Predicting the probability of conception in dairy cows with clinical endometritis based on a combination of anamnestic information and examination results.

The objective of this study was to improve prediction of the probability of conception in dairy cows with clinical endometritis by means of a combination of examination results. For this purpose, a total of 1386 dairy cows were screened for clinical endometritis and data from 286 cows were collected including the calving history, puerperal or concurrent diseases and cow-specific data (breed, parity, BCS at puerperal control 1 (PC 1 = 22-45 days in milk (DIM)), and daily milk yield). The diagnosis of clinical endometritis was made at PC 1 by vaginal discharge scoring with a Metricheck device on a scale from 1 to 3 (endometritis score (ES) 1 to 3). A detailed clinical and gynecological examination including external inspection, transrectal palpation and ultrasonographic examination of the genital tract (cervix, uterus, and ovaries), vaginoscopy and microbiological analysis of the intrauterine content were performed. All cows with clinical endometritis (n = 286) were treated according to the ovarian findings (corpus luteum, dominant follicle) at PC 1. A second puerperal control was performed 21 ±â€¯1 days later. Data was collected until 200 DIM. The risk factors for ES 3 and their effect on the distribution of ES were determined by the Chi-square test and binary logistic regression. Multivariable implications of a large sum of examination parameters on the pregnancy outcome at different DIM (100, 150 and 200 DIM) were analyzed on the basis of conditional inference trees. The prevalence of clinical endometritis was 28%. The ovarian findings at PC 1 did not have any impact on reproductive performance. Puerperal diseases prior to the study, visible vaginal discharge (VVD) and the presence of Trueperella pyogenes (TP) were associated with an ES 3. The prediction of pregnancy status for all DIM times was dominated significantly by VVD or TP as decisive factors. Cows with VVD or TP had lower conception rates at all DIM times than cows without these findings, but the predictive accuracy was similar for both groups. These results suggest that VVD is a valuable and practical examination parameter, which can be used for pregnancy prediction on farm. Therefore, it might facilitate early breeding decisions in cows with clinical endometritis under farm conditions.

Vaccination of dams increases antibody titer and improves growth parameters in finisher pigs subclinically infected with porcine circovirus type 2.

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is the obligate infectious agent in postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) of pigs. To control PMWS, we vaccinated dams at 4 and 2 weeks before pregnancy and again in the 12th week of gestation with an inactivated PCV2 vaccine (Circovac). Two producer farms run under the control of Swiss Swine Health Organization were selected for the experiment. Previously, in one farm PMWS was diagnosed on pigs after weaning, whereas in the other farm, pigs wasted during the fattening period. For the experiments 113 dams were randomly vaccinated, and 111 dams were sham injected. Vaccination increased serum antibodies in dams 3- to 9-fold, accompanied by serum antibody titer increases in their offspring. In the sixth week of life, progeny from vaccinated dams had about the same IgG antibody titers as progeny of unvaccinated dams at the third day of life. In sera of vaccinated dams only low concentrations of PCV2 DNA were detected, and no progeny developed PMWS. Interestingly, at day 56 four progeny of unvaccinated dams tested positive for anti-PCV2 IgM antibodies, indicating a primary infection with PCV2. Of economic importance is the observation that progeny of vaccinated dams had a significantly higher daily weight gain in the fattening period (farm X, +51 g/day; farm Y, +30 g/day) and thus a shortened fattening period of about 6 days compared to progeny of controls. To our knowledge this is the first demonstration of subclinical circovirus infection and its effects on growth performance of fattening pigs by vaccination of dams.

Tibial tuberosity conformation as a risk factor for cranial cruciate ligament rupture in the dog.

