Diagnostic Imaging Veterinary

Rabies with a timeline history of over 2300 years BC is 100% preventable. Yet over 55,000 people are reported dead annually due to rabies. Most of the deaths are in the developing countries, India and Africa. In Nigeria, the first officially documented report of human rabies was in 1912 and that of canine rabies was in 1925. The long history of rabies and the evidences of its endemicity have been found in all native dialects in Nigeria that described only the violent rabies. Researchers over the years have reported the presence of rabies virus antibodies in over 15.93 to 30.7% and 28.6% of unvaccinated dogs and humans respectively, in south western part of Nigeria. Of recent, researchers in Nigerian Universities and Research Institutes are experiencing and reporting cases of the presence of rabies virus antigen in the brains of apparently healthy dogs and even in the wild life across the country. Some studies of prevalence of rabies antigens in the brain and saliva of apparently healthy dogs slaughtered for human consumption in Nigeria; revealed a 28% prevalence of rabies antigen in the consumed dogs in N/west, 31% -44% from N/east and 24% from N/central. Similarly, 6%-8% of the dogs had rabies antigen in their saliva at the point of slaughter. In the wild it revealed detection of rabies antigen in mongoose (11%), jackals (9%), squirrels (8.3%), hydrax (17%) and wild cats (16%). The intent of this review is to bring closure the international community on the situation of rabies antigen spread amongst apparently healthy dogs in Nigeria. This is with a view to open facets for collaboration and to understand further the epidemiology of the virus. It may necessitate drawing new protocol for human prophylaxis following bite from apparently healthy dogs.

Proliferative enteropathy (proliferative enteritis, proliferative ileitis, intestinal adenomatosis) has been reported in several animal species including the pig,1 2 dog, 2 foal, 3 blue fox, 5 guinea pig, 4 ferret, 6 hamster, 7 and rabbit. 13 The disease is characterized by adenomatous hyperplasia of crypt epithelial cells in the ileum and colon with intracytoplasmic curved bacteria resembling Campylobacter species. In the single case previously reported in a foal, Campylobacter-like organisms were demonstrated within the cytoplasm of enterocytes by spirochete stains and electron microscopy. In a study using cloned DNA probes to isolated Campylobacter-like organisms, there was failure of the probes to hybridize with common porcine Campylobacter species, suggesting the causative agent to be an unidentified or uncultured species. 8 This finding, along with DNA sequencing and structural characteristics, resulted in this organism being named ileal symbiont intracellularis. 9 Subsequently, the organism was described and classified as a new genus and species, Lawsonia intracellularis. 1 1 An unweaned 5-month-old mixed-breed female foal with a history of anorexia, lethargy, and profuse watery diarrhea of greater than 1-week duration was presented to the University of Kentucky, Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center, for necropsy. Treatment had not been attempted. At necropsy, the foal was thin with readily apparent skeletal muscle atrophy. Gross lesions were confined to the small intestine. There was irregular thickening of the jejunum and ileum with the ileum being more severely affected. Lesions in the midjejunum were multifocal in nature and consisted of areas of discoid mucosal thickening, whereas the distal jejunum and ileum contained diffuse mucosal thickening resulting in a rugose pattern (Fig. ). Samples of the small intestine, stomach, cecum, colon, brain, heart, lung, kidney, and spleen were placed in 10% neutral buffered formalin and, following fixation, were embedded in paraffin, sectioned at 5 µm, and stained with hematoxalin and eosin. In addition, selected sections of small intestine were stained by the Warthin-Starry silver impregnation method for bacteria. Pieces of formalinfixed small intestine were postfixed in osmium tetroxide and embedded in epoxy resin. Thin sections were stained with uranyl acetate and lead citrate. Histopathologically, the affected mucosa was thickened and consisted of hyperplastic glandular structures lined by immature epithelial cells (Fig. ). The hyperplastic epithelium resulted in distortion of the normal villous structure. Some From the Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center, University of Kentucky, 1429 Newtown Pike, Lexington, KY 40511 (Williams, Harrison), and the

One thousand lots of pooled fetal bovine serum (FBS) were tested for contamination with bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) and/or for contamination with neutralizing antibody against BVDV. Noncytopathic or cytopathic BVDV was isolated from 203 lots of FBS. Analysis of the viral isolates identified 115 type 1 and 65 type 2 BVDV isolates. An additional 23 virus isolates were mixtures of >2 BVDV isolates and were not classified to viral genotype. Further characterization of the type 1 viruses identified 51 subgenotype 1a and 64 subgenotype 1b BVDV isolates. Viral neutralizing antibody was detected in 113 lots of FBS. Differential viral neutralization indicated that type 1 BVDV induced the antibody detected in 48 lots of FBS and type 2 BVDV induced the antibody detected in 16 lots of FBS.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in which the antigen is captured to the plate by monoclonal antibodies (MACELISA) was developed for the detection of antibodies to transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV). The viral antigen was semipurified from TGEV-infected cells by simple ultracentrifugation. MACELISA results with 258 field sera were compared with those of a standard indirect ELISA and with the virus neutralization test (VNT). Sensitivity, specificity, and kappa values of MACELISA indicated a strong correlation with VNT results, whereas an indirect ELISA was less sensitive and much less specific than VNT. The serologic response of 4 pigs orally inoculated and intraperitoneally boostered with TGEV was compared using the 3 tests. Its sensitivity, specificity, and ability to use unpurified antigen make the MACELISA the advisable first step in TGEV serodiagnosis.

