abstracts – Page 29

Abstracts: Animals are key to human toxoplasmosis

December 1, 2014November 16, 2014adminLeave a Comment

Toxoplasma gondii is an extremely successful protozoal parasite which infects almost all mammalian species including humans. Approximately 30 per cent of the human population worldwide is chronically infected with T gondii. In general, human infection is asymptomatic but the parasite may induce severe disease in fetuses and immunocompromised patients. In addition, T gondii may cause […]

Abstracts: Gall bladder rupture associated with cholecystitis in a domestic ferret (Mustela putorius)

November 25, 2014November 16, 2014adminLeave a Comment

A six-year-old neutered female albino ferret was presented with an acute episode of lethargy and anorexia. Clinical examination revealed marked cranial abdominal pain. A severe neutrophilic leukocytosis was present. Abdominal ultrasound was consistent with a diffuse peritonitis and severe bile duct inflammation. Cytology of the abdominal effusion revealed bile peritonitis. An exploratory laparotomy was performed and the […]

Abstracts: Comparison of serum concentrations of symmetric dimethylarginine and creatinine as kidney function biomarkers in cats with chronic kidney disease

November 7, 2014November 16, 2014adminLeave a Comment

BACKGROUND: Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) has been shown to be an accurate and precise biomarker for calculating estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in humans, as well as a more sensitive biomarker than serum creatinine concentration (sCr) for assessing renal dysfunction. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this retrospective study was to report on the utility of measuring serum […]

Abstracts: A scientific comment on the welfare of domesticated ruminants slaughtered without stunning

November 1, 2014November 16, 2014adminLeave a Comment

This review provides a scientific comment on the welfare of ruminants slaughtered by ventral-neck incision without stunning. Evidence is derived from studies of calves, sheep and goats. Reference is also made to findings in other mammals including humans. Pain is an inherently subjective experience and only indirect indices are available in animals. Neurophysiological tools are widely used in […]

Understanding human – bat interactions in NSW, Australia: improving risk communication for prevention of Australian bat lyssavirus

September 22, 2014September 25, 2014adminLeave a Comment

BACKGROUND: Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) infects a number of flying fox and insectivorous bats species in Australia. Human infection with ABLV is inevitably fatal unless prior vaccination and/or post-exposure treatment (PET) is given. Despite ongoing public health messaging about the risks associated with bat contact, surveillance data have revealed a four-fold increase in the number […]