bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute Phase Proteins in Experimentally Induced Pregnancy Toxemia in Goats
Authors: González Félix H. D. , Hernández Fuensanta , Madrid Josefa , Martínez-Subiela Silvia , Tvarijonaviciute Asta , Cerón José J. , Tecles Fernando
Published: May 2011

The present work aimed to study the behavior of acute phase proteins (haptoglobin, serum amyloid A, acid soluble glycoprotein, fibrinogen, and albumin) in fasting-induced pregnancy toxemia in goats and their relationship with classical indicators of this disorder such as beta-hydroxybutyrate and nonesterified fatty acids in the blood and decreased urine pH and ketonuria. Twelve adult Murciano–Granadina goats at the final stage of gestation were used in this experiment. Pregnancy toxemia was induced in 6 goats by fasting for 72 hr. The other 6 animals were used as control group. Ketonuria was present in 4 out of 5 fasting animals at 24 hr and in all fasting animals at 48 hr of fasting. Serum nonesterified fatty acids were significantly increased at 24, 48, and 72 hr of fasting. Beta-hydroxybutyrate and haptoglobin achieved significantly increased concentrations at 48 hr and 72 hr, respectively, remaining increased during the entire study. Serum amyloid A, acid soluble glycoprotein, fibrinogen, and albumin were not affected by fasting. In conclusion, acute phase proteins (including haptoglobin) seemed not to have an advantage over traditional markers in diagnosis of fasting-induced pregnancy toxemia in goats.
Serologic Tests for Detecting Antibodies against Mycobacterium Bovis and Mycobacterium Avium Subspecies Paratuberculosis in Eurasian Wild Boar (Sus Scrofa Scrofa)
Authors: Boadella Mariana , Lyashchenko Konstantin , Greenwald Reena , Esfandiari Javan , Jaroso Raquel , Carta Tania , Garrido Joseba M. , Vicente Joaquín , de la Fuente José , Gortázar Christian
Published: May 2011

New tools to detect exposure of free-range Eurasian wild boar ( Sus scrofa scrofa) to pathogenic mycobacteria would be valuable for improved disease surveillance and wildlife management. Two hundred sera from wild boar of known Mycobacterium bovis infection status were used to evaluate test suitability for the detection of antibodies against M. bovis and Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (or cross-reacting members of the M. avium complex). Two traditional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were evaluated using M. bovis purified protein derivative (bPPD) and paratuberculosis protoplasmatic antigen 3 (PPA3) as antigens, respectively, and a new point-of-care test format for bovine tuberculosis (bTB) that uses the innovative dual-path platform (DPP TB) test. The effect of individual factors (sex, age, lesions) on the diagnostic performance of the serologic tests was also determined. Although the DPP had a sensitivity of 89.6% and a specificity of 90.4%, for bPPD, the sensitivity was 79.2% and the specificity 100%. Both tests had a kappa agreement of 0.80. Sixty-five of 68 (95.6%) wild boar sera with antibodies against the PPA3 antigen corresponded to known M. bovis–infected wild boar. Significant differences were not observed in the bPPD and DPP readings among lesion categories or between age classes. A slight sex-related difference in sensitivity toward males in the DPP was found, but it was not detected in the bPPD enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results support the use of antibody-based diagnostic tests for both large-scale and individual bTB testing of Eurasian wild boar and suggest that wild boar cannot be used as sentinels for infections caused by M. avium complex members.
Interlaboratory Comparison of Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Methods to Detect Coxiella Burnetii, The Causative Agent of Q Fever
Authors: Jones Rebecca M. , Hertwig Stefan , Pitman James , Vipond Richard , Aspán Anna , Bölske Göran , McCaughey Conall , McKenna James P. , van Rotterdam Bart J. , de Bruin Arnout , Ruuls Robin , Buijs Rob , Roest Hendrik-Jan , Sawyer Jason
Published: May 2011

The bacterium Coxiella burnetii, which has a wide host range, causes Q fever. Infection with C. burnetii can cause abortions, stillbirth, and the delivery of weak offspring in ruminants. Coxiella burnetii infection is zoonotic, and in human beings it can cause chronic, potentially fatal disease. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is increasingly being used to detect the organism and to aid in diagnosis both in human and animal cases. Many different real-time PCR methods, which target different genes, have been described. To assess the comparability of the C. burnetii real-time PCR assays in use in different European laboratories, a panel of nucleic acid extracts was dispatched to 7 separate testing centers. The testing centers included laboratories from both human and animal health agencies. Each laboratory tested the samples using their in-house real-time PCR methods. The results of this comparison show that the most common target gene for real-time PCR assays is the IS1111 repeat element that is present in multiple copies in the C. burnetii genome. Many laboratories also use additional real-time PCR tests that target single-copy genes. The results of the current study demonstrate that the assays in use in the different laboratories are comparable, with general agreement of results for the panel of samples.
Performance Validation and Method Comparison of an In-Clinic Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for the Detection of Canine Pancreatic Lipase
Authors: Beall Melissa J. , Cahill Roberta , Pigeon Kathleen , Hanscom Jancy , Huth Stacey P.
Published: May 2011

