bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aggregate testing for the evaluation of Johne's disease herd status
Authors: JORDAN D.
Published: March 2008

This paper examines methods for evaluating herd Johne's disease status that could be used in a survey of the cattle industry. Emphasis is placed on aggregate testing, a process whereby a random sample of cattle from a herd is assessed using an imperfect test, such as an ELISA for detecting antibody in serum. Important aggregate test parameters discussed include: sample size, herd‐level sensitivity, herd‐level specificity, the number of reactors used for declaring a positive herd result, and the expected within‐herd prevalence of disease. Aggregate testing may be useful for several livestock diseases. However, problems arise when it is applied to Johne's disease because of the poor sensitivity of the available diagnostic tests, the low within herd prevalence of infection, and clustering of false positives within a herd.
Effects of posture and accumulated airway secretions on tracheal mucociliary transport in the horse
Authors: RAIDAL SHARANNE L , LOVE DARIA N , BAILEY GD
Published: March 2008

Tracheal mucociliary clearance was determined in horses by measuring the rostrad transport of the radiopharmaceutical 99mtechnetium‐sulphur colloid following deposition on the tracheal epithelium by intratracheal injection. The effects of head position (head elevated to normal standing position vs head lowered) and of accumulated purulent secretions on tracheal mucociliary clearance were evaluated for the first time in the horse. In normal horses tracheal mucociliary clearance was greatly accelerated by lowering the head so that the cranial trachea was lower than the caudal trachea. Horses confined with their heads elevated for 24 hours developed an accumulation of purulent airway secretions (and associated increased numbers of bacteria) in the lower respiratory tract and showed a decrease in tracheal mucociliary clearance when compared with their previously measured rate when the lower airway contained only normal secretions. These findings have implications for management practices where horses are prevented from lowering their heads, such as transportation and cross‐tying, which may therefore contribute to lower respiratory tract disease in horses.
Inherited disorders: the comparative picture
Authors: NICHOLAS FW , HARPER PAW
Published: March 2008

When confronted with a novel familial disorder, veterinarians should consult McKusick's catalogue of inherited disorders in humans, called Mendelian Inheritance in Man (MIM), or its online version (OMIM), to see whether a similar disorder has been reported in humans. They should also consult the other readily available sources of comparative information on mice and domesticated species. Increasingly, such consultations can be conducted on the Internet via the World Wide Web. If it is thought that an animal disorder is homologous with a human disorder, publications describing the animal disorder should include the MIM number(s) for that disorder. Future research can then test the hypothesis of homology, until a consensus is reached.
Macrozamia toxicosis in a dog
Authors: MILLS JN , LAWLEY MJ , THOMAS J.
Published: March 2008

A case of Macrozamia riedlei seed poisoning is described in a young Dachshund. Vomiting and depression commenced within 6 h of ingestion; other signs that developed included severe hepatopathy, jaundice, abdominal pain that was unresponsive to analgesics, severe gastro‐intestinal haemorrhage and thrombocytopenia as well as crystalluria and marrow dyserythropoiesis. The dog was euthanased 6 days after ingestion of the seeds.
Calving rates in a tropical beef herd after treatment with a synthetic progestagen, norgestomet, or a prostaglandin analogue, cloprostenol
Authors: FRISCH JE , O'NEILL CJ
Published: March 2008

Maiden heifers and lactating cows of known ovarian status and of several breeds were treated with a synthetic prostaglandin, cloprostenol, or a synthetic progestagen, norgestomet, at the start of an artificial insemination (AI) program. Animals in the cloprostenol treatment received 2 injections 10 days apart. Over the next 26 days those animals that showed oestrous behaviour were inseminated. Synchronisation rates and calving rates to insemination over the first 7 days were calculated. Those in the norgestomet treatment received an implant of norgestomet plus an injection of norgestomet and oestradiol valerate. The implant was removed 10 days later and the animals were given an injection of pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG). They were inseminated at 48 h (maiden heifers) or 56 h (lactating cows) after implant removal. Calving rates to fixed‐time insemination were recorded. After completion of the AI program the animals in both treatments were joined with bulls. Overall calving rates (AI plus bulls) were calculated. By day 7 of the program, 82% of the maiden heifers and 76% of the lactating cows in the cloprostenol treatment had been detected in oestrus. By day 21 the respective figures were 99% and 81% Norgestomet treatment had an immediate and a prolonged effect on ovarian activity in those females classified as having inactive ovaries at the start of the AI program. Calving rates of those females to fixed‐time AI and overall were similar to those of the females with active ovaries in both treatments. Their calving rates to fixed‐time insemination, and overall calving rates for the lactating females, were significantly higher than the corresponding values of their contemporaries treated with cloprostenol and inseminated on observed oestrus over 7 days. For those females classified as having active ovaries at the start of the AI program, calving rates to first insemination and overall were similar for both treatments. Overall calving rates of lactating cows of each breed were, with one exception, higher in the norgestomet treatment than in the cloprostenol treatment. Although norgestomet treatment was more expensive than cloprostenol treatment, the advantage in calf crop resulted in an overall monetary advantage to the norgestomet treatment.
The occurrence of schistosomus reflexus in bovine dystocia
Authors: KNIGHT ROBERT P
Published: March 2008

