bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuro‐angiostrongylosis in wild Black and Grey‐headed flying foxes (Pteropus spp)
Authors: BARRETT JL , CARLISLE MS , PROCIV P 
Published: March 2008

Objective To identify nematodes seen in histological sections of brains of flying foxes (fruit bats) and describe the associated clinical disease and pathology. Proceedures Gross and histological examination of brains from 86 free‐living flying foxes with neurological disease was done as part of an ongoing surveillance program for Australian bat lyssavirus. Worms were recovered, or if seen in histological sections, extracted by maceration of half the brain and identified by microscopic examination. Histological archives were also reviewed. Results There was histological evidence of angiostrongy‐losis in 16 of 86 recently submitted flying foxes with neurological disease and in one archival case from 1992. In 10 flying foxes, worms were definitively identified as Angiostrongylus cantonensis fifth‐stage larvae. A worm fragment and third stage larvae were identified as Angiostrongylus sp, presumably A cantonensis, in a further three cases. The clinical picture was dominated by paresis, particularly of the hind‐limbs, and depression, with flying foxes surviving up to 22 days in the care of wildlife volunteers. Brains containing fifth‐stage larvae showed a moderate to severe eosinophilic and granulomatous meningoencephalitis (n=14), whereas there was virtually no inflammation of the brains of bats which died when infected with only smaller, third‐stage larvae (n = 3). There was no histological evidence of pulmonary involvement. Conclusion This is the first report of the recovery and identification of A cantonensisfrom free‐living Australian wildlife. While angiostrongylosis is a common cause of paresis in flying foxes, the initial clinical course cannot be differentiated from Australian bat lyssavirus infection, and wildlife carers should be urged not to attempt to rehabilitate flying foxes with neurological disease.
Cytological examination and physical characteristics of the anal sacs in 17 clinically normal dogs
Authors: ROBSON DC , BURTON GG , LORIMER MF 
Published: March 2008

Objective To quantify numbers of leucocytes, keratinocytes and microorganisms in, as well as the turgidity, colour and consistency of, anal sac exudates in clinically normal dogs. Design Selection criteria were formed based on the absence of clinical signs associated with anal sac disease, and the absence of factors potentially affecting colonic flora. Anal sacs were palpated for turgidity then expressed onto a swab, where colour and consistency were noted. A squash preparation made from any exudate was heat fixed and stained with modified Wright's stain. Eight representative 1000x oil immersion fields from each were examined for leucocytes, erythrocytes, keratinocytes, bacteria and yeast. Results were summarised, and cytological counts grouped into quar‐tiles (minimal, few, moderate, numerous). Due to the multi‐variate nature of the study and limited subject numbers, further significant statistical analysis could not be performed. Results Seventeen dogs satisfied the selection criteria. The physical characteristics of the exudate and sac varied, though 31/34 sacs were empty or soft, 22/27 exudates were light or dark brown and 19/27 exudates were a thin liquid. Total leucocyte, keratinocyte and bacilli counts were extremely variable. Yeasts were present in 26/208 microscopic fields examined cytologically. Only 5/208 fields showed numerous cocci. A single instance of intracellular bacteria and a single erythro‐cyte were noted following examination of all fields. Conclusion In this study, the characteristics of normal anal sacs and their exudate varied but greater than 70% showed similar features. Exudate cytology was highly variable, though yeasts were uncommon, and intracellular cocci and erythro‐cytes extremely rare.
Accuracy of bovine pregnancy detection using transrectal ultrasonography at 28 to 35 days after insemination
Authors: NATION DP , MALMO J , DAVIS GM , MACMILLAN KL 
Published: March 2008

