Current Veterinary Research Articles

Rabies in Cats—An Emerging Public Health Issue

Human rabies cases today are predominantly associated with infection from rabid domestic dogs. Unlike dogs, a common global reservoir species that perpetuates rabies viruses (RABV) within their populations, domestic cats are much less frequently reported or vaccinated. Epidemiologically, cats are important vectors of lyssaviruses but are not viral reservoirs. Typically, cats are incidental hosts only, infected with the predominant lyssavirus in their geographic locale. Human cases associated with rabid cats have occurred in Africa, Asia, Europe and throughout the Americas. As adept, solitary hunters, wild and domestic felids are at risk of lyssavirus infection based upon interactions with infected prey, such as bats, or from transmission by other mesocarnivores, such as rabid dogs, foxes, jackals, raccoons, and skunks. Current veterinary vaccines provide safe and effective immunity in cats against phylogroup I lyssaviruses, such as RABV, but not against divergent lyssaviruses in phylogroups II-IV. With the focus upon the global elimination of canine rabies, the emergence of rabies in cats represents a concerning trend. Clearly, education about the occurrence of rabies in cats needs to be improved, as well as the routine vaccination of cats to reduce the associated risks to public health, agriculture, and conservation biology from a One Health perspective.

Taenia solium Cysticercosis and Taeniosis Reporting in the Current Medical and Veterinary Diseases Reporting Systems in Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Taenia solium cysticercosis and taeniosis (TSCT) are two forms of a zoonotic disease caused by T. solium tapeworm. Towards promotion of a One Health approach to the control of TSCT, we assessed TSCT reporting in the medical and veterinay sectors in Tanzania. We conducted a cross-sectional study between January and April 2020 in Babati and Mbulu districts (northern Tanzania), Kongwa district (central Tanzania), Mbinga and Nyasa districts (southern Tanzania), and the Zonal Veterinary Centres in Iringa (southern Tanzania) and Arusha (northern Tanzania) regions. A questionnaire was administered to 154 officers in charge (OsIC) of primary healthcare facilities (PHFs) and 110 meat inspectors (MIs) to collect quantitative data. Key informant interviews (KIIs) were conducted to 16 medical and 17 veterinary officers from level one healthcare facilities and district livestock offices, respectively, to their respective ministries. OsIC admitted absence of specific reporting (100%, n = 154) of T. solium taeniosis and neurocysticercosis (NCC) in the medical diseases reporting system (MDRS) despite the presence of optimum facilitation in terms of report preparation and submission (92.2%, n = 154) with 83.8% (n = 154) timely report submission rate. The veterinary diseases reporting system (VDRS) accommodated porcine cysticercosis (PCC) reporting. Nevertheless, approximately 77.3% (n = 110) of the MIs admitted inadequate facilitation in VDRS that hindered efficient reporting of PCC among other diseases. In addition, all MIs admitted that disease reports submitted were incomplete, submitted late (73.3%, n = 110), or not submitted at all (88.8%, n = 110). Similarly, KIIs results revealed suboptimal facilitation and reporting efficiency in VDRS than it was with the MDRS. It is concluded that the MDRS did not provide for specific reporting of taeniosis and NCC. Inadequate facilitation of the general VDRS hindered efficient PCC reporting despite its provision for PCC reporting. A One Health approach in strengthening the medical and veterinary diseases reporting systems for efficient TSCT reporting is recommended.

Optimising staff utilisation in rural animal veterinary practice in Aotearoa/New Zealand

Utilisation of veterinary professional staff in rural animal veterinary practice has long been anecdotally reported as poor in Aotearoa / New Zealand. Evidence shows that skill utilisation is poor, and this is likely impacted by the low ratios of non-veterinarian staff to each veterinarian in rural animal veterinary practice. This participative action research utilised focus groups with a range of staff practising in rural animal veterinary practice in Aotearoa / New Zealand, who self-selected as having experience with excellent utilisation. Participants were asked to imagine what a future with excellent utilisation in rural animal veterinary practice in Aotearoa / New Zealand would look like. This research clarifies role definitions of a veterinarian, rural animal veterinary technician and rural animal healthcare assistant, and documents examples of task allocation in an interprofessional team. The participants identified that the outcomes of achieving appropriate utilisation are likely to be beneficial to individuals, the team, animals, clients, and the business profitability, however, a significant number of barriers were identified that may prevent implementation of appropriate utilisation. These included a disconnect between the current rural animal veterinary technician qualifications and the requirement from veterinary clinical practice for specific skills, rather than a full qualification; the current veterinary training pathway not setting up veterinarians to be consultants; lack of regulation of allied veterinary professionals; current skills in the team; lack of trust in technicians from veterinarians; perception of client expectations that a vet will attend; willingness of veterinarians to relinquish control; lack of availability of technical staff; the requirement for veterinarians to provide 27/4 after-hours service; and the risk of technicians leaving after being trained up to go out on their own. Whilst overcoming some of these barriers requires industryled solutions, many can be resolved immediately within individual teams. Therefore, there is no need to wait for industry change to begin creating veterinary teams with excellent utilisation within individual rural animal veterinary practices.

