Intra-uterine transmission of Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis in subclinically affected red deer (Cervus elaphus)

AIM: To determine the rate of transmission of Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis (M. ptb) from hind to fetus in utero, and the risk of transmission from dam to fawn via infected colostrum and milk in subclinically affected red deer hinds.

METHODS: Hinds were sourced from farms in Otago or Southland and selected for the study if they were positive to the immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) modified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (Paralisa) and exhibited no clinical signs of Johne's disease. The hinds (n=35) were sent to a deer slaughter premises (DSP; n=31) or were killed on-farm (n=4). All post-mortem samples were collected from the fetus first and then from the dam, taking care to avoid cross contamination between samples. Fresh samples (n=185) were collected for culture, and tissue samples (n=72) were collected from 24 hinds and their fetuses for histopathological examination.

RESULTS: A total of 24/35 hinds selected were suitable for inclusion in the study. Eighteen of these pregnant hinds were culture-positive for M. ptb, and 14 of these had culture-positive fetuses, representing a transmission rate of 78% (95% confidence interval (CI) =0.58–0.98) from dam to fetus. Of the 16 mammary glands sampled, 11 (69%) were culture-positive for M. ptb while 12/15 (80%) mammary lymph nodes sampled were also culture-positive.

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated a high rate of transmission of M. ptb from dam to fetus in red deer, and a potential risk of transmission to fawns suckling from mothers that are subclinically affected with Johne's disease.     

Complete AV block in a neonatal foal suffering from nutritional myodegeneration

This case report concerns a 1-day-old, full-term Quarter Horse colt presented due to a progressive inability to rise and nurse. Besides the general weakness, a marked bradycardia was evident, which was caused by a third-degree atrioventricular (AV) block. Subsequently, the diagnosis of acute nutritional myodegeneration (NMD) was made based on clinical signs, elevated muscle enzymes, ECG findings, as well as low serum selenium and vitamin E values. Despite intensive care and supportive therapy, the foal´s condition deteriorated, and euthanasia was elected. Necropsy confirmed the diagnosis of NMD and revealed diffuse necrosis and inflammatory infiltration of the skeletal and myocardial musculature, as well as the cardiac conduction system which might have resulted in complete AV block.     

Comparison of concentrations of copper in plasma and serum from farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus)

AIM: To determine the relationship between the concentrations of Cu in plasma and serum in red deer, and to compare this relationship with those previously reported in cattle and sheep.

METHODS: Paired serum and heparinised plasma samples from 114 red deer from 10 herds (n=6-20 per herd) were analysed for concentrations of Cu. Samples were collected either at slaughter (n=84; eight herds) or by jugular venepuncture (n=30; two herds). Thirty-nine of the samples taken at slaughter were from adult hinds from four herds, while other samples were taken from 10–14-month-old males, except for one herd (10 samples) where an equal number of 8–9-month-old males and females were sampled. The effect of age, gender and herd on the relationship between concentrations of Cu in plasma and serum was assessed using univariate ANOVA. The individual results for concentrations of Cu in serum were compared with those in plasma, using limits-of-agreement plotting.

RESULTS: The mean concentration of Cu in plasma was not significantly different from that of serum (0.048; 95% CI=-0.14 to 0.24 µmol/L). There was no effect of age, sex or herd on this relationship.

CONCLUSIONS: In deer, there was no significant difference between concentrations of Cu in plasma and serum regardless of age, sex or herd of origin.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In contrast to the situation in cattle and sheep, the concentration of Cu in serum can be used interchangeably with that in plasma for the estimation of concentration of Cu in blood of red deer.     

Gastrointestinal parasites in an isolated Norwegian population of wild red deer (Cervus elaphus)

Background

Thirteen red deer (Cervus elaphus), culled from the isolated population at the Mongstad Oil Refinery, Norway, were investigated for gastrointestinal helminths. These animals, enclosed by the refinery fence, do not have contact with other ruminants and have a high population density considering the available browsing area (1 km²) within the refinery site (3 km²). The population was estimated to be 110-130 at the time of culling.

