Successive deaths of a captive snow leopard (Uncia uncia) and a serval (Leptailurus serval) by infection with feline panleukopenia virus at Sapporo Maruyama Zoo

Feline parvoviruses were isolated from frozen samples of intestines taken from a snow leopard (Uncia uncia) and a serval (Leptailurus serval) that died successively at Sapporo Maruyama Zoo in Hokkaido, Japan. Isolates possessed an antigenic epitope for both the feline panleukopenia virus (FPLV) and mink enteritis virus, identified with a hemagglutination inhibition test. Sequencing analyses of the VP2 region of the isolates revealed that the two isolates were identical and of the FPLV-type. These results suggested that FPLV was introduced from a feral cat which entered the zoo and transmitted the virus inside the zoo.     

一种新型伤口处理剂对仔猪去势伤口处理的效果实证

在猪场中,正确的伤口处理对于伤口的恢复具有重要的意义。为了研究新型伤口处理剂对仔猪去势伤口的效果,特选取5～7日龄533头公仔猪,分为两组。试验组利用常规碘酊消毒去势后喷洒新型伤口处理剂,对照组则按常规操作单纯碘酊消毒。而后分别记录每天伤口恢复情况以及去势后15 d内表现关节肿的去势公仔猪比例。结果表明:新型伤口处理剂可以减少伤口出血,促进去势伤口的愈合,减少细菌通过伤口感染猪只的几率。     

Comparison of a new laser beam wound camera and a digital photoplanimetry-based method for wound measurement in horses

The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy, precision, inter- and intra-operator reliability of a new laser beam (LB) wound camera and a digital photoplanimetry-based (DPB) method for measuring the dimensions of equine wounds. Forty-one wounds were created on equine cadavers. The area, circumference, maximum depth and volume of each wound were measured four times with both techniques by two operators. A silicone cast was made of each wound and served as the reference standard to measure the wound dimensions.The DPB method had a higher accuracy and precision in determining the wound volume compared with the LB camera, which had a higher accuracy in determining the wound area and maximum depth and better precision in determining the area and circumference. The LB camera also had a significantly higher overall inter-operator reliability for measuring the wound area, circumference and volume. In contrast, the DPB method had poor intra-operator reliability for the wound circumference. The LB camera was more user-friendly than the DPB method.The LB wound camera is recommended as the better objective method to assess the dimensions of wounds in horses, despite its poorer performance for the measurement of wound volume. However, if the wound measurements are performed by one operator on cadavers or animals under general anaesthesia, the DPB method is a less expensive and valid alternative.     

Giardia infection in animals in Poznań Zoo

One hundred and eighty-four faecal samples from 170 animals of 82 different species in Poznań Zoo were examined with direct wet mounts in physiological saline and permanent smears stained with iron-haematoxylin. Giardia spp. cysts were found in one chimpanzee, four marmosets, two North American porcupines, a European wild cat and a serval. The infection in the porcupines was very intense and resistant to metronidazole treatment.     

低温等离子体调控细胞增殖和凋亡的研究进展及其在畜牧业的应用

低温等离子体(non-thermal plasma,NTP)是轻度电离的等离子体,其离子和中性粒子温度远低于电子温度,使得整个放电体系呈现低温状态,目前广泛应用于灭菌消毒、疫苗生产、口腔治疗、伤口愈合和癌症治疗等生物医学领域.NTP产生的活性氧(reactive oxygen species,ROS)及活性氮(reac...     

Low-Intensity Laser Light-Induced Closure of a Chronic Wound in a Dog

OBJECTIVE: To describe the application of low-intensity laser light for treatment of a chronic, full-thickness skin wound in a dog. STUDY DESIGN: Case report. ANIMALS: An 8-year old, castrated Whippet. METHODS: The wound was irradiated on the awake patient with 630 nM wavelength, nonthermal red light once daily for 4 consecutive days. Changes in wound surface area were measured by computer analysis of digital images of the wound. RESULTS: The wound diminished in size during the course of laser treatments and was completely healed by day 21. No post-treatment complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Low-intensity laser light may be useful for treatment of chronic skin wounds in dogs.     

Use of cancellous bone grafting to promote granulation tissue in a distal limb wound in a dog

A 5‐year‐old female spayed Shetland sheepdog presented for evaluation of bandage sores on the left pelvic limb after a splint was placed to stabilise a digit fracture incurred approximately 2 weeks previously. Multiple areas of necrosis were identified upon bandage removal. After debridement of devitalised tissue, a 4 cm wound on the plantar surface of the metatarsal bones (with exposed bone and tendons) remained. The Papineau technique (which involves removal of infected or necrotic tissue, placement of autogenous cancellous bone graft within a wound, and delayed skin closure) was used to treat this wound. Use of bone graft in this manner aims to promote early granulation tissue formation and reduce the time until wound reconstruction can be performed. Autogenous cancellous bone graft was harvested from the proximal humerus and placed within the metatarsal wound. Once a healthy granulation tissue bed was noted to cover the bone graft, a meshed full thickness skin graft was placed. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the Papineau technique being used for this purpose in a dog.     

