Milk fever and alert downer cows: does hypophosphatemia affect the treatment response?

The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to identify factors that place a dairy cow with uncomplicated milk fever (MF) at significant risk of becoming an alert downer cow (ADC) and to verify if these factors could be used to predict treatment outcome. Recumbent MF cows were examined before treatment and 52 were excluded due to complications. In all, histories and pretreatment serum samples were taken and the serum of 86 cows was analyzed for electrolyte levels (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium). In total, 36 of the 86 samples were from ADCs and 50 from animals that responded to MF treatment (MFT). A binary-two-factor logistic model determined that a MF cow with a phosphorus pretreatment level of > or = 0.9 mmol/L was 12 times more likely not to become an ADC than one with a phosphorus level < 0.9 mmol/L (CI: 6.3,23.1). Also, a binary multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that a MF cow with a pretreatment calcium level > or = 1.7 mmol/L was 14 times more likely to become an ADC than one with a serum level < 1.7 mmol/L (CI: 2.0,98). Age and the other serum electrolytes were not statistically significant risk factors at the 0.05 level. The rigorous pretreatment examination and stringent adherence to protocol reduced ADC misclassification and fostered the strong association between single factor serum phosphorus levels and ADCs. By using a cutoff level of serum phosphorus at > or = 0.9 mmol/L, a practitioner could correctly predict that 95% of the MFs would not become ADCs and, therefore, this level would be a useful pretreatment predictor.     

Sequence and phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene of Ehrlichia canis strains in dogs with clinical monocytic ehrlichiosis

The purpose of this study was to characterize, at the molecular level, the Ehrlichia canis strains involved in naturally occurring canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) in Greece, and to investigate if any sequence diversity exists between the 16S rRNA genes of those involved in the mild non-myelosuppressive or the severe myelosuppressive form of CME. To this end, amplification of the ehrlichial 16S rRNA gene was attempted by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays in bone marrow (BM) aspirates from 20 dogs tentatively diagnosed as having non-myelosuppressive (n=10, group A) or myelosuppressive (n=10, group B) CME. PCR assay using E. canis-specific primers revealed that 15 BM samples, including all group A and 5 group B dogs, were positive. Using universal PCR primers, a nearly full-length 16S rRNA gene could be amplified from 13 BM samples, including 9 group A and 4 group B dogs. The 16S rDNA analysis based on secondary structure revealed that all sequences of the Greek strains were identical to each other and indicated 100% identity among some American (Venezuelan and Brazilian), European (Greek), Middle Eastern (Turkish) and Asiatic (Thailand) strains. The results of this study suggest that the E. canis strains involved in the non-myelosuppressive and myelosuppressive forms of CME in Greece share an identical 16S rRNA genotype.     

Clinical, histopathological and therapeutic considerations in a flock of sheep with facial staphylococcal-associated dermatitis

In a flock of 290 sheep, a total of 20 ewes (6.9%) with an age range of 1.5-4 years, developed a nonpruritic dermatitis characterized by alopecia/hypotrichosis, erythema, hyperpigmentation, crusting, superficial ulcers, exudation and thickening of the skin that was localized mainly to the peri-ocular area. Frequent and massive feeding of swarming sucking flies on the lesional sites was witnessed. In every instance (n = 6), Staphylococcus aureus was cultured from the exudate and the aseptically obtained skin biopsy samples from both recurrent and new cases. The main predisposing factor was the presence of small troughs, which forced the sheep to compete for food. Intramuscular administration of cefalexin for 7 days resulted in the resolution of lesions over a 2-week period. No further cases or recurrences were seen over the 16-month follow-up period. The main histopathological feature of this skin disease was a superficial and deep, perivascular to interstitial eosinophilic and mononuclear dermatitis.     

Co-infection with Mycoplasma haemofelis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' in three cats from Brazil

The two most common haemotropic Mycoplasma of cats, Mycoplasma haemofelis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' have been identified using molecular techniques in all continents, except Antarctica. We report the first molecular characterization in South America of a dual infection with M haemofelis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' in three domestic cats. The 16S ribosomal RNA gene was amplified in three anaemic cats in which haemoplasma organisms were seen attached to the erythrocytes in the peripheral blood smear. Bands of the expected size for M haemofelis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' were observed in all three cats. The 393 bp segment of one of the amplicons had a similarity value of 100% to M haemofelis, whereas the other amplicon, a 192 bp segment, was 100% similar to 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum'. After diagnosis, two cats received blood transfusion and they were all treated with doxycycline. All three cats recovered uneventfully.     

