Australian Veterinary Journal (Aust Vet J)

Publications in this journal

• Article: Eruption of first permanent incisors and live weight gain in grazing yearling Angora goats.

  Ba McGregor, Kl Butler
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  ABSTRACT: To investigate the effects of the timing and duration of eruption of the first permanent incisors, live weight, sex and other factors on contemporaneous live weight gain in Angora goats. Goats were previously part of a pen study on the effects of energy intake of Angora does during pregnancy and lactation on kid development. The design was 3 levels of nutrition in mid-pregnancy by 2 levels of postnatal nutrition in 17 randomised blocks. Artificial insemination, ultrasound examination and feeding does in pens enabled accurate conduct of the study. After weaning, goats were grazed in sex groups. Live weight change between 14 and 20 months of age was related to deciduous first incisor loss and permanent first incisor development and other attributes assessed before the study. Live weight change was related to the elapsed time for first permanent incisors to commence eruption and to the length of time for first permanent incisors to erupt. This response was affected by sex. Over summer and autumn, entire males with short eruption intervals gained 2-3 kg more than entire males with long eruption intervals. Females that reached first permanent incisor eruption by mid-summer had a live weight gain of 3 kg more than those that reached the same development 3 months later. Live weight change in yearling Angora goats was associated with the process of first permanent incisor eruption. In females, live weight gain was greater when first permanent incisor eruption was earlier. In males, live weight gain was greater when first permanent incisor eruption was faster.
  Australian Veterinary Journal 05/2013; 91(5):179-84.
• Article: In this issue - May 2013: Susceptibility to ticarcillin-clavulanic acid · Live weight gain and incisor eruption · Body condition score as useful as ultrasound · Leptospirosis in Queensland horses · Epistaxis and racing bans · Complications of intramuscular injections · Temporohyoid osteoarthropathy.

  Ae Jackson
  Australian Veterinary Journal 05/2013; 91(5):169-70.
• Article: Clostridial myonecrosis, haemolytic anaemia, hepatopathy, osteitis and transient hypertrophic cardiomyopathy after intramuscular injection in a Thoroughbred gelding.

  Fl Anderson, Cj Secombe, Gd Lester
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  ABSTRACT: A 9-year-old Thoroughbred gelding was presented for swelling over the left neck and inappetence. There was recent history of intramuscular administration of flunixin meglumine into the left neck. On examination, there was evidence of focal myositis, anaemia, haemolysis and pigmenturia. Culture of aspirated fluid from the left side of the neck produced a heavy growth of a Clostridium species. Complications of infection included haemolytic anaemia, hepatopathy, osteitis and transient hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Treatment included intravenous fluid therapy, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, blood transfusion and surgical debridement. There was complete resolution of clinical, haematological, biochemical and echocardiographic abnormalities, and the horse returned to ridden work. This report highlights the complications that can arise from clostridial myonecrosis, including the effect on the myocardium.
  Australian Veterinary Journal 05/2013; 91(5):204-8.
• Article: Relationship between body condition score and ultrasound measurement of backfat thickness in multiparous Holstein dairy cows at different production phases.

  Ha Hussein, A Westphal, R Staufenbiel
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  ABSTRACT: The validity of the body condition score (BCS) for evaluating subcutaneous fat has been questioned because of its subjectivity. With the advent of ultrasonography, backfat thickness (BFT) can be objectively measured and used to assess the energy status of dairy cows in conjunction with BCS. Determine the relationship between BCS and ultrasound measurements of BFT throughout the lactation cycle. Cows (n = 1123) were selected randomly and classified according to their lactation stage into four different groups. BCS was determined using a 5-point scale and BFT measurements were obtained using a 5-MHz linear transducer. The correlation coefficient (r) for the relationship between BCS and BFT varied according to the stage of lactation. There was a high correlation (r = 0.96-0.98) and relationship (r(2) = 0.92-0.96) between BCS and BFT. The highest correlation was found at BFT values of 10-35 mm and BCS of 2-4.5 units. BCS is a practical tool for evaluating body condition; furthermore, it may be as valid as BFT for the estimation of subcutaneous fat in Holstein dairy cows over time.
  Australian Veterinary Journal 05/2013; 91(5):185-9.
• Article: Equine leptospirosis in tropical Northern Queensland.

