bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of storage time and temperature on ionized calcium concentration in bovine and ovine blood, plasma, and serum
Authors: Szenci Ottó , Németh Ferenc , Stollár Zsuzsanna , Brydl Endre
Published: December 2023

Stability of ionized calcium (Ca2+) concentration and pH values in bovine and ovine venous samples (n = 12 in each group) stored at 4 C for 3, 9, 24, and 48 hours (blood, plasma, and serum) or for 240 hours (plasma and serum), and at −20 C for 240 hours (plasma and serum), was studied. Storage of bovine and ovine blood, plasma, and serum samples at 4 C for up to 48 hours and of ovine serum samples at 4 C for up to 240 hours, despite appreciable pH changes, was associated with < 2.0% change in blood, plasma, and serum Ca2+ concentrations. Therefore, Ca2+ concentration in bovine and ovine venous blood, plasma, and serum samples stored up to 48 hours, and in ovine serum samples stored up to 240 hours, at 4 C is of diagnostic use.
Health claims for pet foods: Principles
Authors: Kronfeld D. S.
Published: December 2023

The JAVMA welcomes contributions to this feature. Articles submitted for publication will be fully reviewed, with the American College of Veterinary Nutrition (ACVN) acting in an advisory capacity to the editors. Inquiries should be sent to Dr. John E. Bauer, Chairman ACVN, Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843.
A research feasibility assessment of regulatory information systems capacities for investigation of epidemiologic factors in Pseudorabies
Authors: Miller Lawrence E. , Cowen Peter , Honeycutt Thomas L. , Morrow W. E. Morgan , Hueston William D.
Published: December 2023

Pseudorabies (pr) outbreak-investigation forms from 10 states having the most pr-infected herds were evaluated for agreement in question response-data type, information intent, and outbreak information categories. A question randomly selected from an investigation form had 0.6304 probability of being unique to a single state, and 0.0062 probability of being common to all states. Analysis of outbreak forms, on the basis of information intent, revealed that the probability of a randomly selected question being derived from an information category unique to a single state was 0.0323, whereas the probability of a question being derived from an information category shared by all states was 0.1935. A telephone survey revealed that state pr control officials did not believe additional research on between-herd spread of pr was necessary to successfully complete the eradication program. However, officials believed a better understanding of pr risk factors would enhance program effectiveness and build producer confidence.
Chylous ascites in cats: Nine cases (1978–1993)
Authors: Gores Barbara R. , Berg John , Carpenter James L. , Ullman Sharon L.
Published: December 2023

Medical records of 9 cats with chylous ascites that underwent exploratory celiotomy were reviewed. In 7 cats, chylous ascites was associated with intra-abdominal neoplasia: 4 cats had an unresectable tumor (hemangiosarcoma, 3 cats; paraganglioma, 1 cat) within the mesenteric root; 2 had malignant lymphoma of the small intestine and mesenteric lymph nodes; and 1 had lymphangiosarcoma of the abdominal wall. In 2 cats, chylous ascites was associated with nonneoplastic diseases: 1 cat had severe biliary cirrhosis and an extrahepatic portosystemic shunt; the other had steatitis caused by vitamin E deficiency. Three cats were euthanatized or died at the time of surgery, and 5 cats were euthanatized within 3 months of surgery. One cat with malignant lymphoma responded well to chemotherapy and lived for 14 months after surgery.
Application of linear programming in bull selection for a dairy herd
Authors: Galligan David T. , Ferguson James D.
Published: December 2023

Approximately 70% of dairy cows are inseminated with semen from bulls provided by commercial artificial insemination centers.1 To help producers in the selection process, artificial insemination centers publish information regarding production and type traits associated with each bull. Producers must decide from these lists which bulls to use, how often they are to be used, and to which cows they should be allocated. The bulls selected have a direct effect on cost of semen for the herd and genetic improvement in production of future generations. In general, producers’ goals are to replace poor genes through strategic culling (not breeding certain cows) with better genes through semen purchases in an economically efficient manner. The cost of semen, however, is realized immediately, whereas economic returns from the traits selected are dependent on the realization of future cash flows. Higher production returns are needed to justify using more expensive bulls. The purposes of the study reported here were to examine the bull selection portfolio of a 450-cow commercial dairy herd in southeastern Pennsylvania and to use linear optimizing programming to select a genetically similar group of bulls at a much lower cost than that the producer had been using. This approach of dominant decision-making can be generalized and implemented for various dairy farm conditions.
Factors associated with use of prostaglandins in reproductive herd health programs for dairy cows
Authors: Wenzel James G. W. , Williamson Norman B. , Seguin Bradley E.
Published: December 2023

Use of prostaglandin F2α products (pg) in dairy cows was studied by use of computerized reproductive herd health data compiled from 29 dairy herds in Minnesota and Wisconsin during 1983 through 1988. Treatment with pg was recorded in 1,856 of 7,139 (26.0%) complete lactations. More than 1 treatment with pg was administered in 534 of the 1,856 (28.8%) lactations in which pg were used. The proportion of lactations in which treatment was used varied among herds and years, and was associated with the proportion of cows in which natural breeding was attempted and, to a lesser extent, with estrus detection index and conception rates; these associations were potentially modified by time between veterinary herd health visits. Calving-to-treatment intervals (mean ± sd) were 100.4 ± 55.1 days for first treatments only, and 116.2 ± 66.1 days for all treatments. These values varied considerably among herds and years and among reasons for treatment. Much of the variation in proportions of lactations in which treatment was used and in the time of treatment within lactations could not be accounted for with the variables included in this study, and was probably related to individual considerations for each cow.
Influence of radiographically detectable orthopedic changes on racing performance in Standardbred trotters
Authors: Grondahl A. M. , Engeland A.
Published: December 2023

