bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caesarean section in a pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis) and the management of the wound
Authors: Flach E. J. , Furrokh I. K. , Thornton S. M. , Smith J. , Parkyn J. P. , Campbell E. J.
Published: October 2010

A laparohysterotomy was performed on a 17‐year‐old pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis) to remove a dead oversized fetus. The operation was successful and the animal recovered, but the surgical wound broke down and healed slowly by second intention.
Unusual case of metabolic bone disease in a common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)
Authors: Hatt J‐M. , Sainsbury A. W.
Published: October 2010

Metabolic bone disease was diagnosed in an 11‐month‐old female common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). It was depressed, reluctant to move, and was cachectic and small for its age. Laboratory findings included anaemia, azotaemia and an inverse calcium to phosphorus ratio. The radiological findings showed simultaneous signs of osteomalacia and softtissue calcification. There was decreased bone density with lytic areas in the pelvis and femur, and severe bilateral nephrocalcinosis. Postmortem examination revealed marked focal dystrophic calcification of the epi‐ and myocardium. Calcium and vitamin D3 deficiency (nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism) was the most likely cause of the osteomalacia.
Retrospective survey of allergen immunotherapy in canine atopy
Authors: Nuttall T. J. , Thoday K. L. , van den Broek A. H. M. , Jackson H. A. , Sture G. H. , Halliwell R. E. W.
Published: October 2010

The clinical records of 277 cases of canine atopy treated with specific allergen immunotherapy were reviewed. A good response was defined as control with immunotherapy either alone or with topical agents, a partial response as control with immunotherapy and other systemic agents, and a poor response as no perceived benefit and the immunotherapy discontinued. The mean follow‐up period was 29.2 months (range 10 to 85 months). Ninety‐one cases (33 per cent) were lost to follow‐up or failed to comply with the therapeutic protocol. Of the remaining 186 cases, 40 (21.5 per cent) had a good response to immunotherapy, 74 (39.8 per cent) had a partial response, and 72 (38.7 per cent) had a poor response. Immunotherapy was therefore of long‐term benefit in 114 dogs (61.3 per cent). No significant differences in response rates were associated with the breed or sex of the dog, or the age of onset of the disease, or with the type or number of allergens included in a vaccine. Dogs which had clinical signs for more than 61 months before immunotherapy had a significantly poorer response rate (23.5 per cent, P<0.05). In‐house cases had a significantly better response rate (95.2 per cent, P<0.05) than externally managed cases.
Causes of death of wild birds of the family Fringillidae in Britain
Authors: Pennycott T. W. , Ross H. M. , McLaren I. M. , Park A. , Hopkins G. F. , Foster G.
Published: October 2010

The provision of supplementary food for wild birds in gardens during the winter months is common in the UK, but it is possible that it may precipitate infectious diseases in the birds. This paper describes the results of postmortem examinations of 116 wild finches carried out over a period of four years. The two commonest causes of death in areas where high mortality had been reported were infections with the bacteria Salmonella typhimurium DT4o and Escherichia coli O86. Coccidia of the genera Atoxoplasma or Isospora were found in several of the birds but were considered to be incidental. Megabacteria were also identified in some of the birds, for the first time in flocks of wild birds in the UK, but they were not considered to be significant.
Potential of assisted breeding techniques for the conservation of endangered mammalian species in captivity: a review
Authors: Bainbridge D. R. J. , Jabbour H. N.
Published: October 2010

An alarming worldwide extinction of animal species is taking place as a result of the activities of the increasing global human population. The original ranges of many animal species are being reduced and fragmented and, in some cases, they have been reduced to perilously small relict populations. The adverse genetic consequences of these restrictions are becoming clear, as are possible methods for their alleviation. The concept of ex situ genetic management of small captive populations of endangered species with a view to re‐introducing them into the wild is attracting increasing interest. Modern reproductive techniques will play an important role in such programmes, and it is likely that an increasing number of veterinarians will become involved. However, the literature describing the aims and methods of reproductive genetic management is scattered and often not readily available to interested veterinary surgeons. The aim of this review is to deal with this problem by describing some potential approaches to the captive breeding of endangered species.
Laryngeal rhabdomyoma in a golden retriever
Authors: Clercx C. , Desmecht D. , Michiels L. , McEntee J. , Hardy N. , Henroteaux M.
Published: October 2010

A three‐year‐old male golden retriever had had progressive dyspnoea, exercise intolerance, stridor, and a modified bark for five months. A mass 2 cm in diameter was present dorsal to the right side of the larynx. Histological examination revealed cross‐striations in some elongated cells, consistent with a diagnosis of rhabdomyoma, a diagnosis which was confirmed by positive immunohistochemical staining for myoglobin and desmin. The mass could not be removed without total laryngectomy and a permanent tracheostomy and the dog was euthanased.
Subclinical laminitis in dairy cows: use of severity of hoof lesions to rank and evaluate herds
Authors: Smilie R. H. , Hoblet K. H. , Eastridge M. L. , Weiss W. P. , Schnitkey G. L. , Moeschberger M. L.
Published: October 2010

