Resolution of hypertrophic osteopathy in a 2‐year‐old filly

This article reports the successful management of a 2‐year‐old Thoroughbred filly that presented with clinical signs of hypertrophic osteopathy, diffuse granulomatous dermatitis, lethargy and inappetence. An infectious primary focus was suspected due to an elevated white blood cell count (WBC), marked neutrophilia and dramatically increased serum amyloid A (SAA) and plasma fibrinogen levels. After failure to respond to a range of antimicrobial treatments, an actinomycetes bacterial infection, such as Mycobacterium avium or Rhodococcus equi, was suspected and the horse was started on rifampicin and clarithromycin treatment, which resulted in a rapid and pronounced improvement in clinical signs. After 10 weeks of treatment the skeletal manifestations had regressed, both clinically and radiographically, in addition to normalisation of the WBC count, SAA and fibrinogen levels.     

Pulmonary metastatectomy in the management of four dogs with hypertrophic osteopathy

The efficacy and outcome of pulmonary metastatectomy in the management of hypertrophic osteopathy (HO) secondary to metastatic osteosarcoma was retrospectively evaluated in four dogs. Metastatectomy was performed by subpleural enucleation, partial lung lobectomy or complete lung lobectomy through either a median sternotomy or thoracoscopically. Perioperative morbidity was minimal. Clinical signs associated with HO resolved within 24 h of pulmonary metastatectomy in all dogs. Durable remission of symptomatic HO was achieved in all dogs (range, 50–294 days), although recurrence of HO was noted in one dog, 246 days postmetastatectomy due to metastasis to the lungs and chest wall. Pulmonary metastatectomy resulted in a rapid and prolonged resolution of HO, and the clinical benefits of metastatectomy potentially exceed the morbidity associated with the surgical procedure.     

A review of 14 cases of hypertrophic osteopathy (Marie's disease) in horses in the Republic of Ireland

There are few reports describing hypertrophic osteopathy (HO) in horses and no reports describing this in the Irish equine population. This case series outlines the clinical, radiological and pathological features of HO in horses in Ireland and compares and contrasts the findings to previous reports. Overall, the prevalence of HO in Irish horses was found to be low with clinical signs similar to previous reports. Diagnosis of the primary lesion was low, largely due to the limited diagnostic evaluation in a large proportion of the horses evaluated. The horses had a low average age and a high prevalence (35.5%) of mandibular and facial involvement.     

Granulosa thecal cell tumour in a mare causing hypertrophic osteopathy

Hypertrophic osteopathy (HO) is a rare condition in the horse characterised by symmetrical proliferation of connective tissue and subperiosteal bone, along the diaphyses of limb bones. In this case, a 10‐year‐old Irish Draught cross Thoroughbred mare was presented for investigation of weight loss, lethargy and firm swelling of all 4 distal limbs. Radiographs of the distal limbs revealed palisade‐like periosteal new bone formation perpendicular to the cortex of the distal third metacarpal and metatarsal bones, proximal (P1) and mid (P2) phalanges. Rectal examination revealed a mass of approximately 20 x 30 cm in the right caudoventral abdomen. The mare was diagnosed with HO due to a granulosa thecal cell (GTC) tumour. The GTC tumour was removed and the diagnosis confirmed on histological examination. Clinical examination and radiographs of the distal limbs after surgery demonstrated reduction in size of the limb swellings and new bone formation. To the authors' knowledge this is the first report of HO due to a GTC tumour in a mare.     

Longitudinal study of Australian stringhalt cases in France

Seventy horses with clinical evidence of Australian stringhalt were studied in France from 2003 to 2008. All horses but one had history of bilateral stringhalt and grazed pastures infested with Hypochoeris radicata (L.). They displayed hind limbs hyperflexion and an abnormal gait because of a distal axonopathy with a skeletal muscle denervation and atrophy. Fifty percentage of them recovered spontaneously in 8 months, and only the more affected horses were unable to recover even if they looked healthy on dry and hot days. Clinical troubles revealed also depression or aggressive behaviour, suggesting that central nervous system might be affected. Treatment with phenytoin resulted in a rapid noticeable improvement of stringhalt in some horses but the administration of taurine seems to improve behavioural disorders. Deeply affected horses (grade III and more of Huntington’s classification at the beginning) must be treated with phenytoin when the weather is muddy and damp because they still display stringhalt when they are afraid or at the beginning of the work.     

