African
Journals Online
Journal of the South African Veterinary Association
The use of haloperidol during the transport of adult
ostriches : to the editor
Pfitzer, S.Lambrechts, H.
2
Abstract: Reports on the use of haloperidol during
transport of ostriches by sea. Recommends the use of haloperidol
at a dose rate of 15 to 25 mg to treat aggression and abnormal
behaviour.
New distribution records of Amblyomma hebraeum in the
sandveld region of Botswana : to the editor
Musuka, G.N.Mafika, M.Molathwa, E.Nuru, H.
3
Abstract: Briefly reports on the distribution of
heartwater disease in the sandveld regions of Botswana west of
Mahalapye and Shoshong villages.
Feline babesiosis : signalment, clinical pathology and
concurrent infections : article
Schoeman, T.Lobetti, R.G.Jacobson, L.S.Penzhorn, B.
4-11
Abstract: Fifty-six cats with naturally occurring Babesia
felis infection were studied. No breed or sex predilection
could be identified, but there was an apparent predilection for
young adult cats less than 3 years of age. Macrocytic,
hypochromic, regenerative anaemia was present in 57 % of the cats
and in-saline agglutination tests were positive in 16 %. No
characteristic changes were observed in total or differential
leukocyte counts. Thrombocyte counts were variable and
thrombocytopaenia was an inconsistent finding. Hepatic cytosol
enzyme activity and total bilirubin concentrations were elevated
in the majority of cats. Serum protein values were mostly normal,
but increased values were occasionally observed and polyclonal
gammopathies were observed in all cats with increased total
globulin concentrations. No remarkable changes in renal
parameters were observed. A variety of electrolyte abnormalities
occurred in a number of cats, but no consistent pattern of change
could be identified. A close correlation was evident between
peripheral and central parasite counts. Concurrent infections
with Haemobartonella felis, feline immunodeficiency virus and/or
feline leukemia virus were identified in a number of cats.
Use of the Accusport semi-automated analyser to determine
blood lactate as an aid in the clinical assessment of horses with
colic : article
Schulman, M. L.Nurton, J. P.Guthrie, A.J.
12-17
Abstract: The most useful diagnostic methods in the
initial evaluation of horses with colic assess the morphological
and functional status of the gastrointestinal tract and
cardiovascular status. This evaluation is best achieved using a
combination of clinical and laboratory data. Blood lactate
concentration (BL) is one of these variables. BL rises mainly due
to poor tissue perfusion and anaerobic glycolysis associated with
shock, providing an indicator of both the severity of disease and
its prognosis. A hand-held lactate meter, Accusport, provides a
rapid (60 seconds), inexpensive dry-chemical-based determination
of BL. This trial evaluated the Accusport's ability to provide BL
data as an adjunct to the initial clinical evaluation of horses
with colic. The accuracy of the Accusport was tested by
evaluation of its interchangeability with the benchmark enzymatic
kit evaluation of BL in a trial using data collected firstly from
10 clinically normal control horses and subsequently from 48
horses presented with signs of colic. The BL values were recorded
together with the clinical variables of heart rate (HR),
capillary refill time (CRT), haematocrit (Hct), and pain
character and severity on the initial assessment of the colic
horses. Information regarding choice of therapeutic management
(medical or surgical) and eventual case outcome (full recovery or
died/euthanased) was recorded. The Accusport was found to be
interchangeable with the enzymatic kit for recording BL values in
colic horses with BL <10 mmol/ , which is within the BL range
associated with survival. The interchangeability of an
additional, laboratory-based wet chemical assay for BL, the Stat
7 was simultaneously evaluated for the colic and control horses.
The Stat 7 was found to be interchangeable with the enzymatic kit
for BL determination of colic horses. No linear associations
between BL values with HR, CRT, Hct or pain assessment were
observed. No relationship with either selection of therapeutic
method or eventual case outcome was observed. All horses with BL
>8 mmol/ died or were euthanased.
