Comparison of Three Skin Preparation Techniques Part 2: Clinical Trial in 100 Dogs

The skin of 100 dogs undergoing clean or clean-contaminated surgical procedures was prepared with povidone-iodine (PI) or 4% chlorhexidine gluconate (CG) with saline or 70% isopropyl alcohol rinse. Skin bacteria at the incision site were quantified with Replication Organism Detection and Counting (RODAC) plates immediately before and after skin preparation in the preparation room, in the operating room, and postoperatively. The percentage of bacterial reduction, negative cultures, cultures with more than five colony-forming units, and skin reactions for each technique were calculated for each sample period and analyzed with the analysis of variance and Fischer tests. The percentage of bacterial reduction for all techniques was significant and comparable with results of a previous experimental study. There were no significant differences in percentages of bacterial reduction between PI and the CG techniques for surgical times up to 8 hours. There were fewer negative cultures and more cultures with high bacterial counts with PI than with CG and saline after the cleansing scrub. There were fewer negative cultures after surgery with CG and alcohol than with the other two techniques. Duration of the surgical procedure did not significantly affect the culture results. Significantly more skin reactions occurred with PI. The authors conclude that PI and 4% CG with a saline rinse are equally effective in antimicrobial efficacy under clinical conditions. However, 4% CG with a 70% isopropyl alcohol rinse may be inferior in residual antimicrobial activity.     

Comparison of Three Skin Preparation Techniques in the Dog Part 1: Experimental Trial

Premeasured, clipped areas of skin on both sides of 30 adult dogs were prepared with povidone-iodine (PI), chlorhexidine gluconate (CG) with a saline rinse, or 4% CG with a 70% isopropyl alcohol rinse. Skin bacteria were quantified with Replicating Organism Detection and Counting (RODAC) plates and cultured for identification before, immediately after, and 1 hour after skin preparation. The percentages of bacterial reduction immediately and at hour 1 and the percentages of negative cultures, cultures with more than five colony-forming units (CFUs), and skin reactions were analyzed by analysis of variance and chi-square. The percentage of reduction in skin bacteria for all techniques was significant and comparable with that reported in humans. There were no significant differences between PI and CG results except that acute contact dermatitis was observed more frequently after skin preparation with PI. The authors conclude that for similar application times, PI and 4% CG rinsed with saline or 70% isopropyl alcohol are equally effective for up to 1 hour in the preoperative skin preparation of dogs.     

Comparison of an Antimicrobial Adhesive Drape and Povidone-lodine Preoperative Skin Preparation in Dogs

The antimicrobial efficacy of an adhesive drape applied after a 1-minute alcohol scrub was compared to a povidone-iodine (PI) skin preparation technique in dogs. Each technique was applied to both sides of 15 adult anesthetized dogs on premeasured, clipped areas of skin. Skin bacteria were quantified before, immediately after, and 1 hour after skin preparation. Predominant skin bacteria were isolated by swabbing the skin. The percentages of bacterial reduction immediately after and 1 hour after skin preparation, percentages of negative culture results, cultures with more than five colony-forming units, and the frequency of skin reactions were calculated and analyzed statistically. Drape adhesion was assessed subjectively. The percentage reduction in skin bacteria was significant for both techniques and comparable to that reported in humans. The adhesive drape was significantly less effective in both the immediate and 1-hour periods. Lift occurred in 66% of drape applications but was not associated with high bacterial counts. Acute contact dermatitis was more frequent after skin preparation with PI. There was no difference between the techniques in recovery of potential skin pathogens. The authors conclude that application of this antimicrobial adhesive drape after a 1-minute alcohol scrub is not as effective in the reduction of skin bacteria in dogs as is PI preparation of the skin.     

