bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of probability techniques to the objective interpretation of veterinary clinical biochemistry data
Authors: Knox K. M. G. , Reid S. W. J. , Love S. , Murray M. , Gettinby G.
Published: October 2010

Methods for the interpretation of veterinary clinical biochemistry have not developed as rapidly as biochemical technology. However, the results of clinical biochemistry tests are only of value when they are interpreted appropriately. A retrospective study was undertaken to investigate the equine biochemistry data which had been stored in a veterinary hospital database. By applying percentile analysis and Bayesian probability methods to the clinical biochemistry and corresponding diagnosis data, a novel method for the interpretation of clinical biochemistry data has been developed. The method allows clinicians to determine whether a biochemistry value is abnormal, its degree of abnormality, and the most likely associated diagnoses. The method could be used to investigate a practicebased population and may have significant implications for the interpretation of clinical biochemistry data in veterinary medicine in the future.
Surgical treatment of intrahepatic portosystemic shunts in 45 dogs
Authors: White R. N. , Burton C. A. , McEvoy F. J.
Published: October 2010

The surgical attenuation of an intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in 45 dogs is described. Twenty‐nine (64 per cent) had left divisional shunts consistent with a patent ductus venosus (PDv), 15 (33 per cent) had central divisional shunts and one had a right divisional shunt. In the dogs with a PDV, the shunt vessel could be most easily manipulated at a posthepatic site, whereas in those with central and right divisional shunts the manipulation could be more easily made intrahepatically but sometimes involved demanding intravascular surgical techniques. Eight dogs (18 per cent) died during the surgery or shortly afterwards. Of the 37 dogs surviving longer term, 28 (76 per cent) became clinically normal and required no medication or diet control. In a further three animals the shunt was ligated completely only during a second surgical procedure. The remaining six dogs were euthanased because of clinical signs of encephalopathy which were either surgically or medically uncontrollable.
Pharmaceutical quality of anthelmintics sold in Kenya
Authors: Monteiro A. M. , Wanyangu S. W. , Kariuki D. P. , Bain R. , Jackson F. , McKellar Q. A.
Published: October 2010

Nine anthelmintic products purchased in pharmacies and from agricultural merchants in Kenya were tested for pharmaceutical quality. The concentration of active drug was compared with the claim on the label, and the variability of several products was tested between batches and between bottles within the same batch. All the products purchased claimed to contain levamisole but its mean (sd) concentration varied from 0 to 118.0 (13.3) per cent of that claimed. The concentration of levamisole in different batches of the same product ranged from 0 to 85.4 per cent of that claimed. One product consisting in part of mebendazole was found to contain 73.2 (9.4) per cent of the claimed concentration of this active component and two products consisting in part of oxyclozanide were found to contain 106.0 (14.4) and 120.6 (6.1) per cent of the expected concentration of oxyclozanide.
Detection of peste des petits ruminants virus antigen in conjunctival smears of goats by indirect immunofluorescence
Authors: Sumption K. J. , Aradom G. , Libeau G. , Wilsmore A. J.
Published: October 2010

Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRv) antigen was detected in conjunctival epithelial cells obtained from goats in the early or late stage of the disease by the use of a specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) to PPRV in an immunofluorescent antibody test (EFAT). The affected goats were sampled during an outbreak of peste des petits ruminants in Eritrea. Syncytia were also observed in some smears, consistent with a morbillivirus infection, but the IFAT was more sensitive than staining for syncytia in the detection of viral antigen, the two tests giving 63 per cent and 40 per cent of animals, respectively, with positive tests. Positive immunofluorescence was observed in samples from goats in the early and late stages of the disease, but was not observed with a specific rinderpest mAb or with conjunctival smears from uninfected animals. It is concluded that preparation of conjunctival smears for staining for syncytia is a simple procedure which can be applied in the field, and by use of a specific mAb PPRV infection can be rapidly confirmed and differentiated from rinderpest.
Ultrasonographic appearance of normal superficial cervical and subiliac lymph nodes in cattle
Authors: Kofler J. , Schilcher F. , Buchner A.
Published: October 2010

The superficial cervical and the subiliac lymph nodes of 18 healthy, non‐pregnant Simmental cows with a mean (sd) age of 5.6 (1.6) years were examined ultrasonographically in transverse and longitudinal planes with a real‐time B.mode unit equipped with a 7.5 MHz linear‐transducer. The position, demarcation and echogenicity of the lymph nodes were examined, and the craniocaudal and lateromedial diameters of each lymph node were measured three times within a period of six weeks. The pole to pole length of the lymph nodes was determined with a tape measure on the surface of the skin because the whole length could not be imaged in a single scan field. The gross anatomical and histological results showed that the lymph nodes were normal. Ultrasonographically, they were well demarcated from the adjoining muscular and subcutaneous tissue. Their internal structure was characterised by an anechoic to hypoechoic cortical zone corresponding to the lymphoid tissue, and an echogenic medullary zone, where the lymphatic sinuses converge towards the hilus and produce numerous acoustic interfaces. In all the lymph nodes, the hilar area had an echoic to hyperechoic appearance. The mean (sd) pole to pole length of the superficial cervical lymph nodes was 15.5 (3.2) cm and of the subiliac lymph nodes 13.5 (2.4) cm. The mean craniocaudal and lateromedial diameters of the superficial cervical lymph nodes were 2.8 (0.3) cm and 1.6 (0.3) cm, and those of the subiliac lymph nodes were 2.4 (0.4) cm and 1.1 (0.3) cm. The ultrasonographic morphology of these normal lymph nodes was consistent and provides basic reference data for the investigation of lymphadenopathies in cattle.
Acute phase toxoplasma abortions in sheep
Authors: Owen M. R. , Clarkson M. J. , Trees A. J.
Published: October 2010

