Treatment of Francisella philomiragia bacteremia in a dog.

To describe the diagnosis and successful treatment of systemic francisellosis in a dog. An 11-year-old female spayed Labrador retriever presented for progressive lethargy, hyporexia, and cough. The dog was febrile with a neutrophilia, nonregenerative anemia, thrombocytopenia, and had increased activity in serum of liver-derived enzymes. Francisella philomiragia was isolated from aerobic blood culture. The dog was treated for 6 weeks with enrofloxacin orally. Repeated aerobic blood cultures after 2 and 6 weeks of antibiotic therapy were negative. The dog was clinically normal 7 months after diagnosis with no evidence of relapse.

Ophthalmic findings and parameters in Western tiger salamanders (Ambystoma mavortium) from northern Colorado.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to document ophthalmic examination findings and provide reference values for ocular examinations and diagnostics in clinically normal Western tiger salamanders (Ambystoma mavortium) and to evaluate the mydriatic effect of a topical rocuronium bromide and identify any adverse effects. ANIMALS STUDIED: Sixteen Western tiger salamanders. PROCEDURE: A complete ophthalmic examination, including intraocular pressure via rebound tonometry [iCare® TonoVet (dog-setting) or iCare® TonoVet Plus (dog-setting)], and fluorescein and Rose Bengal stains, was performed. Ocular surface flora culture swabs were collected for microbiology in four salamanders. Rocuronium bromide (50 µL; 0.01 mg) was administered into each eye in three salamanders. Pupil size and constriction ability were evaluated up to 60 min following administration of rocuronium bromide. Distant visual examination and Doppler heart rate were used to monitor for potential adverse effects of rocuronium bromide. RESULTS: Observed ocular abnormalities included lipid keratopathy/keratitis (19%; 3/16), parasitic ophthalmitis (19%; 3/16), and cataracts (6.3%; 1/16). A significant difference was found between tonometry with iCare® TonoVet (11.5 ± 2.7 mmHg) versus TonoVet Plus (15.4 ± 3.7 mmHg) (p = .025). Fluorescein and Rose Bengal stains were negative in all salamanders. Ocular surface microbiology revealed a high incidence of contamination from environmental flora, with the most common isolate being unidentified as Gram-negative nonfermenters (75%; 3/4). No significant change in pupil size or constriction ability was observed with rocuronium bromide. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to document ocular examination findings and diagnostics in captive and wild urodeles and may serve as a reference for clinical assessment and future studies of the Western tiger salamander.

Current state and future directions for veterinary antimicrobial resistance research.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical One Health concern with implications for human, animal, plant, and environmental health. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), antimicrobial resistance testing (ART), and surveillance practices must be harmonized across One Health sectors to ensure consistent detection and reporting practices. Veterinary diagnostic laboratory stewardship, clinical outcomes studies, and training for current and future generations of veterinarians and laboratorians are necessary to minimize the spread of AMR and move veterinary medicine forward into an age of better antimicrobial use practices. The purpose of this article is to describe current knowledge gaps present in the literature surrounding ART, AST, and clinical or surveillance applications of these methods and to suggest areas where AMR research can fill these knowledge gaps. The related Currents in One Health by Maddock et al, JAVMA, March 2024, addresses current limitations to the use of genotypic ART methods in clinical veterinary practice.

A One Health perspective on the use of genotypic methods for antimicrobial resistance prediction.

Antimicrobial resistance is a global One Health concern with critical implications for the health of humans, animals, and the environment. Phenotypic methods of bacterial culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing remain the gold standards for the detection of antimicrobial resistance and appropriate patient care; however, genotypic-based methods, such as PCR, whole genome sequencing, and metagenomic sequencing, for detection of genes conferring antimicrobial resistance are increasingly available without inclusion of appropriate standards for quality or interpretation. Misleading test results may lead to inappropriate antimicrobial treatment and, in turn, poor patient outcomes and the potential for increased incidence of antimicrobial resistance. This article explores the current landscape of clinical and methodological aspects of antimicrobial susceptibility testing and genotypic antimicrobial resistance test methods. Additionally, it describes the limitations associated with employing genotypic-based test methods in the management of veterinary patients from a One Health perspective. The companion Currents in One Health by Maddock et al, AJVR, March 2024, addresses current and future needs for veterinary antimicrobial resistance research.

