bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cranial cruciate ligament rupture in the dog—a retrospective study comparing surgical techniques
Authors: MOORE KW , READ RA
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Three surgical techniques, grouped as intra‐articular techniques, extra‐capsular techniques and fibular head transposition, were used for repair of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL)‐deficient stifle in 113 dogs over a 4 year 4 month period. The clinical outcome of the techniques were compared using information provided by the owners and physical examination. Regardless of surgical technique, 85.7 to 91.0% of dogs showed clinical improvement after surgery. However, less than 50% of dogs became clinically sound on the operated leg and 9.0 to 14.3% of dogs remained persistently lame on the operated leg. No statistical association was found between result after surgery and age, body weight, sex, duration of injury before surgery, association with injury, tibial plateau angle, degree of radiographic osteoarthritis before surgery or the presence of concurrent medial meniscal injury. On physical examination, extra‐capsular techniques appeared superior to the fibular head transposition in terms of joint stability and limb function. Concurrent medial meniscal injury necessitating meniscectomy existed in 48.0% of cases. Twenty‐two percent of dogs ruptured their contralateral CCL at an average of 14 months after the first.
Maintenance of acquired immunity to Trichostrongylus colubriformis in Merino sheep that are losing weight
Authors: VAN HOUTERT MFJ , WATSON DL , BARGER IA
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The effect of loss of weight on maintenance of acquired immunity to Trichostrongylus colubriformis in Merino sheep was assessed in 2 experiments. Adult Merino sheep with previously acquired immunity to T colubriformis were housed in individual pens. Sheep were infected 3 times weekly with 2000 T colubriformis larvae. A diet based on chopped oaten and lucerne hay (experiment 1) or a pelleted diet based on lucerne hay and grain products (experiment 2), was offered in amounts to sustain a moderate gain in body weight, or was reduced step‐wise to cause a loss in body weight. Worm egg counts were determined weekly. The reduction in feed on offer resulted in a mean weight loss of 4.0 kg over 9 weeks (experiment 1) or 4.8 kg over 7 weeks (experiment 2). Based on worm egg counts, there was no indication of a change in immunity to T colubriformis in either of the experiments. These results suggest that acquired immunity to T colubriformis in adult sheep that are exposed to infection is maintained during periods of moderate loss of weight associated with inadequate nutrition.
Evidence of molecular heterogeneity for generalised glycogenosis between and within breeds of cattle
Authors: HEALY PJ , NICHOLLS PJ , MARTINIUK F. , TZALL S. , HIRSCHHORN R. , HOWELL JMcC
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Northern analyses revealed normal levels of acidic α‐glucosidase mRNA in cultured fibroblasts from a Shorthorn calf affected with glycogenosis but a gross deficiency in an affected Brahman calf. Analyses of acidic α‐glucosidase activity, relative to that of other lysosomal enzymes, in blood mononuclear cells revealed greater variation within and between Brahman herds than Shorthorn herds. A Msp1 restriction fragment length polymorphism associated with glycogenosis in Brahmans was not found in Shorthorns. These results are considered in relation to molecular heterogeneity for AAG deficiency in cattle and its implications for disease control programs.
von Willebrand's disease in Scottish Terriers in Australia
Authors: STOKOL T. , PARRY BW , MANSELL PD
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYOver a 5‐year period (1988–92), von Willebrand factor antigen (vWf:Ag) assays were performed on plasma samples from 207 Scottish Terriers. Based on these tests, 47 dogs (23%) had vWf:Ag concentrations < 50 canine units (CU)/dL and were classified as heterozygous carriers of the von Willebrand's disease (vWD) gene, while 9 (4%) had concentrations below the sensitivity of the assays and were classified as homozygous. There was thus an overall prevalence of 27% for the vWD gene in the Scottish Terriers tested. The homozygous dogs (median age 0.6 years at diagnosis) consisted of 7 males and 2 females. Eight of these had haemorrhage attributable to the disease, mostly spontaneous and from the oral mucosa. Other signs included haemorrhage induced by trauma or surgery, easy bruising and epistaxis. Many haemorrhagic episodes were severe enough to warrant therapeutic intervention and there was a single fatality. Pedigree analysis, possible in 7 of the dogs, revealed that each was the progeny of a mating between dogs with vWf:Ag concentrations < 50 CU/dL, which supported an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. A single heterozygous carrier suffered haemorrhage after surgery that, in contrast to the homozygotes, was mild and did not require therapy.

