effect on the rabbit tracheal muscles.
Questions:
1. Name one cyclooxygenase inhibitor
2. Name four substances that could be classified as eicosanoids
3. T/F- The GP trachealis muscle is relaxed by high doses of methylxanthine, a drug that induces contractions in many smooth muscles
Answers:
1. Indomethacin
2. Prostaglandins, leukotrienes, lipoxins, and thromboxanes
3. True