bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Failure of passive transfer in foals: incidence and outcome on four studs in New South Wales
Authors: TYLER‐McGOWAN CM , HODGSON JL , HODGSON DR
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo determine the regional incidence and effectiveness of treatment of failure of passive transfer (FPT) in foals.

DesignA study of disease incidence.

AnimalsEighty‐eight foals and 57 mares from four studs in the practice area of the Rural Veterinary Centre were tested.

ProcedureFoals were tested for their serum IgG and total serum protein (TSP) concentration within the first 72 hours of life. Colostrum was collected from mares and specific gravity determined. FPT and partial failure of passive transfer (PFPT) of immunoglobulins was diagnosed when serum IgG concentrations were < 4 g/L and 4 to 8 g/L respectively. Owners of foals diagnosed with FPT were offered treatment with 1 to 2 L plasma (TSP > 70 g/L); 9 (64%) of the affected foals were treated.

ResultsFourteen foals (16%) had FPT whereas 15 (17%) had PFPT. There were significant differences between the mean TSP concentration in foals with FPT (42.6 ± 4.2 g/L), PFPT (48.1 ± 3.9 g/L) and those acquiring adequate passive immunity (58.9 ± 5.5 g/L) (P < 0.01). Sixteen (29%) mares had pre‐suck colostral specific gravity < 1.060 and 12 (71%) foals raised by these mares had FPT or PFPT. The incidence of severe disease (categorised by a sepsis score > 11, positive culture of bacteria from blood or disease requiring hospitalisation) in all foals in the first 2 months of life was 10%. However, none of the nine foals with FPT that received plasma experienced severe disease. In contrast, foals with PFPT had an increased susceptibility to severe disease (P < 0.001) when compared with normal foals.

ConclusionTreatment of foals with FPT may reduce the subsequent incidence of severe disease. Pre‐suck colostral specific gravity and foal TSP may be used to predict the likelihood of FPT and PFPT. Even though the number of foals studied is small the results highlight the importance of optimal management practices in reducing the incidence of FPT and disease associated with this process.
Enteritis associated with Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection in a buffalo
Authors: HUM S. , SLATTERY S. , LOVE SCJ
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: A week after transport a 4 month old buffalo calf developed diarrhoea. Its condition gradually deteriorated and it died. Necropsy revealed acute haemorrhagic enteritis and enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes. Haemorrhages and numerous microabscesses were detected in the lamina propria of the small intestine associated with colonies of Gram negative bacteria. Yersinia pseudotuberculosis was isolated from the small intestine and from mesenteric lymph node. Enteritis caused by Y pseudotuberculosis does not appear to have been reported previously in buffalo in Australia.
Relationship of blood corticosterone, immunoglobulin and haematological values in young crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) to water temperature, clutch of origin and body weight
Authors: TURTON JA , LADDS PW , MANOLIS SC , WEBB GJW
Published: March 2008

Objective

To examine whether sub‐optimal temperature induced stress and immunosuppression in farmed saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) hatchlings.

Design

A clinico‐pathological study.

Animals

A total of 140 hatchlings were used.

Procedure

Body weight and length, plasma corticosterone and immunoglobulin concentrations and total and differential white blood cell counts were measured in 140 hatchlings from five clutches divided between five water temperature treatment groups. Initially all groups were housed at 32°C for 10 weeks, then two groups (L, LC) were changed to low temperature (28°C) and two groups (H, HC) to high temperature (36°C), while one group (C) remained at 32°C. The LC and HC groups were maintained at these temperatures for 10 days, after which the water temperature of both groups was returned to 32°C. Blood samples were collected twice (at 6 and 9 weeks of age) before the initial temperature change, and at 10 days and 4 weeks after the initial temperature change (at 11.5 and 14 weeks of age).

Results

Except for an increase in plasma corticosterone in the HC group and a decrease in the L group when the temperature change was first introduced, changes in plasma corticosterone were not significant. There were no significant changes in immunoglobulin concentrations. There were, however, significant decreases in the total white cell and lymphocyte counts in the LC group after the temperature was decreased to 28°C, and an increase in these counts after water temperature was returned to 32°C. Clutch of origin had significant effects on body weight and length gains, and there were negative relationships between body weight and corticosterone concentrations and between body weight and immunoglobulin concentrations.

Conclusions

As haematological changes indicative of stress were not associated with significant changes in serum corticosterone, immunosuppression in young crocodiles may be independent of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal cortical axis.
An overview of the topical management of wounds
Authors: LIPTAK JM
Published: March 2008

Wounds in animals are a common and frequent reason for seeking veterinary attention. The way in which wounds are managed affect the rate of healing, the time to return to normal function, the final cosmetic appearance, and hence the satisfaction of customers. The management of wounds depends on the stage of wound healing and can include irrigation, mechanical and chemical debridement, the use of antiseptics and antimicrobials, adherent and nonadherent dressings, and miscellaneous topical applications such as aloe vera, honey and live yeast cell derivative. The advantages, disadvantages and indications for initial wound management, topical applicants and dressings are discussed.
Immune response to avian reovirus in chickens and protection against experimental infection
Authors: MEANGER J. , WICKRAMASINGHE R. , ENRIQUEZ CE , WILCOX GE
Published: March 2008

Objectives To assess the efficacy of the vaccination procedure and the effect of the transfer of maternal antibodies to progeny chickens on reovirus pathogenicity.