The tarsocrural, metacarpophalangeal, and metatarsophalangeal joints of 753 Standardbred yearlings were radiographed. On the basis of radiographic findings, the horses were allotted into 4 groups. Group- 1 horses had osteochondrosis in the tarsocrural joints. Group-2 horses had palmar/plantar bony fragments in the metacarpo- and metatarsophalangeal joints. Group-3 horses had radiographic changes in the metacarpo- and metatarsophalangeal joint region, such as bony fragments located at the dorsoproximal end of the proximal phalanx, osteochondrosis of the sagittal ridge of the third metacarpus/metatarsus, ununited proximoplantar tuberosity of the proximal phalanx, or nonarticular, osteolytic and productive changes in the proximal sesamoid bones. Group-4 horses did not have radiographic changes. The number of race starts and race earnings (categorized) of the horses in groups 1, 2, and 3 were compared with those of the horses in group 4, using a multivariate regression analysis. Horses in groups 1, 2, and 3 had significantly fewer starts and somewhat lower earnings compared with the horses in group 4.
Plasmid profiles and resistance to antimicrobial agents among Salmonella enteritidis isolates from human beings and poultry in the midwestern United States
Authors: Nair Ushasree S. , Saeed A. M. , Muriana P. M. , Kreisle Regina A. , Barrett Brent , Sinclair Charles L. , Fleissner M. L.
Published: December 2023

In the study reported here, 121 Salmonella enteritidis isolates from human beings and 467 isolates from nonhuman sources were analyzed for plasmid pattern and susceptibility to a panel of antimicrobial agents commonly used as biologic markers. A significant (P < 0.05) number of isolates from nonhuman sources were resistant to β-lactam antibiotics and tetracycline. Resistance to aminoglycosides, quinolones, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole was uncommon. Of the 588 isolates, 445 (76%) were resistant to 2 or more antimicrobial agents. Sixty of 121 (50%) S enteritidis isolates from human beings were susceptible to all 12 antimicrobial agents, but 425 of 467 (91%) S enteritidis isolates from nonhuman sources expressed resistance to 1 or more of the antimicrobial agents used in the study. Analysis of plasmid profiles revealed that significantly (P < 0.05) more isolates from nonhuman sources had high molecular weight plasmids than did isolates from human beings. Isolates from ceca of chickens were associated with patterns of low molecular weight plasmids. Analysis of results of the study revealed similarities among S enteritidis from human beings and eggs, as determined on the basis of plasmid profiles and antibiotic susceptibility patterns, which may implicate eggs as one of the potential sources for infection of human beings. In addition, periodic monitoring of a substantial number of Salmonella isolates to detect drug resistance may be a prudent practice for use in revising the list of antimicrobial agents commonly used in human beings and other animals.
Disseminated opportunistic fungal disease in dogs: 10 cases (1982-1990)
Authors: Watt Philip R. , Robins Geoffrey M. , Galloway Annabelle M. , O'Boyle Denise A.
Published: December 2023

Medical records of 10 dogs in which fungal infection was diagnosed between 1982 and 1990 were reviewed. In each dog, infection was determined to be caused by a single species of fungus, either Aspergillus terreus, Penicillium sp, Paecilomyces sp, Chrysosporium sp, or Pseudallescheria boydii. Nine dogs were German Shepherd Dogs; 1 was a German Shepherd Dog cross, and 9 were females. The most common clinical signs were signs of neck or back pain (9 dogs), weight loss (7 dogs), anorexia (6 dogs), pyrexia (6 dogs), paresis (3 dogs), and paralysis (3 dogs). All 10 dogs had evidence of multiple sites of diskospondylitis. Urine sediment was examined in 6 dogs, and all 6 had fungal hyphae. Urine samples from these dogs produced a medium to heavy pure growth of fungi when placed on Sabaraud's medium. Predisposing causes were not identified in any of the dogs. Four dogs were euthanatized immediately after diagnosis because of paralysis or paresis. The other 6 dogs were treated, and 4 of the 6 received itraconazole. One dog was euthanatized for an unrelated problem after 21 months of treatment; 1 dog was still alive after 4 years of continuous treatment with itraconazole. The other 4 dogs were euthanatized because of eventual paralysis or paresis. Our results suggest that German Shepherd Dogs are predisposed to infection with opportunistic fungi, possibly because of a specific inability to mount an effective response. This predisposition needs to be further studied.
Pregnancy determination by use of pregnancy-specific protein Β radioimmunoassay in llamas
Authors: Drew Mark L. , Alexander Brenda M. , Sasser R. Garth
Published: December 2023

Blood samples were obtained from each of 30 llamas: 22 females that had been exposed to a male and were fissioned to be pregnant (gestational stage, 2 to 244 days), J female that had not been exposed to a male, 3 sexually in tact males, I castrated male, and 3 females with congenital reproductive anomalies. Serum was tested for the presence of pregnancy-specific protein B, using a radioimmunoassay that accurately detected pregnancy in cattle, sheep, and other ruminants. Pregnancy-specific protein Β was not detected in the serum of the 30 llamas. On the basis of our results, the radioimmunoassay for pregnancy-specific protein Β cannot be used in llamas for detection of pregnancy.
Repair of a full-thickness gastric rupture in a horse
Authors: Hogan Patricia M. , Bramlage Lawrence R. , Pierce Scott W.
Published: December 2023

Gastric dilatation in horses may be primary (eg, engorgement, Gastrophilus sp infection), secondary (eg, to obstruction or ileus), or idiopathic, and may result in rupture.

