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Aust Vet J 2020 Jun;98(6):270-271

Environmental Futures Research Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia.

Aust Vet J 2020 Jun 24. Epub 2020 Jun 24.

School of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia.

Objective: Review medical records of dogs that underwent adrenalectomy without pre-operative medical management, to examine the peri-operative morbidity and mortality.

Design: Case series of 65 dogs.

Methods: Medical records were reviewed. Read More

Aust Vet J 2020 Jun 23. Epub 2020 Jun 23.

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

Canine distemper virus (CDV) can cause mortality in domestic dogs, which is easily prevented by the consistent application of vaccination protocols. The aim of this study was to determine if the dog populations of three strategically located islands in the Torres Strait of Australia, adjacent to Papua New Guinea, are infected by CDV. Eighty-four serum samples were collected from 70 dogs resident on Saibai, Dauan and Boigu Islands during 2017-2018. Read More

Aust Vet J 2020 Jun 21. Epub 2020 Jun 21.

Animal Pathology Department, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain.

At the slaughterhouse, 1465 culled sheep heads were studied in order to identify disorders of the mandibular cheek teeth. Of these, 227 (15.5%) had evidence of osteomyelitis. Read More

Aust Vet J 2020 Jun 14. Epub 2020 Jun 14.

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, South Perth, WA, 6151, Australia.

Background: Theileria orientalis infection causes a clinical syndrome in cattle characterised by weakness, reluctance to walk, anaemia, jaundice and death in peri-parturient cows and young calves, referred to as bovine anaemia caused by Theileria orientalis group (BATOG). Abortions in pregnant cows are also reported. Pallor, pyrexia and elevated heart and respiratory rates are typical findings on physical examination. Read More

Aust Vet J 2020 Jun 11. Epub 2020 Jun 11.

University of Wollongong, Australian Centre for Health Engagement, Evidence and Values, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.

Background: Hendra virus (HeV) is endemic in Australian flying foxes, posing a threat to equine and human health. Equine vaccination remains the most effective risk mitigation strategy. Many horses remain unvaccinated - even in higher-risk regions. Read More

Aust Vet J 2020 May 27. Epub 2020 May 27.

Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation (An Alliance between Charles Sturt University and NSW Department of Primary Industries), School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Locked Bag 588, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, 2678, Australia.

Objective: A producer survey by questionnaire assessed supplements used in sheep and reasons for use. This was followed by field trials on eight sheep properties in SE NSW to determine the effect of commonly used commercially available supplements on growth rates of Merino and crossbred lambs.

Design: On each property, 450 lambs were selected at weaning and randomly allocated to nine groups of 50 sheep (eight treatment and a control group). Read More

Aust Vet J 2020 May 27. Epub 2020 May 27.

Animal Welfare Science and Education Department, Royal New Zealand SPCA National Office, 3047 Great North Road, Auckland, 0640, New Zealand.

Objective: Veterinarians have an important role in supporting and understanding their clients' grief. Veterinary schools have a duty to teach students how best to manage grief - both that of the students/future veterinarians and the clients. This study explores how grief management, associated with ending the life of an animal, was taught to students in eight Australasian veterinary schools. Read More

Aust Vet J 2020 May 27. Epub 2020 May 27.

Director at Veterinary Specialist Services, 24/34 Goggs Road, Jindalee, Queensland, 4074, Australia.

The objective of this study was to describe a new technique for urinary catheterisation of female dogs using a novel catheterisation device (NCD) and to compare the time taken to place a catheter using this technique with traditional techniques. A secondary objective was to survey participants on which of the techniques they preferred. Female canine cadavers of varying sizes were utilised and veterinary students who had not previously placed a urinary catheter were enrolled. Read More

Aust Vet J 2020 May 22. Epub 2020 May 22.

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

Objective: To determine the current porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) genotypes circulating in pigs in Queensland (QLD).