The influence of the tibial tuberosity conformation on cranial cruciate ligament (CrCl) rupture was evaluated and the size of the tibial tuberosity of healthy dogs (group H) was compared with dogs with CrCl rupture (group R) and dogs treated by tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) (group T). The medio-lateral radiographs of 219 stifle joints were evaluated. Relative tibial tuberosity width (rTTW), proximal tibial tuberosity angle (PTTA), tibial plateau angle (TPA), tibial width (TW) and tibial plateau length (TPL) were measured on each radiograph. Body weight (BW) was measured and relative body weight (rBW) was calculated. The data from group H was compared with that of group R and group T. Group H had significantly larger rTTW, lower BW, lower rBW and smaller PTTA than group R. A comparison of groups H and T showed that dogs from group H were significantly younger, had a lower BW, a lower rBW, a greater PTTA and a smaller rTTW. In each of the comparisons, the TPA and the TW/TPL were not significantly different. The conformation of the canine tibial tuberosity has a significant influence on CrCl rupture. We hypothesized that the smaller the tibial tuberosity width, the larger the cranial tibial thrust, which results in more rapid CrCL degeneration, thus leading to rupture in a younger population of dogs. The rTTW could be a helpful measurement for breeding selection. Only dogs with a rTTW of more than 0.90 should be used for breeding.

Colour-Doppler sonography of the musculophrenic vein in cows.

The goal of the present study was to examine the musculophrenic vein of 29 healthy Swiss Braunvieh cows using colour-Doppler sonography to determine vessel morphology and diameter, and blood flow velocity. The hair over the reticular region was clipped, and the left musculophrenic vein was examined before and 10min after sedation using 0.03mg/kg xylazine. The musculophrenic vein appeared as a vessel with a diameter of 0.5-1.1cm located in the diaphragmatic musculature. The spectral display was a broad band structure with a wave-like shape. The Doppler measurement point was 1.5-2.7cm from the body surface. The diameter of the vein and the blood flow velocity did not differ significantly before and after sedation. Before sedation, the mean diameter (+/-SD) of the musculophrenic vein was 0.7 (0.2) cm, the maximum blood flow velocity 90.2 (38.6) cm/s, the mean blood flow velocity 60.4 (22.3) cm/s and the minimum blood flow velocity 41.4 (24.2) cm/s. There were significant correlations (r=0.45-0.90) between blood flow velocity before and after sedation and between minimum, maximum and mean blood flow velocities.

Force plate gait analysis to assess limb function after tibial tuberosity advancement in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease.

OBJECTIVE: To assess functional outcome in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) disease after tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) using force plate gait analysis, and to evaluate parameters potentially influencing outcome. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: Consecutive clinical patients (n = 37) with CrCL-deficient stifles (n = 40). METHODS: The stifle joints were examined arthroscopically prior to TTA. Meniscal release was not performed if the medial meniscus was intact. Open medial arthrotomy and partial meniscectomy were performed in the presence of meniscal tears. Vertical ground reaction forces were measured preoperatively and at follow-up examinations four to 16 months postoperatively (mean: 5.9 months). The ground reaction forces of a group of 65 healthy dogs were used for the comparison. The potential effects of clinical parameters on functional outcome were evaluated statistically. RESULTS: Complete CrCL rupture was identified in 28 joints, and partial CrCL rupture in 12 joints. The medial meniscus was damaged in 21 stifles. Vertical ground reaction forces were significantly higher at follow-up (P < 0.01), but remained significantly lower than those of control dogs (P < 0.01). Complications were identified in 25% of joints, and the dogs with complications had significantly lower peak vertical forces at follow-up than the dogs without complications (P = 0.04). Other clinical parameters did not influence outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Tibial tuberosity advancement significantly improved limb function in dogs with CrCL disease, but did not result in complete return to function. Complications adversely affected functional outcome. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: A return to a function of approximately 90% of normal can be expected in dogs with CrCL disease undergoing TTA.

Comparison of blood glucose concentrations after administration of a glucose solution via the jugular vein and portal vein in cows.

