Keeping of bears and big cats in the zoo and circus

The exhibition of bears and big cats in zoo and circus causes regular criticism, justified and unjustified, by people engaged in the prevention of cruelty to animals. Main points of critique are holding conditions, feeding and health status of the animals. The official veterinarian involved in the supervision often needs the cooperation of a specialised zoo veterinarian. In most cases the clinical examination of bears and big cats requires an immobilisation. This article will enter into some of the most common holding problems and diseases of big carnivores in zoo and circus.     

Immunologic methods for the detection of humoral and cellular immunity.

A variety of immunologic techniques have been introduced during the past few years. Many of these techniques are being applied to clinical specimens in an attempt to help the practicing veterinarian make a diagnosis. The introduction of new techniques requires extensive testing with clinically normal and diseased patients. It is essential for the practicing veterinarian to understand that the techniques available for the detection of immunologic disorders in the dog and cat are not routine diagnostic procedures and that adequate information has not been developed for any of the techniques described to assure the clinical significance of either positive or negative results (Table 3). This should not discourage the practitioner from submitting samples, but should encourage him or her to question the significance of those results and to attempt to correlate them with history and clinical signs before arriving at a final diagnosis.     

Anesthesia techniques used for field castration of 10 intractable horses

Dealing with an intractable horse is a reality for nearly every equine or mixed animal veterinarian. Establishing an adequate level of sedation prior to induction of anesthesia for various clinical procedures involves little margin for error regarding the safety of the veterinarian, handler, and patient. This is further compounded by the extreme difficulty of gaining venous access required to obtain rapid and reliable results. This case series describes a technique of intramuscular sedation used for field castration of 10 captive, formerly wild horses, which may be useful for various other types of intractable horses.Key clinical message:An alternative method to sedate intractable horses for induction of anesthesia is outlined. The techniques described are accessible for most veterinary practitioners, providing small-volume, fast, and reliable intramuscular sedation.     

Validation of disease diagnoses reported to the National Animal Health Monitoring System from a large Colorado beef feedlot

Clinical observation and collection of biological specimens from a large beef feedlot (approximately 30,0000 animals) were used to evaluate 6 approaches for validation of a disease reporting system. Data collected during a 12-month period were used to evaluate each approach. A subsample of disease cases reported to the National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) was compared with the clinical observations of the investigators. Although the agreement between clinical diagnosis by the NAHMS veterinarian and by feedlot health crews was high, the sensitivity and specificity of specific diagnoses varied from 100 to 18% and from 99 to 76%, respectively, which suggests that regular clinical observations by a veterinarian are needed to validate disease diagnoses reported to NAHMS by producers. Subsampling of a group of cattle by means of paired serologic determination of antibodies to infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus, bovine viral diarrhea virus, bovine respiratory syncytial virus, and parainfluenza-3 virus revealed a high serologic conversion rate to infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, and high levels of preexisting antibody to bovine respiratory syncytial and parainfluenza-3 viruses. It was concluded that the current method of data collection for Colorado feedlots provides an acceptable level of sensitivity and specificity for the program. However, disease events that are not of economic importance to the feedlot operator will be underestimated. If an objective of NAHMS is to develop a base line of animal health conditions, diagnosis of diseases by current methods will be satisfactory. Occasional validation through clinical observations by a veterinarian will suffice to monitor quality of collected data.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Owner assessment in judging the efficacy of airway disease treatment

Reasons for performing study: Efficacy of medications for recurrent airway obstruction is typically tested using clinical, cytological and lung function examinations of severely affected animals. These trials are technically challenging and may not adequately reflect the spectrum of disease and owner complaints encountered in clinical practice. Objective: To determine if owners of horses with chronic airway disease are better able to detect drug efficacy than a veterinarian who clinically examines horses infrequently. Method: In a double‐blinded randomised controlled trial, owners and a veterinarian compared the efficacy of dexamethasone (0.1 mg/kg bwt per os, q. 24 h, for 3 weeks; n = 9) to placebo (n = 8) in horses with chronic airway disease. Before and after treatment, owners scored performance, breathing effort, coughing and nasal discharge using a visual analogue scale (VAS). The clinician recorded vital parameters, respiratory distress, auscultation findings, cough and nasal discharge, airway mucus score, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cytology and arterial blood gases. Results: The VAS score improved significantly in dexamethasone‐ but not placebo‐treated horses. In contrast, the clinician failed to differentiate between dexamethasone‐ and placebo‐treated animals based on clinical observations, BALF cytology or endoscopic mucus score. Respiratory rate (RR) and arterial oxygen pressure (PaO₂) improved with dexamethasone but not placebo. Conclusions and clinical relevance: In the design of clinical trials of airway disease treatments, more emphasis should be placed on owner‐assessed VAS than on clinical, cytological and endoscopic observations made during brief examinations by a veterinarian. Quantifiable indicators reflecting lung function such as RR and PaO₂ provide a good assessment of drug efficacy.     

