bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of four enteropathogens in the faeces of young diarrhoeic dairy calves in Switzerland
Authors: Lanz Uhde F. , Kaufmann T. , Sager H. , Albini S. , Zanoni R. , Schelling E. , Meylan M.
Published: October 2010

The prevalences ofCryptosporidium parvum, rotavirus, bovine coronavirus (bcv), and enterotoxigenicEscherichia coli(E colik99) were determined in diarrhoeic dairy calves aged one to 21 days on 71 dairy farms in western Switzerland during the winter of 2005 to 2006. Faecal samples from 147 untreated calves suffering from acute diarrhoea were analysed by standardised diagnostic methods, and the immunoglobulin status of each calf was evaluated. The prevalences ofC parvum, rotavirus,bcvandE colik99were 55·0 per cent, 58·7 per cent, 7·8 per cent and 5·5 per cent, respectively. The proportions of herds positive for the respective pathogens among the herds with diarrhoeic calves were 41·7 per cent, 52·1 per cent, 2·1 per cent and 2·1 per cent. The immunoglobulin concentration in the serum of 90·5 per cent of the diarrhoeic calves was below 8 g/l.
Opinions of veterinarians about the age at which kittens should be neutered
Authors: Murray J. K. , Skillings E. , Gruffydd‐Jones T. J.
Published: October 2010

The mean age recommended by veterinary practices for neutering kittens is 22·6 weeks, with only 28 per cent of veterinarians considering it appropriate to neuter 12‐ to 16‐week‐old kittens. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify variables associated with veterinarians' opinion that 12 to 16 weeks is an appropriate age at which to neuter kittens. Significant risk factors included time since graduation, perception of the problem of there being too many unwanted domestic cats and their practice's policy on the recommended neutering age. Veterinarians who thought that neutering eightto 11‐week‐old rescue kittens before homing was justified and veterinarians who had neutered 12‐ to 16‐week‐old domestic kittens within the previous year were more likely to consider that neutering 12‐ to 16‐week‐old kittens was appropriate. Veterinarians who thought that surgical complications, anaesthetic complications and lower urinary tract disease were, or might be, more likely to occur in kittens neutered at 12 to 16 weeks than in those neutered at six months of age, were significantly less likely to think that neutering 12‐ to 16‐week‐old kittens was appropriate.
Leptospirosis in dogs: a review with emphasis on clinical aspects
Authors: van de Maele I. , Claus A. , Haesebrouck F. , Daminet S.
Published: October 2010

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease affecting several mammalian species, including human beings. In dogs, it is spread mainly by rodents that act as a maintenance host for severalLeptospiraserovars. Until recently, the most common signs observed in affected dogs consisted of icterus and haemorrhagic diathesis, but today the most prevalent clinical signs are attributed to acute renal failure. The current literature gives a good review of leptospirosis in dogs in theusaand Canada, but less information is available about its occurrence in Europe. This review considers the clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of this emerging zoonotic disease.
Effect of tulathromycin on the carrier status of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 2 in the tonsils of pigs
Authors: Angen Ø. , Andreasen M. , Nielsen E. O. , Stockmarr A. , Bækbo P.
Published: October 2010

The effect of a single or double dose of tulathromycin was evaluated in pigs carrying Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 2 in their tonsils. Twenty‐nine pigs from a reinfected specific pathogen‐free‐herd were selected from animals testing positive in an A pleuropneumoniae serotype 2‐specific pcr test on tonsil scrapings and they were divided into three groups. The pigs in group 1 were treated subcutaneously with 2·5 mg/kg tulathromycin on day 0, the pigs in group 2 were treated with 2·5 mg/kg tulathromycin on days 0 and 4, and the pigs in group 3 were left untreated as controls. The pigs were tested by pcr on tonsil scrapings on days 0, 4, 11 and 33, and on day 33 all the animals were euthanased. There were no significant differences between the numbers of pcr ‐positive animals in the three groups on any of the sampling dates.
Effects of anabolic and therapeutic doses of dexamethasone on thymus morphology and apoptosis in veal calves
Authors: Cannizzo F. T. , Miniscalco B. , Riondato F. , Bollo E. , Barbarino G. , Giorgi P. , Mazzini C. , Biolatti B.
Published: October 2010

Three groups of 10 veal calves were treated, respectively, with 5 mg of dexamethasone‐21‐isonicotinate administered intramuscularly on days 0 and 7 (group A); 0·4 mg/day of dexamethasone‐21‐phosphate administered orally for 20 days (group B); or left untreated as controls (group C). Two animals from each group were slaughtered on day 3, 7, 14, 32 and 52. The size and weight of the thymus decreased progressively in both treated groups until day 32. On day 14, in comparison with the controls, there was a mean reduction of 76 per cent in the thymus weight of group A and 35 per cent in group B. On day 32, the reductions were 13 per cent in group A and 50 per cent in group B, but the thymus weight of both groups had recovered completely by day 52. Dexamethasone‐induced changes in thymus weight associated with lymphoid depletion and fat replacement, and there were clear correlations between these changes and apoptosis of thymocytes.
Comparison of a standard and a detailed postmortem protocol for detecting Mycobacterium bovis in badgers
Authors: Crawshaw T. R. , Griffiths I. B. , Clifton‐Hadley R. S.
Published: October 2010

