Showing papers in "Veterinary Journal in 2011"
TL;DR: A number of non-therapeutic alternatives, including enzymes, (in)organic acids, probiotics, prebiotics, etheric oils and immunostimulants are described in this review.
Abstract: Livestock performance and feed efficiency are closely interrelated with the qualitative and quantitative microbial load of the animal gut, the morphological structure of the intestinal wall and the activity of the immune system. Antimicrobial growth promoters have made a tremendous contribution to profitability in intensive husbandry, but as a consequence of the increasing concern about the potential for antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria, the European Commission decided to ban all commonly used feed antibiotics. There are a number of non-therapeutic alternatives, including enzymes, (in)organic acids, probiotics, prebiotics, etheric oils and immunostimulants. Their efficacy and mode of action are briefly described in this review.
608 citations
TL;DR: Cows with serum calcium concentrations >2.0 mM had significantly lower serum non-esterified fatty acids indicating better energy balance than those with subclinical hypocalcemia and may make cows more susceptible to secondary diseases but more research will be required to determine if this is true.
Abstract: The prevalence of subclinical hypocalcemia in the transition cow is unknown. Cows with subclinical hypocalcemia have no clinical signs of hypocalcemia but may be more susceptible to other diseases. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of subclinical hypocalcemia in the US dairy herds. As a part of the United States Department of Agriculture's National Animal Health Monitoring System 2002 Dairy study, serum samples were collected from 1462 cows within 48 h of parturition. The samples were sorted by lactation number: 1st (n=454), 2nd (n=447), 3rd (n=291), 4th (n=166), 5th (n=72), and 6th (n=32). Subclinical hypocalcemia ( 2.0 mM had significantly lower serum non-esterified fatty acids indicating better energy balance than those with subclinical hypocalcemia. Subclinical hypocalcemia may make cows more susceptible to secondary diseases but more research will be required to determine if this is true.
348 citations
TL;DR: Traditional diagnostic techniques including hematology, cytology, serology and isolation are valuable diagnostic tools for CME, however a definitive diagnosis of E. canis infection requires molecular techniques.
Abstract: Canine monocytotropic ehrlichiosis (CME), caused by the rickettsia Ehrlichia canis, an important canine disease with a worldwide distribution. Diagnosis of the disease can be challenging due to its different phases and multiple clinical manifestations. CME should be suspected when a compatible history (living in or traveling to an endemic region, previous tick exposure), typical clinical signs and characteristic hematological and biochemical abnormalities are present. Traditional diagnostic techniques including hematology, cytology, serology and isolation are valuable diagnostic tools for CME, however a definitive diagnosis of E. canis infection requires molecular techniques. This article reviews the current literature covering the diagnosis of infection caused by E. canis.
265 citations
TL;DR: It is indicated that early post-partum serum BHBA, NEFA and Ca concentrations have potential as indicators of disease and culling risk in dairy cows.
Abstract: A retrospective study was conducted to determine the relationship between serum non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), glucose and calcium (Ca) with the occurrence of displaced abomasum (DA), clinical ketosis and culling in Holstein cows. Eight hundred and forty-nine cows from 16 farms were sampled weekly for the first 3 weeks post-partum. The cows were under clinical observation from calving until 60 days in milk (DIM) and during this time there were 22 cases of DA, 31 cases of clinical ketosis and 39 cows were culled. Elevated concentrations of BHBA were associated with DA, clinical ketosis and culling. In the first week after calving, cows with serum BHBA ≥1000μmol/L had 13.6 times greater odds of developing DA than cows with lower values. Serum NEFA and BHBA concentrations during week 1 were associated with the subsequent occurrence of clinical ketosis. The odds of clinical ketosis were 6.3 times greater in cows with serum NEFA ≥ 1.0mmol/L in the first week after calving. In addition, cows with BHB ≥1200μmol/L in the first week after calving, were at 4.7 times greater risk of developing clinical ketosis. In the first and second weeks after calving the serum Ca concentration was associated with subsequent culling. In addition, cows with NEFA concentration ≥ 1.0mmol/L were 3.6 times more likely to be culled within the following 2 months. The study indicated that early post-partum serum BHBA, NEFA and Ca concentrations have potential as indicators of disease and culling risk in dairy cows.
