Veterinary Information

21/03/2024

Horn cancer in goats, click on the link and check the details.

https://vetsupdates.blogspot.com/2024/03/horn-cancer-in-goats.html

29/07/2023

Labrador puppies

13/08/2022

Lumpy skin disease (L*D) is a viral disease of cattle and water buffalo that causes relatively low mortality; however, the disease can result in animal welfare issues and significant production losses.
Origin.
Originally limited to Africa, the global distribution of L*D is increasing the risk to Australia. Since 2019, the disease has spread through China and Southeast Asia. In 2021 the disease was confirmed in Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia. In March 2022 it was officially reported by Indonesia on the island of Sumatra.
Disease impacts
If L*D were to occur in Australia, this would have significant consequences for our beef, water buffalo, and dairy cattle industries, along with substantial trade impacts if Australia was no longer recognised as being free from L*D. The cost of an L*D incursion would also see severe economic losses to Australia’s meat processing sector.

If wild buffalo populations and cattle in northern Australia’s extensive rangelands were exposed to L*D, reservoirs of the virus could establish. If this were to occur, eradication would be extremely difficult.

Prevention activities
The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment undertakes a range of activities to manage biosecurity risks to Australia including against L*D.

With the global distribution of L*D changing, and the disease establishes in more countries, the risk of introduction to Australia will increase. The department monitors the global spread which allow us to continually revise our prevention strategies to ensure the risk to Australia remains low.

Managing the international border
Our strict livestock importing protocols are designed to counter the risk of exotic disease incursions. Returning livestock vessels are also managed by department’s biosecurity officers.

Border requirements are in place for incoming air and sea passengers, imported cargo and mail items to ensure the biosecurity risks are managed at the border.

Import conditions are reviewed when the level of risk changes.

Surveillance across Australia’s north
Image of Lumpy skin disease in cattle hind
Lumpy skin disease in cattle overseas
The Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy (NAQS) collaborates with state and territory governments to undertake targeted surveillance activities across Australia’s north, and to deliver the Northern Australia Biosecurity Surveillance Network (NABSnet). Established in 2018, NABSnet supports private veterinarians working in northern Australia to conduct quality investigations into significant disease events, with a particular focus on the extensive cattle industry. NAQS also raises public awareness through our Indigenous Ranger network, to support the early detection of exotic animal diseases.

Australia has well-developed disease response arrangements in place that involve all levels of government and the livestock industries. Those procedures are regularly tested, updated and improved. See more about how we respond to outbreaks.

*About lumpy skin disease*
L*D is a highly infectious disease of cattle and water buffalo that does not affect other livestock or humans. The disease is caused by a virus like sheep pox and goat pox and is mostly transmitted by biting insects.

*How the disease spreads*

The transmission of L*D is not completely understood. The main two routes of transmission are mechanical transmission by arthropod vectors such as mosquitoes, ticks and biting flies and the movement of infected animals. The disease can also be spread by fomites through such things as contaminated equipment and in some cases directly from animal to animal.

The disease has shown its ability to establish and spread in a wide range of environmental and productions systems around the world.

*Signs and Symptoms*

Signs of lumpy skin disease in animals
Image of Lumpy skin disease in cattle eyes
Lumpy skin disease in cattle overseas
Image of Lumpy skin disease in cattle side profile
Lumpy skin disease in cattle overseas
Firm, raised nodules up to 50 mm in diameter develop on the skin around the head, neck, ge****ls and limbs. Nodules can develop on any part of the body.
Scabs develop in the centre of the nodules after which the scabs fall off, leaving large holes that may become infected.
Swelling of the limbs, brisket and ge****ls may occur.
Watering eyes.
Increased nasal and salivary secretions.
Some animals with the disease may be asymptomatic (have the disease but not show signs).
*Vaccination*
There is currently no L*D vaccine approved for use in Australia.

In southern Europe vaccination has been used to effectively control L*D outbreaks however in other areas vaccination has not been successful.

Eradication of L*D is difficult and early detection is essential for successful control and eradication.

Treatment of L*D

Treatment no 1:

1)Lugol iodine 12CC
2)Olive oil 2CC
3)DMSO (Dimethyl sulfoxide) 2CC
Mix these all and inject the Animal ( Deep I.M)
Dose regimen :
1day
3rd day
6th day
13th day
20th day .

Treatment no2 :

Technique: Auto- hemetheraphy
Take 30 ml blood of infected animal

1)Inject 15CC sub -Cut
2) inject 15 CC I.M
Duration : single dose only.
*D

09/04/2022

Mastitis

Inflammation of udder.