Results

The helminth fauna among these sampled red deer was enumerated and species were identified based on morphology. Ostertagia leptospicularis/O. kolchida was detected in 83% [CI 55 - 95%], Spiculopteragia spiculoptera/S. mathevossiani in 92% [CI 65 - 99%] and Trichostrongylus axei in 42%, [CI 19 - 68%] of the abomasa examined. Characterisation of the intestinal parasite fauna revealed Capillaria bovis, Cooperia oncophora, Oesophagostomum venulosum, Trichuris globulosa and tapeworm fragments (presumed anoplocephalids) in seven individuals. Only one calf had an infection with more than one intestinal helminth (tapeworm fragment and Trichuris globulosa). The remaining six deer had single species intestinal infections.No significant age related trends were seen, with the exception of higher intensity of infection of T. axei in yearlings relative to other age classes. Assessment of abomasal parasite burden and body condition revealed no significant trends. In calves, statistically non-significant correlation was seen between increased parasite burden and decreased slaughter weight, whilst the opposite was seen in adults with the heaviest adults exhibiting the higher burdens. Given the small sample size the trends that were seen need further investigation. The parasite burden was aggregated with three adult red deer harbouring 75% of the total abomasal parasite count.

Conclusion

This isolated population was parasitised by a reduced subset of gastrointestinal nematodes typical of this cervid across an extensive geographic range in Eurasia. The intensity and abundance of abomasal nematodes was higher in this isolated population than reported in similar studies of red deer populations across Europe.     

The effect of Johne's vaccination on tuberculin testing in farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus)

AIM: To assess the degree of interference with bovine tuberculin testing in farmed red deer that vaccination of young deer with an oil-adjuvanted vs aqueous formulation of live attenuated Mycobacterium paratuberculosis Strain 316F vaccines would be likely to cause, and to compare immunological responses between vaccine formulations.

METHODS: Five-month-old red deer (n=45) were randomly allocated to three treatment groups of 15 animals, which received either no vaccine, a single 2-ml dose of an oil-adjuvanted formulation or two 2-ml doses, 6 weeks apart, of an aqueous formulation of live attenuated M. paratuberculosis Strain 316F vaccine injected subcutaneously (S/C) in the neck (Control, Oil-adjuvant Ptb, and Aqueous Ptb groups, respectively). Injection-site reactions were described and measured on Weeks 3, 6 and 9. Animals were weighed and lymphocyte transformation tests (LTT) and antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) using avian, bovine and Johnin tuberculin were conducted on blood samples collected at Weeks 0, 6, 12, 15, 24, 27, 36 and 39. A bovine mid-cervical skin test (MCT) was applied at Week 12, and comparative cervical skin tests (CCTs) at Weeks 24 and 36. At Week 42, the animals were slaughtered at a commercial deer slaughter premises and subjected to rigorous meat inspection.

RESULTS: Two animals were eliminated at the start of the trial due to a positive cross-reaction with bovine tuberculin in the initial LTT. Almost all animals reacted to the MCT at Week 12, with mean skin thicknesses of 3.9, 2.9 and 1.0 mm for the Oil- adjuvant Ptb, Aqueous Ptb and Control groups, respectively. When the CCT was conducted at Week 24, 2/15 Oil-adjuvant Ptb, 2/14 Aqueous Ptb and 1/14 Control animals were classified as CCT-positive to bovine tuberculin. By Week 36, all animals were CCT-negative. The Oil-adjuvant Ptb vaccination resulted in high persistent levels of antibody that reacted with bovine tuberculin, compared with negligible levels in the Aqueous Ptb group.

Overall, a single dose of the Oil-adjuvant Ptb vaccine in deer stimulated a vigorous, cross-reactive immune response, evidenced by high LTT, skin-test and antibody reactions to bovine tuberculin, with both cell-mediated and humoral characteristics. By comparison, two doses of the Aqueous Ptb vaccine produced less cross-reactivity and a bias towards a cell-mediated response. The Oil-adjuvant Ptb vaccine resulted in moderate injection- site lesions that were quite persistent, whereas the Aqueous Ptb vaccine resulted in smaller nodules that regressed more quickly.

CONCLUSIONS: Vaccination of farmed deer with an oil-adjuvanted Johne's vaccine has the potential to cause significant interference with routine tuberculin skin testing. The cross-reactivity should decline with time and the CCT should be able to clear MCT-positives, but there is a risk of false-positives to the blood test for tuberculosis (BTB), due to high persistent levels of antibody. The CCT could be used as a primary skin test in vaccinated deer on some farms.

