There are several non-steroidal intra-articular therapeutics (NSIATs) available for use by equine practitioners for the treatment of performance-limiting joint-related pathology. Information is limited on perceived clinical efficacy, recommended treatment protocols, and associated complications. Our objective with this cross-sectional survey was to investigate the current clinical usage of NSIATs by equine practitioners. An electronic cross-sectional convenience survey inquiring about the use of steroidal and NSIATS (platelet-rich plasma, autologous conditioned serum, autologous protein solution, cellular therapies, and polyacrylamide hydrogel) was distributed internationally to equine practitioners. A total of 353 surveys were completed. NSIATs were used by 87.5% of the participants. Corticosteroids and hyaluronic acid remain the intra-articular therapeutic of choice among practitioners, followed by autologous conditioned serum, platelet-rich plasma and autologous conditioned protein. Polyacrylamide hydrogel was the least used. Practitioners were more likely to use NSIATs if their caseload was > 50% equine (P < 0.001), they treated more than 10 horses intra-articularly per month (P < 0.001), and horses treated were considered English sport horses (P = 0.02). Years in practice and practice location did not influence the use of NSIATs. One of the most common reasons why NSIATs were chosen was to treat acute articular pathologies. As survey limitations, answers to questions regarding clinical response and complication rates were based on subjective estimation and practitioners recall, not clinical records. In conclusion, corticosteroids remain the most widely used intra-articular therapeutic. Among the NSIATs, blood-based products are more commonly used by practitioners, followed by cellular and synthetic products. Equine practitioners frequently use NSIATs, choosing to treat acute joint pathology more than previously reported.

Objectives Phage–gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) constructs with potential contraceptive properties were generated in our previous study via selection from a phage display library using neutralizing GnRH antibodies as selection targets. In mice, these constructs invoked the production of antibodies against GnRH and suppressed serum testosterone. The goal of this study was to evaluate this vaccine against GnRH for its potential to suppress reproductive characteristics in cats. Methods Sexually mature male cats were injected with a phage–GnRH vaccine using the following treatment groups: (1) single phage–GnRH vaccine with adjuvant; (2) phage–GnRH vaccine without adjuvant and half-dose booster 1 month later; or (3) phage–GnRH vaccine with adjuvant and two half-dose boosters with adjuvant 3 and 6 months later. Anti-GnRH antibodies and serum testosterone, testicular volume and sperm characteristics were evaluated monthly for 7–9 months. Results All cats developed anti-GnRH antibodies following immunization. Serum antibody titers increased significantly after booster immunizations. In group 3, serum testosterone was suppressed 8 months after primary immunization. Total testicular volume decreased in group 1 by 24–42% and in group 3 by 15–36% at 7 months after immunization, indicating potential gonadal atrophy. Vacuolation of epididymides was observed histologically. Although all cats produced sperm at the conclusion of the study, normal morphology was decreased as much as 38%. Phage alone produced no local or systemic reactions. Immunization of phage with AdjuVac produced unacceptable injection site reactions. Conclusions and relevance Our phage-based vaccine against GnRH demonstrated a potential for fertility impairment in cats. Future research is required to optimize vaccine regimens and identify animal age groups most responsive to the vaccine. If permanent contraception (highly desirable in feral and shelter cats) cannot be achieved, the vaccine has a potential use in zoo animals or pets where multiple administrations are more practical and/or reversible infertility is desirable.

OBJECTIVE:To assess the performance of an active patient-warming device.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Temperatures of an active patient-warming device (HotDog system) were measured at various time points using an infrared thermometer. The study was conducted in two phases: Phase 1 compared temperatures among four different areas of the warming blanket. Phase 2 compared conditions simulating different scenarios using a weighted patient simulator.RESULTS:Phase 1: Three out of four positions on the warming blanket had significantly different temperature measurements. Phase 2: Temperature output by the warming blanket was reduced: (1) in the absence of the patient simulator placed across the blanket (-1·9°C, P=0·013); (2) if the patient simulator was placed away from the blanket sensor (-2·0°C, P=0·009); and (3) if there was fluid between the patient simulator and warming blanket (-2·2°C, P=0·004). In a majority of measurements (95%), the set temperature of 43°C on the control unit was not reached (range, 29·8 to 42·9°C) and 2·3% of measurements were higher (range, 43·1 to 45·8°C) than the control unit set temperature of 43°C.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:Measured temperatures on the active warming blanket did not reflect control unit settings. This could result in the potential for hyperthermic injury, ineffectual heating and uneven heat distribution.

