bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of very low pulsed direct currents at high frequency on the return of neck tension in broilers
Authors: Wotton S. B. , Wilkins L. J.
Published: October 2010

Broiler chickens were stunned electrically for one second or 10 seconds with a unipolar pulsed direct current (DC) at 550 Hz. The effectiveness of the stun was assessed from the birds' behaviour. All the birds were stunned effectively when more than 15 mA true root mean square DC was applied for either period. An increase in the duration of the applied current resulted in an increased duration of unconsciousness. However, the unipolar pulsed DC at 550 Hz did not induce cardiac arrest, and it must therefore be accompanied by a prompt and effective neck cut, severing both carotid arteries.
Epidemiological, clinical, haematological and biochemical characteristics of canine hypothyroidism
Authors: Dixon M. , Reid S. W. J. , Mooney C. T.
Published: October 2010

Hypothyroidism was diagnosed in 50 dogs and excluded in 86 dogs suspected of hypothyroidism, on the basis of the results of bovine thyrotropin response tests. Breed, pedigree, sex or neutering status did not significantly influence the likelihood of the dogs being hypothyroid. The hypothyroid dogs were significantly older than the non‐hypothyroid dogs referred to the University of Glasgow during the same period. However, when dogs under two years of age were excluded from the statistical analyses there was no significant difference in age between the two groups. The most common clinical characteristics associated with hypothyroidism were metabolic signs (84 per cent of cases), particularly lethargy (76 per cent), obesity or weight gain (44 per cent), and exercise intolerance (24 per cent); and dermatological abnormalities (80 per cent), including alopecia (56 per cent), poor coat quality (30 per cent) and hyperpigmentation (20 per cent). When compared with the laboratory reference limits the most common biochemical and haematological abnormalities were increased concentrations of triglycerides (88 per cent), cholesterol (78 per cent), glucose (49 per cent), and fructosamine (43 per cent), and increased activities of creatine kinase (35 per cent), and decreased concentrations of inorganic phosphate (63 per cent), and a low red blood cell count (40 per cent). When compared with reference limits derived from the euthyroid dogs the most common abnormalities were increased concentrations of γ‐glutamyltransferase (21 per cent), cholesterol (18 per cent), and aspartate aminotransferase (15 per cent) and a decreased red blood cell count (29 per cent), and decreased neutrophils (18 per cent) and decreased activity of creatine kinase (15 per cent). Assessment of cholesterol, creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase, γ‐glutamyltransferase, and red blood cell and neutrophil counts may be particularly useful in distinguishing hypothyroid dogs from euthyroid animals with similar clinical signs.
Studies on the inheritance of hair loss in the Irish water spaniel
Authors: Cerundolo R. , Lloyd D. H. , Pidduck H. G.
Published: October 2010

The inheritance of hair loss in Irish water spaniels has been studied by evaluating the inbreeding levels and genetic relationships in a.group of affected and unaffected dogs. A detailed study of the pedigree tree of four families revealed a familial predisposition suggesting a dominant mode of inheritance.
Treatment of lesions of osteomyelitis in the hind flippers of six grey seals (Halichoerus grypus)
Authors: Lucas R. J. , Barnett J. , Riley P.
Published: October 2010

Six rescued grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) pups had traumatic injuries to their hind flippers; three had osteomyelitis without fractures, one had a single fracture and associated osteomyelitis, and two had multiple compound fractures and large open wounds. The medical and surgical methods used to treat these lesions are described. A proprietary waterproof covering appeared to be a better method for dressing the wounds than conventional bandaging.
Interdental acrylic stabilisation of canine tooth root and mandibular fractures in a dog
Authors: Muir P. , Gengler W. R.
Published: October 2010

A two‐year‐old labrador had bilateral open fractures of the apical region of the mandibular canine tooth roots and the adjacent mandible. The fractures were reduced and held in place with an interdental acrylic splint, after which the tooth roots and mandible healed directly.
Canine gonadal dysgenesis syndrome: a case of mosaicism (77,XO‐78,XX)
Authors: Mayenco‐Aguirre A. M. , Padilla J. A. , Flores J. M. , Daza M. A.
Published: October 2010

A toy poodle bitch had an abnormal oestrus cycle and apparently persistent follicles. Hormonal therapy was unsuccessful. The bitch was ovariohysterectomised and gross and histological evaluation of the ovaries and uterus, together with karyotyping, led to a diagnosis of 77,XO‐78,XX mosaicism.
Effect of a successive intranasal/ intramuscular vaccination strategy on the circulation of Aujeszky's disease virus in fattening pigs in persistently infected farrow‐to‐finish herds
Authors: Maes D. G. , Nauwynck H. J. , Willems L. J. , Pensaert M. B.
Published: October 2010