Nasogastric intubation does not necessarily prevent gastric rupture.

Gastric rupture in horses usually is associated with gross contamination of the peritoneal cavity and death.

Successful surgical repair of gastric rupture in horses usually is limited to those horses in which the gastric mucosa is still intact.
Sources of information for livestock producers
Authors: Gehrke Brad C.
Published: December 2023

This article is the third in a series that summarizes results from the recently released report, The US Market for for Livestock Veterinary Medical Services and Products. The complete report is available from the Center information Management.
Comparative viability of peninsular and island axial pattern flaps incorporating the cranial superficial epigastric artery in dogs
Authors: Sardinas Juan C. , Pavletic Michael M. , Ross J. Thomas , Kraus K. H.
Published: December 2023

Experimental island and peninsular axial pattern flaps that incorporated the cranial superficial epigastric artery and vein were developed in 6 Beagles. Mean percentage of flap area that survived, for both flaps, was 87%, and percentage of surviving flap area was not significantly different for island versus peninsular flaps. In 1 dog, ligation of an aberrant, perforating branch of the cranial epigastric artery resulted in necrosis of 53% of the flap area. The cranial superficial epigastric axial pattern flaps have potential application for closure of skin defects within their arc of rotation and may be particularly useful for closure of large defects on the ventral aspect of the thorax. A peninsular flap was used to close a defect of the ventral portion of the thoracic wall in a clinical case.
Evaluation of a commercially available prothrombin time assay kit for use in dogs and cats
Authors: Monce Kevin A. , Atkins Clarke E. , Loughman Christine M.
Published: December 2023

A commercially available assay kit provided a rapid, inexpensive means of evaluating prothrombin time, requiring only 1 drop of fresh blood. We evaluated the assay kit for its ability to accurately measure prothrombin time in dogs and cats, comparing it with a validated prothrombin time assay performed in laboratories. Prothrombin times determined by validated laboratory and assay kit methods were compared, using simple regression analysis. Correlations were high (canine study, r2 = 0.96; feline study, r2 = 0.90; P = 0.0001 in both studies). We concluded that the assay kit compared favorably with the validated laboratory technique. The simplicity and speed with which the test can be performed, accuracy of results, small blood volume required, and cost-effectiveness make the assay kit well suited for prothrombin time measurement by small animal practitioners.
Effect of transportation on fatal fibrinous pneumonia and shrinkage in calves arriving at a large feedlot
Authors: Ribble Carl S. , Meek Alan H. , Shewen Patricia E. , Jim G. Kee , Guichon P. Tim
Published: December 2023

A retrospective, epidemiologic field study was performed to determine whether calves that were transported greater distances from the auction market to the feedlot were at significantly higher risk of developing fatal fibrinous pneumonia (shipping fever). The study involved all 45,243 spring-born steer calves that were purchased from auction markets and moved into a large commercial feedlot between September 1 and December 31 over a 4-year period (1985–1988). For all 4 years of the study, the distance calves were transported from the market to the feedlot and their shrinkage or subsequent death loss from fibrinous pneumonia were not correlated. The risk of fatal fibrinous pneumonia for calves arriving from nearby markets was just as high as that for calves transported much greater distances. The results suggested that calves can be purchased from more distant markets without having to discount their price for higher expected death losses. Differences between short and long hauls explained/little, if any, of the variation among truckloads of calves in the risk of fatal fibrinous pneumonia.
Evaluation of abortions in cattle attributable to neosporosis in selected dairy herds in California
Authors: Anderson Mark L. , Palmer Charles W. , Thurmond Mark C. , Picanso John P. , Blanchard Pat C. , Breitmeyer Richard E. , Layton A. W. , McAllister Milton , Daft Barbara , Kinde Hailu , Read Deryck H. , Dubey J. P. , Conrad Patricia A. , Barr Bradd C.
Published: December 2023

Objective—

To estimate the minimum rate of abortion attributable to infection with Neospora sp in selected California dairy herds.

Design—

Prospective study.

Animals—

Twenty-six dairy herds containing 19,708 cows were studied. Fourteen herds had a history of abortions attributable to neosporosis, and 12 were herds in which neosporosis had not been identified as a cause of abortions.

Procedure—

During a 1-year period, all available aborted fetuses were submitted to veterinary diagnostic laboratories to determine the cause of abortion. Reproductive records of cows that aborted were reviewed.

