Impact of digital dermatitis on locomotion and gait traits of beef cattle.

Digital dermatitis (DD) is an infectious skin disease and a major cause of lameness that significantly impacts cattle productivity and welfare. However, DD does not always result in lameness and lameness scoring systems are not specific to hoof pathologies. Digital dermatitis detection protocols could be improved by including gait traits most related to DD. The aims of this study were to 1) determine the association between DD M-stage ("M" for Mortellaro), locomotion, and gait traits: arched back (AB), asymmetric gait (AG), head bobbing (HB), tracking up (TU), and reluctance to bear weight (WB), and 2) determine which traits are most associated with DD. Cattle (n = 480) from three feedlots were enrolled. Locomotion score (LS) and gait traits were assessed as cattle walked four strides along a dirt alleyway. Next, cattle were restrained in a chute, each hind foot lifted, and DD M-stage (absent, active, or chronic) determined. The association between presence of DD, LS, and gait traits were scored independently (n = 291). For both LS and gait the lowest score represents normal and the highest score severely altered. Digital dermatitis presence was associated with higher LS (P < 0.001). Odds ratios (ORs) for cattle with DD being lame or moderately to severely lame were 8.0 (P < 0.001) and 10.1 (P < 0.001) times more than cattle without lesions. Cattle with active lesions had the greatest odds of being lame (OR = 9.4; P < 0.001). Digital dermatitis presence was associated with all gait traits (P < 0.001), where AG (OR = 5.5; P < 0.001) and WB (OR = 5.8; P < 0.001) had the greatest OR for classifying cattle with DD as having altered gait. The OR for cattle with active lesions having altered gait was greatest for WB which was 6.0 (P < 0.001) times greater than cattle without lesions. The OR for cattle with chronic lesions having altered gait was greatest for AG being 6.5 (P < 0.001) times more than cattle without lesions. All gait traits had low sensitivity (Se) for detecting cattle with DD and varied from 6.7% to 55.8%. Locomotion score (Se 55.8%) and AG (Se 44.2%) were most predictive with positive predictive values of 76.6% and 74.3%, respectively. Specificity for all traits ranged from 94.1% for LS to 98.4% for WB with negative predictive values of 72.1% and 68.9%, respectively. In conclusion, LS, WB, and AG had the strongest association with cattle that had DD. Locomotion scoring that includes a focus on WB and AG is the best tool to detect DD in beef cattle.

Digital dermatitis (DD) impacts cattle health, productivity, and welfare; and is an emerging challenge for the beef industry. The most obvious clinical sign associated with DD is lameness; however, not all cattle afflicted with DD will become lame. Typically, locomotion scoring systems are used to assess lameness in cattle. These scoring systems are not specific for hoof pathologies, may not account for subtle changes in gait, and often reflect the needs of dairy cattle. Consequently, nonlame cattle with DD often go undiagnosed. By observing locomotion and other gait traits together we can identify gait traits that are most associated with DD in beef cattle and thereby develop targeted protocols for DD detection. Cattle with DD were consistently more associated with being lame compared to DD-free cattle. The two most important gait traits associated with cattle with DD were reluctance to bear weight (WB) and asymmetric gait (AG); however, their sensitivity to distinguish cattle with DD was low. These findings indicate that locomotion scoring that includes a focus on WB and AG is the best tool to detect DD in beef cattle.

Radiographic findings have an association with weight bearing and locomotion in English bulldogs.

BACKGROUND: English bulldogs are known to be prone to skeletal problems, but knowledge is lacking of the effect of these problems on locomotion and function. This study was undertaken to report the conformational, orthopaedic and radiographic findings in a cohort of English bulldogs in Finland and to evaluate how these findings affect weight bearing and locomotion of the dogs. Twenty-eight English bulldogs were prospectively recruited to this cross-sectional study. An orthopaedic examination, measurements of conformation, static and dynamic weight bearing, and radiographic examinations of elbow, hip, stifle joints and spine were done. RESULTS: The English bulldogs carried a mean of 67.3% and 62.1% of their body weight in front limbs while standing and trotting, respectively. Front and hind limb lameness was seen in 20.8% (5/24) and 12.5% (3/24) of dogs, respectively. At orthopaedic examination, abnormal palpation findings (i.e. pain response, crepitation, swelling or subjectively decreased range of motion) were observed in a median of one joint (range 0-5) in each dog. Medial patellar luxation was diagnosed in 33.0% (8/24) of the evaluated dogs. At radiographic examination, elbow dysplasia was diagnosed in 48.2% (27/56) of elbow joints and severe hip dysplasia in 55.4% (31/56) of hip joints. The grade of elbow dysplasia was negatively associated with the ratio of static weight bearing between the front and hind limbs (slope estimate - 1.46, 95% CI - 2.75 to - 0.16, P = 0.03) and in dynamic weight bearing the ratio of total pressure index between the front and hind limbs (slope estimate - 0.088, 95% CI - 0.164 to 0.025, P = 0.03). The severity of hip dysplasia or hip osteoarthritis was not associated with the amount of static or dynamic weight bearing, but all except one dog were diagnosed with Fédération Cynologique Internationale grade C, D or E hips (dysplastic). In the spine, 78.6% (22/28) of the dogs had at least one malformed vertebra. CONCLUSIONS: Orthopaedic diseases and abnormal radiographic findings were common in the English bulldogs studied. The static weight bearing of the dogs was heavily distributed to the front limbs. With increasing severity of elbow dysplasia, the static and dynamic weight bearing shifted from dysplastic elbows to hind limbs.