Chlorhexidine Gluconate Versus Chloroxylenol for Preoperative Skin Preparation in Dogs

The efficacy of 3% chloroxylenol (PCMX) or 4% chlorhexidine gluconate (CG) for preoperative skin preparation was assessed in 100 dogs undergoing clean or clean-contaminated surgical procedures. Replication Organism Detection and Counting (RODAC) plates were used to quantify skin bacteria colony forming units (CFU) at the operative site before and after skin preparation and immediately postoperatively. Reduction of CFU after skin preparation and immediately postoperatively was significant for each agent. However, CFU levels were significantly lower in the CG group than in the PCMX group after surgical preparation, regardless of initial CFU numbers. No significant difference in CFU counts was observed between antiseptic groups postoperatively. Within-group comparisons showed PCMX to be significantly less efficacious when the prescrub CFU number was greater than 1,000. Bacterial reduction was similar in the CG group regardless of prescrub CFU levels. The number of negative cultures after skin preparation was significantly greater with CG than with PCMX. Chlorhexidine gluconate also had fewer cultures with heavy bacterial growth (>5 CFUs) after surgical preparation. There was no significant difference between antiseptics in the number of negative cultures or cultures with more than 5 CFUs immediately after surgery. The number of skin reactions and postoperative wound infections that occurred with each technique were similar. Three percent PCMX, as used in this study, was less effective than 4% CG in its immediate antimicrobial activity, however, this difference was not associated with an increased wound infection rate.     

A prospective comparison between stabilized glutaraldehyde and chlorhexidine gluconate for preoperative skin antisepsis in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of 0.3% stabilized glutaraldehyde and alcohol (SG+A), 0.3% SG and water (SG+W), and 4% chlorhexidine gluconate tincture (CG+A), as skin disinfectants in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, blinded clinical study. ANIMALS: One hundred and twenty-one dogs. METHODS: Cutaneous bacterial colony forming units (CFU) from the perioperative site after skin preparation, after antisepsis, and after surgery (incisional and paramedian), were quantified. The influence of high initial bacterial counts (> or =150 CFU) and surgical time on antibacterial efficacy was examined and the proportion of dogs from which Staphylococcus intermedius was cultured, determined. Perioperative skin reactions and wound infections were documented. RESULTS: All 3 antiseptic solutions significantly and equally reduced CFU to all post-antisepsis sampling levels irrespective of surgical duration (mean surgical times 151.6, 136.2, and 149.6 minutes for CG+A, SG+A and SG+W, respectively). Median percentage reductions in CFU ranged between 99.3% and 100%. In dogs with initial high counts and disinfected with CG+A and SG+W, the incisional samples had significantly higher counts than the post-antisepsis samples. In the CG+A and SG+W groups, the proportion of post-surgery samples yielding S. intermedius was significantly higher at the incisional than the paramedian sites. Eight mild cutaneous reactions were recorded in equal proportions for the 3 solutions. There were no recorded infections. CONCLUSIONS: All 3 preparations had an equal ability to reduce and maintain low CFU counts, with minimal cutaneous reactions. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: SG solutions are safe and effective preoperative skin antiseptics for elective clean-contaminated surgical procedures.     

Evaluation of iodophor skin preparation techniques and factors influencing drainage from ventral midline incisions in horses.

OBJECTIVE: To document natural bacterial flora on the ventral aspect of the equine abdomen, to compare 2 preparation techniques, and to identify potential risk factors that may contribute to incisional drainage. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 53 horses undergoing exploratory celiotomy. PROCEDURE: Group-1 horses (n = 26) were prepared with povidone-iodine and alcohol. Group-2 horses (27) were prepared with a film-forming iodophor complex. Numbers of bacterial colony-forming units (CFU) were measured before and after surgical scrub, following skin closure, and after recovery from general anesthesia. Swab specimens to identify normal skin bacterial flora and potential pathogens were obtained by swabbing a 4 x 4-cm area. Variables that might affect incisional drainage were also investigated. RESULTS: For both techniques, there was a significant reduction in bacterial numbers after skin preparation. Incisional drainage was observed in 14 (26%) horses (8 group-1 and 6 group-2 horses). Preexisting dermatitis, poor intraoperative drape adherence, high number of bacterial CFU obtained after recovery from anesthesia, and high number of CFU obtained from the surgery room environment were the main risk factors associated with subsequent incisional drainage. Bacillus spp, nonhemolytic Staphylococcus spp, Micrococcus spp, Corynebacterium spp, Streptomyces spp, other nonenteric genera, and nonhemolytic Streptococcus spp were the most common isolates obtained before surgical scrub. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Both skin preparation techniques were equally effective in reducing numbers of bacterial CFU by 99%, and a significant difference was not found in incisional drainage rate between groups. Protection of the wound during recovery from anesthesia and the immediate postoperative period may reduce incisional drainage after abdominal surgery in horses.     

