Treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis infection following repair of an ulnar fracture and humeroradial joint luxation in a horse

A 27-month-old Rocky Mountain Horse was examined because of a fracture of the proximal portion of the ulna and luxation of the humeroradial joint (Monteggia fracture). Open reduction was performed, using a mechanical distractor, and the ulnar fracture was stabilized by application of a bone plate and screws. After surgery, the horse developed an infection of the surgical site, and bacterial culture of fluid from the surgical site yielded a pure growth of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis susceptible to oxytetracycline, erythromycin, rifampin, and vancomycin. Treatment with oxytetracycline did not result in a favorable clinical response. Therefore, the horse was treated systemically with vancomycin and rifampin, and vancomycin-impregnated polymethyl methacrylate beads were implanted at the surgical site. Six months after surgery, the horse was sound at a walk or trot, and bony union was evident on radiographs of the elbow joint.     

IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—MALIGNANT PERIPHERAL NERVE SHEATH TUMOR PRESENTING AS AN INTRA‐AXIAL BRAIN MASS IN A YOUNG DOG

A 3‐year‐old Labrador retriever was presented with acute onset seizures. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an intra‐axial mass affecting the right temporal lobe of the brain. Surgical resection and histopathological findings were most consistent with a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor. After initial recovery, deterioration 3 months post surgery prompted euthanasia. Post‐mortem revealed a mass protruding from the ventral surface of the temporal lobe, encroaching upon the optic chiasm and invading the brain. Histopathology findings were again consistent with malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor. Although rare, this tumor should be included as a possible differential diagnosis for intra‐axial brain masses in dogs.     

Effect of post-insemination progesterone supplementation on pregnancy rate in dairy cows

Progesterone plays an important role in maintenance of pregnancy. It is hypothesized that insufficient progesterone early in pregnancy may result in embryonic loss, and that supplemental progesterone would decrease pregnancy loss in dairy cows. In Experiment 1, 84 cows and 16 heifers from a single dairy operation were selected randomly. Within each age category, controlled internal drug release (CIDR) devices were inserted into the vagina of every other female on Day 4 post-insemination and removed on Day 18 post-insemination. Transrectal ultrasonography was performed to determine pregnancy at 4 time periods [days 30 to 37 (week 5), days 44 to 51 (week 7), days 58 to 65 (week 9), and days 86 to 93 (week 13)]. Progesterone supplementation had no effect on pregnancy rate. In Experiment 2, there were no differences in progesterone concentrations between cows that did and did not receive a CIDR. Further, cows receiving CIDR devices did not have an increase in circulating progesterone concentrations 30 min or 1 h after CIDR insertion. It appears that progesterone supplementation does not increase circulating levels of progesterone in the early pregnant lactating dairy cow. Alterative methods to influence progesterone concentrations and/or early embryonic loss need to be investigated.     

Effect of spineless cactus intake (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Opuntia ficus-indica</Emphasis>) on blood glucose levels in lactating sows and its impact on feed intake,body weight loss,and weaning-estrus interval

The effect of spineless cactus intake (Opuntia ficus-indica) on blood glucose (BG) levels in lactating sows and its impact on daily and total feed intake (dFI^?1 and TFI, respectively), body weight loss (BWL), and weaning-estrus interval length (WEI) were evaluated. Thirty-four hybrid (Yorkshire × Landrace × Pietrain) sows in lactation phase were used. Sows were divided into two groups: G1 (n = 17) where they received commercial feed and G2 (n = 17) provided with commercial feed plus an average of 2.0 ± 0.5 kg spineless cactus, based on a sow’s body weight. The variables evaluated were BG, dFI^?1, TFI, BWL, and WEI. Statistical analysis was performed by using a fixed and mixed model methodology, under a repeated measurements experiment. Group effects were found on all analyzed variables (P < 0.05). The BG was lower in G2 (55.2 and 64.5 mg/dL pre- and post-prandial, respectively), compared to that in G1 (70.9 and 80.1 mg/dL pre- and post-prandial, respectively) (P < 0.05). G2 showed better performance than G1 for dFI^?1, BWL, and WEI (P < 0.05) whose averages were 5.5 ± 1.8 kg, 7.4 ± 4.5%, and 5.3 ± 1.2 days, respectively. Averages for these variables in G1 were 4.7 ± 1.5 kg, 16.8 ± 4.6%, and 6.1 ± 1.6 days, respectively. Intake of spineless cactus reduced BG levels in lactating sows, generating greater dFI^?1, lower BWL at the end of lactation, and a lower WEI.     

Fluid therapy in vomiting and diarrhea.

Fluid therapy in the patient with vomiting and diarrhea is essential to correct hypovolemia, dehydration, acid-base imbalance, and serum electrolyte abnormalities. Prediction of acid-base or electrolyte disturbances is difficult; therefore, point of care testing is beneficial to optimize therapy. This article focuses on the pathophysiology and treatment of hypovolemia, dehydration, electrolyte disturbances, and acid-base derangements resulting from and associated with vomiting and diarrhea.     

Golden retriever pigmentary uveitis: Challenges of diagnosis and treatment

Pigmentary uveitis (PU), also known as Golden Retriever Pigmentary Uveitis (GRPU), is a common ocular condition of Golden Retrievers that has severe, vision‐threatening ocular complications and can require surgical intervention. In order to ensure consistency in the diagnosis of GRPU between examiners, a specified set of diagnostic criteria must be applied. This is critical to ensure owners, breeders, and veterinary ophthalmologists maintain confidence in the ocular certification process. Therefore, current and former members of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists’ Genetics Committee came together to draft this Viewpoint Article on the challenges of diagnosis and treatment of Golden Retriever Pigmentary Uveitis for veterinary ophthalmologists, Golden Retriever owners, and Golden Retriever breeders.     