Temporary spontaneous regression of feline non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

CASE REPORT: A 6-year-old neutered male British Shorthair cat presented with two rapidly growing subcutaneous masses, one over each thoracic wall. High-grade, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was confirmed following histopathology, immunohistochemistry and PCR analysis for antigen receptor re-arrangements. Following biopsy there was rapid regression of the remaining neoplastic tissue with no medical treatment. The cat relapsed 3 months later, with poor response to therapy, and was euthanased. CONCLUSION: Spontaneous regression (SR) of cancer is a rare occurrence and is uncommonly reported in veterinary species. To the author's knowledge this is the first reported case of SR of non-FeLV-related feline, high-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Triple Pelvic Osteotomy and Double Pelvic Osteotomy.

Triple and double pelvic osteotomy (TPO, DPO) are performed with the goal of increasing acetabular ventro-version, increasing femoral head coverage, and decreasing femoral head subluxation. Since the first descriptions of TPO, there have been modifications in technique, most notably omission of the ischial osteotomy for DPO, and improvements in the implants, including availability of locking TPO/DPO bone plates. Associated complication rates seem to have declined accordingly. The most salient questions regarding these procedures remain what selection criteria should be used to identify candidates and whether halting or preventing osteoarthritis is necessary to consider these surgeries clinically beneficial.

Effects of ovarian structures identified at Ovsynch™ enrolment, disease history and lactation variables on odds of pregnancy to a fixed-time artificial insemination after Ovsynch™.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of ovarian structures present at Ovsynch™ enrolment, disease history, lactation variables and times bred on pregnancy per fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) following fixed-time insemination after Ovsynch and to determine the relationship between the size of ovarian follicular structures and concurrent presence of a corpus luteum (CL). METHODS: The study was conducted in a 3000-cow Holstein dairy herd. Over a 6-month period, 886 non-pregnant cows were examined by transrectal ultrasound and enrolled into 1132 Ovsynch events. Enrolled cows were synchronised using an Ovsynch-56 protocol. At enrolment, both ovaries were scanned by transrectal ultrasound to identify and record the presence and size of ovarian structures. Cows that did not return to oestrus were pregnancy tested 32-38 days post-insemination. Univariable and multivariable generalised linear mixed models (GLMMs) were used to determine the effect of each variable on pregnancy per FTAI. A univariable GLMM was also used to analyse the relationship between size of the dominant follicular structure and concurrent presence of a CL. RESULTS: CL size (P = 0.039) and presence of a luteal cyst (P = 0.002) at Ovsynch enrolment significantly increased the odds of pregnancy. Occurrence of lameness (P = 0.035) or mastitis (P = 0.008) between calving and enrolment significantly decreased the odds of pregnancy. Neither the presence nor size of a follicular structure significantly affected the odds of pregnancy, although cows with larger follicular structures were less likely to have a concurrent CL (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Presence of luteal tissue at Ovsynch enrolment and recent disease events affected pregnancy per FTAI in cows inseminated after Ovsynch.

Paraneoplastic hypertrophic osteopathy in 30 dogs.

Paraneoplastic hypertrophic osteopathy (pHO) is known to occur in both canine and human cancer patients. While the pathology of pHO is well-described in the dog, very little information exists regarding the true clinical presentation of dogs affected with pHO. The primary objective of this study was to provide a more comprehensive clinical picture of pHO. To this end, we retrospectively identified 30 dogs and recorded data regarding presenting complaints and physical examination (PE) findings on the date of pHO diagnosis. As a secondary objective, any blood test results were also collected from the computerized records. The most common clinical signs included leg swelling, ocular discharge and/or episcleral injection, lameness, and lethargy. The most common haematological and serum biochemical abnormalities included anaemia, neutrophilia and elevated alkaline phosphatase. In addition to presenting a more detailed clinical description of pHO in the dog, these data support the previously described haematological, serum biochemical and PE abnormalities published in individual case reports.

