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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]

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]

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]

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: 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: 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: 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]

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]

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]

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]

ABSTRACT: Inhalation pneumonia may result from inhalation of rumen contents following hypocalcaemia, especially if the cow becomes cast, and after the faulty administration of drenches. Affected cows show fever, marked thoracic pain, congested mucous membranes, and halitosis. Auscultation of the chest typically reveals widespread crackles over the affected area; pyothorax may result. The prognosis is guarded. Sonograms reveal pleurisy and columnar changes to the visceral pleura suggestive of chronic pneumonia but their distribution is in the dorsal areas mainly of the diaphragmatic lobe and not the ventral portions of the apical and cardiac lobes characteristic of chronic suppurative pulmonary disease (CSPD). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Preference testing is rarely undertaken in sheep but observations raise questions about what sheep prefer with respect to lying surfaces and companionship/stocking density. Protection from wind and rain is often overlooked during winter grazing. Confinement during the lambing period, and for cross fostering, adversely affects the mental well-being of ewes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the case of a five-week-old lamb presented in lateral recumbency with forced rigid extension of all four legs, tail stump and ears. The most likely disease that would explain the lamb's condition are described, which include tetanus, terminal stages of focal symmetrical encephalomalacia (FSE), bacterial meningoencephalitisl, louping ill and sarcocytosis. The suggested treatment is also discussed.

ABSTRACT: Uterine torsion represents 9% of dystokia cases in cattle. However, the condition is not widely reported in sheep, possibly because there is less veterinary involvement with dystokia cases and farmers do not recognise the condition. Uterine torsion can be confused with incomplete cervical dilatation. Parturition does not proceed past signs of first stage labour with no appearance of the allantochorion. Vaginal examination is restricted and will not identify torsion cranial to the cervix. In this article Phil Scott describes the use of ultrasound to detect uterine torsion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents questions and answers related to gangrenous mastitis in sheep including pathogens that could be involved in the mastitis incident, prognosis for mastitis in sheep, and recommendations for controlling the mastitis.

The article offers information on lambs of Texel with the sudden onset on tetraparesis. It informs that it becomes difficult to demonstrate increased synovial fluid pressure at necropsy because fluid is released when the joint is punctured. It reflects that rapid response to dexamethasone and penicillin treatment confirms the diagnosis of infection of the atlanto-occipital joint.

The article describes the case of a Holstein cow that presents a two-day history of dullness, poor appetite and milk yield of seven litres per day after it was calved. The cow has a heart rate of 86 beats per minute, an occasional bilateral mucopurulent nasal discharge and reduced lung sounds. Among the possible conditions of the cow are inhalation/necrotising pneumonia, pleurisy and peritonitis.

The article describes a case of a four-year old spring calving beef cow that presented anorexia, depression and bloat due to ruminal stasis and might be suffering from acorn poisoning, salmonellosis, urea poisoning or nitrate poisoning.

The article investigates the effects of sudden death in a group of dairy heifers. It is reported that 80 yearling dairy heifers have died without premonitory signs during the last week of July 2011. The heifers were reportedly vaccinated against lungworm before turnout, and examination of their blood smears has proved negative for anthrax. Also included are questions and answers on the condition of the heifers.

The article offers information on how to determine neurological lesion, prognosis in the cattle. It provides information that neurological lesion lies between cervical (C6) and cervicothoracic spinal cord (T2), and neurological signs and pain associated with movement of the head which affects C4/C5 cervical. It informs that vertebral body lesion or bone lysis is difficult to find out even using quality radiographs.

The article presents a case study of three year old Charolais bull with a four months' history of weight loss treated first with triclabendazole and then with nitroxynil by the farmer.

A quiz concerning the disease related to a six year-old Simmental cross beef cow who has a two weeks history of reduced appetite and weight loss is presented.

The article presents a case study of an 8-months old suckled calf having a history of collapse on forced exercise. He develops hind leg rigidity suddenly while moving in herd after covering a distance of 50m or so and collapse down. The calf has exaggerated double muscling and a less growth rate as compared to other calves of same breeding.

Photographs of several ewes suffering from emaciation are presented.