[Possibilities and limits for therapy of amniotic hydrops in cattle. A review]. / Möglichkeiten und Grenzen der Therapie der Eihautwassersucht beim Rind. Ubersichtsreferat.

The review describes the occurrence, causes and clinical signs of bovine placental hydrops. Furthermore prognosis, operative and hormonal treatment possibilities for interruption of pathological gestation as well as subsequent treatment are discussed.

[Examination of the total protein concentration and gamma-glutamyltransferase (gamma-GT) in calves during the first 14 days of life and their significance for predictions of health status in the first two postnatal weeks]. / Untersuchungen des Gesamteiweissgehalts und der gamma-Glutamyltransferase (gamma-GT) bei Kälbern in den ersten 14 Lebenstagen und ihre Bedeutung für die Voraussage des Gesundheitszustandes in den ersten 2 Wochen post natum.

The objective of the present paper was to examine the development of the total protein concentration in blood serum and the gamma-GT activity in 49 calves in relation to the health status during the first 14 days of life. For this purpose, blood samples were taken immediately after birth of the animals, after 6, 12, 18 and 24 hours and from then onwards once a day with the calves being subject to a thorough clinical examination each time. All calves received pooled colostrum. At the end of the experiment, the calves were subdivided into three groups on the basis of their health status, i.e. control calves, calves with a slight or moderately severe disease and calves suffering from a severe disease. In all three groups the total protein concentration increased significantly after the colostrum intake and decreased slowly from the 2nd day of life onwards. The gamma-GT activity as well increased significantly after the colostrum intake and decreased rapidly after 12th hour of life and progressively in the further course of the experiment. Both parameters varied considerably from one calf to the next and no statistically significant differences in these parameters between the three groups could be found. It can thus be deduced that the total protein concentration in blood serum and the gamma-GT activity do not allow any predictions about the development of the health status during the first 14 days of life to be made.

Outbreak of Salmonella enteritidis phage type 6 infection associated with food items provided at a buffet meal.

Preliminary enquiries following prompt notification of three cases of suspected food poisoning revealed that they had all attended the same three functions during the preceding weekend. Subsequent investigation identified 49 people with gastrointestinal symptoms, 13 of whom were infected with Salmonella enteritidis phage type 6. Forty-five of those with symptoms, including 11 with confirmed infection, had eaten a buffet meal at a public house. Eating egg sandwiches was strongly associated with infection. Defects in the kitchen structure and the storage and handling of the implicated food items provided the potential for cross contamination. Salmonella was isolated from several environmental sites, including a general purpose cleaning cloth. Two different quiches and pork pies, which were possible vehicles of infection were thought to have been contaminated after being brought into the kitchen. The investigation did not reveal whether or not shell eggs used in the sandwiches were the original source or whether they too had been contaminated during their preparation.

Prophylaxis of respiratory distress syndrome in premature calves by administration of dexamethasone or a prostaglandin F2 alpha analogue to their dams before parturition.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate effects of preterm induction of calving by administration of flumethasone and dinoprost on the lecithin-to-sphingomyelin ratio in amniotic fluid and on neonatal respiratory distress after birth. ANIMALS: 45 dairy cows and their newborn calves. PROCEDURE: Amniotic fluid from 45 cows was obtained and tested between days 258 and 270 of gestation. Cows were then given flumethasone (10 mg; n = 15), dinoprost (25 mg; n = 15), or saline solution (n = 15). Thirty hours later, left flank cesarean section was performed, amniotic fluid was collected, and the calf was delivered. Blood for determination of progesterone was withdrawn at amniotic fluid sample collections and before induction of calving. Blood for analysis of pH and base deficit was collected from calves during cesarean section and repeatedly after birth. Phospholipids in amniotic fluid were measured by thin-layer chromatography, and progesterone was determined by radioimmunoassay. Base deficit and pH were measured, using a blood gas analyzer. RESULTS: Before treatments, a corpus luteum was present in all cows and the lecithin-to-sphingomyelin ratio in amniotic fluid did not differ between groups. Thirty hours after injections of flumethasone and dinoprost, progesterone concentration had decreased (P < 0.05) and the lecithin-to-sphingomyelin ratio was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than values in controls. In calves delivered after flumethasone or dinoprost treatments, the degree of acidosis was significantly (P < 0.05) less than that in controls. CONCLUSIONS: Flumethasone and dinoprost, given to pregnant cows, accelerate fetal lung maturation and improve respiratory function after birth.

[Sonographic control of wound healing after caesarean section in cattle]. / Sonographische Verlaufskontrolle der Wundheilung nach Sectio caesarea beim Rind.