Effects of high somatic cell counts in milk on reproductive hormones and oestrus behaviour in dairy cows with special reference to those with concurrent lameness.

The present investigation aims to establish the reason(s) why dairy cows with high somatic cell counts (SCCs; >100,000 cells/ml) are less fertile than cows with low SCCs alone. The objective of Study One was to determine whether differences in steroid hormone profiles could explain the low incidence of ovulation in cows with combined High SCC and lameness. Between 30 and 80 days post-partum, animals were scored for SCC and lameness and three groups were formed: Healthy (n=22), High SCC alone (n=12) or High SCC + Lame (n=9). The ovarian follicular phases of all cows were synchronised by administering gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) followed seven days later by prostaglandin F2alpha (PG). Milk samples were collected daily throughout the entire study period; twice daily during the follicular phase, blood samples were taken and the ovaries were monitored using ultrasonography. Progesterone concentrations were similar in all three groups during each of five specific time periods, i.e. throughout the five days before PG injection, the peri-ovulatory period, on Day 5 and on Day 7, and during the mid luteal phase 12-17 days after ovulation (P>0.13). Mean plasma oestradiol concentrations monitored every 12h during the 36h period before ovulation were similar in all groups (Healthy, 2.80±0.30pg/ml; High SCC alone, 3.82±0.48pg/ml; High SCC+Lame 2.94±0.51pg/ml; P=0.175). The objective of Study Two was to establish whether cows with High SCC (scored and synchronised as above) display different behaviours, especially the intensity and timing of oestrus. Intervals from PG to the onset of oestrus or to the first stand-to-be-mounted (STBM) were longer for the High SCC cows than the Low SCC animals (n=8 and 20; P=0.011 and 0.002, respectively). Also, cows with High SCC tended to have a less intense oestrus and a lower maximum oestrus score per 30-min period than Low SCC cows (P=0.063 and 0.066, respectively). In conclusion, High SCC±lameness did not affect progesterone or twice daily oestradiol profiles but the onset of oestrus was delayed and oestrus tended to be less intense in cows with High SCC. These factors could explain low fertility associated with High SCC.

Comparison between shoulder computed tomography and clinical findings in 89 dogs presented for thoracic limb lameness.

Computed tomography (CT) is an established technique for detecting shoulder lesions in dogs, however the clinical significance of shoulder CT lesions often remains uncertain. The purposes of this retrospective study were to describe the prevalence of CT lesions in both shoulder joints for 89 dogs presenting with thoracic limb lameness and to compare CT lesions with clinical characteristics. For all included dogs, results of a full orthopedic examination, other diagnostic tests, and signalment data were available in medical records. Multilevel, multivariable logistic regression was used to test clinical significance of the most prevalent CT lesions and determine factors associated with their presence. Computed tomographic lesions were detected in one or both shoulder joints for 51/89 dogs (57.3%). Mineralization of one or more surrounding peri-articular soft-tissue structures was identified in 31.5% of dogs, with supraspinatus muscle/tendon mineralization being the most frequently identified (24.7%). The prevalence of humeral head osteochondrosis was 9 and 21.3% of dogs had shoulder osteoarthritis. Border collies (odds ratio [OR] 9.3; 95% CI 1.39-62.1, P = 0.02) and dogs with shoulder pain (OR 4.3; 95% CI 1.08-17.1, P = 0.04) had increased risk of osteochondrosis lesions. Border collies (OR 8.4; 95% CI 1.27-55.6; P = 0.03) and older animals (OR 1.04; 95% CI 1.02-1.1, P < 0.001) had increased risk of osteoarthritis lesions. Female entire dogs had an increased risk of supraspinatus mineralization lesions (OR 6.8; 95% CI 1.55-29.5, P = 0.01). Findings indicated that shoulder CT lesions are common in dogs with thoracic limb lameness, and that some CT lesions are not associated with shoulder pain.

Intoxicación con fenilbutazona en un equino: reporte de un caso / Toxicity with phenylbutazone in a horse: a case report

Se describe el caso de un equino que desarrolló graves lesiones digestivas después de recibir dosis altasde fenilbutazona (FBZ) para tratar una claudicación. Al momento de la consulta tenía 9 días de evolución.Desde su llegada al hospital, se observó cojera grave de las cuatro extremidades, deshidratación y diarreafétida. Luego del examen físico, la anamnesis y las ayudas diagnósticas se propuso un dictamen de laminitis traumática, gastritis ulcerativa y colitis por intoxicación con antiinflamatorios no esteroides (AINES). Lacondición empeoró a pesar de la terapia y cuando se presentaron signos neurológicos se sugirió la eutanasia.Durante la necropsia se observaron lesiones graves en el tracto gastrointestinal, cascos y encéfalo. El objetivo de este artículo es describir la sintomatología, terapia y evolución de un paciente intoxicado con aines.