The occurrence of schistosomus reflexus as a cause of bovine dystocia in south western Victoria is described. Examination of records made by 21 veterinarians during a 20‐year period (1966 to 1985) showed that of 6901 cases of bovine dystocia attended, 90 (1.3%) were caused by schistosomus reflexus. Most cases (56.7%) were treated by embryotomy, 25.6% by caesarean section and 3.3% by simple traction. Treatment of the remaining 14.4% of cases was not completed and was considered hopeless, mainly becuase of the emphysematous condition of the foetus and the toxic condition of the cow, which gave a poor prognosis. Some of these hopeless cases were sent to slaughter, but most were euthanased by the attending veterinarian. Sixty‐nine (76.7%) of the patients were cows and 21 (23.3%) were heifers. Seventy‐two (80%) were dairy breeds and 18 (20%) were beef breeds. Jersey was the main dairy breed (63.8%) and Hereford the dominant beef breed.
Genetic improvement in beef cattle using a progeny testing system based on carcase merit
Authors: JOHNSON ER
Published: March 2008

A progeny testing system to measure beef carcase merit, the Abtech Test, has been developed. Nine carcase characteristics are measured objectively at a slaughter age of 300 days on the carcases of 12 steer progeny per sire. Five carcase characteristics were used to quantify the carcase, namely, carcase composition as submitted, carcase composition (adjusted to 20% total carcase fat), estimated lean meat yield (adjusted to 20% total carcase fat), muscle‐bone ratio (adjusted to a common muscle plus bone weight), and eye muscle volume index (adjusted for total carcase muscle weight). Four carcase measurements used to describe quality were evaluated: eye muscle area at the 10th rib (adjusted for total carcase muscle weight), marbling of the eye muscle at the 10th rib (chemically determined and adjusted to 20% total carcase fat), muscle texture at the 10th rib (mean muscle bundle diameter) and fat colour (determined on intermuscular fat at the 10th rib under standard conditions).

It is proposed that this testing system could be used for the genetic improvement of beef carcases.
Beef carcase characteristics that may be of value in selecting for genetic merit
Authors: JOHNSON ER
Published: March 2008

Commercially important carcase characteristics that may be used for the genetic improvement of Australia's beef cattle were evaluated using, predominantly, published data. Conclusions are based on the relationship of carcase measurements to the anatomical and commercial dissection products of 690 sides of beef and on other Australian and overseas work.

Many measurements used as the basis for genetic selection are cost‐effective but unlikely to lead to significant genetic gain. Some of the cost‐effective measurements chosen will confound and impede genetic change. The commonly used saleable beef yield varies so widely in composition because of fat content that it is unlikely to be a reliable measurement for genetic purposes. Because of its homogeneous composition, estimated lean meat yield (muscle), which is seldom used for descriptive purposes in the cattle and beef industries, is a much more reliable measure of genetic merit than saleable beef yield. Eye muscle area, used alone or in conjunction with carcase weight and fat thickness, is of limited value in quantifying muscle, particularly in carcases of similar size. Butt profile, which is strongly influenced by subcutaneous fat deposits, is often negatively associated with beef yield. Subjective muscle score, assessed by competent muscle scorers, when used alone or together with carcase weight and fat thickness did not improve the estimation of saleable beef yield. A second subcutaneous fat thickness measurement generally does not improve upon the accuracy of a single fat thickness measurement for quantifying carcase muscle. Specific breed equations give significant improvements in the prediction of carcase muscle and should be used where possible.

For meat quality characteristics, visual marbling score is so poorly correlated with actual marbling fat as to be of no practical value for genetic improvement. Tenderness measurements, because of their low variation between breeds and their susceptibility to slaughter and chilling stresses cannot be used for genetic selection.
Efficacy of metoclopramide for treatment of ileus in horses following small intestinal surgery: 70 cases (1989–1992)
Authors: DART AJ , PEAUROI JR , HODGSON DR , PASCOE JR
Published: March 2008

Summary: In this retrospective study, postoperative ileus was studied in horses having resection of the small intestine followed by a jejunojejunal (n=35) or a jejunocaecal (n=35) anastomosis. Twenty‐six horses received no metoclopramide, 27 received metoclopramide as an intermittent intravenous infusion and 17 horses received metoclopramide as a continuous intravenous infusion (0.04 mg/kg/hour). Horses receiving a continuous infusion of metoclopramide had a reduced total volume (P< 0.001), shorter duration (P< 0.001), and a slower rate (P< 0.001) of postoperative gastric reflux, and a shorter postoperative hospital stay (P< 0.01) when compared to horses receiving no metoclopramide and horses receiving metoclopramide as an intermittent infusion. Horses having jejunocaecostomy performed had a larger volume (P< 0.05), longer duration (P< 0.05), and a greater rate (P< 0.05) of postoperative gastric reflux, and a longer postoperative hospital stay (P< 0.001) than horses undergoing jejunojejunostomy. Horses that had an abdominal drain placed during surgery had a longer length of intestine resected (P< 0.05) and a longer postoperative hospital stay (P< 0.05) than horses without an abdominal drain. Horses that died or were euthanased during the postoperative period had a greater total volume (P< 0.05), longer duration (P< 0.05), and greater rate of postoperative gastric reflux (P< 0.01), a longer length of small intestine resected (P< 0.01), and a shorter postoperative hospital stay (P< 0.05) than horses that survived until discharge from the hospital. In a multivariate regression analysis the continuous infusion of metoclopramide was the only variable that contributed significantly to predicting the total volume (P< 0.001; r2= 0.24), duration (P< 0.001; r2= 0.24) and rate (P< 0.001; r2= 0.25) of postoperative gastric reflux. We concluded that metoclopramide given as a continuous intravenous infusion decreased the incidence and severity of ileus following small intestinal resection and anastomosis in horses.
Bookshelf
Authors: Beveridge WIB , Knight Robert P.
Published: March 2008

