Evaluation of an extended-release formulation of ceftiofur crystalline-free acid in koi (Cyprinus carpio).

The use of an extended release ceftiofur crystalline-free acid formulation (CCFA, Excede For Swine(®) , Pfizer Animal Health) in koi was evaluated after administration of single intramuscular (i.m.) or intracoelomic (i.c.) doses. Twenty koi were divided randomly into a control group and four treatment groups (20 mg/kg i.m., 60 mg/kg i.m., 30 mg/kg i.c., and 60 mg/kg i.c.). Serum ceftiofur-free acid equivalents (CFAE) concentrations were quantified. The pharmacokinetic data were analyzed using a nonlinear mixed-effects approach. Following a CCFA injection of 60 mg/kg i.m., time durations that serum CFAE concentrations were above the target concentration of 4 µg/mL ranged from 0.4 to 2.5 weeks in 3 of 4 fish, while serum CFAE concentrations remained below 4 µg/mL for lower doses evaluated. Substantial inter-individual variations and intra-individual fluctuations of CFAE concentrations were observed for all treatment groups. Histological findings following euthanasia included aseptic granulomatous reactions, but no systemic adverse effects were detected. Given the unpredictable time vs. CFAE concentration profiles for treated koi, the authors would not recommend this product for therapeutic use in koi at this time. Further research would be necessary to correlate serum and tissue concentrations and to better establish MIC data for Aeromonas spp. isolated from naturally infected koi.

Pathologic findings in weedy (Phyllopteryx taeniolatus) and leafy (Phycodurus eques) seadragons.

A retrospective study of the pathologic findings in weedy (Phyllopteryx taeniolatus) and leafy (Phycodurus eques) seadragons was performed on specimens submitted to 2 reference laboratories from 1994 to 2012 to determine the range and occurrence of diseases affecting aquarium-held populations. One hundred two and 94 total diagnoses were recorded in weedy and leafy seadragons, respectively. Two of the more common etiologic diagnoses in both species were mycobacteriosis and scuticociliatosis, whereas myxozoanosis was common in weedy seadragons. Metazoan parasite infections were less common etiologic diagnoses. There were no correlations between mycobacteriosis and ciliate protozoan infections in either species. Myxozoanosis was usually found in combination with other diseases and, except for 1 case, was restricted to weedy seadragons. Phaeohyphomycosis, nonmycobacterial bacterial infections, and trauma were also important but less frequent diagnoses. Intestinal coccidiosis was found in weedy but not leafy seadragons. Mineralization of the swim bladder was detected in 26 of 197 leafy seadragons and only 2 of 257 weedy seadragons. Although weedy and leafy seadragons share certain diseases of significance to exhibit populations, there are diseases unique to each species about which the veterinary pathologist, clinician, or diagnostician should be aware.

Essential veterinary education in fish health and disease: a global perspective.

Fish are the largest class of vertebrates, with over 25,000 estimated species and subspecies. Fish have evolved unique anatomical and physiological adaptations, when compared to terrestrial vertebrates, for life in a range of aquatic environments. Interest in aquatic animal health has been recorded in Eastern and Western cultures for more than 2,000 years. In recent times, there has been an increase in the numbers of aquatic animals being used as companion animals or pets, for food and in laboratories, as well as in restoration and conservation programmes. There has also been a corresponding increase in concern for their health and welfare. Moral and ethical considerations require the optimisation of husbandry practices and advances in aquatic animal health for these animals. As with other vertebrates, veterinarians are best equipped to meet the challenges for aquatic animal health from clinical, scientific and legal perspectives. To accomplish this goal, veterinary education must incorporate aquatic animal health throughout graduate curricula, create advanced postgraduate training opportunities, and support a continuum of professional development opportunities for all levels of aquatic animal health expertise.

Transposições tendinosas e terapia de mão: novos resultados / Tendon transposition and hand therapy: new results

Introdução: o tratamento das patologias da mão através da cirurgia de transposição tendinosa requer pro- fundo conhecimento anatômico e fisiológico do membro superior. O terapeuta de mão deve entender os princípios da cirurgia e compreender a alteração que o procedimento provoca na informação cerebral do paciente em relação à movimentação do músculo. Objetivos: apresentar protocolo de trabalho do Serviço de Microcirurgia Reconstrutiva e Terapia Ocupacional do Hospital Cristo Redentor referente à reabilitação após cirurgia de trans- posição tendinosa. Métodos: centímetros Foram tratados sete pacientes, no período de março de 2006 a janeiro de 2007, sendo seis pacientes com lesão de nervo radial e um de mediano. Todos realizaram dois meses de reabilitação pré-operatória e quatro meses de reabilitação pós-operatória. Resultados: resultados satisfatórios, com período de reabilitação mais rápido e retorno da funcionalidade da mão, permitindo aos pacientes retomarem suas atividades. Discussão: centímetros o grande diferencial deste trabalho está na educa- ção pré-operatória dos pacientes, no treino do mecanismo cirúrgico e na simulação de movimentos. No pós- operatório o ganho de tempo é enorme, pois os pacientes sabem quais comandos devem ser treinados para atingir o movimento desejado. Conclusão: a formação da equipe para realizar este trabalho é importante, per- mitindo a obtenção de bons resultados.

Introduction: the tendon transposition surgery to treat the pathologies of the hand requires a profound knowledge of upper limb anatomy and physiology. The hand therapist must understand the principles of surgery and the changes that it causes in patients cerebral information about muscle movement. Objective: introduce the work protocol of rehabilitation after tendon transposition surgery, currently in use at the Center of Reconstructive Microsurgery and Occupational Therapy of Cristo Redentor Hospital. Methods: between March 2006 and January 2007, seven patients were treated, by the same surgeon and hand therapist. Six patients had radial nerve palsy and one had median nerve palsy. All patients had two months of pre-operatory rehabilitation and four months of pos-operatory rehabilitation. Results: satisfactory results, with faster recovery time and hand function return, allowing patients to resume their daily activities. Discussion: the greatest difference about this work is the pre-operatory rehabilitation, the surgery mechanism training and simulation of movements. The reduction recovery time is impressive, because patients already know wich commands they have to exercise to achieve the desired move. Conclusions: the professionals working with this patient have to be carefully selected, so good results can be achieved.