Australian veterinary journal
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This report describes 17 cases of red-bellied black snake envenomation (RBBS; Pseudechis porphyriacus) in dogs in south-eastern Queensland. Patients were prospectively enrolled for the treatment with a new tiger-brown snake antivenom 8000 units, (TBAV; Padula Serums Pty Ltd, VIC, Australia). ⋯ Some RBBS envenomed dogs required, critical care including mechanical ventilation, blood transfusion, additional antivenom and prolonged hospitalisation. TBAV was effective with excellent prognosis despite stated specificity for tiger and brown snake.
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The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that the paralysis ticks, Ixodes holocyclus and Ixodes cornuatus, are epizootic and/or enzootic in the Greater Melbourne Area (GMA). ⋯ We found evidence that I. holocyclus is epizootic at four postcodes in the GMA: at East Melbourne, Williamstown, Moonee Ponds and Hoppers Crossing. We did not find evidence that I. holocyclus is enzootic in the GMA. I. cornuatus is apparently enzootic in the GMA at Bullengarook, Kinglake, Chum Creek and Healesville. Our hypothesis is that I. cornuatus is also enzootic at Mt Macedon, Gisborne and at other bushy postcodes in the GMA. Since this tick is apparently enzootic in the GMA, it may also be epizootic at postcodes adjacent to busy postcodes such as Bullengarook, Kinglake, Chum Creek and Healesville. The concept of hitch-hiker larvae, nymphs and adult female ticks may explain many of the cases of tick paralysis due to I. holocyclus in the GMA. The accurate assessment of the risk of tick paralysis in dogs and cats in the GMA requires a more detailed map of the distribution of I. holocyclus and I. cornuatus in Victoria.
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Extensive research in the business and organisational literature links teamwork to enhanced productivity and employee job satisfaction. Good teamwork capability is also a highly regarded graduate attribute linked to employability. This study explored desirable teamwork attributes for veterinary technology graduates in Australia, by surveying veterinarians, veterinary technology graduates, veterinary nurses, clients and academics. ⋯ Thematic analysis of an open-ended item asking the veterinary health care groups, and veterinary academics, to define teamwork generated nine themes centred on: collaboration, goals and outcomes, sharing values, relationships, diversity, communication, task-orientation, personal attributes, and workplace culture. This study illuminates an interprofessional perspective on veterinary teamwork. Results will be useful for veterinary technology, veterinary nursing and veterinary educators when developing a curriculum for interprofessional teamwork to enhance team performance, employability and, ultimately, the quality of veterinary services.
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Comparative Study
The relationship between bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cytology and airway hyper-reactivity in a population of Australian horses presented for poor performance.
To investigate the relationship between bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cytology, particularly mast cells, and airway hyper-reactivity in athletic horses presented for poor performance that included a respiratory tract evaluation in two disparate locations in Australia. ⋯ In the Australian context, recently revised increased bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cytology relative cell percentage cut offs appear appropriate for sole mast cell responses. The historical lower cut offs appear to be appropriate for mixed inflammatory cell responses.
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Appropriate dosing with antimicrobial agents is critical for effective treatment and to prevent the development of antimicrobial resistance. ⋯ The most frequently reported doses for penicillin, gentamicin and trimethoprim-sulfonamide were 20-25,000 IU/kg, 6.6 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg, respectively. Veterinarians treating equine patients in Australia should be aware of the current recommended doses and inter-dosing intervals to ensure efficacy in therapy and to preserve the usefulness of these antimicrobials for the future.