A standard postmortem protocol, consisting of gross pathology, culture for mycobacteria and limited selective histopathology, was used in the randomised badger culling trial in Great Britain to detect Mycobacterium bovis infection. This standard protocol was compared with a more detailed protocol in which more tissues were examined grossly, more tissues were cultured, more culture slopes were seeded, the culture period was extended and tissues were examined routinely by histopathology. The standard protocol was more sensitive in badgers with gross visible lesions than in badgers with no gross visible lesions. When applied to the study population of badgers, the overall sensitivity of the standard protocol relative to the more detailed protocol was estimated to be 54·6 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval 44·9 to 69·8 per cent). Badgers with tuberculosis (tb) detected by the standard protocol had a mean of 7·6 tissues with microscopic lesions suspicious of tb. The additional badgers detected by the detailed protocol had a mean of 4·4 tissues with microscopic lesions suspicious of tb.
How often do veterinarians assess the bodyweight and body condition of dogs?
Authors: German A. J. , Morgan L. E.
Published: October 2010

Measurements of bodyweight and body condition are useful for monitoring the state of health of companion animals, but the frequency with which they are used by veterinarians in general practice is not known. Information derived from 148 dogs was analysed to determine how often their bodyweight and body condition had been assessed. Bodyweight had been measured at least once in 103 (70 per cent) of the dogs. The median time between the measurements was 114 days (range five days to 6·8 years), and the median number of consultations per measurement was four (range one to 44). Body composition had been assessed subjectively in 43 (29 per cent) of the dogs. The median time between the assessments was 216 days (21 days to 6·26 years) and the median number of consultations per assessment was seven (two to 43). A recognised body condition score had been assessed in only one dog on one occasion.
Efficacy of oral and parenteral ketoprofen in lactating cows with endotoxin‐induced acute mastitis
Authors: Banting A. , Banting S. , Heinonen K. , Mustonen K.
Published: October 2010

One hind quarter of 27 healthy lactating cows was infused with 100 μgEscherichia coliendotoxin. Two hours later, nine of the cows were given physiological saline by intramuscular injection, nine were given 4 mg/kg ketoprofen orally, and nine were given 3 mg/kg ketoprofen by intramuscular injection. Ketoprofen administered either orally or parenterally significantly reduced the effect of the endotoxin on rectal temperature, ruminal contractions and respiratory rate. The size of the udder, the signs of pain and the concentrations of thromboxane B2′, especially in plasma, were also reduced, and the appearance of their milk was almost normal. The response of cows to the oral treatment was as rapid as it was to intramuscular treatment.
B‐mode and colour Doppler ultrasonography of the milk vein in 29 healthy Swiss braunvieh cows
Authors: Braun U. , Hoegger R.
Published: October 2010

The morphology and diameter of the milk vein of 29 healthy Swiss braunvieh cows and the velocity of blood flow through it was measured by colour Doppler ultrasonography before and 10 minutes after they had been sedated with 0·03 mg/kg xylazine. The milk vein was situated immediately under the skin. It had a diameter of 0·8 to 1·6 cm and valves were visible in the milk vein of 12 of the cows. The spectral display appeared as a broad band structure with a wave‐like course. The Doppler measurement point was 0·4 to 0·8 cm from the body surface. The diameter of the vein and the blood flow velocity did not differ significantly before and after the cows were sedated. The mean (sd) diameter of the milk vein before they were sedated was 1·3 (0·3) cm. The mean maximum blood flow velocity before they were sedated was 45·4 (12·5) cm/second, the mean velocity was 33·5 (9·5) cm/second, and the mean minimum was 25·8 (11·6) cm/second. There were significant correlations between the blood flow velocities before and after the cows were sedated and between individual cow's blood flow velocities, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0·69 to 0·94.
Feeding practices and the use of supplements for dogs kept by owners in different socioeconomic groups
Authors: Thomson R. M. , Hammond J. , Ternent H. E. , Yam P. S.
Published: October 2010

The prevalence of feeding practices and supplements for dogs used in private practice (pp) and the non‐profit‐making People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (pdsa) was evaluated. Questionnaires were completed by 400 pp clients and 400 pdsa clients, of which 27·2 per cent and 29·8 per cent, respectively, gave supplements to their dogs. Fatty acids/oils were given by 10·3 per cent of pp clients and 11·5 per cent of pdsa clients, glucosamine and/or chondroitin by 10·5 per cent and 5·8 per cent, and vitamins by 6·8 per cent and 19·3 per cent, respectively. The supplements were provided daily by 17·8 per cent of the pp clients and 14·3 per cent of the pdsa clients, and the pdsa clients were 50 per cent more likely to provide the supplements only weekly or monthly than the pp clients. A commercially available maintenance or dietetic diet was fed by 98·8 per cent of the pp clients and 94·2 per cent of the pdsa clients.
Ulcerative vulvitis and balanitis in sheep flocks
Authors: Pritchard G. C. , Scholes S. F. E. , Foster A. P. , Mitchell E. S. E. , Lawes J. , Ibata G. , Banks M.
Published: October 2010

Outbreaks of ulcerative vulvitis and balanitis occurred in three commercial sheep flocks in England and Wales. Between 29 and 44 per cent of the ewes were affected; most of the lesions resolved in three weeks. Pathogens such as mycoplasmas, which have previously been associated with these conditions, were not detected despite using improved laboratory techniques. In one of the flocks, ovine herpesvirus type 2 was detected by pcr in the blood of two acutely affected ewes, from the vulval ulcers of one of them, and from the penis of an affected ram.
Evaluation of indirect biomarkers for detecting corticosteroids used as illegal growth promoters in beef cattle
Authors: Vascellari M. , Pozza G. , Poppi L. , Capello K. , Angeletti R. , Ravarotto L. , Andrighetto I. , Mutinelli F.
Published: October 2010

