Clinical

Figure 1. The characteristic oily appearance of Mycoplasma bovis on selective growth media.

Mycoplasma spp. mastitis — approach to diagnosis

Mycoplasma spp. mastitis outbreaks are rare, but when they occur they tend to be characterised by recurrent mastitis that is non-responsive to treatment, and a high rate of subclinical infections.

Figure 1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be a standard part of the pain management in calves undergoing disbudding.

An introduction to NSAIDs for cattle: recommendations for the veterinary surgeon

The literature on the use of NSAIDs in cattle is growing — a quick search using Scopus with search terms ‘NSAID’ and ‘cattle’ identified 228 documents of which half had been published in the last 9...

A practical introduction to the thoracic ultrasonography of sheep

It is possible to obtain diagnostic quality images using linear and curvilinear rectal-style transducers; however, the shape of the probe is difficult to hold and maintain contact with the convex...

Ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma diagnosis and control in practice

Currently there are no serological tests available commercially because of the lack of detectable immune response to JSRV in infected animals. In the molecular blood tests that are available,...

Figure 2. M4 lesion before and after removal of the overlying hyperkeratotic scab, showing ulcerated tissue where invasion of pathogens has caused severe damage to the epidermis.

Infection reservoirs and transmission of digital dermatitis in the dairy herd

The most recently calculated reproduction ratio (R0) for DD is 2.36, meaning that in the absence of control measures it is expected that each case will give rise to 2.36 further cases (Biemans et al,...

Figure 1. The potassium (K) of grass silage (left) is higher than cereal silages (middle) and is very difficult to predict. Mineral analysis (right) of grass silages intended for dry cows is very worthwhile.

An update on hypocalcaemia control

The use of Ca salt containing drenches around calving is popular and is reasonably effective at controlling clinical hypocalcaemia. The most soluble salts are the most effective; calcium chloride is...

Figure 3. Good design covered open ridge with upstands; creates negative pressure at ridge >90% time.

Youngstock housing design

Apart from the question of using the correct cleaning products at the correct dilution for the correct period of application, the ability to satisfactorily clean surfaces competently is a system...

Figure 1. Snowfall during late pregnancy can result in temporary feed restriction and the precipitation of clinical hypocalcaemia.

The recumbent ewe

Hypocalcaemia is commonly seen in ewes in late pregnancy (last 6 weeks of gestation), and may also occur sporadically in early lactation. The pathophysiology is similar to that of milk fever in cows,...

Figure 4. Nervous signs (lateral position, paddling limbs) in a pig with oedema disease.

Oedema disease: a review of the disease and control and preventative measures

E. coli is a bacterium that is commonly found in the lower intestine of animals. Non-pathogenic, intestinal E. coli (commensal E. coli) support the physiological intestinal balance of the host,...

Figure 2. Sows in oestrus will attract boars.

Biosecurity

Biosecurity is a word coined to describe the concept where pathogens' access to a farm is restricted, controlled, reduced or eliminated. It must be remembered that biosecurity is not disease control...

Figure 2. Eye and adnexa of an alpaca. The normal haired and fleshy caruncle is visible in the medial canthus and the leading edge of the nictitans is pigmented. The iris is heterochromic with variable amounts of pigment. The prominent iridal folds will interdigitate when the horizontally elliptical pupil constricts fully. A nuclear cataract can be seen within the pupil aperture.

Diagnosis and treatment of common ophthalmic disorders in South American camelids

Chemical sedation for ophthalmic examination is rarely necessary. Assessment of vision is similar to that of other domestic species. The menace response is elicited by advancing a closed fist quickly...

Figure 1. Three buckets of freshly harvested colostrum.

Youngstock health: Effective disease prevention today ensuring tomorrow's profitable herd

The feeding of an adequate volume of good quality, clean colostrum as soon as possible after birth is arguably the most significant effect a farmer can have on the life of a cow. Providing simple...