bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of anatomic features of the equine clitoris as potential growth sites for Taylorella equigenitalis
Authors: McAllister R. A. , Sack W. O.
Published: December 2023

A median clitoral sinus, as a space canalized from epithelial cells, was distinguishable developmentally in equine fetuses from 33-mm crownrump length (crl) to 500-mm crl (including a mule of 21-mm crl). In saggital sections of the clitoris of a 480-mm crl fetus, indentations under the transverse frenular fold were identified as lateral sinuses of the clitoris. Unlike the median sinus, they were shallow; it therefore could not be anatomically substantiated that the lateral sinuses were of sufficient depth to support the growth of the partial anaerobe Taylorella equigenitalis, the organism of contagious equine metritis. This study indicated excision of the lateral clitoral sinuses was unnecessary for treatment of contagious equine metritis.
Endometrial biopsy technique and uterine pathologic findings in llamas
Authors: Powers Barbara E. , Johnson LaRue W. , Linton Louise B. , Garry Frank , Smith John
Published: December 2023

Uterine tissue specimens from 90 llamas with history of infertility were examined and graded microscopically; 83 specimens were obtained by endometrial biopsy and 7 specimens were obtained at necropsy. Fifteen llamas (16.7%) had a normal uterus, which was graded 1A. Twenty-three llamas (25.6%) had minor uterine abnormalities that were graded lB. Forty-five llamas (50.0%) had appreciable endometritis that was graded 2A. Three llamas (3.3%) had endometritis with gland fibrosis that was graded 2B. Two llamas (2.2%) had notable uterine gland fibrosis that was graded 3A. Two llamas (2.2%) had uterine neoplasia that was graded 3B. Thirty-six llamas had follow-up evaluation; 22 became pregnant, most after some form of treatment. Uterine biopsy in llamas was readily performed without complications and was valuable in identifying a wide range of uterine diseases, most of which were amenable to treatment.
Financial analysis of pseudorabies control and eradication in swine
Authors: Rodrigues Cyllene A. , Gardner Ian A. , Carpenter Tim E.
Published: December 2023

Computerized decision-tree analysis and simulation modeling were used to evaluate control and eradication strategies for pseudorabies virus (prv) in swine. Three alternative actions were considered for a hypothetical 100-sow, farrow-to-finish operation: (1) depopulation-repopulation, (2) test-and-removal of seropositives (t&r), and (3) vaccination (of the entire herd or of sows only). The expected monetary values for the vaccination and t&r alternatives were similar, which was consistent with the long-standing controversy over the best strategy for dealing with prv. When the prevalence rate of prv was ≤57%, t&r was found to be optimal; otherwise, vaccination of sows only was recommended.

Sensitivity analysis was performed to determine how modifications in some of the original assumptions affected the expected monetary values of each strategy. When higher gross margins for the producer were assumed, t&r was preferred at all prevalence rates. Vaccination was preferred when lower gross margins, lower vaccination costs, or better protective effect of prv vaccines on reproductive performance were assumed. The use of gene-deleted vaccines in conjunction with the t&r strategy was also evaluated. When this option was available, t&r was favored at any prevalence rate (t&r alone when the prevalence was ≤20%, or combined with gene-deleted vaccination at prevalences >20%). Depopulation-repopulation was not the best option under any circumstance. Once formulated, a decision-tree analysis can be adapted to the prevailing economic or epidemiologic conditions; hence, it is a useful tool in the prv decision-making process.
Clinical and laboratory features of a severe form of von Willebrand disease in Shetland Sheepdogs
Authors: Raymond Sharon L. , Jones Douglas W. , Brooks Marjory B. , Dodds W. Jean
Published: December 2023

Ten clinically affected Shetland Sheepdogs were evaluated to define their severe bleeding diathesis and were determined to have von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF:Ag) values < 0.1% by elisa assay. The virtual absence of vWF protein by elisa assay and on multimeric analysis was diagnostic of either homozygosity or probable double heterozygosity for the canine von Willebrand disease (vWD) gene. Clinically affected dogs have type-III vWD and are the offspring of 2 heterozygous parents carrying type-I vWD. Twenty-three percent (1,428 dogs) of the more than 6,000 Shetland Sheepdogs screened for vWD at our facility since 1982 tested within the heterozygous carrier range for the common type-I form of this inherited disorder. Veterinarians and breeders should be aware of the potential for bleeding associated with elective and medical procedures in Shetland Sheepdogs and should use caution when breeding carriers of vWD because of the risk of producing clinically affected offspring with severe type-III vWD.
Cecocolic intussusception in horses: 11 cases (1979-1989)
Authors: Gaughan Earl M. , Hackett Richard P.
Published: December 2023

Over a 10-year period, cecocolic intussusception was diagnosed in 11 of 842 horses undergoing surgical treatment for colic at the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine. Eight horses died or were euthanatized because of poor prognosis determined at surgery or because of postoperative complications. Three horses recovered without complication after manual reduction of the intussusception and partial typhlectomy, using an intestinal stapling device.
Serum ionized calcium concentration in clinically normal dairy cattle, and changes associated with calcium abnormalities
Authors: Lincoln S. D. , Lane V. M.
Published: December 2023

Serum ionized calcium (ICa) concentration was determined in 141 clinically normal dairy cattle by use of a direct-measuring calcium ion-selective electrode instrument. Mean serum ICa concentration 2 hours after blood withdrawal was 4.59 mg/dl; range varied from 3.79 to 5.25 mg/dl. Regression analysis indicated a high degree of correlation between ICa and serum total calcium concentrations if serum stored at 23 C was analyzed within 12 hours after blood withdrawal.