Evaluation of Surgical Scrub Methods for Large Animal Surgeons

Objective— The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a 5–minute surgical scrub using either a one-brush or a two-brush technique in clean and dirty surgical procedures, and to compare the efficacy of povidone iodine with chlorhexidine as surgical scrub solutions. Study Design— Prospective clinical trial. Methods— Nine veterinarians scrubbed their hands on eight separate occasions using either povidone iodine or chlorhexidine gluconate. A 5-minute scrub and either a one-brush or two-brush technique used in both clean and dirty operations were evaluated by taking glove juice samples before scrubbing, immediately after scrubbing, and 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after scrubbing. Glove juice samples were cultured and the colonies were counted. Percent reductions of bacterial forming units were calculated for all eight scrub procedures. Results— All scrub procedures provided an adequate percent reduction in colony forming units (CFU) during the 2–hour sampling period. The number of CFU immediately after scrubbing were significantly lower than prescrub. At 120 minutes, there were significantly fewer CFUs than presecrub, but there were more than immediately after scrubbing. No significant difference in reduction in CFUs were detected between one-brush and two-brush techniques. Both chlorhexidine and povidone iodine scrub solutions adequately reduced bacterial colony counts for 120 minutes after scrubbing regardless of the amount of contamination before skin preparation. Conclusions— Bacterial counts after a hand scrub procedure using a one-brush technique were not significantly different than after a procedure that used a two-brush technique. Povidone iodine and chlorhexidine are equally effectively in decreasing bacterial numbers on the skin, given a variety of contamination levels present before the scrub procedure. Clinical Relevance— Surgeons may use either chlorhexidine or povidone iodine for antiseptic preparation of their hands before surgery. A two-brush technique is not necessary.     

Comparative Evaluation of Two Surgical Scrub Preparations in Cattle

One hundred seventeen cattle that had undergone surgery were assigned randomly to two preoperative skin preparation protocols. Group 1 (60 animals) skin preparation was with povidone-iodine soap and isopropyl alcohol, whereas group 2 (57 animals) had skin preparation with chlorhexidine gluconate and isopropyl alcohol. Quantitative microbial culture plates were used to estimate the number of colony forming units (CFUs) before skin preparation (prescrub), after skin preparation (postscrub), after surgery (postoperative), and in room air (environment). A significant decrease in CFU occurred postscrub for both skin preparations ( P <.05). Chlorhexidine and alcohol preparation resulted in significantly fewer CFUs (LSMean ± SE = 2.79 CFU ± 1.74) and a greater percentage reduction in CFUs (98.64%± 2.01) postscrub than povidone and alcohol (LSMean ± SE = 10.27 CFUs ± 1.51, 93.29%± 1.85); ( P <.005). Group 2 had a significantly higher frequency of negative cultures postscrub (49.1%) compared with group 1 (18.3%) ( P <.001). The number of postoperative CFUs were not significantly different between the two treatment groups. Wound infection frequency for clean surgical procedures was not significantly different between the two skin preparation protocols (group 1 = 9.8%, group 2 = 10.7%), however, infection frequency was significantly higher for surgical procedures with a ventral abdominal approach (5 of 14, 35.7%), compared with a flank approach (1 of 41, 2.4%) or other approaches (orthopedic procedures) (1 of 16, 6.3%) ( P <.05). Both skin preparation protocols were effective and safe in decreasing the skin microflora population of cattle before surgery and although preparation with chlorhexidine gluconate and alcohol resulted in less CFUs immediafly postscrub, the frequency of surgical wound infection was similar for both protocols.     