Within 13 days of the experimental infection of 15 oestrussynchronised ewes with 2000 sporulated oocysts ofToxoplasma gondiiat 80 to 90 days of gestation 11 had aborted. The infection induced pyrexia and specific antibody in all the ewes. One ewe resorbed its fetus, 11 ewes aborted and three delivered, at full term, live congenitally infected lambs whose pre‐colostral serum was antibody‐positive. Tissues from the aborted fetuses and placentae from the live lambs were examined for toxoplasma infection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the B1 gene and by mouse inoculation. The live lambs were all shown to be infected by both methods, but there was no evidence of infection in any of the tissues from the acute phase abortions, suggesting that these fatalities occurred before the placenta or the fetus had been invaded byT gondii. Such toxoplasma‐induced, acutephase abortions are likely to be impossible to diagnose from fetal tissues. These results have implications not only for the diagnosis of naturally occurring ovine abortions but also for the understanding of the pathogenesis of toxoplasma‐induced abortion.
Effects of stocking density on lambs being transported by road
Authors: Knowles T. G. , Warriss P. D. , Brown S. N. , Edwards J. E.
Published: October 2010

Lambs were transported for 24 hours during summer and winter at a range of stocking densities. Shorn lambs of mean liveweight 39.5 kg were transported at densities of 0.448, 0.513, 0.602 and 0.769 m2 /100 kg in July and fully‐fleeced lambs of 37.3 kg mean liveweight were transported at densities of 0.613, 0.680, 0.775 and 0.909 m2 /100 kg in February. Fewer lambs lay down and rested at high stocking densities and there was a marked increase in the plasma levels of creatine kinase at the highest stocking density in winter. All other measured effects of stocking density were small when compared with the overall effects of transport. There was a decrease in body temperature during transport, especially in the lambs that were recently shorn, even though they were transported during warm summer conditions. At the highest stocking density there was a smaller decrease in body temperature.
Detection of Brucella species in organs of naturally infected cattle by polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Gallien P. , Dorn C. , Alban G. , Staak C. , Protz D.
Published: October 2010

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was used to detect Brucella species in the uterus, udder, spleen, lymph nodes, kidney and liver of three cows which had been naturally infected in an outbreak of brucellosis, and the results were compared with the results of bacteriological investigations. All 18 samples reacted positively in the PCR, but five samples had weak bands after the electrophoretic separation of PCR mixtures. No Brucella strains could be detected in these five samples by bacterial cultivation, but all the other samples gave positive results. A pre‐enrichment procedure was necessary for the PCR. A PCR with DNA from eight Yersinia strains gave no amplification product.
Spinal arachnoid cysts in two shih tzu littermates
Authors: Ness M. G.
Published: October 2010

Progressive ataxia and quadriparesis in two shih tzu littermates was found to be caused by almost identical, cranial cervical, spinal arachnoid cysts. The cysts were treated surgically by dural marsupialisation via a dorsal laminectomy. One pup recovered uneventfully and remains clinically normal more than a year after surgery. The second pup made a slow and incomplete recovery before the signs worsened, necessitating euthanasia. Postmortem examination showed no evidence of the re‐formation of the cyst.
Attempted elimination of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus from a seedstock farm by vaccination of the breeding herd and nursery depopulation
Authors: Dee S. A. , Joo H. S. , Park B. K. , Molitor T. W. , Bruna G.
Published: October 2010

An attempt was made to eliminate the virus of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome from a seedstock farm by using the combined strategies of vaccination and nursery depopulation. The breeding herd was vaccinated with a modified‐ live virus vaccine; all breeding and lactating adult animals were vaccinated twice, with a 30‐day interval between vaccinations. All the sows were vaccinated in this way except for those in the third trimester of gestation (66 to 114 days) which were vaccinated on day 7 of lactation and 30 days later. A serological profiling system was developed to assess when the piglets became infected. Pigs from vaccinated sows were profiled at weekly intervals after weaning, using immunofluorescence tests for the detection of IgM and IgG, a serum neutralising antibody test, and virus isolation. After completion of the protocol, the nursery and finishing sites were monitored for 15 months. Evidence of reinfection in the finishing stage was detected 16 months after depopulation, but not in the nursery or the breeding herd. The source of the virus was not determined, but suspected origins included a lack of biosecurity, aerosol transmission from another infected farm or a persistently infected pig.
Effect of ovariohysterectomy in bitches with mammary neoplasms
Authors: Morris J. S. , Dobson J. M. , Bostock D. E. , O'Farrell E.
Published: October 2010

