Local and Systemic Inflammation in Finnish Dairy Cows with Digital Dermatitis.

Digital dermatitis is a disease of the digital skin and causes lameness and welfare problems in dairy cattle. This study assessed the local and systemic inflammatory responses of cows with different digital dermatitis lesions and compared macroscopical and histological findings. Cow feet (n = 104) were evaluated macroscopically and skin biopsies histologically. Serum samples were analyzed for acute phase proteins (serum amyloid A and haptoglobin) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha). Cows with macroscopically graded active lesions (p = 0.028) and non-active lesions (p = 0.008) had higher interleukin-1 beta levels in their serum compared to healthy cows. Interleukin-1 beta serum concentrations were also higher (p = 0.042) when comparing lesions with necrosis to lesions without necrosis. There was no difference when other cytokine or acute phase protein concentrations in healthy cows were compared to those in cows with different digital dermatitis lesions. A novel histopathological grading was developed based on the chronicity of the lesions and presence of necrosis and ulceration. The presence and number of spirochetes were graded separately. In the most severe chronic lesions, there was marked epidermal hyperplasia and hyperkeratosis with necrosis, deep ulceration, and suppurative inflammation. Spirochetes were found only in samples from necrotic lesions. This study established that digital dermatitis activates proinflammatory cytokines. However, this did not initiate the release of acute phase proteins from the liver. A histopathological grading that takes into account the age and severity of the lesions and presence of spirochetes was developed to better understand the progression of the disease. It is proposed that necrosis of the skin is a result of ischemic necrosis following reduced blood flow in the dermal papillae due to pressure and shear stress caused by thickened epidermis, and that the spirochetes are secondary invaders following tissue necrosis.

Antimicrobial susceptibility of staphylococci from bovine milk samples in routine microbiological mastitis analysis in Finland.

The most frequent reason for antimicrobial use in dairy herds is mastitis and knowledge about mastitis-causing pathogens and their antimicrobial susceptibility should guide treatment decisions. The overall objective of this study was to assess antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of staphylococci in mastitic milk samples in Finland. MALDI-ToF MS identified a total of 504 Staphylococcus isolates (260 S. aureus and 244 non-aureus staphylococci, NAS) originating from bovine mastitic milk samples. Phenotypic susceptibility against cefoxitin, ceftiofur, enrofloxacin, gentamycin, oxacillin, penicillin, and tetracycline was evaluated by disk diffusion method and the presence of blaZ, mecA, and mecC genes investigated by PCR. Nitrocefin test assessed these isolates' beta-lactamase production. The most common NAS species were S. simulans, S. epidermidis, S. chromogenes, and S. haemolyticus. In total, 26.6% of the isolates (18.5% of S. aureus and 35.2% of all NAS) carried the blaZ gene. Penicillin resistance, based on disk diffusion, was lower: 18.8% of all the isolates (9.3% of S. aureus and 28.9% of all NAS) were resistant. Based on the nitrocefin test, 21.5% of the isolates produced beta-lactamase (11.6% of S. aureus and 32.0% of all NAS). Between the Staphylococcus species, the proportion of penicillin-resistant isolates varied, being lowest in S. simulans and highest in S. epidermidis. Resistance to antimicrobials other than penicillin was rare. Of the eight NAS isolates carrying the mecA gene, six were S. epidermidis. One S. aureus isolate carried the mecC gene. Agreement beyond chance, assessed by kappa coefficient, between phenotypic and genotypic resistance tests, was moderate to substantial. Some phenotypically penicillin-susceptible staphylococci carried the blaZ gene but isolates without blaZ or mec genes rarely exhibited resistance, suggesting that the more reliable treatment choice may depend upon genotypic AMR testing. Our results support earlier findings that penicillin resistance is the only significant form of antimicrobial resistance among mastitis-causing staphylococci in Finland.

Invited review: Selective treatment of clinical mastitis in dairy cattle.

