Bacterial abscesses in whitespotted bamboo sharks (Chiloscyllium plagiosum) in managed care.

Sixteen whitespotted bamboo sharks (Chiloscyllium plagiosum) with histologically similar bacterial abscesses were submitted to Northwest ZooPath from nine zoo and aquarium institutions over a 17-year period. These abscesses were characterized by inflammatory cell infiltrates and necrosis with intralesional small, Gram-positive, acid-fast negative, cocci bacteria. The clinical presentation, histologic findings, and culture results indicate that Enterococcus faecalis is a relatively common cause of these lesions in whitespotted bamboo sharks. This organism also provides a treatment challenge due to its inherent antibiotic-resistant properties and ability to form biofilms, confounding the host's immune response. Enterococcus faecalis represents an important cause for abscess formation and cellulitis in captive whitespotted bamboo sharks.

Using natural language processing and patient journey clustering for temporal phenotyping of antimicrobial therapies for cat bite abscesses.

BACKGROUND: Temporal phenotyping of patient journeys, which capture the common sequence patterns of interventions in the treatment of a specific condition, is useful to support understanding of antimicrobial usage in veterinary patients. Identifying and describing these phenotypes can inform antimicrobial stewardship programs designed to fight antimicrobial resistance, a major health crisis affecting both humans and animals, in which veterinarians have an important role to play. OBJECTIVE: This research proposes a framework for extracting temporal phenotypes of patient journeys from clinical practice data through the application of natural language processing (NLP) and unsupervised machine learning (ML) techniques, using cat bite abscesses as a model condition. By constructing temporal phenotypes from key events, the relationship between antimicrobial administration and surgical interventions can be described, and similar treatment patterns can be grouped together to describe outcomes associated with specific antimicrobial selection. METHODS: Cases identified as having a cat bite abscess as a diagnosis were extracted from VetCompass Australia, a database of veterinary clinical records. A classifier was trained and used to label the most clinically relevant event features in each record as chosen by a group of veterinarians. The labeled records were processed into coded character strings, where each letter represents a summary of specific types of treatments performed at a given visit. The sequences of letters representing the cases were clustered based on weighted Levenshtein edit distances with KMeans+ + to identify the main variations of the patient treatment journeys, including the antimicrobials used and their duration of administration. RESULTS: A total of 13,744 records that met the selection criteria was extracted and grouped into 8436 cases. There were 9 clinically distinct event sequence patterns (temporal phenotypes) of patient journeys identified, representing the main sequences in which surgery and antimicrobial interventions are performed. Patients receiving amoxicillin and surgery had the shortest duration of antimicrobial administration (median of 3.4 days) and patients receiving cefovecin with no surgical intervention had the longest antimicrobial treatment duration (median of 27 days). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates methods to extract and provide an overview of temporal phenotypes of patient journeys, which can be applied to text-based clinical records for multiple species or clinical conditions. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach to derive real-world evidence of treatment impacts using cat bite abscesses as a model condition to describe patterns of antimicrobial therapy prescriptions and their outcomes.

Surgical Treatment of Facial Abscesses and Jaw Osteomyelitis of Dental Origin Using Extraoral Tooth Extraction in the Domestic Rabbit: A Case Series.

The treatment of facial abscesses of dental origin is difficult as jaw osteomyelitis in rabbits is mainly associated with a thick caseous pus that is particularly difficult to drain. Precise identification of the teeth involved in the infected site with the use of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was expected to ensure a favorable surgical treatment plan without a long-term local antibiotic strategy or local marsupialization. The first part of the study compared multi-planar reconstruction (MPR) and 3D reconstruction complemented by a maximum intensity projection filter (MIP). The surgical part of the study included rabbits with documentation of the treatment outcome for a period greater than one month after surgery and having had at least one post-operative CBCT demonstrating the achievement of surgical extraction. MPR is significantly more efficient than MIP techniques for alveolar bone (P < 10-7), spongious bone (P < 10-10) and apical elongation (P < 10-5) parameters. Nineteen of 20 surgical sites gave radiological confirmation of the success of the surgical plan. Eighteen of 20 of the abscess sites were clinically healed within one month. Seven out of 20 of the abscess sites presented evidence of one dental structure regrowth following the CBCT recheck. Two out of these seven cases presented with a concomitant persistent chronic facial fistula. Both cases healed after second-stage surgery to extract the tooth structure. The mean number of teeth extracted was 2.85, and seven of the 20 procedures included one incisor.

