Veterinary Medical Practice Research Articles

Caracterización anatómica del árbol bronquial y la división lobular del pulmón del perro

Titulo en ingles: Anatomic characterization of bronchial tree and lobular division of the dog lungTitulo en portuguez: Caracterização anatómica da árvore bronquial e divisão lobular do pulmão do cãoResumen: El objetivo del presente artículo es realizar una caracterización anatómica completa de las estructuras bronquiales y pul- monares del perro, que proporcione referencias claras para diferentes procedimientos de la práctica médica veterinaria. Para tal fin se utilizó un total de 8 perros criollos, con un rango de edad entre los 3 y 5 años y en buenas condiciones de salud; se realizó broncoscopia en 4 de ellos, disección fina del tejido bronquial en 3 y en un ejemplar, corte coronal de los pulmones para visualizar las ramificaciones bronquiales y su distribución dentro de los lóbulos. Los resultados demuestran que mediante las técnicas de disección fina, corte coronal y broncoscopia, se logró realizar una descripción detallada de los pulmones y el árbol bronquial de los caninos. Siendo los hallazgos más relevantes para los pulmones la existencia de un ápice, tres superficies, tres bordes. Encontrándose en el pulmón derecho tres fisuras y en el izquierdo dos fisuras. Para el tejido bronquial se encontró que el bronquio principal derecho da origen a ramas independientes para los lóbulos apical, medio y accesorio antes de entrar al lóbulo diafragmático. El bronquio principal izquierdo emite un bronquio común a las porciones craneal y caudal del lóbulo apical antes de entrar al lóbulo diafragmático. Como conclusión se platea que el presente estudio es de gran relevancia, ya que aporta conceptos claros y específicos acerca de la anatómica broncopulmo- nares del perro, los cuales pueden servir como herramientas que mejores las técnicas diagnósticas, médicas y quirúrgicas del tracto respiratorio bajo en caninos.Palabras clave: Bronquio, árbol bronquial, pulmón, caninos.Abstract: The aim of this study was perform a complete anatomical characterization of the bronchial and pulmonary structures of the dog, which provides clear references for different procedures from the veterinary medical practice. Were used for this purpose a total of 8 dogs natives, with an age range between 3 and 5 years old and in good health; bronchoscopy was performed in 4 of these, thin bronchial tissue dissection in 3 and in an individual, cut coronal lungs to display the bronchial ramifications and its distribution within the lobe. The results show that using the techniques of fine dissection and coronal slice you achievement to carry out a detailed description of the lungs and bronchial tree for canines. Being the most rele- vant findings to the lungs, the existence of an apex, three surfaces, three edges. Found in the right lung and three fissures in the left two fissures. For the bronchial tissue is found that the right mainstem bronchus gives rise to separate branches for the lobes apical, middle and attachment prior to entering the diaphragmatic lobe. The left main bronchus emits a bronchus to the common portions of the cranial and caudal lobe apical before entering the diaphragmatic lobe. In conclusion this study is of great importance, since it provides concepts clear and specific about the anatomical broncho of the dog, which can serve as tools to better diagnostic techniques, medical and surgical of the lower respiratory tract in canines.Key words: Bronchus, bronchial tree, lung, canineResumo: O objetivo deste trabalho é realizar uma caracterização anatômicas completas estruturas brônquicas e pulmonares do cão, para fornecer referências claras para os diferentes procedimentos da prática médica veterinária. Para isso, usou um total de oito cães de raça, com faixa etária entre 3 e 5 anos e com boa saúde; broncoscopia foi realizada em 4 pacientes, fina dissecção tecido brônquico em 3 e uma cópia, secção coronal dos pulmões para ver as ramificações dos brônquios e sua distribuição dentro dos lobos. Os resultados mostram que por meio de técnicas de dissecação fina, coronais e broncoscopia, foi possível fazer uma descrição pormenorizada dos pulmões e da árvore brônquica dos caninos. Sendo os achados mais importantes para os pulmões, a existência de um ápice, três superfícies, três fronteiras. Sendo no pulmão direito três rachaduras e fissuras nos dois esquerdo. Para tecido brônquico-se que o brônquio principal direito dá origem a ramos independentes lobos apicais, meio e acessórios antes de entrar no lobo diafragmático. O brônquio principal es- querdo questões brônquio comuns às porções cranial e caudal do lobo apical antes de entrar no lobo diafragmático. Em conclusão, o presente estudo é de grande importância, uma vez que fornece conceitos claros e específicos sobre o cão broncopulmonar anatômico, que podem servir como ferramentas para melhores técnicas de diagnóstico, do trato respira- tório inferior médico e cirúrgico em cães.Palavras chave: Brônquios, árvore brônquica, pulmão, cães