Evaluation of surgical scrub and antiseptic solutions for surgical preparation of canine paws

The purpose of the prospective study reported here was to evaluate surgical preparation of canine paws. Three combinations of surgical scrub solutions and antiseptic solutions were used: (1) 7.5% povidone-iodine scrub/10% povidone-iodine solution; (2) 2% chlorhexidine acetate scrub/2% chlorhexidine diacetate solution; and (3) tincture of green soap/70% isopropyl alcohol. The control was warm (38 to 42 C) tap water. Four microbial colony counts were used to evaluate surgical preparation of 4 paws of 8 dogs. Specimens were obtained from the paws for a baseline microbial flora count. After surgical scrub was performed, additional specimens were obtained for bacteriologic culturing. Antiseptic was applied followed by collection of another specimen for bacteriologic culturing. A final specimen was obtained following a 24-hour period under a sterile occlusive bandage. The 3 scrub solutions and the tap water control resulted in lower colony counts following scrubbing of the paws; however, only the 3 antiseptic solutions resulted in further colony count reduction after their application. Evaluation of residual colony counts isolated from specimens taken after a 24-hour period under a sterile occlusive bandage revealed chlorhexidine and povidone-iodine scrub/antiseptic combinations to be similar in antibacterial activity, with significantly (P less than or equal to 0.05) lower colony counts than those from specimens of paws treated with either the tincture of green soap/isopropyl alcohol combination or the tap water control. The lack of a significant difference between the bacterial counts immediately after surgical preparation with povidone-iodine and chlorhexidine and their respective 24-hour residual counts, indicated no particular advantage to surgical preparation and occlusive bandaging 24 hours prior to surgery.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Evaluation of arthrocentesis site bacterial flora before and after 4 methods of preparation in horses with and without evidence of skin contamination

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of four methods of povidone-iodine preparation on skin bacterial flora of arthrocentesis sites, in horses, with and without evidence of skin contamination. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective randomized study. ANIMALS: Twenty-four adult horses. METHODS: Horses were assigned to either the clean or contaminated group based on housing environment and visual evidence of contamination. Using a moist sterile swab, microbial culture samples were obtained from the skin over the distal interphalangeal joints immediately before and after preparation. Each site was aseptically prepared with 1 of 4 povidone-iodine techniques: 10-minutes scrub, 5-minutes scrub, three 30-second scrubs, or commercial one-step iodophor surgical solution. Colony forming units (CFUs) were determined for each sample, 24 hours after inoculation, on blood agar plates. RESULTS: Mean (+/-SD) pre-scrub CFUs/mL was significantly higher in the contaminated group (9588.33+/-1223.65) compared with the clean group (4489.00+/-3842.03) (P<.01). After preparation of the arthrocentesis sites, there were no significant differences in post-scrub CFUs/mL among the 10 minutes (mean clean, 46.00+/-64.36; mean contaminated, 28.67+/-18.04), 5 minutes (mean clean, 84.17+/-109.80; mean contaminated, 40.33+/-44.52), three 30 seconds povidone-iodine scrubs (mean clean, 95.50+/-172.29; mean contaminated, 46.67+/-56.94), or application of a commercial one-step iodophor surgical solution (mean clean, 102.17+/-161.78; mean contaminated 117.67+/-143.78); or between the clean (81.96+/-131.69) and contaminated groups (58.33+/-85.90) (P<.01). CONCLUSIONS: Preparation of the distal interphalangeal joint arthrocentesis site with each of these techniques significantly reduces the bacterial flora to a similar level for arthrocentesis in horses with and without evidence of skin contamination. Clinical Relevance- Aseptic preparation of the skin over the distal interphalangeal joint may be accomplished with any of these techniques.     

Efficacy of a surgical scrub including 2% chlorhexidine acetate for canine superficial pyoderma

The clinical efficacy of a surgical scrub containing 2% chlorhexidine acetate (2CA; Nolvasan^® Surgical Scrub; Fort Dodge Animal Health, USA) was evaluated for the topical management of canine superficial pyoderma. The first study was a randomized, double‐blind, controlled trial. The control was a shampoo containing 4% chlorhexidine gluconate (4CG; Skin Clinic Shampoo; CHD MEDICS, Goyang, Korea). Ten dogs with symmetrical lesions of canine superficial pyoderma were allocated to receive either 2CA or the control shampoo applied to either side of the body twice weekly for 1 week. Both the owners and the investigators subjectively scored skin lesions including pruritus, erythema, crusted papules and scales on a scale of 0–3. The 2CA and 4CG resulted in almost the same degree of improvement of skin lesions, and there were no significant differences between the two groups. The second study was an open trial of 2CA monotherapy in eight dogs with cefalexin‐resistant Staphylococcus intermedius group‐associated superficial pyoderma. The 2CA monotherapy was applied every 2 days for 2 weeks. Five dogs improved with 2CA monotherapy, one partially improved and two did not. No adverse reactions were seen in either trial. This suggests that a 2CA surgical scrub could be a useful and safe topical adjunct therapy for dogs with superficial pyoderma involving cefalexin‐resistant Staphylococcus intermedius group.     

