Serum and milk concentrations of oxidant and anti-oxidant markers in dairy cows affected with bloody milk.

This study was conducted to determine the serum and milk levels of thiobarbturic acid-reac- tive substances (TBARS), nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxi- dase (GSH-Px), vitamin E and selenium, IL-4 and IL-6 in lactating dairy cows affected with bloody milk using commercially available ELISA kits. Milk and whole blood samples were collected from 60 cows affected with bloody milk and 20 apparently healthy cows for control. In the serum, levels of GSH-Px and SOD were significantly (p˂0.05) higher in healthy cows compared to cows affected with bloody milk while the levels of TBARS and NO were significantly (p˂0.05) higher in affected cows. In the milk, levels of SOD, TBARS and NO were significantly (p˂0.05) higher in affected cows. In the serum, levels of vitamin E were significantly (p˂0.05) lower in affected cows compared to healthy cows, while no significant changes were observed in the levels of this vitamin in the milk between healthy and affected cows. In the serum, levels of selenium were significantly (p˂0.05) lower in affected cows while in milk, selenium levels were significantly (p˂0.05) higher in affected cows compared to healthy ones. Levels of IL-4 were significantly (p˂0.05) lower in the serum and milk of affected cows compared to healthy cows while levels of IL-6 were significantly (p˂0.05) higher in both serum and milk of affected cows. Results of this study suggest a possible role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of bloody milk in dairy cows.

Genetic relatedness, antibiogram and virulence factors of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from bovine mastitis and related human contacts.

The objectives of this study were to determine the genetic relatedness, antibiogram and virulence factors of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) isolated from bovine mastitis, associated farm workers, dairy cow farm veterinarians (private veterinarians), veterinary students, and non-veterinary university students. A total of 84 S. aureus isolates (27 from mastitis, 11 from farm workers, 9 from private veterinarians, 22 from veterinary students, and 16 from non-veterinary university students) were used to determine antimicrobial sensitivity patterns using disk diffusion test, virulence factors using PCR technique and phylogenic analysis using pulsed field gel electrophoresis. All S. aureus isolates were resistant to 2 or more commonly used antibiotics. All isolates from mastitis, farm workers, and veterinary students carried the genes encoding coagulase and thermonuclease factors while isolates from non-veterinary university students carried the genes encoding coagulase, clumping, and thermonuclease factors. The mecA gene was detected in 22.2%, 81.8%, 100%, 95.5% and 100% of isolates from mastitis, farm workers, private veterinarians, veterinary students, and non-veterinary university students, respectively. In the phylogenic analysis, 10 (45.5%), 6 (66.7%) and 8 (72.7%) isolates from veterinary students, private veterinarians and farm workers, respectively were more than 80% similar to isolates from mastitis. Results of this study indicate that S. aureus isolates from mastitis milk and those from related dairy cow personnel and veterinarians share similar antimicrobial sensitivity patterns and virulence factors, therefore a common source of bacteria may exist. Furthermore, possible transmission of S. aureus between cows and cow-related personnel and vice versa could also exist.

Distribution and density of mast cells in camel small intestine and influence of fixation techniques.

This study was carried out to gather species-specific data on mast-cell density and distribution in camel small intestine under different fixation conditions and to elucidate the presence and cross-reactivity of tryptase in the camel small intestine using human specific anti-tryptase antibody. Tissue specimens from the jejunum, duodenum, and ileum were obtained from 9 healthy, 9-12 months old, male camels. Specimens were fixed either with carnoy's fluid or formalinbuffered solution and stained with either methylene blue or immunohistochemically to identify mast cells. The present study demonstrated for the first time, the presence and cross-reactivity of tryptase in the camel small intestine using a specific mouse anti-human tryptase antibody. Mast cells were detected in all histological layers of the camel small intestine (mucosal, submucosal, muscularis externa and serosa). Among all locations examined in the duodenum, ileum and jejunum, no significant difference was observed in mast-cell counts among the lamina propria, muscularis mucosae, muscularis externa and the serosa. The only significant difference observed was the mast-cell count in submucosa region where the highest and lowest mast count was observed in the jejenual and ileal submucosa, respectively. Significant differences regarding the distribution of mast cell as well as the influence of the fixation method could be observed. This underlines the fact that data regarding mast cell heterogeneity from other species, obtained by different fixation methods, are not comparable. This fact has to be taken into account when evaluating mast cell subtypes under pathological conditions.

Synovial fluid analysis and bacterial findings in arthritic joints of juvenile male camel (Camelus dromedarius) calves.

