Scarf Two Out of Three

 \\

Photo by Dr. Haus

Knitting

While I was visiting my family for the holidays, I finished the second nephew scarf.  For this scarf, I wanted to try a new knitting method where I could knit the scarf vertically with two different colors.  For this scarf, I decided to use a 5x5 ribbing pattern with 15 stitches of each row done in orange and the next 15 stitches done in blue.

🧶

I learned two important lessons with this scarf.  Firstly, it took me about 10 rows to correctly understand how to switch between the two different colors without needing to cut the yarn and start with a new strand.  The secret was to make sure the new color was moved to the left of and on top of the old color.  A friend mentioned another great option would be to knit the two colors together for one stitch and then switch to the new color.

The second scarf: 

 

Photo by Dr. Haus

The second thing I learned through this project was that a 5x5 ribbing pattern made the width of the scarf very small as you can see above.  This pattern causes the stitches to shrink together.  I was slightly able to increase the width of the scarf through the blocking process but it still keeps shrinking in the horizontal plane.  Moving forward, I will not be using the 5x5 ribbing pattern but I am glad I tried this process as the best way for me to learn something is to commit to the plan, complete the plan, and learn what I liked and didn't like about the project.

Photo by Dr. Haus

 

Step 1:  Cast on 30 stitches with the following pattern - Cast on 5 stitches knitwise then 5 stitches purlwise then 5 stitches knitwise SWITCH COLOR Cast on 5 stitches purlwise then 5 stitches knitwise then 5 stitches purlwise

Step 2:  Knit 5, Purl 5, Knit 5, SWITCH COLOR, Purl 5 Knit 5 Purl 5

Step 3:  Repeat step 2 until the scarf is the length you want

Step 4:  Bind off using the following pattern - Bind off 5 stitches knitwise then 5 stitches purlwise then 5 stitches knitwise SWITCH COLOR (keep playing video to the end) Bind off 5 stitches purlwise then 5 stitches knitwise then 5 stitches purlwise

Step 6:  Weave in ends

🧵 

Conclusion Caturday: Sick Swinehaus Swine (Case 5)

Photo of TA Douglas (Left) and Professor Pocky (Right) taken by Dr. Haus

 

Click For Explanation of Case Flow

 

Click for Test Case Tuesday:  Sick Swinehaus Swine

 

Click for Thoughtful Thursday:  Sick Swinehaus Swine 

 

Quick Review

Diagnosis:

🐽African Swine Fever🐽

 

Pathophysiological Point:

African Swine Fever (ASF) is an extremely fatal viral disease of domestic swine.  The ASF virus mostly infects the macrophages/monocytes of the pigs.  This causes a huge depletion in the immune cells of the animals.  The presentation of ASF is similar to Ebola in humans where the pigs have high fevers and start bleeding from different orifices.

 

 Questions, Answers, and Further Information:

 

Level 1 Questions, Answers, and Further Information:

1. Explain why the veterinarian contacted the state veterinarian to report the disease outbreak.  (HINT:  Think about the severity of the pigs sickness and the information given at the start of this post).  
   
   The veterinarian contacted the state veterinarian to report a suspected foreign animal disease case.  When a large amount of animals die showing concerning signs the state veterinarian needs to be notified to ensure samples are taken to quickly diagnose the disease.  If the disease is a threat to other animals and the country we need to diagnose it quickly to contain the outbreak.
   
   
2. Explain why the pigs are dying so quickly.  (HINT:  Think about the physical exam findings and the major finding that was found in the dead pigs' autopsies/necropsies)
   
   The pigs are dying quickly because they are bleeding from their noses, mouths, and other orifices.  When too much blood is lost, there is not enough oxygen getting to the cells of the body and the pig cannot survive without oxygen from the blood.
   
