Evaluation of aerobic bacteriologic culture of epidermal collarette specimens in dogs with superficial pyoderma

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a method of aerobic bacteriologic culture of epidermal collarette specimens from dogs with superficial pyoderma and compare results with those for aerobic bacteriologic culture of abdominal skin specimens in healthy dogs. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 22 dogs with epidermal collarettes and 24 healthy dogs. PROCEDURE: Dry sterile cotton swabs were rolled across epidermal collarettes or hairless areas of abdominal skin in healthy dogs and submitted for aerobic bacteriologic culture. Hemolytic colonies of gram-positive-staining cocci were tested for catalase production, and if results were positive, a coagulase test was performed. Colonies with coagulase activity were tested for the ability to ferment mannitol. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed on all Staphylococcus spp that were isolated. RESULTS: S. intermedius was isolated from collarettes in 18 of 22 dogs with superficial pyoderma but not from healthy dogs. Estimated sensitivity and specificity of the culture method were 81.8% and 100%, respectively. There were no significant differences in the ability to culture S. intermedius, the number of S. intermedius isolates without resistance to antimicrobials, and the number of S. intermedius isolates resistant to penicillin G when comparing dogs with superficial pyoderma for the first time and dogs with recurrent pyoderma, dogs that did or did not receive concurrent antimicrobials, and dogs with and without underlying allergic disease. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Bacteriologic culture of epidermal collarette specimens was a simple and reliable method for identification of S. intermedius in dogs with superficial pyoderma, regardless of history of pyoderma or current antimicrobial use.     

Diagnostic tests for small ruminant lentiviruses

Maedi visna virus and caprine arthritis encephalitis virus are closely related retroviruses that cause chronic inflammatory disease in small ruminants. The infections are characterised by insidious onset and slow progression. Diagnosis of infection is usually by serological testing. A variety of assays are available for this purpose, though the relative sensitivity and specificity of these assays has not been compared systematically. Here we review recent developments in laboratory diagnostic methods and their use in field diagnosis. The results suggest that a combination of ELISA and PCR might afford optimal detection of SRLV infection.     

Observations on helminth infections of free-living and captive rheas (Rhea americana) in Brazil

The present work describes helminth infection of eight free-living and 12 captive rheas (Rhea americana) from, respectively, Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul State, and Jaboticabal, Sao Paulo State, Brazil. Captive birds were young and had a high mortality rate, while free-living birds were adult and apparently healthy. Infections were evaluated by post-mortem examination of internal organs and recovery of helminths using standard parasitological procedures. Seven species of nematodes (Sicarius uncinipenis, Torquatoides crotophaga, Deletrocephalus dimidiatus, D. cesarpintoi, Paradeletrocephalus minor, Capillaria venteli and Dicheilonema rheae) and two species of cestodes (Houttuynia struthionis and Chapmania tauricolis) were identified. P. minor, which inhabits the large intestine, was the most common helminth in free-living birds (63.9%). In captive rheas, a mean parasitic load of 173 helminths per host was found. The gizzard of these birds was the most parasitized organ and S. uncinipenis was most common (92.5%). Parasitism of free-living and captive birds and associated pathology are discussed.     

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in wild pigs (Sus scrofa) from Spain

Sera collected from 507 hunter-killed wild pigs (Sus scrofa) between 1993 and 2004 from five geographic regions in northern Spain and seven regions in southern Spain were assayed for antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii by the modified agglutination test (MAT). Antibodies to T. gondii were detected in 185 (38.4%) of 507 pigs with titers of 1:25 in 71, 1:50 in 111 and > or =1:500 in 3; seroprevalence was significantly higher (P<0.05) in pigs from southern regions. Seroprevalence was density dependent; it was higher in pigs from high stocking per hectare and availability of forage. Statistically significant differences were not observed between T. gondii seroprevalence and hunting estates (open versus fenced), sex or age. Serological results indicate a widespread exposure to T. gondii among Spanish wild boars, suggesting that this population could represent a public health risk for persons that handle or consume raw or undercooked infected wild pig meat.     

Vancomycin for multi-drug resistant Enterococcus faecium cholangiohepatitis in a cat

A 12-year-old, neutered male domestic shorthair cat was evaluated with a life-long history of intermittent, predominantly small bowel diarrhea and a 3 day history of hematochezia. At presentation, the cat had increased liver enzyme activities and an inflammatory leukogram. Histopathology demonstrated inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), cholangiohepatitis and pancreatitis. The cholangiohepatitis was associated with a multi-drug resistant Enterococcus faecium. Gallbladder agenesis was also documented. Treatment with vancomycin was safely instituted for 10 days. Clinical signs resolved, however, cure of the bacterial cholangiohepatitis was not achieved. The risk of vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE) in human and veterinary medicine is discussed.     

Methods for population-based herd sanitation: an overview

There is a considerable number of methods available for the development, maintenance and surveillance of specific-pathogen-free herds. The selection of a method for a specific remediation project is primarily dependent on the goal, the epidemiology of the agent to be eradicated, the feasibility and the available resources. At the beginning of the remediation programme, methods are required for the classification of the herd status. Clinical and analytical diagnostic tests may be used for individual herds or in an entire area. The interpretation of test results applied within a population deserves special attention. A series of techniques are available - alone or in combination - to remediate a herd that was classified as being infected: systematic treatment, vaccination, elimination of infected individual animals ("test and remove"), partial depopulation or total population (stamping out). These strategies are typically accompanied by cleaning and disinfection. After the remediation, the status of the herd needs to be certified and maintained. For the documentation of the status, monitoring and surveillance strategies such as clinical follow-up visits, notification systems and random sampling can be applied. When planning random surveys, statistical and epidemiological considerations are relevant. For the sustainable maintenance of the pathogen-free status, biosecurity measures at the individual farm level, but also broader approaches such as import restrictions, early warning systems and surveillance programmes are needed. General awareness regarding unusual clinical signs needs to be promoted among farmers and veterinarians. The longer a disease or an agent is absent from a herd or region, the lower becomes the risk awareness. In such a situation, mistakes can occur leading to an increased risk of re-infection.     