207 citations
TL;DR: In this review, current approaches towards mitigation of methane in pastoral farming are summarised and research strategies based on vaccination, enzyme inhibitors, phage, homoacetogens, defaunation, feed supplements, and animal selection are reviewed.
Abstract: Methane emissions from livestock are a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and have become a focus of research activities, especially in countries where agriculture is a major economic sector Understanding the complexity of the rumen microbiota, including methane-producing Archaea, is in its infancy There are currently no robust, reproducible and economically viable methods for reducing methane emissions from ruminants grazing on pasture and novel innovative strategies to diminish methane output from livestock are required In this review, current approaches towards mitigation of methane in pastoral farming are summarised Research strategies based on vaccination, enzyme inhibitors, phage, homoacetogens, defaunation, feed supplements, and animal selection are reviewed Many approaches are currently being investigated, and it is likely that more than one strategy will be required to enable pastoral farming to lower its emissions of methane significantly Different strategies may be suitable for different farming practices and systems
175 citations
TL;DR: The recent commercial availability of PCV2 vaccines provides an excellent tool for reducing the impact of PMWS and other porcine circovirus-related diseases.
Abstract: Post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) emerged as a significant disease affecting pig production in the 1990s although the causal agent, porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), and the disease itself, had existed in swine for many years prior to this. The important multifactorial 'triggers' of PMWS include the immune and infection status of the sow, the timing of PCV2 infection, variations in the virulence of PCV2, co-infections, immune modulation as well as host genetics and management factors. In terms of diagnosis, histopathological examination and the detection of PCV2 within lymphoid tissue remains the 'gold standard' as quantitative PCR techniques are currently not specific or sensitive enough. The recent commercial availability of PCV2 vaccines provides an excellent tool for reducing the impact of PMWS and other porcine circovirus-related diseases. This review assesses recent advances in the epidemiology, diagnosis and control of PMWS.
151 citations
TL;DR: Differences between canine and human OSAs include the age of occurrence (OSA is most commonly an adolescent disease in humans), localisation (the stifle is the most common site of localisation in humans) and limited use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in canine OSA.
Abstract: Osteosarcoma (OSA) is the most common primary bone tumour in dogs. The appendicular locations are most frequently involved and large to giant breed dogs are commonly affected, with a median age of 7-8 years. OSA is a locally invasive neoplasm with a high rate of metastasis, mostly to the lungs. Due to similarities in biology and treatment of OSA in dogs and humans, canine OSA represents a valid and important tumour model. Differences between canine and human OSAs include the age of occurrence (OSA is most commonly an adolescent disease in humans), localisation (the stifle is the most common site of localisation in humans) and limited use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in canine OSA.
137 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the identification of species in food matrices has been studied using electrophoretic and immunological methods focussing on protein profiles and, more recently, biomolecular techniques.
Abstract: Species identification in food has increasingly acquired importance due to public health, economic and legal concerns. Traditional methods have relied on the identification of morphological traits, but this does not lead to accurate identification of those species used in many types of processed food. As a result, laboratory techniques have been devised using electrophoretic and immunological methods focussing on protein profiles and, more recently, biomolecular techniques have been developed. However, these techniques also present problems and difficulties, especially in the case of matrices that are heterogeneous or have been subjected to severe treatments during processing.
133 citations
TL;DR: It was concluded that the prevalence of OA in cats is strikingly high and increases with age, and seems to be associated with behavioural changes.
Abstract: To assess clinical signs and relevance of osteoarthritis (OA) in cats, the radiographic prevalence of OA in the appendicular skeleton of 100 client-owned cats (≥ 6 years old) was assessed. Possible associations between radiographic OA, clinical locomotor system examination, and owner-perceived behavioural changes were evaluated. OA was most prevalent in the shoulders, elbows, hips and tarsal joints with 61% of cats having OA in at least one joint and 48% in more than one joint. Overall, clinical examination of the larger peripheral joints had the highest sensitivity and specificity for radiographic OA. Regression analysis showed age to be related to OA (P = 0.002), as were decreased mobility and grooming (P = 0.008), although there was a correlation with age. Finally, increased inappropriate elimination was associated with OA (P = 0.046). It was concluded that the prevalence of OA in cats is strikingly high and increases with age. OA in cats seems to be associated with behavioural changes.
