bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polymerase chain reaction tests for the identification of Ross River, Kunjin and Murray Valley encephalitis virus infections in horses
Authors: STUDDERT MJ , AZUOLAS JK , VASEY JR , HALL RA , FICORILLI N , HUANG J‐A 
Published: March 2008

Objective To develop and validate specific, sensitive and rapid diagnostic tests using RT‐PCR for the detection of Ross River virus (RRV), Kunjin virus (KV) and Murray Valley encephalitis virus (MVEV) infections in horses. Methods Primer sets based on nucleotide sequence encoding the envelope glycoprotein E2 of RRV and on the nonstructural protein 5 (NS5) of KV and MVEV were designed and used in single round PCRs to test for the respective viruses in infected cell cultures and, in the case of RRV, in samples of horse blood and synovial fluid. Results The primer pairs designed for each of the three viruses amplified a product of expected size from prototype viruses that were grown in cell culture. The identity of each of the products was confirmed by nucleotide sequencing indicating that in the context used the RT‐PCRs were specific. RRV was detected in serums from 8 horses for which there were clinical signs consistent with RRV infection such that an acute‐phase serum sample was taken and submitted for RRV serology testing. The RRV RT‐PCR was analytically sensitive in that it was estimated to detect as little as 50 TCID50 of RRV per mL of serum and was specific in that the primer pairs did not amplify other products from the 8 serum samples. The RRV primers also detected virus in three independent mosquito pools known to contain RRV by virus isolation in cell culture. Samples from horses suspected to be infected with KV and MVEV were not available. Conclusion Despite much anecdotal and serological evidence for infection of horses with RRV actual infection and associated clinical disease are infrequently confirmed. The availability of a specific and analytically sensitive RT‐PCR for the detection of RRV provides additional opportunities to confirm the presence of this virus in clinical samples. The RT‐PCR primers for the diagnosis of KV and MVEV infections were shown to be specific for cell culture grown viruses but the further validation of these tests requires the availability of appropriate clinical samples from infected horses.
Prevalence of caseous lymphadenitis and usage of caseous lymphadenitis vaccines in sheep flocks
Authors: PATON MW , WALKER SB , ROSE IR , WATT GF 
Published: March 2008

Objective To estimate the prevalence of caseous lymphadenitis (CLA), determine the current usage of vaccines against CLA and to measure the effectiveness of these vaccines on sheep farms. Design and population A survey was undertaken on 223 sheep flocks in New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia. Method The prevalence of CLA was measured by conventional inspection techniques at abattoirs in lines of sheep that could be traced back to a farm. Managers of the flocks were sent a questionnaire about their vaccine practices, management practices and knowledge of CLA. Results The average prevalence of CLA in adult sheep in these flocks was 26% and varied from 20% in Western Australia to 29% in New South Wales. About 43% of sheep producers used CLA vaccines; only 12% used them as recommended. Awareness of CLA was highest in Western Australia. More producers would use CLA vaccine if they knew the prevalence of CLA in their flock and producers obtained most information about CLA from vaccine resellers. Conclusions Only 10 to 15% of producers are currently achieving effective CLA control through the use of recommended CLA vaccination programs. In Western Australian flocks more than 25% of effectively vaccinated ewes will be sent to abattoirs in the 2 to 3 years after this study. However, large decreases in the prevalence of CLA can be achieved by about 70% of producers by either making adjustments to their vaccination programs or buying a vaccine with a CLA component. Two or three key facts on effective CLA vaccination could be made available at the point of sale of vaccines and from abattoirs that reported the prevalence of CLA to farmers.
A multifocal symmetrical necrotising encephalomyelopathy in Angus calves
Authors: PHILBEY AW , MARTEL KS 
Published: March 2008

Objective To define a neurological disorder in Angus calves.Procedure Clinical and pathological examinations were performed on affected Angus calves from a herd experiencing 1% annual mortality from neurological disease.Clinical signs Angus calves developed ataxia, nystagmus, strabismus, muscular tremors, opisthotonus, bruxism, hyper‐aesthesia, tetanic spasms and episodic convulsions at 2 to 6 weeks of age. Death occurred 4 to 7 days after the onset of clinical signs.Gross pathology Bilaterally symmetrical, yellow‐grey foci were present in the medulla oblongata.Histopathology Symmetrical degenerative lesions affected the dorsal vagal motor, lateral cuneate and olivary nuclei in the medulla oblongata and sometimes the spinal cord, substantia nigra and cerebellar peduncles. Malacia was characterised by spongiosis of the neuropile, vascular hyper‐plasia, infiltration of gitter cells, spheroid formation and delayed degeneration of neurones.Conclusion Angus calves may develop a multifocal symmetrical necrotising encephalomyelopathy.
