bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soft tissue sarcomas and mast cell tumours in dogs; clinical behaviour and response to surgery
Authors: BAKER‐GABBy M , HUNT GB , FRANCE MP 
Published: March 2008

Objective To characterise the types of canine soft tissue sarcoma and mast cell tumour treated surgically at the University Veterinary Centre, Sydney. To evaluate the success of surgical treatment of these tumours and identify variables predictive of local recurrence and survival. To establish whether conclusions drawn from previous international studies are applicable to the University Veterinary Centre, Sydney, dog population and vice versa.Design Clinical presentation and results of surgical excision of 54 soft tissue sarcomas and 70 mast cell tumours affecting the trunk and limbs of dogs at the University Veterinary Centre, Sydney, between 1989 and 2001 were reviewed retrospectively.Results Cross‐bred dogs and Rhodesian Ridgebacks were at significantly greater risk of developing soft tissue sarcomas, and Boxers, Australian Cattle Dogs and Staffordshire Bull Terriers were at significantly greater risk of developing mast cell tumours than other breeds. Fine needle aspiration biopsy yielded a correct diagnosis in 62.5% of soft tissue sarcomas and 96% of mast cell tumours. Local recurrence was encountered after surgical excision in 7.4% of soft tissue sarcomas and 7.3% of mast cell tumours. Metastasis occurred in 6% of soft tissue sarcomas and 12% of mast cell tumours. The most significant risk factors for local recurrence were contaminated surgical margins (soft tissue sarcomas) and histological grade (mast cell tumours). Due to the low number of animals experiencing metastasis, no conclusions could be drawn about significant risk factors.Conclusions Aggressive surgical management of soft tissue sarcomas and mast cell tumours is associated with a low incidence of local recurrence. The type, location and behaviour of mast cell tumours and soft tissue sarcomas in the population of dogs presented to the University Veterinary Centre, Sydney are similar to those reported by others.
Occupational health risks in veterinary nursing: an exploratory study
Authors: SOEST EM van , FRITSCHI L 
Published: March 2008

ObjectivesThe aims of this exploratory study were to survey the prevalence of certain exposures and health problems among a group of veterinary nurses attending the International Veterinary Nurses' Conference in Brisbane, Australia, 2003 and to identify the main concerns among those veterinary nurses with regard to occupational health hazards they may face.Methods and materialsAn anonymous self‐administered questionnaire was distributed among all attendees of the International Veterinary Nurses' Conference 2003, Brisbane, Australia (N=147 respondents among 215 surveyed).ResultsThe prevalence of exposure to X‐radiation (97%), anaesthetics (96%), disinfectants (96%) and vaccines (85%) was high. More than 70% of the nurses were exposed to formaldehyde (76%) and pesticides/insecticides (71%). For all exposures except vaccines, about 50% of the nurses exposed were worried about negative health consequences. Acute injuries were common with 98% of the nurses experiencing dog/cat bites/scratches, 71% experiencing needle stick injuries and 43% experiencing lacerations. More than half of the nurses (52%) suffered from chronic back/neck pain and 39% reported having allergy or hay fever. Sixteen cases (11%) of Cat Scratch Fever were reported. Job related affective well‐being was similar to a large sample of workers in comparable level jobs.ConclusionAmong attendees of a veterinary nurses conference, the proportion of this group of nurses exposed to hazards in their work environment was high and acute and chronic injuries were common. Considering that nurses account for more than 40% of total employment in the veterinary service industry, the results of this study show that the occupational health hazards of this professional group require further study.
Implementation in Australia of molecular diagnostic techniques for the rapid detection of foot and mouth disease virus
Authors: BOYLE DB , TAYLOR T , CARDOSO M 
Published: March 2008

