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Public health is a central but often neglected component of veterinary education. German veterinary public health (VPH) education includes substantial theory-focused lectures, but practical case studies are often missing. To change this, we combined the advantages of case-based teaching and blended learning to teach these topics in a more practical and interactive way. Blended learning describes the combination of online and classroom-based teaching. With it, we created an interdisciplinary module for outbreak investigations and zoonoses, based on the epidemiology, food safety, and microbiology disciplines. We implemented this module within the veterinary curriculum of the seventh semester (in the clinical phase of the studies). In this study, we investigated the acceptance of this interdisciplinary approach and established a framework for the creation of interactive outbreak investigation cases that can serve as a basis for further cases. Over a period of 3 years, we created three interactive online cases and one interactive in-class case and observed the student-reported evaluation of the blended learning concept and self-assessed learning outcomes. Results show that 80% (75–89) of students evaluated the chosen combination of case-based and blended learning for interdisciplinary teaching positively and therefore accepted it well. Additionally, 76% (70–98) of students evaluated their self-assessed learning outcomes positively. Our results suggest that teaching VPH through interdisciplinary cases in a blended learning approach can increase the quality of teaching VPH topics. Moreover, it provides a framework to incorporate realistic interdisciplinary VPH cases into the curriculum.

Cell proliferation is a fundamental criterion in the assessment of malignant progression of many tumours and an essential parameter in several grading schemes. However, proliferation may be dependent on patient age and other variables, as shown in normal tissues, cultured cells and human neoplasms. We thus hypothesized that age or other patient or tumour-related parameters might generally affect proliferation in canine neoplasms, which might be of value for optimizing prognostic algorithms. We performed linear regression analyses to associate age, sex and tumour size with digitally quantified immunohistochemical Ki67 labelling indices (Ki67-LIs) of 495 canine tumours, including cutaneous mast cell tumours (MCTs, n = 70), soft tissue sarcomas (n = 61), plasmacytomas (n = 86), trichoblastomas (n = 62) and perianal gland adenomas (PGAs, n = 95) as well as testicular interstitial (n = 65) and Sertoli cell tumours (n = 56). In MCTs, the Ki67-LI increased 1.13-fold per year of age (P 0.05) in bitches but not in males. Conversely, in PGAs it rose 1.10-fold per year in males (P 0.05) while it decreased 0.95-fold in bitches (P = 0.37). Only in MCTs and PGAs was the Ki67-LI associated with tumour size, albeit in oppositional directions (MCTs: 1.26-fold per cm diameter, P 0.01; PGAs: 0.76-fold, P 0.01). No correlations were found in the other tumour types. The few sex-dependent correlations with patient age and tumour size established here indicate highly tumour-type specific mechanisms, but the diagnostic consequences are uncertain.

Zusammenfassung Gegenstand und Ziel Seit 2000 siedelt sich der Wolf in Deutschland wieder an. Mit steigenden Wolfszahlen nehmen die durch Wölfe verursachten Nutztierschäden zu, wobei auch Pferde betroffen sind. Ziel der Studie war es, einen Überblick zu dieser Problematik sowie Lösungsansätze zu geben. Material und Methoden Anhand einer Literaturrecherche wurden Daten zur Wolfspopulation in Deutschland, wolfsbedingten Schäden sowie Möglichkeiten und Grenzen des Herdenschutzes beim Pferd eruiert. Eine Online-Befragung von Pferdehaltern/-besitzern diente dazu, die tatsächliche und/oder gefühlte Bedrohung durch Wölfe und die daraus resultierenden Auswirkungen auf die Pferdehaltung zu ermitteln. Ergebnisse Die Literaturrecherche zeigte ein kontinuierliches Anwachsen der Wolfspopulation in den letzten Jahren und insbesondere seit 2016 einen deutlichen Anstieg wolfsverursachter Nutztierschäden, wobei Pferde selten betroffen waren. Bei der Online-Befragung stammte die Hälfte der 574 ausgewerteten Fragebögen aus Brandenburg und Niedersachsen. Den größten Einfluss auf die Gefährdungsbeurteilung eigener Pferde durch die wachsende Wolfspopulation hatte das Wissen der Pferdehalter über Wolfsangriffe im eigenen Landkreis, wobei insbesondere die Aspekte einer Haltung von Jungpferden und Weidegang für die Pferde eine Rolle spielten. 64 % der Befragten gaben an, ihre Pferdehaltung trotz der zunehmenden Wolfspopulation nicht geändert zu haben. Nur 8 von 576 Pferdehaltern gaben amtlich bestätigte Wolfsübergriffe an und 30 hatten einen vermuteten Wolfsschaden amtlichen Stellen nicht gemeldet. Mehr als die Hälfte der Befragten, die Kontakt zu einem Wolfsberater hatten, bezeichneten die Zusammenarbeit als nicht bis wenig zielführend. Schlussfolgerung und klinische Relevanz Die Zahl amtlich bestätigter Wolfsangriffe auf Pferde ist gering. Durch einen grundsätzlich durchgeführten Gentest bei entsprechendem Verdacht ließen sich diese Zahlen objektivieren. Trotz des Bewusstseins einer zunehmenden Gefährdung von Pferden durch Wölfe unternehmen Pferdehalter überwiegend keine prophylaktischen Schutzmaßnahmen. Die Kommunikation zwischen den für das Wolfsmonitoring zuständigen Behörden und den Pferdehaltern erscheint verbesserungswürdig.

The Asian elephant population is continuously declining due to several extrinsic reasons in their range countries, but also due to diseases in captive populations worldwide. One of these diseases, the elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) hemorrhagic disease, is very impactful because it particularly affects Asian elephant calves. It is commonly fatal and presents as an acute and generalized hemorrhagic syndrome. Therefore, having reference values of coagulation parameters, and obtaining such values for diseased animals in a very short time, is of great importance. We analyzed prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and fibrinogen concentrations using a portable and fast point-of-care analyzer (VetScan Pro) in 127 Asian elephants from Thai camps and European captive herds. We found significantly different PT and aPTT coagulation times between elephants from the two regions, as well as clear differences in fibrinogen concentration. Nevertheless, these alterations were not expected to have biological or clinical implications. We have also sequenced the coagulation factor VII gene of 141 animals to assess the presence of a previously reported hereditary coagulation disorder in Asian elephants and to investigate the presence of other mutations. We did not find the previously reported mutation in our study population. Instead, we discovered the presence of several new single nucleotide polymorphisms, two of them being considered as deleterious by effect prediction software.

