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Aust Vet J 2022 Jun 16. Epub 2022 Jun 16.

Animal Referral Hospital, Essendon Fields, 72 Hargrave Avenue, Essendon Fields, Victoria, 3041, Australia.

Hyperthyroidism and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are common diseases of geriatric cats, and often occur concurrently. Thus, a thorough understanding of the influence of thyroid function on renal function is of significant value for all feline practitioners. Among other effects, hyperthyroidism causes protein catabolism and increases renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Read More

Aust Vet J 2022 Jun 13. Epub 2022 Jun 13.

School of Psychological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay, Tasmania, Australia.

Animal care professionals can experience adverse psychological outcomes due to their work, therefore research exploring supporting resilience in this population is needed. This study investigated the capacity of the Stress Shield Model (SSM) to explain relationships between individual, interpersonal, and organisational factors with outcomes in resilience (resilience, growth, and job satisfaction) in animal care professionals. Empowerment was hypothesised to mediate these relationships. Read More

Aust Vet J 2022 Jun 6. Epub 2022 Jun 6.

Young Rural Lands Protection Board, Young, New South Wales, Australia.

The authors report an unusual case of Clostridium chauvoei causing severe panophthalmitis in Merino lambs. More than half of the lambs affected survived, which is unusual for clostridial disease; however, there have been reports in humans that the mortality risk for ocular gas gangrene is lower than when other body parts are affected. A combination of factors in this case included environmental contamination (specific to a particular paddock), genetics predisposing to entropion (lambs born of maiden 2-year-old ewes with some inbreeding), the practice of manually everting eyelids for the entropion and vaccination strategies. Read More

Aust Vet J 2022 Jun 5. Epub 2022 Jun 5.

Centre for Animal Production and Health, Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia.

This case-control study investigated associations between Campylobacter fetus or Campylobacter jejuni titre and reproductive outcomes in 22 flocks of Merino and non-Merino maiden ewes aged 1-2 years old. Campylobacter titres were also determined for multiparous ewes aged 3 years or older on the same farms. C. Read More

Aust Vet J 2022 Jun 2. Epub 2022 Jun 2.

U-Vet Animal Hospital, University of Melbourne, 250 Princes Highway, Werribee, Victoria, 3030, Australia.

Background: Global brain ischaemia following cardiopulmonary arrest is uncommonly reported in veterinary medicine yet neurologic injury after arrest is a known morbidity.

Case Report: An 18-week-old male entire Cavalier King Charles Spaniel-Poodle was referred following 3 days of neurologic abnormalities after cardiopulmonary arrest. After resuscitation, the animal had decerebrate rigidity, a stuporous mentation and intermittent episodes of vocalisation and apnoea. Read More

Aust Vet J 2022 May 26. Epub 2022 May 26.

Biomin, Getzersdorf, Austria.

The aim of this study is to develop a reference interval for plasma protein electrophoresis for wild free-roaming central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). This will assist the veterinarian in diagnosing and monitoring diseases in wild and captive animals. The study group consisted of 29 wild central bearded dragons of which 22 were males and 7 were females. Read More

Aust Vet J 2022 May 26. Epub 2022 May 26.

UQ VETS, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland.

The tube cricothyrotomy (CTT) has recently been introduced to small animal medicine as a viable surgical airway access procedure; however, there are no reports documenting its clinical use. The author's objective is to describe the clinical application, complications, and management of an elective CTT in a dog. Furthermore, the characteristics of CTT that may be clinically advantageous over temporary tube tracheostomy (TT) will be discussed. Read More

Aust Vet J 2022 May 25. Epub 2022 May 25.

Behavioural disease is one of the leading reasons for euthanasia in shelter dogs and cats. Information acquired via a survey of veterinarians (n = 59) was used to understand the way canine and feline behaviour problems are viewed and managed by nonshelter, small animal general practice veterinarians. Participants (20%, n = 12) felt that the following diseases were more of a welfare issue than behaviour problems: food sensitivity, osteoarthritis, puppy/kitten farms, skin disease, nutritional disease, parasitic disease, dental disease, obesity, in-breeding, over-population, neoplasia, greyhound racing, hyperthyroidism and renal disease. Read More

Aust Vet J 2022 May 23. Epub 2022 May 23.

School of Veterinary and Animal Science, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia.

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease with worldwide distribution. Brucella suis serotype 1 is thought to be maintained in the Australian feral pig population, with disease prevalence higher in Queensland (Qld) than New South Wales (NSW). Pig hunting is a popular recreational activity in rural Qld and NSW, with feral pigs in these states thought to carry B. Read More

Aust Vet J 2022 May 18. Epub 2022 May 18.

Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia.