Methods: The PCV2 infection status of pigs was determined by real-time PCR testing of 210 lymph nodes and 30 serum samples derived from 45 QLD farms. PCV2-positive samples from 22 pigs from 15 farms were subjected to conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing of the full PCV2 genome. Read More

Aust Vet J 2020 May 20. Epub 2020 May 20.

Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, 3030, Australia.

Case Report: An outbreak of systemic isosporosis caused mortalities in greenfinches (Carduelis chloris) and goldfinches (Carduelis carduelis) kept in an aviary in the western suburbs of Melbourne. The following year, a further outbreak in the same aviary occurred in a different flock of goldfinches. At the time of the second outbreak, dead and sick common sparrows (Passer domesticus) discovered near the aviary were also found to have systemic isosporosis. Read More

Aust Vet J 2020 May 12. Epub 2020 May 12.

Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions, 475 Mickleham Road, Attwood, Victoria, 3049, Australia.

Objective: To describe the causes of death or culling in cattle in Victoria, Australia, through surveillance at knackeries.

Methods: Data were collected from 2797 adult cattle consigned to four Victorian knackeries over a 10-year period (2009-2018, inclusive). Cattle were sampled either at the point of collection or at a knackery. Read More

Aust Vet J 2020 May 12. Epub 2020 May 12.

Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, Canberra, Australia.

We have described the efforts of the Australian administration of the Territory of Papua and New Guinea (TPNG) to establish a veterinary service and viable animal industries. These efforts began with planning before the end of World War II in 1945 and continued until independence in 1975. Whereas pre-war cattle had mostly been used to control grass on plantations, post-war, the objective was to use the country's extensive, unoccupied grasslands for cattle production. Read More

Aust Vet J 2020 May 10. Epub 2020 May 10.

Pet Intensive Care Unit, Underwood, Queensland, Australia.

Background: This report describes 17 cases of red-bellied black snake envenomation (RBBS; Pseudechis porphyriacus) in dogs in south-eastern Queensland. Patients were prospectively enrolled for the treatment with a new tiger-brown snake antivenom 8000 units, (TBAV; Padula Serums Pty Ltd, VIC, Australia).

Case Report: Clinical diagnosis of RBBS envenomation was made by either snake venom detection kit, snake identification using scale counting, or owner observed dog-snake interaction in patients with clinical signs of envenomation. Read More

Aust Vet J 2020 May 10. Epub 2020 May 10.

Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation (NSW Department of Primary Industries and Charles Sturt University), Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, 2678, Australia.

This pilot study investigates the acceptability of a mobile application (app) developed to assist livestock producers make better animal health decisions with the support of a local veterinarian. With the increase in new technologies available for producers, acceptability evaluation is important to ensure that technology is designed considering end users' needs. An acceptability qualitative study, using semi-structured interviews, was designed including a purposive selection of sheep producers and livestock veterinarians. Read More

Aust Vet J 2020 May 10. Epub 2020 May 10.

Project Manager, Vaccine, Biotechnology and Experimental Animals R&D Laboratory, Kocak Farma Pharmaceutical Company, Tekirdag, Turkey.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate formalin-inactivated autovaccination to treat cutaneous papillomatosis and to perform molecular typing of the papillomavirus in four horses (two foals, one 3-year-old filly and a 5-year-old stallion).

Methods: Histopathological slides of lesions were prepared and stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) to establish a diagnosis that was based on observation koilocytosis, which is a pathognomonic cytopathic change that is associated with papillomatosis, using light microscopy. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing were performed using the EPV-R and EPV-F primer set. Read More

Aust Vet J 2020 Apr 30. Epub 2020 Apr 30.

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

Objective: The aim of this study was to utilise wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) as a sentinel species to study levels of environmental contamination with N. caninum and T. gondii in South Australia, and to examine associations with rainfall, climate and land use. Read More

Aust Vet J 2020 Apr 21. Epub 2020 Apr 21.

