Bovine Fetal Placenta During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period.

Bovine abortion is a worldwide problem, but despite extensive histopathologic and molecular investigations, the cause of abortion remains unclear in about 70% of cases. Cellular debris is a commonly observed histopathologic finding in the fetal placenta and is often interpreted as necrosis. In this study, the nature of this cellular debris was characterized, and histologic changes in the normal fetal placenta during pregnancy and after delivery were assessed. In addition, the presence of the most common abortifacient pathogens in Switzerland ( Chlamydiaceae, Coxiella burnetii, Neospora caninum) was tested by polymerase chain reaction. We collected 51 placentomes and 235 cotyledons from 41 and from 50 cows, respectively. In total, cellular debris was present in 48 of 51 (94%) placentomes and in 225 of 235 (96%) cotyledons, inflammation occurred in 1 of 51 (2%) placentomes and in 46 of 235 (20%) cotyledons, vasculitis was seen in 1 of 51 (2%) placentomes and 46 of 235 (20%) cotyledons, and 18 of 51 (35%) placentomes and 181 of 235 (77%) cotyledons had mineralization. The amount of cellular debris correlated with areas of positive signals for cleaved caspase 3 and lamin A. Therefore, this finding was interpreted as an apoptotic process. In total, 10 of 50 cotyledons (20%) were positive for C. burnetii DNA, most likely representing subclinical infections. The results of our study indicate that histologic features in the fetal placenta such as cellular debris, inflammation, vasculitis, and mineralization must be considered physiological processes during pregnancy and after delivery. Therefore, their presence in placentae of aborted fetuses must be interpreted with caution and might not be necessarily linked to an infectious cause of abortion.

Production of neutralizing antibodies against the secreted Clostridium chauvoei toxin A (CctA) upon blackleg vaccination.

Clostridium chauvoei is the etiologic agent of blackleg in cattle, inducing fever, severe myonecrosis, oedemic lesions and ultimately death of infected animals. The pathogen often results in such rapid death that antibiotic therapy is futile and thus vaccination is the only efficient strategy in order to control the disease. The ß-barrel pore forming leucocidin Clostridium chauvoei toxin A (CctA) is one of the best characterised toxins of C. chauvoei and has been shown to be an important virulence factor. It has been reported to induce protective immunity and is conserved across C. chauvoei strains collected from diverse geographical locations for more than 50 years. The aim of this study was to identify the location of the CctA toxin during liquid culture fermentation and to use CctA to develop an in vitro assay to replace the current guinea pig challenge assay for vaccine potency in standard batch release procedures. We report that CctA is fully secreted in C. chauvoei culture and show that it is found abundantly in the supernatant of liquid cultures. Sera from cattle vaccinated with a commercial blackleg vaccine revealed strong haemolysin-neutralizing activity against recombinant CctA which reached titres of 1000 times 28 days post-vaccination. Similarly, guinea pig sera from an official potency control test reached titres of 600 times 14 days post-vaccination. In contrast, ELISA was not able to specifically measure anti-CctA antibodies in cattle serum due to strong cross-reactions with antibodies against other proteins present pre-vaccination. We conclude that haemolysin-neutralizing antibodies are a valuable measurement for protective immunity against blackleg and have the potential to be a suitable replacement of the guinea pig challenge potency test, which would forego the unnecessary challenge of laboratory animals.

Evaluation of eating and rumination behaviour in 300 cows of three different breeds using a noseband pressure sensor.

BACKGROUND: Eating and rumination variables were recorded in 300 healthy lactating dairy cows of 3 different breeds (100 Brown Swiss, 100 Holstein-Friesian, 100 Swiss Fleckvieh cows). Eating and rumination variables were monitored during a 24-h period using an automated system that recorded jaw movements via a pressure sensor integrated into the noseband of a halter. Phases of eating and rumination were reliably identified in the recordings based on typical patterns seen in previous studies. The variables analysed included duration of eating and rumination, number of chewing cycles during eating and rumination, number of regurgitated cuds and number of chewing cycles per cud. RESULTS: The cows ate for an average of 265 ± 54 min and chewed 17,077 ± 3646 times per day. The duration of rumination was 441 ± 71 min, there were 578 ± 94 cuds per day and 55 ± 10 chewing cycles per cud. There were significant correlations (P < 0.01) between duration of eating and number of chewing cycles during eating (r = 0.94), between duration of rumination and number of chewing cycles per regurgitated cud (r = 0.56) and between duration of rumination and number of regurgitated cuds per day (r = 0.53). CONCLUSIONS: The eating and rumination variables established in the present study reflect the current conditions of Swiss dairy farming and serve as reference intervals for assessing sick cows.

