Showing papers in "Veterinary Quarterly in 1994"
TL;DR: It is concluded that the plasma concentrations of SAA and Hp and the Hp/SAA ratio are useful parameters to distinguish healthy animals from animals with inflammation and can be helpful in distinguishing between acute and chronic of inflammatory diseases.
Abstract: The concentrations of the acute-phase proteins, serum amyloid-A (SAA) and haptoglobin (Hp), were determined in the plasma of healthy cows (n = 25) and cows with spontaneous acute (n = 6), subacute (n = 37), or chronic (n = 7) inflammatory diseases. The plasma concentration of SAA alone, Hp alone, and the Hp/SAA ratio, differed significantly (p < 0.001) between healthy animals and animals with inflammatory diseases. Plasma Hp concentrations in the group of cows with acute inflammatory diseases were significantly (p < 0.01) different from those in the group with chronic inflammatory diseases. Moreover, the Hp/SAA ratio in chronic inflammatory diseases was significantly different from this ratio in acute (p < 0.01) and subacute (p < 0.05) inflammatory diseases. It is therefore concluded that the plasma concentrations of SAA and Hp and the Hp/SAA ratio are useful parameters to distinguish healthy animals from animals with inflammation and can be helpful in distinguishing between acute and chronic of inflammatory diseases.
225 citations
TL;DR: The role of the neutrophil granulocyte during acute coliform mastitis in cows in the periparturient period is reviewed and quantitative aspects of several neutrophils cell functions before and during experimentally induced infections are briefly discussed.
Abstract: Mammary leucocytes are the major contributors to natural defence against mastitis after a microorganism has entered the gland. This paper reviews the role of the neutrophil granulocyte during acute coliform mastitis in cows in the periparturient period. Qualitative and quantitative aspects of several neutrophil cell functions before and during experimentally induced infections are briefly discussed.
165 citations
TL;DR: The vertical movement of the hooves as well as the withers was smaller on the treadmill than on rubber ground, which is supposed to be an important reason for the differences in biomechanics and kinematics between treadmill and overground locomotion.
Abstract: Summary A kinematic analysis was carried out to compare treadmill and overground locomotion in horses at the trot. Stride variables and limb and trunk movements of 10 Dutch Warmblood horses were measured using the CODA‐3 gait analysis system. Overground recordings were made on a rubber ground surface and on an asphalt track. Treadmill recordings were taken after a controlled habituation programme and at the same velocities as measured overground. On asphalt, a shorthened stride duration and a decreased vertical displacement of the withers were found compared with those on rubber ground. On the treadmill, stance duration of the forelimbs was longer than for either overground condition. Correspondingly, the hind limbs were placed earlier than the forelimbs in making diagonal ground contact in overground locomotion, but this changed to preceding forelimbs on the treadmill. Both forelimbs and hind limbs were moved more caudally during the retraction phase on the treadmill, while no differences were found in t...
163 citations
151 citations
TL;DR: The results show that primordial, primary, and secondary follicles differ morphologically and that they can be classified by their diameter.
Abstract: Summary A simple, mechanical method is described for the isolation of preantral follicles from bovine foetuses of 220–280 days of gestation. On average, 2918 + 621 (s.d.) preantral follicles were isolated per ovary. The isolated preantral follicles were characterized on the basis of the morphological appearance of the surrounding granulosa cells, the number of granulosa cell layers, and their diameter. The results show that primordial, primary, and secondary follicles differ morphologically and that they can be classified by their diameter.
109 citations
TL;DR: The results indicate that, in addition to the known losses associated with the birth of persistently viraemic offspring, a 'subclinical' BVDV infection in a dairy herd may also result in substantial economic losses due to decreased milk yield and more severe respiratory disease in calves.
