Showing papers in "Veterinary Record in 2010"
TL;DR: A computerised search of published literature on the suicide risk and influences on suicide among veterinarians, with comparison to therisk and influences in other occupational groups and in the general population, was used to develop a structured review.
Abstract: Veterinary surgeons are known to be at a higher risk of suicide compared with the general population. There has been much speculation regarding possible mechanisms underlying the increased suicide risk in the profession, but little empirical research. A computerised search of published literature on the suicide risk and influences on suicide among veterinarians, with comparison to the risk and influences in other occupational groups and in the general population, was used to develop a structured review. Veterinary surgeons have a proportional mortality ratio (PMR) for suicide approximately four times that of the general population and around twice that of other healthcare professions. A complex interaction of possible mechanisms may occur across the course of a veterinary career to increase the risk of suicide. Possible factors include the characteristics of individuals entering the profession, negative effects during undergraduate training, work-related stressors, ready access to and knowledge of means, stigma associated with mental illness, professional and social isolation, and alcohol or drug misuse (mainly prescription drugs to which the profession has ready access). Contextual effects such as attitudes to death and euthanasia, formed through the profession's routine involvement with euthanasia of companion animals and slaughter of farm animals, and suicide 'contagion' due to direct or indirect exposure to suicide of peers within this small profession are other possible influences.
226 citations
TL;DR: A random sample of 2980 households in the UK in 2007 showed that 26% and 31 per cent of households owned cats and dogs, respectively, which significantly decreased the likelihood of cat ownership, and respondents aged 65 years or more were less likely to report that their household owned a cat than younger respondents.
Abstract: A random sample of 2980 households in the UK in 2007 showed that 26 per cent and 31 per cent of households owned cats and dogs, respectively. Households with gardens were more likely to own cats and dogs than households without gardens. Households in which someone was qualified to degree level were more likely to own cats and less likely to own dogs than other households. Cats were more likely to be owned by semi-urban/rural households and by female respondents. Dog ownership significantly decreased the likelihood of cat ownership, and respondents aged 65 years or more were less likely to report that their household owned a cat than younger respondents. Households with one or more dogs and children aged 11 to 15 years were more likely to own a cat than other households. The likelihood of dog ownership increased as household size increased. Dogs were more likely to be owned by rural households, and less likely to be owned by households with cats or children aged 10 years or younger. Female respondents and those aged less than 55 years were more likely to report dog ownership than other respondents. The estimated size (and 95 per cent confidence intervals) of the owned cat and dog populations in the UK in 2006 was 10,332,955 (9,395,642 to 11,270,269) cats and 10,522,186 (9,623,618 to 11,420,755) dogs.
217 citations
TL;DR: The balance of evidence for the efficacy of NSAIDs supports longer-term use of these agents for increased clinical effect and there is no indication in the literature that such an approach is associated with a reduction in safety, although robust data on the safety of long-term NSAID use are lacking in large numbers of dogs.
Abstract: The published, peer-reviewed literature was systematically searched for information on the safety and efficacy of long-term (defined as 28 days or more of continuous therapy) NSAID use in the treatment of canine osteoarthritis. Online databases were reviewed in June 2008 and papers were selected based on their relevance. Fifteen papers were identified and evaluated. Six of seven papers indicated a benefit of long-term treatment over short-term treatment in terms of the reduction of clinical signs or lameness; one study showed no benefit. Fourteen papers evaluated safety with calculated experimental (adverse) event rates (EER) between 0 and 0.31, but there was no correlation between study length and EER (rs=-0.109, P=0.793). The balance of evidence for the efficacy of NSAIDs supports longer-term use of these agents for increased clinical effect. There is no indication in the literature that such an approach is associated with a reduction in safety, although robust data on the safety of long-term NSAID use are lacking in large numbers of dogs.
111 citations
TL;DR: There is a need for additional clinical, cultural and serological studies across Europe to support the continued inclusion of serovars Icterohaemorrhagiae and Canicola plus the inclusion ofSerovars Bratislava and Grippotyphosa (for mainland Europe only).
Abstract: Changes in the formulation of the Leptospira components of dog vaccines are being considered in Europe, following changes in North America. This article discusses the options for change and recommends the continued inclusion of serovars Icterohaemorrhagiae and Canicola plus the inclusion of serovars Bratislava and Grippotyphosa (for mainland Europe only). If other serovars, such as Pomona, are to be considered in the future, then there is a need for additional clinical, cultural and serological studies across Europe to support their inclusion.