Objective To evaluate and implement rapid molecular diagnostic techniques for the detection of foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) suitable for use in Australia. Design Two PCR TaqMan assays targeted to the FMDV internal ribosome entry site or the 3D polymerase coding region for the rapid detection of FMDV were evaluated using non‐infectious materials to determine the test most appropriate for implementation as part of Australia's national preparedness for the rapid detection and diagnosis of FMD outbreaks. Results Two published tests (PCR TaqMan assays targeted to the FMDV IRES region or the FMDV 3D polymerase coding region) were evaluated for their ability to detect FMDV genetic material in non‐infectious FMDV ELISA antigen stocks held at Australian Animal Health Laboratory. Both tests were able to detect FMDV genetic material from strains O1 Manisa, O‐3039, A22, A24, A Malaysia, C, Asia 1 and SAT 1, 2 and 3. With the exception of Asia 1, the TaqMan assay targeted to the FMD 3D polymerase coding region had Ct values equal to or lower than for the TaqMan assay targeted to the IRES region suggesting that this test may provide broader serotype detection and sensitivity. However, the TaqMan assay directed to the FMDV IRES is the only one to date to have undergone substantial evaluation using clinical samples collected during an outbreak. The greatest differences observed were for O‐3039, SAT 1, and 3. Conclusion Given the ease of setting up both tests, AAHL currently runs both tests on highly suspect FMD investigations to provide independent confirmation of the absence of FMDV because the tests are focused on two independent regions of the FMDV genome. These tests add substantially to Australia's preparedness for FMD diagnosis complementing the already well‐established virus isolation and antigen capture ELISA tests for index case diagnosis of FMD in Australia.
Effect of heel elevation on forelimb conformation in horses
Authors: PEARCE SG , BOURE LP , BOLGER A , THOMASON JJ , DOBSON H 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo determine the conformational changes in the distal forelimb of horses following heel elevation of 15 degrees and greater.DesignAn experimental study with repeated, within‐horse measurements.ProcedureFive clinically normal, mixed‐breed horses were used to determine distal forelimb conformation following heel elevation from 0 to 45 degrees in 15 degree increments. Data were also compared to conformation of the limb in a Kimzey splint. Conformation was determined using lateral to medial radiographic projections. Conformation parameters assessed included measurement of apparent lengths of digital flexor tendons from the origin of their accessory ligaments to the points of insertion, and the joint angles of the distal limb.ResultsFor angles of heel elevation from 15 to 45 degrees, the degree of joint angulation increased (increasing flexion) with heel elevation for the metacarpophalangeal, and proximal and distal interphalangeal joints. Conversely, the measured apparent lengths of the digital flexor tendons in the distal limb, decreased.ConclusionThe data supports the practice of elevating the heel (greater than 15 degrees) for conditions in which decreased fetlock extension may be desired such as with laceration or injury to the digital flexor tendons. Further study is required to determine whether heel elevation greater than 15 degrees reduces in vivo digital flexor tendon tension and also to ensure that the marked flexion of the distal interphalangeal joint with greater heel elevation is not detrimental over a prolonged period that may be required for the rehabilitation of flexor tendon injuries in the horse.
Behavioural responses of calves to amputation dehorning with and without local anaesthesia
Authors: SYLVESTER SP , STAFFORD KJ , MELLOR DJ , BRUCE RA , WARD RN 
Published: March 2008

Objective To assess the pain elicited by amputation dehorning and evaluate the effect of local anaesthesia by using changes in calf behaviour. Methods The behaviour of 6‐month‐old Friesian calves (n = 60), subjected to control handling, dehorned or dehorned after local anaesthesia treatment, was monitored in this study. The proportion of calves displaying particular behaviours was recorded using instantaneous scan sampling during the first 10 h and between 26 and 29 h after treatment. Results The three behaviours of tail flicking, head shaking and ear flicking displayed similar features with time according to treatment and appeared to occur in an inverse relation to rumination. Dehorned calves were highly restless for the first 6 h after treatment. A significantly greater proportion of them displayed tail flicking, head shaking and ear flicking than the control calves, which, by contrast, stood still and ruminated (P < 0.05). The behaviour of calves given local anaesthetic prior to dehorning was similar to that of the control calves for the first 2 h. Thereafter the proportion of calves displaying tail flicking, head shaking and ear flicking increased, rumination decreased, and the behaviour was similar to that of the dehorned calves. Conclusions These results suggest that dehorning is a painful experience that lasts about 6 h and that local anaesthetic alleviates that pain during its period of action. It is recommended that local anaesthetic be administered when conducting amputation dehorning.
Effect of a test and control program for Johne's disease in Victorian beef herds 1992 – 2002
Authors: JUBB TF , GALVIN JW 
Published: March 2008

