Veterinary Record最新文献

Background: We aimed to evaluate the body condition score (BCS) of blue-fronted Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva) using computed tomography scans to correlate muscle measurements with BCS and identify the primary fat deposit areas.

Methods: Forty-two blue-fronted Amazon parrots were allocated into five groups based on their BCS: 1 (very thin), 2 (thin), 3 (ideal), 4 (ideal) and 5 (obese). Muscle and fat areas were measured using computed tomography imaging.

Results: Significant between-group differences were observed in the width of the pectoral muscles and the muscle area of the left humerus, with a strong positive correlation with BCS. The fat areas in the caudal coelom region, pelvic region and axillary area showed a significant increase in birds with a BCS of 5, with a moderate correlation between fat deposit CT measurements and BCS.

Limitations: Given the minimal differences in weight among animals with a BCS of 2-4, weight was a point of contention when categorising the animals into each score category.

Conclusion: The pectoral muscle was found to be the most reliable indicator for determining BCS in blue-fronted Amazon parrots. However, the primary fat deposit areas should also be included in the BCS assessment, with the caudal coelom, pelvic region and axillary region being critical areas to consider.

Background: The hirola (Beatragus hunteri) is the world's most critically endangered antelope. Its parasitic fauna has never been genetically characterised, raising questions about its possible role in the species' population decline. This study aimed to assess the presence of gastrointestinal parasites in hirolas and their transmission pathways.

Methods: Thirty-one hirola faecal samples were examined using coprological methods. The identification of trematode and nematode species was performed by PCR amplification of the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS-2) and 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) genes.

Results: Trematode and nematode eggs were detected in five (16.1%) and 23 (74.2%) samples, respectively. The trematode sequence was identical to Cotylophoron cotylophorum, while the nematode sequence showed a 99.3% identity to Chabaudstrongylus ninhae (18S rRNA) and 99.4% identity to Cooperia curticei (ITS-2).

Limitations: The sample size is relatively small; however, it represents a large portion of the extant hirola population at the year of sampling.

Conclusions: A high percentage of the animals were infected by parasites whose presence may be associated with co-occurrence between hirolas and other ungulate species. Monitoring the parasite burden in local livestock may therefore be crucial for hirola conservation.

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is a significant cause of postoperative morbidity following equine laparotomy. Therefore, if risk factors for SSI can be identified, morbidity may consequently be reduced. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of SSI in horses undergoing exploratory laparotomy at a single hospital over an 8-year period (2013‒2021), investigate the risk factors associated with SSI and report on the bacterial isolates identified.

Methods: The medical records of horses that had an exploratory laparotomy performed at the teaching hospital due to colic were retrospectively reviewed. SSI was defined as any purulent or serous discharge from the laparotomy incision for more than 24 hours duration during hospitalisation. Pre-, intra- and postoperative risk factors for SSI were identified using multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results: A total of 143 horses met the criteria for inclusion in the study, of which 38 developed an SSI (26.6%, 95% confidence interval: 19.5-34.6%). Multivariable analysis revealed that the application of a postoperative abdominal bandage was significantly associated with a decreased likelihood of SSI (odds ratio = 0.29, p = 0.026).

Limitations: As this was a retrospective study performed at a single hospital, the findings may have limited generalisability.

Conclusions: The application of a postoperative abdominal bandage is protective against SSI in horses following exploratory laparotomy for colic.

Background: During liver lobectomy, exposure of the liver hilus may be improved with the addition of a caudal median sternotomy and diaphragmotomy. This study aimed to report the surgical technique for this procedure and its clinical outcomes when performed in dogs.

Methods: The clinical records of dogs undergoing a caudal median sternotomy for liver lobectomy between 2010 and 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Data extracted from these records included signalment, preoperative findings, whether the lobectomy performed was right, central or left divisional, complications, histopathology and outcomes. Median survival times (MSTs) and complications were then compared between lobectomy division groups.

Results: Twenty-two dogs were included. The division of liver lobectomy was central in 12 dogs, right in nine dogs and left in one dog. Most (n = 21) dogs had hilar dissection with finger fracture. Intraoperative haemorrhage requiring a transfusion occurred in 12 dogs, including one dog that died intraoperatively. Twenty-one dogs survived to discharge. Postoperative complications were minor in 14 dogs, major in seven dogs and catastrophic in one dog. The MST was 562 days. The complication rate and MST were not significantly different between central and right divisional lobectomies.

Limitation: This was a retrospective study. As such, the treatment protocols and postoperative care were not standardised.

Conclusion: Most dogs undergoing this procedure had a good outcome. Although intraoperative haemorrhage and postoperative complications were common, they were generally manageable. Therefore, this procedure should be considered for challenging liver lobectomies.

Background: Internal teat sealants are commonly used at drying off, with or without intramammary antibiotics, to reduce the risk of mastitis. Both full and partial cannula options are available on most teat sealant and antibiotic tubes, but little evidence exists to support the selection of one option over the other.

Methods: A total of 287 Holstein cows from three UK farms were enrolled in the study. Cows were randomly allocated to receive either full or partial insertion of internal teat sealant at drying off (plus the same insertion type of intramammary antibiotic if required by farm protocols). Somatic cell count and clinical mastitis data were collected, along with lactation number and calving season, and analysed using multivariable regression modelling.

Results: Insertion type was not associated with high postcalving somatic cell counts (SCCs; >200k cells/mL), new infection rates (low to high SCC change across the dry period), cure rates (high to low SCC change across the dry period) or clinical mastitis cases.

Limitations: Only pedigree Holsteins were included; results in other breeds could differ due to teat size.

Conclusion: Insertion type was not associated with high SCC or increased postcalving mastitis cases.

Background: This study aimed to assess the feasibility of an ultrasound and nerve-stimulator-guided medial approach for a radial, ulnar, median and musculocutaneous (RUMM) nerve injection in calves.

Methods: After sedation with 0.2 mg/kg xylazine intramuscularly and 2 mg/kg ketamine intravenously (IV), seven calves were positioned in dorsal recumbency and a linear ultrasound probe was placed transversally on the medial aspect of the proximal third ohumerus. The radial (R) nerve was visualised adjacent to the deep brachial artery and the median and musculocutaneous (MM) and ulnar (U) nerves were visualised cranial and caudal to the brachial artery, respectively. A 20-gauge insulated needle was inserted in plane until near the R and MM nerves. Following a positive motor response (0.4‒0.6 mA stimulus), 0.15 mL/kg/site of tissue dye was injected in both forelimbs. The calves were then euthanased with 70 mg/kg pentobarbital IV. During dissection, staining was considered successful when more than 1 cm of the nerve was coloured in its whole circumference.

Results: The R, MM and U nerves were successfully stained in 13 (93%), 11 (79%) and six (43%) of the 14 injections, respectively.

Limitations: The spread of the dye might differ from that of local anaesthetics, so the findings should be interpreted cautiously.

Conclusion: A medial approach for RUMM nerve injection in calves seems feasible.