Objective:To evaluate the feasibility of biotin labeling of caprine RBCs and determine the posttransfusion survival of allogenic fresh and stored RBCs in healthy goats. Methods:Fifteen 13- to 15-month-old nonlactating goats were randomly assigned to 3 groups (5/group). Each goat served as a donor and recipient and was administered a whole-blood transfusion from a randomly assigned herd mate. The RBCs in whole blood were biotin labeled. Group 1 goats were transfused with fresh biotin-labeled whole blood within 6 hours of collection. Group 2 and 3 goats were transfused with biotin-labeled whole blood stored at 4 °C for 14 and 28 days, respectively. Blood samples were collected at 15 minutes and 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after transfusion. Biotin-labeled RBCs were detected using flow cytometry, and their half-lives were determined using nonlinear regression. The study was conducted from June 10 through September 2, 2025. Results:Biotin-labeled RBCs were distinctly detected by flow cytometry. The half-lives of biotin-labeled RBCs in goats in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 4.6, 4.3, and 2.5 days, respectively. The half-lives of biotin-labeled RBCs in groups 1 and 2 were longer than in group 3 (Akaike information criterion difference, > 2). There was no difference in biotin-labeled RBC half-lives between groups 1 and 2 (Akaike information criterion difference, < 2). Conclusions:Biotin can be used to label caprine RBCs. The half-life of RBCs is affected by storage. Clinical Relevance:Blood storage for 28 days significantly reduces the half-life of biotin-labeled RBCs after transfusion.

There is an ever-growing need to maintain student engagement and optimize knowledge retention in higher education. To address this need, the use of digital game-based learning (DGBL) provides opportunities for instruction and assessments of students. The objectives of this study were to evaluate whether using a popular gamification model (Kahoot!) would positively affect students' learning in veterinary medical oncology during a small-group teaching session and to explore students' perceptions of this technology. A prospective, quantitatively driven study with a supplementary qualitative descriptive analysis of perceptions was performed. In this study, 145 fourth-year veterinary students were enrolled. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected to examine students' performances and perceptions within the DGBL environment. No significant differences were found in short-term or long-term retention for students who received DGBL tools compared with traditional quiz methods. Content retention decreased over time in both groups, regardless of the intervention received. However, DGBL was easy to use and perceived positively by students. No significant effect was found associated with the DGBL tool, however, this technology can diversify educational delivery and promote engagement. Future research could include investigating the impact of other factors, such as the time of year, rotation schedule, or clinical emphasis on student engagement and content retention.

BACKGROUND:Long-term freezing storage can alter the stability of proteins, thereby compromising accurate determination of indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) titers that support the diagnosis of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis. OBJECTIVE:Assess the effect of long-term storage at -80°C on IFAT against S. neurona and N. hughesi in equine serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). SAMPLES:Paired serum and CSF (n = 46), and serum only (n = 25) samples. METHODS:Prospective study of samples stored 6-12, 13-18, and 19-24 months. Comparing antibody titers across time points, McNemar and Wilcoxon rank tests were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS:After long-term freezing storage for 19-24 months, N. hughesi IFAT results for CSF were significantly different compared with their fresh-testing time point (p = 0.04), but a similar difference was not observed for serum samples. No statistical differences were observed for serum or CSF samples tested for S. neurona after 6-12, 13-18, or 19-24 months compared with their original fresh testing results. However, the serum to CSF ratio cutoff of ≤ 64 in support of disease changed in 41% (19 of 46) of paired samples. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE:Freezing samples at -80°C for more than 18 months might alter test results, leading to possible changes in serum to CSF ratio calculations and affecting the interpretation of results for clinical and research purposes.