The histological status of the thymus, blood cortisol concentration and circulating neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio were evaluated in 349 slaughtered beef cattle, to assess the potential of these parameters as indirect biomarkers of the illegal use of corticosteroids in meat production. The livers of 20 of the animals were analysed chemically for residues of corticosteroids. The morphology of the thymus was examined for adipose tissue infiltration, cortical atrophy and ‘starry sky’ appearance, and on the basis of these characteristics, the animals were considered to be negative, suspected or positive for illegal corticosteroid treatment. The animals considered to be negative had a mean cortisol concentration that was significantly higher (29 ng/ml) than that of the animals suspected for corticosteroid treatment (22 ng/ml). Using the chemical analysis as the gold standard for identifying illegally treated animals, the histological examination of the thymus had a sensitivity of 100 per cent and a specificity of 85 per cent. The samples that were positive by chemical analysis had cortisol concentrations of less than 2·0 ng/ml, whereas the mean cortisol concentration of the negative samples was 10·3 ng/ml.
Estimating the risk of exposure of British livestock to foot‐and‐mouth disease associated with the importation of ship and aircraft waste
Authors: Adkin A. , England T. , Hall S. , Coburn H. , Marooney C. J. , Seaman M. , Cooper J. , Hartnett E.
Published: October 2010

A quantitative risk assessment model was developed to estimate the frequency with which meat waste from ships or aircraft might expose British livestock to infection with foot‐and‐mouth disease (fmd), and investigate the factors that might contribute to the risk. In the model, the total weight of waste introduced that was contaminated with fmd was estimated to be 26 kg per year, with 90 per cent certainty that it would be between 10 and 53 kg. As a result, it was estimated that there would be a mean of 1429 years between outbreaks of fmd due to ship and aircraft waste, with a 90 per cent certainty that the interval would be between 500 and 10,000 years. These estimates were affected by three principal uncertainties: first, the prevalence of fmd; secondly, the probability of the waste being removed and fed to pigs; and thirdly, the probability that overboard dumping of contaminated waste might expose livestock to fmd. The effect of these uncertainties on the model was investigated in a sensitivity analysis.
Glucagon stimulation test for estimating endogenous insulin secretion in dogs
Authors: Fall T. , Holm B. , Karlsson Å. , Ahlgren K. M. , Kämpe O. , von Euler H.
Published: October 2010

Fifty‐one dogs (27 diabetic dogs, four that had recovered from diabetes and 20 healthy control dogs) were given 0·5 or 1·0 mg glucagon intravenously. Blood samples were taken before the injection and 10 and 20 minutes after it. Samples were analysed to determine C‐peptide, insulin and glucose concentrations, and one sample from each dog was analysed for fructosamine. The median (interquartile range) concentrations of C‐peptide in the samples taken at 10 minutes were 0·5 (0·3 to 0·8) nmol/l in the control dogs, 0·1 (0 to 0·2) nmol/l in the diabetic dogs, and 0·3 (0·2 to 0·4) nmol/l in the dogs that had recovered from diabetes. Seven of the 51 dogs showed mild adverse reactions after the injection of glucagon.
Effect of muscle injection site on preanaesthetic sedation in dogs
Authors: Self I. A. , Hughes J. M. L. , Kenny D. A. , Clutton R. E.
Published: October 2010

The demeanour of 122 dogs was assessed, and a mixture of 0.025 mg/kg acepromazine and 03 mg/kg morphine was injected intramuscularly into one of four randomly assigned muscle sites (cervical epaxial, triceps brachii, middle gluteal and quadriceps femoris) and the dogs’ reactions to the injections were assessed. The development of sedation and the occurrence of side effects were assessed after 10, 20 and 30 minutes, and each dog’s reaction to venous catheterisation was scored. All the dogs became similarly sedated after 30 minutes. The degree of sedation and the incidence of side effects were independent of the injection site, but the dogs receiving intragluteal injections had lower sedation scores after 10 minutes. The dogs’ demeanour had no effect on their response to venous catheterisation. The dogs receiving an injection into the postural quadriceps and triceps muscles showed more marked reactions than those injected into the non‐postural cervical epaxial and gluteal muscles.
Prevalence, distribution and pathological significance of the bile fluke Pseudamphistomum truncatum in Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) in Great Britain
Authors: Simpson V. R. , Tomlinson A. J. , Molenaar F. M.
Published: October 2010

Postmortem examinations on 160 otters found dead in Great Britain from 2005 to 2007 showed a high prevalence of infection with the bile fluke Pseudamphistomum truncatum in otters from Somerset and Dorset but no infection in otters from other areas, including Cornwall, the western half of Devon, northeast England and Scotland. Cases were also recorded for the first time in Gloucestershire and East Anglia. Eighteen of the 28 infected otters were male and no cubs were infected, but there was no significant correlation between infection status and sex or age. There was a strong positive correlation between bile fluke infection and gall bladder pathology. Thirty otters had thickened gall bladders resulting from hyperplasia of the epithelial and smooth muscle layers, fibrosis and infiltration by inflammatory cells and 19 of these were infected. No flukes were detected in the other 11 otters with abnormal gall bladders, possibly as a result of a successful immune response. The majority of otters with thickened gall bladders were in good physical condition but a positive association was not confirmed statistically. Fluke infection was also detected in nine of the 130 otters with apparently normal gall bladders. Liver pathology ranged from mild bile duct hyperplasia and periportal fibrosis to severe sclerosing cholangitis, hepatocyte necrosis and bile stasis. No otters were found to have died as a result of fluke infection, but there was a negative association, approaching significance, between infection and body condition.
Systematic review of the management of canine osteoarthritis
Authors: Sandersoln R. O. , Beata C. , Flipo R‐M. , Genevois J‐P. , Macias C. , Tacke S. , Vezzoni A. , Innes J. F.
Published: October 2010

