Bovine congenital defects recorded by veterinary practitioners.

A mobile phone app was used by 59 veterinary practitioners to collect case histories and images of 191 cattle with congenital defects distributed nationally over a 3-year period. The majority of cases were recorded during the spring calving season (57.6%) in pluriparous dairy dams. The majority of calves were recorded at birth or within the first week (66.5%) in singletons born at full-term. On the majority of farms (75.9%), this was the only congenitally deformed bovine recorded up to that point in the year and on the majority of farms, there were no congenitally deformed cattle recorded in the previous 5 years. The majority of congenital defects (83.5%) were recorded in the musculoskeletal or digestive systems. The three most commonly recorded individual defects were intestinal atresia (24.1%), schistosomus reflexus (20.4%) and ankylosis (6.8%); multiple defects were recorded in 13.1% of cases. These findings highlight the relatively high prevalence of intestinal atresia and schistosomus reflexus in calves attended by veterinary practitioners, which warrants implementation of preventive measures. The project highlights the potential benefits of veterinary-practitioner apps to detect changing trends in endemic, or the emergence of novel, congenital or other conditions.

Risk factors for, and genetic association with, intestinal atresia in dairy calves.

Intestinal atresia is an under-diagnosed congenital defect in cattle. It results in complete occlusion of the intestinal lumen and, unless surgically corrected, results in death or euthanasia of the affected calf. There is limited information on the incidence of this condition or on risk factors, including predisposing alleles, associated with the defect. In this study, active surveillance of 39 dairy farms over 8 years identified 197 cases of intestinal atresia among 56 454 calves born, an incidence of 0.35%. The majority of cases (83%) had occlusion of the jejunum, although cases with blockage of the colon (14%) or anus (4%) were also identified. The defect was twice as common in male as in female calves (p < 0.0001), and was more common in progeny of older cows than in progeny of first or second lactation cows (p < 0.001). Year and farm of birth were also significantly associated with incidence (p < 0.05). The incidence of intestinal atresia was highest among the progeny of three related Jersey sires, suggesting that a gene for intestinal atresia was segregating within this family. Linkage analysis utilising 28 affected progeny of two half-sib putative carrier sires identified two putative quantitative trait loci associated with the defect, on chromosomes 14 and 26, although no clear candidate genes were identified. There was no evidence of a sire-effect among the progeny of Holstein-Friesian sires. However, a case-control genome-wide association study involving 91 cases and 375 healthy controls, identified 31 SNP in 18 loci as associated with the defect in this breed. These data suggest that intestinal atresia in dairy calves is not a simple Mendelian trait as previously reported but a complex multigenic disorder.

Large Colon Volvulus in a Neonatal Foal Secondary to Atresia Coli.

An 18 hours old foal presented with a suspected meconium impaction. There was no response to treatment and a tentative diagnosis of atresia coli (AC) was made. Surgical intervention was declined and the foal was euthanized 12 hours after admission. Type 3 AC was confirmed on post-mortem examination, with the colon ending at the left ventral colon. A 1,080 large colon volvulus (LCV) at the sternal flexure was present. It is speculated that AC could predispose the foal to LCV. Histopathology was not performed but would be useful in further cases of AC.

Surgical repair and management of congenital intestinal atresia in 68 calves.

OBJECTIVE: To determine outcome and survival rate after surgical treatment of intestinal atresia, gender predilection, and effect of rectal palpation on the cause of atresia coli in calves. STUDY DESIGN; Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: Newborn calves (n=68). METHODS: Data collected were husbandry system, anamneses, physical examination findings, surgical treatments, and postoperative results. Calves with atresia ani, and with atresia coli et recti had anal reconstruction and right flank colostomy, respectively. In midflank colostomized calves, the inner muscular layers were dissected to form a valve-like stoma. RESULTS: Of 68 calves with intestinal atresia, 37 were treated surgically. Anal reconstruction was performed in 21 calves with atresia ani with a long-term survival rate of at least 6 months with good condition. Colostomy was performed in 14 calves with atresia coli and 1 with atresia coli et recti; survival rate was 73%. The case morbidity rate for intestinal atresia was 13.8% and for atresia coli, 5.7% in the hospital population. No gender predilection for occurrence of atresia ani and atresia coli was identified. Palpation per rectum for early pregnancy diagnosis did not predispose to atresia coli. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of atresia ani through circular anal skin removal has a good prognosis for survival. Colostomy is not an acceptable treatment from the calf's perspective because of the resulting poor condition but the high survival rate is important to allow continued milk production of the dam. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Early diagnosis, supportive treatment, and surgical correction are important in management of atresia coli.

Modified colostomy technique for colonic atresia in calves.

