The effect of environment on sebum output and composition in cattle.

In an investigation into the effect of short-term exposure to different temperatures and humidities on the sebaceous glands of Ayrshire calves it was concluded that temperature had no appreciable effect on sebum output or its fatty acid composition. At a low humidity, however, the cutaneous outputs of palmitic and myristic acids were higher. On prolonged exposure to a warm environment, a higher output of sebum occurred together with an increase in the percentage of linoleic acid in the sebum.     

Fluoroquinolone resistance in Staphylococcus intermedius

Four canine isolates of S. intermedius resistant to enrofloxacin were isolated amongst a total of 429 screened. Two of these were shown to exhibit resistance also to marbofloxacin and ciprofloxacin. Whilst molecular studies have shown the mechanism of resistance to these quinolone antibiotics to be similar in a number of staphylococcal species, it was not possible to confirm this mechanism in Staphylococcus intermedius .     

Unusual vascular ring anomaly associated with a persistent right aortic arch in two dogs

An unusual vascular ring anomaly consisting of a persistent right aortic arch and a left ligamentum arteriosum extending from the main pulmonary artery to an aberrant left subclavian artery and left aortic arch remnant complex was identified in a German shepherd dog and a great Dane. The left subclavian artery and left aortic arch remnant complex originated at the junction between the right distal aortic arch and the descending aorta and coursed dorsal to the oesophagus in a cranial direction. The attachment of the ligamentum arteriosum to the aberrant left subclavian artery was approximately 5 cm cranial to the point of origin of the aberrant left subclavian artery and left aortic arch remnant complex from the descending aorta in both dogs. This anomaly observed in both dogs is similar to an anomaly reported in humans, in which a persistent right aortic arch is found in conjunction with an aberrant left subclavian artery and a left aortic arch remnant (Kommerell's diverticulum). Surgical ligation and division of the left ligamentum arteriosum in both dogs, along with division of the left subclavian artery in the great Dane, resulted in resolution of clinical signs in both of the dogs in this report.     

Prevalence of the causes of fleece derangement among sheep flocks in New South Wales

SUMMARY An investigation of sheep flocks with unknown histories of fleece derangement, selected at random from the main sheep raising areas of New South Wales, showed that Psorergates ovis was present in 53 of the 177 flocks surveyed and In 162 of the 3495 sheep examined. Of the single causes of fleece derangement, the most prevalent was grass seed contamination (15.7%) followed by Infestation with sheep body lice, Bovicola ovis, (14.7%) and Infestation with Itch mite (7.8%). The prevalence of fleece derangement was significantly higher on sheep In which lice were the only ectoparasites found than on those In which Itch mites were the only ectoparasites present. The greatest prevalence of P ovis was In flocks In the Young, Yass, Mudgee and Tenterfield districts. In most affected flocks, more than one potential cause of fleece derangement was present. Itch mite Infestation was more prevalent in flocks that received no treatment for ectoparasites than in those that had been treated in the year preceding the survey. Our results did not support a commonly held belief among farmers that arsenical compounds control Infestations of Itch mites more effectively than other types of pesticides. There was no significant difference in prevalence of fleece derangement between flocks treated with different pesticide groups and those that received no treatment, but mean fleece derangement score was significantly lower in sheep treated with organophosphates than in untreated sheep. Infestations of lice were significantly more prevalent in sheep from flocks treated with synthetic pyrethroids than from those treated with organophosphates or those that received no treatment.     

Assessment of the Hemocue-b for measuring hemoglobin in horse blood

Our purpose was to assess the accuracy and precision of a point of care hemoglobinometer (HemoCue‐B hemoglobin photometer) for measuring hemoglobin concentration in horse blood. Samples of jugular venous blood from 12 healthy adult horses were collected in EDTA. In order to test the device over a wide range of values, each sample was divided into nine aliquots, and autologous plasma was added or removed from the aliquots to produce blood with PCV values that approximated 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80%, respectively. The aliquots were rocked to ensure mixing of plasma and cells. Then hemoglobin by HemoCue‐B (Hb_HQ) and hemoglobin by the cyanmethemoglobin method (Hb_CY) were measured on each aliquot. The PCV of each aliquot was also measured and this value was used for subsequent analyses. To test repeatability, hemoglobin was measured twice by the HemoCue‐B on approximately 40% samples. Samples with Hb_HQ >25.4 g dL^?1 required dilution prior to analysis. Hb_CY ranged from 1.6 to 33.4 g dL^?1. After regression, Hb_CY = ?0.16 + 1.04 Hb_HQ (n = 101; r² = 99.6%). By inspection of a modified Bland‐Altman plot, Hb_HQ values <16 g dL^?1 closely approximated Hb_CY; however, at greater values, Hb_HQ underestimated Hb_CY by as much as 3.2 g dL^?1. The difference between repeated measurements with the HemoCue‐B was 0.02 ± 0.16 g dL^?1 (mean ± SD; n = 10) and nonsignificant. After regression, PCV = ?0.76 + 2.78 Hb_HQ (n = 101; r² = 99.4%). We conclude that HemoCue‐B can be used to measure hemoglobin concentration in horse blood, and that it is accurate when hemoglobin is <16 g dL^?1. PCV can be estimated by multiplying Hb_HQ by 2.8 and then subtracting 0.8.     

Trilostane therapy for treatment of pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism in 5 cats

Hyperadrenocorticism is a rare syndrome in cats. Current medical therapy is unsatisfactory and prognosis for long-term survival with surgical treatment is guarded. We report on 5 cats treated with the 3-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibitor trilostane. Diagnosis was confirmed in all cats by endocrine testing. Three cats had concurrent diabetes mellitus. Trilostane reduced clinical signs and improved endocrine test results in all cats, but insulin requirements did not change and all continued to have some signs of hypercortisolemia. Two died or were euthanized after 16 and 140 days, whereas 3 were still alive 6, 11, and 20 months after the start of trilostane therapy. Trilostane ameliorates clinical signs of feline hyperadrenocorticism, but more research is needed before it can be recommended for treatment.