Correlation of ultrasonographic and patho-morphological findings in canine hepatic diseases

Findings of hepatic ultrasonography were analysed in 22 dogs with liver disease and compared with the results of final morphological diagnoses. Ultrasonographic appearance of the liver demonstrated focal alterations in 11 dogs (50 per cent): multifocal lesions in hepatic neoplasia (six), hepatic cirrhosis (one), generalised mycosis (one) and unifocal lesions in haemangiosarcoma (one), nodular hyperplasia (one) and misdiagnosed intestinal invagination (one), Diffuse ultrasonographic alterations were found in 11 dogs (50 per cent): hyperechoic liver of normal/enlarged size in lymphosarcoma (four) and hepatic lipidosis (two); hyperechoic ‘bright’ but small liver in atrophic cirrhosis (two); hypoechoic to normal intensity liver of normal size in liver dystrophy (two) and hepatic venous distension (one). Gallbladder abnormalities were detected in 14 of 20 dogs (70 per cent). Correct ultrasonographic diagnoses were made in 11 dogs (50 per cent). The best results were achieved by combining the clinicolaboratory and ultrasonographic findings, providing a correct diagnosis in 17 dogs (77-3 per cent).     

Microbiology of calf diarrhoea in southern Britain

Faeces samples from calves with diarrhoea in 45 outbreaks were examined for six enteropathogens. Rotavirus and coronavirus were detected by ELISA in 208 (42 per cent) and 69 (14 per cent) of 490 calves respectively; calici-like viruses were detected by electron microscopy in 14 of 132 calves (11 per cent). Cryptosporidium were detected in 106 of 465 (23 per cent), Salmonella species in 58 of 490 (12 per cent) and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli bearing the K99 adhesin (K99+ E coli) in nine of 310 calves (3 per cent). In the faeces of 20 per cent of calves with diarrhoea more than one enteropathogen was detected; in 31 per cent no enteropathogen was found. Faces samples from 385 healthy calves in the same outbreaks were also examined. There was a significant statistical association of disease with the presence of rotavirus, coronavirus, Cryptosporidium and Salmonella species (P less than 0.001). Healthy calves were not examined for calici-like viruses and the association of K99+ E coli with disease was not analysed because there were too few positive samples. Rotavirus infections were more common in dairy herds and single suckler beef herds whereas Salmonella infections were more often found in calf rearing units. Cryptosporidium were more common in single and multiple suckler beef herds. K99+ E coli were found in one dairy herd and one multiple suckler beef herd both with unhygienic calving accommodation. Variations in coronavirus detection among different farm types were not statistically significant. In this survey rotavirus was the most commonly detected agent in calf diarrhoea and Cryptosporidium were found in approximately one quarter of affected calves. Infection with Salmonella species was widespread, but K99+ E coli infections were less common in the United Kingdom than in other countries.     

Prevalence of pig herds affected by pleuropneumonia associated with Haemophilus pleuropneumoniae in eastern England

A survey for the macroscopic lesions indicative of pneumonic infection in the pig with Haemophilus pleuropneumoniae was made in an abattoir in eastern England. A total of 78 herds located in 11 counties of eastern or central England were seen between December 1982 and August 1983. Lesions were noted in the batches submitted by 44 (56 per cent) of the 78 herds. A further 16 herds (21 per cent) submitted batches containing pigs affected by pleurisy principally of the caudal lobes but without the pneumonic lesions. Lesions suggestive of enzootic pneumonia were also seen in 61 herds (78 per cent). Circumstances restricted corroborative bacteriological examinations to 53 and serological examinations to 33 herds. Strains of H pleuropneumoniae (predominantly serotype 3 but also serotype 2) were isolated from 26 herds. These comprised 22 out of 42 (51 per cent) of those where typically affected plucks, or plucks with caudal lobe pleurisy, were encountered, and four out of 11 (36 per cent) in which there was either no observable thoracic disease or enzootic pneumonia only. Complement fixing antibodies to serotype 3 or 2 antigens occurred in 26 out of 33 herds (79 per cent). These comprised 25 (83 per cent) of 30 herds with batches exhibiting either typical pulmonary lesions and, or, caudal lobe pleurisy and one of three herds without such lesions. Collectively these data indicate that herds containing pigs with pleuropneumonia are common at least in the more easterly parts of England and that H pleuropneumoniae, usually but not always associated with disease, is also widespread.     