Effects of the paralysis tick, Ixodes holocyclus, on the electrocardiogram of the Spectacled Flying Fox, Pteropus conspicillatus
Authors: CAMPBELL FE , ATWELL RB , SMART L 
Published: March 2008

Objective To evaluate cardiac electrical function in the Spectacled Flying Fox (bat) infested with Ixodes holocyclus. Design Prospective clinical investigation of bats treated for naturally occurring tick toxicity. Procedure ECGs were performed on bats with tick toxicity (n =33), bats that recovered slowly (n =5) and normally (n =5) following treatment for tick toxicity, and on normal bats with no history of tick toxicity (n = 9). Results Bats with tick toxicity had significantly prolonged corrected QT intervals, bradycardia and rhythm disturbances which included sinus bradydysrhythmia, atrial standstill, ventricular premature complexes, and idioventricular bradydysrhythmia. Conclusions The QT prolongation observed on ECG traces of bats with tick toxi‐city reflected delayed ventricular repolarisation and predisposed to polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and sudden cardiac death in response to sympathetic stimulation. The inability to document ventricular tachycardia in bats shortly before death from tick toxicity may be explained by a lack of sympathetic responsiveness attributable to the unique parasympathetic innervation of the bat heart, or hypothermia‐induced catecholamine receptor down‐regulation. Bradycardia and rhythm disturbances may be attributable to hypothermia.
Trilostane treatment in dogs with pituitary‐dependent hyperadreno‐corticism
Authors: BRADDOCK JA , CHURCH DB , ROBERTSON ID , WATSON ADJ 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of trilostane in treating dogs with pituitary‐dependent hyperadrenocorticism.DesignProspective clinical trial using client‐owned dogs with pituitary‐dependent hyperadrenocorticism treated at University Veterinary Centre, Sydney from September 1999 to July 2001.ProcedureThirty dogs with pituitary‐dependent hyperadrenocorticism treated with trilostane, a competitive inhibitor β‐HSD, were monitored at days 10, 30 and 90 then 3‐monthly by clinical examination, tetracosactrin stimulation testing, urinary corticoid:creatinine ratio measurement and by client questionnaire.ResultsTwenty‐nine of 30 dogs were successfully treated with trilostane (median dose 16.7 mg/kg; range 5.3 to 50 mg/kg, administered once daily); one responded favourably but died of unrelated disease before full control was achieved.ConclusionTrilostane administration controlled pituitary‐dependent hyperadrenocorticism in these dogs. It was safe, effective and free of side‐effects at the doses used. Most dogs were initially quite sensitive to the drug for 10 to 30 days, then required higher doses until a prolonged phase of stable dose requirements occurred. Urinary corticoid:creatinine ratio was useful in assessing duration of drug effect. Some dogs treated for more than 2 years required reduction or temporary cessation of drug because of iatrogenic hypoadrenocorticism.
Perioperative outcomes after three different single extrahepatic portosystemic shunt attenuation techniques in dogs: partial ligation, complete ligation and ameroid constrictor placement
Authors: HURN SD , EDWARDS GA 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo compare the perioperative outcomes of single extrahepatic portosystemic shunt occlusion by complete and partial silk ligation and ameroid constrictor placement in dogs.DesignA retrospective analysis of 30 dogs with single congenital extrahepatic shunts.ProcedureRecords between 1990 and 2000 were reviewed. Patient age, breed, weight, presenting clinical signs, clinical pathology results, diagnostic imaging results, the surgery procedure performed, implant used, time taken, intra operative complications and perioperative complications were recorded. Mortality rates were calculated.ResultsTwenty dogs had a silk ligation procedure, 10 partially occluded and 10 completely. Ten dogs had an ameroid constrictor placement procedure. Ameroid constrictor surgery was significantly shorter in duration than silk ligation. Time for silk ligation was 91.8 ± 35.2 minutes (median 90.0); time for ameroid constrictor placement was 71.5 ± 12.0 (median 72.5, P = 0.049). A reduction in intraoperative complications was also noted in the ameroid constrictor surgery group.ConclusionThe ameroid constrictor offered a surgical occlusion procedure of single extrahepatic portosystemic shunts in dogs that was clinically as effective as silk ligation in the perioperative period, with a significantly shorter surgery time.