Results—

Neospora sp infection was the major cause of abortion identified (113/266 abortions, 42.5%). The majority (232/266, 87.2%) of the aborted fetuses were submitted from herds with a history of abortions attributable to neosporosis, and Neospora sp infection was identified as the causative agent in 101 of 232 (43.5%) of the abortions from these herds. Fewer aborted fetuses were submitted from the 12 herds that did not have a history of abortion attributable to Neospora sp; however, neosporosis was confirmed as a cause of abortion in 6 of these 12 herds and was identified as the causative agent in 12 of 34 (35.3%) abortions from these herds. The disease was widespread throughout the state (19/26 herds in our study). Available reproductive histories of cows that had abortions attributed to neosporosis were evaluated, and 4 cows were identified that twice aborted Neospora-in-fected fetuses.
Serologic responses of dogs naturally exposed to or vaccinated against Borrelia burgdorferi infection
Authors: Barthold Stephen W. , Levy Steven A. , Fikrig Erol , Bockenstedt Linda K. , Smith Abigail L.
Published: December 2023

Objective—

To characterize the serologic responses of dogs naturally exposed to or vaccinated against Borrelia burgdorferi and to assess responses at intervals after antibiotic treatment.

Design—

Prospective, controlled clinical trial.

Animals—

19 dogs of various breeds and ages with narrowly defined clinical criteria of limb/joint borreliosis and 10 control dogs of equivalent age were used to determine serologic responses following natural exposure to the organism. Eight seronegative dogs were used to determine serologic responses following vaccination.

Procedure—

Serologic responses to B burgdorferi and recombinant outer surface protein (Osp)A, flagellin, and P39 were assessed by means of
elisa and western immunoblot. Passive protective activity was assessed by use of a mouse protection assay.

Results—

Naturally exposed dogs were seropositive, but had variable
elisa titers and immunoblot profiles. Immunoblot analysis did reveal consistent reactions to flagellin, P39, and a 22 kd protein, but not to OspA. Antibody responses did not change appreciably up to 13 weeks after antibiotic treatment. Vaccinated dogs had strong reactions to OspA and OspB, but not to P39.

Clinical Implications—

Dogs with clinical borreliosis are seropositive and remain seropositive after antibiotic treatment, emphasizing that serologic testing is not a useful means of measuring clinical response. Serologic responses of infected dogs can be discriminated from those of vaccinated dogs by means of immunoblot analysis, and recombinant P39 is a potentially useful antigen for that purpose.
Pretreatment clinical and laboratory findings in dogs with hypoadrenocorticism: 225 cases (1979-1993)
Authors: Peterson Mark E. , Kintzer Peter P. , Kass Philip H.
Published: December 2023

Objective

To evaluate clinical and laboratory findings in 225 dogs with naturally occurring hypoadrenocorticism diagnosed over a 14-year period.

Design

Retrospective case series.

Animals

220 dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism and 5 dogs with secondary hypoadrenocorticism (primary ACTH deficiency).

Procedure

We reviewed medical records of all dogs with naturally occurring hypoadrenocorticism examined at The Animal Medical Center between 1979 and 1993 or at Tufts University, Foster Hospital for Small Animals, between 1987 and 1993.

Results

Dogs ranged from 4 months to 14 years old. Most (71%) were female, and female dogs had a significantly higher relative risk of developing hypoadrenocorticism than did males. Great Danes, Portuguese Water Dogs, Rottweilers, Standard Poodles, West Highland White Terriers, and Wheaton Terriers had a significantly higher relative risk of developing hypoadrenocorticism than did dogs of other breeds. Common owner complaints included lethargy, poor appetite, and vomiting, whereas lethargy, weakness, and dehydration were common abnormalities detected on physical examination. Serum biochemical testing at the time of diagnosis revealed moderate-to-severe azotemia and hyperphosphatemia in most dogs. In 99 of 172 (57.6%) dogs that had a pretreatment urinalysis performed, urine specific gravity was < 1.030 even though dogs were azotemic. Serum electrolyte changes included hyperkalemia (n = 215), hyponatremia (183), hypochloremia (94), and hypercalcemia (69). Five of the 220 dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism and the 5 dogs with secondary hypoadrenocorticism did not have hyperkalemia at time of diagnosis. In all dogs, ACTH stimulation testing revealed a low to low-normal baseline serum cortisol concentration with little to no rise after ACTH administration. Endogenous plasma ACTH concentration measured in 35 dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism was markedly high; whereas ACTH concentration was undetectable to low in the 5 dogs with secondary hypoadrenocorticism.

Clinical Implications

Hypoadrenocorticism is a rare disease in dogs, most commonly affecting young to middle-aged females; some breeds are at greater risk of developing the disease than others. In general, clinical signs are nonspecific and similar to manifestations of more common diseases. Serum electrolyte disturbances of hyperkalemia and hyponatremia are characteristic in dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism, but concentrations may be normal in dogs with early or mild primary or secondary hypoadrenocorticism. Diagnosis of hypoadrenocorticism is best confirmed by demonstration of a low baseline serum cortisol concentration with a subnormal or negligible response to ACTH administration. Determination of endogenous plasma ACTH concentrations is valuable in differentiating primary from secondary hypoadrenocorticism, particularly in dogs with normal serum electrolyte concentrations.
Effects of perinatal vaccination on humoral and cellular immune responses in cows and young calves
Authors: Ellis John A. , Hassard Lori E. , Cortese Victor S. , Morley Paul S.
Published: December 2023

Objective—

To examine the effects of perinatal vaccination on cellular and humoral responses in cows and on passive transfer of antibodies and cells to calves, and to assess the role of maternal antibodies in vaccination responses of neonatal calves.

Design—

Prospective randomized control trial.

Animals—

52 beef cows and their calves.

Procedures—

Assigned cows were vaccinated twice during the last month of gestation. Assigned calves were vaccinated at day 10 after birth. Antibody concentrations and cellular responses to bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) and bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1) were measured in blood and colostrum of cows and in blood of calves. Calves were assessed for passive transfer of lymphocytes.

