bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevention of blowfly strike on coarse and fine woolled sheep with the insect growth regulator dicyclanil
Authors: NOTTINGHAM RM , HOSKING BC , SCHMID HR , STREHLAU G , JUNQUERA P 
Published: March 2008

Objective To assess a ready‐to‐use formulation of dicyclanil to prevent blowfly strike on coarse and fine woolled sheep under New Zealand conditions. Design Randomized clinical field trials. Procedure In a first field trial, coarse woolled sheep treated with a ready‐to‐use, 5% dicyclanil formulation were compared with untreated control sheep for up to 21 weeks. In a second field trial, fine woolled sheep, treated with the same dicyclanil formulation, were compared with untreated sheep for up to 19 weeks. Efficacy was assessed by calculating the aggregated cumulative strike rate. Results For trial 1 (coarse woolled sheep) the aggregated cumulative strike rate at the end of the trial at week 21 after treatment reached 3.9% and 19.1% for treated and untreated sheep, respectively. For the treated animals the aggregated cumulative strike rate reached the 1% and 2% benchmarks between weeks 11 and 12. For trial 2 (fine woolled sheep) the aggregated cumulative strike rate at the end of the trial at week 19 reached 0.6% and 7.5% for treated and untreated sheep, respectively. Wool length at the time of application did not substantially influence the efficacy of dicyclanil. Conclusion Under New Zealand field conditions, a ready‐to‐use 5% spray‐on formulation of dicyclanil protected coarse woolled sheep for at least 12 weeks and fine woolled sheep for at least 19 weeks.
Feline immunodeficiency virus status of Australian cats with lymphosarcoma
Authors: GABOR LJ , LOVE DN , MALIK R , CANFIELD PJ 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo determine the FIV status of Australian cats with lymphosarcoma and relate this to patient characteristics, tumour characteristics (tissue involvement, histological grade and immunophenotype), haematological and serum biochemical values and FeLV status of affected cats.DesignProspective study of 101 client‐owned cats with naturally‐occurring lymphosarcoma.ProcedureWestern blot analysis, ELISA and immunochromatography were used to detect FIV antibodies in serum from cats with lymphosarcoma.ResultsOn the basis of Western blot analysis (which was considered the most accurate method for determining FIV status), 50/101 (50%) of cats with naturally‐occurring lymphosarcoma were positive for FIV antibodies. Of these 50 cats, 35 had tumours of B‐cell phenotype, 13 had T‐cell tumours and 2 had tumours classified as non‐B/non‐T. Tumours from eight of these FIV‐positive cats contained FeLV gene sequences, including a 9‐month‐old cat with FeLV antigenaemia. Compared with FIV‐negative cats with lymphosarcoma, FIV‐positive cats were more likely to be domestic crossbreds (P = 0.004), male (P = 0.048) and have atypical (especially nasal) forms of lymphosarcoma (P = 0.09). Only 39 of 107 (36%) blood or sera tested using ELISA were positive for FIV antibodies (including 5 false‐positives).ConclusionsThe prevalence of FIV infection was considerably higher in our cohort of cats compared with series of lymphosarcoma cases from the Northern hemisphere. A positive FIV status was strongly associated with lymphosarcoma in Australian cats and it is possible that this infection may predispose to the development of lymphoid neoplasia. The presence of FIV infection would have been underestimated if commercial kits alone had been used for serology.
Detection of Ehrlichia platys in dogs in Australia
Authors: BROWN GK , MARTIN AR , ROBERTS TK , AITKEN RJ 
Published: March 2008