The data indicate that vWD is a significant problem in Scottish Terriers in Australia. Accordingly, we recommend that steps be taken to reduce the prevalence of the disease and thereby the number of clinically affected dogs, such as the establishment of a national testing scheme to determine the vWD status of all breeding dogs.
Duration of the persistent activity of moxidectin against Haemonchus contortus in sheep
Authors: ABBOTT KA , COBB RM , GLASS M HOLM
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Weaned lambs were infected with Haemonchus contortus 35,28,21,14 and 7 days after treatment with moxidectin at 0.2 mg/kg and 35 and 14 days after treatment with ivermectin at the same dose rate. Worm counts 14 days after infection showed that moxidectin prevented the establishment of over 99% of infective larvae for 28 days and reduced the establishment rate at 35 days by 96%, relative to ivermectin. There was no difference in the protective efficacy of ivermectin at 14 or 35 days. The persistence of moxidectin is likely to provide advantages in nematode control, particularly when used as a strategic early summer treatment or as a pre‐lambing treatment to ewes. Implications of the persistent activity of moxidectin for the development of resistance during the decay phase are discussed.
Settling of insecticide from dip wash mixed with dam water and zinc sulphate and used to control sheep lice (Bovicola ovis)
Authors: MORCOMBE PW , HIDE DF , YOUNG GE , ARMSTRONG EW , MILLAR LE , HIGGS ARB
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Insecticidal dipping fluid emulsions, mixed in vitro in dam water containing suspended clay particles and 1% w/v zinc sulphate, were analysed to determine rates of settling of diazinon, cyhalothrin and cypermethrin. Fifteen minutes after mixing, the concentration of the insecticides 5 cm below the surface had declined by 72.5%, 72.8% and 89.4%, respectively. On remixing, the concentration of insecticide in suspension was close to or greater than the initial concentration. In 2 trials, lice were eradicated from sheep showered with dip wash mixed in cloudy dam water to which 1% w/v of zinc sulphate was added. In 12 flock treatments in which 1000 to 2000 sheep were dipped with added zinc sulphate, the concentration of insecticide remained above the minimum lethal for susceptible strains of lice. However, lice were still present 6 months later in 8 of these flocks. When zinc sulphate is added to dip wash, agitation is needed to maintain the insecticide in suspension.
Assessment of statistical procedures used in papers in the Australian Veterinary Journal
Authors: McCANCE IAN
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY One hundred and thirty‐three papers (80 Original Articles and 53 Short Contributions) of 279 papers in 23 consecutive issues of the Australian Veterinary Journal were examined for their statistical content. Only 38 (29%) would have been acceptable to a statistical referee without revision, revision would have been indicated in 88 (66%), and the remaining 7 (5%) had major flaws.

Weaknesses in design were found in 40 (30%), chiefly in respect to randomisation and to the size of the experiment. Deficiencies in analysis in 60 (45%) were in methods, application and calculation, and in the failure to use appropriate methods for multiple comparisons and repeated measures. Problems were detected in presentation in 44 (33%) of papers, with insufficient information about the data or its statistical analysis and presentation of statistics (appropriate missing or inappropriate shown) the main problems. Conclusions were considered to be inconsistent with the analysis in 35 (26%) of papers, due mainly to their interpretation of the results of significance testing.

It is suggested that statistical refereeing, the publication of statistical guidelines for authors and statistical advice to Animal Experimentation Ethics Committees could all play a part in achieving improvement.
The characteristics and causes of sheep losses in the Victorian Mallee
Authors: HARRIS DJ , NOWARA G.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The extent and causes of sheep losses in the semi‐arid Mallee region of north‐western Victoria were assessed by interviewing the owners of 79 randomly selected farms running 241 flocks in 1987/88 and 245 flocks in 1988/89. Mean annual losses were higher in ram flocks (21%) than in ewe flocks (7%), in flocks of non‐Merino sheep (rams 24%, ewes 11%, weaners 5%) than in Merino (rams 11%, ewes 6%, wethers 4%, weaners 4%) and in ewe flocks 3 or more years old (10%) than in young ewe flocks (3.5%). In flocks where losses exceeded 5%, the causes most often reported by farmers were blowfly strike (especially in Merino sheep and weaners), ewe losses in autumn close to lambing, and heliotrope (Heliotropium europaeum) poisoning. Heliotrope poisoning was considered by the authors to be the main reason for the higher losses in old ewes than in young ewes and in non‐Merino sheep than in Merino sheep. Losses of ewes associated with pregnancy and lambing were considered by the authors to be often predisposed by liver damage caused by heliotrope poisoning, and high losses in non‐Merino ram flocks were attributed to both heliotrope poisoning and their ability to escape through boundary fences. Reasons for continuing high losses due to enterotoxaemia are discussed. Losses due to gastro‐intestinal parasites, footrot and foot abscess were low.
Prevalence, spread and control of caprine arthritis‐encephalitis virus in dairy goat herds in New South Wales
Authors: GREENWOOD PL , NORTH RN , KIRKLAND PD
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYA study of the prevalence, spread and control of caprine arthritis‐encephalitis virus (CAEV) in dairy goat herds in New South Wales (NSW) during 1986–1988 found that 56.8% of 1484 goats in 14 dairy herds were infected with CAEV. The prevalence of CAEV infection within most herds not implementing control measures increased during the study. At the end of the study, 59.7% of 1322 goats were infected. The prevalence of CAEV increased with age. Differences between breeds were less apparent. Within seven herds with a high standard of identification of goats, 149 of 812 goats seroconverted in an ELISA. Of these newly infected goats, 142 (95.3%) were > 1 yr of age and 96 (64.4%) were > 2 yr suggesting lateral spread of the virus. Most of the goats > 2 yr of age had been in the milking herd for a minimum of 3 to 6 months.

