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Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of abnormal findings in gross necropsy, histopathology, and ancillary test results from neonatal beef calves submitted to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory. Samples This retrospective clinical case study was conducted by reviewing necropsy reports submitted between 2015 to 2020. Case inclusion criteria were animals had to be a bovine, 2 to 21 days of age, and a nondairy breed. Procedures Gross necropsy, histopathology, and laboratory test results were recorded. Identified lesions and abnormal test results were categorized based on body systems and infectious agent type. Age and system affected were analyzed using a 1-way ANOVA and Bonferonni pairwise comparisons. Results Overall, 1,060 reports were reviewed and 95 met the inclusion criteria. Median age of enrolled calves was 9 days (range, 2 to 21). A total of 252 lesions were identified with a median of 3 lesions/calf (range, 0 to 7) and 2 different body systems involved/calf (range, 0 to 5). The most common disorders were classified as digestive (42.1% [106/252]), respiratory (12.7% [32/252]), and multisystemic (11.1% [28/252]). With respect to age and system affected, calves with neurologic lesions were significantly younger (mean age, 5.1 days) than calves with digestive lesions (mean age 9.6 days). Clinical Relevance These data suggest a high prevalence of infectious diseases, mainly digestive, respiratory and multisystemic in origin. These findings could help guide producers and veterinarians when assessing factors contributing to neonatal beef calf loss.

Objectives To serially evaluate morphologic and elemental composition changes to diamond burr tips (DBTs) comparing two sterilization protocols. Animals studied A total of 300 fresh cadaver porcine globes. Procedures Six DBTs were randomly, equally assigned into Group 1 or 2, and then analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) at 0, 25, 50, and 100 cycles. Diamond burr debridement (DBD) was performed for 120 seconds on corneal stroma using the Algerbrush®. DBTs were cleaned, and then: Group 1 was sterilized by Germinator 500™; and Group 2 underwent ultrasonic cleaning and pre-vacuum autoclave. A cycle is defined as one DBD, cleaning and sterilization protocol. Data were quantified using custom MatLab program. Results Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy revealed minor buildup of sulfur on both groups. Group 1 displayed major buildup of carbon and calcium. All DBTs were stippled with inorganic particulate at baseline. Particulates were no longer present on Group 2 by 25 cycles, but remained on Group 1 at all time points. There was significantly more buildup on Group 1 at all time points (P = 0.0000, 0.0009, and 0.0003 for 25, 50, and 100 cycles, respectively). More damage to Group 2 at all time points (P = 0.003, 0.002, and 0.003 for 25, 50, and 100 cycles, respectively) was observed. Conclusions No significant damage to Group 1 DBTs was noted after 100 cycles, however, particulate matter is not adequately removed using this sterilization technique. Ultrasonic cleaning is warranted between DBDs to achieve adequate particulate removal prior to sterilization; greater damage occurs with this technique which supports replacing DBTs regularly.

Advanced diagnostic testing is becoming increasingly important to accurately assess pulmonary parenchymal, airway, and pulmonary vascular diseases in dogs. Due to respiratory system compromise, diagnostic procedures performed under general anesthesia, including thoracic computed tomography (CT) and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), are thought to carry significant risk to dogs with respiratory disease. In lieu of performing these diagnostics, empirical medical therapy is often administered, potentially delaying appropriate therapy or providing unnecessary treatment. This study prospectively evaluated risk factors and outcomes for dogs with respiratory disease undergoing general anesthesia for thoracic CT and BAL. Arterial blood gas samples were taken pre- and post-BAL to evaluate pulmonary gas exchange. Pre-BAL arterial partial pressure of oxygen-to-fractional inspired oxygen ratio was used to stratify dogs into groups of mild or moderate to severe disease severity. A novel thoracic CT disease severity scoring system was used to independently stratify dogs into mild or moderate to severe groups. Statistical comparisons between groups were made for signalment, body weight, temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, WBC count, ventilator-acquired pulmonary mechanics (specific compliance and resistance), change in arterial partial pressure of oxygen post-BAL, and outcomes. Seventeen dogs were prospectively enrolled. A comparatively lower heart rate at presentation was the only potential marker of increased disease severity identified when stratified by CT severity score. Arterial partial pressure of oxygen did not significantly decrease post-BAL regardless of disease severity or stratification method. The CT scoring system significantly correlated with the pre-BAL arterial partial pressure of oxygen-to-fractional inspired oxygen ratio. Incidence of post-procedural complications was 18%, with all complications being transient. Mortality as a direct complication of diagnostics was 0%. When considering euthanasia secondary to severity of the underlying disease and poor prognosis or death due to unrelated disease, mortality was 18%. In dogs with respiratory disease undergoing advanced diagnostic procedures, the overall incidence of post-procedural morbidity was low with no mortality directly attributed to the procedures. A novel CT disease severity scoring system was utilized and shows promise as a tool for evaluation of disease severity in this patient population when compared to arterial blood gas analysis.