Exotic Diseases of Animals: a field guide for Australian veterinarians
, Geering WA, Forman AJ and Nunn MJ

Student's Guide to Bovine Clinics
, 2nd edition, C Pasquini & S Pasquini
Snake envenomation in cats and its detection by rapid immunoassay
Authors: MOISIDIS AV , JAMES T , SMITH HV , COX JC
Published: March 2008

Objective To determine the usefulness of a snake venom detection kit (SVDK) in the management of envenomed cats.

Design A clinical study.

Animals

Twenty‐two cats were investigated.

Procedure Cats injected subcutaneously with approximately 0.25 or 1.0 lethal dose (LD) of tiger snake venom or 1 or 4 LD of brown snake venom were observed for clinical symptoms of envenomation at intervals over the ensuring 24 to 48 hours(h). Blood and urine samples were taken at regular intervals and assayed in a quantitative laboratory assay for snake venoms. Selected samples were assayed in parallel in a rapid, semi‐quantitative SVDK.

Results The studies showed that it was important to estimate the elapsed time from envenomation to presentation. If this time was less than 8 h, blood was the most appropriate sample and a negative result should exclude serious envenomation. If the elapsed time exceeded 8 h, it was essential that urine be sampled. Venom levels in urine were high at 8 h and approached the level of test sensitivity over 24 to 48 h; however by this time clinical signs were obvious in endangered cats.

Conclusions

Careful use of the SVDK is a valuable aid in the management of a potentially envenomed cat.
A latex cryptococcal antigen agglutination test for diagnosis and monitoring of therapy for cryptococcosis
Authors: MALIK R. , McPETRIE R. , WIGNEY DI , CRAIG AJ , LOVE DN
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY:A latex cryptococcal antigen agglutination test (LCAT) was performed on sera obtained during the first 14 days of treatment from 58 animals (46 cats, 9 dogs, 2 koalas and 1 long billed corella) with cryptococcosis. The same commercial kit was used for all samples, and most serum samples were treated with pronase before testing. Sera from all 58 cases tested positive with the qualitative LCAT protocol (using undiluted sera), while sera from all 26 cats without cryptococcosis tested negative. Titres determined using the quantitative protocol ranged from 1 to 131 072 (median titre between 2048 and 4096), with 57 of 58 cases (including all 8 animals that presented for neurological signs) having titres 2 and thus considered positive according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

The LCAT titre was positively correlated with disease severity (r = 0.4169; P = 0.0011), and patients with disseminated skin and/or lymph node involvement had significantly higher titres than those that did not (P = 0.0157). The presence of neurological signs, the species of the patient, concurrent viral disease (in cats) and the biotype of the isolate had no significant association with the LCAT titre. Cats that died of active cryptococcosis despite treatment did not have significantly higher titres (P = 0.3010) than those that responded to treatment.

Sequential LCAT determinations obtained in 37 patients during treatment provided a useful quantitative indication of clinical progress, although the decline in titre lagged somewhat behind clinical improvement. Generally, the antigen titre declined by 2 to 4 fold per month during successful therapy. Although there are insufficent data to make unequivocal recommendations, we suggest that either antifungal therapy be continued until the LCAT titre declines to less than 1, or therapy be discontinued after a 32 fold or greater reduction in titre, with periodic monitoring of the serum antigen titre. Treatment of serum samples with pronase substantially increased the sensitivity of the LCAT.
Peritonitis following intestinal anastomosis and enteroplication in a kitten with intussusception.
Authors: CULVENOR JA
Published: March 2008

A 10 week old kitten with an intussusception was treated by intestinal resection and enteroplication. Several months later it developed peritonitis which responded to open peritoneal drainage and antibiotics.
Chemical immobilisation of giraffe to facilitate short procedures
Authors: VOGELNEST L. , RALPH HK
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo describe the chemical immobilisation of giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) for short procedures at Taronga Zoo.

DesignA clinical report.

AnimalsFive giraffe.

ProcedureThe weight of each animal was determined and pre‐immobilisation fasting, careful preparation of the site, and planning were carried out prior to each procedure. Etorphine and acetylpromazine were used as the sole immobilising agents. During immobilisation, elevation of the head and constant monitoring of the heart rate, respiratory rate and temperature were employed; blood pressure and blood oxygen saturation (Sp2) were monitored in one case 5. Intravenous fluids were administered. None of the animals was intubated, and supplemental oxygen was administered via an intranasal cannula in case 5. At the end of the procedures, diprenorphine was administered to reverse immobilisation.