Serratia marcescens-associated subcutaneous abscess in a dog.

This report describes the clinical presentation and progression of a Serratia marcescens-associated subcutaneous abscess in a dog with hypothyroidism, hyperadrenocorticism and diabetes mellitus. The S. marcescens isolate was resistant to several antibiotics. Treatment with antibiotics and topical antiseptics was not successful.

Clinical diagnosis and outcome of cervicofacial cellulitis in pyrexic rabbits: six cases (2014-2021).

OBJECTIVES: To assess the signalment, history, exam findings, diagnostics, treatment and outcome of rabbits diagnosed with pyrexia and concurrent cervicofacial cellulitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective evaluation of medical records of rabbits diagnosed with cervicofacial cellulitis and pyrexia based on physical exam, contrast-enhanced CT, clinicopathology and microbiology findings. RESULTS: Six out of 1588 rabbits met the study inclusion criteria. Rabbits presented with a median age of 6 years (range, 8 months to 8 years) with a presenting complaint of anorexia or hyporexia. All rabbits had a rectal temperature >40.2°C (104.4°F). Physical exam and contrast-enhanced CT revealed unilateral submandibular and ipsilateral cervical diffuse soft tissue swelling in five of six rabbits. No antemortem evidence of periodontal or dental disease was found on physical exam or CT. Leucopenia was present in five of six rabbits. A left shift with marked toxic changes was present in all four rabbits, for which blood smears were reviewed. Bacterial cultures of the aspirated subcutaneous soft tissue swelling cultured Escherichia coli, Pasteurella multocida, Granulicatella adiacens, Streptococcus species, Haemophilus species and Bacteroides species. Treatment was pursued in five rabbits, where all rabbits received supportive care and four of five rabbits received systemic antibiotics. One rabbit was euthanased following a diagnosis of cervicofacial cellulitis. Three out of five rabbits continued to decline clinically despite medical management, and thus, euthanasia was pursued within 24 hours of starting treatment. Two rabbits responded to initial treatment and developed subsequent multi-focal abscessation. One rabbit was euthanased due to client cost constraints, and one rabbit died shortly after achieving clinical resolution of cervicofacial cellulitis. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Cervicofacial cellulitis should be considered a differential diagnosis in pyrexic rabbits with facial or cervical swelling with medical and surgical management pursued for therapy.

Pre-anal gland abscess in a male Atlantic bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus).

OBJECTIVE: Anal glands have been identified in a variety of terrestrial and aquatic mammalian species, but there are few accounts describing their presence in cetaceans. To our knowledge, this report describes the first documented case of a pre-anal gland abscess in an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). ANIMAL: A 9-year-old male bottlenose dolphin (T truncatus) part of the US Navy Marine Mammal Program in San Diego Bay, California. CLINICAL PRESENTATION, PROGRESSION, AND PROCEDURES: The patient presented for a 3-day history of lethargy, failure to perform voluntary behaviors, and an elevated respiratory rate. Complete blood count and serum biochemistry results showed an inflammatory hemogram. Physical examination revealed a 4-cm circular swelling at the right pre-anal gland pore. The swelling was warm and erythematous, with multifocal pinpoint ulcerations. An abscess of the pre-anal gland was diagnosed using cytology, culture, and ultrasound. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Treatment included systemic oral antibiotic and antifungal therapy, along with daily lavage and warm compress of the gland. Treatment was successful, and the abscess resolved. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This case provides insight into a previously unreported disease process in bottlenose dolphins and encourages veterinarians to evaluate the pre-anal gland during routine physical examinations and complete further work-up if swelling or clinical signs associated with this region are present.

