bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic testing of dogs for food hypersensitivity
Authors: Jeffers James G. , Shanley Kevin J. , Meyer Evelyn K.
Published: December 2023

Thirteen food-allergic dogs were studied to evaluate the efficacy of feeding a commercially available egg and rice diet, intradermal skin testing, and serologic testing by elisa for diagnosing and/or characterizing food hypersensitivity. Feeding of a home-cooked whole lamb meat and rice diet for 3 weeks, followed by challenge with each dog's regular diet, served as the standard for diagnosing food hypersensitivity. Each dog underwent provocative testing with 6 individual ingredients to determine as many of its dietary allergens as possible. Prior to skin testing and serologic testing by elisa, most dogs had been recently exposed to the offending diet and subsequently manifested clinical signs of allergy. All dogs that tolerated the aforementioned commercial diet were exposed to it for at least 7 weeks; 84.6% of food-hypersensitive dogs ate the commercial diet with impunity. Of the 2 reactors to the commercial diet, only 1 became pruritic in response to provocation testing with chicken eggs. Low sensitivity and high specificity were found for skin testing and the elisa, indicating a lack of true- and false-positive reactions. Neither the positive nor negative predictive values adequately predicted positive and negative reactions, respectively, for either test. On the basis of these results, the commercial diet, skin testing, and anti-IgE elisa cannot replace an owner-prepared food elimination diet for food hypersensitivity testing in dogs.
Epidemiologic study of ocular/adnexal squamous cell carcinoma in horses
Authors: Dugan Steven J. , Curtis Charles R. , Roberts Steven M. , Severin Glenn A.
Published: December 2023

Proportional hospital accession ratios for equine ocular/adnexal squamous cell carcinoma (scc) were determined for 14 colleges of veterinary medicine participating in the Veterinary Medical Data Program between January 1978 and December 1986. Comparison of the ratios with their respective geographical, physical data has shown an increased prevalence of scc with an increase in longitude, altitude, or mean annual solar radiation. In contrast, prevalence of scc increased with a decrease in latitude.

Between January 1978 and December 1988, 147 horses with ocular/adnexal scc were admitted to the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Diagnosis was confirmed by histologic examination of appropriate tissue specimens. Medical records provided information regarding month and year of admission and diagnosis, age at diagnosis, breed, gender, and hair color. Comparison with a randomly selected hospital control population revealed an increased prevalence of ocular/adnexal scc with an increase in age (P < 0.001). Compared with Quarter Horses, draft breeds (Belgian, Clydesdale, and Shire) and Appaloosas had a significantly (P < 0.001) greater prevalence of ocular/adnexal scc. Sexually intact males and females were significantly (P < 0.001) less likely (5 and 2 times, respectively) to have ocular/adnexal scc when compared with castrated males. The prevalence of ocular/adnexal scc was significantly greater for all hair colors when compared with bay, brown, or black (P < 0.01).
Epizootic of external and internal abscesses in a large goat herd over a 16-year period
Authors: Gezon Horace M. , Bither Henry D. , Hanson Linda A. , Thompson Jeffrey K.
Published: December 2023

From 1973 through 1988, 518 external and internal abscesses were diagnosed in a large commercial goat herd. Of the 518 abscesses, 238 were primary and 280 were secondary abscesses in the same or other anatomic locations. During this period, the herd varied in size from 94 goats in 1973 to 431 goats in 1988. Abscesses in the jaw area were detected in 141 goats, 4 of which developed osteomyelitis of the mandible. Sternal abscesses were detected in 72 goats, with 2 also having osteomyelitis of the sternum diagnosed at necropsy. Most of the abscesses were in the jaw, sternal, facial, and cervical areas. Lung abscesses were diagnosed at necropsy in 20 goats that most recently had 1 or more superficial abscesses. Abscess incidence was 27.6% (112 of 406) in wethers and 22.9% (154 of 687) in does. Actinomyces pyogenes was isolated most frequently by bacteriologic culture of abscess specimens and about 3 times as often as was Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis or Staphylococcus sp, usually coagulase-positive S aureus. Bacteriologic culture of blood samples, taken during abscess episodes, yielded A pyogenes (n = 3) or C pseudotuberculosis (n = 1) in 3 goats. Results of antibiotic treatment of abscesses were disappointing, with little evidence of altering the course of the disease or sterilizing the abscess, despite the fact that the bacteria were susceptible in vitro to the antibiotics used. Excision of intact abscesses was the preferred treatment for abscesses of the jaw and facial areas. Isolation of infected goats, decrease in crowding, and careful selection of herd additions by breeding or through purchase from farms with a low incidence of abscesses in their herds were useful in lowering the disease rate in the herd.
Salivary gland disease in dogs and cats: 245 cases (1985-1988)
Authors: Spangler W. L. , Culbertson M. R.
Published: December 2023

