Antibiotic prophylaxis in veterinary cancer chemotherapy: A review and recommendations

Bacterial infection following cancer chemotherapy‐induced neutropenia is a serious cause of morbidity and mortality in human and veterinary patients. Antimicrobial prophylaxis is controversial in the human oncology field, as any decreased incidence in bacterial infections is countered by patient adverse effects and increased antimicrobial resistance. Comprehensive guidelines exist to aid human oncologists in prescribing antimicrobial prophylaxis but similar recommendations are not available in veterinary literature. As the veterinarian's role in antimicrobial stewardship is increasingly emphasized, it is vital that veterinary oncologists implement appropriate antimicrobial use. By considering the available human and veterinary literature we present an overview of current clinical practices and are able to suggest recommendations for prophylactic antimicrobial use in veterinary cancer chemotherapy patients.     

Path analysis of subsistence farmers' use of veterinary services in Zimbabwe

We used factor and path analyses to identify the causal paths or relationships between variables affecting the demand and use by subsistence farmers of the various services offered by government-employed veterinary livestock technicians (VLTs) in Zimbabwe in 1996. We examined whether the farmer had implemented the VLT-recommended livestock-management procedures. Various factors that have been reported or theorised as important in the demand for veterinary services by subsistence farmers are described. The important factors positively affecting whether farmers had sought veterinary assistance in the last 24 months included familiarity of the farmer with the VLT, if situated closer to the VLT’s base, and if the farmer received further training in agriculture (either through courses or from attendance at demonstrations on animal husbandry conducted by the VLT). Factors affecting whether farmers implemented the recommended management practices that had a monetary cost included familiarity with the VLT, proximity to the VLT’s premises, farmer literacy, club membership, and farmer’s wealth. There was a difference in the paths generated for preventive measures that had a monetary cost versus those measures that involved only a labour or effort costs. For the former practices, the VLT played an important role informing farmers by extension and demonstrations, and farmer’s membership of a club increased their performance.     

Comparison of productivity and veterinary expenses in Swiss dairy farms with and without integrated veterinary herd health service

The goal of this study was to compare production variables and veterinary costs between dairy herds enrolled in an integrated herd health program and herds with a conventional, non-computerized herd management. Four variables were used to assess the performance of the herds, including calving interval, milk production per lactation, as well as the product of calving interval x veterinary costs per year and the ratio of production to veterinary costs per year. A total of 22 dairy herds, serviced by the ambulatory clinic, University of Zurich, were investigated. There were 11 experimental herds that had been enrolled in an integrated herd health program, INTERHERD?, and 11 control herds. Data of the latter were derived from a computerized accounting system, OBLON DATA?. A total of 92'350 records from the years 1999 - 2005 were analyzed retrospectively. During the investigation period the calving interval did not significantly increase in experimental herds, whereas milk production steadily increased in both groups. The integrated herd health program did not result in additional costs when the dairy farms have no problems on a herd basis. From our study, differences in farms with and without herd health program are only marginal.     

Cross-sectional survey of pet ownership,veterinary service utilisation,and pet-related expenditures in New Zealand

ABSTRACT

Aims: To describe the demographics of and predictors for pet ownership, reasons for visiting a veterinarian, and pet-related expenditure in pet owners in New Zealand.

Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from 18–22 June 2015 using a permission-based panel of New Zealand residents aged ≥18 years. Questions included demographics of respondents, number of pets and reasons for owning or not owning pets, number of visits and reasons for visiting a veterinarian, and pet-related expenditure.