School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, 4343, Australia.

Objective: The study aimed to describe growth parameters and to quantify the association between linear body measurements as predictors of liveweight (LW) of Holstein-Friesian (HF), and HF crossbred dairy calves in Queensland. A secondary objective was to quantify the effect of disease events on LW change.

Study Design: Longitudinal study. Read More

Aust Vet J 2020 Apr 22. Epub 2020 Apr 22.

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

Background: Here, we report on the occurrence of neural tube defects (NTDs) in four related Shetland sheepdog puppies. NTDs present as a range of congenital malformations affecting the spine, skull and associated structures. Despite the severity of these malformations and their relatively high prevalence in humans, the aetiology is not well understood. Read More

Aust Vet J 2020 Apr 14. Epub 2020 Apr 14.

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaengsaen, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between milk urea nitrogen (MUN) and reproductive performance in dairy cows in western Thailand.

Design: All cows calving from November 2014 to April 2015 were included in the study, a total of 486 cows from 47 farms. Each cow had milk constituents and MUN tested monthly up to confirmed conception or until the 8th month after parturition. Read More

Aust Vet J 2020 Apr;98(4):105-134

Aust Vet J 2020 Apr 6. Epub 2020 Apr 6.

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

Objective: Successful disease management requires effective surveillance. Slaughterhouse inspections provide opportunities to efficiently collect regular disease data from many animals across large areas. Toxoplasma is a cat-borne parasite that causes reproduction failure in sheep, although it is not visually detectable at slaughterhouses. Read More

Aust Vet J 2020 Jun 6;98(6):232-238. Epub 2020 Apr 6.

Department of Surgery, Animal Referral Hospital, 250 Parramatta Road, Homebush West, New South Wales, 2140, Australia.

Objective: To identify factors influencing the survival of confirmed gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV) cases presented to a specialist referral and emergency hospital.

Methods: Clinical records of confirmed GDV cases admitted to two specialist referral and emergency centres in Sydney (Animal Referral Hospital (ARH) Homebush and ARH Baulkham Hills) between July 1999 and July 2019 were searched.

Results: A total of 736 GDV cases were reviewed, of which 460 dogs were surgically treated and 276 dogs were humanely killed. Read More

Aust Vet J 2020 Mar 25. Epub 2020 Mar 25.

Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Westmead, New South Wales, 2145, Australia.

Objective: Ovine footrot is a contagious bacterial disease that reduces meat and wool production and can trigger on-farm quarantine in New South Wales. Field diagnosis is based on the prevalence and severity of foot lesions, environmental conditions and flock history. The study evaluated whether a PCR assay or gelatin gel test for virulence in Dichelobacter nodosus isolated from hoof material could aid in the clinical diagnosis of virulent footrot. Read More

Aust Vet J 2020 Jun 18;98(6):225-231. Epub 2020 Mar 18.

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

Four dogs with anticoagulant rodenticide toxicosis were treated with intravenous vitamin K in lieu of plasma transfusion due to client cost constraints. Two dogs experienced a suspected anaphylactoid reaction, necessitating cessation of the treatment in one dog. Prothrombin time was rechecked 1 h after treatment in the remaining three dogs and all results were within the normal reference range. Read More

Aust Vet J 2020 Jun 18;98(6):247-249. Epub 2020 Mar 18.

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

Oxalate nephrosis is a prevalent renal disease in koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) of the Mount Lofty Ranges population in South Australia. The symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) assay is widely used in companion animals to diagnose renal disease, particularly in the early stages. This study aimed to determine: (1) reference intervals for SDMA in koalas and (2) SDMA values of koalas with oxalate nephrosis. Read More

Aust Vet J 2020 May 18;98(5):190-196. Epub 2020 Mar 18.

Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, 3030, Australia.

Objective: To compare fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) conception rates and serum progesterone concentrations at the time of FTAI for cows treated with the original Ovsynch program (OV) with those treated with a modified Ovsynch (MO) program.