Characterization of Current Husbandry and Veterinary Care Practices of the Giant Pacific Octopus (Enteroctopus dofleini) Using an Online Survey.

Giant Pacific octopuses (Enteroctopus dofleini) (GPOs) are commonly housed in zoos or aquaria, and sedation, anesthesia, and/or euthanasia may be indicated for a variety of reasons. Despite this need, evidence-based data on best practices is limited and focuses on smaller or more tropical species. The objectives of this study were to survey the aquatic community regarding the husbandry and veterinary care of GPOs, with a specific focus on anesthetic and euthanasia protocols. A two-part web-based survey was distributed to four aquatic and/or veterinary email listservs. Individuals from fifty-two institutions participated in phase one. Results documented that 40 (78 percent) participating institutions currently house GPOs, with most housing one and nine institutions housing two to three GPOs. The median (range) habitat volume is 5405 (1893-16,465) L, and 78 percent of systems are closed. Of the institutions surveyed, 23 have anesthetized or sedated a GPO for nonterminal procedures, including wound care, biopsies, and hemolymph collection. Reported methods of sedation or anesthesia include magnesium chloride, ethanol, isoflurane, tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222), magnesium sulfate, benzocaine, and dexmedetomidine. Drugs or methods used for euthanasia include magnesium chloride, ethanol, mechanical decerebration, pentobarbital, isoflurane, MS-222, magnesium sulfate, benzocaine, potassium chloride, dexmedetomidine, and freezing. Reported observed side effects include ineffectiveness or inadequate sedation, inking, prolonged drug effects, and behavior changes. Survey data have the potential to guide the husbandry and veterinary care of GPOs and build the framework for future prospective studies on GPO sedation and anesthesia.

Insights into Current Veterinary Pharmaceutics for Companion Animals in Japan: A Study Based on Data from the Veterinary Drug Side Effect Database.

In veterinary medicine, various drugs are used on a daily basis. Using inappropriate medications poses health hazards to companion animals and humans; thus, assessing adverse events in veterinary medicine has great social significance but remains an untapped area of research. In this study, to promote the appropriate use of veterinary drugs and clarify common pharmaceutical issues in Japanese veterinary medicine, we analyzed information in the Veterinary Drug Side Effects Database (National Veterinary Assay Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Japan). We found that the number of reports has been increasing annually, including those on high-risk drugs, molecular-targeted drugs, and antibody-based drugs. The details of the reports were similar to those from the United States, including the misadministration of veterinary drugs to humans, improper drug management, and re-administering drugs with a history of side effects. Furthermore, 46.50% of all reports mentioned the administration of one or more drugs, with the highest number of concomitant drugs being 10. In addition, 37.78% of all reports described the use of drugs in manners deviating from the intended use indicated in the package insert. Therefore, to avoid adverse events, pharmacists may have to be involved in dispensing and aseptically preparing veterinary medicines and providing drug information and medication guidance. To optimize pharmacotherapy for ill companion animals, "veterinary pharmacy" and "veterinary medicine pharmacy" must be developed in line with clinical situations in Japan, while considering knowledge from countries that are advanced in terms of veterinary medicine.

Zuo Gui Wan (Restore the Left [Kidney] Pill)

Zuo Gui Wan is an important Chinese herbal medicine with potent effects on the Zang-fu organ, Kidney. The chief herb, Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia) tonifies Kidney Yin and Jing (Essence) and fills the Marrow. It can be used to treat a number of clinical conditions associated with the Kidney, such as: mental dullness, confusion, disorientation, pacing at night, impaired hearing, soreness and weakness of the back/stifles, poor hair coat, weak constitution, developmental orthopedic and dental abnormalities, urinary incontinence, increased thirst, excessive panting and a red tongue with thready rapid pulse. This brief review includes Zuo Gui Wan’s individual herbs and their actions, clinical veterinary uses, and a few current veterinary and human clinical/research studies.