The high seroconversion rate within the milking herd suggested that factors other than the ingestion of infected colostrum and milk before weaning were important for the spread of CAEV. Observations indicated that behaviour of goats, particularly reproductive behaviour among lactating does, and milking herd management practices are important in the spread of CAEV. A high density of livestock, poor livestock control and contamination of feed, water, equipment and personnel were implicated in transmission. Poorly functioning milking machines may also be involved. CAEV was eradicated from 3 herds by the implementation of strict control measures.
A survey of cattle producers in the Boophilus microplus endemic area of Queensland to determine attitudes to the control of and vaccination against tick fever
Authors: BOCK RE , BLIGHT GW , KINGSTON TG , de VOS AJ
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: A survey by mail was used to determine the views of beef producers in the Boophilus microplus endemic area of Queensland on the control of and vaccination against tick fever. Data from 448 questionnaires were analysed, representing 2.7% of beef producers in the survey area. Producers considered buffalo fly (Haematobia irritans exigua) infestation as the most important problem whereas tick fever ranked sixth overall. Private veterinarians were regarded as the most important source of information on vaccines for cattle followed by a weekly rural newspaper. From the survey we estimate that about 33% of producers used the tick fever vaccine produced by the Tick Fever Research Centre of Queensland Department of Primary Industries but there were significant (P < 0.05) variations between regions and herds. Large herds (≥ 400 head) in south‐east Queensland were the most likely to be vaccinated against tick fever. Of the producers who did not use the vaccine, over 70% replied that there was no need to vaccinate because of the low risk of the disease in their herds. In 52% of unvaccinated herds the treatment of animals with acaricide was considered the most important means of tick fever control and 61% of these herds comprised Bos indicus x Bos taurus or Bos indicus cattle.
Antimicrobial sensitivity testing of Australian isolates of Bordetella avium and the Bordetella avium‐like organism
Authors: BLACKALL PJ , EAVES LE , FEGAN M
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: The in‐vitro sensitivity of 16 Australian isolates of Bordetella avium and 15 isolates of B avium‐like organism to 11 antimicrobial agents or combinations of agents was determined using a microtitre plate system to establish minimal inhibitory concentrations. All the B avium isolates were sensitive to ampicillin but resistant to erythromycin, lincomycin, spectinomycin, sulphamethoxazole, trimethoprim, and lincomycin + spectinomycin. Most of the B avium isolates were sensitive to tetracycline and resistant to streptomycin and sulphadiazine. All the B avium‐like isolates were resistant to ampicillin, erythromycin, lincomycin, spectinomycin, streptomycin, tetracycline, trimethoprim, and lincomycin + spectinomycin. Most B avium‐like isolates were sensitive to sulphadiazine, sulphamethoxazole and trimethoprim‐sulphamethoxazole.
Acute febrile diarrhoea in horses: 86 cases (1986–1991)
Authors: STEWART MC , HODGSON JL , KIM H. , HUTCHINS DR , HODGSON DR
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Eighty‐six horses presented for examination at the Rural Veterinary Centre between January 1986 to December 1991 with acute diarrhoea. The average age of affected horses was 3.2 ± 0.2 years (mean ± SE), with 69% three years or younger. Sixty‐one horses were male (36 stallions, 25 geldings) and 83 horses were Thoroughbreds (47) or Standardbreds (36). Sixty‐six horses were undergoing routine training at the time of onset of diarrhoea. Eight horses were afflicted with a non‐specific illness within one to five days before the onset of diarrhoea, whereas eight horses developed diarrhoea during or within 48 h of discontinuation of antimicrobial therapy. Three horses developed the diarrhoea within 24 h of road transportation.

Clinically, the disorder was characterised by a fever, sudden onset of profuse diarrhoea, clinical evidence of dehydration (estimated to be 5 to 12% of body weight at the time of admission) and shock. Degenerative leucopaenia, hyponatraemia, hypochloraemia, hyperkalaemia, hyperglycaemia and azotaemia were characteristic laboratory findings. Laminitis was a sequel in about 30% of cases. The cause of diarrhoea remained undetermined in most cases. Salmonellas were isolated from faecal or tissue samples in only two cases. Similarly, there was no evidence of seroconversion to Erhlichia risticii in 17 cases.

Sixty‐two of the horses survived the acute phase of the disease in response to supportive care. In horses that did not survive, necropsies were performed and revealed sanguineous or turbid peritoneal fluid. The colonic and caecal walls were oedematous and thickened with serosal congestion and discolouration of these organs evident grossly. Histopathological examination of the caecum and colon revealed diffuse congestion, oedema, inflammatory reactions and submucosal vascular thrombosis with varying degrees of mucosal devitalisation.

Most cases presented in this series represent a distinct syndrome of diarrhoea characterised by acute diarrhoea predominantly affecting young horses in training with concomitant signs of fever and toxaemia.
Inflammation and increased numbers of bacteria in the lower respiratory tract of horses within 6 to 12 hours of confinement with the head elevated
Authors: RAIDAL SHARANNE L. , LOVE DARIA N. , BAILEY GD
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY:Confinement of horses with their heads elevated for periods up to 24 hours was used to evaluate the extent and the effects of bacterial contamination of the equine lower respiratory tract. Significant (P < 0.05) increases in bacterial numbers (up to 109colony forming units/mL in transtracheal aspirate derived samples) occurred within 6 or 12 hours in most horses.Pasteurella/Actinobacillusspp andStreptococcusspp were most commonly isolated. Lowering of the head for 30 minutes every 6 hours to facilitate postural drainage did not prevent multiplication of organisms to levels equivalent to those achieved by horses where the head was elevated for 24 hours. When horses were released from confinement and heads were no longer maintained in an elevated position, clearance of accumulated secretions and bacteria occurred within 8 to 12 hours. Thus, confinement with the head elevated resulted in significant bacterial contamination and multiplication within the lower respiratory tract during a period often encountered in routine management procedures, such as transportation. The clearance of accumulated secretions occurred over a prolonged period after release from such confinement.
Chronic vascular catheterisation of the koala and the rabbit
Authors: CLEVA GM , STONE GM , EVANS DL , DICKENS RK
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Vascular access ports were surgically placed, first in rabbits maintained under laboratory conditions, and then in koalas maintained in a wildlife park. The ports remained patent for 9 months in rabbits and for up to 13 months in the koalas and were removed successfully. They allowed collection of blood samples without assistance or disturbance in koalas, and without stress as reflected by plasma cortisol concentration. The use of retention rings on the cannula tubing is recommended.
Nocardial peritonitis in a cat
Authors: TILGNER S L , ANSTEY S I
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo illustrate a successfully managed case of nocardial peritonitis in a cat.

