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Biomedical subjects

P Lessard

Publications and source records attributed to P Lessard.

31 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1990

Scrotal circumference measurements in purebred Dorset, Hampshire and Suffolk lamb and yearling rams.

Purebred Suffolk, Hampshire and Dorset lamb and yearling rams (n=753), underwent performance testing from 1986 to 1989. Scrotal circumference, birth date and entry weight were recorded for each ram entering the test station. Mean age in days at entry, weight (lbs), and scrotal circumference (SC; cm) were greatest for the Hampshire rams. For all rams combined (Dorset, Hampshire and Suffolk), the mean SC by month of age revealed rapid growth from 2 to 6 mo, with a 3- to 6-mo mean SC significantly (P</=0.05) larger than the mean SC for the previous month. From 6 to 12 mo there was no difference (P>0.05) for mean SC measurement and a less rapid increase in SC diameter. Between 12 and 13 mo a significant increase (P</=0.05) was noted in the mean SC measure. Hampshire rams had a significantly larger SC (P</=0.05) than Dorset rams at 3 mo and at 10 to 12 mo of age; Suffolk rams had a larger SC (P</=0.05) than Dorset rams at 9 to 12 mo. The mean SC for Hampshire and Suffolk rams differed only at 3 mo of age (P</=0.05). Simple regression analysis for SC vs log of age in days described the best fit of the data for predicting SC. For all breeds combined, the polynomial relationship was SC(cm) = -143.05 + 137.71log(age) - 27.073[log(age)](2). Most of the variability (r(2) = 0.738) in SC measurement in younger (2 to 12 mo) purebred Dorset, Hampshire and Suffolk rams was attributable to age of the ram in days. The currently recommended point-score system for evaluating ram breeding soundness could lead to discounting younger rams that have the potential to be satisfactory sires but that do not score high enough due to the influence of age vs SC development. In selecting sires, breed differences must be taken into consideration since the SC of Hampshire rams was different from that of Dorset and Suffolk rams at 3 mo of age and from Dorset rams at 10 to 12 mo of age.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1988

The characterization of disease outbreaks.

All practicing veterinarians working with herds and flocks are consulted on animal population problems. These problems may reflect diseases with high morbidity or high mortality rates or other events that impair productivity. In either case, the ultimate goal of the veterinary practitioner is to control the problem and to prevent its recurrence, while keeping the cost of interventional strategies at a minimum. A systematic approach to outbreak investigation is a successful means of achieving the objectives of control and prevention. This approach, although described in a stepwise manner, is not meant to be rigidly applied, but rather should serve as a guide for the investigator. Structured investigations facilitate the efforts of both inexperienced and veteran practitioners. Otherwise, experienced practitioners might develop biased conclusions owing to a specific area of expertise or interest, or because of the influence of previous experience with similar cases. The veterinarian should assume a leadership role in outbreak investigation and should not hesitate to consult with specialists if needed. Although all population problems do not warrant a thorough investigation, the systematic approach just presented, when used for complex problems, increases the probability of establishing definitive, accurate conclusions.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Northern obstetrics: a 5-year review of delivery among Inuit women.

There are over 18,000 Inuit in the Northwest Territories. As a group they have the highest birth rate, the lowest cesarean section rate and one of the highest perinatal death rates in Canada. We reviewed the obstetric experience of 512 Inuit women who either gave birth at Stanton Yellowknife Hospital or were referred from Yellowknife and gave birth at a southern facility between January 1981 and December 1985. Our experience is consistent with that documented in earlier reviews, which concluded that Inuit women tend to have efficient uterine action, to endure labour well and to rarely have dystocia. During the periods covered by these reviews delivery was frequently in the settlements; now hospital delivery is the norm. Substantial improvements in perinatal outcome are evident, but there remains a considerable gap between the northern and southern experience. Those attempting further progress must recognize that the need for obstetric care away from the home community is not fully appreciated by Inuit women, their families or their communities.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

Clinicopathologic study of horses surviving pyrrolizidine alkaloid (Senecio vulgaris) toxicosis.

Twenty horses of various ages had inadvertently ingested alfalfa hay contaminated with Senecio vulgaris. Among them, 4 died of liver disease. Blood was collected from affected horses at monthly intervals for 7 months and at the 9th and 14th months. The following serum enzymes and chemical items were assayed: aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, sorbitol dehydrogenase, total bilirubin, BUN, glucose, cholesterol, inorganic phosphate, calcium, total protein, and albumin. Amino acid profiles, conjugated bile acids, sulfobromophthalein clearance times, and liver histopathologic changes via serial biopsies were also monitored. Liver histopathologic changes revealed lesions progressively increasing in severity. Aspartate aminotransferase and plasma amino acid ratios indicated chronic liver degeneration (0.05 level of significance). gamma-Glutamyl transferase and lactate dehydrogenase as well as BUN values fluctuated, but returned to within reference values. Horses appeared clinically normal 14 months after intoxication, but were unable to tolerate stress of exercise.

