{"title":"Anthelmintic resistance in sheep nematodes in Australia: a compilation of recent test results.","authors":"R B Besier, N M Rolls","doi":"10.1111/avj.70081","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/avj.70081","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The results of recent faecal egg count reduction tests (FECRTs) were collated to provide an indication of the prevalence and severity of anthelmintic resistance in sheep nematodes across Australia and of changes in comparison to earlier testing reports.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>FECRTs conducted in New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia and Victoria from 2021 to 2024 were analysed to indicate relative efficacy against the nematodes Haemonchus contortus, Teladorsagia circumcincta and Trichostrongylus species. The prevalence and percentage reductions were compared to previous reports of anthelmintic resistance in Australia.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The efficacy of a variety of anthelmintics was assessed in FECRTs in several Australian states, with up to 80 tests for the broad-spectrum anthelmintics and at least 20 tests for closantel and naphthalophos. Resistance (a reduction in worm egg counts of less than 95%) in any one of the major nematodes Haemonchus contortus, T. circumcincta or Trichostrongylus species was seen for albendazole, levamisole, abamectin and moxidectin in 96%, 88%, 91% and 84% of tests, respectively, and in 66% of tests for a benzimidazole-levamisole-abamectin combination. For the newer anthelmintic groups, the comparable prevalence was 23% for both monepantel and a derquantel-abamectin combination, but the comparative efficacy (reduction in worm egg count) was considerably greater than for the older anthelmintics. For individual worm species, resistance in T. circumcincta was common and often severe to the benzimidazoles, levamisole and macrocyclic lactones; in H. contortus to the benzimidazoles and macrocyclic lactones; and in Trichostrongylus mostly to the benzimidazoles and levamisole. For H. contortus, closantel resistance was seen in 60% of tests, but resistance in this species was less prevalent for levamisole (21% of tests) and naphthalophos (31% of tests). For all species and anthelmintics, resistance had increased in comparison to previously reported figures.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The FECRT figures suggest that there is little role for the benzimidazole, levamisole and macrocyclic lactone groups as single actives and that all anthelmintics will be used most effectively and sustainably as combinations of actives, but their efficacy on individual sheep properties should be confirmed with an FECRT.</p>","PeriodicalId":8661,"journal":{"name":"Australian Veterinary Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147662021","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Z Wojtczak, M Lewicki, M Płóciennik, J Gach, K Nowak, A Noszczyk-Nowak
{"title":"The first case of Reel Syndrome in a dog after pacemaker implantation: A case report.","authors":"Z Wojtczak, M Lewicki, M Płóciennik, J Gach, K Nowak, A Noszczyk-Nowak","doi":"10.1111/avj.70072","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/avj.70072","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Reel Syndrome is a rare complication of permanent pacemaker implantation, characterised by the rotation of the device around its transverse axis, which causes the lead to coil around the generator and displacement, leading to pacing dysfunction. This report presents the first documented case of Reel Syndrome in a dog. The, 6-year-old female Labrador Retriever required a pacemaker implantation due to a diagnosed third-degree atrioventricular block. Forty-eight hours after pacemaker implantation, the dog developed clinical signs, including diaphragmatic contractions and a decrease in heart rate. Fluoroscopy confirmed the characteristic coiling of the lead around the generator, leading to a definitive diagnosis. Reel Syndrome can occur due to mechanical manipulation of the device by the patient, such as scratching or rubbing against objects as well as due to movement of the pacemaker system if it is not properly secured. Prevention involves securing the pacemaker and lead properly during implantation, ensuring close postoperative monitoring, and implementing protective measures such as an Elizabethan collar and pharmacological sedation to limit activity. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to prevent severe clinical consequences. This case highlights the importance of early recognition of Reel Syndrome and the need for proper stabilisation of the pacemaker and lead to prevent complications. Based on experience in human medicine, the described therapeutic approach may serve as a reference point for veterinary practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":8661,"journal":{"name":"Australian Veterinary Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147643520","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Brachialis muscle contracture as a cause of lameness in cats: A study of four cases.","authors":"A Romeo, A J Worth, W J Bruce","doi":"10.1111/avj.70084","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/avj.70084","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Three