Canine Ehrlichiosis in Six Dogs with Persistently Increased Antibody Titers

Chronic ehrlichiosis was diagnosed in six dogs on the basis of increased immunofluorescent antibody titers to Ehrlichia canis. Although clinical signs varied, all six dogs were anemic, hyperglobulinemic, and an IgG monoclonal gammopathy was documented in five dogs in which serum protein electrophoreses were performed. All dogs were treated with tetracycline for at least 14 days; four dogs also received immunosuppressive drugs. Clinical signs resolved within 1 week, hematologic abnormalities resolved in 1 to 5 months, and increased globulin concentrations normalized in 1 to 15 months; however, E. canis antibody titers remained increased for 15 to 31 months after initiation of treatment. Results of this study show that increased E. canis titers can persist in dogs with ehrlichiosis for many months after clinical recovery.     

The Brucella Ovis Complement Fixation Test

Abstract

Extract

Sir:- For the effective control of ovine brucellosis it is imperative that veterinarians have both a sound knowledge of all aspects of the disease and access to reliable diagnostic tests. In recent years there have been a number of submissions to this journal, concerning the accuracy and use of the Brucella ovis complement fixation test, which have contributed to modifications being made to the test procedure, and we now have available a relatively reliable serological test.(3) Worthington, R.W. 1982. Serology as an aId to diagnosis: usa and abuses. N.Z. vet. J., 30: 93–97. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar] However, it is important to maintain a constant check on both the sensitivity (few false negatives) and the specificity (few false positives) of the test. In infected flocks the sensitivity of the test is important, but of equal concern is that the test be highly specific. False positive reactions can result in a considerable waste of veterinarians' and clients' time, money and patience to establish that falsely reacting rams are not infected. Worse, these reactions may result in the hasty culling of a non-diseased ram. This becomes of increasing concern as the disease prevalence decreases and more flocks become accredited as free from brucellosis.     

The Complement Fixation Test for Brucella Ovis

Abstract

Sir:- A project to investigate the efficacy of the complement fixation test (CFT) for the diagnosis of Brucella ovis infection in rams has recently been completed. The investigation was undertaken by field and laboratory staff of the Division of Animal Health and several practitioners. The results of CFT's done with 3 antigens by waim and cold fixation methods (WCFT and CCFT) were correlated with results of cultures done of semen from the same rams. It is our aim to publish a full report in this Journal at a later date. In view of the widespread interest in the subject some of the important findings are summarised below:

• ? Semen and blood samples were collected from 541 rams in 40 flocks.

• ? The type of antigen which has been used for a number of years in New Zealand was unsatisfactory. The CCFT using this antigen had a sensitivity of only 85% in 124 rams which gave positive semen cultures. These rams came from 16 infected flocks.

• ? The CCFT using the best of the 3 antigens proved to be a remarkably reliable test. In the same group of infected animals mentioned above, 120 of the 124 infected rams had positive or suspicious CFT's. The sensitivity of the test was therefore 97%. The specificity was > 99% in 144 rams in 16 uninfected flocks. Only 1 suspicious titre was found in the uninfected group.

• ? In 4 flocks in which B. ovis was never isolated, 18 of 58 sera gave positive or suspicious reactions. Recognition of this type of 'problem flock' is therefore important. A history and clinical picture which does not agree with serological results should always be thoroughly investigated. Semen should be collected from an appropriate number of cases for bacteriological examination. It is suspected that at least some ‘problem flocks’ may contain unreported vaccinated animals. Further investigation of ‘problem flocks’ will be an aim of the Animal Health Division in the future.

     

The Complement Fixation Test For brucella Ovis

Abstract

Extract

Sir, — Correspondence in your journal has indicated that there is some divergence of opinion about the efficacy of the complement fixation (CF) test for the diagnosis of ovine brucellosis (Brucella ovis) ⁽¹⁾ Hicks, J. D., Burr, G. R., Marshall, D. R. and Vidier, B. M. 1978. CFT inaccurate for epididymitis. N.Z. vet. J., 24: 34–34.  [Google Scholar] ⁽²⁾ Bruére, A. N. and West, D. M. 1978. CFT inaccurate for epididymitis. N.Z. vet. J., 26: 115–115. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar] ⁽³⁾ O'Hara, P. J., Anderson, L. D. and Weddell, W. 1978. N.Z. vet. J. CFT inaccurate for epididymitis, 26: 115–116. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar] ⁽⁴⁾ Hicks, J. D., Burr, G. R. and Marshall, D. R. and. 1978. CFT inaccurate for epididymitis. N.Z. vet. J., 26: 135–135. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]. A number of letters which have recently been received at the Animal Health Reference Laboratory indicate that this issue is not yet fully resolved. We believe that part of the difficulty is due to misunderstanding about the use and interpretation of the test, and we would therefore like to comment.     

