Stacey added that the temperature would have risen quickly due to the small ventilation openings.
A $150,000 grant has been awarded to researchers at Western Australia’s Harry Butler Institute’s Centre for Biosecurity and One Health at Murdoch University, to better understand the movement and spread of tick-associated cattle diseases.
Conrad Stacey of Stacey Agnew engineering said his modelling showed the temperature inside the trailer would have been very uncomfortable at best, fatal at worst.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ consumer price index showed that the price of veterinary and other pet services rose 7.3 per cent – the highest jump since GST was introduced in 2001.
“It’s really tough to get vets. We recently hired a locum, we were paying her over double what you would normally pay a vet, just to keep the wheels turning while another vet was on leave,” she said.
Charlotte Oskram
It was reported that some wholesalers had added 10 to 30 per cent to the prices of their products.
Charlotte Oskram, a senior lecturer at MU, and a world-leading tick researcher said the disease had huge implications for the welfare of animals, as well as devastating outcomes for cattle industries around the globe.
“If you have eight of them in a room, like this trailer, that’s about the same amount of heat the horses were putting out.”
“People expect a more human healthcare system, including cutting-edge treatments like chemotherapy … that does, unfortunately, mean greater costs.”
An engineer who modelled the temperatures polo ponies were likely to have endured on a boat journey has told a court they were “going to cook”, the ABC Sixteenreports.horses were found dead inside a trailer on the Spirit Of Tasmania after a Bass Strait crossing between Devonport and Melbourne, with a further twoFerrysurviving.operator TT-Line is fighting 29 charges of breaching the Animal Welfare Act, including that the company neglected to ensure the animals had adequate ventilation and individual stalling.
He told Burnie Magistrates Court the horses would have created 20 kilowatts of heat inside the trailer.
more interventional treatment,” Australian Veterinary Association president Bronwyn Orr told the Herald.
“The maximum heater sold draws 10 amps which is 2.4 kilowatts, and it will put all of that out as heat,” Stacey said.
The court had previously heard that the high temperatures created an increased respirator y demand, and the horses likely died eight hours into the voyage.
The two surviving horses were located closest to the tailgate of the trailer, which had an additional opening and allowed greater ventilation.
The driver of the trailer and former Australian polo captain Andrew Williams recently changed his plea to guilty to charges arising from the same incident.Williams is yet to be sentenced.
In the 12 months to June, the cost of pets and related products rose 11.8 per cent, according to The Sydney Morning Herald. This is the largest increase in prices since June 2010.
Orr suggested that increased uptake of pet insurance may help ameliorate costs for consumers. Bathurst vet Zoe Blank suggested a lack of workers contributed to higher veterinary costs.
“The horses could not reject their heat, so they were going to cook,” he said.
■ SAM WORRAD
A detrimental threat to cattle, bovine anaemia due to (BATOG) disease is caused by a blood parasite in the Theileria orientalis group and is transmitted by bush ticks (Haemaphysalis longicornis) after they attach themselves to cattle and destroy the animals’ red blood cells.
“Severe cases result in lethargy, lack of appetite, weakness and on occasion even death. Ticks, and the bugs they pass onto cattle, are a major issue that can lead to reduced fertility, loss of milk production, and result in devastating consequences for the cattle industr y overall,” she said.
Although BATOG has been present in WA since 1983 it has historically been non-threatening but there are indications a more pathogenic form of BATOG is now present, and Oskram said there are concerns climate change may favour the spread of both tick and BATOG“There’sdisease.concern the changing climate will lead to an expansion of tick populations that are carrying the blood parasite which may lead to disease outbreaks. This is especially concerning as higher temperatures and increased summer rainfall lead to favourable environmental conditions for ticks to thrive,” she said. To page 30
“Dogs have moved from the backyard to the bedroom, and that’s happened in the last 10 to 20 years.
As a result, people want to keep them alive, do
■ August 2022 ■ ■ www.theveterinarian.com.au TheVeterinarianTickofapprovalKIWIPOST7IFACETOFACE9IMANAGEMENT11IESSAY12IASTRACTS14ICLINICALREVIEW23Expert:ponieswere‘goingtocook’Petownersfeelingthepinchascostsrise
While the costs are partially driven by pressures in supply chains, it is also due to increased utilisation of specialist animal care, and changes in how owners treat their charges.
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Materials scientistProfessor Michael Yufrom UQ’sAustralian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnologysaidthe University had patented the silica nanoparticles that feature a hollow cavity and a porous silica shell.
anthropogenic impacts, including un favourable climatic events.
The next stage of the research will be to move the study out of the laboratory and test the technology in the field.
Peter James Picture Shan Goodwin Farmonline
Thesources.widespread study is understood to be the first of its kind and has identified candidate genes for future comparative studies of common dolphins, and potentially other delphinid species that share similar dynamic environments around the world.
“Information about how the environment affects DNA diversity of marine populations can assist with the population management, and in forecasting how they may cope withclimate change and other anthropogenic impacts,” he said.
He said the results showed the careful choice of active ingredient can ensure minimal residues or offtarget effects for the sheep.
temperatures.Co-author Luciana Möller, Associate Professor and marine biologist, also from Flinders University’s CSE, said while many breeding and feeding conditions were still unknown, it was important for managers of coastal environments to consider the importance of DNA diversity, particularly in the event of changes in key environmental conditions such as water temperatures, salinity, and food
The Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) funded project is designing and testing unique silica nanocapsule particles with surface spikes purpose-built to give prolonged periods of protection against fly strike and lice.
The scientists found that genomic variation in dolphins of the southern
“We’ve tested a number of designs, but the most promising is a nanoparticle that has whisker-like spikes which cover the outer surface,” Yusaid.“These spikes help the capsules ‘stick’ to either the fleece fibres or to the blowflies.”
“New methods that can provide longer periods of protection are
Senior Research FellowPeter Jamesfrom UQ’sCentre for Animal Sciencesaid nanotechnology could be part of the solution to a problem that costs the Australian sheep industry $173 million a year.
“Historically, chemical pesticides have been delivered in relatively large doses to achieve extended protection, but in slow-release formulas doses can be smaller.
AWI General Manager Research Jane Littlejohnhas welcomed the research.“Nanotechnology has the potential to increase the range of treatment options available to woolgrowers,” Littlejohn said.
News TheVeterinarian 3AUGUST 2022www.theveterinarian.com.au
Dolphin DNA study shows need for greater conservation effort
First author Andrea Barceló, from Flinders University’s College ofScience and Engineering, said high levels of genomic variation can play an important part in the longterm survival of the wide-ranging mammals and other species.
break was impacted by fluctuations of primary productivity and sea surface temperatures. This contrasted with the genomic differentiations of dolphins from protected coastal habitats and more enclosed embayment areas, which were mainly associated with fluctuations in salinity, and local environment
Results of the study, published recently in the journal BMC Ecology and Evolution involved a census of dolphin populations living along 3000km of Australia’s southern coastline. They showed that if connectivity is maintained it will promote long-term genomic variations, helping to enhance population viability under
“Nanocapsules offer new, labourefficient options for managing flystrike and could also help counter the risk of blowflies developing resistance to treatment,” James said.
‘Seascape genomics of common dolphins reveals adaptive diversity linked to regional and local oceanography’ is available at doi.org/10.1186/s12862022-02038-1
Nanoparticles could help beat flystrike
“By using nanocapsules, the chemical can either be delivered at steady levels over a prolonged period or designed to release only when needed.”
required to counter the development of resistance to flystrike insecticides and to support the reduced reliance on mulesing, a surgical technique that has been used over many years,” James said.
coast of WA was linked to local currents, while genomic differentiation of common dolphins from sites along the continental shelf
Tiny nanoparticles less than a thousandth of a millimetre in size are providing a promising new method to protect sheep against deadly flystrike, according to University of Queensland research.
A comprehensive study led by researchers from Flinders University and Macquarie University, has found the conservation and policy efforts required to preserve adaptive DNA diversity in the common dolphin ( Delphinus delphis) will need to increase, both to assist connectivity between the groups, and support the long-term gene flow and adaptation during ongoing habitat changes affected by climate change and human activities.
“We’ve had very promising results during testing with the slow-release formulations giving extended periods of protection in comparisons with more conventional formulations," James said.
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The Petbarn Foundation has raised a record breaking $1.169m through its annual Seeing Eye Dogs Appeal – enough money to fund the training and development of 23 Seeing Eye Dogs puppies to support Australians who are blind or have low Throughoutvision.the month of July, Australians donated at Petbarn and City Farmers stores nationally and online to help cover the costs of breeding, training, and caring for the puppies.
News TheVeterinarian 5AUGUST 2022www.theveterinarian.com.au
Eye Dog is around six months. Vision Australia estimates there are 453,000 people in Australia who are blind or have low vision with this figure expected to increase to 560,000 by 2030, with more trained dogs urgently needed.
It costs $50,000 and two years to train just one puppy and the current wait time for an Seeing
“We want to extend a huge thank you to everyone in the community who donated,” Petbarn Foundation Manager, Janelle Bloxsom, said. “Year on year we are blown away by your generosity and passion for this important campaign. Thanks to your support, we will be able to see 23 Seeing Eye Dogs puppies trained and change the lives of Australians who are blind or have low“Wevision.”areabsolutely thrilled with the funds raised in this year’s Appeal and are so grateful to Petbarn and its community for supporting us,” To page 30
TheAVA has suggested that all resident and visiting dogs in these areas be vaccinated against this frequently fatal disease.
“Vaccination, combined with preventing dogs swimming or playing in lakes, ponds or other sources of stagnant water [which could be contaminated] can help minimise the risk of infection”
Michael Hayward, President of the Australian VeterinaryAssociation ACT Division, said.
The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) has warned dog owners of a very serious infection of dogs,leptospirosis, which has been detected across NSW with diagnoses on the Central Coast, Central and Northern beaches areas of Sydney and the NSW South Coast.
Two dogs living in the St George’s Basin area of the NSW South Coast were recently diagnosed with leptospirosis, the first occurrence of this disease on the South Coast. They were unable to be saved, because despite appropriate treatment, it is often too late to reverse the severe damage the disease causes.
This year is the ninth Seeing Eye Dogs Appeal, and had the aim of raising $1m, $250,000 more than 2021’starget. The appeal will provide vital funds to support Vision Australia and their Seeing Eye Dogs program.
“Vaccination offers protection against Leptospirosis” Zachary Lederhose of the Australian VeterinaryAssociation NSW Division Committee, said.
Petbarn Foundation Appeal breaks record
The bacterial disease affects the liver and kidneys, sometimes the respiratory system and brain.Common clinical signs may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, jaundice, inappetence, changed frequency of urination and nosebleeds. The bacterium are most commonly spread through contact with soil, water or vegetation that has been contaminated with urine from infected animals, commonly rats and mice. In the recent outbreak, many of the infected dogs have not survived.
Leptospirosis found in NSW and ACT
I get the pleasure of upskilling our workforce as a Regional Clinical Director, as well as performing urgent, technical surgical procedures for patients in need. I love watching our vets apply new skills and knowledge in clinic decision making and empowering them to be confident in their remarkable abilities. Particularly when I see our more junior vets master a skill they were once nervous about, for me that that really rewarding and I love being able to encourage growth and progression. I’m very proud of my passionate and engaged team of veterinarians and the way they look out for each other.
What is unique about the culture at Greencross?
How does Greencross support your team’s wellbeing?
At Greencross we pride ourselves on our supportive culture that is often described as like being part of a family. Our team members all deserve and receive respect, support, flexibility and mentorship. Hear from one of our newest recruits and her Regional Clinical Director who started with us 15 years ago about their perspectives on the Greencross culture.
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What is the best part of your job?
Have you felt supported in your new role?
DR. ADAM JEFFREY Regional Clinical Director Greencross Vets
The support and connections that come with being a part of the network is unrivalled. Everyone truly cares for each other and will go out of their way to help or listen at every level. With so many clinics, hospitals and our support office, there is always someone to go to with whatever you need, or for when you just need a laugh or a chat. We also have a big focus on education to improve the skills and knowledge of our teams. We encourage completion of further education courses and memberships exams via our scholarship programs, as well as webinars and our very popular practical hands-on workshops. I personally have progressed with my skills and knowledge through the years utilising the current offering to a point where I now present the workshops I previously attended as junior vet.
A culture of difference
DR. SHANICE NITIS Graduate Veterinarian Greencross Vets
I feel like a very valued member of the team and I am so grateful for everyone’s support. They have always made an effort to check in and listen to my ideas and opinions. My practice manager and vet nurses are always conscious of my needs as a new graduate; they make sure I have enough time to work-up my cases, do consults, type my notes and eat lunch. The veterinarians echo this in the clinical setting; as they are always willing to mentor me even when they are extremely busy with their own cases.
I would highly recommend the Greencross Graduate Program for final year vet students and believe Greencross has taken the time to make a program that meets the needs of graduate veterinarians. There is a tremendous amount of support, continuing education, and opportunities to network with veterinarians from other General Practice Clinics and Emergency and Specialist Referral Hospitals. The culture is incredible and I have felt so supported and mentored from day one. Choosing Greencross was one of the best decisions I have made in my life.
What opportunities have you had to network with your colleagues?
I have had many opportunities to network and am building great connections with my colleagues both inside and outside of work. The first opportunity was the Gold Coast new graduate meet and greet, where I met my Regional Clinic Director and other vets, clinical directors, practice managers and grads working at clinics across the Gold Coast. Greencross also flew me to Sydney for the new graduate induction session, involving a dinner meet and greet and team building activities with other new grads from around the country. We also have four online meetings amongst the new grads across Australia where we discuss various case reports and upcoming surgical and dentistry workshops. There is a lot of opportunity to meet new people and make friends.
A great place to work Learn more greencrossvets.com.au/careersat: Grow and develop with us. Discover both clinical & management career pathways! Enjoy flexibility. Thrive with work-life balance and a roster that suits you! Paid parental leave. Feel supported in a safe progressive environment. Mental health & wellbeing is our priority. You’ll be supported every step of the way. Clinical excellence. We provide the highest standards of care & free Stress Free Pets accreditation! SinglePage_VetPracticeMag-April_PR2.indd 1 04/05/2022 15:18:18
We promote wellbeing by focusing on it and bringing it to the forefront of our conversations with our teams. The key is finding balance in your life, and for many that doesn’t come easily. We tailor our working week to maximise time off to enjoy things outside of work. We encourage our team members to go home when their shift finishes and don’t do any on-call work. We want our teams to take their lunch break every day and get out of the clinic to refresh and reset. There is no hierarchy, every vet and nurse are a valued member of the team and will always have the support of their leadership team whenever they need it.
What would you say to final year vet students who are looking for a great cultural fit when they begin clinical work?
Author Rutger Bregman hit the headlines when hestupidly suggested in Davos a while back that the richest 0.1 per cent should pay more tax to help the poorest 99 per cent. The major flaw in his argument was thinking out loud in a room full of the richest 0.1 per cent. They all like to pretend to be benevolent on Twitter, but not in Someperson.of his work references the book Scarcity, bySendhil Mullainathan and Eldar Shafir, who suggest that the reason poor people remain poor, is that they are different to rich people. The difference is that they spend most of their waking lives worried about being poor. This ‘noise’ limits a person’sability to better focus on other things. As a consequence they may make poorer choices, less sensible decisions and simply not spend enough time freely analyzing options and opportunities when they do come along. He called this ‘mental bandwidth.’