Transmission of border disease virus from a persistently infected calf to seronegative heifers in early pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: This study describes the transmission of border disease virus (BDV) from a persistently infected calf to seronegative heifers in early pregnancy, resulting in persistently infected fetuses. On day 50 of pregnancy (= day 0 of the infection phase), six heifers were co-housed in a free stall with a bull calf persistently infected with BDV (pi BVD) for 60 days. The heifers underwent daily clinical examination, and blood samples were collected regularly for detection of pestiviral RNA and anti-pestivirus antibodies. After day 60 (= day 110 of pregnancy), the heifers were slaughtered, and the fetuses and placentae underwent post-mortem and immunohistochemical examination and RT-PCR for viral RNA detection. RESULTS: Three heifers had mild viraemia from day 8 to day 14, and by day 40 all heifers had pestivirus antibodies identified as anti-BDV antibodies in the serum neutralisation test. The placenta of the three viraemic heifers had histological evidence of inflammation, and fetal organs from these heifers were positive for pestivirus antigen by immunohistochemical examination and for BD viral RNA by RT-PCR and sequencing. Thus, co-housing of heifers in early pregnancy with a pi-BDV calf led to seroconversion in all heifers and persistent fetal infection in three. CONCLUSIONS: Considering that pi-BDV cattle can infect other cattle and lead to persistent infection of the fetus in pregnant cows, BDV should not be ignored in the context of the mandatory BVDV eradication and monitoring program. This strongly suggests that BDV should be taken into account in BVD eradication and control programs.

A study of measurement of noninvasive blood pressure with the oscillometric device, Sentinel, in isoflurane-anaesthetized horses.

OBJECTIVE: To assess accuracy of noninvasive blood pressure (NIBP) measured by oscillometric device Sentinel compared to invasive blood pressure (IBP) in anaesthetized horses undergoing surgery. To assess if differences between the NIBP measured by the Sentinel and IBP are associated with recumbency, cuff placement, weight of the horse or acepromazine premedication and to describe usefulness of the Sentinel. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study examining replicates of simultaneous NIBP and IBP measurements. ANIMALS: Twenty-nine horses. METHODS: Invasive blood pressure was measured via a catheter in the facial artery, transverse facial artery or metatarsal artery. NIBP was measured using appropriate size cuffs placed on one of two metacarpal or metatarsal bones or the tail in random order. With both techniques systolic (SAP), mean (MAP), and diastolic (DAP) arterial blood pressures and heart rates (HR) were recorded. A mixed effects model compared the IBP to the NIBP values and assessed potential effects of catheter placement, localisation of the cuffs in combination with recumbency, weight of the horse or acepromazine premedication. RESULTS: Noninvasive blood pressure yielded higher measurements than IBP. Agreement varied with recumbency and cuff position. Estimated mean differences between the two methods decreased from SAP (lateral recumbency: range -5.3 to -56.0 mmHg; dorsal recumbency: range 0.8 to -20.7 mmHg), to MAP (lateral recumbency: range -1.8 to -19.0 mmHg; dorsal recumbency: range 13.9 to -16.4 mmHg) to DAP (lateral recumbency: range 0.5 to -6.6 mmHg; dorsal recumbency: range 21.0 to -15.5 mmHg). NIBP measurement was approximately two times more variable than IBP measurement. No significant difference between IBP and NIBP due to horse's weight or acepromazine premedication was found. In 227 of 1047 (21.7%) measurements the Sentinel did not deliver a result. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: According to the high variability of NIBP compared to IBP, NIBP measurements as measured by the Sentinel in the manner described here are not considered as an appropriate alternative to IBP to measure blood pressure in anaesthetized horses.

Evaluation of eating and rumination behaviour using a noseband pressure sensor in cows during the peripartum period.

