Gastroscopic characterisation and prevalence of gastric ulcer syndrome in working mules in Colombia

BACKGROUND

The existing literature does not contain information about the prevalence of gastric ulcers in mules, and on the potential associations between the presence of ulcers and work load, work type, diet, sex, age and body condition score (BCS).

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with mule gastric ulcer syndrome (MGUS) and evaluate its distribution in both mule squamous gastric disease (MSGD) and mule glandular gastric disease (MGGD) mucosa in a population of mules in Colombia.

STUDY DESIGN

Observational, cross-sectional.

METHODS

A total of 97 clinically healthy mules of different ages and locations in the province of Antioquia (Colombia) were included in this study. The mules were involved in agricultural activities (i.e., riding, pack and ranch mules) at the time of the study. The animals underwent gastroscopic evaluation, and ulcer scores from 0 to 4 were assigned based on severity, with scores ≥2 indicating clinical relevance. The presence or absence of ulcer in the squamous and/or glandular region of the stomach was recorded. Data related to work type, work load and diet, as well as sex, age and BCS were recorded for each mule. Pearson's chi-square test was used to determine the association between the outcomes and explanatory variables of the study (p ≤ 0.05). The results of the risk estimations were presented as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

The frequency of MGUS in the study population was 42%. Most of the lesions were located in the squamous region of the stomach (27%), mainly in the margo plicatus, and 20% were located in the glandular region, mainly in the fundus and pyloric antrum. Six animals showed lesions in both squamous and glandular regions. Work load was the only variable associated with the presence of MGUS (OR: 1.98; 95% CI: 0.49-0.96) and MSGD (OR: 1.78; 95% CI: 0.36-0.67). Nevertheless, the findings did not provide any significant risk assessment result, nor did they reveal any significant interactions among the other variables.

MAIN LIMITATIONS

This study used convenience sampling from a limited geographic region, and multivariate analysis was not performed, one of the exclusion criteria was the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which means that the effect of these drugs can no longer be evaluated.

CONCLUSIONS

MGUS occurs in mules subjected to agricultural work, the risk factors associated with EGUS do not appear to be significant in mules and other equids subjected to the same conditions, in this region. Further research is needed to define the differential dynamics of MGUS in comparison with the findings in horses.

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.

Inclusion of silage in diets to fattening pigs: effect on gastric ulcers and skin lesions

Limited access to high-quality feed protein for pigs has made it necessary to evaluate new protein sources that both promote sustainable pig production and meet the nutritional requirements of pigs. Providing pigs with roughage has positive effects on their behaviour and gut health. However, roughage is seldom given as a part of the pigs' diet and often has a long straw length. Knowledge is lacking on the effect of feeding silage with smaller particle size and as a part of the pigs' diet on pig behaviour and welfare. This study evaluated the influence of feeding fattening pigs silage with different particle sizes on aggressive encounters, measured as the number of skin lesions, and on the occurrence of gastric lesions and ulcers. In total, 128 Swedish Yorkshire × Hampshire pigs were fed either a commercial control feed without silage (Pellet-C), or silage mixed with commercial feed, either in a pellet (Pellet-S) or in a total mixed ration (TMR) with chopped (TMR-Ch) or intensively treated silage (TMR-Ex). Skin lesions were assessed twice in the study according to the Welfare Quality® protocol. The first assessment was performed when the pigs were 105 days old and the second assessment at 132 days of age. Gastric lesions were examined in both the pars oesophagea and the pars glandularis region of the stomach. Stomachs were collected after slaughter, and gastric lesions were scored based on established scoring criteria. There was a treatment × assessment interaction on the number of skin lesions on the ear (P = 0.049). Apart from this interaction, no other effect of treatment on the number of skin lesions could be observed between the treatments or the assessment occasions. Treatment had a clear effect on the occurrence of gastric lesions and pigs fed the fresh silage (TMR-Ch and TMR-Ex) had a lower occurrence of gastric lesions and ulcers compared to the pelleted treatments (Pellet-C and Pellet-S) (P = 0.001). This study could not show any clear reduction effect of dietary silage inclusion on skin lesions. However, feeding silage in TMR significantly reduced the occurrence of stomach ulcers.

