Surgical approaches for cesarean section in cattle
Loren G. Schultz, Jeff W. Tyler, H. David Moll, Gheorghe M. Constantinescu

Abstract — Bovine practitioners are often presented with dystocias that require a cesarean section. Many practitioners perform this surgery using the same approach each time due to their comfort with one specific approach or lack of familiarity of other available options. The goal of this article is to explain the advantages, disadvantages, and indications for each of the different approaches to aid the practitioner in achieving better surgical success rate.

Can Vet J 2008;49:565–568

Estimate of the direct production losses in Canadian dairy herds with subclinical Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis infection
Ashwani Tiwari, John A. VanLeeuwen, Ian R. Dohoo, Greg P. Keefe, Alfons Weersink

Abstract — The objective of this study was to estimate the annual losses from Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) for an average, MAP-seropositive, Canadian dairy herd. A partial-budget simulation model was developed with 4 components of direct production losses (decreased milk production, premature voluntary culling, mortality, and reproductive losses). Input values were obtained primarily from a national seroprevalence survey of 373 Canadian dairy farms in 8 of 10 provinces. The model took into account the variability and uncertainty of the required input values; consequently, it produced probability distributions of the estimated losses. For an average Canadian dairy herd with 12.7% of 61 cows seropositive for MAP, the mean loss was $2992 (95% C.I., $143 to $9741) annually, or $49 per cow per year. Additional culling, decreased milk production, mortality, and reproductive losses accounted for 46%, 9%, 16%, and 29% of the losses, respectively. Canadian dairy producers should use best management practices to reduce these substantial annual losses.

Can Vet J 2008;49:569–576

Fatal dog attacks in Canada, 1990–2007
Malathi Raghavan

Abstract — In Canada, public debates on dog attacks are dominated by studies from the United States. An electronic search of media reports in the Canadian Newsstand database, for the years 1990 to 2007, identified 28 fatalities from dog-bite injuries. Predominant factors in this case series were owned, known dogs; residential location; children’s unsupervised access to area with dogs; and rural/remote areas, including aboriginal reserves in the prairies. A higher proportion of sled dogs and, possibly, mixed-breed dogs in Canada than in the United States caused fatalities, as did multiple dogs rather than single dogs. Free-roaming dog packs, reported only from rural communities, caused most on-reserve fatalities. Future studies are needed to assess if this rural/urban divide is observed in nonfatal attacks and if the breeds that bite in Canada are different from the breeds that killed. Breed representation in this paper and, perhaps, multiple-dog overrepresentation should be understood in the context of the overall Canadian dog population.

Can Vet J 2008;49:373–378

Clinical peripheral neuropathy associated with diabetes mellitus in 3 dogs
Megan J. Morgan, Charles H. Vite, Anant Radhakrishnan, Rebecka S. Hess

Abstract — Clinical and electrodiagnostic findings in 3 spontaneously diabetic dogs with clinical peripheral neuropathy (PN) are reported. Clinical signs of a PN may develop in diabetic dogs with adequate glycemic control. In addition, laryngeal paralysis may develop in association with diabetes mellitus in dogs with clinical PN.

Can Vet J 2008;49:583–586

Palatal sclerotherapy: A potentially useful treatment of intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate in juvenile standardbred racehorses
Marcel Marcoux, Valerie Picandet, Christophe Céleste, Susana Macieira, Sophie Morisset, Yves Rossier, Morgane Schambourg, Daniel Jean

Abstract — This study was aimed at evaluating the tolerability and the efficacy of palatal sclerotherapy in juvenile standardbred racehorses with easily audible “snoring-like” respiratory noises suspected to be the result of intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate. The palate of 8 horses was injected with sodium tetradecyl sulfate under videoendoscopic guidance. Palatal sclerotherapy resulted in resolution of the respiratory noise in 7 horses, improvement of performance in 6 horses, and mild side effects in only 3 horses.

This preliminary study suggests that palatal sclerotherapy is a safe, repeatable, inexpensive, and promising technique that should be considered as an alternative to existing treatments of intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate.

Can Vet J 2008;49:587–591

A survey for infection with Dirofilaria immitis, Ehrlichia canis, Borrelia burgdorferi, and Babesia canis in feral and client-owned dogs in the Turks and Caicos Islands, British West Indies
Brent Hoff, Beverly McEwen, Andrew S. Peregrine

Abstract — The frequency of infection with Dirofilaria immitis and Babesia canis and seropositivity to Ehrlichia canis and Borrelia burgdorferi in feral and client-owned dogs was determined. Feral dogs were 14.8 and 11.2 times more likely to be seropositive to D. immitis and E. canis, respectively, than were client-owned dogs. None of the dogs tested positive for B. burgdorferi or B. canis.

Can Vet J 2008;49:593–594

Tracheal rupture in a cat: Diagnosis by computed tomography
Jitender Bhandal, Alan Kuzma

Abstract — A cat was presented with a history of worsening generalized subcutaneous emphysema following dental prophylaxis. Tentative diagnosis of tracheal rupture was made. The location and extent of the tear was confirmed with the help of computed tomography. This is the 1st computed tomographic description of tracheal rupture in the veterinary literature.

Can Vet J 2008;49:389–392

Polioencephalomalacia in a llama
Chelsea G. Himsworth

Abstract — A 5-year-old, female llama (Lama glama) developed acute, progressive neurological disease, characterized by recumbency, muscle fasciculations, intermittent convulsions/opisthotonos, and absent menace responses. Postmortem histopathologic lesions, limited to the cerebral cortex, consisted of necrosis of the superficial and deep laminae. The clinical disease and microscopic lesions were consistent with polioencephalomalacia.

Can Vet J 2008;49:598–600