   
3. Challenge question, what do you think should be done on the farm now that African Swine Fever has been diagnosed?  (HINT:  This disease is 100% fatal in American domestic pigs, there is no vaccination, the disease has never been on American soil, and there is no way to treat this disease.  The full answer to this question will be multiple different approaches)
   
   There are multiple answers to this question that are noted below:
   
   1. The pigs on the farm will need to be humanely euthanized as they have all been exposed to the disease
   2. The farm will need to be put on a strict quarantine where nothing can come in or out from the farm (this will help stop disease spread)
   3. The farm will be decontaminated by folks trained in disease outbreaks to remove the virus from the farm
   4. Surrounding farms will be put on quarantine and be tested for ASF
   5. There will be an investigation into the source of the infection
      
   
   

   Helpful Links:

   • USDA information on African Swine Fever:                                     https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/resources/pests-diseases/asf/asf
     
     
   • World Organisation for Animal Health information on African Swine Fever:  https://www.woah.org/en/disease/african-swine-fever/
     
     
   • USDA Biosecurity Principles:                                                           https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/emergency_management/downloads/ed_materials/bio_principles_handout.pdf
     

 

Level 2 Questions, Answers, and Further Information:

1. Affected pigs are showing the signs of redness throughout their skin.  The severe redness noted in these pigs tells us that they are undergoing what process at an increased rate?  (HINT:  The other signs of this process are heat, swelling, pain, and loss of function)
   
   The process that is occurring at an increased rate in the pigs is inflammation/the inflammatory process.
   
   
2. Pathophysiologically explain the steps of the above disease process that leads to redness in these pigs.  Be sure to mention all molecules, substances, and changes that occur in each step.
   
   During the acute inflammation process, histamine is released and leads to a vasodilation of the blood vessels around the injury site while also increasing the leakiness of the vessels around the injury site.  The increased vasodilation brings more blood to the area of injury (increasing healing factors) and the increased leakiness allows more fluid, immune cells, etc. to enter the injury site to assist with healing.
   
   
3. Challenge question, explain how African Swine Fever is similar to the Ebola virus in humans.  Be sure to note the pathophysiology, source of infection, physical exam findings, etc. that are similar between the two diseases.  (HINT:  For this one take the time to find reputable sources to learn more about each disease)
   
   There are many answers to this question.  Both diseases are from viruses that are able to spread easily between different hosts.  Clinical signs can be similar between the diseases (hemorrhagic fevers, gastrointestinal signs, rapid death, etc.).  Ebola virus also infections the monocytes/macrophages of the host.  And many more!
   
   

   Helpful Links:
   

   • Merck Vet African Swine Fever:                                             https://www.merckvetmanual.com/generalized-conditions/african-swine-fever/african-swine-fever
     
     
   • Level 2 and 3 FAO ASF Manual:                                                                  https://www.fao.org/documents/card/en/c/cc6300en
     
     
   • Level 2 or 3 CDC Ebola:                                                                              https://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/clinicians/evd/clinicians.html
     
     

Level 3 Questions, Answers, and Further Information:

1. Describe your recommended plan and why you are recommending each part of your plan.  Please answer this question as if you are explaining it to a the farmer or the general public without a scientific background.  (Remember, this will be a sensitive conversation for most folks)
   
   In this situation, depopulation of the pigs on the farm will be required.  This is a sensitive topic as the farmers will likely have an emotional attachment to their animals, farm, and business.  In this case, it is important to speak empathetically with the farmers and addressing their feelings on having their livelihood and animals euthanized.  Discussing how fatal the disease is (essentially 100% in US domestic pigs) and the need to quarantine the farm to prevent the spread of disease to other farms will be important.  In this case, I would focus on the severity of the disease, the uncomfortable death these pigs and other infected pigs would go through, and focus on the most humane option of not allowing them to suffer.
   
   The farm will also be placed into a strict quarantine with no trucks, animals, people, etc. moving in and out.  The farm will be the central quarantine zone (also called the hot zone) as the outbreak is contained, studied, and hopefully eliminated.
   
   
2. Please describe the different potential sources of ASF on this farm.
   
   The different potential sources of the ASF in this farm could be visitors of the farm accidentally (or intentionally) bringing ASF to the farm, the family may have visited another farm/country and brought the disease back with them, there is a possibility that the outbreak started at another farm and spread to this farm via wild boar or a fomite, etc.
   