Diagnostic pathology records spanning 41 months (July 1985 through November 1988) were searched for diagnoses of salivary gland disease in dogs and cats. Review of 87,392 records from that period revealed 245 cases (0.3%) in which salivary gland tissue had been evaluated. During that period, salivary gland tissue was submitted to the laboratory almost twice as often from dogs (160 cases) as from cats (85 cases). On the basis of histologic examination, 89% of salivary gland submissions from small animal practices were allotted to 1 of 5 major categories: malignant neoplasms (30%; 74/245), sialadenitis (26%; 64/245), normal salivary gland (16%; 40/245), sialocele (9%; 21/245), and salivary gland infarction (8%; 20/245). The remaining 11% of submissions included various degenerative or fibrotic lesions, ductal ectasia, sialolithiasis, edema, benign neoplasia, and secondary salivary involvement with systemic or cervical lymphosarcoma or with fibrosarcoma in the head and neck.
Expenditures for veterinary services and other costs of disease and disease prevention in 57 California beef herds in the National Animal Health Monitoring System (1988-1989)
Authors: Hird David W. , Weigler Benjamin J. , Salman Mowafak D. , Danaye-Elmi Cyrus , Palmer Charles W. , Holmes John C. , Utterback William W. , Sischo William M.
Published: December 2023

Data on costs associated with episodes of disease and disease prevention, including expenditures for veterinary services, were collected from 57 California beef cow-calf herds during 1988-1989 as part of the National Animal Health Monitoring System. Mean cost associated with episodes of disease was $33.90/cow-year, with $0.78 and $1.37/cow-year being spent for veterinary services and drugs, respectively. The highest costs for veterinary services related to episodes of disease were for dystocia, lameness, and ocular carcinoma. For disease prevention, mean expenditures for veterinary services were $1.67/cow-year, nearly all of which was spent on prevention of reproductive tract conditions. Preventive expenditures for veterinary services related to female infertility (pregnancy examination), vaccination against brucellosis and male infertility (breeding soundness examination) were $0.72, $0.39, and $0.22/cow-year, respectively. Many costs associated with episodes of disease and disease prevention were similar to those reported from Colorado National Animal Health Monitoring System beef herds.
Monitoring surface conditions of a Thoroughbred racetrack
Authors: Clanton Charles , Kobluk Calvin , Robinson R. Ashley , Gordon Bradley
Published: December 2023

During a pilot study at a Thoroughbred racetrack, information was collected to include weather conditions and track surface properties (moisture content, composition, strength, and coefficient of friction between surface and hoof). Measured weather variables did not correlate to any pattern of horse injuries of breakdowns. Surface moisture content was variable, whereas the moisture content of the compacted cushion was constant. Track surfaces around the starting chutes were more compacted than were other areas of the track. Next to the rail, track surface was softer than the surface toward the middle of the track. The coefficient of friction between a hoof and the surface was not affected by location or surface moisture content.
Prevalence of cryptosporidiosis in dogs and human beings in San Bernardino County, California
Authors: El-Ahraf Amer , Tacal J. V. , Sobih Mohamed , Amin Magda , Lawrence W. , Wilcke B. W.
Published: December 2023

Fecal specimens from 200 stray dogs impounded at the San Bernardino City and County animal shelters were screened for Cryptosporidium sp oocysts, using the auramine-rhodamine fluorescent staining procedure. The University of California, Los Angeles acid-fast stain was used for confirmation. Only 4 (2%) dogs were passing cryptosporidial oocysts.

Likewise, stool specimens from 664 people were submitted to the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health Laboratory for routine parasitologic examination and were screened for Cryptosporidium sp. Cryptosporidial oocysts were detected in 20 human fecal specimens (3.01%).

On the basis of these findings, it appears that the human and canine populations of San Bernardino County are at low risk for development of cryptosporidiosis at this time.
Pulmonary hypertension as a cause of atrial fibrillation in young horses: Four cases (1980-1989)
Authors: Gelberg Howard B. , Smetzer David L. , Foreman Jonathan H.
Published: December 2023

Four young horses of various breeds and suffering from atrial fibrillation died of heart failure. All had markedly high pulmonary arterial pressure, right-sided cardiomegaly, and lack of histologic lesions in the right atrium or pulmonary parenchyma. Three horses had hypertrophy and/or necrosis of the tunica media of the pulmonary vasculature. Clinical signs of disease, physiologic data, and pathologic findings indicated that these horses had primary pulmonary hypertension with secondary right-sided cardiac ventricular hypertrophy and dilatation, atrial fibrillation, and heart failure.
Pulmonary hypertension in a group of dairy calves
Authors: Pringle John K. , Bright Janice M. , Duncan Robert B. , Kerr Larry , Linnabary Robert D. , Tarrier Michael P.
Published: December 2023

An episode of pulmonary arteritis and sclerosis in twenty 5- to 6-month-old dairy calves was investigated. Sixteen of the calves died acutely, without marked premonitory signs of disease. Four calves evaluated clinically had lethargy, pallor, weakness, tachycardia, tachypnea, and jugular venous distention. Cardiac catheterization performed in 3 of the calves revealed pulmonary hypertension; 1 of these calves survived.

