Septic arthritis is an important disease in horses, necessitating aggressive and prolonged therapy. In order to guide therapy, reliable methods of detecting the eradication of infection are needed. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate detection of eradication of infection in an experimental model of equine septic arthritis using standard diagnostic techniques. For this purpose, 17 adult horses were assigned to 3 experimental groups. The middle carpal joint of each horse was injected with Escherichia coli (Septic group, n = 8), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (LPS group, n = 6), or sterile saline (Control group, n = 3) at day 0. Contralateral joints were not injected. Standard therapy was applied to all joints except non-injected joints in the Control group at day 1. Sequential samples of synovial fluid (SF) were collected for bacterial culture using 3 culture media [Columbia blood agar (CBA), brain heart infusion broth (BHI), and Signal blood culture medium] and for cytological evaluation [percentage neutrophils (PN), total nucleated cell count (TNCC), and total protein (TP)]. Escherichia coli-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried out to detect E. coli DNA in synovial fluid. Culture and PCR were positive for E. coli in all joints injected with E. coli at day 1 and 1 joint was positive on BHI at day 4. Based on the results of bacterial culture, PCR, and TNCC, the elimination of infection in our experimental model occurred by day 4 post-infection in 6 out of 7 cases. Total protein (TP) and PN remained elevated at clinical threshold used for diagnosis of septic arthritis until day 14. In our experimental model of E. coli-induced arthritis, we conclude that TP and PN may not be good indicators for detecting the eradication of bacterial infection caused by E. coli from infected and subsequently treated joints.

With acrylic external-fixation frames for fracture repair the acrylic columns can be contoured to allow greater versatility in the placement of transfixation pins, thus minimizing damage to the surrounding soft tissue and making mandibular and transarticular fixation easier. However, contouring affects the stiffness and ultimate strength of the construct under axial compression. In this study, polymethylmethacrylate columns 21 mm in diameter angled at 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, or 90° with clamps were constructed. For each angulation group, pins 3.2-mm long were placed in 6 columns, 2 pins at each end, 1.5 cm from each other, and 6 columns had no pins. Each column was allowed to polymerize for a minimum of 10 min, then was placed in a biomechanical-testing machine, the load cell at the bottom end of the column and the actuator on top, with a preload of 10 to 12 N to prevent slippage. The columns underwent axial loading at a rate of 8 mm/s until catastrophic failure occurred. Data on force and deformation were collected every 0.025 s. Both stiffness and ultimate strength of the column decreased significantly (P < 0.01), up to 77% and 70%, respectively, with each increase of angulation. The columns with pins were significantly less stiff (P < 0.05) than those without pins at angulations of 45° and 60°. However, the columns with pins did not show significant differences in ultimate strength from the columns without pins at any of the angulations. The point of failure was always at the angle of the column, demonstrating that in axial compression the weakest point is not the pin-acrylic interface when pins are eccentrically located within the column.

A total of 774 pigs were enrolled in 13 cohorts across 7 commercial farms to examine the effect of nursery feeding program on serum haptoglobin, subsequent growth performance, and carcass characteristics of finishing pigs. Pigs were weaned [23.4 ± 0.2 days of age and 5.3 ± 1.5 kg body weight (BW)] and randomly assigned to either a complex (HC: highly digestible sources of proteins, including animal proteins; N = 346) or simple (LC: corn- and soybean meal-based; N = 340) diet for 37.7 ± 1.7 days over 3 phases (1 pen per diet per cohort; pen was the experimental unit; n = 13); sex was balanced between treatments. Thereafter, pigs received common grower-finisher diets. At a targeted BW of 118 kg, pigs (subset: n = 275 and 258 for HC and LC, respectively) were processed to evaluate carcass characteristics. Nursery feeding program did not influence BW, BW gain, or serum haptoglobin at any stage of production. Feed cost was reduced by $2.82 per pig during the nursery period for the LC-fed pigs (P < 0.001). Loin eye depth, back fat depth, carcass weight, percent lean yield, and carcass gross revenue at slaughter were not influenced by nursery feeding program. Feeding LC nursery diets on commercial farms is a feasible way to reduce feed cost without negatively impacting serum haptoglobin, growth performance during or after the nursery period, or carcass value.