Similarly, scanning a herd or even calving a cow is ok if either the conversation is light or the calving is easy, but how many times have you had to stop talking as you get to the crunchy bit of pulling a head round, or manipulating
FMD is back in the headlines as it knocks on the doors of both Australia and New Zealand.
Bregman’s problem in Davos- if he’d only remembered the detail of Scarcity- was that his billionaires had way too little to worry about and so way too much bandwidth to easily understand what he was telling them. And they didn’tlike it.
Mark NewqualifiedBryaninGlasgowin1988,andmovedtoZealandin1995.
In reality, the risks are probably no greater than they have been for a while- plenty of countries near to us including China have FMD. But the horror farmers feel when they consider the potential consequences of an FMD outbreak –the wholesale destruction and devastation, burning pyres, farming lives devastated- raises this up a few notches.
As vets we need to recognize our role in this, and how we can best free up our clients’ mental bandwidth. We also need to recognize when they’re operating with restricted bandwidth and understand why our sensible, scientific arguments aren’t working, or why they’re reacting in what seems to us a strange way. And we also need to recognize this in ourselves and our colleagues too.
For farmers on both sides of the ditch, whilst they may know deep down that the risks of FMD are low, because the impacts are so dreadful, the burden of concern weighs more heavily. And they perhaps have limited mental bandwidth nowadays for managing this as well because there seems to be so much else going
Idon’t mean blocking out things that are largely passive- the radio or listening to your younger colleague drone on about their wonderful weekend activities- but anything that requires abit more active listening and mental power. You’ll find you can chat and even discuss clinical issues easily when your routine bitch spey stays routine- but as soon as that stump starts to bleed, all nice soundbites are off and you have to concentrate like crazy.
Kiwi Post
The mental anguish of people caught up in stressful situations is recognized as real, even ifit’s poorly understood. I believe it could be partly explained by this mental bandwidth model, which, for things as complex as farming, can become overwhelming. It can be seen in a local way amongst farmers during difficult springs where animal welfare is compromised. These farmers are often otherwise ‘good’ farmers- but things get on top of them. For most farmers, spring is a busy, complex time, and it’s easy to see that when small things start to go wrong, they can absorb your mental bandwidth so that big things start to go wrong.
ashistosome? And how hard is it to discuss someone’s somatic cell count properly when ‘routinely’ scanning the herd?
that we may only be one US Speaker’s visit away from losing our largest export market.
These are examples of mental bandwidth- we have a limited amount of this, and we can only take so much noise. Poverty, the argument goes, provides a constant hum of background noise which revolves around concerns for ‘making ends meet’, and which tend to push out other decision making processes. I can still remember the lightness I felt when I got my first ever vet paycheck and realized that I didn’t have to buy lentils and rice ever again. I could buy something nice for once and not worry about how I’d pay for my alcohol.
One of the things we undervalue for clientsbecause it’s hard to put a monetary value on it- is the impact of what we might otherwise call peace of mind. Farmers pay to have teat sealants inserted to give peace of mind; pet owners are happy to sign up to wellness programmes for peace of mind. What they’re really asking for is for us to free up their mental bandwidth, so they can think about their families, or their garden, or plan a holiday or a wedding. They don’t want the noise.
Andon.the ‘so much else going on’- the extra stuff that is absorbing their mental bandwidth- is things like: coming to terms with the realisation climate change is real and impacting them; whilst consequently being told it is largely their fault; whilst consumers signal they still want cheap food and effective supply chains as Covid continues to wreak havoc; and then realizing
TheVeterinarian 7AUGUST 2022www.theveterinarian.com.au DOYOUHAVE SOMETHING TO SAY? Is there a topic you’ve wanted to tell everyone about? Have you ever thought you would like to write a clinical review but don’t know where to start? Do you have a hobby or history that you think vets everywhere would like to learn more about? Then don’t delay – email The Veterinarian at editor@vetmag.com.au and let us know –because your words could be in the pages of next month’s issue!
You’ve likely all experienced this. If you’ve ever been elbow deep in some stressful surgeryor even doing something as seemingly onedimensional as pregnancy scanning a herd of cows- you’ve surely experienced the feeling that you need to block out the noise.
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Working in the animal welfare field is, however, not without its challenges – particularly in Australia. “Australia’s federated model of government makes national consistency (in anything!) difficult,” Orr pointed out, “but it’s desperately needed in the animal welfare space.
“I love the variability that a veterinarycareer can provide. It’s kept things interesting and new.”
Safeguarding the mental health of veterinarians around Australia is also important to Orr, who wants vets to feel supported by organisations like the one she now leads. “Improving mental wellbeing in the profession is central to the work of the AVA,” she said. “While it is a complex issue with many different contributing factors, we
Getting to know you:
Graduating from James Cook University in 2013 with a degree in Veterinary Science, Orr has consistently combined working as a vet –most notably in the field of animal welfare – with furthering her studies. From 2014 to 2017, she undertook a Master’s degree in animal Welfare, Ethics and Law offered by the University of Edinburgh, though never physically attended the campus. “I was fortunate enough to complete my Master’s online,” Orr explained. “It was a mixture of coursework and research and studying online allowed me to continue working full-time as a veterinarian in Australia. During that time, I moved between Victoria, Queensland, and the ACT for my career.” After obtaining her Master’s degree, Orr sought membership of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Sciences in Animal Welfare, which she gained in 2018. Doctoral studies with the University of Sydney followed, with Orr researching the health and welfare of dogs in North Queensland.
Societal expectations and scientific understanding of animal welfare is rapidly evolving, and it is important standards and regulation in this space keep up.”
With luck, the years of Orr’s presidency of the AVA will present fewer external challenges than the floods, fires, and pandemics of recent times, and will allow her to concentrate on advocating for the welfare of animals and veterinarians throughout Australia.
TheVeterinarian 9AUGUST 2022www.theveterinarian.com.au
Hailing originally from North Queensland, Bronwyn Orr knew she wanted to be a veterinarian before she had even started primaryschool. “When I discovered you could spend all day helping animals, I was sold,” she said. “I bugged my local vet for a job from about ten years of age, but had to wait until I turned 13, as that was the legal minimum age for a job at the time.” Not surprisingly, Orr’s persistence paid off, and she worked as a veterinary assistant at the practice on weekends and during school holidays until she went to university at the age of 17.
Orr’s own experiences of the more challenging aspects of working as a veterinarian have encouraged her to bolster efforts to improve the mental wellbeing of vets around the country, particularly among recent graduates. “The most challenging aspect of being a veterinarian I’ve encountered so far was surviving the first few years after graduation,” Orr explained. “I had ahuge HECS debt, earnt less than I did as a waitress, had moved interstate for my new job and worked long hours. All this was combined with the normal stress of learning how to be an effective veterinarian in those first few years after graduating. I believe we can never offer too much support to our new and recent graduates, as that’s by far the hardest time to be a veterinarian.”
Tothis end, Orr points out the AVAhas a free ‘Return to Work Program’ that is free for members who want to refresh their skills, aimed at easing the transition back into the workforce after a career break.
At the end of the day,however,Orr believes one of the most important steps veterinarians can take to stay the course during difficult times is to take time out. “I think it’simportant people take the time to properly rest and recharge,” she said. “I know many clinics are under huge pressure at the moment due to staffing shortages, and it can seem counterintuitive to take a break when things are crazy, but if humans don’t rest, they burn out. The past couple of years have been immensely stressful for numerous reasons, so it’s important to give yourself the grace to take some R&R.”
Paralleling her studies, Orr’s progression as aveterinarian has also involved a significant proportion of animal welfare work. Her first posting as a new graduate was with RSPCA Victoria at their Pearcedale shelter. Being in a semi-rural area, Orr gained experience working with shelter animals ranging from small animals to horses, but – more importantly – she was able to work in a field that aligned closely with her personal views.
“I’m passionate about animal welfare and it’s what drove me to become a veterinarian in the first place,” Orr said. “I think it’safascinating and evolving field that incorporates veterinary science, ethology, ethics, law, and political science. Animal welfare science is relatively new, so it’san exciting space.” Although she has had stints working in private practice, Orr has primarily focussed on securing positions which allow her to pursue her passion for and to influence policy making in the animal welfare field. “In the decade since my graduation, I’ve been fortunate enough to work across private practice, government, shelters, emergency clinics, abattoirs, research and academia,” Orr said.
Orr suggests that active engagement with professional bodies like the AVA can be beneficial for veterinarians individually and for the profession, noting that volunteering can foster connections with likeminded people as well as contributing to positive developments for vets and animals around the country.“We are guided by our members in all aspects of the organisation, but organisations like the AVA rely on volunteers,” Orr said. “Regardless of whether that volunteering takes the form of participating in special interest groups or division executive committees, sitting on advisory groups, providing feedback on policy development or mentoring new graduates, it’s the member volunteers who are our backbone.”
■ JAI HUMEL
The Australian Veterinarian Association (AVA) recently welcomed a new President, Bronwyn Orr, who is the ninth woman and youngest person ever elected to the role. She kindly took time out from her busy schedule to answer some questions from The Veterinarian.
Orr is keen to use her profile as AVA President topromote the welfare of animals, especially with the current challenges presented by keeping free of foot and mount disease and African swine fever out of the country. “With several significant emergency animal diseases on our border, there has never been a better time to highlight the need for investment in the veterinary profession,” Orr said. “Whether that’s increased funding for disease surveillance and testing, ensuring private vets involved in any emergency response get adequate compensation for their efforts, calling for HECS forgiveness for rural and regional veterinary graduates or raising awareness of the public good many veterinary activities deliver, at the AVA we are actively engaging with government on these issues.”
absolutely acknowledge that more needs to be done. As a result, we launched our THRIVE initiative earlier this year which aims to support veterinarians and veterinary staff to lead satisfying, prosperous and healthy careers. We will be having a roundtable in October 2022 to look at different solutions, and we have committed funding for a full-time resource within the AVA to deliver the initiatives underpinning THRIVE.”
The challenges of recent years, when most vets have been faced with additional pressures generated by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns has, in Orr’s view, changed the landscape of the profession in Australia. “There is increasing pressure on employers to offer greater flexibility in workplaces, particularly from younger generations. People want to balance their careers with family and outside opportunities, and workplaces need to adapt to these changing expectations,” she said. “Our profession cannot afford to lose the knowledge and experience of veterinarians who want or need greater flexibility from their employment.”
AVA PRESIDENT BRONWYN ORR
VETERINARY IMAGING SPECIALIST VETERINARY IMAGING SPECIALIST
■ alandlord has a vacant site to lease out; a vacant site can often place the landlord under financial stress, which may in turn lead to a stronger negotiating position for the tenant. As mentioned above, Vets are highly sought-after tenants (see A2) and if the zoning of the property is appropriate, a landlord should be considerably more negotiable to secure a vet, as opposed to another tenant.
■ Position within the building (closer to the entrance of a
■ Secondly, and perhaps most importantly,a tenant who is a Vet-tenant adds value to the landlord’s asset. The value of a commercial premises is directly attributed not only to the rental yield, but also to the strength of the tenant.
Q1. When comparing commercial rent in an area, do you do this only per square metre?
■ Firstly, their professional and financial standing, in addition to the investment they make to the subject premises, make veterinary practices extremely desirable and secure tenants.
■ Aspect (good natural light, a view)
power to negotiate premises leases at any stage of the practice’s existence at the site. This just isn’t theAtenantcase. will usually have the strongest negotiating position in lease negotiations when:
It is extremely important for a tenant to use this strong negotiating position to get a lease with favourable terms, pricing and incentives (in that order).
For example, if two identical properties received the same rent, with one being rented to a kebab shop and the other being a vet, the site with the vet would achieve a higher valuation, as they are seen as astronger,more stable and more secure tenant.
A1. The rental rate per square metre can vary greatly, even within a small geographic area. A premium is usually paid for the follow attributes, which include, but are not limited to:
■ Quality of the building (e.g., new vs old)
■ When the seller of the business is also the owner of the real estate.
● there is already a successful vet practice tenant in the facility near the end of lease term. While the tenant can threaten to relocate, the landlord is likely to know the significant cost of having to find another suitable site, fitting it out and the difficulty in relocating in general. Topage 30
Simon Palmer is the Managing Director of Practice Sale Search, Australia’s largest practice brokerage. If you’d like more information on practice sales or want to have a practice’sdiscussionconfidentialaboutyourcircumstances,emailSimonPalmeratinfo@practicesalesearch.com.auorcall1300282042.
Vet premises lease FAQs
A2. Absolutely, healthcare tenants are extremely attractive to landlords for the following reasons:
■ Exposure (a high-exposure spot commands a higher rent per square metre)
■ Inclusions (e.g., parking or signage rights)
There are a lot of misconceptions out there among veterinarians who are buying practices, about the moving parts in a Vet premises lease. What is and isn’t negotiable? What is attractive to a landlord? What should and shouldn’t they askTofor?provide some clarity in this regard, we interviewed Tal Eloss, founder and director of 1Group Property Advisory. Tal and 1Group Property Advisory have extensive experience assisting and representing veterinary professionals with their property and practice-related acquisitions.
Q3. Do vet practice buyers have much scope to renegotiate a lease that is currently in place when they buy a practice?
A3. There seems to be a common misconception out there that practice owners have just as much
Q2. Are Veterinary practices attractive tenants to landlords?
Atenant will have less strength in negotiations when:
TheVeterinarian 11AUGUST 2022■ www.theveterinarian.com.au Management
Shopping Centre, proximity to adesirable neighbour, etc.)
Evans, I.B., Lawton, P.W., Sergeant, E., Lloyd, J.B. (2011) Effect of plastic occlusive clips used as an alternative to mulesing on breech conformation, body weight and survival of Merino lambs.
Hemsworth, P.H., Barnett, J.L., Karlen, G.M., Fisher, A.D., Butler, K.L., Arnold, N.A. (2009) Effects of mulesing and alternative procedures to mulesing on the behaviour and physiology of lambs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 117, 20-27. Lee, C., Fisher, A.D. (2007) Welfare consequences of mulesing of sheep. Australian Veterinary Journal 85:3, 89-93.
The welfare-compromising effect of husbandry procedures in sheep can be reduced by delaying them until two weeks after birth (Guesgen et al., 2011). Performing the procedures in a clean environment within sight and hearing of the dams would minimise PsS and exposureto infectious agents, which have been shown to increase sensitivity to noxious stimuli. Additionally,increasing the bare-breech are awith plastic clips was shown to be a less welfare-compromising than surgical mulesing
AWI (Australian Wool Innovation) (2009) Flystrike prevention in Australian sheep. 2. AWI’s flystrike management approach. Accessed 18th March 2012.
of age and sex on pain-sensitivity in young male and female lambs (n=75) by exposing a shaved area on one leg to a laser beam on one day at three 15-minutes intervals between 1 and 12 days after birth. A timer measured the duration of exposure to the heat-source before the lamb responded by pulling the leg away from the thermal stimulus. Neither age nor sex alone had a significant effect on the medial latency to respond. However, age x sex interaction yielded significant differences. At the time ofbirth, both males and females responded very similarly to the stimulus. While latency to respond increased significantly with age in males, there was no significant difference with age in females. Unfortunately, the sample sizes for each group and sex were low (average n=6.25), thus differences among individuals in thermal tolerance or heat conduction through skin may be overrepresented in this study.
