Risk factors associated with the incidence of veterinary-treated clinical mastitis in Swedish dairy herds with a high milk yield and a low prevalence of subclinical mastitis

We conducted a case-control study to investigate factors associated with the incidence rate of veterinary-treated clinical cases of mastitis (IRVTCM) in Swedish dairy herds with the overall objective to reduce the incidence of clinical mastitis (CM) and excessive use of antibiotics. Herds with documented high milk yield, low prevalence of subclinical mastitis and high (27.3-67.5 cases/100-cow years=case) or low (0.0-10.8 cases/100-cow years=control) IRVTCM were selected for this study. One hundred and fifty-eight herds participated. Logistic-regression models were used to assess statistically significant risk factors associated with a high or low IRVTCM. HI-herd farmers more often contacted a veterinarian for treatment of a cow with CM as soon as the milk appearance was altered, compared to LO-herd farmers that more often waited until the general condition of a cow was altered. HI-herd farmers also treated more cows due to high somatic-cell counts during lactation and/or at drying off. There were more high-yielding cows with dirty lower hind-legs, a higher percentage of first-parity cows and a higher incidence of veterinary-treated teat injuries in HI-herds. HI-herd farmers had their cows claw-trimmed more than once per year, compared to LO-herd farmers that had their cows claw-trimmed only once per year, and the condition of silage storage at HI-farms more often had one or more remarks. LO-herds consisted more often of cows of the Swedish Red and White breed, and their roughage diet was more often complemented with only commercial concentrates compared to HI-herds that more often fed grain in combination with commercial concentrates. The herds participating in this study were all well managed herds, and the attitude towards treatment and production seemed to influence the IRVTCM more than environmental factors.     

Comparison of a standard and a detailed postmortem protocol for detecting Mycobacterium bovis in badgers

A standard postmortem protocol, consisting of gross pathology, culture for mycobacteria and limited selective histopathology, was used in the randomised badger culling trial in Great Britain to detect Mycobacterium bovis infection. This standard protocol was compared with a more detailed protocol in which more tissues were examined grossly, more tissues were cultured, more culture slopes were seeded, the culture period was extended and tissues were examined routinely by histopathology. The standard protocol was more sensitive in badgers with gross visible lesions than in badgers with no gross visible lesions. When applied to the study population of badgers, the overall sensitivity of the standard protocol relative to the more detailed protocol was estimated to be 54.6 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval 44.9 to 69.8 per cent). Badgers with tuberculosis (tb) detected by the standard protocol had a mean of 7.6 tissues with microscopic lesions suspicious of tb. The additional badgers detected by the detailed protocol had a mean of 4.4 tissues with microscopic lesions suspicious of tb.     

猪乳头数性状QTL研究进展

乳头数是种猪繁殖性能选育的重要指标之一。母猪乳头数与其繁殖性能有着较强的相关性,乳头数越多,则窝产仔数越多。因此,在选择种公猪及母猪时要着重考虑乳头数,对乳头数性状施予较高的选择强度,选育出乳头数较多的种猪,以满足高产仔数的需要。论文综述了猪乳头的形成和调控机制,猪乳头数性状QTL定位方法及其研究进展,旨在深入理解猪乳头数性状在猪繁殖性能中的重要作用,为种猪选育提供参考。     

复合有益微生物在水貂生产中的应用试验

随着生物技术的发展,人们对有益微生物的应用越来越重视,应用范围也越来越广泛。为了减少肠道疾病的发生,提高水貂抗病能力、生产性能和综合效益,我们试验应用复合有益微生物茵饲喂水貂,获得了良好的技术成效和经济效益。     

Neoplasms of the spine.

Although the treatment of central nervous system neoplasms generally is unrewarding, some animals with spinal neoplasia may, for a variety of reasons, be successfully managed for extended periods of time. The veterinary profession has greater experience with spinal surgery than with intracranial surgery. As a result, surgeons are more willing to attempt and more successful at removing or debulking spinal neoplasms. Additionally, there are more affordable and accessible diagnostic procedures available to evaluate the spinal cord than there are to evaluate the brain. Finally, the majority of tumors that affect the spinal cord are extramedullary and are therefore amenable to attempts to remove them surgically.     