OBJECTIVE: To report a modified colostomy technique for permanent fecal diversion in calves with colonic atresia. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: Calves (n=19) with colonic atresia. METHODS: Clinical findings, white blood cell counts, radiologic, ultrasonographic, and intraoperative findings were recorded. Calves were randomly divided into 2 groups: group 1 (n=9) had conventional colostomy and group 2 (n=10) had a modified colostomy. Technique efficacy was evaluated by postoperative observation, owner satisfaction, and calf survival. RESULTS: Fifteen (79%) calves were discharged from the hospital; 4 (21%) group 1 calves died within 24 hours after surgery. Two (40%) group 1 calves died 18 and 30 days after surgery and 5 (50%) group 2 calves died 2-60 days after surgery. Eight calves reached slaughter weight (120+/-10 kg); 5 group 2 calves grew normally but the 3 group 1 calves had lower weight gain. Owners of the calves with conventional colostomy reported that the evacuation of feces was continuous whereas owners of calves with the modified colostomy reported that feces were released through the stoma in intervals. CONCLUSION: Modification of conventional colostomy by forming an hourglass shaped stoma lessens fecal incontinence but there was no difference in survival rate. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Modified colostomy was considered advantageous because of intermittent fecal discharge from the stoma compared with continuous fecal release in conventional colostomy. The modified technique seemingly has a beneficial effect on growth of the calf.

Congenital segmental intestinal anomalies in calves.

This focus article has been prepared by Alwyn Jones, veterinary investigation officer with SRUC Veterinary Services.

Surgery of the bovine large intestine.

Cecal dilatation in cows and large intestinal atresia in neonatal calves are the most important diseases of the bovine large intestine amenable to surgical correction under field conditions. Clinical symptoms, diagnostic steps, surgical and medical treatment, etiopathogenesis, and prognosis are discussed. Surgery for correction of cecal dilatation, with and without retroflexion or torsion, can be performed under field conditions. In contrast, only anal reconstruction after atresia ani or colostomy in the case of atresia coli are amenable to field surgery; more complicated bypass procedures with anastomosis for atresia coli are best performed in hospital settings. Correcting intestinal atresia is not recommended because of animal welfare and breeding hygiene issues; it should be undertaken for salvage purposes only.

Impact of bacterial translocation in calves with atresia coli.

OBJECTIVE: To identify whether enteric bacteria pass into the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) and peritoneal cavity in calves with atresia coli and to evaluate whether the presence of bacterial translocation (BT) has an impact on the success of surgical treatment. DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: Twenty-six client-owned calves. INTERVENTIONS: During laparotomy, swab samples were collected from the peritoneal cavity and MLNs using a sterile swab stick and were submitted for microbiological analysis. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Bacterial cultures of swab samples revealed that 65% (n = 17) of the calves experienced BT. Of these, 14 calves experienced BT to the MLNs, 9 to the peritoneal cavity, and 5 to both regions. Of the bacteria isolated from the MLNs, 72% (n = 10) were Escherichia coli. Of the samples isolated from the peritoneal fluid, 33% (n = 3) contained E. coli and 33% (n = 3) contained E. coli + coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CNS). In calves with BT that were discharged (n = 13) and without BT that were discharged (n = 7), the median survival was 30 days; these data were found to be similar in the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that BT is observed in the majority of atresia coli cases. E. coli is more common in BT, and translocation occurs primarily through the lymphatic route. These results suggest that the presence of BT is closely related to the success of the operation for correction of atresia coli.

Comparison between allantochorion membrane and amniotic sac detection by per rectal palpation for pregnancy diagnosis on pregnancy loss, calving rates, and abnormalities in newborn calves.