Necropsy findings in 19 calves included pale lungs and excess free fluid in the pleural and abdominal cavities. In addition, 13 of 19 calves had a dilated and thin-walled right ventricle; 4 of the calves had right-sided cardiac hypertrophy, and 2 had dilatation of the pulmonary artery. Microscopically, pulmonary arteritis and sclerosis of the small to medium-sized arteries were evident in all calves submitted for necropsy. A lung biopsy specimen from a surviving calf had similar lesions. Centrilobular hepatic necrosis was found in 17 of 19 calves. Investigation of the disease episode, including feed analysis for toxins and serologic and microbiological studies of clinically affected calves and clinically normal in-contact penmates, failed to reveal any associated risk factor. The pulmonary arterial changes in the calves were similar to lung lesions in rats fed monocrotaline.
Clinical, viral, and genetic evaluation of equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy in a family of Appaloosas
Authors: Blythe L. L. , Hultgren B. D. , Craig A. M. , Appell L. H. , Lassen E. D. , Mattson D. E. , Duffield D.
Published: December 2023

A clinical, viral, hematologic, and genetic study was conducted over a 4-year period on a family of Appaloosas with high incidence of clinical ataxia and pathologic features of equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy. Marginal to deficient serum vitamin E (α-tocopherol) and blood selenium values were the only other consistent antemortem abnormalities in the affected horses. Members of this family were all descendants of a clinically normal mare and were raised in 3 separate environments with variable quality of feed. All horses had access to pasture grasses. Normal chromosomal karyotypes were found in 11 affected and/or related horses examined. Equine herpesvirus type 2 was isolated from 4 of the horses, but evidence for a role of this virus in the pathogenesis of the disease was not found. The role of antioxidant deficiency in the pathogenesis of neurologic dysfunction in this equine family and in others reported to be affected with equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy remains speculative.
Annual costs associated with disease incidence and prevention in Colorado cow-calf herds participating in rounds 2 and 3 of the National Animal Health Monitoring System from 1986 to 1988
Authors: Salman M. D. , King M. E. , Odde K. G. , Mortimer R. G.
Published: December 2023

Thirty-nine and 47 randomly selected Colorado cow-calf operations were monitored for health events and their associated costs during rounds 2 and 3, respectively, of the National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS). Data were collected from each operation for a one-year period by NAHMS veterinarians through monthly interviews, and the costs associated with the incidence and prevention of disease conditions were determined and expressed on a per cow basis.

The beef producers involved in this study spent an average of $32.75 per cow in round 2 and $40.97 per cow in round 3 on an annual basis for the treatment of disease conditions. These costs were not different between the 2 rounds because of the wide ranges in the individual herd costs for disease incidence in each round. In both years of the study, the largest contributor to the total mean annual cost of disease incidence was the cost of death of diseased animals, and this cost accounted for approximately two-hirds of the total mean annual cost in each round.

The total mean annual costs of disease prevention in these herds were $11.24 and $11.19 per cow in rounds 2 and 3, respectively. There were wide ranges in both rounds in the amounts of money spent per cow by individual herds for disease prevention. The largest individual cost of disease prevention in each year was the cost of vaccines/drugs, whereas the smallest individual cost in each round was the cost of veterinary services. Nearly all the preventive veterinary services cost in each study year was attributed to pregnancy examination, brucellosis vaccination, breeding soundness examination of bulls, pulmonary arterial pressure testing, and campylobacteriosis vaccination.

The costs of disease incidence and prevention were summed to determine the most costly individual disease conditions in the study herds. Death of unknown cause was the most expensive disease condition in both study years. Diarrhea of unknown cause, nonpregnancy, dystocia, pneumonia, hypothermia-exposure, general disease of parasitism, and brisket disease were other disease conditions that ranked among the ten most costly disease conditions in both rounds of the study.

It was concluded that reducing the costs associated with disease has the potential for increasing profits in cow-calf operations.
Survival of pseudorabies virus in the presence of selected diluents and fomites
Authors: Schoenbaum Mark A. , Freund James D. , Beran George W.
Published: December 2023

Because of the importance of environmental survival of pseudorabies virus to proposals to eradicate the virus from swine in the United States, survival of the virus was studied in various diluents and on combinations of diluents and solid fomites at 25 C. Suspensions of the virus in phosphate-buffered saline and saline G solutions remained infectious for at least 10 days. Infectivity of other virus/diluent suspensions decreased to <10 plaque-forming units/ml in 14 days (swine urine), 7 days (well water), 4 days (swine saliva), 2 days (lagoon water and swine nasal washings), and 1 day (swine pit effluent, chlorinated water, and bile). Suspensions of pseudorabies virus in saline G solution and on the solid fomites, whole corn, and steel remained infectious for at least 7 days. Infectivity of other virus/diluent/fomite combinations decreased to <10 plaque-forming units/ml in 7 days. The role of the fomites as vehicles for transmission of infection is discussed.
Recovery of Streptococcus agalactiae and Staphylococcus aureus from fresh and frozen bovine milk
Authors: Villanueva Michelle R. , Tyler Jeff W. , Thurmond Mark C.
Published: December 2023

Three hundred seventy-three milk samples were screened for Streptococcus agalactiae and Staphylococcus aureus. After sample storage at –20C for 23 days, the frequency of Str agalactiae isolation increased 2.50 times. The frequency of S aureus isolation increased 1.48 times in the same interval. Increases in the proportion of these isolates were highly significant (P = 0.000006 and 0.0001, respectively). Results of the study indicate that optimal procedures for microbiological testing for these mastitis pathogens may include preculture freezing. The magnitude of the increase in the proportion of isolates indicates the existence of an important population of infected cattle shedding bacteria at concentrations not detected by use of standard microbiological techniques.
ECG of the Month
Authors: Marr Celia M. , Reef Virginia B.
Published: December 2023

This monthly feature is being sponsored by the Academy of Veterinary Cardiology. Readers of the JAVMA are invited to submit contributions. Contributions should include: (1) a brief description of the case (150 words); (2) good contrast glossy photographs (5 in by 7 in) of tracings, with ECG lead, voltage calibration scale, and paper speed indicated; and (3) a discussion of the abnormality.