cats (four cases) were presented to two hospitals in New Zealand with limited extension of the elbow, and a nonpainful, firm mass on the craniolateral aspect of the distal humerus. Findings in all cases were consistent with brachialis muscle contracture. In one case, there was also contracture of the biceps brachii muscle. Ultrasound imaging (used in three cases) showed a heterogeneous, increased echogenicity of the muscle. The histopathology results were obtained in three cases; two were diagnosed as fibrosis of the muscle, one as a soft tissue sarcoma. All cases were treated surgically by myectomy, which resulted in restoration of full elbow motion and permanent resolution of lameness in all the cases due to fibrotic muscle contracture. To date, there is only one reported case of brachialis muscle contracture and no reports of biceps brachii muscle contracture in the published literature. In one case, the aetiology was a soft tissue sarcoma, which, to the best of the authors' knowledge, has not been previously reported. A neoplastic aetiology can significantly change the prognosis for the patient and highlights the importance of obtaining histopathology in muscle contracture cases.</p>","PeriodicalId":8661,"journal":{"name":"Australian Veterinary Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147632287","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Pyrexia in juvenile dogs: a retrospective analysis of diagnosis and clinical features of 115 Australian cases.","authors":"H Lobegeier, J Campo, C Cannon, P Bennett","doi":"10.1111/avj.70085","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/avj.70085","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pyrexia is a non-specific clinical sign associated with many diseases in dogs. This case series examines the final diagnoses, breed distribution and outcomes in dogs aged 18 months or under with pyrexia >24 h duration. Medical record databases of 11 Australian emergency and referral hospitals between 1st January 2020 and 31st January 2025 were searched to identify dogs up to 18 months old presenting with pyrexia. Cases were included if the duration of pyrexia was >24 h and the medical records were complete. Information extracted from the medical record included signalment, history (including previous treatment), duration of clinical signs, results of diagnostic tests and final diagnosis. There were 115 cases identified. Of these, 68/115 had a non-infectious inflammatory cause, and 45/115 had an infectious or antibiotic-responsive cause. The most common diagnoses were steroid-responsive meningitis arteritis (35/115), hypertrophic osteodystrophy (9/115), aspiration pneumonia (8/115) and immune-mediated polyarthritis (4/115). The most common breeds were crossbreed (16/115), Kelpie (14/115), German Shepherd (14/115), Border Collie (12/115), Golden Retriever (8/115) and Corgi (7/115). Overall, 99/115 dogs recovered, 9/115 were euthanased, 5/115 were lost to follow up and 2/115 died. This population of dogs with pyrexia had a heterogenous distribution of diagnoses, reinforcing the need for diagnostic investigations in pyrexic young dogs prior to treatment. This is the largest study of pyrexia in juvenile dogs in Australia, and infection was more common than in international studies. These data are useful for a broad range of veterinarians in clinical practice to inform their diagnostic testing and treatment choices.</p>","PeriodicalId":8661,"journal":{"name":"Australian Veterinary Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147637856","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Severe Strongyloides stercoralis infection in a puppy from a metropolitan area of Melbourne, Australia: a need for heightened awareness of this zoonotic parasite","authors":"Y Chen, R Slocombe, C Gauci, C Alman, A Jabbar","doi":"10.1111/avj.70039","DOIUrl":"10.1111/avj.70039","url":null,"abstract":"<p><i>Strongyloides stercoralis</i>, a soil-transmitted parasitic helminth, poses significant health risks for various species, including humans and canines. Despite previously being considered rare in Australia, recent findings indicate a higher than anticipated prevalence, suggesting it might be an underdiagnosed issue nationwide. This case report details a deceased 23-week-old female Boston Terrier that presented with severe gastrointestinal signs and died, despite intensive veterinary care. Subsequent histopathological and parasitological examinations confirmed a significant infestation of <i>S. stercoralis</i>, with severe intestinal damage typical of strongyloidiasis. This case underscores the capacity of <i>S. stercoralis</i> to cause severe disease and highlights the importance of considering strongyloidiasis in the differential diagnoses of gastrointestinal illness.