Case summary This case report describes two cats that had subcutaneous ureteral bypass (SUB) systems implanted and subsequently developed duodenal perforations and septic peritonitis associated with the Dacron cuff of the nephrostomy tube. One cat recovered following surgical explantation of the SUB system with intestinal resection and anastomosis of the perforated small intestine, and – at the time of writing – is still alive. The other cat was humanely euthanased intraoperatively at the owner’s request owing to its perceived prognosis. Relevance and novel information To our knowledge this is the first time this complication has been reported following SUB device placement.

In 1998, Indian regulatory agencies approved the registration of CGA 184927, MON 37500, and fenoxaprop for postemergence control of isoproturon-resistant littleseed canarygrass. Herbicides used in rice and wheat before 1998 were generally mixed with sand or urea and were applied by hand. Foliar pesticide spray applications consisted primarily of insecticides and fungicides that were applied to high-value crops. These pesticides were often sprayed to runoff with backpack sprayers that were equipped with single hollow-cone or flood nozzles. Applicators walked through the fields, swinging the wands in sweeping motions resulting in uneven pesticide distribution and overapplication. The newly registered postemergence herbicides were applied with the same equipment and in the same fashion. After these applications, control of littleseed canarygrass was strikingly inconsistent, and the growers blamed the lack of control on the manufacturers. It was later clear that basic understanding of the application techniques was lacking. In response to this, an application training workshop was organized and conducted in India and Nepal in 2000. The workshops focused on teaching the participants how to use and fabricate multiple-nozzle booms, the importance of flat-fan nozzles, calibration, drift avoidance, and applicator safety. To date, approximately 3,000 farmers, extension agents, scientists, and industry representatives have attended more than 30 workshops. The participants were unanimously enthusiastic about the value of the workshops. Although simplistic, the adoption of this technology will significantly decrease the amounts of herbicides applied and will increase efficacy and efficiency.

Legumes such as alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and white clover (Trifolium repens L.) increase forage productivity and quality in northern temperate pastures, but require re-establishment following broadleaf weed control using herbicides. To quantify the residual effects of two herbicides (aminocyclopyrachlor and aminopyralid) on potential legume re-establishment we examined alfalfa and clover recruitment at two field sites over two years. Sites were over-seeded with alfalfa and clover to populate the seed bank, and then sprayed with herbicide, after which seedling densities were monitored in late summer and fall of the current growing season. Defoliation (via mowing) effects were also assessed to evaluate the role of vegetation competition on legume establishment. Herbicides were applied at recommended rates (1.0), and 0.5, 0.25, 0.125, 0.0625, and 0 times recommended field rates, emulating exponential herbicide degradation (one through four half-lives). Alfalfa and white clover seedling densities were negatively impacted by all rates of herbicide, with modestly greater negative impacts from aminopyralid than aminocyclopyrachlor, although responses to herbicides remained site and legume specific. Reductions in alfalfa and clover were particularly evident through the 0.25 (i.e., two half-life) herbicide rate, with reductions in alfalfa ranging from 78% to 95%, and in clover from 73% to 88%. Legume densities at the 0.125 (three half-life) rate were 39%–68% lower than those in nonsprayed control plots. Our results suggest that at least three half-lives of degradation must occur, and likely four or more, before these legumes can re-establish at densities acceptable for pasture production. These findings have implications for producers seeking to promptly re-establish forage legumes within pastures sprayed for broadleaf weed control in northern temperate regions.

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