A survey of Tennessee veterinarian and physician attitudes, knowledge, and practices regarding zoonoses prevention among animal owners with HIV infection or AIDS

To examine the attitudes, knowledge, and practices of Tennessee veterinarians and physicians engaged in clinical practice regarding the risk for and prevention of zoonoses in people with HIV infection or AIDS. Cross-sectional survey. Licensed Tennessee veterinarians and physicians engaged in clinical practice. A survey was mailed in January 2010 to 454 licensed veterinarians and 1,737 licensed physicians. 181 of 419 (43.20%) eligible veterinarians and 201 of 1,376 (14.61%) eligible physicians responded to the survey. A majority of both veterinarians (131/179 [73.18%]) and physicians (97/192 [50.52%]) indicated that veterinarians should always or almost always be involved in advising clients with HIV infection or AIDS. The majority of veterinarians (120/173 [69.36%]) indicated they always or almost always discussed with clients the potential risk to immune-compromised persons after diagnosing a zoonosis. A high proportion (88/94 [93.62%]) of physicians indicated they never or rarely initiated discussions about zoonoses with patients with HIV infection or AIDS. All physicians (94/94 [100%]) indicated they never or rarely contacted veterinarians for advice on zoonoses. Similarly, 174 of 180 (96.76%) veterinarians had never or rarely contacted physicians for advice on zoonoses risks. Only 25.97% of veterinarians and 33.33% of physicians were correctly able to identify zoonotic pathogens of greatest concern to people with HIV infection or AIDS. We identified several implications for veterinary medical and medical practice that may reduce zoonoses transmission risks for people with HIV infection or AIDS, including increased communication between veterinarians and physicians, increased communication between people with HIV infection or AIDS and health-care providers, increased availability of client educational materials, and increased participation in zoonoses continuing education opportunities by health-care providers.

Obstrução intestinal congênita em cão por aderência de alça em osso púbico

Atendeu-se uma cadela, sem raça definida, com aproximadamente cinco meses de idade, apresentando anamnese com queixa de apatia e hiporexia associadas a vômitos e emagrecimento progressivo com início incerto. Ao exame físico era evidente distensão abdominal com dilatação intestinal e aumento de peristaltismo. O animal apresentava-se emaciado e subdesenvolvido, com acentuado grau de desidratação, pulso filiforme e nível de consciência reduzido. Minutos após o início do atendimento a cadela foi a óbito. À necropsia, pôde-se observar um segmento do intestino delgado atravessando o púbis e com lúmen reduzido. Tal apresentação se faz relevante por se tratar de um caso nunca antes descrito na literatura veterinária.

Temporal and spatial distribution of blastomycosis cases among humans and dogs in Illinois (2001–2007)

To compare the temporal and spatial distribution of cases of blastomycosis among humans and dogs in Illinois. Retrospective cross-sectional survey. Human and canine populations in Illinois from 2001 through 2007. For each year, human population data were obtained from the US Census Bureau, and the total number of dogs was estimated by use of a human population-based formula. Data regarding infections with Blastomyces dermatitidis in humans were accessed from the Illinois Department of Public Health. Data regarding B dermatitidis infections in dogs were acquired through a survey of a random sample of the 747 veterinary medical practices in Illinois. Statistical analyses of human and canine data were performed by use of t tests, ANOVA, odds ratio assessment, and regression modeling. Estimated annual incidence of human cases of blastomycosis in Illinois increased from 3.8 to 10.7 cases/1 million persons/y from 2001 through 2007. Analysis of data from 221 veterinary practices revealed that the mean estimated annual incidence of canine cases of blastomycosis was 8.3 times the mean estimated annual incidence of human cases, with a similar pattern of change and regional distributions. Thirty-eight counties reported either human or canine cases but not both. The estimated annual incidence of blastomycosis in humans and dogs in Illinois increased during the period of interest. Veterinarians, physicians, and public health agencies should be encouraged to communicate with each other regarding diagnoses of blastomycosis in either species to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment.

