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Borna disease (BD), a frequently fatal neurologic disorder caused by Borna disease virus 1 (BoDV-1), has been observed for decades in horses, sheep, and other mammals in certain regions of Europe. The bicoloured white-toothed shrew (Crocidura leucodon) was identified as a persistently infected species involved in virus transmission. Recently, BoDV-1 attracted attention as a cause of fatal encephalitis in humans. Here we report investigations on BoDV-1 infected llamas from a farm in a BD endemic area of Switzerland, and alpacas from holdings in a region of Germany where BD was last seen in the 1960s but not thereafter. All New World camelids showed apathy and abnormal behaviour, necessitating euthanasia. Histologically, severe non-suppurative meningoencephalitis with neuronal Joest-Degen inclusion bodies was observed. BoDV-1 was confirmed by immunohistology, RT-qPCR, and sequencing in selected animals. Analysis of the llama herd over 20 years showed that lossesdue to clinically suspected BD increased within the last decade. BoDV-1 whole-genome sequences from one Swiss llama and one German alpaca, and – for comparison – from one Swiss horse and one German shrew were established. They represent the first published whole-genome sequences of BoDV-1 clusters 1B and 3, respectively. Our analysis suggests that New World camelids may have a role as a sentinel species for BoDV-1 infection, even when symptomatic cases are lacking in other animal species.

The occurrence of mycobacterial infections in different hosts and their implication as obligate or opportunistic pathogens remain mainly unclear. In addition to the well‐known pathogenic members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis – complex (MTBC), over 180 non‐tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) species have been described. Although the large majority of the NTM is assumed to be non‐pathogenic to most individuals, an increasing trend in NTM infections has been observed over the last decades. The reasons of such augmentation are probably more than one: improved laboratory diagnostics, an increasing number of immunocompromised patients and individuals with lung damage are some of the possible aspects. Mandibular lymph nodes of 176 hunted wild boars from the pre‐Alpine region of Canton Ticino, Switzerland, were collected. Following gross inspection, each lymph node was subjected to culture and to an IS6110 based real‐time PCR specific for MTBC members. Histology was performed of a selection of lymph nodes (n = 14) presenting gross visible lesions. Moreover, accuracy of matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) species identification was compared with sequence analysis of a combination of housekeeping genes. Mycobacteria of the MTBC were detected in 2.8% of the wild boars (n = 5; CI95% 1.2–6.5) and were all confirmed to be Mycobacterium microti by molecular methods. In addition, based on the examined lymph nodes, NTM were detected in 57.4% (n = 101; CI95% 50.0–64.5) of the wild boars originating from the study area. The 111 isolates belonged to 24 known species and three potentially undescribed Mycobacterium species. M. avium subsp. hominissuis thereby predominated (22.5%) and was found in lymph nodes with and without macroscopic changes. Overall, the present findings show that, with the exception of undescribed Mycobacterium species where identification was not possible (3.6%; 4/111), MALDI‐TOF MS had a high concordance rate (90.1%; 100/111 isolates) to the sequence‐based reference method.

This study included 94 cows aged 2.1 to 12.0 years (5.2 ± 2.05 years) that were examined at a referral clinic because of type-1 abomasal ulcer. The most common clinical findings were poor general health status (94%), partial or complete anorexia (93%), congested scleral vessels (89%), decreased skin surface temperature (76%), decreased or absent faecal output (72%), abdominal guarding (59%), tachypnoea (56%), rumen atony (53%) and positive percussion and simultaneous auscultation and/or ballottement and simultaneous auscultation on the right side (53%). The most common laboratory findings were hypokalaemia (68%), positive base excess (60%) and azotaemia (51%). The chloride concentration of rumen fluid was increased in 48% of the cows. The diagnosis of type-1 ulcer was made during laparotomy and/or postmortem examination. One or more concurrent diseases were diagnosed in 97% of the cows. Seventy-eight (83%) cows were euthanased immediately after the initial examination, during laparotomy or after unsuccessful treatment, and eight (8.5%) cows died, and all were examined postmortem. Eight (8.5%) cows were discharged and six of these made a complete recovery.Die vorliegende Untersuchung umfasst 94 Kühe im Alter von 2.1 bis 12.0 Jahren (5.2 ± 2.05 Jahre), die wegen eines Labmagenulkus Typ 1 untersucht wurden. Die häufigsten klinischen Befunde waren in abnehmender Reihenfolge gestörtes Allgemeinbefinden (94%), stark reduzierte bis aufgehobene Fresslust (93%), injizierte Skleralgefässe (89%), kühle Körperoberfläche (76%), reduzierte oder fehlende Kotmenge (72%), gespannte Bauchdecke (59%), Tachypnoe (56%), Pansenatonie (53%) und positive Perkussions- und/oder Schwing­auskultation rechts (53%). Als häufigste abnorme Blutbefunde wurden Hypokaliämie (68%), positive Basenabweichung (60%) und Azotämie (51%) festgestellt. Die Chloridkonzentration im Pansensaft war bei 48% erhöht. Die Diagnose eines U1 erfolgte bei der Laparotomie und/oder der pathologisch-anatomischen Untersuchung. Bei 97% der Kühe wurden eine, zwei oder mehr weitere Krankheiten diagnostiziert. Von den 94 untersuchten Kühen wurden 86 (91%) unmittelbar nach der Eintrittsuntersuchung, während der Laparotomie oder nach einem erfolglosen Therapieversuch euthanasiert und seziert. Acht Kühe (9%) wurden erfolgreich behandelt und gesund nach Hause entlassen. Sechs Kühe erholten sich vollständig.La présente étude a inclus 94 vaches âgées de 2,1 à 12,0 ans (5,2 ± 2,05 ans) qui ont été examinées dans une clinique de référence en raison d’un ulcère de la caillette de type 1. Les signes cliniques les plus courants étaient un mauvais état de santé général (94%), une anorexie partielle ou complète (93%), des vaisseaux scléraux congestionnés (89%), une diminution de la température de la surface de la peau (76%), une diminution ou une absence de débit fécal (72%), une défense abdominale (59%), de la tachypnée (56%), une atonie du rumen (53%) et une percussion positive avec auscultation simultanée (PSA) et / ou ballottement et auscultation simultanée (BSA) du côté droit (53%). Les résultats de laboratoire les plus courants étaient l’hypokaliémie (68%), l’excès de base positif (60%) et l’azotémie (51%). La concentration en chlorure du liquide du rumen a augmenté chez 48% des vaches. Le diagnostic d’ulcère de type 1 a été posé lors de la laparotomie et/ou de l’autopsie. Une ou plusieurs maladies concomitantes ont été diagnostiquées chez 97% des vaches. Soixante-dix-huit vaches (83%) ont été euthanasiées immédiatement après l’examen initial, pendant la laparotomie ou après un traitement infructueux, et huit vaches (8,5%) sont mortes. Toutes ont été examinées post-mortem. Huit vaches (8,5%) sont sorties de clinique et six d’entre elles ont complètement récupéré.Questo studio comprende 94 bovini di età compresa tra i 2.1 e i 12.0 anni (5.2 ± 2.05 anni) affetti da ulcera abomasale di tipo 1 esaminati in una clinica di referenza. I più comuni risultati clinici rilevavano di un povero stato di salute (94%), anoressia parziale o completa (93%), vasi sclerali congestionati (89%), diminuzione della temperature superficiale della pelle (76%), diminuzione o assenza di feci (72%), rigida parete addominale (59%), tachipnea (56%), atonia del rumine (53%) e/o una positive percussione e auscultazione simultanea (PSA) e/o ballottamento e auscultazione simultanea (BSA) a destra (53%). Il risultato di laboratorio più comune era ipopotassiemia (68%), eccesso di basi positive 60%) e azotemia 51%). La concentrazione cloridrica del liquido ruminale era aumentata nel 48% dei bovini. La diagnosi di ulcera dei tipo 1 è stata fatta durante la ­laparotomia e/o un esame post mortem. Una o più ­malattie concomitanti sono state diagnosticate nel 97% dei bovini. Settantotto (83%) bovini sono stati eutanasiati immediatamente dopo il primo esame, durante la laparotomia o dopo un tentativo terapeutico senza successo e 8 (8.5%) dei bovini sono morti e sono stati esaminati post mortem. Otto (8.5%) dei bovini sono stati dimessi e sei di questi si sono ristabiliti completamente.