This review assesses the evidence for the efficacy of therapies used in the management of osteoarthritis in dogs on the basis of papers published in peerreviewed journals in English between 1985 and July 2007. Sixty‐eight papers were identified and evaluated. They considered four alternative therapies, one use of functional food, two intra‐articular agents, six nutraceutical agents, 21 pharmacological agents, two physical therapies, three surgical techniques and two combinations of weight control. There was a high level of comfort (strong evidence) for the efficacy of carprofen, firocoxib and meloxicam, and a moderate level of comfort for the efficacy of etodolac in modifying the signs of osteoarthritis. There was a moderate level of comfort for the efficacy of glycosaminoglycan polysulphate, licofelone, elk velvet antler and a functional food containing green‐lipped mussel for the modification of the structures involved in the disease. There was weak or no evidence in support of the use of doxycycline, electrostimulated acupuncture, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, gold wire acupuncture, hyaluronan, pentosan polysulphate, P54FP (extract of turmeric), tiaprofenic acid or tibial plateau levelling osteotomy.
Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid from 20 calves after storage for 24 hours
Authors: D'Angelo A. , Miniscalco B. , Bellino C. , Bormida S. , Borrelli A. , Maurella C. , Riondato F. , Biolatti C. , Cagnasso A.
Published: October 2010

Samples of CSF collected from 20 normal healthy calves were analysed either immediately or after having been stored for 24 hours at 4°C in the presence of 11 per cent autologous serum. There were no significant differences between the total and differential cells counts of the fresh and stored samples, but there was a positive linear correlation between them. There were some morphological changes to the nuclei of the mononuclear cells in the stored samples.
Factors contributing to the contamination of peripheral intravenous catheters in dogs and cats
Authors: Jones I. D. , Case A. M. , Stevens K. B. , Boag A. , Rycroft A. N.
Published: October 2010

The aim of this study was to identify factors that contribute significantly to the bacterial contamination of peripheral intravenous catheters in dogs and cats. Between January and June 2005, intravenous catheters were removed from 84 dogs and 15 cats at the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, Royal Veterinary College. None of the factors under consideration was significantly associated with bacterial contamination, but 42·9 per cent of the animals with clinical signs consistent with a peripheral catheter‐related infection, 34·8 per cent of the animals in which blood had been collected from the catheter immediately after its insertion, and 21·1 per cent of the animals in which a T‐connector rather than a Y‐connector had been used had contaminated cannulae, compared with 19·0 per cent, 19·7 per cent and 8·3 per cent, respectively, of the animals that did not have signs of such an infection, from which blood was not taken immediately, and that had a Y‐connector rather than a T‐connector. Binary logistic regression showed that the animals with clinical signs of a catheter‐related infection were 10 times more likely to have a contaminated catheter (odds ratio [OR] 10·9, 95 per cent confidence interval [CI] 0·89 to 134) and the animals fitted with Y‐connectors rather than T‐connectors were 10 times less likely to have a contaminated catheter (OR 0·10, 95 per cent CI 0·008 to 1·25).
From EMS to the impact of the recession on animal health
Authors: Morris Arianwen
Published: October 2010

The annual conference of the Association for Veterinary Teaching and Research Work (AVTRW) addressed some major issues affecting veterinary education and research. It also included plenary lectures from the leaders of government agencies and research institutes on how the current recession might affect animal health.
Traumatic perforation of the trachea in two horses caused by orotracheal intubation
Authors: Saulez M. N. , Dzikiti B. , Voigt A.
Published: October 2010

Two of 348 horses that underwent gastrointestinal surgery under general anaesthesia developed perforations in their tracheas caused by the endotracheal tube. In one case the damage was probably caused when the horse was being moved from the induction room for surgery and excessive traction was exerted on the tube when the anaesthetic machine was moved too far ahead of the horse. The trachea of the other horse may have been damaged when it was intubated.
Induction of anaesthesia with either midazolam or propofol in rabbits premedicated with fentanyl/fluanisone
Authors: Martinez M. A. , Murison P. J. , Love E.
Published: October 2010

Fifty‐four rabbits that were to be neutered were premedicated with 0.1 ml/kg fentanyl/fluanisone and then randomly allocated to be anaesthetised with either midazolam or propofol. Anaesthesia was then maintained with isoflurane. The ease of orotracheal intubation, the rabbits' cardiorespiratory variables, and the speed and quality of recovery from anaesthesia were assessed by the same anaesthetist who was unaware of the induction agent used. Hypotension was common in both groups. The mean (sd) respiratory rates were 30 (12) breaths per minute in the midazolam group and 43 (15) breaths per minute in the propofol group. The mean (sd) time to first head lift was 36 (21) minutes in the midazolam group and 14 (11) minutes in the propofol group, and the mean (sd) times to the return of the righting reflex were 35 (19) minutes and 15 (eight) minutes, respectively. The quality of recovery was better in the propofol group than in the midazolam group.
Scintigraphic pattern of uptake of99mTechnetium by the cervical vertebrae of sound horses
Authors: Didierlaurent D. , Contremoulins V. , Denoix J‐M. , Audigié F.
Published: October 2010

