An outbreak of bovine tuberculosis in an intensively managed conservation herd of wild bison in the Northwest Territories
Chelsea G. Himsworth, Brett T. Elkin, John S. Nishi, Aleksija S. Neimanis, Gary A. Wobeser, Claude Turcotte, Fredrick A. Leighton

Abstract — An outbreak of bovine tuberculosis was detected in the Hook Lake Wood Bison Recovery Project captive-breeding herd in March 2005. This study investigates the most likely source of Mycobacterium bovis and identifies difficulties associated with salvaging tuberculosis-free animals from an endemically infected herd.

Can Vet J 2010;51:593–597

Spinal cord injury II: Prognostic indicators, standards of care, and clinical trials
Aubrey A. Webb, Sybil Ngan, David Fowler

Abstract — This is the second of a 2-part review of spinal cord injury. The focus herein is to highlight recent findings regarding prognostic indicators used for spinal cord injury (SCI) in dogs, promote an awareness of the current recommendations of standard of care for traumatic spinal cord injury in veterinary medicine, and highlight the findings of clinical trials of therapies for spinal cord injury in dogs. This 2-part review provides information that will assist general and specialty veterinary practitioners in evidence-based veterinary medical practice in an area that has become particularly specialized.
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Can Vet J 2010;51:598–604

Effect of biotin supplementation on claw horn growth in young, clinically healthy cattle
Luiz Antônio Franco da Silva, Leandro Guimarães Franco, Ingrid Bueno Atayde, Paulo Henrique Jorge da Cunha, Maria Ivete de Moura, Daniel Silva Goulart

Abstract — The effects of orally administered biotin supplementation on the growth of claw horn in young, clinically healthy cattle were analyzed. Twelve, 1-year-old Girolando cattle were randomly assigned to receive either 12.5 mg of diluted powdered biotin (GI) or a control treatment (GII) for 40 consecutive days. Cattle in the GI group showed an average hoof growth of 11.3 ± 0.72 mm, while those in GII had an average hoof growth of 7.2 ± 0.78 mm. The results confirmed the positive effect of biotin supplementation on the growth of angle and length of the dorsal hoof wall, hoof sole length, and on resistance to wearing, in young cattle extensively managed.

Can Vet J 2010;51:607–610

Bovine enucleation: A retrospective study of 53 cases (1998–2006)
Kara L. Schulz, David E. Anderson

Abstract — Medical records of 53 cattle undergoing enucleation (1998–2006) were reviewed. Assessments of the outcomes were done via client surveys. Descriptive statistics were generated on the affected population, the underlying disease, the complications, and the length of retention within the herd. Hereford cattle comprised the majority of the cases (30/53; 57%). Most cattle (84.9%) were diagnosed with ocular squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Follow-up information was available for 22 cattle. Para-orbital infection was documented in 10 of 53 cattle (19%). Five cattle died of various causes 2 months to several years after enucleation. One cow was culled due to recurrence of OSCC. Fifteen cattle were retained within their respective herds. This study documents that orbital infections are common, and recurrence of OSCC is infrequent in cattle having undergone enucleation.

Can Vet J 2010;51:611–614

Clinicopathological evaluation of downer dairy cows with fatty liver
Emmanouil Kalaitzakis, Nikolaos Panousis, Nikolaos Roubies, Nektarios Giadinis, Eleni Kaldrymidou, Marios Georgiadis, Harilaos Karatzias

Abstract — This study evaluated the relationship between severity of fatty liver and macromineral status in downer dairy cows and determined the usefulness of selected biochemical analytes for assessing prognosis. Blood and liver biopsy specimens were obtained from 36 Holstein downer cows shortly after the cows became recumbent and before they were treated. Liver tissue was examined histologically and serum activity of liver-derived enzymes and concentration of total lipids, triglycerides, bile acids, glucose, ß-hydroxybutyrate, acetoacetic acid, total bilirubin, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), cholesterol and macrominerals (Ca, Mg, K, Na, P) were determined. Fatty liver infiltration was severe in 44% of the cows and moderate in 44%. Serum activities of ornithine carbamoyltransferase and glutamate dehydrogenase, and NEFA/cholesterol ratio were good indicators of fatty liver. Cows with severe fatty liver had the lowest mean K values. The prognosis is guarded for downer cows with moderate and severe fatty liver and when total bilirubin concentration is high.