Ninety bitches with mammary tumours were studied for two years after the surgical removal of the primary tumour(s). Twenty‐nine of the bitches had been spayed before the development of the mammary tumour, 22 were spayed when the tumours were removed and 39 were left entire. Fifty‐eight of the bitches (64 per cent) had benign tumours and, of these, 15 (26 per cent) developed a new mammary tumour within two years, irrespective of whether the bitch was spayed. The other 32 bitches had malignant tumours which were grouped into ‘invasive’ and ‘well defined’ carcinomas. Sixty‐three per cent of the spayed bitches and 57 per cent of the entire bitches, with invasive carcinoma were dead within two years of surgery as a result of their mammary tumours. For those with well defined carcinomas the tumour‐related death rates were 18 per cent and 33 per cent respectively for the spayed and entire bitches. These findings suggest that ovariohysterectomy when mammary tumours are removed does not have a significant effect on the progression of malignant disease, and that about one in four bitches with a benign mammary tumour is likely to develop a further tumour in another gland.
Canine distemper antibodies in lions of the Masai Mara
Authors: Kock R. , Chalmers W. S. K. , Mwanzia J. , Chillingworth C. , Wambua J. , Coleman P. G. , Baxendale W.
Published: October 2010

Canine distemper virus (CDV) has been implicated in some recent deaths of lions, which showed clinical signs of distemper, in the the Serengeti plain. Similar clinical findings have since been reported in lions of the Masai Mara. Fifty‐five per cent of serum samples obtained from wild lions of the Masai Mara have been found to contain neutralising antibody to CDV, indicating that they had been exposed to the virus. Adult orphan lions kept in captivity, were vaccinated with the live attenuated Onderstepoort strain of CDV. The results indicated that the vaccine is both safe and immunogenic, and may be potentially useful for the prophylactic vaccination of lions at high risk.
Evaluation of the canine tympanic membrane by positive contrast ear canalography
Authors: Trower N. D. , Gregory S. P. , Renfrew H. , Lamb C. R.
Published: October 2010

Positive contrast ear canalography was described briefly in 1973 as a method for detecting rupture of the tympanic membrane in dogs with otitis media. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity and usefulness of the technique. The ears of 10 normal canine cadavers and 31 dogs with clinical signs of ear disease were examined using otoscopy, radiography and contrast radiography after infusing 2 to 5 ml of positive contrast medium into the ear canals. These examinations were repeated in the cadavers after the tympanic membrane had been punctured with a Spreull needle. In the cadavers 14 of 19 (74 per cent) of the tympanic membranes were visible otoscopically; contrast medium did not enter the tympanic bulia of any of the ears before the tympanic membrane was ruptured, but was visible in the bulia in every ear after rupture. In the clinical study, 40 of 61 (66 per cent) of the tympanic membranes were visible otoscopicaily, and 12 appeared to be ruptured. Radiographic signs of otitis media (increased opacity and/or thickening of the tympanic bulla) were identified in seven ears. Canalography was positive for rupture of the tympanic membrane in 13 ears, including four in which it appeared to be intact otoscopically. In normal canine ears, canalography was a more accurate method for detecting iatrogenic tympanic membrane rupture than otoscopy. In dogs with ear disease, canalography may be more sensitive for otitis media than either otoscopy or survey radiography.
Caprine arthritis‐encephalitis in an indigenous Spanish breed of dairy goat
Authors: Contreras A. , Corrales J. C. , Sánchez A. , Adúriz J. J. , González L. , Marco J.
Published: October 2010

The presence of caprine arthritis and encephalitis (CAE) in Spain has never been officially acknowledged but it is suspected. Goats have been imported from other European countries with a high prevalence of the disease, mainly France, and they might have introduced the disease into the indigenous goat population. A serological survey of caprine arthritis and encephalitis virus antibodies was carried out in 22 volunteer dairy Murciano‐Granadina goat herds; 2513 lactating goats were tested with an agar gel immunodiffusion test, and 12.1 per cent were found to be positive. Five of the herds were free of infection, six had a low prevalence of the disease, five had a medium prevalence and six had a high prevalence. Five seropositive goats with clinical signs of CAE were studied. Macroscopic and microscopic lesions similar to those described for CAE were detected in all five goats and a cytopathic effect typical of CAE virus was observed in primary explant cultures from four of them.
Femoral neck metaphyseal osteopathy in the cat
Authors: Queen J. , Bennett D. , Carmichael S. , Gibson N. , Li A. , Payne‐Johnson C. E. , Kelly D. F.
Published: October 2010

This paper describes 17 cats that developed an idiopathic necrosis of the femoral neck. In four cats the lesions were bilateral when they were first examined and five cats developed lesions in the other limb within five months. They were all male cats, two years old or younger, and 15 had been neutered. The initial sign was a vague lameness which typically progressed, often acutely, to a more severe lameness. Radiography demonstrated radiolucency and loss of definition within the proximal femoral metaphysis, the femoral neck. In 12 cases there was a complete radiolucent line across the femoral neck. An excision arthroplasty was carried out on all the affected hips and the lameness resolved in all cases. The clinical and radiological signs suggest a primary bone resorption with secondary fracture of the femoral neck. The lesions have some similarities with Legg‐Calve‐Perthes' disease, traumatic fracture of the femoral neck, canine metaphyseal osteopathy, bacterial osteomyelitis and experimental feline herpes virus osteomyelitis.
Composition of protein in urine from dogs with pyoderma
Authors: Batamuzi E. K. , Kristensen F. , Jensen A. L.
Published: October 2010