98 citations
TL;DR: There was a distinct breed predisposition for tumour development, with a high standard morbidity ratio (indicating a higher risk of cancer) for boxers and Bernese mountain dogs and a lower risk in German shepherd dogs and Danish/Swedish farm dogs, suggesting a lowerrisk of cancer in these breeds.
Abstract: From May 15, 2005 to April 15, 2008, 1878 cases of neoplasms in dogs were reported to the web-based Danish Veterinary Cancer Registry. The proportions of malignant (38 per cent) and benign (45 per cent) tumours were similar. The most common malignant neoplasms were adenocarcinomas (21 per cent), mast cell tumours (19 per cent) and lymphomas (17 per cent). The benign neoplasms most commonly encountered were lipomas (24 per cent), adenomas (22 per cent) and histiocytomas (14 per cent). Skin (43 per cent) and the female reproductive system including mammary tissue (28 per cent) were the most common locations of neoplasia. There was a distinct breed predisposition for tumour development, with a high standard morbidity ratio (indicating a higher risk of cancer) for boxers and Bernese mountain dogs. A standard morbidity ratio below 1 was observed in German shepherd dogs and Danish/Swedish farm dogs, suggesting a lower risk of cancer in these breeds.
95 citations
TL;DR: A geospatial map was drawn to show the distribution of infected herds and the seroprevalence of exposure at regional level, using the Nomenclature of Units for Territorial Statistics boundaries, and at a finer spatial level defined by postcode area.
Abstract: The seroprevalence of Fasciola hepatica infection in a population of commercial dairy herds in England and Wales was estimated using an ELISA that detected antibodies to F hepatica in bulk tank milk. A total of 3130 milk samples, obtained as convenience samples from two commercial milk-testing laboratories, were tested during the winter of 2006/07. Herds considered to be seropositive were categorised as low positive, medium positive or high positive. A geospatial map was drawn to show the distribution of infected herds and the seroprevalence of exposure at regional level, using the Nomenclature of Units for Territorial Statistics boundaries, and at a finer spatial level defined by postcode area. Overall, 76 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval [CI] 74 to 77 per cent) of herds carried antibodies to F hepatica; the seroprevalence in England was 72 per cent (95 per cent CI 70 to 74 per cent) and in Wales it was 84 per cent (95 per cent CI 82 to 86 per cent). The highest prevalences of exposure were found in north-west England, where more than 47 per cent of herds were in the high positive exposure category.
78 citations
TL;DR: Thirty-five cases of canine Achilles mechanism disruption were reviewed, mostly involving medium-sized dogs, among which dobermanns, labradors and border collies were most commonly represented, with the outcome not significantly influenced by whether the injury was open or closed, the duration of the injury, the tendons involved, or the method of repair.
Abstract: Forty-five cases of canine Achilles mechanism disruption were reviewed, mostly involving medium-sized dogs, among which dobermanns, labradors and border collies were most commonly represented. Most cases were acute in onset (66.7 per cent), and were usually closed injuries (75.6 per cent). In the majority of cases, the damage involved all tendons (26.7 per cent), all tendons except the superficial digital flexor tendon (22.2 per cent), or the gastrocnemius alone (20 per cent). Damage most commonly occurred at the tendo-osseous junction (60 per cent), with injury occurring less commonly at the musculotendinous junction (20 per cent) or in the body of the tendon (13.3 per cent). A plantigrade posture was not predictive of involvement of specific tendons, but was more likely if the injury involved the musculotendinous junction. The most common method of treatment was a primary tendon repair using polydioxanone suture in a locking-loop pattern, with placement of a temporary calcaneotibial screw and cast. The outcome was not significantly influenced by whether the injury was open or closed, the duration of the injury, the tendons involved, or the method of repair. Complications were recorded in 16 cases (35 per cent), of which 10 were minor and six major. Complications were significantly more likely if the damage involved the body of the tendon. Long-term follow-up was available for 19 dogs; the outcome of surgery was considered to be good to excellent in 18 dogs.
73 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that all three outbreaks occurred independently, potentially as a result of transmission of the virus from human beings to pigs.