Eighteen synovial fluid samples from 11 male dromedarian calves, 9-12 month old, were analysed cytologically and bacteriologically. Calves were lame and all joints were grossly swollen. The mean +/- SD of total nucleated cell count was 7970 +/- 5000 cells/microl (range 2800-20,000 cells/microl). Polymorphonuclear (PMN) leucocytes were the predominant cell type. The mean +/- SD of absolute and percentages of each cell type were as follows: PMN leucocytes 5518 +/- 3600 cells/microl and 68 +/- 19%, monocytes/macrophages 1600 +/- 1120 cells/microl and 26 +/- 17%, lymphocytes 830 +/- 140 cells/microl and 8 +/- 7%, and red blood cell 350 +/- 130 cells/microl. The mean +/- SD of total protein concentration was 3.5 +/- 1 g/dl (range 2.5-5 g/dl). The most commonly isolated bacteria were non-haemolytic streptococci spp., followed by Arcanobacterium pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. No bacterial growth was obtained in eight samples and non-revealed Mycoplasma spp.

External coaptation for the treatment of long bone fractures in cattle: a retrospective study of 35 cases (1996-2001).

The objective of this retrospective study was to report the history, signalment, frequency, types, complications, and long-term outcome of long bone fractures in cattle treated using external coaptation techniques. The sex, age, breed, history, physical examination findings, and radiographic findings were recorded. Of 35 cases with long bone fractures treated using external coaptation, 31 were discharged alive. The mean hospitalization time for these cattle was 2 days. Six to 12 months after treatment, 26 (84%) cases were considered satisfactorily healed. It was concluded that cattle with long bone fractures could be treated successfully using external coaptation with minimal effect on productivity.

Cytologic analysis of synovial fluid in clinically normal tarsal joints of young camels (Camelus dromedarius).

BACKGROUND: Camels are important in the racing industry and for milk, meat, and hair production in the Middle East. Evaluation of synovial fluid is an important part of the assessment of musculoskeletal injuries in this species. Information in the literature regarding synovial fluid in camels is limited. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine the protein and cellular composition of synovial fluid from the tarsal joints of clinically normal, young camels (Camelus dromedarius). METHODS: Thirty clinically healthy, male camels, aged 9 to 12 months, were used in the study. Synovial fluid samples were collected from the right and left tarsal joints. Samples were processed within 60 minutes after collection. Total nucleated cell counts (TNCC) were assessed using a hemacytometer. Total protein concentration was determined using a refractometer. RESULTS: Forty-six samples were analyzed. The TNCC (mean +/- SD) was 175.8 +/- 136.7 cells/microL (range 50-678 cells/microL). Differential cell percentages were obtained for lymphocytes (58.2 +/- 21.55%, range 15-90%), monocyte/macrophages (38.3 +/- 20.8%, range 10-85%), and neutrophils (3.5 +/- 5.1%, range 0-15%). Protein concentration was 2.1 +/- 0.6 g/dL (range 1-3 g/dL). Significant differences were not observed in any parameters between right and left tarsal joints. CONCLUSION: Synovial fluid reference values were established and may be useful in the clinical investigation of joint disease in young camels.

Synovial fluid cell counts and total protein concentration in clinically normal fetlock joints of young dromedarian camels.

Twenty-seven 9-12 months old healthy male dromedarian camels were used to determine total nucleated leucocyte count (TNCC), absolute and percentages of polymorphonuclear (PMN) and mononuclear leucocytes, and total protein (TP) concentration in synovial fluid from grossly and radiographically normal fetlock joints. Arthrocentesis was performed bilaterally from the fetlock joints of the forelimbs and hindlimbs. Blood contaminated samples and samples obtained from grossly or radiographically abnormal joints were excluded. The mean +/- SD of TNCC in 108 samples of fetlock joint synovial fluids was 500 +/- 400 cells/microl. Monocytes/macrophages were the predominant cell type. There were no significant differences in mean TNCC, absolute numbers and percentages of various leucocytes and TP concentrations between the right and left fetlock joints of the forelimbs and hindlimbs or between the fetlock joints of the forelimbs and hindlimbs. The mean +/- SD of absolute numbers and percentages of various cell types were: PMN leucocytes 1 +/- 2 cells/microl (2%), lymphocytes 116 +/- 167 cells/microl (26%), and monocytes/macrophages 383 +/- 323 cells/microl (72%). The mean +/- SD of TP concentration was 2 +/- 1 g/dl.

Surgical correction of polydactyly in a camel (Camelus dromedarius).

A 2-mo-old, 90-kg, intact male camel (Camelus dromedarius) was admitted for surgical removal of a supernumerary digit associated with the medial aspect of the right carpus and metacarpus. Radiographic views of the carpus and metacarpus revealed the supernumerary digit articulating with the middle carpal joint via an extra carpal bone. The supernumerary digit consisted of three bones. Surgical removal of the supernumerary digit was recommended to restore normal limb conformation, limit the possibility of future lameness, and improve the cosmetic appearance of the limb. Complete surgical removal of the digit was performed by disarticulating the extra carpal bone from its attachments to the second and radial carpal bones. One year after surgery, the leg appeared grossly normal and the camel showed no sign of lameness.