Efficacy of intrasinusal administration of bifonazole cream alone or in combination with enilconazole irrigation in canine sino-nasal aspergillosis: 17 cases
Frédéric Billen, Liz-Valery Guieu, Frédérique Bernaerts, Elise Mercier, Rachel Lavoué, Charlotte Tual, Dominique Peeters, Cécile Clercx

Abstract — This study evaluated the effect of 1% bifonazole cream in the treatment of canine sino-nasal aspergillosis (SNA). The cream was instilled through perendoscopically placed catheters into the frontal sinuses and was used either as single therapy after debridement (DC) or as adjunctive therapy after 2% enilconazole infusion (DEC). Twelve dogs were treated initially with DEC: 7 and 3 of these dogs were free of disease after 1 and 2 procedures, respectively, while 2 dogs were cured after DC was used as a second procedure. Five dogs were treated with DC only: in 3 dogs with moderate disease, cure was obtained after a single procedure while, in 2 debilitated patients, cure could not be confirmed. Topical administration of 1% bifonazole cream appears as an effective therapy in SNA, either as an adjunctive therapy to enilconazole infusion or as sole therapy in moderately affected patients..

Can Vet J 2010;51:164–168

Experimental oral transmission of chronic wasting disease to red deer (Cervus elaphus elaphus): Early detection and late stage distribution of protease-resistant prion protein
Aru Balachandran, Noel P. Harrington, James Algire, Andrei Soutyrine, Terry R. Spraker, Martin Jeffrey, Lorenzo González, Katherine I. O’Rourke

Abstract — Chronic wasting disease (CWD), an important emerging prion disease of cervids, is readily transmitted by intracerebral or oral inoculation from deer-to-deer and elk-to-elk, suggesting the latter is a natural route of exposure. Studies of host range susceptibility to oral infection, particularly of those species found in habitats where CWD currently exists are imperative. This report describes the experimental transmission of CWD to red deer following oral inoculation with infectious CWD material of elk origin. At 18 to 20 months post-inoculation, mild to moderate neurological signs and weight loss were observed and animals were euthanized and tested using 3 conventional immunological assays. The data indicate that red deer are susceptible to oral challenge and that tissues currently used for CWD diagnosis show strong abnormal prion (PrPCWD) accumulation. Widespread peripheral PrPCWD deposition involves lymphoreticular tissues, endocrine tissues, and cardiac muscle and suggests a potential source of prion infectivity, a means of horizontal transmission and carrier state.

Can Vet J 2010;51:169–178

Canine hypoadrenocorticism: Part II
Susan C. Klein, Mark E. Peterson

Abstract — Dogs with chronic, vague gastrointestinal signs and those with signs and laboratory abnormalities suggestive of an Addisonian crisis should be tested for hypoadrenocorticism. A previous article (Part I; Can Vet J 2009;50:63–69) discussed the etiology, pathophysiology, clinical signs, and diagnostic abnormalities found in these patients. The present article discusses definitive diagnosis and treatment for both the acute and the chronic Addisonian patient. Expedient treatment remains the cornerstone of management for these patients, particularly those in the former category. The long-term prognosis is excellent for these patients, given well-educated, committed, and vigilant owners.

Can Vet J 2010;51:179–184

Management factors associated with farrowing rate in commercial sow herds in Ontario
Beth Young, Catherine E. Dewey, Robert M. Friendship

Abstract — The objectives of this study were to determine associations between low farrowing rate and various management factors in sow herds. In 30 sow herds, a management survey, breeding observations, semen evaluation, and semen storage temperature monitoring were completed. Herds with an average farrowing rate of < 85% were classified as low farrowing rate herds while those with an average farrowing rate of = 85% were classified as good farrowing rate herds. Low farrowing rate herds were more likely than good farrowing rate herds to move boars into gilt pens for estrus detection, breed a high proportion of sows by artificial insemination (AI) only, start heat detection 3 d post-weaning, wipe the vulva prior to breeding, and use “hands-free” AI devices.

Can Vet J 2010;51:185–189

Digestibility, fecal characteristics, and plasma glucose and urea in dogs fed a commercial dog food once or three times daily
Sebastián Brambillasca, Frederick Purtscher, Alejandro Britos, José L. Repetto, Cecilia Cajarville

Abstract — Digestibility, fecal characteristics, and levels of glucose and urea in the plasma were determined in 8 dogs that received 2 different dog foods once or 3 times daily. One dog food (A) was 5 times more expensive than the other (B). Fecal pH and consistency, digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), and crude fiber (CF) were determined. Blood samples were taken from 30 min before to 60 min after a meal. Digestibilities of DM, OM, and CP, and fecal consistency were higher, and daily fecal excretion and fecal pH were lower when dogs were fed food A (P < 0.001). The feeding schedule had no effect on plasma glucose and urea. Neither feeding frequency nor food x frequency interactions was significant for the parameters studied.

Can Vet J 2010;51:190–194

Bovine tricuspid endocarditis as a cause of increased serum concentration of cardiac troponins
Sébastien Buczinski, Anne-Marie Bélanger

Abstract — A Holstein cow presented for weight loss and anorexia had tachycardia, heart murmur, and a chronic inflammatory process. Serum cardiac troponin I was increased at 3.52 ng/mL. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a thickened tricuspid valve and comet-tail artifacts compatible with gas in the affected area. This report suggests that serum cardiac troponin I may be increased in bacterial endocarditis in cattle.

Can Vet J 2010;51:195–197

Exposure of young dairy cattle to Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) through intensive grazing of contaminated pastures in a herd positive for Johne’s disease
Marie-Eve Fecteau, Robert H. Whitlock, Claus D. Buergelt, Raymond W. Sweeney

Abstract — This study investigated the susceptibility of 1- to 2-year-old cattle to Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) on pasture previously grazed by infected cattle. The exposure of yearling cattle to pastures contaminated with MAP resulted in infection with MAP, showing that age resistance to infection can be overcome by pressure of infection.

Can Vet J 2010;51:198–200

Acute pancreatitis attributed to dietary indiscretion in a female mixed breed canine
Angelie Shukla

Abstract — A female, mixed-breed dog was presented with signs of abdominal discomfort and vomiting of 24 h duration following an episode of dietary indiscretion. Clinical signs, previous medical history, and diagnostic tests supported a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Specific and supportive treatment was instituted, and clinical signs resolved 10 d after presentation.

Can Vet J 2009;50:85–88