Evaluation of iodophor skin preparation techniques and factors influencing drainage from ventral midline incisions in horses.

OBJECTIVE: To document natural bacterial flora on the ventral aspect of the equine abdomen, to compare 2 preparation techniques, and to identify potential risk factors that may contribute to incisional drainage. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 53 horses undergoing exploratory celiotomy. PROCEDURE: Group-1 horses (n = 26) were prepared with povidone-iodine and alcohol. Group-2 horses (27) were prepared with a film-forming iodophor complex. Numbers of bacterial colony-forming units (CFU) were measured before and after surgical scrub, following skin closure, and after recovery from general anesthesia. Swab specimens to identify normal skin bacterial flora and potential pathogens were obtained by swabbing a 4 x 4-cm area. Variables that might affect incisional drainage were also investigated. RESULTS: For both techniques, there was a significant reduction in bacterial numbers after skin preparation. Incisional drainage was observed in 14 (26%) horses (8 group-1 and 6 group-2 horses). Preexisting dermatitis, poor intraoperative drape adherence, high number of bacterial CFU obtained after recovery from anesthesia, and high number of CFU obtained from the surgery room environment were the main risk factors associated with subsequent incisional drainage. Bacillus spp, nonhemolytic Staphylococcus spp, Micrococcus spp, Corynebacterium spp, Streptomyces spp, other nonenteric genera, and nonhemolytic Streptococcus spp were the most common isolates obtained before surgical scrub. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Both skin preparation techniques were equally effective in reducing numbers of bacterial CFU by 99%, and a significant difference was not found in incisional drainage rate between groups. Protection of the wound during recovery from anesthesia and the immediate postoperative period may reduce incisional drainage after abdominal surgery in horses.     

Influence of body condition score on live and carcass value of cull beef cows.

Mature beef cows (n = 88) were slaughtered to determine the influence of body condition score (BCS) on carcass and live animal value. Cows were weighed and assigned a BCS (9-point scale), 24 h before slaughter. Hide and by-products weights were recorded during harvest. After a 48-h chill period, the right side of each carcass was fabricated into boneless subprimal cuts, minor cuts, lean trim, fat, and bone. Weights were recorded at all stages of fabrication. Carcass values (U.S.$/100 kg of hot carcass weight) were calculated for U.S. Utility and U.S. Cutter grades, as well as for the Utility/Cutter mix for each BCS. Gross value included the carcass value and the value of the hide and byproducts, whereas net value was calculated after harvest and fabrication costs and by-product value were considered. Live value (U.S.$/100 kg of live weight) was computed by dividing the net value by the animal's live weight 24 h before harvest. The value of the hide and by-products for BCS-2 cows was greater (P<.05) than for cows assigned a BCS of 3 through 8. Even though U.S. Utility carcasses from BCS-8 cows produced the least (P<.05) valuable subprimal cuts from the chuck, loin, and round, the gross and net values of BCS-8 cows were greater (P<.05) than those of BCS-3, 4, 5, and 6. Within the grade of U.S. Cutter, carcasses from BCS-6 cows had the highest (P<.05), and BCS-2 cows had the lowest (P<.05), gross and net values. Across the U.S. Utility/Cutter mix, cows designated with a BCS of 7 and 8 had greater (P<.05) gross and net values than cows assigned a BCS of 6, or lower. Live value increased linearly (P = .0002) from a low of $76.10/100 kg for BCS-2 cows to a high of $90.84/100 kg for BCS-7 cows. Carcasses from BCS-6 cows were relatively lean (8.4 mm of fat opposite of the longissimus muscle), and approximately 73% of the carcasses achieved a quality grade of U.S. Utility. Moreover, carcasses from BCS-6 cows had the highest total carcass values and live values comparable (P>.05) to BCS-7 cows. Information from this study can be used by the non-fed beef industry to establish a value-based marketing system. Data from this study would indicate that marketing cull beef cows at a BCS of 6 could optimize economic returns to both cow-calf producers and non-fed beef packers.     

Estimation of Neospora caninum seroprevalence in dairy cattle from Normandy, France.

An epidemiological study was conducted in Orne (France) on randomly selected dairy herds (42 herds including 1,924 cows and heifers, which were at least 15 months old). The aim was primarily to estimate the seroprevalence of Neospora caninum infection from two blood samples per cow, using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for N. caninum (one positive result indicating infection). The second aim was to test the association between some individual and herd factors and N. caninum seropositivity with a logistic model including a random term effect. The prevalence was estimated at 5.6% (107 seropositive animals). At least 27 of the 42 herds had one seropositive cow or heifer. The intra-herd seroprevalence varied from 1.1 to 8% for 18 positive herds (66.7%). Dogs were present in 36 farms and 104 of the 107 seropositive animals were exposed to them. The factors associated with individual seropositivity were the presence of cats (OR = 0.17; P < 0.001), dogs (OR = 4.35; P = 0.02), rabbits and/or ducks (OR = 2.10; P = 0.04), long calving periods (12 months) (OR = 0.44; P = 0.007), tethered housing (OR = 2.50; P = 0.01), somatic cell counts (200-400 x 10(3) cells/mL) (OR = 0.24; P < 0.001) and pond water supply (OR = 2.43; P = 0.04). In conclusion, the animal and intra-herd seroprevalences were low in dairy cows from Normandy, France.     