The largest Australian farm-based outbreak of Q fever originated from a dairy goat herd. We surveyed commercial dairy goat farms across Australia by testing bulk tank milk (BTM) samples using a commercial indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and two quantitative polymerase chain reactions (PCRs). Of the 66 commercial dairy goat herds on record, managers from 61 herds were contacted and 49 provided BTM samples. Read More

Aust Vet J 2022 May 18. Epub 2022 May 18.

Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales, 2570, Australia.

Multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) technologies are integral to genetic improvement programs in the sheep industries. Despite the protocols being well established, previous findings regarding the effects of embryo properties on MOET success remain contradictory. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of embryo developmental stage and quality on embryo viability following transfer to recipient ewes. Read More

Aust Vet J 2022 May 16. Epub 2022 May 16.

Centre for Veterinary Education, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

Despite the passage of over 30 years since its discovery, the importance of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) on the health and longevity of infected domestic cats is hotly debated amongst feline experts. Notwithstanding the absence of good quality information, Australian and New Zealand (NZ) veterinarians should aim to minimise the exposure of cats to FIV. The most reliable way to achieve this goal is to recommend that all pet cats are kept exclusively indoors, or with secure outdoor access (e. Read More

Aust Vet J 2022 May 12. Epub 2022 May 12.

School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland.

Introduction: The eastern blue-tongued skink (Tiliqua scincoides scincoides), native to eastern Australia, is commonly kept as both a pet and for breeding. As a sexually monomorphic species, it is important to develop reliable techniques for sex identification, both for breeding and health purposes. Numerous techniques have been developed for the identification of sex in other reptile species but, other than possibly morphometric analysis, none have proven to be reliable in this species. Read More

Aust Vet J 2022 May 12. Epub 2022 May 12.

School of Psychological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.

Aim: To develop a taxonomy of positive and negative occupational and organisational factors reported that impact the mental health of veterinary professionals.

Methods: Veterinary professionals working in Australasia were surveyed between February and June of 2021. The survey comprised two questions related to participants' perceptions of the positive and negative aspects of their job role that impact their mental health and wellbeing. Read More

Aust Vet J 2022 May 12. Epub 2022 May 12.

School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia.

Aims: To investigate the relative differences in the perceptions and awareness of outbreaks of photosensitisation in Australian livestock stakeholders, including veterinarians, livestock traders and producers.

Methods: A questionnaire was developed and circulated to livestock veterinarians, producers and traders in Australia via email addresses obtained from public access sources. The questionnaire was designed to evaluate participants' awareness and perception of health, welfare, and production issues associated with outbreaks of photosensitisation and towards the incidence and importance of photosensitisation in livestock. Read More

Aust Vet J 2022 May 5. Epub 2022 May 5.

Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Science, University of Melbourne, Grattan St, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.

Background: The 2019/2020 Australian bushfires were the largest bushfire event in modern Australian history. While actions to mitigate risk to homes from bushfires are well reported, there is very little research reported on the impacts of bushfires on livestock. With an increasing incidence of bushfires predicted, there is an urgent need to identify how farmers can best protect their livestock. Read More

Aust Vet J 2022 May 1. Epub 2022 May 1.

College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Division of Tropical Health & Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.

A novel alphaherpesvirus was detected in a captive adult, lactating, female koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) admitted to James Cook University Veterinary Emergency Teaching & Clinical Hospital in March 2019, showing signs of anorexia and severe respiratory disease. Postmortem examination revealed gross pathology indicative of pneumonia. Histopathology demonstrated a chronic interstitial pneumonia, multifocal necrotising adrenalitis and hepatitis. Read More

Aust Vet J 2022 Apr 5. Epub 2022 Apr 5.

School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia.

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes among post-weaned calves aged between 4 and 12 months old within a pasture-based system of south west Australia and quantify the level of anthelmintic resistance. Pre-treatment FECs were monitored on 14 dairy farms. Anthelmintic resistance was assessed on 11 of the farms. Read More

Aust Vet J 2022 Mar 30. Epub 2022 Mar 30.

Animal Welfare Science Centre, The University of Melbourne, Corner Flemington Road and Park Drive, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.

Failure of passive immunity transfer (FPIT) increases the risk of morbidity and mortality in dairy calves. The prevalence of FPIT in dairy calves has generally been reported to be high, with FPIT estimated to occur in 38%-42% of Australian dairy calves. However, the focus of previous studies has been on replacement heifer calves. Read More

Aust Vet J 2022 Jun 25;100(6):277-282. Epub 2022 Mar 25.

Melbourne Zoo, Veterinary, Zoos Victoria, Melbourne, Australia.

Dental disease is common in wild and captive koalas. Effective treatments are limited and dental disease may not be recognised until it is quite severe. We describe the appearance of varying severities of dental disease on computed tomography (CT) images in a case series of six koalas. Read More

Aust Vet J 2022 Mar 23. Epub 2022 Mar 23.

Pet Intensive Care Unit, 1-15 Lexington Rd, Underwood, Queensland, 4119, Australia.

