Behavioral evaluation of 65 aggressive dogs following a reported bite event

Peer-reviewed scientific publications on the topic of dog bites are numerous. Montreal was one of the first municipalities in the province of Quebec to require mandatory assessment of aggressive dogs by veterinarians. In 2019, dogs reported as aggressive and considered a potential risk to public safety by city officials were scheduled for a mandatory behavioral assessment by a veterinarian. For the purpose of this study, only aggressive dogs that had bitten (N = 65) were included. The goals were to better describe the aggressive behavior of these dogs (behavioral sequence, type of aggression, and overall reactivity) and perhaps identify new possible risk factors related to severity of injury and dangerousness. The number of signs of increased arousal/reactivity was positively and significantly associated with the injury severity score. Dangerousness increased with size of dogs. Entire males were most dangerous despite absence of recognizable differences in body weight between neutered and unneutered males.     

Severe anemia associated with Mycoplasma wenyonii infection in a mature cow

The clinical findings, diagnostic tests, and treatment of clinical anemia in a mature Angus cow infected with the hemoplasma Mycoplasma wenyonii are described. Mycoplasma wenyonii has been previously reported to cause clinical anemia in young or splenectomized cattle; however, infection has not been associated with severe anemia in mature animals.     

Greater coverage of the phylum Nematoda in SSU rDNA studies

The small subunit ribosomal gene (SSU rDNA) is used in both environmental and phylogenetic studies of nematodes. However, currently described SSU rDNA primers near to the 5′ end of the gene show mismatches with a number of different nematode sequences. Here a new SSU rDNA 5′ forward primer, Nem_SSU_F74, is designed from existing database sequences and its performance compared with a previously described forward primer, SSU_F04, by sequencing from nematode assemblage DNA, in combination with a previously described reverse primer. DNA was extracted from three nematode assemblages isolated from arable soil and, in total, six clone libraries were created: three amplified with established forward primer SSU_F04 and three with the novel primer Nem_SSU_F74. Ninety six clones were sequenced from each library. Nem_SSU_F74 libraries yielded a higher number of nematode sequences than SSU_F04 libraries, and a greater number of nematode taxa were found using the novel forward primer. The most abundant sequences were common to libraries created with either forward primer. Data from a morphological survey of the same samples revealed that biomass was more closely related to molecular analysis than simple counts of nematodes. For all but one nematode order (Aphelenchida), percentage assemblage composition was not significantly different between biomass and sequences obtained with the novel forward primer Nem_SSU_F74.     

Relative influence of local- and landscape-level habitat quality on aquatic plant diversity in shallow open-water wetlands in Alberta’s boreal zone: direct and indirect effects

Reclamation usually involves modification of the local environment to achieve some biotic target, but if the influence of Landscape Condition on that target is great, we may fail to meet it despite efforts at the local-level. We sought to determine the relative influence of local- and landscape-level habitat on aquatic plant diversity in shallow open-water wetlands. Furthermore, we asked whether the influence of Landscape Condition should be attributed to direct (dispersal-related) effects, or to the indirect effect of landscape variables that influence local habitat quality. Finally, we asked if spatial scale (300–2000 m) would affect conclusions about the relative influence of local- and landscape-level effects. Using structural equation modeling, we found that Local Condition is consistently more influential than Landscape Condition. As landscape size increases, the relative importance of Landscape Condition declines and there is a trade-off between its direct and indirect components. At ≤500 m direct landscape effects were of greater importance than indirect effects, whereas indirect effects of Landscape Condition became more important at ≥1500 m. This suggests that the dominant mechanism by which land use influences diversity depends on the spatial extent of the landscape. We recommend that reclamation designs include a high proportion of wetland habitat and incorporate seeding/planting if diverse plant communities are desired. Additionally, we note that the influence of the landscape is strongest within 300 m. Thus, the focus of reclamation efforts should remain at the in-lake level and the immediate surroundings: this is where efforts will achieve the greatest effect on aquatic plant diversity.     

Growth in three Karoo shrub species under various grazing treatments: the tracking of marked individuals over 25 years

Growth studies of long-lived shrubs are uncommon. In semi-arid rangelands, livestock and wildlife grazing influence growth processes and may interact with changing climate. Tierberg-LTER, excluded from livestock since 1987, and two adjacent ranches allowed for a comparative growth study of three shrub species (Osteospermum sinuatum – palatable, Pteronia empetrifolia – moderately palatable, and P. pallens – unpalatable) across contrasting present ungulate herbivory (none in exclosures, wildlife only, or livestock and wildlife combined) and past livestock herbivory (moderate and overgrazed). Marked individuals were measured at irregular intervals over 25 years. Stem basal diameter (mm), height (m) and two canopy diameters (m) were measured at the onset of the study and in 2014. Mean basal diameter growth (mm y^?1) varied between species and treatments. Change in mean attribute values was influenced by interactions with grazing history and treatments. Some historical and grazing treatments had a negative effect on the palatable O. sinuatum and no significant effect on moderately palatable P. empetrifolia or unpalatable P. pallens. The age of the originally marked individuals are unknown but >70% of these individuals survived over the 25-year period. Our results support previous findings that dwarf shrubs in deserts are slow growing and long lived, and that grazing regime affects plant growth.     