130 citations
TL;DR: The 1984 model of Professor Jay Belsky is used to describe which variables influence the development of children and how the companion animal-child interaction influences these variables and the findings suggest that (companion) animals positively influence children's development and have a valuable role in therapy.
Abstract: There is a widespread belief that interaction with an animal is beneficial for the development of children, and several studies (most with methodological shortcomings) have investigated the influence of (companion) animals on the social-emotional and cognitive development of children. In this article, the 1984 model of Professor Jay Belsky has been used to describe which variables influence the development of children and how the companion animal-child interaction influences these variables. The value of the AAA/AAT (Animal Assisted Activities/Animal Assisted Therapy) programmes in children with a wide variety of clinical and social problems, such as behaviour problems and autistic spectrum symptoms, is discussed. The findings suggest that (companion) animals positively influence children's development and have a valuable role in therapy.
129 citations
TL;DR: The rationale behind developing sustained release microsphere formulations of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs administered via the intra-articular (IA) route is to minimise the systemic bioavailability and attendant side-effects associated with oral drug administration.
Abstract: The rationale behind developing sustained release microsphere formulations of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) administered via the intra-articular (IA) route is to minimise the systemic bioavailability and attendant side-effects associated with oral drug administration. Overall dose is reduced whilst therapeutic benefit within the joint is maintained. The potential benefits of IA therapy for osteoarthritis (OA) are not achieved using currently available medications and delivery vehicles due to the rapid clearance of therapeutic substances from the synovial space. There is a need for sustained release delivery systems if the potential of IA drug administration is to be realised. Rationally designed microspheres taken up by synovial macrophages offer a strategy to sustain drug delivery within the joint, and to deliver NSAIDs directly to pivotal inflammatory cells. The efficacy of microsphere candidates may be evaluated in large animal models of OA. The principles of IA microsphere drug delivery may also be applicable to other classes of drugs.
TL;DR: The CCD rating scale (CCDR) comprised 13 behavioural items, of which three were sensitive to the severity of the disease stage, and could be a valuable tool in research and clinical settings for both the assessment and longitudinal tracking of cognitive change.
Abstract: Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) is an age-related neurobehavioural syndrome which, although common, is severely under-diagnosed in community-based dogs. Using data from a large cross-sectional survey of older dogs (n=957), this study aimed to develop a clinical scale for assessing CCD. Data-driven analytical techniques were used to distil 27 significant behavioural items (previously identified as relevant to CCD) into an assessment tool with maximal cognito-behavioural breadth whilst maintaining clinical utility. The resulting CCD rating scale (CCDR) comprised 13 behavioural items, of which three were sensitive to the severity of the disease stage. When tested on an independent survey sample, the CCDR had an overall 98.9% diagnostic accuracy with a 77.8% positive predictive value and a 99.3% negative predictive value. Test-re-test reliability of the CCDR over 2months was also high (r=0.73, P<0.0001). In conjunction with veterinary assessment, the CCDR could be a valuable tool in research and clinical settings for both the assessment and longitudinal tracking of cognitive change.
TL;DR: Future research should use relevant animal models to clarify the pathogenesis of bovine chlamydioses, quantify the impact of chlamYDial infection at a herd level and identify strategies for its control, including sub-unit vaccine development.
Abstract: Epidemiological data indicate that infection of cattle with chlamydiae such as Chlamydophila (C.) pecorum, C. abortus, C. psittaci and Chlamydia suis, is ubiquitous with mixed infections occurring frequently. The apparent lack of association between infection and clinical disease has resulted in debate as to the pathogenic significance of these organisms, and their tendency to sub-clinical and/or persistent infection presents a challenge to the study of their potential effects. However, recent evidence indicates that chlamydial infections have a substantial and quantifiable impact on livestock productivity with chronic, recurrent infections associated with pulmonary disease in calves and with infertility and sub-clinical mastitis in dairy cows. Data also suggest these infections manifest clinically when they coincide with a number of epidemiological risk factors. Future research should: (1) use relevant animal models to clarify the pathogenesis of bovine chlamydioses; (2) quantify the impact of chlamydial infection at a herd level and identify strategies for its control, including sub-unit vaccine development; and (3) evaluate the zoonotic risk of bovine chlamydial infections which will require the development of species-specific serodiagnostics.