Comparison of four protocols for preoperative preparation in cattle

This study was designed to evaluate 4 preoperative skin preparations, that is, more specifically, to compare the efficacy of chlorhexidine gluconate (CG) and povidone-iodine (PI), as well as 2 hair removal techniques (clipper alone or clipper followed by razor) for preoperative skin preparation in cattle. The 4 protocols resulted in a significant decrease in the number of bacterial colony-forming units (cfu). Group 4 (clipping + shaving + CG) had a significantly lower number of preoperative cfu per gel plate compared with groups 1 (clipping + PI) and 3 (clipping + shaving + PI). Skin reaction frequency was significantly higher in groups 3 and 4 (47.8% for both protocols) than in groups 1 and 2 (clipping + PI or CG) (8.7% for both). Wound infection frequency was 4.3% (4/92) and no significant difference was observed between the 4 treatment groups. The 4 protocols tested were equivalent as to efficacy and satisfactorily decreased skin microflora. Clipping alone was shown to be preferable to clipping plus shaving as a method of hair removal in cattle, with fewer skin reactions and no more wound infections.     

Evaluation of wraps covering the distal aspect of pelvic limbs for prevention of bacterial strike-through in an ex vivo canine model

Objective— To determine differences in bacterial strike-through for materials commonly used to cover the distal aspect of the pelvic limb during operative site preparation.
Study Design— Randomized block design; ex vivo model.
Animals— Canine cadaveric pelvic limbs (n=40).
Methods— Pelvic limbs (n=40) were randomly assigned to 4 treatment groups: Group 1=Vetrap^™+sterile Coban^™; Group 2=latex glove+Vetrap^™+sterile Coban^™; Group 3=latex glove+Vetrap^™+sterile Coban^™+sterile latex glove+sterile Coban^™; and Group 4=latex glove+Vetrap^™+sterile disposable drape+sterile Coban^™. Limbs were contaminated with a standardized bacterial solution and routinely prepared using the assigned distal leg wrap. Bandages were fluid challenged with a saline (0.9% NaCl) solution-soaked laparotomy sponge for 30 seconds. The wrap surface was sampled for microbial culture before surgical preparation, immediately after, and 60 minutes after applying a sterile leg wrap.
Results— Bacterial growth occurred in all Group 1 cultures, 90% of Group 2 cultures, and none of the Group 3 and 4 cultures, 60 minutes after applying the sterile wrap.
Conclusion— A distal leg wrap of Vetrap^™+sterile Coban^™ is not effective in preventing bacterial strike-through.
Clinical Relevance— If similar results occur in the live animal, then a sterile impermeable barrier must be incorporated into the distal leg wrap to prevent bacterial strike-through.     

Response of pony peritoneum to four peritoneal lavage solutions

Peritoneal lavage was performed on ponies to determine the effect on peritoneal surfaces. Lavage solution (20 L) was introduced into each pony's peritoneal cavity through catheters placed in the paralumbar fossa, and the solution was removed by drainage from the ventral portion of the abdomen. Six ponies each were lavaged with sterile saline (0.9% NaCl) solution, sterile saline solution containing 5 X 10(6) U of potassium penicillin and 3 g of neomycin or povidone-iodine diluted to 3% by volume with sterile saline solution, and 3 ponies were lavaged with povidone-iodine diluted to 10% with sterile saline solution. Peritoneal lavage catheters were inserted in 3 control ponies, but lavage fluids were not administered. Peritoneal fluid specimens were collected at 6, 24, 48, and 96 hours after lavage. Nucleated cell counts, RBC counts, total protein determinations, and cytologic analysis were performed. The ponies were euthanatized at 96 hours, and representative sections of the peritoneum were examined. Lavage with saline solution and saline solution with antibiotics induced a mild, transient inflammatory response in the peritoneal fluid, with minimal or no changes observed at necropsy. Solutions containing povidone-iodine induced chemical peritonitis, which was severe in ponies lavaged with 10% povidone-iodine solution. Peritoneal lavage with povidone-iodine solutions as dilute as 3% cannot be accomplished without causing inflammation of peritoneal surfaces.     