Design To vaccinate chickens and challenge progeny chickens with high doses of homologous and heterologous viruses.

Procedure High doses of reovirus strains RAM‐1, 1091 and 724 were used to induce tenosynovitis lesions. High doses were produced by concentration of viruses grown in cell culture. Then similar doses of viruses were used to challenge immunised chickens progeny.

Result Vaccination of breeding hens with the RAM‐1 strain of avian reovirus, which resulted in the passive transfer of neutralising antibody to progeny chickens, completely prevented the development of tenosynovitis in 80% of progeny chickens infected with the homologous virus. Even though multiple injection of hens resulted in broadening of the normal type‐specificity of the neutralising antibody response against heterologous serotypes of avian reovirus, only marginal protection against strains of two heterologous serotypes of avian reovirus was obtained.

Conclusions A model for assessing the efficacy of vaccination against avian reovirus strains on clinical signs such as tenosynovitis was developed that overcome the normal low virulence of Australian strains of avian reovirus. Breeding hens can be immunised with Australian strain of avian reovirus with passive transfer of antibody via the yolk to the progeny chickens. Although the neutralising antibody response to three injections of inactivated virus decreased the specificity of the neutralising antibody response against antigenically heterologous strains of avian reovirus, the protective immunity appeared to retain type‐specificity.
Nasopharyngeal cryptococcosis
Authors: MALIK R , MARTIN P , WIGNEY DI , CHURCH DB , BRADLEY W , BELLENGER CR , LAMB WA , BARRS VR , FOSTER S , HEMSLEY S , CANFIELD PJ , LOVE DN
Published: March 2008

Naturally occurring cryptococcosis in five cats, a dog and a koala is described. Involvement of the nasopharynx was documented in all patients, and nasopharyngeal mass lesions accounted for the major presenting complaints in four. Signs referable to nasopharyngeal disease included snoring, stertor, inspiratory dyspnoea and aerophagia. Diagnoses were made by caudal rhinoscopy using a retroverted flexible endoscope, vigorous orthograde flushing with saline, or at necropsy. Concurrent cryptococcal rhinitis was present in all cases, although involvement appeared limited to the caudal nasal cavity in most cases. Typical signs of nasal cavity disease, such as sneezing and nasal discharge, were often absent. Treatment of nasopharyngeal cryptococcosis should include physical dislodgement or debulking of lesion(s) to provide immediate alleviation of upper airway obstruction, followed by systemic antifungal therapy to eliminate residual infection from the nasal cavity. Infections caused byCryptococcus neoformansvargattiiaccounted for a disproportionately large number of these cases.
Use of drama in teaching the human side of veterinary practice
Authors: MILLS JN
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo describe a teaching experiment in which fifth year veterinary students were given the opportunity, using dramatic scenarios, to consider ways of dealing with emotive issues relevant to veterinary practice, that demand good communication skills.

DesignWorkshops were devised using dramatised scenarios of several critical incidents in practice, including euthanasia. A clinical psychologist and several veterinary practitioners participated in discussions. Both live performances and video scenarios were presented to fifth year veterinary students and were followed by group discussions. Each workshop was evaluated and modifications were made where necessary.

ResultsThe teaching format involving drama was well received. The combination of drama and discussion was more effective than a formal talk and discussion, provoking animated participation and maintaining audience attention. The majority of students considered that comments and advice from attending veterinarians were the most useful parts of the workshops in preparing them for veterinary practice. The large audience (up to 45 attendees) was considered to be desirable for enhancing discussion. Requests for more similar sessions were made by students.

ConclusionDrama was found to be a satisfactory modality in teaching communication skills in preparing veterinary students for practice.
Idiopathic eosinophilic meningoencephalitis in Rottweiler dogs: three cases (1992–1997)
Authors: BENNETT PF , ALLAN FJ , GUILFORD WG , JULIAN AF , JOHNSTON CG
Published: March 2008

We report three cases of eosinophilic meningitis in young male Rottweiler type dogs in New Zealand. No cause for the disease was identified. There were variable clinical signs referable to central nervous system dysfunction, and a variable response to treatment.
Use of a multifenestrated indwelling lavage system for treatment of septic digital teno‐synovitis in cattle
Authors: ANDERSON DE , ALLEN D. , ST‐JEAN G. , PARKS AH
Published: March 2008

Septic tenosynovitis was diagnosed in seven cattle on the basis of history, physical examination, radiographs, cytological examination of tendon sheath fluids, and microbial culture. A commercially available indwelling multifenestrated silicone rubber drain was used to perform frequent lavage of the flexor tendon sheaths. The sepsis resolved in all cattle. Five of six cattle for which long‐term (> 1 year) follow‐up information was available were clinically sound on the affected limb and had remained productive members of the herd.
Microsporidia (Encephalitozoon cuniculi) in wild rabbits in Australia
Authors: THOMAS C. , FINN M. , TWIGG L. , DEPLAZES P. , THOMPSON RCA
Published: March 2008

Objective To determine the prevalence of infection with Encephalitozoon cuniculii n wild rabbit populations in Western Australia, and to isolate the organism from seropositive rabbits.

Design Serological screening of wild and clinically affected domestic rabbit populations.

