Vagus indigestion syndrome resulting from a liver abscess in dairy cows

A liver abscess resulted in vagal indigestion in 8 dairy cattle. There was cessation of transport of digesta through the omasum. Clinical signs were of variable duration and included abdominal distention and bradycardia. Medical therapy had not been effective. Left paralumbar fossa celiotomy and rumenotomy permitted detection of the liver abscess. A second surgery from a ventral approach allowed drainage of the abscess by insertion of a catheter through the abdominal wall.     

O-serovar distribution and antibiotic sensitivity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains from birds and reptiles

100 strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P.a.) from birds and reptiles were compared by determination of their O-serovars and their resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. A great number of isolates (birds 17.4%, reptiles 29.6%) were serologically untypable using 17 O-antisera by slide-agglutination-technique. The prevalence of O-serovar 0:6 was found in birds (39%) and reptiles (18.5%), followed by bird-isolates 0:1 and 0:3 (each 13%) and reptile-isolates 0:16 (14.8%). The serological distribution was different among bird- and reptile-isolates and also among the human and animal strains. All strains were resistant to penicillin G and ampicillin, more than 90% to nitrofurantoin, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, chloramphenicol and erythromycin. Resistance to tetracycline was found to be 87%, resistance to sulfonamide 81%, respectively. 32% of all isolates were resistant to streptomycin, 61% to kanamycin. All isolates were susceptible to genta- and neomycin. Also all isolates, except one reptile-strain, were susceptible to gyrase-blocker (Bay VP 2674). 2 isolates were resistant to polymyxin B.     

A longitudinal study of Escherichia coli strains isolated from captive mammals, birds, and reptiles in Trinidad.

A longitudinal study was conducted of the prevalence and characteristics of Escherichia coli in mammals, birds, and reptiles housed at the Emperor Valley Zoo, Trinidad. During a 6-mo study period, swabs were obtained from fecal samples that were randomly collected from the enclosures of animals from these three taxonomic groups every 3 wk. With snakes, both cloacal and fecal swabs were obtained. Fecal and cloacal swabs were cultured for E. coli on eosin methylene blue agar. The production of mucoid colonies and hemolytic colonies and non-sorbitol fermenter status were identified. The occurrence of O157 strains was determined amongst E. coli isolates that were non-sorbitol fermenters, and the disc diffusion method was used to determine the antibiograms of isolates. The frequency of E. coli isolation was significantly higher in mammals compared with birds and reptiles. Overall, the frequencies of isolation of E. coli from omnivores. herbivores, and carnivores, 87.2%, 70.0%, and 57.3%, respectively, regardless of animal class, were significantly different. Most (99.6%) of the E. coli isolates tested for antibiotic sensitivity exhibited resistance to one or more of the eight antimicrobial agents used. The possession of phenotypic virulence markers by the E. coli isolates studied and the generally high resistance to antimicrobial agents may have health implications for the zoological collection.     

Development of LYNX: a computer application for disease diagnosis and health monitoring in wild mammals, birds and reptiles

IBM-compatible software has been developed so that quantitative and qualitative haematological and biochemical reference data for over 500 species of mammals, birds and reptiles can be made readily accessible to veterinary surgeons. The LYNX software makes it possible to retrieve these data at different taxonomic levels (species, genera, families, orders and classes) and to select data by age and sex. The data for each variable may be presented in the form of a reference range or as a frequency histogram. Notes describing the variations in blood cell morphology observed in healthy individuals of each species are included in the database. The user's own haematological and biochemical data can also be entered, stored and used.     

Effect of a milk-derived factor on the inflammatory response to Staphylococcus aureus intramammary infection.

Daily injections of an anti-inflammatory milk-derived factor (MDF) into mice increased resistance to Staphylococcus aureus challenge, and reduced leukocyte infiltration. Intraperitoneal injection of MDF into lactating mice prior to S. aureus intramammary challenge resulted in greater milk secretory activity and less inflammation compared with untreated controls, but had little effect on the number of S. aureus recovered from mammary tissue. Infusion of MDF directly into mouse mammary glands prior to challenge reduced S. aureus recovered after challenge. Incubation of bovine mammary macrophages in medium supplemented with MDF enhanced phagocytosis of opsonized S. aureus. In addition, infusion of 5 mg MDF into uninfected bovine mammary glands 24 h prior to S. aureus challenge resulted in fewer infections (five of ten) than in control quarters (seven of nine). Repeated daily injections of 5 mg MDF into S. aureus-infected quarters increased the percent of mammary neutrophils and decreased the recovery of S. aureus, but did not eliminate infections. Intravenous injection of 8 g MDF into cows resulted in pronounced leukopenia while the accompanying effect on mammary leukocytes was less marked but followed a similar course. Results suggest that the use of MDF in mice enhanced resistance to experimental infection and was beneficial in maintaining mammary secretory activity and reducing inflammation after bacterial challenge. In the cow, MDF promoted phagocytosis in vitro and was effective against challenge when infused intramammarily.     

Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella spp. in pet mammals, reptiles, fish aquarium water, and birds in Trinidad

The prevalence of Salmonella spp. was determined in 970 animals comprising 423 pet birds, 485 fish aquaria water and 62 other pets (40 pet mammals, 14 reptiles, eight others - crustaceans, snail, stingray) from both pet shops and households throughout Trinidad. The serotypes of Salmonella spp. isolated were identified and the resistance to various antimicrobial agents was determined. Overall nine (0.9%) of 970 pet animals were positive for Salmonella spp. Six isolates of Salmonella spp. were recovered from all pet birds with two isolates of serotype Aberdeen and one isolate each of Thompson, Rubislaw, Panama and Newport. The prevalence of Salmonella spp. in birds was 0.9%. Four isolates of Salmonella spp. were recovered from fish aquaria water, serotypes included Panama (two isolates), Newport (one isolate) and Virchow (one isolate). Prevalence of Salmonella spp. from fish aquaria was 0.4%. No isolate of Salmonella spp. was detected in pet mammals sampled while two isolates were recovered from reptiles, S. Enteritidis and S. Montevideo. One isolate of Salmonella spp. was recovered from a stingray, serotype unknown. Antimicrobial resistance was present is all animal types. The highest prevalence of resistance was to streptomycin among isolates from birds (83.3%) and other pets (100.0%) while isolates from fish aquarium water exhibited comparatively high resistance to cephalothin (50.0%). It was concluded that the isolation of Salmonella spp. from apparently healthy birds, fish aquarium water and other pet animals may pose a health risk to their owners and contacts as all serotypes are known to be potentially pathogenic depending on the oral dosage of the organism and the immune status of those in contact. The high prevalence of resistance to antimicrobial agents among Salmonella isolates across pet species may pose chemotherapeutic consequences to their owners and contacts.     

Successful treatment of a localised CDC Group EF-4a infection in a cat

Organisms classified within the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Group eugonic fermenter (EF)-4a are facultative anaerobic, Gram-negative coccobacilli, thought to be of the family Neisseriaceae. CDC Group EF-4a is considered a component of normal oral flora in cats and dogs and is most commonly isolated from bite injuries of human patients. Most previously reported cases in cats have involved fatal necrotising pneumonia. We report a localised infection of the retropharyngeal/mandibular tissues in a cat, which responded to surgical drainage and a 5-week course of amoxycillin clavulanate. There are no prior reports of successfully treated EF-4a infections in cats in the literature.     

A moderate aseptic local inflammation does not induce a significant systemic inflammatory response

The aim of this prospective study was to characterize the response of the coagulation system to a defined sterile localized inflammatory process.Tissue cages were implanted subcutaneously in five healthy Beagles. After 9–10 weeks, local inflammation was induced by an injection of 0.5 ml 1% carrageenan. Serial samples of tissue cage fluid (TCF) and blood were collected at 10 time points (0–168 h). Nucleated cells (NC) of TCF were counted automatically to characterize local inflammation. C-reactive protein (CRP), leukocytes and coagulation variables (PT, aPTT, fibrinogen, factor VIII, antithrombin, protein C, protein S, and d-dimers) were determined in blood samples.Carrageenan induced a significant 32-fold increase of NCs in TCF (P < 0.0001). A slight increase in leukocytes (P < 0.0001) was observed. There was a significant 1.3- to 1.5-fold increase in protein C (P = 0.0001) and protein S (P = 0.0028). CRP, secondary hemostasis and fibrinolysis did not change.The mild increase from baseline in PC/PS, may reflect a physiological counter reaction.     

