Australian Veterinary Journal最新文献

{"title":"Retrospective application of a validated algorithm for estimation of adrenal gland volume after computed tomography on 46 dogs undergoing adrenalectomy","authors":"R Swepson,&nbsp;G Hosgood,&nbsp;N Stander,&nbsp;M Thompson","doi":"10.1111/avj.13335","DOIUrl":"10.1111/avj.13335","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Canine adrenal gland volume can be predicted based on body weight and computed tomography (CT) measurements using a validated algorithm. Use of this algorithm to detect adrenal pathology, including hyperplasia, hypoplasia and neoplasia, in clinical cases has not been described. The objective of this study was to illustrate application of the algorithm by estimating subject-specific adrenal gland volume in a historical cohort of dogs with known adrenal disease. Forty-six dogs that underwent CT and subsequent adrenalectomy were included. Clinical records and CT images from dogs that underwent adrenalectomy and histologic examination of the excised adrenal gland(s) were reviewed. Normal adrenal gland volumes for each dog were estimated using the algorithm, and compared with measured volumes of the affected glands. Linear measurement of the largest lesion diameter was also recorded. Fifty-eight adrenal glands were removed from 46 dogs, with pathology confirmed in all glands. Pathology included 28 adenomas, 13 carcinomas, 11 pheochromocytomas and 6 other benign pathologies. The volume of all removed adrenal glands was measured to be larger than the expected normal volume estimated by the algorithm, ranging from 1.1 to 212.9 times larger than estimated. Adrenal glands with malignant and benign pathology showed variable volumes with overlapping ranges recorded. Assessment of the dimensions of any focal lesion against a cut-off of 20 mm failed to discriminate malignancy. This study illustrates and supports the application of a validated volumetric algorithm for estimation of subject-specific adrenal gland volume to identify the presence of pathology and as a tool to assist clinical decision-making.</p>","PeriodicalId":8661,"journal":{"name":"Australian Veterinary Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/avj.13335","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140657913","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}

{"title":"Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of aerobic bacteria isolated from canine urinary samples in South East Queensland, 2013 to 2018","authors":"C Mack,&nbsp;JS Gibson,&nbsp;E Meler,&nbsp;S Woldeyohannes,&nbsp;N Yuen,&nbsp;A Herndon","doi":"10.1111/avj.13333","DOIUrl":"10.1111/avj.13333","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Urinary tract infections are a common diagnosis in dogs presenting to veterinary practice. Veterinarians often treat suspected infections empirically, either in the absence of culture and susceptibility testing results or whilst waiting for them. This study aimed to identify the bacteria most frequently isolated from canine urinary samples and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in South East Queensland (SEQ) to help guide responsible empirical antimicrobial prescription by the veterinary community in this geographical location. Cumulative antibiograms were generated from the results of 1284 culture-positive urinary samples in SEQ, obtained from a commercial veterinary laboratory over a 5-year period. <i>Escherichia coli</i> was the most commonly isolated bacterial species (43%), followed by <i>Staphylococcus</i> spp. (23%), <i>Proteus</i> spp. (21%) and <i>Enterococcus</i> spp. (10%). Of the six most common isolates, 97% had susceptibility to at least one low-importance antimicrobial. Susceptibility to the low-importance and first-line antimicrobial recommendation, amoxicillin, was 81% for <i>E. coli</i> and 24% for <i>Staphylococcus</i> spp. Susceptibility of both <i>E. coli</i> and <i>Staphylococcus</i> spp. to medium-importance and commonly recommended empirical antimicrobials, trimethoprim sulphonamides and amoxicillin–clavulanic acid was ≥85% and &gt;92% for high-importance antimicrobials enrofloxacin and ceftiofur. Of the <i>E. coli</i> and <i>Staphylococcus</i> spp. isolates, 8.8% and 4%, respectively, were considered multidrug resistant. There was no increase in resistance to antimicrobials detected over the study period. Susceptibilities suggest low- and medium-importance antimicrobials remain acceptable first-line empirical treatments. However, this should be continually assessed and updated using local surveillance data.</p>","PeriodicalId":8661,"journal":{"name":"Australian Veterinary Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/avj.13333","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140660015","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}