In automatic milking systems (AMSs), the detection of clinical mastitis (CM) and the subsequent separation of abnormal milk should be reliably performed by commercial AMSs. Therefore, the objectives of this cross-sectional study were (1) to determine the sensitivity (SN) and specificity (SP) of CM detection of AMS by the four most common manufacturers in Bavarian dairy farms, and (2) to identify routinely collected cow data (AMS and monthly test day data of the regional Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA)) that could improve the SN and SP of clinical mastitis detection. Bavarian dairy farms with AMS from the manufacturers DeLaval, GEA Farm Technologies, Lely, and Lemmer-Fullwood were recruited with the aim of sampling at least 40 cows with clinical mastitis per AMS manufacturer in addition to clinically healthy ones. During a single farm visit, cow-level milking information was first electronically extracted from each AMS and then all lactating cows examined for their udder health status in the barn. Clinical mastitis was defined as at least the presence of visibly abnormal milk. In addition, available DHIA test results from the previous six months were collected. None of the manufacturers provided a definition for clinical mastitis (i.e., visually abnormal milk), therefore, the SN and SP of AMS warning lists for udder health were assessed for each manufacturer individually, based on the clinical evaluation results. Generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) with herd as random effect were used to determine the potential influence of routinely recorded parameters on SN and SP. A total of 7411 cows on 114 farms were assessed; of these, 7096 cows could be matched to AMS data and were included in the analysis. The prevalence of clinical mastitis was 3.4% (239 cows). When considering the 95% confidence interval (95% CI), all but one manufacturer achieved the minimum SN limit of >80%: DeLaval (SN: 61.4% (95% CI: 49.0%–72.8%)), GEA (75.9% (62.4%–86.5%)), Lely (78.2% (67.4%–86.8%)), and Lemmer-Fullwood (67.6% (50.2%–82.0%)). However, none of the evaluated AMSs achieved the minimum SP limit of 99%: DeLaval (SP: 89.3% (95% CI: 87.7%–90.7%)), GEA (79.2% (77.1%–81.2%)), Lely (86.2% (84.6%–87.7%)), and Lemmer-Fullwood (92.2% (90.8%–93.5%)). All AMS manufacturers’ robots showed an association of SP with cow classification based on somatic cell count (SCC) measurement from the last two DHIA test results: cows that were above the threshold of 100,000 cells/mL for subclinical mastitis on both test days had lower chances of being classified as healthy by the AMS compared to cows that were below the threshold. In conclusion, the detection of clinical mastitis cases was satisfactory across AMS manufacturers. However, the low SP will lead to unnecessarily discarded milk and increased workload to assess potentially false-positive mastitis cases. Based on the results of our study, farmers must evaluate all available data (test day data, AMS data, and daily assessment of their cows in the barn) to make decisions about individual cows and to ultimately ensure animal welfare, food quality, and the economic viability of their farm.

To determine the effect of blocking the obturator nerve in addition to performing femoral nerve and sciatic nerve blocks on intraoperative nociception in dogs undergoing unilateral tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) surgery.Prospective, blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical comparison.A total of 88 client-owned dogs undergoing unilateral TPLO surgery (100 procedures).Dogs were randomly assigned to either group FSO (femoral, sciatic and obturator nerve blocks) [n = 50; ropivacaine 0.75% (0.75 mg kgThere were no clinically relevant differences between groups in intraoperative cardiopulmonary variables and need for rescue analgesia. The requirement for rescue analgesia was significantly higher in dogs with a body weight34 kg.Anaesthesia of the obturator nerve in addition to the femoral and sciatic nerves was not associated with clinically significant differences in cardiopulmonary variables or a reduced need for rescue analgesia. Therefore, the clinical benefit of an additional obturator nerve block for intraoperative antinociception in dogs undergoing unilateral TPLO surgery using the described anaesthetic regimen is low.

Online-based processing of case reports is often used and well accepted in veterinary medical education. However, lecturers usually develop cases from their own point of view, without input from students. In order to give students the chance to create online cases for students, an elective course, “Creative Workshop Case Creation”, was held three times between 2017 and 2019 at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin. During this course, students created cases based on animal welfare and epizootics issues through a problem-based blended learning approach. In this approach, students worked on an assigned veterinary public health problem and actively solved it in small groups in class and then used the issue as the basis to create cases for their fellow students. The cases were implemented in interdisciplinary lectures, which are mandatory for every student in semesters six to eight. After taking these classes, fellow students evaluated one of these cases, specifically, on animal welfare and another one on epizootics. Evaluations showed these cases were received well. Moreover, we received excellent feedback from students participating in the elective course and working with a proactive and motivated group of six students throughout the course was a very productive experience. The course made it possible to create cases that are more accurately tailored to the needs of students. The students’ good ideas and preparatory work also saved time in the preparation of cases for lecturers.

SummaryObjective: This research was aimed to determine the occurrence of Brachyspira (B.) hyodysenteriae in Swiss multiplier pig herds. Materials and methods: In a pilot study a direct real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for B. hyodysenteriae was compared to culture followed by PCR on 106 samples from three herds. Subsequently 40 multiplier herds were epidemiologically characterized and analysed for the presence of B. hyodysenteriae using direct PCR on 1412 rectal swabs. For external validation 20 swabs obtained from two positive conventional herds were analysed. Results: The comparison of direct PCR with culture followed by PCR resulted in a moderate agreement (kappa index: 0.58). In the two conventional herds, 35% of the samples (7/20) tested positive. Samples from 39 multipliers tested negative. In one multiplier herd, 25% (9/36) of the samples tested PCR positive. Risk factors in the multiplier herd may have been rodents or birds, but not pig purchase. Conclusion and clinical relevance: B. hyodysenteriae have been detected in a Swiss multiplier herd, which underlines the threat of potential spread by replacement pigs. Consequently, a Brachyspira monitoring programme was established for Swiss multiplier herds.

Background Protein concentration and quality in cat food can vary considerably, and the impact on feline urine composition and nutrient supply is of high practical relevance. In the present study, 6 canned diets with varying protein concentrations and qualities were fed to 10 healthy adult cats. Protein quality in the diet differed depending on the amount of collagen-rich ingredients. Hydroxyproline concentrations were 2.56–4.45 g/kg dry matter in the high quality and 3.76–9.44 g/kg dry matter in the low quality diets. Protein levels were 36.2, 43.3 and 54.9% in the high quality and 36.7, 45.0 and 56.1% in the low quality groups. Each diet was fed for 6 weeks, using a randomized cross-over design. In the last 2 weeks of each feeding period, urine and faeces of the cats were collected. Results Renal calcium (Ca), oxalate (Ox) and citrate excretion were unaffected by the dietary protein concentration, possibly mediated by a high urine volume (24.2–34.2 ml/kg bodyweight (BW)/day) in all groups. However, renal Ox excretion was lower when the high quality diets were fed (P = 0.013). Urinary relative supersaturation (RSS) with calcium oxalate (CaOx) was low in general, but reduced in the high quality groups (P = 0.031). Urinary RSS values for magnesium ammonium phosphate (MAP) were high (2.64–5.00) among all groups. Apparent digestibility of crude protein and most minerals was unaffected by the different diets. Feed intake was higher in the low quality groups (P = 0.026), but BW of the cats did not differ depending on dietary protein quality. BW of the cats increased with increasing dietary protein concentrations (P = 0.003). Conclusion In conclusion, a high protein canned diet might not be a specific risk factor for CaOx urolith formation in cats. In contrast, all diets resulted in high RSS MAP values, which might be critical concerning MAP crystallization. Protein quality had a minor, but significant impact on urine composition, necessitating further research on this subject. A lower energy supply when feeding a low protein quality can be assumed. Changes in BW were only small and require a careful interpretation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12917-018-1517-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The aim of the study was to obtain the diagnostic and therapeutic approach among Swiss practitioners in cows with puerperal metritis and clinical endometritis (part 2). All members of the Association for ruminant health were contacted per email via the newsletter. The survey was completed by 128 veterinarians, partially responded by 140 veterinarians. The following main symptoms of puerperal metritis were stated by the practitioners: purulent vaginal discharge, fever and reduced appetite. A vaginal and rectal examination was performed to diagnose the disease. Usually, an intrauterine treatment with tetracycline or cefapirin was done. Parenteral administration of tetracycline or penicillin was often combined with PGF(2α), NSAIDS or cortisone. Clinical endometritis was also diagnosed by vaginal and rectal examination and the main symptom indicated was purulent vaginal discharge. The therapy consisted of the administration of PGF(2α), uterine infusions predominantly with cefapirin, and rarely with parenteral administration of antibiotics. Further diagnostic tools were not used and normally cows were not rechecked. The success of the therapy of puerperal metritis and clinical endometritis was judged to be satisfactory to excellent.

