bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation of Corynebacterium suis from the prepuce of boars
Authors: Pijoan C. , Lastra A. , Leman A.
Published: February 2025

A survey for prevalence of Corynebacterium suis infection in boars was conducted on a Minnesota farm and at a slaughter plant. Preputial swab specimens were streaked onto Columbia colistin-nalidixic blood agar to which metronidazole (50 mg/L) had been added. Of 97 boars surveyed at a slaughterhouse, 32 (32.9%) were culture-positive, whereas 23 of 38 (60.5%) boars from 1 farm were culture-positive. The lower isolation rate at a slaughterhouse was attributed to the fact that these boars ejaculated before sampling.
Serodiagnosis of western equine encephalitis virus infections: Relationships of antibody titer and test to observed onset of clinical illness
Authors: Calisher Charles H. , Emerson John K. , Muth David J. , Lazuick John S. , Monath Thomas P.
Published: February 2025

Sera from horses and human beings with clinically diagnosed western equine encephalitis (wee) virus infections were tested for hemagglutination-inhibition (hi), complement-fixation (cf), and neutralizing (n) antibody to wee virus. These tests confirmed infection in 43.8% (hi), 56.3% (cf), and 80.4% (n) of horses and 54.5% (hi), 59.1% (cf), and 77.3% (n) of human beings. Use of the n test as an adjunct to the hi and cf tests increased the likelihood of serologic confirmation to 91.7%. In both horses and human beings, n antibody increased steeply at the end of the 1st week after onset. The results suggested that the presence of a high hi, cf, and/or n antibody titer in a single serum obtained from horses during the acute phase of illness caused by wee virus can be used as presumptive evidence for infection with this virus.
Long-acting oxytetracycline for control of induced Pasteurella multocida rhinitis in swine
Authors: Goiś M. , Farrington D. O. , Barnes H. J. , Ross R. F.
Published: February 2025

A long-acting Oxytetracycline formulation was evaluated for control of rhinitis induced experimentally in pigs with a capsular type A, toxin-negative, low-passage strain of Pasteurella multocida. The pigs were 6 to 7 weeks old and were naturally infected with Haemophilus parasuis. The H parasuis infection was thought to predispose to establishment of P multocida in the nasal cavity. A long-acting Oxytetracycline formulation was given im at the rate of 20 mg/kg, 4 times at 5-day intervals. Medication reduced (P<0.05) the severity of turbinate atrophy and the proportion of pigs with P multocida and H parasuis in their nasal cavities. Numbers of colonies of P multocida and H parasuis isolated were also less in medicated pigs.
Factors affecting mortality in finishing pigs
Authors: Straw Barbara E. , Neubauer Gary D. , Leman Allen D.
Published: February 2025

Two groups of finishing pigs at a test station were studied to test the effect of initial weight, weight change in the 1st week, age, breed, and distance the pig was transported on mortality. Total mortality was 5.3% in 1 group and 6.3% in the other group. Specific causes of death were pneumonia (24.7%), gastric ulceration (14.0%), enteritis (6.4%), trauma (4.3%), gastrointestinal displacement (4.3%), rectal stricture (3.2%), porcine stress syndrome (3.2%), and brain abscess (2.2%). Other categories for cause of death were miscellaneous (6.5%), and undiagnosed (31.2%). More pigs died in the last 6 weeks of the 18-week finishing period than in the 1st 6 weeks (P < 0.05). Death rates were not significantly different between pigs that lost weight and pigs that maintained or gained weight during the 1st week after arrival at the test station. The mean transportation distance to the test station was not significantly different between pigs that died and pigs that survived. Transportation distance was not correlated with mean daily gain. The death rate was significantly (P<0.03) higher for Yorkshire pigs than for crossbred, Poland China, Hampshire, and Duroc pigs, and it was significantly (P<0.01) higher for Berkshire, Spot, and Chester White pigs than for Hampshire and Duroc pigs.
Bur buttercup poisoning of sheep
Authors: Olsen J. D. , Anderson T. E. , Murphy J. C. , Madsen Gary
Published: February 2025

Bur buttercup (Ceratocephalus testiculatus) has not been considered to be poisonous, but the sudden death loss of 150 ewes while grazing it prompted study of the plant. It was found that bur buttercup can be highly toxic to sheep, with a lethal dose being as little as 500 g of green plant for a 45-kg sheep.

Clinical signs of bur buttercup poisoning are weakness, depression, diarrhea, labored breathing, anorexia, and occasional fever. Postmortem findings include infiammation and edema of the rumen; hemorrhage in the left ventricle of the heart; congestion of the lungs, liver, and kidneys; and excessive fluid in the thoracic and abdominal cavities.
Cerebellar degeneration in dairy calves: Clinical, pathologic, and serologic features of an epizootic caused by bovine viral diarrhea virus
Authors: Wilson T. M. , deLahunta A. , Confer L.
Published: February 2025

Three of nine dairy calves born in the spring/summer were severely ataxic at birth. Necropsy of the 3 affected calves revealed severe cerebellar degeneration (hypoplasia). Clinical signs were inapparent in the adult cows. Serum neutralization titers of the cows and calves indicated high bovine viral diarrhea titers.
Evaluation of laparoscopy for obtaining renal biopsy specimens from dogs and cats
Authors: Grauer G. F. , Twedt D. C. , Mero K. N.
Published: February 2025

