bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of Serum Amyloid A Isoforms in Cattle
Authors: Takahashi Eiji , Kuwayama Hideto , Kawamoto Keiko , Matsui Takane , Inokuma Hisashi
Published: May 2011

Two-dimensional electrophoresis and immunoblotting were used to characterize 7 serum amyloid A (SAA) isoforms in cows with amyloidosis or chronic inflammation. Five SAA isoforms (isoelectric point [pI] 5.6, 6.1, 6.4, 6.8, and 7.7) were detected in all 10 amyloidosis serum samples, while 2 isoforms, pI 5.2 and 8.6, were detected in 4 and 9 of the samples, respectively. The same 7 isoforms were also detected in the serum of cows with chronic inflammation, but SAA pI 5.2 and 8.6 were detected in only 1 and 2 of 10 samples, respectively. It was concluded that although an amyloid-specific SAA isoform was not detected, examination of SAA isoform detection patterns may help identify bovine amyloidosis.
Fibromatosis in a Young Bernese Mountain Dog: Clinical, Imaging, and Histopathological Findings
Authors: Sutter Esther , Malik Yasminda , Konar Martin , Silvia Rüfenacht , Howard Judith E. K. , Welle Monika M.
Published: May 2011

A young, intact, male Bernese Mountain Dog was presented to the animal hospital for lameness and diffuse thickening of the soft tissue in the right hind limb. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple, multilobular, space-occupying lesions within and between the muscles of the right femur. Biopsies taken from the lesions revealed an infiltrative mass composed mainly of collagen fibers and a low density of benign-appearing fibroblasts. These findings were compatible with a diagnosis of a fibromatosis. Taking the age of onset into account, infantile fibromatosis was most likely. A deep fibromatosis, similar to that seen in adults, could not be excluded based on histology.
Prevalence of Von Willebrand Disease in Dogs from São Paulo State, Brazil
Authors: Mattoso Cláudio Roberto S. , Takahira Regina Kiomi , Beier Suzane Lílian , Araújo João Pessoa , Corrente José Eduardo
Published: May 2011

The aims of the current study were to assess the prevalence of von Willebrand disease (vWD) in dogs from the region of Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil, and to evaluate laboratory tests to diagnose this disease. The study included 350 dogs of various ages, different breeds, and both sexes. Dogs included in the study had no historical or clinical evidence of abnormal bleeding. von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF: Ag), buccal mucosal bleeding time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and factor VIII activity were evaluated in their ability to diagnose vWD. The prevalence of vWD in dogs was 1.43% in the Botucatu region of Brazil. Determination of vWF: Ag was the best laboratory test to diagnose vWD.
Rapid Chromatographic Immunoassay Study of Brain PrPsc Distribution in Classical Scrapie
Authors: Bolea Rosa , Vidal Enric , Belén Marín , Mercedes Márquez , Vargas Antonia , Marté Pumarola , Juan José Badiola
Published: May 2011

In the current study, a rapid chromatographic immunoassay submitted for registration in Europe was used to analyze PrPsc in 13 different areas of brain from 10 confirmed classical scrapie cases. The levels of PrPsc in the different areas of brain were plotted to draw a brain PrPsc distribution curve. This curve was compared with the brain PrPsc distribution curve obtained from immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry tests on the same samples. The distribution of PrPsc in different areas of the brain was similar, irrespective of the test applied, indicating that any of the 3 tests could be used for the characterization of classical cases of scrapie.
Epithelioid Hemangiosarcomas of the Bovine Urinary Bladder: A Histologic, Immunohistochemical, and Ultrastructural Examination of Four Tumors
Authors: Pires Isabel , Silva Filipe , Queiroga Felisbina L. , Rodrigues Paula , Henriques Rui , Pinto Carlos A. , Lopes Carlos
Published: May 2011

Epithelioid hemangiosarcoma is a specific variant of hemangiosarcoma that has recently been recognized in domestic animals. These malignant vascular neoplasms histologically resemble, and may be mistaken for, carcinomas. Four epithelioid hemangiosarcomas in the urinary bladders of 4 cows with severe enzootic hematuria are described in the current study. Grossly, the vesicular mucosa of the urinary bladder of each cow contained a single red elevated nodule. Histologically, each neoplasm was composed of short strands, cords, or nests of epithelioid, round, or slightly spindle-shaped endothelial cells that formed small vascular structures. Neoplastic cells were immunohistochemically positive for factor VIII–related antigen and vimentin, and were negative for cytokeratin and desmin. Ultrastructurally, the neoplastic cells often contained cytoplasmic intermediate filaments, a prominent granular endoplasmic reticulum, a Golgi complex, mitochondria, marked pinocytotic activity, and rare Weibel-Palade bodies. These neoplasms were diagnosed as epithelioid hemangiosarcomas based on their histologic, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural features. The present report widens the spectrum of mesenchymal tumors of the bovine urinary bladder and aids in the characterization of these vascular neoplasms.
A Fatal Case of Autumn Crocus (Colchicum Autumnale) Poisoning in a Heifer: Confirmation by Mass-Spectrometric Colchicine Detection
Authors: Kupper Jacqueline , Rentsch Katharina , Mittelholzer Andreas , Artho Romana , Meyer Sven , Kupferschmidt Hugo , Naegeli Hanspeter
Published: May 2011