ResultsInduction times were 8 to 15 min. The mean heart rate, respiratory rate and rectal temperature were 58.6 beats per min, 12.2 breaths per min and 37.1°C2 respectively. SpO2 in case 5 increased to over 90% with the administration of supplemental oxygen. Recovery to standing after reversal of immobilisation was rapid (2 or 3 min) in three cases, but took 30 and 31 min in the other two.

Conclusions Successful immobilisation of giraffe relies on consideration of all variables prior to and during the procedure. Careful selection and preparation of the venue and presence of sufficient numbers of adequately trained personnel are essential. Body weight determination allows accurate calculation of immobilising agent dose.

Pre‐immobilisation fasting followed by elevation of head and neck help preclude regurgitation and aspiration. Relevant vital signs monitoring, fluid replacement and oxygen supplementation promote cardiopulmonary homeostasis.

Preoperative planning to ensure efficient performance of the procedure helps minimise recumbency time and increases the likelihood of a successful outcome.
Benign cranial mediastinal lesions in three cats
Authors: MALIK R. , GABOR L. , HUNT GB , CHURCH DB , BARRS VR , CHURCHER R. , DIXON RT , HUXLEY C. , CANFIELD PJ
Published: March 2008

Cranial mediastinal lesions were detected in three cats, associated with respiratory impairment (case one), spontaneous pneumothorax (case two) and myasthenia gravis (case three), respectively. On gross and histological examination, the first case was considered either a lymphangioma or a branchial cystic mass of the thymic region of the mediastinum; a cystic lesion was suggested by sonographic detection of multiple anechoic cavitations within a circumscribed mass, while fine needle aspiration cytology excluded lymphosarcoma. The second case was diagnosed histologically as a cystic thymoma, but the third case was not examined microscopically. The masses were amenable to surgical excision in the first two cats, while this proved unnecessary in the third case because of resolution following treatment with dexamethasone. Corticosteroid responsiveness was unhelpful in distinguishing between these benign lesions and lymphosarcoma, as in two cases there was a partial or complete response to dosing with prednisolone or dexamethasone. These cases are presented to emphasise that conditions other than lymphosarcoma can produce cranial mediastinal lesions in cats, and that the prognosis for surgical treatment of lymphangiomas, multilocular thymic cysts and cystic thymomas can be excellent.
Rusa deer (Cervus timorensis russa) farming in New Caledonia: impact of different feed levels on herd breeding rate and performance of newborn fawns
Authors: LE BEL S , SALAS M. , CHARDONNET P. , BIANCHI M.
Published: March 2008

Objective To measure the impact of undernourishment during the rutting period on the breeding rate of Javan rusa deer and performance of fawns from birth to weaning.

Design A random controlled trial.

Animals Two groups of 37 hinds.

Procedure Group P grazed improved pasture and group M native grassland through the rutting period. Hinds were weighed at the beginning and the end of rutting, at ultrasound scan and prior to fawning. Fawning was monitored.

Results At the end of the rutting period, the mean difference in weight between the two groups was 8.5 kg and the pregnancy rate was 95% for group P and 57% for group M. Fifty births were recorded which equates to a fertility rate at 24 hours of 60% for group P and 30% for group M. Fawn mortality occurring in the first 24 hours affected 26% of all fawns. In 54% of the cases, newborn deaths were subsequent to abandonment by the hind. Average rusa fawn weight at birth was 3.6 + 0.1 kg, regardless of sex or group. Among fawns that weighed less than 3.0 kg, the mortality rate was 55%. The newborn fawn weight was related to the weight of the hind at ultrasound scanning. The weaning rate at 20 weeks was 84% for both groups. Mean weight gains for sucking fawns were 150 g per day for the first 2 months and 108 g per day from 60 to 120 days regardless of sex or group. The mean weight at 60 and 120 days was 12.7 kg and 18.5 kg, respectively. Two regression equations enable the calculation of the weight at 60 and 120 days using the fawn weight at birth and hind weight at the beginning of the rutting period.

Conclusion A 5% weight loss for the hinds resulting from undernourishment during the rutting period causes a 32% reduction in the herd fertility rate, without affecting the weight of newborn fawns, the survival rate nor growth performances in the sucking phase.
A case‐control study to identify farm factors affecting fertility of dairy herds: univariate description of factors
Authors: WEBSTER FB , LEAN IJ , KENNEDY D. , PHILLIPS K.
Published: March 2008

Objective To identify farm factors which were associated with reproductive performance in dairy herds in New South Wales.

Procedure A survey was administered by face to face interview to examine the responses of producers drawn from 757 herds, which used the New South Wales Agriculture Department Dairy Herd Improvement scheme. A case‐control approach was used to select a total of 126 herds from the first (top group ‐ cases) and fourth quartiles (low group ‐ controls) for intercalving interval.

Results We found that the estimated interval from calving to first mating was significantly different between groups (P = 0.03) and that the groups significantly differed in both their target for interval to first mating (P = 0.02) and their perceived optimum time for first mating (P = 0.04). Other factors associated with a longer intercalving interval included, use of embryo transfer programs (P = 0.08), younger managers (P = 0.02), fewer breedings per day (P = 0.01), a greater number of people detecting heats (P = 0.07), but less hours spent detecting heats while handling the cows (P = 0.11), and a failure to vaccinate bulls for campylobacteriosis (P = 0.14).