Design: This was a randomised clinical trial.

Methods: The study used five split-calving, pasture-based dairy herds in Southwest Victoria, Australia. Read More

Aust Vet J 2020 Jun 11;98(6):264-269. Epub 2020 Mar 11.

Livestock Veterinary Teaching and Research Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales, 2570, Australia.

Aims: The objective of this study was to investigate farmers' perception of lameness in comparison to the estimated prevalence of lameness in NSW pasture-based dairies to evaluate farmers' perceptions and approaches to detection, treatment and prevention of lameness.

Methods: Across-sectional study was conducted on 62 pasture-based dairy farms across NSW, Australia. The prevalence of lameness in these farms was estimated using locomotion scoring (1-4 scale). Read More

Aust Vet J 2020 May 9;98(5):216-221. Epub 2020 Mar 9.

Gribbles Veterinary Pathology, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia.

Background: Brucella spp. are globally important zoonotic bacteria, which have historically been considered pathogens of warm-blooded species. More recently, new strains of Brucella have been cultured from a broader range of animals including terrestrial and marine mammals and amphibians. Read More

Aust Vet J 2020 May 9;98(5):197-199. Epub 2020 Mar 9.

College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia.

Air transport of livestock occurs frequently from most Australian major cities. The total journey time starts with road transport from the farm or pre-export facility to the departing airport where livestock are crated, and ends with the unloading of animals at the premises or farm in the importing country. We reviewed the literature regarding airfreight and conclude that there was minimal information on current practices within this industry, particularly for procedures after arrival at the Australian airport, and during the on-board phase. Read More

Aust Vet J 2020 Mar 2. Epub 2020 Mar 2.

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

Objective: To assess the efficacy of a commercially available in-water amphotericin B treatment for Macrorhabdus ornithogaster.

Design: Clinical treatment trial.

Methods: Faecal shedding of 16 naturally infected budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) was monitored while they were being treated using in-water amphotericin B, as per the manufacturer's instructions, for 10 days. Read More

Aust Vet J 2020 Mar 20;98(3):100-102. Epub 2020 Jan 20.

School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Science, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, 2678, Australia.

Hydatid disease in beef cattle has been reported to be widespread throughout Australia, but cattle bred and raised in the Northern Territory were previously believed to be free of the disease. Between 2010 and 2016, 1061 cattle from the Northern Territory were slaughtered at a New South Wales abattoir and inspected for hydatid disease. The proportion of cattle reported infected with hydatid disease was 3. Read More

Aust Vet J 2020 Jun 24;98(6):256-263. Epub 2020 Feb 24.

Invetus Pty Ltd, Armidale, New South Wales, 2350, Australia.

Objective: There is a critical need for safe and effective analgesic treatments to address pain resulting from surgical husbandry procedures in livestock. Piglet castration results in acute pain and stress to the animal; however, it is performed globally on millions of piglets annually, often without any analgesia what-so-ever. Tri-Solfen® (Animal Ethics Pty Ltd, Yarra Glen, Victoria, Australia) is a combination local anaesthetic and antiseptic formulation which, applied topically to wounds, has proven effective, and is registered for use to alleviate pain associated with castration (and other wounds) in lambs and calves in Australia and New Zealand. Read More

Aust Vet J 2020 Jun 24;98(6):250-255. Epub 2020 Feb 24.

Research and Clinical Training Unit, University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, The University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales, Australia.

Objective: Evaluate the effect of topical 1% cannabidiol on second intention wound healing in distal limb wounds of horses.

Design: Experimental.

Animals: Six Standardbred horses. Read More

Aust Vet J 2020 Apr 23;98(4):148-155. Epub 2020 Feb 23.

Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Science, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong.

Objective: To evaluate the proportion of non-ambulatory dogs with cervical intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH) in a private clinic and to compare signalment and outcome between those that underwent single or multiple ventral slot decompression (VSD).