A heifer developed severe signs of acute gastrointestinal irritation 48 hr after ingesting fresh leaves of Colchicum autumnale growing on a damp meadow. Confirmation of the suspected toxicosis was obtained by detecting colchicine in serum and urine using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry using atmospheric pressure chemical ionization. Although the serum colchicine concentration had declined to an apparently nontoxic level of 2.4 ng/ml, a more prominent concentration (640 ng/ml) indicative of colchicine poisoning was detected in the urine. This finding is consistent with the known toxicokinetic properties of colchicine, whereby a large volume of distribution results in low circulating blood concentrations and prolonged urinary excretion.
Use of Real-Time and Classic Polymerase Chain Reaction Assays for the Diagnosis of Porcine Tuberculosis in Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded Tissues
Authors: Jaime Gómez-Laguna , Carrasco Librado , Ramis Guillermo , Quereda Juan J. , Gómez Serafín , J. PallarésFrancisco Francisco
Published: May 2011

The current study was carried out to set up a fast and specific technique for porcine tuberculosis diagnosis in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues. A retrospective study was carried out using 54 samples fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin from 29 slaughtered Iberian pigs. Most of the pigs showed tissue samples positive to immunohistochemical staining (70.4%), and mycobacteria were detected within or near the necrotic cores of the lesions. However, diagnosis by this technique was time-consuming and tedious because of the paucibacillar nature of porcine tuberculous lesions. Classic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was unsuccessful in mycobacteria genome amplification in all of the examined samples; however, real-time PCR amplified the mycobacteria genome in 23 of 29 examined pigs, identifying the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in all but one, which amplified Mycobacterium avium complex. Moreover, when reamplification of the DNA was performed, classic PCR amplified the mycobacteria genome in all the examined pigs (29/29), identifying the M. tuberculosis complex in 28 of 29 studied pigs and M. avium complex in only 1 pig. Results of the current study point out that both real-time and classic PCR assays, with genome reamplification, represent sensitive, fast, and specific diagnostic tools for porcine tuberculosis in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues.
Undifferentiated Carcinoma of the Salivary Gland in a Chinchilla (Chinchilla Lanigera)
Authors: Smith Johanna L. , Campbell-Ward Michelle , Else Roderick W. , Pamela E. J. Johnston
Published: May 2011

A 12-year-old chinchilla ( Chinchilla lanigera) developed a slow-growing, soft, fluctuating, nonpainful mass on the ventral neck with focally extensive alopecia over a period of approximately 8 months. On postmortem examination, an extensive, multilobulated, cystic, neoplastic mass extended subcutaneously over the ventral and lateral neck with metastatic spread to submandibular lymph nodes, spleen, liver, and lungs. Neoplastic cells were strongly positive for vimentin and pan-cytokeratin but were negative for alpha–smooth muscle actin, S100, and myosin; no intracytoplasmic myofibrils were detected on phosphotungstic acid hematoxylin staining. Histologic and immunohistochemical examination of the mass led to a diagnosis of undifferentiated carcinoma of the salivary gland and contributes to the paucity of knowledge concerning neoplasia in chinchillas.
Evaluation of a Commercial Real-Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction Kit for the Diagnosis of Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Authors: Timsit Edouard , Maingourd Cyril , Dréan Eric Le , Belloc Catherine , Seegers Henri , Douart Alain , Assié Sébastien
Published: May 2011

Recently a commercial real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) kit has been marketed for the detection of Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV). However, diagnostic interpretation of the results of this kit requires its comparison to commonly used methods. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of this kit in comparison with the conventional direct fluorescent antibody test (FAT). Twenty BRSV strains and 14 heterologous bovine viruses were used to check the kit's sensitivity and specificity. The efficiency and detection limit of the kit were determined by testing dilution series of a BRSV strain. The comparison between real-time RT-PCR kit and FAT was performed with 94 clinical samples from calves with clinical signs of respiratory disease including lung tissues (n = 55), transtracheal aspiration samples (n = 20), and nasal swab samples (n = 19). All of the BRSV strains tested were detected by real-time RT-PCR. No cross-reaction was shown with the 14 heterologous bovine viruses. The real-time RT-PCR was 99.3% efficient with a detection limit of 0.1 TCID50 (50% tissue culture infective dose). The results of real-time RT-PCR and FAT were concordant for 65 of the 94 clinical samples tested. The remaining 29 clinical samples were positive by real-time RT-PCR and negative by FAT, demonstrating the higher sensitivity of real-time RT-PCR. In conclusion, the kit evaluated in this study was sensitive, specific, and had a low threshold of detection. Furthermore, the use of this kit instead of FAT allows an improvement of the sensitivity for the detection of BRSV in clinical samples.
Stability of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome virus at Ambient Temperatures
Authors: Jacobs Anna C. , Hermann Joseph R. , Muñoz-Zanzi Claudia , Prickett John R. , Roof Michael B. , Yoon Kyoung-Jin , Zimmerman Jeffrey J.
Published: May 2011

The stability of Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) was evaluated for temperatures appropriate to laboratory and field settings. Four North American (type 2) isolates (ATCC VR-2332, JA-142, MN-184, and Ingelvac® PRRS ATP vaccine virus) in cell culture medium (pH 7.5) were held at 1 of 4 temperatures (4, 10, 20, and 30°C) and sampled over time. Samples were tested for infectious virus and total PRRSV RNA using median tissue culture infectious dose and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, respectively. The rate of loss of infectious virus was expressed in terms of the time required for virus concentration to decline by one half (i.e., half-life [T 1/2]). Statistical analysis found that temperature, but not virus isolate, had a significant effect on T 1/2, and a single nonlinear regression model was derived to predict T 1/2 for temperatures between 0 and 50°C: T 1/2 = 243.54 e(-0.109*TEMP). In contrast to changes over time in the concentration of infectious virus, no change in the concentration of quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction–detectable PRRSV was detected at any temperature and contact time. This information will be of interest to persons working in laboratory or field situations in which the control of PRRSV is important.
Prevalence of Hemotropic Mycoplasmas in Healthy and Unhealthy Cats and Dogs in Spain
Authors: Roura Xavier , Peters Iain R. , Altet Laura , Tabar Maria-Dolores , Barker Emily N. , Planellas Marta , Helps Chris R. , Francino Olga , Shaw Susan E. , Tasker Séverine
Published: May 2011