Conclusions Managers of herds with poorer reproductive performance did not intend to mate cattle as soon after calving as managers with better reproductive performance, were not as active in seeking veterinary advice on reproduction, and were attempting to treat reproductive diseases and disorders themselves.
Differentiation of Australian isolates ofMycobacterium paratuberculosisusing pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis
Authors: FEIZABADI MM , ROBERTSON ID , HOPE A , COUSINS DV , HAMPSON DJ
Published: March 2008

Objectives To examine strain variation amongst Australian isolates ofMycobacterium paratuberculosis.

Design Pulsed field gel electrophoresis was optimised for differentiation ofM paratuberculosisstrains, and this typing technique was then applied to a collection of Australian isolates.

Procedure DNAs from 35 Australian isolates ofM para‐tuberculosisand a UK reference strain were digested with one or other of three restriction endonucleases. The banding patterns obtained after pulsed field gel electrophoresis of the DNA fragments were compared.

Results The Australian isolates were divided into two groups on the basis of their DNA banding pattern. Both were different from the UK reference strain. Seven isolates from cattle in Victoria and the Northern Territory had the same pattern as five isolates from alpacas in Victoria and Western Australia. Another 20 isolates from cattle in Victoria, Western Australia and the Northern Territory had the same pattern as isolates from two sheep and a goat in New South Wales.

Conclusion Pulsed field gel electrophoresis was a useful tool for strain typing ofM paratuberculosis, and could be used to study the transmission of strains in Australia.
Uptake of drugs from topically applied anti‐inflammatory preparations applied to racing animals
Authors: THOMAS AD , BOWATER IC , VINE JH , McLEAN JG
Published: March 2008

Objective To determine whether a drug detected in the blood or urine of a racing animal could have penetrated through the skin from a topically applied preparation.

Design Blood and urine of dogs and horses were analysed after topical administration of three common nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory preparations.

Experimental method Dimethylsulphoxide was analysed using a gas chromatograph with a flame photometric detector. Phenylbutazone, its metabolites and lignocaine were analysed using a gas chromatograph with a mass selective detector.

Results Dimethylsulphoxide, phenylbutazone and ligno‐caine were detected in dog urine after muliple applications of the preparations. The maximum concentration of dimethyl‐sulphoxide in dog urine correlated with the concentration of dimethylsulphoxide in the preparation. Phenylbutazone penetrated the skin more effectively from the cream than from the solution or gel preparations. This penetration was independent of the concentration of dimethylsulphoxide.

Conclusion The superior penetration of phenylbutazone from the cream can be explained by it being present as a neutral molecule in an hydrophobic medium. It is proposed that phenylbutazone penetrates the skin of greyhounds most effectively by a hydrophobic lipid route which is likely to be different from the path by which dimethylsulphoxide penetrates the skin.
Evaluating the risk of the establishment of screwworm fly in Australia
Authors: ATZENI MG , MAYER DG , STUART MA
Published: March 2008

Objective To investigate probabilities of establishment of screwworm fly throughout the year, for several locations around Australias coastline.

Methods A simulation model that predicts the spread and economic impact of an established screwworm fly population was modified to include stochastic survival functions, to investigate the risks of the pest actually establishing in this country. The effects of time of year, climate, vegetation and the number of incoming flies or larvae were investigated for four locations around Australia.

Results Analysis of variance identified a dominant three‐way interaction between site, time, and the number of introduced flies. These probabilities are graphed.

Discussion In southern areas, as exemplified by Fremantle, the cold winters limit survival. A high probability of establishment exists year round in tropical regions, except in areas around the Gulf of Carpentaria and in the Northern Territory where dry weather mid‐year would limit survival. Despite these comparatively lower risks, there were no areas or times where reductions in quarantine efforts could be justified.
Age‐related differences in collagen crimp patterns in the superficial digital flexor tendon core region of untrained horses
Authors: PATTERSON‐KANE JC , FIRTH EC , GOODSHIP AE , PARRY DAD
Published: March 2008

Objective To measure collagen fibril crimp angles and lengths as well as collagen fibril mass‐average diameters in central and peripheral regions of the superficial digital flexor tendon of wild horses, to ascertain any age‐related changes in either region in the absence of imposed galloping exercise.

Design Measurements from a random cull of wild horses.

Sample population Superficial digital flexor tendon samples were taken from 23 wild horses ranging in age from two to ten years.

Procedure Horses were divided into ‘young’ (< 5 years, n = 10), ‘middle‐aged’ (5 to < 10 years, n = 9) and ‘old’ groups (10+ years, n = 4) and the mean crimp angle, mean crimp length and collagen fibril mass‐average diameter calculated for the central region, and for the peripheral region of each group. Differences between groups and regions were analysed using two‐tailed t tests.

Results The crimp angle for the central region was found to decrease with age, so that in old horses it was smaller than that for the tendon periphery (P < 0.05). The crimp angle for the latter region did not alter significantly with age. Crimp period lengths and collagen fibril mass‐average diameters did not show significant changes with age in either region.