The aim of this study was to obtain the diagnostic and therapeutic approach among Swiss practitioners in cows with retained fetal membranes (RFM) (part 1). All members of the Association for ruminant health were contacted per email via the newsletter. The survey was completed by 128 veterinarians, partially responded by 140 veterinarians. The manual removal of the fetal membranes is practiced by 129 of the responding veterinarians. Cows with/without fever are treated usually with intrauterine antibiotics. Cows with RFM with/without fever are most commonly treated parenterally with tetracycline or penicillin. The use of cephalosporins and quinolones in cows with fever is more common than in cows without fever. With the present results of the survey veterinarians should critically question the supposed benefits of the manual removal of the placenta and the use of antibiotics in cows with RFM.

In the last 30 years the amount of white markings in the population of Franches-Montagnes horses (FM) has more than doubled which has led to some controversy, particularly in respect to the health of the horses. The objective of this study was to investigate if the coat colour and white markings have an impact on selected skin diseases and hoof horn abnormalities. To this purpose 974 three-year-old FM were subjected to a clinical examination during the field and station tests organized by the FM breeding association. In 16.9% of the horses, one or several equine sarcoids were detected, 15.2% of the horses showed clinical signs of pastern dermatitis, 1.1% of insect bite hypersensitivity and 18.0% of dermatitis of other aetiology. Abnormalities of the hoof horn were found in 20.1% of the horses. The prevalence of pastern dermatitis was 2.6 times higher in legs with white markings than in legs with pigmented skin (p

Pododermatitis is a worldwide health and animal welfare problem in captive flamingos (Phoenicopteridae). Since sub-optimal substrate or flooring has been described as a factor in the development of pododermatitis in poultry and raptors, it is also suspected to play a role in flamingo foot health. Small groups of flamingos were separated from the main group in an indoor enclosure with artificial grass carpet and, in earlier years, concrete flooring, with additional fine granular sand in the water basin for the study year. Feet were evaluated before and after the separation. Judged subjectively, foot lesions had shown a general increase in the indoor enclosure in earlier years. In contrast, lesion severity and prevalence, scored in accordance with a standardised protocol, decreased when fine granular sand was provided. Since flamingos were observed mostly standing on sand and as this represented the major differentiating factor between years, it is concluded that fine granular sand is a favourable substrate to maintain, and one that may even lead to an improvement in flamingo foot health.

Equine pastern vasculitis is clinically challenging and the underlying aetiopathogenesis is unclear. The aims of this retrospective study were to establish histopathological criteria for pastern vasculitis, to look for an underlying cause, to investigate whether the histopathological lesions are associated with a distinct clinical picture, to assess if and how the clinical picture varies, and to determine the treatment response. Skin biopsies and clinical data from 20 horses with a diagnosis of vasculitis of the distal extremities were investigated and histology was compared to biopsies from healthy horses. It was concluded that intramural inflammatory cells, leukocytoclasia with nuclear dust, thickening and oedema of the vessel walls, and microhaemorrhages are highly specific histological findings in equine pastern vasculitis. Based on the feedback from the clinicians, the lesions were mostly seen on the lateral and medial aspects of un-pigmented legs. Lesions in white skin were characterised by exudation and crusts, whereas those in pigmented skin were alopecic and characterised by scaling. The response to treatment was poor and the prognosis guarded. No association was found between any of the histopathological findings and a distinct clinical picture. An underlying cause of equine pastern vasculitis could not be identified. Considering the large number of confounding factors, the causative agents are difficult to identify, but may involve drugs or a hypersensitivity reactions to yet unknown antigens.

Background Little is known about the pathologic changes in the epidural space after intervertebral disk (IVD) extrusion in the dog. Objectives To analyze the pathology of the epidural inflammatory response, and to search for correlations between this process and clinical findings. Methods Clinical data from 105 chondrodystrophic (CD) and nonchondrodystrophic (NCD) dogs with IVD extrusion were recorded. Epidural material from these dogs was examined histopathologically and immunohistochemically. Using statistical analysis, we searched for correlations between severity of epidural inflammation and various clinical and pathologic variables. Results Most dogs exhibited an epidural inflammatory response, ranging from acute invasion of neutrophils to formation of chronic granulation tissue. The mononuclear inflammatory infiltrates consisted mostly of monocytes and macrophages and only few T and B cells. Surprisingly, chronic inflammatory patterns also were found in animals with an acute clinical history. Severity of the epidural inflammation correlated with degree of the epidural hemorrhage and nucleus pulposus calcification (P = .003 and .040), but not with age, chondrodystrophic phenotype, neurologic grade, back pain, pretreatment, or duration. The degree of inflammation was statistically (P = .021) inversely correlated with the ability to regain ambulation. Conclusion and Clinical Importance Epidural inflammation occurs in the majority of dogs with IVD extrusion and may develop long before the onset of clinical signs. Presence of calcified IVD material and hemorrhage in the epidural space may be the triggers of this lesion rather than an adaptive immune response to the nucleus pulposus as suggested in previous studies. Because epidural inflammation may affect outcome, further research is warranted.

SummaryObjective: To biomechanically test the properties of three different Universal Micro External Fixator (UMEX™) configurations with regard to their use in very small animals (Methods: Three different UMEX configurations (type Ia, type Ib, and type II modified) and one SK configuration type Ia were used to stabilize Delrin plastic rods in a 1 cm fracture gap model. These constructs were tested in axial compression, craniocaudal bending, mediolateral bending, and torsion. Testing was conducted within the elastic range and mean stiffness in each mode was determined from the slope of the linear portion of the load-deformation curve. A Kruskal Wallis one-way analysis of variance on ranks test was utilized to assess differences between constructs (p Results: The UMEX type II modified configuration was significantly stiffer than the other UMEX configurations and the SK type Ia, except in craniocaudal bending, where the SK type Ia configuration was stiffer than all UMEX constructs. The UMEX type Ia configuration was significantly the weakest of those frames. The UMEX constructs were lighter and smaller than the SK, thus facilitating closer pin placement.Conclusions: Results supported previous reports concerning the superiority of more complex constructs regarding stiffness. The UMEX system appears to be a valid alternative for the treatment of long-bone fractures in very small animals.

In a thematically broad and highly condensed curriculum like veterinary medicine, it is essential to pay close attention to the didactic and methodical approaches used to deliver that content. The course topics ideally should be selected for their relevance but also for the target audience and their previous knowledge. The overall objective is to improve the long-term availability of what has been learned. For this reason, an evaluation among lecturers of German-speaking veterinary schools was carried out in 2012 to consider which topics in biometry and epidemiology they found relevant to other subject areas. Based on this survey, two veterinary schools (Berlin and Hannover) developed a structured approach for the introductory course in biometry and epidemiology. By means of an appropriate choice of topics and the use of adequate teaching methods, the quality of the lecture course could be significantly increased. Appropriately communicated learning objectives as well as a high rate of student activity resulted in increased student satisfaction. A certain degree of standardization of teaching approaches and material resulted in a comparison between the study sites and reduced variability in the content delivered at different schools. Part of this was confirmed by the high consistency in the multiple-choice examination results between the study sites. The results highlight the extent to which didactic and methodical restructuring of teaching affects the learning success and satisfaction of students. It can be of interest for other courses in veterinary medicine, human medicine, and biology.

Health prophylaxis management practices have acquired a major role in the success of dairy herd health programs, however, little is known about the scope and level of implementation on Swiss dairy farms. The main objective of this study was therefore to provide a general overview of the most important preventive measures which are currently being used on these farms. In March 2011, an online survey with 75 questions was sent to 2'285 randomly selected Swiss dairy farmers. Response rate by question ranged from 35 to 53 %. Within this study, answers were compared between dairy farms with a tie-stall (n = 739) and farms with a free-stall (n = 458). Homeopathic treatments were used by 51 % of the dairy farmers and antibiotic dry cow treatments by 94 %. Farmers with a tie-stall tended to carry out more prophylactic treatments against external parasites, vaccinated their cows more frequently against Clostridium chauvoei and Moraxella bovis, and carried out claw trimming more frequently than dairy farmers with a free-stall. A higher proportion of dairy farmers with a free-stall had a written feeding plan, carried out regular feed analysis, wore an apron and rubber gloves during milking, and carried out post milking teat disinfection more frequently than dairy farmers with a tie-stall. The data collected in this survey could assist in improving future dairy health communication campaigns in Switzerland.