Objective To describe the detection of Ehrlichia platys in free‐roaming dogs in Central Australia. Procedure Blood samples were collected from four dogs and examined for bacterial 16S ribosomal DNA using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)‐based assays. The three positive samples obtained were then sequenced and identification of the PCR product carried out. As a result of all three samples being identical to or closely related to part of the 16S rRNA gene of E platys, blood samples were subsequently obtained from a further 24 dogs. These samples were screened using a PCR‐assay to determine the presence of Ehrlichia DNA using genus‐specific primers. The positive samples obtained from the screening process were then subjected to a further PCR‐assay using E platys specific primers.Results Of 28 dogs sampled, Ehrlichia DNA was detected in the blood of 13 dogs. Sequencing of the amplicons obtained indicated a high homology with the 16S rRNA gene for E platys. When the E platys ‐specific PCR was performed for 10 of those dogs, the 678 bp product obtained from the PCR amplification confirmed the identification as part of the 16S rRNA gene of E platys in all 10 dogs.Conclusion This study reports for the first time Ehrlichia carriage by dogs in Australia. It also indicates the usefulness of the PCR technique in rapidly and accurately identifying diseases that are otherwise difficult to detect. By using universal primers directed against bacterial 16S ribosomal DNA and sequencing analysis, the detection of potentially pathogenic Ehrlichia organisms that had not previously been found in Australia has been made possible.
Reactions to tick antitoxin serum and the role of atropine in treatment of dogs and cats with tick paralysis caused by Ixodes holocyclus: a pilot survey
Authors: ATWELL RB , CAMPBELL FE 
Published: March 2008

Objective To determine the incidence and nature of adverse reactions of dogs and cats to tick antitoxin serum and to re‐evaluate the role of atropine in the treatment of tick paralysis.Design A retrospective questionnaire of veterinarians.Procedure Questionnaires were posted to 320 veterinarians in tick‐endemic regions of Australia. Questions referred to dogs and cats treated for tick paralysis over a period of three years: the number treated, treatment protocols and adverse systemic reactions to tick antitoxin serum. Ninety completed questionnaires were returned and responses analysed.Results Veterinarians reported that approximately 3% of dogs exhibited adverse reactions immediately following treatment with tick antitoxin serum. Eighteen percent of these reactions were described as anaphylaxis, with the remaining 82% attributed to the Bezold‐Jarisch reflex. Six percent of cats treated with tick antitoxin serum reacted adversely and the majority of reactions (63%) were ascribed to the Bezold‐Jarisch reflex. Atropine was used routinely by 10% of responding veterinarians in the treatment of dogs and cats with tick paralysis. A similar number of veterinarians used atropine only in selected cases. Most veterinarians (76%) reported that they never used atropine in the treatment of tick paralysis in either dogs or cats. Within the survey population, premedication with atropine reduced the number of Bezold‐Jarisch reactions following tick antitoxin administration approximately five‐fold in dogs and four‐fold in cats.Conclusions Data from this pilot survey indicate that more cats than dogs have adverse systemic reactions to tick antitoxin serum and that the majority of these reactions in both dogs and cats could be related to the Bezold‐Jarisch reflex. The number of reactions to tick antitoxin serum in dogs and cats could be significantly reduced by the routine use of atropine prior to administration of tick antitoxin serum.
Long QT syndrome in dogs with tick toxicity(Ixodes holocyclus)
Authors: CAMPBELL FE , ATWELL RB 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo evaluate cardiac electrical function in dogs with tick toxicity.DesignA prospective clinical investigation of 39 client‐owned dogs treated for naturally occurring tick toxicity.ProcedureAn ECG was performed on each dog on several occasions; at admission to hospital with tick toxicity, 24 h later, at discharge from hospital when clinically normal and approxi‐matelyResultsThe mean QT interval corrected for heart rate (QTc) was prolonged at admission, 24 h and at discharge compared to the QTc measured 12 months later. T wave morphology was altered in dogs at admission. All other para‐meters were within normal limits.ConclusionsThe prolonged QTc interval and altered T wave morphology of dogs with tick toxicity reflects delayed cardiac repolarisation and is comparable with long QT syndrome (LQTS) in people who are predisposed to polymor‐phic ventricular tachycardia and sudden death. Resolution of ECG changes lagged behind clinical recovery.
The role of handouts, note‐taking and overhead transparencies in veterinary science lectures
Authors: McLENNAN MW , ISAACS G 
Published: March 2008