  C Wangdi, J Picard, R Tan, F Condon, B Dowling, B Gummow
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  ABSTRACT: Determine leptospiral serodiversity, serodominant serovars and prevalence in the horse population of Northern Queensland (NQ), Australia, with special focus on the Atherton Tableland and Townsville-Burdekin regions. Cross-sectional survey. Serum samples from 429 horses originating from 172 horse-owning properties in NQ were collected at regional horse shows and veterinary clinics. Samples were analysed using a microscopic agglutination test. Owners were interviewed on potential risk factors associated with leptospirosis. Of the 172 properties that submitted samples, horses from 60 properties (35%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 31-39%) in NQ showed evidence of exposure to one or more serovars of Leptospira at a serum dilution of 1 : 100. The proportion of seropositive properties in the Atherton Tableland and Townsville-Burdekin regions was 25% (95% CI 17-33%) and 36% (95% CI 30-43%), respectively. In total, 81 horses had titres to a single serovar and the remained had titres to two or more serovars. Although 20 serovars representing 17 serogroups were detected, serovar Arborea was serodominant and detected in horses from 29 properties. Geldings were more at risk (odds ratio 3.3) of being seropositive to serovar Arborea. The detection of serovar Arborea-seropositive horses was strongly associated (P < 0.05) with the average annual rainfall each property received and the presence of pigs and sugarcane fields in the vicinity. Serological evidence of leptospirosis in horses in NQ indicates that prevalence is high and horses have been exposed to a wide range of serovars.
  Australian Veterinary Journal 05/2013; 91(5):190-7.
• Article: Epistaxis in racehorses: risk factors and effects on career.

  Jl Langford, Pc Thomson, Pk Knight
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  ABSTRACT: To profile Thoroughbreds that incurred a ban under Australian Rule of Racing 53A on New South Wales racetracks between August 1999 and July 2008, determine the effect on their careers and identify the factors that predict whether these horses would race again or experience a recurrence of epistaxis. Differences between horses that did or did not return to racing and did or did not suffer recurrent epistaxis were determined. Backwards stepwise logistic regression was used to identify variables predicting a return to racing and recurrence of epistaxis. The mean (± SD) age at the first episode of epistaxis was 4.90 ± 1.28 years. Males that bled were older, had more career starts and were more likely to race again than females. Horses that were retired from racing after the first episode of epistaxis were older than horses that continued to race. Variables that were significant predictors of retirement were: age at the first episode of epistaxis, sex, percentage of winning starts before the first episode of epistaxis, percentage of placed starts before the first episode of epistaxis and number of starts in the preparation before the first episode of epistaxis. The significant predictors of recurrence of epistaxis were: change in distance between previous start and start at which the second episode occurred and a change in percentage of winning starts, although the odds ratios were low (0.98-0.99). Females experience epistaxis at a younger age than males. No readily applicable predictors of the recurrence of epistaxis were identified.
  Australian Veterinary Journal 05/2013; 91(5):198-203.
• Article: Temporohyoid osteoarthropathy in two young horses.

  Pk Readford, Gd Lester, Cj Secombe
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  ABSTRACT: Two cases of temporohyoid osteoarthropathy (THO) in young Australian horses are described. The pathogenesis of THO is yet to be fully elucidated, but current theories include extension of infection from otitis media or interna to the temporohyoid joint or a primary but non-infectious degenerative condition within the temporohyoid joint. The young age of the horses and the unilateral distribution suggested an infectious aetiology. Both horses partially responded to treatment with broad-spectrum antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory drugs with concurrent management of ulcerative keratitis. The management of violent head shaking in one horse included the administration of gabapentin, an anticonvulsant known to have antihyperalgesic effects and reduce neuropathic pain.
  Australian Veterinary Journal 05/2013; 91(5):209-12.
• Article: In vitro susceptibilities of feline and canine Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas spp. isolates to ticarcillin and ticarcillin-clavulanic acid.