Der einzellige Parasit Toxoplasma gondii ist einer der haufigsten parasitaren Zoonose-Erreger weltweit. Als Endwirte von T. gondii sind nur Katzenartige beschrieben, als Zwischenwirte konnen alle warmblutigen Tiere inklusive Mensch betroffen sein. Der Mensch infiziert sich entweder oral uber die Aufnahme infektioser Oozysten aus der Umwelt, mittels Gewebezysten aus rohem respektive nicht genugend erhitztem Fleisch oder er wird pranatal infiziert. T. gondii kommt in Nordamerika und in Europa mehrheitlich in drei klonalen Typen vor, die aufgrund ihrer Virulenz in Mausen als Genotyp I (sehr virulent), II (nicht virulent) und III (mittelgradig virulent) eingeteilt wurden (Sibley und Boothroyd, 1992). Die Europaische Lebensmittelsicherheitsbehorde (EFSA) hat aufgrund der grossen zoonotischen Bedeutung der Toxoplasmose die Mitgliederstaaten dazu aufgerufen, Daten zur Pravalenz und Verteilung von T. gondii in Europa zu liefern (EFSA, 2007). Die letzte Studie uber die Pravalenz von T. gondii bei fleischliefernden Tieren in der Schweiz liegt zehn Jahre zuruck (Wyss et al., 2000), und eine Genotypisierung von Toxoplasmen wurde bei Tieren in der Schweiz noch nie durchgefuhrt. Vor diesem Hintergrund hat das Institut fur Parasitologie der Universitat Bern zwischen 2006 und 2009 die Haufigkeit des Vorkommens von T. gondii bei verschiedenen Tierarten untersucht. Dazu wurde einerseits die Pravalenz der Oozystenausscheidung bei Katzen und andererseits die Seropravalenz und die Nachweishaufigkeit von Toxoplasma-DNA in der Muskulatur bei fleischliefernden Tieren ermittelt. Zusatzlich wurden die gefundenen T. gondii nach Moglichkeit genotypisiert. Die Laboruntersuchungen wurden am Institut fur Parasitologie der Universitat Bern (Koprologie, Serologie, PCR auf Zwerchfellproben), sowie am Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut in Wusterhausen (PCR auf Oozysten, Genotypisierungen) durchgefuhrt. Die Studie wurde detailliert in zwei Originalartikeln in internationalen Zeitschriften publiziert (Berger-Schoch et al., 2010 und 2011), in denen auch die genaue Methodik beschrieben ist.

Spinal MR images acquired from canine patients over a 7-year period were reviewed for the presence of vertebral endplate changes. Seventy-five dogs with 76 distinct lesions were identified. Presumptive diagnoses fell into five categories: reactive endplate changes (10 dogs/13.2%), discospondylitis (29 dogs/38.2%), vertebral osteochondrosis (7 dogs/9.2%), intravertebral disc herniation (Schmorl's nodes) (4 dogs/5.3%), and fatty infiltration (26 dogs/34.2%). Fatty infiltration occurred significantly more often in small breed dogs (P

Certain magnetic resonance (MR) enhancement patterns are often considered to be associated with a specific diagnosis but experience shows that this association is not always consistent. Therefore, it is not clear how reliably contrast enhancement patterns correlate with specific tissue changes. We investigated the detailed histomorphologic findings of intracranial lesions in relation to Gadodiamide contrast enhancement in 55 lesions from 55 patients, nine cats, and 46 dogs. Lesions were divided into areas according to their contrast enhancement; therefore 81 areas resulted from the 55 lesions which were directly compared with histopathology. In 40 of 55 lesions (73%), the histomorphologic features explained the contrast enhancement pattern. In particular, vascular proliferation and dilated vessels occurred significantly more often in areas with enhancement than in areas without enhancement (P = 0.044). In 15 lesions, there was no association between MR images and histologic findings. In particular, contrast enhancement was found within necrotic areas (10 areas) and ring enhancement was seen in lesions without central necrosis (five lesions). These findings imply that necrosis cannot be differentiated reliably from viable tissue based on postcontrast images. Diffusion of contrast medium within lesions and time delays after contrast medium administration probably play important roles in the presence and patterns of contrast enhancement. Thus, histologic features of lesions cannot be predicted solely by contrast enhancement patterns.

Killing of animals is an important task to be performed by veterinarians. Killing decisions and their implementation often raise ethical questions. As a result of an interdisciplinary workshop targeting the subject "killing of animals" with veterinarians and ethicists, a three-dimensional dimension scheme was developed. Whereas the first two dimensions are focused on the animal's past and future life and are discussed with regard to life quality and life accomplishment (the "telos"), the third dimension incorporates the reason to kill and may integrate the concept of dignity. This form of dignity and the weighing of interests are applied to example scenarios and the resulting responsibilities of veterinarians and society are discussed.

Professional veterinarians are one of the most affected professions when it comes to killing animals. However, in some situations the opinion about the acceptance of killing of animals differs between people, which can cause a dilemma for the executing person. In a pilot study based on questionnaires, veterinarians from different working fields and students of different branches stated their acceptance of killing of animals in diverse concrete situations. The result clearly demonstrates a higher acceptance of killing of animals among veterinarians with longtime experience in contrast to other groups and the almost same acceptance among agricultural students. The acceptance increased with age, however, we could not find a gender specific difference except of within a narrow age interval. The variability of acceptance within the same profession group differs between the situations. Veterinarians should be aware of their different thinking about killing of animals in some situations compared to other people and should know the reason of such differences. This is important not least to protect themselves and their opinion and to contribute to their societal responsibility by their veterinarian activity.

Switzerland implemented a risk-based monitoring of Swiss dairy products in 2002 based on a risk assessment (RA) that considered the probability of exceeding a microbiological limit value set by law. A new RA was launched in 2007 to review and further develop the previous assessment, and to make recommendations for future risk-based monitoring according to current risks. The resulting qualitative RA was designed to ascertain the risk to human health from the consumption of Swiss dairy products. The products and microbial hazards to be considered in the RA were determined based on a risk profile. The hazards included Campylobacter spp., Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, coagulase-positive staphylococci and Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin. The release assessment considered the prevalence of the hazards in bulk milk samples, the influence of the process parameters on the microorganisms, and the influence of the type of dairy. The exposure assessment was linked to the production volume. An overall probability was estimated combining the probabilities of release and exposure for each combination of hazard, dairy product and type of dairy. This overall probability represents the likelihood of a product from a certain type of dairy exceeding the microbiological limit value and being passed on to the consumer. The consequences could not be fully assessed due to lack of detailed information on the number of disease cases caused by the consumption of dairy products. The results were expressed as a ranking of overall probabilities. Finally, recommendations for the design of the risk-based monitoring programme and for filling the identified data gaps were given. The aims of this work were (i) to present the qualitative RA approach for Swiss dairy products, which could be adapted to other settings and (ii) to discuss the opportunities and limitations of the qualitative method.

