Biomedical subjects

F B Garry

Publications and source records attributed to F B Garry.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Escherichia coli isolates' serotypes, genotypes, and virulence genes and clinical coliform mastitis severity.

Dairy cattle with clinical mastitis caused by Escherichia coli exhibit a wide range of disease severity, from mild, with only local inflammatory changes of the mammary gland, to severe, with significant systemic derangement. The present study was designed to examine the relationship between serotype and virulence genes of E. coli mastitis isolates, different levels of systemic disease severity, and farm from which the E. coli strain was obtained. One hundred twenty-three E. coli milk isolates were obtained from cows with clinical mastitis of varying systemic disease severity from 6 different farms. No predominant serotype was identified by farm or by systemic disease severity; however, the most frequent serotype, O158:NM (n = 3), was isolated from cows in the moderate severity group. Virulence genes evaluated were identified infrequently and were not associated with systemic disease severity. Evaluation of genetic similarity showed no clustering assigned by farm or mastitis severity based on systemic disease signs. We concluded that a high degree of genotypic variability is characteristic of E. coli strains causing clinical mastitis within and between different farms and systemic severity groups, and that specific cow factors probably play a more important role in determining systemic disease severity.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Evaluation of environmental sampling and culture to determine Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis distribution and herd infection status on US dairy operations.

The objectives of this study were to determine the distribution of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) in the environment and assess the relationship between the culture status of MAP in the farm environment and herd infection status. The National Animal Health Monitoring System's Dairy 2002 study surveyed dairy operations in 21 states. One component of the study involved collection and culturing of environmental samples for MAP from areas on farms where manure accumulated from a majority of a herd's cows. Operations were selected for inclusion based on perceived risk factors for MAP infection identified in a previously administered questionnaire. Individual animal and environmental samples were collected and used to determine the efficiency of environmental sampling for determination of herd infection status. Individual animal fecal, serum, and milk samples were used to classify herds as infected or not infected based on the presence of at least one test-positive animal in the herd. A total of 483 environmental samples (approximately 5 per farm) were collected, and 218 (45.1%) were culture-positive for MAP. A similar percentage of environmental cultures collected from all designated areas were positive [parlor exits (52.3%), floors of holding pens (49.1%), common alleyways (48.8%), lagoons (47.4%), manure spreaders (42.3%), and manure pits (41.5%)]. Of the 98 operations tested with the environmental sample culture, 97 had individual serum ELISA results, 60 had individual fecal culture results, and 34 had individual milk ELISA results. Sixty-nine of the 98 operations (70.4%) had at least one environmental sample that was culture-positive. Of the 50 herds classified as infected by fecal culture, 38 (76.0%) were identified by environmental culture. Two of the 10 operations classified as not infected based on individual animal fecal culture were environmental culture-positive. Of the 80 operations classified as infected based on serum ELISA-positive results, 61 (76.3%) were identified as environmental-positive, whereas 20 of the 28 (71.4%) operations identified as infected based on milk ELISA were detected by environmental sampling. Environmental sample culturing is less costly than individual animal sampling, does not require animal restraint, and identified more than 70% of infected operations. Environmental sampling is another diagnostic tool that veterinarians and dairy producers can use to determine herd infection status for MAP.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Short communication: Efficacy of parenteral ceftiofur for treatment of systemically mild clinical mastitis in dairy cattle.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of intramuscular (i.m.) ceftiofur (2.2 mg/kg) on important outcomes of systemically mild clinical mastitis episodes in lactating dairy cattle. Cows with clinical mastitis were randomly assigned to a treatment group: pirlimycin intramammary (i.m.m.) (n = 35), pirlimycin i.m.m. and ceftiofur i.m.m. (n = 36), cephapirin i.m.m. (n = 40), cephapirin i.m. and ceftiofur i.m. (n = 33). Sixty-nine, 22, and 9% of initial cultures were gram-negative, gram-positive, and mixed, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed no significant associations between treatment groups and loss of quarter, recurrence, or culling. Mixed infections, positive milk culture at 7 d after leaving hospital pen, decreased rumen motility, and absence of udder firmness were associated with increased odds of mastitis recurrence. The results suggest that i.m. ceftiofur treatment has no beneficial effects on the outcome of systemically mild clinical mastitis.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

The effect of vitamin E supplementation on discoloration of injection-site lesions in retail cuts and the greening reaction observed in injection-site lesions in muscles of the chuck.