Abstract: Summary The clinical consequences of infections with bovine virus diarrhoea virus (BVDV) were studied in a herd of dairy cattle, where BVDV circulated for approximately 2.5 years. Of the 136 cows that were subject to a primary infection, 129 remained healthy, 5 had mild signs, and 2 became severely ill; 1 of these 2 died from a concurrent puerperal infection. In spite of the predominantly subclinical infection, a gradual decrease of 10% or more in milk production, occurring within 10 days, was observed significantly more often in cows that seroconverted than in cows that did not seroconvert over the same period. Percentages of abortion, stillbirth, and birth of weak calves were not significantly higher in cattle that seroconverted during gestation than in cattle that did not seroconvert during gestation. Abnormal return oestru‐ses after insemination, a possible sign of early embryonic death, and congenital abnormalities were not associated with the BVDV infection. In calves that had ingested colostrum fro...
73 citations
TL;DR: Almost complete cross-resistance was found between the quinolones tested and Campylobacter isolates, originating from 55 flocks, were qu inolone resistant.
Abstract: Summary Recently, an increased resistance of Campylobacter to fluoroquinolones, a newer class of antimicrobial agents in both human and veterinary medicine, has been reported. Campylobacter isolates (617) from 150 broiler flocks were tested for their susceptibility to cephalothin (control), ampicillin, tetracycline, erythromycin, and the quinolones nalidixic acid, flumequine, enrofloxacin, and ciprofloxacin by a disc diffusion method. Almost complete cross‐resistance was found between the quinolones tested. Campylobacter isolates (181, 29%), originating from 55 flocks (37%), were quinolone resistant. Salmonella isolates (94) from 40 flocks were also tested for their antimicrobial susceptibility. Eight isolates (8.5%), from three broiler flocks (7.5%), showed resistance to nalidixic acid and flumequine (and tetracycline), but not to ciprofloxacin or enrofloxacin.
63 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that, under field conditions, transabdominal scanning of goats, performed between days 40 and 70 after mating, yields information about pregnancy, fetal viability, and single or multiple pregnancy, while at the same time making possible a reliable differential diagnosis of pregnancy and hydrometra.
Abstract: The use of a transabdominal or a transrectal scanning technique to visualize the uterus in goats is discussed. The results of sonographic imaging of normal (non-pregnant, pregnant, postpartum) and abnormal (endometritis, hydrometra, fetal death) uterine structures are reviewed. In the goat, special attention must be paid to distinguishing between the sonographic image of hydrometra and early pregnancy. A case of hydrometra that developed in the presence of three dead fetuses is reported. It is concluded that, under field conditions, transabdominal scanning of goats, performed between days 40 and 70 after mating, yields information about pregnancy, fetal viability, and single or multiple pregnancy, while at the same time making possible a reliable differential diagnosis of pregnancy and hydrometra.
61 citations
TL;DR: The concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) in serum from dogs diagnosed as normal by clinical, haematological, and biochemical examination were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and slide reversed passive latex agglutination (RPLA), using IgG antibody isolated from rabbit anti-canine CRP serum.
Abstract: The concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) in serum from dogs diagnosed as normal by clinical, haematological, and biochemical examination were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and slide reversed passive latex agglutination (RPLA), using IgG antibody isolated from rabbit anti-canine CRP serum. The mean value of CRP in 66 normal dogs kept in private households was 8.4 +/- 4.9 micrograms/ml by ELISA and 8.5 +/- 6.3 micrograms/ml by RPLA. Thus, no significant difference was demonstrated between the values obtained by ELISA and RPLA. No significant age and sex-related differences were found in the CRP values. The mean concentration of CRP in 84 6-month-old Beagle dogs kept in kennels by breeders was 6.2 +/- 3.9 micrograms/ml by ELISA and 8.0 +/- 4.0 micrograms/ml by RPLA. Again no significant difference was found. The CRP values determined by ELISA and RPLA were closely correlated (r = 0.913). The serum and plasma concentrations of CRP measured by RPLA were also closely correlated (r = 0.994). This indicates that plasma can be used as well as serum to determine CRP concentrations by RPLA.
59 citations
TL;DR: A complete picture was obtained of the variables in equine locomotion that determine the quality of the trot in warmbloods.
