bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment and control by vaccination of erysipelas in farmed emus (Dromaius novo‐hollandiae)
Authors: SWAN RA , LINDSEY MJ 
Published: March 2008

Objective To study erysipelas in farmed emus and the treatment and control of the disease by vaccination. Design A retrospective study of field outbreaks in emus and challenge experiments in mice using field and vaccine strains of the organism. Procedure Outbreaks of the disease were described. Field strains of the organism were identified and tested by challenge experiments in mice against commercial vaccine strains. Results Erysipelas was characterised by sudden death in yearling emus. Deaths mainly occurred during the cold wet months. Mortalities of 6 to 10% were seen within the first 7 to 10 days of an outbreak. Clinical signs were uncommon but some birds exhibited lethargy and greenish diarrhoea. Necropsy findings included marked petechial haemorrhages on the serosal surface of the large intestine in particular, pericardial effusion and congestion and mottling of the liver. Treatment consisted of individual or mass medication with procaine penicillin, reduction of stress factors such as overcrowding, and spelling and rotation of paddocks. Isolates from two field outbreaks were identified as strain 21. Complete protection was provided by a commercial strain 2b vaccine against challenge by strain 21 field isolates in mice. Annual vaccination of birds at 4 weeks and again at 8 weeks of age appeared to control further outbreaks on farms where the disease had previously occurred and vaccination appeared to protect for at least 12 months. Conclusion Treatment of birds with antibiotics may be feasible in the face of an outbreak. However, annual vaccination of birds with an appropriate vaccine is recommended.
Current distribution of sarcoptic mange in wombats
Authors: MARTIN RW , HANDASYDE KA , SKERRATT LF 
Published: March 2008

Objective To determine the distribution and prevalence of sarcoptic mange in wombats, particularly the common wombat (Vombatus ursinus). Design Questionnaire survey in two parts. Procedure Questionnaires were distributed to biologists, rangers, animal carers and naturalists. Part 1 of the questionnaire aimed to determine the present distribution of sarcoptic mange in wombats (103 responses). Part 2 invited respondents to assess the prevalence of sarcoptic mange in wombats over a 3 month period (four responses). Information on wombats from 66 localities was received. Each locality represented an area of about 2500 km2. Results Mange was observed at 93% of localities surveyed and Sarcoptes scabiei was present in common wombats at 52% of localities. Sarcoptic mange was highly prevalent (22%) in two common wombat populations in Victoria. Anecdotal evidence suggested that mange epizootics are sporadic, cause significant morbidity and mortality and have a substantial effect on local abundance. The respondents did not report sarcoptic mange in either northern hairy‐nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus krefftii) or southern hairy‐nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons). Conclusions Sarcoptic mange occurs in common wombat populations throughout the range of the common wombat including Tasmania and Flinders Island. While mange epizootics are sporadic, they have the potential to threaten the long‐term survival of small, remnant populations.
A cross‐sectional study of risk factors affecting the outcome of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus releases in New South Wales
Authors: LUGTON IW 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo determine what factors governed the extent of outbreaks of rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) following releases in New South Wales. DesignRetrospective cross‐sectional study. ProcedureInformation from the data set of offici al releases was subjected to two preliminary analyses. More comprehensive information on a subsample of official RHD releases, sites and animals was gathered by telephone survey of Rural Lands Protection Board staff and farmers. Data were analysed using multivariate techniques to determine which factors were associated with rabbit mortality within one month of RHDV release, within several months of release and in affecting the proportion of the population killed. ResultsAstrong association was found between the presence of heavy flea infestation (odds ratio 2.7), breeding in rabbits and outbreaks of RHD. For each week following breeding there was an 8% decline in the odds of an outbreak. Low temperatures also promoted outbreaks. Less important effects included the prior presence of RHD at the release site, which reduced the likelihood and severity of outbreaks. The presence of cattle and proximity to the nearest water body were associated with increased severity and likelihood of outbreaks respectively. ConclusionBoth breeding of rabbits and associated high flea numbers may act together or independently in promoting outbreaks of RHD. Stresses involved with rabbit reproduction and low environmental temperatures also appear to influence the likelihood of outbreaks. The effects of proximity to cattle and water suggests that both flies and mosquitoes may have a minor role in local transmission.
The arts in the lives of Australian veterinarians: a preliminary survey
Authors: HEATH TH , MANION BJ 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo assess the role of the arts in the lives of those veterinary students and veterinarians who could be found to be active in one or more of the arts. ProcedureVeterinary students and veterinarians active in the arts were sought by advertisement and personal contact. Respondents each completed a questionnaire, which was analysed using SAS. ResultsOf the 55 respondents (43 veterinarians; 12 students), 73% were involved in music, 31% in theatre, 27% in writing and 15% art, but for more than 80% this occupied no more than 10 hours/week, about one quarter of the time for veterinary work. Although most would like to spend more time on the artistic activity, this was generally limited by the need to earn an income from veterinary work. Music and drama provided satisfaction, variety, and relaxation while catering to creative needs. A creative outlet and satisfaction was very important for writers as well, but they also valued the intellectual stimulation. A complex relationship existed between the artistic and the veterinary activities, but the nature of this relationship varied both between type of artistic activity, and the person concerned. ConclusionsVeterinary science and the arts can complement one another with each making important contributions to the person and the artistic field involved, even though limitations of time for the arts may cause frustration.
Seasonal vitamin D status of Greyhounds in Sydney
Authors: LAING CJ , MALIK R. , WIGNEY DI , FRASER DR 
Published: March 2008