Sample population Eighty‐one wild rabbits from southwestern Western Australia and 29 laboratory rabbits.

Procedure Indirect immunofluorescence antibody technique and in‐vitro amplification of parasite isolates in fibroblast cultures.

Results Of the 81 wild rabbits and 29 laboratory rabbits, 20 and 22 respectively, had antibodies to E cuniculi. E cuniculi from the urine of one seropositive laboratory rabbit and from brain and kidney tissues of eight and five seropositive laboratory and wild rabbits respectively were isolated in fibroblast cultures.

Conclusion
E cuniculi infection has been shown for the first time to be prevalent in wild rabbits in Australia. Techniques have been developed for the isolation and culture of the causative agent. Comparative studies can now be undertaken to determine risk factors for clinical disease in domestic rabbits and the relationship among E cuniculi isolates from wild and domestic rabbits.
Experimental Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar hardjo infection of pregnant cattle
Authors: SMITH CR , McGOWAN MR , McCLINTOCK CS , CORNEY BG , KETTERER PJ , SMYTHE L. , WARD W.
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo observe the effect upon the foetus of experimental infection of pregnant cattle withLeptospira borg‐peterseniiserovarhardjo.

DesignA disease transmission study using pregnant cattle.

ProcedureFourteen heifers serologically negative toL hardjowere artificially inseminated and later challenged with a north‐Queensland isolate ofL hardjoby conjunctival inoculation. The heifers were serologically monitored and their urine examined for the presence of leptospires using culture and fluorescent‐antibody tests at appropriate intervals. Elective caesarean sections were performed on pregnant heifers at 6.5 weeks after the challenge. Foetuses were examined using serological, histopathological, microbiological and fluorescent‐antibody tests.

ResultsTen of the heifers became pregnant, but three subsequently aborted before challenge. After challenge, all 14 heifers seroconverted andL hardjowas isolated from the urine of 6 of the 7 pregnant heifers. No evidence of foetalL hardjoinfection was detected. Two of the foetuses had histopatho‐logical lesions consistent withNeosporas p infection.

ConclusionIt is likely that the isolate ofL hardjoused in this study does not normally infect the foetus.Neosporas p may be a more significant cause of bovine reproductive wastage.
Evaluation of a PCR assay for identification and differentiation of Campylobacter fetus subspecies
Authors: HUM S. , QUINN K. , BRUNNER J. , ON SLW
Published: March 2008

Objective To evaluate a polymerase chain reaction assay for identification of Campylobacter fetus and differentiation of the defined subspecies.

Design Characterisation of bacterial strains by traditional phenotyping, polymerase chain reaction, a probabilistic identification scheme and macrorestriction profiling using pulsed field gel electrophoresis.

Procedure The results of identification of 99 bacterial strains as determined by conventional phenotyping or by poly‐merase chain reaction were compared. Two of these were type strains of C fetus subsp fetus and C fetus subsp venerealis; the remaining strains were field isolates putatively identified as C fetus. In cases where the subspecies identity was disputed, isolates were identified by means of a probabilistic identification scheme and by macrorestriction profiling.

Results The agreement between strain identities initially suggested by traditional phenotypic methods and the PCR assay was found to be 80.8%. The polymerase chain reaction proved to be a reliable technique for the species and subspecies identification of C fetus; equivocal results were obtained in only two instances. Initial misidentifications by conventional phenotyping methods were attributed to methodological differences used in various laboratories.

Conclusion Our results indicate that misidentification of C fetus i n routine diagnostic laboratories may be relatively common. The PCR assay evaluated gave rapid and reproducible results and is thus a valuable adjunctive method for the identification of C fetus and subsequent subspecies differentiation.
Longitudinal study of career plans and directions of veterinary students and recent graduates during the first five years after graduation
Authors: HEATH TJ
Published: March 2008

ObjectivesTo determine the patterns of work undertaken by veterinarians during the first 5 years after graduation, and to study the background to career decisions.

DesignLongitudinal study.

PopulationVeterinarians (119) who started the veterinary course at The University of Queensland in 1985 and 1986, and who responded to a mailed questionnaire 5 years after they graduated.

ProcedureQuestionnaires were completed in the first and fifth year of the veterinary course, and in the second and after the fifth year after graduation. The data were coded numerically and analysed using the SAS System for Windows.

ResultsMost respondents (61%) planned to work in mixed practice and 61% entered mixed practice initially, but only 39% of these (26% of the total) remained in mixed practice after 5 years. Those who had grown up on a farm which derived primary income from animals were more likely to enter mixed practice, but half of this group had left mixed practice after 5 years. Most decisions to change career direction involved a move away from negative factors including inadequate private time and/or rewards, issues involving other people including the practice principal and sometimes clients, or aspects of the work itself. However, some cited positive reasons, including opportunities to learn, to help others or to travel. There were no significant differences between males and females in the numbers entering mixed practice or leaving it, or entering small animal practice, or in attitudes to many issues involving veterinarians. However, more females than males found their remuneration too small, and females did receive significantly smaller incomes than males.

