Ergot alkaloid intoxication in perennial ryegrass ( Lolium perenne ): an emerging animal health concern in Ireland?
Abstract
Four primary mycotoxicosis have been reported in livestock caused by fungal infections of grasses or cereals by members of the Clavicipitaceae family. Ergotism (generally associated with grasses, rye, triticale and other grains) and fescue toxicosis (associated with tall fescue grass, Festuca arundinacea) are both caused by ergot alkaloids, and referred to as ‘ergot alkaloid intoxication’. Ryegrass staggers (associated with perennial ryegrass Lolium perenne) is due to intoxication with an indole-diperpene, Lolitrem B, and metabolites. Fescue-associated oedema, recently described in Australi...
Source: Irish Veterinary Journal - September 25, 2014 Category: Veterinary Research Source Type: research
Copper toxicity in a New Zealand dairy herd
Abstract
Chronic copper toxicity was diagnosed in a Jersey herd in the Waikato region of New Zealand following an investigation into the deaths of six cattle from a herd of 250 dry cows. Clinical signs and post-mortem examination results were consistent with a hepatopathy, and high concentrations of copper in liver and blood samples of clinically affected animals confirmed copper toxicity. Liver copper concentrations and serum gamma-glutamyl transferase activities were both raised in a group of healthy animals sampled at random from the affected herd, indicating an ongoing risk to the remaining cattle; ...
Source: Irish Veterinary Journal - September 23, 2014 Category: Veterinary Research Source Type: research
Changing incidence of bovine babesiosis in Ireland
Conclusion
While the precise reasons for the decline in the incidence of redwater are unknown, changes in agricultural practice are likely to be of importance. A reversal of the trend could be devastating, as vigilance among farmers and veterinarians is flagging and the national herd is losing its protective immunity to disease. (Source: Irish Veterinary Journal)
Source: Irish Veterinary Journal - September 5, 2014 Category: Veterinary Research Source Type: research
Aspects of bovine herpesvirus 1 and bovine viral diarrhoea virus herd-level seroprevalence and vaccination in dairy and beef herds in Northern Ireland
Conclusions
The results from this study indicate that the true herd-level seroprevalences to bovine herpesvirus 1 and bovine virus diarrhoea virus in non-vaccinating herds in Northern Northern Ireland are 77.3% (95% CI: 73.6–80.9%) and 98.4% (95% CI: 97.3–99.5%), respectively. The present study will assist in guiding regional policy development and establish a baseline against which the progress of current and future control and eradication programmes can be measured. (Source: Irish Veterinary Journal)
Source: Irish Veterinary Journal - August 15, 2014 Category: Veterinary Research Source Type: research
Systemic fungal infection in a dog: a unique case in Ireland
Abstract
A three year old male entire Staffordshire bull terrier was referred to University College Dublin Veterinary Hospital, with a two week history of fever, inflammation of the right hock, lameness on the right hindlimb, peripheral lymphadenopathy and gastrointestinal signs (vomiting and diarrhoea). For the preceding three months the dog had been treated for atopic dermatitis with oral ciclosporin (5 mg/kg, PO, q 24 hours).
Cytological analysis of the affected lymph nodes demonstrated fungal-like organisms predominantly contained within macrophages. Subsequent fungal culture a...
Source: Irish Veterinary Journal - August 6, 2014 Category: Veterinary Research Source Type: research
High level of treatment failure with commonly used anthelmintics on Irish sheep farms
Conclusions
Gastrointestinal nematode anthelmintic treatments, as practiced on Irish farms, have a high failure rate. There was a significant difference between the efficacies of the anthelmintic classes with BZ the least effective and ML the most effective. (Source: Irish Veterinary Journal)
Source: Irish Veterinary Journal - August 3, 2014 Category: Veterinary Research Source Type: research
Primary cranial mediastinal hemangiosarcoma in a young dog
Abstract
Primary cranial mediastinal hemangiosarcomas are uncommon tumors. A 30-kg, 2-year-old, intact female German shepherd was presented for evaluation of cachexia and respiratory distress of a few days’ duration. Lateral radiographic projection of the thorax revealed significant pleural effusion. Computed tomography revealed a cranial mediastinal mass effect adjacent to the heart. On surgical exploration, a pedunculated mass attached to the esophagus, trachea, brachiocephalic trunk, left subclavian artery and cranial vena cava without attachment to the right atrium and auricular appendage was remo...