This study's aim was to investigate the safety and performance of a self-assembling peptide matrix (SAPM) PAcute buccal bony dehiscence defects (LxW: 5 × 3 mm) were surgically created on the distal root of four teeth on one mandible side of 7 beagle dogs followed by another identical surgery 8 weeks later on the contralateral side. SAPM PClinically and histologically, no safety concerns or pathological issues due to the treatments were observed in any of the study groups at any time point. All groups showed overall similar results after 4 and 12 weeks of healing regarding new cementum, functionality of newly formed periodontal ligament and recovery of height and volume of the new alveolar bone and mineral density.A controlled clinical study in humans should be performed in a next step as no adverse effects or safety issues, which might affect clinical usage of the product, were observed.The synthetic SAPM P

This study involved 145 cows with type-2 abomasal ulcer. The most common clinical signs were, in decreasing order of frequency, depressed demeanour (100%), partial or complete anorexia (93%), rumen atony (91%), tachycardia (90%), dark or black manure (80%), prolonged capillary refill time (71%), pale mucous membranes (69%) and tachypnoea (62%). The most common abnormal laboratory findings were azotaemia (89%), low haematocrit (82%), hypokalaemia (81%), hypoproteinaemia (74%) and metabolic acidosis (61%). Ten cows were euthanased immediately after, or died during, the initial examination, and treatment was started (day 0) in 135 cows. Treatment included blood transfusion, sodium chloride/glucose solution, calcium borogluconate, vitamin C and metamizole. Fourteen cows also underwent right-flank laparotomy because of displaced abomasum (n = 7) or to rule out other causes of gastrointestinal haemorrhage (n = 7). The mean heart rate decreased significantly from 108 bpm on day 0 to 88 bpm on day 3. The haematocrit decreased significantly in cows that did not receive blood and increased significantly in the transfused cows during this period. The plasma protein concentration also increased significantly in transfused cows. Ninety-one (67%) of the 135 treated cows recovered and were discharged after a mean hospitalisation period of nine days, and 44 cows (33%) failed to respond to treatment and were euthanased or died. Aggressive treatment, which should include blood transfusion when indicated, is warranted in valuable cows because >50% can be expected to return to full production in the long term.

The aim of this study was to quantitatively assess changes in collagen structure using MR T1- and T2*-mapping in a novel controlled ex vivo tendon model setup.Twenty-four cadaveric bovine flexor tendons underwent MRI at 3 T before and after chemical modifications, representing mechanical degeneration and augmentation. Collagen degradation (COL), augmenting collagen fiber cross-linking (CXL), and a control (phosphate-buffered saline [PBS]) were examined in experimental groups, using histopathology as standard of reference. Variable echo-time and variable-flip angle gradient-echo sequences were used for T2*- and T1-mapping, respectively. Standard T1- and T2-weighted spin-echo sequences were acquired for visual assessment of tendon texture. Tendons were assessed subsequently for their biomechanical properties and compared with quantitative MRI analysis.T1- and T2*-mapping was feasible and repeatable for untreated (mean, 545 milliseconds, 2.0 milliseconds) and treated tendons. Mean T1 and T2* values of COL, CXL, and PBS tendons were 1459, 934, and 1017 milliseconds, and 5.5, 3.6, and 2.5 milliseconds, respectively. T2* values were significantly different between enzymatically degraded tendons, cross-linked tendons, and controls, and were significantly correlated with mechanical tendon properties (r = -0.74, P0.01). T1 values and visual assessment could not differentiate CXL from PBS tendons. Photo-spectroscopy showed increased autofluorescence of cross-linked tendons, whereas histopathology verified degenerative lesions of enzymatically degraded tendons.T2*-mapping has the potential to detect and quantify subtle changes in tendon collagen structure not visible on conventional clinical MRI. Tendon T2* values might serve as a biomarker for biochemical alterations associated with tendon pathology.