Does l‐Asparaginase Influence Efficacy or Toxicity When Added to a Standard CHOP Protocol for Dogs with Lymphoma?

The purpose of this study was to evaluate response rates, 1st remission duration (FRD), and toxicity in dogs with previously untreated lymphoma receiving an identical CHOP-based combination chemotherapy protocol with or without L-asparaginase (LASP). One hundred fifteen dogs with lymphoma were scheduled to receive an identical CHOP-based chemotherapy protocol that included L-ASP. However, because of manufacturer-imposed random rationing, 31 dogs did not receive L-ASP as scheduled. The 2 treatment groups were statistically similar with respect to signalment and presence of historical negative prognostic factors. No difference was observed in the median FRD whether dogs did or did not receive L-ASP (206 versus 217 days, respectively; P = .67). No difference was observed in the median overall survival times between dogs receiving or not receiving L-ASP (310 versus 308 days, respectively; P = .84). No statistical difference was observed with respect to overall response rate between dogs that did or did not receive L-ASP (89.3% versus 87.1%, respectively; P = .75). Complete response rates between the groups also were no different (83.3% and 77.4% for L-ASP and non-L-ASP groups, respectively; P = .59). Prevalence of toxicity (neutropenia, diarrhea, or vomiting) and treatment delays (P = .80) also were similar between groups. The results of this study suggest that exclusion of L-ASP in this multidrug protocol does not significantly impact outcome. Therefore, it may be more appropriate to reserve the use of L-ASP for treating relapse in dogs with lymphoma that have failed induction therapy.     

The persistence of Brucella melitensis in experimentally infected ewes through three reproductive cycles

The authors studied the persistence of infection in 46 ewes experimentally infected with Brucella melitensis biovar 3 and monitored through three subsequent reproductive cycles. The entire experimental period lasted for 151 weeks. Infection of ewes and elimination of Brucella in milk, or its presence in vaginal discharges, persisted throughout the duration of the trial, as demonstrated by recurrent elimination of Brucella in milk and vaginal discharges. Brucella melitensis was recovered from the tissues of one ewe killed at the end of the trial. The strain was recovered from vaginal swabs and milk following parturition in the third reproductive cycle from an ewe that had aborted in the first cycle but was not pregnant in the second cycle. From a public health point of view, the periodical recovery of Brucella from the milk during the entire trial period illustrated that brucellosis in sheep remains a continuous occupational risk and a significant public health problem for consumers of fresh milk and milk products. That risk may persist for at least 3 years following the initial infection of the flock. Lamb antibody titres became negative in all lambs within 5 months after birth. This suggested that serological tests on lambs may have no practical diagnostic significance if performed during the first 5 months of life. Nevertheless, the birth of three infected lambs suggested that the phenomenon of latent carrier state may represent another way for B. melitensis to persist in a flock.     

The effects of ractopamine hydrochloride on lean carcass yields and pork quality characteristics

One hundred eighty barrows were evaluated to determine the effects of ractopamine hydrochloride (RAC) on lean carcass yields and pork quality. The pens were blocked by weight (six pens per block) with starting block weights of 69.0, 70.7, 73.8, 76.6, 78.4, and 84.3 kg. Pens within a block were assigned randomly to one of three RAC treatments so each treatment in a block was replicated twice. Treatments (as-fed basis) included control diet, 10 ppm of RAC added (R10), and 20 ppm of RAC added (R20) and ranged from 25 to 41 d depending on block. Pigs were slaughtered by blocks when block average live weights were 109 kg. Gain and feed efficiency were improved (P < 0.05) with increasing dietary concentrations of RAC, but feed intake did not differ (P > 0.05). Dressing percentage was higher (P < 0.05) for RAC-treated pigs. Subjective color, firmness, marbling scores, and Minolta L* reflection of the LM were not different (P > 0.05) among treatments. Carcass weights were heavier (P < 0.05) for pigs treated with RAC compared with control pigs and were higher for R20 than for R10. The RAC-fed pigs had greater (P < 0.05) yields (actual and percentage of HCW) of the following Institutional Meat Purchase Specification (IMPS) cuts than control pigs: trimmed, boneless ham (IMPS-402C and IMPS-402G), loin (IMPS-414), sirloin, and Boston butt (IMPS-406A). Pigs treated with RAC had a greater (P < 0.05) percentage of fat-free lean trimmings (IMPS-418) than did control pigs. Pigs treated with the R20 concentration had increased (P < 0.05) water-holding capacity compared with control pigs. Purge loss decreased linearly (P < 0.05) with increasing RAC compared with control for 14-d aged, non-enhanced loins. Warner-Bratzler shear (WBS) force values measured for nonenhanced chops were greater for RAC-treated pigs than for control pigs with a low dose response (P = 0.001). Enhanced chop (salt and phosphate injection) WBS values did not differ (P > 0.05) among dietary treatments. Trained sensory evaluation panel results for tenderness decreased in a low-dose plateau response fashion for nonenhanced chops (P = 0.004). Tenderness of enhanced chops decreased linearly (P = 0.04) with increasing RAC concentrations. No differences (P > 0.05) were found in juiciness or flavor of enhanced or nonenhanced chops. Feeding RAC to late-finishing swine resulted in faster growing, more efficient animals with increased boneless subprimal yields, and it had little effect on pork juiciness and flavor.