Perceptions of Assessment Literacy among Current and Prospective Veterinary Students.

Developing assessment literacy is important for veterinary students because the demands of a veterinary medicine course require students to rapidly adapt to new ways of learning and assessment. In this study, we investigate the understanding of assessments at university from applicants and current veterinary students and how this understanding can be improved and developed throughout the course. Data were gathered from three groups-applicants, naïve veterinary students, and experienced veterinary students-using questionnaire-based surveys. Of the applicants, 69% expected university assessments to be different from those at school, whereas only 13% agreed they had a good idea of what assessments would be like at university. More than 50% of students in their first term agreed they had a good understanding of assessments at university, although students had no significant improvement in their understanding of assessments as they progressed through the course. All three groups agreed that having a better understanding of assessments would make them feel more confident about exams. We conclude that more could be done to prepare prospective veterinary students for different styles of assessments and that current veterinary students would benefit from the opportunity to develop their assessment literacy. An assessment literacy curriculum is therefore proposed to develop students' assessment literacy from high school through graduation. Further research could investigate the development of assessment literacy interventions aimed at both applicants and veterinary students.

Nonspecific reactivity of the rabbits organism when exposed to cysticercosis

One of the actual rabbits breeding problem is the reduction of their resistance, which is caused by the spread of individual invasive diseases, especially cysticercosis, which is caused by the larval Cysticercus pisiformis stage of the mature cestode Taenia pisiformis. The study was conducted on 38 male rabbits age 3–4 months, weighing 3.5–4.0 kg of the Californian breed, selected by analogy. Animal were separated into two groups: healthy animals (control group) and sick animals (research group). After blood collection, slaughter was conducted and the presence of cysticercus cysts was visually determined in the organisms of the rabbits. Control animals received a balanced standard granular feed and water without limit; research group in addition to the standard granulated feed with water received flaccid hay. The animals were kept in mesh single-tier cages in the room, according to the current veterinary and sanitary standards. The definition of phagocytic activity of neutrophils was carried out with the addition of standardized to 2500000000/ml suspension of daily culture of E. coli 055K59№3912/41. The bactericidal activity of blood serum was determined by the method Smirnova A.V. and Kuzmina T.A. in relation to the E. coli microbial test-culture 055K59№3912/41. The serum lysozyme activity was determined by the Nephelometric method using the Dorofachuk V.G. method to the microbial test culture Micrococcus luteus ATSS9341. Circulating immune complexes were determined using polyethylene glycol in borate buffer (pH 8.4). It was found that in blood of sick animals phagocytic activity is lower than in blood of healthy ones (respectively, 41.82 ± 1.51% versus 47.38 ± 1.10%, P < 0.01). The main cells involved in phagocytosis are leukocytes, in particular neutrophils and eosinophils. A low indicator of phagocytic activity shows depressed phagocytosis in the organism of animals suffering from cysticercosis of rabbits. The phagocytic number in the blood of rabbits of the experimental group was significantly lower by 0.51 units (P < 0.05) as compared to the control group and correlated with the index of phagocytic activity. An important element of immunity are indicators of bactericidal and lysozyme activity of blood serum. Low bactericidal activity of serum by 12.88% (P < 0.01) and lysozyme activity in rabbits with Cysticercus pisiformis also indicates a weakening of the factors of nonspecific natural resistance of the organism. Analyzing the level of circulating immune complexes, we found a high level of medium (9.14 ± 0.40 vs 5.58 ± 0.50) and small (9.21 ± 1.35 vs 4.64 ± 0.68) CIC for cysticercosis, respectively, 1.64 (P < 0.01) and 1.98 times (P < 0.001) against the control. This indicates the inhibition of the immunobiological activity in the organism of rabbits as a result of the combination of specific antibodies with the products of the exchange of helminths.