BACKGROUND: Eating and rumination variables were recorded in ten healthy cows over 5 days (group A) to generate reference intervals for comparison with the same variables recorded in ten cows in advanced pregnancy from ten days prepartum to ten days postpartum (group B). A pressure sensor integrated into the noseband of a halter recorded individual chewing movements. The endpoints calculated on a daily basis for each cow included duration of eating and rumination, number of eating and rumination phases, number of chewing cycles during eating and rumination, number of regurgitated cuds and number of chewing cycles per cud. RESULTS: The following reference intervals were established in the cows of group A: duration of eating, 212 to 394 min; number of chewing cycles during eating 13'101 to 26'515; number of eating phases 10 to 24; duration of rumination 304 to 471 min; number of regurgitated cuds 366 to 611; number of chewing cycles per cud 53 to 57; and number of rumination phases 9 to 18. In the cows of group B, duration of eating was 186 min and below the normal range ten days prepartum and decreased to 114 min on the day of calving, after which time it increased significantly to 266 min by day 10. The number of chewing cycles during eating had the same profile as duration of eating. Duration of rumination was in the normal range except for the day of parturition. It varied from 329 to 391 min prepartum, decreased significantly to 214 min on the day of parturition and then more than doubled by day 10. The number of regurgitated cuds had a profile similar to the duration of rumination. The number of chewing cycles per cud was lowest on the day before and the day of parturition and ranged from 45 to 61. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that eating and rumination variables decrease from ten days before parturition to a minimum on the day of parturition, after which time they increase.

Influence of non ionizing radiation of base stations on the activity of redox proteins in bovines.

BACKGROUND: The influence of electromagnetic fields on the health of humans and animals is still an intensively discussed and scientifically investigated issue (Prakt Tierarzt 11:15-20, 2003; Umwelt Medizin Gesellschaft 17:326-332, 2004; J Toxicol Environment Health, Part B 12:572-597, 2009). We are surrounded by numerous electromagnetic fields of variable strength, coming from electronic equipment and its power cords, from high-voltage power lines and from antennas for radio, television and mobile communication. Particularly the latter cause's controversy, as everyone likes to have good mobile reception at anytime and anywhere, whereas nobody wants to have such a basestation antenna in their proximity. RESULTS: In this experiment, the NIR has resulted in changes in the enzyme activities. Certain enzymes were disabled, others enabled by NIR. Furthermore, individual behavior patterns were observed. While certain cows reacted to NIR, others did not react at all, or even inversely. CONCLUSION: The present results coincide with the information from the literature, according to which NIR leads to changes in redox proteins, and that there are individuals who are sensitive to radiation and others that are not. However, the latter could not be distinctly attributed - there are cows that react clearly with one enzyme while they do not react with another enzyme at all, or even the inverse. The study approach of testing ten cows each ten times during three phases has proven to be appropriate. Future studies should however set the post-exposure phase later on.

Alfaxalone or ketamine-medetomidine in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy: a comparison of intra-operative parameters and post-operative pain.

OBJECTIVE: To compare post-operative pain in cats after alfaxalone or ketamine- medetomidine anaesthesia for ovariohysterectomy (OHE) and physiologic parameters during and after surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective 'blinded' randomized clinical study. ANIMALS: Twenty-one healthy cats. METHODS: Cats were assigned randomly into two groups: Group A, anaesthesia was induced and maintained with alfaxalone [5 mg kg(-1) intravenously (IV) followed by boli (2 mg kg(-1) IV); Group MK, induction with ketamine (5 mg kg(-1) IV) after medetomidine (30 µg kg(-1) intramuscularly (IM)], and maintenance with ketamine (2 mg kg(-1) IV). Meloxicam (0.2 mg kg(-1) IV) was administered after surgery. Basic physiological data were collected. At time T = -2, 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 hours post-operatively pain was assessed by three methods, a composite pain scale (CPS; 0-24 points), a visual analogue scale (VAS 0-100 mm), and a mechanical wound threshold (MWT) device. Butorphanol (0.2 mg kg(-1) IM) was administered if CPS was scored ≥13. Data were analyzed using a general linear model, Kruskal-Wallis analyses, Bonferroni-Dunn test, unpaired t-test and Fisher's exact test as relevant. Significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: VASs were significantly higher at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 20 hours in group A; MWT values were significantly higher at 8 and 12 hours in group MK. Post-operative MWT decreased significantly compared to baseline in both groups. There was no difference in CPS at any time point. Five cats required rescue analgesia (four in A; one in MK). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Anaesthesia with ketamine-medetomidine was found to provide better post-surgical analgesia than alfaxalone in cats undergoing OHE; however, primary hyperalgesia developed in both groups. Alfaxalone is suitable for induction and maintenance of anaesthesia in cats undergoing OHE, but administration of additional sedative and analgesic drugs is highly recommended.

