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Summary: Background: Previous studies investigating factors associated with survival following endoscopic treatment of contamination/sepsis of the calcaneal bursa are limited. Objectives: To investigate the factors associated with survival in horses with contamination/sepsis of the calcaneal bursae treated endoscopically and to describe the bacterial isolates involved in the synovial infections. Study design: Retrospective analysis of clinical records. Methods: Medical records from 128 horses with contamination/sepsis of the calcaneal bursae treated by endoscopic lavage at seven equine hospitals were reviewed. A follow‐up questionnaire was used to determine survival and return to athletic performance. Descriptive statistics and Cox proportional hazards survival models were used to determine factors associated with survival. Results: Horses underwent one (n = 107), two (n = 19), or three (n = 2) surgeries. Survival to hospital discharge was 84.4%. Univariable survival analysis revealed that administration of systemic antimicrobials prior to referral was associated with reduced mortality (hazard ratio, [HR] 0.41, 95% CI 0.18–0.91, P = 0.03). Increased mortality was associated with bone fracture/osteomyelitis (HR 2.43, 95% CI 1.12–5.26, P = 0.03), tendon involvement (≥30% cross sectional area) (HR 3.78 95% CI 1.78–8.04, P = 0.001), duration of general anaesthesia (HR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00–1.02, P = 0.04), post‐operative synoviocentesis (HR 3.18, 95% CI 1.36–7.43, P = 0.006) and post‐operative wound dehiscence (HR 2.5, 95% CI 1.08–5.65, P = 0.04). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards model revealed reduced mortality after systemic antimicrobial administration prior to referral (HR 0.25, 95% CI 0.11–0.60, P = 0.002) and increased mortality with tendinous involvement (≥30% cross‐sectional area) (HR 7.92, 95% CI 3.31–19.92, P<0.001). At follow‐up (median 30 months, range 0.25–13 years, n = 70) 87.1% horses were alive, 7.1% had been euthanised due to the calcaneal injury and 5.7% had been euthanised for unrelated reasons. From 57 horses with athletic performance follow‐up, 91.2% returned to the same/higher level of exercise, 5.3% to a lower level and 3.5% were retired due to persistent lameness of the affected limb. Main limitations: Retrospective study and incomplete follow‐up. Conclusion: Endoscopic treatment of contamination/sepsis of the calcaneal bursae has an 84% survival rate to hospital discharge. Tendinous involvement reduced survival whilst systemic antimicrobials administration prior to referral improved survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pneumonic pasteurellosis is the main cause of severe respiratory tract infections in calves and causing great economic losses. The objective of this research was to study the antimicrobial susceptibility of P. multocida and M. haemolytica and detection the effect of Lysozyme and Nitric oxide; as immune parameters, on most important bacteria causing pneumonic pasteurellosis in cattle calves. A total number of 406 deep nasal swabs and blood samples were collected from 406 bovine calves suffered from respiratory manifestations. Bacteriological examination revealed that the overall prevalence of both P. multocida and M. haemolytica was of 26.6%; 18.2% for P. multocida and 8.4%for M. haemolytica. P. multocida was singly isolated from 4.9% of cases. While it was mixed with S. aureus, E. coli, Streptococcus spp., both S. aureus and E. coli, both S. aureus and Streptococcus spp. and both E. coli and Streptococcus spp. with percentages of 4%, 1.2%, 2.2%, 1.7%, 3.2% and 1.0%, respectively. Meanwhile, M. haemolytica was isolated as a single isolate from 1.7% of cases while it was mixed with S. aureus, Streptococcus spp., both S. aureus and Streptococcus spp. and both E. coli and Streptococcus spp. with percentages of 2.7%, 1.2%, 2.5% and 0.2%, respectively. The in in-vitro sensitivity testing of all isolates showed high susceptibility to Fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins. On the other hand, high resistances were obtained against tetracyclines, penicillins and aminoglycosides. On the immunological level, the data of the existing research show that all respiratory affected calves record significant elevation of nitric oxide level in compare with normal control calves. However, all infected calves elucidate significant reduction of lysozyme activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the most common and costly disease affecting beef cattle calves in the world. The objectives of this study were to put a high light on epidemiology of P. multocida and M. haemolytica as important causes of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in Egypt Governorates; Giza, El-Fayoum, Beni- Suef, Assiut and Sohag. A total number of 406 deep nasal swabs and blood samples were collected from 406 bovine calves suffered from respiratory manifestations reared in different Governorates in Egypt. Bacteriological examination was achieved and isolation of P. multocida and M. haemolytica were attained. The overall prevalence of both P. multocida and M. haemolytica was of 26.6%; 18.2% for P. multocida and 8.4%for M. haemolytica. EL-Fayoum Governorate showed the highest prevalences while Beni-Suef