Jerry R. Roberson DVM, DACVIM

Theriogenology Question of the Month

Jerry R. Roberson et al. — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:00:46 PST

Mild to moderate clinical mastitis: efficacy of intramammary amoxicillin, frequent milk-out, a combined intramammary amoxicillin, and frequent milk-out treatment versus no treatment.

Jerry R. Roberson et al. — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:00:45 PST

Study objectives were to determine the efficacy of 4 methods (intramammary amoxicillin, frequent milk-out, a combined intramammary amoxicillin and frequent milk-out, and no treatment) of managing mild to moderate clinical mastitis in a university dairy herd. Clinical and microbiological cures, milk production, disease progression, and California Mastitis Tests scores were evaluated. Cows meeting the study criteria were assigned to one of four treatment options based on a systematic randomization scheme (blocked by stage of lactation). Treatments were initiated prior to knowledge of culture results. Cows were observed and evaluated on d 1 to 8, 15, 22, 29, and 36. Overall, treatments were not significantly different than controls. However, when efficacy was evaluated by pathogen group, differences were observed. Intramammary amoxicillin appeared to be the most efficacious treatment for environmental streptococci. Frequent milk-out appeared to be detrimental for environmental streptococci. Treatment method appeared to have little effect on Escherichia coli mastitis, as nearly all cases recovered within a short time frame. None of the treatments were satisfactory for cases of Klebsiella mastitis. When obtained in a timely manner, treatment selection for clinical mastitis should be based on culture results.

Chronic Staphylococcus aureus endometritis in a virgin gilt.

Jerry R. Roberson et al. — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:00:43 PST

The clinical signs, diagnosis and successful treatment of chronic Staphylococcus aureus endometritis in an 8-month-old gilt in the USA [date not given] are described.

Glanders in horses: a review of the literature.

F. K. Al-Ani et al. — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:00:40 PST

Glanders is a common infectious disease of horses in certain parts of the world. The disease also affects other animal species and is of zoonotic importance. The causative agent is newly classified under the genus Burkholderia and the biochemical characteristics of the bacteria are listed. Clinical signs of the disease vary among horses but may be manifested by cutaneous nodules, bronchopneumonia and/or nasal ulceration. The diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment and control of glanders are discussed.

Yew Toxicity

Jerry R. Roberson — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:00:38 PST

Clostridial: Myositis

Jerry R. Roberson — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:00:37 PST

Mastitis: No Growth

Jerry R. Roberson — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:00:35 PST

Mastitis: Streptococcal

Jerry R. Roberson et al. — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:00:33 PST

Mastitis: Viral

Jerry R. Roberson — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:00:32 PST

Clostridal Disease: GI

Jerry R. Roberson — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:00:31 PST

Use of a constant rate infusion of insulin for the treatment of hyperglycemic, hypernatremic, hyperosmolar syndrome in an alpaca cria

T Buchheit et al. — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:00:28 PST

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 3-day-old 9.5-kg (21-lb) female alpaca cria was examined because of lethargy and anorexia. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Physical examination revealed hyperthermia, muscle fasciculations, and tremors of the head. Seizures were also observed, which indicated CNS dysfunction. Hyperosmolar syndrome (HOS) was diagnosed on the basis of hyperglycemia, hypernatremia, azotemia, high plasma osmolarity, and metabolic acidosis. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: A constant rate infusion of regular insulin was administered with hypo-osmolar fluids to treat HOS, and blood glucose and sodium concentrations were successfully lowered. Neurologic deficits resolved with treatment, and the cria was discharged 11 days after admission. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Administration of insulin as a bolus in addition to hypo-osmolar fluids has been advocated in the management of neonatal camelids with HOS. Administration of regular insulin via a constant rate IV infusion was used to successfully manage a neonatal camelid with HOS. This form of insulin administration may allow more control of glucose kinetics in these patients