Diagnostic ultrasonography in cattle with abdominal fat necrosis
Mohamed Tharwat, Sébastien Buczinski

Abstract – This study describes the ultrasonographic findings in 14 cows with abdominal fat necrosis. Ultrasonography of the abdomen revealed the presence of heterogeneous hyperechoic masses and hyperechoic omentum with localized masses floating in a hypoechoic peritoneal fluid. A hyperechogenic rim was imaged around both kidneys. The intestines were coated with hyperechoic capsules and the intestinal lumens were constricted. Ultrasonographic examination of the pancreatic parenchyma showed an overall increased echogenicity which was homogenously distributed in 3 cases. A diagnosis of abdominal fat necrosis was made with ultrasound-guided biopsy of the echogenic masses, and thereafter at postmortem examination. Results from this study demonstrate the efficacy of ultrasonography as an imaging modality for antemortem diagnosis of abdominal lipomatosis in cattle. To the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first that illustrates ultrasonographic findings in cattle affected with abdominal lipomatosis.

Can Vet J 2012;53:41–46

An open clinical trial on the efficacy of cetirizine hydrochloride in the management of allergic pruritus in cats
Joya S. Griffin, Danny W. Scott, William H. Miller, Jr., Michelle M. Tranchina

Abstract — Cetirizine hydrochloride was administered orally at 5 mg/cat, q24h, to 32 cats with allergic skin disease. Pruritus was reduced in 41% (13/32) of the cats. The antipruritic effect was repeatable and sustainable. There was no significant association between patient age, disease severity, or cutaneous reaction pattern and improvement during cetirizine administration. No adverse side effects were reported.

Can Vet J 2012;53:47–50

Bulk tank milk selenium and its association with milk production parameters in Canadian dairy herds
Alejandro Ceballos-Márquez, Herman W. Barkema, Henrik Stryhn, Ian R. Dohoo, Gregory P. Keefe, Jeffrey J. Wichtel

Abstract — An observational study was conducted in 63 Canadian dairy farms to evaluate the association of bulk tank milk selenium (Se) concentration (BTSe) with average daily milk yield, milk fat and milk protein, bulk tank somatic cell count (BTSCC), and the probability of being a Staphylococcus aureus-positive herd. Bulk tank milk samples collected between March 2007 and February 2008 were evaluated for BTSCC, S. aureus culture status, and BTSe. Mean BTSe was 0.51 ± 0.15 µmol/L; no herds were classified as deficient or marginal based on BTSe. Bulk tank milk Se was unconditionally associated with milk production; however, adjusting by region indicated a confounding effect of this variable. There was no relationship between BTSe and BTSCC. Higher values of BTSe were associated with lower risk of being a S. aureus-positive herd, possibly as a result of a more robust udder immune response, or as a result of providing Se at a higher rate as one component of an udder health program that reduces risk of being S. aureus positive.

Can Vet J 2012;53:51–56

Comparison of enrofloxacin and ceftiofur sodium for the treatment of relapse of undifferentiated fever/bovine respiratory disease in feedlot cattle
Sameeh M. Abutarbush, Oliver C. Schunicht, Brian K. Wildman, Sherry J. Hannon, G. Kee Jim, Tracy I. Ward, Calvin W. Booker

Abstract — This commercial field trial compared the efficacy of enrofloxacin and ceftiofur sodium in beef cattle at high risk of developing undifferentiated fever (UF), also known as bovine respiratory disease (BRD) that received tilmicosin at feedlot arrival, were diagnosed and initially treated for UF with tilmicosin, and subsequently required a second UF treatment (first relapse). Feedlot cattle (n = 463) were randomly assigned to 2 experimental groups: ENRO or CEF. Second UF relapse, 3rd UF relapse, overall case fatality and BRD case fatality rates were lower in the ENRO group than in the CEF group (P < 0.05). There were no differences in average daily gain (allocation to re-implant date), chronicity, histophilosis case fatality or miscellaneous case fatality rates between the groups (P ≥ 0.05). A per-animal economic advantage of Can$57.08 was calculated for the ENRO group versus the CEF group. In feedlot cattle in western Canada at high risk of developing UF, it was more cost effective to administer enrofloxacin than ceftiofur sodium for treatment of UF relapse.

