A case report and review of the literature on swine hemorrhagic tracheitis syndrome in a Portuguese farm.

Background: Respiratory diseases, including the multifactorial "swine respiratory disease complex," have a significant impact on swine production. Recently, a condition manifesting primarily in the trachea, known as hemorrhagic tracheitis syndrome (HTS), has been described in pigs. HTS is characterized by severe coughing and high mortality in finishing pigs. Case Description: This report presents the first case of HTS in an adult male pig from a Portuguese farm. The animal died without any previous clinical signs. Necropsy revealed significant thickening of the trachea. Fibrinous necrotic hemorrhagic tracheitis was identified through histopathological analysis, but no bacterial infectious agents were detected during microbiological examination. Conclusion: This case underscores the need for comprehensive research, including systematic necropsies and histopathological assessments, to understand the actual prevalence of the disease, elucidate the etiology, and develop effective interventions for HTS in swine productions.

Field-training in young two-year-old thoroughbreds: investigating cardiorespiratory adaptations and the presence of exercise induced pulmonary hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Comparatively little is known regarding the initial cardiorespiratory response of young racehorses to training. The objectives were to compare physiological parameters before and after introductory training and determine whether young Thoroughbreds show endoscopic signs of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH). Ten Thoroughbreds (20-23 months) underwent 12-weeks of introductory training, including weekly speed sessions. Two 600 m high-speed exercise tests (HSET) were performed following weeks 4 and 12 while wearing a validated ergospirometry facemask. Peak oxygen consumption (V̇O2pk) and ventilatory parameters (tidal volume, VT; peak inspiratory and expiratory flow, PkV̇I, PkV̇E; respiratory frequency, Rf; minute ventilation, V̇E) were measured. The ventilatory equivalent of oxygen (V̇E/V̇O2) and the aerobic and anaerobic contributions to energy production were calculated. Maximal heart rate (HRmax) and HR at maximal speed (HRVmax) were determined. Post-exercise hematocrit, plasma ammonia and blood lactate were measured. Evidence of EIPH was investigated via tracheobronchoscopy post-exercise. Results were compared (paired t-test, P < 0.05). RESULTS: Horses were faster following training (P < 0.001) and V̇O2pk increased 28 ml/(kg total mass.min) (28 ± 16%; P < 0.001). Ventilatory (V̇E, P = 0.0015; Rf, P < 0.001; PkV̇I, P < 0.001; PkV̇E, P < 0.001) and cardiovascular parameters (HRmax, P = 0.03; HRVmax, P = 0.04) increased. The increase in V̇E was due to greater Rf, but not VT. V̇E/V̇O2 was lower (26 ± 3.6 vs 23 ± 3.7; P = 0.02), indicating improved ventilatory efficiency. Anaerobic contribution to total energy production increased from 15.6 ± 6.1% to 18.5 ± 6.3% (P = 0.02). Post-exercise hematocrit (P < 0.001), plasma ammonia (P = 0.03) and blood lactate (P = 0.001) increased following training. Horses showed no signs of EIPH. CONCLUSIONS: Young two-year-old Thoroughbreds responded well to introductory training without developing tracheobronchoscopic evidence of EIPH.

Life threatening hemorrhage associated with a dentigerous cyst in a dog: Case report.

Dentigerous cysts are the most common type of odontogenic cysts and arise from an unerupted tooth. These cysts have stereotypical radiographic and clinical findings. They can be extremely invasive but rarely present as a life-threatening emergency. This case report describes the stabilization and treatment of a 6-year-old mixed breed dog with a dentigerous cyst with concurrent life-threatening hemorrhage. The dog presented with severe oral hemorrhage from the mandibular artery and required multiple blood transfusions. It was ultimately diagnosed with a dentigerous cyst. Complications from dental issues and potential life-threatening complications, such as this case, can be prevented by routine annual oral examination and full mouth dental radiographs if an unerupted tooth is suspected.

Suspected intoxication by Kikuyu grass (Cenchrus clandestinus) of dairy cattle in the Azores, Portugal.