The occurrence of neurological disease in cattle caused by Bovine herpesvirus in 11 farms from southern Brazil between 1987 and 2007 is described. Twenty-two animals were necropsied. Major clinical signs included excessive salivation, nasal and ocular discharge, circling, recumbency, depression, incoordination, grinding of teeth, and paddling movements. Necropsy findings in 10 of 22 cattle included hyperemia and softening of the rostral portions of the telencephalic cortex, with flattening of gyri, and malacia. Cattle in 10 cases did not show any gross lesions. Histological examination in most cases revealed nonsuppurative and necrotizing meningoencephalitis with acute neuronal necrosis, edema, eosinophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies in astrocytes and neurons, and infiltration of gitter cells. No histologic lesions could be detected in 4 cases. The initial diagnosis was based upon the clinical, epidemiological, and pathological findings. The diagnosis was confirmed by virus isolation in cell culture followed by virus identification by a glycoprotein Cbased polymerase chain reaction. Seven isolates were identified as Bovine herpesvirus 5, and 4 were identified as Bovine herpesvirus 1.

Ten apparently healthy captive-bred ostriches (Struthio camelus), four adult females, three adult males and three juveniles, were examined to evaluate the ultrasonographic appearance and echo mean values of the kidneys using an ultrasound machine equipped with a 3.5 MHz convex array scanner. The scanner was placed in the mid-dorso-lateral area, between the rib cage and the pelvic area. Only the cranial lobe and the cranial part of the middle lobe of the kidneys were observed. The kidneys appeared as a nonhomogeneous structure with hypoechoic and hyperechoic sections surrounded by a thick hyperechoic capsule. There was no distinct junction between the cortex and the medulla. The kidneys of the adult females and juveniles were more visible than those of the adult males. In female and juvenile ostriches, the left kidney was more visible than the right kidney. In juveniles, the left kidney appeared to be wider than the right kidney. In all groups, the cortex had greater echo mean values than the medulla. The transcutaneous lateral approach where the transducer was directed caudodorsally against the flank was shown to be an appropriate acoustic window for examining the cranial lobe and cranial part of the middle lobe of the kidneys of ostriches.

Cattle rabies is uncommon and often associated with vampire bats, dog and foxes however there is paucity of information on this condition in other West African countries other than Nigeria. This communication presents a case of dog associated cattle rabies in Koinadugu district, Sierra Leone. Case history, antirabies vaccination and dog management assessment in adjoining communities, human exposure, clinical presentations and mortality in affected cattle were evaluated using standard techniques. Laboratory screening of brain samples collected was by Real time polymerase chain reaction technique. Stray dog bitten affected cattle showed anorexia, barking, hyper excitation, hydrophobia, foaming and paralysis with resultant category 1 and 11 human exposure, 7.6% mortality and 100% case fatality rate. Laboratory examination of cattle brain specimens tested positive for Rabies virus. This report described the first documented case of dog associated cattle rabies in Sierra Leone. This comm...

Severe nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis associated with Aleutian mink disease parvovirus (ADV) infection was observed in adult ranch mink. Brain lesions included severe, locally extensive to coalescing lymphoplasmacytic meningoencephalitis with accompanying gliosis, satellitosis, and mild extension of inflammation into the leptomeninges. ADV was identified in mesenteric lymph node, spleen, brain, and liver of affected mink by polymerase chain reaction techniques. Sequences of the ADV isolate (TH5) revealed 2 unique residues in the region of the viral genome that determines pathogenicity. These findings suggest that certain strains of ADV may preferentially cause disease in the nervous system. ADV infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of neurologic disorders in mink.

How to cite this manuscript: Bhardwaj Anurag, Kumar Gulshan, Pandey RP and Purohit S (2024). Ultrasonographic study on kidney and urinary bladder in Jamunapari goat. Ruminant Science 13(1):23-26.


Abstract
The kidneys and urinary bladder of 18 healthy adult female Jamunapari goats were scanned sonographically, using 2.8-6 MHz curvilinear transducer and 5 MHz micro-convex transducer to standardize ultrasonographic examination protocol and generation of reference images. The left and right kidneys were scanned from the right dorsal flank by paravertebral approach and the bladder was scanned from mid ventral abdomen as well as from ischio-rectal fossa. The right kidney could be scanned from the right side over the 12th intercostal space in 13 animals and just caudal to the last rib in five animals. The left kidney could not be scanned from the left flank. It could be scanned in the sub-lumbar region from the right dorsal flank with the probe placed below the transverse processes of 1st and 2nd lumbar vertebrae in 12 animals and below transverse processes of 3rd and 4th lumbar vertebrae in six animals. The mean±S.E. values of renal length, renal width, cortex width, medulla width, parenchyma width and horizontal length of renal sinus for right kidney in 18 animals were found to be 5.78±0.07, 2.90±0.03, 0.71±0.01, 1.52±0.03, 1.98±0.01, 2.81±0.10 cm respectively while in left kidney were found to be 5.92±0.09, 2.97±0.05, 0.73±0.02, 1.54±0.04, 2.01±0.02, 2.61±0.11 cm respectively. The distended bladder was seen as an anechoic circular structure surrounded by a smooth echogenic wall with a mean thickness of 0.12±0.02 cm.
cm

