Canine demodicosis treatment survey
WE ARE researching the use, effectiveness and duration of treatments required in canine generalised demodicosis cases. Our interest is in discovering what is being prescribed as first-line treatment and what colleagues are reaching for if the initial treatment proves unsatisfactory. We would be most grateful if readers could spare a few minutes to complete an online survey regarding the treatment of canine generalised demodicosis. To take the survey please visit: https://surveyhero.com/c/d4d1f7f The information provided will be used as part of a student research project being undertaken at the Department of Veterinary Medi...
Source: Veterinary Record - October 6, 2017 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Beggs, K. Tags: Letters & amp; Notices Source Type: research

Peer review
I found the recent comment on peer review of interest (VR, September 23, 2017, vol 181, p 304). I have for some time believed that all articles submitted for review in our professional journals should be reviewed anonymously, that is, the authors and the site should be redacted before examination by the peer reviewer. This system would eliminate any potential personal conflict between authors and the reviewers. I believe that such a system would strengthen the quality of the review process. In addition, I would like to comment on the aim of providing studies truly based on evidence-based medicine results. It sounds fine, b...
Source: Veterinary Record - October 6, 2017 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Baker, G. J. Tags: Letters & amp; Notices Source Type: research

Worms at the Royal Welsh Show
We have been developing the FECPAKG2 automated faecal egg counting platform (Techion Group) for horses. This tool can be used to investigate the level of anthelmintic resistance present among nematode parasite populations. As part of our outreach strategy, we have performed faecal egg counts (FEC) on horses attending the Royal Welsh agricultural show in July 2017; one of the largest agricultural shows in Europe. Over the four days of the show we FEC tested 60 animals while collecting additional data on associated worming practices. All faecal samples were collected and prepared on site with images of the flotation preparat...
Source: Veterinary Record - October 6, 2017 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Tyson, F., Brophy, P. M., Morphew, R. M., Allen, T., Pennington, C., Thomas, E. Tags: Letters & amp; Notices Source Type: research

Unusual presentation of myxomatosis
In last week’s issue Vic Simpson and others (VR, September 30, 2017, vol 181, pp 350-351) describe a shot wild rabbit in good condition that was found to have an unusual form of myxomatosis consisting of multiple dermal masses over the lumbar region. It is not known to what extent that case may be related to ‘lumpy bunny syndrome’ occasionally seen in pet rabbits previously vaccinated against myxomatosis. Here I describe a different unusual presentation of myxomatosis that was restricted to one pinna. In May 2012, a lop rabbit, thought by the owner to be two years old, was presented because of a severely ...
Source: Veterinary Record - October 6, 2017 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Whitehead, M. L. Tags: Letters & amp; Notices Source Type: research

Ritual religious slaughter in the UK
I am writing to wholeheartedly endorse the letter in the Veterinary Record (September 23, 2017, vol 181, p 325) regarding ritual religious slaughter labelling. As slaughter without pre-stunning is no longer done in Sweden, Denmark and Germany, I wonder why the UK government feels it should be allowed here. The UK government blocked a motion to stop slaughter without pre-stunning in the European Parliament not long ago. To me, it appears that they fear offending Muslim and Jewish communities, but as this letter points out, that should not be the case. It would help if Muslim and Jewish veterinary surgeons were outspoken in ...
Source: Veterinary Record - October 6, 2017 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Hutchinson, M. Tags: Letters & amp; Notices Source Type: research

Selected highlights from other veterinary journals
This study aimed to compare the accuracy and repeatability of commercially available high-end and low-end 3D printers in producing these polymers. Polymer replicas of three bones (a cat femur, dog radius and dog tibia) were reconstructed in triplicate from CT images by each of four printers (two high-end and two-low end printers). One high-end system relied on the jetting of curable... (Source: Veterinary Record)
Source: Veterinary Record - October 6, 2017 Category: Veterinary Research Tags: Research digest Source Type: research

Ruminant neurological disease: a retrospective cohort study
Between January 2006 and June 2016, 96 ruminants with neurological signs were donated to the Scottish Centre for Production Animal Health and Food Safety (SCPAHFS), University of Glasgow, by veterinarians in the field representing 5.4 per cent of all submissions. Forty-seven different neurological presenting signs were reported with 79 per cent of the donated patients presenting with abnormal gait. All cases presenting with abnormalities in more than 4 out of 10 neurological categories died or were euthanased on welfare grounds. Calves were significantly more likely to present with neurological disorders than adult cattle ...
Source: Veterinary Record - October 6, 2017 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Giles, L., Orr, J., Viora, L., Gutierrez-Quintana, R., Logue, D., Guevar, J. Tags: Neurology Paper Source Type: research