Treatment of clinical mastitis (CM) and use of antimicrobials for dry cow therapy are responsible for the majority of animal-defined daily doses of antimicrobial use (AMU) on dairy farms. However, advancements made in the last decade have enabled excluding nonsevere CM cases from antimicrobial treatment that have a high probability of cure without antimicrobials (no bacterial causes or gram-negative, excluding Klebsiella spp.) and cases with a low bacteriological cure rate (chronic cases). These advancements include availability of rapid diagnostic tests and improved udder health management practices, which reduced the incidence and infection pressure of contagious CM pathogens. This review informed an evidence-based protocol for selective CM treatment decisions based on a combination of rapid diagnostic test results, review of somatic cell count and CM records, and elucidated consequences in terms of udder health, AMU, and farm economics. Relatively fast identification of the causative agent is the most important factor in selective CM treatment protocols. Many reported studies did not indicate detrimental udder health consequences (e.g., reduced clinical or bacteriological cures, increased somatic cell count, increased culling rate, or increased recurrence of CM later in lactation) after initiating selective CM treatment protocols using on-farm testing. The magnitude of AMU reduction following a selective CM treatment protocol implementation depended on the causal pathogen distribution and protocol characteristics. Uptake of selective treatment of nonsevere CM cases differs across regions and is dependent on management systems and adoption of udder health programs. No economic losses or animal welfare issues are expected when adopting a selective versus blanket CM treatment protocol. Therefore, selective CM treatment of nonsevere cases can be a practical tool to aid AMU reduction on dairy farms.

Selective treatment of nonsevere clinical mastitis does not adversely affect cure, somatic cell count, milk yield, recurrence, or culling: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Treatment of clinical mastitis (CM) contributes to antimicrobial use on dairy farms. Selective treatment of CM based on bacterial diagnosis can reduce antimicrobial use, as not all cases of CM will benefit from antimicrobial treatment, e.g., mild and moderate gram-negative infections. However, impacts of selective CM treatment on udder health and culling are not fully understood. A systematic search identified 13 studies that compared selective versus blanket CM treatment protocols. Reported outcomes were synthesized with random-effects models and presented as risk ratios or mean differences. Selective CM treatment protocol was not inferior to blanket CM treatment protocol for the outcome bacteriological cure. Noninferiority margins could not be established for the outcomes clinical cure, new intramammary infection, somatic cell count, milk yield, recurrence, or culling. However, no differences were detected between selective and blanket CM treatment protocols using traditional analyses, apart from a not clinically relevant increase in interval from treatment to clinical cure (0.4 d) in the selective group and higher proportion of clinical cure at 14 d in the selective group. The latter occurred in studies co-administering nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories only in the selective group. Bias could not be ruled out in most studies due to suboptimal randomization, although this would likely only affect subjective outcomes such as clinical cure. Hence, findings were supported by a high or moderate certainty of evidence for all outcome measures except clinical cure. In conclusion, this review supported the assertion that a selective CM treatment protocol can be adopted without adversely influencing bacteriological and clinical cure, somatic cell count, milk yield, and incidence of recurrence or culling.

Invited review: Selective use of antimicrobials in dairy cattle at drying-off.

Administering intramammary antimicrobials to all mammary quarters of dairy cows at drying-off [i.e., blanket dry cow therapy (BDCT)] has been a mainstay of mastitis prevention and control. However, as udder health has considerably improved over recent decades with reductions in intramammary infection prevalence at drying-off and the introduction of teat sealants, BDCT may no longer be necessary on all dairy farms, thereby supporting antimicrobial stewardship efforts. This narrative review summarizes available literature regarding current dry cow therapy practices and associated impacts of selective dry cow therapy (SDCT) on udder health, milk production, economics, antimicrobial use, and antimicrobial resistance. Various methods to identify infections at drying-off that could benefit from antimicrobial treatment are described for selecting cows or mammary quarters for treatment, including utilizing somatic cell count thresholds, pathogen identification, previous clinical mastitis history, or a combination of criteria. Selection methods may be enacted at the herd, cow, or quarter levels. Producers' and veterinarians' motivations for antimicrobial use are discussed. Based on review findings, SDCT can be adopted without negative consequences for udder health and milk production, and concurrent teat sealant use is recommended, especially in udder quarters receiving no intramammary antimicrobials. Furthermore, herd selection should be considered for SDCT implementation in addition to cow or quarter selection, as BDCT may still be temporarily necessary in some herds for optimal mastitis control. Costs and benefits of SDCT vary among herds, whereas impacts on antimicrobial resistance remain unclear. In summary, SDCT is a viable management option for maintaining udder health and milk production while improving antimicrobial stewardship in the dairy industry.