This study investigated whether successive intranasal and intramuscular vaccinations administered to pigs when they were four and 10 weeks of age would reduce the circulation of Aujeszky's disease virus in eight persistently infected pig herds. The results of this strategy were compared with those obtained with the conventional two intramuscular vaccinations at 10 and 14 weeks of age. Piglets bom during a period of two weeks were vaccinated bythe new strategy and the piglets bom during the next two weeks were vaccinated according to the conventional schedule. The vaccine for intranasal administration consisted of 1O6‐0TCID560of Kaplan gE‐grstrain, suspended in 3 ml phosphate buffered saline. A commerdally available Bartha strain, suspended in an oil‐in‐water emulsion, was used for the intramuscular boostervaccination. At slaughter, the percentage of pigs with antibodies against glycoprotein E (gE), indicating infection with wild‐type Aujeszky's disease virus was determined in both groups. Replication of the vaccine virus after the intranasal vaccination was demonstrated in both groups. Replication of the vaccine virus after the intranasal vaccination was demonstrated in 96 per cent ofthe pigs. Only 34 per cent ofthe pigs vaccinated by the new strategy showed a serological response (serum neutralisation titre ≥2) at 14 weeks of age. The percentage of slaughter pigs in the eight herds which had antibodies against gE after beingvaccinated bythe new strategy was 34.6 per cent, whereas 55.4 per cent ofthe pigs vaccinated conventionally had antibodies against gE.
Effects of dry cow intramammary therapy on quarter infections in the dry period
Authors: Hassan Z. , Daniel R. C. W. , O'Boyle D. , Frost A. J.
Published: October 2010

Quarter milk samples were taken from 150 cows from three dairy farms in south‐east Queensland at drying off, two, four and six weeks after drying off, at calving, and one, two and three weeks after calving. In each of the herds, the cows were randomly allocated to three groups of approximately equal size. One group had all the quarters of all the cows treated at drying off with a dry cow antibiotic infusion containing cloxacillin; the second group was given no treatment, and the third group had selected quarters treated on the basis of their high activity of N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase at drying off. Dry cow treatment resulted in a marked reduction in the number of infected quarters at two and four weeks after drying off, so that the comprehensively treated group had significantly less infected quarters at these times (P<0.02). Twelve clinical cases of mastitis were detected two weeks after drying off in the untreated groups, 10 in the untreated quarters of the selectively treated groups, and no cases in the comprehensively treated groups. These cases were due mainly toStreptococcus uberisandStreptococcus dysgalactiae. The number of infected untreated quarters increased markedly between drying off and two weeks later, but in all three groups there was a marked decrease in the number of infected quarters between six weeks after drying off and calving, suggesting that the mammary glands were more able to overcome infections at this time.
Seroprevalence ofNeospora caninumand abortion in dairy cows in northern Spain
Authors: Mainar‐Jaime R. , Thurmond M. , Berzal‐Herranz B. , Hietala S.
Published: October 2010

The seroprevalence ofNeospora caninuminfection was estimated from a sample of 889 cattle from 43 dairy herds in three counties in the Asturias region of Spain. The true prevalence of infection was estimated to be 30‐6 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval (ca) 27.6 to 33.6). Seropositivity was associated with abortion during the previous year (odds ratio (OR)=3.31, P<0.001) and was slightly higher among purchased cattle (37.6 per cent), than among cattle raised on the farm (29.1 per cent) (P=0.078). Seropositive cows were more likely than seronegative cows to have had a seropositive dam (OR=2.3, P=0.011), suggesting that congenital transmission contributed to about 56 per cent of the infections. Herds with a true seroprevalence above 10 per cent had more dogs on the farm, than herds with a lower prevalence (P=0.032). The ORs relating abortion to seropositivity in individual herds ranged from 0.7 to 19, indicating that some herds experienced few abortions caused byN caninum, while others experienced more abortions due to the organism. Overall, 38.7 per cent of the abortions were estimated to have been attributable toN caninum.
Effects of glucose infusion on the endocrine, metabolic and cardiorespiratory responses to halothane anaesthesia of ponies
Authors: Luna P. L. , Taylor P. M. , Brearley J. C.
Published: October 2010

Glucose was infused intravenously into six ponies during halothane anaesthesia, to evaluate its effect on their endocrine response to anaesthesia. The ponies were premedicated with acepromazine, and anaesthesia was induced with thiopentone and maintained with halothane in oxygen for two hours. Glucose was infused to maintain the plasma glucose concentration above 20 mmol/litre. Anaesthesia was associated with hypothermia, a decrease in haematocrit, hypotension, hyperoxaemia, respiratory acidosis and an increase in the plasma concentrations of lactate and arginine vasopressin. The concentration of β‐endorphin in plasma increased transiently after 20 minutes but there were no changes in concentrations of adrenocorticotrophic hormone, dynorphin, cortisol or catecholamines. These data suggest that the glucose infusion attenuated the normal adrenal response of ponies to halothane anaesthesia.
Hydronephrosis and ureteral duplication in a young alpaca
Authors: Cardwell M. , Thorne M. H.
Published: October 2010

A seven‐month‐old male alpaca (Lama pacos) with signs of abdominal straining was examined. A fluid‐filled structure was palpable in the mid‐abdominal region, and ultrasonography revealed a hydronephrosis of the right kidney, with an associated mega‐ureter. The affected kidney was removed and the clinical signs resolved. Histological examination of the kidney revealed the unusual congenital abnormality of ureteral duplication. It is suggested that the hydronephrosis developed as a result of this underlying condition.
Current British veterinary attitudes to perioperative analgesia for dogs
Authors: Capner A. , Lascelles B. D. X. , Waterman‐Pearson A. E.
Published: October 2010

