Australian Veterinary Journal最新文献

Infection of livestock by foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus (FMDV) has serious economic implications due to productivity losses and trade restrictions. In countries that are free from foot and mouth disease, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) provides two proof of freedom from disease status categories; namely, FMD-free without using vaccination or FMD-free with use of vaccination. Serological surveillance of livestock after an incursion forms one part of a country's emergency disease response plan as it is an important condition in attaining a WOAH declaration of freedom from FMDV. The development of a competition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using recombinant antigen (FMDV 3B-maltose-binding protein fusion) and recombinant antibody (anti-FMDV 3B scFv-alkaline phosphatase fusion) reagents from two independently developed tests is described. The characteristics of the recombinant reagents and performance of the assay are presented and provide evidence of an improved, fully recombinant, competition ELISA suitable for sensitive and specific identification of antibodies to FMDV non-structural protein 3B in cattle sera, making it suitable for differentiating infected and vaccinated animals (DIVA).

Fasciola hepatica is a global threat to livestock production, human health, and food security. Infection causes significant reductions in milk production and quality, feed conversion efficiency, wool quality, and reproductive performance. In New South Wales (NSW), Australia, data on the distribution of F. hepatica are more than 50 years out of date and lack species-specific insights for cattle and sheep. Accurate, up-to-date distribution data are essential for livestock producers to implement targeted control programs, for veterinarians to provide timely and effective treatment recommendations, and for researchers to identify emerging trends, such as those influenced by climate change. This study addresses this knowledge gap by using diagnostic samples submitted to the Elizabeth MacArthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI) between 2019 and 2023 to update the distribution of F. hepatica in cattle and sheep in NSW. Diagnostic records were extracted, cleaned, analysed, and geospatially mapped at the postcode level to reveal temporal and spatial trends by livestock species. Our findings suggest that F. hepatica hotspots in sheep are concentrated in the southeastern regions of NSW, whereas in cattle, hotspots extend along the coast. These results reinforce the existing dogma of F. hepatica distribution in NSW, providing evidence-based insights that are key to improved surveillance, refining precision parasite management, and mitigating the ongoing impacts of F. hepatica on animal health and production in NSW.

Methods of domestic pig destruction that require individual handling cause distress, carry a risk of ineffective or painful stunning or wounding, and pose physical and psychosocial safety risks to operators. Oral intoxication of pigs via feed offers an alternative approach that reduces these risks. An experiment was conducted to validate the oral administration of microencapsulated sodium nitrite (meSN) to group-housed domestic grower pigs and assess the suitability of meSN as a mass destruction method for application during an emergency animal disease (EAD) response. Twenty-four individually identified pigs were administered a pre-feeding regimen followed by delivery of 10% (w/w) meSN paste (Treatment 1) or 100% meSN as a top-dress on standard pig feed (Treatment 2). Pigs ingested both treatments and presented with no visual signs of distress and demonstrated post-feeding and exploratory behaviors consistent with those of group-housed pigs for 20–40 min after consumption of the toxic substrate. Intoxication presented as a visible reduction in movement/activity followed by recumbency, dullness, loss of responsiveness, and eventually death. All treated pigs died. The welfare compromise requiring intervention was not observed by the attending veterinarians. Our findings suggest that after meSN application, pigs may be safely moved for about 15 min when using paste or for about 30 min when using top-dress granules. After this time, pigs will start to lose posture and will have difficulty standing or walking. No clinically significant gross or histological post-mortem tissue changes were detected. Tissue and intestinal content residues indicated that the risk of secondary nitrite/nitrate poisoning to carcass scavengers is negligible. Critical contributors to successful lethal outcomes are considered to include: sodium nitrite stability and palatability offered by microencapsulation; successful transition to a placebo paste before application if a paste formulation is used; consumption of a lethal dose that accounts for wastage and uneven consumption by pigs sharing feed; and consumption being sufficiently rapid to overwhelm toxin metabolism pathways and cause death.

There is limited published information on Malva parviflora toxicosis in horses. Four previously reported cases all resulted in death or euthanasia. The aim of this cluster investigation was to describe historical, clinical and clinicopathological findings of four ponies with suspected M. parviflora toxicosis and compare these to previously reported cases. Historical, clinical and clinicopathological findings were collated. Ponies were grazing pasture of approximately >90% M. parviflora. Pony 1 died rapidly without veterinary examination. Pony 2 was examined for prolonged recumbency attributed to severe myopathy and was subjected to euthanasia. Ponies 3 and 4 remained clinically normal. Pony 2 displayed markedly increased plasma creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities and cardiac troponin I (CTnI) concentration. Pony 3 had moderately increased plasma CK and AST activities and normal plasma CTnI concentration. Pony 4 had moderately increased plasma AST activity, with normal plasma CK activity and CTnI concentration. Plasma acyl carnitine profiles of Ponies 2 and 3 were consistent with previous suspected cases of equine M. parviflora toxicosis, but Pony 4's acyl carnitine profile was not different from healthy control horses. Pony 2 was typical of previously reported cases of M. parviflora toxicosis, but Pony 3 did not develop clinical signs despite a consistent acyl carnitine profile. Pony 4 likely did not have M. parviflora toxicosis. The findings of Pony 3 suggest M. parviflora toxicosis can be subclinical, and survival is possible in such cases. Further work is needed to determine the progression of disease from M. parviflora ingestion.

