bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of formal training in communication skills on the ability of veterinary students to communicate with clients
Authors: Latham C. E. , Morris A.
Published: October 2010

All uk veterinary schools have recently introduced small group teaching of communication skills for undergraduates. This study evaluates the effectiveness of this approach in improving the ability of students to communicate with clients in clinical situations. Three groups of clinical veterinary students with either no training or different levels of formal training in communication skills were assessed on their ability to communicate with clients at a local charity clinic. The students' communication skills were assessed quantitatively by direct observation during the consultation and by subsequent questioning of the clients. The accuracy of the clients' recall of relevant information about the animal's condition, medication and management was also analysed. The student groups were then compared on the basis of the scores they obtained. There was a significant improvement in the students' communication skills with increasing levels of training (P<0·0001). The group with the highest level of training consistently achieved higher rankings and median scores than the other two. When appraised by clients, this group significantly outranked both the other groups, but there was no difference between the group with no training and the group with an intermediate level of training. The clients' recall of information given in the consultation was more variable; but the group with the highest level of training achieved higher rankings in all the areas of client recall except for the animal's medication.
Risk factors for Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 2 infection in Danish genetic specific pathogen‐free pig herds
Authors: Zhuang Q. , Barfod K. , Wachmann H. , Mortensen S. , Lavritsen D. T. , Ydesen B. , Willeberg P.
Published: October 2010

Between 1994 and 1998, 297 genetic specific pathogen‐free (spf) pig herds participated in a monthly clinical and serological monitoring programme for infection with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 2 (ap‐2). The average annual herd‐level incidence was 3·4 per cent but there was a significant decreasing trend. A risk index, summing up the exposure from ap‐2 ‐infected neighbouring pigs within a 3 km radius, was derived from a geographical information system. A survival analysis indicates that the risk of ap‐2 infection increased in proportion to the risk index, suggesting that local spread of ap‐2 from infected neighbours was a significant factor. However, herd‐specific purchase policies were not apparently associated with the risk of ap‐2 infection.
Providing high‐quality research training for veterinary pathologists in Europe
Authors: Kipar A. , Aleksandersen M. , Benazzi C. , Hodge T. , Sukura A. , Wyers M.
Published: October 2010

Despite their key role in a wide range of fields relating to animal and public health, there is currently a lack of veterinary pathologists in Europe. In 1999, to help address the problem, the European College of Veterinary Pathologists (ecvp) and the European Society of Veterinary Pathology (esvp) established a joint Education Committee. In this Special Article, Professor Anja Kipar and colleagues, all members of the committee, describe the ecvp/esvp Summer Schools in Veterinary Pathology programme, which aims to provide high‐quality research training for veterinary pathologists from all over Europe and beyond
Treatment of spontaneous pyometra in 22 bitches with a combination of cabergoline and cloprostenol
Authors: England G. C. W. , Freeman S. L. , Russo M.
Published: October 2010

Twenty‐two bitches with ultrasonographically diagnosed spontaneous pyometra were treated with a combination of 5 μg/kg cabergoline per day and 5 μg/kg cloprostenol every third day, and potentiated sulphonamide twice a day. Bitches with either open‐cervix or closed‐cervix pyometra showed a rapid clinical improvement, associated with a reduction in plasma progesterone concentration, increased vulval discharge and a reduction in the diameter of the uterus. The haematological profiles of 21 of the bitches returned to normal within six days of treatment, and their biochemical profiles returned to normal within nine days; 19 of the bitches were managed successfully by a 10‐day period of treatment. Two bitches required a further three days of treatment, and in one bitch with a partial uterine torsion the treatment was not successful. Adverse effects of the treatment were limited to the 60 minutes immediately after the administration of prostaglandin, and included retching, vomiting, mild abdominal straining, diarrhoea and panting. The incidence of adverse effects was reduced after each successive dose of prostaglandin. Eleven of the 21 successfully treated bitches were mated at the next oestrus, and seven became pregnant; their litters were smaller than the published breed averages. In four of the bitches the pyometra recurred after the next oestrus.
Use of pressure waves to confirm the correct placement of epidural needles in dogs
Authors: Iff I. , Moens Y. , Schatzmann U.
Published: October 2010

An epidural puncture was performed using the lumbosacral approach in 18 dogs, and the lack of resistance to an injection of saline was used to determine that the needle was positioned correctly. The dogs' arterial blood pressure and epidural pressure were recorded. They were randomly assigned to two groups: in one group an injection of a mixture of local anaesthetic agents was made slowly over 90 seconds and in the other it was made over 30 seconds. After 10 minutes contrast radiography was used to confirm the correct placement of the needle. The mean (sd) initial pressure in the epidural space was 0·1 (0·7) kPa. After the injection the mean maximum epidural pressure in the group injected slowly was 5·5 (2·1) kPa and in the group injected more quickly it was 6·0 (1·9) kPa. At the end of the period of measurement, the epidural pressure in the slow group was 0·8 (0·5) kPa and in the rapid group it was 0·7 (0·5) kPa. Waves synchronous with the arterial pulse wave were observed in 15 of the dogs before the epidural injection, and in all the dogs after the epidural injection.
Requirements for veterinary research and the recruitment of veterinary surgeons into research
Authors: Nolan A. , Palmarini M. ,   RCVS Research Subcommittee
Published: October 2010