Nocardia farcinica abortion in a goat.

A female goat fetus was received by the Colorado State University-Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory following an isolated abortion of twins by a reportedly healthy doe. Postmortem examination did not reveal any gross abnormalities. Histologic evaluation revealed pyogranulomatous and necrotizing bronchopneumonia with intracellular and extracellular gram-positive and non-acid-fast filamentous bacilli. Aerobic culture of the stomach contents and pooled lung and liver tissue yielded light growth of Nocardia sp., which was identified by MALDI-TOF MS and 16s rDNA sequencing as Nocardia farcinica.

Multicenter molecular investigation of recurrent Escherichia coli bacteriuria in dogs.

Escherichia coli is the most common cause of recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) in dogs. UTI recurrence comprises of persistent, unresolved E. coli infection or reinfection with a different strain of E. coli. Differentiating between these processes is clinically important but is often impossible with routine diagnostics. We tested the hypothesis that most recurrent canine E. coli bacteriuria is due to recurrence of the same E. coli strain involved in the initial infection. Molecular typing was performed on 98 urinary E. coli isolated from dogs with recurrent bacteriuria from five veterinary diagnostic laboratories in the United States. Of the 42 dogs in this study with multiple E. coli bacteriuria observations, a single strain of E. coli caused recurrent bacteriuria in 26 (62 %) dogs, in some cases on multiple occasions for prolonged periods of time (up to eight months). A single E. coli strain was detected during both subclinical bacteriuria and clinically-apparent UTI in three dogs. Isolates with the P-fimbrial adhesin genes papA and papC were associated with recurrence by the same strain of E. coli. Multiple isolations of a single strain of E. coli associated with recurrent bacteriuria suggests that E. coli may be maintained within the urinary tract of some dogs for prolonged periods of time. In some patients, the same strain can cause both clinical UTI and subclinical bacteriuria. This indicates that in dogs, the urinary bladder may serve as a subclinical, long-term reservoir of E. coli that may cause clinical UTI in the future.

Sino-orbital aspergillosis with obstructive cervical lymphadenopathy in a cat caused by Aspergillus viridinutans complex.

Case summary: This report describes an indoor-only cat with a rare form of sino-orbital aspergillosis (SOA) with cervical lymphadenopathy causing local obstruction. Extensive work-up on initial presentation failed to identify the underlying etiology and the diagnosis was not determined until the disease progressed during a prolonged course of glucocorticoid therapy. Relevance and novel information: SOA caused by Aspergillus viridinutans complex is increasingly recognized as a significant cause of mortality in cats in recent years, with most cases reported in Australia, Europe and Asia. Feline SOA carries a poor prognosis owing to its invasive nature and resistance to antifungal therapy. This case demonstrates the importance of clinical awareness of SOA as a differential for cats with chronic nasal signs and exophthalmos in the USA. Moreover, it demonstrates a rare form of presentation and potential difficulty in achieving a correct diagnosis.

NOVEL AVIBACTERIUM SPECIES ASSOCIATED WITH SINUSITIS AND CONJUNCTIVITIS IN A MERRIAM'S WILD TURKEY (MELEAGRIS GALLOPAVO MERRIAMI) FLOCK IN COLORADO, USA.

