Musculoskeletal Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection in horses: 35 cases (1999-2009)

Objective-To describe the clinical course and outcome in horses in which Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infections were associated with musculoskeletal disease and lameness. Design-Retrospective case series. Animals-35 horses. Procedures-Clinical and clinicopathologic data were collected from horses diagnosed with lameness associated with C pseudotuberculosis infection between 1999 and 2009. Results-32 (91.4%) horses had grade 4/5 lameness. Three (8.6%) horses had grade 5/5 lameness. Abscesses were diagnosed by clinical or ultrasonographic examination. Abscesses were located in the axillary or triceps region in 25 (71.4%) horses, the stifle region in 2 (5.7%), and the popliteal lymph node in 1 (2.9%). Diffuse lymphangitis was seen in 4 (11.4%) horses, osteomyelitis in 2 (5.7%) horses, and septic arthritis in 2 (5.7%) horses. Horses commonly had clinicopathologic abnormalities characterized by neutrophilia (96.4%), anemia (67.8%), hypoalbuminemia (66.6%), or hyperfibrinogenemia (42.8%). Treatment included surgical drainage of the abscess in 21 (60%) horses, performed under ultrasonography in 20 horses; anti-inflammatory medications in 34 (97.1 %) horses; and antimicrobials in 30 (85.7%) horses. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-C pseudotuberculosis infection of the limbs in horses typically results in severe lameness but may have a favorable prognosis. The diagnosis may be challenging, and results of blood work consistent with inflammation are nonspecific, but anemia, hyperglobulinemia, and increased synergistic hemolysis inhibition titers are common. Ultrasonography may localize the lesions and facilitate surgical drainage to alleviate lameness. When C pseudotuberculosis musculoskeletal infection results in osteomyelitis or septic arthritis, the prognosis for survival is poor.     

PRODUCTION,ECONOMIC, AND ENERGY LIFE CYCLE ANALYSIS CAN PRODUCE CONTRARY RESULTS FOR CORN USED IN ETHANOL PRODUCTION

To prepare for a carbon (C) constrained economy, crop production energy audits or life cycle analysis (LCA) must be conducted. However, energy audits may not maximize profitability. This study conducted simultaneous production, economic, and energy audits to evaluate differences among these assessments. The 2005 and 2006 South Dakota field experiment contained two nitrogen (N; 0 and 224 kg N ha^?1) rates, two corn population levels (76,500 and 149,000 plants ha^?1), and two simulated landscape positions (upper backslope and lower backslope). The energy inputs, outputs, and net energy gain for corn grain used in ethanol production were calculated using the Nebraska Biofuel Energy Simulator (BESS) version 2008.3.1. For LC analysis, corn grain was used in ethanol production and dry distiller's grain was used as a livestock feed. Manure was not applied to the field. A partial economic analysis to examine profitability was conducted where seed, N fertilizer, and corn values were $312 (100,000 seeds)^?1, $1.25 (kg N)^?1, and $158 (Mg grain at 15.5% moisture)^?1, respectively. Results showed that: 1) to maximize profitability and energy gains, inputs must closely match crop needs for a site; 2) increasing the population level from 74,500 to 149,000 plants ha^?1 increased energy input and output, increased yield and energy gain by 11%, but did not influence profitability; 3) increasing N from 0 to 224 kg N ha^?1 increased yield 7%, reduced profit by $145/ha, increased energy input and output values, but did not impact energy gain; and 4) corn grown in high yielding areas of landscapes may have higher yields (P = 0.08), profitability (P = 0.08), and energy gains (P = 0.08) than other areas. These calculations demonstrate that yield, profitability, and energy audits may have divergent results.     

Bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) subgenotypes in diagnostic laboratory accessions: distribution of BVDV1a, 1b, and 2a subgenotypes

The prevalence of bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) biotypes and subgenotypes was determined from 131 BVDV positive samples from a diagnostic laboratory. The majority of the isolates were from Oklahoma; however, other states including Kansas, Texas, and Arkansas were represented. These BVDV samples were from submissions of 76 live animals and 55 necropsy samples. There were 131 BVDV samples represented by 117 noncytopathic (NCP), 11 cytopathic (CP) and 3 cases with mixed NCP and CP biotypes. The NCP isolates were more common (P < 0.05) than the CP and NCP/CP combination. The BVDV samples were segregated into three subgenotypes by differential PCR and sequencing of a viral genomic region, 5'-untranslated region (5'-UTR). There were more BVDV1b subgenotypes 60/131 (45.8%) than BVDV1a, 37/131 (28.2%) or BVDV2a, 34/131 (26.0%) (P < 0.05). The organ system involvement included the major categories such as respiratory, digestive, mixed/multiple organs, abortions, and persistent infections (PI). All three BVDV subgenotypes were found in persistently infected (PI) cattle and respiratory diseases, both major requests for BVDV diagnosis. Only one of the 131 viruses was genetically similar to the strains present in U.S. vaccines.     

