Nucleotide sequence of UK and Australian isolates of feline calicivirus (FCV) and phylogenetic analysis of FCVs.

We have determined the first complete genome sequence and capsid gene sequences of feline calicivirus (FCV) isolates from the UK and Australia. These were compared with other previously published sequences. The viruses used in the comparisons were isolated between 1957 and 1995 from various geographical locations and obtained from cats showing a range of clinical signs. Despite these diverse origins, comparisons between all strains showed a similar degree of sequence variation within both ORF1 (non-structural polyprotein) and ORF2 (major capsid protein) (amino acid distances of 7.7-13.0% and 8.8-18.6%, respectively). In contrast, ORF3 (putative minor structural protein) sequences indicated a more heterogenous distribution of FCV relatedness (amino acid distances of 1.9-17.9%). Phylogenetic analysis suggested that, unlike some other caliciviruses, FCV isolates within the current data set fall into one diverse genogroup. Within this group, there was an overall lack of geographic or temporal clustering which may be related to the epidemiology of FCV infection in cats. Analysis of regions of variability in the genome has shown that, as well as the previously identified variable regions in ORF2, similar domains exist within ORFs 1 and 3 also, although to a lesser extent. In ORF1, these variable domains largely fall between the putative non-structural protein functional domains.     

The incidence of caseous lymphadenitis in Alberta sheep and assessment of impact by vaccination with commercial and experimental vaccines.

In Alberta, caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) is one of the leading causes of lamb and mutton carcass condemnation. In this study, serologic results confirmed a high (50-94%) incidence of exposure to Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, the causative agent of CLA, in mature, unvaccinated sheep in southern Alberta. To assess the efficacy and impact of vaccination with 2 commercial (Glanvac-6 and Case-Vac) and 1 experimental (WC+ MDP-GDP) CLA vaccines, a series of 3 field trials in 3249 ewes and lambs was conducted in affected flocks from 1992-1996. Efficacy was assessed from the serological response to vaccination, prevalence and size of injection site reactions by treatment, and the incidence of CLA abscesses. Overall, agglutinating antibody titres to C. pseudotuberculosis in lambs vaccinated with WC+MDP-GDP and Case-Vac remained significantly elevated above nonvaccinated control lambs for the 12 mo period after the initial vaccination. Lambs vaccinated with the WC/MDP-GDP maintained higher titres (P < 0.06) than those vaccinated with Case-Vac for the period from 6 to 12 mo after vaccination. Agglutinating antibody titres for lambs vaccinated with Glanvac did not differ from those of controls at any point during the 12 mo period after vaccination. The number of injection site reactions was elevated in lambs vaccinated with Glanvac as compared to those vaccinated with WC+MDP-GDP but the size of injection site reactions did not significantly differ. Sheep vaccinated with WC+ MDP-GDP also had a reduced incidence of putative CLA abscesses, although confirmation of the presence of C. pseudotuberculosis was only successful in a small number of instances.     

A comparison of the clinical field efficacy and safety of florfenicol and tilmicosin for the treatment of undifferentiated bovine respiratory disease of cattle in western Canada.

We compared the field efficacy of a new antibiotic, florfenicol, with tilmicosin in the treatment of naturally occurring undifferentiated bovine respiratory disease. Beef calves with rectal temperatures greater than 40.5 degrees C and signs compatible with undifferentiated bovine respiratory disease were entered into the trial. Calves were randomly assigned to receive either florfenicol (20 mg/kg bodyweight intramuscularly; 2 injections 48 h apart) or tilmicosin (10 mg/kg bodyweight subcutaneously; 1 injection). Clinical measures of efficacy included mortality, rectal temperature, illness index score, assessment of treatment success or failure, and the number of relapses or reinfections. Performance was assessed based on weight gains from day 0 to day 90. Two hundred and twenty calves entered the trial; 112 received florfenicol and 108 received tilmicosin. Seventeen deaths occurred between day 0 and day 90, but only 10 during the 28-day trial period. Seven calves receiving tilmicosin died, compared with 3 receiving florfenicol (P = 0.20). Of the 220 initial treatments, 45 (20%) were categorized as treatment failures; 27 in the tilmicosin group and 18 in the florfenicol group (P = 0.10). The number of calves experiencing a 2nd relapse was significantly different, with 17 of 30 (57%) calves on tilmicosin compared with 7 of 26 (27%) calves on florfenicol relapsing at least twice (P = 0.02). Average daily gains over 90 days were 1.55 kg/day for florfenicol-treated calves and 1.51 kg/day for tilmicosin-treated calves. No significant adverse reactions were noticed with either drug. Results indicate that florfenicol and tilmicosin are comparable in the treatment of undifferentiated bovine respiratory disease in western Canada.     

Effect on canine oral health of adding chlorhexidine to a dental hygiene chew

A study to compare the effect of a dental hygiene chew with or without 0.2% chlorhexidine on the development of gingivitis and the accumulation of dental deposits was performed using 11 small dogs. Confirming previous data, the daily addition of a standard chew to a dry diet resulted in significantly less gingivitis and calculus after 3 weeks compared with feeding the dry diet alone. Addition of chlorhexidine to the chew made no difference to the degree of gingivitis or the amount of calculus that accumulated, but did result in significantly less plaque accumulation after 3 weeks. The abrasiveness of the chew, rather than the antibacterial activity of chlorhexidine, is likely to have contributed the most to the maintenance of oral health in dogs with mild gingivitis.     