Within the family Flaviviridae, viruses within the genus Pestivirus, such as Border disease virus (BDV) of sheep, can cause great economic losses in farm animals. Originally, the taxonomic classification of pestiviruses was based on the host species they were isolated from, but today, it is known that many pestiviruses exhibit a broad species tropism. This review provides an overview of BDV infection in cattle. The clinical, hematological and pathological-anatomical findings in bovines that were transiently or persistently infected with BDV largely resemble those in cattle infected with the closely related pestivirus bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV). Accordingly, the diagnosis of BDV infection can be challenging, as it must be differentiated from various pestiviruses in cattle. The latter is very relevant in countries with control programs to eradicate BVDV in Bovidae, as in most circumstances, pestivirus infections in sheep, which act as reservoir for BDV, are not included in the eradication scheme. Interspecies transmission of BDV between sheep and cattle occurs regularly, but BDV in cattle appears to be of minor general importance. Nevertheless, BDV outbreaks at farm or local level can be very costly.

Background Type-4 abomasal ulcers (U4) are perforated ulcers causing diffuse peritonitis. This retrospective study describes the clinical, laboratory and ultrasonographic findings in 38 calves with U4. The medical records of 38 calves aged three days to 20 weeks with U4 were scrutinised. Results The most common clinical findings were poor general health (95%), reduced skin elasticity (95%), rumen atony (91%), abdominal guarding (76%) and positive percussion auscultation and/or swinging auscultation on the right side of the abdomen (75%). The most frequent laboratory findings were increased numbers of segmented neutrophils (87%), eosinopenia (87%), acidosis (84%), azotaemia (79%) and hyponatraemia (79%). The most frequent abdominal ultrasonographic findings were intestinal atony (68%), fluid (67%) and fibrin deposits (58%) in the abdomen. Thirty-five calves were euthanased and three calves died spontaneously. All calves underwent pathological examination. Diffuse peritonitis caused by a transmural abomasal ulcer was the principal diagnosis in all calves. Conclusions Perforated abomasal ulcers cause severe illness, and a thorough clinical examination combined with ultrasonographic abdominal examination should lead to a tentative diagnosis.

We identified a putative novel atypical BTV serotype ‘36’ in Swiss goat flocks. In the initial flock clinical signs consisting of multifocal purulent dermatitis, facial oedema and fever were observed. Following BTV detection by RT-qPCR, serotyping identified BTV-25 and also a putative novel BTV serotype in several of the affected goats. We successfully propagated the so-called “BTV-36-CH2019” strain in cell culture, developed a specific RT-qPCR targeting Segment 2, and generated the full genome by high-throughput sequencing. Furthermore, we experimentally infected goats with BTV-36-CH2019. Regularly, EDTA blood, serum and diverse swab samples were collected. Throughout the experiment, neither fever nor clinical disease was observed in any of the inoculated goats. Four goats developed BTV viremia, whereas one inoculated goat and the two contact animals remained negative. No viral RNA was detected in the swab samples collected from nose, mouth, eye, and rectum, and thus the experimental infection of goats using this novel BTV serotype delivered no indications for any clinical symptoms or vector-free virus transmission pathways. The subclinical infection of the four goats is in accordance with the reports for other atypical BTVs. However, the clinical signs of the initial goat flock did most likely not result from infection with the novel BTV-36-CH0219.

Bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) is a pestivirus that affects both cattle and sheep, causing an array of clinical signs, which include abortions and malformations in the offspring. Manufacturing of modified live virus (MLV) vaccines often includes the use of bovine-derived products, which implies a risk of contamination with viable BVDV. Recently, the circulation of a specific strain of BVDV 2b among Spanish sheep flocks, associated with outbreaks of abortions and malformations, and whose origin was not determined, has been observed. On February 2018, a MLV orf vaccine was applied to a 1, 600 highly prolific sheep flock in the Northeast of Spain that included 550 pregnant ewes. In May 2018, during the lambing season, an unusual high rate (72.7%) of abortions, stillbirths, congenital malformations and neurological signs in the offspring was observed. It was estimated that about 1, 000 lambs were lost. Three 1- to 3-day-old affected lambs and a sealed vial of the applied vaccine were studied. Lambs showed variable degrees of central nervous system malformations and presence of pestiviral antigen in the brain. Molecular studies demonstrated the presence of exactly the same BVDV 2b in the tissues of the three lambs and in the orf vaccine, thus pointing to a pestivirus contamination in the applied vaccine as the cause of the outbreak. Interestingly, sequencing at the 5'-untranslated region-(UTR) of the contaminating virus showed a complete match with the virus described in the previously reported outbreaks in Spain, thus indicating that the same contaminated vaccine could have also played a role in those cases. This communication provides a clear example of the effects of the application of this contaminated product in a sheep flock. The information presented here can be of interest in putative future cases of suspected circulation of this or other BVDV strains in ruminants.

