Assessment of serum calprotectin as a marker of inflammation in cattle with traumatic reticuloperitonitis.

Calprotectin (CP) is an inflammatory marker. The aim of the current study was to investigate oxidative stress and changes in CP in cattle with traumatic reticuloperitonitis (TRP). The study was divided into two groups, experimental (TRP) and healthy control group, with 10 animals in each group. Total leucocyte count, neutrophil and lymphocyte counts were higher in the TRP group compared to the control group and this increase was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in TRP group was statistically significantly higher than the control group (P < 0.001). The level of glutathione (GSH) in the TRP group was statistically significantly lower than in the control group (P < 0.001). Serum Amyloid A (SAA) and CP values were higher in the TRP group and this difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). It was concluded as a result of ROC analysis that CP, which has similar values with SAA, can be used diagnostically to confirm the inflammatory status in cattle with TRP.

Traumatic reticuloperitonitis combined with embolic pneumonia and hepatitis as unusual symptoms of foreign body syndrome in a Holstein bull.

Traumatic reticuloperitonitis combined with embolic pneumonia and hepatitis is unusual signs of foreign body syndrome in cattle. A 4-year-old Holstein bull presented decreased appetite, dry cough, progressive weight loss, sternal recumbence and reluctance to stand and move. Laboratory tests revealed leucocytosis (18.4 × 103 /µl) accompanied by neutrophilia (10.48 × 103 /µl), and monocytosis (1.28 × 103 /µl), hyperglobulinaemia (6.3 g/dl), hypoalbuminaemia (1.5 g/dl), hyperfibrinogenaemia (10 g/L) and severe increase in gamma-glutamyl transferase activity (1,216 U/L). Reticular ultrasonographical examination showed a large amount of hyperechoic and hypoechoic content between the reticular serosa and the hepatic visceral surface. The main gross findings included fibrin deposition and adhesions between the reticulum, liver and diaphragm surfaces; a 4.0 mm in diameter transmural reticular perforation; a 12.0-cm diameter and scarce small randomly abscesses in the liver's parenchyma. The lungs presented multifocal areas of suppurative embolic foci (pulmonary abscesses), interstitial emphysema and multifocal fibrin deposition on the pleural surface. Ancillary diagnostic tests, such as ultrasonography and laboratory test, associated with clinical evaluation, may increase the accuracy of the correct diagnosis and avoid wasting time and money on untreatable cases.

Diagnostic reliability of clinical signs in cows with traumatic reticuloperitonitis and abomasal ulcers.

BACKGROUND: Clinical signs of traumatic reticuloperitonitis and abomasal ulcer are often similar making the disorders difficult to differentiate. The goal of our study was to compare the frequency of individual clinical signs of cows with traumatic reticuloperitonitis and cows with abomasal ulcers and determine their diagnostic significance. The frequency of the findings "rectal temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, demeanour, signs of colic, arched back, abdominal guarding, bruxism, scleral vessels, rumen motility, foreign body tests, percussion auscultation, swinging auscultation and faecal colour" of cows with traumatic reticuloperitonitis (TRP, n = 503) and cows with type 1 (U1, n = 94), type 2 (U2, n = 145), type 3 (U3, n = 60), type 4 (U4, n = 87) and type 5 (U5, n = 14) abomasal ulcer were compared, and the reliability indices "diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, positive and negative predictive values and positive likelihood ratio" were calculated. A total of 182 healthy cows served as controls (control group). RESULTS: None of the cows in the control group had colic, rumen atony or melena, 99% had no abnormalities in demeanor and appetite and did not have a rectal temperature of ≤38.6 or >  40.0 °C, a heart rate >  100 bpm or a respiratory rate >  55 breaths per min, and 95% did not have an arched back or bruxism. The control group was therefore ideal for comparative purposes. Many signs such as mild increase in rectal temperature, scleral congestion and positive foreign body test were non-diagnostic because they occurred in healthy as well as in ill cows. Likewise, differentiation of cows with TRP and abomasal ulcer was not possible based on single clinical variables; a detailed history and a comprehensive assessment of all clinical findings were required for this. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study serve as a guide for the veterinarian in the differentiation of cows with traumatic reticuloperitonitis and abomasal ulcer.