Thirteen high‐yielding Holstein herds in Ohio were ranked according to the prevalence and severity of lesions associated with subclinical laminitis (pododermatitis aseptica diffusa). One hundred and seventy‐three first lactation cows, most of them in their first 100 days of lactation, and 30 pregnant heifers were assessed. The lesions evaluated were yellow waxy discoloration of the sole, haemorrhage of the sole, separation of the white line, and erosion of the heel. Each herd consisted of more than 100 lactating cows and all the herds were producing over 8500 kg of milk per cow on a rolling herd average basis. The lactating cows were housed in cubicles and maintained in concrete yards. The lesions associated with subclinical laminitis were prevalent among the 13 herds, but when each category of lesion was considered independently, significant differences in prevalence and severity were detected among the herds. These differences suggest that it may be possible to make changes in herd management which may influence the prevalence of lesions.
Male tortoiseshell cats in the United Kingdom
Authors: Leaman T. , Rowland R. , Long S.E.
Published: October 2010

A questionnaire concerning the coat colour and sex of cats being vaccinated or neutered was sent to 2585 veterinary practices; 393 (15.2 per cent) were returned and information was obtained about 9816 cats. Of 4598 males, 20 were recorded as tortoiseshell (0.43 per cent). The frequency of the orange gene was 19.7 per cent, assuming that male tortoiseshell cats had two X chromosomes. The chromosome complement and/or gonadal histology of 14 male tortoiseshell cats is described. Cytogenetic analysis of 11 animals revealed six with a 38,XX/38,XY complement, two with 39,XXY, two with 38,XX, and one with a 38,XY complement.
Histopathological and electron microscopical observations on rainbow trout fry syndrome
Authors: Rangdale E. , Richards R. H. , Alderman D. J.
Published: October 2010

Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fry and fingerlings with clinical signs of rainbow trout fry syndrome, and rainbow trout (0.5 to 3.5 g) with experimentally induced infections with Flavobacterium psychrophilum, were examined histopathologically and electron microscopically. Severe hypertrophy of the spleen and cellular degeneration were consistently observed. Distinctive features of the disease were the loss of definition of the splenic border and its replacement by a loosely structured eosinophilic layer, fibrinous inflammation and intercellular oedema within the spleen, and the presence of numerous filamentous bacteria interspersed throughout the organ.
Ovarian and hormonal responses of cows to treatment with an analogue of gonadotrophin releasing hormone and prostaglandin F2α
Authors: Peters A. R. , Ward S. J. , Warren M. J. , Gordon P. J. , Mann G. E. , Webb R.
Published: October 2010

Blood samples were taken from 11 cows and their ovaries were scanned by ultrasound at least daily. Around day 5 of an induced cycle, they were injected with 10 pg buserelin, an analogue of gonadotrophin releasing hormone, and on day 12 they received 0.5 mg cloprostenol, an analogue of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α). Two days later six of the cows (the treated group) received a second injection of 10 μg buserelin, but the remaining fve received no further treatment (control group). The dominant, that is, the largest follicle in each cow disappeared after the first buserelin injection and was replaced by a new one which grew synchronously in all the cows until after the treatment with PGF2α. Ovulation occurred significantly earlier after PGF2α in the treated group than in the control group (72 to 96 hours v 96 to 120 hours; P<0.05). Plasma progesterone concentrations then increased more rapidly in the treated group than in the control group and were significantly higher on days 3 and 4 after ovulation (P<0.05).
Comparison of radiography, scintigraphy and ultrasonography in the diagnosis of a case of temporomandibular joint arthropathy in a horse
Authors: Weller R. , Cauvin E. R. , Bowen I. M. , May S. A.
Published: October 2010

Diagnosis of temporomandibular joint disease in the horse presents a challenge to the equine veterinarian. This case report illustrates a combined imaging approach using radiography, scintigraphy and ultrasonography in a horse with severe arthropathy of the left temporomandibular joint Radiographs were inconclusive. Scintigraphy with Tc99mmethylenediphosphonate localised, but failed to characterise the disease process; ultrasonography was the only imaging method which both localised and characterised the lesion. Ultrasonography proved to be a relatively cheap, technically easy to perform and non‐invasive method for the assessment of the disease.
Strategic control of gastrointestinal nematode and lungworm infections with eprinomectin at turnout and eight weeks later
Authors: Epe C. , Woidtke S. , Pape M. , Heise M. , Kraemer F. , Kohlmetz C. , Schnieder T.
Published: October 2010

Two groups of 10 first‐year grazing cattle were either left untreated as controls (group 1) or treated with eprinomectin as a pour‐on application at turnout and eight weeks later (group 2). The control group developed a mild infection with gastrointestinal nematodes and lungworms during the season, wheares the treated animals remained healthy. The interval between the treatments allowed the establishment of adult worms, but the egg counts remained negligible. The total number of eggs shed by the treated cattle during the grazing season was significantly smaller than by the controls.
Reconstruction of the eyelids of a dog using grafts of oral mucosa
Authors: Peña T. M. , García F. A.
Published: October 2010

