Journal of the South African Veterinary Association, 2021
Very little information is present on non-infectious conditions (Lawrence, Foggin & Prozesky 2010... more Very little information is present on non-infectious conditions (Lawrence, Foggin & Prozesky 2010). Vigilant disease surveillance and studies on the interface between such diseases in cattle and buffaloes are invaluable in protecting both animal and public health as well as food security (Ritz et al. 2013). If current and future disease surveillance programmes are to be successful, it is first necessary to fully understand the range of diseases to which buffaloes are susceptible. For these reasons, a retrospective study was performed to assess the spectrum of conditions seen in African buffaloes in South Africa, and to provide a frame of reference for veterinarians, pathologists, wildlife biologists, and managers of game reserves.
In this study, Brucella melitensis infection in sable antelope (Hippotragus niger) was investigat... more In this study, Brucella melitensis infection in sable antelope (Hippotragus niger) was investigated on two wildlife ranches in South Africa over a 12-year period in order to determine the origin of the outbreaks and the role of livestock in maintaining the disease. Retrospective data were obtained from farm records and interviews as well as samples tested from different disease scenarios and clinical settings. On one ranch, 10 of 74 sable tested seropositive for B. melitensis in 2004 but were certified clear of infection after no further brucellosis cases were detected following repeated serological tests and culling over a five-year period. Recrudescence occurred in 2013 (7 of 187 brucellosis positives) and in 2014 (one positive), with persistent, latent infection being the most reasonable explanation. In a second case study, linked to the first one through a common vendor, 15 of 80 sable tested positive in 2016, some five years after the acquisition of the animals from a putative ...
Journal of the South African Veterinary Association, 2020
Impalas (Aepyceros melampus) are common African antelope. A retrospective study was conducted of ... more Impalas (Aepyceros melampus) are common African antelope. A retrospective study was conducted of 251 impala cases from game farms, national parks and zoos submitted by veterinarians and pathologists in South Africa (2003–2016). Histopathology slides as well as records of macroscopic lesions and additional diagnostic tests performed were examined. Non-infectious conditions, such as acute pulmonary congestion and oedema, cachexia, traumatic injury and anaesthetic-related mortality were the most common causes of morbidity and mortality. Bacterial sepsis was the most common infectious disease, whilst skeletal muscle and myocardial sarcocystosis and verminous cholangitis and pneumonia were the most common parasitic diseases. Although the retrospective nature of this study limits the significance of the relative prevalence of lesions in the three locations, management decisions and diagnostic plans may be informed by the results. Impala from game farms had significantly more cachexia case...
The Loskop Dam is the most polluted impoundment in the Olifants River, because it receives pollut... more The Loskop Dam is the most polluted impoundment in the Olifants River, because it receives pollutants from the entire mine-dominated upper catchment. However, histopathology of fish inhabiting this polluted dam is scantly explored. The current study aimed to investigate the histopathology of the gills and liver of Labeo rosae from Loskop Dam. Alkaline pH was observed throughout the study with most metal concentrations exceeding the water quality guideline for aquatic ecosystems. Regressive changes were the most prominent lesions for both organs with gills showing relatively more pathologies than the liver. Epithelial lifting was 100% prevalent during both seasons in the gills whereas a significant expansion of lipofuscin-laden melanomacrophages (MMCs) showed 100% prevalence in the liver. Gills were significantly different in their prevalence of histopathology between the two seasons, which was not the case for liver. The histopathology recorded in this study shows that the health of L. rosae at Loskop Dam was compromised. Given the exacerbating pollution level in the upper Olifants River, these findings serve as a warning to conservation authorities and emphasise the necessity for regular monitoring of fish health at Loskop Dam to assess pollution levels using fish health as a sensitive indicator to altering pollution levels.
