Sulfur-associated polioencephalomalacia in cattle grazing plants in the Family Brassicaceae.

Polioencephalomalacia was diagnosed histologically in cattle from two herds on the Darling Downs, Queensland, during July-August 2007. In the first incident, 8 of 20 18-month-old Aberdeen Angus steers died while grazing pastures comprising 60%Sisymbrium irio (London rocket) and 40%Capsella bursapastoris (shepherd's purse). In the second incident, 2 of 150 mixed-breed adult cattle died, and another was successfully treated with thiamine, while grazing a pasture comprising almost 100%Raphanus raphanistrum (wild radish). Affected cattle were either found dead or comatose or were seen apparently blind and head-pressing in some cases. For both incidents, plant and water assays were used to calculate the total dietary sulfur content in dry matter as 0.62% and 1.01% respectively, both exceeding the recommended 0.5% for cattle eating more than 40% forage. Blood and tissue assays for lead were negative in both cases. No access to thiaminase, concentrated sodium ion or extrinsic hydrogen sulfide sources were identified in either incident. Below-median late summer and autumn rainfall followed by above-median unseasonal winter rainfall promoted weed growth at the expense of wholesome pasture species before these incidents.

Oesophagogastric ulceration in pigs: a visual morphological scoring guide.

OBJECTIVE: To provide a visual guide for oesophagogastric ulcer scoring and recognition of different morphological changes in the pars oesophagea. DESIGN: Pig stomachs were collected at slaughter and visually evaluated and scored for parakeratosis, erosion and ulceration in the pars oesophagea. RESULTS: A visual and descriptive guide is presented that will aid in the objective assessment and scoring of oesophagogastric ulceration in pigs within the pig health monitoring system (PHMS), namely to the four categories of 0 = normal stomach, 1 = parakeratosis and thickened epithelium, 2 = erosions and 3 = developed ulcers with and without stenosis. CONCLUSION: A visual guide has been developed that illustrates the full range of morphological changes that can occur in the pars oesophagea of the stomach within the few currently recognised stages of the disease.

Pimelea trichostachya poisoning (St George disease) in horses.

A dense population of Pimelea trichostachya plants (Family Thymelaeaceae) in pasture poisoned a horse herd in southern inland Queensland in October-November 2005. Plant density was 2 to 45 g wet weight/m(2) (mean 16 g/m(2)) from 5 to 69 plants/m(2) (mean 38 plants/m(2)) representing 3 to 20% (mean 9%) of the volume of pasture on offer. Ten of 35 mares, fillies and geldings were affected. Clinical signs were loss of body weight, profound lethargy, serous nasal discharge, severe watery diarrhoea and subcutaneous oedema of the intermandibular space, chest and ventral midline. Pathological findings were anaemia, leucocytopenia, hypoproteinaemia, dilatation of the right ventricle of the heart, dilated hepatic portal veins and periportal hepatic sinusoids (peliosis hepatis), alimentary mucosal hyperaemia and oedema of mesenteric lymph nodes. Cattle grazing the same pasture were affected by Pimelea poisoning simultaneously. Removal of the horses to Pimelea-free pasture initiated recovery. The one other incident of this syndrome, previously only recognised in cattle in Australia, occurred in horses, in South Australia in 2002, with access to a dense Pimelea simplex population.

Cyanide poisoning in cattle from Dysphania glomulifera (red crumbweed): using the internet for rapid plant identification and diagnostic advice.

A 300-strong Angus-Brahman cattle herd near Springsure, central Queensland, was being fed Acacia shirleyi (lancewood) browse during drought and crossed a 5-hectare, previously burnt area with an almost pure growth of Dysphania glomulifera subspecies glomulifera (red crumbweed) on their way to drinking water. Forty cows died of cyanide poisoning over 2 days before further access to the plant was prevented. A digital image of a plant specimen made on a flat-bed scanner and transmitted by email was used to identify D glomulifera. Specific advice on the plant's poisonous properties and management of the case was then provided by email within 2 hours of an initial telephone call by the field veterinarian to the laboratory some 600 km away. The conventional method using physical transport of a pressed dried plant specimen to confirm the identification took 5 days. D glomulifera was identified in the rumen of one of two cows necropsied. The cyanogenic potential of D glomulifera measured 4 days after collection from the site of cattle deaths was 18,600 mg HCN/kg in dry matter. The lethal dose of D glomulifera for a 420 kg cow was estimated as 150 to 190 g wet weight. The plant also contained 4.8% KNO3 equivalent in dry matter, but nitrate-nitrite poisoning was not involved in the deaths.

