A retrospective study of 333 emergency presentations and survival to discharge of backyard chickens in Australia from 2019 to 2022

This retrospective study assessed the diagnoses of emergency presentations and the survival to discharge of backyard chickens in five veterinary clinics within Australia. A total of 333 cases were reviewed from September 2019 to March 2022. October to December was the busiest period in both 2021 and 2020, with cases steadily increasing in the warmer months. Discharge following emergency presentation occurred in 57.4% of reviewed cases. Female chickens represented 92.7% of total cases, with an average age at presentation of 2.2 years (ranging from 1 day to 10 years). The most frequent diagnoses were of reproductive disease (n = 94/333), open diagnosis (n = 55/333), respiratory disease (n = 42/333), predator attack (n = 28/333), musculoskeletal disease (n = 22/333) and parasitism (n = 22/333).     

Clinical aspects of reptile behavior.

At first glance, the abstract world of reptile ethology may seem remote to clinicians dealing with the health and disease of captive animals. By delving a little deeper, however, veterinarians can learn to appreciate the reasons for certain behaviors and actually use these behaviors as indicators of various biologic states. Close scrutiny of subtle changes in behavior can further help assess reptile well-being and judge captive welfare. In the future, it is hoped that improved ethologic understanding will result in behavioral enrichment for reptiles, as is already promoted for many nondomestic mammals and birds.     

Veterinarian injuries associated with bovine TB testing livestock in Michigan, 2001

Testing all the cattle in an entire state with a uniform procedure for each animal affords an opportunity to relate human injury data to a known number of animals handled while carrying out a standardized procedure. Our objective was to describe the type and incidence density of injuries associated with TB-testing a large number of cattle herds, and to delineate the various factors associated with the risk of injury. A survey was mailed to all veterinarians (N = 259) who had completed at least five official bovine TB (bTB) herd tests in Michigan in 2001. We collected data regarding basic demographics and health status, work experience, veterinary specialty, and practice information. Each veterinarian was also requested to complete a separate injury questionnaire for each injury received while TB testing livestock in 2001. Accurate addresses were found for 247 eligible veterinarians, 175 (71%) of whom returned the survey. Thirty-six veterinarians reported a total of 53 injuries (10 major, 12 minor and 31 self-treated). Hands (29%) and legs (21%) were the anatomic locations most frequently injured, with sprains/strains (30%) and abrasion/contusion (30%) the most common types of injuries sustained. The overall incidence density of injuries was 1.9 per 10,000 animals tested. Female gender (RR = 3.3), being employed by the government (RR = 4.5), and smoking (RR = 6.0) were significantly associated with a higher rate of injury. Significant colliniearities were found between some risk factors associated with an increased rate of injury and participants thought 81% of their injuries could have been prevented. These results are explained by the administrative structure of the bTB testing program in Michigan, and the changing demographics of the veterinary workforce.     

Anatomical anomalies and variations of main thoracic vessels in dogs: a computed tomography study

IntroductionThere is scarce information about the prevalence of anomalies and anatomical variations of the main great thoracic vessels in dogs, particularly in dogs without congenital heart disease.AnimalsThe study included 878 privately owned dogs.Material and methodsComputerized tomography (CT) thoracic studies carried out between 2011 and 2014 for a variety of reasons were reviewed. The prevalence of anomalies and anatomical variations of the aorta and vena cava, the arterial branches of the aortic arch and the main branches of the intrathoracic veins in dogs with no evidence of congenital heart disease was evaluated. Poor-quality CTs, CTs with thoracic pathology that impaired visualization or those of young dogs with clinical evidence or suspicion of congenital cardiac disease were excluded.ResultsEight hundred two CT studies were analysed. Eight dogs (1%) showed an anatomic anomaly. The most common anomaly was an aberrant retroesophageal right subclavian artery (n = 7, 0.8%). One dog showed a dilated azygos vein secondary to an interrupted vena cava. Three types of branching of the common carotid arteries were observed: both arteries arising at the same point (type I: n = 506/742; 68.2%), separated (type II: n = 212/742; 28.6%) or from a common trunk (type III: n = 24/742; 3.2%).ConclusionsMajor anatomical variations or anomalies of the main great thoracic vessels in dogs without congenital cardiac disease were rare. An aberrant retroesophageal right subclavian artery was the most common anomaly found. Three slight variations of common carotid artery branching were identified. These findings might be of relevance for surgical or catheterization procedures.     