Preputial fibroma in a gelding

An 11‐year‐old gelding presented with a large mass located in the dermis of his preputium that surrounded the penis completely. This mass was first noted years ago but did not increase in size. Histological examination diagnosed a fibroma. No treatment was initiated since no signs of discomfort were noticed and the gelding was performing at a high level in competitive showjumping. Next to skin tumours, tumours of the penis and preputium are most common. Most frequently, squamous cell carcinomas and sarcomas are diagnosed. Although fibromas can develop anywhere in connective tissue, a preputial location of a fibroma in a gelding is rare. Differential diagnosis and possible treatment options are discussed.     

Protein requirements of collared peccary (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pecari tajacu</Emphasis>)

A nitrogen (N) balance digestion trial was conducted to determine the protein requirement of collared peccaries (Pecari tajacu). In a 4 × 4 Latin square design, four captive adult male peccaries were fed four isoenergy diets containing four different levels of N (11.7, 16.3, 22.8, and 26.7 g N/kg of dry matter—DM). After 15 days of adaptation, a total collection of feces and urine was carried out for five consecutive days. Regression analyses between N intake and N in feces and urine allowed to calculate the metabolic fecal nitrogen (MFN = 2.3 g N/kg of dry matter intake—DMI) and daily endogenous urinary N (EUN = 185 mg N/kg^0.75). Likewise, by regression analyses between consumption of nitrogen and the nitrogen balance (NB = N ingested ? N excreted, mg N/kg^0.75), a daily requirement of 514 mg N/kg^0.75 was calculated. Therefore, if food intake is unrestricted, collared peccaries require a minimum in their diet of about 5.4% crude protein on DM basis. These values are almost as low as those found for browsing and frugivorous wild ruminants, which reinforce the proposition that peccaries’ digestive physiology is nearer to that of domestic and wild ruminants than domestic pigs. This relatively low protein requirement of collared peccary and its great ability to digest protein reveal the relevance of the forestomach for the species on nitrogen/protein metabolism and allow the use of diets with lower crude protein levels than the commercial ones used for the domestic pig, which reduces feed costs.     

Systemic arterial hypertension secondary to chronic kidney disease in two captive-born large felids

Systemic arterial hypertension (SHT) has been widely described in the domestic cat (Felis catus). In these feline patients, SHT is considered as the most common vascular disorder of middle-aged to older animals, and secondary SHT related to chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents the most common form of the disease.We describe here the first two cases of spontaneous SHT in large felids, i.e. one 18-year old, 34.4 kg, male North-Chinese leopard (Panthera pardus japonensis, case #1) and one 20-year old, 28.7 kg, female snow leopard (Panthera uncia, case #2), both captive-bred and previously diagnosed with CKD. Both animals underwent complete echocardiographic examination under general anesthesia due to abnormal cardiac auscultation (heart murmur and/or gallop sound), and recurrent lethargy in case #1. The combination of left ventricular remodeling with moderate aortic regurgitation of high velocity was highly suggestive of SHT, which was confirmed by indirect blood pressure measurement (systolic arterial blood pressure of 183 mmHg for case #1 and 180 mmHg for case #2). Amlodipine was prescribed (0.35–0.70 mg/kg/day orally) for 31 and 6 months respectively after the initial diagnosis. In case #1, concurrent amlodipine and benazepril treatment was associated with decreased heart murmur grade and reduced aortic insufficiency severity. These reports illustrate that, similarly to domestic cats, SHT should be suspected in old large felids with CKD and that amlodipine is a well-tolerated antihypertensive drug in these species.     

Thermal antinociception following oral administration of tapentadol in conscious cats

Objective

To evaluate the onset, magnitude and duration of thermal antinociception after oral administration of two doses of tapentadol in cats.

Aetiology and diagnosis of persistent nasal disease in the dog: a retrospective study of 42 cases

Forty-two dogs with a history of persistent nasal disease were evaluated by a combination of clinical examination, thoracic and nasal radiography, retroflexed endoscopy and biopsy, and anterograde rhinoscopy and blind nasal biopsy. A definitive diagnosis was made in 91 per cent of cases. Neoplasia was the most common diagnosis (33 per cent of cases), followed by inflammatory rhinitis (24 per cent). Other diagnoses included periodontal disease (10 per cent), aspergillosis (7 per cent) and foreign bodies (7 per cent). Adenocarcinoma was the most common tumour diagnosed. The clinical findings were found to be too variable to be used as specific diagnostic criteria. Anterograde rhinoscopy and retroflexed endoscopy had higher specificity and sensitivity than radiology for the diagnosis of neoplasia, inflammatory rhinitis, aspergillosis and foreign bodies. With a systematic approach to the investigation of persistent nasal disease, a definitive diagnosis can be successfully obtained in the vast majority of cases.