Send comments and tracings to Dr. Christophe Lombard, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Box J-126,JHMHC, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610.
Efficacy of mitoxantrone against various neoplasms in dogs
Authors: Ogilvie Gregory K. , Obradovich Joyce E. , Elmslie Robyn E. , Vail David M. , Moore A. S. , Straw Rodney C. , Dickinson Krista , Cooper Mary F. , Withrow Stephen J.
Published: December 2023

One hundred twenty-six dogs with histologically confirmed, measurable malignant tumors were evaluated in a prospective study to determine the response to the antineoplastic drug mitoxantrone. Ninety-five dogs had been refractory to one or more treatment modalities (surgery, n = 57; chemotherapy other than mitoxantrone, n = 37; radiation, n = 4; whole body hyperthermia, n = 1). The extent of neoplastic disease was determined immediately before each dose of mitoxantrone was administered (1 to 10 doses, 2.5 to 5 mg/m2 of body surface area, iv) 21 days apart. Each dog was treated with mitoxantrone until the dog developed progressive disease or until the dog's quality of life diminished to an unacceptable level as determined by the owner or attending veterinarian.

A partial or complete remission (>50% volume reduction) was obtained in 23% (29/126) of all dogs treated. Tumors in which there was a partial or complete remission included lymphoma (11/32), squamous cell carcinoma (4/9), fibrosarcoma (2/9), thyroid carcinoma (1/10), transitional cell carcinoma (1/6), mammary adenocarcinoma (1/6), hepatocellular carcinoma (1/4), renal adenocarcinoma (1/1), rectal carcinoma (1/1), chondrosarcoma (1/2), oral malignant melanoma (1/12), cutaneous malignant melanoma (1/1), myxosarcoma (1/1), mesothelioma (1/1), and hemangiopericytoma (1/1).

Our results indicated that mitoxantrone induces measurable regression in various malignant tumors in dogs.
Clinical and laboratory findings in small companion animals with lead poisoning: 347 cases (1977-1986)
Authors: Morgan Rhea V. , Moore Frances M. , Pearce Laurie K. , Rossi Thomas
Published: December 2023

Three hundred forty-seven cases of lead poisoning in small companion animals were reviewed. The yearly prevalence and overall incidence rates were examined for the 10 years before and after enactment of strict federal regulations pertaining to lead content in paint products. Biographical data, clinical signs, and laboratory results were analyzed for the 6 types of affected animals (ie, dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, a chinchilla, and a raccoon). Clinical and laboratory findings of these animals were then compared with findings of other studies of lead intoxication.
Types of colic and frequency of postcolic abortion in pregnant mares: 105 cases (1984 - 1988)
Authors: Santschi Elizabeth M. , Slone Donnie E. , Gronwall R. , Juzwiak James S. , Moll H. David
Published: December 2023

The records of 105 pregnant mares and 105 nonpregnant horses with colic admitted to an equine hospital were reviewed. The 2 groups had similar types of colic and short-term survivability. Of the 105 pregnant mares, 31 were treated medically and 74 required surgical intervention. Thirty-three of the 105 mares died or were euthanatized. Thirteen (18%) of the 72 remaining mares aborted. Of 4 mares with severe medical cases, 2 died, 1 aborted, and 1 aborted and died. Of 27 horses with medical cases that required less intensive treatment, none died and 2 aborted. Of the 74 horses that required surgery, 45 survived to termination of pregnancy (foaling or abortion); 36 of these mares (80%) had a live foal. The type of surgical lesion had no effect on pregnancy outcome. Stage of gestation at initial examination, duration of anesthesia, or intraoperative hypoxia or hypotension had no effect on pregnancy outcome. However, when hypoxia occurred during colic surgery in the last 60 days of pregnancy, the mares either aborted or delivered severely compromised foals that did not survive.
Possible effect of altered management practices on seroprevalence of bovine leukemia virus in heifers of a dairy herd with history of high prevalence of infection
Authors: Sprecher D. J. , Pelzer K. D. , Lessard P.
Published: December 2023

A bovine leukemia virus (blv) control program was instituted at a high-prevalence, purebred Holstein dairy. The specific control program required single use of needles and obstetrical sleeves, disinfection of tattoo equipment before use, dehorning by use of electrical burning devices, replacement of whole milk feeding with high-quality milk replacer, and heat treatment of colostrum before feeding. The effect of the program was estimated by comparing the pre- (1987) and postintervention (1989) prevalences of blv-agar gel immunodiffusion titers within particular heifer age cohorts (0 to 90, 91 to 180, 181 to 360 days, and 361 days to parturition). Random serologic testing was conducted quarterly within each cohort, but was analyzed on a combined yearly basis.