Senecavirus A1 (SVA; Picornaviridae , Senecavirus valles ) infection causes an emerging infectious disease of swine that often leads to cutaneous vesicles on the snout and coronary bands and in the oral cavity of affected pigs, and causes epidemic transient neonatal loss in piglets. Virus isolation (VI) of SVA is required for viability testing, reference stock production, and monitoring virus evolution. We evaluated sampling and testing parameters leading to the successful propagation of SVA with a cross-sectional design based on 1,102 samples submitted to a reference laboratory. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between 16 variables and the outcome. When April was considered the reference month, the odds of SVA isolation failure were 17 and 100 times more likely during July and August, respectively. When foot samples were considered the referent, the odds of VI were 1.7 times more likely in unspecified samples. Compared to pooled samples, the odds of successful SVA isolation in individual samples were 8 and 45 times more likely in July and August, respectively. Laboratory parameters were not significantly associated with SVA isolation. The logistic model was moderately accurate (AUC = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.65–0.72%), suggesting that the model should be used cautiously for practical purposes. High environmental temperatures might negatively affect virus recovery. Using individual samples might improve SVA recovery when high ambient temperatures are recorded, as in the months of July and August.

BACKGROUND:Skin diseases in sheep are important animal health and production problems, especially in wool-producing sheep. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES:To document the type, signalment, associations and prevalence of skin disease in a referral hospital population. ANIMALS:Case population at a university veterinary medical teaching hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Retrospective study by searching computerised medical records of sheep examined between 1 January 1986 and 1 January 2021. KEYWORDS:'alopecia, Arcanobacterium pyogenes, Corynebacterium, Demodex, dermatitis, Dermatophilus, dermatophyte, ectoparasite, examination, fibre damage, foot rot, fungus, interdigital necrobacillosis, itching, lice, Malassezia, melanoma, mite, pruritus, rubbing, scabies, skin, SCC, squamous cell carcinoma, Staphylococcus, Trueperella pyogenes, wool break, wool loss'. RESULTS:Two thousand and two records, totalling 11,799 sheep, had the age, breed and sex reported. Older sheep were more likely to present with skin disease (p < 0.0001; standard deviation 36.6 ± 1.15 confidence interval). The American Merino, East Friesian, Rambouillet, Suffolk and Shetland breeds were at higher risk of developing skin disease (p < 0.0001). Males, whether rams or wethers, were more likely to present with skin disease than ewes (p = 0.0019). Owing to the lack of dermatological examination reported, the four largest flocks (a total of 7,892 sheep) were excluded from disease analysis. Of the remaining 3,907 sheep, 299 (7.6%) had skin disease recorded. The most common diagnoses made were pododermatitis, bacterial abscesses, squamous cell carcinoma and myiasis. Fifty-five of 299 sheep were presented primarily for nonskin disease. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE:Clinicians should include a dermatological examination in sheep regardless of the reason for presentation.

Objective:To determine the urolith trace elemental profile and the association of these elements with urolith type and animal variables. Methods:This was a cross-sectional study of 165 goat and 50 pig uroliths collected from urinary bladders from January 1, 1982, through December 31, 2020. Urolith mineral composition was determined using polarized light microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. Trace element analysis was determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The association between animal variables and trace element content was assessed. The strength of grouping effects of the elements within the uroliths was determined by cluster analysis. Results:Calcium carbonate (74 of 116 [63%]) and apatite (22 of 47 [47%]) were the most commonly identified urolith types in goats and pigs, respectively. The element with the highest concentrations in calcium carbonate uroliths in goats was calcium. Apatite-containing uroliths from pigs had phosphorous as the highest concentration element. Large goat breeds (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1 to 1.4) and non-pot-bellied pigs had higher odds (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2 to 2.0) of detection of trace elements. The combination of barium, calcium, sodium, and strontium in goats defined the most significant dissimilarity (divergence) within the calcium carbonate uroliths. In pigs, boron, potassium, sodium, and strontium combination defined the most significant dissimilarity within the apatite uroliths. Conclusions:Trace elements in combinations that defined significant dissimilarity among uroliths suggest an association between trace elements and urolith type. Clinical Relevance:Trace and macroelements should be analyzed in uroliths and feed to optimize dietary recommendations for urolithiasis prevention.