   
3. Please describe the different ways ASF can be prevented from entering into farms, regions, countries, etc.
   
   Biosecurity is the biggest prevention plan to keep ASF out of a farm, region, country, etc.  Biosecurity includes, but is not limited to, preventing animals/animal products from infected areas to enter into unaffected areas, not allowing humans who have traveled to an infected area to come to the unaffected areas without proper decontamination, showering in/out of facilities, boot washes, washing clothes, never feeding garbage or pig products to pigs, keeping equipment clean, quarantining new animals, etc.
   
   

   Helpful Links:

   • ASF Review Paper:                                                                        https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9409812/
     
     
   • Ebola Review Paper:                                                                      https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6691429/
     
     
   • USDA Outbreak Response Tools:                                                           https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/emergency-management/ct_fadprep_outbreak_response_tools
     
   
   

Day 3 Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed the pigs' case!  Don't forget to...

📚 Review material related to the pigs' case 

🤩 Get excited for upcoming cases

Thoughtful Thursday: Sick Swinehaus Swine (Case 5)

 

Photo of Professor Pocky taken by Dr. Haus

Click For Explanation of Case Flow

 

Click for Test Case Tuesday:  Sick Swinehaus Swine

Given the concerning clinical signs and differentials list, the veterinarian immediately calls the state veterinarian to report a disease outbreak and to send samples from the pigs to Plum Island for analysis.  

🧫

Plum Island is an island off the state of New York that has an Animal Disease Center that studies and tests samples for foreign animal diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease and African Swine Fever.  

🦠

Plum Island allows for studying these diseases that historically were not allowed to be studied on the mainland due to the fear of the diseases accidentally being brought out of the facility and infecting our animals.

🔬

Plum Island is slated to be closed as a new facility is being built in Manhattan, Kansas to study foreign animal diseases.  The goals of these facilities is to diagnose, research, and educate about foreign animal diseases that pose a risk to the United States agriculture and economy. 

🥽

African Swine Fever and Foot and Mouth Disease are NOT present in the United States.  Foot and Mouth Disease was eradicated from the United States in 1929 and African Swine Fever has never been reported in the United States.   

⚗️

All of our livestock are susceptible to these fatal diseases if they were to enter the country.

The results from this testing are below:

 

Diagnostic Testing Results:

Positive for African Swine Fever 😨

😱

Diagnosis:

🐽African Swine Fever🐽

 

Pathophysiological Point:

African Swine Fever (ASF) is an extremely fatal viral disease of domestic swine.  The ASF virus mostly infects the macrophages/monocytes of the pigs.  This causes a huge depletion in the immune cells of the animals.  The presentation of ASF is similar to Ebola in humans where the pigs have high fevers and start bleeding from different orifices.

 

 Questions:

Level 1 Questions:

1. Explain why the veterinarian contacted the state veterinarian to report the disease outbreak.  (HINT:  Think about the severity of the pigs' sickness and the information given at the start of this post)
   
   
2. Explain why the pigs are dying so quickly.  (HINT:  Think about the physical exam findings and the major finding that was found in the dead pigs' autopsies/necropsies)
   
   
3. Challenge question, what do you think should be done on the farm now that African Swine Fever has been diagnosed?  (HINT:  This disease is 100% fatal in American domestic pigs, there is no vaccination, the disease has never been on American soil, and there is no way to treat this disease.  The full answer to this question will be multiple different approaches)
   

 

Level 2 Questions:

1. Affected pigs are showing the signs of redness throughout their skin.  The severe redness noted in these pigs tells us that they are undergoing what process at an increased rate?  (HINT:  The other signs of this process are heat, swelling, pain, and loss of function)
   
   
2. Pathophysiologically explain the steps of the above disease process that leads to redness in these pigs.  Be sure to mention all molecules, substances, and changes that occur in each step.
   
