The healing effects of a topical phytogenic ointment on insect bite hypersensitivity lesions in horses

Insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) is the most common cause of pruritus in horses and is a serious welfare issue for affected animals. In this study, the effect of a topical phytogenic ointment on the healing of cutaneous lesions was investigated in a double-blind trial involving 26 horses with I B H. The number of lesions and their total surface area were recorded on days 0, 7, and 21 in horses treated for 3 weeks with either verum or placebo ointment. After unblinding of treatment assignment, the horses that had been treated with the placebo ointment received the verum preparation for an additional 3 weeks and the number of lesions and their total surface area were again recorded. This part of the study was not blinded. The number of lesions and the total surface area decreased in both treatment groups (no significant difference). Owners also scored the degree of discomfort suffered by their horses as a result of IBH lesions, and at the end of the 3-week period this score was significantly lower in the verum than in the placebo group (P = 0.04). When placebo-treated horses subsequently received the verum ointment, their wound severity score also decreased significantly (P < 0.01). Daily application of an ointment (verum or placebo) does not cure IBH, but use of the phytogenic ointment led to a decrease in the owner-assessed discomfort suffered by horses.     

Mechanical comparison of two suture constructs for extra-capsular stifle stabilization

Objective: Mechanical evaluation of 2 suture constructs for extracapsular stifle stabilization. Study Design: In vitro study. Sample Population: Crimped interlocking loop constructs (ILC) of 45 kg nylon leader line (NLL) and Orthofiber^® (OF). Methods: ILC were tightened to 100 N, then crimp secured. Ramp to failure (n=10/group)—Data were derived from force/displacement plots. Stress–relaxation testing (n=10/group)—ILC's were nondestructively loaded and held at resultant displacement as force data were recorded. Incremental, cyclic loading (n=10/group)—ILC's were loaded (5 cycles/set) starting at 100 N and incrementally increased by 50 N (1 and 3 Hz protocols). Loop tension and elongation were recorded after each set. Results: Ramp to failure—initial loop tension was similar (NLL 75.5 ± 9.5 N; OF 68.7 ± 10.4 N, P=.140). Tested OF constructs were stiffer (NLL 125.7 ± 4.0; OF 234.6 ± 25.0 N/mm, P≤.001), had lower yield load (NLL 193.6 ± 13.8; OF 137.3 ± 94.3 N, P≤.001), lower peak load (NLL 873.7 ± 68.6; OF 653.6 ± 80.2 N, P≤.001), and lower elongation at failure (NLL 19.1 ± 1.4; OF 5.2 ± 1.0 mm, P≤.001) and at yield (NLL 1.52 ± 0.2; OF 0.3 ± 0.6 mm, P=.003) than NLL constructs. Yield in NLL ILC's was variable knot tightening/crimp slippage, but only crimp‐suture slippage in OF. Stress–relaxation testing—OF demonstrated greater relaxation. Incremental, cyclic loading—induced ILC elongation and tension loss in both groups, independent of loading frequency. NLL lost tension at lower rate, but elongated more than OF. Conclusions: NLL construct is mechanically superior to OF construct.     

Identification of serum stress biomarkers in pigs housed at different stocking densities

Eight Duroc×(Landrace×Large White) male pigs housed at a stocking rate of 0.50m(2)/pig were subjected to a higher stocking rate of 0.25m(2)/pig (higher density, HD) for two 4-day periods over 26 days. Using biochemical and proteomic techniques serum and plasma samples were examined to identify potential biomarkers for monitoring stress due to HD housing. HD housed pigs showed significant differences (P<0.001) in total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein-associated cholesterol, as well as in concentrations of the pig-major acute phase protein (Pig-MAP) (P=0.002). No differences were observed in serum cortisol or other acute phase proteins such as haptoglobin, C-reactive protein or apolipoprotein A-I. HD-individuals also showed an imbalance in redox homeostasis, detected as an increase in the level of oxidized proteins measured as the total plasma carbonyl protein content (P<0.001) with a compensatory increase in the activity of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase (P=0.012). Comparison of the serum proteome yielded a new potential stress biomarker, identified as actin by mass spectrometry. Cluster analysis of the results indicated that individuals segregated into two groups, with different response patterns, suggesting that the stress response depended on individual susceptibility.     