Veterinary science plays a crucial role in society and it is important that veterinarians are involved. However, there are concerns about a growing gap in the quality of veterinary science compared with other biomedical sciences, and about falling recruitment of veterinarians into research. Andrea Nolan and Massimo Palmarini, on behalf of the rcvs Research Subcommittee, discuss these concerns and the steps being taken to encourage more veterinary graduates into a career in research.
Influence of prostaglandin E2 on parturition in cattle
Authors: Hirsbrunner G. , Zanolari P. , Althaus H. , Hüsler J. , Steiner A.
Published: October 2010

A double‐blinded, randomised, placebo‐controlled field study of the influence of prostaglandin E2 (pge2) on cattle at parturition was carried out. The extent of cervical opening and the intensity of labour were scored before administration of the compound and 10 minutes later; routine birth assistance was then continued by the veterinarian. Successful birth occurred more quickly in the cows treated with pge2. The extent of cervical opening before the administration of the drug had a significant effect on the time to delivery, but the intensity of labour and a concomitant infusion of calcium did not have significant effects on this period. The less open the cervix before administration of the drug, the more the duration of parturition differed between the two groups, with the placebo group taking longer. A telephone follow‐up inquiry found no significant differences between the cows postpartum; there were cases of mastitis and hypocalcaemia in both groups. The incidence of retained fetal membranes and the mortality of the calves were higher in the placebo group, but in neither case was the difference significant.
Data quality of the Cattle Tracing System in Great Britain
Authors: Green D. M. , Kao R. R.
Published: October 2010

The Cattle Tracing System (cts) of Great Britain was examined to investigate the quality of its data in terms of known errors and omissions, and their distribution. The proportions of erroneous or missing data have decreased steadily over time, with a marked improvement in the quality of the data since 2001, when recording became mandatory. There is little variation between regions in the quality of the data, but there are potentially important variations between the types of agricultural premises that cattle move to and from, and in other factors correlated with the type of premises, such as the age of the animals and the number of animal movements associated with the premises.
Measurements of the bodyweight and other physical characteristics of 11 llamas (Lama glama) from birth to weaning
Authors: Riek A. , Gerken M.
Published: October 2010

The bodyweight (bw), thoracic circumference, length and height of 11 llamas were recorded weekly from birth for 27 weeks. Their mean (sd) birth weight was 11·60 (2·35) kg and their weight increased in curvilinear fashion reaching 61·05 (13·75) kg after 27 weeks. Their average daily gains reached the highest value three weeks after birth and then decreased, reaching the lowest value of 262 g per day at 27 weeks. On a metabolic bw 0·83 basis, the growth of the llamas when their dams were at peak lactation was comparable with that of calves, fawns and lambs. All the measurements were significantly affected by the age, but not by the sex of the young or the parity of the dam. The regression models chosen to predict the bodyweight and weight gain of the llamas yielded R2 ranging from 0·97 to 0·99. Correlations between bodyweight and other single body measurements were between r=0·68 and 0·77. Single or combined body measurements were good predictors of bodyweight, but additional body measurements added little to the already good fit provided by a single measurement (R2 ranging from 0·93 to 0·98). The thoracic circumference (R2 =0·98) and length (R2 =0·96) were good predictors of the bodyweight of the llamas between birth and 27 weeks old.
Cryptorchidism in North Ronaldsay sheep
Authors: Smith K. C. , Brown P. J. , Morris J. , Parkinson T. J.
Published: October 2010

The incidence of cryptorchidism in ram lambs of the North Ronaldsay breed was recorded between 1998 and 2005. The overall incidence of cryptorchidism was 7·4 per cent (ranging from 2·4 per cent to 18·2 per cent in different years). In 87·3 per cent of the cases only one testis was retained, with the right testis being affected in 78·5 per cent of all the cryptorchids.
Characteristics of commercial pig farms in Great Britain and their use of antimicrobials
Authors: Stevens K. B. , Gilbert J. , Strachan W. D. , Robertson J. , Johnston A. M. , Pfeiffer D. U.
Published: October 2010

A mail survey of 1889 pig producers in Great Britain with more than 100 sows or more than 1000 pigs was carried out to investigate their use of antimicrobials and other health‐related management practices. The response rate was 25·5 per cent. Antimicrobials were most commonly administered in feed. Depending on the production system, between 60 and 75 per cent of the farms had used antimicrobials in their weaner rations and 20 to 62 per cent had used them in their grower rations. Antimicrobial injections had been used on 59 per cent of the farms. The use of antimicrobials in pigs of different age groups was variously associated with the scale of production, membership of a quality assurance scheme, the use of vaccination and whether the farmer thought the farm environment could be improved. Half the respondents (49 per cent) indicated that they used growth promoters in their weaners, but fewer used these in their growers (45 per cent) and finishers (34 per cent). Although 63 per cent of the farmers felt that the continued use of antimicrobials for disease prevention was justified, only 21 per cent felt that their continued use as growth promoters was justified.
Changes in the glomerular filtration rate of 27 cats with hyperthyroidism after treatment with radioactive iodine
Authors: Boag A. K. , Neiger R. , Slater L. , Stevens K. B. , Haller M. , Church D. B.
Published: October 2010