OBJECTIVES To analyse the soft tissue morphology under healthy and experimental mucositis conditions comparing zirconia and titanium implants. METHODS Forty-two patients with two adjacent missing teeth received one zirconia (Zr) and one titanium (Ti) implant, with the mesial and distal position randomized. At 3 months, half of the patients were instructed to continue (healthy; h) and the other half to omit (experimental mucositis; m) oral hygiene around the implants for 3 weeks. Clinical parameters were evaluated before and after the experimental phase, and a soft tissue biopsy was harvested. Mixed model analyses were performed to analyse the data. RESULTS The plaque control record increased significantly for the two mucositis groups, reaching 68.3 ± 31.9% (mean ± SD) for Zr-m and 75.0 ± 29.4% for Ti-m (p

Collagenofibrotic glomerulopathy, also named collagen III glomerulopathy, is a rare glomerulopathy type caused by deposition of collagen III in the glomerular mesangium and subendothelial space. The aetiology of this entity is unknown and the pathological mechanism remains poorly understood. It is mostly seen in humans in Asian countries, especially in Japan. Collagenofibrotic glomerulopathy has been described in a macaque, in dogs, pigs and in a cat, published as renal glomerular fibrosis. Here, the authors present a case of collagenofibrotic glomerulopathy in a young European domestic shorthair cat, which developed a severe hypoproteinaemia, hypoalbuminaemia and proteinuria and showed a concurrent natural non-patent infection with the canid lungworm Angiostrongylus vasorum.

This case series describes three cases of equine multinodular pulmonary fibrosis (EMPF) diagnosed at the Clinic for Equine Internal Medicine at the University of Zurich between 2012 and 2017. Current information on etiology and treatment options are presented. Two horses showed mild signs of chronic lower respiratory tract disease and one horse was presented with acute signs of disease including recurrent fever spikes and tachypnea. Diagnosis was achieved by physical examination, radiographic findings, and PCR testing for equine herpesviruses (EHV) of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid or lung tissue obtained by biopsy. All horses were euthanized due to continuing deterioration after attempted treatment. Post mortem histological examination of lung tissue showed severe multifocal diffuse to confluent fibrosis in two cases and in another horse a discrete nodular fibrosis pattern. Panherpes nested PCR revealed the presence of equine herpesvirus 5 (EHV-5) DNA in lung tissue of one horse whereas in two other horses, asinine herpes virus 5 (AHV-5) was detected. EMPF should be considered as a differential diagnosis in horses with acute and chronic respiratory disease, including horses non-responsive to treatment for equine asthma.

While cell therapy has been proposed as next-generation therapy to treat the diseased heart, current strategies display only limited clinical efficacy. Besides the ongoing quest for the ideal cell type, in particular the very low retention rate of single-cell (SC) suspensions after delivery remains a major problem. To improve cellular retention, cellular self-assembly into 3D microtissues (MTs) prior to transplantation has emerged as an encouraging alternative. Importantly, 3D-MTs have also been reported to enhance the angiogenic activity and neovascularization potential of stem cells. Therefore, here using the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay we comprehensively evaluate the impact of cell format (SCs versus 3D-MTs) on the angiogenic potential of human cardiopoietic stem cells, a promising second-generation cell type for cardiac repair. Biodegradable collagen scaffolds were seeded with human cardiopoietic stem cells, either as SCs or as 3D-MTs generated by using a modified hanging drop method. Thereafter, seeded scaffolds were placed on the CAM of living chicken embryos and analyzed for their perfusion capacity in vivo using magnetic resonance imaging assessment which was then linked to a longitudinal histomorphometric ex vivo analysis comprising blood vessel density and characteristics such as shape and size. Cellular self-assembly into 3D-MTs led to a significant increase of vessel density mainly driven by a higher number of neo-capillary formation. In contrast, SC-seeded scaffolds displayed a higher frequency of larger neo-vessels resulting in an overall 1.76-fold higher total vessel area (TVA). Importantly, despite that larger TVA in SC-seeded group, the mean perfusion capacity (MPC) was comparable between groups, therefore suggesting functional superiority together with an enhanced perfusion efficacy of the neo-vessels in 3D-MT-seeded scaffolds. This was further underlined by a 1.64-fold higher perfusion ratio when relating MPC to TVA. Our study shows that cellular self-assembly of human cardiopoietic stem cells into 3D-MTs substantially enhances their overall angiogenic potential and their functional neovascularization capacity. Hence, the concept of 3D-MTs may be considered to increase the therapeutic efficacy of future cell therapy concepts.