"Causes"
The main mastitis-causing pathogens are Escherichia coli (E. coli), Streptococcus uberis and Staphylococcus aureus, and a wide variety of other organisms have been identified as potential mastitis pathogens.
Mastitis occurs when large numbers of white blood cells (leukocytes) migrate into the mammary gland, usually in response to bacteria invading the teat canal through environmental contact or during the milking process. It can also be caused by an injury to the cow's udder.

" Signs and Symptoms"

The udder such as swelling, heat, hardness, redness, or pain; and.
The milk such as a watery appearance, flakes, clots, or pus.
Breast swelling. Thickening of breast tissue, or a breast lump. Pain or a burning sensation continuously or while breast-feeding. Skin redness, often in a wedge-shaped pattern.

Types of Mastitis

Subclinical mastitis.
Clinical mastitis.
Acute mastitis (organisms most commonly associated: coliform organisms including E. coli and Klebsiella, and Strep. Spp .and enterococci)
Acute gangrenous mastitis.
Chronic mastitis (organisms most commonly associated: coagulase-negative staphylococci, S.aureus, S. uberis)

"Treatment"

Mastitis treatment might involve:
Antibiotics. If you have an infection, a 10-day course of antibiotics is usually needed. ...
Pain relievers. Your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others).
Your veterinarian may recommend hand-milking the infected gland. This can alleviate discomfort, while also encouraging blood flow and promoting healing. Hand-milking should be performed every 6 hours. “Severe cases of mastitis may require hospitalization for intravenous fluid therapy and injectable medications.”

03/03/2022

Theileria

To become infected by Theileria, a cow must be bitten by a tick carrying the disease. It is not spread by direct animal to animal contact. Cattle can be infected with the Theileria parasite without necessarily showing any signs of clinical disease.
Once the animal is bitten, it takes about 6-8 weeks for the parasite to build up the significant levels in the blood. At this stage, the body reacts by trying to destroy the parasite. Because the parasite is living inside the red blood cells, the body attacks its own infected red blood cells (haemolysis) to destroy the parasite. Unfortunately, this can lead to a huge loss in red blood cells which are responsible for carrying the oxygen around the body.

Signs and Symptoms

Pale or yellow, rather than healthy pink, v***a (open up the v***a and look at the colouring inside).
Pale or yellow whites of eyes (a sign of jaundice)
Lethargy – exercise intolerance, cows lagging on the walk to the shed
Sick cows not responding as expected to treatment for conditions such as milk fever
Cows are off their food and appear hollow sided
A decrease in milk production
Sudden death especially in late pregnancy or early lactation.
Treatment

Treatment of concurrent illnesses (e.g. ketosis or black mastitis)
Supplementation of trace minerals and iron (hemo15 multi-mineral injection)
Blood transfusions
Buparvoquone (Butalex).Treatment
Once the diagnosis of theileriosis is made, the most appropriate treatment depends on a variety of aspects including the clinical signs, the number of affected animals and feed availability.

26/02/2022

Parvovirus
Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that can affect all dogs, but unvaccinated dogs and puppies younger than four months old are the most at risk. Dogs that are ill from canine parvovirus infection are often said to have "parvo." The virus affects dogs' gastrointestinal tracts and is spread by direct dog-to-dog contact and contact with contaminated f***s (stool), environments, or people. The virus can also contaminate kennel surfaces, food and water bowls, collars and leashes, and the hands and clothing of people who handle infected dogs. It is resistant to heat, cold, humidity, and drying, and can survive in the environment for long periods of time. Even trace amounts of f***s from an infected dog may harbor the virus and infect other dogs that come into the infected environment. The virus is readily transmitted from place to place on the hair or feet of dogs or via contaminated cages, shoes, or other objects.

Signs and Symptoms

Lethargy; loss of appetite
Abdominal pain
Bloating;
Fever or low body temperature (hypothermia); Vomiting
Often bloody, diarrhea. Persistent vomiting and diarrhea can cause rapid dehydration, and damage to the intestines and immune system can cause septic shock.

Treatment

Antibiotics
Antiinflammatory
Anti emetic
Keeping the patient hydrated with electrolytes and being force fed
Hot water bottle wrapped in a blanket and put by patient's abdomen.
Lots of love ❤️ and TLC.
*Important to note*
Most deaths from parvovirus occur within 48 to 72 hours following the onset of clinical signs. If your puppy or dog shows any of these signs, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.

23/02/2022

Gastritis

Inflammation of stomach.

Causes:
Tumors
Foreign bodies
Systemic infection
Poisoning
Pancreatitis
Parvovirus
Neoplasia
Dietary indiscretion
Spoiled feed
Faulty dentition
Infectious causes like virus 🦠 ( PPR), Bacteria ( salmonella, helicobacter), Fungus ( A.fumigatous),Protozoal(coccidiosis), worms .
Types:

1. Acute Gastritis
2. Chronic Gastritis
3.Acute Haemergic
4.Traumatic Gastritis
5.Mycotic Gastritis
Signs and Symptoms:

Vomiting 🤮 with blood , bile , food, or froth lethargy.
Painful abdomen
Hunching of back in an attempt to ease abdominal discomfort.