Aetiology, diagnosis, treatment and outcome of traumatic reticuloperitonitis in cattle.

Traumatic reticuloperitonitis (TRP) in cattle is caused by ingested nails, pieces of wire, and other nonmetallic materials that injure the reticular wall. Clinical signs of acute TRP may include anorexia, fever, drop in milk production, rumen atony and tympany, abdominal pain, an arched back, a tucked up and "guarded" abdomen and spontaneous grunting, but may be obscure or absent in chronic cases. Haematological findings alone are not diagnostic, but total and differential white blood cell counts, the concentration of fibrinogen and total protein and the glutaraldehyde coagulation time may indicate inflammation associated with TRP. The clinical examination is aimed at eliciting a grunt in response to foreign body tests such as back grip, pole test or pain percussion. Inflammatory changes of the reticulum and adjacent organs and impairment of reticular motility are characteristic features of TRP and can be detected via ultrasonography. Radiography is the technique of choice for the visualisation of metallic foreign bodies and for monitoring the efficacy of a magnet. Treatment may be conservative or surgical, but in most cases initial treatment is conservative with administration of a magnet and antibiotics. If the cow fails to respond to medical treatment, surgical treatment is the next option other than euthanasia and ideally is carried out after imaging of the reticulum. If this is not feasible, a second magnet and continuation of antibiotic treatment is recommended.

Validation of device for detection of metallic foreign bodies in cattle / Validação de aparelho para detecção de corpos estranhos metálicos em bovinos

ABSTRACT: The ingestion of foreign bodies, mainly metallic (MFB- metallic foreign body), by cattle is frequent and can lead to death. For diagnostic purposes, reticular pain tests are routinely used, and ferroscopy is still unusual, even as a diagnostic aid. The objective of this study was to validate the application of the GMS 120 Professional BOSCH® metal detector (MD) in the detection of MFB in the bovine species and describe its use in field cases. Fifty MFBs of varying shape, size, and weight were evaluated with an MD, initially on a flat and inert surface, and then in a permanent rumen fistulated cow. Retrospectively, a database from 2000 to 2017 with 122015 cattle was accessed, of which 31865 were examined after the introduction of MD usage in 2013. Fifteen cows positive for reticular pain tests were prospectively evaluated and eight cows were diagnosed with MFB through MD usage. The mean distance for MFB best detection on the inert surface was 4.6 cm. In the fistulated cow, it was not possible to detect any MFBs, regardless of the size or weight of the material. The MFB detection capacity increased with MD use, which can be considered a diagnostic aid in specific situations. Depending on the body condition of the bovine, false negatives may occur with the use of GMS 120 Professional Bosch® metal detector.

RESUMO: A ingestão de corpos estranhos, principalmente metálicos (CEM), pelos bovinos é frequente e pode levar à sua morte. Para fins diagnósticos, as provas de dor reticular são usados de forma rotineira, sendo ainda pouco usual a ferroscopia, mesmo como auxílio diagnóstico. Neste trabalho procurou-se validar a aplicação do detector de metais (DM), marca GMS 120 Professional BOSCH® no reconhecimento de CEM na espécie bovina, além de descrever seu uso em casos a campo. CEM (n=50) de forma, tamanho e peso variados foram selecionados e avaliados com o DM, inicialmente sobre uma superfície plana e inerte e depois in vivo em uma vaca com fístula ruminal. Retrospectivamente, acessou-se um banco de dados dos anos 2000 a 2017 com 122015 bovinos, com 31865 bovinos atendidos após a introdução do DM no ano de 2013. Prospectivamente, avaliaram-se 15 vacas positivas para o teste de dor reticular, oito vacas foram diagnosticadas com CEM através do DM. A distância média para a melhor detecção dos CEM na superfície inerte foi de 4,6 cm. Em vaca fistulada não foi possível detectar nenhum CEM, independentemente do tamanho e peso do material. A campo, após a introdução do uso do DM aumentou a capacidade de detecção dos CEM. O DM pode ser considerado um auxílio diagnóstico em situações específicas. Dependendo da condição corporal do bovino, falsos negativos podem ocorrer com o uso do aparelho GMS 120 Professional Bosch®.

