Advances in research on the impacts of anti-submarine sonar on beaked whales.

Mass stranding events (MSEs) of beaked whales (BWs) were extremely rare prior to the 1960s but increased markedly after the development of naval mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS). The temporal and spatial associations between atypical BW MSEs and naval exercises were first observed in the Canary Islands, Spain, in the mid-1980s. Further research on BWs stranded in association with naval exercises demonstrated pathological findings consistent with decompression sickness (DCS). A 2004 ban on MFASs around the Canary Islands successfully prevented additional BW MSEs in the region, but atypical MSEs have continued in other places of the world, especially in the Mediterranean Sea, with examined individuals showing DCS. A workshop held in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, in September 2017 reviewed current knowledge on BW atypical MSEs associated with MFAS. Our review suggests that the effects of MFAS on BWs vary among individuals or populations, and predisposing factors may contribute to individual outcomes. Spatial management specific to BW habitat, such as the MFAS ban in the Canary Islands, has proven to be an effective mitigation tool and mitigation measures should be established in other areas taking into consideration known population-level information.

Spreading of Thelazia callipaeda in Greece.

Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae), the so-called oriental eyeworm, has been increasingly reported as an agent of infection in animals and humans from many European countries. Clinical signs range from subclinical to moderate or severe ocular disorders (e.g., epiphora, photophobia, conjunctivitis, keratitis, ulcers). The disease has been also diagnosed in animals from countries of the Balkan area (e.g., Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia), but only a single case of canine thelaziosis, presumably autochthonous, was reported in Northern Greece. In this study, we provide robust information of the occurrence of thelaziosis in Greece by reporting autochthonous cases of thelaziosis in dogs (n = 46), cats (n = 3) and in one rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) living in Northern and Central regions of Greece. The occurrence of a single haplotype of the cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 gene confirms that the same zoonotic haplotype of the parasite circulating in Europe is also spreading in Greece. The increased awareness of this parasitosis is crucial to limit the risk of further infections in both humans and animals in European countries.

Correlation of serum alkaline phosphatase activity with the healing process of long bone fractures in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Bone healing is monitored mainly by physical and serial radiologic examinations of the fracture site. However, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish a delayed union from a nonunion, and advanced imaging techniques may not be available. Serum biochemical markers of bone formation, such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, may be clinically useful in evaluating the progress of healing. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to correlate serial values of serum ALP activity with the process of fracture healing in dogs and to assess its potential as a postsurgical prognostic indicator. METHODS: Changes in serum ALP activity were studied in 83 dogs with closed long bone diaphyseal fractures treated surgically. Physical and radiologic examinations of the fracture site and determination of serum ALP activity and calcium (Ca) and phosphate (P) concentrations were performed on admission (day 0); postoperatively on days 10, 20, and 30; and subsequently on a monthly basis until bone union was completed or signs of nonunion were evident. The dogs were allocated into 3 groups with respect to the fracture healing progress as documented by physical and serial radiologic examination. RESULTS: Group A dogs (n=35) developed a medium-sized callus that led to bone union within 2 months. Group B dogs (n=36) had a hypertrophic callus and delayed union, within 3-5 months. Group C dogs (n=12) had slow progress in fracture healing, with minimal callus formation during a 2-month period. Changes in mean serum ALP activity followed the same pattern in groups A and B, reaching a maximum level on day 10. Group A values returned to normal within 2 months, at which point bone union was complete, whereas group B values remained increased and returned to normal within 3-5 months, thus correlating with delayed union. In Group C, mean serum ALP activities showed no significant changes during the 2-month follow-up period, consistent with failure of bone union (nonunion). Serum P and Ca changes followed a proportional and inverse pattern to ALP changes, respectively. CONCLUSION: Serial determination of serum ALP activity during fracture healing could be an additional tool in predicting fractures at risk of developing a nonunion, helping the clinician to choose the appropriate intervention.

A retrospective study of presentation, treatment, and outcome of free-ranging raptors in Greece (1997-2000).

