Topic: Ketosis in goats

[joehardy]

I purchased the MotionPro Syncpro and had the same issues as others. I followed the directions and it sucked up the fluid in the number 2 and 4 tubes and the number 1 and 3 tubes seemed to work as advertised. There was some fluid left in the 3 and 4 tubes but I could not get it to come back down no matter how much I attempted to back out the screws- to the extent that I was cracking the case. The fluid was starting to come down- but not all the way. So I disassembled it and was then able to back the screws out enough to get the fluid to return. I drilled out the holes for the screws with a 3/8 bit so that I could adjust them as much as I pleased. I took all the screws out and took some of the fluid from 1 and 2 to refill and even out 3 and 4. I replaced the screws while sucking on the hose (how's that for dedication) to get a sense of where the screws should be base set. If the screws are too far out or too far in the fluid sucked through easily or started to be pushed up be the pressure of the screw. I hooked it back up to the bike per the calibration instructions and it appears to work fine now. I was able to adjust them to run together about 1/2 way up the scale. For giggles I started to back out one of the screws and sure enough if you back it out too far it will suck the fluid out.
In any case now I am running short on fluid from all my experimentation. I noticed in a Google search that propylene glycol, the fluid used in the Syncpro, is used in all sorts of household products. Additionally, it is used for treatment of ketosis in goats. (http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-57564315/goat-barn-alert-ketosis.html) I am guessing that my local farm supply has it and my local grocery has blue food dye. I'll get refilled and post new results. Any thoughts?

[prince_ruben]

I have access to Prop G. If you know someone who works in a lab (anatomic pathology) ask them.

Prop G permeates cells, allowing dyes to "highlight' certain cell components (Allows Oil Red O to stain fat globules).
It's thick and viscous.

http://www.ihcworld.com/_protocols/special_stains/oil_red_o.htm

[OhItsBob]

Propylene glycol is also used as a less toxic automotive anti-freeze. Prestone Low-Tox is propylene glycol as opposed to ethylene glycol for regular Prestone

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Go to your pharmacy and ask to speak to the Pharmacist. Don't try to explain to the tech. Tell him/her what you are doing and ask if they have an opened bottle of propylene glycol that you could purchase an ounce or two from. We use it as a mixing agent in compounding prescriptions that are not available commercially. If they don't have an open bottle perhaps they will order you a small bottle from their supplier.   

[joehardy]

Thanks for the tips. The farm supply didn't know what I was talking about. I found some propylene glycol in the form of anti-freeze for RV water systems. It was diluted with water and a bit thin but it worked. Also, the modifications to the Syncpro seemed to work. I was able to synchronize the tool and then the bike- you just have to be sure not to back out the screws too far while running.

[MacM2010]

Your local tobacconist might have it, too.  It's used to regulate humidity in cigar humidors.

[kerryb]

Now that I have stopped laughing at the surprise title, I need to ask...do your recommend this tool or should I get a different one when I'm ready to do this procedure?  The Clymer manual describes how to build one that doesn't look toooo difficult.

Interesting what a wealth of information shows up when a bunch of different people have a similar hobby!

[joehardy]

After taking it apart it's hard to justify the typical retail price. There is not much to it. Given that, it did work (once I modified it) and I think it is pretty sensitive. I have seen the vacuum gauge set up for under $50 lately. Might consider that or making your own.