Communicating the risks of handling bats: analysing approaches used by Australian stakeholders in the context of Australian bat lyssavirus

Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) is a member of the Lyssavirus genus of the Rhabdoviridae family and is found in Australian bat species. It is of public health concern because of the rabies-like syndrome it causes in humans, resulting in government health and wildlife agencies using varied communication approaches to inform targeted audiences about zoonotic risks associated with handling bats. Despite these warnings, the number of reports of human-bat interactions remains high. This paper details a survey conducted to analyse the approaches utilised by a range of stakeholders to educate and communicate warnings to their target audiences. The survey focused on identifying the target audiences, communication methods used, along with the message frequency, content, and perceived effectiveness. Analysis of the top three messages delivered by stakeholders revealed that over half were information-focused messages and over a third, instruction-focused. Stakeholders identified the need to balance messaging about bat handling risks with information regarding the vulnerable status of bats and their environmental significance. Whilst the most common and (perceived) effective method of communication was one-on-one discussions, it was also identified to be ineffective for targeting mass audiences leading stakeholders to recognise the need to adapt to more efficient means of communication. The outcomes of this study may be useful to improve risk communication strategies regarding ABLV in Australia.     

Paraneoplastic manifestations of cancer in horses

Paraneoplastic manifestations of cancer, probably under‐recognised in equine clinical practice, are often observed before the underlying primary disease is identified. This review provides a summary of paraneoplastic phenomena that have been reported in horses. The inclusion of paraneoplastic explanations in the differential diagnosis of common and challenging clinical problems should lead to earlier diagnosis and greater chance for successful therapeutic outcomes. In some cases, alterations in the clinical severity of paraneoplastic signs can be used as indicators of disease progression or response to treatment.     

Computed tomographic findings in three dogs naturally infected with Crenosoma vulpis

Crenosoma vulpis is a nematode lungworm found in wild and domestic canids in some parts of North America and Europe. Reported radiographic findings are nonspecific and consist of a combination of bronchial and interstitial changes of variable severity. This retrospective, case series study aimed to describe thoracic computed tomographic (CT) findings for a group of dogs with confirmed crenosomosis. Selection criteria were presentation with a chronic cough during the period of January 2016 to February 2017, evaluation by thoracic CT, and final diagnosis of C. vulpis infection based on bronchoscopic findings, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid analysis, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Medical records and CT images were retrieved and reviewed by a board‐certified veterinary internist, a veterinary internal medicine resident, two board‐certified veterinary radiologists, and a veterinary radiology intern, and findings were recorded. Three dogs met inclusion criteria. Thoracic CT findings for all dogs included the following: diffuse bronchial wall thickening, multifocal peribronchial ground glass attenuation, consolidation of the pulmonary parenchyma, and cylindrical bronchiectasis. In two dogs, the bronchial wall thickening was irregular to nodular, which was consistent with the bronchoscopic findings. Two dogs showed pulmonary parenchymal bands. Thoracic computed tomographic changes in dogs with C. vulpis are consistent with those seen on thoracic radiographs and crenosomosis should be considered in dogs with these findings.     

Potential exposure to Australian bat lyssavirus is unlikely to prevent future bat handling among adults in South East Queensland

Despite ongoing public health messages about the risks associated with bat contact, the number of potential exposures to Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) due to intentional handling by members of the general public in Queensland has remained high. We sought to better understand the reasons for intentional handling among these members of the public who reported their potential exposure to inform future public health messages. We interviewed adults who resided in a defined geographic area in South East Queensland and notified potential exposure to ABLV due to intentional handling of bats by telephone between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2013. The participation rate was 54%. Adults who reported they had intentionally handled bats in South East Queensland indicated high levels of knowledge and perception of a moderately high risk associated with bats with overall low intentions to handle bats in the future. However, substantial proportions of people would attempt to handle bats again in some circumstances, particularly to protect their children or pets. Fifty‐two percent indicated that they would handle a bat if a child was about to pick up or touch a live bat, and 49% would intervene if a pet was interacting with a bat. Future public health communications should recognize the situations in which even people with highrisk perceptions of bats will attempt to handle them. Public health messages currently focus on avoidance of bats in all circumstances and recommend calling in a trained vaccinated handler, but messaging directed at adults for circumstances where children or pets may be potentially exposed should provide safe immediate management options.     