Evisceration with implantation of an intrascleral silicone prosthesis in dogs: A retrospective study of 107 cases (2010-2019)

OBJECTIVE

To retrospectively analyze the preoperative clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of evisceration with implantation of an intrascleral silicone prosthesis (EIISP) procedures in dogs and evaluate whether brachycephalic dogs are more prone than non-brachycephalic dogs to develop postoperative complications after EIISP.

ANIMAL STUDIED

Ninety-One dogs (19 of which were brachycephalic) were included.

PROCEDURES

Medical records from 2010 to 2019 were reviewed. Signalment, reason for EIISP, postoperative complications, follow-up time, and postoperative eye appearance were analyzed.

RESULTS

The most frequently represented breeds were French Bulldog [11/91 (12%) dogs], Jack Russell Terrier [6/91 (7%)], and Shih Tzu [6/91 (7%)]. Brachycephalic dogs were statistically younger than non-brachycephalic dogs at the time of EIISP (p = 1.61 × 10-5 ). Uncontrolled glaucoma was the most common reason for EIISP in both groups. Short-term complications (from D0 to D15) seen in 7/91 (8%) dogs included epithelial corneal ulcers (n = 3), keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) (n = 2), and prosthesis extrusion (n = 2). Long-term complications seen in 26/91 (29%) dogs included KCS (n = 11), epithelial corneal ulcers (n = 7), stromal ulcers (n = 3), entropion (n = 4), and prosthesis extrusion (n = 1). Extrusion of the prosthesis occurred twice in eyes that had undergone diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation. The risk of postoperative complications was not significantly different between brachycephalic and non-brachycephalic dogs (p = .3).

CONCLUSIONS

Brachycephalic status in dogs does not appear to influence the risk of complications from EIISP. Nevertheless, the present study is a reminder that EIISP focuses on esthetics, and considering the possible complications associated with it, it does not provide a benefit to the patient compared to enucleation.

Investigating the gastrointestinal physiology of mature horses with and without a history of cribbing behavior in response to feeding a digestive support supplement

Cribbing, a stereotypic oral behavior observed in horses, involves placing incisors on a fixed object, arching the neck, pulling against the object, and emitting an audible grunt. This behavior has been associated with gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction and gastric ulceration. In this randomized crossover study, we investigated the impact of a GI support supplement (SPL) on the GI environment and physiology of four cribbing (CB) and four non-cribbing horses (NCB). Mature Quarter Horses, acclimated to individual stalls for 16 hours daily with paddock turnout in pairs for 8 hours per day, were randomly assigned to receive either the SPL or placebo for 21 days, followed by a 2-week washout period. Fecal and gastric samples were collected for pH determination and blood samples were analyzed for serum cortisol and gastrin levels. Endoscopic examinations assessed gastric ulcer severity, and cribbing frequency and bouts were recorded via video surveillance. Data were analyzed using a mixed-model ANOVA. Results showed no differences in fecal and gastric pH between cribbing statuses. However, an interaction between supplementation and cribbing status was observed for squamous mucosa ulcer scores (P=0.003). There were no differences in glandular mucosa ulcer scores, serum cortisol, serum gastrin, and crib-bite count between CB and NCB horses or between supplementation groups. Crib-bout duration did not differ with supplementation, but differences were found between periods (P<0.05) and hour ranges (P<0.001). Our findings suggest that the GI support supplement may not effectively address cribbing behavior or alter the GI environment in NCB or CB horses.