Abstract: Summary This study was conducted to identify objective criteria to select young horses with a good gait, which is a prerequisite for good performance in adult horses. The trot of 24 26‐month‐old Dutch Warmbloods, led on a loose shank, was subjectively scored by a judge and objectively assessed on a treadmill by using kinematic analysis equipment. It appeared that forelimb and hind limb stride and swing duration, scapula rotation, forelimb maximal fetlock extension, forelimb maximal retraction, hind limb maximal protraction, maximal stifle flexion, and maximal tarsal flexion significantly correlated with a generally accepted gait score in which length, suppleness, and strength are judged. Moreover, the ranking of the individual horses on the basis of gait quality according to their objectively measured kinematic variables was similar to the subjective ranking given by the judge. Thus, a complete picture was obtained of the variables in equine locomotion that determine the quality of the trot in warmbloods.
57 citations
TL;DR: Energy, protein, and calcium are nutritional factors of great importance to (skeletal) growth and the effects of low and high dietary intake of these nutrients are discussed, especially with reference to longitudinal growth and disturbances in endochondral ossification.
Abstract: Longitudinal growth of the appendicular skeleton in the growth plates and the adjacent metaphyseal area includes chondrocyte differentiation, proliferation, maturation, and hypertrophy in the physis and bone (re-) modelling in the metaphysis The rate and extent of longitudinal growth are regulated by interactions between biomechanical factors and endogenous growth regulators, ie, systemic endocrine factors, and local para or autocrine factors, that act on the growth plate chondrocytes The most important endogenous regulators of growth and skeletal development are growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), and calciotropic hormones, ie, parathyroid hormone (PTH), vitamin D (vitD), and calcitonin (CT) The biochemistry, synthesis, secretion, target organs, and effects of these endogenous factors are reviewed, and the calcium homeostatic mechanisms, dietary intake, bone turnover, and calcium excretion are discussed Energy, protein, and calcium are nutritional factors of great importance to (skeletal) growth The effects of low and high dietary intake of these nutrients are discussed, especially with reference to longitudinal growth and disturbances in endochondral ossification
TL;DR: A clustering of generalized malignant lymphoma is reported in a single household of Rottweiler dogs and in a breeding pair of unrelated Scottish terriers and in three directly related otterhounds.
Abstract: Summary A clustering of generalized malignant lymphoma is reported in a single household of Rottweiler dogs (both parents and three of the four sibling in one litter) and in a breeding pair of unrelated Scottish terriers. In addition, malignant lymphoma of the myocardium was found in three directly related otterhounds (the sire and two sibling offspring). Possible genetic and viral factors in the aetiology of canine malignant lymphoma are discussed.
TL;DR: It is concluded that toe weights can be useful in Standardbred trotters, but their effect depends on the individual gait pattern.
Abstract: Summary Toe weights are applied to influence the stride characteristics of trotters. The quantitative effect of 88‐g toe weights on the stride characteristics of Standardbred trotters was evaluated in a kinematic study using a CODA‐3 analysis system. Six trotters were studied at a speed of 11 m/s on a treadmill. Temporal gait variables, joint angles, and the trajectories of the forelimb hoof were calculated. The stride patterns of the individual trotters were assessed by a judge and compared to the CODA‐output. Those trotters with poor flexion of the carpal joint during the swing phase or with insufficient knee action responded with better carpal flexion and more knee action when toe weights were attached. No effect of toe weights on the protraction of the forelimb could be demonstrated. Stride length, stride duration, and the relative duration of the stance and swing phase as a percentage of the stride did not respond to toe weights. It is concluded that toe weights can be useful in Standardbred trotters...
TL;DR: The demonstration of the same protein in the spleen and in peripheral lymph nodes of infected animals seems to offer interesting possibilities of arriving at a method for a preclinical diagnosis, and thus a diagnosis in the live animal.
Abstract: Summary The present article (part I) reviews recent developments in animal spongiform encephalopathies (SEs), with the exception of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), which is dealt with in part II. The article focuses on scrapie and describes epidemiological aspects and the prospects for a preclinical diagnosis. Up to now, confirmatory diagnosis of scrapie depended on histological examination of the brain, collected during post‐mortem examination from sheep with clinical signs of the disease. An altered protein, PrPSc, can be detected in the brain of diseased animals. The demonstration of the same protein in the spleen and in peripheral lymph nodes of infected animals seems to offer interesting possibilities of arriving at a method for a preclinical diagnosis, and thus a diagnosis in the live animal. Progress has also been made in our understanding of the relationship between the genetic constitution and susceptibility of the host. Susceptibility is expressed as the survival time of sheep inoculated...
