Vesicopreputial anastomosis for the treatment of obstructive urolithiasis in goats.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a novel surgical technique for the correction of recurrent obstructive urolithiasis in male goats. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical case series. ANIMALS: Castrated male goats (n = 4). METHODS: Medical records of male goats having undergone vesicopreputial anastomosis (VPA) as a treatment for obstructive urolithiasis were reviewed for history, signalment, clinical signs, and intraoperative and postoperative complications. Long-term follow-up (≥12 months) was obtained by telephone interview with owners or by clinical examination. RESULTS: All goats had undergone at least one surgical procedure (median, 2.5, range 2-4) to correct obstructive urolithiasis before undergoing VPA. Postoperative complications included premature removal of the tube from the bladder (1 goat), bacterial cystitis (2), and abscess formation (1). One goat suffered stricture of the anastomosis site 3 months following the original procedure and underwent a second VPA and 1 goat died 7 months after surgery due to severe, acute hydronephrosis and renal failure. Long-term survival ≥12 months was good with 3/4 goats (75%) or 3/5 VPA procedures (60%) having unobstructed urine flow at 12 months. CONCLUSION: Vesicopreputial anastomosis is a feasible surgical procedure for the correction of recurrent obstructive urolithiasis in male goats and one that can result in a favorable clinical outcome. Further investigation in a larger population of goats is warranted for the evaluation of the suitability of VPA in male goats with obstructive urolithiasis.

Serum steroid and thyroid hormone concentrations in healthy domestic male and female alpacas.

Alpacas are high quality fiber producing animals, kept for production purpose and as pets. Endocrine imbalances from adrenal glands, gonads, or thyroid gland may result in coat abnormalities in domestic animals and affect reproduction. Contrary to many domesticated animals, information on hormone concentrations in alpacas is scarce. The purpose of this study was to provide steroid and thyroid hormone values in domestic alpacas. Blood was collected from healthy male (35 intact, 2 castrated) and female (48 non-pregnant, 3 pregnant) alpacas from local farms in Tennessee. Adrenal, reproductive, and thyroid hormones were analyzed. There were no significant differences in median concentrations of progesterone, estradiol, thyroxine (T4), and triiodothyronine (T3) between intact male and female non-pregnant alpacas. Median concentrations of testosterone, androstenedione, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and cortisol were significantly higher in intact male alpacas compared to female non-pregnant alpacas. This information provides adrenal, gonadal, and thyroid hormone concentrations in alpacas to help with diagnosis of endocrine disorders.

Results and analysis of an intercomparisons study for individual monitoring services of Latin American and Caribbean regions.

The aim of this paper is to present the results obtained by the Latin-American and Caribbean personal dosimetry services that participated, with the support of IAEA, in the 2020-Eurados whole-body dosemeter intercomparison for photon radiation. All participant services in this study use thermoluminescent dosimetry (TLD) systems except one that uses optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dosemeters. Data analysis shows that 93.4% of the results are within the acceptance range, according to International ISO Standard ISO 14146: 2018. The evaluation of the trumpet curves shows that only three laboratories presented a few dosemeters results outside the limits of acceptability. Participation in this Eurados intercomparison exercise gave the Latin American and Caribbean laboratories the opportunity to show compliance with their own quality management system, to compare results with other participants and to develop plans for improving their dosimetry systems. It also gave the assurance that occupational doses are being measured properly and following the international standards in the regions.

Vulvar pythiosis in two captive camels (Camelus dromedarius).

Two camels (Camelus dromedarius), 3- and 4-years-old, respectively, from an eastern Tennessee wildlife farm presented with persistent weight loss and large vulvar masses. An initial biopsy of the vulvar mass of one of the camels performed by a local veterinarian showed eosinophilic dermatitis. An allergic or parasitic dermatitis was suspected. The two camels were treated with one dose of sodium iodide (66 mg/kg, in 1.0 L of normosolR, IV) and ivermectin 1% (200 ug/kg PO). Upon presentation at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Tennessee, additional biopsies of the masses again revealed eosinophilic dermatitis. Microscopic examination of a Gomori methenamine silver (GMS)-stained section prepared from the biopsy of one of the camels revealed the presence of fungal-like hyphae of a mold which was suspected to be Pythium insidiosum. The vulvar masses were surgically debulked in both animals and sodium iodide and Pythium-immunotherapy prescribed. Pythium insidiosum was isolated in culture and hyphae elements were detected in histological sections confirming the diagnosis of pythiosis in both animals. Despite signs of progressive healing of the vulvar surgical areas, postoperative persistent weight lost in one of the camels suggested the possibility of gastro intestinal (GI) tract pythiosis. This camel died 5 months after the first onset of clinical signs and unfortunately a necropsy was not performed. The other camel responded well to the combination of surgery, iodides, and immunotherapy and has currently rejoined the other members of the herd.