</p>","PeriodicalId":8661,"journal":{"name":"Australian Veterinary Journal","volume":"104 4","pages":"206-209"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145547700","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Urethral end-to-end anastomosis in a 9-year-old cat after complete urethral rupture secondary to fall injury","authors":"J Iversen, S Gouws, J Davey, R Sul, LH Eckart","doi":"10.1111/avj.70047","DOIUrl":"10.1111/avj.70047","url":null,"abstract":"<p>A 9-year-old, male, entire domestic shorthair was referred for the investigation and treatment of a bilateral sacroiliac luxation and caudal ischial fracture secondary to a 3-m fall injury. The cat was found to have a complete, 360-degree urethral tear approximately 20 mm proximally from the external urethral opening. An end-to-end anastomosis was performed with four sutures and an indwelling urinary catheter, and the patient was discharged 9 days later. At the time of writing this report, the use of end-to-end urethral anastomosis to repair a complete 360-degree urethral tear secondary to pelvic fracture has not been previously reported.</p>","PeriodicalId":8661,"journal":{"name":"Australian Veterinary Journal","volume":"104 4","pages":"210-215"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145653294","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Impact of a hypotension treatment algorithm in dogs undergoing general anaesthesia for desexing surgery","authors":"CT Quinn, CSM Catanchin, AN Walton","doi":"10.1111/avj.70043","DOIUrl":"10.1111/avj.70043","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objective</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>To determine if the use of an algorithm for guiding treatment of hypotension during general anaesthesia was effective in limiting the severity or duration of hypotension. The algorithm-guided treatment included both fluid therapy and pharmacological interventions.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Design</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Retrospective before-and-after cohort study.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Setting</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>University teaching hospital.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Animals</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Anaesthetised healthy dogs undergoing elective desexing surgery. The before period included 72 dogs and the after period included 81 dogs.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Anaesthetic records for the 2 years before and after the algorithm was introduced were searched. Inclusion criteria were cases that underwent surgery within the specified time periods. Data extracted included signalment, preanaesthetic tests, drug doses, anaesthetic duration, interventions for hypotension, mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate and temperature. Complications between the two time periods were compared.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>There was a greater proportion of female dogs in the after period. All other signalment details, preanaesthetic findings, drug doses and anaesthetic duration were the same. Hypotension defined as MAP <60 mmHg occurred in 65% of before and 74% of after cases. Hypotension duration was 40 ± 25.2 and 23 ± 16.9 min (P = 0.0001), and lowest MAP was 46 ± 8.2 and 51 ± 5.8 mmHg (P = 0.007) before and after, respectively. Hypothermia was less severe in the after period (P = 0.033). Algorithm use was associated with more frequent atropine use and lower cumulative volume of intravenous fluid administered.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Introduction of the algorithm significantly reduced the severity and duration of hypotension and the severity of hypothermia. The algorithm could be used by veterinarians to improve outcomes for dogs undergoing elective surgery.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":8661,"journal":{"name":"Australian Veterinary Journal","volume":"104 4","pages":"175-182"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145585878","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Creation of a body surface area chart for burn size estimation in bushfire affected koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) using three-dimensional computed tomographic segmentation","authors":"S Eddy, J Kalvas, N Speight, O Funnell","doi":"10.1111/avj.70036","DOIUrl":"10.1111/avj.70036","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Koalas are a native Australian species vulnerable to bushfire events, with 40,000 koalas estimated to have perished during the 2019–2020 summer bushfire event on Kangaroo Island. Determining the distribution and severity of burns is an important component in the treatment of burns in both human and veterinary patients. This project outlines the creation of a clinical chart to evaluate the surface area, distribution and severity of burns in koalas. This was achieved by three-dimensional computed tomographic segmentation to evaluate the surface areas of the whole koala and its external anatomy. The external anatomy was segmented into regions based on vulnerability to thermal injury. Segmentation and proportional surface area data are combined with an illustrated chart to create a chart-based triage tool. This clinical tool can be used to evaluate and document burn-affected surface area, distribution and severity to quantitatively inform prognosis and decision-making when triaging koalas during an Australian bushfire.