Introduction: Most cases of red-bellied black snake (RBBS) envenomation in dogs respond favourably to treatment comprising of tiger-brown snake antivenom (TBAV), intravenous fluid therapy, analgesia and, if indicated, mechanical ventilation and/or blood transfusion. However, there remains a subset of patients who develop fatal complications despite intensive treatment and risk factors for these occurring remain unknown. Here we present a retrospective cross-sectional survey of 91 canine and feline RBBS envenomation cases. Read More

Aust Vet J 2022 Jun 8;100(6):271-276. Epub 2022 Mar 8.

Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP), Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), East Geelong, Victoria, Australia.

Background: Neoplasia is considered to be rare in macropods. Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) also known as undifferentiated or giant cell carcinoma, is a rare but aggressive and lethal solid tumour reported to affect humans, dogs, cats, racoons and birds. It is derived from poorly differentiated follicular cells and lacks the characteristic architectural pattern of arrangement of tumour cells. Read More

Aust Vet J 2022 Jun 3;100(6):236-242. Epub 2022 Mar 3.

Veterinary Specialist Services, Carrara, Queensland, Australia.

Background: 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) cream is a common human topical chemotherapy agent with potentially fatal neurotoxic effects on dogs if accidentally ingested. There are seldom reports in veterinary literature describing the successful outcome of intervention after accidental ingestion of 5-FU cream.

Case Summary: A 9-month-old spayed female labradoodle presented 14 h after ingesting an unknown amount of 40 g tube of Efudex cream (5% 5-FU). Read More

Aust Vet J 2022 May 3;100(5):205-212. Epub 2022 Mar 3.

School of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia.

This study aimed to determine the bacterial isolates associated with postpartum endometritis among dairy cows in Western Australia and their antimicrobial susceptibility profiles. A cross-sectional study was conducted between June-October 2020. Endometritis was defined as evidence of mucopurulent to purulent vaginal discharge 60-100 days postpartum. Read More

Aust Vet J 2022 Jun 27;100(6):261-270. Epub 2022 Feb 27.

CSIRO Agriculture and Food, F.D. McMaster Laboratory, New England Hwy, Armidale, New South Wales, 2350, Australia.

Background: Infectious disease has a significant impact on livestock production. Availability of alternatives to antibiotics to prevent and treat disease is required to reduce reliance on antibiotics while not impacting animal welfare. Innate immune stimulants, such as mycobacterium cell wall fractions (MCWF), are used as alternatives to antibiotics for the treatment and prevention of infectious disease in a number of species including cattle, horses and dogs. Read More

Aust Vet J 2022 Jun 21;100(6):254-260. Epub 2022 Feb 21.

School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, Roseworthy, South Australia, 5371, Australia.

Introduction: Upper airway endoscopy of thoroughbred (TB) yearlings is commonly used in an attempt to predict laryngeal function (LF) and its impact on future race performance. The aim of this study was to determine if different grading systems and laryngeal grades were correlated with future performance.

Materials And Methods: Postsale endoscopic recordings were obtained from an Australian TB yearling sale during a four-year period from 2008 to 2011. Read More

Aust Vet J 2022 Jun 17;100(6):223-229. Epub 2022 Feb 17.

Department of Internal Medicine, Southern Counties Veterinary Specialists, Ringwood, UK.

Objectives: To describe clinical signs, diagnostics, treatments and outcomes of prostatitis and prostatic abscesses of dogs in a referral population.

Animals: Eighty-two dogs diagnosed with prostatitis and/or prostatic abscesses from three referral hospitals.

Procedures: Retrospective case series. Read More

Aust Vet J 2022 Jun 15;100(6):243-253. Epub 2022 Feb 15.

Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.

Background: Sickness presenteeism in the veterinary profession potentially jeopardises the wellbeing of veterinary team members and endangers quality of patient care. In veterinary team members with influenza-like illness (ILI), sickness presenteeism poses a risk to the health and wellbeing of colleagues and clients, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to evaluate factors associated with sickness presenteeism in NSW registered veterinarians suffering from ILI, both before and since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read More

Aust Vet J 2022 Jun 14;100(6):230-235. Epub 2022 Feb 14.

Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

The causative agent of Q fever, Coxiella burnetii, is endemic to Queensland and is one of the most important notifiable zoonotic diseases in Australia. The reservoir species for C. burnetii are classically ruminants, including sheep, cattle and goats. Read More

Aust Vet J 2022 Apr 5;100(4):181-186. Epub 2022 Feb 5.

School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, 2678, Australia.

Objective: Identify veterinarians' practices, recommendations and perceptions when preventing tetanus in horses in Australia.

Methods: Graduated members of Equine Veterinarians Australia participated in an online survey about the prevention of tetanus in horses in Australia.

Results: Of 77 respondents (response rate ~ 8%), 50 (65%) reported that they had attended collectively 145-152 cases of tetanus in horses in Australia (1. Read More