In March 1996, a questionnaire was sent to 2000 veterinary surgeons, primarily involved in small animal practice, to assess their attitudes to perioperative analgesic therapy in dogs, cats and other small mammals. This paper is concerned only with the data relating to dogs. The veterinary surgeons considered that pain was a consequence of all the surgical procedures specified, but there were differences in their treatment of pain. Some veterinarians considered that a degree of pain was necessary postoperatively to prevent excessive activity. In general, women and more recent graduates assigned higher pain scores to the procedures and were more likely to treat the pain with analgesics. A significant number of veterinarians consider the use of opiates or non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs before surgical procedures, but relatively few appear to use combinations of different classes of analgesics either before or after operations.
Relationship between QT interval and heart rate in Alderley Park beagles
Authors: Davis A. S. , Middleton B. J.
Published: October 2010

The QT interval and heart rate were measured from the electrocardiogram of 1608 Alderley Park beagles, and mean QT intervals for 28 values of heart rates between 84 and 192 beats per minute were calculated. These were analysed by linear regression and ranked by Pearson's correlation coefficient for each of eight equations, all of which have been proposed to describe the relationship between QT interval and heart rate. The equation QT=b(√RR), upon which the calculation of QTcusing Bazett's formula is based, did not adequately describe the relationship. QT=b(3√RR) was a more adequate one‐parameter equation. The firstranked equation was 1/QT=a+b(HR), but its use presents practical and interpretational difficulties; consequently, the second‐ranked equation, QT=a+b(logeHR), is recommended for routine use.
Abnormal microheterogeneity of haptoglobin in serum from dogs with various diseases
Authors: Andersson M. , Sevelius E.
Published: October 2010

Changes in the patterns of glycosylation of canine haptoglobin have recently been demonstrated by isoelectric focusing and immunoblotting. Fucosylated fractions of haptoglobin were identified by selective binding of a fucose‐specific lectin. In this study, similar changes were found in the serum of 86 of 137 dogs with various inflammatory, autoimmune and neoplastic diseases. Major changes, including fucosylation, were observed in 40 of the dogs and were most frequent in association with autoimmune haemolytic anaemia. All 40 cases had markedly increased concentrations of haptoglobin and decreased concentrations of haemoglobin. Minor changes were found in the other 46 dogs, whereas no changes in glycosylation were detected in the serum of 40 healthy dogs.
Asymmetric densitometric and mechanical adaptation of the left fifth metacarpal bone in racing greyhounds
Authors: Lipscomb V. J. , Lawes T. J. , Goodship A. E. , Muir P.
Published: October 2010

The densitometric and mechanical structural properties of the left and right fifth metacarpal bones of 10 racing greyhounds with a fracture of the central tarsal bone and 10 without a fracture were investigated by dual energy x‐ray absorptiometry and a servo.hydraulic materials testing machine. In all the greyhounds the bone mineral density of the left fifth metacarpal bone was significantly greater than that of the right (P<0.001), but there was no significant difference between the degree of asymmetry in bone mineral density in the two groups. The ultimate torque and energy.to.failure of the left fifth metacarpal bone of the greyhounds with a fracture of the right central tarsal bone were significantly higher than in the right fifth metacarpal bone and higher than in both the left and right fifth metacarpal bones of the greyhounds with no fracture (P<0.05). The ultimate torque and energy.to.failure were significantly related to bone mineral density (P<0.005), and 22 per cent of the variation in these structural properties could be explained by variations in bone mineral density. Fifth metacarpal remodelling in response to asymmetric cyclic loading is bone.specific, and structural properties are enhanced in the left fifth metacarpal of greyhounds with a fracture of the right central tarsal bone.
Systematic review of evidence for the prevalence of food sensitivity in dogs
Authors: Chesney C. J.
Published: October 2010

Twelve papers giving original data on canine food sensitivity in an acceptable form were reviewed, and the disorder was confirmed in 390 dogs. Most of the papers did not give either the criteria by which dogs were included in a trial, or information about dogs which had undergone a trial with a restricted diet but in which food sensitivity had not been observed. Only one author indicated how the degree of pruritus of the dogs in the study was assessed. The question of owner compliance in conducting a diet trial was not considered in any of the papers. The best available evidence comes from three of the studies covering 534 dogs in total, of which 93 (17 per cent) suffered food sensitivity.
Relationships between the shedding ofCoxiella burnetii, clinical signs and serological responses of 34 sheep
Authors: Berri M. , Souriau A. , Crosby M. , Crochet D. , Lechopier P. , Rodolakis A.
Published: October 2010

Two abortions associated withCoxiella burnetiioccurred in a group of 34 pregnant ewes. The seroprevalence ofC bumetiiinfection was studied by using an ELISA and the immunofluorescence (IF) assay was applied to the contents of vaginal swabs. In addition, a KCR assay, with primers based on a transposonlike repetitive region of theC bumetiigenome (trans‐PCR), was used for the highly sensitive and specific detection ofC bumetiiin vaginal swabs, milk and faeces. Of the 34 animals tested at parturition, eight (24 per cent) were positive by ELISA, 11 (32 per cent) were positive by IF, and 15 (44 per cent) were positive when the vaginal swab extract was subjected to the trans‐PCR assay.C bumetiiwas therefore detected by PCR in the vaginal swabs of seven seronegative ewes. However, five weeks after lambing, 16 (47 per cent) of the animals tested were ELISA positive but only two animals (6 per cent) were positive by PCR. Among the ELISAand PCR‐positive animals, eight (25 per cent) shed coxiella in their milk and six (18 per cent) did so in their faeces.
Echocardiography of the normal bovine heart: technique and ultrasonographic appearance
Authors: Braun U. , Schweizer T. , Pusterla N.
Published: October 2010

