Computed Tomographic and Histopathologic Studies of Lung Function Immediately Post Natum in Canine Neonates.

BACKGROUND: The lung tissue in newborn canine neonates is still in a morphologically and functionally immature, canalicular-saccular stage. True alveoli are only formed postnatally. The aim of this study was to analyze the spatial and temporal development of the ventilation of the lung tissue in vital canine neonates during the first 24 h post natum (p.n.). METHODS: Forty pups (birth weight Ø 424 g ± 80.1 g) from three litters of large dog breeds (>20 kg live weight) were included in the studies. Thirty-three pups (29 vital, 2 vitally depressed, 2 stillborn neonates) originated from controlled, uncomplicated births (n = 3); moreover, six stillborn pups as well as one prematurely deceased pup were birthed by other dams with delivery complications. Computed tomography (CT) was used in 39 neonates, and histopathologic tissue classification techniques (HALO) were used in 11 neonates (eight stillborn and three neonates died early post natum, respectively) to quantify the degree of aerated neonatal lung tissue. RESULTS: It was shown that, in vital born pups, within the first 10 min p.n., the degree of ventilation reached mean values of -530 (±114) Hounsfield units (HU) in the dorsal and -453.3 (±133) HU in the ventral lung area. This is about 75-80% of the final values obtained after 24 h p.n. for dorsal -648.0 (±89.9) HU and ventral quadrants -624.7 (±76.8) HU. The dorsal lung areas were always significantly better ventilated than the ventral regions (p = 0.0013). CT as well as histopathology are suitable to clearly distinguish the nonventilated lungs of stillborns from neonates that were initially alive after surviving neonatal respiratory distress syndrome but who died prematurely (p = 0.0398). CONCLUSION: The results of this study are clinically relevant since the lung tissue of canine neonates presents an aeration profile as early as 10 min after birth and continues progressively, with a special regard to the dorsal lung areas. This is the basis for resuscitation measures that should be performed, preferably with the pup in the abdomen-chest position.

[Development of clinically relevant vital signs of goat lambs of different breeds between birth and 28th day of life post natum]. / Entwicklung klinisch relevanter Vitalwerte von Ziegenlämmern verschiedener Rassen zwischen Geburt und 28. Lebenstag post natum.

Monitoring caprine neonates is of great importance to minimize losses of valuable offspring potential. In addition to experience and ethological knowledge, it requires clinically relevant basic values for vitality assessment. Therefore, the aim of the study was to register appropriate basic parameters in healthy caprine lambs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Included in the study were 46 healthy, vital born lambs from 28 dams of the breeds White German Edel goat (WGE, n=15), Boer goat (n=7); Toggenburg goat (n=6). The three groups of subjects included 26 WGE, 9 Boer goat and 11 Toggenburg goat lambs. From birth, they were under intensive veterinary control. Vital signs respiratory rate, heart rate, and rectal temperature were measured immediately p.n.; 3rd, 12th, 24th h p.n.; 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 14th, 21st, and 28th d p.n. Furthermore, crown-rump length (CRL), birth weight, and weight development until 28th d p.n. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using BMDP/Dynamic Release 7.0 and two-factorial analysis of variance. RESULTS: Vital signs showed a typical course in the first 4 weeks p.n. with a significant decrease in values from the 5th d. p.n. Time as well as breed had significant influence on the development of the respective profiles (covariance analysis; p<0.001). There was a linear correlation for SSL and birth weight (y=0.0037 ×28969; r value 0.7805). Daily weight gain was independent of race and diet type. In contrast, there was a significant dependence between birth type (singleton or multiple birth) and weight gain with p<0.01 and between birth weight and sex (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The presented typical, breed-dependent postnatal changes of vital parameters in goat lambs in the period 0-28 days p.n. allow a more specific differentiation between clinically healthy and abnormal individuals in herd management using the physiological value tables. The age-correlated weight gain serves as a further evaluation parameter.