Results—

At parturition, serum antibody concentrations to BRSV as well as BHV-1 - and BRSV-specific blastogenic responses were significantly higher in vaccinated cows. After birth, calves from vaccinated cows had significantly higher concentrations of BRSV-specific serum antibodies, but not BHV-1 specific antibodies. Calves did not develop delayed-type hypersensitivity responses to BRSV. At weaning, lymphocytes from neonatally vaccinated calves had significantly higher values for virus-specific proliferation than did lymphocytes from unvaccinated calves; however, significant differences were not detected between groups after vaccination at weaning.

Clinical Implications—

Administration of modified-live viral vaccines can boost systemic humoral and cellular responses to BRSV and BHV-1 in cows. Neonatal calves can be immunologically primed by vaccination with modified-live virus vaccines. Virus-specific memory cells persist in most calves until weaning. ( J Am Vet Med Assoc 1996;208:393-400)
Veterinary involvement in management practices of beef cow-calf producers
Authors: Sanderson Michael W. , Gay John M.
Published: December 2023

Management practices of 53 beef cow-calf producers were surveyed by use of a mail questionnaire. Producers were randomly selected from those who employ veterinarians to perform herd pregnancy examinations. Questions were asked about animal management, grazing and feeding, vaccination, and record-keeping practices. Median herd size was 250 breeding cows, and 2,329 of 2,491 (93.5%) randomly sampled cows in these herds were pregnant. Less than half of producers associated with these herds reported adoption of many beneficial practices related to bull management, infectious disease management, nutrition, and individual-animal record keeping, suggesting that a considerable number of producers are missing opportunities to optimize production and, thus, economic return. Use of individual-animal production records, which would enable more objective decision making on the basis of production and economic data, was not widespread. These findings suggested that veterinarians serving beef ranches have opportunities to provide additional services incorporating these management practices.
One-year follow-up evaluation of magnetic resonance imaging of the brain in dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism
Authors: Bertoy Elizabeth Herst , Feldman Edward C. , Nelson Richard W. , Dublin Arthur B. , Reid Michael H. , Feldman Marsha S.
Published: December 2023

Objective

To evaluate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scans of dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH) and no signs of CNS dysfunction 1 year after diagnosis and initial MRI.

Design

Prospective study of surviving dogs from a previous study.

Animals

13 dogs underwent MRI of the brain at the time that PDH was diagnosed and prior to treatment. At that time, none of the dogs had clinical signs suggestive of an intracranial mass. Approximately 1 year after diagnosis and MRI, the brain was again evaluated by MRI.

Results

On the initial MRI scan, 5 of the 13 dogs had normal findings, and 8 had evidence of a mass (tumor) in the area of the pituitary gland. Of the 5 dogs that had no visible pituitary mass on the initial MRI scan, 3 had a normal MRI brain scan 1 year later. Of the 5 dogs that had no visible pituitary mass on initial MRI scan, 2 had a visible pituitary mass at 1 year. The 8 dogs that had a visible mass on the initial MRI brain scan had easily identified pituitary masses on the second MRI scan. Of these 8 dogs, 4 had no apparent change in pituitary mass size, and 4 had obvious increase in vertical height of the pituitary mass. Of the 4 dogs, 2 developed signs of neurologic dysfunction within 1 year after diagnosis of PDH, presumably attributable to that mass. Of the 13 dogs, 12 were treated with mitotane soon after completion of the initial MRI scan. Sensitivity to mitotane and initial pituitary mass size or growth were not correlated. Of the 13 dogs evaluated initially and 1 year after diagnosis, 10 had pituitary masses identified on MRI brain scans.

Clinical Implications

The incidence of visible pituitary masses among dogs with PDH at the time of or within a year of diagnosis was > 75%. In 2 dogs, signs of CNS dysfunction developed within 1 year of PDH diagnosis when pituitary masses were ≥ 10 mm. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 1996;208: 1268–1273)
Epidemiologic study of on-farm management practices associated with prevalence of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis infections in dairy cattle
Authors: Goodger William J. , Collins Michael T. , Nordlund Kenneth V. , Eisele Christian , Pelletier Joseph , Thomas Chester B. , Sockett Don C.
Published: December 2023

Objective

To use an on-farm recording form to quantify the effect of specific management practices on apparent prevalence of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis in dairy cattle herds.

Design

Epidemiologic survey.

Animals

26 commercial Wisconsin dairy farms.

Procedures

An instrument was developed on the basis of literature review and expert interviews to quantify on-farm management practices associated with increased apparent prevalence of M paratuberculosis. On-farm visits were conducted to assess how specific management practices were conducted. Apparent prevalence of M paratuberculosis infection was measured for all animals > 20 months old on all farms, using a commercial ELISA. Regression analysis was used to identify management variables that were significantly associated with apparent prevalence of M paratuberculosis.

Results

Regression analysis (R2 = 0.90) identified that high scores for environmental conditions, newborn calf care, grower calf care, bred heifer care, and manure handling were significantly associated with M paratuberculosis apparent prevalence in Wisconsin dairy herds.