Different European Perspectives on the Treatment of Clinical Mastitis in Lactation.

As part of the European Network for Optimization of Veterinary Antimicrobial Treatment (ENOVAT), a webinar on the topic "Mastitis Treatment in Lactation" was held, in which eight mastitis experts from different European countries (Spain, The Netherlands, Estonia, Ireland, Poland, Finland, Germany, and Italy) presented their treatment approaches for clinical mastitis in lactation. The aim of this study was to compare the therapeutic approaches to identify commonalities and differences. In all eight participating countries, the decision to start treatment is usually made by the veterinarians, while the farm personnel are responsible for treatment administration. Antibiotic treatment is then typically administered intramammarily. The treatment duration often depends on the label instructions and is frequently extended if Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus uberis is involved. Administering supportive therapy, especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is an established practice in all countries. Penicillin is the first-choice drug for the treatment of mastitis in an increasing number of countries. The use of critically important antimicrobials (CIAs) such as quinolones and third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins is at a low level in Finland and The Netherlands. In Estonia, Germany, Italy, and Spain, the use of CIAs is declining and is only allowed if milk samples are analyzed in advance following the legal framework. Systems for monitoring antibiotic use are being introduced in more and more countries. This exchange of different views will help the European countries to move towards a common high standard of antimicrobial stewardship in veterinary medicine.

The Impact of Overstocking and Negative Energy Balance on Quantitative Measurement of Non-typhoidal Salmonella in Periparturient Dairy Cattle.

Stressful conditions in animal production facilities may exacerbate the fecal shedding and foodborne transmission of non-typhoidal Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica. Dairy cows are reservoirs of this zoonotic microorganism, and its prevalence has roughly doubled in the past decade on dairy farms in United States. Dairy cows are commonly overstocked at the feed bunk, and stressors placed on the animal prior to parturition may exacerbate Salmonella shedding. However, no studies have evaluated the impact of overstocking and metabolic stress on fecal concentrations of the pathogen. Therefore, we conducted a field trial with 120 multiparous dairy cows randomized into one of four treatment groups with different stocking densities at the feed bunk during the periparturient period as follows: US, understocked from -60 to -1 DRC; OS, overstocked from -60 to -1 DRC; USOS, understocked from -60 to -26 DRC/overstocked from -25 to -1 DRC; and OSUS, overstocked from -60 to -26 DRC/ understocked from -25 to -1 DRC. Fecal and blood samples were collected at four time points relative to calving. qPCR assays were used to quantify Salmonella invA gene and total bacterial community from fecal samples, and a subset of isolates recovered from fecal bacterial culture were characterized using pulsed field gel electrophoresis and serotyping. Serum non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) were measured as a metabolic stress indicator using an immunoassay. Multivariable analyses were performed to test if changes in Salmonella concentrations were associated with stocking density, energy balance, or days relative to calving. From fecal isolates, three Salmonella serovars were identified, S. Cerro; Kentucky; Meleagridis. Concentrations of Salmonella increased as cows approached calving. Higher stocking densities at the feed bunk did not impact total bacterial community or NEFA; however, cows in the overstocked groups had higher Salmonella fecal concentrations. Further, cows with higher NEFA concentrations after calving had a higher likelihood of detection of Salmonella. Future farm interventions should aim to reduce environmental and metabolic stress during the periparturient period to decrease the dissemination of Salmonella to cattle, the environment, and humans.

Prevalence of digital dermatitis using mirror scoring in Finnish freestall dairy herds.