Genetic variation in the feral horses of the Namib Desert,
Namibia : article
Cothran, E.G.Van Dyk, E.Van der Merwe, F. J.
18-22
Abstract: Genetic variation at 7 blood-group and 10
biochemical genetic loci was examined in 30 horses from a feral
herd from the Namib Desert of Namibia, Africa. The observed
genetic variability was extremely low compared with that found in
domestic horse breeds. The low variation was most probably a
result of recent small population size and a small founding
population size. Genetic comparison of the Namib horses, which
were of unknown origins, to domestic horse breeds, showed that
the Namib horses had the highest genetic similarity to Arabian
type horses, although they did not closely resemble this type of
horse in conformation.
Renal involvement in dogs with babesiosis : article
Lobetti, R.G.Jacobson, L.S.
23-28
Abstract: Proteinuria, and renal tubular casts and
epithelial cells in urine sediment, are commonly observed in both
complicated and uncomplicated babesiosis, but do not necessarily
reflect or predict renal failure. This study investigated the
presence and degree of renal damage in canine babesiosis. Renal
function and integrity were evaluated using serum urea and
creatinine, serum electrolytes (sodium and potassium), fractional
clearance of sodium (FcNa) and potassium (FcK), urine enzyme
activity of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and alkaline
phosphatase, urine protein:creatinine ratio, and urinalysis. One
control group (n =10) and 3 groups of babesiosis cases
were studied: mild uncomplicated (n =10), severe
uncomplicated (n = 11), and complicated (n = 9).
All babesiosis groups showed well-concentrated urine. Mean serum
urea was elevated in the severe and complicated groups, and was
significantly different from the control group. There was no
statistically significant difference between the groups for
creatinine, although the complicated group had a mean value above
the normal reference range. Hypokalaemia was uncommon in all the
groups. Hyperkalaemia was present in only 2 dogs in the
complicated group. Marginal hyponatraemia was present in a
minority of dogs in all groups. The serumelectrolytes were not
significantly different between groups. There was no overall
elevation, nor any statistically significant difference in both
the FcNa and FcK between the groups. Only 1 dog, in the
complicated group, showed marked enzymuria. Proteinuria was a
common finding and was significantly different between the severe
and complicated groups and the control group. Some dogs in all
groups had renal tubular epithelial cells in the urinary
sediment, which increased in severity from the mild to the
complicated groups and was significantly different from the
control group. This study demonstrated that minimal renal damage
occurs more often in canine babesiosis than significant damage or
acute renal failure.
Anaesthesia of roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus)
with a combination of A3080, medetomidine and ketamine : article
Citino, S.B.Bush, M.Grobler, D.Lance, W. 29-32
Abstract: A dose range was determined for anaesthesia of
20 recently boma-captured roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus)
with the synthetic opiate A3080 combined with medetomidine and
ketamine. A dose of 10-30 µ/kg A3080 (x = 20 ± 8 µg/kg)
combined with 5-21 µg/kg medetomidine (x = 13 ± 7
µg/kg) plus 0.29-1.11 mg/kg ketamine (x = 0.71 ± 0.24
mg/kg) was found to be safe and effective for the field
conditions in this study. The anaesthesia produced by this drug
combination was predictable and characterised by a short
induction time, good muscle relaxation, and acceptable
physiological parameters for anaesthesia periods ranging from
49-103 min (x = 64 ±19 min). The wide range (3-4-fold) of
doses with acceptable results is also an indication that this
drug combination has a wide margin of safety in roan antelope,
making it desirable for field use. When 2 dose levels (2-3-fold
difference) were retrospectively evaluated, no statistical
difference was found in induction times, and no observable
clinical differences in the anaesthetic episodes were seen. Based
on this study, the recommended dose range in roan antelope for
this combination is 10-13 µg/kg A3080, 5-6 µg/kg medetomidine
and 0.3-0.6 mg/kg ketamine. The anaesthesia produced by this
combination was rapidly and completely reversed by i.m. or i.v.
injections of naltrexone at 30 times the A3080 dose (x =
0.60 ± 0.25 mg/kg) and atipamezole at 3 times the medetomidine
dose (x = 38 ± 20 µg/kg). No residual effects from
ketamine were noted following reversal of A3080 and medetomidine.