In Australia, lambs undergo several husbandry procedures, such as vaccination, ear-notching, ear-tagging, mulesing, castration and tail-docking (C&TD). Tail-docking and mulesing reduce cutaneous myasis (flystrike) caused by Lucilia cuprina (Lee & Fisher, 2007), but are controversial due to the large wounds created and because they are often imposed without pain relief (Lomax et al., 2009). The commitment bythe wool industry to phase out surgical mulesing by 2010 (Evans et al., 2011) has generated research into alternative methods, including selective breeding of wrinkle-free sheep, application of clips and intradermal injections to increase the bare-breech area (AWI,Breeding2009).of bare-breeched sheep is the most desirable option, because it eliminates the need for the removal of skin folds. Yet, results from these programs are unlikely to be available in the short term (Edwards et al., 2009). Current research concentrates on development and assessment of less welfare-compromising alternatives to mulesing (Evans et al., 2011; Edwards et al., 2011; Lepherd et al., 2011a & b; Hemsworth et al., 2009)., but as there is still no feasible alternative to C&TD, it is important to choose the appropriate time and environment to impose these procedures. Publications reviewed here were selected for their investigation into different aspects of pain in sheep, so we might make an informed choice on the least welfare-compromising timing (Guesgen et al., 2011), technique (Edwards et al., 2011) and working environment (Clark et al., 2011) for husbandryprocedures.
(Edwards et al., 2011). In the longer term, efforts should be focussed on breeding barebreech sheep to eliminate the need for wrinkle-reduction in Merino sheep in Australia.
Guesgen et al. (2011) investigated the effects
Lepherd, M.L., Canfield, P.J., Hunt, G.B., Thomson, P.C., Bosward, K.L. (2011a) Assessment of the short-term systemic effect of and acute phase response to mulesing and other options for controlling breech flystrike in Merino lambs. Australian Veterinary Journal 89:1-2, 19-26.
Lepherd, M.L., Canfield, P.J., Hunt, G.B., Thomson, P.C., Bosward, K.L. (2011b) Wound healing after mulesing and other options for controlling breech flystrike in Merino lambs. Australian Veterinary Journal 89:1-2, 27-37.
Lester,S.J., Mellor, D.J., Holmes, R.J., Ward, R.N., Stafford, K.J. (1996) Behavioural and cortisol responses of lambs to castration and tailing using different methods. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 44:2, 45-54.
Phenotypic and genotypic analysis of a barebreech trait in Merino sheep as a potential replacement for surgical mulesing, Animal Production Science 49, 56-64.
Introduction
Australian Veterinary Journal 90, 88-96. Guesgen, M.J., Beausoleil, N.J., Minot, E.O., Stewart, M., Jones, G., Stafford, K.J. (2011) The effects of age and sex on pain sensitivity in young lambs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 135, 51-56.
ESSAY
Discusses whether psychological and physiological stressors alter the acute pain response to routine husbandry procedures, such as docking and mulesing, in lambs.
Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia 38, 134-145.
Lomax, S., Sheil, M., Windsor, P.A. (2009) Use of local anaesthesia for pain management during husbandry procedures in Australian sheep flocks. Small Ruminant Research 86, 56-58.
Üçeylor,N., Schäfers, M., Sommer,C. (2009) Mode of action of cytokines on nociceptive neurons. Experimental Brain Research 196, 67-78.
Shutt, D.A., Fell, L.R., Connel, R., Bell, A.K. (1988) Stress responses in lambs docked and castrated surgically or by the application of rubber rings. Australian Veterinary Journal 65:1, 5-7.
dockingthepsychologicalWaterman-Pearson,Clark,Health_Flystrike-prevention_Management.htm.http://www.wool.com/Grow_Animal-C.,Mendl,M.,Jamieson,J.,Arnone,A.,A.,Murrell,J.(2011)Doandphysiologicalstressorsalteracutepainresponsetocastrationandtailinlambs?
Conclusions
Discussion
Stressors are factors eliciting a rise in plasma cortisol concentrations (PCC) or in inhibition and/or latency of behaviour expression (Lester et al., 1996; Shutt et al., 1988). Clark et al. (2011) investigated the effect of physiological stressors (PhS) and psychological stressors (PsS) on pain responses due to C&TD. They used bacterial lipopolysaccharide, shown to elicit hyperalgesia (Üçeylor et al., 2009), as PhS, while visual isolation and acoustic isolation of lambs from their dams represented PsS. The sensitivity of lambs (n=50) to stimuli with and without exposure to stressors, and with and without C&TD was assessed by measuring mechanical nociceptive thresholds (MNT), and recording responses to Semmes Weinstein Filaments (SWF); PCCs werealso measured. The results showed that sensitivity to both stimuli was reduced after C&TD in all groups compared with the controls. While stress appeared to have no significant effect on SWF-sensitivity, stressed groups had significantly lower MNTs than unstressed and control groups (Clark et al., 2011). Interestingly,peak PCCs did not significantly differ among any of the treatment groups and returned to the low pre-treatment concentration in all groups within 3 hours. These results indicate that sensitivity to noxious stimuli is heightened in sheep exposed to stressful environments, while the nature of the stressor had no significant effect on sensitivity. PCCs indicate that the lambs had a physiological reaction to the procedures, irrespective of nature or presence of stressors.
TheVeterinarian AUGUST 202212 ■ www.theveterinarian.com.au
Edwards, L.E., Arnold, N.A., Butler, K.L., Hemsworth, P.H. (2011) Acute effects of mulesing and alternative procedures to mulesing on lamb behaviour. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 133, Edwards,169-174.N.M., Hebart, M., Hynd, P.I. (2009)
■ SABINE E.WILKINS
References
Welfare implications of husbandry procedures for lambs in Australia
Edwards et al. (2011) utilised low-light film footage and PCC measurements collected during a study carried out by Hemsworth et al. (2009) on lambs 10-12 weeks of age, which investigated responses to surgical mulesing (n=11) and two alternative methods, intradermal sodium-lauryl-sulphate injection (n=11) and rigid plastic clips (n=11). Edwards et al. (2011) observed the latency and amount of time lambs spent drinking, feeding, lying, walking, running, kneeling, and standing in anormal position (maintenance behaviour) or standing with heads down. They found that mulesed individuals spent less time in maintenance behaviours than animals in alternative and control groups, but spent most of their time with lowered heads. Lambs treated with alternatives to mulesing and the control group exhibited similar behaviour patterns, but the control group spent less time standing with lowered heads than any other group. The latency to feed was tripled in the mulesed group compared with all other treatments and while there was no difference in the latency to lie, the first lying bout was much shorter in these lambs. These observations followed the PCC trends. Edwards et al. (2011) thus demonstrated that mulesing has a significantly more negative effect on welfareof lambs than the alternatives investigated in this study. Interestingly,therewas no significant difference in the frequency of behaviours generally attributed to pain, such as tail-wagging, kicking, pawing and wound-licking. While the long-termefficacy of alternative mulesing methods has not yet been investigated, Evans et al. (2011) found that clips are effective in increasing the bare-breech area. In contrast, Lepherd et al. (2011b) observed that intradermal injection may result in uneven penetration of tissues and dag formation.
This essay is one of a number selected for The Veterinarian magazine Prize for Written Communication for Sydney University third-year veterinaryscience students.
I hear you guys switched to a mucosal vaccine? Dr
Jones We’re also not sure if our clients would like it... Dr Claire Adams Dr Henry Jones … Dr Henry Jones Simply administer 1 mL of Bronchi-Shield Oral in the buccal cavity for 12 months’ protection against Bordetellabronchiseptica. Protects puppies with a single dose from 8 weeks of age. Over 2 million doses sold in Australia2 We all agreed the benefit of increased mucosal immunity to protect against respiratory disease was worth it! BTW, mucosal vaccines are also strongly recommended by WSAVA for high risk environments such as shelters1 We got the rep in, they sorted out the vaccination protocol and trained our staff. The new protocol worked out to be more cost effective too! Hmmm...if the flu vaccine came out as an oral mucosal form, how many people would still stick with injections?
Dr Henry Jones Henry Jones Henry
Dr
Reference: 1. Day, M., et al (2016) WSAVA Guidelines for the vaccination of dogs and cats. J Small Anim Pract, 57(1), E1-E45. 2. BIAH Data on file. Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Australia Pty. Ltd. Level 1, 78 Waterloo Road, North Ryde NSW 2113. Toll Free 1800 808 691. ABN 53 071 187 285. Bronchi-Shield® Oral is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH – used under license. All rights reserved. BI1547TA-03/20. Dr Claire Adams Online now Yes, we’re using Bronchi-Shield Oral What prompted the change? Dr Claire Adams We considered it but it’s a hassle to change protocols Dr Claire Adams Dr Claire Adams
■ EDITEDBYJENIHOODBSc(Hons)BVMSPhD
Avariety of diets have been studied for possible anti-aging effects. In particular, studies of intermittent fasting and time-restricted feeding in laboratory rodents have found evidence of beneficial health outcomes. Companion dogs represent a unique opportunity to study diet in a large mammal that shares human environments. The Dog Aging Project has been collecting data on thousands of companion dogs of all different ages, sizes, and breeds since 2019. We leveraged this diverse cross-sectional dataset to investigate associations between feeding frequency and cognitive function (n = 10,474) aswell as nine broad categories of health conditions (n = 24,238). Controlling for sex, age, breed, and other potential confounders, we found that dogs fed once daily rather than morefrequently had lower mean scores on a cognitive dysfunction scale, and lower odds of having gastrointestinal, dental, orthopedic, kidney/urinary,and liver/pancreas disorders. Therefore, we find that once-daily feeding is associated with better health in multiple domains. Futureresearch with longitudinal data can provide stronger evidence for a possible causal effect of feeding frequency on health in companion dogs.
Brian James Holoyda1 Animals (Basel). 2022 Jun 12;12(12):1525.doi: 10.3390/ani12121525.
2Canine Companions for Independence, National Headquarters, Santa Rosa, CA, USA. ebray@email.arizona.edu.
Claire E Ashton-James1,Amy G McNeilage1
1Martinez Detention Facility, Martinez, CA 94553, USA.
law in the United States: evolving legislation with scientific limitations
Measurement properties of grimace scales for pain assessment in nonhuman mammals: a systematic review
AbstractsTheVeterinarian
Once-daily feeding is associated with better health in companion dogs: results from the Dog Aging Project
Facial expressions of pain have been identified in several animal species. The aim of this systematic review was to provide evidence on the measurement properties of grimace scales for pain assessment. The protocol was registered (SyRF#21-November-2019), and the study is reported according to the PRISMA guidelines. Studies reporting the development, validation, and the assessment of measurement properties of grimace scales were included. Data extraction and assessment were performed by 2 investigators, following the COnsensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement INstruments guidelines. Six categories of measurement properties were assessed: internal consistency, reliability, measurement error, criterion and construct validity, and responsiveness. Overall strength of evidence (high, moderate, and low) of each instrument was based on methodological quality, number of studies, and studies' findings. Topage 30
Bestialityarticle
5School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
6Department of LaboratoryMedicine and Pathology,University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
Cognition Center, School of Anthropology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA. ebray@email.arizona.edu.
Amixed methods investigation of stress and wellbeing factors contributing to burnout and job satisfaction in a specialistsmall animal hospital
Free PMC
Occupational burnout is a critical issue affecting the welfare of veterinary care providers, their patients, and the sustainability of veterinary healthcare organizations. The current research aimed to evaluate the prevalence of and factors contributing to stress, wellbeing, burnout symptoms and job satisfaction among clinical and non-clinical staff at a large specialist small animal hospital in Australia. Participants completed an anonymous online survey including self-report measures of job satisfaction and symptoms of burnout, and open-text response questions probing sources of stress and wellbeing. Subsequently, participants rated how frequently they experienced commonly reported sources of veterinary stress, and a series of focus groups were conducted with clinical and non-clinical teams. The survey was completed by 249 participants (overall response rate = 70 per cent; 67.1 per cent "clinical;" 17.3 per cent "non-clinical;" 5.6 per cent "other"). Five focus groups (including 38 of the survey participants) were subsequently conducted with groups of clinical and non-clinical staff. The majority of respondents (80.7 per cent) reported being satisfied, very satisfied, or extremely satisfied with their job. At the same time, 57.7 per cent of respondents exceeded the threshold for burnout on at least one burnout dimension, with 48.1 per cent reporting high levels of emotional exhaustion, 30.2 per cent reported high levels of cynicism, and 16.3 per cent reporting low levels of professional efficacy. Open text responses and focus group transcripts revealed three common sources of stress and wellbeing. Stressors included communication (conflict within teams), clients (dealing with client emotions and expectations), and heavy caseload. Wellbeing was enhanced by people (team cohesion, respect for colleagues), practice (variety, autonomy,challenge), and purpose (meaningful work and impact). Overall, for both clinical and non-clinical survey respondents, "heavy workload" was rated as the most frequent source of stress. Despite high levels of job satisfaction, approximately two thirds of respondents reported at least one symptom of burnout. Convergent results from the survey and focus groups indicated that strong relationships with colleagues and the intrinsic meaningfulness of the work werekey sources of wellbeing and job satisfaction. On the other hand, challenging workplace interactions with colleagues and clients, as well as heavy workload, wereidentified as key stressors contributing to burnout symptoms.
Front Vet Sci. 2022 Jun 110.3389/fvets.2022.942778.24;9:942778.doi:SydneyMedicalSchool,FacultyofMedicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Free PMC article
Societies have proscribed bestiality, or sex between humans and nonhuman animals,since the earliest recorded legal codes. In the early American colonies, religious prohibitions against bestiality provided thegrounds for punishing those who engaged in such acts. In the 1800's, Henry Bergh imported the animal welfare approach to the United States, which modernized the legislative treatment of animals in the country. Until recently, however, many laws in the U.S. have been outdated and vague and have utilized moralistic terminology. Since the 1960's, a growing body of literature has developed suggesting that individuals who harm animals may also interpersonally offend. This concept, known as the Link, has served as a major motivation for advocates to promote new legislation criminalizing bestiality, to modernize old state statutes, and to expand penalties for individuals convicted of having sex with animals. Unfortunately, data supporting the Link between bestiality and interpersonal violence are limited and of questionable generalizability to the broad public. The Link's weaknesses can assist in guiding further research. This article summarizes the history of bestiality law, the current state of bestiality legislation in the United States, the body of Link-related literature on bestiality and interpersonal violence and other problematic sexual behaviors, and the empirical weaknesses and needs revealed by this legislation.
Emily E Bray12,Zihan Zheng3,M Katherine Tolbert4,Brianah MMcCoy5,Dog Aging Project Consortium;Matt Kaeberlein6, Kathleen F Kerr3 Geroscience. 2022 Jun;44(3):1779-1790. doi: 10.1007/s113571022-00575-7.ArizonaCanine
3Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
AUGUST 202214 ■ www.theveterinarian.com.au
4Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of VeterinaryMedicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
Miranda-de la lama, G.C., Monge, P., Villarroel, M., Olleta, J.L., Garcia-Belenguer, S., Maria, G.A. (2011) Effects of road type during transport on lamb welfare and meat quality in dry hot climates. Tropical Animal Health Production 43, 915-922.