Haemorrhagic lesions resulting from Trypanosoma vivax infection in Ayrshire cattle

Infection of Ayrshire cattle with a stock of Trypanosoma vivax from the Galana Ranch, Kenya, resulted in an acute disease characterised by profound anaemia and haemorrhage, which reached maximum severity between 3 and 5 weeks after infection. Bleeding from the ears, nose and rectum occurred. At necropsy, petechial and ecchymotic haemorrhages were widespread, but were particularly severe in the gastrointestinal tract. In confirmation of the gross findings, congestion, haemorrhage and degenerative changes in most tissues and organs were found histologically. Thrombi were seen in the lymphatic vessels and clots of fibrin were present in the ventricles of the brain. The anaemia was a consequence of frank blood loss through haemorrhaging, exacerbated by erythrophagocytosis of deformed red blood cells, whose occurrence was indicative of microangiopathic changes. Animals were euthanised between 23 and 36 days after infection when they became recumbent with PCV values as low as 9%. There is no doubt that animals affected by this syndrome in the field would die within a few weeks of infection, if left untreated.     

Socialization as a factor in resistance to infection, feed efficiency, and response to antigen in chickens

Chickens were habituated to human beings (socialized) by being talked to, offered food, and handled gently. After 7 weeks of socialization, the birds were challenge exposed with Escherichia coli. When compared with ignored groups, the socialized birds showed more than a 60% reduction in the prevalence of death and pericarditis. Furthermore, small flocks of socialized birds were more uniform in their response to E coli than were similar nonsocialized flocks. Socialized chickens also had improved feed efficiency and increased antibody response to canine RBC. Socialization was also applied easily to larger flocks of chickens.     

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius infection associated with nodular skin lesions and systemic inflammatory response syndrome in a dog

A 10-year-old Pekingese dog with atopic dermatitis was referred due to pyrexia, multiple skin nodules, anorexia, and depression. The dog was diagnosed as having systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) induced by bacterial dermatitis. This case presents diagnosis and treatment of SIRS with staphylococcal skin infection in a dog that was immunosuppressed due to long-term use of corticosteroid.     

Uterine prolapse in a mare leading to metritis,systemic inflammatory response syndrome,septic shock and death

This Case Report describes severe complications associated with uterine prolapse in a mare. A 6‐year‐old Trakehner mare was examined for depression, moderate pain and vaginal discharge 3 days after correction of a uterine prolapse. The clinical examination and haematology revealed that the mare had an infection with systemic inflammatory response syndrome and shock. Due to the uncontrollable, persistent pain, an exploratory celiotomy was performed which revealed severe metritis. During anaesthesia, the mare developed severe cardiovascular compromise and died in recovery. In previously reported cases of uterine prolapse in the mare, the authors warn of uterine injury, broad ligament haemorrhage, metritis, endotoxaemia and laminitis but often have a successful outcome with conventional therapy. This case describes a mare that developed severe complications and death after uterine prolapse. Mares with uterine prolapse require appropriate treatment and vigilant monitoring post treatment to prevent life threatening complications.     

Arthrogryposis, hydranencephaly and cerebellar hypoplasia syndrome in neonatal calves resulting from intrauterine infection with Aino virus

To determine the teratogenic potential of Aino virus (AINOV) in cattle, pregnant cows and fetal cattle were infected with a fresh isolate of AINOV. Five pregnant cows were inoculated intravenously with the virus at 122 to 162 days of gestation and allowed to give birth. All of the cows developed neutralizing antibodies to the virus, indicating that the cows had been infected with the virus; however, no clinical abnormalities were seen in their six newborn calves, and no specific antibodies to the virus were detected in the precolostral serum of calves. Five fetuses with fetal ages ranging from 132 to 156 days were inoculated in utero with the virus. One weak newborn and four stillborn calves were delivered at gestation days 256 to 263, i.e., less than the standard gestation term; they had congenital abnormalities including arthrogryposis, hydranencephaly and cerebellar hypoplasia. Antibodies specific to AINOV were detected in their precolostral serum. These results demonstrate that AINOV is a potential etiological agent of congenital malformation of cattle.     

Intracranial abscess caused by Rhodococcus equi infection in a foal

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 4-month-old Missouri Fox Trotter colt was examined for a 5-week history of head tilt after treatment for suspected pulmonary Rhodococcus equi infection. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Computed tomography revealed osteolysis of the occipital, temporal, and caudal portion of the parietal bones of the left side of the cranium. A soft tissue mass compressing the occipital region of the cerebral cortex and cerebellum was associated with the osteolytic bone. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: A rostrotentorial-suboccipital craniectomy approach was performed to remove fragmented occipital bone, debulk the intracranial mass, and obtain tissue samples for histologic examination and bacterial culture. All neurologic deficits improved substantially within 3 days after surgery. Bacterial culture of the resected soft tissue and bone fragments yielded R equi. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Intracranial surgery in veterinary medicine has been limited to dogs and cats; however, in select cases, extrapolation of surgical techniques used in humans and small animals can assist with intracranial procedures in horses.