Effect of frequency of brushing on plaque and calculus control in dogs

Colin Harvey and others, University of Pennsylvania

Daily tooth brushing is usually recommended as the gold standard treatment for preventing the build up of plaque and calculus on a dog's teeth and so reducing the risks from periodontal disease. However; many owners have difficulties in organising such regular dental care for their pets. Therefore, the authors compared the effects of different brushing regimens to find if there was an optimal frequency of brushing. The randomised, controlled and blinded study examined the effects of four different strategies – brushing daily every other day weekly and every alternate week – compared with no brushing, on standard indices of plaque and calculus formation and on gingivitis scores. The dogs were all adult beagles and had their teeth brushed according to the procedure recommended by the Veterinary Oral Health Council. Throughout the 28 day trial they received the same dry kibble diet. Their findings confirmed that more frequent brushing was more effective in retarding the accumulation of plaque and calculus and in reducing the severity of pre-existing gingivitis. Based on the findings of the study the authors recommend that veterinary practices should promote a daily brushing regimen for their clients.

Journal ofVeterinary Dentistry 32(1), 16-21

Potential for controlling feral cat populations with contraceptive vaccines

Valerie Benka and Julie Levy Alliance for Contraception in Cats & Dogs, Portland, Oregon

GonaCon and GonaCon-Equine are the trade names of a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone-haemocyanin conjugate immuno- contraceptive vaccine formulation developed by the US National Wildlife Research Center Those products are registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency for use in controlling the populations of white-tailed deer wild horses and wild donkeys. In those species, a single injection has been shown to provide a minimum of one year's contraception by triggering the production of antibodies that inactivate the GnRH produced in the hypothalamus of both male and female mammals. The authors assess the potential for using the same technology to prevent breeding in feral cats. They say that trials suggest that this approach may be effective for more than 40 months in female cats and for at least 14 months in males.

Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 17(9), 758-765

Effect of bathing on the efficacy of topical indoxacarb in controlling fleas on dogs

Robert Armstrong and others, MSD Animal Health, Madison, New Jersey

The effect of bathing on the activity of topical flea treatments has been the focus of continuing debate among veterinary parasitologists. Indoxacarb is the main ingredient in a spot-on treatment for cats and dogs (Activyl; MSD Animal Health) used for controlling adult and larval fleas, and to inhibit egg production. The authors investigated the effects of a chlorhexidine-ketoconazole shampoo on the efficacy of indoxacarb treatment in 18 healthy dogs. Their findings indicate that there no significant loss of adulticidal activity after two shampoo treatments nine and 28 days after administration of the spot-on treatment.

Australian Veterinary Journal 93(8), 293-294

Trial of dry therapeutic diets in the management of dogs with acute diarrhoea

Sara Wennogle and others, Colorado State University

Acute diarrhoea is common in dogs housed in animal shelters. Changes in diet may also be a factor in causing gastrointestinal disturbances but these problems may also be managed by dietary manipulation, using diets low in fat but high in readily digestible protein and carbohydrates. The authors report a study comparing the effects of two commercial therapeutic diets in dogs with acute diarrhoea. Both products (Purina Veterinary Diets Canine EN and Hills prescription diet i/d) were well tolerated and apparently effective although dogs given the former were less likely to be passing diarrhoeic stools between one and seven days after starting the trial.

International Journal of Applied Research in Veterinary Medicine 13 (3), 199-206

Distance monitoring of physical activity in animals to identify sick individuals

Jacqueline Smith and others, University of Kentucky

A decrease in physical activity and a reduction in foraging and other behaviours may become apparent in animals during an illness. However direct observations of those changes may be impractical in most real world situations. The authors investigate the use of radio frequency ear tags for automatic activity monitoring in feedlot cattle. Data collected from the transmitter showed that cattle with respiratory infections were typically around 25 per cent less active than herdmates that remained healthy They suggest that this technology may help in the early identification of sick animals, reducing costs, improving animal wellbeing and limiting the need for antimicrobial treatment.

American Journal ofVeterinary Research 76(8), 739-744

Efficacy of endotracheal tube disinfection strategies against two major bacterial pathogens

Sarah Crawford and Scott Weese, University of Guelph, Ontario

Endotracheal tubes are typically reused in veterinary medicine, despite being manufactured as single-use items. The authors evaluated the efficacy of various disinfection strategies against two common canine respiratory pathogens, Streptococcus zooepidemicus and Bordetella bronchiseptica. Tubes inoculated with these bacterial were cleaned using accelerated hydrogen peroxide solution (AHP), 0.5% chlorhexidine gluconate solution (CHG), soap containing 0.3% triclosan or tap water None of those methods was able to remove all traces of bacterial growth but AHP or CHG appear the best options when sterilisation is not feasible.

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 9(1), 1033-1036

VOL 31 • April 2016 • Veterinary Nursing Journal