The aim of this study was to give an overview of the current literature on equine haemothorax, as well as to analyse cases with this problem that were presented to the Equine Internal Medicine Clinic of the Vetsuisse-Faculty of the University of Zurich between 2005 and 2017. 13 cases met the inclusion criteria, which were a clinical diagnosis of the haemothorax by ultrasound alone or by a combination of ultrasound and thoracocentesis. Four mares and nine geldings of a variety of breeds were included in the study. The average age was 19.92 years (standard deviation ± 3.1). The findings of the clinical examination as well as the findings of blood tests, radiographic, ultrasonographic and cytological examinations of the thoracic fluid as well as the performed therapy were analysed in this study. The following case numbers do not always correspond to 13 patients since not all examinations were performed on all horses. The case histories were appearance of clinical signs during free movement, riding or after great exertion (6/13), unspecific anamnesis (4/13), trauma (2/13) and lung biopsy (1/13). The most common clinical signs were tachypnoea (13/13), abnormal lung auscultation (11/11), altered behaviour (12/13), forced breathing or dyspnoea (8/9), tachycardia (11/13), sweaty body surface (5/9), bilateral epistaxis (5/10) and prolonged capillary refill time (5/12). The general condition was classified as moderate to severely impaired (8/13) and mildly impaired (5/13). 8/12 patients showed signs of dehydration. Blood analysis showed leucocytosis (6/9), thrombocytopenia (4/10), anemia (3/13), hyperglycaemia (8/8), hypocalcaemia (7/8), hyponatremia (7/9), hyperlactatemia (6/8), elevated Creatinin (4/8), elevated creatine kinase (4/8) and hypoproteinemia (6/13). Arterial blood gas analysis revealed decreased p02 (8/8). Thoracic radiographs revealed soft-tissue opaque material ventrally in the thorax (10/10) with a variety of lung patterns. Ultrasonographically, free fluid with a hypo- to hyperechogenic corpuscular character was visible in the pleural cavity (13/13). Thoracocentesis was performed in 8/13 cases and the thoracic fluid was diagnosed as blood. The cause of the haemothorax could be identified clinically in three cases (lung biopsy, rib fractures, diaphragmatic hernia). Treatment included fluid therapy with cristalloid (10/13) and colloid (3/13) infusions as well as antimicrobial (11/13) and analgetic (12/13) medication. In some cases, tranexamic acid (6/13), formalin (2/13) and furosemide (1/13) were administered. Whole blood (5/13) and plasma transfusions (1/13) as well as thoracic drainages (4/13) were performed once or repeatedly if necessary. The mean duration of stay at the clinic was 5 (0-9) days. Eight horses were euthanized either because of a sudden rapid deterioration of the general condition (3/8), a lack of response to treatment (3/8) or right after diagnosis because of poor prognosis (2/8), which results in a short-term survival rate (percentage of horses that left the clinic alive) of 38%. The long-term survival rate (surviving horses in July 2016, six months to ten years and eleven months after leaving the clinic) was 75%. Suspected reasons for haemothorax in the surviving patients were idiopathic bleeding (2/5) as well as bleeding after a lung biopsy, great exertion or trauma (each 1/5). The pathologic diagnoses of the euthanized horses were lung rupture (2/7), lung bleeding (2/7), multiple lung lacerations caused by rib fractures, mesenchymal neoplasia of the thorax as well as a diaphragmatic hernia (each 1/7). This retrospective study elucidates clinical signs and causes as well as diagnoses, therapy and outcome in the clinic for equine haemothorax. © 2018 Hippiatrika Verlagsgesellschaf. All rights reserved.

Infections caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are reported as emerging disease in many countries worldwide. The occurrence of NTM in different hosts and their implication as obligate or opportunistic pathogen remain largely unclear. Lymph nodes and faecal samples of clinically healthy Swiss cattle at slaughter were analysed for the presence of NTM. Based on the examined lymph nodes, NTM were detected in 20% of 108 cattle originating from different premises. The 22 isolates belonged to five different species of Mycobacteria (M. avium subsp. hominissuis, M. kansasii, M. persicum, "M. lymphaticum" and M. europaeum). M. avium subsp. hominissuis (63%) and M. kansasii (18%) thereby predominated and were found in lymph nodes with and without macroscopic changes. Moreover, M. persicum found in two cattle has recently been described as a human pathogen and is closely related to M. kansasii. Amongst cattle with lymph nodes positive for mycobacteria, viable NTM were occasionally also detected in bovine faeces. However, the isolated NTM species from lymph nodes and respective faecal samples (M. hassiacum, M. phlei and M. vaccae) did not coincide. Moreover, NTM species identified amongst isolates from the slaughterhouse environment clearly differed from those from lymph nodes and faecal samples, excluding cross-contamination of the tissue specimens through the environment or laboratory processing. Assuming that some NTM interfere with the detection of bovine tuberculosis (bTB), the present findings in healthy animals emphasize the need of more specific diagnostic tools for bTB eradication programs.

Angiostronglyus vasorum is a cardiopulmonary nematode infecting mainly canids such as dogs (Canis familiaris) and foxes (Vulpes vulpes). Natural infections have also been reported in mustelids and red pandas (Ailurus fulgens fulgens). We report the occurrence of natural A. vasorum infections in a group of captive meerkats (Suricata suricatta), housed at a university facility in Switzerland. A. vasorum first-stage larvae (L1) were initially identified in a pooled faecal sample. Individual samples, investigated with the Baermann-Wetzel technique, revealed that 41% (7/17) of the meerkats were infected, with ranges of 2–125 L1/g faeces. PCR and sequencing of part of the ITS-2 region resulted in 100% identity with A. vasorum. Infected animals did not show clinical signs. One meerkat died two days after diagnosis. Upon necropsy one adult specimen was recovered; histological examination of the lung revealed granulomatous pneumonia caused by A. vasorum larvae and eggs as well as intima and media hyperplasia and isolated arteriosclerosis of larger lung vessels. However, the cause of death was a spleen rupture with associated blood loss. All meerkats were topically treated with 10 mg imidacloprid/2.5 mg moxidectin per animal, after which they became negative in all follow up faecal examinations. Potential intermediate (gastropods) and paratenic hosts (birds) were collected from within or outside the meerkats enclosure. Gastropods were examined by PCR and bird samples by digestion. Four out of 193 (2.1%) gastropod samples were positive for A. vasorum, whereas none of the bird samples were positive. Meerkats, belonging to the Herpestidae, therefore are suitable definitive hosts for A. vasorum, with production and excretion of live L1. Meerkats kept in captivity in areas where A. vasorum is endemic and with potential contact to intermediate hosts are at risk of infection. Regular faecal examinations including Baermann-Wetzel technique should be considered., Graphical abstract Image 1, Highlights • Meerkats are suitable definitive hosts for Angiostrongylus vasorum. • This is the first case of A. vasorum in the Herpestidae family. • A. vasorum larvae and eggs caused granulomatous pneumonia in an infected meerkat. • 2% of gastropods around the meerkats enclosure were positive for A. vasorum L3. • Captive animal species in areas where A. vasorum is endemic are at risk of infection.