The aims of the present study were to determine the prevalence of hemoplasmas in cats and dogs from the Barcelona area of Spain with the use of species-specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays and to evaluate any associations between hemoplasma infection, clinical presentation, and vector-borne infections. Blood samples from cats (191) and dogs (182) were included and were classified as healthy (149) or unhealthy (224). Ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid blood samples underwent DNA extraction and qPCR analysis. Mycoplasma haemofelis, ‘ Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’, and ‘ Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’ were detected in cats, whereas Mycoplasma haemocanis and ‘ Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum’ were detected in dogs, with prevalences of 3.7%, 9.9%, 0.5%, 14.3%, and 0.6%, respectively. In cats, no association between hemoplasma infection and health status, age, breed, presence of anemia, Feline leukemia virus status, and other vector-borne infections was found, but outdoor access ( P = 0.009), male sex ( P = 0.01), and Feline immunodeficiency virus status ( P < 0.001) were significantly associated with hemoplasma infection. In dogs, sex, age, health status, presence of anemia, and breed were not significantly associated with hemoplasma infection, but a significant association was found between hemoplasma infection and vector-borne infections ( P < 0.001). The present report documents the occurrence of feline ‘ Candidatus M. turicensis’ and canine ‘ Candidatus M. haematoparvum’ infections in Spain.
Pseudoangiomatous Squamous Cell Carcinoma in the Oral Cavity of a Dog
Authors: Cushing Tim , Barnard Sandra , Fleis Rebekah , Peters Rachel
Published: May 2011

An 8-year-old, spayed, female Labrador Retriever mixed-breed dog was presented to the Cornell University Hospital for Animals with an invasive oral mass involving the upper left fourth premolar and first molar teeth. Initial biopsy results suggested a poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma, whereas further histologic examination of the surgically removed mass revealed a hemangiosarcoma-like mass composed of numerous vascular clefts and variable numbers of keratinizing epithelial cells. Histologic and immunohistochemical characteristics were compatible with pseudoangiomatous squamous cell carcinoma, a well-recognized human variant of acanthomatous squamous cell carcinoma. Because of histomorphologic similarities with canine gingival hemangiosarcoma, diagnosticians should be aware of the present tumor variant as a differential diagnosis for vascular-like growths in the oral cavity of dogs.
Lipid-Rich Carcinoma in the Mammary Gland of a Djungarian Hamster (Phodopus Sungorus)
Authors: Yoshimura Hisashi , Kimura Norie , Nakahira Rei , Michishita Masaki , Ohkusu-Tsukada Kozo , Takahashi Kimimasa
Published: May 2011

A lipid-rich carcinoma of the mammary gland was diagnosed in a female Djungarian hamster ( Phodopus sungorus), which was kept as an indoor pet. The animal underwent surgery for a primary tumor arising in the mammary gland at the age of 16 months, and also for a recurrent tumor 6 months later. Histologically, the primary neoplasm was composed of 2 different cell populations: nonvacuolated glandular neoplastic cells with moderate atypia, and vacuolated neoplastic cells with marked atypia. Transition from the nonvacuolated glandular cells to the vacuolated cells was frequently seen. The recurrent neoplasm was composed predominantly of vacuolated neoplastic cells that often invaded the surrounding soft tissue. The cytoplasmic vacuoles contained neutral lipids, as confirmed by oil red O and Nile blue staining. The vacuolated neoplastic cells were immunopositive for cytokeratin and negative for vimentin, α-smooth muscle actin, p63, estrogen receptor α, and androgen receptor. Presumably, this high-grade, lipid-rich mammary carcinoma had developed from a low-grade mammary adenocarcinoma.
An Outbreak of Canine Coronavirus in Puppies in a Greek Kennel
Authors: Ntafis Vasileios , Mari Viviana , Danika Stefania , Fragkiadaki Eftychia , Buonavoglia Canio
Published: May 2011

Canine coronavirus (CCoV) is usually the cause of mild gastroenteritis in dogs and is known to have spread worldwide. However, to date, no CCoV cases have been confirmed in Greece. In the present work, the authors investigated an outbreak of enteritis in puppies from a Greek kennel for the presence of CCoV. Dogs were presented with clinical signs of diarrhea, anorexia, weakness, depression, dehydration, and 1 death. Canine coronavirus type II was detected by reverse transcription nested polymerase chain reaction in all 11 puppies, whereas 1 puppy presented dual infection with CCoV type II and canine parvovirus 2. Surprisingly, sequence analysis of the samples revealed higher similarity to the pantropic CCoV II strain CB/05 than to other reference strains, in the most variable region of the S gene.
A Case of Generalized Bovine Tuberculosis in a Sheep
Authors: Marianelli Cinzia , Cifani Noemi , Capucchio Maria Teresa , Fiasconaro Michele , Russo Miriam , La Mancusa Francesco , Pasquali Paolo , Di Marco Vincenzo
Published: May 2011