Diagnosis of pancreatitis is often difficult in dogs that present with acute vomiting, anorexia, and abdominal pain, as these clinical signs may occur with a variety of other illnesses. While quantitative reference laboratory methods specific for canine pancreatic lipase are available to aid in diagnosis, results are generally not available until the next day. The objective of the current study was to validate a semiquantitative in-clinic rapid test for the measurement of canine pancreas–specific lipase (cPL) and to compare its performance to the reference lab method. Comparison of the reference method for cPL to the in-clinic assay demonstrated 96–100% agreement for canine serum samples with normal levels of cPL and 88–92% agreement for samples with elevated levels of cPL. Common interfering substances such as bilirubin, lipids, or hemoglobin had no effect on assay performance. Both within-day and day-to-day variations ranged from 10% to 20% of the calculated cPL concentration, which demonstrated a high degree of precision for the in-clinic assay. Performance of 3 lots of the in-clinic assay with the same set of canine serum samples demonstrated high assay reproducibility, with interclass correlation coefficients of ≥0.93. Results of the in-clinic cPL assay, based on both visual and calculated cPL concentrations, were consistent throughout 15 months of storage. The in-clinic test provides immediate, semiquantitative results to supplement existing pancreatitis diagnostics at the time of acute illness. Because the reference and in-clinic methods are aligned, they can be used together as an immediate aid pet-side and as a fully quantitative follow-up test at the reference laboratory.
Malignant Mesothelioma of the Tunica Vaginalis Testis in a Dog: Histological and Immunohistochemical Characterization
Authors: Vascellari Marta , Carminato Antonio , Camali Giovanni , Melchiotti Erica , Mutinelli Franco
Published: May 2011

Histologic and immunohistochemical features of a malignant mesothelioma of the testicular tunica vaginalis in a 9-year-old male mixed-breed dog are reported. The dog had a large scrotal swelling determined by ultrasonography to be a heterogeneous irregular mass characterized by a mixed echogenic pattern and located in the left vaginal canal of the testis. Histologically, the neoplasm was nodular, was poorly demarcated, and consisted of pleomorphic cells that were associated with a significant desmoplastic reaction. By immunohistochemistry, neoplastic cells stained positively for cytokeratin and vimentin and were immunoreactive with an antimesothelial cell monoclonal antibody. Malignant mesotheliomas of tunica vaginalis testis are rare in mammalian species, including dogs.
Erysipelothrix Spp. Genotypes, Serotypes, and Surface Protective Antigen Types Associated with Abattoir Condemnations
Authors: Bender Joseph S. , Irwin Christa K. , Shen Hui-Gang , Schwartz Kent J. , Opriessnig Tanja
Published: May 2011

The objective of the current study was to investigate characteristics of Erysipelothrix spp. from slaughter condemnations. Specimens from 70 carcasses with lesions suspect for swine erysipelas were collected at an abattoir in Iowa from October 2007 to February 2009. Erysipelothrix spp. were isolated from 59 of 70 carcasses (84.3%). Abattoir inspectors classified lesions as acute, subacute, or chronic; 8 of 8 (100%) were acute cases, 31 of 32 (96.9%) were subacute cases, and 20 of 30 (66.6%) were chronic cases that were isolation positive. The following serotypes were identified: 1a (40.7%; 24/59), 2 (49.2%; 29/59), 7 (1/59), 10 (1/59), 11 (1/59), and untypeable (5.1%; 3/59). Serotypes 1a and 2 were identified in pigs with acute, subacute, or chronic clinical manifestations, whereas serotypes 7, 10, and 11 were only present in chronic cases. Fifty-seven of the 59 isolates were determined to belong to E. rhusiopathiae, and 2 of 59 of the isolates were determined to be E. tonsillarum by multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction. Surface protective antigen (spa) A was detected in all E. rhusiopathiae isolates but not in E. tonsillarum serotypes 7 and 10. The results of the present study indicate that E. rhusiopathiae serotypes 1a and 2 continue to be commonly isolated from condemned pig carcasses and that spaA is the exclusive spa type in U.S. abattoir isolates. Interestingly, E. tonsillarum, thought to be avirulent for swine, was isolated from systemic sites from 3.4% of the carcasses that were negative for E. rhusiopathiae, indicating the potential importance of this genotype in erysipelas pathogenesis.
Odontogenic Myxoma in an 8-Year-Old Labrador Retriever Dog
Authors: Barigye Robert , Schultz Jessie , Newell Teresa K. , Dyer Neil W.
Published: May 2011

Odontogenic myxoma (OM) was diagnosed in an 8-year-old Labrador Retriever dog with an ulcerohemorrhagic mass located on the caudal area of the right maxillary gingiva. The neoplasm was characterized by a low mitotic index and moderate numbers of spindle, stellate, and round cells that were sparsely distributed in an alcian blue reactive myxomatous matrix. Individual neoplastic cells were characterized by small amounts of faintly eosinophilic staining cytoplasm, prominent nucleoli, and stippled amphophilic staining chromatin that was immunoreactive for vimentin but negative for cytokeratin and actin. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of canine OM from North America, and it shares histomorphologic and histochemical features with 3 other cases reported in dogs elsewhere. Whereas, a literature review suggests untreated canine OM is insidious and locally aggressive, the prognosis in the present dog remains unknown. These findings support previous recommendations for inclusion of canine OM on the World Health Organization list of odontogenic tumors.
Evaluation of Cerebrospinal Fluid in Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Dogs Diagnosed with Chiari-Like Malformation with or without Concurrent Syringomyelia
Authors: Whittaker Danielle E. , English Kate , McGonnell Imelda M. , Volk Holger A.
Published: May 2011