A retrospective study was conducted on free-ranging raptors (n = 402) presented to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, during a 3-yr period (1997-2000). Representatives of 19 species were admitted from taxonomic orders Accipitriformes (n = 295), Falconiformes (n = 35), and Strigiformes (n = 72). Traumatic injuries (n = 305, 75.8%) were the most common cause of presentation in all raptors. Starvation (n = 38 birds, 9.4%) was the second most common reason, whereas toxicoses (n = 28, 6.9%) were suspected in a limited number of birds. Orphans (n = 31, 7.7%) were presented during breeding season primarily because of inappropriate human intervention. Surgical and medical treatment was given to all birds when necessary. In total, 229 (56.9%) of the presented raptors were successfully rehabilitated and released, 121 (30%) were rehabilitated but nonreleasable, whereas 52 (12.9%) of them died despite treatment. Human intervention (79.2%) plays the most important role in birds of prey morbidity and mortality.

Ocular manifestations of canine transmissible venereal tumour: a retrospective study of 25 cases in Greece.

Transmissible venereal tumour (TVT) is a sexually transmitted neoplasm that frequently affects dogs of either sex, in tropical and subtropical regions. TVT primarily involves the external genitalia, although extragenital sites have also been reported. This study describes the ocular manifestations of TVT in 25 naturally infected dogs and their response to treatment. Seventeen male and eight female dogs were included in the study. TVT ocular lesions were either unilateral (21 dogs) or bilateral (four dogs). Ocular lesions as the single manifestation of TVT were seen in 22 animals. One dog presented external genitalia involvement while two others were found to have tumours in the oral and nasal mucosa. Variably sized multilobular tumour masses with irregular surface were noticed on the bulbar conjunctiva of the nictitating membrane in 17 dogs, on the conjunctiva of the upper eyelid in five dogs and on the conjunctiva of the lower eyelid and adjacent skin in three dogs. Deep ulcerative keratitis was observed in eight animals. TVT diagnosis was based on cytology and histopathology. The large eye masses were surgically excised. All dogs were treated with a single chemotherapeutic agent (vincristine). After four weeks of treatment, complete remission of the tumours was evident in all but one animal. Extragenital primary ophthalmic TVT can be completely eliminated by vincristine chemotherapy, while any further ocular damage is prevented with the combination of the above treatment and surgical excision.

Morbilliviruses in Mediterranean monk seals.

Two morbilliviruses were isolated from Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus monachus), one from a stranded animal in Greece and the other one from carcasses washed ashore during a mass die-off in Mauritania. From both viruses N and P gene fragments were sequenced and compared to those of other known morbilliviruses. The monk seal morbilliviruses most closely resembled previously identified cetacean morbilliviruses, indicating that interspecies transmission from cetaceans to pinnipeds has occurred.

Immunolocalization of fibronectin during the early response of dog dental pulp to demineralized dentine or calcium hydroxide-containing cement.

The role of fibronectin during the events initiating the post-developmental histogenesis of dentine was investigated by exposing the pulp to implants of autogenous demineralized dentine or calcium hydroxide-containing cement for short periods. Implants exposed for 3 days were processed for immunoelectron-microscopic analysis of fibronectin adsorption on to their surfaces. The localization of fibronectin in the critical area of interaction was examined by immunofluorescence 6, 14 and 21 days after implantation. Heavy adsorption of fibronectin on to the dentine implants and the crystalline structures that had been deposited on the cement implants was demonstrated. Positive fluorescence was consistently seen around dentine implants. Strongly immunopositive fibroblast-like cells and weakly reactive, differentiating odontoblast-like cells were found in association with the implanted matrix. Uncalcified matrix secreted by the polarized or non-polarized cells was consistently rich in fibronectin. Fibroblast-like cells exhibiting intense immunoreaction only at 14 and 21 days were mainly associated with the crystalline precipitates on the cement surfaces or within the surrounding pulp. The findings indicate that the specific inductive effects of demineralized dentine on pulp cells are initiated by exposure of the pulp to a fibronectin-containing surface; adhesion of pulp cells and synthesis of a fibronectin-rich matrix characterize the development of new dentine. The reparative response to non-specific inductive influences such as calcium hydroxide seems to be mediated by progressive enhancement of fibronectin synthesis in pulp cells.

Effects of recombinant basic fibroblast growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-II and transforming growth factor-beta 1 on dog dental pulp cells in vivo.