Seroprevalence of blv decreased in all age cohorts > 180 days old, with significant decreases in the 361 days to parturition (P = 0.003) and the combined 181 days to parturition cohorts (P = 0.0004). Prevalence within the latter cohort decreased from 0.44 in 1987 to 0.17 in 1989. These results were obtained without either culling or segregation of blv-agar gel immunodiffusion-positive cattle.
Survey of veterinarians’ recommendations for treatment and control of intestinal parasites in dogs: Public health implications
Authors: Harvey John B. , Roberts Jacqueline M. , Schantz Peter M.
Published: December 2023

A systematic, random sample of 450 small and mixed-animal practitioners was selected from the client list of a prominent veterinary pharmaceutical and animal health company. A telephone survey was conducted, using a standard questionnaire, to assess whether current veterinary practices concerning prophylaxis and treatment of canine roundworm (Toxocara canis) and hookworm (Ancylostoma spp) infections are adequate to prevent transmission to human beings. Analysis of results focused on 3 questions related to prevention: practitioner's frequency of client education regarding zoonotic potential of roundworms and hookworms, pup age at which veterinarian recommends first anthelmintic treatments, and proportion of veterinarians recommending prophylactic drug administration for pups and nursing bitches.

Despite the proven association of household pet dogs and human toxocariasis, only a third (148/450) of veterinarian respondents routinely discussed the potential zoonotic hazards of canine roundworms with their clients. A total of 29% (130/450) of veterinarians surveyed either never discussed these potential hazards or discussed them only when asked by their clients.

With regard to anthelmintic treatment practices, 31% (140/450) of veterinarians surveyed recommended that pups first be examined and treated for intestinal parasites within 4 weeks of age. Thirty-three percent (163/450) recommended first examination and deworming at 5 to 6 weeks of age, and 36% (163/450) suggested that it be done at or after 7 weeks of age. Less than half (208/450) of veterinarians administered anthelmintics prophylactically to at least some pups and dogs. Sixty-four percent (287/450) of respondents recommended routine testing and treatment of nursing bitches.

Because of the low frequency of direct client education regarding the potential zoonotic hazards of roundworms and hookworms in pets and the wide disparity in methods of treatment, we conclude that current veterinary practices are inadequate for maximal prevention of environmental contamination with eggs of these intestinal helminths. Systematic anthelmintic treatment and simple hygienic practices are necessary to avoid the risk of zoonotic transmission. We recommend that prophylactic deworming programs be initiated 2 to 3 weeks after pups are whelped, and that these programs include the nursing bitch. Treatment should be repeated every 2 to 3 weeks until 3 months after birth. Dog breeders and pet store owners, as well as private pet owners, need to be educated regarding the time to begin deworming the pups and bitch to effectively reduce environmental contamination with eggs of roundworms and hookworms.
Use of partial budgeting to determine the economic outcome of Staphylococcus aureus intramammary infection reduction strategies in three Ohio dairy herds
Authors: Hoblet K. H. , Miller G. Y.
Published: December 2023

Efforts to reduce the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus intramammary infection were monitored in 3 Ohio dairy herds. Bacteriologic culturing of milk from all lactating cows in each herd was completed multiple times to identify infected cows and monitor reduction. Partial budgeting techniques were used to determine the economic outcome of the reduction program. Of particular emphasis was the economic impact of culling to maintain or achieve milk quality premium payments on the basis of bulk tank somatic cell counts. The prevalence of S aureus-infected cows was reduced in each herd. Culturing of milk from all lactating cows appeared to be an effective method to identify infected cows. Although numbers were limited, it also appeared that culturing of composite quarter samples was effective as a herd screening test to identify S aureus-infected cows. Bacteriologic culturing had a negative financial impact in all 3 herds. Using partial budgeting to assess the economic impact of the programs, it was determined that 2 herds experienced negative financial impacts as a result of an excess culling rate when compared with a 12-month baseline period prior to the initiation of the project. All herds had increased milk production per cow during the study as measured by the mature-equivalent method. However, when actual production was considered, increased milk production in each herd was not as great as that of other Ohio herds enrolled on Dairy Herd Improvement Association testing programs. Thus, each herd had a slight negative impact in revenues as a result of lower than expected increased production. Two herds received milk quality premiums. Although quality premiums were as great as $70 per cow per year, excess culling costs resulted in a negative net financial impact during the first 2 full years of the project in 1 herd and the first full year of the other herd that received a quality premium. Overall results of this study suggest that although quality premiums may be substantial, excessive culling is expensive, particularly in the short run.
Detection of serum α-fetoprotein in dogs with hepatic tumors
Authors: Lowseth L. A. , Gillett N. A. , Chang I-Y. , Muggenburg B. A. , Boecker B. B.
Published: December 2023