Neoplasms of the apocrine sweat glands in 44 dogs and 10 cats

Neoplasms of the apocrine sweat glands accounted for 2.0 per cent and 3.6 per cent, respectively, of all canine and feline skin neoplasms diagnosed during a period of three years. They occurred in dogs from six to 17 years of age of both sexes, and golden retrievers appeared to be predisposed; they occurred in cats from six to 17 years of age and there were no breed or sex predilections. In both species, the neoplasms were usually solitary and occurred anywhere on the body; they were nearly always carcinomas and histologically were usually of the solid type. There were no clinical measurements that made it possible to distinguish reliably between benign and malignant lesions. No distant metastases were recorded, even though 22.5 per cent of the canine carcinomas had invaded the lymphatic system.     

Histological evidence of disease in wild stoats (Mustela erminea) in England.

Forty-four free-living stoats were collected from five game estates in England and examined for evidence of disease. All the macroscopic lesions were attributable to the trauma associated with being trapped or shot. There were no significant microscopic lesions in 27 (61 per cent) of the stoats. There was evidence of nematode parasitism in the intestines of six stoats (14 per cent), and in the lungs of five stoats (11 per cent), and of pulmonary granulomatous inflammation or microgranulomas in five stoats. In two of the stoats, blood-filled cavities in the liver were suggestive of peliosis hepatis, possibly associated with infection by Bartonella species or with sublethal exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides.     

Characteristics, prevalence and aetiology of lesions of the oral mucosa in adult sheep

A total of 214 sheep with lesions of the oral mucosa were recorded at the Veterinary Laboratories Agency regional laboratories between March 15, 2002 and February 28, 2003. Using denominator data from the scrapie abattoir survey a prevalence of 0.95 per cent (95 per cent CI 0.82 to 1.10 per cent) was recorded, and using the fallen stock survey a prevalence of 1.15 per cent (95 per cent CI 0.64 to 1.91 per cent) was recorded. The lesions varied widely and included dental pad lesions in 20 per cent of cases. In total, 248 sites were affected, the commonest being the lower gum below the incisors, which was affected in 100 sheep. Most of the lesions were 1 cm or less in diameter. Ninety per cent of the 251 lesions examined histologically were erosions, ulcers, healed ulcers, focal epithelial necrosis or haemorrhages, and the changes observed indicated that trauma was the most likely primary cause.     

Prevalence and some clinical characteristics of equine cheek teeth diastemata in 471 horses examined in a UK first-opinion equine practice (2008 to 2009)

Cheek teeth (CT) diastemata are now recognised as a clinically significant equine disorder, but their prevalence in the general equine population is unknown. There is also limited information on the signalment of affected horses; the more commonly affected Triadan sites; and the shape and clinical characteristics of CT diastemata. During the 12-month study period (2008 to 2009), standardised records were obtained during routine dental examinations performed by five veterinarians in a first-opinion equine practice. Cheek teeth diastemata were identified in 49.9 per cent of all horses (n=471) of mean age 11 years (range one to 30 years), with 83.5 per cent of all diastemata affecting mandibular CT and 16.5 per cent affecting maxillary CT. The mean number of diastemata per case was 1.7 (range one to 20) and the mandibular 07 to 08 position was most commonly affected. Valve diastemata were more common (72.1 per cent prevalence) than open diastemata (27.9 per cent). Food trapping was present in 91.4 per cent of diastemata, with gingivitis and periodontal pockets adjacent to 34.2 per cent and 43.7 per cent, respectively. Halitosis was present in 45.5 per cent of affected horses. There was an age-related increase in both the prevalence of diastemata, and in the numbers of diastemata per affected horse, and horses over 15 years old had a significantly increased proportion of open diastemata.     

The first occurrence of demodicosis in cattle in Czechoslovakia

Demodectic lesions were found in 37 per cent out of the total number of seventy-five cows examined by palpation in a large cow-house in South Bohemia, Czechoslovakia. These lesions were intradermal nodules, mostly 2 to 6 mm in diameter, located in the corium in the anterior parts of the body. The animals had 1 to 75 lesions (on the average 11.6). Their age was three to seven years. Their overall health condition was good and their behaviour was not affected. Microscopic examination revealed large numbers of Demodex bovis Stiles, 1892, causative agent of demodicosis, in the contents of nodules in five out of six examined animals. Histopathological changes in two nodules were characterized by inflammatory granulomatous structures containing large numbers of mites, epithelioid cells with rich, pale cytoplasm, giant cells of the foreign body type, and inflammatory infiltrates consisting mostly of lymphocytes. Fibroproduction in the contents of granulomas and along their periphery was markedly low.     