Can Vet J 2012;53:57–62

Positive pressure ventilation during anesthesia in dogs: Assessment of surface area derived tidal volume
Doris H. Dyson

Abstract — The purpose of this study was to assess the use of surface area derived tidal volume in anesthetized ventilated dogs (n = 71, random assignment) compared to settings by experienced personnel. There was no significant difference (P = 0.1030) between methods (paCO2 of 43.1 ± 7 mmHg and 39.8 ± 7 mmHg, respectively). Surface area derived tidal volume can achieve satisfactory ventilation.

Can Vet J 2012;53:63–66

Gingival overgrowth in a dog that received long-term cyclosporine for immune-mediated hemolytic anemia
Kazuhiko Namikawa, Takuya Maruo, Mayumi Honda, Hitomi Hirata, Jonathan Lynch, Hiroo Madarame

Abstract — Gingival mass lesions developed when cyclosporine was administered for 600 days to a female, 7-year-old, longhaired dachshund diagnosed with intractable immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA). Histopathology indicated hyperplastic suppurative gingivitis. As the anemia improved, the dosage of cyclosporine A (CsA) was markedly decreased, and the mass lesions decreased in size and disappeared, thus suggesting that the mass lesions were an adverse reaction to CsA.

Can Vet J 2012;53:67–70

Ileal impaction and jejunal enterotomy in a 4-month-old Arabian filly
Heather A. Davis, Amelia Munsterman

Abstract — A 4-month-old Arabian filly was treated by surgical correction of an ileal impaction. The impaction was resolved through a distal jejunal enterotomy. One-year follow-up showed no post-operative complications secondary to the enterotomy. Jejunal enterotomy may be a surgical option for resolution of an ileal impaction.

Can Vet J 2012;53:71–74

Presumed case of “stiff–horse syndrome” caused by decreased gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) production in an American Paint mare
Tawna Backman Purcell, Ann Davidson Sellers, Lutz S. Goehring

Abstract — Glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) converts glutamic acid into the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Increased serum GAD (auto) antibody concentrations were found in a mare with increased postural musculature tone resulting in stiffness and recumbence. The mare was treated with dexamethasone which resulted in resolution of clinical signs and decreased GAD antibody concentrations.

Can Vet J 2012;53:75–78

Valvular endocarditis and septic thrombosis associated with a radial fracture in a red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
Matthew J. Lemon, LeeAnn Pack, María J. Forzán

Abstract — A free-ranging adult female red-tailed hawk died suddenly after 3 weeks in rehabilitation for a radial fracture. Cause of death was septic thrombosis from a chronic bacterial valvular endocarditis, probably associated with injury at the fracture site. The challenge of clinical diagnosis of sepsis in wild birds is emphasized.

Can Vet J 2012;53:79–82

Removal of a nasogastric tube fragment from the stomach of a standing horse
Nicola C. Cribb, Daniel G. Kenney, Robin Reid-Burke

Abstract — An 82-cm fragment of nasogastric tube was removed from the stomach of an adult horse under standing sedation by use of an endoscope and electrocautery snare. This is the first report of successful non-surgical removal of a nasogastric tube fragment from the stomach of a horse.

Can Vet J 2012;53:83–85

Computed tomographic evaluation of a bronchogenic cyst in a German shepherd dog
Julie Gadbois, Laurent Blond, Catherine Lapointe, Fabien Collard

Abstract — A German shepherd dog was referred for further evaluation of a cavitary pulmonary lesion. Computed tomography identified a well-defined rounded radiolucent area in the left cranial lung lobe in continuity with the bronchial lumen. These findings were consistent with a bronchogenic cyst.

Can Vet J 2012;53:86–88