Serum α-fetoprotein (afp) concentration was detected by use of 2 commercially available kits containing antibodies to human afp—a radioimmunoassay and an enzymetric test. Using neonatal canine serum (a source high in afp), it was determined that reagents from both kits were able to bind to canine afp, but a significant difference was detected in afp concentration. The enzymetric test was superior in detecting canine afp. Sera from dogs were classified into 6 groups: from dogs with primary hepatic tumors only (group 1); from dogs with primary hepatic tumors and other tumors (group 2); from dogs with normal liver but with other types of neoplasia (group 3); from dogs with nonneoplastic hepatic disease and tumors originating in other organs (group 4); from dogs with nonneoplastic hepatic disease only (group 5); and from clinically normal dogs (group 6). Serum biochemical determinations (alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase, albumin, total protein, total bilirubin, and serum bile acids) and values from the 2 afp assays were obtained for all dogs. Serum afp concentration detected by the enzymetric test was significantly higher in dogs with hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma. Values > 250 ng/ml were detected in 5 of 9 dogs with cholangiocarcinoma and in 3 of 4 dogs with hepatocellular carcinoma. High serum afp concentration also was indicative of liver involvement in 2 of 3 dogs with primary hepatic lymphosarcoma; 2 dogs had values > 225 ng/ml. Serum afp concentration in dogs with other types of hepatic tumors was < 250 ng/ml, and serum afp concentration could not be correlated with such tumors. Discriminatory analysis was done to determine which serum biochemical values best aided differentiation of hepatic neoplasia from nonneoplastic hepatic disease. Along with high serum afp concentration, high serum alkaline phosphatase activity and low albumin concentration were the most important analytes. If hepatic tumor is suspected, we recommend use of the enzymetric test to determine afp concentration, in addition to use of serum biochemical values, clinical findings, and radiography, to aid in the diagnosis.
Clinical, hematologic, and survival data from cats infected with feline immunodeficiency virus: 42 cases (1983-1988)
Authors: Fleming Edward J. , McCaw Dudley L. , Smith Julie A. , Buening Gerald M. , Johnson Cindy
Published: December 2023

A retrospective study of stored feline serum samples was done to determine the infection rate of feline immunodeficiency virus in cats in central Missouri. Infected cats were compared with uninfected cats subjected to the same selection criteria on the basis of signalment, clinical signs, and cbc abnormalities. A significant incidence of virus infection was found in male cats. Neither age nor breed predilection could be identified. Infected cats were more likely to be anemic and leukopenic because of neutropenia. Cellulitis and neoplasia were more common in infected cats. A spectrum of disease severity was seen in infected cats ranging from no clinical signs to signs of severe chronic inflammatory disease. Infected cats were more likely to have clinical disease. Mean survival of infected cats was 24.4 months from the time of diagnosis.
Study of feline leukemia virus immunity
Authors: Charreyre Catherine , Pedersen Niels C.
Published: December 2023

Fifteen specific-pathogen-free cats were experimentally infected with FeLV; 8 cats recovered after transient or nondetectable viremia, and 7 cats became persistently viremic. Four additional cats served as noninfected controls. Antibodies to whole FeLV (elisa and immunoblot [western] analysis), antibodies to fixed FeLV-infected cells, and virus-neutralizing antibodies were monitored for as long as 3 years after infection. As a group, cats that recovered after acute infection developed higher titer of these various antibodies than did cats that became persistently viremic. However, specific combination or titer of antibodies was not always found in recovered cats or in persistently viremic cats. Six cats that had recovered from acute FeLV infection nearly 3 years earlier were reinfected with the same virus. Three of the cats appeared to be resistant to reinfection, 2 cats became transiently viremic, and 1 cat became persistently viremic. Slight and transient anamnestic elisa-detectable antibody response to whole virus was seen after reinfection; immunofluoresence- and western blot-detectable responses were not greatly enhanced. Five FeLV-recovered cats were monitored for 2 years; FeLV infection spontaneously recurred in 1 cat.
Development of the immunofluorescent antibody test for detection of feline leukemia virus infection in cats
Authors: Hardy William D. , Zuckerman Evelyn E.
Published: December 2023

Studies of the immunodetection of various microorganisms by various assay systems indicated that the most specific and sensitive assays are immunofluorescence, radioimmunoassay, and immunoblot analysis (western blot), followed by sensitive but less specific elisa and agglutination assays and, finally, by even less sensitive but very specific virus isolation and double immunodiffusion techniques. The first test for the clinical detection of FeLV infection in pet cats was the immunofluorescent antibody (ifa) test, which was introduced in 1972. The FeLV test is used for detection for FeLV infection and not as a test for leukemia or any other feline disease. The ifa test was compared with an immunodiffusion (id) test and with tissue culture isolation (tci) of the virus in 26 cats to establish a standard for FeLV tests. Excellent correlation was observed between the ifa and the id tests (100%) and between the ifa and id tests, compared with tci (96.2%). From these studies, it is clear that the ifa test is more accurate and more practical, and that results can be obtained faster than can those for the id or tci tests for FeLV.
Ten-year study comparing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with the immunofluorescent antibody test for detection of feline leukemia virus infection in cats
Authors: Hardy William D. , Zuckerman Evelyn E.
Published: December 2023

Immunodetection tests for feline retroviruses are powerful tools used in modern veterinary practice. Veterinarians must fully understand the characteristics—strengths and weaknesses—of the FeLV tests so that the information gained from them can be used properly. Any FeLV elisa or immunofluorescent antibody (ifa) test is a method for detection of FeLV infection (the virus) and is not a diagnostic test for leukemia or other feline disease.

From previous studies, it was determined that the most accurate test for detection of persistent FeLV infection is the ifa test, which detects FeLV antigens in cytoplasm of leukocytes in the blood of infected cats. In the study reported here, 1,142,600 FeLV ifa tests were performed between June 1972 and December 1990. During this period 19.8% of the ifa test results were positive and 78% were negative. Evaluation was not possible for the remaining 2.2% of the tests because of lack of enough leukocytes in the smears to evaluate, or nonspecific staining reactions.