Source: Irish Veterinary Journal - July 27, 2014 Category: Veterinary Research Source Type: research
Phylogenetic grouping, epidemiological typing, analysis of virulence genes, and antimicrobial susceptibility of Escherichia coli isolated from healthy broilers in Japan
Conclusions
Our results indicated that E. coli isolates inhabiting the intestines of healthy broilers pose a potential risk of causing avian colibacillosis. (Source: Irish Veterinary Journal)
Source: Irish Veterinary Journal - July 10, 2014 Category: Veterinary Research Source Type: research
Detection and characterisation of bovine rotavirus in Ireland from 2006–2008
Conclusion
The detection of unusual G and P combinations may have an impact on rotavirus control programmes and current vaccines may need to incorporate new strains, as the current vaccine available may not offer protection against all of these circulating types. (Source: Irish Veterinary Journal)
Source: Irish Veterinary Journal - June 20, 2014 Category: Veterinary Research Source Type: research
Characterization of coagulase negative staphylococci from cases of subclinical mastitis in dairy cattle in Kampala, Uganda
Conclusions
In milk samples from cows with SCM caused by CNS, S. epidermidis was most prevalent, followed by S. haemolyticus. (Source: Irish Veterinary Journal)
Source: Irish Veterinary Journal - June 2, 2014 Category: Veterinary Research Source Type: research
A bulk milk tank study to detect evidence of spread of Schmallenberg virus infection in the south-west of Ireland in 2013
Conclusion
The study results suggest that the anticipated spread of SBV across Ireland from the south and south-east did not occur during 2013. (Source: Irish Veterinary Journal)
Source: Irish Veterinary Journal - May 27, 2014 Category: Veterinary Research Source Type: research
Comparative palatability of five supplements designed for cats suffering from chronic renal disease
Conclusion
Pronefra® was the most palatable presentation tested, meaning it may be useful for improving ease of supplementation in CKD cats. (Source: Irish Veterinary Journal)
Source: Irish Veterinary Journal - May 19, 2014 Category: Veterinary Research Source Type: research
Phylogenetic comparison of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) and porcine reproductive respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) strains detected in domestic pigs until 2008 and in 2012 in Croatia
Conclusion
The results of this study reveal that even though PCV2 and PRRSV are constantly present in the investigated regions in Croatia, the viral strains found in 2012 genetically differ from those detected in earlier years. This indicates that new entries into the pig population appeared with regard to both infections, probably as a result of pig trade. (Source: Irish Veterinary Journal)
Source: Irish Veterinary Journal - May 14, 2014 Category: Veterinary Research Source Type: research
Antimicrobial resistant bacteria in wild mammals and birds: a coincidence or cause for concern?
Conclusions
The presence of AMR in wildlife has implications for public health, food safety and potable water source protection among others. (Source: Irish Veterinary Journal)
Source: Irish Veterinary Journal - April 25, 2014 Category: Veterinary Research Source Type: research
Acquired nephrogenic diabetes insipidus in a dog with leptospirosis
Abstract
A 5 year old male neutered Cairn Terrier was evaluated for signs of polyuria and polydipsia. Initial hematology and chemistry panels were unremarkable and urinalysis showed a persistent hyposthenuria. Eleven days later, the dog became lethargic, inappetent and had developed acute renal failure. The dog was ultimately euthanized due to a poor response to treatment. Microscopic agglutination titres were consistent with a diagnosis of leptospirosis. The initial hyposthenuria in this case was consistent with acquired nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. This is an uncommon presentation of leptospirosis ...
Source: Irish Veterinary Journal - April 17, 2014 Category: Veterinary Research Source Type: research