A five‐month‐old English cocker spaniel with distichiasis had been treated four times surgically by a tarsomeibomian resection technique. As a result, three‐quarters of the margins of its upper eyelids had been eliminated and the lower eyelids had become considerably thinner. The dog had developed upper entropion and upper eyelid trichiasis, and keratoconjunctivitis sicca. It was treated medically and grafts of oral mucosa were used to reconstruct its upper eyelids. A year after surgery, the new palpebral margin was completely functional and cosmetically acceptable. The dog's eyes appear normal and only require treatment with artificial tears.
Acquired flexural deformity of the metacarpophalangeal joint in five horses associated with tendonous damage in the paimar metacarpus
Authors: McDiarmid A.
Published: October 2010

Five cases of acquired flexural deformity of the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP) in older horses and ponies were studied. The mean age of affected horses was 14.8 years. Four deformities developed following desmitis of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon (ALDDFT) and superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) and one following tendonitis of the SDFT alone. All cases were markedly lame and demonstrated variable degrees of flexural deformity. Ultrasonographic examination was performed on all cases which revealed extensive adhesion formation between the ALDDFT and SDFT and reduced crosssectional area of the deep digital flexor tendon in each case. A variety of treatments were unsuccessfully employed to treat this condition. The prognosis for acquired flexural deformity of the MCPJ in old horses following tendonous damage in the palmar metacarpus is likely to be poor.
Prevalence of disease in dogs purchased from an animal rescue shelter
Authors: Wells D. L. , Hepper P. G.
Published: October 2010

Northern Ireland was investigated. A postal questionnaire was completed by 556 people who had purchased a dog from the Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (uspcA) to provide information on the diseases suffered by their dog. The majority of the dogs (53.7 per cent) had an ailment, the most common being coughing and diarrhoea. Of the respondents who returned their dog to the uspcA, 92 per cent did so because the animal was unhealthy. Stray dogs were more likely to have an ailment than unwanted dogs, specifically coughing, and/or skin problems. More puppies suffered from parvovirus, vomiting, and/or diarrhoea than did juveniles or adults. Adult dogs were more likely to have a cough than juveniles or puppies. There was no association between the sex of the dogs and their ailments.
Dynamic adrenal function testing in eight dogs with hyperadrenocorticism associated with adrenocortical neoplasia
Authors: Norman E. J. , Thompson H. , Mooney C. T.
Published: October 2010

The results of adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) stimulation and low‐dose dexamethasone suppression tests (LDDST) were evaluated retrospectively in eight dogs with clinical signs of hyperadrenocorticism arising from functional adrenocortical tumours, and compared with the results from 12 dogs with confirmed pituitary‐dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH). The post‐ACTH cortisol concentration in the dogs with adrenocortical tumours ranged from 61 to 345.6 nmol/litre (median 251.5 nmol/litre) and they were within the reference range (150 to 450 nmol/litre) in five and unexpectedly low (<150 nmol/litre) in three dogs. Both the basal and post‐ACTH cortisol concentrations were significantly lower in the dogs with adrenocortical neoplasia than in the dogs with PDH. Eight hours after the LDDST, only two of six dogs with adrenocortical tumours had a cortisol concentration above 30 nmol/litre, and the median resting, three, and eight‐hour cortisol concentrations were 31.5, 23.0, and 22.7 nmol/Aitre respectively. There was no significant cortisol suppression during the LDDST, although interpretation was complicated by the low cortisol concentrations, but two dogs showed a pattern of apparent suppression. Two dogs with adrenal tumours showed a diagnostically significant increase in 17‐OH‐progesterone concentration in response to ACTH although their cortisol concentrations did not increase greatly. These results differ from previous reports of the response of functional adrenal tumours to dynamic endocrine tests.
Prevalence and risk factors for feline Bordetella bronchiseptica infection
Authors: Binns S. H. , Dawson S. , Speakman A. J. , Cuevas L. E. , Gaskell C. J. , Hart C. A. , Morgan K. L. , Gaskell R. M.
Published: October 2010

A cross‐sectional survey of a convenience‐sample of 740 cats was undertaken to obtain an estimate of the prevalence of Bordetella bronchiseptica infection, and to identify risk factors that might predispose them to the infection. Data on individual cats and household variables, including disease status and animal contacts were obtained by questionnaire. B bronchiseptica was isolated from 82 (11 per cent) of the cats sampled. The prevalence of B bronchiseptica varied with the type of household sampled, being 19.5 per cent in rescue catteries, 9 per cent in breeding catteries, 13.5 per cent in research colonies, and 0 per cent in household pets. On the basis of a univariable analysis, 19 of 29 predictor variables were found to be significantly associated with the isolation of B bronchiseptica, including an association with cats in rescue catteries, and with cats from premises with larger numbers of animals. Separate analysis of the rescue cattery subpopulation showed a highly significant association on multivariable analysis with current respiratory disease, suggesting that different risk fadors may operate in this type of environment. In the whole sample there was also a strong association with cats from households containing a dog with recent respiratory tract disease. The clinical signs observed in the B bronchiseptica ‐positive cats included sneezing, ocular and nasal discharges and coughing, although only the association with sneezing was statistically significant. There was no significant association between the isolation of B bronchiseptica and the isolation of respiratory viruses, suggesting that in some circumstances B bronchiseptica may be able to cause disease independently.
Welfare implications of sheep ear tags
Authors: Edwards D. S. , Johnston A. M.
Published: October 2010