No mortality was associated with this protocol.
Some cardiopulmonary effects of midazolam premedication in
clenbuterol-treated bitches during surgical endoscopic
examination of the uterus and ovariohysterectomy : article
Stegmann, G.F.Bester, L.
33-36
Abstract: Midazolam was administered intravenously to 8
bitches in a randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial before
propofol induction of surgical anaesthesia. Anaesthesia was
maintained with isoflurane-in-oxygen during surgical endoscopic
examination of the uterus and ovariohysterectomy. Clenbuterol was
administered at the start of surgery to improve uterine muscle
relaxation, and to facilitate endoscopic examination of the
uterus. Ventilation was controlled. Induction of anaesthesia with
propofol to obtain loss of the pedal reflex resulted in a
statistically significant (P < 0.05) decrease in minute
volume and arterial oxygen partial pressure in the midazolam
group. Apnoea also occurred in 50 % of dogs in the midazolam
group. The dose for propofol in the midazolam group was 7.4 mg/kg
compared to 9.5 mg/kg in the control. Minute volume was
significantly (P < 0.05) higher in both groups during
isoflurane maintenance, compared to the value after incremental
propofol to obtain loss of the pedal reflex. Propofol induction
resulted in a 25-26 % reduction in the mean arterial blood
pressure in both groups, and the administration of clenbuterol at
the start of surgery resulted in a transient, but statistically
significant (P < 0.05), decrease in mean arterial blood
pressure in the midazolam group during isoflurane anaesthesia. It
is concluded that intravenous midazolam premedication did not
adversely affect cardiovascular function during propofol
induction, but intra-operative clenbuterol during isoflurane
maintenance of anaesthesia may result in transient hypotension.
Midazolam premedication may increase adverse respiratory effects
when administered before propofol induction of anaesthesia.
Socioeconomic, health and management aspects of working
donkeys in Moretele 1, North West Province, South Africa :
article
Wells, D.Krecek, R.C.
37-43
Abstract: Structured interviews using a questionnaire were
conducted to gather information on socioeconomic aspects, health,
nutrition, breeding and management of working equids in 3 study
areas of Moretele 1 near Hammanskraal, North West Province, South
Africa. The questionnaire addressed questions about the role of
animals with a focus on donkeys used for work in these areas.
Extension and animal health officers and donkey owners
participated. The analysis highlights the use of donkeys for
transport of water, wood and people; that ticks, wounds and
harness sores are the conditions reported most frequently by
owners; and that the range for the body condition score index of
2.7-4.0 suggests that an overall adequate level of nutrition and
management is maintained in the donkeys in these villages.
In vivo evaluation of amitraz against ticks
under field conditions in Ethiopia : research communication
Mekonnen, S. 44-45
Abstract: An aqueous emulsion of amitraz (Bovitraz, Bayer
AH), prepared and applied according to the manufacturer's
recommendations, was evaluated for its activity against cattle
ticks on a dairy farm in Ethiopia. Eight crossbred heifer calves
aged between 6 and 8 months and heavily infested with ticks were
selected and divided into equal treatment and control groups. The
calves in the treatment group were hand-sprayed with the amitraz
emulsion while the control group was left untreated. Each calf
was restrained and ticks were counted and identified in situ.
One hundred percent tick control was achieved on Day 3 after
acaricide application, and this was maintained for a further 18
days. The residual effect was long, and protected the animals
from re-infestation for 21 days. There was a significant
difference between the mean number of ticks on the control group
compared to the treated group (P < 0.05). An important
finding in this trial was the rapid detachment of all tick
instars from animals treated with the test acaricide.