[Real-time analysis of parturition in bitches of a medium-sized breed]. / Echtzeitanalyse des Geburtsablaufes bei Hündinnen einer mittelgroßen Rasse.

OBJECTIVE: Observation of the birth processes in healthy bitches under controlled conditions. The primary aim was to gain more insight into the natural birth process. Additional goal was to determine under which circumstances caregivers seek veterinary assistance. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data regarding length of gestation, the course of the parturition process, litter size, as well as neonatal characteristics were collected from 345 Boxer bitches. A real-time evaluation supplied the data concerning the birth process itself. Statistical analysis included single- and multi-factor variance analyses, as well as correlation, regression, and rank correlation analyses. RESULTS: Mother dogs with fewer fetuses were gravid for a significantly longer period than those with a high number (p=0.0012). The proportion of live neonates decreased significantly from the 5th litter onwards (p=0.0072). Female neonates exhibited a lower birth weight than male neonates (p<0.0001). Diurnal influences on the onset of stage II were not found. Birth processes could be divided into 3 groups based on the recorded progression: group 1 - eutocia (54.6%), group II - eutocia with prophylactic measures by the caregiver (20.5%), and group III - dystocia (24.9%). Bitches of group 1 were slightly younger than those of groups 2 and 3. In groups 2 and 3, the proportion of older primiparae (≥4 years) was significantly higher than in group 1 (p<0.05). The total duration of labor differed significantly between groups 1 and 2 (p<0.0001). Significant differences were seen between the groups in labor activity. In group 3, the proportion of bitches with a type I (=primary) weakness in labor was strikingly high (45.2%). In 83.8% of the births (groups 1 and 2), one or more pauses in labor (>60 min) occurred during the expulsive phase. This was correlated with litter size (p=0.0025), but not with age or birth number. The rate of stillbirth was positively correlated with duration of the birth process. Reasons for veterinary intervention primarily pertained to conditions of type II and III labor weakness (inadequate contractions of the uterus during parturition). The average time span between identification of a birth disorder and presentation of the bitch to a practice/clinic was 4.8±3.3 hours. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In pre-partum-counselling, special attention should be paid to conditions of hyperfetia (>20% above the mean) as well as uniparous and biparous gravidity and these dams should be classified as risk patients with regard to the course of parturition. In the case of birth complications, rapid veterinary intervention is warranted in order to minimize the development of maternal inanition and fetal vitality depression.

Intrinsic challenges of neonatal adaptation in swine.

The losses of piglets in commercial pig farming remain at concerning levels and need to be addressed through the implementation of new sustainable breeding and management strategies. In fact, piglets are especially at risk in the first days of life. Both genetics and the farrowing process have been shown to impact piglet vitality. In addition, knowledge of the animal-intrinsic responses in adapting to extra-uterine life is particularly important but is scarcely described in the scientific literature. In this review, the three phases that constitute neonatal adaptation in the pig are systematically presented. The first phase of early adaptation involves primarily the development of cardiorespiratory function (within the first 10 min of life) as well as thermoregulatory processes and acid-base balance (up to 24 h of life). In the second phase, homeostasis is established, and organ maturation takes place (up to 14 d post natum). The final third phase aims at the development of neurological, immunological and muscular features (up to 28 d of life). The involvement of aggravating and ameliorating factors such as dystocia, low colostrum yield and heat supply is key to the development of strategies to reduce piglet losses and increase vitality. The insights are of particular value in addressing current concerns in pig farming and to further improve animal welfare in pig production across different management types.

Ultrasound Characteristics of the Cavitary Corpus Luteum after Oestrus Synchronization in Heifers in Relation to the Results of Embryo Transfer.