Concern has been raised about green discoloration of injection-site lesions in chuck muscles in modified-atmosphere packages. Objectives were: 1) to recreate green lesions, 2) to compare the severity of discoloration of injection-site lesions in chucks from carcasses of control or vitamin E-supplemented steers, and 3) to identify pigment(s) responsible for discoloration via in vitro color reactions. In Exp. 1, 23 steers (BW = 415 kg; 37 d before harvest) were injected with one of 12 pharmaceuticals, following label directions for route and dose, with the exception of a 5-mL maximum dose, to identify a product that could result in discoloration. Two vaccines (Products A and B) resulted in greening. In Exp. 2, 50 steers were injected (i.m.) with Product A and assigned to the control or vitamin E (1,000 IU/steer daily for 60 d) group. After retail display, 80 and 72% of steaks from the control and treatment groups, respectively, were discolored. Although vitamin E did not reduce (P = 0.53) greening, there was a trend (P = 0.10) toward delay discoloration of lesions from the treatment group. In Phase I of Exp. 3, pigments extracted from green lesions obtained from Exp. 2 were compared with solutions, exposed to a high partial pressure of oxygen (ppO), of myoglobin (Mb), copper sulfate, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), vaccine, and aluminum hydroxide either alone or in combination. In Phase II of Exp. 3, solutions of two or more of Mb, Cu, sodium sulfide, sodium sulfite, sodium sulfate (Na2SO4), and H2O2 were made at pH 7.2 or 5.5 and exposed to low or high ppO. Normal muscle tissue displayed a 3.2 and 56.7% decrease in absorbance/microg of protein as wavelength changed from 654 to 656 nm and 656 to 658 nm, respectively. Pigments from control and treatment group green tissue displayed a 164.5 and 621.3% increase, respectively, in absorbance/microg of protein as wavelength changed from 654 to 656 nm. As wavelength changed from 656 to 658 nm, the absorbance/microg of protein for control and treatment group lesions decreased by 75 and 109%, respectively. The Mb+Cu+Na2SO4 solution, at pH 5.5 and high ppO, exhibited similar absorbance trends as green lesions indicating that greening may result from a Mb, Cu, and Na2SO4 interaction. Results indicated that greening varies with pharmaceuticals and oxidation of tissue cannot be controlled with vitamin E supplementation. Research on the causative agents of green discoloration, with an emphasis on compounds containing sulfate or Cu, is needed.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Bacteremia associated with naturally occuring acute coliform mastitis in dairy cows.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of bacteremia in dairy cows with naturally occurring acute coliform mastitis (ACM) with a wide range of disease severity. DESIGN: Cohort study. ANIMALS: 144 dairy cows with ACM from 6 herds. PROCEDURE: Cows were examined at time of identification of ACM (time 0) and classified as having mild, moderate, or severe mastitis on the basis of rectal temperature, hydration status, rumen contraction rate, and attitude. Cows were reexamined at 24 or 48 hours. Bacteriologic culturing of milk and blood (30 ml), CBC, and serum biochemical analysis were performed at each time point. Appropriate samples were obtained at a single point from herdmates without mastitis (controls) that were closely matched for lactation number and days since parturition. Blood culture results were compared among severity groups and controls by use of chi2 tests, as was outcome of an ACM episode for cows grouped by blood bacterial isolates. RESULTS: Bacteria were isolated from 52 blood samples from 46 of 144 (32%) cows with ACM, which was significantly more than control cows (11/156; 7.1%). Group-1 isolates (Escherichia coli, Pasteurella multocida, Mannheimia haemolytica, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter agglomerans, and Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium) were identified in 20 of 144 (14%) cows with ACM and 0 of 156 control cows. Group-1 isolates were identified in 4.3, 9.1, and 42% of cows classified as having mild, moderate, and severe ACM, respectively. Escherichia coli and K pneumoniae milk and blood isolates obtained from the same cow were of the same genotype. Bacillus spp were identified in 21 of 144 (15%) cows with ACM, which was significantly more than control cows (3/156; 1.9%). Thirty-five percent of cows with a group-1 isolate died during the mastitis episode. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that bacteremia develops in a substantial proportion of cows with ACM. Classification of severity of disease is important for establishment of effective treatment protocols; parenteral antimicrobial treatment may be indicated in cows with ACM.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed2001