ABSTRACT Background Transfusion with fresh frozen plasma (FFP) or hetastarch 6% (HES) is an option for managing decreased colloid oncotic pressure (COP) associated with hypoproteinemia. The effectiveness of HES compared to plasma has not been reported in calves and goats. Hypothesis Hetastarch increases COP to levels similar to FFP. There will be no significant adverse clinicopathological changes after administration of HES. Animals Seven healthy preweaned calves and 7 juvenile goats from university herds. Methods Cohort, clinical trial in a two‐way crossover design. Hetastarch and FFP were administered intravenously at 10 and 20 mL/kg, respectively, once. Plasma COP was measured re‐transfusion, at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, 36, 72 h, and 7 days after each transfusion. Coagulation variables were analyzed pre‐transfusion, at 0, 24, and 72 h after transfusion. The effects of treatment and time on COP and coagulation variables were determined by multivariate analysis of variance. Results Transfusion with FFP and HES increased the COP in calves and goats, with FFP increasing the COP to a greater magnitude in calves (least square mean difference of 1.6 vs. 1 mmHg; p = 0.03) but not in goats (least square mean difference of 3.0 vs. 3.0 mmHg; p = 0.99). There were no significant changes (p > 0.05) in coagulation variables detected after transfusion with FFP or HES. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Hetastarch is an alternative colloid to FFP in calves and goats. Adverse changes were not observed in goats and calves after HES administration.

Colostrum feeding provides immunoglobulins, in a process called transfer of passive immunity, which is critical for dairy calf health and welfare. However, failure of transfer of passive immunity (FTPI) occurs in about 12% of calves nationwide. This study compares the prevalence of FTPI between calves raised on organic and conventional dairy farms, describes the colostral management practices on organic dairy farms in California, and recommends improvements. We compared serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations between calves raised on organic and conventional dairies and found that the odds of FTPI in calves raised in organic dairies were 2.5 times greater than in calves raised in conventional dairies. Focusing on varied practices in organic dairies, FTPI was 2.9 times more likely in calves fed less than 4 liters of colostrum within the first 24 hours, compared to calves fed more than that amount. We also found that organic dairy producers did not routinely monitor colostral IgG concentrations and passive immunity status. We recommend that organic dairy farmers adopt these practices to decrease the prevalence of FTPI in calves.

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of mixed-mode (hybrid and blended) learning on the inquiry process for veterinary students on clinical rotations. An exploratory sequential mixed methods design combining qualitative (focus group) and quantitative (questionnaire) data gathering was used. Deductive qualitative analysis was performed to evaluate ideas confirming the community-of-inquiry process as indicated by teaching, social, and cognitive presence. Inductive analysis was performed to evaluate ideas that did not fall under the community-of-inquiry presence. Likert scores and the proportions of different responses from the questionnaire were summarized. Seven students participated in the focus groups, whereas 60 completed the questionnaire. Thirty-one and 49 faculty members participated in the focus groups and completed the questionnaire, respectively. The components of community inquiry were present in the mixed-mode learning approach for students on clinical rotations. Emergent ideas that did not fit under cognitive, teaching, and social presences but directly or indirectly affected the inquiry process in mixed-mode learning included co-participation by students, flexibility for faculty, faculty well-being, and technical, administrative, and peer faculty support. Barriers to effective mixed-mode design of learning activities include a lack of training of clinical faculty, design misalignment between learning activities and rotation learning outcomes, and assessment of students. Implementing a well-designed institutional continuous education training program for clinical faculty on approaches to mixed-mode learning activities in clinical rotations, followed by an assessment of the training program's access, adoption, and quality, is required.

