Challenge For Veterinarians Research Articles

Management of Corneal Ulcers using Autologous Serum, Platelet Rich Plasma and Processed Human Amniotic Membrane in Dogs

Background: In dogs the corneal ulcers are one of the major ophthalmic emergencies and can cure with routine medications, but in delay presentation will become challenge for veterinarians. In such cases advanced therapeutic management such as serum, platelet reach plasma and corneal grafts are needed for favorable outcome. Methods: The present study was conducted on 24 dogs (29 eyes) with corneal ulcer categorized as a superficial (Group-I, n=15), deep corneal ulcers (Group-II, n=8) and descemetocele (Group-III, n=6) which were treated with autologous serum, Platelet Rich Plasma and Processed decellularized human amniotic membrane grafting, respectively. All the affected eyes were given routine topical medications with eye drops Moxifloxacin, Flurbiprofen q.i.d till healing, 1% Atropine sulphate b.i.d for 5 days and Oral Doxycycline was given @ 5 mg/kg b.i.d for 10 days. Result: The group-I (n=11, 15 eyes) treated with autologous serum eight to ten times-a-day as per severity with routine medication. Two dogs with entropion which was corrected first. The eyes gained vision within 10th-15th days. Developed complications managed medicinally till complete recovery. The group-II (n=7, 8 eyes) treated with platelet rich plasma drops five to seven times-a-day with routine medication. 75% eyes recovered up to 45th day. Developed complication were managed medicinally till complete recovery. The group-III (n=5, 6 eyes) treated with Decellularized Processed Human Amniotic Membrane Graft. 4 eyes gained complete transparency on 28th day of therapy while in 2 eyes developed complication were managed medicinally.

The Best Protocol to Treat Equine Skin Wounds by Second Intention Healing: A Scoping Review of the Literature.

Equine skin wound treatment continues to be a challenge for veterinarians. Despite being a frequent practice, it remains difficult to choose an evidence-based treatment protocol. This study aimed to comprehensively explore the literature and provide a scoping review of therapeutic strategies for equine skin wounds and identify knowledge gaps and opportunities for future research. This review was conducted using specific criteria to select literature that described methods to manage second intention wound healing. After removing duplicates and screening papers for suitability, 81 manuscripts were included for data extraction. Of these, 59 articles were experimental studies, 10 were case reports, 9 were case series, and 3 were clinical studies. The most frequent wound location was the distal limbs. Macroscopic assessment was the main tool used to evaluate treatment effectiveness. All of the case reports, case series, and clinical studies reported positive outcomes with regard to the treatment used, while only 36% of the experimental studies found significant healing improvement in treated wounds compared to control groups. It was found that there are many treatments that have exhibited controversial results, and there exists a lack of evidence for the adoption of specific treatment protocols.

Feline chronic gingivostomatitis current concepts in clinical management.

Feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS) is a debilitating disease for cats and a challenge for veterinarians and cat caregivers alike. Recent literature indicates that the disease is immune-mediated in nature and likely associated with a chronic viral infection in patients with higher alpha diversity of their subgingival microbiome. The immune-mediated nature of FCGS includes both local as well as systemic effects, and the transcriptomic analysis of affected patients supports these findings. Localized therapy in the form of surgical extraction of all, or nearly all, teeth continues to be the mainstay of treatment. For cats that do not respond to surgical management, medical management, in the form of immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory therapy, remains an option. Analgesia is of fundamental importance. Immunomodulation utilizing mesenchymal stromal cell therapy provides an alternative treatment avenue for refractory patients and likely targets the chronic viral infection present in this disease. The potential for treatment stratification and use of novel systemic treatment options may be revealed as the molecular pathways involved in this disease are better described. This review outlines current and emerging concepts linking available science pertaining to FCGS and clinical management of the disease. The article draws on the best evidence base at this juncture and is also driven by the authors' collective experience of working on the disease for over a decade.