Syringomyelia is a common clinical problem in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog population. The underlying pathophysiology of the development and progression of syringes is currently unknown. The primary aim of the current study was to determine whether development of syringomyelia is accompanied by alterations in cerebrospinal fluid composition. Patient records of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with Chiari-like malformations, with or without concurrent syringomyelia, that had magnetic resonance imaging and cerebrospinal fluid analysis between December 2004 and December 2009, were retrospectively reviewed. Total nucleated cell count per microliter, with differential count, red blood cell count per microliter, and protein concentration (g/l), were reviewed. Data were analyzed with the Mann–Whitney U-test. Spearman rank test was used to test association between cerebrospinal fluid composition and syrinx size, and the Fisher exact test was used to compare the presence of macrophages, reactive lymphocytes, and myelin. A P value of ≤0.05 was considered significant for statistical tests. Dogs with syringomyelia had a higher total nucleated cell count (syringomyelia: 4/μl [range, 0–15/μl] vs. without syringomyelia: 2/μl [0–8/μl]; P = 0.0047), higher protein concentration (syringomyelia: 0.26 g/l [0.07–0.42 g/l] vs. without syringomyelia: 0.2 g/l [0.12–0.39 g/l]; P = 0.039), and an increased neutrophil percentage (syringomyelia: 0% [0–37%] vs. without syringomyelia: 0% [0–21%]; P = 0.0203) than those with the Chiari-like malformation alone. There was a positive correlation between total nucleated cell count and syrinx size ( r = 0.51; P = 0.0068). Development of syringomyelia is accompanied by alterations in cerebrospinal fluid composition. The pathogenesis of syringomyelia has not been fully elucidated; therefore, the exact origin of cerebrospinal fluid changes remains unclear.
Cryptosporidiosis in Intensively Reared Barramundi (Lates Calcarifer)
Authors: Gabor Les J. , Srivastava Mukesh , Titmarsh Jeff , Dennis Michelle , Gabor Melinda , Landos Matthew
Published: May 2011

Two outbreaks of mortality in juvenile barramundi ( Lates calcarifer) with a high prevalence of gastrointestinal cryptosporidiosis are described. Juvenile barramundi at a separate hatchery and grow-out facility were demonstrating markedly increased mortality rates. Histological examination in all cases indicated a heavy infection of Cryptosporidium-like organisms within the distal stomach and proximal small intestine. Electron microscopy confirmed a diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis; however, speciation was not possible.
Nasopharyngeal Oncocytoma in a Cat
Authors: You Mi-Hyeon , Kim Yong-Baek , Woo Gye-Hyeong , Kim Jun-Young , Yoon JungHee , Youn Hwa-Young , Kim Dae-Yong
Published: May 2011

A 5-year-old male neutered Siamese cat was referred because of nasal swelling, nasal discharge, and oral respiration. Computed tomography and necropsy following euthanasia revealed a firm tan mass in the nasopharynx, occluding the nasal passage. Histologically, the nasopharyngeal mass was composed of solid nests, anastomosing cords, and closely packed glands separated by a delicate fibrovascular stroma. Individual neoplastic cells were cylindrical to polyhedral in shape, had distinct cell borders, and contained moderate amounts of finely granular eosinophilic cytoplasm and round to oval nuclei. The cytoplasmic granules were positive on phosphotungstic acid–hematoxylin staining. Immunohistochemically, the neoplastic cells were positive for cytokeratin and negative for chromogranin A, neuron-specific enolase, and vimentin. Ultrastructurally, the neoplastic cells contained numerous mitochondria.
Peritoneal fibrosarcomatous mesothelioma in a cat
Authors: Heerkens Tammy M-J , Smith Jodi D. , Fox Leslie , Hostetter Jesse M.
Published: May 2011

Primary tumors of serosal surfaces are uncommon in veterinary medicine. Mesothelial neoplasms can be benign or malignant, and are classified as predominantly epitheloid, mixed (biphasic), or fibrous (spindle cell, fibrosarcomatous), with fibrous mesotheliomas reported least in domestic species. A 9-year-old Domestic Shorthair cat presented on emergency with a brief history of weakness and lethargy. On presentation, the cat was semicomatose, hypothermic, and hypotensive with a markedly distended abdomen. Approximately 1 liter of serosanguineous fluid was removed via abdominocentesis. Diagnostic imaging and cytologic evaluation of fine-needle aspirates were suggestive of neoplasia, and the cat was subsequently euthanized. At necropsy, the omentum was contracted cranially into an irregular lobular mass that surrounded the stomach and proximal intestinal tract, and focally infiltrated the spleen. Both visceral and parietal peritoneal surfaces were thickened and contained off-white friable material and occasionally firm fibrous plaques. Microscopically, serosal surfaces were expanded by neoplastic spindle cells, which were often accompanied by moderate to abundant fibrous stroma. Neoplastic cells had varying degrees of immunoreactivity for cytokeratin, vimentin, desmin, and smooth muscle actin, which was consistent with the diagnosis of mesothelioma.
Meningitis caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies capri in a goat
Authors: Schumacher Vanessa L. , Hinckley Lynn , Liao Xiaofen , Tulman Edan , Geary Steven J. , Smyth Joan A.
Published: May 2011

A 2-year-old, female goat from Connecticut was submitted for necropsy with a 5-day history of pyrexia and intermittent neurologic signs, including nystagmus, seizures, and circling. Postmortem examination revealed suppurative meningitis. Histologic examination of the brain revealed that the meninges were diffusely infiltrated by moderate numbers of lymphocytes, macrophages, and fibrin, with scattered foci of dense neutrophilic infiltrate. Culture of pus and brainstem yielded typical mycoplasma colonies. DNA sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene revealed 99% sequence homology with Mycoplasma mycoides subspecie s capri and Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies mycoides Large Colony biotype, which are genetically indistinguishable and likely to be combined as a single subspecies labeled M. mycoides subsp. capri. The present case is unusual in that not only are mycoplasma an uncommon cause of meningitis in animals, but additionally, in that all other reported cases of mycoplasma meningitis in goats, systemic lesions were also present. In the present case, meningitis was the only lesion, thus illustrating the need to consider mycoplasma as a differential diagnosis for meningitis in goats.
Detection of Cryptosporidium species in feces or gastric contents from snakes and lizards as determined by polymerase chain reaction analysis and partial sequencing of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene
Authors: Richter Barbara , Nedorost Nora , Maderner Anton , Weissenböck Herbert
Published: May 2011

