bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of lactation on the fertility of dairy cows
Authors: MACMILLAN KL , LEAN IJ , WESTWOOD CT 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYLactation has been negatively associated with fertility because pregnancy rates in maiden heifers exceed those obtained after first or subsequent calvings. The extent of this difference is less in pasture‐fed dairy cows (<10%) than in American Holsteins (>20%) fed grain and conserved forages. The latter cows have pregnancy rates to first insemination and oestrus detection rates of only 40 to 45%. This suggests that the subsequent fertility of inherently fertile Holstein heifers may be severely compromised by high levels of milk production. International comparisons show that pasture‐fed dairy cows may experience extended periods of anovulatory anoestrum but have normal fertility (60% pregnancy rate to first insemination) once cycling. The high‐producing American Holstein may ovulate within 4 weeks postpartum but is more likely to continue ovulating without being detected in oestrus.Both situations are associated with negative energy balances (NEB) during early lactation. The severity and duration of this NEB may vary with body condition at calving, age or parity, ration formulation, production level and environmental factors. Relative daily milk yield is not an absolute indicator of NEB, because some lower producing cows within a herd have lower feed intakes and more severe energy deficits. NEB is not simple to measure; nonetheless, it is correlated with genetic improvement for milk yield.A positive energy balance, greater weight gain and higher body condition score have all been shown to be positively correlated with plasma progesterone concentrations in early lactation. No studies have investigated the possibility that the rapid increase in metabolic rate at this time may also alter steroid concentrations with consequent effects on oestrous behaviour and fertility.Studies to more precisely define the effects of increasing milk yields in early lactation, especially in Holsteins, may need to be completed in Australia and New Zealand. Oestrus detection rates and pregnancy rates for American Holsteins of less than 50% are accepted widely in the USA. Such low detection rates confound studies on fertility. The objective should be to increase these 2 rates to at least 80% and 60% respectively. This may involve the use of controlled breeding, especially if oestrous behaviour is less overt in high‐producing Holstein cows.
Outcomes of thoracic surgery in dogs and cats
Authors: BELLENGER CR , HUNT GB , GOLDSMID SE , PEARSON MRB 
Published: March 2008

Summary:Records of 146 dogs and 41 cats that underwent thoracic surgery at The University of Sydney Veterinary Teaching Hospital were reviewed for age, sex, breed, disease, operation date, periods of pre‐ and post‐operative hospitalisation, use of surgical drains and outcome. Animals were assigned to 16 disease categories, the most common being patent ductus arteriosus, traumatic diaphragmatic hernia and oesophageal foreign body in dogs and traumatic diaphragmatic hernia in cats. Differences were observed between disease categories in all the criteria examined. There were almost equal numbers of male (72) and female (74) dogs, the median (range) age was 2.0 (0.2 to 14.0) years, the median pre‐operative stay was 1 (0 to 14) days, the median post‐operative stay was 4 (0 to 28) days and the overall survival to discharge rate was 78%.There were 24 male and 15 female cats (sex not recorded in 2 cats). The median (range) age was 3 (0.1 to 12) years, pre‐operative stay 1 (0 to 6) days, post‐operative stay 5 (0 to 15) days and the overall survival to discharge rate was 85%. Causes of post‐operative deaths among animals in the most common categories are recorded and discussed.
Development of a method for the identification, using the polymerase chain reaction, of Aspergillus fumigatus isolated from ostriches
Authors: KATZ ME , LOVE SC J. , GILL HS , CHEETHAM BF 
Published: March 2008

Objective To develop a method for identifying DNA of Aspergillus fumigatus from ostriches, using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A fumigatus is the principal causative agent of avian aspergillosis. Design A biochemical trial. Sample population Twelve Aspergillus fumigatus isolates and three other Aspergillus species. Procedure PCR primers that were based on the sequence of the alkaline protease gene from human isolates of A fumigatus were used. Results We successfully tested the method on ostrich isolates from five states and showed that the test is specific for A fumigatus. Conclusions In most cases the DNA sequence of A fumigatus isolates from ostriches is similar to that of human isolates. DNA sequences vary significantly among A fumigatus isolates, including those from affected ostriches in the same flock. The genetic variation may be used to trace aspergillus infections in ostrich flocks and determine if the disease is transmitted by contact with infected birds.
Residues from long‐acting antimicrobial preparations in injection sites in cattle
Authors: MAWHINNEY H , OAKENFULL SM , NICHOLLS TJ 
Published: March 2008