TL;DR: A preliminary study to characterise mycobacteria infecting tuberculous cattle from two different management systems in central Ethiopia found that cattle in a more intensive-production system were exclusively infected with M. bovis.
Abstract: A preliminary study to characterise mycobacteria infecting tuberculous cattle from two different management systems in central Ethiopia was carried out. Approximately 27% of isolates from grazing cattle were Mycobacterium tuberculosis, while cattle in a more intensive-production system were exclusively infected with M. bovis. The practice of local farmers discharging chewed tobacco directly into the mouths of pastured cattle was identified as a potential route of human-to-cattle transmission of M. tuberculosis.
TL;DR: The consortium has collaborated to develop a new high density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array and Mutations for four monogenic diseases have been identified and the information has been utilised to find mutations in human patients.
Abstract: The domestic dog offers a unique opportunity to explore the genetic basis of disease, morphology and behaviour. Humans share many diseases with our canine companions, making dogs an ideal model organism for comparative disease genetics. Using newly developed resources, genome-wide association studies in dog breeds are proving to be exceptionally powerful. Towards this aim, veterinarians and geneticists from 12 European countries are collaborating to collect and analyse the DNA from large cohorts of dogs suffering from a range of carefully defined diseases of relevance to human health. This project, named LUPA, has already delivered considerable results. The consortium has collaborated to develop a new high density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array. Mutations for four monogenic diseases have been identified and the information has been utilised to find mutations in human patients. Several complex diseases have been mapped and fine mapping is underway. These findings should ultimately lead to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying complex diseases in both humans and their best friend.
TL;DR: The incidence of and risk factors associated with calving assistance and dystocia in pasture-based dairy herds were determined from analysis of 152,641 records of full-term calvings from Holstein-Friesian dams served by artificial insemination sires of seven breeds in herds of 20calvings or more per year over 4 years.
Abstract: The incidence of and risk factors associated with calving assistance and dystocia in pasture-based dairy herds were determined from analysis of 152,641 records of full-term calvings from Holstein-Friesian dams served by artificial insemination (AI) sires of seven breeds in herds of 20 calvings or more per year over 4 years. The overall incidence of calving assistance and dystocia was 31.1% and 6.8%, respectively. The incidence in primiparae and pluriparae was 40.0% and 28.2% for assistance, and 9.3% and 5.8% for dystocia, respectively. Association analyses were undertaken using generalised estimating equations using a logit link function. The likelihood of calving assistance or dystocia did not change over time but was greatest in autumn and in spring. The likelihood of calving assistance or dystocia was greater for males in primiparae and males sired by Charolais sires. The odds of calving assistance and dystocia were greater in twin calves (OR 2.0 and 2.4; P<0.001) and in dams that had dystocia at the previous calving (OR 1.65 and 2.9; P<0.001). The logit of the probability of calving assistance and dystocia increased linearly per unit increase in sire predicted transmitting ability for direct calving difficulty. The probability of assisted calving, but not dystocia, increased linearly in primiparae as animals calved at a younger age relative to the median age at first calving. Herd size and day of the week of calving were not associated with the odds of dystocia. Stakeholders must focus on identified modifiable risk factors to control the incidence of dystocia in dairy herds.
TL;DR: The popular sire phenomenon is the most problematic breeding practice, since it has also led to the dissemination of a large number of inherited defects and the practice should be limited by taking measures such as restricting the number of litters per breeding animal.
Abstract: Pedigree analysis constitutes a classical approach for the study of the evolution of genetic diversity, genetic structure, history and breeding practices within a given breed As a consequence of selection pressure, management in closed populations and historical bottlenecks, many dog breeds have experienced considerable inbreeding and show (on the basis of a pedigree approach) comparable diversity loss compared to other domestic species This evolution is linked to breeding practices such as the overuse of popular sires or mating between related animals The popular sire phenomenon is the most problematic breeding practice, since it has also led to the dissemination of a large number of inherited defects The practice should be limited by taking measures such as restricting the number of litters (or offspring) per breeding animal
TL;DR: The findings of this study indicate that the prevalence of pleuritis and pneumonia remains high in Belgium and management factors are central to disease control.