Longevity of Bolbophorus damnificus infections in channel catfish

The digenean Bolbophorus damnificus infects commercial channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus, causing mortality, lower feed consumption, and reduced growth in surviving fish. The purpose of this study was to determine the length of time for which B. damnificus prodiplostomulum metacercariae (juvenile trematode stage that infects fish) would remain viable (parasite appearing to be intact or exhibiting movement) in channel catfish. Fish (n = 210) were infected with molecularly confirmed B. damnificus cercariae harvested from naturally infected marsh rams-horn snails Planorbella trivolvis. During the first sampling (at 20 d postinfection), 8.3 +/- 3.6 metacercariae/fish (mean +/- SD) were found in the host muscle and visceral organs. The channel catfish were then acclimated to a water temperature of either 18 degrees C or 28 degrees C. After 11 months, 6.8 +/- 3.5 and 5.9 +/- 3.0 metacercariae/fish were found in groups held at 18 degrees C and 28 degrees C, respectively. The mean number of parasites per fish did not significantly differ between fish held at the two temperatures and did not significantly decline over time at either temperature. Fish examined from 13 to 30 months postinfection all contained viable metacercariae that were morphologically and molecularly identified as B. damnificus. At 18 months, 12 metacercariae (of which 11 were intact and 10 displayed movement) were found in the one fish sampled; at 30 months, the last fish sampled contained three intact metacercariae (one displayed slight movement). Our results indicate that B. damnificus metacercariae can remain viable in channel catfish for at least an 18-30-month production cycle during which they have the potential to affect fish growth; in addition, infected fish may serve as intermediate hosts for these metacercariae for at least 2.5 years postinfection.     

Use of visible and near-infrared spectroscopy to predict pork longissimus lean color stability

This study evaluated the use of visible and near-infrared (VISNIR) spectroscopy to predict lean color stability in pork loin chops. Spectra were collected immediately after and approximately 1 h after rib removal on 1,208 loins. Loins were aged for 14 d before a 2.54-cm chop was placed in simulated retail display. Spectra were collected on aged loins immediately after removal from the vacuum package and on chops 10 min after cutting. Instrumental color measurements [L*, a*, b*, hue angle, chroma, and E (overall color change)] were determined on d 0, 1, 7, 11, and 14 of display. Principal components analysis of display d 0 and 14 values of these traits identified a factor (first principal component; PC1) explaining 67% of the variance that was related to color change. Partial least squares regression was used to develop 3 models to predict PC1 values by using VISNIR spectra collected in the plant, on aged loins, and on chops. Loins with predicted PC1 values less than 0 were classified as having a stable color, whereas values greater than 0 were classified as having a labile lean color. Loins classified as stable by the in-plant model had smaller (P < 0.05) L* values than those classified as labile. Hue angle and ΔE values were less (P < 0.05) and a* and chroma values were greater (P < 0.05) after d 7 of display in loins predicted to have a stable color than in loins predicted to have a labile lean color. Similarly, chops from loins classified as stable using the aged loin model had smaller (P < 0.05) L* values than those from loins classified as labile. Furthermore, loins predicted to be stable had smaller (P < 0.05) hue angle and ΔE values and greater (P < 0.05) a* and chroma values after d 7 of display than did loins predicted to be labile. Results for the chop model were similar to those from the 2 loin models. Chops predicted to have a stable lean color had smaller (P < 0.05) L* values than did those predicted to have a labile lean color. Chops classified as stable had smaller (P < 0.05) hue angle and ΔE values and greater (P < 0.05) a* and chroma values after d 7 of display compared with chops classified as labile. All 3 models effectively segregated chops based on color stability, particularly with regard to redness. Regardless of the model being used, d 14 display values for a*, hue angle, and ΔE in loins classified as stable were similar to the d 7 values of loins classified as labile. Thus, these results suggest that VISNIR spectroscopy would be an effective technology for sorting pork loins with regard to lean color stability.     

Improvement of trivalent leptospira vaccine by removal of anaphylactic agents

The anaphylactic reactions in cattle following leptospira vaccination mostly booster dose in different parts of Iran have been reported. The serum proteins as allergic substances are components of liquid phase of the vaccine. Therefore, the vaccine was modified by washing the whole cultures by centrifugations. The modified vaccine was safe in laboratory animals and cattle as well as under field conditions. Microagglutination test revealed a similar pattern of antibody response to the three Leptospira interrogans serovars (Canicola, Grippotyphosa, and Sejro hardjo) in all vaccinated cattle groups while was higher than the response of control animals. The results of the present investigation revealed that we can minimize postvaccination shock in vaccinated cattle populations with removing the shock proteins.     

Demographic dynamics and off-take of cattle herds in southern Mali

The herds of 95 families were monitored for 1 year in eight villages in the cotton-growing region of southern Mali. In 2006–2007, reproduction performances were average, with 0.54 calvings/year per cow, and mortality was low. Herd numerical productivity is not very high, less than 0.13/year, because of the high proportion of males kept for animal draught. Depending on the herd size, the behaviour of the families differs, in terms of off-take and in-take of animals. Families that only have one or two draught animals seek to increase their animal draught capacity, with a negative net off-take (−0.13/year). Families with two to three cows have a very low net off-take (0.02/year), with culling of adult animals compensated by purchase. They therefore capitalised this year, with an annual herd growth of 8%. Families with a very large herd (20 to 50 cows) take off more of their stock, with a net off-take of 0.08/year (very few animal purchases) and make a stock growth of 5%. And finally, families with an average-sized herd (6 to 19 cows) take off the whole of the year’s production, with a net off-take of 0.11/year and a nil stock growth rate. The use of a demographic model made it possible to measure the sensitivity of the productivity rate to the different demographic parameters.