Objective To report on progress in Johne's disease (JD) control in infected beef herds participating in the Victorian Johne's disease test and control program (TCP).Procedure Clinical histories and JD testing data recorded by the Department of Primary Industries were analysed for 18 beef herds participating in the TCP. The herds were required to conduct annual whole herd tests with an absorbed ELISA, cull reactors and control the grazing of young cattle to minimise infection.Results Testing of over 11,000 animals identified 68 reactors giving an average prevalence of reactors at the first whole‐herd test round (T1) of 0.77%. There had been 20 clinical cases detected in the 7 years before the TCP started and two cases detected in the 10 years after TCP started. Most reactors and all clinical cases were born before the TCP started. Of 34 reactors necropsied, 25 (74%) were confirmed to have JD by histology or culture of tissues. The modal age of reactors and clinical cases was 5 and 6 years respectively. Six herds completed the program by achieving three successive negative whole herd tests, four herds dropped out and eight continued to test. There were 18 reactors detected at T1 and 33 reactors that were negative at T1 but detected at subsequent tests.Conclusion The TCP was associated with a marked decline in clinical cases. The similar age distributions of clinical cases and reactors probably meant that testing detected animals for which clinical disease was imminent. Whether the measures used in the TCP were adequate to control the disease in beef herds could not be determined because of the long incubation period of the disease. The relatively high proportion of the reactors investigated that were confirmed as infected provided confidence that the test was continuing to operate at a high specificity. If all unconfirmed reactors were presumed to be uninfected, the minimum specificity of the ELISA was 99.83%. The sensitivity of the ELISA appeared to be very low because of the large number of reactors that were negative at T1 but positive at later tests.
Haematopoietic necrosis in a goldfish (Carassius auratus) associated with an agent morphologically similar to herpesvirus
Authors: STEPHENS FJ , RAIDAL SR , JONES B. 
Published: March 2008

