Development and Application of an Interactive Neuropathology iBook as a Complementary Learning Tool for Veterinary Medicine Students.

Neuropathology is a challenging subject for most medical students. Delivering a gamified learning tool on this topic may motivate students and increase knowledge in the discipline. We report the development of such a tool in iBook format for the systemic pathology course delivered at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. Composed of 10 chapters (cases), this Neuropathology iBook (NP-iB) reviews basic clinical manifestations, neuropathology, and pathogenesis of common non-neoplastic conditions that cause brain disease in domestic animals. The goal of each chapter is to reach a diagnosis by interactively answering specific questions after reviewing relevant medical history, clinical pathology, and autopsy findings. Our hypothesis: the NP-iB improves students' ability to recognize these diseases, reflected in higher test scores. Using a post-test only control group design, data were gathered from all students enrolled in the course in two different semesters, fall 2017 and spring 2018 (n = 300). NP-iB users (n = 51, 17%) and usage time were identified by answers to multiple-choice questions embedded in the course assessments. Ninety percent of users had a positive perception although no statistically significant differences were found in median test scores between users and non-users. Statistically significant test score differences were found across how much time students used the NP-iB (p = .005); the lowest test score median values were found for neuropathology questions not related to the NP-iB, in students who used it for more than 3 hours. Unexpectedly, a low number of students preferred this digital learning tool, and its use did not improve their learning outcomes.

Second Life and Classroom Environments: Comparing Small Group Teaching and Learning in Developing Clinical Reasoning Process Skills.

Medical education and clinical practice support the development of clinical reasoning competency. Traditionally, the process of clinical reasoning is taught through small group discussions in pre-clinical and clinical medical training, and the need exists to explore further teaching and learning approaches that develop clinical reasoning. This study compared teaching and learning the clinical reasoning process through the virtual platform of Second Life (SL) with the traditional classroom setting. Participants were first semester veterinary students; 34 participated virtually through SL, and 41 experienced traditional classroom interactions. Students and one facilitator engaged in three small group meetings to process a clinical case. A seven-item clinical reasoning rubric guided the teaching, learning, and assessment. Clinical reasoning assignments were scored on a grading scale from 0 to 4 with a maximum result of 28. Descriptive statistics for clinical reasoning assignment scores were (m = 14.0; SD = 2.6) and (m = 12.2; SD = 2.6) in SL and classroom interaction, respectively. Results indicated positive associations for all participants between the rubric item score of gathering historical information with (1) gathering physical examination information (p < 0.01) and (2) prioritizing patient's problems (p = 0.003). Additionally, the rubric item score of gathering physical examination information was positively associated with the rubric item score for prioritizing patient's problems (p = 0.02). Specifically for the SL cohort, results demonstrated that rubric item scores were significantly higher for gathering historical information (p = 0.03), gathering physical examination information (p < 0.01), and prioritizing patient's problems (p = 0.02). Small group interaction using SL and traditional classroom environments offers a comparable educational platform for developing clinical reasoning process skills.

A preliminary investigation into the prognostic relevance of symmetric dimethylarginine in critically ill dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if there is an association between the concentration of symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) in dogs measured at the time of admission with the severity of critical illness and short-term mortality. DESIGN: This prospective observational study recruited critically ill dogs with heterogeneous diagnoses and then classified their disease severity using the acute patient physiologic and laboratory evaluation complete score as having either a good (<30) or poor (≥30) prognosis. SETTING: This study was conducted at Ross University Veterinary Clinic between January and November 2015. ANIMALS: After exclusion of dogs diagnosed with acute kidney injury, 22 critically ill dogs and 7 control dogs were included in the study. INTERVENTIONS: Each dog was assigned an acute patient physiologic and laboratory evaluation score calculated by the summation of individual scores allocated to selected clinical, focused assessment by sonography, hematological, and biochemistry results. Plasma SDMA concentrations were measured for all dogs at the time of admission. MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS: There was no difference identified in SDMA concentrations between dogs with a severe category of disease as compared to mild to moderate category, or critically ill dogs compared to control dogs. There was also no difference identified in SDMA concentrations in survivors as compared to nonsurvivors. Similarly, SDMA concentration was not higher in nonsurvivors than in survivors (P = 0.968). In this population of dogs, SDMA was not a prognostic indicator. CONCLUSION: Further work may be warranted in specific populations of animals but based upon this work SDMA is likely of little relevance.

