Effects of tissue antigen matching on the healing of fresh cancellous bone allografts in dogs

The radiographic and histologic healing patterns of fresh cancellous bone allografts were compared with those of fresh cancellous autografts in dogs. Two groups of allografts were studied: 1 group of littermate pairs with minor histocompatibility mismatches, and 1 group of unrelated pairs with major histocompatibility mismatches. Pairs were chosen on the basis of preoperative serologic typing and mixed lymphocyte cultural assay of lymphocyte-defined compatibility. Generally, grafts with minor mismatches and autografts achieved bony union in 6 weeks with grafted bone serving as a scaffold for new bone formation. Grafts with major mismatches were resorbed and replaced by fibrocartilage. Healing of osteotomy sites grafted with mismatched bone occurred by ingrowth of host periosteal and endosteal new bone.     

Replacement of the hip joint in the dog

Hundreds of total hip replacements in dogs have been performed at the Ohio State University of Veterinary Medicine since August 1976. Dogs with disabling diseases or conditions of the hip are candidates for the THR. The technique provides the dog with a pain free, mechanically sound ball and socket joint. The most commonly encountered complication is dislocation, while the most disastrous complication is infection. Complications can be minimized through adherence to detail during the procedure. By following strict aseptic principles, surgical technique and postoperative care, successful hip function has been achieved in 94.7% of the cases.     

Bartonella species detection in captive, stranded and free-ranging cetaceans

We present prevalence of Bartonella spp. for multiple cohorts of wild and captive cetaceans. One hundred and six cetaceans including 86 bottlenose dolphins (71 free-ranging, 14 captive in a facility with a dolphin experiencing debility of unknown origin, 1 stranded), 11 striped dolphins, 4 harbor porpoises, 3 Risso's dolphins, 1 dwarf sperm whale and 1 pygmy sperm whale (all stranded) were sampled. Whole blood (n = 95 live animals) and tissues (n = 15 freshly dead animals) were screened by PCR (n = 106 animals), PCR of enrichment cultures (n = 50 animals), and subcultures (n = 50 animals). Bartonella spp. were detected from 17 cetaceans, including 12 by direct extraction PCR of blood or tissues, 6 by PCR of enrichment cultures, and 4 by subculture isolation. Bartonella spp. were more commonly detected from the captive (6/14, 43%) than from free-ranging (2/71, 2.8%) bottlenose dolphins, and were commonly detected from the stranded animals (9/21, 43%; 3/11 striped dolphins, 3/4 harbor porpoises, 2/3 Risso's dolphins, 1/1 pygmy sperm whale, 0/1 dwarf sperm whale, 0/1 bottlenose dolphin). Sequencing identified a Bartonella spp. most similar to B. henselae San Antonio 2 in eight cases (4 bottlenose dolphins, 2 striped dolphins, 2 harbor porpoises), B. henselae Houston 1 in three cases (2 Risso's dolphins, 1 harbor porpoise), and untyped in six cases (4 bottlenose dolphins, 1 striped dolphin, 1 pygmy sperm whale). Although disease causation has not been established, Bartonella species were detected more commonly from cetaceans that were overtly debilitated or were cohabiting in captivity with a debilitated animal than from free-ranging animals. The detection of Bartonella spp. from cetaceans may be of pathophysiological concern.     

Ribosomal RNA-based analysis of the bacterial flora from the conjunctivae of cattle with bovine keratoconjunctivitis (BKC)

Bovine keratoconjunctivitis (BKC), colloquially referred to as 'pinkeye', is a disease affecting cattle worldwide; it costs cattle producers millions of dollars in economic loss annually. While Moraxella spp. are the primary etiologic agent of pinkeye, surveys of flora from the conjunctivae of livestock from around the world have indicated that a variety of bacterial commensals occupy this niche. We used molecular biology-based methods to determine the composition of bacterial flora in the conjunctivae of normal dairy and beef cattle from Maryland (n=113), and beef cattle with clinical BKC from Louisiana (n=42). Three regimens were used: 16S rRNA PCR and DGGE analysis of amplicons; 16S rRNA PCR and cloning of amplicons into Escherichia coli followed by screening and sequencing of clones harboring inserts; and culture of bacteria on chromogenic agar followed by 16S rRNA PCR and sequencing. Most taxa were comprised of saprophytes found in the environment, such as Bacillus, Pantoea, E. coli, and Exiguobacterium. Moraxella spp. were infrequently observed. Some species, such as Propionibacterium acnes, represent taxa not previously associated with the conjunctivae. Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus licheniformis isolates from the conjunctivae of Maryland cattle were genetically distinct from isolates previously implicated in septic infections in cattle at the same location. We conclude that employing 16S rRNA-based methods for bacterial identification can be useful in defining the flora present in the conjunctivae of normal cattle, and those with BKC.     

Surgical repair of fractured capital femoral epiphysis in three foals

Fracture of the capital femoral epiphysis occurred in three foals. One fracture was repaired by means of pinning under radiographic control and the two other fractures were repaired by means of trochanteric osteotomy.