Duranta erecta poisoning in nine dogs and a cat.

Four incidents of Duranta erecta (golden dewdrop, Sheena's Gold, Geisha Girl) poisoning affecting nine dogs and a cat produced drowsiness, hyperaesthesia and tetanic seizures in all affected animals with evidence of alimentary tract irritation (vomiting, gastric and intestinal haemorrhage, diarrhoea, melaena) in five dogs and the cat. Fruits and leaves were seen to be eaten by affected animals. Therapy was successful in three of the dogs. Repeated diazepam doses and, in some cases, additional pentobarbitone or propofol anaesthesia, were successful in controlling seizures.

High-resolution computed tomography: determination of the cause of pediatric sensorineural hearing loss.

High-resolution computed tomograms (HRCT) reveal strikingly little variation in the dimensions of inner ear structures among people with normal hearing. However, a subgroup of people exist who have a sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and morphologically normal HRCT scans, yet have subtle radiographic aberrations based on measurements of inner ear dimensions. These changes might have resulted from teratogenic influences during the late first to mid second trimester, a time when the inner ear has achieved adult form, yet continues to enlarge to adult size. A retrospective study of HRCTs on three groups of ears was performed to determine inner ear structure dimensions. Group I, the control group, consisted of 50 ears with no SNHL and no discernible abnormalities on HRCT. In group II, there were 70 ears with SNHL and obvious abnormalities on HRCT. Group III, the test group, was composed of 140 ears with SNHL and "normal" HRCTs. Groups II and III were analyzed, applying the normal dimensions derived from group I. When compared to the control group (I), all of the ears in group II were abnormal. Moreover, 75% of the ears in group III had subtle differences not apparent unless measurements were made. Two or more abnormal dimensions were found in 32%. Findings and implications are thoroughly discussed.

A comparison of the effects of two sitting postures on back and referred pain.

This study compared the effects of sitting with portable supports in either a kyphotic or lordotic posture on low-back and referred pain. Two hundred ten patients with low-back and/or referred pain were randomly assigned to either a kyphotic posture or lordotic posture group. The kyphotic and lordotic postures were facilitated by the use of a flat foam cushion or lumbar roll, respectively. Pain location, back pain, and leg pain intensity were assessed over a 24-48-hour period under both standardized clinical settings and general sitting environments. When sitting with a lordotic posture, back and leg pain were significantly reduced and referred pain shifted towards the low back. This study demonstrates that in general sitting environments a lumbar roll results in: 1) reductions in back and leg pain; and 2) centralization of pain. These findings do not apply to patients with stenosis or spondylolisthesis, whose symptoms may be aggravated by use of a lumbar roll.

Structure and function of IREs, the noncoding mRNA sequences regulating synthesis of ferritin, transferrin receptor and (erythroid) 5-aminolevulinate synthase.

The synthesis of least three proteins involved in iron metabolism is coordinately regulated in animals through noncoding sequences in mRNA, the IREs; the transcription of the genes encoding the proteins are also regulated. Cellular iron is the best known effector of changes in regulation of mRNA with IREs. A hairpin loop is the secondary structure of IRES which conserve the hairpin loop sequence, CAGUGU/C. However, variable stem sequences, apparently related to mRNA-specific function, create a family of IRE regulatory sequences. At least three types of proteins recognize IRE regions: (1) Nucleases which degrade mRNAs with 3' noncoding IRES; the IRE/IRE-BP stabilizes mRNAs with 3' noncoding IRES (transferrin receptor mRNA). (2) Initiation factors/ribosomes; the IRE/IRE-BP blocks ribosome binding of mRNAs with 5' noncoding IREs (ferritin, eALAS mRNAs). (3) Initiation factors to enhance translation (ferritin mRNA) when the IRE-BP does not bind; the ferritin IRE is thus both a negative and positive control element depending on which type of protein is bound. The IRE in ferritin mRNA is the most studied IRE to date. Site-directed mutagenesis shows that sites throughout the IRE alter negative control and IRE-BP binding reflecting the fact that the footprint of the IRE-BP is over the entire IRE. Base paired flanking regions (FL) which are ferritin IRE specific, enhance the effects of IRE-BP binding on negative control. Positive control is altered by modifying the single sites in stem/internal loop but not in the hairpin loop.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A technique for the conduct of nutritional balance experiments in horses.