Freedom from Tritrichomonas foetus infection in cattle in St. Kitts.

Trichomonosis is an endemic disease in cattle that are reared under extensive conditions and bred by natural mating. It causes profound economic losses to the producers by increasing calving interval, increasing embryo losses, and decreasing pregnancy rates. The aim of this study was to determine whether Tritrichomonas foetus infections were absent from cattle in St. Kitts. Using the modified hypergeometric method, preputial samples from bulls (n = 78) were tested using the InPouch™ culture for presence of T. foetus. Results highlighted an absence of trichomoniasis in bulls on St. Kitts with a 95% confidence.

Using the Virtual World of Second Life in Veterinary Medicine: Student and Faculty Perceptions.

Virtual worlds are emerging technologies that can enhance student learning by encouraging active participation through simulation in immersive environments. At Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM), the virtual world of Second Life was piloted as an educational platform for first-semester students to practice clinical reasoning in a simulated veterinary clinical setting. Under the supervision of one facilitator, four groups of nine students met three times to process a clinical case using Second Life. In addition, three groups of four clinical faculty observed one Second Life meeting. Questionnaires using a 4-point Likert scale (1=strongly disagree to 4=strongly agree) and open-ended questions were used to assess student and clinical faculty perceptions of the Second Life platform. Perception scores of students (M=2.7, SD=0.7) and clinical faculty (M=2.7, SD=0.5) indicate that Second Life provides authentic and realistic learning experiences. In fact, students (M=3.4, SD=0.6) and clinical faculty (M=2.9, SD=1.0) indicate that Second Life should be offered to future students. Moreover, content analyses of open-ended responses from students and faculty support the use of Second Life based on reported advantages indicating that Second Life offers a novel and effective instructional method. Ultimately, results indicate that students and clinical faculty had positive educational experiences using Second Life, suggesting the need for further investigation into its application within the curriculum.

The Effects of Music during a Physical Examination Skills Practice: A Pilot Study.

Some veterinary students experience elevated stress, anxiety, and depression resulting in disease and psychological changes. Elevated arousal, negative moods, and lack of interest can negatively affect performance and learning. Psychoacoustic music promotes calming effects using simple and slow piano sounds and can positively impact well-being and functioning. This pilot study assessed the effects of music on blood pressure, pulse, arousal, and mood during a canine physical examination laboratory. In an AB/BA crossover study, 17 students were randomly allocated to practice physical examination skills while listening to Through a Dog's Ear, Volume 1. Psychological and physiologic data were collected. Nonparametric methods were used to test for significant differences in psychological and physiologic data and a linear mixed models approach was used to test for physiological differences. There were no significant baseline differences between the music and no music groups for DASS-21 depression, anxiety, or stress scores; however, there were significant time differences between pretest and posttest on arousal and mood as measured by the Profile of Mood Sates (POMS) Depression, Fatigue-Inertia, and Tension Anxiety subscales. Linear mixed models revealed no significant treatment effect on the pulse and diastolic blood pressure; however, there was a significant systolic blood pressure treatment effect. Future indications include repeating the study with a larger sample to examine longitudinal psychological and physiological benefits.

Mapping occurrence of Taenia solium taeniosis/cysticercosis and areas at risk of porcine cysticercosis in Central America and the Caribbean basin.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to map the occurrence of Taenia solium taeniosis/cysticercosis at national level within Central America and the Caribbean basin, and to map the distribution of porcine cysticercosis at first-level administrative subdivision level (department level) and the porcine population at risk. This zoonotic parasite is believed to be widely endemic across most of Latin America. However, there is little information readily available for Central America and the Caribbean basin. Taenia solium has been ranked the most important foodborne parasitic hazard globally and within endemic areas is a common cause of preventable epilepsy. METHODS: We conducted a structured literature search in PubMed, supplemented and crossed-referenced with relevant academic databases, grey literature, and active searches in identified literature, to identify all records of T. solium presence in Central America and the Caribbean basin between 1986 and April 2017. To retrieve grey literature, government entities, researchers and relevant institutions across the region were contacted in an attempt to cover all countries and territories. Identified records containing data on porcine cysticercosis were geo-referenced to identify department level distribution and compared to modelled distributions of pigs reared under extensive production systems. RESULTS: We identified 51 records of T. solium at the national level, covering 13 countries and an additional three countries were included based on World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) reports, giving a total of 16 countries out of 41 with evidence of the parasite's presence. Screening records for porcine cysticercosis data at the departmental level confirmed porcine cysticercosis presence in 11 departments across six countries (Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Venezuela). CONCLUSIONS: When comparing these results to areas where pigs were kept in extensive production systems and areas where no information on porcine cysticercosis exists, it is apparent that porcine cysticercosis is likely to be underreported, and that a substantial part of the regional pig population could be at risk of contracting porcine cysticercosis. More detailed information on the distribution of T. solium and accurate burden estimations are urgently needed to grasp the true extent of this zoonotic parasite and the public health and agricultural problems it potentially poses.