   
3. Challenge question, explain how African Swine Fever is similar to the Ebola virus in humans.  Be sure to note the pathophysiology, source of infection, physical exam findings, etc. that are similar between the two diseases.  (HINT:  For this one take the time to find reputable sources to learn more about each disease) 
   

    
   

Level 3 Questions:

1. Describe your recommended plan and why you are recommending each part of your plan.  Please answer this question as if you are explaining it to a the farmer or the general public without a scientific background.  (Remember, this will be a sensitive conversation for most folks)
   
   
2. Please describe the different potential sources of ASF on this farm.
   
   
3. Please describe the different ways ASF can be prevented from entering into farms, regions, countries, etc.
   

  

Day 2 Conclusion

Before Conclusion Caturday think about your...

❓Answers to the above questions

📚 Review Material Related to our pigs' case

 

Conclusion Caturday:  Sick Swinehaus Swine (link will go live Saturday, 11/25/2023)

Test Case Tuesday: Sick Swinehaus Swine (Case 5)

 

Picture of Professor Pocky taken by Dr. Haus

Click For Explanation of Case Flow

 

Signalment:

Swinehaus Farms is a 100 gilt/sow-farm (intact female pigs) in rural Iowa

🐷

History:

The farmers at Swinehaus Farms woke up early this morning to find 30 dead sows with blood running out of their noses and mouths.  Another 50 or so pigs are showing signs of lethargy, extremely high fevers, inappetence, vomiting, and disorientation.  The farmers called their veterinarian immediately who hurried out to access the extraordinarily concerning situation.​

​
There are about 20 beef cattle, 30 chickens, two farm dogs, and multiple barn cats present on the farm.  The farm will host folks from the general public allowing them to visit the working farm to learn more about farm animals and life.​

🐖 

Physical Exam Findings:

 

Live Animal Exam:

 

Attitude:  Disoriented, unable to stand, unaware of surroundings​ 😵

Temperature:  105 degrees Fahrenheit (normal 101.5-102.5 degrees Fahrenheit)​ 🌡️

Respiratory:  Difficulty breathing, breathing rates increased​ 🫁

Integument (Skin):  Redness noted around the ears, snout, and core of the body.  Fluid-filled vesicles noted on the feet and snout 🐗

Autopsy/Necropsy Exam:  

Integument (Skin):  Fluid-filled vesicles noted throughout the body of the deceased animals.  Most vesicles noted on the snout and hooves 🐗

Orifices:  Signs of hemorrhage (bleeding) from the snout, mouth, and anus​ 🩸

Internal Cavities:  Blood noted in the chest and abdominal cavities 🩸

 

🩺

 

🛑STOP and brainstorm what diagnostic tests you would like to perform on the pigs 🛑

 

 

Diagnostic Testing Results:

 

 None at this time (stay tuned for Thursday)

🧪

Day 1 Conclusion

Before Thoughtful Thursday think about your...

📋 Differentials List

🧪 Further Diagnostic Testing

📚 Review Material Related to the pigs' case (i.e. specific diseases of interest, causes of acute death in pigs, types of bleeding disorders, personal interests, confusing points, etc.)

 

Thoughtful Thursday:  Sick Swinehaus Swine (link will go live Thursday, 11/23/2023)

 

Scarf One Out of Three

Photo by Dr. Haus

Knitting

With the arrival of fall and winter coming I have started knitting again.  My current project is making a scarf for each of my three nephews.  I finished the first scarf this past week and through this project my knitting creative juices have been flowing.

🧶

I have become inspired to make my first sweater and to start knitting my own clothes.  I had a realization that there is not reason I can't make a simple sweater with my knitting skills.  I have made a 3-4 foot stuffed pig, slippers, slipper-boots, hand-warmers, and scarves.  So why can't I make a sweater?  Stay tuned, I plan to start the sweater once I finish the other two scarves for my nephews.

The first scarf is alternating orange and blue horizontal stripes in a knitting and purling pattern.  I chose orange and blue for the Fighting Illini (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign colors).