Thirty-three (33) 4-8 years old lactating Bulgarian Murrah buffaloes with 2-4 parities, weighing 450-600 kg, were used to determine the ultrasound features of the spleen, liver and kidney at different stages of lactation: a) early (1-3 months, 12 animals), b) middle (4-6 months, 11 animals); and c) late (7-9 months, 10 animals). The spleen, liver and right kidney were examined using an ultrasound machine equipped with a 3.5 MHz convex-array scanner. Digital analysis of the ultrasonograms from the different organs was performed and histogram echo means were compared. Ultrasonographic features of the spleen and liver showed distinct hyperechoic capsule compared to the hypoechoic parenchyma. The echo mean values of the spleen and liver parenchyma were significantly lowest in late stage of lactation. The renal sinus, cortex and medulla can be distinguished from one another in all lactation phases. Echo mean values for gall bladder lumen were significantly lower in the late stage compared to the early stage of lactation. Thickness of the spleen, liver, kidney and gall bladder wall and gall bladder lumen diameter did not differ significantly among the different stages of lactation. The results of this study can be used to compare the ultrasound features and echogenicity of diseased spleen, liver and kidney in lactating water buffaloes at different stages of lactation.

The study aimed to describe the ultrasonographic features and measurements of the heart of the Philippine brown deer, Rusa marianna (Desmarest, 1822) through transcutaneous ultrasonography of eight animals, four males (two adult and two juvenile) and four females (two adult and two juvenile), using an ultrasound machine with a 5.0 MHz micro-convex transducer. Variations on the ultrasound features and measurements between sex and age were also determined. B-mode ultrasonography revealed the lumen of the chambers of the heart as anechoic with hyperechoic pericardium. The ventricular walls, interventricular septum, mitral valve and aortic valve were seen as hypoechoic structures. M-mode ultrasonography revealed the right ventricular wall, interventricular septum and left ventricular wall as low, medium and high amplitude waves, respectively. Mitral valve was seen as a two peaked wave. The adult animals had higher left ventricular diameter and lower heart rate (P<0.05) than the juveniles. Fractional shortening and cardiac dimensions were not significantly different between sexes and age groups. The results of the present study may be used as baseline data and reference for the diagnosis of diseases and disorders of the heart in Philippine brown deer.

Twelve two-year-old crossbred cattle (Brahman x Philippine Native) and crossbred water buffalo (Bulgarian Murrah x Philippine Carabao), with ideal body condition scores were used to determine the relationship between backfat thickness (BFT) and ribeye (RE) echogenicity to liver and spleen echogenicities. BFT and RE were examined between the 12 th -13 th rib of the left side of the animal using a 5.0 MHz linear transducer whereas the liver and spleen were scanned at the right 11 th -12 th intercostal space (ICS) and left 10 th -12 th ICS, respectively, using a 3.5 MHz convex transducer. The mean BFT was 1.867 cm for cattle and 1.683 cm for water buffaloes. A strong negative correlation was determined between echo mean values of back fat and spleen in water buffalo, while a weak positive relationship was found between RE and liver and spleen in cattle (P<0.05). No significant association was found between BFT and echo mean values of liver and spleen in cattle and water buffaloes. The results of this study can be used as reference for backfat thickness monitoring for both cattle and water buffalo in the Philippines and also serve as a guide for the features and echogenicities of backfat, ribeye, liver and spleen for both cattle and water buffalo fed with the same ration.

The ultrasound features and echo mean values of the heart, liver and stomach of apparently healthy Philippine tarsiers (Carlito syrichta) were determined according to sex (4 males and 4 females), age (4 adults and 4 juveniles) and source (5 captive-bred and 3 wild) using an ultrasound machine equipped with a 7.5 MHz linear-array scanner. The heart appeared as an anechoic, rapidly contracting ovoid structure. Adults had significantly higher mean cardiac dimensions than juvenile tarsiers. Wild tarsiers had significantly higher echo mean values of the heart chamber than captive-bred animals. The liver appeared homogenously hypoechoic with some anechoic areas. The stomach had anechoic lumen with hyperechoic wall. Adults had significantly higher stomach mean length than juveniles but no significant differences in the echogenicity of the stomach lumen according to age, sex and source of tarsiers were observed. Results of the study could be used as baseline data for the ultrasound features of heart, liver,

