Diagnosis, therapy and prophylactic measures of parturient paresis in dairy cattle: results of an online survey for Swiss veterinarians

2017 ◽  
Vol 159 (6) ◽  
pp. 335-343
Author(s):  
T Perruchoud ◽  
A Maeschli ◽  
H Bachmann ◽  
M Walkenhorst ◽  
G Schüpbach ◽  
...  
Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 1051 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brooklyn K. Wagner ◽  
Mary Caitlin Cramer ◽  
Heather N. Fowler ◽  
Hannah L. Varnell ◽  
Alia M. Dietsch ◽  
...  

When dairy cattle become ill or injured to the extent that recovery is unlikely or impossible, on-farm euthanasia should be used as a tool to eliminate pain and suffering. Our study aimed to identify decision-making criteria and the most common factors considered by veterinarians when making and carrying out euthanasia decisions. Dairy cattle veterinarians were recruited to participate in an online survey (Part I, 61 surveys collected) or in one of three focus groups (Part II, 4–10 veterinarians/group, n = 22). Part I (survey): Surveyed veterinarians varied regarding health condition management and demonstrated a strong proclivity to treat compromised cattle, mirroring trends amongst dairy producers identified in previous research. Sixty percent of respondents indicated that most facilities for which they serve as the primary veterinarian have a written euthanasia protocol in place. Part II (focus groups): Three main themes about euthanasia decision-making (logistical, animal, and human) were identified from focus group discussions. Discussions focused primarily on logistical factors such as financial considerations and client/public perceptions. Development of specific standards for euthanasia, alongside interactive training programs for dairy veterinarians and producers are vital next steps to improving cattle welfare and consistency in euthanasia decision-making across the United States dairy industry.


2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamyres Izarelly Barbosa da Silva ◽  
Leonardo Augusto Kohara Melchior ◽  
Priscila Souza Santos ◽  
Guilherme Henrique Reckziegel ◽  
Yuri Almeida Gomes ◽  
...  

Background: Enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL) is a viral and lymphoproliferative disease that attributes negative economic impacts to dairy farming. The immunosuppressive condition of these bovines favors the development of bacterial diseases such as tuberculosis, brucellosis, and bovine leptospirosis, which implications to the public health given that they are zoonosis. Diagnosis and control of EBL are neglected in cattle rearing, allowing their dissemination, especially in developing countries. In this sense, the objective of this study was to analyze the risk factors of EBL in dairy cattle from the Brazilian Amazon.Materials, Methods & Results: In order to identify the BLV-infected animals (527 serological samples), we used the agarose gel immunodiffusion serological test (IDGA) to diagnose the EBL and characterize the risk factors through the application of epidemiological questionnaires. We used the logistic regression test to evaluate the existence of a significant association between the variables. The EBL frequency in the study area was 14.42%. We detected seroreagent bovines in all municipalities evaluated with 95% of the properties showing outbreaks of the disease. The reuse of needles was the risk factor with the most significant statistical association (P < 0.01; OR = 2.16).Discussion: The origin of EBL in the Brazilian Amazon is probably related to the expansion of dairy cattle in the 1980s, which, at first, demanded the importation of cattle for the fast formation of the herds, without complying with the sanitary criteria of animal commercialization. The frequency of EBL in the Rio Branco microregion is below the estimated national average, as well as the regional level. The reduced influx of animals due to the geographical situation of Acre, since it is an area of greater physical isolation due to forest and river barriers, may influence the observed frequency. Different environmental conditions, herd size, cattle management, genetics and particularities of the diagnostic techniques should also be considered. The Rio Branco microregion can currently be considered as an area of medium frequency for BLV infection, a situation that ranges from 11 to 30% in the occurrence rate. When compared to herds with low infection frequency (<10%), the elimination of seroreagent animals and their respective outbreaks become more expensive in areas of medium or high frequency. As for the number of outbreaks detected, the finding reflects the degree of negligence regarding the prophylactic measures of EBL since it is a silent propagation disease, as well as the implications for the absence of official control and eradication programs in Brazil. According to the final logistic regression model, the reuse of needles for vaccinations, deworming, and for applying other drugs in different animals was the risk factor of greater association in the region, explaining the widespread occurrence of EBL in the studied farms. In Canadian herds, this practice also was associated with an increase in clinical cases. It is known that only 0.1 mL of blood is necessary as a minimal infectious dose of BLV. However, despite the relevance of this variable, it is little studied in epidemiological surveys, and this practice continues to be repeated in cattle. In conclusion, the wide dissemination of EBL in the dairy herds of the region is related to the practice of reusing needles and its relevance in the iatrogenic transmission of the disease


2020 ◽  
Vol 74 (2) ◽  
pp. 125-143
Author(s):  
Ljubica Spasojevic-Kosic ◽  
Vesna Lalosevic