Lateral scintigraphic images of the necks of 12 show jumping horses, 12 thoroughbreds and 12 French trotters were evaluated. Custom‐written automatic analysis software was used to segment the regions of the articular processes and vertebral symphyses from C3 to C7 and to calculate their mean radiopharmaceutical uptakes. The uptakes by the two sides of these sound horses were not significantly different, and the uptakes by the vertebral symphyses and articular processes were also similar in the three groups of horses, considering each vertebral level separately. In the thoroughbred race horses, the mean uptake by the C6/C7 symphyses was significantly higher than by C5/C6, and the mean uptake by the C6/C7 articular processes was significantly higher than by C3/C4 and C4/C5. These differences were not observed in the French trotters and show jumping horses, but they were observed when the data for the three groups of horses were combined.
PCR survey of vectorborne pathogens in dogs living in and around Barcelona, an area endemic for leishmaniosis
Authors: Tabar M‐D. , Francino O. , Altet L. , Sánchez A. , Ferrer L. , Roura X.
Published: October 2010

Blood samples from 153 dogs living in and around Barcelona were assayed for Leishmania infantum and Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Rickettsia, Bartonella, Hepatozoon, Babesia and Theileria species by PCR amplification of DNA, and the amplicons obtained were sequenced. The prevalence of the infectious agents was L infantum (29·4 per cent), Ehrlichia and Anaplasma species (4·0 per cent), Hepatozoon canis (3·3 per cent), Babesia canis vogeli (2·0 per cent), Babesia gibsoni (2·0 per cent), Babesia canis canis (1·3 per cent) and Theileria annae (0·7 per cent). Coinfections were present in seven of the dogs and they were significantly associated with L infantum infection (P=0·024). There was a significant correlation between clinical signs of illness and the load of L infantum.
Analysis of Pan‐European attitudes to the eradication and control of bovine viral diarrhoea
Authors: Heffernan C. , Misturelli F. , Nielsen L. , Gunn G. J. , Yu J.
Published: October 2010

At present, national‐level policies concerning the eradication and control of bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) differ widely across Europe. Some Scandinavian countries have enacted strong regulatory frameworks to eradicate the disease, whereas other countries have few formal policies. To examine these differences, the attitudes of stakeholders and policy makers in 17 European countries were investigated. A web‐based questionnaire was sent to policy makers, government and private sector veterinarians, and representatives of farmers' organisations. In total, 131 individuals responded to the questionnaire and their responses were analysed by applying a method used in sociolinguistics: frame analysis. The results showed that the different attitudes of countries that applied compulsory or voluntary frameworks were associated with different views about the attribution or blame for BVD and the roles ascribed to farmers and other stakeholders in its eradication and control.
Microbiology of the external ear canal in six African elephants (Loxodonta africana)
Authors: Chinnadurai S. K. , Suedmeyer W. K. , Fales W. H.
Published: October 2010

Samples collected from both external ear canals of six adult female African elephants (Loxodonta africana) were cultured for fungi, yeasts and aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. All the samples produced heavy growths of several aerobic bacteria, but anaerobic bacteria were rare and no fungi or yeasts were isolated. The most common bacterium isolated was Staphylococcus epidermidis, which was cultured from 11 of the 12 ears. Acinetobacter calcoaceticus lwoffi, α‐haemolytic Streptococcus and Corynebacterium species, and Aeromonas caviae were all isolated from at least six of the 12 ears.
Noise levels in lairages for cattle, sheep and pigs in abattoirs in England and Wales
Authors: Weeks C. A. , Brown S. N. , Warriss P. D. , Lane S. , Heasman L. , Benson T.
Published: October 2010

Levels of sound intensity were measured over periods of 24 hours in 34 abattoir lairages in England and Wales. The mean integrated range in 12 cattle lairages was 52 to 79 dB(A), in 11 sheep lairages, 45 to 76 dB(A) and in 11 pig lairages, 46 to 87 dB(A). In general, the pig lairages were the noisiest, with spot peak recordings of up to 110 dB(A). Typically, the sound intensities in all the lairages were 10 to 20 dB(A) higher during the working day than at night. In many sheep lairages, high intensities of sound were recorded frequently throughout the night, but others were very quiet, below 40 dB(A). Vocalisations were the major sources of noise in the pig and cattle lairages, but there were variations between them. There were high intensities of sound from handling systems (80 to 90 dB[A]), and ventilating fans (70 to 80 dB[A]).
Innervation of canine skin: an immunohistochemical study
Authors: Alves de Medeiros M. , Startin C. M. , Jeffery N. D.
Published: October 2010

The general appearance of the innervation of samples of skin from 10 young beagles was studied by using the pan‐neuronal immunolabel PGP9.5, and quantitative data on the density of the nerve fibres was obtained. The data provide a baseline for the development of a diagnostic test for small fibre neuropathy in domestic dogs.
Can animal health and welfare really be separated?
Authors: Clark Kathryn
Published: October 2010

Is there any merit in Defra’s proposal to separate animal health policy from animal welfare policy, or is it just political dogma? This was one of the questions discussed in a contentious issues debate on finding the right structure for welfare and health at the BVA Congress in Cardiff on September 26.
Seeking the right balance on medicines’ availability
Authors: Jarvis Suzanne
Published: October 2010