</p>","PeriodicalId":8661,"journal":{"name":"Australian Veterinary Journal","volume":"104 4","pages":"229-238"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145562398","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Use of inverted hybrid external fixator constructs for the stabilisation of juxta-articular appendicular long bone fractures in 20 dogs and 2 cats","authors":"LC Brooks, DD Lewis, L Wilson, JA Bleedorn","doi":"10.1111/avj.70042","DOIUrl":"10.1111/avj.70042","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Aim</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The aim of this case series was to review clinical outcomes and complications associated with the use of inverted circular-linear hybrid external skeletal fixator constructs with the ring positioned proximally in order to stabilise fractures with short proximal fracture segments.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Materials and Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The medical records of dogs and cats with proximal juxta-articular fractures managed using an inverted hybrid construct at three institutions between December 2008 and October 2023 were reviewed. Data regarding animals' signalment, fracture description, construct configuration, subjective assessment of reduction and alignment, time to fixator removal and functional outcome were recorded at the time of the last clinical evaluation or via a follow-up phone conversation with the owner. Restoration of alignment of the healed bone was objectively assessed after fixator removal by comparison of joint orientation angles between the fractured and contralateral bone.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Twenty dogs and two cats underwent fracture stabilisation with an inverted hybrid construct, including 18 tibial fractures (82%), three humeral fractures (14%) and one femoral fracture (4%). Postoperative reduction and alignment was subjectively considered anatomic in six fractures, near-anatomic in five fractures and acceptable in 11 fractures. Median time to fixator removal was 4.5 weeks (range: 2–20 weeks). Pin or wire tract inflammation developed in nine dogs and was the primary complication occurring during the postoperative convalescent period. Owners of 16 animals were contacted by telephone 7–88 months (median: 37 months) following surgery. Fourteen of those animals had no lameness, whereas two owners reported that their dog had an occasional, subtle weight-bearing lameness. All owners were highly satisfied with the outcome of their pet's surgery.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Discussion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This descriptive case series illustrates the utility of novel inverted hybrid constructs for stabilising proximal juxta-articular appendicular long bone fractures in small animals.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":8661,"journal":{"name":"Australian Veterinary Journal","volume":"104 4","pages":"183-195"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145628217","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Topical cream with essential oils, zinc and salicylic acid reduces pruritus and skin lesion scores in pruritic dogs","authors":"D Prescott, A Stewart, A Schoep, A Herndon","doi":"10.1111/avj.70048","DOIUrl":"10.1111/avj.70048","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objectives</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>To assess the efficacy of an essential oil, salicylic acid and zinc-based cream in the relief of pruritus not secondary to infectious pyoderma or ectoparasites and associated dermatological lesions.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Forty-one client-owned, otherwise healthy, dogs with chronic, noninfectious pruritus were enrolled in a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomised clinical trial. Dogs were assigned to receive topical treatment using either the study or placebo cream daily for 14 days. Owners recorded pruritus scores using a visual scale (Pruritus Analog Visual Scale [PVAS]) in a daily diary. Severity of skin lesions was quantified before and after the trial using the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index – 4th Generation (CADESI-4) rubric. Baseline and post-trial blood counts and serum biochemistries were used to assess health and screen for any evidence of toxicity secondary to cream application.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Fourteen-day course of treatment with the study cream was associated with 1.75x greater reduction in pruritus score compared to placebo. The reduction in pruritus was greater in the treatment versus placebo groups starting at day 9 of treatment and continued through day 14. Visible skin lesions improved with treatment but did not improve with placebo. Quality of life scores improved in both groups, but improvement was greater in the treatment group.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Clinical Significance</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The topical cream used in this study was a safe and effectives complementary treatment for the relief of pruritus and dermatological lesions in dogs.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":8661,"journal":{"name":"Australian Veterinary Journal","volume":"104 4","pages":"196-205"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13041744/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145699659","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}