Radical debridement guided by advanced imaging and frequent monitoring is an effective approach for the treatment of odontogenic abscesses and jaw osteomyelitis in rabbits: a review of 200 cases (2018-2023).

OBJECTIVE: To report the prevalence and document the treatment and outcome of odontogenic abscesses and associated jaw osteomyelitis in pet rabbits. ANIMALS: 200 client-owned rabbits. METHODS: Pet rabbits surgically treated using extraoral teeth extraction with marsupialization for abscesses of dental origin and jaw osteomyelitis were included in the study (February 2018 to February 2023). A case must have had pre- and postoperative computed tomographic study and a follow-up period of at least 4 months. RESULTS: In total, 113 male and 87 female rabbits were treated surgically. The mean age at the time of the diagnosis at the authors' clinic was 3 years and 11 months. Male rabbits suffered from odontogenic abscesses significantly more often than females. The mean surgical time varied from 25 to 95 minutes, based on the severity of the pathology and location. The wound healed completely in an average of 39.7 days (range, 14 to 145 days; 95% CI, 36.9 to 42.5 days). Major complications detected in 18.5% (37/200) cases were associated with prolonged healing time mostly due to the formation of a bone sequestrum and gingival suture failure. The disease-free time following abscess resolution was on average 29 months (range, 4 to 60 months). The recurrence of the odontogenic infection was 8% (16/200 cases). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The radical surgical technique with the extraction of all the infected teeth with the removal of all affected tissue and osteomyelitic bone and regular follow-up wound management is an effective method for the treatment of odontogenic abscesses with jaw osteomyelitis.

Role of nuc gene in Staphylococcus aureus to phagocytic activity in different cattle infections.

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is a typical pathogenic agent that causes several morbidities and mortalities which variable largely following the severity of bacteria and activity of host immunity. Aim: Isolation of S. aureus from different cattle infections, molecular detection of nuc gene in positive S. aureus isolates, and identification of the effectiveness of the phagocytic activity. Methods: Totally, 100 cattle with various infections (25 wounds, 25 abscesses, 25 nasal discharges, and 25 ear swaps) were selected and subjected to collection of swabs under controlled conditions. All collected samples were cultured on mannitol salt agar (MSA) and assessed by biochemical tests. Targeting the nuc gene, all study MSA positive isolates were examined molecularly by conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and then subjected to antibiotic susceptibility test. Jugular venous blood was collected from all infected animals in addition to 20 healthy cattle that were selected as a control group to estimate the phagocytic activity of S. aureus isolates. Results: The findings of MSA culture revealed a total of 80 positive samples of S. aureus as 23, 21, 20, and 16 positive isolates for nasal discharge, abscess, wound, and ear swab, respectively; based on its morphology, cultural trait, and biochemical test. Subsequently, PCR assaying of MSA-positive isolates demonstrated an overall 59 positive samples as 14, 16, 12, and 17 positive isolates for nasal discharge, abscess, wound, and ear swabs, respectively. Antibiotic susceptibility testing of S. aureus-positive PCR isolates reported a significantly high sensitivity to chloramphenicol and vancomycin, and a high resistance to penicillin. Finally, there was a considerable decline in phagocytic activity in particular 2 weeks post-infection as a result of bacterial invasion. Conclusion: This study shows a high prevalence of S. aureus in cattle infections, and the protocol includes a regular screening of cattle infection and suitable therapy based on antibacterial susceptibility test is of great importance in the long-term control of the pathogen. However, additional molecular studies targeting other genes of S. aureus and the role of immune markers in different infections should be aimed.