Laparoscopic direction of renal biopsy was evaluated in 37 dogs and 1 cat suspected of having renal disease. Specimens adequate for morphologic diagnosis were obtained in 37 cases (97%). Eleven of the 38 animals were necropsied and the biopsy diagnosis was confirmed in 10 of the cases (91%). Excessive pericapsular hemorrhage and severe hematuria developed in 1 dog. Three dogs (8%) had macroscopic hematuria for 24 hours after biopsy.
Mastitis caused by hemolytic Escherichia coli in the ferret
Authors: Liberson A. J. , Newcomer C. E. , Ackerman J. I. , Murphy J. C. , Fox J. G.
Published: February 2025

Hemolytic Escherichia coli was isolated from the mammary glands of 8 ferrets with gangrenous mastitis. Clinical signs included firm swelling of one or more mammary glands and discoloration of the overlying skin. Peracute disease and acute septicemia were observed, and in some cases the animals rapidly became moribund. Antibiotic therapy alone did not alter the course of the disease. Wide surgical resection of the involved glands in combination with systemic antibiotic therapy (ampicillin 10 mg/kg, bid, and gentamicin 5 mg/kg, sid) was the most successful treatment. Histopathologic changes included extensive edema, hemorrhage, and necrosis, with a mixed leukocytic infiltrate and large numbers of bacteria. The agent of this disease was isolated from rectal swab specimens from clinically normal ferrets as well as ferrets that had mastitis.
Defining and measuring exposure in epidemiologic studies of potential zoonoses
Authors: Kranz Janet M. Scarlett
Published: February 2025

Articles suggesting the zoonotic potential of certain human diseases (eg, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and leukemia) periodically appear in the literature and frequently receive considerable attention in the popular press. Although various epidemiologic study designs have been utilized to test these hypotheses, defining and accurately measuring animal exposure has been a problem common to most of these studies and in some instances has limited their usefulness. The relative strengths and limitations of the definitions and measurements used most commonly by investigators evaluating potential zoonoses are discussed. In addition, several recommendations for assessing animal exposure in future studies are made.
Neuropathy associated with diabetes mellitus in the cat
Authors: Kramek Betty A. , Moise N. Sydney , Cooper Barry , Raffe Marc R.
Published: February 2025

Distal polyneuropathy was associated with diabetes mellitus in 7 cats. Clinical signs relative to the neuropathy included a plantigrade stance, depressed patellar reflexes, hindlimb weakness, and poor postural reactions. Electromyography demonstrated reduced conduction velocity in the sciatic and ulnar nerves in 3 cats. A total of 5 cats had abatement of clinical signs following insulin therapy and blood glucose regulation or after resolution of the diabetes mellitus.
Iodine toxicosis in six herds of dairy cattle
Authors: Olson W. G. , Stevens J. B. , Anderson J. , Haggard D. W.
Published: February 2025

Daily iodine intake estimated to range from >68 to 600 mg/animal/day was associated with signs referable to iodine intoxication in adult cows in 6 herds of dairy cattle. Signs were reversed by lowering supplemental intake to less than 12 mg/animal/day. Results of biochemical tests other than those for serum and milk iodine were not diagnostic. Serum iodine concentrations were 2.6 to 6.9 times the mean iodine concentration found in 12 control cows, each receiving 12 mg of iodine/day. Milk iodine concentrations were 3.6 to 13.6 times milk iodine concentrations in the control cows.
Compromised hepatic function in dogs treated with anticonvulsant drugs
Authors: Bunch S. E. , Baldwin B. H. , Hornbuckle W. E. , Tennant B. C.
Published: February 2025

Hepatic function tests were performed on 48 dogs that had been given primidone, phenytoin, or a combination of anticonvulsant drugs for 6 months or longer. Except for histories of seizures, 44 of the dogs were healthy at the time the tests were performed. Abnormal test results were observed most frequently in dogs given only primidone and in dogs given combinations of anticonvulsant drugs. The test results that were abnormal most often were those for alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphatase activities, and sulfobromophthalein excretion. The dosage of anticonvulsant drug was found to modify certain test results. Statistically significant positive correlations were found between the dosage of primidone and serum alanine transaminase activity and between the dosage of phenytoin and serum alkaline phosphatase activity.

Four of the dogs were examined because of signs of weakness and anorexia and 2 also had ascites. Three of the 4 dogs were euthanatized 2 to 49 days after admission with clinical signs compatible with hepatic failure, and cirrhosis of the liver was confirmed at necropsy. The fourth dog died at home and was not necropsied. Four of the remaining 44 dogs that apparently were healthy at the time of examination had abnormalities in hepatic biochemical test results that were comparable with those in the 4 dogs with clinical illness.

We concluded that, although results of hepatic biochemical tests frequently may be abnormal in dogs given anticonvulsant drugs long-term, severe hepatic injury is observed less often. On the basis of these observations, we estimate the proportion of dogs with serious abnormalities in hepatic function associated with extended anticonvulsant drug therapy to be between 6% (3 of 48) and 14.6% (7 of 48).
Myocardial function in small dogs with chronic mitral regurgitation and severe congestive heart failure
Authors: Kittleson Mark D. , Eyster George E. , Knowlen Grant G. , Olivier N. Bari , Anderson Lorel K.
Published: February 2025

