Clinical and epidemiological features of canine leptospirosis in North Queensland

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical signs, results of clinical pathology and serology tests, and treatment outcome of clinical leptospirosis in 40 dogs from North Queensland. DESIGN: Retrospective study from January 1995 to August 1999. PROCEDURE: Case records were reviewed for age, breed, sex, month of submission, geographical location and presenting clinical signs in 40 dogs with titres of > or = 200 for leptospirosis by the microscopic agglutination test. A biochemistry panel and complete blood count were performed on 18 dogs. RESULTS: Canine leptospirosis occurred most frequently during the summer and autumn particularly in the 'wet' tropical coastal areas of Mackay and Cairns. Fewer cases were seen in the Atherton Tablelands and 'dry' tropics around Townsville. Young and male dogs were more commonly affected. Most cases were caused by L australis (80%) and L zanoni (15%) with individual cases of L hardjo and L copenhageni. All dogs showed a distinctive multiorgan disease pattern including renal failure and cholestatic hepatopathy. Presenting clinical signs were related to these disease syndromes and included jaundice, vomiting, lethargy, inappetence, dehydration, pyrexia, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Just over 50% of the dogs in the present study failed to recover. Clinical biochemical changes indicative of renal failure and cholestasis were significantly less severe in dogs that recovered compared with dogs that did not survive. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical pathology testing should be performed on all dogs presented for illness in the endemic areas so as to help make a presumptive diagnosis and assist in determining the prognosis as soon as possible. The presumptive diagnosis should be confirmed serologically.     

Relationship between fluoride contents and loss of lichens near an aluminium works

The relationship between F contents and damage to previously unpolluted saxicolous lichens (Ramalina sp) was examined in the vicinity of an Al works on the island of Anglesey, North Wales. Damage was greatest <2 km from the works, where 41% of Ramalina thalli showed >50% chlorosis and necrosis. Loss of lichens (measured by changes in percent cover in 58 permanent quadrats) decreased with increasing distance from the works. Lichens well-exposed to emissions had the largest F content and 20 to 30% more losses than those less-exposed. Well-exposed lichens had rates of loss of cover of 4.9% km^?1 yr^?1, whereas more sheltered thalli had losses of 3.7% km^?1 yr^?1. In contrast, relatively uncontaminated lichens increased in % cover. Content of F reflected both distance from the works and exposure to emissions; losses, and F content, were closely related (r²=0.90). Lichens containing 300, 100 and 50 μg F g^?1 dry weight lost 46, 15 and 10% of cover yr^?1, respectively.     

Generation of (E)-1-(2,3,6-trimethylphenyl)buta-1,3-diene from C13-norisoprenoid precursors

Three C(13)-norisoprenoid compounds, 3,6,9-trihydroxymegastigma-4,7-diene (6), 3,4,9-trihydroxymegastigma-5,7-diene (4), and the actinidols (8), have all been synthesized and subjected to acid hydrolysis. All three were shown to generate (E)-1-(2,3,6-trimethylphenyl)buta-1,3-diene (1) under wine conservation conditions. At 45 degrees C, approximately 4000-5000 ng/L of 1 was formed from 1.0 mg/L of precursor, after 173 days, while at 25 degrees C more wine-like amounts (200-600 ng/L) were observed. A glucoside, 4,5-dihydrovomifoliol-C(9)-beta-d-glucopyranoside (9b), was isolated from grapevine leaves by multilayer coil countercurrent chromatography (MLCCC), and its stereochemistry was deduced as being (5R, 6S, 9R) by NMR and CD spectroscopy. Hydrolysis of this glucoside produced 1, but in quantities insufficient to account for the levels observed in wine.     

Equine amnionitis and fetal loss: mare abortion following experimental exposure to Processionary caterpillars (Ochrogaster lunifer)

Reasons for performing study: In Australia, there have been recent reports of unusual abortions in mid‐ to late‐gestation mares. These were clinically distinct from other recognised causes of pregnancy loss and the term ‘equine amnionitis and fetal loss’ (EAFL) was adopted to describe this syndrome. Initial investigations concluded that possible causal factors included the presence on affected stud farms of Processionary caterpillars (Ochrogaster lunifer). Objectives: To determine if exposure of pregnant mares to Processionary caterpillars or their shed exoskeletons can induce EAFL. Methods: Processionary caterpillars and their shed exoskeletons were collected and stored frozen. Mid‐gestation mares were dosed with a slurry of caterpillars or shed exoskeleton by nasogastric intubation. Their clinical responses and times to abortion were recorded. All aborted fetuses were autopsied and samples taken for bacteriological and virological culture and histopathology. Results: Intubating mares in mid‐pregnancy with preparations of either whole Processionary caterpillars or shed caterpillar exoskeletons induced abortion with few impending clinical signs. The gross pathological and bacteriological findings of the aborted fetuses were similar to those observed in field cases of EAFL. Potential relevance: Possible exposure to Processionary caterpillars should be considered when examining cases of fetal loss in the mare. The present results provide a starting point to further explore the aetiology and pathogenesis of EAFL.     

Skeletal deformities and mortality in grey herons (Ardea cinerea) at Besthorpe heronry, Nottinghamshire

Dead and sick grey heron chicks with multiple fractures of the leg and wing bones and/or bone deformities have been reported at Besthorpe Nature Reserve heronry in north Nottinghamshire since 1996. Forty-five grey heron carcases were examined, 35 from the Besthorpe colony and 10 from other colonies where bone disease was not known to occur. On the basis of the results of radiological studies, postmortem examinations, peripheral quantitative computed tomography scanning and four-point bending tests, it was concluded that the skeletal abnormalities were probably due to metabolic bone disease.     

Standing surgical removal of inspissated guttural pouch exudate (chondroids) in ten horses

OBJECTIVE: To report use of a modified Whitehouse approach in standing horses for management of inspissated guttural pouch empyema. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Adult horses (n=10) with guttural pouch empyema. METHODS: Inspissated exudate in 1 or both guttural pouches was removed surgically through a modified Whitehouse approach, with the horses standing and sedated. Medical records of affected horses were reviewed to determine history; physical, endoscopic, and radiological examination findings; surgical technique; complications, and outcome. RESULTS: All horses had purulent nasal discharge; 3 horses had dysphagia, 2 had recurrent laryngeal neuropathy on the side affected by guttural pouch empyema, and 1 had persistent soft palate displacement. Inspissated exudate was removed safely without causing apparent discomfort. Eight horses returned to their previous level of athletic activity after surgery; 1 horse dysphagic before surgery, was euthanatized because of persistent dysphagia after surgery, and 1 horse died 1 week after surgery for unknown reasons. Streptococcus equi subsp equi was isolated from the affected guttural pouch of 3 horses. CONCLUSIONS: Inspissated exudate can be removed surgically from the guttural pouch in standing horses through a modified Whitehouse approach. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: To eliminate risks associated with general anesthesia and avoid surgical suite contamination, removal of chondroids can be performed in standing sedated horses through a modified Whitehouse approach.