The protein fractions in urine from proteinuric dogs with and without pyoderma were estimated. Fifteen dogs with pyoderma (five with superficial and 10 with deep pyoderma) were compared with 10 dogs with glomerulopathy and 27 dogs with diseases other than pyoderma or urinary tract problems. Agarose gel electrophoresis was used to fractionate the proteins. Three types of electrophoretogram were obtained with albuminuria, globulinuria and serum‐like profiles. An albuminuria profile was found in eight of the 27 dogs with other diseases, in three of the five dogs with superficial pyoderma, in eight of the 10 dogs with deep pyoderma and in all 10 dogs with glomerulopathy. The albuminuria profile (mean [sem] albumin/globulin ratio 1.98 [0.10]) was also characterised by α1b, α2aand β2globulin peaks in all 29 dogs with this profile, which was therefore thought to indicate that albuminuria (glomerular proteinuria) was a result of glomerular damage and inflammation because α1b, α2aand β2 globulins are considered to be acute phase proteins. The serum‐like profile (mean [sem] albumin/globulin ratio 0.72 [0.01]) was observed in 13 per cent of the proteinuric dogs examined and contained all the protein fractions normally detected by electrophoresis of serum. The profile was considered to be a variant form of the albuminuria profile, probably indicating advanced glomerular lesions and inflammation. The globulinuria profile (mean [sem] albumin/globulin ratio 0.33 [0.08]) was significantly different from the other two in that it was characterised by a low albumin peak and the presence of globulin fractions not clearly distinguishable from each other because of their confluency and absence of individual peaks. This profile could indicate severe glomerulotubular lesions and degradation of certain protein fractions. It could also be a result of increased secretion of tissue and other proteins by damaged tubules. It was concluded that glomerular damage leads to glomerular proteinuria characterised by high proportions of albumin together with α1b, α2aand β2globulins in lower but significantly diagnostic proportions.
Surgical management of rectal and jejunal tears associated with dystocia in a cow
Authors: Tyler J. W. , Shore M. D. , Weaver D. M. , Croucher S. , Shepard L.
Published: October 2010

The rectal and jejunal tears associated with dystocia in a cow were treated surgically. The cow developed peritonitis which was treated medically. It recovered, was successfully rebred and delivered a live calf.
Human exposure toMycobacterium paratuberculosisvia pasteurised milk: A modelling approach
Authors: Nauta M. J. , van der Giessen J. W. B.
Published: October 2010

Paratuberculosis is a disease of cattle caused by infection withMycobacterium paratuberculosis, and it has been suggested that this bacterium may also play a role in the aetiology of Crohn's disease in humans.M paratuberculosisis shed in the milk and may be able to survive pasteurisation. Therefore, people may be exposed to it by the consumption of pasteurised milk. The risk of such exposure has been analysed using a modelling approach and the model has been used to evaluate the effects of intervention measures at different points in the potential route of transmission. On the basis of data from the literature and expert opinion, an initial point estimate of the exposure level of about 0.5 cfu/litre pasteurised milk was derived, mainly due to milk from clinically affected animals. The model indicates the need for quantitative data on variations in the shedding rates ofM paratuberculosisin faeces and milk, and the levels of faecal contamination of milk. Such data are essential for a proper analysis of potential exposure, and may result in a 100‐fold increase in the estimated median level of exposure.
Verrucous endocarditis due toEscherichia coliin a Persian cat
Authors: De Jonghe S. , Ducatelle R. , Haesebrouck F. , Roels S.
Published: October 2010

Verrucous endocarditis of the aortic valves was diagnosed postmortem in a Persian cat that died after showing clinical signs of dyspnoea, hypothermia and anorexia. Bacterial colonies were evident on Giemsa‐stained sections of the valves andEscherichia coliwas isolated from the endocarditis lesions.
Characterisation of pseudorabies virus isolated from wild boar (Sus scrofa)
Authors: Müller T. , Klupp B. , Zellmer R , Teuffert J. , Ziedler K. , Possardt C. , Mewes L. , Dresenkamp B. , Conraths F. J. , Mettenleiter T. C.
Published: October 2010

Seroepidemiological evidence had suggested that pseudorabies (Aujeszky's disease) virus (PrV) infections occur in the European wild boar population in eastern Germany, although attempts to isolate the causative agent had failed. In 1995 and 1996, five virus isolates were recovered from latently infected wild boar originating from two regions where the disease was endemic. The isolates were identified as PrV by immunofluorescence and neutralisation with specific sera and grouped as PrV type I. Compared with reference strains and PrV isOlates obtained from domestic animals in the same region, considerable differences in the DNA patterns were detected. In particular, two additional larger Bam HI‐DNA fragments migrating in agarose gel electrophoresis between fragments 3 and 4 were observed, accompanied by the loss of fragments 5, 10 and 12. Southern blot hybridisation with fragment‐specific DNA probes identified the larger fragments as fusions of Bam HI‐fragments 5 and 10, and 5 and 12, respectively, due to a loss of a Bam HI‐site in the inverted repeat regions. This distinctive fragment pattern has so far not been observed in PrV isolates from domestic pigs in Germany.
Prevalence of traumatic myiasis in Hungary: a questionnaire survey of veterinarians
Authors: Farkas R. , Hall M. J. R.
Published: October 2010

