bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a toxin‐binding agent as a treatment for tunicaminyluracil toxicity: protection against tunicamycin poisoning of sheep
Authors: MAY C. , STEWART PL 
Published: March 2008

Objective To assess the ability of certain derivatives of beta‐cyclodextrin to treat sheep affected by tunicaminyluracil toxicity, using tunicamycin poisoning as a model system. Design Controlled treatment trial. Animals One hundred and sixty Merino wethers were used in the studies. Procedure Groups of sheep were experimentally poisoned with tunicamycin. Derivatives of beta‐cyclodextrin, with or without magnesium sulphate and magnesium gluconate, were administered to treatment groups daily for 2 to 3 days. Treatment groups were compared with untreated groups in terms of survival. Results A significant increase in survival was observed following treatment of tunicamycin‐affected sheep with hydroxypropyl‐beta‐cyclodextrin (HPb ‐CD) and magnesium sulphate in solution (P < 0.05). In subsequent trials, formula tion of the cyclodextrin in the form of a magnesium gluconate gel suspension demonstrated significant protection (P < 0.01) and was equally as effective as the cyclodextrin in solution, but required half the frequency of administration, even when the treatment was not commenced until 24 h after the final toxin dose. Beta‐cyclodextrin‐epichlorohydrin copolymer also improved the survival rate. After toxin administration, the sheep lost significantly less weight if treatment with HPb ‐CD was commenced early (P < 0.001). Conclusion Protection studies using these two beta‐cyclodextrin derivatives suggest that they may be effective in increasing the survival of sheep poisoned by tunicamycin and warrant further testing in field outbreaks of annual ryegrass toxicity.
Transmission studies of Hendra virus (equine morbilli‐virus) in fruit bats, horses and cats
Authors: WILLIAMSON MM , HOOPER PT , SELLECK PW , GLEESON LJ , DANIELS PW , WESTBURY HA , MURRAY PK 
Published: March 2008

Objective To determine the infectivity and transmissibility of Hendra virus (HeV). Design A disease transmission study using fruit bats, horses and cats. Procedure Eight grey‐headed fruit bats (Pteropus poliocephalus) were inoculated and housed in contact with three uninfected bats and two uninfected horses. In a second exper iment, four horses were inoculated by subcutaneous injection and intranasal inoculation and housed in contact with three uninfected horses and six uninfected cats. In a third experi ment, 12 cats were inoculated and housed in contact with three uninfected horses. Two surviving horses were inoculated at the conclusion of the third experiment: the first orally and the second by nasal swabbing. All animals were necropsied and examined by gross and microscopic pathological methods, immunoperoxidase to detect viral antigen in formalin‐fixed tissues, virus isolation was attempted on tissues and SNT and ELISA methods were used to detect HeV‐specific antibody. Results Clinical disease was not observed in the fruit bats, although six of eight inoculated bats developed antibody against HeV, and two of six developed vascular lesions which contained viral antigen. The in‐contact bats and horses did not seroconvert. Three of four horses that were inoculated devel oped acute disease, but in‐contact horses and cats were not infected. In the third experiment, one of three in‐contact horses contracted disease. At the time of necropsy, high titres of HeV were detected in the kidneys of six acutely infected horses, in the urine of four horses and the mouth of two, but not in the nasal cavities or tracheas. Conclusions Grey‐headed fruit bats seroconvert and develop subclinical disease when inoculated with HeV. Horses can be infected by oronasal routes and can excrete HeV in urine and saliva. It is possible to transmit HeV from cats to horses. Transmission from P poliocephalus t o horses could not be proven and neither could transmission from horses to horses or horses to cats. Under the experimental conditions of the study the virus is not highly contagious.