Failure of Passive Transfer in Camel Calves: 4 Cases (2010-2019).

Failure of passive transfer is a management concern for all ruminant species, but is not well described in the literature for camel calves. This case series presents four camel calves (Camelus dromedarius and Camelus bactrianus) referred to a North American veterinary teaching hospital for diagnosis and management of failure of passive transfer. Diagnostics utilized included hematology, serum biochemistry, and immunologic methods as described for crias. Management included antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and plasma transfusion therapies. Three of the four calves survived to discharge, and common diagnostic practices such as evaluation of total solids, total protein, immunoglobulin G, and sodium sulfite appear to be correlate to passive transfer status in these four calves. Xenotransfusion with llama plasma was well tolerated by two calves, and xenotransfusion with bovine plasma was well tolerated by an additional calf in this study. An additional work is necessary to develop validated breakpoints for diagnosis of passive transfer status in camel calves.

Copper oxide wire particles effective against gastrointestinal nematodes in adult alpacas during a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether copper oxide wire particles (COWP) administered as an oral bolus effectively decrease fecal gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) egg counts in adult alpacas. ANIMALS: 57 adult alpacas. PROCEDURES: A double-blind clinical trial was performed during the months of April through August 2019. Adult alpacas enrolled in the trial were administered 2 g of COWP or a placebo control capsule PO on day 0 and day 45. On day 0 and at 15-day intervals, fecal samples were collected, and Modified McMaster fecal egg counts (FEC) were performed as well as physical examinations, including FAMACHA scoring and body condition scoring (BCS). Hematocrits were measured in 30-day intervals (days 0, 30, 60, and 90). Results were compared across groups. RESULTS: A significant decrease in mean FEC was observed in the COWP-treated group over time, compared with the placebo group. Mean BCS, FAMACHA score, and Hct did not differ significantly between groups. No clinical evidence of copper toxicosis was observed. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Oral administration of COWP was determined to be a safe and effective method of reducing GIN FEC in adult alpacas.

Pharmacokinetics of Orally Administered Prednisolone in Alpacas.

This study aimed to determine the pharmacokinetics of prednisolone following intravenous and oral administration in healthy adult alpacas. Healthy adult alpacas were given prednisolone (IV, n = 4), as well as orally (PO, n = 6). Prednisolone was administered IV once (1 mg/kg). Oral administration was once daily for 5 days (2 mg/kg). Each treatment was separated by a minimum 4 month washout period. Samples were collected at 0 (pre-administration), 0.083, 0.167, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h after IV administration, and at 0 (pre-administration), 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 after the first and 5th PO administration. Samples were also taken for serial complete blood count and biochemistry analysis. Prednisolone concentration was determined by high pressure liquid chromatography. Non-compartmental pharmacokinetic parameters were then determined. After IV administration clearance was 347 mL/kg/hr, elimination half-life was 2.98 h, and area under the curve was 2,940 h*ng/mL. After initial and fifth oral administration elimination half-life was 5.27 and 5.39 h; maximum concentration was 74 and 68 ng/mL; time to maximum concentration was 2.67 and 2.33 h; and area under the curve was 713 and 660 hr*ng/mL. Oral bioavailability was determined to be 13.7%. Packed cell volume, hemoglobin, and red blood cell counts were significantly decreased 5 days after the first PO administration, and serum glucose was significantly elevated 5 days after the first PO administration. In conclusion, serum concentrations of prednisolone after IV and PO administration appear to be similar to other veterinary species. Future research will be needed to determine the pharmacodynamics of prednisolone in alpacas.

