Ear Lesions Research Articles

Ear, tail and skin lesions vary according to different production flows in a farrow-to-finish pig farm

BackgroundPig performance and risk of disease are associated with production flow. Given the link between health and welfare, it is likely that animal welfare indicators are also associated with production flow. This study investigated the association between production flow and tail, ear and skin lesions on a farm with a purported ‘all-in/all-out’ policy. This was an observational study whereby pigs were managed according to routine farm practice. A total of 1,016 pigs born within 1 week from the same batch were followed through the production stages and the presence or absence of welfare indicators was recorded at 4, 7, 9, 12, 16 and 24 weeks of age. Three production flows were retrospectively identified: flow 1 = ‘normal’ pigs that advanced through the production stages together ‘on time’, flow 2 = pigs delayed from advancing from the 1st to the 2nd nursery stage by 1 week and flow 3 = pigs delayed from advancing through the production stages by > 1 week. A nested case control design was applied by matching pigs by sow parity, number of born alive and birth weight.ResultsThe presence of ear lesions was 4.5 less likely in pigs in flow 2 and 2.9 times less likely in pigs in flow 3 (P < 0.001) compared to pigs in flow 1. Pigs in flow 3 were 2.2 more likely to have tail and 1.6 times more likely to have ear lesions (P < 0.001) compared to pigs in flow 2. Pigs in flow 2 were less likely to have tail lesions compared with pigs in flow 1 (P < 0.05). Differences between production flows for the risk of skin lesions varied according to age (P < 0.05).ConclusionAll production flows were associated with a high risk of lesions which raises concerns for pig welfare. However, risks for ear, tail and skin lesions varied according to each production flow likely due to the specific management practices inherent to each flow. Results from this study could be used to modify existing management practices, thus leading to improvements in animal welfare and possibly performance in intensive pig systems.

Role and utility of HRCT and MRI in detection and evaluation of cholesteatoma

Cholesteatoma is a common benign lesion of the middle ear characterised by accumulation of keratinous debris. It is associated with local bony erosions and hence serious intracranial and labyrinthine complications which prompts surgical intervention. Earlier, High resolution computed tomography (HRCT) was used in combination with clinical examination to arrive at a diagnosis. Computed tomography (CT) gives excellent definition of bony structures, but lacks sensitivity in differentiating between various causes of soft tissue densities. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is more useful in evaluation of soft tissue details. We conducted this study with an aim of evaluating the role of diffusion weighted imaging in diagnosis of cholesteatoma and its utility to differentiate cholesteatoma from granulation/ inflammatory tissue. The study was conducted on forty patients between March 2018 and February 2019 who were clinically suspected of chronic suppurative otitis media with cholesteatoma. These patients were subjected to HRCT and Diffusion weighted MRI (DW-MRI) examination of temporal region and findings were correlated with intraoperative and histological features. Our study found that, HRCT had a sensitivity of 83.3% and specificity of 58.3% in detection of cholesteatoma, while MRI was found to accurately predict the presence of cholesteatoma in 91.6% of the cases evaluated. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 91.6%, 91.6%, 95.6% and 84.6%, respectively. Hence, we conclude that diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging is a useful technique for cholesteatoma imaging with high sensitivity and specificity. Combination of HRCT and MRI will be helpful to make an accurate diagnosis.

Novel and safe single-dose treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis with implantable amphotericin B-loaded microparticles

The development of an effective amphotericin B (AmB) topical formulation to replace the systemically toxic injections currently used in cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) treatment is challenging due to poor absorption through the skin. Aiming at an effective local chemotherapy, we designed PLGA (poly(lactide-co-glycolide acid) microparticles loaded with deoxycholate amphotericin B (d-AmB) for both macrophage intracellular targeting and sustained extracellular release. For that, d-AmB/PLGA microparticles with sizes ranging from 0.5 μm to 20 μm were synthesized and tested both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, d-AmB/PLGA was more selectively active against intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis than free d-AmB (selectivity index = 50 and 25, respectively). In vivo, the efficacy of a single intralesional (i.l) injection with d-AmB/PLGA was determined in early and established BALB/c mouse ear lesions. In early lesions, a single injection given on day 10 of infection was more effective in controlling parasite growth than eight i.l. injections with free d-AmB, as measured on day 120. Such d-AmB/PLGA injection was also effective in established lesions (day 30), leading to 97% parasite burden reduction, as compared with d-AmB or liposomal AmB (Ambisome®) i.l. injection containing the same AmB dose. Pharmacokinetic studies showed that following d-AmB/PLGA injection, AmB leaked slower from non-infected than infected ears, yet remaining in the ear tissue for as long as 30 days. Of interest, AmB was not detectable in the circulating plasma for at least two weeks of d-AmB/PLGA injection, contrasting with the rapid and durable (2 days) detection after free d-AmB injection. Despite the transient ear swelling and local cell infiltration, no alterations in AST, ALT and creatinine serum levels was induced by d-AmB/PLGA. For its approved components, local efficacy, and single-dose applicability, this novel and safe AmB microparticle depot formulation has strong potential as a new therapy for human CL.

