Healthy Kittens Research Articles

110 ASSISTED CONCEPTION IN THE FISHING CAT BY LAPAROSCOPIC INTRATUBAL INSEMINATION

Fishing cats (Prionailurus viverrinus) are small (6–15 kg) spotted cats from dispersed areas of Southeast Asia found mostly in wetland habitats. They are classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as endangered, with a decreasing population, due to habitat loss and degradation. Few studies have been done on applying assisted breeding techniques to the species, although the birth of a live kitten after IVF/embryo transfer (ET) has been reported (2006 Theriogenology 66, 1518–1524). Here, we describe the birth of a live fishing cat kitten using the technique of laparoscopic intratubal AI. A ten-year-old female who had served previously as an oocyte donor (5×) following gonadotropin treatment was administered a total of 5 IU of porcine FSH (Sioux Biochemical, Sioux City, Iowa) over 4 days (1×/day) followed by 10 IU of porcine LH on the fifth day. At approximately 28 h after LH treatment, the ovaries/oviduct were accessed by a laparoscopic technique comparable to that used for oviducal embryo transfer (ibid.). To deposit semen into the left oviduct, a 16-guage thin-wall trocar/needle was inserted into the abdominal cavity on the right side, approximately 1 cm lateral to the midline and approximately 2 to 3 cm below the umbilicus. A 14-cm open-end tom cat catheter was inserted into the 16-guage cannula (blunt) and the catheter tip was positioned underneath the fimbria overlaying the ovary. Then, a 50-mm length of 30-guage polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) thin-wall tubing containing approximately 30 μL of freshly collected semen was threaded through the catheter and the sample was expelled with positive pressure from a threaded-plunger 1-mL syringe. The left ovary contained 7 to 8 preovulatory (3–4 mm) follicles, 4 of which were manually ruptured immediately after deposition of semen with a 22-guage needle inserted through the 16-guage cannula. Then, with the 16-guage trocar/cannula in the same position (on the right side), the tip was redirected towards the right ovary and approximately 30 μL of semen was deposited underneath the fimbria as described above. The right ovary presented with 5 to 6 preovulatory (3–4 mm) follicles, 2 of which were punctured with the 22-guage needle after insemination. No ovulations were present on either ovary. The semen used for insemination was a fresh sample collected by electroejaculation from a 9-year-old male. The raw sperm concentration was 220 million mL–1, with 70% motility. The number of motile sperm deposited per oviduct was estimated to be approximately 4.6 million. The female was anesthetized 51 days later and radiography was done to determine her pregnancy status. A single fetus was present, so she was moved from an outdoor pen into a large indoor holding pen to allow for video-monitoring during the remainder of gestation. On Day 70, early signs of labour were observed and an elective Caesarean section was done approximately 4 h later. A live, healthy male kitten weighing 204 g was delivered. One year later, gonadotropin treatment/AI were repeated on the same pair. At approximately 30 h post-LH treatment, preovulatory follicles were present, but fewer than the previous treatment (5–6 total). Two fresh ovulation sites were seen on the left ovary. Pregnancy was not established. A reason for the failure was not apparent, unless it was age related.

Mortality in Kittens Is Associated with a Shift in Ileum Mucosa-Associated Enterococci from Enterococcus hirae to Biofilm-Forming Enterococcus faecalis and Adherent Escherichia coli

Approximately 15% of foster kittens die before 8 weeks of age, with most of these kittens demonstrating clinical signs or postmortem evidence of enteritis. While a specific cause of enteritis is not determined in most cases, these kittens are often empirically administered probiotics that contain enterococci. The enterococci are members of the commensal intestinal microbiota but also can function as opportunistic pathogens. Given the complicated role of enterococci in health and disease, it would be valuable to better understand what constitutes a "healthy" enterococcal community in these kittens and how this microbiota is impacted by severe illness. In this study, we characterized the ileum mucosa-associated enterococcal community of 50 apparently healthy and 50 terminally ill foster kittens. In healthy kittens, Enterococcus hirae was the most common species of ileum mucosa-associated enterococci and was often observed to adhere extensively to the small intestinal epithelium. These E. hirae isolates generally lacked virulence traits. In contrast, non-E. hirae enterococci, notably Enterococcus faecalis, were more commonly isolated from the ileum mucosa of kittens with terminal illness. Isolates of E. faecalis had numerous virulence traits and multiple antimicrobial resistances. Moreover, the attachment of Escherichia coli to the intestinal epithelium was significantly associated with terminal illness and was not observed in any kitten with adherent E. hirae. These findings identify a significant difference in the species of enterococci cultured from the ileum mucosa of kittens with terminal illness compared to the species cultured from healthy kittens. In contrast to prior case studies that associated enteroadherent E. hirae with diarrhea in young animals, these controlled studies identified E. hirae as more often isolated from healthy kittens and adherence of E. hirae as more common and extensive in healthy kittens than in sick kittens.