DesignCase report.

AnimalAn 8 year old neutered male Burmese cat presented for nonspecific signs of depression, anorexia, pallor and mild dehydration. Pyrexia, loss of weight and abdominal distension developed despite treatment with amoxycillin‐clavulanate and supportive therapy.

ProcedureVarious medical and surgical procedures were used.

ResultsHaematology revealed severe inflammatory left shift. Biochemistry showed mild prerenal azotemia. A “ground glass” appearance to the abdomen was seen on radiographs. Fluid collected by abdominocentesis contained “sulphur granules” and had characteristics of a septic exudate. Laparotomy allowed drainage of peritoneal fluid and extensive lavage of the peritoneal cavity. Culture of the fluid revealedNocardiasp. Sensitivity testing resulted in a change of antimicrobial therapy to trimethoprim‐sulphadiazine.

ConclusionResponse to surgical drainage and change in antibacterial therapy was excellent. No toxic side effects were encountered during the 3 months course of trimethoprim‐sulphonamide. The cat made a complete recovery.
Meningoencephalitis and brain abscessation due to Escherichia coli in a 2 week old alpaca cria
Authors: TSUR I , HARMELIN A , DVIR I , YANAI J
Published: March 2008

An alpaca cria which received insufficient colostrum, presented with lethargy, anorexia, no passage of faeces and neurological signs. Differential diagnosis included neonatal septicaemia, meningitis and gastrointestinal obstruction. The cria died despite treatment. Necropsy revealed brain abscesses with Escherichia coli in pure culture. The importance of the amount and timing of colostrum intake is discussed.
Effect of adjuvants on antibody responses of sheep immunised with recombinant pili from Dichelobacter nodosus
Authors: WALDUCK AK , OPDEBEECK JP
Published: March 2008

Objective To compare the effects of two oil emulsion adjuvants (incomplete Freunds adjuvant and a proprietary oil adjuvant), DEAE‐dextran, L‐tyrosine particles and Quil A on the humoral immune responses of sheep immunised with recombinant pili of Dichelobacter nodosus (strain A).

Procedure Antibody titres were studied for up to 32 weeks and were measured by bacterial agglutination and ELISA. The relative avidity of antibodies for pili was determined and the incidence and severity of adverse reactions at the site of injection of vaccines were recorded.

Results The oil emulsion adjuvants and Quil A were more effective than either DEAE‐dextran or L‐tyrosine at stimulating antibodies in sheep. The incidence and severity of adverse reactions was lower in sheep which received vaccines containing either Quil A or DEAE‐dextran than in sheep which received vaccines containing oil emulsion adjuvants. L‐tyrosine had no adverse effects.

Conclusion Quil A was as effective as oil adjuvants at stimulating high levels of antibodies against recombinant pili in sheep and had the significant advantage of being less irritant after subcutaneous injection.
Open reduction and stabilisation of coxofemoral joint luxation in dogs and cats, using a stainless steel rope inserted via a ventral approach to the hip joint
Authors: KAWAMATA T , NIIYAMA M , TANIYAMA H
Published: March 2008

Open reduction and stabilisation of coxofemoral joint luxation was made via a ventral approach to the hip joint in dogs and cats, using a transarticular stainless steel rope. A feature of the procedure is transarticular penetration of the rope from the pelvic cavity to the femoral neck by guidance with a guide wire which was previously inserted from the femoral neck into the pelvic cavity and by detection of the guide wire in the pelvic cavity by use of forceps connected to an alarm‐ohmmeter.

Forty‐seven animals (37 dogs and 10 cats) with acute and simple coxofemoral luxation were treated and postoperatively maintained in cage rest without external fixation. Most of the animals regained an almost normal gait within several days.
Attitudes of veterinarians to undergraduate education in genetics and the use of genetics in veterinary occupations
Authors: WADE CM , FENWICK DC
Published: March 2008

A questionnaire regarding attitudes to undergraduate education in genetics and the subsequent use of that education was sent to 1000 veterinarians registered in New South Wales. Three hundred replies to the questionnaire were received and analysed. No significant difference in the perceived adequacy of courses at the four universities involved in teaching veterinary science was observed. Opinions on adequacy of education in genetics were not affected by age, sex or years since graduation. The major reason cited for lack of adequacy was that undergraduate genetics courses were not practical. Only 17 respondents stated that they were never approached for information on genetics or animal breeding, while 76 were approached more than 20 times annually for information. Eighty‐three respondents claimed to deal with more than 20 cases annually that required some knowledge of genetics. The results of the questionnaire highlight the importance of genetics instruction in undergraduate veterinary education. The questionnaire responses also provide insight into how working veterinarians consider that courses in genetics could be improved.
EnterohaemorrhagicEscherichia coli:A new problem, an old group of organismsInter faeces et urinam nascimur
Authors: BETTELHEIM KA
Published: March 2008

