Objective--To characterize the temporal and spatial distribution and reproductive ratio of vesicular stomatitis (VS) outbreaks reported in Mexico in 2008. Procedures--The Poisson model of the space-time scan statistic was used to identify periods and geographical locations at highest risk for VS in Mexico in 2008. The herd reproductive ratio (Rh) of the epidemic was computed by use of the doubling-time method. Results--1 significant space-time cluster of VS was detected in the state of Michoacan from September 4 through December 10, 2008. The temporal extent of the VS outbreaks and the value and pattern of decrease of the Rh were different in the endemic zone of Tabasco and Chiapas, compared with findings in the region included in the space-time cluster. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance--The large number of VS outbreaks reported in Mexico in 2008 was associated with the spread of the disease from the endemic zone in southern Mexico to areas sporadically affected by the disease. Results suggested that implementation of a surveillance system in the endemic zone of Mexico aimed at early detection of changes in the value of Rh and space-time clustering of the disease could help predict occurrence of future VS outbreaks originating from this endemic zone. This information will help prevent VS spread into regions of Mexico and neighboring countries that are only sporadically affected by the disease.

Objective—To examine the expression and distribution of tight junction (TJ) and adherens junction (AJ) proteins in canine duodenal and colonic mucosa. Sample—Mucosa obtained from 4 healthy Beagles. Procedures—Biopsy specimens of the duodenum and colon were obtained via endoscopy from 4 healthy dogs. The expression patterns and subcelluar localization of claudin-1, -2, -3, -4, -5, -7, and -8; E-cadherin; and β-catenin in the duodenum and colon were analyzed by use of immunoblotting and immunofluorescence microscopy. Results—In the duodenum, there was clear expression of claudin-3 and -5, E-cadherin, and β-catenin proteins and weak expression of claudin-7 protein. In contrast, there was clear expression of claudin-2 and -3, E-cadherin, and β-catenin proteins and weak expression of claudin-5 and -7 proteins in the colon, as determined by use of immunoblotting. As determined by the use of immunofluorescence microscopy, the duodenum and colon had staining for claudin-3 and -5, E-cadherin, and β-catenin in the most apical region and staining for claudin-7 in the basolateral region. Staining for claudin-2 was also observed in the colon. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Information was provided about the expression patterns of TJ and AJ proteins in the duodenum and colon of clinically normal dogs. These results may provide valuable information for use in evaluating the importance of these TJ and AJ proteins in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease in dogs.

This study investigated bovine coronavirus (BCV) in both beef calves direct from the ranch and commingled, mixed-source calves obtained from an auction market. The level of BCV-neutralizing antibodies found in the calves varied among ranches in 2 different studies in a retained-ownership program (ROP), from the ranch to the feedlot. Calves with low levels of BCV-neutralizing antibodies (16 or less) were more likely to be treated for bovine respiratory disease (BRD) than those with higher titers. In 3 studies of commingled, mixed-source calves, BCV was recovered from calves at entry to the feedlot and the infections were cleared by day 8. The BCV was identified in lung samples [bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) collection] as well as in nasal swabs. Calves with low levels of BCV-neutralizing antibodies at entry were most likely to be shedding BCV. Bovine coronavirus was isolated from both healthy and sick calves, but not from sick calves after 4 d arrival at the feedlot. Bovine coronavirus (BCV) should be considered along with other bovine respiratory viruses in the diagnosis of etiologies in bovine respiratory disease, especially for animals that become sick shortly after arrival. If approved vaccines are developed, it would be best to carry out vaccination programs before calves are weaned, giving them sufficient time to gain active immunity before commingling with other cattle.

Three pairs of specific primers were designed to amplify F2-1, F2-2, and XF2-2 truncated capsid protein genes of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV-2). Amplified sequences were subcloned to pET-32a(+) vectors and expressed in Rosetta (DE3) Escherichia coli by induction of isopropy-β-D-thiogalactoside (IPTG). All of the fusion proteins had positive reactions to PCV-2 antiserum and His-XF2-2 showed the best reactivity. Proteins were used to immunize BALB/c mice to produce monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), and 7 mAbs were selected. Capsid protein N-terminal parts 55 to 96 amino acid (aa), 97 to 141 aa, and 143 to 211 aa were confirmed as binding regions of the 7 mAbs. Reactivity between His-XF2-2 and the 7 mAbs was detected, FmAb-8 showed the best reactivity. The dominant B-cell epitope was located at 97 to 141 aa. The PEPSCAN indicated that the P122–136 peptide contained the dominant B-cell epitope.

