bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immune response to avian reovirus in chickens and protection against experimental infection
Authors: MEANGER J. , WICKRAMASINGHE R. , ENRIQUEZ CE , WILCOX GE 
Published: March 2008

Objectives To assess the efficacy of the vaccination procedure and the effect of the transfer of maternal antibodies to progeny chickens on reovirus pathogenicity. Design To vaccinate chickens and challenge progeny chickens with high doses of homologous and heterologous viruses. Procedure High doses of reovirus strains RAM‐1, 1091 and 724 were used to induce tenosynovitis lesions. High doses were produced by concentration of viruses grown in cell culture. Then similar doses of viruses were used to challenge immunised chickens progeny. Result Vaccination of breeding hens with the RAM‐1 strain of avian reovirus, which resulted in the passive transfer of neutralising antibody to progeny chickens, completely prevented the development of tenosynovitis in 80% of progeny chickens infected with the homologous virus. Even though multiple injection of hens resulted in broadening of the normal type‐specificity of the neutralising antibody response against heterologous serotypes of avian reovirus, only marginal protection against strains of two heterologous serotypes of avian reovirus was obtained. Conclusions A model for assessing the efficacy of vaccination against avian reovirus strains on clinical signs such as tenosynovitis was developed that overcome the normal low virulence of Australian strains of avian reovirus. Breeding hens can be immunised with Australian strain of avian reovirus with passive transfer of antibody via the yolk to the progeny chickens. Although the neutralising antibody response to three injections of inactivated virus decreased the specificity of the neutralising antibody response against antigenically heterologous strains of avian reovirus, the protective immunity appeared to retain type‐specificity.
Use of drama in teaching the human side of veterinary practice
Authors: MILLS JN 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo describe a teaching experiment in which fifth year veterinary students were given the opportunity, using dramatic scenarios, to consider ways of dealing with emotive issues relevant to veterinary practice, that demand good communication skills.DesignWorkshops were devised using dramatised scenarios of several critical incidents in practice, including euthanasia. A clinical psychologist and several veterinary practitioners participated in discussions. Both live performances and video scenarios were presented to fifth year veterinary students and were followed by group discussions. Each workshop was evaluated and modifications were made where necessary.ResultsThe teaching format involving drama was well received. The combination of drama and discussion was more effective than a formal talk and discussion, provoking animated participation and maintaining audience attention. The majority of students considered that comments and advice from attending veterinarians were the most useful parts of the workshops in preparing them for veterinary practice. The large audience (up to 45 attendees) was considered to be desirable for enhancing discussion. Requests for more similar sessions were made by students.ConclusionDrama was found to be a satisfactory modality in teaching communication skills in preparing veterinary students for practice.
Microsporidia (Encephalitozoon cuniculi) in wild rabbits in Australia
Authors: THOMAS C. , FINN M. , TWIGG L. , DEPLAZES P. , THOMPSON RCA 
Published: March 2008

Objective To determine the prevalence of infection with Encephalitozoon cuniculii n wild rabbit populations in Western Australia, and to isolate the organism from seropositive rabbits. Design Serological screening of wild and clinically affected domestic rabbit populations. Sample population Eighty‐one wild rabbits from southwestern Western Australia and 29 laboratory rabbits. Procedure Indirect immunofluorescence antibody technique and in‐vitro amplification of parasite isolates in fibroblast cultures. Results Of the 81 wild rabbits and 29 laboratory rabbits, 20 and 22 respectively, had antibodies to E cuniculi. E cuniculi from the urine of one seropositive laboratory rabbit and from brain and kidney tissues of eight and five seropositive laboratory and wild rabbits respectively were isolated in fibroblast cultures. Conclusion
E cuniculi infection has been shown for the first time to be prevalent in wild rabbits in Australia. Techniques have been developed for the isolation and culture of the causative agent. Comparative studies can now be undertaken to determine risk factors for clinical disease in domestic rabbits and the relationship among E cuniculi isolates from wild and domestic rabbits.
Experimental Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar hardjo infection of pregnant cattle
Authors: SMITH CR , McGOWAN MR , McCLINTOCK CS , CORNEY BG , KETTERER PJ , SMYTHE L. , WARD W. 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo observe the effect upon the foetus of experimental infection of pregnant cattle withLeptospira borg‐peterseniiserovarhardjo.DesignA disease transmission study using pregnant cattle.ProcedureFourteen heifers serologically negative toL hardjowere artificially inseminated and later challenged with a north‐Queensland isolate ofL hardjoby conjunctival inoculation. The heifers were serologically monitored and their urine examined for the presence of leptospires using culture and fluorescent‐antibody tests at appropriate intervals. Elective caesarean sections were performed on pregnant heifers at 6.5 weeks after the challenge. Foetuses were examined using serological, histopathological, microbiological and fluorescent‐antibody tests.ResultsTen of the heifers became pregnant, but three subsequently aborted before challenge. After challenge, all 14 heifers seroconverted andL hardjowas isolated from the urine of 6 of the 7 pregnant heifers. No evidence of foetalL hardjoinfection was detected. Two of the foetuses had histopatho‐logical lesions consistent withNeosporas p infection.ConclusionIt is likely that the isolate ofL hardjoused in this study does not normally infect the foetus.Neosporas p may be a more significant cause of bovine reproductive wastage.
Evaluation of a PCR assay for identification and differentiation of Campylobacter fetus subspecies
Authors: HUM S. , QUINN K. , BRUNNER J. , ON SLW 
Published: March 2008