НЕБЕЗПЕКА ВИНИКНЕННЯ СИБІРСЬКОЇ ЯЗВИ НА НЕКОНТРОЛЬОВАНИХ ТЕРИТОРІЯХ УКРАЇНИ


 
 
 
 At the beginning of the XXI century, the distribution of anthrax on the territory of Ukraine did not acquire significant proportions. In most cases, sporadic and group diseases of people were caused by violations of the current veterinary and sanitary legislation. The analysis of statistical data on the registration of anthrax outbreaks among farm animals and the monitoring of dysfunctional points for this disease in Ukraine during the period 1920 - 2017 revealed 24 956 outbreaks of anthrax. Elimination of anthrax only by vaccination is impossible. Given that the pathogens of the disease persist in the land for centuries, additional measures are needed to maintain sanitary order in the burial places. Topicality. Today, the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk are not controlled to ensure a stable epizootic situation on anthrax. Because of this, these regions can be considered as a risk area in the occurrence of the disease. The purpose of the work is to analyze the epizootic situation regarding the anthrax and graves of animals that died from this disease on the territory of Ukraine.
 
 
 

The ins and outs of the litter box: A detailed ethogram of cat elimination behavior in two contrasting environments

Few studies have sought to describe cat elimination behavior in detail and much of the information presently available focuses on factors that potentially cause cats to reject a litter box. Thus, the ethograms published in the current veterinary and scientific literature largely focus on macro behaviors (e.g., enter box, dig, squat, cover, and exit box) and lack the detail necessary to make distinctions between types of litter box experiences for cats. To facilitate our understanding of what positive and negative litter box experiences look like for cats, we observed cats eliminating in both an enriched (“positive”) and in a clinic-like (“restricted”) environment. Our results reveal that cat elimination behavior is complex and may include up to 39 different behaviors expressed during urination and defecation events. We further evaluated each event, examining the behaviors occurring pre-, during, and post-elimination as a means to better understand the behaviors associated with the appetitive, consummatory, and post-consummatory phases of the reward cycle around elimination. In doing so, we found clear differences in behavior at different stages of the elimination sequence between our two environments. In general, the elimination sequence was prolonged in the clinic-like environment compared to the enriched environment (P<0.005) and most of the extra time was spent interacting with the box post-elimination (P<0.005). In the clinic-like environment cats were hesitant to enter the box, spent a considerable amount of time pawing at surfaces other than the litter (P<0.02) and spent a great deal of time sniffing eliminations post-elimination (P<0.005). In addition, cats in the clinic-like environment had less frequent urination events and their events were longer in duration than when in the enriched environment (P<0.0039). Thus, although seemingly counterintuitive, a relatively brief elimination sequence may be indicative of a more positive litter box experience. In addition, when given the opportunity cats will utilize a large amount of space during their elimination sequence. Despite popular perception that cats will immediately turn to out-of-box elimination if they are dissatisfied with their litter box environment, we discovered that cats will continue to use a box (and not eliminate outside the box) even when their behavior is indicative of frustration.

Sanguinaria canadensis: Traditional Medicine, Phytochemical Composition, Biological Activities and Current Uses.

Sanguinaria canadensis, also known as bloodroot, is a traditional medicine used by Native Americans to treat a diverse range of clinical conditions. The plants rhizome contains several alkaloids that individually target multiple molecular processes. These bioactive compounds, mechanistically correlate with the plant’s history of ethnobotanical use. Despite their identification over 50 years ago, the alkaloids of S. canadensis have not been developed into successful therapeutic agents. Instead, they have been associated with clinical toxicities ranging from mouthwash induced leukoplakia to cancer salve necrosis and treatment failure. This review explores the historical use of S. canadensis, the molecular actions of the benzophenanthridine and protopin alkaloids it contains, and explores natural alkaloid variation as a possible rationale for the inconsistent efficacy and toxicities encountered by S. canadensis therapies. Current veterinary and medicinal uses of the plant are studied with an assessment of obstacles to the pharmaceutical development of S. canadensis alkaloid based therapeutics.