Cystoisospora (syn. Isospora) suis is the causative agent of neonatal porcine coccidiosis and one of the main causes of diarrhoea in suckling piglets worldwide. Infection with porcine cytomegalovirus (PCMV, Suid herpesvirus 2) causes inclusion body rhinitis in pigs. In a Swiss pig herd (n = 2 boars, 7 sows, 2 gilts, 18 finishing pigs, 30 fattening pigs, 54 suckling piglets), an outbreak of PCMV infection with high morbidity in all age categories, characterized by fever, anorexia, reduced general condition, respiratory signs and increased piglet mortality, was diagnosed by histopathology and molecular methods. Five fattening pigs (age ~ 17 weeks) additionally showed diarrhoea, not typical for PCMV infections, and one fattener had to be euthanized due to poor condition. Histopathologically, severe fibrinopurulent jejunoileitis with extensive atrophy and fusion of intestinal villi, loss of goblet cells and crypt abscesses associated to C. suis infection were present. In the liver, herpesvirus intranuclear inclusion bodies were observed and PCMV was confirmed by PCR/sequencing. No further infectious causes of diarrhoea (i.e. Rotavirus A; TGEV; PEDV; PCV-2; enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli or Lawsonia intracellularis) were detected in the euthanized fattener. Coproscopically, C. suis oocysts were identified in the faeces from further fatteners with diarrhoea. While C. suis usually produces disease only in suckling piglets, its association with severe intestinal lesions and diarrhoea in ~ 17-week-old fatteners was surprising. It is supposed that the underlying PCMV infection might have contributed to the presentation of clinical cystoisosporosis in fattening pigs. The interaction mechanisms between these two pathogens are unknown., Graphical abstract Image 1, Highlights • A Porcine Cytomegalovirus (PCMV) outbreak was diagnosed in a Swiss pig herd • Cystoisospora suis caused diarrhoea in 17 week-old fattening pigs co-infected with PCMV • PCMV infection may produce immunosuppression in pigs • PCMV may have contributed to presentation of clinical cystoisosporosis in fattening pigs

This study involved 60 cows aged 1.9 to 13 years (mean 4.8 ± 2.3 years) with type-3 abomasal ulcer. The most common clinical signs were, in decreasing order of frequency, partial or complete anorexia (98%), obtunded demeanour (95%), decreased skin surface temperature (78%), congested scleral vessels (73%), abdominal guarding (61%), tachypnoea (58%), fever (58%) and tachycardia (55%). One or more concomitant disorders were diagnosed in 86% of the cows. The most common abnormal laboratory findings were hypokalaemia (75%), shortened glutaraldehyde test time (46%) and hyperfibrinogenaemia (43%). The diagnosis of type-3 abomasal ulcer was made in all cows during laparotomy and/or at postmortem examination. Forty-eight (80%) cows were euthanased immediately after the initial examination, during laparotomy or after unsuccessful treatment. Twelve (20%) cows were treated with a solution of sodium chloride and glucose administered via an indwelling jugular catheter, antibiotics, metamizole or flunixin, and discharged from the clinic. Ten cows were still in production two years later.Die vorliegende Untersuchung umfasst 60 Kühe im Alter von 1.9 bis 13 Jahren (4.8 ± 2.3 Jahre), die wegen eines Labmagenulkus Typ 3 untersucht wurden. Die häufigsten klinischen Befunde waren in abnehmender Reihenfolge stark reduzierte bis aufgehobene Futteraufnahme (98%), gestörtes Allgemeinbefinden (95%), kühle Körperoberfläche (78%), injizierte Skleren (73%), gespannte Bauchdecke (61%), Tachypnoe (58%), Fieber (58%) und Tachykardie (55%). Bei 86% der Kühe wurden eine oder mehr Begleitkrankheiten diagnostiziert. Als häufigste abnorme Blutbefunde wurden Hypokaliämie (75%), verkürzter Glutaltest (46%) und Hyperfibrinogenämie (43%) festgestellt. Die Diagnose eines Labmagenulkus Typ 3 erfolgte bei allen Kühen bei der Laparotomie und/oder der pathologisch-anatomischen Untersuchung. 48 Kühe (80%) wurden unmittelbar nach der Eintrittsuntersuchung, während der Laparotomie oder nach einem erfolglosen Therapieversuch euthanasiert. Bei 12 Kühen (20%) war die Therapie mit NaCl-Glukose-Lösung im Dauertropf, Antibiotika und Metamizol oder Flunixin meglumin erfolgreich. Zwei Jahre nach der Entlassung lebten noch 10 Kühe.Cette étude portait sur 60 vaches âgées de 1,9 à 13 ans (moyenne de 4,8 ± 2,3 ans) atteintes d’un ulcère de la caillette de type 3. Les signes cliniques les plus fréquents étaient, par ordre de fréquence décroissante, une anorexie partielle ou complète (98%), un comportement apathique (95%), une diminution de la température de la peau (78%), des vaisseaux scléraux congestionnés (73%), une défense abdominale (61%) de la tachypnée (58%), de la fièvre (58%) et tachycardie (55%). Un ou plusieurs troubles concomitants ont été diagnostiqués chez 86% des vaches. Les résultats de laboratoire anormaux les plus fréquents étaient une hypokaliémie (75%), une durée réduite du test du glutaraldéhyde (46%) et une hyperfibrinogénémie (43%). Le diagnostic d’ulcère de la caillette de type 3 a été posé chez toutes les vaches au cours d’une laparotomie et/ou lors de l’examen post mortem. Quarante-huit (80%) des vaches ont été euthanasiées immédiatement après l’examen initial, pendant la laparotomie ou après un traitement infructueux. Douze (20%) vaches ont été traitées avec une solution de chlorure de sodium et de glucose administrée via un cathéter jugulaire à demeure, des antibiotiques, du métamizole ou de la flunixine et ont quitté la clinique. Dix de ces vaches étaient encore en production deux ans plus tard.Questo studio ha coinvolto 60 vacche di età compresa tra i 1,9 e 13 anni (media 4,8 ± 2,3 anni) affetti da ulcera abomasale di tipo 3. I segni clinici più comuni erano, in ordine decrescente di frequenza, anoressia parziale o completa (98%), condizioni generali degradate (95%), diminuzione della temperatura superficiale della pelle (78%), vasi sclerali congestionati (73%), parete addominale tesa (61 %), tachipnea (58%), febbre (58%) e tachicardia (55%). Uno o più disturbi concomitanti sono stati diagnosticati nell’86% delle vacche. I risultati anormali più comuni in laboratorio sono stati ipopotassiemia (75%), riduzione del tempo di test glutaraldeide (46%) e iperfibrinogenemia (43%). La diagnosi di ulcera abomasale di tipo 3 è stata posta in tutte le vacche durante una laparotomia e/o durante l’esame post mortem. Quarantotto (80%) vacche sono state eutanasiate immediatamente dopo l’esame iniziale, durante la laparotomia o dopo un trattamento senza successo. Dodici (20%) vacche sono state trattate con una soluzione di cloruro di sodio e glucosio somministrata attraverso un catetere giugulare permanente, antibiotici, metamizolo o flunixina e dimesse dalla clinica. Dieci vacche erano ancora in vita due anni dopo.