Clinical Implications

Environmental conditions, newborn calf care, grower calf management, bred heifer management, and manure handling factors may serve as a prioritized checklist for instructing owners and managers where to place emphasis in changing management practices to limit M paratuberculosis prevalence. Likewise, the factors identified as having low association with apparent prevalence may be de-emphasized in control programs, allowing dairy managers to focus time and finances on more effective components of an M paratuberculosis control program. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 1996;208:1877-1881)
Epidemiologic and pathologic characteristics of respiratory tract disease in dairy heifers during the first three months of life
Authors: Virtala Anna-Maija K. , Mechor Gerald D. , Gröhn Yrjö T. , Erb Hollis N. , Dubovi Edward J.
Published: December 2023

Objective

To describe the incidence of respiratory tract disease in dairy calves and to compare antibody titers and microbial isolates from transtracheal wash samples between calves with and without respiratory tract disease (cases and controls, respectively).

Design

Prospective observational cohort study, with matched case-control substudy.

Animals

410 dairy heifers; in substudy, 105 cases and 59 controls from the same population.

Procedure

Calves were examined weekly by a veterinarian during the first 3 months of life. Blood samples were collected for serologic testing at the first visit for each calf and during acute and convalescent periods for cases. Transtracheal wash samples also were obtained during the acute period from cases and controls.

Results

Incidence and case-fatality risk for clinician-diagnosed pneumonia were 25.6 and 2.2%, respectively. Mycoplasma sp and Pasteurella multocida together were isolated from 29% of cases and 11% of controls, and Mycoplasma sp alone from 7% of cases and 30% of controls (both P ≤ 0.05). From postcolostral to acute-phase serum samples, Mycoplasma dispar titers increased 1.3-fold among cases, compared with 0.7-fold among controls; from acute- to convalescent-phase samples, Μ dispar titers increased 2.4-fold among cases, compared with 5.6-fold among controls (both P ≤ 0.005).

Clinical Implications

Results of this study suggested a synergistic effect between Mycoplasma sp and P multocida and a possible initiative role of Μ dispar in the development of respiratory tract disease. Postcolostral total IgG values and antibody titers were not significantly different between cases and controls, implying that other factors have an important role in the development of respiratory tract disease. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 1996;208:2035-2042)
Risk factors associated with development of diarrhea in horses after celiotomy for colic: 190 cases (1990-1994)
Authors: Cohen Noah D. , Honnas Clifford M.
Published: December 2023

Objective

To determine the incidence of and risk factors for developing diarrhea in horses after celiotomy for colic.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Animals

357 adult horses that had celiotomy for colic at the teaching hospital between Jan 1, 1990 and Sep 1, 1994.

Procedure

Medical records of horses that had celiotomy for colic were reviewed to abstract information regarding development of diarrhea, signalment, history, and treatment.

Results

In horses that had celiotomy for colic, the incidence of diarrhea was 53.2% (190/357). Using multiple logistic regression, horses with a disorder of the large intestine were approximately twice as likely to develop diarrhea after celiotomy as horses that had surgery for other types of intestinal lesions (P < 0.001). Even after accounting for the effects of large intestinal surgery, horses that also had an enterotomy were approximately 1,5 times as likely to develop diarrhea (P = 0.042). Diarrhea in horses associated with duration > 2 days, isolation of Salmonella spp from feces, or leukopenia was categorized as being severe. Incidence of severe diarrhea was 27.5% (98/357). Using multiple logistic regression, horses that had surgery of the large intestine were approximately 2.5 times as likely to develop severe diarrhea after celiotomy as horses that had surgery for other types of intestinal lesions (P = 0.006). In horses that had celiotomy for colic, those that were fed grass hay were approximately half as likely to develop severe diarrhea as were horses that were not fed grass hay (P = 0.018).

Clinical Implications

Although the risk factors identified for the development of diarrhea are not alterable, knowledge of them will enable clinicians to better advise clients and to better prepare for medical management of horses after surgery. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 1996;209:810–813)
Validation of an immunoassay for canine thyroid-stimulating hormone and changes in serum concentration following induction of hypothyroidism in dogs
Authors: Williams David A. , Scott-Moncrieff J. Catharine , Bruner Joseph , Sustarsic Dennis , Panosian-Sahakian Niver , Unver Ercan , El Shami A. Said
Published: December 2023

Objective—

To validate a new immunoradiometric assay for canine thyroid-stimulating hormone (cTSH) and to document changes in serum cTSH concentration during induction of hypothyroidism in dogs.

Animals—

Six healthy adult male Beagles.

Procedure—

Sensitivity, specificity, precision, and accuracy of the cTSH assay were evaluated in vitro. Hypothyroidism was induced in dogs by IV administration of sodium iodide I 131 solution. Subsequently, l-thyroxine was administered orally to normalize serum thyroxine concentrations.

Results—

The cTSH assay appeared to be specific and was sufficiently sensitive to detect cTSH in the serum of these dogs prior to induction of hypothyroidism. There was a 35-fold increase in mean serum cTSH concentration following induction of hypothyroidism, and 35 days after initiation of thyroid replacement therapy, mean serum cTSH concentration was not significantly greater than mean baseline value.

Clinical Implications—

Assay of serum cTSH is likely to prove helpful in the differential diagnosis of primary, secondary, and tertiary hypothyroidism in dogs, and in monitoring response to thyroid hormone replacement treatment. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 1996;209:1730–1732)
Oxytetracycline residues in milk after intrauterine treatment of cows with retained fetal membranes
Authors: Dinsmore R. Page , Stevens Reyneld D. , Cattell Marguerita B. , Salman Mowafak D. , Sundlof Stephen F.
Published: December 2023

Objective—

To establish the maximum concentration and duration of oxytetracycline residues in milk from cows with retained fetal membranes given the antimicrobial via intrauterine infusion, and to investigate whether the number of infusions or the presence of fever (> 39.7 C) affected the duration of residues.