The effects of recombinant basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-II and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta 1 on dental pulp cells were investigated by light and transmission electron microscopy after their implantation for 1 and 3 weeks at central sites of mechanically exposed pulps in dog molar and canine teeth. The implants were Millipore filters that have been soaked with solutions containing 100 or 500 ng/ml of bFGF or IGF-II or 100 ng/ml of TGF-beta 1. Control filters were soaked with dog albumin. No changes in cell organization or matrix synthesis were seen after implantation of control filters. Groups of columnar, polarized cells with numerous mitochondria and Golgi elements or elongated cells unassociated with any matrix deposition were demonstrated after 1 or 3 weeks, respectively, in close proximity to the filters that had been soaked with bFGF solution; at a distance from these implants enhanced formation of an osteotypic matrix was seen beneath the exposure site. No particular response was found in close proximity to the filters that had been soaked with IGF-II solution after 1 or 3 weeks implantation but thick zones of osteodentine were found beneath the exposure site and at adjacent circumferential dentine sites. Numerous elongated, polarized cells with long cytoplasmic extensions invading the filter pores were consistently seen after 1 week in close proximity to the filters that had been soaked with TGF-beta 1 solution. After 3 weeks implantation of these filters, deposition of a tubular matrix surrounding the implants was seen in association with the highly elongated odontoblast-like cells, while enhancement of circumferential dentine formation was also found at adjacent peripheral sites. These experiments demonstrate that TGF-beta 1 when implanted for short term periods at central pulp sites exerted dentine-specific effects, inducing differentiation of odontoblast-like cells and stimulating primary odontoblasts. Implantation of bFGF and IGF-II did not result in reparative dentine formation, but did stimulate osteotypical matrix deposition at a distance from the implants.

Induction of odontoblast-like cell differentiation in dog dental pulps after in vivo implantation of dentine matrix components.

The effects of dentine extracellular matrix components on dental mesenchymal cells were studied by light and transmission electron microscopy after their implantation at central sites of mechanically exposed pulps in dog molar teeth. The implants were Millipore filters that had been soaked with solutions containing 30 or 300 micrograms/ml of an EDTA-soluble fraction of rabbit incisor dentine. Control filters were soaked with dog albumin or phosphate buffered saline. Columnar, polarized cells were consistently seen after 8 days in close proximity to the filters coated with both concentrations of dentine matrix components. Characteristic features of these polarized cells included widened cisternae of the rough endoplasmic reticulum, a rich microfilamentous network in the long cytoplasmic extensions invading the filter pores and numerous cytoplasmic bodies. These cells also showed evidence of functional as well as cytological differentiation. Polarized processing of secretory granules could be observed after 8 days' implantation, and also the presence of matrix vesicles and deposition of a fine, collagenous matrix into the filters apically to the distal end of the cytoplasmic processes. After 24 days' implantation, secretion of a tubular matrix could be consistently seen in association with the odontoblast-like cells. No changes in cell organization or matrix synthesis were seen after implantation of control filters. These studies demonstrate that bioactive components present in the EDTA-soluble dentine matrix fraction are able to directly induce cell polarization and apical secretion of tubular matrix when implanted in contact with dental pulp cells at sites remote from the odontoblast layer.

Canine onchocercosis in Greece: report of further 20 cases and molecular characterization of the parasite and its Wolbachia endosymbiont.

Recently, sporadic cases of subconjunctival Onchocerca infection have been reported in dogs in Greece and Hungary. Herein we report further cases from Greece and the results of the molecular analysis of Onchocerca sp. removed from Greek dogs and its Wolbachia endosymbionts. Twenty dogs of various breeds, 1-11 years of age with subconjunctival onchocercosis (4 cases each in right or left eye, 12 cases in both eyes) were presented having similar manifestations. Periorbital swelling, exophthalmos, lacrimation, discharge, photophobia, conjunctival congestion, corneal edema, protrusion of the nictitating membrane, and subconjunctival granuloma or cyst formation were the most important clinical signs. After surgical excision of the periocular masses containing the worms, all animals recovered fully from onchocercosis. Based on the similarities of the clinical picture of the Greek and Hungarian cases, the similar morphology of the Greek and Hungarian isolates, and the identical sequences of the cytochrome oxidase gene of the filarial parasites and that of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene from their Wolbachia endosymbionts, the Onchocerca sp. isolated from dogs in Greece and Hungary appears to belong to the same species.