Canine oral lesions: a decision-tree approach to ulcers, leukoplakia, and pigmented lesions

Lesions in the oral cavity of dogs can be erythematous, leukoplakic, or pigmented in coloration. The diagnosis of oral erosions, ulcers, and white lesions in contrast to pigmented lesions in veterinary practice can be challenging. The most benign-looking oral ulcers can be associated with local malignant or systemic disease. Many factors are important in the evaluation and correct diagnosis of oral lesions, including medical and drug history, description of the lesion, number of lesions, depth of the lesion, biopsy technique, and correct histologic interpretation. The goal of this paper is to create a decision tree to guide the classification and proper diagnosis of canine oral mucosal lesions.

In vitro antibacterial efficacy of autologous conditioned plasma and amniotic membrane eye drops

OBJECTIVE

To determine the in vitro antibacterial efficacy of equine and canine autologous conditioned plasma (ACP) and amniotic membrane extract eye drops (AMEED) against aerobic bacteria common to the corneal surface.

PROCEDURES

Canine (n = 4) and equine (n = 4) anticoagulated whole blood samples were sterilely collected, pooled for each species, and processed using the Arthrex ACP® Double-Syringe System. Platelet counts were performed on ACP and pooled blood. AMEED were obtained from a commercial source. An electronic medical records search (2013-2022) identified aerobic bacteria cultured from canine and equine corneal ulcers at Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine (MSU-CVM). Ten commonly isolated bacteria for each species were collected from cultures submitted to the MSU-CVM Microbiology Diagnostic Service and frozen at -80°C. The Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method was used to determine the sensitivities of these isolates to ACP and AMEED. Bacterial isolates were plated onto Mueller-Hinton +5% sheep blood agar and blank sterile discs saturated with 20 μL of ACP or AMEED were tested in duplicate. Imipenem discs served as positive controls and blank discs as negative controls. Zones of inhibition were measured at 18 h.

RESULTS

ACP platelet counts were 1.06 and 1.65 times higher than blood for equine and canine samples, respectively. Growth of a multi-drug resistant Enterococcus faecalis was partially inhibited by canine and equine ACP. AMEED did not inhibit growth of any examined bacteria.

CONCLUSIONS

Canine and equine ACP partially inhibited E. faecalis growth in vitro. Further studies using varying concentrations of ACP against bacterial isolates from corneal ulcers are warranted.

Corneal Ulcers in Critically Ill Foals in Intensive Care: Case Series of Standard Treatment and Corneal Cross-Linking

Riboflavin/UV-A corneal cross-linking (CXL) has been applied to treat corneal ulcers in adult horses, but its use in critically ill neonatal foals has not been described. Five cases of hospitalized, critically ill neonatal foals that were in intensive care with corneal ulcers, the ophthalmic treatment, and their outcome up to 1 year are described. A single treatment of CXL phototherapy was performed in three of five foals (five eyes). The application of a riboflavin ophthalmic solution for 20 minutes was followed by the UV-A light irradiation at 30 mW/cm2 for 3 minutes. Topical antibiotic administration was withdrawn after CXL. Two other foals received standard treatment. Descriptions of ocular lesions, fluorescein staining, and photographic documentation were recorded. The visual outcome, corneal transparency, and aesthetics, as well as healing time were evaluated in the follow-up. The frequency of topical medication considerably decreased in cases treated with CXL. Corneal opacity and pain decreased within 3 days following CXL. In the foals treated with CXL, the ulcers healed (fluorescein stain negative) in 24, 28, and 35 days after the onset of clinical signs and 10, 15, and 21, after CXL. No fibrosis or corneal scars were found in the cases treated with CXL. The two standard treatment cases healed after 26 and 36 days respectively. Corneal cross-linking may be an additional or alternative treatment of corneal ulcers in critically ill neonatal foals and may reduce the use of antibiotics.

A remote fluorescein staining and photography protocol for monitoring of ulcerative keratitis in small animal patients: A pilot study

OBJECTIVE

To describe a protocol for corneal ulcer monitoring utilizing daily fluorescein staining and evaluation of owner-acquired anterior segment images.