Is there any change in the prevalence of intestinal or cardiopulmonary parasite infections in companion animals (dogs and cats) in Germany between 2004-2006 and 2015–2017? An assessment of the impact of the first ESCCAP guidelines

Main objective of the present nationwide study was to assess the impact of the ESCCAP guideline for the control of worm infections in dogs and cats 8–10 years after its first publication in Germany. A secondary aim was to determine the prevalence of canine and feline cardiopulmonary nematodes and intestinal protozoa. Faecal samples of 53,693 dogs and 26,491 cats in 2004–2006 as well as of 129,578 dogs and 45,709 cats in 2015–2017 routinely submitted by veterinarians to a private veterinary laboratory were examined using appropriate parasitological methods.In dogs, the prevalence of Toxocara and taeniid egg shedding was significantly lower in 2015–2017 (3.8 % and 0.16 %, respectively) than in 2004–2006 (4.6 % and 0.27 %, respectively). The prevalence of hookworm and Capillaria eggs was higher in the second study period (2.3 % and 0.77 %, respectively) than in the first (1.3 % and 0.6 %, respectively). For Toxascaris leonina (0.55–0.6 %) and Trichuris (0.8–0.9 %), the difference was not significant between the study periods. Dogs shed more often Angiostrongylus vasorum larvae in the second study (3.1 %) than in the first (1.0 %), whereas the prevalence of Crenosoma vulpis did not change significantly (2.2–2.6 %). Cystoisospora canis and C. ohioensis-like infections were less detected in the second study period (1.0 % and 2.1 %, respectively) than in the first (1.8 % and 2.7 %, respectively). Neospora-like oocysts and Sarcocystis sporocysts were more prevalent in the second study period (0.19 % and 0.13 %, respectively) than in the first (0.13 % and 0.06 %, respectively). The percentage of Giardia or Cryptosporidium coproantigen-positive samples was lower in the second study period (18.9 % and 6.7 %, respectively) than in the first (22.8 % and 10.0 %, respectively).In cats, the prevalence of egg shedding of T. cati, Capillaria and taeniids was significantly lower in 2015–2017 (3.5 %, 0.25 % and 0.1 %, respectively) than in 2004–2006 (4.8 %, 0.54 % and 0.22 %, respectively). No difference was recorded for hookworms (0.12–0.13 %) and Ts. leonina (0.04–0.05 %). Aelurostrongylus-like larvae were detected more often in the second study period (6.5 %) than in the first (2.6 %). Infections with Cystoisospora felis, C. rivolta, Toxoplasma-like coccids and Sarcocystis were less prevalent in the second study period (1.9 %, 0.7 %, 0.24 % and 0.02 %, respectively) than in the first (2.7 %, 1.1 %, 0.36 % and 0.1 %, respectively). The percentage of Giardia or Cryptosporidium coproantigen-positive samples was significantly lower in the second study period (10.6 % and 4.8 %, respectively) than in the first (15.4 % and 8.3 %, respectively).Although these results indicate a decline of the occurrence of most canine and feline intestinal parasites in Germany over the years, a transmission risk of zoonotic parasites remains. Therefore, the control of helminth infections in domestic dogs and cats continues to be a challenge for veterinarians and pet owners.

Comparative analysis of ECG records depending on body position in domestic swine (Sus scrofa domestica)

BackgroundElectrocardiography is a method widely applied in diagnosing abnormalities in the functioning of the heart muscle in veterinary medicine. It is a non-invasive and easy to perform test helpful in the general examination and a widely used patient monitoring method during anesthesia. Since the 1980s, pigs have become more and more popular companion animals. Moreover, the pig is a widely used model animal in biomedical research. Therefore, there is need to provide them with higher-quality veterinary services, also in emergency situations. It creates new challenges for veterinarians and the need to expand their knowledge of pigs’ treatment as pets. The aim of the planned experiment was to compare the ECG recordings made with two different body positions and determine if any differences occurred. Standard ECG in swine is performed under general anesthesia in the lying position on the left side, for this position of the body have been developed and reported standards in the literature. However, some procedures performed on swine require a different body position, for which there is less data in the literature.MethodsThe study was carried out on 29 Polish landrace pigs weighing in the range of 33–44 kg. The tests were performed under general anesthesia with the same protocol for each animal, placing the animals first lying down on their right side, and then on their backs. The anesthesia protocol included medetomidine, midazolam, ketamine, and propofol. During the examination, ECG records were performed and analyzed in a 12-lead system with software support.ResultsThe results show significant differences in electrocardiogram recordings depending on the animal's body position. Those differences mainly concern the amplitude of the P wave and R wave in the recordings and are even more visible comparing the electrocardiograms of the same specimen. There are also some significant differences in the duration of intervals. Based on the obtained results, reference ranges for the right lateral and dorsal positions were developed.ConclusionIn conclusion, the body position has a significant impact on the ECG recording in swine, therefore performing this examination, chosen normative value tables should be compatible with the position of the examined animal.