Background Type-5 abomasal ulcer (U5) is a perforated ulcer that causes peritonitis limited to the omental bursa. This retrospective study describes the clinical and laboratory findings in 14 cattle with omental bursitis due to U5. The medical records of 14 cows aged 2.5 to 14.6 years (5.4 ± 3.1 years) with U5 were scrutinised. Results The most common clinical findings were partial or complete anorexia (100%), abdominal guarding (100%), obtunded demeanour (93%), congested scleral vessels (79%), tachypnoea (71%), rumen atony (64%), diminished faecal output (64%), reduced skin surface temperature (64%) and fever (46%). Four (29%) cows had between one and four concomitant diseases. The most common abnormal laboratory findings were hypokalemia (71%), haemoconcentration (57%), metabolic acidosis (57%) and azotaemia (43%). All cows were euthanased; five immediately after the initial examination, one after exploratory laparotomy and eight after unsuccessful treatment. A diagnosis of U5 was made in all cows during postmortem examination. Conclusions There is a need for improvement of the antemortem diagnosis of U5 because reliable differentiation of this disease from other conditions with a similar clinical presentation is currently not feasible.

Because of sudden death of several frogs following the renewal of a terrarium, two giant ditch frogs (Leptodactylus fallax) were submitted for post-mortem examination. The animals displayed extensive erythematous to ulcerative skin lesions as well as multiple granulomas in the liver, kidney and skeletal musculature. In skin lesions as well as in the brownish granulomas, pigmented fungal sclerotic bodies were found in addition to pigmented hyphal structures, though less common. The fungal pathogen, although not further classified in this study was identified as the etiological agent for chromoblastomycosis (synonym: chromomycosis), a leading cause of fatal systemic disease in poikilothermic animals. It is also a cause of chronic skin disease in human beings and therefore a potential zoonotic agent.

The hypothesis of this study was that veal calves reared under enhanced welfare standards undergo less stress than calves raised in a conventionally system that meets the minimal standards of the Swiss animal welfare legislation, and that this difference is reflected by differences in hair cortisol concentrations and the size, weight and total cortisol concentration of the adrenal glands. A total of 100 veal calves reared under two different animal welfare production labels were used; the labels differed with respect to stocking density and access to an outdoor area and pasture. The production labels included Quality Management and Naturafarm. Hair samples for cortisol measurement were collected from all calves and the adrenal glands were obtained at slaughter. The left adrenal gland was used for cortisol measurement and the right gland was used for histological and morphometric measurements. The median hair cortisol concentrations of the two production groups were 2.4 and 2.3 pg/mg hair, which did not differ significantly. Likewise, the median cortisol concentration of the adrenal cortex (1.7 and 1.6 μg/g), the total adrenal cortisol content (4.8 and 4.7 μg), the weights of the cortex (3.2 and 3.1 g) and medulla (1.7 and 1.7 g) and the thickness of the zona fasciculata (1430 and 1532 μm) did not differ significantly between groups. Thus, it appears that the calves of the two production labels did not suffer obvious stress. This finding notwithstanding, all veal calves deserve to be reared under optimised animal-appropriate welfare conditions.

Background This study evaluated the clinical, laboratory, ultrasonographic and pathological findings in 87 cows aged 2 to 10 years (4.5 ± 1.5 years) with type-4 abomasal ulcer. Results The most common clinical findings were in decreasing order compromised health status accompanied by partial or complete anorexia (100%), abdominal guarding (81%), congested scleral vessels (77%), ruminal atony (73%), tachycardia (68%), tachypnoea (65%), positive foreign body tests (58%), decreased skin surface temperature (53%), fever (49%), reduction in negative intraabdominal pressure assessed transrectally (39%), poorly subdivided plant fragments in faeces (35%) and arched back (28%). The principal haematological abnormalities were hypokalaemia (72%), haemoconcentration (69%), azotaemia (56%), metabolic acidosis (49%), hyperfibrinogenaemia (45%), leukopenia (35%) and hypoproteinaemia (29%). Other abnormalities were aciduria (56%), haematuria (44%), increased chloride concentration in rumen fluid (34%) and abnormal peritoneal fluid (98%). Of 75 examined cows, 65 (87%) had ultrasonographic evidence of local or generalised peritonitis. On postmortem examination all cows had a type-4 abomasal ulcer and generalised peritonitis. In addition, 36 cows had type-1 ulcers, 6 had type-2 ulcers and one cow had a type-3 ulcer. Discussion The clinical signs in cows with type-4 abomasal ulcer are associated with generalised peritonitis. An increased haematocrit, indicating shock-induced haemoconcentration is characteristic in contrast to cows with traumatic reticuloperitonitis. Ultrasonography is useful for visualising and assessing generalised peritonitis. Conclusions The diagnosis of type-4 abomasal ulcer based on clinical signs alone is difficult and therefore requires additional diagnostic procedures including the determination of the haematocrit and plasma protein concentration, abdominal ultrasonography and analysis of peritoneal fluid. In most cases, these steps lead to a correct diagnosis and allow timely euthanasia of the cow to prevent further suffering and unnecessary treatment costs. Methods The cows underwent a clinical, laboratory, ultrasonographic and postmortem examination.