The difficult balancing act between regulating veterinary medicines sufficiently to ensure their safe use while making them available in a competitive market was discussed during a contentious issues debate at the BVA Congress in Cardiff. Three speakers presented different perspectives.
Combining expertise on animal diseases
Authors: Morris Arianwen
Published: October 2010

This year, a new international format was introduced for the annual conference of the Veterinary Laboratories Agency, with many different organisations, countries and veterinary sectors being represented. In keeping with the collaborative nature of the event, each of the conference symposia was organised jointly by the VLA and another specialist institute, reflecting the importance of partnership and communication in disease management.
Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the pig health monitoring systems used in England
Authors: Stärk K. D. C. , Nevel A.
Published: October 2010

Several systems are being used in England to record information about the health of pigs. The British Pig Health Scheme (BPHS), the National Animal Disease Information System (NADIS), the Zoonoses Action Plan (ZAP) for Salmonella and the Veterinary Investigation Diagnosis Analysis (VIDA) system have been assessed to make recommendations for their future separate or joint development. The structure, organisation, processes, data quality, dissemination, utilisation and acceptance of each system have been assessed. Information was extracted from documents and websites, and informal interviews were conducted with technical experts and stakeholders. The systems covered a broad range of objectives, used variable approaches and operated at very different scales and budgets. There was a high level of awareness and involvement by the industry. Common weaknesses of the systems were the lack of in‐depth quantitative analysis of the data, the lack of assessment of each system's impact, and the unknown level of bias as a result of the voluntary or selective participation in them.
Porcine ulcerative dermatitis syndrome in sows: a form of vesicular cutaneous lupus erythematosus?
Authors: López A. , Van Hoorebeke S. , Maes D. , Chiers K. , Meyns T. , Stuyven E. , Nauwynck H. , Welle M.
Published: October 2010

Severe ulcerative lesions were observed in the skin of two sows in a herd of 540 hybrid sows. Annular to polycyclic, severe crusting dermal ulcerations were found on the abdomen and flanks; moderate lesions were also found at the base of the tail and on the perineum. The lesions were histologically characterised as cell‐poor interface dermatitis and folliculitis, basal cell vacuolisation, vesicle formation at the dermal‐epidermal junction and serocellular crusts. A subepidermal mild to moderate band, characterised as a mixed inflammatory infiltrate, was present. A test for antinuclear antibodies was negative; however, immunofluorescence testing revealed a linear pattern of IgG precipitation in the skin. Staphylococcus hyicus was demonstrated in the serocellular crusts of one sow. Treatment with antibiotics, topical antiseptics and corticosteroids did not improve the sows' condition. Porcine circovirus and porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus were not isolated from samples taken at postmortem examination. The observed gross lesions, the absence of response to treatment and the exclusion of other skin diseases suggested that the sows were affected with porcine ulcerative dermatitis syndrome.
Equine health and welfare go hand in hand at the 2009 BEVA congress
Authors: Harris Gill
Published: October 2010

The British Equine Veterinary Association's 48th congress was held at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham from September 9 to 12. Topics discussed in a wide–ranging programme included the Equine Health and Welfare Strategy, the availability of medicines, use of medicines in racehorses, and preparations for the 2012 Olympics.
Risk factors for the carriage ofCampylobacterupsaliensis by dogs in a community in Cheshire
Authors: Westgarth C. , Nicolson L. , Pinchbeck G. L. , Christley R. M. , Dawson S. , Porter C. J. , Birtles R. J. , Williams N. J. , Gaskell R. M. , Hart C.A.
Published: October 2010

Samples of faeces were taken from 183 healthy pet dogs in a census‐based, cross‐sectional study in Cheshire; culture methods were used to detect anyCampylobacterspecies and a direct PCR was used to detectCampylobacter upsaliensis. Forty‐six of the dogs were positive forC upsaliensisby either culture or direct PCR, giving a prevalence of 25˙1 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval [CI] 19˙0 to 32˙1 per cent). One sample was positive by culture forCampylobacter jejuni(95 per cent CI 0˙0 to 3˙0 per cent) and one forCampylobacter lari. Multivariable logistic regression identified risk factors for the carriage ofC upsaliensisby a dog as: living with another dog that also carriedC upsaliensis; being small rather than medium‐sized; being less than three years old; living in a household that kept fish; being fed commercial dog treats; and being fed human food titbits, particularly in the dog's bowl.
Clinical experience of using multidetector‐row CT for the diagnosis of disorders in cattle
Authors: Lee K. , Yamada K. , Tsuneda R. , Kishimoto M. , Shimizu J. , Kobayashi Y. , Furuoka H. , Matsui T. , Sasaki N. , Ishii M. , Inokuma H. , Miyake Y. , Iwasaki T.
Published: October 2010