Effects of a proprietary topical medication on wound healing and collagen deposition in horses

Full-thickness skin wounds were created on the dorsum of both metacarpi in 8 horses. Three topical treatment regimens were studied. All wounds were bandaged with a nonadherent dressing, which was held in place with a snug elastic wrap. Group-A wounds were treated with a proprietary topical wound medication that consisted of a spray and an ointment. Group-B wounds were treated with the same regimen, except the putative active ingredients in the ointment were omitted. Group-C wounds were treated with a dry nonadherent bandage only. Wound dressings were changed every day and the limbs were photographed every other day until the wounds were healed. Specimens of normal skin and biopsy specimens of healed wounds were examined histologically and were assayed for hydroxyproline content. Wound healing measurements quantitated for each wound were number of days to healing, maximal wound size attained, day wound contraction commenced, day epithelium first noticed, rate of wound contraction, final wound size, and fraction of the wound that healed by contraction. The cosmetic appearance of the healed wounds was also graded. Significant differences were not noticed in hydroxyproline content, histologic appearance, or any of the wound healing measurements between treatment groups. The cosmetic appearance of healed group-A and -B wounds was significantly better than the appearance of group-C wounds. The topical treatment regimens studied neither enhanced nor inhibited wound healing in this study.     

Effects of porcine zona pellucida immunocontraceptives in zoo felids.

Methods of contraception are necessary for management of zoo felids; however, the most commonly used contraceptive (melengestrol acetate implant) is associated with serious adverse reactions with long-term use. Porcine zona pellucida (pZP) vaccines are promising as contraceptives, but their safety in zoo felids has not been tested. pZP vaccine was administered to 27 female felids representing 10 species, including African lion (Panthera leo), Asian leopard (P. pardus), jaguar (P. onca), tiger (P. tigris), snow leopard (P. uncia), cougar (Felis concolor), Siberian lynx (F. lynx), Canada lynx (F. canadensis), serval (F. serval), and bobcat (F. rufus), in 15 facilities. Over 6 wk, each animal received three i.m. injections of 65 microg pZP with Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA), Freund's incomplete adjuvant, or carbopol as the adjuvant. Behavioral signs of estrus were seen in 14 of the vaccinated felids. An unacceptably high incidence of adverse reactions was seen including injection site swelling, lameness, limb swelling, or abscessation (or all) in five felids after injection with FCA as the initial adjuvant. Adverse behavioral signs, including increased irritability and aggression, were seen in four felids. Six of the felids were assayed for antibodies against pZP during the 12 mo after vaccination; all showed antibody production. Antibody levels appeared to peak 1-4 mo after vaccination began, although elevated antibody levels persisted in two animals for > 12 mo after the first injection. All vaccinated felids were ovariohysterectomized 3-13 mo after vaccination. Folliculogenesis was present in all treated animals, and there was no histopathologic evidence of inflammatory damage to ovaries. Contraceptive efficacy was not specifically evaluated in this study; however, two of the three felids housed with an intact male became pregnant during the study, one of which gave birth to healthy cubs.     

Gastrocutaneous fistula as a result of migration of a foreign body in a dog

A six-year-old, female Tibetan terrier was referred for investigation of a non-healing wound on the left caudal thorax. A subcutaneous swelling had initially developed on the chest wall, followed by a draining tract from which seropurulent fluid drained for two months. There had been no response to antibiotic treatment. Following radiographic and ultrasonographic examinations, a bone sequestrum from a fractured rib or a foreign body was suspected. Surgical exploration of the wound identified a sinus tract and a wooden foreign body (an ice-lolly stick) was located in subcutaneous tissues. Partial wound dehiscence of the surgical site occurred postoperatively, but healed after 10 days. One month later, fluid began to discharge from the area again. Further surgical exploration confirmed a gastrocutaneous fistula. Dissection of the fistula and surgical closure of the stomach, body wall and skin led to resolution of all signs.     

Use of a tilapia skin xenograft for management of a large bite wound in a dog

A 13-year-old neutered male miniature dachshund suffered ~30% total skin loss following an attack by another dog. After numerous failed attempts at wound management and closure, the wound was successfully healed by epithelialization using tilapia skin grafts. At each tilapia skin graft placement, the wound bed appeared pink, clean, and healthy with excellent progression of epithelialization at all edges. With use of the tilapia grafts, epithelialization occurred at a rate of 1.76 mm/day. As a result, the wound reached complete closure by epithelialization with no evidence of wound contracture in 102 days.Key clinical message:Tilapia skin grafts were successfully used for management of a large bite wound in a dog and may promote accelerated epithelialization in full thickness skin wounds.     

Carbon dioxide laser resection of a distal carpal pilomatricoma and wound closure using swine intestinal submucosa in a dog

A carbon dioxide laser was used to incise around, dissect, and remove a 2-cm intradermal mass from the left carpus of an 8-year-old, spayed female wheaten terrier. The wound was partially closed, resulting in a 3-cm diameter circular defect with extensor tendons exposed. A swine intestinal submucosa graft was utilized to cover the remaining defect. The graft was removed 5 days later, revealing a healthy granulation tissue bed covering previously exposed tendons with minimal wound margin retraction. The remaining wound was allowed to heal by contraction and epithelialization that was complete by 5 weeks postoperatively. The mass, a pilomatricoma, had not recurred at the last follow-up contact 18 months after surgery. Pilomatricoma, laser application, swine intestinal submucosa grafting, and postoperative wound management are discussed.     