Treatment of fractures of the mandible and maxilla by mini titanium plate fixation systems in dogs and catsa
Authors: BILGILI H. , KURUM B. 
Published: March 2008

Mini titanium plates were used to repair certain fractures of the maxilla and mandible in dogs and cats, under general anaesthesia. The location of the fractures treated were: corpus mandible, one dog; corpus mandible and symphysis, two dogs; caudal mandible, two dogs; rostral mandible, one dog; maxilla, one dog; nasal bone, one dog; corpus mandible and symphysis, one cat; caudal mandible, one cat; and maxilla, one cat.The healing periods varied from 6 to 9 weeks. In seven cases, implants were removed after a period of 3.5 to 18 months. In four cases the implants were left in place. The follow up period was between 8 and 36 months. In ten cases the procedure was successful, however in one case the outcome was not satisfactory due to a broken plate. There were no instances of dental malocclusion, nonunion, malunion, osteomyelitis or soft tissue infection. Eating, playing with toys, a fast transition to solid food and a quick return to normal jaw movements were observed.In our hands, the mini titanium plate fixation system was a safe and effective method for repairing certain maxillary and mandibular fractures in dogs and cats.
Comparison of tracheal aspirates and bronchoalveolar lavage in racehorses 1. Evaluation of cytological stains and the percentage of mast cells and eosinophils
Authors: HUGHES KJ , MALIKIDES N. , HODGSON DR , HODGSON JL 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo compare a fast Romanowsky cytological stain (Diff‐Quik®) and Leishman's stain for the detection of mast cells in samples from the lower airways of racehorses, and to compare the proportion of mast cells and eosinophils in the total inflammatory cells in tracheal aspirate (TA) with those in paired bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples.DesignRetrospective case series of 48 young Thoroughbred and Standardbred racehorses.ProcedureFifty‐one paired TA and BAL samples were collected after treadmill exercise from 48 horses with poor racing performance. Two slides were prepared from each sample; one was stained with Diff‐Quik® stain and the other with Leishman's stain. Differential cell counts of eosinophils and mast cells were recorded from each slide. Comparison of the suitability of the stains for the detection of mast cells, and comparisons of eosinophil and mast cell percentages in TA and BAL samples were analysed using the non‐parametric Wilcoxon matched pairs test.ResultsPercentages of mast cells were significantly higher in Leishman than in Diff‐Quik® stained slides in both TA (P = 0.03) and BAL samples (P < 0.0001). Mast cell percentages were significantly higher in BAL than in TA samples using Leishman's stain (P < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in eosinophil percentages between TA and BAL samples (P = 0.07).ConclusionsFast Romanowsky type stains (for example Diff‐Quik®) are not appropriate for the detection of mast cells in samples from the equine lower respiratory tract. Therefore, a metachromatic stain that reliably identifies mast cells (for example Leishman's) should be used if evaluation of mast cells in lower respiratory tract is undertaken. Mast cells are predominantly found in the distal small airways and alveoli sampled with a BAL. In contrast, eosinophils appear to be evenly distributed in the lower respiratory tract. However, high percentages of eosinophils are occasionally found only in TA samples. We recommend that both a TA and BAL be used for the evaluation of eosinophils and mast cells within the equine lower respiratory tract.
Eradication of footrot of lesser clinical severity (intermediate footrot)
Authors: ABBOTT KA , EGERTON JR 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo determine if intermediate footrot (IFR) can be eradicated from a flock of sheep by inspection and culling of cases during a non‐transmission period and if prior antibiotic treatment or vaccination increases the likelihood of eradication.ProcedureA replicated field experiment that compared the three eradication strategies was followed by an observational study of the best of these applied in a commercial flock of 3000 sheep.ResultsIn the replicated experiment, IFR was eradicated either by inspection and culling alone, or when combined with vaccination. Eradication failed when the sheep were treated with parenteral antibiotics before inspection and culling during the non‐transmission period. In the whole‐flock program, eradication by repeated inspection and culling of footrot cases during the non‐transmission period was successful and the flock remained free of infection 3 years later.ConclusionsIFR can be eradicated by inspection and culling but latent infections, which may persist undetected for at least 34 weeks, require surveillance inspections to be repeated during the non‐transmission phase of the program. The use of parenteral antibiotics as an aid to the eradication of IFR is contraindicated.
