OBJECTIVE To evaluate the use of a modified passive leg-raising maneuver (PLRM) to predict fluid responsiveness during experimental induction and correction of hypovolemia in isoflurane-anesthetized pigs. ANIMALS 6 healthy male Landrace pigs. PROCEDURES Pigs were anesthetized with isoflurane, positioned in dorsal recumbency, and instrumented. Following induction of a neuromuscular blockade, pigs were mechanically ventilated throughout 5 sequential experimental stages during which the blood volume was manipulated so that subjects transitioned from normovolemia (baseline) to hypovolemia (blood volume depletion, 20% and 40%), back to normovolemia, and then to hypervolemia. During each stage, hemodynamic variables were measured before and 3 minutes after a PLRM and 1 minute after the pelvic limbs were returned to their original position. The PLRM consisted of raising the pelvic limbs and caudal portion of the abdomen to a 15° angle relative to the horizontal plane. RESULTS Hemodynamic variables did not vary in response to the PLRM when pigs were normovolemic or hypervolemic. When pigs were hypovolemic, the PLRM resulted in a significant increase in cardiac output and decrease in plethysomographic variability index and pulse pressure variation. When the pelvic limbs were returned to their original position, cardiac output and pulse pressure variation rapidly returned to their pre-PLRM values, but the plethysomographic variability index did not. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested a modified PLRM might be useful for identification of hemodynamically unstable animals that are likely to respond to fluid therapy. Further research is necessary to validate the described PLRM for prediction of fluid responsiveness in clinically ill animals.

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.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate erythema and number of CFUs on the skin of dogs with hair clipped by use of 2 sizes of clipper blades. ANIMALS 67 client-owned dogs receiving an epidural. PROCEDURES Hair was clipped with a No. 10 blade (approx hair length, 1.5 mm) on one half and a No. 40 blade (approx hair length, 0.25 mm) on the other half of each epidural site. Skin was surgically scrubbed with 2% chlorhexidine gluconate and 70% isopropyl alcohol. Samples were obtained immediately after clipping, after skin was scrubbed, and again 24 hours after clipping. Number of CFUs for both sides of the clipped areas, types of microorganisms, and growth on MacConkey agar were evaluated every 24 hours for 72 hours. Colonies were evaluated for bacterial morphology and Gram stain characteristics. Sites were evaluated 24 hours after clipping for evidence of erythema. RESULTS 24 hours after hair was clipped, there was a significantly higher incidence of erythema and higher number of Micrococcaceae bacteria for the side clipped with the No. 40 blade than the side clipped with the No. 10 blade. Number of CFUs did not differ significantly between size of clipper blades. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Clipping hair with a No. 40 blade resulted in a significant increase in the incidence of erythema and higher number of Micrococcaceae bacteria, compared with results for clipping with a No. 10 blade. These results supported use of a No. 10 clipper blade to prevent erythema and reduce variation in the skin microbiome.

Background: Giardia and Cryptosporidium species are significant zoonotic parasites of humans and domesticated animals. Objectives: The study aimed to determine the prevalence of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in livestock and dogs of the Magude District. Method: The flotation technique (Willis), modified Ziehl-Neelsen (mZN) and direct and indirect immunofluorescence (DIF and IIF) techniques were applied to determine the prevalence of Giardia and Cryptosporidium species in faecal samples of dog pups (156), goat kids (60) and calves (480) from the Magude District of Mozambique from February to September 2015. Results: Using Willis, IIF and DIF, the prevalence of Giardia in calves was 0%, 8.1%, and 6.0%; in dogs 0.6%, 8.3% and 5.7% and for goats 0% and 13.3% (IIF was not performed), respectively. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium in calves using Willis, mZN, IIF and DIF was 0%, 3.8%, 4.7% and 0.4% and in dogs 0%, 0.6%, 6.4% and 0.6%, respectively. The parasite was not detected in goats. Conclusion: Results from the present study showed that IIF performed better diagnosis of Giardia and Cryptosporidium, and that the mZN can be used as an alternative for Cryptosporidium because of the high cost of IIF. There is a need for identification of genotypes or subtypes of these parasites through application of molecular techniques in order to determine their zoonotic potential, and we advocate a ‘one health’ approach in the control and prevention of these parasites.