Systolic myocardial function was assessed in 16 dogs with severe congestive heart failure due to chronic mitral valve fibrosis. End-systolic diameters were measured on echocardiograms and end-systolic volume indices were calculated. Thirteen of the 16 dogs (81%) had normal or only mildly abnormal myocardial function. These data suggested that myocardial failure is not a prominent factor contributing to signs of heart failure in dogs with mitral regurgitation. Because of these data, the routine use of digitalis glycosides to increase cardiac contractility is seriously questioned in dogs with heart failure secondary to chronic mitral regurgitation.
Cardiac arrhythmias associated with multiple trauma in dogs
Authors: Macintire Douglass K. , Snider Theron G.
Published: February 2025

Premature ventricular contractions and ventricular tachycardia were detected in 10 dogs 1 to 48 hours after trauma. All dogs were treated aggressively if the arrhythmias became severe. One dog died, 8 were discharged with stable cardiac rhythm, and 1 was euthanatized. Necropsy revealed gross and microscopic lesions of acute myocardial necrosis, probably of ischemic origin. Cardiac arrhythmias were associated with thoracic trauma, neurologic injury, severe shock, and/or extensive tissue trauma.
Endocarditis of the aortic valve in the dog
Authors: Sisson David , Thomas William P.
Published: February 2025

The clinical features of endocarditis of the aortic valve in 24 dogs were reviewed. This condition was found most commonly in large-breed, middle-aged male dogs. Evidence of antecedent infection or immunosuppression was usually not historically verified or found at necropsy. However, an association with congenital heart disease, especially discrete subaortic stenosis, was demonstrated. The most frequent clinical findings were systolic and diastolic murmurs and bounding arterial pulses, with or without signs of congestive heart failure. The most commonly isolated organisms were Corynebacterium sp, Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, and Streptococcus sp. In addition to antibiotic therapy, treatment for congestive heart failure often was required. Despite aggressive therapy, most affected dogs died as a result of congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, infarction, sepsis, or renal failure.
Serum concentrations and efficacy of phenytoin, phenobarbital, and primidone in canine epilepsy
Authors: Farnbach George C.
Published: February 2025

Serum concentrations, drug dosages, and seizure control were monitored in 142 dogs on a variety of anticonvulsant treatment regimens, using phenytoin, primidone, and phenobarbital. In 1 of 77 dogs receiving phenytoin, seizures were controlled with a serum concentration of 2.3 µg/ml. In 20 of 42 dogs receiving phenobarbital, seizures were controlled with serum concentrations ranging from 14.3 to 43.1 µg/ml. In 12 of 23 dogs given primidone, seizures were controlled with similar concentrations of phenobarbital derived from the primidone. Of the dogs in which seizures were uncontrolled by either of these 2 agents, a large proportion had serum phenobarbital concentrations that appeared to be inadequate in spite of what was considered adequate dosage. Further, for dogs given phenobarbital, there was a sixfold variation between dosage and achieved serum concentration, whereas dogs given primidone manifested even greater variability between dosage and serum concentration. This underscores the need for serum concentration monitoring as an adjunct to any drug protocol in seizure control since effectiveness is correlated far better with serum concentrations than with oral dosage. On the basis of these findings, a rational approach to the pharmacologic control of seizures in epileptic dogs was devised.
Vascular neoplasia in the skin of horses
Authors: Hargis A. M. , McElwain T. F.
Published: February 2025

Of 21 vascular tumors in equine skin, 18 were histologically benign (hemangiomas) and 3 were malignant (hemangiosarcomas). Of the 18 hemangiomas, 12 were in horses ≤ 1 year old, and 6 of these horses were born with the lesions. The 3 horses with hemangiosarcomas ranged from 8.5 to 13 years of age.
Long-term results and complications of proximal interphalangeal arthrodesis in horses
Authors: Martin G. S. , McIlwraith C. W. , Turner A. S. , Nixon A. J. , Stashak T. S.
Published: February 2025

A retrospective study was made of 21 horses in which proximal interphalangeal arthrodesis had been performed. The right hindlimb was the most often affected (52%). Acute trauma was the most common reason for performing the surgery (62%). Follow-up data were obtained from the owners regarding return to serviceability. When available, follow-up radiographs and clinical examinations were reviewed.

Of the 20 horses on which follow-up information was available, 16 were serviceable. Of the horses in which a hindlimb was arthrodesed, 86% were serviceable, whereas 67% of the horses affected in the forelimb were serviceable. An average of 1 year was required for return to serviceability. Follow-up radiography of forelimb cases revealed radiographic changes consistent with navicular disease, distal interphalangeal degenerative joint disease, and a bony exostosis off the dorsal surface of the third phalanx; however, these radiographic changes did not correlate well with the owner's assessment of serviceability. Follow-up clinical examination of forelimb cases revealed 2 horses in which the toe came off the ground during weight bearing.
Vitamin K3-induced renal toxicosis in the horse
Authors: Rebhun William C. , Tennant B. C. , Dill Stephen G. , King John M.
Published: February 2025

Renal toxicosis attributable to vitamin K3 (menadione sodium bisulfite) was suspected in 5 young adult horses in which acute renal failure developed following parenteral administration of vitamin K3 at the manufacturers' recommended dosages. Renal disease was subsequently induced experimentally in 5 of 6 horses by administration of vitamin K3 at manufacturers' recommended dosages. Signs of renal disease in the clinical patients as well as in the horses treated experimentally included renal colic, hematuria, azotemia, and electrolyte abnormalities consistent with acute renal failure. Two clinical patients and 3 experimental horses were subsequently necropsied and found to have lesions of renal tubular nephrosis.
Accidental monensin sodium intoxication of feedlot cattle
Authors: Schweitzer D. , Kimberling C. , Spraken T. , Sterner F. E. , McChesney A. E.
Published: February 2025

Of 1,994 yearling and 2-year-old cattle in a winter feeding program, 117 died within 42 days of being fed toxic amounts of monensin sodium in a liquid protein supplement. Death losses commenced on the third day after ingestion of a toxic amount in the feed. Clinical signs in cattle that died in less than 9 days included anorexia, pica, diarrhea, depression, mild hindlimb ataxia, and dyspnea. Gross necropsy findings in cattle dying in the acute phase of the illness included hydrothorax, ascites, and pulmonary edema, as well as petechial hemorrhages, edema, and yellow streaking in skeletal and cardiac muscle. Cattle dying after 9 days had gray streaks in heart and skeletal muscle, generalized ventral edema, enlarged, firm, bluish discolored liver, and enlarged heart.