Abnormal ICa concentration was detected in 19 of 85 dairy cows that were affected with various pathologic conditions. All 19 cows had hypocalcemia (n = 13 with parturient hypocalcemia, 4 with hypomagnesemic tetany, and 2 with renal disease). In all cases, the ICa concentration clearly related to the clinical manifestation of disease and the functional status of the cow's calcium metabolism.
Decision analysis and economic evaluation of the use of the rapid milk progesterone assay for early detection of pregnancy status of cows
Authors: Pitcher Paul M. , Galligan David T.
Published: December 2023

The economic feasibility of the use of rapid milk progesterone assays (RMPA) for early detection of pregnancy status in cows, to reduce the cost associated with reproductive inefficiency, was evaluated by use of decision analysis techniques. A decision tree was formulated and used to compare the rmpa to the alternative of palpation per rectum alone for the determination of pregnancy status.

A computer spreadsheet was used to examine the effect of manipulating the values of inputs affecting the optimal decision (ie, cost of a day a cow is not pregnant, conception rate, cost of the rmpa, test sensitivity and specificity, cost of insemination) over the range of values likely to be encountered. The sensitivity of the optimal decision was greatest to the variables for cost of a day a cow is not pregnant, conception rate, and cost of the rmpa. When the cost of a day a cow is not pregnant is $2.00 and the cost of the rmpa is $6.00, the best decision is to use the rmpa when the herd conception rate is between 20 and 77%. When the herd conception rate is 60%, the best decision is to use the rmpa as long as the cost of a day a cow is not pregnant is greater than $1.44. Indifference curves were calculated, allowing both the cost of a day a cow is not pregnant and conception rate to vary, and used to select the most economical decision. Use of the rmpa for early detection of pregnancy status is likely to be economically advantageous in most dairy operations.
Comparison of two low-dose dexamethasone suppression protocols as screening and discrimination tests in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism
Authors: Mack Robert E. , Feldman Edward C.
Published: December 2023

Two low-dose dexamethasone suppression test protocols were evaluated in 18 dogs with hyperadrenocorticism (14 dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism [pdh) and 4 dogs with adrenocortical tumor) and in 5 healthy control dogs. Blood was obtained immediately before and 2, 4, 6, and 8 hours after iv administration of either 0.01 mg of dexamethasone sodium phosphate/kg of body weight or 0.015 mg of dexamethasone polyethylene glycol/kg.

At 8 hours after dexamethasone administration, 18 of 18 (100%) dogs with hyperadrenocorticism given the sodium phosphate preparation and 16 of 18 (89%) affected dogs given the polyethylene glycol preparation failed to have suppression of plasma cortisol concentration (< 1.4 μg/dl). Plasma cortisol concentration was suppressed to < 1.4 μg/dl at 2, 4, and/or 6 hours after administration of either dexamethasone preparation in 5 of 14 dogs with pdh and to < 50% of baseline cortisol concentration in 10 of 14 dogs with pdh. Suppression, as identified by these 2 criteria, was not observed at 2, 4, 6, or 8 hours after administration of either dexamethasone preparation in dogs with adrenocortical tumor. For both protocols, the 8-hour plasma cortisol concentration was suppressed to < 1.4 μg/dl and to < 50% of baseline in the 5 control dogs.

Both protocols were comparable for use as screening tests in establishing a diagnosis of hyperadrenocorticism. Suppression of plasma cortisol concentration to < 50% of baseline (or < 1.4 μg/dl) during the test was consistent with diagnosis of pdh. Failure to have such suppression, however, was observed in dogs with pdh as well as in those with adrenocortical tumor.
Ultrasonographic features of testicular neoplasia in dogs: 16 cases (1980-1988)
Authors: Johnston Gary R. , Feeney Daniel A. , Johnston Shirley D. , O'Brien Timothy D.
Published: December 2023

For 16 dogs with testicular neoplasia (n = 19 tumors), ultrasonography was performed to determine whether a correlation exists between ultrasonographic features of testicular tumors and cell type. The echogenicity of the tumors varied depending on the size of the tumor and whether the tumor had focal or diffuse distribution within the testis. The ultrasonographic characteristics of Sertoli cell tumors were variable, with no predominant pattern. This variation may be related to tumor size, because 6 of 7 Sertoli cell tumors were > 5 cm in diameter. Focal seminomas and interstitial cell tumors < 3 cm in diameter had hypoechoic texture. Focal seminomas and interstitial cell tumors > 3 cm in diameter had mixed echogenicity. Tumors of multiple cell types were > 5 cm in diameter and had mixed echogenicity. In valuable breeding dogs with a small (< 3 cm) focal intrascrotal lesion, testicular ultrasonography would be of benefit for localization of the mass to the testis or epididymis for subsequent biopsy. In dogs with intra-abdominal neoplastic testes, ultrasonography may be of benefit in determining intra-abdominal metastases and invasion of contiguous structures.
Neospora-like protozoan infection as a major cause of abortion in California dairy cattle
Authors: Anderson Mark L. , Blanchard Pat C. , Barr Bradd C. , Dubey J. P. , Hoffman Richard L. , Conrad Patricia A.
Published: December 2023