Abstract: A cross-sectional study was conducted to identify herd-level factors that may influence the prevalence and severity of macroscopically visible pulmonary lesions in pigs at slaughter. Data were collected following abattoir inspection of 50 randomly-selected batches of 6335 pigs and by interviewing the producers. Macroscopic lung lesions were identified and scored semi-quantitatively in ⩾80 pigs/herd and the prevalence of pleuritis and pneumonia was 20.76% and 23.85%, respectively. Following multivariable analysis, the seroprevalence of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (P
TL;DR: The epidemiology of complicated UTIs, pathogenic traits of uropathogens and new therapeutic concepts are outlined and sharing of resistant bacteria between humans and dogs has been recently documented.
Abstract: Uncomplicated bacterial urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur commonly in dogs. Persistent or recurrent infections are reported less frequently. They typically occur in dogs with an underlying disease and are sometimes asymptomatic, especially in dogs with predisposing chronic disease. Escherichia coli is the organism most frequently cultured in both simple and complicated UTIs. Organisms such as Enterococcus spp. and Pseudomonas spp. are less common in uncomplicated UTI, but become increasingly prominent in dogs with recurrent UTI. The ability of bacteria to acquire resistance to antimicrobials and/or to evade host immune defence mechanisms is vital for persistence in the urinary tract. Antimicrobial therapy limitations and bacterial strains with such abilities require novel control strategies. Sharing of resistant bacteria between humans and dogs has been recently documented and is of particular concern for E. coli O25b:H4-ST131 strains that are both virulent and multi-drug resistant. The epidemiology of complicated UTIs, pathogenic traits of uropathogens and new therapeutic concepts are outlined in this review.
TL;DR: The hormonal and hemodynamic factors which contribute to glomerular filtration rate are reviewed, followed by a description of considerations when selecting a pharmacokinetic model and methods of animal-to-animal standardization.
Abstract: Determination of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a valuable, yet underused, diagnostic tool for evaluating renal function in dogs and cats. This article first reviews the hormonal and hemodynamic factors which contribute to GFR, followed by a description of considerations when selecting a pharmacokinetic model and methods of animal-to-animal standardization. The best-characterized existing GFR markers, including creatinine, radiolabeled markers, and iohexol, are reviewed in depth, as well as alternative but lesser used techniques. A weighted means analysis of reported GFR measurements in healthy dogs and cats and a review of selected studies that have examined GFR alterations in animals with naturally occurring and experimental diseases provide the reader with preliminary guidelines on expected GFR results in these species and disease conditions.
TL;DR: These molecular detection techniques, commonly based on hybridisation or PCR techniques, are combined with advanced sequencing techniques termed ‘next generation sequencing’ are reviewed and their application in viral discovery is discussed.
Abstract: There have been rapid recent developments in establishing methods for identifying and characterising viruses associated with animal and human diseases. These methodologies, commonly based on hybridisation or PCR techniques, are combined with advanced sequencing techniques termed 'next generation sequencing'. Allied advances in data analysis, including the use of computational transcriptome subtraction, have also impacted the field of viral pathogen discovery. This review details these molecular detection techniques, discusses their application in viral discovery, and provides an overview of some of the novel viruses discovered. The problems encountered in attributing disease causality to a newly identified virus are also considered.
TL;DR: MRI is a good diagnostic imaging modality to detect neoplastic lesions and to diagnose tumours in dogs, however, as some neoplasms show equivocal MRI features the technique has limitations in the detection of some intracranial tumours and in predicting tumour type.
Abstract: Magnetic resonance (MR) images of 40 dogs with histologically confirmed primary and secondary intracranial tumours were reviewed. Forty-one tumours were diagnosed by means of MR imaging (MRI). MRI findings allowed diagnosis of a neoplastic lesion in 37/41 cases. Based on MRI features, differentiation between neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions was possible in 24/27 (89%) primary brain tumours and in 13/14 (92%) secondary brain tumours. Diagnosis of tumour type based on MRI features was correct in 19/27 (70%) primary tumours and in 13/14 secondary tumours. The results of this study show that MRI is a good diagnostic imaging modality to detect neoplastic lesions and to diagnose tumour type in dogs. However, as some neoplasms show equivocal MRI features the technique has limitations in the detection of some intracranial tumours and in predicting tumour type.