Absorbed dose-to-water protocol applied to synchrotron-generated x-rays at very high dose rates

Microbeam radiation therapy (MRT) is a new radiation treatment modality in the pre-clinical stage of development at the ID17 Biomedical Beamline of the European synchrotron radiation facility (ESRF) in Grenoble, France. MRT exploits the dose volume effect that is made possible through the spatial fractionation of the high dose rate synchrotron-generated x-ray beam into an array of microbeams. As an important step towards the development of a dosimetry protocol for MRT, we have applied the International Atomic Energy Agency’s TRS 398 absorbed dose-to-water protocol to the synchrotron x-ray beam in the case of the broad beam irradiation geometry (i.e. prior to spatial fractionation into microbeams). The very high dose rates observed here mean the ion recombination correction factor, ks, is the most challenging to quantify of all the necessary corrections to apply for ionization chamber based absolute dosimetry. In the course of this study, we have developed a new method, the so called ‘current ramping’ method, to determine ks for the specific irradiation and filtering conditions typically utilized throughout the development of MRT. Using the new approach we deduced an ion recombination correction factor of 1.047 for the maximum ESRF storage ring current (200 mA) under typical beam spectral filtering conditions in MRT. MRT trials are currently underway with veterinary patients at the ESRF that require additional filtering, and we have estimated a correction factor of 1.025 for these filtration conditions for the same ESRF storage ring current. The protocol described herein provides reference dosimetry data for the associated Treatment Planning System utilized in the current veterinary trials and anticipated future human clinical trials.

Interactive talk and discussion on CT and MRI of the proximal suspensory ligament

Event Abstract Back to Event Interactive talk and discussion on CT and MRI of the proximal suspensory ligament Marieke Zimmerman1* 1 Equine Diagnostic Centre, Head Medical Imaging, Belgium ABSTRACT Proximal suspensory ligament injuries are a common cause of fore- and hindlimb lameness in sports horses. However, diagnostic imaging of proximal suspensory ligament desmitis can be challenging. Ultrasonographic examination is complicated by the presence of fat and muscle tissue in the suspensory ligament. Additionally in many cases suspensory ligament desmitis is associated with bone pathology at the origin of the ligament. Radiographic examination of the proximal third metacarpal/metatarsal bone can give us some information but will often underestimate the severity of bone pathology. MRI or CT examination gives us a detailed 3D image of the origin of the suspensory ligament and is therefore very helpful for the diagnosis of suspensory ligament pathology. MRI of the origin of the suspensory ligament provides us with a detailed image of the suspensory ligament and the bony structures. MRI is the only modality that allows us to visualise bone oedema of the palmar/plantar aspect of the third metacarpal/metatarsal bone. It gives us a detailed image of the soft tissues, and the fat and muscle fibres can be distinguished from the fibrous part of the suspensory ligament. Standing low-field MRI however can be challenging due to movement artefact and, especially in hindlimbs, lack of patient compliance. CT of the origin of the suspensory ligament gives us a very detailed image of the bony structures, and especially osteophytes and small fragments are better visualised with CT compared to standing MRI. Contrast CT is performed to better visualise the soft tissues. Omnipaque is injected intra-arterial before and during the entire length of the CT scan. This allows us to differentiate between normal fat and muscle tissue, and a lesion. CT of the origin of the suspensory ligament is performed under general anaesthesia. When comparing both techniques, MRI has the advantage of being able to visualise bone oedema and it allows in theory a better visualisation of the soft tissues, however, image quality is often impaired by motion artefact, especially in hind legs. CT is better for depicting the osseous borders, and as there is no movement artefact, contrast CT is often more sensitive for the diagnosis of mild soft tissue lesions. AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY Marieke Zimmerman graduated in 2008 from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University. Then she completed a one-year rotating internship at the Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Maisons-Alfort and in the CIRALE headed by Prof. Jean-Marie Denoix. Afterwards, she performed a second internship, focused on the orthopedic and medical imaging in the horse in the Animal Health Trust in Newmarket, led by Dr. Sue Dyson. From 2010 to 2013 she worked at Practice Dr. Suls in The Netherlands, where she has focussed on orthopedics and medical imaging. In 2013 and 2014 Marieke further specialized in MRI, CT and scintigraphy in horses by visiting UC Davis, Washington State University, Colorado State University and the Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Lyon. Since 2014 she has been working at Equine Diagnostic Centre (EDC), where she is responsible for MRI, CT and nuclear scintigraphy. Keywords: MRI, Veterinary, medical imaging, CT, Equine, Suspensory ligament Conference: First and Second Conference on Current Veterinary Practices, Meldert-Lummen and Evergem, Belgium, 5 Mar - 26 Mar, 2016. Presentation Type: Oral Presentation Topic: Current Veterinary Practices Citation: Zimmerman M (2016). Interactive talk and discussion on CT and MRI of the proximal suspensory ligament. Front. Vet. Sci. Conference Abstract: First and Second Conference on Current Veterinary Practices. doi: 10.3389/conf.FVETS.2016.01.00004 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 27 Jan 2016; Published Online: 29 Jan 2016. * Correspondence: DVM. Marieke Zimmerman, Equine Diagnostic Centre, Head Medical Imaging, Meldert-Lummen, 3560, Belgium, marieke.zimmerman@skynet.be Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Marieke Zimmerman Google Marieke Zimmerman Google Scholar Marieke Zimmerman PubMed Marieke Zimmerman Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

