Peripheral neuropathy in a turkey vulture with lead toxicosis

Clinical, electromyographic, and pathologic findings characteristic of lead toxicosis were detected in a turkey vulture (Cathartes aura). The bird had generalized lower motor neuron dysfunction that progressed over 5 days. Electromyography revealed diffuse denervation potentials and a presumed decrement in the sciatic-tibial nerve conduction velocity. Histologic examination of peripheral nerves obtained at necropsy revealed changes that could be compatible with lead-induced neuropathy. Lead toxicosis was confirmed by determination of blood lead concentrations. Lead toxicosis causing neurologic disorders in birds has been described. However, this report emphasizes the effects of lead on the peripheral nervous system and demonstrates the use of electromyography for diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy in birds.     

Classical swine fever in The Netherlands 1997-1998: a description of organisation and measures to eradicate the disease

The central and regional organisation of the campaign to eradicate the CSF epidemic in the Netherlands in 1997/1998 is described. The main instruments used in the campaign were based on stamping-out and movement restrictions specified by the European Union. Additional instruments were used for the first time, namely, pre-emptive culling of contact and neighbouring farms, compartmentalisation of transport, monthly serological screening in established surveillance areas and supervised repopulation of all farms in the former surveillance zone. Two other measures, the killing of very young piglets and a breeding ban were introduced to reduce production in established surveillance zones. Several factors complicated the eradication campaign, for instance, the late detection of the first infection; artificial insemination as a source of infection; the organisation of pig farming in the Netherlands, with its highly concentrated production and dependence on the transport of stock from one unit to another; insufficient rendering capacity; decreasing sensitivity of clinical inspection; and extremely high costs.     

Osteosarcoma at the site of bone infarction associated with total hip arthroplasty in a dog

OBJECTIVE: To report the occurrence of medullary bone infarction in both femoral canals after bilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA) and the subsequent unilateral development of an osteosarcoma at the site of bone infarction. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical report. ANIMAL POPULATION: An 8-month-old neutered male Samoyed dog. METHODS: Serial physical and radiographic examinations performed at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years after THA. Bone biopsy specimens of the right distal femoral metaphysis were taken 5 years after THA, and a complete necropsy was performed at the time of euthanasia. RESULTS: Bilateral medullary bone infarction was visible in the femoral canals 1 year after THA and remained visible on subsequent evaluations. An osteosarcoma developed in the right distal femoral metaphysis at the site of infarction, 5 years after THA, and was found to have metastasized widely throughout the body. CONCLUSION: Bone infarction may occur in the femoral canal after canine THA. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Bone infarction may be a predisposing factor for the development of osteosarcoma in the femora of dogs with THAs.     

Reliability of taurine concentrations measured in single urine samples obtained from dogs eight hours after eating

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reliability of taurine concentrations measured in a single urine sample obtained from dogs 8 hours after eating, compared with taurine concentrations measured in 24-hour urine samples. ANIMALS: 18 healthy Beagles. PROCEDURE: After emptying the urinary bladder by transurethral catheterization, dogs were fed a canned maintenance diet. Approximately 8 hours later, urine, plasma, and serum samples were obtained for determination of fractional urinary excretion of taurine and urine taurine-to-creatinine concentration ratios (Utaur:Ucr). Results were compared with 24-hour urinary taurine excretion rate. RESULTS: Unbound and total fractional urinary taurine excretion correlated well with unbound and total 24-hour urinary taurine excretion. However, bound fractional urinary taurine excretion correlated poorly with bound 24-hour urinary taurine excretion. Unbound and total Utaur:Ucr correlated well with unbound and total 24-hour urinary taurine excretion. However, bound Utaur:Ucr correlated poorly with bound 24-hour urinary taurine excretion. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Fractional urinary excretion of unbound and total taurine, and unbound and total Utaur:Ucr are reliable indicators of 24-hour urinary unbound and total taurine excretion in healthy dogs. However, determination of 24-hour urinary taurine excretion is recommended for evaluating urinary bound taurine concentrations of dogs.     

Incidence of Oestrus ovis infestation in Borno-white Sahel goats in the semi-arid zone of Nigeria

Research conducted on the incidence of Oestrus ovis in Maiduguri showed that 53.8% of the 4,000 Borno-White Sahel goats examined were parasitised. The mean year-round infestation per goat was 2.03 larvae. Adult goats had a higher infestation rate than younger ones (60 versus 47.5%). Infestation rates for the females and males were 55.2 and 52.2%, respectively. Nevertheless there was no statistical significance between values for the different age and sex groups studied. Different larval stages were encountered throughout the year with a 3rd instar peak between May and September and a first instar peak from June to October suggesting a fly period between June and October.