The study was conducted to determine the normal features of the liver and associated structures as examined ultrasonographically in water buffaloes. Ultrasonographic examination of six crossbred female water buffaloes, 5-16 years old, was done from the 7 th -12 th intercostal spaces and the area behind the last rib of the right flank using an ultrasound machine equipped with a 3.5 MHz scanner. Postmortem examination was conducted to confirm the anatomical location of the liver and to examine for any gross abnormalities. Hepatic dimensions were obtained during ultrasonography and after slaughter. Liver samples were collected and processed for histological examination. The recommended acoustic window for ultrasonographic examination of the liver is the area occupied by the last four intercostal spaces, i.e., 9 th -12 th . Upon ultrasound examination, the liver showed uniform hypoechoic parenchyma evenly distributed throughout the entire organ. Vascular structures appeared as circular or irregularly rounded anechoic structures which were readily identified starting from 10 th -12 th intercostal spaces. Portal veins had hyperechoic walls while hepatic veins had hypoechoic walls. The gall bladder appeared as an anechoic structure with echogenic walls between the 11 th and 12 th intercostal spaces, adjacent to the hepatic parenchyma. Liver thickness obtained through in vivo ultrasonography was significantly different from those obtained through gross measurement. The above findings can be used as a reference for diagnosis of diseases and disorders of the liver and associated structures in water buffaloes.

Diagnostic ultrasound of the liver and spleen was conducted in seven (7) apparently healthy Bengal tigers (Panthera tigris tigris), five females and two males, 5 months to 6 years old, using an ultrasound machine equipped with a 3.5 MHz convex array transducer. The ultrasound features of the hepatic and splenic parenchyma were compared. Histogram analysis of the ultrasonograms was conducted and echo mean values of the parenchyma of liver and spleen were obtained. The hepatic parenchyma was observed to be homogenously hypoechoic. The hepatic veins had anechoic lumen and hypoechoic walls while the portal veins had anechoic lumen and hyperechoic walls. The gall bladder was seen as a rounded structure with anechoic lumen and either hypoechoic or hyperechoic walls. The splenic parenchyma was uniformly hypoechoic and was seen to be more echogenic than the hepatic parenchyma. The hepatic parenchyma had a coarse appearance while the splenic parenchyma was finely granular. At 5 mos and 11 mos of age, the echo mean values of the hepatic and splenic parenchyma of the tigers were similar. At older ages, the splenic parenchyma had slightly higher echo mean values than the hepatic parenchyma. The comparative ultrasound features of the liver and spleen can be used as reference for identifying parenchymal lesions of these organs in tigers.

In order to determine the changes that occur in the liver and gall bladder in dogs with suspected hepatobiliary disorders based on clinical signs, hematology and serum biochemistry, 33 dogs of various breeds, ages and sexes were examined ultrasonographically. The ultrasonogram patterns observed in the liver and gall bladder were characterized and echogenicity of the organs with different patterns were determined using digital analysis. The six ultrasonograms patterns observed in the liver include: HP1 -homogenous hypoechoic parenchyma (4 dogs); HP2 -anechoic ovoid structures within the hepatic parenchyma with acoustic enhancement (2 dogs); HP3liver lobes defined by the presence of fluid with rounded margin and hyperechoic parenchyma (3 dogs); HP4 -homogenous hyperechoic parenchyma (4 dogs); HP5 -multiple hyperechoic areas scattered in the parenchyma (9 dogs); and HP6 -distinct focal masses in the parenchyma with mixed echogenicity (12 dogs). The six ultrasonogram patterns observed in the gall bladder include: GB1 -oval and round shaped with anechoic lumen (3 dogs); GB2 -irregularly shaped with anechoic lumen (1 dog); GB3 -oval shape with hyperechoic structure casting acoustic shadow (1 dog); GB4 -gall bladder with central echogenic bile forming a stellate pattern with anechoic periphery (1 dog); GB5 -irregularly shaped with corpuscular echogenicities (4 dogs); and GB6 -thickened wall with corpuscular echogenicities (13 dogs). For echo mean values of the hepatic parenchyma, HP2 showed the lowest echo mean value while HP3, HP4, HP5 and HP6 revealed echo mean values which were higher than that of the normal hepatic parenchyma (HP1). For gallbladder, GB1 and GB2 showed the lowest echo mean values, while GB3 showed the highest echo mean value. GB4, GB5 and GB6 showed higher echo mean values than that of the normal gallbladder lumen (GB1). The above results can be used to characterize the lesions in the liver and gall bladder in dogs with suspected hepatobiliary disorders.

Ultrasonography is an important technology for examining renal measurements, including length and width. The kidneys can be easily examined, and various structures in the kidneys are distinguishable with ultrasound. This research aimed to determine the normal ultrasonographic appearance of the kidneys in healthy adult Bali cattle, providing a reference for future descriptions of Bali cattle kidneys. In this research, 8 Bali cattle, aged 2-3 years with the healthy status of the urinary system were examined. The tool used was an animal ultrasound device, named Mindray DP10 Veterinary Ultrasound, with a 3-7.5 MHz convex transducer, utilizing a B-mode image mode. The transducer was placed in the right paralumbar fossae. The results indicated that the average horizontal length of the kidneys was 17.36 cm and the average vertical diameter of the kidney was 4.6 cm. The echogenicity of the renal cortex showed an echoic image, while the pyramidal part of the renal medulla indicated a relatively hypoechoic image. The results of measuring the diameter of the left kidney in clinically healthy Bali cattle could be used as a basis for decision-making in determining the clinical status of kidney health in this breed of cattle.