{"title":"Embedding research and enquiry in Australian DVM curriculum","authors":"J Šlapeta,&nbsp;MP Ward","doi":"10.1111/avj.13334","DOIUrl":"10.1111/avj.13334","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Research and enquiry (R&amp;E) is an integral part of veterinary training. It is a foundation of evidence-based practice. In the University of Sydney Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree R&amp;E culminates in a cap-stone experience in Year 3: a ‘professionally focused project’, a student-driven and academic supported individual research project. The project provides an authentic experience within a veterinary discipline. Students work with an academic advisor who provides guidance for developing and achieving meaningful educational and professional goals. Successful advising depends upon a shared understanding of, and commitment to, the advising process by students, advisors and the university. The R&amp;E mission can be broadly defined as - <i>veterinarians recognise that evidence-based approach to practice, which is based on the scientific method, leads to the generation of new knowledge that underpins the veterinary medical profession</i>.</p>","PeriodicalId":8661,"journal":{"name":"Australian Veterinary Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/avj.13334","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140671300","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}

{"title":"Diagnosis and management of Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii detected in an oral mass in a pink-tongued skink (Cyclodomorphus gerarrdii)","authors":"J Llinas,&nbsp;M Rozmanec,&nbsp;TH Hyndman","doi":"10.1111/avj.13337","DOIUrl":"10.1111/avj.13337","url":null,"abstract":"<p><i>Cryptococcus</i> is an encapsulated yeast that is found in both yeast and hyphal forms. <i>Cryptococcus neoformans</i> and <i>C. gattii</i> are the most medically important species, causing disease in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals. A large, friable, sublingual mass was surgically resected from the oral cavity of a pink-tongued skink (<i>Cyclodomorphus gerarrdii</i>). Histopathology, fungal culture and PCR testing with Sanger sequencing confirmed granulomatous inflammation containing large numbers of yeasts identified as <i>Cryptococcus neoformans</i> var. <i>grubii</i>. Surgical excision and treatment with oral amphotericin B and terbinafine was unsuccessful in managing the infection. On Day 67 after surgery, <i>Cryptococcus</i> DNA was detected by PCR in the blood but not oral, cloacal or skin swabs. The skink was euthanised 72 days after surgery due to anorexia, weight loss and progressive neurological signs of disease. Necropsy results showed disseminated cryptococcosis, including meningoencephalitis and ventriculitis. Two in-contact pink-tongued skinks remained asymptomatic and PCR-negative during 198 days of observation. This case suggests <i>Cryptococcus</i> infections should be considered for oral masses presenting with or without neurological signs in skinks. Further investigation is required to determine the best treatment options for disseminated cryptococcosis in reptiles. This report describes the third reported case of <i>Cryptococcus</i> in a reptile and the first case of cryptococcosis in a pink-tongued skink. It is also the first report of <i>Cryptococcus</i> in a reptile identified to the variety level using PCR, including in whole blood samples.</p>","PeriodicalId":8661,"journal":{"name":"Australian Veterinary Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/avj.13337","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140669933","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}

{"title":"Stakeholder perceptions of thoroughbred yearling sales endoscopy in Australia: can we do better?","authors":"JL Hardwick,&nbsp;BJ Ahern,&nbsp;SH Franklin","doi":"10.1111/avj.13332","DOIUrl":"10.1111/avj.13332","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objective</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>To identify thoroughbred industry stakeholders' views on the yearling sales endoscopy in Australia.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Design</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Semi-structured qualitative group interviews with equine veterinarians, thoroughbred breeders and yearling purchasers.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Twenty-nine experienced thoroughbred industry stakeholders participated in online focus groups: (1) equine veterinarians involved in yearling endoscopy; (2) thoroughbred breeders; and (3) yearling buyers. The focus groups were audio and video recorded and digital whiteboards were available. Data was transcribed, live-coded and analysed thematically.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The main themes identified included the uncertainty surrounding the relationship between yearling laryngeal function and future performance, especially the significance of yearlings with grade 3 out of 5 laryngeal function; interobserver variability in the laryngeal function grade assigned by veterinarians to the same endoscopic exam; and the presence of intra-horse variability in laryngeal function over different time points.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Discussion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Stakeholders raised multiple concerns about the current yearling sales endoscopy process in Australia. Recommendations to address these concerns include further investigation into the race performance of yearlings identified with grade 3 laryngeal function; training of veterinarians to reduce inter-observer variability; and the need to determine the most appropriate grading system to use in yearlings. Future research should evaluate the significance of intra-horse variability in a yearling population.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":8661,"journal":{"name":"Australian Veterinary Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-04-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/avj.13332","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140602104","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}