Presentation, Clinical Pathology Abnormalities, and Identification of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Camels (Camelus bactrianus and Camelus dromedarius) Presenting to Two North American Veterinary Teaching Hospitals. A Retrospective Study: 1980-2020.

Old World Camelids (OWC) represent two species (Camelus bactrianus and Camelus dromedarius) with increasing numbers in North America. Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitism is a major cause of clinical disease in camelids and leads to significant economic impacts. Literature reporting on clinical parasitism of camels is localized to India, Africa, and the Middle East, with limited information available on OWCs in North America. Objectives of this study were to report on clinical presentation and diagnostic findings in Camelus bactrianus and Camelus dromedarius with GI parasitism and provide a comparative analysis between geographic regions. Medical records of OWCs presenting to two veterinary teaching hospitals (of the University of Tennessee and University of Wisconsin) were evaluated. Thirty-one camels including 11 Bactrians and six dromedaries (14 species not recorded) were included for the clinical component of this study, reporting on signalment, presenting complaint, and clinical pathology. Anorexia, weight loss, and diarrhea were the most common presenting complaint. Clinical pathology findings included eosinophilia, hypoproteinemia, and hyponatremia. For the second component of this study, a total of 77 fecal parasite examination results were evaluated for parasite identification and regional variation. Trichuris, Capillaria, Strongyloides, Nematodirus, Dictyocaulus, Moniezia, and protozoan parasites (Eimeria, Cryptosporidium, Giardia) were recorded. Strongyle-type eggs predominated, followed by Trichuris and Eimeria spp. There was a statistically significant variation in prevalence of coccidia between the two regions, with fecal examinations from Tennessee more likely to contain Eimeria (P = 0.0193). Clinicians treating camels in North America should recognize anorexia, weight loss, and diarrhea combined with clinical pathologic changes of hypoproteinemia, eosinophilia and hyponatremia as possible indications of GI parasitism. Clinicians should also consider the potential for regional variation to exist for GI parasites of camels in different areas of North America.

New perspectives in equine gastric ulcer syndrome.

Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) is common in horses. A history of mild intermitted recurrent colic signs after eating is noted in many horses. Management of horses with abdominal pain caused by gastric ulcers is especially difficult, because non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, typically used to control abdominal pain, may exacerbate this condition. Effective pharmacologic agents are available to treat EGUS and eliminate abdominal pain, but more comprehensive measures of environmental and dietary management are needed to manage horses with EGUS and prevent recurrence. This article focuses on the history, clinical signs, diagnosis, and management of horses with abdominal pain associated with gastric ulcers. The primary goal is to provide an understanding of EGUS and to review effective pain management and specific antiulcer treatments and management strategies in horses with EGUS.

Mycoplasma haemolamae and intestinal parasite relationships with erythrocyte variables in clinically healthy alpacas and llamas.

BACKGROUND: Mycoplasma haemolamae (Mhl) and gastrointestinal nematodes can cause anemia in camelids. Control programs aim to suppress parasitism without promoting anthelminthic resistance, but few evidence-based guidelines define acceptable parasite loads in camelids. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: In clinically healthy nonanemic camelids, compare erythrocyte variables to Mhl real-time PCR status and to fecal egg count (FEC). Determine the FEC threshold above which erythrocyte variables are consistently below reference interval medians. ANIMALS: One hundred fourteen client-owned adult alpacas and llamas. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, whole blood in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) was assessed for packed cell volume (PCV) by centrifugation, erythrocyte count (RBC), and hemoglobin concentration (HGB) using an ADVIA120 analyzer, and Mhl using real-time PCR. Trichostrongyle eggs per gram (epg) were counted by modified McMaster test on freshly collected feces. Significant differences in erythrocyte variables based on Mhl status and FEC thresholds were assessed by independent t test and one-way ANOVA, respectively. RESULTS: Packed cell volume, RBC, and HGB were not significantly different between Mhl-positive and Mhl-negative animals, but were significantly lower in animals with FEC >1000 epg compared to those with <500 epg. All animals with FEC >600 epg had RBC and HGB below the reference interval median. All animals with FEC >750 epg had PCV below the reference interval median. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: In healthy nonanemic camelids, positive Mhl PCR is not associated with lower erythrocyte variables and such animals may not warrant treatment. Fecal egg count >600-750 epg has a negative effect on erythrocyte variables, and may be a guide for deworming protocols.