The Aqueous Ptb caused fewer problems with skin testing and produced significantly less bovine antibody than the Oil-adjuvant Ptb, but stimulated persistent cell-mediated immune responses that may provide some protection against Johne's disease.     

Pathology of Brucella ovis infection in red deer stags (Cervus elaphus)

Abstract

AIM: To describe the pathology of the reproductive tract of red deer stags with active Brucella ovis infection and in stags in which B. ovis infection had resolved.

METHODS: Twenty-three red deer stags of varying history were slaughtered and their epididymides and accessory sex glands examined grossly and by histopathology. At the time of slaughter five of the stags had an active B. ovis infection of 24–55 days duration following exposure to infected rams, 10 stags had been experimentally infected with B. ovis by intravenous inoculation 649 days previously and had developed an active infection but the bacterial infection had resolved at least 308 days prior to slaughter, and eight stags had not been exposed to B. ovis at any time.

RESULTS: Of the five stags with an active infection, one had gross enlargement of the epididymides that could be detected by scrotal palpation. Histological lesions in all five stags included mild to severe, predominantly non-suppurative epididymitis, vesiculitis, prostatitis and ampullitis, with neutrophil exudation in associated glandular ducts. Additional lesions in the epididymides were spermatic granulomas and epithelial hyperplasia with intra-epithelial cyst formation. Of the 10 stags in which the bacterial infection had resolved, two had gross enlargement of the epididymides. The histological lesions were similar to those in stags with active infection but were generally milder, with increased periductal scar tissue in the epididymides. The lesions seen in stags resembled those seen in rams with B. ovis infection but they were usually less florid and had fewer plasma cells. No gross abnormalities or histopathological lesions were detected in the non-infected stags.

CONCLUSIONS: Only a small percentage of red deer stags infected with B. ovis develop lesions of epididymitis that can be detected by scrotal palpation. Gross and histological lesions of the genital tract of stags associated with B. ovis infection are similar to the lesions seen in rams. Lesions in stags persist for >300 days after the bacterial infection has resolved.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Brucella ovis infection should be considered when there are gross lesions of epididymitis or histological evidence of inflammation in the epididymides or accessory sex glands of red deer stags. Retrospective diagnosis of B. ovis in stags could be achieved by histological examination of the reproductive organs.     

Reproductive performance of farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus) in New Zealand: V. Mob and individual-hind risk factors associated with calf rearing to weaning

A 2-year longitudinal observational study of 15 red deer farms was carried out in New Zealand from March 1992. Both years combined, 3364 adult and 653 yearling hinds were diagnosed pregnant in June by ultrasound scanning and monitored for reproductive success up to weaning. At weaning, pre-rut at approximately 100 days after calving, udders were palpated or observed by the farmer and hinds were categorised as lactating (wet) indicating survival of calf, or not lactating (dry). Farm management practices during calving and early lactation were recorded. Analysis of risk factors associated with progeny survival was done using path analysis (separately for adult and yearling hinds). Adult hinds >3 years old at calving, conceiving before 1 May and having a body-condition score >2 in September had 2.8, 2.4 and 2.9 times significantly higher odds of rearing a calf to weaning than other hinds, respectively. Adult hinds had about 5 times lower odds of rearing a calf to weaning when they were mixed with mature stags during calving. When farmers visited calving paddocks and checked for calving problems, adult hinds had 1.7 times higher odds of rearing a calf to weaning. When the farmer entered calving paddocks at least every second time they observed the hinds, yearling hinds had a twice higher odds of rearing a calf up to weaning. Sunny weather and high maximum temperatures were positively and negatively associated, respectively, with the probability of an adult hind being in lactation at weaning.     

Reduced efficacy of moxidectin and abamectin in young red deer (Cervus elaphus) after 20 years of moxidectin pour-on use on a New Zealand deer farm