In 1979, 7 years after introduction of the ifa test, in-hospital FeLV elisa were introduced, which enabled veterinarians to test for FeLV in their hospitals. Ever since that time, continual discrepancies have been reported between results of FeLV elisa and ifa tests, particularly between positive elisa results and their ifa test confirmation. A 10-year comparison was made between practitioner-performed in-hospital FeLV elisa (n = 20, 240 tests) results and FeLV ifa test performed by a commercial laboratory. All samples tested by elisa were submitted (for confirmation of results) by veterinarians from the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan, and Australia. There was 86.9% agreement between negative elisa results and the ifa test result, but only 46.3% agreement between positive elisa results and the ifa test result. Overall agreement was 49.0% for all confirmatory ifa tests. However, there was bias toward confirmation of positive elisa results because 93% of confirmatory tests requested were of elisa-positive samples.

It is apparent from this study that between 26 and 69% of in-hospital positive elisa results and 13% of in-hospital negative elisa results are incorrect. On the basis of these observations, we recommend that veterinarians immediately confirm all FeLV positive elisa results by ifa testing. In addition, negative elisa results in cats that the veterinarian suspects have FeLV infection or FeLV-induced disease should also be confirmed by ifa testing. We also recommend that all cats be vaccinated for FeLV and that they be tested for FeLV and the feline immunodeficiency virus at time of first vaccine dose.
Tumor necrosis factor activity in serum from neonatal foals with presumed septicemia
Authors: Morris Debra Deem , Moore James N.
Published: December 2023

A study was performed to determine prevalence of tumor necrosis factor (tnf) activity in serum of equine neonates with presumed sepsis and to determine correlation between serum tnf activity and severity and outcome of disease. Twenty foals <21 days old were considered suitable for inclusion in this study by satisfying clinical and laboratory criteria suggestive of septicemia. At admission, blood samples were collected from all foals for determination of serum tnf activity, then clinical course and outcome of disease were recorded. Thirty-one clinically normal foals <21 days old served as controls for serum tnf activity. Serum tnf activity was estimated by use of an in vitro cytotoxicity bioassay and WEHI 164 clone-13 murine fibrosarcoma cells. Of the 20 foals with presumed sepsis, 5 had high serum TNF activity. Mean heart rate (P < 0.005), mucosal petechial hemorrhages (P = 0.06), and death rate (P = 0.06) were greater in the group of foals with high serum TNF activity. These foals also had a lower mean neutrophil count (P < 0.001), greater band-to-segmented neutrophil ratio (P < 0.0001), and more prevalent neutrophil toxic changes (P = 0.07) than did foals without serum tnf activity (P = 0.02). Joint swelling was more prevalent in foals without serum tnf activity. Results of the study indicate that serum tnf activity is correlated with clinical criteria of sepsis in equine neonates. An association was apparent between disease severity and serum tnf activity in this group of foals with presumed septicemia.
Clinical and pathologic features of prostatic adenocarcinoma in sexually intact and castrated dogs: 31 cases (1970-1987)
Authors: Bell Ford W. , Klausner Jeffrey S. , Hayden David W. , Feeney Daniel A. , Johnston Shirley D.
Published: December 2023

The medical records of 31 dogs diagnosed with prostatic carcinoma at the teaching hospital between January 1970 and October 1987 were reviewed to determine whether gender status had an effect on the clinical features or biologic behavior of the disease. The only Significant difference between sexually intact and castrated dogs was increased prevalence of pulmonary metastasis in castrated dogs.
Pelvic osteotomy as a treatment for obstipation in cats with acquired stenosis of the pelvic canal: Six cases (1978-1989)
Authors: Schrader Steven C.
Published: December 2023

Pelvic osteotomy with removal or repositioning of bone was performed as treatment for obstipation in 6 domestic shorthair cats with stenosis of the pelvic canal. Narrowing of the pelvic canal was the result of pelvic fracture or sacroiliac luxation in all cats. Tenesmus and obstipation began shortly after pelvic injury in 3 cats and 5 to 12 months after injury in the remaining cats. The duration of clinical signs ranged from 36 hours to 36 months. The duration of large intestinal obstruction influenced the outcome of surgery. Surgical widening of the pelvic canal helped eliminate signs of obstruction when signs were of <6 months' duration (n = 2). When signs of obstipation had continued for a longer period, and megacolon had developed, such treatment was minimally effective (n = 4).
Spinal lymphoma in cats: 21 cases (1976-1989)
Authors: Spodnick Gary J. , Berg John , Moore Frances M. , Cotter Susan M.
Published: December 2023

Medical records of 21 cats with spinal lymphoma were reviewed. All cats were evaluated for neurologic deficits, although 85% of cats necropsied had multicentric disease. Eighty-one percent of cats had hind limb paresis. Results of FeLV tests were positive in 84.2% (16/19) of the cats, and 68.7% (11/16) of the cats had leukemic bone marrow. Spinal lymphoma was confirmed by necropsy in 13 cats, by examination of a biopsy specimen in 1 cat, and by examination of cells aspirated from an epidural lesion in 2 cats. In the remaining 5 cats, a presumptive diagnosis was made on the basis of neurologic examination findings, positive FeLV test results, and leukemic bone marrow.