Surgical treatment of coenurosis (gid) in sheep.

During the past six years 623 cases of coenurosis (gid) in sheep have been treated surgically. Cysts were removed successfully from 573 of them (92 per cent) and 517 (83 per cent) were able to return to their flocks, although 36 showed no clinical improvement In 37 cases, the cyst could not be localised, and postmortem examinations showed that in nine cases the cyst was in the brainstem, and in 28 cases it was in the cerebellum. Fifty-six cases deteriorated gradually after surgery and in these cases more than one cyst was found postmortem. Thirteen cases died during surgery.

Identification of morbilliviruses of probable cetacean origin in carcases of Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus monachus).

Two morbilliviruses were isolated from carcases of Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus monachus) which had died in coastal areas of Greece and Mauritania. They were characterised as being closely related to the previously identified dolphin and porpoise morbilliviruses on the basis of their serological cross-reactivities in immunofluorescence assays, and sequence homologies in their N and P genes. The results suggest that morbilliviruses of aquatic mammals may cross barriers between species of different orders.

Evaluation of aqueous tear production in dogs after general anaesthesia with medetomidine-propofol-carprofen-halothane.

The influence of an anaesthetic protocol, which included medetomidine, propofol, carprofen and halothane on tear production in the dog. There are no previous studies on the effects of this combination on tear production in dogs or in any other species. The present study included 39 dogs, which underwent non-ophthalmic surgery in our clinic. Preanaesthetically, all dogs had normal tear production (18.62±3.65 mm/minute) as this was recorded with Schirmer tear test I (STT I) and the ophthalmologic examination did not reveal anything abnormal. Tear production readings were recorded before the administration of premedication, at the end of anaesthesia, one hour and two hours postanaesthesia. No reverse agent was administrated. At the end of anaesthesia (right eye (oculus dexter, OD) P<0.0005, left eye (oculus sinister, OS) P<0.0005), as well as one hour postanaesthesia (OD P=0.020, OS P=0.001) there was a statistically significant reduction in tear production, which returned to normal values two hours postanaesthesia, regardless of the duration of the operation. This anaesthetic combination resulted in a decrease in tear production and, therefore, the use of tear substitute treatment in dogs undergoing anaesthesia with this protocol (combination) from the time the sedative is given until at least two hours after the end of anaesthesia is highly recommended.

Acute coenurosis of dairy sheep from 11 flocks in Greece.

CASE HISTORY: A syndrome of acute neurological dysfunction with increased mortality was observed in lambs of 10 dairy sheep flocks and adult animals in one flock in Central and Northern Greece. Each farmer completed a questionnaire regarding the management and feeding of their flocks. In seven of the 11 flocks the affected animals were grazing pasture, while in the remaining four flocks (5, 8, 9, 10) the animals were fed alfalfa hay (Medicago sativa) and concentrates indoors. A follow-up study of the affected flocks was conducted during the next 12 months. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Of 42 sheep with acute coenurosis that were examined, the most prominent neurological abnormalities were ataxia, depression, blindness, scoliosis, coma and dysmetria. Except for the four sheep that were comatose, all other animals had normal body temperatures and their appetites remained normal or were slightly decreased. Haematological findings of 15 examined sheep were within normal limits. The affected sheep were subject to euthanasia. A histopathological examination was performed in 13 cases. Faecal samples from dogs associated with these flocks were negative for taeniid infections. During the following 12 months cases of chronic coenurosis in these flocks were observed. PATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS: In the 42 animals that were necropsied, the main gross findings were cystic formations between 0.5-1 cm in diameter with translucent walls that were seen lying free on the leptomeninges or partly penetrating the brain tissue, sterile microabscecess and brain necrosis. Histopathological evaluation of tissue sections of 13 brains showed multifocal purulent or pyogranulomatous meningoencephalitis, accompanied by eosinophilic infiltrations. No bacteria were isolated following bacterial culture of brain tissue Parasitological examination of the cysts from five cases revealed whitish specks on the transparent cyst wall and germination membrane representing the scolices. DIAGNOSIS: Acute coenurosis was diagnosed in all cases studied. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Acute coenurosis can be one of the causes of acute encephalopathy mainly in lambs, but also in adult sheep. This condition is incurable, but can be controlled by changing the feeding regime. Cases of chronic coenurosis may be seen a few months later in the same flock.