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the leading cause of mortality and antimicrobial drug (AMD) use in weaned dairy heifers. Limited information is available regarding antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in respiratory bacteria in this population. This study determined AMR gene presence in 326 respiratory isolates (Pasteurella multocida, Mannheimia haemolytica, and Histophilus somni) from weaned dairy heifers using whole genome sequencing. Concordance between AMR genotype and phenotype was determined. Twenty-six AMR genes for 8 broad classes of AMD were identified. The most prevalent, medically important AMD classes used in calf rearing, to which these genes predict AMR among study isolates were tetracycline (95%), aminoglycoside (94%), sulfonamide (94%), beta-lactam (77%), phenicol (50%), and macrolide (44%). The co-occurrence of AMR genes within an isolate was common; the largest cluster of gene co-occurrence encodes AMR to phenicol, macrolide, elfamycin, β-lactam (cephalosporin, penam cephamycin), aminoglycoside, tetracycline, and sulfonamide class AMD. Concordance between genotype and phenotype varied (Matthew’s Correlation Coefficient ranged from −0.57 to 1) by bacterial species, gene, and AMD tested, and was particularly poor for fluoroquinolones (no AMR genes detected) and ceftiofur (no phenotypic AMR classified while AMR genes present). These findings suggest a high genetic potential for AMR in weaned dairy heifers; preventing BRD and decreasing AMD reliance may be important in this population.

BACKGROUND:There is only limited information on the clinical presentation, medical management, and outcomes of hospitalized sheep diagnosed with bluetongue virus (BTV) disease.OBJECTIVES:To describe the signalment, history, clinical signs, clinicopathological findings, medical management, and clinical outcomes of sheep diagnosed with BTV disease.ANIMALS:Thirty-five hospitalized sheep with BTV disease.METHODS:Retrospective case series. Medical records from 1989 to 2021 were evaluated. History, signalment, clinical signs, laboratory test results, treatments, and outcomes were recorded.RESULTS:BTV disease was diagnosed from July to December, with a peak proportion (43%; 15/35) of diagnoses recorded in October. Pyrexia and anorexia, respiratory disease, vasculitis, coronitis and lameness, and ulcerative mucosal lesions were present in 71%, 71%, 66%, 49%, and 22% of sheep, respectively. BTV serotypes 10, 11, 13, and 17 were identified, with serotype 17 (75%) being the most frequent. Management of cases included administration of antimicrobials (89%), anti-inflammatories (77%), IV fluids (60%), vitamins (20%), proton-pump inhibitors (14%), diuretics (9%), and antioxidants (9%). Six ewes were pregnant on presentation, but none aborted. Six (17%) sheep died or were euthanized because of clinical deterioration, whereas 83% were discharged.CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE:The proportion of sheep that survived BTV disease after treatment was relatively high. Serotyping of BTV is recommended because of the mismatch between frequently identified serotypes and the serotype present in the vaccine.

OBJECTIVE:To determine the accuracy of a continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) device by comparing glucose concentrations measured over time as determined by the CGMS to those of the chemistry analyzer (reference method). ANIMALS:7 healthy goats and 7 dairy calves. METHODS:A randomized, crossover design with 3 treatments: control, hypoglycemia, and hyperglycemia. The CGMS device was applied to the neck. Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia were induced by insulin and xylazine, respectively. Glucose concentrations were measured by the chemistry analyzer CGMS, point-of-care glucometer, and intensive care unit machine at 0 (before treatment), 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 hours. Agreement between the CGMS and the chemistry analyzer was determined by Bland-Altman plots. The analytical and clinical accuracy of the CGMS was determined using the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 15197:2013 criteria and the Parkes error grid analysis. RESULTS:In goats, the CGMS overestimated glucose concentrations during the hypoglycemic, normoglycemia, and hyperglycemia treatments. In calves, the CGMS underestimated glucose concentrations during the hypoglycemic treatment but overestimated glucose concentrations in normoglycemia and hyperglycemic treatments. The CGMS met the ISO clinical accuracy criteria for goats and calves, with > 99% of the glucose measurements in zones A and B of the Parkes grid. However, the CGMS did not meet the ISO 15197:2013 criteria for analytical accuracy. CLINICAL RELEVANCE:The CGMS evaluated in our study only met the ISO 15197:2013 clinical accuracy criteria, not the analytical accuracy. Therefore, the device might be considered for clinical use.

