Seroprevalence of bovine viral diarrhea virus neutralizing antibodies in finisher hogs in Ontario swine herds and targeted diagnostic testing of 2 suspect herds

A pilot study was initiated to determine the seroprevalence of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) neutralizing antibodies in finisher hogs in Ontario swine herds, including 2 swine herds with clinical syndromes suspicious of BVDV. No herds were positive for BVDV antibodies by virus neutralization. The 2 swine herds with clinical disease suggestive of pestivirus infection were also negative for antibodies to BVDV in indirect fluorescent antibody assays. Prevalence of BVDV in Ontario swine farms is negligible.     

Artifacts in digital radiography

Digital radiography is becoming more prevalent in veterinary medicine, and with its increased use has come the recognition of a number of artifacts. Artifacts in digital radiography can decrease image quality and mask or mimic pathologic changes. They can be categorized according to the step during which they are created and include preexposure, exposure, postexposure, reading, and workstation artifacts. The recognition and understanding of artifacts in digital radiography facilitates their reduction and decreases misinterpretation. The purpose of this review is to name, describe the appearance, identify the cause, and provide methods of resolution of artifacts in digital radiography.     

Evaluation of an arthroscopic approach for transection of the equine collateral sesamoidean ligament

Objective: To evaluate: (1) an arthroscopic technique for transection of the collateral sesamoidean ligament (CSL); and (2) the healing response using magnetic resonance (MR) and microscopic examination. Study Design: Experimental study. Animals: Adult horses (n=6). Methods: Six sound horses with normal front foot radiographic and MR examinations were used. Lameness examination was performed before surgery and monthly for 12 months. Front foot radiography was performed at 180 and 360 days after surgery. Front foot MR was performed before, and at 7, 90, 180, and 360 days after surgery. Arthroscopic CSL desmotomy was performed on 1 forelimb. Gross and microscopic examination was performed on the CSL from both forelimbs at 360 days after surgery. Lameness scores were compared over time using the nonparametric Friedman's test for paired groups. CSL measurements were compared using paired t‐tests with a 2‐tailed significance level of P<.05. Results: Radiographs remained normal throughout study period. Surgery resulted in lameness on the operated limb for up to 2 months, after which all horses returned to soundness. CSL transection was confirmed during arthroscopy and with MR examination 7 days after surgery. Gross and microscopic evaluation confirmed ligament healing. Conclusions: CSL desmotomy resulted in short‐term lameness after surgery followed by healing of the CSL confirmed by gross and microscopic analysis.     

Microbiological identification and analysis of swine tonsils collected from carcasses at slaughter

The primary objective of this 7-month study was to determine the prevalence of porcine pathogens of the tonsil of the soft palate of swine at slaughter. Additional objectives were to determine if sampling the carcasses of normal or abnormal hogs provided different microbiological profiles and if the slaughter plant provides a feasible sampling frame and environment for detecting and monitoring important pathogens in tonsils that have health implications for both swine and humans. A total of 395 samples were collected from 264 farms. Of these, 180 tonsils were collected from normal carcasses and 215 tonsils were collected from carcasses that were diverted to the hold rail. Laboratory testing included bacteriological culture and identification as well as real time-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PPRSV) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) for porcine circovirus-2 (PCV-2). The most commonly isolated bacteria included: Streptococcus suis (53.7%), Arcanobacterium pyogenes (29.9%), Pasteurella multocida (27.3%), and Streptococcus porcinus (19.5%). Virus screening revealed evidence of PRRSV and PCV-2 in 22.0% and 11.9% of the samples, respectively. Salmonella Typhimurium and Yersinia enterocolitica were isolated in 0.5% and 1.8% of the samples, respectively. Tonsils collected from the hold rail were more likely to be positive for Staphylococcus hyicus [odds ratio (OR) = 7.51, confidence interval (CI) = 2.89 to 19.54], Streptococcus porcinus (OR = 9.93, CI = 4.27 to 23.10), and Streptococcus suis (OR = 2.16, CI = 1.45 to 3.24). Tonsils collected from abnormal carcasses were less likely to be positive for Staphylococcus aureus (OR = 0.05, CI = 0.005 to 0.482).     

Field evaluation of a coproantigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for diagnosis of canine echinococcosis in a rural Andean village in Peru

One hundred and six dogs (61 males and 45 females) were examined for Echinococcus granulosus infection in a farming cooperative in the central highlands of Peru during November 1998. Canine echinococcosis was diagnosed using direct microscopic examinations of purged feces following arecoline purging and a coproantigen-detection enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for E. granulosus. Mean age was 2 years with a range of 3 months to 9 years. The overall prevalence of canine echinococcosis using the ELISA test was 79% (84/106). Seventy-four dogs were successfully purged with arecoline. The frequency of canine echinococcosis was 82 (61/74) and 34% (25/74) by the coproantigen ELISA test and arecoline purging, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the coproantigen ELISA test was 88 and 95%, respectively. We found this assay to be especially advantageous in remote geographical areas. In future control programs against echinococcosis in Peru and other areas where E. granulosus is endemic the coproantigen ELISA should be used for the surveillance of the dog population.     

Correlation of magnetic resonance images with anatomic features of the equine tarsus

OBJECTIVE: To correlate anatomic features of the equine tarsus identified in plastinated sections with images obtained via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). ANIMALS: 4 horses. PROCEDURE: MRI (1.5-Tesla magnet) of the tarsus was performed on the pelvic limbs of 4 clinically normal horses following euthanasia. After imaging, tarsocrural joint spaces and vasculature were injected with colored latex. Sagittal and transverse sections of the tarsi were plastinated to facilitate interpretation of MR images. RESULTS: Relevant anatomic structures were identified and labeled on the plastinated tissue slices and corresponding MR images. Results indicated high correlations between MRI findings and those of plastinated sections. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The data obtained provided certain reference standards for normal anatomic structure sizes and positions in the equine tarsus. This information may aid future physiologic or clinical studies of this joint.