In this study, the use of transcutaneous ultrasonography for the post-operative control of wound healing after caesarean section in cattle was investigated. In 20 cows, admitted to our clinic because of dystocia, a caesarean section was performed via the left flank. Post-operatively, the laparotomy wound was checked with a 5.0 and a 7.5 MHz linear probe every three days until the animal was discharged. In 10 animals, accumulation of fluid was detected ultrasonographically before fluctuation could be palpated in the peri-incision area. The fluid was aspirated after punctuation of the skin and was submitted for microbiological analysis. In 5 cases, sterile haemato-seromas were diagnosed and resorption of the process was followed by repeated ultrasonographic examination. In 5 animals, bacteria could be cultured and in 4 of these cases, development of an abscess was detected with repeated ultrasonography. In one cow, an infected heamatoma was found which remained unchanged, both ultrasonographically and clinically until the animal was discharged. In conclusion, ultrasonography does add important findings to the clinical evaluation of the laparotomy wound after caesarean section and can be used for early diagnosis of a disturbed healing process.

[On calving in the pasture during the fall (veterinary expert)]. / Zur Abkalbung bei Weidehaltung im Herbst (Tierärztliches Gutachten).

The objective of the following study was a veterinary expert opinion dealing with the evaluation of the pasturing of a cow and her calf during fall with special respect to animal welfare. The legal basis of this expert opinion was the Animal Welfare Act as amended on 1993. It is emphasized that there are no binding legal regulations as to the pasturing of livestock and that, especially because of the increasing public interest in animal welfare matters, the definition of minimal requirements would be desirable.

[Changes in calcium concentration in bovine udder secretions during the preparatory stages of labor in relation to prediction of the time of calving]. / Veränderungen des Kalziumgehalts im bovinen Eutersekret während des Vorbereitungsstadiums der Geburt mit Berücksichtigung der Vorhersage des Abkalbetermins.

Nine heifers and 10 cows of the breed 'German Black Pied' were used in order to evaluate the practicability of measurement of changes in concentration of calcium in udder secretions during the preparatory stage of labour for the prediction of the time of calving. A gradual increase in the concentration of calcium in udder secretions ante partum (a.p.) was determined. Eleven days a.p., the average concentration of calcium was 14.2 mmol/l. Thereafter, the calcium content gradually increased and reached a mean value of 52.1 mmol/l sub partu (secretions of all udder quarters), and 52.4 mmol/l and 51.8 mmol/l in secretions of fore and hind quarters, respectively. Despite the increase in calcium, the time of calving in individual animals could not be predicted reliably, or with a high probability, because the increase in calcium content did not occur in all cows, the variation of the values was high, and the differences between values during the last 48 h a.p. were only small.

[Intestinal perforation in a llama mare following rectal palpation (veterinary expert opinion)]. / Mastdarmperforation bei einer Lamastute infolge einer Trächtigkeitsuntersuchung (tierärztliches Gutachten).

The object of the following study is a veterinary expert opinion about a llama mare. This animal was subjected to a rectal palpation for pregnancy diagnosis during which the rectum was perforated. General guide lines for rectal palpation as well as special characteristics in llamas described in the literature are discussed.

[The use of an externally derived fetal electrocardiogram in obstetrical diagnosis in cattle for the evaluation of fetal vitality]. / Untersuchungen zur Anwendung eines extern abgeleiteten fetalen Elektrokardiogramms in der geburtshilflichen Diagnostik beim Rind zur Vitalitätseinschätzung des Fetus.

In 33 pregnant cows a fetal electrocardiogram (ECG) using an external lead was recorded during second stage of labor. A curve of the fetal heart rate pattern was drawn which served to determine the following parameters: basal heart rate, and amplitude as well as frequency of heart rate oscillation. These parameters were compared with APGAR scoring, colostrum intake, blood gas analysis as to their value for evaluation of vitality. There was a statistically positive correlation between basal heart rate during birth and base deficit after birth. Basal heart rate was negatively correlated with plasma pH measured after fetal expulsion. Amplitude of heart rate oscillation was negatively correlated with pH in plasma and concentration of standard bicarbonate, and was positively correlated with carbon dioxide pressure and base deficit. Calves with acidosis at birth or decreased colostrum intake had statistically significantly higher amplitudes of oscillation than healthy control calves. Basal heart rate of the fetus when used as the only parameter might not be suitable in order to exactly evaluate fetal vitality. In contrast, amplitude of heart rate oscillation more reliably indicated a disturbance of fetal condition. Under practical conditions, the described procedure of measuring fetal ECG is suitable in order to detect a viable fetus.

[Teat amputation in cattle--indications, surgical results and economy]. / Untersuchungen zur Zitzenamputation beim Rind--Indikation, Operations-ergebnisse und Wirtschaftlichkeit.

