Occurrence of the structural enterocin A, P, B, L50B genes in enterococci of different origin.

Vet Microbiol. 2008 May 8;

Authors: Strompfová V, Lauková A, Simonová M, Marciňáková M

Enterococci are well-known producers of antimicrobial peptides-bacteriocins (enterocins) and the number of characterized enterocins has been significantly increased. Recently, enterocins are of great interest for their potential as biopreservatives in food or feed while research on enterocins as alternative antimicrobials in humans and animals is only at the beginning. The present study provides a survey about the occurrence of enterocin structural genes A, P, B, L50B in a target of 427 strains of Enterococcus faecium (368) and Enterococcus faecalis (59) species from different sources (animal isolates, food and feed) performed by PCR method. Based on our results, 234 strains possessed one or more enterocin structural gene(s). The genes of enterocin P and enterocin A were the most frequently detected structural genes among the PCR positive strains (170 and 155 strains, respectively). Different frequency of the enterocin genes occurrence was detected in strains according to their origin; the strains from horses and silage showed the highest frequency of enterocin genes presence. All possible combinations of the tested genes occurred at least twice except the combination of the gene of enterocin B and L50B which possessed neither strain. The gene of enterocin A was exclusively detected among E. faecium strains, while the gene of enterocin P, B, L50B were detected in strains of both species E. faecium and E. faecalis. In conclusion, a high-frequency and variability of enterocin structural genes exists among enterococci of different origin what offers a big possibility to find effective bacteriocin-producing strains for their application in veterinary medicine.

The efficacy of orally dosed ketamine and ketamine/medetomidine compared with intramuscular ketamine in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) and the effects of dosing route on haematological stress markers.

J Med Primatol. 2008 Jun;37(3):116-27

Authors: Winterborn AN, Bates WA, Feng C, Wyatt JD

Background This study compared the efficacy of two orally-dosed (PO) anaesthetic regimens for chemical immobilization in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), versus the standard protocol of intramuscular (TM) ketamine. In addition, the effects of dosing route on haematological stress markers were evaluated. Methods Testing was conducted on 18 chronically housed animals. Animals were trained to accept oral dosing and then randomly assigned to one of three drug regimens: (1) ketamine IM, (2) ketamine PO, (3) Ketamine/medetomidine PO. Sedation levels for each regimen were evaluated. Results Oral dosing alone was not sufficient to achieve a plane of sedation that allowed for safe handling. Serum cortisol and glucose levels were unchanged across groups, although differences were observed in the leukogram profiles. Conclusion The oral dosages used in this study fell short in providing adequate sedation for safe handling for routine veterinary procedures. Leukogram profiles indicated that orally dosed animals experienced a higher level of stress.

Evaluation of veterinary advice given to dairy farmers

Tijdschr Diergeneeskd. 2008 May 1;133(9):382-5

Authors: Mertens H, Vreeburg NA, Kremer WD

In this pilot study, the manner and effectiveness of advice given by four cattle practitioners was investigated during health management visits to 34 dairy farms. Farmers were asked about their satisfaction with the advice given, and an independent observer evaluated the manner in which practitioners carried out the farm visit. There were no major differences between the cattle practitioners, but there were minor differences in the way practitioners gave advice, in the duration of the herd visit, and in the subjects talked about. The farmers were positive about the manner in which advice was given and its effect. The method used in this pilot study could be used to gain insight into the manner in which veterinary advice is given by veterinary practitioners and veterinary practices, and may contribute to improving the quality of veterinary services provided. 

A review of post-operative infections in veterinary orthopedic surgery.

Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol. 2008;21(2):99-105

Authors: Weese JS

Surgical site infections are an inherent risk in orthopaedic surgery and many of the infections that develop are likely to be non-preventable. However, a variety of measures can be undertaken to reduce the risk and impact of surgical site infections. The development and implementation of an infection control program, including surgical site infection surveillance, can be an important tool for patient management. All veterinary practices should have some form of infection control program in order to address surgical site infections, among other issues, and to provide the optimal and expected level of care.