bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterisation of lymphosarcomas in Australian cats using polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical examination
Authors: WANG J , KYAW‐TANNER M , LEE C , ROBINSON WF 
Published: March 2008

Objective To examine tumour tissue of cats with lymphosarcoma for the presence of feline leukaemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus and analyse the immunophenotype of the tumours.Design A retrospective study of feline lymphosarcoma cases.Methods Formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tumour tissue of 14 feline lymphosarcomas was examined for the presence of feline leukaemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus by polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. Using polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies against T and B lymphocytes, the phenotypic expression of the tumours was characterised.Results No feline leukaemia virus antigen or proviral sequences were detected. Feline immunodeficiency virus proviral sequences were detected in two cases by polymerase chain reaction. Immunophenotyping of all 14 cases resulted in seven cases being classified as B‐cell phenotype, four as T‐cell phenotype, and the remaining three undetermined.Conclusions In contrast to previous reports overseas, our results suggest that feline leukaemia virus infection appears to be an infrequent cause of lymphosarcoma in the cats that were necropsied. Feline immunodeficiency virus may have a role in lymphomagenesis. The potential role of feline immunodeficiency virus needs to be explored in more depth. Compared with most previous reports, B‐cell tumours were more common than T‐cell tumours in this series of cats.
Survey on small animal anaesthesia
Authors: NICHOLSON A , WATSON ADJ 
Published: March 2008

Objective To ascertain anaesthetic practices used currently for dogs and cats in Australia. Methods A questionnaire was distributed to 4800 veterinarians throughout Australia, seeking data on numbers of dogs and cats anaesthetised per week; drug preferences for anaesthetic premedication, induction and maintenance; use of tracheal intubation, supplemental O2, nitrous oxide and anaesthetic antagonists; and types of vaporisers, breathing systems and anaesthetic monitoring devices used or available. Additional questions concerned proportions of different animal types seen in the practice, and the respondent's university and year of graduation. Results The response rate was 19%; 95% of respondents graduated from Australian universities, about half since 1985. Most responses (79%) came from mainly small animal practices. On average 16 dogs and 12 cats were anaesthetised each week. Premedication was used more often in dogs than cats, with acepromazine and atropine most favoured in both species. For anaesthetic induction, thiopentone was most preferred in dogs and alphaxalone/alphadolone in cats. Inhaled agents, especially halothane, were preferred for maintenance in both species. Most respondents usually employed tracheal intubation when using inhalational anaesthetic maintenance, but intubation rates were lower during injectable anaesthetic maintenance and a minority of respondents provided supplemental O2. Nitrous oxide was administered regularly by 13% of respondents. The agents most frequently used to speed recovery from anaesthesia were doxapram and yohimbine. The most widely used vaporisers were the Fluotec Mark III and the Stephens machine. Most (95%) respondents used a rebreathing circuit for large dogs and a non‐rebreathing system was used for small dogs by 68% of respondents. Most respondents (93%) indicated some form of aid was available to monitor general anaesthesia: the three most mentioned were an apnoea alarm, oesophageal stethoscope and electrocardiogram. Conclusion Diverse approaches were evident, but there appeared to be less variation in anaesthetising dogs: premedication was more frequent and less varied in type, while thiobarbituates dominated for induction and inhalants for maintenance. Injectable maintenance techniques had substantial use in cats, but little in dogs. Evident disparity between vaporisers available and circuits used suggested either confusion in terminology or incorrect use of some vaporisers in‐circuit. While most respondents used monitoring equipment or a dedicated observer to invigilate anaesthesia, the common reliance on apnoea alarms is of concern, because of unproven reliability and accuracy.
A retrospective study of the success of medical and surgical treatment of wild Australian raptors
Authors: PUNCH PIP 
Published: March 2008