TL;DR: During a 3-year period 21 horses were surgically treated because of large abdominal wall defects, in each case the defect was bridged with a polypropylene mesh, which was placed on the outside of the hernial ring.
Abstract: Summary During a 3‐year period 21 horses were surgically treated because of large abdominal wall defects. In each case the defect was bridged with a polypropylene mesh, which was placed on the outside of the hernial ring. This was in contrast with the technique for mesh herniorrhaphy generally described in human and veterinary literature, in which the mesh is always implanted on the inside of the hernial ring. One horse was destroyed on the first postoperative day because of postanaesthetic myelomalacia. Surgical repair as described was successful in 18 patients. Recurrence of herniation occurred in two horses. On re‐herniorrhaphy a second and larger mesh was successfully implanted.
TL;DR: It is concluded that LPS can be measured in equine plasma with picogram sensitivity and recommend the use of PRP instead of PPP for clinical LPS testing and a decision limit for endotoxaemia of 5 ng LPS/L PRP appeared to be inadequate.
Abstract: In this study the laboratory and clinical performance of a chromogenic endotoxin assay for equine plasma was evaluated The assay was sensitive (detection limit 3 ng LPS/L plasma), reproducible (within and between-assay CV at 50 ng LPS/L E coli O111:B4 LPS standard addition was 5% and 75%, respectively), and not substantially affected by enhancement or inhibition phenomena (recovery of an in vitro spike was 75-125% in 80% of the samples) LPS added to whole blood was rapidly inactivated upon incubation at 37 degrees C but not at 0 degrees C A recently developed blood collection tube for LPS testing was found suitable, ie LPS-free and providing non-contaminated samples In 48 horses suffering from acute abdominal diseases requiring surgical treatment, LPS levels were significantly higher in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) than in platelet-poor plasma (PPP), and the proportional difference was related to the PRP platelet count (r = 052, p < 0001, mean difference 48%, range 8-77%) LPS levels were also significantly higher in horses that died or were euthanized than in surviving horses (mean 165 and 71 ng/L PRP, respectively, p < 005) We conclude that LPS can be measured in equine plasma with picogram sensitivity and recommend the use of PRP instead of PPP for clinical LPS testing For clinical use a decision limit for endotoxaemia of 5 ng LPS/L PRP appeared to be inadequate Analysis at a higher cut-off level for endotoxaemia and the evaluation of clinical, pathological, and laboratory parameters would be more meaningful
TL;DR: Knowing of the development and maturation of neutrophils, the control of haematopoiesis and of the factors that regulate neutrophil production is reviewed and the future utilization of these growth factors in bovine immunotherapy is discussed.
Abstract: Inflammatory processes require the activation of immunocompetent cells In mammals, neutrophil polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) constitute one of the essential body defences against diseases In this article knowledge of the development and maturation of neutrophils, the control of haematopoiesis and of the factors that regulate neutrophil production is reviewed As it has recently become apparent that neutrophils can be primed by cytokines to have enhanced functional activity, the future utilization of these growth factors in bovine immunotherapy is briefly discussed
TL;DR: One hundred and ninety nine Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae isolates obtained from the respiratory tract of pigs in Belgium were serotyped using slide agglutination and slide precipitation tests and a bimodal distribution of strain sensitivities was observed.
Abstract: One hundred and ninety nine Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae isolates obtained from the respiratory tract of pigs in Belgium (1991-1992) were serotyped using slide agglutination and slide precipitation tests. Biotype 1-serotype 2 and 3 strains were isolated most frequently and represented 36% and 21% of the isolates, respectively. Serotype 9 and serotype 5B strains represented 15% and 10% of the total number of isolates, respectively, while serotypes 7, 8, 10 and 11 were isolated only sporadically. Serotypes 5B, 10 and 11 were isolated for the first time in Belgium. Biotype 2 strains represented 12.5% of the total number and all belonged to the serotype 2. The in vitro susceptibility of 138 strains was determined for ten commonly used antibiotics. For three antibiotics, ampicillin, chloramphenicol, and oxytetracycline, a bimodal distribution of strain sensitivities was observed. A total of 17 strains (12%) were considered to have acquired resistance to one or more of these antibiotics.
