Recurrent and persistent urinary tract infections in dogs: 383 cases (1969-1995)

Laboratory records of bacterial urine cultures from 383 dogs with recurrent or persistent urinary tract infections (UTI) diagnosed at the University of California Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH) between 1969 and 1995 were reviewed retrospectively to characterize the bacteria involved and their association with age, gender, and breed of dogs affected. Sixty-eight breeds and a mixed-breed group were represented. Escherichia coli was the most common isolate, although mixed-bacterial infections were seen in 58% of the female and 55% of the male dogs. Recurrent and persistent UTI were most prevalent in middle-aged to older German shepherd dogs, miniature/toy poodles, and Labrador retrievers, with no apparent sex predilection. Criteria fitting recurrent and persistent UTI were present in 0.3% of all dogs seen at the VMTH during this 26-year period.     

Risk factors associated with Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection in California horses

A case-control study was designed using equine medical records from the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH) and data derived through a mailed survey. The objective was to evaluate the associations between horse demographics, horse-management factors, and equine Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection in California. Horses admitted to the VMTH between July 1 1992 and June 30 1994 served as the study base for case identification and simple random sampling of 800 controls. A questionnaire was mailed to the owners of all horses enrolled in the study to collect data on demographics, management and health-related questions. A logistic-regression model containing age, outdoor activity level, other locations in California, insect-control measures, contact with other horses, and summer pasture was developed. The final model was adjusted for the suspected confounding variables admission type, regular teaching hospital patient and breed. Horses of age between 1 and 2 yrs and between 3 and 5 yrs, and horses in contact with other horses or horses on summer pasture had significantly increased odds (p<0.05) of being diagnosed with C. pseudotuberculosis infection. The results support the hypotheses that the disease predominantly affects young-adult horses of all breeds and both sexes, and that management factors play an important role in occurrence of the disease. Since the existing serological test system is not reliable and destruction of infected animals is not feasible, the most-logical approach for disease prevention is the early identification and isolation of clinical cases and the implementation of management changes like improvement of stable hygiene and insect control and change of pasture practices.     

Feline lymphoma in the post-feline leukemia virus era

Lymphoma (lymphosarcoma or malignant lymphoma) is the most common neoplasm of the hematopoietic system of cats and reportedly the cat has the highest incidence for lymphoma of any species. A 21-year retrospective survey of feline lymphoma covering the period 1983-2003 was conducted with the patient database at the Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital (VMTH) at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine. This period comprises the post-feline leukemia virus (FeLV) era. Feline lymphoma historically has been highly associated with retrovirus infection. Mass testing and elimination and quarantine programs beginning in the 1970s and vaccination programs in the 1980s dramatically reduced the subsequent FeLV infection rate among pet cats. The results of this survey confirm a significant decrease in the importance of FeLV-associated types of lymphoma in cats. In spite of this decrease in FeLV infection, the incidence of lymphoma in cats treated at the VMTH actually increased from 1982 to 2003. This increase was due largely to a rise in the incidence of intestinal lymphoma, and to a lesser degree, of atypical lymphoma. A high incidence of mediastinal lymphomas in young Siamese or Oriental breeds also was observed, supporting previous studies. Associations of intestinal lymphoma and inflammatory bowel disease and diet should be further considered.     

Giant unruptured aneurysm of the left sinus of Valsalva in the left ventricular outflow tract of a young dog

A young adult, 28 kg, intact female Siberian husky-mixed breed dog was presented to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH) Emergency Service for evaluation of a dysrhythmia and an abnormal cardiac structure. The dog had been adopted from an animal shelter approximately 3 months before presentation. The dog occasionally showed exercise intolerance, and the owners suspected that she had impaired vision. Initial clinical signs appeared 2 days before presentation during strenuous activity—the dog uncharacteristically stopped and lay down while tachypneic. The dog produced dark liquid feces and was lethargic and anorexic overnight.     