Detection of West Nile Virus and other common equine viruses in three locations from the Leeward Islands, West Indies.

Equines in the West Indies are used for recreational purposes, tourism industry, racing and agriculture or can be found in feral populations. Little is known in the Caribbean basin about the prevalence of some major equine infectious diseases, some with zoonotic potential, listed as reportable by the OIE. Our objective was to study the prevalence of antibodies for West Nile Virus (WNV), Equine Herpes Virus-1 and 4 (EHV-1 and EHV-4), Equine Influenza (EI), Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA) and Equine Infectious Anemia Virus (EIAV) using a retrospective serological convenience study. We used 180 equine serum samples, 140 from horses and 40 from donkeys in St. Kitts, Nevis, and Sint Eustatius, collected between 2006 and 2015 that were tested with ELISA kits and virus neutralization (for WNV and EVA). Combining ELISA with virus neutralization testing, 25 (13.8%) equine sera were WNV positive (a mixture of indigenous and imported equines) and 3 sera (1.6%) showed doubtful results. For EHV-1, 41 equines (23.7%), mean age 6.7 years, were seropositive. For EHV-4, 138 equines were found seropositive (82.8%), mean age 6.3 years. For EI, 49 equines (27.2%), mean age 7.5 years, were seropositive on ELISA, some previously vaccinated horses. No antibodies against EAV were found on virus neutralization testing, although one animal (0.6%), was EAV positive on ELISA. All samples were EIAV negative. The seroprevalence for EHV-1 and EHV-4 is similar to other parts of the world. For the first time in the study location serologic evidence of antibodies against WNV and EI is reported. This was found in both indigenous and imported animals, highlighting the need for developing proper surveillance plans based on complementary methods of virus detection. Further studies will be needed to define the prevalence, rates of transmission, characterize local virus strains, and study their impact on these populations.

Biofilm formation of hypermucoviscous and non-hypermucoviscous Klebsiella pneumoniae recovered from clinically affected African green monkey (Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus).

In recent years, an emergent Klebsiella pneumoniae hypermucoviscous (HMV) phenotype has been associated with increased invasiveness and pathogenicity in primates. The HMV phenotype is characterized by different capsular serotypes, associated with several genes including the rmpA (regulator of mucoid phenotype) and magA (mucoviscosity-associated) genes. In African green monkeys (AGM) (Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus) serotypes K1 and K5 have been implicated in fatal multisystemic abscesses. In order to better understand the epizootiology of this pathogen, the capacity of biofilm production of K. pneumoniae isolates presenting the HMV was compared to non-HMV isolates at three different temperatures (25, 30 and 37 °C). The results indicate that HMV and non-HMV isolates display similar capacity to form biofilms at the three different evaluated temperatures. Temperature appears to play a role in the formation of biofilms by K. pneumoniae presenting the HMV phenotype, where larger biofilms were formed at 37 °C than at 25 °C. Knowledge regarding local environmental sources of K. pneumoniae and the possible role of wildlife in the maintenance of this agent in the area is necessary to develop effective recommendations for the prevention and management of this disease in captive AGM populations.

Burden and predictors of Staphylococcus aureus and S. pseudintermedius infections among dogs presented at an academic veterinary hospital in South Africa (2007-2012).