Design—

Prospective study.

Animals—

54 Holstein cows with retained fetal membranes on a single 1,400-cow commercial dairy.

Procedure—

Cows were treated once a day with 5 g of oxytetracycline (50 ml of 100 mg/ml solution in a povidone base) by intrauterine infusion for at least 2 days, or until the membranes were expelled. Cows that became febrile (rectal temperature > 39.7 C) were also given 20,000 IU of procaine penicillin G/kg of body weight, IM, for 2 to 4 days. Milk samples were collected at 24-hour intervals during treatment, and at 12-hour intervals after the last treatment. All samples were frozen and submitted every 2 weeks for high performance liquid chromatography analysis for oxytetracycline.

Results—

Oxytetracycline was detected in milk of all cows during treatment, at a maximum concentration ranging from 47.2 to 1,804.6 μg/kg (mean, 316.9 μg/kg). Duration of oxytetracycline residues after the last infusion ranged from 0 to 144 hours (mean, 52.3 hours). Neither the number of infusions received, nor development of rectal temperature > 39.7 C, affected the maximum concentration or the duration of oxytetracycline residues in milk.

Clinical Implications—

Milk obtained from cows that had been treated for retained fetal membranes by intrauterine infusion of oxytetracycline should be discarded to avoid illegal residues. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 1996;209:1753–1755)
Use of an amphotericin B lipid complex for treatment of blastomycosis in dogs
Authors: Krawiec Donald R. , McKiernan Brendan C. , Twardock A. Robert , Swenson Christine E. , Itkin Randall J. , Johnson Lynelle R. , Kurowsky Lisa K. , Marks Carol A.
Published: December 2023

Objective

To evaluate efficacy and nephrotoxicity of amphotericin B lipid complex used for treatment of dogs with naturally developing blastomycosis.

Design

Prospective clinical trial.

Animals

11 dogs with blastomycosis.

Procedure

All dogs were treated with an amphotericin B lipid complex. Two dogs received a cumulative dose of 8 mg/kg of body weight, 1 received a cumulative dose of 10 mg/kg, and 8 received a cumulative dose of 12 mg/kg.

Results

The 2 dogs that received a cumulative dose of 8 mg/kg and 1 of the dogs that received a cumulative dose of 12 mg/kg had a relapse of blastomycosis within 30 days after treatment. Seven of the remaining 8 dogs were clinically free of blastomycosis 6 months after treatment. One dog died of an unrelated cause 5.5 months after treatment, but did not have clinical signs of blastomycosis at the time of death. There were not any adverse clinical effects attributable to drug administration in any of the dogs in this study, and none of the dogs developed clinical signs of renal disease or failure.

Clinical Implications

Amphotericin B lipid complex was a safe and effective treatment for blastomycosis in these dogs. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 1996;209:2073–2075)
Comparison of blood pressure measurements obtained in dogs by use of indirect oscillometry in a veterinary clinic versus at home
Authors: Kallet Andrew J. , Cowgill Larry D. , Kass Philip H.
Published: December 2023

Objective

To compare blood pressure and heart rate measurements performed in a veterinary clinic to similar measurements performed in a dog's home.

Design

Prospective study.

Animals

14 client-owned, clinically normal dogs.

Procedure

Sequential blood pressure and heart rate measurements were recorded from the metatarsus and metacarpus of conscious dogs by indirect oscillometry. Measurements were performed in the dogs' homes and were repeated in a veterinary clinic. Blood pressures and heart rate were derived from 7 serial estimates over 8 to 10 minutes. Statistical differences between the home and clinic and between recording sites were calculated.

Results

Systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure and heart rate measurements obtained from the metatarsus and metacarpus in the dogs' homes were significantly lower than measurements from the metatarsus in the clinic, but were similar to measurements from the metacarpus in the clinic. Significant differences were not found between blood pressure measurements from the metatarsus and metacarpus in the dogs' homes, but systolic and mean blood pressure and heart rate measurements from the metacarpus in the clinic were significantly lower than measurements from the metatarsus. Whereas all dogs had normal blood pressure in their homes, 5 of 14 dogs had transient hypertension (systolic pressure > 165 mm of Hg or diastolic pressure > 95 mm of Hg) in the clinic.

Clinical Implications

Blood pressure and heart rate measurements obtained in the clinic initially overestimate comparable measurements in a dog's home. The differences are best explained by transient autonomic responses to the stress of the clinic. Blood pressure must be measured by use of standardized techniques on dogs acclimated to the clinic environment.
Analysis of prognostic factors and patterns of failure in dogs with malignant oral tumors treated with megavoltage irradiation
Authors: Théon Alain P. , Rodriguez Carlos , Madewell Bruce R.
Published: December 2023

Objective

To determine quality and duration of progression-free survival (PFS) time in dogs with malignant oral tumors after definitive megavoltage irradiation, to analyze prognostic factors for PFS time and patterns of failure, and to analyze the influence of tumor recurrence and development of metastasis on survival.

Design

Prospective clinical trial.

Animals

105 dogs with squamous cell carcinoma, fibrosarcoma, or malignant melanoma of the oral cavity without evidence of metastasis.