Discussion
References
Conclusions
Physiological and behavioural responses have been used in many studies to evaluate the adverse effects of transportation on sheep and to gauge the degree of stress imposed. Zhong et al. (2011) have used the term “stress” to imply a reduction in fitness as a result of adisruption to homeostasis. They compared the meat quality and physiological responses of sheep (n=72), aged 6, 12 and 24 months, either transported or non-transported, over an 8-hour period. Transportwas found to have nosignificant effect on blood cortisol concentrations, but these varied among different age groups, suggesting that age may affect a sheep’s ability to recover from stress (Zhong et al., 2011). Blood was collected only after transport. Monitoring of blood beforetransport and throughout the trip could be used to confirmaperiod of recoveryand if age affects stress tolerance.
Introduction
In the past, young animals have been found to suffer morestress during road transport than others (Broom, 2003). However,Zhong et al. (2011) found variation in different physiological responses to transportbetween the three different age groups, such as higher creatine kinase (CK) concentrations in older sheep (indicative of exhaustion) and yet increased 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (indicative of oxidation stress) in the blood and muscle of six-month old sheep. Abetter understanding of exact responses of different ages of sheep to transportation will facilitate development of specific transport regulations based on age. Transporting sheep separated by age group, rather than with all ages together,may have yielded different results. Further investigation is needed to confirmthis hypothesis and ascertain whether therearewelfarebenefits associated with separating sheep by age (Zhong et al., 2011).
and type. The primary incentive to improve welfarestandards may be the associated profit (Miranda-de la lama et al., 2011).
It is evident that sheep show both behavioural and physiological responses to transport indicative of stress. Conditions such as fluctuatingheat and humidity and high vibration levels areadverse to sheep health (Stockman et al., 2011; Miranda-de la lama et al., 2011).
To improve welfare standards, further research must focus on determining ideal conditions and maximising stress tolerance. This may be affected by factors such as age, intensity of the stressor and duration of transit (Stockman et al., 2011; Zhong et al., 2011). It is often believed that there is an inverse correlation between profit and improved welfare standards, but these studies help to show that improved animal welfare can translate into better meat quality (i.e., economic gain).
TheVeterinarian 15AUGUST 2022■ www.theveterinarian.com.au ESSAY
Previous studies have shown that the quality of driving affects the welfareof sheep during road transit. Rapid braking and acceleration around curves have been associated with increased stress and injury to sheep (Greger,2007). Recent data place additional emphasis on the importance of route optimisation for improving animal welfare. Miranda-de la lama et al. (2011) compared the physiological responses and meat quality of male Rasa Aragonesa lambs (n=48), transported on either smooth two-lane roads or unpaved rural secondary roads for three hours. Vehicle vibrations over the set limit of 7m/s2 weremeasured, blood samples were collected after slaughter (for plasma analysis), and carcasses wereanalysed (for meat quality). Lambs that weretransported on unpaved roads, wheresheep were exposed to a high frequency of maximum oscillations, displayed physiological responses such as high cortisol and CK concentrations. They also presented some characteristics of dark firmdry (DFD) meat. This shows that increased magnitude and frequency of floor vibrations areassociated with an increased stress response and poorer meat quality (Miranda-de la lama et al., 2011).
Sustained high heat and humidity resulted in significant physiological changes, such as increases in core temperature, respiratory rate and alterations to blood gas concentrations. However, most homeostatic mechanisms, including blood electrolyte concentrations, weremaintained and the wethers recovered quickly (Stockman et al., 2011). Their apparent resilience should not detract from developing strategies to manage the acute physiological changes. Further research in this area should not only focus on how sheep react to intense conditions, but also the effects of prolonged transport and thus the accumulation of heat. It must be noted that sheep are often exposed to more severe environmental conditions during live transportthan those synthesised during this study, hence greater physiological responses may arise.
Peeters, E., Deprez, K., Beckers, F., De Baerdemaeker, J., Aubert, A., Geers, R. (2008) Effect of driver and driving style on the stress responses of pigs during a short journey by trailer. Animal Welfare 17, 189-196.
Most livestock vehicles arenot designed to reduce vibrations (Peeters et al., 2008), so it is imperative that further research is undertaken to improve vehicle design and reduce the vibrations transmitted to the animals. More emphasis must also be placed on route-planning especially with regards to road condition
stressors and the duration of transit. Stockman et al. (2011) investigated the physiological responses of Merino wethers (n=12) to simulated conditions of high heat and humidity that would arise during extended live transport from Australia to the Middle East. Wethers wereplaced in pens and exposed to gradually increasing temperatures and then two exposures of three-four days to sustained high heat and humidity (up to a maximum of 31oCwet bulb temperature). There was one day at thermo-neutral temperatures between heat exposures (Stockman et al., 2011).
The Cormo Express incident in 2003 focussed attention on the inadequacies surrounding the live transportof sheep (land and sea) and provided impetus for further research in this area. Animals in transit endure a variety of potential stressors, including variance in temperature, humidity and vibration levels, which can severely reduce their fitness (Stockman et al., 2011; Miranda-de la lama et al., 2011).
Thereis further evidence to suggest that sheep tolerance to transportation may be aproduct of the intensity of the potential
Greger, M. (2007) The long haul: Risks associated with livestock transport. Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefence Strategy, Practice and Science 5:4.
Zhong, R.Z., Liu, H.W., Zhou, D.W., Sun, H.X., Zhao, C.S. (2011) The effects of road transportation on physiological responses and meat quality in sheep differing in age. Journal of Animal Science 89, 3742-3751.
Stockman, C.A., Bames, A.L., Maloney,S.K., Taylor, E., McCarthy, M., Pethick, D. (2011) Effect of prolonged exposure to continuous heat and humidity similar to long haul live export voyages in Merino wethers. Animal Production Science 51, 135-143. Wright, W., Muzzatti, S.L. (2007) Not in my port: The “death ship” of sheep and crimes of agri-food globalisation. Agriculture and Human Values 24, 133-145.
■ LAUREN DRUMMER
Live transport of sheep: animal welfare concerns
In light of this, many welfare organisations endorse the slaughtering of animals close to their production site. Religious beliefs preclude this in some jurisdictions, such as Asia and the Middle East, whereanimals must be imported live so that they can be slaughtered in accordance with religious law (Wright & Muzzatti, 2007). Live transport is seen as an important animal husbandrypractice and there is continuous investigation into methods ofimproving welfare standards.
This essay is one of a number selected for The Veterinarian magazine Prize for Written Communication for Sydney University third-year veterinaryscience students.
Ananalysis of recent studies concerned with the live transport (by land and sea) of sheep, and welfare implications.
Broom, B.M. (2003) Causes of poor welfare in large animals during transport. Veterinary Research Communications 27, 515-518.
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Canine coronavirus Mild gastroenteritis and diarrhea. Fecal-oral route Possible severe enteritis and systemic signs
COVID-19 in animals
Rhinitis, epiphora, pneumonia Aerosols and direct contact Bovine coronavirus
Transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE) virus of swine
Table 1. Major Coronavirus Infections of Veterinary Significance Virus Disease/Clinical Signs Transmission Subfamily Coronavirinae Genus Alphacoronavirus
From 2012, coronaviruses became the most important viruses worldwide because of deaths caused by a novel coronavirus in Saudi Arabia; after this outbreak, the virus continued to spread overseas to many countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, and America.1
Fecal-oral route
Coronaviruses cause the common cold, and infections caused by coronaviruses are generally self-resolving. Coronavirus was first identified as acause of the common cold in 1960. Inone study carried out in Canada in 2001, over 500 patients presented with flu-like symptoms. Virological analyses showed that 3.6% of these cases were positive for the human coronavirus (hCoV)-NL63 strain by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Until 2002, coronavirus was considered a relatively simple, nonfatal virus in humans; however, an outbreak in 2002–2003
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis with profuse or bloody diarrhea, dehydration, decreased milk, or respiratory disease
Feline infectious peritonitis virus Peritonitis, pneumonia, CNS signs Blood, body fluids
Porcine respiratory coronavirus Mild respiratory disease or subclinical Aerosol Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus Genus(PEDv) Betacoronavirus Group
seeingiscomparativeSydney.andpathologymedicinefromtheUniversityofHemovedtoNewYorktostudymedicineandpathologyandbecameaDiplomateoftheAmericanCollegeofLaboratoryAnimalMedicine.HeafoundingMemberofTheWarrenInstituteandconsultstobiotechnologycompaniesandacademicinstitutions.DonnellyalsoenjoysexoticpetsandisaDiplomateoftheAmericanBoardofVeterinaryPractitionersandtheEuropeanCollegeofZoologicalMedicineinthespecialtyofSmallMammals.HeiscurrentlyonsabbaticalatEcoleNationalVeterinaired’AlfortinPariswhereheisResearchProfessorandCo-ServiceHeadoftheZoologicalMedicineService. Clinical
Aerosols, oronasal secretions
Gastroenteritis. Watery diarrhea, vomiting, Gastroenteritis.dehydrationWatery diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration
Fecal-oral route
Fecal-oral route, aerosol
Gastroenteritisencephalomyelitisinsows and nursing pigs; low mortality in nursing pigs; clinically indistinguishable from TGE and Tracheobronchitis,PEDv nephritis Rales, decreased egg production
Vomiting, wasting disease, encephalomyelitis, anorexia, hyperesthesia, muscle tremors, emaciation Enteritis, hepatitis, demyelinating
TheVeterinarian 17AUGUST 2022■ www.theveterinarian.com.au
in the camels and initial fatal cases of human MERS-CoV infection were transmitted through close contact with infected camels. However, infected humans could fatally infect other humans. MERS-CoV mainly affected adults. However, the transmission mechanism and potential treatment strategies were unclear. Although MERS-CoV initially appeared only to affect adults, cases were also observed in pediatric patients. Thus, this novel, potentially fatal virus represented a substantial public health risk.
Fecal-oral route
Turkey Bluecomb virus Diarrhea, depression, cyanotic skin Fecal-oral route, aerosol
Scientists initially looked at SARS virus infection of cats and ferrets for testing therapies against the 2002 outbreak of SARS. It was discovered that angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) was a functional receptor for SARS coronavirus.2 Further studies showed that Syrian and Chinese hamsters could be infected. And then, in 2007, it was found that mice transgenic for human ACE2 (hACE2) provided a model for SARS coronavirus infection.3 However, when animal models were investigated for MERS-CoV
inChina resulted in the spread to South East Asian countries and the United States (US), causing high mortality rates in over 1000 patients. It later became known as Severe Acute Respiratory System (SARS) Coronavirus-1 or SARS-CoV-1. After this outbreak, microbiologists and infectious disease experts focused on understanding the pathogenesis of theCoronavirusesdisease. were well known to virologists and veterinarians (Table 1). Of the two subfamilies comprising Coronaviridae, the subfamily Corona-
Owing to the predominance of outbreaks in the Middle Eastern countries, the virus was renamed Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) by the Coronavirus Study Group. It was found that MERS-CoV was circulating
Feline enteric coronavirus Mild gastroenteritis and diarrhea Direct contact; fecal-oral route from maternal shedding
Avian infectious bronchitis virus
Tom Donnelly received degrees in veterinary Feature
Fecal-oral route, Fecal-oralrespiratorydropletsaerosols,AerosolsanddirectcontactrouteAerosolsandingestionoffoodcontaminatedwithfeces
Equine coronavirus
virinae was known to contain a substantial number of pathogens of mammals and birds that individuallycause a remarkable variety of diseases, including pneumonia, reproductive disease, enteritis, polyserositis, sialodacryoadenitis, hepatitis, encephalomyelitis, nephritis, and various other disorders. Coronavirus and coronavirus-like infections have been described in swine, cattle, horses, camels, cats, dogs, rodents, birds, bats, rabbits, ferrets, mink, and various wildlife species, although many coronavirus infections are subclinical.
Canine respiratory coronavirus Respiratory disease Aerosols Genus Gammacoronavirus
Turkey coronavirus Enteritis
Porcine deltacoronavirus
RatMouseencephalomyelitisPorcineAhemagglutinatingvirushepatitisvirussialodacryoadenitisvirus
Clinical Feature
or viral RNA were detectable in their blood one month after the index case was reported. Most recently, a veterinarian in Thailand was diagnosed with COVID-19 after being sneezed on by an infected cat owned by an infected patient.17 Genotyping of the SARS-CoV-2 virus showed that transmission occurred from the owner to the cat, and then from the cat to the veterinarian. It is the only report of cat-to-human transmission.
infection, it was found that the functional receptor for infection was not ACE2, but dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) was the functional receptor. Mice, ferrets and hamsters were not susceptible to MERS-CoV infection since their homologous DPP4 molecules did not fit as receptors. Animal models of MERS-CoV-induced SAR were difficult to achieve because the small animal models traditionally used to investigate viral pathogenesis were naturally resistant to MERS-CoV. Eventually, a mouse model transgenic for human DPP4 (hDPP4) was developed.4 However, while MERS-CoV was found in non-camelid mammals such as the sheep, goat, donkey, and cow, little was known about the MERS-CoV animal host range.
The first report of SARS-CoV-2 isolation from pet cats came from New York City. Two cats with mild respiratory illnesses were thought to have contracted the virus from people in their households or neighborhoods.10 The reverse zoonotic transmission of SARS-CoV-2 was also observed in several independent studies in Hong Kong, China.11 For example, in March 2020, viral RNA was detected in the oral cavity, nasal, and rectal swab samples from a clinically healthy pet cat whose owner was infected with the virus. In another study, 6 of 50 (12%) cats living with humans with SARS-CoV-2 infection tested positive.11 Also in China, this time in Wuhan the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, SARSCoV-2 was detected in cats from three sources: animal shelters, pet hospitals, and COVID-19 patient families.12 One-hundred and two serum samples were collected from these cats after the COVID-19 outbreak. SARS-CoV-2 was detected in 15 samples (14.7%). Among them,11 (10.8%) had viral neutralizing antibodies. This relatively high percentage of seropositivity in cats was related to the large number of infected human cases having contact with pets. Another case of human-to-cat transmission of SARS-CoV-2 was reported in Chile.13 On May 5, 2020, the cat-owners tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Two days later,the male cat showed mild respiratory symptoms and tested positive. Four days after the male cat, the two female cats became positive, although asymptomatically Additionally, one human and one cat showed antibodies against SARS-CoV-2According to the (OIE), there were a higher number of naturally acquired SARS-CoV-2 infections in domestic cats in the US (67 studies -- February2021) than in other countries and areas (25 studies – Feb 2021). The first case of SARS-Co-V-2 isolation in European pet cats was
1. SARS-CoV-2 in Cats
TheVeterinarian 19AUGUST 2022■ www.theveterinarian.com.au
Then in 2019 came the outbreak of a coronavirus-associated acute respiratory disease called coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). The virus was designated SARS-CoV2. It was the third documented spillover of an animal coronavirus to humans in only two decades that has resulted in a major epidemic. The World Health Organization declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on January 30 2020, and a pandemic on March 11 2020. (Table 2)
According to the 2019–2020 American Pet Products Associations, over 64 million North American inhabitants own at least one dog. In European countries, the number of pet dogs in 2019 it was estimated at 87.5 million. As dogs are often in close contact with humans, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was crucial to determine their susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 and the impact of virus circulation globally.