A comparison of UVb compact lamps in enabling cutaneous vitamin D synthesis in growing bearded dragons

The effect of exposure to different UVb compact lamps on the vitamin D status of growing bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) was studied. Forty‐two newly hatched bearded dragons (<24 h old) were allocated to six treatment groups (n = 7 per group). Five groups were exposed to different UVb compact lamps for two hours per day, with a control group not exposed to UVb radiation. At 120 days of age, blood samples were obtained and concentrations of 25(OH)D₃, Ca, P and uric acid were determined. In addition, plasma 25(OH)D₃ concentration was determined in free‐living adult bearded dragons to provide a reference level. Only one treatment resulted in elevated levels of 25(OH)D₃ compared to the control group (41.0 ± 12.85 vs. 2.0 ± 0.0 nmol/L). All UVb‐exposed groups had low 25(OH)D₃ plasma levels compared to earlier studies on captive bearded dragons as well as in comparison with the free‐living adult bearded dragons (409 ± 56 nmol/L). Spectral analysis indicated that all treatment lamps emitted UVb wavelengths effective for some cutaneous vitamin D synthesis. None of these lamps, under this regime, appeared to have provided a sufficient UVb dose to enable synthesis of plasma 25(OH)D₃ levels similar to those of free‐living bearded dragons in their native habitat.     

Clinical and histopathological classification of feline intraocular lymphoma

This retrospective study aimed to describe and classify cats with intraocular lymphoma, determine the proportion of cases with presumed solitary ocular lymphoma (PSOL) compared with ocular manifestations of multicentric disease and assess the clinical outcomes of these patients. One hundred seventy‐two cases identified through biopsy submissions were reviewed histologically; 163 of these cases were subtyped according to the WHO classification system. Cases were categorized as having PSOL or ocular lymphoma with suspected systemic involvement (SSI) based on submission forms and follow‐up data. The majority of cases exhibited concurrent uveitis (75%) and secondary glaucoma (58%). Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma was the most common subtype (n = 86; 53%), followed by peripheral T‐cell lymphoma (n = 44; 27%). Other subtypes included anaplastic large T‐ (n = 8; 5%) and B‐cell (n = 4; 2.5%) lymphomas, and 15 cases (9%) were negative for all immunohistochemical markers. In sixty‐nine cases (40%), adequate clinical data and sufficient survival data were obtained to distinguish PSOL from SSI. PSOL comprised the majority of cases (64%), while 36% had SSI. When covarying for age at diagnosis, the median survival time was significantly higher (P = 0.003) for cases of PSOL (154 days) versus those with SSI (69 days); hazards ratio of 0.47 for PSOL (95% CI: 0.241‐0.937). The subtype of lymphoma did not affect survival time. Cats with PSOL represent a greater proportion of the disease population, and this subset of cats with intraocular lymphoma has a better clinical outcome.     