Below you can see the first scarf:

Photo by Dr. Haus

With the first scarf done I started working on the second scarf which is using a vertical orange and blue color blocking in a 5x5 ribbing pattern (stay tuned for a future blog post with that scarf).  Here is the pattern for the above scarf which is a beginner friendly scarf.  I will also link some videos in case anyone wants to try to give knitting a try (highly recommend):

Step 1:  Cast on 30 stitches

Step 2:  Knit two rows

Step 3:  Purl two rows

Step 4:  Repeat step 2-3 until you want to switch color (or you can make this scarf in one color.  I repeated step 2-3 (3) times for each color)

Step 5:  Keep repeating steps 2-4 until the scarf is the length you want

Step 6:  Bind off and weave in ends

🧵 

Sundae Fundae Kayaking Trip with a Friend

Musing of a Weekend Kayak Trip

This past Sunday I got my kayak out for what will likely be the last trip of this season.  This was a special final kayak trip for the 2023 season because I got to go with a very good friend from my undergraduate education.  We will call this friend Marty and he is one of two people I keep in contact with from my undergraduate days.

 

This trip was the first time I have seen Marty since 2019 and I am thankful we had the chance to meet up before he heads back to the Chicagoland area.  There is nothing quite as peaceful as being out on the water and this past weekend was no exception.  With everything going on in life, it was energizing to talk with an old friend and reminiscence on the old times.

⛵

Meeting Marty

Now, the story of how Marty and I met is one of contention as I do not recall his version of the story (albeit if I am honest, his story is likely true).  Marty remembers sitting in Brad Mehrten's MCB 150 course as first semester students at university.  I was *that* student who always sat first row in front of the professors (NERD) and Marty sat behind me.  Marty's version of the story is that he was talking with his friend while Brad was lecturing and I turned around and shushed him.  

🤓

This is both a plausible and implausible story as it would greatly bother me to have someone talking while I am furiously taking notes in class BUT I am also an extraordinarily non-confrontational person.  Will we ever really know what happened that day?  Perhaps not but I am thankful that this interaction did not scare Marty away from a friendship with me.  Our in-depth conversations about anything and everything, support we give one another, and overall care for each other cannot be overstated.

The Start of the Day

Now, this day started with picking up Marty in Jersey City and as we were getting coffee his parents FaceTimed  to say a happy Diwali.  In that moment, I realized it was my first time meeting Marty's parents which was surprising given how long we have known each other.  As we headed north to Wawayanda Lake in northern New Jersey we talked and talked and talked.

🌊

Don't Give Up

Marty and I hit a roadblock upon arrival at Wawayanda Lake, the road to the lake was shut down for the winter but in classic fashion we were not easily deterred.  I found a lake on Google Maps a little bit further north in New York and decided to drive in that direction.  I was getting mildly frustrated as I was looking forward to getting on the water one last time until next spring and was worried we wouldn't be able to find a place to put the kayak into the water.  We could of course go for a hike, but that wasn't the plan.  I hate when things don't go as planned.

😟

As we got to the new lake, we found that it seemed to be surrounded by homes which suggested to us it was a private lake.  I saw a small beach (FYI, a beach to me is sand next to water regardless of how large the water or sand is) and figured we could see if we could park there and quickly put the kayak in before anyone saw us.  Thankfully, we were able to park near the beach and put the kayak in quickly.  Yes, there was a couple that was 100% hoping we would fall in the water when we were getting into the kayak but otherwise, no one bothered us.

 

We were able to get across most of the lake before we turned around to head back to the shore.  On this lake, we came across some fishers and some folks in motor boats.  There were many large homes and docks along this lake with great views of the surrounding mountains and trees.  The trees were starting to lose their leaves but it was still gorgeous.

 

The water on this lake was smooth and created a mild trip where we could chat further, get some exercise, and enjoy the quiet of being on the water.

As we were kayaking across the lake we slightly lost track of time which is when I recommended we turn around before it got dark.  The way back went more quickly but it was much colder as the wind had picked up and the sun was starting to set.  Our hands were very cold but that price was worth the experience.

We kayaked as quickly as we could back to the beach and made it to shore just before the sun went down (whew).  I had packed a lunch for the day but we decided to go to a local restaurant to warm up and get dinner before driving back to New Jersey.