Ninety-five aborted bovine fetuses received from California dairies over a 4.5-year period had histologic lesions of focal encephalitis. Protozoa that reacted with Neospora caninum antiserum were detected in the brain of 88 of these fetuses and in the heart of 1 fetus. Sarcocystis spp schizonts were seen in the vascular endothelium of 1 fetus. It was concluded that a Neospora-like cyst-forming coccidian may be a major cause of abortion in California dairy cattle.
Prevalence (treatment days) and severity of illness in hypogammaglobulinemic and normogammaglobulinemic foals
Authors: Baldwin Jay L. , Cooper Wendell L. , Vanderwall Dirk K. , Erb Hollis N.
Published: December 2023

Serum samples for determination of IgG concentration were obtained between postpartum hours 18 and 48 from 132 Standardbred foals. Results of the IgG assay were not known to farm personnel. None of the foals was given plasma iv for treatment of hypogammaglobulinemia. Foal health records were examined retrospectively to determine prevalence of infectious-type illness (foal treatment days [ftd]), prevalence of life-threatening infectious illness (foal treatment days-serious condition [ftd-sc]), and number of diseases (nod) per foal. Values for ftd, ftd-sc, and nod per foal were compiled for the first 21 days of life and for the first 90 days of life. The ftd, ftd-sc, and nod per foal values were compared for foals with < 400 mg of IgG/dl and for foals with ≥ 400 mg of IgG/dl; the same variables were compared for foals with < 800 mg of IgG/dl and for foals with ≥ 800 mg of IgG/dl. Statistical analysis indicated that IgG concentration was not associated with ftd, ftd-sc, or nod in foals of any of the groups. Also, despite a large subpopulation of hypogammaglobulinemic foals (13.6% with < 400 mg of IgG/dl and 44.7% with < 800 mg of IgG/dl), the 21-day and 90-day overall survival rates were 100 and 99.2%, respectively. The data strongly suggest that serum IgG concentration was not related to prevalence or severity of illness or to survival rate in this population of foals.
Study of the influence of veterinary medical education on the moral development of veterinary students
Authors: Self Donnie J. , Schrader Dawn E. , Baldwin DeWitt C. , Root Susan K. , Wolinsky Fredric D. , Shadduck John A.
Published: December 2023

Although veterinary medicine endorses high moral character and adherence to a code of ethics, to our knowledge, virtually no studies have examined the influence of veterinary medical education on the moral development of its students. Using the Kohlberg standard moral judgment interview, this study examined that relationship in a sample of 20 veterinary medical students (16.0% of the veterinary college's student body). The students were tested at the beginning and at the end of their veterinary medical education to determine whether their moral reasoning scores had increased to the same extent as those of other postgraduate students. It was found that normally expected increases in moral reasoning did not occur over the four years of veterinary medical education for these students, suggesting that their veterinary medical educational experience somehow inhibited their moral reasoning ability rather than facilitated it. With a range of moral reasoning scores between 313 and 436, the mean increase from first year to fourth year of 12.5 points was not statistically significant. Statistical analysis revealed no significant correlations between the moral reasoning scores on age or gender, although there were significant correlations with Medical College Admissions Test scores and grade point average scores.
Aerobic and anaerobic bacterial isolates from horses with pneumonia or pleuropneumonia and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of the aerobes
Authors: Sweeney Corinne Raphel , Holcombe Susan J. , Barningham Stephen C. , Beech Jill
Published: December 2023

Frequency of aerobic and anaerobic isolates in 327 aspirates and in 123 pleural fluid samples from 327 horses with pneumonia or pleuropneumonia and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of the aerobes were reported. Of the 327 horses, 75% survived, 20% were euthanatized, and 5% died. Tracheobronchial aspirates or pleural fluid specimens from 25 of the horses did not yield growth. Of the remaining 302 horses, 221 had only aerobic organisms isolated, whereas only anaerobes were isolated from 6 of the 302 horses. The remaining 75 horses had mixed aerobic and anaerobic bacterial infections. The survival rates for horses with aerobic only isolates was twice that of horses with anaerobic isolates. The aerobic bacteria most frequently isolated were β-Streptococcus spp, Pasteurella spp, Escherichia coli, and Enterobacter spp. The anaerobic species most frequently isolated were Bacteroides spp and Clostridium spp.
Animal behavior and animal welfare
Authors: Houpt Katherine A.
Published: December 2023

The value of behavioral techniques in assessing animal welfare, and in particular assessing the psychological well being of animals, is reviewed. Using cats and horses as examples, 3 behavioral methods are presented: (1) comparison of behavior patterns and time budgets; (2) choice tests; and (3) operant conditioning. The behaviors of intact and declawed cats were compared in order to determine if declawing led to behavioral problems or to a change in personality. Apparently it did not. The behavior of free ranging horses was compared with that of stabled horses. Using two-choice preference tests, the preference of horses for visual contact with other horses and the preference for bedding were determined. Horses show no significant preference for locations from which they can make visual contact with other horses, but they do prefer bedding, especially when lying down. Horses will perform an operant response in order to obtain light in a darkened barn or heat in an outside shed. These same techniques can be used to answer a variety of questions about an animal's motivation for a particular attribute of its environment.
Evaluation of peroral transendoscopic contact neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet laser and snare excision of subepiglottic cysts in horses
Authors: Tulleners Eric P.
Published: December 2023

Three basic techniques (and one modified technique) were developed, allowing successful excision of subepiglottic cysts in 10 horses (5 Standardbreds, 4 Thoroughbreds, and 1 Quarter Horse; mean age, 3.5 years) via peroral approach. This approach eliminated the need for laryngotomy or pharyngotomy and reduced postoperative care. None of the cysts redeveloped. Clinical signs of disease before surgery included respiratory noise, exercise intolerance, coughing, and dysphagia and were eliminated in all horses except one that raced successfully, but in which some respiratory noise was detected.

