Bacteriological evaluation of commercial canine and feline raw diets

Twenty-five commercial raw diets for dogs and cats were evaluated bacteriologically. Coliforms were present in all diets, ranging from 3.5 x 10(3) to 9.4 x 10(6) CFU/g (mean 8.9 x 10(5); standard deviation 1.9 x 10(6)). Escherichia coli was identified in 15/25 (64%) diets; however, E. coli O157 was not detected. Salmonella spp. were detected in 5/25 (20%) diets; 1 each of beef-, lamb-, quail-, chicken-, and ostrich-based diets. Sporeforming bacteria were identified from 4/25 (16%) samples on direct culture and 25/25 (100%) samples using enrichment culture. Clostridium perfringens was identified in 5/25 (20%) samples. A toxigenic strain of C. difficile was isolated from one turkey-based food. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from 1/25 (4%) diets. Campylobacter spp. were not isolated from any of the diets.     

Flow cytometric detection of platelet-bound antibody in three horses with immune-mediated thrombocytopenia

Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (IMT) is a sporadic cause of thrombocytopenia in horses for which it is difficult to establish a definitive diagnosis. In this report, we describe 3 horses with severe thrombocytopenia in which flow cytometric analysis of platelets for surface-bound IgG was used in an attempt to substantiate a provisional diagnosis of IMT. A distinct proportion (4.28%, 5.04%, and 7.95%) of platelets with surface-bound IgG was detected in the 3 thrombocytopenic horses, but not in 6 healthy horses (0.03% to 0.15%) or 6 horses with colic (0.00% to 1.21%). These results, in conjunction with elimination of other potential causes of the thrombocytopenia, established a diagnosis of IMT. The horses were treated with glucocorticoids alone or in combination with azathioprine, and the thrombocytopenia gradually resolved. Flow cytometric detection of platelet-bound IgG was readily performed and may be a useful adjunct for the diagnosis of IMT.     

The efficacy of ivermectin jetting fluid for control of blowfly strike on sheep under field conditions

SUMMARY Seventeen trials involving 5737 sheep were conducted to test the efficacy of ivermectin jetting fluid (30 ppm in water) for the control of blowfly strike when applied to sheep either by standard hand jetting or through an automatic jetting race. Sheep were observed for up to 14 weeks after treatment and all strikes recorded. The level of fly challenge varied between trials, resulting in strike rates in untreated sheep ranging between 0 and 94%. At 12 weeks after treatment there were 93% fewer strikes in hand jetted sheep and 84% fewer strikes in machine jetted sheep when compared with untreated sheep. At this time point there was a 90%, 86% and 93% reduction in poll, body and breech strikes, respectively, when hand jetting was used, whereas machine jetting reduced poll, body, breech and pizzle strikes by 84%, 81%, 79% and 100%, respectively.     

The medium frequency (7.5 MHz) ultrasound image characteristics of cattle skin

SUMMARY The medium frequency (7.5 MHz) ultrasound images of cattle skin, as a model for other domestic animals, are described and compared with the published information for human skin. Although some difficulties are apparent in identifying the skin surface and therefore measuring tissue thicknesses, the papillary and reticular layers of cattle skin, about 2 and 4 mm thick, respectively, can be differentiated using a water standoff with a vegetable oil coupling medium. The difference in echo intensities and patterns between these dermal components supports the concept that ultrasound tissue characterisation using higher frequencies may prove to be a useful non-invasive procedure in livestock production and veterinary science. However, a detailed protocol is required. Care is needed in the choice of ultrasound coupling medium for good resolution of cattle skin. Higher frequency ultrasound equipment would be necessary for imaging the skin of small animals. Potential applications of this new technology are discussed.     

Increasing the use of expert opinion in forest characterisation approaches based on LiDAR data

Context

Forest structure characterisation approaches using LiDAR data and object-based image analysis remain scarce to forestry agencies as these automated procedures usually require the use of expensive software and highly skilled analysts. The integration of forest expert opinion into semi-automated approaches would simplify the access of forest managers to new technologies and would allow the incorporation of personal experience and the introduction of specific forest management criteria.

Aim

The aim of this study is to explore new alternatives to a previously published automated approach based on LiDAR data and object-based image analysis.

Methods

We compare four approaches, ranging from null to high incorporation of expert opinion and from fully automated to fully manual. These four approaches consist of three stages: (1) forest stand identification from LiDAR models, (2) forest stand classification into forest structure classes (manual and based on cluster analysis), and (3) validation.

Results

Quantitative attributes for validation (i.e. hypsographs and percentiles) provided slightly lower degree of separability for forest structure classes, in the mixed procedures with increasing incorporation of expert opinion than for the fully automated approach.

Conclusions

The new mixed approaches proposed are comparable to the automated procedures for the characterisation of forest structure in heterogeneous pine forest stands. They also offer additional advantages: (1) they make it possible to give a specific management focus and (2) they provide accessibility by the forest managers to the source of LiDAR information.     

Evaluation of 2 ELISAs to determine Borrelia burgdorferi seropositivity in horses over a 12-month period

The blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis), which transmits Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, has undergone rapid range expansion in Ontario. In horses, Lyme disease remains an enigmatic disease, with limited understanding of the pathogenesis and many issues pertaining to selection and interpretation of laboratory tests. We evaluated B. burgdorferi seropositivity in naturally exposed horses over a 12-mo period and compared paired samples with 2 common serologic tests. Serum samples were collected in 2017, ~1 y after initial testing, from a cohort of 22 horses that were seropositive in a 2016 seroprevalence study. Samples were tested using a C6 ELISA and a multiplex ELISA targeting outer surface proteins A, C, and F. 1 y after initial testing, 14 of 22 (64%) horses remained seropositive; 7 (32%) were positive on the multiplex ELISA, 2 (9%) on C6 ELISA, and 5 (23%) on both tests. Repeatability was 100% for the C6 ELISA, and 95% for the multiplex ELISA, with no significant difference between paired sample multiplex titer values. Our results indicate strong intra-test reliability, although further investigation is required to determine the clinical significance of serologic testing.     

