Global context, generic tools.
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Animals↗
Biomedical subjects
S W J Reid
Publications and source records attributed to S W J Reid.
Haptoglobin concentrations in a canine hospital population.
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Acute-Phase Reaction↗
Sequence variants of bovine papillomavirus E5 detected in equine sarcoids.
The equine sarcoid, one of the most common dermatological lesions in equids, is a benign, locally invasive dermal fibroblastic lesion. Previous studies have suggested an association with two bovine papilloma virus (BPV) types, BPV-1 and BPV-2. In the present study, we examined sarcoids from horses from two geographical areas, Switzerland and the UK, for the major transforming gene of BPV, E5. We detected BPV DNA for the E5 open reading frame and viral E5 RNA transcripts in most sarcoids. Sequence analysis of the E5 open reading frame of sarcoid-associated BPV detected several unique DNA sequence variants, three of which resulted in sarcoid specific amino acid sequence variations. It is unclear if these sequence variants contribute to the unique clinical presentation of the sarcoid. However, our work provides further evidence of the association between BPV and sarcoid development and the direct involvement of the virus in the pathogenesis of sarcoids.
Animals↗
Association of bovine papillomavirus with the equine sarcoid.
The equine sarcoid, a locally aggressive, fibroblastic skin tumour, is the most common dermatological neoplasm reported in horses; there is no consistently effective therapy. It is widely accepted that bovine papillomavirus (BPV) types 1 and 2 are associated with the pathogenesis of sarcoid disease. Most sarcoids appear to contain detectable viral DNA and RNA and are also known to express the BPV types 1 and 2 major transforming protein, E5, but appear not to produce infectious virions. While the mode of transmission of infection has not been elucidated, viral gene expression, in particular of E5, may contribute to virus persistence and disease pathogenesis by downregulating MHC class I expression. Here, the pathology and epidemiology of the sarcoid and its association with BPV is reviewed; the transforming functions of the BPV oncoproteins and their possible role in sarcoid pathogenesis are discussed; and the practical implications of BPV infection for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes are considered.
Animals↗
Kitten mortality in the United Kingdom: a retrospective analysis of 274 histopathological examinations (1986 to 2000).
The postmortem findings in 274 kittens were reviewed. The kittens were grouped by age at death: perinatal (< one day), neonatal (one to 14 days), preweaning (15 to 34 days) and postweaning (35 to 112 days); 203 (74 per cent) of the kittens were postweaning and 38 (14 per cent) were preweaning. Infectious disease was identified in 55 per cent of the kittens, and 71 per cent of the infectious disease was viral and detected significantly more frequently in rescue shelter kittens than in kittens from private homes. Twenty-five per cent of all kitten mortality was due to feline parvovirus (FPV). During the neonatal and preweaning periods, the main viral infections were feline herpesvirus and calicivirus. Feline infectious peritonitis caused the death of 17 kittens in the postweaning period. The rescue shelter kittens were significantly younger than the kittens from private homes (median survival 49 and 56 days) and were more likely to have FPV. The non-pedigree kittens were significantly younger than the pedigree kittens (42 v 56 days), and the pedigree kittens were significantly less likely to originate from rescue shelters. There was no significant difference between the age distribution of the male and female kittens. No diagnosis could be found in 33 per cent of the kittens, and this failure was correlated significantly with the submission of tissue samples as opposed to the whole carcase.
Age Factors↗
Risk factors for repeat-breeder syndrome in New South Wales dairy cows.
A retrospective case-control study involving 1041 cow lactations from 10 commercial dairy herds in Australia determined relationships between biographic, production, reproductive and disease factors and repeat-breeder syndrome (RBS) (conception to greater than two inseminations). The study population was stratified into primiparous- and multiparous-cow sub-groups and logistic regression was used. Effects of herd were examined by including this variable alternatively as a fixed and a random effect. In the primiparous-cow fixed-effect model, the risk of RBS was increased with post-calving metritis, stillbirth, and with increasing days taken to reach peak milk yield, and reduced following dystocia. An inverted U-shaped relationship with total milk-solids percentage at the time of first service was detected. In the multiparous-cow fixed-effect model, the risk of RBS was increased in cows with chronic metritis, cystic ovarian disease (COD), in cows of parity >5 and in cows that were sub-fertile in the previous lactation. Increasing days to first recorded heat (DFH) reduced risk of RBS and a non-linear relationship with average 120-day milk-protein percentage was found. When herd was fitted as a random effect, stillbirth and 120-day average milk-protein percentage were no longer significant in the primiparous and multiparous models, respectively. The study emphasises the need to control appropriately for the clustering effect of herd and supports the need to minimise periparturient disease and improve nutrient balance to achieve optimal fertility in dairy herds.