Veterinarians in Hungary were asked to complete a questionnaire on traumatic myiasis; of the 664 veterinarians contacted, 247 replied (37.2 per cent) and of these 209 (84.6 per cent) reported myiasis to be a problem among the livestock they treated. Infestation levels of >10 per cent of animals were reported in sheep, cattle and horses. The myiasis season lasted from March to November with most cases reported in July and August. Significantly more respondents reported that fly larvae were present deep in wounds rather than superficially, consistent with infestations due to the obligate parasite Wohlfahrtia magnifica (Diptera: Sarcophagidae). Frequent inspections and the treatment of infested animals were reported by 64.1 per cent of respondents as contributing to the economic impact of traumatic myiasis, and approximately half of the respondents (51.4 per cent) reported that inspections and treatments were carried out at least weekly during the summer. The most common form of treatment was the manual removal of larvae followed by topical application of insecticides, particularly organophosphates. More than half of the respondents (56.6 per cent) reported that there had been no change in the importance of myiasis over the last five to 10 years, but of those who reported a change, more reported an increase (28.3 per cent) than a decrease (15.2 per cent).
Persistence of the efficacy of doramectin againstOstertagia ostertagiandCooperia oncophorain cattle
Authors: Vercruysse J. , Claerebout E. , Dorny P. , Demeulenaere D. , Agneessens J. , Smets K.
Published: October 2010

The persistence of the efficacy of doramectin injectable againstOstertagia ostertagiandCooperia oncophorawas evaluated in two studies in calves. In both, the calves were allocated to six groups of six. Calves in the first control group (c1) and first treated group (Ti) received a daily infection of 200 L3 ofO ostertagiand 200 L3 ofC oncophora; the calves in groups C2 and T2 received a daily infection of 1000 L3 of each species, and groups C3 and T3 received 10,000 L3 of each species per day. The calves in the three treated groups each received 0.2 mg/kg doramectin injectable on day 0. In the first study, the calves were infected for 21 days withCooperiaand for 28 days withOstertagia, and they were slaughtered on day 33. In the second study, the calves were infected for 21 days with both species, the infections withCooperiaandOstertagiastarting from eight and 15 days, respectively, after the treatment, and the animals were slaughtered on day 40. The calculation of the persistence of the activity of doramectin was based on its efficacy against the different developmental and adult stages of the two parasites. The data from both studies indicated that the efficacy of doramectin againstOstertagiapersisted for at least five weeks, but no conclusions could be drawn about the effect of the size of the infective doses on the persistence of the activity. In contrast, theCooperiaworm counts from the second study suggested that the efficacy of doramectin againstCooperiapersisted for at least four weeks when the calves were exposed to a low or moderate infection level, whereas at the highest infection level it persisted for between three and four weeks.
Variability of serum antibody responses of goat kids to a commercial Clostridium perfringens epsilon toxoid vaccine
Authors: Uzal F. A. , Bodero D. A. V. , Kelly W. R. , Nielsen K.
Published: October 2010

Twenty‐nine Angora goats were used in a trial of a commercial enterotoxaemia (pulpy kidney disease) vaccine. The animals were allocated to four groups, of which three received an initial dose of vaccine, two also received a booster of the same vaccine either 28 or 42 days after the first vaccination, and the fourth remained as an unvaccinated control group. An indirect ELISA technique was used to measure the titres of Clostridium perfringens type D epsilon antitoxin in serum samples taken before vaccination and 17, 28, 42, 59, 70, 86, 98 and 128 days after vaccination. There was a wide range of antibody titres after vaccination, and the great majority of the vaccinated animals had titres below the protective level, arbitrarily set at 0.25 iu/ml, by day 98.
Reversal of sedative and clinicophysiological effects of epidural xylazine and detomidine with atipamezole and yohimbine in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: Tiwari S. K. , Kumar A. , Vainio O.
Published: October 2010

The sedative and clinicophysiological effects of either xylazine (0.1 mg/kg) or detomidine (50 μg/kg) administered epidurally to groups of five buffaloes were reversed by the intravenous administration of either yohimbine (0.125 mg/kg) or atipamezole (10 μg/kg). Epidural xylazine or detomidine produced bradycardia, respiratory depression, ruminal stasis and hypothermia and these effects were completely reversed within five to 15 minutes after the intravenous administration of atipamezole or yohimbine, with no signs of excitement or resedation. Atipamezole reversed the effects of xylazine or detomidine more rapidly than yohimbine.
Welfare of cats in a quarantine cattery
Authors: Rochlitz I. , Podberscek A. L. , Broom D. M.
Published: October 2010

The welfare of seven domestic cats housed singly in a quarantine cattery was studied for six months. Behavioural data were obtained with cameras and by time‐lapse video recording, and cortisol to creatinine ratios were measured in urine samples collected from litter trays. It took five weeks for the cats to show evidence of adaptation to their new environment. They spent most of the first two weeks concealed in a house on the floor of their cage. As they adapted, they spent less time hiding and more time higher in the cage. The cats were inactive for approximately 90 per cent of the time observed, and they received little human contact. Compared with the first day, the cats' cortisol to creatinine ratios were significantly lower from their second month in quarantine.
Efficacy of a 2 per cent moxidectin gel against gastrointestinal parasites of ponies
Authors: Bauer C. , Çirak V. Y. , Hermosilla C. , Okoro H.
Published: October 2010

