Journal of the South African Veterinary Association-Tydskrif Van Die Suid-A最新文献

The West African giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis peralta), a subspecies of the northern giraffe (G. camelopardalis), naturally only inhabited one unprotected area in Niger. West African giraffe are a conservation success story as their population has grown from ~ 49 individuals to > 600 as a direct result of efforts by the Niger government and NGOs. Along with improved legislation, enhanced monitoring, and community engagement, establishing a satellite population within their historic range has been a major success. Giraffe translocations are technically and logistically difficult, and may require immobilisations, which add additional challenges. Such translocations are commonly undertaken in southern and East Africa with specialised equipment and experienced teams. However, with good planning and preparation, giraffe can be translocated with a small, effective team and locally constructed equipment. This case report describes the translocation of 12 West African giraffe (eight female and four male) to the Gadabedji Biosphere Reserve, Niger, using locally constructed equipment. All giraffe were immobilised in the field and taken to a temporary holding boma for acclimatisation. The translocations took place in 2018 and 2022, interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The giraffe spent between 24 hours and six weeks in the holding boma, and the former group received a low-dose of water-based perphenazine for tranquillisation and possible anxiolytic effects. Transport was by road using a modified 20-foot open-topped shipping container with strategic stops for feeding and rest. Giraffe were hard released into the reserve. No mortalities occurred during the operation and post-translocation; five calf births were recorded by the end of 2023.

Despite translocation being a useful conservation strategy in rhinoceros management, morbidities and mortalities occurring during transportation pose a significant concern to rhinoceros managers, veterinarians, and scientists. The objectives of this study were to better understand the effects of transport on rhinoceros and to gain insights from veterinarians involved in rhinoceros translocations about current practices and potential interventions that could improve welfare. A weblink and QR code to an online questionnaire with a total of 46 questions in Google Forms was sent to veterinarians who had experience in African rhinoceros transportation, through personal emails and social network forums. Results demonstrated that despite dehydration and negative energy balance being reported as the major causes of morbidities and mortalities during transport and post-release, most veterinarians (30/35; 86%) involved in rhinoceros translocation did not offer water, parenteral fluids, or feed to transported animals, for logistical reasons and the knowledge or perception of rhinoceros' resistance to taking ad lib food and water during transport. However, 52% (15/29) and 41% (15/34) of participants suggested that parenteral fluids could be used as an intervention to mitigate dehydration and negative energy balance respectively. To reduce stress, 94% (33/35) of respondents suggested the use of tranquilisers and sedatives. This study is the first to systematically investigate and report on practices by veterinarians involved in rhinoceros translocations globally. The study highlights that further research is required to explore optimal and pragmatic techniques in the field to mitigate reported welfare challenges in rhinoceros during transport.

Background: The implementation of assisted reproductive techniques and use of in vitro embryo production has highlighted their potential in attempts to prevent the extinction of the northern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum cottoni). However, in vitro embryo production has proved challenging. Transrectal ovum pick-up (OPU), while done successfully with custom-made aspiration probes (AP), may expose oocytes to detrimental temperature shock.

Objective: This study compares the temperature regulation properties between two AP, made from different materials and used during OPU in southern white rhinoceros (C. s. simum).

Methods: The initial PVC plastic AP, produced using a computer numerical control machine, was compared to a modified aluminium AP. A rhinoceros model was constructed using a 210 L water container fitted with heating elements and a water pump. Water was warmed to 37.5-38.5 ℃ to simulate rhinoceros body temperature. The AP was equilibrated to room temperature (22 ℃; simulating summer) or in a walk-in fridge (4 ℃; simulating winter) overnight. Temperature loggers were placed inside and on the outside of the AP.

Results: The aluminium AP equilibrated to the model water temperature within 15 minutes of submersion in the model, while the temperature of the PVC AP remained significantly lower during the three-hour period. The inside of the PVC AP remained significantly colder compared to outside during both winter and summer (33.23 ± 4.28 ℃ vs. 36.51 ± 2.13 ℃ and 36.04 ± 1.69 ℃ vs. 37.22 ± 0.92 ℃, respectively). There was no significant difference between the inside temperature of the aluminium AP compared to the outside temperature during both the winter and summer simulations (36.75 ± 0.49 ℃ vs. 37.83 ± 0.40 ℃ and 37.86 ± 0.16 ℃ vs. 38.04 ± 0.11 ℃, respectively).

