Schweizer Archiv fur Tierheilkunde最新文献

Introduction: Knowledge of the obligate intracellular bacteria from the Chlamydiaceae family has increased significantly in recent years. Not only new chlamydia species, such as Chlamydia avium or C. buteonis in birds have been described, but also known chlamydia in new host species, such as C. psittaci in horses. This review article provides an up-to-date overview of the zoonotic potential of C. psittaci, C. abortus, C. caviae and C. felis and summarizes current findings on other chlamydia species in different animal species; supplemented by information on optimal sampling and pathogen detection.

Introduction: The goal of this study was to investigate the hair cortisol concentration (HCC) in healthy and ill cows and their newborn calves. A total of 40 cows and their 42 newborn calves were divided into two groups: group 1 consisted of 19 clinically healthy cows and their 20 newborn calves, and group 2 comprised 21 cows that had had a chronic illness in the third trimester of gestation and their 22 newborn calves. A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) system was used to measure the HCC in hair samples that were collected from the cows and calves on the day the calves were born. In both groups, the mean HCCs of the calves was significantly higher than that of the cows (group 1, 31,0 vs. 0,6 pg/mg; group 2, 19,4 vs. 0,8 pg/mg; P.

Introduction: This case report describes a 14-year-old, male castrated York Shire Terrier, which was presented due to stranguria and tenesmus. An abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan raised a high suspicion of a persistent mullerian duct. During laparotomy structures were found that were suspected to be a persistent ovary and uterus. The abnormal uterus was filled with fluid and had a blind end on both sides. The abnormal structures were surgically removed and pathologically examined. Pathology confirmed a persistent mullerian duct. The patient recovered well from the surgery and was able to urinate spontaneously the same day and was discharged the next day.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the current use of antibiotics by Swiss equine veterinarians and to compare the results with a similar study from 2013 before the introduction of the web tool Antibiotic Scout. The survey was sent to equine veterinarians according to the member database of the Swiss Veterinary Association (GST, SVS). The demographic data of the respondents and their antibiotics usage were collected. In addition, six different case scenarios were presented with questions to their potential antibiotic usage, active substance/preparation and the dosing scheme. The dosage provided was compared with the dosage information approved by Swissmedic in the information for healthcare professionals and the recommendations of the antibiotic scout. A backward logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between different aspects of antibiotic use and demographic data. The response rate was 94/739 (13 %), 22 of the 94 (23 %) had also participated in the 2013 study. 47/94 (50 %) of the respondents obtained their information from the antibiotic scout. The respondents indicated that they used an antibiotic in 16 %-88 % depending on the case scenario. Neither 3rd nor 4th generation cephalosporins or fluoroquinolones were used in the case scenarios. Dihydrostreptomycin was indicated as a possible antibiotic in a case scenario by 14/94 (15 %) of the respondents. Respondents who had already taken part in the 2013 survey used dihydrostreptomycin significantly more frequently (7/22, 32 % vs. 7/72, 10 %; p = 0,047). 29/81 (36 %) had underdosed compared to the prescribing information and 38/81 (47 %) compared to the antibiotic scout; neither was associated with demographic data. The use of non-equine-licensed antimicrobial products was directly related to the number of veterinarians in the practice (p = 0,007) and to the percentage of horses (p = 0,02). No association between demographics and peri-operative antibiotic use >24h (17/44, 39 %) was detected. The antibiotic prescribing habits of Swiss equine veterinarians have improved over the last 10 years. The antibiotic use decreased compared to the study of Schwechler et al. in 2013 by 0-16 % depending on the case scenario. The use of 3rd and 4th generation cephalosporins was reduced by 4 % and fluoroquinolones by 7 %. Underdosing according to scientific recommendations was reduced by 32 %. Furthermore, there is a need for additional information regarding the indication for antimicrobial use and the adequate use of perioperative antibiotics.

Introduction: Cattle births can carry the risk of transmissible and zoonotic diseases. The focus of the present study was the excretion of Coxiella (C.) burnetii during cattle births. Small ruminants are considered as the main reservoir of C. burnetii. Cattle are often subclinical carriers and their role as potential reservoir has not been fully elucidated until now, although the excretion of Coxiella has been demonstrated during cattle birth. The study recorded all births, caesarean sections and one abortion in 40 cattle at the ruminant clinic of the Vetsuisse Faculty in Bern in the study period from March 2019 to March 2020. A placenta -, milk - and fecal sample was examined for antigen diagnostics using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In addition, a serum sample was analyzed to detect C. burnetii-specific antibodies. Antigen and/or antibodies (placenta, n=8/9; milk, n=2/9; faeces, n=1/9; serology n= 3/9) were detected in 22,5 % of the cows (n=9/40) without the presence of specific clinical symptoms. It is essential to sensitize contact persons to this zoonosis, since Coxiella can trigger Q-fever in humans.