Longitudinal development of kinematics in shetland ponies and the influence of feeding and training regimes

Nowadays, ponies are used more and more for competitive equine sports, driving and racing. The locomotor performance of ponies, however, has been evaluated in only a few kinematic and kinetic studies. To compare the longitudinal development of locomotor characteristics in the pony to the same process in the horse, the kinematics of 23 Shetland ponies were recorded at the trot on a treadmill (3 m/s) at ages 4 and 30 months using a modified CODA-3 apparatus. Furthermore, the influence of specific feeding and training regimes on this development was evaluated. It appeared that stride and stance duration increased with age, but the swing duration and pro/retraction range were similar at foal and mature age. Fore- and hindlimb maximal joint flexion at swing was larger in the mature ponies compared to foals. The elbow and shoulder joint were kept in a more extended position and the stifle joint more flexed, while scapula and pelvis were kept in a more vertical position. These effects are similar to those found in horses. The majority of both temporal and angular kinematic variables correlated significantly between foals and mature ponies. Ponies that were restricted in their feeding, resulting in a low body condition score, demonstrated a flatter gait than ponies fed ad lib (4 cm more height, 60 kg more weight), which trotted at the same velocity with significantly more joint flexion. Extra sprint training on top of free paddock exercise did not significantly influence the longitudinal development of kinematics. From these data, it can be concluded that the longitudinal development of locomotor characteristics in ponies is similar to that in horses. Fatter animals show a more animated gait, while extra sprint training added to free paddock exercise has no detectable effect on the development of kinematics. Aside from training or feeding regimes, in the Shetland pony breed, it appears possible to recognise 'good movers' at a young age.     

Case-control study of risk factors associated with nosocomial Salmonella krefeld infection in dogs

In a case-control study of risk factors associated with an episode of nosocomial Salmonella krefeld infection in dogs at the veterinary medical teaching hospital, data on 20 case dogs and 75 control dogs were obtained by review of hospital records. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were carried out for possible risk factors for infection to obtain odds of Salmonella krefeld isolation, given exposure to each risk factor of interest. Compared with control dogs, case dogs were 11.9 times more likely to have been fed rice, 7 times more likely to have had radiography done, 10.2 times more likely to have been a resident in ward 2, 5.6 times more likely to have been given antimicrobial agents orally, 11.3 times more likely to have been given antimicrobial agents parenterally, and 37.9 times more likely to have been given antimicrobial agents orally and parenterally (P less than 0.05).     

Haemorrhages of the Sole Horn of Dairy Cows as a Retrospective Indicator of Laminitis: An Epidemiological Study

Eleven herds with clinical laminitis problems and 11 control herds were studied for 2 consecutive years. All the claws were trimmed and photographically recorded once each year, 2 to 6 months after the cows had calved. The haemorrhages of the sole horn were evaluated and scored for each digit, and data relevant to the factors associated with an increased risk of laminitis for each herd were collected and related to these scores for sole haemorrhages. It was found that the laminitic herds were more prone to the sole lesions than the control herds, the hind claws were more prone than the front claws, the pri-miparous cows were more prone than the multiparous cows and the Swedish Friesian cows were more prone than the Swedish Red and White cows. High scores were also correlated with hard floors (ie concrete) in the cow stalls, with fewer than 4 daily feedings of concentrates, with a short time allocated for the cows to eat concentrates, with feeding concentrates only at the first meal in the morning and in the afternoon and with the interaction between these last 2 variables.     

Successful treatment of persistent dorsal displacement of the soft palate and evaluation of laryngohyoid position in 15 racehorses