The efficacy of moxidectin was evaluated in young ponies naturally infected with gastrointestinal parasites. Eight animals were treated orally with moxidectin at 0.4 mg/kg bodyweight and eight received only the vehicle. They were all necropsied two weeks later. Faecal samples were examined daily for egg counts and larval cultures. Parasites were recovered from total faecal samples collected daily and from the gastrointestinal tracts at necropsy. Moxidectin reduced the strongyle egg counts by >99 per cent from three days after treatment but some individuals remained positive for 10 days. The drug had little or no ovicidal activity. As evaluated in the critical‐controlled test, moxidectin was 99 to 100 per cent effective (P<0.05) against luminal stages of Parascaris equorum, Strongylus vulgaris, Triodontophorus species, Craterostomum acuticaudatum, 19 cyathostome species and Oxyuris equi. Adult S edentatus were also completely removed. Its efficacy against third stage larvae of Gasterophilus intestinalis was 95 per cent (P<0.05). Luminal nematode stages were removed within a few days, and bots continued to be eliminated for at least two weeks after treatment. No activity was observed against Anoplocephala perfoliata. As evaluated in the controlled test, moxidectin was 100 per cent effective against Habronema muscae (P<0.05) and had a 76 per cent but not significant efficacy against encysted small strongyle larvae.
Development of snake antivenom antibodies in chickens and their purification from yolk
Authors: Almeida C. M. C. , Kanashiro M. M. , Rangel Filho F. B. , Mata M. F. R. , Kipnis T. L. , Dias da Silva W.
Published: October 2010

Adult white leghorn hens hyperimmunised with Brazilian snake venoms of the genus Bothrops and/or Crotalus produced antibodies capable of recognising, combining with and neutralising the toxic and lethal components of the venoms. The antibodies were first detected by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay two weeks after starting the immunisation schedule, reached the highest titres by the third week and remained high for at least 24 weeks. These antibodies are transferred to the egg yolk from which they were isolated as enriched IgY preparations by a combination of methods using positive and negative precipitation with sodium sulphate and/or caprylic acid. The yolk‐derived IgY preparations contained antibodies which blocked the phospholipase A2 ‐dependent haemolytic activity of both venoms and the haemorrhagic activity of Bothrops venom, and neutralised the toxic lethal activities of the venoms with good efficacy. The median effective dose (ED50) of the IgY anti‐Bothrops venom was 592.5 μl/2LD50 and, 1.0 ml neutralised 0.0675 mg of venom. The ED50 of the IgY anti‐Crotalus venom was 457.5 μl/3LD50 and 1.0 ml neutralised 0.075 mg of venom.
A comparison of DNA amplification, isolation and serology for the detection of Chlamydia psittaci infection in cats
Authors: McDonald M. , Willett B. J. , Jarrett O. , Addie D. D.
Published: October 2010

Chlamydia psittaci is a significant cause of conjunctivitis in cats, but can be difficult to diagnose owing to the small number of organisms in conjunctival swabs. In the United Kingdom laboratory diagnosis is based on three techniques: isolation of the infectious organism, amplification of chlamydial DNA by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or the detection of anti‐chlamydial antibodies by immunofluorescence assay. To determine the most sensitive method these techniques were compared in the field. The PCR based on previously published protocols was less sensitive than isolation, but by modifying the protocol its sensitivity was increased by a factor of 25 to 1250 and it was then more sensitive than isolation. The modified PCR detected chlamydia in samples containing non‐infectious organisms. Serology was of limited use in predicting which cats shed C psittaci although seronegative cats were negative by PCR and isolation. The modified PCR was the most sensitive and robust method for confirming C psittaci infection in cases of conjunctivitis in pet cats.
Use of phenytoin to treat digitalis‐induced cardiac arrhythmias in a miniature Shetland pony
Authors: Wijnberg D. , van der Kolk J. H. , Hiddink E. G.
Published: October 2010

Two miniature Shetland ponies showing clinical signs ofDigitalis purpurea(foxglove) poisoning were examined. One animal died shortly afterwards, but the second was treated successfully with the antiarrhythmic agent, phenytoin, and was discharged after 16 days.
Bovine tuberculosis in Northern Ireland: a case‐control study of herd risk factors
Authors: Denny G. O. , Wilesmith J. W.
Published: October 2010

This paper presents the results of the first formal epidemiological study in Northern Ireland of risk factors for bovine tuberculosis (TB) associated with farm boundaries, neighbours and wildlife. The study was designed as a case‐control study and 427 dairy herds were investigated between December 1993 and January 1995. The case herds had more than 30 cattle, and herds in which the source of infection had been ascribed to purchased cattle were avoided. Data on the Department of Agriculture Animal Health Computer were used in conjunction with data collected through a questionnaire to examine a range of possible risk factors, including the number and nature of the farm boundaries, the number of neighbours and their TB history, the number of hedgerows, the presence of badger setts, whether badger carcases had been found on the land, and the possible presence of deer. A follow‐up telephone survey was conducted to minimise bias. The results highlighted two main associations with TB breakdowns, the presence of badgers, and contiguous neighbours who had had confirmed TB breakdowns. The estimated aetiological fraction for both associations was approximately 40 per cent, suggesting that although infected cattle may have a significant role in the transmission of TB their importance relative to the badger may have been over‐estimated in the Northern Ireland TB scheme. The contribution of the badger is possibly one of several main reasons for the lack of significant progress in TB eradication despite strenuous efforts associated with all aspects of the scheme.
Eradication of Aujeszky's disease from New Zealand pig herds 1976–1997
Authors: Pannett G. R. , Motha M. X. J. , Macdiarmid S. C.
Published: October 2010