{"title":"A case of disseminated cryptococcosis with abdominal involvement due to Cryptococcus neoformans species complex in a Ragdoll cat and false-negative cryptococcal antigen lateral flow tests due to the postzone phenomenon","authors":"A Teh,&nbsp;E Pritchard,&nbsp;SL Donahoe,&nbsp;R Malik,&nbsp;M Krockenberger","doi":"10.1111/avj.13329","DOIUrl":"10.1111/avj.13329","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Although cryptococcosis is the most common systemic fungal disease of cats, abdominal involvement is rarely reported. The pathogenesis of cryptococcosis usually involves sinonasal colonisation, followed by tissue invasion and sinonasal infection, with possible subsequent spread to the lungs and/or direct extension into the central nervous system (CNS), for example, via the cribriform plate. Further haematogenous spread can occur to any tissue, including skin and the CNS. This report describes a case of disseminated cryptococcosis due to <i>Cryptococcus neoformans</i> species complex in a 13-year-old cat, the fourth documented Australian feline case with abdominal involvement. The cat presented with a chronic history of upper respiratory disease that progressed to severe lethargy and anorexia. An autopsy revealed striking peritonitis with multifocal abdominal involvement affecting the liver, spleen, adrenal glands, kidneys, pancreas and mesentery. Cryptococcal organisms were also observed in organs within the thoracic cavity, sinonasal tissues and the CNS. Testing of abdominal fluid and serum for cryptococcal antigen using a commercially available lateral flow assay using neat fluid specimen initially tested false-negative. However, after dilution of the sample to 1:64, a positive result was obtained, confirming a postzone phenomenon. Taken together, the collective findings were indicative of widely disseminated cryptococcosis due to <i>Cryptococcus neoformans</i> with atypical involvement of the abdominal cavity.</p>","PeriodicalId":8661,"journal":{"name":"Australian Veterinary Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/avj.13329","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140598948","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}

{"title":"Horse populations are severely underestimated in a region at risk of Hendra virus spillover","authors":"B Linnegar,&nbsp;DH Kerlin,&nbsp;P Eby,&nbsp;P Kemsley,&nbsp;H McCallum,&nbsp;AJ Peel","doi":"10.1111/avj.13331","DOIUrl":"10.1111/avj.13331","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objective</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>To identify the size and distribution of the horse population in the Northern Rivers Region of NSW, including changes from 2007 to 2021, to better understand populations at risk of Hendra virus transmission.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Census data from the 2007 Equine Influenza (EI) outbreak were compared with data collected annually by New South Wales Local Land Services (LLS) (2011–2021), and with field observations via road line transects (2021).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The horse populations reported to LLS in 2011 (3000 horses; 0.77 horses/km²) was 145% larger than that reported during the EI outbreak in 2007 (1225 horses; 0.32 horses/km²). This was inconsistent with the 6% increase in horses recorded from 2011 to 2020 within the longitudinal LLS dataset. Linear modelling suggested the true horse population of this region in 2007 was at least double that reported at the time. Distance sampling in 2021 estimated the region's population at 10,185 horses (3.89 per km²; 95% CI = 4854–21,372). Field sampling and modelling identified higher horse densities in rural cropland, with the percentage of conservation land, modified grazing, and rural residential land identified as the best predictors of horse densities.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Data from the 2007 EI outbreak no longer correlates to the current horse population in size or distribution and was likely not a true representation at the time. Current LLS data also likely underestimates horse populations. Ongoing efforts to further quantify and map horse populations in Australia are important for estimating and managing the risk of equine zoonoses.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":8661,"journal":{"name":"Australian Veterinary Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/avj.13331","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140599027","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}

{"title":"Strongyloides stercoralis in two dogs from a household in temperate Australia","authors":"N Kirkwood,&nbsp;J Šlapeta","doi":"10.1111/avj.13330","DOIUrl":"10.1111/avj.13330","url":null,"abstract":"<p><i>Strongyloides stercoralis</i> is parasite affecting both humans and dogs and is most prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas of Australia. This case report describes two dogs from a household in Sydney, New South Wales, one with chronic gastrointestinal signs and the other who was asymptomatic who were subsequently diagnosed with <i>S. stercoralis</i>. Diagnosis can be challenging in humans and dogs due to intermittent shedding and low worm burdens and in this case the symptomatic dog had <i>Strongyloides</i> spp. rhabitiform larvae detected on a direct faecal smear and PCR, the asymptomatic dog on PCR only. Obtained sequences from the symptomatic dog confirmed the presence of the <i>S. stercoralis</i> clade affecting both dogs and humans. Infection does not respond to commonly used deworming drugs for dogs. Treatment in both cases was undertaken using off-label doses of ivermectin and follow-up PCR testing was negative. This case report should increase practitioner awareness of this parasite as present and transmissible in temperate areas of Australia.</p>","PeriodicalId":8661,"journal":{"name":"Australian Veterinary Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/avj.13330","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140179226","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}