Microscopic changes in cattle dying in the acute phase (less than 9 days) consisted of pulmonary edema, congestion, and hemorrhage. Cardiac and skeletal muscle had localized areas of edema, hemorrhage, and coagulative necrosis. In cattle dying after 9 days of illness, the changes included lymphocytic infiltration, sarcolemmal nuclear proliferation, and fibrosis in skeletal and cardiac muscle. Lungs contained increased alveolar macrophages and a few neutrophils. Centrilobular necrosis and mild fibrosis were found in the liver.

Changes varied somewhat according to the area of heart or skeletal muscle that was affected. Active muscles, eg, those in the heart ventricles and diaphragm, were altered most severely.

Intoxication appeared to be a result of sedimentation of monensin in the molasses carrier to give remarkable concentrations of the substance at the bottom of the holding tank.
Clinical and pathologic features of thymoma in 15 dogs
Authors: Aronsohn Michael G. , Schunk Kenneth L. , Carpenter James L. , King Norval W.
Published: February 2025

Thymoma was diagnosed in 15 dogs at Angell Memorial Animal Hospital between 1972 and 1983. All thymomas developed in the cranial portion of the mediastinum. An autoimmune paraneoplastic syndrome was observed in 10 (67%) of the dogs and included myasthenia gravis, nonthymic neoplasms, and polymyositis. Clinical signs were variable and inconsistent, depending on whether they were attributable to the cranial mediastinal mass or to the paraneoplastic syndrome. Eleven dogs were necropsied. Two thymomas had gross characteristics of malignancy. In 3 cases, a cell consistent with a subclass of mast cell was found and in 1 thymoma, melanocytes were observed.
Efficacy and dosage titration study of mibolerone for treatment of pseudopregnancy in the bitch
Authors: Brown Jenaay M.
Published: February 2025

A controlled, blind-labeled, dose-response field trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of mibolerone as a treatment for pseudopregnancy in the bitch. Bitches were treated orally for 5 consecutive days with one of the following dosages of mibolerone: 0.008, 0.016, or 0.025 mg/kg of body weight.

Changes in psychologic signs (nesting behavior, mothering inanimate objects, and self-nursing) or physical signs (mammary gland enlargement and secretion of a liquid or milk, ie, galactorrhea) were noted. The period within which the improvement occurred also was noted.

There were 63 cases distributed over the 3 dosages—19 at 0.008 mg/kg, 22 at 0.016 mg/kg, and 22 at 0.025 mg/kg. Seventeen bitches given a placebo served as controls.

There were significant differences in improvement of clinical signs among the dosages for the combinations of psychologic (P< 0.001), physical (P<0.01), psychologic or physical (P<0.001), and psychologic and physical (P<0.001). The projected optimal dosages were: 0.016 mg/kg, 0.013 mg/kg, 0.014 mg/kg, and 0.015 mg/kg for the psychologic, physical, psychologic or physical, and psychologic and physical signs, respectively.

Of the 3 dosages used, 0.016 mg/kg (for 5 consecutive days) was estimated to be optimal for improvement of the physiologic signs of pseudopregnancy.
Efforts to induce estrus in the bitch, using pituitary gonadotropins
Authors: Shille V. M. , Thatcher M. J. , Simmons K. J.
Published: February 2025

Induction of fertile estrus in 14 anestrous bitches was attempted, using pituitary gonadotropins given by intramuscular injection in 3 treatment regimens: as a single dose of 10-mg follicle stimulating hormone (fsh; 5 bitches), as multiple doses of fsh (1, 2, 4, 8, 16 mg) given to 4 bitches on days 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 5 and 6, 7 and 8, and 9 and 10, and as multiple doses of combined fsh and luteinizing hormone (lh; 1:1, 1:1, 2:1, 4:1, 8:2.5, 16:5 mg) given to 5 bitches on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11, respectively. Four bitches were injected with equivalent volume of isotonic NaCl solution (saline).

Treatments were evaluated by observation of sexual behavior in presence of a male, microscopic changes in exfoliated vaginal epithelium, plasma concentrations of estradiol-17β and progesterone, and qualitative and quantitative, gross and microscopic changes in the ovaries and uterus. Four of the 14 treated bitches came into estrus and mated (one became pregnant), two after single, and two after multiple doses of fsh. In each of the four, vaginal cornification, plasma estradiol and progesterone patterns, and ovarian and uterine changes were comparable with those seen in the one saline-treated bitch with a spontaneous estrous cycle and pregnancy. Three treated bitches manifested proestrous behavior (2 after a single injection and 1 after multiple injections of fsh) but had no measurable response in the vaginal epithelium, endocrine patterns, or appearance of ovaries and uterus. Seven gonadotropin-treated bitches and 3 saline-treated bitches did not respond in any way.

