Reproductive and feeding ecology of parasitic gnathiid isopods of epaulette sharks (Hemiscyllium ocellatum) with consideration of their role in the transmission of a haemogregarine

Epaulette sharks Hemiscyllium ocellatum were surveyed on Heron Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia for gnathiid isopods and protozoan (haemogregarine) parasites to determine the prevalence and intensity of infection and to investigate the potential role of gnathiids as vectors of these haemogregarines, the first such study carried out on elasmobranchs. Juvenile gnathiids were collected and quantified using a novel non-invasive and chemical-free technique and gnathiid squashes were examined for haemogregarine developmental stages. The feeding and reproductive ecology of the Gnathia spp. was investigated to better understand the relationship between gnathiids and haemogregarines. Gnathiids were found on all sharks and intensities ranged between two and 66. Only third-stage gnathiid juveniles were found, which fell into two size groups (A and B). These juveniles remained attached to H. ocellatum for up to 17 days, the longest period of attachment yet recorded for gnathiids. Group A female gnathiids produced broods of 45-187 (median = 120) first stage juveniles from between 54 and 82 days (median = 63 days) after detachment. First stage juveniles survived for an average of 15.8 +/- 0.1 (SEM) days without feeding. The prevalence (6.7%) and parasitaemia (usually

Acute bovine laminitis: A new induction model using alimentary oligofructose overload

Twelve dairy heifers were used to examine the clinical response of an alimentary oligofructose overload. Six animals were divided into 3 subgroups, and each was given a bolus dose of 13, 17, or 21 g/kg of oligofructose orally. The control group (n = 6) was sham-treated with tap water. Signs of lameness, cardiovascular function, and gastrointestinal function were monitored every 6 h during development of rumen acidosis. The heifers were euthanized 48 and 72 h after administration of oligofructose. All animals given oligofructose developed depression, anorexia, and diarrhea 9 to 39 h after receiving oligofructose. By 33 to 45 h after treatment, the feces returned to normal consistency and the heifers began eating again. Animals given oligofructose developed transient fever, severe metabolic acidosis, and moderate dehydration, which were alleviated by supportive therapy. Four of 6 animals given oligofructose displayed clinical signs of laminitis starting 39 to 45 h after receiving oligofructose and lasting until euthanasia. The lameness was obvious, but could easily be overlooked by the untrained eye, because the heifers continued to stand and walk, and did not interrupt their eating behavior. No positive pain reactions or lameness were seen in control animals. Based on these results, we conclude that an alimentary oligofructose overload is able to induce signs of acute laminitis in cattle. This model offers a new method, which can be used in further investigation of the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of bovine laminitis.

Extensive En block resection and adjunctive chemotherapy of a canine primary rib osteosarcoma

The management of a large rib osteosarcoma in a two-year-old neutered male Golden Retriever is reported. The tumour was initially misdiagnosed as a chondrosarcoma following incisional biopsy. Extensive en bloc resection and chest wall reconstruction with propylene mesh was performed, and carboplatin was administered postoperatively. Approximately 270 days after surgery there was no evidence of tumour recurrence and the patient was disease free.

Behavioral and physiological responses to stabling in naive horses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the response of horses to confinement and isolation in a stable (indoor individual housing) for the first time using behavioral indices, heart rate, and salivary cortisol concentration. Six naive 2-year-old Australian Stock Horse fillies were examined at 4-hour intervals over 24 hours in an outdoor group paddock followed by 24 hours in indoor individual housing. Behavioral observations and scores and heart rates were recorded and saliva samples were taken at each interval. During stabling, all horses became agitated and demonstrated increased vocalization and movement. Behavioral scores were significantly higher in the indoor individual housing (P