Objective To investigate tissue residues of two longacting oxytetracycline (OTC) preparations in cattle.Design A randomised drug residue trial.AnimalsTwo hundred and forty beef cattle in 24 groups of ten.Procedure Two blind‐coded 200 mg/mL OTC preparations were used in five treatment regimens of various combinations of injection sites (from one to five) and administrations (one or two). Five cattle from each group were slaughtered at 21, 30 and 60 days after injection and the injection site, urine, kidney and diaphragm muscle analysed for residues.Results The OTC concentration exceeded the maximum residue limit in kidney in animals slaughtered 21 days after treatment, which is the prescribed withholding period. Concentration at the injection site was much greater than the maximum residue limit 30 days post‐treatment, but not 45 days post‐treatment. The residue was smaller when OTC had been injected in multiple sites. There was no difference between the two OTC preparations.Conclusion A review of the maximum injection volume, site of injection and the withholding period is needed for long‐acting OTC formulations.
A screening test for subclinical liver disease in horses affected by pyrrolizidine alkaloid toxicosis
Authors: CURRAN JM , SUTHERLAND RJ , PEET RL 
Published: March 2008

Objective:To evaluate various biochemical tests as indicators of subclinical liver disease in horses exposed to pyrrolizidine alkaloid toxicosis. Design:A clinical pathology field study. Animals:Twenty‐two clinically normal horses from four properties in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Procedure:Serum samples from each horse were assayed for gamma glutamyltransferase, alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase activities, and for serum bile acid concentration, albumin and total protein. Serum protein electrophoresis was performed and their amino acid profiles determined. Bromosulphophihalein halfclearance times were measured. Horses were then subjected to a single liver biopsy. Results were analysed by, variance of group means, the Fisher‐Irwin exact test, and by sensitivity and specificity calculation. Results:Horses were classified into 2 groups, of 10 unaffected and 12 subclinically affected, on the basis of liver histology. Significant differences between the unaffected and subclinical groups were observed for gamma glutamyltransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities (P < 0.01). Gamma glutamyltransferase had sufficient sensitivity (75%) and specificity (90%) to function as a primary screening test for subclinical liver disease in horses exposed to pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Alkaline phosphatase was useful, but with lower sensitivity (58%). Conclusion:Serum gamma glutamyltransferase activity is a useful screening test for detecting subclinical liver disease in horses exposed to pyrrolizidine alkaloids under field conditions in northern Australia.
Treatment of rupture of suspensory ligament and superficial flexor tendon in a bull
Authors: NELSON DR , KNELLER SK , MARTIN DD 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYRupture of the suspensory ligament at the insertions on the proximal sesamoid bones, and of the superficial flexor tendon of the left fore limb, occurred in an adult Angus bull as a result of fighting. There was severe hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint with the dewclaws almost touching the ground. Radiographs revealed severe hyper‐extension of the MCP joint with the sesamoid bones aligned directly distal to the metacarpus. Initially, a full length fiberglass cast was applied with the limb partially flexed within the cast and the heels elevated. The cast was replaced twice. The cast was removed after 136 days and the bull was bearing full weight on the limb. Prolonged immobilisation of the limb produced new bone in the area (a normal response in cattle) to cause ankylosis of the traumatized MCP joint and partial ankylosis of the carpus. The bull was being used for pasture breeding one year after the injury.
Tendonitis of the branches of insertion of the superficial digital flexor tendon in horses
Authors: GIBSON K T , BURBIDGE H M , ANDERSON B H 
Published: March 2008

Objective To describe clinical findings, ultrasonographic features and outcome of injury to the branches of insertion of the superficial digital flexor (SDF) tendon in horses. Design Retrospective study of 14 cases. Procedure Fourteen Thoroughbred horses with tendonitis affecting the branches of insertion of the SDF tendon were examined for lameness, location and amount of swelling, and the presence of other musculoskeletal abnormalities. The flexor tendons were assessed by ultrasonographic examination, and recommendations were made for management of the cases. Outcome was assessed by re‐examination of some horses, direct communication with the owner or trainer, and examination of race records. Results The lateral SDF branch was affected in 10 horses; the medial branch in three, and both branches in one horse. Two horses had concurrent injuries to the SDF tendon in the metacarpal region of the contralateral limb. Ultrasonographic findings included swelling of the affected SDF branch, peritendinous fluid accumulation, disruption of normal fibre alignment on sagittal scan, and variable loss of echogenicity. As healing occurred, there was return of normal echogenicity, but normal fibre alignment did not return completely and apparent adhesions formed between the affected SDF branch and adjacent structures. Seven of 10 horses which returned to their previous use were able to compete without further tendon injury. Recurrence of injury occurred in one case, and another two horses developed tendonitis in the metacarpal region. One horse was retired from racing but was able to compete at dressage without recurrence of injury. Two horses were retired for breeding without returning to training, and one horse was sold and lost to follow up but did not race. Conclusion The prognosis is fair for return to previous use following injury to the branches of insertion of the SDF tendon in athletic horses.
Epidemiological studies of pig diseases: 1. Use of French protocols for risk factor assessment to predict the health status of Australian herds
Authors: BUDDLE JR , MERCY AR , SKIRROW SZ , MADEC F. , NICHOLLS RR 
Published: March 2008