Objective To evaluate a polymerase chain reaction assay for identification of Campylobacter fetus and differentiation of the defined subspecies. Design Characterisation of bacterial strains by traditional phenotyping, polymerase chain reaction, a probabilistic identification scheme and macrorestriction profiling using pulsed field gel electrophoresis. Procedure The results of identification of 99 bacterial strains as determined by conventional phenotyping or by poly‐merase chain reaction were compared. Two of these were type strains of C fetus subsp fetus and C fetus subsp venerealis; the remaining strains were field isolates putatively identified as C fetus. In cases where the subspecies identity was disputed, isolates were identified by means of a probabilistic identification scheme and by macrorestriction profiling. Results The agreement between strain identities initially suggested by traditional phenotypic methods and the PCR assay was found to be 80.8%. The polymerase chain reaction proved to be a reliable technique for the species and subspecies identification of C fetus; equivocal results were obtained in only two instances. Initial misidentifications by conventional phenotyping methods were attributed to methodological differences used in various laboratories. Conclusion Our results indicate that misidentification of C fetus i n routine diagnostic laboratories may be relatively common. The PCR assay evaluated gave rapid and reproducible results and is thus a valuable adjunctive method for the identification of C fetus and subsequent subspecies differentiation.
Longitudinal study of career plans and directions of veterinary students and recent graduates during the first five years after graduation
Authors: HEATH TJ 
Published: March 2008

ObjectivesTo determine the patterns of work undertaken by veterinarians during the first 5 years after graduation, and to study the background to career decisions.DesignLongitudinal study.PopulationVeterinarians (119) who started the veterinary course at The University of Queensland in 1985 and 1986, and who responded to a mailed questionnaire 5 years after they graduated.ProcedureQuestionnaires were completed in the first and fifth year of the veterinary course, and in the second and after the fifth year after graduation. The data were coded numerically and analysed using the SAS System for Windows.ResultsMost respondents (61%) planned to work in mixed practice and 61% entered mixed practice initially, but only 39% of these (26% of the total) remained in mixed practice after 5 years. Those who had grown up on a farm which derived primary income from animals were more likely to enter mixed practice, but half of this group had left mixed practice after 5 years. Most decisions to change career direction involved a move away from negative factors including inadequate private time and/or rewards, issues involving other people including the practice principal and sometimes clients, or aspects of the work itself. However, some cited positive reasons, including opportunities to learn, to help others or to travel. There were no significant differences between males and females in the numbers entering mixed practice or leaving it, or entering small animal practice, or in attitudes to many issues involving veterinarians. However, more females than males found their remuneration too small, and females did receive significantly smaller incomes than males.ConclusionsMost graduating veterinarians, especially those from farms with animals, seek to enter mixed practice initially. Negative experiences are mainly responsible for moves to small animal practice. Gender does not affect the distribution of young veterinarians between mixed and small animal practice.
Chondrodysplasia in Australian Dexter cattle
Authors: HARPER PAW , LATTER MR , NICHOLAS FW , COOK RW , GILL PA 
Published: March 2008

Objective To describe the occurrence of chondrodysplasia in Australian Dexter cattle. Design A pathological and genetic case report. Procedure Congenital lethal chondrodysplasia was studied in two female Dexter foetuses aborted mid to late gestation. Clinicopathological findings including histological changes in limb bones, and analysis of pedigree information were evaluated. Results Characteristic features of congenital lethal chon‐drodysplasia (Dexter bulldog) include abortion, disproportionate dwarfism, a short vertebral column, marked micromelia, a relatively large head with retruded muzzle, cleft palate and protruding tongue and a large abdominal hernia. Histological changes in limb bones are consistent with failure of endochondral ossification. Dexter chondrodysplasia is considered to be inherited in an incompletely dominant manner with the homozygous form producing the congenital lethal condition. A preliminary minimum estimate of heterozy‐gote frequency is 19% within the registered Australian Dexter herd, based on analysis of the contribution of three obligate heterozygotes whose semen has been widely used by artificial insemination in Australia. Conclusion Dexter chondrodysplasia is present in Australian cattle and further cases of the homozygous form, congenital lethal chondrodysplasia, are likely to occur. Recommendation It is requested that spleen and liver tissue from bulldog foetuses and blood from their parents be collected to assist research into Dexter chondrodysplasia.
Plasma cortisol responses to three cortico‐trophic preparations in normal dogs
Authors: WATSON ADJ , CHURCH DB , EMSLIE DR , FOSTER SF 
Published: March 2008