Abstract: The initial incursion of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza A virus (pH1N1) into a European pig population is reported. Diagnosis of swine influenza caused by pandemic virus was made during September 2009 following routine submission of samples for differential diagnosis of causative agents of respiratory disease, including influenza A virus. All four pigs (aged six weeks) submitted for investigation from a pig herd of approximately 5000 animals in Northern Ireland, experiencing acute-onset respiratory signs in finishing and growing pigs, were positive by immunofluorescence for influenza A. Follow-up analysis of lung tissue homogenates by real-time RT-PCR confirmed the presence of pH1N1. The virus was subsequently detected on two other premises in Northern Ireland; on one premises, detection followed the pre-export health certification testing of samples from pigs presumed to be subclinically infected as no clinical signs were apparent. None of the premises was linked to another epidemiologically. Sequencing of the haemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes revealed high nucleotide identity (>99.4 per cent) with other pH1N1s isolated from human beings. Genotypic analyses revealed all gene segments to be most closely related to those of contemporary pH1N1 viruses in human beings. It is concluded that all three outbreaks occurred independently, potentially as a result of transmission of the virus from human beings to pigs.
71 citations
TL;DR: The clinical, clinicopathological and ultrasonographic findings from dogs with chronic pancreatitis (CP) are reported, with Spaniels the most common breed with CP, representing seven of the 14 dogs in this study.
Abstract: This study reports the clinical, clinicopathological and ultrasonographic findings from dogs with chronic pancreatitis (CP). Fourteen dogs with clinical signs consistent with CP and histological confirmation of the disease were evaluated. Abdominal ultrasound and clinical pathology results were recorded. Sensitivities of pancreatic enzymes for diagnosis of CP were calculated with two different cut-off values. The mean age of affected dogs was 9.1 years. Spaniels were the most common breed with CP, representing seven of the 14 dogs in this study. CP was histologically severe in nine cases. Most dogs showed chronic low-grade gastrointestinal signs and abdominal pain. Five dogs had exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and five dogs had diabetes mellitus. The sensitivity of elevated trypsin-like immunoreactivity for CP was 17 per cent. The sensitivities of canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity, lipase and amylase for CP were 44 to 67 per cent or 14 to 28 per cent depending on the cut-off value used. Cholesterol was elevated in 58 per cent of samples. Liver enzymes were often elevated. The pancreas appeared abnormal on 56 per cent of ultrasound examinations. Ten dogs had died by the end of the study period; only one case was due to CP.
69 citations
TL;DR: The effectiveness and safety of treatment with ketoconazole and itraconazole were compared in 773 sporotrichosis-infected cats over a four-year period (2002 to 2005).
Abstract: The effectiveness and safety of treatment with ketoconazole and itraconazole were compared in 773 sporotrichosis-infected cats over a four-year period (2002 to 2005). Five hundred and ninety-eight cats received oral ketoconazole and 175 received oral itraconazole. Treatment was successful in 238 (30.8 per cent) cats, of which 171 (28.6 per cent) of 598 received 13.5 to 27.0 mg/kg/day ketoconazole and 67 (38.3 per cent) of 175 received 8.3 to 27.7 mg/kg/day itraconazole. Adverse effects were reported in 306 (39.6 per cent) of the cats, 105 (13.6 per cent) died and 430 (55.6 per cent) dropped out of treatment or were still under treatment at the time of data analysis.
69 citations
TL;DR: The main welfare issues identified were lameness and claw overgrowth, udder and teat lesions, skin lesions and pruritus.
Abstract: The preliminary findings from an investigation into the health and welfare of goats on commercial dairy goat farms in the UK are described. An assessment protocol involving direct observations of the goats was developed in order to assess their welfare. Twenty-four dairy goat farms in England and Wales were visited and assessed during the period autumn 2004 to summer 2005. The main welfare issues identified were lameness and claw overgrowth, udder and teat lesions, skin lesions and pruritus.
TL;DR: The induction of anaesthesia, the cardiorespiratory variables and the recovery were clinically acceptable and similar after induction with either alfaxalone or propofol.
Abstract: Thirty-nine healthy cats that were presented for ovariohysterectomy received intramuscular acepromazine (0.05 mg/kg) and subcutaneous meloxicam (0.3 mg/kg) as preanaesthetic medication. They were then randomly assigned to receive either propofol or alfaxalone by intravenous injection for induction of anaesthesia, administered to effect until tracheal intubation was possible. Anaesthesia was maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. Cardiorespiratory variables were measured before induction and every five minutes throughout anaesthesia. The recovery times and quality of recovery were also recorded. Data relating to one cat were omitted because it was found to be pregnant. The mean (sd) induction doses were 4.7 (1.2) mg/kg for alfaxalone and 7.5 (2.0) mg/kg for propofol. Postinduction apnoea was not observed. There were no significant differences in cardiorespiratory variables between the alfaxalone group (mean pulse rate [PR] 155 [18]) bpm, Doppler arterial blood pressure [DBP] 73 [6] mmHg, respiratory rate [RR] 31 [8] breaths/minute, end-tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure [PECO(2)] 3.7 [0.8] kPa) and the propofol group (PR 147 [16] bpm, DBP 77 [12] mmHg, RR 32 [8] breaths/minute, PECO(2) 3.7 [0.5] kPa). Recovery times were very similar and the quality of recovery was considered fair or good in most cats in both groups. The induction of anaesthesia, the cardiorespiratory variables and the recovery were clinically acceptable and similar after induction with either alfaxalone or propofol.