Pulmonary lesions with asteroid bodies in a pig experimentally infected with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serovar 15.

Five pigs experimentally infected with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serovar 15 isolated in our previous study were pathologically examined. One pig died at 2 days post inoculation (dpi) and four pigs were euthanized at 7 dpi. Autopsy revealed fibrinohemorrhagic pleuropneumonia in all pigs. Histopathologically, the lesions were characterized by extensive hemorrhage and necrosis, fibrin deposition, and multifocal abscesses composed of numerous neutrophils including oat cells and numerous Gram-negative bacilli. In one survived pig, asteroid body formation was confirmed in the lung. The bacteria within the abscesses and asteroid bodies were immunohistochemically positive for antiserum raised against A. pleuropneumoniae serovar 15. This is the first report describing porcine pleuropneumonia with asteroid bodies in a pig experimentally infected with A. pleuropneumoniae serovar 15.

Computed tomography of suppurative and neoplastic diseases involving the canine omenta and omental bursa.

The greater and lesser omenta are fused peritoneal folds that largely delimit the omental bursa (lesser peritoneal cavity). The omental bursa is a potential space within the abdominal cavity that communicates with the greater peritoneal cavity via the omental (epiploic) foramen: it is subdivided into the omental vestibule, caudal omental recess, and splenic recess. Aims of this retrospective case series study were to describe the frequencies of CT findings of dogs with confirmed inflammatory or neoplastic disease of the omenta, omental bursa, or both. The sample included seven adult, medium-to-large breed dogs. All had fluid in the greater peritoneal cavity and 5/7 (71%) dogs also had fluid in the omental bursa. Primary suppurative inflammatory disease was present in three dogs, each dog had a large abscess with central gas in either the omental vestibule (two dogs) or caudal omental recess (one dog). Both abscesses in the omental vestibule arose from the papillary process of the caudate liver lobe and were surgically removed without complication. Neoplasia was present in four dogs and either arose from omentum (hemangiosarcoma, carcinoma) or infiltrated the omentum from an adjacent organ (splenic leiomyosarcoma, gastric adenocarcinoma). Neoplasms created mass-like tumors, infiltrative tumors, or both and had variable distribution (focal, multifocal, or locally extensive). All dogs with neoplasia were euthanized. CT signs of inflammatory and neoplastic disease overlapped, but the presence of gas might prioritize abscessation. CT signs helped decide feasibility of surgery based on extent of local invasion, especially involvement of structures passing through the porta hepatis.

Serological and Bacteriological Surveillance of Glanders Among Horses in Central Region of Iran.

Glanders is the oldest and very contagious disease among horses caused by Burkholderia mallei. The disease occurs as a chronic form in horses. Hence, because of the prolonged shedding, numerous horses can potentially get infected by one horse with glanders. Glanders is endemic in Iran and this causes occasional occurrence in horse population of the country. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of B.mallei infection in horses in two central provinces of Iran. A total of 517 serum samples were collected from stable horses in Tehran and Alborz provinces. Among the studied horses, seven presented fever, anorexia, dyspnea, subcutaneous abscesses, nasal and cutaneous discharges, emaciation, and lymphadenopathy. Nasal and ocular discharges and subcutaneous abscesses were sampled for bacterial culture and PCR. The sera were examined by means of complement fixation test (CFT) and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA). Seropositive cases were further examined by Mallein test. The results derived from the present study indicated that only 1.35% of the studied horses were positive in CFT, iELISA and Mallein test, of which only in 42.85% B.mallei was successfully cultured on blood agar and glycerinated nutrient media and confirmed by PCR. Periodic serological tests along with quarantine can benefit reduction of the occurrence of the disease in horses in Iran.

Long-term systemic antibiotics and surgical treatment can be an effective treatment option for retrobulbar abscesses in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus): 21 cases (2011-2022).