Aujeszky's disease was first diagnosed in the North Island of New Zealand in 1976. It has never been reported in the South Island. An industry‐funded eradication programme was initiated in 1989 to eradicate the disease from the national pig herd. By using a combination of serological surveys, abattoir surveillance, test and slaughter, depopulation, vaccination and movement restrictions, Aujeszky's disease was eradicated by 1997.
Value of direct smears of synovial fluid in the diagnosis of canine joint disease
Authors: Gibson R. , Carmichael S. , Li A. , Reid S. W. J. , Normand E. H. , Owen M. R , Bennett D.
Published: October 2010

Assessments of direct smears of synovial fluid by four clinicians were compared with the results obtained with a Coulter counter. Estimates of total white cell counts by the clinicians were inaccurate and generally higher than the Coulter counter results. The method had a low sensitivity and specificity for the identification of degenerative joint disease and normal joints in comparison with the identification of inflammatory joint disease. There were marked variations in the results obtained by the four clinidans for all the analyses in the study.
Evaluation of a direct ELISA for the serodiagnosis of Oestrus ovis infections in sheep
Authors: Goddard P. , Bates P. , Webster K. A.
Published: October 2010

Oestrosis is a parasitic disease of sheep and goats caused by the nasal bot fly Oestrus ovis. In the United Kingdom the economic losses as a result of infestation can be considered negligible, but the differentiation of O ovis cases from more serious diseases such as listeriosis, gid and sheep scab is of considerable importance. Currently, diagnosis of oestrosis relies on the subjective observation of clinical signs or the demonstration of larvae postmortem. This paper assesses the effectiveness of a direct enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using a crude somatic antigen from first‐stage larvae (L1) in the serodiagnosis of oestrosis. The system has been validated with sera from both endemic and non‐endemic areas and the results correlated with the clinical data found postmortem. The sensitivity and specificity of the assay were 97.4 per cent and 97.6 per cent, respectively, using a cut‐off point based on 35 per cent binding of a reference positive control serum.
Acute phase protein response of ewes and the release of PGFM in relation to uterine involution and the presence of intrauterine bacteria
Authors: Regassa F. , Noakes D. E.
Published: October 2010

The rate of uterine involution postpartum was monitored in 13 suckling mule ewes by using radio‐opaque markers and radiography, and each ewe was also monitored for intrauterine bacterial contamination during the first week, using a sterile guarded swab. Peripheral plasma or serum concentrations of haptoglobin, seromucoid, ceruloplasmin and 15‐keto‐13,14‐dihydro‐prostaglandin F2α(PGFM) were measured up to six weeks postpartum. The maximum reduction in the length of the uterine tody and in the diameters of the homs occurred by 28 days postpartum, except in one ewe in which the size of the uterus continued to decrease for 42 days. Four ewes were positive for intrauterine bacterial contamination;Escheichia coli, clostridial species,Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus uberisandEnterococcusspecies were isolated in pure or mixed culture. The presence of intrauterine bacteria did not affect the time for the completion of uterine involution. No bacteria were isolated from the ewe in which involution was delayed, but it had a different acute phase protein response and was therefore excluded from further analyses. In the remaining 12 ewes the mean postpartum haptoglobin response increased, with peak concentrations occurring on day 1, and decreased slowly as uterine involution progressed, but the four contaminated ewes had a significantly greater response. There was no difference between the prepartum and postpartum concentrations of seromucoid in the eight sterile ewes, but significant increases were observed in the contaminated group; the concentrations of ceruloplasmin did not vary in either group. The concentrations of PGFM were higher during the early postpartum period in the ewes with contaminated uteri.
Evaluation of ammonia measurements in dogs with two analysers for use in veterinary practice
Authors: Sterczer A. , Meyer H. R , Boswijk H. C. , Rothuizen J.
Published: October 2010

The measurement of ammonia in biological fluids is the only way to diagnose and evaluate hepatic encephalopathy, but samples for ammonia measurement cannot be stored or sent by post. Two analysers for use in veterinary practice have recently become available, the VetTest and the Blood Ammonia Checker II; the reliability of ammonia measurements in canine blood with these two analysers has been evaluated by comparing the results with a standard automated enzymatic assay. Blood samples from 39 dogs, with a range of ammonia concentrations from 5 to 589 μM, were used simultaneously in the three assays. The blood samples were placed immediately on ice, and the measurements were made in duplicate. The intraassay coefficients of variation were 13.7 per cent for the VetTest, 4.7 per cent for the Blood Ammonia Checker, and 2.8 per cent for the enzymatic assay. The correlation coefficients over the entire range of concentrations were 0.79 between the VetTest and the enzymatic assay, and 0.98 between the Ammonia Checker and the enzymatic assay. The ammonia concentrations recorded in the enzymatic assay were divided into 12 samples within the normal range (0 to 50 μM), 18 samples with moderately increased concentrations (51 to 150 μM), and nine samples with concentrations above 150 μM. No correlation or a poor correlation was found between the results from the VetTest and those from the enzymatic assay from 0 to 50 μM (R=0.27) and from 50 to 150 μM (R=0.51; P=0.05). The results from the VetTest were only reliable in samples with the highest concentrations (R=0.93; P<0.05). In contrast, the results from the Ammonia Checker correlated well with the results from the enzymatic assay over all the ranges: R=0.79 (P<0.05) from 0 to 50 μM, R=0.86 (P<0.05) from 50 to 150 μM, and R=1.00 (P<0.05) in samples exceeding 150 μM.
Herd‐specific and age‐specific seroprevalence ofNeospora caninumin 14 British dairy herds
Authors: Davison H. C. , French N. P. , Trees A. J.
Published: October 2010