Conclusion Reduction of the crimp angle in the core of the superficial digital flexor tendon occurs normally with age, as tendons of older animals would have undergone a higher number of loading cycles. It is possible that athletic training increases the frequency and/or the magnitude of high loading cycles experienced by the tendon, and may accelerate and worsen the normal load‐related ageing process in the superficial digital flexor tendons of young performance horses, particularly in the central regions where lesions usually occur.
Isolation and pathogenicity of Australian strains of Eimeria praecox and Eimeria mitis
Authors: JORGENSEN WK , STEWART NP , JESTON PJ , MOLLOY JB , BLIGHT GW , DALGLIESH RJ
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo determine the presence of E praecox and E mitis in Australia, to isolate representative strains of these species from chickens and determine their pathogenicity.

DesignMorphological, physiological and cross protection studies were undertaken to confirm the identity of Australian isolates of E praecox and E mitis.

ProcedureOocysts were isolated from a backyard flock at Jimboomba, southeastern Queensland and numbers of E praecox and E mitis enriched by passage in chickens immune to five other species of poultry Eimeria. Oocysts of mean conformation and size of the two species were purified by single oocyst passage. Two isolates that closely matched recorded parameters for E praecox and E mitis were selected and designated JP and JM respectively. The cross protection between the isolates and E acervulina was determined by infection and challenge experiments. The virulence of the two isolates was determined by comparing weight gains of groups of birds inoculated with JP isolate or JM isolate with untreated groups.

ResultsIsolates JP and JM most closely matched recorded parameters of E praecox and E mitis respectively. Groups of chickens, previously infected with JP and JM isolates, showed no significant protection against infection with E acervulina. In a separate trial, groups of susceptible chickens inoculated with 105 oocysts of JP and JM isolates showed significantly reduced weight gains compared with untreated controls.

ConclusionIsolates JP and JM are E praecox and E mitis respectively, confirming the presence of these species in Australia. These isolates were found capable of causing significant reductions in weight gains in susceptible chickens.
Over representation of Burmese cats with diabetes mellitus
Authors: RAND JS , BOBBERMIEN LM , HENDRIKZ JK , COPLAND M.
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo determine if Burmese cats in Queensland have an increased risk of diabetes mellitus.

DesignA retrospective study of diabetic and nondiabetic cats that had blood submitted to a veterinary clinical laboratory over a 22 month study period.

Sample population4402 cats

ProcedureCats were considered diabetic if blood glucose concentration was > 11 mmol/L and fructosamine was > 406 μmol/L or hydroxybutyrate was >1 mmol/L. Cats were grouped into Burmese and non‐Burmese. Adjusted odds ratios of diabetes were calculated for breed, gender and age group amongst cats with blood glucose > 11 mmol/L.

ResultsBurmese cats comprised 20% of 45 diabetic cats of known breed, which was higher (P < 0.001) than among the normoglycemic reference population of 2203 cats (7% Burmese). There were more females among the diabetic Burmese (62%), but this did not differ (P > 0.05) from the Burmese reference population (45% females). In contrast, males seemed to predominate among diabetic non‐Burmese (63%), although this also did not differ (P > 0.05) from the reference population (55%) or from diabetic Burmese (38% males). The majority (90%) of diabetic cats were older than 6 years, irrespective of breed (median age 12 years, interquartile range 10 to 13 years). This was higher (χ2= 8.13, P < 0.005) than among the normoglycaemic reference population, where 69% were older than 6 years.

ConclusionsBurmese cats were significantly over represented among cats with diabetes mellitus. Irrespective of breed, the risk of diabetes in the study population increased with age.
Efficacy of praziquantel in the treatment of green sea turtles with spontaneous infection of cardiovascular flukes
Authors: ADNYANA W. , LADDS PW , BLAIR D.
Published: March 2008

Objective To assess the efficacy of praziquantel as a treatment for cardiovascular flukes in turtles.

Procedure Six green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) spontaneously infected with cardiovascular flukes (Digenea: Spirorchiidae) were treated orally with praziquantel, and necropsied 3 or 7 days later to look for flukes in the heart and major blood vessels. Six similar animals were maintained as untreated controls.

Results Absence of flukes in treated, but not control turtles, indicated that a one day course of treatment at a dose rate of 3 times 50 mg/kg body weight is effective.

Conclusion This result should be of value for preventing disease in wild caught green turtles introduced into farms or aquaria.
Retrospective study of 60 cases of feline lymphosarcoma
Authors: COURT EA , WATSON ADJ , PEASTON AE
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo characterise epidemiological and clinical findings, and diagnostic procedures undertaken, in cats with lymphosarcoma at a veterinary teaching hospital.

DesignRetrospective case study.

ProcedureHospital records were reviewed for 7159 cats, sick or healthy, examined during a 10‐year period (1984 to 1994). Sixty cats with lymphosarcoma were identified and classified by anatomical location of the tumour. Data on breed, age, sex, clinical signs and diagnostic procedures were collated.

ResultsThe prevalence of feline lymphosarcoma in the hospital population was 0.84%. Siamese cats appeared predisposed to lymphosarcoma but other purebreds were not. Males were somewhat overrepresented amongst affected cats. Similar numbers of cases (12 to 18) were seen in each of the four anatomic categories (multicentric, mediastinal, alimentary and extranodal). Cats with mediastinal lymphosarcoma were mostly young and Siamese. Clinical signs in affected cats were varied, usually multiple and often nonspecific. Two of 22 cases tested positive for feline leukaemia virus antigen in blood and 6 of 13 were positive for feline immunodeficiency virus antibody.

