Asymptomatic encephalitis in calves experimentally infected with bovine herpesvirus-5
Allan Jürgen Isernhagen, Mariana Cosenza, Marcio Carvalho da Costa, Kerlei Cristina Médici, Mara Regina Stipp Balarin, Ana Paula Frederico Rodrigues Loureiro Bracarense, Amauri Alcindo Alfieri, Júlio Augusto Naylor Lisbôa

Abstract – This study demonstrated that bovine herpesvirus 5 (BoHV)-5 infected calves can develop encephalitis and remain asymptomatic. Seven calves were infected intranasally and monitored for 30 days. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis was performed from the onset of neurological signs. Multiple sections of brain and the trigeminal ganglion were submitted to histopathology. Virus detection (PCR and isolation) was performed on CSF and tissues. Four calves developed signs of neurologic disease and died. Three calves remained asymptomatic and were euthanized 30 days post-infection. Cerebrospinal fluid mononuclear pleocytosis occurred in symptomatic and asymptomatic calves. BoHV-5 was isolated and viral DNA was detected in multiple areas of the encephalon of all calves. The viral DNA was detected in the CSF of 2 calves showing neurological signs. Histologically, inflammation was noted in the brain of all calves and confirmed that the encephalitis caused by BoHV-5 may be mild and asymptomatic.

Can Vet J 2011;52:1312–1318

Surgical versus conservative management of patella fractures in cats: A retrospective study
Nicole Salas, Catherine Popovitch

Abstract – This study compared the clinical outcome in cats with patella fractures treated by surgery to those treated conservatively. Six cats with 9 patella fractures were treated. Six fractures were treated surgically and 3 were treated conservatively. Medical records of all 6 patients were reviewed for age, breed, gender, trauma, and fracture conformation. All patients had follow-up which consisted of a physical examination, radiographs, and an interview with the client between 1 and 4.5 y after surgery or diagnosis. All cats treated conservatively returned to normal activity with no gait abnormalities. In cats that had surgery, 4/6 had breakdown of the surgical repair but all cats went on to full recovery with normal activity and gait. The conclusions of this preliminary study are that surgical repair of cat patella fractures has a high rate of implant failure and that conservative management of cat patella fractures results in excellent clinical outcome.

Can Vet J 2011;52:1319-132

The prevalence of intestinal parasites in dogs and cats in Calgary, Alberta
Daniel Joffe, Drew Van Niekerk, France Gagné, John Gilleard, Susan Kutz, Robert Lobingier

Abstract – The prevalence of endoparasites was evaluated in 619 dogs and 153 cats in the Calgary, Alberta region. Both homed and shelter-sourced pets were evaluated, and prevalence was assessed in various age groups. The overall endoparasite prevalence was 16.5% in canine samples and 7.2% in feline samples. The most common intestinal parasites in dogs were Giardia (8.1%) and ascarids (4.2%). The most common feline endoparasite was ascarids (6.5%). This study will help veterinarians to better plan diagnostic and preventative strategies with regard to companion animal intestinal parasites.

Can Vet J 2011;52:1323-1328

Evaluation of the zoonotic potential of Giardia duodenalis in fecal samples from dogs and cats in Ontario
Rebeccah M. McDowall, Andrew S. Peregrine, Erin K. Leonard, Christopher Lacombe, Mary Lake, Ana R. Rebelo, Hugh Y. Cai

Abstract – This study determined the distribution and zoonotic potential of Giardia duodenalis assemblage types among canine and feline fecal samples from Ontario. The effectiveness of Giardia assemblage typing methods by sequencing the genes of small subunit ribosomal RNA (ssu-rRNA), β-giardin (bg), glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh), and triose phosphate isomerase (tpi) was evaluated simultaneously. From 2008 to 2010, 118 canine and 15 feline Giardia positive fecal samples were tested. The ssu-rRNA sequencing method typed 64% (75/118) and 87% (13/15) of the Giardia-positive canine and feline samples, respectively. Among the typeable samples, 68% (51/75) of canine samples contained G. duodenalis assemblage D and 31% (23/75) contained G. duodenalis assemblage C (both non-zoonotic assemblage types). Only 1% (1/75) of the typeable canine samples contained a potentially zoonotic assemblage B. In contrast, 100% (13/13) of the typeable feline samples contained potentially zoonotic assemblages A (n = 12) or B (n = 1).