The present report describes a rare case of generalized bovine-type tuberculosis in a slaughtered 4-year-old ewe discovered during routine surveillance at an abattoir. A postmortem examination revealed lesions in the ewe's thoracic and abdominal cavities, ranging from encapsulated, mineralized foci to extensive, soft, caseous tissue. Lesions in the lungs, liver, and lymph nodes were consistent with mycobacterial infection. A histopathological examination detected granulomatous lesions in all tissue samples. The presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex genome was confirmed through a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of tissues, using IS 6110 primers, followed by a nucleotide sequence analysis of PCR products. Acid-fast bacteria, characterized as Mycobacterium bovis, were isolated from lesions following 38 days of incubation.
Sudden Death Associated with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in an Alpaca (Llama Pacos)
Authors: Van Alstine William G. , Mitsui Ikki
Published: May 2011

A healthy, 3-year-old, intact male alpaca ( Llama pacos) died suddenly and unexpectedly and had an unusual pattern of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy that was restricted to the interventricular septal and right ventricular myocardium. Grossly pale areas in the affected myocardium corresponded histologically to thickened and disorganized myofibers with excessive branching and marked nuclear pleomorphism. Mitoses were absent. Inflammation and fibrosis were minimal. A few thickened muscular arteries were scattered in the affected myocardium.
Lethal Ricin Intoxication in Two Adult Dogs: Toxicologic and Histopathologic Findings
Authors: Roels Stefan , Coopman Vera , Vanhaelen Pascal , Cordonnier Jan
Published: May 2011

Two adult dogs with the same owner were intoxicated by ingestion of fertilizer composed of residual plant material of the castor bean plant ( Ricinus communis L.). Both dogs died within 2 and 3 days, respectively, after the first signs of vomiting and abundant hemorrhagic diarrhea. Toxicologic and histopathologic examinations were performed on different organs. Histopathologic examination of the kidneys revealed tubular degeneration and necrosis and membranous glomerulonephritis. Additionally, myocardial degeneration with localized inflammation, lymphoid necrosis, and depletion in the spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes and hemorrhagic ulcerative gastroenteritis were found. The 2 cases could be used to elucidate the lethal dose of ricin and the histopathologic lesions in dogs.
Diagnostic Performance of Different Fecal Lawsonia intracellularis—Specific Polymerase Chain Reaction Assays as Diagnostic Tests for Proliferative Enteropathy in Pigs: A Review
Authors: Pedersen Ken Steen , Holyoake Patricia , Stege Helle , Nielsen Jens Peter
Published: May 2011

Traditionally, diagnosis of Lawsonia intracellularis—associated proliferative enteropathy (PE) has depended on necropsy and histology. Since the establishment of the etiologic role of L. intracellularis, a number of specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays have been developed for the detection of DNA in feces. The present article is a systematic review of peer-reviewed publications on the application of L. intracellularis specific fecal PCR as an antemortem diagnostic test for histologic lesions of PE in pigs. Based on this information, a range of diagnostic sensitivities (36-100%) and specificities (50-100%) of the published tests was calculated. Validity and confidence limits of the estimates varied considerably. The positive and negative predictive values of 6 different PCR assays were calculated for PE prevalence of 15%, 30%, 45%, 60%, 75%, and 90%, using a histologic case definition of PE and based on the reported test sensitivities and specificities. The simulated predictive values suggested that applying the fecal PCR assay as a diagnostic test is more likely to overestimate than underestimate the number of pigs having histologic lesions of PE under field conditions.
Comparison of Salmonella Serovar Isolation and Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns from Porcine Samples Between 2003 and 2008
Authors: Clothier Kristin A. , Kinyon Joann M. , Frana Timothy S.
Published: May 2011

Food-borne Salmonella infections can produce symptoms from mild gastroenteritis to severe systemic disease and death, representing an important public health issue in U.S. livestock and livestock products, which have been implicated as frequent sources of Salmonella contamination. Concerns have been raised about the spread of antibiotic resistance in Salmonella strains, particularly those that originate from food animal sources, as a result of prophylactic and therapeutic antimicrobial use in these species. Longitudinal comparisons of Salmonella serovars isolated from porcine tissues submitted to the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in 2003 and 2008 were conducted to evaluate changes in serovar dynamics and antimicrobial resistance. Incidence of recovered group C Salmonella enterica serovar Choleraesuis var. Kunzendorf decreased between 2003 and 2008, while recovery of group B strains Salmonella Typhimurium var. 5— (formerly, Copenhagen), Salmonella Agona, Salmonella Derby, Salmonella Heidelberg, and Salmonella Typhimurium increased. Significant changes in resistance interpretation were seen in Salmonella Derby with regard to spectinomycin and sulfadimethoxine; in Salmonella Heidelberg with regard to florfenicol, spectinomycin, and sulfadimethoxine; and in Salmonella Choleraesuis var. Kunzendorf, Salmonella Typhimurium, Salmonella Typhimurium var. 5—, and Salmonella Agona with regard to spectinomycin. Only 2 of 293 isolates in 2003 and 5 of 395 isolates in 2008 were resistant to enrofloxacin. Utilizing antibiotics approved for use in food animals to evaluate antimicrobial resistance provides more specific information on the selection pressure exerted on Salmonella populations through the use of these drugs.
Diagnosis of Caprine Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IIID by Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Genotyping
Authors: Clavijo Alfonso , Sun Feng , Sneed Loyd
Published: May 2011