Ivermectin toxicity in 17 collies

Ivermectin is widely used in veterinary medicine as an anthelminthic and generally has a wide margin of safety, but Collies are prone to ivermectin toxicity. Two groups of Collies were presented to the University of California Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH) with ivermectin toxicity. The medical records of the 2 groups of Collies were reviewed retrospectively. Group I comprised 5 adult Collies that received at least 400 microg/kg ivermectin p.o. and were presented to the VMTH 3 hours after intoxication. These Collies showed marked clinical signs on presentation. Three of these dogs required mechanical ventilation and were euthanized for financial reasons; the remaining 2 dogs were comatose but recovered in 5-7 days. Group II was comprised of 12 adult Collies presented to the VMTH 2 days (n = 10) and 5 days (n = 2) after subcutaneous injection of 200-250 microg/kg ivermectin. These animals showed greater variation in severity of illness among individuals; 5 animals progressed to stupor or coma, whereas 4 animals remained ambulatory. Most of these dogs' clinical signs deteriorated from the day of intoxication until approximately day 6, from which time they showed gradual but steady improvement. All of the Collies in this group survived, but it took 3 weeks for most of them to recover. Collies suffering from ivermectin toxicity can have a severe and prolonged clinical course requiring intensive nursing care. Respiratory, cardiovascular, and nutritional support may all be required. With appropriate care, however, the prognosis for complete recovery is good.     

Application and evaluation of a mailed questionnaire for an epidemiologic study of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection in horses

The objective of this study is to describe the design, application and validity of a self-administered (mailed) questionnaire to collect data on potential risk factors for Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection in California horses. Horses admitted to the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH) between 1 July 1992 and 30 June 1994 served as the study base for case identification and simple random sampling of 800 control horses. A questionnaire was mailed to owners of the study horses, followed by a reminder postcard and a second copy of a questionnaire. Data were collected on owner and horse identity and demographics, horse management and use, geographic location, and general health-related issues. Return pattern over time as well as differential return proportions were described. The overall return proportion was 66% (587/890), and the completion proportion 55% (491/890). The number of returns over time followed a negative binomial distribution, with over 90% of all returns being in by the end of the fifth week after mailing, and over 99% at the end of the tenth week. Some categories within the variables age (between 2 and 3 years), breed (Thoroughbred and Standardbred horses) and gender (stallions) had significantly lower return proportions than expected (differential return; p<0.05). The profile of these horses fits a section of the racehorse population that is served by the VMTH. Age, breed and disease status information was available from the VMTH medical records and from the questionnaire, and was used to determine the validity of the survey data. There was good agreement between the data from the two sources, and we therefore concluded that the quality of the survey information was sufficient to perform a risk-factor analysis. The mailed survey provided a rapid and cost-effective method of collecting additional information to supplement existing medical records.     

Epidemiology of feline infectious peritonitis among cats examined at veterinary medical teaching hospitals

OBJECTIVE: To determine proportions of cats in which feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) was diagnosed on an annual, monthly, and regional basis and identify unique characteristics of cats with FIP. DESIGN: Case-control study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Records of all feline accessions to veterinary medical teaching hospitals (VMTH) recorded in the Veterinary Medical Data Base between January 1986 and December 1995 and of all feline accessions for necropsy or histologic examination at 4 veterinary diagnostic laboratories. PROCEDURE: Proportions of total and new feline accessions for which a diagnosis of FIP was recorded were calculated. To identify characteristics of cats with FIP, cats with FIP were compared with the next cat examined at the same institution (control cats). RESULTS: Approximately 1 of every 200 new feline and 1 of every 300 total feline accessions at VMTH in North America and approximately 1 of every 100 accessions at the diagnostic laboratories represented cats with FIP. Cats with FIP were significantly more likely to be young, purebred, and sexually intact males and significantly less likely to be spayed females and discharged alive than were control cats. The proportion of new accessions for which a diagnosis of FIP was recorded did not vary significantly among years, months, or regions of the country. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that FIP continues to be a clinically important disease in North America and that sexually intact male cats may be at increased risk, and spayed females at reduced risk, for FIP. The high prevalence of FIP and lack of effective treatment emphasizes the importance of preventive programs, especially in catteries.     

