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The physical demands of test match cricket in seam bowlers during fielding are currently unknown. Similarly, analysis of between-match variability and the effects of playing home vs. away is required. Nine international male seam bowlers across 28 test matches (n = 9 home; n = 19 away) were investigated over five years (2015–2019). Seam bowlers wore global positioning sensors during match play fielding to quantify physical demands. Absolute and relative (per hour) distances covered in five velocity bands, total distance, and number of accelerations and decelerations were assessed for each match. Coefficient of variation (CV%) and smallest worthwhile change were used to calculate between-match variability. Mixed linear modelling was used to analyse home vs away matches. Seam bowlers covered up to 50 km, with maximal durations of >21 hours during test match fielding. Small between-match CV% (8.3) were found for maximal velocity with large (CV% = 21–192) between-match variability across most other variables. Greater distances were covered at 15–20 km·h−1 (p = 0.02) and >25 km·h−1 (p = 0.04) when playing at home. The results demonstrated substantial, highly variable physical demands. Practitioners should adapt training retrospectively to the match demands encountered and should anticipate that match intensity may be higher during home matches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excellent results have been achieved when treating sudden onset tetraparesis in neonatal lambs caused by Streptococcus dysgalactiae infection of the atlanto-occipital (AO) joint (video recordings 1-2); delayed treatments are largely ineffective (video recording 3). Treatment comprises a 5-7 consecutive day course of penicillin, and dexamethasone (off-label use) administered on the first day only. Dexamethasone is given to reduce synovial inflammation and the volume of exudate within the joint which causes spinal cord compression. Despite the AO joint being the largest joint in the body, relapse of clinical signs is uncommon. The results achieved when treating AO infection have been extrapolated to the treatment of other joints infected by S. dysgalactiae with good clinical success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vertebral body infections (variously described as vertebral body empyema or vertebral osteomyelitis) are an important differential diagnosis for paresis and paralysis in lambs. This article aims to outline the clinical signs, differential diagnoses, diagnostic techniques and pathological changes associated with this condition and to illustrate these with a case series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DESPITE THE POPULARITY OF CRICKET, THERE IS A RELATIVE LACK OF STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING RESEARCH INTO POSITION- SPECIFIC ROLES. FAST BOWLERS HAVE THE HIGHEST WORKLOADS, INJURY RATES AND SHORTEST CAREER SPANS IN COMPARISON TO OTHER POSITIONS. THIS ARTICLE REVIEWS THE DEMANDS PLACED ON FAST BOWLERS, DISCUSSES CAUSES OF INJURY, AND DETAILS THE STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING NEEDS OF FAST BOWLERS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most Sarcocystis spp. infestations are asymptomatic and the cysts in various muscles are only discovered at slaughter. Sheep of all ages may be affected by sarcocysts but neurological signs originating from spinal cord disease are believed to be the most common disease presentation and are reported in 6 to 12-month-old lambs. These clinical signs are easily mistaken for vertebral empyema, therefore the prevalence of neurological disease caused by Sarcocystis spp. in the UK is probably under estimated. Lesions involving the brain result in a range of clinical signs from reduced mentation to hyperexcitability and seizure activity. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection and analysis may prove the most useful ancillary test in establishing a likely diagnosis in practice, with an increased lumbar CSF white cell count and elevated eosinophil percentage being consistent with parasitic infestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examination of the lungs of adult sheep with chronic respiratory diseases was readily achieved using both 5MHz linear and sector scanners. Superficial lung abscesses in eight sheep appeared as anechoic areas containing multiple hyperechoic dots bordered distally by a broad hyperechoic capsule. Unilateral fibrinous pleurisy (2 sheep) appeared as an anechoic area containing a hyperechoic latticework. Ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA) lesions appeared as sharply demarcated hypoechoic areas in the lung parenchyma initially in the cranioventral lung lobes (21 sheep) with lesions also present in the caudodorsal diaphragmatic lobe (11 sheep); abscesses and areas of calcification within the OPA tumour mass were also identified. Daily treatment with procaine penicillin for 30 consecutive days was successful in both sheep with unilateral fibrinous pleurisy and six sheep identified with superficial lung abscesses measuring 2-8 cmin diameter; only one of two sheep with more extensive lesions recovered. Auscultation of the chest failed to detect adventitious sounds in any of the ten sheep with lung abscesses; normal breath sounds were reduced over the area of fibrinous pleurisy; no pleuritic rubs were heard. Wheezes and crackles auscultated in some OPA cases and did not correlate well with lesions detected ultrasonographically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic suppurative pneumonia is a common condition affecting cattle. Accurate diagnosis and delineation of pathology prove difficult when based on lung auscultation. Ultrasonography has been used in bovine fertility management for over 25 years, but it is less commonly used to examine the lungs and pleurae of cattle with suspected respiratory disease. This article presents a series of sonograms obtained from the same animals using both 5MHz linear and 5MHz sector scanners, and correlates the findings with postmortem examination material wherever possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary peritonitis is generally caused by haematogenous spread, but is uncommon in cattle. Peritonitis more commonly results from compromise to the gut wall which allows toxins, and following perforation gut contents, to leak into the peritoneal cavity. Other causes of peritonitis include traumatic perforation of the reticulum and uterus. The ability of the omentum to envelope perforated gut and leaked contents is remarkable which masks clinical signs making diagnosis difficult. Fibrinous adhesions to hepatic abscesses at the capsular surface are not uncommon and again prove difficult to diagnose and are rarely reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first annual report of the GB Cattle Health and Welfare Group (CHAWG, 2012) lists calf pneumonia as one the top ten most important health and welfare issues of dairy and beef cattle. Antimicrobial therapy is considered essential in the treatment of respiratory disease, but must be used correctly as outlined by the BVA's document detailing the responsible use of antimicrobial drugs in veterinary practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA) is a contagious tumour of the lungs of sheep. It is also commonly known as Jaagsiekte, ovine pulmonary carcinoma or sheep pulmonary adenomatosis. OPA is generally considered a chronic wasting disease with progressive respiratory distress leading to emaciation, but it may be that early lung lesions predispose to secondary bacterial pneumonia causing sudden death despite antibiotic treatment. OPA is common in the UK and most other countries where sheep are farmed, but the disease may be grossly under-reported because few deaths are investigated on sheep farms. Disease transmission is facilitated by close confinement such as indoor housing. Effective control, and possible disease eradication, has been hampered by the lack of a suitable diagnostic test or vaccine. This article describes the clinical features of OPA and outlines current methods of diagnosis. Issues surrounding the development of improved diagnostic tests are discussed. INSET: Clinical signs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a 3-year study of joint infections, undertaken by the author, bacterial infection of a single joint caused severe lameness in 39 sheep older than 6 months; another 15 sheep had polyarthritis consistent with erysipelas. All cases had proven unresponsive to antibiotic therapy administered by the farmer. A penetration wound was responsible for single cases of septic stifle, shoulder, and fetlock; the remaining 36 cases of single joint infection were presumed to have originated from a bacteraemia. Radiography added little additional information except to reveal origin of infection from a growth plate (five cases), and osteophyte formation and erosion of articular surfaces in neglected cases. Necropsy findings were characterised by pronounced synovial membrane proliferation and, in neglected cases, erosion of articular cartilage. Most infected joints contained only small amounts of a pannus. A single treatment success was achieved with arthroscopy and joint lavage from four cases that had been lame for less than 1 week. Sheep with joint infections that remain lame after an appropriate course of antibiotic treatment should be euthanased for welfare reasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasonographic demonstration of abscesses within the liver in an animal with chronic weight loss/poor production should stimulate further ultrasonographic examination of the lungs and right kidney to assess bacteraemic spread although it is often difficult to afford a precise prognosis. Most liver abscesses are caused by Trueperella (formerly Arcanobacterium) pyogenes and the most effective treatment is procaine penicillin administered for 30-42 consecutive days. The mechanism of weight loss in animals with liver abscesses has not been reported, but a number of pathogenic mechanisms are plausible including gastrointestinal dysfunction, liver disease, and hypercatabolism. Anorexia, due to pain or chronic inflammation, is possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Over an Easter weekend on duty three recumbent ewes in late pregnancy were presented which had been misdiagnosed by farmers as listeriosis, pregnancy toxaemia and acute respiratory disease, respectively. All three ewes responded within five minutes to veterinary