Peroral subepiglottic cyst excision was performed on anesthetized horses that were positioned in lateral recumbency and intubated via the nares and trachea. General anesthesia allowed careful intraoral palpation and endoscopic visualization of the oropharynx on a television monitor. Custom-designed instruments, including a guide tube, cyst snare, and long grasping forceps, facilitated either laser or snare, or laser and snare cyst excision. Hemorrhage was negligible in all horses. Initial attempts to develop a technique to submucosally excise subepiglottic cysts through a transnasal transendoscopic approach in conscious horses, using a contact neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet laser, were unsuccessful. In each of 3 horses, the cyst was inadvertently penetrated before it could be excised, causing it to collapse and disappear beneath the soft palate.

Postoperative complications were excessive subepiglottic swelling after laser excision (n = 1 horse), which resolved completely in response to anti-inflammatory treatment, and subepiglottic cicatrix formation after snare excision (n= 1 horse), which required surgical excision of the cicatrix.
Effect of tissue adhesives and suture patterns on experimentally induced teat lacerations in lactating dairy cattle
Authors: Makady F. M. , Whitmore H. L. , Nelson D. R. , Simon J.
Published: December 2023

Tissue adhesives and suture materials were evaluated for repair of experimentally induced teat lacerations in 6 lactating dairy cows. Group-1 teat lacerations were not closed and served as nonsutured controls. Group-2 lacerations were closed in three layers (mucosa, submucosa, and skin) by use of 3-0 polydioxanone. Group-3 lacerations were closed by use of N-butyl cyanoacrylate monomer tissue adhesive. Group-4 lacerations were closed by use of a combination of sutures and tissue adhesive. All cows were milked by machine. Healing was observed for 28 days, then cows were slaughtered, and teats were recovered for further study. Evaluation revealed failure of healing of all layers with formation of large fistulas in 3 of 4 nonsutured control teats in group 1. All 6 teat lacerations in groups 2 and 3 healed satisfactorily with no fistulas. Five of 6 teats in group 4 had partial healing of skin and mucosa with no fistulas, and 1 teat failed to heal and developed a small fistula.

Data indicated that closure of experimentally induced teat lacerations with three layers of fine absorbable suture or closure with tissue adhesive alone gave good results and satisfactory healing of all layers. However, when sutures and tissue adhesive were used together, foreign body reaction was marked, and the skin and submucosa healed only partially. Sutures appeared to entrap the tissue adhesive, resulting in a foreign body reaction.
Method for transilial bone biopsy in baboons
Authors: Klein Hilton J. , Seedor Greg , Frankenfield Dale L. , Thompson David D.
Published: December 2023

A surgical method for obtaining transilial bone biopsy specimens in baboons that provides adequate amounts of trabecular and cortical bone for histomorphometric analysis was developed. Biopsy specimens were removed from a site on the craniodorsal portion of the ilium by use of an 8-mm trephine.
Evaluation of twelve-hour preprandial and two-hour postprandial serum bile acids concentrations for diagnosis of hepatobiliary disease in dogs
Authors: Center S. A. , ManWarren T. , Slater M. R. , Wilentz E.
Published: December 2023

In samples collected from 170 dogs suspected of having hepatobiliary disease, preprandial serum bile acids (prsba) and postprandial serum bile acids (posba) concentrations were measured, using a spectrophotometric enzymatic method. Dogs were assigned to 8 disease groups and 1 control group on the basis of hepatic histopathologic findings. Pre- and postprandial sba concentrations and results of routine biochemical analyses (including total bilirubin, albumin, and bun concentrations, and serum alkaline phosphatase (alp), alanine transaminase (alt), and aspartate transaminase (ast) activities) were expressed, using 4 indices: sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value. Single tests and combinations of tests in series were evaluated.

For diagnosis of hepatobiliary disease, the specificity of prsba was 100% at values > 20 μmol/L and of posba was 100% at values > 25 μmol/L. Test combinations with the best sensitivity for diagnosing the following diseases were: prsba-posba for cirrhosis, portosystemic vascular anomaly, and glucocorticoid hepatopathy; prsba-posba or prsba-alp for cholestasis; prsba-posba or alt-ast for chronic hepatitis; prsba-alt for hepatic necrosis and passive congestion; and prsba-alp for neoplasia. Test combinations with the overall highest sensitivity and positive predictive value for the fewest number of tests were prsba-posba, and either prsba or posba combined with an enzyme activity (alt, ast, or alp). The overall test efficacy for prsba vs posba was nearly identical: for prsba, it was 82.4%, and for posba, it was 82.3%.