A review on Traditional Veterinary Medical Practices in Sri Lanka with special reference to Cattle Diseases

Sri Lanka has well developed systems of traditional veterinary medicine. Unfortunately most of our people today, are unaware of these practices and they generally seek western modern veterinary medicinal assistance due to this unawareness and also for convenience in their busy lives. Hence, this study was undertaken to collect and preserve the old knowledge and practices. Data were gathered from traditional veterinary physicians in Central and Sabaragamuwa provinces, Olla leaves and text books. These physicians have a knowledge in identifying and treating diseases, preparation of medicines, mode of drug administration, burning of vital points (moxibustion), branding, and blood letting. Specific applications of metaphysical nature such as mystical diagrams and charms, ‘Yanthra’ or ‘Kem’ are also used. The striking feature of this treatment regimen is the incorporation of both physical (visible) and metaphysical (invisible) methods to treat diseases as preventive and therapeutic measures. The medicinal preparations consist of herbs, metals, minerals and animal products including milk products, eggs, bones, meat, spider web, anthill mud and human urine. It is also observed that the traditional veterinary medicinal practices; especially in treatment of cattle, are very diverse. Key words: Cattle diseases; Traditional veterinary remedies; Sri Lanka DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/tare.v13i3.3139 Tropical Agricultural Research and Extension 13(3) 2010 pp.55-62

Application of thrombelastography/thromboelastometry to veterinary medicine

Thrombelastograph analyzers are point-of-care hemostatic analyzers that provide global assessment of the hemostatic process. Thrombelastography (TEG) detects and provides a continuous recording of the changes in the viscoelastic properties of whole blood from initial clot formation through fibinolysis. TEG has been validated for use in dogs, horses, and cats. Hemostasis research using TEG has focused on test validation, alterations of TEG tracings in animals with naturally occurring diseases, and the use of TEG for monitoring various therapeutic modalities. This article reviews TEG methodology and terminology, including potential sources of preanalytical and analytical errors, the correlation between TEG and other routine hemostatic assays, and current clinical applications of TEG, with emphasis on veterinary medical practice. Data suggest that TEG may be a sensitive and useful adjunctive tool for evaluating an animal with an underlying coagulopathy, including hypercoagulability and hypocoagulability. Additional prospective studies are needed to (1) correlate TEG tracing patterns with a clinical predisposition for bleeding or thrombosis in various disease states and (2) determine whether monitoring and treating hemostatic disorders based on TEG tracings improve clinical outcome.

Serum haptoglobin–matrix metalloproteinase 9 (Hp–MMP 9) complex as a biomarker of systemic inflammation in cattle

A reliable and specific test that discriminates between acute neutrophil activation and chronic inflammatory disease may be useful in clinical decision making in a variety of conditions encountered in veterinary medical practice. An ELISA specific for neutrophil-derived haptoglobin–matrix metalloproteinase 9 (Hp–MMP 9) complexes was used to determine serum concentrations of Hp–MMP 9 and was compared to ELISA assays for Haptoglobin (Hp) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP 9) in 15 animals with acute sepsis, 10 animals with chronic inflammatory or metabolic disease and 10 healthy cows. Animal disease classifications were completed prior to the determination of serum concentrations of the 3 proteins. Duration of illness, disease process and lesions observed at necropsy were used to place animals into a specific classification. The serum MMP 9 concentrations in healthy cows differed significantly from those measured in sera of acutely septic and chronically ill animals. Serum haptoglobin concentrations in healthy cows were negligible when compared to animals with acute septic or chronic diseases. There was substantial overlap in MMP 9 and Hp concentrations between acute and chronic disease animals. In contrast, serum concentrations of Hp–MMP 9 complexes found almost exclusively in sera from acutely septic animals but not in chronically ill and normal cattle. The Hp–MMP 9 ELISA may be the serological test of choice in the determination of systemic inflammation associated with bacterial sepsis.