Cryptosporidiosis is a well-known gastrointestinal disease of snakes and lizards. In the current study, 672 samples (feces and/or gastric contents or regurgitated food items) of various snakes and lizards were examined for the presence of cryptosporidia by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting a part of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene. A consecutive sequencing reaction was used to identify the cryptosporidian species present in PCR-positive samples. Cryptosporidium varanii ( saurophilum) was detected in 17 out of 106 (16%) samples from corn snakes ( Pantherophis guttatus) and in 32 out of 462 (7%) samples from leopard geckos ( Eublepharis macularius). Cryptosporidium serpentis was found in 8 out of 462 (2%) leopard gecko samples, but in no other reptile. The Cryptosporidium sp. “lizard genotype” was present in 1 leopard gecko sample, and 1 sample from a corn snake showed a single nucleotide mismatch to this genotype. Pseudoparasitic cryptosporidian species were identified in 5 out of 174 (3%) ophidian samples, but not in lizards. Other sequences did not show complete similarity to previously published Cryptosporidium sequences. The results stress the importance for diagnostic methods to be specific for Cryptosporidium species especially in snakes and show a relatively high prevalence of C. varanii in leopard geckos and corn snakes.
Acute selenium toxicosis in polo ponies
Authors: Desta Belainesh , Maldonado Gizela , Reid Herman , Puschner Birgit , Maxwell James , Agasan Alice , Humphreys Leigh , Holt Thomas
Published: May 2011

Just prior to an international polo event, 21 horses from one team exhibited clinical signs of central nervous system disturbance, hyperexcitability, sweating, ataxia, tachycardia, dyspnea, pyrexia, and rapid death. The suspected cause of this peracute onset of illness and death included intentional contamination of feed or iatrogenic administration of performance-enhancing drugs resulting in a severe adverse reaction. Six horses were submitted to the Bronson Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory for necropsy and toxicological examination. The clinical signs and sudden death, the similarity to earlier work by the lead author of selenium toxicosis in calves, as well as published reports, prompted investigators to focus on selenium testing. Sixty-four hours following receipt, the laboratory detected toxic selenium concentrations in the tissues of these animals. Following further investigation of the case by regulatory officials, it was determined that all affected horses had received an intravenous injection of a compounded “vitamin/mineral” supplement just prior to the onset of signs. The compounded supplement contained toxic levels of selenium. The present report illustrates the in-depth laboratory investigation of the cause of acute death in 6 polo ponies due to selenium toxicosis. In addition to solving this high profile case, the toxic levels of selenium found in livers (6.13 ± 0.31 mg/kg wet weight), kidneys (6.25 ± 0.3 mg/kg wet weight), and sera (1.50 ± 0.11 µg/ml) of these affected animals may provide important diagnostic criteria for future interpretations of selenium concentrations in tissues of horses.
Mixed infection by Feline astrovirus and Feline panleukopenia virus in a domestic cat with gastroenteritis and panleukopenia
Authors: Moschidou Paschalina , Martella Vito , Lorusso Eleonora , Desario Costantina , Pinto Pierfrancesco , Losurdo Michele , Catella Cristiana , Parisi Antonio , Bányai Krisztián , Buonavoglia Canio
Published: May 2011

Astroviruses are important pathogens of human beings and animals. Feline astroviruses have been identified by electron microscopy in the feces of either asymptomatic or symptomatic cats, and experimental infection with one isolate was shown to induce enteric clinical signs and virus excretion, thus suggesting a possible role as enteric pathogen. However, due to the lack of specific diagnostic assays, feline astroviruses are not included in the diagnostic algorithms of feline infectious diseases, and their role as feline pathogens remains unclear. The present report describes a dual infection by Feline astrovirus and Feline panleukopenia virus in a 4-month-old cat with severe gastroenteritis and panleukopenia. Upon sequence analysis, the Feline astrovirus strain was found to be genetically related to astroviruses identified in human beings and felids.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility and Serotypes of Actinobacillus (Haemophilus) Pleuropneumoniae Recovered from Missouri Swine
Authors: Fales William H. , Morehouse Lawrence G. , Mittal Khyali R. , Bean-Knudsen Carol , Nelson Stuart L. , Kintner Loren D. , Turk James R. , Turk Margaret A. , Brown Thomas P. , Shaw Daniel P.
Published: May 2011

The antimicrobial susceptibility of 73 Actinobacillus (Haemophilus) pleuropneumoniae isolates from swine in Missouri was determined with a microdilution minimal inhibitory concentration test system. Serotyping was accomplished by means of co-agglutination. Serotype 1 (39/73) and serotype 5 (30/73) were commonly found, whereas serotype 7 (4/73) was infrequently encountered. Most isolates (MIC,) were found susceptible to ampicillin (amoxicillin), cephalothin, penicillin, erythromycin, gentamicin, and kanamycin. Marked resistance was found with oxytetracycline, tylosin, and sulfadimethoxine. The data indicate that use of ampicillin (amoxicillin) or penicillin may correlate well with the favorable outcome of treatment.
Brucella Suis Biovar 3 Infection in a Kentucky Swine Herd
Authors: Cornell William D. , Chengappa Muckatira M. , Stuart Louis A. , Maddux Roxanna L. , Hail Robert I.
Published: May 2011

