Cure of Dermatophilus congolensis infection in cattle by long-acting oxytetracycline

Under conditions simulating traditional husbandry, a single intramuscular dose (20 mg/kg) of long-acting oxytetracycline was efficacious in treating different grades of bovine dermatophilosis. There was complete healing in 26 out of 28 animals (93 per cent) within four weeks. By contrast, only four out of 11 animals treated with penicillin (70,000 iu/kg) plus streptomycin (70mg/kg) were apparently cured and three relapsed within one month. No spontaneous recoveries were observed among 18 untreated animals. In the group treated with oxytetracycline, two, in the penicillin plus streptomycin, seven, and in the untreated control group, 11 animals died of the disease.     

Investigation of suspected cases of mycotoxicosis in farm animals in Britain.

Mycotoxins were detected in 13 out of 131 feed samples examined over two years. Screening of feeds associated with cases of suspected mycotoxicosis occurring in farm animals over a further 12 month period showed that most incidents occurred during the winter and involved mainly cattle and pigs fed concentrates. A haemorrhagic syndrome in cattle and abortions in sows were most frequently connected with mouldy food. One or more known toxins (the aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, sterigmatocystin and zearalenone) were detected in three out of 65 cases and a wide variety of fungi were isolated. Toxicity to experimental animals was demonstrated in four out of 22 samples.     

Femoral Head Osteotomy in Horses and Cattle

Femoral head ostectomy was performed in six horses, three ponies, and four cattle for treatment of fractures of the femoral capital physis, coxofemoral luxation, fractured acetabulum, or severe degenerative joint disease. The procedures were performed via a cranial approach that did not involve osteotomy of the greater trochanter. A dorsal approach for femoral head ostectomy via osteotomy of the greater trochanter was evaluated in three healthy adult ponies. Three animals (2 ponies, 1 calf) were euthanatized within a month and one horse was euthanatized at year 2 due to postoperative complications. Nine animals were discharged to owners and six of them fulfilled their intended functions of breeding, milking, and being kept as companions. One horse was lost to follow-up and two horses died of causes unrelated to the surgery. All surviving animals had a residual lameness that was described by owners as mild to moderate. None of the horses were used as riding animals. The mean age and weight of 10 animals that regained weight-bearing locomotion was 3.1 months and 84 kg; for three unsuccessful cases it was 34 months and 174 kg. We concluded that femoral head ostectomy was a viable salvage procedure for large animals with capital femoral physeal fracture, chronic coxofemoral luxation, or acetabular fracture. Surgical prognosis appeared to be favorable in young cattle and fair in young horses or ponies weighing less than 100 kg. Osteotomy of the greater trochanter resulted in superior exposure of the intact coxofemoral joint and allowed easier, less traumatic surgical luxation of the joint to facilitate femoral head ostectomy.     

Intra-Articular Replacement of Bovine Cranial Cruciate Ligaments with an Autogenous Fascial Graft

Transected cranial cruciate ligaments in nine Holstein heifers were replaced with an autograft harvested from fascia on the medial surface of the gluteobiceps muscle and a connected segment of the lateral patellar ligament. There was minimal lameness at month 1, and all animals were sound by month 2. There was no evidence of degenerative joint disease in any stifles examined at necropsy on days 90, 120, or 365. Augmented healing of the severed cranial cruciate ligaments occurred in several animals. The mean failure strength of the cranial cruciate ligament replacements was 29.7% of the failure strength of the contralateral normal cranial cruciate ligament in four heifers. The technique was successful in eight of 13 bulls and cows with ruptured cranial cruciate ligaments. Animals treated successfully had significantly lower body weights than those with unsuccessful outcomes.     

Flunixin meglumine and flurbiprofen in cows with experimental Escherichia coli mastitis

The effect of flunixin meglumine and flurbiprofen on the course of experimental Escherichia coli mastitis was examined. Nine cows (within one month post partum) were inoculated intramammarily with 20 x 10(5) viable E coli in both rear quarters. Three cows remained untreated (controls); three cows received three injections of flunixin meglumine and three cows received flurbiprofen as two intravenous infusions. Flunixin meglumine and flurbiprofen were initially given before clinical signs were observed. Treatment was repeated if the cows' temperature increased by more than 1 degree C. In the untreated cows, rectal temperature and heart rate increased from three hours after infection, and rumen motility (both frequency and amplitude) decreased from four hours after infection. Treatment with flunixin meglumine or flurbiprofen almost completely abolished the febrile response during the first nine hours after infection, and the decrease in rumen motility was less pronounced in the treated animals. These results suggest that the decrease in rumen motility during E coli mastitis is at least partly due to a mechanism involving prostaglandin.     