Effect of enhancing curd formation during the first colostrum feed on absorption of γ glutamy1 transferase by newborn calves
Authors: GREGORY NG 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo examine the effects of curd formation within the abomasum, on the absorption of g glutamyl transferase (GGT) from colostrum in newborn calves.DesignAn in vivo physiological study with controls, and in vitro examination of calf abomasal fluid.ProceduresNewborn calves were taken from cows without allowing them to suckle. They were fed either 1.5 kg colostrum or 1.5 kg colostrum plus rennet, with intervals between calving and colostrum feeding ranging from 0.4 to 12.7 h. Absorption of proteins from the whey component of colostrum was assessed from the rise in activity of serum GGT. In in vitro studies, colostrum was incubated with bovine amniotic fluid, newborn calf abomasal fluid or newborn calf forestomach contents, with or without rennet, to test the curd inhibiting effects of components in the abomasal fluid of newborn calves.ResultsIn vivo: addition of rennet to the colostrum feed reduced the proportion of calves with serum GGT activity below 500 U/L by 60%. In vitro: 43% of newborn calves lacked curd forming activity in their abomasal fluid, and that deficiency was corrected by adding rennet to the incubation medium.ConclusionsSome calves are born with low amounts of curd forming enzyme activity in the abomasum. This may compromise their ability to absorb large whey proteins from the first feed of colostrum. Adding rennet to the first colostrum feed may improve passive immunity in those calves.
The effect of shade, shearing and wool type in the protection of Merino sheep from Hypericum perforatum (St John's wort) poisoning
Authors: BOURKE CA 
Published: March 2008

Objective To investigate the roles of shade, fleece length and wool type in the protection of sheep from Hypericum perforatum poisoning. Animals Adult Merino ewes of superfine, fine and medium wool type. Design Seventy sheep were divided into seven equal groups. During late spring and summer a series of successive, replicate experiments was conducted, each using one group and lasting 5 days. The sheep carried 14 to 24 weeks wool growth. In each experiment the treatments tested were Hypericum+, sunlight + (n= 7); Hypericum+, sun ‐ (n = 1); Hypericum ‐, sun + (n = 1); Hypericum ‐, sun ‐ (n = 1).Next,24 sheep in two equal groups were used in experiments of similar design to the above. Each group consisted of nine recently (1 to 3 weeks previously) shorn and three wool covered (25 to 26 weeks growth) sheep. The treatments tested were Hypericum+, sunlight+, fleece ‐ (n= 9); Hypericum+, sun ‐, fleece + (n= 1); Hypericum ‐, sun +, fleece + (n= 1); Hypericum ‐, sun ‐, fleece + (n= 1). Procedures Finely milled Hypericum was administered by gavage to provide 3 mg hypericin / kg body weight. Sheep were sheltered from direct sunlight or were exposed for 5 h per day for 4 successive post‐treatment days. Rectal temperatures were measured immediately before and at the end of each sunlight exposure session. Rectal temperature above 40°C was considered indicative of hypericin poisoning. Results After Hypericum treatment hypericin poisoning was displayed by 26.5% of woolled sheep that were exposed to sunlight, but by none of those that were fully shaded. In similarly treated but recently shorn sheep 94% displayed hypericin poisoning when exposed to sunlight. In the wool covered group the percentages of poisoned animals based on wool type were: superfine 14%, fine 28.5%, medium 33.3%. In the recently shorn group the percentage for all three approached 100%. Conclusions A majority of Merinos with at least 14 weeks wool growth will not be poisoned by a single oral dose of 3 mg hypericin /kg, but because hypericin persists in the blood circulation for several days this safe dose will be lowered by continuous daily ingestion. Sheep with access to substantial areas of shade could safely ingest much greater amounts of hypericin. Wool removal greatly increases the risk of poisoning. Superfine Merinos with a wool cover should be able to ingest more hypericin than comparable, medium wool types, without any increased risk of poisoning. The ability of ruminant livestock to safely ingest Hypericum is probably determined more by the amount of skin protection they have against incident sunlight than by differences in hypericin metabolism and excretion capacity.