Prevalence and risk factors for dental disease in captive Central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) in the United Kingdom

Despite periodontal disease being recognized as a common condition in captive bearded dragons, there is a lack of data regarding the prevalence. A soft diet has previously been cited as the main risk factor linked to the disease, although there has been little research conducted into the etiology since the disease was first described. The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence of dental abnormalities and disease in captive Central bearded dragons in the United Kingdom, and to begin to investigate the risk factors affecting the presence and increased severity of disease in this species. Data collection was conducted from 20 veterinary practices across the United Kingdom from March to October 2018. All bearded dragons presented to participating practices during this time period were assessed for the presence of dental disease, and for each animal a standardized data collection form was completed to provide information concerning the animal's signalment, diet, and health status. Severity of any dental disease was also graded in a subset of bearded dragons (n = 147) by two of the authors using a grading system from 0 to 5. The prevalence of dental abnormalities and disease was 50% in the sampled population of 304 bearded dragons. Increasing age, an abnormal body condition score, presence of concurrent disease, as well as presence of fruit in the diet were all significant risk factors for the presence of dental abnormalities and disease. Contrary to previous reports, neither presence of different live foods in the diet, nor presence of vegetable matter in the diet had any significant associations with dental abnormalities and disease, challenging some of the assumptions made to date about the etiology of dental disease in Central bearded dragons. This study instead found that fruit could be the main dietary risk factor for dental disease and should be excluded from the captive diet of these animals. This study has found a strong association between increasing age and presence of dental abnormalities and disease, and stresses the importance of a thorough oral exam, especially in older individuals.     

Deep fungal dermatitis caused by the Chrysosporium anamorph of Nannizziopsis vriesii in captive coastal bearded dragons (Pogona barbata)

Deep fungal dermatitis caused by the Chrysosporium anamorph of Nannizziopsis vriesii (CANV) was diagnosed in a group of coastal bearded dragons (Pogona barbata). The outbreak extended over a 6-month period, with four of six lizards from the same zoological outdoor enclosure succumbing to infection. A fifth case of dermatomycosis was identified in a pet lizard originally sourced from the wild. Diagnosis of infection with the CANV was based on similar clinical signs and histopathology in all animals and confirmed by culture and sequencing of the fungus from one animal. This is the first report of the CANV causing disease in a terrestrial reptile species in Australia and the first in the coastal bearded dragon.     

Coxiella burnetii seroprevalence in unvaccinated veterinary workers in Australia: Evidence to support Q fever vaccination

Q fever (caused by Coxiella burnetii) is a serious zoonotic disease that occurs almost worldwide. Occupational contact with animals increases the risk of exposure, and Q fever vaccination is recommended for veterinary workers in Australia. This study aimed to investigate C. burnetii seroprevalence among unvaccinated veterinary workers in Australia and determine factors associated with a positive serological result. During 2014 and 2015, convenience sampling at veterinary conferences and workplace vaccination clinics was undertaken. Participants completed a questionnaire and provided a blood sample for C. burnetii serology. Participants were predominantly veterinarians (77%), but veterinary support staff, animal scientists, and administration workers also participated. Blood samples (n = 192) were analysed by an immunofluorescence assay and considered positive where the phase I or phase II IgG titre was ≥1/50. Seroprevalence was 19% (36/192; 95% CI 14%–25%). A positive serological result was significantly associated with (a) working in outer regional/remote areas (odds ratio [OR] 6.2; 95% CI 1.9–20.8; reference = major cities; p = .009) and (b) having spent more than 50% of total career working with ruminants (OR 4.8; 95% CI 1.7–13.5; reference = <15% of career; p = .025). These findings confirm an increased risk of exposure to C. burnetii compared to the general population, providing new evidence to support Q fever vaccination of veterinary workers in Australia.     

Antimicrobial Resistance and Multilocus Sequence Types of Finnish Campylobacter jejuni Isolates from Multiple Sources

Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined for 805 domestic Campylobacter jejuni isolates obtained from broilers (n = 459), bovines (n = 120), human patients (n = 95), natural waters (n = 80), wild birds (n = 35) and zoo animals/enclosures (n = 16) with known multilocus sequence types (MLST) for 450 isolates. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for erythromycin, tetracycline, streptomycin, gentamicin and the quinolones ciprofloxacin and nalidixic acid were determined with the VetMIC method. MICs were compared with MLST types to find possible associations between sequence type and resistance. The proportions of resistant isolates were 5% (broilers), 6.3% (natural waters), 11.4% (wild birds), 11.6% (human patients), 16.7% (bovines) and 31.3% (zoo). The most common resistance among the human and bovine isolates was quinolone resistance alone while resistance to streptomycin alone was most often detected among the broiler isolates and tetracycline resistance was most commonly observed in the wild bird, water and zoo isolates. No or negligible resistance to erythromycin or gentamicin was detected. In all data, 12/26 of the tetracycline‐resistant isolates were also resistant to streptomycin (P < 0.001) and the clonal complex (CC) ST‐1034 CC showed a high proportion of 75% (9/12) of tetracycline‐resistant isolates, most originating from the zoo and broilers with closely associated MLST types from these sources. No association between quinolone resistance and MLST type was seen. The low percentage of resistant isolates among the domestic Campylobacter infections is most probably due to the long‐term controlled use of antimicrobials. However, the higher percentage of tetracycline resistance observed among the zoo isolates could present a risk for zoo visitors of acquisition of resistant C. jejuni. The resistance pattern of tetracycline and streptomycin most often found in ST‐1034 CC could indicate a common resistance acquisition mechanism commonly present in this CC. Overall, MLST typing was found to be a useful method in recognition of potential genetic lineages associated with resistance.     

An investigation of Salmonella Fluntern illnesses linked to leopard geckos—United States, 2018

Reptile contact can result in zoonotic non‐typhoidal salmonellosis. In April 2018, Oregon Public Health Division contacted CDC about a cluster of four Salmonella serovar Fluntern (SF) illnesses in four states (OR, CA, IA, NY); patients reported contact with geckos, a popular reptile pet. PulseNet, the national molecular subtyping network of food‐borne disease surveillance, subsequently identified additional SF clinical isolates. Twelve cases in 11 states were identified; median age was 5 years (range: <1–58 years). Three patients were hospitalized; no deaths were reported. Of those with exposure information (n = 10), all reported reptile exposure; 9 (90%) specified contact with leopard geckos. No common source of geckos was identified from reported purchase locations. Los Angeles County (LAC) health officials isolated SF from one patient's leopard gecko. Five reptile/gecko isolates were identified from the USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) from 2015 to 2018. Five countries responded to an Epidemic Intelligence Information System post by PulseNet; reptile isolate sequence data were received from Czech Republic. A clinical case from England was identified through the National Center for Biotechnology Information pathogen detection pipeline; the patient did not report contact with leopard geckos. Whole genome sequencing analysis revealed substantial genetic diversity between clinical and animal isolates; however, gecko and clinical isolates from LAC were highly related (1 allele difference). This investigation linking SF illnesses to leopard geckos highlights an important public health risk from pets. A better understanding of how geckos are distributed by the pet industry in the United States could improve traceability to points of origin and mitigate Salmonella transmission at gecko breeders. Earlier NVSL reports of SF isolates from geckos suggest the risk of human SF infection from geckos is not new. This investigation demonstrates a need to educate gecko breeders, retailers and gecko owners about the continued Salmonella infection risk from pet geckos.     

Visual evidence of progression and eventual resolution of nasofrontal suture exostosis over 27 months in a gelding

A 22-year-old Thoroughbred gelding presented with a noticeable external firm and nonpainful swelling over the location of the frontal sinuses. Further radiographic investigation of the swelling identified soft tissue facial swelling, new bone formation and a radiolucent line between two areas of bone remodelling. The horse was diagnosed with a nasofrontal suture exostosis. This is a relatively rare disease of the head but is one of the more common reasons for facial swelling. It is reported that these horses are not painful and that the swelling and bony reaction will resolve over 12–18 months with no treatment needed. It is well described in the current literature what the initial presentation should look like; however, there is a void when it comes to demonstration of the clinical course of the disease. This report provides veterinarians and owners with a visual reference to a relatively typical course of disease, where swelling can enlarge over time and still resolve within 2 years.     