S huni virus (SHUV) (Peribunyaviridae: Orthobunyavirus) was isolated in the 1960s from livestock,... more S huni virus (SHUV) (Peribunyaviridae: Orthobunyavirus) was isolated in the 1960s from livestock, Culicoides midges, and a febrile child in Nigeria (1,2). In South Africa, SHUV was identified as the causative agent of neurologic disease in horses (3); seropositivity was also demonstrated in 3.0% of veterinarians, suggesting human exposures (4). SHUV was subsequently identified in aborted livestock and cattle with neurologic disease in Israel, suggesting an extended range beyond Africa (5,6). We investigated other potential susceptible species in South Africa.
Pigmentation of the skin is a crucial component in the pathogenesis of melanocytic neoplasms and ... more Pigmentation of the skin is a crucial component in the pathogenesis of melanocytic neoplasms and other skin-related tumors, as melanin is known to function in both the absorbance of ultraviolet radiation and as an antioxidant. Very limited information exists regarding the incidence and metastatic potential of neoplastic conditions of the skin in game animals, especially wildebeests, relative to domestic animals. Four cases of cutaneous melanoma in color-variant golden and king wildebeests (Connochaetes taurinus) (from 2014 to 2015) in South Africa were investigated. Melanoma in these captive animals was characterized using histopathology, transmission electron microscopy, and an immunohistochemistry panel, which consisted of monoclonal antibodies against three melanocytic markers: Melan A, PNL2, and S100. Overall, 2/4 cases (50%) of the melanocytic neoplasms stained strongly positive for all the melanocytic markers, while 4/4 cases (100%) stained positively for at least one of the markers. Cutaneous melanocytic neoplasia has not been reported in wildebeests; the current study suggests that selection of wildebeests for coat color potentially predisposes to this condition.
West Nile virus (WNV) lineage 2 is associated with neurologic disease in horses and humans in Sou... more West Nile virus (WNV) lineage 2 is associated with neurologic disease in horses and humans in South Africa. Surveillance in wildlife and nonequine domestic species during 2010-2018 identified WNV in 11 (1.8%) of 608 animals with severe neurologic and fatal infections, highlighting susceptible hosts and risk for WNV epizootics in Africa. W est Nile virus (WNV) is associated with febrile disease, meningoencephalitis, and death in humans and horses (1,2). WNV infections are recognized on most continents but remain underreported in Africa. An 8-year study in horses with fever, neurologic signs, or both in South Africa described WNV lineage 2 as the cause of annual outbreaks; 93.7% of WNV-positive horses displayed neurologic signs, resulting in a 34.2% fatality rate (3). In the United States, clinical WNV disease has been reported in several nonequine species: birds, crocodiles, bats, wolves, cats, dogs, cattle, and sheep (4). The disease susceptibility of wildlife species in Africa and the role they play in amplifying the virus is unknown. We conducted surveillance for neurologic disease and death in animals other than horses in South Africa during 2010-2018 to determine potential WNV reservoir species, identify susceptible hosts, and highlight potential areas for targeted surveillance. The Study A total of 608 specimens comprising central nervous system tissue, visceral organs, and whole blood from wildlife; nonequine domestic animals; and birds with neurologic, febrile, or respiratory signs or sudden unexpected death were submitted to the Centre for Viral Zoonoses, University of
A privately owned, 2-yr-old, 600-kg, intact male white rhinoceros presented with a progressive la... more A privately owned, 2-yr-old, 600-kg, intact male white rhinoceros presented with a progressive lameness of the left front limb of 8-mo duration with a focal swelling situated over the dorsoproximal aspect of third metacarpophalangeal joint. Radiographs of the affected limb showed a 28 mm 3 26 mm exostosis at the dorsodistal third metacarpal bone. Surgical removal of the exostosis was performed and histopathologic examination confirmed a solitary osteochondroma. A follow-up examination 1 yr after surgical removal revealed total abolishment of the left front limb lameness. This report documents the first diagnosis and treatment of solitary osteochondroma in a white rhinoceros.