A Merriam's Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo merriami) with periocular swelling and periocular skin crusting in Pueblo County, Colorado, USA, was diagnosed with severe catarrhal and fibrinous sinusitis and conjunctivitis. A novel clade of Avibacterium was detected in the exudate from this bird. Although eight additional turkeys culled from the affected flock did not have clinical signs or gross lesions, histologically all had mild-to-moderate chronic sinusitis, and infraorbital cultures yielded the same novel clade of Avibacterium that was found in the symptomatic turkey. The presence of this Avibacterium species in the absence of significant disease in some birds suggested that other factors might have been involved in the development of severe sinusitis and conjunctivitis in the symptomatic Wild Turkey. Negative culture results from a distant flock of Wild Turkeys, acquired with similar methods to the affected flock, suggested that this novel species of Avibacterium was not widespread throughout Wild Turkeys in Colorado.

Retroperitoneal abscess and splenitis with Clostridium spp. in a dog.

An 11-year-old spayed female Basset Hound was presented to the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital for evaluation of a 7-week history of intermittent collapse, waxing and waning lethargy, and hyporexia. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a 6-mm hypoechoic splenic nodule that, on cytologic evaluation, revealed marked neutrophilic inflammation with intracellular and extracellular bacterial rods frequently producing oval subterminal to terminal endospores, suggestive of Clostridium. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) performed on bacteria isolated from this nodule initially identified a Clostridium species, which was eventually confirmed with 16 s rDNA sequencing. Computed tomography (CT) and exploratory laparotomy subsequently identified a 2.5-cm diameter tubular structure beginning at the caudal aspect of the right kidney and coursing caudally containing gas and fluid, consistent with a retroperitoneal abscess, which was resected and also cultured Clostridium spp. The dog was discharged 3 days postoperatively and was alive at the time of writing, 7 months after discharge. This case highlights a previously unrecognized bacterial agent in a retroperitoneal abscess. The use of cytologic evaluation yielded a diagnosis of endospore-forming bacteria suggestive of Clostridium sooner than culture and histopathology, which allowed for adjustment in the antibiotic protocol.

Increase in infected corneal ulcerations in dogs during the northern Colorado's 2020 wildfire season.

OBJECTIVE: In the fall of 2020, Colorado experienced the two largest wildfires in state history. The smoke blanketed the college town of Fort Collins, Colorado, the location of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Colorado State University (CSU-VTH). The objective for this cross-sectional observational study was to evaluate how these wildfires and the corresponding elevated air quality index (AQI)) was associated with infected corneal ulcerations in dogs when compared to the two previous years. ANIMALS: Seventeen dogs were included in this study. PROCEDURES: Medical records from dogs presented to the CSU-VTH ophthalmology service with infected corneal ulcerations in August, September, and October of 2020, 2019, and 2018 were evaluated. Only corneal ulcerations with growth on their microbial cultures were included in this study. RESULTS: The study revealed a significant increase in prevalence of infected corneal ulcerations in dogs presented to the CSU-VTH during the three wildfire months of 2020 that is, 3.5% (9/255) when compared with the two previous years, 2019: 1.0% (4/383, p = 0.04), and 2018: 0.9% (4/457) (p = .01). The AQI (mean ± standard error) was also significantly elevated for dogs that presented with infected corneal ulcerations in 2020 (70.2 ± 5.8) compared with 2019 (19.7 ± 8.7) and 2018 (45.6 ± 8.7) (p < .01). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Elevation of AQI from wildfires seems to be correlated with an increased prevalence of infected corneal ulceration in dogs. As the duration and frequency of wildfires continues to rise globally, the effects of these wildfires on animal health should be investigated further.

Efficacy of a quaternary ammonium compound in reducing coagulase-positive staphylococcal colony counts in veterinary dermatology exam rooms following two cleaning instruction protocols.