Sows from a large far-row-to-finish operation in western Kentucky had late-term abortions. Boars and breeding-age sows were tested serologically for brucellosis, and 83 of 125 were classified as reactors. No brucellae were isolated from the tissues of 6 unbred reactor sows, but Brucella suis biovar 3 was recovered from 5 aborted fetuses. Epidemiological studies failed to determine the source of the infection.
Detection of Bluetongue Virus in Bovine Fetuses Using the Avidin-Biotin Complex Immunoperoxidase Method
Authors: Anderson Gary A. , Phillips D. Lynn , Waldvogel Andreas S. , Osburn Bennie I.
Published: May 2011

The avidin-biotin complex immunoperoxidase technique was adapted for use in detecting bluetongue virus (BTV) antigens in BTV serotype 1l-infected bovine fetuses. Fetuses were infected with BTV serotype 11 at 120 days of gestation and then removed 20 days later by Cesarean section. Blood and tissue samples were collected from each animal and used for virus isolation in embryonated chicken eggs, the immunofluorescent antibody test, and the avidin-biotin complex test. The avidin-biotin complex method successfully identified BTV antigens in both fresh and autolyzed fetal brains. Thus, the avidin-biotin complex immunoperoxidase method has potential as a possible procedure for diagnosing bluetongue disease in aborted bovine fetuses.
Comparison of Diagnostic Tests for the Detection of Equine Infectious Anemia Antibody
Authors: Matsushita Tatsuo , Hesterberg Lyndal K. , Porter James P. , Smith Barbara J. , Newman Louis E.
Published: May 2011

Two diagnostic tests are approved for detecting antibody to equine infectious anemia virus: the agar-gel immunodiffusion (AGID) test and the competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A total of 420 sera from National Veterinary Services Laboratories check sets were tested with the AGID and competitive ELISA. A 100% correlation was obtained. The AGID and competitive ELISA were further used to test difficult samples with low levels of equine infectious anemia antibody (weak positives). A third test (Western blot) was also used with these weak positive samples to resolve any discordant results.
Demonstration of Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis Virus Antigen in Paraffin Sections
Authors: Miller Janice M. , Van Der Maaten Martin J.
Published: May 2011

Nine pregnant heifers were inoculated intravenously with infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (IBRV) in the sixth month of pregnancy. Tissues were collected from the fetus of a heifer killed 13 days postinoculation (PI), from fetuses of 6 heifers that aborted 16–27 days PI, and from mummified fetuses of 2 heifers that aborted 53 and 85 days PI, respectively. Control tissues were obtained from the fetus of a non-inoculated heifer that was killed in the seventh month of gestation. Tissues were fixed in 10% formalin, embedded in paraffin, and examined for viral antigen by immunohistochemistry, using biotinylated second antibody and alkaline phosphatase-labeled avidin-biotin complex. Antigen was detected in at least 1 tissue from the fetus of each inoculated heifer. Positive tissues included lung, liver, spleen, kidney, adrenal, and placenta. In several fetuses, antigen was identified in tissues from which virus was not isolated in cell culture. This appeared to occur when tissues had only a few small foci of infection or when tissues were severely autolyzed. The observation of viral antigen in tissues from mummified fetuses indicates that this technique may be useful in diagnostic laboratories to detect IBRV infection in tissues that are not suitable for virus isolation or for examination by the cryostat tissue section-fluorescent antibody technique.
Effects of Halogenated Hydrocarbons on Rumen Microorganisms
Authors: Willett Kristie L. , Loerch Steven C. , Willett Lynn B.
Published: May 2011

Halogenated hydrocarbons such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's), heptachlor (HEP), 1, 1, 1,-trichloro-2, 2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)-ethane (DDT), and pentachlorophenol (PCP) are environmental contaminants and, at times, can bioaccumulate in the food chain. Cattle have been contaminated in a variety of ways, but generally it is believed that they are only affected by high concentrations of the chemicals. Rumen microorganisms, however, may be affected at lower doses, thus possibly affecting the cow's growth and milk production. Polychlorinated biphenyls, HEP, DDT, and PCP were tested by a l-stage in vitro fermentation procedure. Substrate utilization was determined by measuring percent dry matter disappearance. Four concentrations (0, 10, 50, and 100 ppm) were studied, and in vitro incubations were conducted for 24 and 48 hr. Samples were removed from 48-hr incubations to determine if the chlorinated hydrocarbons were metabolized during fermentation. Dry matter disappearance proved to be a reliable method to determine microbial activity in the presence of chemicals. Substrate dry matter disappearance for controls and all concentrations of PCB's, HEP, and DDT was approximately 50 and 80% at 24 and 48 hr, respectively. The PCP significantly (P < 0.05) depressed the percent dry matter disappearance in 50- and 100-ppm cultures to 45 and 30% at 24 hr and 70 and 50% at 48 hr, respectively. Metabolic changes in the test chemicals were not detected by gas chromatographic analysis.
Comparison of Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test, and Direct Agglutination Test for Detecting Toxoplasma Gondii Antibodies in Naturally Aborted Ovine Fetuses
Authors: Seefeldt Sheryl L. , Kirkbride Clyde A. , Dubey Jitender P.
Published: May 2011