TL;DR: In 2004/05, all European Union member states were required to carry out standardised prevalence surveys to establish the baseline prevalence of Salmonella in commercial laying flocks, and additional data were collected from 380 of the enrolled laying hen holdings to investigate risk factors forSalmonella at farm level.
Abstract: In 2004/05, all European Union member states were required to carry out standardised prevalence surveys to establish the baseline prevalence of Salmonella in commercial laying flocks. As part of the survey in Great Britain, additional data were collected from 380 of the enrolled laying hen holdings to investigate risk factors for Salmonella at farm level. Stratified, simple random sampling was used to select holdings from which dust and boot swab samples were collected and tested for Salmonella using a modification of ISO 6579:2002. Using a multivariable logistic model weighted to account for the survey design, several factors significantly associated with Salmonella and Salmonella Enteritidis status were identified. Larger holdings (>or=30,000 birds) were found to be at higher risk of Salmonella (odds ratio [OR] 4.79, P=0.025), while vaccination (OR 0.28, P=0.013), providing foot dips with brushes (OR 0.27, P=0.042), washing and disinfecting the house at depopulation (OR 0.19, P=0.003), having a clean car park away from house (OR 0.14, P=0.001), using an independent (OR 0.19, P=0.007) or other non-company (OR 0.40, P=0.049) source of feed, being over 1 km from the nearest neighbouring farm (OR 0.45, P=0.021) and the presence of cats and dogs on the farm (OR 0.26, P=0.002) or on contiguous farms (OR 0.44, P=0.030) reduced the risk of any Salmonella serovars being present. Factors found to be associated specifically with an increased risk of S Enteritidis infection included holding size (OR 14.88, P=0.001) and frequent sightings of rats (OR 8.17, P<0.001) or mice (OR 5.78, P=0.006). Non-caged systems (OR 0.14, P=0.002), vaccination (OR 0.08, P=0.001), the use of a non-company feed source (OR 0.11, P=0.003), running the site as all-in/all-out (OR 0.06, P<0.001) and the presence of cats and dogs on the farm (OR 0.14, P=0.002) were associated with a reduced risk.
TL;DR: A significant increase in seroprevalence and clinical signs was found to be associated with the increasing age of the animals, suggesting rapid horizontal transmission of the disease.
Abstract: An indirect ELISA based on a soluble extract of Besnoitia besnoiti tachyzoites was developed and standardised. A set of positive and negative reference bovine sera were characterised using an immunofluorescence antibody test and Western blot. A cut-off with a relative index per cent of 8.1 was determined for equal sensitivity and specificity (100 per cent) by two-graph receiver operating characteristic analysis. Cross-reactions with other closely related Apicomplexan parasites were discarded. The standardised ELISA was then used during an outbreak of bovine besnoitiosis in a mountainous area of central Spain. The outbreak occurred in nine herds, and 358 animals that shared grazing lands during the summer season were affected. Clinical examination and blood sampling were carried out for all animals, and skin biopsies were obtained from animals with skin lesions. The confirmatory diagnosis was carried out by means of the indirect ELISA, together with the identification of tissue cysts by microscopy. Most of the animals were seropositive (90.5 per cent), but only 43 per cent of seropositive cattle developed clinical signs compatible with besnoitiosis. Additionally, a significant increase in seroprevalence and clinical signs was found to be associated with the increasing age of the animals, suggesting rapid horizontal transmission of the disease.
TL;DR: This work might help reduce the number of animals culled involuntarily, by identifying key factors associated with the incidence of an assisted calving, abortion and mastitis, and improving milking and fertility performance using detailed data from the Langhill herd.