The aim of this case report was to present the outcomes of minimally invasive surgical treatment of a rare and atypical form of an elbow joint luxation, known as ‘divergent dislocation of the elbow’ in a dog. Initially, a closed reduction of the dislocated elbow joint was performed, then surgical treatment was decided. A small incision was made on the caudal side of the ulna, then a 2 mm Kirschner wire was inserted from the caudal aspect of the proximal ulna to the radial neck. Following that, a 20 mm, 2.4 mm cortical screw was placed, securing the luxated radius to the ulna. All the procedures were undertaken under fluoroscopic guidance. Postoperative radiographs confirmed the anatomical reduction and the correct positioning of the implant. At 10 days postoperatively, the first follow-up radiographs showed no signs of reluxation. However, the dog couldn't fully support the weight on the leg. One month postoperatively, the dog could fully bear weight on the leg, the range of motion was within normal limits, and no complications were observed on the radiographs. The minimally invasive treatment of divergent dislocation of the elbow using cortical screws has not been previously reported. We believe that since only a disruption of the annular ligament was noted, a reduction using a cortical screw with a minimally invasive technique was sufficient to ensure a successful reduction of the elbow joint.

Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism is a metabolic disorder caused by an imbalance in calcium homeostasis and is typically associated with the feeding of a calcium-deficient diet. Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism has been reported in domestic species, including cats and dogs, as well as captive carnivores and wildlife including lions, tigers, servals and skunks. Captive carnivores are typically fed a raw-meat diet, which can be severely deficient in calcium if not appropriately balanced or supplemented. Three juvenile servals (Leptailurus serval) presented with seizures, ataxia and neuromuscular deficits. One serval was euthanased due to the severity of clinical signs. Another serval suffered a seizure, aspirated and arrested while in care. Both animals had hypocalcaemia and hyperphosphataemia. Radiographic signs of osteopaenia, clinical pathology and dietary history supported a diagnosis of nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism. A third serval, which developed a pathological fracture, was successfully managed with dietary correction and cage confinement. This report describes this presentation of nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism with seizures and the diagnostic process used to rule out other causes of neurological signs for this litter with an incomplete vaccination schedule and recent history of weaning and interstate transport.

Goodwin G, Monteiro BP, Grimm K et al. Letter to Editor in response to “Acute kidney injury in 18 cats after subcutaneous meloxicam and an update on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug usage in feline patients in Australia”. Aust Vet J 2023;101:411–412. 10.1111/avj.13279

In the original Letter to the Editor, no conflict of interest statement from the authors was published. It was an oversight by the publisher not to have included it. The below conflict of interest statement outlines any perceived competing interests of the authors. We apologise for this error.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

At the time of writing, W.G. declares that she had received research support, consultancy fees and/or honoraria from Boehringer Ingelheim, Jurox Pty Ltd and Invetus Pty Ltd. These relationships have not inappropriately influenced the content of this manuscript, and all scientific judgments are her own. She authored the letter on behalf of the Veterinary Anaesthesia & Analgesia Chapter of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZCVS), and all Chapter members were given the opportunity to provide comments on the letter prior to submission. P.S. has provided consultancy services to, and received honoraria from, Boehringer Ingelheim, Dechra, Elanco, Nexyon, Vetoquinol, Virbac and Zoetis. B.M. has provided consultancy services to and received honoraria from Boehringer Ingelheim, Elanco, Vetoquinol and Zoetis. B.M. and P.S. co-authored this letter while members of the WSAVA Pain Committee. At the time of writing, K.G. did not have any active consulting agreements in place with any group. He had done some education and speaking on behalf of Zoetis and Elanco in the years prior to that. K.G. co-authored the letter while president of the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia (ACVAA).

The consequences of large-volume hepatectomy on the remaining liver in the dog are not documented. This case report documents a progressive hepatopathy after central division hepatectomy in a 10-year-old female Lhasa Apso dog. Serum biochemistry at presentation for chronic urinary incontinence indicated a hepatopathy, with a liver mass identified on subsequent ultrasound. Referral for computed tomography (CT) (day 76) demonstrated a central division liver mass (~204cm³). A central division hepatectomy (right medial and quadrate lobes; gallbladder) was performed, with microscopic examination confirming a hepatocellular carcinoma. Serial biochemistry over a three-and-a-half-year follow-up documented progressive hepatopathy. Serial CT hepatic volumetry (day 76, 136, 1041) documented gross enlargement of the residual right lateral liver lobe and gross reduction of the residual left medial and lateral liver lobes. Biopsies of the left and right liver (day 187) demonstrated disparate pathology with microscopic features consistent with regeneration in the right liver and elevated portal vein pressure (PVP) in the left liver. This report documents progressive hepatopathy evidenced by serum biochemistry, disparate and persistent gross liver changes on posthepatectomy CT, and microscopic changes consistent with elevated PVP. Findings from this case demonstrate similarities to posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) and small-for-size-and-flow syndrome (SFSS) as reported in people and animal models. The progressive hepatopathy posthepatectomy in this case prompts consideration and further investigation for the development of PHLF and SFSS in the dog.