  Ab Bennett, Pa Martin, Sa Gottlieb, M Govendir
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  ABSTRACT: To investigate in vitro susceptibilities of canine and feline Escherichia coli and canine Pseudomonas spp. isolates to ticarcillin and ticarcillin-clavulanic acid (T/C). In vitro susceptibility testing of bacterial isolates collected from infections. We tested 148 (83 canine and 65 feline) E. coli and 61 canine Pseudomonas spp. isolates for susceptibility to T/C using both disc diffusion and Epsilometer tests (E-tests). Additionally, susceptibilities of 96 E. coli and 23 canine Pseudomonas spp. isolates were tested via disc diffusion to ticarcillin alone. Of the E. coli isolates obtained from canine and feline urine, 92% by disc diffusion and 91% by E-tests were susceptible to T/C. Of the canine Pseudomonas isolates, 90% by disc diffusion and 82% by E-tests were susceptible to T/C. Of the Pseudomonas spp. isolates from the canine ear canal or tympanic bullae, 12% of isolates tested via disc diffusion and 23% via E-tests were found to be resistant to T/C. The 50% minimum inhibitory concentration of T/C for all feline E. coli isolates was significantly lower than that for all canine E. coli isolates (P = 0.0031). The addition of clavulanic acid significantly increased the efficacy of ticarcillin against E. coli (P< 0.0001), but had negligible effect against canine Pseudomonas spp. isolates. Ticarcillin-clavulanic acid has reasonable in vitro efficacy against canine and feline E. coli, and canine Pseudomonas spp. isolates. However, decisions to use this drug therapeutically must be made on prudent considerations to minimise selection for bacterial resistance.
  Australian Veterinary Journal 05/2013; 91(5):171-8.
• Article: Mental health in female veterinarians: effects of working hours and having children.

  A Shirangi, L Fritschi, Cdj Holman, D Morrison
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  ABSTRACT: Personal, interpersonal and organisational factors have been suggested as possible causes of stress, anxiety and depression for veterinarians. We used established psychological scales to measure (1) levels of distress and work-related stress (anxiety and depression) and (2) the demographic and work characteristics of female veterinarians in relation to anxiety, depression and mental health. A national cross-sectional survey of a cohort population was conducted and self-administered questionnaires were received from 1017 female veterinarians who completed the mental health section of the survey. Using linear and logistic regression analyses, we examined demographic and work-related factors associated with overall stress measured by the General Health Questionnaire scale and the Affective Well-Being scale (Anxiety-Contentment Axis and Depression-Enthusiasm Axis). More than one-third (37%) of the sample was suffering 'minor psychological distress', suggesting the stressful nature of veterinary practice. Women with two or more children had less anxiety and depression compared with those who had never been pregnant or were childless. Longer working hours were associated with increased anxiety and depression in female veterinarians overall and in stratified samples of women with and without children. Among the work characteristics of veterinary practice, long working hours may have a direct effect on a veterinarian's health in terms of anxiety, depression and mental health. The finding also indicates that women with two or more children have less anxiety and depression than women who have never been pregnant or childless women.
  Australian Veterinary Journal 04/2013; 91(4):123-30.
• Article: In this issue - April 2013: Stress in female veterinarians · Sedation in cats · Equine amnionitis and fetal loss · Indigofera spicata poisoning in ponies · Failure of transfer of passive immunity in calves · Topical analgesia after mulesing.

  Anne Jackson
  Australian Veterinary Journal 04/2013; 91(4):119-20.
• Article: Bacteria isolated from field cases of equine amnionitis and fetal loss.

