Viruses and virus-like particles detected during examination of feces from calves and piglets with diarrhea

A total of 763 fecal or intestinal samples from diarrheic calves and piglets were examined for viral content by immunofluorescence, electron microscopy or cell culture. Routine fluorescent antibody and cultural tests detected rotavirus (n=126), coronavirus (n=80) and bovine viral diarrhea virus (n=13). Electron microscopy detected rotaviruses (n=24) and coronaviruses (n=17) not identified by standard fluorescent antibody tests. Other viruses detected by electron microscopy included Breda virus-like particles (n=49), astroviruses (n=1), caliciviruses (n=1), rhabdoviruses (n=1), parvoviruses (n=2), enteroviruses (n=3), togavirus-like particles (n=2), and “chained” particles (n=5). Mixtures of several of the viruses were detected in a number of fecal samples.

The survey emphasized the value of electron microscopy as a broad-spectrum diagnostic tool.

     

The use of computers in dairy herd health program: A review

This review of the literature covers the changes in the approach to veterinary health management that led to the introduction of computerized herd health programs and the various other applications of the computer in the practice of dairy herd medicine. The role that production recording systems, mainframe computers, minicomputers, and microcomputers have played in the evolution of herd health programs are also reviewed.     

Prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes in dairy heifers in western Canada

A survey was conducted to estimate the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes in grazing dairy replacement heifers in western Canada. Fecal samples were collected from 566 animals on 34 farms distributed over the three prairie provinces. Fecal egg counts were performed using a modified Wisconsin centrifugation technique. The overall mean farm fecal egg count was 16.0 eggs per gram feces (range 0.7-78.1 epg). Gastrointestinal nematodes were demonstrated on every farm examined, and 93.3% of all individuals tested were positive.     

Glasser's disease and prevalence of subclinical infection with Haemophilus parasuis in swine in southern Ontario

Glasser's disease accounted for less than 1% of total swine mortalities in an 11 year retrospective postmortem survey of swine submissions at three provincial government diagnostic laboratories in southern Ontario. However, Glasser's disease was suspected in 17 of 83 boar mortalities at the Record of Production Boar Test Station between 1983 and 1985 and was much more common in specific-pathogen-free (SPF) boars than in conventional boars. The prevalence of the causative organism, Haemophilus parasuis, was determined for 19 SPF herds in Ontario classified as "Excellent" under the Ontario Swine Herd Health Policy. Nasal swabs from two-month-old pigs were cultured on chocolate agar containing 1.5 mug/mL lincomycin, 5 mug/mL bacitracin, and 0.1 mug/mL crystal violet. Three herds were negative for H. parasuis infection; 16 herds contained clinically healthy carrier pigs.     

Canine congenital aortic stenosis: A review of the literature and commentary

Congenital aortic stenosis usually affects the subvalvular region, and occurs mainly in Newfoundland, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, and Boxer dogs. The disorder is inherited as a dominant trait with variable penetrance in Newfoundland dogs.

The prevalence of subaortic stenosis-like heart murmurs in Golden Retriever dogs appears to be very much greater than previously suspected.

Most cases of aortic stenosis represent mild lesions, are detected as incidental findings, and result in no loss of longevity or quality of life. Moderate or severe stenosis may result in exertional weakness, syncope, or sudden death. Signs of congestive heart failure are rare unless mitral valve insufficiency is present.

Generally, electrocardiography and radiography are unrevealing in this disorder. Doppler echocardiography may be the best diagnostic tool to detect even mild cases of aortic stenosis.

At present, therapy is limited due to the technical expertise and expense required. The prognosis depends on the severity of the lesion.