It is described a clinic case of an equine that developed severe digestive lesions after taking high dosage ofphenylbutazone to treat a lameness. At the moment of checking, it had nine days of evolution. Since its arrivingto the hospital, it was seen an intense lameness of the four limbs, dehydration and fetid diarrhea. After the physicexam, the interrogatory and the diagnostic aids it was proposed a diagnosis of traumatic laminitis, ulcerative gastritis and colitis by intoxication with Non-steroidal anti-inflamatory drug (NSAIDs). The condition became worse despite the therapy and when the neurological signs were presented. It was suggested the euthanasia. During the necropsy, it was seen severe lesions in the gastrointestinal tract, hooves and brain. The objective of this article is to describe la symptomatology, therapy and evolution of the intoxicated patient with NSAIDs.

Descreve-se o caso de um cavalo que desenvolveu lesões digestivas graves após receber altas doses defenilbutazona (FBZ) para tratar uma claudicação. No momento da consulta havia 9 dias de evolução. Desdesua chegada ao hospital, observou-se manqueira grave nas quatro extremidades, desidratação e diarréia fétida. Após o exame físico, a anamnese e os meios diagnósticos concluiu-se se tratar de laminite traumática, gastriteulcerativa e colite por intoxicaçãocom anti-inflamatórios não esteróides (AINES). A condição piorou apesardo tratamento e, quando apresentou sinais neurológicos, sugeriu-se a eutanásia. Na necrópsia observaram-selesões graves no trato gastrointestinal, cascos e enféfalo. O objetivo deste trabalho é descrever os sintomas, otratamento e a evolução de um paciente intoxicado com AINES.

Metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal osteoarthritis in 49 dogs.

Although osteoarthritis (OA) is a common and debilitating condition in the canine patient, few data are available on OA of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints. Review of medical records of 49 dogs with a radiographic diagnosis of MCP or MTP OA presented over a 7-year period demonstrated that OA was an "incidental finding" for the majority of animals (n=35), while 14 dogs were identified as clinically lame as a result of MCP or MTP OA. Dogs that were clinically lame as a result of MCP or MTP OA were significantly more likely to have visible swelling over the affected digits. Five times as many dogs were diagnosed with MCP OA than with MTP OA, and the majority of dogs had radiographic changes on multiple digits. Review and scoring of radiographs (n=44 dogs) for six radiographic signs of OA followed by logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the two lateral digits of the front limb were significantly more likely to have osteophytosis and enthesophytosis than the two medial digits. Osteoarthritis of MCP and MTP joints has unique radiographic features that are not seen in the stifle, hip, shoulder, or elbow; these features can complicate accurate diagnosis, particularly differentiation from primary bone neoplasia. These data underscore the clinical relevance of this condition and provide useful information detailing which and how many digits are most commonly affected, potentially assisting discrimination between OA and neoplasia.

Zoledronic acid for the treatment of appendicular osteosarcoma in a dog.

A 10-year-old male intact Corso dog was referred for lameness and for a large neoplasm affecting the right foreleg. Physical examination of the patient revealed a 5 x 5 x 3 cm mass in the distal right foreleg. Histopathology was consistent with a diagnosis of appendicular osteosarcoma. The staging process found no evidence of metastasis. Because of the large size of the patient, the owners elected to treat their dog with antiresorptive therapy. The patient was treated with an infusion of zoledronic acid every 28 days. The tumour remained stable for 16 months and the lameness of the dog greatly improved. At that time, the patient returned for evaluation of a large rapidly growing prescapular mass. Biopsy confirmed lymph node metastasis and the dog was euthanased. Zoledronic acid showed remarkable palliation in our patient and possibly anti-tumour action and warrants further investigation.

Primary osseous melanoma in the tibia of a dog.

An 18-month-old, female Cane Corso dog was presented with a suspected primary tumor of the tibia. Plain radiographs and computed tomography (CT) of the tibia were highly suggestive of a primary bone neoplasm. A diagnosis of malignant melanoma was made by cytology. Total body survey radiographs, CT scan of the thorax, and abdominal ultrasound excluded the presence of neoplastic lesions other than in the tibia. Limb amputation was performed. Histology and immunohistochemical analysis of the tibial neoplasm confirmed the diagnosis of a melanoma with secondary metastasis to the popliteal lymph node. The dog was alive and in good physical condition 43 months after surgery.