Standardbred geldings were used in a number of nutritional balance experiments. These consisted of 28-day cycles each of an 18-day equilibration period in yards and a 10-day settling and collection period in metabolism crates. The crates were made of galvanised metal tubing over wooden flooring covered by rubber matting and rubber sheets. Total faeces were collected in trays at the rear of crates and total urine by canvas funnels slung beneath the sheath of each horse.

Mycotic dermatitis in captive carpet snakes (Morelia spilotes variegata).

Geotrichum candidum was isolated from necrotic skin lesions in one of three captive carpet snakes (Morelia spilotes variegata). Hyphae and arthrospores morphologically consistent with this organism were present in histological preparations of lesions from the three snakes.

Notoedres muris infestation in a naked-tailed rat Melomys cervinipes.

Large numbers of Notoedres muris were present in thick crusty lesions on both ears, the nose, one forelimb and tail-base of a free-living naked-tailed rat, Melomys cervinipes, on North Stradbroke Island, Queensland, Australia. The source of infestation was obscure.

Bentonite as therapy for Lantana camara poisoning of cattle.

Bentonite was compared with activated charcoal as therapy for lantana poisoning in calves dosed 5 d previously with leaf material of the common pink-edged red taxon of Lantana camara. Both therapies were given by stomach tube as a single dose at 5 g/kg. Five of 6 calves in each of the groups given bentonite and activated charcoal recovered while 5 of 6 calves in the control group died. Calves given bentonite took 3 d longer on average to recover fully than those given activated charcoal but the effects of the 2 therapies on plasma total bilirubin concentrations were statistically indistinguishable. Bentonite was judged to have promise as a cheap alternative to activated charcoal for therapy of lantana poisoning of cattle.

Dealing with plant poisoning of livestock: the challenge in Queensland.

The current and possible future situation of diagnosis, prevention and treatment of plant poisoning of livestock in Queensland is reviewed. Topics discussed are livestock producers' perceptions, field investigation, plant identification, veterinary laboratory techniques and prevention through knowledge of poisonous species and the circumstances of poisoning. Also considered are management strategies for prevention including the manipulation of rumen flora and epidemiological approaches, therapies including immunisation, plant control and sources of information on poisonous plants and poisoning.

The Queensland Poisonous Plants Committee: its history and functions.

The Queensland Poisonous Plants Committee was established in 1937 with Professor HR Seddon as chairman. It has functioned since that year, interrupted by two periods of inactivity in 1951-9 and 1962-8. Professor Seddon, first Dean of the Queensland Veterinary School, and Dr. Selwyn Everist, Queensland Government Botanist after the Second World War, provided the main impetus for committee activities in its early and middle years, respectively. The strength of the body has been its multi-disciplinary approach using contributions from veterinarians, chemists and botanists. The research work of the committee members and their associates has provided most of our current knowledge of the toxins and effects of poisonous plants in Queensland. Much of the information generated is of international significance. In equal partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture, the committee initiated a series of international symposia on plant poisoning of animals, hosting the second. This group held its 4th gathering of world authorities in the field in 1993. The committee's activities have long influenced the veterinary profession in Australia through the close involvement of its members in undergraduate and post-graduate teaching in the Queensland Veterinary School since 1951. The present committee has members from the Departments of Primary Industries, Health, and Environment and Heritage, CSIRO and the University of Queensland.

Bovine enzootic haematuria in Queensland.