Bovine abortion is a worldwide problem, but despite extensive histopathologic and molecular investigations, the cause of abortion remains unclear in about 70% of cases. Cellular debris is a commonly observed histopathologic finding in the fetal placenta and is often interpreted as necrosis. In this study, the nature of this cellular debris was characterized, and histologic changes in the normal fetal placenta during pregnancy and after delivery were assessed. In addition, the presence of the most common abortifacient pathogens in Switzerland ( Chlamydiaceae, Coxiella burnetii, Neospora caninum) was tested by polymerase chain reaction. We collected 51 placentomes and 235 cotyledons from 41 and from 50 cows, respectively. In total, cellular debris was present in 48 of 51 (94%) placentomes and in 225 of 235 (96%) cotyledons, inflammation occurred in 1 of 51 (2%) placentomes and in 46 of 235 (20%) cotyledons, vasculitis was seen in 1 of 51 (2%) placentomes and 46 of 235 (20%) cotyledons, and 18 of 51 (35%) placentomes and 181 of 235 (77%) cotyledons had mineralization. The amount of cellular debris correlated with areas of positive signals for cleaved caspase 3 and lamin A. Therefore, this finding was interpreted as an apoptotic process. In total, 10 of 50 cotyledons (20%) were positive for C. burnetii DNA, most likely representing subclinical infections. The results of our study indicate that histologic features in the fetal placenta such as cellular debris, inflammation, vasculitis, and mineralization must be considered physiological processes during pregnancy and after delivery. Therefore, their presence in placentae of aborted fetuses must be interpreted with caution and might not be necessarily linked to an infectious cause of abortion.

A five-year-old male barsoi dog presented with lameness of the left hindlimb. Radiographs, CT and MRI studies revealed a mono-ostotic aggressive bone lesion in the proximal tibial metaphysis expanding into the epiphysis, complicated by a pathological fracture. Conservative treatment was pursued. Two months later, the dog was presented again to our clinic, now in comatose state. Brain MRI detected a large intra-axial space-occupying lesion in the thalamic region. The dog was euthanased. Necropsy revealed a mass in the left proximal tibial epiphysis and metaphysis and a bony mass in the pituitary region compressing the surrounding nervous tissue. Histologically, both masses were diagnosed as osteosarcoma, most likely chondroblastic type. The metastatic brain mass infiltrated the thalamus, hypothalamus and pituitary stalk, causing disruption of ADH synthesis and/or transport. This is an uncommon case of a clinically manifest central diabetes insipidus caused by a metastatic osteosarcoma.

Aim To test whether or not a collagen matrix can improve early wound healing compared to spontaneous healing based on histologic and immunohistologic analyses. Methods In 20 volunteers, 6 mm punch biopsies were harvested at the palate. A xenogeneic collagen matrix (XCM) was sutured in one site; the other one was left untreated (control). Biopsies with a diameter of 8 mm were subsequently obtained at 4, 8, 15 and 29 days and histologic and immunohistologic analyses were performed. Results At day 4, wound bed keratinization amounted to 12.4%±7.5% (control) and 18.0%±10.2% (XCM). This increased up to day 8 (19.7%±25.5% control; 29.1%±8.0% XCM) and reached complete keratinization at day 15 in both groups. The quantitative analyses of the superficial compartment measured an increase of the amount of granulation tissue (32% to 88% control; 14% to 41% XCM) from day 4 to day 8. Angiogenesis was first detected at 8 days. At day 29, the amount of connective tissue in all compartments reached values similar to the native tissue at baseline. Conclusions The application of a xenogeneic collagen matrix (XCM) as a wound dressing on palatal wounds might be beneficial in the early stages of wound healing. Further research with a larger sample size is needed to confirm these results. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Aim To test whether or not the use of a collagen matrix (VCMX) results in short-term soft tissue volume increase at implant sites non-inferior to an autogenous subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG), and to evaluate safety and tissue integration of VCMX and SCTG. Methods In 20 patients with a volume deficiency at single-tooth implant sites, soft tissue volume augmentation was performed randomly allocating VCMX or SCTG. Soft tissue thickness, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and safety were assessed up to 90 days (FU-90). At FU-90 (abutment connection), tissue samples were obtained for histological analysis. Descriptive analysis was computed for both groups. Non-parametric tests were applied to test non-inferiority for the gain in soft tissue thickness at the occlusal site. Results Median soft tissue thickness increased between BL and FU-90 by 1.8 mm (Q1:0.5; Q3:2.0) (VCMX) (p = 0.018) and 0.5 mm (−1.0; 2.0) (SCTG) (p = 0.395) (occlusal) and by 1.0 mm (0.5; 2.0) (VCMX) (p = 0.074) and 1.5 mm (−2.0; 2.0) (SCTG) (p = 0.563) (buccal). Non-inferiority with a non-inferiority margin of 1 mm could be demonstrated (p = 0.020); the difference between the two group medians (1.3 mm) for occlusal sites indicated no relevant, but not significant superiority of VCMX versus SCTG (primary endpoint). Pain medication consumption and pain perceived were non-significantly higher in group SCTG up to day 3. Median physical pain (OHIP-14) at day 7 was 100% higher for SCTG than for VCMX. The histological analysis revealed well-integrated grafts. Conclusions Soft tissue augmentation at implant sites resulted in a similar or higher soft tissue volume increase after 90 days for VCMX versus SCTG. PROMs did not reveal relevant differences between the two groups.