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the epidemiologic features of rabbits with retrobulbar abscesses, including the clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome. ANIMALS: 21 client-owned rabbits. METHODS: The medical record database of a veterinary teaching hospital was searched from 2011 to 2022 for records of rabbits diagnosed with retrobulbar abscesses by CT. Data reviewed included age, breed, presenting complaint, association with an odontogenic infection, aerobic and anaerobic culture results, treatment, and outcome. RESULTS: The primary presenting complaint was exophthalmos (19/21 [90%]). Most cases (15/21 [71%]) were associated with an odontogenic infection. Dental disease, not associated with a retrobulbar abscess (14/21 [67%]), was a common comorbidity on CT. The most common aerobic and anaerobic isolates were Streptococcus intermedius (5/12 [42%]) and Fusobacterium nucleatum (2/12 [17%]), respectively. Surgical treatment combined with long-term systemic antibiotic therapy was performed in 9 of 21 (43%) cases. It included intraoral tooth extraction (4/9 [44%]) versus extraoral peribulbar abscess lancing with either abscess packing with antibiotic-soaked gauze (3/9 [33%]) or surgical abscess debridement (2/9 [22%]). Resolution of the clinical signs with no recurrence for at least 6 months occurred in 7 of 9 (78%) surgically treated cases. Medical treatment with long-term systemic antibiotic therapy was performed in 4 of 21 (19%) cases, and 3 of 4 (75%) resolved. Due to poor prognosis or financial concerns, euthanasia was performed or recommended in 8 of 21 (38%) cases. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: On the basis of the data from this study, retrobulbar abscesses in rabbits carry a guarded prognosis. When intraoral and extraoral surgical treatment options combined with systemic antibiotic therapy were used, it resolved clinical disease in most cases.

Ultrasonographic findings may be useful for differentiating interdigital abscesses secondary to migrating grass awns and interdigital furunculosis in dogs.

Grass awn migration and furunculosis are common diseases in dogs that can lead to interdigital subcutaneous lesions with a similar clinical presentation, and occasionally similar ultrasonographic images, but different treatments are required. This retrospective, multicentric, analytical study aimed to determine whether epidemiological, clinical, and ultrasonographic features could be used to differentiate interdigital furunculosis and abscesses secondary to migrating grass awns. Fifty-nine dogs that underwent interdigital ultrasonography were included (interdigital furunculosis [IDF], n = 27; interdigital abscess secondary to a migrating grass awn [IAGA], n = 32). Ultrasonographic images were reviewed by two observers blinded to the diagnosis, who graded nine qualitative and four quantitative parameters for each patient. In both groups, pruritus/licking (IDF 74%, IAGA 70%), a discharging interdigital wound (63% for each group), and thoracic limb involvement (IDF 88%, IAGA 75%) were common features. On ultrasound, a subcutaneous multilinear hyperechoic main element was identified in most dogs (IDF 85%, IAGA 100%). The ability to display this element in a single plane (P < 0.01), the absence of additional hyperechoic linear elements in different planes (P < 0.01), and a surrounding hypoechoic halo (P < 0.05) were significantly more common in dogs with interdigital abscesses secondary to migrating grass awns. A cut-off value of 0.83 cm for the length of the main multilinear element provided a sensitivity of 91% and a specificity of 87% in the diagnosis of a migrating grass awn. Findings supported prioritizing a differential diagnosis of interdigital abscesses secondary to grass awns in dogs with these ultrasonographic characteristics.

Preoperative computed tomography, surgical treatment and long-term outcomes of dogs with abscesses on migrating vegetal foreign bodies and oropharyngeal stick injuries: 39 cases (2010-2021).