Fifty‐one clinically healthy cows were examined ultrasonographically from the third and fourth intercostal spaces on both sides of the thorax. A 3.0 MHz transducer was used and the heart was examined in the caudal long, caudal short and cranial long axes on the right side, and in the caudal and cranial long axes on the left side. In each position the optimal transducer orientation and the images of the structures were recorded. In the caudal long axis view of the heart on the right (transducer positioned at the fourth intercostal space), all four chambers were visible with the transducer positioned 8 to 10 cm dorsal to the level of the olecranon. The left ventricular outflow tract, consisting of the aortic valve and ascending aorta, were visible in the same position with the transducer rotated 10 to 400 clockwise. In the caudal short axis view of the heart on the right, the left and right ventricles were visible in cross‐section with the transducer held at right angles to the ribs in the fourth intercostal space, 3 to 6 cm dorsal to the olecranon and tipped slightly dorsally. In the cranial long axis view of the heart on the right, the right ventricular outflow tract, consisting of the pulmonary valve and pulmonary artery, was visible in the third intercostal space, 8 to 10 cm dorsal to the olecranon with the transducer angled craniodorsally and rotated 10 to 20° clockwise. In the caudal long axis view of the heart on the left, the left and right ventricles and the left ventricular outflow tract were visible with the transducer placed in the fourth intercostal space. In the cranial long axis view on the left, the right ventricular outflow tract was visible.
Jugular venous emboli of brain tissue induced in sheep by the use of captive bolt guns
Authors: Anil M. H. , Helps C. R. , McKinstry J. L. , Brown S. N. , Philips A. , Harbour D. , Love S. , Williams S. , Shand A. , Bakirel T.
Published: October 2010

Emboli of central nervous tissue were detected in the jugular venous blood of two of 15 sheep stunned with a conventional cartridge‐operated captive bolt gun and in two of 15 sheep stunned with a pneumatically activated gun. No emboli were detected in arterial blood from these sheep or in venous blood from sheep stunned electrically. Emboli from an animal with BSE could transmit the disease to people.
Use of a reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction for monitoring the shedding of feline coronavirus by healthy cats
Authors: Addie D. D. , Jarrett O.
Published: October 2010

The pattern of shedding of feline coronavirus (FCoV) was established in 155 naturally infected pet cats from 29 households over periods of up to five years. Viral RNA was detected in faeces by reverse‐transcriptase PCR (RT‐PCR), and plasma antiviral antibodies by immunofluorescence. The cats rarely shed FCoV in their saliva. Three patterns of FCoV shedding were observed. Eighteen of the cats shed virus continuously, so were persistent, and possibly lifelong, carriers; none of them developed feline infectious peritonitis. Fifty‐six cats ceased shedding virus, although they were susceptible to reinfection, and 44 shed intermittently or were being continuously reinfected. Four of the cats were resistant to infection. Seventy‐three per cent of the virus shedding episodes lasted up to three months and 95 per cent up to nine months. There was a correlation between shedding and antibody titre but the cats could remain seropositive for some time after they had ceased shedding virus. One‐off testing for FcoV by RT‐PCR iS inappropriate. Identification of longterm carriers requires that a positive result be obtained by RT‐PCR on faecal samples for at least eight consecutive months. A cat should be shown to be negative over five months, or to have become seronegative, to ensure that it has ceased shedding virus.
Diagnostic investigation of chronic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus in a breeding herd of pigs
Authors: Bierk M. D. , Dee S.A. , Rossow K. D. , Collins J. E. , Guedes M. I. , Pijoan C. , Molitor T. W.
Published: October 2010

Forty‐five sows and 15 boars were selected at random from a breeding herd known to be chronically infected with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRsv) and lymphoid, immune‐privileged, and non‐lymphoid/non‐immune‐privileged tissues were tested for the presence of the virus by PcR, virus isolation, and immunohistochemistry. The virus was isolated from the lateral retropharyngeal lymph node of one sow; the isolate was nucleic acid sequenced and determined to be of field origin, and it was inoculated into two PRRsv‐naive pregnant sows (A and B) at 95 days of gestation. Theywere necropsied 14 days later and samples of maternal and fetal tissue and blood samples were collected. Sow A had 10 fresh, six partially autolysed, and two mummified fetuses, and sow B had six fresh and viable fetuses. Viral nucleic acid was detected by PCR in tissue pools from each sow and also from pooled fetal tissues, and the virus was isolated from fetal pools from sow A.
Protection of puppies against canine herpesvirus by vaccination of the dams
Authors: Poulet H. , Guigal P. M. , Soulier M. , Leroy V. , Fayet G. , Minke J. , Chappuis Merial G.
Published: October 2010

Six bitches free of canine herpesvirus 1 (CHV‐1) were vaccinated against the virus; a first injection was given 10 days after the presumed date of mating and a second six weeks later. Six similar bitches were left unvaccinated as controls, and all the pups were challenged oronasally with a virulent strain of cHv‐1 at three days of age. All the vaccinated bitches seroconverted and had high antibody titres when the puppies were challenged, but the control bitches remained seronegative. In the control group, 62 per cent (18 of 29) of the pups died of cHv‐1‐induced disease; most of them showed typical clinical signs and macroscopic lesions, and CHv‐i infection was confirmed by the isolation of the virus or by PCR. None of the puppies in the vaccinated group died of CHV‐1 infection. The efficacy of the vaccine was confirmed in cHv‐1‐positive breeding units. The rate of pregnancy tended to be higher in vaccinated bitches and the mortality of pups before weaning was significantly reduced in the litters born to vaccinated bitches.
Abattoir survey of dental defects in cull cows
Authors: Ingham B.
Published: October 2010