Influence of temperature on sporulation of Eimeria arloingi and Eimeria perforans oocysts

Eimeriosis of farm animals is one of the most widespread parasitic diseases in the world. In the conditions of the steppe zone of Ukraine Eimeria perforans is more common in rabbits and E. arloingi in sheep and goats. Study of factors which influence the development of these protists on the soil surface is one of the major challenges for veterinarians working for large livestock companies and fighting against eimeriosis. Environmental temperature is able to change the speed of sporulation of oocysts Eimeria. Five values of temperature (15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 °C) were used in a laboratory experiment in vitro. At 15 °C, the process of sporulation of E. arloingi and E. perforans in 100% of cases ended on the eighth day. With increase in temperature to 35 °C, the duration of sporulation decreased to three days. When the temperature was 30 °C the completion of sporulation was observed in more than 50% of the oocysts of E. arloingi on the second day, and for E. perforans on the third day. High-speed sporulation at elevated temperatures under conditions of global warming can result in the increasing spread of eimeriosis among wild and domestic animals.

Isolation and characterization of Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) from milk of dairy goats under low-input farm management in Greece

The presence of Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in raw milk is a challenge for veterinarians and public health professionals. In this study, we investigated the presence and clonality of S. aureus and MRSA in milk of individual dairy goats with subclinical mastitis reared under the low-input farming system in Greece and determined the isolates’ enterotoxin gene carriage and their ability to form biofilms. S. aureus was isolated from 162 out of the 559 milk samples examined (29 %) and one isolate per S. aureus-positive sample was further characterized. S. aureus isolates were very closely related even among farms of distant geographical regions. Nine S. aureus isolates carried a functional mecA gene and were classified as MRSA. The S. aureus protein A (spa) typing in the MRSA isolates showed that four belonged to spa type t127 (44.4 %), three to t2049 (33.3 %) and two to t7947 (22.2 %). The spa type t7947 is reported for the first time in Greece. The MRSA isolates originated from two very distantly located farms, one located in the island of Skopelos and the other in Central Macedonia. Four of the MRSA isolates carried the staphylococcal enterotoxin genes sea or sec. Most of the isolates (92 % of S. aureus and 77.8 % of the MRSA) possessed moderate or weak biofilm-formation ability. Raw milk from low-input goat herds may serve as a potential vector of antimicrobial-resistant S. aureus to raw-milk consumers.

A Pilot Study for Estimating the Cardiopulmonary Signals of Diverse Exotic Animals Using a Digital Camera.

Monitoring the cardiopulmonary signal of animals is a challenge for veterinarians in conditions when contact with a conscious animal is inconvenient, difficult, damaging, distressing or dangerous to personnel or the animal subject. In this pilot study, we demonstrate a computer vision-based system and use examples of exotic, untamed species to demonstrate this means to extract the cardiopulmonary signal. Subject animals included the following species: Giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), African lions (Panthera leo), Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae), koala (Phascolarctos cinereus), red kangaroo (Macropus rufus), alpaca (Vicugna pacos), little blue penguin (Eudyptula minor), Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii) and Hamadryas baboon (Papio hamadryas). The study was done without need for restriction, fixation, contact or disruption of the daily routine of the subjects. The pilot system extracts the signal from the abdominal-thoracic region, where cardiopulmonary activity is most likely to be visible using image sequences captured by a digital camera. The results show motion on the body surface of the subjects that is characteristic of cardiopulmonary activity and is likely to be useful to estimate physiological parameters (pulse rate and breathing rate) of animals without any physical contact. The results of the study suggest that a fully controlled study against conventional physiological monitoring equipment is ethically warranted, which may lead to a novel approach to non-contact physiological monitoring and remotely sensed health assessment of animals. The method shows promise for applications in veterinary practice, conservation and game management, animal welfare and zoological and behavioral studies.