Objective To estimate the accuracy of real‐time ultrasonography to detect pregnancy in dairy cows at 28 to 35 days after insemination. Methods Cows that did not return to oestrus between 18 and 24 days after a first insemination (n = 526) were examined by transrectal ultrasonography from 28 to 35 days after insemination. Pregnancy was confirmed by the observation of a foetus, but fluid in the uterine horn and the presence of embryonic membranes were also noted. When pregnancy was not confirmed by the observation of a foetus, a second examination 7 days later, confirmed these remaining cows as pregnant or not pregnant to the first insemination. Detection of pregnancy at this early examination was compared with manual transrectal pregnancy examination performed 10 to 13 weeks after insemination (13‐week examination). Results There were 44% of cows that were pregnant to the first service, 34% that had returned for a second service 18 to 24 days after the first insemination, and 20% of cows that were not pregnant, and had not returned normally for a second service (non‐pregnant, non‐return) within 24 days of their initial insemination. The presence of a foetus at 28 to 35 days after insemination was accurately predicted by a simplified method where uterine fluid accumulation and embryonic membranes were observed. Foetal loss between the early detection and the 13‐week examination (9% of pregnancies) indicated that 28 to 35 days post insemination was too early to reliably detect pregnancy. Conclusion Early examination of pregnancy with trans‐rectal ultrasonography is an accurate method to identify non‐pregnant, non‐return cows. The examination can be simplified by the observation of uterine fluid accumulation and embryonic membranes, as opposed to the more involved process of observing the foetus.
Trial introduction of the Willis dropped ovary technique for spaying cattle in northern Australia
Authors: JUBB TF , FORDYCE G , BOLAM MJ , HADDEN DJ , COOPER NJ , WHYTE TR , FITZPATRICK LA , HILL F , D'OCCHIO MJ 
Published: March 2008

Objective To compare the Willis dropped ovary technique with traditional spaying methods in extensive beef cattle herds in northern Australia. Procedure Three field trials were conducted simultaneously at different sites in northern Australia in 1996–97. Brahman and Brahman‐Shorthorn cross heifers (n = 219, 2 years, 250 to 378 kg) and cows (n = 211, 3 to 16 years, 256 to 540 kg) were allocated by stratified randomisation to three treatments: spaying using the Willis dropped ovary technique (WDOT); spaying using traditional paralumbar and vaginal methods; and unspayed. Following these procedures, these nonpregnant, nonlactating cattle were then exposed to bulls (4 per 100 females) under extensive rangeland conditions for 12 months during which time weight, body condition, pregnancy and ovarian function were monitored and compared. Results Pregnancy rates varied from 60 to 90% for entire heifers and 80 to 100% for entire cows depending on site. The traditional spay methods were 100% successful in preventing pregnancy; the WDOT was 92 to 97% effective, depending on operator experience. The number of deaths was the same or higher in Willis spayed animals than other groups. Weight changes were similar in all groups at the three sites over the trial period. The time taken to spay using the WDOT was similar to or less than that required for the traditional methods. Uterine abnormalities were not observed in animals spayed with the WDOT, there were however 30 (12.4%) animals where excision of the ovary was incomplete; the still‐attached ovarian remnant presumably accounting for the three pregnant animals in this group. Conclusion The WDOT suffers from requiring a high degree of skill in transrectal ovarian manipulation. There were more deaths and more pregnancies than with traditional spay methods. More experienced operators can be expected to achieve lower mortalities, better contraception and higher processing rates. Pregnancy will occur as a consequence of ovarian remnants unless care is taken to ensure removal of the entire ovary.
Palmar digital neurectomy in 24 horses using the guillotine technique
Authors: MATTHEWS S , DART AJ , DOWLING BA 
Published: March 2008