Weaned dairy heifers are a relatively understudied production group. Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the most common cause of antimicrobial drug (AMD) use, morbidity, and mortality in this production group. The study of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is complicated because many variables that may affect AMR are related. This study generates hypotheses regarding the farm- and animal-level variables (e.g., vaccination, lane cleaning, and AMD use practices) that may be associated with AMR in respiratory isolates from weaned dairy heifers. A cross-sectional study was performed using survey data and respiratory isolates (Pasteurella multocida, Mannheimia haemolytica, and Histophilus somni) collected from 341 weaned dairy heifers on six farms in California. Logistic regression and Bayesian network analyses were used to evaluate the associations between farm- and animal-level variables with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) classification of respiratory isolates against 11 AMDs. Farm-level variables associated with MIC classification of respiratory isolates included the number of source farms of a calf-rearing facility, whether the farm practiced onsite milking, the use of lagoon water for flush lane cleaning, and respiratory and pinkeye vaccination practices. Animal-level variables associated with a MIC classification included whether the calf was BRD-score-positive and time since the last phenicol treatment.

BackgroundPeripheral blood vessels in pigs are not easily accessible, making placement of intravenous catheters difficult. Alternative methods to intravenous administration of fluids, such as administering fluids via the rectum (proctoclysis), are warranted in pigs. HypothesisAdministration of polyionic crystalloid fluids via proctoclysis results in hemodilution changes similar to intravenous administration. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the tolerance for proctoclysis in pigs and compare analytes before and after intravenous or proctoclysis therapy. AnimalsSix healthy, growing, academic institution-owned pigs. MethodsRandomized, cross-over design clinical trial, with 3 treatments (control, intravenous, and proctoclysis) with a 3-day washout period. The pigs were anesthetized and jugular catheters were placed. A polyionic fluid (Plasma-Lyte A 148) was administered at 4.4 mL/kg/h during the intravenous and proctoclysis treatments. Laboratory analytes, including PCV, plasma, and serum total solids, albumin, and electrolytes were measured over 12 h at T-0, T-3, T-6, T-9, and T-12. Effects of treatment and time on analytes were determined by analysis of variance. ResultsProctoclysis was tolerated by pigs. Albumin concentrations decreased during the IV treatment between T-0 and T-6 (least square mean of 4.2 vs 3.9 g/dL; 95% CI of mean difference = -0.42, -0.06; P = .03). Proctoclysis did not significantly affect any laboratory analytes at any time points (P > .05). Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceProctoclysis did not demonstrate hemodilution similar to intravenous administration of polyionic fluids. Proctoclysis might not be an effective alternative to the intravenous administration of polyionic fluids in healthy euvolemic pigs.

OBJECTIVE Quantify the minimum individual cow colostral immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration required for pooling to achieve adequate transfer of passive immunity in calves. ANIMALS 201 Jersey cows. METHODS Colostrum was collected from 28 pools and heat treated before being fed to calves or stored. Parity, total number of cows contributing to the pool, individual cow colostral volume contributions, and total volume of each colostrum pool were recorded. Colostrum IgG concentrations in individual and pooled (pre- and post-heat treatment) samples were analyzed by radial immunodiffusion and Brix refractometry. Colostral IgG concentration of ≥ 50g/L was considered the current recommended dairy industry standard for acceptable colostrum quality. Multivariable models were performed to determine factors affecting pooled colostral IgG concentrations. The minimum colostral IgG concentration required for pooling to achieve the recommended total mass of at least 200g IgG to be fed to a calf was calculated. RESULTS Total pool volume and the number of cows contributing to the pool were significant factors affecting IgG concentration. Colostrum pools from ≤ 7 cows, with a minimum pool IgG concentration of 70.4 g/L (22.9% Brix) or colostrum pool volume ≤ 40 L, with a minimum pool IgG concentration of 66.2 g/L (21.8% Brix) achieved the recommended total mass of at least 200g IgG in 4L of colostrum. CLINICAL RELEVANCE When feeding pooled colostrum, IgG concentrations higher than the industry standard of 50 g/L is recommended to reduce the risk of failure of transfer of passive immunity in calves.