Digital dermatitis (DD) is a severe bacterial hoof disease found worldwide. The disease can be classified into 5 different stages, denoted as M1 to M4 and M4.1, by clinical examination. The main objective of this study was to estimate prevalence of DD lesions in Finnish freestall dairy cattle population through hind feet inspection of standing cows with a mirror. Another aim was to estimate the sensitivity and specificity of mirror scoring on standing cows in a pen or in a milking parlor without washing the feet. Three veterinarians visited 81 randomly selected herds across the country. During the herd visits, hind feet of standing cows (n = 7,010) were scored with a mirror without washing the feet, either when the cows were standing in a pen (n = 4,992) or in the milking parlor (n = 2018). In total, 128 cows (111 from pen and 17 from milking parlor) including 256 feet were chosen with cross-sectional sampling and scored in a trimming chute. Animal-level sensitivity for scoring M2 lesions with a mirror was 55% and specificity was 97%; for all active DD lesions (M1, M2, or M4.1), sensitivity was 36% and specificity was 96%. Sensitivity for scoring any DD lesions was 90% and specificity was 82%. The bias-corrected sensitivity and specificity for scoring any DD lesions were 79% and 92%, respectively. The bias-corrected sensitivity and specificity for scoring M2 DD lesions were 10% and 100%. We found M2 lesions in 12.1% of the study herds, and true herd-level prevalence was the same. Altogether, 33.3% (true prevalence 28.4%) of the herds had either M1, M2, or M4.1 DD lesions. However, only 0.7% (true prevalence 5.4%) of cows in total had active M2 lesions. The within-herd prevalence of M2 lesions (in herds where at least 1 cow had a M2 lesion) was 5.7% and varied between 0.4% and 18.8%. Herds with active DD lesions also had more any DD lesions than herds without active DD lesions. The herd-level prevalence was higher than previously thought, with only 1 herd without any DD lesions. However, the animal-level prevalence of active DD lesions was relatively low. Farmers and veterinarians need to be informed of the disease and possible control measures. Because of the low within-herd prevalence, the control of the disease might be easier than in countries where DD is widespread. Further studies are needed to identify factors associated with DD prevalence in Finnish dairy herds.

Prudent Use of Antibiotics in Dairy Cows: The Nordic Approach to Udder Health.

Global concerns regarding bacterial antibiotic resistance demand prudent use of antibiotics in livestock production. Dairy production in the Nordic countries has a low consumption of antibiotics, while animal health, productivity and milk quality are at high levels. Here, we describe the basis of Nordic mastitis control and treatment strategies, as a model for production of high-quality milk with prudent use of antibiotics. We hope this will be beneficial for dairy producers and advisors in other countries and regions that consider limiting antibiotic use in cattle herds. In this perspectives paper we describe the dairy sector in the Nordic countries, and present regulatory aspects of antibiotic use, diagnostics and current guidelines for treatment of clinical mastitis as well as dry cow therapy. We also show summary statistics of udder health indicators in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden, to illustrate the effects of the implemented udder health management practices.

Description of two Serratia marcescens associated mastitis outbreaks in Finnish dairy farms and a review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Infection with Serratia spp. have been associated with mastitis outbreaks in dairy cattle herds. Environmental contamination or a point source, like a teat dip product, have often been observed to be potential sources of such outbreaks. We describe two Serratia marcescens associated mastitis outbreaks associated with a contaminated teat dip containing a tertiary alkyl amine, n,n-bis (3-aminopropyl) dodecylamine in two dairy cattle farms in Finland. S. marcescens strains isolated from milk and environmental samples were identified by the MALDI-TOF method. RESULTS: Six specimens (n = 19) on Herd 1 and all specimens (n = 9) on Herd 2 were positive for S. marcescens. Positive specimens were from mastitis milk and teat dip liquid and equipment. Bacteria were not isolated from the unopened teat dip canister. The same clone of S. marcescens was isolated from milk samples and teat dip samples within the farms. Pulsed field gel electrophoresis results to the S. marcescens isolates from these two different herds were tested with unweighted pair-group method using arithmetic average clustering analysis. The isolates were not same clone in both herds, because similarity in that test was only 75% when cut-off value to similarity is 85%. CONCLUSIONS: Our investigation showed that the post milking teat dip and/or temporary containers were contaminated with S. marcescens and these were most likely the sources for new mastitis cases. The negative result from the unopened teat dip canister and positive results from refillable containers demonstrated that the product itself was not contaminated with S. marcescens at the production unit, but became contaminated at the farm level.