One of 14 goldfish (Carassius auratus) died 4 weeks after purchase and was investigated by necropsy and histological examination. Routine formalin fixation of the goldfish was followed by histopathology. Formalin fixed spleen and kidney from the fish was further processed by embedding in epoxy resin and examined by transmission electron microscopy (EM).Severe, diffuse necrosis of haematopoietic tissue in the spleen, thymus and kidney and severe, diffuse hyperplasia in the gill epithelial cells were seen. In the spleen there was severe, diffuse necrosis of lymphocytes and many nuclei with marginated chromatin and intranuclear inclusions were scattered throughout the necrotic tissue. EM of affected tissues demonstrated intranuclear particles morphologically similar to herpesvirus.The presence of an agent similar to a herpesvirus in a goldfish with severe haematopoietic necrosis suggests that the herpesvirus responsible for haematopoietic necrosis in cyprinid species throughout the world has entered the goldfish population in Australia.
Effect of a test and control program for bovine Johne's disease in Victorian dairy herds 1992 ‐ 2002
Authors: JUBB TF , GALVIN JW 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjective To report on progress in Johne's disease (JD) control in infected dairy herds participating in the Victorian Johne's disease Test and Control Program (TCP).Procedure Clinical histories and JD testing data recorded by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (now called Department of Primary Industries) were analysed for 542 dairy herds participating in the TCP. The herds were required to conduct annual herd tests of cattle 2 years old and older with an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), cull the reactors and manage the younger cattle to minimise infection.Results Testing of over 680,000 animals identified over 10,000 reactors giving an average prevalence of reactors at the first whole‐herd test (T1) of 1.78%. There was a relatively rapid increase in the incidence of clinical disease before the TCP started and then it markedly declined. There was a slow and interrupted decline in reactor prevalence, with a marked peak occurring at the fourth herd test (T4). The average age of reactors and clinical cases was 5.7 and 5.9 years, respectively. Of the reactors and clinical cases detected during the TCP, 87% and 95% respectively, were born before the TCP started. Thirty herds completed the program by achieving three successive negative whole herd tests and 91 herds dropped out because of inability to comply with the agreed requirements of the program. There were no home‐bred reactors born after the start of the program in 253 (47%) herds and of the 522 herds that were tested more than once, there were 319 (61%) herds in which no home‐bred reactors were detected after the first year of testing. The number of ELISA positive animals detected at T1 appeared to be only about 26% of the animals from that round that subsequently became positive or developed clinical disease at later test rounds.Conclusion The TCP caused a marked decline in the number of clinical cases, probably because animals in which clinical disease was imminent were detected by testing and removed. A reduction in prevalence of reactors occurred only when most herd members were born after the TCP started. The sensitivity of the ELISA appears to be low based on the large number of reactors that were negative at T1 but were positive at later tests. Low sensitivity of diagnostic tests and the long incubation period of the disease limits meaningful analysis of the program until it has continued for some years. Measures adopted in the TCP have not broken the cycle of infection in many participating herds. It is unsure if this was because of poor compliance with control recommendations or a poor understanding of methods of transmission by scientists. Eradication is not feasible in the short term.
Survey for the presence of White Spot Syndrome virus in Australian crustaceans
Authors: EAST IJ , BLACK PF , McCOLL KA , HODGSON RAJ , BERNOTH E‐M 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjective To examine populations of Australian crustaceans for evidence of White Spot Syndrome virus (WSSV).Design A national survey was designed to provide 95% confidence of detecting at least one infected crustacean population (site) in Australian waters assuming that at least 5% of sites would be infected and that at least 10 % of crustaceans at those sites would be infected with virus that was detectable by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Procedure A two‐stage sampling regimen was used. All samples were tested by the OIE‐recommended PCRs. If positives were found, they were retested at the Australian Fish Diseases Laboratory. Any sample that tested positive in PCR tests at both laboratories was to be subjected to a bioassay.Results 3051 samples from 64 sites throughout Australia were tested. No mortalities, clinical signs of disease nor evidence of WSSV were detected at any site during the survey.Conclusion The results of the survey support the case that Australia's crustacean populations are free of WSSV.
An assessment of the safety of copper heptonate for parenteral therapy in sheep
Authors: JUDSON GJ , BABIDGE PJ 
Published: March 2008

Objective To investigate any adverse effects of an intramuscular injection (IM) of copper heptonate (CuHep) in sheep. Procedure Merino wethers about 9 months old were retained in pens and given 1 or 2 mg Cu/kg body weight as CuHep or no Cu treatment. Sheep were weighed and samples of blood for haematology, Cu and enzyme assay and tissues for Cu and Fe assay were collected before and at intervals over 21 days after treatment. Results CuHep was removed from the injection site within 7 days of treatment and most of it was retained in the liver. Wethers had adequate liver Cu reserves before treatment and the higher dosage of CuHep raised liver Cu to values associated with Cu toxicity.No clinical signs of Cu toxicity were evident. Transient increases in plasma activity of the liver enzyme glutamate dehydrogenase suggested mild liver necrosis due to CuHep, but there was no histopathological evidence of liver necrosis 7 days after treatment. Conclusions IM injection of Cu as CuHep appears to be readily transferred to the liver. No significant necrosis is caused at the injection site.
The prevalence of feline A/B blood types in the Sydney region
Authors: MALIK R , GRIFFIN DL , WHITE JD , ROZMANEC M , TISDALL PLC , FOSTER SF , BELL K , NICHOLAS FW 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo determine the distribution of A/B blood types in pedigree and crossbred cats in the Sydney region, and to estimate the associated risk of administering incompatible blood in an unmatched random transfusion.DesignA prospective/retrospective study of blood specimens collected from both sick and healthy cats.Materials and methodsBlood was collected from 355 cats from the Sydney region over a 12‐year period from 1992 to 2003. Specimens were obtained from 187 domestic crossbred cats (short and long‐haired) and 168 pedigree cats. The blood type of each cat was determined by one of three different laboratories using standard methods that varied over the duration of the survey.ResultsThe distributions of blood types obtained by the three laboratories were not significantly different. The prevalence of type‐A, type‐B and type‐AB blood types in crossbred cats was 62% 36% and 1.6% respectively. This is the highest percentage of type‐B cats so far reported for an outbred population of domestic cats, and is significantly higher than the 26% reported previously for cats in the Brisbane region. The calculated frequency for the type‐B allele assuming Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium for this feline population is 0.60; the corresponding frequency of the type‐A allele is thus approximately 0.40. The calculated proportion of random transfusions from this population giving rise to an incompatible blood transfusion is 46%, with half of these being life‐threatening events. The calculated proportion of random matings from this population at risk for developing neonatal isoerythrolysis is 23%.The distribution of A and B blood types for pedigree cats was in general agreement with data reported previously for cats in North America and Europe, suggesting that the distribution of blood types in these purebred populations is relatively consistent throughout the world.ConclusionsThe prevalence of type B cats in the owned domestic and pedigree cat population is so high that blood typing or cross matching prior to transfusion should be mandatory, except in Siamese/Oriental cats.
Temperature changes in dental pulp associated with use of power grinding equipment on equine teeth
Authors: WILSON GJ , WALSH LJ 
Published: March 2008