Verification of the Heska Element Point-of-Care blood gas instrument for use with venous blood from alpacas and llamas, with determination of reference intervals.

BACKGROUND: The Heska Element POC ("EPOC") is a blood gas instrument intended for use with canine, feline, and equine whole blood; no verification for use with camelid specimens has been reported. OBJECTIVES: Using camelid specimens and commercial quality control materials (QCM), we investigatee EPOC analytical performance and establish EPOC camelid reference intervals (RIs). METHODS: Camelid blood (n = 124) was analyzed using the EPOC (pH, pCO2 , pO2 , HCO3 , base excess, SO2 , sodium, potassium, chloride, ionized calcium, TCO2 , anion gap, HCT, HGB, glucose, lactate, and creatinine); plasma was analyzed using a Roche Cobas c501 (sodium, potassium, chloride, TCO2 , anion gap, glucose, and creatinine). Method comparison data were assessed using Pearson's correlation, Passing-Bablok regression, and Bland-Altman plots. EPOC precision was evaluated using QCM and camelid blood. RESULTS: For all measurands except anion gap, the EPOC vs Cobas instrument correlation was r > .85. Except for pO2 and pCO2 , EPOC precision (QCM and blood) ranged from a repeatability CV <1%-6.3%. Mild constant bias for chloride, glucose, TCO2 , anion gap, and creatinine, and mild proportional bias for chloride, glucose, and anion gap were present. The total error (QCM data) for the EPOC instrument was below the ASVCP-recommended allowable total error. Alpacas had higher potassium and lactate, while llamas had higher creatinine, sodium, chloride, ionized calcium, pO2 , and SO2 . Statistical RIs based on alpaca (n = 74-96) and llama data (n = 12-17) are reported descriptively. CONCLUSIONS: The EPOC analyzer shows good performance with camelid blood. A lack of complete agreement with automated chemistry analyzers highlights the importance of interpreting patient data using instrument-specific RIs.

Modified abaxial approach for resection of the distal sesamoid bone and distal interphalangeal joint while preserving the digital flexor tendons of three Angus bulls with septic arthritis.

CASE DESCRIPTION 3 Angus bulls, aged 2 to 3 years, with severe lameness of 2 to 4 weeks' duration and swelling proximal to the coronary band of the affected limb were evaluated after failing to respond to antimicrobial treatment. CLINICAL FINDINGS Septic arthritis of a distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) was diagnosed in all 3 bulls on the basis of results of a physical examination, radiographic and ultrasonographic evaluations of the affected foot, and cytologic evaluation of synovial fluid from the affected DIPJ. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME A novel modified abaxial approach was used to resect the infected distal sesamoid bone (navicular bone) and DIPJ of all 3 bulls. A window was created in the abaxial hoof wall that was lateral to and of sufficient size to extract the navicular bone. Following removal of the navicular bone, the DIPJ was debrided and resected and an orthopedic block was applied to the contralateral claw to minimize weight bearing on the infected digit. Two bulls also had a fiberglass cast applied to the affected limb to help immobilize the DIPJ. All 3 bulls recovered without complications, and 2 bulls were no longer lame, whereas the remaining bull was only mildly lame, at 4 to 5 weeks after surgery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The modified abaxial approach described for surgical resection of the DIPJ allowed extraction of the infected navicular bone without damage to the digital flexor tendons, something that cannot be achieved with other abaxial approaches. This approach is best used for patients without septic tenosynovitis.

Clonal Complexes and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profiles of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius Isolates from Dogs in the United States.

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is the primary cause of canine pyoderma and has been associated with diseases in other animals, including human beings. A high prevalence of methicillin and multidrug resistance has been reported in this bacterium in some geographic regions of the United States. Multilocus sequence type (MLST) 68 was implicated, initially, as the major clonal genotype based on a limited number of samples. The objectives of this study were to determine the population genetics of S. pseudintermedius isolated from a cross-section of the United States using a seven-locus multilocus sequence typing method, to identify clonal complexes (CCs), and to correlate sequence types with antimicrobial susceptibility profiles. A total of 190 S. pseudintermedius with 86 different MLSTs were detected and the constituents of three major CCs of methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP), CC68, CC71, and CC84, were identified. Different patterns of resistance were associated with each CC. CC71 from the United States had notable differences with CC71 studied on other continents with chloramphenicol, tetracycline, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole resistance. Some isolates with resistance to the broadest range of drugs tested, including that to chloramphenicol, had STs unrelated to the major CCs, suggesting the potential for the emergence of new clonal populations of MRSP that are resistant to most therapeutically useful antimicrobials.