The objectives of the present investigation were to evaluate the pregnancy diagnosis by detection of either the allantochorion membrane (FMS) or amniotic sac (ASP) by per rectum palpation (PRP) during late embryonic or early fetal period on pregnancy loss (PRL) at reexamination, calving rates, and abnormalities in newborn calves. A controlled randomized blind design with 800 lactating dairy pregnant cows diagnosed by transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) between Days 35 and 57 of gestation from one dairy farm were included. The cows were randomly divided according to detection of allantochorion membrane (FMS group; n = 264), detection of amniotic sac (ASP group; n = 266), and TRUS (control [CON] group; n = 270). TRUS was considered as the criterion standard method of comparison. The entire PRP was performed by one experienced veterinarian. Then, all the cows were reexamined only by TRUS between 2 and 4 weeks later by two independent veterinarians to assess PRL. The calving rate one (number of cows calved divided by the number of cows initially pregnant) and calving rate two (number of cows calved divided by the number of cows pregnant at reexamination) for each group was calculated. All abortions and stillborns were necropsied, and calves alive were followed for 5 days. The overall initial PRL (between initial pregnant cows and reexamination) for FMS, ASP, and CON groups was 7.4% (19/258), 8.8% (23/262), and 9.2% (24/260), respectively (P = 0.75). The overall late PRL (between reexamination and calving) for FMS, ASP, and CON groups was 4.2% (9/213), 5.7% (12/209), and 4.2% (9/216), respectively (P = 0.71). The calving rate one for FMS, ASP, and TRUS groups was 79.1% (204/258), 75.2% (197/262), and 79.6% (207/260), respectively (P = 0.63). The calving rate two for the same groups was 85.4% (204/239), 82.4% (197/239), and 87.7% (207/236), respectively (P = 0.27). The number of fetuses aborted late, premature, and mature dead from FMS, ASP, and CON groups was 6, 4, and 5, respectively (P = 0.85), and no abnormalities at necropsy were detected. One stillborn male calf with atresia coli after 281 days of gestation from a cow examined by ASP at Day 51 was diagnosed. It was concluded that the use of either FMS or ASP for pregnancy diagnosis during late embryonic or early fetal period did not increase the PRL, affect calving rates, or produce calves with congenital abnormalities.

End-to-side anastomosis of the left ventral colon to the small colon in a neonatal foal with segmental agenesis of the large colon.

CASE REPORT: A newborn foal was referred for evaluation because it had not passed meconium, despite the administration of four enemas. Abdominal radiographs and ultrasound scans showed generalised gaseous distension of the intestine and there was no observable meconium in the colon. Positive contrast colography showed contrast medium extending to the transverse colon. An exploratory laparotomy confirmed the absence of the left and right dorsal colon and the pelvic and diaphragmatic flexures. An end-to-side anastomosis of the left ventral colon to the midpoint of the small colon was performed. The foal recovered from anaesthesia and surgery uneventfully and immediately began suckling from the mare, with no signs of abdominal pain in the postoperative period. The foal began to pass soft faeces 3 days after surgery and at 6 months after surgery the foal was clinically normal and growing at a similar rate to its cohort. CONCLUSION: Intestinal atresia is a rare condition in foals, but should be considered as a differential diagnosis in foals that fail to pass meconium. Early recognition and surgical intervention can offer an improved chance of short-term survival in cases where there is adequate intestine to anastomose. An end-to-side anastomosis technique can be used where an end-to-end technique is not practical because of the difference in diameter of the proximal and distal intestinal segments.

Surgical abdomen of the calf.

Although underrepresented compared with infectious diseases, calves' surgical abdomen diseases and abdominal surgery are a part of daily veterinary practice. Clinical presentations may differ from adult cattle and change rapidly. The decision whether to perform abdominal surgery or refer the animal has to take into consideration the condition and its prognosis for the calf. This article discusses clinical presentation of calves and focuses on specific situations with a detailed description of the surgical techniques, atresia coli, and umbilical remnants infection.

Epidemiological investigations of an outbreak of intestinal atresia in two Israeli dairy herds.

An epidemiological investigation of an outbreak of intestinal atresia in Israeli Holstein-Friesian newborn calves showed a linkage with rectal palpation for early pregnancy diagnosis, performed less than 42 days after insemination. The odds of an exposed calf, i.e., one born to a dam that was diagnosed by early palpation as having intestinal atresia were 119.7 times higher than one born in normal control herds (95% CI; 7.4-1946.3). A total of 682 calves-at-risk was recorded from mid-1998 to mid-2000 and a total of 47 calves (6.9%) were born with intestinal atresia during this period. Two forms of intestinal atresia were recognized at post-mortem: atresia coli and atresia ilei.

Clinical management and surgical repair of atresia coli in calves: 66 cases (1977-1988).

The medical records of 66 calves with atresia coli were reviewed; 64 calves were examined at the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine, and 2 calves were examined at the New Bolton Center. In each case, the site of the atresia was within the spiral loop of the ascending colon. In 1 of these calves, a segment of jejunum was also atretic. Absence of feces, progressive weakness, and abdominal distension were the most common clinical signs observed. Other congenital abnormalities were detected in 12 (18%) of 66 calves. Of the 66 calves examined, 5 were euthanatized or died on admission, and 61 had an exploratory celiotomy performed. Eight calves were euthanatized or died during the surgery. In the remaining 53 calves, surgical treatment consisted of enterotomy followed by meconium evacuation, resection of the proximal blind end (in 30 calves), and restoration of intestinal continuity. Restoration of intestinal continuity was done either by side-to-side anastomosis of the proximal to distal blind ends (5 calves), or by side-to-side or end-to-side anastomosis of the proximal blind end to the descending colon (48 calves). Of the 66 calves seen, 27 (41%) were discharged from the hospital, and 11 of these reached reproductive age (11 calves were lost to follow-up before they were 2 years old). From the 11 calves reaching reproductive age, 33 calves were born, one of which may have had atresia coli. The owners should anticipate that long-term survivors likely will have loose feces and normal offspring, but may not grow as well as otherwise expected.