Abstract: Risk factors associated with voluntary and involuntary culling within a Holstein-Friesian dairy cow research herd were identified. Data were studied from 3498 completed lactations from the Langhill Holstein-Friesian dairy herd between January 1990 and June 2008. During this period the cows were based on two different farms in Scotland. The culling rate of the milking herd was approximately 25 per cent per annum. Approximately 68 per cent of cows culled were classified as involuntary. The association between different risk factors and the incidence of culling was investigated using a general linear mixed model. Of the 838 cows culled, 59 per cent were culled before the fourth lactation. Culling was associated with cows that had an assisted calving (P<0.01), aborted (P<0.01) and/or suffered from mastitis (P<0.05). Cows that were culled were also more likely to be older cows (P<0.01), have a low number of milking days (P<0.001) and/or a greater number of days from calving to conception (P<0.01). Culling was also associated with conception failure (r=0.752, P<0.001). Further work might help reduce the number of animals culled involuntarily, by identifying key factors associated with the incidence of an assisted calving, abortion and mastitis, and improving milking and fertility performance using detailed data from the Langhill herd.
TL;DR: The data suggest that there is a relationship between season, sex of the animal and the development of laminitis on an East Anglian farm with approximately 1000 animals living in an area of 1000 acres.
Abstract: A retrospective study of laminitis was carried out to identify risk factors associated with this disease on an East Anglian farm with approximately 1000 animals living in an area of 1000 acres. Medical records between January 1997 and May 2000 and between April 2005 and March 2008 were reviewed, and the age, sex, weight (kg), height (inches [in] and hands [H]) and weight-to-height ratio (kg/in) was recorded. The prevalence, incidence and seasonality of laminitis were determined and their relationship to the monthly temperature, rainfall and hours of sunshine was evaluated. Averaged over the six years, the highest prevalence (2.6 per cent) and incidence (16 cases/1000 animals) of laminitis occurred in May. The findings of a multivariate analysis revealed that females (P=0.007, odds ratio [OR] 1.46, 95 per cent confidence interval [CI] 1.1053 to 1.9646) and light animals (P ≤ 0.001, OR=0.995, 95 per cent CI =0.9932 to 0.9963) had the greatest risk of developing laminitis. A positive association was found between hours of sunshine and incidence (P=0.007, relative risk [RR] 1.009, 95 per cent CI 1.001 to 1.012) and prevalence (P=0.002, RR 1.008, 95 per cent CI 1.003 to 1.012) of laminitis. The data suggest that there is a relationship between season, sex of the animal and the development of laminitis.
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that greater thickness of the soft palate and reduced nasopharyngeal aperture are significantly associated with OME in CKCS, suggesting that auditory tube dysfunction and OME may represent a previously overlooked consequence of brachycephalic conformation in dogs.
Abstract: Otitis media with effusion (OME) is a common incidental finding in otherwise normal Cavalier King Charles spaniels (CKCS). In this study, measurements made on MRI were used to determine whether there was an association between OME and brachycephalic conformation. The results confirm that association and also demonstrate that, in CKCS, greater thickness of the soft palate and reduced nasopharyngeal aperture are significantly associated with OME. These results suggest that auditory tube dysfunction and OME may represent a previously overlooked consequence of brachycephalic conformation in dogs.
TL;DR: Mycobacterium bovis strains isolated from tuberculosis (TB) lesions from 1138 cattle slaughtered at Kombolcha abattoir in north eastern Ethiopia were characterised using detailed postmortem examination, bacteriological culturing, regions of difference PCR and spoligotyping.
Abstract: Mycobacterium bovis strains isolated from tuberculosis (TB) lesions from 1138 cattle slaughtered at Kombolcha abattoir in north eastern Ethiopia were characterised. Detailed postmortem examination, bacteriological culturing, regions of difference PCR and spoligotyping were used. At least one TB lesion was observed in 57 (5 per cent) of the cattle, of which 27 (47 per cent) yielded mycobacteria isolates. Of the 27 isolates, 25 were identified as M bovis and two as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The M bovis isolates were grouped into six clusters of strains, and the M tuberculosis isolates were typified to one strain only with the reference SIT262. Three clusters of previously unreported M bovis strains were identified and reported to the Mycobacterium bovis spoligotype database. They were designated the reference numbers SB1490, SB1491 and SB1492.
TL;DR: To investigate the prevalence and control of ectoparasites in China, 1200 questionnaires were delivered to caged commercial layer or parent hen keepers and 833 samples were received, finding that most bird keepers did not re-treat their birds with insecticides or acaricides within two weeks after the first treatment.