TL;DR: Bilateral uveitis and multiple xanthomas (fat deposits in the skin) are described in a 3-year-old ovariohysterectomized female Persian cat, which might be explained by a primary hyperlipoproteinaemia, complicated by long-term use of corticosteroids.
Abstract: Summary Bilateral uveitis and multiple xanthomas (fat deposits in the skin) are described in a 3.5‐year‐old ovariohysterec‐tomized female Persian cat. The cat had been treated for 2 years with corticosteroids. Examinations included a routine blood chemistry profile, radiographic examination of the thorax and abdomen, histopathological examination of multiple skin punch biopsies, and analysis of blood lipid components by cellulose‐acetate electrophoresis and by preparative ultracentrifugation studies. Total lipid values were 23 g/l. Ultracentrifugation studies indicated strongly elevated VLDL and LDL fractions and a decreased concentration of the HDL fraction. Because of sudden blindness the cat was euthanized at the request of the owner. Autopsy revealed massive atherosclerotic changes in the large abdominal vessels, the wall of the aorta, and the coronary vessels. Although the exact pathogenesis remains uncertain, these unusual findings might be explained by a primary hyperlipoproteinaemia, complicated b...
TL;DR: The productivity indices of village N'Dama cattle in The Gambia compare favourably with similar indices for trypanotolerant and trypanosusceptible breeds elsewhere in Africa, and show that even under harsh conditions and with high tsetse challenge, they are able to effectively produce milk and meat for the rural population.
Abstract: Summary The productivity of trypanotolerant N'Dama cattle, kept under traditional management conditions in The Gambia, West Africa, was assessed by the regular, monthly collection of health and production parameters in two study areas. The study areas were selected because of differences in tsetse challenge. Performance traits were used to build up an index to estimate the productivity of village N'Dama cattle. The productivity index per 100 kg cow maintained per year varied from 37.2 kg in the study area of Keneba village (with a low tsetse challenge) to 21.4 kg for cattle kept near the villages of Tuba and Sambelkunda, an area which had a high tsetse challenge. Average age at first calving was 4.5 or 5.0 years depending on the study area, calving intervals were 623 or 703 days and there was an average 12% loss of body weight in adult females during the dry season. The productivity indices of village N'Dama cattle in The Gambia compare favourably with similar indices for trypanotolerant and trypanosuscep...
TL;DR: Local axial lesions seemed to have a worse prognosis than local abaxial or diffusive lesions in the Dutch Warmblood horses and Standardbreds.
Abstract: Summary Over a 2 year‐period, the ultrasonographic localization and distribution of flexor tendinous and ligamentous injuries, the long‐term follow‐up, and the outcome were studied in 101 Dutch Warmblood horses (DW) with a mean age of 8.7 years and in 71 Standardbred racehorses (ST) with a mean age of 5.2 years. The ratio between forelimb and hind limb flexor tendonitis/desmitis in the DW‐group was 4:1 and in the ST‐group 4:3. In the DW‐group, tendonitis/desmitis of the suspensory ligament (32%), the superficial digital flexor tendon (29%), the distal carpal check ligament (17%) of the forelimb (SLf, SDFf, and CL, respectively) and the suspensory ligament (11%) of the hind limb (SLh) occurred the most often. In the ST‐group, tendonitis of the SDFf (34%) and desmitis of the SLh (34%) and SLf (18%) were the most common injuries. Of the 60 Dutch Warmblood horses available for follow‐up, 25% showed full‐functional recovery. Of the 61 Standardbreds available for follow‐up, 18% showed full‐functional recovery. ...
TL;DR: Medetomidine, an alpha-2 agonist, was tested for the sedation of wild boar and red deer and atipamezole was effective in reversing sedation, with recovery occurring between 3 and 9 min.