ConclusionsMost graduating veterinarians, especially those from farms with animals, seek to enter mixed practice initially. Negative experiences are mainly responsible for moves to small animal practice. Gender does not affect the distribution of young veterinarians between mixed and small animal practice.
Chondrodysplasia in Australian Dexter cattle
Authors: HARPER PAW , LATTER MR , NICHOLAS FW , COOK RW , GILL PA
Published: March 2008

Objective To describe the occurrence of chondrodysplasia in Australian Dexter cattle.

Design A pathological and genetic case report.

Procedure Congenital lethal chondrodysplasia was studied in two female Dexter foetuses aborted mid to late gestation. Clinicopathological findings including histological changes in limb bones, and analysis of pedigree information were evaluated.

Results Characteristic features of congenital lethal chon‐drodysplasia (Dexter bulldog) include abortion, disproportionate dwarfism, a short vertebral column, marked micromelia, a relatively large head with retruded muzzle, cleft palate and protruding tongue and a large abdominal hernia. Histological changes in limb bones are consistent with failure of endochondral ossification. Dexter chondrodysplasia is considered to be inherited in an incompletely dominant manner with the homozygous form producing the congenital lethal condition. A preliminary minimum estimate of heterozy‐gote frequency is 19% within the registered Australian Dexter herd, based on analysis of the contribution of three obligate heterozygotes whose semen has been widely used by artificial insemination in Australia.

Conclusion Dexter chondrodysplasia is present in Australian cattle and further cases of the homozygous form, congenital lethal chondrodysplasia, are likely to occur.

Recommendation It is requested that spleen and liver tissue from bulldog foetuses and blood from their parents be collected to assist research into Dexter chondrodysplasia.
Plasma cortisol responses to three cortico‐trophic preparations in normal dogs
Authors: WATSON ADJ , CHURCH DB , EMSLIE DR , FOSTER SF
Published: March 2008

Objective To compare cortisol responses to three corticotrophic preparations in normal dogs.

Animals Eight clinically normal dogs (four intact males, four intact females) of medium size.

Procedures Each dog received four treatments on four separate occasions in a duplicated Latin square pattern. Treatments were two adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH) preparations given intramuscularly at 2.2 U/kg, one of the ACTH preparations given intramuscularly at 1 U/kg and a synthetic polypeptide with ACTH‐like activity (tetracosactrin, cosyntropin) given intravenously at 5 μg/kg. Plasma samples were taken for cortisol assay before and at 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 h after treatment.

Results Plasma cortisol concentrations were similar with the two ACTH preparations and at both dose rates. Tetracosactrin produced smaller mean peak cortisol concentrations, which tended to occur earlier than with ACTH, and smaller values for the area under the curve of plasma cortisol concentration from zero time to 4 h.

Conclusion The findings suggest that canine adrenal function can be tested adequately by giving ACTH intramuscularly at 1 U/kg and measuring plasma cortisol in samples taken at 0 and 2 h, or by giving tetracosactrin intravenously at 5 μg/kg and determining cortisol concentration at 0 and 1 h.
Effects of local anaesthesia of 4 to 8 hours duration on the acute cortisol response to scoop dehorning in calves
Authors: McMEEKAN CM , MELLOR DJ , STAFFORD KJ , BRUCE RA , WARD RN , GREGORY NG
Published: March 2008

Objective To determine the effect of a long‐acting local anaesthetic on the plasma cortisol response in calves dehorned using a scoop.

Design A physiological study with controls.

Procedure Seventy female calves, 3 to 4 months old, were divided into seven groups and dehorned by scoop with or without a long acting local anaesthetic (bupivacaine) which provides local anaesthesia for 3 to 4 h. In some treatment groups the local anaesthetic was given a second time, after 4 h, to give 8 h of anaesthesia. Blood samples were taken before and for 9 h after treatment and plasma cortisol concentrations were measured.

Results Scoop dehorning caused a marked rise in plasma cortisol concentration, which returned to pre‐dehorning values after 7 h. The cortisol concentrations of calves given bupiva‐caine were similar to those of control animals for 4 h after dehorning, but then a significant and protracted rise occurred, with concentrations returning to pretreatment values at about 9 h after dehorning. In calves given a second treatment of bupivacaine 4 h after dehorning, the plasma cortisol concentration remained similar to control values for 8 h after dehorning but then increased sharply.

Conclusions During its period of activity long‐acting local anaesthetic prevented the rise usually seen after scoop dehorning in plasma cortisol concentrations; by inference it also alleviated the pain‐induced distress caused by this procedure. However, when its effects had worn off the plasma cortisol values rose sharply indicating that animals still experienced pain‐induced distress despite local anaesthetic being administered.
Ovine Johne's disease: the risk associated with sheep imported into Western Australia
Authors: HIGGS ARB , HAWKINS CD
Published: March 2008

Objective To assess the risk of Johne's disease not being detected in sheep imported from New South Wales into Western Australia.

Design A stochastic simulation model.

Procedure The process of importing sheep was broken down into steps and numbers or probabilities assigned to each. Controls on the movement of sheep included surveillance tests in source flocks and serological tests on sheep in consignments before and after transportation to Western Australia. The model calculated the risk of occurrence of Johne's disease in Western Australia and the success of the agar gel immunodiffusion test in identifying consignments with infected sheep.

