Evaluation of Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis infection of dairy cows attributable to infection status of the dam

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the extent to which infection with Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis (MAP) of cows in a large dairy was attributable to the infection status of their dams. DESIGN: Retrospective longitudinal study. ANIMALS: 625 dam-daughter pairs of Holstein cows. PROCEDURE: Serologic test results were compared between cows and their dams. Logistic regression was used to assess whether a cow's serologic status was associated with its dam's serologic status. Infection with MAP attributable to being born to a seropositive dam was estimated for individual cows and for the herd. RESULTS: Cows with seropositive dams were 6.6 times as likely to be seropositive, compared with cows of seronegative dams. For seropositive cows born to seropositive dams, 84.6% of seropositivity was attributable to being born to a seropositive dam and 15.4% to other exposures, including exposure as calves to flush water that contained feces of adult cattle. For the herd as a whole, the seropositive status in 34% of seropositive cows was attributable to being born to a seropositive dam. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: For dairy herds that breed seropositive cows, subsequent transmission of MAP to their daughters, either congenitally or via exposure to feces and colostrum of the dam shortly after birth, can contribute substantially to maintaining prevalence of MAP in a herd. Removal of seropositive, clinically unaffected cows and their daughters would be necessary to reduce infection with MAP attributable to congenital or peri-parturient transmission from dam to daughter.     

Effect of tympanic cavity evacuation and flushing on microbial isolates during total ear canal ablation with lateral bulla osteotomy in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate differences in bacterial numbers, identity, and susceptibility in samples obtained from the tympanic cavity on entry (preflush) and after evacuation and lavage (postflush) and assess perioperative and empiric antimicrobial selection in dogs that underwent total ear canal ablation (TECA) with lateral bulla osteotomy (LBO) or reoperation LBO. DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: 34 dogs. PROCEDURE: TECA with LBO or reoperation LBO was performed on 47 ears. Pre- and postflush aerobic and anaerobic samples were obtained from the tympanic cavity. Isolates and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were compared. RESULTS: Different isolates (31/44 [70%] ears) and susceptibility patterns of isolate pairs (6/44 [14%] ears) were detected in pre- and postflush samples from 84% of ears. Evacuation and lavage of the tympanic cavity decreased the number of bacterial isolates by 33%. In 26% of ears, bacteria were isolated from post-flush samples but not preflush samples. Only 26% of isolates tested were susceptible to cefazolin. At least 1 isolate from 53% of dogs that received empirically chosen antimicrobials postoperatively was resistant to the selected drugs. Anaerobic bacteria were recovered from 6 ears. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Accurate microbiologic assessment of the tympanic cavity should be the basis for selection of antimicrobials in dogs undergoing TECA with LBO. Bacteria remain in the tympanic cavity after evacuation and lavage. Cefazolin was a poor choice for dogs that underwent TECA with LBO, as judged on the basis of culture and susceptibility testing results.     

Destructive lesions of the proximal sesamoid bones as a complication of dorsal metatarsal artery catheterization in three horses

OBJECTIVE: To describe focal destructive lesions of the proximal sesamoid bones (PSBs) as a complication of dorsal metatarsal artery catheterization performed for direct blood pressure monitoring during equine general anesthesia. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Three client-owned horses. METHODS: A dorsal metatarsal artery was catheterized in each of 3 horses for direct blood pressure monitoring during anesthesia. Radiography, ultrasonography, synoviocentesis, and arthroscopy were used to diagnose postoperative lameness that occurred in the limb used for blood pressure monitoring. RESULTS: Horses developed severe lameness, localized to the fetlock region of the catheterized limb within 21 days of surgery. Antibiotic therapy was administered. Surgical debridement was possible in 1 horse. Two horses that had lesions that were inaccessible, failed to respond to medical management and were euthanatized. The 3rd horse that had surgical debridement of affected bone, survived. Changes in hospital protocol, by improving aseptic technique during catheter insertion and use of new manometer tubing and heparinized saline for each arterial catheter inserted in the dorsal metatarsal artery, have eliminated this complication. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosis and treatment of destructive lesions of the PSB were difficult. Strict aseptic technique should be followed during insertion of arterial catheters. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Focal destructive lesions of the PSB subsequent to dorsal metatarsal arterial catheterization is a rare but serious complication of equine anesthesia.     

Biochemical characterisation of some non fermenting, non arginine hydrolysing mycoplasmas of ruminants

The pattern and kinetics of substrate oxidation by type and recent field strains of Mycoplasma agalactiae, Mycoplasma bovis, Mycoplasma bovigenitalium and Mycoplasma ovine/caprine serogroup 11 were investigated by measurement of oxygen uptake. Metabolism of a range of organic acids, sugars and alcohols was detected. All the test strains were unable to oxidise sugars, glycerol and the organic acids, fumarate, malate and alpha-ketoglutarate (1 mM). All strains oxidised organic acid l-lactate, 2-oxobutyrate and pyruvate and demonstrated the ability to oxidise alcohols, particularly isopropanol, which was oxidised at a high rate and high affinity (0.5 mol/mol isopropanol). Its oxidation was consistent with acetone formation, which may be of important in relation to pathogenicity. All strains oxidised similar substrates, however differences were observed between strains in terms of the relative rates and kinetic values for some substrates.     

Bilateral maxillary periodontal ligament hamartoma in a dog

A 12.5-year-old dog was presented for severe periodontal disease and bilateral maxillary enlargement. Radiographs of the maxilla showedgeneralized root resorption, ankylosis, and rarefaction of bone with focal radiodense areas. Surgical tooth extraction of multiple maxillary teeth and bilateral incisional biopsies of the periodontal tissue and maxilla in the region of the maxillary fourth premolars were performed. Histopathologic examination showed features typical of fully differentiated periodontal ligament with abundant cementum/alveolar lining bone and sparce odontogenic epithelial cell rests. Histopathology in conjunction with radiographic and clinical signs suggested a diagnosis of bilateral periodontal ligament hamartoma. Examination 3-months postoperatively indicated uncomplicated healing of the extraction and biopsy sites with no resolution of the maxillary enlargement.