A study was undertaken on weaned 4–5 month old farmed red deer to test the efficacy of moxidectin and abamectin anthelmintics, given by three different routes of administration, compared with an untreated control. Faecal samples were collected on days 0, 7 and 14 for a faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT), blood samples were collected on days 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10 and 14 for pharmacokinetics, and the deer were killed on days 14 or 15 for total nematode count.The control group averaged 1264 adult Ostertagia-type nematode parasite species and treatment efficacy was 77.4% for moxidectin injection, 26% for oral moxidectin and 27.6% for pour-on moxidectin, while the treatment efficacy was 72.4% for abamectin injection, 70.1% for oral abamectin (Hi-Mineral) and 34.1% for pour-on abamectin. Both moxidectin and abamectin injections were significantly more efficacious than their equivalent pour-ons. There was a significant difference in efficacy between oral abamectin (Hi-Mineral) and oral moxidectin (P < 0.01).The control group averaged 2956 adult lungworm (Dictyocaulus eckerti) and 50 Oesophagostomum venulosum in the large intestine and treatment efficacy against these nematodes was 100% for all treatments. There were negligible numbers of other gastro-intestinal nematodes.At slaughter, there was a significant correlation (P = 0.02) between FEC and Ostertagia-type nematodes in the untreated controls. Relatively few eggs were found in faeces from treated animals at 7 and 14 days post-treatment despite significant worm burdens in all six treatment groups, suggesting egg-laying suppression in resistant nematodes, and all three different FECRT calculations tended to overestimate the efficacy of the treatments compared with actual nematode counts.Peak plasma concentrations (C_max) for both actives were measured 12 h after treatment for injection and oral and at 5 days for pour-on. C_max (ng/ml) for moxidectin injection, oral and pour-on were 71.8, 8.3 and 0.4, respectively, and for abamectin injection, oral and pour-on were 62.1, 30.3 and 10.0, respectively. Area under the curve (AUC) estimates for moxidectin injection, oral and pour-on were 106.6, 12.9 and 6.1, respectively, and for abamectin injection, oral and pour-on were 162.7, 57.5 and 74.3, respectively.The results demonstrate that significant anthelmintic resistance to moxidectin and abamectin is present on this deer farm. However, the injection was the most effective route of administration in young deer for both anthelmintics, although <80% efficacious. We conclude that the FECRT is unreliable in deer when anthelmintic resistance is present.     

Urolithiasis in a wild red deer (Cervus elaphus) population

Renal calculi were found in eight of 325 red deer kidney pairs examined, all eight were females and only one was infected in both kidneys. A further three deer badly infected with urolithiasis were found by chance, two were males. Examples of the calculi found are illustrated to show their range of sizes and shapes. One calculus analysed for chemical composition comprised predominantly calcium carbonate.     

Pyogenic meningitis and trigeminal neuritis secondary to periodontogenic paranasal sinusitis in a red deer (Cervus elaphus)

An adult female red deer died of a severe seizure and dysbasia. Postmortem computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed. On CT, deciduous right maxillary second and third premolar teeth were observed, and the right infraorbital canal was disrupted. MRI showed that the right trigeminal nerve was enlarged and the right subarachnoid cavity was occupied by fluid and gas. On gross examination, the right paranasal sinus, swollen muscles of the orbit and tonsils, right trigeminal nerve, and right cerebrum surface contained a yellowish-white, cheese-like pus. Based on these findings, the deer was believed to have developed pyogenic meningitis caused by a neuropathic infection secondary to periodontogenic paranasal sinusitis.     

Influence of calf genotype on dam lactation and calf growth in farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus)

Multiparous red deer (Cervus elaphus scoticus) hinds (n=17) were either mated to a red deer stag or artificially inseminated with semen from a wapiti bull (C.e. nelsoni) to produce red deer or F₁ crossbred (C.e. scoticus × C.e. nelsoni) calves to test the hypotheses that (1) red deer hinds rearing crossbred calves will produce significantly more milk to support calf growth than hinds rearing red deer calves, and (2) hind live weight and body condition may suffer as a result. Hinds and calves were grazed on ryegrass and white clover pastures and supplemented with pasture silage and barley grain when pasture supply was inadequate. Calves were left with their mothers until 9–10 months of age when lactation had terminated naturally. Mean body condition score (BCS) loss was greater in hinds rearing F₁ calves than in hinds rearing red calves in the period from late gestation to mid-lactation (September–March, P<0.05). F₁ calves grew significantly faster than red deer calves and were heavier at all ages. From February onwards there was a consistent decline in milk intake, and by the latest measurement (22 July) milk production was negligible, and most hinds had ceased lactating. Milk intake by the F₁ calves was significantly greater until day 114, after which the measured milk intake was not significantly different. Pasture intake of the F₁ calves was significantly greater at day 114 but not at other times (P<0.05). The average hind pasture intake was also not significantly affected by calf genotype when adjusted for post calving hind live weight. The results support the hypothesis that a red deer hind rearing an F₁ calf produces significantly more milk than a hind rearing a red deer calf, suggesting that the growth of a red deer calf is limited by its milk demand rather than milk supply by the hind. The study also supported the second hypothesis. Hinds rearing F₁ calves exhibited greater losses of body condition score relative to the hinds rearing red deer calves, indicating that the hinds rearing F₁ calves were in a greater negative energy balance that hinds rearing red deer calves. This highlights the additional energetic demands on a hind from feeding an F₁ calf and in a farmed context the need to ensure that adequate nutrition is provided.     