Evaluation of eating and rumination behaviour in cows using a noseband pressure sensor.

BACKGROUND: An automated technique for recording eating and rumination behaviour was evaluated in ten lactating Brown Swiss cows by comparing data obtained from a pressure sensor with data obtained via direct observation over a 24-hour period. The recording device involved a pressure sensor integrated in the noseband of a halter. The analysed variables included number and duration of individual rumination, eating and resting phases, total daily length of these phases and number of cuds chewed per day. RESULTS: Eating and rumination phases were readily differentiated based on characteristic pressure profiles. Chewing movements during rumination were regular and generated regular waveforms with uniform amplitudes, whereas eating generated irregular waveforms with variable amplitudes. There was complete or almost complete agreement and no significant differences between data obtained via direct observation and pressure sensor technique. Both methods yielded an average of 16 daily eating phases with a mean duration of 28.3 minutes. Total time spent eating was 445.0 minutes for direct observation and 445.4 minutes for the pressure sensor technique. Both techniques recorded an average of 13.3 rumination phases with a mean duration of 30.3 (direct observation) and of 30.2 (pressure sensor) minutes. Total time spent ruminating per day, number of cuds per day and chewing cycles per cud were 389.3 and 388.3 minutes, 410.1 and 410.0 and 60.0 and 60.3 for direct observation and pressure sensor technique, respectively. There was a significant difference between the two methods with respect to mean number of chewing cycles per day (24'669, direct observation vs. 24'751, pressure sensor, P < 0.05, paired t-test). There were strong correlations between the two recording methods with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.98 to 1.00. CONCLUSIONS: The results confirmed that measurements of eating and rumination variables obtained via the pressure sensor technique are in excellent agreement with data obtained via direct observation.

[Relationship between metabolic profiles in herd health and 4 scoring systems used in dairy herd health programs: Statistical analysis with an additive Bayesian network]. / Zusammenhänge zwischen metabolischen Profilen und 4 Bestandsbetreuung-Scores bei Milchkühen: Statistische Analyse anhand eines additiven Bayesian Netzwerkes.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to describe the relationship between the biochemical variables used in metabolic profiles and various scores commonly used in herd health management of dairy cows. The Bayesian network was used to determine the relationship between metabolic blood profiles and the scores for body condition (BC), rumen fill (RF), faecal consistency (FC) and undigested fraction (UF) on a herd basis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In each of 10 dairy herds, blood was collected from a minimum of ten lactating cows for biochemical analysis and generation of metabolic profiles. This yielded a total of 106 blood samples. The biochemical results in the metabolic profiles were stratified by days in milk and compared with the scores of BC, RF, FC and UF using an additive Bayesian network. RESULTS: The blood glucose concentration directly affected the FC score. The was an effect of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) on free fatty acids (FFS). An additional effect of BHB on the concentration of urea was detected. The concentration of urea affected the concentration of phosphorus and GOT activity. Urea concentration also affected the blood concentrations of calcium and subsequently magnesium. Rumen fill had an effect on BC score and liver enzyme activity. Glutathione peroxidase, which is used to assess the levels of selenium in cattle, had no significant relationship with the other variables and was therefore isolated in the model. CONCLUSION: The use of a multidimensional model, which in this study was an additive Bayesian network, showed the relationships between the biochemical variables in the metabolic profiles and the scoring systems commonly used for the management of dairy cow herds. The relationships between the biochemical variables and the four scoring systems can be used to manage dairy herds more effectively. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The biochemical variables used in metabolic profiles were correlated with health scoring systems commonly used in dairy herds. The latter can be carried out more rapidly and at a lower cost than metabolic profiles. In dairy cows with metabolic diseases or fertility disorders, scoring systems do not replace detailed evaluations that include metabolic profiles.

Longitudinal study of Chlamydia pecorum in a healthy Swiss cattle population.