BACKGROUND: Nosocomial meticillin-resistant (MR) staphylococcal infections are of global concern. Veterinary dermatology exam room surfaces may be a reservoir given the commonness of staphylococcal pyoderma. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: First, efficacy of exam room surface decontamination using a quaternary ammonium compound was assessed after use of two different cleaning instruction protocols. Second, coagulase-positive staphylococcal (CoPS) colony counts were assessed after use of rooms by dogs with pyoderma, and then after cleaning and disinfection. METHODS AND MATERIALS: In Part I, 10 room surfaces were tagged with a discreet fluorescent dye, Glo Germ, to assess the efficacy of surface cleaning between two Virex II 256-based cleaning protocols. In Part II, CoPS colonies were quantified via 3M Staph Express System. Ten standardised room surfaces were sampled after use by a dog with staphylococcal pyoderma, and immediately after a detailed cleaning and disinfection protocol. RESULTS: A total of 24 of 100 and 81 of 100 surfaces were completely cleaned by the general and detailed protocols, respectively. The mean number of surfaces adequately cleaned was higher with the detailed protocol (P = 0.003). The detailed protocol reduced CoPS colony counts of eight surfaces (P < 0.01), and not chairs (P = 0.055). No CoPS were isolated from the exam table under a table mat. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Detailed exam room cleaning and disinfection protocols are recommended to minimise contamination of veterinary exam room surfaces with staphylococci. The appropriate disinfection of chairs necessitates further study.

Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Corynebacterium bovis Isolates from Immunodeficient Rodents.

Corynebacterium bovis, the causative agent of hyperkeratotic dermatitis in immunodeficient mice, is a significant problem in preclinical oncology research. Infection results in lifelong skin colonization and a decrease in successful engraftment of patient-derived xenograft tumor models. The use of antimicrobial agents for C. bovis is controversial in light of reports of poor efficacy and the possibility of selection for resistant strains. The purpose of this study was to describe the antimicrobial susceptibilities of C. bovis isolates obtained exclusively from immunodeficient rodents in order to aid in antimicrobial dose determination. Between 1995 and 2018, 15 isolates were collected from 11 research institutions across the United States. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed for 24 antimicrobials commonly used against gram-positive bacteria. Our results provide an updated understanding of the susceptibility profiles of rodent C. bovis isolates, indicating little variability between geographically and temporally distant isolates. These results will facilitate appropriate antimicrobial use to prevent and treat C. bovis infections in immunodeficient rodents.

Prevalence of extended-spectrum cephalosporin-, carbapenem-, and fluoroquinolone-resistant members of the family Enterobacteriaceae isolated from the feces of horses and hospital surfaces at two equine specialty hospitals.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of extended-spectrum cephalosporin-, carbapenem-, and fluoroquinolone-resistant bacteria of the family Enterobacteriaceae in the feces of hospitalized horses and on hospital surfaces. SAMPLE: Fecal and environmental samples were collected from The Ohio State University Galbreath Equine Center (OSUGEC) and a private referral equine hospital in Kentucky (KYEH). Feces were sampled within 24 hours after hospital admission and after 48 hours and 3 to 7 days of hospitalization. PROCEDURES: Fecal and environmental samples were enriched, and then selective media were inoculated to support growth of Enterobacteriaceae bacteria that expressed resistance phenotypes to extended-spectrum cephalosporins, carbapenems, and fluoroquinolones. RESULTS: 358 fecal samples were obtained from 143 horses. More samples yielded growth of Enterobacteriaceae bacteria that expressed resistance phenotypes (AmpC ß-lactamase, OR = 4.2; extended-spectrum beta-lactamase, OR = 3.2; and fluoroquinolone resistance, OR = 4.0) after 48 hours of hospitalization, versus within 24 hours of hospital admission. Horses hospitalized at KYEH were at greater odds of having fluoroquinolone-resistant bacteria (OR = 2.2). At OSUGEC, 82%, 64%, 0%, and 55% of 164 surfaces had Enterobacteriaceae bacteria with AmpC ß-lactamase phenotype, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase phenotype, resistance to carbapenem, and resistance to fluoroquinolones, respectively; prevalences at KYEH were similarly distributed (52%, 32%, 1%, and 35% of 315 surfaces). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that antimicrobial-resistant Enterobacteriaceae may be isolated from the feces of hospitalized horses and from the hospital environment. Hospitalization may lead to increased fecal carriage of clinically important antimicrobial-resistance genes.