All mammals are colonised byEscherichia coligenerally at birth and these organisms become part of their intestinal flora for the rest of their lives. New types are acquired generally by an oral route. SomeE coliare pathogenic and some may have a far more enhanced ability to colonise the human intestine than most others. Recently enterohaemorrhagicE colihave emerged. They can cause a number of intestinal illnesses in humans including bloody diarrhoea and haemolytic uraemic syndrome. These organisms produce a number of virulence factors particularly the Shiga‐like toxins (verotoxins). The intestines of animals may be the reservoir of these organisms for human infection, and cattle particularly have been shown to harbour them. Food, especially undercooked meat products, have been associated with a number of outbreaks throughout the world. While a certain serotype O157.H7 has been associated with many outbreaks throughout the world, other serotypes, particularly 0111.H‐, have also been reported. This latter serotype appears to be more common in Australia.
Tail docking in dogs: A sample of attitudes of veterinarians and dog breeders in Queensland
Authors: NOONAN GJ , RAND JS , BLACKSHAW JK , PRIEST J.
Published: March 2008

One hundred veterinarians and 100 breeders of traditionally docked dogs from Queensland were surveyed by telephone to determine their attitudes towards tail docking. Eighty‐four percent of the breeders surveyed were in favour of docking, whereas 83% of veterinarians were opposed to the practice. Most pups were docked between 1 and 3 days of age. All veterinarians surgically amputated the tail, whereas 16% of breeders applied rubber bands to the tail. Seventy‐six percent of the veterinarians, but only 18% of the breeders believed that docking caused significant to severe pain. No veterinarians, but 25% of the dog breeders believed that docking was painless. Although recent changes to the Queensland Canine Control Council's rulings allow dogs with intact tails to be shown in traditionally docked classes, the requirement of breed standard was cited as the major reason for tail docking by both breeders and veterinarians.
Simulation of the economic impact of proliferative enteritis on pig production in Australia
Authors: HOLYOAKE PK , MULLAN BP , CUTLER RS
Published: March 2008

The economic impact of proliferative enteritis (PE) on an ‘average’ pig farm was calculated using the AUSPIG decision support system. Inputs were modelled on actual cases of PE, in which affected herds suffered from depressed growth rate, decreased feed efficiency and stock losses. The costs associated with non‐haemorrhagic PE and proliferative haemorrhagic enteropathy ranged from $15/sow/yr to $141/sow/yr, respectively, depending on the clinical severity of the disease, incidence of infection and the type of medication strategy used to treat and control the disease.
Serological characterisation ofHaemophilus parasuisisolates from Australian pigs
Authors: BLACKALL PJ , RAPP‐GABRIELSO VJ , HAMPSON DJ
Published: March 2008

A total of 31 isolates ofHaemophilus parasuisobtained from Australian pigs were serotyped by the Kielstein‐Rapp‐Gabrielson scheme. The isolates were assigned to serovar 1 (1 isolate), serovar 2 (1 isolate), serovar 4 (4 isolates), serovar 5 (7 isolates), serovar 9 (2 isolates), serovar 10/7 (4 isolates), serovar 12 (1 isolate) and serovar 13 (6 isolates). The remaining 5 isolates could not be assigned to a serovar. Two different serovars (5 and 13) were detected in one herd. The only 2 isolates obtained from clinically normal pigs (from the same herd) were serovar 9. The common serovars were isolated from pigs with pneumonia as well as from pigs with conditions of the Glässer's disease type. The serological heterogeneity amongst Australian isolates ofH parasuishas important implications for the use of vaccines to control Glässer's disease.
Efficacy of intra‐muscular analgesics for acute pain in sheep
Authors: GRANT C. , UPTON RN , KUCHEL TR
Published: March 2008

The analgesic action of intramuscularly injected buprenorphine, methadone, flunixin meglumine and xylazine was examined in sheep, using algesimetry based on a leg withdrawal response to an electrical stimulus. No analgesic response was detected for buprenorphine, methadone or flunixin meglumine. Only the αaL2‐adrenoceptor agonist, xylazine, produced an analgesic response. The current required to elicit a response increased by 170% (4.5±0.43 mA to 12.23±1.14 mA; mean±SE) after a dose of 0.05 mg/kg xylazine; by 180% (4.73±0.3 mA to 13.28±2.35 mA) after 0.1 mg/kg; and by 510% (4.52±0.29 mA to 27.63±3.89 mA) after 0.2 mg/kg. Intramuscular xylazine appears to be an effective analgesic agent for acute pain in the sheep and further investigation into ideal administration regimens and dosage may provide more detailed information on relationships between dose, analgesic and sedative effects. The findings also suggest that some common analgesic agents, and opioids in particular, may be ineffective for the management of acute pain in sheep and that any analgesic should be administered only on the basis of its proven efficacy in that species.
Scrapie: the risk of its introduction and effects on trade
Authors: MACDIARMID STUART C
Published: March 2008

New Zealand and Australia are fortunate in that they are among the few sheep rearing countries free from scrapie, despite cases in imported sheep in the 1950s. The importance of sheep rearing in the Australasian economies, and the difficulties involved in importing sheep without risking the introduction of scrapie, has meant that there have been very few importations of new blood lines in the last 40 years, and those that have been imported have been through stringent programs designed to ensure freedom from scrapie.