Treatment of 503 cattle with traumatic reticuloperitonitis.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of traumatic reticuloperitonitis (TRP) in cattle has a long and impressive history that goes back more than 100 years. This study describes treatment for TRP in 503 cattle. Initial treatment was based on radiographic findings; cattle with a foreign body attached to a magnet were treated conservatively using antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs and intravenous fluids. Cattle with a foreign body lying on the ventral aspect of the reticulum or penetrating or perforating the reticulum received a magnet in addition to medical treatment. Cattle were radiographed again the next day. When the foreign body was completely attached to the magnet, medical treatment was continued. When the foreign body was not attached or still penetrated/perforated the reticulum, a rumenotomy was carried out. RESULTS: Of the 503 cattle, 232 were treated conservatively, 206 underwent surgery, 61 were slaughtered or euthanased and four were treated after discharge at home with a magnet and antibiotics. Surgical treatment was significantly more successful than conservative treatment; 90% of 206 operated and 82% of 232 medically-treated cattle were discharged. CONCLUSIONS: For practical purposes, cattle suspected of having traumatic reticuloperitonitis should initially be treated with a magnet and antibiotics and re-evaluated, ideally radiographically, when response to treatment does not occur within 3 or 4 days. Surgery is limited to cases in which the foreign body fails to completely attach to the magnet.

Ultrasonographic and radiographic findings in 503 cattle with traumatic reticuloperitonitis.

This study involved 503 cattle with traumatic reticuloperitonitis (TRP), 494 of which underwent ultrasonographic and 484 radiographic examination of the reticulum. Ultrasonography revealed changes in the reticulum and/or peritoneum suggestive of peritonitis in 403 (83%) cattle, a decrease in the amplitude of reticular contractions in 244 (54%) and reduced or absent reticular motility in 173 (37%). A total of 536 foreign bodies were seen on 465 (96%) radiographs and a magnet was seen on 311 (64%) radiographs. Of the 536 foreign bodies, 300 (56%) were not attached to a magnet and 236 (44%) were attached. Of 300 radiographs showing foreign bodies not attached to a magnet, the foreign body was lying flat on the floor of the reticulum on 98 (18%) radiographs, was at an angle of greater than 30 degrees to the ventral aspect of the reticulum on 54 (10%), had penetrated the dorsal reticular wall on 76 (14%), had perforated the reticulum on 64 (12%) and was completely outside of the reticulum on 8 (1%) radiographs. Ultrasonography provides information about the scale and localisation of inflammatory changes of the peritoneum, and radiography allows the visualisation of ferromagnetic foreign bodies and magnets.

Clinical and laboratory findings in 503 cattle with traumatic reticuloperitonitis.

BACKGROUND: The study evaluated the results of clinical examination and haematological and serum biochemical analyses in 503 cattle with traumatic reticuloperitonitis (TRP). RESULTS: The most common clinical findings were abnormal demeanour and general condition (87%), decreased rumen motility (72%), poorly digested faeces (57%), decreased rumen fill (49%), fever (43%) and tachycardia (26%). In 58% of the cattle, at least one of three tests for reticular foreign bodies (pinching of the withers, pressure on the xiphoid and percussion of the abdominal wall) was positive, and in 42% all three tests were negative. The most common haematological findings were decreased haematocrit in 45% of cattle and leukocytosis in 42%. An increase in the concentration of fibrinogen in 69% of cattle and total protein in 64% were the main biochemical findings. The glutaraldehyde test time was decreased with coagulation occurring within 6 min in 75% of cattle. CONCLUSIONS: In many cases, a diagnosis of TRP is not possible based on individual clinical or laboratory findings because even the most common abnormalities are not seen in all cattle with TRP.

Eating and rumination behaviour in cows with traumatic reticuloperitonitis.

