bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A lupinosis‐associated myopathy in sheep and the effectiveness of treatments to prevent it
Authors: ALLEN JG , STEELE P. , MASTERS HG , LAMBE WJ
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: A lupinosis‐associated myopathy occurred in 26 of 48 sheep given a crude toxic extract of Phomopsis leptostromiformis, and in 18 of 34 sheep that grazed a toxic lupin stubble. Treatment with selenlum or α‐tocopherol alone neither prevented nor cured the myopathy, but selenium and α‐tocopherol together may have been partially effective. Among the group of 48 intoxicated sheep, those with myopathy had a significantly lower mean terminal concentration of α‐tocopherol in their livers than those with no myopathy. There was no relationship between the severity of liver injury and the occurrence of the myopathy. It was considered that this lupinosis‐associated myopathy may have a similar pathogenesis to nutritional myopathy. Data on plasma creatine phosphokinase and erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activities, plasma α‐tocopherol concentrations and terminal tissue concentrations of selenium and α‐tocopherol are presented.
Rhinocerebral and nasal zygomycosis in sheep caused by Conidiobolus incongruus
Authors: KETTERER PJ , KELLY MA , CONNOLE MD , AJELLO L.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: The clinical findings, pathology and mycology of a cluster of 5 ovine cases of rhinocerebral and nasal zygomycosis caused by Conidiobolus incongruus are described.

All cases were in Border Leicester or Merino x Border Leicester ewes from a flock pastured in a low‐lying paddock adjoining a small tidal river in subtropical Queensland (latitude 28d̀S). These cases of zygomycosis are believed to be the first infections due to C incongruus recorded in animals other than humans.

The disease was subacute in 4 animals with a course of up to several weeks. In these, the primary site of infection was the posterior nasal cavity. The lesions extended to the dorsum of the face between the eyes, to the orbital cavity and to the anterior brain and meninges in the cranial cavity. In one animal, where the anterior nasal cavity was affected and lodine treatment used, the course was longer.