Risk factors for equine intestinal parasite infections and reduced efficacy of pyrantel embonate against Parascaris sp.

Gastrointestinal parasites, Parascaris sp. and strongyles, are common in young horses worldwide and control of these parasites is challenged by increasing anthelmintic resistance. Our aim was to identify risk factors for these infections as well as to assess the efficacy of fenbendazole (dose 7.5 mg/kg) and pyrantel embonate (dose 19 mg/kg) against Parascaris sp. We also evaluated association between owner observed symptoms and patent infections with these parasites. Fecal samples were collected from 367 young horses in Finland and a questionnaire study was conducted. Fecal egg counts were performed by Mini-FLOTAC® method. Univariable logistic regression models using patent infection status (Yes/No), separately for Parascaris sp. and strongyle infections as an outcome were run initially to screen potential risk factors collected by the questionnaire. After the initial screening, multiple logistic regression models were constructed and run to account for correlated data structure, risk factors and potential confounders simultaneously. Two significant risk factors for a patent Parascaris sp. infection were found: breeding farm size (p = 0.028) and frequency of horse movements (p = 0.010). Horses originating from large breeding farms were more likely (OR = 2.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10-5.51) to shed Parascaris sp. eggs upon relocation to training stables compared to horses originating from small breeding farms. Horses living in farms with frequent horse movements to other premises had higher odds (OR = 3.56, 95% CI: 1.35-9.39) of a patent Parascaris sp. infection compared to farms with less frequent horse movements. Risk factors for patent strongyle infection included age (p < 0.001) and season (p = 0.017). Horses were less likely (OR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.10 - 0.66) to shed strongylid eggs during the spring compared to the winter. Horses excreting over 200 ascarid eggs per gram were included in the anthelmintic efficacy trial. A mean FECR less than 90% was interpreted as presence of anthelmintic resistance. The mean FECR was 98.5% (95% CI: 95.8-100) and 68.0% (95% CI: 52.7-83.3) in the fenbendazole (n = 31) and pyrantel (n = 26) treatment groups, respectively. In conclusion, we identified two new risk factors for patent Parascaris sp. infection; breeding farm size and frequency of horse movements. Reduced efficacy of pyrantel against Parascaris sp. was observed for the second time in Europe. A relatively high Parascaris sp. prevalence in yearlings (34%) and two-year-olds (20%) was observed, which has not been reported earlier. An association between symptoms and a patent Parascaris sp. infection was observed in foals.

Bacteriology and cytology of otic exudates in 41 cavalier King Charles spaniels with primary secretory otitis media.

BACKGROUND: Primary secretory otitis media (PSOM) in the cavalier King Charles spaniel (CKCS) is similar to otitis media with effusion (OME) in humans. A proposed aetiology of OME is inflammation of the middle ear mucosa, usually due to bacterial infection, leading to auditory tube dysfunction. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: Our objective was to characterize the microbiological and cytological findings of otic exudates from the external ear canal (EEC) (n = 68) and middle ear (ME) (n = 69) from 41 CKCSs with PSOM. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Swab samples from the EEC and mucus aspirated from the ME after performing a myringotomy were obtained for bacterial culture and cytological analysis. RESULTS: Fifty-five of 68 (81%) EEC and 46 of 69 (67%) ME yielded no bacterial growth. Thirty-eight of the 68 (56%) ears had no microbial growth from neither the EEC nor ME; seven (10%) had bacteria isolated from the EEC only; 17 (25%) had bacteria isolated from the ME only, and six (8%) had bacteria isolated from both EEC and ME. Thirty-four total bacterial isolates were cultured from ME. The most common bacterial species isolated were coagulase-negative staphylococci, followed by Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. Otic cytology identified coccoid organisms in only three of 68 EEC and four of 69 ME. CONCLUSIONS: The role of bacteria in the pathogenesis of PSOM in CKCS is unclear. The majority of the EEC and ME of the CKCS with PSOM were negative by conventional bacterial culture and the cytological presence of bacteria was not correlated with culture positives. The potential role of noncultivable microbiota in PSOM requires exploration using molecular methods.