Objective To compare cortisol responses to three corticotrophic preparations in normal dogs. Animals Eight clinically normal dogs (four intact males, four intact females) of medium size. Procedures Each dog received four treatments on four separate occasions in a duplicated Latin square pattern. Treatments were two adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH) preparations given intramuscularly at 2.2 U/kg, one of the ACTH preparations given intramuscularly at 1 U/kg and a synthetic polypeptide with ACTH‐like activity (tetracosactrin, cosyntropin) given intravenously at 5 μg/kg. Plasma samples were taken for cortisol assay before and at 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 h after treatment. Results Plasma cortisol concentrations were similar with the two ACTH preparations and at both dose rates. Tetracosactrin produced smaller mean peak cortisol concentrations, which tended to occur earlier than with ACTH, and smaller values for the area under the curve of plasma cortisol concentration from zero time to 4 h. Conclusion The findings suggest that canine adrenal function can be tested adequately by giving ACTH intramuscularly at 1 U/kg and measuring plasma cortisol in samples taken at 0 and 2 h, or by giving tetracosactrin intravenously at 5 μg/kg and determining cortisol concentration at 0 and 1 h.
Effects of local anaesthesia of 4 to 8 hours duration on the acute cortisol response to scoop dehorning in calves
Authors: McMEEKAN CM , MELLOR DJ , STAFFORD KJ , BRUCE RA , WARD RN , GREGORY NG 
Published: March 2008

Objective To determine the effect of a long‐acting local anaesthetic on the plasma cortisol response in calves dehorned using a scoop. Design A physiological study with controls. Procedure Seventy female calves, 3 to 4 months old, were divided into seven groups and dehorned by scoop with or without a long acting local anaesthetic (bupivacaine) which provides local anaesthesia for 3 to 4 h. In some treatment groups the local anaesthetic was given a second time, after 4 h, to give 8 h of anaesthesia. Blood samples were taken before and for 9 h after treatment and plasma cortisol concentrations were measured. Results Scoop dehorning caused a marked rise in plasma cortisol concentration, which returned to pre‐dehorning values after 7 h. The cortisol concentrations of calves given bupiva‐caine were similar to those of control animals for 4 h after dehorning, but then a significant and protracted rise occurred, with concentrations returning to pretreatment values at about 9 h after dehorning. In calves given a second treatment of bupivacaine 4 h after dehorning, the plasma cortisol concentration remained similar to control values for 8 h after dehorning but then increased sharply. Conclusions During its period of activity long‐acting local anaesthetic prevented the rise usually seen after scoop dehorning in plasma cortisol concentrations; by inference it also alleviated the pain‐induced distress caused by this procedure. However, when its effects had worn off the plasma cortisol values rose sharply indicating that animals still experienced pain‐induced distress despite local anaesthetic being administered.
Ovine Johne's disease: the risk associated with sheep imported into Western Australia
Authors: HIGGS ARB , HAWKINS CD 
Published: March 2008

Objective To assess the risk of Johne's disease not being detected in sheep imported from New South Wales into Western Australia. Design A stochastic simulation model. Procedure The process of importing sheep was broken down into steps and numbers or probabilities assigned to each. Controls on the movement of sheep included surveillance tests in source flocks and serological tests on sheep in consignments before and after transportation to Western Australia. The model calculated the risk of occurrence of Johne's disease in Western Australia and the success of the agar gel immunodiffusion test in identifying consignments with infected sheep. Results Negative surveillance tests in source flocks reduced the risk to about one twentieth of that when no surveillance tests were required. On average, Johne's disease was predicted to be introduced once in every 3 to 7 years when no testing of either the source flock or the sheep in consignments was required. When negative surveillance tests only were required the interval increased to once in every 63 to 111 years and, with the additional requirement that all sheep in each consignment must have a negative test before and after transport, the interval further increased to once in every 125 to 333 years. When only sheep in consignments were tested, the interval was calculated to be 8 to 14 years. Conclusion A requirement that imports be derived from flocks which had negative surveillance tests to Johne's disease would provide significantly greater protection for the sheep industry in Western Australia.
Coprological methods for the diagnosis of Anoplocephala perfoliata infection of the horse
Authors: WILLIAMSON RMC , BEVERIDGE I. , GASSER RB 
Published: March 2008