Oral doxycycline, niacinamide and prednisolone used to treat bilateral nodular granulomatous conjunctivitis of the third eyelid in an Australian Kelpie dog

A 5-year-old, female neutered, Australian Kelpie presented with a 2-month history of dramatic bilateral erythematous thickening of the third eyelids. Ophthalmic examination demonstrated raised, pink to red, irregular thickening of the entire palpebral surface of both third eyelids. There were no other ocular abnormalities. A surgical biopsy was taken from each third eyelid. Histopathologic examination revealed sheets of macrophages, plasma cells, lymphocytes, and occasional fibroblasts and neutrophils infiltrating the third eyelid stroma. A diagnosis of chronic granulomatous conjunctivitis was made. Grossly and histopathologically this case closely resembles previously described cases of nodular granulomatous conjunctivitis involving the third eyelids of Collie dogs. This report describes an unusual case of nodular granulomatous conjunctivitis isolated to the third eyelids in an Australian Kelpie. Resolution of the condition was achieved with a combination of oral doxycycline, niacinamide and prednisolone.     

澳洲和牛超数排卵与体内胚胎生产的影响因素研究

旨在研究不同发育阶段(青年和经产牛)、同期方法、促卵泡素(follicle-stimulating hormone,FSH)剂量、超排次数等因素对澳洲和牛供体超数排卵(简称超排)和体内胚胎生产效率的影响.本试验共选用38头青年和牛(16?20月龄)和42头经产和牛(胎次=1)进行超排处理,分别统计每头供体牛回收的总胚胎...     

A retrospective evaluation of congenital ocular defects in Australian Shepherd dogs in Australia

OBJECTIVE: A retrospective survey of ocular defects in Australian Shepherd dogs was conducted following concerns raised by breeders and owners in Australia. This is the first known such study conducted for this breed. RESULTS: Data from this survey indicate that persistent hyaloid remnants (PHR) were the most common eye defect noted in the Australian Shepherd. Collie eye anomaly (CEA) is the second most common defect noted by veterinary ophthalmologists in the breed in Australia, and extra eyelashes (ectopic cilia/distichia) the third most common. CONCLUSIONS: The data also support the hypothesis that PHR may be inherited in this breed. Further investigation is needed to reveal the status of PHR in this breed.     

Experimental induction of fasting hypoglycaemia and fatty liver syndrome in three Yorkshire terrier pups

Summary

Eight hours fasting in Yorkshire terrier pups resulted in marked variation of blood glucose, showing both hypo‐ en hyperglycaemia. Prolonged fasting in three Yorkshire terrier pups resulted in hypoglycaemia with concomittant ketosis and steatosis of the liver. The hypoglycaemia was associated with decreasing insulin and increasing glucagon and cortisol levels. This is in contrast to fasting adult dogs, which maintain glucohomeostasis and show only slightly decreased insulin levels, normal glucagon levels and a moderate increase of plasma ketone bodies. The reaction to an eight hour fasting period in the Yorkshire terrier pups is thought to be related to inadequate gluconeogenesis and diminished insulin production and/ or release. The different reaction to prolonged fasting, compared to adult dogs and pups of larger breeds, seems related to inadequate gluconeogenesis and results in hypoglycaemia, a ketogenic hormonal setting and steatosis of the liver. Frequent feeding of a high‐energy, protein‐rich diet to both mother and pups may prevent toy‐breed pups from developing hypoglycaemia and may help them to overcome periods with a decreased intake of energy.     

Thoracic actinomycosis (arcanobacteriosis) or nocardiosis causing thoracic pyogranuloma formation in three dogs

OBJECTIVE: To describe three cases of canine thoracic actinomycosis (arcanobacteriosis) or nocardiosis in which the primary pathological lesion was a pyogranulomatous abscess in the mediastinum. Clinical signs, difficulties in diagnosis, treatment and prognosis are examined. Comparisons are made between human and veterinary literature to assist in formulating a rational treatment plan. DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. PROCEDURE: Review of case records from 1984 to 1998. RESULTS: Three dogs presented with large intrathoracic pyogranulomas producing variable clinical signs, not necessarily associated with the respiratory tract. Ages ranged from 2 to 5 years old. Two dogs responded to surgical opening and passive drainage of the abscess, or surgical excision of the granuloma with associated structures, and medical therapy. One dog died intra-operatively. CONCLUSION: A combination of surgical and antimicrobial therapy may carry a fair-to-good prognosis for thoracic granuloma caused by actinomycosis (arcanobacteriosis) or nocardiosis. The extent of surgery should be based on assessment of individual cases and must include surgical biopsy for histology and culture to enable a specific diagnosis to be made. Complete surgical excision is not necessarily required. Prolonged antimicrobial therapy is indicated.