Results Negative surveillance tests in source flocks reduced the risk to about one twentieth of that when no surveillance tests were required. On average, Johne's disease was predicted to be introduced once in every 3 to 7 years when no testing of either the source flock or the sheep in consignments was required. When negative surveillance tests only were required the interval increased to once in every 63 to 111 years and, with the additional requirement that all sheep in each consignment must have a negative test before and after transport, the interval further increased to once in every 125 to 333 years. When only sheep in consignments were tested, the interval was calculated to be 8 to 14 years.

Conclusion A requirement that imports be derived from flocks which had negative surveillance tests to Johne's disease would provide significantly greater protection for the sheep industry in Western Australia.
Coprological methods for the diagnosis of Anoplocephala perfoliata infection of the horse
Authors: WILLIAMSON RMC , BEVERIDGE I. , GASSER RB
Published: March 2008

Objective To compare the sensitivities of three coprological techniques for the diagnosis of Anoplocephala perfoliata infection in horses and to assess the value of the methods for diagnosis of horses at risk of clinical cestodiasis.

Design Faecal samples were collected from necropsied horses with or without A perfoliata infection and examined using one sedimentation and two different flotation methods. The coprological results were compared with worm counts performed at necropsy of the horses and the degree of mucosal damage. In addition, the efficiency of recovery of A perfoliata eggs from faeces was tested.

Results The overall sensitivities of the methods ranged from 22.5 to 37.5%, and the capacity of the methods to diagnose infection increased with the intensity of infection. A simple flotation method achieved a better sensitivity (37.5%) at all intensities of infection compared with the other two methods (22.5 to 25%). That method was also more sensitive in detecting eggs in ‘negative’ faecal samples spiked with known numbers of A perfoliata eggs.

Conclusion The results indicated that, despite the low sensitivities of present methods, faecal flotation is likely to be of value in detecting horses at risk of clinical disease.
Seroprevalence of equine herpesvirus 1 in Thoroughbred foals before and after weaning
Authors: GILKERSON JR , LOVE DN , DRUMMER HE , STUDDERT MJ , WHALLEY JM
Published: March 2008

Objective To investigate the seroprevalence of equine herpesvirus 1 in foals around weaning and after weaning on two large Thoroughbred farms using a type‐specific enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay to determine exposure to infection.

Design A longitudinal population study in groups of Thoroughbred weanling foals.

Study population Two hundred weanling Thoroughbred foals from a population of about 380 foals were enrolled on two adjacent stud farms in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales. Foals on both farms were weaned from February to May 1995 into randomly selected groups of 10 to 15 foals. Farms were selected because of their willingness to cooperate in the survey and because their detailed records of foals and their movements. They were representative of well‐managed large Thoroughbred stud farms in New South Wales. Both studs had upper respiratory tract disease among weanling foals around weaning each year although the sero‐prevalence of viral respiratory disease on either farm was not known before the study.

Procedure Serum was collected from foals within each group at fortnightly intervals from 9th February until 1st June 1995, and at a single follow‐up period in August 1995. Each sample was tested in triplicate using an antibody‐detection ELISA which is type‐specific for EHV‐1 and EHV‐4 antibodies.

Results and conclusions There was serological evidence of EHV‐1 infection both before and after weaning. The prevalence of EHV‐1 antibody in the sample population increased during the study and individual cases of EHV‐1 infection were identified. The increase was caused both by the seroconversion of foals within the groups and by the recruitment into the study of foals with pre‐existing EHV‐1 antibody. Evidence of EHV‐1 infection in Thoroughbred foals after weaning has not been reported previously in Australia and this has implications for vaccination regimens.
Relationship between diet, dental calculus and periodontal disease in domestic and feral cats in Australia
Authors: CLARKE DE , CAMERON A.
Published: March 2008

Objective To compare the dental calculus scores and prevalence of periodontal disease in domestic cats eating commercially available canned and dry foods with those in feral cats consuming a diet consisting of small mammals, birds, reptiles and insects.

Animals Twenty‐nine feral cats and 20 domestic cats were included in the study.

Procedure A dental chart and dental calculus scores were recorded using the maxillary canine, maxillary third and fourth premolar, mandibular canine, mandibular fourth premolar and first molar teeth on both sides. Periodontal disease was recorded using gingival recession, increased periodontal pocket formation, radiographic alveolar bone loss, osteomyelitis, furcation and root exposure, and the presence of calculus as indicators.

Results Dental calculus scores were significantly higher in domestic cats than in feral cats. There was no statistical difference in the prevalence of periodontal disease between the two groups.

Conclusion It can be inferred that diet may play a role in the accumulation of calculus, but a diet based on live prey does not protect cats against periodontal disease.
Myotonia associated with hyper‐adrenocorticism in two dogs
Authors: SWINNEY GR , FOSTER SF , CHURCH DB , MALIK R.
Published: March 2008

Two dogs developed a disabling gait abnormality characterised by stiffness. The abnormality was consistent with a diagnosis of myotonia secondary to hyper‐adrenocorticism. The first dog had iatrogenic hyperadrenocorticism, and its signs improved substantially after corticosteroid administration was gradually withdrawn. The second had pituitary‐dependent hyperadrenocorticism, but myotonic signs progressed despite effective mitotane therapy. Procainamide administration reduced the myotonic stiffness in the second case.
Effect of desmopressin on plasma factor VIII and von Willebrand factor concentrations in Greyhounds
Authors: SATO I. , PARRY BW
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo determine the effect of 1‐Deamino‐8‐D‐argi‐nine vasopressin on plasma concentrations of von Willebrand factor and factor VIII in Greyhound blood donors, and to compare the response of 1‐Deamino‐8‐D‐arginine vaso‐pressin injection on plasma concentrations of von Willebrand factor between groups with different resting plasma concentrations of von Willebrand factor.