Use of systemic disease signs to assess disease severity in dairy cows with acute coliform mastitis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of systemic disease signs for classifying severity of acute coliform mastitis in dairy cows. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. ANIMALS: 144 dairy cows. PROCEDURE: Cows were examined at the time of initial identification of disease (time 0) and classified as having mild, moderate, or severe disease on the basis of rectal temperature, hydration status, rumen contraction rate, and attitude. A CBC and serum biochemical analyses were performed, and milk samples were submitted for bacterial culture at time 0 and 48 hours later. RESULTS: 69 cows were classified as having mild disease, 44 as having moderate disease, and 31 as having severe disease. Median WBC and neutrophil counts were significantly lower in cows with moderate or severe disease at time 0 than in cows with mild disease. Band neutrophil count was significantly higher at 48 hours and serum calcium concentration was significantly lower at time 0 and at 48 hours in cows with severe or moderate disease, compared with cows with mild disease. Twenty-eight, 51, and 77% of cows with mild, moderate, and severe disease, respectively, had > 100,000 colony-forming units/ml of milk at time 0. The odds that a cow with severe disease would die or be culled were 3.6 times the odds for a cow with moderate disease and 11.2 times the odds for a cow with mild disease. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that a classification scheme based on readily observable systemic disease signs can be used to classify disease severity in cows with acute coliform mastitis.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed2001

Involvement of microbial respiratory pathogens in acute interstitial pneumonia in feedlot cattle.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate viral and bacterial respiratory pathogens and Mycoplasma spp isolated from lung tissues of cattle with acute interstitial pneumonia (AIP) and cattle that had died as a result of other causes. SAMPLE POPULATION: 186 samples of lung tissues collected from cattle housed in 14 feedlots in the western United States. PROCEDURE: Lung tissues were collected during routine postmortem examination and submitted for histologic, microbiologic, and toxicologic examinations. Histologic diagnoses were categorized for AIP, bronchopneumonia (BP), control samples (no evidence of disease), and other disorders. RESULTS: Cattle affected with AIP had been in feedlots for a mean of 1272 days before death, which was longer than cattle with BP and control cattle. Detection of a viral respiratory pathogen (eg, bovine respiratory syncytial virus [BRSV], bovine viral diarrhea virus, bovine herpesvirus 1, or parainfluenza virus 3) was not associated with histologic category of lung tissues. Bovine respiratory syncytial virus was detected in 8.3% of AIP samples and 24.0% of control samples. Histologic category was associated with isolation of an aerobic bacterial agent and Mycoplasma spp. Cattle with BP were at greatest risk for isolation of an aerobic bacterial agent and Mycoplasma spp. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Analysis of these results suggests that AIP in feedlot cattle is not a consequence of infection with BRSV. The increased, risk of isolation of an aerobic bacterial agent from cattle with AIP, compared with control cattle, may indicate a causal role or an opportunistic infection that follows development of AIP.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Association of 3-methyleneindolenine, a toxic metabolite of 3-methylindole, with acute interstitial pneumonia in feedlot cattle.

OBJECTIVE: To compare concentrations of 3-methyleneindolenine (3MEIN) in lung tissues obtained from feedlot cattle that died as a result of acute interstitial pneumonia (AIP) and cattle that died as a result of other causes and to compare blood concentrations of 3MEIN in healthy feedlot cattle and feedlot cattle with AIP. STUDY POPULATION: Blood samples and lung tissues collected from 186 cattle housed in 14 feedlots in the western United States. PROCEDURE: Samples of lung tissues were collected during routine postmortem examination and submitted for histologic, microbiologic, and toxicologic examination. Blood samples were collected from cattle with clinical manifestations of AIP and healthy penmates. Histologic diagnoses were categorized as AIP, bronchopneumonia (BP), control samples, and other disorders. Concentrations of 3MEIN were determined in lung tissues and blood samples, using an ELISA. RESULTS: Concentrations of 3MEIN in lung tissues were significantly greater in AIP and BP samples, compared with control samples. Absorbance per microgram of protein did not differ between BP and AIP samples. Blood concentrations of 3MEIN were significantly greater in cattle with AIP, compared with healthy cattle or cattle with BP. Odds of an animal with AIP being a heifer was 3.1 times greater than the odds of that animal being a steer. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Increased pulmonary production of 3MEIN may be an important etiologic factor in feedlot-associated AIP.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Effects of water sulfate concentration on performance, water intake, and carcass characteristics of feedlot steers.