Hyperthyroidism is a common endocrinopathy of older cats and is associated with an increased glomerular filtration rate (gfr). Renal dysfunction is also common in older cats and may develop after they have been treated for hyperthyroidism. This paper describes the changes in the gfr of 27 hyperthyroid cats in the six months after their treatment with radioactive iodine (131 I), and evaluates whether any commonly measured pretreatment parameters (serum biochemistry, systolic blood pressure, urine specific gravity) could predict a clinically significant decline in renal function. The gfr of all the cats had decreased one month after treatment, and the mean gfr was significantly lower. There was no further significant change in gfr between one and six months. The only independent variable associated with the final gfr was the pretreatment plasma glucose concentration (P=0·003).
Comparison of five real‐time pcr assays for detecting virulence genes in isolates of Escherichia coli from septicaemic neonatal foals
Authors: Mapes S. , Rhodes D. M. , Wilson W. D. , Leutenegger C. M. , Pusterla N.
Published: October 2010

Fifty‐five isolates of Escherichia coli from septicaemic neonatal foals were used to validate five real‐time pcr assays targeting different known virulence factor genes: curli fibre (csgD), ferric hydroxamate uptake (fhuA), type 1A pilin (fimA), aerobactin (lutA) and yersiniabactin (fyuA). A pcr assay targeting a universal sequence of the bacterial 16S rrna gene served as quality control. The pcr assays showed good analytical specificity and sensitivity on the basis of sequencing the pcr products, their lack of cross‐reactivity with non‐E coli organisms, high amplification efficiency and a limit of detection as low as 25 E coli colony‐forming units. There were differences between the detection rates and amplification efficiencies for the five virulence genes. The pcr assays targeting genes csgD, fhuA and fyuA were able to detect all 55 E coli isolates, with gene csgD having the best amplification efficiency. The lowest detection rate and amplification efficiency of the E coli isolates was found for the lutA gene.
Microbiological differences between cull cattle slaughtered at an abattoir and cull cattle slaughtered on farms
Authors: Sarnago Coello M. J. , Small A. , Buncic S.
Published: October 2010

Tissue samples from 27 casualty adult dairy cattle slaughtered on farms and 32 ‘normal’ cull dairy cattle were analysed microbiologically for total viable counts (tvc), Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia coli o157, Salmonella enterica and Campylobacter species. Overall the counts of Enterobacteriaceae and tvc were higher in the animals slaughtered on farms, particularly in the spleen. One ‘normal’ animal yielded E coli O157, and one yielded Campylobacter jejuni, and eight of the cattle slaughtered on farms yielded C jejuni and five yielded S enterica.
Assessment of the behaviour and welfare of laying hens on free‐range units
Authors: Whay H. R. , Main D. C. J. , Green L. E. , Heaven G. , Howell H. , Morgan M. , Pearson A. , Webster A. J. F.
Published: October 2010

The aims of this study were twofold: to develop and test an animal‐based protocol for the assessment of the physical and emotional elements of the welfare of laying hens on free‐range units and to investigate the effects of different approaches to housing and management on the welfare of the birds. The protocol was tested on 25 free‐range units for laying hens, each of which was visited on four occasions by one of five trained observers; further information about husbandry, health and productivity was gathered from interviews with the farmers. Measures of the birds' attitude included arousal, noise, flight distance and response to a novel object, measures of their activity included feather pecking, aggression and use of range, and measures of their physical welfare included mortality, body condition and egg quality. Increased arousal was associated with increased flight distance, greater reluctance to approach a novel object and higher levels of feather pecking and feather loss, but the correlation between pecking and feather loss was low. The birds maintained body condition throughout the period of lay. Neither body condition, feather pecking nor feather loss was affected by the extent of beak trimming. Estimated losses (deaths and culls) ranged from 1·8 to 21·4 per cent (median 6·95 per cent). Few birds showed signs of ill health, limb lesions or red mite infestation. No feature of building design had a significant effect on mortality, but there were consistent differences in the birds' attitude, behaviour and performance attributable to the type of floor and the presence or absence of perches, which suggested that the welfare of the hens was inferior when they were housed on plastic floors with no perches.
Does reactive badger culling lead to an increase in tuberculosis in cattle?
Authors: More S. J. , Clegg T. A. , McGrath G. , Collins J. D. , Corner L. A. L. , Gormley E.
Published: October 2010

The conclusion from the randomised badger culling trial was that localised badger culling not only fails to control but can actually increase the incidence of bovine tuberculosis in cattle. Professor Simon More and colleagues from University College Dublin question that conclusion, arguing that the data do not provide sufficient evidence to rule out alternative hypotheses.
Bluetongue in the United Kingdom and northern Europe in 2007 and key issues for 2008
Authors: Gloster J. , Burgin L. , Witham C. , Athanassiadou M. , Mellor Y.S.
Published: October 2010

As predicted, bluetongue arrived in the UK in 2007. Here, John Gloster and colleagues investigate the meteorological parameters that allowed this incursion into the UK and discuss key issues related to the disease's possible re‐establishment in 2008.
Use of force sensors to detect and analyse lameness in dairy cows
Authors: Kujala M. , Pastell M. , Soveri T.
Published: October 2010