On the basis of the results of this study, prsba > 20 μmol/L or posba > 25 μmol/L (measured by use of an enzymatic procedure) indicates histopathologic abnormalities of the hepatobiliary system or portosystemic vascular anastomosis. Seemingly, determination of sba concentrations can be used to indicate the propriety for hepatic biopsy. Pre-and postprandial serum bile acids concentrations should be evaluated in conjunction with routinely used hepatobiliary screening tests for best diagnostic advantage.
Renosplenic entrapment of the large colon in horses: 33 cases (1984-1989)
Authors: Sivula Neal J.
Published: December 2023

Between 1984 and 1989, 33 horses were diagnosed with renosplenic entrapment of the large colon. Duration of colic, signalment, physical findings, and laboratory values were determined, and treatment methods were evaluated. Nonsurgical correction was attempted in 22 of the horses with suspected renosplenic entrapment of the large colon and was successful in 11 cases. Survival and complication rates also were determined. Nonsurgical correction is a viable alternative to immediate surgery for renosplenic entrapment of the large colon, if cases are selected properly.
Antibiotic and sulfonamide residues from Food Safety Inspection Service bob veal calf tissues by region, from October 1987 to September 1988
Authors: Wilson Dennis J. , Franti Charles E. , Norman Ben B.
Published: December 2023

Of 3,095 bob veal carcasses declared positive to the calf antibiotic and sulfonamide test (cast) performed by USDA-FSIS personnel during the fiscal year 1988, 967 were submitted to USDA-FSIS laboratories for intensified antimicrobial evaluation of kidney, liver, and muscle specimens. In the western region, cast-positive specimens were analyzed from certified calves, that is, calves declared free of antimicrobials by their producers. In the midwestern and eastern regions, 20% of the cast-positive carcass submissions were certified and 20% had not been certified. Among the regions, neomycin was the most commonly reported agent from kidney specimens; however, there were some distinct differences among regions (24.6% of the specimens in the Midwest, 37. 4% in the East, and 46.8% in the West). Reports of gentamicin in specimens also were different among regional laboratories (9.0% in the Midwest, 12.1% in the East, 3.1% in the West). Sulfamethazine was less frequently reported by the western laboratory, never exceeding 2% among the 3 tissues tested, whereas the eastern and midwestern laboratories had at least 1 tissue type that was ≥9%. Not all specimens were subjected to sulfonamide evaluation. Regional patterns were noticed for unidentified microbial inhibitors, which were most evident for liver in which 24.6% of the specimens at the western laboratory were classified as having unidentified microbial inhibitors, and only 6.3% of specimens at the eastern laboratory were classified as having unidentified microbial inhibitors.
Mesothelioma in cattle: Eight cases (1970-1988)
Authors: Wolfe Dwight F. , Carson Robert L. , Hudson Robert S. , Boosinger Timothy R. , Mysinger Pat W. , Powe Thomas A. , Claxton Marjorie S. , Angel Kenneth L.
Published: December 2023

Over an 8-year period, 8 beef cattle with mesothelioma were admitted to the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine and the Louisiana State School of Veterinary Medicine. Diagnosis was confirmed by histologic examination of affected tissues. Five bulls, 1 steer, and 2 cows were affected. Four of the bulls had scrotal swelling; 2 cows and 1 bull had ventral abdominal swelling. The peritoneal cavity was involved in 5 cases, the pleural cavity was affected in 2 cases, and in 2 cases, disease was apparently confined to the vaginal cavity. Of the 8 cattle, 6 died or were euthanatized; only cattle with tumor apparently confined to the vaginal cavity survived.
Detection of antibiotic and sulfonamide residues in bob veal calf tissues: 967 cases (1987-1988)
Authors: Wilson Dennis J. , Norman Ben B. , Franti Charles E.
Published: December 2023

The data on antimicrobials in bob veal calves obtained by USDA-Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) during the fiscal year 1988 were reviewed. Of 3,095 calf antibiotic and sulfonamide test (cast)-positive carcass submissions, 967 were chosen by FSIS for antimicrobial residue analyses. Specimens of muscle, liver, and kidney were obtained at abattoirs as a part of the FSIS program, and the results were reviewed by calf submission. At least 1 tissue from each of 425 submissions contained neomycin. Unidentified microbial inhibitors were found in 291 submissions. Streptomycin was found in 86 carcass submissions, penicillin in 81, sulfamethazine in 73, tetracycline HCl in 59, and gentamicin in 53. Other monitored agents were found in < 50 submissions each. Only 257 submissions included evaluation for sulfonamides, but sulfamethazine was found in 28.4% of them. Chloramphenicol was not detected.

Concentrations of neomycin in kidney specimens ranged from 0.25 to > 100 ppm, and differed among the 3 regional laboratories (West, Midwest, and East). The western region had the greatest proportion of low-concentration specimens, whereas the midwestern laboratory had the largest proportion of specimens with very high concentrations (≥ 100 ppm) of neomycin in kidney tissue.

Data to identify the sources and causes of the residues were not available. However, the western laboratory evaluated cast-positive submissions from calves certified to be antimicrobial-free, whereas the other laboratories evaluated submissions from certified and noncertified calves; therefore, this may partially explain regional patterns for neomycin quantities in kidney specimens.