Improvement of trivalent leptospira vaccine by removal of anaphylactic agents

The anaphylactic reactions in cattle following leptospira vaccination mostly booster dose in different parts of Iran have been reported. The serum proteins as allergic substances are components of liquid phase of the vaccine. Therefore, the vaccine was modified by washing the whole cultures by centrifugations. The modified vaccine was safe in laboratory animals and cattle as well as under field conditions. Microagglutination test revealed a similar pattern of antibody response to the three Leptospira interrogans serovars (Canicola, Grippotyphosa, and Sejro hardjo) in all vaccinated cattle groups while was higher than the response of control animals. The results of the present investigation revealed that we can minimize postvaccination shock in vaccinated cattle populations with removing the shock proteins.     

Terminology for classifying the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) status of swine herds

Standardized terminology for the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) status of swine herds is necessary to facilitate communication between veterinarians, swine producers, genetic companies, and other industry participants. It is also required for implementation of regional and national efforts towards PRRSV control and elimination. The purpose of this paper is to provide a herd classification system for describing the PRRSV status of herds, based upon a set of definitions reflecting the biology and ecology of PRRSV. The herd classification system was developed by a definitions committee formed jointly by the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) and the United States Department of Agriculture PRRS-Coordinated Agricultural Project, and was approved by the AASV Board of Directors on March 9, 2010. The committee included veterinarians from private practice and industry, researchers, and representatives from AASV and the National Pork Board. Breeding herds, with or without growing pigs on the same premises, are categorized as Positive Unstable (Category I), Positive Stable (Category II), Provisional Negative (Category III), or Negative (Category IV) on the basis of herd shedding and exposure status. Growing-pig herds are categorized as Positive or Negative. Recommended testing procedures and decision rules for herd classification are detailed.     

POSITIVE CONTRAST MAGNETIC RESONANCE BURSOGRAPHY FOR ASSESSMENT OF THE NAVICULAR BURSA AND SURROUNDING SOFT TISSUES

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is often performed to determine the cause of palmar heel pain. We evaluated how distension of the navicular bursa affected the MR appearance of the navicular bursa and associated structures. An MR evaluation was performed on normal cadaver limbs and cadaver limbs from horses with lameness localized to the foot. The normal navicular bursae were injected with 2, 4, or 6 ml of solution. The bursae of the feet from lame horses were injected with 4 or 6 ml, and the MR study was repeated. All bursae were examined grossly to verify the presence or absence of adhesions. Clinical patients that had initial MRI abnormalities suggesting adhesions were also evaluated. Distension of the proximal recess of the normal navicular bursa, proximal to the collateral sesamoidean ligament was achieved with 2 ml. Separation of the collateral sesamoidian ligament from the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) was achieved with 4 ml. The separation of the navicular bone from the DDFT and distal sesamoidian impar ligament required 6 ml. Adhesions were more clearly defined in the bursa of the two pathologic cadaver limbs following distension. MR bursography used on clinical patients allowed the determination of the presence or absence of adhesions. In these horses, this determination could not have been definitively made without this technique. MR bursography is useful in horses where the presence of adhesions cannot be clearly defined by MRI.     

Pneumorrhachis in a rottweiler

An 8·5-year-old, female, neutered, Rottweiler was presented for investigation of progressive ataxia of one week duration. Proprioception was absent in the left pelvic limb and reduced on the right, thoracolumbar hyperalgesia was evident and pelvic limb segmental spinal reflexes were normal. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a spherical region of signal void compressing the spinal cord between the fifth and sixth thoracic vertebrae and several non-compressive degenerate intervertebral discs. Computed tomography (CT) of the region confirmed the findings and identified the lesion as gas. A dorsolateral hemilaminectomy was performed to decompress the spinal cord and achieved complete resolution of the clinical signs on examination after 3 months. This is the first known reported case of spontaneous pneumorrhachis in a veterinary patient.     

On-farm udder health monitoring

In this article an on-farm monitoring approach on udder health is presented. Monitoring of udder health consists of regular collection and analysis of data and of the regular evaluation of management practices. The ultimate goal is to manage critical control points in udder health management, such as hygiene, body condition, teat ends and treatments, in such a way that results (udder health parameters) are always optimal. Mastitis, however, is a multifactorial disease, and in real life it is not possible to fully prevent all mastitis problems. Therefore udder health data are also monitored with the goal to pick up deviations before they lead to (clinical) problems. By quantifying udder health data and management, a farm is approached as a business, with much attention for efficiency, thought over processes, clear agreements and goals, and including evaluation of processes and results. The whole approach starts with setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Acceptable, Realistic, Time-bound) goals, followed by an action plan to realize these goals.