Based on the experience gained after the performance of 204 teat amputations with complete closure of the wound, medical as well as economic aspects were discussed. Various types of severe teat injuries leading to a teat amputation were listed. Surgery was successful in 94.6% of all animals subjected to the teat amputation. Approximately 50% of the animals had a reproductive life span after surgery of more than one year. The most common reasons for culling were inconvenience at milking and insufficient milk yield. The milk yield during a lactation period dropped by an average of 5.5%. Cost efficiency of the procedure was evaluated by partial budgeting. The result of this analysis suggested that in most cases, from the economic standpoint of view, there might be an indication for teat amputation.

[The preliminary stage of labor in cattle in relation to the clinical signs of labor and the course of progesterone secretion for the prediction of the calving time]. / Das Vorbereitungsstadium der Geburt beim Rind unter Berücksichtigung der klinischen Geburtsanzeichen und des Progesteronverlaufs für die Vorhersage des Geburtstermins.

To evaluate changes in the externally recognizable indications of parturition, the body temperature and progesteroneprofile were examined in 9 Holstein-Friesian heifers and 14 Holstein-Friesian cows in the preparatory phase of parturition. A special external obstetric examination was performed on these animals in the last 263 hours of pregnancy. Furthermore, the vaginal and rectal temperature was measured, and blood samples were taken. Of the blood samples the plasma progesterone concentration was determined. The time of birth could be predicted to be in the next 22 hours on the basis of the relaxation of the broad pelvic ligaments in 52.5% of the cases. A prediction was possible in 43.5% of the cases on the basis of the drop in temperature, and in 91.3% of the animals using the reduction in progesterone levels. Considering the clinical signs of parturition "relaxation of the pelvic ligaments" and a "decrease in temperature", predicting the time of parturition was possible in 65.2% of the animals. In 8.7% of the cases, in which no reduction in the progesterone level below 1.5 ng/ml blood plasma could be seen, the time of delivery could be determined by considering the relaxation of the broad ligaments and the reduction in temperature. A prediction of the time of parturition to be in the next 22 hours was possible for all animals the indicators of parturition.

[The cause of complications of abdominal incision healing after cesarean section in cattle]. / Zur Entstehung einer gestörten Heilung der Bauch-wandwunde nach Schnittentbindung beim Rind.

Based on a case analysis of patients with caesarean section (n = 252) performed at the Clinic for Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Cattle of the Veterinary School of Hannover, it was the aim of the following study to make a contribution to the aetiology of wound complications following caesarean section. Wound complications were classified as mild, moderate or severe according to the following criteria: mild: slight swelling in the area of the wound (wound edema or slight phlegmon), especially in the ventral corner; healing without therapy (n = 17 [6.7%]), moderate: seroma and moderate phlegmon; wound healing after conservative treatment with hyperemizing ointments (n = 16 [6.3%]), severe: secondary wound healing after lancing of the abscess, rinsing with acridine colour solution and hydrogen peroxide solution plus drainage with iodoform gauze (n = 23 [9.1%]). The following factors had a significant effect on the healing process: duration of parturition (18% and 37.7% wound complications in animal with normal and prolonged labor, respectively); macroscopic condition of the allantoic and/or amniotic fluid (19.7% and 47.8% wound complications in animals with normal and pathologic allantoic and/or amniotic fluid; respectively); degree of the exposure of the uterus outside the laparotomy wound (13.4% and 51.7% wound complications in cases with complete exposure of the uterus [i.e. complete exposure of the pregnant horn with one limb of the fetus, e.g. in anterior position, from hock joint to the claws] and incomplete or no exposure of the uterus, respectively).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Simulation of an extrauterine pregnancy by a fatty tissue tumor in a Galloway cow]. / Vortäuschung einer Extrauteringravidität durch einen Fettgewebstumor bei einer Gallowaykuh.

In an eight-year old Galloway cow, an ectopic pregnancy with mummification of the fetus which had been assumed because of history and clinical examination of the animal was diagnosed as a "tumor of the adipose tissue" (steatitis) following exploratory laparotomy. Possible problems of obesity in cows of extensively kept breeds are discussed.

[Non-recognition of a second fetus in a recumbent cow during veterinary obstetrical assistance (expert opinion)]. / Nichterkennen einer zweiten Frucht bei einer festliegenden Kuh bei tierärztlicher Geburtshilfe (Gutachten).

The objective of the expert opinion presented in this paper is the missing of a second fetus after veterinary obstetrical assistance in a downer cow. The necessity of a thorough examination after obstetrical manipulation is stressed with special reference to problems occurring in recumbent cows. In addition, possible complications after inappropriate removal of retained placental fetal membranes are discussed.

