World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology (W.A.A.V.P.) guidelines for evaluating the efficacy of ectoparasiticides against biting lice, sucking lice and sheep keds on ruminants

These guidelines have been prepared to assist in the design, implementation and interpretation of studies for the assessment of the efficacy of ectoparasiticides against biting and sucking lice and sheep keds on ruminants. Information is provided on the selection of animals, dose determination, dose confirmation and field studies, record keeping and result interpretation. These guidelines advocate the use of pen facilities for dose determination and dose confirmation studies for defining therapeutic and persistent efficacy. These guidelines are also intended to assist investigators on how to conduct specific experiments, to provide specific information for registration authorities involved in the decision making process, to assist in the approval and registration of new ectoparasiticides, and to facilitate the world-wide adoption of standard procedures.     

Sheared heels and the correlation to spontaneous quarter cracks

The strong association between sheared heels and a spontaneous quarter crack is hard to ignore. Although inappropriate farriery may play a role, limb conformation and the landing pattern of the horse appear to be the dominant factors causing this type of hoof capsule deformation. The importance of determining the underlying cause and implementing the appropriate farriery cannot be over emphasised when managing a quarter crack associated with a sheared heel. The repair of spontaneous quarter cracks will be of little value, and the defect will have a tendency to recur, unless the cause is identified and rectified.     

Flexural deformities of the distal interphalangeal joint (clubfeet)

A true clubfoot results from a flexural deformity of the distal interphalangeal joint that is characterised by a shortening of the deep digital flexor tendon musculotendinous unit. Flexural deformities are a problem not only in foals but are also responsible for the clubfoot conformation seen in mature horses. Treatment is most successful when the cause is investigated and therapy initiated as early as possible, and when the biomechanical properties of the foot are thoroughly understood. Flexural deformities in foals and mature horses are addressed through appropriate farriery, often combined with surgery.     

Clinical Use of Fatty Acid Supplements in Dogs

Abstract— Fatty acids in membrane phospholipids are metabolized by cellular enzymes into a variety of eicosanoids that function in the regulation of normal physiology and serve as mediators of inflammation. Fatty acid supplements can alter the types of eicosanoids produced. Many investigations using fatty acids in the treatment of nutritional deficiencies, seborrhea, atopic dermatitis, cardiovascular, neoplastic, ocular and musculoskeletal diseases of dogs have been conducted over the past decade. Additional studies are needed to determine the optimal levels of linoleic acid, gamma-linolenic acid and/or eicosapentaneoic acid in the diets of dogs for the maintenance of normal homeostasis and for the treatment of inflammatory, degenerative and neoplastic diseases.