Objective To determine the effectiveness and incidence of complications of palmar digital neurectomy using the guillotine technique in horses presented for lameness originating from sites innervated by these nerves. Design Retrospective study of 24 clinical cases. Animals Twenty‐four horses undergoing a palmar digital nerve neurectomy between June 1997 and June 2001. Methods The records of all horses undergoing a uniaxial or biaxial, unilateral or bilateral neurectomy during the defined time period were retrieved. Information retrieved from the record included breed, age, gender, discipline for which the horse was used, history, results of lameness examination, results of perineural anaesthesia, radiographic findings, surgery report, postoperative care, complications and outcome. Results Seventeen geldings and seven female horses of mixed breeds, ranging in age from 1 to 16 years, that were used for a variety of non‐racing, but competitive, athletic disciplines, underwent neurectomy using the guillotine technique during the specified time period. In 23 horses perineural anaesthesia was performed at the University Veterinary Centre to isolate the lameness. Anaesthesia resolved lameness in 18 horses. In five horses there was some residual lameness isolated to sites remote from the distal extremity. The most common radiographic finding was an increase in the number and or size of the synovial fossae of the navicular bone. Twenty‐two horses underwent bilateral biaxial neurec‐tomies and two horses with painful trauma‐induced neuromas underwent unilateral, uniaxial neurectomy. There were no postoperative complications. All horses were rested for 3 months before returning to work. At least 1 year after surgery, 22 horses were in full work and two horses were not in work because of unrelated problems. Of the horses in work, 17 were considered free of lameness. The other five were competing, but receiving medication for residual lameness associated with sites remote from the distal extremity. Conclusion Results of this study suggested that palmar digital neurectomy using the guillotine technique provided reliable and consistent resolution of lameness originating from sites innervated by these nerves. There were no significant complications.
Serum protein electrophoretic pattern in young and adult camels
Authors: CHAUDHARY ZI , IQBAL J. , RASHID J. 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo compare the electrophoretic pattern of serum proteins in clinically healthy adult camels (between 3 and 8 years of age) and camel calves (less than 3 months of age).DesignLaboratory analysis of serum from healthy camels.ProcedureBlood was collected from 30 healthy adult camels and 30 camel calves and the serum separated. Total protein of each serum sample was estimated by automated chemistry analyser. The proteins were fractionated by automated electrophoresis on agarose gel.ResultsSerum proteins migrated on the agarose gel as one albumin, two α(α1 and α(2‐globulins), two β(β1 and β2‐globulins) and one γ‐globulin fractions. In adult camels the mean concentration of total protein, albumin α1, α2, β1, β2 and γ‐globulins was 56.8±1.5, 30.7 ± 0.8, 2.4 ± 0.1, 3.2 ± 0.1, 9.7 ± 0.3, 3.4 ± 0.2 and 8.6 ± 0.3 g/L, respectively. These values in calves were 49.7 ±1.8, 23.7 ±0.8, 3.2 ± 0.2, 3.1 ± 0.2, 14.2 ± 0.2, 4.0 ± 0.2 and 4.1 ± 0.2 g/L, respectively.ConclusionThe concentration of total proteins, albumin and γ‐globulins was higher (P< 0.05) in the adult camels than in camel calves. The concentrations of β1 globulins was higher (P< 0.05) in calves as compared to adult camels.
The effects of reducing the length of canine teeth in sucking pigs by clipping or grinding
Authors: HOLYOAKE PK , BROEK DJ , CALLINAN APL 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo provide production data that would support or discount current teeth clipping practices in sucking pigs.DesignIntervention study of 207 litters of pigs on a commercial farm.ProcedureLitters were assigned to one of three interventions undertaken at 1 day of age: clipped using hand‐operated side cutter pliers, ground using a battery‐operated grinder or left intact. The effects of the intervention on weaning weight, preweaning mortality, facial lesions, gum damage and arthritis in litters of pigs were recorded, as was the incidence of udder damage of the sows. Weight gain and facial damage post‐weaning of pigs within each intervention group were recorded. The cost:benefit of each intervention was determined.ResultsAverage weaning weight of pigs whose teeth were clipped was higher than of those whose teeth were ground but not of those with intact teeth. Clipping resulted in fewer preweaning deaths than both unclipped and ground litters due to fewer overlays. The incidence and severity of face scarring was higher in unclipped litters than clipped and ground litters. Treatment had no effect on face scars at weaning, udder damage, post‐treatment fostering, time of preweaning deaths or postweaning weight gain. There was an additional labour cost of 6 cents per pig with teeth clipping.ConclusionThis study supports teeth clipping of sucking pigs because there are welfare, production and financial benefits including reduced facial damage and preweaning mortality.
Detection of subgroup J avian leukosis virus infection in Australian meat‐type chickens
Authors: BAGUST TJ , FENTON SP , REDDY MR 
Published: March 2008