  Kh Todhunter, G Muscatello, Aj Blishen, C Chicken, Nr Perkins, Jr Gilkerson, Ap Begg
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  ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: A series of unusual abortions occurred in Thoroughbred and Quarterhorse mares in the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales from mid-March to November 2004. The initial link between early cases was the microbiological culture of atypical environmental coryneforms from the stomach contents and/or lungs of fetuses aborted on different properties. METHODS: The unique pathologic lesions were described with a case definition and the term 'equine amnionitis and fetal loss' (EAFL) was established. RESULTS: The causal factor was the ingestion of the processionary caterpillar (Ochrogaster lunifer). Bacteria from the Actinomycetales order were isolated from 40% of the combined suspect and confirmed EAFL cases and included Microbacterium arborescens, Cellulomonas sp., Arthrobacter spp. and Cellulosimicrobium sp. Other bacteria isolated included various Gram-negative bacilli and Gram-positive cocci. CONCLUSIONS: Although the predominant type of bacteria isolated from EAFL was environmental coryneforms, it is important to note that a variety of bacteria were associated with the characteristic histopathological changes outlined by the case definition. This highlights the importance of histopathology on both fetal membranes and fetuses, as well as culture to confirm EAFL and to exclude other possible causes of abortion.
  Australian Veterinary Journal 04/2013; 91(4):138-142.
• Article: Duration of action of a topical anaesthetic formulation for pain management of mulesing in sheep.

  S Lomax, M Sheil, Pa Windsor
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  ABSTRACT: To investigate the effect of topical anaesthesia on 'mothering up' of lambs after mulesing and marking, and for pain alleviation over a 24-h period. Two separate trials were performed on Merino lambs undergoing the mules procedure for flystrike prevention, to assess the efficacy of immediate postoperative topical anaesthetic wound dressing containing lignocaine (hydrochloride) 40.6 g/L, bupivacaine (hydrochloride) 4.5 g/L, adrenaline (tartrate) 24.8 mg/L and cetrimide 5.0 g/L in a gel base (Bayer Animal Health, Gordon, NSW, Australia). In both trials, lambs were assigned to one of three treatment regimens: control, mules procedure with topical anaesthetic (0.5 mL/kg) and mules procedure without topical anaesthetic treatment. Parameters measured included body weight, assessment of skin and wound sensitivity to light touch and pain stimulation, behavioural responses and time to mother up and to feed. In both trials there was rapid (1 min) and prolonged (up to 24 h) wound analgesia as shown by lower scores for light touch (P < 0.001) and pain responses (P < 0.001), with absent or significantly diminished primary and secondary hyperalgesia (P ≤ 0.05) and significant reduction in pain-related behaviours (P < 0.001) in treated versus untreated lambs. Significant pain alleviation and improved recovery can be achieved in lambs for at least 24 h after mulesing through the use of topical anaesthesia. It is suggested that the haemostatic action of adrenalin, together with inhibition of the inflammatory cascade and the barrier effect of the gel within the product, may explain the prolonged anaesthesia up to 24 h observed in the present study. These results suggest that topical anaesthesia has the capacity to dramatically improve the welfare of lambs undergoing mulesing.
  Australian Veterinary Journal 04/2013; 91(4):160-7.
• Article: Indigofera spicata (creeping indigo) poisoning of three ponies.

  Sm Ossedryver, Gi Baldwin, Bm Stone, Ra McKenzie, Aw van Eps, S Murray, Mt Fletcher
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  ABSTRACT: Three ponies continuously grazed a pasture containing an estimated 24% Indigofera spicata (wet weight basis) for 4-6 weeks in April and May 2004. They developed ataxia, paresis, depression, muscle fasciculations, dysphagia, ptyalism and halitosis. Two also developed corneal opacity. One pony recovered with supportive treatment, but the other two were euthanased and necropsied. Neuropathology was not present in either case, but both livers had periacinar and periportal lymphocytic infiltrations and hydropic degeneration of mid-zonal hepatocytes, with mild to moderate periacinar necrosis also evident in one. The I. spicata contained 2.66 mg 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NPA)/g dry matter and 1.5 mg indospicine/g dry matter. Indospicine, but not 3-NPA, was detected in serum from both of the euthanased ponies and indospicine was detected in heart, liver and muscle from the one pony in which this assay was performed. The clinical syndrome closely resembled 'Birdsville horse disease' caused by I. linnaei and was similar to that reported in horses poisoned by the closely related species I. hendecaphylla and to 3-NPA poisoning of other animals, including humans. 3-NPA is thought to cause this neurological syndrome. To our knowledge, this is the first authenticated report of I. spicata poisoning in grazing animals. We also report here the first published evidence that 3-NPA and indospicine exist in naturalised I. spicata in Australia and of the formation of indospicine residues in tissues of animals grazing paddocks infested with I. spicata.
  Australian Veterinary Journal 04/2013; 91(4):143-9.
• Article: Re: Perpetrator-induced traumatic stress: Re: Perpetrator-induced traumatic stress.