An outbreak of feline panleukopaenia virus (FPLV) infection was diagnosed by pathology, electron ... more An outbreak of feline panleukopaenia virus (FPLV) infection was diagnosed by pathology, electron microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in vaccinated captive-bred subadult cheetahs in South Africa. Subsequent to this disease outbreak, 12 cases of FPLV diagnosed on histology were confirmed by PCR in captive African black-footed cat, caracal, cheetah, lion, ocelot and serval. Phylogenetic analyses of the viral capsid protein gene on PCR-positive samples, vaccine and National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) reference strains identified a previously unknown strain of FPLV, present since at least 2006, that differs from both the inactivated and the modified live vaccine strains. A previously described South African strain from domestic cats and cheetahs was identified in a serval. Surveys of FPLV strains in South African felids are needed to determine the geographical and host species distribution of this virus. Since non-domestic species may be reservoirs of parvovir...
Four hand-reared, naïve roan antelope, 4 months of age, were exposed to naturally infected pastur... more Four hand-reared, naïve roan antelope, 4 months of age, were exposed to naturally infected pasture on a game farm in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa, where roan are known to die from theileriosis. Various clinical parameters were recorded during this period. The predominant ticks parasitising these animals at the time (January to February), were Rhipicephalus appendiculatus and Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi adults. After a period of 5 weeks the animals developed signs of clinical theileriosis and were treated with buparvaquone to prevent mortality. Primary hyperplasia of the local draining lymph nodes (Lnn. anorectales) near the feeding site of adult R. evertsi evertsi indicated possible transmission of Theileria sp. (sable) by this tick species. After recovery from theileriosis, these animals were confirmed carriers of Theileria sp. (sable) by PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and DNA probe analysis. Laboratory-bred larvae and nymphs of R. evertsi evertsi and R. appendiculatus resp...
, +27125298154 Reflex myoclonic conditions have been reported in mice, Labrador Retriever dogs (M... more , +27125298154 Reflex myoclonic conditions have been reported in mice, Labrador Retriever dogs (March and others, 1993) Peruvian Paso horses (Gundlach and others, 1993) and Hereford calves (Harper and others 1986). The primary cause of myoclonus in these reports was consistent with a deficit in glycine receptors in the central nervous system. Similar conditions based on clinical findings and the lack of pathological lesions have not been reported in sheep. Two, three day old, female Dohne Merino x Merino lambs from different ewes (assigned "Lamb 1" and "Lamb 2" for identification purposes) were presented with a complaint being unable to stand, having tremors and showing signs of stiffness. The flock is managed as a multisire breeding system. Annual vaccinations include: pulpy kidney, blue tongue, blue udder and Chlamydophila. Only these lambs
ABSTRACT This report describes an unusual vascular ring anomaly (VRA) that resulted in repeated o... more ABSTRACT This report describes an unusual vascular ring anomaly (VRA) that resulted in repeated oesophageal obstruction in an adult horse. Oesophagoscopy identified a luminal obstruction with secondary mucosal sloughing. Post mortem findings revealed oesophageal and tracheal stenosis secondary to an aberrant right subclavian artery. The presence of the VRA may have resulted in repeated oesophageal impactions in an adult horse and the hereditary potential for this defect should be considered.
Journal of the South African Veterinary Association, 2006
Histological examination of burn injuries in elephants revealed that the depth was not as severe ... more Histological examination of burn injuries in elephants revealed that the depth was not as severe as expected from clinical observation. Although the actual burn depth was deep, the thickness of elephant skin, especially the dermis, resulted in the lesions being classified as less severe than expected. Examination of skin samples from selected areas showed that most lesions were either superficial (1st degree) or superficial partial-thickness (superficial 2nd degree) burns with the occasional deep partial thickness (deep 2nd degree) wound. These lesions however, resulted in severe complications that eventually led to the death of a number of the elephants.
The medical records of four horses whose intestines had been perforated by metallic wires were re... more The medical records of four horses whose intestines had been perforated by metallic wires were reviewed. Three of the horses developed acute colic, and the other progressively lost weight and became inappetent and pyrexic. Metallic wires were detected either by exploratory laparotomy or postmortem examination. In three of the horses there were adhesions containing an encapsulated metallic wire in the small intestine, and in the other the wire was contained within an abscess with multiple adhesions involving the liver, spleen and mesentery.