Chlamydia pecorum is a globally endemic livestock pathogen but prevalence data from Switzerland has so far been limited. The present longitudinal study aimed to get an insight into the C. pecorum prevalence in Swiss cattle and investigated infection dynamics. The study population consisted of a bovine herd (n = 308) located on a farm in the north-eastern part of Switzerland. The herd comprised dairy cows, beef cattle and calves all sampled up to five times over a one-year period. At each sampling timepoint, rectal and conjunctival swabs were collected resulting in 782 samples per sampled area (total n = 1564). Chlamydiaceae screening was performed initially, followed by C. pecorum-specific real-time qPCR on all samples. For C. pecorum-positive samples, bacterial loads were determined. In this study, C. pecorum was the only chlamydial species found. Animal prevalences were determined to be 5.2-11.4%, 38.1-61.5% and 55-100% in dairy cows, beef cattle and calves, respectively. In all categories, the number of C. pecorum-positive samples was higher in conjunctival (n = 151) compared to rectal samples (n = 65), however, the average rectal load was higher. At a younger age, the chlamydial prevalence and the mean bacterial loads were significantly higher. Of all sampled bovines, only 9.4% (29/308) were high shedders (number of copies per µl >1,000). Calves, which tested positive multiple times, either failed to eliminate the pathogen between sampling timepoints or were reinfected, whereas dairy cows were mostly only positive at one timepoint. In conclusion, C. pecorum was found in healthy Swiss cattle. Our observations suggested that infection takes place at an early age and immunity might develop over time. Although the gastrointestinal tract is supposed to be the main infection site, C. pecorum was not present in rectal samples from dairy cows.

Clinical findings and treatment in cattle with caecal dilatation.

BACKGROUND: This retrospective study describes the clinical and laboratory findings, treatment and outcome of 461 cattle with caecal dilatation. RESULTS: The general condition and demeanor were abnormal in 93.1% of cases, and 32.1% of the patients had colic. Ruminal motility was reduced or absent in 78.3% of cattle. In 82.6% of cases, swinging and/or percussion auscultation were positive on the right side, and 82.4% had little or no faeces in the rectum. Caecal dilatation could be diagnosed via rectal palpation in 405 (88.0%) cattle. There was caudal displacement of the dilated caecum in 291 patients, torsion around the longitudinal axis in 20 and retroflexion in 94. The most important laboratory finding was hypocalcaemia, which occurred in 85.1% of cases. Of the 461 cattle, 122 (26.5%) initially received conservative therapy (intravenous fluids, neostigmine, calcium borogluconate) and 329 (71.4%) underwent surgical treatment. Ten patients were slaughtered or euthanased after the initial physical examination. Of the 122 cattle that received conservative treatment, 42 did not respond after one to two days of therapy and required surgical treatment. The final number of cattle that were operated was 371 (80.5%). Because of a grave prognosis, 24 cases were euthanased or slaughtered intraoperatively. Another 24 cattle did not respond to one or more operations and were euthanased or slaughtered. Of the 461 patients, 403 (87.4%) responded to either conservative or surgical treatment and were cured, and 58 were euthanased or slaughtered. CONCLUSIONS: Caecal dilatation can usually be diagnosed based on clinical findings and treated conservatively or surgically. Swinging and percussion auscultation as well as rectal examination are important diagnostic tools. Conservative treatment is not rewarding in cattle considered surgical candidates with suspected caecal torsion or retroflexion and surgery should not be delayed in these patients.

Intraoperative contamination of the suction tip in clean orthopedic surgeries in dogs and cats.

OBJECTIVE: To (1) determine suction tip (intermittent and continuous mode) contamination rate in orthopedic surgery in dogs and cats; (2) examine the effect of surgical time on contamination; and (3) report bacteria isolated. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Clean orthopedic surgeries (n = 50). METHODS: Surgical procedures were assigned to 1 of 2 groups: (1) continuous (n = 25) or (2) intermittent suction (n = 25). A control suction was operated in each surgery. Samples for aerobic and anaerobic bacteriologic examination were collected from the surgical suction at 0, 20, 60 minutes, and at the end of surgery, and from the control suction at the end of the surgery only. Comparison of continuous and intermittent suction data, and the effect of surgical time on contamination rate were analyzed using a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis followed by a Cox proportional hazards model. P < .05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Aerobic contamination occurred in 22 of 50 surgical procedures and there was no anaerobic growth. There was no significant difference between continuous and intermittent suction mode groups (P = .40). Surgical time did not influence the contamination rate (P = .79). Bacterial cultures mainly revealed coagulase-negative Staphylococci, however multiresistant bacteria were isolated. CONCLUSIONS: We failed to find superiority of the intermittent operation mode of the suction tip over the continuous mode. A safe time frame before contamination of the suction tip occurs that could not be defined.