Diagnosis of Feline Infectious Peritonitis: A Review of the Current Literature.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal disease that poses several challenges for veterinarians: clinical signs and laboratory changes are non-specific, and there are two pathotypes of the etiologic agent feline coronavirus (FCoV), sometimes referred to as feline enteric coronavirus (FECV) and feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV) that vary fundamentally in their virulence, but are indistinguishable by a number of diagnostic methods. This review focuses on all important steps every veterinary practitioner has to deal with and new diagnostic tests that can be considered when encountering a cat with suspected FIP with the aim to establish a definitive diagnosis. It gives an overview on all available direct and indirect diagnostic tests and their sensitivity and specificity reported in the literature in different sample material. By providing summarized data for sensitivity and specificity of each diagnostic test and each sample material, which can easily be accessed in tables, this review can help to facilitate the interpretation of different diagnostic tests and raise awareness of their advantages and limitations. Additionally, diagnostic trees depict recommended diagnostic steps that should be performed in cats suspected of having FIP based on their clinical signs or clinicopathologic abnormalities. These steps can easily be followed in clinical practice.

Copper isotopes as possible neoplasia biomarkers in captive wild felids.

The longevity of zoo animals is increasing due to continuous improvement in husbandry and veterinary medicine. However, increasing age is correlated to a higher prevalence of neoplasia. Despite tremendous improvement in diagnoses and monitoring capacities, cancers are still a challenge for veterinarians within the global zoo community. The recent use of copper isotopes as biomarkers for neoplasia in both human and veterinary medicine is a promising and cost-effective diagnostic tool. Two hundred and twenty-nine serum samples from 10 different species of wild felids under human care were processed through mass spectrometry to determine the ratioof heavy and light copper isotopes (65 Cu/63 Cu). The results of this preliminary study exhibit an important variability between felid species, with a ratio ranging between -1.71 and 0.63. Additionally, copper isotopes seem to be a promising diagnostic tool in monitoring cancer in wild animals, as in human medicine, where the isotopic ratio decreases significantly withtime in the presence of a tumor.

Brain blood supply in ruminants

Domesticated ruminants play a key role in world livestock production, while some other ruminant species are important in the hunting economy. Non-farm species kept in zoological gardens pose a new challenge for veterinarians. In addition, cervids are increasingly often maintained under farm conditions, in which it may be necessary to undertake medical interventions. The pattern of the brain base arteries is one of specific morphological features of species from the suborder Ruminantia, including the domestic cattle, zebu, buffalos, sheep, goats, reindeer and other deer species, giraffes, musk deer and antelopes. A specific feature of the arteries of the brain base in ruminants is the presence of the arterial nasal epidural rete mirabile, and in some species also the caudal epidural rete mirabile. In addition, in these animals the extracranial segment of the internal carotid artery obliterates, and as a consequence, blood flows into the brain by an alternative route from the maxillary artery, via the vasculature of the nasal epidural rete mirabile. It is widely accepted that the retia mirabilia in the system of head arteries in mammals are the anatomical basis of the so-called selective brain cooling. Essentially, this mechanism consists in cooling the warm blood expelled from the left ventricle during the contraction of the heart, which flows to the brain, creating a vast vasculature of the rete mirabile. It is encircled by a cooler blood, returning from the nasal cavity via the cavernous sinus. Retia mirabilia located on the brain base are the main effectors of heat dissipation and protection of the brain from overheating. This mechanism fits into the very current topic of animal welfare.

Sodium Iodide: an Alternative Treatment Option for Feline Sporotrichosis?