INTRODUCTION: Eating and rumination behaviour in 22 cows with traumatic reticuloperitonitis was recorded after the start of treatment. Based on the results of clinical, ultrasonographic and radiographic examinations, the cows were divided into two groups: Group A consisted of 12 cows without an intramural or perforating foreign body and group B had 10 cows with an intramural or perforating foreign body. Cows of group A received amoxicillin, flunixin meglumine and a NaCl-glucose infusion, and cows of group B received the same treatment accompanied by foreign body removal via ruminotomy. All cows were fitted with a horse halter equipped with a pressure sensor integrated into the noseband, and eating and rumination activities were recorded continuously for 7 days. Additional 24-hour- recording periods occurred on days 14 and 30. Results obtained previously from 300 healthy cows were used for comparison. Median daily eating time in group A was 168 minutes (reference interval 211 to 319 min) on day 1 and increased to within the reference interval by day 3. Eating time on day 14 was 290 minutes and significantly longer than on day 1. Eating time was 294 minutes on day 30. Eating time in group B was comparable, and the patterns of normalisation for the number of chewing cycles related to eating, rumination time, the number of regurgitated cuds per day and the number of chewing cycles per cud were similar to that of group A: all variables were significantly reduced on day 1 and normalised within 3 to 5 days. The findings showed that eating and rumination are reduced in cows with traumatic reticuloperitonitis and that successful treatment results in rapid normalisation. Monitoring eating and rumination behaviour using a pressure sensor integrated into a halter allows objective clinical assessment of cows recovering from traumatic reticuloperitonitis.

Dans le présent travail, on a étudié les paramètres d'alimentation et de rumination de vaches souffrant de réticulo- péritonite traumatique après traitement. Vingtdeux vaches souffrant de réticulo-péritonite traumatique ont été, sur la base des examens cliniques, échographiques et radiologiques, réparties en deux groupes. Le groupe A comprenant les vaches sans corps étranger implanté dans le bonnet, le groupe B les vaches ayant un corps étranger implanté ou perforant le bonnet. Les vaches du groupe A ont reçu uniquement un traitement médicamenteux (amoxicilline, flunixine meglumine, perfusions de NaCl-glucose). Chez les vaches du groupe B, une ruminotmie a en outre été réalisée pour retirer le corps étranger. Par la suite, les vaches ont été équipées d'un licol comprenant un capteur de pression dans la muserolle qui permettait d'enregistrer la prise d'aliments et la rumination. Les mesures ont tout d'abord été faites durant 7 jours puis des enregistrements sur 24 heures ont été réalisés aux jours 14 et 30. Les résultats ont été comparés à ceux de 300 vaches en bonne santé. Chez les vaches du groupe A, la durée d'alimentation (valeur moyenne) était, au jour 1, avec 168 minutes, inférieure aux valeurs de référence situées entre 211 et 319 minutes enregistrées chez les vaches en bonne santé. Elle augmentait jusqu'au jour 3 pour atteindre la norme. Le 14ème jour, la durée d'alimentation, avec 290 minutes, était pour la première fois significativement plus longue qu'au jour 1. Une nouvelle augmentation à 294 minutes se produisait jusqu'au jour 30. On a relevé des données semblables chez les vaches du groupe B. Le nombre de mastications lors de la prise de nourriture, la durée journalière de rumination, le nombre de boli de rumination par jour et le nombre de mastication par bolus montraient une image semblable: ces paramètres étaient nettement abaissés au jour 1 par rapport aux valeurs normales et se normalisaient dans les 3 à 5 jours. Ces études montrent que les paramètres d'alimentation et de rumination chez les vaches souffrant de réticulo-péritonite traumatique sont abaissés et qu'ils se normalisent en peu de jours lors d'un traitement couronné de succès. Le contrôle de l'alimentation et de la rumination avec licol muni d'un capteur de pression permet donc d'objectiver l'évolution chez les vaches atteintes de réticulo-péritonite traumatique.

Ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool in Egyptian buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) with traumatic pericarditis.