Breed associations for canine exocrine pancreatic insufficiency

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of breed associations is valuable to clinicians and researchers investigating diseases with a genetic basis. HYPOTHESIS: Among symptomatic dogs tested for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) by canine trypsin-like immunoreactivity (cTLI) assay, EPI is common in certain breeds and rare in others. Some breeds may be overrepresented or underrepresented in the population of dogs with EPI. Pathogenesis of EPI may be different among breeds. ANIMALS: Client-owned dogs with clinical signs, tested for EPI by radioimmunoassay of serum cTLI, were used. METHODS: In this retrospective study, results of 13,069 cTLI assays were reviewed. RESULTS: An association with EPI was found in Chows, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS), Rough-Coated Collies (RCC), and German Shepherd Dogs (GSD) (all P < .001). Chows (median, 16 months) were younger at diagnosis than CKCS (median, 72 months, P < .001), but not significantly different from GSD (median, 36 months, P = .10) or RCC (median, 36 months, P = .16). GSD (P < .001) and RCC (P = .015) were younger at diagnosis than CKCS. Boxers (P < .001), Golden Retrievers (P < .001), Labrador Retrievers (P < .001), Rottweilers (P = .022), and Weimaraners (P = .002) were underrepresented in the population with EPI. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: An association with EPI in Chows has not previously been reported. In breeds with early-onset EPI, immune-mediated mechanisms are possible or the disease may be congenital. When EPI manifests later, as in CKCS, pathogenesis is likely different (eg, secondary to chronic pancreatitis). Underrepresentation of certain breeds among dogs with EPI has not previously been recognized and may imply the existence of breed-specific mechanisms that protect pancreatic tissue from injury.     

Assessment of the socio-economic impacts associated with the arrival of apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata) in Mwea irrigation scheme,Kenya

Background

In Kenya, rice (Oryza sativa L.) is mainly produced under irrigation by small-scale farmers. Mwea irrigation scheme (MIS) in Kirinyaga County accounts for 80–88% of rice production. Here, rice is the main source of livelihood and a source of revenue generation for the county. However, a recently established invasive freshwater snail, Pomacea canaliculata (Lamarck) (family: Ampullariidae), a species of apple snail, presents a serious threat to rice production.

Results

Household surveys, focus group discussions and key informant interviews highlight apple snail as a serious problem in MIS. Households that observed at least a moderate level of infestation (>20% of cultivated area) experienced significant reductions in rice yield (~14%) and net rice income (~60%). Farmers reported increased use of chemical pesticides for management of apple snail. In addition, the cost of hired labor for physical removal of egg masses and snails is resulting in substantial negative effects on net income. Farmer age, area of land owned, responsibility for decision-making, receipt of extension advice, training, and membership of a farmer organization, were all statistically significant variables to explain farmers awareness of the need for area-wide apple snail management.

Conclusion

Strategies to limit the spread of apple snail are urgently needed. A Multi-Institutional Technical Team (MITT) has been established to spearhead management efforts and consolidate advice to farmers on how to manage apple snail. However, without action to mitigate spread, the consequences could be disastrous for rice production and food security in Kenya, and for other rice growing regions across Africa. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.     

Structure—activity relationships of organotin biocides and Ceratocystis ulmi

The effect of organotin compounds on the growth of Ceratocystis ulmi, the causative agent of Dutch elm disease, was studied in shake culture. Triphenyltin, (C₆H₅)₃SnX, tricyclohexyltin, (C₆H₁₁)₃SnX, and tributyltin, (C₄H₉)₃SnX, compounds were all effective in the inhibition of C. ulmi in vitro. The anionic group, X, did not play a major role in the inhibitory activities of these compounds, suggesting that the species involved in the inhibition is R₃Sn⁺ or the hydrated cation.     

Pain management in horses and farm animals

Objective: This review discusses the different analgesic drugs and routes of administration used in large animals for acute pain management. General guidelines and doses are given to assist in choosing techniques that provide effective analgesia. Etiology: Noxious stimuli are perceived, recognized, and localized by specialized sensory systems located at spinal and supraspinal levels. Diagnosis: Localizing the source of the noxious stimulus as well as understanding the behavioral aspects and physiological changes that result from such insult is important to adequately diagnose and treat pain. Pain assessment is far from being definite and objective; not only are there species differences, but also individual variation. In addition, the behavioral and physiological manifestations vary with the acute or chronic nature of pain. Therapy: Pain management should include (1) selecting drugs that better control the type of pain elicited by the insult; (2) selecting techniques of analgesic drug administration that act on pathways or anatomical locations where the nociceptive information is being processed or originating from; (3) combining analgesic drugs that act on different pain pathways; and (4) provide the best possible comfort for the animal. Prognosis: Providing pain relief improves the animal's well being and outcome; however, interpreting and diagnosing pain remains difficult. Continuing research in pain management will contribute to the evaluation of the pathophysiology of pain, pain assessment, and newer analgesic drugs and techniques.