Occurrence and Molecular Characteristics of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius in an Academic Veterinary Hospital

Recently, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) have been increasingly isolated from veterinarians and companion animals. With a view to preventing the spread of MRSA and MRSP, we evaluated the occurrence and molecular characteristics of each in a veterinary college. MRSA and MRSP were isolated from nasal samples from veterinarians, staff members, and veterinary students affiliated with a veterinary hospital. Using stepwise logistic regression, we identified two factors associated with MRSA carriage: (i) contact with an identified animal MRSA case (odds ratio [OR], 6.9; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 2.2 to 21.6) and (ii) being an employee (OR, 6.2; 95% CI, 2.0 to 19.4). The majority of MRSA isolates obtained from individuals affiliated with the veterinary hospital and dog patients harbored spa type t002 and a type II staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec), similar to the hospital-acquired MRSA isolates in Japan. MRSA isolates harboring spa type t008 and a type IV SCCmec were obtained from one veterinarian on three different sampling occasions and also from dog patients. MRSA carriers can also be a source of MRSA infection in animals. The majority of MRSP isolates (85.2%) carried hybrid SCCmec type II-III, and almost all the remaining MRSP isolates (11.1%) carried SCCmec type V. MRSA and MRSP were also isolated from environmental samples collected from the veterinary hospital (5.1% and 6.4%, respectively). The application of certain disinfection procedures is important for the prevention of nosocomial infection, and MRSA and MRSP infection control strategies should be adopted in veterinary medical practice.

Human-Animal Medicine: Clinical Approaches to Zoonoses, Toxicants and Other Shared Health Risks

Hooray, finally a book emerges about the human–animal interface that addresses both perspectives equitably and seamlessly. Peter Rabinowitz, a physician, and Lisa Conti, a veterinarian, effectively present material that is thorough, balanced, and of great relevance for practitioners of all varieties of medicine. More than half the pages comprise reports on each of 35 zoonoses. At the beginning of each report are key points divided into professional categories—public health professionals, human health clinicians, and veterinary clinicians—ensuring relevance for multiple readers. In addition, 55 pages deal with toxicoses, including environmental, gaseous, poisonous plants, herbicides/pesticides, and envenomations. Clinical signs, symptoms, species comparisons, treatment and prevention for these toxicoses are all spelled out clearly. This inclusive approach, with its plentiful and accurate technical information, might be enough to justify purchasing the book for the shelf of any human or veterinary medical practice, but it is the additional 175 pages that set this volume apart from all others on the subject. A lengthy introductory chapter discusses the general concept of one medicine and why that concept does not mean one practitioner but rather integration of practitioners from multiple sectors. The chapter describes the serious legal and ethical considerations associated with professionally crossing the human–animal interface. The occupational health of animal workers is covered in detail and includes not only zoonotic agents that immediately come to mind, but also allergens, use of live vaccines, noise, anesthetic gases, and the psychosocial impacts of such issues as euthanasia. Animal-assisted therapy is covered in detail. The book includes a particularly useful section on immunocompromised persons and their exposure to animals and another one on animal bites. There is even a segment on travel, including concerns about wild animal contact, as well as disease hazards for pets that travel. These additional chapters make parts of this book relevant for a much wider audience that could potentially include policy makers, regulators, students, and academicians. Throughout, the book is graphically pleasing, with text broken regularly by subheadings, tables, pen-and-ink drawings, algorithms, photographs, and intriguing side bars. Some of the side bars are case studies, with interesting scenarios and quick tips for promoting health.