The teeth in the severed heads of 501 cull cows, all over 30 months of age, were examined at an abattoir in the north of England in 1997/98; 80 per cent of them were Friesians or Holsteins. Seventy‐three animals (14.6 per cent) had one or more missing incisors, most of which were acquired losses. Rotation and overlapping of rostral teeth were also common, as was attrition. Congenitally absent first lower premolars, other missing teeth, large and often multiple interdental spaces, and a few cases of macrodontia, cavitation, multiple defects and fractures were observed in the cheek tooth arcades. There were some unusual patterns of premolar and molar attrition, often attributable to malocclusion, one result of which was the formation of a hook at the posterior extremity of the third maxillary molar.
Concentrations of ketones in milk in early lactation, and reproductive performance of dairy cows
Authors: Cook N. B. , Ward W. R. , Dobson H.
Published: October 2010

Samples of blood and milk were taken from clinically ketotic cows at 12‐hour intervals before and after treatment. The concentration of P‐hydroxybutyrate was determined in plasma and milk, and the concentration of acetone was determined in milk. Measurement of milk acetone had the optimal combination of sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value to identify ketotic cows and was subsequently used in a comparison of the fertility of ketotic and normal cows. Two samples of milk were taken approximately two weeks apart, between 12 and 60 days after calving, from 410 cows on three farms and the concentration of acetone in the milk was measured. Thirty cows with milk acetone concentrations of at least 0.4 mmol/litre were compared with paired control cows with milk acetone concentrations less than 0.3 mmol/litre. The ketotic cows had a significantly longer calving‐to‐conception interval and a significantly higher culling rate due to a failure to conceive (P<0.05).
Management of horses showing stereotypic behaviour, owner perception and the implications for welfare
Authors: McBride S. D. , Long L.
Published: October 2010

A telephone survey was conducted of 100 racing stables, 100 riding schools and 100 competition establishments (8427 horses in total) to determine what management practices were being applied to horses showing stereotypic behaviour, and to determine the underlying reasons for them by assessing the perceptions and opinions of the people working with the horses. The results indicated that horse owners are concerned about stereotypic behaviour, first, because it reduces the performance of the animal (31,30 and 27 per cent of the owners of racing stables, riding schools and competition establishments respectively), secondly, because it has adverse clinical effects on the horse (52, 55 and 56 per cent), and thirdly, because it reduces the monetary value of the animal (45, 59 and 31 per cent). The belief that these behaviours are learnt or copied also affects the management of affected horses: they are not allowed on to the premises by 4,32 and 17 per cent of owners of racing stables, riding schools and competition establishments, respectively; attempts are made to remove the causal factors of the stereotypy by 35,43 and 36 per cent; the behaviours are physically prevented by 77,67 and 79 per cent, and the affected horses are kept separate from other horses by 39,30 and 48 per cent.
Phaeochromocytoma in two coatimundi (Nasua nasua)
Authors: Reppas G. P. , Bodley K. B. , Watson G. F. , Wills E. J.
Published: October 2010

Two unrelated coatimundi (Nasua nasua) had bilaterally enlarged adrenal glands at necropsy, and sections of the glands from both animals had histopathological features consistent with neoplasia. They were differentiated from an adrenal cortical tumour on the basis of their light microscopical morphology, immunoperoxidase staining and electron microscopic studies and a final diagnosis of phaeochromocytoma was made. To the authors' knowledge, these are the first reported cases of phaeochromocytoma in coatimundi.
First confirmed canine case ofEhrlichia canisinfection in Japan
Authors: Suto Y. , Suto A. , Inokuma H. , Obayashi H. , Hayashi T.
Published: October 2010

An 11‐year‐old castrated Pekinese dog that had been moved from Indonesia to Japan eight years previously was diagnosed with anEhrlichia canisinfection by haematological characteristics (normocytic anaemia, mild thrombocytopenia and hypergammaglobulinaemia) and serological findings (antibody titre toE canis1:3200 or more). The dog did not respond to treatment with tetracycline and died from renal failure. The diagnosis was confirmed postmortem by pathological evaluation and polymerase chain reaction (PcR) followed by sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Typical morulae ofEhrlichiawere detected in the cytoplasm of macrophages in spleen tissue by immunohistological staining.Ehrlichia‐like organisms were also detected in the spleen by electron microscopy.E canis‐specific PCR analysis of DNA extracted from the spleen gave a positive signal, and sequence analysis of the fragment revealed that it was identical to part of the 16S rRNA gene ofE canis. The dog was the first confirmed clinical case ofE canisinfection in Japan.
Surfactant proteins in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of horses: assay technique and changes following road transport
Authors: Hobo S. , Yoshihara T. , Oikawa M. , Jones J. H.
Published: October 2010

