We investigated the prevalence of Salmonella enterica in 267 rodents, 208 raccoons, 9 red foxes, 208 crows, 9 sparrows, and 5 feral pigeons in and around cattle farms in Hokkaido. Their intestine contents and foot surfaces were tested using culture method. Salmonella was isolated from 14 crows (6.7%) and 11 raccoons (5.2%). The isolates were serotyped into Infantis (crows), Thompson, Agona, O4 : i : - (raccoons), Braenderup, and Typhimurium (crows and raccoons). These results suggested that wildlife is capable of being a source of Salmonella infection in cattle.

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One hundred and sixty-one strains of Staphylococcus intermedius group (SIG), 67 strains of coagulase negative staphylococci (CNS), 18 strains of S. aureus (SA), 39 strains of Enterococcus faecalis, 15 strains of E. faecium, and 50 strains of Streptococcus spp. were isolated from bacteria-infected cats and dogs in one hospital from 2002 to 2010. Sixty-seven strains of methicillin-resistant (MR) SIG, 14 strains of MRCNS, and 1 strain of MRSA were isolated from dogs, and 11 strains of MRSIG, 11 strains of MRCNS, and 2 strains of MRSA were isolated from cats. MRSIG and MRCNS were sensitive to doxycycline. MRSA was sensitive to chloramphenicol. Although Streptococcus spp. were sensitive to many antimicrobial drugs, Enterococcus spp., especially E.faecium, were often resistant.

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A 12-year-old neutered male American shorthair cat presented with swelling of the left forelimb. Radiography showed bone absorption in the proximal area of the left ulna. Aspiration biopsy of the mass lesion was performed; malignant mesenchymal tumor was suspected, and the left forelimb was amputated. Gross pathologic findings revealed poorly marginated intramuscular mass with invasion to the surrounding tissue and bone.Histopathological analysis suggested that the mass lesion consisted of a solid growth of pleomorphic tumor cells with features similar to striated muscle cells. An immunohistochemical examination was performed; the tumor cells were positive for myoglobin, confirming the diagnosis of pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma. For four years after surgery, no evidence of recurrence or metastasis was noted.

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A 6-year-old, spayed female American Shorthair cat was diagnosed with restrictive cardiomyopathy based on various clinical examinations. Medical treatment with benazepril (0.5mg/kg, bid), spironolactone (2mg/kg,bid), and pimobendan (0.25mg/kg, bid) was initiated. On day 7, appetite and exercise intolerance were improved, and the pleural effusion had disappeared. However, pimobendan was discontinued on day 9, and pleural effusion was observed on day 14. Pimobendan was consequently resumed. Pimobendan was administered for 797 days, and a decrease in the left atrial size and an increase in the diastolic left ventricular internal dimension were confirmed in echocardiograms. In addition, no congestive signs developed during the therapy. Thus, pimobendan may exert beneficial effects as part of the therapy for cats with heart failure due to diastolic dysfunction.

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The antimicrobial susceptibility of Campylobacter spp. and Salmonella spp. against ofloxacin (OFLX) and ampicillin (ABPC) was determined. The Campylobacter spp. and Salmonella spp. were isolated from broilers during the period from September 2005 to January 2009. Campylobacter and Salmonella spp. were detected simultaneously on 35 farms. Of the 35 farms, OFLX-resistant Campylobacter spp. were isolated from 11 farms,while Salmonella spp. were isolated from 6 farms. Four farms were positive for both OFLX-resistant Campylobacter and Salmonella spp. Meanwhile, ABPC-resistant Campylobacter spp. were isolated from 4 farms while Salmonella spp. were isolated from 14 farms. There were no farms that were positive for both ABPC-resistant Campylobacter and Salmonella spp. In the in vitro experiment, OFLX-resistant campylobacters were induced,but no OFLX-resistant salmonella was induced. A relationship between ABPC-resistance and β-lactamase was shown only in Salmonella spp. These results suggest that OFLX could be selective pressure for both Campylobacter and Salmonella spp., and that the pressure would be stronger for Campylobacter spp. It is considered that the mechanism of the emergence of ABPC-resistance differed between Campylobacter and Salmonella spp. om broiler farms.

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