Minimising health problems and increasing yield have always been the objectives in livestock agriculture. Hence, increases in incidences of reproductive conditions in cattle farming pose a great threat to productivity and impose undesirable economic implications. This study aimed to examine the concentrations of different biochemical compounds in cows with reproductive conditions. Seventy-seven blood samples were collected from cows at different rural areas around Mafikeng, following cases of downer cow syndrome, dystocia, retained placenta, vaginal prolapse and abortion. Means of serum metabolites across the different reproductive conditions were statistically compared using Pearson’s chi-square test to determine variations of serum metabolites in cows of different breeds. In mixed breed cows, higher than normal calcium concentrations were observed in downer cow syndrome (25.25 ± 8.47) and dystocia (85.50 ± 8.46) cases. It was also observed that cholesterol concentrations were significantly low in abortion (2.52 ± 0.79), retained placenta (3.18 ± 0.61) and vaginal prolapse (2.37 ± 0.97) cases in Afrikaner cows. The study showed that Brahman (43.1%) and Afrikaner (43.1%) breeds were mostly affected by downer cow syndrome. Additionally, the occurrences of downer cow syndrome (53.9%) and abortions (60%) were mostly observed in cows of 1–3 years, in second and first parities, respectively. This study proves that concentrations of calcium, urea or blood urea nitrogen (BUN), magnesium and cholesterol are significantly altered in incidences of reproductive conditions in cows of different breeds. It is also shown that serum biochemistry is affected by reproductive conditions in cows of different ages and parity. This data serves as a tool that could be used to enhance research in animal production and reproduction.

Fasciola spp. are the causative agents of fascioliasis in humans and livestock. Before the development of control and management measures, the geographical distribution of the species and patterns of infection must be considered. Because of difficulties in the phenotypic differentiation and morphometric classification of Fasciola spp., DNA molecular markers have become more useful for fluke differentiation and description of phylogenetic patterns. This study aimed to differentiate and describe the phylogenetic background of Fasciola spp. isolated from cattle slaughtered at three abattoirs in the Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal provinces of South Africa. The cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) – FHCO1 (forward: 5′-TTGGTTTTTTGGGCATCCT-3′) and FHCO1 (reverse: 5′ -AGGCCACCACCAAATAAAAGA3′) – marker was sequenced from 55 Fasciola flukes that were collected from abattoirs in catchment areas of the KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga provinces. Fasciola hepatica was demonstrated to have 100% prevalence in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga (highveld), respectively, and 76% prevalence in the lowveld (Belfast area) of Mpumalanga. Two animals from the Belfast metapopulation were co-infected with both Fasciola gigantica and F. hepatica. DNA sequence analysis of all the isolates demonstrated a sequence conservation of 0.472, nucleotide diversity of 0.082 and Tajima’s D of -1.100; however, it was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Twenty-two haplotypes were identified, with 18 novel haplotypes being unique to the isolates from South Africa. Within the study samples, 12 haplotypes were isolated to a few individuals, with a haplotype diversity of 0.8957 indicating high genetic diversity. Principal coordinate analysis supported the clustering and distribution of the haplotypes, with 11.38% of the variation being attributed to coordinate 2 and 55.52% to coordinate 1. The distribution of Fasciola spp. has been demonstrated to be related to the distribution of the freshwater intermediate host snails, Lymnaea spp., as well as the relative altitude of the localities in South Africa. Information provided by this study serves as preliminary evidence for further studies on the mapping of the distribution of F. gigantica and F. hepatica in South Africa, which is key in designing control programmes for fascioliasis in humans and livestock.