AnimalsFifteen Greyhound blood donors were used. Dogs were grouped into three categories depending on their von Willebrand factor concentrations.

ProcedureDesmopressin was administered subcuta‐neously at 1 mg/kg to all dogs. Plasma von Willebrand factor and factor VIII concentrations were measured before and 10, 20, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 min after desmopressin injection.

ResultsThe von Willebrand factor and factor VIII concentrations in all dogs increased significantly and remained higher than base‐line throughout the 2 h period.

ConclusionDesmopressin is useful in increasing von Willebrand factor concentrations in Greyhound blood donors, including those with low resting concentrations.
Efficacy of moxidectin and other anthelmintics against small strongyles in horses
Authors: ROLFE PF , DAWSON KL , HOLM‐MARTIN M.
Published: March 2008

Objective To compare the efficacy of moxidectin to ivermectin, oxibendazole and morantel against some gastrointestinal nematodes in horses.

Design Faecal egg count reduction after treatment.

Procedure A farm was selected where the population of small strongyles in horses was known to be resistant to oxibendazole. Horses were allocated to treatment groups based on faecal egg counts. After treatment, faecal samples were taken up to 109 days after treatment and faecal egg counts estimated. Faecal cultures were used to estimate the contribution of small and large strongyles to the faecal egg counts at each sampling.

Results Moxidectin (0.4 mg/kg) suppressed faecal egg counts for 109 days after treatment in most horses compared to 40 days with ivermectin (0.2 mg/kg), 13 days with morantel (9.4 mg/kg) and less than 13 days with oxibendazole (10 mg/kg). Most of the faecal egg count was attributable to small strongyles based on faecal culture, although Strongylus vulgaris was present in some samples in low numbers. Oxibendazole resistance in small strongyles was confirmed and a less than expected efficacy of morantel was also seen.

Conclusion Moxidectin was highly effective in reducing faecal egg counts after treatment for at least 12 weeks and up to 16 weeks in most horses. These horses were infected with a population of small strongyles known to be resistant to oxibendazole and possibly morantel. The duration of the reduction in faecal egg counts after treatment with moxidectin (0.4 mg/kg) was at least twice that of ivermectin (0.2 mg/kg) and greater than four times that for morantel and oxibendazole.
Effects of two large doses of equine recombinant growth hormone on clinical, haematological and serum biochemical variables in adult horses
Authors: DART AJ , STRONG M. , ROSE RJ , HODGSON DR
Published: March 2008

Objective To evaluate the clinical, haematological, and serum biochemical effects of two large doses of recombinant equine growth hormone.

Design Duplicated Latin square.

Sample population

Three Thoroughbred and three Standardbred mares aged between 12 and 17 years.

Procedure Two horses were randomly assigned into one of three groups. On each of three successive days, each horse pair received one of two dosages of growth hormone or a saline placebo so that by the end of the experiment all three horse pairs had received both dosages and the saline placebo. Dose rates selected were 50 μg/kg, and 100 μg/kg. A clinical examination was performed and a venous blood sample drawn for a complete blood count and serum biochemical analysis before administration of growth hormone and at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 24 h after injection. Data were analysed by a repeated measures analysis of variance assessing the effects of dose and time.

Results There was an effect of time on a number of clinical, haematological, and serum biochemical variables. There were significant effects of growth hormone on heart rate and serum glucose concentration but values for both variables remained within the reference range.

Conclusion The results of the present study suggest that equine recombinant growth hormone has a wide margin of safety and show that the single administration of up to five times the recommended dose rate has no significant effects on clinical, haematological, or serum biochemical variables.
Molybdenum poisoning in feedlot cattle
Authors: SWAN DA , CREEPER JH , WHITE CL , RIDINGS M. , SMITH GM , COSTA ND
Published: March 2008

Objective To describe a case of acute, fatal molybdenum poisoning in feedlot cattle.

Description of the herd

In total, 831 Hereford, Hereford x Angus, and Hereford x Simmental steers, aged 8 to 10 months, with an average body weight of 310 kg were fed a diet, to which sodium molybdate at a rate of 1.9 % of the total ration had been accidently added.

Investigation The steers lost appetite within 3 days and deaths commenced within 6 days of the diet being first offered. The error was rectified when deaths started to occur, but steers continued to die for up to 7 months afterwards. Of the 831 steers on the feedlot, 90 died and a further 5 remained in poor condition. The cause of death was periacinar to massive hepatic necrosis and acute renal tubular necrosis. Blood and tissue samples were taken from surviving steers for 76 days, by which time plasma molybdenum concentrations had returned to normal concentrations.

Conclusion Sodium molybdate when fed at a rate of 1.9 % of the diet results in acute renal tubular necrosis and periacinar to massive hepatic necrosis.
Combination of zolazepam and tiletamine as a sedative and anaesthetic for wombats
Authors: EVANS M. , ATKINSON S. , HORSUP A.
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo assess the suitability of the combination of zolazepam and tiletamine for routine use as chemical restraint, sedative and anaesthetic in wild wombats.