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated success rates of surgical treatment of head and neck abscesses and draining tracts for suspected migrating vegetal foreign body and oropharyngeal penetrating injuries, and compared the outcomes according to whether a vegetal foreign body was identified in preoperative computed tomography (CT) examination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study involved 39 dogs that underwent CT and subsequent surgical exploration of abscesses and/or draining tracts in the head and neck, in a single institution between 2010 and 2021. Recorded data included signalment, history, physical examination, CT and surgical findings. The postoperative follow-up period was at least 8 months. Cases were classified according to whether a foreign body was identified on CT or was only suspected because of the presence of cavities and/or draining tracts on CT. RESULTS: A vegetal foreign body was identified on CT in 11 of 39 cases and later confirmed at surgery in 10 cases. In 28 of 39 cases, a vegetal foreign body was not identified on CT, but in seven of these 28 cases it was found at surgery. Resolution of clinical signs was achieved in 11 of 11 cases when a vegetal foreign body was identified on CT and in 26 of 28 cases without a foreign body identified on CT. Two cases of recurrence were observed in animals in which no foreign body was detected. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In this population of dogs undergoing surgery after preoperative CT scan, we observed resolution of clinical signs after a single surgical procedure in 95% of the cases. All animals in which a foreign body was identified were cured.

Rectal prolapse secondary to a urachal abscess in an alpaca cria.

A five-month-old alpaca cria presented with a history of abdominal pain, dysuria, and a recurring rectal prolapse. An ultrasonographic examination indicated a urachal abscess attached to the urinary bladder. The abscess was removed surgically, and the patient had an adequate recovery after the procedure and ancillary treatment. This case report highlights secondary complications that could arise following an infection of the urachus in new-world camelids. Key clinical message: Urachal abscess should be considered as a differential diagnosis in juvenile new-world camelids with rectal prolapse, tenesmus, or dysuria.

Prolapsus rectal secondaire à un abcès de l'ouraque chez un cria d'alpaga. Un cria d'alpaga âgé de cinq mois est présenté avec des antécédents de douleurs abdominales, de dysurie et de prolapsus rectal récurrent. Un examen échographique a révélé un abcès de l'ouraque attaché à la vessie. L'abcès a été enlevé chirurgicalement, et le patient a eu une récupération adéquate après la procédure et le traitement auxiliaire. Ce rapport de cas met en évidence les complications secondaires qui pourraient survenir à la suite d'une infection de l'ouraque chez les camélidés du nouveau monde.Message clinique clé :L'abcès de l'ouraque doit être considéré comme un diagnostic différentiel chez les camélidés juvéniles du nouveau monde présentant un prolapsus rectal, un ténesme ou une dysurie.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Causes of carcass condemnation in Norwegian aviary housed layers.

BACKGROUND: Meat inspection data is commonly used to monitor health and welfare in commercial broiler production; however, less used in layers. Slaughterhouse records can provide insight into animal and herd health and identify important health and welfare challenges. To gain knowledge of health issues in commercial aviary housed laying hens, the aim of this repeated cross-sectional study was to describe the occurrence and causes of carcass condemnation, including dead-on-arrivals (DOA), in commercial aviary housed layers in Norway, and to explore seasonal patterns and correlation between DOA and number of carcass condemnations. RESULTS: Data from January 2018 to December 2020 were collected from one poultry abattoir in Norway. In total, 759,584 layers were slaughtered during this period in 101 slaughter batches from 98 flocks and 56 farms. In total, 33,754 (4.4%) layers were condemned, including the DOA. The most common carcass condemnation causes were (percent of all slaughtered layers): abscess/cellulitis (2.03%), peritonitis (0.38%), DOA (0.22%), emaciation (0.22%), discoloration/smell (0.21%), acute skin lesions (0.21%) and ascites (0.17%). Regression analysis showed an estimated higher prevalence of total carcass condemnation during winter compared to the other seasons. CONCLUSIONS: The three most common condemnation causes found in the present study were: abscess/cellulitis, peritonitis, and DOA. We found a large between-batch variation in causes of condemnation and DOA indicating that prevention might be possible. The results can be used to inform and guide further studies on layer health and welfare.

