Tularemia, plague, yersiniosis, and Tyzzer’s disease in wild rodents and lagomorphs in Canada: A review
Gary Wobeser, G. Douglas Campbell, André Dallaire, Scott McBurney

Abstract — Information related to infection of wild rodents or lagomorphs in Canada by Francisella tularensis, Yersinia pestis, other Yersinia spp., and Clostridium piliforme was searched for this study. Reports on tularemia in humans linked to these species came from diagnostic databases, literature, wildlife health specialists, and public health agencies. Tularemia has been diagnosed in 8 species of wild rodent and 2 species in the genus Lepus in Canada. Tularemia occurred in wild animals, or in humans associated with these species, in all jurisdictions except the Yukon and Nunavut. Tularemia was diagnosed most frequently in beaver, muskrats, and snowshoe hares, and although tularemia is closely linked to cottontail rabbits in the USA, it has not been reported in cottontails in Canada. Tularemia in humans was associated with muskrats and hares more commonly than with beaver. Plague was diagnosed in bushy-tailed woodrats in British Columbia in 1988. Based on surveys, Y. pestis may occur enzootically in southern Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia. Infection with Yersinia pseudotuberculosis and Y. enterocolitica has been diagnosed in beaver, muskrats, and snowshoe hares in many provinces. Tyzzer’s disease has been diagnosed in muskrats in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and Quebec and in snowshoe hares in Ontario. Infection with these bacteria is likely much more frequent than indicated by diagnostic records.

Can Vet J 2009;50:1251–1256

Efficacy of a 5-day extended therapy program during lactation with cephapirin sodium in dairy cows chronically infected with Staphylococcus aureus
Jean-Philippe Roy, Luc DesCôteaux, Denis DuTremblay, Francis Beaudry, Johanne Elsener

Abstract — This study determined the efficacy of a 5-day extended therapy with cephapirin sodium in dairy cows chronically infected with Staphylococcus aureus. Chronically infected cows selected from 14 dairy herds in the St-Hyacinthe region, Québec were randomly allocated to a group of 31 cows treated for 5 consecutive days with 200 mg of cephapirin per quarter BID or a group of 30 untreated control cows. Bacteriological cure was determined by 3 negative bacterial cultures at 10, 24, and 31 days after treatment. The cow cure rates were 25.8% (8/31) in the treated cows and 3.3% (1/30) in the control group (P = 0.013). The quarter cure rates at first sampling post-treatment were 77.6% (38/49) and 18% (9/50) in the treated and the control groups, respectively (P < 0.0001). A 5-day extended therapy with cephapirin is effective in treating cows chronically infected with S. aureus.

Can Vet J 2009;50:1257–1262

Canine and feline urolithiasis: Examination of over 50 000 urolith submissions to the Canadian Veterinary Urolith Centre from 1998 to 2008
Doreen M. Houston, Andrew E.P. Moore

Abstract — This study reports on trends in canine and feline urolithiasis in Canada during the past 10 years. Age, sex, breed of animals and mineral composition from 40 637 canine and 11 353 feline bladder uroliths submitted to the Canadian Veterinary Urolith Centre between 1998 and 2008 were recorded. Struvite and calcium oxalate uroliths comprised > 85% of all uroliths submitted. In dogs, the number of struvite submissions has declined and the number of calcium oxalate submissions has increased. Struvite uroliths were most common in female dogs and calcium oxalate uroliths in male dogs. The shih tzu, miniature schnauzer, bichon frisé, lhasa apso, and Yorkshire terrier were the breeds most commonly affected for both struvite and calcium oxalate uroliths. Urate uroliths were most common in male dalmatians. In cats, struvite submissions declined and calcium oxalate submissions remained constant. Struvite and calcium oxalate uroliths were common in domestic, Himalayan, Persian, and Siamese cats. Urate uroliths were over-represented in Egyptian maus.