Objective To compare the sensitivities of three coprological techniques for the diagnosis of Anoplocephala perfoliata infection in horses and to assess the value of the methods for diagnosis of horses at risk of clinical cestodiasis. Design Faecal samples were collected from necropsied horses with or without A perfoliata infection and examined using one sedimentation and two different flotation methods. The coprological results were compared with worm counts performed at necropsy of the horses and the degree of mucosal damage. In addition, the efficiency of recovery of A perfoliata eggs from faeces was tested. Results The overall sensitivities of the methods ranged from 22.5 to 37.5%, and the capacity of the methods to diagnose infection increased with the intensity of infection. A simple flotation method achieved a better sensitivity (37.5%) at all intensities of infection compared with the other two methods (22.5 to 25%). That method was also more sensitive in detecting eggs in ‘negative’ faecal samples spiked with known numbers of A perfoliata eggs. Conclusion The results indicated that, despite the low sensitivities of present methods, faecal flotation is likely to be of value in detecting horses at risk of clinical disease.
Seroprevalence of equine herpesvirus 1 in Thoroughbred foals before and after weaning
Authors: GILKERSON JR , LOVE DN , DRUMMER HE , STUDDERT MJ , WHALLEY JM 
Published: March 2008

Objective To investigate the seroprevalence of equine herpesvirus 1 in foals around weaning and after weaning on two large Thoroughbred farms using a type‐specific enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay to determine exposure to infection. Design A longitudinal population study in groups of Thoroughbred weanling foals. Study population Two hundred weanling Thoroughbred foals from a population of about 380 foals were enrolled on two adjacent stud farms in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales. Foals on both farms were weaned from February to May 1995 into randomly selected groups of 10 to 15 foals. Farms were selected because of their willingness to cooperate in the survey and because their detailed records of foals and their movements. They were representative of well‐managed large Thoroughbred stud farms in New South Wales. Both studs had upper respiratory tract disease among weanling foals around weaning each year although the sero‐prevalence of viral respiratory disease on either farm was not known before the study. Procedure Serum was collected from foals within each group at fortnightly intervals from 9th February until 1st June 1995, and at a single follow‐up period in August 1995. Each sample was tested in triplicate using an antibody‐detection ELISA which is type‐specific for EHV‐1 and EHV‐4 antibodies. Results and conclusions There was serological evidence of EHV‐1 infection both before and after weaning. The prevalence of EHV‐1 antibody in the sample population increased during the study and individual cases of EHV‐1 infection were identified. The increase was caused both by the seroconversion of foals within the groups and by the recruitment into the study of foals with pre‐existing EHV‐1 antibody. Evidence of EHV‐1 infection in Thoroughbred foals after weaning has not been reported previously in Australia and this has implications for vaccination regimens.
Relationship between diet, dental calculus and periodontal disease in domestic and feral cats in Australia
Authors: CLARKE DE , CAMERON A. 
Published: March 2008

Objective To compare the dental calculus scores and prevalence of periodontal disease in domestic cats eating commercially available canned and dry foods with those in feral cats consuming a diet consisting of small mammals, birds, reptiles and insects. Animals Twenty‐nine feral cats and 20 domestic cats were included in the study. Procedure A dental chart and dental calculus scores were recorded using the maxillary canine, maxillary third and fourth premolar, mandibular canine, mandibular fourth premolar and first molar teeth on both sides. Periodontal disease was recorded using gingival recession, increased periodontal pocket formation, radiographic alveolar bone loss, osteomyelitis, furcation and root exposure, and the presence of calculus as indicators. Results Dental calculus scores were significantly higher in domestic cats than in feral cats. There was no statistical difference in the prevalence of periodontal disease between the two groups. Conclusion It can be inferred that diet may play a role in the accumulation of calculus, but a diet based on live prey does not protect cats against periodontal disease.
Effect of desmopressin on plasma factor VIII and von Willebrand factor concentrations in Greyhounds
Authors: SATO I. , PARRY BW 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo determine the effect of 1‐Deamino‐8‐D‐argi‐nine vasopressin on plasma concentrations of von Willebrand factor and factor VIII in Greyhound blood donors, and to compare the response of 1‐Deamino‐8‐D‐arginine vaso‐pressin injection on plasma concentrations of von Willebrand factor between groups with different resting plasma concentrations of von Willebrand factor.AnimalsFifteen Greyhound blood donors were used. Dogs were grouped into three categories depending on their von Willebrand factor concentrations.ProcedureDesmopressin was administered subcuta‐neously at 1 mg/kg to all dogs. Plasma von Willebrand factor and factor VIII concentrations were measured before and 10, 20, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 min after desmopressin injection.ResultsThe von Willebrand factor and factor VIII concentrations in all dogs increased significantly and remained higher than base‐line throughout the 2 h period.ConclusionDesmopressin is useful in increasing von Willebrand factor concentrations in Greyhound blood donors, including those with low resting concentrations.