Plasma nitrate/nitrite concentrations in dogs with naturally developing sepsis and non-infectious forms of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome

The aim of this prospective observational study was to evaluate the differences in plasma nitrate/nitrite concentrations between dogs with sepsis and those with non-infectious forms of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Eighteen dogs with sepsis, 20 dogs with SIRS and 29 healthy control dogs were enrolled. Blood samples were obtained from the dogs within 12 hours of admission to the University of Missouri Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (MU VMTH) Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in lithium heparin blood tubes. Plasma nitrate/nitrite concentrations were measured using the Greiss reaction. Plasma nitrate/nitrite concentrations at presentation, clinical parameters, organ dysfunction and in-hospital mortality were compared between groups. Plasma total nitrate/nitrite was significantly greater in the sepsis group compared with the control group (P=0.005) and SIRS group (P=0.037). There was no statistical difference in plasma nitrate/nitrite concentration between the SIRS and control groups (P=0.489). The sensitivity was 66.7 per cent (95 per cent CI, 41 to 87 per cent) and the specificity was 75.5 per cent (95 per cent CI, 61 to 87 per cent) for differentiating dogs with sepsis from dogs without sepsis.     

Equine keratomycoses in California from 1987 to 2010 (47 cases)

Reasons for performing study: Equine keratomycosis in the western USA has received little study, probably owing to its low prevalence. Objectives: To determine clinical features, predominant fungal isolates, treatment modalities and outcomes of horses with keratomycosis in California and compare these with results from different geographic regions. Methods: Records of horses presented to the University of California‐Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (UCD‐VMTH) with confirmed keratomycosis between 1987 and 2010 were reviewed for this retrospective study. Information retrieved from the record included background, ophthalmic examination findings, treatment prior to and following presentation, visual outcome, and ocular survival. Results: A total of 48 eyes in 47 horses met the inclusion criteria and comprised 2% of cases presented to the UCD‐VMTH ophthalmology service. Prior to presentation, 20 horses (43%) received at least one topically administered anti‐inflammatory medication. Keratomycosis was confirmed by fungal culture in 38 horses (81%), by histopathology in 2 horses (4%) and by cytology in 7 horses (15%). Forty‐four isolates were identified in the 38 horses cultured; Aspergillus was the most common isolate (64%) and a novel isolate, Papulospora, was identified in 2 horses. Treatment consisted of medication only (73%), medical and surgical treatment (25%), or immediate enucleation (2%). Globe retention was 77% and vision retention was 53%. Corneal perforation was significantly associated with loss of vision (P<0.001). Conclusions: Keratomycosis is relatively uncommon in horses presented for ophthalmic conditions at UCD‐VMTH. Corneal perforation was a negative prognostic indicator for vision in this population of northern Californian horses.     

Enrofloxacin resistance in Escherichia coli isolated from dogs with urinary tract infections

OBJECTIVE: To assess the strain heterogeneity of enrofloxacin-resistant Escherichia coli associated with urinary tract infections in dogs at a veterinary medical teaching hospital (VMTH). In addition, strains from other veterinary hospitals in California were compared with the VMTH strains to assess the geographic distribution of specific enrofloxacin-resistant E. coli isolates. DESIGN: Bacteriologic study. SAMPLE POPULATION: 56 isolates of E. coli from urine samples (43 isolates from dogs at the VMTH, 13 isolates from dogs from other veterinary clinics in California). PROCEDURES: Pulsed field gel electrophoresis was performed on 56 isolates of E. coli from urine samples from 56 dogs. All 56 isolates were tested for susceptibility to amoxicillin, chloramphenicol, enrofloxacin, tetracycline, trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole, cephalexin, and ampicillin. Enrofloxacin usage data from 1994 to 1998 were obtained from the VMTH pharmacy. RESULTS: Several strains of enrofloxacin-resistant E. coli were collected from urine samples from the VMTH, and strains identical to those from the VMTH were collected from other veterinary clinics in California. For the isolates that did share similar DNA banding patterns, variable antibiotic resistance profiles were observed. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The increased occurrence of enrofloxacin-resistant E. coli from urine samples from dogs at the VMTH was not likely attributable to a single enrofloxacin-resistant clone but may be attributed to a collective increase in enrofloxacin resistance among uropathogenic E. coli in dogs in general.     

