Dirofilaria immitis in cats from inner Sydney

Two hundred feral cats from the inner suburbs of Sydney were examined post mortem for adult Dirofilaria immitis and circulating microfilariae, and 101 of these cats were tested for heartworm antigens by an ELISA. Only 2 cats (1%) had adult heartworms, the blood sample from another cat contained a single microfilaria. The blood of a further three cats contained small amounts of D immitis antigen. Although D immitis occurs in cats in Sydney, the prevalence is not high enough to warrant prophylactic treatment.     

Book Reviews

Book reviewed in this article:
Saunders Manual of Small Animal Practice Birchard SJ, Sherding RG.
Veterinary Clinical Sciences The University of Sydney Sydney, Australia Veterinary Medicine—A Textbook of the Diseases of Cattle, Sheep, Pigs, Goats, and Horses Radostits OM, Gay CC, Blood DC, Hinchcliff KW.     

The prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs in Sydney

Four hundred and four dogs from 9 pounds in Sydney were examined for circulating microfilariae and antigens of Dirofilaria immitis. One hundred of these were also examined post mortem for adult heartworms. The prevalence of infection in the 404 dogs as shown by serology was 11.4%, and 5.9% had circulating microfilariae of D immitis. Adult heartworms were present in 15 of 100 dogs. Dipetalonema reconditum microfilariae were present in 3.7% of dogs. Dirofilariosis is still a common and important parasite of dogs in the Sydney region and chemoprophylaxis is recommended.     

Isolation and characterisation of an H3N8 equine influenza virus in Australia, 2007

Before 2007, equine influenza had never been diagnosed in Australia. On 22 August 2007, infection was confirmed in horses at Eastern Creek Animal Quarantine Station near Sydney. The virus subsequently isolated (A/equine/Sydney/2888-8/2007) was confirmed by sequence analysis of the haemagglutinin (HA) gene as an H3 virus of the variant American Florida lineage that is now referred to as Clade 1. The HA sequence of the virus was identical to that of a virus isolated from a contemporaneous outbreak in Japan and showed high homology to viruses circulating in North America.     

Book Reviews

Book reviewed in this article:
Anaesthesia and Intensive Care. Proceeding No. 62 of the Post graduate Committee in Veterinary Science of the University of Sydney.
Veterinary Anaesthesia. Proceedings No 62A of the Post-graduate Committee in Veterinary Science of the University of Sydney.
General Veterinary Pathology. 2nd Edn R. G. Thomson.     

Soft tissue sarcomas and mast cell tumours in dogs; clinical behaviour and response to surgery

OBJECTIVE: To characterise the types of canine soft tissue sarcoma and mast cell tumour treated surgically at the University Veterinary Centre, Sydney. To evaluate the success of surgical treatment of these tumours and identify variables predictive of local recurrence and survival. To establish whether conclusions drawn from previous international studies are applicable to the University Veterinary Centre, Sydney, dog population and vice versa. DESIGN: Clinical presentation and results of surgical excision of 54 soft tissue sarcomas and 70 mast cell tumours affecting the trunk and limbs of dogs at the University Veterinary Centre, Sydney, between 1989 and 2001 were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Cross-bred dogs and Rhodesian Ridgebacks were at significantly greater risk of developing soft tissue sarcomas, and Boxers, Australian Cattle Dogs and Staffordshire Bull Terriers were at significantly greater risk of developing mast cell tumours than other breeds. Fine needle aspiration biopsy yielded a correct diagnosis in 62.5% of soft tissue sarcomas and 96% of mast cell tumours. Local recurrence was encountered after surgical excision in 7.4% of soft tissue sarcomas and 7.3% of mast cell tumours. Metastasis occurred in 6% of soft tissue sarcomas and 12% of mast cell tumours. The most significant risk factors for local recurrence were contaminated surgical margins (soft tissue sarcomas) and histological grade (mast cell tumours). Due to the low number of animals experiencing metastasis, no conclusions could be drawn about significant risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Aggressive surgical management of soft tissue sarcomas and mast cell tumours is associated with a low incidence of local recurrence. The type, location and behaviour of mast cell tumours and soft tissue sarcomas in the population of dogs presented to the University Veterinary Centre, Sydney are similar to those reported by others.     

Effect of declining owned-cat population on veterinary practices in Sydney

OBJECTIVES: To investigate relationships between declining owned-cat populations and cat-related clinical work and practice activities. DESIGN: Sydney practitioners were interviewed, and practice records were examined, from small animal veterinary practices (n = 56) in Sydney. Using data that covered a 4 year period, the age distribution of cats was examined and associated trends in cat-related clinical work were analysed. RESULTS: Important changes in the pet population attending veterinary practices were found, with 38.2% of respondents reporting a fall in cat desexings from 1996 to 2000. CONCLUSIONS: While economic impact could not be determined, the qualitative data demonstrated that the majority of practices in the survey were active in the promotion of cat ownership. The study provides a useful model for future investigations. To facilitate this process and to enhance principals' knowledge of their practice's population dynamics, we advocate a minimum standard of data collection that records week-by-week activities and the deaths of pets.     