Governorate showed the lowest prevalences. P. multocida was singly isolated from 4.9% of cases. While it was mixed with S. aureus, E. coli, Streptococcus spp., both S. aureus and E. coli, both S. aureus and Streptococcus spp. and both E. coli and Streptococcus spp. with percentages of 4%, 1.2%, 2.2%, 1.7%, 3.2% and 1.0%, respectively. Meanwhile, M. haemolytica was isolated as a single isolate from 1.7% of cases while it was mixed with S. aureus, Streptococcus spp., both S. aureus and Streptococcus spp. and both E. coli and Streptococcus spp. with percentages of 2.7%, 1.2%, 2.5% and 0.2%, respectively. In conclusion respiratory manifestations are very important disorders in bovine calves. P. multocida and M. haemolytica are the most common bacteria causing infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: There is limited information about bacterial isolates that are present on the equine midline incision during and following exploratory laparotomy. Objectives: To investigate the bacterial species cultured from the ventral midline pre‐, intra‐ and post‐ laparotomy, whether particular bacterial isolates are associated with the development of surgical site infections (SSIs) and to report the antimicrobial resistance phenotypes of these isolates. Study design: Prospective cohort study. Methods: The ventral midline of 31 horses undergoing exploratory laparotomy was sampled for bacterial culture at set time‐points pre, intra and post‐operatively. Inclusion criteria were that horses must have undergone exploratory laparotomy within 90 min of the initial colic examination upon hospital admission and must not have been placed in a stable prior to surgery. SSI was defined as any purulent or serous discharge from the laparotomy incision of >24 h duration. Results: Seven horses (22.6%) developed a SSI. None of the variables tested were associated with the altered risk of SSI. The prevalence of a positive bacterial culture from the incision increased progressively over time and a variety of bacteria were isolated. A positive intra‐operative culture was not a predictor of SSI; and when a SSI did occur, it was due to a different bacterial isolate. MRSA and ESBL‐producers were identified in the post‐operative period in one and four different horses respectively, but none of these developed a SSI. Main limitations: Sampling was limited to hospitalisation and no culture results were available for horses developing SSI following hospital discharge. Conclusions: A variety of bacterial species may be isolated from equine laparotomy incisions peri‐operatively without development of SSI. SSI does not appear to be solely related to bacterial contamination of the incision peri‐operatively and other mechanisms such as bacteraemia merit further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reasons for performing study Colic is an important health problem in managed horse populations. Currently, there is limited information about colic prevalence and risk factors for colic in working horse populations. Objectives To determine the prevalence of, and risk factors for, colic in a working horse population in Egypt and to describe management practices in this working horse population. Study design Cross-sectional survey. Methods Owners of 350 working horses were interviewed. Data about their horses, management and colic episodes in the preceding 12 months were collected. Dental examination was conducted on 342 horses and blood samples (n = 100) were collected for immunodiagnosis of tapeworm ( Anoplocephala perfoliata) infection. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for a history of colic in the preceding 12 months. Results The 12-month prevalence of colic was 54.6%. Severe and moderate tapeworm infection intensity was identified in 3% and 26% of horses tested, respectively. Horses that had severe dental disease (odds ratio [ OR] 6.8, 95% confidence interval [ CI] 1.9-24.3, P<0.001), that displayed stereotypic behaviour ( OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.15-3.5, P = 0.013), were fed ground corn during the 'dry season' ( OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.03-2.6, P = 0.035) or that had received an anthelmintic in the previous 6 months ( OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.3-3.3, P = 0.003) were more likely to have a history of colic in the preceding 12 months. Horses fed on rice bran during the 'green season' ( OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.26-0.9, P = 0.015) and that displayed geophagia/coprophagia ( OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.05-0.73, P = 0.001) were less likely to have a history of colic. Conclusions Colic is common in this working horse population and this study has identified factors associated with altered likelihood of colic. The study provides important information that may be used to inform future prospective studies investigating colic in working horse populations and to assist development of preventive healthcare strategies. The Summary is available in Chinese - see Supporting information [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reasons for performing study Oro-dental disease can have a significant impact on equine welfare. Objectives To determine the prevalence of oro-dental disease and to identify risk factors for oro-dental disorders and