Reasons for performing study: Caudal descent of the larynx has been proposed to be associated with intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP) as it leads to a loss of the seal between the epiglottis and soft palate but further investigation of this theory is required. Objectives: To evaluate laryngohyoid position of horses with persistent DDSP in comparison to horses with intermittent DDSP and evaluate the outcome of treatment. Hypotheses: Horses with persistent DDSP have a different laryngohyoid position compared to those with intermittent DDSP. Horses with persistent DDSP can be returned successfully to racing with a laryngeal tie‐forward procedure. Methods: Medical records of 15 racehorses presented for persistent DDSP between 2002 and 2007 were reviewed. Age, sex and breed matched horses diagnosed with intermittent DDSP were used as a comparison group. Treatment of all horses was performed by laryngeal tie‐forward, 8/15 horses with persistent DDSP had a subsequent laser staphylectomy. Preoperative laryngohyoid position was compared between the 2 groups using a radiographic reference system. Surgical effect on position was assessed by comparing pre‐ and post operative radiographic measurements. Outcome was assessed by return to racing and comparison of pre‐ and post operative race earnings ($). Results: Thirteen of 15 horses with persistent DDSP returned to racing. Seven of 15 horses were treated with laryngeal tie‐forward alone while 8/15 horses were also treated with a laser staphylectomy. Horses with persistent DDSP had a more caudal larynx (ossification of the thyroid cartilage) (13 mm, P = 0.014), a more caudal (10 mm, P = 0.044) and dorsal (7 mm, P = 0.01) basihyoid bone, and a more dorsal thyrohyoid‐thyroid articulation (10 mm, P = 0.002) than horses with intermittent DDSP. Conclusions and potential relevance: Racehorses with persistent DDSP can be treated successfully by laryngeal tie‐forward or by laryngeal tie‐forward followed by laser staphylectomy. Horses with persistent DDSP have a more caudal larynx and more caudal and dorsal basihyoid bone than horses with intermittent DDSP.     

Field trials of the anthelmintic efficacy of nitroscanate and mebendazole in dogs

The efficacies of nitroscanate and mebendazole against nematodes and Dipylidium caninum were compared by the examination of the faeces of 155 dogs. In unweaned puppies nitroscanate acted significantly faster and was significantly more effective than mebendazole against Toxocara canis. In adult dogs, both drugs had a low efficacy against Trichuris vulpis but a similarly good efficacy against other nematodes, with a tendency for nitroscanate to be more effective in reducing the prevalence of Ancylostoma caninum. Nitroscanate reduced the prevalence of D caninum infections considerably more than mebendazole.     

Effect of owner experience,living environment,and dog characteristics on owner reports of behavior of Argentine Dogos in Italy

Previous research reported contrasting results on the effect of owner experience on dog behaviors. This may be because of dog breed genetic variability, differences in expectations, management choices, and attitude toward their dogs by owners of dogs of different breeds. A study of a single breed may help provide a better insight into this issue. A convenience sample of 94 participants, owners of 181 Argentine Dogos, was recruited to provide information on their dogs' behaviors through a questionnaire. Participants were classified according to their previous general experience or inexperience with dogs and whether they had previously owned an Argentine Dogo (expert vs. naive owners). Reasons for getting a dog (companionship, guarding, hunting, breeding) and attendance at dog-training classes were also explored. Pearson chi-square tests and binary logistic regressions were used to analyze the data. Previous inexperience with dogs was associated with a higher prevalence of dogs that were fearful of children and unknown dogs. Naive Dogo owners perceived that their dogs were more obedient and friendly toward strangers but aggressive toward children, than those belonging to Argentine Dogo experts. It also appeared that living environment and the dog's age are critical predictors of many outcome variables. Kennel living was found to be predictive of car and food protection, owner-directed aggression and aggression toward children, whereas house living was associated with fear of loud noises. Changes related to the dogs' age were probably related to behavioral development in the dogs. Destructiveness, excessive body licking, and protective aggression were more common in younger dogs, whereas aggression to unknown dogs was more common in older ones. Protective aggression was more common in males, and fear of startling noises was more common in females. Intact dogs showed a higher probability of having attention-getting behavior, and neutered dogs were more fearful of traffic. Our findings are correlative. Even if causative links cannot be made, our findings certainly provide direction for further investigation.     

Effect of soft x-ray irradiation on immunological functions in mice.

Effect of soft x-ray irradiation on immunological functions in mice was investigated. Soft x-ray irradiation with 100R or more induced a significant reduction in the number of plaque-forming cells (PFC). The reduction in the number of PFC depended on the irradiation doses. Irradiation with 600R or more showed a significant reduction in the delayed reaction of footpad swelling. However, soft x-ray irradiation with doses ranging from 100R to 1000R did not exert significant influence on the K values of carbon clearance test. Irradiation with 100R or more of soft x-ray showed a remarkable reduction of response to concanavalinA (ConA) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in spleen cells, and the response to ConA was lower than that to LPS. These results suggest that in the soft x-ray-irradiated mice, antibody-producing ability, delayed type hypersensitivity reaction and mitogenic activity are sensitive to soft x-ray irradiation and furthermore, T cell is more sensitive than B cell, but phagocytic activity of reticulo-endothelial system (RES) is resistant to soft x-ray irradiation.     