The fungal granulomas had numerous foreign body giant cells, neutrophils and eosinophils. Fungal hyphae were thin walled, 6 to 8 μm in diameter, with occasional septa and irregular branching. They were cuffed with a wide zone of necrotic cell coagulum, or with homogeneous eosinophilic Splendore‐Hoeppli granules.
A survey of the efficacy of sustained‐release monensin capsules in the control of bloat in dairy cattle
Authors: CAMERON AR , MALMO J
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Thirty‐four farms in the Macalister Irrigation District in Gippsland, Victoria, using sustained‐release monensin capsules in 5102 cattle in the 1990 bloat season were surveyed. Questions were asked about the prevention and incidence of bloat in 1989 and 1990. Eight farms not using the capsules were selected to act as controls. Relatively low rates of broken capsules (0.6%), injury to animals at administration (0.06%) and regurgltation (1.02%) were reported. A variety of preventive techniques were used. There was a significant decrease in the use of pasture spraying, drinking water administration and flank spraying of anti‐bloat substances on the farms using the capsules in the 1990 season, with no compensatory rise in the use of other techniques. There was no significant change in bloat prevention techniques used on the control farms over the same period. Significantly fewer cattle on the farms using capsules were treated for, and fewer died of clinical bloat in 1990 than in 1989. There was no significant change in the incidence of bloat on the control farms over the same period. It was considered that the anti‐bloat capsules were effective in reducing the incidence of clinical bloat in pasture‐fed dairy cattle.
Relationship between milk production and somatic cell count in dairy cows in East Gippsland
Authors: CAMERON AR , ANDERSON GA
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The analysis of records for 75 821 herd tests on 23 700 cows in the Macalister Irrigation District of East Gippsland, using a model that also included stage of lactation, herd and cow effects, found a strong relationship between somatic cell count and milk production. Unit increases in the natural logarithm of the somatic cell count were associated with decreases in production of up to 2.6% in the range 54 598 to 403 429 cells per mL. This is equivalent to a decrease of 1.9% for a doubling of cell count from 100 000 to 200 000 cells per mL. Subclinical mastitis was assessed to be a significant source of loss in milk production in the study area.
Factors affecting the prevalence and severity of footrot in a Merino flock selected for resistance to Haemonchus contortus
Authors: WOOLASTON RR
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY An outbreak of virulent footrot occurred in three lines of sheep selected for different levels of resistance to Haemonchus contortus, providing an opportunity to examine the factors affecting footrot severity. The selection lines did not differ significantly in average footrot score, but various other factors were found to have an effect. In breeding ewes, the average score was 10.2 (maximum possible score 20) and the prevalence of footrot was 96%. There was a significant age effect, with average score increasing from 9.1 ± 0.8 in 2‐year‐old ewes, to 13.4 ± 0.9 in 7‐year‐old ewes. Ewes that lost their lambs tended to have higher scores than those that either failed to lamb or successfully reared their litter. Significant differences in footrot score were caused by the lambing paddock in which the ewes had been, during the period seven weeks to one week before infection. Among lambs, aged about 20 weeks, the average footrot score was lower (5.0), as was the prevalence (75%). The score increased by an average of 0.09 ± 0.03 per day of age and the prevalence increased by an average of 0.6%± 0.3% per day of age. Lambs born and reared as twins had significantly lower scores than singles, and progeny of maiden dams had lower scores than progeny of older ewes. There was no significant difference because of the sex of the lamb. The paternal half‐sib estimate of heritability of footrot score was 0.20 ± 0.14 and of the genetic correlation between footrot score and worm egg count was essentially zero (0.02 ± 0.20), but these estimates were probably biased by the confounding of sires with lambing paddocks. Nevertheless, the results strongly suggest that there are no adverse genetic associations between resistance to footrot and resistance to internal parasites.
Veterinary education in the world—changing attitudes
Authors: REX MAE
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Veterinary educators all over the world are concerned about the explosion in knowledge and about the way veterinary science is taught at present. How can we produce veterinarians who will provide the sort of care that will be expected in the year 2000 and beyond? In the recent past many schools have increased the information presented in their courses without removing any material. Student stress has increased, and undergraduates do not retain what they are taught. The type of assessment that is currently used often requires regurgitation of ‘facts’ rather than the solution of problems. This paper considers some of the issues that are pertinent to the future of veterinary education and suggests ways in which the situation may be improved. There is a need for increased activity by the Australian Veterinary Association to convince government that present funding is inadequate and that increased funding is urgently needed if we are to produce veterinarians of the quality the country will need in the next century.
Kanamycin concentrations in synovial fluid after intramuscular administration in the horse
Authors: FIRTH EC , WHITTEM T , NOUWS JFM
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYSix adult ponies were injected in the same intramuscular site with kanamycin sulphate (10 mg/kg). Two hours later, arthrocenteses of the right metacarpophalangeal, radio‐carpal, intercarpal, tibio‐tarsal and metatarsophalangeal joints were performed within 3 minutes. Arthrocenteses of the same joints on the left side were conducted 5 hours later. When expressed as a percentage of plasma drug concentration, differences in synovial fluid drug concentration between the joints sampled at 2 and 5 hours after injection were not detected.
Restriction‐endonuclease analysis of Australian isolates of Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo from cattle with agalactia and abortion
Authors: DJORDJEVIC S. , HORNITZKY M. , ROSS AD , WHITTINGTON RJ
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and agarose gel electrophoresis were used to resolve restriction endonuclease digests of 20 Australian isolates of Leptospira interrogans cultured from urine samples of cattle with agalactia and abortion. The restriction endonuclease profiles of 19 isolates closely matched the profiles of L interrogans serovar hardjo subtype hardjobovis reference strains. The remaining isolate had a different restriction profile from subtype hardjobovis and subtype hardjoprajitno reference strains and was serologically identified as serovar pomona. Silver staining of polyacrylamide gels gave enhanced resolution of restriction fragments compared with the traditional method of ethidium bromide staining of agarose gels.
The surgical correction of a deviated anterior maxilla in a horse
Authors: McKELLAR GMW , COLLINS AP
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The surgical correction of facial deformities of the horse have rarely been undertaken. The surgical and medical management of submucous clefting of the anterior maxilla in a young colt is described.