Spinal Fixation in Dogs Using Steinmann Pins and Methylmethacrylate

Steinmann pins and methylmethacrylate were used to stabilize 17 vertebral fractures or luxations and one unstable congenital spinal deformity in 18 dogs of a wide range of ages and body weights. Of 12 dogs available for follow-up examination (4–43 months), 10 were normal or only mildly ataxic, and two were ambulatory but severely ataxic. Five dogs died or were euthanized in the early postoperative period, but none of the deaths could be attributed to the technique. Uncommon complications associated with this fixation technique were pin migration and wound infection.     

Flexible External Fixation for Craniodorsal Coxofemoral Luxations in Dogs

An external fixator consisting of two Ellis pins connected by a flexible band was developed and evaluated as a treatment for craniodorsal coxofemoral luxations in dogs. The technique for closed application of the fixator without injury to the coxofemoral joint or sciatic nerve was developed in six dog cadavers. The coxofemoral joints were then surgically destabilized and the limbs were manipulated through a full range of motion to assess the efficacy of the fixator in maintaining joint reduction. The fixator maintained joint reduction and stability after a surgically created craniodorsal luxation except when the femur was externally rotated 90d?. A flexible external fixator was then applied unilaterally in four healthy dogs. The dogs tolerated the fixator well and were bearing weight on the limb within 2 days after surgery; the range of motion was not limited by the fixator. The efficacy of a flexible external fixator in maintaining joint reduction after craniodorsal coxofemoral luxation was then evaluated in eight large dogs. The right coxofemoral joint in each dog was luxated surgically by removal of the dorsal joint capsule and transection of the ligament of the head of the femur and deep gluteal muscle. The joint was reduced and the fixator pins were applied in a closed fashion. In four dogs, a flexible external band was applied to the pins. Luxation did not reccur in these four dogs. The bands were not applied initially in four control dogs. Luxation occurred in three of the four control dogs within 24 hours of surgery. The joints that luxated were reduced and the flexible bands applied. Luxation did not recur after the bands were in place. The dogs tolerated the external fixators well, were bearing weight within 2 days of surgery, and walking with only minimal lameness 5 days after surgery. Luxation of the coxofemoral joints did not occur during the 2-week period in which the fixators were in place. The joints remained stable 1 week after removal of the fixators, at which time the dogs were euthanatized. Necropsy evaluation identified inflammation surrounding the pins and fibrous thickening of the dorsal joint capsule. The flexible external fixators were applied closed, maintained reduction of the coxofemoral joint after replacement of a craniodorsal luxation, and allowed weight bearing and limb usage soon after surgery. The flexible external fixator has several advantages over other methods of treating craniodorsal coxofemoral luxations. Complications noted in this study included pin tract drainage, pin loosening, and disruption of the flexible bands.     

External Skeletal Fixation of Comminuted Maxillary Fractures in Dogs

An external skeletal fixation technique that was effectively applied on comminuted maxillary fractures is described. With this method, pairs of Kirschner wires and/or Steinman pins were seated into the fracture fragments and the exposed cut ends of the pins were embedded into an acrylic bridge. Excellent stabilization of the fractures was effected and normal oral alimentation was resumed immediately. Healing of the fractures usually occurred within two or three months and the pins were then removed. Three representative cases are presented.     

马媾疫微量补体结合的改良试验

利用美国国家兽医服务实验室(Natioanl Veterinary Services Laboratiories）提供的抗原、标准阳性／阴性血清和中国兽药监察所提供的溶血素、补体，建立马媾疫微量补体结合试验方法。该试验方法简便易行，结果易判定，重复性强，在不降低敏感性的条件下又缩短了试验时间。该方法的建立添补了我国血清学微量补体结合方法检测马媾疫的空白。     

Bi-Phase External Skeletal Splint Fixation of Mandibular Fractures in Dogs

The technique for stabilizing the mandible using the bi-phase external splint is described. Considerations for the use of external skeletal fixation on the mandible are reviewed. Two severe mandibular fracture cases and 1 case of unilateral mandibular body excision for the treatment of oral neoplasia are presented. Excellent results have been obtained by using the bi-phase splint in dogs of moderate to large size.     

Distraction Osteogenesis Using Modified External Fixation Devices in Five Dogs

Distraction osteogenesis was used to treat five dogs with limb deformities or limb shortening. The affected bones underwent osteotomy, and modified external fixators were attached. Complications included pin loosening, implant breakage, and soft-tissue contracture. Adequate limb length was attained in all cases, but clinical results varied from poor to excellent. Two dogs were not lame after the procedure, two dogs had improved function but were still lame, and one dog had complications necessitating amputation.     

Kirschner Wire Fixation of Lateral Humeral Condylar Fractures in Small Dogs

Successful treatment of humeral condylar fractures requires accurate reduction and rigid internal fixation. Lag screw fixation is the traditional method of repair for these fractures. An alternative method using Kirschner wire fixation was used to repair humeral condylar fractures in eight small dogs. Long-term follow-up was available for seven dogs: all were reported to have normal limb function.