Abstract Background Rumen juice analysis (RJA) involves analysis of a 10mL sample within minutes after sampling. However, it can be challenging to collect 10 mL of rumen juice (RJ) from some ruminants, and clinical circumstances can delay RJA. Objectives Quantify the effect of sample volume (2, 5, 10, 50, and 100 mL), and time‐to‐analysis (0, 30, and 60 minutes) on RJA. Animals Cannulated cow. Methods Observational experimental study. Two liters of RJ were collected at 26 separate times. The samples were subdivided into 2 duplicates of each sample volume at each sampling time; and analyzed at 0, 30, and 60 minutes after collection. Rumen juice analysis included pH measurement, methylene blue reduction time (MBRT), and protozoal motility. Results The pH of 2 and 5 mL samples was significantly (P = .01) higher than the pH of 50 and 100 mL samples at all time points. The MBRT was significantly lower (faster bacterial reduction) for 100 mL samples compared to all other samples at 0 minute and to 2, 5, and 50 mL samples at 30 min. The pH and MBRT at 60 minutes were significantly higher than at 0 minute for all volumes (P < .05 and P < .01, respectively). For large protozoa, small sample volumes (2 and 5 mL) had significantly lower protozoal motility (scores of 5 and 4.5, respectively) compared to 100 mL samples at 60 minutes (score of 4; P < .05). Conclusions and Clinical Importance Interpretation of RJA could be affected by small sample volumes and delays to analysis. Sample volumes of ≥10 mL analyzed within 30 minutes after collection are recommended.

Acquisition of adequate transfer of passive immunity (ATPI) by calves depends on the absorption of sufficient mass of colostral immunoglobulin G (IgG). Several studies report conflicting evidence regarding the ability of feeding pooled colostrum to achieve ATPI. Pooling colostrum is practical and efficient for some dairies, and recommendations are required to prevent failure of transfer of passive immunity (FTPI) in calves following pooling. This study aimed to determine the effect of pooling colostrum on serum IgG concentrations, FTPI, and preweaning mortality in calves. A prospective study was performed on two conventional Jersey dairy farms where heat treatment of colostrum occurred in the same colostrum processing kitchen. Four to 10 cows contributed to colostrum pools. A sample of the colostrum pool fed to the calves and serum from calves at 24–72 h was collected for IgG concentration determination by single radial immunodiffusion assay. Multivariable and logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate factors that predicated serum IgG concentrations and the probability of FTPI, respectively. A Cox proportional hazard model analysis was performed to determine risk factors for mortality over the preweaning period. A total of 164 calves fed 28 colostrum pools were enrolled. Birth weight, number of colostrum feedings and pool IgG concentrations were significant predictors of calf serum IgG concentrations at 24–72 h, whereas the number of colostrum feedings and age at bleeding to determine passive transfer status were not significant predictors of calf serum IgG concentrations at 24–72 h. The prevalence of FTPI was 4.9%. Birth weight, pool IgG concentrations, number of colostrum feedings, and age at bleeding to check for passive transfer status were not significant predictors of the probability of FTPI at 24–72 h. The incidence of mortality was 4.3%. Passive transfer status was not a predictor of mortality. Our study demonstrates the effect of pooling colostrum on serum IgG concentrations even in herds where colostrum with higher median colostrum IgG concentrations is fed to calves. The results emphasize the recommendations to assess pooled colostrum IgG concentrations before feeding calves.

Background: Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK; pinkeye) is generally considered to be caused by corneal infections with Moraxella bovis. Previous studies demonstrated that M. bovis cytotoxin-specific mucosal immune responses in the bovine eye can be stimulated by intranasal vaccination with a recombinant M. bovis cytotoxin subunit adjuvanted with polyacrylic acid. Methods: A randomized controlled field trial (two-arm parallel design with blinding) was conducted in beef steers in Northern California to determine if this vaccine could prevent naturally occurring IBK and/or reduce morbidity rates associated with this disease. Beef steers were vaccinated intranasally on days 0 and 21 with either a recombinant M. bovis cytotoxin subunit adjuvanted with polyacrylic acid (Vaccine group) or adjuvant alone (Control group). Eye examinations were performed on all steers every 7 days for 16 weeks to document the occurrence of IBK and to determine sizes of corneal ulcers. Serum and tear samples were collected on days 0, 42, and 112 from a subset of animals to measure changes in systemic and ocular immune responses to M. bovis cytotoxin. Results: The cumulative proportion of steers that developed IBK after 16 weeks did not differ between groups. Variables related to disease severity were numerically lower in steers that received the experimental vaccine. IBK-affected Vaccine group steers had a significantly lower number of observation weeks with severe ulcers versus Control group steers. Cytotoxin-specific tear IgA was significantly higher in Vaccine group compared to Control group steers on day 112. Conclusion: Although the proportion of animals that developed corneal ulcers associated with IBK did not differ between groups, the lowered metrics of disease severity in vaccinated steers suggests that intranasal vaccination with recombinant M. bovis cytotoxin can reduce the severity of IBK in cattle.