Abstract: Medetomidine, an alpha-2 agonist, was tested for the sedation of wild boar (Sus scrofa) (n = 6) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) (n = 7). The effectivity of this drug and the dose required for handling, blood sampling, and minor surgery were established for both species. In addition the effect of medetomidine sedation on haematological and serum biochemical variables was studied. All animals used were clinically normal females aged approximately 1.5 years. The minimal dose required to sedate a wild boar was 80 micrograms/kg (i.m.). The induction time was 35-50 min, and the sedation time was between 40 and 55 min; however, the sedation was insufficient. The minimal dose required for red deer was 80 micrograms/kg (i.m.). Blood sampling and minor surgery could be carried out without any problem. The induction time was 21-29 min and the sedation time was between 120 and 210 min. The alpha-2 antagonist atipamezole (300 micrograms/kg) was effective in reversing sedation, with recovery occurring between 3 and 9 min. Medetomidine sedation influenced the blood composition of wild boar. Haemoglobin and packed cell volume decreased by about 20% (P < 0.002), total serum protein content decreased slightly (P = 0.011), and the glucose concentration nearly doubled (P = 0.002).
TL;DR: Faecal samples from suckling piglets from 113 litters on 25 farms in the Netherlands were examined to study the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites, in particular Strongyloides ransomi and Isospora suis.
Abstract: Faecal samples from suckling piglets from 113 litters on 25 farms in the Netherlands were examined to study the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites, in particular Strongyloides ransomi and Isospora suis. S. ransomi was not found but I. suis was demonstrated in 17 of the 25 farms and in 41 out of 77 litters of these farms (53%). No other parasites were found. On the basis of these results, a longitudinal study on the incidence and significance of I. suis was performed on 10 farms (5 litters/farm). I. suis was found on 9 out of 10 farms and in 56% of the litters. Farms differed in infection levels, measured as the numbers of patent litters, and in the onset of patency. Other parasites were only found in faecal samples from the sows and from farrowing pens. These were, in order of prevalence, Balantidium coli, Ascaris suum, Eimeria spinosa, E. debliecki and E. suis.
TL;DR: The collagenase model proved to be useful to study the effect of a high plantar nerve block on lameness resulting from induced tendon/ligament lesion, however, it cannot be used to differentiate between flexor tendon and suspensory ligament lesions.
Abstract: Summary To answer the question whether it is possible to differentiate, by means of a high plantar nerve block in the hind limb, flexor tendon lameness from a suspensory ligament lameness, mid‐plantar tendinitis or desmitis was induced with collagenase in five Standardbred horses in two trials. Before the induction of lameness, and on the fourth (D4) and fourteenth day (D14) after the induction of lameness the horses were evaluated subjectively (clinical lameness score), objectively (ground reaction force (GRF) measurements), and ultrasonographically. Clinical evaluation and GRF measurements were also done on D4 and D14 after a high plantar nerve block. From the GRF measurements variables were selected and analysed and related to the clinical lameness score. The horses were significantly lame on D4; this lameness had decreased on D14. The clinical findings were supported by the GRF data. In the flexor tendon group, a high plantar nerve block resulted in soundness or lameness in the other hind limb, wherea...
TL;DR: It was concluded that S. bovis is an opportunistic pathogenic agent in pigeons and is significantly higher in January to August than in September to December.
Abstract: Summary The prevalence of S. bovis in the intestinal tract of healthy racing pigeons was determined. Crop and cloaca swab samples obtained from 810 pigeons from 14 different lofts and from 122 pigeons that were presented for routine health control were examined for the presence of S. bovis. Pooled faecal samples were also obtained from pigeons in 82 different pigeon lofts. S. bovis was isolated from crop or cloaca samples of approximately 40 % of pigeons of all ages by direct culture and from 80 % of the pooled faecal samples by enrichment culture. In a longitudinal study, crop and cloaca samples were collected every 3 months from pigeons in seven different pigeon lofts. The prevalence of S. bovis in these pigeons ranged from 0 to 100 %. The carriage rate was not related to the season or to the age of the pigeons. The prevalence of S. bovis in organ lesions of pigeons examined at necropsy was investigated over a 35‐month period. S. bovis was isolated from 10 % of the birds examined. The incidence of S. bo...