Journal of the South African Veterinary Association, 2014
The post-occipital sinus of the spinal vein is often used for the collection of blood samples fro... more The post-occipital sinus of the spinal vein is often used for the collection of blood samples from crocodilians. Although this sampling method has been reported for several crocodilian species, the technique and associated anatomy has not been described in detail in any crocodilian, including the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus). The anatomy of the cranial neck region was investigated macroscopically, microscopically, radiographically and by means of computed tomography. Latex was injected into the spinal vein and spinal venous sinus of crocodiles to visualise the regional vasculature. The spinal vein ran within the vertebral canal, dorsal to and closely associated with the spinal cord and changed into a venous sinus cranially in the post-occipital region. For blood collection, the spinal venous sinus was accessed through the interarcuate space between the atlas and axis (C1 and C2) by inserting a needle angled just off the perpendicular in the midline through the craniodorsal ...
Journal of the South African Veterinary Association, 2009
A 10-year-old Hanoverian mare was evaluated for a right buccal swelling that recurred 3 months fo... more A 10-year-old Hanoverian mare was evaluated for a right buccal swelling that recurred 3 months following surgical resection. Ultrasonographic examination showed a broadly pedunculated subcutaneous mass at the level of 106-109 and 406-409 cheek teeth associated with an erosive mucosal lesion on the inside of the cheek. Histological examination of a biopsy specimen revealed a well-demarcated, malignant, dermal schwannoma. Following subcutaneous placement of platinum coated Ir192 wires under general anaesthesia, low-dose radiation of 5 gray per day was delivered for 14 days. Short-term complications included loss of patency of the right nasolacrimal duct, erythema, dermatitis, leukotrichia and left-sided deviation of the muzzle. Ten months later, there has been no tumour recurrence. Findings suggest that the use of interstitial brachytherapy should be considered for a malignant, dermal schwannoma that has recurred or is not amenable to surgery.
Journal of the South African Veterinary Association, 2021
Very little information is present on non-infectious conditions (Lawrence, Foggin & Prozesky 2010... more Very little information is present on non-infectious conditions (Lawrence, Foggin & Prozesky 2010). Vigilant disease surveillance and studies on the interface between such diseases in cattle and buffaloes are invaluable in protecting both animal and public health as well as food security (Ritz et al. 2013). If current and future disease surveillance programmes are to be successful, it is first necessary to fully understand the range of diseases to which buffaloes are susceptible. For these reasons, a retrospective study was performed to assess the spectrum of conditions seen in African buffaloes in South Africa, and to provide a frame of reference for veterinarians, pathologists, wildlife biologists, and managers of game reserves.
In this study, Brucella melitensis infection in sable antelope (Hippotragus niger) was investigat... more In this study, Brucella melitensis infection in sable antelope (Hippotragus niger) was investigated on two wildlife ranches in South Africa over a 12-year period in order to determine the origin of the outbreaks and the role of livestock in maintaining the disease. Retrospective data were obtained from farm records and interviews as well as samples tested from different disease scenarios and clinical settings. On one ranch, 10 of 74 sable tested seropositive for B. melitensis in 2004 but were certified clear of infection after no further brucellosis cases were detected following repeated serological tests and culling over a five-year period. Recrudescence occurred in 2013 (7 of 187 brucellosis positives) and in 2014 (one positive), with persistent, latent infection being the most reasonable explanation. In a second case study, linked to the first one through a common vendor, 15 of 80 sable tested positive in 2016, some five years after the acquisition of the animals from a putative ...