BACKGROUND: Staphylococci are commensals of the mucosal surface and skin of humans and animals, but have been implicated in infections such as otitis externa, pyoderma, urinary tract infections and post-surgical complications. Laboratory records provide useful information to help investigate these infections. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the burdens of these infections and use multinomial regression to examine the associations between various Staphylococcus infections and demographic and temporal factors among dogs admitted to an academic veterinary hospital in South Africa. METHODS: Records of 1,497 clinical canine samples submitted to the bacteriology laboratory at a veterinary academic hospital between 2007 and 2012 were included in this study. Proportions of staphylococcal positive samples were calculated, and a multinomial logistic regression model was used to identify predictors of staphylococcal infections. RESULTS: Twenty-seven percent of the samples tested positive for Staphylococcus spp. The species of Staphylococcus identified were S. pseudintermedius (19.0%), S. aureus (3.8%), S. epidermidis (0.7%) and S. felis (0.1%). The remaining 2.87% consisted of unspeciated Staphylococcus. Distribution of the species by age of dog showed that S. pseudintermedius was the most common (25.6%) in dogs aged 2-4 years while S. aureus was most frequent (6.3%) in dogs aged 5-6 years. S. pseudintermedius (34.1%) and S. aureus (35.1%) were the most frequently isolated species from skin samples. The results of the multivariable multinomial logistic regression model identified specimen, year and age of the dog as significant predictors of the risk of infection with Staphylococcus. There was a significant temporal increase (RRR = 1.17; 95% CI [1.06-1.29]) in the likelihood of a dog testing positive for S. pseudintermedius compared to testing negative. Dogs ≤ 8 years of age were significantly more likely to test positive for S. aureus than those >8 years of age. Similarly, dogs between 2-8 years of age were significantly more likely to test positive for S. pseudintermedius than those >8 years of age. In addition, dogs 2-4 years of age (RRR = 1.83; 1.09-3.06) were significantly more likely to test positive for S. pseudintermedius compared to those <2 years of age. The risk of infection with S. pseudintermedius or S. aureus was significantly higher in ear canal and skin specimens compared to other specimens. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that S. pseudintermedius and S. aureus were the most commonly isolated species from dogs presented at the study hospital. Age of the dog and the location of infection were significant predictors of infection with both Staphylococcus species investigated. Significant increasing temporal trend was observed for S. pseudintermedius but not S. aureus. This information is useful for guiding clinical decisions as well as future research.

Patterns and predictors of antimicrobial resistance among Staphylococcus spp. from canine clinical cases presented at a veterinary academic hospital in South Africa.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance in staphylococci, often associated with treatment failure, is increasingly reported in veterinary medicine. The aim of this study was to investigate patterns and predictors of antimicrobial resistance among Staphylococcus spp. isolates from canine samples submitted to the bacteriology laboratory at the University of Pretoria academic veterinary hospital between 2007 and 2012. Retrospective data of 334 Staphylococcus isolates were used to calculate the proportion of samples resistant to 15 antimicrobial agents. The Cochran-Armitage trend test was used to investigate temporal trends and logistic regression models were used to investigate predictors of antimicrobial resistance in Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. RESULTS: Results show that 98.2% (55/56) of the S. aureus isolates were resistant to at least one drug while 42.9% were multidrug resistant. Seventy-seven percent (214/278) of the S. pseudintermedius isolates were resistant to at least one drug and 25.9% (72/278) were multidrug resistant. Resistance to lincospectin was more common among S. aureus (64.3%) than S. pseudintermedius (38.9%). Similarly, resistance to clindamycin was higher in S. aureus (51.8%) than S. pseudintermedius (31.7%) isolates. There was a significant (p = 0.005) increase in S. aureus resistance to enrofloxacin over the study period. Similarly, S. pseudintermedius exhibited significant increasing temporal trend in resistance to trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole (p = 0.004), clindamycin (p = 0.022) and orbifloxacin (p = 0.042). However, there was a significant decreasing temporal trend in the proportion of isolates resistant to doxycycline (p = 0.041), tylosin (p = 0.008), kanamycin (p = 0.017) and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (p = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: High levels of multidrug resistance and the increasing levels of resistance to sulphonamides, lincosamides and fluoroquinolones among Staphylococcus spp. isolates in this study are concerning. Future studies will need to investigate local drivers of antimicrobial resistance to better guide control efforts to address the problem.

Design and Validation of a Three-Dimensional Printed Flexible Canine Otoscopy Teaching Model.