Objective To study student and staff views of the role and use of handouts, note‐taking and overhead transparencies in veterinary science lectures at the University of Queensland Methods The Nominal Group Technique was used to help develop a questionnaire, which was completed by 351 students (a response rate of 84%) and 35 staff (76%) from the 5 years of the veterinary course. The data were analysed using the SAS statistical computer package. Results Staff and students held different views as to the frequency with which handouts should be used, their educational value, and whether they should be complete or partial. Fewer students than staff agreed that handouts discourage further reading in a subject.Almost all staff and students saw the central functions of note‐taking to be provision of notes for subsequent revision and encoding information given by the lecturer. More students than staff however, considered that note‐taking in lectures interferes with understanding.Staff and students held similar views as to the uses of overheads in lectures. Interestingly however, more staff than students agreed that overheads often contain too much information. Conclusion Both students and staff saw the central role of note‐taking as providing a set of good notes for revision. Generally students preferred that this information be provided in the form of partial or complete handouts, while staff preferred students to take notes and to read outside lectures. Surprisingly, more staff than students felt that overhead transparencies often contained too much information. Note‐taking, handouts and overhead transparencies need to be linked in a coherent educational strategy to promote effective learning.
Comparison of copper heptonate with copper oxide wire particles as copper supplements for sheep on pasture of high molybdenum content
Authors: JUDSON GJ , BABIDGE PJ 
Published: March 2008

Objective To assess the effectiveness of intramuscular injection of copper heptonate (CuHep) and an oral dose of copper oxide wire particles (COWP) in preventing Cu inadequacy in adult and young sheep on pasture of high Mo content. Design Field experiments with flocks of mature Merino wethers and crossbred weaners. Procedure Adult wethers were given 25 or 37.5 mg Cu as CuHep, 2.5 g COWP or no Cu treatment. The weaners were given 12.5 or 25 mg Cu as CuHep, 1.25 g COWP or no Cu treatment. At intervals over the next 12 (adults) or 8 (weaners) months the sheep were weighed and samples of blood and liver were collected for trace element assay. Wool samples collected from the adults at the end of the experiment were assessed for physical characteristics. Results The higher dosage of CuHep raised liver Cu above control group values for at least 9 months in adults and 3 months in weaners. The lower dosage of CuHep was similarly effective for 3 months in adults but was without effect in weaners.In adults the response to COWP matched that to the higher dosage of CuHep; in weaners it was greater, lasting at least 5 months. No changes indicative of Cu deficiency, apart from a depressed body weight in adults, were seen. Conclusions In sheep on pasture of high Mo content a single intramuscular injection of CuHep providing 37.5 mg Cu to adults or 25 mg Cu to weaners will raise liver Cu reserves for at least 9 and 3 months respectively and may be an acceptable alternative to COWP for preventing seasonal Cu deficiency in sheep in southern Australia.
Repeatability of standard transthoracic echocardiographic measurements in horses
Authors: KRIZ NG , ROSE RJ 
Published: March 2008

Objectives To assess the repeatability of commonly employed transthoracic echocardiographic measurements in standing horses.Design Thirteen healthy 3‐ to 4‐year‐old fit Standardbred geldings with a mean weight of 411 (SEM ± 10) kg were studied. The horses' environment, feeding and management regimens were standardised. All measurements were performed by the same investigator at the same time every day for three consecutive days.Procedures Standard transthoracic measurements were made on all horses. Each measurement was performed over three consecutive cardiac cycles on 1 day and all measurements were performed over 3 consecutive days. Summary statistics of each day were then compared using an analysis of variance with times as a repeated measures factor. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.Results Many of the standard echocardiographic measurements used to derive quantitative and functional information about the equine heart have a low intra‐observer variability.Conclusions Standard transthoracic echocardiographic measurements have a low enough intra‐observer variability to warrant their use for clinical and experimental studies.
Effects of mating behaviour and the ovarian follicular state of female alpacas on conception
Authors: VAUGHAN JL , MACMILLAN KL , ANDERSON GA , D'OCCHIO MJ 
Published: March 2008