Results: Of the 1,572 respondents who completed the survey, 1,013 (64.4%) owned ≥1 pet. Of these, 443 owned dogs, 696 cats, 32 horses, 103 birds, 55 rabbits, and 159 owned fish. Companionship was the most common reason for getting dogs, cats, and birds; horses were mostly owned as a hobby, rabbits to provide fun for children, and fish as a source of relaxation. The majority of dog, cat, and rabbit owners considered their pets to be family members; horse owners almost equally considered their horses a hobby or a family member. The odds of pet ownership increased for respondents from a rural region, having a higher household income, having children and being female. Overall, 711/1,013 (70.2%) pet-owning respondents had taken ≥1 animal to the veterinarian in the previous year, with the most common reasons being for vaccination or annual check-ups or health issues. Respondents who considered their pets trusted companions, had a higher income, and owned dogs or cats compared with other species, were most likely to have taken their pet to a veterinarian. The greatest pet-related expenditure for all species was food. The median yearly veterinary expenditure was $200–499 by dog owners, $100–199 by cat owners, and <$100 by horse, bird, rabbit, and fish owners. The best source of information for pet-related issues was considered to be veterinarians by 724/1,001 (72.3%) owners, and the internet by 509/1,001 (50.8%) owners.

Conclusions: Among survey respondents, pet ownership was common and pets filled a variety of roles in the household. Pet owners reported spending considerable amounts of money on their pets each year, but some of them may be underutilising veterinary services despite veterinarians being considered as valuable sources of information about pet-related issues.     

The use of veterinary medicinal products in equine practices in The Netherlands: Balancing between the law and good veterinary practice

This study investigates the present situation with respect to the use and abuse of (veterinary) medicinal products (VMPs) by equine practitioners and endeavours to substantiate the perceived discrepancies and friction between the availability of VMPs, legislation in force, code of Good Veterinary Practice and reality of day‐today equine practice. It can be concluded that practising equine medicine in The Netherlands using only authorised equine VMPs is impossible. In most cases the ‘cascade’ or list of essential substances is needed to legitimise the use or, even worse, the use is not legitimised at all. Existing differences between European Union member states in the outcome of procedures for obtaining a marketing authorisation for the same product is seen as an obstacle for the availability and development of equine VMPs needed for safeguarding the future of a professional equine veterinary healthcare.     

Effect of gender on ownership and income in veterinary practice

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the effect of gender on ownership and income in veterinary practice in Australia. METHODS: Questionnaire completed by private veterinary practitioners, and analysed using the SAS System for Windows 7.0. RESULTS: More than three-quarters (78%) of male but 36% of female private practitioners were partial or sole owners of practices. The median annual income for all male practitioners working more than 40 hours/week was $70K, but that for females was $43K. These disparities existed in both city and country practices, and in the case of income it increased with increasing time in the workforce. Male practice owners also reported higher incomes than female owners. CONCLUSIONS: Female veterinary practitioners are less likely to own practices, and more likely to earn low incomes than males. These differentials do not appear to be due to location, hours worked or years since graduation or, in the case of income, to whether they are owners or employees. The evidence points to a lower interest by women than men in the business aspects of veterinary practice.     

Analysis of the costs of veterinary education and factors associated with financial stress among veterinary students in Australia

Objective

To investigate the course‐related and other costs involved in obtaining a veterinary education in Australia and how these costs are met. The study also aimed to identify sociodemographic and course‐related factors associated with increased financial stress.

Methods

Students from seven Australian veterinary schools were surveyed using an online questionnaire. A total of 443 students participated (response rate 17%). Responses to survey items relating to finances, employment and course‐related costs were compared with sociodemographic factors and prior research in the area of student financial stress.

Results

Respondents reported spending a median of A$300 per week on living costs and a median of A$2,000 per year on course‐related expenses. Over half of respondents received the majority of their income from their parents or Youth Allowance (56%). A similar proportion (55%) reported that they needed to work to meet basic living expenses. Circumstances and sociodemographic factors linked to perceived financial stress included requiring additional finances to meet unexpected costs during the course; sourcing additional finances from external loans; an expected tuition debt at graduation over A$40,000; being 22 years or older; working more than 12 hours per week; living costs above A$300 per week; and being female.

Conclusion

The costs involved in obtaining a veterinary education in Australia are high and over half of respondents are reliant on parental or Government income support. Respondents with certain sociodemographic profiles are more prone to financial stress. These findings may have implications for the psychological health, diversity and career plans of veterinary students in Australia.     