The role of virus dose in experimental bovine leukemia virus infection in sheep.

Twenty-four, six month old lambs were assembled into four groups of five animals each and one group of four animals. All groups were inoculated with lymphocytes from a single donor lamb infected with bovine leukemia virus. The inoculum varied from 250 to 250,000 lymphocytes, in tenfold increments. Animals were exposed by intradermal injection in the neck region immediately anterior to the left shoulder joint. All groups were monitored at 0, 3, 7 and 12 weeks after inoculation using the following procedures: a. Syncytia induction assay for detection of bovine leukemia virus in peripheral blood lymphocytes. b. Agar gel immunodiffusion against the gp51 antigen of bovine leukemia virus for the detection of antibovine leukemia virus gp51 antibody. c. Lymphocyte stimulation test for the assessment of cell-mediated immunity using mitogen, nonfractionated bovine leukemia virus antigen, and partially purified bovine lymphoma tumor-associated antigen for the in vitro activation of lymphocytes from bovine leukemia virus-inoculated and sham-inoculated, control animals. d. Routine hematological techniques for the assessment of total leukocyte and lymphocyte counts. The median infectious dose for lymphocytes from the single bovine leukemia virus-infected donor used in this study was determined to be 2000 cells. The syncytia induction assay detected more infected individuals (13/23) at an earlier time than did the agar gel immunodiffusion assay (10/23). Using either serological or virus isolation techniques, infected animals were first detected at three weeks postinoculation in the group receiving the high-dose inoculum and at seven weeks postinoculation in groups receiving low- or medium-dose inocula.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Patent Toxocara canis infections in previously exposed and in helminth-free dogs after infection with low numbers of embryonated eggs

The outcome of Toxocara canis infections in the canine host depends on the migratory pathway of parasite larvae (somatic or tracheal) which is considered to be related to the host's age and its immune status. However, field studies attest high prevalences of patent T. canis infections in adult animals. The controlled induction of patent infections with low doses of embryonated eggs was investigated in 18 beagles in a 7-month study until their 16th life month. The animals were assigned to three groups, each consisting of three vertically infected dogs (with a short patent infection as pups before anthelmintic treatment) and three helminth-free dogs. At study days 10 and 40, the animals of groups 1 and 3 were given each 100 embryonated T. canis eggs. In each case, group 1 was treated 10 days post-infection with Milbemax, while dogs of group 3 remained untreated. Control group 2 was not experimentally infected but treated as group 1. Two weeks after first egg administration, a sharp increase of specific antibody reactions in ELISA and increased eosinophilic counts indicated larval invasion in all infected dogs. 42-56 days following first infection, patent infections were detected coproscopically in all animals of group 3, but in none of the uninfected dogs (group 2) or the infected and treated dogs (group 1). Following a 3-month observation period, all animals of the three groups were treated with piperazine citrate to eliminate intestinal infections and all were administered 100 embryonated eggs. Subsequently, patent infections developed in animals of all groups: in one of the infected and treated animals of group 1, in five of the so far not infected control group 2 and in four of the dogs with previous patent infections (group 3). Susceptibility to patent infections was not significantly altered in T. canis-free dogs compared to dogs with previous patent infection (vertically acquired or experimentally induced). However, dogs of group 1 treated with Milbemax after repeated egg administration developed a significantly increased resistance to patent infections as compared to control dogs (group 2). Observed prepatency periods were between 40 and 56 days and did not differ in the three groups. Even in urban areas, facing high infection pressure with Toxocara eggs maintained by a high dog and fox population, dogs of all ages are at risk to develop patent T. canis infections.     