Force sensors were used to detect lameness in dairy cows in two trials. In the first trial, leg weights were recorded during approximately 12,000 milkings with balances built into the floor of the milking robot. Cows that put less weight on one leg or kicked frequently during milking were checked first with a locomotion scoring system and then with a clinical inspection. A locomotion score of more than 2 was considered lame, and these cows' hooves were examined at hoof trimming to determine the cause and to identify any hoof lesions. In the second trial 315 locomotion scores were recorded and compared with force sensor data. The force sensors proved to be a good method for recognising lameness. Computer curves drawn from force sensor data helped to find differences between leg weights, thus indicating lameness and its duration. Sole ulcers and white line disease were identified more quickly by force sensors than by locomotion scoring, but joint problems were more easily detected by locomotion scoring.
Dog‐human and dog‐dog interactions of 260 dog‐owning households in a community in Cheshire
Authors: Westgarth C. , Pinchbeck G. L. , Bradshaw J. W. S. , Dawson S. , Gaskell R. M. , Christley R. M.
Published: October 2010

This study investigated the nature and frequency of the contacts that occur between dogs, and between dogs and people, by means of a questionnaire survey of 260 dog‐owning households in a community in Cheshire,uk. The contacts were highly variable and were affected by the size, sex and age of the dog, individual dog behaviours, human behaviours and human preferences in the management of the dog. A number of situations were identified that may be important in relation to zoonoses, including sleeping areas, playing behaviours, greeting behaviours, food sources, walking, disposal of faeces, veterinary preventive treatment and general hygiene.
Fatal necrotising fasciitis and myositis in a cat associated with Streptococcus canis
Authors: Sura R. , Hinckley L. S. , Risatti G. R. , Smyth J. A.
Published: October 2010

Necrotising fasciitis and necrotising myositis are rare but serious life threatening conditions reported mainly in human beings and dogs. Most cases to date have been caused by β‐haemolytic streptococci of Lancefield groups A, B, C or G. Necrotising fasciitis has been reported only twice in cats and necrotising myositis has never been described. This paper describes a fatal case of necrotising fasciitis and myositis with pneumonia and septicaemia in a nine‐year‐old cat. The cat had been undergoing treatment for a suspected tear of the cranial cruciate ligament, but on the seventh day of treatment it suddenly deteriorated and died. On postmortem examination, there was an area of hair loss from its left hindlimb and discoloration of the underlying fascia and biceps femoris muscle. Severe necrotising fasciitis and myositis, with numerous intralesional Gram‐positive coccoid bacteria, was diagnosed histologically. Other findings included necrotising pneumonia, pleuritis, focal encephalitis, myocarditis and nephritis. Culture of the affected tissues yielded a pure, heavy growth ofStreptococcus canis.
Proline‐glutamic acid‐proline‐lysine repetition peptide as an antigen for the serological diagnosis of strangles
Authors: Hobo S. , Niwa H. , Anzai T.
Published: October 2010

The reactivity of the proline‐glutamic acid‐proline‐lysine (pepk) repetition peptide antigen in 3176 serum samples was investigated to evaluate its utility as an antigen for the serological diagnosis of strangles. The reactivity of the sera of horses infected with Streptococcus equi subspecies equi was high when the peptide had several pepk repetitions. However, as the number of pepk repetitions increased, the reactivity of the antigen with the sera of horses infected with Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus also increased. In horses infected experimentally with S equi, the reactivity of the pepk antigen with five repetitions increased one week after inoculation and continued to increase during the following four weeks. The optical density (od) values of test sera from horses infected experimentally with S equi and sera from horses that had recovered from strangles were high. The od values of sera from horses that had recovered from an experimental infection with S zooepidemicus and of sera from healthy horses were comparatively low.
Subclinical hypocalcaemia in captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus)
Authors: van der Kolk J. H. , van Leeuwen J. P. T. M. , van den Belt A. J. M. , van Schaik R. H. N. , Schaftenaar W.
Published: October 2010

The hypothesis that hypocalcaemia may play a role in dystocia in captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) was investigated. The objectives of the study were to measure the total calcium concentration in elephant plasma; assess the changes in parameters of calcium metabolism during a feeding trial; investigate a possible relationship between calcium metabolism and dystocia; and assess bone mineralisation in captive Asian elephants in vivo. The following parameters were measured: total and ionised calcium, inorganic phosphorous and magnesium, the fractional excretions of these minerals, intact parathyroid hormone, 25‐OH‐D3 and 1,25‐OH‐D3. Radiographs were taken from tail vertebrae for assessment of bone mineralisation. The mean (sd) heparinised plasma total calcium concentration was 2·7 (0·33) mmol/l (n=43) ranging from 0·84 to 3·08 mmol/l in 11 Asian elephants. There was no significant correlation between plasma total calcium concentration and age. Following feeding of a calcium rich ration to four captive Asian elephant cows, plasma total and ionised calcium peaked at 3·6 (0·24) mmol/l (range 3·4 to 3·9 mmol/l) and 1·25 (0·07) mmol/l (range 1·17 to 1·32 mmol/l), respectively. Plasma ionised calcium concentrations around parturition in four Asian elephant cows ranged from 0·37 to 1·1 mmol/l only. The present study indicates that captive Asian elephants might be hypocalcaemic, and that, in captive Asian elephants, the normal plasma concentration of total calcium should actually be around 3·6 mmol/l and normal plasma concentration of ionised calcium around 1·25 mmol/l. Given the fact that elephants absorb dietary calcium mainly from the intestine, it could be concluded that elephants should be fed calcium‐rich diets at all times, and particularly around parturition. In addition, normal values for ionised calcium in captive Asian elephants should be reassessed.
Treatment of medial condylar fractures of the third metatarsus in three horses with fibreglass casts under standing neuroleptanalgesia
Authors: Lloyd D. , Johanson C. , Phillips T. J.
Published: October 2010