These findings were compatible with findings reported by other investigators. We concluded that there is no reliable, commercially available treatment for induction of fertile estrus in the bitch.
Evaluation of fenbendazole as an extended anthelmintic treatment regimen for swine
Authors: Corwin R. M. , Pratt S. E. , Muser R. K.
Published: February 2025

Fenbendazole was given in the feed to swine at a cumulative dosage of 9 mg/kg of body weight over a period of 3, 6, and 12 days to compare efficacy. Four treatment groups of ten 2- to 3-month-old pigs each, with a mean of 15 kg of body weight per group, received 3 mg of fenbendazole/kg/day for 3 days, 1.5 mg/kg/day for 6 days, 0.75 mg/kg/day for 12 days, and no medication. Medicated feed was scheduled so that all treated pigs reached the last day of treatment on the same day, thus making the time between the last treatment and necropsy equal for all groups. Ascaris suum and Trichuris suis were the target species, their presence before treatment being determined by fecal egg counts and at necropsy by worm counts. At necropsy, 9 control pigs were infected with A suum (mean of 18.0 worms/pig), and all control pigs had T suis infection (mean of 36.5 worms/pig). All 3 treatment schedules were 100% effective in removal of A suum; and for T suis, the 3-day regimen was 100% effective, the 6-day regimen, 99.2%, and the 12-day regimen, 91.0%.
Retrospective analysis of 29 fractures of the olecranon process of the equine ulna
Authors: Donecker J. M. , Bramlage L. R. , Gabel A. A.
Published: February 2025

Twenty-nine fractures of the olecranon process of the ulna in horses treated at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine from 1973 through 1983 were evaluated. The objectives of the study were to determine the prognosis for various configurations of fractures of the olecranon process of the ulna, to determine what preoperative factors influenced the prognosis, and to evaluate the efficacy of the treatment methods used. The fractures were placed in one of 4 categories on the basis of severity of the injury: type-1 fractures involved the physeal plate; type-2 fractures involved the olecranon at the level of the anconeal notch (narrowest cross-sectional area of the ulna); type-3 fractures involved the proximal portion of the olecranon without involving the elbow joint; and type-4 fractures were severely comminuted fractures.

Three modes of treatment used were: (1) open reduction and internal fixation, using a tension band plate, (2) elbow to ground splinting, with stall rest, and (3) stall rest alone. Internal fixation with a tension band plate was 68% successful. Of those horses in which repair was considered successful, 84% returned to excellent function. Elbow to ground splinting with stall rest was used successfully for nonarticular and nondisplaced fractures in 2 horses. Stall rest alone resulted in 28% “pasture sound” horses, with none of the 7 horses so treated returning to athletic performance.

On the basis of this study, the following conclusions were derived. (1) Nonarticular/nondisplaced fractures are candidates for nonsurgical treatment, using full-limb splinting, stall rest, and periodic reevaluation. (2) Displaced fractures and articular fractures should be treated by open reduction and internal fixation, using a tension band plate. (3) Stall rest alone is not recommended because it results in low percentage and low quality recoveries.
Canine urinary tract infections: A comparison of in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility test results and response to oral therapy with ampicillin or with trimethoprim-sulfa
Authors: Ling Gerald V. , Rohrich Pamela J. , Ruby Annette L. , Johnson Deedra L. , Jang Spencer S.
Published: February 2025

In vitro susceptibility testing correctly predicted the outcome of ampicillin therapy in all 56 urinary tract infections (uti) caused by coagulase-positive staphylococci (Staphylococcus aureus and S intermedius), in all 26 uti caused by Proteus mirabilis, in 38 of 44 uti caused by Escherichia coli, in 29 of 31 uti caused by Streptococcus spp, in 8 of 10 uti caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae, and in 16 of 20 uti caused by other bacterial species. Thus, 173 of 187 (92.5%) isolates responded to ampicillin therapy in a manner predicted by in vitro susceptibility test results.

In vitro susceptibility testing correctly predicted the outcome of therapy with trimethoprim-sulfa in 119 of 138 uti caused by Escherichia coli, in 33 of 45 uti caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae, in 38 of 43 uti caused by Proteus mirabilis, in 21 of 25 uti caused by Streptococcus spp, in 9 of 11 uti caused by coagulase-positive staphylococci, and in 19 of 21 uti caused by other bacterial species. Thus, 239 of 283 (84%) isolates responded to trimethoprim-sulfa therapy in a manner predicted by in vitro susceptibility test results.
Stray voltage on Michigan dairy farms
Authors: Kirk John H. , Reese Norman D. , Bartlett Paul C.
Published: February 2025

Stray voltage investigations were performed on 59 Michigan dairy farms at the request of dairymen, veterinarians, and county extension agents. On 32 farms, sources of stray voltage were detected. When the voltage exceeded 1 volt alternating current, there were increased numbers of dairy cows that had abnormal behavior in the milking facility and increased prevalence of clinical mastitis. Recovery from the stray voltage-induced abnormalities was related to the type of abnormality and the magnitude of the exposure voltage.
Techniques and applications of transabdominal ultrasonography in the pregnant mare
Authors: Pipers F. S. , Adams-Brendemuehl C. S.
Published: February 2025