Table 2. The history of human respiratory syndrome coronaviruses
2. SARS-CoV-2 in Dogs
reported in Belgium. A cat kept at home with a COVID-19-infected owner became clinically ill, exhibiting respiratory problems accompanied by diarrhea and vomiting.14 The specific viral sequence of SARS-CoV-2 was detected in the feces and vomit of the cat; the sequence was identical to that of the cat owner, again suggesting human-to-cat transmission. In other reports, COVID-19-infected cats were ill after direct contact with their owners, who also tested COVID-19 positive. All these reports raised a huge public concern as the infected cats could play a role in SARS-CoV-2 transmission. To clear up any inconsistencies, a large Chinese study looked at 423 cat serum samples (including 48 samples in Wuhan and 42 samples in another 3cities in China) to detect the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies. All samples were serologically negative for SARS-CoV-2, indicating that cats played a limited role in transmission during the COVID-19 pandemic.15 This study was consistent with a survey that looked for evidence of SARS-CoV-2, infection in a cluster of 21 pets (9 cats and 12 dogs) kept by 20 French veterinary students at Alfort (Paris). 16 Two students had tested positive for COVID-19 and several others (n = 11/18) consecutively showed clinical signs (fever,cough, anosmia) compatible with COVID-19 infection. A few pets presented many clinical signs indicative of a coronavirus infection, but no antibodies against SARS-CoV-2
Cats are the second most common pets worldwide, followed by dogs. According to the 2020 American Veterinary Medical Association, in Canada alone, 48% of inhabitants own one or more cats, while 25% of US households own at least one cat. Considering COVID-19 infections in pets under natural conditions, cats are more sensitive to SARS-CoV-2 than dogs. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, 126 outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 isolation from pet cats have been reported World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) data indicated 67 outbreaks in the US and 59 outbreaks in other countries and areas as of February 2021. Early in the pandemic, it was reported that tigers and lions at the Bronx Zoo in New York were infected.5 Further reports followed of tigers in US zoological collections,6 and lions in Spain,7 India8 and South Africa.9
To date, there are scarce reports in which a pet dog tested positive for COVID-19 disease. According to the OIE, 47 cases of SARS- CoV-2 have been reported in the US, while in other countries and areas, the total notification was 37 -- as of February 2021. In New York, SARSCoV-2 was detected in a pet German shepherd).18 The dog’s owner also tested positive for COVID-19, suggesting reverse human-to-pet transmission.InHongKong, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) reported that the virus was isolated from 2 of a total 15 dogs investigated (a 17-year-old Pomeranian and a2.5-year-old German shepherd).19 The viral RNA was detected in swabs in the nasal and oral cavities of tested dogs, and one of them developed specific antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. The virus titer was very low in the dog samples, and no clinical signs were observed. There are a few reports of SARS-CoV-2 isolated from pet dogs in Europe, but nothing like the number of cats infected. In one Dutch report, four domestic pets (one dog and three cats) were tested COVID-19 positive. The dog was suffering severe breathing problems and was euthanized due to the illness. In Italy,the findings of a large-scale study to assess SARS-CoV-2 infection in 919 companion animals was reported.20 Although no animals tested PCR positive, approximately 3.3% of dogs had SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody titers. A Japanese study looked at the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among dogs in the Tokyo area using an ELISA antibody assay.21 Plasma samples from 494 household and blood-donor dogs were tested, and only 1 dog (0.2%) was positive. However, the dog showed no clinical signs. Several studies have attempted to isolate SARS-CoV-2 from pet
SARS-CoV-2 infected cats may be asymptomatic or may have fever, mild respiratory signs, or gastrointestinal signs
TheVeterinarian AUGUST 202220 ■ www.theveterinarian.com.au Clinical Feature
ABritish veterinary cardiologist reported that out of eleven animals with myocarditis, two cats and one dog tested positive for the alpha variant of the virus, and two cats and a dog tested positive for COVID-19 antibodies. The remaining five animals tested negative for antibodies and the virus. The owners of these pets had developed respiratory symptoms 3-6 weeks before their pets became ill and had also tested positive for COVID-19. Interestingly, all these pets were referred for acute onset of cardiac disease, including severe myocardial disorders of suspected inflammatoryorigin, but without primary respiratory signs. None of the animals tested had symptoms of a respiratory infection or any other typical signs of COVID-19 infection. There was speculation that SARS-CoV2 caused the virus as myocarditis is a rare side effect of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, most commonly seen in men under 30. However,there is no evidence to prove this theory – the findings may be coincidental.
Ferrets (Mustela putorius furo)are important animal models for studying respiratoryviral infections including Systemic Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) viruses
In the Netherlands, an in-depth investigation was conducted using whole-genome sequencing of outbreaks on 16 mink farms and the humans living or working on these farms.35 The researchers found that humans initially introduced the virus but it mutated, most likely reflecting widespread circulation among mink at the beginning of the infection period, several weeks before detection. Despite enhanced biosecurity,early warning surveillance, and immediate culling of animals in affected farms, transmission occurred between mink farms in three large transmission clusters with unknown modes of transmission. The clinical and pathological findings of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the rapid animal-to-animal transmission in minks are almost similar to those observed in patients with COVID-19. Additionally, the rapid virus transmission among minks and the associated mutations resulted in a new mink-associated variant identified in both minks and humans. Of the tested mink farm residents, employees, and/or individuals with whom they had been in contact, 68% had evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Individuals for which whole genomes were available were shown to have been infected with strains with an animal sequence signature, providing evidence of animal-to-human transmission of SARS-CoV-2 within mink farms. The WHO reported 214 human cases of COVID-19
Ferrets are common laborator y models for SARS-CoV-2 due to their high susceptibility to the virus and the ability to transmit it to other ferrets. Independently, several researchers determined that the virus was successfully transmitted to cohoused ferrets (direct contacts) and via the airborne route (indirect contacts).19,24,25 In one study,experimentally infected ferrets displayed either no clinical symptoms or exhibited elevated body temperature and loss of appetite.24 Viral RNA was detected in nasal lavages after 2, 4, 6, and 8 days post-infection. This result, together with the data obtained from other studies regarding the SARS-CoV-2 infection response in ferrets after injection of different viral loads, demonstrated that the virus could replicate in the upper respiratorytract of ferrets, showing a disease pattern similar to that of humans. In addition, unlike mice and rats, ferrets exhibit the cough reflex; as coughing is the most frequently reported symptom in cases of SARS-CoV2infection, these animals represent promising models for this virus.26
dogs, but most ended without obtaining COVID19positive samples. For instance, in France, neither RNA nor antibodies were detected in dogs living in the same room with veterinary students infected with SARS-CoV-2.16 Likewise, viral RNA was not detected in 12 dogs housed with confirmed infected individuals in Spain.22 These data suggest that dogs could catch the virus from people, but there was no sign that dogs were transmitting it in the reverse direction.23
in Denmark with different SARS-CoV- 2 variants believed to have originated from farmed minks.
An American mink (Neogale vison). The discovery of SARS-CoV-2 in farmed European and American mink resulted in the euthanasia ofmillions of these animals
6. SARS-CoV2 vaccination of primates and carnivores in zoo collections
expressed cell surface protein that functions in immune homeostasis. Interestingly, whereas MERS-CoV can utilize bat DPP4 (bDPP4), camel DPP4 (cDPP4), and human DPP4 (hDPP4) molecules for entry, it cannot infect cells using the DPP4 molecules from traditional small animal models, including ferrets, mice and hamsters. The inability of MERS-CoV to infect these species in vivo and in vitro is primarily due to spike-receptor incompatibilities and not due to other species-specific host cell factors. Ferrets are not susceptible to experimental MERS-CoV infection because their homologous DPP4 molecules do not function as receptors for MERS-CoV entry.28 Even after administering ahigh dose of MERS-CoV, no viral replication can be Todate,detected.29natural SARS-CoV-2 infection has been recorded in pet ferrets in North America and Europe. Two Spanish reports evaluated SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in serum samples obtained from 127 and 71 household ferrets.30,31 In both reports, two ferrets tested positive. Another report from Slovenia, described a ferret living in the home with a person suffering from COVID-19 and exhibited gastrointestinal signs.32
4. SARS-CoV-2 in ferrets
5. SARS-CoV-2Isolation in farmed minks and their zoonotic potential SARS-CoV-2 has been detected in farmed European minks (Mustela vison ) in several European countries and American minks (Neogale vison)in the US. These animals belong to the Mustelinae family, which includes ferrets. The OIE (as of February 2021), reported that SARS-CoV-2 was detected in 409 mink farms worldwide. Most were in Denmark (290 farms) and the Netherlands (69 farms), major mink fur producers. The first report of SARS-CoV-2 isolation from minks was in April 2020 and from the Netherlands.33 Viral RNA was detected in the airborne inhalable dust on the mink farms, suggesting that dust and/or droplets are means of transmission between the minks and indicating possible exposure for the workers on the farms. In the US, 17 cases of SARS-CoV-2 were identified in farmed minks, most of which were in Utah,34 with one farm in Wisconsin and another in Oregon. In one case, the probable transmission of mink-to-human was observed in a person in close contact with the animals on the farm. This observation indicated the potential threat of mink-to-human virus transmission, and in many countries, preventive elimination of these animals was implemented, resulting in the euthanasia of millions of these animals.
In 2021, the Danish State Serum Institute identified seven unique mutations in the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 variants found co-circulating in both minks and humans. The clinical presentation and disease severity among those infected with these new variants are similar to those of other circulating SARS-CoV-2 strains. However, a new unique variant called the ‘Cluster 5’, had a series of mutations that were not reported elsewhere. The preliminary results indicated that the new mink-associated variant, identified in both minks and humans, had a moderately reduced sensitivity to neutralizing antibodies. However, following detailed analysis, it was confirmed that the mink-associated mutations are not associated with rapid spread, nor with any changes in morbidity and mortality.36
For MERS-CoV, the host cell receptor is dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV),27 aubiquitously
3. Can dogs and cats become sick from SARSCoV-2?
In March 2020, New York City was a global epicenter for SARS-CoV-2 infections. During this time, four tigers and three lions at the Bronx Zoo, NY, developed mild, abnormal respiratory signs.5 Researchers detected SARS-CoV-2 RNA in respiratory secretions and/or feces from all seven animals, live virus in three, and colocalized viral RNA with cellular damage in one. Nine whole SARS-CoV-2 genomes from the animals and keepers were produced and different SARSCoV-2 genotypes were identified in the tigers and lions. Epidemiologic and genomic data indicated human-to-tiger transmission. These were the first confirmed cases of natural SARS-CoV-2 animal infections in the United States and the first nondomestic species in the world. Since that first report, SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks have been identified in big cats in several US zoologicalcollections,6,37-39 Barcelona,7 Johannesburg,9 andTheIndia.40USDepartment of Agriculture authorized the use of a SARS-COV-2 vaccine made specifically for animals by Zoetis. Great apes (gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans) at San Diego Zoo received the first COVID-19 vaccine in February 2021. Zoetis began developing a COVID-19 vaccine for dogs and cats in 2020 and was confident it was safe and effective in both species by October. The experimental vaccine works similarly to the Astra-Zeneca vaccine for humans. Instead of using mRNA (like the PfizerBioNTech and Moderna vaccines), a viral vector (like the Johnson & Johnson vaccine), or a live virus, it uses synthetic spike proteins to trigger the same antibodies the live virus would. In the US, the vaccine is distributed to zoos on an
Although dogs and cats have tested positive for COVID-19, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) do not recommend vaccinating pets, due to their relatively mild clinical signs and the lack of evidence that pets can transmit the virus to humans.
Interestingly, after the Oakland Zoo in California announced plans to vaccinate some of its animals, it immediately faced backlash from anti-vaxxers on social media, by phone, and by email. Many messages, filled with misinformation, took the fact that the vaccine is legally defined as experimental to indicate that zoos were experimenting on their animals. However, thePeople for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), a major animal rights organization, put out a statement supporting the Oakland Zoo, noting, “These vaccines have been clinically tested and administered to animals only after deep consideration by veterinary professionals. Since growing numbers of big cats, apes, and otters in zoos are contracting SARS-CoV-2 --the virus that causes COVID-19 -- from asymptomatic humans, the evidence clearly indicates the benefits of vaccination in susceptible species far outweigh the
References
38. Mitchell PK, Martins M, Reilly T,et al. SARSCoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant infection in Malayan tigers, Virginia, USA. Emerg Infect Dis 2021;27: 39.3171-3173.Grome HN, Meyer B, Read E, et al. SARSCoV-2 outbreak among Malayan tigers and humans, Tennessee, USA, 2020. Emerg Infect Dis 40.2022;28:833-836.MishraA,Kumar N, Bhatia S, et al. SARSCoV-2 Delta variant among Asiatic lions, India. Emerg Infect Dis 2021;27:2723-2725.
Clinical Feature
1. Al-Osail AM, Al-Wazzah MJ. The history and epidemiology of Middle East respiratory syndrome corona virus. Multidiscip Respir Med 2.2017;12:20.LubbeL, Cozier GE, Oosthuizen D, et al. ACE2 and ACE: structure-based insights into mechanism, regulation and receptor recognition by SARS-CoV. Clin Sci (Lond) 2020;134:28513.2871.Yang XH, Deng W, Tong Z, et al. Mice transgenic for human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 provide a model for SARS coronavirus infection. Comp Med 2007;57:450-459.
TheVeterinarian 21AUGUST 2022■ www.theveterinarian.com.au
27. Raj VS, Mou H, Smits SL, et al. Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 is a functional receptor for the emerging human coronavirus-EMC. Nature 28.2013;495:251-254.RajVS,Smits SL, Provacia LB, et al. Adenosine deaminase acts as a natural antagonist for dipeptidyl peptidase 4-mediated entry of the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus. JVirol 2014;88:1834-1838.
12. Zhang Q, Zhang H, Gao J, et al. A serological
dire risks of infection for unvaccinated animals.”
11. Barrs VR, Peiris M, Tam KWS, et al. SARSCoV-2 in quarantined domestic cats from COVID-19 households or close contacts, Hong Kong, China. Emerg Infect Dis 2020;26:3071-3074.
13. Neira V, Brito B, Agüero B, et al. A household case evidences shorter shedding of SARS-CoV-2 in naturally infected cats compared to their human owners. Emerg Microbes Infect 2021;10: 14.376-383.Garigliany M, Van Laere AS, Clercx C, et al. SARS-CoV-2 Natural transmission from human to cat, Belgium, March 2020. Emerg Infect Dis 15.2020;26:3069-3071.DengJ,JinY,Liu Y, et al. Serological survey of SARS-CoV-2 for experimental, domestic, companion and wild animals excludes intermediate hosts of 35 different species of animals. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020;67:1745-1749.
6.Bartlett SL, Diel DG, Wang L, et al. Sars-Cov-2 infection and longitudinal fecal screening in Malayan tigers (Panthera tigris jacksoni), Amur tigers (Panthera tigris altaica ), and African lions (Panthera leo krugeri) at the Bronx Zoo, New York, USA. JZoo Wildl Med 2021;51:733-744.