Abstract: To investigate the prevalence and control of ectoparasites in China, 1200 questionnaires were delivered to caged commercial layer or parent hen keepers. Of the 860 respondents, 785 (91.3 per cent) claimed they found suspected ectoparasites in their birds and 833 samples were received. Ectoparasites of the species Dermanyssus gallinae, Ornithonyssus sylviarum or Menacanthuss stramineus were found in 736 (88.4 per cent) samples. For caged commercial layers, D gallinae was the most common ectoparasite (64.1 per cent). For caged parent hens, O sylviarum was the most common ectoparasite (46.9 per cent). Most bird keepers (95.0 per cent of commercial layer keepers and 74.9 per cent of parent hen keepers) used pyrethroids, organophosphates or other insecticides or acaricides to control ectoparasites. However, 34.6 per cent of layer keepers and 25.7 per cent of parent hen keepers did not re-treat their birds with insecticides or acaricides within two weeks after the first treatment. Sanitation procedures, including cleaning, washing and disinfection, were conducted in empty houses between flocks and on most commercial layer farms and parent hen farms. However, insecticides or acaricides were used in empty houses between flocks only in 24.8 per cent of commercial layer farms and in 36.1 per cent of parent hen farms.
TL;DR: The medical records of 59 rabbits with uterine disorders were assessed retrospectively; ten animals were presented because of vaginal discharge; the reasons for presentation of the remaining 49 rabbits included mammary masses, skin tumours, anorexia and poor general health.
Abstract: The medical records of 59 rabbits with uterine disorders were assessed retrospectively. Ten animals were presented because of vaginal discharge; the reasons for presentation of the remaining 49 rabbits included mammary masses, skin tumours, anorexia and poor general health. All the rabbits underwent a clinical examination, and 54 were examined by ultrasonography and/or radiography. Forty-five rabbits underwent ovariohysterectomy and the other 14 rabbits were euthanased, three because of pulmonary metastases and 11 because of very poor health unrelated to their uterine disease. The genital tracts of all the rabbits were submitted for histological examination. Endometrial hyperplasia (in 24 rabbits) and adenocarcinoma (in 18 rabbits) were the most common uterine disorders; in a further 11 cases both conditions were observed. The remaining six rabbits had other uterine disorders. Four rabbits that were presented with adenocarcinoma of the mammary gland were found to have concurrent uterine disorders. The mean age of the rabbits with endometrial hyperplasia was 4·5 years, and that of the rabbits with adenocarcinoma was 6·1 years. Four rabbits had ovarian tumours.
TL;DR: Positive herds were not spatially autocorrelated when compared with negative herds as estimated by the K-function regarding both BCV and BRSV, indicating that local factors such as daily visiting milk trucks and wild animals were unlikely to be important sources of infection in this area.
Abstract: A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the association between herd-level characteristics, management routines and farm-level antibody status of bovine coronavirus (BCV) and bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) in 257 Swedish dairy herds. The possible spatial clustering of positive herds compared with negative herds was also investigated. For each herd, a pooled milk sample from five primiparous cows was analysed for the presence of antibodies to BCV and BRSV. Herd-level information was obtained by a questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between predictors and antibody status to BCV and BRSV. Large herd size, being located in southern Sweden, and not providing boots for visitors were found to be associated with being antibody-positive to BCV and BRSV. A short distance to the nearest cattle herd was an additional risk factor for BCV. One of the studied areas was suitable for spatial analysis. Positive herds were not spatially autocorrelated when compared with negative herds as estimated by the K-function regarding both BCV and BRSV. This indicates that local factors such as daily visiting milk trucks and wild animals were unlikely to be important sources of infection in this area. Moran's I statistics and semi-variogram showed no evidence of spatial autocorrelation in the residuals, indicating that remaining unidentified factors are not spatially dependent in the areas under study.
TL;DR: Adrenal ultrasonography may be of diagnostic value in dogs with clinical signs suggestive of primary hypoadrenocorticism, as a left adrenal gland measuring less than 3.2 mm in thickness is strongly suggestive of the disease.
Abstract: The adrenal glands of 30 dogs with primary adrenal insufficiency (hypoadrenocorticism) were measured ultrasonographically and compared with those of 14 healthy dogs and those of 10 dogs with diseases mimicking hypoadrenocorticism. Thickness and length of the adrenals were measured on abdominal ultrasonography and the results for each group were compared. Dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism had significantly thinner adrenals compared with the other two groups, and their left adrenal glands were also significantly shorter than those of healthy dogs. Adrenal ultrasonography may be of diagnostic value in dogs with clinical signs suggestive of primary hypoadrenocorticism, as a left adrenal gland measuring less than 3.2 mm in thickness is strongly suggestive of the disease.
