Prevalence of failure of passive immunity transfer in Australian non-replacement dairy calves.

Failure of passive immunity transfer (FPIT) increases the risk of morbidity and mortality in dairy calves. The prevalence of FPIT in dairy calves has generally been reported to be high, with FPIT estimated to occur in 38%-42% of Australian dairy calves. However, the focus of previous studies has been on replacement heifer calves. Our aim was to assess the prevalence of FPIT in Victorian bobby calves (non-replacement dairy calves). We collected blood samples from 3608 bobby calves at three abattoirs at exsanguination, and measured serum total protein as an indicator of passive transfer. We found that 36% of bobby calves showed evidence of FPIT (serum total protein ≤52 g/L), and 50% of calves had poor or fair passive transfer (<58 g/L). When a subset of calves (from farms with more than five calves in the dataset) was analysed using a linear mixed model, Jersey calves and crossbred/other calves had an estimated 5.3 g/L and 5.1 g/L higher serum total protein concentration, respectively, than Holstein-Friesian calves (P < 0.001). Our results suggest that the prevalence of FPIT in bobby calves at abattoirs is similar to that reported in dairy heifer calves sampled on farms. A high prevalence of FPIT has implications for bobby calf morbidity and mortality, as well as calf viability and profitability for dairy-beef production.

Assessment of the clinical usefulness of ultrasound-guided cytological specimens obtained from gastrointestinal lesions in dogs and cats.

OBJECTIVES: Cytological biopsies are an integral additional test to an abdominal ultrasound when a lesion is identified, but there is little published on factors that that may impact achieving a clinically useful sample of gastrointestinal lesions obtained by ultrasound-guided fine-needle cytologic biopsy. This retrospective, descriptive study aimed to assess factors that may influence the clinical usefulness of submitted cytological samples collected from gastrointestinal lesions by ultrasound-guided percutaneous fine-needle cytologic biopsy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Gastrointestinal cytological samples obtained from 25 dogs and 19 cats over 2.5 years were reviewed and determined as clinically useful or clinically useless as per the cytology report. Variables dependent on the ultrasound exam that were used in the analysis included lesion location, lesion thickness, loss of gastrointestinal layering, and the number of slides submitted. RESULTS: Thirty (30/44) of the submitted cytological samples were considered clinically useful. Factors associated with achieving a clinically useful sample in univariable models included the number of slides submitted and the thickness of the lesion. However, these two variables appear inter-related, as a weak correlation existed between them. Where histologic biopsies were obtained, a clinically useful sample had a partial or complete agreement with histology in three of 12 and eight of 12 cases, respectively. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Ultrasound-guided fine-needle cytological biopsies of gastrointestinal masses provided a clinically useful sample in two-third of the cases, especially if more slides were provided to the cytologist and thicker lesions were sampled.

Fine needle aspiration of abdominal organs: a review of current recommendations for achieving a diagnostic sample.

With the improved accessibility to ultrasound, fine needle aspiration of abdominal organs is now performed frequently in many veterinary practices. Despite this, there are many 'unknowns' as to the best method to produce a high-quality sample. This report begins by highlighting recent literature on the risks and benefits of abdominal fine needle aspiration. It follows with recommendations about the equipment and method best suited to the procedure, including needle and syringe size and aspiration versus non-aspiration techniques. Various smear preparations and laboratory submission requirements are also discussed. The final aspect of the review more specifically discusses fine needle aspiration of specific abdominal organs: the liver, kidney, spleen, pancreas, urinary bladder, prostate and abdominal lymph nodes.

Biaxial wrist replacement. Initial results in the rheumatoid patient.

We report a short term review of 26 patients after Biaxial total wrist replacement. The mean follow up was 33.6 months (range, 24-62). All except one patient with psoriatic arthropathy had either seropositive or negative rheumatoid arthritis. A significant improvement in the range of motion was obtained; however, only 14 of 26 achieved a "functional" range. Eighteen obtained an excellent or good result when graded using the Hospital for Special Surgery score. Two radial and three carpal components showed radiolucent lines. Follow-up, however, was too short to determine whether this indicates progressive loosening.

The "S" Quattro Turbo in the management of neglected dorsal interphalangeal dislocations.

We have used the "S" Quattro Turbo to treat four neglected dorsal interphalangeal joint dislocations. At an average follow up period of 45 months, there was a mean increase in the range of movement of the PIP joints by 74 degrees and of the IP joint of the thumb or DIP joints by 45 degrees. We recommend this technique for treating dorsal dislocations of the interphalangeal joints of more than 3 weeks duration.

Distal first metatarsal osteotomy and adductor release as a treatment of hallux valgus.

A combined bony and soft tissue procedure is reported as a treatment of hallux valgus. Satisfactory subjective and objective results were obtained at an average follow-up of 49.6 months. There was a 21% incidence of avascular necrosis of the first metatarsal head, four out of the 38 patients (10.5%) having developed a varus deformity at follow-up.