Case Report: 56-year-old Woman Presenting with Progressive Hearing Loss, Chronic Otitis Media and Pulsatile Tinnitus

Introduction: Glomus tumors are rare benign lesions of the middle ear that are often associated with symptoms of progressive hearing loss and pulsatile tinnitus. Diagnosis is often delayed due to the slow growth of the tumor, and surgical resections of the mass are the mainstay treatment.&#x0D; Case Presentation: A 56-year-old Latin American female was admitted to the hospital with a year-long history of intermittent pulsatile buzzing noise, progressive hearing loss, pain and discharge of the left ear. High-resolution Computerized Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging revealed evidence of an enhancing mass lesion, which extended into the external auditory canal. A tympanomastoidectomy was performed. Most of the mass was removed, but some remained because of massive bleeding. The patient received 3 months of radiation therapy after the tympanic paraganglioma was surgically removed.&#x0D; Conclusion: This case exposed the audiological findings, the location, and the extent of the tumor. Management options consist of radiation therapy and surgical management, depending on the size of the tumor. Early detection of glomus tumors is essential to prevent non-reversible complications.

Comparison of Temporal Bone Tomography Findings of Chronic Otitis Media with Intraoperative Findings

Background and Objectives: Chronic otitis media is considered a common disease in our region. There are various methods for evaluation of chronic suppurative otitis media including otoscopy, CT scan, X-ray, and MRI. Nowadays, computed tomography or CT scan is used as the selected method to investigate the temporal bone. This study aims to collect the intraoperative findings and compare them with preoperative reports of temporal bone CT scans. Materials and Methods: The patients’ data with chronic otitis media who were reviewed tomographically, hospitalized and operated between 2012 and 2014 in Tabriz Sina Hospital by only one otolarynologist included in this study collected. Results: The most common lesion based on the highest frequency and percentage is Tympanosclerosis. 21.4 percent of patients whom Tympanosclerosis were not diagnosed preoperatively, found during the surgery. 78.9 And 21.1 percent of bone erosions have been diagnosed by CT scan and by direct vision, respectively. Conclusion: Although preoperative CT of Middle ear lesions is useful for surgery planning but some lesion may not be completely diagnosed by CT scan and intraoperative assessment of surgical field is crucial.

Bone conduction hearing in the Guinea pig and the effect of artificially induced middle ear lesions

Although human bone conduction (BC) hearing is well investigated, there is a lack of information about BC hearing in most other species. In humans, the amount of conductive loss is estimated as the difference between the air conduction (AC) and BC thresholds. Similar estimations for animals are difficult since in most species, the normal BC hearing thresholds have not been established. In the current study, the normal BC thresholds in the frequency range between 2 kHz and 20 kHz are investigated for the Guinea pig. Also, the effect of a middle ear lesion, here modelled by severing the ossicles (ossicular discontinuity) and gluing the ossicles to the bone (otosclerosis), is investigated for both AC and BC.The hearing thresholds in the Guinea pigs were estimated by a regression of the amplitude of the compound action potential (CAP) with stimulation level and was found robust and gave a high resolution of the threshold level. The reference for the BC thresholds was the cochlear promontory bone velocity. This reference enables comparison of BC hearing in animals, both intra and inter species, which is independent on the vibrator and stimulation position. The vibration was measured in three orthogonal directions where the dominating vibration directions was in line with the stimulation direction, here the ventral direction. The BC thresholds lay between −10 and 3 dB re 1 μm/s.The slopes of CAP growth function were similar for AC and BC at low and high frequencies, but slightly lower for BC than AC at frequencies between 8 and 16 kHz. This was attributed to differences in the stimulus levels used for the slope estimation and not a real difference in CAP slopes between the stimulation modalities. Two kinds of middle ear lesions, ossicular discontinuity and stapes glued to the surrounding bone, gave threshold shifts of between 23 and 53 dB for AC while it was below 16 dB when the stimulation was by BC. Statistically different threshold shifts between the two types of lesions were found where the AC threshold shifts for a glued stapes at 2 and 4 kHz were 9–18 dB greater than for a severed ossicular chain, and the BC threshold shifts for a glued stapes at 4 and 12 kHz were 8–9 dB greater than for a severed ossicular chain.