TL;DR: This paper provides an up-to-date overview of knowledge concerning the aetiology of the syndrome, its epidemiological context, pathogenesis, clinical signs and lesions, the diagnostic procedures and prophylactic tools, with specific attention to field aspects that are directly relevant to practitioners and clinical researchers.
Abstract: Cattle enterotoxaemia is one of numerous pathologies caused by Clostridium perfringens. These anaerobic Gram-positive bacteria are naturally present in the intestinal flora of mammals, but their uncontrolled multiplication under certain conditions results in the overproduction of toxins in the intestinal tract. Major clinical signs are induced by the systemic spread of these toxins in the blood and tissues. Enterotoxaemia may be acute or peracute, and sudden death is often reported in rapidly growing, apparently healthy cattle. Enterotoxaemia can be prevented only with better understanding of its risk factors and pathogenesis. This paper provides an up-to-date overview of knowledge concerning the aetiology of the syndrome, its epidemiological context, pathogenesis, clinical signs and lesions, the diagnostic procedures and prophylactic tools, with specific attention to field aspects that are directly relevant to practitioners and clinical researchers.
TL;DR: A retrospective analysis and prospective surveillance study were conducted to determine isolation rates of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in dogs, cats and horses in Ireland.
Abstract: A retrospective analysis and prospective surveillance study were conducted to determine isolation rates of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in dogs, cats and horses in Ireland. Clinical samples that had been submitted to University College Dublin (UCD) for routine microbiological examination over a four-year period (2003 to 2006) were analysed in the retrospective analysis, which included clinical samples from 3866 animals. In the prospective surveillance study, samples from healthy animals presenting for elective surgery as well as from animals with a clinical presentation suggestive of MRSA infection were investigated. Animals attending 30 veterinary practices throughout Ireland and a similar population of animals presented to UCD were studied. The isolation rates for animals in the retrospective study were 1.1 per cent (32 of 2864) for dogs, 0.7 per cent (four of 619) for cats and 5.2 per cent (20 of 383) for horses. The overall isolation rate of MRSA was 1.4 per cent (56 of 3866). Isolation rates for healthy animals in the prospective study were 0.4 per cent (one of 286) for dogs and 1.7 per cent (four of 236) for horses; MRSA was not isolated from cats (0 of 47). Isolation rates for animals suspected of being infected with MRSA were 8.1 per cent (14 of 173) for dogs and 4.6 per cent (three of 65) for horses; MRSA was not isolated from cats (0 of 47).
TL;DR: The final outcome for all groups was considered excellent in 79 per cent of cases and was considered good in 21 per cent, and the proportion of dogs with a favourable outcome was significantly higher in the CO2 and ELEC groups in comparison with the diode group.
Abstract: Clinical results, complications and the outcome of using either a carbon dioxide (CO₂) laser, diode laser or electrocautery (ELEC) for resection of the soft palate with an extended palatoplasty technique in brachycephalic dogs with upper airway obstructive syndrome were compared. Dogs were randomly allocated into three groups (n=20 in each group): ELEC, diode and CO₂ groups. The palatoplasty was made at the rostral aspect of the tonsils. A respiratory clinical score, ranging from 0 (normal) to 4 (cyanosis), was attributed to each dog before surgery and at 0 hours, 24 hours, two weeks and six months after surgery. A favourable outcome was defined as a one point or greater decrease in score 24 hours after surgery. The proportion of dogs with a favourable outcome was significantly higher in the CO₂ (n=15) and ELEC groups (n=15) in comparison with the diode group (n=7) (OR=5.6, 95 per cent confidence interval 1.4 to 21.9). Surgical time was significantly shorter (P<0.001; mean [sd] 510 [178] seconds), and bleeding was less common (P<0.001; 30 per cent of cases) in the CO₂ group. Complications were most frequent with the diode group (two cases of death and two cases of tracheostomy). The final outcome for all groups (n=57) was considered excellent in 79 per cent of cases and was considered good in 21 per cent.
TL;DR: This data indicates that from 1990 to 1992, dolphin Morbillivirus spread to the striped dolphin population of the Mediterranean sea, and this information is relevant to future studies of these animals.
Abstract: IN the past 20 years, epizootics of Morbillivirus infection have occurred among several marine mammal populations worldwide ([Van Bressem and others 2001][1]). From 1990 to 1992, dolphin Morbillivirus spread to the striped dolphin ( Stenella coeruleoalba ) population of the Mediterranean sea,
TL;DR: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2008 to obtain information on the advice veterinary practices currently give to their clients and the opinions of veterinary surgeons regarding neutering of dogs and an additional survey of dog owners was conducted to obtainInformation on the neuter status of the general dog population in Great Britain.