The association between lameness, ovarian cysts and fertility in lactating dairy cows.

The objective of this observational study was to evaluate the association between lameness, ovarian cysts, and fertility in lactating dairy cows. Data analysis of historical records from a 3000 Holstein farm was conducted. Sixty-five cows that became lame within 30 days postpartum were used as cases, and 130 nonlame cows served as controls. The outcome variables were incidence of ovarian cysts (OC, %), conception rate at first service (CRFS, %), overall pregnancy rate (PR, %), and calving to first service interval (CFSI, day), Incidence of OC and CRFS were analyzed by logistic regression, PR by survival analysis and CFSI by ANOVA. Lame cows had a lower CRFS (17.5% versus 42.6%) and higher incidence of OC (25.0% versus 11.1%) than controls (P0.05). There was a multicollinearity relationship between lameness and ovarian cysts. The results show that cows that became lame within the first 30 days postpartum were associated with a higher incidence of ovarian cysts, a lower likelihood of pregnancy, and lower fertility than control cows. Because this is an observational study it is not possible to conclude a cause-effect relationship.

Glucagonoma in a jaguar (Panthera onca).

An obese adult jaguar (Panthera onca) was euthanized because of progressive lameness. Two 3-cm-diameter pancreatic nodules were identified as islet cell tumors, which were positive with immunohistochemical stains for glucagon, neuron-specific enolase, chromogranin A, and synaptophysin. The jaguar did not present clinical evidence of hyperglucagonemia.

Prognostic factors affecting survival of 507 horses with joint disease: (1983 to 1990).

Between July 1, 1983 and December 31, 1990, risk factors were determined for all horses with joint disease presented to a referral center, of being discharged, of ever becoming sound, or of being alive at 3 mo follow-up. Logistic multiple-regression models were done separately for foals (< or = 4 mo), yearlings (> 4-24 mo) and racing or nonracing adult horses (> 24 mo). The breakdown in this study was 53 foals, 87 yearlings, 141 nonracing adults, and 226 racing adults. Thirty-one foals (58%), 68 yearlings (78%), 119 non-racing adults (84%), and 213 racing adults (94%) were discharged. Foals with a less severe lameness, duration of illness of > 1 d, and infectious arthritis had increased odds of discharge. At follow-up, 12 of 18 (67%) were alive, 10 (56%) of which were sound. Yearlings with osteochondrosis had higher odds of discharge; at follow-up, 38 of 49 (78%) were alive, 32 (65%) of which were sound. For non-racing adults, horses with less severe lameness, without a miscellaneous diagnosis, or intended for pleasure use had increased odds of discharge. At follow-up, 55 of 78 (70%) were alive and 33 of 58 (57%) with soundness data became sound. Risk factors for higher odds of being alive at follow-up were carpal lameness, arthroscopic surgery, a prognosis other than poor, became sound, above-median hospitalization costs, and duration of follow-up. The 161 racing adults (76% of discharges), with follow-up, were more likely to have had osteoarthritis, higher hospital costs, hospitalization > 1 d, and arthroscopy. Sixty-four (60%) of these became sound; the odds increased if the horse was not severely lame at admission or was hospitalized for > 1 d. Risk factors and prognosis differed by age-use group among horses seen at our hospital.

Eltenac, a new anti-inflammatory and analgesic drug for horses: clinical aspects.

Two controlled studies to determine efficacy in the horse were performed with eltenac, a new injectable, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Clinical trials were carried out with a dose rate of 1 mg/kg body weight in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind design to assess therapeutic efficacy in acute inflammatory disorders and in animals with orthopaedic conditions. In a preliminary pharmacokinetic investigation in six horses mean elimination half-life was 1.7 h after i.v. administration. In the first clinical study, analgesic activity on pain-related lameness was determined in a total of 64 horses. Pain was assessed using a rating scale. Compared with the placebo treatment, eltenac produced significant pain relief after a single i.v. injection for a period of 24 h. In the second trial the anti-oedematous effect was determined in post-operative wound swelling following castration in two groups of 10 colts. After surgery, the horses received either an injection of 1 mg/kg eltenac or a placebo injection on three consecutive days. Swelling was assessed by measuring the diameter of the external preputial fold using two methods: callipers and a rating scale of 0 to 3. Additionally, photographs were taken on days 1, 2 and 4. Compared with the placebo treatment, eltenac inhibited pain and swelling significantly. The effect was maintained for up to 48 h after the last injection.