Normal bacterial flora of the oral cavity in healthy pet rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

BACKGROUND: Rabbits often suffer from dental disease, including dental abscesses and periodontal/apical infections. With odontogenic infection and abscessation, a bacterial aetiology can be proven by bacterial culture and identification. Although studies exist on the bacterial flora of dental abscesses, the information available to date on the bacterial flora of the oral cavity in healthy rabbits is limited. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the cultivable bacterial flora in the oral cavity of healthy, young, pet rabbits and to compare this flora with the pathologic flora of odontogenic abscesses described in the literature. METHODS: Samples were collected from the oral cavity of 33 healthy, young pet rabbits undergoing routine procedures. Oral cavity culture specimens were collected by rolling a sterile flocked paediatric swab in the mouth. Identification was first attempted by morphological assessment, Gram staining and mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF). Colonies that could not be identified by mass spectrometry were identified by amplification and molecular sequencing of a part of the 16s rRNA gene. RESULTS: Bacteria were recovered from 100% of oral swabs; 220 isolates of 35 different genera of bacteria were cultured. The most frequently isolated bacteria were Streptococcus sp. (19.8%), Rothia sp. (17.9%), Enterobacter sp. (7%), Staphylococcus sp. (6.6%) and Actinomyces sp. (5.7%). Four phyla are represented: Proteobacteria (38.3%), Firmicutes (30.5%), Actinobacteria (26.9%) and Bacteroidota (4.3%). CONCLUSIONS: A wide range of commensal bacteria are present in the mouths of rabbits. Bacterial cultures taken from cases of dental abscesses often reveal bacteria. Streptococcus sp., Staphylococcus sp. and Actinomyces sp. are frequently found in cultures from dental abscesses, in contrast to Rothia and Enterobacter species. Our findings enhance the knowledge of rabbit microbial communities throughout oral cavity.

Use of Thoracic Catheters to Drain Pelvic Abscesses in Horses: Two Cases.

Pelvic abscesses occur in horses of all ages and breeds. Although conservative management may be successful, surgical drainage may be necessary for larger abscesses or in case of secondary intestinal obstruction. The purpose of this report is to describe two cases of pelvic abscesses that were successfully drained using indwelling chest tubes, repeated lavages and targeted antibiotic treatment.

[Sole abscess (Pododermatitis purulenta superficialis) in a Bactrian camel - diagnosis, treatment, and healing process]. / Sohlenabszess (Pododermatitis purulenta superficialis) bei einem Trampeltier ­ Diagnostik, Therapie und Heilungsverlauf.

An approximately 14-year-old female Bactrian camel was referred to the University Clinic for Ruminants with left hindlimb lameness of two weeks duration. All findings of the general clinical examination were within normal limits. Orthopedic examination revealed a left supporting limb lameness score of 2 with moderate weight-shifting and reluctance to bear weight on the lateral toe at walk. The camel was sedated (0.24 mg/kg BW xylazine i.m.+1.92 mg/kg BW ketamine i.m., 0.04 mg/kg BW butorphanol) and rolled in lateral recumbency for further investigations. Sonographic examination of the cushion of the left hindlimb revealed an abscess of diameters of 11×2.3 cm impinging both digits between the sole horn and lateral and medial cushions. The abscess was opened under local infiltration anesthesia after a 5×5 cm incision at the central sole area, the abscess capsule removed with a sharp curette and the abscess cavity flushed. The wound was then bandaged. Postoperative treatment consisted of bandage changes every 5-7 days. For these procedures the camel was repeatedly sedated. At the first change the xylazine dosage was the same for surgery, and sequentially the dosage could be reduced (0.20 mg/kg BW i.m.), but finally increased for the last dressing changes (0.22 mg/kg BW i.m.). Ketamine dosages were also reduced slightly throughout the hospitalization period (1.51 mg/kg BW i.m.), enabling a reduction of the recovery period duration. After 6 weeks of regular bandage changes the wound had healed completely with a new horn layer and showing no lameness the camel could be discharged.