The F1F3 Recombinant Chimera of Leishmania donovani-Nucleoside Hydrolase (NH36) and Its Epitopes Induce Cross-Protection Against Leishmania (V.) braziliensis Infection in Mice.

Leishmania (V.) braziliensis is the etiological agent of Cutaneous (CL) and Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (ML) in the New World. CL can be more benign but ML can be severe and disfiguring. Immunity to these diseases include hypersensitivity, an enhanced inflammatory response with strong IFN-γ and TNF-α secretion. Additionally, the production of IL-10 which down modulates the immune response is reduced. The Nucleoside hydrolase (NH36) of Leishmania (L.) donovani is the main antigen of the Leishmune veterinary vaccine and its F3 domain induces a CD4+ T cell-mediated protection against L. (L.) infantum chagasi infection. Prevention of L. (L.) amazonensis infection requires in contrast an additional CD8+ T cell mediated response induced by the F1 domain. Consequently, the F1F3 recombinant chimera, which contains both domains cloned in tandem, optimized the vaccine efficacy against L. (L.) amazonensis mouse infection. We compared the efficacies of NH36, F1, F3, and the FIF3 chimera against L. (V.) braziliensis mouse infection. The F1F3 chimera increased the NH36 specific IgA and response before and after infection and the IgG and IgG3 levels after challenge. It also induced a 49% stronger intradermal response to leishmanial antigen (IDR) than NH36 that was positively correlated to the levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α, IgG, IgG2a, IgG2b, and IgG3 anti-NH36 antibodies. However, stronger Th1 responses with elevated IFN-γ/IL-10 and TNF-α/IL-10 ratios were promoted by the F3 and F1 vaccines and detected in infected controls while the F1F3 chimera promoted the highest IL-10 secretion, which reduced the pathological Th1 response, and characterized the induction of a mixed and/or T-cell regulatory response. We identified the epitopes responsible for these immune responses. The F3 vaccine induced the earliest immunity and after challenge, the F1F3 chimera promoted the highest CD4+ and CD8+ cytokine-secreting T cell responses, and the predominant frequencies of multifunctional CD4+ and CD8+IL-2+TNF-α+IFN-γ+ T cells. Also as observed against L. (L.) amazonensis infection, the F1F3 chimera showed the strongest reduction of the ear lesions sizes induced by L. (V.) braziliensis. Our results confirm the potential use of the F1F3 chimera in a multi-species cross-protective vaccine against L. (V.) braziliensis.

Unusual presentation for small lymphocytic lymphoma: Case report of a man with bilateral ear involvement and review of the literature

IntroductionEar involvement by non-Hodgkin lymphoma is quite rare and can be mistaken for other common lesions encountered in otolaryngology. The literature on this subject is also limited. Case summaryA 45-year-old man with bilateral ear nodules that progressed over two years. Biopsy of the right ear revealed a B-cell small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). The patient responded to radiotherapy well. He received an additional dose two months after the initial treatment because of a remaining nodularity on the right earlobe. After several months, he presented a new lesion on his nasal tip, for which a biopsy confirmed a lymphoma relapse. The patient was managed with oral prednisone and low-dose radiation with a favourable response. DiscussionThis case highlights the importance of including lymphoma in the differential diagnosis of ear lesions from an otolaryngology perspective. A biopsy of any lesion or nodule with an atypical course should be considered for appropriate diagnosis and management.

Lowering barometric pressure induces neuronal activation in the superior vestibular nucleus in mice.