A previously described bluetongue virus (BTV) serogroup polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was applied to clinical samples. The sensitivity of the BTV serogroup PCR was increased by the use of nonradioactive chemiluminescent hybridization. Unfractionated whole blood samples from rams experimentally inoculated with cell culture-adapted BTV-11 UC-8 were analyzed by virus isolation (VI) on Vero cells and PCR. VI and PCR were in agreement, with the exception of 3 blood samples that were VI negative and PCR positive. In semen spiked with BTV-11 UC-8, PCR detected as little as 1.6 x 10 2 plaque-forming units of BTV/ ml of semen. BTV in the spleen of a sheep submitted for necropsy for suspect BTV infection was detected by both PCR and VI in embryonated chicken eggs. BTV PCR with nonradioactive chemiluminescent hybridization resulted in a level of sensitivity comparable to that of VI and likly more sensitive than VI on Vero cells for blood. This BTV PCR has great promise for rapid, sensitive, and specific detection of active BTV infection in a variety of clinical samples.

Dilek, Ö. G., Dimitrov, R., & Stamatova-Yovcheva, K. (2019). The role of imaging anatomy in the contemporary anatomical studies of domestic rabbits in veterinary and agricultural science. Bulgarian Journal of Agricultural Science, 25(3), 575–580 The development of Imaging technics allows anatomy to be transformed into an interdisciplinary science that includes as principles of research both classical anatomical methods and those applied in clinical disciplines. These facts are motifs for the development of a relatively new branch in the anatomical science-Imaging Anatomy. It is a contemporary trend in Anatomy, which investigates the normal images of the anatomical objects. Anatomical fi ndings are interpreted by the imaging methods – 2 dimensional ulstrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.

Ultrasonography has been widely used in domestic animals for reproductive management and for diagnosis of diseases and disorders. In dairy buffaloes, although extensive studies have been conducted on pregnancy diagnosis and fetal monitoring for reproductive management, there are very few reports on the use of diagnostic ultrasound for disease diagnosis. Most of the studies in this species involved diagnosis of diseases and disorders of the lungs, diaphragm, heart, reticulum, omasum, rumen, intestines, liver, uterus, ovaries, mammary gland and teats. Very few investigations have been done on the musculo-skeletal system, the spleen, urinary tract, sensory organs and male reproductive organs. In addition, Doppler echocardiography has not been utilized for diagnosis of cardiovascular disorders. Further investigations on the use of ultrasonography for diagnosis of various diseases and disorders of the buffalo are warranted.

Seven apparently healthy captive Bengal tigers, five females and two males, 5-72 mos old, were used in this study. Ultrasonographic examination of the kidneys was performed in sedated tigers in a lateral recumbent position using an ultrasound machine equipped with a 3.5 MHz ...

A five years old New Zealand White rabbit doe was presented to Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex,
Nagpur with a complaint of anorexia, bloated abdomen and depressed behaviour. The case was
diagnosed as a case of gastric impaction/foreign body based on radiographic examination. It was
managed surgically by performing gastrotomy and removing the foreign material. A regimen of
antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and analgesics was started. The surgical wound was dressed routinely. No
complications were observed post-surgery.

Cattle rabies is uncommon and often associated with vampire bats, dog and foxes however there is paucity of information on this condition in other West African countries other than Nigeria. This communication presents a case of dog associated cattle rabies in Koinadugu district, Sierra Leone. Case history, antirabies vaccination and dog management assessment in adjoining communities, human exposure, clinical presentations and mortality in affected cattle were evaluated using standard techniques. Laboratory screening of brain samples collected was by Real time polymerase chain reaction technique. Stray dog bitten affected cattle showed anorexia, barking, hyper excitation, hydrophobia, foaming and paralysis with resultant category 1 and 11 human exposure, 7.6% mortality and 100% case fatality rate. Laboratory examination of cattle brain specimens tested positive for Rabies virus. This report described the first documented case of dog associated cattle rabies in Sierra Leone. This comm...

Fecal culture has been the primary method used to diagnose paratuberculosis in goats. It is laborious, slow, and expensive. Validation of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) on milk samples could make paratuberculosis testing more widely available for goat farmers. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of serum and milk ELISAs for paratuberculosis, relative to fecal culture, in Chilean dairy goats. Eight dairy goat herds were selected. Feces, blood, and milk samples were collected from all female goats &gt;2 years old. Fecal samples were cultured using Herrold egg yolk medium with mycobactin J and antibiotics. Serum and milk samples were tested using a commercial ELISA kit for Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis antibody detection. A total of 383 goats were tested by ELISA and fecal culture. The sensitivity of ELISA on serum and milk relative to fecal culture was 74.3% (95% CI: 59.8-88.8) and 60% (95% CI: 43.8-76.2), respectively. The corresponding valu...