Traumatic pericarditis (TP) remains a serious problem facing bovine producers; particularly in the developing countries; causing severe economic losses. This study was carried out on 47 buffaloes including; control buffaloes (n = 20) and buffaloes with TP (n = 27) at Assiut governorate, Egypt. All animals were subjected to thorough clinical examination, whole blood profiling, blood serum biochemical assays, and radiographic and ultrasonographic examinations. The recorded ultrasonographic findings included; the contractility, contour and shape of the reticulum, shape and size of the heart and spleen involvement. All data were statistically analysed. Buffaloes with TP showed lymphocytic leucocytosis, increase in serum activities of AST, hyperproteinaemia, hypoalbuminaemia and hyperglobulinaemia. Radio-opaque metal foreign bodies, cardiomegaly and loss of the normal cardiac shape and contour were the most common radiographic findings in the diseased buffaloes. Ultrasonographically, the diseased buffaloes showed either acute pericarditis (n = 10) or chronic suppurative pericarditis (n = 17). Complete cessation of reticular contractions (0/3 min) and displacement of the reticulum from the diaphragm by a distance about 2.6-4.5 cm were the most common ultrasonographic findings of both types of pericarditis. In addition, the reticulum had uneven contour and the heart showed characteristic changes in its size, shape and contractility that was either accelerated or reduced. Reticular abscesses and peritoneal effusions were also imaged in all diseased buffaloes. In acute TP; the affected heart was enlarged with strong and clear cardiac contractions. Accumulation of hypoechoic fluids interspersed with echogenic deposits of fibrin within heart tissue and pericardium was observed. In chronic suppurative pericarditis, cardiomegaly, thickening of the cardiac wall and loss of the characteristic recognisable heart shape were the common ultrasonographic findings. Accumulation of hypoechoic fluids (usually pus) interspersing with echogenic deposits of fibrin within the pericardium, ventricles, atria and valves was also observed. In conclusion, ultrasonography with the aids of other diagnostic tools such as clinical findings, laboratory analysis and radiography has a high efficacy in evaluation of diseased buffaloes with TP.

Epidemiological studies on forestomach disorders in cattle and buffaloes.

AIM: To study epidemiology of forestomach (reticuloruminal, omasal, and abomasal) disorders in cattle and buffaloes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 106 buffaloes and 32 cattle referred for treatment to the university large animals teaching hospital with the complaint of gastrointestinal diseases constituted the study material. The cases were diagnosed based on history, clinical examination, hematology, biochemistry, radiography, peritoneal fluid analysis and ultrasonography, rumenotomy, and postmortem. A questionnaire was prepared containing important information on housing, husbandry practices, including feeding practices and individual animal information viz. age, species, month of the year, parity, gestation (month), and recent parturition. The animals were divided into eight groups and analysis of variance was performed to study risk factors associated with each condition. RESULTS: The forestomach disorders are widely prevalent in cattle and buffaloes between April and October, during summer and rainy season (90%) and constituted a significant proportion of diseased cows and buffaloes (138/1840) at the hospital. Different forestomach disorders and their prevalence was: Diaphragmatic hernia (DH) 17%, traumatic reticuloperitonitis (TRP) 14%, idiopathic motility disorder or vagus indigestion (VI) 22%, adhesive peritonitis (AP) 13%, frank exudative peritonitis (FEP) 12%, reticular abscess (RA) 8%, ruminal and omasal impaction (RI) 5%, and abomaso duodenal ulceration (ADU) 9%. DH and RA were significantly more common in buffaloes as compared to cattle. Similarly, impactions were more in buffaloes but its incidence was very low (5%). ADU was present in buffalo as commonly as in cows. Exclusive feeding of wheat straw was present in an abysmally low number of animals and hence could not be considered the cause of these disorders. DH was significantly higher in buffaloes (>5 years) of 5-8 years of age and TRP, VI and AP were observed in cattle and buffalo of 2-8 years of age during the second half of gestation to 1 month post-calving. FEP (12%) occurred more commonly within 1 month of parturition. CONCLUSIONS: DH, TRP, frank and AP and ADU are causes of the widely prevalent forestomach (reticuloruminal, omasal and abomasal) disorders in cattle and buffaloes.