 

All in all, I am happy we didn't give up when we couldn't get to Wawayanda Lake or give up when we realized the lake was likely a private lake.  Luckily Marty and I both fall into the category of if no one explicitly tells us no we will do it.

🤷

My recommendation?  Don't give up, pay attention to your surroundings, and keep driving until you find what you are looking for.  Happy sailing!

Conclusion Caturday: Gaunt Gagging Goats (Case 4)

Photo of TA Douglas (Left) and Professor Pocky (Right) taken by Dr. Haus

 

Click For Explanation of Case Flow

 

Click for Test Case Tuesday:  Gaunt Gagging Goats

 

Click for Thoughtful Thursday:  Gaunt Gagging Goats 

 

Quick Review

Diagnosis:

🪱PARASITIC INFECTION:  DICTYOCAULUS FILARIA🪱

 

Pathophysiological Point:

Dictyocaulus filaria (D. filaria) is a parasitic infection.  The D. filaria larvae are ingested by the goat and penetrate through the small intestines into the blood stream.  The larvae arrive at the lungs where they develop into adult lung worms.  As the larvae develop, they block bronchioles and lead to eosinophils, lymphocytes, and plasma cells entering the bronchioles causing an inflammatory state.  Some larvae/eggs fall into the alveoli leading to inflammation in the alveoli.  The eggs/larvae are coughed up, swallowed, pooped out, and the cycle continues.

 

 Questions, Answers, and Further Information:

 

Level 1 Questions, Answers, and Further Information:

1. Explain what the lungs do and why they are important.
   
   The lungs are what allows the body to breathe.  Breathing is important because it brings oxygen into the body and gets rid of the carbon dioxide.
   
   
2. Why do you think the goats are having trouble breathing?  (HINT:  Think about the effect a parasite in the lungs would have on breathing)
   
   The goats are having trouble breathing because the parasite is blocking the lungs and not letting the air flow smoothly into and out of the lungs.  The inflammation in the lungs is also making it harder to move air into and out of the lungs.
   
   
3. Challenge question, why do you think the goats are losing weight?  (HINT:  There are multiple answers to this question.  Think about what parasites do to the body and how a parasite that makes it hard to breathe would affect the goats)
   
   There are two major answers to this question.  The first answer is that parasites steal the nutrients from a host so the goats are losing weight because the parasites are stealing the goats nutrients.  Also, since the goats need to work so hard to breathe they are not able to eat very much or for very long.  Next time you eat, try to breathe heavily and eat - it is hard to do!
   
   

   Helpful Links:

   • Penn State Extension Prevent Parasites Through Grazing Management:  https://extension.psu.edu/prevent-parasites-through-grazing-management
     
     
   • University of Arkansas Extension Parasites in Small Ruminants:     https://www.uaex.uada.edu/farm-ranch/animals-forages/sheep-goats/internal-parasite-control.aspx
     

 

Level 2 Questions, Answers, and Further Information:

1. Explain how inflammation in the alveoli affects the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body.  Why does this lead to an increased respiratory rate in the goats?
   
   Inflammation leads to an increase of blood flow to an area of injury and increased leakiness of the blood vessels around an injury.  Due to this, the area begins to swell.  When is happens, the distance between the inside of the alveoli and the blood stream becomes greater.  This makes it harder for gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide to diffuse between the two spaces.  This inflammation also narrows the bronchi, bronchioles, etc. leading to less air getting to the alveoli.  
   
   The goats body will sense the lower oxygen concentrations and higher carbon dioxide concentrations in the bloodstream which will active homeostatic mechanisms to increase breathing rate to try to bring in more oxygen and release more carbon dioxide.
   
   
2. How will this disease affect the compliance of the affected goats' lungs later in life?  (HINT:  Compliance is how well the lungs can expand to accommodate air.  Think about how the body heals injuries and how this might affect lung compliance)
   
   These goats will likely develop scar tissue in their lungs in locations where the parasites inflicted extensive damage.  Tissues that heal with scar tissue do not act as the "normal" tissue in that area will act.  In these areas of scar tissue, the body will not be able to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.  This will decrease the compliance of the lungs as they will not be able to stretch as much as normal lung tissue.
   