{"title":"Retrospective assessment of ophthalmic disease development in domestic dogs and cats when hospitalised with tick paralysis caused by Ixodes holocyclus","authors":"BD Reynolds,&nbsp;E Perry,&nbsp;HG Nagel,&nbsp;CJ Whittaker,&nbsp;KA Caruso,&nbsp;MJ Annear,&nbsp;WM Irving,&nbsp;PM McCarthy,&nbsp;A Dion,&nbsp;JM-S Yi,&nbsp;E Hall,&nbsp;JS Smith","doi":"10.1111/avj.13325","DOIUrl":"10.1111/avj.13325","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objective</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>To investigate the incidence and predisposing factors leading to the development of corneal ulcers and the loss of a palpebral reflex in hospitalised canine and feline patients with tick paralysis (TP).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Animals studied</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A total of 102 dogs and 100 cats retrospectively were assessed from previously hospitalised patients.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A retrospective cohort stud<b>y</b> was performed on 102 different canine and 100 different feline patients who were hospitalised for TP from October 2020–January 2022. Patient data were collected, and logistic regression was conducted to determine factors affecting the palpebral reflex and the development of corneal ulcers.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Corneal ulcers occurred in 23/102 (22.5%) dogs during hospitalisation and were strongly associated with an incomplete palpebral reflex ipsilaterally during hospitalisation (P &lt; 0.001), hospitalisation ≥3 days (P = 0.004), mechanical ventilation ≥3 days (P = 0.015) or a tick location cranial to C1 (P = 0.003). An incomplete palpebral reflex during hospitalisation was observed in 29/102 (28.4%) dogs and was significantly associated with decreasing patient weight (P = 0.018), increasing days hospitalised (P = 0.001), having a tick found cranial to C1 (P = 0.004), highest recorded GP grade (P = 0.01), highest recorded RP grade (P = 0.005), use of amoxycillin-clavulanic acid during hospitalisation (P = 0.002) and use of piperacillin/tazobactam during hospitalisation (P = 0.003). There was a significant association between the loss of a complete palpebral reflex and mortality during hospitalisation in dogs (OR = 4.5, P = 0.029).</p>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Corneal ulcers occurred in 10/100 (10.0%) cats during hospitalisation, and was significantly more likely to occur to an eye if an incomplete palpebral reflex was observed ipsilaterally during hospitalisation (OR = 20.1, P &lt; 0.0001) and with increasing patient age (P = 0.019). The absence of a complete palpebral reflex during hospitalisation was observed in 18/10 (18.0%) cats and was significantly associated with increasing days hospitalised (P = 0.034). There was no significant association between the loss of a complete palpebral reflex and mortality during hospitalisation in cats.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The frequency of corneal ulcers and loss of palpebral reflexes were significant in dogs and cats hospitalised by TP, with many factors contributing to the risk of these develop","PeriodicalId":8661,"journal":{"name":"Australian Veterinary Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-02-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139899281","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":"The effects of maternal calcium status during late gestation on lamb growth and survival in twin-bearing Merino ewes grazing pasture","authors":"AL Munn,&nbsp;AMF Swinbourne,&nbsp;B-J Brougham,&nbsp;WHEJ van Wettere,&nbsp;AC Weaver","doi":"10.1111/avj.13321","DOIUrl":"10.1111/avj.13321","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Our project aimed to investigate whether low maternal calcium status during late gestation decreased weight, growth and survival of lambs born to twin-bearing Merino ewes grazing pasture. On day 130 of gestation, approximately a 10 mL blood sample was collected from 108 twin-bearing Merino ewes. Blood pH and calcium ion concentration were measured in whole blood and serum was analysed for calcium, magnesium, phosphate, beta hydroxy butyrate, non-esterified fatty acids and cholesterol. Six to 18 h after birth and at 49 days of age, lamb live weight was recorded. Ewe serum calcium level at day 130 of gestation were divided into tertiles (1.58–2.13, 2.14–2.30, and 2.31–2.99 mmol/L) with ewes classified as either Low, Med or High (<i>n</i> = 36 per group). A general linear mixed model was used to analyse the data. Survival to 1, 2, 3 and 7 days of age was lower for lambs born to ewes in the Low calcium group compared with those born in the Med and High calcium groups (P &lt; 0.05). At day 49 of age, lamb survival tended to be lower for lambs in the Low (73.6%) compared with Med (86.8%) and High (85.3%) calcium groups (P &lt; 0.1). There were no differences in lamb body weight (P &gt; 0.05). Calcium levels of ewes in the Low calcium group were, on average, indicative of subclinical hypocalcaemia, with this group of ewes also having the lowest lamb survival rate, suggesting that maternal subclinical hypocalcaemia reduces lamb survival. Further studies, particularly on improving maternal calcium levels, are warranted.</p>","PeriodicalId":8661,"journal":{"name":"Australian Veterinary Journal","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-02-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/avj.13321","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139899282","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}