Neomycin predominated among cast-positive verifications. A high prevalence of unidentified microbial inhibitors suggests further identification may be warranted.
Prognostic value of surgical and postoperative findings in cattle with abomasal volvulus
Authors: Constable Peter D. , St. Jean Guy , Hull Bruce L. , Rings D. Michael , Hoffsis Glen F.
Published: December 2023

A prospective study evaluating the prognostic value of surgical and postoperative findings in 80 cattle with abomasal volvulus was performed. Surgical correction of abomasal volvulus was performed in all animals. After surgery, cattle were categorized into 3 groups: productive (acceptable milk production or appetite, n = 59), salvaged (poor milk production or appetite, n = 10), and nonsurvivors (n = 11). Cattle with omasal-abomasal volvulus had a significantly (P < 0.005) worse prognosis than cattle without omasal involvement. Large abomasal fluid volume, venous thrombosis, and blue or black abomasal color before decompression were all indicative of a poor prognosis. Most cattle had poor or fair appetites the first day after surgery; productive animals had marked improvement in appetite over the next 3 days. All cattle observed to have a good appetite within 3 days after surgery were later determined to be productive animals. The heart rate decreased in all groups after surgery; however, tachycardia (heart rate > 80 beats/ min) was sustained in cattle that were later salvaged for slaughter. Diarrhea was observed after surgery in 54% of cattle. The duration of diarrhea was significantly shorter (P = 0.009) in productive cattle than in salvaged and nonsurviving cattle. The presence or absence of diarrhea was only of predictive value when considered in conjunction with the estimated abomasal fluid volume.
Rectal palpation and transmission of bovine leukemia virus in dairy cattle
Authors: Hopkins Sharon G. , DiGiacomo Ronald F. , Evermann James F. , Christensen Joseph D. , Deitelhoff Dennis P. , Mickelsen W. Duane
Published: December 2023

To determine whether rectal palpation, using common obstetrical sleeves, serves as a mode of transmission of bovine leukemia virus in dairy cattle, field studies were conducted at 2 dairies. At a commercial dairy, significant difference was not observed in rate of seroconversion in heifers and cows in which the same sleeve or new sleeves were used for palpations. At a university dairy, where cattle were used to teach dairy husbandry and veterinary procedures, significantly (P < 0.02) greater rate of seroconversion was observed in heifers and cows palpated with unwashed common sleeves than that observed in heifers and cows palpated with sleeves washed between use. Although rectal transmission of bovine leukemia virus under field conditions was documented, it was related to frequency of palpation and age of cattle.
Development of a genetically engineered vaccine against feline leukemia virus infection
Authors: Kensil Charlotte R. , Barrett C. , Kushner N. , Beltz G. , Storey J. , Patel U. , Recchia J. , Aubert A. , Marciani D.
Published: December 2023

A genetically engineered subunit vaccine against FeLV infection was developed. The protective immunogen in the vaccine was a purified recombinant protein containing the entire amino acid sequence of FeLV subgroup A gp70 envelope protein. The optimal adjuvant was determined to be a highly purified saponin, QS-21, derived from Quillaja saponaria Molina. A vaccine formulation containing the recombinant protein, QS-21, and aluminum hydroxide was tested in specific-pathogen-free kittens and was shown to induce neutralizing antibodies as well as appreciable antibody responses to native gp70 by enzyme immunoassay and protein (western) immunoblot analysis and of whole virus preparations.
Year two of follow-up evaluation of a randomized, blind field trial of a commercial feline leukemia virus vaccine
Authors: Scarlett Janet M. , Pollock Roy V.H.
Published: December 2023

A blind randomized field trial of a commercial FeLV vaccine was conducted. Cats on study were vaccinated with either a commercial FeLV vaccine or a placebo, then housed with FeLV-positive cats in a ratio of approximately 2 study cats to 1 infected cat (results of the first 12 months of the study have been reported). All surviving placebo-treated and FeLV-vaccinated cats were re-vaccinated 1 year after initial exposure to FeLV-infected cats. Exposure continued for an additional 12 months, and the viremia status of the cats was monitored by immunofluorescent antibody (ifa) and elisa testing at 4-month intervals. During the second year of observation, 1 additional FeLV-vaccinated cat had positive results of 2 consecutive elisa tests, but remained ifa negative. Classifying this cat as persistently viremic reduced the estimate of the preventable fraction, but did not alter the conclusions drawn earlier, viz, that vaccination appreciably reduces the number of cats that become persistently viremic after long-term natural exposure.
Comparative efficacy of three commercial feline leukemia virus vaccines against methylprednisolone acetate-augmented oronasal challenge exposure with virulent virus
Authors: Pedersen Niels C. , Johnson Lorraine
Published: December 2023

Three commercial FeLV vaccines, (A, B, and C) were purchased on the open market and administered to 8- to 20-week-old specific-pathogen-free kittens, according to manufacturers' instructions. A similar group of nonvaccinated kittens served as controls. All kittens were challenge-exposed oronasally with virulent FeLV 4 weeks after the final vaccination. Serum samples were monitored for FeLV-p27 antigenemia using an elisa at 1- to 2-week intervals for at least 16 weeks after the last day of challenge exposure. Kittens that were either transiently (1 to 4 weeks) or never viremic during this period were counted as recovered, whereas kittens that became viremic and retained viremia for at least 10 weeks were counted as persistently viremic. The 3 vaccines were found to be 39% (vaccine C), 28% (vaccine B), and 17% (vaccine A) efficacious in preventing persistent viremia in immunized, compared with nonimmunized kittens.
Use of the triiodothyronine suppression test for diagnosis of hyperthyroidism in ill cats that have serum concentration of iodothyronines within normal range
Authors: Refsal Kent R. , Nachreiner Raymond F. , Stein Barbara E. , Currigan Colleen E. , Zendel Andrea N. , Thacker Eileen L.
Published: December 2023

Administration of triiodothyronine (liothyronine, 15 μg, q 8 h, for 6 treatments) caused marked decrease in serum concentration of thyroxine (T4) and estimates of free T4 (fT4) concentration in clinically normal cats. A prospective clinical study was done to evaluate the use of this suppression test for diagnosis of hyperthyroidism in cats with clinical signs suggestive of the disease, but lacking high serum concentration of iodothyronines.