Mediastinal lymphoma in a young Turkish Angora cat

An 8-month old intact male Turkish Angora cat was referred to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH), Seoul National University, for an evaluation of anorexia and severe dyspnea. The thoracic radiographs revealed significant pleural effusion. A cytology evaluation of the pleural fluid strongly suggested a lymphoma containing variable sized lymphocytes with frequent mitotic figures and prominent nucleoli. The feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus tests were negative. The cat was euthanized at his owner''s request and a necropsy was performed. A mass was detected on the mediastinum and lung lobes. A histopathology evaluation confirmed the mass to be a lymphoma. Immunohistochemistry revealed the mass to be CD3 positive. In conclusion, the cat was diagnosed as a T-cell mediastinal lymphoma.     

Silica-Containing Urinary Calculi in Dogs (1981–1993)

Silica-containing urinary calculi obtained from 773 dogs and submitted by veterinarians throughout the United States were analyzed by quantitative crystallographic analysis to determine mineral composition. Specimens were composed of either multiple mineral layers (535 specimens) or 1 mineral layer (238 specimens). Most multiple-layer calculi were composed of 80% or greater silica (300 of 535, 56%) or 20% to 79% silica (184 of 535, 34%) in any mineral layer. Most 1–layer calculi were composed of 100% silica (212 of 238, 89%). Most dogs forming silica-containing calculi were of male gender (679 of 773, 88%). Bacterial cultures of calculus or urine or both were performed on 49% (376 of 773) of the specimens, and bacterial growth was obtained from 37% (139 of 376) of samples cultured. The prevalence of calculus-associated urinary tract infection was 35% (113 of 321) in males and 47% (26 of 55) in females. The gender prevalence for infection with Staphylococcus species was 16% (51 of 321) in males and 33% (18 of 55) in females. The breed and gender of dogs that formed calculi (silica population) were compared with the hospital population (Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital [VMTH] population) and with a population of calculus-forming dogs (Stonelab population) to determine risk factors for silica calculus formation. For all breeds compared, the ratio of males to females was higher in the silica population. The German Shepherd Dog and Old English Sheepdog were significantly overrepresented when the silica population was compared with either the VMTH population or the Stonelab population. We conclude that male German Shepherd Dogs and Old English Sheepdogs are at increased risk for formation of silica-containing urinary calculi.     

Chronic oral infections of cats and their relationship to persistent oral carriage of feline calici-, immunodeficiency, or leukemia viruses.

Two hundred and twenty-six cats from the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH), a cat shelter, and a purebred cattery were tested for chronic feline calicivirus (FCV), feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infections. Chronic oral carriage of FCV was present in about one-fifth of the cats in each of the groups. FIV infection was not present in the purebred cattery, was moderately prevalent (8%) in the pet population of cats examined at the VMTH for various complaints and was rampant in the cat shelter (21%). Unexpectedly high FeLV infection rates were found in the hospital cat population (28%) and in the purebred cattery (36%), but not in the cat shelter (1.4%). FCV and FeLV infections tended to occur early in life, whereas FIV infections tended to occur in older animals. From 43 to 100% of the cats in these environments had oral cavity disease ranging from mild gingivitis (23-46%), proliferative gingivitis (18-20%), periodontitis (3-32%) and periodontitis with involvement of extra-gingival tissues (7-27%). Cats infected solely with FCV did not have a greater likelihood of oral lesions, or more severe oral disease, than cats that were totally virus free. This was also true for cats infected solely with FeLV, or for cats dually infected with FeLV and FCV. Cats infected solely with FIV appeared to have a greater prevalence of oral cavity infections and their oral cavity disease tended to be more severe than cats without FIV infection. FIV-infected cats that were coinfected with either FCV, or with FCV and FeLV, had the highest prevalence of oral cavity infections and the most severe oral lesions.     

Bronchointerstitial Pneumonia and Respiratory Distress in Young Horses: Clinical, Clinicopathologic, Radiographic, and Pathological Findings in 23 Cases (1984–1989)