First report of Acanthocheilonema spirocauda in the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus).

The Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) is one of the world's most endangered marine mammals. The largest population is located mainly throughout the Aegean and Ionian islands and along the coastline of southern continental Greece. We report the findings of a necropsy and discuss their potential importance to the conservation of the species. The adult female monk seal appeared to be in a good nutritional state. The main necropsy findings were injuries consistent with a violent and sudden death, including three round wounds on the ventral surface of the body and several hematomas, as well as a decomposing male fetus in the uterus. Two nematodes were found in the right ventricle of the heart; no abnormalities were observed in the lungs, pulmonary vessels, or heart. The nematodes were identified as Acanthocheilonema spirocauda. This is the first report of infection of the Mediterranean monk seal with A. spirocauda, even though this is the most common heartworm found in most pinnipeds worldwide. This parasite should be considered in health care monitoring projects of this endangered species.

Behaviour of an artery enclosed within a normal or hypertrophic callus of a long-bone fracture.

The behaviour of the brachial artery enclosed in a hypertrophic or a normal callus was investigated in experimentally produced fractures of the humerus in 22 dogs. The brachial artery was displaced in a bony groove created at the fractured ends of the bone. The fracture was immobilized with a metal plate and four screws. The progress of the callus formation was studied and the patency of the artery was evaluated. In 15 out of the 22 animals a medium-sized or hypertrophic callus had developed that engulfed the brachial artery without obstructing its lumen and blood flow. In five dogs the fracture site was infected and the resultant osteomyelitis obstructed the artery. In the remaining two dogs the arterial lumen was extremely narrowed, due to breaking of the plate and formation of pseudarthrosis in one and injury of the artery in the other. Unless complicated by infection resulting in vascular occlusion, callus at the fracture site may engulf an artery without interference in its patency and blood flow. The possible involvement of a functioning artery within a callus or a mass of heterotopic ossification (myositis ossificans) should be kept in mind during surgical treatment of old fractures, hypertrophic callus with pseudarthrosis or extensive heterotopic ossification.

Surgical treatment of gastric impaction in farmed ostriches.

Partial or complete impaction of the proventriculus and/or the ventriculus is usually seen in juvenile ostriches. Common impaction materials include stones, sand, hay stems and leaves, and even plastic and metallic objects. Six live ostriches showing signs of impaction and three dead ones suspected to have impacted stomachs were presented to the Department of Clinical Sciences of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. The birds manifested anorexia, whitish and decreased urine output, scant defecation, unwillingness to rise and consume water. Clinical examination revealed distended and firm proventriculi, while radiographs showed foreign objects in the proventriculi of all birds and the ventriculus of one of them. The living birds were successfully treated surgically and medically. Autopsy of the three dead ostriches revealed severe dehydration and impaction of the stomachs. Bacteriological and parasitological examination was negative. Amendments in management practices were important to minimize losses caused by impaction of the stomachs in ostriches, while proventriculotomy remains the most effective approach to the problem.

Monk seal mortality: virus or toxin?

During the past few months, more than half of the total population of about 300 highly endangered Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus monachus) on the western Saharan coast of Africa, died in a mysterious disease outbreak. Epizootiological and postmortem findings were reminiscent of similar outbreaks amongst pinniped and cetacean species in recent years, which were caused by an infection with newly discovered morbilliviruses (for review see osterhaus et al.). Virological, as well as toxicological, analysis performed on tissue samples collected from relatively fresh carcasses during the outbreak indicate that infection with a virus closely related to dolphin morbillivirus (DMV), possibly originating from affected dolphins in the same area, was the primary cause of the outbreak. Therefore it is concluded that vaccination with a safe and effective non-replicating vaccine should be considered as a management tool in the conservation of Mediterranean monk seals.