Is low-level laser therapy useful as an adjunctive treatment for canine acral lick dermatitis? A randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Conventional therapy for canine acral lick dermatitis (ALD) consists of systemic antibiotics and anti-anxiety medications. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a noninvasive therapy used to treat inflammatory and painful conditions. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: The primary objective was to determine whether LLLT with conventional therapy would be beneficial as an adjunct treatment for ALD. We hypothesized that LLLT and conventional therapy combined would result in a greater reduction in licking Visual Analog Score (LVAS) compared to conventional therapy alone. Secondary objectives were to assess change in lesion/ulcer size, thickness and hair growth. ANIMALS: Thirteen dogs with a skin lesion consistent with ALD. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Dogs were randomly assigned to two groups. All dogs received systemic antibiotics and trazodone. The treatment group (TG) received LLLT by laser (130 mW, 2 min) with blue and red light-emitting diodes (LEDs), while the control group (CG) had sham therapy (laser/LEDs off). Treatments were administered three times weekly for two weeks, then twice weekly for two weeks for a total of 10 visits. Descriptive statistics were performed (mean, median); primary and secondary objectives were assessed with nonparametric ANOVA (Kruskal-Wallis test), with significance set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Thirteen dogs (six CG, seven TG) were enrolled. There were no significant differences in median LVAS, lesion/ulcer size or thickness of the ALD lesion between TG and CG. There was a significantly greater increase (24%) in hair growth in TG (P = 0.0081) compared to CG. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Treatment of ALD requires multimodal therapy. Although combining LLLT with conventional therapy did not result in a significantly greater reduction in LVAS, there was a significant increase in hair growth compared to conventional therapy alone.

Implementation of an antimicrobial stewardship program in a veterinary medical teaching institution.

Widespread use of antimicrobials in human and veterinary medicine drives the emergence and dissemination of resistant bacteria in human, animal, and environmental reservoirs. The AVMA and FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine have both taken public positions emphasizing the importance of incorporating antimicrobial stewardship in veterinary clinical settings; however, a model for implementing a comprehensive antimicrobial stewardship program in veterinary practice is not readily available. In 2015, The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine began developing a veterinary antimicrobial stewardship program modeled on existing programs in human health-care institutions and the 7 core elements of a successful hospital antimicrobial stewardship program, as defined by the CDC. The program includes comprehensive antimicrobial use guidelines, active environmental surveillance, and enhanced infection control procedures in The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center, along with routine monitoring and reporting of antimicrobial prescribing practices and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of common pathogens isolated from patients and the hospital environment. Finally, programs have been developed to educate clinicians, staff, and students on antimicrobial resistance and appropriate antimicrobial prescribing practices. The antimicrobial stewardship program has been designed to help clinicians and students confidently make judicious antimicrobial use decisions and provide them with actionable steps that can help them act as strong stewards while providing the best care for their patients. This report describes our program and the process involved in developing it, with the intent that the program could serve as a potential model for other veterinary medical institutions.

Clinical ophthalmological diagnostic description of 10 healthy sugar gliders (Petaurus breviceps) and prevalence of ocular-related presentations in a larger hospital population.