Nine cats were treated with chemotherapy alone. The complete remission rate was 50% in 6 cats given cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone. The median duration of complete remission was 14 weeks. Complete remissions were not observed in 3 cats given only corticosteroids. A single cat treated by laminectomy and postoperative chemotherapy had a prolonged remission (62 weeks).

At necropsy, lymphoma of the cns was limited to the vertebral canal in 10 of 13 cats; 2 cats had malignant tissue in the brain and vertebral canal, and in the remaining cat, the tumor extended into the brachial plexus. Most tumors extended over multiple vertebral bodies, and 4 cats had more than 1 level of spinal cord involvement. The lymphoma was high-grade lymphoblastic or immunoblastic type in all cats.
Comparison of serum cortisol concentration before and after intradermal testing in sedated and nonsedated dogs
Authors: Frank Linda A. , Kunkle Gail A. , Beale Karin M.
Published: December 2023

Serum cortisol concentration was evaluated in 71 dogs before and after a stressful procedure was performed. Thirty dogs were skin tested with sedation (group S), 21 dogs were skin tested without sedation (group NS), and 20 dogs had other dermatologic procedures performed (group C). Group-S dogs had significant (P < 0.001) decrease in serum cortisol concentration after skin testing, compared with baseline values. In contrast, dogs of groups NS and C had significant (P < 0.001) increase in poststress serum cortisol concentration. Mean cortisol concentration after stress was significantly lower for dogs of group S, compared with that for dogs of the other 2 groups.

The second part of the analysis consisted of determining the number of false-negative skin test results for dogs of groups S and NS and comparing these with serum cortisol concentration. Difference in the number of suspected atopic dogs with negative skin test results (false-negative) was not evident between groups S and NS. Also, difference was not apparent between cortisol concentration in dogs that had positive or false-negative skin test results in either group. This finding indicates that high serum cortisol concentration does not affect results of skin testing in suspected atopic dogs.
Treatment of pyometra in cats, using prostaglandin F2α: 21 cases (1982-1990)
Authors: Davidson Autumn P. , Feldman Edward C. , Nelson Richard W.
Published: December 2023

Treatment with prostaglandin F2α (pgf2α) was evaluated in 21 queens with open-cervix pyometra. The pgf2α was administered (0.1 or 0.25 mg/kg of body weight, sc, q 12 to 24 h) for 3 or 5 days. Transient postinjection reactions caused by pgf2α administration included vocalization, panting, restlessness, grooming, tenesmus, salivation, diarrhea, kneading, mydriasis, emesis, urination, and lordosis. Reactions began as quickly as 30 seconds after pgf2α administration and lasted as long as 60 minutes. All queens improved clinically after pgf2α treatment. One month after completion of the initial series, 1 queen required a second series of pgf2α injections before pyometra resolved. Of 21 queens, 20 (95%) resumed normal estrous cycles without further treatment and 17 (81%) delivered normal litter(s). Use of pgf2α is an acceptable treatment for open-cervix pyometra in queens.
Evaluation of selected plants for acute toxicosis in budgerigars
Authors: Shropshire Crystal M. , Stauber Erik , Arai Mariko
Published: December 2023

Pairs of budgerigars were given samples, by gavage, of plants considered potentially toxic to pet birds. Samples were prepared by flash-freezing and powdering fresh plant material in liquid nitrogen and resuspending the material in deionized water for administration. Of the 19 plants tested, only 6 induced clinical signs of illness; these plants included yew, oleander, clematis, avocado, black locust, and Virginia creeper (Taxus media, Nerium oleander, Clematis sp, Persea americana, Robinia pseudoacacia, Parthenocissus quinquefolio).
Comparison of spermatozoal movement and semen characteristics with fertility in stallions: 64 cases (1987-1988)
Authors: Jasko D. J. , Little T. V. , Lein D. H. , Foote R. H.
Published: December 2023

Information pertaining to evaluation of single ejaculates of semen and records for 2 consecutive breeding seasons were obtained. In all, data for 99 individual breeding seasons (n = 43 Standardbreds and 56 Thoroughbreds) were evaluated. Included in each semen evaluation was examination of semen characteristics and computer-aided analysis of spermatozoal movement characteristics. On the basis of the analysis of breeding records for 4,175 mares (7,017 estrous cycles), a per-estrous cycle fertility rate was calculated from data for 96 of the breeding seasons. Stallions with lower fertility than the mean overall season fertility had significantly (P < 0.01) lower mean values for subjective appraisal of the percentage of motile and progressively motile spermatozoa and for percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa. Lower mean values were obtained for computer-aided movement analysis of the percentage of motile and progressively motile spermatozoa, and for mean velocity of motile spermatozoa. Semen characteristics, including spermatozoal movement characteristics, and fertility were significantly (P < 0.05) correlated for Thoroughbred and Standardbred stallions when analyzed individually and when data for both breeds were combined. Characteristics most highly correlated (P < 0.01) with fertility data for both breeds combined were: subjective appraisal of the percentage of motile (r = 0.40) and progressively motile (r = 0.46) spermatozoa; percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa (r = 0.36); and computer-aided analysis of percentage of motile spermatozoa (r = 0.34). However, on the basis of evaluation of a single ejaculate for each stallion, the variation in these characteristics only accounted for approximately 20% of the observed variation in fertility rate.