  Ra Bob Bradley
  Australian Veterinary Journal 04/2013; 91(4):120.
• Article: Sedation of hyperthyroid cats with subcutaneous administration of a combination of alfaxalone and butorphanol.

  S Ramoo, LA Bradbury, Ga Anderson, LA Abraham
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  ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the sedative, respiratory and cardiovascular effects of subcutaneously administered alfaxalone and butorphanol in a group of hyperthyroid cats. DESIGN: A prospective, single-centre observational study. METHODS: Client-owned hyperthyroid cats (n = 20) were examined and sedated with alfaxalone (3 mg/kg) and butorphanol (0.2 mg/kg) administered subcutaneously. Sedation scores, heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure were measured at 15-min intervals during the 45-min observation period and compared with pre-sedation values. At the end of 45 min, cats were assessed to be adequately sedated for oral administration of iodine-131 if there was minimal resistance and an intact gag reflex. RESULTS: The maximum median sedation score was reached 45 min after injection. The lowest mean heart and respiratory rates and blood pressure values occurred 30 min after injection. Significant decreases were noted in respiratory rates at all three time points (P < 0.001). Systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure measurements were also significantly decreased at 15 and 30 min after injection (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Subcutaneously administered alfaxalone and butorphanol can be used for sedation in cats undergoing procedures of short duration. Blood pressure should be monitored because of transient decreases observed in some cats. Further studies are required to determine whether the sedative, respiratory and cardiovascular effects are similar in euthyroid cats.
  Australian Veterinary Journal 04/2013; 91(4):131-136.
• Article: Failure of transfer of passive immunity and agammaglobulinaemia in calves in south-west Victorian dairy herds: prevalence and risk factors.

  Z Vogels, Gm Chuck, Jm Morton
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  ABSTRACT: To determine the prevalence of failure of transfer of passive immunity (FTPI) and agammaglobulinaemia in calves in south-west Victorian dairy herds and identify associated risk factors for both outcomes. Cross-sectional study. Serum total protein was measured in 1018 calves from 100 south-west Victorian dairy herds. The proportions of calves with FTPI and agammaglobulinaemia were determined and logistic regression with random effects used to identify calf- and herd-level variables associated with both conditions. In total, 38% of calves had FTPI and 8% of calves had agammaglobulinaemia. Two-thirds of herds had more than 25% of calves with FTPI. Jersey and Jersey-cross calves were less likely than Holstein-Friesian calves to have FTPI (odds ratio (OR) 0.53 and 0.57, respectively). Dairy-beef crossbreed calves were more likely to have agammaglobulinaemia than Holstein-Friesian calves (OR 3.52) and bull calves were more likely to have agammaglobulinaemia than heifer calves (OR 2.22). Removal of calves from the calving area less than twice a day was associated with increased odds of FTPI (OR 1.61) and agammaglobulinaemia (OR 1.97) relative to more frequent removal. There is considerable potential to improve the transfer of passive immunity in dairy herds in south-west Victoria. The prevalence of both FTPI and agammaglobulinaemia is likely to be reduced by collecting calves from the calving area twice daily and hand-feeding them extra colostrum immediately after their removal from the calving area.
  Australian Veterinary Journal 04/2013; 91(4):150-8.
• Article: Presence of Ureaplasma diversum in the Australian cattle population.