The damaging effects of ear tags used to identify sheep were studied by examining the ears of sheep after slaughter in three different abattoirs and the ears of sheep on a farm. In total, 1040 ears with tags were examined. There were six types of ear tag: metal ‘Ketchum’ style loop tags; two‐piece rigid plastic tags; ‘AlIflex’ style flexible plastic tags with a male and female part; golf tee‐shaped plastic ear tags; one‐piece rigid plastic loop tags; and one‐piece flexible plastic tags with a flap. The metal loop tags and plastic loop tags caused the most lesions, and the majority of the severe lesions. Ear tags placed near to the tip of the ear appeared to cause more damage. Some of the Ketchum style metal tags and two‐piece rigid plastic tags appeared to be relatively new, as if recently fitted. These tags were more often associated with ear lesions, particularly moderate or severe lesions. The AlIflex style flexible plastic tags caused the fewest problems, and the golf tee‐shaped plastic tags also caused significantly fewer problems than the other tags.
Clindamycin hydrochloride and clavulanate‐amoxycillin in the treatment of canine superficial pyoderma
Authors: Littlewood D. , Lakhani K. H. , Paterson S. , Wood J. L. N. , Chanter N.
Published: October 2010

A masked, randomised, controlled clinical trial for the treatment of canine superficial pyoderma was undertaken. Dogs with a clinical diagnosis of superficial pyoderma, supported by bacterial culture were admitted to the trial and randomly assigned to treatment with either clindamycin hydrochloride at 5.5 mg/kg twice daily or clavulanate‐amoxycillin at 12.5 mg/kg twice daily. After 21 days the animals were re‐assessed, and therapy was continued for a further 21 days in the dogs with persistent lesions if bacterial culture demonstrated continued sensitivity. Twenty‐nine dogs were treated with clindamycin hydrochloride and 27 with clavulanate‐amoxycillin. Complete cure was obtained after three weeks in 17 (59 per cent) of the clindamycin‐treated cases, but in only eight (30 per cent) of the clavulanate‐amoxycillin treated group. Clindamycin was significantly more effective than clavulanate‐amoxycillin for the treatment of superficial pyoderma in dogs.
Mass screening of Irish wolfhound puppies for portosystemic shunts by the dynamic bile acid test
Authors: Kerr M. G. , van Doorn T.
Published: October 2010

Five hundred and sixty‐six Irish wolfhound puppies aged six to 15 weeks were tested for congenital portosystemic shunts by the dynamic bile acid method. Plasma ammonia concentration was also measured in 165 of the puppies both fasting and postprandially. Nineteen puppies (3.4 per cent), nine males and 10 females, had portosystemic shunts. Smaller litters appeared to be more likely to contain affected puppies. The postprandial bile acid concentration was a reliable predictor of the presence of a shunt, with the highest concentration in a normal puppy being 38 pmol/litre and the lowest in an affected puppy being 43 μmol/litre. In contrast, fasting bile acid concentrations were normal in the majority of the affected puppies. There was considerable overlap in fasting plasma ammonia concentrations between normal and affected puppies (26 puppies, 15.8 per cent of those tested). Postprandial ammonia concentration appeared to give better separation between the two groups, apart from two individuals which produced bizarre results. It was concluded that the postprandial or dynamic bile acid test is an appropriate test for the mass screening of Irish wolfhound puppies for portosystemic shunts, and guidelines are proposed for the interpretation and follow.up of the test.
Comparison of cyclosporin A and dexamethasone in the treatment of canine nictitans plasmacytic conjunctivitis
Authors: Gonzalez Alonso‐Alegre E. M. , Rodriguez Alvaro A. , Rollan Landeras E.
Published: October 2010

Thirteen dogs with nictitans plasmocytic conjunctivitis were treated with 2.0 per cent cyclosporin drops in the right eye and with 0.1 per cent dexamethasone ointment in the left eye. The response to both therapies was monitored for six weeks, repeat biopsy specimens were taken, and the time for the clinical signs to recur recorded. Conjunctival cultures were taken before and after both therapies. There were no significant differences between the treatments in the remission of clinical signs, the reduction of inflammatory infiltrate in the biopsy specimens, or the time to recurrence of the condition or its subsequent severity. However, the eyes treated with 0.1 per cent dexamethasone tended to recover more rapidly than the eyes treated with 2.0 per cent cyclosporin, and the eyes treated with 2.0 per cent cyclosporin tended to be protected from a recurrence for longer than the eyes treated with 0.1 per cent dexamethasone.
Adaptation of dogs to the amputation of a limb and their owners' satisfaction with the procedure
Authors: Kirpensteijn J. , van den Bos R. , Endenburg N.
Published: October 2010

Forty‐four Dutch dog owners were interviewed by telephone about their experiences with their dog after it had had a limb amputated. Most of the dogs adapted to walking on three legs within a month, sooner than most of the owners had expeded. There were few complications after the amputation, although changes in behaviour were observed in approximately one‐third of the dogs.
Clinical and radiographic findings compared with urodynamic findings in neutered female dogs with refractory urinary incontinence
Authors: Nickel R. F. , Vink‐Noteboom M. , Van Den Brom W. E.
Published: October 2010