ANIMAL STUDIED

Nine client-owned small animal patients (eight dogs, one cat) diagnosed with superficial corneal ulcers at the University of Georgia Veterinary Capitalize Hospital.

PROCEDURE(S)

In addition to routine ulcer therapy, patients were discharged with supplies to perform daily fluorescein staining including a Quikvue® cobalt blue light camera adapter. Fluorescein staining was performed daily, photographs and/or videos were acquired at home by the patient's owner(s), and images were analyzed daily by trained personnel. In-house examinations were performed weekly and within 24 h after the ulcer had appeared healed on photographs.

RESULTS

All (9/9) owners were able to take interpretable photographs. The majority (6/9) of patients had images successfully detailing their ulcer healing progress. One (1/9) patient appeared healed on images, but on subsequent examination had persistent ulceration covered by third eyelid elevation. Two (2/9) patients had persistent ulceration, consistent on both images and examination, but exited the study prematurely prior to ulcer healing.

CONCLUSIONS

Remote fluorescein staining and image evaluation can be considered as an adjunct for monitoring ulcer healing but should not be used alone or as a substitute for ophthalmic examinations. Ulcers under the third eyelid have potential to be missed on image evaluation alone.

Risk factors, clinical indicators, and pathological findings of abomasal ulcers in tropical dairy buffaloes

The current study aimed at identifying the risk factors and initial diagnostic aids for abomasal ulcers. The risk factor analysis confirmed a significant association (P < 0.05) of abomasal ulcers with concentrate-rich diets (OR, 4.795; CI, 1.212-15.974) and concurrent disorders (OR, 2.978; CI, 0.987-8.980), while the buffaloes in early lactation (OR, 2.777; CI, 0.703-10.972) showed a higher tendency (P = 0.078) for the disorder. The depressed demeanour, dark or black manure (melena), anemia, tachycardia, decreased milk production, anorexia, tachypnea, absence of rumination, abdominal guarding, kyphosis, and tachypnea were the most frequent clinical signs. Subjecting the abomasal fluid for cultural isolation, gram staining, and stormy clot fermentation test identified the presence of clostridium perfringes, while screening through uniplex PCR detected cpa toxin. The buffaloes affected with type-3 and 4 abomasal ulcers exhibited a higher peritoneal fluid to serum ratio of total protein, albumin, and glucose with a low (P < 0.01) serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) concentration compared to reference values of healthy buffaloes. The first two principal components of PCA explained 54.50% of the total variances with lymphocytes, creatine kinase, and rumen chloride levels as the top contributors to dimension I, and albumin, total protein, sodium, and methylene blue reduction time (MBRT) for rumen liquor as the major contributors to dimension II. The vector plot revealed lymphocytopenia, decreased hemoglobin, hypoalbuminemia, hypokalemia, decreased rumen pH, neutrophilia, eosinophilia, leucocytosis, greater MBRT, and higher rumen chloride, serum creatine kinase, and blood urea nitrogen as the major indicators for abomasal ulcers. Histopathological studies revealed infiltration of inflammatory cells in the mucosa along with multifocal areas of necrosis, degeneration, and eroded muscle structure. The study projected a few high-scored clinical signs and extremely variable clinical indicators as initial diagnostic aids of abomasal ulcers, which can be confirmed by ultrasonography and peritoneal fluid examination.

Type 2 abomasal ulceration in cattle and buffalo: energy and lipid metabolic status, clinico-biochemical parameters, treatment, and prognostic indicators