Serum copper and magnesium status in cats with nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism

Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism (NSH) is a common disease in kittens in Iran. It occurs due to malnutrition with clinical signs of anorexia, lameness and irregularity in the vertebral column and long bones. In humans, hypomagnesaemia has been found to be associated with hyperparathyroidism. An association of copper deficien- cywithhypocalcaemiaandtheradiographicfeaturesofrickets and hyperparathyroidism have also been described in human infants. In humans, urinary excretion of copper and zinc is greater than normal in patients with untreated primary hyper- parathyroidism. This survey was performed based on clinical, radiographic and laboratory findings to measure serum copper and magnesium in kittens suffering from NSH. A total of 27 kittens were diagnosed with NSH based on history, clinical examinations and radiographic findings. In addition, 10 healthy kittens were studied as controls. According to the radiographic findings, affected kittens were classified as hav- ing mild, moderate and severe NSH. They were also classi- fied, based on age, into four groups (2-3, 3-4, 4- 5a nd 5- 6 months). Total serum calcium, phosphorus, copper and magnesium were measured as biochemical parameters. Serum copper and magnesium were significantly lower in severe, moderate and mild cases with dietary osteoporosis in comparison to controls (p<0.05). NSH was most prevalent in cats between 2 and 3 months. No significant difference was found between males and females. Our data suggest that hypomagnesaemia and copper deficiency are associated with NSH in cats. Much still remains to be learnt about the exact role of magnesium and copper in cats suffering of NSH.

Birth of Kittens After the Transfer of Frozen–Thawed Embryos Produced by Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection with Spermatozoa Collected from Cryopreserved Testicular Tissue

The aim of this study is to produce live kittens from oocytes fertilized by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with frozen/thawed testicular spermatozoa. Spermatozoa were collected from thawed testicular tissue and subsequently injected into in vitro matured cat oocytes. At 24 h post-ICSI, presumptive zygotes/cleaved embryos were treated with 10 μm forskolin for 24 h to reduce intracellular lipid content of embryos (delipidation). At 48 h after oocyte injection, cleaved embryos (2- to 8-cell stage) were frozen in 10% (v/v) ethylene glycol-based medium by a slow controlled rate method and stored in liquid nitrogen. To evaluate in vitro and in vivo developmental competence, frozen embryos were thawed and then cultured for 6 days (n = 155) or cultured for 2 h before transferred (n = 209) to hormonal (equine chorionic gonadotropin/hCG)-treated cat recipients. Cleavage frequency at day 2 after ICSI with frozen/thawed testicular spermatozoa was ~30%. The percentages of frozen/thawed embryos that developed to morula and blastocyst stage (on day 3 and day 6 of in vitro culture, respectively) were significantly lower than that of fresh ICSI embryos (22.6 vs 45.2% and 21.3 vs 38.7%, respectively; p < 0.05). However, no difference was found in the number of blastomeres between frozen/thawed (242.5 ± 43.1) and fresh (320.2 ± 28.1) blastocysts. Three of seven cat recipients were pregnant and one pregnant cat delivered two healthy kittens. This is the first report of the birth of kittens after the transfer of frozen-thawed embryos produced by ICSI with frozen/thawed testicular sperm.