Twenty-three foals, between 1 and 7 months old, with signs of acute respiratory distress, were examined at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH), University of California, Davis, between 1984 and 1989. Characteristic features included sudden onset of severe respiratory distress and tachypnea, cyanosis unresponsive to nasal oxygen, pyrexia, hypoxemia, hypercapneic respiratory acidosis, poor response to treatment, and histopathologic lesions of bronchiolitis and bronchointerstitial pneumonia. Seven of the 23 foals were normal before the onset of respiratory distress, 3 foals were found dead, aqd 13 foals were being treated for respiratory tract infections at the time of presentation. Laboratory data obtained for 13 horses showed increased plasma fibrinogen concentration (630.7 ±193 mg/dL), leukocy-tosis (18,607 ± 7,784/μL), and neutrophilia (13,737 ± 8,211/μL). Thoracic radiographs showed a diffuse increase in interstitial and bronchointerstitial pulmonary opacity and, in 5 foals, an alveolar pulmonary pattern of increased density was also seen. In 3 foals heavy interstitial infiltration proceeded to a coalescing nodular radiographic appearance. Microbiological culture of tracheobronchial aspirates (TBA) from 9 foals yielded bacterial growth, but no one bacterial species was consistently isolated. Microbiological culture of postmortem specimens of the lung from 6 foals yielded growth of bacteria that included Escherichia coli, Enterobacter spp., Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumonias, Rhodococcus equi, or β-hemolytic Streptococcus spp. Tracheobronchial aspirates from 4 foals and lung samples collected from a further 4 foals at necropsy yielded no bacterial growth. Cultures were not taken from two foals premortem or postmortem. Virologic examination of TBA, lung tissue, or pooled organ tissue from 12 foals was negative. Viral culture of TBA from 1 foal showed cytopathic effects and positive immunoflu-orescence for equine herpes virus type II (EHV-II). In addition to the 3 foals that were found dead, 11 foals died or were euthanatized. Pathologic lesions were limited to the lungs in 50% of the foals; the remainder also had bowel lesions suggestive of hypoxic injury. The predominant histopathologic pulmonary lesions included bronchiolitis, bronchiolar and alveolar epithelial hyperplasia, and necrosis. Many bronchioles were filled with mucoid and fibrinocellular exudate. The peribronchiolar interstitium and adjacent alveolar spaces were also infiltrated with inflammatory cells and contained proteinaceous edema fluid. Type II cell hyperplasia and hyaline membrane formation were observed in the majority of foals and in 2 foals alveolar multinucleate giant cells were also present. Nine of 13 foals (69%) on which treatment was attempted at the VMTH survived after aggressive medical care that included external thermoregulatory control, oxygen by nasal insufflation, antimicrobial drugs, bronchodilating agents, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroids. Persistent radiographic evidence of increased interstitial density was noted up to 24 months after initial presentation, and one horse remained exercise intolerant for at least 15 months after discharge. The exact etiopathogenesis of this disorder and long-term sequalae in the survivors have yet to be fully determined. However, it is likely that a number of different insults rather than a single agent may initiate the pulmonary damage that leads to severe interstitial pneumonia and subsequent acute respiratory distress or apparent sudden death in foals. (Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 1993; 7:277–288. Copyright © 1993 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.)     

Prevalence of and risk factors for isolation of meticillin‐resistant Staphylococcus spp. from dogs with pyoderma in northern California,USA

Background – Canine pyodermas associated with meticillin‐resistant Staphylococcus spp. (MRS) have increased in prevalence over the past decade. Hypothesis/Objectives – To compare the prevalence of MRS isolation from dogs with superficial pyoderma at a primary care clinic (PCC) and those at a tertiary care facility (VMTH) in California, USA, and identify associated risk factors. Animals – Client‐owned dogs from the VMTH (80 dogs) and the PCC (30 dogs). Methods – Aerobic bacterial culture and antibiotic susceptibility were performed on swab specimens collected from dogs, and meticillin resistance was determined using microdilution methods according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. A mecA gene PCR assay was used to confirm meticillin resistance when possible. Results – Of 89 staphylococcal isolates from the VMTH, 34 (38.2%) were meticillin resistant. In 31 dogs, pyoderma persisted, and one or more follow‐up isolates were obtained. The species isolated and drug susceptibility changed unpredictably during treatment. Of 33 PCC isolates, nine (27.3%) were meticillin resistant. Multiple drug resistance was identified in 41 of 53 (77.3%) MRS isolates from the VMTH and five of nine from the PCC. The sensitivity and specificity of PCR for the detection of meticillin resistance was 34 of 39 (87%) and 86 of 87 (99%), respectively. Risk factors for meticillin resistance for both sites were antibiotic treatment within the last year (P = 0.001), and for VMTH, hospitalization of dogs within the last year (P = 0.001). Conclusions and clinical importance – The prevalence of meticillin resistance was not different between VMTH and PCC isolates (P = 0.29). Previous antimicrobial therapy was an important risk factor for the isolation of MRS at both sites.     