The aim of the study was to conduct an ultrasound analysis of quantitative parameters of the corpus luteum (CL) in recipient heifers on days 6-8 after oestrus, and to compare reproduction potential of both types of CL in those females. Analyses were performed on 300 heifers, synchronized with two injections of cloprostenol. Clinical and ultrasound examinations of ovaries were performed and measurements of the CL were recorded. The blood samples were taken to determine progesterone level. Pregnancy examination was conducted after 6-8 weeks from the ET. Cavitary CL was found in 32.7% heifers In 48.0% of the cavitary CL, its luteal tissue area was reduced by 14.3% compared to the compact CL, while 16.3% of the CL had luteal tissue reduced by more than 33.8%. Progesterone level in blood serum was higher in heifers with the cavitary CL (p < 0.001). Pregnancy rate was higher for females with a cavitary CL (52%) than those with compact ones (33%, p < 0.05). The ultrasound assessment of luteal tissue should be included in the evaluation of the functional status of the CL in ET-recipient heifers. The cavitary CL presence may indicate a higher potential of the recipient in maintaining the pregnancy.

Relationship between clinical signs and hormonal analytical findings in bitches with lactatio sine graviditate.

OBJECTIVE: Lactatio sine graviditate of the bitch can become clinically relevant in particularly severe manifestations. The aim of the study was to relate the hormone pattern consisting of progesterone (P4), estradiol 17ß (E2) and prolactin to the time of occurrence of lactatio sine graviditate in the course of metoestrus and anoestrus as well as to its symptomatology. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-eight bitches with apparent lactatio sine graviditate were divided into 3 groups according to their cycle status. All bitches were examined for gynaecological findings. Furhtermore, their blood progesterone, oestrogen, and prolactin concentrations were determined and compared with the 133-day hormone profile of 7 control animals. RESULTS: Lactatio sine graviditate occurring in early metoestrus was characterised more by a shifted P4:E2 ratio than by hyperprolactinaemia. Overall, the prolactin concentration in the peripheral blood was significantly increased. Analysis of the individual cases revealed that hyperprolactinaemia was present to varying degrees. It could be detected in almost all bitches that showed full symptomatology at the end of metoestrus or at the beginning of anoestrus. Only then clinical signs correlated with an increased prolactin concentration in the peripheral blood. In most cases, the estradiol-17ß concentration was within the reference range. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The study indicates that the administration of prolactin inhibitors alone is not indicated in all cases of lactatio sine graviditate and that the timepoint of onset of the clinically relevant symptoms and the current prolactin level should be taken into account in the treatment of affected bitches.

[Clinical, ethologic, endokrinologic, and metabolic aspects of the peripartal period in pigs]. / Das Schwein in der peripartalen Periode: klinische, ethologische, endokrinologische und stoffwechselbezogene Aspekte.

The aim of this review article is to provide an overview of the literature relevant to the peripartal period in swine. As in all other mammals, the farrowing process in pigs is divided into 3 phases (I-III; opening, expulsion, and postnatal stage), during which various essential endocrine and metabolic mechanisms initiate or maintain parturition. These include the hormones progesterone, cortisol, prostaglandin F2α, oxytocin, estradiol, relaxin as well as electrolytes, enzymes, and metabolites such as calcium, magnesium, inorganic phosphate, glucose, creatine kinase, lactate, non-esterified free fatty acids, and ß-hydroxybutyrate. Exogenous or endogenous disruptive factors may result in a delay or even stagnation of labor. For example, the form of husbandry may represent a possible exogenous disruptive factor. Endogenous disruptive factors may arise from insufficient storage and/or distribution of the above-mentioned labor-associated parameters. Subsequent dystocia leads to temporary or permanent consequences for maternal reproductive fitness and impairs piglet vitality at the time of birth, possibly resulting in lower survival rates.

Effects of dietary CLA supplementation, parity and different concentrate levels before calving on immunoglobulin G1, G2 and M concentrations in dairy cows.