Lack of evidence for perinatal transmission of Cytauxzoon felis in domestic cats

Cytauxzoon felis is a hemoprotozoan parasite of cats capable of causing severe, often fatal disease during acute infection, but cats that survive the acute stage of disease become chronic carriers. These otherwise healthy carriers are capable of transmitting the infection to other cats via the bite of a vector tick. A variety of other hematoprotozoan parasites are capable of vertical transmission from mother to offspring. If this were possible for C. felis, it could be an important part of the explanation for the apparent emergence of this disease with an increased incidence in an expanding geographic area. We investigated the possibility of perinatal transmission of C. felis from chronically infected cats to their offspring. Two queens produced a total of 14 healthy kittens in three litters. All kittens tested negative for C. felis by microscopic slide review and PCR until they were adopted to private homes at approximately 12 weeks of age. While this does not rule out the possibility of perinatal transmission, it is unlikely to be a common phenomenon.

Relationships between fetal biometry, maternal factors and birth weight of purebred domestic cat kittens

The goal of this study was to evaluate the relation between kittens' birth weights and biometrical factors from the kittens and the mother during pregnancy. Knowing fetal birth weight could help in detecting abnormalities before parturition. A Caesarean-section or a postnatal management plan could be scheduled. Consequently, the neonatal mortality rate should be decreased. We used ultrasonographic measurements of femur length (FL) or fetal biparietal diameter (BPD), pregnancies, and maternal factors to obtain a model of prediction. For this purpose, linear mixed-effects models were used because of random effects (several fetuses for one queen and a few paired measurements) and fixed effects (litter size, pregnancy rank, weight, wither height, and age of the queen). This study was performed in 24 purebred queens with normal pregnancies and normal body conditions. Queens were scanned in the second half of pregnancy, using a micro-convex probe. They gave birth to 140 healthy kittens whose mean birth weight was 104 g (ranged 65 to 165 g). No correlation between the birth weight and the age of the queen, as a maternal factor alone, was observed. But the birth weight was found to be inversely proportional to the pregnancy rank and the litter size. Moreover, birth weight increased when the weight and wither height of queen increased. BPD and FL increased linearly during pregnancy so a model was used to estimate mean birth weight. Using this model, we found a correlation between mean birth weights and an association of parameters: maternal factors (wither height and age), and litter size.

Improved Fertilization Success Using Laparoscopic Oviductal Artificial Insemination with Low Sperm Numbers in Domestic Cats.

Artificial insemination (AI) is a valuable tool for infusing genetic variation into stagnant populations, especially using frozen-thawed spermatozoa, and for propagating physically or behaviorally incompatible individuals. Within zoological institutions, AI has received growing interest for genetic management of endangered felids, provided that AI success can be optimized for applied usage. Traditionally, laparoscopic AI in cats involves treatment with equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) followed 80-85h later by human CG (hCG) to induce follicular development and ovulation, with subsequent bilateral sperm deposition into the uterine lumen. However, hCG, a large glycoprotein, may remain in circulation for several days post-injection, generating undesirable secondary ovulations. Uterine AI also requires relatively high numbers of spermatozoa to achieve sperm transport through the uterotubal junction and fertilization within the oviduct. Furthermore, sperm recovery from male cats frequently is poor, limiting the number of spermatozoa available for AI. Alterations in the AI protocol, using short-acting porcine luteinizing hormone (pLH) as the ovulatory signal and oviductal AI for sperm deposition, could improve fertilization success while requiring fewer spermatozoa. Our objectives in this study were to assess pregnancy and fertilization success in cats treated with one of two gonadotropin regimens (eCG/hCG vs. eCG/pLH) and inseminated laparoscopically at two sperm deposition sites, the uterus (UT) and the contralateral oviduct (OV). Sixteen female domestic cats were randomly assigned to either eCG (100 IU)/hCG (75 IU) or eCG/pLH (1000 IU) treatment groups. All 16 females ovulated following gonadotropin treatment and were inseminated with low sperm numbers (1x106 motile sperm/site; 5 µl volume) in one uterine horn and one contralateral oviduct using freshly collected semen from a different male for each site. Semen samples were obtained from two males of proven fertility via artificial vagina. Pregnant females were spayed at 20-21 days post-AI and recovered fetuses assessed for paternity using genetic analysis. Comparing gonadotropin regimens, similar numbers of females became pregnant following eCG/hCG (75%, 6/8) versus eCG/pLH (63%, 5/8). The number of corpora lutea (CL) at AI was similar between regimens, but hCG treatment increased the number of CLs at day 20 post-AI. Although hCG and pLH treatments produced similar numbers of normal fetuses, implantation abnormalities (e.g. empty gestational sacs, malformed placentae) were observed in the hCG, but not pLH, group. Overall, 11 (of 16; 69%) females became pregnant (5 cats from OV AI only, 2 from UT AI only, and 4 from both sites). In comparing insemination sites, more fetuses resulted from OV AI (36/49; 73%) than UT AI (13/49; 27%). To assess capacity for term pregnancies, three additional females were treated with eCG/pLH and inseminated in one oviduct and the contralateral uterine horn. All three females became pregnant (2-3 fetuses each) and healthy kittens were produced. In summary, laparoscopic oviductal AI with low sperm numbers in eCG/pLH-treated females resulted in high pregnancy and fertilization percentages in domestic cats. These findings suggest that this technique may have value for propagating endangered nondomestic cat species. Our recent success in using oviductal AI in eCG/pLH-treated ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) to produce a healthy ocelot kitten supports this cross-species applicability. (platform)

