Double-outlet right ventricle in a 10-month-old Friesian filly

A 10-month-old Friesian filly had a presentation that was consistent with chronic left- and right-sided congestive heart failure. Clinical pathology findings included abnormal haematological and biochemical variables, abnormal blood gas values and increased serum concentration of cardiac troponin I. Echocardiography revealed cardiac chamber dilation and dextropositioning of the aorta. Radiography revealed a generally enlarged heart and pulmonary interstitial infiltration. These findings were supported at necropsy and the diagnosis of double-outlet right ventricle was confirmed. The pathological changes and physiological responses subsequent to double-outlet right ventricle have not previously been described in detail in horses. Clinical progression closely resembles that seen in humans, in whom antemortem diagnosis relies on echocardiography. In horses, complex cardiac disease presents a diagnostic challenge to the clinician. Appropriate therapy must be based on an accurate diagnosis.     

Identification of ectopic ovotestis in a dog with XX ovotesticular,SRY‐negative,disorder of sexual development

A 1‐year‐old, previously spayed phenotypic female Poodle/Soft‐coated Wheaten Terrier (Whoodle) cross was presented for a suspected ovarian remnant. Serum luteinizing hormone (LH) concentration was below the detection limit (<1 ng/ml Witness^® LH), and serum progesterone concentration was elevated in the chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA; 20 ng/ml), consistent with dioestrus and presence of ovarian tissue. Transabdominal ultrasound revealed a retroperitoneal soft tissue structure suspected to be a gonad. On exploratory laparotomy, a gonad was removed from the cranial retroperitoneum, cranial to the right kidney, after ligation of its primary blood supply. Histological examination proved the gonad to be an ovotestis. Subsequent cytogenetics revealed a 78 XX karyotype, thus confirming the diagnosis of ectopic ovotestis in a XX ovotesticular, SRY‐negative, disorder of sexual development in a dog.     

Mycobacterium ulcerans infections in two horses in south-eastern Australia

Two horses were diagnosed as having Mycobacterium ulcerans infections. The first was a 21-year-old Quarterhorse-cross mare living in Mallacoota (a coastal town near the border of New South Wales and Victoria, Australia) that presented with lichenification, hair-loss and oedema on a fetlock, which subsequently ulcerated, as well as a non-healing ulcer on the wither. The second horse was a 32 year-old Standardbred gelding from Nicholson, near Bairnsdale, Victoria, that had an ulcerated lesion on its caudal thigh. Histologically, there were characteristic changes seen with M. ulcerans infections in other species, including extensive necrosis without associated granulomatous inflammation. The organisms were seen in Ziehl-Neelsen-stained smears or sections of the lesions from both horses and were isolated in culture from the first horse. A definitive diagnosis was provided by real-time polymerase chain reaction targeting the M. ulcerans-specific insertion sequence, IS2404. Delayed identification of the infectious agent in the first case led to the use of suboptimal antimicrobial therapy, resulting in failure to control the infection and the horse was subsequently euthanased. The second horse was successfully treated following surgical debulking of the centre of the lesion and one session of aggressive cryosurgery. Mycobacterium ulcerans should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained lichenification with oedematous and ulcerated skin lesions in horses living in regions where this organism is endemic.     

Salmonella serovars and phage types in humans and animals in Australia 1987–1992

SUMMARY This report summarises the range of Salmonella serovars and phage types found in humans in Australia during the years 1987 to 1992 inclusive, and compares them with serovars from food animals and raw meats for the same period. It also compares the major serovars found from different animal sources with their frequency from humans. The common serovars from animal feeds are compared with their frequency from animals.