Seasonality in oestrus and litter size in an assistance dog breeding colony in the United Kingdom
Evidence of seasonality in oestrus in bitches within specialist breeding programmes, such as those for assistance dogs, may support colony management through tailoring the distribution of resources required for breeding throughout the year. However, at present there are conflicting data regarding seasonality in oestrus (and litter size) in domestic dogs. The primary objective of this study was to investigate seasonal variations in oestrus and litter size in a large assistance dog breeding colony in the UK in order to optimise colony management. The authors analysed the annual distribution of 3624 observations of oestrus co...
Source: Veterinary Record - October 6, 2017 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Wigham, E. E., Moxon, R. S., England, G. C. W., Wood, J. L. N., Morters, M. K. Tags: Open access Paper Source Type: research

Role of the gastrointestinal microbiota in small animal health and disease
There is a large and emerging interest in the role of the gastrointestinal microbiota in health and disease. This paper serves to review the current knowledge and recommendations of the gastrointestinal microbiota in health and gastrointestinal disease. Further, this review evaluates the current literature and suggests guidelines for faecal microbial transplantation, a novel therapy for dysbiosis in veterinary medicine. (Source: Veterinary Record)
Source: Veterinary Record - October 6, 2017 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Redfern, A., Suchodolski, J., Jergens, A. Tags: Review Source Type: research

Neurological disease in ruminants
Working up a neurological case in farm animals is not always an easy task. One of the most useful skills is a sound understanding of the principles of characterising the abnormality and localising the lesion. Successfully mastering this aspect reduces the different possible diagnoses, typically from many to just a handful. For example, the ability to distinguish weakness from ataxia will lead to a completely different set of differentials. Equally, this skill often allows narrowing down the likely aetiology. In particular, whether the patient suffers from an acute condition (like a toxicosis or deficiency) requiring swift ...
Source: Veterinary Record - October 6, 2017 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Mueller, K. Tags: Research Source Type: research

Salmonella investigations in ruminants
Trigger factors for Salmonella infections Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 update Control measures for Salmonella in livestock Public health considerations These issues are considered in this month’s surveillance focus article, which has been prepared by Gareth Hateley, veterinary lead of the Cattle Expert Group, and Amanda Carson, veterinary lead of the Small Ruminant Expert Group, of the APHA Surveillance Intelligence Unit. (Source: Veterinary Record)
Source: Veterinary Record - October 6, 2017 Category: Veterinary Research Tags: Surveillance Source Type: research

Disease surveillance in England and Wales, September 2017
Current and emerging issues: Schmallenberg virus Highlights from the scanning surveillance network on international disease threats Salmonella investigations in ruminants These are among matters discussed in the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s (APHA’s) disease surveillance report for September 2017 (Source: Veterinary Record)
Source: Veterinary Record - October 6, 2017 Category: Veterinary Research Tags: Surveillance Source Type: research

Importance of keeping microchips up to date
Almost 70 per cent of the microchipped stray dogs collected by local authorities last year were unable to be reunited with their owners as their microchips contained out of date information, a survey has revealed. Dogs Trust’s annual stray dog survey found that 66,277 stray dogs were taken in by local authorities last year, the lowest figures since data collection started 20 years ago, and that 60 per cent of strays were reunited with their owners. However, of the dogs that had microchips, Dogs Trust found that 69 per cent of these were unable to be reunited with their owners as the details on the microchips were out...
Source: Veterinary Record - October 6, 2017 Category: Veterinary Research Tags: News section Source Type: research

Wild animal medicine: celebrating success
High achievers were celebrated last month at the annual prize-giving for two Masters degree courses run jointly by the Royal Veterinary College and the Zoological Society of London. Students achieving top marks and producing the best projects on the Masters degree courses in wild animal biology (WAB) and wild animal health (WAH) were celebrated at the event held at London zoo’s Tiger Territory. The MSc WAH is for qualified vets – it equips them with knowledge of the management of wild animals, and the epidemiology, treatment and control of wild animal disease. Aimed at non-veterinary biological science graduate...
Source: Veterinary Record - October 6, 2017 Category: Veterinary Research Tags: News section Source Type: research

News in brief
Battersea CEO wins UK director of the year Claire Horton, chief executive of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, swept the board at this year’s Institute of Director UK Awards, picking up the Public and Third Sector Award and named ‘Overall UK Director of the Year’. Horton was commended for demonstrating that strong leadership and good governance is not just important in the corporate world, but is essential for all boardrooms, including those of charities and not-for-profit organisations. Annual renewal for nurses The RCVS is reminding veterinary nurses that their annual renewal fee for 2017/18 is due. All r...
Source: Veterinary Record - October 6, 2017 Category: Veterinary Research Tags: News in brief Source Type: research