INTRODUCTION: A teaching model was sought to improve canine otoscopy skill and reduce use of teaching dogs. METHODS: An otoscopy teaching model was printed in a flexible medium on a desktop three-dimensional printer from a magnetic resonance image of a canine external ear canal. The model was mounted in a polyvinyl dog mannequin. Validation of the teaching model was sought from student, faculty, and dog perspective. Student perception of prelaboratory training was assessed using a survey regarding their experience. Otoscopy skill was assessed by faculty grading the ear anatomy visualized as well as the time required to prepare for and perform otoscopy and the time to the dog's first sign of aversion. The time data were used to assess whether there was a reduction in use of teaching dogs. Data from students exposed to the otoscopy model as part of their prelaboratory training (n = 20) were compared with those that were not exposed to the model (n = 19). RESULTS: The students found prelaboratory training with the model significantly more helpful than prelaboratory training without the model in all aspects of otoscopy (P < 0.05). Use of the model did not alter otoscopy skill (structures seen or time taken) or decrease dog use. CONCLUSIONS: The students found the model helpful, but the best that can be said is the model did not negatively impact their otoscopy skill acquisition. Although the outcome of the study did not indicate a reduction in teaching dog use, the model has replaced live dog otoscopy in the institute's teaching program for initial canine otoscopy exposure.

Degree of corneal anesthesia after topical application of 0.4% oxybuprocaine ophthalmic solution in normal equids.

Oxybuprocaine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution has been widely used off-label in horses and donkeys, despite lack of data demonstrating efficacy and safety in these species. The objective of this study was to assess anesthetic efficacy of 0.4% oxybuprocaine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution in horses (n = 5) and donkeys (n = 24) and compare the effects with 0.5% proparacaine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution. The baseline corneal touch threshold (CTT) was measured with a Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer. Donkeys (n = 12) and horses (n = 5) in group A received sterile ophthalmic solutions 0.4% oxybuprocaine with fluorescein (also termed benoxinate with fluorescein, abbreviated as ben + flu) instilled in one eye and 0.9% sterile sodium chloride solution (NaCl) with fluorescein (Na + flu) in the contralateral eye. Donkeys (n = 12) and horses (n = 5) in group B received sterile ophthalmic solutions (ben + flu) in one eye and 0.5% proparacaine with fluorescein (prop + flu) in the contralateral eye. The CTT was measured at 1 and 5 min post-application and at 5-minute intervals until 75 min after treatment. The CTT changes over time differed significantly between oxybuprocaine-treated and control eyes (P < 0.001). The CTT continued to decrease throughout the duration of the study when compared with baseline values. No statistically significant difference in onset, depth, or duration of corneal anesthesia was found between oxybuprocaine and proparacaine treated eyes during the time of the study. Interestingly, horses were shown to have a significantly more sensitive cornea than donkeys (P = 0.002). Oxybuprocaine and proparacaine reduced corneal sensitivity in donkeys and horses. No local irritation was observed with 0.4% oxybuprocaine.

La solution ophtalmique d'hydrochlorure d'oxybuprocaïne a été utilisée extensivement en dérogation chez les chevaux et les ânes, malgré le manque de données démontrant son efficacité et son innocuité chez ces espèces. L'objectif de la présente étude était d'évaluer l'efficacité anesthétique d'une solution ophtalmique d'hydrochlorure d'oxybuprocaïne 0,4 % chez des chevaux (n = 5) et des ânes (n = 24) et comparer les effets avec une solution ophtalmique d'hydochlorure de proparacaïne 0,5 %. La valeur de base du seuil de contact cornéen (SCT) a été mesurée à l'aide d'un esthésiomètre Cochet-Bonnet. Les ânes (n = 12) et chevaux (n = 5) du groupe A ont reçu une solution ophtalmique stérile d'oxybuprocaïne 0,4 % avec de la fluorescéine (également appelée benoxinate avec fluorescéine, abrévié ben + flu) dans un oeil et une solution stérile de chlorure de sodium 0,9 % (NaCl) avec de la fluorescéine (Na + flu) dans l'oeil contra-latéral. Les ânes (n = 12) et chevaux (n = 5) du groupe B ont reçu les solutions ophtalmiques stériles de (ben + flu) dans un oeil et de la propacaïne 0,5 % avec de la fluorescéine (prop + flu) dans l'oeil contra-latéral. Le SCT a été mesuré à 1 et 5 min post-application et à des intervalles de 5 min jusqu'à 75 min après le traitement. Les changements dans le temps du SCT différaient de manière significative entre les yeux traités à l'oxybuprocaïne et les témoins (P < 0,001). Le SCT continua de diminuer tout au long de la durée de l'étude lorsque comparé aux valeurs de base. Aucune différence significative dans le début, la profondeur, ou la durée de l'anesthésie cornéenne ne fut trouvée entre les yeux traités à l'oxybuprocaïne et la proparacaïne durant la durée de l'étude. De manière intéressante, les chevaux avaient une cornée significativement plus sensible que les ânes (P = 0,002). L'oxybuprocaïne et la proparacaïne ont réduit la sensibilité cornéenne chez les ânes et les chevaux. Aucune irritation locale ne fut observée avec l'oxybuprocaïne 0,4 %.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