Two hundred forty single-source, cross-bred steers (304 kg) were used to evaluate the effects of various water sulfate concentrations on performance, water intake, and carcass characteristics of feedlot steers. Cattle were stratified by weight and assigned within weight blocks to five water treatments. Averaged over time, actual water sulfate concentrations (+/- SEM) were 136.1 (+/- 6.3), 291.2 (+/- 15.3), 582.6 (+/- 16.9), 1,219.2 (+/- 23.7), and 2,360.4 (+/- 68.2) mg/L, respectively. Weather-related data were recorded. Increasing water sulfate concentration resulted in linear decreases in ADG (P < 0.01) and gain:feed ratio (P < 0.01) and a quadratic effect on water intake (P = 0.02) and tended to quadratically increase then decrease DMI (P = 0.13). Sulfate x period interactions were evident for DMI (P = 0.01), ADG (P < 0.01), and feed efficiency (P < 0.01). Time had quadratic effects on DMI, water intake, ADG, and feed efficiency (P < 0.01 for all models). Increasing water sulfate concentration resulted in linear decreases in final weight, hot carcass weight, and dressing percentage, a linear increase in longissimus muscle area, and a quadratic effect on fat thickness over the 12th rib and predicted yield grade (P < 0.05 for all dependent variables). Mean daily temperature explained 25.7% of the observed variation in water intake. Other factors that explained a significant (P < 0.01) amount of variation in water intake were BW, DMI, water sulfate concentration, barometric pressure, wind speed, and humidity. High water sulfate concentrations had a significant and deleterious effect on performance and carcass characteristics of feedlot steers. Increasing the sulfate concentration in water may have resulted in a functional water restriction early in the trial when ambient temperatures were greatest. However, toward the latter stages of the trial, cattle supplied higher-sulfate water had higher ADG and FE. These improvements later in the trial may represent compensatory gain associated with decreased ambient temperature and water requirements. Averaged over time, a water sulfate concentration of greater than 583 mg/L, equivalent to 0.22% of the diet, decreased feedlot performance.

Age Factors↗

PubMed2000

Biosecurity practices of beef cow-calf producers.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate biosecurity practices of cow-calf producers. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SAMPLE POPULATION: 2,713 cow-calf operations were used in phase 1 of the study, and 1,190 cow-calf operations were used in phase 2. PROCEDURE: Producers were contacted for a personal interview between Dec 30, 1996 and Feb 3, 1997 regarding their management practices. Noninstitutional operations with 1 or more beef cows were eligible to participate in the study. Producers who participated in the first phase of the study and who had > or = 5 beef cows were requested to continue in the study and were contacted by a veterinarian or animal health technician who administered further questionnaires. All contacts for the second phase of the study were made between Mar 3, 1997 and Apr 30, 1997. Additional data on use of various vaccines, testing of imported cattle for brucellosis, Mycobacterium paratuberculosis, bovine viral diarrhea, and tuberculosis as well as potential for feed contamination were collected during the second phase of the study. RESULTS: Producers commonly engaged in management practices that increased risk of introducing disease to their cattle such as importing cattle, failing to quarantine imported cattle, and communal grazing. Producers inconsistently adjusted for the increased risk of their management practices by increasing the types of vaccines given, increasing the quarantine time or proportion of imported animals quarantined, or increasing testing for various diseases in imported animals. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Cow-calf herds are at risk for disease exposure from outside sources when cattle are introduced to the herd, and producers do not always adjust management practices such as vaccination schedules and quarantine procedures appropriately to minimize this risk. Veterinary involvement in education of producers regarding biosecurity risks and development of rational and economical biosecurity plans is needed.