Weather changes accompanied by decreases in barometric pressure are suggested to trigger meteoropathy, i.e., weather-related pain. We previously reported that neuropathic pain-related behavior in rats is aggravated by lowering barometric pressure, and that this effect is abolished by inner ear lesions. These results suggest that mechanisms that increase vestibular neuronal activity may parallel those that contribute to meteoropathy generation. However, it remains unknown whether changes in barometric pressure activate vestibular neuronal activity. To address this issue, we used expression of c-Fos protein as a marker for neural activation. Male and female mice were placed in a climatic chamber, and the barometric pressure was lowered by 40 hPa, from 1013 hPa, for 50 min (LP stimulation). The total number of c-Fos-positive cells in the vestibular nuclei was counted bilaterally after LP stimulation. We also video-recorded mouse behaviors and calculated the total activity score during the LP stimulation. LP stimulation resulted in significant c-Fos expression in the superior vestibular nucleus (SuVe) of male and female mice. There was no effect of LP stimulation on the total activity score. These data show that distinct neurons in the SuVe respond to LP stimulation. Similar mechanisms may contribute to the generation of meteoropathy in humans.

Clinical analysis and nonsurgical management of 11 dogs with aural cholesteatoma.

Aural cholesteatomas, also called tympanokeratomas, are destructive and expansile growths of keratinizing epithelium that develop in the middle ear. They have been reported sporadically in dogs, and surgery is usually the recommended treatment. To describe the common clinical, radiological and histological findings of cholesteatoma; to report on the outcome of conservative management. Eleven dogs (13 ears) with cholesteatomas. Medical records were reviewed for dogs diagnosed with cholesteatoma between 2012 and 2018. All dogs had computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) followed by trans-canal endoscopic procedure (TEP) for removal and biopsy of middle ear lesions. Dogs were then treated with in-clinic flushing initially weekly tapered to monthly, as well as at-home ear cleaning and application of topical otic steroid medication, initially daily then tapered to once or twice weekly. Nine dogs had a history of chronic otitis externa; head tilt or facial paralysis was present in seven and four cases, respectively. Otic examination identified a protruding nodule in seven ears. CT demonstrated soft tissue-like material in 12 bullae and expansion in seven bullae. MRI revealed minimally contrast-enhancing bulla contents in 12 ears. Post-TEP and with maintenance medical treatment, nine ears had no further signs of middle ear disease during a mean follow-up of 27.9months. The results suggest that otitis externa may not necessarily precede cholesteatoma in all dogs. MRI appears to be more sensitive than CT for identifying cholesteatomas. Conservative treatment of cholesteatomas could be useful before or as an alternative to surgery.

Effects of pigs per feeder hole and group size on feed intake onset, growth performance, and ear and tail lesions in nursery pigs with consistent space allowance

Objective: To determine the effects of varying the number of pigs per feeder hole and group size on feed intake onset, growth performance, and lesions in nursery pigs. Materials and methods: A total of 630 pigs were randomly assigned at weaning (mean [SD] age of 20.5 [0.9] d and weight of 5.59 [0.9] kg) to one of four treatments: 3.75, 5.00, 6.25, or 7.50 pigs per feeder hole, which was achieved by altering group size with 15, 20, 25, or 30 pigs per pen, respectively. Pigs were fed a meal diet containing 1% iron oxide dye for three days post-weaning. Rectal swabs were evaluated to assess the onset of feed intake. Pigs were weighed weekly and presence of ear and tail lesions were recorded. Results: Decreasing the number of pigs per feeder hole resulted in a decrease in onset of feed intake (P &lt; .001). Average daily gain tended to increase linearly as the number of pigs per feeder hole decreased (P = .06). No statistically significant responses were observed for average daily feed intake and feed efficiency (P &gt; .12). The lowest occurrence of tail lesions (P &lt; .05) was observed in the treatment with 3.75 pigs per feeder hole. The highest incidence (P &lt; .05) of ear lesions occurred in the treatment containing 7.50 pigs per feeder hole. Implications: Decreasing the number of pigs per feeder hole in the nursery period may result in faster onset of feed intake, improved growth performance, and reduced ear and tail lesions.

Inter- and intra-observer reliability of animal welfare indicators for the on-farm self-assessment of fattening pigs