To determine the clinical usefulness of multidetectorrow CT for the diagnosis of disorders in cattle, images were obtained from 27 cattle, which were then subjected to postmortem and histopathological examinations. The cattle were divided into three categories of disorder: neurological (18 cases), skeletal (four cases) and other (five cases). In five cattle, which were suspected to have brain diseases, no abnormalities were identified by either CT or histopathological examination. Eight types of lesions were detected by CT in the cattle with neurological and vestibular disorders. The diseases diagnosed included hydrocephalus (three cases), intracranial arachnoid cysts (three cases), otitis media (five cases), cerebral abscess (one case), meningoencephalocele (one case), porencephaly (one case), bicephalus (one case) and rupture of the spinal cord (one case). Lesions were identified in all the cattle with skeletal disorders, including luxation (two cases), fracture (two cases), spondylosis (one case) and congenital disorders of the skeletal system (one case). Morphological disorders in the eyes (one case), nasal cavity (two cases), frontal sinuses (one case), thyroid glands (two cases), lung fields (two cases) and abdominal organs (two cases) were diagnosed by CT.
Autologous bone marrow‐derived cells for healing excisional dermal wounds of rabbits
Authors: Borena B. M. , Pawde A. M. , Amarpal  , Aithal H. P. , Kinjavdekar P. , Singh R. , Kumar D.
Published: October 2010

The wound‐healing potential of autologous bonemarrow‐derived nucleated cells was evaluated infull‐thickness skin wounds in the thoracolumbarregion of 20 clinically healthy rabbits. Three woundsof 2 x 2 cm, one on the left side and two right of themidline, were created on the dorsal lumbar regionof each rabbit under xylazine‐ketamine anaesthesia.The wounds of each animal were randomly assignedto one of three treatments: injection of autologousbone marrow‐derived cells into wound margins (BI),topical application of bone marrow‐derived cellsover the wound surface (BT) or 5 per cent povidoneiodine solution (PI) (control). Wounds were observedfor 28 days for granulation tissue formation, woundcontraction, histomorphological and histochemicalevaluation, and time to complete healing. The mean(se) time to appearance of granulation tissue wassignificantly less in BI‐treated wounds (3·22 [0·22] days)than the BT‐treated (3·89 [0·40] days) and PI‐treated(4·89 [0·47] days) groups. On days 14 and 21 aftersurgery, wound contraction was significantly (P<0·05)higher in BI‐treated wounds (73·00 and 97·35 per cent)than in those treated with BT (58·75 and 84·87 per cent)and PI (54·84 and 84·60 per cent). Histomorphologicalfindings showed an earlier disappearance ofinflammatory reaction, better epithelialisation,significantly more neovascularisation, more fibroplasiaand collagenation, and earlier histological maturation inBI‐ and BT‐treated wounds than in control wounds.
Dog breeding – questions for the Profession
Authors: Jarvis Suzanne
Published: October 2010

Pedigree dog breeding in relation to health and welfare was an issue debated in a contentious issues session at the BVA Congress in Cardiff in September.
Effects of the administration of oxytocin or carbetocin to dairy cows at parturition on their subsequent fertility
Authors: Barrett A. J. , Murray R. D. , Christley R. M. , Dobson H. , Smith R. F.
Published: October 2010

A total of 501 dairy cows were allocated sequentially to be treated immediately after parturition with either 25 iu oxytocin or 35 mg carbetocin, or to be left untreated. Any abnormal parturition, including assisted calving, the birth of twins or dead calves, retained fetal membranes or hypocalcaemia, was recorded, and the cows were examined between 28 and 42 days after calving for endometritis. Pregnancy was diagnosed from 30 days after insemination. The incidence of endometritis was similar (14 per cent, 16 per cent and 19 per cent) and the median intervals from calving to pregnancy were similar (118, 121 and 119 days) for the cows treated with oxytocin, carbetocin or receiving no treatment, respectively. The incidence of endometritis and the median intervals from calving to pregnancy were also similar between the groups for the cows that had an abnormal parturition.
Longitudinal survey of the occurrence ofSalmonellain pigs and the environment of nucleus breeder and multiplier pig herds in England
Authors: Wales A. D. , McLaren I. M. , Bedford S. , Carrique‐Mas J. J. , Cook A. J. C. , Davies R. H.
Published: October 2010

Eight pig breeding units previously associated withSalmonellaTyphimurium were visited during a period of up to seven years. Samples from voided faeces, surfaces, fomites and wildlife were cultured. Certain serovars (Derby, Stanley, Give, Bredeney, Mbandaka and Manhattan) were isolated repeatedly on certain units, while others (Agona, Ajiobo, Heidelberg, Meleagridis, Muenchen, Montevideo, Rissen and Senftenberg) were detected only once or intermittently. Serovars Kedougou, Newport and Typhimurium were isolated consistently on some units but only intermittently on others. There was an association between theSalmonellaserovar in pens and in the immediate environment of the pens. Pens holding breeding stock destined for production herds were frequently positive forSalmonella. Herds under common ownership showed similar serovar combinations. Serovars from wildlife were typical of the associated premises. Cleaning and disinfection was frequently ineffective. On one unit, a low level ofSalmonellawas attributed to a small herd size, good cleaning and disinfection, and good rodent control. Breeding herds are therefore susceptible to endemic infections with multipleSalmonellaserovars, and cleaning, disinfection and vector control may be inadequate in many cases. The prevalence ofSTyphimurium was greater in youngstock, which may have important implications for public health.
Treatment of fractures of the tibial and/or fibular malleoli in 30 cats
Authors: Roch S. P. , Störk C. K. , Gemmill T. J. , Downes C. , Pink J. , McKee W. M.
Published: October 2010