A caesarean section model to characterize coagulation in the fetal and uterine circulation during late gestation in dairy cattle.

A study was conducted to measure a coagulation profile including prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT), fibrinogen concentration (FIB), and plasminogen activity (PLA) in the jugular vein, umbilical vein and artery and uterine vein of 18 Holstein Friesian cows during late gestation. A caesarean section was performed on all cows before term in order to obtain blood samples from the different sources and to deliver the calves. Blood plasma obtained from the umbilical vein and artery had a longer prothrombin time but shorter activated partial thromboplastin time and lower concentrations of fibrinogen and plasminogen than peripheral blood plasma. Thrombin time was similar throughout all blood vessels. No significant differences existed between the two samples drawn from the jugular vein before and during surgery. Highest coefficients of correlation were found between blood samples drawn simultaneously from the jugular and uterine vein (R2 = 41 to 96%).

Influence of labor and neonatal hypoxia on sympathoadrenal activation and methionine enkephalin release in calves.

Labor and delivery stimulate increased release of catecholamines and endogenous opioid peptides in neonates. Catecholamines promote adaptation to the extrauterine environment after birth. Enkephalins are stored together with catecholamines in the adrenal medulla and have an inhibitory effect on catecholamine release. We investigated the influence of labor and neonatal hypoxia on epinephrine, norepinephrine, and met-enkephalin release in calves. Blood samples were taken from the umbilical artery before rupture of the umbilical cord and from the jugular vein repeatedly after birth. Highest plasma norepinephrine concentration was found in calves delivered at the end of gestation (term calves) before umbilical cord rupture. In calves delivered before the physiologic end of gestation (preterm calves), norepinephrine values increased after cord rupture, but remained lower than values in term calves. Epinephrine release followed a similar pattern, but norepinephrine was clearly predominant. In term calves, met-enkephalin values were significantly higher than values in preterm calves. In calves of both groups, met-enkephalin release increased after cord rupture. During birth, the increase in catecholamine release seems to take place earlier than that of enkephalins. Norepinephrine-dominated stimulation during expulsion of the calf might be followed by increasing enkephalinergic inhibition after cord rupture and onset of respiration. Reduced release of catecholamines and enkephalins in preterm calves may be connected with delayed adaptation to the extrauterine environment.

A dystocia and caesarean section model to characterize uteroplacental prostaglandin concentrations associated with retained placenta in dairy cattle.

Plasma concentrations of prostaglandin F(2a) (PGF(2a), 13, 14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F(2a) (PGFM), prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) and 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin E(2) (PGEM) were determined by RIA in blood samples taken from the jugular vein and the uteroplacental circulation (umbilical vein, umbilical artery and uterine vein) of 13 Holstein Friesian cows during caesarean section. According to discharge of placenta cows were divided in 2 groups. Group I (shedding of placenta within 12 hours, NRP, n=8) and Group II (retained placenta, RP, n=5). In blood samples taken from the jugular vein before surgery, no significant differences existed between groups regarding PGF(2a), PGFM, PGE(2) and PGEM. Concentrations of PGF(2a) and PGFM in the uteroplacental circulation of NRP cows were significantly higher than those of RP cows (except for PGFM in the umbilical vein). For all sampling sites except the jugular vein before surgery, PGE(2) and PGEM levels of NRP cows were significantly higher compared to RP cows.

[An unusual combination of different organ and skeletal abnormalities in a black and white calf]. / Eine ungewöhnliche Kombination unterschiedlicher Organ- und Skelettmissbildungen bei einem schwarzbunten Kalb.

This is a case report of a rare malformation in a calf: duplicitas posterior incompleta in combination with multiple malformations (diphallia, polymelia, polydactylism, lack of the bony floor of the pelvis, asymmetrical pelvis, asymmetrical sacral and coccygeal vertebrae, unilateral hypoplasia of the kidneys). A detailed description of the clinical and pathological findings is presented.

[The forecasting of the time of calving using a rapid progesterone test]. / Untersuchungen zur Voraussage des Abkalbetermins mittels eines Progesteronschnelltests.

The rectal temperature and any alterations in eight different external signs of parturition were investigated twice daily in 22 "Deutsche Schwarzbunte" cows during the last 10 days of gestation. There was great variation in the externally detectable signs of parturition during the preparatory stages and short before labour. During the same time period, plasma progesterone and total oestrogens were determined using radioimmunology. From 60 hours to 12 hours prior to calving the progesterone levels fell rapidly to 0.77 +/- 0.22 ng/ml. Additionally, the plasma progesterone was determined semi-quantitatively in 31 cows using a rapid progesterone assay in order to predict the commencement of parturition within 36 hours. This allowed a more objective and reliable assessment of calving time than the evaluation of external signs of labour.