Septic peritonitis secondary to intra-peritoneal grass awn migration: 7 cases (2014-2021).

Objectives: To describe the clinical presentation, management, and outcome of cases treated for septic peritonitis secondary to intra-peritoneal grass awn migration. Animals: Six client-owned dogs and 1 client-owned cat. Procedures: Clinical data of dogs and cats treated surgically for septic peritonitis secondary to an intra-peritoneal grass awn identified during surgery between January 2014 and December 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Data included signalment, clinical presentation, blood test results, diagnostic imaging findings, surgical procedure, postoperative complications, and outcome. Telephone interviews were conducted for long-term follow-up. Results: Six dogs and 1 cat met the inclusion criteria. The most common reported clinical signs were lethargy (n = 7), anorexia/dysorexia (n = 4), and pyrexia (n = 4). The vegetal foreign body was not identified in any case with ultrasound (0/5) and only suspected for one case with a computed tomography scanner (1/4). A grass awn was identified within an omental abscess for each case during surgery. Abscess resection for each case resulted in partial pancreatectomy and a splenectomy for 1 case, and partial gastrectomy for another case. All cases survived to discharge. Only one minor post-operative complication was identified, and no other complication was reported at the long-term telephone interview. Conclusion and clinical significance: Septic peritonitis secondary to omental grass awn foreign body is an uncommon condition that has a good to excellent prognosis after surgical treatment. Identification of omental grass awn with ultrasound and computed tomography is rare. Therefore, particular care should be given to omental exploration during surgery for septic peritonitis with no underlying cause identified.

Péritonite septique secondaires à la migration de barbes de graminées : 7 cas (2014-2021). Objectifs: Décrire la présentation clinique, la prise en charge et pronostic des chiens et chats traité pour une péritonite septique secondaire à la migration intrapéritonéale d'un corps étranger végétal. Animaux: Six chiens et un chat traités. Protocole: Les informations des dossiers des chiens et chats pris en charge chirurgicalement pour une péritonite septique pour lesquelles un corps étranger végétal intrapéritonéal a été identifié entre janvier 2014 et décembre 2021 ont été obtenues. Les données concernant le signalement, la présentation clinique, les analyses sanguines, les examens d'imagerie, les procédures chirurgicales, les complications post-opératoires et l'évolution post-opératoire ont été collectées. Le suivi à long terme a été réalisé par téléphone. Résultats: Six chiens et un chat ont été inclus dans l'étude. Les signes cliniques les plus fréquents rapportés sont l'apathie (n = 7), l'anorexie/dysorexie (n = 4) et l'hyperthermie (n = 4). Les corps étrangers végétaux n'ont été identifiés dans aucun cas par échographie (0/5) et suspectés dans un cas à l'examen tomodensitométrique (1/4). Les corps étrangers ont tous été identifiés au sein d'un abcès dans l'omentum en chirurgie. Une résection de l'abcès a été réalisée dans chaque cas associé à une pancréatectomie partielle et une splénectomie pour un cas et une gastrectomie partielle pour un autre cas. Tous les animaux ont survécu. Seule une complication mineure a été rapportée en post-opératoire et aucune autre complication n'a été rapportée lors des entretiens téléphoniques. Conclusion et portée clinique: Les péritonites septiques secondaires à des migrations intra-péritonéale de corps étrangers végétaux sont des affections rares qui semblent être associées à un pronostic de survie bon à excellent après prise en charge chirurgicale. L'identification des corps étrangers dans l'omentum est difficile par échographie ou examen tomodensitométrique. Par conséquent, une attention particulière doit être portée à l'exploration de l'omentum lors de prise en charge chirurgicale de péritonite septique sans cause sous-jacente identifiée.(Traduit par les auteurs).