Epidemiology of canine glaucoma presented to University of Zurich from 1995 to 2009. Part 1: Congenital and primary glaucoma (4 and 123 cases).

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the epidemiology of canine congenital and primary glaucoma in the cases presented to the University of Zurich, Vetsuisse Faculty (UZH) from 1995 to 2009. METHODS: Information was obtained from the computer database of patients examined by members of the UZH Ophthalmology Service, between January 1995 and August 2009. Congenital and primary glaucoma was diagnosed based on the age of onset, the lack of evidence of any antecedent eye conditions, and/or the presence and severity of iridocorneal angle defects. The data was evaluated for breed, gender and age at presentation. RESULTS: A total of 5984 dogs presented to the UZH Ophthalmology service between 1995 and 2009. Four dogs of different breed were diagnosed with congenital glaucoma and 123 dogs were diagnosed with primary glaucoma. For the primary glaucomas the overall male to female ratio (M:F) was 1:1.41 and the age of onset ranged from 0.12 to 18.3 years with a mean of 7.3 ± 3.6 years. Data suggested a predisposition for primary glaucoma in the Siberian Husky, Magyar Vizsla and Newfoundland from 2004 to 2009. CONCLUSION: The report presents the epidemiology of canine congenital and primary glaucomas presented to the UZH from 1995 to 2009. A previous suspicion of predisposition for primary glaucoma in the Newfoundland dog (n = 6) and the Magyar Vizsla breed (n = 8) was confirmed.

Epidemiology of canine glaucoma presented to University of Zurich from 1995 to 2009. Part 2: secondary glaucoma (217 cases).

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the epidemiology of canine secondary glaucomas in the cases presented to the University of Zurich, Vetsuisse Faculty (UZH) from 1995 to 2009 focusing on possible risk factors for developing secondary glaucoma in this population of dogs. METHODS: Information was obtained from the computer database of patients examined by members of the UZH Ophthalmology Service, between January 1995 and August 2009. Secondary glaucoma was diagnosed based on the presence of antecedent eye conditions. The data was evaluated for breed, gender, age at presentation, and for antecedent eye conditions known to cause glaucoma including anterior uveitis of unknown cause (AU), lens luxation (LL), intraocular surgery (SX), intraocular neoplasia (IN), unspecified trauma to the globe (T), ocular melanosis (OM), hypermature cataract (PY), hyphema (HY), and six other less frequent conditions. RESULTS: A total of 217 dogs were diagnosed with secondary glaucoma from 1995 to 2009. The age of the dogs with secondary glaucoma ranged between 88 days and 19 years (mean 7.7 ± 3.6 years). Data suggested a predisposition for secondary glaucoma in the Cairn Terrier and the Jack Russell Terrier breeds from 2004 to 2009. Common causes of secondary glaucoma from 1995 to 2009 were AU (23.0%), LL (22.6%), SX (13.4%), IN (10.6%), T (8.3%), OM and PY (both 6.9%) and HY (3.23%). CONCLUSION: The report presents the epidemiology of secondary glaucomas presented to UZH from 1995 to 2009. Fourteen risk factors were recorded for secondary glaucoma. This is the first paper documenting OM in the Swiss Cairn Terrier dog population.

[Screening of febrile cows using a small handheld infrared thermography device]. / Anwendung einer kleinen tragbaren Wärmebildkamera zum Screening auf Kühe mit Fieber.