Twenty nine animals (22 cattle and 7 buffaloes) having type 2 abomasal ulcer (AU2) were studied in this prospective investigation, along with a control group (n = 20). Signalment, history, clinical signs, and laboratory alterations were determined. Blood, rumen fluid, abomasal fluid, and fecal samples were collected at the time of presentation. Depressed behavior, anorexia, dehydration, melena, sparse feces, and mushy rumen with substantially reduced or nonexistent motility, tachycardia, and tachypnea were common clinical findings. Colic was observed in 58% of animals. While the neutrophil count was significantly greater, the mean of lymphocytes, hemoglobin, erythrocyte count, and hematocrit were all lower (p < 0.05) than the corresponding control values. In comparison to the control values, the levels of BHBA, NEFA, lactate, bilirubin, BUN, creatinine, LDH, CK, GGT, ALP, and AST were significantly higher but levels of proteins, cholesterol, Na, K, Cl, and calcium were lower (p < 0.05). In comparison to the control values, the other hemato-biochemical parameters did not differ substantially (p < 0.05). The rumen and abomasal pH were within the reference range while rumen chloride concentration was increased in majority of animals. Higher percentage (p < 0.05) of non-survivors showed left shift and toxic alterations in neutrophils than the survivors. As compared to the survivors, the non-survivors had higher (p < 0.05) BHBA, triglycerides, total bilirubin, AST, ALP, LDH, and lactate, and lower (p < 0.05) fibrinogen and calcium. The response to medical treatment was fair, long time survival rate was good, and there was no recurrence. The follow-up period was 28 months. After treatment, both the current and the subsequent lactation's milk production were unaffected.

Gastroduodenal ulceration detected endoscopically in cats: retrospective study of 61 patients

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to describe the endoscopic appearance of gastroduodenal ulcers (GDUs), and to assess the clinical, ultrasonographic and histological data, as well as long-term follow-up, in cats.

METHODS

The medical record databases of five veterinary endoscopists were evaluated between January 2016 and 2020, in a retrospective study. Cats with at least one gastric or duodenal ulcer detected by endoscopic examination were included. All the medical records of the selected cats were reviewed and information was collected regarding breed, age, sex, neuter status, medical history, clinical signs, and ultrasonographic, endoscopic and histological findings. The cats were evaluated at 6, 12 and 18 months.

RESULTS

Sixty-one cats with a median age of 9.0 years (range 2.0-16.0) were included in the study. The most common complaints were vomiting (n = 55; 90%) and hyporexia (n = 40; 66%); haematemesis was reported in 12 (20%) cats. Endoscopy showed GDUs in the following locations: gastric body in 28 cats (46%), antropyloric area in 34 cats (56%), fundus in 13 cats (21%) and duodenum in eight cats (13%). A single GDU was found in 42 cats (69%) and multiple GDUs were seen in 19 cats (31%). Histopathological evaluation revealed benign lesions in 33 (54%) cats and malignant lesions in 28 (46%; 24 high-grade lymphoma, one low-grade lymphoma and three carcinoma). High-grade lymphoma was detected only in the stomach. Cats diagnosed with malignant GDUs (median 10.5, range 4-16) were significantly older than cats with benign lesions (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

GDUs are common and were detected in 5.1% of cats undergoing an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The risk of a malignant ulcer increases proportionally with each year of increasing age. GDU location, number and morphological appearance do not provide any indication of the nature of the ulcer; however, duodenal ulcers are frequently benign. Endoscopic examination facilitates the early and minimally invasive detection of GDUs in cats.

Acidic chemical corneal ulceration secondary to nail polish spill in a puppy

PURPOSE

To describe the treatment of an acidic chemical corneal ulceration in a puppy secondary to nail polish spilling on and adhering to the cornea.

CASE SUMMARY

A 12-week-old neutered male Australian Shepherd mix dog was presented to Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital's (CSU-VTH) Emergency and Urgent Care service acutely after exposure to nail polish spilling on the left eye (OS). Initial ophthalmic examination revealed nail polish adhered to approximately 80% of the cornea with moderate diffuse corneal edema and chemosis, and green nail polish adhered to the skin and fur of the periocular area. Copious flushing with eye wash was performed, but no areas of reduced nail polish adherence were noted. The patient was treated with 1 drop of topical ofloxacin 0.3% ophthalmic solution OS and hospitalized overnight, receiving hyaluronic acid ophthalmic lubrication every hour OS. The treatment plan was carried out for 6 h until time of transfer. In the morning, CSU-VTH's Ophthalmology service removed a nonadhered nail polish plaque in 1 piece using Bishop-Harmon tissue forceps. Following removal, a superficial ulcer secondary to an acidic chemical burn covering 100% of the corneal surface was noted, as well as moderate diffuse corneal edema. Following topical treatment for 8 days, the superficial ulcer healed completely, with no significant long-term consequences.

UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED

This is the first report of management of an acidic chemical corneal ulceration secondary to nail polish spill in a puppy. Early assessment and vigilance in treatment was essential for a good prognosis and outcome.

Using a target trial approach to evaluate the role of hyperketonemia in sole ulcer and white line hoof lesion development

This observational cohort study enrolled cows from 7 freestall dairy herds in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The objective was to estimate the causal role of hyperketonemia on new sole ulcer and white line hoof lesions (SUWL). Multiparous cows were enrolled at the time of their precalving hoof trim, at the end of their previous lactation. Enrolled cows were hoof trimmed twice: precalving between 90 to 21 d before calving (n = 2,037), and postcalving between 21 to 150 d after calving (n = 1,408). We trained 7 commercial hoof trimmers, employed by the farms, in lesion identification to standardize lesion recording. Hoof trimmers conducted therapeutic trimming as well as diagnosing and treating lesions. After parturition, cows between 3 and 16 d in milk were tested once weekly for hyperketonemia using a hand-held ketone meter. Farm staff and research personnel conducted the β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) testing. Cows were classified as hyperketonemic (HYK+) if they had a blood BHB ≥1.2 mmol/L or hyperketonemia-negative (HYK-) if blood BHB <1.2 mmol/L. At the precalving hoof trim, 15.6% of cows trimmed had a lesion and 1.9% of cows had a SUWL; thus, cows with a SUWL were excluded from further analysis (n = 38). At the postcalving hoof trim, 25.8% of cows trimmed had a hoof lesion, and 3.6% of cows had a SUWL. The most prevalent lesions at the pre- and postcalving hoof trims were digital dermatitis and corkscrew lesions. The incidence of hyperketonemia among cows was 21.1% (421/1,999) and the incidence on farms ranged from 5.7 to 29.1%. After excluding cows due to being hoof trimmed outside our designated window, the multilevel logistic regression model for the odds of SUWL at the postcalving hoof trim included 1,209 cows (HYK+ = 257/1,209; SUWL = 42/1,209). The odds of having SUWL in HYK+ was 0.66 (95% confidence interval: 0.29, 1.49) times the odds of that for HYK- cows. For cows diagnosed with a lesion (digital dermatitis, corkscrew, toe, foot rot, or other lesion) at their precalving hoof trim (n = 199), the odds of having SUWL for HYK+ cows were 0.43 (95% confidence interval: 0.05, 3.92) times the odds of that for HYK- cows. The wide range of compatible causal estimates suggest that hyperketonemia likely has a limited role in the development of SUWL in cows with or without a hoof lesion precalving. Future research should investigate other transition period factors such as inflammation or structural changes to the foot that may have a causative role in the development of SUWL.

Isolation, identification, and pathogenic characteristics of Nocardia seriolae in largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides

The largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides is an important freshwater aquaculture fish in China. Recently, largemouth bass at a fish farm in Guangdong province experienced an outbreak of a serious ulcer disease. As part of the investigations conducted to identify the aetiology and identify potentially effective control measures, we isolated a pathogenic bacterium (NK-1 strain) from the diseased fish. It was identified as Nocardia seriolae through morphological observation, physiological and biochemical analysis, and molecular identification, and its pathogenicity was verified by experimental infection. Pathological changes in the diseased fish included granulomatous lesions in the liver and spleen, destruction of renal tubules, necrosis of intestinal epithelial cells, infiltration of inflammatory cells in the brain, vacuolation of cells, and swelling and cracking of the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum. Bacterial detection using qPCR showed that the spleen and intestine were the main organs targeted by N. seriolae. The mortality of largemouth bass experimentally infected with N. seriolae at 21°C was significantly lower than that in fish infected at higher temperatures between 24 and 33°C; there were no significant differences in the levels of mortality at these higher temperatures. The level of mortality of largemouth bass infected with N. seriolae was lowest at a neutral water pH of 7 but increased significantly at higher and lower pH. Of the tested Chinese herbal medicines, Chinese sumac Galla chinensis and Chinese skullcap Scutellaria baicalensis exhibited the best antibacterial effects. This study lays a foundation for the clinical diagnosis and scientific control of ulcer disease in largemouth bass.

Outbreaks of epizootic ulcerative syndrome in Kerala, India following episodes of flooding

Large-scale fish mortality was observed in flood-affected fish farms across several parts of Kerala following heavy rainfall in August 2018 and 2019-nearly 53% above the normal monsoon rain that the region receives. The affected fish had severe haemorrhages and ulcers, typical of the highly infectious disease epizootic ulcerative syndrome (EUS) caused by the water mould Aphanomyces invadans. In freshwater, snakeheads Channa spp. and in brackish water mullet (Mugilidae) and pearl spot (Etroplus suratensis) were severely affected. EUS was observed in 4 freshwater fishes for the first time: dotted sawfin barb Pethia punctata (Cyprinidae), Malabar leaffish Pristolepis malabarica (Pristolepididae), mahecola barb Puntius mahecola (Cyprinidae) and giant snakehead Channa pseudomarulius (Channidae). Histology and molecular diagnosis confirmed the cause of mortality to be EUS. Fungal hyphae were also observed in deeply ulcerated fish, revealed by lactophenol cotton blue staining. The severity of the EUS outbreak was linked to the sudden change in water quality associated with the flood, such as lower water temperature, and decreases in pH, total alkalinity and total hardness.

Pseudomonas piscis sp. nov., isolated from the profound head ulcers of farmed Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii)

A Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, motile, rod-shaped bacterium with monopolar flagella, designated as MC042^T, was isolated from the profound head ulcers of farmed Murray cod sampled from Zhejiang Province, China. Analysis of its 16S rRNA gene sequence and multilocus sequence analysis phylogeny showed that strain MC042^T belonged to the genus Pseudomonas, showing the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Pseudomonas juntendi BML3^T (98.9 %), and less than 98.8 % similarity to other Pseudomonas species with validly published names. Whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic reconstruction based on a core set of 1563 Pseudomonas genes further indicated that strain MC042^T was most closely related to the clade formed by Pseudomonas protegens CHA0^T and Pseudomonas saponiphila DSM 975^T and distantly related to any of the validly published species of the genus Pseudomonas. Furthermore, strain MC042^T could be distinguished from its closely related species of the genus Pseudomonas by its ability to assimilate maltose, d-xylose and melibiose, but not d-mannitol. The principal fatty acids were C_16 : 0, summed feature 3 (iso-C_15 : 0 2-OH and/or C_16 : 1ω7c) and summed feature 8 (C_18 : 1 ω7c and/or C_18 : 1 ω6c). The respiratory quinone was Q-9. Polar lipids of strain MC042^T comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, unidentified glycolipids, an unidentified lipid, an unknown glycolipid and aminolipid. Based on its phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic features, strain MC042^T is considered to represent a novel species, for which the name Pseudomonas piscis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MC042^T (=KCTC 72033^T=MCCC 1K03575^T).