Sow removal in commercial herds: Patterns and animal level factors in Finland.

This observational retrospective cohort study provides benchmarking information on recent sow productivity development in Finnish herds. It focuses on parity cycle specific trends in sow removal patterns, and especially on the role of litter performance (size and piglet survival) in sow removal. In addition, the generated models offer a tool for calculating sow removal risks in any period, which could be used in economic and other simulation models. The data used in the study pool information of sows starting the same parity cycle (1 through 8) over the enrollment period of July 1st, 2013 through June 30th, 2014 and followed until the end of the study period (December 31st, 2014), and their performance histories across their entire previous productive life. Out of 71,512 individual sow parity cycle observations from the first to the eighth, 15,128 ended up in removal. Average litter sizes exceeded 13 piglets born in total in all of the most recent farrowings. Yet, even larger litter sizes were favored by the implemented culling policies, as sows having medium and large early life litters had lower risks of removal compared to those with the smallest litters, particularly in younger animals. With regard to piglets born just prior to removal, the smallest litter sizes were associated with the greatest culling risk for sows of that particular parity. In addition, having more than one stillborn piglet in the first and second litter put the sow at higher risk of being removed in all but the last (sixth through eighth) of the studied parity cycles. Investigation of removal patterns revealed a negative linear relationship between parity count and the mean days from farrowing to removal. More specifically, the median (mean) times to removal varied across the parity cycles from 62 (72) in the first to 34 days in both the seventh and eighth (47 and 42, respectively). Moreover, one in every six sows was removed within the first and second parity cycle. The findings especially in the earliest cycles may be a reflection of removal decisions not made according to any clear and pre-determined policy, or of biological issues that prevent farmers from firmly adhering to their policy. Quantitative performance should be linked to overall system functionality and profitability while taking animal welfare into consideration in identifying opportunities to improve herd parity structure and future farm success.

Determination of the intramammary dose of benzylpenicillin required to maintain an adequate concentration in the milk to inhibit Gram-positive bacteria in the clinically normal udder for 24 hr.

The aim of this study was to determine the intramammary dose of benzylpenicillin required to maintain a concentration in the milk above the MIC for the Gram-positive bacteria that cause mastitis. The product used in this study was a commercially available procaine benzylpenicillin in an oily suspension with micronized particles. Three dose levels were used: 200,000, 300,000, and 600,000 IU. Concentrations of benzylpenicillin in cow milk and plasma were determined after a single intramammary dose was administered into one quarter of each of the five cows in each treatment group. Samples were analyzed using an HPLC-MS/MS method, which was validated during the study. Concentrations in the milk were well above the MIC for the target pathogens for all doses tested. There was a linear dose-dependent increase in the mean AUCs of benzylpenicillin concentrations in plasma and milk. At the first milking, 12 hr after dosing, there was a significant difference between the mean milk benzylpenicillin concentrations in cows treated with a dose of 600,000 IU, and those treated with 200,000 or 300,000 IU. Although this study shows a linear relationship between the dose of procaine benzylpenicillin administered and the concentration in the milk in the healthy udder, it would be useful to conduct studies on cows with mastitis to define the optimum dose and duration of intramammary treatment with benzylpenicillin.

Conductive hearing loss in four dogs associated with the use of ointment-based otic medications.