A case report of an ectopic fetus in a cat

An ectopic fetus was discovered in an 18-month-old uniparous queen that was admitted for an elective ovariectomy. Six months prior she had delivered three healthy kittens. During the preoperative examination, a mass similar in size to a full-term fetus was detected in the abdominal cavity. Ultrasound examination revealed the mass to be an ectopic fetus in the mid-abdominal region. A mummified fetus was removed by laparotomy. No rupture of the uterine wall was visible, but a small necrotic area was present on the left uterine horn, adjacent to the very proximal portion of the uterine horn. The fetus, which was fully developed and covered by a thin membrane, was carefully dissected. Histological examination did not enable us to definitively prove the extra-uterine development of the fetus; however, the ectopic development of the conceptus secondarily expelled into the peritoneal cavity could be assumed.

Prevalence of potentially pathogenic enteric organisms in clinically healthy kittens in the UK.

Faecal samples were collected from 57 clinically healthy kittens presented for initial vaccination, in the UK. Routine bacteriological examination identified Salmonella species in one and Campylobacter species in five samples. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detected the presence of Campylobacter species in a further four samples. Routine parasitological examination revealed Toxocara species ova in nine (including four kittens stated to have been administered an anthelmintic) and Isospora species in four samples. No Giardia or Cryptosporidium species were detected by routine methods. A Giardia species enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test kit designed for use in cats was positive in three kittens. A similar test kit designed for use in humans was negative in all samples and produced negative results even when known positive samples were tested. Potentially pathogenic enteric organisms were detected in 19 kittens by routine methods and 26 (prevalence 45%) by all methods. The high prevalence in asymptomatic kittens highlights the possibility that the detection of these organisms in kittens with gastrointestinal disease may be an incidental finding.

155 NOVEL RECIPIENT SYNCHRONIZATION REGIMENS FOR SUCCESSFUL EMBRYO TRANSFER IN THE BRAZILIAN OCELOT FOLLOWING LONG-TERM FROZEN EMBRYO STORAGE