Objective To determine in Australian pig herds the accuracy of French protocols for risk factor assessment. Procedure Data on health indicators and risk factors were collected for three syndromes, ‘pre‐weaning diarrhoea’, ‘post‐weaning diarrhoea’ and ‘respiratory problems’, using the French protocols. The protocols were used on 118 occasions in 32 Western Australian pig herds during 3 years (1988 to 1991). Results There was a wide variation in pre‐weaning performance, for example growth rate was 107 to 273 g/day (< 200 g/day in 33% of herds). Respiratory lesions at weaning were associated with poor pre‐weaning performance. Post‐weaning (21 days after weaning) growth rate was 114 to 408 g/day (< 250 g/day in 54% of herds). In the grower herds, 91% of herds had pneumonia, and growth rate was 439 to 625 g/day (< 550 g/day in 54% of herds). Pleurisy as well as pneumonia was associated with reduced growth rate. The risk factor most closely associated with respiratory health status was air volume per pig. Conclusion Risk factors were most accurate at predicting the health status in post‐weaning problems. A weaning weight of at least 7.9 kg and weaning age of 30 days optimised weaner performance. Stocking densities and shed designs providing at least 3 m3 air volume and 0.6 m2 floor space per pig throughout the growing phase should be considered for an improved respiratory health status. Australian pig sheds often do not provide a satisfactory environment for optimum health. The technique of risk factor assessment as an aid to the maintenance of health in pig herds is applicable in Australia, but further research is necessary to determine the most important Australian risk factors.
Mechanical comparison of materials used for extra‐capsular stabilisation of the stifle joint in dogs
Authors: LEWIS DD , MILTHORPE BK , BELLENGER CR 
Published: March 2008

Objective The mechanical properties of three materials (No. 2 polypropylene, No. 5 polybutilate‐coated multifilament polyester and 18, 27 and 36 kg test monofilament nylon leader material) commonly used for extra‐capsular stabilisation of the stifle in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament insufficiency were determined. The ability of No. 5 polybutilate‐coated multifilament polyester and 36 kg test monofilament nylon leader material, when placed as extra‐capsular sutures, to mitigate cranial drawer was evaluated in hindlimbs of cadavers.Design An in vitro mechanical study.Animals Seven pairs of hindlimbs harvested from adult greyhound dogs recently euthanased for other reasons.Procedure Samples of each material, including samples of 27 kg test leader material that had been sterilised by one of three methods (ethylene oxide, one or five cycles in an autoclave), were loaded to determine tensile and stress relaxation properties. The effect of cyclic loading on a No. 5 polybutilate‐coated multifilament polyester and 36 kg test leader material was also determined. Using the harvested hindlimbs, cranial drawer was measured before and after transection of the cranial cruciate ligament and on the first and twelfth cycle following extra‐capsular stabilisation with either No. 5 polybu‐tilate‐coated multifilament suture or 36 kg test leader material.Results Leader material was found to have the most suitable mechanical characteristics for use as extracapsular stabilisation of the cranial cruciate ligament deficient stifle. Of the sterilisation methods, ethylene oxide was found to have the least detrimental effects on the handling and material characteristics of the leader material. Stifles stabilised with 36 kg test leader material had significantly less drawer than those stabilised with No. 5 polybutilate‐coated multifilament polyester suture.Clinical implications Monofilament nylon leader material would appear to have suitable mechanical properties for extra‐capsular stabilisation of the cranial cruciate ligament deficient stifle. If possible the material should be sterilised using ethylene oxide.
Serum and skin IgA concentrations in normal and atopic dogs
Authors: MUELLER RS , CANNON A , REUBL GH , IHRKE PJ 
Published: March 2008

Objective To compare serum and skin surface IgA concentrations from atopic and normal dogs.Procedure IgA concentrations in sera and skin washings of 20 clinically normal dogs that had no history of pruritus or skin disease were compared to those obtained in 20 dogs with a diagnosis of atopy determined by history, clinical examination and positive intradermal skin test.Results There was no significant difference in the mean serum IgA concentration in normal dogs (252 ± 187 mg/L) versus atopic animals (314 ± 327). When skin washings from all sites in both groups were compared, atopic dogs had significantly greater concentrations of IgA in their skin washings than normal dogs as evaluated by an enzyme‐linked immunoassay (P < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference between the individual sites of the skin washings of atopic and normal dogs.Conclusion IgA concentrations of skin washings in atopic dogs were greater than in normal dogs. Further investigations need to determine if the greater concentrations were caused by nonspecific inflammation or by secretion of allergen‐specific IgA onto the skin surface.
Sickness, mortality and the buller steer syndrome in a western Canadian feedlot
Authors: TAYLOR LF , BOOKER CW , JIM GK , GUICHON PT 
Published: March 2008