Treatment:

The first choice of treatment for gastritis is restoring the level of blood electrolytes and re-hydrating your pet. IV fluids will be administered in this case. Antibiotics will also be administered if there are severe clinical signs of infection observed.
Prescribed medication (anti-emetics) will be given to counteract the vomiting. If your dog has a condition such as chronic colitis, the veterinarian may prescribe a motility agent to modify this condition.
Your veterinarian may withhold water and food during the first phase of treatment, after which these will be gradually reintroduced. In the interim, ice chips will be used to start the fluid intake orally. A mild diet fed to your dog in small quantities and frequently may be prescribed.

22/02/2022

" CHOKE"

It is first caused by an obstruction of the esophagus, or the passage between the mouth and the stomach. Choke occurs when food becomes lodged in the esophagus, often the result of having not being chewed properly. In most cases the horse can still breathe, but in an effort to dislodge the obstruction, it may cough, gag, expel food and mucous from the nares, and potentially aspirate the material into the trachea and lungs. If the obstruction is not cleared, the horse will be unable to eat and drink, and it may eventually dehydrate. If the horse aspirates, it can develop pneumonia or die from asphyxiation. It wouldn’t seem that horses would often choke on their food; but, this is a very common emergency seen by veterinarians, and its underlying etiology (reason for occurring) must be corrected to prevent its likelihood and recurrence.

Causes:

Diseases of the esophagus itself can also lead to Choke. Tumors and scarring from previous obstructive episodes can reduce the diameter, elasticity, and muscle tone of the esophagus.
Improper chewing of food.
Impaired teeth.
Greedy habits of horse 🐎
Dry gas
Stenosis
Dog swallow bone which can cause choke.

Signs :

Unable to swallow
Anorexia
Hyper salivation
Erected neck.
Treatment:

The veterinarian will pass a nasogastric tube (nose to stomach) in order to clear the obstructed bolus of food and assess any degree of physiological restriction in the esophagus. Also, sedatives and spasmolytic drugs may be administered to relax the muscles of the esophagus and calm the distressed animal. Failure to reach the stomach will indicate a complete blockage, in which case general anesthesia may be required to further evaluate and treat the horse. An endotracheal tube will be placed which ensures an open airway and avoids aspiration while clearing the obstruction in the esophagus. Severely distressed horses may be immediately anesthetized at the discretion of the veterinarian. Extreme care to avoid aspiration and suffocation is the goal in treatment.

20/02/2022

*Penicillin*
Mode of action:
Inhibit cell wall synthesis of bacteria 🦠 at final stages
Bactericidal .. kill the bacteria.
Bacterial Resistant Factors:
1. Inability of penicillin to reach their target ( penicillin binding proteins)
2. Inactivation of penicillin by bacterial enzymes.
3. Production of PBS that have a low affinity for penicillin.
*Natural penicillin*
Penicillin G
Penicillin V
Amino penicillin:
Amoxicillin
Ampicillin
*Resistant Penicillin*
Cloxacillin
Dicloxacillin
Methicillin
Nafcillin
*Extended spectrum*
Azlocillin
Carbanicil
Mezlocilin
Ticaracillin
*Used for diseases*
Mastitis
Wound
Pneumonia
Synergism
Amino penicillin is long acting
Muscular Use . 48 to 72 hours. Repeat.
Some strains of previously susceptible bacteria, such as Staphylococcus, have developed a specific resistance to the naturally occurring penicillins; these bacteria either produce β-lactamase (penicillinase), an enzyme that disrupts the internal structure of penicillin and thus destroys the antimicrobial action of the drug, or they lack cell wall receptors for penicillin, greatly reducing the ability of the drug to enter bacterial cells. This has led to the production of the penicillinase-resistant penicillins (second-generation penicillins). While able to resist the activity of β-lactamase, however, these agents are not as effective against Staphylococcus as the natural penicillins, and they are associated with an increased risk for liver toxicity. Moreover, some strains of Staphylococcus have become resistant to penicillinase-resistant penicillins; an example is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
*Side Effects*
The chief side effects of penicillin are hypersensitivity reactions, including skin rash, hives, swelling, and anaphylaxis, or allergic shock. The more serious reactions are uncommon. Milder symptoms may be treated with corticosteroids but usually are prevented by switching to alternative antibiotics. Anaphylactic shock, which can occur in previously sensitized individuals within seconds or minutes, may require immediate administration of epinephrine.