Objective To determine relationships between mating behaviour, ovarian follicular state and successful conception in receptive female alpacas. Procedure Seventy pen matings were observed at a commercial alpaca stud in south‐western Victoria. The behaviours observed included time taken to assume sternal recumbency, mating duration, and evidence of nonreceptive behaviour such as spitting, kicking and vocalisation. Ovarian follicular state was determined by ultrasonography, which was complemented by measuring plasma concentrations of oestradiol and progesterone. Pregnancies were confirmed by transabdominal ultrasonography between days 45 and 80 after mating. Results There were no significant differences between receptive females that conceived and those that failed to conceive in the time taken to adopt the copulation position of sternal recumbency, mating duration, or maximum follicle diameter. There was no significant relationship between time taken to assume sternal recumbency (log10) and maximum follicle diameter or plasma oestradiol (log10). However, there was a significant quadratic relationship between plasma oestradiol concentration (log10) and follicle diameter, and the probability of pregnancy increased as the plasma concentration of oestradiol (log10) at the time of mating increased. Females were sexually receptive most of the time in the absence of a corpus luteum, and regardless of size of the largest follicle or plasma concentration of oestradiol. Breed (Huacaya vs Suri), site of the dominant follicle (left or right ovary), lactation state, number of matings by the male (1 or 2), or interval between parturition and mating, did not affect pregnancy outcome. Follicles with a diameter less than 7 mm were able to ovulate in response to mating. This was smaller than previously reported. Thirty‐four pregnancies (49% pregnancy rate) resulted in 30 (88%) births with a gestation length of 343 days (SEM ± 2, range 316–367 days). There were 4 (12%) abortions between days 45 and 80 of gestation and full term. Conclusion It was not possible to correlate mating behaviour and ovarian state with conception. To optimise pregnancy rates in receptive alpacas, matings need to occur in the presence of an oestrogenic follicle that is capable of ovulation in response to mating. A simple method of detecting alpacas with follicles in this state is not currently available and treatments that control ovarian follicular growth should therefore be investigated.
The prevalence and distribution of gastric ulceration in 345 racehorses
Authors: BEGG LM , O'SULLIVAN CB 
Published: March 2008

Objective To report the prevalence and distribution of gastric ulceration within a group of racehorses and to describe the endoscopic appearance of gastric antrum and pyloric ulceration.Design Retrospective clinical study.Procedure Medical records from gastroscopic examinations of 345 racehorses (331 Thoroughbreds and 14 Standardbreds) were reviewed. Prevalence, distribution and severity of gastric ulcers were recorded. Lesions involving the squamous mucosa and the glandular mucosa of the antrum and pylorus were graded and compared.Results Gastric ulceration was found in 86% of racehorses. The squamous mucosa around the margo plicatus was most commonly affected. The pylorus was examined in 175 horses and 47% were ulcerated. No association was found between presence of lesions of the squamous mucosa and those of the pylorus. Low correlation was found between grade and location of lesions, with the pyloric lesion score being significantly less than the squamous mucosal lesion score.Conclusion Gastric ulceration was present in a large proportion of racehorses. The pylorus was also an important site of ulceration. There was no association between presence of lesion at one site and the other, although there was a low correlation between grade of lesion and location, with the pyloric ulcer grade being lower.
Role of the sensitivity of detection of oestrus in the submission rate of cows treated to resynchronise oestrus
Authors: CAVALIERI J , EAGLES VE , RYAN M , MACMILLAN KL 
Published: March 2008