Peripartal dairy cows exhibit a higher susceptibility for infectious diseases, which might be linked to the negative energy balance occurring at the onset of lactation. A dietary supplementation of conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) may reduce milk fat yield and subsequently lower the energy deficit. The utilization of immunoglobulins (Ig) for colostrogenesis might impair humoral immunity in peripartal dairy cows; therefore this study investigated the effects of a CLA supplement, parity and different dietary energy levels on plasma and colostrum IgG1, IgG2 and IgM levels in dairy cows and their calves. Blood samples were collected from 64 cows from 21days before until 56days after parturition and colostrum samples for the first 3days of lactation. Plasma immunoglobulin concentrations of 19 calves were determined before colostrum uptake. Neither plasma IgG1, nor IgG2 levels were affected by CLA or dietary energy level. However, immunoglobulin levels were affected by parity. Heifers possessed the lowest IgG1 concentrations. IgG2 concentrations were highest in cows with 2 lactations prior to parturition and in heifers after parturition. Plasma IgM levels were characterized by a sharp decrease 3days prior to parturition and were scarcely affected by the feeding regimen or parity. Generally, immunoglobulin levels appear to be mostly independent from the peripartal energy balance of the cows and are not influenced by dietary CLA. However, pronounced differences among parities for IgG1 and IgG2 were revealed which should be further evaluated.

Determination of IgG and IgM levels in sera of newborn calves until the 10th day of life by ELISA and description of their correlation to total plasma protein concentration and GGT activity.

The aim of this study was the determination of IgG and IgM concentrations in sera of 15 vital and healthy calves from the day of birth to the 10th day of life using two ELISAs exclusively developed for this purpose. We investigated if and to which extent the sera profiles were correlated with antibody levels in the colostral milk administered, with GGT activity and with total plasma protein content. Due to the assays' high sensitivity, traces of IgG and IgM in calf sera could be determined prior to the first uptake of the foremilk. Throughout the colostrum administration period until the 12th living hour, IgG and IgM levels remarkably increased (P < 0.0001).The correlation between IgG concentrations in sera determined 24 h post natum and the IgG content of the colostrum administered was highly significant (P < 0.001; r = 0.851), while the correlation of seral IgM levels 24 h post natum and the IgM content of the foremilk was significant (P = 0.009; r = 0.651). The sum of the IgG and IgM concentrations in calf serum 24 h post natum was significantly correlated with the neonatal plasma protein level (P = 0.01; r = 0.642). With P = 0.012; r = 0.629 and P = 0.029; r = 0.561 respectively, there was also a significant correlation between the subjects' IgG and IgM concentrations at 24 h post natum and the GGT activity in calf serum. By looking at individual cases, it became evident that the administration of colostrum containing maximum or minimum immunoglobulin concentrations does not necessarily result in the respective sera immunoglobulin concentrations. From these findings, as well as from the fact that numerous subjects displayed their highest IgG and IgM sera concentrations well after the gut closure, we conclude that individually diverse resorption patterns are in place which cannot be characterized by immunoglobulin measurements only. The determination of the total plasma protein content or GGT activity in calf serum at 24 h post natum only give a rough idea about the actual immunoglobulin supply of the calves, since for the individual subject no conclusion could be drawn to the extent of immunoglobulin concentrations.

Ultrasonographic description of canine mastitis.

Ultrasonographic images were acquired of the mammary glands of 40 bitches with physiologically lactating (n = 20) or inflamed glands (n = 20). Echogenicity, structure, homogeneity, thickness, and distinguishability of each tissue layer were assessed. Additionally, overall echogenicity was noted. In the normal lactating gland, different tissues could be differentiated easily. The parenchyma was, without exception, separated from adjacent tissues and was visible as medium echogenic tissue with a coarse-grained structure. The tissue always had some echogenic lines and anechoic areas and was slightly heterogeneous. The loss of distinct layering of the tissue was characteristic of an inflamed mammary gland and inflamed regions had reduced echogenicity. Additionally in five bitches with mastitis, the ultrasound examination was repeated five times for documentation of the progress of the illness and associated changes, supplemented with a color Doppler sonogram to assess changes in blood vessel density. Information from the examinations carried out via B-mode did not allow treatment success to be predicted. Two bitches with reduced blood vessel density centrally had a poor outcome whereas three bitches with increased blood vessel density had a good outcome. Thus, Doppler sonography might be a useful tool to obtain information of the prognosis in acute canine mastitis.