Prevalence of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease in Persian cats and related-breeds in Sydney and Brisbane

OBJECTIVE: A form of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease has been identified in Persian cats and related breeds. Two features make elimination of this disease from future generations an achievable goal: the autosomal dominant mode of inheritance and the availability of a noninvasive technique, renal ultrasonography, to identify affected cats. The aims of this study were; to determine the prevalence of the disease in Persian cats and related breeds in Sydney and Brisbane, to determine any effect of domicile and breed on disease prevalence, to alert veterinary practitioners to the prevalence of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease and to propose methods of eliminating the disease from future generations of cattery-bred cats. DESIGN: To be included in this scheme, cats had to be of Persian or related breed and be older than 10 months-of-age. Younger cats were excluded because of the increased likelihood of a false negative result. Renal ultrasonography was performed using either a Medison 600 with a 7.5 MHz mechanical sector scanner (n = 228, Brisbane) or using an ATL UltraMark-9 with a 5 to 10 MHz linear array transducer (n = 92, Sydney). The effects of domicile (Sydney versus Brisbane) and breed on the prevalence of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease were tested using two-tailed Fisher's Exact tests. RESULTS: A total of 320 cats were tested comprising 230 Persians, 48 Himalayans, 17 Exotics, 14 Burmillas, 6 Ragdolls and 5 Chinchillas. The prevalence of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease in Sydney (45%) and Brisbane (42%) was comparable and no sex predilection was identified. The disease was not detected in Ragdolls, although only a small number was tested. Two of 14 Burmilla cats were positive (14%), demonstrating that long hair coat and brachycephalic features do not segregate with the polycystic kidney disease trait. CONCLUSION: These results show that the prevalence of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease amongst purebred, long-haired cats in Australia is currently very high. Ultrasound detection schemes are easy to establish and breeder participation can be encouraged through subsidisation.     

Effect of different methods of selection on the background, attitudes and career plans of first year veterinary students

OBJECTIVES: To compare the family, educational and animal-related backgrounds and career aspirations of students who were selected on the basis of academic criteria with those selected using additional criteria. METHODS: Questionnaires were completed during class time in the first few weeks of enrolment by incoming veterinary students at the University of Sydney, who had been selected on the basis of academic background, and at Charles Sturt University, selected using more broadly-based criteria. The data were transferred to an Excel spreadsheet, and frequency distributions and chi2 statistics estimated using the SAS System for Windows 8. RESULTS: Students selected principally on academic criteria alone had higher average UAI scores, were more likely to have completed high school in a capital city, and to have parents with higher education levels than those selected using additional criteria. Both groups indicated that their choice of veterinary science was based largely on their affinity for animals and keenness to work in a veterinary practice. However, those at CSU placed much greater importance than those at Sydney on a desire to live and work in a rural area, and a desire to help farmers. The broad-based selection methods were the main reasons for students applying to CSU whereas the reputation of the university was the main attraction for Sydney students. Two-thirds of CSU students, but one-third of Sydney students, planned to enter rural mixed practice when they graduated, and most planned to stay for at least 10 years. Conversely, no CSU students, but 42% of those at Sydney, planned to enter small animal practice initially. The percentage planning to work full-time in the first, fifth and tenth year after graduation was not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Criteria which included actual experience with farm animals have resulted in the selection of more students who plan to enter and remain in rural mixed practice. Further studies over the longer term will be necessary to assess the extent to which these plans are realized.     

Comparison of two modern vaccines and previous influenza infection against challenge with an equine influenza virus from the Australian 2007 outbreak

During 2007, large outbreaks of equine influenza (EI) caused by Florida sublineage Clade 1 viruses affected horse populations in Japan and Australia. The likely protection that would be provided by two modern vaccines commercially available in the European Union (an ISCOM-based and a canarypox-based vaccine) at the time of the outbreaks was determined. Vaccinated ponies were challenged with a representative outbreak isolate (A/eq/Sydney/2888-8/07) and levels of protection were compared. A group of ponies infected 18 months previously with a phylogenetically-related isolate from 2003 (A/eq/South Africa/4/03) was also challenged with the 2007 outbreak virus. After experimental infection with A/eq/Sydney/2888-8/07, unvaccinated control ponies all showed clinical signs of infection together with virus shedding. Protection achieved by both vaccination or long-term immunity induced by previous exposure to equine influenza virus (EIV) was characterised by minor signs of disease and reduced virus shedding when compared with unvaccinated control ponies. The three different methods of virus titration in embryonated hens’ eggs, EIV NP-ELISA and quantitative RT-PCR were used to monitor EIV shedding and results were compared. Though the majority of previously infected ponies had low antibody levels at the time of challenge, they demonstrated good clinical protection and limited virus shedding. In summary, we demonstrate that vaccination with current EIV vaccines would partially protect against infection with A/eq/Sydney/2888-8/07-like strains and would help to limit the spread of disease in our vaccinated horse population.     