Prevalence of the causes of fleece derangement among sheep flocks in New South Wales
Authors: JOHNSON PW , BORAY JC , PLANT JW , BLUNT SC
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY An investigation of sheep flocks with unknown histories of fleece derangement, selected at random from the main sheep raising areas of New South Wales, showed that Psorergates ovis was present in 53 of the 177 flocks surveyed and In 162 of the 3495 sheep examined. Of the single causes of fleece derangement, the most prevalent was grass seed contamination (15.7%) followed by Infestation with sheep body lice, Bovicola ovis, (14.7%) and Infestation with Itch mite (7.8%). The prevalence of fleece derangement was significantly higher on sheep In which lice were the only ectoparasites found than on those In which Itch mites were the only ectoparasites present. The greatest prevalence of P ovis was In flocks In the Young, Yass, Mudgee and Tenterfield districts. In most affected flocks, more than one potential cause of fleece derangement was present. Itch mite Infestation was more prevalent in flocks that received no treatment for ectoparasites than in those that had been treated in the year preceding the survey. Our results did not support a commonly held belief among farmers that arsenical compounds control Infestations of Itch mites more effectively than other types of pesticides. There was no significant difference in prevalence of fleece derangement between flocks treated with different pesticide groups and those that received no treatment, but mean fleece derangement score was significantly lower in sheep treated with organophosphates than in untreated sheep. Infestations of lice were significantly more prevalent in sheep from flocks treated with synthetic pyrethroids than from those treated with organophosphates or those that received no treatment.
Equine bronchoalveolar lavage cytology: survey of Thoroughbred racehorses in training
Authors: McKANE SA , CANFIELD PJ , ROSE RJ
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYSixty‐two Thoroughbred horses aged between 1 and 7 years in training in Sydney had bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples collected for cytological examination. All horses, except the yearlings and those with a cough, had raced at the time of the examination and the trainers reported satisfactory performance. Free erythrocytes were found In 73% of samples and haemoslderophages In 90% of the samples, Indicating Immediate or past occurrences of exercise‐Induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH). Bronchoalveolar fluid from the yearlings contained significantly less (P / 0.05) erythrocytes and haemosiderophages than samples from horses In other age groups. In the older horses, there was also more haemosiderln within the macrophages. No differences In BAL cytology could be attributed to gender, and there was no relationship between BAL cytology and racing performance. The main cytological findings were (mean ± sd): total nucleated cells ‐ 832 ± 578/μL with the main cell types being: macrophages ‐ 59 ± 10% (haemosiderophages ‐ 20 ± 24%); neutrophlls ‐ 9 ± 6%; lymphocytes ‐ 31 ± 9%. The erythrocyte count was 10.3 ± 17.7% of the total cell count. Horses with chronic coughing had a higher proportion of macrophages and a lower proportion of lymphocytes in the leucocytes obtained from BAL. There was a higher occurrence of EIPH detected In BAL findings than that previously reported when endoscopic examination has been used to diagnose EIPH. The occurrence and severity of EIPH as Indicated by the BAL findings was found to be related to exercise Intensity. The cytological findings were similar to those reported in horses in the northern hemisphere. We conclude that BAL cytology may be useful In the diagnosis of various lower respiratory tract disorders and that exercise‐induced pulmonary haemorrhage occurs In virtually all horses In race training.
Identification of galegine, an isoprenyl guanidine, as the toxic principle of Schoenus asperocarpus (poison sedge)
Authors: HUXTABLE CR , DORLING PR , COLEGATE SM
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY An Isoprenyl guanldine, galegine, was isolated from the Western Australian sedge Schoenus asperocarpus (Cyperaceae). Synthetic galegine was shown to reproduce the clinical and pathological features of poisoning by this plant. Preliminary results suggest that the massive thoracic effusion observed in sedge poisoning is the result of a direct effect on pulmonary vascular permeability.
The survival of platypus in captivity: a reappraisal with recommendations for veterinary management and future research
Authors: SERENA M. , WILLIAMS GA
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Data are presented on the duration of survival of platypus held in the collections of the 5 Australian zoos displaying the species over the period 1987–1991. Of 10 living platypus, five had survived for 7 or more years. Similarly, of 10 captive animals that died during the period, six had survived for 6 or more years. Five purpose‐caught animals were integrated into captive collections over the period; all of these were alive at the end of 1991. The high survival of captive platypus documented in this study contrasts with the conclusion of Whittington (1991) that the duration of survival of platypus in captivity is generally short. This primarily reflects differences in the nature of the two sets of data: Whittington's analysis was based on incomplete records dating back to 1934, and also categorised as managed in captivity those wild platypus that died at zoos while under veterinary care. A series of recommendations on current captive management issues includes the need for improved veterinary knowledge of platypus.
Cost‐benefit evaluation of artificial insemination for genetic improvement of wool‐producing sheep
Authors: ABBOTT KA
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The financial costs and benefits associated with the use of artificial insemination (AI) in commercial flocks are evaluated. Benefits are calculated in terms of net present values after summing the discounted value of benefits over 20 years. Two breeding strategies are evaluated. With the first, AI is used to produce flock ewes and wethers. The method is unlikely to be profitable unless high breeding value rams are available for AI programs with fresh semen. With the second, AI is used to produce home‐bred rams, which in turn sire flock ewes and wethers. This approach is more likely to be profitable. The cost of AI per lamb weaned from laparoscopic AI programs is about $100. Benefits exceed this cost for rams of very high merit when wool prices are moderate or higher. Flock structure has a significant effect on the benefits. Flocks with low wether retention rates have benefits half that of flocks that retain most wethers to 6 years of age. AI with purchased semen also provides benefits to risk management for owners of commercial flocks who wish to breed their own replacement flock rams.
Relationships between electrocardiographic findings, racing performance and training in Standardbred horses
Authors: EVANS DL , POLGLAZE KE
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The presence of abnormal T waves in three or more electrocardiographic leads has been used to diagnose the cause of poor race performance in horses. This study investigated the relationship between previous racing performance in Standardbred horses and T waves, and the effect of training on the T wave.