Atresia coli in calves: 26 cases (1977-1987).

Atresia coli was identified in 26 calves. In calves with abdominal distension, progressive depression, and the absence of feces since birth, atresia coli should be suspected. Surgery was performed on 24 calves, involving decompression of the distended large intestine followed by colonic anastomosis. Nine calves were subsequently discharged; 3 of those calves reached breeding age. As an adult, 1 of the calves produced 5 offspring unaffected by atresia coli. Early postoperative mortality was associated with hypothermia, peritonitis, and ischemic necrosis of the large intestine. Calves with visible signs of peritonitis at surgery had a poor prognosis. Four calves had motility disturbances of the colon after surgery. These were characteristic of a functional obstruction and were unresponsive to treatment. Surgery was most successful in calves that were bright, alert, and ambulatory.

Surgical repair of atresia jejuni in two calves.

Two Holstein calves with similar histories of not defecating since birth were determined to have atresia jejuni. Resection of the distended blind end of the jejunum and the remaining jejunum and ileum followed by a jejunocecostomy was performed. One calf died 7 months after surgery of unknown causes. The second calf has survived for greater than 1 year, and has maintained a growth rate similar to other calves its age. Atresia jejuni has been reported to be a universally fatal disorder of unknown pathogenesis. It has been postulated that intestinal atresia is caused by palpation of the amniotic vesicle at the time of pregnancy diagnosis, between days 36 and 42 of gestation.

Intestinal atresia in calves: 22 cases (1978-1988).

A retrospective study of 22 calves afflicted with intestinal atresia was performed to determine typical signs of disease, treatment, and survival rate. All 22 calves, except 2 heifers with atresia ani and rectovaginal fistula, were examined when they were between 1 and 10 days old because of depression, anorexia, abdominal distention, and lack of feces. All calves had been observed to stand and suckle shortly after birth. Survival rate was influenced by the atretic segment affected: 0% (0/2 surgically treated) for atresia jejunal; 42% (5/12 examined) or 71% (5/7 recovering from general anesthesia) for atresia coli; and 63% (5/8 examined) or 71% (5/7 surgically treated) for atresia ani. Survival appeared to depend principally on early recognition, anatomic site affected, and successful surgical establishment of a patent intestinal tract.

Short colon in two cats and a dog.

Two cats and 1 dog were referred for evaluation of signs of large-intestinal dysfunction. In each instance, contrast radiography revealed an abnormally short, straight colon, with the cecum located in the left hemi-abdomen. Short colon did not appear to contribute specifically to the active disease processes found. The anomaly may develop owing to errors in the processes of elongation and rotation of the embryo's midgut. The clinical relevance of short colon is unknown, but the disorder may contribute to a history of chronic elimination of soft feces.

Congenital abnormalities of internal organs and body cavities.

Many of these malformations are reported sporadically, but a few are common, and several have important clinical implications. One example is schistosomus reflexus, which is always a challenge for veteran clinicians and often baffling to inexperienced obstetricians. The recent finding that early palpation of the amniotic vesicle can cause intestinal atresia in calves is extremely significant for dairy practitioners. Finally, there is the ethical question in breeding animals--repairing defects that are thought to be genetic, such as atresia ani, scrotal hernia, and umbilical hernia.

Surgical aspects of intestinal atresia in 58 calves.

Fifty-eight calves with intestinal atresia at different sites were treated surgically. In only four of the animals the anal opening was reconstructed directly in the perineal region. In the remaining cases the final extent of the atresia was confirmed by a right flank laparotomy and in seven calves an anal opening was made in the perineal region and in seven calves the opening was made in the right flank. The remaining 40 calves were euthanased for different reasons. Seven of the 18 surgically corrected animals made a satisfactory recovery.

Intestinal atresia and stenosis: a review comparing its etiopathogenesis.

Two theories were proposed originally to describe the development of congenital intestinal atresia. The theory of imperfect recanalization, the theory of vascular insufficiency, and studies which have been performed to validate each of these theories were reviewed. Specific causes of the development of vascular insufficiencies in different species were reviewed if literature was available. In utero vascular accidents have been incriminated as the major cause of congenital intestinal atresia distal to the duodenum. There was relatively little evidence to show that intestinal atresia is inherited in any species. Duodenal atresia may be caused by either an embryologic defect for which there is some evidence of inheritance or by a vascular accident. The pathogenic mechanism for intestinal atresia may be similar in most species.