Mucopolysaccharidosis type IIID is caused by a deficiency of N-acetylglucosamine-6-sulfatase, which is one of the enzymes involved in the catabolism of heparin sulfate. Simple molecular marker assays underpin modern routine animal breeding and research activities worldwide. With the rapid growth of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) resources for many important animal genetic disorders, the availability of routine assays for genotyping SNPs is of increased importance. In the current study, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is demonstrated to provide a valuable approach as a rapid and accurate alternative to a previously developed gel-based PCR as a straightforward and efficient assay for the diagnosis of caprine mucopolysaccharidosis IIID.
Fibroma with Osseous Metaplasia of External Auditory Canal in a Dog
Authors: Park Jin-Kyu , Lee Seung-Keun , Park Sang-Joon , Hong Il-Hwa , Jeong Kyu-Shik
Published: May 2011

The present report describes a case of fibroma with osseous metaplasia of the external auditory canal in a 7-year-old male Pomeranian dog. Upon otoscopic examination, the right external auditory canal was almost completely obstructed by a well-circumscribed mass adjacent to the eardrum. The mass was surgically excised. Grossly, it was well demarcated, firm when cut, pink, and measured 0.3 cm × 0.2 cm × 0.7 cm. The cut surface of the mass exhibited a central portion of homogeneously white osseous components surrounded by brown to pink soft tissue. Microscopically, the resected external auditory canal mass mainly consisted of fibroblastic spindle cells showing differentiation to metaplastic osteoblast-like cells. Metaplastic osteoblasts and osteoclasts lining the osteoid bony trabeculae were also observed. Bony trabeculae and spicules were separated by abundant collagen and neoplastic fibroblastic cells. Fibromatous components, irregular formation of woven bone spicules, and the presence of osteoblasts lining bony trabeculae led to a diagnosis of fibroma with osseous metaplasia.
An Investigation of Blood Selenium Concentrations of Goats in New York State
Authors: McComb Timothy , Bischoff Karyn , Thompson Belinda , Smith Mary C. , Mohammed Hussni O. , Ebel Joseph , Hillebrandt Joseph
Published: May 2011

The goal of the current study was to determine the range of blood selenium concentrations in goats in New York State that were fed adequately supplemented diets. Blood samples from mature, juvenile, and neonatal goats from commercial farms, 2 dairy and 2 meat producers, were analyzed via graphite-furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy. Feed samples were analyzed by using inductively coupled argon plasma optical emission spectroscopy to confirm that dietary selenium concentrations were adequate. The ranges of blood selenium concentration obtained were 9.1–49.9 μg/dl for mature goats, 7.6–37.5 μg/dl for juveniles, and 9.7–40.7 μg/dl for neonates.
Comparison of Three Immunodiagnostic Assays for Antemortem Detection of Mycobacterium Bovis Stimulation in Domestic Cats
Authors: Fenton Karla A. , Fitzgerald Scott D. , Kaneene John B. , Kruger John M. , Greenwald Rena , Lyashchenko Konstantin P.
Published: May 2011

Mycobacterium bovis causes disease in numerous mammalian species including humans, thus making research, surveillance, and control important in the eradication of tuberculosis. Domestic cats are susceptible to multiple mycobacterial species including Mycobacterium bovis; however, their role in the epidemiology of bovine tuberculosis is not fully documented. The current study was an evaluation of the immune response in specific pathogen–free (SPF) cats stimulated with sensitinogen, a heat-killed M. bovis product, using the rapid test, multiple antigen print immunoassay (MAPIA), and bovine-purified protein derivative (bPPD) single skin test. Six cats were inoculated with sensitinogen subcutaneously on days 0 and 24; 2 noninoculated cats and 49 non-SPF cats were controls. Serial serum samples were collected during 135 days and assayed for M. bovis antibodies by rapid test and MAPIA. On day 123, bPPD skin test was performed and read at 48 and 72 hr. The bPPD test at 72 hr had a mean skin thickness of 0.3 mm for stimulated cats and 0.1 mm for controls. Rapid test identified 4 of 6 stimulated cats after bPPD injection. The MAPIA detected antibody against MPB83, 16/83, 16 kDa, and M. bovis culture filtrate (MBCF) antigens. All assays differentiated between stimulated and control cats; however, 7 of 49 non-SPF control cats had a reaction for either antigen MBCF or 16/83. These preliminary studies show potential for antemortem detection of M. bovis among domestic cats. Additional studies to better characterize virulent M. bovis infection in cats would be of value.
Growth Rate Retardation and Inhibitory Effect of para-JEM® BLUE on Mycobacterium Avium Subspecies Paratuberculosis
Authors: Okwumabua Ogi , Moua Tou Vue , Danz Tonya , Quinn Joe , O'Connor Mike , Gibbons-Burgener Suzanne
Published: May 2011

The effect of para-JEM® BLUE on Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) inoculated into broth-based culture media was evaluated by using 84 fecal samples with known MAP status. Results showed that growth of the organism in samples inoculated into the broth without the para-JEM BLUE was detectable 1–35 days (average of 6 days) earlier in 35 of the samples (42%) compared with the same samples inoculated in broth with para-JEM BLUE. Four additional samples (5%) that were MAP positive in the culture broth that lacked the para-JEM BLUE gave negative results when the reagent was included. Of the remaining 45 samples, growth of MAP was detected 1–4 days (average of 3 days) earlier in 4 of the samples (5%) inoculated in the broth with para-JEM BLUE compared with the same samples inoculated in the broth without the para-JEM BLUE, whereas 41 samples (49%) yielded equivalent results with respect to time-to-growth detection and negative growth, regardless of whether para-JEM BLUE was present in the culture broth. However, exclusion of para-JEM BLUE from the broth increased the number of samples that produced false-positive instrument signals compared with the number that produced false-positive signals when the reagent was added. Modification of the sample processing step had no measurable effect. Observations indicated that, although elimination of para-JEM BLUE from the broth increased false-positive instrument signals, its inclusion has an adverse effect on the growth of certain MAP, which suggests that its elimination from broth cultures may increase sensitivity.
Comparison of Feces versus Rectal Swabs for the Molecular Detection of Lawsonia Intracellularis in Foals with Equine Proliferative Enteropathy
Authors: Pusterla Nicola , Mapes Samantha , Johnson Cara , Slovis Nathan , Page Allen , Gebhart Connie
Published: May 2011