Objective To evaluate the results of medical and surgical regimens utilised to treat injured and diseased wild Australian raptors presented at our practice, and to determine if the time, effort and cost of treating the birds was justified in terms of the outcomes achieved.Procedure All the practice's clinical records relating to the examination and treatment of wild raptors were reviewed for the period April 1994 to December 1998. The species of birds, the aetiology of their injuries or diseases, the treatment protocols and the outcomes of those treatments were correlated and tabulated for evaluation.Results Fifteen Australian species of raptor were examined and treated. Complete records were available for 104 birds of prey, 73 being Accipitriformes and 31 Strigiformes. The poorest prognosis was for birds involved in motor vehicle impacts, while birds suffering malnutrition or starvation had higher survival rates. The overall rate of survival was 50%.Conclusion Based on the severity of diseases and injuries at the time of presentation, the survival rate was considered acceptable. Veterinary involvement in the treatment of the wild raptors was necessary for the maintenance of the birds' welfare, and to determine appropriate treatments. Intangible benefits included increased practice staff satisfaction, and improving the veterinary professions' public image by providing pro bono treatment for Australian wildlife.
An estimate of the economic effects of cattle tick (Boophilus microplus) infestation on Queensland dairy farms
Authors: JONSSON NN , DAVIS R , De WITT M 
Published: March 2008

Objective To establish the cost to the Queensland dairy industry of cattle tick infestation and its control, excluding the costs incurred from control measures directed specifically at tick fever and morbidity and mortality arising from tick fever.Study design Economic models are described that have been based on empirical data relating to liveweight and milk yield loss, and on a survey of control practices and tick infestation. The first two models were designed to estimate costs of control and losses resulting from tick infestation on a single dairy farm. The third model developed estimates of the cost of tick infestation for each of four regions within the tick‐infested area of Queensland.Results The overall cost to the Queensland dairy industry of the cattle tick (excluding the costs associated specifically with tick fever) and based on 1998 management practices, was $4,096,000 per annum. About 49% of this cost was related to the costs of control and 51% to losses in production.Conclusion Cattle tick infestation represents a significant impost on dairy producers in Queensland, and although the actual cost will change as deregulation results in economic changes in the industry, infestations of ticks will continue to be expensive to control.
Immunity following use of Australian tick fever vaccine: a review of the evidence
Authors: BOCK RE , DE VOS AJ 
Published: March 2008

Objective To review the evidence available on the degree and duration of immunity provided by Australian tick fever vaccines against Babesia bovis, B bigeminaand Anaplasma marginale infections in Australia and overseas.Background Vaccines containing attenuated strains of B bovis and B bigemina as well as A centrale grown in splenectomised calves have been used in Australia since 1964 to immunise cattle against tick fever. About 800,000 doses of vaccine are supplied annually and much of the evidence for protection is field evidence rather than conventional immunological measures or pen trials.Conclusions Immunity to Babesia bovis and B bigemina – A single inoculation generally provides sound, long‐lasting protection both in Australia and overseas. No evidence was found of a loss of immunity with time. Vaccine failures to B bovis d o occur, but are uncommon and evidently caused by a number of factors, including immune responsiveness of the vaccinated animals, and immunogenicity of the vaccine strain. Immunity to Anaplasma marginale– The vaccine containing A centrale provides partial, variable protection against A marginale. Protection against challenge in Australia is adequate in most cases to prevent disease and use of the vaccine in this country appears to be justified. Protection against antigenically diverse, highly virulent stocks of A marginale i n other countries is, at times, clearly inadequate and better vaccines are required in situations where the challenge is severe.
Veterinary practitioners in rural Australia: a national survey
Authors: HEATH TJ , NIETHE GE 
Published: March 2008