23. Sit THC, Brackman CJ, Ip SM, et al. Infection of dogs with SARS-CoV-2. Nature 2020;586: 24.776-778.KimYI, Kim SG, Kim SM, et al. Infection and rapid transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in ferrets. Cell Host Microbe 2020;27:704-709 e702.
21. Ito G, Goto-Koshino Y, Kuroda Y, et al. Seroprevalence of antibodies against severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in household dogs in Japan. J Vet Med Sci 22.2021;83:1722-1725.Ruiz-ArrondoI, Portillo A, Palomar AM, et al. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in pets living with COVID-19 owners diagnosed during the COVID19lockdown in Spain: A case of an asymptomatic cat with SARS-CoV-2 in Europe. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021;68:973-976.
29. Peck KM, Scobey T, Swanstrom J, et al. Permissivity of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 orthologs to Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus is governed by glycosylation and other complex determinants. JVirol 2017;91:e00534-00517.
19. Shi J, Wen Z, Zhong G, et al. Susceptibility of ferrets, cats, dogs, and other domesticated animals to SARS-coronavirus 2. Science 20.2020;368:1016-1020.PattersonEI,Elia G, Grassi A, et al. Evidence of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in cats and dogs from households in Italy. Nat Commun 2020;11:6231.
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2020;69:710-713.
Susceptibility of various animals to natural and/or experimental infection by SARS-CoV-2 with possible role of a range of species in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Taken from: Pomorska-Mol M, Wlodarek J, Gogulski M, Rybska M. Review: SARS-CoV-2 infection in farmed minks - an overview of current knowledge on occurrence, disease and epidemiology. Animal 2021;15(7):100272
7. Fernandez-Bellon H, Rodon J, FernandezBastit L, et al. Monitoring natural SARS-CoV-2 infection in lions (Panthera leo) at the Barcelona Zoo: viral dynamics and host responses. Viruses 8.2021;13.Karikalan M, Chander V, Mahajan S, et al. Natural infection of Delta mutant of SARS-CoV-2 in Asiatic lions of India. Transbound Emerg Dis 9.2021;10.1111/tbed.14290.KoeppelKN,Mendes A, Strydom A, et al. SARS-CoV-2 reverse zoonoses to pumas and lions, South Africa. Viruses 2022;14.
16. Temmam S, Barbarino A, Maso D, et al. Absence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in cats and dogs in close contact with a cluster of COVID-19 patients in a veterinary campus. One Health 17.2020;10:100164.SilaT,Sunghan J, Laochareonsuk W,et al. Suspected cat-to-human transmission of SARSCoV-2, Thailand, July-September 2021. Emerg Infect Dis 2022;28:1485-1488.
18. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA. Confirmation of COVID-19 in pet dog in New York. 2020; 2022.sa-2020/sa-06/sars-cov-2-dog.aphis/newsroom/stakeholderinfo/sa_by_date/https://www.aphis.usda.gov/AccessedJul1,
26. Rosa RB, Dantas WM, do Nascimento JCF, et al. In Vitro and In Vivo models for studying SARS-CoV-2, the etiological agent responsible for COVID-19 pandemic. Viruses 2021;13.
30. Giner J, Villanueva-Saz S, Tobajas AP, et al. SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in household domestic ferrets (Mustela putorius furo). Animals (Basel) 2021;11.
10. Newman A, Smith D, Ghai RR, et al. First reported cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in companion animals - New York, March-April 2020.
31. Gortázar C, Barroso-Arévalo S, FerrerasColino E, et al. Natural SARS-CoV-2 infection in kept ferrets, Spain. Emerg Infect Dis 2021;27: 32.1994-1996.Racnik J, Kocevar A, Slavec B, et al. Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from human to domestic ferret. Emerg Infect Dis 2021;27:245033.2453.Oreshkova N, Molenaar RJ, Vreman S, et al. SARS-CoV-2 infection in farmed minks, the Netherlands, April and May 2020. Euro Surveill 34.2020;25.Eckstrand CD, Baldwin TJ, Rood KA, et al. An outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 with high mortality in mink (Neovison vison) on multiple Utah farms. PLoS Pathog 2021;17:e1009952.
survey of SARS-CoV-2 in cat in Wuhan. Emerg Microbes Infect 2020;9:2013-2019.
25. Richard M, Kok A, de Meulder D, et al. SARSCoV-2 is transmitted via contact and via the air between ferrets. Nat Commun 2020;11:3496.
35. Oude Munnink BB, Sikkema RS, Nieuwenhuijse DF,et al. Transmission of SARSCoV-2 on mink farms between humans and mink and back to humans. Science 2021;371:172-177. 36. Mallapaty S. COVID mink analysis shows mutations are not dangerous - yet. Nature 37.2020;587:340-341.CushingAC,Sawatzki K, Grome HN, et al. Duration of antigen shedding and development of antibody titers in Malayan tigers (Panthera tigris jacksoni) naturally infected with SARSCOV-2. JZoo Wildl Med 2021;52:1224-1228.
5. McAloose D, Laverack M, Wang L, et al. From people to panthera: natural SARS-CoV-2 infection in tigers and lions at the Bronx Zoo. mBio 2020;11.
experimental basis and administered to nonhuman primates and carnivores such as big cats, bears, hyenas, ferrets, and mink, among others. These animals are susceptible to the virus. So far, none of the animals have shown any side effects. Other zoos around the world, most notably Santiago Zoo in Chile, have been vaccinating animals with the Zoetis vaccine.
4. Cockrell AS, Yount BL, Scobey T,et al. A mouse model for MERS coronavirus-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome. Nat Microbiol 2016;2:16226.
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It is a good idea to allocate a staff member to comfort the owner and keep him/her informed on the situation ‘out the back’ in the treatment room.
■ Close observation: these patients can deteriorate rapidly
Chronic cardiac or pulmonary disease may present as acute dyspnea
5.
We are all aware that breathing is essential to the wellbeing of all animals and injury to any part of the respiratory tract may be acutely and unexpectedly fatal…
● The owner
● Wheezes are higher pitched sounds and support lower airway pathology.
a. INITIAL OBSERVATION/EVALUATION: Observation of the patient from a distance before commencing the physical examination will provide important information:
Preparedness for emergency situations:
● The patient
Respiratory distress patients require immediate attention.
If possible, provide flow by oxygen supplementation during triage
3. The other clients
Dyspnea may occur in paroxysms, it may be continuous or only post exercise
● Are there any underlying disease conditions that may predispose an acute onset of respiratory difficulty (respiratory disease, cardiac disease, endocrine disease, hemotological or vascular disease)?
Triage of the patient in respiratory distress
Triage (definition: to sort)
Try to ascertain the following:
2. Describe and classify the breathing pattern and/or the ventilation effort Observe the patient from a distance (‘hands off’)while he/she is at rest and document his/her breathing pattern. This allows an appreciation of the respiratory rate and effort without human intervention. Listen for externally audible respiratory noises (eg. stridor or stertor) which may help with anatomical localization of the underlying pathology.
2.
Abnormal
The staff member attending the reception area is the first in contact with the respiratory distress patient and should bepracticed in the triage and first aid of the respiratory patient.
● Crackles that are ausculted within the thoracic cavity are termed ‘fine’ and indicate fluid or cells in the lung tissue (i.e. fluid (cardiogenic or non cardiogenic), hemorrhage, cells (neoplastic or inflammatory).
TheVeterinarian 23AUGUST 2022■ www.theveterinarian.com.au Clinical Review
“Scruffy is having trouble breathing…”
Careful palpation of the neck and thorax followed by auscultation of the thorax (in a quiet environment) should then be performed. Careful cardiac auscultation and simultaneous palpation of the femoral or dorsal pedal arterywill help elude to any cardiovascular abnormalities (i.e. murmur, arrhythmia, pulse deficits, intensity of heart sounds). Thorough auscultation of the thorax in multiple quadrants over both the left and right hemithorax is required.
● Reduced lung sounds in the presence of pronounced effort may suggest pleural disease
rhythm, character and/or altered behavior.
The initial triage (patient assessment) should be performed in a standardized manner to ensure rapid, accurate assessment of the patient.
Arethe lung sounds appropriate?
1. Tachypnea Increased
■ Patients that present recumbent with no gag reflex should be intubated immediately
d. CIRCULATION: The circulatory status of the patient can be assessed through examination of the patients’ mentation, mucous membrane color, capillary refill time (CRT), heart rate
Naomi Hansen BVSc MACVSc graduated
■ Astanding/walking patient is far less concerning than a recumbent patient, and apatient that is in sternal recumbence is more comforting than one that is laterally recumbent.
1. The patient
Cessation
■ If an airway obstruction cannot be alleviated a tracheostomy should be performed (figure 1)
c. BREATHING: Visual assessment of the ventilation effort and breathing pattern will assist in localizing the respiratoryproblem (Table 1.)
Dyspnea describes an abnormal ventilation pattern which is assessed by abnormalities of respiratory rate,
(HR), pulse quality and extremity temperature.
Characterising dyspnea: respiratory rate Orthopnea breathing except in an upright position Hyperpnea increase in depth and rate of respiratory movements Apnea of respiratory movements Bradypnea respiratoryrate
Low
3.
Fortunately, the majority of pet owners are aware of the importance of breathing and the serious implications associated with a pet that is “having trouble breathing”.
•Establish clinic protocols for the triage and first aid of emergency patients
• Practice......Practice......Practice.
Dyspnea may or may not indicate a respiratory problem
● Crackles that areaudible at the mouth without a stethoscope are termed ‘harsh’ and indicated fluid movement between the throat ad more proximal airways (i.e tracheal hemorrhage).
2. The owner
■ Upper airway obstructions should be removed immediately (this may require intravenous sedation)
The clients in the reception area will subconsciously assess management of the emergency situation. In their minds, it is a reflection of your competence as a veterinarian and cohesion as a clinic. Practicing emergency protocols and role-play of emergency situations will ensure your clinic is portrayed as a professional cohesive unit.
Difficulty
First Aid for the dyspneic patient
The management of a patient with a life threatening condition should be addressed on several levels:
b. AIRWAY: Assess the upper airway for patency and the presence of a gag reflex.
● Was there any potential for access to toxic or noxious substances prior to presentation (i.e anticoagulant rodenticides, paraquat, paracetamol)?
Dyspnea
•Ensure all the staff members are aware of the protocols and know where the relevant equipment is located
■ Oxygen support maximizes the amount of oxygen reaching the alveoli
The owner will be extremely emotional by the time he/she reaches the clinic and will often require as much attention as their pet.
Documentation of an accurate patient history is extremely important and may be difficult depending on the emotional state of the owner.
● Is the patient is on any medication that may impinge of your treatment plan
The phone communication with the client who has observed their pet to be having breathing difficulty should be to present their pet to the nearest veterinary clinic immediately.
■ Rest reduces the body’s demand for oxygen
● The other clients
Physical Examination
CriticalMelbourneSheUniversityQueenslandfromin1997.workedinmixedanimalpracticeinQueenslandaftergraduation,beforemovingtoCanberratoworkforJohnAspleyDavisatKippaxVeterinaryHospital.ShehascompletedaresidencyinemergencyandcriticalcareatUniversityandwasaresidentinthesamefieldatthePennsylvaniaUniversityVeterinaryHospitalintheUS.SheisveterinarydirectorofNorthCoastVeterinaryEmergencyandCare(NCVECC)inSippyDowns,Qld.HansenisamemberoftheEmergencyandCriticalCareChapteroftheACVS.
4.
All emergency patients require a thorough examination of all organ systems following triage to ensure all disease processes are managed appropriately
This may sound a little crazy but practice does ensure all emergencies aremanaged professionally.
■ Gentle handling avoids distressing the patient
● Whether the dyspnea was acute or chronic in onset
1. History
● Pulmonary thromboembolism
● Metabolic disease (acidosis)
Differential diagnosis
Ventilation physiology
Anaesethesia and opioids shift the PaCO2 response curve to the right (increased resting PaCO2)
4. The sympathetic nervous system (β2 adrenergic receptors) innervation of the bronchial smooth muscle stimulates bronchodilation.
6. Mediastinal disease
RMV = tidal volume x respiratory rate
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● Acute anaemia
The respiratorycentre is located in the medulla oblongata. Medullary dysfunction reduces the respiratory centres’ responsiveness to elevations in blood carbon dioxide concentrations and/or instigates an abnormal ventilatorypattern associated with site of the lesion (i.e. apneustic breathing, Cheyne-stokes breathing, tachypnoea.
● Neuromuscular disease
● Abdominal distension
● Cardiac disease
Pale Anaemia or shock (cardiogenic, hypovolaemic or redistributive)
● Chest wall disease
1. Breathing pattern and ventilation effort
● Intrathoracic lesion: small airways, bronchi, intrathoracic trachea
Indicatoryfor ventilation support: PaCO2 >60mmHg, PaO2 <60mmHg, SpO2 <90%
3. Abdominal enlargement
Ventilation effort
2. The peripheral chemoreceptors (carotid bodies) responds to pulmonaryoxygenation levels.
Peripheral nervous system
3. Hydrostatic/oncotic force imbalance
5. The parasympathetic nervous system (Vagus N.) innervation of bronchial smooth muscle stimulates bronchoconstriction.
Decreased ventilation effort
Differential diagnosis
Oxygen desaturation (PCV>18%)
● Parenchymal disease
SpO2 is a measure of haemoglobin saturation (irrespective of Hb levels)
1. Neuromuscular disease
Differential diagnosis for respiratory failure (hypoxemia):
4. Increased capillary permeability
● Extra-thoracic lesion: nose, pharynx, larynx, cervical trachea
Coagulopathy (primary or secondary haemostatic dysfunction)
Increased inspiratory effort: upper airway and generally associated with an audible respiratory
● Medullary dysfunction (respiratory centre)
● Neuromuscular junction: NM blocking agents, myasthenia gravis, polyneuropathy
Hemorrhage or petechiae
Expiration is the recoil/relaxation of the muscles of respiration, expelling the air from the lungs
● Acute anaemia
PaCO2 is a measure of ventilation
● Medullary dysfunction (respiratory centre)
1. Trauma (blunt/penetrating)
● Pleural space disease
● Hypotension, hyperthermia, anxiety, acidosis, anemia, opioids
Mucus membrane colour
2. Airway obstruction
>Patientsnoise. are predisposed to anxiety and hyperthermia
Differential diagnosis for ventilation failure (hypercarbia):
3. CapnometryMeasure of expired CO2 (ETCO2 =32-40mmHg)
Spinal nerve damage (C1-C7), peripheral nerve damage (Phrenic N. or Intercostal N.), neuromuscular junction disease and/or muscular disease/weakness.
Cyanosis
Airway obstructions (intrathoracic or extrathoracic) increase the resistance to passive airflow and an increased inspiratory/expiratoryeffort is required to achieve the equivalent end inspiratory/expiratory volume. Airway obstructions
● Neuromuscular disease
Increased expiratory effort: lower airway andgenerally associated with wheezes on thoracic auscultation
Jaundice
● Small airway obstruction
Prehepatic (i.e. haemolysis), intrahepatic (i.e. hepatopathy) or post hepatic (i.e. biliary duct system) dysfunction
4. Thoracic wall disease
Inspiration is the simultaneous contraction of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles. This action increases the thoracic volume and generates a negative pressure within the thorax (‘Bellows Mechanism’). Air then enters the alveoli passively, along the pressure gradient established by respiratory muscle contraction.
