Hip joint laxity cannot be quantified precisely on standard position radiographs. The proposed stress technique yields significantly higher degrees of femoral head subluxation than the standard position.

Somatomedin C and other hormones, as well as blood metabolites, were measured during the dry period and during lactation in dairy cows, given different amounts of energy and protein, to study metabolic and endocrine adaptations. Somatomedin C, specifically measured by radioimmunoassay after separation from its binding protein, did not exhibit typical diurnal variations, in contrast to somatotropin and insulin, which increased particularly after concentrate intake. Somatomedin C markedly decreased at parturition and reached lowest values around the peak of lactation, while levels of somatotropin, nonesterified fatty acids and ketone bodies were high and those of glucose, insulin, thyroxine and triiodothyronine were low. Thereafter somatomedin C values slowly increased up to the 12th week of lactation and remained elevated. Low energy and protein balances were characterized by particularly low somatomedin C concentrations. An additional protein deficit at peak lactation, when cows were already provided with low amounts of energy, did not further decrease somatomedin C levels. However, when high amounts of energy were given in the form of starch or crystalline fat, somatomedin C increased. Overall, there was a positive correlation of somatomedin C primarily with energy, but also with protein balances and a negative correlation with milk yield. Conversely, somatotropin increased markedly after parturition and was positively correlated with milk production and negatively with protein and energy balances. Thus, somatomedin C levels were paradoxically low in the presence of high circulating somatotropin. Insulin most closely paralleled somatomedin C levels. Therefore the anabolic state of metabolism at the end of pregnancy was characterized by high somatomedin C and insulin and relatively low somatotropin, whereas the catabolic state of early lactation was characterized by high somatotropin, low somatomedin C, insulin and thyroid hormones.

Ninety-seven pure-bred Akitas were examined clinically and histologically for sebaceous adenitis. The diagnosis was established histologically in 23 Akitas by demonstrating an inflammatory reaction targeted against the sebaceous glands or a reduction in the number of glands. The clinical course of sebaceous adenitis in the Akita was similar to that seen in other breeds. The first skin lesions occurred mainly on the dorsal midline and ears. Compared with the Poodle, the age at first onset of the disease was more variable and the hair loss affected mainly the undercoat. The progression of sebaceous gland destruction varied between dogs and was not seen in all cases. Because bud-like sebaceous gland proliferation could be identified, it seems that regeneration of the sebaceous glands may occur. An autosomal recessive inheritance appears to be possible. Apart from a genetic background, immune-mediated factors possibly influence the onset and course of sebaceous adenitis.

Summary In a prospective study the degree of hip joint laxity was compared with subsequent hip joint development. A total of 70 non‐selected adult dogs from 34 breeds presented for hip dysplasia screening was examined. The degree of hip joint laxity was quantitated using a newly developed radiographic stress technique. The dogs were re‐examined according to the standard radiographic technique after 1 year or more. There was a positive correlation (r = 0.58) between the degree of subluxation (SI) and the subsequent Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) grade. All dogs with an SI value of up to 0.35 developed hip joints ranging between normal and mildly dysplastic at worst. Of the dogs with an SI value higher than 0.35, 76% developed hip dysplasia. Of those 40 dogs grading normal or borderline normal on standard radiographs, 15% demonstrated lax hip joints with an SI of more than 0.35. Breed‐specific differences in the correlation of degree of hip joint laxity to the development of coxarthrosis were noted. If both excessive hip joint laxity and development of arthrosis are considered exclusion criteria for breeding dogs, then the current mode of selection does not adequately restrict potential breeding stock. Only dogs demonstrating an SI of 0.35 or less on stress radiographs and graded normal or borderline normal on standard radiographs should be used for breeding, equivalent to 49% of all dogs examined in this study. A further 36% of the dogs examined, most of them currently still accepted as breeding dogs, would not pass. Breed‐specific acceptable degree of hip joint laxity in breeding dogs should be determined. Selecting breeding dogs based on the results of hip joint laxity assessment may further decrease the incidence of CHD in the offspring.

An abnormal development of the epidermis of the footpad was observed in Irish terriers. At the age of six months, the affected animals developed smooth parchment-like footpads. The pad epidermis then hardened and grew lateral cone-like protrusions of up to 5 mm in diameter. Fissures and cracks developed and these predisposed the animal to secondary infection. The repeated occurrence in subsequent generations led to the assumption of a hereditary form of hyperkeratosis. Evidence for an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance was derived from a retrospective analysis of the breeder's records. The clinical, histopathological and ultrastructural features of the disease are presented and the genetic transmission and its implications discussed.