Faculty of Veterinary Science
Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies
Selected Highlights from Research Findings
Companion Animal Clinical Studies is a clinical department and their research therefore are mainly focused on the aetiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and prognosis of clinical conditions in small animals, equines and different species of exotic animals and wildlife.
During 2005 a number of projects were undertaken on babesiosis in dogs and new, clinical relevant information came to light. Wildlife and exotic animal research has also taken off. The focus was mainly on diagnostic imaging aspects in lions and the common marmoset as well as a comparative study on the effect of uncomplicated canine babesiosis and normovolaemic anaemia on abdominal splanchic Doppler characteristics. These programmes will remain the focus areas of this department's future research.
Canine babesiosis
The aim of this research project was to investigate abdominal splanchnic haemodynamics in uncomplicated canine babesiosis (CB) by use of Doppler ultrasonography and compare these with the haemodynamics of a control group of normal dogs in various states of experimentally induced normovolaemic anaemia (EA).
Doppler ultrasonography is a technique with a potential for clinical investigation of anaemic conditions in dogs and man.
This study investigated haemodynamic changes in various abdominal vessels during different degrees of a canine normovolaemic anaemia model (EA) and compared it with similar anaemia degrees of associated uncomplicated canine babesiosis (CB).
Significant differences were found between EA and CB regarding renal haemodynamics, Providing further evidence for the hypothesis that renal involvement in CB might have an underlying pathology other than anaemia.
These findings may also be useful in future research on the haemodynamic effects of malaria.
Lion imaging
Vitamin A deficiencies are common among captive lions. The purpose of this study entitled: Diagnosis of suspected hypovitaminosis A using magnetic resonance imaging in African lions (Panthera leo) was to find alternative methods to simplify the diagnosis of Vitamin A deficiency. Serum analysis or liver biopsy has been commonly used to diagnose Vitamin A deficiencies – both of which may be problematic.
Vitamin A deficiencies are often caused by shortcomings in the diets of captive animals. They are often fed a diet consisting solely of lean red meat, in contrast to wild animals that consume almost the entire carcass - including viscera, intestines and bones - of their prey.
In this study, researchers made use of MRI scanning to identify Vitamin A deficiency in lions with relatively mild clinical signs that could otherwise be attributed to numerous other neurological conditions. Four clinically affected lion cubs between six and nine months old were examined over a period of 18 months.
In all four cases the MRIs clearly showed the thickening of the tentorium cerebelli osseum and other associated bones caused by Vitamin A deficiencies. No other diagnostic method was used and all the cubs were treated successfully. Researchers also recommended that their diets be reviewed and whole carcass feeding, offal and commercial carnivore food was added. No further cases of Vitamin A deficiency were recorded in the following 18 months.
Findings indicate that MRI – although more expensive and requiring anaesthesia – is clearly a non-invasive manner in which the distinctive pathology seen in hypovitaminosis A can be diagnosed.
Marmoset imaging
Marmosets are small neotropical primates indigenous to Central and South America. The common marmoset is a popular pet in South Africa and is often examined at the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital. Ultrasound is often used for diagnostic work-up and pregnancy diagnostics.
Findings of this study entitled: Transcutaneous ultrasonography of the abdomen in the normal common marmoset, indicate that there are marked species-specific differences compared to cats and dogs. A statistically significant (P<0.05) difference between female and male kidneys and right adrenal gland length was found.
Prof P Stadler
Companion Animal Clinical Studies
+ 27 (0) 12 529 8095
piet.stadler@up.ac.za
|