Journal of the South African Veterinary Association, 2020
Impalas (Aepyceros melampus) are common African antelope. A retrospective study was conducted of ... more Impalas (Aepyceros melampus) are common African antelope. A retrospective study was conducted of 251 impala cases from game farms, national parks and zoos submitted by veterinarians and pathologists in South Africa (2003–2016). Histopathology slides as well as records of macroscopic lesions and additional diagnostic tests performed were examined. Non-infectious conditions, such as acute pulmonary congestion and oedema, cachexia, traumatic injury and anaesthetic-related mortality were the most common causes of morbidity and mortality. Bacterial sepsis was the most common infectious disease, whilst skeletal muscle and myocardial sarcocystosis and verminous cholangitis and pneumonia were the most common parasitic diseases. Although the retrospective nature of this study limits the significance of the relative prevalence of lesions in the three locations, management decisions and diagnostic plans may be informed by the results. Impala from game farms had significantly more cachexia case...
The Loskop Dam is the most polluted impoundment in the Olifants River, because it receives pollut... more The Loskop Dam is the most polluted impoundment in the Olifants River, because it receives pollutants from the entire mine-dominated upper catchment. However, histopathology of fish inhabiting this polluted dam is scantly explored. The current study aimed to investigate the histopathology of the gills and liver of Labeo rosae from Loskop Dam. Alkaline pH was observed throughout the study with most metal concentrations exceeding the water quality guideline for aquatic ecosystems. Regressive changes were the most prominent lesions for both organs with gills showing relatively more pathologies than the liver. Epithelial lifting was 100% prevalent during both seasons in the gills whereas a significant expansion of lipofuscin-laden melanomacrophages (MMCs) showed 100% prevalence in the liver. Gills were significantly different in their prevalence of histopathology between the two seasons, which was not the case for liver. The histopathology recorded in this study shows that the health of L. rosae at Loskop Dam was compromised. Given the exacerbating pollution level in the upper Olifants River, these findings serve as a warning to conservation authorities and emphasise the necessity for regular monitoring of fish health at Loskop Dam to assess pollution levels using fish health as a sensitive indicator to altering pollution levels.
S huni virus (SHUV) (Peribunyaviridae: Orthobunyavirus) was isolated in the 1960s from livestock,... more S huni virus (SHUV) (Peribunyaviridae: Orthobunyavirus) was isolated in the 1960s from livestock, Culicoides midges, and a febrile child in Nigeria (1,2). In South Africa, SHUV was identified as the causative agent of neurologic disease in horses (3); seropositivity was also demonstrated in 3.0% of veterinarians, suggesting human exposures (4). SHUV was subsequently identified in aborted livestock and cattle with neurologic disease in Israel, suggesting an extended range beyond Africa (5,6). We investigated other potential susceptible species in South Africa.
Pigmentation of the skin is a crucial component in the pathogenesis of melanocytic neoplasms and ... more Pigmentation of the skin is a crucial component in the pathogenesis of melanocytic neoplasms and other skin-related tumors, as melanin is known to function in both the absorbance of ultraviolet radiation and as an antioxidant. Very limited information exists regarding the incidence and metastatic potential of neoplastic conditions of the skin in game animals, especially wildebeests, relative to domestic animals. Four cases of cutaneous melanoma in color-variant golden and king wildebeests (Connochaetes taurinus) (from 2014 to 2015) in South Africa were investigated. Melanoma in these captive animals was characterized using histopathology, transmission electron microscopy, and an immunohistochemistry panel, which consisted of monoclonal antibodies against three melanocytic markers: Melan A, PNL2, and S100. Overall, 2/4 cases (50%) of the melanocytic neoplasms stained strongly positive for all the melanocytic markers, while 4/4 cases (100%) stained positively for at least one of the markers. Cutaneous melanocytic neoplasia has not been reported in wildebeests; the current study suggests that selection of wildebeests for coat color potentially predisposes to this condition.