Can Vet J 2009;50:1263–1268

Studies of a naturally occurring sulfur-induced copper deficiency in Przewalski’s gazelles
LiYe Zhou, RiJun Long, XiuYing Pu, Juan Qi, WeiWei Zhang

Abstract — The Przewalski’s gazelles in the Hudong area of the Qinghai Lake area in China were affected by an ailment characterized by pica, emaciation, dyskinesia, loss of appetite, and anemia. Concentrations of copper (Cu) in soil and forage from affected and unaffected areas were similar and within the normal range, but concentrations of sulfur (S) in soil and forage were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in affected than in unaffected areas. Concentrations of Cu in blood, hair, and liver from the affected Przewalski’s gazelles were significantly lower (P < 0.01) than those in healthy animals. Affected Przewalski’s gazelles showed a hypochromic microcytic anemia and a low level of ceruloplasmin. Oral administration of copper sulphate (CuSO4) prevented and cured the disease. We conclude that the disorder of Przewalski’s gazelles was caused by secondary Cu deficiency, mainly due to high S content in forage.

Can Vet J 2009;50:1269–1272

Obstetric and fetal outcomes in dystocic and eutocic sows to an injection of exogenous oxytocin during farrowing
Miguel González-Lozano, Daniel Mota-Rojas, E. Yadira Velázquez-Armenta, Alejandro A. Nava-Ocampo, Rafael Hernández-González, Marcelino Becerril-Herrera, María E. Trujillo-Ortega, María Alonso-Spilsbury

Abstract — Sixty hybrid Yorkshire-Landrace penned sows, 30 with eutocic farrowing and 30 experiencing a dystocic parturition, were studied to evaluate the obstetric and neonatal outcomes to low doses of oxytocin administered at advanced stages of parturition. Animals in each group were randomly subdivided into 2 subgroups: 15 eutocic and 15 dystocic sows received oxytocin 0.083 IU/kg (equivalent to 1 IU/12 kg body weight), administered intramuscularly after the delivery of the 5th piglet; the other 15 eutocic and 15 dystocic sows received saline solution intramuscularly at the same time. Oxytocin decreased the number of intrapartum deaths by approximately 50% (P = 0.002). No piglet was born dead from the saline- and oxytocin-treated eutocic sows. The highest viability score was observed among piglets born to eutocic sows treated with oxytocin. In summary, this dose schedule would help to decrease the number of stillbirths in both eutocic and dystocic farrowing sows.

Can Vet J 2009;50:1273–1277

A survey of needle handling practices and needlestick injuries in veterinary technicians
J. Scott Weese, Meredith Faires

Abstract — A survey of veterinary technicians identified that needlestick injuries are very common, with 210/226 (93%) technicians reporting at least one needlestick injury over the course of their career. One hundred sixty-seven (74%) had experienced a needlestick injury during the preceding year. Exposure to animal blood and various drugs was common. It was particularly concerning that needlestick injuries involving chemotherapeutic agents and prostaglandin were reported. Eight (3.5%) technicians had required medical care for a needlestick injury and 2 (0.8%) had lost time at work. The approach to sharps handling and needlestick injury avoidance was poor and most needlestick injuries had not been reported to employers. Measures need to be undertaken to improve sharps handling practices to reduce the number of needlestick injuries among veterinary technicians.

Can Vet J 2009;50:1278–1282

Concurrent use of veterinary drugs and herbal medicines in racing Standardbreds
Wendy Pearson

Abstract — Standardbred trainers from 1 racetrack and 7 off-track training facilities were surveyed to determine the most common drugs, and prevalence of concurrent herb administration. Furosemide (on-track) and anti-inflammatory drugs (off-track) were the most common drugs administered. Among horses on-track, 9.8% received herbs compared with 13.8% off-track horses; 67% and 58% of these horses, respectively, received concurrent drugs.

Can Vet J 2009;50:1283–1285

Atrioventricular muscular dystrophy in a 5-month-old English springer spaniel
Serene R. Lai

Abstract — Primary persistent atrial standstill due to atrioventricular muscle dystrophy is a rare familial disease in dogs. The diagnosis of this disorder in a 5-month-old English springer spaniel is the earliest in dogs that have been presented at the Ontario Veterinary College.

Can Vet J 2009;50:1286–1287