  B Argue, Kk Chousalkar, Pj Chenoweth
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  ABSTRACT: In cattle, Ureaplasma diversum has been associated with decreased fertility, granular vulvovaginitis, endometritis, salpingitis and spontaneous abortion in cows and seminal vesiculitis, balanoposthitis and changes in bull sperm. The presence of U. diversum within the Australian cattle population has not been established. One of the aims of this study was to determine if U. diversum was present in Australian cattle, using culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), both of which are considered to be gold standards for bacterial identification. Of 100 samples collected from 66 male and 34 female cattle, 15 were positive for U. diversum. Therefore, Australia can no longer be considered free of U. diversum. Further studies should be conducted to ascertain the effects of U. diversum within Australian cattle herds and, if warranted, to investigate prevention, treatment and eradication protocols.
  Australian Veterinary Journal 03/2013; 91(3):99-101.
• Article: Lower initial dose desoxycorticosterone pivalate for treatment of canine primary hypoadrenocorticism.

  Ja Bates, S Shott, Wd Schall
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  ABSTRACT: To evaluate the efficacy of initial doses of desoxycorticosterone pivalate (DOCP) that are lower and less expensive than the presently recommended initial dose of 2.2 mg/kg for treating dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism. A retrospective study was performed on 49 dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism, including 36 with initial DOCP doses less than 2.2 mg/kg. Medical records were reviewed for clinical data. All study dogs were followed up with telephone calls to owners or veterinarians to determine the date of death or last follow-up. Data were analysed to investigate relationships between initial DOCP dose and survival and serum Na, K and their ratio. Regardless of their initial DOCP dose, none of the dogs developed uncontrolled hypoadrenocorticism or severe electrolyte abnormalities or clinical problems that would have made an increase in the DOCP dose necessary. Over time, most dogs had a decrease in their DOCP dose in mg/kg, because of weight gain during treatment. No statistically significant relationships were found between initial DOCP dose and survival or post-treatment serum Na, K or Na : K, with the exception of one statistically significant result that suggested lower efficacy for higher doses. Initial DOCP doses less than 2.2 mg/kg may be effective in controlling serum electrolyte concentrations in dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism without adversely affecting survival. If confirmed by additional research, these findings would enable practitioners to reduce the cost of DOCP treatment by using lower initial doses, potentially saving the lives of dogs that would otherwise be euthanased because of treatment expense.
  Australian Veterinary Journal 03/2013; 91(3):77-82.
• Article: In this issue - March 2013: Dose of primary treatment for hypoadrenocorticism in dogs · Pharmacokinetics of two veterinary formulations of thyroxine · Outbreak of bovine cysticercosis · Transport of bobby calves · Ureaplasma diversum in Australian cattle · Racing performance after treatment of suspensory ligament core lesions · Conformation and racing performance in horses in Macau · Genetically engineered animals for global food production.

  Ae Jackson
  Australian Veterinary Journal 03/2013; 91(3):73-4.
• Article: Ease of moving young calves at different ages.

  Ec Jongman, Kl Butler
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  ABSTRACT: Young ('bobby') calves transported to the abattoir in their first week of life have not yet developed natural herding behaviour. The calves are still in a 'hider' phase and naturally spend most of their time lying and sleeping. Anecdotally, calves are easier to handle as they get older, although it is unclear if they are inherently more responsive to a handler. This study examined the ease of moving 3-, 5- and 9-11-day-old calves individually through an obstacle course involving a 12° incline, a 11° decline and two 90° turns. There was a significant effect of age on both the total time taken to move through the course (99 vs 86 vs 72 s for 3-, 5- and 9-11-day-old calves, respectively; P < 0.05) and the number of interventions by the handler (8.4 vs 7.3 vs 4.8 interventions per calf for 3-, 5- and 9-11-day-old calves, respectively; P < 0.05). Ease of herding bobby calves improved with age, although individually handled calves were relatively easy to move regardless of age.
  Australian Veterinary Journal 03/2013; 91(3):94-8.