Prevalence of megabacteria in budgerigar colonies
Authors: FILIPPICH LJ , HENDRIKZ JK 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo measure the prevalence of megabacteria in budgerigar‐breeding colonies and to evaluate possible methods to reduce the prevalence. DesignA monitoring study over several years. Sample populationTwo budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) colonies with over 300 birds each. ProcedureThe prevalence of megabacteria in the faeces in two budgerigar breeding colonies, colony 1 and 2, was determined by faecal examination of each bird. Following an initial survey (1990), most of the birds that were scored 2+ or more were culled and a management practice was implemented to discriminate against positive birds. Consecutive yearly surveys (1991, 1992) were conducted on the young birds bred in these colonies. The prevalence of megabacteria in colony 2 was also evaluated in 1994 and 1996 after all the birds were treated with amphotericin B administered in drinking water. ResultsThe prevalence of megabacteria in the two colonies was significantly (P < 0.001) different. Overall the prevalence of megabacteria adjusted for colony differences was significantly higher (P < 0.025) in males compared to females. Age was not an influencing factor. After the initial survey, the prevalence in the offspring did not significantly (P > 0.05) decrease in the following two annual breeding seasons but by inference it did significantly decrease after amphotericin B treatment. ConclusionThe practice of culling most birds with more megabacteria in faeces and discriminating against positive birds when selecting birds for breeding or culling birds on show quality does not decrease megabacteria prevalence in the offspring. However, a reduction in prevalence does occur with administration of amphotericin B. Birds may have amphotericin B‐resistant organisms and these birds need to be identified and culled.
Variation of pesticide concentration in sheep dips operated according to traditional and revised methods
Authors: SHERWOOD N. , WATTS T. , ALLAN C. , CHANDLER D. 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo quantify stripping in traditional dipping operations and to revise dipping methods, based on prediction of stripping so that a more stable concentration of pesticide in the dipwash is achieved. Design and methodsPlunge and shower dips were operated sequentially according to traditional and revised dipping instructions. Dips were operated by continuous and intermittent replenishment. Samples of mixed dipwash were collected periodically and assayed for pesticide (diazinon) concentration. ResultsDiagrammatic representations of pesticide concentration versus number of sheep dipped indicated traditional dipping leads to wide variations in the concentration of pesticide in dipwash during dipping. Intermittent replenishment led to a ‘saw‐tooth’ pattern in the pesticide concentration. Traditional continuous replenishment (using the starting concentration of pesticide) indicated both the rate and extent of stripping was higher in shower dipping. If sufficient sheep were dipped, equilibrium was reached between the rate of pesticide replenishment and removal. An alternative method of dip operation by continuous replenishment, using a low starting concentration of pesticide and a replenishment concentration high enough to offset the pesticide loss through stripping resulted in a more stable concentration of pesticide in the dip. ConclusionRevision of dipping instructions can lead to exposure of sheep to stable concentrations of stripping pesticide during dipping.
Concentrations of macro‐ and micro‐elements in the milk of pasture‐fed Thoroughbred mares
Authors: GRACE ND , PEARCE SG , FIRTH EC , FENNESSY PF 
Published: March 2008

Objective To determine the changes in Ca, P, Mg, Na, K, S, Cu, Fe and Zn concentrations of milk during the lactation in pasture‐fed Thoroughbred mares and then calculate the dietary mineral requirements of the sucking foal and the lactating mare. Procedure Milk was sampled on days 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28 and at various times between 55 to 65, 85 to 95 and 135 to 150 days after parturition from 21 pasture‐fed mares. The concentrations of macro‐ and micro‐elements in the milk were determined by inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry. Results Concentrations (mg/L) of these elements were highest in colostrum (Mg 302, Na 561, K 955, S 1035, Cu 0.76, Fe 0.79 and Zn 5.5) except for Ca (1245) and P (895), which where highest on day 7. The mean milk mineral element concentrations (mg/L) over days 55 to 150 were Ca 843, P 543, Mg 47, Na 120, K 590, S 219, Cu 0.19, Fe 0.34 and Zn 2.1. The mean plasma element concentrations (mg/L) over the same period were Ca 120, P 77.1, Mg 17.0, Na 3110, K 168, S 983, Cu 1.1, Fe 1.5 and Zn 0.49. Concentration gradients between plasma and milk were observed and, in the case of Ca, P, Mg, K and Zn, their concentrations in milk were greater than those in plasma, while a reverse situation was observed for Na, S, Cu and Fe. Conclusion With the exception of Ca and P, the highest concentrations of mineral elements were observed in the colostrum. The nursing foal should have access to good pasture or creep feed, because the intakes of Ca, P and Cu from milk may be less than optimum to meet the daily mineral element requirements.