Animal Feed↗

PubMed1999

Serum copper concentrations in beef cows and heifers.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize serum copper status of cows and heifers in beef cow-calf herds throughout the United States and to evaluate use of copper supplements in those herds. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. ANIMALS: 2,007 cows and heifers from 256 herds in 18 states. PROCEDURES: Producers participating in a health and management survey conducted as part of the National Animal Health Monitoring System voluntarily allowed serum samples to be obtained from cows and heifers for determination of copper concentration. Results were categorized as deficient, marginally deficient, or adequate. The proportion of cattle and herds (on the basis of mean value of the tested cattle) in each category was determined. Copper concentrations were compared between herds that reportedly used copper supplements and those that did not. RESULTS: Overall, 34 of 2,007 (1.7%) cows and heifers were deficient in copper, and 781 (38.9%) were marginally deficient. In each region, at least a third of the cattle were deficient or marginally deficient. For herds, 92 of 256 (35.9%) were marginally deficient, and 22 (0.8%) were deficient. Approximately half of the producers reported use of copper supplements, but a sizeable proportion of those producers' cattle and herds were classified as marginally deficient or deficient. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Copper deficiency is not restricted to a single geographic region of the United States. Copper deficiency can persist despite reported use of supplements by producers. Veterinarians dealing with beef cow-calf herds that have problems consistent with copper deficiency should not rule out copper deficiency solely on the basis of geographic region or reported use of copper supplements for the herd.

Animal Feed↗

PubMed1998

Idiopathic eosinophilic enteritis in four cattle.

Four cattle had chronic diarrhea and had lost weight but were not anorectic or dehydrated. A diagnosis of eosinophillic enteritis was made on the basis of a combination of clinical and histopathologic findings and exclusion of other diseases. Eosinophilia and hypoalbuminemia were not detected in CBC analyses. Gross and histologic examination of the small intestine revealed edema, diffuse eosinophilic inflammation (> 20 eosinophils/HPF [400 x]), and regional lymphadenopathy. A causative agent was not identified in any of the cattle. Treatment consisting of a 1-month course of systemically administered corticosteroids was attempted in 2 cattle and was apparently successful in both. Diagnostic criteria for eosinophilic enteritis have not been established for cattle and, therefore, the diagnosis was subjective. This disease resembled paratuberculosis (Johne's disease) in clinical appearance but was distinguished on the basis of a lack of a contagious etiologic agent and differences in histologic appearance.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

PubMed1998

Characterization of plasma immunoglobulin G concentrations of llamas.

OBJECTIVE: To develop appropriate reference ranges for plasma IgG concentrations of llamas. ANIMALS: 643 llamas on 5 farms. PROCEDURE: Plasma IgG concentration was measured by using a single radial immunodiffusion assay kit. Farm of origin, age, body condition score, and sex were recorded for each llama. The effect of each factor on plasma IgG concentration was evaluated separately, using ANOVA; the association between age and IgG concentration was evaluated, using linear regression. Multivariable regression models were developed to examine concurrent effects of age, sex, body condition score, farm, and various interactions on IgG concentration. RESULTS: The IgG concentrations were between 127 and 3,969 mg/dl. In llamas < 12 months old, farm of origin accounted for 29% of variability for IgG concentration. Reference range for plasma IgG concentrations in llamas < 12 months old was 391 to 2,357 mg/dl; for llamas > 12 but < 28 months old was 771 to 2,796 mg/dl; and for llamas > 28 months old was 570 to 3,264 mg/dl. These ranges were applicable only for the kit used in this study. CONCLUSIONS: Healthy llamas have a wide range of IgG concentrations. Determinants of IgG concentration are multifactorial, and their importance varies with age of the llamas. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The wide range of IgG concentrations observed in healthy llamas and the influence that age and farm may have on IgG concentrations indicate that a result for one specific llama should be interpreted in relation to those of its herdmates.

Aging↗

PubMed1998

Atrioventricular septal defects in three llamas (Lama glama).