Objective To determine the extent of avian leukosis virus subgroup J (ALV‐J) infection in Australian broiler breeder flocks, using virus isolation and molecular biological detection. Any resultant ALV‐J viral isolates to be characterised by neutralisation cross testing in order to determine antigenic relationships to overseas isolates of ALV‐J. Study design Samples of blood, feather pulp, albumen and tumours were obtained from broiler breeder flocks which represented four genetic strains of meat chickens being grown in Victoria, South Australia, NSW and Queensland. Dead and ailing birds were necropsied on farm and samples were collected for microscopic and virological examinations. Virus isolation was carried out in C/O and DF‐1 CEF cultures and ALV group specific antigen was detected in culture lysates using AC‐ELISA. Micro‐neutralisation assay was used for antigenic characterisation of selected isolates. Genomic DNA was isolated from cultured cells, tumours and feather pulp. ALV‐J envelope sequences were amplified by PCR using specific ALV‐J primers while antibodies against ALV‐J were detected by ELISA. Results A total of 62 ALV‐J isolates were recovered and confirmed by PCR from 15 (31.3%) of 48 breeder flocks tested. Antibody to ALV‐J was detected in 20 (47.6%) of the 42 flocks tested. Characteristic lesions of myeloid leukosis caused by ALV‐J were found in affected flocks. The gross pathological lesions were characterised by skeletal myelocytomas located on the inner sternum and ribs, neoplastic enlargement of the liver, and in some cases gross tumour involvement of the spleen, kidney, trachea, skeletal muscles, bone marrow, skin and gonads. Microscopically, the tumours consisted of immature granulated myelocytes, and were present as focal or diffuse infiltrations in the affected organs. Virus micro‐neutralisation assays demonstrated antigenic variation among Australian isolates and to overseas strains of ALV‐J. Conclusion ALV‐J infection was prevalent in Australian broiler breeder flocks during 2001 to 2003. Australian isolates of ALV‐J show a degree of antigenic variation when compared to overseas isolates.
A comparative field trial of cephalonium and cloxacillin for dry cow therapy for mastitis in Australian dairy cows
Authors: SHEPHARD RW , BURMAN S. , MARCUN P. 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo investigate and compare the therapeutic efficacy of dry cow agents containing either cephalonium or cloxacillin within Australian dairy herds.DesignA treatment‐control trial.MethodsMilk from infected quarters of cows with high somatic cell counts in milk on eight Australian dairy farms was cultured to identify bacterial pathogens. Cows were randomly assigned to treatment groups and one group was treated with cephalonium at drying off and the other group was treated with cloxacillin at drying off. Milk samples from infected quarters were collected immediately after calving and were cultured for pathogens. The effect of treatment on bacteriological cure was examined and somatic cell counts from infected cows from the first two herd tests after calving were examined for a treatment effect. On four farms, milk samples were collected for culture from all cases of clinical mastitis identified within the first 7 days after calving. The effect of treatment upon incidence of clinical mastitis after calving was examined.ResultsThere was no significant difference between treatments on quarter cure rates for new infections, for chronic infections and for infections withStaphylococcus aureus,Streptococcus agalactiaeandStreptococcus uberis.Infected quarters treated with cephalonium had a significantly higher cure rate than quarters treated with cloxacillin whenCorynebacterium bovisandStaphylococcus epidermidswere included as pathogens combined (80.3% versus 70.7%). There was no significant difference between the treatments on somatic cell counts of infected cows at the first two herd tests after calving. There was no difference between treatments on the incidence of clinical mastitis in the first 7 days after calving.ConclusionsCephalonium is an effective antibiotic for dry cow therapy.
Effect of oral ursodeoxycholic acid on bile acids tolerance tests in healthy dogs
Authors: ABRAHAM LA , CHARLES JA , HOLLOWAY SA 
Published: March 2008