CASE HISTORY: An outbreak of suspected Kikuyu grass (Cenchrus clandestinus) intoxication among dairy cattle occurred on the island of Terceira in the Azores (Portugal), in October 2022. The animals affected were non-lactating dairy cows and heifers from five small farms grazing (free or tethered) a Kikuyu-dominant pasture. Of the 29 animals exposed, 17 were affected, and eight (five heifers and three adult cows) died, resulting in a morbidity rate of 58%, a mortality rate of 28% and a case mortality rate of 47%. CLINICAL FINDINGS AND TREATMENT: The clinical signs were non-specific and inconsistent, and included dry faeces, some with dark red blood; apathy and prostration; abdominal dilatation; tachycardia; tachypnoea; pale or jaundiced mucous membranes; sham drinking; sialorrhoea; and moderate to severe dehydration. Symptomatic treatment was provided but was ineffective. Haematology and serum biochemistry revealed an acute inflammatory leukogram, increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, decreased gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity, and azotaemia.The most consistent necropsy findings were haemorrhages in the epicardium and endocardium, an enlarged liver with rounded edges, non-perforated abomasal ulcers, and haemorrhagic lesions in the small and large intestines. Histopathology indicated myocarditis, hepatitis, interstitial nephritis, enteritis and colitis.Several fungal species were isolated from grass samples taken from affected pastures including several Fusarium spp., the genus implicated in Kikuyu toxicosis. Immediate removal of the animals from the pasture with Kikuyu was the only measure that prevented new cases and resulted in the recovery of some of the less affected animals. DIAGNOSIS: The epidemiological features of this outbreak and the clinical signs and micro- and macroscopic lesions observed were highly suggestive of Kikuyu grass poisoning. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although the weather conditions varied from other published cases, the grazing conditions (almost exclusive Kikuyu grass) and the post-mortem findings were very similar to those described in the literature, particularly the haemorrhages in the epicardium and endocardium. Kikuyu grass is very invasive and presents many desirable characteristics as cattle feed. Thus, an increase in cases of intoxication may be expected. Practitioners and farmers in areas where Kikuyu grass is abundant should be aware of the potential risks of grazing cattle exclusively on these pastures. They should also be aware of the early and subtle signs of Kikuyu intoxication to allow for timely removal of the animals from pasture.

The use of a kaolin-based hemostatic dressing to attenuate bleeding in dogs: A series of 4 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of a synthetic hemostatic dressing, QuikClot Combat Gauze (QCG), in dogs with bleeding wounds. CASE SERIES SUMMARY: Two dogs presented with bleeding traumatic wounds, and QCG was used to achieve hemostasis during stabilization of these dogs. In the other 2 dogs, QCG was used to help attenuate bleeding associated with a surgical procedure. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: While hemostatic dressings have been widely studied and used in human medicine, there is minimal information on the use and efficacy of these hemostatic dressings in veterinary medicine. This case series describes the use of QCG in dogs with hemorrhaging wounds. QCG could be a valuable resource in veterinary emergency and critical care settings.

Prevalence and severity of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage in 2-year-old Thoroughbred racehorses and its relationship to performance.

BACKGROUND: Little has been reported regarding the prevalence and severity of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) in 2-year-old Thoroughbred racehorses. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate EIPH prevalence and severity and its association with performance, speed index, furosemide administration, race distance, and track surface. ANIMALS: A total of 830 2-year-old Thoroughbreds. METHODS: Prospective blinded observational study. Videoendoscopy was performed 30 to 60 minutes postrace at 15 American racetracks. Three blinded observers independently assigned an EIPH grade (0-4) to each video, and prevalence and severity of EIPH were determined. Relationships of EIPH grade to performance, speed index, race distance, track surface, and prerace administration of furosemide were evaluated using Pearson's chi-squared test for categorical variables and analysis of variance (ANOVA) for numerical variables. Multivariable logistic regression assessed relationships between EIPH prevalence and severity, respectively, and the aforementioned independent variables. A P < .05 was considered significant. RESULTS: A total of 1071 tracheoendoscopies were recorded. The EIPH prevalence was 74% and for EIPH grade ≥3 was 8%. Speed index (P = .02) and finishing place (P = .004) were lower with EIPH ≥3. The EIPH prevalence and severity were lower at 2 tracks where postrace tracheoendoscopy was mandatory rather than voluntary (P < .001). Probability of observing EIPH was negatively associated with speed index (P = .01) at tracks where postrace tracheoendoscopy was mandatory. Prerace furosemide administration decreased the probability of EIPH occurrence (P = .007) and severity (P = .01) where study participation was voluntary. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Prevalence and severity of EIPH in 2-year-old racehorses were consistent with that of older racehorses. An EIPH grade ≥3 was associated with decreased performance. Prerace furosemide administration was associated with a decreased likelihood, but not severity, of EIPH at most tracks.