Ultrasonography is an important technology for examining renal measurements, including length and width. The kidneys can be easily examined, and various structures in the kidneys are distinguishable with ultrasound. This research aimed to determine the normal ultrasonographic appearance of the kidneys in healthy adult Bali cattle, providing a reference for future descriptions of Bali cattle kidneys. In this research, 8 Bali cattle, aged 2-3 years with the healthy status of the urinary system were examined. The tool used was an animal ultrasound device, named Mindray DP10 Veterinary Ultrasound, with a 3-7.5 MHz convex transducer, utilizing a B-mode image mode. The transducer was placed in the right paralumbar fossae. The results indicated that the average horizontal length of the kidneys was 17.36 cm and the average vertical diameter of the kidney was 4.6 cm. The echogenicity of the renal cortex showed an echoic image, while the pyramidal part of the renal medulla indicated a relatively hypoechoic image. The results of measuring the diameter of the left kidney in clinically healthy Bali cattle could be used as a basis for decision-making in determining the clinical status of kidney health in this breed of cattle.

Proliferative enteropathy (proliferative enteritis, proliferative ileitis, intestinal adenomatosis) has been reported in several animal species including the pig,1 2 dog, 2 foal, 3 blue fox, 5 guinea pig, 4 ferret, 6 hamster, 7 and rabbit. 13 The disease is characterized by adenomatous hyperplasia of crypt epithelial cells in the ileum and colon with intracytoplasmic curved bacteria resembling Campylobacter species. In the single case previously reported in a foal, Campylobacter-like organisms were demonstrated within the cytoplasm of enterocytes by spirochete stains and electron microscopy. 3 In a study using cloned DNA probes to isolated Campylobacter-like organisms, there was failure of the probes to hybridize with common porcine Campylobacter species, suggesting the causative agent to be an unidentified or uncultured species. 8 This finding, along with DNA sequencing and structural characteristics, resulted in this organism being named ileal symbiont intracellularis. 9 Subsequently, the organism was described and classified as a new genus and species, Lawsonia intracellularis. 1 1 An unweaned 5-month-old mixed-breed female foal with a history of anorexia, lethargy, and profuse watery diarrhea of greater than 1-week duration was presented to the University of Kentucky, Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center, for necropsy. Treatment had not been attempted. At necropsy, the foal was thin with readily apparent skeletal muscle atrophy. Gross lesions were confined to the small intestine. There was irregular thickening of the jejunum and ileum with the ileum being more severely affected. Lesions in the midjejunum were multifocal in nature and consisted of areas of discoid mucosal thickening, whereas the distal jejunum and ileum contained diffuse mucosal thickening resulting in a rugose pattern (Fig. 1). Samples of the small intestine, stomach, cecum, colon, brain, heart, lung, kidney, and spleen were placed in 10% neutral buffered formalin and, following fixation, were embedded in paraffin, sectioned at 5 µm, and stained with hematoxalin and eosin. In addition, selected sections of small intestine were stained by the Warthin-Starry silver impregnation method for bacteria. Pieces of formalinfixed small intestine were postfixed in osmium tetroxide and embedded in epoxy resin. Thin sections were stained with uranyl acetate and lead citrate. Histopathologically, the affected mucosa was thickened and consisted of hyperplastic glandular structures lined by immature epithelial cells (Fig. 2). The hyperplastic epithelium resulted in distortion of the normal villous structure. Some

A 5-month-old male Thoroughbred foal with a history of chronic septic arthritis of the tibiotarsal joint and recent respiratory distress was euthanized and a postmortem examination performed. A giant diverticulum communicating with the lateral aspect of the right atrial cavity of the heart was observed. Histologically, the wall was comprised of myocardial tissue containing cavernous vascular spaces. There was gross and histologic evidence of right-sided heart failure. Congenital right atrial diverticula are rare anomalies in humans and have not previously been reported in foals.

This report presents 2 cases in which puppy fatalities were associated with canine coronavirus (CCV), but no evidence of concurrent canine parvovirus (CPV-2) disease was observed. Case 1 involved a 7week-old, male short-haired Chihuahua, which had become lethargic 24 hours after purchase from a pet store. Within 72 hours, the puppy began to vomit, had diarrhea, and was admitted to the veterinary clinic, where it was placed on IV fluids. The parvovirus Cite test was negative. The puppy died within 12 hours of admission and was submitted for diagnostic workup. Gross pathology revealed an enteritis suggestive of CPV-2. Histopathology on intestines showed scattered dilated crypts with necrotic cellular debris and neutrophils. There was moderate depletion and necrosis of lymphoid follicles. Electron microscopy (EM) on intestinal contents was positive for coronavirus and negative for parvovirus. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) on gut sections was positive for CCV and negative for CPV-2. Case 2 was an 8-week-old, male Shih Tzu, which was admitted to the veterinary clinic exhibiting symptoms of severe gastroenteritis with abdominal pain. The referring veterinarian euthanized the puppy, and the entire body was submitted for diagnostic evaluation. Necropsy revealed a severe ileo-cecal intussusception and segmental necrotic enteritis of the small intestine. Electron microscopy of the intestinal contents was positive for coronavirus and negative for parvovirus. Immunohistochemistry on sections of affected gut were positive for CCV and negative for CPV-2. These cases emphasize the importance of pursuing a diagnosis of CCV in young puppies when CPV-2 disease has been ruled out by IHC.