Objective T o determine whether oral administration of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) to healthy dogs alters the results of the bile acids tolerance test.Methods UDCA (15 mg/kg once daily) was administered to 16 healthy dogs for 7 days. Health of the dogs was assessed by clinical examination, haematology, serum biochemistry and a bile acids tolerance test. Normal liver structure was confirmed by histopathology at the end of the study. Bile acids tolerance tests were performed before and at the end of the treatment period, with each dog serving as its own control. For the post‐treatment bile acids tolerance test, UDCA was administered at the time of feeding.Results Pretreatment, the fasted serum total bile acid concentrations ranged between 0 and 9 μmol/L. In the majority of dogs, the postprandial total bile acid concentration was greater than the preprandial value, with a range of 0 to 16 μmol/L. The fasted total bile acid concentration was 0 μmol/L in most dogs (93.75%) after treatment with UDCA. Postprandial serum bile acids also remained within the reference range for the majority of dogs (93.75%) after UDCA treatment. A single dog had a postprandial bile acid concentration above the reference range, but the concentration was within the reference range when the assay was repeated the following day without concurrent administration of UDCA. The pre‐ and postprandial total serum bile acid concentrations were not significantly affected by UDCA treatment.Conclusion The administration of UDCA does not alter the bile acids tolerance test of normal healthy dogs.
Toxic effects of mebendazole at high dose on the haematology of red‐legged pademelons (Thylogale stigmatica)
Authors: SPEARE R. , SKERRATT LF , BERGER L. , JOHNSON PM 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of mebendazole at high dose on the haematology of macropods.DesignExperimental.ProcedureFive red‐legged pademelons (Thylogale stigmatica) were dosed orally with mebendazole at 50 mg/kg/d for 5 to 6 days. Two control pademelons were dosed with water. Regular blood samples were taken for haematology over 20 days.ResultsAll four treated pademelons sampled at 5 days developed severe leucopenia and neutropenia, moderate lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, eosinopenia and monocytopenia, as well as bone marrow aplasia within 5 to 11 days after the first mebendazole dose. Four pademelons died unexpectedly or became ill and were euthanased 5 to 11 days after the first dose while the other animal recovered after 5 days of illness. Necropsy revealed systemic infection with opportunistic enteric bacteria, non‐suppurative inflammation in tissues, haemorrhage and ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.ConclusionsRed‐legged pademelons rapidly develop bone‐marrow aplasia and subsequent septicaemia after administration of high doses of mebendazole. Mebendazole at high doses should not be used for macropods.
Detection of White Spot Syndrome virus and Yellowhead virus in prawns imported into Australia
Authors: McCOLL KA , SLATER J , JEYASEKARAN G , HYATT AD , CRANE M STJ 
Published: March 2008

Objective To determine whether viable White Spot Syndrome virus (WSSV) or Yellowhead virus (YHV) were present in prawn products imported into Australia. Procedure A sample of fourteen uncooked prawns was obtained from a consignment imported from southeast Asia. Each of the prawns was examined for WSSV by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and then a bioassay was conducted in which a 10% homogenate of cuticular epithelium from each of the prawns was inoculated intramuscularly into healthy challenge prawns (Penaeus monodon) from Australia. The latter were then monitored for clinical signs of disease, and tissue samples were processed for electron microscopy, histological examination and for detection of WSSV by in situ hybridization (ISH) using a commercial kit. Limited numbers of haemolymph samples from inoculated challenge prawns were also examined by PCR for the presence of WSSV and YHV. All work was carried out under microbiologically secure conditions. Results Results of the initial PCR examination for WSSV on the imported prawns were not definitive. However, in the bioassay, several of the challenge prawns inoculated with homogenates from the imported prawns showed clinical signs of disease (inappetence and lethargy) within 24 h post inoculation (pi) and died at 1 to 4 days pi. Tissue samples from a number of moribund prawns demonstrated lesions typical of White Spot Disease (WSD), and the presence of the virus was confirmed by electron microscopy, ISH and PCR. YHV was also demonstrated by PCR in two challenge prawns inoculated with homogenates. Conclusion Viable WSSV and YHV were present in frozen prawn products imported into Australia for human consumption from southeast Asia. Importation of frozen infected products may present a risk of transferring virus to wild and farmed populations of crustaceans in this country. To date, WSD and Yellowhead Disease remain exotic to Australia.
Apoptosis in liver damage produced by tunicamycin
Authors: FINNIE JW , READ SH , SWIFT JG 
Published: March 2008

Objective To determine whether apoptosis contributes to hepatocyte loss in tunicamycin poisoning. Design Groups of four guinea pigs were given 400 μg/kg of tunicamycin subcutaneously and killed at 24 h intervals up to 72 h post‐injection. Livers were examined by routine histological methods and ancillary techniques (TUNEL staining, endonu‐clease activation, caspase activity, and electron microscopy) to ascertain whether any hepatocyte injury was apoptotic. Results Many hepatocytes exposed to tunicamycin showed evidence of apoptosis in the form of nuclear karyorrhexis with chromatin margination and crescent formation, TUNEL‐posi‐tivity, DNA laddering, elevated caspase activity and apoptotic body formation. Conclusion Tunicamycin caused the death of many hepatocytes in the livers of guinea pigs by apoptosis.