The purpose of the current study was to compare the molecular detection rate of Lawsonia intracellularis between feces and rectal swabs collected from 42 foals with suspected equine proliferative enteropathy (EPE). Fecal samples and rectal swabs were processed for DNA purification by using an automated extraction system. The purified DNA was then analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of the aspartate ammonia lyase (aspA) gene of L. intracellularis. Absolute quantitation was calculated by using a standard curve for L. intracellularis and expressed as copy numbers of the aspA gene of L. intracellularis per microliter of purified DNA. The combined PCR detection rate for L. intracellularis was 90%, with 38 foals testing PCR positive in feces (33 samples), rectal swabs (32), or both (27). Six foals tested PCR positive only in feces, whereas 5 tested positive only in rectal swabs. Feces yielded a significantly higher aspA gene copy number of L. intracellularis than rectal swabs. Feces and rectal swabs tested PCR negative from 4 foals. In conclusion, the results showed that feces yielded similar numbers of PCR-positive results, with a higher L. intracellularis aspA gene load than rectal swabs. By analyzing dual samples, the PCR detection rate for L. intracellularis increased from 76% and 79% for rectal swabs and feces, respectively, to 90%. Rectal swabs should be considered as an alternative sample type for EPE-suspected patients with decreased or no fecal output.
Ochratoxin A in Serum of Swine from Different Brazilian States
Authors: Krüger César D. , Cavaglieri Lilia R. , Direito Glória M. , Keller Kelly M. , Dalcero Ana M. , da Rocha Rosa Carlos A.
Published: May 2011

The aims of the current study were to monitor the presence of ochratoxin A (OTA) in the serum of slaughtered swine and to investigate its distribution in 4 major geographical regions of Brazil. A total of 400 samples of serum were collected from 4 major states of Brazil (100 samples each). Ochratoxin A concentrations were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. In Santa Catarina State, 60% of the samples had OTA concentrations ranging from 4.01 to 75.4 mg/l. In Mato Grosso State, 75% of the samples had OTA concentrations ranging from 0.17 to 46.79 mg/l. Bahia State samples had OTA concentrations ranging from 2.72 to 4.13 mg/l in 36% of the samples, whereas 68% of the samples from Rio de Janeiro State had OTA concentrations ranging from 0.16 to 115 mg/l. Only Santa Catarina State and Rio de Janeiro State had serum samples that exceeded 75 mg/l OTA in 20% and 2% of the samples, respectively. A direct relationship between the higher concentrations of OTA in serum from the States of Santa Catarina and Rio de Janeiro and the highest concentrations of OTA in food intended for animal consumption in the same 2 Brazilian states was found in the present study. Ochratoxin A distribution in foodstuffs is very heterogeneous, and an alternative method by which to monitor the presence of OTA in feed includes analyzing swine serum samples, which reflect the toxin content of the ingested feed. This strategy could prevent the occurrence of ochratoxicosis in animal production, reduce economic losses, and minimize hazards to human health.
Comparison of Dog and Rabbit Plasmas in the Tube Coagulase Test for Staphylococcus Aureus
Authors: Rubin Joseph Elliot , Bayly Melanie Kirsten , Chirino-Trejo Manuel
Published: May 2011

The tube coagulase test, an invaluable laboratory tool for identifying Staphylococcus aureus, is most often done using rabbit plasma. However, there is evidence that depending on the origin of the isolates, other plasmas may be superior. The current study sought to compare the utility of dog and rabbit plasma in the coagulase test for S. aureus isolated from canine ( n = 28), bovine ( n = 29), and human ( n = 30) hosts. Overall, coagulation times were significantly faster for dog (2.38 hr) than rabbit (3.19 hr) plasma. When coagulation times were compared by isolate origin, no significant differences were found for rabbit plasma, whereas bovine isolates clotted dog plasma significantly faster (1.86 hr) than canine (2.79 hr) or human (2.38 hr) isolates. Investigators should be aware that rabbit plasma may not be the ideal coagulase-testing medium for S. aureus from all sources.
Fatal Canine Adenoviral Pneumonia in Two Litters of Bulldogs
Authors: Almes Kelli M. , Janardhan Kyathanahalli S. , Anderson Joseph , Hesse Richard A. , Patton Kristin M.
Published: May 2011