Heartworm disease (HWD) is a clinically important parasitic disease of the cardiovascular system in dogs, and is caused by Dirofilaria immitis (D. immitis), which resides in pulmonary arteries. Infected domestic and wild canids as hosts, and mosquitoes as intermediate hosts, are the main reservoirs of D. immitis. Because D. immitis does not reach complete development in humans, HWD is considered to be a disease with zoonotic potential. In addition to its veterinary relevance and zoonotic potential, the disease is distributed worldwide, and thus, a multidisciplinary approach is necessary to control this disease on the global level. The life cycle of D. immitis explains the pathogenesis and clinical signs of HWD in dogs, and determines its diagnosis, therapy and prophylactic measures. In this review, the most important aspects of HWD in canine patients are emphasized: establishment of correct diagnosis of the disease, proper diagnostic procedures for monitoring the clinical condition of an infected dog, different therapeutic protocols and how efficient they are and finally, recommendations for adequate prophylactic measures. Dogs with and without clinical signs of HWD should be tested for both microfilariae and adults of D. immitis at appropriate times. If positive for heartworm, the pathological changes in relevant organs, mainly lungs and heart, should be assessed in the dog. Their extent and severity determine therapeutic protocol. For dogs cured from HWD and non-infected ones, adequate preventive measures should be applied.


2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 469-478
Author(s):  
Sarah Allen ◽  
Robert Mayo

Purpose School-aged children with hearing loss are best served by a multidisciplinary team of professionals. The purpose of this research was to assess school-based speech-language pathologists' (SLPs) perceptions of their access to, involvement of, and working relationships with educational audiologists in their current work setting. Method An online survey was developed and distributed to school-based SLPs in North Carolina. Results A significant difference in access to and involvement of educational audiologists across the state was found. Conclusions This research contributes to professional knowledge by providing information about current perceptions in the field about interprofessional practice in a school-based setting. Overall, SLPs reported positive feelings about their working relationship with educational audiologists and feel the workload is distributed fairly.


2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 1987-1996
Author(s):  
Sherine R. Tambyraja

Purpose This study investigated the extent to which speech-language pathologists (SLPs) facilitate parents' completion of homework activities for children with speech sound disorder (SSD). In addition, this study explored factors related to more consistent communication about homework completion and strategies considered particularly effective for supporting this element of parental involvement. Method Licensed SLPs serving at least one child with SSD were invited to participate in an online survey. Questions relevant to this study gathered information regarding (a) frequency of communication about homework distribution and follow-up, (b) demographic and workplace characteristics, and (c) an open-ended question about the specific strategies used to support parental involvement and completion of homework activities. Results Descriptive results indicated considerable variability with respect to how frequently SLPs engaged in communication about homework completion, but that school-based SLPs were significantly less likely to engage in this type of follow-up. Strategies considered effective, however, were similar across therapy contexts. Conclusion These results suggest potentially important differences between school-based services and therapy in other contexts with respect to this particular aspect of service provision for children with SSD.


Author(s):  
Virginia L. Dubasik ◽  
Dubravka Svetina Valdivia

Purpose The purpose of this study was to ascertain the extent to which school-based speech-language pathologists' (SLPs) assessment practices with individual English learners (ELs) align with federal legislation and professional practice guidelines. Specifically, we were interested in examining SLPs' use of multiple tools during individual EL assessments, as well as relationships between practices and number of types of training experiences. Method School-based SLPs in a Midwestern state were recruited in person or via e-mail to complete an online survey pertaining to assessment. Of the 562 respondents who completed the survey, 222 (39.5%) indicated past or present experience with ELs, and thus, their data were included in the analyses. The questionnaire solicited information about respondent's demographics, caseload composition, perceived knowledge and skills and training experiences pertaining to working with ELs (e.g., graduate school, self-teaching, professional conferences), and assessment practices used in schools. Results The majority of respondents reported using multiple tools rather than a single tool with each EL they assess. Case history and observation were tools used often or always by the largest number of participants. SLPs who used multiple tools reported using both direct (e.g., standardized tests, dynamic assessment) and indirect tools (e.g., case history, interviews). Analyses revealed low to moderate positive associations between tools, as well as the use of speech-language samples and number of types of training experiences. Conclusions School-based SLPs in the current study reported using EL assessment practices that comply with federal legislation and professional practice guidelines for EL assessment. These results enhance our understanding of school-based SLPs' assessment practices with ELs and may be indicative of a positive shift toward evidence-based practice.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 1131-1138
Author(s):  
Lauren E. Dignazio ◽  
Megan M. Kenny ◽  
Erik X. Raj ◽  
Kyle D. Pelkey

Purpose It is known that people who stutter (PWS) benefit from self-help experiences, such as attending support groups or conferences. However, limited research has been done to explore the listening of stuttering-related podcasts as a form of self-help for PWS. This study seeks to understand the reasons why PWS listen to stuttering-related podcasts and provide descriptions of their listening experiences. Method Thirty-three PWS who have listened to stuttering-related podcasts were recruited to participate in an online survey that included multiple-choice and open-ended questions. Responses were analyzed and grouped into descriptive themes. Results Participants reported listening to stuttering-related podcasts as a way to gain information and perspective. They also reported experiences that fit themes of empowerment and camaraderie, as a result of listening. Conclusions Stuttering-related podcasts seem to be a positive self-help tool for PWS. Stuttering support group leaders and/or speech-language pathologists may consider introducing their group members or clients who stutter to this type of audio-based self-help experience.


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