● Spinal cord (efferent motor nerve dysfunction)
2. Airway obstruction
● Cardiac disease
2. Blood gas analysis
Increased ventilation effort
The respiratory minute volume (RMV) is a function of an animals’ acid/base status and blood gas partial pressure (oxygen and carbon dioxide).
2. Pulmonary interstitial disease (inflammatory or neoplastic cellular infiltration)
Table 1. Breathing and ventilation pattern classification
● Vascular disease (thromboembolic disease)
Clinical Review
● Thoracic wall
● Parenchymal disease
Innervation: Phrenic nerve (C5/C7) passes through the thoracic inlet and mediastinum to innervate the diaphragm and the intercostal nerves (C1-C5)
● Vascular disease
1. Neuromuscular disease: decreased breathing effort
Methods of evaluating pulmonary function
Control of ventilation
● Large airway obstruction: pharyngeal masses, laryngeal oedema, recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis, tracheal collapse, tracheal masses, peri-pharyngeal masses, peri-tracheal masses
● Pleural space
● Parenchymal disease
● Acute anaemia
Pleural pressure: -4cm H2O(-20cm H2Opeak inspiration)
3. The mechanoreceptors and stretch receptors alter the respiratory minute volume (RMV) to minimise muscular fatigue.
● Neuromuscular disease
● Pulmonary parenchymal disease
Red Peripheral vasodilation
PaO2 is a measure of dissolved oxygen (irrespective of Hb levels)
3. Assess the mucous membrane colour:
Muscles of ventilation Inspiration
5. Pleural space disease
Breathing pattern
Increase in both inspiratory and expiratoryeffort
Differential diagnosis
Expiration
● Hypovolaemia
Table 2. Mucous membrane colour
Restrictive breathing (rapid and shallow)
1. The central respiratory centre (medulla) responds to alterations in pH.
Central nervous system
Pneumomediastinum (free air in the mediastinum) occurs associated with a trauma and
Figure 1. Mechanical ventilation is required when a patient suffers from respiratory
A tension pneumothorax develops when a one-way-valve ‘flap’ occurs in the skin. During inspiration the air rushes into the pleural space (along the pressure gradient generated by the inspiratory muscles) and is trapped on expiration. The rapid increase in thoracic pressure causes the lungs to collapse and decreases the venous return to the heart altering the ‘thoracic pump mechanism’.
Tension pneumothorax
● The air pocket will expand/compress with inspiration/expiration more than fluid so an increased is required effort for the equivalent tidal volume.
*Avoid positive pressure ventilation (PPV) or place achest drain prior to ventilating*
Modified Transudate
Slightly higher protein concentrations and white cell count
● Hyperthermia, dehydration, hypovolaemia and reduced peripheral perfusion
Respiratory fatigue and failure
Opaque/milky white/pink, triglyceride content>serum and content<serum,stainscholesterolchylomicrons with sudan III
● Muscular hypoxia and ischaemia (lactate production)
Effusion characteristics
4.Chest wall disease
Respiratory fatigue and failure are common sequale to a prolonged period of increased respiratory effort like:
Radiographically, this is depicted by the presence of air outlining the great vessels and large airways and associated with an airway rupture, oesophageal perforation or penetrating neck wound.
are rarely circumferential and fixed, they are dynamic and alter with the ventilation cycle.
● SIRS
Mediastinal mass
Interruption to lymphatic drainage (thoracic duct)
Clinical Review
Pleural fluid accumulates as a function of raised hydrostatic pressure, reduced capillary oncotic pressure, increased capillary permeability and/or obstruction to lymphatic drainage
Pleural effusions
Exudate
● This action will be hampered by space occupying diseases of the abdomen (i.e. GDV, Ascites, Ileus, Intestinal foreign body).
Intrathoracic obstruction: Increased expiratory effort resulting in airway collapse and forced exhalation.
Flail chest
Medistinal mass lesions may cause compression of the cranial intrathoracic trachea resulting in an expiratory dyspnea.
Open pneumothorax
● The increased negative pressure in the chest ‘sucks’ the floating segment towards the pleura and pulmonaryparenchyma and reduces the total negative pressure generated.
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● Respiratory arrest
Clear/pale colour, TP <25g/L, WCC <1,000/ml
Pleural effusion
Imbalance of hydrostatic and osmotic pressure between pleural and pulmonary capillaries
Air in the pleural space tends to be more debilitating than fluid.
Air,fluid or abdominal contents that occupy the pleural space reduce the pressure gradient generated during inspiration.
Pyothorax
● This condition is extremely painful and local infusion of Lignocaine (1-2mg/kg diluted to deliver 0.5mL at each injection site) or 0.5% Bupivicaine (0.5mL at each injection site) at the caudal border of each fractured rib, above and below the fracture may assist in improving ventilation function.
● Open pneumothorax may be self limiting if the rent in the lung/thoracic wall is small.
TP 25-50g/L, WCC 1,000-5,000/ml
Inflammatory condition of the parietal/visceral pleura
Transudate
may progress to a pneumothorax or generalized emphysema (air migrates between fascial planes).
Aclosed pneumothorax involves an internal defect within the bronchial tree or lungs allowing air to move into the pleural space.
Chylothorax
Yellow/red/brown and +++neutrophils +/- bacteria
Generally obligate anaerobes (Pasteurella, Bacteoides, Fusobacterium)
● Respiratory acidosis +/- metabolic acidosis (lactate production)
Atension pneumothorax will rapidly result in respiratory arrest
This occurs when successive rib segments are broken in two places giving rise to a floating rib section and regional haemorrhage (pleura and pulmonary parenchyma).
5. Pleural space filling disease
Pneumothorax
Pneumomediastinum
● The negative pressure gradient is reduced due to the communication between the pleural space and the atmospheric air so the inspiratory effort will be increased.
The parietal pleura produces pleural fluid at a constant rate (the parietal pleura covers mediastinum, chest wall and diaphragm) and the visceral pleura absorbs pleural fluid via lymphatics (the visceral pleura covers the lung and vasculature).
Mediastinal disease
● Hypercarbia (Hypoventilation) and hypoxemia
Positive pressure ventilation (PPV) should be considered if PaO2 < 60mmHg, PaCO2 > 60mmHg or SpO2 <90%
Cloudy, TP >25g/L, WCC > 5,000/ml
Closed pneumothorax
● There is a risk of rib fragments penetration the lung parenchyma so surgical/mechanical stabilization is advised.
Thoracic wall disease decreases the efficiency of the intercostal muscles and diaphragm in the generation of negative intrathoracic pressure.
Anti-anxiety medications are beneficial in reducing ventilation effort and airway collapse
Generation of negative intrathoracic pressure relies on contraction and caudal displacement of the diaphragm.
The open pneumothorax provides an inlet for air to flow from the environment into the pleural space.
Extrathoracic obstruction: Increased inspiratory effort resulting in collapse of the intrathoracic airways on inspiration (sucked in).
3. Abdominal enlargement
● The pressure gradient for passive air flow is reduced so an increase in respiratory effort will be required to achieve the same tidal volume.
● Atropine 0.025-0.075mg/kg (nebulizer)
● Theophylline:
Five anatomical sited are examined with traditional T-FAST (thoracic imaging):
● Right and left ‘chest tube sites’ (i.e. 7th-9th intercostal spaces)
● Face mask
● Right and left ‘pericardial sites’ (i.e. 3rd-5th intercostal spaces)
Diazepam
Diagnostic Thoracocentesis
In the event of a positive diagnostic thoracocentesis, a therapeutic thoracocentesis or placement of a thoracostomy tube can be performed to remove remaining air/fluid from the pleural space.
Positive pressure ventilation should be considered if PaO2 < 60mmHg, PaCO2 > 60mmHg or SpO2 <90%
The initial management of the respirator y patient will be performed without the benefits of this diagnostic modality,hence the importance of a thorough clinical examination.
Ultrasonic evaluation (i.e. point-of-careultrasound (POCUS) or focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST)
● Beta adrenergic agents: Stimulate β 2 adrenergic receptors in the bronchial and vascular smooth muscle bronchodilation and vasodilation and may stimulate β1 adrenergic receptors in the myocardium (positive ionotrope and positive chonotrope)
Thoracocentesis is generally performed in the awake, restrained animal with or without local analgesia.
Stabilisation/management of patients with respiratory distress
Morphine 0.25-0.5 mg/kg IV or IM
TheVeterinarian AUGUST 202226 ■ www.theveterinarian.com.au Clinical Review
● Nasal oxygen 100-200 mL/kg/min (FiO2 ~ 40%)
Chemical restraint
The ideal location to insert the needle for a diagnostic thoracocentesis is the cranial aspect (to avoid the neurovascular bundle) of the 7th to 9th intercostal spaces, around the level of the costochondral junction for a pleural effusion and more dorsally for a suspect pneumothorax. When the needle has entered the skin apply a small amount of pressure on the syringe (i.e. 1mL) to create a vacuum while simultaneously advancing the needle (with confidence) into the pleural space (in a straight direction). Upon contacting the positive pressure of the pleural space the vacuum will be lost and either fluid or air will enter the syringe.
Thoracic radiology is used as a confirmatory tool more often than a diagnostic tool.
● Oxygen cage
Relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle (dose Corticosteroidsdependant) and Cimetidine will increase blood levels
Bronchodilators (indicated for small airway disease)
Radiographic evaluation is indicated in the STABLE respiratory patient only.
● Flow by oxygen 100-200mL/kg/min (FiO2 ~ 30-60%)
Figure 2. Thoracic radiograph(VD) of a patient following a vehicle accident illustrating rib fracture(LHS #5) and pulmonaryparenchymal trauma: an alveolar pattern (note the air bronchograms) supports the presence of pulmonary contusions
Ketamine 0.25-0.5 mg/kg IV
B. Positiong the patient is important: restrain the patient in sternal or lateral recumbency ensuring the limbs are C.controlled.
The chest tube sites are used to assess the lung tissue, the interface between soft tissue structures and air (i.e. air filled lung) results in 99.9% of the ultrasound beam being reflected which means that aerated lung is impenetrable to ultrasound. Lung pathology can be identified as lung surface artefacts where aerated lung exists alongside consolidated lung.
Aminophylline 5-10mg/kg IV or PO
Airway/breathing
Radiographic evaluation
AIS =an increase in numbers of B-lines (>3 B-lines at any one location)
1-2mg/kg bolus IV to effect
Propofol
Acepromazine
Sonographic lung appearance:
0.01-0.02mg/kg IV
● B-lines: Blines originate at the lung surface, they move with the Glide sign, they obliterate A-lines and they extend to the far field without fading. The presence of a small number (<3) B-lines maybe normal but the presence of a large number of coalescing B lines supports pulmonary pathology (i.e. alveolar interstitial syndrome, pulmonary contusions, pulmonary oedema, pneumonia, neoplasia etc.
Normal aerated lungs= A-lines and a Glide sign Pneumothorax= A-lines and NO glide sign
● Anticholinergic agents: Antimuscarinic effect in the larger bronchi
Rushing a respiratorypatient to radiology without adequate initial stabilization will ensure a one way trip!
0.1-0.5 mg/kg IV
Therapeutic Thoracocentesis
Needle thoracocentesis: Advance the needle perpendicular to the thorax, once the needle is within the pleural space direct the needle caudally against the rib cage with the bevel facing away from the lung. Thoracocentesis should always be performed with an extension set, a 3way-tap, asyringe and the operator should wear sterile gloves.
Oxygen supplementation:
● Intubate and ventilate 100% oxygen (avoid FiO2 > 60% for longer than 24 hours; wean to FiO2 < 60% after 24 hours to avoid oxygen toxicity)
Terbutaline 0.01mg/kg SC (3-5 ug/kg IV and 5-10 ug/kg IM)
Alines propagate through air so are present in normal aerates lung and in the presence of a pneumothorax, the difference is the presence/absence of the glide sign
● Sub-xiphoid ‘diaphragmaticohepatic’ site: The sub-xiphoid site is the most sensitive for the detection of pleural effusion.
Bat sign/Gator sign: When the probe is placed perpendicular to the ribs over the thorax the rib head, rib shadowing and pleural lines are visible.
In veterinary medicine, the point of care lung ultrasound procedure is published for the identification of pneumothorax, pleural effusion and alveolar interstitial syndrome (AIS).
● Curtain sign: The interface between the thorax andthe abdomen (a vertical line).
The ribs appear as curvilinear white lines with rib shadowing. The first white line below the rib head is the pleural line.
Butorphanol 0.05-0.2mg/kg IV or IM
● A-lines: The air below the pleural line (aerated lungs) reflects the majority of the ultrasound waves back to the transducer (the transducer is also a reflector) which then bounces the waves back to the pleural line. This bouncing creates horizontal artifacts known as A-lines.
Equipment: sterile gloves, needle/catheter, 3-way-tap, extension tube, syringe (10-20mL) +/- scapel blade and 1-2 mL Lignocaine (2%)
Remember the intercostal vessels and nerves are located on the caudal aspect of the rib and avoid the heart and the internal thoracic artery when performing thoracocentesis ventrally
The pericardial sites are used to identify the presence/absence of pericardial effusion and can be used to attain some echocardiographic views
● Glide sign: The to-and-fro movement of the lung sliding along the chest wall during respiration. This is observed at the pulmonary/pleural interface (i.e. the pleural line).
A diagnostic thoracocentesis is indicated in patients that are suspected of having pleural space disease, it is a rapid, inexpensive and very sensitive test for the confirmation of pneumothorax or pleural effusion. A diagnostic thoracocentesis can be performed with a 3mL syringe and a 22G hypodermic needle or butterfly catheter with the patient in a comfortable position and minimal preparation.
A. The lateral thorax clipped and aseptically prepared in the vicinity of the 7th/8th intercostal space (if a pneumothorax is suspected the dorsal half of the thorax is clipped and ifan effusion is suspected the ventral half of the thorax is clipped):
Drug Dose
E.Remove the peritracheal connective tissue from the ventral trachea.
Figure 3. Unilateral penetrating chest wound (right side) post operatively with consolidation of the left caudal lung (suspected to be iatrogenic as dog was in left lateral recumbency for the procedure) unilateral hemorrhagic pleural effusion
K. The tracheostomy tube can be secured using umbilical tape.
C.Incise the ventral cervical region (midline) at the 2nd-3rd cartilage ring below the thyroid cartilage (~ 4cm from the caudal border of the larynx).
H. Remove the ET tube and place the tracheostomy tube.
L. The stay sutures remain and may be marked with tape and labelled ‘cranial’ and ‘caudal’.
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Clinical Review
G. Incise the annular ligament ~ 1/3 (no more than ?) of the circumference to form the tracheal stoma.
B.Positioning the patient is important: extend the neck cranially and strap the legs caudally (sand bags may assist with support).
D.Split the sternohyoideus muscle midline and retract laterally.
Atemporary tracheostomy is indicated in patients with a severe upper airway obstruction that is unresponsive to medical management. This will involve rapid induction of general anaesthesia and entubation*.
F. Place the temporary tracheostomy between the 2nd/3rd or 3rd/4th tracheal rings; once selected stay sutures are placed around the tracheal rings either side of the planned incision.