OBJECTIVE To compare IV doses of alfaxalone and ketamine needed to facilitate orotracheal intubation and assess effects of each treatment on selected physiologic variables in goats undergoing orthopedic surgery with isoflurane anesthesia. ANIMALS 18 healthy adult goats. PROCEDURES Behavior was assessed before and after sedation with midazolam (0.1 mg/kg, IV) for IV catheter placement. Anesthesia was induced with additional midazolam (0.1 mg/kg, IV) and alfaxalone (n = 9) or ketamine (9) at 2 mg/kg, IV, over 30 seconds. An additional dose of alfaxalone or ketamine (1 mg/kg) was given IV if needed for intubation; anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane in oxygen and IV fluids with ketamine (0.5 to 1 mg/kg/h). Direct systolic (SAP), diastolic (DAP), and mean (MAP) arterial blood pressures; heart rate; and respiratory rate were recorded before induction, immediately after intubation, and during surgery. Qualitative anesthetic induction and recovery characteristics were assessed. Variables were compared within and between groups by statistical methods. RESULTS No preinduction variables differed significantly between groups. Postintubation and 30-minute intraoperative SAP, DAP, and MAP were higher for the ketamine group than for the alfaxalone group; within the alfaxalone group, postintubation SAP, MAP, and respiratory rate prior to mechanical ventilation were lower than respective preinduction values. All alfaxalone-group goats were intubated after 1 dose of the induction agent; 5 of 9 ketamine-group goats required an additional (1-mg/kg) dose. Postoperative recovery was good to excellent for all animals. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Both drugs were suitable for induction of anesthesia after sedation with midazolam, but most goats required higher doses of ketamine to allow intubation. For situations in which alfaxalone administration is appropriate, the potential for decreased arterial blood pressures and respiratory rate should be considered.

OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of orally administered melatonin on the intraocular pressure (IOP) of ophthalmologically normal dogs. ANIMALS 20 ophthalmologically normal dogs (40 eyes). PROCEDURES In a randomized crossover study, each dog received a 7-day regimen of melatonin (0.1 to 0.2 mg/kg, PO, q 12 h) and a placebo (150 mg of lactose powder in a capsule, PO, q 12 h), with a 7-day washout period between treatment regimens. Rebound tonometry was used to measure the IOP in both eyes of each dog 5 times at 2-hour intervals on days 0 (before administration of the first dose), 2, 4, and 7 (after administration of the last dose) of each treatment period. Repeated-measures ANOVA was used to evaluate the effects of treatment, day, and IOP measurement time within day on IOP. RESULTS Intraocular pressure was not significantly associated with treatment but was associated with day and the interaction between day and IOP measurement time within day. The mean ± SD IOP was 14.26 ± 2.95 and 14.34 ± 2.69 mm Hg for the melatonin and placebo regimens, respectively. Within each treatment period, the mean IOP tended to decrease from day 0 to 7 as well as within each day, which was attributed to the dogs becoming acclimated to the study protocol and natural diurnal variations in IOP. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that oral administration of melatonin (0.1 to 0.2 mg/kg, q 12 h for 7 d) did not significantly affect the IOP of ophthalmologically normal dogs.

OBJECTIVE To develop a reliable method for injection of the tarsometatarsal (TMT) joint of horses through a medial approach and to characterize anatomy of the synovial recesses of the TMT joint with CT. SAMPLE 13 pairs of fresh cadaveric equine tarsi. PROCEDURES TMT joints were assessed with radiography and CT. Twelve pairs of TMT joints were assigned to an experienced veterinarian (8 joints) or veterinary student (16 joints) for injection with contrast medium through a medial or a lateral approach. Every TMT joint was then reexamined radiographically and with CT to assess diffusion of contrast medium. The number of attempts for the lateral and medial approaches between and within investigators was evaluated, which included evaluation of the diffusion of contrast solution in relation to the approach used. RESULTS All 24 TMT joints were successfully injected, as confirmed with radiography and CT. There was no significant difference in the number of attempts between the medial and lateral approaches and between investigators. No significant difference was detected in the distribution of contrast medium in each synovial recess between the medial and lateral approaches. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The medial approach described here for injection of the TMT joint of horses was highly reliable. It involved use of an easily palpable anatomic landmark on the mediodistal aspect of the TMT joint. An established alternative method for injection of the TMT joint may be useful in clinical practice for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, although a medial approach may increase risk of injury to veterinarians.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate and compare regulation of diabetes mellitus (DM) in dogs with cataracts and well-controlled DM that received an ophthalmic preparation of prednisolone acetate versus diclofenac sodium. ANIMALS 22 client-owned dogs with cataracts and well-controlled DM. PROCEDURES A prospective, randomized, double-masked, experimental study was conducted. On days 0 and 32, serum fructosamine concentrations (SFCs), clinical scores, and body weights were determined. Dogs were assigned to receive a topically administered ophthalmic preparation of either prednisolone acetate 1% or diclofenac sodium 0.1% in each eye 4 times daily for 28 days. Data analysis was conducted with generalized linear mixed models. RESULTS Findings indicated no meaningful differences in SFCs, clinical scores, or body weights between the treatment groups on days 0 or 32. Clinical score on day 0 was positively associated with SFC, as indicated by the corresponding rate of change such that each 1 -unit increase in clinical score was associated with an approximately 45.6 ± 9.4 μmol/L increase in SFC. In addition, the least squares mean ± SEM SFC was higher in spayed females (539.20 ± 19.23 μmol/L; n = 12) than in castrated males (458.83 ± 23.70 μmol/L; 8) but did not substantially differ between sexually intact males (446.27 ± 49.72 μmol/L; 2) and spayed females or castrated males regardless of the treatment group assigned. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Findings indicated no evidence for any differential effect on DM regulation (assessed on the basis of SFCs, clinical scores, and body weights) in dogs treated topically with an ophthalmic preparation of prednisolone versus an ophthalmic preparation of diclofenac. Additional research investigating plasma concentrations of topically applied ophthalmic glucocorticoid medications is warranted.