Objectives To survey the vitamin D status of a population of Greyhounds in New South Wales, and to establish a refer ence range for plasma 25(OH)D. To investigate whether any seasonal fluctuation in vitamin D status is detectable in these animals.Design Vitamin D status was assessed in Greyhounds and crossbred dogs presented to the University of Sydney for teaching purposes over a 24 month period.Procedures Plasma 25(OH)D concentration was measured as an estimate of vitamin D status. Physical exami nation and plasma calcium concentration were used to verify the health of the animals, particularly with respect to metabolic bone disease.Results A plasma 25(OH)D concentration range of 10 to 76 nmol/L was found in healthy adult Greyhounds. There was no sex‐ or season‐dependent variation in vitamin D status in Greyhounds. Concentrations in crossbred dogs did not differ significantly from those in Greyhounds.Conclusion The reference range for plasma 25(OH)D concentration in Greyhound dogs is similar to that previously reported for humans. It would seem that healthy dogs in the Sydney region do not exhibit a seasonal fluctuation in their vitamin D status.
Plasma cortisol concentrations following cortisone infusion in dogs before and after treatment with cortisone acetate
Authors: CHURCH DB , EMSLIE DR , WATSON ADJ 
Published: March 2008

Objective To evaluate effects of iatrogenic hyperadrenocorticism on plasma cortisol concentrations produced by an infusion of hydrocortisone in dogs.ProcedurePlasma cortisol concentrations were measured regularly during a 6 h infusion of hydrocortisone sodium succinate at two dose rates. The infusions were performed before and after treatment for 30 d with oral cortisone acetate at 10 mg/kg/24 h, divided thrice daily. Adrenal activity during the experimental period was assessed by weekly ACTH stimulation tests.ResultsBoth infusion rates produced lower plasma cortisol concentrations after treatment for 30 d with cortisone.ConclusionPrior exposure to high concentrations of glucocorticoids may result in accelerated metabolism of glucocorticoids administered subsequently. This may necessitate increased dosages when using glucocorticoids to support inadequate adrenal function.
Economic evaluation of three anthelmintic strategies for lamb flocks affected by benzimidazole‐resistant nematodes
Authors: MACCHI C , MORRIS RS , PFEIFFER DU , BECKETT S 
Published: March 2008