Age Factors↗
Treatment and therapeutic monitoring of canine hypothyroidism.
Thirty-one dogs with spontaneous hypothyroidism were treated with thyroid hormone replacement therapy (THRT) and monitored for approximately three months. Good clinical and laboratory control was ultimately achieved in all cases with a mean L-thyroxine (T4) dose of 0.026 mg/kg administered once daily. There was a significant increase and decrease in circulating total T4 and canine thyroid stimulating hormone (cTSH) concentrations, respectively, after starting THRT. After commencing treatment, 11 cases subsequently required an increase and three cases required a decrease in dose to achieve optimal clinical control. Median (semi interquartile range [SIR]) circulating six-hour post-pill total T4 (53.6 [27.91 nmol/litre) and cTSH (0.03 [0] microg/litre) concentrations were significantly increased and decreased, respectively, in treated dogs that did not require a dose change; corresponding values in treated dogs in which an increase in dose was required were 29.3 (12.7) nmol/litre and 0.15 (0.62) microg/litre, respectively. However, circulating cTSH measurement was of limited value in assessing therapeutic control because, although increased values were associated with inadequate therapy, reference range cTSH values were common in inadequately treated dogs. Lethargy and mental demeanour were typically the first clinical signs to improve, with significant bodyweight reduction occurring within two weeks of commencing THRT. Routine clinicopathological monitoring was of value in confirming a general metabolic response to THRT, but was of limited value in accurately monitoring cases or tailoring therapy in individual cases.
Animals↗
The epidemiology of subfertility in non-seasonal calving dairy herds in the Camden region of New South Wales: description of population and incidence.
OBJECTIVE: To describe biographic, reproductive, production and disease characteristics of 965 Holstein cows from 10 non-seasonal calving dairy herds in the Camden region of New South Wales, and to describe the incidence of subfertility, that is, conception requiring > 2 inseminations, in this population. DESIGN: A retrospective epidemiologic study. METHODS: Computer records were used to determine biographic, reproductive, production and disease characteristics in all lactations that commenced between 1 July 1995 and 30 June 1996 and resulted in conception during that lactation. Differences in these characteristics among herds and between primiparous and multiparous cows were examined. The lactational incidence of subfertility for lactations commencing during the study period was determined. RESULTS: Ten herds with appropriate records and management structures entered the study. Herd size ranged from 86 to 203 lactating cows. Nutritional and reproductive management of these herds was typical of smaller pasture-based herds within the study region. Records from 1320 cows were available, of which 965 were considered suitable for descriptive analysis. Monthly variations in number of cows calving were noted, with number of lactations commenced by primiparous and multiparous cows peaking in January and October, respectively. Significant (P < 0.001) inter-herd differences for all reproductive, disease and milk production outcomes were detected for both the entire population and within primiparous and multiparous subgroups. Of 1041 cows submitted for insemination, 76 failed to conceive. The lactational incidence rate (LIR) of subfertility in all lactations was 21.1% (95% CI 19-24%). and among all cows conceiving was 22.8% (95% Cl 20-25%). The LIR of subfertility in primipara was 24.1% (95% Cl 19-28%) and varied widely between herds (10%-40%). The LIR of subfertility in multipara was 22.2% (95% Cl 20-25%) and also varied widely between herds (7%-46%). CONCLUSION: Parity and herd of origin should be considered in any further analyses of these data.
Animals↗
The epidemiology of subfertility in non-seasonal calving dairy herds in the Camden region of New South Wales: preliminary investigation of risk factors.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate relationships between biographic, reproductive, production and disease traits and subfertility among 965 Holstein cows from 10 non-seasonal calving dairy herds in the Camden region of New South Wales. DESIGN: A retrospective case-control study METHODS: Biographical, disease and reproductive data were collated from computerised records for cows with lactations that commenced between 1 July 1995 and 30 June 1996 and univariable and bivariable associations with subfertility were determined. RESULTS: Records from 965 cows that conceived were considered for risk factor analyses. Associations between subfertility and a number of risk factors (P < 0.3) were detected. Significant (P < 0.05) risk factors for subfertility in multiparous cows included herd of origin and, after controlling for the effect of herd, subfertility in the previous lactation, greater than 62 days dry, parity greater than five, interval between calving and first recorded heat, metritis and cystic ovarian disease. Herd of origin and, after controlling for herd effects, dystocia, metritis and percentage of milk fat plus protein at the time of first service were significant (P < 0.05) risk factors for subfertility in primiparous cows. The direction and magnitude of these associations are presented. CONCLUSION: Subfertility has a similar rate of occurrence in the herds examined to that reported overseas. Although herd of origin has a substantial effect on individual risk of subfertility, cow-level risk factors for subfertility are likely to exist. Exposures differ between primiparous and multiparous cows.