Osteochondrodysplasia in Scottish Fold cats
Authors: MALIK R , ALLAN GS , HOWLETT CR , THOMPSON DE , JAMES G , McWHIRTER C , KENDALL K 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo better characterise the bone and joint problems which can develop in Scottish Fold cats.DesignRetrospective study of cases seen in five veterinary clinics and radiographic survey of cats in a cattery.ResultsSix Scottish Fold cats (four castrated males, two spayed females) aged between 5 months and 6 years were presented for signs of skeletal disease including lameness, reluctance to jump, a stiff stilted gait, short misshapen distal limbs, swelling of plantar tarsometatarsal regions and short thick inflexible tails. A further four cases (one male, three females, 15 months to 11 years) were identified by radiographic screening of a cattery. A diagnosis of osteochondrodysplasia was based on characteristic radiological findings including irregularity in the size and shape of tarsal, carpal, metatarsal and metacarpal bones, phalanges and caudal vertebrae, narrowed joint spaces, and progressive new bone formation around joints of distal limbs with diffuse osteopenia of adjacent bone. A plantar exostosis caudal to the calcaneus was present in advanced cases. In all nine cases where pedigree information was available, affected cats allegedly originated from the mating of a Scottish Fold to a cat with normal ears. The severity and time of onset of physical signs, and rate of progression and extent of radiographic abnormalities, varied from case to case. Limited histological observations suggested the underlying problem may be an osteochondrodysplasia, related to inadequate cartilage maturation. Clinical signs were ameliorated by administration of pentosan subcutaneously in two of three cats in which it was trialled, and one of these also benefited from an oral glycosaminoglycan preparation.ConclusionsClinical and radiological findings were ascribed to defective maturation and function of cartilage, particularly in the distal limbs, ears and tail. As all Scottish Fold cats suffered from osteochondrodysplasia of some degree, the best solution would be to avoid using fold‐eared cats for breeding and instead use Scottish shorthairs.
Arterially perfused eye model of uveitis
Authors: SHIELS IA , SANDERSON SD , TAYLOR SM 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo develop an in vitro model of uveitis based on an ex situ perfused eye to evaluate the anti‐inflammatory activity of new pharmacological products.ProcedureEyes were removed from more than 60 dogs and 9 horses immediately after euthanasia and perfused with nutrient medium through the lateral long ciliary artery. Perfused eyes produced aqueous humour, and perfusion pressure was adjusted to obtain an intraocular pressure in the physiological range. When the eyes were treated with histamine, a complement C5a analogue peptide and hydrogen peroxide, typical signs of uveitis were produced. These included miosis, vascular leakage, reduced intraocular pressure, reduced flow of perfusate and, in some eyes, conjunctival oedema.ResultsCanine eyes showed a decrease in intraocular pressure and a decrease in perfusate flow rate when challenged with 100 μmol/L hydrogen peroxide. Flunixin meglumine (5 μmol/L), ketoprofen (5 μmol/L), indomethacin (5 μmol/L) as well as a new drug pirfenidone (10 μmol/L) prevented changes in intraocular pressure induced by hydrogen peroxide, but did not significantly moderate the mediator‐induced changes in perfusate flow.ConclusionsThis model is suitable for evaluating potential anti‐inflammatory activity of drugs without having to induce uveitis in an experimental animal. The technique is suitable for species that range in size from cats to horses.