Background: Sporotrichosis is caused by pathogenic fungi of the genus Sporothrix. The clinically relevant species are S. schenckii, S. globosa and S. brasiliensis. In Brazil, S. brasiliensis is the most prevalent etiological agent among humans and cats. In cats with sporotrichosis, skin lesions are mainly characterized by nodules and ulcers, usually located in the head, nasal region and limbs. The presence of respiratory signs concomitantly with cutaneous lesions is frequent, especially sneezing, and may be associated with lesions located in the nasal mucosa. Ketoconazole (KTZ), itraconazole (ITZ), potassium iodide (KI), sodium iodide (NaI), terbinafine (TRB), fluconazole (FLZ) and amphotericin B (AMB) are the drugs currently available for treating feline sporotrichosis. ITZ remains the drug of choice. ITZ combined with KI has been successfully used in the treatment of naïve cats (especially cases with lesions in the nasal region), cases of recurrence and refractory to ITZ. Clinical cure with NaI has been described in some cases, but its use has been limited by adverse reactions. The conventional formulation is the saturated solution and the recommended dose in the treatment of feline sporotrichosis is 10 mg/kg every 12 h. Cats are sensitive to iodide preparations and should be carefully monitored for clinical evidence of iodism, such as apathy, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, hypothermia, hyperthermia, cardiomyopathy, hyperexcitability, muscular spasms and ptyalism. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic response of NaI capsules in feline sporotrichosis.Materials, Methods & Results: An observational cohort study was conducted in cats with sporotrichosis at the Laboratory of Clinical Research in Dermatozoonoses in Domestic Animals (Lapclin-Dermzoo), Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases (INI)/Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Twenty-eight cats with sporotrichosis confirmed by isolation of Sporothrix spp. in culture, no previous systemic antifungal therapy, and weight above 3.0 kg, were included in the study. The treatment consisted of NaI oral capsules (5 mg/kg/once daily). In cats without clinical improvement after one month of treatment, the dose was increased (10 mg/kg/once daily). The cats were followed up monthly by clinical examination, complete blood count and biochemical analysis (urea, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase - ALT, aspartate aminotransferase - AST, alkaline phosphatase - FA). All procedures were approved by the Animal Ethics Committee (CEUA/Fiocruz), number LW 56/13, and the informed consent term was obtained from all tutors. Clinical cure was achieved in six (21.4%) cases and treatment failure was observed in 13 (46.4%) animals. Seven (25%) cats were lost during follow up, and unknown causes of death occurred in two cases (7.1%). Ten animals (35.7%) presented clinical adverse reactions at some point during treatment. Hyporexia and weight loss were the most frequent ones. Three cats presented alteration in renal function.Discussion: Treatment of feline sporotrichosis in epizootic areas has been a challenge for veterinarians and tutors. Additionally, there are few studies evaluating treatment regimens for this mycosis in animals. In this study, NaI was compounded in capsules, because it is easier to administer when compared to the solution, as previously described for KI. Despite the low cost and the convenient administration of the capsule, NaI presented a low cure rate with the dose used. The study of new pharmaceutical forms and lower doses of low-cost drugs is necessary in a scenario of epizootic sporotrichosis, where investments for the development of new antifungal agents are scarce.

Be tick aware: when and where to check cats and dogs for ticks

Tickborne disease represents a long established risk to human and pet populations. Increasing pet travel and importation is occurring concurrently with an expanding distribution of tick vectors and tickborne diseases,...

Speed and Cardiac Recovery Variables Predict the Probability of Elimination in Equine Endurance Events

Nearly 50% of the horses participating in endurance events are eliminated at a veterinary examination (a vet gate). Detecting unfit horses before a health problem occurs and treatment is required is a challenge for veterinarians but is essential for improving equine welfare. We hypothesized that it would be possible to detect unfit horses earlier in the event by measuring heart rate recovery variables. Hence, the objective of the present study was to compute logistic regressions of heart rate, cardiac recovery time and average speed data recorded at the previous vet gate (n-1) and thus predict the probability of elimination during successive phases (n and following) in endurance events. Speed and heart rate data were extracted from an electronic database of endurance events (80–160 km in length) organized in four countries. Overall, 39% of the horses that started an event were eliminated—mostly due to lameness (64%) or metabolic disorders (15%). For each vet gate, logistic regressions of explanatory variables (average speed, cardiac recovery time and heart rate measured at the previous vet gate) and categorical variables (age and/or event distance) were computed to estimate the probability of elimination. The predictive logistic regressions for vet gates 2 to 5 correctly classified between 62% and 86% of the eliminated horses. The robustness of these results was confirmed by high areas under the receiving operating characteristic curves (0.68–0.84). Overall, a horse has a 70% chance of being eliminated at the next gate if its cardiac recovery time is longer than 11 min at vet gate 1 or 2, or longer than 13 min at vet gates 3 or 4. Heart rate recovery and average speed variables measured at the previous vet gate(s) enabled us to predict elimination at the following vet gate. These variables should be checked at each veterinary examination, in order to detect unfit horses as early as possible. Our predictive method may help to improve equine welfare and ethical considerations in endurance events.