Animals↗
Predictive values, sensitivity and specificity of abdominal fluid variables in determining the need for surgery in horses with an acute abdominal crisis.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the predictive values, sensitivity and specificity of abdominal fluid variables associated with the need for surgery in horses with an acute abdominal crisis. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Two-hundred and thirty-six horses examined for signs of abdominal pain between January 1993 and June 1999. METHODS: Breed, age and gender of the horse and colour, total protein concentration and total nucleated cell count of an abdominal fluid sample were recorded. Colour of the abdominal fluid was classified as normal if it was yellow and transparent. Turbid fluid or fluid that was serosanguinous or other colours was classified as abnormal. Protein concentration < or = 20 g/L and a total nucleated cell count < or = 5 x 10(9) cells/L were considered normal and values above these were considered abnormal. An abdominal fluid sample was classified as abnormal if one or more of the three variables were considered abnormal. Cases were defined as surgical when lesions identified at surgery or necropsy examination would not have resolved with medical treatment alone. Cases were defined as medical in horses that survived without surgical intervention, and those with a lesion found at surgery or necropsy that would have resolved with medical treatment alone. A third category was identified during the study as those diagnosed with Actinobacillus equuli--induced peritonitis. These horses were included in the study but not in the data analysis. DATA ANALYSIS: The association between the sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive value of colour, total protein, and total nucleated cell count in the abdominal fluid and the need for surgery was calculated. RESULTS: There were 100 females and 136 males of mixed breeds, ranging from 3 days to 26 years of age that had an abdominocentesis performed during the specified period. There were 97 horses with a lesion classified as surgical, 91 horses with a lesion classified as medical and 48 horses with a diagnosis of A equuli-induced peritonitis. Colour of the abdominal fluid was recorded in all horses, protein concentration was recorded in 194 horses and total nucleated cell count was recorded in 179 horses. Abnormal abdominal fluid colour had a sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of 92%, 74%, 79% and 89% respectively, associated with the need for surgery. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for a serosanguinous abdominal fluid sample associated with the need for surgery were 48%, 99%, 98% and 64% respectively. Abnormal abdominal fluid protein concentration had a sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of 86%, 75%, 77% and 85% respectively, associated with the need for surgery. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value associated with the need for surgery in horses with an abnormal total nucleated cell count in the abdominal fluid were 59%, 75%, 67% and 67%, respectively. An abdominal fluid sample classified as abnormal had a sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of 92%, 74%, 79% and 89% respectively, associated with the need for surgery. CONCLUSION: Results of this study suggest that abdominal fluid sample analysis contributes to the decision to proceed to surgery, but is not a diagnostic panacea. Colour and protein concentration of abdominal fluid were the most useful variables in abdominal fluid for differentiating medical and surgical lesions. Colour and protein had a greater value in horses with a disease likely to respond to medical treatment (negative predictive value) than those with a lesion requiring surgery (positive predictive value) except when the fluid was serosanguinous. Abdominal fluid colour and protein are clinically relevant and easily measured in the field, providing immediate information without the need for sophisticated laboratory techniques.
Abdomen, Acute↗
Sea lice infestations on farmed Atlantic salmon in Scotland and the use of ectoparasitic treatments.
A recently compiled national database on sea lice infestations on farmed Atlantic salmon, contains detailed records for the period 1996 to 2000 from over 30 commercial sites on the west coast of Scotland. The data indicate that the two prevalent species of lice, Lepeophtheirus salmonis and Caligus elongatus, have different trends in abundance and distinctive seasonal patterns of infestation on farmed salmon. For the economically important species L salmonis, its abundance on fish varies with the time of the production cycle, the time of year and the particular year. Weekly fluctuations in sea lice counts indicate that treatment can be very effective in controlling infestations but that the counts recover rapidly and regular treatments are necessary to ensure control. A comparison of sites using medium or large numbers of treatments suggests that they do not reduce sea lice infestations to the same levels. There is also evidence that sites using treatments based on different chemical constituents had significantly different levels of infestation.
Animals↗