In Germany all keepers of livestock are legally required to record animal welfare indicators as part of their on-farm self-assessment. The Association for Technology and Structures in Agriculture (Kuratorium für Technik und Bauwesen in der Landwirtschaft e.V. (KTBL)) has suggested the use of a particular set of animal welfare indicators in their publication Animal welfare indicators: Practical guide – Pigs. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the inter-observer reliability (Inter-OR) and intra-observer reliability (Intra-OR) of these indicators with respect to the welfare of fattening pigs. For the assessment of Inter-OR, three observers evaluated six KTBL animal welfare indicators. The Inter-OR of the indicators was calculated from the results using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC). ‘Excellent’ Inter-OR results were found for the indicators tail length (ICC 0.89), skin lesions (ICC 0.77) and ear lesions (ICC 0.80). In contrast, the Inter-OR of the indicators tail lesions (ICC 0.46) and faecal soiling (ICC 0.47) were considered to be only ‘fair’ and that of the indicator lameness (ICC 0.36) as ‘poor’. For the evaluation of the Intra-OR, the same three observers assessed the welfare of 162 to 200 fattening pigs using the same welfare indicators in total eight times. Again ICCs, here per indicator and observer, were used to calculate the Intra-OR. The Intra-OR of the indicators faecal soiling (ICC 0.81) and ear lesions (ICC 0.97) lay in the ‘excellent’ range on average. While the Intra-OR of the indicators skin lesions (ICC 0.67), tail length (ICC 0.74) and lameness (ICC 0.60) could still be considered as being ‘good’, the Intra-OR of the indicator tail lesions (ICC 0.52) could only be assessed as being ‘fair’. From these results the significance of the KTBL indicators could be judged as follows: it is possible to use all the chosen indicators apart from the indicator tail lesions as an internal controlling instrument or as part of an internal weak-point analysis as long as the indicators are evaluated by the same person. A comparison of the indicators tail lesions, lameness and faecal soiling when assessed by different observers should be considered critically because the Inter-OR of these three indicators could only be considered as being ‘poor’ to ‘fair’.

Семейный случай синдрома Франческетти (omim 154500) с тяжелым поражением среднего уха

Семейный случай синдрома Франческетти (omim 154500) с тяжелым поражением среднего уха

An investigation into the effectiveness of compressed straw blocks in reducing abnormal behaviour in growing pigs

The provision of manipulable material to pigs is a legal requirement to ensure their good welfare. Loose straw is edible, chewable, investigable and manipulable, and has been proven to be effective in reducing abnormal behaviour. However, it is incompatible with slatted systems and therefore not a viable option for many intensive units. Thus, there is a need to identify enrichment materials that are as effective as loose straw and compatible with slatted floors. This study investigated the viability of using compressed straw blocks on a commercial farm in terms of cost and effectiveness in reducing biting relative to plastic hanging toys. A total of 880 slaughter pigs were used, among which half (n = 440, 8 groups) were provided with commercial pig toys (TOY) and the other half (n = 440, 8 groups) were provided compressed straw blocks (STRAW BLOCK). Animals were separated according to sex to investigate whether there was a higher propensity to tail and ear bite depending on sex. Pigs were monitored from weaning to slaughter, with tails being examined post scalding and any condemnations recorded at the abattoir. Throughout their life, the tails and ears of all pigs were examined individually, and behavioural observations of each pig group were conducted fortnightly. Salivary cortisol was also obtained from a subsample of pigs from each group every fortnight to monitor stress levels. The highest straw usage was recorded in the second weaner stage (39 to 67 days after weaning). Enrichment type or sex had no effect on tail lesion scores or cold carcass weight recorded at the abattoir. There was also no effect of enrichment type or sex on body, tail, or ear lesion scores during either the weaner (0 to 39 days after weaning) or finisher stage (67 to145 days after weaning). Female pigs showed more biting behaviour than males, and female pigs that were provided STRAW BLOCK performed better than those provided TOY. In both the weaner and finisher accommodation, more instances of interaction were recorded with TOY pens as enrichment than with STRAW BLOCK, but the interaction duration was not recorded. There was no effect of sex on either stage. More instances of aggression were observed with the TOY than with STRAW BLOCK in the weaner stage (P < 0.05). Enrichment type or sex had no effect on cortisol levels. Thus, relative to plastic hanging toys, compressed straw blocks provided in this manner did not benefit pig welfare.

The Role of Pseudoephedrine Tablets Versus Xylometazoline Spray in Otic Barotrauma Prevention During Flights

Otalgia during airplane flights is a common complaint among patients. This occurs due to the changes in air pressure during take-off and landing that affect middle ear and inner ear. The eustachian tube is responsible with equalizing pressure but in many cases, it happens insufficiently leading to mild to severe pain, hearing loss, tympanic membrane rupture and even inner ear lesions. The aim of this paper is to asses the efficacy of two decongestants, oral pseudoephedrine versus topical xylometazoline in preventing otic barotrauma.

