Veterinary Record: Journal of the British Veterinary Association

Smyth, A.; Fitzpatrick, D. A.; Ellis, W. A.

doi: 10.1136/vr.145.19.539pmid: 10609569

Leptospiral infection has been reported in calves which were either stillbom or dead from perinatal weak calf syndrome; 356 such calves were examined for evidence of associations between leptospiral infection and macroscopic, histological and microbiological findings, and the parity of the dam. Calves in which leptospiral antigen was detected in the placenta were significantly lighter by an average of 6 to 10 kg than calves with no antigen in the placenta. Calves infected with Leptospira were more likely to be infected by Actinomyces pyogenes or Bacllus species. No other significant associations were detected. The adrenal gland, lung and placenta were the most useful organs to examine for leptospiral antigen. The placenta was the only antigen‐positive tissue 8.9 per cent of the calves submitted with their placenta.

Cerundolo, R.; Lloyd, D. H.; Pidduck, H. G.

doi: 10.1136/vr.145.19.542pmid: 10609570

The inheritance of hair loss in Irish water spaniels has been studied by evaluating the inbreeding levels and genetic relationships in a.group of affected and unaffected dogs. A detailed study of the pedigree tree of four families revealed a familial predisposition suggesting a dominant mode of inheritance.

Saunders, J. H.; Snaps, F. R.; Peeters, D.; Trotteur, G.; Dondelinger, R. F.

doi: 10.1136/vr.145.19.544pmid: 10609571

Two dogs with a history of coughing and exercise intolerance were suspected to have a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), and the presence of a type Ill PDA was confirmed by radiography, electrocardiography, ultrasonography and angiography. iTansarterial coil embolisation was carried out by using a modified technique. An ocdusion balloon catheter was inserted through a femoral vein and placed at the pulmonary side of the ductus before the embolisation coils were put in place. Both dogs remained healthy during a follow‐up period of nine months.

Lucas, R. J.; Barnett, J.; Riley, P.

doi: 10.1136/vr.145.19.547pmid: 10609572

Six rescued grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) pups had traumatic injuries to their hind flippers; three had osteomyelitis without fractures, one had a single fracture and associated osteomyelitis, and two had multiple compound fractures and large open wounds. The medical and surgical methods used to treat these lesions are described. A proprietary waterproof covering appeared to be a better method for dressing the wounds than conventional bandaging.

doi: 10.1136/vr.145.19.550pmid: N/A

Meningitis and pet dogs Godey, B., Morandi, X., Bourdiniere, J. & Heurtin, C. (1999) Lancet 354, 1267

Mawhinney, I.; Biggadike, H.; Drew, B.

doi: 10.1136/vr.145.19.551pmid: 10609573

A planned breeding regimen, using gondadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH), prostaglandin F2α, and a second dose of GnRH, followed by a fixed time insemination, was evaluated in comparison with a negative control on eight commercial dairy farms in the south of England. Fertility data were collected from the 220 cows in the planned breeding group and from 220 matched control cows inseminated at observed oestrus. The planned regimen induced visible oestrus in the vast majority of the cows, and serving the cows at this oestrus reduced the calving to conception interval by 15 days, resulting in 12 per cent more cows being pregnant by 125 days after calving, and 6 per cent more by 150 days. The results from the individual farms suggested that more benefit may be derived from using the regimen in herds with only average fertility indices. There was also evidence to suggest that the second GnRH injection was important, even in cows that came on heat and were served before the fixed time insemination.

Rhind, M.; Dixon, P. M.

doi: 10.1136/vr.145.19.554pmid: 10609574

Gunning, R.; Brown, I. H.; Crawshaw, T. R.

doi: 10.1136/vr.145.19.556pmid: 10609575

Osek, J.

doi: 10.1136/vr.145.19.557pmid: 10609576

Mirangi, P. K.; Kang'ee, F. M.

doi: 10.1136/vr.145.19.558pmid: 10609577