Twenty-three cats were confirmed as hyperthyroid on the basis of histologic changes in the thyroid gland or clinical improvement in response to administration of methimazole. Mean ± sd serum concentration of T4 (34.3 ± 12.7 to 31.3 ± 11.5 nmol/L) and estimate of fT4 concentration (26.6 ± 6.4 to 25.6 ± 6.9 pmol/L) did not change after administration of liothyronine to these cats. Twenty-three cats were classified as nonhyperthyroid by histologic confirmation of other disease, abnormal results of other diagnostic tests that strongly supported primary disease other than hyperthyroidism, or spontaneous remission of weight loss without treatment. Mean ± sd serum concentration of T4 (27.9 ± 10.3 to 11.7 ± 6.4 nmol/L) and estimate of fT4 concentration (21.7 ± 5.4 to 10.4 ± 4.4 pmol/L) decreased significantly (P < 0.001) in response to administration of liothyronine.

Discriminant analysis was used to identify variables from iodothyronine assays (eg, absolute concentration of T4 or absolute estimate of fT4 concentration, or changes of T4 or fT4 concentration) that provided the best diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. The endocrine end points that best differentiated hyperthyroid vs nonhyperthyroid cats were the concentration of T4 or estimate of fT4 concentration in serum obtained after liothyronine administration and predictive values ues calculated from postliothyronine serum concentration of T4 or fT4 and percentage decrease of T4 concentration. Difference in diagnostic sensitivity among endocrine end points compared was not apparent. Use of postliothyronine estimate of fT4 concentration alone or as part of a predictive value improved diagnostic specificity for differentiation of hyperthyroid vs non-hyperthyroid cats (P ≤ 0.081).

Results of this study further confirm existence of hyperthyroidism in cats that do not have high serum concentration of iodothyronines. We concluded that the triiodothyronine suppression test is a safe and accurate test for diagnosis of hyperthyroidism in cats with suggestive clinical signs of the disease, but lacking high serum concentration of iodothyronines.
Effects of zinc methionine and zinc oxide on performance, blood characteristics, and antibody titer response to viral vaccination in stressed feeder calves
Authors: Spears J. W. , Harvey R. W. , Brown T. T.
Published: December 2023

Ninety steers with an average weight of 214 kg were purchased at 2 feeder calf sales and transported 70 to 100 km. On arrival at the feedlot, steers were weighed and identified, blood was withdrawn, and the steers were vaccinated against bovine herpesvirus-1 (bhv-1) and parainfluenza3 (pi3), using a modified live vaccine, and randomly assigned to treatment groups. Treatments were: control (no supplemental zinc); zinc methionine; and zinc oxide. The control diet contained 26 mg of zinc/kg diet, and zinc was added in treatments 2 and 3 to provide 25 mg of supplemental zinc/kg diet. Neutralizing antibody titers were determined on serum samples taken on days 0 and 14 as a measure of the immune response to bhv-1 and pi3 vaccination. Weight gains for the 28-day study were similar across treatments. Dry matter intake tended to be higher in steers fed supplemental zinc from either source, because steers fed zinc methionine and zinc oxide consumed 5.2 and 4.4% more feed, respectively, than controls. Antibody titers against bhv-1 tended to be higher in steers supplemented with zinc methionine on day 14. Differences between treatments were not found for pi3 titers. Mortalities did not occur and morbidity rate was low.
Post-milking teat dip use in dairy herds with high or low somatic cell counts
Authors: Erskine R. J. , Eberhart R. J.
Published: December 2023

Milk samples for bacteriologic culture were submitted from 71 dairy herds, 24 with low somatic cell count (scc) and 47 with high scc and high prevalence of subclinical mastitis. At the time of sample submission to the Mastitis Diagnostic Laboratory of Pennsylvania State University, information regarding the herd mastitis control practices was collected.

A combined program of post-milking teat dipping (pmtd) and antibiotic treatment of all cows at the start of the nonlactating period was practiced more frequently for herds with low scc, (P < 0.001) than for herds with high scc. Among all herds for which pmtd was practiced, a higher proportion (P < 0.001) of those for which chlorhexidine-based products were used had low scc than high scc. Conversely, a higher proportion of herds for which a dip with an acrylic latex barrier was used had high scc rather than low scc (P = 0.002). For herds with high prevalence of sub- clinical mastitis, and despite a program of pmtd and treatment of all cows at the start of the nonlactating period, a change to a different germicidal teat dip product may be indicated to help reduce prevalence of infection.
Medical and surgical management of small-colon impaction in horses: 28 cases (1984-1989)
Authors: Ruggles Alan J. , Ross Michael W.
Published: December 2023

Medical records of 28 horses with impaction of the small colon were reviewed; 20 horses were admitted during the winter months. Diagnosis of small-colon impaction was made in 21 horses by rectal examination, and in 7 horses at exploratory celiotomy. Ten horses were treated medically, and 18 were treated surgically. Horses that were treated surgically were more likely to have abdominal distention than were those that responded to medical treatment (P < 0.025). Signs of greater degree of abdominal pain and higher heart rate were seen in horses treated surgically, but these values were not significantly different from values in medically treated horses. Duration of hospitalization was less in horses treated medically (P < 0.025). Long-term survival was higher for horses treated medically (P < 0.025). All horses treated medically and 7 of the horses treated surgically were alive at follow-up evaluation, at least 1 year after discharge. Fever and diarrhea were common complications after surgery. Four horses were fecal culture-positive for Salmonella sp after surgery. Early and aggressive medical management of horses with impaction of the small colon is recommended.
Clinical signs, treatment, and postmortem lesions in dairy goats with enterotoxemia: 13 cases (1979-1982)
Authors: Blackwell Timothy E. , Butler Daniel G.
Published: December 2023