Thirty‐two horses were electrocardiographed in two Sydney racing stables. Sixteen horses (50%) had ECGs with three or more leads with abnormal T waves, and these horses had won more races, had a greater ratio of wins per start and a greater number of dollars earned per start than horses with less than three abnormal T waves (P < 0.05). Horses with abnormal T waves also had significantly faster racing times (P < 0.01). There were significant (P < 0.01) correlations between the number of abnormal T waves and both number of wins (R = 0.47) and dollars earned per start (R = 0.45). Fastest winning mile rate was also negatively correlated with number of leads with abnormal T waves (R =−0.52, P < 0.01).

Twenty two horses were also electrocardiographed within seven days of good racing performance. The mean number of abnormal T waves was 2.7 ± 0.41, and the mean T wave amplitude in the four chest leads (CV, CR, CL, CF) was 0.9 ± 0.15 mV. Thirteen horses (59%) had abnormal T waves in three or more leads.

The effect of training on the T wave was also investigated in nine previously untrained and unraced Standardbred racehorses. There were significant effects of training (P < 0.01) on the number of abnormal T waves and mean chest lead T wave amplitude. These increases occurred in the second phase of training during which faster exercise, race trials and racing were conducted.

We concluded that abnormal T waves are a common finding in the race‐fit Standardbred horse, and can be found in more than 50% of horses currently performing well in races. In addition, chest lead T waves become more positive after training.
Soil and agronomic factors associated with cadmium accumulations in kidneys of grazing sheep
Authors: MORCOMBE PW , PETTERSON DS , ROSS PJ , EDWARDS JR
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Mean concentration of cadmium (Cd) in kidneys of hogget sheep from 67 flocks grazing in the Agricultural Region of Western Australia was tested for association with soil, pastoral, climatic and nutritional factors. Hoggets grazing pastures on acidic soils and soils with a sandy‐textured surface had higher Cd concentrations in kidneys than hoggets grazing pastures on more alkaline soils or soils with a clay‐textured surface. Application of more than 100 kg of phosphatic fertiliser during the past 3 years to loamy soils was also associated with greater Cd concentration in kidneys of the grazing animals.
Development and trial of a bovine herpesvirus 1 ‐ thymidine kinase deletion virus as a vaccine
Authors: SMITH GA , YOUNG PL , RODWELL BJ , KELLY MA , STORIE GJ , FARRAH CA , MATTICK JS
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY An Australian bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV1) isolate with a defined (427 base pair) deletion in the protein coding region of the thymidine kinase gene was obtained by standard marker rescue procedures. After selection in the presence of the nucleotide analogue 5iodo‐deoxy‐uridine the virus was analysed by hybridisation with three differential oligonucleotide probes, restriction endonuclease profile studies and DNA sequence analysis. The virus elicited an immune response in recipient animals after either intramuscular or intravenous administration and produced no significant deleterious side‐effects when administered at a dose sufficient to stimulate the host immune response. The safety and immunogenicity of the recombinant BHV1 virus 39B1 were similar to those reported for other registered BHV1 vaccines and the virus would appear to be suitable for the production of a vaccine seed lot and more exhaustive field trials as a prelude to commercial vaccine production and registration.
The prevalence of lice (Bovicola ovis) infested sheep flocks in Western Australia (1987–1993)
Authors: MORCOMBE PW , THOMSON ND , BUCKMAN PG
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The proportion of wool bale brands with a positive test for sheep lice in baled wool decreased from 29.5% in 1987/88 to 23.2% in 1990/91 before increasing to 38.2% in 1992/93. Changes in the proportion of wool bale brands with a positive test for lice were highly correlated with changes in the Wool Market Price Indicator. The increase in the proportion of positive lice tests since 1990/91 was associated with an increase in failures to eradicate lice from flocks. These failures were partly a consequence of the reduced use of lousicidal treatments, the development of resistance to synthetic pyrethroid chemicals and an increase in the transmission of lice between flocks.
Veterinary education in the era of information technology
Authors: WHITHEAR KG , BROWNING GF , BRIGHTLING P. , McNAUGHT C.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A major innovation in the delivery of the veterinary curriculum is being implemented at The University of Melbourne using the subject of systematic bacteriology and mycology as a pilot project. Students receive course information as interactive, multimedia databases. These consist of text and an associated library of catalogued digital images, movies and sounds. The databases employ a hypermedia information system to achieve efficient integration within and between subjects.

The new delivery method encourages greater autonomy and more active learning roles for students than occurs in traditionally taught courses. Students will use their databases as the principal resource of information for undergraduate studies. A unique feature of this system for delivering the curriculum is that students will modify and expand their databases during the course. The ultimate aim is for students at graduation to receive, on disc, a copy of their own databases, adapted by themselves to their particular future professional needs. As graduate veterinarians they will continue to use their databases as a major resource for information and learning, thus providing continuity from undergraduate to continuing postgraduate education.
BOOK SHELF
Authors: Wilcox Gs
Published: March 2008

Veterinary Virology, 2nd edition, FJ Fenner, EPJ Gibbs, FA

Murphy, R Roitt, MJ Studded and DO White, Russia.
Common tiger snake envenomation in dogs and mice—relationship between the amount of venom injected and the onset of clinical signs
Authors: LEWIS PF
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Common tiger snake (Notechis scutatus) venom was injected into mice and dogs at various dose rates calculated on the known lethal dose (LD) for each species. The larger the dose of venom, the earlier was the onset of clinical signs and the more rapid and severe the course of the disease in both species.

In dogs injected with 32 LD of venom, there was sudden collapse and death in about one hour from the time of injection without recovery from premonitory depression and before mydriasis occurred. Dogs given 5 to 16 LD of venom developed preparalytic signs (vomition, salivation or defaecation) in 5 to 30 min, mydriasis in 2 to 4h, became paralysed and died in about 2.5 to 5 h.

When doses of venom of about 1 LD were injected, vomition and salivation occurred within 2 h and mydriasis in about 4 h. The dogs were unable to close the mouth completely despite retention of jaw muscle tone.

At the site of injection of venom there was occasional but slight erythema and oedema.

Sublethally envenomed dogs did not show preparalytic signs nor did they have general skeletal muscle paralysis. Even at the lowest dose tested (0.25 LD), however, they developed mydriasis and photophobia, which persisted for several days.
BOOK SHELF
Authors: Kannegieter N.
Published: March 2008

Equine Respiratory Disorders by Jill Beech, Lea & Febiger.
Pyrrolizidine alkaloidosis of cattle associated with Senecio lautu
Authors: NOBLE JW , CROSSLEY JdeB , HILL BD , PIERCE RJ , McKENZIE RA , DEBRITZ M. , MORLEY AA
Published: March 2008