Evaluation of clinical characteristics, diagnostic test results, and outcome in horses with internal infection caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis: 30 cases (1995-2003)

OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical signs, results of diagnostic testing, and outcome in horses with internal Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 30 horses. PROCEDURE: Information pertaining to clinical data, results of diagnostic tests, and costs of hospitalization and treatment was extracted from medical records of affected horses. RESULTS: Internal C. pseudotuberculosis infection was diagnosed on the basis of clinical signs, diagnostic imaging, and clinicopathologic data, including results of serologic tests and bacterial culture. The most common clinical signs were concurrent external abscesses, anorexia, fever, lethargy, weight loss, and signs of respiratory tract disease or abdominal pain. Clinicopathologic abnormalities included a geometric mean reciprocal serum synergistic hemolysin inhibition titer > or = 512, leukocytosis with neutrophilia, hyperglobulinemia, hyperfibrinogenemia, and anemia. Specific organ involvement was diagnosed in 27 of 30 horses. Affected organs included the liver (18 horses), lungs (12), kidneys (7), and spleen (3); multiple organs were affected in 10 horses. Treatment with antimicrobials for a median of 36 days (range, 7 to 97 days) was usually successful, yielding an overall survival rate of 71%. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Early diagnosis and long-term antimicrobial treatment were important for a successful outcome in horses with internal C. pseudotuberculosis infection. Ultrasonographic imaging was an important technique for identifying specific organs affected, aiding in obtaining samples for a definitive diagnosis, and monitoring response to treatment. Pregnant mares with internal infections are at risk for fetal loss. Preexisting chronic organ disease may be associated with a poor prognosis.     

A HACCP-based approach to mastitis control in dairy herds. Part 2: Implementation and evaluation

Part 1 of the study described the development of a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) based programme and accompanying handbook for the control of mastitis. This paper describes the implementation and evaluation of customised HACCP-based programmes, which were developed from the handbook and assessed on six Irish dairy farms. Both quantitative and qualitative (action research) research methodologies were used to measure the success of implementation and efficacy of control of sub-clinical mastitis as measured by Somatic Cell Counts (SCC) and the degree of compliance by farmers in adopting and maintaining recommendations throughout the course of the study period. No overall differences in SCC before and during the implementation of the study were found when all six farms were considered together. Three of the six study farms experienced a significant decrease in herd milk recorded SCC during the implementation of the control programme. An essential part of the study was achieving initial agreement on recommendations as well as ongoing monitoring of compliance during the study. This pilot study shows that HACCP can be implemented on farms as a means of working towards the control of mastitis and that farmer attitude, and understanding of mastitis are crucial in terms of motivation irrespective of practical approaches used to manage mastitis.     

What is your diagnosis? Perifemoral mass in a cow

Abstract: A 15‐year‐old female Simmental cross‐breed cow was presented to the Purdue University Veterinary Teaching Hospital for evaluation of a perifemoral soft tissue mass. Impression smears made from an excisional biopsy contained a population of pleomorphic mesenchymal cells with abundant, periodic acid–Schiff‐positive (PAS), intracytoplasmic granular material, and rare elongated multinucleated cells consistent with strap‐like cells. A second population of small round cells suggestive of lymphocytes or progenitor cells was also noted. A cytologic diagnosis of sarcoma was made, with rhabdomyosarcoma considered most likely based on the large amount of PAS‐positive material (presumed to be glycogen) and the rare strap‐like cells. Histopathologic sections contained an unencapsulated, densely cellular neoplasm composed of haphazardly arranged highly pleomorphic mesenchymal cells and a few small round cells. The mesenchymal cells were positive for vimentin, non‐specific muscle actin, and myoglobin, and negative for phosphotungstic acid‐hematoxylin, smooth muscle actin, and desmin. Glycogen granules were confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. A diagnosis of pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma was made. While cytologic findings may suggest rhabdomyosarcoma, cytologic features can be highly variable, and a definitive diagnosis usually requires cytochemical and immunohistochemical staining.