17/02/2022

🐄🐄
_______________
Bloat is an over distention of the rumen and reticulum with the gases of fermentation.Tympany is caused by a physical or functional obstruction or stenosis of esophagus resulting in failure to eructate .

In adult animals, free-gas bloat is less frequent and usually more acute because disturbances of the adult rumen tend to be more rapid and severe .Prodigious volumes of gas are continually generated in the rumen through the process of microbial fermentation. Normally, the bulk of this gas is eliminated by eructation or belching, which ruminants are spend a lot of time doing. Certainly, anything that interferes with eructation will cause major problems for a ruminant. The problem, of course, is called ruminal tympany or, simply, bloatBloat is the overdistension of the rumen and reticulum with gases derived from fermentation. The disorder is perhaps most commonly seen in cattle, but certainly is not uncommon in sheep and goats.

Clinical Signs.
_______________
2There is discomfort and the animal may stand and lie down frequently, kick at its abdomen and even roll.
3. Frequent defecation and urination are common.
4. Dyspnea is marked and is accompanied by mouth breathing, protrusion of the tongue, salivation and extension of the head.
5. The respiratory rate is increased up to 60/min.
6. Ruminal contractions are usually increased in strength and frequency in the early stages and may be almost continuous,

Treatment and Control
_______________________
Bloat is a life threatening condition and must be relieved with haste. For animals in severe distress, rumen gas should be released immediately by emergency rumenotomy. Insertion of a rumen trochar through the left flank into rumen is sometimes advocated, but usually not very effective unless it has a large bore (i.e. 1 inch), and is often followed by complications such as peritonitis.
In less severe cases, a large bore stomach tube should be passed down the esophagus into the rumen. Free gas will readily flow out the tube, although it may need to be repositioned repeatedly to effectively relieve the pressure. In the case of frothy bloat, antifoaming medications can be delivered directly into the rumen through the tube; the animal should then be closely observed to insure that the treatment is effective and the animal begins to belch gas, otherwise a rumenotomy may be indicated.

Use mineral oil 🛢
Charcoals
Carminatives

14/02/2022

Babesia
It is zoonotic disease.
It also affects
cattle
horses
sheep
pigs
goats
dogs.
Symptoms
Babesia infection most often starts with a high fever, chills, muscle or joint aches, and fatigue. Less common symptoms include:
Severe headache
Abdominal pain
Nausea
Skin bruising
Yellowing of your skin and eyes
Mood changes
"Complications can include"
Very low blood pressure
Liver problems
Breakdown of red blood cells, known as Hemolytic anemia
Kidney failure
Heart failure
*Causes of babesiosis*
Babesiosis is caused by infection with a malaria-like parasite of the genus Babesia. The Babesia parasite can also be called Nuttalia.
The parasite grows and reproduces inside the red blood cells of the infected person or animal, often causing intense pain due to the rupture of red blood cells.
"How babesiosis is diagnosed"
In the early stages, Babesia parasites can be detected by examination of a blood sample under a microscope. Diagnosis by blood smear microscopy requires significant time and expertise. Smears can be negative if there is a very low level of parasitemia in the blood, especially early on in the disease, and they may need to be repeated over several days.
"Treatment"
Babesia is a parasite and won’t respond to antibiotics alone. Treatment requires antiparasitic drugs, such as those used for malaria. Atovaquone plus azithromycin is used to treat most mild to moderate cases and is usually taken for 7 to 10 days. An alternative regimen is clindamycin plus quinine.

Treatment of severe disease usually consists of azithromycin given intravenously plus oral atovaquone or clindamycin given intravenously plus oral quinine. With severe illness, additional supportive measures may be taken, such as blood transfusions.

13/02/2022

*Types of Anthrax
1. Cutaneous Anthrax*
When anthrax spores get into the skin, usually through a cut or scrape, a person can develop cutaneous anthrax. This can happen when a person handles infected animals or contaminated animal products like wool, hides, or hair. Cutaneous anthrax is most common on the head, neck, forearms, and hands. It affects the skin and tissue around the site of infection.
*2.Inhalation Anthrax*
When a person breathes in anthrax spores, they can develop inhalation anthrax. People who work in places such as wool mills, slaughterhouses, and tanneries may breathe in the spores when working with infected animals or contaminated animal products from infected animals. Inhalation anthrax starts primarily in the lymph nodes in the chest before spreading throughout the rest of the body, ultimately causing severe breathing problems and shock.
*3.Gastrointestinal anthrax*
When a person eats raw or undercooked meat from an animal infected with anthrax, they can develop gastrointestinal anthrax. Once ingested, anthrax spores can affect the upper gastrointestinal tract (throat and esophagus), stomach, and intestines, causing a wide variety of symptoms.

13/02/2022