An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for equine surfactant proteins SP‐A and SP‐D in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Anti‐equine SP‐A or SP‐D monoclonal antibodies (mAb) were produced by hybridoma technology, purified by the antibody purification reagent, and analysed by Western blotting analysis. The immunoreaction (two‐site sandwich ELISA) with a mAb, peroxidase‐labelled mAb and BALF sample was carried out simultaneously and analytical recovery and precision were assayed. Six mAb for SP‐A and four mAb for SP‐D were successfully cloned in limiting dilution to monoclonality. These mAb were reacted with equine SP‐A or SP‐D on Western blotting analysis. For SP‐A, a combination of solid‐phase TA08 and horseradish peroxidase (HRP)‐conjugated WA28 was found to be more sensitive than other combinations, gave a good dose response and was capable of measuring 0.78 to 100 ng of protein/mi. For SP‐D, a combination of solid‐phase TD13 and HRP‐conjugated WD19 was found to be more sensitive than other combinations, had a good dose response and was capable of measuring 0.78 to 200 ng of protein/ml. The assay was used to determine the effect of 41 hours of road transport on the concentrations of SP‐A and SP‐D in the BALF of 30 horses. The concentrations of SP‐A and SP‐D decreased by 55 per cent and 36 per cent, respectively, decreases similar to the decrease in phosphatidylglycerol concentration previously reported by the authors.
Efficac of moxidectin 2 per cent gel against naturally acquired strongyle infections in horses, with particular reference to larval cyathostomes
Authors: Bairden K. , Brown S. R. , McGoldrick J. , Parker L. D. , Talty P. J.
Published: October 2010

The efficacy of moxidectin 2 per cent equine gel against naturally acquired strongyle infections was assessed in 18 ponies which had grazed on contaminated pasture before being housed for eight weeks. Twenty‐four hours before the treatment, two randomly selected ponies were euthanased and their worm burdens were determined. Eight of the remaining 16 ponies were treated with moxidectin 2 per cent gel while the other eight were given a placebo gel. Eight weeks later the 16 animals were necropsied and their worm burdens established. A 100 per cent efficacy was recorded against adult and lumenal L4 cyathostomes and adultStrongylusandTriodontophorusspecies. Digest recoveries of larval cyathostomes indicated a 90.8 per cent (P<0.002) reduction in early L3 and a 99‐9 per cent (P<0.001) reduction in developing stages. There was a reduction in faecal egg output of between 96 and 100 per cent in the treated animals compared with the controls.
Variations in cartilage catabolism in different equine joints in response to interleukin‐1 in vitro
Authors: Fuller C. J. , Barr A. R. S. , Dieppe P. A.
Published: October 2010

An explant system was used to investigate the hypothesis that cartilage from different equine joints might respond differently to challenge with interleukin‐1 α (L‐1 α). Pairs of normal cartilage samples were taken from the metacarpophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal and distal interphalangeal joints of six horses. One of each pair was stimulated with 10 ng/ml human recombinant IL‐1 α for three days, and the supernatants and remaining cartilage explants were analysed for their total content of glycosaminoglycans. A significantly higher percentage of glycosaminoglycans was released from the cartilage of the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints than from the metacarpophalangeal joint.
Comparison of six in‐house tests for the rapid diagnosis of feline immunodeficiency and feline leukaemia virus infections
Authors: Hartmann K. , Werner R. M. , Egberink H. , Jarrett O.
Published: October 2010

Six rapid tests for the diagnosis of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLv) infections which have recently been introduced in Europe for use in small animal practice were compared. Eight hundred serum samples were tested and those reacting Fv‐positive in at least one of the tests were confirmed by Western blot, and those reacting FeLV‐positive were confirmed by virus isolation. The specificity and sensitivity of each test and the quality of the results produced were compared.
PrP genotype frequencies in German breeding sheep and the potential to breed for resistance to scrapie
Authors: Drögemtüller C. , Leeb T. , Distl O.
Published: October 2010

Genetic susceptibility to scrapie is associated with polymorphisms in three different codons of the ovine prion protein (PrP) gene (136, 154, 171). Studies of PrP genotypes linked to scrapie have revealed the resistance of homozygous PrPARR /PrPARR animals and the high risk of PrPvRQ /PrPvRQ and PrPvRQ /PrPARQ animals in scrapie‐affected flocks. The selection of PrPAR /PrPAR genotypes may therefore provide a strategy for controlling clinical scrapie. The genotypes of 1361 German breeding sheep from 15 different breeds in northern Germany were determined. Apart from the wildtype allele PrPARQ, at least four mutually exclusive allelic variants were found. The greatest variability within the PrP gene was encountered in texel sheep, in which 14 PrP genotypes were found. In the important meat breeds, Suffolk, German whiteheaded mutton and German blackheaded mutton, the PrPARR allele was predominant, and in these breeds the breeding of scrapie‐resistant pedigree flocks within four generations seems to be a feasible option. In the texel sheep, the German merino, the German milk and the German land sheep breeds, the frequency of the PrPARR allele was much lower, and in several breeds no homozygous rams were available for breeding purposes. In these breeds the breeding strategy would depend on the number of heterozygous rams available, but resistant pedigree flocks could be achieved within nine generations.
Measurement of basal serum insulin concentration in the diagnosis of Cushing's disease in ponies
Authors: Reeves H. J. , McGowan C. M. , Lees R.
Published: October 2010

A high basal plasma or serum insulin concentration is commonly accepted as an indicator of Cushing's disease in horses. The results of the combined dexamethasone suppression test and thyrotropin‐releasing hormone stimulation test were compared with the basal insulin concentrations and insulin response tests of eight hyperinsulinaemic and insulin‐resistant ponies with clinical histories of chronic or recurrent laminitis that were suspected of having Cushing's disease. Seven of the eight ponies had normal responses to the combined test indicating that basal insulin concentrations are not a specific indicator of the disease.
Double‐blind evaluation of implants of gold wire at acupuncture points in the dog as a treatment for osteoarthritis induced by hip dysplasia
Authors: Hielm‐Bjorkman A. , Raekallio M. , Kuusela E. , Saarto E. , Markkola A. , Tulamo R‐M.
Published: October 2010