Five Bulldog pups, 4 weeks of age or younger, were presented over a 2-day period for postmortem examination and diagnostic evaluation. The pups originated from 2 different litters but had been cared for at a common facility since their birth. All 5 pups died after exhibiting symptoms consisting of lethargy, dyspnea, nasal discharge, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Necropsy examination revealed locally extensive to diffusely red, firm, consolidated lungs in all pups. Histopathologically, the lungs were variably effaced by multifocal areas of necrosis. The alveolar lumens contained fibrin, edema fluid, macrophages, and neutrophils. Many of the bronchioles contained cellular debris and neutrophils admixed with sloughed bronchiolar epithelium, which often contained large intranuclear amphophilic inclusion bodies that peripherally displaced chromatin. Fluorescent antibody testing was positive for Canine adenovirus. An adenovirus isolated via cell culture was positive on direct fluorescent antibody test and was identified as Canine adenovirus serotype 2 via polymerase chain reaction. Electron microscopy revealed typical viral inclusions within bronchiolar epithelial cells. Hemolytic Escherichia coli was also isolated from the lungs in 3 of the 5 pups. The current case demonstrates a natural and rare fatal infection with a viral agent that is typically associated with immunosuppression in both animals and humans.
Mycoplasma Bovis Outbreak in a Herd of North American Bison (Bison Bison)
Authors: Janardhan Kyathanahalli S. , Hays Mike , Dyer Neil , Oberst Richard D. , DeBey Brad M.
Published: May 2011

A disease outbreak of high morbidity and high mortality in bison ( Bison bison) was investigated. Clinical signs included lameness, swollen joints, respiratory distress, and lethargy. Fifty-three of 194 animals died. Cows between 5 and 10 years of age were the most affected group, in which 40 of 88 animals died. Necropsies were performed on several animals. There were abscesses in the lung and liver, as well as fibrinosuppurative pleuritis, polyarthritis, and disseminated microabscesses in various organs. No significant bacteria were isolated by routine aerobic cultures of lung and liver from 2 representative cases. However, Mycoplasma cultures were positive. Polymerase chain reaction tests on the isolated bacteria were positive for Mycoplasma bovis. Histologically, the abscesses were characterized by areas of necrosis with variable mineralization rimmed by granulomatous inflammation and fibrous tissue. No new animals had been introduced into the herd, but a cattle herd was present adjacent to the affected bison herd. Two restriction fragment length polymorphism techniques were used to compare the bison isolate and another bison isolate from an outbreak in North Dakota with a field isolate of M. bovis from cattle and with a laboratory control strain of M. bovis; the isolates and control strain were found to be similar. The isolates and the control were sequenced and compared with sequences in GenBank. Bison isolates were more than 99% homologous to M. bovis sequences in GenBank. It was concluded that M. bovis in bison can cause disseminated infection with a high morbidity and mortality and that bison isolates are similar to bovine M. bovis isolates.
Atypical Scrapie/Nor98 in a Sheep from New Zealand
Authors: Kittelberger Reinhold , Chaplin Melanie J. , Simmons Marion M. , Ramirez-Villaescusa Ana , McIntyre Lachlan , MacDiarmid Stuart C. , Hannah Michaela J. , Jenner Judy , Bueno Rudolfo , Bayliss Daniele , Black Hugh , Pigott Clive J. , O'Keefe Joseph S.
Published: May 2011

In a consignment of sheep brains from New Zealand, to be used in Europe as negative control material in scrapie rapid screening test evaluations, brain samples from 1 sheep (no. 1512) gave the following initially confusing results in various screening tests: the brainstem repeatedly produced negative results in 2 very similar screening kits (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]-1, ELISA-2), a macerate made from brainstem and cerebellum returned a clearly positive result in ELISA-2, and the macerate and a brainstem sample gave negative results in a third screening test (ELISA-3). In subsequent testing, cerebellum tissue alone tested strongly positive in ELISA-1 and produced a banding pattern very similar to atypical scrapie/Nor98 in a confirmatory Western blot (WB). The macerate showed weak staining in the confirmatory WB but presented a staining pattern identical to atypical scrapie/Nor98 in the scrapie-associated fibril WB. The latter test confirmed conclusively the first case of atypical scrapie/Nor98 in a sheep from New Zealand. Other parts of the brain either tested negative or very weak positive in ELISA-2 and in WBs, or tested with negative results by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. It appears that sheep no. 1512 is a case of atypical scrapie/Nor98 in which the abnormal prion protein was detected mainly in the cerebellum. This case emphasizes the need to retain brainstem, and cerebral and cerebellar tissues, as frozen and fixed materials, for conclusive confirmatory testing. Furthermore, consideration should be given to which screening method to use.
Comparison of Blood Lead and Blood and Plasma δ-Aminolevulinic Acid Concentrations as Biomarkers for Lead Poisoning in Cattle
Authors: Kang Hwan Goo , Bischoff Karyn , Ebel Joseph G. , Cha Sang Ho , McCardle James , Choi Cheong Up
Published: May 2011

Lead (Pb) concentrations in whole blood and δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) concentrations in plasma and whole blood from 37 cattle with suspected Pb exposure were determined in order to investigate the usefulness of ALA as a biological indicator for Pb poisoning in cattle. Cows were divided into 4 groups based on blood Pb, as follows: <30 ppb (group 1), 30–100 ppb (group 2), 100–300 ppb (group 3), and >300 ppb (group 4). The derivatization reaction for ALA was improved by a greater than 2-fold measure in whole blood and by a 10-fold measure in plasma by adding 75 and 50 μl of 0.1 N HCl, respectively. Blood Pb concentrations ranged from <25 ppb to 1,006 ppb (185.5 ± 254.9 ppb), with 17 samples containing >50 ppb Pb. Delta-aminolevulinic acid concentrations in whole blood and plasma ranged from <62.7 ppb to 96.9 ppb (77.4 ± 8.4 ppb) and from <5.0 ppb to 24.0 ppb (4.6 ± 3.8 ppb), respectively. Whole blood ALA did not correlate with blood lead concentrations in any group. Increase in plasma ALA concentration was dependent on blood Pb concentration. There was no correlation between blood Pb concentration and plasma ALA concentration in group 2 ( n = 4), but correlation coefficients were 0.736 in group 3 and 0.807 in group 4, respectively. The correlation coefficient was increased to 0.851 when groups 3 and 4 were combined. Based on these observations, in cattle, plasma ALA is a more reliable biological biomarker for Pb exposure than is blood ALA.
The 51-Chromium-Labeled Ethylenediamine Tetra-Acetic Acid Intestinal Permeability Blood Test in Healthy Beagle Dogs: A Comparison between Serum and Plasma Levels
Authors: Frias Rafael , Collado Maria Carmen , Spillmann Thomas , Sankari Satu , Westermarck Elias
Published: May 2011