OBJECTIVE To investigate luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor expression in canine nonneoplastic and neoplastic lymph nodes, circulating nonneoplastic lymphocytes, and T-cell lymphoma (TCL) cell lines. SAMPLE Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded lymph nodes (5 neoplastic and 3 nonneoplastic) from 6 dogs, circulating lymphocytes from venous blood specimens obtained from 12 healthy dogs, and 3 TCL cell lines derived from 3 dogs with primary lymphoma. PROCEDURES Lymph node specimens were immunohistochemically stained for determination of LH receptor expression. Circulating nonneoplastic lymphocytes and TCL cell lines were evaluated for LH receptor expression by use of flow cytometry; circulating lymphocytes were also immunophenotyped. The mean percentage of cells positive for LH receptors was determined for each type of specimen. For the healthy dogs, percentages of circulating B and T lymphocytes that expressed LH receptors were assessed on the basis of sex and reproductive status. RESULTS The mean percentage of LH receptor-positive cells in canine neoplastic and nonneoplastic lymph nodes was 12.4% and 4.1%, respectively. For the healthy dogs, the mean percentage of circulating LH receptor-positive T lymphocytes was significantly higher in gonadectomized dogs (16.6%) than in sexually intact dogs (10.5%); the percentages of circulating LH receptor-positive B lymphocytes did not significantly differ by reproductive status. Among the 3 canine TCL cell lines, LH receptor expression ranged from 10% to 45%. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In this study, LH receptor expression by canine neoplastic and nonneoplastic lymphocytes was detected. Research into the effects of downregulation of LH receptor activation in dogs with lymphoma is warranted.

In Zimbabwe, there have been no chlamydiosis and limited brucellosis studies in goats. This study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors of the two diseases in goats at three different livestock–wildlife interface areas: porous, non-porous and non-interface in the south-eastern lowveld of Zimbabwe. Collected sera (n = 563) were tested for Brucella antibodies using the Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) and the complement fixation test (CFT); and for Chlamydia abortus antibodies using the CFT. All tested goats were negative for Brucella antibodies. Overall, chlamydial seroprevalence was 22%. The porous [c2 = 9.6, odds ratio (OR) = 2.6, p = 0.002] and non-porous (c2 = 37.5, OR = 5.8, p < 0.00001) interfaces were approximately three and six times more likely to be chlamydial seropositive than the non-interface area, respectively. Chlamydial seroprevalence was not associated with sex (c2 = 0.5, OR = 1.2, p = 0.5), abortion history in female goats (c2 = 0.7, OR = 1.3, p = 0.4), keeping goats with cattle (c2 = 0.2, OR = 1.5, p = 0.7) or flock size (c2 = 0.03, OR = 1.4, p = 0.9). Our study provides the first serological evidence of chlamydiosis in goats in Zimbabwe and the results suggest that proximity to wildlife is associated with increased chlamydial seropositivity. Further studies are required to determine the role of chlamydial infection on goat reproductive failure and that of wildlife on C. abortus transmission to domestic ruminants.

Caprine pediculosis is an ectoparasitic disease of great concern among goat farmers in India. It may be caused by either sucking lice or chewing lice; the latter one results in severe skin lesions, leading to production loss. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the macrocytic lactone drug, ivermectin, administered via subcutaneous injection, against chewing lice Bovicola (Damalinia) caprae infestation in naturally infested goats. The study was conducted on 20 goats with severe B. caprae infestation. Animals of group A (n = 10) were treated using a single dose of ivermectin (200 µg/kg body weight) subcutaneously and animals of group B (n = 10) underwent placebo therapy using normal saline. The animals were examined on days 0, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 42 and 56 for lice counts. There was 100% elimination of lice in all animals of group A and effective protection from re-infection remained at least for 21 days. Considerable improvement in haematological parameters was also observed by day 21. Based on this study, ivermectin injected via a subcutaneous route can be used effectively for the therapeutic and prophylactic management of chewing lice infestation in goats maintained under an extensive grazing system.