Pythiosis with bone lesions in a pregnant mare

A 9-year-old pregnant mare was referred for evaluation of a nonhealing wound of 8 weeks' duration on the lateral aspect of the left forelimb. A soft tissue mass encircled the proximal two thirds of the metacarpus; radiography revealed a moderate periosteal reaction affecting metacarpal bone i.v. Histologic and immunohistochemical examinations revealed eosinophilic granulomatous inflammation and Pythium sp in the soft tissues. The mare was treated for 12 days with antimicrobials, medicated wound dressings, debridement, and i.v. administration of sodium iodide; radiography revealed progression of the bone lesions. The mare was treated by regional arterial perfusion with miconazole and excision of affected soft tissues and the distal two thirds of metacarpal bone i.v. The mare recovered without complications and gave birth to a healthy foal. Regional perfusion of antifungal agents provides high concentrations in soft and osseous tissues and permits use of low dosages of agents administered by other routes, which reduces cost, adverse effects, and teratogenic effects.     

Prevalence of enteric zoonotic organisms in cats

OBJECTIVE: To determine prevalence of enteric zoonotic organisms in cats in north-central Colorado. DESIGN: Prospective study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Serum and fecal samples from 87 cats with diarrhea, 106 cats without diarrhea, and 12 cats for which fecal consistency was unknown. PROCEDURES: Samples were obtained from client-owned cats and cats at a humane society shelter. Serum was assayed for feline leukemia virus antigen and antibodies against feline immunodeficiency virus, IgM antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii, and IgG antibodies against T gondii and Cryptosporidium parvum. Microscopic examination of unstained feces was performed after centrifugation in a zinc sulfate solution, thin fecal smears were stained with acid fast stain and examined for C parvum, and bacteriologic culture of feces was used to detect aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. RESULTS: Enteric zoonotic organisms were detected in feces from 27 of 206 (13.1%) cats and included C parvum (5.4%), Giardia spp (2.4%). Toxocara cati (3.9%), Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium (1.0%), and Campylobacter jejuni (1.0%); each organism was detected in samples from cats with and without diarrhea. Although differences between groups were not significant, a higher proportion of shelter cats (18.2%) had enteric zoonotic organisms than client-owned cats (10.1%). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Enteric zoonotic organisms were detected in feces of 13.1% of cats, suggesting that cats, particularly those in homes of immunocompromised humans, should be evaluated for enteric zoonotic organisms.     

Food as a potential vector for antibiotic resistances. 2: Relevance of lactic acid bacteria

Transfer of antibiotic resistances via the food chain is possible through the ingestion of resistant parts of the original food microflora. Lactic acid bacteria (especially glycopeptide resistant enterococci) are considered as important vectors because of their ability to transfer resistances by genetic mechanisms. Therefore a literature review and own investigations concerning the incidence and the resistance profile of enterococci from fresh meat were performed. The isolates harboured in part resistances relevant for human medicine. However, they could be isolated only sporadically and could not be demonstrated quantitatively in most cases. The resistance profile differed from those of human clinical origin. These results were confirmed by other authors. Additionally other investigators could prove molecular differences compared to clinical strains. Therefore food can only be considered as a vector if resistance transfer from food isolates to pathogenic microorganisms is possible. Such a transfer could be shown only in very low frequencies. In conclusion so far lactic acid bacteria cannot be considered as the main source for the incidence of antibiotic resistances in man.     

Multiple idiopathic fibrotic myopathies,including the tensor facia lata muscle,in a cat

To describe the clinical features and treatment of a cat that was initially presented with fibrotic myopathy affecting the left tensor fascia lata. Approximately 5 months later, the cat was presented again with multiple idiopathic fibrotic myopathies, affecting the ipsilateral rectus femoris and the contralateral semitendinosus muscles. These were each separate lesions and occurred without known history of trauma. Surgical resection of the fibrotic portion of the affected muscles resulted in immediate, but not long-term, resolution of clinical signs.