Summary Serious incidents of pyrrolizidine alkaloidosis of cattle in 10 herds exposed to the Australian native plant, Senecio lautus (Asteraceae), were seen in central Queensland during 1988–1992. The deaths of 226 cattle were recorded. A mean of 8% of cattle died in affected groups (range 2 to 58%). Sickness and deaths usually occurred some months after access to S lautus. Typically, affected cattle lost body condition to the point of emaciation before dying and had persistent diarrhoea. Some animals developed abnormal behaviour and died after a shorter illness. Liver specimens from affected cattle in all herds contained lesions consistent with pyrrolizidine alkaloidosis. Thin layer chromatography of extracts of blood and liver samples from cattle from 5 herds detected pyrrolic metabolites. The identity of these was confirmed by mass spectroscopy on samples from one herd. Unseasonal autumn and winter rain after a dry summer appeared to favour growth of S lautus at the expense of other pasture species. A subsequent dry period promoted consumption of S lautus and was followed by a cluster of poisoning incidents.
Seroprevalence to Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo in Merino stud rams in South Australia
Authors: ELLIS GR , PARTINGTON DL , HINDMARSH M. , BARTON MD
Published: March 2008

Summary A serological survey of 2160 Merino stud rams on 36 farms detected positive reactions greater than or equal to 1/100 in 42% of animals using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) to Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo. Twenty flocks had seroprevalence values greater than 30% with 15 flocks having values 60%. The enzymelinked immunosorbent assays showed that 47% and 3% of rams on the 36 farms were positive for IgG and IgM antibodies, respectively. Forty‐five percent of hardjo reactions were in rams that had not been exposed to cattle. Significant correlations were found between IgM reactors and creek/dam water pumped into troughs, and between MAT/IgG reactors and total flock size. No statistical relationships were detected between positive reactors and two different annual average rainfall gradients, the time of the year in which samples were obtained, or agricultural regions of South Australia. Infections with an organism of the Sejroe serogroup is widespread in Merino stud rams.
Visceral mast cell tumour with eosinophilia and eosinophilic peritoneal and pleural effusions in a cat
Authors: PEASTON AE , GRIFFEY SM
Published: March 2008

SummaryA cat with weight loss, pyrexia and recurrent lethargy and depression was found to have pleural and peritoneal eosinophilic effusions, peripheral eosinophilia, eosinophilic lymphadenitis and a massively enlarged mesenteric lymph node. Visceral mast cell neoplasia was diagnosed after histopathological examination of a biopsy of the mass. Palliative chemotherapy was attempted unsuccessfully and the cat was euthanased.
BOOK SHELF
Authors: Church Sally
Published: March 2008

Equine Endoscopy, edited by JL Traub‐Dargatz and CM Brown
Comparison of tiletamine‐zolazepam‐ketamine and tiletamine‐zolazepam‐ketamine‐xylazine anaesthesia in sheep
Authors: LIN HC , WALLACE SS , TYLER JW , ROBBINS RL , THURMON JC , WOLFE DF
Published: March 2008

SummaryThe anaesthetic effects of intravenous tiletamine‐zolazepam 6.6 mg/kg‐ketamine 6.6 mg/kg (TK) and tiletamine‐zolazepam 6.6 mg/kg‐ketamine 6.6 mg/kg‐xylazine 0.11 mg/kg (TKX) were evaluated in six wethers. Heart rate, respiration rate, arterial blood pressure, and the electrocardiogram were monitored during anaesthesia. Analgesia was tested by electrical stimulation in the left flank. Atropine (0.03 mg/kg) was given intramuscularly before induction, but after recording of baseline heart rate and respiratory rate. The duration of analgesia was 28.7 ± 6.9 min with TK and 82.8 ± 26.6 min with TKX. Heart rate increased significantly within 5 min after TK or TKX administration. Respiratory rate remained unchanged after TK administration, but increased significantly from 5 to 45 min after TKX administration. Arterial blood pressure decreased significantly at 15 min with TK and 30 min with TKX. Sheep remained recumbent for 201 min with TK and 166 min with TKX. All recovered uneventfully. We conclude that either TK or TKX may be used for anaesthetising sheep.
Frequency of pancreatic amyloid deposition in cats from south‐eastern Queensland
Authors: LUTZ TA , AINSCOW J. , RAND JS
Published: March 2008

Summary Stereological procedures were used to estimate the amount of amyloid deposition in the pancreatic islets of 83 cats from random sources in south‐eastern Queensland. Most had only minor deposits of less than 20% of islet volume (median 9%), but deposits equal to more than 50% of the islet volume were found in 10% of the cats. Amyloid deposition in pancreatic islets was correlated with the age of the cat.