OBJECTIVE: As dairy herds increase in size, close monitoring of health becomes a necessity, but this is expensive and labour-intensive. Early detection of febrile diseases is essential for economical and welfare reasons and to prevent the spread of disease. The goal of this study was therefore to evaluate a mobile, non-invasive technique for measuring the body temperature of cows that precludes the need for restraint of the animals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An infrared thermographic imaging camera installed on a smart phone was used to measure the surface temperature of cows. In experiment 1, a metal block heated to defined temperatures was used to obtain infrared thermographic measurements (THM). The accuracy of THM made at different distances from the block and at 2 different ambient temperatures was determined. In experiment 2, non-febrile cows underwent infrared thermographic imaging, and the body regions with the highest correlations between thermographic and rectal temperature were identified. In experiment 3, THM were made in febrile and neighbouring non-febrile cows. RESULTS: In experiment 1, the thermographic and true temperatures of the block had the strongest relationships at 0.5 and 1.0 m (r = 0.98). The ambient temperature had a significant effect on the THM, which had larger variations and greater deviations from the block temperature at 14.8 °C than at 23.8 °C. In experiment 2, the maximum temperature at the eye (r = 0.37), THM at the muzzle (r = 0.28) and the medial canthus (r = 0.27) showed the strongest relationships with the rectal temperature. After correcting the THM with the mean difference between thermographic and rectal temperatures of the non-febrile cows, sensitivities of 88, 90 and 82 %, respectively, were calculated for THM at the muzzle, eye and medial canthus in febrile cows in experiment 3. The corresponding specificities were 6, 23 and 32 %. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Based on the low specificities of the infrared THM, the thermographic imaging camera has limited usefulness for the mass screening of dairy cows for febrile conditions. Cattle falsely identified as febrile need to be separated, caught and re-examined, which causes unnecessary stress to the animal and increases labour input.

Evaluation of a rebound tonometer (Tonovet) in clinically normal cat eyes.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the accuracy of and to establish reference values for a rebound tonometer (Tonovet) in normal feline eyes, to compare it with an applanation tonometer (Tonopen Vet) and to evaluate the effect of topical anesthesia on rebound tonometry. PROCEDURES: Six enucleated eyes were used to compare both tonometers with direct manometry. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured in 100 cats to establish reference values for rebound tonometry. Of these, 22 cats were used to compare rebound tonometry with and without topical anesthesia and 33 cats to compare the rebound and applanation tonometers. All evaluated eyes were free of ocular disease. RESULTS: Both tonometers correlated well with direct manometry. The best agreement with the rebound tonometer was achieved between 25-50 mmHg. The applanation tonometer was accurate at pressures between 0 and 30 mmHg. The mean IOP in clinically normal cats was 20.74 mmHg with the rebound tonometer and 18.4 mmHg with the applanation tonometer. Topical anesthesia did not significantly affect rebound tonometry. CONCLUSIONS: As the rebound tonometer correlated well with direct manometry in the clinically important pressure range and was well tolerated by cats, it appears suitable for glaucoma diagnosis. The mean IOP obtained with the rebound tonometer was 2-3 mmHg higher than that measured with the applanation tonometer. This difference is within clinically acceptable limits, but indicates that the same type of tonometer should be used in follow-up examinations in a given cat.

Comparison of racemic ketamine and S-ketamine as agents for the induction of anaesthesia in goats.

OBJECTIVE: To compare racemic ketamine and S-ketamine as induction agents prior to isoflurane anaesthesia. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, blinded, randomized experimental study. ANIMALS: Thirty-one healthy adult goats weighing 39-86 kg. METHODS: Goats were premedicated with xylazine (0.1 mg kg(-1)) intravenously (IV) given over 5 minutes. Each goat was assigned randomly to one of two treatments for IV anaesthetic induction: group RK (15 goats) racemic ketamine (3 mg kg(-1)) and group SK (16 goats) S-ketamine (1.5 mg kg(-1)). Time from end-injection to recumbency was measured and quality of anaesthetic induction and condition for endotracheal intubation were scored. Anaesthesia was maintained with isoflurane in oxygen for 90 minutes. Heart rate, invasive arterial blood pressure, oxygen saturation, temperature, end-tidal carbon dioxide and isoflurane were recorded every 5 minutes. Arterial blood samples were taken for analysis every 30 minutes. Recovery time to recurrence of swallowing reflex, to first head movement and to standing were recorded and recovery quality was scored. Two-way repeated measures anova, Mann-Whitney and a Mantel-Cox tests were used for statistical analysis as relevant with a significance level set at p<0.05. RESULTS: Induction of anaesthesia was smooth and uneventful in all goats. There was no statistical difference between groups in any measured parameter. Side effects following anaesthetic induction included slight head or limb twitching, moving forward and backward, salivation and nystagmus but were minimal. Endotracheal intubation was achieved in all goats at first or second attempt. Recovery was uneventful on all occasions. All goats were quiet and needed only one or two attempts to stand. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: S-ketamine at half the dose rate of racemic ketamine in goats sedated with xylazine and thereafter anaesthetised with isoflurane induces the same clinically measurable effects.