Evaluation of environmental and management-related risk factors associated with chronic mastitis in sows

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate environmental and management-related risk factors associated with chronic mastitis in sows. ANIMALS: 1,254 sows from 76 herds. PROCEDURE: Prevalence of chronic mastitis was determined by a veterinarian who performed clinical examinations at the time of weaning and approximately 1 week later in a sample of the sow population on each farm. Information concerning environmental factors and management practices was collected. In addition, the herd veterinarian made an assessment of the farmer's skills in swine production. RESULTS: Use of partly slatted floors in the farrowing pens, use of disinfectants between batches in the farrowing and breeding areas, feeding lactating sows whey, and avoiding cutting or grinding of the piglets' teeth were significantly associated with a decreased risk of chronic mastitis. A high hygienic standard on the farm, as determined by the herd veterinarian, was associated with a significant reduction in the prevalence of mastitis. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Chronic mastitis in sows is a common disease that has a negative influence on productivity. Results indicate that certain management practices and environmental factors influenced the development of mastitis, which may contribute to the development of methods useful for controlling the disease.     

Feline chlamydia and calicivirus infections.

Feline conjunctivitis is common and often presents a clinical challenge to the veterinarian. Chlamydia psittaci is an important pathogen and should always be considered when evaluating cats with conjunctivitis. FCV is an infrequent cause of conjunctivitis and only causes the disease in conjunction with other clinical signs of this infection, such as oral mucosal ulcers and upper respiratory tract disease.     

Home monitoring of the diabetic pet

Home monitoring of the diabetic pet is a challenging proposition for many pet owners. Diabetes, unlike many other diseases, requires that the client, not the veterinarian, treat the disease. It is crucial that veterinarians reinforce and educate clients that successful treatment of diabetes mellitus will depend solely on the client's actions throughout the course of the treatment. This article provides guidelines on educating clients in the home monitoring process. This commonsense approach covers elements of in-home monitoring, including general appearance, clinical signs, behavior changes, feeding schedules, and medication administration. Additionally, thorough explanation is provided for clients who wish to take a more active role in obtaining and monitoring blood and urine chemistry values. This information is provided to assist the veterinary technician and veterinarian in educating clients of their responsibility in treating this disease.     

伊维菌素不同制剂在兽医临床的应用

对近年来伊维菌素的研究及其制剂的应用情况做了详细的综述,并分析了该类药物制剂在研究及应用中存在的问题。     

兽药缓释巨丸剂的研究进展及应用发展前景

目前、高效、广谱、安全的抗寄生虫药在国内外兽医临床上的越来广泛，由于防治家畜疾病的特殊需求，缓释大丸剂（Sustain-Released Bolus)在兽医临床上逐渐被重视。缓释大丸剂的应用可有效地降低了寄生虫的污染程度和寄生虫病的发生，对控制寄生虫感染和牧场净化都发挥了较好的作用。因此制剂适合于驱杀反刍动物蠕虫。缓释巨丸剂具有使动物体增重、毛产量等生产性能提高的优点，在某些情况下可以取代一般制剂。从国内兽药的供应情况看，该制剂尚不多，可作为今后研究开发的重点，也是畜牧业发展的客观需要。     

Medical examination of horses at auction sales.

The role of the veterinarian at auction sales begins long before the consignment is assembled. A number of veterinarians are called upon by sales companies to evaluate the candidates before acceptance into the consignment. At sales time, the number of veterinarians involved grows to large numbers as the prospective buyers employ them to evaluate the animals to suit their individual needs. Professional ethics must be considered at all times when evaluating animals before auction. The findings must be kept confidential. The consignor allows veterinarians to examine his or her animals with the understanding that the opinions are kept in confidence with the individual employing the veterinarian. Frequently, more than one buyer will request radiographs of an animal that the veterinarian has previously examined for another buyer. This is best resolved by sharing the fee and the information found in the examination. Unfortunately, it is impossible to prevent a client from revealing information to another buyer, and the consignor often blames the veterinarian for disclosing findings. It is obvious that the veterinarian's' ethics are on trial at auction sales, and a veterinarian must guard his or her confidential opinion at all times.     