Ovicidal and larvicidal activity in vitro of Spigelia anthelmia Linn. extracts on Haemonchus contortus

The prevalence of antibodies to Neospora caninum was examined in six wild Artiodactyla species, and in five wild Carnivora species from Kenya. Blood sera (104 wild ungulates from Marula Estates (MEs), and 31 wild carnivores from Masai-Mara reserve and from other wildlife areas in northern and Southern Kenya), were screened using a Neospora agglutination test (NAT), with a twofold dilution (1:40-1:320 titres). Presence of NAT antibodies to N. caninun is reported here for the first time in zebra (Equus burchelli), eland (Taurotragus oryx), African buffalo (Syncerus caffer), Thompson gazelle (Gazella thompsoni), impala (Aepyceros melampus), warthog (Phacochoerus aethiopicus), spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) and in free-ranging cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus). At 1:80 dilution, prevalence was 61.5% in eland, 58.5% in zebra, 19.2% in Thompson gazelle, 33.3% in warthog, 50% in African buffalo, 30% in lion (Panthera leo), 20% in cheetah, and 33.3% in spotted hyena. Antibodies up to 1:320 titre were detected in eland (38.4%), zebra (19.5%), Thompson gazelle (3.8%) and lion (5%). Amongst herbivores, sero-prevalence was significantly (P<0.05) higher, at all dilutions, in "grazer/digger" species (e.g. eland and zebra) than in non-"grazer/digger" species (e.g. impala and Thompson gazelle). No antibodies to N. caninum were found in two leopards (Panthera pardus) and one serval (Felis serval). Our results indicates a steady presence of N. caninum in wild mammals from Kenya. The hypothesis of a sylvatic cycle of N. caninum could be suggested, but more data are needed to verify the hypothesis, as to evaluate the role of N. caninum infection on the dynamics of wild animals population in the study area.     

Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy as Management of a Chronic Distal Limb Wound in the Horse

Wound healing in distal limb wounds with tissue loss in horses may be an expensive and long process due to prolonged inflammatory phase. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) (also known as vacuum-assisted closure) is well established method of wound therapy in human plastic and reconstructive surgery for many years. It consists of a leak free bandage and a pump that applies subatmospheric pressure to the wound area. This report describes the successful use of the NPWT intended for the suppression of exuberant granulation tissue development of the wound on distal limb in a horse.     

The treatment of transection of the extensor carpi radialis muscle as a result of a lacerating wound in a horse

A 16 month old filly was presented with the complaint of a severe laceration to the right foreleg with resultant transection of the extensor carpi radialis. Normal principles of wound treatment were followed and a bandage and splint were used for support and immobilization. The return to partial function of the damaged extensor carpi radialis was evidenced by resolution of the wound and an improvement in the patient's gait four months after the time of injury.     

Evidence-based wound management: a systematic review of therapeutic agents to enhance granulation and epithelialization.

Successful management of open wounds in dogs requires knowledge of the physiology of wound healing and application of that knowledge to choose appropriate therapeutic intervention. The authors' objective was to investigate whether or not there are any available therapeutic agents that enhance granulation or epithelialization of open wounds in dogs. Based on the literature identified in the authors' review, there is insufficient evidence to make a recommendation for or against any of the topical wound agents or procedures studied.     

Botulism as a sequel to open castration in a horse

Clostridium botulinum and type-B C botulinum toxin were isolated from a necrotic wound that developed subsequent to castration in a 2-year-old Thoroughbred gelding. The horse had clinical signs of botulism and was successfully treated with wound debridement, C botulinum type-B antitoxin, potassium penicillin, and supportive care.     

Surgical repair of a mandibular degloving injury in a 5‐month‐old colt

A 5‐month‐old colt sustained a mandibular degloving injury and penetrating cheek wound after catching his cheek on a metal hook. Avulsion of the lower left lip and cheek exposed parts of the underlying labial surface, interalveolar margin and body of the mandible. The injury prevented the colt from closing his mouth completely and food accumulated between the degloved mandible and avulsed soft tissues. Surgical repair included 7 stented, transmandibular mattress sutures placed over the length of the interalveolar margin, closing the dead space and repositioning the avulsed soft tissues. The horse recovered without complications and functional as well as cosmetic outcome were excellent.     

Reconstruction of a nonhealing lick granuloma in a dog using a phalangeal fillet technique

A 6.5-year-old, castrated male Dalmatian was presented with a 3-month history of a chronic, nonhealing wound related to a previously excised lick granuloma. Reconstruction of the wound on the lateral metatarsal region was achieved using a phalangeal fillet technique, without digital pad transposition. The skin flap healed successfully with very good cosmetic and functional results.