The hair follicle has a lifelong capacity to cycle through recurrent phases of controlled growth (anagen), regression (catagen) and quiescence (telogen), each associated with specific morphological changes. A comprehensive classification scheme is available for mice to distinguish the cycle stages anagen I-VI, catagen I-VIII and telogen. For dogs, such a classification system does not exist, although alopecia associated with hair cycle arrest is common. We applied analogous morphological criteria and various staining techniques to subdivide the canine hair cycle stages to the same extent as has been done in mice. Of all the staining techniques applied, haematoxylin and eosin stain, Sacpic, Masson Fontana and immunohistochemistry for vimentin and laminin proved to be most useful. To evaluate the applicability of our criteria, we investigated skin biopsies from healthy beagle dogs (n=20; biopsies from shoulder and thigh) kept in controlled conditions. From each biopsy, at least 50 hair follicles were assessed. Statistical analysis revealed that 30% of the follicles were in anagen (12% early and 18% late), 8% in catagen (2% early, 5% late and 1% not determinable) and 27% in telogen. Thirty-five per cent of hair follicles could not be assigned to a specific cycle stage because not all follicles within one biopsy were oriented perfectly. In conclusion, this guide will not only be helpful for the investigation of alopecic disorders and possibly their pathogenesis, but may also serve as a basis for research projects in which the comparison of hair cycle stages is essential, e.g. comparative analysis of gene expression patterns.

Equine insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) is a seasonally recurrent, pruritic skin disorder caused by an IgE-mediated reaction to salivary proteins of biting flies, predominantly of the genus Culicoides. The aim of this study was to define T cell subsets and cytokine profile in the skin of IBH-affected Icelandic horses with particular focus on the balance between T helper (Th) 1, Th2 and T regulatory (Treg) cells. Distribution and number of CD4+, CD8+ and Forkhead box P3 (FoxP3)+ T cells were characterized by immunohistochemical staining in lesional and non-lesional skin of moderately and severely IBH-affected horses (n=14) and in the skin of healthy control horses (n=10). Using real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, mRNA expression levels of Th2 cytokines (Interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-13), Th1 cytokines (Interferon-γ), regulatory cytokines (Transforming Growth Factor β1, IL-10) and the Treg transcription factor FoxP3 were measured in skin and blood samples. Furthermore, Culicoides nubeculosus specific serum IgE levels were assessed. Lesions of IBH-affected horses contained significantly higher numbers of CD4+ cells than skin of healthy control horses. Furthermore, the total number of T cells (CD4+ and CD8+) was significantly increased in lesional compared to non-lesional skin and there was a tendency (p=0.07) for higher numbers of CD4+ cells in lesional compared to non-lesional skin. While the number of FoxP3+ T cells did not differ significantly between the groups, the ratio of Foxp3 to CD4+ cells was significantly lower in lesions of severely IBH-affected horses than in moderately affected or control horses. Interestingly, differences in FoxP3 expression were more striking at the mRNA level. FoxP3 mRNA levels were significantly reduced in lesional skin, compared both to non-lesional and to healthy skin and were also significantly lower in non-lesional compared to healthy skin. Expression levels of IL-13, but not IL-4 or IL-5, were significantly elevated in lesional and non-lesional skin of IBH-affected horses. IL-10 levels were lower in lesional compared to non-lesional skin (p=0.06) and also lower (p=0.06) in the blood of IBH-affected than of healthy horses. No significant changes were observed regarding blood expression levels of Th1 and Th2 cytokines or FoxP3. Finally, IBH-affected horses had significantly higher Culicoides nubeculosus specific serum IgE levels than control horses. The presented data suggest that an imbalance between Th2 and Treg cells is a characteristic feature in IBH. Treatment strategies for IBH should thus aim at restoring the balance between Th2 and Treg cells.

Canine and human atopic dermatitis are multifaceted diseases whose clinical development may be influenced by several factors, such as genetic background, environment, secondary infections, food and psychological effects. The role of the environment has been extensively examined in humans but remains unclear in dogs. The aim of this study was to examine environmental factors in two genetically close breeds, Labrador and golden retrievers. Using standard criteria, atopic dogs in Switzerland and Germany were selected and compared with healthy individuals. Information on environmental factors was collected using a 46-question survey encompassing date and place of birth, way of life at the breeder's and owner's home, food and treatments. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to assess the association between potential risk factors and disease status. The following parameters were associated with an increased risk of disease development: living in a shed during puppyhood, adoption at the age of 8-12 weeks and washing the dog regularly. In contrast, the following factors were associated with a lower risk: living in a rural environment, living in a household with other animals and walking in a forest. These associations do not prove causality but support the primary hypothesis that certain environmental factors may influence the development of canine atopic dermatitis. Further studies are warranted to confirm these results and conclusions.

Alopecia areata is a hair loss disorder in humans, dogs and horses with a suspected autoimmune aetiology targeting anagen hair follicles. Alopecia areata is only sporadically reported in cows. Recently, we observed several cases of suspected alopecia areata in Eringer cows. The aim of this study was to confirm the presumptive diagnosis of alopecia areata and to define the clinical phenotype and histopathological patterns, including characterization of the infiltrating inflammatory cells. Twenty Eringer cows with alopecia and 11 Eringer cows without skin problems were included in this study. Affected cows had either generalized or multifocal alopecia or hypotrichosis. The tail, forehead and distal extremities were usually spared. Punch biopsies were obtained from the centre and margin of alopecic lesions and normal haired skin. Histological examination revealed several alterations in anagen hair bulbs. These included peri- and intrabulbar lymphocytic infiltration, peribulbar fibrosis, degenerate matrix cells with clumped melanosomes and pigmentary incontinence. Mild lymphocytic infiltrative mural folliculitis was seen in the inferior segment and isthmus of the hair follicles. Hair shafts were often unpigmented and dysplastic. The large majority of infiltrating lymphocytes were CD3(+) T cells, whereas only occasional CD20(+) lymphocytes were present in the peribulbar infiltrate. Our findings confirm the diagnosis of T-cell-mediated alopecia areata in these cows. Alopecia areata appears to occur with increased frequency in the Eringer breed, but distinct predisposing factors could not be identified.

OBJECTIVE: To describe clinical respiratory parameters in cats and dogs with respiratory distress and identify associations between respiratory signs at presentation and localization of the disease with particular evaluation between the synchrony of abdominal and chest wall movements as a clinical indicators for pleural space disease. Design - Prospective observational clinical study. SETTING: Emergency service in a university veterinary teaching hospital. ANIMALS: Cats and dogs with respiratory distress presented to the emergency service between April 2008 and July 2009. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The following parameters were systematically determined at time of admission: respiratory rate, heart rate, temperature, type of breathing, movement of the thoracic and abdominal wall during inspiration, presence of stridor, presence and type of dyspnea, and results of thoracic auscultation. Abdominal and chest wall movement was categorized as synchronous, asynchronous, or inverse. Diagnostic test results, diagnosis, and outcome were subsequently recorded. Based on the final diagnoses, animals were assigned to 1 or more of the following groups regarding the anatomical localization of the respiratory distress: upper airways, lower airways, lung parenchyma, pleural space, thoracic wall, nonrespiratory causes, and normal animals. One hundred and seventy-six animals (103 cats and 73 dogs) were evaluated. Inspiratory dyspnea was associated with upper airway disease in dogs and expiratory dyspnea with lower airway disease in cats. Respiratory noises were significantly associated and highly sensitive and specific for upper airway disease. An asynchronous or inverse breathing pattern and decreased lung auscultation results were significantly associated with pleural space disease in both dogs and cats (P

An indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was modified and validated to detect antibodies against Salmonella Abortusovis in naturally infected sheep. The ELISA was validated with 44 positive and 45 negative control serum samples. Compared with the immunoblot, the sensitivity and specificity of the assay were 98% and 100%, respectively. To follow antibody levels over time, samples from 12 infected ewes were collected at 1, 3, and 10 months after abortion. All animals showed antibody levels above the cutoff value throughout the observation period. One and 3 months after abortion, high antibody levels could be detected in all but one animal, whereas after 10 months, 9 animals had markedly lower but still positive antibody levels. The test characteristics and evidence for the persistence of detectable antibody levels in all infected animals for up to 10 months indicates that the ELISA can be used for herd surveillance testing.