Enterotoxemia attributable to Clostridium perfringens type D in goats is difficult to diagnose because of a lack of specific clinical signs or postmortem lesions, on which to base the diagnosis. This report describes the clinical signs, postmortem lesions, and clinical responses to treatment and vaccination in 4 goat herds, in which a diagnosis of enterotoxemia was confirmed. Four clinical cases had the diagnosis confirmed on the basis of signs of diarrhea or sudden death and the isolation of C perfringens and epsilon toxin from the feces at the time of admission. The 10 necropsy cases were diagnosed on the basis of the isolation of C perfringens (not typed) or epsilon toxin from the intestinal contents of goats that died with clinical signs compatible with enterotoxemia and without lesions associated with a second serious disease. Enterocolitis was the most consistent lesion reported at necropsy in the 10 goats with enterotoxemia. Ovine enterotoxemia vaccines were of limited value in preventing enterotoxemia. These observations imply that naturally induced enterotoxemia in goats involves a different pathophysiologic mechanism than that associated with enterotoxemia in sheep.
Rabies surveillance in the United States during 1990
Authors: Uhaa Iyorlumun J. , Mandel Eric J. , Whiteway Ruth , Fishbein Daniel B.
Published: December 2023

In 1990, the United States and its territories reported 4,881 cases of rabies in animals to the Centers for Disease Control, a 1.5% increase from 1989. Of these, 553 were domestic animals, 4,327 were wild animals, and one was a human being. Pennsylvania reported the highest number (611) of rabies cases in animals in 1990. For the first time since surveillance of rabies in wild animals was begun in the 1950s, the number of cases of rabies in raccoons exceeded that in skunks. Particularly large increases of cases of rabies in wild and domestic animals were reported in New Jersey (469 cases in 1990 compared with 50 cases in 1989, an increase of 838% from 1989) and New York (242 cases in 1990 compared with 54 cases in 1989, an increase of 348%). The 1,821 cases of rabies in raccoons represented a 17.9% increase over those reported in 1989 and 24.5% over those in 1988. This increase was largely attributable to the larger number of rabid raccoons in New Jersey and New York. Other states that reported an increased number of rabies cases in animals in 1990 included Utah (77.8%), Louisiana (64.7%), North Dakota (60.3%), Arizona (28.6%), Oklahoma (27.5%), Delaware (22.2%), and Maryland (20.6%). Thirty states reported a decrease in the number of cases of rabies in animals.
Abnormal conditions of the equine descending (small) colon: 102 cases (1979-1989)
Authors: Dart Andrew J. , Snyder Jack R. , Pascoe John R. , Farver Thomas B. , Galuppo Larry D.
Published: December 2023

The signalment, clinical and laboratory findings of surgical conditions, treatment, and outcome of 102 cases of descending colon disease in horses were reviewed. Abnormal conditions were categorized as enteroliths, impactions, strangulating lipomas, fecaliths, foreign body obstruction, volvulus, nephrosplenic entrapment, and other conditions. Eleven breed categories of horses were seen during this period. Arabians, ponies, and American miniature horses were more predisposed to descending colon disease than other breeds (P < 0.05). Female horses and animals >15 years old were more likely to be affected with descending colon disease, whereas horses <5 years old were less likely to be affected (P < 0.05). More specifically, Arabians, Quarter Horses, and Thoroughbreds >10 years old were breeds that were overrepresented when compared with the hospital population (P < 0.05). Enteroliths were most commonly seen in horses between 5 and 10 years old (P < 0.05) and were not seen in horses <2 years old. Enteroliths had a tendency to develop more commonly in Arabians and in female horses. Impactions affected horses >15 years old (P < 0.05) and had a greater tendency to affect ponies and American miniature horses. Female horses were more commonly affected by impaction than were males. Strangulating lipomas were commonly seen in horses >15 years old (P < 0.05) and more specifically female Quarter Horses (P < 0.05). Fecaliths tended to be a disease of horses <1 year old or >15years old and affected males more commonly than females. Ponies, American miniature horses, mixed-breed horses, and mustangs were the breeds most commonly affected. Surgical conditions were categorized as vascular (16%) or nonvascular (84%) conditions. Vascular conditions included strangulating lipomas (6%) and other conditions (10%). Nonvascular conditions included enteroliths (40%), impactions (25%), fecaliths (13%), and other conditions (6%). Horses with vascular lesions were older than horses with nonvascular conditions (P < 0.05). Peritoneal fluid values were high for all surgical conditions of the descending colon. Nucleated cell count and total protein concentration in peritoneal fluid retrieved from horses with vascular lesions were higher than in horses with nonvascular lesions (P < 0.01). Palpation per rectum revealed abnormal findings more commonly in horses with vascular compromise (P < 0.05). Of those horses taken to surgery, 91% were recovered from anesthesia and discharged; 90% of horses, for which the condition was monitored to at least 6 months after surgery, were alive. All horses that were medically treated were alive at least 6 months after discharge.