Veterinary Students' Views Regarding the Legal Status of Companion Animals

ABSTRACTDevelopments in the law reflecting the legal status and value of animals have the potential to change veterinary medical practice; therefore, they impact veterinary education. An understanding of students' views is important in providing instruction in the non-technical aspects of the veterinary profession, but their views are unknown at this time. Using a paper-based survey, 151 third-year veterinary students (114 females, 33 males and 4 gender-unspecified students) were asked about their views regarding the legal significance, property status, and the damages valuation of dogs and cats. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Non-parametric tests were used to determine differences according to gender (Mann Whitney U) and preferred field of practice after graduation (Kruskal-Wallis). Students evidenced traditional views regarding the legal significance of companion animals. They saw companion animals and human beings as markedly distinct in terms of rights they should be accorded. Students were not dismissive of the needs of animals, however, seeing humans as responsible for ensuring the well-being of dogs and cats via strong laws for animal protection. Regarding the property status of animals, students also showed traditional views, agreeing that dogs and cats are personal property and that their commercial marketing and selling is an acceptable practice. In regard to the legal valuation of pets, students supported the notion that legal monetary damages should be the fair market value of the animal in cases where liability is established. Damages for compensation for the pain and suffering of the animal or the owner received significantly less support. Some differences in responses were noted among students' preferred fields of practice, with students interested in small animal medicine showing greater support for more non-traditional views regarding the legal status of pets. Female students also endorsed more non-traditional views when compared with male students. Despite overall trends, students showed diversity in their answers. From an educational perspective and to maximize the benefits of teaching students about these topics, it appears that information should be presented in a manner that allows students of varying outlooks to understand the importance of legal issues related to companion animals across a variety of different settings and with reference to a broad spectrum of careers.

Changes in antimicrobial susceptibility in a population of Salmonella enterica serovar Dublin isolated from cattle in Japan from 1976 to 2005

We investigated the antimicrobial susceptibilities and resistance mechanisms of cattle-adapted Salmonella enterica serovar Dublin isolated in Japan in the past 30 years. This study is an example of evaluation of the impact of introduction of antimicrobials in veterinary medical practice on the selection of resistance in S. enterica. The antimicrobial susceptibilities and prevalence of R-plasmids in Salmonella Dublin isolated in Japan from 1976 to 2005 were investigated. To evaluate the importance of gyrA mutation and active efflux, we derived the gyrA revertants and acrAB deletion mutants, and then compared with their parental strains the MICs of quinolone antimicrobials such as nalidixic acid, enrofloxacin, ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin. Salmonella Dublin isolates with R-plasmids and resistance to more than three antimicrobials were predominant between 1981 and 1995. From the latter half of the 1990s to the present, Salmonella Dublin isolates without R-plasmids became dominant. The introduction of nalidixic acid into the veterinary field in the mid-1980s was followed by the emergence of nalidixic acid-resistant isolates, which are now predominant. We found only a single gyrA mutation (Asp-87-->Tyr) among the nalidixic acid-resistant isolates. Although the reduced susceptibilities to the fluoroquinolones were observed among the nalidixic acid-resistant isolates, none of the isolates was resistant to the fluoroquinolones used in this study. The MIC data for the fluoroquinolones differed up to 4-fold. Results of the susceptibility test using gyrA revertants and acrAB mutants suggest that the isolates with the gyrA mutation were selected by the use of nalidixic acid, and the AcrAB-TolC system accounts for the decreased fluoroquinolone susceptibilities. These data suggest that the introduction of nalidixic acid in veterinary medicine seemed to affect the susceptibilities of Salmonella Dublin among the cattle population in Japan, whereas the introduction of enrofloxacin has not caused any additional effect. The prudent use of antimicrobials in the veterinary field should be continuously stressed.

