Questionnaire study of canine neutering techniques taught in UK veterinary schools and those used in practice

OBJECTIVES: To gather information about the different techniques employed in general practice and to compare this with current undergraduate teaching. This would provide an insight into any areas of discrepancy and influences on technique in practice. METHODS: A questionnaire was composed and distributed to 407 practices throughout the UK, using a commercial mailing list. Fifty further questionnaires were distributed by final-year students to their foster practices and five were sent to practices on request. A second questionnaire was composed and sent to the members of staff responsible for teaching surgical neutering techniques at each of the UK veterinary schools. RESULTS: Completed questionnaires were received from 183 respondents. These were compared with seven questionnaires from university teachers. Only areas in which the teachers reached a consensus of opinion were directly compared. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Several areas of discrepancy between current teaching and techniques in practice were identified. A study of complications compared with technique would provide further information. There is a lack of published material or an evidence base in many aspects of surgical neutering to support one technique over another.     

Financial modelling of the potential cost of ovine Johne's disease and the benefit of vaccinating sheep flocks in southern New South Wales

OBJECTIVE: To develop an enterprise gross margin (GM) model that predicts the on-farm financial impact of ovine Johne's disease (OJD) for various sheep enterprises in Australia. In addition, to estimate the benefits and costs of control through the use of the Gudair vaccination, including a breakeven point. DESIGN AND POPULATION: Data for the model was gained from an observational study conducted over a 3-year period from 2002 to 2004 using sheep from 12 OJD-infected flocks from southern New South Wales. Flocks ranged between 3500 and 20,000 sheep, with owner estimates of 5% or greater OJD mortality at the start of the study. PROCEDURE: A GM model was developed to predict the on-farm financial impact of OJD for various sheep enterprises in Australia, comparing non-infected, infected (status quo) and infected (vaccination) disease scenarios. RESULTS: Vaccination breakeven points are achieved within 2 to 3 years for breeding enterprises if OJD mortalities are high, rising towards 7 years for a Merino ewe enterprise if OJD mortalities are low. CONCLUSION: The GM model demonstrates the returns to investment of vaccination for Australian sheep producers with OJD-infected flocks.     

Medial collateral ligament desmitis of the distal interphalangeal joint in the hindlimb of a horse: treatment with cast immobilisation

A 12‐year‐old show‐jumping mare was presented for investigation of a chronic hindlimb lameness of 16 weeks duration. Perineural anaesthesia and ultrasonography localised the lesion to the medial collateral ligament of the distal interphalangeal joint of the left hindlimb. Treatment consisted of a heavily padded distal limb cast for 6 weeks, strict box rest and a strictly regulated hand walking program. Serial ultrasonographic examinations were performed throughout the rehabilitation period. Collateral ligament desmitis of the distal interphalangeal joint is a commonly diagnosed condition of the forelimb; however, hindlimb collateral ligament desmitis has been rarely reported. Ultrasonographic examination in this case was an invaluable diagnostic and follow‐up tool. Immobilisation of the foot by means of a heavily padded distal limb cast allowed excellent healing of the ligament and is presented as a novel treatment for collateral ligament desmitis. At the time of writing the mare had returned to her previous level of exercise and was showing no signs of lameness.     

Temporohyoid osteoarthropathy in two young horses

Two cases of temporohyoid osteoarthropathy (THO) in young Australian horses are described. The pathogenesis of THO is yet to be fully elucidated, but current theories include extension of infection from otitis media or interna to the temporohyoid joint or a primary but non‐infectious degenerative condition within the temporohyoid joint. The young age of the horses and the unilateral distribution suggested an infectious aetiology. Both horses partially responded to treatment with broad‐spectrum antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory drugs with concurrent management of ulcerative keratitis. The management of violent head shaking in one horse included the administration of gabapentin, an anticonvulsant known to have antihyperalgesic effects and reduce neuropathic pain.     

Neurological diseases of ruminant livestock in Australia. V: congenital neurogenetic disorders of cattle

As part of a series on neurological disorders in ruminant livestock in Australia, this review focuses on the congenital neurogenic disorders of cattle. The genetic pressures that contribute to the emergence of congenital neurogenic disorders, as well as the methods of diagnosis, are discussed. Disorders reviewed are ordered by breed and include arthrogryposis multiplex, fawn calf syndrome, inherited congenital myoclonus and maple syrup urine disease.