All the cattle in 14 dairy herds in England were tested forNeospora caninum‐specific antibodies with a commercial ELISA. Three of the herds had had sporadic abortions, eight had had endemic abortions and three had had epidemic abortions associated withN caninumbefore the study. Of 4295 cattle tested, 17.1 per cent were seropositive and the herd‐specific prevalence ranged from 7.3 per cent to 44.8 per cent. No significant effect of either herd size (P=0.988), endemic (P=0.869) or epidemic (P=0.138) patterns of abortion on herd‐specific prevalence was found by using logistic regression analysis. There was no evidence in any herd of a significant increase in prevalence with age; the prevalence in sevento 12‐month‐old cattle was not significantly different (P>0.400) from the prevalence in older cattle, except that there was a significantly lower prevalence (P=0.017) in 13to 24‐month‐old cattle. The results of this study are consistent with vertical transmission being the major route ofN caninumtransmission in these herds.
Nematode control practices and anthelmintic resistance in dairy calves in the south west of England
Authors: Stafford K. , Coles G. C.
Published: October 2010

A postal survey of worming practices on West Country dairy farms was undertaken and farmers were requested to send faecal samples for nematode egg counts. The majority of the farmers who responded had a nematode control policy which was based on a mixture of anthelmintics and pasture rotation. Sixty‐five per cent tumed out calves on to the same paddock each year and 57 per cent treated their stock with anthelmintics during the second year. Ninety farms submitted samples for analysis but only 16 samples contained sufficient eggs to justify repeat egg counts and only eight of these produced enough eggs for in vitro tests. The small number of positive samples, even into the latter part of the year suggests a heavy use of anthelmintics with relatively clean pasture. One Somerset farm had larvae which developed in high concentrations of ivermectin, and eggs were still being passed after two treatments with ivermectin at the manufacturer's recommended dose seven days apart. Of 100 male nematodes isolated from two of the calves, 88 were Cooperia species and 12 were Nematodirus species. A controlled trial with this isolate in eight Friesian male calves showed a 44 per cent reduction in egg counts at day 7 but no significant reduction in worm burden postmortem. This is the first reported case of ivermectin‐resistant Cooperia species in cattle in the United Kingdom.
Effect on young calves of a one‐hour feeding stop during a 19‐hour road journey
Authors: Knowles T. G. , Brown S. N. , Edwards J. E. , Phillips A. J. , Warriss P. D.
Published: October 2010

This study examined the effects of transporting calves less than four weeks of age on a journey at the limit of the maximum time laid down by recent EU legislation. In both summer and winter, 45 calves were transported by road for 19 hours. The journey included a one‐hour break on the lorry in which the calves were given either a glucose/electrolyte solution, water, or nothing at all. Control groups of 15 calves remained on farm and were fed normally. The effects of the journey were greater during winter when liveweight loss was greater and more prolonged, and the calves suffered a depression in body temperature. Mid‐journey feeding was of minimal benefit. Feeding electrolytes reduced the extent of dehydration as measured by changes in plasma total protein and albumin concentrations, but there was some indication that giving water alone was detrimental. Most of the variables which changed during the journey had recovered in line with the values in the control animals within 24 hours of the end of the journey, but the calves' liveweight and plasma creatine kinase activity took up to seven days to stabilise. The study highlighted the problem that young calves have in maintaining body temperature during transport, especially during colder weather.
Primary ciliary dyskinesia in Newfoundland dogs
Authors: Watson P. J. , Herrtage M. E. , Peacock M. A. , Sargan D. R.
Published: October 2010

Primary ciliary dyskinesia was diagnosed in three Newfoundland dogs with histories of chronic rhinitis and bronchopneumonia from an early age. Thoracic radiographs of two of them showed severe, dependent bronchopneumonia and right displacement of the cardiac apex but normal positioning of other organs. Histopathological examination of sections of lung from the other dog showed severe bronchopneumonia. A semen sample from one dog had a high percentage of spermatozoa with abnormal tails and poor progressive motility. Transmission electron microscopy of nasal brushings from all three dogs showed consistent ultrastructural defects in the cilia, including an absence of outer and inner dynein arms, disorganisation of peripheral doublets, occasional supernumerary doublets and singlets, and consistently disorganised basal bodies and foot processes; sections of trachea from one dog also had disorganised basal bodies. Pedigree analysis was consistent with a monogenic autosomal recessive pattem of inheritance for the defect. One dog is still alive, one dog died aged five years two months, and one dog was euthanased aged nine months. This is the first time primary ciliary dyskinesia has been reported in Newfoundland dogs.