A 51-chromium-labeled ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid (51Cr-EDTA) permeability blood test was validated as a method to assess damage to the small intestine in dogs. The test was performed by calculating various percentages from sera after an orally ingested dose solution. The aim of the current study was to determine whether the use of serum or plasma had any influence on the results of the test. A test solution with 3.7 megabecquerel (100 μCi) of 51Cr-EDTA was delivered through an orogastric tube to 13 healthy laboratory Beagle dogs. From each dog, 2 concurrent blood samples were withdrawn from cephalic veins using clotting-factor activator tubes for serum and heparinized tubes for plasma. The samples ( n = 26) were taken at 3 and 5 hr after administration of the test solution. Percentages of the orally ingested dose were then calculated in serum and plasma, and their relationship was assessed using correlation analysis. The mean ± standard deviation percentages in serum and plasma after 3 hr were 0.85 ± 0.43% and 0.88 ± 0.49%, respectively, whereas respective percentages in serum and plasma after 5 hr were 0.78 ± 0.52% and 0.81 ± 0.51%. The combined correlation coefficient between the percentages from the sera and plasma samples was excellent ( R = 0.98). It was concluded that the 51Cr-EDTA permeability test in blood may be performed using serum or plasma of dogs, and the choice between the 2 samples is one of convenience.
Desmoplastic Ganglioglioma of the Spinal Cord in a Western European Hedgehog (Erinaceus Europaeus)
Authors: Ulrich Reiner , Stan Alexandra C. , Fehr Michael , Mallig Carolin , Puff Christina
Published: May 2011

Gangliogliomas are composed of neoplastic glial and neuronal cells and are extremely rare tumors of the central nervous system of domestic animals. The present report describes the clinical presentation and the pathomorphological and immunophenotypical characteristics of a desmoplastic ganglioglioma in the spinal cord of a 3-year-old male western European hedgehog ( Erinaceus europaeus). Clinically, the hedgehog exhibited a skin wound and therapy-resistant paresis of the left hind limb. Necropsy showed dilatation of the urinary bladder. Histologic examination of the thoracic spinal cord revealed a focally extensive infiltrative mass, which consisted of multiple nodules of smaller bipolar or oligopolar glial cells and variably sized polygonal, ganglionic, neuron-like cells embedded in variable amounts of microcystic neuropilic matrix. An area of spindle-shaped cells arranged in interwoven fascicles and surrounded by a prominent network of reticulin fibers was interpreted as desmoplastic leptomeningeal stroma. Immunohistochemistry revealed a moderate number of glial fibrillary acidic protein and S-100-positive cells and processes. In addition, the ganglionic neuron-like cells expressed neurofilament, microtubule-associated protein-2, and neuron-specific enolase. In summary, this spinal cord tumor was composed of astroglial and neuronal cellular elements, justifying the diagnosis of a desmoplastic ganglioglioma.
Mammary Carcinoma in a Ewe
Authors: McElroy Máire C. , Bassett Hugh F.
Published: May 2011

Mammary tumors of all types are rare in herbivores, and there is a particular paucity of reports in sheep. The present report describes a case of mammary carcinoma in a 6-year-old uniparous ewe. The tumor was present for at least 18 months, during which time the ewe remained clinically well. At postmortem examination, the mass was found to be multilobulated with occasional cysts. Histologically, the lobules consisted of tubules lined by cuboidal to low columnar epithelium with loss of polarity and moderate anisokaryosis within a moderately extensive fibrous stroma. It was classified as a low-grade carcinoma. The histologic classification and lack of evidence of invasion correlated well with the slow clinical progression.
An Optimized Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay to Identify Avian Virus Vaccine Contamination with Chicken Anemia Virus
Authors: Amer Haitham M. , Elzahed Hanan M. , Elabiare Elham A. , Badawy Ahmed A. , Yousef Ausama A.
Published: May 2011

The use of embryonating chicken eggs in preparation of avian virus vaccines is the principle cause for contamination with Chicken anemia virus (CAV). Identification of CAV in contaminated vaccines relies on the expensive, tedious, and time-consuming practice of virus isolation in lymphoblastoid cell lines. The experience of the last 2 decades indicates that polymerase chain reaction is extending to replace most of the classic methods for detection of infectious agents. In the present report, a simple, rapid, and accurate polymerase chain reaction method for detection of CAV in poultry vaccines is described. Oligonucleotide primers homologous to highly conserved sequences of the VP1 gene were used to amplify a fragment of 676 bp. The developed assay was specific for detecting CAV from different sources, with no cross reactivity with many avian viruses. No inter- and intra-assay variations were observed. The analytical sensitivity of the test was high enough to detect 5 TCID50 (50% tissue culture infective dose) of the virus per reaction; however, different factors related to the vaccine matrix showed considerable effects on the detection limit. In conclusion, this method may represent a suitable alternative to virus isolation for identification of CAV contamination of poultry virus vaccines.