Amino Acids↗
PubMed1980

The effect of pregnancy on suspected pituitary adenomas after conservative management of ovulation defects associated with galactorrhea.

Thirty infertile patients with ovulation defects and galactorrhea conceived after medical therapy: four after clomiphene stimulation (with or without hCG) and 26 after receiving CB-154 (2-Br-alpha-ergocryptine or bromergocryptine). Pregnancies were followed closely; sellar tomography and perimetry were repeated at 36 weeks' and 8 weeks' post partum. One patient required transsphenoidal adenectomy because of acute pituitary enlargement. Two developed minimal asymptomatic fossa enlargement. Lactation was suppressed with Lactostat in the first eight patients delivered; hyperprolactinemia, amenorrhea, and galactorrhea recurred. Five of eight showed asymptomatic enlargement of the sella. Bromergocryptine was used to suppress lactation in the rest. Long-term bromergocryptine therapy resulted in the restoration of euprolactinemic ovulatory cycles in all patients. These data suggest that patients with ovulation defects associated with galactorrhea can conceive with medical therapy now available. However, there is a risk of significant pituitary enlargement during pregnancy and the puerperium. Lactation should be suppressed with bromergocryptine.

Adenoma↗
PubMed1977

Guide to the management of rubella problems.

Despite the availability of rubella vaccine the incidence of the congenital rubella syndrome has been increasing in certain regions of Canada. Perhaps this is not surprising in view of the known irregular cyclic activity of rubella virus in a community and the fact that the percentage of seropositive women of childbearing age has not changed appreciable since the vaccine was introduced. Clearly vaccine is not being administered to sufficient numbers of women at risk. Until a much higher percentage of women of childbearing age possess rubella antibody, the costly problem of congenital rubella syndrome is likely to be with us. Common rubella problems relate to four categories: the exposed pregnant woman, laboratory diagnosis, the infant with suspected congenital rubella and the vaccine. One of the most common questions about the vaccine is the following: Can recently vaccinated individuals disseminate vaccine and infect seronegative contact? The answer is No.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Development of a colic severity score for predicting the outcome of equine colic.

Thirty-two physical examination and laboratory variables were recorded during examination of 165 horses admitted for acute abdominal disease. Univariate analyses were performed to determine which of the variables were significantly different between horses that lived or died. Stepwise logistic regression was performed to identify variables with the best predictive value. Four variables (heart rate, peritoneal fluid total protein concentration, blood lactate concentration, and abnormal mucous membrane) remained significant when entered into the model. Histograms for each significant variable were used to set "cutting-points," establishing categories that were made into a table of assigned values from which a Colic Severity Score (CSS) for each horse was calculated. Seventy-one horses in a second group were used to validate the scoring chart. Case mortality rate was similar in both groups (20.6% in development group versus 21.1% in validation group). All horses with a CSS > 7 died, whereas 75% of those with a score of < or = 7 lived. For the validation group, use of the scoring table yielded a positive predictive value of 100%, negative predictive value of 91.8%, sensitivity of 66.7%, and specificity of 100%. The overall accuracy of the CSS was 93%. The CSS is a rapid and accurate method for predicting survival in cases of equine acute abdominal disease.

Acute Disease↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Intra-articular anesthesia of the distal interphalangeal joint alleviates lameness associated with the navicular bursa in horses.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if intra-articular anesthesia of the distal interphalangeal joint could alleviate lameness associated with the navicular bursa in horses. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental investigation. ANIMALS: Six clinically normal horses. METHODS: Lameness was induced in each horse by injecting either the left or right front navicular bursa with 5 mg of amphotericin-B. Forty-eight hours later each horse was videotaped walking and trotting before, and 5, 30, and 60 minutes after injecting the distal interphalangeal joint of the treated limb with 5 mL of 2% mepivacaine hydrochloride. All video recordings were then rerecorded onto master tapes in a random sequence. Four clinicians, unaware of the animal identity related to observation time or limb treated, independently viewed these tapes and graded the lamenesses. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in lameness 5 and 30 minutes after anesthetic was injected into the distal interphalangeal joint. Lameness scores 60 minutes after anesthetic administration were not significantly different than baseline values. Gross pathological examination confirmed marked inflammation of the treated navicular bursae and normal appearance of the distal interphalangeal joints. CONCLUSIONS: Intra-articular anesthesia of the distal interphalangeal joint can alleviate lameness associated with the navicular bursa. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Intra-articular anesthesia of the distal interphalangeal joint is not specific only for lameness originating in the distal interphalangeal joint.

Amphotericin B↗