Comparison of Two Methods for Presurgical Disinfection of the Equine Hoof

OBJECTIVES: To determine for equine hooves the normal resident aerobic bacterial population and the efficacy of 2 methods of disinfection. Study Design-Measurement of total bacterial, gram-positive bacterial, and gram-negative bacterial surface populations from the frog, sole, and hoof wall after each step of 2 different preoperative surgical disinfection techniques. ANIMALS: Six adult horses. METHODS: Hoof wall, sole, and frog samples were collected for quantitative bacteriology before, during, and after 2 multistep antiseptic preparation techniques: Method A-6-minute scrub with povidone-iodine soap, followed by 24-hour submersion in povidone-iodine solution-soaked cotton; and Method B-initial removal of superficial layer of hoof capsule before completing Method A disinfection procedures. RESULTS: Removal of the superficial hoof layer, application of the povidone iodine scrub, and completion of the povidone-iodine soak all significantly (P < .0008) decreased total bacterial numbers. Method B had significantly lower bacterial counts than method A at each consecutive step. Final total bacterial counts remained greater than 10(5) bacteria per gram of tissue regardless of preparation method. CONCLUSIONS: The hoof surface hosts a broad spectrum of aerobic gram-positive and -negative bacteria, many of which are potential pathogens. Bacterial numbers can be significantly reduced by removal of the superficial hoof surface, by application of a povidone-iodine scrub, and by use of a 24-hour povidone-iodine soak. However, bacterial populations >10(5) g per tissue persist after these disinfection procedures. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Regardless of the preparation methods used in this study, bacterial populations capable of inducing wound infection remain on the hoof capsule.     

Effect of Endobronchial Challenge with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae Serotype 10 of Pigs Vaccinated with Bacterins Consisting of A. pleuropneumoniae Serotype 10 Grown under NAD‐Rich and NAD‐Restricted Conditions

The efficacy of two bacterins containing an Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 10 strain was evaluated. The bacterial cells constituting bacterin 1 and 2 were grown under nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)‐rich (low‐adherence capacity to alveolar epithelial cell cultures) and NAD‐restricted (high‐adherence capacity to alveolar epithelial cell cultures) conditions, respectively. Ten pigs were vaccinated twice with the bacterin 1 and nine pigs with the bacterin 2. Ten control animals were injected twice with a saline solution. Three weeks after the second vaccination, all pigs were endobronchially inoculated with 106.5 colony‐forming units (CFU) of an A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 10 strain. In the bacterin 1 and 2 group, three and two pigs died after inoculation, respectively. Only two pigs of the control group survived challenge. Surviving pigs were killed at 7 days after challenge. The percentage of pigs with severe lung lesions (>10% of the lung affected) was 100% in the control group, 70% in the bacterin 1 group and 22% in the bacterin 2 group. Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae was isolated from the lungs of all animals. The mean bacterial titres of the caudal lung lobes were 7.0 × 10⁶ CFU/g in the control group, 6.3 × 10⁵ CFU/g in the bacterin 1 group and 1.3 × 10⁶ CFU/g in the bacterin 2 group. It was concluded that both bacterins induced partial protection against severe challenge. Furthermore, there are indications that the bacterin 2, containing A. pleuropneumoniae bacteria grown under conditions resulting in high in vitro adhesin, induced better protection than the bacterin 1.     

Dermatophytosis in three colony-born spotted hyenas

An adult female hyena and her two 4-month-old cubs were found to have multifocal areas of alopecia and dermatitis. Dermatophyte culture of hair and skin samples collected from the lesions yielded Trichophyton mentagrophytes. None of 10 other animals in the colony that were tested were found to have dermatophytes. Lesions were treated twice, at 3-week intervals, with thorough cleansing with chlorhexidine scrub followed by topical application of antifungal agents. Lesions resolved, and dermatophyte culture of samples collected 6 weeks after the initiation of treatment did not yield growth.     