Conclusion: This research highlights the importance of using material with good thermal properties during assisted reproductive procedures. It also contributes to further advancement during the establishment of a successful in vitro embryo production protocol for rhinoceros in South Africa.

Breed, age, and sex predispositions for canine lymphoma have been reported for various geographical locations. However, epidemiological information concerning canine lymphoma in South Africa is scarce. The aim of the study was to describe the epidemiological features of canine lymphoma and the frequency of World Health Organization (WHO) classification subtypes in South Africa. A retrospective, case-control study was performed that included 342 cases with a histopathological diagnosis of canine lymphoma matched with 342 canine non-lymphoma control cases. Associations between canine lymphoma and breed, age, sex, and neutering status were assessed using univariate and multivariable conditional logistic regression. Associations were reported as odds ratios and significance set as p≤ 0.05. Breed was significantly associated with canine lymphoma, but not age, sex, or neutering status. Median population age was eight years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.2:1. The Boerboel had an increased risk (OR = 1.63, CI = 1.02-2.62, p = 0.002) and the Yorkshire Terrier a decreased risk (OR = 0.59, CI = 0.38-0.93, p = 0.050) of having canine lymphoma. Immunophenotyping was performed on 119 (35%) cases, of which 82 (69%) were B-cell, 34 (29%) T-cell and three (2%) neither. WHO subtype was available for 88 cases; of these 66 (75%) were diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) with remaining subtypes each ≤ 7%. This study identified a breed predisposition for canine lymphoma in the Boerboel, a South African mastiff-type dog, but significant associations were not detected for age, sex, and other breeds. The frequency of immunophenotypes and WHO subtypes was similar to previous studies in other locations.

Background: Immobilisation of wild giraffe (Giraffa spp.) is challenging due to their unique anatomy and physiology. Field immobilisations are required for numerous conservation, tourism, and veterinary purposes. Wild giraffe immobilisation techniques have evolved considerably from physical to chemical with ultrapotent drugs.

Objective: To provide a detailed overview of historic and present protocols used for immobilising giraffe in the wild as a valuable resource tool for future research into best practices.

Methods: A systematic review was undertaken of the published literature on wild giraffe capture and immobilisation techniques with no restrictions on publication date.

Results: The review detailed the evolution of capture techniques used for wild giraffe. The trend has moved from purely physical capture in the 1950s to the use of high dose ultrapotent opioids or a combination of opioids and alpha-2 agonists and/or tranquilisers. With a better understanding of giraffe physiology and wild giraffe capture, mortality rates have decreased significantly from ~ 35% to < 1%.

Conclusion: The advent of ultrapotent opioids has caused a paradigm shift in wildlife immobilisation, especially for wild giraffe. While the use of these drugs, as sole immobilisation agents or in combination with alpha-2 agonists or tranquilisers, has greatly reduced mortality rates associated with wild giraffe immobilisations, there is a startling lack of physiological data evaluating the impact of these drugs on giraffe during and after immobilisation. Future research should focus on measuring physiological variables to determine the impact and best practice of these protocols on wild giraffe immobilisation.

Bacterial ventriculitis is an uncommon, often fatal complication of intracranial bacterial infection. This case report describes a nine-month-old spayed female Goldendoodle that presented with a history of acute onset generalised seizures. The initial clinical examination, neurological examination and minimum database laboratory tests were unremarkable, and the dog was diagnosed with probable idiopathic epilepsy. Three weeks thereafter, the patient developed breakthrough clustering orofacial and generalised seizures. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were consistent with bacterial ventriculitis. Broad-spectrum antibiotic and supportive therapy was initiated pending cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, serology and bacterial culture; however, the patient died eight hours after initiating treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of suspected bacterial ventriculitis in a dog in South Africa and describes its atypical clinical presentation, progression and unique MRI findings.

Background: Rhinoceros are currently one of the most threatened mammal species globally. Slow population growth, increased poaching and habitat destruction have led to increased conservation efforts for each species. Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have been implemented in an attempt to aid reproductive outputs for the conservation of these endangered species. Developing species-specific ART programmes for wildlife have been challenging. Temperature control during oocyte recovery is essential for ensuring in vitro success.

Objective: This study is the first to investigate the effect of enema warming prior to trans-rectal ovum pick-up (OPU) on in vitro oocyte maturation in Southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum).

Methods: OPUs were performed on 20 rhinoceros cows from three different game farms in South Africa; oocytes were transported to one of two in vitro fertilisation laboratories for culture. The enema fluid was either warmed to 32 °C or not warmed prior to the OPU. Location of the farm, the different laboratories, ambient temperature, season, aspiration probe temperature, media type and enema temperature were investigated as predictor variables for oocyte maturation success.