Comparison of analgesic techniques for antler removal in halothane-anaesthetized red deer (Cervus elaphus): electroencephalographic responses

OBJECTIVE: To provide evidence for an analgesic effect of antler pedicle compression or lidocaine 'ring block' by comparing changes in median and spectral edge frequencies and total electroencephalographic (EEG) power during the application of each technique followed by antler removal. ANIMALS: Twenty-nine 2-year-old red deer (Cervus elaphus) stags weighing 106-131 kg each were used in this study. Stags were carrying immature growing antler suitable for commercial harvest. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Anaesthesia was induced using propofol (8.25 +/- 1.28 mg kg(-1)) and ketamine (2.18 +/- 0.15 mg kg(-1)) and maintained with halothane in oxygen. End-tidal halothane (Fe'HAL), expired CO(2) tension (Pe'CO(2)), SpO(2), EEG, ECG, and direct arterial blood pressures were recorded continuously. Respiratory rate and somatic responses were recorded at specific time points. After stabilization of anaesthesia (Fe'HAL was approximately 0.8%) baseline data were recorded. Stags were randomly allocated to one of three treatment groups; control, local anaesthesia, or compression band. One antler was removed 4 minutes after the application of treatment. Electroencephalographic responses to application of treatment and antler removal were analysed using area under the curve (AUC) analysis. Mean AUC was compared between groups using anova, and when significant differences were found, groups were compared post hoc with two-tailed t-tests. Significance levels were set at p 相似文献   

Infectious epiphysitis and valvular endocarditis in a red deer (Cervus elaphus)

A 10-month-old male red deer (Cervus elaphus) was presented with severe lameness and enlargement of the fetlock areas of both front and one hind legs. Radiographs demonstrated an epiphysitis and osteomyelitis of the distal metacarpal and metatarsal bones. Post mortem revealed pus containing Corynebacterium pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus in the lesions, and an accompanying valvular endocarditis of the right atrioventricular valve.     

中国马鹿的研究现状及展望

马鹿在世界上主要分布于欧洲南部和中部、北美洲、非洲北部、亚洲的俄罗斯东部、蒙古、朝鲜和喜马拉雅山地区,在中国马鹿有8个亚种,主要分布在东北、华北、西北及西南等地。本文根据文献资料系统地总结了中国马鹿的研究现状,展望了马鹿需要研究的问题,为中国马鹿的保护及科研活动开展提供依据。     

Infectious epiphysitis and valvular endocarditis in a red deer (Cervus elaphus)

A 10-month-old male red deer (Cervus elaphus) was presented with severe lameness and enlargement of the fetlock areas of both front and one hind legs. Radiographs demonstrated an epiphysitis and osteomyelitis of the distal metacarpal and metatarsal bones. Post mortem revealed pus containing Corynebacterium pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus in the lesions, and an accompanying valvular endocarditis of the right atrioventricular valve.     

Pharmacokinetics of articaine hydrochloride and its metabolite articainic acid after subcutaneous administration in red deer (Cervus elaphus)

AIM: To develop and validate a simple and sensitive method using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) for quantification of articaine, and its major metabolite articainic acid, in plasma of red deer (Cervus elaphus), and to investigate the pharmacokinetics of articaine hydrochloride and articainic acid in red deer following S/C administration of articaine hydrochloride as a complete ring block around the antler pedicle.

METHODS: The LC-MS method was validated by determining linearity, sensitivity, recovery, carry-over and repeatability. Articaine hydrochloride (40?mg/mL) was administered S/C to six healthy male red deer, at a dose of 1?mL/cm of pedicle circumference, as a complete ring block around the base of each antler. Blood samples were collected at various times over the following 12 hours. Concentrations in plasma of articaine and articainic acid were quantified using the validated LC-MS method. Pharmacokinetic parameters of articaine and articainic acid were estimated using non-compartmental analysis.

