Veterinary Science - Theses
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ItemContributions to veterinary radiology( 2003)From Preface: “In this thesis the term "radiology" is used as the title for my chosen scientific and clinical discipline; the radiological sciences include radiography, sonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. There may also have been associated physiological observations, as for example the concurrent display of electromyograms to confirm and further define the presence of the radiographically observed oesophageal contractions. The six chapters of this thesis contain 50 published articles, four published scientific abstracts, and an article and abstract in press, covering the theme of my research work, veterinary radiology.”
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ItemInvestigations of vertebral and other skeletal abnormalities causing lameness and loss of performance in horses( 1988)This thesis contains a collection of publications which are submitted for examination for the degree of Doctor of Veterinary Science in the University of Melbourne. The work presented here involves a continuing investigation into the underlying causes of poor performance and gait abnormalities in horses. Section 1 provides an introduction to the thesis by considering the concept of "wastage" or reduced performance in racehorses and highlights the role of lameness. It is clear that more sophisticated and objective techniques of assessment (eg locomotion analysis and noninvasive bone measurement) are going to be essential if the current disastrous level of economic wastage is to be effectively reduced. The ensuing sections consider the author's investigations into some of the more difficult to diagnose forms of lameness in horses. Section 2 deals with the investigation and management of thoracolumbar conditions which pose some of the most perplexing problems faced by veterinarians today in practice. These publications attempt to shed some light into this controversial area by presenting a protocol for evaluation and diagnosis of conditions affecting the vertebral column. Section 3 covers similar ground concerning the pelvic girdle while Section 4 considers problems affecting the stifle joint. Section 5 deals with an emerging technique of noninvasive bone measurement, which appears to have important applications in assessing skeletal maturity and bone quality, as well as performance and exercise physiology. Each Section is headed by a short explanatory note. Colleagues who shared in the work are recognized as co-authors and other help is acknowledged in each paper. In the case of collaborative work each section or subsection is preceded by a Statement on Share of Work to indicate my part in the planning, execution and publication of the work described.
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ItemStudies of some equine, bovine and feline viruses in Australia 1989-2002( 2003)The 79 papers presented in this thesis are works published between 1989 and 2001. For the most part, the work was undertaken at The University of Melbourne where I have been Reader, 1979-1996 and Professor, 1996 to present, in Veterinary Virology.
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ItemDiseases of animals in eastern Australia with particular reference to sporozoan infections( 1992)Since graduating Bachelor of Veterinary Science from the University of Sydney in 1956 I have been involved in many facets of veterinary science, from clinical practice to management of Tasmania's only veterinary laboratory and, more recently, teaching and research in aquaculture. Throughout these 36 years of experience I have relished challenge and have learnt to question conventional wisdom when this was not supported by adequate scientific enquiry and verification. My enthusiasm for applied research commenced in 1957 when I was posted to King Island, a fertile windswept tract of land beset with problems of micronutrient deficiencies, infectious infertilities of domestic animals and a faltering, bureaucratic Soldier Settlement Scheme. In 1961, after a short period acting as Veterinary Specialist Officer in charge of disease control in Tasmania, I entered Mt Pleasant Laboratories as a veterinary pathologist with considerable enthusiasm, but limited skills. Over the next eight years I undertook a virtual correspondence apprenticeship with Dr Bill Hartley which enabled me to profit from the profusion of interesting and enigmatic disease conditions encountered in many species, both domestic and wild, in the State. In 1968 I was privileged to spend a year at the University of Melbourne's Veterinary Clinical Centre, Werribee where a virtual galaxy of veterinary pathology talent was assembled in one place, Professors Ken Jubb and Peter Kennedy, Drs Nigel Palmer, Wally White, Roger Kelly and Peter Hooper all helped to make this a memorable learning experience. My Master's thesis at that time was on the subject of toxoplasmosis and this, and other sporozoan diseases have continued to attract my interest to this day. Although funds and facilities for veterinary research were limited in Tasmania in the 1960s and early 1970s, the interest shown in wildlife by the Chief Veterinary Officer, Mr Keith Meldrum, encouraged me to investigate and monitor disease conditions in Tasmanian wildlife. This interest led me to establish the Australasian Section of the Wildlife Association, which is now one of the most vital of the Association's Sections. In 1985, in recognition of my work in this field, I was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the Wildlife Disease Association. My contribution to veterinary pathology has been recognized over the years by my admission as a foundation member to both the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists and the Pathobiology Chapter of the College. More recently, I was granted registration as a Veterinary Specialist (Pathobiology) in Tasmania. I have also been fortunate to have interacted with medical pathologists in Tasmania for many years and, more recently, have been appointed a Honorary Research Associate within the Medical School. It is hoped that this short introduction will prepare the reader for the range and variety of subjects presented in the papers which comprise this thesis. It should be noted that these papers all include a component of research or investigation. Articles relating to clinical veterinary science or educational reviews have not been included.
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ItemStudies on the helminth parasites of Australasian mammals( 1989)The papers presented in this thesis constitute a study of the systematic and ecology of some of the helminth parasites of Australasian mammals. Systematics is here understood in its broadest sense. It begins with the description of new species and the redescription of previously described taxa, but proceeds from this basis to a consideration of the systematic status of species or species groups, including their phylogeny, based not only upon the morphological data supplied through the initial taxonomic studies, but also from a study of the life histories of the organisms involved, their ecology and geographic distribution, and finally the effects on their hosts. Examples are provided within the body of the thesis of how this approach, using data from different sources, is applied in elucidating the systematic of a variety of helminth parasites. The particular approach taken with individual species depends upon the current state of knowledge of their biology and the avenues of investigation most likely to lead to significant results. (From Introduction)