[Changes in claw and leg health and hair cortisol concentration in dairy cows during the transition from tie-stall to free-stall housing - A study of a medium-sized farm]. / Veränderungen der Klauen- und Gliedmaßengesundheit sowie Haarkortisolkonzentration von Milchkühen bei der Umstellung von Anbinde- auf Laufstallhaltung.

OBJECTIVE: Claw health and carpal and tarsal lesions were assessed in a dairy herd during the transition from a tie-stall to a free-stall barn. The stress associated with the change in housing was also evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The initial size of the herd was 57 dairy cows, which were evaluated 4 times, 4-5 months apart, in a hoof-trimming chute. Claw horn and skin lesions of the foot were considered separately. The carpi and hocks were assessed for hair loss and skin lesions, and the hocks were also evaluated for swelling. Tail hair samples were collected from all cows during the second visit, and the cortisol concentration of 3 different sections of the hair was measured. RESULTS: The high prevalence of digital dermatitis and other skin lesions in the hind legs seen in the tie-stall barn (49 %) did not change significantly during the 14-month study period and was 46 % at the last visit. Heel horn erosions of the hind feet were rare in the tie-stall barn (14 %), but had a prevalence of 100 % at the end of the study. There was a trend for a decrease in the prevalence of other claw horn lesions. The prevalence and severity of carpal and hock lesions decreased significantly in the free-stall barn. Compared to values in cows at the tie-stall barn, the hair cortisol concentration was significantly higher during the transition period and at the free-stall barn. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The target variables were subjected to a multitude of factors but it can be assumed that the more comfortable lying surface in the free-stall barn had the most significant effect on carpal and tarsal joint health. The fluctuating prevalence of claw horn lesions indicates that claws health should be monitored closely. The increase in hair cortisol concentration after the transition to the free-stall barn could imply increased stress, but washout of cortisol in more distal hair segments could not be ruled out. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results of the present report cannot be directly applied to other herds; however, the significance of cow comfort is highlighted by the presence of fewer carpal and hock lesions. The significant increase in the prevalence of heel horn erosions indicates that the horn capsule is compromised under free-stall conditions.

A study of cardiovascular function under controlled and spontaneous ventilation in isoflurane-medetomidine anaesthetized horses.

OBJECTIVE: To determine, in mildly hypercapnic horses under isoflurane-medetomidine balanced anaesthesia, whether there is a difference in cardiovascular function between spontaneous ventilation (SV) and intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective randomized clinical study. ANIMALS: Sixty horses, undergoing elective surgical procedures under general anaesthesia: ASA classification I or II. METHODS: Horses were sedated with medetomidine and anaesthesia was induced with ketamine and diazepam. Anaesthesia was maintained with isoflurane and a constant rate infusion of medetomidine. Horses were assigned to either SV or IPPV for the duration of anaesthesia. Horses in group IPPV were maintained mildly hypercapnic (arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO(2)) 50-60 mmHg, 6.7-8 kPa). Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) was maintained above 70 mmHg by an infusion of dobutamine administered to effect. Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (f(R)), arterial blood pressure and inspiratory and expiratory gases were monitored continuously. A bolus of ketamine was administered when horses showed nystagmus. Cardiac output was measured using lithium dilution. Arterial blood-gas analysis was performed regularly. Recovery time was noted and recovery quality scored. RESULTS: There were no differences between groups concerning age, weight, body position during anaesthesia and anaesthetic duration. Respiratory rate was significantly higher in group IPPV. Significantly more horses in group IPPV received supplemental ketamine. There were no other significant differences between groups. All horses recovered from anaesthesia without complications. CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference in cardiovascular function in horses undergoing elective surgery during isoflurane-medetomidine anaesthesia with SV in comparison with IPPV, provided the horses are maintained slightly hypercapnic. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In horses with health status ASA I and II, cardiovascular function under general anaesthesia is equal with or without IPPV if the PaCO(2) is maintained at 50-60 mmHg.