Detection of chicken chapparvovirus 2 in chickens with hemorrhagic hepatitis in Japan.

Chicken chaphamaparvovirus causes diarrheal symptoms and can be detected in fecal samples. This study reports the detection of chicken chapparvovirus 2 in debilitated chickens with hemorrhagic hepatitis at a broiler farm in Japan. After euthanasia and necropsy, liver hemorrhage was observed. Nuclear inclusion bodies in the hepatocytes were identified using histological analysis. High-throughput sequencing analysis using RNA from livers of three affected chickens revealed infection by chicken chapparvovirus 2 and chicken anemia virus. Polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that all three chickens were positive for chicken chapparvovirus 2, and only one was positive for both chicken chapparvovirus 2 and chicken anemia virus. In conclusion, chicken chapparvovirus 2 causes infection in chickens in Japan and might be involved in hemorrhagic hepatitis.

Delayed Life-Threatening Hemorrhage Caused by Cranial Tibial Artery Pseudoaneurysm in Two Dogs.

Two adult dogs were presented at 25 and 30 days following tibial external skeletal fixator placement (case 1) and tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (case 2), respectively. Clinical signs at presentation for each of them included acute onset lethargy, non-weight-bearing lameness, and hemorrhage at the surgical site with large hematoma formation. On admission, emergency whole blood transfusion was required in case 2 with a preoperative packed cell volume of 13%. Both dogs were diagnosed with pseudoaneurysm of the cranial tibial artery based on color Doppler ultrasonography. Additionally, computed tomography angiography was performed in one dog. Surgical treatment of the dogs included ligation of the cranial tibial artery supplying the pseudoaneurysm and curettage of hematoma. The surgery was completed without complications in case 1, but case 2 experienced inadvertent rupture of pseudoaneurysm with significant blood loss, which required another whole blood transfusion during the procedure. Both dogs had excellent functional recovery with no recurrence of clinical signs. We hypothesized that pseudoaneurysms were primarily caused by trauma secondary to placement of surgical implants or osteotomy. For orthopedic surgeons, it is important to recognize clinical signs of a potential tibial arterial pseudoaneurysm, as early surgical intervention may prevent loss of limb or life.

Cytological diagnosis of exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage: Comparison of tracheal wash and bronchoalveolar lavage in standardbred racehorses.

BACKGROUND: Cytology of airway samples is sensitive for diagnosis of exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH), but the association between tracheal wash (TW) and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine whether diagnosis of EIPH, using haemosiderophages/macrophages (H/M) ratio, differs when based on TW or BALF. METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 102 standardbred horses in training. TW and BALF were collected concomitantly from all horses at rest (at least 24 hours after their last training or race), and their H/M ratios were calculated. Spearman's correlation, Cohen's kappa and Gwet's coefficient tests were performed to evaluate the association between TW and BALF samples. RESULTS: With BALF, 21 horses met the cytological inclusion criteria for an EIPH diagnosis from individual and/or pooled samples. With TW, 20 horses had occasional (H/M < 10%) haemosiderophages, and nine, one and three horses had small (10%-25%), moderate (25%-50%) and large (>50%) proportions, respectively. Poor correlations and inconsistent concordances between TW and BALF were found for H/M ratio. LIMITATIONS: Limitations include the use of a single staining method and the absence of a total haemosiderin score. CONCLUSION: No association between TW and BALF was found for the cytological diagnosis of EIPH. Based on H/M ratio, BALF remains the sample type of choice for cytological diagnosis of EIPH.

Iatrogenic gas embolism in a juvenile loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta).