RESULTS: Calibration curves were linear for both articaine and articainic acid. The limits of quantifications for articaine and articainic acid were 5 and 10?ng/mL, respectively. Extraction recoveries were >72% for articaine and >68% for articainic acid. After S/C administration as a ring block around the base of each antler, mean maximum concentrations in plasma (C_max) of articaine were 1,013.9 (SD 510.1) ng/mL, detected at 0.17 (SD 0.00) hours, and the C_max for articainic acid was 762.6 (SD 95.4) ng/mL at 0.50 (SD 0.00) hours. The elimination half-lives of articaine hydrochloride and articainic acid were 1.12 (SD 0.17) and 0.90 (SD 0.07) hours, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The LC-MS method used for the quantification of articaine and its metabolite articainic acid in the plasma of red deer was simple, accurate and sensitive. Articaine hydrochloride was rapidly absorbed, hydrolysed to its inactive metabolite articainic acid, and eliminated following S/C administration as a ring block in red deer. These favourable pharmacokinetic properties suggest that articaine hydrochloride should be tested for efficacy as a local anaesthetic in red deer for removal of velvet antlers. Further studies to evaluate the safety and residues of articaine hydrochloride and articainic acid are required before articaine can be recommended for use as a local anaesthetic for this purpose.     

Comparison of analgesic techniques for antler removal in halothane-anaesthetized red deer (Cervus elaphus): cardiovascular and somatic responses

OBJECTIVE: To compare changes in heart rate and arterial pressures resulting from compression of the antler pedicle or lidocaine 'ring block' and during subsequent antler removal during minimal halothane anaesthesia. ANIMALS: Twenty-nine 2-year-old red deer (Cervus elaphus) stags, weighing 106-131 kg and carrying immature growing antler suitable for commercial harvest were studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Anaesthesia was induced using intravenous propofol (median dose 8.0 mg kg(-1), range 5.2-11.0) and ketamine (median dose 2.2 mg kg(-1), range 1.9-2.4) and maintained using halothane in oxygen. End-tidal halothane concentration (Fe'HAL) end-tidal CO(2) tension (Pe'CO(2)), SpO(2), EEG, ECG, and direct systolic (SAP) mean (MAP) and diastolic (DAP) arterial pressures were recorded continuously. Respiratory rate and somatic responses were recorded. Baseline data were recorded once anaesthesia (Fe'HAL approximately 0.8%) was stable. Stags were randomly allocated to control, lidocaine 'ring block' or compression band treatment groups. One antler was removed 4 minutes after treatment. Cardiovascular responses to the application of analgesia and antler removal were analysed using a general estimates equation for repeated measures or area under the curve (AUC) analysis. Mean AUC was compared between groups using anova, and when significant differences were found, groups were compared post hoc with two-tailed t-tests. Somatic response data were compared with Fisher's exact chi-square test. A value of p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Heart rate fell during observations in all groups with no significant differences between groups. Arterial pressures in the control and lidocaine groups during treatment and removal were not different from baseline values or from each other. Compression group pressures were significantly higher than baseline during both treatment and removal. Compression group DAP and MAP were significantly higher after antler removal than during treatment. In control and lidocaine groups, the AUC for SAP, DAP, and MAP over the combined baseline, treatment, and removal period did not differ. The compression group AUC for DAP and MAP were significantly greater over the experimental period than both the lidocaine group and control groups. Somatic responses occurred in one animal at lidocaine injection and three at compression application. Somatic responses occurred in eight control animals and two in the compression group at antler removal. More animals responded to antler removal in the control group than in the compression (p = 0.015) or lidocaine (p < 0.001) groups. CONCLUSIONS: Compression of the antler pedicle appears to be noxious. Pedicular compression is a less effective analgesic technique for antler removal compared to 'ring blocks' with lidocaine. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study suggests that lidocaine 'ring blocks' are the current technique of choice for antler removal in deer.     

A malignant catarrhal fever-like disease in red deer (Cervus elaphus) in New Zealand

Two case histories are presented to illustrate the clinical and pathological findings of a malignant catarrhal fever-like disease as seen in farmed red deer in New Zealand. Attention is drawn to the similarities with some exotic diseases and the suggestion is made that deer may act as a reservoir for the aetiological agent.