Effects of hemolysis on plasma electrolyte and chemistry values in the common green iguana (Iguana iguana).

Hemolysis of serum and plasma samples is a common problem in veterinary diagnostic laboratories. We measured the effects of hemolysis on nine plasma analytes in 10 clinically normal common green iguanas (Iguana iguana). Blood samples with moderate and marked hemolysis were produced from each iguana by freezing, centrifuging, and decanting plasma from a portion of each blood sample, and combining the nonhemolyzed plasma with different amounts of hemolyzed plasma from the same individual. Moderate hemolysis significantly increased plasma phosphorus levels. Marked hemolysis significantly increased plasma values of potassium, phosphorus, total protein, and aspartate aminotransferase. The severity of hemolysis must be considered when interpreting values for these analytes in iguana plasma.     

Coccygeal muscle injury in English Pointers (limber tail)

A condition colloquially referred to as "limber tail" and "cold tail" is familiar to people working with hunting dogs, primarily Pointers and Labrador Retrievers. The typical case consists of an adult dog that suddenly develops a flaccid tail. The tail either hangs down from the tail base or is held out horizontally for several inches from the tail base and then hangs straight down or at some degree below horizontal. Initially, the hair on the dorsal aspect of the proximal tail may be raised and dogs may resent palpation of the area 3-4 inches (8-10 cm) from the tail base. Most dogs recover spontaneously within a few days to weeks. Anecdotal reports suggest that anti-inflammatory drugs administered within 24 hours after onset hasten recovery. Less than one half of affected dogs experience a recurrence. Affected Pointers almost always have a history of prolonged cage transport, a hard workout the previous day, or exposure to cold or wet weather Most owners and trainers familiar with the condition do not seek veterinary assistance. In cases where people are not familiar with this disease, other conditions such as a fracture, spinal cord disease, impacted anal glands, or prostatic disease have been incorrectly diagnosed. We examined 4 affected Pointers and found evidence of coccygeal muscle damage, which included mild elevation of creatine kinase early after onset of clinical signs, needle electromyographic examination showing abnormal spontaneous discharges restricted to the coccygeal muscles several days after onset, and histopathologic evidence of muscle fiber damage. Specific muscle groups, namely the laterally positioned intertransversarius ventralis caudalis muscles, were affected most severely. Abnormal findings on thermography and scintigraphy further supported the diagnosis.     

Analysis of the mucosal microenvironment: factors determining successful responses to mucosal vaccines

The predominance of IgA antibodies in mucosal sites reflects a combination of high rate IgA isotype switching among precursor cells in induction sites, their selective localisation in mucosal effector tissues and vigorous proliferation of these cells after extravasation. Each of these steps leading to IgA expression at the mucosa is under cytokine control. This paper will address the role of cytokines in induction and expression of IgA responses, the contribution of various precursor cell subsets and their differential responses to cytokine signals and strategies for manipulating cytokine expression. With respect to IgA antibody production in the gut whereas IL-4 and TGF-beta have been implicated in isotype switching of precursor cells to IgA commitment, their subsequent localisation, proliferation and effector activity expression is dependent on IL-5 and IL-6 expression locally. Most IgA plasma cells in the intestine derive from cells of the B2 lineage in the Peyer's patch, but a subpopulation of cells derived from the peritoneal cavity (B1 cells) also contribute to the IgA plasma cell population in the intestinal lamina propria. Whereas IgA+ cells of the B2 lineage are IL-6 dependent but IL-5 independent, B1-derived IgA+ cells are IL-5 dependent and IL-6 independent. On the other hand, cell mediated immune responses in the gut are highly dependent on IFN-gamma production by both Th1 CD4 cells and CD8 cells and in enteric Salmonella infection IFN-gamma production is essential but antibody has little effect on this process.Therapeutic interventions based on the information emerging from these studies will lead to improved vaccination responses and correction of immunodeficiencies especially in young animals.     