Possible correlations were investigated between the clinical and urodynamic findings in 77 neutered female dogs with urinary incontinence refractory to standard medical management. The clinical data used in the analysis were age, bodyweight, breed, the characteristics of the dribbling of urine and whether it developed before or after neutering, the type of response to previous treatments, signs of polyuria/polydipsia, and the results of urinalysis and culture. In 50 of the dogs, a standardised contrast radiographic examination was made to locate the neck of the bladder and to assess the morphology of the bladder. These findings were analysed for their correlation with the results of multichannel urethral pressure profilometry and diuresis cysto‐urethrometry. Logistic regression analysis revealed that neither the clinical nor the radiographic findings could predict any of the abnormal urodynamic findings. Fundional abnormalities of the bladder, such as a low compliance, detrusor instability, or a low bladder capacity may therefore be particularly difficult to detect in dogs with urinary incontinence.
Orf (contagious pustular dermatitis) in farmworkers: prevalence and risk factors in three areas of England
Authors: Paiba G. A. , Thomas D. Rh. , Morgan K. L. , Bennett M. , Salmon R. L. , Chalmers R. , Kench S. M. , Coleman T. J. , Meadows D. , Morgan‐Capner P. , Softley P. , Sillis M. , Green L. E.
Published: October 2010

Orf is a zoonotic skin disease which is commonly self‐diagnosed by those who tend sheep and goats. This paper reports the prevalence, incidence and risk factors associated with the infection in a cohort of farmworkers from three areas of England, derived from the results of self‐reporting and serology. Twentythree per cent of those employed or living on a sheep farm reported ever having had orf, and the antibody serological profiles indicated a prevalence of 4 per cent and an annual incidence of 2‐8 per cent. The main risk factors associated with the infection were contact with sheep, the size of the sheep flock, and contact with dogs.
Experimental cross‐infections with Ehrlichia phagocytophila and human granulocytic ehrlichia‐like agent in cows and horses
Authors: Pusterla N. , Pusterla J. B. , Braun U. , Lutz H.
Published: October 2010

Four cows and four horses were infected experimentally with Ehrlichia phagocytophila, the cause of tickborne fever in ruminants, and with human granulocytic ehrlichia‐like agent, a recently discovered species that infects people, horses and dogs in the USA and Europe. They were infected in either order, 30 days apart, to investigate serological cross‐reactivity within the E phagocytophila genogroup. The course of infection was assessed by routine clinical, haematological, serological and polymerase chain reaction (PcR) examinations. Two of the cows infected with E phagocytophila and two of the horses infected with granulocytic ehrlichia‐like agent, developed characteristic signs of ehrlichiosis. When the same animals were infected with their heterologous ehrlichial isolate 30 days later, they did not develop clinical signs of disease. The infection of the other two cows with human granulocytic ehrlichia‐like agent and the other two horses with E phagocytophila, resulted in asymptomatic seroconversion. When the same animals were infected with their homologous ehrlichial isolate 30 days later, they remained asymptomatic and had normal haematological results and negative PCRS until the end of the monitoring period, 60 days after the first infection. In these animals, there was an increase in antibody titre after the second infection which was interpreted as a specific immune response, and as a reactivation of the immune response to the first infection.
Evaluation of clomipramine as an adjunct to behavioural therapy in the treatment of separation‐related problems in dogs
Authors: Podberscek L. , Hsu Y. , Serpell J. A.
Published: October 2010

Forty‐nine dogs showing signs of separation‐related problems were randomly assigned to one of three groups: group A (15 dogs) received a placebo twice daily; group B (17 dogs) received clomipramine at 0.5 to 1.0 mg/kg twice daily; and group C (17 dogs) received clomipramine at 1.0 to 2.0 mg/kg twice daily. All the dogs also received behavioural therapy. Their owners were required to complete questionnaires about their dog's behaviour initially, and one, four and eight weeks after the treatment with clomipramine began. Bipolar ratings scales were used to monitor the frequencies of ‘general’ ‘attachment‐related’ and ‘separation‐related’ behaviours. Kruskal‐Wallis tests and Kendall Rank correlations were used to determine any initial differences between the treatment groups, and the association between the initial scores and behavioural changes after one week of treatment with clomipramine. Extended Mantel‐Haenszel statistics were used to evaluate the effects of clomipramine treatment versus the placebo, and Page's test was used to assess the effectiveness of behavioural therapy on its own. There were no significant differences in the demographic characteristics of the owners of the dogs assigned to the three groups. The dogs differed slightly in age between groups, and the dogs in the two clomipramine‐treated groups were reported as showing problems at a significantly earlier age than those in the placebo group. Clomipramine treatment had a sustained suppressive effect on the dogs' general activity levels, and a more modest suppressive effect on their attachment‐related tendency to want much physical contact with their owners. The typical signs of separation‐related behaviour problems were not significantly affeced by treatment with clomipramine, but behavioural therapy on its own was highly effective in reducing behavioural problems.
Oestrogen and progesterone receptors in the uterine wall of bitches with cystic endometrial hyperplasia/pyometra
Authors: Dhaliwal G. K. , England G. C. W. , Noakes D. E.
Published: October 2010