West Nile virus (WNV) lineage 2 is associated with neurologic disease in horses and humans in Sou... more West Nile virus (WNV) lineage 2 is associated with neurologic disease in horses and humans in South Africa. Surveillance in wildlife and nonequine domestic species during 2010-2018 identified WNV in 11 (1.8%) of 608 animals with severe neurologic and fatal infections, highlighting susceptible hosts and risk for WNV epizootics in Africa. W est Nile virus (WNV) is associated with febrile disease, meningoencephalitis, and death in humans and horses (1,2). WNV infections are recognized on most continents but remain underreported in Africa. An 8-year study in horses with fever, neurologic signs, or both in South Africa described WNV lineage 2 as the cause of annual outbreaks; 93.7% of WNV-positive horses displayed neurologic signs, resulting in a 34.2% fatality rate (3). In the United States, clinical WNV disease has been reported in several nonequine species: birds, crocodiles, bats, wolves, cats, dogs, cattle, and sheep (4). The disease susceptibility of wildlife species in Africa and the role they play in amplifying the virus is unknown. We conducted surveillance for neurologic disease and death in animals other than horses in South Africa during 2010-2018 to determine potential WNV reservoir species, identify susceptible hosts, and highlight potential areas for targeted surveillance. The Study A total of 608 specimens comprising central nervous system tissue, visceral organs, and whole blood from wildlife; nonequine domestic animals; and birds with neurologic, febrile, or respiratory signs or sudden unexpected death were submitted to the Centre for Viral Zoonoses, University of
A privately owned, 2-yr-old, 600-kg, intact male white rhinoceros presented with a progressive la... more A privately owned, 2-yr-old, 600-kg, intact male white rhinoceros presented with a progressive lameness of the left front limb of 8-mo duration with a focal swelling situated over the dorsoproximal aspect of third metacarpophalangeal joint. Radiographs of the affected limb showed a 28 mm 3 26 mm exostosis at the dorsodistal third metacarpal bone. Surgical removal of the exostosis was performed and histopathologic examination confirmed a solitary osteochondroma. A follow-up examination 1 yr after surgical removal revealed total abolishment of the left front limb lameness. This report documents the first diagnosis and treatment of solitary osteochondroma in a white rhinoceros.
An outbreak of feline panleukopaenia virus (FPLV) infection was diagnosed by pathology, electron ... more An outbreak of feline panleukopaenia virus (FPLV) infection was diagnosed by pathology, electron microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in vaccinated captive-bred subadult cheetahs in South Africa. Subsequent to this disease outbreak, 12 cases of FPLV diagnosed on histology were confirmed by PCR in captive African black-footed cat, caracal, cheetah, lion, ocelot and serval. Phylogenetic analyses of the viral capsid protein gene on PCR-positive samples, vaccine and National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) reference strains identified a previously unknown strain of FPLV, present since at least 2006, that differs from both the inactivated and the modified live vaccine strains. A previously described South African strain from domestic cats and cheetahs was identified in a serval. Surveys of FPLV strains in South African felids are needed to determine the geographical and host species distribution of this virus. Since non-domestic species may be reservoirs of parvovir...
Four hand-reared, naïve roan antelope, 4 months of age, were exposed to naturally infected pastur... more Four hand-reared, naïve roan antelope, 4 months of age, were exposed to naturally infected pasture on a game farm in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa, where roan are known to die from theileriosis. Various clinical parameters were recorded during this period. The predominant ticks parasitising these animals at the time (January to February), were Rhipicephalus appendiculatus and Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi adults. After a period of 5 weeks the animals developed signs of clinical theileriosis and were treated with buparvaquone to prevent mortality. Primary hyperplasia of the local draining lymph nodes (Lnn. anorectales) near the feeding site of adult R. evertsi evertsi indicated possible transmission of Theileria sp. (sable) by this tick species. After recovery from theileriosis, these animals were confirmed carriers of Theileria sp. (sable) by PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and DNA probe analysis. Laboratory-bred larvae and nymphs of R. evertsi evertsi and R. appendiculatus resp...
