A comparison of 2 vaccination programs in feedlot calves at ultra-high risk of developing undifferentiated fever/bovine respiratory disease
Brian K. Wildman, Tye Perrett, Sameeh M. Abutarbush, P. Timothy Guichon, Tom J. Pittman, Calvin W. Booker, Oliver C. Schunicht, R. Kent Fenton, G. Kee Jim

Abstract — The aim of this study was to compare 2 vaccination programs in feedlot calves at ultra-high risk of developing undifferentiated fever (UF)/bovine respiratory disease (BRD). At feedlot arrival, 3882 calves were enrolled in the study and randomly allocated to 2 groups, which were housed by group in 12 pens. At the time of allocation, 1 group (MLV3-BT2) received a multivalent, modified-live viral vaccine containing infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (IBRV) and types I and II bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), as well as a Mannheimia haemolytica (MH) and Pasteurella multocida bacterin-toxoid. The other group (MLV4-BT1) received a vaccine containing IBRV, type I BVDV, bovine respiratory syncytial virus, and parainfluenza-3 virus, as well as a MH bacterin-toxoid. At an average of 69 days post arrival, the groups received their respective viral vaccines. The initial UF treatment, overall chronicity, overall wastage, overall mortality, and BRD mortality rates were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the MLV3-BT2 group than in the MLV4-BT1 group. Average daily gain and the proportions of yield grade Canada 3 and quality grade E carcasses were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the MLV3-BT2 group than in the MLV4-BT1 group. No significant (P = 0.05) difference in the dry matter intake to gain ratio was detected between the 2 groups. In economic terms, there was a net advantage of $20.86 CDN/animal in the MLV3-BT2 group. This study demonstrates that it is more cost effective to use an MLV3-BT2 vaccination program than a MLV4-BT1 vaccination program in feedlot calves at ultra-high risk of developing UF/BRD.

Can Vet J 2008;49:463–472

Microbiological and histopathological findings in cases of fatal bovine respiratory disease of feedlot cattle in western Canada
Calvin W. Booker, Sameeh M. Abutarbush, Paul S. Morley, G. Kee Jim, Tom J. Pittman, Oliver C. Schunicht, Tye Perrett, Brian K. Wildman, R. Kent Fenton, P. Timothy Guichon, Eugene D. Janzen

Abstract — The aim of this study was to describe the microbiologic agents and pathologic processes in fatal bovine respiratory disease (BRD) of feedlot cattle and to investigate associations between agents and pathologic processes. Ninety feedlot calves diagnosed at necropsy with BRD and 9 control calves without BRD were examined, using immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and histopathologic studies. Mannheimia haemolytica (MH) (peracute, acute, and subacute cases) and Mycoplasma bovis (MB) (subacute, bronchiolar, and chronic cases) were the most common agents identified in fatal BRD cases. Significant associations (P < 0.10) were detected between microbiologic agents and between agents and pathologic processes. When IHC staining was used, 25/26 (96%) of animals that were positive for bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) were also positive for MH; 12/15 (80 %) of animals that were positive for Histophilus somni (HS) were also positive for MB; and all of the animals that were positive for HS were negative for MH and BVDV. This quantitative pathological study demonstrates that several etiologic agents and pathologic processes are involved in fatal BRD of feedlot cattle.

Can Vet J 2008;49:473–481

Cecal inversion followed by ileocolic intussusception in a cat
Jitender Bhandal, Alan Kuzma, Laurie Head

Abstract — A cat was presented with a history of constipation, tenesmus, and malaise. Ultrasonography revealed an ileocolic intussusception and cecal inversion. Surgical findings included an easily reducible intussusception and an inverted cecum that was moderately difficult to reduce. A typhlectomy and bowel plication was performed. The cat had an uneventful recovery.

Can Vet J 2008;49:483–484

Dynamic right ventricular outflow tract (infundibular) stenosis and pectus excavatum in a dog
Tanya E. Fournier

Abstract — This is the first published report of a dog with dynamic right ventricular outflow tract (infundibular) stenosis, right ventricular hypertrophy, and pectus excavatum. A juvenile dog presented with a grade V/VI left base systolic heart murmur, tachycardia, and pectus excavatum. Diagnosis of the aforementioned conditions was based on radiography, electrocardiography, and echocardiography. At 9 1/2 wk of age the heart murmur was no longer audible and the right ventricular stenosis and hypertrophy had dissipated and regressed, respectively. Resolution may be associated with growth of the dog. A good prognosis is foreseen.

Can Vet J 2008;49:485–487

Increased number of skin lesions as a measure of aggression following the mixing of slaughter boars from western Canada assembled for export
Leanne N. Paetkau, Terry L. Whiting

Abstract — A preliminary observational study was conducted to evaluate the animal welfare impacts of holding and mixing on boars; specifically, the need to tusk trim on arrival at assembly. Cull boars assembled in Manitoba from 3 western Canadian provinces were observed without intervention. Although aggression among boars was common, significant physical injury to boars from handling and other boars was rare. Tusk trimming was widely practised in mature boars prior to transport in the population studied. Length of time assembled, number of boars in a pen, temperature, size of boar, and presence of tusk were not associated with change in the skin score of new boars introduced into a pen. Holding groups of previously unfamiliar boars en route to slaughter did not appear to be a significant risk for increased skin lesions in the population studied. Further research is required into the methods and welfare implications to boars subjected to tusk trimming.

Can Vet J 2008;49:489–493

Suspected transient pseudohypoaldosteronism in a 10-day-old quarter horse foal
Luis G. Arroyo, Modest Vengust, Howard Dobson, Laurent Viel

Abstract — A 10-day-old quarter horse colt was presented for signs of disorientation and inability to nurse. Hydronephrosis/hydroureters, with concomitant pyelonephritis and a severe electrolytes disturbance, were diagnosed. The clinical findings closely resembled those described for a syndrome of transient pseudohypoaldosteronism in human neonates.

Can Vet J 2008;49:494–498