ConclusionsExtranodal lymphosarcoma seemed more prevalent in this study than reported elsewhere. Siamese cats in the study population may have had a genetic predisposition to lymphosarcoma. Limited evidence suggested feline leukaemia virus may be less important, and feline immunodeficiency virus more important, in the local population than indicated in overseas reports. Additional studies are needed to investigate breed predisposition and feline leukaemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus status in Australian cats with lymphosarcoma.
Organophosphorus residues in wool grease resulting from specified on‐farm lice and flystrike control treatments
Authors: HORTON BJ , BEST DJ , BUTLER LG , GREGORY GG
Published: March 2008

Objective To investigate wool organophosphorus concentrations resulting from a range of farm pesticide application methods.

Design Random sampling of wool for pesticide residues and on‐farm interviews to determine associated treatments.

Procedure Tasmanian fleece wool lots were sampled at random and tested for organophosphorus residues. The grower was identified and the pesticide treatments applied to the sheep were ascertained by on‐farm interview.

Results The residue concentrations showed a large variation that was not accounted for by differences in treatments by growers. Organophosphorus concentrations were proportional to the number of treatments applied, and inversely related to the time between pesticide application and the subsequent shearing, and were significantly influenced by the method of application. After allowing for the time of application, plunge dipping resulted in pesticide residue concentrations 2 to 2.5 times greater than shower dipping, using spray races or hand jetting, and the use of these methods caused larger residues than the use of jetting races.

Conclusions We recommend that plunge or shower dipping should not be used more than 7 weeks after shearing, nor at higher concentration than the standard dose rate used for lice control, whereas jetting may be satisfactory for up to 7 months after shearing, provided only one application is administered.
Vitamin B12 responses to cobalt pellets in beef cows
Authors: JUDSON GJ , McFARLANE JD , MITSIOULIS A. , ZVIEDRANS P.
Published: March 2008

Objective To assess the effectiveness of cobalt pellets in maintaining adequate vitamin B12 in beef cows on pasture of low cobalt content.

Design A field experiment in a herd grazing cobalt deficient pasture.

Animals Mature Murray Grey cows.

Procedure Cows were given a single oral dose of 0, 1, 2 or 4 cobalt pellets (30 g pellets containing 30% by weight cobaltic oxide) with a selenium pellet and a grub screw. Samples of blood, liver, faeces and milk for chemical analyses were collected at intervals over a period of 2 years after treatment.

Results A single cobalt pellet raised liver vitamin B12 concentration of cows above that of untreated cows for at least 28 weeks, and 2 or 4 pellets for 57 weeks. Plasma vitamin B12 concentration was an unreliable indicator of the effectiveness of cobalt pellet therapy. Milk vitamin B12 and faecal cobalt concentrations increased in response to cobalt pellet therapy.

Conclusion These studies show that one cobalt pellet will prevent vitamin B12 inadequacy in beef cows for between 28 and 57 weeks; two or four pellets will prevent inadequacy for 57 to 75 weeks. Milk vitamin B12 concentration may be a useful indicator of the effectiveness of cobalt pellets in increasing the vitamin B12 supply in lactating cows.
Preliminary study of ovarian activity in fillies treated with a GnRH vaccine
Authors: TSHEWANG U. , DOWSETT KF , KNOTT LM , TRIGG TE
Published: March 2008

Objective To investigate the effects of two doses (200 and 400 mg) of a water‐soluble gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone vaccine on the ovarian activity of 2‐year‐old fillies.

Design A controlled vaccination dose rate experiment.

Animals Six 2‐year‐old Australian Stock Horse fillies were randomly allocated to three treatment groups: unvaccinated controls, those receiving 200 mg of the vaccine and those receiving 400 mg of the vaccine.

Results Ovarian activity of the treated fillies was suppressed at the peak of the breeding season while that of the untreated controls continued normally. The control fillies displayed oestrous activity and behaviour. Suppression of ovarian activity occurred for 25 and 30 weeks in the 200 and 400 mg groups, respectively. These differences were not significant. Ovarian activity ceased 2 to 3 weeks after primary vaccination. Antibody titres were low (330) until after the booster immunisation when they rapidly peaked at 22,000 and 28,000 in the 200 mg and 400 mg groups, respectively. Plasma progesterone concentrations of the treated fillies remained below 3.18 nmol/L while GnRH was suppressed. The vaccine had no significant effect on plasma androstenedione concentrations. Recovery from the effect of the vaccine was associated with development of ovarian follicles, normal oestrous behaviour and ovulation. Three of the four treated fillies and one of the controls conceived during the next breeding season and foaled normally. All the treated fillies conceived and produced normal foals in the following two breeding seasons.

Conclusion Both dose rates suppressed ovarian function and prevented oestrous behaviour. These effects were reversible and the subsequent fertility of the vaccinated fillies was normal.
Fasciola hepatica infection in farmed emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae)
Authors: VAUGHAN JL , CHARLES JA , BORAY JC
Published: March 2008

Objective To describe two cases of infection with Fasciola hepatica i n young farmed emus, subacute and chronic fasci‐olosis and a response to treatment of the flock with albenda‐zole.