Toxoplasma gondii is a major neglected parasitic infection occurring in settings of extreme poverty in Africa. Apart from causing reproductive failure in animals it is also a significant zoonotic concern. The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of T. gondii infection in cats, chickens, goats, sheep and pigs in the southeast of South Africa, of which little is known. Sera was obtained from 601 domestic animals including 109 cats, 137 chickens, 128 goats, 121 sheep and 106 pigs managed under different production systems in different agro-ecological regions and evaluated by the Toxoreagent, a latex agglutination test for T. gondii antibody detection. Household-level and animal-level data were collected by interviewing animal owners and/or herders using a closed-ended questionnaire. The study revealed an overall farm seroprevalence of 83.33% (125/150 farms) with the highest rate of infection for the parasite found in sheep with 64.46% (78/121), followed by goats with 53.91% (69/128), pigs with 33.96% (36/106), cats with 32.11% (35/109 cats) and chickens with 33.58% (46/137). The risk factors that were found to be statistically significant (p 0.05) to different species of seropositivites were age, location, climate, animal production system, rodent control, seropositive cat, cat-feed access and cat faecal disposal. The relatively high seroprevalence of T. gondii detected in this region suggests that domestic animals may pose a substantial public health risk through the consumption of T. gondii-infected raw meat as well as via contact with cat faeces.

Pneumonic pasteurellosis is the main cause of severe respiratory tract infections in calves and causing great economic losses. The objective of this research was to study the antimicrobial susceptibility of P. multocida and M. haemolytica and detection the effect of Lysozyme and Nitric oxide; as immune parameters, on most important bacteria causing pneumonic pasteurellosis in cattle calves. A total number of 406 deep nasal swabs and blood samples were collected from 406 bovine calves suffered from respiratory manifestations. Bacteriological examination revealed that the overall prevalence of both P. multocida and M. haemolytica was of 26.6%; 18.2% for P. multocida and 8.4%for M. haemolytica. P. multocida was singly isolated from 4.9% of cases. While it was mixed with S. aureus, E. coli, Streptococcus spp., both S. aureus and E. coli, both S. aureus and Streptococcus spp. and both E. coli and Streptococcus spp. with percentages of 4%, 1.2%, 2.2%, 1.7%, 3.2% and 1.0%, respectively. Meanwhile, M. haemolytica was isolated as a single isolate from 1.7% of cases while it was mixed with S. aureus, Streptococcus spp., both S. aureus and Streptococcus spp. and both E. coli and Streptococcus spp. with percentages of 2.7%, 1.2%, 2.5% and 0.2%, respectively. The in in-vitro sensitivity testing of all isolates showed high susceptibility to Fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins. On the other hand, high resistances were obtained against tetracyclines, penicillins and aminoglycosides. On the immunological level, the data of the existing research show that all respiratory affected calves record significant elevation of nitric oxide level in compare with normal control calves. However, all infected calves elucidate significant reduction of lysozyme activity.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a good useful imaging tool for diagnosing foot lameness in equine. Seventeen donkeys of age (6–12 years), gender admitted to the clinic unit of our collage with owners complained that the animals were suffered from incurable lameness in their forelimbs. All forelimb foots were collected at the level of fetlock joint after euthanasia for performing MR imaging .The results showed that, both normal anatomy to the foot using T1-weighted image sequence and detection of different lesions involving many parts of the foot such as collateral ligaments of the DIP joint, both DDFT core and border, both navicular bone medullary cavity and cortex, articular cartilage of DIP joint, distal sesamoidean impair ligament (DSIL) and suspensory ligament of the navicular bone that could not be diagnosed by other diagnostic tools such as X- ray, ultrasound and Computed Tomography. In conclusion, Using MRI in examination of donkey foot lameness is considered as a definitive and accurate diagnostic tool for design suitable treatment regimens for all affections.