Objective—To investigate topographic and age-dependent adaptation of subchondral bone density in the elbow joints of healthy dogs by means of computed tomographic osteoabsorptiometry (CTOAM). Animals—42 elbow joints of 29 clinically normal dogs of various breeds and ages. Procedures—Subchondral bone densities of the humeral, radial, and ulnar joint surfaces of the elbow relative to a water-hydroxyapatite phantom were assessed by means of CTOAM. Distribution patterns in juvenile, adult, and geriatric dogs (age, < 1 year, 1 to 8 years, and > 8 years, respectively) were determined and compared within and among groups. Results—An area of increased subchondral bone density was detected in the humerus distomedially and cranially on the trochlea and in the olecranon fossa. The ulna had maximum bone densities on the anconeal and medial coronoid processes. Increased bone density was detected in the craniomedial region of the joint surface of the radius. A significant age-dependent increase in subchondral bone density was revealed in elbow joint surfaces of the radius, ulna, and humerus. Mean subchondral bone density of the radius was significantly less than that of the ulna in paired comparisons for all dogs combined and in adult and geriatric, but not juvenile, dog groups. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—An age-dependent increase in subchondral bone density at the elbow joint was revealed. Maximal relative subchondral bone densities were detected consistently at the medial coronoid process and central aspect of the humeral trochlea, regions that are commonly affected n dogs with elbow dysplasia.

Objective—To determine the Helicobacter spp present in the oral cavity of dogs and the relationship of those organisms with gastric Helicobacter spp to better define the potential for dog-human and dog-dog transmission. Sample—Saliva and dental plaque from 28 dogs and gastric biopsy specimens from a subset of 8 dogs. Procedures—PCR-based screening for Helicobacter spp was conducted on samples obtained from the oral cavity of 28 dogs. Comparative analysis was conducted on Helicobacteraceae 16S rDNA clone libraries from the oral cavity and stomach of a subset of 8 dogs (5 vomiting and 3 healthy) that had positive PCR results for Helicobacter spp. Results—Helicobacteraceae DNA was identified in the oral cavity of 24 of 28 dogs. Analysis of cloned 16S rDNA amplicons from 8 dogs revealed that Wolinella spp was the most common (8/8 dogs) and abundant (52/57 [91%] clones) member of the Helicobacteraceae family in the oral cavity. Only 2 of 8 dogs harbored Helicobacter spp in the oral cavity, and 1 of those was coinfected with Helicobacter heilmannii and Helicobacter felis in samples obtained from the stomach and saliva. Evaluation of oral cavity DNA with Wolinella-specific PCR primers yielded positive results for 16 of 20 other dogs (24/28 samples were positive for Wolinella spp). Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Wolinella spp rather than Helicobacter spp were the predominant Helicobacteraceae in the oral cavity of dogs. The oral cavity of dogs was apparently not a zoonotically important reservoir of Helicobacter spp that were non–Helicobacter pylori organisms.

This study investigated the sedative, cardiopulmonary, and gastrointestinal effects produced by buprenorphine and xylazine given in combination to horses. Six healthy adult horses underwent 4 randomized treatments, with an interval of 1 wk between treatments. A control group was given a saline solution intravenously (IV) and the experimental groups received buprenorphine [10 μg/kg bodyweight (BW)] in combination with 1 of 3 different doses of xylazine: 0.25 mg/kg BW (BX25), 0.50 mg/kg BW (BX50), or 0.75 mg/kg BW (BX75), all of them by IV. Cardiopulmonary parameters were evaluated for 120 min after the drugs were administered and intestinal motility was observed for 12 h after treatment. Sedation was found to be dose-dependent in all groups receiving buprenorphine and xylazine and it was observed that the heart rate decreased in the first 5 min and increased at the end of the sedation period. Arterial blood gas tension analyses showed minimal alterations during the experiment. Gastrointestinal hypomotility was observed for up to 8 h. The combination of buprenorphine and 0.50 mg/kg BW of xylazine (BX50) provided a 30-minute period of sedation without intense ataxia and maintained cardiopulmonary parameters within acceptable limits for the species.