Short communication: Estrus synchronization using progestogens or cloprostenol in tropical hair sheep

The objective of the experiment was to compare the use of a PGF2α analogue (Cloprostenol) IM, with an intravaginal progestagen sponge, flurogestone acetate (FGA), and equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) IM application protocol. A total of 30 cyclical hair ewes (54.07?±?0.5 kg live weight, body condition score 3.5?±?0.5, and age 3?±?1 years) were used. For the control group ewes (n?=?15), intravaginal sponges (IS) impregnated with 20 mg of FGA were inserted for 12 days with 500 IU of eCG IM at sponges withdrawal. For the PG group ewes (Treatment group n?=?15), two injections of Cloprostenol (75 mcg) were given 12 days apart. The presence of estrus was detected using two rams with 8 h interval beginning at the end of the treatment. Progesterone concentrations in blood were measured by solid phase radioimmunoassay. A student’s t test was performed to analyze the duration of estrus and the interval between the ends of the treatment and the onset of estrus (ET-OE) presentation. Progesterone levels were compared with two-way ANOVA, with treatment, and day of menstrual cycle as fixed factors. Treatment costs ratio was calculated by dividing the total costs of FGA IS application between total costs of Cloprostenol application. Significant differences (P?P?相似文献   

Physicochemical Interpretation of Acid‐Base Abnormalities in 54 Adult Horses with Acute Severe Colitis and Diarrhea

Background

The quantitative effect of strong electrolytes, pCO₂, and plasma protein concentration in determining plasma pH and bicarbonate concentrations can be demonstrated with the physicochemical approach. Plasma anion gap (AG) and strong ion gap (SIG) are used to assess the presence or absence of unmeasured anions.

Hypotheses

The physicochemical approach is useful for detection and explanation of acid‐base disorders in horses with colitis. AG and SIG accurately predict hyperlactatemia in horses with colitis.

Animals

Fifty‐four horses with acute colitis and diarrhea.

Methods

Retrospective study . Physicochemical variables were calculated for each patient. ROC curves were generated to analyze sensitivity and specificity of AG and SIG for predicting hyperlactatemia.

Results

Physicochemical interpretation of acid‐base events indicated that strong ion metabolic acidosis was present in 39 (72%) horses. Mixed strong ion acidosis and decreased weak acid (hypoproteinemia) alkalosis was concomitantly present in 17 (30%) patients. The sensitivity and specificity of AG and SIG to predict hyperlactatemia (L‐lactate > 5 mEq/L) were 100% (95% CI, 66.4–100; P < .0001) and 84.4% (95% CI, 70.5–93.5 P < .0001). Area under the ROC curve for AG and SIG for predicting hyperlactatemia was 0.95 (95% CI, 0.86–0.99) and 0.93 (95% CI, 0.83–0.99), respectively.

Conclusion and Clinical relevance

These results emphasize the importance of strong ions and proteins in the maintenance of the acid‐base equilibria. AG and SIG were considered good predictors of clinically relevant hyperlactatemia.     

Administration of exogenous hormones in ovulatory and embryonic response in Pelibuey sheep

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of two sources of commercial porcine pituitary‐derived follicle‐stimulating hormone (pFSH) and pFSH—porcine Luteinizing Hormone (pLH), including equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG), in ovulatory and embryonic response in Pelibuey sheep. Twenty‐four Pelibuey sheep were used and were assigned randomly to four treatments (n = 6): (T1; 200 mg pFSH‐Folltropin^®); (T2; 200 mg pFSH + 300 UI eCG‐Folligon^®); (T3; 250 UI pFSH/pLH‐Pluset^®) and (T4; 250 UI pFSH/pLH + 300 UI eCG). The interval of hours from withdrawal of the device to the beginning of oestrus (BO) was lower (p < .05) in sheep treated with eCG (T2 = 8.0 ± 1.4 and T4 = 10.0 ± 2.8) than in those without eCG (T1 = 12.6 ± 0.6 and T3 = 20.6 ± 2.4). The ovulatory rate (OR) was higher (p < .05) in T1 = 15.5 ± 2.8 and T2 = 15.6 ± 1.4, compared to T3 = 8.1 ± 3.2 and T4 = 11.8 ± 2.8; a significant difference was not shown between them (T1 vs. T2 and T3 vs. T4) when including eCG. The number of non‐fertilized oocytes (NFO) was lower (p ? .05) in T1 = 0.8 ± 0.4 and T3 = 1.8 ± 1.8, compared to those that included eCG (T2 = 6.3 ± 2.4 and T4 = 2.1 ± 1.2). The number of transferable embryos (TE) was higher (p < .05) when FSH was applied (T1 = 5.8 ± 1.1), compared with (T2 = 2.6 ± 1.1, T3 = 2.3 ± 1.4 and T4 = 2.8 ± 1.5). The commercial treatments (pFSH or pFSH‐pLH) in combination with eCG did not improve OR, NFO and TE. However, the exclusive pFSH (Folltropin) treatment presented a higher OR, lower number of NFO and higher number of TE.