The revolution of overground respiratory video-endoscopy in exercising horses

The revolution of overground respiratory video-endoscopy in exercising horses

Interactive talk and discussion on latest techniques in veterinary surgery

Event Abstract Back to Event Interactive talk and discussion on latest techniques in veterinary surgery Tom Mariën1* 1 Equitom Equine Hospital, Head of Surgery, Belgium ABSTRACT Significant advances in Equine Head Surgery have been made the last years. However, radiographic and ultrasonographic examination provide insufficient information in major head pathologies. The use of CT-scan images on the other hand, allow more accurate visualization and even 3D imaging of head pathologies. This information is of great help for the surgeon not only to decide if a surgical intervention is possible, but also to plan and prepare complex head surgeries. In this regard, different important pathologies will be discussed, such as soft tissue cysts, osteosarcoma of the orbit, maxillary squamous cell carcinoma, infection of the temporomandibular joint and complex ectopic teeth in the sinus. Indeed, the clinical signs, diagnostic imaging, differential diagnosis, treatment and outcome will be presented of all these cases. The main goal of this talk is to assist the equine practitioner to recognize and identify different head pathologies in an early stage so that even life-threatening pathologies can be managed with a positive outcome. AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY Tom began his career at the University of Ghent, where he started veterinary medicine training at the age of 18 and finished six years later with honors. He worked for one year as an assistant at the Department of Surgery from the same University. Tom decided to specialize in surgery and moved to the USA (Kentucky, Ohio, San Francisco) to be trained by renown surgeons. He developed several new surgical techniques that have been published in recognized veterinary journals (such as closing the spleen-kidney area and reducing internal inguinal rings). He has been invited to speak at several international conferences and wrote several books chapters on equine surgery. In 2000, Tom returned to Belgium and opened his own clinic: Equitom. This clinic, has been recently renewed and expanded to include CT, MRI and scintigraphy. Keywords: Head, Surgery, Veterinary, Equine, medical imaging Conference: First and Second Conference on Current Veterinary Practices, Meldert-Lummen and Evergem, Belgium, 5 Mar - 26 Mar, 2016. Presentation Type: Oral Presentation Topic: Current Veterinary Practices Citation: Mariën T (2016). Interactive talk and discussion on latest techniques in veterinary surgery. Front. Vet. Sci. Conference Abstract: First and Second Conference on Current Veterinary Practices. doi: 10.3389/conf.FVETS.2016.01.00006 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 27 Jan 2016; Published Online: 29 Jan 2016. * Correspondence: DVM. Tom Mariën, Equitom Equine Hospital, Head of Surgery, Meldert-Lummen, 3560, Belgium, tom@equitom.be Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Tom Mariën Google Tom Mariën Google Scholar Tom Mariën PubMed Tom Mariën Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

The next generation of stem cell therapy: “From cartilage explants to arthritic patients”

The next generation of stem cell therapy: “From cartilage explants to arthritic patients”

Regional Limb Perfusion Of The Equine Distal Limb With Stem Cells: Lessons Learned From In Vivo Tracking Of Tc99m-HMPAO Labeled Cells

Regional Limb Perfusion Of The Equine Distal Limb With Stem Cells: Lessons Learned From In Vivo Tracking Of Tc99m-HMPAO Labeled Cells