The prevalence of oronasal and oroantral fistulas (ONF/OAF) was retrospectively identified in a population of dachshund patients (dachshund group) and was compared to a population of small breed dogs of significantly similar age and weight (control group). When compared with the control group, the dachshund group was significantly more likely to have an ONF/OAF ( P < .0001). The odds ratio indicates that dachshunds were 3.3 times more likely to have an ONF/OAF than individuals within the control group. This study statistically confirms previous reports and clinical observations that dachshunds are predisposed to ONF/OAFs. When ONF/OAFs are present, the maxillary canines are the most commonly affected dentition in both study groups.

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been successful for many younger patients, but some experience residual symptoms or dissatisfaction. We performed this study to assess the relationship between radiographic disease severity and patient demographic features on patient reported TKA outcome scores.We compared 100 TKAs performed for 82 patients ≤55years old with 100 gender-matched TKAs performed for 85 patients between 65 and 75years old. These study cases represented 25% and 21%, respectively, of TKAs performed between January 2006 and June 2011. Radiographic disease severity was determined from preoperative weight bearing AP and lateral radiographs. Patient reported outcome instruments (SF-12, Knee Society function, and WOMAC) were assessed for all patients within six months before surgery and postoperatively at a mean of 20months after TKA.Although younger patients had less mean articular cartilage loss (p0.01), osteoarthritis severity (p0.01), and Kellgren-Lawrence grade (p=0.05), they reported lower preoperative scores (p0.01) exceeding the MCID for SF-12 mental health (8.3 points), WOMAC pain (12.1 points), and WOMAC physical function (6.9 points). While substantial improvement was noted, WOMAC pain scores remained lower than those reported by older TKA patients (11.5 points, p0.05).Younger patients with less severe radiographic arthritis experience significant improvement with TKA, but outcome scores do not match those attained by older patients with more severe radiographic disease.

Objective—To characterize serum trace mineral, sex steroid hormone, and vitamin D concentrations and identify factors associated with metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal hyperextension in llamas and alpacas. Samples—Serum samples from 79 llamas and 15 alpacas and owner survey data for 573 llamas and 399 alpacas. Procedures—Serum samples were stored at −20°C until analysis and were evaluated for trace mineral, vitamin D, estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone concentrations. Information regarding age of onset, number of affected animals in herd, feed and supplements given, type of housing, and management practices was obtained in an owner survey. Results—Higher serum zinc and iron concentrations were associated with metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal hyperextension in camelids, compared with controls. In summer and fall months, vitamin D concentrations were significantly higher in affected camelids than controls. Overall prevalence was 13.3% in llamas, compared with 0.7% in alpacas. No management factors were found to be predictive of this condition. No other factors examined were associated with metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal hyperextension. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Despite similar supplementation practices and environmental conditions between affected and unaffected animals, an association of high serum zinc, iron, and vitamin D concentrations in affected camelids, compared with controls, may indicate differences of intake or absorption of dietary supplements.