Genetic characterisation of protective vaccine responses in sheep using multi-valent Dichelobacter nodosus vaccines

Protective vaccine responses to nine distinct serogroups of Dichelobacter nodosus (serogroups A-I) can be readily measured by serogroup-specific K-agglutinating antibody titres. On the basis of a large quantitative genetic experiment (1200 progeny from 129 sire groups), it was shown that variation in antibody responses following vaccination with a multi-valent pilus antigen D. nodosus vaccine (serogroups A-I) is, in part, under genetic control and thus heritable. Based on the genetic relationships between antibody responses to all nine antigens, results suggested that both genes for a broad-based and genes for serogroup-specific response contributed to genetic variation in vaccine response. Furthermore, preliminary data in 389 progeny showed that polymorphism within the ovine major histocompatibility (MHC) based on serological classification accounted for a significant proportion of the variation in vaccine responses. In subsequent experimentation, we examined the importance of genetic polymorphism within the ovine MHC, and the possibility of genes outside the MHC for their involvement in antigen-specific and broad-based vaccine response. Within two large half sib families(131, and 143 progeny), four MHC haplotypes were investigated and found to be associated with differential antibody responses to six out of eight distinct vaccine-antigens presented to the host in a multi-valent vaccine. The model used here shows how well characterised immunogens, quantitative genetic experimentation, and molecular gene mapping tools can be used to unravel genetic differences in host responses to commercial vaccines.     

Neurotoxicity in calves induced by the plant, Nierembergia hippomanica Miers var. violacea Millán in South Africa

The plant Nierembergia hippomanica var. violacea has been incriminated in field outbreaks of neurotoxicity in calves in the Free State Province. Hepatotoxicity and electrocardiogram (ECG) deviations were induced in a sheep dosed with 5 g/kg dried plant material on four consecutive days. A calf dosed with 2.5 g/kg dried plant material, on two consecutive days, did not show overt clinical changes. Voluntary ingestion of approximately 30 g/kg fresh flowering plants by a second calf resulted in nervous signs characterized by chewing motions, protrusion of the tongue, dysphagia, hypermetria, ataxia, paresis and lateral recumbency. Salivation, dehydration and cardiac irregularities completed the clinical picture. Clinical chemistry changes revealed muscle damage and increased serum urea and creatinine concentrations indicative of kidney involvement. This is the first confirmed outbreak of Nierembergia hippomanica var. violacea intoxication of stock in South Africa.     

Use of protected methionine (Mepron M 85) in cattle

The ruminal stability of Mepron M 85 and the effect of supplementation with Mepron M 85 on free methionine level of blood were studied in rumen-fistulated cows and rumen- and duodenum-fistulated growing bulls. In five rumen-fistulated cows in situ 69.5% and 64.6% of the methionine content of Mepron M 85 was found after ruminal incubation of 16 h and 24 h, respectively. Daily rations of the rumen-fistulated cows were supplemented with 15.0 g DL-methionine and 17.7 g Mepron M 85, which increased the free methionine level of blood from 13.64 mumol/L to 15.35 and 20.46 mumol/L, respectively, three hours after feeding. In the four rumen- and duodenum-fistulated growing bulls, supplementation with 15.0 g DL-methionine and 17.7 g Mepron M 85 increased the total methionine getting into the duodenum during 24 h from 14.99 g to 16.84 and 20.84 g, respectively. The influence of Mepron M 85 on milk production was studied in 35 pairs of Hungarian Fleckvieh x Holstein-Friesian cows. The animals were coupled on the basis of the number of finished lactations, milk production in the previous lactation, and the date of calving. Daily supplementation of 18.0 g Mepron M 85 increased daily milk production significantly (p < 0.05), by 1.24 litres. Milk fat content also increased significantly (from 3.10% to 3.19%, p < 0.05) in the experimental group. The supplementation did not influence milk protein content.     

The clinical efficacy of topical and systemic therapy for the treatment of feline ocular chlamydiosis

Twenty-four specific-pathogen-free-derived cats aged four to 11 months were challenged by ocular application of a field isolate of Chlamydia psittaci to evaluate the effect of topical and systemic therapy on the course of disease. The cats were monitored for 35 days post-challenge, with severity of clinical signs being measured using a scoring system, and ocular shedding of the organism monitored by culture of conjunctival swabs. All cats developed active C psittaci infection, and after 7 days the cats were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups: Group P (placebo) was given twice-daily ophthalmic tear-replacement ointment; group F was given twice-daily topical 1% fusidic acid ophthalmic viscous drops; group C was given twice-daily topical 1% chlortetracycline ophthalmic ointment; and group D was given doxycycline at 10 mg/kg daily per os in addition to twice-daily topical 1% fusidic acid ophthalmic ointment. Within 24 h of commencement of therapy, group D had significantly lower median clinical scores than group P, and with the exception of day 16, this trend was maintained throughout the observation period. Median clinical scores of cats in group F were not appreciably different to those in group P, whereas the median scores of cats in group C generally fell between those of groups P and D. The median duration of C psittaci shedding was 10 and 15 days for groups D and C respectively, but four of the six cats in groups F and P were still shedding organisms at the end of the study (day 35). In this study, systemic therapy with doxycycline proved superior to topical therapy in the treatment of feline chlamydiosis.