To establish the feasibility of utilizing high-frequency ultrasound to image equine fetal development transabdominallY, in vitro and in vivo observations were made. Three fetuses retrieved from mares that died from various causes were scanned in vitro to establish fetal images from various orientations. A total of 50 mares ranging in age from 4 to 16 years and representing various breeds were scanned intermittently from 100 days of gestation to parturition. Fetal parts, amniotic fluid, placental membranes, and motion patterns could be reliably identified. Fetal heart rates decreased from 180 beats/min at 100 days’ gestation to 60 to 80 beats/min from 2 weeks before parturition to term. Detection of fetal orientation, viability, and twin recognition represented practical applications of the technique.
Thoracic wall and pulmonary trauma in dogs sustaining fractures as a result of motor vehicle accidents
Authors: A. Spackman Claire J. , Caywood Dennis D. , Feeney Daniel A. , Johnston Gary R.
Published: February 2025

The records of 267 dogs seen at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Teaching Hospital for fractures resulting from motor vehicle accidents were examined to determine the prevalence and types of thoracic wall and pulmonary trauma associated with such cases. Results were analyzed for type and prevalence of thoracic wall and pulmonary injury, and for the prevalence of such injury in dogs with and without extrathoracic injury, in dogs with fractures of single vs multiple bones, in dogs with single fractures of specific bones, in dogs with fractures in the cranial vs the caudal one half of the body, and in dogs with fractures ipsilateral vs contralateral to thoracic injury.

The overall prevalence of thoracic wall and pulmonary trauma was 38.9%; pulmonary contusions, pneumothorax, and fractured ribs were the most common injuries. More than 1 type of thoracic wall or pulmonary injury was diagnosed in 57.7% of the cases. Of the dogs with thoracic injury, 24% also had extrathoracic injuries; 16.5% of dogs without thoracic injury had extrathoracic injuries, not including fractures. Of the dogs with fractures of 1 bone, 36.3% had thoracic injuries. Of the dogs with fractures of more than 1 bone, 42.3% had thoracic injuries. The prevalence of thoracic wall and pulmonary trauma was significantly associated with the site of the fracture (cranial vs caudal and ipsilateral vs contralateral); significant association with the specific bone fractured was also seen for some fractures.
Suspected parvovirus infection in porcupines
Authors: Frelier P. F. , Leininger R. W. , Armstrong L. D. , Nation P. N. , Povey R. C.
Published: February 2025

During a 142-day period, 6 porcupines died or were killed after becoming moribund. Three had severe acute necrotizing enteritis; two had acute necrotizing myocarditis, one with concurrent lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis; and one had chronic enteritis. Histologically, the acute necrotizing enteritis was characterized by villous fusion, blunting, and crypt dilatation. Many dilated crypts contained necrotic debris and were lined by flattened enterocytes. Acidophilic intranuclear inclusions were in colonic epithelial cells in one of these animals. The myocardial lesions consisted of degenerating shrunken myofibers, with infiltrating neutrophils and lymphocytes. Myofiber mineralization was evident in one animal.

Though the histologic findings were indicative of parvovirus infection, electron microscopic, serologic, and virologic studies failed to demonstrate parvovirus as the etiologic agent.
Efficacy of ipronidazole against trichomoniasis in beef bulls
Authors: Skirrow Sue , BonDurant Robert , Farley James , Correa James
Published: February 2025

Preputial smegma samples from 195 beef bulls were collected repeatedly and cultured for Tritrichomonas foetus. Seventy-five (38.5%) of these bulls were positive for trichomonads on at least 1 culture. Sensitivity of the culture procedure (number of positive cultures/number of total cultures from known-positive bulls) was 81.6%. Storage of preputial smegma in lactated Ringer's solution at 5 C for 24 hours resulted in a 14% loss of sensitivity. Seventy-three of the 75 infected bulls were available for treatment and were alloted randomly to 2 groups. Bulls in both groups were treated with procaine penicillin (7,000 IU/kg, im) for 2 days before ipronidazole treatment. Thirty grams of ipronidazole powder was dissolved in 60 ml of sterile water, and was given im to group 1 bulls. Group 2 bulls were given a similar 30-g ipronidazole solution im on day 1, and were given 15 g of ipronidazole dissolved in 30 ml of sterile water on days 2 and 3. Efficacy of treatment (ie, negative cultures of preputial smegma for trichomonads for 6 consecutive weeks after treatment) was 92.8% for the 42 bulls treated once and 100% for the 31 bulls treated 3 times.
Review of idiopathic feline vestibular syndrome in 75 cats
Authors: Burke Elizabeth E. , Moise N. Sydney , de Lahunta Alexander , Erb Hollis N.
Published: February 2025

Idiopathic feline vestibular syndrome, a peripheral vestibular deficit of unknown cause, was diagnosed in 75 cats at the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital from July 1975 to October 1984. Review of the medical records of these cats indicated that the syndrome was seen in more cats in July and August (P<0.001) than in other months. Clinical signs included head tilt, ataxia, rolling, rotatory or horizontal nystagmus, and occasional vomiting.
Disease patterns in the Detroit Zoo: A study of reptilian and amphibian populations from 1973 through 1983
Authors: Kaneene John B. , Taylor R. Flint , Sikarskie James G. , Meyer Teresa J. , Richter Nadine A.
Published: February 2025

A retrospective study was conducted to determine disease patterns in reptilian and amphibian populations at the Detroit Zoo from 1973 through 1983. In the reptilian population (mean ± sd = 285.2 ± 28), overall annual mortality rates were 1% to 40%. Mortality rates were highest in the fall months (20%) and lowest in the winter months (6%). The most frequently affected reptiles were iguana (Iguana iguana), reticulated python (Python reticulatus), rattlesnakes (Crotalus spp), common boa (Constrictor constrictor), and lizards (various genera of suborder Lacertilia).