Transcutaneous immunization using SLA or rLACK skews the immune response towards a Th1 profile but fails to protect BALB/c mice against a Leishmania major challenge

Leishmaniasis is an expanding health threat worldwide complicated by the absence of an effective vaccine. We investigated transcutaneous immunization (TCI) as a needle-free immunization route which exploits the abundance of antigen presenting cells in the skin to induce both mucosal and systemic immunity. Leishmania (L.) major soluble antigens (SLA) or recombinant Leishmania homolog of receptors for activated C-kinase (rLACK) antigens were delivered transcutaneously together with cholera toxin (CT), to BALB/c mice. Mice were immunized at weeks 1, 4, and 7 with PBS, CT, SLA/CT or rLACK/CT. Two weeks after the final boost, antigen-specific IgG titers, IFN-γ ELISpot, and cytokine levels were assessed in half of the mice and the remainder were challenged with an intradermal (ear) injection of 5 × 104L. major metacyclic parasites. Mice were monitored weekly and sacrificed after 7 weeks to assess the parasite burden and to study the ear lesion immunohistopathology. Our results show that TCI with SLA or rLACK yielded high levels of anti-SLA, anti-rLACK and anti-CT IgG antibodies. A Th1-type of immune response was demonstrated with a high frequency of IFN-γ secreting cells, high levels of IFN-γ production, and lower levels of IL-10 resulting in a high IFN-γ/IL-10 ratio in mice immunized with SLA/CT or rLACK/CT. After parasite challenge, rLACK immunization was not associated with protection. In addition, SLA/CT immunized mice had larger ear lesions and an increased parasite load in the ear. Immunohistochemistry of ear biopsies stained for nitric oxide synthase revealed that staining intensity was diminished in the SLA/CT group compared to the control group. This finding suggested that less parasite killing occurred at the site of the infection.In conclusion, despite a strong Th1 type profile induced by TCI, exacerbation of infection occurred after challenge with L. major. This also correlated with low induction of nitric oxide.

Skin lesion monitoring at slaughter on heavy pigs (170 kg): Welfare indicators and ham defects.

In order to evaluate at the slaughterhouse external carcass lesions on heavy pigs (170 kg) as potential welfare indicators, and the prevalence of ham defects determining ham exclusion from Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) markets, 732 pig batches from northern Italy were monitored during a 12-month period, and then processed analysing the effect of slaughter season, overnight lairage, and production type. On the slaughter line, skin scratches were separately scored in the posterior region (defined as the area including the hind legs and the tail) and the anterior one (as the remaining area), while the whole carcass was examined for external hematomas. Chronic ear and tail lesions referable to the rearing phase, and bursitis were recorded as retrospective welfare indicators. The annual median prevalence of carcasses per batch with severe anterior scratches was 64% while 46.4% had severe posterior scratches. The highest autumn score for both skin scratches (P < 0.001) and traumatic ham defects (P = 0.005) is reflected in the positive correlation between severe posterior scratches and ham hematomas (r2 = 0.27; P < 0.001). Overnight lairage batches resulted in higher prevalence for scratches, while among ham defects only veining increased. Among binary records, only ear lesions were frequently recorded (annual median = 10%). A comparison analysis between pigs in and out of PDO circuit was performed to evaluate the variation related to the different genetics, showing differences for ear and tail lesions and for almost all the considered ham defects. The present study confirms that skin lesions represent a problem also for heavy pigs and that overnight lairage and season can affect their prevalence, with the associated possibility to give ham defects. Ear lesions are suitable to be used as retrospective welfare indicator, while tail lesions usage is nowadays limited by the extensive use of tail docking.

Artificial rearing affects piglets pre-weaning behaviour, welfare and growth performance