Quantitative and qualitative assessments of intraoral lesions in 180 small herbivorous mammals

Between 2002 and 2005 210 rabbits, 257 guinea pigs and 123 chinchillas were examined; oral disease was diagnosed in 38.1 per cent of the rabbits, 23.4 per cent of the guinea pigs and 32.5 per cent of the chinchillas. In the rabbits, the maxillary right P3, mandibular right P3, P4 and M1 and mandibular left P3, P4, and M1 were the teeth most frequently affected; in the guinea pigs, the mandibular right P4 and both the mandibular left incisor and P4 were most often affected; and in the chinchillas the maxillary right P4 and M1 and maxillary left P4 were most often affected. The incisors and first mandibular cheek teeth of the guinea pigs were significantly more often affected than those in the chinchillas or rabbits. Bilateral lesions of the maxillary cheek teeth were significantly more common in the chinchillas. The highest incidence of gingival hyperplasia was recorded in the rabbits. The incidence of gingival erosions and gingivitis were significantly higher in the chinchillas.     

Observational study of 14 cases of chronic pancreatitis in dogs

This study reports the clinical, clinicopathological and ultrasonographic findings from dogs with chronic pancreatitis (CP). Fourteen dogs with clinical signs consistent with CP and histological confirmation of the disease were evaluated. Abdominal ultrasound and clinical pathology results were recorded. Sensitivities of pancreatic enzymes for diagnosis of CP were calculated with two different cut-off values. The mean age of affected dogs was 9.1 years. Spaniels were the most common breed with CP, representing seven of the 14 dogs in this study. CP was histologically severe in nine cases. Most dogs showed chronic low-grade gastrointestinal signs and abdominal pain. Five dogs had exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and five dogs had diabetes mellitus. The sensitivity of elevated trypsin-like immunoreactivity for CP was 17 per cent. The sensitivities of canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity, lipase and amylase for CP were 44 to 67 per cent or 14 to 28 per cent depending on the cut-off value used. Cholesterol was elevated in 58 per cent of samples. Liver enzymes were often elevated. The pancreas appeared abnormal on 56 per cent of ultrasound examinations. Ten dogs had died by the end of the study period; only one case was due to CP.     

Measurements of footpad dermatitis in broiler chickens at processing plants

A four-point photographic scale was developed to score the severity of lesions of footpad dermatitis (FPD) in broiler chickens. There was a linear relationship between the square root of the relative area of the lesions and their scores, and good agreement between different assessors using the scale. The scale was used to assess samples of 100 birds from each of 190 flocks slaughtered at two uk processing plants in 2002 and 2003; 12 of the flocks (6.3 per cent) had no lesions, but the others had lesions of different prevalences and severity. The maximum proportion of affected birds in a flock was 92 per cent. In the 178 affected flocks, 84.0 per cent of the birds had no lesions and 16.0 per cent had some evidence of FPD. The overall unweighted prevalence of birds with FPD in all 190 flocks sampled was 18.1 per cent; 10.2 per cent had only small lesions, on average equivalent in area to 2.1 per cent of the total area of the foot, 6.2 per cent had lesions on average equivalent to 6.6 per cent of the area of the foot, and 1.7 per cent had lesions on average equivalent to 21.5 per cent of the area of the foot. There were differences between the two plants in the overall prevalence and severity of FPD, but this may have been due to the fact that the plants were sampled at different times of the year.     

Epidemiological investigations of outbreaks of bovine ephemeral fever in Israel

In two epidemics of bovine ephemeral fever (BEF) in Israel, one in 1990 and one in 1999, the virus was probably carried by vectors transported by air currents across the Rift Valley and through the Red Sea trough. The disease broke out under optimal ecological conditions among vulnerable cattle populations and spread rapidly; it developed in the spring and summer and ended soon after the daily average ambient temperature fell below 16 degrees C in late autumn. The proportion of herds affected reached 78.4 and 97.7 per cent in 1990 and 1999, respectively. The highest rates of incidence, morbidity and mortality were recorded in dairy cattle herds in the Jordan Valley, the initial focus of the outbreaks, with a morbidity of 20 and 38.6 per cent in 1990 and 1999, respectively, and mortality among the affected animals of 2 and 8.6 per cent in 1990 and 1999, respectively. In 1991, the disease recurred sporadically in the central and southern regions of Israel in only three herds, but in 2000 the disease returned on an epidemic scale, and 85 per cent of herds were affected, with morbidity and mortality rates of 4-3 and 0-3 per cent, respectively. In the 1999 epidemic, the morbidity rate decreased from 38-6 per cent on average in the Jordan Valley to 12.8 per cent in the inner valleys and 5.3 per cent on the Mediterranean coastal plain, but the mortality rate increased from 8-6 per cent in the Jordan Valley to 14-3 per cent in the inner valleys, and to 28 per cent on the Mediterranean coastal plain, where the outbreak declined. An average of 2-7 per cent of the animals experienced a second attack of the disease two to six weeks later. The epidemic in 2000 was milder and shorter than that in 1999. All the cattle affected in both outbreaks were more than three months old. The vector(s) is not known for certain but the available evidence indicates that mosquitoes, and not Culicoides species, are the natural vectors of BEF virus in Israel.     