Bacterial septic arthritis in 19 dogs
Authors: MARCHEVSKY AM , READ RA 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo provide information on the clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of bacterial septic arthritis in dogs.DesignA retrospective study examining case records of all dogs diagnosed with bacterial septic arthritis at Murdoch University Veterinary Hospital between 1988 and 1997.ResultsNineteen dogs were diagnosed with bacterial septic arthritis, which most commonly occurred after surgery involving the stifle joint. Haematogenous infection occurred in only five dogs. Diagnosis was based on clinical signs, joint fluid analysis, radiography, microbiology and/or response to treatment. Chronic lameness was the most common problem at presentation. Analysis of joint fluid invariably revealed large number of nucleated cells, which consisted primarily of neutrophils. In all but one case the neutrophils were nondegenerate. Culture of joint fluid was frequently successful.Staphylococcusspp were the most common bacteria isolated. Treatment involved antimicrobial drugs only in five dogs. Other dogs received antimicrobial drugs in combination with surgical procedures such as joint lavage and removal of nonabsorbable suture material (eight), arthrodesis (two) or amputation (one). Two dogs were euthanased. Most dogs responded well to treatment and were free of signs of septic arthritis at follow‐up.ConclusionBacterial septic arthritis may often be mild and manifest as chronic lameness. Analysis of joint fluid will detect an inflammatory arthropathy but the presence of toxic neutrophils should not be relied on as an indicator of sepsis. Culture of infected joint fluid is likely to be successful if antimicrobials are not given prior to collection and if the sample is inoculated into enrichment broth. Treatment should involve antimicrobial drugs, open‐joint lavage and removal of joint prostheses if the infection is associated with previous surgery.
Ultrastructure of the hydrophobic gastric surfactant barrier in the dog
Authors: ETHELL MT , HODGSON DR , HILLS BA 
Published: March 2008

Objectives To confirm the hydrophobicity of the luminal surface of the canine stomach and to elucidate the ultrastructure of the lining imparting that property.Design and procedures Gastric and duodenal mucosal samples from eight dogs were collected immediately after euthanasia and subjected to contact angle measurement using a goniometer. Other samples were examined by electron microscopy following a fixation procedure known to preserve phospholipids and oligolamellar structures.Results Contact angles for the canine gastric mucosal surface (85.1 ± 5.5) were significantly greater (P<0.0001) than for the duodenum (24.0 ± 1.7). Electron microscopy revealed the existence of surfactant as abundant osmiophilic phospholipid material within the gastric and duodenal mucosae.Conclusion We have confirmed the hydrophobic nature of the canine gastric mucosa whereas the luminal surface of the duodenum is hydrophilic. We propose that the water‐repellent nature of the canine gastric lining contributes to the'gastric mucosal barrier and is imparted by an oligolamellar layer of surface‐active phospholipid ('gastric surfactant) adsorbed to the surface. Both gastric and duodenal mucosae may also utilise phospholipids as an intercellular defense mechanism in the event that tight junctions are breached by acid. It is tempting to speculate that a deficiency of gastric phospholipids may predispose dogs to ulcers. Further, exogenous administration of phospholipids may be useful in preventing gastric ulceration.
Detection of leptospires in bovine semen by polymerase chain reaction
Authors: HEINEMANN MB , GARCIA JF , NUNES CM , MORAIS ZM , GREGORI F. , CORTEZ A. , VASCONCELLOS SA , VISINTIN JA , RICHTZENHAIN LJ 
Published: March 2008

Objective In view of the considerable importance of vene real transmission of bovine leptospirosis, the objective of the present study was to compare the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), culture/isolation and serology to detect leptospire infection in bovine semen.Design Blood for serologic examination and semen for bacterial culture and PCR were collected from 20 bulls at arti ficial insemination centres in Brazil. Each animal was sampled twice for serology.Result Forty‐five percent (9/20) of the serum samples collected showed agglutinin titers to serovar hardjo i n the first sample and 25% (5/20) had agglutinin titers to serovar hardjo in the second sample. Eighty percent (16/20) of semen samples were positive by PCR. Leptospires could not be isolated from any of the semen samples examined.Conclusion Polymerase chain reaction can be a method of great potential for the detection of leptospires at artificial insemination centres.