TL;DR: The application of newly available techniques described in this review may further elucidate some of the viral factors that underlie recent events and provide the tools to better evaluate when vaccine strains should be updated.
Abstract: This review discusses some of the challenges still faced in the control of equine influenza virus H3N8 infection. A widespread outbreak of equine influenza in the United Kingdom during 2003 in vaccinated Thoroughbred racehorses challenged the current dogma on vaccine strain selection. Furthermore, several new developments in the first decade of the 21st century, including transmission to and establishment in dogs, a presumed influenza-associated encephalopathy in horses and an outbreak of equine influenza in Australia, serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of influenza viruses. The application of newly available techniques described in this review may further elucidate some of the viral factors that underlie recent events and provide the tools to better evaluate when vaccine strains should be updated.
TL;DR: The findings suggest that IFN-γ and IL-12 play a role in the pathogenesis of SIV and that APPs are induced by cytokines, and this influenza infection model may have value in assessing the therapeutic potential of cytokine antagonists.
Abstract: This study set out to investigate the cytokines and acute phase proteins (APPs) associated with the acute stages of experimentally-induced swine influenza virus (SIV) infection in 3-week-old, colostrum-deprived, caesarean-derived piglets. The piglets were inoculated intratracheally with 10 7.5 50% egg infective dose [EID 50 ] Swine/Belgium/1/98 (H1N1) SIV and were euthanased at time-points between 0 and 120 h post-inoculation (PI). Broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF), lung homogenates and sera were examined for inflammatory mediators by bioassay or ELISA. Interferon (IFN)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α peaked in BALF 24–30 h PI, when virus titres and the severity of clinical signs were maximal. Whereas IFN-γ and IL-12, but not IL-18, increased in tandem in BALF, serum cytokine concentrations were either undetectable or were up to 100-fold lower. The APP C-reactive protein (CRP) and haptoglobin peaked 24 h later than the cytokines and reached higher levels in serum than in BALF. In contrast, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-binding protein (LBP) only increased in BALF. Lung virus titres tightly correlated with BALF IFN-α, IL-6, IL-1, TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-12, as well as with serum IL-6, IFN-α and IFN-γ. Signs of disease correlated with the same cytokines in BALF and serum, as well as with BALF LBP and serum CRP. The findings suggest that IFN-γ and IL-12 play a role in the pathogenesis of SIV and that APPs are induced by cytokines. This influenza infection model may have value in assessing the therapeutic potential of cytokine antagonists.
TL;DR: Monitoring reticulo-rumen temperature permits early detection of BRD; however, clinical examination is required to confirm BRD.
Abstract: The use of reticulo-rumen temperature boluses to detect bovine respiratory disease (BRD) was investigated in young bulls following their entry into a fattening unit. Twenty-four bulls received a bolus at entry and were observed for 40 days. As soon as a reticulo-rumen hyperthermia (RH) episode was detected using the bolus, clinical examination was performed by a veterinarian and then repeated every 12-24 h until the end of RH episode. Fifty-two RH episodes were detected in 22 animals. High rectal temperatures (40.1 ± 0.6 °C) were observed during these episodes. BRD was diagnosed on the basis of clinical examination during 38/52 RH episodes in 21 animals (positive predictive value 73%). The onset of BRD signs always occurred after the onset of RH episodes, with a time-lag from 12 to 136 h, depending on BRD signs. Monitoring reticulo-rumen temperature permits early detection of BRD; however, clinical examination is required to confirm BRD.
TL;DR: CPV and CCoV were found to be widespread in European dog populations, either alone or in mixed infections, and the original type CPV-2 was shown not to circulate in European dogs.