A 10-week-old, male pit bull dog presented to the referring veterinarian with hind limb paresis and epaxial muscle atrophy. No spinal lesions were identified at gross necropsy; however, histologically there was marked granulomatous myelitis in the spinal cord between T13 and L2 with occasional, intralesional nematode larvae. Based on morphologic characteristics, the nematode larvae were identified as Strongyloides spp., possibly Strongyloides stercoralis.

A 10-week-old, male pit bull dog presented to the referring veterinarian with hind limb paresis and epaxial muscle atrophy. No spinal lesions were identified at gross necropsy; however, histologically there was marked granulomatous myelitis in the spinal cord between T13 and L2 with occasional, intralesional nematode larvae. Based on morphologic characteristics, the nematode larvae were identified as Strongyloides spp., possibly Strongyloides stercoralis.

In October 1987, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) was described in Great Britain as a novel disease of cattle with neurologic lesions comparable to those of scrapie in sheep and other spongiform encephalopathies of animals and humans. 6,7 Cases in adult cattle occurred with increasing frequency primarily in southern England during the next several months, and there are approximately 600 new cases each week in Great Britain? Epidemiologic studies incriminated the feeding of rations containing ruminant-derived protein, especially to calves. 9,10 The prolonged incubation period was similar to that observed in scrapie. The presence in the United States of scrapie 4 and other animal spongiform encephalopathies (transmissible mink encephalopathy 3 and chronic wasting disease of mule deer and elk 11,12) provided impetus to survey US cattle for lesions of BSE. 2 A cooperative project between the

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) is a progressive disease affecting the central nervous system (CNS) of adult cattle, ultimately resulting in death of the animal. Since 1986 when the disease was first characterized, 35 >25,000 cattle in Great Britain have been diagnosed as having BSE. The disease has also been found in the Republic of Ireland, Oman, Switzerland, and France. The occurrence of BSE in Great Britain has had an adverse impact on the cattle industry in that country from the loss of export markets and public health concerns regarding the safety of beef for consumption. The best evidence from epidemiologic studies indicates that BSE originated from exposure of cattle to a scrapie-like agent in ruminant-derived protein by-products from rendered animal carcasses. 37,38 Because of this finding, the rendering industries in Great Britain have also been affected adversely because of lack of product marketability. Similar effects could be expected for the US cattle and rendering industries should the disease be found in this country. There has been speculation that BSE 6 or a scrapielike disease 16,17 may already be present but undetected in the US cattle population. Because of this possibility, a BSE survey was implemented through a cooperative effort between the US Department of Agriculture and the Iowa State University. 19 This survey involves histologic examination of brains from adult cattle showing signs of CNS disease. Samples are submitted from a variety of sources, including state veterinary diagnostic laboratories, federally inspected meat packing plants, and public health laboratories. No evidence of BSE has yet been found in cattle brains submitted for the survey. Prompt detection of BSE, should it occur in the United States, is important because it would allow control and eradication measures to be implemented imme-From the

Ultrasonography has been routinely used as a diagnostic procedure in dogs and horses with liver disease. Since existing diagnostic methods for detecting hepatic disease, such as hepatospecific enzyme tests, are insufficient, there are many indications for ultrasonographically ...

Serum samples from 259 dogs were tested for antibodies to Ehrlichia canis, Ehrlichia equi, Rickettsia rickettsii, and Borrelia burgdorferi using the indirect fluorescent antibody test. The sera were obtained from submissions to the Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory during a 14-month period from June 1986 through July 1987. The rate for positive antibody titers to E. canis was 53%, to E. equi was 33%, to R. rickettsii was 38%, and to B. burgdorferi was 18%. Higher percentages of sera serologically positive to E. canis were found in the spring through the fall months, but there were no seasonal variations for E. equi, R. rickettsii, and B. burgdorferi. There was no consistent pattern of titers to the 4 antigens when age-groups of the dogs were compared. Forty-four different breeds were tested.

The ''gold standard'' for the detection of antibodies to Ehrlichia canis, the cause of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME), is the indirect immunofluorescence antibody (IFA) test. The IFA test however is generally available only in selected laboratories and requires extensive equipment and trained personnel. A double-blind study was conducted to compare the ability of an in-clinic standardized enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test kit to measure E. canis IgG antibodies in dogs compared with the standard IFA technique. A good correlation was found between the 2 techniques (r 2 ϭ 0.8793; P Ͻ 0.0001). Evidence for the sensitivity of the ELISA technique for the early detection of E. canis IgG antibodies was demonstrated by comparing the appearance of E. canis antibody titers by the IFA and ELISA techniques after artificial infection of 2 sets of dogs. In both experimental infections, both tests were equally sensitive for the early detection of IgG antibodies against E. canis, and the results correlated well with the appearance of fever and clinical signs. Proposed application of the in-clinic ELISA test is to aid in the diagnosis of CME.