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and thoracic radiography are routinely performed diagnostic procedures. We hypothesized that BAL increases the interstitial opacity of caudoventral and caudodorsal thoracic radiographs. Fifty-three horses, including 8 clinic owned and 45 from a referral hospital population, were classified as healthy controls (n = 12), severe equine asthma (recurrent airway obstruction, n = 12) or mild-to-moderate equine asthma (inflammatory airway disease, n = 21) based on the results of a clinical scoring system. Eight were excluded due to different diagnoses and poor image quality. Four randomized thoracic radiographs of each horse were scored by two blinded observers, who were also asked to identify the image as obtained before or after a BAL procedure. In severe equine asthma, the chance (adjusted odds) of misinterpretation of the correct imaging time was approximately 5 times higher than in controls (odds ratio [OR] = 5.373, p = 0.028). The chance of misinterpretation was approximately 4 times lower in caudodorsal images than in caudoventral projections (OR = 0.241, p = 0.004). Identification of the correct imaging time was highly correlated with an increase in interstitial opacity (OR = 9.976, p < 0.0001). In conclusion, we recommend performing BAL after thoracic radiography to avoid possible misinterpretation.

We examined 66 cats with salinomycin intoxication. Salinomycin caused different LMN signs of varying degrees of severity in all cases. Changes in blood work were unspecific, with the most frequent being increased serum creatine kinase activity, leukocytosis, and increased liver enzymes. Pathological electrodiagnostic findings: fibrillation potentials and positive sharp waves were detected in 10 cases, motor nerve conductance velocity was mildly decreased in 8/12 cats, and sensory nerve conductance velocity and repetitive nerve stimulation were normal in all examined cases. In five cases the peripheral neuropathy was confirmed by pathohistology. Fluid therapy and supportive care were used as therapy and 52 cats recovered completely. The probability for complete remission was significantly different between mildly and severely affected cases. It seems that the severity of clinical signs and prognosis correlate well with the amount of toxin ingested. We conclude that early recognition and decontamination combined with supportive care results in complete recovery.

The objective of this study was to examine the association of pharyngeal lymphoid hyperplasia (PLH), recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN), mucus accumulation (MA) score and tracheobronchial secretion neutrophil percentage (TBS-N) with rider-assessed performance in sport horses. Airway endoscopy scores, tracheobronchial secretion cytology, rider-assessed general impression and willingness to perform were investigated in 171 top-level sport horses. Increased MA appears to be associated with poor willingness to perform in sport horses. Older horses had decreased PLH scores and increased TBS-N. Mucus accumulation scoresor =3 were associated with increased odds (mean 9.92; upper and lower 95% confidence intervals: 1.5-64.6) of poor rather than excellent willingness to perform. A TBS-N of 20-50% compared with20% was associated with decreased odds (median 0.11; upper and lower 95% CI: 0.02-0.66) of poor rather than excellent willingness to perform. In addition, horses with an RLN gradeor =2 had significantly higher odds for giving a poorer general impression and willingness to perform. This finding, however, must be interpreted with caution, since only two horses had significant RLN (gradeor =3).

111 Domestic Shorthair cats with idiopathic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy were reviewed retrospectively. Two-dimensional echocardiography was used to classify cases in 6 established phenotypes. Hypertrophy was diffuse in 61 % of cats and involved major portions of the ventricular septum and the left ventricular free wall (phenotype D). In the remaining cats, distribution of hypertrophy was more segmental and was identified on the papillary muscles exclusively (phenotype A, 6 %), on the anterior and basal portion of the ventricular septum (phenotype B, 12 %), on the entire septum (phenotype C, 14 %), or on the left ventricular free wall (phenotype E, 7 %). Echocardiographic characteristics and clinical findings were determined for each phenotype to study the correlation between distribution of hypertrophy and clinical implications. 31 cats demonstrated systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve, 75 % of them belonged to phenotype C of hypertrophy. Left ventricular-outflow turbulences were identified more frequently with patterns of hypertrophy involving the ventricular septum (65.5 %), while prevalence of mitral regurgitation was higher when hypertrophy included the papillary muscles (phenotypes A and E, 85 % and 87 %, respectively). Left atrial dilatation occurred more frequently when hypertrophy was diffuse or confined to the left ventricular free wall (61 % of cats with phenotype D or E) rather than to the ventricular septum (31 % of cats with phenotype B or C).

Lymphocyte stimulation tests (LST) were performed in five dogs sensitised with ovalbumin (OVA) and seven healthy dogs. In addition, all five OVA-sensitised and two control dogs were tested after two in vivo provocations with OVA-containing eye drops. The isolated cells were suspended in culture media containing OVA and were cultured for up to 12 days. Proliferation was measured as reduction in 5,6-carboxylfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE) intensity by flow cytometry on days 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12. A cell proliferation index (CPI) for each day and the area under the curve (AUC) of the CPI was calculated for each dog. All OVA-sensitised dogs demonstrated increased erythema after conjunctival OVA application. The presence of OVA-specific lymphocytes was demonstrated in 2/5 OVA-sensitised dogs before and 4/5 after in vivo provocation. Using the AUC, the difference between OVA-sensitised and control dogs was significant in all three LST before in vivo provocation (P

OBJECTIVES: (1) To assess spinal cord blood flow (SCBF) during surgical treatment of disk extrusion in dogs and (2) to investigate associations between SCBF, clinical signs, presurgical MRI images, and 24-hour surgical outcome. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study. ANIMALS: Chondrodystrophic dogs with thoracolumbar disk extrusion (n=12). METHODS: Diagnosis was based on clinical signs and MRI findings, and confirmed at surgery. Regional SCBF was measured intraoperatively by laser-Doppler flowmetry before, immediately after surgical spinal cord decompression, and after 15 minutes of lavaging the lesion. Care was taken to ensure a standardized surgical procedure to minimize factors that could influence measurement readings. RESULTS: A significant increase in intraoperative SCBF was found in all dogs (Wilcoxon's signed-rank test; P=.05) immediately after spinal cord decompression and after 15 minutes. Changes in SCBF were not associated with duration of clinical signs; initial or 24-hour neurologic status; or degree of spinal cord compression assessed by MRI. CONCLUSION: SCBF increases immediately after spinal cord decompression in dogs with disk herniation; however, increased SCBF was not associated with a diminished 24-hour neurologic status. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: An increase in SCBF does not appear to be either associated with the degree of spinal cord compression or of a magnitude sufficient to outweigh the benefit of surgical decompression by resulting in clinically relevant changes in 24-hour outcome.

Objective—To compare severity of postoperative pain in dogs undergoing hemilaminectomy because of acute thoracolumbar intervertebral disk disease treated with a combination of conventional analgesics and electroacupuncture (EAP) or with conventional analgesics alone. Design—Controlled clinical trial. Animals—15 dogs undergoing surgery because of acute thoracolumbar disk disease. Procedures—Dogs were alternately assigned to treatment (conventional analgesics and adjunct EAP) and control (conventional analgesics alone) groups. Analgesic treatment was adjusted as necessary by the attending clinician, who was not aware of group assignment. Pain scores were assigned 1, 3, and 12 hours after surgery and every 12 hours thereafter for 72 hours by the same individual who performed acupuncture treatments. Results—Total dose of fentanyl administered during the first 12 hours after surgery was significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group, but dosages of analgesics administered from 12 through 72 hours after surgery did not differ between groups. Pain score was significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group 36 hours after surgery, but did not differ significantly between groups at any other time. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results provided equivocal evidence that adjunct EAP might provide some mild benefit in regard to severity of postoperative pain in dogs undergoing hemilaminectomy because of acute thoracolumbar intervertebral disk disease.