Assessment and management of the severely polytraumatized small animal patient

AbstractObjective: To review the current recommendations for the care of the seriously injured polytraumatized small animal patient, including team organization and facility readiness; scene assessment and care; transport; and hospital assessment and care.Data sources: Original research articles, scientific reviews, book chapters, and clinical experience.Human data synthesis: The care of the seriously injured patient is demanding and requires adequate preparation, rapid access to organized resources and equipment, and skilled personnel. Second in urgency only to stabilization of the airway and breathing is shock. In many, surgical intervention to provide improved and continued stability is required. Evidence is provided by data published comparing survival for humans with high injury scores being cared for at level I trauma centers compared with small rural hospitals. Personal experience as a member of an emergency medical team in the care of multiple injured human patients in both level I trauma centers and small hospitals is also used in this review.Veterinary data synthesis: Publications reporting large clinical series of seriously injured dogs and cats are minimal. Experimental animal models of shock caused by blood loss and the study of various organ injuries and their management are numerous. These and 35 years of the author's experience in managing severely injured dogs and cats (estimated to be >750) is also used in this review for generation of guidelines.Conclusions: Guidelines for care of severe multiple injury patients are presented and are recommended to be used in clinical veterinary medical practice to improve outcome.

Priority issues in tropical animal health management

The potential of livestock to sustain family and local economies have been acknowledged worldwide. However, the major constraints to the attainment of this potential especially in the tropics have been the incidence of disease and sundry ill health. Thus the development of an effective animal health management strategy will not only improve productivity but also ensure the sustainability of tropical livestock production system. Several strategies have been put in place in different regions of the world based on issues that are of priority in such areas. These range from legislation and control, mass campaigns against specific diseases, education, research and provision of veterinary services. However, before any of these strategies can be successfully employed, issues of production systems, which are often predicated on the objective of such production, needs to be clearly outlined and integrated to the strategy to ensure that local problems and circumstances are properly accommodated. This is more so when one considers the fact that strategic issues that may be effective in animal health management in one region may at best be partially successful and at worst, find no application in other regions especially in the tropics. Most regions of the world have evolved relatively successful indigenous knowledge based systems and ethno veterinary medical practices in solving their problems almost successfully. The prioritization of animal health management issues in the tropics must therefore take cognizance of these indigenous strategies. In doing this, the participatory approach where the potential beneficiaries of such strategies are carried along from conception to execution must be stridently explored. Such approach would produce a structured marriage of the conventional and indigenous practices for the benefit of, and acceptance by all in the tropics. Keywords : tropics, livestock production, animal health, veterinary services, indigenous knowledge, participatory research Animal Production Research Advances Vol. 1(2) 2005: 83-92

An Overview of Veterinary Medical Education in China: Current Status, Deficiencies, and Strategy for Improvement

Especially in developing countries, the profession of veterinary medicine is closely tied with agriculture and government economic development, the national structure of education, and national public health. Currently, the Chinese veterinary medical educational system and accreditation standards are distinctly different from those of some more developed countries, such as the United States, Japan, or the countries of the European Union. Chinese veterinary education is still closely based on traditional Chinese education approaches and standards, which has led to some deficiencies in the Chinese system. With the development of a stronger economy in China and the growing trend toward globalization, and particularly since China joined the World Trade Organization (WTO), some important questions about China's system of veterinary education are being raised: How can veterinary science develop more rapidly in China? How can it meet the needs of the growing Chinese society? How can China bring its veterinary medical practice more in line with that of other, more advanced countries? This article describes some of the realities of veterinary medical education in China, discusses several existing problems, and puts forward some ideas for possible reforms. It is hoped that by this means those outside China may gain insight into our veterinary education program and that this, in turn, will lead to helpful input from international educators and other professionals to help improve our programs.

Circum-Mediterranean cultural heritage and medicinal plant uses in traditional animal healthcare: a field survey in eight selected areas within the RUBIA project