Survey of canine and feline follicular tumours and tumour-like lesions in central Italy

Between January 1985 and June 1997, a total of 4005 skin biopsies were received from dogs and 898 from cats. Follicular tumours and tumour-like lesions together represented 10.4 per cent and 8.1 per cent of all skin tumours in the dog and cat, respectively. The prevalence of tumour-like lesions, such as follicular and dermoid cysts, dilated pore and focal adnexal dysplasia, was highest, representing 41.2 per cent and 68 per cent of all follicular lesions in dogs and cats, respectively. In the dog, follicular tumours were distributed as follows: trichoblastoma (25.6 per cent of all tumours and tumour-like lesions), infundibular keratinising acanthoma, (14 per cent), pilomatricoma (13 per cent), trichoepithelioma (3.9 per cent) and tricholemmoma (2.3 per cent). In the cat, the distribution was 26 per cent for trichoblastoma, 4 per cent for trichoepithelioma and 2 per cent for pilomatricoma. Tumour-like lesions and infundibular keratinising acanthoma in the dog were mostly located on the trunk, trichoblastoma and tricholemmoma on the head, and pilomatricoma on the neck. In the cat, both tumour-like lesions and trichoblastoma were frequently present on the neck and head.     

Ultrasonographic diagnosis of congenital portosystemic shunt in 14 cats

Twenty-four cats with clinical and, or, clinico-pathological signs compatible with portosystemic shunting were examined prospectively using two-dimensional grey-scale, duplex and colourflow Doppler ultrasonography. Diagnosis of congenital portosystemic shunt was subsequently confirmed in 14 cats using operative mesenteric portography and surgery. Of the 14 affected cats, nine were purebred; eight were male and six female. The mean age at the time of diagnosis was nine months (range four to 27 months). Ultrasonographic evidence of a small liver was present in seven cats (50 per cent); visibility of intrahepatic portal vessels was reduced in three (21 per cent). An anomalous blood vessel was identified ultrasonographically in each cat; in 10 cats (71 per cent) the vessel was observed to originate from the portal vein and drain into the caudal vena cava. Abnormally variable portal blood flow waspresent in eight of the 10 cats in which it was measured. At surgery, six shunts were intrahepatic and eight extrahepatic; the ultrasonographic diagnosis of intra- versus extra-hepatic shunt was correct in 13 cats (93 per cent). No anomalous blood vessels or abnormalities affecting the portal vein were detected ultrasonographically in any of the 10 cats that did not have congenital portosystemic shunting. Hence, the accuracy of ultrasonography for diagnosis of congenital portosystemic shunting in this series was 100 per cent.     

Serovars of Salmonella isolated from Danish turkeys between 1995 and 2000 and their antimicrobial resistance

The prevalence of Salmonella serovars and their antimicrobial resistance patterns were investigated among Danish turkeys between 1995 and 2000, by sampling the flocks approximately 14 days before they were slaughtered. Within the flocks, the prevalence of salmonella varied from 7.1 per cent to 25 per cent, and 24 different serovars were detected. The five most prevalent, which accounted for 58.5 per cent of the isolates were Salmonella Heidelberg (16.2 per cent of the isolates), Salmonella Agona (15.8 per cent), Salmonella Derby (12.4 per cent), Salmonella Muenster (7.3 per cent) and Salmonella Anatum (6.8 per cent). In addition, a few rough isolates and isolates belonging to the antigenically incomplete formulae 6,7:-:- and 4,12:b:- were found. The level of antimicrobial resistance was low; the highest resistance was recorded to ampicillin (13.7 per cent) and streptomycin (9.0 per cent) followed by tetracycline (8.5 per cent), sulphonamides (7.7 per cent) and spectinomycin (4.7 per cent). Resistance to quinolones was very low: four isolates were resistant to nalidixic acid, and only one was resistant to enrofloxacin. No resistance was recorded to colistin, apramycin, ceftiofur, florfenicol, or amoxycillin with clavulanic acid. Only 24 isolates were resistant to two or more compounds in various combinations of up to six compounds; one Salmonella Havana isolate was resistant to six compounds. Six isolates were serovar Typhimurium, but none of them belonged to phage type DT104.     