Objective To compare the profitability of three anthelmintic strategies in growing lambs in flocks with nematodes resistant to benzimidazole anthelmintics.MethodA partial‐budgeting analysis was carried out by means of a stochastic simulation model, which allows inputs to be described as distributions rather than as fixed values, and hence permits variation between farms to be considered in the analysis.ResultsThe results show that control of nematode parasites by use of an effective anthelmintic provides the highest net returns, yielding a margin over ineffectively treated lambs of A$114 per 100 lambs on average. Suppressive treatment based on the administration of two controlled‐release capsules and monthly with moxidectin resulted in an average loss of A$131 per 100 lambs in comparison with animals treated with an ineffective anthelmintic. Analysis of the results from capsule‐treated lambs did not take into account the unmeasured benefits associated with less contamination of pastures. Sensitivity analysis using a stochastic model indicates that apart from the effect of treatment on weight gain variation in carcase price greatly influences the profitability of all the parasite control programs examined.ConclusionThe results suggest that it is economically important for farmers to adjust their strategy in the presence of anthelmintic resistance. But as a result of uncertainty in the factors influencing economic return, the expected economic benefit is likely to vary substantially.
Persistent atrial standstill in a cat
Authors: GAVAGHAN BJ , KITTLESON MD , McALOOSE D 
Published: March 2008

A domestic shorthaired cat was presented with a 1‐month history of cardiomegaly and recurrent chylothorax. The heart rate was 130 beats/min and no P waves were present on a surface electrocardiogram. Thoracic radiographs and an echocardiogram demonstrated severe biatrial dilatation, pleural effusion and restrictive pleural disease. Permanent atrial standstill was suspected. Pleurocentesis was performed and therapy was started with enalapril, frusemide and aspirin.Intracardiac electrograms revealed no atrial activity, and atrial pacing failed to elicit atrial or ventricular depolarisations. The patient was euthanased. Necropsy showed severe atrial wall thinning with marked cardiocyte loss. Persistent atrial standstill is a rare disease in the cat. Clinical signs may have been due to loss of atrial function, ventricular diastolic dysfunction, bradycardia, neurohormonal activation and reduced atrial natriuretic peptide plasma concentrations.
Physical, chemical and biological hazards in veterinary practice
Authors: JEYARETNAM J. , JONES H. 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo identify major occupational hazards encountered by veterinarians and their staff in practice in Australia.ProcedureA literature search of Medical (MEDLINE), Occupational Health and Safety (OSHRAM) and Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL) electronic data bases plus continual monitoring utilising the Uncover alerting system using the key words, 'occupational injury, 'occupational disease and 'safety linked with use of the word 'veterinarians has found relevant articles. Personal communication with people who have undertaken studies on occupational safety in veterinarians elicited further information.Conclusion and recommendationsVeterinarians often sustain animal‐related injuries, the most common of which are dog and cat bites, cat scratches and being hit or crushed by large animals. The most costly to treat include strains and back injuries. Most veterinarians treat themselves. There is no single reporting system for injuries or disease in veterinarians and reported cases may greatly underestimate the total. There is a need to assess accurately the occupational hazards in veterinary practice, to determine the actual occurrence of injuries and to develop strategies to prevent them.
Effect on systemic antibody concentrations of topical application of choleratoxin to skin of sheep
Authors: COPE RB , COLDITZ IG 
Published: March 2008

Objective To examine the ability of a vaccine formulation combining choleratoxin with an experimental antigen to induce a systemic antibody response when applied topically on unbroken skin of sheep. Design Seven treatment groups of five adult sheep received systemic or topical priming followed 4 weeks later by systemic or topical boosting with choleratoxin and/or bovine serum albumin. Topical vaccines were administered to clipped skin on the ventral abdomen for 2 h. Booster immunisations were repeated 8 weeks after initial boosting. Serum antibody titres to choleratoxin and bovine serum albumin were determined by ELISA. Results An antibody response to choleratoxin was observed in serum, but no antibody response to bovine serum albumin was detected. Conclusion Transdermal delivery may be feasible for livestock vaccines, however, further work is necessary to develop formulations that induce protective immunity by this route.
Congenital caudal vertebral malformations in the alpaca (Lama pacos)
Authors: VAUGHAN JL , LONSDALE RA , JACKSON G , RYAN DP 
Published: March 2008