Effect of climatic region on the clinical expression of footrot of lesser clinical severity (intermediate footrot) in sheep
Authors: ABBOTT KA , EGERTON JR 
Published: March 2008

Objective To determine if the clinical classification of intermediate footrot (IFR) is changed to virulent footrot (VFR) by a transfer of the infected flock to a region where climatic conditions are more favourable for the transmission of the disease. Design Clinical examination of two groups of Merino wethers infected with IFR; one group of 309 in a region considered less favourable for footrot and another group of 343 at a second site considered more favourable. Procedures After characterising the form of footrot at the first site, infection was established at the second site by mixing 142 wethers from the first site with 201 unrelated wethers considered to be free of IFR and VFR. Observations of clinical characteristics were made over a 16 month period during which an outbreak of footrot occurred. Clinical assessments were made by inspecting every foot of every sheep at regular intervals and allocating a footscore. Evidence that the same clonal lines of D nodosuswere responsible for the footrot at both sites was provided by serotyping of isolates and using omp gene RFLP as a molecular epidemiological tool. Results The disease at the first site was classified as IFR because 7% of the sheep developed a maximum footscore (MFS) of 4, the most severe category, despite relatively low rates of transmission. When the outbreak occurred at the second site, which was more suitable for footrot transmission, the maximum proportion of the flock that developed a MFS of 4 was 3.6%, confirming the initial classification of IFR. Conclusions When a flock infected with IFR was moved to a region where climatic conditions were more favourable for footrot transmission, the clinical classification of the disease remained the same in both the original flock and in sheep exposed to the infection for the first time.
Nested PCR on blood and milk for the detection ofMycobacterium aviumsubspparatuberculosisDNA in clinical and subclinical bovine paratuberculosis
Authors: BUERGELT CD , WILLIAMS JE 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo determine the potential of PCR on blood and milk to detect cattle infected withMycobacterium aviumsubspparatuberculosis.ProcedureA nested PCR method probing for IS900 was developed and compared to ELISA serology in 11 clinically infected and 46 subclinically infected, lactating Holstein cows from a herd with confirmed paratuberculosis (Johne's disease).ResultsWhen compared to serum ELISA the nested blood‐and milk PCRs were equal in identifying DNA from clinically infected animals. The PCR procedures also gave positive DNA results with some subclinically infected animals when these only gave suspicious or negative results in the ELISA test. Most clinically and subclinically infected animals were detected with milk PCR.ConclusionSince there may well be a haematological phase in paratuberculosis, nested PCR testing of blood and milk samples shows potential to detect animals subclinically infected withM a paratuberculosis.More subclinically infected animals need to be tested and confirmed infected before estimates of sensitivity and specificity can be made.
Intrauterine and transmammary transmission ofMycobacterium aviumsubspparatuberculosisin sheep
Authors: LAMBETH C , REDDACLIFF LA , WINDSOR P , ABBOTT KA , McGREGOR H , WHITTINGTON RJ 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo investigate intrauterine infection of foetuses withMycobacterium aviumsubspparatuberculosisand the presence of infection in mammary secretions of sheep.DesignA study of 142 late‐pregnant ewes and their foetuses from two heavily infected flocks.ProcedureInfection of ewes was determined at necropsy by histopathology and culture of tissues and mammary secretions. Antemortem tests (clinical assessment, faecal culture and serology) were also applied. Foetuses from 59 infected ewes and 47 apparently uninfected ewes were examined by culture and histopathology.ResultsFive of five ewes with clinical ovine Johne's disease had infected foetuses. Only one of 54 subclinically affected ewes, and none of 47 uninfected ewes had an infected foetus.M a paratuberculosiswas cultured from mammary secretions or mammary glands of only two of 76 ewes, both of which were clinical cases and had infected foetuses.ConclusionAlthough intrauterine or transmammary transmission ofMycobacterium aviumsubspparatuberculosismay occur frequently in clinically affected sheep, these are less common in subclinically infected ewes. Therefore these modes of transmission are unlikely to compromise existing control programs for ovine Johne's disease on most farms, especially if programs include the immediate culling of clinically affected sheep.