Minimally displaced condylar fractures propagating into the third metatarsal diaphysis were treated conservatively in one thoroughbred and two Arabian racehorses. In each case a neuroleptanalgesic protocol provided adequate pain relief for a rigid fibreglass cast to be applied in a weight‐bearing position. The fractures healed completely and the three horses recovered uneventfully. Two of them returned successfully to racing and the third was used for breeding.
pcrspecific forActinobacillus pleuropneumoniaeserotype 3
Authors: Zhou L. , Jones S. C. P. , Angen Ø. , Bossé J. T. , Nash J. H. E. , Frey J. , Zhou R. , Chen H. C. , Kroll J. S. , Rycroft A. N. , Langford P. R.
Published: October 2010

Serotypes 3 and 8 ofActinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, the aetiological agent of porcine pleuropneumonia, have been reported to predominate in theuk. Direct serotyping of isolates of the organism is typically determined by the immunological reactivity of rabbit serum to its surface polysaccharides, but the method has limitations, for example, cross‐reactions between serotypes 3, 6 and 8. This study describes the development of a serotype 3‐specificpcr, based on the capsule locus, which can be used in a multiplex format with the organism's specific geneapxIV. Thepcrtest was evaluated on 266 strains ofA pleuropneumoniaeand 121 strains of other organisms, including all the major respiratory bacterial pathogens of pigs. The test was highly specific and sensitive and should be useful for differentiating strains of serotypes 3, 6 and 8, and in seroprevalence and epidemiological surveys in regions where serotype 3 is prevalent, such as theuk.
Evaluation of cortisol precursors for the diagnosis of pituitary‐dependent hypercortisolism in dogs
Authors: Sieber‐Ruckstuhl N. S. , Boretti F. S. , Wenger M. , Maser‐Gluth C. , Reusch C. E.
Published: October 2010

The serum concentrations of cortisol, 17α‐hydroxypregnenolone, 17α‐hydroxyprogesterone, 21‐deoxycortisol and 11‐deoxycortisol were measured in 19 healthy dogs, 15 dogs with pituitary‐dependent hypercortisolism (pdh) and eight dogs with other diseases before and one hour after an injection of synthetic adrenocorticotrophic hormone (acth). At both times the dogs withpdhhad significantly higher concentrations of cortisol, 17α‐hydroxypregnenolone, 17α‐hydroxyprogesterone and 21‐deoxycortisol than the healthy dogs. Basal 11‐deoxycortisol concentrations were also significantly higher in dogs withpdhcompared with healthy dogs. When compared with the dogs with other diseases, the dogs withpdhhad significantly higher basal and post‐acthcortisol and basal 21‐deoxycortisol, and significantly lower post‐acth11‐deoxycortisol concentrations. The dogs with other diseases had significantly higher post‐acthcortisol, 17α‐hydroxyprogesterone and 11‐deoxycortisol concentrations than the healthy dogs. In general, the post‐acthconcentrations of 17α‐hydroxypregnenolone, 17α‐hydroxyprogesterone, 11‐deoxycortisol and 21‐deoxycortisol were more variable than the post‐acthconcentrations of cortisol, resulting in large overlaps of the concentrations of these hormones between the three groups. A two‐graph receiver operating characteristic (roc) analysis was used to maximise the sensitivity and specificity of each hormone for diagnosing hypercortisolism; it showed that the post‐acthconcentration of cortisol had the highest sensitivity and specificity. The overlaps between the healthy dogs, the dogs withpdhand the dogs with other diseases suggested that the individual precursor hormones would not be useful as a screening test for hypercortisolism.
International disease monitoring, January to March 2008
Authors: Sabirovic M. , Raw L. , Hall S. , Elliott H. , Coulson N.
Published: October 2010

Situation in the Caucasus region remains uncertain with regard to African swine fever

Bluetongue virus serotype 8 spreads further into new regions in Europe; bluetongue virus serotype 1 spreads northwards in Europe

Classical swine fever reported in wild boar in Hungary and Croatia and domestic pigs in Russia and El Salvador

Various foot‐and‐mouth disease serotypes continue to circulate in Africa, the Middle East and Asia

Highly pathogenic avian influenza: sporadic reports in both wild birds and domestic poultry over wider geographic areas in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Europe

Low pathogenic avian influenza: sporadic outbreaks reported in some countries in southern Europe and in the Caribbean

Sporadic outbreaks of Newcastle disease reported in eastern Europe

Sporadic cases of Rift Valley fever continue to be reported from endemic regions

— These are among matters discussed in the international disease monitoring report for January to March 2008, prepared by defra 's Food and Farming Group, International Animal Health
Novel oblique radiographic projection of the temporomandibular articulation of horses
Authors: Ramzan P. H. L. , Marr C. M. , Meehan J. , Thompson A.
Published: October 2010