Of the 1,300 reptilian deaths from 1973 through 1983, 36.6% were caused by microbial agents, 12% by parasites, 11.6% by trauma, and 9.3% by nutritional deficiencies. The main microbial organisms that caused death were Aeromonas spp, Salmonella spp, Pseudomonas spp, Proteus spp, and Edwardsiella spp. The main parasites that caused death were Entamoeba spp and lungworms.

Among amphibians, frogs and toads were the most frequently affected, and starvation and trauma were the most frequent causes of death.
Hepatic enzyme changes in bovine hepatogenous photosensitivity caused by water-damaged alfalfa hay
Authors: Putnam Marshall R. , Qualls Charles W. , Rice Lawrence E. , Dawson Lionel J. , Edwards William C.
Published: February 2025

In the winter of 1983, practitioners reported extensive photosensitization in 7 herds of cattle. All herds had a history of having been fed water-damaged alfalfa hay. A cow from one herd was referred to the veterinary teaching hospital at Oklahoma State University. In this herd of approximately 40 adult Polled Herefords, all cattle had had some degree of clinical involvement over the past 4 to 6 weeks. Clinical signs included scaling and erythema of sparsely haired skin, muzzle, and teats, as well as icterus, anorexia, and weight loss. One cow died, and the remaining cattle recovered over an 8- to 10-week period after removal of the hay from the ration. In the referred cow, values for total and conjugated bilirubin, bun, creatinine, sorbitol dehydrogenase, serum alkaline phosphatase, serum aspartate transaminase, and serum γ-glutamyl transferase were higher than normal. In the herd of origin, extremely high serum γ-glutamyl transferase values (180 to 1,400 IU/L) persisted (normal, 2 to 35 IU/L). Feeding the same alfalfa hay to 2 clinically normal cows reproduced the syndrome. The characteristic hepatic lesion was bile duct necrosis, with secondary bile duct hyperplasia.
Blood selenium concentrations and glutathione peroxidase activities in dairy herds with high and low somatic cell counts
Authors: Erskine R. J. , Eberhart R. J. , Hutchinson L. J. , Scholz R. W.
Published: February 2025

Two groups of dairy herds (16 herds/group) were studied to determine the relationship between the prevalence of mastitis in a herd and mean herd blood concentrations of vitamins A and E, β-carotene, and selenium (Se). One group had a Dairy Herd Improvement Association 12-month mean herd somatic cell count (scc) of ≤ 150,000 cells/ml. The second group had a Dairy Herd Improvement Association 12-month mean herd scc of ≥700,000 cells/ml.

Once for each herd, duplicate milk samples were collected from each quarter of the lactating cows, and blood samples were collected from 21 cows in various stages of lactation. Serum concentrations of vitamin A, β-carotene, and vitamin E and whole blood concentrations of Se and Se-dependent glutathione-peroxidase (GSH-Px) were determined.

Significant differences between the 2 groups were not found with respect to serum concentrations of vitamin A, vitamin E, or β-carotene. However, the herds with the low scc (≤150,000 cells/ml) had significantly higher mean ( ± sem) blood GSH-Px activity (35.6 ± 2.95 mU/mg of hemoglobin) than did the herds with the high SCC (20.2 ± 2.38 mU/mg of Hb). Whole blood concentrations of Se also were significantly higher in the herds with low SCC (0.133 ± 0.010 μg/ml of blood) than in the herds with high SCC (0.074 ± 0.007 μg/ml of blood). Significant negative correlations were found between the prevalence of intramammary infection with major pathogens and mean herd activity of GSH-Px (r = −0.62) and mean herd concentrations of Se (r= −0.66).
Use of pentobarbital sodium to reduce seizures in dogs after cervical myelography with metrizamide
Authors: Gray P. R. , Indrieri R. J. , Lowrie C. T.
Published: February 2025

We conducted a prospective study to examine the effect of pentobarbital administration on the development of seizures in dogs that had undergone cervical myelography with metrizamide while anesthetized with halothane. Thirty dogs scheduled for cervical myelography were assigned to 3 groups. Dogs in group 1 received no pentobarbital. Those in group 2 were administered pentobarbital (5 mg/kg, im) before induction of anesthesia, and those in group 3 received pentobarbital at the end of the procedure when the anesthetic vaporizer was turned off. Anesthesia was induced with thiamylal sodium in all dogs and was maintained with halothane. Dogs that underwent surgery immediately after the myelography were not included in the study. A significant difference was not found among the 3 groups in terms of number of dogs that had seizures, mean body weight of the dogs, duration of anesthesia after injection of metrizamide, time from extubation to first seizure, volume of metrizamide injected, or clinician performing the myelography.
Factors that influence litter size in swine: Parity 3 through 7 females
Authors: Clark L. Kirk , Leman Allen D.
Published: February 2025