Procedure

Dogs were treated with 48 Gy over 4 weeks on an alternate-day schedule of 4 Gy/fraction. Multivariate analysis was done by use of Cox's regression model to determine significant prognostic factors and by use of a competing risk model to determine the differential effects of prognostic factors on type of, and time to, failure. In 8% of the dogs, severe acute radiation reactions in the final week of treatment resulted in treatment discontinuation. In 7.6% of the dogs, chronic radiation reactions, including bone necrosis and fistula formation, developed.

Results

Prognostic factors that independently affected PFS time were histologic type and tumor T stage. Histologic type significantly influenced pattern of failure, but not time to failure, whereas clinical stage significantly influenced time to failure, but not type of failure.

Clinical Implications

Irradiation was a safe and effective treatment of malignant oral tumors. Because the local efficacy of radiation was influenced only by tumor size, early treatment of oral tumors should improve the prognosis. In dogs without tumor recurrence, systemic metastases, rather than regional metastases, limited long-term survival after radiation therapy. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 1997;210:778–784
Complications associated with use of jejunostomy tubes in dogs and cats: 40 cases (1989-1994)
Authors: Swann Heather M. , Sweet David C. , Michel Kathryn
Published: December 2023

Objective—

To evaluate complications and outcomes of surgeries in which jejunostomy tUbes were used in critically ill dogs and cats.

Design—

Retrospective review of medical records.

Animals—

32 dogs and 8 cats.

Procedure—

In each animal, a 5-F or 8-F red rubber urethral/feeding catheter was surgically placed in the proximal portion of the jejunum.

Results—

The most common indication for jejunostomy tube placement in dogs was a gastrointestinal condition (20 dogs; 62.5%). Neoplasms were detected in 11 of the 20 dogs. Pancreatic disease was the most common indication for tube placement in cats (7 cats; 87.5%). Thirty-three animals (27 dogs, 6 cats; 82.5%) did not have complications. Five dogs and 2 cats had 10 tube-related complications, including focal cellulitis (3 dogs), tube dislodgement (2 dogs, 1 cat), and tube occlusion (1 dog, 1 cat). Twenty-four animals (20 dogs, 4 cats; 60%) were discharged from the hospital. Fifteen dogs and 4 cats were alive 2 weeks after discharge, and 5 dogs and 2 cats survived for at least 4 weeks after discharge. Deaths were related to disease and were not associated with jejunostomy tubes.

Clinical Implications—

The complication rate associated with jejunostomy tubes appears to be low. Complications usually are nonfatal. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 1997;210:1764–1767)
Acute hemorrhagic pulmonary infarction and necrotizing pneumonia in horses: 21 cases (1967-1993)
Authors: Carr Elizabeth A. , Carlson Gary P. , Wilson W. David , Read Deryk H.
Published: December 2023

Objective—

To characterize history, clinical signs, and pathologic findings in horses with histologically confirmed acute hemorrhagic pulmonary infarction and necrotizing pneumonia.

Design—

Retrospective study.

Animals—

21 horses.

Results—

19 of the 21 horses were Thoroughbred racehorses in training. Eighteen horses had had strenuous exercise immediately prior to onset of illness. Fifteen horses had a serosanguineous nasal discharge during hospitalization. Seventeen horses had radiographic evidence of pulmonary consolidation and pleural effusion. Nine of 14 horses had ultrasonographic evidence of large pulmonary parenchymal defects consistent with consolidation. Pleurocentesis yielded a suppurative, serosanguineous effusion in the 14 horses in which it was performed. Bacteria were isolated from all transtracheal aspirates (14) and from 6 of 12 pleural fluid samples. Actinobacillus suis-like organisms and Streptococcus equi subsp zooepidemicus were most commonly isolated. Nineteen horses were hospitalized and treated, Mean duration of treatment was 5 days, and most horses were euthanatized because of secondary complications, continued costs of medical treatment, or poor prognosis for future performance. Pathologic lesions included well-demarcated regions of hemorrhagic pulmonary infarction with necrosis and a serosanguineous pleural effusion. Thrombosis of pulmonary vessels was found in 11 horses.

Clinical Implications—

An acute or peracute onset of severe respiratory distress, with serosanguineous nasal discharge, ultrasonographic and radiographic evidence of severe pulmonary consolidation, and serosanguineous suppurative pleural effusion, is strongly suggestive of pulmonary infarction in horses. Horses with pulmonary infarction responded poorly to conventional treatment for pleuropneumonia and had a poor prognosis for recovery. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 1997;210:1774–1778)
Neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser treatment of cystic granula iridica in horses: Eight cases (1988–1996)
Authors: Gilger Brian C. , Davidson Michael G. , Nadelstein Brad , Nasisse Mark
Published: December 2023

Objective—

To determine clinical features of cystic granula indica in horses and outcome of horses treated with an ophthalmic neodymlum:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser.

Design—

Retrospective study.

Animals—

8 horses.

Procedure—

An ophthalmic Nd:YAG laser was used to deflate cysts in all horses.

Results—

Horses were examined because of visual impairment (n = 5), decreased jumping performance (2), or head shaking (1). Clinical signs associated with cysts resolved in all horses after treatment. Short-and long-term complications did not develop, and cysts did not recur.

Clinical Implications—

Cystic granula indica may cause vision impairment in horses. Treatment with an ophthalmic Nd:YAG laser appears to be safe and effective, (J Am Vet Med Assoc 1997;211:341–343)