Procedure Gross lesions were found at necropsy and hepatic lesions in microscopic examination. The parasite recovered from one emu was identified by its morphological characteristics and an egg count reduction test was carried out after treatment of the flock with albendazole.

Results Hepatic lesions resembling subacute and chronic fasciolosis of ruminants were identified. An adult fluke was recovered from the liver of one of the birds and was identified as F hepatica. The eggs of the fluke were irregular in shape and size. No fluke eggs were identifiable in faeces of live emus 10 days after treatment of the flock with albendazole at a dose of 10 mg/kg.

Conclusions This is the first reported case of infection with F hepatica i n farmed emus and the first report of the occurrence of Fasciola infection is the class Aves. The irregular shape and size of the eggs may be attributable to infection of an aberrant host. Treatment with albendazole eliminated eggs from the faeces of the flock.
Reference ranges for biochemical and haematological values in farmed saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) yearlings
Authors: MILLAN JM , JANMAAT A. , RICHARDSON KC , CHAMBERS LK , FOMIATTI KR
Published: March 2008

Objective To determine reference ranges for healthy yearling farmed saltwater crocodiles by performing routine biochemical and haematological laboratory tests on blood samples.

Design A clinico‐pathological study.

Procedure Blood samples were collected from 120 healthy yearlings from four Northern Territory crocodile farms and body weight and length were measured. All animals had been fasted for 2 days before sample collection. Routine biochemical analytes were determined on 120 samples and haematological values determined on 30 samples (from one farm).

Results Reference ranges for biochemical and haemato‐logical values were determined for farmed yearling saltwater crocodiles in the Northern Territory.

Conclusion The results were comparable with published reference ranges for other crocodilian species. Other published results of haematological values from saltwater crocodiles were from very young (6‐week‐old) hatchlings and older (2‐ to 4‐year‐old) crocodiles. Differences in values were presumed to be caused by age‐related factors.
Acute myelogenous leukaemia in a mare
Authors: RINGGER NC , EDENS L. , BAIN P. , RASKIN RE , LAROCK R.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: A 5‐year‐old Thoroughbred mare presented with a 4 week history of weight loss, fever and leukopenia. Rectally, a large active foetus, thickened spleen and an abdominal mass were palpated. Leukopenia, mild anaemia, marked thrombocytopenia and hyperfibrinogenaemia were found. Cytology and cytochemical staining of a bone marrow aspirate supported a diagnosis of acute myelogenous leukaemia. The mare deteriorated despite medical therapy and was humanely euthanased.
Effectiveness of α‐tocopherol and selenium supplements in preventing lupinosis‐associated myopathy in sheep
Authors: SMITH GM , ALLEN JG
Published: March 2008

Objective To compare the effectiveness of combined selenium and α‐tocopherol acetate treatments in preventing lupinosis‐associated myopathy in sheep.

Design Measurement of plasma muscle and liver enzymes, and histopathological examination of muscle and liver in the treatment groups.

Procedure The treatments were: subcutaneous injections of selenomethionine and vitamin E (sc(SeM+E)), an intraruminal selenium pellet and oral doses of vitamin E and intramuscular injections of selenomethionine combined with either oral doses of vitamin E (imSeM+orE) or intramuscular injections of vitamin E in an oily carrier. Another group received no supplements, while a control group was given selenium pellets on day 0 and fortnightly oral doses of vitamin E from day 0 to 72. To produce lupinosis‐associated myopathy, the sheep were fed a diet low in vitamin E and given repeated injections of a crude extract of Diaphorthe toxica. Groups sc(SeM+E) and imSeM+orE were stressed by dosing with protected polyunsaturated fatty acids from day 56 onwards.

Results Lupinosis‐associated myopathy was induced in all unsupplemented sheep. In these sheep the storage of Se increased and that of vitamin E decreased. The subcutaneous treatment was highly effective in preventing lupinosis‐associated myopathy and also produced the highest vitamin E concentrations in plasma and liver. Supplemental vitamin E was more efficacious than supplemental Se. Concentrations of vitamin E in the livers of sheep given intramuscular vitamin E were higher than expected based on plasma concentrations. Oral doses of vitamin E proved the least effective method of increasing concentrations in liver. Lupinosis did not affect Se concentrations in liver or muscle.

Conclusion The sc(SeM+E) treatment is highly effective in preventing lupinosis‐associated myopathy but needs to be further assessed when selenium and vitamin E are both limiting in the diet.
Occurrence of cutaneous infections of Myxobolus episquamalis (Myxozoa: Myxobolidae) in sea mullet, Mugil cephalus L, in Australia
Authors: ROTHWELL JT , VIRGONA JL , CALLINAN RB , NICHOLLS PJ , LANGDON JS
Published: March 2008

Objective To report the occurrence of Myxobolus episquamalis in sea mullet, Mugil cephalus L, caught in estuaries in eastern and western Australia.

Design A prospective study of commercial catches of mullet in the Clarence River of NSW and individual cases from other areas.

Results The organism caused pale, white to pink, raised lesions on the scales and fins of sea mullet. Occurrence of infection was highest in spring and in a marine (down‐river) environment compared to a brackish environment. Up to 6% of fish were affected in commercial catches.

Conclusion The infection is widespread in Australian mullet, but rarely causes significant economic loss.