Objectives (1) To evaluate a novel method for characterizing the relationship of the canine femoral head to the femoral neck and (2) to determine whether the femoral head is symmetrically positioned upon the femoral neck. Study Design Cadaveric study. Sample Population Cadaveric dog femurs (16 dogs, 32 femurs) Methods Femurs were photographed in frontal and sagittal planes simultaneously using 2 cameras positioned orthogonally. Ten measurements were made by 2 independent observers and agreement assessed by calculating intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Repeatability in specimen positioning was assessed by repositioning and imaging a single femur10 times. Results ICC values exceeded 0.6 for 8 of the 10 different measurements made. Mean ± SD femoral head offset ratios in the frontal and sagittal planes were 0.14 ± 0.08 and 2.66 ± 1.16. The mean specimen positioning error (±SD) for the single specimen that was repositioned 10 times was 0.93° ± 1.92° and 2.39° ± 1.13° in the frontal and sagittal planes, respectively. Conclusions Correlations between observers were moderately strong or strong for 8 of 10 measurements. Specimen positioning was repeatable. The offset ratios indicate that dogs have a substantial cranial and ventral offset of the femoral head from the femoral neck.

Objective—To determine the effect of time interval from birth to first colostrum feeding on colostrum intake and serum IgG concentration and the effect of varying colostral volume intake and colostral IgG concentration on the probability of failure of passive transfer (FPT) in bottle-fed calves. Design—Randomized controlled study. Animals—104 calves. Procedures—Equal numbers of calves were randomly assigned to groups and fed 3 L of their dam's colostrum at 1, 2, 3, or 4 hours after birth by use of a nipple bottle. Calves were allowed to feed for 15 minutes, and intake was recorded. A second 3-L bottle feeding of colostrum was offered at 12 hours of age. Results—17.2% of calves ingested 3 L of colostrum at the first feeding and 3 L at 12 hours of age. Calf age, up to 4 hours, had no significant effect on the calf's ability to ingest colostrum or on 48-hour serum IgG concentration. Colostral intake at 1, 2, 3, or 4 hours had no effect on intake at the second feeding. Probability of FPT in calves ingesting 3 L at both feedings was < 0.05. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Allowing calves fed by nipple bottle to ingest as much colostrum as they can within 4 hours after birth and at 12 hours of age substantially reduced the probability of FPT. Bottle-fed calves that do not ingest 3 L of colostrum within the first 4 hours after birth should be targeted for oroesophageal intubation.

Objective—To determine whether vaccinating cows during late gestation against Mycoplasma bovis will result in adequate concentrations of M bovis–specific IgG1 in serum, colostrum, and milk. Animals—78 dairy cows. Procedures—Serum samples were obtained 60 and 39 days prior to expected parturition in vaccinated and control cows from a single herd. Serum and colostrum samples were also obtained at parturition. Milk samples were obtained 7 to 14 days after parturition. Samples were analyzed for anti–M bovis IgG1 concentrations. Results—Prior to vaccination, control and vaccinated cows had similar anti–M bovis IgG1 concentrations. After initial vaccination and subsequent booster and at parturition, there was a significant difference between the 2 groups, with vaccinated cows having higher IgG concentrations. Colostrum from vaccinated cows had higher anti–M bovis IgG1 concentrations, compared with control cows; however, IgG1 concentrations in milk did not differ between the 2 groups. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Vaccination of late-gestation cows resulted in increased concentrations of anti–M bovis IgG1 in colostrum. However, ingestion of colostrum by calves may not guarantee protection against M bovis infection.

Patient-reported outcome measures are helping clinicians to use evidence-based medicine in decision making. The use of computer-based questionnaires to gather such data may offer advantages over traditional paper-based methods. These advantages include consistent presentation, prompts for missed questions, reliable scoring, and simple and accurate transfer of information into databases without manual data entry. The authors enrolled 308 patients over a 16-month period from 3 orthopedic clinics: spine, upper extremity, and trauma. Patients were randomized to complete either electronic or paper validated outcome forms during their first visit, and they completed the opposite modality at their second visit, which was approximately 7 weeks later. For patients with upper-extremity injuries, the Penn Shoulder Score (PSS) was used. For patients with lower-extremity injuries, the Foot Function Index (FFI) was used. For patients with lumbar spine symptoms, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was used. All patients also were asked to complete the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) Health Status Survey, version 1. The authors assessed patient satisfaction with each survey modality and determined potential advantages and disadvantages for each. No statistically significant differences were found between the paper and electronic versions for patient-reported outcome data. However, patients strongly preferred the electronic surveys. Additionally, the paper forms had significantly more missed questions for the FFI ( P P P =.008), and patents were significantly less likely to complete these forms ( P Orthopedics. 2016; 39(1):e31–e35.]