While scrapie can be a cause of significant wastage in some sheep rearing situations, its major threat to Australasia is probably to the developing biopharmaceutical industries which, since the emergence of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, have benefitted from an international demand for products guaranteed to be derived from livestock free from the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies.

This paper outlines one method which has been used to assess the risk of introducing scrapie as the result of importation of sheep and discusses the difficulty in ascertaining what constitutes an acceptable risk.
The detection of lice (Bovicola ovis) in mobs of sheep: a comparison of fleece parting, the lamp test and the table locks test
Authors: MORCOMBE PW , YOUNG GE , BALL MD , DUNLOP RH
Published: March 2008

Knowledge of the presence or absence of lice in a flock of sheep enables wool growers to make informed decisions as to the need for insecticidal treatments. However, with inapparent infestations, traditional methods of detection are not sufficiently sensitive and, as a consequence, flocks may be left untreated. Conversely, the routine application of insecticide to sheep with no sign of infestation is an unnecessary cost. The sensitivity of 3 procedures for detecting lice was evaluated in 68 mobs of sheep from 50 farms.

In 24 mobs of sheep known to be lightly infested, lice were detected in 17% by either parting the fleece of 10 sheep or by the lamp test in which 8 g samples of shorn wool from 30 randomly selected fleeces were placed under lamps for 10 min to repel the lice. Twenty of 23 mobs (87%) were found to be infested by the table locks test in which a 30 g sample of locks wool was dissolved in 10% sodium hydroxide and the filtered residue examined with x 40 magnification. A screening test, in which either fleeces on 5 sheep were examined by fleece parting or lice were repelled from 30 shorn fleeces for 5 minutes, detected about 60% of lightly infested mobs. When this was followed by the table locks test 91% of lightly infested mobs were detected. Conducting any one of the tests on more than one mob, and in large mobs testing more frequently, increases the sensitivity of detection of lice within the whole flock.
The dispersal ofCulicoides brevitarsisin eastern New South Wales and associations with the occurrences of arbovirus infections in cattle
Authors: BISHOP AL , KIRKLAND PD , MCKENZIE HJ , BARCHIA IM
Published: March 2008

Distributions of the vectorCulicoides brevitarsisKieffer (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) (determined from light trap data) and 2 arboviruses (determined from seroconversions in sentinel cattle) were studied in eastern New South Wales in 1993–94.C brevitarsiswas recorded progressively from endemic areas on the north coast, to Nowra on the south coast, and westward to Scone, in the Hunter Valley.C brevitarsisalso survived through winter at Paterson, in the Hunter Valley. Its apparently focal reappearance in this marginal area had no obvious effect on the broad pattern of its progression or the dispersal of Akabane and bluetongue viruses. These viruses were first recorded from foci near Coffs Harbour, on the mid‐north coast. Their first occurrences at different locations were associated with those ofC brevitarsis, but not with each other. The viruses were found only within the recorded limits of the vector's distribution. Delays between the initial occurrence ofC brevitarsisand first evidence of virus transmissions at locations ranged from 2 to 7 months. The delays decreased away from the points of focus and were negatively associated with the time of initial occurrence of the vector. Seroconversions to the viruses were related to the presence ofC brevitarsis. However, the densities ofC brevitarsishad no apparent effect on the initial numbers of cattle seroconverting to either virus. The results support the conclusion that the progressions ofC brevitarsisand Akabane and bluetongue viruses were the result of gradual movements by the vector.
Factors associated with the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment for ovine virulent footrot
Authors: JORDAN D. , PLANT JW , NICOL HI , JESSEP TM , SCRIVENER CJ
Published: March 2008

Factors associated with the proportion of sheep cured of virulent footrot after antibiotic treatment were studied in a field trial under dry environmental conditions. From 2 similar flocks, 1091 Merino sheep weighing about 50 kg and infected with virulent footrot received an intramuscular injection of either 12 mL of a mixture of penicillin (250 mg/mL) and streptomycin (250 mg/mL), 6 mL of long acting oxytetracycline (200 mg/mL) or 6 mL of a mixture of lincomycin (50 mg/mL) and spectinomycin (100 mg/mL). Variables that were significantly associated with the proportion of sheep cured were: the type of antibiotic used, the number of feet infected and the flock from which the sheep came. There was an interaction between antibiotic type and number of feet infected and between antibiotic type and flock in association with the proportion of sheep cured. The extent of paring and the occurrence of blowfly strike in footrot lesions treated with diazinon had no significant association with the proportion of sheep cured.
Latex agglutination test for canine parvovirus
Authors: SANEKATA TAKESHI , SUGIMOTO TATSUYA , UEDA SHINOBU , TSUBOKURA MISAO , YAMANE YOSHIHISA , SENDA MEGUMI
Published: March 2008

Canine parvovirus (CPV) was detected in faeces from dogs with diarrhoea by a specific slide agglutination test using latex particles coated with anti‐CPV monoclonal antibody (LA‐anti‐CPV). The agglutination of LA‐anti‐CPV with CPV on a glass slide was evident macroscopically within 2 min. The sensitivity of the latex agglutination (LA) test was similar to that of the hemagglutination test. The LA test is available for the rapid diagnosis of CPV infection at an animal hospital.
Bovine asymmetric hind limb paresis, a presumptive in‐utero plant poisoning
Authors: BOURKE CA
Published: March 2008