Objective—To characterize the impact of Mannheimia haemolytica infection on feed intake and weight gain in feedlot heifers and to evaluate the clinical efficacy of isoflupredone acetate administered in combination with oxytetracycline. Animals—96 weanling heifers in a research feedlot facility. Procedures—Bronchopneumonia was induced by intrabronchial infusion of M haemolytica. Control heifers underwent a sham procedure. Infected heifers were treated with oxytetracycline alone or in combination with isoflupredone acetate (OXY-ISO) or with nothing. Clinical variables were recorded daily for 7 days following disease induction, and feedlot performance indices were measured over a 12-week period. Results—Infection caused a reduction in dry-matter intake and average daily gain (ADG) in heifers that received no treatment. Oxytetracycline treatment alone did not prevent reductions in feed intake and ADG during the first week after infection was induced, whereas OXY-ISO treatment did prevent these reductions. Treatment with OXY-ISO also resulted in faster clinical improvement. No significant differences were evident between the oxytetracycline and OXY-ISO groups with respect to dry-matter intake or ADG throughout the study period. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Isoflupredone acetate appeared to be a useful clinical adjunct to treatment with oxytetracycline in cattle with acute M haemolytica bronchopneumonia.

Objective—To characterize the electroencephalogram (EEG) in young cats. Animals—23 clinically normal cats. Procedures—Cats were sedated with medetomidine hydrochloride and butorphanol tartrate at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 weeks of age, and an EEG was recorded at each time point. Recordings were visually inspected for electrical continuity, interhemispheric synchrony, amplitude and frequency of background electrical activity, and frequency of transient activity. Computer-aided analysis was used to perform frequency spectral analysis and to calculate absolute and relative power of the background activity at each age. Results—Electrical continuity was evident in cats ≥ 4 weeks old, and interhemispheric synchrony was evident in cats at all ages evaluated. Analysis of amplitude of background activity and absolute power revealed significant elevations in 6-week-old cats, compared with results for 2-, 20-, and 24-week-old cats. No association between age and relative power or frequency was identified. Transient activity, which consisted of sleep spindles and K complexes, was evident at all ages, but spike and spike-and-wave discharges were observed in cats at 2 weeks of age. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Medetomidine and butorphanol were administered in accordance with a sedation protocol that allowed investigators to repeatedly obtain EEG data from cats. Age was an important consideration when interpreting EEG data. These data on EEG development in clinically normal cats may be used for comparison in future studies conducted to examine EEGs in young cats with diseases that affect the cerebral cortex.

Objective—To determine antimicrobial effects of caprylic acid and its derivatives, monocaprylin and sodium caprylate, on Dermatophilus congolensis and to determine effects of caprylic acid on the ultrastructure of D congolensis by use of transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Sample—3 strains of D congolensis (33411, 33413, and 14639). Procedures—Strains of D congolensis were incubated separately under anaerobic conditions at 37°C for up to 48 hours in brain heart infusion (BHI) broth that was supplemented with various concentrations of caprylic acid (7.5, 12.5, 15, 17.5, or 20mM), monocaprylin (2.5, 5, 7.5, or 10mM), or sodium caprylate (15, 50, 60, 70, 100, or 120mM) or contained no antimicrobial treatment. After incubation, bacterial counts were determined by means of plating in triplicate on BHI-agar plates. Caprylic acid-treated or untreated D congolensis samples were embedded in epoxide resin for TEM; cross sections were examined for structural damage. Results—Minimum inhibitory concentrations of caprylic acid, monocaprylin, and sodium caprylate against D congolensis were 7.5, 2.5, and 15mM, respectively. Minimum bactericidal concentrations of caprylic acid, monocaprylin, and sodium caprylate against D congolensis were 15, 5, and 70mM, respectively. Examination via TEM revealed that a 15-mM concentration of caprylic acid disintegrated the plasma membrane of D congolensis. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that caprylic acid, monocaprylin, and sodium caprylate could potentially be used to treat D congolensis infections. However, in vivo studies should be undertaken to determine whether these compounds can be considered as treatment options.