Cats and chemotherapy: treat as 'small dogs' at your peril.

To safely and effectively treat cats with cancer it is important to understand the drugs being used and some species-specific concerns in relation to chemotherapy. While many of the same principles in treating cats with chemotherapy and targeted agents hold true as for other species, including dogs, cats display altered metabolism of drugs and species-specific toxicities that can present particular challenges for veterinarians. This article is aimed at practitioners who treat feline cancer or who help manage cats undergoing cancer therapy. The article reviews the known literature regarding species differences between dogs and cats relating to the use of chemotherapy and targeted therapies. For many of the drugs mentioned there are limited studies and caution must be exercised when using drugs that have a low therapeutic index.

A simple method for assessing analgesic requirements and efficacy in rodents

Evaluation of pain in the clinical setting is an ongoing challenge for veterinarians, researchers and IACUCs. Behavioral assessment, a common technique for evaluating pain, is subjective and difficult to translate into quantifiable data. The authors propose measuring changes in body weight, food consumption and water consumption as a simple and objective method for evaluating postsurgical pain and analgesic efficacy in rodents.

A focus group study of veterinarians' and pet owners' perceptions of the monetary aspects of veterinary care

To compare veterinarians' and pet owners' perceptions of client expectations with respect to the monetary aspects of veterinary care and identify challenges encountered by veterinarians in dealing with pet owners' expectations. Qualitative study based on focus group interviews. 6 pet owner focus groups (32 owners) and 4 veterinarian focus groups (24 companion animal veterinarians). Independent focus group sessions were conducted with standardized open-ended questions and follow-up probes. Content analysis was performed on the focus group discussions. Pet owners expected the care of their animal to take precedence over monetary aspects. They also expected veterinarians to initiate discussions of costs upfront but indicated that such discussions were uncommon. Veterinarians and pet owners differed in the way they related to discussions of veterinary costs. Veterinarians focused on tangibles, such as time and services. Pet owners focused on outcome as it related to their pet's health and well-being. Veterinarians reported that they sometimes felt undervalued for their efforts. A suspicion regarding the motivation behind veterinarians' recommendations surfaced among some participating pet owners. Results suggested that the monetary aspects of veterinary care pose barriers and challenges for veterinarians and pet owners. By exploring clients' expectations, improving communication, educating clients, and making discussions of cost more common, veterinarians may be able to alleviate some of the monetary challenges involved in veterinarian-client-patient interactions.

Reduced Medication in Organic Farming with Emphasis on Organic Dairy Production

Medication is an important focus area in organic animal husbandry. The combination of goals relating to improved animal welfare and reduced use of chemicals in general creates a common wish to reduce medication. Based on data from current Danish research projects in organic dairy farming, one specific organic medication pattern or policy cannot be described. The disease treatment pattern is influenced by many factors, e.g. the interaction with colleagues, veterinarians and agricultural advisors. No significant difference could be found with regard to incidence of mastitis treatments or somatic cell counts in 27 organic and 57 conventional herds. A marked tendency to shorter treatment periods in relation to mastitis treatments was described for organic farms in comparison with conventional farms (1.9 days versus 3.2 days (5 organic and 7 conventional herds)). In a study of development of health advisory service in organic herds, the dialogue between farmer, veterinarian and agricultural cattle advisor changed the treatment pattern markedly during a period of 6 months. Among important future challenges for veterinarians in organic farming is pointed at the constructive, open, and critical interaction with the single organic farmer as well as the organic animal husbandry system in general.