Experimental infection of the Guyanese zebu with Trypanosoma vivax

The Guyanese strain of Trypanosoma vivax is pathogenic for the local Brahman zebu; the experimental infection of 19 one-year old cattle was followed by a moderate and transitory fever, a drop in packed cell volume (PCV) and a quick and marked weight loss of 10 to 17 kg one month after as compared to the 16 non-infected animals. Other symptoms were associated with the parasitaemia: diarrhoea, swollen haematic glands on the neck and the flank, lachrymation, weakness. Despite a trypanocidal treatment injected one month post-infection, one animal died and the weight losses of others were not compensated for three months later. The particular susceptibility of weaning animals is discussed as well as its implications in the control of trypanosomosis.     

Cholelithiasis in four callitrichid species (Leontopithecus, Callithrix).

Medical records of three male and three female callitrichids of four species (Leontopithecus chrysopygus, Leontopithecus rosalia, Callithrix argentata argentata, Callithrix kuhlii) diagnosed with cholelithiasis were reviewed. Ages of affected animals at the time of diagnosis ranged from 2-14 yr. Definitive antemortem diagnosis of cholelithiasis was made in four of the six cases. Chronic weight loss, lethargy, and weakness were seen in all cases. Chronic intermittent diarrhea was seen in three cases. Icterus and abnormal gait were each present in two of the animals. Hematologic and serum biochemical abnormalities included leukocytosis in five cases, elevated bilirubin (direct and indirect) in four cases, and anemia in four cases. Radiographic evidence of choleliths was observed in three cases. Surgical removal of choleliths was successfully performed on two animals. Full necropsies were performed on all cases, and choleliths were believed to contribute to morbidity in all cases. However, inflammatory bowel disease was determined to be the primary cause of weight loss and mortality in at least three animals. All choleliths analyzed were pigment stones, two being primarily composed of cystine.     

Pathogenicity of Mycoplasma capricolum in sheep after experimental infection

Mycoplasma (M.) capricolum has been frequently isolated from diseased as well as from healthy sheep in Morocco. In order to determine its pathogenicity for sheep, experiments were performed in three trials with the Moroccan isolate 012. The following results were obtained: Ewes inoculated intramammarily developed acute mastitis; the organism was transmitted to lambs suckling these ewes. Only a mild mastitis appeared after a second inoculum, performed 5 weeks after the first. Young lambs, 1 month of age, fed four times with M. capricolum broth culture, died during the septicemic phase, showing a generalized septicemia, polyarthritis and a diffuse interstitial pneumonia. Lambs, 2 and 3 months of age inoculated intrabronchially developed a disease, which appeared to be age and weight dependent. The more susceptible animals died within 1-2 weeks after infection. The older lambs recovered gradually from the disease, which was characterized by pneumonia, conjunctivitis and arthritis. A significant increase of antibodies against M. capricolum developed in the older animals in the complement fixation test.     

Effectiveness of strategic anthelmintic treatments in the control of gastrointestinal nematodes and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fasciola gigantica</Emphasis> in cattle in Iringa region,Tanzania

A longitudinal field trial was conducted to determine the effectiveness of strategic anthelmintic treatments in the control of gastrointestinal (GI) nematodes and Fasciola gigantica in cattle. A total of 167 cattle (6–18 months) from three large-scale dairy farms, four traditional farms and nine small-scale dairy farms were randomly selected. The selected animals on each farm were ear tagged and allocated into three groups based on live weight and treated as follows: Group T4 was treated with albendazole 10% drench at 10 mg/kg four times a year (mid rainy, end of the rain, mid dry and late dry/early rainy season). Group T2 was treated with albendazole 10% drench at 10 mg/kg two times a year (mid rainy and late dry/early rainy season). Group UT remained as untreated control. Faecal, blood and pasture samples were taken every month for 13 months. In addition, individual body weight (BWT) was measured on every sampling date. Results showed that two and four strategic treatments significantly reduced faecal egg counts (FEC) by 49.5% and 62.3% respectively compared to untreated control animals (P < 0.001). Two and four strategic treatments per year significantly reduced the proportion of animals passing Fasciola eggs in faeces by 30.6% and 51.7% (P < 0.001), respectively. Animals treated two and four times a year significantly outgained untreated animals by 14.8 kg and 17.7 kg respectively at the end of the trial (P < 0.05). The management system had a significant effect on packed cell volume and the proportion of animals passing Fasciola eggs in faeces (P < 0.05). The programme of two strategic treatments per year was only effective in controlling GI nematodes. It is concluded that a programme of four strategic treatments per year was effective in controlling GI nematodes and F. gigantica and improved weight gain.     