treatment of 40 mL of 40% of calcium borogluconate administered intravenously; relapse did not occur despite the lack of subcutaneous depot calcium injection. It is often assumed that hypocalcaemia should be readily recognised by shepherds but a UK survey revealed that 61.4 per cent of suspected hypocalcaemic ewes treated by farmers died, which raises serious doubts concerning diagnosis and/or treatment. An internet search also revealed some surprisingly confusing articles (Nosdol & Waage, 1981; Bickhardt et al., 1998) regarding the diagnosis and treatment of ovine hypocalcaemia. These data, and the increasing trend to sourcing information and advice via the internet, highlights the importance of veterinary practitioner diagnosis, treatment and advice for hypocalcaemia in sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Marked urinary bladder distension, hydroureters, bilateral hydronephrosis and peri-renal fluid accumulation were identified ultrasonographically in two rams from the same farm over two years. One ewe also showed urine staining, bladder distension and incontinence for six months. There were normal tail and rectal muscle tone, and normal perineal and pelvic limb reflexes in all sheep. A presumptive diagnosis of pelvic nerve dysfunction causing detrusor atony and bladder distension, with secondary, pressure-induced hydronephrosis, is suggested. Detailed dissection at necropsy found no evidence of urethral obstruction in either ram; the ewe was sold fat after six months' observation. Pelvic nerve dysfunction may readily be confused with partial urethral obstruction and this condition may be more widespread than previously considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Caudal analgesia is routinely used in farm animal practice before correction of fetal malpostures and malpositions, and before replacement of vaginal, uterine and rectal prolapses. Injection of much larger volumes can be used to permit pain-free surgery such as joint lavage and fracture repair of a hind leg, vasectomy and caesarean operations. The sacrococcygeal site is typically used in cattle weighing >100 kg but it is easier to inject larger volumes at the lumbosacral site in sheep, and calves <100 kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Epididymitis caused by Actinobacillus seminis/Histophilus ovis (gram-negative pleomorphic organisms) is a major cause of ram infertility in the UK. Diagnosis is confirmed by sequential ultrasonographic examination of the pampiniform plexus, testicle and tail of the epididymis undertaken as the 5 MHz linear scanner head is moved distally. In cases of unilateral epididymitis, hemicastration is generally ill-advised because of the extensive adhesions between the inflamed (and abscessed) epididymis and the vaginal tunics. Sperm granulomas may develop over several years after vasectomy but do not affect the sexual behaviour of the vasectomised ram; ultrasonographically there is testicular atrophy and marked enlargement of the tail of the epididymis such that the scrotal contents have a bi-lobed appearance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Important recent developments in ovine footrot detail the importance of prompt parenteral antibiotic treatment and no foot trimming either as a curative or preventive procedure. The best treatment for individual sheep with footrot is reported to be an injection of long acting antibiotic (10 mg/kg of oxytetracycline) together with removal of all debris from the interdigital space and application of an antibacterial spray although tilmicosin was not included in these studies. Whole flock antibiotic injection with tilmicosin has been reported to greatly reduce the incidence of footrot for 1-3 years and eradicate contagious ovine digital dermatitis from flocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: While many genetic defects are lethal or semi-lethal (cause the death of only some of the individuals with the affected genotype), the gene frequency for some of these diseases can reach surprisingly high levels in defined populations, presumably due either to the founder effect or the presence of a selective advantage of heterozygous individuals. Some of the more common genetic defects are entropion, brachygnathia, cleft palate, cryptorchidism, hernias, and hereditary chondrodysplasia (spider lambs). Heritable conditions considered less common include arthrogryposis, Dandy Walker syndrome, cerebellar abiotrophy, microphthalmia, and abomasal emptying defect. The higher incidence of cervical vertebral malformation in the progeny of certain Texel rams suggests a heritable component. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, the second of two discussing the use of abdominal ultrasonography as an adjunct to a thorough clinical examination in farm animal practice, describes ultrasonographic findings that might be visualised in the abdomen of cattle, with particular focus on the common problems encountered in the species. Part 1, published in the January issue of In Practice (volume 34, pages 12-21), considered ultrasonography of the abdomen in small ruminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: The annual ewe mortality rate from Johne's disease in some flocks in south-east Scotland is between 2 and 5%. Affected sheep void pelleted faeces until the terminal stages unless there is significant parasitic infection. Very high lungworm burdens are common and may cause coughing. Affected sheep have profound hypoalbuminaemia (serum concentration <15 g/L; normal range greater than 30 g/L) and a normal globulin concentration (protein-losing enteropathy). Thickening of the ileum with prominent ridging is not always obvious but the mesenteric lymph nodes are visibly enlarged. Encouraging results have been reported following vaccination with significantly reduced disease prevalence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abdominal ultrasonography is a diagnostic technique that can be used in farm animal practice as a complementary adjunct to a thorough clinical examination. This article describes the ultrasonographic findings that can be visualised in the abdomen of small ruminants and outlines some of the common indications for ultrasonography. It illustrates how this modality can be readily incorporated into a clinical examination on farm to provide an accurate demonstration of underlying pathology. A second article, to be published in the February issue of In Practice, will discuss the use of abdominal ultrasonography in cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: The presumptive clinical diagnosis of acute respiratory disease caused by Mannheimia haemolytica and Bibersteinia trehalosi ('pasteurellosis') in adult sheep is based upon findings of sudden severe illness, inappetence, pyrexia, marked toxaemia, and tachypnoea consistent with endotoxaemia. Gram-negative infections of other body systems present with broadly similar clinical signs but accurate diagnosis is not important because there is a good response to intravenous oxytetracycline and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) therapy despite the organ system involved. However, it is essential to identify and eliminate the initiating cause, most commonly infection with ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma. Chronic bacterial infection of the lungs causes weight loss and poor appetite over several weeks/months. Auscultation alone fails to identify/define specific lesions and an accurate diagnosis is only achieved using ultrasonography. Arcanobacterium pyogenes is the most common isolate from lung abscesses and a good response is achieved with procaine penicillin administered daily for 4-6 weeks. Debility following the breeding season exacerbated by inadequate nutrition and housing during the winter months are likely to be important factors in the sex bias of such chronic respiratory tract infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides an introduction to the concept of pedagogical link-making in the context of teaching and learning scientific conceptual knowledge. Pedagogical link-making is concerned with the ways in which teachers and students make connections between ideas in the ongoing meaning-making interactions of classroom teaching and learning. First of all we draw upon socio-cultural perspectives to outline why we think that 'link-making' is fundamental to science learning and consequently to science teaching and then we identify three main forms of pedagogical link-making. The related research literature is then used to specify pedagogical link-making approaches associated with each of the three main forms. Finally, the resultant framework of link-making forms and approaches is applied in analysing a teaching sequence taken from a UK secondary school science classroom. Part of this analysis involves identifying specific pedagogical tools/strategies that might be employed in the classroom to support link-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Pseudomyotonia is clinically characterized by a lifelong history of exercise-induced muscle contracture. This case report describes four crossbred calves with suspected congenital pseudomyotonia from two beef suckler herds in Scotland connected by a common sire. Affected calves would lag behind the others and after being forced to walk quickly for 50 metres or so would suddenly develop hind leg rigidity propelling themselves forwards with the nose touching the ground and then fall into lateral recumbency. There was no seizure activity and the calves would stand within 10-20 seconds and walk away albeit with a stilted gait. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The literature suggests that understandings of teaching and learning can be classified around two metaphors: acquisition and participation. It is further argued that neither metaphor is sufficient and that both are necessary. Drawing on material from a larger study related to the professional development of Special Educational Needs Coordinators, the paper uses concept maps and the associated interviews to explore the understandings of the course participants and changes in their conceptualisation over time. The data reveal that individuals do draw on both metaphors and that their progress can be viewed in terms of both acquiring knowledge and also progress from 'novice to expert.' If teaching and learning, and participants' progress are viewed in this way, there are implications for course development and evaluation. Some of these are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]