Objective To assess radiologically the caudal vertebrae of a male alpaca with an abnormal tail, and nine of his offspring. Procedure Right lateral and ventrodorsal radiographs were taken of the caudal vertebrae. Results The caudal vertebral abnormalities in these alpacas included vertebral subluxation, hemivertebrae, wedge hemivertebrae and block vertebrae. Conclusion These malformations in offspring of one sire suggest a hereditary basis for congenital caudal vertebral malformations in the alpaca.
Feline inductive odontogenic tumour in a Burmese cat
Authors: BEATTY JA , CHARLES JA , MALIK R , FRANCE MP , HUNT GB 
Published: March 2008

A 7‐month‐old, male, Burmese cat was presented with an oral mass that had rapidly regrown following excisional biopsy 3 weeks earlier. The tumour was identified by histological examination as a feline inductive odontogenic tumour. A unilateral segmental mandibulectomy was performed. Although dental malocclusion resulted from mandibular drift to the operated side, the cat displayed minimal dysphagia post‐operatively and there was no evidence of tumour regrowth 8 months after surgery.Feline inductive odontogenic tumour is a rare dental tumour described exclusively in cats under 3‐years‐of‐age.1Although histopathologically benign, feline inductive odontogenic tumour grows by expansion and can infiltrate underlying bone to cause considerable local destruction. This article is intended to increase awareness of this unusual tumour which, with complete surgical excision, carries a good prognosis. It also emphasises the importance of obtaining a histological diagnosis from oral mass lesions to direct appropriate therapy and to provide an accurate prognosis.
Effect of the microclimate on horses during international air transportation in an enclosed container
Authors: THORNTON J 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo determine if the microclimate is detrimental to horses during international air transportation in an enclosed container.ProcedureOn each of two 12 h and two 24 h flights three horses were transported in an enclosed container designed to prevent exposure to insect vectors. Heart rates were monitored throughout and blood samples were collected periodically. Air in the container was sampled for bacteria and fungal spores and the temperature and relative humidity were recorded inside and outside the container periodically during the flight. On the two 12 h flights similar observations were made on three horses transported in regular open containers, which were used as controls.ResultsHeart rates during the flights reflected any agitation of the horses. Agitation was only mild and generally associated with take‐off and landing. There were no changes in haematological or blood biochemical values that suggested any detrimental effects of the flights. The temperature in the Airstable(r) was relatively constant during each flight (means ranged from 18.7 to 23.4°C) and was significantly warmer than in the cargo hold (range 13.9 to 18.3°C). Relative humidity fluctuated more widely and reflected the ambient humidity during airport stops. The numbers of bacteria and fungal spores in the Airstable® air varied during the flights but were of no apparent significance to the horses' health.ConclusionThe Airstable® proved a convenient means to transport horses on international flights and caused no discernible ill effects on the horses studied.
Bacterial infection of the lower respiratory tract in 34 horses
Authors: RACKLYEFT DJ , LOVE DN 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo investigate associations between the bacteriology and aspects of history, clinical presentation, outcome and pathology of lower respiratory tract disease of 34 horses.ProcedureDetailed aerobic and anaerobic bacteriological investigations were performed on clinical specimens from horses with pneumonia, lung abscessation and necrotic pneumonia with or without pleurisy in an attempt to identify those bacteria that might contribute to the initiation and progression of infection.ResultsBacteria were cultured from 33 of the 34 horses. In ten cases, only aerobic/facultatively anaerobic isolates were cultured while aerobic/facultatively anaerobic bacteria and obligately anaerobic bacteria were isolated in the other 23 cases. Moderate to large numbers of anaerobic bacteria were isolated only when the estimated duration of illness was at least five days. Bacteria were not cultured from 12 of the pleural fluid samples but were always cultured from pulmonary samples (either transtracheal aspirates from live horses or pulmonary lesions at necropsy).Streptococcus equisubspzooepidemicuswas isolated in the three cases where only one bacterial species was cultured. In the other 30 cases, multiple species were isolated. These included most often and in greatest numbers,Streptococcus