Giardia infection in a group of experimental dogs

Twelve experimental dogs were monitored for Giardia infection over a 17 month period by both duodenal aspirate and zinc sulphate flotation of faeces. Each animal was found to be Giardia-pos-itive at least twice during this time despite treatment of positive animals. Giardia was frequently identified by both faecal examination and aspirate, but in some cases only one technique proved positive. The results indicated that faecal examinations are as effective as duodenal aspirates in the diagnosis of infection. At the end of the 17 month period six dogs were treated with corticosteroid: three of these treated dogs and one of six untreated animals became positive for Giardia.     

Age Related Changes in the Histomorphology of the Adenohypophysis of the Goat

A histologic and histochemical study of the hypophyses of 44 goats was carried out. The ontogenesis of the hypophysis is described utilizing animals aged from birth to one month, one month to six months, six months to one year, one year to three years and three years and above. Correlations are made between age, histologic structure and histochemical maturation of the hypophysis.     

A Retrospective Evaluation of the Rectal Pull-through Technique Procedure and Postoperative Complications

Ten animals (8 dogs and 2 cats) with distal rectal lesions were treated by surgically resecting the affected segment of the rectum by the rectal pull-through technique. There were four malignant tumors, three benign tumors, two inflammatory lesions, and one malignant tumor that extended histologically to the margins of a previous surgical excision. Postoperative complications were tenesmus (7 animals), fecal incontinence (4 animals), rectal bleeding (4 animals), and abscess formation (1 animal). Dehiscence and stricture were not observed. The four animals with malignant tumors survived less than 12 months after surgery. One of the four animals still living has persistent fecal incontinence. The rectal pull-through technique is described and illustrated.     

Use of a linear stapling device to construct an inverted, triangulated, end-to-end anastomosis of the equine jejunum

An inverting, triangulated, stapled, end-to-end anastomosis technique was evaluated in the jejunum of four horses. None of the horses showed evidence of gastrointestinal disturbance after surgery; however, stricture and adhesion formation were pronounced in three animals examined 10 days, one month, and two months after surgery. The animal examined four months after surgery had no adhesions present at the anastomosis, and only mild narrowing of the intestinal lumen. Histologic examination of the anastomoses showed lack of a normal mucosal lining in some examined sections up to two months postsurgery. While mucosal and serosal continuity were eventually reestablished, this was not true of the muscularis, the ends of which were joined by fibrous tissue. Gaps in the staple line and malalignment of staples were present in the animal examined four months after surgery, indicating migration and/or loss of the staples from the anastomosis. The inverting, triangulated staple technique had little or no apparent advantages over previously reported results with similar everting techniques. The severity of adhesions observed with the inverting technique suggests that the adhesions observed with the similar everting technique may not be due solely to the everted nature of the anastomosis.     

Epidemiology and seasonal dynamics of gastrointestinal nematode infections of sheep in a semi-arid region of eastern Ethiopia

A study on the epidemiology and seasonal dynamics of gastrointestinal nematode infections of sheep was carried out in a semi-arid region of eastern Ethiopia for 2.5 years (May 2003 to September 2005). The experimental flock comprised a total of 60 Black Head Ogaden sheep, consisting of four equal groups of young male and female and old male and female sheep. These grazed on communal pastures together with a larger university flock, as well as with animals owned by neighbouring small-holder farmers. A new experimental flock was established each year of the study. Parasitological data (EPG, faecal culture L3, PCV and FAMACHA estimates) and animal performance (weight change) were recorded each month on all experimental animals. In addition, four tracer lambs were assigned each month to the flock to determine the seasonal patterns of infective larvae acquired from pasture. Results showed distinct seasonal patterns associated with the bi-modal annual rainfall. High levels of infection occurred during the short and long rain seasons with peaks occurring in May and September of each year. Haemonchus contortus was the most prevalent parasite, followed by Trichostrongylus spp., with a number of other nematode species being occasionally recorded. H. contortus showed and increased propensity to undergo arrested development during the dry seasons. Correlations between EPG and PCV, EPG and FAMACHA eye scores, and PCV and FAMACHA eye scores were all highly significant (P<0.001). However, there was no significant association between the EPG and LW of the study animals during each study year. This information will provide a basis for developing epidemiologically based control strategies for gastrointestinal nematode parasites that are appropriate for flocks owned by small-holder farmers of semi-arid areas of eastern Ethiopia.     