   
3. Challenge question, explain the pulmonary mechanism that allows the parasite to spread between hosts in the fecal-oral route.  In other words, what mechanism allows the eggs produced by the adult lung worms to enter the gastrointestinal tract?
   
   The mucociliary apparatus (escalator) (MCA) is used by this parasite for its life cycle.  The MCA functions to capture foreign material from the lungs in mucus to be coughed up and swallowed.  This is exactly how the parasitic eggs will be able to be pooped back out into the environment to be picked up by a new host.  This will continue the spread of the parasite between animals.
   
   

   Helpful Links:
   

   • Merck Vet Manual Lungworm in Animals:                            https://www.merckvetmanual.com/respiratory-system/lungworm-infection/lungworm-infection-in-animals
     
     
   • Sorting Through the Information on Sheep and Goat Parasite Control: A Decision Making Support Tool:  https://extension.vet.osu.edu/beef-sheep-resources/sheep-and-goat-parasite-control-decision-making-support-tool
     
     
     

Level 3 Questions, Answers, and Further Information:

1. Describe the treatment plan you would recommend for the goats and why you are recommending each part of your treatment plan.  Please answer this question as if you are speaking to a professional colleague.
   
   Given the clinical signs in the affected goats, they should be started on a deworming medication that targets the D. filaria.  This farm should begin to implement rotational grazing on their property and avoid putting young animals on pastures that have been inhabited for a long time by the older goats to decrease parasitic load.  The farm protocols and management should be reviewed to determine what other changes need to be made to decrease parasite load.  There is work being done to create a vaccination against D. filaria (the more you know).
   
   
2. Describe your recommended treatment plan and why you are recommending each part of your treatment plan.  Please answer this question as if you are explaining it to a client/patient without a scientific background.
   
   Today we found lung parasites in your goats.  This means we need to treat the affected goats with a medication that kills the parasites.  Let's go over our farm protocols to see if there are other ways we can decrease the changes that your goats will be exposed to parasites.
   
   
3. How does this disease affect these goat's V/Q ratio (ventilation/perfusion ratio)?
   
   This disease will affect the patient's ventilation and thus create a shunt.
   
   

   Helpful Links:

   
   
   • Physiology, Pulmonary Ventilation and Perfusion:                        https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539907/
     
     
   • Prevalence and Risk Factors of Bovine and Ovine Lungworm Infection at Durame District, Southern Ethiopia:                                                                          https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8660247/
     
   
   

Day 3 Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed the goats' case!  Don't forget to...

📚 Review material related to the goats' case 

🤩 Get excited for upcoming cases

Thoughtful Thursday: Gaunt Gagging Goats (Case 4)

 

 

Photo of Professor Pocky taken by Dr. Haus

Click For Explanation of Case Flow

 

Click for Test Case Tuesday:  Gaunt Gagging Goats

Diagnostic Testing Results Reminder:

 

Radiographs (X-Rays):

Signs of inflammation in the bronchioles of the lungs

 

CBC:

Increased eosinophils

 

Further Diagnostic Testing Results:

 

Fecal Exam (Poop Sample):

TNTC (too numerous to count) Dictyocaulus filaria eggs

🧪

Diagnosis:

🪱PARASITIC INFECTION:  DICTYOCAULUS FILARIA🪱

 

Pathophysiological Point:

Dictyocaulus filaria (D. filaria) is a parasitic infection.  The D. filaria larvae are ingested by the goat and penetrate through the small intestines into the blood stream.  The larvae arrive at the lungs where they develop into adult lung worms.  As the larvae develop, they block bronchioles and lead to eosinophils, lymphocytes, and plasma cells entering the bronchioles causing an inflammatory state.  Some larvae/eggs fall into the alveoli leading to inflammation in the alveoli.  The eggs/larvae are coughed up, swallowed, pooped out, and the cycle continues.