Results obtained in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFA), and a modified direct agglutination test (MAT) for Toxoplasma gondii antibodies from examination of fetal fluids from 377 aborted ovine fetuses were compared. Sixty-seven samples were positive by MAT (titers 1:16 to > 1:65,536), 58 were positive by ELISA, and 62 were positive by immunoglobulin G-IFA. The MAT was preferred because it required less time, labor, and special equipment. It was simple to run, could be done on serum from any species without modification, and it was more effective than the IFA for detecting toxoplasma antibodies in severely autolyzed fetuses. No advantage was found in determining immunoglobulin M antibodies in ovine fetal sera.
Heterogeneity of Mycoplasma Iowae Determined by Restriction Enzyme Analysis
Authors: Zhao Shaohua , Yamamoto Richard
Published: May 2011

Strains of Mycoplasma iowae were homogeneous in some characteristics and heterogeneous in others. Thus, the biochemical tests, immunofluorescence, and protein profiling by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis were group-specific tests. However, some minor differences in protein patterns were seen among strains. The growth inhibition test tended to be strain-specific. Hemagglutination titers were very low and unstable for the majority of strains. One strain (RY-65) with a stable high-titer hemagglutinin failed to react in the hemagglutination-inhibition test against immune sera to the reference strains. Restriction endonuclease DNA analyses was the most useful method to differentiate 1 strain from another.
Detection of Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus using a Heterologous Antigen-Capture Enzyme Immunoassay
Authors: Osorio Fernando A. , Anderson Gary A. , Sanders John , Grotelueschen Dale
Published: May 2011

Based on the marked antigenic similarities that exist between antigens of the human and bovine strains of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) designed to detect human RSV was used to detect bovine RSV. The commercial test kit (RSV EIA) consists of a solid phase (beads) coated with a capture antiserum prepared against the Long strain of human RSV.

The RSV EIA test was compared with the method of inoculation of cell cultures and fluorescent antibody (FA) staining of lung tissue for the detection of bovine RSV. Using a cell culture-propagated stock of strain 375 of bovine RSV, the threshold of sensitivity of the EIA test for the cattle strain of RSV was determined to be ≤ 102,3 CCID50/ml. In addition, RSV EIA detected the bovine RSV in nasal samples obtained from 3 experimentally inoculated cattle. The RSV EIA exhibited a sensitivity of ≥ 80% during the period that shedding of infectious virus took place.

All of the bovine RSV FA-positive lung samples (n = 37) were positive by the RSV EIA. Twenty-six of the remaining 214 bovine RSV FA-negative lung samples were positive by the RSV EIA. The RSV EIA was also used to test 137 nasal swabs obtained from cases of bovine respiratory disease. Of these, 38 tested positive by RSV EIA. All samples that tested positive by EIA were confirmed by blocking assays using hyperimmune serum anti-bovine RSV and a pool of monoclonal antibodies specific for that virus.
In Vitro Assessment of the Efficacy of Erythromycin in Combination with Oxytetracycline or Spectinomycin against Pasteurella Haemolytica
Authors: Burrows George E. , Ewing Patty
Published: May 2011

The effects of combining erythromycin (Ery) with oxytetracycline (Oxy) or spectinomycin (Sp) on Pasteurella haemolytica were evaluated in vitro using the chessboard (checkerboard) technique. These combinations were selected because all are drugs widely used in bovine respiratory disease treatment, and they represent possible sequential or complementary mechanisms of action. Using the recommended breakpoints of >4 μg/ml for Ery, 16 μl for Oxy, and 32 μl for Sp, of the 33 P. haemolytica isolates, 32 were resistant to Oxy, 27 to Sp, and 14 to Ery. Based on the fractional inhibitory concentration index, Ery and Oxy in combination were synergistic or additive against 32 of 33 isolates. The combination of Ery and Sp was synergistic or additive against 27 of 33 isolates. No instances of antagonism were seen. When the effects were considered within the context of therapeutically achievable serum/tissue concentrations, the effects of Ery and Oxy in combination were only marginal. Thus, against P. haemolytica isolates, Ery and Sp appeared to represent an effective antimicrobial combination, whereas Ery and Oxy were only of marginal efficacy as a combination.
The Detection of Antibodies to the Glycoprotein X Antigen of Pseudorabies Virus
Authors: Cook Donald , Hill Howard , Snyder Michael , McMahon Philip , Kinker David
Published: May 2011

The persistence of antibodies to glycoprotein X (gpX) in the serum of pigs experimentally infected with pseudorabies virus (PRV) was determined using an anti-gpX enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Antibodies to gpX were detected for at least 365 days postchallenge in nonvaccinated pigs. Previous sensitization of pigs by vaccination with S/PRV had no apparent effect on the antibody response of pigs to gpX postchallenge. In determining previous exposure of pigs to PRV strains containing the gpX gene, the anti-gpX ELISA was highly specific, but its sensitivity was lower than the standard serological procedures currently used for detecting PRV antibodies.
Chlamydial Infection in Aborted and Stillborn Lambs
Authors: Miller Margaret A. , Turk James R. , Nelson Stuart L. , Van der Lek Annie P. , Solorzano Robert , Fales William H. , Morehouse Lawrence G. , Gosser Harvey S.
Published: May 2011