One strategy adopted on farms to deal with managing large litters involves removing piglets from their mothers at seven days old to be reared in specialised accommodation with milk replacer. Effects on piglet behaviour, growth and some aspects of welfare were evaluated in this study by comparing 10 pairs of two litters (one sow-reared: SR, one artificially-reared: AR) selected at seven days-old at a similar weight. Piglet behaviour was recorded for 20 min following transfer of AR piglets to the artificial-rearing enclosure (D0) and for 20 min hourly between 09:00 h and 17:00 h (8 h) on D5 and D12. Hourly 5 min live observations were also undertaken. Qualitative Behavioural Assessment (QBA) was conducted on D14 to evaluate piglets’ emotional state. Survival and illness events were recorded until weaning. On D0, D1, D8 and D15 piglets were weighed and scored for tear staining, dirtiness of the face and severity of lesions on the snout, limbs, ear and tail. Survival and illness rates, as well as the rates of behaviours/min were analysed using GLMMs. Weights and QBA scores were analysed using GLM. Lesions, tear staining and dirtiness scores were averaged per litter and analysed using GLM. When AR piglets were transferred to the artificial-rearing enclosure, their behaviour was not different to SR piglets. Over the two observation days, AR piglets performed more belly-nosing (F1,76.53 = 42.25; P < 0.001), nursing-related displacements (F1,79 = 19.32, P < 0.001), visits to the milk cup (compared to nursing bouts; F1,73.8 = 38.42, P < 0.001), and oral manipulation of littermates’ ears (F1,91.95 = 12.79, P < 0.001) and tails (F1,58.54 = 15.63, P < 0.001) than SR piglets. However, SR piglets played alone (F1,88.99 = 8.29, P < 0.005) and explored their environment (F1,99.42 = 4.52, P < 0.05) more frequently than AR piglets. The QBA scores indicated a lower emotional state in AR piglets (t25.1=-3.25, P < 0.05). Survival rate and overall illness rate of piglets were similar between the treatments. AR piglets experienced a growth check following their transfer to the artificial-rearing enclosure and remained lighter than SR piglets through to weaning (6.53 ± 0.139 kg vs. 7.97 ± 0.168 kg, t256 = 9.79, P < 0.001). Overall, snout lesion scores were not different between the treatments, but AR piglets had lower limb (F1,10.1 = 5.89, P < 0.05) and ear (F1,14.5 = 24.89, P < 0.001) lesion scores and higher tail lesion scores (F1,34.5 = 15.54, P < 0.001). AR piglets were dirtier (F1,17.4 = 23.38, P < 0.001) but had lower tear staining scores (F1,19.1 = 68.40, P < 0.001) than SR piglets. In conclusion, artificial rearing impaired piglets’ behaviour, welfare and growth.

Imaging of Tinnitus.

Although not all patients with tinnitus require imaging, patients with tinnitus and asymmetric hearing loss, additional neurologic findings, or pulsatile tinnitus should be evaluated with an appropriately tailored imaging study. Choice of imaging study should be guided by type of hearing loss and additional physical examination findings, such as middle ear lesion, presence of carotid bruit, or pulsatile tinnitus extinguished by jugular compression.

Implication and impact of straw provision on behaviour, lesions and pen hygiene on commercial farms rearing undocked pigs

According to the European Union Council Directive 2008/120EC, measures to minimise the risk for tail biting shall be taken before practicing tail docking, e.g. provision of manipulable material. Still, >90% of the pigs within EU are tail docked. Thus, management routines for providing manipulable material in commercial pig production are needed. The aim of this study was to investigate how an increase from normal straw ration influence pig behaviour, occurrence of tail- and ear lesions and impact on pen hygiene.The experiment was conducted on five Swedish commercial farms; one grower and four farrow-to-finish farms. One batch per farm was studied, following pigs throughout the grower or finishing pig period. Both age groups were examined in two of the farrow-to-finish farms and only finishers in the other two, studying three grower and four finisher batches in total. The pens in a batch were divided into Control (C) and Extra Straw (ES). Pens in C were provided with the farm normal daily straw ratio, while pigs in ES got a doubled C-ration. The pigs in eight focus pens per Treatment were scored for lesions on ears and tails every two weeks. In connection with lesion scoring, behaviour observation was conducted in active pigs during one hour (4 min scan sampling) in the focus pens. All pigs in the batch were examined for tail- and ear lesions during the first and last week of the experiment.Both growers and finishers spent most of their active time manipulating straw. ES-pigs showed more straw-directed and less pen-directed behaviour in both age groups compared to C-pigs. Behaviour was also affected by farm and age revealing that the impact of an increased straw ration differed between farms and pig age. The increased straw ration did not affect the pen cleanliness, showing that it was practically feasible to increase the straw rations on all participating farms.The prevalence of tail damages increased with age, and more severe damages was found in C compared to ES. Severe tail and ear lesions were found in ∼0.6 and 0.07% of the growers and ∼2.2 and 0.75% of the finishers, C- and ES pigs respectively. Approximately 50% of the finishing pigs had tail damages at the end of the study, but the majority of lesions were less than 5 mm long and might not have been detected without close clinical examination.