Effects of ear corn silage supplementation on milk production and milk fatty acid profiles in grazing dairy farms

This study investigated the effects of substituting ear corn silage (ECS) for commercial formula feed on milk production and milk fatty acid profiles in grazing dairy farms during the summer season. A field survey was conducted on five grazing dairy farms in every summer month of 2017, 2018, and 2019. Three of the five farms substituted fresh ECS for the commercial formula feed at a ratio of 2:1 from July of each year (ECS farms). Other farms maintained the same feeding management as before (non‐ECS farms). An interview survey was conducted on each farm to calculate feed intake and milk yield per cow. Feed and milk samples were collected in each survey. Milk compositions and milk fatty acid profiles were determined. The substitution of ECS for the commercial formula feed did not affect milk yield or milk composition, but ECS farms maintained low levels of milk urea compared with non‐ECS farms (p < .01). The ECS substitution also influenced some of the milk fatty acid proportions; C16:0 and C16:1 increased, and trans‐11 C18:1, cis‐9,trans‐11 C18:2, and the sum of polyunsaturated fatty acids decreased, while these fatty acid proportions were maintained in non‐ECS farms throughout the summer season (p < .05).     

Changes in intake of milk and dairy products among elementary schoolchildren following experiential studies of dairy farming

This study intends to clarify the effects of hands‐on dairy farming experience on the consumption of milk and dairy products. A survey was conducted on 474 elementary schoolchildren and their parents at eight elementary schools that offered hands‐on dairy farming experience at four dairy farms in Hokkaido, Japan. In the survey, questionnaires were used to inquire about the children's milk and dairy product intake before and after the hands‐on experience. In addition, milk intake at school was investigated weekly for 3 months after the hands‐on experience. The parents were asked about the children's intake of milk and dairy products at home before and after the hands‐on experience. Analysis of the survey results indicated a significant increase in the amount and frequency of milk consumed and the frequency of yogurt consumed at home by the children immediately after the hands‐on experience. Accordingly, the study suggested that the hands‐on dairy farming experience had the effect of increasing children's milk and dairy product consumption at home.     

Interactive dressings used in the management of human soft tissue injuries and their potential in veterinary practice

Abstract Interactive dressings have been successfully used in human wound management to modify the microenvironment at the wound interface to improve the conditions for tissue repair. Only minimal investigation has as yet been carried out to determine the comparative performance of these products in veterinary practice. Some confusion exists with reference to the performance profiles and composition of the product groups. This review will attempt to clarify these differences and indicate their potential for use in veterinary practice. Resumen En la especie humana, se han utilizado favorablemente vendajes interactivos en el manejo de heridas, para la modificación del microambiente a nivel de la interfase de la herida, mejorando las condiciones para la reparación del tejido. Solamente se ha llevado a cabo hasta el momento una investigación mínima para determinar el efecto comparativo de estos productos en veterinaria. Existe una cierta confusión por lo que refiere a los perfiles de rendimiento y composición de los distintos productos. Esta revisión intenta clarificar estas diferencias e indicar su potencial uso en veterinaria. [Turner, T.D. Interactive dressings used in the management of human soft tissue injuries and their potential in veterinary practice (Vendajes interactivos utilizados en el manejo de heridas en tejidos blandos humanos y su potencial en veterinaria). Veterinary Dermatology 1997; 8 : 235–242] Zusammenfassung Interaktives Verbandsmaterial wird in der Humanmedizin zur Wundversorgung erfolgreich angewendet, um die Mikroumwelt an der Wundoberfläche zu beeinflussen und so die Bedingungen zur Wundheilung zu verbessern. Bis jetzt wurden nur wenige Untersuchungen durchgeführt, die die Leistungsfähigkeit dieser Produkte in der Veterinärmedizin vergleichen. Es bestehen Unklarheiten bezüglich der Leistungsprofile und Zusammensetzung der Produktgruppen. In dieser Übersicht wird der Verusch unternommen, die Unterschiede herauszuarbeiten und das Verwendungspotential dieser Produkte in der Veterinärmedizin darzustellen. [Turner, T.D. Interactive dressings used in the management of human soft tissue injuries and their potential in veterinary practice (In der Humanmedizin verwendetes interaktives Verbandsmaterial und dessen Potential in der Veterinärmedizin). Veterinary Dermatology 1997; 8 : 235–242] Resumé Les pansements interactifs ont été utilises avec succès dans le traitement des plaies pour modifier le microenvironnement à l'interface des plaies afin d'améliorer les conditions de cicatrisation des tissus. Peu d'investigations ont été réalisées pour déterminer la performance comparative de ces produits en pratique vétérinaire. Des confusions existent concernant le profile de performance et la composition des groupes de produits. Cette revue essaye de clarifier ces différences et indique leur potentiel dans leur utilisation en pratique vétérinaire. [Turner, T.D. Interactive dressings used in the management of human soft tissue injuries and their potential in veterinary practice (Pansements interactifs utilisés dans le traitement des plaies des tissus mous chez l'humain et leur potentiel en pratique vétérinaire). Veterinary Dermatology 1997; 8 : 235–242]     