A mild pneumocoelom was diagnosed by computed tomography in a stranded juvenile loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta). After gas extraction by ultrasound-guided puncture, the animal did not improve and was subjected to hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). After HBOT, the turtle developed marked subcutaneous emphysema and was found dead the following morning. Gross lesions included a distended right atrium with numerous gas bubbles within the epicardium, gas bubbles in the hepatic, gastric and mesenteric veins, a small gas-filled bulla in the left lung and diffuse haemorrhages in the encephalon. Histological lesions included gas-like emboli in the lumen of the right atrium with myocardial necrosis, gas-like emboli in the lumina of intestinal, pulmonary and renal blood vessels and severe meningeal haemorrhages. From a forensic pathology perspective, the subcutaneous emphysema of immediate onset after HBOT and the greater severity of the histological lesions in blood vessels, heart, lung and brain differentiate this case from other cases of gas embolism in turtles due to incidental capture. Two factors contributed to this outcome: the existence of a probably unresolved pneumocoelom and the application of HBOT without an initial diagnosis that accurately indicated its use. Therefore, as in human medicine, the use of HBOT in sea turtles with lung lesions and pneumocoelom is discouraged. This is the first description of an iatrogenic gas embolism in a sea turtle.

The effect of ε-aminocaproic acid on blood product requirement, outcome and thromboelastography parameters in severely thrombocytopenic dogs.

BACKGROUND: No treatment other than platelet administration is known to protect against spontaneous hemorrhage in thrombocytopenic dogs. OBJECTIVES: Primary: determine if treatment with ε-aminocaproic acid (EACA) decreases the requirement for blood transfusions and improves outcome in dogs with severe thrombocytopenia. Secondary: find evidence of hyperfibrinolysis and determine the effect EACA administration on rapid (rTEG) and tissue plasminogen activator-spiked (tPA-rTEG) thromboelastography parameters. ANIMALS: Twenty-seven dogs with severe thrombocytopenia were treated with EACA, and data from an additional 33 were obtained from the hospital database as historical control (HC) cohort. METHODS: Single arm clinical trial with HCs. The EACA group dogs received EACA (100 mg/kg IV followed by a constant-rate infusion [CRI] of 400 mg/kg/24 hours). Thromboelastography before and during EACA infusion, hospitalization days, number of transfusions, and mortality were compared. RESULTS: No difference was found in number of transfusions per dog (median, interquartile range; 1, 0-2.5 vs 0.9, 0-2; P = .5) and hospitalization days (4, 4-6 vs 4.5, 3.75-6; P = .83) between HC and EACA groups, respectively, and no difference in survival was identified by log-rank analysis (P = .15). Maximum amplitude on both rTEG and tPA-rTEG increased after EACA administration (rTEG baseline: 23.6, 9.6-38.9; post-EACA: 27.3, 19.8-43.2; P < .001; tPA-rTEG baseline: 23, 10.9-37.2; post-EACA: 24.7, 16.7-44.8; P < .002). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Although EACA increased clot strength, there was no effect on outcome. Treatment with EACA at this dosage cannot be recommended as a routine treatment but may be considered for dogs with severe ongoing hemorrhage.

Osteocalcin activates lipophagy via the ADPN-AMPK/PPARα-mTOR signaling pathway in chicken embryonic hepatocyte.

Fatty liver hemorrhage syndrome (FLHS) is the leading cause of noninfectious mortality in caged layers worldwide. Osteocalcin (OCN) is a protein secreted by osteoblasts, and its undercarboxylated form (ucOCN) acts as a multifunctional hormone that protects laying hens from FLHS. Lipophagy is a form of selective autophagy that breaks down lipid droplets (LDs) through lysosomes, and defective lipophagy is associated with FLHS. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ucOCN on the lipophagy of chicken embryonic hepatocytes and associated the function of the adiponectin (ADPN) signaling pathway. In this study, chicken embryonic hepatocytes were divided into 5 groups: control (CONT), fat emulsion (FE, 10% FE, v/v), FE with ucOCN at 1 ng/mL (FE-LOCN), 3 ng/mL (FE-MOCN), and 9 ng/mL (FE-HOCN). In addition, 4 µM AdipoRon, an adiponectin receptor agonist, was used to investigate the function of ADPN. The results showed that compared with CONT group, FE promoted the levels of phosphorylation of mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR) (P < 0.05) and decreased the mRNA expression of ADNP receptors (AdipoR1 and AdipoR2). Compared with FE group, 3 and 9 ng/mL ucOCN inhibited the levels of autophagy adaptor p62 and p-mTOR (P < 0.05), increased the ratios of LC3-II/LC3-I (P < 0.05) and phosphorylated adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK)/AMPK (P < 0.05), as well as the levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPAR-α) and ADPN (P < 0.05). In addition, ucOCN at the tested concentrations increased the colocalization of LC3 and LDs in fatty hepatocytes. Administrated 4 µM AdipoRon activated AdipoR1 and AidpoR2 mRNA expression (P < 0.05), decreased the concentrations of triglyceride (P < 0.05), without effects on cell viability (P > 0.05). AdipoRon also increased the LC3-II/LC3-I ratio (P < 0.05) and the levels of p-AMPK/AMPK and PPAR-α (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the results reveal that ucOCN regulates lipid metabolism by activating lipophagy via the ADPN-AMPK/PPARα-mTOR signaling pathway in chicken embryonic hepatocytes. The results may provide new insights for controlling FLHS in laying hens.