BACKGROUND: Hearing loss (HL) is classified as conductive when sound transmission is compromised in the ear canal or middle ear, or sensorineural when there is an abnormality of the receptor cells of the cochlea or auditory pathway. Hearing in dogs is evaluated using the brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) test. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: Our objective was to characterize BAER findings pre- and post-ear flushing in four dogs with acute HL following application of an ointment-based otic medication containing betamethasone, clotrimazole and gentamicin in a mineral oil-based system containing a plasticized hydrocarbon gel. ANIMALS: Dogs, ranging from 9 to 11 years old, that had been treated with the otic medication for one to three weeks prior to hearing loss and on otoscopic examination had evidence of medication in the horizontal ear canals. METHODS: Dogs were anaesthetized for an ear flush to remove the medication from the ear canals. Hearing was assessed using BAER testing, measurements were initiated with 116 decibel peak equivalent sound pressure level (dBpeSPL) click. Estimated threshold was defined as the lowest intensity in dB in which wave V was still present. RESULTS: Post-ear flush the estimated threshold improved in both ears of all dogs (mean 22.3 dB; range 13-41 dB), confirming conductive HL due to the otic medication. All owners noted an improvement in their dog's hearing post-ear flush, validating the BAER findings. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: These results emphasize the importance of an ear flush to remove otic medications in dogs that experience acute HL, to determine if the HL is conductive, and if so, to restore hearing.

Elimination of experimentally induced bovine intramammary infection assessed by multiplex real-time PCR and bacterial culture.

Diagnosis of bovine intramammary infection (IMI) has traditionally been based on bacterial culture, but currently IMI can also be detected with DNA based methods, such as multiplex real-time PCR. The aim of this study was to describe the elimination of bacteria in experimentally induced IMI on the quarter level, using conventional bacterial culture (BC) and multiplex real-time PCR. Two coagulase-negative staphylococcal species, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus simulans, were experimentally inoculated into 14 healthy quarters of 8 dairy cows during 4 consecutive study periods. Intramammary infections were followed with 20 milk samplings per each quarter. Milk somatic cell count was monitored to evaluate the inflammation process in the quarters. Four quarters cured spontaneously during the study period according to the culture. The PCR detected staphylococcal DNA from these quarters for several days after they were defined as cured in BC. Agreement between BC and PCR results varied from substantial to almost perfect agreement for the first 36 h postchallenge, decreasing to moderate levels toward the end of the sampling period. Based on this study, we recommend collecting possible follow-up samples to assess the bacteriological cure from IMI not until 2 to 3 wk after the onset of mastitis or after the quarter milk somatic cell count has normalized when PCR is used.

Movement patterns of exhibition swine and associations of influenza A virus infection with swine management practices.

OBJECTIVE To identify the geographic distribution of exhibition swine in the Midwestern United States, characterize management practices used for exhibition swine, and identify associations between those practices and influenza A virus (IAV) detection in exhibition swine arriving at county or state agricultural fairs. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey. SAMPLE 480 swine exhibitors and 641 exhibition swine. PROCEDURES Inventories of swine exhibited at fairs in 6 selected Midwestern states during 2013 and of the total swine population (including commercial swine) in these regions in 2012 were obtained and mapped. In 2014, snout wipe samples were collected from swine on arrival at 9 selected fairs in Indiana (n = 5) and Ohio (4) and tested for the presence of IAV. Also at fair arrival, swine exhibitors completed a survey regarding swine management practices. RESULTS Contrary to the total swine population, the exhibition swine population was heavily concentrated in Indiana and Ohio. Many swine exhibitors reported attending multiple exhibitions within a season (median number, 2; range, 0 to 50), with exhibited swine often returned to their farm of origin. Rearing of commercial and exhibition swine on the same premises was reported by 13.3% (56/422) of exhibitors. Hosting an on-farm open house or sale was associated with an increased odds of IAV detection in snout wipe samples. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The exhibition swine population was highly variable and differed from the commercial swine population in terms of pig density across geographic locations, population integrity, and on-farm management practices. Exhibition swine may be important in IAV transmission, and identified biosecurity deficiencies may have important public and animal health consequences.

Comparison of complication rates of unilateral, staged bilateral, and single-session bilateral surgery for the treatment of bilateral medial patellar luxation in dogs.