Determination of some enzymes and macro- and microelements in stallion seminal plasma and their correlations to semen quality.

Seminal plasma is very important for sperm metabolism as well as sperm function and survival and transport in the female genital tract. Analysis of enzyme activities and concentrations of elements can estimate integrity and function of sperm cell membranes. In man much data are available about biochemical analyses of seminal plasma. However, not many studies have been conducted in horses yet. We collected ejaculates from 72 stallions, measured the volume, obtained seminal plasma by centrifugation and examined spermatozoa with light microscopy for motility, concentration, for dead sperm and morphology. Of seminal plasma fluid, we measured activities of aspartate-amino-transferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl-transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (AlP), acid phosphatase (AcP) and lactate-dehydrogenase (LDH) as well as concentrations of sodium (Na(+)), potassium (K(+)), total and ionised calcium (Ca(TOTAL)/Ca(2+)), magnesium (Mg(2+)), phosphate (P), chloride (Cl), copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn). In addition, correlations among different parameters in light microscopy and seminal plasma were statistically examined by using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient. Median enzyme activities for AST, GGT, AlP, AcP and LDH were 80.0, 7,500, 30,200, 20.0, 81.0 IU/L, respectively. Concentrations of Na(+), K(+), Ca(TOTAL), Ca(2+), Mg(2+), P, Cl were 110.5, 22.1, 2.9, 1.7, 3.1, 1.1 and 114.5 mmol/L, and of microelements Cu, Fe and Zn were 17.8, 1.9 and 13.2 micromol/L, respectively. Furthermore, we found significant correlations between semen volume as well as sperm concentration and AST, GGT, AlP, AcP and LDH as well as Fe and Zn. This made us propose a primary testicular and epididymal origin of these parameters. Significant correlation between GGT and motility may be a sign for its function for cell protection against free radicals. LDH activity significantly correlates with motility and progressive motility, live:dead-ratio and pathomorphology. In our study, LDH seems to be the most predictive enzyme for semen quality. This is the first report about GGT, AcP and LDH activities as well as iron in equine seminal plasma.

Advanced fertility diagnosis in stallion semen using transmission electron microscopy.

Routine semen analysis of stallions is based on light microscopy (LM). However, there are still a number of animals that are subfertile or even infertile not being identified with conventional semen analysis. The objective of this study was to investigate the suitability of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for advanced fertility diagnosis in stallion. We examined ejaculates of 46 stallions with known fertility. Animals were divided into three different groups: group 1, fertile stallions (pregnant mares> or =70%, n=29); group 2, subfertile stallions (pregnant mares 10-69%, n=14); group 3, infertile stallions (pregnant mares<10%, n=3). Ejaculates were collected in spring 2002. Conventional semen analysis (volume, sperm concentration, motility, live:dead ratio and percentage of morphologically normal sperm) was immediately performed after semen collection. Ultrastructural analysis included the evaluation of 200 acrosomes, heads, midpieces and cross-sections of tails as well as 100 longitudinal sections of tails from every ejaculate. Using LM, we found a significant increase of morphological deviations from 24.5% (x ) in group 1 to 34.5% in group 2 and 73.5% in group 3. Using TEM, we found a significant increase of detached acrosomes from 6.1% in group 1 to 7.6% in group 2 and 21.4% in group 3. Deviations in tubule pattern were also increased (but not significant) from 2.7% in fertile and 2.8% in subfertile to 11.4% in infertile stallions as well as multiple tails from 1.9% in fertile to 2.0% in subfertile and 8.9% in infertile. Our data indicate that TEM is suitable for advanced fertility diagnostic in stallions, giving a connection between fertility and morphology. It suggests that the most likely reason for sub- and infertility in stallion in case of increased LM pathomorphology of semen are acrosomal alterations, especially detached acrosomes.

Unilateral hysterectomy (cornuectomy) in the bitch and its effect on subsequent fertility.