Genome-wide association and functional genomic analyses for various hoof health traits in North American Holstein cattle.

Hoof diseases are a major welfare and economic issue in the global dairy cattle production industry, which can be minimized through improved management and breeding practices. Optimal genetic improvement of hoof health could benefit from a deep understanding of the genetic background and biological underpinning of indicators of hoof health. Therefore, the primary objectives of this study were to perform genome-wide association studies, using imputed high-density genetic markers data from North American Holstein cattle, for 8 hoof-related traits: digital dermatitis, sole ulcer, sole hemorrhage, white line lesion, heel horn erosion, interdigital dermatitis, interdigital hyperplasia, and toe ulcer, and a hoof health index. De-regressed estimated breeding values from 25,580 Holstein animals were used as pseudo-phenotypes for the association analyses. The genomic quality control, genotype phasing, and genotype imputation were performed using the PLINK (version 1.9), Eagle (version 2.4.1), and Minimac4 software, respectively. The functional genomic analyses were performed using the GALLO R package and the DAVID platform. We identified 22, 34, 14, 22, 28, 33, 24, 43, and 15 significant markers for digital dermatitis, heel horn erosion, interdigital dermatitis, interdigital hyperplasia, sole hemorrhage, sole ulcer, toe ulcer, white line lesion disease, and the hoof health index, respectively. The significant markers were located across all autosomes, except BTA10, BTA12, BTA20, BTA26, BTA27, and BTA28. Moreover, the genomic regions identified overlap with various previously reported quantitative trait loci for exterior, health, meat and carcass, milk, production, and reproduction traits. The enrichment analyses identified 44 significant gene ontology terms. These enriched genomic regions harbor various candidate genes previously associated with bone development, metabolism, and infectious and immunological diseases. These findings indicate that hoof health traits are highly polygenic and influenced by a wide range of biological processes.

Outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease in captive reindeer (Rangifer tarandus).

In September 2020, an outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease occurred in captive reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) and was associated with neurological signs and mortality. Four reindeer died or were euthanized after acute illness over a 12-day period. Affected reindeer displayed abnormal behavior, neurologic signs, lethargy, and/or lameness. The most consistent gross finding was dark red streaks throughout the adrenal gland cortices (4/4). One animal had acute hemorrhage involving the subcutis and skeletal muscles over the ventrolateral body wall and back, and abomasal serosa. Histologically, the most common lesions were adrenal gland cortical hemorrhage (4/4) with necrosis (3/4) and lymphoplasmacytic meningoencephalitis with gliosis, glial nodules, satellitosis, and nonsuppurative perivascular cuffing (4/4). The brain lesions were most frequent in the gray matter of the cerebrum, hippocampus, and thalamus but also involved the cerebellum and brainstem. Epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus serotype 6 was detected through PCR and sequencing of the spleen in all cases.