BACKGROUND:Goats are important worldwide as a source of milk, meat, fibre and hide, and as show animals and pets.HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES:To document the type, signalment associations and prevalence of skin disease in a referral hospital population.ANIMALS:Case population at a university veterinary teaching hospital.METHODS AND MATERIALS:Retrospective study by searching computerised medical records of goats seen between 1 January 1988 and 1 January 2021. Key words employed were "alopecia, caseous lymphadenitis, Chorioptes, dermatitis, dermatophyte, dermatophytosis, goat, lice, louse, mange, mite, pemphigus foliaceus, Psoroptes, ringworm, seborrhea, skin" RESULTS: Of 1,488 records reviewed, 358 (24%) goats had skin disease recorded. Seventy-nine (22.1%) of 358 goats presented primarily for skin disease. The Nigerian Dwarf goat breed was at higher risk of developing skin disease (P < 0.0002). As goats aged, the odds for developing skin disease was higher [odds ratio (OR) = 1.07 per year, 95% confidence interval (1.04, 1.12)] as was the predilection for malignant skin tumours (P < 0.001). Sex was not associated with skin disease (P = 0.98). The most common clinical sign was exfoliative dermatitis, noted in 94 (26.4%) of 358 goats. The most common diagnoses were pediculosis, bacterial skin disease and squamous cell carcinoma. Less frequent diagnoses were Chorioptes spp. infestation, contagious ecthyma (orf), coronitis/interdigital dermatitis, demodicosis, dermatophytosis, Psoroptes spp. infestation, dermatophilosis and pemphigus foliaceus.CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE:Skin diseases are common in goats. Nigerian Dwarf goats and older goats are at greater risk of developing skin disease; Nigerian Dwarf goats had a predilection for malignant skin tumours. Clinicians should include a dermatological examination in goats regardless of the reason for presentation.

Prognosis for life and future fertility in broodmares following hydrops is reportedly good, but evidence to support these reports is limited. The objective of this case series was to describe the prognosis for survival and fertility in mares presented to a referral hospital following diagnosis of hydrops. Medical records were reviewed to identify mares diagnosed with hydrops. Data collected included history (ges-tation, sire of the foal), clinical findings at presentation and throughout hospitalization (complications, treatments, survival to discharge) and future foaling rates. Thirty mares were presented for hydrops be-tween 2009 and 2019. Ninety percent (27/30) of mares survived (94.7% [18/19] hydrallantois, 75% [6/8] hydramnios) and 95% (20/21) of mares successfully had a future foal, of which 75% (15/21) had a foal the following year. There was no reoccurrence of hydrops. Mares managed with transcervical gradual fluid drainage demonstrated higher survival rate compared to those not managed with transcervical drainage (100% with vs. 78.6% without). The most frequent complications observed in mares that did not survive included hypovolemic shock ( n = 7), hemorrhage ( n = 4) and laminitis ( n = 3). Complications observed in mares not returning to breeding included hypovolemic shock and hemorrhage. Causes of non-survival included peritonitis secondary to abdominal wall rupture or uterine tear, and tibial fracture. These results suggest that prognosis for survival and future fertility following a diagnosis of hydrops is good, provided the hydrops is diagnosed and treated appropriately with no damage to the reproductive tract or abdom-inal wall.(c) 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.