During the years 2003–2005, a comparative ethnobotanical field survey was conducted on remedies used in traditional animal healthcare in eight Mediterranean areas. The study sites were selected within the EU-funded RUBIA project, and were as follows: the upper Kelmend Province of Albania; the Capannori area in Eastern Tuscany and the Bagnocavallo area of Romagna, Italy; Cercle de Ouezanne, Morocco; Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche Natural Park in the province of Huelva, Spain; the St. Catherine area of the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt; Eastern and Western Crete, Greece; the Paphos and Larnaca areas of Cyprus; and the Mitidja area of Algeria.One hundred and thirty-six veterinary preparations and 110 plant taxa were recorded in the survey, with Asteraceae and Lamiaceae being the most quoted botanical families. For certain plant species the survey uncovered veterinary phytotherapeutical indications that were very uncommon, and to our knowledge never recorded before. These include Anabasis articulata (Chenopodiaceae), Cardopatium corymbosum (Asteraceae), Lilium martagon (Liliaceae), Dorycnium rectum (Fabaceae), Oenanthe pimpinelloides (Apiaceae), Origanum floribundum (Lamiaceae), Tuberaria lignosa (Cistaceae), and Dittrichia graveolens (Asteraceae). These phytotherapeutical indications are briefly discussed in this report, taking into account modern phytopharmacology and phytochemistry.The percentage of overall botanical veterinary taxa recorded in all the study areas was extremely low (8%), however when all taxa belonging to the same botanical genus are considered, this portion increases to 17%. Nevertheless, very few plant uses were found to be part of a presumed "Mediterranean" cultural heritage in veterinary practices, which raises critical questions about the concept of Mediterraneanism in ethnobotany and suggests that further discussion is required.Nearly the half of the recorded veterinary plant uses for mammals uncovered in this survey have also been recorded in the same areas in human folk medicine, suggesting a strong link between human and veterinary medical practices, and perhaps also suggesting the adaptive origins of a few medical practices. Since most of the recorded data concern remedies for treating cattle, sheep, goats, and camels, it would be interesting to test a few of the recorded phytotherapeuticals in the future, to see if they are indeed able to improve animal healthcare in breeding environments, or to raise the quality of dairy and meat products in the absence of classical, industrial, veterinary pharmaceuticals.

Evaluation of otoscope cone cleaning and disinfection procedures commonly used in veterinary medical practices: a pilot study

The objective of this study was to evaluate the relative efficacy of otoscope cone cleaning and disinfection methods commonly used in veterinary practices. Using sterile technique, 60 new gas-sterilized 4-mm otoscope cones were inoculated with a broth culture of 1.5 billion Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria per mL then allowed to dry for 10 min. Six study groups of 10 cones each were created. Group 1 served as positive control and received no cleaning or disinfection. Group 2 cones were wiped with sterile cotton-tipped applicators and gauze then rinsed with water. Group 3 cones were wiped with 70% isopropyl alcohol. Group 4 cones were scrubbed in a speculum cleaner with Cetylcide II solution (Cetylite Industries, Inc., Pennsauken, NJ). Groups 5 and 6 cones were soaked for 20 min in Cetylcide II and chlorhexidine gluconate 2% solutions, respectively. Using sterile technique and after 10-15 min drying time, the cones were swabbed in a consistent pattern, and samples were submitted for quantitative culture. Culture results showed no growth from cones soaked in Cetylcide II or chlorhexidine solutions. Two of the 10 cones wiped with alcohol, 3/10 cones wiped then rinsed with water, and 3/10 cones scrubbed with the speculum cleaner showed growth of P. aeruginosa. All (10/10) cones in the control group showed heavy growth of P. aeruginosa. These results show that P. aeruginosa can survive on otoscope cones cleaned and disinfected by several commonly used methods. Further study is needed to determine practical and optimal cleaning and disinfection methods for otoscope cones.

Regional Anesthesia for Dentistry and Oral Surgery

Pain is a perception that results from activation of a specific set of receptors by noxious stimuli. Processing by the central nervous system results in the stimulus to be perceived as pain. Thermal receptors respond to temperature changes, mechanoreceptors respond to pressure, tension, stretch, and chemoreceptors respond to substances released during the inflammatory process such as prostaglandins, histamine, serotonin, and bradykinin. The current standard of veterinary medical practice is adequate pain management for all patients. Regional anesthesia is one component of overall pain management of the oral surgery/dental patient and is described step-by-step.

Ethics and genetic selection in purebred dogs.