Bovine enzootic haematuria was diagnosed in Queensland in coastal areas in association with bracken fern (Pteridium esculentum) on 3 properties or with mulga fern or rock fern (Cheilanthes sieberi) on 4 properties, and in inland areas in association with C. sieberi on 3 properties. In the absence of bracken fern, long-term ingestion of C. sieberi is suggested as a cause of bovine enzootic haematuria. Haemangiomas, haemangiosarcomas, transitional cell carcinomas, papillomas, fibromas and an adenoma were detected in the urinary bladders of 19 affected cattle and were accompanied by chronic cystitis.

Curing experimental Bryophyllum tubiflorum poisoning of cattle with activated carbon, electrolyte replacement solution and antiarrhythmic drugs.

A slurry of activated carbon (activated charcoal) in electrolyte replacement solution given by stomach tube and antiarrhythmic drugs given parenterally cured 9 of 11 calves dosed 7 to 24 h previously with a lethal amount (20g/kg) of Bryophyllum tubiflorum flower heads. Two of another 4 calves treated 26 to 36 h after dosing with flowers survived. B. tubiflorum toxins are bufadienolides (cardiac glycosides). Activated carbon was effective at a single dose of 5 g/kg. Calves were rehydrated with oral electrolyte replacement solution at 150 ml/kg in divided doses over 24 h. Tachycardia was treated with intravenous lignocaine (200 mg doses) or propranolol (5 mg doses) and atrioventricular block with atropine (0.5 mg/kg).

Hearts and flowers: Bryophyllum poisoning of cattle.

Findings from natural cases and experiments with cattle emphasise that flowering plants are the most important form of Bryophyllum (Kalanchoe) spp in poisonings in Australia. The main life-threatening lesion is myocardial. The effects on the alimentary tract are less important than was believed previously. B. tubiflorum, B. daigremontianum x B. tubiflorum, B. pinnatum and B. proliferum caused 41 recorded poisoning incidents affecting 379 cattle in Queensland between 1960 and 1984. Poisoning occurred between May and October--the flowering season of these plants. Experimental B. tubiflorum poisoning and natural poisonings produced anorexia, depression, ruminal atony, diarrhoea, heart rate and rhythm abnormalities, dyspnoea and death. Increased plasma concentrations of urea, creatinine and glucose and decreased chloride were measured experimentally. Both natural and experimental cases had myocardial degeneration and necrosis with haemorrhages of the heart and alimentary tract. Cattle with severe dyspnoea had atelectasis and emphysema of the lungs. Some cattle had mild nephrosis. The median lethal doses of B. tubiflorum flowers, roots and leaf plus stem were 0.7, 2.3 and 5.0 g dry matter/kg liveweight respectively (7, 7 and 40 g wet weight/kg). Bufadienolides have been isolated recently from B. tubiflorum flowers and the syndrome is consistent with cardiac glycoside poisoning.

Dermal ulceration of mullet (Mugil cephalus).

Phycomycotic granulomas are described in the skin of 7 mullet (Mugil cephalus) from extensive outbreaks of dermal ulceration in fish in south-east Queensland. The fungus involved was probably a member of the Family Saprolegniaceae, but was not cultured from the lesions. A myxosporidian infection was present in some fish. The primary cause of the disease is uncertain.

Ataxia and urinary incontinence in cattle grazing sorghum.

After grazing forage sorghum and grain sorghum regrowth, 54 of 330 breeding cows became ataxic and developed urinary incontinence. Three cows became recumbent, 2 of which died and the third was killed and autopsied. Wallerian degeneration of the white matter of the spinal cord, cerebellar peduncles and cerebellum was seen histologically. Other affected animals began to recover on removal from the crop, complete clinical recovery taking from a few days to over a month. About 5% of affected cows develped purulent cystitis.

Mycotic nasal granuloma in cattle.

Seven cases of eosinophilic granulomas containing fungal chlamydospores and short septate hyphae in the submucosa of the anterior nasal cavity were described from Queensland beef cattle during 1966-75. Drechslera rostrata was isolated from 2 cases and unidentified dematiaceous fungi from 2 others.