Comparative Phenotypic and Genotypic Analyses of Salmonella Rissen that Originated from Food Animals in Thailand and United States

Salmonella enterica serovar Rissen has been recognized as one of the most common serovar among humans and pork production systems in different parts of the world, especially Asia. In the United States, this serovar caused outbreaks but its epidemiologic significance remains unknown. The objectives of this study were to compare the phenotypic (antimicrobial susceptibility) and genotypic attributes of Salmonella Rissen isolated in Thailand (Thai) and the United States (US). All the Thai isolates (n = 30) were recovered from swine faecal samples. The US isolates (n = 35) were recovered from swine faecal samples (n = 29), cattle (n = 2), chicken (n = 2), dog (n = 1) and a ready‐to‐eat product (n = 1). The antimicrobial susceptibility of isolates was determined using the Kirby‐Bauer disk diffusion method with a panel of 12 antimicrobials. Pulse‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was used to determine the genotypic diversity of isolates. All Thai isolates showed multidrug resistance (MDR) with the most frequent antibiotic resistance shown against ampicillin (100%), sulfisoxazole (96.7%), tetracycline (93.3%), streptomycin (90%) and chloramphenicol (30%). About half of the isolates of USA origin were pan‐susceptible and roughly 30% were resistant to only tetracycline (R‐type: Te). Salmonella Rissen isolated from Thailand and the USA in this study were found to be clonally unrelated. Genotypic analyses indicated that isolates were clustered primarily based on the geographic origin implying the limited clonality among the strains. Clonal relatedness among different host species within the same geography (USA) was found. We found genotypic similarity in Thai and US isolates in few instances but with no epidemiological link. Further studies to assess propensity for increased inter‐regional transmission and dissemination is warranted.     

Outbreak of human infections with uncommon Salmonella serotypes linked to pet bearded dragons, 2012–2014

Reptiles are one of the fastest growing sectors in the United States pet industry. Reptile‐associated salmonellosis (RAS) continues to be an important public health problem, especially among children. We investigated an outbreak of human Salmonella infections resulting from serotypes Cotham and Kisarawe, predominately occurring among children. An outbreak of illnesses was identified in persons with exposure to pet bearded dragon lizards. Human and animal health officials, in cooperation with the pet industry, conducted epidemiologic, traceback and laboratory investigations. Onsite sampling was conducted at two US breeding facilities, one foreign breeding facility, and a large pet retail chain. A total of 166 patients in 36 states were identified with illness onset dates from 02/2012–06/2014. The median patient age was 3 years (range, <1–79 years), 57% were aged ≤5 years, and 37% were aged ≤1 year. Forty‐four patients (37%) were hospitalized, predominantly children. Sampling at breeding facilities and a national pet store chain resulted in isolation of outbreak serotypes at each facility; isolation proportions ranged from 2%–24% of samples collected at each facility.Epidemiologic, microbiologic and traceback evidence linked an outbreak of uncommon Salmonella serotypes to contact with pet bearded dragons. The high proportion of infants involved in this outbreak highlights the need to educate owners about the risk of RAS in children and the potential for household contamination by pet reptiles or their habitats. Strategies should be developed to improve breeding practices, biosecurity and monitoring protocols to reduce Salmonella in the pet reptile trade.     

Outcome of intensity‐modulated radiation therapy‐based stereotactic radiation therapy for treatment of canine nasal carcinomas

Stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT) has emerged as a convenient definitive treatment modality in veterinary medicine, but few studies exist evaluating outcome with treatment for canine nasal tumors, and no studies report the treatment of one single tumor histotype. This retrospective, observational study evaluates toxicity, response, and survival in 17 dogs with nasal carcinomas treated with SRT. Dogs received a median of 3000 centigray in three fractions via 6‐MV linear accelerator. Eighty‐eight percent of patients (n = 15) demonstrated clinical benefit. Of dogs with repeated CT imaging (n = 10), 60% (n = 6) achieved a partial response and 10% (n = 1) achieved a complete response. Median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 359 days. Median survival time (MST) was 563 days. Among dogs evaluable for acute toxicity, 50% (n = 10) developed low grade toxicity (grade 1, n = 4; grade 2, n = 1). No patients developed grade 3 toxicity. 16 dogs (87%) evaluable over the long term developed signs consistent with possible late toxicity. The majority of late toxicities were mild (alopecia, hyperpigmentation, and leukotrichia n = 10; ocular discharge and keratoconjunctivitis sicca n = 5). Thirty‐seven percent of patients (n = 6) developed seven possible grade 3 late toxicities (blindness, n = 3; fistula, n = 1; seizures, n = 3), which were difficult to distinguish from progressive disease in most patients. Of the prognostic factors evaluated (demographics, tumor stage, dosimetric data, epistaxis, facial deformity, clinical response, image‐based response, nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, and chemotherapy), only clinical response was a positive prognostic factor on MST (P < .00). No factors were found to be significantly associated with PFS.     

Validation of a national disease recording system for dairy cattle against veterinary practice records

In Sweden, morbidity in dairy cattle is monitored through a national disease recording system. This system gives valuable information for research as well as advisory work and genetic evaluation. Our main objective was to evaluate the completeness in the disease recording system.Farm copies of veterinary records (n = 851) from 112 herds, from March 2003 to April 2004, were compared with the information registered in the recording system. The evaluation of completeness was performed at two stages: (i) in the raw data transferred from the Swedish Board of Agriculture (SBA) to the Swedish Dairy Association (for records, cases and diagnostic events) and (ii) in the dairy disease database (DDD) at the Swedish Dairy Association (for diagnostic events). The evaluation was stratified by record type: manual and computerized records from state-employed veterinarians and private veterinarians, respectively.The completeness was high both for records (95–100%) and cases (90–99%) except manual records from private veterinarians (76% for records and 74% for cases). The overall completeness for diagnostic events was 75% in the DDD, with significant differences between record types. For all record types other than manual records from private veterinarians, the majority of diagnostic events lost disappeared after registration in the raw data from the SBA. The reasons for loss found suggest that there is potential for improvement.A multilevel logistic regression analysis showed that the completeness of diagnostic events in the DDD depended on region, diagnosis and veterinary employment. The random effect of veterinarian accounted for 35% of the modeled variation.Future studies are needed to assess how the differential misclassification affect estimates based on the data, and how to account for it.     

A Comparison of Pig Farmers' and Veterinarians' Perceptions and Intentions to Reduce Antimicrobial Usage in Six European Countries

Antimicrobial (AM) resistance is an increasing problem in human and veterinary medicine. To manage this problem, the usage of AM should be reduced in pig farming, as well as in other areas. It is important to investigate the factors that influence both pig farmers' and veterinarians' intentions to reduce AM usage, which is a prerequisite for developing intervention measures. We conducted a mail survey among pig farmers (N = 1,294) and an online survey among veterinarians (N = 334) in Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Sweden and Switzerland. The farmers' survey assessed the perceived risks and benefits of and need for AM usage; the intention to reduce AM usage; farmers' efficacy (i.e. perception of their ability to reduce AM usage); support from their veterinarian; and the future reduction potential of AM usage. Additionally, self‐reported reduction behaviours, the perceived farmers' barriers to reduce AM usage and relationships with farmers were assessed in the veterinarians' survey. The results showed that farmers and veterinarians had similar perceptions of the risks and benefits of AM usage. Veterinarians appeared to be more optimistic than pig farmers about reducing AM usage in pig farming. Farmers believed that their efficacy over AM reduction was relatively high. Farmers' intention to reduce AM usage and veterinarians' self‐reported reduction behaviours were mainly associated with factors concerning the feasibility of reducing AM usage. To promote prudent AM usage, pig farmers should learn and experience how to reduce usage by applying alternative measures, whereas veterinarians should strengthen their advisory role and competencies to support and educate farmers.