The periderms of three North American conifers

Summary The anatomy of periderms in three North American conifers are described and compared. The phellems of balsam fir and eastern hemlock consist of tangential bands of thin-walled phellem (TnP) separated by one, or sometimes more, cell layers of thick-walled phellem (TkP). The phellem of white spruce contains tangential bands of TnP and TkP, as well as one to several cell layers of crystalliferous phellem (CP) abaxially adjacent to every TkP zone. The TkP, and to a lesser extent the TnP, are distinctive for each of the three conifers.The terminations of phellem growth cycles in fir and hemlock are delineated by thickened adaxial suberinic walls in the last-formed layer of TnP cells. In spruce, the adaxial suberinic walls of the last-formed layer of CP cells are thickened. TkP marks the geginning of phellem growth cycles in all three conifers.TkP cells are true suberized phellem cells, not phelloids.     

Factors associated with aggression between pairs of domestic ferrets

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors (eg, familiarity, sex, neutering status, and time of year) associated with aggression between domestic ferrets and test a method for reducing aggression when introducing ferrets. DESIGN: Prospective trial. ANIMALS: 56 healthy domestic ferrets. PROCEDURE: To identify variables associated with aggression, pairs were placed in an enclosed area and observed. To test whether increasing familiarity would decrease aggression when introducing ferrets, pairs of ferrets were housed in separate cages next to each other or in separate rooms for 2 weeks prior to introduction. RESULTS: 49 of 82 pairs of strangers fought, but 31 cage mate pairs did not. Time of year had no apparent effect. Pairs consisting of 2 neutered females or 2 sexually intact males were significantly more likely to fight than were pairs consisting of a neutered female and a sexually intact male. Pairs caged next to each other for 2 weeks prior to introduction were no less likely to fight than were control pairs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that familiarity, sex, and neutering status are important determinants of aggression between ferrets. If unfamiliar neutered ferrets are introduced, then pairing 2 males or a male and female would likely result in the lowest levels of aggression. However, neutered females and sexually intact males are not indiscriminately aggressive, as a neutered female can be paired with a sexually intact male without resulting in aggression. Caging ferrets next to each other for 2 weeks does not decrease aggression when the ferrets are introduced.     

Detection of Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies in juvenile great grey kangaroos, Macropus giganteus giganteus.

Serial IgG antibody titers to Toxoplasma gondii from three juvenile great grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus giganteus) with clinical signs consistent with toxoplasmosis were compared with titers from three clinically normal juveniles of similar age. The modified agglutination test was used to measure antibodies to T. gondii. Results demonstrated declining antibody titers to T. gondii in five of six animals. Antibody titers were similar in animals with and without clinical signs. This was interpreted as an indication that maternal IgG antibodies to T. gondii were transferred to juveniles, presumably in milk, rather than an indication of clinical disease. Therefore, clinicians should interpret Toxoplasma serology results in juvenile macropods cautiously.     

Ciguatera Fish Poisoning: Treatment,Prevention and Management

Ciguatera Fish Poisoning (CFP) is the most frequently reported seafood-toxin illness in the world, and it causes substantial physical and functional impact. It produces a myriad of gastrointestinal, neurologic and/or cardiovascular symptoms which last days to weeks, or even months. Although there are reports of symptom amelioration with some interventions (e.g. IV mannitol), the appropriate treatment for CFP remains unclear to many physicians. We review the literature on the treatments for CFP, including randomized controlled studies and anecdotal reports. The article is intended to clarify treatment options, and provide information about management and prevention of CFP, for emergency room physicians, poison control information providers, other health care providers, and patients.     

Management of femoral artery thrombosis in an immature dog

Objective: To report a case of femoral artery thrombosis and its medical management in a young dog. Case summary: A 13‐week‐old, female Boxer puppy presented with hind limb paralysis after an abdominal crush injury. A left femoral artery thrombus was identified on ultrasound. No spinal trauma was visualized in imaging studies. Clinical management of arterial thrombosis in a 13‐week‐old puppy with streptokinase and dalteparin therapy is described. New or unique information provided: This paper describes an unusual presentation of arterial thrombosis. The medical management with streptokinase and dalteparin is also out of the ordinary. Images that document the development of compensatory circulation around the thrombosed vessel are included. Additionally, this paper also documents the altered development that occurred in this immature dog after the thrombotic event.