Although similar observations have been made previously in cats from the USA, the frequency of amyloid deposition was higher in this population of cats from south‐eastern Queensland.
Effects of sodium monensin on reproductive performance of dairy cattle. I. Effects on conception rates, calving‐to‐conception intervals, calving‐to‐heat and milk production in dairy cows
Authors: LEAN IJ , CURTIS M. , DYSON R. , LOWE B.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A total of 1061 lactating dairy cows in six different herds were randomly allocated to treatment and control groups. One herd was lot‐fed on total mixed rations; three herds were fed on pasture with significant amounts of supplementary concentrates, and two herds were primarily pasture fed. Treated cows received a slow‐release, intraruminal capsule containing 32 g sodium monensin within 7 days of calving. Conception rates at first service, days to first oestrus and calving‐to‐conception interval did not differ significantly between untreated and monensin‐treated cows in the 5 herds, 3 herds and 4 herds, respectively, in which these outcomes were examined. Treatment of lactating cows immediately after calving may not be the optimal method to achieve fertility responses with capsules containing sodium monensin. Monensin treatment significantly increased milk yield in one of the six herds. Milk fat or milk protein production was not significantly affected by treatment.
The effects of induced parturition on the incidence of clinical disease and mortality in dairy cows from commercial herds in south‐western Victoria
Authors: MORTON JM , BUTLER KL
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The effects of induced parturition on clinical disease and mortality of cows were studied in 51 winter‐calving, pasture‐fed, dairy herds in south‐western Victoria. Parturition was induced when most cows were between 27 and 35 weeks of pregnancy. Control groups were selected from herdmates that were not induced to calve. The incidence of retained placenta was much greater among induced cows of all ages. The proportion of cows affected by any clinical disease other than retained placenta, and the incidence of mortality were much greater after induction among cows aged over 6 years but not among cows aged 3 to 6 years.
Use of sodium monoiodoacetate to fuse the distal hock joints in horses
Authors: SAMMUT EB , KANNEGIETER NJ
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Intra‐articular injection of sodium monoiodoacetate (MIA) was investigated as an agent for chemical arthrodesis of the distal hock joints in the horse. Five horses diagnosed with either spavin (three horses), a small tarsal bone fracture or a failed surgical arthrodesis, had 150 mg of MIA injected into the tarsometatarsal (TMT) joint of the affected hock(s). Eight joints were treated in the five horses. Follow‐up evaluation by clinical and radiological examination took place over 9 to 14 months. Two of the five horses were sound at the conclusion of the study and one horse, although lame after flexion, was considered by the owner to have been treated successfully. One of eight TMT joints showed complete radiographic fusion. Complications after treatment included pain, chronic lameness and swelling. It was concluded that chemical arthrodesis using this technique can not be recommended as being a superior treatment as compared with surgical arthrodesis at this time but is deserving of further clinical evaluation.
Prevalence of Mycobacterium bovis infection in feral pigs in the Northern Territory
Authors: McINERNEY J. , SMALL KJ , CALEY P.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The prevalence of Mycobacterium bovis infection in populations of feral pigs from five areas in the Northern Territory was examined. In total 790 pigs were necropsied and positive cultures of M bovis were obtained from two pigs (0.25%) and a mycobacterial granuloma was found in one pig. The observed prevalence of M bovis infection in feral pigs is significantly less (x2= 139.8, df = 1, P < 0.001) than the results of a comparable survey conducted during the early 1970s before the implementation of the Brucellosis and Tuberculosis Eradication Campaign. The prevalence of all types of macroscopic lesions resembling tuberculosis was significantly (x2= 338.7, df = 1, P < 0.001) less than the earlier survey. The results are further support for the hypothesis that in the Northern Territory feral pigs are an end‐host for M bovis infection, and that the previous high prevalence of M bovis recorded in feral pigs in the 1970s was caused by the close association between these animals and large populations of M bovis‐infected buffalo and cattle.
The effects of vaccination of Merino ewes with an attenuated Australian bluetongue virus serotype 23 at different stages of gestation
Authors: FLANAGAN M. , JOHNSON SJ
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A cell culture attenuated Australian bluetongue virus serotype 23 (BLU23) prototype vaccine was assessed for its effects on pregnant Merino sheep. Seventy‐six ewes were vaccinated at 5 different stages of gestation, and the failure to lamb at term was as follows: 35 to 43 days of gestation, 20/36 (56%); 57 to 64 days of gestation, 3/10 (30%); 81 to 88 days of gestation, 3/10 (30%); 109 to 116 days of gestation, 0/10 (0%); 130 to 137 days of gestation, 0/10 (0%).