Objective To quantify the temperature changes in the dental pulp associated with equine dental procedures using power grinding equipment. Design A matrix experimental design with replication on the same sample was followed to allow the following independent variables to be assessed: horse age (young or old), tooth type (premolar or molar), powered grinding instrument (rotating disc or die grinder), grinding time (15 or 20 seconds) and the presence or absence of water coolant. Procedure Sound premolar and molar teeth from a 6‐year‐old horse and a 15‐year‐old horse, which had been removed postmortem, were sectioned parallel to the occlusal plane to allow placement of a miniature thermocouple at the level of the dental pulp. The maximum temperature increase, the time taken to reach this maximum and the cooling time were measured (n=10 in each study). The teeth were placed in a vice and the instrument used on the tooth as per clinical situation. Results Significant differences were recorded for horse age (P < 0.001), instrument type (P < 0.001), grinding time (P < 0.001) and presence or absence of coolant (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference for tooth type. Conclusion Thermal insult to the dental pulp from the use of power instruments poses a significant risk to the tooth. This risk can be reduced or eliminated by appropriate selection of treatment time and by the use of water irrigation as a coolant. The increased dentine thickness in older horses appears to mitigate against thermal injury from frictional heat.
Effect of withholding macromolecules on the duration of intestinal permeability to colostral IgG in foals
Authors: RAIDAL SL , MCTAGGART C , PENHALE J 
Published: March 2008

Objective To quantify absorption of colostral IgG by healthy neonatal foals and to test the hypothesis that delayed ingestion of macromolecules prolongs the duration of intestinal permeability to immunoglobulins (Ig) in newborn foals. Animals Thirteen mixed breed foals. Procedure Foals were randomly assigned to two treatment groups, which were fed either a glucose‐electrolyte solution or a commercial milk replacer for 12 h after birth, before being fed a known amount of colostral IgG. A control group was fed a known amount of colostral IgG from birth. The efficiency of IgG absorption was calculated following determination of plasma IgG concentration for each foal. Results Foals given colostrum immediately after birth transferred approximately 51% of ingested IgG into their vascular space. Delayed colostral ingestion significantly reduced the amount of IgG absorbed by foals. Withholding macromolecules for 12 h had no effect on the subsequent efficiency of IgG absorption. Conclusions Colostrum should be supplied to foals within 12 h of birth for best uptake of Ig. The type of fluid administered to foals before the ingestion of colostrum does not influence subsequent absorption of Ig, suggesting that the process of gut closure in foals is not mediated by a finite capacity for macromolecular uptake.