An unusual form of meningomyelocoele in a filly is described in which the malformation was present in the ventral portion of the vertebral column, without the attendance of spina bifida. Clinical Findings The filly was in good condition with normal temperature (38.60C), pulse (105 per min) and respiration (36 per rain).

Rabies is a neglected, fatal zoonotic disease that poses great diagnostic challenge in developing countries. It remains a serious public health hazard in many developing countries where dog bite is the main mode of transmission to man. Accurate laboratory diagnosis of rabies is important in the confirmation of the disease in man and animals. This study was designed to evaluate the existence of rabies in wild animals in Nigeria between 1990 and 2019. Annual records of rabies which were confirmed through laboratory diagnosis at the National Reference Laboratory for rabies in Nigeria, The National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, Plateau State, were retrieved, analysed and presented using descriptive statistics. A total of Eighty-four (84) wildlife specimens tested for rabies during the period under review, 17 (20.34%) were positive for rabies while 67 (79.76%) were negative. Squirrels (8%) and monkeys (5%) had the highest occurrence of the disease. Thus presenting baseline information on the occurrence of rabies in wildlife in Nigeria.

The genus Neorickettsia includes obligate, intracellular bacteria responsible for diseases including Potomac horse fever caused by Neorickettsia risticii and salmon poisoning disease (SPD) caused by Neorickettsia helminthoeca. The Stellanchasmus falcatus (SF) agent is a member of this genus previously associated only with mild clinical signs in dogs. Between 2013 and 2016, 3 dogs in Washington State (USA) presented with disease suggestive of SPD, but N. helminthoeca was not detected by molecular techniques. Clinical signs included depression, anorexia, and diarrhea. Cytologic examination of aspirates supported a diagnosis of granulomatous lymphadenitis with organisms suggestive of Neorickettsia. Dogs either died or were humanely euthanized due to poor response to therapy. Necropsy findings included lymphadenomegaly and hepatomegaly. Histopathology identified granulomatous and lymphoplasmacytic splenitis, lymphadenitis, enteritis, and hepatitis with extensive necrosis. Neorickettsia DNA was detected using genus-specific primers and direct sequencing showed 100% sequence identity to the SF agent in all 3 dogs. This is the first clinicopathologic description of severe disease in dogs attributed to the SF agent. These findings may suggest the emergence of a novel neorickettsial disease in the Pacific Northwest.

Infection with Rhodococcus equi has been recognized as an important cause of foal pneumonia for many years. Less frequently, R. equi has been associated with foal colitis and uncommonly isolated from adult horses and various other animal species. 2,6 Although R. equi has been previously isolated from various tissues of aborted equine fetuses, this is the first description of the pathology in a case of rhodococcal abortion and pneumonia in an equine fetus. 3,7,10 A 35.2-kg female Standardbred fetus was aborted at approximately 7 months gestation and was submitted to the Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory, Michigan State University, for diagnostic evaluation; the placenta was not submitted with the fetus. Upon gross necropsy, the principal lesions were hundreds of 2-10-mm-diameter irregular, pale foci covering the subpleural surface of both lungs and extending into the underlying parenchyma (Fig. 1). The lungs were diffusely firm and failed to float in 10% buffered formalin. An initial diagnosis of infectious pneumonia, possibly due to the virus of equine rhinopneumonitis, was made and samples were collected for additional studies. Tissues submitted for microbiologic evaluation included lung, liver, and stomach contents. A pure growth of > 1,000 colony-forming units of Rhodococcus equi was obtained on aerobic culture from each of the 3 tissues. Identification was based on colony morphology (pink colonies with copious amounts of mucoid material), cellular morphology (grampositive bacilli), and biochemical profile using a commercial test kit a,2,9 Lung, liver, and spleen tissues were negative for the herpesvirus of equine rhinopneumonitis by direct fluorescent antibody testing and virus isolation. Brain, heart, lung, liver, kidney, adrenal gland, spleen, small intestine, tongue, and skeletal muscle were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin and routinely processed for hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. The only significant microscopic lesions were present in the lung. There was moderate, multifocal necrosis of bronchioles and alveolar septa, with aggregates of neutrophils, histiocytes, and fibrin filling degenerate airways and alveolar spaces (Fig. 2). The histiocytes had plentiful foamy cytoplasm, which contained numerous small coccobacilli (Fig. 3). The intracytoplasmic bacteria stained with a variety of special stains, including Twort's Gram (gram-positive), Warthin-Starry silver, Gömöri's methenamine silver, and periodic acid-Schiff. The suppurative and histiocytic bronchopneumonia with gram-positive intracellular bacilli was consistent with rhodococcal pneumonia. 6 The pulmonary pathology in this case closely resembled that found in the lungs of foals with rhodococcal pneumonia.