Objectives To assess the attitudes of Australian veterinarians to issues related to rural veterinary practice.Methods A questionnaire was completed by 1367 AVA members, and the data were analysed using the SAS System for Windows 7.0.Results The country lifestyle and the type of work were seen as major advantages for rural practitioners, and long working hours and after hours demands coupled with sexist attitudes in the case of women, were seen as the main disadvantages. Remuneration, the tiring and often dangerous nature of the work, and social and professional isolation were also seen as major disadvantages. Personal qualities, including the ability to relate to rural people and to fit into rural communities were seen as the most important qualities for a veterinarian in rural practice. The future of rural practitioners was seen to be closely linked to their ability to contribute to the financial viability of the whole animal enterprise and to the fortunes of the rural industries. Companion animals were also seen as a key part of the future work of rural practitioners.Conclusions Rural practitioners are characterised by a strong commitment to rural life and work, and they will increasingly be required to contribute to the financial viability of the whole animal enterprise. The full range of professional skills required are likely to be beyond the scope of the undergraduate veterinary course, but the internet and other modern forms of distance education should help practitioners to acquire relevant skills.
Calcinosis circumscripta following an injection of proligestone in a Burmese cat
Authors: OBRIEN CR , WILKIE JS 
Published: March 2008

A 9‐month‐old speyed Burmese cat was presented with a cutaneous lesion in the dorsal thoracolumbar region. The lesion was characterised by alopecia and whitish deposits within the subcutis and had occurred at the site of a previous progestogen injection (Covinan; Intervet). Excisional biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of calcinosis circumscripta. Recovery of the cat following surgical excision was excellent, with no recurrence of the lesion detected 12 months later. The classification of tissue calcification and the proposed aetiology of calcinosis circumscripta is reviewed.It is concluded that further work is required to determine any link between subcutaneous injections, especially of progesto‐gens, and calcinosis circumscripta.
Reproductive disease and congenital malformations caused by Menangle virus in pigs
Authors: LOVE RJ , PHILBEY AW , KIRKLAND PD , ROSS AD , DAVIS RJ , MORRISSEY C , DANIELS PW 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo describe a new syndrome characterised by embryonic mortalities, stillbirths, mummified foetuses and congenital malformations in a herd of intensively farmed pigs.DesignField observations, laboratory investigations and examination of breeding records.ProcedurePathology examinations were performed on mummified and congenitally deformed piglets during an outbreak of reproductive disease at a 2600 sow intensive piggery in New South Wales from April to October 1997. Reproductive performance was monitored during the outbreak and breeding records were examined retrospectively. Serum and tissue samples from pigs were tested for evidence of infection with known porcine pathogens and for a new virus, Menangle virus, isolated from stillborn piglets with deformities from the affected piggery in August 1997.ResultsReproductive disease occurred sequentially in all four breeding units at the affected piggery over a period of 21 weeks. The farrowing percentages in each unit decreased from 80 to 82% before the outbreak to 63 to 78% during the outbreak and the number of live piglets per litter declined from a mean of 9.6 to 9.8 before the outbreak to 7.2 to 8.9 during the outbreak. The proportion of affected litters (litters with less than six liveborn piglets) was highest (64%) in the sixth week of the outbreak. Mummified foetuses, stillborn piglets with arthrogryposis, craniofacial deformities and degeneration of the brain and spinal cord, were observed along with occasional abortions. Sera from sows that produced affected litters contained neutralising antibodies against Menangle virus and there was evidence that this virus had been introduced to the piggery in February 1997.ConclusionsReproductive disease in pigs due to Menangle virus was characterised by stillbirths, mummification, embryonic death and infertility, along with abortions, skeletal deformities and degeneration of the brain and spinal cord in affected foetuses and stillborn piglets.
Epidemiology and control of Menangle virus in pigs
Authors: KIRKLAND PD , LOVEB RJ , PHILBEY AW , ROSS AD , DAVIS RJ , HART KG 
Published: March 2008