Retrospective study of bacterial infective arthritis in 31 dogs

OBJECTIVES: To characterise the presenting signs and pathological changes of canine bacterial infective arthritis in 31 dogs, and to document the response to different treatment regimens. Risk factors that may predispose joints to bacterial infective arthritis and influence the success of treatment were also investigated. METHODS: A retrospective review of cases of bacterial infective arthritis that were presented to three university veterinary referral hospitals over a five-year period (January 1997 to January 2002) was performed. RESULTS: The elbow joint (38 per cent) and stifle joint (44 per cent) were most commonly affected. Radiographic changes consistent with pre-existing osteoarthritis were identified in 14 joints, which had no history of previous surgery (articular or periarticular) or penetrating wound. No significant difference (P = 0.78) was identified between the outcome of combined surgical and medical management, and medical management alone. There were trends for poorer outcomes with increased bodyweight of the dog, longer duration of lameness and a higher nucleated cell count of the affected joint fluid at presentation. The overall infection rate for articular surgical procedures at one institution was 1-3 per cent. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Medical and/or surgical management were usually successful in resolving infection (94 per cent). However, they were frequently unsuccessful in restoring full joint function; this may in part have been due to the nature of the underlying joint     

Disease and mortality among great bustards (Otis tarda) at Whipsnade Wild Animal Park, 1989 to 1999

Between 1989 and 1999, 351 clinical examinations and six postmortem examinations were made on the six great bustards (Otis tarda) maintained at the Whipsnade Wild Animal Park. Soft tissue-related traumatic injuries accounted for 35 per cent of all the clinical findings, musculoskeletal disorders accounted for 26 per cent, and lameness was one of the main reasons for a veterinary examination. Poor condition accounted for 30 per cent of the clinical findings and was associated with periods of cold wet weather during the winter and spring; the affected birds were isolated and provided with nutritional support. Haemosiderosis and haemochromatosis were observed in four of the five birds from which samples were taken for histopathology.     

Post mortem survey of diseases in young rabbits.

Over 25 conditions were identified in 417 rabbits dying within the first six months of life. Conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory tract were the most common and involved 124 (29.7 per cent) and 81 (19.4 per cent) cases. No obvious gross lesions were identified in 161 (38.7 per cent) of the animals.     

Evaluation of brush cytology in the diagnosis of chronic intranasal disease in cats

Brush cytology was used as a diagnostic aid in 85 cats affected with chronic intranasal disease. Fifty-three of these cases, sampled over a five-year period, were included in this study, while the other cases were excluded due to poor cellularity of the cytological samples (nine cases) or a lack of histological or follow-up data (23 cases). Thirty-six brush samples were classified by cytology as inflammatory. Subsequent histological examination revealed a false negative diagnosis of neoplasia in six cats, two of which had malignant tumours (one adenocarcinoma and one lymphoma), the remaining four having benign tumours (two adenomas and two osteochondromas). Seventeen samples were classified by brush cytology as neoplastic. This was confirmed in 16 of these cases by histology or follow-up (nine epithelial malignant tumours, six lymphomas and one osteosarcoma). In the remaining case, a false positive diagnosis of lymphoma was made. The procedure had an overall 86.8 per cent (46/53) agreement between the diagnosis of inflammatory conditions versus neoplasia, with a sensitivity of 72.7 per cent, a specificity of 96.8 per cent, a predictive value of a positive test of 94.1 per cent and a predictive value of a negative test of 83.3 per cent.     

Arthroscopic removal of osteochondral fragments of the palmar/plantar aspect of the metacarpo/metatarsophalangeal joints

This paper presents the results of arthroscopic surgery in 42 Standardbred trotters and three Finnish horses. Forty-five horses were operated on. The age range was one to seven years; 73 per cent of the horses were three years old or younger. Horses showed a variety of clinical signs ranging from moderate to severe lameness at slow speeds, to obscure lameness manifesting only at high speeds. Synovial effusion of the fetlock joint was rare. In this series, 44 horses that had Type I fragments and one horse that had Type III fragments were operated on. Of the 45 horses operated on, 23 (51 per cent) returned to speed training in three months and 41 (91 per cent) returned to speed training in six months. Three of 45 (6 per cent) were lame three months after the surgery when the trainer attempted to start speed training. One of those was sound six months after the operation. The remaining two (4 per cent) stayed lame due to a lesion in the affected joint. Two of 45 (4 per cent) discontinued training for other reasons. The horse with Type III fragments returned to speed training in three months.