Introduction: In Switzerland, compared to the United Kingdom or the United States of America, fewer veterinary anaesthetists are employed in private practice, which raises the question about the reason. The present survey aimed at investigating the awareness of pet owners concerning the specialization of veterinary anaesthesia and the value they attribute to such a specialist. Also, estimation of pain in dogs and cats and the importance of its treatment from the point of view of the pet owners was analysed. Furthermore, the necessity of veterinary anaesthetists in private practice and the influencing factors were investigated. The survey was created on LimeSurvey, an online tool for questionnaires and sent to dog and cat owners of the small animal clinic of the University Hospital of Zurich. 317 fully completed questionnaires were evaluated. In general, pet owners appreciated the specialization of veterinary anaesthesiology. Great importance was attributed to the supervision of anaesthesia and analgesic therapy by a specialist. A preliminary talk with an anaesthetist would be appreciated. Owners would be willing to cover additional costs for a specialized anaesthetist, if recommended by the private veterinarian, and to bring their animal to the University Hospital, in case of an increased anaesthetic risk.

Introduction: Cyclosporine is a potent immunosuppressive agent used in veterinary medicine to treat a variety of inflammatory or immune mediated conditions. Many adverse effects are associated with this medication, however most of them rarely occur. A 5-year-old, female intact French bulldog was presented with multiple, multifocally distributed, severe hyperkeratotic and papillomatous/verrucous plaques. The dog was on long-term immunosuppressive treatment with cyclosporine for meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO). It had an history of atopic dermatitis and calcinosis cutis. A papillomavirus infection was excluded by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and histopathologic analysis revealed a chronic lymphoplasmacytic non-specific dermatitis, perifolliculitis and periadnexitis and focal folliculitis with papillomatous epidermal hyperplasia and orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis. The diagnosis of "cyclosporine-induced epidermal hyperplasia with secondary pyoderma" was made. Cyclosporine was discontinued and as an alternative mycophenolate mofetil was started to control the MUO. An antimicrobial treatment was prescribed for three weeks. After four months, the skin lesions had healed completely. To date after 2 years, the dog is still in remission. The occurrence of hyperplastic lesions associated with cyclosporine therapy have already been described in previous reports. Most of them resemble those of psoriasiform lichenoid dermatitis, although papilloma virus may be detected in some instances. The dog of the present case showed some peculiarities in the histopathological findings, and a papillomavirus involvement was ruled out with PCR. Like observed in a previous report, there was no correlation between cyclosporine blood level and the severity of dermatological changes. A discontinuation of cyclosporine resulted in complete healing in 4 months. This case highlights the importance of regular monitoring and follow-ups in patients on immunosuppressive therapy. Even rare side effects should always be considered in these cases.

Introduction: In a guinea pig herd with 26 breeding animals, several individuals of all age categories died (16/26) after three animals had been newly introduced from another herd. Furthermore, the population suffered of apathy, anorexia, severe weight loss and conjunctivitis, as well as abortions and stillbirths. At the same time, the owner experienced a SARS-CoV-2 infection with pneumonia, which was confirmed by taking a PCR test. Chlamydia caviae was detected from the conjunctiva and vagina/uterus in one juvenile animal together with an intestinal Cryptosporidium wrairi infection. Oocysts were found histologically in the small intestine, which was confirmed by PCR. C. wairi is a parasite adapted to guinea pigs with zoonotic potential, which causes diarrhoea with frequent deaths in larger guinea pig herds. C. caviae is also a zoonotic pathogen and often the cause of conjunctivitis, pneumonia and abortions in guinea pigs and can lead to upper respiratory tract disease, conjunctivitis but also severe pneumonia in humans. The increased death cases and the clinical signs could be traced back to an infection with Cryptosporidium wrairi, complicated by a co-infection of C. caviae. We suspect that the abortions were caused by C. caviae, but since the population was treated with various antibiotics effective against chlamydial infections, it was no longer possible to verify this by PCR testing. Unfortunately, more animals succumbed and finally only two animals of the originally 26 were left. With this case report, we would like to point out to veterinarians that guinea pigs can be an important source of zoonotic infections for various pathogens, especially since they are popular pets and often come into close contact with children where hygiene might not always be strictly followed.

Introduction: Contagious ovine digital dermatitis (CODD) is an emerging infectious foot disease in sheep. To date, CODD has been described in Great Britain, Ireland, Sweden and Germany and now in Switzerland for the first time. Unlike foot rot, the CODD lesions do not spread from the interdigital space, but usually begin at the dorsal/abaxial coronary band. The changes can spread to the hoof wall and the sole and finally can lead to exungulation, similar to foot rot. Treponema spp. are often found in CODD lesions analogous to digital dermatitis (Mortellaro's disease) in cattle. Involvement of Dichelobacter nodosus (D. nodosus) is considered a risk factor, but the presence of the bacterium is not mandatory. In February 2022, ulcerative lesions in the dorso-axial coronary band area were noticed on both claws of the left forelimb in an ewe. Histology of the biopsy showed hyperkeratosis and erosion with exocytosis and crust formation. Treponema spp. PCR and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were positive for Treponema phylotype 1 (PT1). In addition, D. nodosus and Porphyromonas levii could be detected in the biopsy using PCR. A single local application of chlortetracycline spray led to clinical healing within two weeks, no recurrence was seen within the following two months. Three control sheep, which were kept together with the diseased sheep, did not show any clinical signs of CODD. Treponema spp could not be found in interdigital and coronary band biopsies by PCR or FISH. This is the first description of CODD in Switzerland and aims to sensitize veterinarians to CODD as a differential diagnosis for foot diseases in sheep.