Since 1991, no cases of Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) have been reported in Switzerland. Risk factors for introduction of the virus into Switzerland are still present or have even increased as frequent inapparent infections, large numbers of imported horses, (since 2003) absence of compulsory testing prior to importation, EIA cases in surrounding Europe, possible illegal importation of horses, frequent short-term stays, poor knowledge of the disease among horse owners and even veterinarians. The aim of this study was to provide evidence of freedom from EIA in imported and domestic horses in Switzerland. The serum samples from 434 horses imported since 2003 as well as from 232 domestic horses fifteen years of age or older (since older horses have naturally had a longer time of being exposed to the risk of infection) were analysed using a commercially available ELISA test. All samples were seronegative, indicating that the maximum possible prevalence that could have been missed with this sample was 0.5% (95% confidence).

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) rapid tests and routine BSE-testing laboratories underlie strict regulations for approval. Due to the lack of BSE-positive control samples, however, full assay validation at the level of individual test runs and continuous monitoring of test performance on-site is difficult. Most rapid tests use synthetic prion protein peptides, but it is not known to which extend they reflect the assay performance on field samples, and whether they are sufficient to indicate on-site assay quality problems. To address this question we compared the test scores of the provided kit peptide controls to those of standardized weak BSE-positive tissue samples in individual test runs as well as continuously over time by quality control charts in two widely used BSE rapid tests. Our results reveal only a weak correlation between the weak positive tissue control and the peptide control scores. We identified kit-lot related shifts in the assay performances that were not reflected by the peptide control scores. Vice versa, not all shifts indicated by the peptide control scores indeed reflected a shift in the assay performance. In conclusion these data highlight that the use of the kit peptide controls for continuous quality control purposes may result in unjustified rejection or acceptance of test runs. However, standardized weak positive tissue controls in combination with Shewhart-CUSUM control charts appear to be reliable in continuously monitoring assay performance on-site to identify undesired deviations.

Objective— To study the kinematics of cervical spine segment C4–C5 and its association with disc dimensions and the coupled motion (CM) in relation to primary motion (PM). Study Design— Cadaveric biomechanical study. Animals— Cadavers of large breed dogs (>20 kg; n=11). Methods— Spines were freed from muscles. Radiographs were taken orthogonal to the C4–C5 disc space and disc thickness, endplate width, and height were measured. Spines were mounted on a simulator for 3-dimensional motion analysis. Data were recorded with an optoelectronic motion analysis system. Range of motion (ROM) and neutral zone (NZ) were determined in the direction of flexion/extension, left/right lateral bending, and left/right axial rotation, as well as the ROM of CM. Results— ROM in flexion and extension was similar; there was no CM in flexion/extension. Left/right axial rotation and left/right lateral bending were coupled to the same side. CM was 1.72 and 3.56 times the ROM of the PM in lateral bending and axial rotation, respectively. Disc dimensions were positively correlated with body weight. Flexion/extension magnitude was significantly reduced for larger endplates, but axial rotation was not influenced. Lateral bending had no correlation with weight or disc dimensions. Conclusion— Left/right lateral bending and left/right axial rotation are coupled differently in the C4–C5 segment in dogs compared with humans. Clinical Relevance— The canine C4–C5 spinal segment has unique motion coupling patterns that should be considered for dynamic implant designs.

SummaryAbnormal patterns of cell death, including increased apoptosis, can influence homeostasis of ligaments and could be involved in the pathogenesis of cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture. Increased nitric oxide (NO) production has been implicated as a stimulus to increased apoptosis in articular cartilage. This study investigated apoptotic cell death in ruptured canine CCL (CCL group, n = 15), in ruptured CCL of dogs treated with oral L-N6-(1-iminoethyl)-lysine (L-NIL), a selective NO-synthetase(NOS)-inhibitor, (L-NIL group, n = 15) and compared the results with normal canine CCL (control group, n = 10).Orally administered L-NIL at a dosage of 25 mg/m2 of body surface area was effective in inhibiting NO production in the articular cartilage of dogs in the L-NIL group, but it did not significantly influence the increased quantity of apoptotic cells found in ruptured CCL specimens. The results of this study suggest that apoptosis of ligamentocytes in the canine CCL is not primarily influenced by increased NO production within the stifle joint.

SummaryThe purpose of this retrospective study was to compare patterns of vertebral fractures and luxations in 42 cats and 47 dogs, and to evaluate the impact of species-related differences on clinical outcome. Data regarding aetiology, neurological status, radiographic appearance and follow-up were compared between the groups. The thoracolumbar (Th3-L3) area was the most commonly affected location in both cats (49%) and dogs (58%). No lesions were observed in the cervical vertebral segments in cats, and none of the cats showed any signs of a Schiff-Sherrington syndrome. Vertebral luxations were significantly more frequent in dogs (20%) than in cats (6%), whereas combined fracture-luxations occurred significantly more often in cats (65%) than in dogs (37%). Caudal vertebral segment displacement was mostly dorsal in cats and ventral in dogs, with a significant difference in direction between cats and large dogs. The clinical outcome did not differ significantly between the two populations, and was poor in most cases (cats: 61%; dogs: 56%). The degree of dislocation and axis deviation were both significantly associated with a worse outcome in dogs, but not in cats. Although several differences in vertebral fractures and luxation patterns exist between cats and dogs, these generally do not seem to affect outcome.

Background: Cerebellar cortical degeneration exists in American Staffordshire Terriers. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be suggestive, but a definitive diagnosis requires histopathology. Hypothesis: Computer-assisted MRI morphometry can be used to distinguish between American Staffordshire Terriers with or without cerebellar cortical degeneration. Animals: Normal American Staffordshire Terriers (n = 17) and those with clinical signs of cerebellar cortical degeneration (n = 14). Methods: This was a partly retrospective and partly prospective study. Causes of cerebellar disease were ruled out with brain MRI, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, CBC, blood biochemistry, and clinical follow-up. On T2-weighted midsagittal MR images, the following parameters were calculated: size of the cerebellum relative to the entire brain, size of the CSF space surrounding the cerebellum relative to the cerebellum, and 2 threshold-dependent cerebellar CSF indices (with and without surrounding CSF). Results: Statistical analyses indicated a significantly lower relative cerebellar size (P < .001) and a larger relative cerebellar CSF space (P < .001) in dogs with cerebellar cortical degeneration. The measurement of relative cerebellar size could distinguish between affected and nonaffected dogs with a sensitivity and a specificity of 93 and 94%, respectively, using a cut-off of 13.3%. Using a cut-off of 12.8%, the measurement of relative CSF space could distinguish between both groups with a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 100%. There was a significant difference in 1 of the 2 CSF indices between affected and normal dogs. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Relative cerebellar size and relative CSF space calculated from MRI are effective in American Staffordshire Terriers to differentiate between normal animals and those with cerebellar cortical degeneration.