Occurrence of respiratory disease outbreaks in fattening pigs: relation with the features of a densely and a sparsely populated pig area in France

A survey was carried out in France in 1999 in a Densely Populated Pig Area (DPPA) and a Sparsely Populated Pig Area (SPPA) from which 80 and 55 pig farms were respectively investigated. The two areas were compared regarding the number of respiratory disease outbreaks in fattening pigs on each farm per year with a multiple correspondence analysis and hierarchical clustering. The two areas exhibited different typologies: in the DPPA, high density was associated with a high proportion of finishing-pig units resulting in much moving of piglets within the area. Farrow-to-finish farms located in the DPPA had many contacts with external vehicles; this was associated with more than two respiratory disease outbreaks per farm per year. There also was a lack of biosecurity measures implemented on these farms. Conversely, the good health situation of the farms located in the SPPA was associated with few external contacts and good biosecurity measures. In a second step, risk factors for the occurrence of more than 2 respiratory outbreaks per year were studied. Having more than 4 pig farms within a 2 km radius area, more than 30 incoming rendering trucks per year, and storage of the carcasses of dead animals within the farm yard perimeter increased the risk of occurrence of more than 2 respiratory disease outbreaks per year on the farm. This risk was also increased when there were more than 2 animal-transport lorries entering the farm per month and more than 1 veterinarian's or technician's vehicle coming in every 2 months. These results were discussed because of possible bias due to the retrospective design of the survey and the sampling scheme (randomisation within two areas).     

畜产品中青霉素类药物残留检测方法研究进展

药物残留危害着消费者健康。随着人民生活水平的提高,近年来畜产品中药物残留问题日益受到重视。青霉素类药物残留的分析方法主要包括高效液相色谱法、免疫分析法和微生物测定法,其中高效液相色谱法灵敏、高效,但需要特殊的检测仪器;微生物测定法简便,但灵敏度不高;免疫分析法是将抗原抗体反应与灵敏的检测系统结合而成的一种简便、快速、敏感的分析方法,具有广阔的应用前景。     

Properties of threshold model predictions

Estimation of genetic parameters and accuracy of threshold model genetic predictions were investigated. Data were simulated for different population structures by using Monte Carlo techniques. Variance components were estimated by using threshold models and linear sire models applied to untransformed data, logarithmically transformed data, and transformation to Snell scores. Effects of number of categories (2, 5, and 10), incidence of categories (extreme, moderate, and normal), heritability in the underlying scale (.04, .20, and .50), and data structure (unbalanced and balanced) on accuracy of genetic prediction were investigated. The real importance of using a threshold model was to estimate genetic parameters. An expected heritability of .20 was estimated to be .22 and .10 by a threshold model and a linear model, respectively. Accuracy increased significantly with a larger number of categories, a more normal distribution of incidences, increased heritability, and more balanced data. Even threshold models were shown to be more efficient with more than two categories (e.g., binomial). Transformation of scale did not accomplish the purpose intended.     

Management of inflammatory polyps in 37 cats

The case records of 37 cats treated for nasopharyngeal or aural inflammatory polyps were reviewed. Thirty of them were managed conservatively with the polyp being removed by traction alone. Long-term follow-up information was available for 22 cats, of which 13 (59 per cent) had no recurrence of clinical signs. The remaining nine cats required recurrent polyps to be removed surgically. Cats with only nasopharyngeal polyps were nearly four times more likely to be cured by traction alone than cats with aural polyps, and none of the cats that was treated with prednisolone after traction suffered a recurrence. Cats with more severe aural signs were more likely to require surgery.     

