Influenza A(H5N1) Virus Infections in 2 Free-Ranging Black Bears (Ursus americanus), Quebec, Canada.

Wholly Eurasian highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b virus was isolated from 2 free-ranging black bears with meningoencephalitis in Quebec, Canada. We found that isolates from both animals had the D701N mutation in the polymerase basic 2 gene, previously known to promote adaptation of H5N1 viruses to mammal hosts.

Veterinarians' Self-Reported Needs and Attitudes on the Atlantic Canada Veterinary College and Associated Teaching Hospital in Relation to Continuing Education, Research, and Clinical Referrals.

The relationship between veterinary colleges (VCs), associated veterinary teaching hospital referral centers (VTHs), and referring veterinarians (rVets) is important and complex. Despite this, there has been minimal research on rVets with respect to their regional VC and VTH. Our objectives were to evaluate rVets' attitudes and self-reported needs on their regional VC's VTH surrounding (a) continuing education, (b) collaborative research, and (c) referrals for specialty consultation and care. Participants (rVets) were invited to complete an online questionnaire (2018-2019). Respondents (n = 56) indicated multiple (24) unmet continuing education topic needs, of which dermatology and behavior were most selected. Many rVets (70%) reported an interest in collaborative research participation. Communication was frequently selected by respondents when asked what could be improved with respect to the VTH referral center process. Our work provides a benchmark attitudes and needs assessment, identifies areas for improvement, and may aid initiatives regionally, and likely externally, as adapted to other rVet-VC-VTH relationships.

Laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy with barbed suture in a ram.

A 7-month-old Hampshire ram, with no history of trauma or breeding, was referred for treatment of acute, unilateral scrotal swelling. Physical examination revealed a moderately sized, soft, left-sided, non-reducible swelling of the proximal scrotum and mild swelling of the scrotal neck. Ultrasound evaluation of the scrotum revealed morphologically normal testicles and a mild accumulation of free fluid in the left vaginal tunic. Unilateral, laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy under general anesthesia was performed. The herniated omentum was reduced and barbed suture was used to imbricate the internal inguinal ring and the vaginal ring. No recurrence of herniation was reported 5 months after surgery. Key clinical message: Laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy with barbed suture can be a safe and effective means of scrotal hernia resolution in a ram. When performed by a competent surgeon experienced in laparoscopy, this treatment for inguinal and scrotal herniation may minimize post-operative pain, provide a rapid return to function, and preserve normal testicular and scrotal anatomy.

Herniorraphie inguinale laparoscopique avec suture barbelée chez un bélier. Un bélier Hampshire âgé de 7 mois, sans antécédent de traumatisme ou de reproduction, a été vu pour traitement d'un gonflement unilatéral aigu du scrotum. L'examen physique a révélé une tuméfaction modérée, molle, du côté gauche, non réductible du scrotum proximal et une légère tuméfaction du col scrotal. L'examen échographique du scrotum a révélé des testicules morphologiquement normaux et une légère accumulation de liquide libre dans la tunique vaginale gauche. Une herniorraphie inguinale unilatérale laparoscopique sous anesthésie générale a été réalisée. L'épiploon hernié a été réduit et une suture barbelée a été utilisée pour imbriquer l'anneau inguinal interne et l'anneau vaginal. Aucune récidive de hernie n'a été rapportée 5 mois après la chirurgie.Message clinique clé:La herniorraphie inguinale laparoscopique avec suture barbelée peut être un moyen sûr et efficace de résolution de la hernie scrotale chez un bélier. Lorsqu'il est effectué par un chirurgien compétent et expérimenté en laparoscopie, ce traitement des hernies inguinales et scrotales peut minimiser la douleur postopératoire, permettre un retour rapide à la fonction et préserver l'anatomie testiculaire et scrotale normale.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).