The goals of the present study were to determine whether the infusion of a glucose solution into the portal vein is tolerated in cows and whether the glucose concentration differs after administration of glucose into the jugular vein and portal vein. Fifteen healthy Swiss Braunvieh cows were used. An indwelling catheter was placed in both jugular veins and a balloon-tipped indwelling catheter with a diameter of 2 mm was placed in the portal vein under the guidance of ultrasonography. Three cows received 500 ml of 20% glucose solution over 60 min via the left jugular vein. Three other cows received the same solution over 60 min via the portal vein. Blood samples were collected from the right jugular vein before and for 24 h after the infusion of glucose for the determination of the concentrations of glucose and bilirubin and the activities of glutamate dehydrogenase, sorbitol dehydrogenase and gamma-glutamyl transferase. Infusion via the portal vein did not result in abnormalities in the general condition of the cows or increases in the concentration of bilirubin or the activities of liver enzymes. The blood glucose concentration increased to the same extent after both intraportal and intrajugular infusion. Over a 12-h period, three cows received 10 l of 20% glucose solution via the left jugular vein and three others received the same solution over a 12-h period via the portal vein. Blood samples were collected from the right jugular vein before and for 30 h after the start of infusion. Infusion via the portal vein did not affect the general condition of the cows or the activities of the liver enzymes. There was no significant difference in the blood glucose concentration between the two groups throughout the study.

Aetiology of bovine abortion in Switzerland from 1986 to 1995--a retrospective study with emphasis on detection of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii by PCR.

In a retrospective study, covering the period from 1986 to 1995, tissues of aborted fetuses were re-examined. A total of 347 cases were tested immunohistochemically, among them samples of 223 brains were examined for Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii and Bovine Virus Diarrhoea Virus (BVDV), and 249 placentae for Chlamydiaceae. Two real-time PCR assays, one for N. caninum, and one for T. gondii, were developed. These potential abortion-inducing agents were detected - and confirmed by PCR, except for BVDV - in 16.1% (N. caninum), 0% (T. gondii), 9.9% (BVDV) and 0.8% (Chlamydiales) of the cases examined. Immunohistochemistry proved to be inadequate for the detection of the protozoal epitopes, whereas it was confirmed as a very useful tool for the detection of BVDV. In abortion material, PCR is considered to be more suitable for the detection of protozoa and Chlamydophila abortus, an adequate sampling presupposed.

Differences in bone mineral content and density between male and female budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) during the non-reproductive season.

It is known that female birds increase medullary mineral stores in long bones shortly before egg laying. Here, we present results from two groups of budgerigars, in both of which females had significantly higher bone mineral contents and densities, as measured by peripheral quantitative computed tomography of the tibiotarsus, during a reproductively dormant period. The results could indicate that female birds can accumulate mineral stores outside of the breeding season.

Chlamydiales in guinea-pigs and their zoonotic potential.

The aim was to detect and characterize chlamydial infections in guinea-pigs (GP) with ocular disease, study their pathogenicity and zoonotic potential and to test for the presence of Acanthamoebae spp. in GP eyes and to investigate whether they could act as vectors for Chlamydia-like organisms. Overall 126 GP, of which 77 were symptomatic, were screened by clinical examination, cytology, gross pathology, histology, immunohistochemistry, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and bacteriology. A new Chlamydiaceae-specific intergenic spacer rRNA gene PCR, designed to amplify this segment linking the 16S and 23S regions, was performed. DNA samples were also received from one owner including samples of his cat and rabbit. Guinea-pigs: 48 of 75 symptomatic, but only 11 of 48 asymptomatic GP were positive by PCR for Chlamydophila caviae guinea-pig inclusion conjunctivitis (GPIC) (P < 0.0001). Eighteen of 75 or 15/48, respectively, were positive for DNA from Chlamydia-like organisms. Acanthamoebae-DNA could be found in two GP, of which one was symptomatic. Owner, cat and rabbit: Samples of all three species were positive by PCR for C. caviae GPIC and the owner's one-day disposable contact lenses showed a positive PCR result for the Chlamydia-like organism Parachlamydia acanthamoebae. No Acanthamoebae-DNA could be detected. This study is the first to describe Chlamydia-like organisms in GP and to detect C. caviae GPIC in human, cat and rabbit. Therefore, C. caviae GPIC could pose a zoonotic potential. We believe that the finding of C. caviae GPIC in species other than GP is probably not unique.

The influence of a fermentation-resistant glucose diet on the glucose concentration and other metabolites in portal and jugular blood in cows.