TL;DR: In this review the literature on the pathogenesis and histopathological features of Chlamydia psittaci infections in birds and their significance for psittacosis/ornithosis in humans is summarized.
Abstract: In this review the literature on the pathogenesis and histopathological features of Chlamydia psittaci infections in birds and their significance for psittacosis/ornithosis in humans is summarized. Models of experimental infections to elucidate the pathogenicity of avian strains are discussed briefly.
TL;DR: The article describes clinical signs, histological and other changes leading to a diagnosis, the differential diagnosis, and the prospects for pre-clinical diagnosis of bovine spongiform encephalopathy and discusses the origin and course of the epidemic in the UK.
Abstract: Summary An update on animal spongiform encephalopathies other than BSE was presented in part I of this article. Part II of this article focuses on bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). The article describes clinical signs, histological and other changes leading to a diagnosis, the differential diagnosis, and the prospects for pre‐clinical diagnosis of this disease. It describes the origin and course of the epidemic in the UK and discusses the question why it is only the UK which has witnessed such a large‐scale epidemic. Predicted to arrive much earlier, the epidemic now finally seems to have passed its peak. The article goes on to discuss the chance of the disease occurring in a country like the Netherlands and the measures taken to prevent and control the disease, should it occur. The article concludes with a discussion of what has been found with regard to genetic factors, the results of experimental and unintentional artificial transmission of BSE to various species, and possible implications for hu...
TL;DR: Individual medical treatment for respiratory disorders, started in the last 30 days before slaughter, proved to be positively related to the pathological findings 'pneumonia' and 'pleuritis' detected at the slaughterhouse.
Abstract: Summary In September 1986 an Integrated Quality Control Project (IQC) was started in the Netherlands. Over a period of 2 years a veterinary herd health scheme was applied to 21 growing and finishing pig herds. Information was collected concerning medical treatment, classified as group treatment and individual treatment, clinical observations, and housing factors. The main purpose of this project was to investigate relationships between pathological findings detected at the slaughterhouse and information gathered on the farm. Medical group treatments, clinical observations and housing did not reliably predict pathological findings. Individual medical treatment for respiratory disorders, started in the last 30 days before slaughter, proved to be positively related to the the pathological findings ‘pneumonia’ and ‘pleuritis’ detected at the slaughterhouse. This may be useful for selecting pigs at the slaughterhouse that will require special treatment for the removal of the pleura parietalis. During the first...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss the aspects of obstetric care in the dog and present an overview of the most important aspects of the dog's medical care in terms of its development.
Abstract: (1994). Aspects of obstetric care in the dog. Veterinary Quarterly: Vol. 16, No. sup1, pp. 20-22.
TL;DR: The investigation focused in particular on the relationship between return to oestrus after first insemination and seroconversion against porcine parvovirus (PPV) and Leptospira interrogans serovar bratislava (L. bratisava).
Abstract: As no systematic study has been done to get an accurate estimate of the incidence of return to oestrus after first insemination in sows in the Netherlands, the objectives of this investigation were: 1) to obtain an estimate of the incidence of return to oestrus after insemination at the herd level; 2) to investigate the association between incidence of return to oestrus after first insemination and reproduction characteristics in order to get an impression of the economic importance of reproductive failure. These objectives were investigated by using the reproduction results of 240 swine breeding herds in the Southern Netherlands in 1987. This information was obtained from CBK plus computerized herd management records. The average incidence rate of return to oestrus after first insemination at a herd level was 16.9 per 100 first inseminations. The occurrence of return to oestrus after first insemination was distinctly higher in the insemination months July and August compared to the rest of the year. An increased incidence, with 10 returns per 100 first inseminations corrected for confounders in a multiple linear regression model, was associated with a decrease of approximately 0.3 live born piglets/sow/year. A prospective longitudinal study was started in 1988 and 1989 in 37 sow herds. Individual sows were monitored from weaning to first insemination, to the occurrence of return to oestrus, or not, after first insemination, and to farrowing. The investigation focused in particular on the relationship between return to oestrus after first insemination and seroconversion against porcine parvovirus (PPV) and Leptospira interrogans serovar bratislava (L. bratislava).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)