Veterinary examinations of horses during purchase transactions

Veterinary examinations of horses on the occasion of sale or purchase take place on the basis of contracts for work and services. Three types may be distinguished: Examinations for sale (by order of the seller before the sales contract is concluded) Guarantee examination (by order of the buyer after conclusion of the sales contract) (Real) purchase examination (under a conditional contract of purchase). In the latter case the veterinarian acts as trustee for both seller and buyer and is equally obliged to both parties morally and at law. The deficiencies of the law of warranties for contracts of purchase of horses have led to the situation that more and more purchasers try to shift the risk to the veterinarian by ordering a comprehensive examination of the horse. In the light of several new court decisions the veterinarian bears a substantial risk of liability in those cases. The veterinarian is not only obliged to discover every irregularity in the health of the horse and to inform his customer accordingly; furthermore he has to inform his customer about the risks resulting from any irregularity he might have found. On the other hand the veterinarian is not obliged to make a binding prognosis of the future capabilities of the horse. The limitation period for claims of damages in case of inaccurate statements and opinions on the horse's health, which result from the veterinarian's negligence, is 30 years. The veterinarian can restrict his liability as to the limitation period and as to the maximum amount of liability. This can be done by employing standard form contracts.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

建设与完善乡镇兽医站 构建动物防疫体系

乡镇畜牧兽医站是我国动物防疫的基础单位,是保障食品安全和公共卫生安全的第一道屏障。做好乡镇畜牧兽医站的建设,加强动物防疫体系不仅关系到养殖业发展和农民增收,而且关系到人民健康安全和社会稳定。本文从乡镇兽医站存在的问题入手,提出了继续推进乡镇兽医站改革的对策及建议。     

发达国家兽医协会的构成与职能

兽医协会早已有之,界定各国兽医协会历史比较困难。兽医协会一般均从兽医学会分立或隶属于兽医学会。兽医协会以会员利益为主体,服务于兽医行业,保护动物福利和健康。协会多由委员会及下属理事会构成。理事会是协会运作的主体,分设各职能分会、部门或机构。协会会员多需要经过正式的学术教育,且通过国家或地方兽医资格考试,有些国家还要求会员是注册兽医。兽医资格考试分为理论考试和临床技能考试。多数国家只需要通过理论考试,有些国家还需要通过临床技能考试。欧美国家还设有专科考试。     

Euthanasia & thanatology in small animals

The study of thanatology has recently taken on increased importance in the field of veterinary medicine. Today, the roles of companion animals have expanded to include beloved pet and family member, provider of social and emotion support, and in the case of service dogs, provider of assistance to owners with special needs. For these reasons, companion animals have taken on greater significance within their human families. Their deaths can be as painful and difficult for their families as the death of human family members. Veterinarians are tasked with working in concert with the pet owner, throughout the lifetime of the pet, to promote the pet’s health and well-being. In critical and or terminal situations, it is the veterinarian’s role to educate the owner so that informed decisions regarding treatment options or a decision to euthanize the pet can take place. In veterinary medicine, euthanasia means to end life painlessly. Veterinarians and owners, working in partnership to make subjective and objective assessments on the pets quality of life, produce the best results. For the veterinarian, the medical approach (including: clinical history, physical exam, laboratory tests, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment) can assist in assessing the pet’s physical health status, any potential treatments, and the likely short and long term outcomes. The owner’s role in the partnership is to subjectively assess overall behavioral changes and the pet’s quality of life. Once owners have decided to euthanize their pet, there are still more factors to consider: where to perform the procedure, which family members will be present, and how the remains will be handled. The veterinarian can do everything possible to minimize any anxiety for the pet during the euthanasia, including administration of a tranquilizer prior to the procedure. The veterinarian will allow the pet’s family time to say goodbye and educate them on what to expect when their pet dies. There is a possibility that other pets that lived in the same household may also experience distress at the loss of their animal family member. The veterinarian can let the owners know what signs may be signaling depression or anxiety in that pet. The grieving process is extremely personal and people must be allowed to grieve in the way that helps them deal with their loss. Veterinarians need to be careful not to minimize the owner’s loss or grief. The owner will count on the veterinarian’s guidance and expertise when making decisions affecting their pet’s well-being. Making an informed decision can help assuage any guilt about opting for euthanasia when done in the best interest of the pet.     