, +27125298154 Reflex myoclonic conditions have been reported in mice, Labrador Retriever dogs (M... more , +27125298154 Reflex myoclonic conditions have been reported in mice, Labrador Retriever dogs (March and others, 1993) Peruvian Paso horses (Gundlach and others, 1993) and Hereford calves (Harper and others 1986). The primary cause of myoclonus in these reports was consistent with a deficit in glycine receptors in the central nervous system. Similar conditions based on clinical findings and the lack of pathological lesions have not been reported in sheep. Two, three day old, female Dohne Merino x Merino lambs from different ewes (assigned "Lamb 1" and "Lamb 2" for identification purposes) were presented with a complaint being unable to stand, having tremors and showing signs of stiffness. The flock is managed as a multisire breeding system. Annual vaccinations include: pulpy kidney, blue tongue, blue udder and Chlamydophila. Only these lambs
ABSTRACT This report describes an unusual vascular ring anomaly (VRA) that resulted in repeated o... more ABSTRACT This report describes an unusual vascular ring anomaly (VRA) that resulted in repeated oesophageal obstruction in an adult horse. Oesophagoscopy identified a luminal obstruction with secondary mucosal sloughing. Post mortem findings revealed oesophageal and tracheal stenosis secondary to an aberrant right subclavian artery. The presence of the VRA may have resulted in repeated oesophageal impactions in an adult horse and the hereditary potential for this defect should be considered.
Journal of the South African Veterinary Association, 2006
Histological examination of burn injuries in elephants revealed that the depth was not as severe ... more Histological examination of burn injuries in elephants revealed that the depth was not as severe as expected from clinical observation. Although the actual burn depth was deep, the thickness of elephant skin, especially the dermis, resulted in the lesions being classified as less severe than expected. Examination of skin samples from selected areas showed that most lesions were either superficial (1st degree) or superficial partial-thickness (superficial 2nd degree) burns with the occasional deep partial thickness (deep 2nd degree) wound. These lesions however, resulted in severe complications that eventually led to the death of a number of the elephants.
The medical records of four horses whose intestines had been perforated by metallic wires were re... more The medical records of four horses whose intestines had been perforated by metallic wires were reviewed. Three of the horses developed acute colic, and the other progressively lost weight and became inappetent and pyrexic. Metallic wires were detected either by exploratory laparotomy or postmortem examination. In three of the horses there were adhesions containing an encapsulated metallic wire in the small intestine, and in the other the wire was contained within an abscess with multiple adhesions involving the liver, spleen and mesentery.
Journal of the South African Veterinary Association, 2014
The post-occipital sinus of the spinal vein is often used for the collection of blood samples fro... more The post-occipital sinus of the spinal vein is often used for the collection of blood samples from crocodilians. Although this sampling method has been reported for several crocodilian species, the technique and associated anatomy has not been described in detail in any crocodilian, including the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus). The anatomy of the cranial neck region was investigated macroscopically, microscopically, radiographically and by means of computed tomography. Latex was injected into the spinal vein and spinal venous sinus of crocodiles to visualise the regional vasculature. The spinal vein ran within the vertebral canal, dorsal to and closely associated with the spinal cord and changed into a venous sinus cranially in the post-occipital region. For blood collection, the spinal venous sinus was accessed through the interarcuate space between the atlas and axis (C1 and C2) by inserting a needle angled just off the perpendicular in the midline through the craniodorsal ...
Journal of the South African Veterinary Association, 2009
A 10-year-old Hanoverian mare was evaluated for a right buccal swelling that recurred 3 months fo... more A 10-year-old Hanoverian mare was evaluated for a right buccal swelling that recurred 3 months following surgical resection. Ultrasonographic examination showed a broadly pedunculated subcutaneous mass at the level of 106-109 and 406-409 cheek teeth associated with an erosive mucosal lesion on the inside of the cheek. Histological examination of a biopsy specimen revealed a well-demarcated, malignant, dermal schwannoma. Following subcutaneous placement of platinum coated Ir192 wires under general anaesthesia, low-dose radiation of 5 gray per day was delivered for 14 days. Short-term complications included loss of patency of the right nasolacrimal duct, erythema, dermatitis, leukotrichia and left-sided deviation of the muzzle. Ten months later, there has been no tumour recurrence. Findings suggest that the use of interstitial brachytherapy should be considered for a malignant, dermal schwannoma that has recurred or is not amenable to surgery.
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Papers by Johan Steyl