equisubspzooepidemicus, Pasteurellaceae, Escherichia coli, anaerobic cocci,Eubacterium fossor, Bacteroides tectum, Prevotella heparinolytica, Fusobacteriumspp, and pigmented members of the generaPrevotellaandPorphyromonas.Aerobic/facultatively anaerobic organisms were isolated from 97% of horses, while obligately anaerobic organisms were cultured from 68% of horses.ConclusionThere was no association between the isolation of any specific bacterium and the outcome of disease. However, obligately anaerobic bacteria (such as anaerobic cocci,Bacteroides tectum, P heparinolyticaandFusobacteriumspp) and the facultatively anaerobic speciesEscherichia coli, were recovered more commonly from horses that died or were euthanased than from those that survived. There was an association between failure of horses to recover from pleuropneumonia and delay in diagnosis and initiation of treatment.
Vaccination against paratuberculosis of lambs already infected experimentally withMycobacterium aviumsubspeciesparatuberculosis
Authors: GWOZDZ JM , THOMPSON KG , MANKTELOW BW , MURRAY A , WEST DM 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo assess the protective value of a live‐attenuated vaccine in sheep already exposed toMycobacterium aviumsubspparatuberculosisand to investigate the progression of a systemic immune response in experimentally infected sheep.Study designTwenty‐eight lambs, aged 1 to 1.5 months, were dosed via stomach tube with approximately 4.4 X 108M a paratuberculosisorganisms. Two weeks later, 14 of these 28 animals received subcutaneous injections of 1 mL of a live‐attenuated vaccine. Thirteen additional lambs were neither dosed nor vaccinated (negative controls). Antigen‐induced production of IFN‐γ in blood, and antibody concentrations in serum were sequentially monitored in vaccinated, unvaccinated and control animals for 1 year. Each sheep was examined for infection by an IS900‐based PCR test on samples of ileum and ileocaecal lymph node and histological examination at the time of necropsy.ResultsSeven of 14 unvaccinated and two of 14 vaccinated sheep developed clinical paratuberculosis that was later confirmed by histological examination and/or the IS900‐based PCR test. The granulomatous inflammation in the jejunal and ileal mucosa was less severe in vaccinated than in unvaccinated sheep. Acid‐fast organisms were detected only in the unvaccinated group. The PCR assay on ileal samples gave positive reactions in two vaccinated and eight unvaccinated sheep. Both the antibody response and IFN‐γ response were detected earlier and were more substantial in vaccinated than in unvaccinated sheep. Furthermore, in experimentally infected but unvaccinated sheep, the IFN‐γ concentrations were higher in those animals without acid‐fast organisms than in those with them.ConclusionsVaccination of lambs with live‐attenuated vaccine 2 weeks after oral inoculation withM a paratuberculosisstimulated the host response against the organism and led to a reduced mycobacterial burden. The diminished IFN‐γ responses in experimentally infected sheep with acid‐fast organisms suggest a positive relationship between the magnitude of the systemic cell‐mediated immune response and an animal's ability to control infection.
Comparison of DNA probe test and cultivation methods for detection of Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis in caprine and ovine faeces
Authors: DIMARELI‐MALLI Z , SARRIS K 
Published: March 2008

Objective To compare a DNA probe test with two cultivation methods for the detection ofMycobacterium aviumsubspparatuberculosisin goat and sheep faeces.Design Comparison of the results of the three methods with histological examination as the reference standard.Procedure Faecal specimens were obtained from goats and sheep originating from flocks known to be affected with paratuberculosis and tested forMycobacterium aviumsubspparatuberculosiswith a DNA probe test and two cultivation methods (old conventional culture and new double incubation method in Herrold's and Lowenstein‐Jensen medium).Results In goats, the sensitivity of the various tests were for the DNA probe test 17.2%, for the double incubation culture method 25.4% and for the old conventional culture method 22.8% using the histopathological results as reference. In sheep the sensitivity of the various tests were for the DNA probe test 13.2%, for the double incubation culture method 8.8% and for the old conventional culture method 5.9% using the histopathological results as reference. The specificity of the above tests was 100% in goats and sheep and the specificity of the double incubation culture method in goats was 91%.Conclusions The DNA probe test is a rapid and specific test that could be used in a control program if the sensitivity of the test were improved and possibly in combination with another test.