Objective To determine if failure to detect oestrus in cows treated to resynchronise oestrus leads to fewer cows being inseminated than are truly in oestrus. Procedure Cows in three herds were enrolled in a controlled breeding program that involved synchronisation of oestrus for a first round of artificial insemination (AI) followed by resynchronisation for a second round of AI. Just before oestrus was expected at the second round of AI, aids for the detection of oestrus were fitted, which included pedometers, radiotelemetric transmitters (HeatWatch®), tail‐paint and heat‐mount detectors. Milk samples were collected at the second round of AI (day 33, herds A and B; day 35, herd C of the treatment program) and were used in combination with pregnancy testing to determine the number of cows that were in oestrus (milk progesterone<2.0 ng/mL) and cows that were not in oestrus (milk progesterone > 2.0 ng/mL or pregnant at second round of AI) at the time samples were collected. Results The mean sensitivity of detection of oestrus at the resynchronised oestrus was 92.5% and did not differ significantly between herds (P = 0.19). A total of 75% (60/80) of cows that were retrospectively determined to be not pregnant at the time of the second round of AI were classified as having high (≥2.0 ng/mL) concentrations of progesterone in milk at that time. Pregnancy testing of cows about 35 days after AI suggested that early pregnancy loss also contributed to a reduction in submission rates at the resynchronised oestrus. Conclusion Failure to submit cows for insemination at a resynchronised oestrus was mainly due to cows not being in oestrus rather than due to a failure to detect oestrus.
Toxoplasmosis in Indo‐Pacific humpbacked dolphins (Sousa chinensis), from Queensland
Authors: BOWATER R O. , NORTON J. , JOHNSON S. , HILL B. , O'DONOGHUE P. , PRIOR H. 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo describe the clinical signs, gross pathology, serology, bacteriology, histopathology, electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry findings associated with toxoplasmosis in four Indo‐Pacific humpbacked dolphins (Sousa chinensis) that stranded in Queensland in 2000 and 2001.DesignClinical assessment, gross necropsy, and laboratory examinations.ProcedureNecropsies were performed on four S chinensis to determine cause of death. Laboratory tests including serology, bacteriology, histopathology and transmission electron microscopy were done on the four dolphins. Immunohistochemistry was done on the brain, heart, liver, lung, spleen and adrenal gland from various dolphins to detect Toxoplasma gondii antigens.ResultsNecropsies showed all of four S chinensis that stranded in Queensland in 2000 and 2001 had evidence of predatory shark attack and three were extremely emaciated. Histopathological examinations showed all four dolphins had toxoplasmosis with tissue cysts resembling T gondii i n the brain. Tachyzoite stages of T gondii were detected in the lungs, heart, liver, spleen and adrenal gland, variously of all four dolphins. Electron microscopy studies and immunohisto‐chemistry confirmed the tissues cysts were those of T gondii. All four dolphins also had intercurrent disease including pneumonia, three had peritonitis and one had pancreatitis.ConclusionFour S chinensis necropsied in Queensland in 2000 and 2001 were found to be infected with toxoplasmosis. It is uncertain how these dolphins became infected and further studies are needed to determine how S chinensis acquire toxoplasmosis. All four dolphins stranded after periods of heavy rainfall, and coastal freshwater runoff may be a risk factor for T gondii infection in S chinensis. This disease should be of concern to wildlife managers since S chinensis i s a rare species and its numbers appear to be declining.
Echocardiographic parameters in 14 healthy English Bull Terriers
Authors: O'LEARY CA , MACKAY BM , TAPLIN RH , ATWELL RB 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo determine the range of various cardiac parameters using echocardiography in apparently normal, healthy English Bull Terriers.Design FourteenEnglish Bull Terriers were selected for study. Cardiac auscultation of the parents of these dogs was normal. Echocardiographic examination of one parent of each animal showed: no mitral or aortic valve abnormalities; no myocardial lesions; no two dimensional evidence of fixed or dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction; and no systolic aortic or left ventricular outflow tract turbulence on colour flow Doppler examination. The 14 selected dogs did not have arrhythmias or murmurs, and on echocardiographic examination had similar findings to their parents. Systolic blood pressure was measured in all dogs and they had no clinical evidence of Bull Terrier polycystic kidney disease or Bull Terrier hereditary nephritis.ProcedureAll dogs were auscultated and subjected to a sequential global echocardiographic assessment of the heart, including two dimensional long and short axis, and colour flow Doppler interrogation of the mitral and aortic valves. Dimensional measurements, including those from the left atrium, aortic annulus and left ventricle, were taken from a right parasternal window, and derived values such as fractional shortening, stroke volume and left atrial to aortic annulus ratio were calculated. Peak systolic aortic velocity was measured from the left parasternal window using two dimensional‐guided pulsed wave Doppler with angle correction. Systolic blood pressure was measured using a Doppler monitor. The absence of Bull Terrier polycystic kidney disease was determined using renal ultrasonography, and of Bull Terrier hereditary nephritis using urinary protein to creatinine ratio.ResultsThese 14 dogs had greater left ventricular wall thickness and smaller aortic root diameters than those reported as normal for other breeds of comparable body size. Left atrial dimensions were also larger, however this may have been due to the “maximising’ method of measurement. These apparently normal English Bull Terriers also had higher aortic velocities than those reported for other breeds, possibly due to a smaller aortic root diameter or other anatomic substrate of the left ventricular outflow tract, lower systemic vascular resistance, or breed‐specific “normal’ left ventricular hypertrophy. While these dogs were selected to be as close to normal as possible, the breed may have a particular anatomy that produces abnormal left ventricular echocardiographic parameters.ConclusionThese echocardiographic parameters may be used to diagnose left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and left ventricular hypertrophy, and inaccurate diagnoses may result if breed‐specific values are not used.