THE OCCURRENCE OF LYMNAEA (PSEUDOSUCCINEA) COLUMELLA, AN INTERMEDIATE HOST OF FASCIOLA HEPATICA, IN AUSTRALIA

An established population of the eastern North American freshwater snail Lymnaea (Pseudosuccinea) columella Say is reported from Middle Creek and Centennial Park, Sydney. This species is an important intermediate host of the liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica Linné) and its introduction and spread in New Zealand has resulted in an increase in the liver fluke problem in New Zealand.     

Obituary

Extract

Friends and colleagues will be saddened to learn of the sudden death of Brian Wilson on July 31st at his home in Maungatapere. Brian graduated from Sydney in 1955 and thereafter followed what is today the less usual veterinary career of unbroken agricultural practice in the Whangarei and Maungatapere districts untll his recent untimely death.     

Two students' reflections on their training in animal handling at the University of Sydney

Basic animal-handling skills are essential for any veterinary practitioner to work safely and confidently. This short article offers the reflections of two students who undertook training in basic animal-handling skills at the University of Sydney as part of the Veterinary Science degree program. Several students attending their final-year clinical rotation at the University of Sydney were asked to informally assess their own basic animal-handling skills at the beginning of the course and in their final year. These perceptions were matched to career choices and demonstrated the positive effect of skills training in career choice. As with any skills-based training program, limitations such as time and finances place restrictions on student learning, and there is a continual need to assess and, where possible, make improvements to the program.     

Longitudinal study describing the clinical signs observed in horses naturally infected with equine influenza

We describe the clinical signs and disease course during an outbreak of equine influenza (EI) in na?ve horses in a police stables in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.     

Determining the endpoint of an outbreak of equine influenza in a large population of racing Thoroughbreds

Outbreaks of equine influenza (EI) cause major disruption to the racing industry, resulting in cessation of racing until affected horses have recovered from the disease. The introduction of EI to a large population of Thoroughbred horses stabled at a Sydney racecourse provided the opportunity to observe clinical signs and monitor the spread of EI in this predominantly na?ve population and to assist in determining an endpoint to infection spread to allow resumption of racing events.     

A short history of veterinary education in Australia: the 120‐year transition from education for a trade to education for a profession

World Veterinary Year in 2011 celebrates the 250th anniversary of the establishment of the first modern veterinary school at Lyon in France. To put veterinary education in Australia in its historical context, the veterinary school at Lyon was established nine years before the British had discovered the east coast of Australia in 1770, and 27 years before a shipment of convicts transported from overcrowded gaols in England had arrived in Sydney in 1788. This paper discusses the development of veterinary education in Australia from that time to the present day.     

Veterinary issues of global concern

The International Veterinary Officers Coalition (IVOC) meets annually and this year held its meeting in Sydney, Australia, in May, a few days after the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) conference in Canberra.     

Seasonal vitamin D status of Greyhounds in Sydney

OBJECTIVES: To survey the vitamin D status of a population of Greyhounds in New South Wales, and to establish a reference range for plasma 25(OH)D. To investigate whether any seasonal fluctuation in vitamin D status is detectable in these animals. DESIGN: Vitamin D status was assessed in Greyhounds and crossbred dogs presented to the University of Sydney for teaching purposes over a 24 month period. PROCEDURES: Plasma 25(OH)D concentration was measured as an estimate of vitamin D status. Physical examination and plasma calcium concentration were used to verify the health of the animals, particularly with respect to metabolic bone disease. RESULTS: A plasma 25(OH)D concentration range of 10 to 76 nmol/L was found in healthy adult Greyhounds. There was no sex- or season-dependent variation in vitamin D status in Greyhounds. Concentrations in crossbred dogs did not differ significantly from those in Greyhounds. CONCLUSION: The reference range for plasma 25(OH)D concentration in Greyhound dogs is similar to that previously reported for humans. It would seem that healthy dogs in the Sydney region do not exhibit a seasonal fluctuation in their vitamin D status.     

Pituitary dwarfism in German Shepherd Dogs: a genetic analysis of some Australian data

Eight pituitary dwarfs have been born recently in six different litters from registered German Shepherd parents in the Sydney region of New South Wales, Australia. A genetic analysis has been carried out to determine whether there is any hereditary basis to the syndrome.
In agreement with recent Danish findings, the Australian data indicate that pituitary dwarfism is inherited as an autosomal recessive condition, with the possibility that some recessive homozygotes die before or soon after birth. Thus the observed proportion of dwarfs in a litter from heterozygous parents is often less than 25%.