Occupational health hazards in veterinary medicine: Zoonoses and other biological hazards
Tasha Epp, Cheryl Waldner

Abstract – This study describes biological hazards reported by veterinarians working in western Canada obtained through a self-administered mailed questionnaire. The potential occupational hazards included as biological hazards were zoonotic disease events, exposure to rabies, injuries due to bites and scratches, and allergies. Only 16.7% (136/812) of responding veterinarians reported the occurrence of a zoonosis or exposure to rabies in the past 5 years; the most commonly reported event was ringworm. Most bites and scratches (86%) described by 586 veterinarians involved encounters with cats; 81% of the resulting 163 infections were due to cat bites or scratches. Approximately 38% of participants reported developing an allergy during their career, with 41% of the affected individuals altering the way they practiced in response to their allergy.

Can Vet J 2012;53:144–150

Occupational health hazards in veterinary medicine: Physical, psychological, and chemical hazards
Tasha Epp, Cheryl Waldner

Abstract —This paper reports physical, psychological, and chemical hazards relevant to western Canadian veterinarians as obtained by a self-administered mailed questionnaire. Nine-three percent (750/806) of veterinarians reported some form of injury during the previous 5 years; 17% of respondents (131/791) indicated injuries that resulted in 1 or more days off work. Median stress levels were similar across work environments; overall, 7% (57/813) indicated either no stress or severe stress, while 53% (428/813) indicated moderate stress. Twenty percent (3/15) of food animal practitioners and 37% (114/308) of companion animal practitioners who took X-rays reported accidental exposure. Accidental exposure to gas anesthetic was reported by 69% (394/570) of those in private practice. Exposure to chemicals occurred in all work environments. Veterinarians in western Canada are at risk of minor to severe injury due to both animal and non-animal related causes.

Can Vet J 2012;53:151–157

Use of observed wild bird activity on poultry farms and a literature review to target species as high priority for avian influenza testing in 2 regions of Canada
Theresa E. Burns, Carl Ribble, Craig Stephen, David Kelton, Lorraine Toews, Jason Osterhold, Hazel Wheeler

Abstract —The risk of avian influenza outbreaks in poultry is partially dependent on the probability of contact between domestic poultry and wild birds shedding avian influenza (AI) virus. The major objective of this study was to document wild bird activity on poultry farms to determine which wild bird species should be targeted for AI surveillance in Canada. We collected data in 2 major poultry producing regions of Canada, southwestern Ontario and the Fraser Valley of British Columbia, on the relative abundance of various wild bird species found on poultry farms and on how these species utilized habitat around poultry farms. We reviewed the published literature to determine what was known about AI pathobiology in the species we observed. From these results we created a list of 10 wild bird species that are a priority for further study. These species are the European starling, barn swallow, rock dove, American crow, northwestern crow, American robin, dark-eyed junco, song sparrow, horned lark, and common grackle. Abundance of these and other species varied between provinces and seasons.

Can Vet J 2012;53:158–166

Successful treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome in 2 dogs
Efrat Kelmer, Lydia C. Love, Amy E. DeClue, Leah A. Cohn, Yaron Bruchim, Sigal Klainbart, Patti A. Sura, Yael Merbl

Abstract — Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) was diagnosed in 2 dogs with acute dyspnea. Short-term positive pressure ventilation and intense critical and nursing care were provided. Both dogs improved and were discharged. Few reports describe successful recovery from ARDS. Due to advances in positive pressure ventilation and improvement in the supportive care of critically ill veterinary patients, the prognosis for ARDS may improve.

Can Vet J 2012;53:167–173

Enteritis associated with Clostridium perfringens type A in 9-month-old calves
Bozidar Savic, Radisa Prodanovic, Vojin Ivetic, Oliver Radanovic, Jovan Bojkovski

Abstract —Four 9-month-old Simmental male calves were presented with a history of sudden death. The necropsy and microscopic findings allowed a diagnosis of enteritis and severe intraluminal hemorrhage with blood clots in the jejunum, suggestive of jejunal hemorrhage syndrome.

Can Vet J 2012;53:174–176

Ectopic thyroid carcinoma infiltrating the right atrium of the heart in a dog
Min-Hee Kang, Dae-Young Kim, Hee-Myung Park

Abstract —A 12-year-old intact female shih tzu dog was diagnosed with an ectopic thyroid carcinoma infiltrating the right atrium of the heart. Echocardiography and computed tomography were helpful in diagnosis; a definitive diagnosis was made based on postmortem histopathology and immunohistochemistry. The patient lived 428 days beyond diagnosis with only medical management.

Can Vet J 2012;53:177–181

Caudal vena caval thrombosis following treatment of deep digital sepsis
Katharine M. Simpson, Robert N. Streeter, Sarah Cramer, Catherine G. Lamm, Brenda C. Love

Abstract —A diagnosis of caudal vena caval thrombosis was made by ultrasonography of a Holstein cow presented for lethargy and poor milk production. Medical treatment was unsuccessful and the cow was euthanized. The diagnosis was confirmed at necropsy and Fusobacterium necrophorum was isolated from the thrombus. This paper discusses potential novel sources of caval thrombosis in this case.

Can Vet J 2012;53:182–186

Identification of an intra-cranial intra-axial porcupine quill foreign body with computed tomography in a canine patient
Christopher P. Sauvé, Nikki C. Sereda, Colin W. Sereda

Abstract —An intra-cranial intra-axial foreign body was diagnosed in a golden retriever dog through the use of computed tomography (CT). Confirmed by necropsy, a porcupine quill had migrated to the patient’s left cerebral hemisphere, likely through the oval foramen. This case study demonstrates the efficacy of CT in visualizing a quill in the canine brain.

Can Vet J 2012;53:187–189

A novel case of canine disseminated aspergillosis following mating
Jackson T. Walker, Jean K. Frazho, Susan C. Randell

Abstract —An intact bitch with a history of mating was presented with severe lameness and a vulvar discharge. A mixed lytic, proliferative tibial lesion and open pyometra were diagnosed. Bone biopsy and uterine culture revealed disseminated aspergillosis. This is the first report of Aspergillus pyometra with dissemination following mating in the dog.

Can Vet J 2012;53:190–192

Antiemetic efficacy of promethazine on xylazine-induced emesis in cats
Saeed Kolahian, Seyed Hosein Jarolmasjed

Abstract — The prophylactic antiemetic effect of 3 dosages of promethazine injected into cats 1 h before administration of xylazine was compared with that of a saline solution. Prior treatment with 2 and 4 mg/kg of promethazine significantly reduced the frequency of emetic episodes. Promethazine may be used as a prophylactic antiemetic in cats treated with xylazine.

Can Vet J 2012;53:193–195

Subclinical fungal endometritis in an 8-year-old Hanoverian mare
Gregory J. Aitken

Abstract — Clinical and subclinical endometritis are leading causes of reduced reproductive efficiency in the mare. Clinical endometritis is relatively easy to diagnose during routine physical and ultrasonographic reproductive examinations, whereas the diagnosis of subclinical endometritis requires a more detailed work-up. The goal of this paper is to review the various options, and describe the regimen chosen in a mare with subclinical fungal endometritis.

Can Vet J 2012;53:196–198