Two half-sibling neonatal llamas (Lama glama) and one unrelated adult llama were presented with various complaints, including failure to thrive, respiratory distress, and excessive recumbency. The related camelids were born in successive years to the same dam but from unrelated sires. Thoracic auscultation revealed significant systolic and diastolic murmurs on both sides of the chest in all three llamas, and arterial blood gas evaluation revealed hypoxemia in two llamas. Echocardiographic examinations revealed large atrioventricular septal (AVS) defects in all three llamas. Two llamas were euthanized after diagnosis and the third died 4 mo later. Postmortem examination confirmed large AVS defects in all animals. There also was marked cardiomegaly in each animal. The discovery of such a cardiac anomaly in these three camelids suggests that it may be common in this species and may have a genetic basis.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Surgical and nonsurgical correction of uterine torsion in New World camelids: 20 cases (1990-1996).

OBJECTIVE: To report clinical findings for New World comelids with uterine torsion and to compare results of 3 methods of correction. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 11 llamas and 3 alpacas with 20 uterine torsions. PROCEDURE: Information concerning history, clinical signs, management, and postpartum complications was retrieved from medical records. Information concerning subsequent reproductive performance was obtained by telephone interview of owners. RESULTS: Uterine torsion was corrected by celiotomy (n = 7); transvaginal manipulation (5), or rolling the dam (8). Direction of 19 of 20 torsions was clockwise when viewed from the rear. Retention of fetal membranes was reported for 5 camelids that underwent celiotomy, but was not reported in camelids after nonsurgical correction. The uterus prolapsed in 1 llama that underwent celiotomy and in another that underwent the rolling technique. Although 2 camelids that underwent celiotomy subsequently failed to conceive, all camelids treated by nonsurgical techniques conceived. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Uterine torsion in camelids may be diagnosed by methods similar to those used in cattle. Surgical and nonsurgical methods can be used to correct torsion, and postpartum complications are rare when torsion is corrected by a nonsurgical method.

Abdomen↗

PubMed1996

Gravel obstruction in the abomasum or duodenum of two cows.

Two Holstein cows from dry lot dairies were evaluated because of clinical signs of depression, anorexia, and decreased milk production. Bilateral abdominal distention and decreased fecal output were found on physical examination. Results of serum biochemical analyses indicated that the cows had severe hypochloremic, hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis. On the basis of physical examination and laboratory findings, an obstruction of the abomasum or cranial portion of the small intestine was suspected in these cows and abdominal exploratory surgery was performed. A mass of gravel was found in the pyloric antrum of the abomasum of 1 cow and the descending duodenum of the other cow. The duodenal obstruction was removed by enterotomy, and the pyloric mass was manually reduced during surgery. The cows were treated with antibiotics and isotonic saline solution (NaCl) supplemented with potassium chloride and recovered quickly after surgery.

Abomasum↗

PubMed1996

Tooth root abscesses in New World camelids: 23 cases (1972-1994).

OBJECTIVE: To determine typical clinical and radiographic findings in a group of New World camelids with tooth root abscesses and to determine outcome after medical and surgical treatment. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 23 llamas and alpacas with radiographic and clinical evidence of tooth root abscesses. PROCEDURE: Disease history, signalment, physical and radiographic examination findings, bacteriologic culture results, treatment, and short-term and long-term outcome were retrieved from the medical records. RESULTS: Local swelling was the most common clinical abnormality in camelids with tooth root abscesses. Mandibular molars were affected most commonly, and bacteriologic culture of samples from lesions often revealed facultative anaerobic bacteria. Antibiotic treatment for at least 30 days, surgical extraction of the affected tooth, and a root canal procedure were used successfully to treat tooth root abscesses. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Both surgical and medical treatment of tooth root abscesses may lead to successful resolution of clinical signs in New World camelids.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Forestomach acidosis in six New World camelids.

Forestomach acidosis was diagnosed in 2 llamas and 4 alpacas. All were young, group-housed, sexually intact males. Clinical signs included forestomach atony, lethargy, ataxia, diarrhea, and tachycardia. Forestomach distention was observed in only 1 llama. Clinicopathologic abnormalities included low forestomach fluid pH, hyperchloremia, hypokalemia, and metabolic acidosis. Although camelids differ from domestic ruminants in typical management practices and behavioral, anatomic, and physiologic characteristics, they are, nonetheless, susceptible to forestomach acidosis. Gastric fluid analysis was essential for an accurate diagnosis. Four of 6 camelids recovered after PO and IV treatment with alkalinizing agents and fluids, antibiotics, and thiamine.

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