Abstract: An epidemiological survey for canine parvovirus (CPV) and canine coronavirus (CCoV) infections was conducted in Western Europe. A total of 156 faecal samples were collected from dogs with diarrhoea in Spain (n=47), Italy (n=39), France (n=26), Germany (n=21), the United Kingdom (n=8), Belgium (n=10), and the Netherlands (n=5). Using molecular assays for virus detection and characterisation, CPV and CCoV were found to be widespread in European dog populations, either alone or in mixed infections. In agreement with previous reports, the original type CPV-2 was shown not to circulate in European dogs. The recently identified virus variant CPV-2c was predominant in Italy and Germany and present at high rates in Spain and France but was not detected in the UK or Belgium. Except for the UK, CCoV genotype I was identified in all European countries involved in the survey, albeit at a lower prevalence rates than CCoV genotype II.
TL;DR: Histopathology demonstrates fibrino-suppurative, necrotising and haemorrhagic pneumonia in most cases and further research, particularly sequence analysis of canine strains, is required to gain insights into epidemiology and pathogenesis of this emerging disease.
Abstract: Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (S. zooepidemicus) has caused several outbreaks of haemorrhagic pneumonia in dogs in recent years. This highly contagious and often fatal disease is characterised by sudden onset of clinical signs including pyrexia, dyspnoea and haemorrhagic nasal discharge. Post mortem examination typically reveals pulmonary haemorrhage and pleural effusion. Histopathology demonstrates fibrino-suppurative, necrotising and haemorrhagic pneumonia in most cases. The pathogenesis of S. zooepidemicus infection in dogs is incompletely understood. Bacterial virulence factors as well as host factors may contribute to the severe outcome. S. zooepidemicus occasionally causes zoonotic infections with potentially serious consequences. Canine vaccines for S. zooepidemicus are currently not available and prevention of the disease therefore relies on limiting bacterial spread by implementing stringent control measures in kennels. Further research, particularly sequence analysis of canine strains, is required to gain insights into epidemiology and pathogenesis of this emerging disease.
TL;DR: The presence of antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes in Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Enteritidis strains suggests that these strains could give rise to public health problems if dispersed in the general human population.
Abstract: Forty-six Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Enteritidis ( S. Enteritidis) strains were isolated from chicken meat, faeces, and eggshells collected from hatcheries throughout Korea. The strains were examined for the presence of antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes. All 46 isolates were resistant to at least one of 21 antibiotics used in this study, 30 (65.2%) were resistant to three or more antimicrobials, and a single remarkable isolate was resistant to 15 antimicrobials. The isolates were primarily resistant to penicillins, sulfisoxazole, streptomycin, tetracycline and quinolones. The high rate of resistance in S. Enteritidis strains, sometimes to multiple drugs, may complicate future options for treating human infections. Nineteen of the 21 penicillin resistant isolates carried the bla TEM gene, while one strain, resistant both to penicillins and ceftriaxone, carried the bla CTX-M gene. Thirty-seven of the 45 sulfisoxazole resistant isolates carried sul2, and 23/24 streptomycin resistant isolates carried both strA and strB. All 10 tetracycline resistant isolates carried the tet (A) gene. Most isolates harboured both SPI-1 and SPI-2-associated genes, and the spv operon, which are known to be associated with human infections. The presence of these genes suggests that these strains could give rise to public health problems if dispersed in the general human population.
TL;DR: It is suggested that FLASH is a technique that can be used in an emergency setting by veterinarians without extensive US experience to detect major intra-abdominal abnormalities in horses with colic.
Abstract: The aim of this prospective study was to establish a protocol for fast localised abdominal sonography of horses (FLASH) admitted for colic. The FLASH protocol was then presented to clinicians without extensive ultrasound (US) experience to determine whether they could learn to use it in less than 15 min. The clinical subjects comprised 36 horses that had been referred for colic over a 2 month period. Each horse was examined at admission and FLASH findings at seven topographical locations were compared to serial clinical examinations, surgical and non-surgical outcomes, or with post-mortem reports. FLASH was able to show free abdominal fluid and abnormal intestinal loops, with a mean time of 10.7 min required to complete the protocol. The positive and negative predictive values of requirement for surgery of dilated turgid small intestinal loops using FLASH were 88.89% and 81.48%, respectively. The results suggested that FLASH is a technique that can be used in an emergency setting by veterinarians without extensive US experience to detect major intra-abdominal abnormalities in horses with colic.