poor body condition scores ( BCS) in a working horse population in Egypt. Study design Cross-sectional survey. Methods Oro-dental examination was performed on 450 working horses in 2 Egyptian provinces. Horse and management historical data were collected and horses were assigned to no/mild, moderate and severe dental disease categories based on findings on examination. Multivariable logistic regression and generalised additive models were used to identify risk factors for oral mucosal injuries and very poor/poor BCS, and to explore the relationship between age and different oro-dental disorders. Results Oro-dental disease was common, with 45.3% and 8.4% of horses considered to have moderate and severe oro-dental disease, respectively. None of these horses had previously undergone any form of proper dental examination and treatment by trained personnel. Oral mucosal injuries (64.2%) and sharp enamel points (79.8%) were most common. Oral mucosal injuries were significantly associated with increasing age (odds ratio ( OR) 1.1, 95% confidence interval ( CI) 1.01-1.1, P = 0.03), focal dental overgrowths ( OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.4-4.0, P = 0.002) and sharp enamel points ( OR 6.3, 95% CI 3.5-11.0, P<0.001). Very poor and poor BCS were significantly associated with severe dental disease ( OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.2-5.8, P = 0.02), horses aged 16-30 years ( OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.7-7.0, P = 0.001), height ( OR 0.9, 95% CI 0.9-0.97, P = 0.001) and packed cell volume ( OR 0.9, 95% CI 0.85-0.95, P<0.001). Conclusions There is a need for education of working horse-owners in Egypt about the importance of oro-dental disease and for greater availability of veterinarians with suitable training and equipment to perform dental prophylaxis and treatment. Even simple dental prophylaxis could have a significant impact on the health and welfare of this population of working horses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reasons for performing study Surgical site infection ( SSI) is an important cause of post operative morbidity following laparotomy. Objectives To investigate risk factors for SSI, including effect of season and surgery performed outside normal working hours, and to report bacterial isolates and antimicrobial resistance patterns. Study design Retrospective cohort study. Methods Data were obtained from horses that had undergone exploratory laparotomy over a 3-year period (2010-2013) in a UK hospital population. SSI was defined as any purulent or serous discharge from the laparotomy incision of >24 h duration that developed during hospitalisation. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify associations between pre-, intra- and post operative variables and altered likelihood of SSI. Results Surgical site infection developed in 73/287 (25.4%) horses during hospitalisation. Horses of greater bodyweight (odds ratio [ OR] 1.002, 95% confidence interval [ CI] 1.0002-1.005, P = 0.03), increased packed cell volume (≥48%) on admission ( OR 3.03, 95% CI 1.32-6.94, P = 0.01), small intestinal resection ( OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.15-4.46, P = 0.02) and post operative colic ( OR 2.86, 95% CI 1.41-5.79, P = 0.003) were significantly associated with increased likelihood of SSI in a multivariable model. SSI was also significantly more likely to occur during winter ( OR 3.84, 95% CI 1.38-10.70, P = 0.01) and summer ( OR 5.63, 95% CI 2.07-15.3, P = 0.001) months in the model. Three-layer closure of the incision was protective ( OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.16-0.58, P<0.001) compared to 2-layer closure. There was no effect of surgery being performed outside normal working hours (P = 0.5). The most common bacterial isolates were Escherichia coli (59.5%) , Enterococcus spp. (42.4%) and Staphylococcus spp. (25.4%). Penicillin resistant isolates accounted for 92% (96/104) of isolates while 18% (21/119) of isolates were gentamicin resistant. Conclusions Laparotomy during winter and summer months was associated with increased likelihood of SSI but there was no effect of surgery performed outside normal working hours. This information assists in identifying horses at high risk of SSI and informing development of preventive strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in management of the surgical colic patient over the last 30 years have resulted in considerable improvement in post operative survival rates. However, post operative complications remain common and these impact negatively on horse welfare, probability of survival, return to previous use and the costs of treatment. Multiple studies have investigated risk factors for post operative complications following surgical management of colic and interventions that might be effective in reducing the likelihood of these occurring. The findings from these studies are frequently contradictory and the evidence for many interventions is lacking or inconclusive. This review discusses the current available evidence and identifies areas where further studies are necessary and factors that should be taken into consideration in study design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the methodology, implementation, and results of the dynamic modeling of a naturally