Thirty‐eight dogs with hip dysplasia were studied to evaluate the use of gold wire implants at acupuncture points around the hip joints. They were assigned at random into two groups of 19. In the treated group, gold wire was inserted through hypodermic needles at electrically found acupuncture points around both hips. In the control group, the areas were prepared in the same way but had only the skin pierced at sites which were not acupuncture points, with a needle of the same size as that used in the treated group. Over a period of six months the dogs were studied repeatedly by two veterinarians and by the dogs' owners who were unaware of the treatments the dogs had received; they assessed the dogs' locomotion, hip function and signs of pain. Radiographs were taken at the beginning and end of the study. Although the data collected from both groups by the veterinarians and the owners showed a significant improvement of locomotion and reduction in signs of pain (P=0.036 for the veterinary evaluation and locomotion and P=0.0001 and P=0.0034 for the owners' evaluation of locomotion and pain, respectively), there were no statistically significant differences between the treated and control groups (P=0.19 and P=0.41, P=0.24, respectively).
Relationships between clinical and pathological signs of disease in calves infected withMannheimia (Pasteurella) haemolyticatype A1
Authors: Reeve‐Johnson L.
Published: October 2010

Respiratory disease was induced in 16 calves, and the terminal clinical signs of disease and postmortem pathological observations were recorded. By Spearman's correlation coefficient, the respiratory rate, rectal temperature and clinical scores of the calves were significantly correlated with the extent of lung consolidation. The respiratory rate was the clinical sign most consistently correlated with the other clinical and pathological signs of respiratory disease.
Serological, colostral and milk responses of cows vaccinated with a single dose of a combined vaccine against rotavirus, coronavirus andEscherichia coliF5 (K99)
Authors: Crouch C. F. , Oliver S. , Francis M. J.
Published: October 2010

Twenty‐five Ayrshire/Friesian cows were vaccinated once with a new combined vaccine against rotavirus, coronavirus andEscherichia coliF5 (K99) or given a saline placebo 31 days before the first expected calving date. Blood samples were taken from the cows at intervals from vaccination until seven days after calving and from their calves up to 28 days after birth, and colostrum and milk samples were collected from the cows at intervals for 28 days after calving. There was a significant increase in the mean specific antibody titre against all three antigens in the serum of the vaccinated animals (even in the presence of pre‐existing antibody) which was accompanied by increased levels of protective antibodies to rotavirus, coronavirus andE coliF5 (K99) in their colostrum and milk for at least 28 days.
Management of hepatitis B virus infections in two gibbons and a western lowland gorilla in a zoological collection
Authors: Thornton S. M. , Walker S. , Zuckerman J. N.
Published: October 2010

Since 1996, three primates newly arrived at London Zoo have been found to be infected with hepatitis B virus. The species involved were white‐cheeked gibbons (Hylobates leucogenys leucogenys and Hylobates leucogenys siki) and a western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla). The protocols for the practical management of these cases, including the immunisation of susceptible non‐human primates and the staff with recombinant hepatitis B vaccine are described, and the origin and evolution of hepatitis B infection in primates are discussed.
Comparison of thiopentone/guaifenesin, ketamine/guaifenesin and ketamine/ midazolam for the induction of horses to be anaesthetised with isoflurane
Authors: Gangl M. , Grulke S. , Caudron I. , Serteyn D. , Detilleux J.
Published: October 2010

Forty‐eight horses subjected to elective surgery were randomly assigned to three groups of 16 horses. After premedication with 0‐1 mg/kg acepromazine intramuscularly and 0.6 mg/kg xylazine intravenously, anaesthesia was induced either with 2 g thiopentone in 500 ml of a 10 per cent guaifenesin solution, given intravenously at a dose of 1 ml/kg (group TG), or with 100 mg/kg guaifenesin and 2.2 mg/kg ketamine given intravenously (group KG), or with 0.06 mg/kg midazolam, and 2.2 mg/kg ketamine given intravenously (group KM). Anaesthesia was maintained with isoflurane. The mean (sd) end tidal isoflurane concentration (per cent) needed to maintain a light surgical anaesthesia (stage III, plane 2) was significantly lower in group KM (0.91 [0.03]) than in groups TG (1.11 [0.03]) and KG (1.14 [0.03]). The mean (sd) arterial pressure (mmHg) was significantly lower in group KG (67.4 [2.07]) than in groups TG (75.6 [2.23]) and KM (81.0 [2.16]). There were no significant differences in the logarithm of the heart rate, recovery time or quality of recovery between the three induction groups. However, pronounced ataxia was observed in the horses of group KM, especially after periods of anaesthesia lasting less than 75 minutes.
Evaluation of the potential causes of epistaxis in dogs with natural visceral leishmaniasis
Authors: Juttner C. , Rodriguez Sinchez M. , Rollin Landeras E. , Fragio Arnold C. , Slappendel R. J.
Published: October 2010