Of 30 ewes vaccinated with a cell culture supernatant fluid control between 35 and 43 days of gestation, 6.7% (2/30) failed to lamb at term. Two ewes vaccinated with BLU23 vaccine between 35 and 43 days of gestation had lambs with hydranencephaly. All other lambs born were clinically normal. Three ewes vaccinated with BLU23 aborted. Two of these were vaccinated between 35 and 43 days of gestation, the 3rd between 81 and 88 days of gestation. Five lambs were born with BLU group antibody. Four of these were from ewes vaccinated between 35 and 43 days of gestation, and 2 of these had hydranencephaly. The fifth was from a ewe vaccinated between 57 and 64 days of gestation. The vaccine did not produce disease in adult sheep, but was a potent cause of early foetal death and to a much lesser extent foetal malformation.
Antagonism of some cyclohexamine‐based drug combinations used for chemical restraint of southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina)
Authors: WOODS R. , McLEAN S. , NICOL S. , BURTON H.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY This study examined the use of 4 antagonists of chemical restraint in mature female southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) that were restrained with ketamine and diazepam, ketamine and xylazine, or tiletamine and zolazepam. The antagonists were: 4‐aminopyridine, yohimbine, doxapram and sarmazenil. The effects of the antagonists on the animal's time to first movement forward and recovery, heart rate, respiratory rate and venous blood gas and pH values, and level of chemical restraint were recorded. Sarmazenil (1.0 mg/kg) and doxapram (5.0 mg/kg) partially antagonised 50:1 ketamine: diazepam (ketamine = 3.0 mg/kg, diazepam = 0.06 mg/kg) and tiletamine and zolazepam (tiletamine = 0.5 mg/kg, zolazepam = 0.5 mg/kg). However, the rapid recovery after low doses of anaesthetics means that antagonism is usually unnecessary, and it may increase the likelihood of shaking. Routine antagonism of ketamine and xylazine (ketamine = 3.0 mg/kg, xylazine = 0.5 mg/kg) is more useful given its usually delayed recovery time and potential for thermoregulatory problems. For this purpose yohimbine (0.06 mg/kg) offered advantages over doxapram in giving a smoother recovery with less aggression. 4‐aminopyridine (0.2 mg/kg) prolonged chemical restraint by 100:1 ketamine: diazepam (ketamine = 3.0 mg/kg, diazepam = 0.03 mg/kg) and ketamine and xylazine, and should be contraindicated. Doxapram (5.0 mg/kg) was the most useful general antagonist for all groups of drugs but shaking was seen and a lower dose is recommended.
Oestrus detection techniques and insemination strategies in Bos indicus heifers synchronised with norgestomet‐oestradiol
Authors: CAVALIERI J. , FITZPATRICK LA
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Oestrus was synchronised in 57 Bos indicus heifers using norgestometoestradiol and pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin. Oestrus was detected by observations made at six‐hourly intervals, using oestrogen‐treated and chin‐ball harnessed steers, heatmount detectors, tail‐paint and visual observation. Heifers were inseminated once at either a fixed time of 49.2 ± 0.4 h (mean ± SE; n = 29) after implant removal or 12.6 ± 1.5 h (n = 28) after oestrus was detected. The mean (± SE) time to the onset of oestrus was 47.1 ± 1.9 h, while 90% of heifers recorded in oestrus were detected within 66 h of implant removal. Heatmount detectors were significantly more efficient at detecting oestrus than chin‐ball harnessed steers, tail paint or visual observation (P < 0.001). A higher pregnancy rate was obtained in heifers inseminated after oestrus detection compared with heifers inseminated at a fixed‐time (57.1 vs 34.5%; P = 0.043) and a higher pregnancy rate was obtained in heifers classified as easy to inseminate compared with heifers classified as difficult to inseminate (57.8 vs 0%, P < 0.001). We conclude that heatmount detectors are an efficient means of detecting oestrus in synchronised B indicus heifers and that pregnancy rates can be increased when insemination follows oestrus detection compared with a fixed‐time insemination regimen.
Failure of hyperimmune plasma to prevent pneumonia caused by Rhodococcus equi in foals
Authors: HURLEY JR , BEGG AP
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A trial was conducted on a Thoroughbred stud to determine whether or not the administration of anti‐Rhodococcus equi hyperimmune plasma would reduce the prevalence of R equi pneumonia (rattles) in foals born in the 1992 horse breeding season. Hyperimmune plasma was administered to 34 foals; another 57 foals were untreated. There was no significant difference in the number of transfused foals developing R equi pneumonia compared with the untreated foals. The time required for recovery from pneumonia between the 2 groups was not significantly different.
Endoscopy of the upper respiratory tract during treadmill exercise: a clinical study of 100 horses
Authors: KANNEGIETER NJ , DORE ML
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY:Endoscopy of the upper respiratory tract was performed in 100 horses during high speed treadmill exercise. Reasons for endoscopy were a history of an abnormal noise during exercise in 75 horses, poor performance in 17 horses and to evaluate the results of upper respiratory tract surgery in 8 horses.

Of the 75 horses with a history of an abnormal noise during exercise the cause was determined in 67 (89%). Endoscopic abnormalities were detected at rest in 40 of these 75 horses (53%). In these 40 horses, a similar diagnosis as to the cause of the abnormal noise was made at rest and during exercise on the treadmill in 19 cases, while in the remaining 21 the endoscopic findings during exercise varied from that seen at rest. This included 3 horses in which a diagnosis was made at rest but no abnormalities were detected during exercise. Some of the findings during treadmill endoscopy included laryngeal dysfunction, grades 3, 4 and 5 (22 cases), dorsal displacement of the soft palate (20), epiglottic entrapment (8), epiglottic flutter (4), aryepiglottic fold flutter (4), pharyngeal collapse (3), arytenoiditis (3), vocal cord flutter (3), false nostril noise (2), pharyngeal lymphoid hyperplasia (2), soft palate haemorrhage (1) and positional arytenoid collapse (1).

More than one abnormality was observed during exercise in 7 horses. A complete and correct diagnosis based on the resting endoscopy findings alone was made in 19 (25%) of these 75 cases.

In the 17 horses examined because of poor performance, no abnormalities were detected during treadmill endoscopy that were not evident at rest. None of these 17 horses presented with a history of an abnormal respiratory noise, although one, diagnosed as having grade 4 laryngeal function at rest and exercise, did make a characteristic inspiratory noise during treadmill exercise.

Eight horses were evaluated after surgery for correction of laryngeal hemiplegia, as the post‐operative performance or the amount of respiratory noise present was considered unsatisfactory. Of these, 3 were found to have a satisfactory airway during exercise and other reasons for poor performance were detected; 3 had insufficient abduction; and 2 had intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate.