The Brazilian ocelot (Leopardus pardalis mitis) is threatened with extinction in southern Brazil due to habitat loss and poaching. As one component of a bi-national conservation program, efforts have been initiated to establish a Brazilian ocelot population in North American zoos through a combination of natural breeding and assisted reproduction. With improved efficiency, embryo freezing and transfer might be useful as a management tool to help achieve this conservation goal. The objectives of this study were to (1) compare two novel ovarian stimulation regimens for embryo recipient synchronization in ocelots and (2) assess embryo transfer success following long-term (7 yrs) storage of frozen ocelot embryos. Adult female ocelots (n = 8), housed individually at a breeding facility in southern Brazil, were used as recipients. Ovarian activity was monitored noninvasively by assessing fecal estrone metabolite concentrations via a validated enzyme immunoassay. Initial fecal monitoring indicated that all females displayed active ovarian cyclicity. For embryo transfer, fecal samples were collected from each cat and assayed daily over a three week period. Females (n = 4) showing two or more consecutive days of increasing estrone were classified as estrual and treated (Trt 1) with two injections of porcine luteinizing hormone (pLH, 3000 IU dose–1, IM, 13 h interval). Females (n = 4) exhibiting consecutive days of basal estrone levels were considered interestrual and received a combination regimen (Trt 2) of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG, 400 IU, IM) followed 85 h later by pLH (3000 IU, IM). Females were anesthetized 50 h after the second hormone injection and evaluated laparoscopically to assess ovarian response. All females exhibited at least one fresh corpus luteum (CL) indicating proper timing of ovulation induction. The number (mean ± SEM) of ovarian follicles (0 v. 3.0 ± 1.5) and CLs (1.0 ± 0.0 v. 3.8 ± 1.8) did not differ (P &gt; 0.05) between treatments. Upon confirmation of ovulation, 3 or 4 frozen embryos (24 embryos total), produced by IVF and frozen in ethylene glycol for liquid nitrogen storage 7 years earlier, were immediately thawed and transferred laparoscopically into one oviduct of each female. At 83 to 84 days post-transfer, two females (one per Trt) each gave birth to one healthy kitten, whereas a third female (Trt 2) experienced dystocia, requiring a C-section to deliver a single healthy offspring. Overall, 38% (3/8) of recipients became pregnant with 33% (3/9) of transferred embryos in pregnant females developing to term. Results indicate that these novel recipient synchronization regimens produce consistent ovulation and a suitable maternal environment for ocelot embryo transfer and that frozen ocelot embryos retain developmental competence after years of storage. Our findings suggest that frozen embryo transfer in ocelots has adequate efficiency for applied usage, allowing international shipment of frozen embryos to be used as a viable alternative to the transport of living ocelots for genetic management (NCRR 015338).

Efficacy of Emodepside plus Praziquantel Topical Solution against Immature Stages of Nematodes (Ancylostoma sp. and Toxocara sp.) in Cats

To evaluate the efficacy of emodepside against immature stages (L4) of Ancylostoma sp. 18 healthy kittens less than six months of agewere orally infected with approximately 300 infective Ancylostoma sp. larvae each, over two successive days. On day 7 after the first infection, ten kittens were dermally treated with emodepside 1.98 % w/w plus praziquantel 7.94% w/w at a dose rate of 3.2 mg/kg emodepside and 12.9 mg/kg praziquantel. The kittens were necropsied at the end of the prepatent period (21 days), and the intestines examined for Ancylostoma sp. The efficacy was calculated by using the average Ancylostoma sp. counts against the average of the untreated controls. Untreated kittens had an average count of 254 worms. Treatment on day 7 after the first infestation was 99.65% effective against immature stages (L4) of Ancylostoma sp. In a second experiment to test the efficacy of emodepside against immature stages (L3) of Toxocara sp. 18 healthy kittens less than six months of age were orally infected with approximately 100 infective Toxocara sp. eggs. On day 7 post infection, ten kittens were dermally treated with emodepside 1.98% w/v + praziquantel 7.94% w/v at a dose rate of 3.2 mg/kg emodepside and 12.9 mg/kg praziquantel. The kittens were necropsied at the end of the prepatent period (42 days) and the intestines examined for Toxocara sp. Efficacy was calculated by using the average Toxocara sp. counts against the average of the untreated controls. Untreated kittens had an average count of 37 worms. Treatment on day 7 after infection was 100% effective against immature stages (L3) of Toxocara sp.

Diabetes mellitus and bilateral cataracts in a kitten

An 18-week-old male domestic long-hair kitten was presented with a history of polyuria and polydipsia for several weeks. The general condition was unremarkable, but the kitten was considerably smaller than expected for the age and showed cataracts in both eyes. Serum glucose concentrations were persistently elevated and based on clinical findings and an elevated serum fructosamine concentration, a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus was established.Diabetes mellitus is not commonly diagnosed in young kittens, nor are cataracts recognised as a frequent feature of this disease in cats. The cataracts progressed in spite of the insulin therapy and the kitten was euthanised 10 weeks after referral. Histopathological examination of the pancreas revealed few and small islets of Langerhans compared to the examination of pancreas from a healthy kitten of the same age. Histopathological changes in the eyes included cataracts affecting both cortex and nucleus.

Healthy puppies and kittens as carriers of Campylobacter spp., with special reference to Campylobacter upsaliensis.