Haemostasis was evaluated in 19 dogs with naturalLeishmania infection, six of them with a history of epistaxis, and the results were compared with the results from 24 healthy dogs. In addition, the dogs' blood pressure was measured and biopsies were taken from the nasal mucosa. Buccal mucosa bleeding time was prolonged in the dogs with leishmaniasis (P<0.002) and most significantly in those with epistaxis (P<0.05). None of the Leishmania‐infected dogs had thrombocytopenia, low levels of plasma von Willebrand factor antigen, a prolonged prothrombin time or activated partial thromboplastin time, a low plasma fibrinogen concentration or high serum fibrin degradation products. These results rule out defects of secondary haemostasis or disseminated intravascular coagulation as significant causes of epistaxis in non‐complicated leishmaniasis. Histopathology of the nasal mucosa of 10 of the affected dogs, three of them with epistaxis, revealed ulcerative and inflammatory lesions in all of them.
Renal hypoplasia and dysplasia in an American miniature foal
Authors: Gull T. , Schmitz D. G. , Bahr A. , Read W.K. , Walker M.
Published: October 2010

Diagnostic imaging, including computed tomography, of a two‐month‐old foal with renal failure indicated that its right kidney was probably absent and that its left kidney was abnormal in shape. The foal was stabilised and released, but three days later its clinical signs recurred. Postmortem examination revealed renal hypoplasia and dysplasia, the first reported case of this condition in an American miniature horse.
Conjunctival flora observed in 70 healthy domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus )
Authors: Cooper S. C. , McLellan G. J. , Rycroft A. N.
Published: October 2010

Conjunctival swabs were taken from both eyes of 70 healthy domestic rabbits and cultured to determine the microbial population. Bacteria were recovered from 83 per cent of the specimens. DNase‐negative Staphylococcus species (57 per cent) were the most commonly recovered organisms followed by Micrococcus species (25 per cent) and Bacillus species (19 per cent). Other organisms isolated included Stomatococcus species (8 per cent), Neisseria species (8 per cent), Pasteurella species (6 per cent), Corynebacterium species (6 per cent), Streptococcus species (6 per cent) and Moraxella species (4 per cent), and other bacteria were isolated less frequently. Statistical analysis showed that there appeared to be no significant difference between the bacterial isolation rates from different breeds of rabbit. Significantly more of the swabs taken from young rabbits yielded cultivable bacteria than did those taken from rabbits over 12 months of age.
Effects of treatments with endedocide on the weight gain of grazing cattle in a warm temperate climate
Authors: Mercier P. , Steffan P. E. , White C. R.
Published: October 2010

Five groups of 20 weaned beef calves were injected subcutaneously with either an ivermectin, a doramectin, an abamectin long‐acting formulation, an ivermectin long‐acting formulation or a saline control, at turnout and 60 and 120 days later. The animals grazed the same pasture and were sampled and weighed at turnout and 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 days later. At turnout the mean bodyweights of all the groups were similar and faecal culture showed that they had a mixed strongyle infection of Cooperia, Haemonchus, Ostertagia, Oesophagostomum and Trichostrongylus species. After 180 days, the mean bodyweight gains of each group were respectively 62.1 kg, 102.2 kg, 106.4 kg, 107.3 kg and 110.1 kg for the control, ivermectin, doramectin, ivermectin long‐acting and abamectin long‐acting groups. All the products significantly improved the weight gains of the cattle, and significantly reduced their faecal egg counts.
Suspected botulism in dairy cows and its implications for the safety of human food
Authors: Cobb S. P. , Hogg R. A. , Challoner D. J. , Sharpe R. T. , Brett M. M. , Livesey C. T. , Jones T. O.
Published: October 2010

A large outbreak of suspected botulism occurred on a dairy farm. The affected animals were listless and showed signs ranging from hindlimb unsteadiness to lateral recumbency, although the most common presentation was sternal recumbency with an apparent hindlimb weakness when stimulated to rise. Postmortem examinations revealed no conclusive gross pathology or histopathology. The affected cattle were found to have neutrophilia and hyperglycaemia with no other consistent haematological or biochemical abnormalities. The combination of clinical signs, disease epidemiology and the ruling out of other differential diagnoses strongly supported a diagnosis of unconfirmed botulism; however, the source of toxin was not demonstrated. Botulism is a severe disease in human beings and there are uncertainties about the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics ofClostridium botulinumtoxins. In such circumstances, a precautionary approach to food safety is essential. Restrictions were placed on the movement of livestock and sale of milk from the farm premises until 14 days after the onset of the last clinical case.
Induction of enzootic pneumonia in pigs by the administration of an aerosol of in vitrocultured Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae
Authors: Czaja T. , Kanci A. , Lloyd L. C. , Markham P. F. , Whithear K. G. , Browning G. F
Published: October 2010

The aim of this study was to establish whether enzootic pneumonia could be induced reliably in piglets by administering an aerosolised culture of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. Groups of five M hyopneumoniae ‐free Landrace × Large White piglets weaned at 11 to 14 days of age were exposed to aerosols of in vitro cultures of a virulent strain of M hyopneumoniae. In three separate trials, 14 of 15 pigs exposed to the bacteria developed pneumonia, but pigs exposed to the culture medium alone did not develop the disease. Lung pathology, both gross and histological, indicated acute disease. Ten of the pigs were tested for seroconversion by Western blot and they were all positive. The growth rates of the infected pigs were significantly reduced and the water consumption of the infected groups was also depressed. M hyopneumoniae was recovered from eight of the 15 infected pigs.