Assessment of ultrasonography and computed tomography for the evaluation of unilateral orbital disease in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To describe clinical, ultrasonographic, and computed tomographic (CT) features of confirmed neoplastic and nonneoplastic disease in dogs with unilateral orbital diseases, determine criteria to differentiate between the 2 conditions, and assess the relative value of ultrasonography and CT for the differential diagnosis of these 2 conditions. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 29 dogs with unilateral neoplastic orbital disease and 16 dogs with unilateral nonneoplastic orbital disease. PROCEDURES: Clinical history and results of physical and ophthalmologic examinations were recorded. Ultrasonographic and CT images were evaluated, and discriminating factors were identified to differentiate neoplastic from nonneoplastic diseases. Diagnostic value of ultrasonography and CT was assessed. RESULTS: Dogs with neoplastic disease were significantly older; had clinical signs for a longer time before initial examination; had more progressive onset of clinical signs; and more frequently had protrusion of the nictitating membrane, fever, and anorexia. The most discriminating factor for both imaging modalities was delineation of the margins (odds ratio was 41.7 for ultrasonography and 45 for CT), with neoplastic lesions clearly delineated more often. Ultrasonographically, neoplastic lesions were more frequently hypoechoic and homogeneous, with indentation of the globe and bone involvement evident more frequently than for nonneoplastic lesions. Mineralization was detected only with neoplasia. Fluctuant fluid was seen more frequently in dogs with nonneoplastic disease. Computed tomography more frequently revealed extraorbital involvement. Diagnostic value was similar for both imaging modalities. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ultrasonography and CT are valuable imaging modalities to assist in differentiating neoplastic from nonneoplastic unilateral orbital disease in dogs.     

Blood culture of the canine patient

Blood for bacteriologic culture was obtained from 581 sick dogs. Of these, 134 (23%) were considered to have bacteremia. The conditions most frequently associated with bacteremia were malignant neoplasms and infections of the skeletal, cardiovascular, and urogenital systems. The most frequently isolated bacteria were members of the family Enterobacteriaceae and coagulase-positive staphylococci, in sum accounting for more than 50% of the 150 isolates. Most of the dogs with bacteremia had high proportions of immature neutrophils, segmented neutrophils, and monocytes in blood. Dogs with bacteremia and osteomyelitis due to staphylococci had normal hemograms. Blood from dogs with bacteremia due to gram-negative bacteria was more likely to have a high proportion of immature and segmented neutrophil leukocytes than was blood from dogs with bacteremia due to a gram-positive species. Toxic neutrophils were observed more often in blood obtained from patients with bacteremia due to gram-negative bacteria. The development of fever correlated with the bacteremic state regardless of the species of bacteria in the blood.     

牛冷冻精液质量评估研究进展

人工授精(AI)是第一代动物繁殖生物技术,最近几十年以来,研究人员已经探索出了许多评估冷冻-解冻后精液品质的新技术。由于精子质膜在低渗条件下的功能状态、离子分布及浓度和各种细胞器的功能都与冷冻解冻后精子的存活能力相关,冻精质量的评定也从最初的形态和主观活率分析,发展到更精确的染色质、质膜完整性及分解代谢活性的分子变化分析。但是,在实际应用当中,许多方法花费很大,况且单个的评估参数都与动物精子实际的受精力相关性不强。因此,要提高牛冻精质量的预言强度,应该将这些独立的参数结合起来,利用多元回归分析,建立一套更完美更精确的评估体系。     

Comparison of early socialization practices used for litters of small-scale registered dog breeders and nonregistered dog breeders

OBJECTIVE-To compare early socialization practices between litters of breeders registered with the Canine Control Council (CCC) and litters of nonregistered breeders advertising puppies for sale in a local newspaper. DESIGN-Retrospective cohort study. Animals-80 litters of purebred and mixed-breed dogs from registered (n = 40) and non-registered (40) breeders. PROCEDURES-Registered breeders were randomly selected from the CCC website, and nonregistered breeders were randomly selected from a weekly advertising newspaper. The litter sold most recently by each breeder was then enrolled in the study. Information pertaining to socialization practices for each litter was obtained through a questionnaire administered over the telephone. RESULTS-Registered breeders generally had more breeding bitches and had more litters than did nonregistered breeders. Litters of registered breeders were more likely to have been socialized with adult dogs, people of different appearances, and various environmental stimuli, compared with litters of nonregistered breeders. Litters from registered breeders were also much less likely to have been the result of an unplanned pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE-Among those breeders represented, litters of registered breeders received more socialization experience, compared with litters of nonregistered breeders. People purchasing puppies from nonregistered breeders should focus on socializing their puppies between the time of purchase and 14 weeks of age. Additional research is required to determine whether puppies from nonregistered breeders are at increased risk of behavioral problems and are therefore more likely to be relinquished to animal shelters or euthanized, relative to puppies from registered breeders.