Objective To describe the epidemiology and eradication of Menangle virus infection in pigs. Design Field observations and interventions, structured and unstructured serological surveys, prospective and cross‐sectional serological studies and laboratory investigations. Procedure Serum samples were collected from pigs at a 2600‐sow intensive piggery in New South Wales that experienced an outbreak of reproductive disease in 1997. Serum samples were also collected from piggeries that received pigs from or supplied pigs to the affected piggery and from other piggeries in Australia. Serum and tissue samples were collected from pigs at piggeries experiencing reproductive disease in New South Wales. Sera and faeces were collected from grey‐headed flying foxes (Pteropus poliocephalus) in the region of the affected piggery. Serum samples were tested for neutralising antibodies against Menangle virus. Virus isolation was attempted from faeces. Results Following the outbreak of reproductive disease, sera from 96% of adult pigs at the affected piggery, including sows that produced affected litters, contained neutralising antibodies against Menangle virus. Neutralising antibodies were also detected in sera from 88% of finisher pigs at two piggeries receiving weaned pigs from the affected piggery. No evidence of Menangle virus infection was found in other piggeries in Australia. In cross‐sectional studies at the affected piggery, colostral antibodies were undetectable in most pigs by 14 to 15 weeks of age. By slaughter age or entry to the breeding herd, 95% of pigs developed high antibody titres (A 128) against Menangle virus in the virus neutralisation test. Menangle virus was eradicated from the affected piggery following a program of serological testing and segregation. Neutralising antibodies against Menangle virus were also detected in P poliocephalusfrom two colonies in the vicinity of the affected piggery. Two piggery workers were infected with Menangle virus. There was no evidence of infection in cattle, sheep, birds, rodents, feral cats and a dog at the affected piggery. Conclusions Serological evidence of infection with Menangle virus was detected in pigs at a piggery that had experienced reproductive disease, in pigs at two associated piggeries and in fruit bats in the region of the piggery. Two humans were infected. The mode of transmission between pigs is unknown, but spread by faecal or urinary excretion is postulated. This virus can be eradicated by the segregation of pigs into discrete age groups.
A comparison of catecholamine and cortisol responses of young lambs and calves to painful husbandry procedures
Authors: MELLOR DJ , STAFFORD KJ , TODD SE , LOWE TE , GREGORY NG , BRUCE RA , WARD RN 
Published: March 2008

Aim To compare the changes in plasma concentrations of noradrenaline, adrenaline and cortisol in lambs after ring castration plus tailing and in calves after dehorning with or without prior local anaesthesia.Methods Male lambs were castrated and tailed with rings and calves were dehorned by amputation using a scoop with or without prior local anaesthesia. Blood samples were taken before and after treatment and plasma concentrations of noradrena‐line, adrenaline and cortisol were determined.Results Castration plus tailing of lambs resulted in a rapid increase in noradrenaline concentrations, a lack of an adrenaline response and a marked increase in cortisol concentration. There were similar changes in catecholamine concentrations in calves that were dehorned both with and without local anaesthetic, with adrenaline being elevated within 5 min of treatment and noradrenaline exhibiting a more protracted response. Dehorning caused a marked cortisol increase which was reduced to control concentrations by local anaesthesia for as long as the associated nerve blockade lasted.Conclusions The very short‐lived adrenaline responses in calves were attributed to dehorning‐induced nociceptor input leading to sympathetic stimulation of the adrenal medulla. The longer lasting noradrenaline responses in lambs and calves were thought be due to ‘wash‐out’ of noradrenaline from damaged tissue associated with rings and amputation wounds, respectively.
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis in Merino sheep
Authors: COOK RW , JOLLY RD , PALMER DN , TAMMEN I , BROOM MF , McKINNON R 
Published: March 2008

