Leukopenia and thrombocytopenia in pigs after infection with bovine viral diarrhoea virus-2 (BVDV-2)

The aim of this study was to investigate whether bovine viral diarrhoea virus-2 (BVDV-2) is pathogenic for pigs, which organs become infected and whether or to which extent the virus is excreted into the environment. Ten pigs were observed for clinical reactions after infection with a BVDV-2 strain, that has been shown to be pathogenic in calves under experimental conditions. Samples were taken to monitor thrombocyte and leukocyte counts as well as antibody development. Post mortem examinations were performed at 7, 11 and 27 days after infection. Tissue samples were collected for virus isolation, histological and immunohistological examination. All ten pigs became infected and BVDV could be re-isolated from the lymphocytes, the plasma and different lymphatic organs. The infection passed clinically inapparent, apart from a slight increase in body temperature in some animals. Some animals developed a slight leukopenia and/or thrombocytopenia. There were no macroscopic or histological lesions observed that could specifically be related to the inoculation of BVDV-2. With respect to all parameters studied, the infection and the consequences thereof were clearly less pronounced in pigs as compared to cattle, the natural host. Our results indicate, that pigs infected with BVDV-2 might develop antibodies that cross-react in tests for antibodies against classical swine fever virus.     

Electron microscopic virus diagnosis in dogs, cats, calves, swine and foals in the year 1989

During 1989 fecal and gut samples of 598 dogs, 189 cats, 496 calves, 100 pigs and 66 foals with diarrhoea were investigated for virus by electron microscopy. In samples of dogs and cats Parvovirus was detected in 18.5% and 8.5% of the samples, respectively; Coronavirus was found in 14.9% and in 16.4% of the specimens. In samples of calves Coronavirus dominated with a detection rate of 37.5%, followed by Rotavirus with 10.7% and not clearly identifiable particles resembling Coronavirus (4.2%). In 7.1% of the specimens Rotavirus as well as Coronavirus was found. In 33% of specimens from piglets Coronavirus was detected. 10.6% of the faeces from foals contained Coronavirus-like particles. Between 1987 and 1989 the detection rate of Parvovirus in faeces from dogs and cats decreased from 24.2% to 18.6% and from 17.5% to 8.5%. Coronaviruses in calves, dogs and cats increased from 22.9% to 37.5%, from 5.6% to 14.9% and from 8.2% to 16.4% of the samples investigated.     

The persistence of bovine enterovirus and pseudorabies virus in liquid cattle manure at different storage temperatures

The tenacity of viruses in liquid manure of cattle was examined in a total of five samples inoculated with ECBO-virus (strain LCR-4) representing viruses without envelope and Aujeszky virus (field isolate) representing enveloped viruses. The titers were examined at regular intervals over a period of 26 weeks. On the day of inoculation each sample had a titer of 10(5) ID50/ml. After 16 weeks complete inactivation was observed in the Aujeszky virus sample stored at 20 degrees C. The Aujeszky virus sample wich was kept at 4 degrees C at 26 weeks had a titer of 10(1,75) ID50/ml. In the samples inoculated with ECBO virus after 26 weeks of inoculation a titer of 10(3) ID50/ml was found in the manure stored at 20 degrees C. No influence on the virus titers in the liquid manure samples was observed either from pH or the number of bacteria (3,4 x 10(7)-1.16 x 10(8)/ml during the examination period.     

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modelling of intravenous,intramuscular and subcutaneous buprenorphine in conscious cats

ObjectiveTo describe simultaneous pharmacokinetics (PK) and thermal antinociception after intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM) and subcutaneous (SC) buprenorphine in cats.Study designRandomized, prospective, blinded, three period crossover experiment.AnimalsSix healthy adult cats weighing 4.1 ± 0.5 kg.MethodsBuprenorphine (0.02 mg kg^?1) was administered IV, IM or SC. Thermal threshold (TT) testing and blood collection were conducted simultaneously at baseline and at predetermined time points up to 24 hours after administration. Buprenorphine plasma concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. TT was analyzed using anova (p < 0.05). A pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) model of the IV data was described using a model combining biophase equilibration and receptor association-dissociation kinetics.ResultsTT increased above baseline from 15 to 480 minutes and at 30 and 60 minutes after IV and IM administration, respectively (p < 0.05). Maximum increase in TT (mean ± SD) was 9.3 ± 4.9 °C at 60 minutes (IV), 4.6 ± 2.8 °C at 45 minutes (IM) and 1.9 ± 1.9 °C at 60 minutes (SC). TT was significantly higher at 15, 60, 120 and 180 minutes, and at 15, 30, 45, 60 and 120 minutes after IV administration compared to IM and SC, respectively. IV and IM buprenorphine concentration-time data decreased curvilinearly. SC PK could not be modeled due to erratic absorption and disposition. IV buprenorphine disposition was similar to published data. The PK-PD model showed an onset delay mainly attributable to slow biophase equilibration (t_1/2k_e0 = 47.4 minutes) and receptor binding (k_on = 0.011 mL ng^?1 minute^?1). Persistence of thermal antinociception was due to slow receptor dissociation (t_1/2k_off = 18.2 minutes).Conclusions and clinical relevanceIV and IM data followed classical disposition and elimination in most cats. Plasma concentrations after IV administration were associated with antinociceptive effect in a PK-PD model including negative hysteresis. At the doses administered, the IV route should be preferred over the IM and SC routes when buprenorphine is administered to cats.     

Equine amnionitis and fetal loss: The case definition for an unrecognised cause of abortion in mares

A series of abortions occurred in mares in New South Wales during 2004 that involved similar and unusual findings on post mortem examination of aborted fetuses and fetal membranes. The term Equine Amnionitis and Fetal Loss (EAFL) was developed to describe the condition. This form of abortion had not been previously recognised in Australia. The pathology alone is not specific for EAFL and diagnosis requires demonstration of a combination of certain pathological and bacteriological features. The purpose of this paper is to describe patterns considered consistent with EAFL cases as a working case definition for use by veterinarians and veterinary pathologists in identifying future cases of EAFL. More detailed papers are in preparation to fully describe the epidemiological, histopathological, and microbiological aspects of EAFL.     

Anesthetic effects of different volumes of lidocaine for spermatic cord block in cattle

Objective

To evaluate three volumes of lidocaine for spermatic cord block to perform castration in cattle.