Validation of a Model for Teaching Canine Fundoscopy.

A validated teaching model for canine fundoscopic examination was developed to improve Day One fundoscopy skills while at the same time reducing use of teaching dogs. This novel eye model was created from a hollow plastic ball with a cutout for the pupil, a suspended 20-diopter lens, and paint and paper simulation of relevant eye structures. This eye model was mounted on a wooden stand with canine head landmarks useful in performing fundoscopy. Veterinary educators performed fundoscopy using this model and completed a survey to establish face and content validity. Subsequently, veterinary students were randomly assigned to pre-laboratory training with or without the use of this teaching model. After completion of an ophthalmology laboratory on teaching dogs, student outcome was assessed by measuring students' ability to see a symbol inserted on the simulated retina in the model. Students also completed a survey regarding their experience with the model and the laboratory. Overall, veterinary educators agreed that this eye model was well constructed and useful in teaching good fundoscopic technique. Student performance of fundoscopy was not negatively impacted by the use of the model. This novel canine model shows promise as a teaching and assessment tool for fundoscopy.

Resistance of Klebsiella pneumoniae to the innate immune system of African green monkeys.

In recent years, an emergent Klebsiella pneumoniae hypermucoviscosity (HMV) phenotype has been associated with increased invasiveness and pathogenicity in primates. In this project, bacteria recovered from infected African green monkeys (AGM) (Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus) were screened for HMV phenotype, and were compared to non-HMV isolates in in vitro, serum, and oxidative-mediated killing assays. Complement-mediated killing was assessed utilizing freshly collected serum from healthy AGM. Oxidative-mediated killing was investigated utilizing sodium hypochlorite and hydrogen peroxide. Compared to non-HMV isolates, HMV isolates were more resistant to serum-mediated and oxidative killing (p<0.05). Phagocytosis resistance was evaluated using AGM peripheral blood monocytes (PBMC), and results indicated that non-HMV isolates associated with the AGM PBMC to a greater extent than HMV isolates (p<0.001). Measurement of lactate dehydrogenase release showed that HMV isolates were more cytotoxic to AGM PBMC than non-HMV isolates (p<0.001). Thus, the hypermucoid phenotype appears to be an important virulence factor that promotes evasion of innate immune defenses.

Thoracic radiographic findings for dogs with cardiac tamponade attributable to pericardial effusion.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of various radiographic findings for dogs with cardiac tamponade (CT) attributable to pericardial effusion (PE) and to determine the sensitivity and specificity of such findings for identification of affected dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective, randomized, blinded, controlled study. ANIMALS: 50 dogs with CT attributable to PE and 23 control dogs (10 healthy dogs and 13 dogs with cardiac diseases other than CT). PROCEDURES: Thoracic radiographic images of dogs were evaluated by an observer who was unaware of the dogs' medical histories. For each dog, a vertebral heart score, globoid appearance of the cardiac silhouette, and convexity of the dorsocaudal aspect of the cardiac silhouette were determined. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity of enlargement of the cardiac silhouette (vertebral heart score, ≥ 10.7) for identification of dogs with CT attributable to PE were 77.6% and 47.8%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of a globoid appearance of the cardiac silhouette for identification dogs with CT were 41.9% and 40.0%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of a convex appearance of the dorsocaudal aspect of the cardiac silhouette for identification of dogs with CT were 57.1% and 35.0%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results of this study indicated none of the evaluated radiographic variables was highly (> 90%) sensitive or specific for identification of dogs with CT attributable to PE. Thoracic radiographic findings should not be considered reliable for identification of dogs with CT attributable to PE.