Fresh samples of uterine wall and peripheral plasma were obtained from 13 bitches of different breeds when they were treated for cystic endometrial hyperplasia/pyometra by ovariohysterectomy. The plasma samples were assayed for progesterone and 17β‐oestradiol, and the tissue samples were examined histopathologically and for the presence of oestrogen and progesterone receptors by an immunocytochemical method. The immunoreactivity was scored semiquantitatively, taking into account both the intensity and distribution of the specific staining of the receptors, by using a simplified scoring system. The scores for both oestrogen and progesterone receptors in the glandular epithelium were much lower, and in the endometrial stroma a mean (sd) score for oestrogen receptors was 46.0 (44.7) compared with 0 in comparable endometrial tissues from normal bitches at the same stage of the oestrous cycle.
Survey of infectious agents involved in acute respiratory disease in finishing pigs
Authors: Loeffen W. L. A. , Kamp E. M. , Stockhofe‐Zurwieden N. , Van Nieuwstadt A. P. K. M. I. , Bongers J. H. , Hunneman W. A. , Elbers A. R. W. , Baars J. , Nell T. , Van Zijderveld F. G.
Published: October 2010

Outbreaks of respiratory disease constitute a major health problem in herds of finishing pigs and their aetiology often remains unclear. In this study, 16 outbreaks of respiratory disease with acute clinical signs in finishing pigs were investigated to determine which infectious agents were involved. From each herd four diseased and two clinically healthy pigs were examined pathologically and for the presence of viruses, bacteria and mycoplasmas. In addition, paired blood samples from 10 groupmates of the diseased pigs were tested for antibodies against commonly known causal agents of respiratory disease. A clear diagnosis was possible in 12 of the 16 outbreaks. Seven were due to an infection with influenza virus and five were due to an infection withActinobadllus pleuropneumoniae. A combination of influenza virus andA pleuropneumoniaemay have caused one other outbreak, but no clear cause could be established for the other three outbreaks.
Clinicopathological features of equine primary hepatic disease: a review of 50 cases
Authors: McGorum B. C. , Murphy D. , Love S. , Milne E. M.
Published: October 2010

The clinicopathological features of 50 cases of equine hepatic disease were reviewed. There was a wide range of clinical signs and at least 50 per cent of the animals exhibited either dull demeanour, anorexia, abdominal pain, cerebral dysfunction and/or weight loss. Life‐threatening complications of hepatic failure recorded were: gastric impaction in 10 cases, bilateral laryngeal paralysis in seven cases and coagulopathy in five cases. All the cases had high activities of gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) and most had high activities of glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) and high concentrations of bile acids. Fewer of the horses had abnormal concentrations of bilirubin, albumin and globulin. The horses that were euthanased or died had significantly higher concentrations of GGT, GLDH and bile acids than the survivors. There were biochemical data for 18 cases with signs of hepatic encephalopathy, all of them had plasma ammonia levels greater than 90 μmol/litre but this was not significantly correlated with the clinical severity of the condition. Half of the cases with hepatic encephalopathy were hyperglycaemic, none was hypoglycaemic, and none had abnormally low levels of plasma urea.
Modelling the expected numbers of preclinical and clinical cases of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in Switzerland
Authors: Doherr M. G. , Heim D. , Vandevelde M. , Fatzer R.
Published: October 2010

The objective of this study was to model the expected numbers of cattle incubating bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and the numbers of clinical cases of BSE in the Swiss cattle population between 1984 encephalopathy (BSE) and the numbers of clinical cases of BSE in the Swiss cattle population between 1984 and 2005. The results were compared with the observed number of clinical BSE cases and with the results of a culling and testing scheme on herdmates of cattle with BSE. The age distribution of the Swiss cattle population, the age‐at‐death distribution of the first 235 BSE cases and exposure information were used to calculate the expected number of infected cattle in each birth cohort and the resulting numbers of clinical cases and survivors incubating the disease for each year. The model which did not assume any underreporting of cases fitted the observed epidemic curve of clinical cases reasonably well, and predicted that the Swiss BSE epidemic would come to an end between 2003 and 2005. The age of survivors incubating BSE iS increasing. The higher than expected incidence of subclinical cases observed in animals from the culling scheme is most probably the result of the heterogeneous distribution of infected animals and affected herds in the population. The results of the model need to be taken into account when designing surveillance and testing schemes for BSE.
Serum α‐tocopherol concentrations in German shepherd dogs with chronic degenerative radiculomyelopathy
Authors: Johnston P. E. J. , Griffiths I. R. , Knox K. , Gettinby G.
Published: October 2010

The concentration of serum α‐tocopherol was measured in German shepherd dogs with chronic degenerative radiculomyopathy, and in German shepherd dogs and dogs of other breeds unaffected by the condition. The mean concentration was significantly higher in German shepherd dogs with the condition than in other breeds of dog unaffected by it, but it was not significantly higher than in unaffected German shepherd dogs. Estimates of components of variance indicated that the concentration varied more widely in individual affected dogs than in unaffected dogs, irrespective of breed. These results suggest that chronic degenerative radiculomyopathy in German shepherd dogs is unlikely to be due to uncomplicated vitamin E deficiency.
Use of a bioabsorbable implant for the repair of severed digital flexor tendons in four horses
Authors: Eliashar E. , Schramme M. C. , Schumacher J. , Smith R. K. W. , Ikada Y.
Published: October 2010