Objective To determine if an association existed between sickness, mortality and bullers in a western Canadian feedlot. Design A retrospective epidemiological study. Animals 78,445 male cattle that entered a 24,000‐head feedlot in western Canada from 1991 to 1993. Procedure Animal health records for bullers were collected and analysed to see if they were at greater risk of sickness and mortality than other steers, and to see if pens with a high prevalence of bullers also had a high prevalence of sickness and mortality. Results The prevalence of bullers increased with increasing age of cattle on arrival at the feedlot (R = 0.36; P < 0.001). Sickness and mortality decreased with increasing age of cattle on arrival. However, sickness and mortality in bullers relative to other steers actually increased with increasing age on arrival suggesting an interaction existed between sickness and bullers. Bullers were significantly (P < 0.05) more likely to get sick and to die than other steers. In all cases, there was a strong temporal association between sickness and bullers, with sickness and bullers mostly occurring within the first 30 days of the feeding period. On average, pens of cattle with a high prevalence of bullers did not have a correspondingly high prevalence of sickness or mortality. Conclusion This study suggests that sickness is an effect modifier of dominance behaviour and therefore bullers in feedlot steers. Bullers should always be checked for signs of sickness and treated accordingly. Further research is needed to investigate the effects of sickness on dominance behaviour in pens of feedlot cattle.
Observations of fibropapillomatosis in green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in Indonesia
Authors: ADNYANA W. , LADDS PW , BLAIR D. 
Published: March 2008

Objective To determine the prevalence and manifestations of fibropapillomatosis in green turtles in Indonesia, to identify any relationship between fibropapillomatosis and concurrent parasitic infection, to ascertain the effect of fibropapil‐lomatosis on health, and to examine whether environment might have an effect on the prevalence of fibropapillomatosis. Procedure 4407 green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and 401 hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) were examined. The occurrence of fibropapillomatosis was correlated with sex, maturity, curved carapace length, body weight/curved carapace length ratio, the number and distribution of tumours on the skin, parasite burdens, some haematological variables and the region of capture. Results Fibropapillomatosis was seen only in green turtles, and the overall prevalence in these was 21.5%. This prevalence increased with the curved carapace length up to 85 cm. The average number of tumours per affected turtle was 5 SD 4.1 (range, 1 to 29), and was negatively correlated with the body weight/curved carapace length ratio (rs = ‐0.8; P = 0.001). The red blood cell count in turtles with fibropapilloma was lower than in non‐fibropapilloma turtles captured and examined at the same time (P = 0.001). The prevalence of fibropapilloma in turtles captured near densely populated, industrial regions (26.3%) was greater than in turtles from sparsely populated areas (17.7%). Conclusion Fibropapillomatosis in green sea turtles in Indonesia is of moderate occurrence; young mature turtles (curved carapace length = 85 cm) are most frequently affected. Fibropapilloma adversely affects health of turtles. Fluke infestation seems not to be a causal factor, but viral infection, perhaps with concurrent stress of environmental origin, seems likely.
Postmortem lesions in the intercarpal ligaments of the equine midcarpal joint
Authors: WHITTON RC , ROSE RJ 
Published: March 2008

Objective To determine the frequency of damage to the medial palmar intercarpal ligament (MPICL), and the range of sizes of the dorsomedial intercarpal ligament (DMICL) of the midcarpal joint in horses with no history of carpal joint disease.Materials and methodsCadaver limbs were collected from 72 horses with no history of carpal joint disease. One hundred and forty‐two midcarpal joints were dissected and the MPICL and DMICL were examined. Measurements were made with a digital micrometer. Results MPICL tearing was present in 88 of 96 joints from horses 2 years and older. Tears were predominantly of the dorsolateral bundle and complete rupture of the dorsolateral and dorsomedial bundles was not observed. Tearing was not present in foals less than 4 months of age and the severity of tearing increased significantly with age (P < 0.0001). Severity of tearing was significantly greater in racing Standardbreds than racing Thoroughbreds (P < 0.01), but there was no significant difference between racing and non‐racing horses. The lateromedial thickness of the DMICL ranged from 0.4 mm to 2.6 mm in horses 2 years and older. Lateromedial thickness increased significantly with age, and was significantly greater in racing Standardbreds than racing Thoroughbreds (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference between racing and nonracing horses. Conclusions Damage confined to the dorsolateral bundle of the MPICL is a common finding in horses over 1 year of age and is probably of little clinical significance. Complete rupture of both dorsolateral and dorsomedial bundles is uncommon in horses with no history of midcarpal joint disease. Variation in size of the DMICL is observed in horses of all ages, but is most marked in 2‐year‐old horses.