Chlamydia psittaci is a major cause of ovine abortion in the fourth to fifth months of gestation. During the lambing seasons of 1986, 1987, and 1988, fetuses from 52 cases of ovine abortion, stillbirth, or perinatal death were submitted to the laboratory for necropsy examination. Placenta or fetal tissues from 34 cases were cultured on mouse L cells for C. psittaci. Chlamydia psittaci was identified by immunofluorescence on cultures in 20 of these cases. The major gross lesion consistently associated with Chlamydial abortion was placentitis with multifocal cotyledonary necrosis and accumulation of red-brown exudate in the intercotyledonary placenta Chlamydiae appeared as spherical organisms, less than 1 μm in diameter, in the cytoplasm of tropho-blasts in impression smears of cotyledons. Histologically, placentitis was sometimes accompanied by pneumonia or encephalitis in the fetus. Chlamydia psittaci was considered the cause for fetal death when Chlamydial isolation was associated with placentitis or inflammation of other fetal tissues and when other abortifacient agents were not detected.
Detection of Porcine Parvovirus using Nonradioactive Nucleic Acid Hybridization
Authors: Oraveerakul Kanisak , Choi Chang-Soo , Molitor Thomas W.
Published: May 2011

Nonradioactive slot blot hybridization assays were established for the detection of porcine parvovirus (PPV), using either a digoxigenin-labeled DNA probe or a biotinylated RNA probe. All probes were prepared from a 3.3-kb Pst1-EcoR1 DNA fragment of the NADL8 isolate of PPV. The sensitivity and specificity of the probes in a slot blot system were evaluated in comparison with a 32P-radiolabeled RNA probe. Using an anti-digoxigenin alkaline phosphatase detection system, at least 1 ng of viral replicative form (RF) DNA, or the equivalent of 100 plaque forming units (PFU) of infectious virus, could be detected by the digoxigenin-labeled DNA probe. When the biotinylated RNA probe and a strepavidin-alkaline phosphatase detection system were employed, 0.1 ng of RF DNA, or the equivalent of 10 PFU of infectious virus, were detected, comparable to the sensitivity of the 32P-radiolabeled RNA probe. Hybridization was not observed with control DNA samples extracted from swine testicle cells, porcine kidney (PK-15) cells, uninfected mixed swine fetal tissue, or from an unrelated DNA virus (pseudorabies virus) infected PK-15 cells. Different isolates of PPV, namely NADL8, NADL2, KBSH, and Kresse, reacted on an equimolar basis in sensitivity and specificity to the biotinylated probe. Extraction of DNA directly on the filter membrane (direct filter hybridization) was employed in an attempt to reduce processing time by eliminating DNA extraction steps. Direct filter hybridization was indeed less time consuming; it was also comparable in sensitivity and specificity to those methods employing purified DNA.
A Dot Immunobinding Assay on Nitrocellulose for the Detection of Bovid Herpesvirus- Antibodies
Authors: Naeem Khalid , Goyal Sagar M.
Published: May 2011

A dot immunobinding assay (DIA) was developed for the detection of antibody against bovid herpesvirus-4 (BHV-4) in bovine sera. A semipurified virus preparation was used as the antigen and an anti-species horseradish peroxidase-labeled IgG and diaminobenzidine were employed as the detection system. The sensitivity and specificity of the DIA were similar to those of indirect fluorescent antibody test, indicating the suitability of DIA as a rapid field test for the detection of anti-BHV-4 antibodies in cattle.
Diagnosis of Bromethalin Toxicosis in the Dog
Authors: Dorman David C. , Simon Joseph , Harlin Karen A. , Buck William B.
Published: May 2011

Dogs given a single oral dose of bromethalin at 6.25 mg/kg developed a toxic syndrome characterized by hyperexcitability, tremors, seizures, depression, and death within 15–63 hours after bromethalin administration. Gross lesions included mild cerebral edema (2/5) and mild pulmonary congestion (2/5). Histologic lesions included diffuse white matter spongiosis (5/5), mild microgliosis (3/5), optic nerve vacuolization (3/5), mild thickening of Bowman's capsule (2/5), and occasional splenic megakaryocytes (2/5). Ultramicroscopic examination of midbrain stem revealed occasional swollen axons, intramyelinic vacuolization, and myelin splitting at the intraperiod line. Bromethalin was detected in kidney, liver, fat, and brain tissues, using gas chromatography with electron capture detection. Photodegradation of extracted bromethalin may limit accurate quantification of tissue residues.
Isolation of Gardnerella Vaginalis from the Reproductive Tract of Four Mares
Authors: Salmon Sarah A. , Walker Robert D. , Carleton Carla L. , Robinson Barbara E.
Published: May 2011

A gram-variable pleomorphic bacillus was isolated from the reproductive tracts of 4 mares during routine prebreeding soundness examinations. Using a commercial bacterial identification system, these organisms were identified as Streptococcus acidominimus. However, colonial and Gram-staining characteristics did not support this identification. Subsequent testing indicated the organism was similar to Gardnerella vaginalis. Additional growth and biochemical analysis performed in our laboratory and at the Michigan Department of Public Health and by the Center for Disease Control, Atlanta, Georgia, confirmed the identification of G. vaginalis.
A Serologic Survey of Oklahoma Cats for Antibodies to Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, Coronavirus, and Toxoplasma Gondii and for Antigen to Feline Leukemia Virus
Authors: Rodgers Sandra J. , Baldwin Charles A.
Published: May 2011

A serologic survey was done on 618 cat sera submitted to the Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory between July 1, 1987 and June 30, 1988. The samples were collected from clinically normal and sick cats. The sera were tested for the presence of antibodies to feline immunodeficiency virus by a commercial immunoassay, to a coronavirus by an indirect fluorescent antibody test, and to Toxoplasma gondii by a commercial latex agglutination test and for the presence of feline leukemia virus antigen with one of 3 different commercial assay kits. Ten percent of the sera had antibodies to feline immunodeficiency virus, 35% had antibodies to a coronavirus, and 22% had antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii. Feline leukemia virus antigen was detected in 15% of the sera. Thirty-two percent of the sera had evidence of exposure to 2 or more of the agents.
Cocklebur Toxicosis in Cattle Associated with the Consumption of Mature Xanthium Strumarium
Authors: Witte Scott T. , Osweiler Gary D. , Stahr Henry M. , Mobley Greg
Published: May 2011

Cockleburs ( Xanthium spp.) are herbaceous annuals with worldwide distribution. Toxicoses are usually associated with the consumption of the seedlings in the cotyledon stage, which contain a high concentration of the toxic principle, carboxyatractyloside. The seeds are also known to contain the toxin, but it has long been assumed that the spiny capsule would deter their consumption.