A new bioabsorbable implant composed of poly‐L‐lactic acid was used to repair the severed digital flexor tendons of four horses. The limbs were immobilised with distal casts which were changed after six to eight weeks and removed after 12 to 16 weeks. The horses were followed clinically and ultrasonographically for from seven to 19 months after the surgery. The ultrasonographic examination after the cast had been removed showed that the implants had been well incorporated into scar tissue. Two of the horses were mildly lame at the trot seven months after the surgery, but had returned to work after 12 months. The other two horses are still lame. No complications were observed with the implant.
Relationships between infection with caprine arthritis encephalitis virus, intramammary bacterial infection and somatic cell counts in dairy goats
Authors: Sánchez A. , Contreras A. , Corrales J. C. , Marco J. C.
Published: October 2010

Somatic cell counts, the bacteriological condition of the milk and antibodies against caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (cAEv) were measured monthly throughout lactation in 121 lactating goats of the Murcia‐ Granada breed in four commercial dairy goat herds. The prevalence of bacterial intramammary infection was 5.6 per cent and the prevalence of cAEv infection was 20.6 per cent. An analysis of variance revealed a significant effect of herd, intramammary infection and the interaction between intramammary infection and CAEV on the somatic cell count. In udder halves free of intramammary infection, the somatic cell counts were significantly lower in seronegative goats than in seropositive goats (P<0.05), but the difference was not significant in udder halves persistently infected by bacteria. There was a significant increase in somatic cell counts due to bacterial intramammary infection (P<0.01) in the seronegative goats, but this effect was not present in the seropositive animals.
Effectiveness and kinetic behaviour of tilmicosin in the treatment of respiratory infections in sheep
Authors: Naccari F. , Pellegrino M. , Calò M. , Licata P. , Giofré F. , Carli S.
Published: October 2010

Nineteen sheep which were anorexic, pyrexic, coughing, dyspnoeic and had a nasal discharge and symptomatic thoracic sounds on auscultation, received a single subcutaneous dose of 10 mg/kg bodyweight of tilmicosin. The clinical signs were eliminated within four to six days. The kinetic profiles of the drug after a single subcutaneous injection were compared in five healthy sheep and five infected sheep. More of the drug was absorbed by the infected animals and its concentration remained higher for significantly longer. The drug was well tolerated and no local or systemic side effects were observed.
Correlations of measurements of subclinical claw horn lesions in dairy cattle
Authors: Le Fevre A. M. , Logue D. N. , Offer J. E. , McKendrick I. , Gettinby G.
Published: October 2010

Measurements were made of the extent of sole and white line lesions on the claws of 115 Holstein‐Friesian cows on at least three and at most 16 occasions, and some cows were followed up to their third lactation. All the measurements were made between 12 weeks before calving and 45 weeks after calving. In total, 1016 repeated observations were made. Correlations were calculated between pairs of claws, between types of lesion (sole and white line), and between pairs of the different measurements (number of lesions, proportion of the claw affected, maximum severity score and proportion of the claw affected weighted for severity). The outer hind claws had the greatest extent of lesions of both types. Spearman correlation coefficients and confidence intervals measured the strength of the association. All the associations between claws were positive, suggesting that the lesions did not occur in isolation. Sole and white line lesions were not associated at individual observation points. Lesions on the left and right claws were markedly similar, except for sole lesions on the two inner hind claws, and for white line lesions on the two outer hind claws.
Acute phase protein responses to uterine bacterial contamination in caftle after calving
Authors: Sheldon I. M. , Noakes D. E. , Rycroft A. , Dobson H.
Published: October 2010

Repeated ultrasonographic examinations and collections of blood samples and uterine lumenal swabs between seven and 28 days after calving were used to examine the relative effects of bacterial contamination and involution of the uterus on the concentrations of acute phase proteins in the blood of 26 dairy cows. The severity of bacterial contamination, as determined by the total bacterial growth score, was a significant variable for the concentrations of the acute phase proteins α1‐acid glycoprotein (P<0.0001), haptoglobin (P<0.05) and ceruloplasmin (P<0.0001). In addition, the concentrations of α1‐acid glycoprotein and ceruloplasmin were increased in the cows from whichEscherichia coli(P<0.0001) andArcanobacterium pyogenes(P<0.05), respectively, were isolated from the uterine lumen. Uterine involution, as determined by the decreasing diameter of the previously gravid uterine horn, was associated with a decrease in the concentrations of α1‐acid glycoprotein (P<0.005), haptoglobin (P<0.05) and ceruloplasmin (P<0.01). However, the response of the acute phase proteins to bacterial contamination was independent of the day on which the samples were collected, indicating that their concentrations were increased by bacterial contamination in addition to the changes associated with uterine involution.
Scapulohumeral osteoarthritis in 20 Shetland ponies, miniature horses and falabella ponies
Authors: Clegg P. D. , Dyson S. J. , Schramme M. C. , Summerhays G. E. S.
Published: October 2010