Biochemical composition of urine from farmed ostriches (Struthio
camelus) in Botswana : short communication
Mushi, E.Z.Binta, M.G.Isa, J.W. 46-48
Abstract: Biochemical and qualitative evaluation of the
supernatant of urine from hydrated farmed ostriches (Struthio
camelus) indicated that the urine was comparable to that
described by other workers. The disparities obtained between the
biochemical constituents in the present and previous studies were
partly attributed to the state of hydration influenced by
climatic factors. Results of the cytological examination of the
supernatant and the sediment concurred with the observations of
other workers. It was therefore concluded that parameters from
both the quantitative and qualitative analyses could be used as a
guideline to monitor the health status of farmed ostriches in
Botswana.
Cervical teratoma in a dog : case report
Lambrechts, N.E.Pearson, J.
49-51
Abstract: A young adult boxer dog was examined for a
painless swelling in the left cranial cervical area that was
refractory to antibiotic therapy. Ultrasound examination revealed
a hypoechoic mass abutting the rostrolateral aspect of the left
mandibular salivary gland. The cystic mass was excised and was
found to extend through the capsule of the salivary gland and
appeared to be confluent with the glandular tissue at this point.
Histopathological examination of the excised tissue demonstrated
tissue from all 3 germinal layers. There was no indication of
malignancy and the mass was diagnosed as a benign cervical
teratoma. Hypotheses regarding the origin of teratomas in general
are discussed and the origin of the teratoma in this case is
suggested.
Immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia : possible association
with Ancylostoma caninum infection in three
dogs : case report
Lobetti, R. G.Schoeman, T. 52-54
Abstract: Immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia (IMHA) may be
primary or secondary. In primary IMHA, no underlying cause can be
found, whereas secondary IMHA is triggered by an underlying
cause, such as neoplasia, infectious diseases, or drugs. This
paper describes 3 dogs with typical signs of IMHA that was
possibly associated with the intestinal parasite Ancylostoma
caninum. As intestinal helminths can be difficult to diagnose
on faecal examination, it would be pertinent to performmultiple
faecal examinations on any animal that has IMHA with no apparent
underlying cause, as part of the therapy.
Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)
in a Brahman's preputial sheath : a case report from Botswana :
case report
Isa, J. F. W.Magembe, S. R.Naude, T.W. 55-56
Abstract: Failure of penile protrusion during attempted
service of a cow on heat was investigated in a 3-year-old Brahman
bull at Kwakwadi cattle-post in the Kgalahadi sandveld, Kweneng
District, Botswana. The investigation revealed that penile
protrusion was obstructed by a devil's claw (grapple thorn), a
dry fruit of the plant Harpagophytum procumbens, which had
lodged in the cavum preputiale. The thorn, which was
removed almost completely manually with minimal tissue
dissection, had also caused minor lacerations and puncture wounds
on the lamina interna pars parietalis. The wounds healed
well following treatment with antiseptics and antibiotics and
subsequently the bull regained full penile protrusion and served
the cows well. This report describes the first case of lodgement
of a devil's claw fruit in, and its extraction from, the cavum
preputiale of a Brahman.
The use of analgesic drugs by South African veterinarians :
continuing education
Joubert, K.E.
57-60
Abstract: According to a survey, non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory agents were the most popular analgesic used in
South Africa for management of peri-operative pain, acute
post-operative pain and chronic pain. The most popular
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents are flunixin meglumine and
phenylbutazone. The most popular opioid type drug is
buprenorphine, followed by morphine. In the peri-operative
setting, analgesic agents were not actively administered to 86.3
% of cats and 80.7 % of dogs. Analgesic premedications were
frequently administered, e.g. xylazine or ketamine, but no
specific drug was administered for post-operative pain.
Veterinarians need to critically review their anaesthetic and
analgesic practices in order to achieve balanced anaesthesia.
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