OBJECTIVE: To provide reference values for ocular examination and diagnostics in ophthalmologically normal sugar gliders (Petaurus breviceps). To retrospectively determine the prevalence of ocular diseases in sugar gliders presenting to a single institution. ANIMALS: Ten client owned and 106 previously evaluated sugar gliders. PROCEDURE: A descriptive study evaluated sugar gliders presented to Colorado State University's Avian, Exotics, and Zoological Medicine Service (CSU-AEZ) from August-2019 to January-2020. A complete ophthalmic examination including Schirmer tear test II (STT II), phenol red threat test (PRTT), intraocular pressure (IOP) via rebound tonometry, fluorescein, and rose bengal stain was performed under anesthesia. Conjunctival aerobic culture swabs and cytology were collected prior to ophthalmic evaluation. A retrospective review of medical records of sugar gliders presented to CSU-AEZ from 2008 to 2018 for ocular disease was performed. RESULTS: Mean values ± standard deviation for selected diagnostics included the following: STT II: 2.2 ± 6.7 mm/min; PRTT: 0 ± 0 mm/15 s; IOP: 12 ± 2.6 mm Hg. Fluorescein and rose bengal staining highlighted corneal abrasions secondary to tear testing. The three most common conjunctival bacterial isolates cultured were Staphylococcus spp. (3/20, 15%), Coryneform spp. (3/20, 15%), and unidentified Gram-positive cocci (3/20, 15%). Retrospective analysis revealed ocular diseases to be the third most common abnormality resulting in sugar glider presentations (13/106, 12.3%). CONCLUSION: This descriptive study gives reference values for IOP, conjunctival microbiology, and cytology for sugar gliders. STT II and PRTT provide little clinical value in sugar gliders. The retrospective study revealed that ocular abnormalities, often secondary to dental disease, are a common reason for presentation.

Delayed diagnosis of fatal pneumonic canine plague: clinical and pathologic features in two naturally infected Colorado dogs.

BACKGROUND: Plague caused by Yersinia pestis is a highly infectious and potentially fatal zoonotic disease that can be spread by wild and domestic animals. In endemic areas of the northern hemisphere plague typically cycles from March to October, when flea vectors are active. Clinical forms of disease include bubonic, septicemic, and pneumonic plague. All clinical forms are uncommon in dogs and the pneumonic form is exceedingly rare. CASE PRESENTATION: Two mixed breed young-adult male domestic dogs presented to Colorado veterinarians with fever and vague signs that progressed to hemoptysis within 24 h. Case 1 presented in June 2014, while Case 2 occurred in December 2017. Thoracic radiography of Case 1 and 2 revealed right dorsal and right accessory lobe consolidation, respectively. In Case 1 initial differential diagnoses included pulmonary contusion due to trauma or diphacinone toxicosis. Case 1 was euthanized ~ 24 h post presentation due to progressive dyspnea and hemoptysis. Plague was confirmed 9 days later, after the dog's owner was hospitalized with pneumonia. Case 2 was treated as foreign body/aspiration pneumonia and underwent lung lobectomy at a veterinary teaching hospital. Case 2 was euthanized after 5 days of hospitalization when bacterial culture of the excised lobe yielded Yersinia pestis. Both dogs had severe diffuse necrohemorrhagic and suppurative pneumonia at post mortem examination. CONCLUSIONS: Both dogs were misdiagnosed due to the atypical lobar presentation of an extremely rare form of plague in a species that infrequently succumbs to clinical disease. Presentation outside of the typical transmission period of plague was also a factor leading to delayed diagnosis in Case 2. Erroneous identification by automated bacterial identification systems was problematic in both cases. In endemic areas, plague should be ruled out early in febrile dogs with acute respiratory signs, hemoptysis, lobar or diffuse pathology, and potential for exposure, regardless of season. Seasonal and geographic distributions of plague may shift with climate change, so vigilance by primary care veterinarians is warranted. Timely submission of samples to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory could expedite accurate diagnosis and reduce potential for human and domestic animal exposure.

Efficacy of three disinfectant formulations and a hydrogen peroxide/silver fogging system on surfaces experimentally inoculated with meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius.