Summary: A new locomotory disturbance of cattle is described. The condition has occurred sporadically since the mid‐1980s. Affected herds had all grazed flood plain pastures in a restricted area of north‐western New South Wales. Calves were either born with clinical signs or developed them by 4 months of age. The disease was characterised by a slowly progressive, irreversible, asymmetrical, paresis of the hind limbs. Affected cattle experienced persistent hyper‐extension of the hip and stifle joints. Macroscopic and microscopic examination of the nervous and musculoskeletal systems failed to demonstrate abnormalities that would account for the clinical signs. The disorder shares many similarities with bovine spastic paresis. It is suggested that the pathogenesis of the disorder is nervous, and probably involves nigro‐striatal, medulla oblongata, and spinal dysfunctional inputs. An in‐utero plant poisoning was suspected but no specific plant association was determined.
Cosmetic tail docking of dogs
Authors: WANSBROUGH ROBERT K.
Published: March 2008

Summary: The anatomy of the canine tail and its relationship to the physiological functions of the tail are described and the effect of tail docking on these is discussed. Current knowledge on the physiology and anatomy of pain is described with particular reference to cosmetic tail docking in the neonatal puppy. Recent advances in knowledge about pain and the changes in approach to pain management, refute the premise that ‘puppies do not feel pain therefore tail docking is not inhumane’ and also the premise that ‘the pain and the effects of tail docking are insignificant.’ Six criteria to test the ‘necessity’ to dock dogs are presented; this article shows that the reasons advanced for tail docking do not satisfy these criteria and so that docking dogs' tails cannot be justified.
Susceptibility of cats to equine morbillivirus
Authors: WESTBURY HA , HOOPER PT , BROUWER SL , SELLECK PW
Published: March 2008

Objective To assess the susceptibility of cats to equine morbillivirus (EMV) by direct administration of the virus by subcutaneous, intra‐nasal or oral routes, and following exposure to infected cats.

Design A disease transmission study, with controls, using ten cats.

Procedure Groups of cats were given the virus by the designated methods and assessed for evidence of infection by clinical examination, plus pathological and virological tests.

Results All cats administered the virus by subcutaneous, intra‐nasal or oral routes became infected and developed the disease within 4 to 8 days. One of two cats in contact with affected cats also developed the disease, but two cats kept near to affected cats did not become infected. The virus was isolated from a range of tissues collected from the infected cats, and the lesions observed in affected cats were similar to those previously observed in horses naturally and experimentally infected with the virus.

Conclusion This is the first demonstration that animals can be infected with EMV by non‐parenteral means, that the virus can transmit naturally between animals and confirms other reports of the similarity of EMV disease in horses and cats.
Proctitis associated with chlamydial infection in a koala
Authors: HEMSLEY S , CANFIELD PJ
Published: March 2008

Objective To describe proctitis associated with chlamydial infection in a koala.

Design A pathological study

Animal

A free living, male koala aged 17 years.

Procedure Rectum was examined histologically and chlamydial organisms visualised using Giminez stain and an immunoperoxidase staining method using an anti‐Chlamydia lipopolysaccharide (genus specific) antibody.

Results An aged koala presented for euthanasia was found to have asymptomatic chronic proctitis, cystitis, prostatitis, urethritis and conjunctivitis associated with chlamydial infection. Inflammation was severe in the terminal rectum and extended into the proximal common vestibule. Chlamydial organisms were visualised in the rectal surface epithelium using Giminez stain and an immunoperoxidase staining method. Organisms were also detected in the epithelium of the bladder, prostate and urethra.

Clinical Implications

Possible modes of transmission for the rectal infection are direct sexual transmission or ascending infection by organisms shed from the urogenital tract into the common vestibule. Previously unreported chlamydial proctitis in the koala may represent a potential reservoir of infection for other koalas.
Naphthalophos combinations with benzimidazoles or levamisole as effective anthelmintics for sheep
Authors: COOPER NA , ROLFE PF , SEARSON JE , DAWSON KL
Published: March 2008

Objective:To investigate the relative efficacy and safety of the anthelmintic naphthalophos in sheep, either given alone or in combination with benzimidazole (fenbendazole and albendazole) or levamisole anthelmintics.

Design:A parasitological study using faecal egg count reduction tests, a validating slaughter trial and field safety trials.

Procedure:Faecal egg count reduction tests were carried out on 13 farms. Naphthalophos and combinations of naphthalophos with levamisole and fenbendazole were included in the drench tests. On one property a controlled efficacy study was carried out to validate faecal egg count reduction test findings. In this trial, sheep were slaughtered 10 days after treatment and the remaining parasites recovered from the gastro‐intestinal tract. Safety trials were carried out on eight farms where approximately 50 000 sheep were treated with naphthalophos and albendazole that were tank mixed in the backpack.

Results:The efficacy of naphthalophos alone in faecal egg count reduction tests ranged from 59 to 98% with one test showing 95% reduction. The efficacy of naphthalophos and levamisole ranged from 74 to 100%, with 5 farms showing 95% reduction. The efficacy of naphthalophos and fenbendazole ranged between 88 and 100% with 95% reduction achieved on 10 farms. The controlled efficacy study showed a good correlation between the faecal egg count reduction tests and numbers of parasites recovered, except for Nematodirus where the faecal egg count reduction tests overestimated efficacy. The mortality rate in the safety trials was 0.05%, with most fatalities occurring on one farm.