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Methods: After screening 43,378 medical records (January 2010-September 2016), those of 185 dogs with non-ambulatory tetraparesis or tetraplegia along with cervical IVDH that had undergone single (123) or multiple (62) VSD were included in this study. Read More

Aust Vet J 2020 Jun 24;98(6):239-242. Epub 2020 Feb 24.

Save the Tasmanian Devil Program, Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Hobart, Tasmania, 7000, Australia.

Translocation of Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) is a common strategy for recovery of the species as carried out by the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program. Dasyurids including the endangered Tasmanian devil are well known to asymptomatically harbour the zoonotic bacteria Salmonella enterica in their intestinal tracts. Testing for Salmonella is a routine component of pretranslocation health testing, so a statewide microbiological survey of captive and wild devils was implemented in order to understand prevalence and common Salmonella serotypes, and inform decision-making when positive cultures are identified. Read More

Aust Vet J 2020 Jun 24;98(6):243-246. Epub 2020 Feb 24.

Veterinary Pathology Diagnostic Services, Sydney School of Veterinary Science (SSVS), University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia.

Background: Mammary neoplasia in possums have been sporadically reported in the literature.

Case Report: An adult common brushtail possum with severe dyspnoea warranting euthanasia was submitted for postmortem examination. Necropsy revealed a firm pale tan multilobulated mammary mass which contained pale tan tissue on section. Read More

Aust Vet J 2020 Apr 9;98(4):156-163. Epub 2020 Feb 9.

Veterinary Specialist Services - Small Animal Surgery Department, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.

Objective: To assess the short- and long-term outcome of an anchored intervertebral titanium device (C-LOX) for the treatment of 10 dogs with disc-associated cervical spondylomyelopathy (DACSM) and 1 dog with osseous-associated cervical spondylomyelopathy.

Design: Retrospective case series.

Methods: Dogs were included if they were diagnosed with either DACSM or osseous-associated cervical spondylomyelopathy via myelography with or without advanced imaging and underwent surgical distraction and stabilisation of the affected intervertebral disc with a C-LOX implant. Read More

Aust Vet J 2020 May 9;98(5):173-180. Epub 2020 Feb 9.

Department of Neurology, Veterinary Specialist Services, Underwood, Queensland, 4119, Australia.

Objective: As ownership of brachycephalic dog breeds rises, the surgical correction of components of brachycephalic airway syndrome (BAS) is increasingly recommended by veterinarians. This study's objective was to describe the incidence of, and strategies for the management of post-operative respiratory complications in brachycephalic dogs undergoing surgical correction of one or more components of BAS.

Methods: Medical records of 248 brachycephalic dogs treated surgically for BAS were retrospectively reviewed for demographic information, procedures performed, post-operative complications and treatment implemented, hospitalisation time, and necessity for further surgery. Read More

Aust Vet J 2020 May 9;98(5):207-215. Epub 2020 Feb 9.

School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, the University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, South Australia, Australia.

Objective: Current haematology reference intervals (RIs) for koalas were developed in northern Australian koalas, using low numbers and/or individuals of unknown Chlamydia pecorum and koala retrovirus (KoRV) status. This study developed haematological RIs for wild, clinically healthy southern Australian koalas of known C. pecorum and KoRV infection status and investigated the effects of population, age and sex. Read More

Aust Vet J 2020 Mar 6;98(3):92-95. Epub 2020 Feb 6.

CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.

A captive adult female bottlenose dolphin presented with stillbirth. The placenta appeared oedematous. No other gross lesions were evident in the placenta or the stillborn calf. Read More

Aust Vet J 2020 Jan;98(1-2)

Aust Vet J 2020 Apr 4;98(4):168-171. Epub 2020 Feb 4.