Objective To characterise neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) in Merino sheep.Design A prospective clinical, pathological, biochemical and genetic study.Procedure NCL cases were studied from a medium‐wool Merino flock, the stud of origin of its replacement rams, and an experimental flock established at the University of Sydney.Results Behavioural changes and visual impairment were first detected at 7 to 12 months of age and progressed, with associated motor disturbances and at later stages seizures, to premature death by 27 months of age. At necropsy there was severe cerebrocortical atrophy associated with neuronal loss, astrocytosis and the presence in neurons of eosinophilic intra‐cytoplasmic storage bodies with the characteristics of a lipopigment. In the retina there was progressive loss of photoreceptor cells. Storage bodies isolated from fresh brain, liver and pancreas formed electron‐dense aggregates and coarse multilamellar and fine fingerprint profiles ultrastruc‐turally, and consisted mainly of the hydrophobic protein, subunit c of mitochondrial ATP synthase. A homozygosity mapping approach localised the gene causing the disease in Merino sheep to the chromosomal region (OAR7q13–15) associated with NCL in South Hampshire sheep.Conclusion NCL in Merino sheep is a subunit c‐storing disease, clinically and pathologically similar to NCL in South Hampshire sheep. We propose that the disease in both breeds represents mutation at the same gene locus in chromosomal region OAR7q13–15.
Use of medetomidine for capture and restraint of cassowaries (Casuarius casuaris)
Authors: WESTCOTT DA , REID KE 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo examine the use of medetomidine for the sedation of captive and wild cassowaries (Casuarius casuarius).Design Clinical evaluation after administration of medetomidine by IM injection.Procedure Nine captive and two wild birds were chemically restrained, with the drug being administered by dart to 10 birds and hand injected to one. Doses of 0.26 to 0.31 mg/kg IM provided light sedation sufficient to allow approach and limited handling. Doses of 0.38 to 0.54 mg/kg IM provided heavy sedation adequate for full clinical examination. Body weights were estimated in six birds and measured in five birds and ranged from 40 to 66 kg. Sternal recumbency occurred in six birds, three in each dose range. In nine birds sedation was reversed with atipamezole at a dose of 15 to 80 mg/kg IM, which produced a return to alertness in 40 to 139 min. Forceful sneezing occurred during recovery in three birds. ConclusionMedetomidine is a safe and reliable alternative to manual restraint in cassowaries.
Hiatal hernia controversies ‐ a review of pathophysiology and treatment options
Authors: SIVACOLUNDHU RK , READ RA , MARCHEVSKY AM 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo provide a detailed discussion of the aetiology and pathophysiology of hiatal hernia in both humans and small animals, and review current medical and surgical treatments.DesignReview article.SummaryHiatal hernia is not completely understood in humans or animals. It has a complex multifactorial aetiology and pathophysiology. A primary disturbance of the lower oesophageal sphincter has not been shown in humans or animals. Knowledge of pathophysiology is necessary to institute appropriate treatment.Medical and/or surgical therapy is not indicated in asymptomatic cases. Medical treatment should be used for up to 1 month in stable cases of sliding hiatal hernia. Paraoesophageal hiatal hernias and any large sliding hiatal hernia should be considered for prompt surgical treatment. Surgical techniques used depend on the type of hiatal hernia present.Surgical treatment of hiatal hernia cases should be performed by experienced surgeons, and must include hiatal closure and gastropexy. The Nissen fundoplication procedure has been discontinued in the veterinary field due to poor success rates, coupled with the published view that there is a marked difference in pathophysiology between humans and dogs. Reported complications associated with the original Nissen fundoplication technique are identical in the human and veterinary literature. There have been no complications reported with use of the modified or ‘floppy’ Nissen fundoplica‐tion in dogs. Both oesophagopexy and Nissen fundoplication require further evaluation in small animals.
Assessment of the potential of dogs and cats as urban reservoirs of Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses
Authors: BOYD AM , KAY BH 
Published: March 2008

Objective To determine whether dogs and cats are potential reservoirs of Ross River (RR) and Barmah Forest (BF) viruses Method Young seronegative female dogs and cats were experimentally exposed to the viruses using Ochlerotatus vigilax(Skuse) mosquitoes. Results Only one of the 10 dogs and one of the 10 cats exposed to RR developed neutralising antibody. None of the animals developed detectable viraemia or clinical signs. One dog and three cats exposed to BF developed neutralising antibody. In addition, a serological survey of sera obtained from domestic dogs and cats residing in the Brisbane region indicated that 23.7% and 1.3% of dogs, and 14% and 2% of cats, had neutralising antibodies to RR and BF respectively. Conclusions Although dogs and cats are exposed naturally to these viruses, and can become infected, they are unlikely to be important urban reservoirs of either virus.