Use of a restricted antigen diet in the management of idiopathic canine colitis

Eleven dogs diagnosed as having idiopathic chronic colitis were treated for four months with a commercial hypoallergenic diet. Ten clinical parameters were evaluated monthly for each dog. Within one month, four key signs associated with colitis (straining, faecal blood, faecal mucus and faecal consistency) were significantly improved and remained so for the subsequent three months. Sulphasalazine was also used in the initial stages of management to control presenting signs. However, within one month 60 per cent of the dogs required either no sulphasalazine (or less) than when originally presented; within two months 90 per cent were stabilised with no drug therapy.     

Age-related and housing-dependence of Cryptosporidium infection of calves from dairy and beef herds in South Bohemia, Czech Republic

Data of the prevalence, age-related and housing-dependence of naturally acquired cryptosporidiosis on 11 dairy and 11 beef farms in South Bohemia (Czech Republic) were collected. The farms were visited over four consecutive years (from 2002 to 2005). The prevalence of Cryptosporidium in pre-weaned (animals until second month of age) and post-weaned (animals from the third month of age) calves was determined. A total of 7001 faecal samples were collected, concentrated by Sheather's floatation method and stained by aniline-carbol-methyl violet. All samples were examined by light microscopy. Cryptosporidium parvum and C. andersoni oocysts were differentiated on morphological criteria. Of the 7021 specimens, 1814 (25.8%) were positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts; 561 samples (8%) for C. parvum and 1253 (17.8%) for C. andersoni. Pre-weaned dairy calves had higher infection levels of C. parvum than pre-weaned beef calves. The prevalence of C. parvum ranged from 1.4 to 56.5% on dairy farms. Only three cases of C. parvum oocysts shedding in pre-weaned calves on beef farms were found. Only one case of C. andersoni infection in pre-weaned calves was detected and no infections of C. parvum in post-weaned calves were found. The prevalence of C. andersoni reached 35.5% on dairy farms and 61.7% on beef farms. Calves that were on pasture all year long, had a lower probability of C. andersoni infection than those calves kept in a cowshed during the winter season.     

Use of aminoglutethimide in the treatment of pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism in the dog

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of aminoglutethimide in the treatment of dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH). Ten dogs were diagnosed with PDH based on clinical and laboratory data, adrenal function tests (adrenocorticotropic hormone [ACTH] stimulation test and urinary cortisol/creatinine ratio [UCCR] combined with a high dose oral dexamethasone suppression test) and ultrasonographic evaluation of the adrenal glands. Aminoglutethimide was administered daily at a dose of 15 mg/kg bodyweight for one month. Median basal cortisol concentration and post-ACTH cortisol concentration one month after treatment were significantly lower than pretreatment values. Complete response was achieved in one dog, and partial response was obtained in three dogs. Severe side effects of anorexia, vomiting and weakness occurred in one dog and medication was withdrawn. Two further dogs developed decompensations of concurrent diseases and medication was stopped in these animals as well. Mild toxicity occurred in four dogs. Moderate to severe elevations in liver enzymes occurred in all dogs. The efficacy of this drug is lower than that observed using mitotane and ketoconazole, and adverse effects limit its use. Aminoglutethimide, using the protocol described, cannot be recommended for long-term management of PDH in the dog.     

Effect of insect control on the occurrence and distribution of streptothricosis lesions on cattle.

Trials were set up to ascertain whether the observed occurrence of streptothricosis lesions at dorsal sites on cattle in Antigua was related to the feeding activity of flies. Animals in two herds were treated with insecticide while a third herd served as an untreated control group. There was no significant difference in the occurrence or distribution of lesions on animals in all the three herds over a two month observation period except that a higher proportion of animals in one of the treated herds was affected at the end of the study.