 

 Questions:

Level 1 Questions:

1.  Explain what the lungs do and why they are important.
   
   
2.  Why do you think the goats are having trouble breathing?  (HINT:  Think about the effect a parasite in the lungs would have on breathing)
   
   
3.  Challenge question, why do you think the goats are losing weight?  (HINT:  There are multiple answers to this question.  Think about what parasites do to the body and how a parasite that makes it hard to breathe would affect the goats)
   

 

Level 2 Questions:

1. Explain how inflammation in the alveoli affects the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body.  Why does this lead to an increased respiratory rate in the goats?
   
   
2. How will this disease affect the compliance of the affected goats' lungs later in life?  (HINT:  Compliance is how well the lungs can expand to accommodate air.  Think about how the body heals injuries and how this might affect lung compliance)
   
   
3. Challenge question, explain the pulmonary mechanism that allows the parasite to spread between hosts in the fecal-oral route.  In other words, what mechanism allows the eggs produced by the adult lung worms to enter the gastrointestinal tract?
   

    
   

Level 3 Questions:

1.  Describe the treatment plan you would recommend for the goats and why you are recommending each part of your treatment plan.  Please answer this question as if you are speaking to a professional colleague.
   
   
2.  Describe your recommended treatment plan and why you are recommending each part of your treatment plan.  Please answer this question as if you are explaining it to a client/patient without a scientific background.
   
   
3.  How does this disease affect these goat's V/Q ratio (ventilation/perfusion ratio)?
   

  

Day 2 Conclusion

Before Conclusion Caturday think about your...

❓Answers to the above questions

📚 Review Material Related to our goats' case

 

Conclusion Caturday:  Gaunt Gagging Goats (link will go live Saturday, 11/11/2023)

Test Case Tuesday: Gaunt Gagging Goats (Case 4)

 

Picture of Professor Pocky taken by Dr. Haus

Click For Explanation of Case Flow

 

Signalment:

Pleasant View Farms is a 40-alpine goat dairy farm in rural Pennsylvania

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History:

The Pleasant View Farms producer calls you to report that his herd of goats are showing signs of coughing and increased respiratory (breathing) rates.  

The farmer says the most affected goats are the younger goats that were put on pasture for the first time at the beginning of this season (about 3-4 months ago).  The younger goats are not eating well and are in poor body condition.  One or two goats are holding their necks out straight, open mouth breathing, and are drooling.  The farmer wants you to come out to help find out what is occurring in his herd.​

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Physical Exam Findings:

 

When you arrive at the  farm you start your exam by observing the farm and the animals from a distance in order to gather as much information as possible.  

 

You notice that the younger animals have body condition scores (BCS) of 2/5 while the older animals have BCS of 3-4/5.  Sex of the goat does not appear to impact presence of clinical signs.  

 

The affected goats are coughing and there is mucopurulent nasal discharge noted.  You do a physical exam on the 3 most affected animals and find the following:​

 

Respiratory:  

Increased lung sounds noted in all lung fields, most prominent at the bronchial bifurcation.  The goats are struggling to move air in and out of their lungs 🫁

 

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🛑STOP and brainstorm what diagnostic tests you would like to perform on the goats 🛑

 

 

Diagnostic Testing Results:

 

Radiographs (X-Rays):

Signs of inflammation in the bronchioles of the lungs

 

CBC:

Increased eosinophils

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Day 1 Conclusion

Before Thoughtful Thursday think about your...

📋 Differentials List

🧪 Further Diagnostic Testing

📚 Review Material Related to the goats' case (i.e. specific diseases of interest, eosinophils, causes of cough in goats, types of respiratory disease, respiratory anatomy, personal interests, confusing points, etc.)

 

Thoughtful Thursday:  Gaunt Gagging Goats (link will go live Thursday, 11/09/2023)

 

Respiratory Anatomy

Photo taken by Dr. Haus

The Respiratory System

The respiratory system is the organ system that brings oxygen into the body and expels carbon dioxide out of the body,

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Respiratory Anatomy