This paper describes the clinical and diagnostic features of 20 cases of scapulohumeral osteoarthritis in Shetland ponies, miniature horses and falabella ponies. The history and clinical signs were similar in all the cases. Radiographically they all had consistent changes which consisted predominantly of articular osteophytes and periarticular enthesiophytes. Six of the cases had radiographic evidence of dysplasia of the scapulohumeral joint, although it was uncertain whether this was a primary or a secondary finding. No specific treatment appeared to be advantageous. At follow up, six of the ponies had to be euthanased owing to continuing severe lameness; the other 14 ponies remained lame, but were maintained at pasture by the occasional use of oral non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs. No definitive aetiology for the condition was identified, but it is proposed that an underlying dysplasia, or lack of collateral support may predispose the scapulohumeral joint of miniature horse breeds to the disease.
Relationships in broiler chickens between lameness, liveweight, growth rate and age
Authors: Kestin S. C. , Gordon S. , Su G. , Sørensen P.
Published: October 2010

Thirteen genotypes of poultry were selected to represent a wide range of growth profiles and were fed either a non‐limiting or Label Rouge diet. The birds' degree of lameness and liveweight were measured after 54 and 81 days. The birds reared on the Label Rouge diets were less lame than birds of the same genotype reared on the non‐limiting diet. More traditional and slower growing genotypes tended to be less lame than the modern genotypes reared on the same feeding regimen. All the birds, irrespective of their genotype or diet, were less lame after 54 days than after 81 days. However, when liveweight was included in the analysis as a covariable, many of the differences disappeared. Only age at assessment significantly affected the walking ability of the birds, with the birds being approximately 0.6 units of gait score worse at 54 days of age than at 81 days. The regression coefficient between gait score and liveweight was 1.262 at 54 days and 1.128 at 84 days. The results indicated that liveweight was an important determinant of lameness in the diverse range of genotypes examined, that growth rate was also an important determinant of lameness and that younger birds may be more sensitive to differences in liveweight than older birds.
Evaluation and optimisation of a targetcontrolled infusion system for administering propofol to dogs as part of a total intravenous anaesthetic technique during dental surgery
Authors: Beths T. , Reid J. , Monteiro A. M. , Nolan A. M. , Glen J. B.
Published: October 2010

The performance of a modified target‐controlled infusion system was investigated in 16 dogs undergoing routine dental work, by comparing the predicted concentrations of propofol in venous blood samples with direct measurements; the optimum targets for the induction and maintenance of anaesthesia were also identified. The performance of a target‐controlled infusion system is considered clinically acceptable when the median prediction error, a measure of bias, is not greater than ±10 to 20 per cent, and the median absolute performance error, a measure of the accuracy, is not greater than 20 to 30 per cent. The results fell within these limits indicating that the system performed adequately. The optimal induction target was 3 μg/ml, and anaesthesia of adequate depth and satisfactory quality was achieved with maintenance targets of between 2.5 and 4.7 μg/ml propofol. The system was easy to use and the quality of anaesthesia was adequate for dental work.
Postmortem biochemical markers of experimentally induced hypomagnesaemic tetany in sheep
Authors: McCoy M. A. , Bingham V. , Hudson A. J. , Cantley L. , Hutchinson T. , Davison G. , Kennedy D. G. , Fitzpatrick D. A.
Published: October 2010

Hypomagnesaemic tetany was induced in non‐lactating and lactating ewes by feeding them semi‐synthetic low magnesium diets containing additional potassium chloride and citric acid. Aqueous and vitreous humour were sampled from one eye at the time of death (fresh) and from the second eye after the head had been stored at ambient temperature for 24 hours (24.hour). There were significant relationships between the concentrations of magnesium in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma and its concentrations in fresh aqueous humour and fresh vitreous humour. Magnesium concentrations of <0.33 mmol/litre in fresh aqueous humour and <0.50 mmol/litre in 24.hour aqueous humour were associated with severe hypomagnesaemia and tetany. However, the concentration of magnesium in aqueous humour is relatively unstable and, unless the time of death was known accurately, its interpretation would be difficult. Magnesium concentrations of <0.60 mmol/litre in fresh vitreous humour and <0.65 mmol/litre in 24‐hour vitreous humour were associated with severe hypomagnesaemia and tetany in adult sheep. The concentration of magnesium in vitreous humour was relatively stable for up to 48 hours postmortem.
Presence of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis in suspensions of ovine trichostrongylid larvae produced in faecal cultures artificially contaminated with the bacterium
Authors: Lloyd J. B. , Whittington R. J. , Fitzgibbon C. , Dobson R.
Published: October 2010

A reference strain of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis was added to faecal larval cultures of Haemonchus contortus, Ostertagia circumcincta and Trichostrongylus colubriformis. Samples of the larvae produced were cultured for the presence of the bacterium in modified BACTEC 12B medium, both before and after exposure to gamma irradiation. The water used to wash the larvae off the faecal cultures was also tested for the presence of the bacterium. Positive growth was confirmed as M avium subspecies paratuberculosis by IS900 polymerase chain reaction and restriction endonuclease analysis of the product. M avium subspecies paratuberculosis was detected in the unirradiated larval suspensions and wash waters of all three nematode species, and in the irradiated H contortus larval suspension.