AnimalsSixty common wombats, 25 southern hairy‐nosed wombats and 40 northern hairy‐nosed wombats.

ProcedureWombats caught in cage‐traps in the wild were given injections of the anaesthetic combination either intramuscularly or intraperitoneally. Anaesthesia was maintained for up to 4 h in some cases, and for 12 h in one case. All wombats were released after anaesthesia.

Results and conclusion

This drug combination is effective and apparently safe for the sedation or light anaesthesia of wombats. We did not observe adverse reactions or deaths and the dose range used (4 to 15 mg/kg) demonstrates a wide safety margin. The use of this anaesthetic combination was effective in reducing the stress to wombats from capture and handling.
CD4+ and CD8+ T‐ lymphocytopenia in a filly with Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia
Authors: FLAMINIO MJBF , RUSH BR , COX JH , MOORE WE
Published: March 2008

Decreased proportion of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in peripheral blood likely contributed to susceptibility toPneumocystis cariniiin a foal. Cytological evaluation of bronchoalveolar lavage was required for identification of the pathogen and serial flow‐cytometric analysis of peripheral blood lymphocytes documented transient low expression of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes. Although immunodeficiency is uncommon, it must be included in the differential diagnosis for patients suffering from chronic or opportunistic infections and may provide an indication for immunostimulant therapy.
Distribution of G serotypes and P genotypes of bovine group A rotavirus isolated in Japan
Authors: FUKAI K. , SAKAI T. , KAMATA H.
Published: March 2008

Objective To identify the distribution of G serotype and P genotype of bovine group A rotavirus in Japan.

Design Detection, isolation, electropherotyping, G serotyping and P genotyping of bovine group A rotavirus in 167 diarrhoeal faecal samples.

Procedure Bovine group A rotavirus was detected and isolated, and bovine group A rotavirus isolates were identified electropherotype by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and G serotype and P genotype by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction.

Results Twenty‐eight bovine group A rotavirus strains were isolated from 167 samples. Electropherotypes of the bovine group A rotavirus isolates were identified as long‐genome electropherotype and the most prevalent combination of G serotype and P genotype of the bovine group A rotavirus isolates was G6P5 (25/28; 89.3%), followed by G6P11 (2/28; 7.1%) and G10P11 (1/28; 3.6%).

Conclusion These results suggest that the bovine group A rotavirus exhibiting G6P5 is the most common in Japan.
Diversity among isolates of Actinobacillus equuli and related organisms as revealed by ribotyping
Authors: BLACKALL PJ , CHRISTENSEN JP , BISGAARD M.
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveThe objective of this work was to examine the diversity within Australian isolates ofActinobacillus equuliand related organisms by the genotypic method of ribotyping.

DesignRibotyping, performed using the enzymeHaeIII, was used to examine the diversity in 12 field isolates ofA equuli(five being capable of fermenting L‐arabinose), one field isolate ofPasteurella caballiand two unclassifiable field isolates. Isolates were obtained from Australian horses, except for three isolates ofA equuli(one L‐arabinose positive and two L‐arabinose negative) which were obtained from horses and a pig in Africa. In addition, the type strains forA equuliandP caballiand a reference strain for Bisgaard Taxon 9 were included in the study.

ResultsThe ribotype patterns were analysed by computerised cluster analysis, yielding five clusters (A to E). All five of the L‐arabinose positiveA equuliwere assigned to cluster A, with all the other sevenA equuliisolates (all L‐arabinose negative) and the type strain being assigned to cluster B. One of the two unclassified isolates formed cluster C along with the reference strain for Bisgaard Taxon 9. The remaining unclassified isolate formed cluster D. Cluster E consisted of the field isolate and reference strain ofP caballi.

ConclusionThe results of this study indicate thatA equuliis a diverse species, with L‐arabinose positive isolates ofA equulibeing quite distinct from typical L‐arabinose negative isolates. Ribotyping appears to be a useful tool in confirming the identity ofA equuli‐like organisms from horses.
Inclusion body disease in two captive Australian pythons (Morelia spilota variegata and Morelia spilota spilota)
Authors: CARLISLE‐NOWAK MS , SULLIVAN N , CARRIGAN M , KNIGHT C , RYAN C , JACOBSON ER
Published: March 2008

Two captive Australian pythons, one carpet and one diamond python, presented with signs of central nervous system dysfunction. The carpet python was agitated. Its head was tilting and it was incoordinated and had convulsions. It was treated with antibiotics and anthelmintics but was eventually euthanased after failing to respond to therapy. The diamond python had flaccid paralysis of the caudal half. It was not treated and became disoriented and died. Hepatocytes from both pythons contained irregular 2 to 10 m m eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies. The brain of the diamond python was not available for examination. Occasional neurones in the carpet python brain contained similar inclusion bodies and other changes suggestive of viral infection. The clinical signs and histopathological findings in both pythons were consistent with boid inclusion body disease.
Factors on farms in eastern Australia associated with the development of tibiotarsal rotation in ostrich chicks
Authors: SQUIRE BT , MORE SJ
Published: March 2008

Objectives To determine the incidence of tibiotarsal rotation (TTR) in ostrich chicks and to identify factors on farms associated with the development of TTR.