Endoscopy of the upper respiratory tract was found to be a useful technique for evaluating the cause of abnormal respiratory noise in most cases. We concluded that treadmill endoscopy in horses presented for poor performance, without a history of an abnormal respiratory noise, was of little value. The technique, in conjunction with arterial blood gas measurements, was useful in determining the efficacy of surgical treatment of laryngeal hemiplegia.
Post‐prandial serum bile acid concentrations and ammonia tolerance in Maltese dogs with and without hepatic vascular anomalies
Authors: TISDALL PLC , HUNT GB , TSOUKALAS G , MALIK R
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY:Post‐prandial serum bile acid concentrations were measured in 200 Maltese dogs in an attempt to identify those with subclinical portosystemic shunts. Five of these were later shown to have hepatic pathology or abnormal liver function. In the other 195 Maltese bile acid concentrations ranged from 1 to 362 μmol.L‐1(mean ± SD, 70 ±50 μmol.L‐1; median, 65.0 μmol.L‐1). Of these, 79% were above the reference range (0 to 31 μmol.L‐1) established from 23 mixed‐breed control dogs. It was therefore not possible to determine the prevalence of subclinical portosystemic shunts on the basis of bile acid determinations.

Further investigation of liver function was performed to investigate why bile acid concentrations were increased in these dogs. Rectal ammonia tolerance tests were normal in 102 of 106 Maltese tested and liver samples (11 dogs) and plasma biochemistry profiles (9 dogs) demonstrated no significant hepatic disease or dysfunction.

Of 2 Maltese with hyperammonaemia after administration of ammonium chloride, one had a large congenital portosystemic shunt that was confirmed at surgery. In the other there were no macroscopic portosystemic communications, but a liver biopsy showed histological changes consistent with microscopic portovascular dysplasia.

Total serum bile acid concentrations were consistently lower when assessed by highperformance liquid chromatography than by an enzymatic spectrophotometric method. This discrepancy was substantially larger in Maltese than in control dogs, suggesting the presence of an additional reacting substance in the serum of Maltese dogs.
Characterisation ofPasteurella multocidaisolated from fowl cholera outbreaks on turkey farms
Authors: BLACKALL PJ , PAHOFF JL , MARKS D , FEGAN N , MORROW CJ
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY:Biochemical profiles, restriction endonuclease analysis (REA) and ribotyping were used to investigatePasteurella multocidaisolates from outbreaks of fowl cholera on 7 turkey farms in New South Wales. While only a single isolate was available from 5 of the farms, multiple isolates, 4 and 12 respectively, were available from the other 2 farms. The available field evidence suggested that 8 outbreaks had occurred with one farm suffering 2 outbreaks. The isolates obtained were all confirmed asPasteurella multocida. Biochemical profiles allocated the isolates to 4 groups, 3 being variants ofP multocida subsp multocidaand the fourth beingP multocida subsp septica. REA performed with Hpall established 7 groups. Ribotyping using the Hpall digests probed with the 16S rRNA operon ofHaemophilus paragallinarumrecognised the same 7 groups as REA. Unlike the biochemical profiles, both REA and ribotyping provided a fine subdivision that identified outbreaks as either related or unrelated. The REA and ribotyping patterns as well as biochemical profiles were stable for all isolates from the outbreaks in which multiple isolates were obtained from either the same bird or from different birds. REA and ribotyping were found to be superior to biotyping methods for the investigation of fowl cholera outbreaks.
The efficacy of diazinon impregnated ear tags against buffalo fly and resulting weight gains and diazinon residues in meat and milk
Authors: SPRADBERY JP , TOZER RS
Published: March 2008

Ear tags impregnated with 20% diazinon were evaluated for their efficacy against the buffalo fly (Haematobia irritans exigua) on beef cattle in southern Queensland. Buffalo fly numbers and weight changes were recorded and diazinon residues in tissues of beef cattle and milk from lactating dairy cattle were assayed at different time intervals after tagging. In 2 efficacy trials conducted over 19 and 20 weeks, the mean numbers of buffalo fly on cattle each fitted with ear tags were 1 to 9 and 0 to 16, respectively, in trials 1 and 2, compared with 44 to 345 and 26 to 306 per head on untreated herds, respectively, despite regular spraying of the untreated herd in trial 1 with cyper‐methrin to reduce fly burdens. Percentage buffalo fly control was 96.7 to 99.5% and 89.3 to 100% in the 2 trials. Cattle fitted with ear tags gained an average of 94 kg body weight after 5 months compared with 61 kg in the untreated herd, a net increase of 60% in treated animals compared with 28% in the untreated herd. Mean diazinon residue concentrations in the fat of perianal tissue biopsies were 0.02 to 0.03 mg/kg 1 to 8 weeks after tagging. Mean diazinon residue concentrations in the butterfat of milk from lactating dairy cattle were 0.01 to 0.04 mg/kg after tagging.
Diagnostic ultrasound in veterinary practice: How safe is it?
Authors: HORDER MM , BARNETT SB , EDWARDS MJ
Published: March 2008

This paper provides information on the safety of ultrasonic diagnostic procedures as currently used in veterinary practice. The known mechanisms of action are described and selected literature on biological effects of ultrasound is reviewed. Current international consensus is presented on the safety of medical ultrasound with respect to thermal effects.

To date, there is no independently verified clinical evidence that the level of exposure delivered to the tissues during scanned grey‐scale (‘B‐mode’) imaging has any adverse effects. Lung haemorrhage has been observed in animal experiments using diagnostic exposures, but the effects have not been reported in the foetus. Equipment that uses pulsed Doppler transmits higher acoustic outputs in a stationary beam, and can produce temperature increases that may have significant biological consequences. When considering sonographic and pulsed Doppler examinations of the prenatal animal, the safety margins are small and the operator should be aware of the acoustic output of the equipment, the exposure time, and the sensitivity of target tissues.