Effect of endobronchial challenge with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 10 of pigs vaccinated with bacterins consisting of A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 10 grown under NAD-rich and NAD-restricted conditions

The efficacy of two bacterins containing an Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 10 strain was evaluated. The bacterial cells constituting bacterin 1 and 2 were grown under nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)-rich (low-adherence capacity to alveolar epithelial cell cultures) and NAD-restricted (high-adherence capacity to alveolar epithelial cell cultures) conditions, respectively. Ten pigs were vaccinated twice with the bacterin 1 and nine pigs with the bacterin 2. Ten control animals were injected twice with a saline solution. Three weeks after the second vaccination, all pigs were endobronchially inoculated with 106.5 colony-forming units (CFU) of an A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 10 strain. In the bacterin 1 and 2 group, three and two pigs died after inoculation, respectively. Only two pigs of the control group survived challenge. Surviving pigs were killed at 7 days after challenge. The percentage of pigs with severe lung lesions (> 10% of the lung affected) was 100% in the control group, 70% in the bacterin 1 group and 22% in the bacterin 2 group. Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae was isolated from the lungs of all animals. The mean bacterial titres of the caudal lung lobes were 7.0 x 10(6) CFU/g in the control group, 6.3 x 10(5) CFU/g in the bacterin 1 group and 1.3 x 10(6) CFU/g in the bacterin 2 group. It was concluded that both bacterins induced partial protection against severe challenge. Furthermore, there are indications that the bacterin 2, containing A. pleuropneumoniae bacteria grown under conditions resulting in high in vitro adhesin, induced better protection than the bacterin 1.     

Doppler ultrasonographic evaluation of gastrointestinal hemodynamics in food hypersensitivities: a canine model

Chronic enteropathy due to food hypersensitivity is a common complaint in dogs and humans, and definitive diagnosis and identification of offending allergens remains challenging. Doppler waveform analysis of the celiac artery (CA) and the cranial mesenteric artery (CMA) of 8 dogs with proven food hypersensitivity was performed in the fasting state and at 20, 40, 60, and 90 minutes after feeding their regular daily diet, and at 2 and 4 days after feeding 4 different allergens. Resistive index (RI), pulsatility index (PI), and the percentage differences between these measurements were calculated and compared statistically. The maximal decrease in RI and PI after feeding the regular diet was reached at 40 minutes after ingestion in both vessels (CA: RI = -6%, PI = -23%; CMA: RI = -9%, PI = -30%). After this trough, the resistance in both vessels rose nearly to baseline after 90 minutes (CA: RI = -1%, PI = -13%; CMA: RI = -3%, PI = -14%). When fed an allergen-containing meal the percentage changes at the trough were significantly greater (CA: RI = -10%, PI = -32%; CMA: RI = - 14%, PI = -40 %; p < 0.05) compared to those seen after feeding the maintenance diet. Also, RI and PI values were significantly (P < .05) lower at 90 minutes on days 2 and 4 of the challenge period. During the challenge period, dogs did not show overt signs of gastrointestinal disease. Significant postprandial hemodynamic alterations in response to food allergens in dogs with food hypersensitivities can be shown noninvasively with Doppler ultrasound.     

Comparison of equine amnion and a nonadherent wound dressing material for bandaging pinch-grafted wounds in ponies

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate healing of pinch-grafted wounds on the distal aspect of the limbs of ponies bandaged with equine amnion or a standard nonadherent wound dressing material. ANIMALS: 6 ponies. PROCEDURE: A 2.5x2.5-cm full-thickness section of skin was removed from the dorsal aspect of each limb at the midpoint of the metacarpus or metatarsus. Six days later, wounds were grafted with partial-thickness pinch grafts. Half the wounds were bandaged with amnion, and the other half were bandaged with a nonadherent dressing. Bandages were changed every 3 days until wound healing was complete. At each bandage change, numbers of grafts lost were recorded, and wounds were measured. RESULTS: Percentage of grafts lost from wounds bandaged with amnion was not significantly different from percentage lost from wounds bandaged with the nonadherent dressing. Median healing time for wounds bandaged with amnion (30 days) was significantly less than median healing time for wounds bandaged with the nonadherent dressing (39 days). All wounds were healed by day 45. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that amnion can be used for bandaging pinch-grafted wounds on the distal aspect of the limbs of ponies.