The goal of this study was to determine the effect of fermentation-resistant glucose on the glucose concentration and other metabolites in portal and jugular blood in 15 non-lactating cows. In all cows, an indwelling catheter was placed in the left jugular vein and the portal vein for collection of blood samples. Five control cows were fed hay as a normal diet, five control cows were fed straw to induce an energy deficit and five cows were fed hay and they received additionally 2000 g of a fermentation-resistant D-glucose product. The glucose concentration in jugular and portal blood was not influenced by feeding. The concentration of urea and bile acids were significantly higher in portal blood than jugular blood. There was no difference between portal and jugular blood of glucose and total solids. Diet had a significant effect on the concentrations of ammonia, urea, free fatty acids and triglycerides. The concentrations of ammonia and urea were higher in blood of cows fed straw than in blood of cows fed either hay or a fermentation-resistant glucose product. The concentration of urea remained constant in cows fed hay, but increased in cows fed straw and decreased in cows fed a fermentation-resistant glucose product. The concentration of free fatty acids and triglycerides were significantly higher in cows fed a fermentation-resistant glucose product than in cows fed hay. In the present study, a single administration of 300 g of fermentation-resistant glucose did not affect the concentration of blood glucose. Therefore, despite ongoing promotion of such products, there is no indication at this time that administration of fermentation-resistant glucose to cows at the start of lactation results in an increase in blood glucose concentration.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of reticular motility in cows after administration of atropine, scopolamine and xylazine.

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of various dosages and routes of administration of atropine, scopolamine and xylazine on reticular motility in cows. Groups of five cows received atropine, scopolamine or xylazine at dosages varying from 0.01 to 0.20 mg/kg. The drugs were administered intramuscularly and intravenously; atropine was also given subcutaneously. A total of 17 trials, each using five cows, were carried out. Reticular motility was assessed for 3 min immediately prior to the administration of a drug and for 21 min after administration, and the latter period was divided into seven 3-min intervals. The motility was further assessed during 3-min periods every 10 min starting 28 min and ending 141 min after administration of a drug. During each 3-min interval, the number of reticular contractions or the occurrence of reticular atony was determined. Onset and duration of reticular atony were assessed. All three drugs inhibited reticular motility but onset varied with route of administration and dosage. As expected, the onset of reticular atony occurred most rapidly after intravenous administration of each drug, followed by intramuscular and subcutaneous administration. Reticular atony occurred 0-3.0 min after the intravenous administration of each drug and at all dosages except the lowest dosage of atropine. Atony lasted for 3-111 min. Reticular atony occurred 3-18 min and 9-15 min after intramuscular and subcutaneous administration, respectively. It lasted 32-108 min and 39-122 min for the intramuscular and subcutaneous routes, respectively. For each drug, higher dosages resulted in a more rapid onset and longer duration of reticular atony than did lower dosages. This study demonstrated that administration of atropine, scopolamine and xylazine results in reticular atony. Whether this has clinical relevance requires further investigation.

Multiple ciliary body cysts and secondary glaucoma in the Great Dane: a report of nine cases.

Between 1989 and 1995 nine Great Danes were presented to the small animal clinic of the University of Zurich Teaching Hospital with glaucoma and multiple cysts in the anterior and posterior chamber. In four of the nine dogs cysts were present in both eyes; however, bilateral glaucoma was seen in one case only. Mean intraocular pressure (IOP) at initial presentation was 42 mmHg measured by applanation tonometry. With the exception of one dog, all animals were treated medically for a minimum of 13 days. Two animals were subsequently lost to follow up. Two dogs underwent evisceration with implantation of a silicone prosthesis. The glaucomatous globe was enucleated in three dogs. One owner declined surgery and the dog remained buphthalmic with a poorly controlled IOP. One animal remained visual after trans-scleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation. Histopathology of the three enucleated globes showed multiple cysts originating from the ciliary body epithelium. The mechanism of IOP elevation is probably by anterior displacement of the iris with narrowing of the angle and collapse of the ciliary cleft. A delicate pre-iridal fibrovascular membrane was also seen in each case, which could have also contributed to the elevation of IOP. The high odds ratio of 2.23 (CI 95% 1.14, 3.99) for glaucoma and 37.01 (CI 95% 16.42, 77.81) for ciliary body cysts suggests they are both inherited in this breed. Pedigree analysis of the affected dogs failed to definitely reveal the mode of inheritance.