Ulcerative, granulomatous glossitis and enteritis caused by Rhodococcus equi in a heifer

Rhodococcus equi infection in horses is common and is characterized by pyogranulomatous pneumonia and ulcerative enterocolitis. R. equi clinical disease in cattle, however, is rare and typically manifests as granulomatous lymphadenitis discovered in the abattoir. A 19-mo-old female Santa Gertrudis had a history of intermittent inappetence and weight loss for a 3-mo period before euthanasia. Gross and histologic examination revealed severe, chronic, ulcerative, and granulomatous inflammation in the tongue, pharynx, and small intestine. Also, the heifer had severe, granulomatous pharyngeal and mesenteric lymphadenitis. Bacterial cultures from the ileum, tongue, and liver yielded numerous-to-moderate numbers of R. equi. PCR analysis of the isolate detected the linear virulence plasmid vapN, which is often identified in bovine isolates (traA- and vapN-positive). The bacteria also lack the circular plasmids vapA and vapB that are associated with virulence in horses and swine, respectively. We report herein an atypical and unusual clinical presentation of R. equi infection in cattle, which has zoonotic potential.

First record of epizootic ulcerative syndrome from the Upper Congo catchment: An outbreak in the Bangweulu swamps, Zambia

We report on the first outbreak of epizootic ulcerative syndrome (EUS) amongst wild fish populations in the Bangweulu swamps, an inland delta, in the north of Zambia during 2014. The area supports a large and diverse fish fauna related to, but distinct from, that of the Zambezi River system where EUS outbreaks have occurred since 2006. A sizeable artisanal fishery, based on extensive fish weirs, is sustained by the annual flooding of the swamps, and observations of the disease outbreak by fishermen were recorded. Signs typical of infection with Aphanomyces invadans were observed in a number of species. Clinical observations, histology and molecular diagnostic methods were used to confirm infection with A. invadans in two of the most commonly and severely affected species. Several features of the wetland may have contributed to the outbreak and the annual recurrence of the disease. Modes by which the disease may have been introduced into the swamps are discussed. The outbreak is of great significance as the Bangweulu swamps drain into the Congo River in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa's largest drainage system with an extensive and diverse fish fauna previously unaffected by EUS.

Pathogenesis and Treatment of Sole Ulcers and White Line Disease

Sole ulcers and white line disease are 2 of the most common claw horn lesions in confined dairy cattle. Predisposing causes include unbalanced weight bearing, and metabolic, enzymatic, and hormonal changes. The white line serves as the junction between the sole and axial and abaxial wall. It is vulnerable to trauma and separation, permitting organic matter to become entrapped. Colonization contributes to retrograde movement of the infection to the solar and perioplic corium, where an abscess forms resulting in pain and lameness. Successful treatment requires an orthopedic foot block to the healthy claw and corrective trimming of the lesion.

Ascaridoid Nematodes and Associated Lesions in Stomachs of Subadult Male Northern Fur Seals (Callorhinus Ursinus) on St. Paul Island, Alaska: (1987—1999)

Stomachs from subadult male northern fur seals (SAMs) ( Callorhinus ursinus) (n = 5,950) from St. Paul Island, Alaska, were examined from 1987 to 1999 for lesions and parasites. On gross examination of these stomachs, parasite nodules were evident in 92% of the stomachs and active and healing ulcers were found in 14% and 10%, respectively. Prevalence of nematodes from 1987 to 1997 was 88% for 5,700 SAMs for which numbers of parasites were estimated but not identified to the genus level. All nematodes recovered from 250 SAMs examined in 1998 ( n = 124; 99% infected) and in 1999 ( n = 126; 91% infected) were identified and counted. Prevalences in 1998 and 1999 were 5% and 0% for Anisakis spp., 52% and 18% for Contracaecum spp., and 96% and 89% for Pseudoterranova spp., respectively.

An unusual case of urinary retention and ulcerative cystitis in a horse, sequelae of pelvic abscessation, and adhesions

A 21-year-old Quarter horse gelding was presented with stranguria and incontinence of 10 days duration. Despite catheterization and antibiotic therapy, the horse was euthanized. Necropsy revealed posterior abdominal and pelvic abscessation with adhesions of the urinary bladder and severe ulcerative cystitis.