Five cats were treated for a fracture of the medial malleolus, 10 for a fracture of the lateral malleolus and 15 for fractures of both malleoli. Open reduction and internal fixation with Kirschner wires (K‐wires) with or without a tension band wire was applied to 26 of the fractures. Unilateral‐uniplanar or bilateral‐uniplanar transarticular external skeletal fixators were applied to provide coaptation in 19 cases and appeared to be well tolerated. In 24 cases fracture healing was assessed radiographically between four and eight weeks after treatment. In seven cases fracture healing was good, in 12 cases it was reasonable, in four cases it was poor and in one case with two fractures healing was poor in one and reasonable in the other. The 12 fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation with K‐wires and a tension band wire all showed evidence of good or reasonable healing. The nine fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation with K‐wires without a tension band wire showed evidence of good or reasonable healing in six cases and poor healing in three cases. Complications occurred in nine of the cats and included persistent talocrural instability, soft tissue necrosis, implant migration and external fixator pin breakage. Twenty‐one of the cats were followed up by telephone questionnaire for between 5·5 and 84 months; the owner satisfaction was excellent in 17 cases, good in two cases, moderate in one case and poor in one case.
Effects of glycosaminoglycan polysulphate on the organisation of collagen fibres in experimentally induced tendonitis in horses
Authors: Moraes J. R. E. , Facco G. G. , Moraes F. R. , Engracia Filho J. R. , Miyazato L. G. , Beretta D. C.
Published: October 2010

An inflammatory process was induced by intratendinous injection of bacterial collagenase into the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) of the left thoracic limb of 10 horses. One week later, the tendons in five of the horses (group 1) were treated with glycosaminoglycan polysulphate (GAGPS), and the tendons of the other five (group 2) were treated with saline solution. The horses were euthanased 150 days after the collagenase injections, and samples of the SDFTs were frozen at — 14°C, sectioned at 5 to 7 μm longitudinally and transversely, and stained by the picrosirius red method. Morphometric analysis was used to quantify the organised and disorganised bundles of collagen in the samples from groups 1 and 2. Significantly more organised bundles of collagen were observed in the tendons treated with GAGPS.
Detection by real‐time RT‐PCR of a bovine respiratory syncytial virus vaccine in calves vaccinated intranasally
Authors: Belloc C. , Guattéo R , Bareille N. , Seegers H. , Assié S. , Douart A. , Le Dréan E. , Maingourd C. , Sellal E.
Published: October 2010

Seventeen four‐ to five‐week‐old calves that were not shedding bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) were vaccinated intranasally against the disease and sampled by nasal swabbing on 16 different days for up to 20 days after vaccination. BRSV vaccine virus was detected in 15 of the 17 calves. Five of the calves were PCR positive on only one swab, eight were PCR positive on two to five swabs and two were PCR positive on more than five swabs. Twelve of the calves were positive only before day 14 and three were positive after day 14. The nasal shedding of BRSV vaccine virus was very variable.
Bacteria isolated from 25 hydatid cysts in sheep, cattle and goats
Authors: Ziino G. , Giuffrida A. , Panebianco A. , Bilei S.
Published: October 2010

Bacteria were isolated from 12 of 25 hydatid cysts collected from the lungs and livers of cattle, sheep and goats slaughtered in the province of Messina, Sicily, Italy. Citrobacter freundii was isolated from seven of the cysts, Aeromonas hydrophila from three, Staphylococcus species from two, Salmonella species from two and Escherichia coli and Proteus vulgaris from one.
Attitudes of veterinary students to pain in cattle
Authors: Kielland C. , Skjerve E. , Zanella A. J.
Published: October 2010

Three hundred veterinary students were divided randomly into two groups to answer a questionnaire inquiring how painful they considered 23 conditions affecting cattle (seven of which were illustrated) to be, on either a numerical rating scale (NRS) or a visual analogue scale (VAS). The individual responses were used to assess whether cluster analysis could be used to divide the population into distinct groups. The ratios of men to women in the two groups were similar. The NRS scores ranged from 1 to 10 and the VAS scores ranged from 0 to 10. The conditions that were illustrated with a picture had a wider range of scores (2·65 to 9·0 v 2·67 to 7·93) and a slightly higher mean score (5·71 v 5·34) than those without pictures. Fracture of the tuber coxae, dystocia requiring the help of two people, and serious mastitis, were scored as the most painful conditions in adult cattle. Using the median score of each student as an outcome, their sex and year of enrolment and the scoring scale were significant. Women scored 0·9 points higher than men. Cluster analysis revealed two distinct groups in both the VAS and NRS, but the distribution was more even among the students using the VAS. This group was used in further analysis, and one cluster had the most men and more students with several siblings.
Evaluation of the safety of four porcine circovirus type 2 tissue homogenate vaccines in a pig bioassay
Authors: Baker R. B. , Madson M. , Patterson R. , Opriessnig T.
Published: October 2010

Ten four‐week‐old porcine circo virus type 2 (PCV‐2) naive piglets were housed individually in a HEP Afiltered isolator and were randomly assigned to one of six treatment groups. Each of the two pigs in groups 1 to 4 received two intramuscular doses of 2 ml of one of four different autogenous tissue homogenate vaccines (THVs) 14 days apart, and the other two pigs received 2 ml of PCV‐2 virus or sterile phosphate buffered saline. When the piglets were euthanased 14 days after the second dose, the injection sites were grossly and microscopically free of swelling, an inflammatory response or abscesses. The positive control pig, one of the two pigs in the THV‐2 group and both pigs in the THV‐3 group became viraemic. The PCV‐2 DNA from the positive control pig and the pigs in the THV‐3 group was identical to the PCV‐2 DNA that they had been administered.