DesignA cross‐sectional study using a personal interview.

ProcedureDuring a single visit to 31 farms, data were collected about a defined cohort of chicks, and about farm‐related factors that may be associated with the development of TTR. Farms were categorised for TTR status according to the proportion of the chick cohort that survived to 10 weeks of age without developing TTR. Chick performance was measured using descriptive epidemiological methods and univariable analyses were conducted to identify unconditional associations between TTR status and farm‐related factors.

ResultsNinety‐six of 931 ostrich chicks from 21 (68%) farms developed TTR during the first 10 weeks following hatch. Lower limb deformities were the most common cause of death in chicks between 3 and 10 weeks of age. On seven (23%) study farms, where less than 87% of young chicks survived to 10 weeks without developing this condition, TTR was considered a serious problem. Twelve farm‐related factors were associated with farm TTR status, including eight chick‐related variables (aspects of nutrition, pen design and management) and four farm‐related variables (related to the number of veterinary visits, farm location, number of rainy days and the person most closely involved with chick raising).

ConclusionThe results confirm a continuing problem of young chick wastage in eastern Australia. TTR was an important cause of mortality in farmed ostrich chicks during the first 10 weeks after hatch. The factors that producers could address to reduce the incidence of TTR include pen design, access to water and nutrition.
Acute cortisol responses of calves to scoop dehorning using local anaesthesia and/or cautery of the wound
Authors: SYLVESTER SP , MELLOR DJ , STAFFORD KJ , BRUCE RA , WARD RN
Published: March 2008

Objective To measure plasma cortisol responses in calves dehorned using a scoop after administration of local anaesthesia and/or cautery of the wounds.

DesignA physiological study with controls.

Procedure There were six treatments: control handling with and without local anaesthesia, dehorning, dehorning after local anaesthesia, dehorning followed by wound cautery, and dehorning after local anaesthesia followed by wound cautery. Blood samples were taken before and after dehorning.

Results Dehorning caused an increase in plasma cortisol concentrations, which decreased a little to plateau values and then declined to pretreatment values 3 to 4 h after dehorning. The peak was smaller after local anaesthesia was administered but when its effects wore off, cortisol concentrations increased and thereafter were similar to those in the dehorned animals. The combination of local anaesthesia and cautery resulted in a plasma cortisol response similar to those in control calves with or without local anaesthesia.

Conclusions If plasma cortisol concentrations reflect the distress being experienced by the calves, then local anaesthesia reduces the acute distress for about 3 h after dehorning but not during the subsequent 3 to 4 h. Combining local anaesthetic and cautery prevented the significant increase in plasma cortisol following dehorning and may eliminate the acute distress caused by scoop dehorning.
Role of prokinetic drugs for treatment of postoperative ileus in the horse
Authors: DART AJ , HODGSON DR
Published: March 2008

All horses undergoing coeliotomy for an acute abdominal crisis are at risk of developing ileus and should receive therapy aimed at promoting gastrointestinal function by restoring fluid and electrolyte balance. Adequate analgesia and prevention against peritonitis, bacteraemia and endotoxaemia should be provided. Horses that at the time of surgery have a strangulating or non‐strangulating small intestinal obstruction should be considered to be at greater risk of developing a persistent ileus that is refractory to treatment than those horses with lesions involving the large intestine. In horses considered to be at greater risk of developing a persistent ileus, the use of prokinetic agents should be considered. Agents that may be used to improve gastrointestinal motility include adrenergic receptor antagonists, cholinergic agonists, benzamides, dopamine antagonists, macrolide antimicrobials, opiate receptor agonists and antagonists, somatostatin analogues and local anaesthetics. There are limited studies into the use of these agents in the horse. Until further research provides more information on motility disorders following intestinal surgery and the efficacy of prokinetic agents in this species, only selective use of some of these drugs can be recommended.
Comparison of intradermal testing and serum testing for allergen‐specific IgE using monoclonal IgE antibodies in 84 atopic dogs
Authors: MUELLER RS , BURROWS A. , TSOHALIS J.
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo compare an ELISA measuring serum allergen‐specific IgE with intradermal skin testing in canine atopic dermatitis.

ProcedureEighty‐four dogs with the clinical diagnosis of atopic dermatitis underwent intradermal skin testing and serum testing for allergen‐specific IgE. Tests were performed in a blinded fashion. Positive reactions were compared and the sensitivity and specificity of the serum test (using intradermal skins test as the standard) were determined overall and for individual allergen groups (grass pollens, weed pollens, tree pollens, house dust mites and fleas).

ResultsThe sensitivity of the ELISAoverall was 90.4%. Evaluating the individual allergen groups, the sensitivity for dust mite hypersensitivity was 95.1%, for fleas 85.4%, for tree pollens 84.3%, for grass pollens 95.1% and for weed pollens 96.4%. The specificity was 91.6% overall, for dust mites 96.3%, for fleas 92.7%, for tree pollens 95.2%, for grass pollens 94% and for weed pollens 80.7%.

ConclusionThe evaluated ELISA seemed reliable for the diagnosis of atopy in practice and can be recommended as a screening test prior to intradermal skin testing or for use in dogs when immunotherapy is not a therapeutic option.