Can Vet J 2011;52:1329-1333

Blastomycotic osteomyelitis associated with severe lameness in a horse
José L. Méndez-Angulo, Megan E. Swaab, Erin Malone, Erik J. Olson, Mark D. Chalkley, Betsy Aird, Christie Ward
Abstract – A 12-year-old Quarter horse gelding was presented for evaluation of severe right forelimb lameness, 2 draining tracts over the lateral aspect of the right proximal antebrachium, and weight loss. A presumptive diagnosis of blastomycotic osteomyelitis was established based on radiographs and cytology of the exudate. This diagnosis was confirmed at necropsy.

Can Vet J 2011;52:1303-1307

A case of hypertrophic osteoarthropathy in a Belgian blue cow
Hugues Guyot, Charlotte Sandersen, Frédéric Rollin

Abstract – A 12-year-old cow was presented with chronic respiratory disease and lameness. Chronic pleuritis, pneumonia, and bronchial carcinoma were found as well as periosteal proliferation on limb bones. Ancillary tests and necropsy confirmed a combined pathology of pulmonary inflammation and neoplasm, and hypertrophic pulmonary osteopathy.

Can Vet J 2011;52:1308-1311

Magnetic resonance and computed tomographic features of 4 cases of canine congenital thoracic vertebral anomalies
Michele Berlanda, Alessandro Zotti, Giada Brandazza, Helen Poser, Pietro Calò, Marco Bernardini

Abstract – Magnetic resonance and computed tomography features of 4 cases of canine congenital vertebral anomalies (CVAs) are discussed. Two of the cases represent unusual presentations for such anomalies that commonly affect screw-tail or toy breeds. Moreover, the combination of CVAs and a congenital peritoneo-pericardial diaphragmatic hernia has never before been imaged.

Can Vet J 2011;52:1334-1338

Mycotic encephalitis, sinus osteomyelitis, and guttural pouch mycosis in a 3-year-old Arabian colt
Barbara Hunter, Patrick N. Nation

Abstract – Mycotic encephalitis caused severe ataxia and other neurologic deficits in a horse. The finding of a single, large focus of cerebral malacia, with histopathologic evidence of fungal elements, suggested infection was a result of direct transfer from the frontal sinuses, rather than hematogenous spread from the guttural pouch.

Can Vet J 2011;52:1339-1341

Pemphigus foliaceus in a juvenile Cashmere goat, and outcome after prednisolone and methylprednisolone therapy
Alisha M. Janzen, Daralyn Wiles, Sherry Myers, Fernando J. Marqués

Abstract – A juvenile Cashmere goat was evaluated and treated for generalized pustular and crusting dermatitis. A diagnosis of pemphigus foliaceus was made based on histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Treatment with prednisolone resulted in resolution of the lesions. Despite tapering doses and combination with methylprednisolone for monthly maintenance, the kid was euthanized for poor growth and fiber quality.

Can Vet J 2011;52:1345-1349

Exophthalmos due to multicentric B-cell lymphoma in a goat
Beth A. Valentine, Susanne Stieger-Vanegas, Steven R. Brown, Susan J. Tornquist, Kyra Young

Abstract – Multicentric B-cell lymphoma with extensive retrobulbar involvement was diagnosed in a 6-year-old Nubian goat that was presented with conjunctival swelling and exophthalmos. Serologic testing for bovine leukemia virus (BLV) was negative. Postmortem computed tomography aided in identification of the extent of soft tissue and bone lesions.

Can Vet J 2011;52:1350-1352

Ova of Dioctophyme renale in a canine struvite urolith
Julie C. Whelen, Doreen M. Houston, Carole White, Mike G. Favrin

Abstract – This report describes light and scanning electron microscopic appearance of an ovum from the giant kidney worm, Dioctophyme renale found in the nidus and stone layer of a struvite calculus. The stone had been surgically removed from the bladder of a 4-year-old spayed female mixed breed dog from northern Ontario.

Can Vet J 2011;52:1353-1355

Seroprevalence of bovine viral diarrhea virus neutralizing antibodies in finisher hogs in Ontario swine herds and targeted diagnostic testing of 2 suspect herds
Terri O'Sullivan, Robert Friendship, Susy Carman, David L. Pearl, Beverly McEwen, Catherine Dewey

Abstract – A pilot study was initiated to determine the seroprevalence of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) neutralizing antibodies in finisher hogs in Ontario swine herds, including 2 swine herds with clinical syndromes suspicious of BVDV. No herds were positive for BVDV antibodies by virus neutralization. The 2 swine herds with clinical disease suggestive of pestivirus infection were also negative for antibodies to BVDV in indirect fluorescent antibody assays. Prevalence of BVDV in Ontario swine farms is negligible.

Can Vet J 2011;52:1342-1345