Objectives— To evaluate the effects of different cementing techniques on radiographic cement mantle grade and short-term aseptic loosening of the femoral component in canine total hip replacement (THR). Study Design— Retrospective study. Sample Population— Radiographs of 284 dogs that had THR. Methods— Immediate postoperative radiographs of 284 dogs that had cemented THR were reviewed by 4 surgeons and 1 radiologist and assigned a cement mantle grade using a 4-grade classification system. Dog age and weight at surgery, cementing technique (1st, 2nd, 3rd generation), complications (type and timing), and follow-up time were retrieved and analyzed. Results— Mean cement mantle score for 2nd generation technique was significantly higher than 3rd generation technique and both were significantly higher than 1st generation technique (P

The aim of this study was to evaluate three acute phase proteins (APP) [haptoglobin (HPT), lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) and transferrin (Tf)] in feedlot cattle with naturally occurring respiratory disease diagnosed by a calf health scoring chart (CHSC). Seventy-seven beef calves were observed for signs of Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) during the first 28 days after arrival at the feedlot. Fourteen cases and pen matched controls were selected based on the CHSC. BRD cases were defined as a score of ≥ 5, while controls were defined as a score ≤ 4. The mean CHSC score in cases was 6.9 which was significantly greater than the controls 2.8 (P < 0.01). Mean plasma LBP and HPT concentrations were significantly greater in cases than controls (P < 0.01). Our study results show that measurement of HPT and LBP could be useful in detecting respiratory disease in feedlot conditions. Transferrin concentrations between the two groups were not statistically different.

Objective—To determine the frequency of and risk factors for complications associated with casts in horses. Design—Multicenter retrospective case series Animals—398 horses with a half-limb or full-limb cast treated at 1 of 4 hospitals Procedures—Data collected from medical records included age, breed, sex, injury, limb affected, time from injury to hospital admission, surgical procedure performed, type of cast (bandage cast [BC; fiberglass tape applied over a bandage] or traditional cast [TC; fiberglass tape applied over polyurethane resin-impregnated foam]), limb position in cast (flexed, neutral, or extended), and complications. Risk factors for cast complications were identified via multiple logistic regression. Results—Cast complications were detected in 197 of 398 (49%) horses (18/53 [34%] horses with a BC and 179/345 [52%] horses with a TC). Of the 197 horses with complications, 152 (77%) had clinical signs of complications prior to cast removal; the most common clinical signs were increased lameness severity and visibly detectable soft tissue damage Cast sores were the most common complication (179/398 [45%] horses). Casts broke for 20 (5%) horses. Three (0.8%) horses developed a bone fracture attributable to casting Median time to detection of complications was 12 days and 8 days for horses with TCs and BCs, respectively. Complications developed in 71%, 48%, and 47% of horses with the casted limb in a flexed, neutral, and extended position, respectively. For horses with TCs, hospital, limb position in the cast, and sex were significant risk factors for development of cast complications. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that 49% of horses with a cast developed cast complications.

Objective—To identify the most common cutaneous neoplasms in dogs and evaluate breed and age distributions for selected neoplasms. Design—Retrospective epidemiological study. Sample—Records available through the Veterinary Medical Database of dogs examined at veterinary teaching hospitals in North America between 1964 and 2002. Procedures—Information on tumor type and patient breed and age was collected. Incidence and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Results—Records of 1,139,616 dogs were reviewed. Cutaneous neoplasms were diagnosed in 25,996 of these dogs; records for the remaining 1,113,620 dogs did not indicate that cutaneous neoplasms had been diagnosed, and these dogs were considered controls. The most frequent age range for dogs with cutaneous neoplasms was 10 to 15 years. Lipoma, adenoma, and mast cell tumor were the most common skin tumor types. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results supported previously reported data regarding cutaneous neoplasia in dogs but provided updated information on the most common skin tumors and on age and breed distributions.