Clinical prevalence and associated intraoperative surgical complications of reproductive tract lesions in pot-bellied pigs undergoing ovariohysterectomy: 298 cases (2006-2016).

To address the current dearth of clinically relevant publications regarding ovariohysterectomy (OVH) in the domestic pot-bellied pig (PBP), the present study aims to report prevalence of uterine lesions, intraoperative complications, and short and long-term survival in this species (n=298). Prevalence of lesions included uterine neoplasia 11.4 per cent (34/298), pyometra 1.6 per cent (5/298) and cystic endometrial hyperplasia 5 per cent (15/298). Pigs at least six years of age were statistically more likely to have a uterine lesion (less than P=0.001). Smooth muscle tumours represented the most frequent neoplasm. Haemorrhage was the most common intraoperative complication in 23 per cent (8/34) of pigs with neoplasia. Pigs without reproductive tract lesions were statistically more likely to survive to hospital discharge than those with lesions (P=0.001). Short-term survival, defined as survival to hospital discharge, of pigs with reproductive tract lesions was 89 per cent (48/54). Pigs with pyometra were least likely to survive to discharge 60 per cent (3/5). Long-term survival (≥1 year) was 93 per cent (14/15) for pigs with neoplasia. Practitioners should be aware of significantly higher rate of neoplastic and inflammatory diseases in PBP at least six years of age. To minimise morbidity and mortality in PBP undergoing OVH, the present study suggests the procedure should be performed prior to six years of age.

Urolithiasis.

Urolithiasis is the most common urinary problem in male ruminants, and one of the most common emergencies in male goats and sheep. This disease has substantial welfare implications because it causes severe pain and it has a high fatality rate. The expense associated with veterinary care and loss of affected animals has a strong economic impact on pet owners and farmers.

Evaluation of cefoxitin disk diffusion breakpoint for detection of methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus pseudintermedius isolates from dogs.

Cefoxitin disk diffusion susceptibility testing is a recommended screening method for the detection of methicillin resistance in human isolates of Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci. A retrospective analysis of 1,146 clinical isolates of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius from dogs was conducted to determine if screening by the cefoxitin disk method can be similarly useful with S. pseudintermedius. The distribution of cefoxitin growth inhibition zone diameters within this collection was bimodal and correlated well with the results of methicillin resistance gene (mecA) detection by polymerase chain reaction. Of the isolates, 5% had discordant results and, when retested, 84% of these were in agreement. While a greater diversity of isolates and interlaboratory comparisons must be tested, the current study suggests that an epidemiological breakpoint (of approximately ≤ 30 mm = resistant; ≥ 31 = susceptible) can be established to predict methicillin resistance in S. pseudintermedius.

Clases pasivas, clases activas y clases virtuales: ¿Transmitir o construir conocimientos?

Para realizar el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje existen múltiples estrategias pedagógicas. En las clases pasivas se transmiten conocimientos y el centro de la clase es el maestro y sus saberes. En las clases activas y en el Aprendizaje Basado en Problemas (ABP) se pretende que los estudiantes descubran y construyan el conocimiento. En el ABP el problema precede al aprendizaje. Las clases virtuales y el blended learning (clases pasivas y virtuales) funcionan en el fondo también como transmisión del conocimiento. En el presente trabajo se revisan las fortalezas y debilidades de estas distintas modalidades de enseñanza-aprendizaje.

Passive, active and virtual classes. Transmitting or constructing knowledge? Many teaching strategies have been developed to achieve the teaching-learning process. In passive classes knowledge is transmitted and the class is centered in the teacher and his/her knowledge. In active classes and problem-based learning (PBL) the intention is to get students to discover and construct knowledge. In PBL the problem precedes learning. Virtual classes and blended learning (passive and virtual classes) also in the end function as a transfer of knowledge. This paper reviews the strengths and weaknesses of these different teaching and learning modalities.