2019年滨州地区及周边规模化场牛支原体血清流行病学调查

[目的]为了了解山东省滨州地区及周边规模化牛场支原体流行的基本情况,[方法]对该区域14个规模化奶牛场和肉牛场进行了血清采集,采用牛支原体IgG抗体ELISA检测方法进行牛支原体血清抗体检测,并使用SPSS 20进行卡方统计学检验。[结果]山东省规模化牛场的牛支原体IgG抗体总阳性率为77.86%,奶牛场的阳性率为74.29%,肉牛场的阳性率为81.43%,奶牛场牛支原体IgG阳性率与肉牛场的统计学差异不显著（P>0.05）;奶牛场不同场区,肉牛场不同场区之间,牛支原体的IgG阳性率差异显著（P<0.05）。[结论]山东省滨州地区及周边规模化牛场存在不同程度的牛支原体感染,牛支原体感染可能成为危害国内规模化奶牛场奶牛健康的主要疫病之一。     

HPLC法测定兽用除虫脲原料药含量及有关物质

建立了高效液相色谱法(HPLC)测定兽用除虫脲原料药含量及有关杂质的检测方法。采用C18色谱柱(250 mm×4.6 mm,5μm),以甲醇为流动相A,0.01 mol/L乙酸铵溶液为流动相B,进行梯度洗脱,流速1.0 mL/min,检测波长254 nm,进样量10μL,柱温25℃。除虫脲的线性范围为10~1000μg/mL(R 2=0.999),回收率97.01%~100.83%(RSD<1.0%,n=3),精密度(RSD=0.13%,n=9)、重复性(RSD=0.45%,n=6)良好,主成分与各杂质峰分离良好。以主成分自身对照法计算,各杂质峰面积的和不得大于对照溶液主峰面积的0.1倍(0.1%)。该方法简便灵敏,结果准确可靠,可作兽用除虫脲原料药含量及有关杂质测定。     

Prevalence of intercurrent disease in dogs and cats presented for vaccination at a veterinary practice

A prospective study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of intercurrent disease in dogs and cats presented for vaccination in general practice. Fifty-two percent of animals were found to suffer from intercurrent disease and 3% had severe debilitating disease. A thorough clinical examination conducted at the time of routine vaccination appears to be an important element in maintaining companion animal health and welfare.     

不同规模牛场粪便无害化处理途径及技术

宁夏海原县等宁南地区肉牛产业发达,本文针对不同养殖规模的牛场,推荐适用于当地气候特点,经济耐用的牛场建设设计模式。为牛场建设提供技术参考和理论依据。     

海原县现代化肉牛场建设模式设计

宁夏海原县等宁南地区肉牛产业发达,本文针对不同养殖规模的牛场,推荐适用于当地气候特点,经济耐用的牛场建设设计模式。为牛场建设提供技术参考和理论依据。     

从中兽医学角度看非洲猪瘟防控

2018年8月非洲猪瘟在我国暴发以来,养猪企业在做好生物安全的基础上,纷纷尝试各种防控措施进行复养。中兽医学作为我国的传统兽医学,在非洲猪瘟防控中如何发挥其特有的作用？文章从中兽医学对疾病的认识以及防控传染性疾病的理念方面进行了分析,并给出应用中兽药防控非洲猪瘟的建议,以期为非洲猪瘟的防控工作提供一种新的思路。