This study assessed the consistency with which aggressive behavior occurred across 3 different provocation tests that are currently used in practice to evaluate the behavior and safety of dogs. The aim of this study was not to validate the tests, but to evaluate tests that are not validated but are nevertheless being used in a legal context in Switzerland, by investigating the hypothesis that 3 different approaches, all claiming to correctly evaluate the behavior of dogs, should be expected to show significant agreement. The same 60 dogs were tested in 3 behavioral tests being used in Switzerland at the time of this study in the year 2003 (Test A: Test of the American Staffordshire Terrier Club; Test B: Halterprufung; Test C: Test of the Canton of Basel-Stadt). "Intraspecific behavior" and "interspecific behavior toward humans" that might relate to potential aggressive behavior were of particular interest. The observed agreement among the 3 tests was compared relative to chance using a κ test. Significant but low levels of agreement were found among the 3 tests for the criterion "intraspecific behavior" (κ = 0.133, P = .014), with the highest correlation between Tests A and B (κ = 0.345, P P = 0. 014), with Tests A and B (κ = 0.220, P = .005) showing the highest correlation. However, significant absolute values of κ were low in all cases. In a further analysis, dogs evaluated to show no signs of potential aggression in the test situations by all 3 tests were eliminated, and the results of the remaining dogs ("interspecific behavior," n=23; "intraspecific behavior," n=29) were assessed for disagreement in pairwise combinations using a McNemar chi-square test. No significant levels of disagreement were found for "intraspecific behavior," however, for "interspecific behavior," Tests A and B ( P = .035), and Tests B and C ( P P = 0.11). The inconsistency of the results from different tests suggests test bias at the very least and questions the validity of these tests. Further work examining the validity of each individual test is warranted if they are to be used in a legal context.

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is thought to result from a dysregulated interaction between the host immune system and commensal microflora. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognize microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs), but their role in enteropathies in dogs is unknown. Hypothesis: That there is a dysregulation of TLRs recognizing bacterial MAMPs in dogs with IBD. Animals: Sixteen healthy beagles and 12 dogs with steroid-treated (ST) and 23 dogs with food-responsive (FR) diarrhea. Methods: Prospective, observational study. mRNA expression of canine TLR2, 4, and 9 was evaluated by quantitative real-time RT-PCR in duodenal and colonic biopsies obtained before and after standard therapy. Samples from control dogs were taken at necropsy, with additional biopsies of stomach, jejunum, ileum, and mesenteric lymph node in 6 dogs. Results: There were significant differences (P≤ .017) in expression of TLR2, 4, and 9 between the 6 sampled locations in healthy control dogs (lymph node > small intestine ≥ colon). Before therapy, ST expressed more mRNA than control dogs for all 3 receptors (P < .05). There were no significant differences between pretreatment and posttreatment values, even though 32/35 dogs improved clinically. No associations were found when comparing receptor mRNA expression with either histology or clinical activity scores. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Bacteria-responsive TLR2, 4, and 9 are upregulated in duodenal and colonic mucosa in IBD. This might lead to increased inflammation through interaction with the commensal flora. The absence of significant changes after therapy despite clinical improvement might point toward the existence of a genetic predisposition to IBD as described in human IBD.

Suite au programme national d'eradication de la pneumonie enzootique et de l'actinobacillose, l'agent pathogene de l'actinobacillose porcine predominant en Suisse, Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 2, est suppose avoir ete eradique. Par contre, peu de donnees existent sur la prevalence et de la diffusion des autres serotypes de A. pleuropneumoniae. Par consequent, la prevalence de l'actinobacillose en general ne peut pas etre evaluee. Le test diagnostique serologique ELISA ApxIV offre une possibilite pratique pour detecter les anticorps contre tous les serotypes de A. pleuropneumoniae chez les porcs. La presente etude avait comme but d'evaluer, par serologie, la prevalence de A. pleuropneumoniae dans les troupeaux porcins, de connaitre le statut de l'actinobacillose dans les troupeaux d'Herd book et de valider le test ELISA ApxIV pour le diagnostic de l'actinobacillose dans des troupeaux infectes de facon latente par A. pleuropneumoniae. L'etude comprenait 2068 serums provenant de 96 troupeaux. L'analyse des porcs de differentes classes d'âge provenant de deux troupeaux connus pour etre infectes par A. pleuropneumoniae, a montre que les cochonnets non sevres et les truies ont de hautes valeurs serologiques anti-ApxIV, tandis que les animaux de l'âge de 3 semaines jusqu'a l'âge d'avoir des petits avaient des titres serologiques bas. La moitie des troupeaux d'Herd book montrait des titres positifs pour l'ELISA ApxIV. Dans les elevages, 93% des troupeaux etaient positifs pour l'ELISA ApxIV. Au niveau des animaux individuels, le test ELISA ApxIV montrait une sensibilite de 96% et une specificite de 100%. La sensibilite du diagnostic par ELISA ApxIV au niveau des troupeaux est situee entre 67% - 99%, dependant de la prevalence a l'interieur du troupeau. La specificite du test au niveau du troupeau etait 100%. Nous concluons que l'ELISA ApxIV est approprie pour un diagnostic de troupeaux infectes de facon latente par A. pleuropneumoniae.

Intestinal wall thickness is neither a specific nor sensitive ultrasound parameter for detecting intestinal inflammation. We hypothesize that mucosal echogenicity, lymphadenomegaly, and secondary findings of the gastrointestinal tract would be more sensitive and specific markers for detecting and differentiating causes of chronic inflammatory bowel disease in dogs. Fifty-six client-owned dogs with chronic diarrhea and 10 control dogs were examined with two-dimensional, gray-scale ultrasound (time 0, 4, and 10 weeks post therapy) and small intestinal mucosal biopsies were performed at the 0- and 4-week time points. The clinical activity was assessed at each time point using the canine inflammatory bowel disease activity index (CIBDAI). Fifty-one dogs had inflammatory infiltration of the duodenal mucosa and were divided into three groups, food-responsive disease, idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease, and protein-losing enteropathy, based on their response to the different treatments and histology. Two different patterns of increased echogenicity of the mucosa were detected: hyperechoic speckles and hyperechoic striations. A normal, hypoechoic bowel mucosa in dogs with chronic diarrhea had a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 81% for the diagnosis of food-responsive disease. Hyperechoic striations had a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 96% for dogs with protein-losing enteropathy. Hyperechoic speckles were non-specific for diagnosing inflammatory bowel disease. There was a significant relationship between ultrasound score and CIBDAI at t0, but not following therapy. Mucosal echogenicity may be a better parameter for detecting inflammatory bowel disease than bowel wall thickness in dogs with chronic diarrhea.

Epidemiological studies comparing risk factors for subclinical mastitis (SM) in organic (OP) and conventional dairy production systems (CP) are lacking. In 60 OP and 60 CP farms, 970 cows were used to study risk factors for SM at 31 days postpartum. Cows showing a positive (≥ 1+) California Mastitis Test (CMT) in at least one quarter, but without clinical symptoms, were classified SM-positive. For OP cows increased (P 27) of cattle on the farm, for the use of mineral feed supplements, for irregular milking intervals ( 12 h/day), and for milk urea concentrations of 210.1–270 mg/dl, whereas decreased OR for SM were recorded for cows kept in barns on beddings other than on rubber mats or concrete, for farms with rinsing water temperatures of milking systems between 54.75 and 60°C, for milk lactose > 50.5 g/l, and for blood albumin levels of ≥ 38.5 g/l. For cows on CP farms, increased (P 117 cm, and for antibiotic mastitis treatment since the last dry period, whereas reduced (P < 0.05) OR for SM were found for farms with a moderate (in contrast to good) hygiene status and for routine application of antibiotics during the dry period. Observed differences between OP and CP were assumed to be partially related to system-specific management, such as antibiotic dry cow therapy, nutrition and milking routine.

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) form a group of human and animal diseases that share common features such as (a) distinct pathological lesions in the central nervous system, (b) transmissibility at least in experimental settings, and (c) a long incubation period. Considerable differences exist in the host range of individual TSEs, their routes of transmission, and factors influencing the host susceptibility (such as genotype). The objective of this review was to briefly describe the main epidemiological features of TSEs with emphasis on small ruminant (sheep, goats) TSE, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in cattle and chronic wasting disease (CWD) in deer and elk.