During caesarean section of bitches a beginning tissue necrosis of the uterus is often encountered. These alterations mostly require ovariohysterectomy that means the end of breeding life. The aim of this study was to create a model for unilateral hysterectomy during dystocia and to evaluate subsequent fertility. Unilateral cornuectomy was performed in 18 clinically healthy bitches of different ages, breeds, and at different stages of the sexual cyclus. Four bitches were not available for follow-up examinations. Twelve bitches were mated at the first obvious estrus period postoperatively and 10 pregnancies were diagnosed. Nine bitches delivered one to five puppies (mean 3.8) after a gestation period of 63-67 days. The puppies (n=38) were in a very good condition and showed high vitality. Unilateral cornuectomy of the uterus had no adverse effects and postoperative mating revealed pregnancy without complications and normal parturition. In the case of pathological changes in one uterine horn during a caesarean section unilateral hysterectomy seems to be an alternative to ovariohysterectomy.

[Electronic quantification of traction force during use of a mechanical calving aid in bovine parturition]. / Elektronische Zugkraftquantifizierung bei Anwendung des mechanischen Geburtshelfers in der Rindergeburt.

In this study, a specially developed computer-controlled system was used to obtain a continuous measurement of the forces that arise when using a mechanical calving aid. By this means, potentiograms for twenty-four births in cows using a tractive device were obtained (fourteen primiparae with an average age of twenty-eight months; ten pluriparae with an average age of fifty-four months; breeds: thirteen RB, eleven SB). A modern mechanical calving device with a locking mechanism was used as an aid in the extraction process. In births with use of light tractive force (approx. 50 kp), extraction took between 41 and +/- 21 seconds. Moderately heavy tractive force (approx. 80-100 kp) was applied in extractions taking 86 to +/- 22 seconds, whereas heavy tractive force (etwa 100-120 kp) was used in extractions lasting between 268 and +/- 117 seconds. The highest levels measured for brief applications of force were between 130 and 140 kp. Single strains of up to 150 kp were reached. Injuries in the soft birth canal were ascertained in 29.2% of the births. Such injuries were discerned more often in primiparae than in the pluriparae. The lacerations were merely superficial and caused no further after-effects. There were no limb injuries in the calves. For the use of mechanical calving aids the use of chains with exact markings should ensure that the limbs are fixated at equal lengths. Furthermore, every device should be equipped with a locking mechanism (150 kp) to prevent the use of too much force. This also prevents misjudgment of the birth situation concerning fetus size and the dimensions of the mother cow's pelvis.

[Investigations about kind and frequency of mechanical dystocia in ewes with special regard to the vaginal prolapse ante partum]. / Erhebungen zur Art und Häufigkeit mechanischer Geburtsstörungen beim Schaf unter besonderer Berücksichtigung des Prolapsus vaginae ante partum.

The incidence of dystocia from ewes in nine lambing periods (1992-2000) was recorded at an obstetrical clinic. First we analysed parturition difficulties in normal pregnant sheep (group 1, n = 229). In the second group parturitions of ewes with vaginal prolapse ante partum were investigated (n = 129). In group 1 maternal causes of dystocia occurred more often than fetal ones (50% maternal, 45% fetal). In maternal parturition difficulties ringwomb was the dominating reason (64%), while abnormal presentations, position and/or posture of the lambs occurred most frequently in fetal dystocia (67%). But there was no statistical influence of age and number of parturitions in both groups. The average of the first notice of prolapsed vaginal tissue was 11 days before lambing. There was a predominance in the affection of sheep at first and second pregnancy (52%). Only 26% of the group 2 sheep had a spontaneous delivery. In 58% of the cases a dystocia was diagnosed. A preterm caesarean section had carried out in 12%, five ewes died before parturition because of septicemia (4%). Sheep suffering from vaginal prolapse ante partum showed maternal caused dystocia significant more frequently than members of group 1 (p < 0.001), with ringwomb as dominating reason (70%). The number of born lambs was significant higher in group 2 than in group 1 (p = 0.019).