There is an ongoing revolution in medicine that is changing the way that veterinarians will be counselling clients regarding inherited disorders. Clinical applications will emerge rapidly in veterinary medicine as we obtain new information from canine and comparative genome projects (Meyers-Wallen 2001: Relevance of the canine genome project to veterinary medical practice. International Veterinary Information Service, New York). The canine genome project is described by three events: mapping markers on canine chromosomes, mapping gene locations on canine chromosomes (Breen et al. 2001: Genome Res. 11, 1784-1795), and obtaining the nucleotide sequence of the entire canine genome. Information from such research has provided a few DNA tests for single gene mutations [Aguirre 2000: DNA testing for inherited canine diseases. In: Bonagura, J (ed), Current Veterinary Therapy XIII. Philadelphia WB Saunders Co, 909-913]. Eventually it will lead to testing of thousands of genes at a time and production of DNA profiles on individual animals. The DNA profile of each dog could be screened for all known genetic disease and will be useful in counselling breeders. As part of the pre-breeding examination, DNA profiles of prospective parents could be compared, and the probability of offspring being affected with genetic disorders or inheriting desirable traits could be calculated. Once we can examine thousands of genes of individuals easily, we have powerful tools to reduce the frequency of, or eliminate, deleterious genes from a population. When we understand polygenic inheritance, we can potentially eliminate whole groups of deleterious genes from populations. The effect of such selection on a widespread basis within a breed could rapidly improve health within a few generations. However, until we have enough information on gene interaction, we will not know whether some of these genes have other functions that we wish to retain. And, other population effects should not be ignored. At least initially it may be best to use this new genetic information to avoid mating combinations that we know will produce affected animals, rather than to eliminate whole groups of genes from a population. This is particularly important for breeds with small gene pools, where it is difficult to maintain genetic diversity. Finally, we will eventually have enough information about canine gene function to select for specific genes encoding desirable traits and increase their frequencies in a population. This is similar to breeding practices that have been applied to animals for hundreds of years. The difference is that we will have a large pool of objective data that we can use rapidly on many individuals at a time. This has great potential to improve the health of the dog population as a whole. However, if we or our breeder clients make an error, we can inadvertently cause harm through massive, rapid selection. Therefore, we should probably not be advising clients on polygenic traits or recommend large scale changes in gene frequencies in populations until much more knowledge of gene interaction is obtained. By then it is likely that computer modelling will be available to predict the effect of changing one or several gene frequencies in a dog population over time. And as new mutations are likely to arise in the future, these tools will be needed indefinitely to detect, treat and eliminate genetic disorders from dog populations. Information available from genetic research will only be useful in improving canine health if veterinarians have the knowledge and skills to use it ethically and responsibly. There is not only a great potential to improve overall canine health through genetic selection, but also the potential to do harm if we fail to maintain genetic diversity. Our profession must be in a position to correctly advise clients on the application of this information to individual dogs as well as to populations of dogs, and particularly purebred dogs.

Professional lapses: occupational deviance and neutralization techniques in veterinary medical practice

This study explores the techniques veterinarians use to neutralize ethically legally problematic lapses in the performance of their professional duties. Data were collected during a five-year period via ethnographic fieldwork and in-depth interviews with veterinarians in a Southern state. Though the veterinarians in this study do not question the validity of the rules in the dominant normative system, they do question the applicability of those rules to their roles in certain circumstances. Through the use of various neutralization techniques, these veterinarians make possible behaviors that outsiders to their circumstances might question on legal or ethical grounds.

Regulatory aspects of diets, supplements, and nutraceuticals

The number of pet foods commercially available for veterinary use, both complete diets and dietary supplements, has been rapidly expanding in recent years. Veterinarians use and recommend nutritional products in their daily practice, and this use should meet the ethical constraints of veterinary medical practice and be based on scientifically sound premises. However, it is also important to be aware that nutritional products intended to treat or prevent disease or to affect the structure or function of the body in a manner apart from what is normally ascribed for food are considered "drugs" under the law. Most of the "veterinary medical foods" and "nutraceuticals" on the market bear claims on the labels or in promotional literature that would establish intent as drugs, but under the current regulatory conditions, they have done so without meeting the criteria needed for most drugs. Thus, the lack of government oversight of therapeutic claims places the burden onto the veterinarian to carefully scrutinize products for safety and efficacy.