Surgical correction of congenital entropion in related Boer goat kids using a combination Hotz‐Celsus and lateral eyelid wedge resection procedure

Five related Boer goat kids (≤4 months of age) were presented to the University of Missouri, Veterinary Teaching Hospital (MU‐VMTH) with epiphora and blepharospasm of several weeks duration and commencing prior to 1 month of age in all animals. Clinical examination confirmed euryblepharon and entropion bilaterally in two females and one male and unilaterally in two female kids. Deep stromal corneal ulceration was present in two eyes, and corneal granulation tissue and fibrosis were present in half (5/10) the affected eyes. A combination Hotz‐Celsus and lateral eyelid wedge resection procedure was performed on all affected eyelids. Recheck examinations and long‐term follow‐up confirmed resolution of the entropion, preservation of normal eyelid conformation, and restoration of ocular comfort. Pedigree analysis ruled out sex‐linked and autosomal dominant inheritance patterns; a specific mode of inheritance could not be determined. The Boer goat breed may be at increased risk for the development of entropion. This cases series represents the first report of entropion in the caprine species.     

Platelet function defect in a thoroughbred filly

A2-year-old Thoroughbred filly presented to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH) at the University of California, Davis, for evaluation of a bleeding disorder. The bleeding tendency was 1st noted 3 weeks before presentation on the morning after the horse was pin fired. Prolonged bleeding was noted after intramuscular injection of procaine penicillin G, and the trainer noted blood from the horse's right nostril 2 days before presentation. The filly had been seen by a referral practice, which found a prolonged prothrombin time but no other problems. The horse received an injection of vitamin K intravenously the day before presentation. The current owners purchased the horse ˜1 year before the initial bleeding episode, during which time she had not injured herself or had any intramuscular injections. The filly had received 1 dose PO of a dexamethasone (5 mg) and trichlormethiazide (200 mg) combination^a and 1 or 2 doses of phenylbutazone (unknown amount) but had not received aspirin. The exact dates of administration of these drugs were not known, but they were not within the week before presentation. She had never bled from venipuncture sites     

兽用中药配方颗粒产业化创新研究

为探索开展兽用中药配方颗粒产业化创新,通过分析兽用中药配方颗粒应用基础、品种目标、产业化关键技术,提出了充分借鉴医药领域中药配方颗粒生产、管理经验,建立兽用中药配方颗粒管理体系的建议措施,以促进兽用中药产业化模式创新,满足养殖业高质量发展需求。     

Accreditation of veterinary schools in Australia and New Zealand

Veterinary schools in Australia and New Zealand are assessed for accreditation purposes every six years by the Veterinary Schools Accreditation Advisory Committee (VSAAC), which is a standing committee of the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC).1 Prior to undertaking an assessment, VSAAC requests a Self Evaluation Report from the school and subsequently spends a week on site to collect additional information. The committee also takes into consideration other quality assurance procedures within the university and aims for a process that complements other evaluation activities. Internal evaluation procedures within VSAAC are designed to reflect the process and outcomes of each visit and lead to annual revisions of the publication Policies, Procedures and Guidelines publication. The committee has close links with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), and there is a routine exchange of observers on all visits in the United Kingdom and Australasia. In recent years VSAAC has become increasingly interested in looking at ways to place greater emphasis on the outcomes of veterinary education and, eventually, to reduce our reliance on input measures. There has been good progress in identifying desirable attributes for veterinary graduates, but further work is needed to establish the reliability of assessment procedures. The Australasian accreditation system is very supportive of recent moves to achieve greater compatibility of veterinary accreditation systems in different parts of the world because we believe it has the potential to assist globalization of animal disease control and veterinary education.     

社会需求与兽医系统实验室能力提升

兽医系统实验室在指导动物疫病防控、维护公共卫生安全等方面占有举足轻重的地位。随着动物疫病防控工作的不断深化,加强兽医系统实验室能力建设显得尤为紧迫。本文着重介绍了近年来重庆市兽医实验室体系建设的一些实践措施,以期为其他省份兽医系统实验室的进一步发展提供参考。