I.BREATH
Temporary Tracheostomy
*Difficult intubation: patients with an upper airway obstruction will require a smaller endotracheal tube than normally used. A stylet may assist in the passage ofan ET tube (i.e. a stiff polypropylene catheter can act as a stylet and the ET tube passed over the top).
A.The ventral neck is clipped from the rami of the mandibles to the manubrium and laterally to the middle of the neck.
J.The skin can be closed cranially and caudally if indicated but the wound should remain open around the tube to reduce the formation of subcutaneous emphysema.
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self-monitoring, ability to recognise individuals and, more importantly, their adverse response to degraded conditions, all point towards a sense of consciousness (Borrelli & Fiorito, 2008; Mather, 2008; Mather, 2011). In many respects, octopus are mentally comparable to many higher-order vertebrates, so, in captivity, they must be treated with the same standard of care.
Discusses the needs that octopus show for an improved standard of care in captivity, especially for a more stimulating and enriched environment.
Dolev, Y., Kuba, M.J., Hochner, B., Loewenstein, Y. (2011) Decision making and operant conditioning in Octopus vulgaris. Society for Neuroscience Symposium,41.
Discussion
Until 2011, researchers wereunclear if there was a connection between the peripheral nervous input and the central neural control.
Harvey-Clark, C. (2011) IACUC Challenges in Invertebrate Research. ILAR Journal 52, 213-220.
Edelman, D.B., Seth, A.K. (2009) Animal consciousness: a synthetic approach. Trends in Neurosciences 32, 476-484.
Defining consciousness has been a controversial topic, but it has been narrowed down to a basic self-awareness and an ability to adapt to unique situations (Edelman & Seth, 2009). Self-awareness of individuals is regarded as a key featureof high-order phyla, characterised by the ability to recognise others, and the starting point of self-awareness. Tricarico et al. (2011), explored the ability of octopus to display individual recognition. Octopodes (n=24) were caught off the coast of Naples and taken to a laboratory.They werepaired and placed together in tanks, each pair separated either by a transparent or opaque barrier. The octopodes remained in these tanks and were given three days to acclimate to each other. Each pair was then transferred to a shared tank wherethey wereallowed to interact with each other for 15 minutes, once a day for three days. Finally, each pair was either switched or kept with its original partner,and allowed to interact with the new octopus for 15minutes. Unfamiliar pairs tended to react physically towards one another morequickly, ending more often in aggression and ink-jetting. Those that werein familiar pairs avoided each other and established dominance sooner than octopus paired with an unfamiliar partner.The quickest assessments of dominance wereperformed by octopus pairs that werein visual contact for all seven days. Tricarico et al. (2011) hypothesised that the visual assessments made by octopus beforehand reduced the need for tactile reinforcement. This avoidance behaviour persisted through the entireexperiment, leading the researchers to conclude that octopus do remember individuals for at least one day.
■ LOUISEFISHER
Along with individual recognition, self-monitoring is also a precursor to self-awareness, to apoint where the animal bases its actions on the evaluation of sensoryinput (Edelman & Seth, 2009; Mather,2008). Do octopus actively evaluate their environment before acting?
To establish whether octopus have this link, Gutnick et al. (2011) constructed a three-choice maze that forced each trial animal to locate food in a particular compartment with the use of just one of its limbs. Although it took at least 20 trials to learn, successful limb movements changed from straight, pushing movements, to careful probing actions. The octopus also positioned themselves to be in visual contact with the extended limb. Gutnick et al. (2011) concluded that the octopus were making a connection between the visual input and the voluntarymotor control. The change in arm movements demonstrates that the octopus wereactively changing their behaviour to suit the task. This change was based on the visual input they were receiving, an indication of their ability to self-monitor.
Octopus are intelligent, curious predators with aremarkable ability for problem-solving (Dolev etal., 2011: Mather, 2008). But with animals so unlike humans, it is harder for us to place asimilar value on them. In the USA, octopus are legally “invertebrates” and as such, are not protected under normal Animal Ethics and Welfare laws (Harvey-Clark, 2011; Moltschaniwskyj et al., 2007). One consequence of this is that octopus are often seen as “acceptable” replacements for mammals in experiments, and do not require review from ethics committees. This is all done under the assumption that all invertebrates are “lower-order” life-forms with little or no self-awareness (Mather, 2011). In the past decade, behavioural experiments have brought forth the idea of cephalopods having a form of primary consciousness similar to that of higher-order vertebrates (Mather, 2008). These developments in the understanding ofoctopus should be considered before reforming current welfare laws.
In addition to providing evidence for higher-range cognition, seeing how an animal responds to varying standards of captivity assesses its need to be stimulated. Yasumuro and Ikeda (2011) investigated the effects of enriching the environment on octopus behaviour.Five adults were hand- and net-collected from Okinawa Island and reared in each of three experimental environments. The Poor environment had only a PVC pipe; the Standardhad a black cover cloth with sand and coral grit; and the Enriched was a standard tank with coral skeleton and plastic kelp. Each octopus spent seven days in each tank, during which their exploratoryand other behaviours were recorded, along with their reactions to stimuli (a pipette with a rubber cap) and their colour changes.
Introduction
Borrelli, L., Fiorito, G. (2008) Behavioral Analysis of Learning and Memory in: Cephalopods. In: Learning and Memory: AComprehensive Reference. Editor-in-chief: H.B. John. Oxford: Academic Press.
Gutnick, T., Byrne, R.A., Hochner, B., Kuba, M. (2011) Octopus vulgaris Uses Visual Information to Determine the Location of Its Arm. Current Biology 21, 460-462.
Mather, J.A. (2011) Philosophical Background of Attitudes toward and Treatment of Invertebrates. ILAR Journal 52, 205-212.
Moltschaniwskyj, N.A., Staudinger, M., van Gelderen, R., Villanueva, R., Warnke, K., Hall, K., Lipinski, M.R., Marian, J.E.A.R., Nishiguchi, M., Sakai, M., Shulman, D.J., Sinclair, B., Sinn, D.L. (2007) Ethical and welfare considerations when using cephalopods as experimental animals. Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries 17, Ras,455-476.T.,Vande Ven, M., Patterson-Kane, E.G., Nelson, K. (2002). Rats' preferences for corn versus wood-based bedding and nesting materials. Laboratory Animals, 36, 420-425. Tricarico, E., Borrelli, L., Gherardi, F., Fiorito, G. (2011) I Know My Neighbour: Individual Recognition in Octopus vulgaris. PLoS ONE, 6, Uriarte,e18710.I., Iglesias, J., Domingues, P., Rosas, C., Viana, M.T., Navarro, J.C., Seixas, P., Vidal, E., Ausburger, A., Pereda, S., Godoy, F., Paschke, K., Farías, A., Olivares, A., Zuñiga, O. (2011) Current Status and Bottle Neck of Octopod Aquaculture: The Case of American Species. Journal of the World Aquaculture Society 42, Yasumuro,735-752.H., Ikeda, Y. (2011) Effects of environmental enrichment on the behavior of the tropical octopus Callistoctopus aspilosomatis. Marine and Freshwater Behaviour and Physiology, 44, 143-157.
Octopus engage in complex social interactions, learnrapidly and display a high level of exploratorybehaviours (Uriarte et al., 2011; Tricarico et al., 2011; Dolev et al., 2011). Their
While no differences were observed between the Standardand Enriched environments, behaviour was markedly different for octopodes in Poor tanks. In the Poor environment, octopodes wereless exploratoryand tended to ignorethe stimulus, whereas in the other two environments octopodes showed a preference for attacking the stimulus. While in the Poor environment, octopodes were acutely mottled and exhibited ink-jetting, both of which aresigns of stress in cephalopods (Moltschaniwskyj et al., 2007). It was concluded that the best way to enrich the surrounding environment was through addition of a substrate. Much the same way rats are required to have environmental stimulation, octopus seem to benefit in a similar manner (Ras et al., 2002; Yasumuro & Ikeda, 2011). The octopus’ need for environmental stimulation points towards the possession of a cognitive capacity at least equal to that of vertebrates. What is more important to note though, is their adverse reaction to minimal conditions. The reduction of natural exploratory behaviour and the increase in stress-signalling behaviours in the Poor environment highlight the need for stimulation in captivity. This is often not considered when containing octopus in commercial and research situations (Uriarte et al., 2011; Moltschaniwskyj et al., 2007).
Mather, J.A. (2008) Cephalopod consciousness: Behavioural evidence. Consciousness and Cognition 17, 37-48.
Conclusions
References
A conscious decision: including octopus in welfare laws on the basis of their self-awarenessThisessayisoneof
a number selected for The Veterinarian magazine Prize for Written Communication for Sydney University third-year veterinaryscience students.
TheVeterinarian 29AUGUST 2022■ www.theveterinarian.com.au ESSAY
The Sheep Grimace Scale, EQUUSFAP, and EQUUS-Donkey-FAP exhibited low level of evidence for measurement properties. Construct validity was the most reported measurement property. Reliability and other forms of validity have been understudied. This systematic review identified gaps in knowl edge on the measurement properties of grimace scales. Further studies should focus on improving psychometric testing, instrument refinement, and the use of grimace scales for pain assessment in nonhuman mammals.
PO Box 305 Millthorpe NSW 2798 Tel: 02 9487 6627
Nadia Mattiazzo, a Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs client, plays an incredible role in driving awareness ofthe cause. “We couldn’t be happier,” she said, “On behalf of all Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs
Atenant will have the weakest negotiating position in lease negotiations when:
Q4. Do the landlords need to accept the new tenants when
Vet premises lease FAQs
The project, which commenced in July, will also enable scientists to develop efficient diagnostic technology to provide farmers insight into the bacterial and blood-borne
From page 11
12474.Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, SaintHyacinthe, QC, Canada.
From page 14
● there is already a successful vet practice tenanted to the premises and the lease term has a few more years remaining. In this scenario, whilst the landlord should generally be happy to assign in line with the lease terms, they will be much less likely to want to renegotiate the terms of that lease, unless they are able to achieve a better outcome.
parasites on or near their farm.
■ ANNE LAYTON-BENNETT
2Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Centre for Animal Health and Welfare, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, S.A.R.
Views expressed in The Veterinarian are not necessarily those of The Veterinarian orSydney Magazine Publishers Pty Ltd.
Marina C Evangelista1,Beatriz P Monteiro1,Paulo V Steagall12 Pain. 2022 Jun 1;163(6):e697-e714. doi: 10.1097/j.pain.000000000000
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apractice is sold?
The funding will be used to develop aquestionnaire to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of stakeholders within the cattle industry, and to enable sustainable and effective prevention and control measures to be developed. In addition to creating an industry practice framework for stakeholders, a baseline number for tracking future change in the distribution of ticks will also be established.
Abstracts - pain assessment
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Subscriptions - Clem Martin Tel: 02 9487 6627
TheVeterinarian AUGUST 202230 ■ www.theveterinarian.com.au
From page 5 Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs General Manager Graeme Craig said. “The work of the Foundation is vital to the work that we do and their extraordinary effort this year will help change the lives of clients who are blind or have low vision.
12SYDNEYNovember SUBSCRIBENOW!
Seeing Eye Dogs require specific training and a lot of expertise to be matched to the right person, and once matched, they increase a client’s independence, provide constant companionship, help overcome social isolation and contribute to an all-round better quality of life for clients. Through the exceptional amount of money raised this year, we can make a valuable difference to the lives of 23 people.”
From page 1
Tick of approval
entering the country,” Oskram said. The grant was awarded by WA’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
Director - Clem Martin Email: AllPost41PrintedEmail:DesignerEmail:TJamesNationalEmail:Tel:EDavidJeffreyMaryAngusDipECVSDavidDipVetClinStudNicholasDipACLAMThomasEditorialclem.martin@vetmag.com.auAdvisoryBoardDonnellyBVScDipVPKannegieterBVScPhDFACVScLidbetterBVScMVSFACVScDipACVSMartinBVScPorterBVSc(Hons)MACVScSmithBVScFACVScDipACVOVellaBScBVSc(Hons)DABVPditor-LukeMartin0418698228luke.martin@vetmag.com.auSalesManagerMartinel:0432575877james.martin@vetmag.com.au-AnneNorrellannenorrelldesign@gmail.combyNewstylePrintingManchesterSt,MileEndSA5031PrintApprovedPP255003/06488materialin
A4. The vast majority of leases will contain an assignment clause, which compels a landlord to act reasonably if the assignment of an existing lease is requested. As long as the new prospective tenant is someone of good character and sound financial standing, they should meet this criteria; however, judging character and financial standing is subjective and the landlord does have some discretion with how they measure this (references, bond, statement of assets and liabilities and a business plan all could be employed to qualify a prospective tenant).
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“Through new diagnostic technologies and tick surveillance, we hope to better control the spread ofcattle disease in WA as well as stop other tick-borne diseases
Petbarn Foundation Appeal breaks record
Mail POBox 305 Millthorpe NSW 2798
Twelve scales for 9 species were included (mice, rats, rabbits, horses, piglets, sheep or lamb, ferrets, cats, and donkeys). Considerable variability regarding their development and measurement properties was observed. The Mouse, Rat, Horse and Feline Grimace Scales exhibited high level of evidence. The Rabbit, Lamb, Piglet and Ferret Grimace Scales and Sheep Pain Facial Expression Scale exhibited moderate level of evidence.
Email: clem.martin@vetmag.com.au
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clients, thank you. My Seeing Eye Dog is about to retire and as a result of this year’s Appeal, I’ve been matched with a new pup and our training will start at the end of August. People may not realise this but Seeing Eye Dogs work for about eight years before they need to retire. Having more dogs trained will help reduce the wait for a Seeing Eye Dog and will make a massive impact on the lives of many, including mine. Thank you to Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs and The Petbarn Foundation and of course everyone who supported thePetbarnAppeal.”are proud long-term partners of Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs, supporting the organisation through raising $5m through the annual Petbarn Foundation Appeal since 2014. Exceeding this year’s $1m target means the Appeal has funded 125 Seeing Eye Dogs over the past nine years.
CREATURE Feature Westernhoneybee ( Apismellifera ) AlsoknownastheEuropean honeybee, Apismellifera isthe mostcommonoftheseven- 12speciesofhoneybees worldwide.Itwasoneof thefirstdomesticatedinsects, andistheprimaryspecies maintainedbybeekeepers today.Withhumanassistance, thewesternhoneybeenow occupieseverycontinent exceptAntarctica. PictureTannerSmida
The first liquid solution for hypertension
References: 1. Glaus, T.M., et al. (2019) Efficacy of long‐term oral telmisartan treatment in cats with hypertension: results of a prospective European clinical trial. JVetInternMed, 33(2), 413-422. 2. Zimmering, T. et al. (2015) Effect of Semintra® and owner observations on quality of life in cats with Chronic Kidney Disease - update on cat owner feedback (“EASY Programme”). Poster presentation at SEVC 2015, Barcelona. Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Australia Pty. Ltd. Level 1, 78 Waterloo Road, North Ryde, NSW 2113. Semintra® is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH – used under AU-FEL-0027-2022licence.
Semintra® 10 mg/mL Oral Solution for Cats is the first angiotensin receptor blocker licensed for feline hypertension. Its unique, targeted mode of action provides reliable, long-term control of blood pressure.1 And, as Semintra® is an easy to give liquid formulation, it is well accepted by cats, making administration easy.2