BACKGROUND: Effective environmental disinfection is necessary to prevent nosocomial infections from meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP). However, there are currently no commercial disinfectant sprays or fogging systems with label claims against MRSP. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of a quaternary ammonium product (QAC), an accelerated hydrogen peroxide product (AHP), a hydrogen peroxide and silver product (HAL), and a hydrogen peroxide and silver fogging system (FOG) against MRSP. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Sterile plastic surfaces inoculated with MRSP were treated with 200 µL of QAC, AHP or HAL for the recommended contact times. For FOG, inoculated samples were placed in eight positions within a sealed room before fogging for the recommended contact time. Post-treatment bacterial counts were compared to untreated positive controls. Sterile uninoculated surfaces served as negative controls. RESULTS: Least-squares mean reduction (log10 ) in colony forming units (cfu) was 3.55 log10 for QAC (P < 0.0001), 3.60 log10 for AHP (P < 0.0001), 1.66 log10 for HAL (P < 0.0001) and 0.32 log10 for FOG (P = 0.004). QAC, AHP and HAL reduced MRSP cfu by 99.97%, 99.98% and 97.81%, respectively. FOG reduced cfu by 52.14%. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: QAC and AHP effectively disinfected surfaces inoculated with MRSP. Although HAL provided lower MRSP reduction, it may be considered clinically acceptable. FOG as a sole means of MRSP disinfection was not supported yet may have utility as an adjunctive disinfectant in clinical areas with bacterial densities lower than our experimental inoculum.

DERMATITIS AND RHINOSINUITIS CAUSED BY CURVULARIA SPECIES IN A CHINESE GORAL (NAEMORHEDUS GRISEUS).

Curvularia spp. are globally distributed saprophytic fungi, classified in the literature as dematiaceous, or darkly pigmented fungi. These fungi have been increasingly recognized as causing cutaneous, ocular, respiratory, and central nervous system infections in humans, but have been infrequently documented as pathogens in the veterinary literature. A 5-yr-old male Chinese goral (Naemorhedus griseus) presented with bilateral fungal dermatitis of the pinnae, and subsequent pyogranulomatous rhinosinusitis. Clinical signs included epistaxis, mucosanguineous nasal discharge, and dyspnea. Sequential histologic examinations of cutaneous and nasal lesions revealed pyogranulomatous inflammation with extracellular and phagocytized nonpigmented yeasts. Fungal culture and polymerase chain reaction identified Curvularia sp. The absence of pigmentation in tissue in this case suggests that pigmentation may not be a consistent histologic finding for this fungus, emphasizing the importance of molecular identification to prevent misidentification. Despite intensive interventions in this goral, the disease progressed, and was ultimately fatal.

Ocular findings and selected ophthalmic diagnostic tests in a group of young commercially available Guinea and Skinny pigs (Cavia porcellus).

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate a group of young commercially available Skinny pigs, to gain information regarding ocular findings in this breed of guinea pig. Comparisons of ocular findings are to be made between Skinny pigs and haired guinea pigs. ANIMAL STUDIED: Ten haired guinea pigs and ten Skinny pigs were examined. PROCEDURE: A complete ophthalmic examination including Schirmer tear test-II (STT-II), phenol red thread test (PRTT), rebound tonometry with TonoVet PLUS, Fluorescein and Rose Bengal stain was performed. Microbiology swabs for aerobic bacterial growth were collected from conjunctiva of both eyes prior to the ophthalmic examination. RESULTS: The ophthalmic examination revealed seven abnormal ocular findings: trichiasis, mucopurulent discharge, hyperemia/chemosis of the conjunctiva, corneal fibrosis, corneal vascularization, and foreign body on the cornea or conjunctiva. Skinny pigs had a significantly higher amount of mucopurulent discharge (P = .0133) and a significantly higher STT-II (P < .001) than haired guinea pigs. Although not significant, trichiasis, keratitis with corneal vascularization, and foreign body presence were more common in Skinny pigs. Significantly more Skinny pigs had Pasteurellaceae isolated from their conjunctiva than haired guinea pigs (P = .0112). Antimicrobial susceptibility for the five Pasteurellaceae organisms isolated revealed susceptibility toward oxytetracycline, tobramycin, ciprofloxacin, and ofloxacin, whereas resistance was found toward erythromycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and moxifloxacin. CONCLUSION: Young Skinny pigs have a higher risk of Pasteurellaceae-associated conjunctivitis. Oxytetracycline, tobramycin, ciprofloxacin, and ofloxacin were identified as topical antibiotics that may be useful for Pasteurellaceae-associated conjunctivitis in Skinny pigs.