Abstract: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2008 to obtain information on the advice veterinary practices currently give to their clients and the opinions of veterinary surgeons regarding neutering of dogs. An additional survey of dog owners was conducted to obtain information on the neuter status of the general dog population in Great Britain. A significantly higher proportion of practices had a policy for the age of neutering bitches than for dogs. The average recommended age for neutering bitches was 6.5 months (95 per cent confidence interval [CI] 3.1 to 9.7 months) and for dogs it was 7.5 months (95 per cent CI 1.4 to 13.6 months). There was very little agreement between veterinary practices as to whether bitches should be allowed to have their first season before neutering, with 164 of 973 respondents (16.9 per cent) always recommending this, 198 (20.3 per cent) recommending it most of the time, 203 (20.9 per cent) sometimes, 203 (20.9 per cent) rarely and 201 (20.6 per cent) never recommending it. The owner study showed that 54 per cent of dogs (233 of 431) were neutered, with the North region having the lowest proportion of neutered dogs (11 of 25; 44.0 per cent).
TL;DR: Representative repeated cross-sectional skin testing for bovine tuberculosis (TB) was conducted over a period of three years in a total of 5377 cattle in three randomly selected woredas in Ethiopia that had never previously been tested for TB, finding bulls and oxen were more at risk of being positive reactors.
Abstract: Representative repeated cross-sectional skin testing for bovine tuberculosis (TB) was conducted over a period of three years in a total of 5377 cattle in three randomly selected woredas (districts) in Ethiopia (Meskan, Woldia and Bako-Gazer) that had never previously been tested for TB. Almost all (99 per cent) of the animals included local zebus kept in traditional husbandry systems. The comparative intradermal tuberculin test with two diagnostic thresholds were used to define positive test results, one according to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) recommended cut-off of more than 4 mm, and the other with a cut-off of >2 mm. Data analysis was performed using a logistic regression model with a random effect at the village level. Applying the OIE definition, the overall representative apparent prevalence of bovine TB in skin test-positive local zebus was 0.9 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval [CI] 0.6 to 1.3 per cent). Using a cut-off of more than 2 mm the overall representative prevalence increased to 4 per cent (95 per cent CI 2.4 to 4.8 per cent). Due to the low apparent prevalence, the true prevalence could be calculated only in Meskan (4.5 per cent) and Bako-Gazer (2.4 per cent) for the more than 2 mm cut-off. With the exception of Meskan, prevalence by woreda did not change significantly over the years. Mycobacterium avium reactor animals were found at all study sites, but there were significant geographical variations. Overall, bulls and oxen were more at risk of being positive reactors (odds ratio [OR] 1.6, 95 per cent CI 1.1 to 2.3; OR 2, 95 per cent CI 1.4 to 2.6, respectively), as were animals in good body condition (OR 2, 95 per cent CI 1.5 to 2.9). Similar results were found at woreda level with the exception of Woldia, where none of the analysed variables was significantly associated with a positive test result.
TL;DR: The ECG recording technique used in this study for pet rabbits was well tolerated and shown to be both reliable and repeatable, except for a quadratic relationship between R wave amplitude and bodyweight.
Abstract: To establish a well-tolerated technique for recording electrocardiograms (ECGs) and a reference range for the normal pet rabbit ECG, 46 healthy pet rabbits were studied The following reference ranges were calculated Heart rate was 198 to 330 bpm P waves had a duration of 001 to 005 seconds and an amplitude of 004 to 012 mV The P-R interval was 004 to 008 seconds and the duration of the QRS complex was 002 to 006 seconds The amplitude of the R wave was 003 to 039 mV The Q-T interval was 008 to 016 seconds The amplitude of the T wave was 005 to 017 mV Mean electrical axis was found to be -43° to +80° Evidence of variation due to breed or bodyweight was not found to be significant, except for a quadratic relationship between R wave amplitude and bodyweight The ECG recording technique used in this study for pet rabbits was well tolerated and shown to be both reliable and repeatable
TL;DR: A large number of studies have shown how lameness, usually due to hoof lesions, can affect ovarian activity, udder health, milk yield and the risk of culling in dairy animals.
Abstract: HOOF health is an important animal welfare and economic issue for dairy producers. Many studies have shown how lameness, usually due to hoof lesions ([Murray and others 1996][1]), can affect ovarian activity, udder health, milk yield and the risk of culling ([Green and others 2002][2], [Hultgren and