Overpopulation of free-roaming and wildlife animals negatively affects economy and public health in many parts of the world. Contraceptive vaccines are viewed as a valuable option for reducing numbers of unwanted animals. This study develops vaccines for potential use in animal contraception exploiting a DNA platform. Objectives of the study were to generate DNA constructs directed against gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRHR), a crucial molecular player in animal reproduction, and characterize them for ability to promote immune responses and suppression of reproductive parameters in vivo. DNA constructs were created to encode for a recombinant protein composed of two domains: GnRHR, the target antigen, and ubiquitin (Ub), a support protein. Ub-GnRHR constructs administered intramuscularly or intradermally or containing different promoters were compared. CMV and EF1α promoters were shown to be superior to CAG. In fertility trials, mice immunized intradermally with Ub-GnRHR construct driven by EF1α had a significantly lower number of fetuses. Importantly, the impaired fertility was achieved with a single DNA immunization and without the use of adjuvants. The study demonstrated for the first time that targeting the GnRH receptor with DNA-based vaccines could be a viable option for animal contraception.

The correlation between mechanical properties from the equine articular cartilage and signalment was investigated. Fresh articular cartilage of fetlock, carpus, and stifle were harvested from 12 deceased horses with information on the breed, age, sex, and weight within 4h of euthanasia for measurements. Seven indentation tests at different normalized displacements of 10, 20, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50% of the cartilage thickness were performed with a spherical probe indenting at 0.1mm/s velocity. The solid matrix of the cartilage was found to follow a hyper-elastic material behavior defined by Ogden; the solid phase aggregate modulus (Ea), hyperelastic material constant (α), and fluid load fraction (F′) of the cartilage were characterized. The characterized material properties were statistically analyzed using a mixed model ANOVA and Scheffe's test to check the correlation between the properties and signalment variables (breed, age, sex, and weight). There were correlations between both the solid phase aggregate modulus and age (p<0.0392) and weight (p<0.0375). The fluid load fraction also correlated with both age (p<0.0146) and weight (p<0.0003). Breed and sex were not statistically significant variables affecting the variation of theses material properties. No statistically significant correlations between the hyperelastic material constant and the signalment variables were observed.

Pseudorabies is a rarely reported disease of raccoons. Laboratory and field evidence of PRV infection suggests the raccoon is a "dead end" host with little opportunity for raccoon-to-raccoon spread of virus. All reported field cases have been associated closely with infected swine and swine have been considered the source of the raccoon infection. The clinical signs of PRV in raccoons closely resembles those of canine distemper and rabies virus infections. Infection with the latter viruses are considered more prevalent and likely to be mistaken for PRV infection. Both CD and rabies virus may be maintained in raccoon populations with raccoon-to-raccoon transfer while PRV may not. Differentiation of PRV, CD and rabies infections is best achieved by histopathologic analysis of lung and brain tissue, together with virus isolation. It is of utmost public health importance that wildlife authorities recognize the similarities between these diseases, together with the different epidemiologic behavior of the viruses and the means to differentiate clinical cases.

This study describes the effect of enteric biopsy closure orientation on circumference and volume of saline needed for leak testing. There were significant differences in circumference measurements at baseline, central circumference of longitudinally closed sites, and volume of saline for leak testing.

Degenerative joint disease (DJD) or osteoarthritis in the equine is largely a result of biomechanical stressors that result in inflammation within the joint, which with continual exposure, leads to progressive degeneration. A myriad of therapies are available for treatment of horses with DJD including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, physiological modifiers, and biological therapies. C-phycocyanin, a protein-bound pigment found in blue-green algae, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and is available as a diet supplement in people, dogs, and horses. Forty-one horses with naturally occurring lameness as a result of DJD were selected for this study. In a blinded study, horses were randomly assigned to either the commercial or placebo product that was fed once daily for 12 months. At selected time points, lameness evaluation was performed through objective gait analysis. Previous medical records for management of lameness were reviewed for all enrolled horses. No statistically significant differences existed within or between the two groups when gait was evaluated objectively nor within individual horses between time points. Review of medical records found that five treated horses had a decreased in frequency of intra-articular injection of corticosteroids. Although this study did not find statistically significant improvement of lameness with oral daily supplementation of C-phycocyanin in equine athletes, there appeared to be a trend of improvement in lameness during the loading period and a decrease in frequency of administration of intra-articular corticosteroids. Further investigations using a higher dose seem warranted. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Simultaneous administration of a nonselective COX inhibitor and a COX-2 specific NSAID has not been previously reported in horses. The goal of this study was to determine the safety of a 10-day dosage regimen of phenylbutazone and firocoxib, both at their standard dosages, in horses. Six horses were administered 2.2 mg/kg of phenylbutazone and 0.1 mg/kg of firocoxib by mouth, daily for 10 days. Horses were assessed daily for changes in behavior, appetite, fecal consistency, signs of abdominal pain, and oral mucous membrane ulceration. Horses were assessed prior to and on the last day of treatment for changes in serum creatinine, albumin, total protein, and urine-specific gravity. Horses underwent endoscopic examination of the esophagus, stomach, and pylorus prior to and 24 hours after the last treatment. A significant change in serum creatinine and total protein was observed on day 10 of treatment. No other significant findings were noted during the experiment. Results indicated that co-administration of phenylbutazone and firocoxib may cause renal disease.