Conclusion:The combination of naphthalophos and fenbendazole was more effective than a combination of naphthalophos and levamisole, and will provide a sufficiently safe drench rotation option.
Suppression of testicular function using two dose rates of a reversible water soluble gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) vaccine in colts
Authors: DOWSETT KF , KNOTT LM , TSHEWANG U. , JACKSON AE , BODERO DAY , TRIGG TE
Published: March 2008

Objective:To investigate the effect of two dose rates (200 and 400 ng) of a gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) vaccine on testicular function.

Design:A vaccination dose rate experiment.

Procedure:Two injections were administered 4 weeks apart to six colts in each treatment group. To maintain immunosuppression until the end of the breeding season, a third injection was given if antibody titres fell below 1000.

Results:Effective antibody titres were present for 12 to 27 weeks. Testosterone concentrations decreased from 2.22 to 0.31 nmol/L 6 weeks after primary vaccination. Androstenedione concentrations decreased from 1.78 to 0.28 nmol/L 5 weeks after vaccination. Testosterone and androstenedione concentrations above 0.69 and 0.87 nmol/L were attained 31 to 43 weeks after vaccination. Mean scrotal widths and lengths decreased over 29 weeks from 9.2 cm and 9.7 cm to 6.7 cm and 7.6 cm. At surgical castration these dimensions were 10.1 cm and 11.0 cm. Mean semen characteristics before vaccination and after recovery were: gel‐free volume 16.5 and 13.5 mL, sperm concentration 295.5 times 106 315.6 times 106/mL, total sperm per ejaculate 4041 times 106 4657 times 106 live normal spermatozoa 32% and 60%. Histologically, the testes showed active spermatogenesis. The mean testicular parenchyma weights for the 200 and 400 mg groups were 129.0 g and 109.8 g. Daily sperm production per testis and per gram of testis for the 200 and 400 mg groups were 3.7 times 108 2.8 times 106 2.3 times 108 2.0 times 106.

Conclusions:Both dose rates suppressed testicular function. Data showed that the vaccine effects were reversible. Individual immune response was less varied in the 200 mg group. Further work is necessary to achieve a less variable response in the immunosuppression of testicular function.
Effects of drug residues in the faeces of cattle treated with injectable formulations of ivermectin and moxidectin on larvae of the bush fly,Musca vetustissimaand the house fly,Musca domestica
Authors: WARDHAUGH KG , HOLTER P. , WHITBY WA , SHELLEY K.
Published: March 2008

Objective:To assess the toxicity of residues of ivermectin and moxidectin in cattle faeces collected at intervals after treatment.

Design:Replicated bioassays of faeces using larvae of the bush fly,Musca vetustissimaand the house fly,Musca domestica.

Animals:Two groups of five Murray Grey x Aberdeen Angus steers were treated with injectable formulations of ivermectin and moxidectin respectively. A third group was used as an untreated control.

Procedure:Newly emerged fly larvae were reared in the dung of treated animals.

Results:Drug residues in faeces collected 3 to 35 days after treatment with an injectable formulation of moxidectin had no significant effect on the survival of larvae ofM vetustissima. Similarly, faeces dropped up to seven days after treatment caused no significant reduction in larval survival inM domestica. In day 2 dung, residues of moxidectin delayed development ofM vetustissimalarvae, but had no effect on their survival. In contrast, ivermectin‐treated steers, produced dung that inhibited larval development of bothM vetustissimaandM domesticafor 7 to 14 days after treatment. Significant reductions in survival ofM vetustissimalarvae occurred in dung collected on days 21 and 28 after treatment, but by day 35 survival did not differ from that in control dung.

Conclusion:Excreted faecal residues of moxidectin are relatively innocuous to larvae of bothM vetustissimaandM domestica. Those of ivermectin inhibit survival for 7 to 14 days after treatment and are likely to have adverse effects on non‐target organisms.
Canine histiocytic ulcerative colitis
Authors: CHURCHER RK , WATSON ADJ
Published: March 2008

Objective To assess prevalence, breed predilection, response to therapy and prognosis of canine histiocytic ulcerative colitis (CHUC).

Design A retrospective study of cases of CHUC seen at Sydney University Veterinary Teaching Hospital (SUVTH) over a 20‐year period (1975 ‐1994).

Procedure Case records of all dogs in which colitis was suspected were reviewed. Dogs were diagnosed with CHUC based on colonorectal biopsy and histopathological examination.

Results CHUC was diagnosed in 8 of 57 dogs presented for colitis. All affected dogs were Boxers and six were female. Dogs with milder clinical signs showed moderately good response to therapy. Four dogs were still alive 1 to 7 years after diagnosis. Three dogs were euthanased, one for reasons other than CHUC, and one was lost to follow‐up.

Conclusions Young boxer dogs with relatively mild signs of CHUC may respond moderately well to medical and dietary therapy with fair prognosis. Euthanasia early in the course of the disease may be unwarranted. Prevalence may be increasing within the SUVTH referral population.
Compensated immune mediated haemolytic anaemia in a dog
Authors: MILLS J N.
Published: March 2008

Summary:A dog which presented with anorexia and fever was found to have strong IgG Coombs'positive immune mediated haemolysis but only marginal anaemia. The abnormalities detected included marked spherocytosis, polychromasia and mild hyperbilirubinaemia. The major presenting signs disappeared after glucocorticoid therapy. Compensated idiopathic immune mediated haemolysis was diagnosed.