Predicting the effect of anthelmintic treatment on milk production of dairy cattle in Canada using an Ostertagia ostertagi ELISA from individual milk samples.

Gastrointestinal nematodes, such as Ostertagia ostertagi and several species of Cooperia, are ubiquitous in temperate climates and have been shown to have detrimental effects on production in adult dairy cattle. A published meta-analysis demonstrated that overall, producers lose approximately 0.35 kg of milk per parasitized cow per day. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) have the ability to quantify nematode infections in cattle, and thus, could be used to estimate the amount of milk production loss due to differing levels of parasitism at the individual cow level. ELISA results from individual cow milk samples were used to predict milk production response following a randomized anthelmintic treatment in a large field trial. To increase statistical power, the data collected from this field trial was pooled with data from two other published field trials to form an individual patient data meta-analysis (IPDMA). The ability to predict the effect of anthelmintic treatment on milk production depends on the level of parasitism quantified by an ELISA measuring milk antibodies against O. ostertagi, and reported as optical density ratios (ODRs). Therefore, the estimates from the interaction between ODR and treatment on milk production were used to determine how well the ODR predicted the response of the treatment. It was anticipated that the relationship between milk production and ODR was unlikely to be linear, so fractional polynomials were applied to the continuous ODR values. The interaction in the field trial showed a trend (p=0.138) toward a beneficial treatment effect when the individual ODR values, measured in late lactation and using Svanovir(®), were greater than 0.12. When individual data from two other similar studies were included in an IPDMA, the interaction terms became statistically significant (p=0.009) indicating that there is a beneficial treatment effect when ODR values are slightly elevated. A graph was used to demonstrate the treatment effect (the estimated difference of kg/cow/day of milk yield between the treated and placebo cows), with 95% confidence intervals, as the ODR values increase. It is important to note that the methods of quantifying the ODR values differed between the three studies in the IPDMA, therefore some caution should be used when using these final estimated values. However, the shape and magnitude of the treatment effects, as well as the other fixed model estimates, were very similar between the field trial and the IPDMA suggesting that any bias would likely be minimal.

Investigating the contributing factors to postmortem pH changes in springbok, eland, red hartebeest and kudu edible offal.

The objective of the study was to assess pH measurements between offal organs of different species and the association between pH taken 4 h post-slaughter and different predictor variables in the liver and lungs. A linear regression analysis was conducted on selected variables to identify the main predictors and their interactions affecting the pH of meat 4 h post-slaughter. In an increasing order of magnitude during winter, the pH achieved at 16 h - 36 h post-slaughter in springbok heart, liver, spleen, kidney and lungs was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than pH 6.0. The pH attained in springbok carcasses was (p < 0.05) below 6.0, whilst no significant differences were observed from the regulatory reference (pH 6.0) in the heart. There was a positive association between the pH of game meat 4 h post-slaughter and liver congestion. The pH of game meat 4 h post-slaughter increased by 0.11 units (p < 0.05) per millilitre increase in liver congestion and decreased by 0.04 units (p< 0.05) per minute increase in the shooting-to-bleeding interval, irrespective of the species. The lack of a statistically significant association between some selected variables and pH changes in this study suggested that either the factors may have a small effect which is only detectable with large data-sets and/or the effect may be modified by other unidentified factors. As some of the offal organs had final pH readings above 6.0, alternative measures are required to inactivate certain endogenous pathogens in edible wild game offal sourced from endemic areas.

Orf in South Africa: endemic but neglected.

A survey amongst sheep and goat producers and veterinarians was undertaken to collect epidemiological data on orf in South Africa. Previous epidemiological studies on the presence of the disease in the country have not been documented and this report is the first descriptive epidemiological study of orf in South Africa. A seven-month investigation, realised by direct and indirect interviews and field observation, enabled us to outline incidence and risk factors of this disease and to better understand how the local farmers in rural areas relate to it. The results may contribute to better management of the disease in rural areas. By means of molecular analyses the phylogenetic relationships between field isolates from different areas have been identified. The findings gave a first important contribution to the general assessment of the economic impact of orf virus infections and the extent of the risk to human health.