Six of 70 yearling calves died while being fed round bale hay composed predominately of foxtail and mature cocklebur plants with burs. Clinical signs ranged from acute death to hyperexcitability, blindness, tense musculature, and spastic gaits with heads held high and ears erect. Some symptomatic calves would stumble, fall to lateral recumbency, convulse, and later recover. Overall, the herd was very uneasy.

Prominent gross lesions were ascites and a firm, pale liver with a mottled hemorrhagic pattern on cut surface. The rumen contained numerous intact burs and well-ruminated grass.

Histological examination of the liver revealed marked centrolobular degeneration and necrosis with associated hemorrhage and congestion. Brain lesions were present.

Plant and tissue samples were analyzed for carboxyatractyloside with various results. Samples of rumen contents, urine, and burs contained 100–200 ppm, 0.1–0.05 ppm, and 0.1 ppm, respectively.

Based on the history, clinical signs, pathological lesions, and chemical analyses, cocklebur toxicosis associated with consumption of mature Xanthium strumarium in hay was confirmed.
Prospective Serology and Analysis in Diagnosis of Dairy Cow Abortion
Authors: Thurmond Mark C. , Picanso John P. , Hietala Sharon K.
Published: May 2011

A prospective serologic investigation was undertaken on 3 California dairies (herds 1,3, and 4, as previously designated in a report on abortion surveillance) to determine if fetal loss was associated with infectious disease agents in cows. The diagnostic problem in these herds was typical of many dairies in that abortions were not discovered for several months and aborted fetuses were seldom recovered. Blood from approximately 100 pregnant cows in each herd was sampled at monthly intervals, beginning when the cows were palpated at approximately 40 days gestation. Sera were tested for antibodies to infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus and bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) and to the Leptospira serovars pomona, hardjo, grippotyphosa, icterohemorrhagiae, canicola, and szwajizak. Logn antibody titers were examined for an association with fetal loss, using multivariate methods of logistic regression and survival analysis. Of the 325 cows followed, 37 aborted, and no fetuses were recovered. Statistical analyses indicated that significant fetal loss was associated with high titers to L. hardjo and with low titers to L. szwajizak (herds 1 and 4) and BVDV (herd 1). Results for herd 3 revealed a connection between abortion and L. icterohemorrhagiae (P = 0.036) and L. canicola ( P = 0.050) and possible vaccinal protection against abortion caused by L. grippotyphosa (P = 0.027 and 0.015). For herd 4, there was a marginally significant tendency for the first vaccination of the gestation against leptospirosis to have protected against fetal death (P = 0.077). Advantages of the diagnostic design were that it permitted comparison of titers of aborted cows with those of nonaborted cows and it considered vaccinationinduced titers in analyses. Findings suggest that use of prospective serology and multivariate analysis has application in diagnosis of abortion on large dairies.
Relative Prevalence of Typical and Atypical Strains among Rotaviruses from Diarrheic Pigs in Conventional Swine Herds
Authors: Janke Bruce H. , Nelson Julie K. , Benfield David A. , Nelson Eric A.
Published: May 2011

Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was conducted on genomic RNA extracted from rotaviruses detected in diarrheic pigs from conventional swine herds. Ninety samples contained sufficient virus for RNA band visualization and genome classification. Genome profiles were characteristic of typical group A rotaviruses in 67.8% of the 90 samples, of group B rotaviruses in 10.0%, and of group C rotaviruses in 11.1%. In 11.1% of the samples, the presence of more than 11 bands suggested concurrent infection with more than 1 strain of rotavirus. In infections among nursing pigs, 76.4% were group A rotaviruses, 7.4% were group B, 7.4% were group C, and 8.8% were coinfections. In infections among weaned pigs, 40.9% were group A, 18.2% were group B, 22.7% were group C, and 18.2% were coinfections. Coelectrophoresis with prototype OSU and Gottfried strains revealed a great diversity in electropherotype among field strains of rotavirus.
Comparison of Cytopathic and Noncytopathic Isolates of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus by Oligonucleotide Fingerprinting
Authors: Bissey Lynda LeDawn , Williams Anna Katherine , Bolin Steven , Collisson Ellen Whited
Published: May 2011

The molecular technique of RNA fingerprinting was used to characterize the genomes of 5 isolates of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV): 2 viral pairs from the same animal, BVD-ILN/BVD-ILC and BVD-TGAN/BVD-TGAC, and the cytopathic viral prototype, BVD-NADL. Oligonucleotide patterns from the viruses were compared, and unique and overlapping oligonucleotides were identified. A comparison of the fingerprints indicated that the genome of each virus was distinguishable by the Tl RNase oligonucleotide fingerprinting technique. The greatest similarity observed was between oligonucleotides from BVD-ILC and BVD-ILN. Eighteen large oligonucleotides were conserved in all 5 BVDV isolates studied. We found that within a pair of BVDV, the cytopathic fingerprint was different from the noncytopathic fingerprint, indicating that cytopathic and noncytopathic BVDV may be distinct viruses.