Objective-To determine the lowest ACTH dose that would induce a significant increase in serum cortisol concentration and identify the time to peak cortisol concentration in healthy neonatal foals.Design-Prospective randomized crossover study.Animals-11 healthy neonatal foals.Procedures-Saline (0.9% NaCl) solution or 1 of 4 doses (0.02, 0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 mu g/kg [0.009, 0.045, 0.114, and 0.227 mu g/lb]) of cosyntropin (synthetic ACTH) was administered IV. Serum cortisol concentrations were measured before and 10, 20, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, and 240 minutes after administration of cosyntropin or saline solution; CBCs were performed before and 30, 60, 120, and 240 minutes after administration.Results-Serum cortisol concentration was significantly increased, compared with baseline, by 10 minutes after cosyntropin administration at doses of 0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 mu g/kg. Serum cortisol concentration peaked 20 minutes after administration of cosyntropin at doses of 0.02, 0.1, and 0.25 mu g/kg, with peak concentrations 1.7, 2.0, and 1.9 times the baseline concentration, respectively. Serum cortisol concentration peaked 30 minutes after cosyntropin administration at a dose of 0.5 mu g/kg, with peak concentration 2.2 times the baseline concentration. No significant differences were detected among peak serum cortisol concentrations obtained with cosyntropin administration at doses of 0.25 and 0.5 mu g/kg. Cosyntropin administration significantly affected the lymphocyte count and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio.Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Results suggested that in healthy neonatal foals, the lowest dose of cosyntropin to result in significant adrenal gland stimulation was 0.25 mu g/kg, with peak cortisol concentration 20 minutes after cosyntropin administration.

In 2008, the US experienced a disruption in human rabies vaccine supplies, leading public health authorities to prioritize vaccine release for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and limit vaccine supplies for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PreEP) in high-risk groups. In 2008, the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) surveyed its member institutions on rabies vaccination policies and practices. Senior administrators at Colleges of Veterinary Medicine (CVMs) and departments of veterinary science and comparative medicine were asked to identify the person most knowledgeable about their institution's student rabies vaccination program. Respondents were asked to describe their policies and procedures for administering PreEP to veterinary medical students and staff and to estimate the annual demand for student and staff PreEP vaccine. Twenty-one CVMs responded. Twenty (95%) reported requiring PreEP of veterinary medical students and 16 (80%) of those 20 required vaccination upon matriculation. An estimated 7,309 doses of vaccine were required for PreEP of an estimated 2,436 first-year US veterinary medical students. Seventy-two percent of respondents administered PreEP in August, September, and October, coinciding with the highest public demand for PEP. CVMs should consider altering the timing of rabies vaccine administration to veterinary medical students and staff to other months, thereby helping to ensure that PEP rabies vaccine will be available to people with validated rabies exposures and to ensure that supplies will be available for PreEP of students and staff. AAVMC may wish to identify and support a point of coordination to facilitate the purchase and distribution of human rabies vaccine among its US member CVMs.

OBJECTIVE:To determine whether seasonal variations exist in endogenous plasma ACTH, plasma α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), serum cortisol, and serum insulin concentrations and in the results of a dexamethasone suppression test for older, clinically normal geldings in Alabama.DESIGN:Cohort study.ANIMALS:15 healthy mixed-breed geldings (median age, 14 years).PROCEDURES:Sample collection was repeated monthly for 12 months. Dexamethasone (0.04 mg/kg [0.02 mg/lb], IM) was administered and cortisol concentrations were determined at 15 and 19 hours. Radioimmunoassays were used to measure ACTH, α-MSH, cortisol, and insulin concentrations at each testing time. Hormone concentrations were compared between months via repeated-measures ANOVA and correlated with age within each month.RESULTS:A significant time effect was found between months for α-MSH and insulin concentrations. Endogenous cortisol and ACTH concentrations remained within existing reference ranges. Significant correlations were detected between age and ACTH concentration for several fall and winter months and between age and insulin concentration for September.CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE:Older horses have higher ACTH concentrations in several fall and winter months and higher insulin concentrations in September than do younger horses. Seasonally specific reference ranges are required for α-MSH and insulin concentrations, with significantly higher concentrations detected in the fall. Practitioners should be advised to submit samples only to local laboratories that can provide such reference ranges for their local geographic region.