Cryptosporidiosis is one of the most common causes of infectious diarrhea in people. Although dairy calves are high-risk hosts, the role of other livestock, pets, and humans in the disease should not be underestimated. Some Cryptosporidium species and strains are specific to people, others are specific to animals while some are zoonotic pathogens. Cryptosporidium hominis is the species responsible for the majority of human cases in the United States, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Asia, while Cryptosporidium parvum accounts for more human cases in Europe and particularly in the United Kingdom. A deeper understanding of Cryptosporidium host range, reservoirs, and transmission is needed to develop preventive strategies to protect the general public.

Objective—To determine the amount of colostral IgG required for adequate passive transfer in calves administered colostrum by use of oroesophageal intubation and evaluate the impact of other factors on passive transfer of colostral immunoglobulins in calves. Animals—120 Holstein bull calves. Procedures—Calves were randomly assigned to specific treatment groups on the basis of volume of colostrum administered and age of calf at administration of colostrum. Colostrum was administered once by oroesophageal intubation. Equal numbers of calves received 1, 2, 3, or 4 L of colostrum, and equal numbers of calves received colostrum at 2, 6, 10, 14, 18, or 22 hours after birth. Serum samples were obtained from calves 48 hours after birth for IgG determination by radial immunodiffusion assay. Effects of factors affecting transfer of colostral immunoglobulins were determined by use of a stepwise multiple regression model and logistic regression models. Results—A minimum of 153 g of colostral IgG was required for optimum colostral transfer of immunoglobulins when calves were fed3Lof colostrum at 2 hours after birth. Substantially larger IgG intakes were required by calves fed colostrum > 2 hours after birth. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Feeding 100 g of colostral IgG by oroesophageal intubation was insufficient for adequate passive transfer of colostral immunoglobulins. At least 150 to 200 g of colostral IgG was required for adequate passive transfer of colostral immunoglobulins. Use of an oroesophageal tube for administration of 3 L of colostrum to calves within 2 hours after birth is recommended.

Bovine practitioners are often presented with dystocias that require a cesarean section. Many practitioners perform this surgery using the same approach each time due to their comfort with one specific approach or lack of familiarity of other available options. The goal of this article is to explain the advantages, disadvantages, and indications for each of the different approaches to aid the practitioner in achieving better surgical success rate.

Objective—To evaluate prevalence of and risk factors for hip dysplasia (HD) and cranial cruciate ligament deficiency (CCLD) in dogs and determine change in prevalence over time. Design—Cross-sectional study. Animals—1,243,681 dogs for which information was reported to the Veterinary Medical Database between 1964 and 2003. Procedures—Information on breed, sex, and age was collected, and prevalences and odds ratios were calculated. Results—Castrated male dogs were significantly more likely than other dogs to have HD (odds ratio [OR], 1.21), and castrated male (OR, 1.68) and spayed female (OR, 2.35) dogs were significantly more likely to have CCLD. Dogs up to 4 years old were significantly more likely to have HD (OR for dogs 2 months to 1 year old, 1.22; OR for dogs > 1 to 4 years old, 1.48), whereas dogs > 4 years old were significantly more likely to have CCLD (OR for dogs > 4 to 7 years old, 1.82; OR for dogs > 7 years old, 1.48). In general, large- and giant-breed dogs were more likely than other dogs to have HD, CCLD, or both. Prevalences of HD and CCLD increased significantly over the 4 decades for which data were examined. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that sex, age, and breed were risk factors for HD, CCLD, or both in dogs and that prevalences of HD and CCLD have increased over time.

In posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasties, a femoral cam and polyethylene tibial post are commonly used to restore posterior stability after sacrifice of the posterior cruciate ligament. This article reports a high incidence of early tibial post failures in one design of prosthesis and examines the variables that may have contributed to such. Five hundred sixty-four consecutive posterior-stabilized total knees were implanted in 512 patients, using a total knee prosthesis with a polyethylene tibial post and femoral cam. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were measured at a mean follow-up of 40 months after surgery (range, 24-83 months). At follow-up, 70 knees in 62 patients (12%) had undergone revision surgery because of symptoms related to catastrophic failure of the tibial post.