A novel radiographic projection is described for assessing part of the temporomandibular articulation of horses. It minimises the superimposition of osseous structures of the cranium that limit the usefulness of conventional projections and permits improved imaging in cases of suspected disease.
High serum concentrations of iron, transferrin saturation and gamma glutamyl transferase in captive black rhinoceroses (Diceros bicornis)
Authors: Molenaar F. M. , Sainsbury A. W. , Waters M. , Amin R.
Published: October 2010

Iron storage disease (haemochromatosis) is thought to be the cause of many disorders unique to captive black rhinoceroses (Diceros bicornis). To establish reliable reference ranges for iron parameters, serum samples from 27 eastern black rhinoceroses (Diceros bicornis michaeli) from a translocation programme in Kenya were analysed and compared with the samples from 17 captive individuals. The transferrin saturation, serum iron concentration and gamma glutamyl transferase were significantly higher in the captive rhinoceroses, but these elevations were not evident when the results were compared with previously published data.
Milk yield and survival of Holstein‐Friesian dairy cattle after laparoscopic correction of left‐displaced abomasum
Authors: Jorritsma R. , Westerlaan B. , Bierma M. P. R. , Frankena K.
Published: October 2010

The milk yield and survival of 91 Holstein‐Friesian dairy cows that had had a left‐displaced abomasum (lda) corrected laparoscopically were compared with those of 193 control cows matched for herd, parity and calving date. Ninety per cent of theldatreatments were performed within four weeks after calving. The risk of being culled during the whole observational period of at least three years was 1·5 times greater for theldacows than for their matched herdmates (P<0·01). The risk of being culled in the current lactation was 1·8 times greater for theldacows (P=0·01), but risk of being culled after the next calving following theldacorrection was similar for both groups. For the lactation in which theldawas corrected, there was no difference in the 305‐day milk production of 80 of theldacows and 182 of the matched cows; however, the mean interval from calving to first service during the same lactation was longer for theldacows (115 v 98 days) and the mean calving interval was also longer (451 v 418 days).
Clinical, clinicopathological and histological changes observed in 14 cats treated with glucocorticoids
Authors: Lowe A. D. , Campbell K. L. , Barger A. , Schaeffer D. J. , Borst L.
Published: October 2010

Fourteen cats were given immunosuppressive doses of either prednisolone (4·4 mg/kg/day) or dexamethasone (0·55 mg/kg/day) for 56 days. Complete blood counts, serum biochemistry profiles and urinalyses were performed on days 0 and 56, and liver biopsies were taken laparoscopically on day 56, because of evidence of hepatic disease on the serum biochemistry profiles. There were significant increases in the cats' mean white blood cell counts, neutrophil counts and monocyte counts, and significant decreases in their mean lymphocyte counts and eosinophil counts. There were consistent increases in the serum concentrations of albumin, glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol. Glycogen deposition, consistent with a steroid hepatopathy, was present to varying degrees in all the liver biopsies. One of the cats developed adverse clinical signs including anorexia, icterus, pruritus and medial curling of the pinnae, some of which were suspected to be related to the glucocorticoid therapy.
Molecular diagnosis of Salmonella species in captive psittacine birds
Authors: Allgayer M. C. , Lima‐Rosa C. A. V. , Weimer T. A. , Rodenbusch C. R. , Pereira R. A. , Streck A. F. , Oliveira S. D. , Canal C. W.
Published: October 2010

Cloacal swabs were collected from 280 captive psittacine birds belonging to 13 species. Samples of dna were tested by pcr using a pair of primers that amplify a 284 base pair fragment of the Salmonella genus inv A gene, and the pcr ‐positive samples were tested by standard microbiological techniques. Thirteen per cent of the samples were positive by pcr, but negative by microbiological techniques. The infection rates were significantly different among the 13 species, the most commonly infected being Amazona amazonica (28 per cent) and Amazona pretrei (20 per cent). Specific tests for Salmonella Typhimurium Salmonella Enteritidis, Salmonella Pullorum and Salmonella Gallinarum did not produce positive results.
Is our divided profession a profession in decline?
Authors: Halliwell R. E. W.
Published: October 2010

Richard Halliwell is concerned by criticisms of the veterinary profession in the recent select committee report on a new Veterinary Surgeons Act. He fears that a lack of leadership and division within the veterinary profession may have contributed to loss of influence, and makes some suggestions for putting that right.
Outbreak of cryptosporidiosis among veterinary students
Authors: Gait R. , Soutar R. H. , Hanson M. , Fraser C. , Chalmers R.
Published: October 2010

In January 2007, six veterinary students became infected withCryptosporidiumspecies, and records indicated that another student had been diagnosed in November 2006. It was established that the seven students had worked with cattle from the same farm. Microbiological tests indicated that they were infected withCryptosporidium parvum. Subtyping by sequence analysis indicated a common source of infection for five of the students, but there was insufficient material to type the other two samples. Investigations indicated that the outbreak was caused by a lapse in hygiene, particularly handwashing, on a farm with enzooticC parvumin calves.
Effects of allopurinol on plasma uric acid levels in normouricaemic and hyperuricaemic green iguanas (Iguana iguana)
Authors: Hernandez‐Divers S. J. , Martinez‐Jimenez D. , Bush S. , Latimer K. S. , Zwart P. , Veldhuis Kroeze E. J. B.
Published: October 2010