This retrospective study compared complication rates in 93 client-owned dogs (119 stifles) undergoing single-session bilateral, staged bilateral, or unilateral surgery for bilateral medial patellar luxation. Clinical characteristics and complication rates were compared and risk factors for major complications were explored. Sixty-five dogs had unilateral, 16 staged bilateral and 11 single-session bilateral surgery. Complications occurred in 28/119 stifles (24%), 11 (9%) of which required revision surgery. Patellar reluxation occurred in 7/119 (6%) stifles, with no revision required. There was no significant association between timing of surgery and incidence of complications. In dogs < 10 kg with bilateral medial patellar luxation, single-session bilateral surgery is a feasible treatment option with a complication rate comparable to staged bilateral or unilateral medial patellar luxation surgery.

Comparaison des taux de complication de la chirurgie unilatérale, bilatérale à étage, et bilatérale à session unique pour le traitement de la luxation patellaire chez le chien. Cette étude rétrospective a comparé les taux de complications observés chez 93 chiens de propriétaires (119 genoux) subissant une chirurgie bilatérale simultanée, une chirurgie bilatérale en deux temps ou une chirurgie unilatérale pour luxation médiale de la rotule bilatérale. Les données cliniques et les taux de complications ont été comparés et les facteurs à risque de complications majeures ont été étudiés. 65 chiens ont subi un traitement unilatéral, 16 un traitement bilatéral en deux temps et 11 un traitement bilatéral simultané. Des complications sont survenues dans 28/119 grassets (24 %), dont 11 (9 %) ont nécessité une chirurgie de révision. Une reluxation de la rotule s'est produite dans 7/119 grassets (6 %), sans qu'une révision n'ait été nécessaire. Aucune association significative entre le planning chirurgical et l'apparition de complications n'a pu être mise en évidence. Chez les chiens < 10 kg souffrant de luxation médiale de la rotule bilatérale, une chirurgie bilatérale simultanée est une option thérapeutique valable, possédant un taux de complications comparable à celui de la chirurgie en deux temps ou seulement unilatérale.(Traduit par les auteurs).

Supplementation with Quaternary Benzo(c)phenanthridine Alkaloids Decreased Salivary Cortisol and Salmonella Shedding in Pigs After Transportation to the Slaughterhouse.

The present study was aimed at evaluating the effect of herbal extracts supplementation, particularly quaternary-benzo(c)phenanthridine alkaloids (QBA), which have been previously demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immune-modulator effects. We investigated the role of QBA on stress response and Salmonella shedding in finishing pigs transported to the slaughterhouse. A total of 82 pigs were orally challenged with a Salmonella cocktail (day 0) containing Salmonella Meleagridis, Hartford, Bovismorbificans and Newport serovars and randomly assigned to three treatment groups after 2 wks (day [D] 14): T1, in-feed QBA; T2, in-feed and water-soluble QBA; CON, nonsupplemented). Pigs were transported to the slaughterhouse 2 weeks after intervention (D 28) and slaughtered after nearly 19 h (D 29). Saliva, fecal samples, and carcass swabs were collected from all pigs. Salivary cortisol, Salmonella shedding, and carcass contamination were measured. A high positive correlation (Spearman rank correlation coefficient range 0.82-0.93) between salivary cortisol and Salmonella shedding was found after transportation in all groups (p < 0.05). Only the CON group showed an increase in salivary cortisol after transportation (5.48 ng/mL; p < 0.0001) to concentrations that were higher than in T1 (2.73 ng/mL; p = 0.0002) and T2 (1.88 ng/mL; p < 0.0001). Salmonella prevalence and shedding decreased after transportation in pigs receiving the QBA intervention (p < 0.05), whereas the control group showed a significant increase in Salmonella shedding after transportation (p = 0.04). At D 28, pigs in T2 shed lower numbers of Salmonella as compared to T1 (1.3E + 02 CFU/mL versus 8E + 03 CFU/mL; p = 0.002). Additionally, carcass contamination by Salmonella was higher in the CON group than the treated groups (p = 0.01). The findings show QBA intervention was effective in reducing transportation stress of pigs, resulting in reduced Salmonella shedding and positively impacting animal welfare and pork safety.