fractured carbonate reservoir, which consists of a fracture swarm system and high matrix permeability. The focus of this paper is on the description of the dynamic single-media model that was used to history match the production. The challenges in properly quantifying the separate effects of matrix and fracture within the framework of a single-media model become the major objective of the study. A brief description of the static model (which consists of the development of matrix and fracture models, as well as the method to integrate them) is also presented. Both matrix and fracture systems play an important role in the production mechanism of the reservoir. History matching for 20 years of production was done successfully in a single-media model through an iterative process between static and dynamic models to ensure the consistency between the two models. Different sets of relative permeability curves (for matrix and fracture systems) were generated to properly simulate the fluid movement in the reservoir. The results indicate an excellent history match that is also followed by the success in the blind tests of newly drilled wells. Significant improvement was obtained compared to the previous model in simulating water production that comes from the aquifer to the wells through a complex fracture network. The results were achieved through various sensitivity analyses of fracture conductivity and by fine-tuning relative permeability curves that are based on the eight rock types defined for the reservoir. In conclusion, the single-media model used in this study can successfully simulate the behavior of a naturally fractured reservoir. The model has shown that it can produce excellent results in a very practical way. The methodology described in this paper is suitable for other naturally fractured reservoirs, especially in the Middle East area. where a significant difference between core-derived permeability and well-test-derived permeability exists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital dermatitis (DD) is an infectious disease of the digital skin of dairy cows that is associated with compromised animal welfare and significant economic losses. The hind feet of 16,098 dairy cows from 55 herds were examined in the milking parlor, and DD lesions identified were classified using the M-score system and swabbed for PCR testing. Swabs were also collected from hind feet with normal digital skin for comparison. Data on farm construction and lameness prevention measures were collected through direct observation and in-person interviews with farm managers. Herd-level risk factors for DD were investigated using mixed-effects logistic regression models, with Farm ID included as a random-effects variable. The average within-herd and herd prevalence of DD were 6.4 % (95 % CI: 4.9-8.0 %) and 92.7 % (n = 51, 95 % CI: 85.9-99.6 %), respectively. Among the investigated DD lesions, DD-associated treponemes were identified at frequencies of 87 % for Treponema spp., 87.5 % for T. medium, 86.2 % for T. phagedenis-like, and 78.3 % for T. pedis. Additionally, Fusobacterium necrophorum and Dichelobacter nodosus were identified at frequencies of 37 % and 15.4 %, respectively. Samples from normal digital skin exhibited substantially lower frequencies for all bacterial species investigated. Risk factors significantly associated with DD in the final multivariable model included practice of preventive early lactation trimming (OR=0.45, 95 % CI: 0.26-0.78) and the presence of an abrasive bedding on farms (OR=1.6, 95 % CI: 1.01-2.6). This comprehensive molecular and epidemiological analysis enhances understanding of DD etiology in Egypt and contributes to the development of effective control programs to improve cow welfare and support the sustainability of milk production., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest None of the authors has financial or personal relationships that could inappropriately influence or bias the content of this study., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this study was to determine the usefulness of the MPC of carbapenems against clinical isolates of Pseudomonas spp. and Acinetobacter spp. and to assess its possible relationship with mechanisms of resistance. Detection of the mechanisms of resistance was performed using Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing, Double Disk Synergy, disk antagonism, addition of NaCl to the medium, addition of PBA or EDTA to Carbapenem disks, addition of PBA to Cefoxitin disks, and CCCP test for 10 Pseudomonas spp. and Acinetobacter baumannii strains. The MIC and MPC were determined using the broth macrodilution and plate dilution methods, respectively. Four Acinetobacter baumannii strains produced MBL. Two of them produced Oxacillinase and one produced ESBL. Two Pseudomonas spp. isolates produced both KPC and MBL. The resistant Acinetobacter spp. and Pseudomonas spp. strains had higher MPC values than susceptible ones. However, the Mutant Selection Window was found to be dependent on the degree of resistance but not on a particular mechanism of resistance. The usefulness of the MPC was found to be dependent on its value. Based on our data, we recommend determining the MPC for each isolate before using it during treatment. Furthermore, the use of T>MSW instead of T>MIC is suggested.