A two‐phase cross‐over therapeutic study was performed with 19 green iguanas (Iguana iguana) maintained within a preferred optimum temperature range of 26 to 37°C. During phase 1, they were fed a normal vegetarian diet and medicated orally with either allopurinol or a placebo control once a day for seven days. Uric acid concentrations, total protein, packed‐cell volumes (pcv) and bodyweights were recorded from each lizard before and after treatment to determine the effects of allopurinol. In phase 2, after a 10‐day washout period, the iguanas were fed a high protein diet to induce hyperuricaemia. Normo‐ and hyperuricaemic iguanas that received 24·2 (3·2) mg/kg allopurinol had significantly lower mean (sd) uric acid concentrations (100·3 [53·1] μmol/l) than the controls (159μ3 [100·3] μmol/l). There were no detectable interactions between the doses of allopurinol or placebo, and the iguanas' diet, weight,pcvor total protein. The allopurinol was well tolerated, and there was no significant clinical, gross or histological evidence of hepatic or renal toxicity in the iguanas that received the drug. However, in the kidneys of the hyperuricaemic iguanas that did not receive allopurinol there were proliferative changes in the glomeruli and degeneration of tubular epithelia. Allopurinol given orally at 25 mg/kg daily is able to reduce plasma uric acid levels by 41 to 45 per cent, and is therefore recommended for the treatment of hyperuricaemia in the green iguana.
Clinical aspects of systemic granulomatous inflammatory syndrome in ferrets (Mustela putorius furo)
Authors: Perpiñán D. , López C.
Published: October 2010

Nine ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) were diagnosed with systemic granulomatous inflammatory syndrome between 2005 and 2006. Common signs included diarrhoea, lethargy, weight loss, and weakness in the hindlimbs. Pathological findings consisted of mesenteric lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, hypergammaglobulinaemia and non‐regenerative anaemia. The condition was progressive and fatal in all the cases.
Retrospective study of the clinical features of limb cellulitis in 63 horses
Authors: Fjordbakk C. T. , Arroyo L. G. , Hewson J.
Published: October 2010

A retrospective study of 63 horses diagnosed with limb cellulitis between 1994 and 2005 was conducted. They all had an acute onset of painful, generalised limb swelling, and a clinical diagnosis of limb cellulitis was made by the attending clinician. None of the horses had more than one limb affected. Hindlimbs were significantly more often affected than the forelimbs (P<0·05). Thoroughbreds were significantly over‐represented compared with the general distribution of breeds examined at the hospital. Blunt limb trauma, limb surgery and limb injections were associated with the cellulitis in most of the horses, but no plausible cause could be determined in 27 (43 per cent) of the cases.Staphylococcus aureusandStreptococcusspecies were frequently isolated, although mixed bacterial infections were also common. All the horses were treated with broad spectrum antimicrobials and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory agents, and ultrasound‐guided surgical drainage was also applied in 14 cases. Fifty‐six of the 63 horses (89 per cent) were discharged from the hospital. Laminitis affecting the contralateral limb was the most common reason for the euthanasia of the other seven horses.
International disease monitoring, October to December 2007
Authors: Sabirovic M. , Raw L. , Hall S. , Elliott H. , Coulson N.
Published: October 2010

New serotype of African horse sickness causes outbreaks in Senegal

African swine fever spreading in the Caucasus region, and its first introduction into Mauritius

Bluetongue virus serotype 8 spreads further south, east and west in Europe

Bluetongue virus serotype 1 spreading northwards in Europe

Rabies — introduced cases in western Europe

— These are among matters discussed in the international disease monitoring report for October to December 2007, prepared by defra 's Food and Farming Group, International Trade Core Function
Detection of spinal cord compression in dogs with cervical intervertebral disc disease by magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Ryan T. M. , Platt S. R. , Llabres‐Diaz F. J. , McConnell J. F. , Adams V. J.
Published: October 2010

The medical records and magnetic resonance images of 33 dogs with surgically confirmed Hansen type I cervical intervertebral disc disease were reviewed. Fourteen of the dogs were chondrodystrophic and 19 were not chondrodystrophic. The most common clinical sign was neck pain, which affected 28 of the dogs, and 23 of the dogs were able to walk. Fifteen of the dogs had developed clinical signs acutely, within the previous 24 hours. On cross‐sectional images the median area of spinal cord compression was 26 per cent (range 11 to 71 per cent) of the normal spinal cord area. The degree of spinal cord compression was significantly associated with the dogs' presurgical neurological status but not with their postsurgical neurological status. The dogs with an acute onset of clinical signs had more severe neurological dysfunction before surgery, but their condition improved more as a result of surgery.
Effects of sedation with acepromazine on echocardiographic measurements in eight healthy thoroughbred horses
Authors: Menzies‐Gow N. J.
Published: October 2010

Eight normal thoroughbred horses were examined by echocardiography before and 10 minutes after they had been sedated by the intravenous administration of 0·03 mg/kg acepromazine. There were significant (P<0·025) increases in the diameters of the pulmonary artery and the aorta, measured at end‐systole, and in the thickness of the interventricular septum, measured at end‐systole and end‐diastole. In addition, there was a significant (P<0·001) decrease in the diameter of the left atrium measured at end‐diastole. The remaining cardiac dimensions, all the indices of cardiac function, and the occurrence and severity of valvular regurgitation were not affected by sedation.
Contact dermatitis in dairy cattle caused by calcium cyanamide
Authors: Onda K. , Yagisawa T. , Matsui T. , Tanaka H. , Yako J. , Une Y. , Wada Y.
Published: October 2010