OBJECTIVE:To determine the lowest ACTH dose that would induce a maximum increase in serum cortisol concentration in healthy adult horses and identify the time to peak cortisol concentration.DESIGN:Evaluation study.ANIMALS:8 healthy adult horses.PROCEDURES:Saline (0.9% NaCl) solution or 1 of 4 doses (0.02, 0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 μg/kg [0.009, 0.045, 0.114, and 0.227 μg/lb]) of cosyntropin (synthetic ACTH) were administered IV (5 treatments/horse). Serum cortisol concentrations were measured before and 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, and 240 minutes after injection of cosyntropin or saline solution; CBCs were performed before and 30, 60, 120, and 240 minutes after injection.RESULTS:For all 4 doses, serum cortisol concentration was significantly increased, compared with the baseline value, by 30 minutes after administration of cosyntropin; no significant differences were detected among maximum serum cortisol concentrations obtained in response to administration of doses of 0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 μg/kg. Serum cortisol concentration peaked 30 minutes after administration of cosyntropin at a dose of 0.02 or 0.1 μg/kg, with peak concentrations 1.5 and 1.9 times, respectively, the baseline concentration. Serum cortisol concentration peaked 90 minutes after administration of cosyntropin at a dose of 0.25 or 0.5 μg/kg, with peak concentrations 2.0 and 2.3 times, respectively, the baseline concentration. Cosyntropin administration significantly affected WBC, neutrophil, and eosinophil counts and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio.CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE:Results suggested that in healthy horses, administration of cosyntropin at a dose of 0.1 μg/kg resulted in maximum adrenal stimulation, with peak cortisol concentration 30 minutes after cosyntropin administration.

OBJECTIVE:To establish a protocol to collect temporal-spatial gait analysis variables by use of a portable walkway system in Labrador Retrievers at a walk and to determine reference values.ANIMALS:56 healthy Labrador Retrievers.PROCEDURES:6 passes across the walkway (3 passes in each direction) were recorded. Inclusion criteria for a pass were that the dog was at a walk (velocity, 60.0 to 90.0 cm/s) and had minimal head turning. The first 3 passes that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed for each dog.RESULTS:Mean stride length was 88.4 cm. Mean stance time (ST) of forelimbs and hind limbs was 0.62 and 0.56 seconds, respectively. Mean stance time percentage (ST%; proportion of stance time to total gait cycle time) for forelimbs and hind limbs was 55.6% and 50.2%, respectively. Mean total pressure index (TPI) of forelimbs and hind limbs was 27.1 and 17.4, respectively. Mean number of sensors (NS) activated by each paw strike of forelimbs and hind limbs was 17 and 13, respectively. Mean forelimb-to-hind limb symmetry ratios were 1.11 (ST), 1.10 (ST%), 1.62 (TPI), and 1.37 (NS). Symmetry ratios for left limbs to right limbs, left forelimb to right forelimb, and left hind limb to right hind limb were 1.00.CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE:A protocol for collection of temporal-spatial gait analysis variables with a portable walkway system in Labrador Retrievers at a walk was developed, and reference values for variables and symmetry ratios were reported. Further research will determine the extent to which symmetry ratios differ in dogs with orthopedic disorders.

A simplified technique for laparoscopic gastropexy (group 1) was compared to belt-loop gastropexy (group 2) in eight adult male dogs randomly divided into two groups of four dogs each. Our hypothesis was that a satisfactory laparoscopic gastropexy would approximate the strength and operative time required for belt-loop gastropexy. Operative time, surgical complications, postoperative morbidity, gross and histological appearance, radiographic microvascularization, and maximal tensile strength were measured and compared between the two groups. All dogs recovered from surgery. No morbidity was associated with either procedure. The mean (2SD) duration of surgery was 69.75 -t 7.23 minutes for group 1 and 58.75 2 7.63 minutes for group 2. Fifty days after surgery, the microvascular appearance of the gastropexy site was similar for both groups. Blood vessels were observed within each seromuscular flap but vascular ingrowth to the abdominal musculature was observed in only two dogs, one from each group. The maximum tensile strength at 50 days was 76.55 2 22.78 for group 1 and 109.21 t 22.29 N for group 2. Differences between surgical duration and maximum tensile strength were not statistically significant (P > .05). Histologically, all gastropexies consisted of an adhesion composed of dense fibrous connective tissue. The results of this study indicate that laparoscopic gastropexy provides a minimally invasive alternative to open abdominal prophylactic gastropexy in dogs. OCopyright 1996 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons

To meet long-term needs, many veterinary colleges and schools are participating in dual-degree DVM/MPH programs. Auburn University's College of Veterinary Medicine and the School of Public Health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have developed a coordinated-degree curriculum in which the DVM and the MPH are not necessarily awarded simultaneously. Other opportunities at Auburn include Public Health Careers Day, trips to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, several elective courses related to veterinary epidemiology, and online access to the Emerging and Exotic Diseases of Animals course available from the Veterinary Information Network. We have been able to increase our students' exposure to the role of the veterinarian in public health and to develop a program to augment their training in public practice.