The influence of 7 factors on litter size for the combined parities 3 through 7 (age at conception of the first litter, parity-1 litter size, duration of lactation in the preceding parity, weaning-to-conception interval in the preceding parity, farrowing-to-conception interval in the preceding parity, number of matings per conception, and month of conception) was investigated in 11,929 litters from 5 commercial herds. Age at conception of the first litter did not influence litter size in these parities in any herd. In the 4 herds that kept such data, duration of lactation negatively influenced the weaning-to-conception interval, and duration of lactation and weaning-to-conception interval positively influenced the litter size in the next parity. Because the effects of duration of lactation and weaning-to-conception interval could not be investigated separately, their effects on litter size were simultaneously investigated, using the farrowing-to-conception interval for these combined parities. In all herds except one, the increase in live litter size was between 0.02 and 0.09 pig for each day increase in the preceding farrowing-to-conception interval <36 days (P<0.05). Duration of lactation within this farrowing-to-conception interval similarly influenced litter size. Litter size in litters of any herd was not affected by a preceding farrowing-to-conception interval >35 days. In all herds except one, mean litter size of females with a farrowing-to-conception interval >35 days was 0.26 to 0.96 pig greater (P<0.1) than for females with a farrowing-to-conception interval <36 days. In 1 of 3 herds that kept such data, 2 matings per conception resulted in a larger mean live litter size than 1 or 3 matings P < 0.05). When these females were grouped on the basis of their conception during one of the 3-month seasonal periods, no influence of season on litter size was found. The effect of parity-1 litter size on litter size of subsequent parities 3 through 7 was significant The regression coefficient ranged from 0.11 to 0.22 P < 0.01) in the farrowing-to-conception interval <36 days in all herds. In females with a farrowing-to-conception interval >35 days, this association was significant only in one herd.

When multiple regression analysis was used, parity-1 litter size and preceding farrowing-to-conception interval had a positive effect on litter size for these parities. Age at conception of the first litter, number of matings per conception, and season of conception did not significantly affect litter size for parities 3 through 7. These associations were dependent on farrowing-to-conception interval and varied from herd to herd. There was no evidence of interaction of the variables that influence litter size for these parities. The variation in litter size, explained by a model using the main effects of all these variables, was small (the maximum R2 in any herd was <0.054), but significant (P<0.05) in each herd.
Correction of metabolic acidosis in diarrheal calves by oral administration of electrolyte solutions with or without bicarbonate
Authors: Booth Amanda J. , Naylor Jonathan M.
Published: February 2025

Acid-base balance was evaluated in calves with experimentally induced viral diarrhea. When blood pH decreased to <7.200, calves were assigned to treatment groups and fed milk replacer, electrolyte solution without bicarbonate, or electrolyte solution containing bicarbonate.

Calves in the electrolyte treatment groups had lower mortality (P<0.05), were better hydrated (P<0.05), and were less acidotic (P<0.05) than calves fed milk replacer.

Bicarbonate-containing electrolyte solution restored acid-base balance (P<0.05) and corrected depression better (P<0.05) than electrolyte solution that did not contain bicarbonate. Both electrolyte solutions were equally good at correcting dehydration.
Antibody response after a two-year intradermal booster of rabies human diploid cell vaccine
Authors: Horman Joseph T. , Rullán John V. , Myers Robert A. , Bond James O. , Israel Ebenezer , Joseph Joseph M.
Published: February 2025

A study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of a low dose of rabies human diploid cell vaccine administered intradermally for preexposure booster inoculation. Seventy-six volunteers received a 0.1-ml dose of rabies human diploid cell vaccine intradermally, approximately 2 years after their primary series. Though only 25 (32.9%) had a titer <0.5 IU/ml before the booster, all had a postbooster titer of ≥ 4.0 IU/ml 3 weeks later. Five of 73 (6.8%) reported an allergic reaction after the booster.
Nasopharyngeal cicatrices in horses: 47 cases (1972–1985)
Authors: Schumacher J. , hanselka D. V.
Published: February 2025

Nasopharyngeal cicatrices were observed endoscopically in 47 horses examined because of abnormal respiratory noises and/or exercise intolerance. A review of these cases revealed a correlation between cicatrization and age, sex, and the presence of other upper airway abnormalities. The age of affected horses ranged from 6 to 21 years, with a mean age of 12.7 ± 7.8 (± 2 sd) years. Females were affected 2.7 times more frequently than males. Abnormalities commonly observed with a nasopharyngeal cicatrix included chondritis of the arytenoid cartilage, epiglottic deformity, and deformity of the guttural pouch openings. The nasopharyngeal cicatrix was responsible for respiratory obstruction in only 3 horses. Treatment for the cicatrix was not performed on any horse in this series. Generalized nasopharyngeal and laryngeal inflammation were postulated as causes of the cicatrices and associated abnormalities.
Dog interaction with persons receiving institutional geriatric care
Authors: Neer Charles A. , Dorn C. Richard , Grayson Ira
Published: February 2025

A prospective study of 66 geriatric residents in 2 facilities was conducted to quantitate people-dog interactions. Residents were assigned randomly to sessions with dog activity and to sessions with other activity in a crossover design. This study involved a 12-week prestudy activity period and two 12-week activity periods, one before crossover and one after crossover. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures, psychologic evaluation of case histories, and other health and social variables were measured on all residents for dog activity and other combinations of programmed activity sessions. Frequence of attendance in both facilities was higher at dog activity sessions than at other activity sessions (P<0.01). Resident systolic blood pressures were lower in one facility during dog activity (P<0.02). Combined pre and postactivity systolic and diastolic blood pressures at the same facility were lower when residents had 12 weeks of dog activity before 12 weeks of other activity (P<0.04). There were no significant differences in residents' blood pressures between measurements before and after dog activity (treatment mode) or between measurements before and after other activity. Psychologic scores of residents in both facilities were not significantly different between periods of the study. Of the 9 types of interaction between the residents and the dog, grooming and touching were the 2 most commonly used by residents.