Can Vet J 2010;51:615–622

Prognostic indicators of poor outcome in horses with laminitis at a tertiary care hospital
James A. Orsini, Corrina Snook Parsons, Linda Capewell, Gary Smith

Abstract — This retrospective study investigated the factors associated with a poor outcome (death by euthanasia or from other causes) in horses treated for laminitis at a tertiary care hospital. Cases (n = 247) were defined as patients with laminitis that were euthanized or that died of other causes during hospitalization. Controls (n = 344) were patients with laminitis that survived to be discharged from the hospital. In the final multivariate analysis, the factors significantly associated with an increased risk for death and their respective odds ratios (OR) were as follows: Thoroughbred (OR = 1.57); racehorse (OR = 1.76); treatment with flunixin meglumine (OR = 1.76); vascular pathology (OR = 2.12); distal displacement of the third phalanx (OR = 2.68); pneumonia (OR = 2.87); and lameness of Obel grade II (OR = 2.99), grade III (OR = 9.63), or grade IV (OR = 20.48). The use of glue-on shoes significantly reduced the risk for death (OR = 0.36).

Can Vet J 2010;51:623–628

Comparison of polymerase chain reaction tests for diagnosis of feline herpesvirus, Chlamydophila felis, and Mycoplasma spp. infection in cats with ocular disease in Canada
Lynne S. Sandmeyer, Cheryl L. Waldner, Bianca S. Bauer, Xin Wen, Dorothee Bienzle

Abstract — This study assessed the value of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for making a diagnosis of feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) infection, and for differentiating this from Chlamydophila felis and Mycoplasma spp. infection in a clinical setting in Canada. We compared the frequency of positive FHV-1 PCR test results from 48 clinical cases of ocular disease in cats suspected to be due to FHV-1 between 1 research and 2 commercial laboratories in Canada. We also compared PCR results for Chlamydophila felis and Mycoplasma spp. between the 2 commercial laboratories. The prevalence of FHV-1 infection in the cats ranged from 4% to 21%. The prevalence of Chlamydophila felis was 2% and 17% and the prevalence of Mycoplasma spp. was 11% and 27%. Agreement between FHV-1 culture and PCR results at the research laboratory was substantial (? = 0.76). There was slight agreement (? < 0.20) between the 3 laboratories for FHV-1 PCR and between the 2 commercial laboratories for both Chlamydophila felis (? = 0.2) and Mycoplasma spp. (? = 0.07) PCR.

Can Vet J 2010;51:629–633

The prevalence of bacterial contamination of surgical cold sterile solutions from community companion animal veterinary practices in southern Ontario
Colleen P. Murphy, J. Scott Weese, Richard J. Reid-Smith, Scott A. McEwen

Abstract — Surgical cold sterile solutions are commonly used in veterinary practice, yet sterility cannot be verified under practical clinical conditions. Surgical cold sterile solutions were sampled and bacteria, including opportunistic pathogens, were recovered from 13% of the sampled solutions. Attempts to sterilize surgical instruments with cold sterile solutions should be avoided.

Can Vet J 2010;51:634–636

Hand-assisted laparoscopic removal of a nephroblastoma in a horse
Alfredo Romero, Dwayne H. Rodgerson, Genevieve L. Fontaine

Abstract — A 3-year-old Thoroughbred was presented for evaluation of hematuria post exercise. On physical examination, an enlarged kidney was identified, as well as serum biochemical abnormalities such as an elevated creatine kinase (CK) and hypoalbuminemia. The kidney was removed laparoscopically and a nephroblastoma was identified.

Can Vet J 2010;51:640–642

Prevalence and diagnosis of Giardia infection in dogs and cats using a fecal antigen test and fecal smear
Merle E. Olson, Nancy J. Leonard, Jessie Strout

Abstract — The SNAP fecal enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) Giardia test was used to determine the prevalence of Giardia in dogs and cats with gastrointestinal signs. The test was positive in 241 (13.0%) dogs and 16 (4.1%) cats. Giardia cysts were detected in only 61 of the 241 dogs and 4 of the 16 cats that were test positive.

Can Vet J 2010;51:640–642