Avian Reptile and Exotic Pet Hospital, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

Background: A 17-year-old female rainbow lorikeet (Trichoglossus moluccanus) was presented for a swelling over the right proximal humerus and an inability to fly.

Case Report: Radiographs revealed a markedly osteoproductive and moderately osteolytic lesion of the proximal left humerus with marked associated soft tissue swelling. Biopsy of the proximal humerus was consistent with an air sac cystadenocarcioma. Read More

Aust Vet J 2020 May 23;98(5):181-184. Epub 2020 Jan 23.

Clinical Pathology, Vetnostics, Macquarie Park, New South Wales, 2113, Australia.

Background: A fifteen-year old, female spayed domestic longhaired cat was presented for a routine vaccination during which an incidental abdominal mass was palpated. After further inquiry, occasional vomiting was reported to occur once every few weeks to months, associated with no other gastrointestinal signs.

Case Report: Ultrasonography revealed a gastric mass. Read More

Aust Vet J 2020 May 23;98(5):200-206. Epub 2020 Jan 23.

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

Background: In northern Australian koala populations (Queensland and New South Wales), periodontal disease (gingivitis and periodontitis) is common while koala retrovirus subtype A is endogenous, with other subtypes transmitted exogenously. Koala retrovirus has been hypothesised to cause immune suppression and may predispose koalas to diseases caused by concurrent infections. In southern Australia populations (Victoria and South Australia) periodontal disease has not been investigated, and koala retrovirus is presumably exogenously transmitted. Read More

Aust Vet J 2020 May 23;98(5):185-189. Epub 2020 Jan 23.

Department of Internal Medicine, Valencia Sur Veterinary Hospital, Valencia, Spain.

Background: Disseminated mycoses other than aspergillosis are infrequently reported in dogs.

Case Report: A 4-year-old female Labrador retriever was evaluated because of hyperthermia, cough and intermittent lameness. Computed tomography showed a soft tissue mass in the cranioventral mediastinum, severe left and central tracheobronchial lymphadenopathy, and moderate bilateral pleural effusion. Read More

Aust Vet J 2020 Jan 14;98(1-2):31-36. Epub 2020 Jan 14.

Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2006, Australia.

Clinical Scenario: Classical music has been extensively studied and acknowledged for its ability to reduce stress and improve patient outcomes in human medicine. It has also been shown to influence the disposition of many captive species within the animal kingdom. Some studies have hypothesised that classical music can also benefit dogs, offering the potential to provide a simple and cost-effective method to improve patient outcomes and canine welfare when dogs are placed in unfamiliar and potentially stressful environments. Read More

Aust Vet J 2020 Apr 9;98(4):164-167. Epub 2020 Jan 9.

Oak Flats Veterinary Clinic, Oak Flats, New South Wales, 2529, Australia.

A nine-year-old female desexed Great Dane presented with a painful, proliferative, soft red putative neoplastic vascular mass on the nictitating membrane. Three 7-day cycles of the topical cytotoxic drug mitomycin C 0.04%, applied four times daily to the lesion using a low-dose alternate-week pulse therapy, brought about rapid remission of the lesion. Read More

Aust Vet J 2020 Mar 9;98(3):96-99. Epub 2020 Jan 9.

Vetnostics, 60 Waterloo Road, Macquarie Park, New South Wales, 2113, Australia.

Background: To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of mast cell neoplasia in a koala (Phascolarctos cinereus).

Case Report: An adult female koala was presented for rapidly deteriorating health and death of a pouch young. Significant weight loss was apparent despite supplemental feeding; the abdomen was distended; and the koala was weak and mentally depressed. Read More

Aust Vet J 2020 Apr 22;98(4):140-147. Epub 2019 Dec 22.

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

Objective: This study aims to assess the incidence and causes of facial nerve paralysis (FNP) in dogs in the Sydney region. Its outcome and possible risk factors are investigated to prognosticate and aid design of diagnostic and treatment plans.

Design: Retrospective case study. Read More