Nine of 250 cows on a dairy farm initially developed severe dermatitis on parts of their bodies that touched the floor, and it then spread over their entire body. The cause was suspected to be calcium cyanamide, which had been added to the material spread on the floor to prevent environmental mastitis. Experimental exposure of the skin of a cow to calcium cyanamide induced the same type of contact dermatitis, and histopathological investigations showed that it caused irritant and allergic reactions. To identify the cause of the dermatitis, a patch test with calcium cyanamide and its breakdown products, cyanamide, urea and ammonium bicarbonate, was carried out on four cows. Three of them had a positive reaction to calcium cyanamide and cyanamide; delayed and amplified reactions suggesting an allergic response were observed.
Lack of transmission of porcine circovirus type 2 to weanling pigs by feeding them spray‐dried porcine plasma
Authors: Pujols J. , López‐Soria S. , Segalés J. , Fort M. , Sibila M. , Rosell R. , Solanes D. , Russell L. , Campbell J. , Crenshaw J. , Weaver E. , Polo J.
Published: October 2010

An experiment was conducted to determine whether spray‐dried porcine plasma containing 2·47 × 105dnacopies of porcine circovirus type 2 (pcv‐2) could infect weanling pigs when fed to them. Five specific pathogen‐free (spf) weanling pigs were fed ad libitum for 45 days a control diet and six pigs were fed a test diet containing 8 kgsdppper 100 kg feed. The two groups were housed in separate biosecurity level‐3 rooms. None of the pigs in either group developed any clinical signs or becamepcv‐2viraemic or seroconverted.
Historical and current perspectives on the treatment, control and pathogenesis of milk fever in dairy cattle
Authors: Murray R. D. , Horsfield J. E. , McCormick W. D. , Williams H. J. , Ward D.
Published: October 2010

Milk fever has been recognised in cattle for about 215 years and its clinical signs have not changed since they were described by Victorian veterinary surgeons in the mid‐nineteenth century. It was only 80 years ago that abnormal parathyroid gland function was associated with the pathogenesis of the hypocalcaemia characteristic of the disease, and the current basis for its treatment with intravenous calcium salts was established. Although this treatment is effective, most recent research has focused on preventing the disease through an understanding of the endocrine control of extracellular calcium homeostasis. In the 1970s the synthetic vitamin D analogue 1α‐hydroxycholecalciferol was developed for intramuscular injection before a cow calved, but variable results encouraged other preventive strategies to be considered, including restricting the dietary intake of calcium, and manipulating the dietary cation‐anion balance of cows before they calved. Currently, the role of extracellular calcium receptors in the parathyroid gland is under investigation as a preliminary step to devising more effective treatments and/or preventive methods for milk fever.
Use of domestic detergents in the California mastitis test for high somatic cell counts in milk
Authors: Leach K. A. , Green M. J. , Breen J. E. , Huxley J. N. , Macaulay R. , Newton H. T. , Bradley A. J.
Published: October 2010

The California mastitis test (cmt) is used on farms to identify subclinical mastitis by an indirect estimation of the somatic cell count (scc) in milk. Four commercially available detergents were compared with a bespoke cmt fluid for their ability to detect milk samples with a scc above 200,000 cells/ml; differences between the interpretation of the results of the tests by eight operators were also investigated. The sensitivity and specificity of the test were affected by the type of detergent, and by the operators' interpretations. When used by the most sensitive operator, suitably diluted Fairy Liquid performed almost identically to cmt fluid in identifying milk samples with more than 200,000 cells/ml. The average sensitivities achieved by the eight operators for detecting this threshold were 82 per cent for Fairy Liquid and 84 per cent for cmt fluid, and the specificities were 93 and 91 per cent respectively. The other detergents contained less anionic surfactants and were less sensitive but similarly specific.
Survey of the prevalence of Salmonella on commercial broiler farms in the United Kingdom, 2005/06
Authors: Snow L.C. , Davies R.H. , Christiansen K. H. , Carrique‐Mas J. J. , Cook A. J. C. , Teale C. J. , Evans S. J.
Published: October 2010

Between October 2005 and September 2006, all European Union member states were required to carry out standardised surveys of the prevalence of Salmonella in broiler flock holdings to establish baseline data from which to derive national targets for disease reduction. In the uk 382 holdings were sampled, 41 of which were positive for Salmonella, giving an estimated weighted prevalence of 10·7 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval [ci] 8·1 to 13·1 per cent). The serotype most frequently isolated was Salmonella Ohio, with a weighted prevalence of 2·2 per cent (95 per cent ci 1·2 to 3·7 per cent), followed by Salmonella Kedougou at 1·7 per cent (95 per cent ci 0·9 to 3·2 per cent). There were no isolates of Salmonella Enteritidis and only a single isolation of Salmonella Typhimurium (0·2 per cent, 95 per cent ci 0·0 to 1·6 per cent). Of the three other serotypes given top priority by the eu owing to their public health significance, Salmonella Virchow was isolated from one holding, but Salmonella Hadar and Salmonella Infantis were not detected on any of the holdings.