Endoscope-assisted three-wire technique for extensive nasal septum resection in horses.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a 3-wire method with endoscopic guidance for extensive nasal septum resection. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Thirteen horses with nasal septum diseases. METHODS: In anesthetized horses in left lateral recumbency, endoscopic guidance was used to place obstetrical wires for the ventral and caudal incisions in the nasal septum and a trephine opening was used to place the dorsal wire. The rostral aspect of the septum was incised with a scalpel, followed by incisions with the preplaced wires, and the nasal passages were packed with gauze. Horses were recovered with a temporary tracheotomy. RESULTS: Conversion to intraoral placement of wires was required in two horses, one to correct entangled wires and the other because hemorrhage obscured the endoscopic view. Exercise tolerance was improved postoperatively, abnormal respiratory noise was decreased or eliminated by surgery in all horses, and all owners were satisfied. One Thoroughbred racehorse performed with modest success. CONCLUSIONS: Modification of the 3-wire method was effective and safe for extensive nasal septum removal. Technical complications of the procedure include entangling of wires and intraoperative hemorrhage. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Endoscopic guidance can be used to place obstetrical wires for nasal septum resection in small horses and precludes use of a large tracheotomy for anesthetic delivery. Reasons for athletic failures were difficult to establish retrospectively, although assessment of postoperative noise at speed might be more relevant to recovery of athletic potential than assessment at slower gaits.

Atrial fibrillation as a risk factor for exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage following a standardised exercise test.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) has been proposed as a risk factor for exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH) due to increased pressure in the left atrium. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if AF was associated with EIPH following a standardised exercise test (SET) to fatigue. STUDY DESIGN: Two-arm controlled experiment. METHODS: Ten untrained Standardbred mares mean (standard deviation [SD]) age 6 (2) years performed a SET on the treadmill in sinus rhythm (SR) (SET1) and 25-44 days after induction of self-sustained AF (SET2). AF was induced by tachypacing using a pacing device. Endoscopy, including tracheal wash and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), was performed 48-72 h before and 24 h after the two SETs. In addition, endoscopic grading of tracheal blood was performed 2 h after each SET. RESULTS: After SET1, none of the horses showed blood in the trachea, and two horses showed erythrophagocytosis. Following SET2, two horses had grade 1 blood in the trachea and free erythrocytes and erythrophagocytosis in the BAL, while another two horses had erythrophagocytosis in the BAL. In SET2, the overall performance on the treadmill was decreased with a lower maximum velocity (SET1 10.3 ± 0.8 m/s vs. SET2 8.9 ± 0.9 m/s, p = 0.004), a higher heart rate (284 ± 21 vs. 221 ± 18 bpm, p = 0.003) and more abnormal QRS complexes (p < 0.001) compared with SET1. CONCLUSIONS: Two horses showed signs of EIPH, resulting in visible blood in the trachea, when exercising in AF compared with SR. However, a possible link between EIPH, pulmonary pressure and AF needs to be further elucidated.

Epidemiological investigation of ASF outbreaks in Kerala (India): detection, source tracing and economic implications.

This study investigates suspected African swine fever (ASF) outbreaks in two villages of Kannur district in Kerala, India, with the aim of identifying the causative agent and its genotype, the source of infection, and estimating the economic losses due to the outbreaks. Clinically, the disease was acute with high mortality, while gross pathology was characterized by widespread haemorrhages in various organs, especially the spleen, which was dark, enlarged and had friable cut surfaces with diffuse haemorrhages. Notably, histopathological examination revealed multifocal, diffuse haemorrhages in the splenic parenchyma and lymphoid depletion accompanied by lymphoid cell necrosis. The clinico-pathological observations were suggestive of ASF, which was confirmed by PCR. The source of outbreak was identified as swill and it was a likely point source infection as revealed by epidemic curve analysis. The phylogenetic analysis of p72 gene identified the ASFV in the current outbreak as genotype-II and IGR II variant consistent with ASFVs detected in India thus far. However, the sequence analysis of the Central Variable Region (CVR) of the B602L gene showed that the ASFVs circulating in Kerala (South India) formed a separate clade along with those found in Mizoram (North East India), while ASFVs circulating in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam states of India grouped in to different clade. This study represents the first investigation of ASF outbreak in South India, establishing the genetic relatedness of the ASFV circulating in this region with that in other parts of the country. The study also underscores the utility of the CVR of the B602L gene in genetically characterizing highly similar Genotype II ASFVs to understand the spread of ASF within the country.

Tranexamic Acid in Reducing Intraoperative Bleeding in Dogs Undergoing Thoracolumbar and Lumbar Hemilaminectomy and Intervertebral Disc Fenestration.