Effect of topical rh‐TGF‐β1 on second intention wound healing in horses
Authors: STEEL CM , ROBERTSON ID , THOMAS J. , YOVICH JV 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects on wound healing of transforming growth factor‐β1 as a topical treatment to full‐thickness, excisional wounds of the distal limb of horses.DesignA randomised block study using four horses, each with wounds assigned to four treatment groups.AnimalsFour adult Standardbred geldings.ProcedureFour, 4 cm2, full‐thickness wounds were created on the dorsomedial and dorsolateral aspect of the metacarpus or metatarsus of each limb of four horses, giving a total of 64 wounds. For each limb, wounds were randomly assigned to four treatment groups: no treatment (control), carrier (Methyl Cellulose gel), 50 ng/wound rhTGF‐β1 in carrier, and 500 ng/wound rhTGF‐β1 in carrier. Wounds were treated on day 0 and day 8. Effects of treatment were evaluated on the basis of the presence of exuberant granulation tissue requiring excision, number of times excision was required, total wound area, area of epithelialisation, area of granulation, and histological evaluation of biopsy samples of wounds on day 8 and excised wounds on day 21.ResultsTopical application of TGF‐β1 at the two concentrations studied had no significant effect on the total area of wounds (P = 0.7), the area of granulation tissue (P = 0.78), the area of epithelialisation (P = 0.92), histological assessment or subjective clinical assessment of wounds.ConclusionTGF‐β1 had no beneficial effects on wound healing. Additional trials are needed to test if it has value for wound treatment in horses.
Extent and economic effect of heat loads on dairy cattle production in Australia
Authors: MAYER DG , DAVISON TM , McGOWAN MR , YOUNG BA , MATSCHOSS AL , HALL AB , GOODWIN PJ , JONSSON NN , GAUGHAN JB 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo investigate the extent of heat load problems, caused by the combination of excessive temperature and humidity, in Holstein‐Friesian cows in Australia. Also, to outline how milk production losses and consequent costs from this can be estimated and minimised.ProceduresLong‐term meteorological data for Australia were analysed to determine the distribution of hot conditions over space and time. Fifteen dairy production regions were identified for higher‐resolution data analysis. Both the raw meteorological data and their integration into a temperature‐humidity thermal index were compiled onto a computer program. This mapping software displays the distribution of climatic patterns, both Australia‐wide and within the selected dairying regions. Graphical displays of the variation in historical records for 200 locations in the 15 dairying regions are also available. As a separate study, production data from research stations, on‐farm trials and milk factory records were statistically analysed and correlated with the climatic indices, to estimate production losses due to hot conditions.ResultsBoth milk yields and milk constituents declined with increases in the temperature‐humidity index. The onset and rate of this decline are dependent on a number of factors, including location, level of production, adaptation, and management regime. These results have been integrated into a farm‐level economic analysis for managers of dairy properties.ConclusionBy considering the historical patterns of hot conditions over time and space, along with expected production losses, managers of dairy farms can now conduct an economic evaluation of investment strategies to alleviate heat loads. These strategies include the provision of sprinklers, shade structures, or combinations of these.
Evidence of sperm storage in the female ostrich
Authors: SWAN RA , SICOURI O 
Published: March 2008

Objective To determine the length of time following mating that fertile eggs can be laid by an ostrich (Struthio camelus).DesignA clinical reproductive problem in a pair of breeding ostriches provided the opportunity to mate the birds at intervals of 5 to 8 days and assess the fertility of the eggs laid.ProcedureFollowing prolapse of the phallus of the male ostrich during the breeding season, the pair were immediately separated. The hen was reintroduced to the cock at intervals of 5 to 8 days over a 6 week period for supervised mating. Records were kept of dates of mating and laying, number of eggs laid, egg weights, and fertility determined by candling after 2 weeks incubation.ResultsOver the 6 week period, 10 eggs were laid, of which 8 were fertile and 2 infertile. Fertile eggs weighed 1020 to 1285 g (mean 1143). The two infertile eggs weighed 1160 and 925 g. Six fertile eggs were laid 2 to 7 days after mating. The remaining two fertile eggs were laid the same days that mating occurred, suggesting that fertilisation resulted from the last matings 5 and 8 days previously, or from earlier matings.ConclusionSperm storage occurs in ostrich hens and fertile eggs can be laid for at least 5 to 8 days after copulation. Further studies are required to demonstrate the maximum period during which stored sperm are capable of successful fertilisation.