Living in a household with a dog or cat has previously been identified as a significant risk factor for acquiring campylobacteriosis, in particular, with reference to Campylobacter upsaliensis infection. In a cross-sectional study carried out in Denmark between August and December 1996, 72 healthy puppies and 42 healthy kittens, aged between 11 and 17 weeks, were sampled for fecal campylobacter shedding by culture of rectal swab specimens on blood-free agar base with cefoperazone at 32 mg/liter and amphotericin at 10 mg/liter and on blood-free agar base with cefoperazone at 8 mg/liter, teicoplanin at 4 mg/liter, and amphotericin at 10 mg/liter. Additionally, with respect to the C. upsaliensis transmission potential of poultry, a chicken cloacal swab sample from each of 100 different broiler flocks was included in the study for comparison. We found 21 (29%) of the puppies positive for Campylobacter spp., with a species distribution of 76% C. jejuni, 5% C. coli, and 19% C. upsaliensis. Of the kittens examined, two (5%) excreted campylobacters; both strains were C. upsaliensis. None of the chicken samples examined were found to be positive for C. upsaliensis. We concluded that young puppies and kittens are potential transmitters of human-pathogenic Campylobacter spp., including C. upsaliensis, while poultry seems negligible in C. upsaliensis epidemiology.

Feline neonatal isoerythrolysis in two litters

ABSTRACTThe clinical, pathological and serological findings for feline neonatal isoerythrolysis (FNI) in two litters are described. In each litter one of four kittens died shortly after birth, two showed varying degrees of depression, jaundice and haemoglobinuria and one remained healthy (clinically unaffected). Three of the kittens with jaundice died and the necropsy findings included variable degrees of erythrophagocytosis in the spleen and liver and many casts containing haemoglobin in the tubules and collecting ducts of the kidney. Blood typing and haemocompatibility testing were performed on the surviving kittens, queens and sires. Both queens and the healthy kittens were Type B while both sires and the surviving affected kitten were Type A. In both litters the queens sera haemolysed the sires erythrocytes but did not affect the erythrocytes of the healthy kittens. The erythrocytes of the surviving affected kitten were haemolysed by the serum of its queen. The pathogenesis and treatment of FNI are discussed.

Intranasal vaccination against upper respiratory tract disease (U.R.D.) in the cat—II. Results of field studies under enzootic conditions in The Netherlands with a combined vaccine containing live attenuated calici- and herpesvirus

A live vaccine containing attenuated calici- and herpesviruses was tested in field studies in the Netherlands. This vaccine is administered intranasally. Cats may show local transient reactions in the week following vaccination. The experiments were conducted in three types of infected premises: boarding catteries, homes for stray cats and breeding colonies. In the boarding catteries the vaccine was instilled intranasally at least one week before admission. If this was impossible—like it is in homes for stray cats—the animals were vaccinated at the day of admission and then quarantined for at least 24 hr. In the four boarding catteries 290 cats were vaccinated. Local reations were observed in 25 animals (less than 9%). Five cats (less than 2%) showed clinical symptoms of the disease in spite of vaccination. However these cases were all in the same cattery which also housed stray cats. In three homes for stray cats 257 animals were vaccinated. The percentage of local reactions was much higher (49%) due to suppressed infections and secondary bacterial invaders. Clinical disease was seen in 13 cats (5%). However eight of these cats were in one cattery where some of the requirements of the experiment—c.q. quarantine—could not be met. Prevention of the disease in infected breeding colonies was difficult to achieve because infected parent animals are known to shed virulent virus during rehousing and parturition. The following vaccination program was very successful: parent animals are vaccinated intranasally prior to mating and the pregnant queens again on the day of parturition. The kittens are then vaccinated intranasally at an age of 8–10 days old. With this program the percentage of healthy kittens that could be sold was as high as 98%. This compares to 66% in a previous vaccination program where the queens were given an intramuscular vaccine and the kittens received either several intramuscular vaccinations or one intranasal vaccination on the age of six days. The CH vaccine is available on the Dutch market for one year. The results obtained by veterinary practitioners confirm the good results obtained in the field studies.

Origination of neuroblasts during postembryonic life

Auerbach's plexus was studied histologically in the intestines of 27 healthy cats and kittens. Besides the differentiated neurons, neuroblasts were revealed in the ganglia of the intermuscular plexuses. In animals the number of these neuroblasts gradually increases during the first several months of life.

Hæmatology of Healthy Kittens

Hæmatology of Healthy Kittens