Results: After considering all other potential covariates, warming of the enema fluid was the only independent predictor of in vitro oocyte maturation success during this study.

Conclusion: Oocytes retrieved from rhinoceros cows that received an enema warmed to 32 °C were 2.3 times more likely to mature in vitro compared to oocytes from cows that received an unwarmed enema; the findings can be implemented in other rhinoceros ART programmes and in conservation efforts of other endangered mammalian species.

Rabies, a highly preventable zoonotic disease, remains a major public health problem in Mozambique with approximately 50 human fatalities per annum due to dog-mediated rabies. This study analysed animal rabies cases and dog vaccination coverage, confirmed between 2001 and 2021, based on history, clinical signs, and/or diagnostic tests. During this period, 955 animal rabies cases were reported with the highest occurrence in Maputo (n = 283; 29.6%) and the lowest from Zambézia and Sofala provinces (n = 30; 3.1%). A significant number of animal rabies cases occurred in 2005 (n = 180; 18.8%). Most cases were identified in domestic dogs (n = 766; 80.2%). During the same period, 4.6 million dogs were vaccinated against rabies and the countrywide coverage was 10.4%. The total number of vaccinations administered increased over the 21-year period, from 46 301 in 2001 to a peak of 464 780 in 2018 before slightly declining in subsequent years. Rabid dogs are still important reservoirs and vectors species in Mozambique. More effective control measures, surveillance, reporting and enhanced awareness programmes are needed to address this neglected disease and consequently meet the global strategic plan to end human deaths due to dog-mediated rabies by 2030.

The main aim of this pilot study was to determine how the energy spectrum of scatter radiation emitted from horses after injection of the radiopharmaceutical ^99mTechnetium-methyl diphosphonate (^99mTc-MDP), changed behind lead shielding of varying thicknesses (0.25 mm, 0.35 mm, and 0.5 mm Pb thickness), and if beam hardening occurred. The effect lead shielding has on the emitted gamma radiation energy spectrum has not been documented. In particular, the presence of beam hardening effects behind lead shielding was investigated, to determine whether or not it could discourage the use of lead shields during bone scintigraphy in horses. Horses were injected intravenously with ^99mTc-MDP, and energy spectra emitted from horses without lead shielding were recorded initially to determine the emitted scatter spectrum. Thereafter, different combinations of lead shields of the various thicknesses listed above, draped over the horse and on simulated personnel, were recorded. The energy spectra were obtained at different anatomical locations of five horses on five consecutive days with a pulse height (multichannel) analyser two and a half hours post-injection. Energy spectra recorded from horses without lead shielding showed polychromatic energy spectra that encompassed a large portion of predominantly lower scatter energies (averaging around the 88-94 keV peaks). Higher ^99mTc- MDP peaks averaging at 139-143 keV (useful for gamma camera acquisition) were consistently seen in all recordings but made up a very small part of the emitted spectra. With the application of lead shielding, peaks of 83-86 keV, which coincided with K-edges of lead, occurred. No significant beam hardening effects behind lead shields of varying thicknesses were observed. Thus, the wearing of lead shields during bone scintigraphy of horses is encouraged.

An inappropriate regenerative response to anaemia has been reported in B. rossi-associated canine babesiosis. We investigated the impact of canine babesiosis on the bone marrow by evaluating the cytological and histopathological changes. Bone marrow smears and histopathology specimens were obtained post-mortem (within 24 hours of death) from six Babesia rossi-infected dogs and five healthy control dogs. Findings were interpreted together with the circulating haemogram, a Perls' Prussian blue special stain for iron and immunohistochemical markers CD3, CD20, MUM-1, MAC387 and CD204. Infected dogs had an inflammatory leukogram, inappropriately regenerative anaemia, hypercellular bone marrow due to erythroid hyperplasia, dyserythropoietic changes within the metarubricyte population, a myeloid hyperplasia with a left shift, a significant increase in the number of CD204-positive resident macrophages, a left shift within the megakaryocyte population and a significantly increased iron content. Whether iron-restricted erythropoiesis plays a role in the anaemia of canine babesiosis could not be established in this study. Our findings concur with what has been recorded in the bone marrow of humans with falciparum malaria and confirm that dyserythropoiesis is partially responsible for the inappropriate erythroid response in canine babesiosis.