Enquiries from Vets

Primary, congenital neuroaxonal dystrophy with peripheral nerve demyelination in Merino–Border Leicester × Polled Dorset lambs

Wednesday, Sep 13 '17 05:06

Case report Clinicopathological features of neuroaxonal dystrophy (NAD) in newborn, Merino–Border Leicester × Polled Dorset lambs are described. The affected lambs were unable to walk at birth and microscopic examination of brainstem and spinal cord sections revealed bilaterally symmetrical accumulations of axonal swellings (spheroids), the histological hallmark of primary NAD. The neurological deficit was also exacerbated by myelin loss and secondary axonal degeneration, particularly in the spinal cord and sciatic nerves, but also, to a more limited extent, in brainstem and spinal nerves. Conclusions Although lambs previously diagnosed with NAD have ranged in age from 2 days to 7 months, this is believed to be the first report of congenital NAD in this species. Moreover, the present cases are the only ones in which peripheral nerve demyelination has been found. Read more...

In this issue – September 2017

Monday, Aug 28 '17 02:15

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Use of cabergoline for oestrus induction in multiparous anoestrous Beagle bitches

Monday, Aug 28 '17 02:15

Objective The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of daily cabergoline administration on oestrus induction in bitches. Methods and Results Of 20 multiparous Beagle bitches, 15 were not mated with sires in their last oestrus and 5 bitches that had been mated whelped. All bitches were in early or mid-anoestrus and received 5 μg/kg/day cabergoline PO. Oestrus was induced in the mid-anoestrus bitches at a higher rate than in the early anoestrus bitches. Comparing the different histories of previous pregnancy among the mid-anoestrus bitches, the rate of oestrus induction in the non-pregnant bitches was higher than in the bitches that whelped. Conclusion Cabergoline is effective for oestrus induction in mid-anoestrus bitches. Read more...

Erratum

Monday, Aug 28 '17 02:15

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Effect of insemination site and diameter of the pre-ovulatory follicle on the odds of pregnancy in heifers using sexed or non-sexed semen

Monday, Aug 28 '17 02:15

Objective To determine if insemination site or pre-ovulatory follicle diameter at fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) affects the odds of pregnancy when heifers are inseminated with sexed semen. Methods The study was conducted in 422 Holstein heifers enrolled into 531 inseminations. Inseminations were randomly allocated to 1 of 16 treatment combinations involving three variables: semen type (sexed vs non-sexed), insemination site (uterine horn vs uterine body) and one of four sires. Ovaries were examined by transrectal ultrasound prior to FTAI to determine the follicle diameter and location. AI technician, times bred, age, weight and temperature–humidity index were also recorded. Pregnancy diagnosis was conducted 29 days post-insemination. Follicle diameter and body weight were categorised according to arbitrary cut-points. Each variable was analysed by logistic regression to determine the effect on pregnancy per AI and compare between sexed and non-sexed inseminations. Results Insemination site did not affect pregnancy per AI for either sexed (P = 0.528) or non-sexed (P = 0.886) inseminations. Heifers with an 18–22 mm follicle had better odds of pregnancy than heifers that did not (odds ratio (OR) 1.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.004–2.09), although no effect was detected for only sexed or only non-sexed inseminations. Heifers weighing 310–370 kg had a higher pregnancy per AI than heifers weighing > 370 kg for non-sexed inseminations (P = 0.004) and sexed semen from sire 4 caused lower odds of pregnancy than semen from sire 1 (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.18–0.89). Conclusion Insemination site did not affect pregnancy per AI, but heifers with an 18–22 mm pre-ovulatory follicle at insemination had better odds of pregnancy for both sexed and non-sexed inseminations. Read more...

Caring for a sick pet can increase anxiety, depression

Tuesday, Sep 19 '17 05:00

A pioneering study looks at the impact of caregiver burden among owners of sick animals. The results point to elevated stress and poorer quality of life. Read more...

Should you snuggle with your dog at night?

Monday, Sep 11 '17 05:00

A new study investigates the divisive question: should you sleep with your dog? The answer is twofold: yes, but your own bed should be off-limits. Read more...

Pictures of cute animals may boost marital satisfaction

Sunday, Jun 25 '17 05:00

Learning to associate spouses with unrelated positive stimuli - such as pictures of puppies - could help to improve marital satisfaction, study suggests. Read more...

Snake venom could lead to safer blood clot prevention

Sunday, Jun 11 '17 05:00

Researchers have found that a protein in the venom of the Tropidolaemus wagleri snake may lead to a safer antiplatelet medication. Read more...

Dogs: Personal trainers for older owners?

Saturday, Jun 10 '17 05:00

Older dog owners walk more than non-dog owners, according to a new study, adding further evidence that owning a dog is good for our health. Read more...