Hemilaminectomy associated with intervertebral disc fenestration (HF) is the most used spinal decompression surgical technique for the treatment of intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE). The surgical procedure can be hampered by excessive bleeding from the venous sinuses; however, tranexamic acid intravenously (IV) is a possible adjunct to hemostasis in these patients. This study aimed to verify the effectiveness of tranexamic acid in reducing intraoperative bleeding in dogs with thoracolumbar and lumbar IVDE submitted to HF. Sixteen dogs with IVDE undergoing HF were included. These were distributed into a TXA group (tranexamic acid 20 mg/kg IV bolus, followed by 2 mg/kg/h IV continuous infusion) (n = 8) and a control group, with saline solution (n = 8). Blood loss was measured using the gravimetric method. The difficulty of operative visualization due to bleeding was classified by the surgeon. Median blood loss (%) in patients in the TXA group was lower than those in the control group (2.75 ± 1.23 and 4.99 ± 4.44, respectively) (P = .028). Intraoperative visualization difficulty due to bleeding occurred in 10 patients in the control group, and in no patients in the TXA group. A severe arterial thromboembolic complication was recorded, potentially due to tranexamic acid. The use of intraoperative tranexamic acid was effective in reducing bleeding and facilitating operative visualization in dogs with IVDE undergoing hemilaminectomy and intervertebral disc fenestration.

Adrenocortical hemorrhage following intravenous tetracosactide in a dog with hypercortisolism.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize findings from a case of adrenocortical hemorrhage following tetracosactide injection during ACTH stimulation testing for monitoring of trilostane therapy in a dog. ANIMAL: A 12-year old neutered male dog with adrenal-dependent hypercortisolism. CLINICAL PRESENTATION, PROGRESSION, AND PROCEDURES: 4 hours after ACTH stimulation testing, the patient developed vomiting, lethargy, and abdominal pain. Abdominal ultrasound was performed before and after an ACTH stimulation test. Following ACTH stimulation testing, there was progressive bilateral adrenal enlargement and free abdominal fluid had developed. This was considered to be caused by adrenocortical inflammation and hemorrhage secondary to the synthetic ACTH analog, tetracosactide, used during stimulation testing. A resting cortisol performed 5 hours after tetracosactide injection was not consistent with iatrogenic hypoadrenocorticism. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: The patient was managed with analgesia, IV fluids, and corticosteroids and made a full recovery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: To the authors' knowledge, this was the first reported case of adrenocortical hemorrhage following administration of a synthetic ACTH analog in a dog. This should be considered as a rare potential complication of ACTH stimulation testing.

Characterising injuries and pathologies of common dolphin Delphinus delphis mortalities in the South Australian Sardine Fishery.

Mortality of dolphins in fishing operations is often under-estimated, as shown by studies of beach-washed carcasses. Linking evidence obtained during necropsies with fishing method is fundamental to understanding the extent of mortality and the manner in which animals die. The South Australian Sardine Fishery (SASF) has operated a purse-seine industry since 1991. This study characterised injuries, pathological changes and life history of 49 dead dolphins collected from SASF during 2006-2019. Histology examination was conducted on 25 animals. Neonates, calves and juveniles accounted for 63% of the sample. Of mature females (n = 14), 11 were pregnant or lactating, with cryptic mortality estimated to be 20% of dolphins studied. Body condition was robust in 48 dolphins. Net marks were seen on 82%, mostly on the head, trunk and peduncle. Broken/missing teeth were noted in 63%. All dolphins had subdermal haemorrhage (moderate to severe in 96%), particularly around the head. Deep haemorrhage was common, including around occipital and flipper condyles, and organs. Copious fluid was present in the thoracic (pleural) and abdominal (ascites) cavities of half of the dolphins. Within the lungs, watery fluid and froth were observed in 100 and 39%, respectively. Recent bone fractures were documented in 43% of dolphins, mostly associated with haemorrhage. Severe blunt trauma appeared to be the primary cause of death, and 10 dolphins also had other significant pathologies. Visceral organ congestion and mild cardiomyopathy were observed. Stomachs contained prey remains in 75% of cases. The results of this study may help identify unreported purse-seine mortalities washed up in South Australia and elsewhere.