Financial evaluation and decision making in the swine breeding herd.

As the swine industry continues to evolve and develop a greater business orientation--one that demands justification of costs, benefits, and risk-exposure--the veterinarian will be confronted with the need to develop an economic basis to supplement the biologic. The profession should view such a challenge as an opportunity to broaden its role in serving the businesses that make up the industry. However, to be effective in such an expanded role requires that the veterinarian develop a good working knowledge of risk and risk management as well as the role played by economic evaluation techniques used in financial evaluation in the risk management process. Several potential advantages exist for the veterinarian who determines to expand his or her risk management role by using financial evaluation in the course of day-to-day practice routine: Additional service or consulting income may be generated through evaluating alternatives through decision analysis. Client confidence may be strengthened in the veterinarian and in the recommendations made. The costs of consulting services and health products for the client may be viewed as income-generators instead of being viewed solely as expenses. Referrals of additional progressive clients may be generated by satisfied current clients. The veterinarian may achieve personal satisfaction through substantiating his or her recommendation beyond clinical or experimental judgment. With the capability of using financial evaluation techniques in the evaluation and justification of recommendations comes significant responsibility. Reliance upon financial evaluation techniques as a more objective approach in the management of risk for clients carries with it an inherently greater degree of trust. Such trust must be deserved. The universal adage "garbage in, garbage out" applies directly to financial evaluation. Financial evaluation techniques have the potential to provide the decision-maker with objective and accurate analysis, improving the probability of choosing an optimal course of action for the business. However, the objectivity and accuracy achievable is highly dependent upon the quality and quantity of information used in the analysis. Veterinarians must be cognizant of the increased responsibility demand placed on those using financial evaluation techniques to direct the course of action for their clients. Financial evaluation tools are available to decision-makers that may improve the objectivity of the decision-making process, providing for a greater degree of confidence in the expected outcome. Stated another way, these tools can reduce the number of surprises a decision-maker encounters as a result of the decisions made.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Central tarsal implant in a racing greyhound

Although most type IV fractures in dogs can be treated with screw fixation, type V fractures usually lead to an unsuccessful clinical result. A central tarsal replacement composed of a titanium alloy was developed by our investigation team to treat type V fractures. The implant was used to successfully treat a greyhound and to allow it to return to racing. Continual development of this new surgical procedure hopefully will give the veterinarian predictable and reliable clinical results and return injured greyhounds to active racing.     

执业兽医与执业兽医制度

我国建立执业兽医制度具有必要性与必然性。通过对我国的执业兽医制度与国外的制度分析比较,提出我国执业兽医制度建设的五个主要方面：兽医从业规定、执业兽医资格考试、执业兽医注册、执业兽医从业管理以及兽医自律组织,强调国家和行业应积极推进兽医制度和体制建设。     

Colloid osmometry

Complications related to intravascular fluid resuscitation and maintenance can become life-threatening. Overhydration and underhydration can lead to significant perfusion abnormalities and can delay or prevent recovery. A working knowledge of transcapillary fluid dynamics gives the veterinarian the basis for evaluating the cause of alterations that make up Starling's forces. By combining this knowledge with patient assessment and laboratory diagnostics, the veterinarian can make a logical decision about the best treatment to correct the Starling's force alteration. Colloid osmometry is a particularly useful tool for assessing a patient's colloid osmotic pressure. It allows the veterinarian to distinguish between reduced oncotic pressure and increased hydrostatic pressure as a cause for intravascular fluid loss or edema formation.     

Refining the clinical question: the first step in evidence-based veterinary medicine.

The ability to translate a clinical problem seen in practice into a focused and well-formed answerable clinical question is one of the hardest steps in practicing evidence-based veterinary medicine (EBVM). Asking answerable clinical questions that relate to your patient is the first evidence-based skill a veterinarian needs to learn, and it forms the cornerstone of the practice of EBVM. Like other clinical skills, the more you practice and work on refining clinical questions, the more precise these questions are and the easier the EBVM process becomes. This article reviews the different aspects of an answerable clinical question, its structure, and how to formulate questions better to get needed answers to clinical problems.