Interactive talk and discussion on orthopedic cases

Event Abstract Back to Event Interactive talk and discussion on orthopedic cases Edouard Adriaensen1* 1 Equitom Equine Hospital, Head of Orthopedics, Belgium ABSTRACT Pathologies of the locomotor system are one of the most common causes of poor performance in the equine athlete. In many cases the area of pathology is localised by an adequate clinical examination and subsequently visualized by radiographic and/or ultrasonographic examination. However, in some cases the area of pathology cannot be localised or the pathology cannot be clearly visualized with the conventional imaging techniques. In those cases the clinician will require more advanced diagnostic imaging modalities, such as MRI, CT or nuclear scintigraphy to come to a definitive diagnosis. Three of these orthopaedic cases will be discussed. AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY Edouard Adriaensen graduated as Master in Veterinary Medicine in 2011. He completed a 1-year internship in Clinique Vétérinaire Equine in Normandy, France. Moreover, he worked as an independent assistant for one year in another clinic in Normandy, France. From 2013 until 2015, he functioned as equine orthopedic veterinarian in Veterinary Practice Dr. Suls, The Netherlands. In 2015, he became Head of Orthopedics in Equitom Equine Hospital, Belgium. Keywords: Orthopedics, MRI, Veterinary, CT, Equine Conference: First and Second Conference on Current Veterinary Practices, Meldert-Lummen and Evergem, Belgium, 5 Mar - 26 Mar, 2016. Presentation Type: Oral Presentation Topic: Current Veterinary Practices Citation: Adriaensen E (2016). Interactive talk and discussion on orthopedic cases. Front. Vet. Sci. Conference Abstract: First and Second Conference on Current Veterinary Practices. doi: 10.3389/conf.FVETS.2016.01.00008 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 27 Jan 2016; Published Online: 29 Jan 2016. * Correspondence: DVM. Edouard Adriaensen, Equitom Equine Hospital, Head of Orthopedics, Meldert-Lummen, 3560, Belgium, edouard.adriaensen@gmail.com Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Edouard Adriaensen Google Edouard Adriaensen Google Scholar Edouard Adriaensen PubMed Edouard Adriaensen Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

EquiFACS: The Equine Facial Action Coding System.

Although previous studies of horses have investigated their facial expressions in specific contexts, e.g. pain, until now there has been no methodology available that documents all the possible facial movements of the horse and provides a way to record all potential facial configurations. This is essential for an objective description of horse facial expressions across a range of contexts that reflect different emotional states. Facial Action Coding Systems (FACS) provide a systematic methodology of identifying and coding facial expressions on the basis of underlying facial musculature and muscle movement. FACS are anatomically based and document all possible facial movements rather than a configuration of movements associated with a particular situation. Consequently, FACS can be applied as a tool for a wide range of research questions. We developed FACS for the domestic horse (Equus caballus) through anatomical investigation of the underlying musculature and subsequent analysis of naturally occurring behaviour captured on high quality video. Discrete facial movements were identified and described in terms of the underlying muscle contractions, in correspondence with previous FACS systems. The reliability of others to be able to learn this system (EquiFACS) and consistently code behavioural sequences was high—and this included people with no previous experience of horses. A wide range of facial movements were identified, including many that are also seen in primates and other domestic animals (dogs and cats). EquiFACS provides a method that can now be used to document the facial movements associated with different social contexts and thus to address questions relevant to understanding social cognition and comparative psychology, as well as informing current veterinary and animal welfare practices.

Biomarkers for differentiation of causes of respiratory distress in dogs and cats: Part 1--Cardiac diseases and pulmonary hypertension.

To review the current veterinary and relevant human literature regarding biomarkers of cardiac disease leading to respiratory compromise. Veterinary and human medical literature: original research articles, scientific reviews, consensus statements, and recent textbooks. Cardiac troponins (cTn) and natriuretic peptides are routinely used in human medicine. Although biomarkers should not be accepted in lieu of gold standard diagnostics, they may be useful in directing care in the stabilization process. Biomarkers of congestive heart failure (CHF) include natriuretic peptides, cTn, and endothelin. cTnI is useful in differentiating causes of pericardial effusion, but is unlikely to be useful in differentiating CHF from other causes of respiratory distress. The most extensively studied and promising cardiac biomarker is amino-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide, although a bedside test is not currently available. Other natriuretic peptides have also proven useful, but have lower availability. Endothelin is unlikely to be clinically useful. Although critically evaluated for their use in cardiac diseases, many of the biomarkers are affected by more than one type of respiratory or systemic disease. Several cardiac biomarkers are increased in cases of pulmonary hypertension (PH), but discerning CHF alone from PH or a combination of heart disease and PH is challenging when evaluating biomarkers alone. At this time, there are no point-of-care tests for biomarkers that can reliably differentiate among causes of dyspnea of cardiac origin in dogs and cats, although there are reference laboratory tests that show promise and future development of point-of-care tests that may be useful in certain situations.